iOO
•CD
CO
. £
|
I
to
of tl|e
of Toronto
C. Harrison
FKONTISIMECE To
HISTORY of ENGLAND
1 w
Pi IBM
w
T/ ' fMtfrf Jrntf .
HIJTVttfemMMiWtaifytv^ //„,„<.« -/i/i/.>
,'l "?lN&mT&&ucr<£Sfeb^,nw04wM
'/tft/atf //•///////, /// //if Temple (-/Fmne, //•//;, ///••/•///•/•'I unc /AV Kncmies . •//,>// <t ',',< -,•//,<• Genuine Annds />/ //t/,'i Coirntrr, //'////
NEW, IMPARTIAL AND COMPLETE
HISTORY of ENGLAND;
FROM THE VERY EARLIEST PERIOD OF
AUTHENTIC INFORMATION,
And mod GENUINE RECORDS of HISTORICAL EVIDENCE,
t o
THE END OF THE PRESENT YEAR.
CONTAINING
A Copious, Full, Accurate, Clear, Candid, Comprehensive, Impartial, Univerfal and Circumftantial Hiftory of
Every Memorable TRANSACTION, Interefting EVENT, Remarkable OCCURRENCE, recorded in the
WHOLE ANNALS OF GREAT-BRITAIN.
WITH
A Copious Account and circumftarnial Detail of the ORIGIN, CONSTITUTION, and PRESENT STATE of this Kingdom, and
of our various CONQUESTS, ACQUISITIONS, and REVOLUTIONS, in various Parts, at HOME and ABROAD.
Alfo a Complete View of the Conftitution, and political Eftablifhments of BRITAIN, its Laws, Inftitutions, Parliaments'
Charters, Commerce, Arts, Sciences, Inventions, Civil, Ecclefiaftical, Military and Naval Tranfaftions, &c.
TOGETHER WITH AN ACCURATE FAITHFUL
CHRONOLOGICAL ACCOUNT
O F
ALL
The KINGS and Sovereign QUEENS who have fwayed the BRITISH SCEPTER, and other ILLUSTRIOUS PERSONAGES, who have
rendered themfelves confpicuous either by their VALOUR, their PATRIOTISM, their VIRTUE, their VICE, or their LEARNING.
WHOLE
Including every particular Circumflance worthy of Notice
be fuppofed to come
in the A NNALS of the BRITISH
under the following Heads :
WAR OR PEACE,
EXPEDITIONS,
CONQUESTS,
MASSACRES,
INUNDATIONS,
BATTLES,
INSURRECTIONS,
DEFEATS,
ASSASSINATIONS,
FIRES,
SIEGES,
ATTACKS,
ALLIANCES,
EXECUTIONS,
HURRICANES,
BLOCKADES,
REPULSES,
NEGOCIATIONS,
STORMS,
EARTHQUAKES,
BOMBARDMENTS,
RAVAGES,
TREATIES,
TEMPESTS,
INSTITUTIONS,
INVASIONS,
'N ROADS,
SURRENDERS,
SHIPWRECKS,
PARLIAMENTS,
USURPATIONS,
REPRISALS,
CONSPIRACIES,
FAMINES,
LAWS,
REVOLUTIONS,
CRUSADES,
ASSOCIATIONS,
DEARTHS,
CHARTERS,
REBELLIONS,
SETTLEMENTS,
CONVENTIONS,
PLAGUES,
CORONATIONS,
SEA-FIGHTS,
DEVASTATIONS,
PLOTS,
MORTALITIES,
DISCOVERIES,
EMPIRE, which can
COLONIES,
INVENTIONS,
ARTS,
SCIENCES,
COMMERCE,
LITERATURE,
CIVIL,
ECCLESIASTICAL,
AND MILITARY GO-
VERNMENT, &c. ice.
COMPREHENBING
A Genuine Defcription of the Manners and Cuftoms of the Times-,
And the STATE of the NATION during the SPACE of near TWO THOUSAND YEARS.
IN WHICH
The NOBLE STRUCTURE of the BRITISH CONSTITUTION is traced from its ORIGINAL FOUNDATION; and the SOURCES of all the
Gieat EVENTS and CHANGES in thcle KINGDOMS accounted for with the ftriaeft IMPARTIALITY.
INTERSPERSED
With valuable REFLECTIONS and REMARKS, elucidating obfcure FACTS, rectifying former DIFFICULTIES, correfting the ERRORS
of OTHER WRITERS, and fetting CONTESTED CIRCUMSTANCES in the cleared L I G H T. by the mod
GENUINE HISTORICAL EVIDENCE.
THE WHOLE
Tending to difplay the PATRIOTIC VIRTUES of our ILLUSTRIOUS ANCESTORS, and to INSPIRE the PRESENT ACE with an
Emulation of imitating their CLOUIOUS EXAMPLES.
By EDWARD BARNARD, Efq.
Affifted by feveral GENTLEMEN, who have made the HISTORY of this COUNTRY their Peculiar STUDY.
Embelliflied with near 140 elegant Engravings more highly and curioufly finiflied than thofe given in any other Work of the Kind what-
ever. The ARTISTS engaged in their elegant Execution are the juftly celebrated Meffrs. POLLARD, TAYLOR, RENNOLDSON, PAGE,
WALKER, HALL, GKIGNION, SHER\VIN, ROYCE, COLDER, MORRIS, SPARROW, ROBERTS, LODGE, NOBLE, TUKEY, GRAINGER,
and others, whole ! NGENUITY has done honour to the Englifh Nation ; and who have executed this exquilite Set of Copper-Plates
from Defigns, made by HAMILTON, WEST, DODD, SAMUEL WALE, Efq. of the Royal Academy, CIPRIANI, ANGELICA KAUFFMAN,
EDWARDS, and the fined Paintings of the mod efteemed Mailers, fuch as HOLBEIN, WECEL, VANDYKE, and Sir GODFREY
KNELLER, and the Whole enriched wilh Ornaments, Decorations, and beautiful Writing by the ingenious Mr. CLOWES, Mr. GRAY,
and other Matters. Thefe elegant Embellifhments confift of ftriking Reprefentations of the mofl Public and Private Tranfaftions
recorded in the HISTORY of ENGLAND, together with BATTLES by Sea and Land, and WHOLE LENGTH FIGURES of all the
ENGLISH MONARCH* in their refpeftive Drefies, from the remoteft Period to the prefent Time, &c. (which have never been given
complete in any Work of the Kirul hitherto publifhed or now publifhing) : Alfo a COMPLETE COLLECTION of all the Englifh Coiars
from EGBERT firft fole King of ail England, and the GREAT SEALS of England from William I. to his prefent Majcfty .
LONDON:
Printed for ALEX. HOGG, at the KING'S ARMS (No. 16,) Pater-nofter Row,
And SOLD by all other BOOKSELLERS, NEWSCARRIERS, or POSTMEN, in EVERY PART of
ENGLAND,- SCOTLAND, and IRELAND,
2 11964
882861
i>ft
2>o
"B31
\ft a
PREFACE
TO THE
U B
I C.
T' HE ftudyof HISTORY has engaged the attention of MANKIND in a/I ages, it having
been considered by them as the grand REPOSITORY of ufeful and int ere/ling knowledge.
—That of ENGLAND in PARTICULAR, cannot be too carneflly recommended °to
perfons of every rank, ftation, -xcd. filiation in life; for here we behold, collected into one view,
the moft remarkable events that have happened through a fuccejjion of paft ages to the prefent
important time. Here we fee faithfully delineated, with the glowing pencil of truth, conjiitu-
tional rights, laws, government, policy, power, trade and commerce, through the feveral revolutions
of empires, kingdoms, and Jlater, from their firji dawn, till they have gradually attained their
meridian fplendor. Here, in this ample .f.eld, the attention cf curio/ity is gratified by a vaft
variety of interceding fcenes, while profit and pleafure await each leifure hour of this rational
amufcment.
If the acquirement of knowledge is laudable, certainly- that of our own country may be
ranked among the moft commendable of our purfuits ; indeed, the fubjecl: is of the utmoft
confequence to all, and demands the particular regard of every Englifoman. — If Englifomen would
know when their rights iai&francbifcs were obtained, and by whom handed dawn, inviolate, through
fncceffive generations — if they would fee exhibited a juft picture of former times, and by comparing
them with the prefent, learn to value their dear-bought liberty — if from ftriking views of dijlinguified
characters, they wifh to kindle in their own bofoms a love of virtuous actions — if from the public
contempt and infamy with which public profligacy, in men of the moft exalted Jlatiorn , are
branded, they would correcl their own predominant vices, and avoid the certain confequences
attending them — if they would behold the progrefs of the fine arts, and the gradual advancement
of religious knowledge, with which both their prefent and future intereft are connected — if they
require the beft examples for imitation, in their journey through the feveral ftagcs of life — if they
would have their children inftrucled, or entertained, without one criminal paffion being inflamed
— -we would humbly recommend to them and theirs a careful perufal of THE HISTORY OF
ENGLAND, as moft likely to anfwer fuch important ends. Every page, in thefe valuable
records, contains matter either for injlruclion or reproof', even what have been called barbarous ages,
afford many ufeful Icjfons ; for by attentively confidering their manners and actions, we plainly
perceive human nature to be the fame from the beginning, and that EDUCATION alone draws the
line between our rude ancejlors and ourfelvcs. In a word, the ENGLISH HISTORY, if pro-
perly executed, is a work of NATIONAL CONSEQUENCE ; and probably this may be the
rcalbn why it has always met with a favourable reception from both /exes, of every delcription,
condition, and party.
But amidft the variety of publications of this kind that have made their appearance from time
to time, very few have in any refpecl: whatever anfwefed the expectations of the public, having
confifted in general of an indigefttd heap of materials, put together without judgment, and with
lirtle regard to accuracy and authenticity. The compilers have Jlavifoly followed each other; yet it
has frequently happened, that, either from want of genius, or in order to conceal a fervile imitation,
they have enlarged on the leaft interefting parts of the hiftory, and have pajjed over flightly others,
to elucidate or decorate which required a particular attention. Certainly, fo interefting a fubject,
calculated for general ufe, fhould not be cut fhort, mangled in a carelefs manner by the pen of
ignorance, nor j'pun out with a tedious prolixity to anfwer private purpofes. However, as we wifh
not to raife our credit upon the abfurdities and errors of other writers, we (hall proceed to make a
few remarks on the work we now offer to the confidenition of the public at large.
This
IV
R
E
A
C
E.
we
This NEW, IMPARTIAL, AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND, is deduced from the
ejl period of time; and though, in the records of remote ages, truth is blended with fable* yef
have endeavoured, in all poliible inftances, to remove the cloud of obfcunty,^ by not omitting
any material f tils, and at the fame time relating fuch only as- have for their foundation bijhric
truth. The chronology zn&.gfogrupby, date and place, have been particularly attended to; many
errors refpeding which in other writers have been carefully corrected; and we hope in this
undertaking, the 1-avintr carefully placed the contents of each chapter in one point of view, will bo
deemed a valuable improvement, and will be an acceptable fervice to our readers.
We ailure them, no application nor cxpcnce have be-.-n fpared, to render this publication, , in
every refpect, the moft perfctt ofjts kind; and we flatter ourfelves, when perufed, they will have
no reafon to complain, that it correfponds not with the title-page, or, that its materials and
arrangement are not equal to our propofals.
We acknowledge to have aflerted a claim to fuperior merit. In fupport of which, the writer
promiles unremitted ajiduity, and that the utmofl exertion of his abilities has not been wanting, in
order to raife a work upon a liberal and exteii/tve plan, founded upon the bejl authorities, and which,
it is hoped, will yield inftruElion and entertainment, the profitable and plcajing, to every one of his
indulgent readers. — For the reward of his good intentions and Jludious labours, he fubmits chearfully
to the deciiion of an impartial, unprejudiced public.
It will readily.be allowed, that a complete and perfecl. Work of this kind could not poffibly have
been comprized in lefs than Seventy Numbers ; and had the private intereft of the printer, and
others concerned in the execution of this work, been folely considered, its bulk might have been
extended to .a much larger fize ; but both the writer and publisher agreed to prefent the Public with
a performance, not only the mofl elegant and complete of any extant, but alfo the cheapejl and
molt elegant that has hitherto been publijhed.
To which we beg leave to add, that with refpect to Ejnbelliflments in fimilar publications, the
numerous Engravings in our Work will not be excelled by any. Betides a moft fuperb and mag-
nificent Frontij "piece, executed by celebrated artifts, in an uncommonly mafterly manner, a great
number of exquilitely curious ORIGINAL dejigns, together with a collection of the Coins and Great
Seals of England, with the neceflary Maps, will be introduced in the courfe of this publication,
which, on account of their fuperior excellence, both in feze , beauty of ftile, and novelty of invention,
cannot but be pleaiing to people of any difcernment, who may be defirous of having in their poiTef-
fion a work, wherein elegance and utility are blended, in order to render it deferving of their patronage,
in preference to any other. Not to multiply words, we fubmit the whole of our undertaking to the
judgment of the Public, founding our claims to their favour on MERIT ALONE, knowing it is only
on THIS folid foundation we can hope for and expecl: a continuance of their encouragement and
protection.
EDWARD BARNARD.
N. B. Hitherto fome works of this kind, have, on the one hand, (by being cutjbort, and the hiftory entirely /polled] been
published in loo confined a compafs to convey the necefTavy information to readers, while, on the tther hand, others have been run to
an unrcnfnn bit length, by ho/e printing, an 1 f/nall pages, merely to anfiver pecuniary purpofes. How imperfeft and incomplete
mult any work of this fort be, which is promifed in Sixty Numbers, and printed ;n a (ize too frivolous (when compared to the
PRESENT WOI;K) to claim any one's notice! Such an ajurd prcpcfril is an affront to a difcerning and generous public : and
every one fees, that the promife cannot be honourably performed. The Author (if the prefent Work has therefore fixed upon
a happy tpedimn ; and earneftly begs leave to obferve, that the public will at once perceive, on perufal, that the whole
HISTORY OF ENGLAND cannot poffibly be perfectly comprifed in lefs than Seventy Numbers, printed in a LARGE SIZE j
considering the neceflary capioufntfs and importance of the fubjefl : and to have extended the work further, would hove been
entirely unncccjj'ary, and only making a job for the printer, and others concerned in the exlernal execution of it. — In confeqtiencc
of the extraordinary large and elegant Jize , in which the pages of THIS Work will be printed, we fliall be enabled abfolutely to
comprize nearly DOUBLE what is given in other works confined tojixty numbers, and much more valuable matter, and a more
copious and ffttisfaclary hi/lory of the whole Briti/h Empire in SEVENTY NUMBERS, (or deliver the overplus GRATIS) tha»
can be found in other works of the kind, which have been artfully fpun out \nfmallfizes, to the unnecefiary extent of
eighty or an hundred numbers, bv thofe who are only aftuated by felf-inte re/led motives.
So (hat BARNARD'S NEW HISTORY OF ENGLAND is, to all intents and ptirpofes, not only the moft perfeff,
complete, comprelienfeve and impartial work of the kind ; but alfo the moft tlegant and fuperb, being embiUiJhed with a greater
number (near one hundred and forty) of capital engravings, than any other fimilar work.
*»* The copper-plates in other works of this nature having being more a difgrace than an embellifliment, being copied
from old and impcrfcd. publications, which have been long obnoxious to a difcerning public ; we have totally obviated that
imperfection, by employing the moft renowned artifts in the kingdom ; whereby oiir copper-plates will juftly correfpond witii
the dignity and elegance of the work they are intended to embellifh, and exceed in value thofe fold in the print (hops at
three Ihillings each.
T O
HIS ROYAL HISHNESS
GEORGE AUGUSTUS-FREDERICK,
PRINCE OF WALES,
EARL OF CHESTER AND CARRICK,
PRINCE ROYAL OF GREAT-BRITAIN,
ELECTORAL PRINCE OF BRUNSWICK-LUNENBURG,
DUKE OF CORNWALL AND ROTHESAY,
BARON OF RENFREW,
LORD OF THE ISLES,
GREAT STEWARD OF SCOTLAND,
CAPTAIN GENERAL OF THE HONOURABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY OF LONDON,
KNIGHT OF THE MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER, &c.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS,
WITH ALL DUE SUBMISSION,
PERMIT US TO; SOLICIT YOUR HIGHNESS's PATRONAGE AND PROTECTION TO
THIS NEW, IMPARTIAL, AND COMPLETE
HISTORY OF ENGLAND,
FROM THE EARLIEST PERIOD OF AUTHENTIC INFORMATION
TO THE PRESENT TIME:
A WORK WHICH IT IS PRESUMED ON PERUSAL YOUR HIGHNESS WILL PERCEIVE CONTAINS
THE MOST SATISFACTORY, FULL, COPIOUS, AND CIRCUMSTANTIAL ACCOUNT OF
THE WHOLE BRITISH EMPIRE— TO WHOSE CROWN YOU ARE HEIR APPARENT.
WE ARE, MAY IT PLEASE YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS,
YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS's
.
MOST OBEDIENT,
AND
VERY HUMBLE SERVANTS,
EDWARD BARNARD,
ALEX. HOGG.
A TABLE of All the KINGS and SOVEREIGN QUEENS
of ENGLAND,
From EGBERT (he firjl fole Monarch of all England) to his PRESENT MAJESTY.
N. B. As the Limits of this Chronological Table are circumfcribed, we refer our numerous Readers to the
following Sheets, Pages 5 to 39, refpefting the Government of this Country (prior to EGBERT) under the
Celtes, Bcl«<£, D'niids, Romans, Saxons, Dtincs, Pifls, Scots, and thofc numerous ant lent Briiijh Chiefs^
petty Kings, Pr/nccs, &c> who generally lived in Anarchy and Confufion, and were continually making
Inroads on each other's Territories and Pojfijfions.
BEGAN their
REIGNS.
I REIGNED
J Years. Months. Days.
800
839
858
860
865
872
901
925
941
946
955
959
975
978
39
'9
2
5
5
29
24
16
5
9
4
16
3
38
1016 - - - —
I 1016
I 1017 - - _
1036 -- - _
I 1039 - - -
1041 - _ _
1066 - - 1
1066 Oft. 14
1087 Sept. 9
1 1 oo Aug. 2
Dec. i
1154 Oft.
1189 July
1199 April
1216 Oft.
1272 Nov. 1 6
1307 July
1327 Jafi.
1377 J*me
29
20
20
12
35,
25
34
6
S
6
19
5-6
16
34
7
19
25
50
21
22
1399
1413 Mar.
13
. 9
1422 Aug. 31 | -38
1461 March 4
1483 April 9
1483 June 22
22
1509 April 22
1547 Jan. 28
'553 July 6
1558 Nov. 17
James II. _ _
William III. and Marv U.
6
13
22
23
37
6
5
44
N
22
23
36
IO
10
3
10
9
6
7
6
4
3
5
i
2
2
8
9
S
4
ir
19 _
3 —
2 ^
25 — —
The KINGS Names.
The SAXON LlNE.
EGBERT _ _ - - -
Ethel wolf - - - -
Junelbald ------
Ethelbcrt - - - - -
Ethel red I.-----
Alfred - _____
Edward the Elder - - -
Athelftan ------
Edmund I. - - - - -
Edred - - - - - -
Edwy -_-'----
Edgar __-_-_-
Edward the Martyr - - -
Ethclred II. - - - - -
DANISH LINE. '
Sweyn _-----*
SAXON LINE,
Edmund II. -----
DANISH LINE.
Canute _-_-__
Harold I. ----- _
Hardicanute -----
SAXON LINE.
Edward the ConfefTor - -
Harold II. - - - _ -
NORMAN LINE.
William I. the Conqueror
William II. furnamed Rufus
Henry I. - - _ _ _ _
Stephen __----_
SAXON LINE.
Henry II. _ _ _ -
Richard L - - _ _ _
John - - - - - - _
Henry III. _____
Edward I.. - - - _ _
Edward II. - - - - -
Edward III.
Richard ll. - - - _ _
LANCASTER LINE.
Henry IV. - - - - _
Henry V. - - - _ _
Henry VI. - - - * _
YORK LINE.
Edward IV. _>____
Edward V. - - - - _
Richard III. _____
The FAMILIES UNITED.
Henry VII. _ - - _ . | , 8- Au
Henry VIII. - - _ _ .
Edward VI.
Mary I. ---"__.
Elizabeth . I5S« mv. I? 44
The Union of the TWO CROWNS of ENGLAND and
Junes!. - - - - - | 1603 Mar. 24
Chares I6 Mar_ *
Jiarlcs II. - _ _ _ _ I649 jan ^
1685 Feb.
1689 'Feb.
YEARS
Since their Reigns.
948 - -
929 - -
927 - -
924 - -
917 - -
886 - -
•862 - -
846 - -
841 - -
832 - -
828 - - ,
812 - -
BURIED
AT
77' - - -
Wimburri.
Winchefter.
Malmfbury Abbey*
Glaltonbury.
Glaftonbury.
Wareham.
— — I 77° -
- - | Gainlborough.
- - J Glaftonbury.
—
751 - - -
Winchefter.
—
748 - - -
Winchefter.
•"•
746 - - -
—
721 - - -
—
7-20 - - -
Waltham Abbey*
_6
24
700 Sept. 9
687 Aug. 2
Cben, Normandy.
Winchefter.
5°
652 Dec. i
Reading.
25
633 Oft. 25
Fever ftiarn.
ii
598 July 6
Fontevret.
^
588 April 6
571 Oft. 19
Fontevret.
Worcefter.
28
5*5 Nov. 16
Weftminfter.
21
480 July 17
Weftminfter.
18
^60 Jan. 25
Gloucefter.
27
409 June '21 !
Wtftminfter,
8
388 Sept. 29
Weftminftor,
20
II
4
375 Mar. 20 J Canterbury.
365 Aug. 31 Weftminften
32-6 Mar. 4J Windfor.
304 April 9 | Windfor.
304 June 22
302 Aug. 22 Leicefter.
6
8
— 3
10
13
The Union of the TWO KINGDOMS of ENGLAND
Anne ---___.
George !._--__.
George !!.____.
George 1,11. - _ _ _ .
1702 Mar.
1714 Aug.
1727 June
1760 Oft.
8
i
ii
12
12
33
4
JO
4
23
IO
3
278 April 22
Weftminfter.
240 Jan. 28
Windfor.
234 July 6
Weftminfter.
229 Nov. 17
Weftminfter.
185 Mar. 24
Weftminfter.
SCOTLAND.
162 Mar. 27
Weftminfter.
138 Jan. 30
Windfor.
102 Feb. 6
Weftminfter.
98 Feb.' 13
St. Germain.
85 Mar. 8
Weftminfter.
and SCOTLAND.
73 Aug. i
Weftminfter.
60 June i i
Hanover.
27 Oft. 25
Weftminfter.
THE NEW, COMPLETE, AND AUTHENTIC
HISTORY
v
0 F
ENGLAND:
W R I'T T E N
ON AN IMPROVED PLAN, BEING THE MOST IMPARTIAL WORK dr THE KIND,
THE WHOLE BROUGHT DOWN TO THE PRESENT TIME,
BOOK I.
from tht very EARLIEST PERIOD of TIME, founded upon the moft AUTHENTIC HISTORICAL
EVIDENCE, to the INVASION of the ROMANS, by JULIUS C/ESAR,
THE
CHAP. I.
INTRODUCTION,
HISTORY, in the vaft circle of Sciences,
has ever fhone with a brightnefs of the firft
magnitude. It may be compared to a
beautiful landfcape, abounding with a rich variety
of objects, on which the eye of a fpeclrator dwells
•with inexpreflible pleafure ; or to a fertile province,
whereon, every ftep a traveller takes, he beholds the
moft pleafing novelties, that attract his attention,
and the contemplation whereof renders his journey
equally pleafing as profitable*
The Hiftory of England comes particularly un-
der this dcfcription. If we confider its importance,
utility, occurrences, events, aftions, characters,
government, policy, conftitutional liberty, religious
eftablifhment, its amazing progrefs in the fine arts,
with the no lefs aftonifhing extenfion of its com-
merce, from their firft dawn to their prefent meri-
dian, we inveftigate a prodigious fund of moft ufeful
knowledge ; we traverfe an ample field of intelli-
gence, producing a variety fufficient to fatisfy the
moft inquisitive curiofity, and worthy of the ut-
moft attention. Here the enquiring mind.of man
obtains rational information ; here he views, as in a
glafs, the powers of human nature brought into
action ; here he becomes acquainted with his own
origin ; here he beholds the matchlefs ftruggles of
his renowned anceftors in the caufe of freedom ;
and, what is of great confequence to him as a focial
being, here from, the faults of others, he learns to
correct his own.
An Englifhman cannot reft fatisfied without
making himfelf acquainted with the hiftory of his
own nation, not as a matter of curiofity only, but as
a duty he owes his country ; becaufe in tracing the
Englifh annals, he learns the real value of his pri-
No. i.
vileges, while, at the fame time, the tranfactions of
his brave progenitors, excites in him the manly re-
folution of handing them down inviolate to his
pofterity.
Befides, in the courfe of our inveftigation, by
tracing events of former ages, how is the mind
agreeably amufed, how delighted, when we are fur-
prized with viewing amazing revolutions, of whiclt
examples in the Roman ftate can alone equal j
efpecially, when we fee a fmall fca-girt ifland grow-
ing gradually into A powerful nation, emerging front
a ftate of profound barbarifm, againit an oppofitiort
of ambitious invaders, to the highcft point of lite-
rary attainments, and political refinement.
Great Britain was known to the Romans in the
time of the emperor Auguftus, when the Roman em-
pire had attained its meridian fplcndor. It was then
thought the largeft ifland in the univerfe, but inha-
bited by a people of inhofpitablc manners, barba-
rians, "A race of men from all the world disjoined."
Yet modern difcoveries have proved, that though
the leaft extenfive, in many refpccls, it is the moft
confiderable. Its inhabitants remarkable for their
invention and induftry, have explored and penetrated
regions, the exiftence of which were unknown to
the Romans. They have traverfed an immenfity of
ocean, upon which their afpiring conquerors never
dared to venture ; and by the peculiarity of their
fituation, the fertility of their foil, innate bravery,
ingenuity, naval ftrength, and beneficial commerce,
they have acquired extenfive tracts of territory, ex-
tended their conquefts farther than their conquerors,
and have rofe to a fummit of glory, which has
placed them in the firft rank of reputation and re-
fpect, in the eye of European ftates.
CHAP.
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTpRY OF ENGLAND.
CHAP. II.
i
PRELIMINARY REMARKS ON THE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
•tr TTARIOUjS have been the opinions of writers
Y refpecling the derivations of the najties pe-
culiar to this ifland.
According to the moft authentic accounts, the ap-
pellative Britain originated from the word Brith,,
which fignified blue, whereby the natives were cha-
racterifed, who were accuftomed to paint their
bodies uith a compofttionof this colour.
Alftion|s evidently i local, or partial Appellation,
from the Greek word, <alph6n> and the Latin, albus,.
white; an epithet takeii probably from the wnitencfs
of the chalky cliffs at Dover, and which are to be
feen in different parts of the whole ifland. This
conjecture is countenanced by the writings of an-
tient Britilh bards, who called England, Inis-\ven,
or White Ifland.
England is a name given to this ifland by our
Saxon anceftors, derived from an Anglo-Saxon pro-
vince called Anglen, from whence emigrating, and
landing on the coaft of Kent, they gave to all the
eaftern provinces, under their fubjection, the name
of England.
There are thofe whe dave derived the nam<! of
Britain from that of Brutus ; they fay he was the
grandfon of tineas, a prince of Troy. But the
term Britain is by no means a &ir derivation from
the word Brutus. Thus much we muft venture to
afcertain as a fact, that the Romans termed this
ifland Britannia before the defcent of Julius Caefar,
from whence originated, without doubt, the modern
appellative Britain. Since that period,, by its
amazing maritime power, and growing opukncc, it
has obtained the glorious distinction of Great ; and
God grant it may maintain and pfcferve the envied
diftinction, amidft furrounding iocs, of. Great
Britain, until time (hall be no more.
Thus far we have been able to proceed upon the
ground of probability. But let it be remembered,
a truth known to every impartial hiftorian, that th«
rife of nations, and the names peculiar to them,
from the uncertain conveyance of oral tradition,,
and the want of written records, have been gene-
rally involved in obfcurity, or dreffed in the falla*
cious garb of legendary fiction.
By whom, or from whence the ifland of Great
Britain, with its appendages, wa« firft peopled, is
one, among thofe fubjects of enquiry, of which
little can be faid vith certainty. The origin of its
inhabitants' is hid from the moft difcerning eye,
by that thick cloud of ignorance which has always,
obfcured and enveloped the tranfactions of former
times ; nor can the asra of their firft fettlement be
explored, but in the paths of conjectural reafoning.
Gildas, who lived about the latter end of the fixth
century, owns frankly, that no antient monuments
of this kingdom were to be found in his time.
But Annius of Viterbo, in his BerofiiSj has in-
ferted a focceffion of Celtic kings, derived from
Samothes, one of the fbns of Japhct, whom he fup-
pofes to. have planted colonies in Gaul, and after-
wards in Britain.
Geoffrey of Monmouth alfo, famous for his
monkifli fables, pretends, that Brutus, the grandfoa
of ^Eneas, conquered this ifland^ divided it at his
death among his three fons. Fabulous relations;,
mere fictions, ftamped with the evident marks of
forgery, that can have no place in hiftory, becaufc
not founded on the folid bafis of truth. A cele-
brated writer obferves juftly, that, "A hamlet had
never any hiftory j a wandering people ftill lefs ;.
and a fingle city very rarely » The hiftory of a
nation cannot be written till very late ; it is begun
byvfun»mary regiftcrs, preferved as far as can be in
a temple or citadel. Many ages muft elapfc before
a hiftory, any way circumftantial, can fucceed to'
this indigefted reglfter."
CHAP.
III.
COMMENCEMENT OF THE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
THE ifland of Great Britain approaches neareft
to a triangle in its form. Its circumference,
following the windings of the coaft, is reckoned
otfe thoufand eight hundred and thirty miles ; its
aftronomica! length from north to fouth is five
hundred and forty miles, accounting fixty miles one
degree : its breadth, taken from the I^and's-end in
Cornwall, to the fouth Foreland, is two hundred
and eighty-five miles : bounded on the north by
the North Sea ; on the fouth by the Britifh Channel ;
by the Irifh Sea on the weft ; and on the eaft by thd
German Ocean ; extending in longitude from nine
degrees forty-five minutes., to feventeen degrees
fifteen minutes j and in latitude from fifty to fifty-
nine degrees north.
Let us here paufe a little, and take a tranfient
view of this little fertile fpot, this land of plenty,
this highly favoured, and in many refpects, match-
lefs ifle. Confider attentively its peculiar fituation,
furrounded by fome of the fineft feas in the uni-
vcrfe, which adminifter not only fecurity, but the
moft delicious dainties to its inhabitants. Behold
its flow afcending hills, covered with the moft
beautiful verdure. Look down into the long ex-
tending vales, on the numerous herds, feeding in
the richeft paftures. See its fpacious plains, lofty
woods, meandering Fivers, interfering ftreams,
yielding a perpetual plenty, all the neceffaries that
nature can crave, or luxury can wifh. Travel to
its uttermoft boundaries, you are in danger of no
noxious animals, no prowling bcafts, no poifonous
infects, to alarm or terrify. Here are no tornadoes,
thunder, lightening, plague, or earthquakes, fo ter-
rible in their effects throughout the reft of Europe.
Chearful plenty here pours out annually her choiceft
bleffings, and every object, every fcene, excites-
unfatiated delight.
Is it to be wondered then that neighbouring
tribes, addicted to commerce and agriculture as-
the Gauls were, fhould effect fettlements on a land
abounding in advantages unknown to any country
in the fame parallel of latitude? They could difccni
the coafts of Britain from their own hills ; there-
fore, from natural fuggeftions would meditate an
excurfion thither, and when arrived, it is rcafonable
to conclude they would cultivate the lands with
great fuccefs, efpecialiy when they found themfelves
among a hofpitable people, whofe language, reli-
gion,
X
/ •//'//, A Veap ons <•'< 'Impl<
M - MS I ! ,/'//f/M'/'('/t/ Eiiciuies:* VetMH'A&*i
( / // /
A N T I E N T
BRITONS.
gion, form of government, cuftoms, and manners,
fo nearly refembled their own.
The firft emigration, from the moft authentic
accounts, founded on hiftorical evidence, happened
in the reign of Teutat, king of the Celtes, about
1 860 years before the birth of Chrift, who fucceeded
in planting a colony in Britain, with a view of in-
coaling the commerce of his fubjects.
This infant fettlement by their quick growth and
rapid profperity, induced others to follow their ex-
ample ; fo that in procefs of time, not only thefea
coafts, but the interior parts of the ifland became
inhabited ; for they who by genius and connections
were inclined to commerce, fixed their refidence in
the maritime provinces ; while others, from a love
ofeafe, or unreftrained freedom, penetrated into
the woody recefles, and fought in the heart of the
ifland, that fatisfaction in a folitary, which they
could not find in a bufy life.
Their Belgic neighbours being impoverifhed by
their population, and having heard probably the
advantageous fituation of the firft fettlers, deter-
mined to emigrate, and were received kindly by
their dcfcendants, who fuffered them to take pof-
feffion of Cornwall, Devonmire, Kent, and SufTex,
and with whom they incorporated by intermar-
riages.
We muft not here omit mentioning, that the
Phoenicians carried on a commercial intercourfe
'\viththeinhabitants of Britain, long before they
vere known to the Romans. This is evident from
the names of many places in Cornwall, which are,
without difpute derived from the language of the
Phoenicians, who called this country Bartanac, or
Land of Tin. Of this commodity they imported
annually great quantities, which they fold to the
Greeks and other eaftern nations.
By fucceflive emigrations of the Belgas, their
numbers were fo greatly augmented, as to create a
jealoufy in the old inhabitants. Jealoufy produced
animolity and continual difputes, which terminated
in jarring difcord ; fo that at length every tribe be-
came a feparate government.
While thus unhappily divided, Divitiacus, king
of the Suelfoncs, landed upon the ifland a large
body of forces, drawn from the Attrebates and
other Belgic nations, with which he eftablifhed a
fettlement in Hampfhire, Wiltfhire, and other
parts bordering on Hampfhire and Suffex. Mutual
fafety about this period, however, compelled the
fmaller tribes to join others, in order to prevent
the inroads of future adventurers, who were now
looked upon as a common enemy ; and hence, in
a fhort time, arofe the diftinctions of petty ftates,
or principalities, which previous to the Roman
invafion were in number feventeen, the names of
whofe inhabitants, and the diftricts they included,
you have in the following lift :
Inhabitants.
i. Cantii,
a. Regni, -
3- Durotriges, -
4. Dunmoniij -
5. Belgse,
6. Attrebatii,
7. Dobuni,
8i Cattieuchlani, -
9. Trinobantes,
10. Iceni, ^
11. Coretanij *
ia. Cornavii>
13. Brigantes,
14. Ottadinj,
15. Silures,
» Ordovices,
17. Dimetce,"
Principalities;
Kent,
C Surry,
I SufTex,
DorfetfrrirCi
f Cornwall,
< Devon fhirci
(. Somerfetfhire, •
f Wiltfhire,
£ Hampfhire,
Berkfhire,
C Gloucefterfhire,
i Oxfordfhire,
f Buckinghammirej
] Bedfordfhire,
£ Hcrtfordfhire, •
f Middlefex,
I Effex,
{Suffolk,
Norfolk,
Cambridgefhire,
Huntingdonfhire,
Northamptonfhire»
Leiccfterfhire,
Rutland fhire,
Lincolnfhire,
Nottinghammire,
.Derby fhire,
pWarwickfhire,
j Worcefterfhirej
4 Stafford fhire,
j Shropfhire,
IChefhire,
(-Yorkfhire,
j Durham,
<< Lancafhire,
f. Weftmorland,
ICumberland,
Northumberlandj
fHerefordfhire,
i Radnorshire,
< Brecknockfhire,
I Monmouthfhire,
LGlamorganfhire,
f Montgomery fhire,
I Merionethfhire,
J Caernarvonfhire,
i Anglefey,
I Denbighfhire,
LFlintithire,
r Caermarthenfliire,
< Pembrokefhire,
(. Cardiganfhire.
CHAP. IV.
NATIONAL CHARACTER of the ANTIENT BRITONS— A Dtfcription of their Per fans— Mamie f of Living—
Their Cujloms, Habitations, Arms, and Implements of War — Mode of Fighting and Marine — Their Commerce,
Trade, Barter, and Money — Civil Policy, and Religion.
TACITUS, {peaking of the antient Britons,
extols them highly for the vigour of their
bodies, the faculties of their mind, and their almoft
incredible perfeverance under uncommon hard-
fhips. Nor lefs Diodorus, who affirms, that in their
integrity, they furpaffed even the Romans.
Perfectly honeft and fincere, they fcorned every
fpecies of deceit ; roughly brave, to a degree of
ferocity, they detefted effeminacy and inactive in-
dolence ; generous, though unpolifhed, they ex-
tended the moft benevolent acts of kindnefs to
ftrangerS, efteemirig it an indifpcnfible duty to
perform every kind office in their power, neccfiary
for their protection and defence ; from w hence
fprung that hofpitality, by which this nation has
been diftinguifhed frcm others through many fuc-
ceeding generations ; tenacious of libtrty, in a
high degree, their darling object, they endured
the inclemencies of weather, fubmitted to un-
wearied fatigue, fought numerous battles, nor
thought the lofs of life too great a facrifke in its
defence.
8
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
In their perfons, the men were tall, well pro-
portioned, and robull; remarkable for their agility ;
•which qualities rendered them almoft ftrangers to
fear. The women were, what they appear to be
in thefc times, fair, and beautiful in fymmetry both
of features and fhape. The hair of each fex was
cither red or chefnut-coloured, flowing loofely over
their moulders. They fhaved not the upper lip,
but fuftered the hair to grow there to a great
length. Hardy in conftitution, mote fo by habit,
they knew not the conveniency, nor fcarcely felt
the neccflity of drefs. Some, therefore, of both
fexes went entirely naked ; others wore no other
covering than the ikins of beafts thrown negligently
over them. Thus clad, the ornaments of modern
luxury muft have been uftlefs ; yet tliey were not
without their finery, a little pride of diftinction,
infeparable from human nature, which conlifted
chiefly in firft pricking their bodies, and then
ftaining them with an azure colour extracted from
woad. This expedient they ufed to render them-
felves, according to their conceptions, either agree-
able or terrible, to captivate their mi-ftrefies, or in-
timidate their enemies.
The firrt emigrants, on their arrival, retired into
the inland parts of the ifland, where they lived in
a kind of ruftic Simplicity; their employ, tending
their flocks, or hunting, to which they were much
addicted. By the firlt they were fupplied with
milk, by the laft with animal food ;; which, with
water, were all the dainties that compofed their
frugal meals. Fowls, hares, gecfe, or fifh, the
principles of their religion forbad them exprefsly
to eat; but after the Belgae came over, who ap-
plied themfelves to agriculture, a mixture of rye
and barley, made into bread, became common ;
and of a fermented liquor extracted from honey,
barley, and apples, at their convivial feafts or public
meetings, they would drink to an excefs of in-
toxication. Thefe people, with all thofe who lived
near the fea coafts, were more civilized, by their
intercourfe with ftrangers, than the inhabitants of
the interior part of the ifland. They either fub-
fifted by commerce, or cultivated their lands with
great fuccefs ; whereby they exported great quan-
tities of hides, with tin, and became famous for
their wheat, which was eagerly purchased by mer-
chants on the continent.
The antient Britons, or old inhabitants, dwelt
in huts placed at a final 1 diftance from each other.
Being erected generally in the middle of a wood,
they were acceffible only by winding pacti^ over
which they cut ditches, or laid felled trees. Thcfe
temporary dwellings were formed of boughs re-
fembling arbours, or of clay covered with turf.
They were defertcd at times by their owners,, who
frequently went in fearch of mo/e convenient
fituations, where they could find wood, water, and
pafture ground for their cattle : the pofleflion of
thcfc bleffings made them contented and happy.
In fummer their rcfidence was generally in the
vallics ; but in winter they removed to the hills,
being a more dry and healthy fituation.
Before the expedition of Divitiacus, the Britons
were unacquainted with all military difcipline.
Shepherds could know neither the art or inftru-
ments of war. Their denies, mountains, fwamps,
and forefts, were to them fu Indent fortifications.
The arms of their head men were a broad fword
without a point, a fhort dagger, a javelin, and
arrows : while the common people had only a fharp
.flick pointed at both ends, and long poles edged
with Hint or copper, at one extremity whereof was
fixed a brafs bell, with the noife of which they
attempted to terrify their enemies in the day of
battle. They defended themfelves with a light
round target, made of wood or of twigs inter-
\voven, covered with fkins, and ftudded with nails.
But the continual defcents of foreign invaders, foon.
taught them the neceflity and ufe of offenfive wea-
pons. To the Belgse they were indebted for a
knowledge of thefe. It muft be confefied they
made great improvements upon every new dif-
covery,. particularly that of their war chariots.
Thefc1 were decorated with rude embellifhments,
and conftructed in fuch a manner that they could
be turned or flopped, even on the declivity of a
fteep hill. What made them very deftructive was,
their having fharp inftruments, refembling fcythes,
affixed to their axles. They were drawn by two
horfes, fmall, but exceedingly fwift. They con-
tained a fingle warrior and a charioteer, who drove
them furioufly, with aftonifhirrg rapidity, among
the thickeft ranks of the enemy. Such was h'u
dexterity, that he could ftop them inftantaneoufly,
though, in full fpeed; even in defccnding a fteep hill
he would leap from the chariot, run along the pole;
and regain his feat, without checking the impe-
tuofity of the horfes. When in the center of the
enemy, where they made generally a terrible flaugh-
ter, the combatants, after having difcharged their
javelins, leaping from their chariots, fought on
foot; and when overcome with fatigue, vaulted into
their feats, retreating as they had advanced, with
the utmoft celerity.
Their manner of fighting was agreeable to the
cuftoms of a people uncivilized, and to whom the
refinements of military operations were unknown.
While approaching the enemy they claflied their
arms together, raifcd dreadful fhouts, finging at
the fame time the warlike actions of their renowned
anceftors. Their chariots advanced generally to-
wards the enemy's cavalry, marking each track
with bloody flaughter. Their infantry charged irt
the moft furious manner, with an impetuolity
hardly to be refifted by troops not covered with
armour; but if once broke or repulfed, confufiou
was the inevitable confequence, and it very feldom
happened that they, could be rallied to renew the
attack.
It was a great difadvantage to the Britons, ai
will appear in thecourfeofthishiftory, their being
divided into feparate tribes, under the command oi:
different chieftains. On this account they always
engaged in fmall bodies, drawn up at a coniiderablc
diftance from each other ; whereby the enemy had,
in many inftances, an advantage over them, not
eafily retrieved.
To remedy this defect in their conftitution,. in-
time of war, or when their darling liberty was in>
danger from the enterprizes of bold invaders, a
commander in chief was chofen by an afTembly of
the flates, who as foon as the danger was over
rcfigned his. delegated authority. This general
had no equal in command, exercifed the power of
a dictator, and led the combined forces at the time-
of action againft the enemy. The election of fuch.
an officer was exceeding good policy, founded on
public expediency, efpecially when we confider his
condudt was amenable to thecenfureofthe general
aflembly, by whom he was chofen, and who raifed
only thofe to fuch a pre-eminence, that were ranked
among the wifeft, braveft, and ftrongeft of the
people.
We now come, by a natural tranfition, from the
military of the antient Britons, to fpeak of their
marine, which, it muft be acknowledged was ex-
tremely trifling. Ignorant in the art of fhip-
building, and obligated by a religious principle
not to cat upon the water, it is evident they muft
be deftitute of vcflels of burden, confequemly in-
capable of making long voyages. In fhort, their
whole fleet confiftcd of a few ill-conftructcd boats
formed of wicker, over which was laid a covering
of pitched hides. The open fcas were not to be
I navigated in canoes like thefe; therefore the con-
tinent
r=T--^-jiwy(^ jj-ap^j^==3«*r>^j»<l-\ .
Portraits ////^ Drefses
^ERSOKAGES &: SOVEREIGNS
7cr /r ///<'• W'///v/// ( '('//// w,t/ '• Dilate I
T H E
DRUIDS.
tinent of Gaul was probably the boundary of their
fea-excurfions, which they undertook only in the
iummer months, when the weather was calm and
ferene. Let us here reflect, a little, and offer the
juft tribute to Providence, that from the fmalleft
beginnings, can produce the moft aftonilhing
events. Human wifdom or forefight could never
have conjectured, that navigation, accompanied
with the moft confummate knowledge in the art of
{hip-building, ftiould have fucceeded fuch rude in-
ventions of more rude iflanders ; efpecially that a
ftupendous navy of England mould ride triumphant
Upon the feas, bidding defiance, which it has done
in many periods of time, to the combined maritime
forces of all Europe.
However, notwithftanding the Britons could
boaft neither of a board of admiralty, nor of a
grand fleet to difturb the repofe of their neigh-
bours, from their trade and commerce they reaped
confiderable advantages. The Phoenicians, as we
have before obferved, near a thoufand years before
Chrift, carried on an extenfive commerce with the
wefterji parts of the ifland, bringing pearls, ivory,
gold and filver, which they bartered for tin and
other valuable commodities. The Britons at firft
converted their imports into ornaments to decorate
their perfons ; but natural ingenuity foon taught
them how they might be applied to more im-
portant ufes ; we find them, therefore, in a fhort
time afterwards manufacturing thefe valuables into
chains, bits, bracelets, collars, &c. which they
re-exported, and by this means gained an annual
balance of trade in their favour. Before the defcent
of the Belgae, the inhabitants of the inland parts
•were ftrangers to agriculture ; they lowed no corn,
fubfifting entirely on milk arid game, with which
their country abounded. But after the arrival of
thefe foreigners they applied themfelves to cultivate
the foil. Agriculture yielded that increafe which
always follows the hand of induftry. The Britons
tafted the fweets, and were not remifs in improving
the attainments of their more intelligent neigh-
bours, fo that bread in the courfe of a few years
became the ordinary food of the natives ; at the
fame time their wheaf, wool, and hides, were pur-
rhafed with avidity by the merchants on the con-
tinent. This traffic was carried on by barter, they
having no other coin than ironorbrafs rings, which
being made to a certain v. eight, paired among them
as current. >
The civil policy of the Britons was much the
fame with that of the Gauls, being divided into
tribes or independent dates, each under the jurif-
diction of a petty chief; but whether the authority
of their chief warriors was hereditary or elective,
cannot be determined. Thus much is known, that
their old men of eftablilhcd reputation for wifdom
or valour, generally took the lead in their public
meetings ; and, upon remarkable emergencies, de-
legates were fent from every ftate to a general
aflembly of the nation, in order to choofc a ge-
neralivlimo, to whom was committed the com-
mand of their collective body offerees. But this
cuflom prevailed only in time of imminent dan-
ger ; for in times of peace no other government
fublifted than a kind of patriarchal one, wherein
each head of his family, and the prieft alone, con-
trolled.
If the favage ferocity of thefe people was foftened
by the fimplicity of their lives, we may fuppofe it
received a much ftronger check from the principles
of their religion, which was founded folely on
flavim fear. Hence fprung the cuftoms, common
among other idolaters, of making their idols
hideoufly ugly, and of offering human facrifices as
oblations, to appeafe the wrath of their fuprcme
daemon. They paid divine honours to Jupiter,
Mars, Apollo, and Mercury, under the titles of
Taramis, Hefus, Belenus, and Tentares, to which
they added, after the invafion of the Romans,
Diana, Minerva, and Hercules. Their external
ceremonials confifted of ftrange geftures, violent
diftortions of the features, invocations, oblations,
expiatory facrifices, and thankfgivings. But it is
unneceflary to dwell longer on this head, which will
be more fully exemplified in the enfuing chapter,
wherein we propofe to lay before the reader a par-
ticular account of the druidical fyftem, including
the maxims and tenets of the Druids, the antient
Britilh priefts, both religious and political.
CHAP. V.
OF THE DRUIDS.
Whence the name rvas derived, and of whom compofed— Their habits, ornaments, and place of refidence, -where
they held their annual affembly— Of 'the three orders, or c/a/es— The authority, power, and offices of the Druids,
and the policy of their government, ufed for the noblejl purpofes—AlmoJt adored by the people— _f heir external
rites, religious ceremonies, devotional exercifes, and where performed— Their remarkable -veneration for the oat
— Their literary precepts, lectures, tenets, and maxims, both religious and political— Their characler.
THE Druids derived undoubtedly their name
from that fuperftitious reverence they paid to
oaks, Deru, in the Britifh language, fignifying an
oak.
They were compofed of the higheft orders of the
people, the commonalty, for obvious reafons, being
excluded from the arcana of their political fyftem,
whereby a ftridT: alliance was formed between the
church and ftate ; and this union rendered them
awl'ul to the people, and neceflary to thofe who by
birth, education, or employment, were placed in
elevated ftations of life.
They wore their hair fhort, but their beards very
long. In thch- hands they carried a wand; and an
enchafed ornament, called the Druid's egg, was
hung about the neck. Their garments, a kind of
loofe gowjjs, reached down to the ground ; but
when employed in religious ceremonies, they always
No. i.
wore a furplice. The Ifle of Anglefea was their
chief feat of refidencc, where they had their prin-
cipal feminary, and held an annual meeting of the
ftatcs. Such was the reputation of this feat of the
Mufes, that the children of the Gauls were fent here
for education.
Hiftorians have divided them into three orders,
or claries, namely, Druids, properly fo called—
Bards— and Vates, or Etibates.
The Druids of the firft clafs united a fecular
with an ecclefiaftical authority, by regulating, all
public affairs, prefiding over the myfterics of reli-
gion, offering all grand expiatory facrifices, adjuft-
ing religious ceremonies; nay, their power ex-
tended to life and effects, reflecting which their
decifions were final. Yet, they were all fubordi-
nation to one Arch-Druid, elected from their body-
by a majority. This primate, or pope, enjoyed hjs
c J fupre-
1O
THE NEW AND
COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
fupremacy during lite ; his pcrfon was held facred ;
and the power of" excommunication and depofing
kings at his plcafure, depended upon his arbitrary
Mill.
The fecond order, or Bards, were not only
prierts, but national preceptors, heralds, poets, and
muficians. To them was committed the important
truft of educating children of all ranks. Their
memory was the repolitory, containing the noble
exploits of their heroes. Thefe they fung in verfes
of their own competing upon public occasions,
accompanied with harps, or a chorus of youths ; as
likcwife hymns at their folemn religious ceremonies.
The third clafs, ftiled Vates, devoted themfelvcs
to the lludy of phylic, natural philofophyr aftro-
nomy, magic, divination, and augury; in the
knowledge of which they Mere fkilled to a degree,
that fecmed in the eyes of an ignorant people, above
the pitch of. mental knowledge.
Indeed, if we coniidcr attentively the authority,
learning, power, offices, and policy of the Druids,
we (hall not be furprizcd that the nobility mould
court their favour, and that the vulgar ihould re-
gard them M ith an awful veneration, almoft equal
to that with which they worlhipped their deities.
AH the important affairs of ftate patted under
their conlideration, nor did they ever give a fen-
tcnce which was not executed. An individual, M ho
from inconfidcration, temerity, or paffion, prefumed
to call in queftion their infallibility, was fubject to
a punilhment worfc than death itfelf", being from
that moment, excluded from the focicty of his
equals ; fhunned as a perfon abandoned by God and
men ; none would have the lealt intercourfe with
him ; a forlorn fugitive ; a dcfpicable vagabond ;
devoted to all the horrors, without pity or relief, of
a dreadful excommunication. Hence, it is evident,
the Druids acted both in a civil and eccletiaftical
capacity. Arbitrators in civil matters, judges in
criminal caufes, public oracles of the community,
exempted from taxes, cxcufed from military fer-
vices, poirciFed of the principal archives, enjoying
the higheft ports of honour and truft in the nation,
intrufted folely with the education of youth, from
thcfc fourccs a pre-eminence muft take its rife,
which of courfe would end, as it in fact did, in an
uncontroulcd power over the minds and perfons of
the laity.
In every ftate, religion has been regarded as the
main bulwark of political fecurity. Now the Druids
were the fole guardians of religion, upon \vhich
was founded all the principles of political govern-
ment. This they divided into two kinds, contift-
ing of their own moral philofophy, with themyfte-
rics peculiar to their order, and thofe external,
fallacious deceptions, by which they kept the com-
mon people in a flavifh fubjeclion. Thcfc have
been termed the arts of pricft-craft ; but \vhoever
it-arches the records of hiftory will find, they have
generally competed the cftablifhed religion, in every
nation and period of time. From hence arofe that
refined policy of performing their ceremonies, and
delivering their inftructions by rote, never differing
cither their fcicnces or maxims to be committed to
writing. A practice adopted undoubtedly fiom an
intention of preventing the vulgar from becoming
acquainted with the myfteries of their inftitution,
by means of any manufcripts that might fall into
their hands.
Every part of the druidical fyftem was calculated
to throw a vail of ignorance over the eyes of a fu-
perftitious people ; who believed their prayers were
iufficient to draw down upon them, or avert, the
vengeance of their gods. Vcrfcd in every art that
had a tendency to excite admiration, or inflame
the paflions, engrafting all the learning of their
country, it is no wonder their power ihould be ab-
iblutc.
But notwithilanding their unlimited influence
over the minds of a rude multirude, who revered
them as beings more than mortal, to their hono'ur
be it fpokcn, that power which rhey maintained by
deception, they exercifed for the nobleft purpofes,
reconciling private differences, and, by their me-s
diation cornpoiing civil difcords. Their prefence
was fufficient to itill the fury of exafperated armies,
between whom they would frequently ruth at the
rifk, of their lives, exhorting them by all the power-
ful arts of peffuaiion, to tubmit the caufe of their
quarrel to their decitions. The embattled warriors,
awed by their facred character, dropped the up-
lifted javelins, and through the mediation of their
venerable fages, embraced each other with the
warmeft impulfes of returning friendfhip.
Antient writers have mentioned the fublime no-
tions which the Druids entertained of the fupreme
Being. Tacitus, in particular, obferves, " it was
an opinion among them, univerfally eftablifhed,
that to fuppofe the prefence of the Deity confined,
or to reprefcnt him in human fhape, or by any
material image, M'as derogatory to his honour, and
incompatible with his divine attributes." Con-
liftcnt with thefe exalted fcntiments were the fun-
damentals of their faith ; for they believed in one
infinite, eternal, omnipotent principle, from whom
all things derived their origin. The immortality
of the foul, and a future ftate of retribution, were
alfo among the articles of their faith. We cannot
therefore but conclude, that the external rites of
their religious worfliip were invented, and per-
formed, in conformity to the prejudices of the ig-
norant multitude. Thus we find them from their
knowledge in aftronomy, taking advantage of
eclipfes, particularly of the fun. When this phe-
nomenon happened, the people were fummoned to
the facred grove, where the Arch-Druid prefidcd in
perfon. They confidered the darknefs occaiioned
by the eclipfe as fupernatural. No fooner there-
fore was this begun, than victims of unfortunate
captives were flain upon the altar. The priefts,
with an extraordinary enthufiaftic fury, and hands
reeking with human gore, invoked the gods, con-
tinuing their frantic devotions until the darknefs
was over; at which time the Arch-Druid, declaring'
divine wrath to be vifibly appeafed, difmifled the
deluded worlhippers with his bleffing.
Here it may be thought proper to take notice,
that all the places fet apart for religious ceremonies,
were confecrated groves ; thefe were compofed of,
and inclofed with capacious oak trees. Such was
their veneration for the oak, which they held facred,
that their victims were adorned with its boughs,
their altars decorated with its branches, and the
head of every one who offered facrifices, was encir-
cled with garlands made from its leaves.
Nor M'as the tree itfelf the fole object of their
fupcrftitious regard, a large thare of which they
beftowed upon its production, the mifletoc. This
they deemed a peculiar gift from heaven, and adored
it as a panacea, or univerfal medicine. In the
fpring on the firft day of a new moon, it was an-
nually fought for. The fearch was madeamidft a.
great concourfe of people, with all the ceremonies
of prieilly parade ; the difcovcry M-as hailed with
molt excetfive raptures of joy ; it being thought the
omen of a profpcrous year. A proper branch hav-
ing been felcctcd, a principal Druid cut it from the
tree, with a confecrated golden knife, or pruning
hook. The acclamations of the multitude on ob-
taining this precious acquisition are not to be de-
fcribcd ; nor can their devotional ecftafies be con-
ceived, when the arch-impoftor, clad in his ponti-
fical robe, offered two white bulls to the gods, in-
voking particularly thofe, while the flame from the
facrifices afcended, whoprelided over the healing art.
However, notwith! landing in this and other in-
ftancei
D R U I D I C A L MAXIMS.
ftanccs of grof-i fuperfvition, they deluded the peo-
ple, indulging them with obhitions of human facri-
fices, permitting them even inceltuous concubinage,
and blinding their minds \\ithallthecxccrableprac-
tices of idolatry ; yet their own religious tenets,
maxims, and moral philofophy, have been the ad -
miration of all fuccceding ages. We here- prcfent
our readers with a few of them, collected from va-
rious writers, that have happily efcaped the deluge of
time, and the all-confuming whirlpool of oblivion.
DRUIDICAL TENETS AND MAXIMS.
I. A^VNE fupremc Cod governs the uttiverfc, from
V_/ whofe omnipotence all things derive their
origin.
2. The foul is immortal, it can never die, and
(hall either be rewarded or punifned in a future life.
3. The world lhall be ddlroyed by fire or water,
And the foul of man purged from lin by the former.
4. There is another world, a future ftate of ex-
"iftence, and a certain day of retribution.
5. Matters of families are fupreme lords in their
families; having in their hands the power of life and
death : and it is their indifpenfible duty, to fpend
their utmoft care, in training the youthful minds of
their offspring.
6. Children are not to be removed from their
parents, nor to be admitted publicly into their com-
pany, till the age of fourteen years.
7. Upon emergencies of Itatc, an individual may
be facrificed for the good of his country.
8. The diiknal, or difobedient to the decrees of
the ftatc, lhall be interdicted. Thefe lhall roam,
kcluded from fociety, deprived of the benefit of the
law, incapable of public employments, without
atoning facrifices, unprotected, and not to be tfufted
in the moft trifling matters.
9. He who mail come lall to the affembly of the
Hates, merits death.
10. They who lend money to the poor in this
world, ihall have it repaid to them in the next.
n. Letters or notes given to dying perfons, or
thrown upon their funeral piles, will be delivered to
whom they are addreffed in the other world.
12. Prisoners of war, malefactors, or innocent
perfons, are to be facrificed upon the altar, or burnt
alive in u \\ icker coloffus, at particular folcmnities
and times, in honour of, or to appcafe the wrath of
the gods.
13. Arts and fciencesare to be taught, and chil-
dren to be instructed only in the facrcd groves.
14. Thefe muft not be committed to writing,
but to memory, from whence all inftructions arc to
be delivered.
15. The moon has an abfolutc influence over the
human body, and cures all difeales.
1 6. Self-devoted victims, who kill themfelves, to
accompany their friends to the other world, will
there live with them in perpetual .reft and blifs.
17. Future events may be foretold from human
victims, by obferving the manner in which the body
falls, by its motions when fallen, by the flowing of
the blood, by the appearance of the wound, and,
efpecially by infpecting attentively the vital parts.
1 8. Commerce with ftranger* ftridly prohibited.
19. The mifletoe, revered for its medicinal vir-
tues, and asagift from heaven, muft be gathered with
reverential awe ; if poffible, on the lixth day of the
month with a golden bill or pruning-hook.
20. The powder of miiletoe promotes fertility in
women, removes the caufes of barrennefs, and, when
properly adminiftcred, is a fovereign remedy for all
difcafes.
Thefe are the tenets and maxims of tlv
which we have collected from the moll authentic'
accounts. It is a pity they ihould ever have been tar-
rhihed with an intermixture of idolatrous notions,
and the moft execrable fuperftitious practices ; yet
hence we may difcover plainly the dignity, impor-
tance, power and utility of this famous feet. Their
temper;,, manners, and cuftoms in general, were
conformable to the pure dictates of human reafon.
In public and private life, they were honed, abfte-
mious, induftrious, and hofpitable. They lived in
hollow trees, woods and caves ; their drink, the
pure ftream ; their food acorns and berries. Their"
opinions had the firft effect on public affemblies,
and their influence obtained for them the firft choice
of whatever was taken in war. They engrofled alt
the learning of their country, nor was ieiarce any
punifhment inflicted without their concurrence'.
They were celebrated for many virtues of the higheft
order, particularly fortitude, integrity, benevolence,
and true patriotifm. From whence alone fprung
the ardent inclination of the principal people to get
their children admitted into fome of their claifes,
and that profound veneration of the vulgar, who
placed them ahnoft upon an equal footing with
their deities. But what heightened this regard was,
their being the arbitrators in differences among
jarring parties, and their maintaining inviolable
concord among their own orders.
This was never known to be infringed, except
on the death of an Arch-Druid, when the freedom of
election was fometimcs interrupted by appeals to
the fwcrd; upon all other occalions, they conducted
themfelves with juftice, temperance, moderation,
and difintercftednefs, the found bafis of their public
character, and the permanent fecurity of that refpect,
which the people invariably entertained for them.
Such were the antient inhabitants of GreatBri tain,
and fuch their priefts, about forty years before the1
invalion of the Romans, under Julius Caefar. Of*
which we mail treat in our next book.
But, reader, you and I may perhaps require a.
little reft; and fhould nature, neceflity, inclination,
bufinefsorduty, draw oft" our attention, the clofe of a
book offers a fair opportunity to obey their dictates.
However, before you go, permit the writer of this
hiftory, to thank you for your obliging condefcen-
lion in giving him your company thus far; and to
hope, that in the way, you may have found fome
(ketches of unpolilhed nature, both plealing and
profitable. We do not mean to make any pompous
profeflions, nor befpeak your favour by a difplay of
our integrity, impartiality, and great abilities ; thefe
belong to the mcaneft adventurers. A bill of fare
has been laid before you, from which you may form
fome judgment of what your future hiftorical enter-
tainment will be. Of this reft afTured, our endea^
vours lhall not be wanting to provide a rich variety
of entertaining information, and to lay the whole be-
fore you with fuch an arrangement as may caufe you
to acknowledge that you are content and fatisfied.
For the prefent, in the old Britilh ftile, we bid you —
farewel.
We would here however juft obfcrve, that (un-»
like other works of this kind hitherto publilhcd and
now publifhing, which have in general been mere
copies of each other) we have drawn our informa^
tion from the moft refpectable fources of genuine
authority, namely, original records, valuable an-
tient, and modern manulcripts, &o &c. dcpofited
in the Britilh Mufeum, and other libraries, public
and private, to which we have been admitted by the
kind afllftance of many eminent gentlemen in dif-
ferent parts of the kingdom,
BOOK
12
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
BOOK II.
Frdm ibe INVASION of the ROMANS, under JULIUS C^SAR, to their final DEPARTURE; when they
ABANDONED entirely the KINGDOM.
CHAP. I.
State of the Britons at' the time of the Roman invafion — Ccefars fir/I expedition, in the year of Id 3947, and
fifty-five years before the Cbrijlian epocha — Arrives off Dover with his fljips — Weighs anci-n >ni '.'takes good his
landing near Deal — The difficulties attending this in Ccefafs own words — The Britons an .1, and f tie fir ,
peace, which is granted them — They revolt upon the Roman fleet halting fuffered confiderabli , from a jlorm
— Hojlilittes are recommenced on the fide of the Britons, who attack tie feventh legion of the Kotiians, fent out to
forage — C<efar by his timely prefence prevents their deftruiJion—Hisjcamp is attacked by the Britons, whom he puts
to flight — They fue a fecond time for peace, which is granted them; and C<efqr, with few advantages from this
his firft expedition, returns to Gaul on the twentieth of September, after an alfence of little more than three weeks.
AMBITION, what a deftructive paflion ! What
havock does it occafion among the works of
God ! Yet, under the influence of unerring wifdom,
how frequently made fubfervicnt to the nobleft pur-
pofes ! Well may it be ftiled lawlefs, feeing it will
adopt the moft unjuft means, nay, the moft flimfy
pretences to attain its ends. Well may it be faid
to be boundlefs, feeing it terminates only with life
itfelf. It was this infatiable luft of conqueft which
turned the attention of Caefar to the ifland of Great
Britain, that invincible victor, who when no other
country remained to feel the force of his arms,
turned them from the fame reftlefs impulfe.to fub-
due that of his own. And yet we may plainly dif-
cern the hand of an almighty agent, employing this
buftling conqueror, as an inftrumerit to anfwer the
grand defigns, and determined plan of his provi-
dence ; for the conqueft of afpiring Romans, laid
the foundation, on which was gradually raifed the
glory of Britons. From hence fprung, amidft the
wilds of barbarifm, a civilized nation, over whom
Chriftianity has fpread her healing wings, and
wherein the arts and fciences have obtained their
zenith of perfection.
At the time when Caefar meditated an invafion of
England, the natives were divided' into petty fo-
vereignties, governed by their own particular chief-
tains, who could not be compelled to a<fl againft a
common enemy. The fouthern parts of the ifland
were inhabited by thofe whom they had received as
friends, but who foon made war upon them as ene-
mies. The Silures and Ordovice dwelt in the mid-
dle of the ifland; confequently not being affedted
with the diftrefs of their neighbours, they would not
always be difpofed to fend them affiftance. The
people in general were undifciplined, nor were they
fupplied with warlike ftores,fuch as might put them
upon a level with the Romans. Add to this, their
country was open, without towns or fortifications,
their only places of defence and retreat being forefts,
fwamps, and mountains. They poffciled neither
riches nor pofieffions that might tempt the avarice
of a conqueror. But Ccefar animated with ihe
thought of extending his conquefts beyond the
boundaries of the ocean, was determined to pay the
Britons a vifit with his victorious legions. After the
conqueft of Gaul, the mighty conqueror could not
reft fatisfied, without adding the fubjection of Bri-
tain to the number of his triumphs. This thirft of
dominion was a general paffion, prevalent among
the Romans, to gratify which numerous battles had
been fought, a never ceafing effufion of blood had
been Ihcd, Gaul had been fubdued, a vaft continent
laid walk, and difbnt regions traverfed, to enlarge
only the territories of the republic.
This is certain, that when the ftronger power is
determined to plunder, or fubjugate the weaker,
pretences are never wanting. Caefar, in his com-
mentaries, tells us himfelf, " He refolved to make
a voyage to Britain, becaufe he had been informed,
in all the wars of Gaul, the enemy had received con-
fiderable fupplies from thence.''
Whether this was the real reafon or not of Casfar's
firft enterpri/e, whatever might be his motives, we
find, like an able general, he took every precaution,
and ufed every ncceiFary expedient to infure fuccefs.
With this view he fummoned a council of mer-
chants from all parts, who were known to be beft ac-
quainted with the country ; but thefe people, who
carried on a lucrative trade with the Britons, under
a plea of ignorance, endeavour to deter Casfar from
his intended invafion, yet at the fame time took care
to apprize them thereof, that they might have time
to make preparations for their defence.
The afpiring genius of Caefar, that had often
affifted him to conquer infurmountable difficulties,
was not to be difcouraged for want of information;
to gain which, he fent in a galley C. Volufenus, a
tribune of his army, to reconnoitre the Britiihcoafts,
and Comius of Arras,.a Briton by birth, as his am-
baflador; neither of whom fucceeded in their at-
tempts ; for Volufenus, not having been permitted
to land, was unable to gain any intelligence; and
Comius being confidered in the capacity of a fpy,
as well as a traitor to his country, was imprifoncd,
and loaded with chains. A very unwarrantable act
this of the Britons, whofe ambanra.dors were then
juft arrived with this very Comius, from Gaul,
where they had been received with apparent cor-
diality by Caefar, and to whom they had offered
fubmifllon to the Roman ftate, and to give hoftages
for their fidelity.
Caefar who had now made every necefTary prepa-
ration for an invafion, began to put in execution
his firft intended expedition. To this end he drew
together his fleet, confifting of eighty tranfports,
wherein he embarked two legions, while his queftor,
and other principal officers went on board his gallics.
He difpofed of his horfe, in eighteen other tranf-
ports, and ordered them to follow the infantry with
the utmoft expedition. His orders in this particular
could not be complied w ith agreeable to his wiihcs,*
for the embarkation of his cavalry required more
time than he imagined, and this delay occafioned
difficulties in making good alanding,which his own
genius alone could probably have furmounted.
Notwithstanding an obftacle fo unpromifing, that
might have delayed a lefs able general, this brave
veteran fet fail with his infantry alone from Morini,
or Picardy, on the twenty-fixth.day of Auguft, in
the year of the world 3947, and fifty-five years
before the Chriftian sera.
It
ffltllU/fl'H iMttl .
r-~^___ . Portraits"
REMARKABLE PERSONAGES &>
ENGLAND
) Plate 2.
JULIUS C^ESAR's FIR *S T EXPEDITION.
„ It was at the ftill folemn hour of
51' midnight, when Casfar failed from
the coaft of Gaul, and about ten of the fame
morning his mips arrived off Dover, at which place
the Britons had taken pofleffion of the heighths, and
flattened a confidcrablc force to oppofe his landing.
A fufficient proof that the Britons were acquainted
with the delign of the Roman general, and there-
fore, jealous of their much-loved liberty, had not
been idle in making preparations for the defence of
their country.
Finding it impoffible, from ' the ppfition of the
enemy, to effect a defcent at this place, Caefar,
after having fummoned a council of war, weighed
anchor, in order to .find a level open fhore ; and
falling down the tide about eight miles farther, ar-
rived at a more convenient fpot for debarking his
troops, near the place where now ftands the town
of Deal. Here he found the Britons in force,
ranged in order of battle, with a feeming deter-
mination to oppofe refolutely his landing; an ac-
count of which we think will be moft acceptable to
our readers in Casfar's own words,
" We found it very difficult to land, fays he,
for many reafons ; becaufe our mips being tall, re-
quired a confidcrable depth of water, and our
foldiers, while their hands were employed and
loaded with heavy armour, were at the fame time
to encounter the waves and the enemy in a place
they were not acquainted with; whereas the Britons,
either ftanding upon dry land, or fallying a little
way into the water in thofe places they knew to be
lhallow, having the free ufe of their limbs, could
boldly caft their darts, and fpur their horfes for-
ward, which were trained to that kind of combat;
which difadvantage fo difcouraged the Romans,
who were ftrangers to this way of fighting, that
they did not appear fochearful and eager to engage
the enemy, as in their former conflicts upon dry
land; which Caefar perceiving, gave orders that
the gallics (a nimble kind of fhipping the enemy
had never feen) fliould advance a little before the
reft of the fleet, and row along with their broad-
fides towards the fhorc, that they might more con-
veniently force the Britons to retire from the water
fide, by their flings, engines, and arrows, which
did the Romans confiderable fervice ; for the
Britons, being furprifed at the form of our gallies,
the motion of our oars and engines began to give
ground. But the ftandard-bearer of the tenth
legion, perceiving our men were unwilling to enter
into the fea, having firft invoked the gods for
fuccefs, cried out aloud, My fcl low-fold iers, unlefs
you will ibrfake your eagle, and fuffer it to fall into
the hands of the enemy, advance : for my part, I
am refolvcd to perform my duty to the common-
wealth, and my general. Having faid this, he im-
mediately leaped over-board, and advanced the
eagle towards the Britons; whereupon thefoldiers,
encouraging each other to prevent fo fignal a dif-
gracc, followed his example ; which thofe in the
next (hips perceiving did the like, and prcffed
forward towards the enemy. The conflict was
fliarply maintained on both fides, though the
Romans, not being able to keep their ranks, obtained
firm footing, or follow their particular ftandards,
leaping out offeveral mips, and joining the firft
cnlign they met with, were in great confufion.
But the Britons, who were well acquainted with
the mallows, where they faw us dcfcend in fmall
numbers from our ihips, fpurred their horfes into
the water, fet upon our men, incumbered and un-
prepared to receive them, and fome furrounded us
with their numbers in one place, whilft others
flanked us where we lay mod open in another ;
which Ctefar obferving, he caufed the long boats
and fmaller veffcls to be manned, and where oc-
caliou required, fent them to affift their fellows.
2.
Thus our foremoft ranks, having gained dry foot-
ing, \yere followed by the reft of the army, and
charging the enemy brifkly put them to flight, but
were not able to purfue or take the ifland at that
time, becaufe we had no cavalry, which was the
only thing wanting to complete Caefar's wonted
fuccefs.
" The enemy being defeated, fo foon as they
had efcaped beyond the reach of danger, fent am-
baftadors to Caefar to delire a peace, proiniiing to
deliver hoftages for their entire fubmiflion ; and
with thefe ambaffadors came Comius of Arras,
whom Casfar had fent into Britain, where he was
imprifoned fo foon as he had landed with his ge-
neral's commands, but fet at liberty again after
the battle. They endeavoured to excufe what they
had done by laying the blame upon the populace,
and intreating him to forgive a fault of ignorance,
but not of malice. Caefar at firft reprimanded
them for their breach of faith, that after they had
voluntarily fent ambaffadors to him into Gaul to
requcft a peace, and delivered hoftages of their
own accord, they mould, without any reafon,
make war upon him ; he imputed it, he faid, to
their ignorance, and forgave them ; then demanded
hoftages for their future carriage, part whereof
they delivered immediately, and with the reft who
lived at fome diftance, they promifed to return in
a few days. And now, having difbanded their
men, fending them into their feveral counties, the
princes from all parts came to deliver up them-
fclves and their eftatestft Caefar's difpofal."
In this account, written by the victor's own pen,
to whofe character of a confummate general ap-
pertaineth that of a faithful hiftorian, we have a
ftrong teftimony given to the bravery of our pri-
mogenial anceftors. Caefar acknowledges frankly,
that he had many difficulties to contend with, that
the conflict was (harp, that the Romans were dif-
couraged, and prevailed upon to attempt a land-
ing, only by one of thofe military accidental ex-
pedients, which are known frequently to decide
the fate of battles. That after following the example
of their ftandard-bearer they were in great confu-
fion, being unable to keep their ranks, from which
they were extricated only by the ftrange figure of
the gallies, or rather by the large ftones and other
deftructive miffiles thrown by their engines. Nor,
if we attend to the confequences of this firft en-
gagement, do we find the conqueror had reafon to
boaft of any great advantages, being incapable
either of improving his victory by purfuing the
foe, or of taking the ifland, or, in a word, of
doing any thing equal to his wonted fucceffes.
The fequel will alfo prove, that the Britons,
though intimidated and defeated, for which fuffi-
cient reafons are affigned by Casfar, yet the panic
was of fhort duration. They were forced, it is
true, into a temporary peace, but they continued
a very fhort time in this amicable difpofition.
For the terms were fcarcely ratified, about four
days after his landing, when Caefar received intel-
ligence, that the fhips he left to bring over his ca-
valry having fet fail, were overtaken at fea by a
violent ftorm, which having feparated them, had
drove a part back to the coaft of Gaul, and the
reft to the weftern coaft of Britain; at the fame
time the veffels and gallies belonging to Caefar's
army, fuffered greatly in this tempeftuous night.
Some were much mattered ; twelve of them were
totally loft; the remainder could not for fome
time be put in a condition fit for fervice. Ths
fituation of the Roman army was now truly dif-
treffing, -being without fhips, in a country un-
known, wherein they were like to be furprized
every moment, or furrounded by a vigilant enemy.
But an event that fpread confirmation and difmay
among the Romans, rouzed the warlike fpirit of
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
the Britons ; for the evident diftrcfs of the enemy
animated them to a revolt, whereby they hoped,
by this favourable opportunity, to regain their li-
berty. An aflembly of the ftates gave new vigour,
by their exhortations, to this refolution of the
people ; while their Druids exclaimed, that as the
fods had appeared fo propitious to them, it would
e impious not to join the elements in the noble
ftruggle for freedom, that would probably effect
their deliverance.
Caefar forefaw the confequences that would at-
tend this adverfe turn of fortune. He knew the
ftorm at fea would be productive of another as
outrageous on land. He therefore took every pru-
dent precaution to raife the drooping courage of
his foldiers, and to fruftrate the probable defigns
of the enemy, by collecting within the fortifica-
tions of his camp a magazine of corn from the
neighbouring fields, and by fending one of his
gallies to Gaul for materials to refit the reft. He
alfo applied the fragments of thofe veflels that
were irreparable, to various purpofes, with great
fuccefs. Such was the affiduity of thjs brave com-
mander, that in ten days the remainder of his
fhattered fleet was completely repaired.
In the mean time, the Britons made every poflible
effort to reaflemble their fcattered troops. Their
hoftages withdrew fecretly from the Roman camp,
which they had attentively furveyed. Several af-
femblies of the people were held, to confult the
moft proper means to diftrefs their bold invaders ;
this they concluded might be befl effected by
cutting off their detachments, and intercepting
their convoys ; by which mode of carrying on the
war they hoped to protract it, till the inclemency
of approaching winter mould compleat, what the
furious attack of the elements had left unfinimed.
The firft foraging party that had nearly fell a
facrifice to Britim policy, was the feventh legion,
fent out by Casfar to reap a diftant field of corn ;
who, when leaft fufpecting or prepared for an at-
tack, were furrounded by the Britons, they having
concealed themfelves in a wood for the purpofe of
a furprixe. The deftruction of this detachment
muft have been inevitable, their retreat being ren-
dered impoffible by the Britons having furrounded
the field with their war chariots, had not Caefar,
whofe advanced guard perceived an unufual cloud
of duft, guefled the caufe. He immediately
marched at their head to the afllftance of his
diftreffcd legion, whom he found in a compact
body, hard oppreffed by the enemy, they having
quitted their chariots, and were charging them on
foot with the utmoft vigour. Caefar 's prefence in-
fpired his foldiers with freflu courage. The affailants
were now attacked in their turn. Their impetuofity
being checked, they opened their ranks, and re-
tired to fome diftance. Cagfar drew up his forces
in order of battle. The combatants flood gazing
on each other expecting a renewed charge, bur
neither fide advancing, the Britons retreated un-
molelted to their woods, and Caefar, without having
being able to pour his ufual vengeance on the foe,
to his camp. From which laft circumftance we may
fairly conclude, upon an impartial view of this
bloody conteft, that the conqueror of Gaul re-
tired, without carrying with him the palm of
victory.
A rafli fubfequenf enterprize of the Britons,
which they imprudently undertook, feems to cor-
roborate this conjecture. Elated with their late
fuccefs, and from thence concluding that the
Romans, though formidable, were not invincible,
they formed the hafty rcfoluticfn of affaulting them
in their camp. Infpired with the cffuh'ons of a
warm imagination, and the advantages that would
refult from this daring attempt, they difpatched
meffengers to every ftate, who exhorted their
countrymen by incentives calculated for infpiring
revenge, not to neglect fo fair an opportunity of
driving the enemy from their coafts, and by one
decifive blow, of preventing the miferieS of future
invafions. Their remonftrance had the defired
effect. A numerous army was in a mart time
drawn together, and marched immediately to at-
tack the Roman entrenchments. Casfar drew out
his forces before the principal gate of his camp,
waiting the furious onfet of the Britons with his-
ufual tranquillity Their impetuofity was foon
checked by the refiftlefs intrepidity of difciplined
veterans,, who charging with their accuftomed fury,
put them into confufion, and compelled them to'
feek their fafety in a precipitate flight. The Roman
general, for want of cavalry, found it again im--
poflible to purfue his advantages; nor could he
follow the flying foe into their gloomy forefts, in
the recefles whereof they found a fecure retreat.
This engagement was far from being decifive.
They were indeed repulfed ; but the ardent flame of
liberty was not extinguifhed in their bofom, nor
was their national fpirit broken.
However, in their prefent fituation they thought
it moft politic to apply again for peace to the in-
vader of their country. The penetrating eye of
Caefar at once perceived their motives, and his own
intereft. He knew they aimed only at delay, and
at the fame time he was fenfible now abfolutely
neceflary it was for him to return to Gaul. The
Britons were repulfed with confiderable lofs, their
baggage had been taken, and the circumjacent
parts of the country laid wafte,' yet they were not
brought under the galling yoke of flavery. Pro-
viiions began to grow fcarce in his camp ; winter
approached ; his army, though victorious, had fuf-
fercd greatly ; nor could they fafely continue in
the face of an enterprizing enemy, on an ifland
wholly unknown. Caefar therefore readily ad-
mitting the ambaflkdors, reprimanded them, and
then granted their defires, only infifted on having
the number of hoftages doubled, and fent after
him to Gaul. Upon which he embarked his troops,
fet fail about midnight, and after a Ihort paflage,
landed there fafely on the 2Oth of September.
Thus ended Caefar's firft expedition, productive
of neither glory to the general, nor advantage to
the ftate; yet the fenate, fenfible of his great
merit, and confidering the conqueft of Great
Britain an object of the firft magnitude, decreed
him a triumph of twenty days for his important
fervices. A triumph of ambition over virtue,
honour, and juftice ; a triumph, for having
trampled on the laws of nations, and deluged a
country, to which he had not even a pretended
claim, with the blood of its innocent inhabi-
tants.
CHAP. II.
C<sfar'sfecond expedition— He makes preparations for invading Great Britain in the faring "with a more formidable
armament — The Britons likewife exert their utmoft force for the defence of their country — Caffivellaunus is pro-
claimed generalijjimo— Embarkation of Gefar's forces, confijling of five legions of foot, and two tboufand horfc,
in the beginning of June, ffty-four years before the birth of Chrift— Sails from Calais, and lands near Deal,
without oppojition— Engages the Britons, mar the river Slour, ivbo are routed -with great Daughter — h deterred
j front
>. UV.w////,
Portraits
///<7/ -Ann $
J U L I US C & S A R's SEC d N D E X P E D I T I O N. ir
from pnrfuing the enemy iy having received an exprefs, inform ing him, that a dreadful florin bad, the preceding
night, dcftroyed the greater part of his fleet — Marches back to the fea-ceajt, and ly an extraordinary expedient',
Jecures bis fleet from fimilar danger— The Romans are greatly harrafjcd, and in one action defeated by the Britons,
•who i a their turn are completely routed by the Romans — Confequenccs of this vif/ory — C<efar marches with his
army to Verulum^ the capital 6f Cajivellaunus^ and takes it by jtorm — The Brili/b chief fends orders to the princes
of Kent, requeuing them to attack the intrenchments of the eneinj, and deflroy their fleet.— The attempt is made
hit -without fuccefs — Finding all farther oppojition^iin, he propofa terms of peace to the conqueror-* A general
pacification takes place, and C<efar, about the middle of September, fets fail for the csajl of Gaul, where be arrives
-after a quick andfafe paffage; A.C.$i:
abandon their unfuccefsfu! attempts to the infantry ;
but at laft, after a bloody conteft, the feventh le-
gion drove the Britons from their poft, with great
(laughter, and obliged them to feek (belter in the
inmoft parts of their woods.
Caefar now determined to purfuc the advantage
he had gained; difpatched three bodies of his troops
in fearch of the flying enemy ; but they Were almoft
inftantly recalled, intelligence having been received
from Atrius, the fubftance of which was, that during
the preceding night a violent ftorm had dcftroyed
the greater part of his fleet. On this information,
Cadar countermanded the march of his troops, and
returned to the fea coaft, where he was an eye wit-
nefs of the havock occaiioned by the tcmpert. Forty
of his veflels were entirely loft, and the reft fd
much damaged, as to be unfit for the fea tilt
thoroughly repaired. He immediately therefore
gave orders, to repair fome (hips that were fnoft da-
maged with the wrecks of others • wrote to Gaul for
more, and then refolved upon executing a project,
which it is a queftion if any one but a Casfar could
have conceived and accomplifned ; this was no
other than hauling up his whole fleet upon dry land,
and furrounding it with a fortification ; which truly
great undertaking he completed in ten days, and
then returned with his army to their former ftation.
During this interval, the Britons had made the
beft ufe of their time, having formed a very nu-
merous army, under the command ofCaflivcllaunus,
who occupied the fame poft in the wood, from whence
the Britons had been before diflodged.
Caftlvellaunus, convinced that his forces were not
a match for the Romans in the open field, avoiding
a general ^engagement, took the prudent precaution
of harrafling their flying parties, and cutting off"
their proviiions. By which mode of fighting, Caefar
was continually attacked by fmall parties, who iffued
fuddenly forth, charged, and then fuddcnly retreated.
Though rcpulfed, they returned with the fame vi-
gour, and the fame undaunted firmnefs.
Caefar, perceiving the confequences that would
rcfult from his troops being thus perpetually ha-
raffed, refolved to fortify his camp, and to bring,
ifpoifible, the Britons to a general engagement.
While the Romans were bufily employed in their
works, Caflivellaunus, who watched circumfpedtly
all their motions, thought it moft prudent to attack
them before their ramparts were finifhed. Accord-
ingly he ruftied upon them unexpectedly with the
utmoft fury. The advanced guard of the Romans,
unable to fuftain the fliock, gave way. Casfar, fee-
ing what dreadful (laughter was made among them,
fent two cohorts to their fupport ; but thefe intimi-
dated by the furious impetuofity of the conquering
Britons, halted inftead of joining their companions;
whichbeing perceived by Caflivellaunus,heatcacked
them inftantly, and routed them with conlidcrable
lofs. Numbers were flain both of foldiero and offi-
cers ; among the laft v, ere fome of diftinction, par-
ticularly Quintus Laberius Durus, a tribune.
On the following day when the Romans expected
a fecond engagement, they were furpri'^ed at feeing
the enemy in frnail fcattered parties, on the adjacent
hills, who feemednot todifcover theleaft intimation
of coming to action. Caefar, unacquainted with the
defertion that had happened in the Britifli army
the preceding night, among whom jcaloufy had in-
filled
rr^HE Britons were no fooner delivered frorri the
invaders of their country, than they determined
not to fend the ftipulated hoftages. This infringe-
ment of the treaty furnifhed Caefar with a plaufible
pretence for undertaking a fecond expedition. To
effect which, warlike preparations were made in
Gaul with amazing difpatch. Such (hips as had
been damaged were repaired, others were built on a
new construction, calculated for (hallow water. Mi-
litary ftores were collected in the ports of Spain]
and by the fpring of the following year, twenty-
eight gallies, fix hundred tranfports, with a great
number of flat-bottomed boats, were ready for the
intended invafion.
Nor were the Britons inactive on their fide.
Alarmed at Csefar's preparations, of which they had
received fuffkient intelligence, they convened a ge-
neral affembly of the ftates, and elected from among
their generals, the moft diftinguiftied formilitary ac-
complilbments, a commander in chief over all their
forces. The choice fell to Caflivellaunus; but
during the election a (harp conflict was excited
between the princes of Cafll and the Trinobantes,
the former party in favour of Caflivellaunus, the
latter of Imanuentius. The conteft was exceeding
warm; the fuffrages were divided ; but the death of
Imanuentius, who loft his life in the ftruggle, put an
end to the debate. His fon Mandubratius, to avoid
the fate of his father, fled to Caefar for protection,
and facrificed meanly the good of his country to an
unjuftifiable refentment.
All Caefar's forces being ready for embarkation/
and his numerous fleet riding fafely in the port of
Itium, now Calais, he embarked five legions of foot,
and twothoufand horfe, in the beginning of June,
r fifty four years beforethe birth of Chrilt.
A. C. 54. Setting fail about fun-fet, he drew near
the Britifli coaft next morning, and cart anchor hear
Deal, the place where he had made his former de-
fcent.
A fcene very different from what the Romans faw
at their prior invafion nowprefented itfelf; for the
Britons, difconcerted at the appearance of fo formi-
dable a fleet, had retired from the (bore, and frittered
the Romans to land without oppofition.
This having been effected, Ceefar fixed upon a
convenient fpot of ground on Barham Downs, where
he marked out a camp, and leaving a fufHcicnt force
to fortify and defend it, at the head of which was
Quintus Atrius, hefetoutat midnight with the main
body of his army in queft of the enemy. After a
march of twelve miles, he difcovered the Bntifh
army encamped upon an eminence, having the river
Stour in their front, and a thick wood in their rear.
As the Romans advanced, the Britons difcovered a
refolution of difputing their paffage over the river
with their war chariots, which they had drawn up in
great order along its banks. But the Roman ca-
valry attacked them with fuchvigour, that they foon
forced the paffage, and compelled them to retreat
with precipitation into the wood in their rear.
This gloomy afylum was fortified with ramparts,
formed of large trees laid acrofs each other to a con-
iiderable heighth, and in its center was a ftrong for-
trefs. Both nature and art had confpired to render
it a ftrong, though barbarous fortification. Here
the Britons for fome time withftood all the efforts of
the Roman cavalry, who were at laft obliged to
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
fofed a fatal poifon, extracted from the juftly ac-
quired glory of Caffivellaunus, detached three le-
gions, and all his horfe, amounting to about twenty
thoufand men, commanded by his lieutenant Tre-
bonius, on a foraging party, in order to clear up
this, in his eye, myfierious conduct of the enemy.
This, powerful detachment was foon oppofed by the
Britons vrho fell upon the Roman cavalry with a
fury that obliged them to fall back upon their foot.
This Small advantage \vas productive of a general
engagement ; for the Roman infantry fupporting
their horfe,, charged the Britons in a compact body,
•with their ufual bravery, whereby a complete victory
•was obtained fo fully decisive,, that the Belgoe, dc-
fcrted by their auxiliaries, never after engaged the
Romans in a pitched battle. Thus a general defer-
tion completed whatjealoufy had begun; the confe-
deracy wasdiffolved; and theTrinobantesabandonH
the caufe of their country, their liberty,, and the^r
gods, putthemfelvcs under the protection of Cjefar.
Upon this Strange rcvcrfe of fortune, the BritiSh
chief, finding it in vain to oppofe any longer the
Romans, retired towards his own country, reiolving
there to make a ftand in its defence againft the can-
queror of the world.
Intelligence of the reparation having reached
Caefar, he turned his whole force inpurfuitof the un-
fortunate Caffivellaunus, whofe country was now
marked out for dettrucUon. With this view he ad-
vanced with his army to the banks of the Thames,
which he intended to crofs where it might be fordable.
Here he found, on his arrival, a great number of
Stakes drove into the bed of the river, that were
fnarpcned at top, and concealed under the furface
of the water ; at the fame time he beheld the enemy
pofted to advantage near theoppofite banks, which
theyhad fortifiedwith intrcnchment&and pallifadoes>
but thefe artful difpofitions, whereof Csefar had been
informed by deferters, were of little avail againSt this
hardy veteran, whom no obstacles could flop, no
difficulties intimidate; for the Roman horfe going
at a fmall distance from the fords, plunged into the
ftream, and were followed by the foot with aftcnifh-
ing intrepidity, though incambered with their heavy
armour, and the water up to their chins. This
pafTage was effected, -at a place called Coway Stakes,
oppolite Oatlands, and, as fomc writers are of opi-
nion, near KingSton^ in Surry.
ASlonifhed.at this hazardous undertaking of the
Romans, the Britons abandoned their intrench-
Hients, and fought for fafety in their woods.
Cafiivellaunus now fenlible that all further refift-
ancc would be prcfumption, d if miffed his forces, re-
taining only four thoufand chariots. With thefe he
watched the motions cf the enemy's main body, cut
off their ftraggling parties, and in order to prevent
their SubfiSting by ravaging the country,, ordered
his people to drive their cattle from thofe parts,
through which he knew they muff pafs. This pru-
dent mcafure was very alarming to Caefar, as he was
hereby convinced that the military conduct of
Caflivdlaunus was equal to his valour.
But it was rendered abortive by a defection of
the Regni-magni, inhabitants of Surry, who perceiv-
ing theTrinobantcs were freed from the calamities of
•war, by an alliance with Csefar, followed their ex-
ample, and fent offers of fubmiffion, which were ac-
cepted, upon the fervile conditions that they Ihould
furniSh provifion Sufficient for the whole army. A
ready compliance with thefe ignoble terms, enabled
the Roman general to purfuehis march toVeruIum,
now St. Alban's, the capital of the unfortunate,
though brave Cafllvcllaunus, \vorking his rout with
blood and devastation.
This place, which confided of a number of huts,
Situated in the center of a wood, was fortified after
the BritiSh cuSlcm, with ramparts of earth, ditches,
and felled trees. Thefe fortifications, though
fprmed in the rudeft manner, the Romns had be-
fore experienced the difficulty of ftorming ; but the
towering ambition of a Caefar was not to be dif-
couraged by obstacles of this kind ; he therefore
ordered an attack to be made at two different places>
and carried the town by ftorm, in which,, after hav-
ing put a number of Britons to the fvvord, he found
large quantities of corn and ca-ttle.
Caffivellaunus however efcapcd ; and though dc-
ferted by his friends, overpowered by his enemies.,
his capital taken, and his territores waffed, yet, fup-
ported by his own greatnefs of foul, in the midft of
his difi:refsful calamkies, he planned a project, which
had it in the execution Succeeded, muft have greatly
diftreffed, if not ruined, the invaders of his country.
Caefar was at this time, with the main body of his-
army, more than eighty miles diftant from his- eamp;
from which the Britifh chief concluded, a fair oppor-
tunity prefented itfelf of destroying the whole of the
Roman fleet; impreffed with the thought of this bold
defign,. he fent-ordcrs to Cingetorix, Carvilius, Taxi-
magalus, and Segonax, four Kentilh princes, who*
Still remained faithful, to collect their forces and
ftorm the naval intrenchments of the enemy. Thefe-
orders were obeyed with the utmoft expeditions
they affaulted the Roman camp, but the fortifica-
tions of the Romans reSiSted all their efforts, who
not content with acting upon the defenfive, Sallied-
forth, put the Britons to flight, and took Cingetorix,.
their general, prifoner.
Thus reduced to the laft extremity, Caffivellaunus
refolved to. make the beft terms he could with the
conqueror. Accordingly he fent ambaffadors to*
Caefar, who listened readily to his propofals, and con-
cluded a peace with him on the following condi-
tions, That he fliould fubmit to the Roman ffate>
pay an annual tribute, and deliver hoftages, as a fc-
curity for the performance of the treaty. Thefe mat-
ters being adjusted, a general pacification with thw
Britons took place, which was no fooncr ratified,
than Caefar returned to his camp, and prepared for
his departure. His mips were repaired and launched1
with all poffible difpatch ; upon which, about the
AC ci middle °f September, fifty-one years
" 5 ' before the birth ofChriSt, he failed for
the coaft of Gaul, where he arrived after a quick
and fafe paffage. When returned to Rome, he
prefented an offering of BritiSh pearls at the Shrine
of his fuppofed anceftrix, Venus Genetrix ; and
employed his prifoners in adjufting the tapeStry
fcenes of the theatre, on which the victories gained
over Britons were repreientcd ; while others of a
more robuft constitution, were allotted to the fer-
vile employ of carrying the fedans of the principal
nobility.
In this fecond expedition of Csefar, will not the
eye of candour beat a lofs todiftinguiih its utility?
To determine whether he retired as a difappointed
general or a conqueror? Did he retain one foot of
ground in the ifland, or, from his victories, procure
any folid advantages to his country? Did he take
anymeafures to fecure that temporary fubmiffion his.
devaluations had obtained ? May he not be faid, to
have rather vifited than conquered the country ?
what can be alledged in justification, what, can be
advanced in defence of his having diftreffed a free
people, full as brave and much more innocent than
himfelf ? Shameful Superiority of knowledge, de-
tefted polifli of civili/ation, that can produce no
other evidence of genuine worth, than a fuperhtive
degree of refined barbarity !
All that can be faid in favour of Cqefar's boaflcd
conqueft, all the honour due to him as a great gene-
ral may be comprized in this Single remark, that he,
as Addifon's Cato obf erves, " who conquered more
than half the globe, without being able to Subdue
himfelf, had carried the Roman arms beyond the
boundaries of the ocean, and extended his military
exploits a little further than his prcdeceffors, for tne
fake only of gratifying a falfe and paltry ambition."
CHAP.
THE
ROMANS.
CHAPTER
III.
fhe death of C<efar and Caffivellaunus — The lajl is fuceeeded by Tcwtantius, and at bis death ly Ctinobetinc, a prince
of great talents — His fon Adminius having been banijbed for fomenting a rebellion , repairs to Rome, and per-
fitades Caligula, the reigning emperor, to undertake the conqueft of Britain. An account of that tyrant's pretended
invafton — Cunobeline is fuceeeded by his two fans Togodumnus and CaracJacus — Tbcfe brave chieftains nfufe
faying the tribute due to the Romans : and their ambajfadors having been treated ivitb an ignominious contempt,
tbey prohibit all intercourfe with them — This conduct of the Britons furnijbes Augitjlus witb a plaujible pretence
peror, at the requejl of his general, takes flipping at Bologne for the ijland of Britain, and arrives fafe off
Sandwich with a large body of forces — After a campaign of Jixteen days, in which, making a rapid progrefs in
his conquejis, he returns to Rome ; is decreed a triumph, and obtains ihcfurnamc nf llritannicus — Plautius and
Vefpatian, on the departure of Claudius, jointly command the army — Having reduced feveral of the Britiflj
principalities to the Roman power, and oppofed the brave Carattacus, head of the Caffhellattni, with great fuc-
cefs, they return to Rome, where they receive triump' ' honours— Ojlorius Scapula fucceeds them — Puts the
Britons to flight ; difarms the difaffeFted among them { and draws a line of forts between the rivers Avon and
Severn— A general confederacy of the Britons is formed, the Iceni having Jirft takt'H up arms — They are at-
tacked in their camp, and after an obftinate rejijhni'e, the Roman general gains a complete vittory.
THE all conquering hand of death having
finifhed the career of the mighty conqueror
of Gaul, difcord fixed her feat at Rome, and by
the diftraftions fhe raifed, the affairs of Britain
•were almoft loft in the gloomy fhades of oblivion.
For a fucceffion of years after this period, very few
tranfaQions were inferted in the page of hiitory.
Such as have been tranfmitted by the faithful hand
of impartiality, and fuch only, we mall notice in
their proper order both of time and place.
Cafllvellaunus, we are informed, died feven years
after the departure of Julius Caefar ; but not before
he had feverely chaftized the Trinobantes, whom
one of his fuccefibrs reduced to his fubje&ion.
He was fuceeeded by Tenuantius, brother of Adro-
geus, on whofe dcmife, Cunobeline his fon afcended
the throne of power. This prince was remarkable
for poffeffing great talents, cultivated and improved
by an excellent education at Rome. He kept up a
friendly correfpondencc with the Romans ; he lub-
dued the Trinobantes and Dobuni, for having
joined the invaders of his country ; and he coined
money to pay the duties impofed by the Romans
on Britifh merchandize imported into Gaul.
About this period the Britons opened an extenfive
commerce with Gaul. They became more polifh-
cd, and their intercourfe with Rome, to which they
fent their children to be educated, afforded them
an infight into its power and policy. Auguftus
beheld thefe growing improvements with an eye of
jealoufy, and as preiages of future independency ;
befides, they paid no other tribute than a fmall
duty on merchandize ; in all other relpects they
. £ were a free people. The Roman emperor
therefore relolved to compel the Britons
to obferve the treaty they had made with Julius
Ceefar, and to pay the ftipulated tribute, which had
not been demanded for at lead twenty years. Ac-
cordingly, with a view of carrying his defign into
execution, he advanced into Gaul; but new dif-
turbances fpringing up in the empire, particularly
in the diftrict of Pannonia, rendered his return
neceffary, and lafpended his expedition. How-
ever, after theft: commotions had fubfided, Auguflus
inarched again into Gaul, where he was met by
ambafladors from Britain, with whom a peace was
immediately concluded. This great emperor, it is
veil known, thought the Roman empire (ufficieutly
extenfivc ; and, on his death-bed, confidered Britain
of fo little importance, that it was not included with-
in the bounds he had given to the Roman empire,
in a paper he left with his fucccffor Tiberius, who
confidered it as his political teitament, admitting
of not the lead variation.
o Tiberius, treading in the flops of his
predeceffor, with a forupulous exaclnefs,
No. 2.
,
cultivated a friendfhip with the Britons, nor at-
tempted to interrupt their tranquillity by any hoftile
preparations. This favourable difpoh'tion toward
them received additional ftrength, by their humane
condu6t to fome Roman foldiers under Germanicus,
who having been fhipwrecked on the coaft of Bri-
tain, were entertained by the natives with the moft
cordial hofpitality, and conveyed fafely to thtir
country in mips provided by Cunobeline.
During the reigns of Augoftus and Tiberius, this
great prince endeared himfelf to his fubjefts by his
wifdom and humanity ; but that continued feries of
profperity he had enjoyed, was now, in the evening
of life, overcaft with clouds of domeftic diftrcfs,
by the unnatural conduft of his eldeft fon Admi-
nius, who, being of a tyrannical temper, fomented
a rebellion againft his father, for which, after a
hard ftruggle between parental fondnefs and juftice
in the bofom of Cunobeline, he -yas banimed the
kingdom. Adminius, with a few attendants, fled
to Caligula, who then filled the imperial throne,
A n /- an>d perftiaded him to undertake the con-
queft of his native country. This proud,
cruel, daftardly tyrant, received the information of
an ungrateful traitor with the greateil marks of fa-
tisfaftion. His avarice tempted him to undertake
an enterprize, which, from the artful representations
of Adminius, he concluded would be attended with
neither fatigue or danger. Whereupon he aflembled
an army of two hundred thoufand men, and marched
to Bologne on the coaft of Gaul, where, though
there was no appearance of ah enemy, he addrefled
his foldiers as if he wds about to lead them on to
certain conqueft ; but having received advice that
the Britons were ready to receive him in order of
battle, cowardice prevailed over bis vanity, and
this man-monfter determined to enjoy a triumph
without endangering his perfon in the paths of
honour. Accordingly he ventured out to fea in his
galley, within fight of the Britifh coaft, which
having feen, he returned with all the parade of a
conqueror; and fome of the foldiers, by his orders,
having filled their helmets with (hells, he fent thefe
fpoils of the ocean, as he called them, to Rome,
as trophies of his imaginary victory. A venal
fenate readily decreed the tyrant a triumph, whilfr
the army looked upon their cockle-fhell hero with
that contempt, his ridiculous conducl juftly merited.
But determined that his folly mould be tranfmitted
to pofterity, he caufed a light-houfc, which he
named Turris Ardens, to be erefted on the Belgic
coaft, oppofite that of Norfolk, the remains whereof
may ftill be feen on the lands near Bologne at low
water.
In this interval, including the reigns of Au-
guftus, Tiberius, and Caligula, the Bmons loft a
£ favtmr-
i8
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
favourable opportunity of fecuring their liberty and
independence againfl any future attacks of hoftile
invaders. Unhappily for them, with the ufeful
commodities and arts of the Romans, they im-
ported their luxuries ; thefe, with the long intcr-
courfe they had carried on with them, lulled alleep
a fenfe of danger, and they funk down inattentive,
inaftive, in the foft lap of indolent fecurity.
Cunobeline, who furvived Caligula a fhort timex
was fucceeded by his two fons Togodumnus and
Caraftacus. Thefe brave chiefs withheld the tri-
bute due to the Romans, becaufe they had refufed
to deliver up feveral traitors who had fled to Rome
for refuge. One of thefe was named Beric, a fup-
pofed chief of the Dobuni, who, by the mod flat-
tering reprefentations, excited Claudius to make a
conqueft of Britain.
While this mifcreant was foliciting the deftrucYton
of his country, ambaffadors arrived at Rome to
demand the fugitives. Their petition was reje&ed,
and infult added to a denial. They were given to
under/land at the fame time, that if the arrears of
the tribute long due were not immediately paid,
they would be demanded at the head of a Roman
army. Confounded at fo ungracious a reception,
the ambaffadors, without offering a reply, repaired
with the utmoft expedition to their country. The
two princes, exafperated at the ignominious treat-
ment of their ambaffadors, prohibited all inter-
courfe with the Romans, and they even refufed to
pay the impofts and duties laid on Britifh commo-
dities exported to Gaul.
. — Claudius, who fucceeded Caligula,
' 43- forty-three years after the birth of our
Saviour, made this refufal of the Britons a plaufible
pretence for commencing hoftilities againft them.
He therefore, without delay, gave the command of
his army in Gaul to Aulius Plautius, a citizen of
great reputation, not lefs eminent in the fcnate than
the field.
In obedience to the imperial orders, Plautius led
a numerous body of forces to the coaft of Gaul.
For a time, a fpirit of mutiny entered into them,
and they refufed obeying their general's orders,
alleging, in their j unification, that they would not
pafs the boundaries of the ocean, nor plant the
Roman eagles in what they called a new world.
By this unexpected difobedience the embarkation
was delayed ; but the eloquence and virtues of
Plautius fo effectually wrought upon the generofity
of his foldiers, that they returned to their duty;
on which he divided them into three bodies, and
embarked them at as many different ports. Having
fet fail, they were driven back by a violent gale of
wind, which had no fooner fubfided than they put
to fea again, and landed on the coaft of Kent
without opposition.
The Britons, upon what ground of policy, or
from what motives, is difficult to determine, had
broke up their camp near the fea-coaft, juft before
the Roman legions appeared, and had retired up
the country. The principal body of their forces
was commanded by the two brothers Togodumnus
and Caraftacus, both celebrated for their military
abilities and virtue. Plautius loft no time in pur-
fuing them ; and entering the country of the Do-
buni, now Oxfordfhire, fell upon the Caffivellauni,
under the command of Caraftacus, and put thenv
to flight. Togodumnus,*- inftead of retreating be-
fore an enemy flufhed.witirjy£kexyt -determined to
give ihem battle, ari^ \\StsXalfo defeated. The
Roman general, leavirig^garrjfons in thofe places he
had conquered, to«fecure a retreat, purfued his rout
to the Thames, thftn called Ifis. He found the
two brothers, who had effefted a junction^ and to
whofe ftandard the Britons had repaired from all
parts, encamped on the oppofite fide of the river,
at a place too deep to* be forded even by cavalry.
But having in his army a large body of German
foldiers, who had been accudomed to fwim acroi's
rapid rivers in their armour, they plunged with un-
daunted intrepidity into the ftream, and Were ("up-
ported by the Roman forces, who boldly followed -
their example. The Britons, aflonifhed at a tr,an-
faclion fo daring and extraordinary, abandoned
their camp, and retired in confufion. As foon as
the Germans, with a body of infantry under the
command of Flavius Vefpatian, and his brother
Sabinus, had reached the oppofite bank of the
river, they formed, and continued their purfuit in
fearch of the enemy, who were retreating to their
ftrong holds, the neighbouring woods. A (light
fkirmifh enfued, in which the Britons were worfted ;
but night coming on, it was not thought prudent to
purfue the advantage. Thefe defeats did not de-
prefs the fpirits of the Britons, who, roufed to a
fenfe of danger, on the following day attacked the
Roman army with an impetuofity that even their
veterans, trained in the fchool of difcipline, could
not refift. With a fury, bordering on madaefs,
they broke through their ranks, and thinned their
fquadrons. Victory for a time was doubtful which
fide to take, till Sidius Geta turned her fcale in
favour of the Romans. He was fuppofed to have
been taken prifoner; but having forced his way
through furrounding foes, he fuddenly, wheeling
about, fell upon the Britons in their rear. The un-
fortunate Britons now found themfelves attacked on
every quarter ; and though for a fhort fpace they
flood firm, yet in the end Roman courage pre-
vailed, and they were put to flight. However,
fuch was the obftinacy of this well-maintained
aftion, that Vefpatian himfelf muft have been
numbered among the flain, had not his fon refcued
him when furrounded by the enemy, at the hazard
of his own life. This viftory was dearly purchafed
by the Romans; for, in all probability, another
battle, fought with equal bravery, would have
rendered all future attempts againft the Britons in-
efficacious. Triumphal honours were decreed to
Geta by the fenate for his important fervices,
though they had feldom, if ever before, conferred
fuch high marks of diflinftion on an officer of his
rank.
CaraQacus thus defeated, but not fubdued, re-
treated along the banks of the Thames, and croffing
the river near Greenwich, the loweft place where it
was fordable, encamped in the marfh.es on the north,
fide.
Plautius, with his army, followed the Briton.',
and having reached the banks of the Thames, his
German troops fwam over, while the reft paffed on
a bridge creeled at fome diftance above the ford,
and furrounutd th&i«mp of the enemy, when they
thought themfelvelHft.ure in a fafe retreat. A fe-
cond engagement now enfued, in which they were
again routed with great (laughter, and in the utmoft
confufion repaffed the Thames. In this aftion
Togodumnus, revered for his military talents, was
flain ; which raifed fuch a fpirit of refentment in the
Britons, that Caraftacus, collecting and re-inforcing
the fcattered remains of his army, encamped in face
of the Romans, near the coal! oppofite to Gaul.
Plautius law the gathering ftorm, and thought it
moft prudent not to oppofe, at prefent, the efforts
of a defpcratc enemy,. driven to dcipair. He there-
fore'declining an engagement, fortified his camp,
and waited the arrival of the emperor, to whom he
had difpatched letters, requefting him to repair to
Britain and tinifh the conqueft of the ifland in
perfon. ,
Claudius, upon receiving the letters from his
general, intruded the civil government in the hands
of Vitillus, whom he had affociatcd with himfelf in
the confulfhip, and embarked at A8ium for Mar-
feilles; from whence he proceeded by land to Bo-
Jcgne,
THE
ROMANS.
logne, at which port he took fhipping for Britain,
and landed, after a fafe paffagc, at Sandwich, with
a large army.
Having effected, without oppofition, a jun&ion
with the Roman forces under Plautius, he now took
upon him the command, and advancing to Came-
Jodunum, the capital of Cunobeline, now Maiden
in Effex, he invefted that place, which he took with
little difficulty. From hence he marched into Mid-
dlefex, where his prefence and fuccefs ftruck fuch
a terror, that the Belgic, and many other neigh-
bouring provinces, made ready offers of fubmiffion ;
yet the natives in general retained their ancient love
of liberty ; the brave Caraftacus ftill kept the field,
at the head of the Caffivellauni, trufting that the
Romans would retire to the continent on the ap-
proach of winter.
After an abfence of fix months from his empire,
and as hiftorians fay, a campaign of fixteen days
onlvin Britain, Claudius quitted the ifland ; where
his moderation and liberality in the conquered pro-
vinces, had made fuch an impreffion on the Britons,
that they erected a temple to his fame, and paid him
honours next to divine. Nor were the Roman fena-
tors lefs fenfible of his important fervices, to which
they thought no honours in their power adequate.
They therefore decreed him a fplendid triumph,
and, what muft be more flattering to his vanity,
they beftowed upon him the furname of Britannicus.
Before, his departure from Britain he left the
management of the war to Plautius, who divided
his army into two bodies ; one of which he headed
in perfon, and gave the command of the other to
Flavius Vefpatian. The latter was fent againft the
Belgic colonies, while the former oppofed the ori-
ginal natives, who inhabited the inland parts of the
ifland.
» „ Vefpatian made a rapid progrefs in a
49' very fhort time. The Belgic colonies
followed the example of their countrymen, and
fubmitted as readily to Vefpatian, as they had done
before to Claudius. He penetrated, having paffed
almoft inacceffible hills and extenfive moraffes, into
"Wilts, Dorfet, and Somerfetfhire. Thefe he re-
duced to Roman provinces, which he governed
with fuch wife regulation, that they ever after re-
mained firm to his intereft, and even furnifhed his
army with foldiers to fubdue the northern inhabi-
tants. Having fixed garrifons in the places he had
conquered, he returned to Rome, where, by a decree
of the fenate, he was honored with a triumph.
Plautius had many more difficulties to encounter
with than Vefpatian. He had to contend with Ca-
raclacus, that fteady patriot and faithful undaunted
friend to his country. This prince, nurfed in the
lap of adverfity, had acquired, by long experience, a
large fund of military knowledge. He was rigorous
without haughtinefs, brave without rafhnefs, judi-
cious without oftcntation. He never engaged his
enemies without fecuring fomc advantages, and fo
fruitful in expedients, that he was generally ready
for a fecond engagement the day after he had fuf-
fered a defeat. Convinced of Roman fuperiority
in military difcipline, he endeavoured, as much as-
poffible, to avoid a general engagement ; at the fame
time he watched every motion of the Romans with
the greateft attention, and feldom miffed any oppor-
tunities that offered of furprifing their detachments.
He refilled at the head of the Caffivellauni alone,
the whole power of the Romans in Britain. Plau-
tius, however, notwithstanding continually haraffed
by this vigilant chief, who cut off his convoys and
ftraggling parties, fubdued the counties of Glou-
cefter, Oxford, Middlefex, Effex, and Hertfordfliire.
He alfo reduced the Ifle of Wight to obedience,
and difcovered the Orkneys. Satisfied with thefe
acquifitions, and finding ftill greater obftacles to be
furmounted, the Roman general having been re-
called, repaired to Rome, and there received the
reward due to his great merit. An ovation was
decreed him ; at which the emperor himfelf rode at
his left hand, both to and from the Capitol, amidft
the loud acclamations of rejoicing citizens.
A D so Oftorius Scapula fucceeded Plautius,
and on his arrival in Britain, found Ca-
raftacus had made frequent inroads into thofe dif-
trifts which had fubmitted to the Roman power,
and recovered great part of his territories. He
therefore without delay collected thofe troops that
lay neareft the places haraffed by the Britons. This
done, advancing by forced marches, he put them to
flight; but knowing, from experience, that an ene-
my like the Britons could be kept no longer in
fubjection than while deprived of the means of re-
fiftance, he difarmed all the difaffefted, and placed a
line of forts, in advantageous fituations, between the
rivers Avon and Severn. Camelodunum he made a
place of arms; and, about this period, London was
made a trading colony; and all that part of Britain
between the fea and the Thames, was thrown into
the form of a Roman province, to which the name:
was given of Britannia prima.
The Britons from thefe repeated fucceffes of their
invaders, apprehending the moft terrible confe-
quences, began in general to be alarmed. The
Iceni, inhabitants of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cam-
bridge, who had formerly lived in friendfliip with
the Romans, though as yet unfubdued by them,
firft took up thofe arms which they difdained to
furrender. The Confederacy becoming general, a
place was appointed for a rendezvous, and a commo-
dious fpot marked out for a camp. This was en-
vironed with a rampart of earth, and acceffible only
by one narrow path which would not admit the ap-
proach of cavalry. The Roman general, without
waiting for the flower of his legions, advanced
againft thefe fortifications, and making a difpofuion.
he thought moft proper, attacked the Britons in
their camp, who after a moft valiant refiftance, were
forced to abandon the unequal conteft, and the Ro-
mans obtained a complete victory. This deter-
mined the fate of the Iceni, and their fubjedion
fixed the fidelity of thofe provinces, which began to
fluctuate between the fear of Roman power, and
the hopes of recovered liberty.
1*.! IrJf
CHAPTER IV.
The Roman General Oftoritis, turns his arms againft the Cangi and Briganles, whom, after a Irave oppofition, he
totally routs with great jlaughter — The Brigantes having joined the Silurcs, are determined, under the command
of Car abacus, to make another ftand againjl the invaders of their country. The battle between them and the Romans
particularly defcribed—The latter form their camp, and obtain, after a moft obftinate engagement, a complete
viclory — The fpeech of Carattacus, when exhibited a public fpettaclc at Rome, before the emperor Claudius and
Agrippina — The Britons become more formidable, and infcveraljkirmijbes defeat the Romans — Oftorius dies -with
grief, and is fucceeded by Didnis — A civil conleft breaks forth in Britain, occafioncd by the infamous conduct of
Carlifmandna, which produces an engagement between the Britons and Romans, to whom Jbc had fed far protec-
tion, and paves the way for a general revolt — Didius dying, Paulinus Suetonius, a celebrated general, is appointed
by Nero to fupply his place. Suetonius adopts the moft prudent meafures tofurmount the difficulties he had in en-
counter ~,uith—He lays wafte the ifte of Mona, now called Anglcfey, the antient feat of the Druids, and deftroys
every
20
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
every place dedicated to (heir religious worfoip — A general infurretlion of the Britons, caufed by the infatnous
conduit of Cattis Decianus {sward the Britons in general, and particularly to Boadicea, widoiv of Praj'dtugus, king
of the Iccni — She infpires the Britons with fent intents of reve ngc, and, is appointed by them to the chief command
— Camelodiinum and Pentium arc taken by ftorm — The ninth legion, under Pet Him Cerealis, are defeated with
great Jlattghter — She enters London with her army, and deflroys both the town and inhabitants wilhfirc and favor d
— Seutonius, in order to flop the further ravages of the Britons, determines to hazard a battle; an engagement
enfues : the Romans obtain a. complete viQory : and Boadicea, difappointed in her revenge, puts an end to her life
— The Roman general fullies his victory with wanton cruelties : on which account he is recalled, and Petronius
Turpilianus fucceeds him — The new governor, tvith his tu'o fucceffors, tread in the paths of peace ; and under the
reigns of Vitellius, Galba, and Otho, Britain enjoys uninterrupted repofe — I'efpatian confers the government of
Britain on Julius Agricola. He conciliates the aff'eftions of the Britons ; and by his prudent meafure: more than
force, Jubdues the whole ijland — This effected, he makes an incur/ion into Caledonia ,• penetrates far into the northern
parts ; and creels a chain of forts tofecure his conquejts — The emperor Titus confirms him in his government, and
he makes a further progrefs in Scotland — A battle between the Roman army and the Caledonians, under their in-
trepid and Jkilful general Galgacus : in which the latter, though much fuperior in number and Jituation, was
entirely routed with great /laughter — The emperor Adrian arrives in Britain, and for the fecurity of the fouthcrn
provinces, raifes a rampart of earth and wood from the mouth of the Tyne to Solway Frith — Antoninus Pius
fucceeds him, and builds another wall from the Frith of Dunbritton to that of Edinburgh — Severus arrives in the
ijland ; he marches through the country almoft to the extremity of North-Britain ; concludes a peace with the
Caledonians ; dies at York, and ajjumes the title of Britannicus Maximus — Conftantius by bis prudent adminiflra-
tion, conciliates the ajfe&ion of the Britons — His fan ConJJantine the Great, who fucceeded him, by treading in his
father's Jleps, makes them a happy people. He openly declares hhnfelfa Chriflian, and puts a final period to Pagan
Jupcrjlilion. His diftinguijhed char after — The Britons being harajfed by the Saxons and Franks, Valentinian fends
Theodofms into Britain, to flop their ravages. He rejiores tranquillity in the ijland — They are ji ill more diftrejfed
during the reign of Gratian, but are relieved by the arrival of Chryfanthus — The death of Theodofms puts a period
to their repofe ; about which time the Roman empire drew near to its dijfolution — Aleric the Goth, having fackcd
Rome, occajioned a recal of the legions from Britain — Valentinian III. after repeated folicitations from the Britons,
fends a Jingle legion to their ajjijiance, which is recalled and another fubftituted in its room, under the command of
Gallio ; who quits the ijland, with whom departed alfo the power and dominion of the Romans in Britain — Conclu-
fion of this chapter and thefecond book, with -a few remarks refpecJing the flat e of the Britons under the Romans \
the progrefs of literature, and the introduction of Chriflianity into the ijland*
OSTORIUS having obtained this important
viftory over the Iceni, andeffe&ed a chain of
forts to prevent the future incurfions of the Britons,
he made Cogidunus, chief of the Dobuni, a denizen
of Rome, by which prudent meafure he fecured in
his intereft a powerful and faithful ally.
The Roman general now marched againft the
Cangi, who had determined to defend their liberty
to the lafl extremity. His endeavours to reduce
them proved fuccefsful ; but he had hardly accom-
plifhed this hazardous undertaking, when, in the
midlt of his devaftations, a more formidable enemy
required his prefence in another quarter. The Bri-
gantes having revolted, had made a dreadful inroad
ihto the Roman territories. He therefore advanced
againft them with hafly marches ; but pafling by
Hatfield forcft, the Britifh forces, who there lay
concealed, rufhed out, and attacked the Roman
army vvith their ufual fury. This firil affault in-
fpired them with hope of certain victory. The
Roman legions were thrown by it into diforder.
But thofe brave veterans having recovered their
ranks, foon checked the prefumption of the Brigan-
tes, who, by neglecting to fecure a retreat, were
totally routed with great (laughter. However,
though defeated, their martial fpirit remained un-
conquered ; for the fcattered remains of their army
were no fooner collected, than they joined the Si-
lures, and determined, under the command of Ca-
raftacus, to make another fland againft the invaders
of their country. The Romans revered the talents
of this able commander, while the Britons looking
up to him as their deliverer, prepared to encounter
Oftorius with redoubled ardour.
Caraflacus, who well knew how unequal a con-
tclt his countrymen maintained with the enemy, in
the open field, endeavoured to gain pofleffion of in-
acceffible polls. With this view he politically
transferred the feat of war from the county of the Si-
lures, or South-Wales, to that of the Ordovices, or
North-Wales, this abounding with craggy rocks,
and high mountains; which natural fortifications
would enable him either to attack or annoy the ene-
2
my to the greatcfl advantage. He therefore formed
a camp on the fummit of a mountain, wafted by a
river deep and rapid ; and by way of adding to the
natural ftrength of this poft, he fortified the bank
of the river with ramparts of fharp-edged flints. In
this pofition he determined to wait the approach of
the Roman army.
As they drew near, Caraftacus addreffing his
troops with all the power of natural eloquence, con-
jured them to aft like men in the approaching hour
of combat. He told them the impending engage-
ment would fecure their independence and their va-
luable liberty, or reduce them to perpetual fervitude.
He reminded them of former injuries, and fuccefs-
ful efforts to redrefs them ; of the bright examples
of their intrepid anceftors, who had driven the re-
nowned Caefar from Britain, and chole death to a
life of infamy, under the lofs of freedom. He in-
voked the fhades of their valuable predeceflbrs, im-
ploring folemnly their prefence as fpeclators in this
important day of trial, not omitting to enumerate
the noble ftruggles they had endured, to deliver
them, their pofterity, from the griping hand of vio-
lence and oppreffion. A fliout of general applaufe,
at the conclufion of this fpecch, pervaded the Bri-
tifh camp, nor flopped till it reached the ear of
Oftorius. But though alarmed at thefe acclama-
tions, they had no other efteft than to make him
adopt the mofl prudent meafures for the event. He
furveyed attentively the ftrong pofition of the ene-
my. He faw at one view the difficulties to be fur-
mounted were many; but notwithstanding the na-
ture of the country, and the refolute behaviour of
the Britons, which rendered the profpeft more
gloomy, he relied with pleafing hope on the tried
valour of his legions, whole ardour to engage was
fcarcely to be repreffed. Dangers, when the prize of
victory is difplayed, tend only to inflame a defire of
glory, and to augment courage in the boioms of the
brave. Oltorius marked the cagerncfs of his troops,
but would not fuffer them to engage, till he had dif-
covered a ford, where they might pal's the river with
the leafl obftruftions.
The
THE
ROMANS.
21
The fignal for an attack being given, the Romans
crofted the ftream, and affaulted the ramparts of the
enemy with unmaken firmnefs j the Britons de-
fended them with equal bravery. The contelt was
long and bloody, and fortune feemed at firit to fide
with the Britons; but Roman difcipline prevailed ;
the ramparts were forced, and both armies came to
a clofe engagement. Viftory was for a time at a
lofs on which of the contending holls to beftow her
palm, till the Roman veterans removed her uncer-
tainty. Covered with their heavy armour, the wea-
pons of the Britons made little impreflion, while
death followed every blow they ftruck. Caraftacus,
unable longer to lupport the unequal conflict, re-
treated to his camp on the fummit of the mountain.
The afcent was fleep, and the Britons difputed every
foot of ground like men rcgardlefs of dcftruftion.
But their efforts, though vigorous, were in vain.
Death prefented himfelf to them on every fide. The
Romans had gained the fummit. Slaughter enfued.
Blood and devaltation filled the Britifh camp. Vic-
tory rode triumphant among the Roman legions,
and delivered the ftandard of Britifh liberty into
their hands. This was indeed a day of carnage and
defolation ; the flain were innumerable. Many per-
fotis of diftintlion were taken prifoners, to decorate
the vain {hew of a Roman triumph ; and among
thefe, the compaffionate eye of a feeling hiftorian
cannot but drop a tear while he numbers, the wife,
daughter, and brothers, of the truly heroic Carac-
tacus.
Abafhed, confounded, and diftrafted at this fatal
overthrow, as a generous lion, terrified by his pur-
fuers, is driven into the toils, fo did Cara&acus in-
confiderately fly for fhelter to the ftrumpet Cartif-
mandua, queen of the Brigantes. She had a long
time been a frieud to the Romans, and at variance
with her hufband Venutius, for the aftive part he
had frequently taken in the defence of his country.
Delighted therefore with the favourable opportunity
of gratifying her revenge and obliging the Romans,,
fhe bafely loaded Caractacus with chains, and de-
livered him into their hands. An aftion, which it
is hoped, in all the records of future hiftory, will be
branded with the ftrangeft marks of infamy* The
military reputation of this illuftrious hero was well
known at Rome. He had for many ytars fup-
ported that formidable confederacy, began by Caffi-
vullaunus, and was eiteemed the moll experienced
among the Britifli chiefs. We may reaibnably fup-
pofe then, that the capture of fuch a prifuner would
be received with univerfal joy, and that the Romans
would with to fee exhibited as a public fpe£tacle, a
man whofemilitarytaicntshadfrequentlychecked the
flight of the Roman eagles. All the captives there-
fore were fent to Rome, in order to gratify the gene-
ral curiofity of the people. On the day appointed
for this purpofe the whole city attended; the pras-
torian guards were under arms, the emperor and
emprefs, each being feated on a magnificent throne
adorned with the trophies of war. All eyes were
intent on the proceffion, which moved (lowly on in
the following order. The vaffals and dependants of
Caraftacus walked firft ; after thefe proceeded the
warlike fpoils; which were followed by the general's
family, whofe flowing tears fufficiently (hewed, that
their fpirits were equally deprefled with their for-
tunes. Very different was the manly deportment
of the brave Caraftacus. His fleady countenance
demonftrated that his foul foared far above his pre-
fent condition. His behaviour was collected and
firm. When he drew near the imperial throne, he
boldly addreffed Claudius in the following words,
recorded by Tacitus, the Roman hiftorian.
" Had my moderation kept equal pace with my
birth and fortune, I had entered this capital no.t as
a captive but a friend. Nor wouldft even thou, O
Caefar ! have difdained to rank in the number of
No. 2.
thy friends, a prince dcfcended from a long race of
royal and illuftrious anceftors, and the commander
of many nations. My prcfent condition adds luftre
to your glory, though it rcilccts difhonour upon
me. I was once mailer of men and arms, of horles
and chariots of war, of riches and power. Can you
wonder that I fought to preferve, and that I loll
them with regret ? If the Romans are defirous of
univerfal empire, does it follow that all mankind
fliould tamely fubmit to the yoke ? Had the hand
of perfidy fooncr betrayed me, 1 fhould have been
lefs diftinguifhed by misfortunes, and you by glory.
• Had I fallen in battle, both my name and fortune
had been configned to oblivion. Punifh me with
death, and I (hall foon be forgotten ; fuffer me to
live, and the generous aftion will remain an eternal
monument of your clemency."
This fpeech delivered by fo noble a captive,
affe&ed the whole audience. The mind of Clau-
dius, naturally humane, melted into fympathifing
pity, and felt the ftrong impulle of glowing gene-
rofity. He ordered the chains of Caraftacus and his
family to be taken off in his prefence, while at the
fame time, the famous Agrippina congratulating
them on the enjoyment of their liberty, received
them with the tendered marks of kindnefs, and af-
terwards loaded them with favours. Such was the
conduct of the generous Roman and the fpirited
Briton, both of whom may be faid juftly to have an
equal claim to the admiration of pofterity.
This victory was placed by the fenate among the
brigheft periods of Roman glory, and they honoured
Oftorius, though ablent, with a triumph. But the
profperity of the Roman general had now paffed its
meridian fplendor, while that of the Britons appeared
to rife with new luftre. The Romans, lulled into
fecurity by fucccfs, grew indolent and carelefs.
The Britons taught by fatal experience the value of
military difcipline, became more formidable than
ever. They fell upon the praefeft and his legionary/
cohorts, who were left to ere^l forts in the country
of the Silures, and wquld have cut them to pieces,
had not a reinforcement arrived in time from the
neighbouring garriibns. The prxfeQ himfelf, with
eight centurions, and a great number of privates
were among the (lain. Soon after they routed a
foragipg party, with fome fquadrons fent to its
lupport.
They were purfuing their advantages, when
Oftorius fent out his cohorts to ftop their progrefs.
Their endeavours proving unfuccefsful, he svas
obliged- to draw forth the whole of his legions.
Even thefe were no longer invincible. The Britons
attacked them fiercely, and maintained the battle
till night, when they retired with very little lofs.
Their iucceffes were followed with innumerable
(kirmiflies, which now became frequent all over the
face of the country, in woodlands, in fens, as chance
or choice, temerity or precaution, refentment or
avarice, directed; iometimes with, fometimcs with-
out the orders of their refpeclive leaders. Two
cohorts of auxiliaries, fentout by rapacious officers,
not taking neceffary precautions, were cut to pieces
while ravaging the country, whole fpoils the Bri-
tons diftributed among the inhabitants of the,
neighbouring ftates ; and this generous conduct
paved the way for a general revolt.
So many unfavourable and fucceflive
A-D-53- occui-rences could not fail affefting
Oftorius Scapula, now doubly depreffed by a weight
of years and a load of afflictions. To the laft he
fell a martyr and died with grief, for not being able
to terminate a war he had fucccfsfully began.
The demife of this able general was confidcred
by the Britons as a happy prelage of returning inde-
pendence. They difplayed again the ftandard of
liberty, and were determined to hazard a battle
with the invaders of their country. Manlius Va-
leas
22
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
lens took the command of the Roman forces till
the arrival of Aulus Didius, who was appointed by
the emperor to fucceed Oltorius. But before he
could reach his government, an engagement had
taken place between the two armies, in which the
Romans were defeated; and the Britons flufhed
with fuccefs, had penetrated into Britannia primaj
whereby their legionary troops were difpirited, and
their auxiliaries thrown into great confirmation.
Didius, on his arrival, found ftifficient reafons to
reprehend Manlius, and exerted his utmoft endea-
vours to recover the lofles fuftained by the impru-
dent conduft of that general. By his abilities and
application, though unequal to the talk he was fent
to perform, this Roman propraetor put a (top to the
victories of the Silures.
About this time Claudius dying, was fucceeded by
Nero in the imperial throne, a prince whofe lull,
avarice, and cowardice, rendered him averfe to mili-
tary exploits; but the people confidercd Britain as
one of the faireft jewels in the Roman diadem ; and
Nero thought it prudent to tread in the fteps of
Claudius, whofe memory he highly refpefted.
A kind of civil war alfo broke out in Britain,
occasioned by Cartifmandua, queen in a province
of the Brigantes, that infamous betrayer of Caracla-
cus, having taken to her polluted bed ' Volocatus,
one of her menial fervants. She likewife put to
death the brother and kinfman of her hufband.
Exafperated at fuch mocking injuries, Venutius ex-
cited the refentment of the neighbouring ftates
againft her. They received his pointed reprefen-
t'ations with all the marks of horror ; and deter-
mined to punifh the bafe Cartifmandua in an ex-
emplary manner. The Silures and Brigantes joined
the confederacy, and bound themfelves by the moft
folemn afts of their religion, either to take am-
ple vengeance on the infamous betrayer of their
country, orperifh. Cartifmandua now experienced
fome of thofe confequences that ever attend a gra-
tification of lawlefs paffions. Deferted by her
friends, hated by her fubje&s, expofed to the fury
of an enraged people, (he had no choice left but that
of flying for luccour to the enemies of her country,
who readily received her with much more kindnefs
and refpeft than her licentious character merited.
The Britons immediately purfued her to, this
friendly afylum, and the Romans marched out to
meet them. An obftinate engagement enfued, the
field of battle was covered with flain, and Cartif-
mandua was with difficulty preferved from falling
into the hands of an incenfed people. We may
juftly conclude, this battle not a little tarnifhed the
military honours of the Romans; for we find Ve-
nutius feized upon all the dominions of Cartif-
mandua, and the confederates, exafperated at the
protection given her by the Romans, refolved una-
nimoufly to exterminate or expel thofe bold in-
truders. Didius, who was very old and infirm, in-
truded the command of the army, whom he could
not head in perfon, to generals much inferior in
merit. He faw with extreme grief the fudden rc-
ferve of his fortune, and fell a viftim to the com-
plicated attacks of difcafe and vexation.
A n £ When an account of his death reached
'Rome, Paulinus Suetonius, a celebrated
general, was appointed to fupply his place. A
leader of his abilities was much wanted in Britain,
and the Romans chcrifhed the moll flattering ex-
peftations from his military talents. Nor were they
deceived by a falfe hope, for this great commander
took the molt prudent meafures to furmoum the
difficulties he knew he had to encounter with.
The greater part of the Roman army was encamped
in the country of the Ordovices, near the llreight
which feparates the ifland of Mona, now called
Anglefey, from the coaft of North-Wales. This
ifland was well peopled, and the place where the
a
Druids had fixed their refidence. Suetonius deter-
mined to deftroy their feat of fuperltition, conceiv-
ing that while the Britons were under the influence
of their inftruftions, it was in vain to think of re-
ducing them by force to obedience. Mona there-
fore mufl be laid waftc and the Druids extirpated,
in order to pave a way for Roman ambition to tri-
umph over Britifh liberty.
Suetonius perceiving the arm of the fea that di-
vides Mona from the adjacent coaft, could not be
forded by his infantry, collected a fufficient number
of boats for tranfporting the legions, while the horfe
crolled the flreight. As he drew near, he found the
more lined with the natives to oppofc him, but be-
ing drawn up at fome diftancc, he landed with very
little oppofition. A fcene now prefented itfclf
which ftruck the Romans with a fupcrflidous horror;
as the Britons advanced, they beheld their women
running up and down their ranks with difhcvelled
hair, like fo many furies, having flaming torches in
their hands, and making difmal lamentations : while
at the fame time the Druids, who were intermixed
with them, invoked heaven, pouring forth the moft
horrid execrations, and calling down the vengeance
of the gods upon the enemies of their religion.
This unufual fight, with the horrid yellings with
which it was accompanied, transfixed for a time the
Roman legions motionlefs. Suetonius feeing their
confternation and how much they were expofed to
the arrows of the Britons, flew from rank to rank,
and endeavoured to roufe his foldiers to aftion. At
length animated by exhortations of their general,
they attacked and foon routed theconfufed multitude
that had made a fhew of oppofition,drivingthem,their
priefts and women, into their woods, with a terrible
(laughter. Being by this defeat mafter of the ifland,
Suetonius deftroyed every place dedicated to fuper-
ftitious worfhip. He overturned their altars that
had often been ftained with human blood, cut down
their magical woods, demolifhed their myfterious
groves, burnt their priefts in thofe fires that had
been lighted for the facrifice of Roman prifoners,
and by thefe a6ls of cruel feverity put an effectual
flop to Druidifm. He then ordered forts to be
erefted, and left a garrifon fufficient to fecure this
new conqueft.
But while thus employed, his attention was re-
quired to the interior provinces, where a general
revolt feemed impending ; excited by oppreffive
taxes laid on the Britons, and the avarice, injuftice,
and brutality of Catus Decianus, the Roman pro-
curator.
Prafatugus, king of the Iceni, having no fon to
inherit his immenfe treafures, bequeathed them to
the emperor, making Nero co-heir with his two
daughters, hoping by that means to procure a
powerful prote&or for his children. But he was
fatally deceived, for the abominable vices of Nero
had long made him a ftranger to juftice, gratitude,
and humanity, and his officers copying too clofely
his example, were guilty of the moft mocking acls
of brutality, that luft could diftate, or avarice
perpetrate. Catus Decianus, a man of infamous
character was lent into Britain as procurator, or fu-
perintendant of the finances. Claudius had re-
mitted the confiscation of the eftates of thofe Bri-
tons who had withftood his power, but Decianus
eftabliflied a court of refumption, by which he ad-
judged fuch eftates as had been forfeited to the im-
perial trcafury. In vain the oppreffed Britons re-
monftrated ; the procurator, a lecond Nero, not
only difregarded their complaints and diilrefles,
but, under pretence of afting as guardian to the
daughters of the deceafcd Prafatugus, rapacioufly,
feized the whole of his kingdom, pillaged his pa-
lace, ordered his widow, upon exclaiming againft
his iniquitous proceedings, to be publicly fcourgcd,
and even commanded fome of his licentious
centurions,
THE
R O M • A N S.
centurions, to violate the chattily of her two
daughters.
Fired by fuch inhuman barbarity, and fuch vile
indignity offered to the widow and daughters of their
king, the Iceni, already ripe for a revolt, had re-
courfe to arms, and were joined by the Trinobantes,
under the command of Venutius. Other neigh-
bouring dates alfo united with them, who could not
behold fuch glaring inflances of Roman cruelty
without detedation. Determined therefore to pour
vengeance on their oppreflbrs, they bound them-
felves in the mod folemn manner to revenge their
country's wrongs, or to perifh in the glorious at-
tempt.
Boadicca having been appointed head of her
allies, and who inherited the fpirit of her anceftors,
infpircd them with fcntiments of revenge, by point-
ing in the mod (triking colours the unjud injuries
received by herfelf and family. The Britons felt
the force of her eloquence, and waited with im-
patient defire of pouring dedruftion on the heads
of her inhuman enemies.
The fird place that felt their vengeance was Ca-
melodunum. This place was taken by ftorm. Blood
and f laughter enfued, and the inhabitants experienced
every torture an exafperated enemy could devife.
Boadicea retaliated on the Roman women the fame
kind of injuries done to herfelf and daughters.
The garrifon retired to the temple of Claudius,
vainly imagining, that a drufture devoted to re-
ligious purpofes would have been a fufficient de-
fence againft the fwords of the vi&ors ; but they
fhould have confidered, Mona was then laid wafte,
and her facred groves dedroyed ; fo that religious
fury, in the bread of the Britons, being added to a
fenfe of civil wrongs, not pity herfelf could reftrain
their rage ; they forced the temple, laid the edifice
in afhes, which its fanftity could not proteft, and
-put every Roman in it to the fword.
Elated with this fuccefs, they continued marking
their footfteps with devadation wherever they came.
Petilius Cerealis marched with the ninth legion to
ftop their ravages. The Britons advanced to meet
them, and after an obftinate conflict, all the in-
fantry were cut to pieces, and the horfe only efcaped,
•with whom Cerealis fled to his fortified camp.
Suetonius informed of thefe events, made the
greateft expedition to reach London ; but finding it
impoflible to defend it with his little army againft
the numerous forces of the Britons, he withdrew to
the Surry fide, upon which Boadicea entering Lon-
don, dedroyed both town and inhabitants with
fire and fword. The city of Verulum fhared the
fame dreadful fate, and it is faid the Britons, both
places included, put to death more than eighty
thoufand perfons, fparing neither age, fex, nor
condition.
In order to put a ftop to thefe depredations, the
Roman general determined to hazard a battle.
This being refolved on, he chofe an advantageous
poft, where his forces amounting only to ten
thoufand, would have it in their power to fuftain
the fury of the firft attack. Accordingly, having
reconnoitered the country, he fixed upon a fpot of
ground, acceflible only by a narrow defile, having
an open plain in front, and a large wood in his
rear. He now placed his legionary troops in the
centre, the light-armed on each fide, and his ca-
valry on the wings. In this pofition and order of
battle, he waited the approach of an incenfed he-
roine, and prepared to receive the affalut of the
enraged Britons, or to attack them as circumftances
might require.
He did not long wait for the enemy. The
Britons hoping by one decifive blow, to extirmi-
nate the whole power of the Romans, haftened to
the attack. Boadicea led them into the plain, irt
the front of the Roman army. In this inftance
preemption effected what military prudence might
have prevented. Relying upon the number of theif
forces, not lefs than two hundred and thirty thou-
fand men, they did not entertain a doubt of ob-
taining a complete viftory ; and deluded by this
vain confidence they brought their wives and
children with them into the field, 'that they might
be fpeftators of the battle, and aflift them in plun-
dering the invaders of their country. Thefe being
placed in waggons poftcd in their 'rear, rendered a
retreat extremely difficult.
The Britons now appeared in fuch numbers as to
aftonifh the Romans. At their head flood Boadicea irt
her chariot with her two daughters. She was drefled
in a loofe bodied gown, with a fpear in her hand, and
a hare in her bofom, which, atthe end of her harangue,
fhe let flip as an omen of fuccefs. In herperfon (he
was tall and robuft. Her face comely and full of
dignity. Her complexion was fair, and her yellow
trefles flowed below her waift. Addrefling herfelf
to the army, fhe reprefented with the moll power-
ful eloquence, and in the mod pathetic manner, the
inhuman infults which,without provocation, (he had
received; " But, added (he, the defire of revenging
mine own injuries, however great, is the lead mo-
tive that induced me to attack thofe tyrants of the
world. It is the univerfal flavery that is preparing^
the chains that is forging for my brave and nu-
merous people, that have roufed me to vengeance^
I have taken the field to defend the liberties of my
country ; but if there be any here who prefer the
yoke of flavery to freedom; who can tamely be-
hold their wives and daughters ravifhed, and Hoop
fo low as to kifs the feet of an infolent mailer, they
will do well to depart. For rriyfelf, I am abfo-
lutely determined to conquer or perifh."
A general fhout of applaufe refounded thrdugh
the ranks of the Britifh army. The fignal for en-
gaging was difplayed, and the Britons rufhcd to
the charge with their accuftomed fury. On the
firft onfet they feemed rather to court than decline
deftruftion, but their mod vigorous exertions could
not diforder or break the Roman ranks. The
legionary foldiers now fallied out into the open
plain upon the enemy, and were followed by their
auxiliaries. They charged the Britons with irrc-
fidible intrepidity, and bore do«,vn all oppofition.
Yet viftory was doubtful, till the field of battle
was covered with the flain. At length the Roman
difcipline prevailed, and the Britons were routed
with incredible flaughter. Eighty thoufand of them
were killed, whereas of Romans not more than four
hundred were flain, and as many wounded. The
unfortunate Boadicca, feeing her revenge difap-
pointed, and her hopes frudrated, by the defeat of
her army, put an end to her life by poifon. Some
writers are of opinion that the place where this
battle was fought, was Salifbury plain, and that
Stonehenge was erefted as a monument to comme-
morate the heroifm of Boadicea; others think the
important contcflwas decided in a large open fpace,
which are now the fields between Hampftead, High-
gate, and London, near the centre of which, about a
mile and a half north of Clerkenwcll, is a I'mall
projecting bank, which fome perfons yet call Boa-
dicea's camp.
Suetonius, without we confider the complexion
of the times, and what an inhuman man-inonder
was then reigning emperor, might be faid to have
purfued his conquefls with a cruelty unaccountable
in fo great a man. Not a Briton received quarter.
Even defencelefs women and children were put to
death ; whole diftricb were laid wade with fire and
fword ; towns and villages were reduced to arties ;
and the Britons having neglected to raife corn for
themfelves, by imagining the Roman magazines
certain plunder, a famine clofed thefe fcenes of
diftrefs, and almod depopulated thofe parts of the
ifland
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
ifland the fword had fpared. Yet notwithstanding
thefe accumulated miferies, though deprived of
cattle, bread, habitations, and friends, they refilled
to fue for peace, refolving rather to perifh than
make the lead fubmiflion. This inflexible obdi-
nacy, Julius Clailicanus, who fuceeeded Decianus
in the office of procurator, attributed to its true
caufe, namely, the haugluinefs and feverity of
Suetonius ; in confequence of which he wrote to
the emperor of Rome, informing him, that an end
could not be expected to Britiih refcntment, unlefs
Suetonius was recalled. Mis letter had its proper
weight at Rome, to which he was ordered to repair,
and Petronius Turpilianus was lent to fupply his
. place.
. ^. r The conducl of this new governor
A. D. 02. ,.„. r ,.°. .
was very different from that of his pre-
deceflbr. He was humane, gentle, and, during
the whole time of his command, permitted the
Britons to enjoy unmoleitcd repofe, fo that he ac-
complifhcd eafily by moderation, what military fe-
vcrities could not effe6L The Iceni, and other
revolted provinces, re-acknowledged the Roman
jurifdiclion. The Britons, in general, forgot their
wrongs. Their rage abated, plentiful harvelts
adorned their fields, and peace once more extended
her olive-branch over a defolatc country. After
having redded in Britain three years, he returned
fo Rome. Triumphal honours were decreed him ;
experience having taught the Romans, that lenity
and mildnefs were more likely to fubdue the
Hritons, than tyranny and military executions.
A r) g He was fuceeeded by Trebellius
*" Maxinuis, whofc inactive difpofition,
avarice, and want of experience, caufed an infur-
rcftion among his foldiers, which broke out into
tumults, and being encouraged by Rofcius Czelius,
they deferted, and compelled him to fly the king-
dom.
About this time the emperor, with whofe name
it is fufficient to have fullicd one page of our hiilory,
put an end to his life with his own detcfted hands ;
and during the fucceeding fliort reigns of Vitejlius,
Galba, and Otho, Britain enjoyed an uninterrupted
calm of tranquillity. Vitellius appointed Veclius
Bolanus to the government of Britain ; and on the
demife of Vitellius, his fucceffor Vefpatian gave the
command to Petilius Cerealis. This brave general
conquered the Brigaites, whofe country extended
from Solway-Frith to Chefhire, and from the Tyne
to the Humber; and Julius Frontinus, who fuc-
eeeded him, fubdued the Silures.
A p. Q But the honour of having fubdued
' ^ ' the Britons was refervedfor Julius Agri-
cola. The tranfaftions of this great general and
confummate ftatefman, are fuccinflly related by
Tacitus, his fon-in-law, one of the mofi elegant
writers, and without exception, the beft hiftorian
that any age or nation ever produced. His autho-
rity, therefore, we propofe to follow, as being, in
our opinion, fuperior to all others. Agricola had
ferved under Suetonius with great reputation.
Previous to his arrival in Britain, the Ordovices,
inhabitants of North- Wales, had cut off a body of
Roman horfe Rationed on their frontiers. Agricola,
though the fummer was far advanced, refolved to
check this infurreftion in its infancy, which por-
tended dangerous confequences. He accordingly
affembled the legions and auxiliaries, though dif-
perfed in different parts of the country, and with
the utmoft expedition marched againft the Ordo-
vices. Their rocks and mountains were no effectual
bars againft fuch an experienced commander. He
routed them on plains, drove them from precipices,
andpurfued them through places deemed inacceffi-
ble. HarafTed in every part, and unable to remain
in any place of fafety, they fubtnitted to the Roman
governor, and embraced the conditions held out by
his clemency.
When the winter was over, Agricola began his
operations which he had planned for completely re-
ducing the ifle of Anglefey, an undertaking, Sue-
tonius, when recalled, had left unfinifhed. This
he effefted with great reputation to himfelf; and
then returning to the fouthern provinces, he made
it his chief ftudy, during winter, to gain a perfefct
knowledge of the tempers a'nd difpofitions of the
Britons, whereby he might put in praftice the mof\
likely means to conciliate their affections. His en-
deavours to this end were crowned with fuccefs.
He began his civil adminiftration with a£ts of cle-
mency, without relaxing in the diftribution of
juftice. He was particularly careful to reform thofe
abules that had crept into the army, and to reftrain
the licentioufnefs of his troops, that no frcfti caufe.
of difpute might arife from their infblence and op-
prcffion. He was an enemy to every fpecies of
corruption. Severe, but not cruel ; affable, with-
out receding from his dignity. No griping extor-
tion or rigour, were employed in collecting the
tribute ; no iniquitous impofitions were fuffered ;
and in all his public afts, he endeavoured to give
the lead diffatisfaftion poffible to the people in
general. By thus holding the reins of government
with an equal hand, he made himfelf beloved by all
parties, both of Britons and Romans. The laft
cherifhed a real attachment to his perfon, and the
firft revered him as a parent.
Some of the provinces ftill refufing obedience to
the Roman power, particularly the Medini, inha-
bitants of Northumberland, Agricola took the field
the enfuing fpring, and compelled them to fub-
miflion. By the fword in one hand, and the olive-
branch in the other, he prevailed upon feveral ca-
pital cities to receive Roman garrifons: and by de-
grees, with the lenient art of perfuafion more than
force, he fubdued the whole idand.
Returning at the end of the campaign to his
head-quarters in the fouth, he purfucd throughout
the winter his former fyftem of politics. He creel-
ed temples, courts of judicature, and other publip
flruftures. He encouraged the building of private
houfcs, and eftablifhcd fchools and feminaries.
The Britons, in time, became fond of the arts and;
manners of the Romans. They cultivated the
Roman language ; put on the Roman habit ; and
imbibed greedily Roman luxuries : till at length
their natural (implicity, together with the very re-
membrance of their former independence, was
buried with their freedom in the grave of diffi-
pation.
In the fummer following Agricola made an in-
curfion into Scotland, then called Caledonia, where-
in he penetrated to the Frith of the river Tay.
Mere he erected a chain of forts to fecure his
conquefts. TJjefe were well fupplied with provi-
fions, and a brave intrepid garrifon. It is faid,
they were conftru&ed with fo much art, and fo ad-
vantageoufly fituated, that not one of them was
either forced, furrendered, or quitted as untenable,
during his refidence in Britain.
A pv 9 . The emperor Titus fucceeding Vefpa-
tian, confirmed Agricola in his govern-
ment ; who early in the fpring proceeded in his
operations, and led his army northward of the forts
he had erefted, having in his rout fubdued feveral
of the fmaller tribes. In the year following he
coafled along the country, faw the coaft of Ireland,
and formed a plan for its invafion ; but this defign,
by the death of Titus, was never executed. He
fpent the conclusion of this campaign in fecuring
his conquefts, by building a chain of forts acrois
the neck of land lying between the Friths of Clyde
and Forth, by which all communication between
the Britons and Romans were cut off.
. P. n In this year of his command, the.
' ' 3- bra.ve and politic Roman general marched
beyond
>,-r ,/,<' (f»,/,<>.,',.,Qt
rts Sc Sciences /v
Julius Aoricola a/&te.
d
, •/ /' /
c/A- //,y/'y//,,/,Yy/V') , // yyx /v ^
THE ROMANS.
beyond Badotria, or the Frith of Forth. During
his march, which extended through Perthshire and
Fife, his fleet coafled the fhore, which appeared
alarming beyond expreflion to the inhabitants living
near the fea. At this time Galgacus was king of
the Caledonian Britons, a prince admired for his
military talents. He had been educated in the
fouthern part of Britain, ferved under the Romans,
and uas well acquainted with their manner of
fighting. Knowing the fuperior advantages that
attend acting upon the offenfive, he refolved to at-
tack the Roman forts erected between the Forth
and Clyde, without waiting till the enemy fhould
carry fire and fword into the heart of "his country.
This fudden movement of Galgacus, with exagge-
rated accounts of the number of his forces, having
been reported to the Roman officers, they advifed
their general to retreat; but Agricola, feniible of
the effect fuch a llep mufl produce, refolved to
face the enemy, but adopted every prudent pre-
caution his prefent critical fituation required. He
faw the danger of keeping his troops in one body,
to oppofe a numerous, active enemy, who might
furround him, and cut off his provisions. In order,
therefore, to avoid the fate of perifliing by famine,
he divided his forces into three bodies. Galgacus
no fooncr perceived this, than he fell fuddeuly upon
the weakeit divrfion of the Romans, and, having
cut to pieces the advanced guard, poured like a
deluge into their camp. The fuddennefs of this
attack filled the legionary foldiers 'with aftonifh-
mcnt, which was greatly heightened by its having
been made in a dark and tempefluous night. For-
tunately for them, Agricola having been informed
by fpies of the enemy's defign, difpatched a re-
inforcement of light armed infantry to their aflift-
ancc ; who when they reached the camp gave a
o-eneral fhout, which intimidated the enemy, and
animated with returning vigour the defpairing le-
gion. Thus timely fupported, the whole body
ft 11 with fury upon the Caledonians, who, unable
to iv fift the charge, betook thcmfelves to flight,
and retreated to their flrong holds, whither the
Romans did not think it prudent to purfue them.
This defeat, inftead of quelling, roufed in their
bofoms the fpirit of liberty, which diffufcd itfclf
through the whole country. A general afiociation
w as entered into, and an army far more numerous
was raifed ; but before they were ready to take the
lii-ld, the feafon \v.as too far advanced to attempt
a decifion of the great impending conteft.
„ Early in the fpring, having collected
4" their forces, and fecured their wives and
children in places of fafety, they waited for the
Remans at the foot of the Grampian hills. The
Romans were impatient to be in the field of action.
They called on their general to lead them into Ca-
ledonia, alluring him of their readinefs to undergo
every fatigue, and face every danger. Agricola,
pleafed with their martial ardour, fent his fleet be-
fore him, with orders to alarm and hatrafs the
enemy ; while he himfclf advanced againfl the Ca-
ledonian army, which confided of thirty thoufand
men, headed by Galgacus. Upon the approach of
the Romans, this intrepid chief harangued his
troops in thefe words :
" When I conlider the caufe of this war, and
the prefent crifis, I have reafon to prcfumc, that
the futuie happincfs and freedom of the whole
ifland will date their birth from this important day.
For we are the mod valiant remains of the Britons,
feated in the remoteft regions, beyond the ken of
thofe nations cnflaved by the enemy; fo that our
eyes are yet unpolluted, -and free from the conta-
g'ion of foreign tyranny ; and this fccret recefs, un-
known to fame, has hitherto preferved us in all the
blefiings of liberty. Beyond us is no nation,
nothing but waves and rocks $ and on that jide,
No. -j.
nothing but bondage and flavery, which is to be
expected from the Romans, a people infatiable in
their lufts, and unbounded in their ambition.
Thofe robbers of the world, and ravagers of the
univerfe, now the exhaufled continent can no more
furnifh their rapines, endeavour to rilic the wide
feas and ocean. Wrhere they meet with opulent ene-
mies, their cruelty proceeds from avarice; when
with poor, it rifes from ambition. The eaft and
vveft, vaft as they are, cannot fatiate their vora-
cious minds. They, and they alone, with equal
greedinefs, grafp at the riches and poverty of all
nations. Devailations, murders, and extirpations,
pafs with them under the falfe names of empire
and government ; and they boaft of eftablifhing
peace in thofe provinces they have rendered defo-
late. Our.goods are their tribute; our corn their
provifions ; and our bodies their tools for all kinds
of drudgery : and if the modefty of our wives
and daughters has preferved them from open vio-
lence when they were enemies, it cannot fecure
them from their lafcivious friendfhips now they are
guefts. Other fiaves, whom nature and fortune
have deftined to fervitudc, are nourifhed by their
mailers ; but the Britons alone purchafe their own
bondage, and maintain andfupporttheiroppreflbrs.
Were our enemies courage in war equal to their
debaucheries in peace, we might juftly dread their
arms ; but their glory is all owing to our dilTen-
tions. Our union will difperfe their forces, that
are gathered out of many nations, fo that one mil*
carriage of theirs will diffolve their whole power.
" In fine, there you fee tribute and flavery, here
death, or liberty. Therefore let us conflcicr the
glory of our anceftors, and the fate of our pofte-
rity."
This animated fpeech, had it been delivered to
any other than undifciplined troops, might have
had the dcfircd effect, that of fecuring a victory.
But in thefe to whom it was addrefled, it only ex-
cited a fhort-lived tranfitory fury, which was pro-
ductive of a hideous fhouting, cuftomary with all
barbarous nations before they begin an engage-
ment. It was alfo a cuftom among the Romans
for their generals to harangue them previous to a
battle; nor did Agricola omit this neceflary for-
mality, but endeavoured to animate his foldiers
with all the powers of Roman eloquence.
Galgacus drew up his forces on the declivity of a
mountain, by which their whole number was to be
fecn at one view, and exhibited a very formidable
appearance. Agricola formed his army in two
lines. The firft confifted of eight thoufand auxiliary
foot, and three thoufand horfe forming the wino-s.
The Second was wholly formed of Roman legions.
Both armies waited for the Signal to engage with
great impatience. It being given, a flight of ar-
rows was difcharged on both fides, and the battle
began with inexpreffible fury. The conteft was
obstinately maintained, with dubious fuccefs. For
fome time the God of war fecmed to favour Gal-
gacus, and the- Caledonians appeared to have the
advantage; which Agricola perceiving he quitted
his horfe, and at the head of three Batavian, and
two Tungrian cohorts, advanced to a clofe engage-
ment. This attack turned the fcale of victory ;
for by clofing with the enemy, and engaging them
fword in hand, their javelins, which they could
dart with great dexterity, were rendered ufelefs.
But what contributed chiefly to the rout that im-
mediately enfued was, the ready fupport which the
whole Roman army afforded their general, who
following his intrepid example, forced the Cale-
donian cavalry to fall back on their foot, by which
a confufed intermixture of forces followed; and
the ranks being too thick, and the ground too un-
even for them to do much execution, numbers were
borne down by the weight of their own horfes, and
G many
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
many of their chariots being without drivers, con-
tributed, with other unfortunate circumftances, to
put the whole army into irreparable diibrder. In
the mean time, the Caledonian foot that had been
ported on the top of the hill, wheeled round during
the heat of the action in order to flank the Romans,
and attack them in their rear. But they were op-
pofed by four fquadrons ofhorfe, which Agricola
had referved to fruftrate any attempt of that kind.
Thus difappointed, and unable to ftand the furious
alFault of the legionary forces, the Caledonians
gave way on every iide. Galgacus in vain at-
tempted to rally his forces, and lead them once
more againft their enemies ; it was impoffible to be
effected ,- they fled towards the woods, and were
followed by the Romans in fome diforder; which
Agricola feeing, he ordered a ftrong body of light
armed infantry to fcour the woods. This entirely
difconcerted all the meafures of the Caledonians,
who hoped the enemy would have purfued them in
ftraggling parties, whereby they might have had
fonie favourable opportunities of cutting them off.
But Agricola's forces advancing in compact bodies,
drove them from the woods, and compelled them
to feck for fhelter in the inaccellible parts of the
mountains. The carnage was very great. Ten
thoufand Caledonians fell in this fatal battle, when
not more than three hundred and fifty of the Roman
army were flain. The fcene of favage brutality
that followed, is almoft too (hocking for humanity
to relate or read. Driven to defpair, and dreading
captivity more than death, the Caledonians fct fire
to their huts, and even malfacred their wives and
children, that they might not fall into the hands
of, in their opinion, more favage Romans. Oh,
can the tears of melting pity refrain from flowing,
over fuch bleeding facrihces to unfeeling ambition,
and the infatiable defire of conqueft.
. ,^ ~ This victory was not Icfs fatal to
• " ' ->' Agricola, than to the Caledonians; for
the infamous Domitian became jealous of the repu-
tation of his general, and his fuccelTors were the
caufe of his difgrace. He was recalled, under
pretence of being promoted to the government of
Syria. On his arrival at Rome, triumphal honours,
and a ftatue crowned with laurel, were decreed him
by the fenate. But he lived a very fhort time to
enjoy the juft reward of his merit; for corroding
envy had gained admiflion into the bread of the
daftardly emperor, nor would the military fame of
Agricola fuffer him to reft, till he had found means
to difpatch him bypoifon. Thus fell this celebrated
governor of Briton, defcrving of the higheft honours
confidered as a general, a civil magiftrate, or a
propraetor. His talents were great, his judgment
found, his memory tanacious. He was fruitful in
refources, and intrepid in danger; a friend to
merit, and an implacable enemy to extortion.
A -pi o J~^e was fucceeded by Saluftius Lu-
' '* cullus, who likewife fella victim to the
emperor's jealoufy. About this time the Caledo-
nians, having collected their fcattered forces, at-
tacked the Romans with fomc fuccefs. They even
took leveral of the forts erected on the ifthmus,
between the Forth and Clyde.
Julius Severus was fent to quell
this infurrection of the northern peo-
ple ; but was recalled before he could lead his
forces againft the enemy. In his abfence, the Ca-
ledonians continued their inroads, and in a battle
between them and Lucius Antoninus the Romans
were defeated, and Lucius himfeif dangeroufly
wounded.
A D 120 "^n 'rruPt'on» attended with fuch
fuccefs, required the immediate pre-
fence of an able general. Prifcus Lufcinius was
therefore fent into Britain, and foon after followed
by the emperor Adrian in perfou. On his arrival
A. D. in.
he marched into Scotland, and having proceeded
to the forts erected by Agricola, he found no enemy
to encounter with; for the Caledonians had retired
upon his approach to their faftnefles, in the moun-
tainous parts of the country. He therefore fee
about providing for the future fecurity of the
Roman provinces. To this enJ, and to prevent
future incurfions of the enemy, he raifed a ram-
part of wood and earth, covered with turf, above
eighty miles acrofs the country from eaft to weft,
from the mouth of the Tyne to Solway Frith ; and
for ftill greater fecurity to the fouthern provinces,
he placed garrifons, at proper diftances, along the
whole line.
Having thus provided for their fafety, and alfo
reformed feveral abufes that had crept into the
government under the command of Agricola, he
returned to Rome, where he was complimented by
his fycophants with the title of Reftorer of Britain ;
which was added to his other honorary diftinctions,
and ftamped upon his coins.
Antoninus Pius fucceeded the em- . ^
peror Adrian, when in the year fbl- '
lowing the northern infurgems demolifhed feveral
parts of their boundary; but they were intercepted
in their progrefs by his lieutenant Lollius Urbicus,
who compelled them to retire ; and to prevent, if
poffible, future incurfions, he built another wall of
ftone, covered with turf, from the Frith of Dun-
britton to that of Edinburgh. From this period to
the death of Marcus Aurelius, nothing material
occurred. To Britain it was an interval of peace;
nor did the northern people renew their depreda-
tions, the garrifons having been every where well
fupplied with provisions, and the foldiers regularly
relieved.
But no fooner had Commodus, on . -p.
the death of his father Aurelius, af- r
fumed the purple, than his criminal exceffes ren-
dered him an object of deteftation at Rome, and
contemptible in Britain. The Caledonians judged
this a favourable opportunity for expelling their
invaders from the bounds of their territories.
They afiembled a ftrong body of forces, who made
a breach in the wall of Antoninus, ftormed an ad-
jacent fort, and put the garrifon to the fword. In-
telligence of this event having been received at
Rome, Ulpius Marcellus, a commander of great
military experience, was fent to fupprefs the infur-
rection in North Britain, \vhere he began his ope-
rations with fuccefs, and finifhed therewith judg-
ment, by reviving the difciplineof his army, punilh-
ing the revoltcrs, and reducing affairs to their for-
mer channel ; for which important fervices to the
ftate, he was treated in a molt ignominious manner
by a pufillanimous emperor, who, when he could
not prcceed to greater extremes, deprived him of
his government.
On the departure of Marcellus, a mutiny broke
out in the Roman army, who renounced openly
their allegiance to Commodus. To quell this
commotion, the emperor fent Perennes, his favou-
rite, into Britain ; who by his imprudent admini-
ftration in removing veteran officers, and treating
the foldiers with rigorous fc verity, increaied the
general difcontent, infomuch that they deputed
fifteen hundred from the army to accufe Perennes
of high treafon. Ccmmodus pretended to believe
their allegations ; and in order to divert the ftorm
from himfeif, delivered his favourite up to the en-
raged foldiery, who immediately feized upon the
victim of their refentmcnt, and put him to death.
Helius Pertinax (afterwards emperor) being ap-
pointed to the government of Britain, he brought,
after having furmounted many difficulties, the mu-
tineers to fubjection, and rcftored tranquillity to the
province. However, the ncceffary feverities he was
obliged to have rccourfe to in this attempt, excited
H
i 'JTI- JTrTJ -i-J-iE-jTrl-j — ; — '•! 1 ' i — J — i — i i"^-"-!' •^-i-^vr ~. .t—~-i -"i^^^i "^
f>J
ACsafs illation // 'CAILi^USLUti ,//'/<>;/////>///// AY;/ ///w;v// Emperor
/ < '
//><•////,) ible Moiiarcli^/ Eiuvlaii(l.//y/,y t r earlier ously itaVbed
THE ROMANS.
uch an averfion in the foldiers, that he was recalled
at his own requeft, and fiiccecded by Clodius Al-
binus.
. p. About this time the tyrant Com-
" •- -"* modus was poifoncd by his concubine
Martia. On his death the Roman empire was dif-
tracted with inteftine convulfions, and the affairs of
Britain were difregarded in the bloody contentions
for empire. Different. pretenders for the imperial
diadem itarted up, and anarchy erected her throne
in the capital of the world. At lalt Severus, having
defeated all his competitors, and being fcate'd fe-
curely on the throne, determined to divide the
government of Britain into two parts. The ibuthern
department he committed to Heraclitus, and the
northern to Virius Lupus. The latter was fo har-
rafled by the Caledonians, that he endeavoured to
prevent their frequent vifits, and topurchafe repofe
with money ; which proved only an incentive, in-
ftead of a reftraint to the Caledonians ; for finding
they could be well paid, they took from hence a re-
folution of being more troublefome than ever, that
they might be the oftener bribed. The emperor
being informed of their repeated infurreciions, and
the impolitic conduct of his general, refolvcd on
an expedition into Britain, though at that time fixty
years of age, and much afflicted with the gout.
Accordingly,
» Y) A o Severus arrived in the ifland, at-
'" tended by his two fons Caracalla and
GVai. Though old and infirm, he profecuted this
difficult enterprize with equal alacrity and perfe-
vc ranee. The Scots and Picts, apprized of his in-
tentions, and knowing, as a general, he had no
equal, endeavoured todiffipate the gathering ftorm,
by fuing fubmifllvely for peace; but the emperor
was not to be diverted from his main defign. He
therefore difinifTed their ambalfadors with an equi-
vocal anfwer, and, having made all necefTary pre-
parations, marched into the enemies country.
Leaving his fon Gcta in the fouth, he proceeded
northwards, accompanied by Cara.:alla. At length,
. after incredible fatigue, he advanced almoft to the
fartheft bounds of North Britain. His army was
too powerful to be oppofed by the natives, who
every where fubmittect to his unconquerable perfe-
vcrancc ; but he met with obftacles more difficult
to furmount, than whole legions of embattled
troops. The vaft tract of country he pafTed through
•was covered with woods and interfected with bogs
and marfhes. Sometimes a frightful precipice
oppofed his progrefs, at others a broad and rapid
river obstructed his march. By impediments of
this kind, that continually lay in his rout, his forces
vcrc deftroyed without fighting, and difcou raged
without facing an enemy. The Caledonians faw
his diftrcfs, and renewed their applications for a
peace. He accepted of their propofals, having loft
in his march through Scotland above fifteen thou-
fand men, and a peace was accordingly concluded.
But knowing that their obedience would befecured,
and the conditions of the treaty obferved, no longer
than they were overawed by a military force, here-
paired the old wali built by Adrian, facing it with
ftone, and making it twelve feet high and eight feet
thick. This wall the north Britons called Mur-
fcvcr, that is, Severus's wall, and the fouth Britons,
the Picts wall. The legionary foldiers of the Ro-
mans were employed in erec'ting this aftoniihing
piece of architecture, the remains of which may at
this day be traced for near feventy miles, and will
probably long continue a monument of the con-
fummate fkill, and indefatigable induftry of the
Romans. Having finifhed his expedition, leaving
the command of the army to Caracalla, Severus re-
tired toEboricum, or York, and took the title of
Bi itannicus Maximus,which wasafterwards itampcd
upon his own coins, and thofe of his fons.
Caracalla, by his imprudent conduct in not con-
troling the infolence, tyranny, and cruelty of his
foldiers, who madeexcurlions beyond the wall, and
committed the moft wanton outrages, exafperated
the Scots and Picts to fuch a degree, that rcgardlefs
of the peace lately concluded, they had again re-
courfc to arms, and retaliated feverely upon the
Romans, the unprovoked injuries they had received
from their hands.
The emperor when informed of this , n
infurrcction, but not of the caufe, was 2l8'
fo highly incenfed, that he meditated nothing lefs
than a general maflacre of the devoted Caledonians ;
and with a determination of gratifying his ill-
founded revenge, he iiiued orders to his army in the
moft rigorous terms ; but lived not to fee his cruel
mandate executed j for before the neceflary prepa-
rations were completed, being deprefTed by infir-
mities and age, he died at York, in the fixty-feventh
year of his age. His foldiers, by whom he was
greatly beloved, performed his funeral rites with
a magnificence fuitable to his dignity and diftin-
guifhed merit.
His two fons Caracalla and Geta, to whom he
had jointly bequeathed the empire, having in their
eyes the luxuries of Rome, as belt adapted to their
vicious inclinations, made a peace with the Scots
and Picts $ and foon after quitted the ifland, taking
with them their father's afhes, which they depotited
in the tomb of Adrian. But Caracalla, whofc am-
bition would not fuffer a compeer with him on" the
throne, confidering Geta as an enemy rather than a
brother, caufed him to beaflaflinated. The wretch
had made many fruit lei's attempts on his father's
life, but in this bafe act of fratricide he unhappily
fucceeded.
From this period nothing remarkable occurred
in the hiftory of England, till the reign of the em-
peror Dioclefian.
Onhisafcending the throne, he com- . p. „
miffioned Caraufuis, a perfon of mean 4*
extraction, but famous for his courage, to fcour the
Britilh feas, with a powerful fleet, of the piratical
Franks and Saxons. Caraufius executed his orders
with great fuccefs; but refufmg to account with the
emperor's officers for the treafure he had amafled,
Maximinian, who was a fharer with Dioclefian in
the government of the empire, difpatchcd an
emiiTary with private inftructions to put him to
death. Being apprized of this he failed to Britain,
where he was received with the greateft acclama-
tions of joy by the inhabitants. The Roman army
immediately proclaimed him emperor, and inverted
him with the purple robe. Caraufius now aug-
mented his navy, and performed a coafting voyage
by Gaul, Spain, and Italy; and fo fuccefsful were
his depredations by frequent defcents upon thecoaft,
that Maximinian was at length compelled to yield
him the fole government of Britain. His powei
thus indirectly obtained, was well employed; for
he fortified the wall of Severus, and embraced every
prudent meafure for the fecunty of his new fubjects.
Conftantius about this time was ^ ^\
joined with Maximinian and Diocle- .
fian, in the government of the Roman empire; and
Caraufius being at Bologne, he marched with a
large army to invert that place. Confta;itius blocked
up the port with a ftonc bank. Caraufius dclpifing-
this obttruction, fought his way through the Roman
camp in a dark night, and going on board a final!
veilel provided for the occafion, landed fafely in-
Britain. He now omitted no means of putting the
ifland in a ftatc of defence; but while thus em-
ployed, he was flain by Alcctus, a bofom friend,
and one of his officers ; who afTumed the govern-
ment, and made preparations for waging war againfr,
Conrtantius. The emperor was not remifs on his
fide. Hiving landed his forces, with a determined
bravery^
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
bravery, he ordered that his ihips fhould be fet on
fire, that his troops might have no refource but in
death or conqueft : which fingular proof of valour
drew the Britons from all quarters to his ftandard.
A battle enfued, in which Alectus was (lain, and
Conftantius was hailed as their deliverer from ty-
ranny and oppreffion.
_ , Dioclefian and Maximinian refigning
29"' the imperial government to Galerius
and Conftantius, the latter took charge of the affairs
of Britain. He thought the ifland worthy of his
refidence, and applied himfelf with unremitted la-
bour to make thofe a happy people, who confidered
him as their father. During his adminiftration the
arts and fciences thrived by his munificence, and he
permitted the free exercife of religion, which had
for fome time before been planted in the ifland.
The city of London was ornamented with elegant
ftructures ; it was become confidcrable for its ex-
tent, beauty, and riches ; it was the centre of com-
merce, and the refidence of many wealthy mer-
chants.
The Caledonians having again invaded the Ro-
man provinces, Conftantius was on his march to
quell the infurgents, when he died at York, in the
twelfth year of his reign ; and was fucceeded by his
fon Conftantine, to whom was given the honorary
diftinction of Conftantine the Great, on account of
his iingular talents and virtues.
. T-V He arrived in Britain a fhort time
•311- before his father's death, who nominated
him his fucceffor. Soon after this event he re-
pulfed the Scots and Picts. He openly declared
himfelf a Chriftian, and by his zeal for the doctrines
of the gofpel, put a final period to the deceptions
ofPaganifm. His genius was piercing; his memory
tenacious ; his learning uncommon ; his liberality
unbounded. Affable, polite, equitable and hu-
mane, he won the hearts of all his fubjects. No
perfon ever retired diflatisfied from his prefence ;
ho perfon ever implored his affiftance in vain. His
laurels of conqueft were never ftained with the blood
of the vanquifhed. , The fword of rapacity never
followed his victories. Deeply affected with every
fpecies of diftrefs in others, he often repai'd from his
own coffers the lofs which the needy had juftly
fuftained by his fentence. To be unfortunate Mas
afufficient recommendation to his protection, and
the fufferer was always fure of finding relief. No
difturbance, no infurrection happened during his
whole reign, though extended to an uncommon
length. He divided the ifland into four govern-
ments,namely, Britannia prima, comprehending the
country between the Thames and the Englifh
channel ; Britannia fccunda, including that part of
the ifland that lies between the Severn and the Irilh
Sea ; Flavia Caefarienlis, containing Cornwall, So-
merfetfhire, and part of the counties of Wilts and
Gloucefter ; and Maxima Caefarienfis, including the
northern counties, together with Nottinghamfhire,
Derbyshire, Staffordfliire, and Lincolnshire. After
this adjuftment. Britain was fubject to a prefect of
Gaul, under whom the public bufincfs was tranf-
acted by a deputy.
,. -ft This year was rendered memorable
• 337- by tne dcatri of Conftantine the Great,
who left the Britons to lament their lofs on the
twenty-fecond of May, after a profperous reign of
thirty-one years. From this period to the reign of
Valentinian, we cannot find any tranfactions, or
events relative to Britain worth recording. But a
fcene now opened which more than repaid the in-
activity of many years. The Franks and Saxons
committed the moft horrid ravages on the fea-
coafts, while the Scots and Piets invaded the in-
terior parts, laying wafte the country wherever they
came. The Britons thus harrafled both from
abrofld and at home, were in a iituation truly de-
plorable. Valentinian, convinced that only a ge-
neral of abilities and experience could relieve them
from the cruelty of the barbarians, fent Theodofius,
(father of the firft emperor of that name) to Britain^
with a felect body of troops. His prefcnce foon
changed the face of affairs, and reftored tranquillity
in the ifland. He defeated the invaders, recovered
the fpoils they had taken, and by degrees drove-
them into their own country beyond the Friths.
This done, he formed the country between the
walls of Adrian and Antoninus into afeparate pro-
vince, which he called Valentia, in honour of the
emperor. He alfo added new works, and placed
ftrong garrifons, at proper diftances, that a fufficienc
force might always be ready to oppofe any future
inroads of the Caledonians. He now turned his
attention wholly to the pirates, and having fent out
a ftrong fleet, the Franks and Saxons were totally
defeated. Having repaired to London, where he
was received with every demonftration of heart-felt
joy, he called that city Augufta, which nameitftill
retains in poetical competitions.
Every object of his expedition being now at-
tained, Theodofius applied himfelf to regulate the
internal police of the ftate, which he fully effected
by the moft mild and prudent meafures; fo that he
became the idol of the people, infomuch that when
he left the ifland, he was followed to the fhip by a
vaft multitude of all ranks, teftifying in the warmeft
manner their regret and forrow for his departure.
When arrived at Rome, the emperor received him
with the ftrongeft marks of fmcere affection, and
the fenate having decreed him a ftatue, ordered that
it fhould be placed among their moft beloved and
celebrated anceftors.
When Theodofius quitted Britain he inverted
Maximus, a foldier of great experience, who had
ferved under him, with the chief command. He
was of a noble family in Spain, and by treadin^in
the fteps of his illuftrious predeceflbr, gained equal
reputation and efteem among the people ; in con-
fequence of which a profound peace ftill continued
in the ifland, and the northern inhabitants remained
quiet in their own country.
The emperor Valentinian dying, his . ^
fon Gratian fucceeded him, and chofe 3°4-
Flavius Magnus Theodofius, fon of the great ge-
neral of that name, to be his affbciate in the em-
pire. This exaltation of young Theodofius ex-
afperated Maximus, who thought it an indignity to
ferve under a perfon he ufed to command. By his
complaints of the injuftice done him, he prevailed
on his foldiers to proclaim him emperor, and ac-
company him to the continent. Elated with this
dawn of fuccefs, he took with him the flower of
the Britifti youth, and paffed over into Gaul, where
his army received additional Itrength by a rein-
forcement of German auxiliaries. Having firft de-
feated Gratian,. who fled to Lyons, where he* was
murdered by the hand of Andragathius, one of his
officers, Maximus advanced againft Theodofius, by
whom he was routed and put to death.
At this time the condition of the . n
Britons was very diftrefs lul. Their u- 3™-
ifland left defencelefs by Maximus, without troops,
without afleet to guard their coafts, they became an
eafy prey to the enemy. The Scots and Picts re-
newing their depredations, entered the Roman pro-
vinces with fire and fword, and committed in their
rout the moft horrid barbarities. The Britons
tranfmitted to Rome repeated Applications for
affiftance. Theodoiius lilkned to their felicita-
tions, and appointed Chryfanthus to the govern-
ment of Britain, who fupprefled the northern infur-
rections. He likewife defeated the pirates who had
for fome time infefted the coaft. By which means
the Britons once more enjoyed a ihort refpite from
the incurfions of their fas age invaders.
3 But
THE ROMANS.
29
n But the death of Theodofius put an
• 395- end to their repofe. From this period
the Roman empire drew near its diflblution. The
utmoft exertion of her remaining ftrength became
neceffary to oppofe a deluge of barbarians from the
north, which continually incrcafing, rolled on, and
overflowed the plains of France and Italy.
n Alaric the Goth, during the reign of
A. L>. 403. Arcadius and Honorius, fons of Theo-
dofius, fackcd the city of Rome, which event occa-
fioned a recall of the legions from Britain. This was
of courfe neglected, whereby the fouthern parts lay
expofed to the fudden inroads and defcents of their
northern neighbours. The Saxons, Picts, and Irifh
landed in feveral parts of the ifland. In vain the
Britons oppofed their incurfions. Their effeminacy
was not an equal match for fuch hardy adventurers.
Driven almoit to defpair, they implored in the moft
pathetic terms the protection of the emperor. But
Honorius was not in a condition to grant them
relief. Affairs now became defperate.
. n Atlength in the reign of Valentinian
A. IJ. 423. m a le£ion was fent to the afljftance
of the Britons, who drove the Picts and Scots from
their borders. But this aid was foon withdrawn,
when the northern favages rejiewed hoftilities.
A -p. The Britons unable to repel their
447- attacks, again renewed their applica-
tions to the Romans for fuccour. The emperor
commiferating their depreffed ftate, ordered another
legion for their protection, under the command of
Gallic). But the interior parts of the Roman empire
being now invaded, rendered their recall alfo ne-
cefiary. Gallic therefore, after informing the Britons
that they were to expect no farther affiftance from
Rome, gave them all«neceffary inftrudtions for their
defence. He rebuilt the wall of Severus, exhorted
them to practifeihe Roman difcipline, taught them
the methods of making implements of war, and
pointed out the natural advantages they poflefied
from their fituation. Having performed thefe
friendly offices, he took a final farewel, and em-
barked with his legion for the continent. Thus
ended the dominion of the Romans in Britain, four
hundred and fixty years after Julius Caefar's firft in-
vafion ; three hundred andfixty-feven after they got
pofleflion under Claudius ; and about three hundred
and thirty after they extended their conquefts under
Agricola and his fon Titus.
Some of the following particulars reflecting the
(late of Britain under the Romans, are extracted
from the Notitia of the' Roman empire, publiihed
about the year 410.
Britain, appertaining to the diftrict of the Prae-
fcctus Pretoria of Gaul, was under the jurifdiction
of a governor or vicar. According to the number
of provinces he had five magiftrates under his com-
mand, two being confulars and three prefidents.
The confulars asofficers fubordinate to thegovernor
or vicar general, ruled Valentia and Maxima Cae-
farienfis, and the prefidents prefided over Britannia
prirna, Britannia fecunda, and Flavia Cvefarienfis.
Under thcfc five officers were many of inferior rank,
to afTift them in theadminiftration of the civil go-
vernment.
That of the military was committed to the fuper-
intendance of three principal officers, the Comes
Britanniarum, Comes LittonsSaxonici,andtheDux
Britanniarum. The firft commanded the treops
and garrifons in the interior parts of the ifland, and
No.
the two latter thofeof the eaftern and northern coafts.
The chief of the three was the Comes, or Count of
Britain, who had under his command three thoufand
foot, and fix hundred horfe. The Comes, or
Count of the Saxon fhore, acted as admiral of the
coaft, and had nine garrifons under his command ;
which together formed a body of two thoufand two
hundred foot, and two hundred horfe. The Dux,
or Duke of Britain, was ftationed in the north, hav-
ing fourteen garrifons to fuperintend, which con-
tained a body of fix thoufand foot, three hundred
horfe, and twenty-three military pofts on the Picts
wall, defended by eight thoufand foot, and fix hun-
dred horfe; fo that the eftablifhed military force in
Britain amounted to nineteen thoufand two hundred
infantry, and one thoufand feven hundred cavalry.
To facilitate the communication of the troops in
the different parts of the kingdom, and a free in-
tercourfe among the people, the foldiers, in peacea-
ble times, were employed on the public highways.
Thefe were exteniive, grand, and ufeful. Their
remains are ftill the fubject of admiration to the
curious. By the Romans they were called, con-
fular, praetorian, regal, and military ways, and after-
wards by the Saxons, ftradas, from whence comes
the modern appellation of ftreets. There were
many in number, but the four principal ones had
the names given them of Via Vetelingiana, orWat-
lingllreet; Via Icenorium, orlkenieldftreet; Erm-
ing ftreet, and Fofs way. Two of thefe extended
the whole length of the kingdom, and the other
two the breadth, from fea to fea. To thefe works
of labour the Romans added twenty-eight cities,
befides a great number of caftlcs, forts, towers,
walls, locks, and other public buildings, for the re-
pofe of the weary, and the reception of travellers.
Many churches were alfo built, and Christianity
introduced by the Romans into Britain. But the
exact time is uncertain. All we know is, that the
Chriftian religion had been propagated in the ifland
before the end of the fecond century ; for in the ge-
neral perfecution under Dioclelian, about the year
303, many of the Britifh Chriflians fuffered martyr-
dom for their faith, among whom was St. Alban and
feveral others. In 314, three Britilh bifhops at-
tended the council of Aries in France ; in 325, the
fame number attended the council of Nice ; and
in 359, three more attended the council of Ari-
minium. From whence it is juftly concluded, that
the Chriftian church in Britain was originally inde-
pendent of the church of Rome.
What progrefs the Britons made in literature
during thefe periods is uncertain ; no traces of their
learning, not a fingle book having been handed
down to us. Architecture and fculpture flouriihed
during the reign of Caraufius, and further improve-
ments were made in other polite arts, during the
reign of Conftantine the Great ; but the names of
the artifts with their works have funk together in
the vortex of oblivion.
Thus did Britain, like a young phoenix, rife into
exiftence from the allies of its mother. If a finite
mind may be allowed to explore the intricate ways
of infinite wifdom, it fhould feem, the Roman em -
pire was demolifhed, that the magnificent ftructjre
of Britifh glory might be raifed upon its ruins ; that
a nation might flourifn, who fhould not only im-
prove the Roman arts, but enjoy the beft form of
government, and the purcft religion in the whole
world.
H
BOOK
3°
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
BOOK III.
From the INTRODUCTION of the SAXONS and DANES into BRITAIN, to WILLIAM THE CON-
QUEROR, when it -was Subjected to the NORMANS.
CHAP. I.
t
The Britons are harrajfcd by, and become an eafy prey to the PicJs and Scots — They apply in vain to the Romans
for ajpflance — Eletl Vortigern generaliffimo, who advifes them to have recourfe to the Saxons for protecJion
One thoufand five hundred of thefe people arrive in England, under the command of Hengijl and Horfa~-
Having been reinforced at different times, they avow their intentions, fuldue that part of Britain now called
- England, which they divide into feven kingdoms, namely, Kent — Sitffex, or South Saxons — '^effex, or Weft
Saxons — E/ex, or Eajl Saxons — Northumberland — Eajl Anglla. — Mercia — which have been diftmguijhed by the
general appellation of the Saxon Heptarchy — 'The hi/lory of the feveral kingdoms in order ; by whom founded :
when eftabltjhed; and their final diffolution by Egbert the Great, firjl king of all England-^-The religion of the
Anglo Saxons ; their converjion to Chnjlianity, and ccelefiajlical hijlory.
TH E Britons deprived of affiftance from the
Romans, unacquainted with the art of civil
government, unaccuftomed to the toils of war, their
martial fpirit enervated on the lap of indolence,
found their ramparts but a' weak defence, and de-
ferting their ftation, became an eafy prey to the
Pidls and Scots. Thefe infurgents having made fe-
veral breaches in the wall of Severus, entered their
territories, fpreadingdefolation through the country,
marking their footfteps with blood, and leaving be-
hind them as they went, the veftiges .of their cruel
devaftations. Thus harrafied, the Britons were
compelled to fue for peace, which they obtained
on the hard condition of furrendering all the coun-
try north of the Humber to their ferocious enemy,
who foon broke the treaty, and renewed their former
deftrucHve inroads. To thefe were added the
greateftof all national calamities, that of a dreadful
famine; fa that the horrors of hunger kept equal
pace with the dcfolations of war. The former ex-
tended even to the Caledonians, who found it im-
podible to fubfift in a country they themfelves had
laid wafte. From thefe fources of calamity fprung
domeftic broils, religious contentions, and a dread-
ful peftilence, which raged fo furioufly, that the
living were fcarcely fufficient to bury their dead.
n R In this deplorable fituation, the Avord
A. D. 44°- jn tneir borders, peftilence in the heart
of their country, famine at their doors, they applied
by letter, infcribcd, " the groans of the Britons" to
/Etius, Valentinian's general, for affiftance. " The
barbarians, fay they, drive us toward the fea, the
fea throws us back upon the barbarians ; and we
have only the wretched alternative left us, of perifli-
ing by the fword or the waves." But their requeft
could not be granted. The ravages on the con-ti-
nent, by the Goths and Vandals, were equal to thofe
committed in Britain.
However the Picls and Scots having retired into
their own country, with the fpoils they had taken,'
afforded the miferable Britons a fhort interval of
peace, in which their fpirite, though not their antient
courage, revived. Returning to their former habi-
tation's, they applied themfelves to agriculture, and
in a little fpacc of time reftored the bIcfTings of
plenty to their impoverimed country. To render
thefe permanent, and to cement a union among
themfelves, they elected Vortigern king ofDevon-
fhire and Cornwall, generaliflimo ; who inftead of
animating this degenerate people to defend them-
felves, made a propofal in a convention of the ftates,
to employ an army of Saxon troops for their pro-
tedlion. The motion was approved umnimoufly,
and ambafladors were immcdiate'y d fpatchcd, to
treat for a ftipulated number of thofj foreign awx-
iliaries. To fuch kind of wretched expedients will
that nation generally have recourfe, who are ener-
vated by effeminacy, or accuftomed to the yoke of
flavery.
The Saxons at that time were a branch of thofe
Gothic nations, who pouring down from the north,
gave laws, manners, and liberty to the reft of Europe.
Their name is derived from the word Seax, n'gnifying
a fliort hooked fword, -which was their principal
weapon. Valour and a love of liberty formed their
diftinguifhed character. Their chiefs werefubjectto
the regulations of the ftatc, and to the voice of the
people, who always came armed into their public
aflemblies. Their attachment to their leaders was
very remarkable, and military ardour was the firft
principle in their government. They had by this
fpread themfelves through the northern parrs of
Germany, and were in pofleffionof all thefeacoaft
from the mouth of the Rhine to Jutland. For a
time they limited their piracies to the fea-coafts of
Germany, between the Rhine and the Elbe, but at
length extended them to the northern parts of Gaul,
and the weftern fhores of Britain.
The appearance therefore of the Britifh deputies
could but be very pleafing to a people whofe
country was overftocked with inhabitants. Their
invitation was gladly accepted ; and Witigifil their
commander in chief, having fummoned anaffembly,
it was refolved to fend a fufficient force into Bri-
tain, under the command of his two fons.
Accordingly the two brothers, Hen- . -p.
gift and Horfa, were appointed to con- ' ' ^"9-
duct this firft expedition. Nor did they find any
difficulty in perfuading their countrymen to follow
their ftandards. About one thoufand five hundred
having been feledled by lot, they embarked in three
(hips, and arrived in the ifleofThanet in Kent,
which had been affigned them by Vortigern for the
place of their relidence. This was the firft piece of
land the Saxons pofleffcd in Britain.
It was not long before the Saxons had an oppor-
tunity of convincing the Britons, that they had not
applied to a people incapable of defending them
from their northern invaders. The Scots and Pitfts
having been defeated in fevcrul engagements with
the Saxons, dreaded their very name. A complete
victory was obtained near Stamford in Lincolnmire,
pvcr the barbarians, from whom the fpoils they had
taken were recovered, and they themfelves entirely
expelled from fouth Britain.
Thefe fuccelFes gained in fo eafy a manner, to-
gether with the fertility of the country, which thev
beheld, in their various marches through it, with
longing eyes, awakened in them an ambition of
ruling thefe they came to protect, and fubduing the
THE BRITONS AND SAXONS.
whole ifland they had been invited to defend.
However for the prefent they concluded an agree-
ment with Vortigern, whereby they were to receive
both pay and fubfiftence ; with which terms they
•fcemed for a while fatisfied, and remained quiet.
But at the fame time they fent over to their country-
men fuch reprefentations of the Britons and the
ifland, as infpired them with longing defires of
becoming fharers in their good fortune. Hengift and
Horfa alfo artfully urged Vortigcrn, to fend for an
additional number of Saxons, pretending that they
would be of fervice in cultivating a country,
adapted to the purpofes of Agriculture. Vortigern
confented, and upon a fecond invitation from this
weak prince, a fleet of feventeen fail brought over
five thoufand men, Saxons, Jutes, and Angles; with
whom came Rowena, a lady of incomparable beauty,
related to Mengift, who was afterwards eflentially
ferviceable to the Saxons in their political dcfigns ;
for her charms made quickly an impreffion on the
heart of Vortigern, who was fo fail inatcd that he di-
vorced his former wife, and after his marriage with
Rowena, he afligned the fertile kingdom of Kent to
Hengift and Horfa, for the rcfidence of the Saxons.
The Britons faw this increafc of their auxiliaries
with anxiety. They perceived the folly of the Hep
they had taken, and were deiirous of retrieving it.
~ But it was now too late. The Saxons
453- were landed and their forces continually
augmenting. A third embarkation took place, and
the northern countries began, to fwarm with thefe
adventurers, as the fouthern parts had for fome time
already done. Reafons are never wanting when
the ftrong are determined to opprefs the weak.
Thofe alledged by Hengift and Horfa were, that
their troops had not been paid for their fervices,
The plea was denied by Vortigern, but without
effect, for Hengift, without his permiflion, fent for
more troops from the continent, who arrived under
the command of his brother Octa, v, ho with his fon
Ebufa fettled in the north.
The Saxon intereft thus ftrengthened, the two
brothers threw oifthe mafk, and avowed their inten-
tions, pretending to pay themfelvea, and take by
force what they affirmed had been unjuftly with-
held from them. Under this pretext, they formed
an alliance with the Picts and Scots, ravaged the
adjacent country, committed horrid depredations in
the county of Kent, and laid wafte with fire and
fword the territories of thofe who paid them for
their defence.
Fired with indignation againft thtir perfidious
auxiliaries, the Britons had recourfe to arms ; and
having depofed Vortigern, placed his fon Vortimer
on the throne. This active prince revived the
courage of the Britons. He fought feveral battles
with the Saxons. In one near Ailsford, he gained
a complete victory, and Horfa fell in the conflict.
Ar. ^ The Saxons were alarmed at this
-45/- change of fortune; nor would they ven.
ture a fecond engagement; but retreating to their
camp, waited the arrival of frefh fuccours. Hengift
now took upon himfelf the title of king of Kent,
and having received the expected reinforcement
of troops, he ftllied from his camp, marked his way
with blood and deftrudtion. Neither age nor fcx
were fparcd. The priefts were burnt upon their
altars ; the churches were levelled in the duft ; and
the whole country through which they patted ex-
hibited one fccne of horrid dcfolation.
. p. ,, Vortimer exerted his utmoft efforts to
' * 5' flop thcfe barbarous ravages of the
Saxons ; but before he could accompliih this de-
lirable end, death put a period to his defigns, and
the Britons were left without a leader. At this dan-
gerous crifis, they chofc Ambrolius, of Roman de-
fccnt, his fucceflbr. AfTifted by Arthur, whofe ex-
ploits have given rife to many fables, he defeated
feveral detachments of the Saxons, who beinc-
curbed by his humane, prudent, and intrepid con-
dud, were rendered incapable of undertaking any
capital enterprise; and feveral years elapfed before
they could make fettlements in any part of the
kingdom.
Ella, a Saxon chief invaded SufTex, . _.
and having effected a fettlement, took 4>77-
the title of king of the South Saxons. About
eighteen years after Cerdic and his fon Kenrick
landed in the weftern parts of England. He was
oppofed by the celebrated Arthur, but conquering
all oppofition, he laid the foundation of the king-
dom of Wefiex. About this time no lefs than three
armies of Saxons made a defcent on the weftern
parts of the ifland. The firft confifted chiefly of
Angles, headed by Uffa, who founded the kingdorri
of euft Anglia. Cridda eftabliftied the kingdom of
Mercia; and Erkenwin that of EfTeX. After thefe
came Ida, who drove the Britons from their pof-
feflions, and was crowned king of Bernicia, includ-
ing the counties of Northumberland and Durham;
Ella, another Saxon prince, fubdued Lancaftiire,
and moft part of Yorkshire. Thefe counties were
afterwards united by a marriage between the grand-
fon of Ida and the daughter of Ella, under the title
of the kingdom of Northumberland.
Hence it will appear, that the Saxons, Jutes, and
Angles, under the general name of Anglo-Saxons,
were fettled in Britain, after a contention between
them and the Britons, which had continue^ more
than one hundred and thirty years. The Saxons
having now eftabliihed feven kingdoms, gave the
name of England to the whole. But it may be
proper to obferve, that the ifland of Britain was
now in pofleffion of four kinds of people, very dif-
iimilar in their manners. Firft, the antient Britons,
now called the Welili, were fettled in Cambria, and
in the weftern divifion of Danmonium, or Cornwall.
Secondly, the Picts, who dwelt on the eaftern fide
of that part of the kingdom which now bears the
name of Scotland. Thirdly, the Scots, who inha-
bited the weftern diftrict of that country. Fourthly,
the Saxons, Jutes and Angles, who now bore the
general name of Englifh, and relided in the fouthern
and eaftern parts of Britain, ftrctching from the wall
of Severus to the channel. Thefe though divided
into feparate governments, each of which had its
own aflembly, governor and laws, yet in time of
national danger, they united, and chofe by mutual
confent one common dictator, or chieftain, as the
guardian of the united ftates. He was commander
in chief, and was placed at the head of their political
confederacy, but without any jurifdiction in the do-
minion of others. He led the combined forces
againft the enemy in time of war, and prefided in
the grand general council in times of peace.
Hiftory furniihes few inftances with revolutions-
more rapid, univerfal and complete, than the efta-
blilhment of the feven Saxon kingdoms in Britain.
The whole fouthern parts having changed their in-
habitants, manners, language and government ; the
Britons being driven up into Wales and Cornwall;
or compelled to fubmit to the conquerors. Nor
were the victors fatisfied with their pofleffions.
They ftained their conquefts with the lives of the
innocent, and founded their power on the maflacre
of its inhabitants. The following table will fhew
the feveral kingdoms of the Saxon Heptarchy,
by whom and when founded, and what counties
they included.
No.
32 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
No.
Names of the
kingdoms.
By whom
founded.
When
eftablifhed.
The Counties they
included.
A. D.
i
Kent
Hengift
457
Kent.
2
South Saxons
Ella
491
SSuifex.
£Surry.
Cornwall.
Devonfhire.
Weft Saxons.
Cerdic.
Dorfetfhire.
5r9
<
Somerfetfhife.
Wiltfhire.
•
Hampfhire.1
1
Bcrklhire.
4
Eaft Saxons.
Erkenwin.
527
fEflex.
4 Middlefex.
|_Part of Hertfordmire.
-Lancafhire.
•
Yorkfhire.
,
Durham.
5
Northumberland.
Ida.
547
j
Cumberland.
i
Weftmoreland.
Northumberland.
Part of Scotland as far as the
L Frith of Edinburgh.
fNorfolk.
6
Eaft Angles.
Uffa.
575
I Suffolk.
' Cambridgefhire.
.Me of Ely.
rGloucefterfhire.
Herefordfhire.
Worcefterfhire.
Warwickfnire.
Rutlandfhire.
Northamptonfhire.
Lincolnlhire.
7
Mercia.
Cridda.
582
Huntingdonfhire.
Bedfordfhire.
Part of Hertfordfhire.
Buckinghamfhire.
Oxfordfnire.
Stafford mire.
Derbyfhire.
Shroplhire.
Nottinghamfhire.
'^Chefhire.
Before we enter upon the hiftory of thefe king-
doms in the order here laid down, a few remarks
on the nature of the Saxon government, and the
evidence upon which its events and occurrences are
founded, may not be unacceptable to the difcerning
part of our readers.
The Saxon heptarchy in many particulars refem-
bled the prefent government of the united colonies
in America. Their national council was a con-
grefs, which regulated the general affairs of the
united ftates. At the fame time each kingdom had
a general affembly, under whofe jurifdidtion came
all matters that related to its own interior police
and government. Befides which inititutions, they
had, when emergencies required, an aflembly of
wife men, called a Wittenagemat, from whence our
modern parliaments are faid to have originated.
The fovereign was elected from among the royal
family ; bur under the direction and control, in
every meafure, of the grand council, over whom he
prefided. When any important affairs were to be
agitated, all the warriors of the nation met in arms,
and the people expreficd their approbation by rat-
tling their armour, or their diffent by a confufed
murmur. The meafures chofen by general agree-
ment were executed with alacrity; and profecuted
with vigour. The warriors of each tribe attached
themfelves to their leaders, with the utmoftunfhaken
conftancy. They attended him as his ornaments
in peace, as his defence in war, as his council in
the adminiftration of juftice. To die for the ho-
nour of the band was their chief ambition : to fur-
vive its difgrace, or the death of their leader was in-
famous. They even carried into the field their
wives and children, that they might be partakers of,
and incentives to their valour.
The Saxons were ignorant of all the refined arts
of life; tillage itfelf was almoft wholly negleded :
they feem to have been anxious even to prevent any
improvement of that nature; and their leaders, by
annually diftributing anew all the adjacent la'nds
among the inhabitants of each village, prevented
them from attaching themfelves to any particular
profeffions, or making any fuch progrefs in agricul-
ture as might divert their attention from military
expeditions, which compofed the firft leading prin-
ciple of their political conftitution.
The hiftory of the Saxon heptarchy is involved
in a cloud of obfcurity. A regular feries of fads
cannot be found properly authenticated to fwell the
page of hiftory. Afrer the moft laborious invefti-
gation of celebrated writers, the fame doubts, the
fame uncertainties ftill remain. Thcfe took their
rife from the ignorance and iuperftition of monkifh
writers, who in all their accounts, military and civil,
have directed their attention folely to ecclefiaftical
matters, fo that their writings are little more than
records of the wonderful fufferings of monafteries,
and the deliverances of the church from the perfe-
cutions of Paganifm. Thefe bigotted monks,
guided by the fpirit of enthufiaftic credulity, have
adopted the moft abfurd fictions, and given as hif-
torical
THE
HEPTARCHY.
33
torical fads, relations that (hock the car of reafon.
At the fame time they have often either omitted, or
blended with improbable, and fometimes contra-
dictory circumitances, Inch civil transactions as are
neceflary for continuing the thread ot niltoncal nar-
ration.
All therefore that can be accomplifhed with fuc-
cefs in this obicure period, is to collect the fcattered
particles which form the outlines of the Saxon hep-
tarchy, and thefe, in conformity to our declarations,
we mall endeavour to trace with all pollible fidelity.
A fuccinct account of thefucceflhn of the krngs, and the
re-volutions of each particular kingdom of which the
Saxon heptarchy zcas compofed.
I. KENT.
T TEN GIST having, in a decifive
A. D. 457. J[~j engagement at Crecanford, de-
feated the Britons, who loft four thoufand men,
founded the kingdom of Kent, and by his valour
rendered it the moft formidable of the Saxon hcp;
tarchy. This event took place eight years after his
arrival in the iiland, and he fwayed the fceptre of
regal authority thirty-one years. After his death
the kingdom declined under his three immediate
fucceflbrs, who pofTefTed but a fmall {hare of the
military fpirit ot their anceftors.
Eccus, who fucceeded him, was content to pofTefs
his throne in tranquillity ; which at his death he left
to his fon Osfta, during whofe reign the Eaft Saxons
difmembered the provinces of Eflex and Middlefex
from that of Kent. Having fat upon the throne
twenty-two years, he died, and was fucceeded by
his foa Hermenric, who performed nothing memor-
able during a long peaceful reign of thirty-two years.
Ethelbert his fon afcended the throne, when the
peace of the heptarchy was difturbed by Ceaulin, king
of VVeflex. While the Britons were in a capacity
to maintain a conteft for their liberty, a union of
council and intereft fubfifted among their invaders ;
but after the Britons were expelled to the barren
mountains of Wales and Cornwall, the Saxons repin-
ing at an unequal fhare of profperity, turned their
arms againft one another. Ceaulin, ambitious of
power, made no fcruple of facrificing the laws of
equity to the third of empire. He feized without
a pica of juilice, the kingdom of Suflex, on the
de;ah of Cilia. And not content with this acqui-
fition, he formed a Ichcme of becoming matter of
the whole heptarchy. He had for fome time ob-
ferved the indolence of the Kentifti princes, and
thought this a proper time for carrying his plan
into execution. Thefe political defigns of Ceaulin
were evident to the penetration of Ethelbert, and
he took without delay the moft prudent meafures to
render them abortive. To this end, he fummoned
the other princes of the heptarchy to a general
council, and convinced them of the neceffity of
arming in their own defence. They felt the force
of his reafoning, and appointed him commander
in chief of their combined forces. Ceaulin gave
them battle. He was totally defeated, and furvived
but a fhort time his overthrow. Deprived of their
leader, and the greateft part of their army, the Mer-
cians were in no condition of oppofing their con-
querors. They fubmitted therefore to Ethelbert,
who retlored the kingdom to the lawful heir, but
under fuch limitations as greatly augmented his own
power.
But the moft remarkable event in the reign of
Ethelbert, was his conversion from the idolatry of
Paganifm, and the introduction of the Chriftian re-
ligion among the Saxons, of which we lhall treat
hereafter.
This wife prince was the firft Englifli king who
framed a regular code of laws. lie alfo built the
No. 4.
old cathedral church of St. Paul, London, on a fpot
where a temple dedicated to Diana once ftood, and
Melitus was its firft bhhop. After a profperous
reign of fifty-two years, he fell aflecp in the bofom
of peace and calm tranquillity.
lindbald, his fon, to whom the * r\ s' ,
crown devolved, afcended the throne.
This prince, blinded with a pallion for his mother-
in-law, abandoned his religion, that he might in-
dulge his criminal paffion without rcftraint. Lau-
rcntius, the fuccefior of Auftin, laboured with the
utmoft afliduity to make Eadbald fenfible of the
enormity of his vices, and at laft fucceeded. Con-
vinced by the arguments of Laurentius, he re-
nounced the Pagan religion, divorced his inceftuous
confort, and became a remarkable penitent for his
crimes. He deftroyed the idolatrous temples,
broke the ftatues of the gods in pieces, and firmly
eftablifhed the Chriftian religion in his kingdom.
He contributed by the force of his arguments,
much more by his exemplary piety, to the con-
verfion of Edwin, king of Mercia. After a reign
of twenty-two years, he departed this life, with the
character of an excellent and pious prince, beloved
by his fubjects, and revered for his virtues, even by
the Pagan monarchs of the heptarchy.
This kingdom continued in the royal line of the
founder, till the year 794. But, after the death of
Eadbald, no events that deferve the notice of hifto-
rians have been recorded. On the extinction of
the Hengift family, of whom Aldric was the laft,
the kingdom was rent by factions, and became the
fport of fortune ; till at length it was tributary to
the kings of Mercia, and fo remained till coni
quered by Egbert the Great.
II. SUSSEX, or SOUTH SAXONS.
THIS kingdom, the fmalleft in the , n
heptarchy, was founded by Ella : f
Its whole extent was inconfiderable, containing
only the county of SulTex, and part of Surry,
which being covered with woods and thinly inha-
bited, made it incapable of repelling the attacks of
a more powerful enemy. Ella was polTelTed of
great military talents, and on the death of Hengift
was placed at the head of the Saxon heptarchy.
Having reigned twenty-three years, he died, and
was fucceeded by his fon
CilTa, who not pofTeffing the abili- . ^
ties of his father, purchafed a peace of 1
Cerdic, king of the Weft Saxons, upon conditions of
payinghiman annual proportion of moneyand troops.
By this means he kept the ravages of war at a dif-
tance from his own territories, and at the fame time
enabled Cerdic to repel and fubdue the Britons.
He built the city of Chichefter, the capital of the
county at this day. His age, and the length of
his reign, were extended to an uncommon duration.
He died without ifiue, after a peaceful reign of
feventy-iix years, in the year 590, in the hundred
and feventeenth year of his age.
This kingdom, on his demife, was feized by
Ceaulin, king of the Weft Saxons ; however, the
inhabitants ftruggled hard for the recovery of their
liberties, and fometimes with promiling fuccefs ;
but about the year 760 it was fubjected to the obe-
dience of Weffex, and from this period became a,
province of the Weft Saxons.
III. WES SEX, or WEST SAXONS.
CERDIC, a very able warrior, A D
founded this monarchy. He
fought many battles with various fuccefs ; but he fur-
mounted ail oppofition, and the martial fpirit of the
Saxons was carried to its greateft height among this
tribe: He reigned, after the cftablithment of his
I kingdom,
34
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
kingdom, in great tranquillity fifteen years, and
dying in 534, was fucceeded by his Ton Kenric,
who reigned only four years.
. P. , Ceaiilin, his fdn and fucceffor, in-
A- V-, 5 °- vaded thofe efrates that were in his
neighbourhood, adding great part of the counties of
Devon and Somerfet to his dominions. His fuc-
cefles excited fuch a jealoufy throughout the whole
heptarchy, that occaiioncd a general confederacy to
be formed againft him, at the head of which was
placed Ethelbert, king of Kent. A battle enfued,
Ceaulin was completely defeated by the allied forces;
and this misfortune rendering him -contemptible in
the eyes of his fubjects, they expelled him from his
throne. In his exile he died in extreme mifery.
. r* Cealric, his nephew, was raifed to
59S- (-foe throiie by the conqueror. He died
after a reign of feven years, and was fucceeded by
A D co8 Ceolwulph, his coufin, who fup-
?? ' ported his dignity with great glory till
his death. This happened when he was engaged in
reducing the South Saxons.
. T^ , Kengils, his nephew, fucceeded him,
/\. LJ» Oil. j • i i • i f i • • r
and in the third year of his reign al-
fociated with him in the government, his brother
Quinchelm. Thefe two princes fought a decifive
battle with the Britons at Banton, above two thou-
fand of whom were left dead on rhe field.
A D ^?8 Penda, king of Mercia, made an
' attempt upon Cirencefter ; in confe-
quence of which a batrie was fought near that town,
which was maintained with invincible refolution on
both fides, till night pur an end to the conflict. The
next morning prefcmed a difmal fcene of daughter,
and cooler thoughts fuggefted, that a renewal of the
engagement would end in the defl ruction of both
armies. Each party therefore relaxed in demands,
and a peace was happily concluded. Qumchelm
died feven years before his brother Kengils, who in
the year 643 was fucceeded by
Kenwal, his Jon, a prince unfteady in his temper,
and exceedingly vidous. After having been ex-
pelled his kingdom, ,and 'again reftored to it by the
A D 612 kin§ °f Mercia, he paid the debt of
' ' nature, and left his crown to his wife
Saxcburga. This lady, after a fhort reign of only
twelve months, was fucceeded by
Efcwin, a dcfcendant of the great Cerdic, who
in the fecond year of his 'reign was attacked by
Wulphur, king of Mercia, and a general action
took place between them at Bedwin in Wiltshire.
The battle was long, the {laughter great; but at
lalt victory turned her fcale in favour of the king of
Mercia. Two years after this battle Efcwin died,
in 676, and left the throne of Weflex to Kentwin,
fon of Kengils.
A D (8 Kentwin was fucceeded by Cead-
5* walla. This enterprizing tyrant de-
feated the South Saxons, plundered the kingdom of
Kent, and conquered the ifie of Anglefey, wherein
his cruelties exceeded the bounds of favage barba-
rity. On his death,
A D 68 Ina, his nephew, afccndcd the throne.
** This prince, formed to fhine either in
the council or the field, was declared in the third
year of his reign head of the Saxon heptarchy. In
the firft year, the kingdom of the Eaft Angles be-
coming vacant, thofe people folicited him to rule
over them ; an inconteltible proof of the general
cfteem in which his character was held. He made
war upon the Britons, who inhabited the weftern
pans of England, and having fubdued great part
of their territories, he treated the vanquifhed with
humanity unknown to Saxon conquerors. He al-
lowed them to retain the pofleffion of their lands,
encouraged marriages and alliances with his fubjects,
and gave them the privilege of free denizens.
Being firmly eftablifhed in his extenfive dominions,
3
he applied his whole attention to form a code of
falutary laws, which appear as fupplementary to
thofe of Ethelbert, and the ground-work of thofe
afterwards inftituted by Alfred the Great. After a
long, glorious, and profperous reign, he quitted
his crown for a cloifter, by turning monk, in
727, and his royal confort retired to the monaiterv
of Barking, where fhe ended her days. Ina having
thus abdicated the throne, his crown was placed on
the head of his kinfman
Echelhard, who after fwaying the fceptre thirteen
years, died, and Cuthred, his fucceflbr, was inverted
with regal authority. The whole reign . n
of this prince was a continufd fcries of 743-
tumult and war. His fon (vas (lain in a mutiny,
and this misfortune was followed by a rebellion in
the weftern parts of his kingdom. He turned his
arms againft the Britons in Cornwall, and united
part of that county to his own kingdom. Dying
at Benford, he Ht his crown to
Sigebert his nephew, who afcended the throne.
He was young, very head-itrong, and . n
violent. Haughty without dignity, and ' 7^5'
cruel without provocation, he treated his nobles with
infolence, and his people with inhumanity. Kene-
wuH, who lucceeded him, drove the tyrant into the
forelt of Andrefwald, where he was killed by the
hand of a fwineherd.
Kenewulf in the beginning of His reign was fuc
cefsful ; but in the latter part, the victorious OfFa
took from him all his dominions north of the
Thames. He was affaflinated by Keneherd, brother
of Sigebert, who, with his adherents, were all cut
to pieces, after an obftinate defence, by a felecl:
body of noblemen.
On the death of Kenewulf, Brithric, defcended
from Cerdjc, mounted the throne of . „
Weflex. About this time, the famous 754-
Egbert began to difplay thofe qualities which
railed him to the fovereign command of the Saxon
heptarchy. His great merit, added to the affections
ot the people, which he had acquired, excited jea-
loufy in the breaft of Brithric. Egbert, fenfible of
his danger, withdrew fecrctly into France, where
he was kindly received by Charlemagne. By re-
fiding in this court, he acquired thole accomplifh-
ments which enabled him afterwards to conquer
the Saxons, and polilh their barbarity ; fo that the
misfortunes of his youth were of great advantage to
his future conduct and fortune.
Brithric reigned in peace till the year 789, when
he was poifoned by his infamous confort Edburga,
who tied to France, whither the avenging hand o'i
heaven purfued her fteps ; for (lie wandered about
a miferable vagabond, and penfhed through extreme
want.
At this period the Danes made their firft defcent
on the Enghfh coafts, landing a body of men from
three fliips at Portland ; but they were defeated with
great flaughter, and retreated to their veifcls with
the utmoft precipitation.
IV. EAST SAXONS, or ESSEX.
ERKENWIN is faid to have founded this
kingdom, in 527, though at What period
it became an independent monarchy is very un-
certain. His immediate fucceffor.* were Sibert,
Saxred, Seward, Sigebert, Sigebert the Little,
Sigebert the Good, with a few other fucceeding
princes, whofe names only, and the time they filled
the throne, have been noticed by hiftorians ; and if
any actions were performed by them worthy of being
recorded, they are now buried in oblivion. The
lait of their kings was Swithred. After an interval
of about 190 years, EfPex, with the reft of the
heptarchy, fubmitted to the conquering arms of
the great Egbert.
V. NOR-
THE
HEPTARCHY.
35
V. NORTHUMBERLAND.
THIS kingdom comprehended the counties of
Northumberland, York, Durham, Lancalter,
Cumberland and Weltmorland.
Its firlt monarch was Ida, whofe reign commenced
._ He divided it inuo two provinces,
547- Dei'ra and Bernicia; the former contain-
ing the fouthern part of Northumberland between
the Humber and the wall of Severus; and the latter
the country fituated to the northward of that wall,
and bounded by Scotland. Ida wasajuft, gene-
rous, and brave prince. He fought many battles
with the Britons, and was in one of them flain by
Owen, prince of the Cumbrians.
The Saxons were long oppofed by the famous
Arthur, who has been celebrated by fo many fabu-
lous writers that his true hiftory can hardly be
known. He was born about the year 496, and in
the year 516 he was appointed to the command of
an army, raifed to oppofe the Saxons* In order to
procure him more refpect from the foldiers, he was
crowned king of Gwent, a. name then given to the
country lying between the Whye and the Severn.
His perfbnal bravery, generality, and affectionate
care of his foldiers, procured him large reinforce-
ments ; and the fuccefs againft the invaders of his
country anfwered the molt fanguine expectations of
his fubjects. He was often victorious, but not al-
ways ; nor was it in the power of any hero, how-
ever great, to drive the Saxons out of Britain.
Arthur, indeed, * Mopped their progrefs, and fre-
quently defeated their army, when commanded by
molt able generals. During one of his expeditions
againft the Saxons of Northumberland, Madred,
his nephew, whom he had left guardian in his
abfence, ufurped the throne. Arthur returned,
fought feveral battles with him, and at lad in a
dccilive one, near Camlen, flew him with his own
hand ; but he himfelf received a wound which oc-
cafioned his death, after a reign of twenty-fix
years, and was lamented univerfally by his fubjects.
, n , Ethelfrid, one of the defendants of
A. U. 586. Id;i) mjrried Acca> daughter of Ella ;
and on the death of that prince, Ethelfrid feized
the province of Dei'ra, and united it to Bernicia,
forming by this means the kingdom of Northum-
berland. Acca dying two years after the nuptials,
left an infant fon named Edwin. Thofe who were
appointed his guardians, apprehending his life to
be in danger, fled with him into North Wales;
where, in the court of prince Cadwin, he received
his education.
The active difpofition of Ethelfrid, induced him
to turn his arms firft againtt the Britons, whole
country he laid watte even to the gates of Chefter.
The Britons alarmed 'at the progrefs of his victo-
rious army, marched out with all their forces to
engage him. They were attended with a body of
1150 monks from the monaftery of Bangor. Ethel-
frid, furprifed at fo unufual a fight, enquired into
the caufe of their prefence. He was told they were
priefts, who came thus unarmed to pray for the
(leftruction of his army. " Then, laid he, they
are as ,much our enemies, as thofe who employ
their (words for the fame purpofe." He imme-
diately fent a detachment, who fell upon the dc-
fencelefs monks, fifty only of whom elcaped from
the fwords of their cruel afiiiilants. Intimidated by
this event, the Britons made a precipitate flight ;
Chefter was taken ; and the monaftery of Bangor
levelled to its foundation. This flructure, ac-
cording to Bede, covered fo large an extent of
ground that its gates were a mile afunder, and was
inhabited by two thoufand one hundred monks,
who maintained theinfclves, by their own labour.
The growing abilities of young Edwin . -p> /- /•
began now to difplay themfclves, as he
approached to manhood. Ethelfrid had beheld
them, when in their dawn, with an eye of jenloufv.
He now dreaded their effcctr. The ycuni^ prince,
confcious that his right of fucccflion would be
confidered by an ufurper as an unpardonable crime,
endeavoured, as much as poffibk-, to keep beyond
the reach of his power. He wandered, therefore,
through the neighbouring kingdoms for fome years,
wherein his engaging behaviour gained him uni-
verfal eftecm. At lait he found an afylum in the
court of Redwald, king of the Eaft Angles. The
ufurper, alarmed with the thought of innocence,
having found fo powerful a protector, folicited
Redwald to deliver up or deftroy his gudt. Rich
prefents were promifed if he would comply, and
war threatened! in cafe of refufal. Redwald, after
rejecting feveral offers of this kind, feemed inclined
to facrifice to intereft the rights of hofpirality, and
detained the laft ambafiador in order to take a. final
refolution. Edwin, having been informed of thefc
tranfactions, came to a determination of remaining
in Eaft Anglia; thinking it would be better to die,
in cafe the protection of that court failed him, than
to prolong a life expofed to the perfecutions of his
powerful rival. This confidence in Redwald's
honour, together with his other accompli (hments,
engaged the queen in his favour, who pcrfuaded
her hufband to embrace more generous fentiments.
Influenced by her ftrong pleas in behalf of diftrefTed
innocence, Redwald, knowing well the cruel dif-
pofition of Ethelfrid, thought it fafeft to attack him
before he was prepared for a defence. Accordingly,
having raifed a powerful army, he marched into the
territories of Northumberland, where, in a pitched
battle, Ethelfrid was defeated; and ruihing fu-
rioufly into the midft of his enemies, was fiain,
after having killed Regner, a fon of Redwald,
with his own hand. His two fons Ofwald and
Ofwy fled to Scotland, and Edwin was feated on
the throne of North umberland<
Edwin, diftinguiflied for his impar- A r\ -r o
tial adminiftration of juftice, bent his * '
whole attention, in the beginning of his reign, to
civilize the manners of his fubjects. He reclaimed
them from a licentious practice of rapine, to which
they had been long accuftomed, and with the cou-
rage to attempt, had the happinefs to effect their
reformation. The troops of robbers that in felted
the country weredifperfcd* His people were happy
under his equal government, and were ready to
facrifice their lives in his fervice. A remarkable
inltance of this has been recorded by hiftorians.
Quinchclm, king of WclTex, attempted to deltroy
this gallant prince by treachery, whom he could
not defeat in the open field. The inftrument he
employed in this bafe bufinefs was one Eumer, who
having obtained admiffion to the prefrnce of
Edwin, drew a dagger to execute his deteftable in-
tention ; but Lilla, one of Edwin's officers, inter-
pofing his body between the affaffin and his royal
mafter, received the blow, and died with the glory
of having faved the life of his beloved fovereign.
The profperity of Edwin excited the A ^ ,
jealoufy of his neighbours, particularly
Ceadwalla king of the Britons, and Penda king of
Mercia, who uniting their forces, advanced as far
as Hatfield Foreft in Yorkflure, before Edwin was
informed of their having entered his kingdom.
Defirous of freeing as foon as poffible his fubjects
from the depredations of a ferocious enemy, he
gave them battle with an army much inferior in
number. Victory for fome time leemcd inclined
to bsftow her palm on Edwin, when Offrid his
eldeft fon, being fliot with an arrow, fell dead at
his father's feet. This fudden Iboke determined the
fate of the day ; for Edwin, no\v exafperated, loft
his
35
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
his ufual coolnefs and prefence of mind. Mad with
parental fury at this fatal event, he rufhed into the
inidft of the enemy and foon found the death he
fought for. The Northumbrians, no longer headed
by their darling king, fell into confufion, and fled
from the field of battle. Penda and Ceadwalla now
tried who fhould excel in ac~ts of barbarity. Nei-
that age nor fex had power to move their pity.
The fword of dellruction deluged the fields wirh the
blood of their owners. Paulinus with Ethelburga
the queen dowager, fled into Kent, their native
country, taking with them the jewels of the crown,
and the plate belonging to the church.
A n , A fcene of horrid ravages continued
35' in Northumberland till Ofwald, the fe-
cond fon of Erhelred, rofe the deliverer of his coun-
try. He had retired to Scotland on the death of
his father, where he had made great proficiencies in
his ftudies, particularly that of the military art. He
was a Chriftian ; of Uriel religion and virtue ; en-
dued with every talent neceflary to adorn a throne.
Touched with the calamities of his country, he
quitted his retreat with a very fmall force, and
entering Northumberland, took poffeffipn of an ad-
vantageous poll: near the wall of Severus. Here he
waited the approach of Ceadwalla, whoflufhed with
the effufion of human blood, confidered Ofwald
and his fmall party, rather as his prey than an
enemy; but Ofwald's little band withftood the firft
furious afiault of the Britifh army, who attempted
to force their intrenchments. Ceadwalla, enraged
at this unexpected difappointment, encouraged his
men, and leading them up to make a fecond attack,
he was pierced through the heart with an arrow.
The Britons now by the lofs of their general fell
into diforder, which Ofwald took care to improve,
and ifluing from his intrenchments at the head of
his little troop, he put the enemy to flight, obtained
a complete victory, and in a fhort time drove the
Britons out of the kingdom with great flaughter.
Upon which, having afcended the throne of his an-
ceftors, he applied himfelf to cultivate the arts of
peace. His great merit rendered him confpicuous
among the princes of the heptarchy, who chofe him
chief of their political confederacy. This elevation
roufed the reftlcfs ambition of Penda, who could
not behold without envy a rival in fame ; for as the
inimitable Shakefpear obferves, a man's virtues
fometimes prove his greateft enemies.
A D 64.2 l>er>da» without any provocations,
without any reafons aifigned, without
the leaft complaint of injuries received, entered the
territories of Northumberland, carrying fire and
fword among a people who had not injured him,
and endeavoured to crufli a prince, in contempt of
the laws of nations, only becaufe his amiable qua-
lities eclipfed his own. Ofwald advanced to meet
the tyrant with what forces he could haftily collect;
but the number of his troops were too fmall to con-
tend with thofe of Mercia, who were long ufed to
conqueft, and very numerous. The two armies
met at Mafcrfelt, where a furious battle enfued ; in
which Ofwald was (lain, and his kingdom expofed
to the implacable malevolence of Penda ; but mak-
ing an attempt to take Banbury caftie, he was
baffled in his defign, and directed his march towards
Eaft Anglia.
Few remarkable tranfadtions happened in Nor-
thumberland after the death of Ofwald. Affaffina-
tions, the murder and depofition of weak princes,
compofe the principal part of its hiftory.
f
VI. E A S T ANGLIA.
''HE Angles, a people from Jutland, who
-•- landed at different times in independent bo-
dies on the eaftern coaft of England, having efta-
blifhcd themfelvcs in the counties of Norfolk,
Suffolk, Cambridgefliire, and the ifle of . „
Ely, at length formed a diftinct kingdom. 575-
Urfa was the firft who took upon him the regal
title and authority. But we have no account of
him after his afcending the throne till his death,
when he was fucceeded by his fon Titel, who reign-
ed twenty -one years in obfcurity.
Redwald, qn the death of his father . n
Titel, afcended the throne, vvhofe merits • 599-
rendered him fo confpicuous, that he was chofen
head of the Saxon heptarchy, which high poll of
honour he filled with juft applaufe. After a glo-
rious reign of ^twenty years, he died, and his fon
Eorpwald, a very weak prince, was placed in the
feat of royalty. Here he appeared to great dif-
advantage after his illuftrious father; indeed he was
better qualified for a convent than a kingdom.
Kichbert, one of his generals, was fo exafperated at
his fupine iradlivity, that he aflaffinated him with
his own hand. After the death of Eorpwald, a fuc-
ceffion of obfcure princes filled the throne of Eaft
Anglia, of whofe names that of Sigebert alone is
worthy of notice. He began his reign in 636, and
eltablifhed the firft literary feminary we read of m
the Engliih hiftory, which he iurnimed with matters
qualified to teach the fciences. He rcfigned his
crown with great humility to Egric his kinfrnan,
preferring the habit of a monk to the robes of
royalty ; but Penda, king of the Mercians, having
entered the kingdom of Eaft Anglia with his army,
Sigebert was earncfljy requeued to emerge from the
convent, and take the field againft the invader.
Yielding to the preffing felicitations of his fubjecfrs,
he put himfelf at the head of the army and engaged
the Mercians; but after an obftinate conteft, in
which both Sigebert and his kinfman Egric were
(lain, victory declared in favour of Penda.
Ethelbert, the laft of the Eaft An- . _
glian princes, gained the love of his ' 749-
iubjeds by his learning, piety, and juftice. A
treaty of marriage was concluded between him and
Althrida, daughter to Offa king of Mercin, to whofe
court the unfufpecting Ethelbert repaired, in order
to confummate his nuptials, from whence his fubjecta
promifed themfelves a long feries of hnppim-fs,
under the government of their beloved prince. But
OfTa, with whom ambition had more charms than
virtue, violating the facred rites of hofpitality,
defpifing every thing held dear by mankind, tramp-
ling upon the laws of honour, caufed the innocent
Ethelbert to be aflaffinated, and feized upon his
kingdom, which after this period became a province
to Mercia.
. VII. MERCIA.
r~Y* HIS kingdom, by much the largeft and mod
-*• opulent of the Saxon heptarchy, was founded
by Crida, a defcendant from Woden. n
He fwayed the fceptre only two years ; ' ^
and on his death Ethelbert, king of Kent, feized
upon the Mercian territories ; but perceiving his
ufurpation raifed difcontents, which might termi-
nate in his own deft-ruction, three years after he re-
figned the throne to Webba, the fon of Crida.
Throughout a reign of nineteen years he performed
nothing memorable. At his death he lefc his king-
dom to Penda his fon. But Ethelbert fearing the
turbulent temper of Penda would involve the whole
heptarchy in confnfion, conferred the crown on
Cheorl, a nephew of the late king. He reigned
eight years, but the traces of his government with
his adtions, are configned, like thofe of his prede-
ceflbrs, to oblivion.
Penda, though fifty years old when he . T-. ,
afcended the throne, glowed with all the
fire of youth, and had the advantage of having great
experience united with a daring martial fpirit. A
love
THE HEPTARCHY.
37
love of conqueft was his ruling paffion, which blazed
forth in fuch horrid exceffcs, as have juflly branded
him with the appellation of a fanguinary tyrant.
The fword of deftruiition ever attended his rout,
and his whole reign was a continued feries of blood.
It reflects an honour to Chriftianity, that he always
refufed to embrace its tenets. Time could not
quench the flame of his ambition, nor ftop the pro-
grefs of his inhuman devaftations. In the eightieth
year of his age, when others are tottering on the
brink of the grave, he marched at the head of his
army into Northumberland, fully determined to
depopulate the country ; but victory now forfook his
ftandard, he attacked the Northumbrian army, and
was (lain by the fword of Ofwy.
„ He placed Peada the fon of Penda
"55- on the throne, but referved the greater
part of the kingdom to himfelf, and on the death of
Peada took polleffion of the whole : which he held
till the Mercians, headed by three popular noble-
men, recovered their independence, by driving
Ofwy out of their territories.
A T) f.f. Wulpher, Penda's fecond fon, who
'• had been concealed by his fubjects,
•was now placed on the throne of Mercia. This
prince inherited the reftlefs ambition of his fa-
ther. War was his favourite purfuit, yet after his
baptifm he was a remarkable friend to the church.
Having conquered the Ifle of Wight, he next at-
tacked the Britons, and drove them from their pof-
feffions between the Severn and the Wye. After
thefc the kingdoms of Eaft Anglia and Eflex felt
the power of his arms, which he reduced to a ftate
of vaffalage, in which they continued to the end of
the heptarchy. At length, after a reign of fifteen
years he was defeated by Egfrid, and dying, left his
crown to Kenrid his fon.
. ~ ., Kenrid being an infant, his uncle
A. JJ. 675. Ethdred, celebrated for his military ta-
lents, afcended the throne. His firft expedition was
againft the kingdom of Kent, great part whereof he
laid w afte. He next turned his arms againft Eg-
frid, king of Northumberland, from whom he re-
covered Linfey. Soon after which, being infected
with the gloomy fuperftition of the times, he re-
llcrcd the throne to Kenrid his nephew, from whom
he had unjuflly withheld it, and retired into the
mcnafterycf Bardney, which he himfelf had founded,
and died in obfcuriry. Kenrid, after having reigned
four years, followed his uncle's example, and fe-
qudkrcd himfelf from the world in the gloomy cell
of a convent.
Ceolrid, his fqcceffor, was a more
.
'*
active prince. He fupported a war
with Ina, king of the Weft Saxons, and fought a
bloody battle with him at Woodenlburg in Wilt-
Ihire, when neither party could claim the victory.
He attempted a dangerous tafk in thofe times, to
leflen the power of the monks, which brought down
updn him the refentment of the whole fraternity ;
who not futisfied by taking away his life by poifon,
of which he died in the greateft agonies, have
afperfed his memory, after devoting his foul to eter-
nal perdition. So dangerous was it in thofe times
of ignorance to niolcft a body of men, who, like the
drones, lived upon the labours of others, and be-
came a real burden to the community.
A ]•) „ £ Ethelbald, grandfon of Eoppa, bro-
7 ther of Penda, fucceeded this unfortu-
nate monarch. InfHgated by a reftlefs ambition,
he invaded the territories of his neighbours. Had
his abilities been confined to proper objects, his
reign might have been glorious ; but his manners
were depraved, and his ambition unbounded. Yet
in ads of benevolence to the church he was profufely
liberal. The monastery of Croyland was founded
by him; and he exempted the clergy from all taxes
and fecu la r fer vices. He entered Northumberland,
No. 4.
from whence he returned loaded with. Jpo;l. His
dominions having been attacked during his abfcnce
by the King of Weflex, he marched againft the Weft
Saxons, drove them back into their own country,
and demolifhed Somerton, one of the frontier gar-
rifons. A peace having been concluded, the two
kings joined their forces and totally routed the
Britons, who had drawn together a prodigious army.
Ethelbald now applied himfelf to the affairs of his
own kingdom, in which a rebellion broke our, and
Ethelbald fell in a battle with the infurgents.
Beornred, who headed the rebels, took pofleflion of
the throne, but the ufurper was drove from his feat
of royalty by a band of nobles, who placed Offa,
brother of Penda, on the Mercian throne.
Oftawasoneofthemoftdiftinguifhed . .p.
of all the Mercian princes; and yet in ' 755-
his character appear fuch a ftrange mixture of vir-
tues and vices, that it is a difficult matter to deter-
mine which were predominant. Impelled by an
infatiable thirft of power he invaded Kent, and
over-run that kingdom, after killing the prince, who
then filled the throne, with his Own hand, in a battle
at Otfbrd. He next directed his courfe to Nor-
thumberland, where he loaded his army with fpoils ;
and then reducing Nottinghamfhire, annexed it to
his own dominions. The king of the Weft Saxops
endeavoured to oppofe the rapid progrefs of his
arms ; but he was defeated by Offa, and obliged to
purchafe a peace at the expence of all his territories
on the north fide of the Thames. Having con-
cluded a peace with the Britons, to prevent their
future incurfions, he threw up a ftrong intrerich-
ment, which began near the mouth of the river Dee
in Flintfhire, and extending along the mountains,
ended at the influx of the Wye into the Severn.
The Britons, who had given not the leaft difttirb-
ance to the work while it was carrying on, were
induced by the arguments of their king Marmodius
to attempt its deftruction. With this view^ under
pretence of celebrating Chriftmas, they aflembled a
body of forces, with which making a fudden erup-
tion into Mercia, they threw down the bank, and
filled up the ditch in feveral places. Exafperated
at the treacherous violation of a truce they them-
felves had requefted, Offa condemned their hof-
tages to flavery, and entering Wales at the head of
a powerful army, defeated the Britons in a very ob-
ftinate battle. He now made his fon Egfrid co-
adjutor with him in the government, gave his
daughter Ethburga in marriage to Brithric, and
repulfed the Danes with great flaughter. But not-
withftanding thefe and other fplendid actions, not-
withftanding the merit of fome good qualities,
notwithstanding a feries of fuccefs raifcd his reputa-
tion to a great height, yet the murder of Ethelbert,
king of the Eaft Angles, will ever remain an inde-
lible blot on his character; it fullied the glory of
his reign, and at this moment brands the name of
OfFa with infamy. To wipe off this ftain, and per-
haps to appcafe the remorfes of his confcience, he
paid great court to the clergy, practifing all the
aurteri tie's of the monks, fo much efteemed in thofe
times of grofs fuperftition. He even made a pil-
grimage to Rome, where his riches could not fail
of procuring him papal abfolution. Here he en-
gaged to pay the pope an annual donation for fup-
port of the Englilh college at Rome. This fum
was railed by the tax of a penny, called Peter's
pence, on each houfe poflefled of thirty pence a
year. This donation he changed to a tribute, or an-
nual fubfidy of three hundred and fixty-five mari-
cufes, or rather a tax of a maricufe per diem, which
amounted to one hundred and thirty-fix pound
feventeen (hillings and fixpence ; the maricufe be-
ing valued at thirty-feven Saxon pence, or three
half crowns of our prefent money. Returning
home he founded the church and monaftery of St.
K Alban,
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Alban, which when near complcated, he died
. P. , at Offy, having reigned forty-fix
A. L>. 796. g>
Egfrid, his fon, after a fhort reign of five
months, was fucceeded by Kenulf, defcendcd by a
collateral branch from Penda. He invaded Kent,
took the kingprifoner, and annexed that kingdom
to his dominions, which he governed by a fubfti-r
lute. At his death, he left one fon and two
daughters.
. p. Kenelm, his fon, being a minor,
9' was murdered by order of his eldeft
lifter Quendrida. But fhe did not reap the ex-
pected fruits of her execrable .wickednefs ; for the
Unnatural wretch was depofed by her uncle Ceol-
wulf, who alfo, in the fecond year of his reign was
driven out of his kingdom by Beordrulph. Nor
did this ufurper fit more than two years on his
throne, when he was defeated and flain by Egbert,
king of the Eaft Angles. His fucceffors Ludican
and Wiglaff underwent the fame fate, by the fame
hand, the Saxon kingdoms being unable to with-
ftand the conquering arms of Egbert, who united
them all into one grand monarchy.
Thus have we endeavoured to give a faithful
account of the Saxon heptarchy. If we eftimate
its duration from the arrival of Hengift, it will be
found three hundred and feventy-eight years ; but
if from the eftablifhment of the kingdom of Mer-
cia, it will be only two hundred and forty-three.
Various caufes have been affigned for its diffolu-
tion ; but the principal were, the ambition of the
feveral monarchs, and the great difproportion of
their refpective kingdoms. Hence fprung conti-
nual wars, inteftine broils, civil commotions, and
in the end univerfal anarchy ; for in Northumber-
land, Mercia, and all the other kingdoms, Weflex
excepted, the antient race of kings being extinct,
the nobles contended with each other for abfolute <
fway ; and in the furious ftruggles, the people at
large fell a facrifice to the ambition of a few.
No difcoveries in the arts mark this period of
Paganifm and monkifh fuperftition. Literature was
little cultivated by the monks, who grafped the
fliadow inftead of the fubftance ; who fubftituted
the gloomy devotions of a cell, for the benevolent
precepts of the gofpel. Nor could the arts and
fciences flourifh in a country harrafied with diffen-
tions and continual wars ; where the torch of civil
difcord was lighted by the hand of rapine ; and
where a defire of conquert produced only a fuc-
ceflion of ufurpations, and a long train of national
miferies. Even Chriftianity loft its force among
the Anglo Saxons. Religion, inftead of enlighten-
ing their minds, involved them in the thickeft
clouds of fuperftitious bigotry. This will evidently
appear in the view we now propofe to take of their
eccleiiaftical hiftory ; which we lhall attempt to
ftretch out with the fame impartiality, which has
guided our pen in the relation of civil matters.
religion of the Saxons ; their introduction to
Cbrijiianity ; and ecclefiaftical hijlory,
THE religion of the Saxons, previous to their
c onverlion, like that of all Pagan nations,
was grofs idolatry. They practifed divination by
lots in a peculiar manner, the prieft prefiding in
all public affairs, and the matter of a family in
private.
Their idols were numerous. On Sunday they
worfnipped the fun. His image was placed in a
temple, and folemnly adored. Monday was dedi-
cated to the moon. Tuifco they wor (hipped on
Tuefday, or Tuif-day. Woden on our Wednefday,
antiently called, Wodenf-day. This feems to be
the fume with Mercury, and to him they offered
human facrifices. Thor, the fon of Woden and
Friga, they worfhiped on Thurfday, or as it was
then called, Thorf-day. Fiiday, Frigaf-day, or
Frigedeag, was devoted to Friga, or Venus. She-
was the goddefs of peace, plenty, love, and amity.
Saturday, or Seaterf-day, was dedicated to Seater,
among the Romans called Saturn.
But their grcateft favourite and patronefs was
Hertha, or the earth. She was drawn in a vehicle
covered with a facred veftment, and placed in a
holy wood, in an illand of the ocean. This portable
temple was carried about by cows, and attended
by a prieft, who was fuppofed to know the fee rets
of the goddefs, nor dared any other mortal to
touch it. Whatever place the idol pleafcd to
honour with its prefence, the inhabitants were i'n-
ftantly filled with joy; all tumult and war ceafed •,
the fword was Iheathed ; and harmony proceeded
from every tongue, and filled every brcaft. When,
fhe returned to the grove, her carriage was wafhcd
in a lake appropriated to that purpofc. Such was
the idolatry of the "Saxons when they fettled in
England. How far their manners were foftencd,
and their religion improved by the introduction of
Chriftianity, will now appear.
Chriftianity was firft introduced in the time of
Ethelbert, king of Kent. He had been married
fome time to Bertha, daughter of Caribert, king
of Paris, an,d it was ftipulated in the marriage
articles that fhe fhould enjoy, unmolefted, the free
exercife of her o\vn religion. This princefs being
a Chriftian, was attended by Luidhard, a prelate
venerable for his learning and exemplary life. He
preached in the church of St. Martin, which had
been built in the time of the Romans, near the
walls of Canterbury ; and by his frequent difcourfes
with the nobility, converted many of them to the
Chriftian faith. The excellent underftanding, and
irreproachable life of the queen, contributed greatly
to this end. Adorned with all the charms peculiar
to her fex, and with unaffected piety, which adds
luftre to greatnefs, fhe inipired the king and his
whole court with favourable fentiments of her reli-
gion.
Thefe promising circumftances induced pope
Gregory the Great to fend Auguftine, or Auftin,
with other monks, on a million to the court of
Ethelbert ; who, on their arrival in France, were
fo intimidated by accounts of the difficulties they
had to encounter with from the ferocious manners,
confummate ignorance, and idolatrous practices of
the Saxons, that the^fent their fuperior bacK, in
order to obtain leave' for relinquifhing the under-
taking ; but Gregory ordered them to proceed on
their journey ; and to avert the imagined dangers
that terrified his miffioners, he requefted at the
fame time by letters, affiftance from the court of
France, recommending them in prefling terms to
their protection. He folicited not in vain, for
Having been furnifhed with inter. . n
preters from among the Franks, who 597-
ftill fpoke the language of the Saxons, and recom-
mendatory letters to queen Bertha, Auftin, and his
followers, entered upon their voyage, and em-
barking, after a ihort palTage, landed in the Ifle of
Thanet. Auftin immediately acquainted Ethdbert
with the deiign of his coming, requeuing his per-
mitlion to preach publickly the doctrine of 'the
gofpel. The king ordered him to continue 'in the
Ifle of Thanet, and followed his meffage in perfon,
attended with queen Bcrth.i und the whole court,
then the molt iplendid in all the heptarchy. The
miilioners having had an audience granted them,
were received by Ethelbert in the open air, in order
to break the force of their enchantments fhould
they be employed againft him. They advanced
into the royal prefence with a flow pace, bearing a
crucifix
THE HEP T ARC H Y.
39
crucifix with their credentials, and chanting their
litanies with all the marks of unarrectcd devotion.
The king feemed deeply affected, bar did not at
that time declare hirnfelfa profelyte; however, he
permitted the miffioners to reiide.in Canterbury,
with a free toleration for preaching their religion
whenever they pleafed. Auftin and his brethren,
by their auflerities, to which were united purity of
manners, endeared themfelves to the people, who
concluded, that the premulgcrs of a. religion,
founded upon the principles of felf-denial, and who
mortified every paffion, muft ace from conviction.
The virtuous queen gave them tree admiffion to
her chapel, and Ethelbert himfelf became their
convert, and was baptized. The example of kings
is always powerful. In this inftance it was quickly
foiiowed by his nobles ,and people. Auftm was
confecratcd archbilhop of Canterbury ; the Britiili
churches that had fallen to decay were repaired or
rebuilt ; heathen temples were devoted to the wor-
ihip of the true God ; a Seminary of learning was
opened in the capital ; and, in a fhort time, the
Chriftian religion triumphed over the idolatry of
the Saxons.
A i) 6 f But this fair Structure was in danger
of being demolished, by the inceftuous
paSSion and criminal cxceffes of Eadbald, who
abandoned his religion that he mk;,ht indulge his
vicious inclinations. But Laurentius, the fuccefler
of'Aiilhn, fo ciiectually reclaimed the" king, that
touched with unfeigned contrition for his enormous
vices, he deftroyed the Pagan temples, broke the
idols in pieces, and hrmly eftabliShed the Chnfcian
religion in his kingdom. He extended his zeal for
the gofpel (.veil beyond the limits of his own terri-
tories, having contributed by the force of argu-
ment, but more by his exemplary piety, to the
converfion of Edwin, king of Mercia.
. n , . The Chriftian religion was planted
b34' in WelTex, among the Weft Saxons,
by Berennius, an Italian eccleiiaftic, who was in-
vefted with an epifcopal character, and created a
bifhop of York. Kinegils declared hirnfelfa con-
vert ; and fome time after Quinchelm, being feized
•with a violent fever, embraced the faith, and died
A n (h immediately after his baptifm. Kenwal
' alfo, built the cathedral church of St.
Peter at Winchester, as an atonement for the cruel-
ties he had committed in the early part of his life ;
a fpccies of pious fraud, which in Succeeding ages
of ignorance was much pradtifed. Ceadvvalla,
another prince of Weffex, after his converfion re-
A 1") 6S' Paired to Rome, where he was pub-
' lickly baptized by Sergius II. who then
filled the papal chair, but Survived the ceremony
only a few days. He was buried in St. Peter's
church, where his tomb may ftill be feen.
A D f> 8 Ethelburga, whofe life was a pattern
of conjugal affection, and who poffeSTed
all the virtue and piety of her mother Bertha, ex-
erted heifelf Successfully in eftablifhing Christianity
in the kingdom of Northumberland. Edwin
listened with great attention to her perfuafive ex-
hortations ; while Pauhnus, her prielt, Satisfied all
his Scruples. After a conviction, founded upon
mature consideration, Edwin was baptized at York
•with many of his nobles, by Paulinus, in a church
built for the occafion, and dedicated to St. Peter.
Choifi, the Pagan hi^h-prielt, followed the kn.-r's
example, and the Northumbrians Hocked in luch
numbers to be baptized, that the prelate was obliged
to perform the cc:trnony in the rivers Glcm and
Swale. We muft not here onv.t record ir>'; the firft
inftance of an oppoiition to the See of Uonic, by
Egfrid king of bernicia, when Agatha
filled the papal chair. The po-es in
A. D. 670.
his time were believed to be infallible; but Egfrid
paid no regard to their aflumed infallibility. He
deprived Wilfrid, biShop of York, of his bifhop-
rick, and feized upon his pofteSfions. Wilfrid
having appealed to the pope, his holinefs ordered
that he fhould be reftored. The prelate produced
an authentic copy of the fentence ; but Egfrid, in
a full council of his nobility and clergy, treated
the papal mandate and jurisdiction not with con-
tempt only, but alfo with reSentment ; which fell
upoa Wilfrid, who inftead of being reftored, or re-
ceiving any compenfation, was Sentenced to clofe
imprisonment. An opposition like this to the fee
of Rome, in times Slavishly fuperftitious, isjuftly
entitled to a place in hiftory.
^ Redwald, king of Eaft Anglia, embraced the
Chriftian faith, but afterwards apoftatized, at the
mitigation of his wife who was an idolatrefs.
Eorpwald, influenced by the perfua- A n
fions of Edwin, eftabliShed Christianity A* U' 624"
in his dominions ; and Some of his defendants,
fired with the religious eiichufiafm of the times,
cither became1 inactive princes, or, relinquishing
their crowns, retired into convents.
A daughter of Edwin having married Peada,
fon of Penda, through her influence the Chriftian
religion Spread over Mercia ; for Penda, though
not a Chriftian, gave free liberty to his Subjects to
profefs Whatever religion they pleafed. About the
year 679, we find the kingdom of Mercia was di-
vided into five diftincl diocefes, Worcefter, Lirch-
field, Leicester, Lindfey, and Hereford. Offa
erected the magnificent monaftery of St. Albans,
where he died, having reSided fome years in the
quality of a Steward.
Sigebert was a Pagan when he afcended the
throne of Effex. To effect: his converfion, and to
plant Christianity in that kingdom, Ethelbert fent
Melitus, who employed his abilities in the caufe of
religion with great fuccefs. Sigebert, having been
converted, joined Ethelbert in creeling the cathedral
church of St. Paul, which was raifed Upon the
foundations of a heathen temple, dedicated by the
Romans to Diana. Melitus was the firft bilhop.
Thefe two princes likewife rebuilt the church of
St. Peter, Weftminlter, which had been demolished
by the Saxons, but remains at this day a noble
monument of Gothic architecture. It is faid to
Stand upon the foundations of an idol temple de-
dicated to Apollo. The founding of thefe tw*o
churches gave a fatal blow to the idolatry of the
Saxons.
Yet it Should feem that they were little benefited
by the introduction of Christianity ; or, we Should
fay, thofe abfurd notions, and extravagant fables,
that were fubftituted by ignorant, if not defigning
monks, in its Stead ; who involved their converts
in the gloomy Shades of fuperftitious bigotry, and
by that means at once deprived them of its cha-
racteristic Simplicity and genuine effects.
C M A P.
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
CHAP.
II.
Contains the Hijiory of Egbert, the firjl Founder of the Englijb monarchy — with that of his Succejfcrs — to Canute
the Great, the firft Dani/h king of England — including a faithful Narrative of the various Defccnts and Ejlabiijb-
ment of the Danes in this Kingdom.
EGBERT.
The firft Saxon king of all England, and founder of the Englijb Monarchy.
great warrior and accomplifhed ftatef-
man, was the folc defcendant of thofe Saxon
adventurers who firft fubdued Britain, and paffed
the earlier part of his life, as we have already ob-
ferved, in the court of Charlemagne, king of
France, where he refided about twelve years, till
the death of Brithric, king of Weffex.
Immediately upon which event, the Weft Saxons,
fent a deputation, who intreatcd his acceptance of
a crown, to which he had a lineal claim.
A D 800 Egbert returned to England, and
' was received with the greateft de-
monftrations of joy. On his afcending the throne
of his anceftors, the royal families in all the other
kingdoms of the heptarchy were extinguifhcd ; at
the fame time their internal diffentions had. rendered
fome very weak, and others almoft defenceless.
But inftead of feeming to afpire to conqueft, he
appeared in the character of .a mediator between
neighbouring kings, who were fo well fatisfied with
his decifions, that they appealed to his award upon
all occafions. In order the better to cover, and at
a proper feafon accomplifh his grand defign, he
firft turned his arms againft the Cornifh Britons,
whom he defeated in feveral engagements. The
Welch made the caufe of their countrymen their
own, fo that the war became long, doubtful, and
bloody. The affiftance they afforded the Cornifh
Britons fo irritated Egbert, that he entered Wales
with fire and fword ; and, after fubduing one of
their provinces made a law, which enacted, that if
a Welchman pafled Offa's dyke, the offence mould
be capital. But before Egbert could reduce this
hardy race, though he had often vanquifhed them,
he was recalled to defend his own territories againft
Bernulf, king of Mercia. The Mercians were the
only people capable of defending themfelvcs againft
the power of this young hero, who, before his ac-
ceffion, had nearly attained abfolute fovereignty in
the heptarchy. They had reduced the Eaft Angles
under their fubjection, and eftablifhed tributary
princes in the kingdoms of ElTex and Kent.
Northumberland was in a ftate of anarchy ; and no
ftate of any confequence remained but Weflcx,
which being much inferior to that of Mercia in ex-
tent, was fupported wholly by the abilities of its
fovercign.
Egbert led his forces againft the invaders of his
country. A bloody battle enfued at Ellandun in
Wiltshire, where the army of Bernulf was totally
defeated. Another complete victory gained foon
after, fmiflied the conqueft, by making Egbert
mafter of Mercia. Kent made very little oppo-
lition. EfTex was conquered with equal facility.
The inhabitants of Northumberland, on his ap-
proaching their territories, came out. to do him ho-
mage as their fovercign. The Eaft Angles having
declared in favour of the conqueror, implored his
protection. Suflcx had been incorporated with his
own kingdom. And thus about four hundred years
A. D. cSo. a*ter tnc arrival °f the Saxons in Britain,
' by the policy and bravery of one man,
were all the kingdoms of the heptarchy united
under one grand monarchy ; which Egbert or-
dered to be diitinguiihed by' the name of "England.
Having now attained thefummit of his wifhcs, by
the unanimous confcnt of his people, he was fo-
Icmnly crowned at Wincheitcr. But though happy
in the affections of his people, arid by having fe^
ftored peace throughout the kingdom, yet his tran-
quillity was foon interrupted by the piratical
Danes, who made three fucceffive defcents upon
England.
Thefe ferocious people feem to have been a mix-
ture of different nations, but of the fame original
as the Saxons, agreeing with them in language,
manners, religion, and cuftoms. Charlemagne had
carried on a war with them for thirty years, in which,
fpace of time he drove them out of the more
fouthern provinces of Germany, and obliged them
to take fhelter in Jutland, Sweden, Denmark, and
Norway, from whence they ufed to commit depre-
dations on the fea coafts of France as well as of
England.
They landed on the ifle of Shepey. . ^ ~
Having plundered the country, they J
retired before it was poffible to attack them. This
fuccefs encouraged them to make a defcent the year
following at Tinmouth; but receiving a check from
the inhabitants they re-embarked, and cruifingalong
the coaft, landed near fifteen thoufand men at
Charmouth in Dorfetfhire. Egbert on the firft news
of this invafion, marched againft them with a body
of new raifed forces, who were unable to refift their
too formidable invaders, who gained a complete
victory; and Egbert with his routed army were in-
debted for a fafe retreat to the darknefs of the night.
But the Danes were convinced by this engagement,
that they muft expect the moft vigorous refiftance
from this warlike prince. They therefore retired
to their fhips, having firft entered into an alliance
with the Cornifh Britons.
The Danes returned to the Englifh A r\
coaft, and landed in Cornwall, where ' '
their army was augmented by a ftrong reinforce-
ment from their new allies. But Egbert was not to
be intimidated by this formidable junction. He
advanced againft them to Hengfton-hill, where the
two armies met. Victory now fought by the fide of
her beloved hero, and the Danes were totally de-
feated. The very few who had the good fortune
to efcape fled to their fhips with the utmoft pre-
cipitation.
Egbert now advanced in years was . n „ „
obliged to take the field againft thofe *
difturbcrs of his repofe, and was again victo-
lious. The Britons retired to their' mountains ;
the Danes to their fhips. The laurel had fcarcely
encircled the head of .this intrepid, wife, and hu-
mane monarch, when death put a period to his con-
quefts, but not his fame, which will only terminate
with the deftruction of time and death. His do-
minions, but not his virtues, he left to be poflefied
by his fon Ethel wolt.
Ethelwolf, during the life of an elder brother, was
educated in a cloifter, where he took fub-deacons
orders in the monaftery of Winchefter; but his bro-
ther dying, a difpenfation from pope Leo allowed
him to re-affumea fecular life. Upon his return to
the world, he aflifted his father in feveral expedi-
tions, but could never get the better of his indo-
lent difpofition.
In the firft year of his reign the . -Q g70
Danes landed at Southampton, from
three and thirty fhips, and laid the adjacent country
wafte. For five years- following thefe freebooters
infefted
E
H E
R E D.
infcfted the kingdom, committing every where the
moft dreadful ravages. In one or their dcfcents
they laid wafte the beft part of Mcrcia, and burned
the cities of London and Canterbury. They were
indeed defeated feveral times with great {laughter,
fometimes by the governors of different counties,
twice by Ethelwolf himfelf in perfon, and once by
his fon Athelftan at fea. However they commonly
attained the end of their expeditions, which feems
at firft to have been no more than to plunder the
country. At length they refolved to effect a fet-
tlement in England ; and with this view fixed their
refidence, in fpite of oppofition, firft in the Ifle of
Thanet, and afterwards in that of Shepey, where they
continued during the remaining part of his reign.
~ A bout this time, notwithftanding the
A. D. 854. unfctticd ftate Of his kingdom, Ethel-
wolf undertook a journey to Rome, accompanied by
his favourite fon Alfred, who was then only fix years
of age. Benedict XIII. received him very cour-
teoufly ; but at the fame time took advantage of
his extreme weaknefs, by perfuading him to make
a grant of three hundred marks a year to fupport
the lamps of St. Peter and St. Paul, and alfo to
fubjedt his whole kingdom to the intolerable load
of Rome fcot, or Peter's pence, a tax which conti-
nued from this period to the time of the reformation.
But he granted a more folid proof afterwards of real
devotion, by a formal charter, which beftowed the
tythes upon his own clergy.
Having confumed one >ear at Rome, he fet off
on his return to England. Faffing through France
he fell in love with Judith, the beautiful daughter
of the emperor Charles the Bald, and giving way
to his dotage married her. This unpopular ftep,
added to the difguft they had long entertained on
account of his impotent adminiftratiori, occasioned
a refolulion among fome of his nobility and prelates
of depoling him ; but others more difpaflionate
effected an accommodation, and reftored the inter-
nal peace oV the kingdom. The remaining part of
this king's life was employed in acis of devotion
and charity, and finifhed, when it drew near to a
clofe, by an acT: of prudence, in fettling the fuc-
ceffion to prevent difputes after his death. He be-
queathed his own territories to his fon Ethelbert, on
whofe death they were to defcend to Ethelred, and
for want of male iiTue was entailed upon Alfred.
His perfonal eftate he divided equally among his
children, ordering all his fucceflbrs to maintain
one poor perfon out of every tenth family. Having
thus fettled his temporal concerns he died in peace,
after a reign of nineteen or twenty years. He was
twice married ; firft to Ofburg an Engliih lady, and
afterwards to Judith. By his firft confort he had
one daughter and five fons. Thefe were Athelftan,
who died before him, and Ethclbald, Ethelbert,
Etheldred, and Alfred, all of whom in their turn
fucceeded him.
ETHELBALD and ETHELBERT.
.
o-~
•* /-
Ethelbald and Ethelbert afcended
jointly the throne of their father. The
former was an abandoned, the latter a virtuous
prince. The firft infamous action of Ethelbald 's
reign, and the only one we {hall notice, was anin-
ceituous marriage with Judith his father's widow,
whom by the remonftrance ofSwithen, biihop of
Winchefter he foon after divorced. He reigned
only two years, and on his death the government
of the whole kingdom devolved to his brother.
Ethelhert was as remarkable for his virtues as
Ethelbald had been for his vices, confequently the
one was as much deterred, as the other was beloved
by his fubjecls. Humanity and moderation formed
principally the character of Ethelbald. Through-
out his reign no complaints of injuftice were heard
No. 4.
j no civil commotions difturbcd thetranquillity of the
ftatc. His people would have enjoyed uninter-
rupted felicity had it not been for the inroads of
the Danes, who, while they were lulled afleep
in the arms of peace, landed at Southampton,
and extended their moft {hocking brutalities to
Winchefter, which they reduced to afhes. Their
progrefs was {topped by Olrtric and Ethelwolf, two
Engliih generals, who after a bloody engagement,
drove the few that had efcaped the fword to their
{hips without their plunder. But notwithftanding
this defeat, a ftiort time after another considerable
body of thefe freebooters, having deceived the
Kentifti men by agreeing to a truce for a ftipulated
fum, commenced hoftilities fuddenly in the night,
and committed the rnoft horrid maflacres in the
whole eaftern part of the country. In the midft of
thefe diftrcfles Ethelbald died univerfally lamented,
and was fucceeded by Ethelred his younger brother
in conformity to the will of his father, though he
left two fons, Adelhelan and Ethelvvould.
ETHELRED.
Ethelred enjoyed very little repofe . -^ <,<•£.
i • u • • 5u A. JJ. ODD.
during his reign, the irruptions of the
Danes becoming more frequent and more formida-
ble than in that of his predeceflbr. Their firft de-
fcent was made in the territories of the Eaft An-
gles, who by concluding a treaty with the invaders
of their country, enabled them to enter the province
of Northumberland, where they feized the city of
York, and defended it againft Ofbert and Ella, who
perifhcd in the afiaiilt. They next, under the com-
mand of Hingua and Hubba, penetrated into
Mercia, and threatened the kingdom with univerfal
fubjeftion ; but Ethelred in conjunction with his
brother Alfred, marched with a powerful army to
Nottingham, difloa'ged them from the pofts they
had taken, and obliged them to retire into Nor-
thumberland. From hence purfuing their rout
through Lincolnfhire^ they deftroyed the abbey of
Bardney, Peterborough, Ely, and all the monafteries
that lay in their way. Ebba, the abbefs of Cold-
ingham, expecting the invaders at her convent,
fummoned her nuns together, after defcribing in
glowing colours the luft and cruelty of the barba-
rians, {he added, that for her ow;n part me was re-
folved to preferve her chaftity at the expence of her
beauty. Then taking up a razor {he cut off her
nofe and upper lip. Her example was immediately
followed by the whole fifterhood. This bold expe-
dient produced the defired efFedr. with regard to
their honour, but coft them their lives. For the
brutal Danes, incenfed at their difappointment, fliut
up the nuns in their monaftery, and reduced the
whole to afties.
Thefe inhuman favages entered Eaft . T-J „
Anglia, and having defeated thegover-
nor Edmund, they barbaroufly murdered him by
{hooting at him as a butt or mark with arrows; from
the burial of \\ horn the town of St. Edmund's-bury
takes its name. Proceeding the year following to
Read ing, they wereoppofed at Afhdoivn by Ethelred
and Alfred. When the Danes were drawn up in
order of battle, Ethelred was alfifting at mafs
within his tent, ,but could not be prevailed upon,
though feveral meflengers were fent by his brother,
by any apprehension of danger to leave his devo-
tions unfinifhed ; fo that Alfred was obliged to
ftand thcfhock of the whole Danifh army, who at-
tacked him with great fury, but Ethelrccl coining :o
his afliftancc, the Danes after an incredible (laughter
were defeated. In this engagement they loft one
of their kings and five earls. Two months after
another battle was fought, in which Ethelred was
mortally wounded. He. died, leaving , -. „
to his brother, with his prudence, *"
L bravery,
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
bravery, and humanity, his cares ami misfortunes.
He was buried at Wimburn, in Dorfetfhire, not
lefs lamented than beloved by his fubjecls*
ALFRED the GREAT.
, Y) 9 This prince, to whom the furname
-
juftice, afcended the throne when he was only
twenty-two years of age; yet at this early period of
life his virtues, which in others begin to bud, were
in full bloom. He had given convincing proofs of
his valour, and the genuine goodnefs of his heart ;
but the time of trial now approached, wherein he
was to beexpofed to the moft imminent danger, over
which he was to triumph with uncommon fortitude,
and by furmounting which, with virtuous perfeve-
rance, he was to reftore inability to the throne, and
happinefs to his fubjecis. At rhis time the prof-
peel before him was gloomy. The cities and re-
ligious ftrudures were levelled with the duft ;
agriculture was neglecled, and the farms were
deftroyed. He wanted fubjedts to recruit his ar-
mies ; many of whom had perifhed by the fword,
and others tied to the mountains to efcape from the
cruelties of a barbarous enemy. His treafures were
cxhaufted, and the whole country defolated by the
repeated depredations of lawlefs robbers. Such a
iituation would have depreflcd a foul lefs intrepid
than that of Alfred's; but he alone viewed this fcene
of complicated diftrefs with unfhaken firmnefs.
He applied himfelf with the utmoft afllduity to ex-
pel the Danes from his dominions, who being re-
. mforced with frefh fupplies under Guthrum, Ofci-
tel, and Amund, menaced the kingdom with a
total fubjection. In one year he fought eight con-
fiderable battles with them. But this wife monarch
foon perceived that it would be impoffible to pre-
vent the inundation of thofe barbarians, without de-
ftroying their naval force ; he therefore fitted out a
fleet of ihips, which failed immediately to block up
Exeter. In their paflage they fell in with a large
fleet of the enemy, confifting of one hundred and
twenty fail, which after a furious engagement they
entirely deltroyed. A Short time after a fleet under
the command of the famous Rollo appeared on the
Englifh coaits. When that of Alfred approached,
the Dane thought it moft prudent not to attempt
a landing, therefore ftood over to the French fhore,
and made himfelf mafter of Normandy.
A D R-'S ^ut notwitntfanding this prudent
' ' meafure, fupported by the moft vigo-
rous exercions on the part of Alfred, the reftlefs
tlifturbers of his repofe daily gained ground. The
Danifh general Haldane invited more of his coun-
trymen over, while he himfelf at the head of a
numerous army penetrated into the heart of the
country as far as Chippenham. The torrent of
bold invaders continually increafed, rolled on, and
bore down all oppofuion. Many of the Englim
Med to the continent or to Wales; others were bar-
baroufly murdered ; the remainder paid to the con-
querors a fervile obedience. Alfred, to whom fub-
miflion was worfc than death, defertcd by his terri-
fied fubjefts, unable to raife a force fufficient to
check his blood thirfty enemies, was compelled to
exchange his regal habitat ion for an obfcure recefs.
Yet was he not univerfally forfaken. A chofen
band unconfcious of fervile dependance, was at-
tached to their beloved king, referving themfelves
for better times ; with hope that fome favourable
opportunity might happen for delivering their
country. Having divefted himfelf of all the en-
iigns of his royalty, difmiffed his fcrvants, and placed
his family with perlbns on whom he .cpiild rely,
Alfred, now indeed truly great, wandered about the
fwampy parts .of Somerfetfhire in the habit of a
peafant, and at length took up his abode with a
faithful cowherd, who had been entruded with the
care of fome of his cattle. Here we fee in our
Englifn hero an example of true greatncfs: regard-
lefs of indignities for the good of his country; the
vigour of whofe mind was ftrengthened by misfor-
tunes, while humiliation only gave an edge to his
revenge. The wife of the cowherd, ignorant of the
condition of her royal gueft, ordered him one day
to mind fome cakes which me had placed before the
fire. Alfred, being employed in trimming his bow
and arrows, through neglect furtered the cakes to
burn, which fo offended the good woman that flic-
rated the king very feverely, telling him, among
other paffionate expreflions, that he was ready
enough to eat the cakes when baked, though he
would not take car,eof them while baking. Alfred
received this reproof with chearfulnefs, having his 4
mind folely engaged in meditating on the means of '
delivering his country.
By this time the fearch of the enemy became
more remifs, which afforded Alfred frequent oppor-
tunities of vifiting his felect band, who had retired
into the center of a bog, formed by the waters of the
Thanet and Parret, Here they found about two
acres of firm ground, which they furrounded with
intrenchments. From this retreat, ho-.r called the
ifle of Athclney, Alfred at the head of his followers
made frequent excurfions, fo that the Danes often
felt the vigour of his arm, without being able to
difcover from what quarter the blow proceeded.
The period now approached when this great lu-
minary was to emerge from the made of obfcurity,
and to re-appear with increafed fplendor. .Ivar had
returned to Denmark, whereupon the command of
the army devolved upon his brother Hubba, who
entered Devonshire, laid fiege to thecaftle of Kin-
with, whither Odun, earl of that county with a few
of his followers had fled. Odun made a vigorous
fully upon theDanes, routed the wholearmy, killed
Hubba, took the famous ftandard that had been
wove by the three filters of Hubba, with many in-
cantations, and in which the Danes placed a fu-
perftitious confidence.
This unexpected blow encouraged Alfred to
execute a project he had formed, of viewing in
perfon the Danifh camp under the difguife of a mu-
lician. The harper was well received ; and even
introduced to the tent of Guthrum their prince.
During his ftay he remarked the fupine fecurivy of
the Danes, and their diflblute manners ; at the fame
time he heard they were to celebrate a grand feftival,
the confequences of which he knew would be riot
and diflipation. Having fully attained the end
propofed by his afTumcd character, he returned to
his friends, and immediately difpatched melTengers
to every part of the kingdom, ordering them to
aflemble at a fixed time on the borders of Selwood
foreft. They obeyed with inexprefllble joy the
fummons of their beloved monarch, who foon find-
ing himfelf at the head of a considerable army,
led them to Eddington, where the Danes lay en-
camped, and attacking them unawares, routed them
with fuch a terrible llaughter, that the furvivors
were glad to agree to the alternative propofed by
their conqueror, of either abandoning the kingdom
or embracing Chriftianity. Thofe who refilled to
part with their religion embarked for Flanders ; but
Guthrum, attended by thirty of his officers, repaired
*to Allez, a fmall village in Somerfetfhire, where
they were all baptized. Peace now extended her
olive branch over the whole ifland ; and though in
the courfe of twenty years following the Danes
made many attempts on different parts of the king-
dom, yet in moft of them they were unfuccefsful,
being either drove to their mips by the inhabitants,
or defeated by Alfred,, whofe very name carried
\vith it fuch terror, that wherever he appeared they
fled. So that after numbcrlcfs defcems, and com-r
mitting
Kiuo-ALFRED ^
/
v/W,//// //'NEATHERD'S WIFE ,
' / i
- Cakes "burn jr/tf'c/f f.>//' ,>/'.)<•'/ r«}uf<' //f'//f.>r// /rrr.> •>(> /(>
/ /
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
bravery, and humanity, his cares and misfortunes.
He was buried at Wimburn, in Dorfetfhire, not
lefs lamented than beloved by his fubjeds*
A
A.
ALFRED the GREAT.
« This prince, to whom the furnarne
571. of Great. has bcen appiied with ftrid
juftice, afcended the throne when he was only
twenty-two years of age; yet at this early period of
life his virtues, which in others begin to bud, were
in full bloom. He had given convincing proofs of
his valour, and the genuine goodnefs of his heart j
but the time of trial now approached, wherein he
was to be expofed to the moft imminent danger, over
which he was to triumph with uncommon fortitude,
and by furmounting which, with virtuous perfeve-
rance, he was to reftore liability to the throne, and
happinefs to his fubjeds. At this time the prof-
peel before him was gloomy. The cities and re-
ligious ftrudures were levelled with the duft ;
agriculture was negleded, and the farms were
deftroyed. He wanted fubjeds to recruit his ar-
mies ; many of \vhom had perifhed by the fword,
and others rled to the mountains to efcape from the
cruelties of a barbarous enemy. His treafures were
exhaufted, and the whole country defolated by the
repeated depredations of lawlefs robbers. Such a
iituation would have depreffed a foul lefs intrepid
than that of Alfred's; but he alone viewed this fcene
of complicated diftrefs with unfhaken firmnefs.
He applied himfelf with the utmoft afllduity to ex-
pel the Danes from his dominions, who being re-
. mforced with frcfh fupplies under Guthrum, Ofci-
tel, and Amund, menaced the kingdom with a
total fubjedion. In one year he fought eight con-
fiderable battles with them. But this wife monarch
foon perceived that it would be impoffible to pre-
vent the inundation of thofe barbarians, without de-
llroying their naval force ; he therefore fitted out a
fleet of Ihips, which failed immediately to block up
Exeter. In their paffage they fell in with a large
fleet of the enemy, conlifting of one hundred and
twenty fail, which after a furious engagement they
entirely deftroyed. A fhort time after a fleet under
the command of the famous Rollo appeared on the
Englifh coafts. When that of Alfred approached,
the Dane thought it moft prudent not to attempt
a landing, therefore flood over to the French ihore,
and made himfelf mafter of Normandy.
A D 8-8 ^ut notw^hftanding this prudent
" / " meafure, fupported by the moft vigo-
rous exertions on the part of Alfred, the reftlefs
difturbers of his repofe daily gained ground. The
Danifh general Haldane invited more of his coun-
trymen over, while he himfelf at the head of a
numerous army penetrated into the heart of the
country as far as Chippenham. The torrent of
bold invaders continually increafed, rolled on, and
bore down all oppolition. Many of the Englifh
fled to the continent or to Wales; others were bar-
baroufly murdered ; the remainder paid to the con-
querors a fervile obedience. Alfred, to w horn fub-
miflion was worfc than death, deferted by his terri-
fied fubjeds, unable to raife a force fuflkient to
check his blood thirfty enemies, was compelled to
exchange his regal habitation for an obfcure recefs.
Yet was he not uniyerfally forfaken. A chofen
band unconfcious of fervile dependance, was at-
tached to their beloved king, referving themfelves
for better times ; with hope that fome favourable
opportunity might happen for delivering their
country. Having divefted himfelf of all the en-
iigns of his royalty, difmiffed his fervants, and placed
his family with peribns on whom he could rely,
Alfred, now indeed truly great, wandered about the
fwampy parts .of Somerfetmire in the habit of a.
peafant, and at length took up his abode with a
faithful cowherd, who had been entrufled with the
care of fome of his cattle. Here we fee in our
Englifn hero an example of true grcatncfs : regard-
lefs of indignities for the good of his country; the
vigour of whofe mind was ftrengthened by misfor-
tunes, while humiliation only gave an edge to his
revenge. The wife of the cowherd, ignorant of the
condition of her royal gueft, ordered him one day
to mind fome cakes which me had placed before the
fire. Alfred, being employed in trimming his bow
and arrows, through neglect fuffered the cakes to
burn, which fo offended the good w oman that flic
rated the king very feverely, telling him, among
other paffionate expreflions, that he was ready
enough to eat the cakes when baked, though he
would not take car.e of them while baking. Alfred
received this reproof with chearfulnefs, having his
mind folely engaged in meditating on the means of
delivering his country.
By this time the fearch of the enemy became
more remifs, which afforded Alfred frequent oppor-
tunities of vifiting his feled band, who had retired
into the center of a bog, formed by the waters of the
Thanet and Parret, Here they found about two
acres of firm ground, which they furroundcd with
intrenchments. From this retreat, no'.r called the
iflc of Athclney, Alfred at the head of his followers
made frequent excurfions, fo that the Danes often
felt the vigour of his arm, without being able to
difcover from what quarter the blow proceeded.
The period now approached w hen this great lu-
minary was to emerge from the made of obfcurity,
and to re-appear with increafed fplendor. .Ivar had
returned to Denmark, whereupon the command of
the army devolved upon his brother Hubba, who
entered Devonfhire, laid fiege to thecallle of Kin-
with, whither Odun, earl of that county with a few
of his followers had fled. Odun made a vigorous
fally upon theDanes, routed the wholearmy, killed
Hubba, took the famous ftandard that had been
wove by the three lifters of Hubba, with many in-
cantations, and in which the Danes placed a fu-
perftitious confidence.
This unexpected blow encouraged Alfred to
execute a projed he had formed, of viewing in
perfon the Danifh camp under the difguife of a mu-
lician. The harper was well received ; and even
introduced to the tent of Guthrum their prince.
During his ftay he remarked the fupine fecurivy of
the Danes, and their difTolute manners ; at the fame
time he heard they were to celebrate a grand fcftival,
the confequences of which he knew would be riot
and diffipation. Having fully attained the end
propofed by his afTumed character, he returned to
his friends, and immediately difpatchcd mefTcngcrs
to every part of the kingdom, ordering them to
alTcmble at a fixed time on the borders of Selwood
foreft. They obeyed with inexpreflible joy the
fummons of their beloved monarch, who foon find-
ing himfelf at the head of a confiderable army,
led them to Eddington, where the Danes lay en-
camped, and attacking them unawares, routed them
with fuch a terrible ilaughtcr, that the furvivors
were glad to agree to the alternative propofed by
their conqueror, of either abandoning the kingdom
or embracing Chriftianity. Thofe who refufcd to
part with their religion embarked for Flanders ; but
Guthrum, attended by thirty of his officers, repaired
'.to Allez, a fmall village in Somerfctfhire, where
they were all baptized. Peace now extended her
olive branch over the whole ifland ; and though in
the courfe of twenty years following the Danes
made many attempts on different parts of the king-
dom, yet in moft of them they were unfuccefsful,
being either drove to their fliips by the inhabitants,
or defeated by Alfred,, whole very name carried
with it fuch terror, that wherever he appeared they
fled. So that after numbcrlcfs defcems, and com-
mitting
YKiiioALFRED/)/ disguise />/*/,///////• NEAT HERD'S WIFE J
'/ ' /" ' •/'
?0Jne Cakes L urn tvntc/t. f*)/te *•'/.>/''//•//)'//<• //f/jt.>c// tt'/t.i .H>/I>J>
•/'///.//../,,//. .//„,•;•//•-./. I M I'.il.i-Hml.i
Hamilton </,-///?.
T/isrnl
//,- ENGLISH A//////y //,- ',<;</» ./EDWARD //.Elder) Defeatino-//, DANISH ARMY
»• Wntchel . /// Sonierfel (hire ; /? Few onfa Kfcapia^, /y Swimmiae: f<> ///c/r Ships.
EDWARD THE ELDER.
43
mitting a continued (cries of outrages, they were
at laft expelled entirely the kingdom.
Hitherto we have viewed Alfred the Great in the
light only of an intrepid warrior, having given a
detail of his actions chierly.of a military nature ; we
lhall therefore now enter a little more fully into his
glorious character, by confulering his civil inftitu-
tions, and behoklmg'him as the excellent fcholar,
the patron of learning, a wife legiflator, an able
politician, a moftaccomplifhed prince, who perhaps
has never been equalled by any king of this or any
other nation.
After having defeated the Danes, he eftablilhed
civil and military inftitutions, encouraged induftry,
executed juftice, and took the wife ft methods of
providing againft their future inroads. He
equipped a fleet of three hundred and thirty fail of
fhips, which were distributed at proper ftations
round the ifland, to oppofe the Danes either before
or after they had landed. He raifed a regular
militia for the internal fecurity of his kingdom.
He rebuilt the cities, towns, churches and monaf-
teries that had been deftroyed by the hand of fa v age
barbarity. He repaired the caftles on the lea
coafts, ereftcd new fortifications, and fortified Lon-
don with walls and ramparts. He divided England
into counties, which \verefubdivided into hundreds,
and thefe again into ty things, or dwellings of ten
houfholders. By this inilitution every man was
obliged by his own intereft to keep a watchful eye
over the conduct of his neighbours, and juftice was
impartially admimftered. He laid the foundation
of that ineftimable privilege we now enjoy, of trial
by a jury of peers. He revived the Saxon Wit-
tenagemat, which is the origin of our modern par-
liaments. The difpofal of his revenue was fingular.
His income was divided into feven parts; one for the
fupport of his houfhold ; a fecond for the payment
of his fervants ; a third for the entertainment and
relief of ftrangers ; a fourth for the fupport of re-
ligious houfes founded by himfelf ; a fifth for the
fupport of public feminaries of learning ; a fixth for
the rebuilding monaftcries ; and the remainder for
the relief of the poor in general. He divided his
time into three parts, of eight hours each, devoting
eight to acts of devotion, eight to affairs of ftate,
and the reft to ftudy, deep, and ncccfiary refrelh-
mcnt. He made a conliderable progrefs in learn-
ing ; for befides compofing feveral original works,
he tranflated the paltoral of Gregory I. Boethius
concerning the confolation of philofophy, and
Bede's eccleliaftieal hiilory. To encourage arts
and fciences he invited learned men from the con-
tinent, and paid them liberally for their inftructing
his fubjects. No perfon who was not a fcholar was
allowed to hold any place under him. All free-
holders whofe cftates amounted to two hides of
land, were obliged to fend their fons to fchool till
the age of fixteen. He fettled feveral feminaries,
founded or at Icaft repaired the univerlity of Ox-
ford ; of which he himfelf was patron. He lent
perfons to furvey the Arctic regions, and if polfi-
ble difcovtr a north-eaft pafiage to the Indies.
We are informed by himfelf, in his tranflution of
Orolius, that one Ohter, a Dane, furvcycd thecoaifs
of Norway and Lapland by his direction, and pre-
fentedhim not only with a clear defcription of thai
countries, but alfo brought with him fome teeth of
the fea-horfe, and gave a good account of the whale
fifhery.
In his perfon Alfred was very comely, having a
calm but lively afpect. In his private character he
w as the molt amiable perfon of the age. His temper
was fo even, that after he had alTumed the crown,
he never ihcwcd any ligns either of levity or melan-
choly. If we confidcr his piety, we might con-
clude he had never been out of a cloifter ; if his
uars, that he had always lived in a camp ; if his
learning and writings, that he had patted all his
time in a univerlity; if his civil inftitutions, that
he had made the laws the ftudy of his life.
This celebrated hero, this founder of the Englilh
conftitution, this accomplilhed prince fought in
perfon fifty-lix battles by fea and land ; and after
having reltored peace to his happy fubjects, fell at
laft a victim to death, being the thir- . n
tieth year of his reign, and the fifty- A' U" 9O1«
third of his age. He left behind him two fons and
three daughters. His eldeft fon died before him.
His fecond fon, Edward, fucceeded him ; and his
third, Ethelward, devoted himfelf to literature.
His eldeft daughter was married to the earl of
Mercia; his lecond to the count of Flanders;
and the third was an abbefs.
EDWARD THE ELDER.
Edward the Elder, who equalled . ,->
his father in military talents, had no
fooner afcended the throne than he was involved
in war, his coulin-german Ethehvald, fon to king
Ethelbert, having laid claim to the crown. In order
to fupport his preteniions, he put. himfelf at the
head of a ftrong body of Norman freebooters, and
joined the Danes of Northumberland, who had
chofen him their king. Edward immediately col-
lected his forces, and coming up wich him in the
neighbourhood of Bury, a battle was fought with
great obftinacy, in which Ethehvald, with the
greateftpartof his officers, were killed upon thefpot.
But the death of this pretender did . ^
not eftablilh national tranquillity ; for
the Danes continued their ravages, notwithftanding
they were frequently purfued and routed with great
flaughter. The remainder of Edward's reign was
filled up with fuccefsful enterprizes againft the
Northumbrians, and foreign invaders. He fought
two lignal battles at Temsford and Maiden ; he
vanquilhed Thurketill, a great Danilh chief, and
obliged him to leave the kingdom; he fubdued the
Eaft Angles ; he expelled Reginald and Sidroc, two
rival princes of Northumberland ; he conquered
leveral tribes of the Britons, and even obliged the
Scots to do him homage.
Having by his bravery procured an , -^
interval of peace, he rebuilt the city '
of Hereford, which the Dar.es had laid in alhes ;
fortified VVitham, repaired feveral churches ; and
erected the feminary of Cambridge into a univer-
fity.
He was aflifted in his military operations by his
gallant lifter Elfleda, who had devoted herfelf to
the exercife of arms, and fought many battles with
victory by her lide. She difdained the occupations
of her fex ; yet her prudence and virtue were equal
to her courage. The happinefs and peace of her
country folely engaged her attention, both which
Ihe laboured fuccefsfully to cftablilh.
The Danes, notwithftanding they Af)-,
had been continually defeated by Ed-
\\ ard and his intrepid filler, who never loft a battle,
now menaced the Engliih with a general infur-
rcction. But the activity of Edward compelled
them to abandon all their deligns. They were
driven from one part of the country to another;
their caftles were taken, and their towns laid in
alhes. They felt the fame diftrefs they iu.H fo often
inflicted on others. Submiffion now became their
only refourcc. They accordingly laid down their
arms, and readily embraced the terms offered by
the victor. After having reduced the whole king-
dom of England, and principality of Wales to his
obedience, death put an end to his glory and life
in the twenty-fifth year -of his reign. ^ p
The character of this prince was very
refpectable; but was eclipfed to his fubjecla by his
being
44
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
being the immediate fucceflbr of Alfred the Great;
yet, upon the whole, he was a great monarch, and
a good man. By his.firfr. wile he had two fons,
Ethel wald and Edwin ; and two by his fecond wife
Edgiva, Edmund and Edred, who afterwards
reigned; to whom were added> eight daughters.
He had alfo by Egwina, the daughter of a fhep-
herd, a natural Ion named Athelftan, who imme-
diately fucceeded him on the throne, his legitimate
children being thought too young to rule a nation
cxpofed to domeftic calamities, and foreign in-
Vafions.
ATHELSTAN.
A D Athelftan afcended the throne in
the thirtieth year of his age, by the
unanimous confcnt of the people, whofe choice was
fufficiently juftified, if we confider the fplendid
accomplishments of this prince.
On his acceflion, a confpiracy was formed to
wreft the fceptre from his hand, by Alfred, a noble-
man of considerable authority, who was committed
upon fufpicion to prifon. Alfred denied the charge,
and offered to take a folemn oath of his innocence
before the pope. Upon which he was fent to Rome,
where he had no fooner taken the oath, moft pro.
bably a facramental one, than he was feized with a
fainting fit, and at the end of three days expired in
great agonies. Whatever might be the caufe of
this tragical event, which bears a very fufpicious
afpect, Alfred was confidered as guilty, and his
cftate given to the monaftery of Malmibury.
Athelftan now endeavoured to give fecurity to
his government, by providing againft the infur-
rections of the Danes. To this end he marched
into Northu mberland, where he conferred on Sithric,
a Danifh nobleman, the title of king, and gave
him his fitter Editha in marriage ; but Sithric dying
within a tv\ elvemonth, Anlaf and Godfrid, his two
fons by a former marriage, afTumed the fovereignty,
without waiting for Athelftan's confent. Their pre-
fumption, however, was foon punifhed . by that
monarch, who expelled them, when the former
retired into Ireland,, and the latter into Scotland,
where he was protected by Conftantine, who was
then on the throne. This Athelftan refented ; and
marching into Scotland reduced the king to fuch
diftrefs, that, being in danger of lofing his crown
he M as at lair, compelled to fue for peace in the
moft fubmilfive terms.
A pj But Conftantine, after Athelftan had
returned to Weffex, joined in a con-
federacy with Anlaf, a Daniih prince fettled in
Ireland, and Owen, king of the Cumbrian -Britons
in Wales. Owen marched to join Conftantine;
and Anlaf failed from Ireland with a numerous
army, in a fleet of two hundred and fixteen fail of
large fhips. Thefe forces were landed on the north
fide of the Kumber, and proceeded immediately to
form a junction with the allies. Athelftan was no
f JOO£r apprized of this powerful confederacy, than
he drew together his forces, and appeared uncx-
p:dtedly before the enemy; when, to ufe Ciefar's
words, he came — he faw — he conquered. The
Eiglifh began the attack with uncommon bravery.
Tue allies were driven from the field with prodi-
g ous ilaughter; and the few that efcaped fought
toeir fafcty in a precipitate flight. This battle was
fought near Bruneford, or Bruniburg, in Northum-
berland ; and the victory was in a great meafure
obtained by Turkctul, the Englifh chancellor, who
w th'a felect band of Londoners broke through the
ranks of the enemy, unhorfed the king of Scotland,
who was dangeroiffly wounded, and by his amazing
valour decided the fortune of the day. There fell
in this rernarkabie engagement, befides Conftantine,
who died of his wounds, fix kings of Ireland and
Wales, twelve earls, feveral other general officers,
and an almoft incredible number of counts and
privates.
After this decifive action, Athelftan enjoyed his
crown in tranquillity, and died in the iixteenth
year of his reign, and in the forty-fixth A n
of his age. This prince, throughout 941-
his reign, which coniifted chiefly of military ex-
ploits, acted in every refpect worthy of his illuftrious
defcent. He employed men of learning to tranflatc
the Bible into the Saxon language. He died with-
out iffue, and was buried in the abbey of Malmf-
bury.
EDMUND.
Edmund, the brother of Athelftan, . ^
at the age of eighteen, was crowned 94r-
with great pomp at Kingfton in Surry. He was
fcarcely fcated on his throne when the Northum-
brians, thinking his youth a circumftance in their
favour, revolted. But Edmund fuddenly marched
into their countryj and the rebels were fo over-
awed, that they ftrove to appeafe him by the
meaneft fubmiffions. He inlifted on their em-
bracing the Chriftian religion as a preliminary to
a treaty, with which condition they made not the
leaft difficulty in complying.
The Cumbrian Britons havingaflifted . j^
the Northumbrians in their late revolt, * 945-
Edmund marched into their country at the head of
his army ; drove their prince from his throne, and
beftowed his dominions on Malcolm king of Scot-
land ; who undertook the defence of the northern
border, and did homage to Edmund as lord para-
mount of the foil.
Peace now took up her refidence in the do-
minions of Edmund, and a feries of happy days
were expected to flow from his mild government,
when an event happened which put a period to his
life, and the hopes of his fubjects. While he was
celebrating the feaft of Auguftine, in commemo-
ration of the converfion of the Saxons, on the
twenty-fixth day of May, 946, at Pucle church in
Gloucefterihire, one Leolf, a notorious robber whom
the king had banilhed, took his feat at one of the
tables where he himfelf was at dinner. Provoked
at this infolence, Edmund ordered him to leave
the place. On his refilling, the king leaped from
his feat, and feizing him by the hair dragged him
to the ground ; when the ruffian thus pufhed to ex-
tremity, drew a dagger, and fheathed it in the bo-
forri cf his prince. Death followed the wound,
Edmund fell to the ground, and inftantly expired.
His nobles, exafperated to madnefs, fell upon the
regicide, and cut him to pieces with their 1 words.
Such was the untimely end of this young prince,
after a ftiort but promifing reign of about llx years.
He was buried at Glaftonbury, of which the famous
Dunftan was then Abbot. By his queen Elgiva he
had t\vo fons, Edwy and Edgar, but as they v. ere
very young, Edred his brother fucceeded him on
the throne. During the reign of Edmund many
new laws were enacted, fome of which are ftill ex-
ifting. In his time robbery was puniflied with
hanging. The fhort time this king fat upon the
throne renders it irnpoftible to draw his character
with ftrict juftice. His victories in the field are
undeniable proofs of his valour; and the pains hs
took to make his people happy, are demonstrations
of his humanity.
EDRED.
Edred, brother of the deceafed king, . r) Q ,5
was crowned at Kingfton in Surry, by *
Odo, archbifhop of Canterbury. He had fcarcely
b?gan his reign, when* the Danes of Northumber-
land
Ill'f/l'/l ,/,'/ti:
Portrait* ////,)
<g-/L KINGS
'v. //«• ,
f't
<d
)
•
n
•
Portraits aw> Drelses
// //y///' Arms ) /-//^
GS / jf GLAND
s///. IM///W.I/-. ^ Plate , *
D
G
A
R.
'15
land as ufual revolted ; but Edred marched with-
out delay in,to their country and reduced it. Soon
after they again renounced their allegiance, and even
added treachery to rebellion, by attacking his army
on their return home; upon which he fuddcnly
marched back into the heart of their country, and
after ravaging it with fire and fword, effectually
fecured it with Engliih garrifons.
~ Peace being thus rcflored, Edred ap-
• 953- plied himfclf to exercifes more iuitcd to
his inclinations than thofe of war. Superftition
was the ruling paflion in the breaft of this prince,
and the principal feature in his character. He
fubmitted his conference to the guidance of Dun-
ftan, abbot of Glaftonbury, who was not only his
fpiritual director, but in reality the fole governor
of the kingdom. Dunftan was one of thofe enter-
prizing men, whofe ftubborn prejudices have fre-
quently interrupted the tranquillity of nations.
He had no merits but thofe of a churchman ; as an
Engliihman they were execrable. The bigotted
monarch was however deceived. He fubmitted
even to receive corporal punifhment from his hand.
This bold churchman taking advantage of Edred's
weaknefs, introduced into England the Benedictines,
a new order of monks, who immediately excited
the moft violent commotions, by openly profeding,
among other rigid monadic aufterities, the doctrine
of celibacy; and to render their rivals, the fecular
clergy, as odious as poflible, every inftance of diflb-
lutenefs in that order was now reprefentcd as a ge-
neral corruption, and when other flandcrous topics
were wanting, marriage became a general fubject
of invedtive, and their wives received the name of
concubines. On the other hand the fecular clergy,
provoked at this attack, vigoroufly defended them-
ielves; inveighing bitterly againft an innovation,
which however advantageous to the church, is ex-
tremely pernicious to civil fociety.
In the midft of thefe difputes Edred died of a
quinfey, on the twenty-third of November, in the
year 955, in the ninth year of his reign, highly ex-
tolled by the deceitful flatteries of Dunftan and his
monks, who it muft be acknowledged by the death
of this weak king, loft a generous benefactor. He
left three children ; but they being infants, he was
fuccceded by Edwy his nephew, the fon of his bro-
ther Edmund.
EDWY.
Edwy when he mounted the throne
>- was not more than fixteen or feventeen
years of age; and was fo remarkable for perfonal
accompliihments, that he obtained the furname of
the Fair. Unhappily for this young prince he en-
gaged in a controverfy with the monks, who have
purfued his memory with the fame unrelenting fury
which they exercifed againft his perfon, during Kis
Ihort and unhappy reign. What gave rife to their
malice, was Edwy's having married a beautiful
princefs of the blood royal, named Elgiva, who
though only his fecond or third coufin, was within
the degrees of confanguinity prohibited by the
canon law. The monks therefore loudly exclaimed
againft him as guilty of inceft, and even obliged
him to agree to a divorce. Dunftan, commonly
called faint Dunftan, was at the head of thefc in-
cenfed bigots. This precious faint firft encouraged
the dupes of his hypocrify to infult regal authority,
and afterwards excited the people to rebel againft
their fovereign.
On the day of his coronation, Edwy, to avoid ex-
ceffive drinking then univerlally practifed, and pro-
bably attracted by fofter pkaiurcs, retired to the
queen's apartments, where in the prefence of his
mother he indulged his fbndnefs for his beloved
Elgiva. The nobles haftily concluding the ab^
No. 5.
fence of their king an affront offered to themfelvts,
complained of the infult. Dunftan law their difguit
with fecret fatisfaction, and taking with him Odo,
archbilhop of Canterbury, they both ruihed without
ceremony into the royal prefence, reproached the
king in the harfheft terms, and forcing him from
the arms of his wife, puttied him forward to the com-
pany of the nobles. Edwy, though young, Mas ex-
afperated at this outrage of the infolent mcnk ; and
to be revenged for the fr.me, called him to an ac-
count for his adminiftration of the trcafury during
the reign of his predcceflbr. Dunftan refilled to
comply ; upon which he was declared guilty of mal-
verlation in his office, and baniflicd the kingdom.
But during Dunftan's abfence, his cabal poifoncd
the minds of the people with the highcft en-
comiums on his fanctity. They reprefented him
as a vicegerent of heaven, and his banifhment as
an act of the greateft impiety. Having by their
clamours infilled into the minds of the vulgar a
falfe terror, they proceeded to the moft outrageous
violations of royal prerogative. Odo, archbilhop of
Canterbury, one of the moft violent fanatics of that
age, fufpecting that the refentment of Elgiva had
been the principal caufe of Dunlian's bamihment,
fent into the palace a company of foldiers, who with
more than brutal violence dragged the fair queen
from the arms of her hulband, branded her face
with a red hot iron, in order t6 deftroy that beauty
with which Edwy was enamoured, and then con-
veyed her by force into Ireland. Edwy enraged at
the barbarity of Odo, turned his refentment againft
the monks, whom he expelled the kingdom. Had
he purfued his blow, and drove Odo alfo out of thti
ifland, an interval of tranquillity might probaMy
havefucceeded the outragesofdifappointed bigotry.
But the popularity of Odo intimidated Edwy, who
finding it impoffibleto ftem the torrent of rebellious
oppoiition, (hut himfelf up in the city of Glouceilcr.
About this time the lovely Elgiva, having been
cured of her wounds, was returning from Ireland,
with the pleafing hopes of once more enjoying
the happinefs of her hufband's company, when ftiC
unfortunately fell into the hands of a party fent by
Odo to intercept her, who ftecled againft the foft
pleadings of humanity, facrificcd her to the fury of
unrelenting monks. This innocent female victim
was hamftringed, and expired a few days after in
moft acute torments.
A civil war now raged with unremitting violence,
which after an effulion of blood terminated in a
peace, by which Edgar the younger brother was
proclaimed king, and to Edwy \\as allotted only
the kingdom of Weflcx. Odo now having feen
the accompliftiment of his wicked devices againft
his fovereign, died; and Dunftan returning to
England was made bifhopof Worccfter, then raifed
to the fee of London, and afterwards to that of
Canterbury.
The unhappy Edwy, robbed of his amiable
Elgiva, deprived of his kingdom, and excommu-
nicated, whereby he was coniidered by his fubjects
as a monfter of impiety, pined in fecret till he be-
came a prey to melancholy, which brought him to
the grave in the fifth year of his reign.
The character of this prince has been loaded by
monkifti malevolence with almoft every vice-, but
had he tamely fubmitted to the government of :m
arnbitious prelate and an artful monk, all his faults
had been forgotten, and his virtues difplaycd with
the fpecious varnim of monaftic eloquence.
EDGAR.
Edgar, who before the death of his A D Q<Q
brother Edwy had obtained the fove-
reio-nty, afcendcd the throne before he was feven-
recn years of age, and the furname given him of the
M .Peaceable,
46
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Peaceable, bccaufc his reign was undifturbcd by
any commotions foreign or domeftic. It was prin-
cipally to his great preparations both by fea and
land that he owed his fecurity. He quartered a
ftrong body of regulars in the north, to keep the
mutinous Northumbrians in fubjeetion, and to re-
pel thofe of the Scots, while a powerful navy
guarded the coalts ; which had orders from time to
time to make the circuit of his dominions. The
foreign Danes did not dare to approach a country
that appeared in fuch a pofturc of defence ; and the
domeitic Danes faw if they engaged in a rebellion,
it would be attended with inevitable deftruction.
The kings of Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and the Ifle
of Man acknowledged him for their fovereign ; and
on a vifit he made to Cheiter, he is faid to have
been rowed in his barge on the river Dec, by eight
tributary kings.
Nothing tended more to the tranquillity of Ed-
gar's reign than his patronage of the monks ; for
the voice of the people was always in their fa-
vour, fo that they could foment infurrections, or
preferve the public peace almoft at their plea-
lure.
His liberality to thefe ecckfiaftics exceeded all
bounds of difcretion. He is faid to have founded
more than forty monafteries, and repaired many
others. The recompcnce of thefe favours was the
quiet pofleflion of his crown, and the name of faint
conferred after his death.
He changed the tribute of rhe Welch into three
hundred wolves heads, the kingdom being then
infefted with wolves, and pardoned all crimes com-
mitted before a certain period, on condition the
criminals fhould produce a certain number of the
tongues of thofe animals ; an expedient that pro-
duced fuch diligence in hunting and dcftroying
them, that they have not been feen fince in this
ifland.
He was alfo fevcre againft corrupt magiftrates,
inflicting exemplary punifhment on fuch as were
guilty of mal-practices ; and the better to enfure
the adminiftration of juftice, he made an annual
circuit through thedifferentparts of his dominions;
yet in his private life he is faid to have been very
licentious ; for though by permiflion of the pope he
fumrnoned a general council, in which the fccular
clergy were accufed of ma'ny irregularities in order
to beftow their benefices on the monks ; he himfelf
at the fame time carried off a nun from her con-
vent by force, whofe name was Wilfrid, and even
committed violence on her perfon.
Being on a vifit at the houfe of a nobleman near
Andover, and feeing his daughter, he became fo en-
Hamed with her beauty, that he infifted on having
his inclination immediately indulged, by fleeping
with her that very night. The mother of the young
lady, knowing the impetuofity of the king's tem-
per, pretended a ready fubmiffion to his will, but
in order to preferve the honour of her daughter,
prevailed on a waiting woman to fupply her place.
When the return of light difcovered the deceit, the
king appeared not difTatisfied with what had hap-
pened, and transferred his love to the good natured
damfel, who was called Elfleda the Fair. She be-
came his favourite miftrefs, whom he kept till his
marriage with the beautiful Elfrida, the following
particulars of whom have been related by moft
writers of credit.
Elfrida, daughter of Olgar earl of Devonfliire,
was univerfally reputed the greateft beauty in the
kingdom. The fame of her charms had even been
communicated to Edgar, who refolvcd if they
Ihould prove anfwerable to report to raifc her to
his throne. In order to inform himfelf of the
truth^ he ordered Athelwold his favourite upon a
vifit to Her parents, charging him to be very parti-
cular in the account he mould bring him of their
daughter's accomplishments. Athelwold in exe-
cuting this commifliori was feized with a violent
paffion for Elfrida, and inftantiy took a weak refb-
lution of facrificing his fidelity to his love. Upon
his return he therefore told the king, that the high
quality and riches of Elfrida had been the foun-
dation of public fame, and that her charms would
have been overlooked in a \\oman of an inferior
ftation. Having thus diverted the king from his
delign, he fome time after took an opportunity of
renewing the fubjecl, and obferved to Edgar that
though her birth and fortune had not produced in
him the fame illufion as in others with refpect to
her beauty, yet he thought upon the whole {he
would be an advantageous match for himfelf. Ed-
gar, plcafed with the means of eftablifliing his ra-
vourite's fortune, not only perfuadcd him to execute
his purpofc, but fupported his fuccefs by recom-
mendations to Elfrida's parents, and loon after
Athelwold was made happy by marrying the lady;
but dreading a difcovery of his mean artifice, he
confined her in his caftle in the country, nor would
allow her the ufual ceremony of appearing at court.,
\vith the hope of preventing her ever being feen by
Edgar. But this prince having by fome of his
courtiers been informed of the truth, paid Athelwold
a vifit at his caftle, when he was fo enchanted with
the beauty of Elfrida, who notwithstanding her huf-
band's entreaties to the contrary, ufed every art to
fet off her charms, that he refolved to take ven-
geance on his favourite, who had deluded him by an
acl of bafencfs of the moft flagrant kind.. For this •
purpofe he took Athelwold under pretence of hunt-
ing into a wood, where drawing him afide from his
attendants he ftabbed him with his own hand, and
was foon after publicly married to Elfrida. This
lady to expiate her crime in being the occafion of
her hufband's death, or moft likely to ingratiate
herfelf with the monks, eftablifhed on the fpot
where his blood was fpilt a fociety of nuns ,to pray
for his foul. A very different kind of punilhment
this than what had been inflicted on the unhappy
Edwy and his beloved Elgiva.
The monks, in the hiftory of this king's reign,
have given us rather a fulfome panegyric on his
character, than a regular feries of actions. If the
enriching churches and monafteries may be con-
fidered as cardinal virtues, Edgar certainly pof-
feiled them in a high degree ; and on this bafis
alone his fanctity is founded. However without
employing the pen of adulation, we may with ftrict
truth obferve, that few princes in thofe turbulent
times enjoyed fo long an interval of tranquillity ;
to obtain which he took the moft prudent methods.
His political conduct particularly in preventing in-
vafions, have given a real luftre to his character.
His laws for the prefervation of civil happinefs are
equally admirable. His court was admired for its
hofpitality, and was generally filled with a con-
courfe of foreigners, who were charmed with his
elegance, magnificence, and politenefs. He ex-
tended his liberality in a bountiful manner to men
of genius and learning. Ever attentive to the trade
of his fubjccts, he regulated the coin of the king-
dom, and took care that it fhould be of a proper
ftandard, in order to fupport the credit of the na-
tion in foreign markets. He alfo reduced the
weights and mcafures to one ftandard.
After enjoying a peaceable reign of lixteen
years, and in the thirty-third of his age, Edgar
died in 975, and was buried at Glaftonbury. By
his firft wife the daughter of earl Ordnier, he had
a fon named Edward, who fucceeded him on the
throne ; and by his fecond wife Elfrida, he had a
fon called Ethelred, who fucceeded to Edward.
He had likewjfe a natural daughter by the nun
Wilfrid,
/.'• StepMotherJEM'jR r DA
F<- Castle /// ])orsetsliire .
E T H E L R E D
II.
47
Wilfrid, whofc name was Editha, highly extolled
on account of her piety.
EDWARD the MARTYR;
n Edward the Martyr, v\ho was only
A. U. 975. fjfteen years of age, afccnded the
throne by the influence of Dunftan, to whofe power
and favour he was indebted for a fceptrc ; for a
ftrong party had been formed jigainft him by the
intrigues of his ftep-mother the fair Elfrida, who,
under pretence thathewas illegitimate, endeavoured
to raife her own fon Ethelred to the throne ; but
Dunftan, \vith the principal nobles, declaring in
favour of Edward's title, this prince was anointed
and crowned at Kingfton in Surry. Dunftan, hav-
ing thus carried his point, determined to keep the
monks in their benefices, and exerted to this end
the king's authority in their favour; thus, in a
manner, taking the government into his own
hands.
But as the declarations of a prince in his mi-
nority, and wholly at the devotion pf Dunftan,
would carry with it the moft glaring marks of fuf-
picion, recourfe was had to fome pious frauds, be-
lieved by the populace to be real miracles. At one
time Dunftan declared he had received a real reve-
lation from heaven in favour of the monks ; at
another, he made a crucifix fpeak to the fame pur-
pofe ; and, on a third occafion, he contrived matters
fo, that the floor of the hall where the afTembly
was met funk down, and great numbers were crufli-
ed to death ; but the beam which fupported Dun-
ftan flood firm, and the prelate remained unhurt in
themidft of the general flaughter.
Thefe impoftures were interpreted by a deluded,
ignorant people, indifputable decilions in favour of
the celibacy of the clergy, and no farther oppofition
was made to the defign of extending it over the
whole kingdom.
Soon after Edward's acceffion to the throne,
Elfrida retired, with her fon, to Corfe-caftle, in
Dorfetfhire. All animofitics between her and the
king in appearance, feemcd to have been entirely
forgotten. On the part of Edward, this reconci-
liation was real ; but Elfrida nurfcd in fecret the
fury of revenge, and waited only for a favourable
opportunity to execute her horrid defign.
Edward, who poffeffed the moft amiable in-
nocence of manners, as his own intentions
were pure, harboured not the leaft fufpicion
of others. Though his ftcp-mother had oppofcd
his acceffion, he always treated her with re-
fpect, and on all occafions exprelfed the moft ten-
der affection towards his brother. Returning one
day from hunting near the feat of his mother-in-
law, he embraced that opportunity of paying her
a vifit, unattended by any of his retinue. When
arrived at the caftle, he was received with every
external mark of affection by Elfrida, who invited
him very courteoufly to alight ; but finding him in
a hurry to be gone, infifted upon his drinking a cup
of wine as he fat on horfeback. The young prince
complied with her requeft ; but while he was hold-
ing the cup to his lips, a fervant of Elfrida's
whom fhe had prepared to execute her horrid pur-
pofe, came behind him and (tabbed him in the
back. The wounded prince clapped fpurs to his
horfc ; but foon becoming faint with lofs of blood,
he fell from the faddle, and his foot flicking in one
of the ftirrups, he was dragged along till he ex-
pired. The fervants of Elfrida followed Edward
by the track of blood, and finding the body terribly
defaced, they threw it into a well, where it was
found by Edward's fervants, and buried privately
at Wareham in Dorfetfhire, whence it was removed
to the monaftery of Shaftcfbury, founded by Alfred
the Great, where many miracles were faid to have
been performed at his tomb; a circumftancc by no
means remarkable, when we confider how great a
friend the king had been to the monks, who caufed
him to be canonized and honoured with the title of
martyr, though his murder had not the leaft rela-
tion to any religious opinions.
Elfrida, either ftung with remorfe, or to prevent
the impending florin that threatened to overwhelm
her, built fcveral monafteries, and fubmittcd to
many penances ; but notwithstanding all her out-
ward figns of contrition, whether real or aflcctcd,
fhe continued till the day of her death in obfcurity,
nor could ever retrieve the good opinion of the
people.
1'he murder of Edward happened in the
third year of his reign. It is faid, that after
this tragical event, Dunftan offered the fove-
reignty to Editha, the natural daughter of Ed-
gar, who was abbefs at the convent of Wilton ;
but confcious of the defecl: in her own title, and
terrified at the deplorable fate of her brother Ed-
ward, fhe refufed the offer, whereupon Dunftan
crowned Ethelred, who was then in the twelfth year
of his age.
ETHELRED II.
Ethelred II. was the only furviving . p.
heir of the regal line; His whole f-
reign was continually difturbed by the invasions of
the Danes, who now, after a long interval, renewed
their attempts againft this ifland. Thefe were at
length fo Hidden and frequent, that the people
began to be difpirited, and the troops wcrcharrafted
by marching from place to place to repel them.
In the mean time the credit of the monks declin-
ed at a rapid rate. The king was no friend to
thefe hypocritical importers. Three bifhops, their
profefl'ed champions, died. Dunftan departing this
life, was detefted by the very people, who, in his
life-time, had honoured him as the firft of faints ;
and it is thought public odium contributed to
fhorten his days.
The Danes, before they attempted . -^
a general invafion, by way of trial,
landed in feven vefTels near Southampton, ravaged
the country^ and departed with impunity. Six
years after they made another attempt in the weft
with like fuccefs. This year a large body of them,
under the command of Juftin and Guthrnund, de-
barked at Ipfwich in Suffolk, when Brithnock,
duke of Eaft Anglia, marched to oppofe them,
whom they defeated and flew, and then carried
the terror of their arms through all the circumja-
cent country. Ethelred, in this extremity, adopt-
ed the ill-judged policy of bribing the enemy, and
gave them ten thoufand pounds to depart the king-
dom. Thisdifgraceful expedient induced the Dan
to appear the next year on the caftern coaft, in
hopes, cither of obtaining more money, or of fub-
duing an indolent people who had not courage to
defend themfelves. But at this time the Englifh
determined to affcmble a fleet at London, capable
of giving battle to the enemy. This prudent mea-
furc was rendered unfuccefsful by the treachery of
Alfric, duke of Mercia. The king's council had
formed a plan for furrounding and deftroying the
Danifh fleet in the harbour; on which the traitor
privately informed the Danes of their danger, and
in the night before the engagement defcrted to
them with a fquadron under his command. Ethel-
red, enraged at his perfidy, apprehended his fon
Alfgar, and cruelly ordered his eyes to be put out ;
yet notwithft-aiding Alfric's treachery, and the re-
fentment it might have been fuppofed he would har-
bouratthe indignityoffered to his Ton, the court had
the folly to intrullfiirn again with the government
of- Merck.
Sweyn,
48
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
. ~ Sweyn, king of Denmark, and
*»• *J< 993- Olaus, king of Norway, being now
\vell acquainted with the defencelefs Hate of Eng-
land, made feveral defcents with a formidable ar-
mament. They made incuriions into Kent, SuHex,
and Hampmire. They ravaged Durham and York-
ihire without oppoiition. Banbury w,as deftroyed ;
Lindefey laid wafte ; and the Northumbrians,
though defcended from the Danes, were obliged
either to join the invaders, or be plundered. A
powerful army was raifed to put a flop to th-nr
cruel depredations ; but, in a general engagement,
the Engliih were abandoned by 1'rena, Fnthcgift,
and Godwin, their three leaders, all of them de-
fcended from the Danes ; which defertion occaiioncd
a fhameful flight.
Encouraged by this fucccfs, thefe invaders foon
after entered the Thames, in ninety-four veflels,
and laid fiege to London ; but the brave citizens
made a bold defence, and obliged them, they
having loft a great number of men, to make a
hafty retreat. In this national diltrcfs, recourfe was
again had to ncgociation, in which the Danes
agreed to quit the kingdom on receiving fixteen
thoufand pounds. The terms were complied with
by Ethelred, and the enemy returned to their own
country. Olaus, who had embraced Chriftianity,
obfervecl religioufly the conditions of the treaty,
nor ever after attempted to interrupt the tranquillity
of the nation.
A D QQ7 ^e interval of peace, purchafed
"'" by this infamous treaty, was of no
long duration. New armies of Daniih pirates ap-
peared in the Severn, under different leaders.
.They ravaged Wales, Cornwall, and Devon. Then
returning to Briftol channel, they penetrated into
the country by the Avon, carrying fire and fword
into Dorfetfhire. The next year, having changed
the feat of war, they entered the Thames, and laid
fiege to Rochefter, near which place they defeated
the Kentifh men in a pitched battle. Thefe, and
other fuccefsful inroads, which were always at-
tended with (laughter, fire, and devastation, drove
Ethelred to his ufual refource, that of meanly pur-
chafing a temporary peace with money ; but the
pirates now raifing in their demands, required the
payment of twenty-four thoufand pounds, to which
Ethelred and his council imprudently fubmitted.
This fum was levied on the people by a tax, which
afterwards was diftinguimed by the name of Dane-
gelt.
AD oo Though the departure of the ene-
my procured the Engliih another fhort
interval of repofe, they made not the leaft ufe of
it for the purpofe of felf-defencc. Ethelred in-
deed was now convinced, that unlefs feme expe-
dient could be found to check the rapid progrefs of
the Danes, the whole kingdom muft fubmit; to
the yoke of flavery. He therefore determined to
ftrengthen himfelf, by forming an alliance with
fome foreign power. With this view ambafT^dors
were difpatched to Richard II. duke of Normandy,
to demand his fifter Emma in marriage for Ethel red.
The propofals were accepted by Richard, and that
princefs, remarkable for her beauty, arrived in
England, where the nuptials were celebrated with
the utmoft magnificence.
This alliance might have been productive of
happy confequcnces, had not the king fol-
lowed the advice- of pcrfons who had often
betrayed him, and \\ho, under the pretext of
an inviolable attachment to his perfon, laboured
to complete his rujn. Ethelred wanted capa-
city to perceive the pernicious tendency of their
advice, who prompted him to engage in a project
that overwhelmed his people with mifery, and en-
tailed eternal infamy on his memory. This was
nothing lefs than a general maflacrc of all the
Danes in England, except thole pofTelied of Eaft
Anglia and Northumberland, who v. ere too nume-
rous to be murdered by the few Engliih rdiding
in thole counties. The orders given on this horrid
occafion were circulated with fuch fecrccy, that the
mifcrabie victims received not the leaft intimation
of the dreadful fentence that hung over their heads.
It -was put in execution on the fcftiva! of St. Brice,
being the thirteenth of November^ which fell on a
Sunday, a day on which, the Danes uftialiy bathed
thcmfelvts. They were miiiuicrcd with fuch cir-
cumftances of brutality, as are too itocking to be
related in the ear of foi't humanity. Neither age
nor fex were fpared. Oi rill ia;is and Pagans iliiicred
the fame fate. No diftinctioa was made between
innocence and guilt; all alike inJifcnminately fell
victims to Saxon brutality. Even the famous Gu-
nilda was numbered among the flain. This lifter
of the king of Denmark having long lived in
England, had embraced the Chnfhan religion, and
was married to Paling, an Englilli nobleman.
When her brother Sweyn withdrew his forces from
England, fhe became an hoftage for his duly per-
forming the conditions of the treaty. She had al-
ways conducted herfelf with thegrcateft prudence.
Her actions were ftrictly conformable to her religious
profeffions. But neither amiable manners, good-
nefs of heart, nor exemplary virtue, had power to
fave her. She was devoted to perilb, with her
friends, by the barbarous orders of a timorous
monarch. Nor was her death fufHcient to fatisfy
the thirl i: for blood in the breaft of fuch inhuman
favages. Cruelty was added to barbarity. Her huf-
band and children were murdered before her
eyes, and then fhe herfelf fu tiered the fame fate.
This fweet innocent betrayed, while under the mur-
dering hand of her butchers, neither fear nor
timidity; not a feature in her countenance was
diftorted ; and, in almoft the agonies of death,
ftie told her inhuman murderers, that her murder
would involve the kingdom in the molt dreadful
calamities. Never were prophetic words more
completely fulfilled ; and never did a barbarous
policy prove more fatal to its authors. Some of
the Danes, inftead of flying to the churches,
ftained with human blood, took refuge on board a
veflcl; and failing to Denmaik, carried the dread-
ful news to Sweyn, who, juftly tranfported with
rage, determined to revenge the death of his lifter
with implacable fury, and devoted the ifland to
deftrudtion. The whole nation of Denmark w;r;
infpjrcd with the fame fpirit of rcfentment.
He embarked a powerful army on . 7^
board three hundred fail of {hips. A> U" IOO>
Cornwall fir ft felt the effects of his fury. The city
of Exeter next fell into his hands ; the place wa^
laid in allies, and the inhabitants treated with Go-
thic barbarity. Ethelred now finding his crown
in danger, allembled a large army ; but duke
Aline, who was intruded with the command,
feigned licknefs, relufed to lead the Ibrces againft
the Danes, till they were difpirited, and in a fhort
time dillipared. Alfric foon after died, and Edric,
who was no lefs a traitor, fucceedccl him in the
government of Meroia, and the command of the
Englifli army. The Jbldiers demanded to be led
immediately againft the Danes; but Edric ordered
a retreat, which was conducted in fo carelefs a
manner, that the enemy Irll upon the rear of the
Engliih, and put the whole array to flight. The
king feeing his territories reduced to1 the utmoft
defolation, to which were added the miferics of
famine, fubmitted in 1007 to purchafe a peace, by
the payment of thirty thoufand pounds. 1' rcm this
period we read of nothing but the treachery of
Edric in repeated inrtances ; the facking of cities;
the burning of towns ; and fcenes of the molt
complicated diilrds vifible in every part of the
kingdom.
x .^^ . -.
a&xuwnwdw me 6ru
. 0 nQ ^/
^ oomersetlhire.
Portraits ^-Drefses
Arms
( i'/'//f/t'-if iFiate C
EDMUND
II.
kingdom. Treachery among the 'nobles ; dillen-
tion among governors, and defpondency in the
people,- prevailed univerfally. At length the only
expedient thought moil eligible, was to purohufe
another precarious and infamous peace for the fum
of forty-tight thoufund pounds. Yet this did not
being them the Ihort repofe they expected ; for the
Danes, regardlefs of their engagements, continued
their wanton cruelties. They even obliged the
county of Kent alone to pay them eight thoufand
pounds, and murdered the archbiihop of Canter-
bury for refuiingto countenance this demand.
. n In this ftate of deplorable mifcry
A. 1). 1 314. the Engiifo nobility, as their laft and
•only refource, fubmitted to the conqueror. They
fwore allegiance to Sweyn, and delivered hoftages
for their good behaviour. Ethdred no lefs afraid
of the. treachery of his own fubjects than of the
enemy, fled into Normandy, where he had before
fent Emma his queen, with Alfred and Edward
their two fons. Richard II. received his unhappy
guefts with marks of affection, that reflect honour
on his character.
The Englifh now funk under a heavy load of
mifery. They brooded in filence over their mif-
fortunes, and gave themfelves up a prey to def-
pondency. The Dane was a rtranger to companion.
in his adamantine breaft humanity pleaded in vain
the caufe-of the people. But the triumph of this
brutal tyrant was of a fhort date; for he died fud-
denly in lefs than fix weeks after Ethelrcd had left
the kingdom.
The nobles and prelates, hoping their king had
learned in the fchool of adverlity a perfect know-
ledge of his paft errors, fent a deputation, requeft-
ing him to take again poireffion of his throne.
Ethelred, pleafed with this teftimony of the affec-
tion of his people, promifed to redrefs all their
grievances, and to exert his whole power in defence
of his country ; but on his return he difcovered the
fame incapacity, cowardice, and credulity, by which
he had been fo often fatally mi fled. He even
liftened to the infinuations of that traitor Edric,
againft Sigefert and Morcaz, two of his principal
nobles and faithful adherents in Mercia. Edric
invited them to his houfe, where he caufed them to
be murdered; and Ethelred fhared the infamy of
this action by confifcating theireftates, and putting
the widow of Sigefert into a convent. Prince Ed-
mund, the king's eldeft fon, pay ing her a vifit there,
iell in love with her, and married her foon after,
without having requefted his father's confcnt.
. »-. At this time Canute, the fon and
•>' fuccefibr of Sweyn, became as terrible
to the Englifh as his father had been. Having
terminated the troubles in Denmark, he embarked
his army, and landed without oppofition on the
coaft of Wefiex. He put on fhore at Sandwich all
the Engliih hoftages, having barbaroufly cut off
their hands and nofes ; after which he ranfacked the
caftern coaft with mercilefs fury. His next expe-
dition was againft the counties of Wilts, Dorfet,
And Somerfet ; where the horrid depredations
that were committed, raifed fuch a general
alarm in the nation, that Edmund, the eldeft
fon of Ethelred, collected a conliderable body of
troops in the north, while the perfidious Edric
levied a number of forces in Mercia. The two
generals led the army directly againft the invaders
of their country. Had Edric been faithful, in all
probability Canute had been defeated. But 1m-
ccrity had nothing to do with this monfter in hu-
man fhape ; who formed a defign of taking away
the life of Edmund, or to deliver him into the hands
of the enemy. Fortunately for this prince the plot
was made known to him, juft as the troops were
making preparations for an engagement. A retreat
now became abfolutely neceflkry ; and Edric find-
, ' No. 5.
ing his perfidy detected, deferted to Canute. Ed-
mund now made forne fruitlefs cxcurilons in the
north, and then returned to London, where he
found every thing in confufion by the death of the
king, who after an inglorious reign of near thirty-
eight years expired, in the fiftieth year of his age.
13y his fir ft wife Elgiva, he had Edmund, who
fucceedcd him; Athelftan, who died an infant; and
Edwy, who was murdered by order of Canute. He
had aifo three daughters, Edgiva married to an Eng-
lilh earl ; Edgithato the traitor Edric, duke of Mer-
cia ; and the third named Edgina, who was cfpouied
to Uthred, earl of Northumberland. By his. fecond
\u!e Emma, he had two fons, Alfred and Edward;
and a daughter named Goda. ' The fons were im-
mediately after their father's death conveyed by their
mother into Normandy. The daughter was mar-
ried firft to Walter earl of Mantes, and afterwards
to Euftace earl of Bolognc.
Ethelred poffeffed few if any of thofe virtues that
add luftre to a crown. If we eortfider his youth it
is not to be wondered at, that he fhould be without
learning and without experience; but he had nei-
ther genius, capacity, nor courage; and his cruelty
in maffacreing the Danes has ftained his character
with indelible infamy. His whole conduct was a
ferics of indolence, irrefolution, timidity, and weak-
nefs. At the beginning of his reign his inactivity-
involved his country in misfortunes, and his attach-
ment to an infamous traitor completed its diftrefs;
and if his abilities in time of peace were unequal
to the tafk of governing the kingdom, Httle. could
be expected from his lazinefs and inactivity in times
of danger.
EDMUND II.
Edmund II. furnamcd Ironfidej . n .,
from his great ftrength of body, had f
he not been cut oft" in the prime of his youth, would
probably have equalled the moft illuftrious of his
predeceftbrs. On his acceffion he had to contend
w ith a formidable rival in the perfon of Canute,
who was already in pofleflion of the greateft part of
the kingdom, and upon the death of Ethelred had
befieged London. But the intrepid citizens de-
fended their city with fuch obftinacy, and made fo
many fuccefsful fallies, that the king of Denmark
was obliged to raife the fiege, after having loft a
confiderable part of his army. Edmund was at this
time in Weftex, whither Canute marched with a
view of gaining a victory by furprize. The two
armies met at Penne, in Scrnerfetfhire, where an ob-
Itinatc battle was fought, in which Edmund proved
victorious. The two kings feemed now determined
to end the conteft by one decifive engagement.
Edmund waited fome time on the borders of Wilt-
mire, and when Canute appeared, both parties be-
gan their necelTary preparations. The ardent defire
of victory which the commanders manifefted in-
fpired their troops with martial enthufiafm. The
armies engaged and continued fighting till night
put an end to their furious attacks. Early in the
morning the engagement was renewed, when each
fide gave aftonifhing proofs of undaunted valour.
Edmund having penetrated far into the ranks of the
enemy, they began to give way ; but the traitor
Edric revived their ardour, by fevering the head of
one Ofmer a foldier, whofe features bore a ftrong
refemblance to thofe of Edmund. Having placed
this on the point of a fpear, he expofed it to the
view of the Englifh, calling upon them to behold
the head of their king. Edmund obferved the
eonfternation of his troops, but though he took off
his helmet^ and rode through their ranks, yet this
trifling incident obliged him to leave the victory
for that day undecided. However Canute, not
willing to ftand the trial of a third aftault, quitted
the field in the night, and embarking his forces on
N board
5°
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
board his veflels in the Thames, proceeded towards
London, intending to renew the liege of that city.
Edric apprehending that it' Canute ihould be
vanquifhed, he could expect little favour from
the conqueror, repaired to the camp of Edmund,
whofe mercy he implored under the appearance of
the moft iincere contrition ; binding himfelf by the
mod folemn oaths, to the obfervance of every duty
.of a faithful fubject towards his king; and by his
artful conduct this hypocritical traitor fo worked
upon the liberal mind of his prince, that he granted
him an unconditional pardon, expelling that his
own party would be ftrengthened in the acquili tion
of a man, whofe lofs might at the fame time tend to
dillrefs his enemy.
The Englifh monarch having now formed a re-
folution of bringing the Danes to adecifive battle,
led his forces to Aihdown in EfTex, where a defpe-
rate engagement enfued. The Englifh forces had
every reafon to expect a complete victory, when the
iniidious Edric interrupted the glorious fuccefs that
was juftly due to the brave Edmund. The traitor
obferving that the Danes were ftruck with difmay,
made a lignal for the divifion under his command
to retreat, thus opening a pafiage for the enemy,
who threw the Englifh into fiich confirmation and
diforder, that the utmoft efforts of Edmund to rally
his forces proved ineffectual ; and in a fhort time his
army was entirely defeated. This overthrow was
the more fatal by the lofs of Elfric, the courageous
Ulfkettle, and a great number of other nobility.
However Edmund was foon capable of again dif-
puting the field, having with the utmoft alacrity
recruited his forces at Gloucefter. Canute was
aftonifhed to fee this brn.ve prince appearing in the
face of his army with undaunted intrepidity, and
knowing his laft triumph was owing chiefly to
treachery, he was alarmed for the confcquences.
Indeed both armies feemed unwilling to engage.
The two kings ftood oppolite each orher, but
neither gave the fignal to engage. In the interval
of this lolemn and momentous paufe, the nobility
of both parties interpofed, and obliged their kings
to compromifethedilpute by agreeing to a partition
of the kingdom. A treaty was in confequence con-
cluded, wherein it was ftipulated by mutual agree-
ment, that all the country fouthward of the Thames,
with London and part of Eflex, mould continue
under the regal authority of Edmund, and that the
northern divifions of Mercia, Eaft Anglia, and
Northumberland, with all thofe places which he
had entirely fubdued, ihould be ceded to Canute.
About a month after this remarkable event, another
happened of a nature almoft too fhocking for the
tender feelings of humanity to hear related. Alas I
the tender plant of Engliih liberty was in a moment
blafted by the malignant breath of treachery. Ed-
mund, the gallant, active, generous and brave Ed-
mund, was murdered by Edric, his brother-in-law.
This vile traitor, this complete villain, corrupted
two of the king's chamberlains, and employed them
to commit the barbarous, horrid deed; and imme-
diately upon the commiflion of the fact, carried the
news himfelf to the Danifh monarch, with every ex-
preffion of joy on his countenance. Canute, though
ihocked exceedingly, thought it prudent to diffem-
ble his fentiments ; he even promifcd to exalt him
above all other lords in his kingdom ; a promife
which the king afterwards punctually performed ;
for he caufed the head of that infamous ruffian to be
publickly cut off; and to be fixed upon one of the
higheft gates of London.
Edmund was afTaflinated at Oxford, . -pv
after a reign of lefs than a year, and ' " IOI7-
his death made way for the fucceflion of Canute to
the government of the whole kingdom. By his
wife Algitha, he had two fons, Edmund and Ed-
ward ; and a natural fon whofe name was Edwy.
C II A P.
III.
DANISH KINGS.
CANUTE, HAROLD, AND HARDICANUTE.
Canute's pretended claim to the crown, and bis attempt upon the lives of the two fons of Edmund Ironfide — His
employment in times of tranquillity — His journey to Rome, death, and character — Is fucceeded by his fon Harold^
furnamed Harefoot- — The murder of prince Alfred, the moft memorable tranfaftion in this kings reign—
Jtfardicanutefucceeds him — Prince Edward lays anaccufation again/I earl Godwin,ivho prevents the conferences-
by a magnificent prefent to the king — Inftances of Hardicanute' s cruelty— Dies ofafurfeit, in the third year of
b'n reign, 1 04 1 .
.
CANUTE.
TfN order to cover his ufurpation
-• •• J[ with plauiible pretences, he fum-
moned a general affembly of the nobility and clergy,
before whom he claimed the fucceflion, in violation
of the right of the two minors, Edwin and Edward,
by virtue of the late treaty, which he pretended to
interpret in fuch a manner as implied, that the fur-
vivor Ihould inherit the dominions of the deceafed,
without any regard to the children of either.
The nobles looked on each other with evident figns
of aftonifhment, and in reply told him, that they
would willingly confent to his reigning over them
as guardian to Edmund's eldeft fon. But Canute
refufed the crown upon fuch a conditional and pre-
carious tenure, inlifting on a full confirmation of his
claim. Sic vo/o, fie jukco, et flat -pro ralione voluntas,
" his will was law.'"' Nor had any one honefty or
co'. -rage enough to oppofe it. Hereupon all with
one voice acknowledged his title, and having fworn
allegiance to him, lie was proclaimed foveieign of
4
the whole kingdom of England, and afterwards
crowned with great folemnity.
But though in this Canute had fucceeded to his
wifhes, he was perfuaded the Engliih would embrace
the firft favourable opportunity of placing a de-
fcendant of Edmund on the throne of his anceftors.
He therefore had the young princes conveyed to the
court of Sweden, with private letters intimating his
intention of having them aflaflinated. But the
Swedifh monarch, mocked at the thought of com-
mitting fo horrid a crime, and willing to avoid the
refentment of Canute, fent the young princes fc-
cretly to Solomon, king of Hungary, who received
the intended victims kindly, and gave them an
education fuitable to their birth. Edwin the eldeft
died foon after ; but his brother Edward married
Agatha daughter of the emperor Henry II.
But the fons of Edmund were not the only per-
fons Canute thought proper to remove for his own
fecurity. Several among the principal nobility of
whom he had entertained a jealouly, were facrificcd
to his fafety. With thefe the traitor Edric fuffered
the
//v (n-c.-it , ,/////< /vv/^//W ///., Sycophants ff//<) I'lattci-ers
/'/<//<•///(>//.>// Coimiiamliuo' ///<• Sf«i //" /V//V/'.
H
A
R O
D.
the juft puniftiment due to his enormous crimes.
Having deprived the Englilh of thofe leaders
who were attached to their antient kings, he re-
folved by the impartiality of his administration to
reconcile them to his government. To this end
he fent back to Denmark all his followers whom he
could fafcly fpare, reftored the Saxon cuftoms, and
in the diftribution of juftice, made no diftinction
between Danes and Englilh.
An obstacle now prefented itfelf which required
policy rather than force to remove. Richard duke
of Normandy, who had given protection to Alfred
and Edward, two fons of Ethelred, was difpofed to
fupport their claim to the crown of England, and
fitted out a great armament in order to place them
on the throne ; but his fleet having been difperfed
by a ftorm, Canute politically took that opportunity
to fend an embaSTy to Richard, demanding his lifter
Emma in marriage, widow of Ethelred II. and offer-
ing his own fifter Heftritha to the Norman prince.
The propofals were accepted, and the double mar-
riage cemented their friendship. Such mcafures
conciliated the affections of the Englilh. Canute
was no longer considered as an ufurper. The two
nations became one people, and tranquil happinefs
fucceeded a long feries of calamitous troubles. A
warhavingbrokeoutbetween theDanes andSwedes,
Canute found it neceSTary to vifit his hereditary
dominions that were threatened with dcftruction. A
body of Engliih troops where ihipped for this expe-
dition under the command of earl Godwin ; who
performed a fignal action, by which he gained the
friendship of his Sovereign, and laid the foundation
of the immenfe fortune he afterwards acquired.
Being Rationed near the Swedifh camp, and obferv-
ing a favourable opportunity, he attacked the enemy
in the night, threw them into diforder,and purfuing
his advantage, obtained a complete victory. In the
morning Canute perceiving one part of the Englilh
camp deferted, thought thofe difaftected troops had
gone over to the enemy, but was agreeably furprized
to find they were in purfuit of the Swedes, whom
they had defeated. Charmed with this important
piece of Service, he loaded the Englifh with favours,
and beftowed his Sifter in marriage upon earl God-
win, whom he ever after treated with the greateft
regard.
AT\ o He landed in Norway at the head
of a powerful army, and expelling
Olaus, kept poSTeflion of that kingdom. Thus be-
ing king of England, Denmark, and Norway, he
may be confidered the greateft monarch of his time.
On his return into England he was received by the
people with every demonftration of joy ; and his
courtiers carried their adulation to an extravagant
height, of which the following inftance has been re-
corded by moft historians. One day as he was
\valking on the Sea Ihore at Southampton, his flat-
terers took occafion to compare his power with that
of the Deity ; upon which he ordered a chair to be
placed on the beach near the tide, which was then
flowing apace ; and fitting down with a command-
ing tone of voice he thus addrciFed the ocean :
" Thou, O Sea, art a part of my dominions, and the
land whereon I fit is mine : my orders were never
broke with impunity. I therefore command thee
not to come any further, nor prefume to wet the
feet of thy fovereign." But rcgardlefs of the royal
mandate, the Sea continued its uSual courfe, and
wafhed him with its waves. Upon which he arofe
from his Seat, and turning to his courtiers, " Be-
hold," faid he, "the narrow limits of human power!
The fceptered hand of regal authority exerts its
force in vain. The fca rolls on in contempt of his
will ; the elements make no distinction between the
monarch and his fiaves. Learn then from this ex-
ample to fet proper bounds to odious flattery : and
remember that he only deferves unlimited praifes,
who holds in his hands the powers of nature, and
whofe voice both the winds and the fea obey."
The laft military expedition Canute undertook,
was againft Malcolm king of Scotland, who refufed
homage for Cumberland, as a fief of England, al-
ledging it was due only to fuch princes who inhe-
rited that kingdom by right of blood. Provoked
at this infult, Canute appeared on the frontiers of
Scotland with a formidable army, which fo alarmed ,
the king, that he agreed, Duncan his heir, who was
in polleffion of Cumberland, Should make the re-
quired SubmiSfions ; and that the heirs of Scotland
Ihould ever after, acknowledge themfelves vaffals
to England for that province.
From this time Canute met with little opposition
from any quarter, and he filled up the few remain-
ing years of his life after his uSual manner, when
not at war, in regulating the civil administration of
juftice, and in founding churches, or endowing mo-
nafteries, which in his days were confidered as the
nobleft and moft acceptable acts of piety. He
granted a charter to the famous monaitery of St.
Edmund's-bury, whereby all its lands and privileges
were confirmed ; he gave the profits of the port of
Sandwich to Chrift's church in Canterbury ; lie
founded a monastery of Benedictine monks in the
county of Norfolk ; but his journey to Rome efta-
blifhed his character as a goaly and pious king be-
yond difpute. During his abode there he lavifhed
away prodigious fums of money, more acceptable
to his holincfs than devotions ; Sor which he ob-
tained Some considerable privileges in favour of the
Englifh School eftablifhed in that city ; and an ex-
emption for EngliSh pilgrims and merchants from
all tolls and duties. On his return, all the laws
pafled by former kings of England, particularly
thofeof Ethelred, were enforced ; Several new ones,
adapted to the times were added ; and the moft
prudent meaSures adopted to make his people
happy. He continued in this laudable difpofition
to the end of his life ; which was clofed at Shafts-
bury, after a reign of eighteen years. . n
By his firft wiSe Alfwen, daughter of '
the earl of HampShire, he had two Sons, Sweyn and
Harold ; and by his Second wife Emma of Nor*
mandy, fifter to Richard, he had a Son named Har-
dicanute, and a daughter called Gunilda, whowas
married to the emperor Henry III. To Sweyn he
gave Norway ; to Hardicanute, Denmark ; and Ha-
rold fucceeded him on the throne of England.
The character of Canute was fo various in dif-
ferent periods of his life, that it is impoffible almoft
to bring it under one general description. In
making his way to the throne of England, he had
violated every law human and divine; yet he had
no Sooner attained the Summit of his wifhes, than
he Seemed to have changed his nature, and conti-
nued during the bcft part of his reign to govern
the kingdom with Such juftice, equity, and pru-
dence, as Secured him the affection of his own Sub-
jects, and commanded the efteem of all other na-
tions. The acts of devotion and fuperftition which
he practiSed at the cloSe of his reign, could not ob-
literate his flagrant vices at the beginning; yet they
Shewed he was not unacquainted'with the temper of
his own heart, and the dispositions of his Subjects.
Upon the whole, we will venture to fay of this
Danifh monarch, that he was a wiSe legiflator, a
brave general, and a conSummate ftatcSman.
HAROLD.
Harold, Surnamed Harefoot, on ac- AT) r
count of his fwiftnefs in running, ' * IO3"'
fucceeded to the crown, by the will of Canute in his
favour ,• though by the treaty with Richard duke of
Normandy, Hardicanute, Emma's fon, had an
equal right of pre-eminence, A civil war now
rfeoced
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
feemed inevitable. The Englifh cfpoufcd the caufe
of Hardicanute, \v ho was a native ; the Danes that
of Harold. The latter had the advantage by being
on the fpot. He feized the riches his father had
treafured up at Winchcfter, and his party was
e.fpoufed by earl Godwin, who had thegreateft power
of any nobleman in the kingdom. Neverthelefs
difputes ran high, and might have terminated in
fatal difientions, had not the two brothers, by the
advice of the nobility, agreed to make a diviiion of
the kingdom ; in confequence of which London,
with ail the country on the north iide of the Thames,
were allotted to Harold, and the reft of the king-
,dom to Hardicanute: whereupon Emma fixed her
refidence at Winchefter, and eftablifhed her autho-
rity over her fon's ihare of the partition till that
prince fhould take poiFefuon of it,
The ambition of Harold was how ever far from be-
ing fatisficd w ith part of the kingdom ; it grafped at
the whole. About this time the two princes, Alfred
and Edward, arrived from Normandy on a viiit to
their mother Emma, who feemed to be placed in a
frate of great power and fplendor at Winchefter. But
the face of affairs foon wore a more melancholy af-
pcct. Godwin had been gained by the arts of Ha-
rold that he would efpoufe his daughter; and while
the treaty was yet a fecrct, thefe two tyrants laid a
plan for the destruction of the Englifh princes. Ha-
rold took an opportunity to invite both the princes
to fpend fome days at his court. This was a very
difagreeable circumftance to the queen, who appre-
henlive of fome evil, never fullered both her fons to
leave her at the- jame time. She therefore found an
excufe for keeping Edward with her, and fent Alfred
only, properly attended. Godwin met the young
prince and his train on the road to London, and
paid him fuch refpecr., that the Normans in hi:; fait
feemed highly delighted with the honour fhewn
him; but near Guildford caftlc they were attacked
by the vaflals of Godwin. Six hundred of them
were butchered, and Alfred being taken prifoner,
had his eyes put out ; after which he was carried to
the monaftery of Ely, where he foon died, but
whether from grief, or additional violence from the
hand of barbarity, is unknown. News of this
fhocking murder reaching the ears of Edward and
Emma, the former tied back into Normandy, and
the latter into Flanders ; while the /.lonfter Harold
met with no apportion in taking pofleflion of his
brother Hardicauute's dominions.
To prevent him from attempting any entcrprjzc
to his prejudice, he fitted out a powerful iket.
The taxes levied upon the people to fupport it oc-
calioned great unealinefs. The Wellh broke out
into open rebellion. An Englifh army reduced the
infurgents, and to prevent like disturbances, a law
was paffcd, by which every Welshman who eroded
OfTa's dyke without permiffion, was condemned to
lofe his right hand.
However, notwithstanding the naval armament
of Harold, his brother Hardicanute was at Bruges
with a powerful fquadron, under a pretence of pay-
ing a viiit to his mother; but all hoftilities were
prevented by the death of the king, who departed
this life on the fourteenth of April, 1039, in the
fourth year of his reign, and was buried at Win-
chcfter, leaving no favourable imprerlion of his
character as a monarch or a man. His violence
and cruelties had procured him the hatred of his
fu ejects. His vices have been painted in moft
odious colours, for he was free from the fuperfti-
tion of the age, he built no churches, nor repaired
any monasteries ; and his virtues, if he poflelTed
any, are buried in oblivion.
HARDICANUTE.
A D IO-?Q Hardicanute, or Canute the Hardy,
J"' Vvha intended to make a defcent on
England to recover by force cf arms his fhnrc in
the diviiion of the kingdom, receiving intelligence
at Bruges of his brother's death, failed immedi-
ately to London, where he arrived with a fleet of
forty Danilh ihips, and was crowned without the
leaft oppolition.
The rirft material ad: of his reign difcovcred a
meannefs of mind, and an impotent dclire of re-
venge; while, at the fame time, it held forth to
the nation a ftriking fpecimen of hi.s future can-
dud. He caufed the body of Harold to be taken
from its grave, the head to be cut oft, and both to
be thrown into the Thames; The body having
been found by a fifherman, the king gave orders
that it ihould be thrown a fecond time into the
fame river; but being again fifhed up, k was given
to the Danes of London, who buried it pmately
in a church-yard, now known by the name of St.
Clement's Danes.
The next tranfaciion that difplayed the ill qua-
lities of Canute the Cruci, was a heavy tax on his
Subjects for defraying the expence of his navy which
he lent back to Denmark. This unreafonable im-
position, at a time too when the kingdom was
threatened with a famine, produced umverfal dif-
content. Two collectors were killed in doing their
duty by the inhabitants of Worcester; which fo ex-
afperated the king, that he commanded Godwin and
fome other noblemen to plunder that city and fet it
on fire, which orders were executed in the moft
wanton manner by their brutal foldiers.
The king now invited young Edward to his
court, and treated him with great hofpitality.
When arrived from Normandy, Edward accufed
Godwin with being the murderer of his brother
Alfred, and demanded justice againft him. Har-
dicanute was difpofed to bring the offender to trial ;
but earl Godwin, who well knew his avaricious
temper, was not at a lofs for means to divert the
courfe of juftice. When cited by the archbifhop
of York, to anfwer the charge, he made the king a
prefent of a fuperb galley, richly carved and gilt,
and rowed by eighty men, each of whom wore a
golden bracelet on his arm of the weight of iixteen
ounces. This fplcndid bribe anfwered his purpofe ;
for the earl was permitted to exculpate himfclf by
oath, which he readily took as a proof of his in-
nocence, and was acquitted.
It has been obferved, by feveral writers of re-
pute, that Danilhinfolencewas fo excel!! ve through-
out this reign, that if an -Engliiriman met a Dane
in a narrow pafs, the former was obliged to ftop,
iu a fubmifTive attitude, till the jatter had gone
by. To which is added, that the cuftom of pledg-
ing each other when we drink had its rife at this
period, becaufe the Danes would frequently flab
Engliilimen while drinking; fo that no one ven-
tured to drink in the prefcnce of a Dane, without
another perfon pledging himfelf for his perfonal
fecurity.
Hardicanute's partiality to the Danes, his .cruel-
ties, and feverc extortions, rendered him univer-
sally hated by the Englilh. But the government of
this tyrant was happily of fhort duration ; for being
not lefs addicted to drunkennefs and gluttony than
to other vices, he fell a facrifice to his intemperance,
dying in confequence of a furfeir, after an inglo-
rious reign of near three years. The Englifh. were
fo little affected with his death, that they made it a
fubjeCt of mirth, and for many years celebrated it
by an anniverfary, under the name of Flock-
holiday.
With Hardicanute terminated the tyranny of the
Danes, glutted with an effulion of human gore,
and diitinguiihed chiefly by the moft barbarous
cruelties, after it had fubiiited about twenty-fix
years, and near two hundred and ferry from their
first defeat or. the iOand.
CHAP.
1/1 1' K//II/.I ./////.( 'N: ' i !• I !ili rii <'• viii '/i '<'»'
""•''' 'sj //i V '//
Is. ^ty Vtw Lcutcrz0n
'
' ( /7f////(f(r).
EDWARD THE CONFESSOR.
5,3
C H A P.
IV.
SAXON
KINGS.
EDWARD AND HAROLD II.
Saxon line rejlored — Edward, by the intereft of God-win, who obliges him, as a condition, to marry Us daughter
Edgitha, afcends the throne, though not the true heir to the crown — Earl Godwin and his fans are driven into
banijhment, hut after-Mirds rejlored to the king's favour— Edward treats his mother Emma withfeventy — His
mi lit arytranf actions, civil adminiftration, public afts of beneficence, death, and character— Is fucceeded by Harold,
the fan ofearfGodwin, who had not the fmalleft pretenfion to 'the crown — William duke of Normandy aj/erts his
right, andtofupport it invades England with a fowerful army — The battle of Raftings between him and Harold
particularly defcribed, in which the latter lofes his life and crown.
EDWARD the CONFESSOR.
np HIS king is faid to have ac-
A. D. 1041. ^ quired his furname by his ex-
emplary piety ; but his canonization did not take
place till two hundred years after his death, when
pope Alexander the Third gave him the diftin-
guifhed title of Confcflbr.
On the death of Hardicanute, a favourable op-
portunity prefented itfelf to the Englifh for fluking
off the Danifh yoke. Sweyn, the only furviving
fon of Canute the Great, was in Norway;, the
defendants of Edmund Ironfide were at the court
of Hungary, and almoft forgotten by their country-
men ; fo that earl Godwin alone was capable of op-
pofing, with any chance of fuccefs, the acceflion of
Edward to the throne. The intereft of this enter-
prizing nobleman was therefore fecured by Edward's
friends, upon condition that the king mould marry
Godwin's daughter Edgitha, as a pledge of recon-
ciliation for the fuppofed murder of Alfred. This
hard condition being "affented to on the part of
Edward, an affembly of the nobles' was fummoned
'at Gillingham, where the earl, in a long fpeech,
pointed out the advantages that would accrue to
the nation by placing Edward on the .throne of his
vmceftors, and the miferics that would probably
overwhelm their country, mould Sweyne be per-
mitted to afccnd the throne. At the conclufion of
his harangue, he railed Edward in the midft of the
affembly, and cried out, " Behold your king."
Loud fhouts of applaufc enfued ; Edward was
elected by the unanimous refolutions of the whole
aillmbiv, and fome time after crowned at Win-
chefkr ' with great dcmonftrations of duty and
affection from his people. This ceremony was at-
tended with fome infults on the Danes ; but the
king by his lenity foon reconciled them to his
government, and the diftinction of Danes and
Englifh in a fhort time vanifhed.
Edward began his reign by refuming all the
grants of his immediate predeceffbrs. The poverty
of the crown convinced the nation that this was
abfolutcly neceffary ; and as the burden was laid
chiefly oh the Danes, the nation was pleafed to
lee them reduced to an equality with their neigh-
bours. His feverity to the queen dowager his
mother, though it expofed him to more cenfure,
was not imiverfally dif.ipproved ; and the nation
in general was not difpleafed, at feeing Emma
Itripped of the treafures me had amaffed, and
confined, during the remainder ct her life, 'in a
monastery at Wmchefter.
The Englim had indulged the flattering hopes,
that by Edward's acceffion they mould for ever be
delivered from the dominion of foreigners ; but
difappointment followed their fanguine expecta-
tion ; for the king having been educated among
the Normans, had imbibed ftrong prejudices in
favour of their manners. His attachment to them
leffcned gradually the affections of his fubjects,
especially when the court become filled with them,
No. 5'.
and the principal dignities of the church were con-
ferred on thofe ftrangers. Their intereft was fo
great that no favours were to be obtained but
by their intcrpoihion. Their language, cuftoms,
and laws, became fafhionable in England. The
people ftudied the French tongue, while the
courtiers imitated that nation in their drcfs, equi-
page, and entertainments. Their influence gave
great offence to the pride of Godwin. He made
frequent remonftrances to the king, but in vain.
He complained to the people. They agreed with
him in fentiments; and the earl perceiving he
fhould be fupported by his countrymen, determined
to take the firft opportunity of making Edward's
foreign favourites feel the weight of his refent-
ment. An event foon happened which enabled him
to put his intentions in execution.
Euftace, count of Bologne, had . n
pay! a vifit to the king, and paffing 1048.
through Dover, on his return, one of his train,
fent before to provide lodgings, behaving in a very
infolent manner, loll his life in the quarrel he had
occafioned. On which Euftace and his fervants
when arrived renewed the conteft, and killed the
mafter of the houfe, who had been before wounded
in the fray. This violence the inhabitants refented.
A tumult followed, in which near twenty perfons
were killed on each fide ; and the count being
Overpowered by numbers, was obliged to efcape
from the fury of the populace by flight. Euftace
returned to Edward, and made moft grievous com-
plaints. The king, without enquiring into the
affair, ordered Godwin, in whofe government Dover
lay, to march immediately with a body of troops,
and put the town under military execution.
Godwin refufed peremptorily to obey, obferving
juftly, that the Englifh were not ufed to be con-
demned unheard ; that the fuppofed guilty ought
to have a fair trial by law ; and that the riot in
Dover was occafioned by an infolent foreigner,
who mould be furrcndered to juftice, and fuffer for
the mifchief he had done; and that to inflict
punifhment before the accufcd were convicted,
would be an infringement of every law, either
human or divine. The free manner in which thcfe
fentiments were delivered, provoked Edward ; he
conftrued them as an infult, and refolved to make
the earl feel the effects of his rcfentment. An
occafion for fo doing very foon offered. The
Welch had made inroads into the territories of the
Englifh. Edward fummoned a general afiembly of
the kingdom at Gloucefter, to enquire into the
caufcs of thofe difturbances. The Welch accufed
Godwin and his fon, in their abfcnce, as the ay;-
greflbrs. They were therefore cited before the
council, and, on refufing to obey the fmnmons,
were banilned the kingdom. Godwin retired to
the court of Baldwin, earl of Flanders, and Harold
his fon to Ireland, where they .found fhelter from
the frowns of incenfed inajefty. But the avcnp-i.no-
fpirit of the king was not yet fatisfied ; it fell upon
Edgitha, the accomplifhed daughter of Godwin,
O Edward's
54
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Edward's contort. It is faid, he had never co-
habited with this amiable lady fince their nuptials ;
and now, after having coniifcated the eltates of
the father and his fons, he itripped the daughter
of every thing valuable, and confined her in a
monaftery at Warewel. To prevent the murmurs
of his people, which he imagined this proceeding
might excite, he abolifhed the odious tax of Dane-
gelt. The reafons which originally rendered it
neceflary had long ceafed, but the burdenfome
import; was Hill continued. This adtion, exceed-
ingly acceptable to the Englifh, anfwered the king's
intention; it endeared him to his fubjects, and
they became more ftrongly than ever attached to
his perfon. About this time William, duke of
Normandy, arrived in England, and met with a
grateful return for the kindnefs he had fhewn
Edward in his exile. This vifit, exceeding pleafing
to the nobles, was attended with confequences they
could not poffibly forefee; for William alledged as
one reafon for his invafion, that, during his flay,
Edward had made a will in his favour, and therein
Conftituted him heir of his dominions. The duke
was highly fatisfied with his reception, and re-
turned to Normandy loaded with prefents. Soon
after his departure, Emma, the queen dowager,
paid the debt of nature, and was brought down
with forrow to her grave.
AT) ,, Godwin, \vith the affiftance of the
» -' earl of Flanders, had now raifed a
powerful fquadron ; and being joined by his fon
Harold from Ireland, he entered every harbour
on the fouthern coaft, feized all the (hips, and ex-
horted his adherents, who reforted to him from all
quarters, to aflift him in procuring juftice againft
the tyranny of infolent foreigners. He now pro-
, ceeded without delay to the mouth of the Thames.
The city of London was thrown into the utmoft
confufion, and the king marched at the head of
his forces to oppofe the landing of the infurgents.
But, by the interpofition of his nobility, Edward
•was prevailed upon to liften to propofals for an ac-
commodation, to which he was induced by God-
win's difclaiming all intentions of violence againft
the perfon of his fovereign, and defiring only to
juftify himfelf by a fair and open trial. Convinced
that it would be ineffectual to oppofe the powerful
interceflion of his nobles, Edward agreed to pardon
Godwin, and a convention was concluded, wherein
it was ftipulated, that the earl mould give hoftages
for his good behaviour, and that all the Normans
ihould be expelled the kingdom. To this laft
article the king confcnted with great reluctance;
and not having power fufficient to fecure the hofta-
ges, he fent them to the court of Normandy.
Soon after this event, Godwin was ftruck with an
apoplectic fit while fitting at the king's table, and
died three days after. His power did not end with
his death, being transferred to his fon Harold,
who fucceeded him in the government of Effex,
Kent, SufTex, and WeiTex, and in the office of fteward
of the king's houlhold. By his great affability and
addrefs, Harold gained the iriendfhip of Edward,
and both the nobles and people were ftrongly at-
tached to his intereft. He furpafled his father in
abilities, and fo conducted the affairs of the king-
dom, that the Engliih were fupported againft the
Norman intereft, and the olive-branch, in the hand
of liberty, flourifhed unaffected by the calamities
of war.
A D io< c PrmcrPal military enterprize
h' undertaken in this reign, was on the
borders of the kingdom. Macbeth, a Scottifti
nobleman, having murdered Duncan his lawful
fovereign, and banifhed his fon Malcolm Kenmure,
ufurped the throne of that kingdom ; upon which
Siward, earl of Northumberland, whofe daughter
Duncan had married, marched with an army into
4
Scotland againft the bloody ufurper, whom he de-
feated and killed in a pitched battle, and eftablifhed
Malcolm on the throne of his anceftors. The
Welch alfo, who had invaded the weftern borders,
were repulled by Harold, who, purfuing them into
their country, at laft reduced them to fuch extre-
mity that they applied to Edward in the moll
fubmiffive manner for peace, which was granted
them, upon their prefenting him with the head of
Griffith their prince.
We have before obferved, that when earl Godwin
was reftored to the king's favour, he gave hoftages
for his good behaviour, who were fent to the court
of Normandy. Among thefe were Ulnoth the
brother, and Hacune the nephew of Harold.
They ftill continued in confinement, though the
death of Godwin had rcleafed them from their
obligations. Harold was uneafy at luch near re-
lations being detained in a foreign country, and
afraid left William Ihould take part with .Ldgar,
and retain them as a check to his ambition. He
therefore, by pleading before the king his entire
fubmiffion, duty, and fervices, obtained his per-
miffion to rcleafe them. For this purpofc he fet
out with a numerous retinue; but a violent ftorm
overtook him in his paffage, and drove him on
the French coaft, into the territory of Guy, count
of Ponthicu, who detained him prifoner at his
court, and demanded an exorbitant fum for his
ranfom. Harold acquainted the duke of Nor-
mandy with his lituation, the nature of his corn-
million, and the intent of his journey ; who imme-
diately ordered Guy to fet his prifoner at liberty.
Harold immediately repaired to William's court,
where he was received with every demonftration
of refped and friendfhip. William, who was no
ftranger to the power of Harold, after having ex-
prefl'ed his willingnefs to deliver up the hoftages,
took that opportunity of difclofing to him the great
fecret of his pretenfions to the crown of England,
from the will which he had been allured Edward
intended to make in his favour ; and at the fame
time folicited Harold's intereft, making profeflions
of the utmoft gratitude, in return for fo great an
obligation ; and to attach him more firmly to his
fide, William offered him one of his daughters in
marriage, provided he would fwear folemnly to
fupport his pretenfions. Harold was greatly fur-
prized; but being fenfible he fhould never recover
his own liberty, nor that of the exiles, if he rcfufed
the offered terms, he profeffed his refolution of
fupporting Edward's pretended will, with all the
affiftance in his power. William loaded him with
favours ; but in order to render the oath more
facred, he employed an artifice, well adapted to
the fuperftition of the times, by conveying under
the altar the relics of fome of the moft diftinguifhed
martyrs. When Harold had taken the oath, he
fhewed him the relics, and admonifhed him to
obferve, with the utmoft reverence, an obligation
that had been ratified with fo tremendous a fanclion.
Harold renewed his profeffions, while he con-
temned the ftratagem of William, and found ca-
fuiftry fufficient, in his opinion, to juftify the vio-
lation of an oath, extorted from fear. He re-
turned to England with the hoftages, and deter-
mined to oppofe the duke of Normandy with his
whole power. The eafier to accomplifh this end,
and to further his future dcfigns, he continued to
practife every art of popularity ; and by his expe-
dition againft the Welch, but more elpecially his
generous treatment of Morcar and Edward, who
had expelled Tofti his brother, duke of Northum-
berland from his government, fecured to him,
againft all oppofition, the public favour. Harold
not only prevailed on the king to pardon the
Northumbrians, and to confirm Morcar in the
government, he evenmarried Morcar's fifter, thereby
breaking
V Portraits
•> Plate/.
HARD
D
II.
55
breaking all meafures with William, and pro-
cured for Edwin, the younger brother, the govern-
ment of Mercia ; on which Tofti, leaving the
kingdom in a rage, repaired to earl Baldwin his
father-in-law, in Flanders. Thefe, and other for-
tunate incidents gained him the affections of his
countrymen, and all England was engaged in his
intereft.
n , Edward, now opprefTed under the
A. IX i )65- wejght Of age and infirmities, feems
to have been irrefolute, even at this period, with
refpect to fecuring the fucceffion • and in this un-
certainty died, on the fifth of January, 1066, in
the fixty-fifth year of his age, and the twenty-
fifth of his reign.
This prince had a fine and noble perfon, but not
a genius anfwerable to it. He was moderate in all
his appetites ; not fubject to violent pafiions, and
equally free from pride and oftentation. As to
his piety, for which the monks have fo highly
extolled him, perhaps the bed inftance that can be
produced of it was his converting a little mo-
naftery into a moft beautiful cathedral, named
Weftminfter Abbey, which he endowed with rich
revenues, and dedicated to St. Peter. Here he
built his own fepulchre, which has fince been the
common burying place of our Englilh monarchs.
His continence certainly proceeded not from reli-
gious motives, and his treatment of his mother is
entirely inexcufable. However, it is faid, he was
punctual in the performance of his religious duties,
and charitable to the poor. The molt commend-
able and mining part of his character, which re-
flected a luftre upon the reign of Edward, was his
attention to the adminiftration of juftice. As a le-
giflator, he deferves the higheft applaufe. He
collected the laws of his predeceflbrs, Ethelbert,
Ina, and Alfred, and digefted them into one body,
•which he called, The common law of England.
This compilation, though now loft, was long re-
garded by the people as a moft precious trcafure.
They were probably the foundation of the charters
granted to Henry I. Henry III. and, above all,
of the Great Charter, or Magna Charta, granted
by king John, which is juftly confidered as con-
'taining the great outlines of the Englifh conftitu-
tion. To finifh the picture of Edward's character
in few words ; he had not any active virtues, nor
any atrocious vices.
HAROLD.
II.
\ D 1066 Harold II. had taken his meafures
'* fo well before Edward's death, that he
ufccnded his vacant throne without oppofition.
Kdgar Atheling, fon of Edmund Ironfide, the un-
doubted heir to the crown was overlooked, and the
claim of the duke of Normandy was not even men-
tioned. The citizens of London, the clergy, and
the people in general were unanimous in their
•vvifhes. Harold was therefore crowned on the day
after Edward's death, by Aldred, archbifhop of
\ork, and his election was confirmed by the aflem-
bly of the ftates. The firft acts of his reign were
exceeding popular; fuch as feemed to juftify, in
the fulleft manner, the favourable opinion that had
been entertained of him. He eafed his fubjetfs
of feveral taxes, liftened to their complaints, and
difpenfed juftice with an impartial hand. He
knew that Edgar Atheling was beloved by the
people, as being the only remaining heir of their
antient kings ; he therefore, to make the friends of
that prince eafy, created him earl of Oxford, gave
him a liberal education, and treated him with the
utmoft refpect. By thefe prudent meafures the
voice of faction was no longer heard ; and yet not-
withftanding Harold had no competitor at home,
he had many difficulties to encounter. The duke
of Normandy was making preparations to wreft the
fceptre from his hand ; in the mean time, Toiti,
his brother, having been furniilied with .fhips and
troops by the earl of Flanders, plundered the Ifle
of Wight, and then failed to Sand wich ; from thence
he proceeded northward, entered the Humber, and
made a defcent in Yorkihire. Soon after, having
been joined by Harfagar, king of Norway, who
came attended by three hundred fail, the united
fleets began to ravage the country on all fides,
when Morcar earl of Northumberland, and Edwin
earl of Mercia, having haftily collected fome forces,
ventured to give them battle, but were defeated
and unfortunately (lain. Harold was no fooner in-
formed of this defeat, than he hafted with an army
to the protection of his people, who Mocked from
all quarters to join his ftandard. Marching with
treat expedition, he came up with the enemy at
tand ford-bridge, on the river Derwent. A" ge-
neral and bloody engagement enfaed. The armies
are faid to have conlifted each of fixty thoufand
men, and the battle continued from feven in the
morning till three in the afternoon. At laft vic-
tory declared in favour of Harold ; Tofti and Har-
fagar were flain ; and their fleet fell into the hands
of the conqueror ; who generoufiy gave the fon of
Harfagar his liberty, and allowed him to depart
with twenty veffels.
The king had fcarcely received the congratula-
tions of his friends, when news was brought him,
that William, duke of Normandy, was landed in
the fouth of England with a great army. A large
fleet which Harold had afTembled, and which had
cruized all fummer off the Ifle of Wight, had been
difmified, on a falfe report having been circu-
lated, that William, difcouraged by contrary winds,
had laid afide his intended expedition. Hence the
Norman fleet proceeded without interruption, and
arrived at Pevenfey in Suflex, where the army
quietly difembarked. The duke, as he leaped on
ihore, happened to ftumble and fall, but had the
prefenceof mind to turn the omen to his advantage,
by faying aloud, that he had taken poffeffion of the
country.
For fome time the Normans had been diftin-
guiflied for their valour; and the profpect of glory
and advantage which prefented themfelves, engaged
a vaft number of volunteers to join in the expedi-
tion againft England. The fame of the intended
invafion fpread abroad, and multitudes crouded to
tender their fervices, with their vaflals and retainers.
The Norman found lefs difficulty in compleating
his levies, than in choofing the moft hardy veterans,
and in rejecting the offers of thofe who were im-
patient to acquire fame under fo renowned a leader.
William therefore foon found himfelf at the head
of a numerous army and a powerful fleet, whereby
he was enabled to contend for a crown, which the
people had unanimoufly placed on the head of
Harold. William could plead neither right of
election, nor that of inheritance ; not even a party
in England was formed in his' favour. . But im-
pelled by ambition and revenge, he refolved to
purfue the plan he had adopted, and ground on
conqueft a right he could not fupport by any legal
claim. He lent ambafladors to Harold, upbraid-
ing him with breach of faith, and fummoning him
to refign the poireffion of the crown. Harold was
not to be intimidated with threats ; he anfvvered,
that he was able to defend his right againft any one
who ftiould dare to difpute it. By this fpirited re-
ply William was convinced that he had nothing to
expect from negotiation. An invafion of England
was therefore refolved on. Many circumftances con-
curred to favour an enterprize, which otherwifc mull
have appeared romantic. William was celebrated for
his valour: he had triumphed over the joint efforts
of France and the neighbouring princes. The Nor-
mans
—
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
mans were a brave and warlike people ; all the war-
riors of Europe were dclirous of ferving under his
ftandard, and of fharing in the fpoils of a flourifhing
people. The emperor declared in his favour, and
iffuedaproclamation,permittingallhisvaffalstoferve
under him. The count of Anjou afliftcd him with a
coniiderable body of forces ; 'the count of Ponthieu
followed his example. Eultace count of Bologne
joined him in perfon. The count of Bretagnc lent
him a body of five thoufand men, under the com-
mand of his eldeit fon. But whatcfpcdally tended
to render William s expedition fucccfsful, was the
pope's declaration in his favour. He fent him a
confecrated banner, and by publishing a bull, de-
claring the jullice of William's caufe, animated all
the Chriftian powers to aflift him in his enterprise.
Harold was declared a perjured ufurper, and every
perfon excommunicated, who dared to call in quef-
tion the validity of William's pretom'ions.
The ftate of England at this time alfo increafed
his hope of fuccefs. A peace of fifty years 'had
foftehed the difpofitions of the Englifh. Their
love of their country was exchanged for effeminate
luxury. And when the armament of William had
now fecured a landing, Harold had loft many brave
men in the late action. He likewife found himfelf
weakened by the defertion 'of his old foldiers,
who, overpowered with fatigue, fecretly withdrew
from their colours. Happy might it have been, if
this brave prince had coolly weighed thefc alarming
circumftances in the fcale of calm deliberation.
Gurth, his brother/ beginning to be apprehenfivc
of the event, advifed the king to protract the Mar.
He obferved, that it was for the inttreft of the
duke of Normandy to attempt a fpeedy decifion,
and to put his whole fortune upon the iffue of a
fingle battle ; but that the king of England had
more certain and lefs dangerous means of infuring
fuccefs. That the enemy, having no refources, in
cafe they were defeated, would fight to the Lift
extremity ; but if they were harraffed by fmall
ikirmifhes, diftreffed by want of provifions, and
drawn into the country, fatigued by the bad wea-
ther, deep roads, and the diftrefsful circumftances
of approaching winter, they mult of courfe fall an
e.ify prey, without the hazard of a battle ; that if
he acted only upon the defensive, the Englim, fee-
ing their property and liberty in danger, \vould ily
.to his army for flicker ; and that, at Icaft, if he-
thought it necefTary to hazard a general engage-
ment, he' ought not to expofc his own valuable life;
on which depended the fafety and independence of
the kingdom.
Harold, whofe martial fpirit was not to be con-
trolled by the cautious maxims of deliberate pru-
dence, rejected this wholefomc advice ; and fo con-
fident was he of fuccefs, that he offered William a
fum of money, if he would prevent the effufion of
blood and depart the kingdom, the conqueft of
which Was a mere romantic attempt ; but the duke,
in return, required Harold, either to refign the'
kingdom, to hold it of him in fealty, tofubmit to
the arbitration of the pope, or to fight him in fingle
combat. To which Harold replied; that the God of
s \\ould foon he the arbitrator of their diffe-
rences. The two armies M'ere now encamped very
near each other. Having, in company with his
brother GurtlT, reconnoitred the enemy,' when Ha-
rold f.uv them in force, he was convinced that he
had been too precipitate in his refolve, and on his
return, propofed retreating to London in order to
augment his army. Gurth oppofed the meafure
with fome warmth, obferving to the king, that he
had now proceeded too far to retreat ; that his ho-
nour was engaged ; and that to retire a fingle ftep
t be attended with fatal confequcnces ; that
he fhotild have maturely confidered his advice be-
fore he had advanced in the face of the enemy j at
prefent he had only the alternative to choofe, either
to conquer, or perilh.
The Englilh had taken poft on the declivity of
a hill, and Mere greatly inferior to the Normans in
number. Harold had loft many of his men in the
engagement at Standford-bridge, and others iince
had defcrted from his banner; yet (till heentertained
fuch prefumpiuous hope's of victory, that he fu fie red
his foldiers to fpend the night before t! • in
jollity and riot ; whereas the Normans palled the
night in ads of devotion. At break of day the
duke himfelf heard mafs in public, and received the
communion. While arming he happened to place
his breaft-plate upfide down, which he conftrued
into a lucky, omen, faying, i mil ing, it only fighified
that the ftrength of his dukedom fhould on that
day be converted into the ftrength of a kingdom.
He hung about his neck the relics of faints, on
which Harold had fworn to affift him ; and then
ga\e orders for a confecrated banner, Mhich he had
received from the pope, to be carried in front of
the army. Having thus drawn all the aid he could
from fuperftition to encourage his men, he fiim-
moned his officers together, and made them a fpeech
fuitablc to the occafion.' He obfer\ed that a refo-
lute courage Would be required in the approaching
hour of combat, the prize of victory being exceed-
ing valuable, and the deftruction attending a defeat,
inevitable; that if their martial fpirit could con-
quer a kingdom, they Mould be juflly entitled to
its poffeflions as a reward of their valour; but that
if, by a rcmiffion of their known courage, they loft
the day, an enraged enemy Would hang upon their
rear, the fea would meet them to oppofe their re-
treat, and an ignominious death be the certain pu-
nifhment of negligence or timidity ; that the enemy
was enervated by luxury, and a neglc:t of mili-
tary difcipline, having had a peace of fifty years ;
that the army of the ufurper had conceived a refent-
ment again ft him, on account of his having refcrved
ro himfelf the whole plunder in the late engagement
at Standford-bridge ; that Harold, confcious of his
own breach of faith, anathematized by the pope,
and forfaken of heaven for his crimes, Mould eifhcr
dread to lace them in the field, or be overtaken
there by the fate he juflly merited; that he doubted
not but they Mould behave confiitent with their
wonted bravery, maintain their character like men
accuftomed to conquer, and, with him, leave the
event to the Lord God of holts.
The awful moment now drawing near, which was
to determine- the fate of Harold and England,
William drew up his army in three lines. The firft
confifted of light armed infantry; the fccond was
compofed of heavy armed battalions; and the third
of cavalry, at whofe head he placed himfelf; thefe
Mere fo difpofed, that ftretch ing beyond the infan-
try they flanked each wing of the army. Harold,
not having cavalry able 'to cope with that of the
enemy, which made five parts in fix of their whole
force, commanded all his horfemen to difinount,
and formed his army into one deep Roman phalanx,
defended in their rear by woods, and in front
deep ditch and a line of hurdles. The ground to-
wards the enemy Mas the declivity of a hill, on the
top of \vhich he placed his men in fuch a compact
body, that their fhiclds joined together, not having
any opening between them. They Mere armed
only with Danifh battle axes, javelins or darts, nor
making ufe of either long or crofs bows, both of
which were employed by the Normans with gre.it
rkill and fuccefs. The Kemifh men formed thevanof
the army, a poft they always claimed as their due ;
while the brave citizens of London guarded the
fiandard. The king placed himfelf at the head
of the infantry, cxprcffing in his countenance a
determined bravery, and in his addrefc to his
foldiers, "a fixed refolution to conquer or die.
The
Ifmntitvn Jrktt. .
' BATTLE .HASTINGS
./-/
/>// Harold 2
IXttkjvty^
*. / )
Inttcr
C'oiiqueror .
WILLIAM
I.
57
The attack was begun by the Normans, moving
in regular order of battle, and tinging as they ad-
vanced the fong of Reland, one of their diftin-
guimed warriors. Their firft charge was made
•with the utmoft fury, which the Engliih received
with equal valour. Liberty infpircd the Englim;.
glory, blended with defpair, the Normans. The
former knew that every thing they held dear de-
pended upon their valour 5 the Litter, that a retreat
•was impolfible. The fword of Harold performed
wonders ; death followed each fatal blow ; the Nor-
mans were aftonilhed at the power of his arm.
William flew from rank to rank, from fquadron to
fquadron, animating by words, encouraging by
example; yet Engliih valour coliged the Normans
to retire in fome diforder; they returned to the
charge; were again driven back- and victory feemed
to declare in favour of Harold. But recovering
their ranks, they furrounded fome thoufands of the
Englim who were cut in pieces. William having
rallied his left wing which had fled, led his troops
to aflault the main body of the Englim which re-
mained on the hill, commanding his archers to
Ihoot their arrows high up into th^ air, and at the
fame time his cavalry prefTing for\vards, aflaulted
their front with furious intrepidity \ yet fuch was
the impenetrable firmnefs of the order, in which they
were drawn up, that all attempts to break them
failed.
William perceiving how much his forces were
difcouraged by a fruitlefs attempt, had recourfe to
artifice. He ordered his troops to make a retreat
in a hafty manner, that feemed to indicate a flight.
The courage of the Englim, heated by action, drew
them from the hill. They purfued the Normans,
whom they conlidered as a flying enemy, into the
plain. Whereupon the duke facing about with his
troops, repulfed his purfuers with great flaughter.
Harold and his two brothers, with part of his army
remained the whole time upon the fummit of the
hill, aware probably of the feint by which his in-
cautious foldiers were deceived, and which their
ardour rendered it impolfible for him to prevent.
The remainder of his fcattered forces regained their
pott, and now a fmall body of brave warriors, ani-
mated by the example of their king, who fought on
foot the whole day, and flew many of the enemy
with his own hand, kept their ranks unbroken; nor
could William with all the efforts he caufed his
, troops to make, dillblve this determined phalanx ;
fo that the fate of the day remained undecided from
nine in the morning till the clofc of day, when
Harold was killed by the random mot of an arrow,
which entering at the ball of his eye penetrated into
his brain. His two brothers were alfo numbered
among the (lain. The courage or rather hopes of
the Englim fell with thefc undaunted leaders.
They immediately gave way in fcvcral places, and
fled from the field of battle, leaving their flandard
and victory with the Norman conqueror. In this
decifive battle of Haflings, William had three
horfes killed under him, and loll near fifteen thou-
fand men; but the lofs of the Englifh was ftill more
conliderable: it continued from fun-riling to fun- let.
The body of king Harold was found befmeared
with blood, which William reftored to his mother,
who buried it in Waltham Abbey. By his firft
wife, whofe name is unknown, he had three fons,
Godwin, Edmundj and Magnus. By his fecond,
named Algitha, he had one fon, called Wolf, who
was knighted by William Rufus, and two daughters;
the firft of whom fpent her days in a convent,
and the fecond married Waldemar, king of Ruffia,
by whom Ihe had a daughter, efpoufed to Walde-
mar, king of Denmark.
Harold, a prince who merited a better fate, was
the laft in the line of Anglo-Saxon kings ; and with
him fell for a time the ftandard of Englim liberty.
His perfon was adorned with gracefulnefs, dignity,
and ftrength. His temper was humane ; his man-
ners affable and exceeding popular. He had refo-
lution and courage which no dangers could inti-
midate. In his political and military talents he
had no equal among his countrymen. He loved
his friends, he loved his fubjects, he was a champion
for freedom, and fell in its defence. His wilh was
that of every true Englilhman, not to furvive
the conftitution, nor be enflaved by a foreign
enemy.
The Norman writers have traduced the character
of this king, with a view to exalt that of the con-
queror, but the bravery of Harold was only one of
many virtues by which he was diftinguifhed. Upon
the whole he was worthy of that crown, which the
free fuffrages of the people had placed on his head;
and upon a comparative view of the two famous
heroes, we may give it as our opinion, that Harold
the unfortunate, loft his life in defence of that li-
berty, which William the conqueror, and his fuc-
ceflbrs, laboured to deftroy.
BOOK
IV.
•
The Norman line. From the reign ef William the Conqueror to the death of King Stephen, containing the fpac.e
of about eighty-eight years.
5SSMJ-
CHAP. I.
WILLIAM the CON QJJ E R O R.
Of whom descended — Confequences of the battle of Hajtings — His dominions dijlurbed by foreign invajtons, and
domeftic infurreftions — Rebellion of his fon Robert — His government of the EngKJb, and its effects — Inflames
of his tyranny — A war with France — A general fur-vey taken of all the lands in England, entered in a.
book, called Domefday book — William' 's death, char after, and family.
TT7ILLIAM was the natural fon
VV of Robert duke of Normandy,
by one of his miftrefles, named Harlotte, a Ikinner's
daughter of Falaife; whence he was at firft diftin-
guilhed by the furname of The Baftard, but this he
afterwards changed into thai of Conqueror. Ro-
Nq. 6.
bert having no legitimate iflue, upon fetting out a
pilgrimage to Jerufalem, appointed William heir
to his dominions, in cafe he mould die in his jour-
ney; and this event actually happening, William
fucceeded to the dukedom of Normandy, being
only nine years of age. During his minority,
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Henry I. king of France, attacked his dominions,
and the barons of Normandy, in their contention
tor power, raifed feveral disturbances; but William
having arrived at years of maturity, repulfed the
former, reduced the latter, and effectually eftablimed
the tranquillity of his dukedom.
Confternation prevailed throughout England
when the news was circulated of the unfortunate
battle of Haftings, of the death of the king, and
(he entire defeat of his army. However Morcar
and Edwin, two powerful earls, retreated to
London, with the remnants of their vanquished
forces, and in conjunction with Stigand, arch-
biihop of Canterbury, proclaimed Edgar Atheling
king.
In the mean time WiJliam directed his vengeance
againft the inhabitants of Romney, whom he pu-
nifhed with feverity, for their cruel treatment of
fome Norman feamen and foldicrs who had landed
there; immediately after which he made himfelf
niafter of Dover without any oppofition. Here he
placed a ftrong garrifon, knowing that this fortrcfs
would fecure him a retreat in cafe of a repulfe, and
be a moft convenient port for the debarkation of
neceflary fupplies. Dividing his army now into
three bodies, he marched directly to London. The
only one who endeavoured to impede his progrefs
was Fretheric, abbot of St. Albans, who, to this
end, caufed a confiderable number of trees to be
felled and laid acrofs the roads. William fum-
moned the abbot to appear before him, promifing,
in cafe of a ready compliance, no harm mould
happen to his perfon. The abbot obeyed ; and
being afked why he had endeavoured to flop the
paffage of his army, nobly replied, " I have done
no more than my duty ; and had others of my rank
equally exerted themfelves, you had never pene-
trated fo far into this country, nor fummoned me
to give an account of my conduct." Struck with
theboldnefs of the abbot, and the juftnefs of his
fentiment, William difmifled him without paffing
the lead cenfure.
As the conqueror drew nearer towards London,
the fpirits of the people funk in proportion as he
advanced. A troop of five hundred Norman ca-
valry having repulfed a body of Londoners, the
inhabitants of Kent having fubmitted to William,
and the Borough of Southwark having been fet fire
to and deftroyed, were circumllances that, in the
highcft degree, contributed to create a general con-
fulion. The earls Edwin and Morcar obferving
that irrefolution, difcontent, and timidity prevailed
in the Englifh council, and that every profpect of
maintaining a fuccefsful oppofition was diflipated,
marched with their forces to the north ; and no
fooner had the conqueror paffed the Thames at
Wallingford, and arrived at Berkhamftead, than
Stigand, the primate, fubmitted to his authority ;
and Ihortly afterwards the mofl confiderable of
the nobility, the citizens of London, and even
Edgar Atheling, avowed allegiance to the Norman,
and put themfelves under his protection.
William received Edgar with the appearance of
great regard and affection ; and was fo far from
founding his title to the crown on a fuppofed right
of conqueft, that he ufed his utmoft endeavours to
eftablifh the notion of his being heir to king
Edwarxj, from the appointment ot that monarch.
William looked upon Stigand with a jealous eye ;
and urging that he had obtruded himfelf into the
fee, under the ufurpation of pope Benedict IX. he
refufed to be crowned by him, and conferred that
honour on Aldred, archbifhop of York. The ce-
remony of his coronation was performed with great
A. D. 1066 ma^nmccnce in Wcftminfter-Abbey,
on Chriftmas-day, in the prefence of
the moft confiderable of the Englifh and, Norman
nobility. AJdred, having adruimftered the coro-
nation oath to the king, anointed him, and placed
the crown upon his head. The fpectators expreffed
their affent by the loudeft acclamations. Thefe fo
alarmed the Norman foldiers without, that they
imagined the Englifh were offering violence to their
fovereign. In revenge for the fuppofed affront,
they attaulted the populace, and fet fire to feveral
habitations. As foon as the king was able to pafs
through the croud, he appeared among his foldiers,
and with difficulty fupprefTed the tumult.
William, to ingratiate himfelf with his new fub-
jects,diffembled his fentiments, beginning his reign
with difpenfing impartial juftiee, and he conferred
many favours upon them ; yet thinking it impolitic
to repofe an entire confidence in their profeffions,
he ordered fortreffes to be erected in different parts
of the kingdom, and removing to Barking in
Effex, where he eftablimed his head-quarters, he
received the fubmimon of fuch of the nobility who
had not attended his coronation. Among thefc
came Edric, nephew of Edric the traitor, the earls
Edwin and Morcar, and other confiderable noble-
men.
William having feized the treafure of his prede-
ceflor, which was depofited at Winchefter, an4 re-
ceiving rich prefents from .the opulent in all parts
of England, he was hereby the better enabled to
reward his followers. He therefore diftributed large
fums among his troops ; and to teftify his gratitude
to the monks, who had forwarded his fuccefs, he
built a new monaftery near Haftings, called Battle-
Abbey, to pray for his own foul and that of
Harold. But, amidft the pretended expreffions of
regard for the Englifh, he took care to place all
real power in the hands of his Normans ; for,
though he confirmed the liberties and immunities
of London and other cities, he difarmed the inha-
bitants, and quartered upon them Norman foldiers,
leaving in no place of ftrength any power able to
refift him. Thus, while his civil administration
wore the appearance of legal juftice, his military
inftitutions refembled thofe of a tyrant.
Having thus, by a mixture of lenity and feve-
rity,. eftablimed his fovereignty, he determined to
gratify his vanity by a vifit to his native country,
where, in the congratulations of his antient fubjects,
he intended to difplay the marks of his own triumph
in his fignal fuccefs. Leaving, therefore, the ad-
miniftration of affairs during his abfence in the
hands of Odo, bilhop of Bayeux, and his coufin,
William Fitzojborne, whom he had created earl of
Hertford, the king failed for Normandy, accom-
panied by his principal nobles. Among thefe were
Edgar Atheling, Stigand, the two earls Edwin and,
Morcar, Waltheof, the fon of the brave Siward,
who, at the fame time that they ferved to grace
his court, were real hoftages for the fidelity of the
nation. The Englifh nobility in his train, willing
to ingratiate themfelves with their new fovereign,
endeavoured to excel each other in fumptuous
equipages and entertainments. A Norman .writer,
who was. prefent, fpeaks with admiration of the
beauty of their perfons, the wwkmanfhip of their
plate, and the coftlinefs of their embroideries.
But after the king's departure from England,
difcontents multiplied every where, occafioned by
the intolerable opprcflians of Odo aixd Fitzofborne,
which provoked a general indignation among the
people, and urged them to take up arms in vindi-
cation of their violated rights. The inhabitants of
Kent were the firft who attempted to throw off the
Norman yoke. They applied for aid to Euftace,
count of Bologne, who landed a body of forces in
the neighbourhood of Dover, which effecting a
junction with the Kentifhmen, made an attack upon
the garrifon of .that place; but the Normans being
timely apprized of the intended affault, the fort
was put into a fttite of defence, and the affailants
were
WILLIAM
I,
•w*re repulfed with great (laughter, the count of
Bologne being made a prifoner of war. Hercford-
fhire and Shropshire exhibited the next fcenes of
confufion. Edric, the forefter, was proprietor of
great part of thefe counties, into which the Nor-
mans made frequent incurfions, committing out-
rageous acts of violence ; on which Edric, by the
afliftance of the Welch, retorted the infult, and
treated thole he made prifoners with the utmoft
feverity.
Thefe commotions haftened the return of the
king, who, on his arrival in England, foon dif-
concerted all the fchemes of the confpirators.
Thofe who had been moft forward in a mutiny,
either fled, or concealed themlelves ; and the con-
fifcation of their eftates enabled the conqueror
farther to gratify the rapacity of his Norman
captains ; and inftead of punifhing the two regents
for their enormous exactions, he feemed rather to
approve what they had done, which became another
fource of diicontent to his fubjedts.
, William now began to lofe all
' confidence in his people, and deter-
mined to reduce them to the moft abject flavery.
His armaments having involved him in debt, he
revived the odious tax, called formerly Dane-gelt,
which Edward the Confeifor had abolifhed. The
confequences of this arbitrary meafure were infur-
lections and revolts. The inhabitants of Exeter
refufed to admit a Norman garrifon ; and, taking
arms, were joined by thofe of Devonfhire and
Cornwal. William haftened with his forces to
chaftife the infurgents. On his approach, the wifer
citizens prevailed on the people to fubmit, and
deliver hoftages for their obedience ; but the agree-
ment having been broken by a fudden mutiny of
the populace, William ordered the eyes of one of
the hoftages to be put out, intimating hereby to the
rebels what they \\ ere to expect, if they perlifted in
their revolt. The inhabitants, feized with terror,
threw themfelves on the king's mercy, and fur-
rendered at difcretion.
But much more alarming difturbanc«s broke out
in the north, where a general confederacy was
formed by Edwin and Morcar, combined with
Sweyn king of Denmark, Malcolm king of Scot-
land, and Blethwin prince of North Wales, who
all concurred to make one vigorous effort for the
recovery of Englifti liberty. William, knowing
the neceiTity of expedition, in order to quell an
infurrection of this dangerous nature, advanced by
long marches to the north, and reached York before
the rebels were prepared to oppofe him, they not
having been joined by any of the fuccours they
expected, except a fmall reinforcement from Wales.
The two earls now found they had no other means
of fafety but fubmifllon ; and the reft of the con-
federates followed their example. Whereupon the
people, being thus deferted by their leaders, were
unable to make any farther refiftance. The ven-
geance of the conqueror fell chiefly upon thofe
who were leaft guilty. They felt fevefely the
rigour of confifcation, and he beftowed their lands
on his foreign favourites ; w ho being thus difperfed
throughout the whole country, left Edwin and
Morcar, whom he pretended to fpare, deftitute of
all fupport, and eafy victims whenever he fhould
demand their ruin. Thefe proceedings fpread over
the' nation a general alarm, which was increafed
by the king's ordering caftles to be built in different
places, which were evidently intended to awe the
difcontented into fubmiffion. The Englifh became
now fcnfiblc that they had tamely fubmitted them-
felves to a tyrant. Many of them therefore fled
into foreign countries, in order to live free from
new forfeitures, attainders, and continual a.Jrs'of
violence. Edgar himfelf dreading the infidious
cardies of William, escaped with Cofpatric, a
powerful Northumbrian, intoScotland, taking with,
nirn his two lifters, Margaret and Chriftina. King
Malcolm gave them a favourable reception, and,
married Margaret, the eldeft lifter ; and as he gave
great countenance to all the Englilh exiles, many
of them fettled there. Great animoiities now arofe
between the Normans and Englifh, who mutually
infulted each other; hence murders were frequent,
fcarce a day paffing but fomc dead bodies were
found in the woods and highways.
A general infurrection now feemed /> T-J _ /•
about to take place throughout the l 9"
whole ifland. Godwin, Edmund, and Magnus,
Harold's three fons, after the battle of Haitings
having retired to Ireland, projected an invafion of
England, and hoped that all the exiles from Den-
mark, Scotland, and Wales, affifted by forces from
thofe countries, would join them. Upon which
prefumption they landed in Devonftiire, but found
Brian, fon of the count of Britanny, ready to op-
pofe them, at the head of fome foreign troops ;
and, being defeated in feveral actions, they were
obliged to retreat to their fhips, and to return with
great lofs to Ireland* The attention of the Normans
was now demanded in the north, where the Nor-
thumbrians had attacked Robert de Comyn, go-
vernor of Durham, and put him to death with
feven hundred of his followers, This fuceefs ani-
mated the inhabitants of York to revolt, who flew
Fitz-Richard, their governor, and befieged the
cattle. Soon after the Danilh troops landed from
three hundred veffels. The command of thefe
forces was intrufted with Olborne, brother to king
Sweyn, and he .was accompanied by Harold and
Canute, two fons of that monarch. Edgar Athe-
ling marched from Scotland, bringing with hijjjf
Cofpatric, Waltheof, Siward, Adelin, and oafr
noble adherents, who, by the hopes they gave of
foreign fuccours, and from their authority, eafily
perfuaded the Northumbrians to join them. Mal-
let, the Norman governor of York Caftle, in order
to provide for its defence, fet fire to fome houfes
that were contiguous thereto, and which he ima-
gined might afford a cover to the enemy ; when,
the flames, fpreading into the neighbouring ftreets,
reduced the whole city to alhes ; which fo enraged
the inhabitants, that, joining the Danes, they at-
tacked the caftle with the utmoft fury, took it by
ftorm, and put the garrifon to the fword, conlifting
of three thoufand men.
This fuccefs became a fignal to many other parts
of England to rife in arms. Hereward, an Eaft-
Anglian nobleman, affembled his vaffals in the Iflc
of Ely, and made inroads into all the adjacent
country. The Englifh, in the counties of Dorfex
and Somerfet, attacked Montacute, the Norman
governor, while the inhabitants of Devon and
Cornwal invelted Exeter. Edric, the Forefter,
aflifted by the Welch, laid fiege to Shrewfbury.
The Englifh every where feemed refolved to make
in concert one great effort to recover their liberty,
and to expel their tyrannical mafters.
Amidft this fcene ofconfufion William appeared
undifmayed ; he had got poffeflion of a crown by
his fword, nor doubted of being able to defend it
by the fame means. Affcmbling therefore his forces,
he marched againft the rebels in the north, who
were the moft formidable, and whofe defeat he
knew would fill all the other malecontents with
terror. Before his approach, he prevailed upon
Ofborne and his Danes to retire into Denmark,
without committing farther hoftilities. Cofpatric
defpairing of fuccefs, made his fubmiffion to the
king, and, upon paying a fum of money, was in-
verted with the earldom of Northumberland.
Waltheof, who had long defended York with great
bravery, was won over by the king's fhew of cle-
mency, liven Edric, now compelled by necefllty,
fubmittetj
6o
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
fubmitted to the conqueror, and obtained fbrgive-
nefs, which was followed by fome -degree ot royal
favour. As Malcolm came too late to fupport the
confederates, he vas forced to retire, and returned
with Edgar Atheling into Scotland, while all the
infurgents in other parts, except Hereward who lay
fecure in his faitneiies, difperfed, leaving the con-
queror undifputed mailer of the kingdom ; who now
ga've evident proofs that his affumed lenity to the
leading men, was the effects only of artful policy;
for he fcrupled no meafures, however marked with
cruelty, that had a tendency to excite terror, and to
fupport his plan of arbitrary government. He de-
prived the wealthy of their eltates, and exercifcd the
moft wanton feverities upon thofe who had engaged
in conspiracies or rebellions. He put out the eyes
of fome ; cut off the hands and feet of others ; and
condemned many either to death or to perpetual ba-
niihment. He feized the treafures belonging to the
monafteries, upon a pretence that the rebels had
concealed their valuable effects in thofe places.
He impofed the tenure of knights fervice upon all
lands held of the crown. He excluded the Englifh
from all places of truft and profit, depriving them as,
far as he could of all their antient privileges,
aboliihing their laws and fubftituting thofe of Nor-
mandy in their room. He introduced the feudal
law, by dividing the kingdom into about feven
hundred baronies and fixry thoufand two hundred
and fifteen knights fees ; beftowing all the former
either upon Normans or other foreign adven-
turers;, and fuch of the Englifh who retained their
poffelTions, were only admitted intothe fecond clafs.
He laid wafte the county of Hampfhire, for the ex-
tent of thirty miles, and Converted it into a habi-
^fclion for wild beafts, which he called the New
IWeft.
At the fame time he denounced the moft fevere
penalties againft thofe who ihould prefume to hunt
in any of the royal domains,- and while the killing
of a man might be atoned for by a moderate fine ;
the killing of a wild boar or deer was punifhed with
the lofs of the delinquent's eyes. He commanded
bis fubjects to ufe the Norman or French tongue,
only, and caufed the law of the land to be tranflated
into that language ; but with regard to the corfieu,
or obliging the inhabitants to put out their fires and
lights on the founding of a certain bell, this was
a law which William had previoufly eftabliihed in
Normandy, and the fame cuilom prevailed in Scot-
land ; in a word, this mercilefs Norman not only
governed England as a conquered country, but
equalled in his devaluations the greateft fcourge of
God, that had ever been permitted to enflave or
deftroy nations.
A D icri ^ar^S Morcar and Edwin, touched
' ' with the lofs of their dignity, and
knowing they could not hope to remain long in
fafety, refolved to fhare the fame fate with their
countrymen, whether it might be maiming, impri-
fonment,. or death. Edwin retired to his eftate in
the north, in order to form an infurrection ; and
Morcar took flicker in the Ifle of Ely, with the
brave Hereward, who, fecured by the lituation of
the place, (till defended himfelf againft the Nor-
mans ; but thefe fteps only accelerated the ruin of
thofe few Englifh who had not yet been plundered
of their fortunes ; for William having furrounded
the Ifle of Ely with flat-bottomed boats, and made
a caufeway through the moraffes two miles in
length, obliged the rcvolters to furrender atdifcre-
tion. Here-.vani alone forced his way fword in
hand through the enemy, and afterwards continued
his hofulines by Tea, till William charmed with his
bravery reftored to him his eftate. Earl Morcar,
and Egelwin bifhop of Durham, were caft intopri-
fon, in which the latter foon after died. Edwin
attempting to efcape into Scotland, was betrayed
by fome of his followers, and killed by a party of
Normans, to the great affliction of the Englilh ; even
William is faid to have Hied tears to the memory of
that beautiful and gallant youth. The king of
Scotland in hopes of obtaining ad vantages from thefe
convulfions, had attacked the northern counties ;
but on the king's entering Scotland, was glad to
pay the ufual homage to the Englifh crown.
To complete William's triumph over his fubjects,
Edgar Atheling fubmitted and humbly implored
his pardon, which was granted, and a penfion al-
lowed him for his fubfiftence. From this time he
remained in England, probably more happy than
his afpiring wifhes could have made him.
The inhabitants of the province °f \ r\
Maine in France, diflatisfied, and in- '
ftigated by the count of Anjou, who had fome pre-
tenlion to the fucceffion, role in rebellion, and ex-
pelled their magiftrates. William, to whom this
province belonged by the will of Hebert the laft
count, to punifh this infult on his authority, failed
to the continent with a large army, coinpolc^
chiefly of Englifh; arid was fo fuccefsful in his
operations, that he overcame all oppoiition, and
the revolters were glad to conclude a peace with
him.
During his flay in Normandy the pope fent an.
embafly, requiring him to do homage for his king-
dom to the lee of Rome; but William with a be-
coming fpirit told the nuncio, that he was indebted
for his crown to God alone, and under him to his
fword; and on his return to England he publilhed
an edict, forbidding his fubjects to acknowledge
the authority of any pope whom he had not previ-
oufly approved ; or to receive any commands from
Rome without his permiffion.
Af the fame time the government of England
was difturbed by the Norman barons, who dif-
gufted at William's imperious conduit, determined
not to fubmit their civil rights to the will of any
man. Wherefore now he was abfent they con-
certed a fcheme for depofing him. It was at tha
wedding fcaft of William Guader, earl pf Norfolk,
that their plan was firft propofed to earl Waltheof,
when the arbitrary conduct of the king underwent
a ftrict fcrutiny. Among other particulars were
mentioned, the tyranny he exercifed over the Engl i fh
whom they affected to pity ; his haughty behaviour
to his barons, and his plain defign of reducing both
the victors and the vanquifhed to the fame igno-
minious fubjection; the indignity of fubmitting to
a baftard was not forgot ; nor the certainty of fuc-
cefs in a revolt, by the affiftance of the Danes; and
the whole company, heated with liquor, entered
by a folemn engagement into the defign of fhaking
off the royal authority ; even Waltheof, though he
had been pardoned tor a former infurrection, ex-
prefled his approbation of, and joined in the con-
fpiracy. But when in the hour of calm reflection
he thought ferioufly on his engagement, he became
extremely uneafy for the confequences. He had
married the niece of the king, and refolved to truft
his wife with the important fecret; but fhe having
an attachment to another man, rejoiced fecretly at
an event that feemed to promife the deftruction of
her'hufband. She therefore loft no time in fend-
ing to Normandy, and apprizing the king, of the
part her hufband had taken in the confpiracy. In
the interim Waltheof finding no reft fro/n the in-
ward agitations of his mind, made a confident of
Lanfranc, archbifhop of Canterbury, who advifed
him to acquaint the king with the whole affair,
which the earl confented to do.
The confpirators were no fooner informed that
Waltheof was gone to Normandy, than they con-
cluded the plot they had laid was difcovered, on
which, though their plan was not ripe for execution,
they had immediate recgurfe to arms ; but: Odo,
the
WILLIAM
I.
ft
the king's brother, headed the royal forces, to whom
the infurgents were compelled to fubmit; fo that on
William's return to England, he found the infur-
rection cruihed, and nothing remained but to inflict
puniihment, which according to the conqueror's
ufual policy, was extended principally to the in-
ferior offenders, with a degree of rigour repugnant
to equity and the dictates of humanity. But the
unhappy Waltheof experienced now no mercy.
William ordered him to be tried, when he was con-
demned and executed on the twenty-ninth of April,
1075, and his body buried under the fcaffolq on
-which he was beheaded. His wife, the infamous
Judith, falling under the king's difpleafure, was
abandoned by every one, and the contempt with
which fhe was treated aggravated the compunctions
of a guilty confcience. Waltheof, and another
nobleman, named Fitz-Aubert, are faid to be the
only perfons of diiHnguimed rank who were exe-
cuted during his reign.
~ William, after a long feries of na-
A. L>. 1077. tjonai turnults, quelled by his own un-
daunted bravery, might reafonably expect they
would be fucceeded.by a calm of tranquillity ; but
he was now to be tried with a calamity, which
arifmg from his own family, muft greatly affect
him. Robert, his eldeft fon, mitigated by the
French king, endeavoured to make himfelf mailer
of the dutchy of Normandy, pretending his father
had promifed it him, in cafe he Ihould fucceed in
his expedition agamft England ; but having de-
manded of his father a performance of 'his engage-
ment, he peremptorily refufed to comply with his
requeft, tell ing him, " he never intended to throw
off his cloaths till he went to bed." Upon which
Robert for a time openly proclaimed his difcontent,
and then, being in Normandy, had recourfe to
arms in fupport of his imaginary right. William
hereupon raifed an Engliih army, which after fe-
veral fharp fkirmifhes, compelled Robert and his-
followers to take refuge in the caflle of Gerberoy,
appointed by the French king lor their reception
in cafe of neceffity. ' In this place the king beiieged
them, but for fome time in vain, as the garnfon
.being ftrong made an obftinate defence. Under
the walls there patted many combats, w hich refem-
bled more thofe of chivalry than the military ac-
tions of armies. In one of thefe it happened that
Robert engaged the king, who was concealed by
his helmet; and this young prince after wounding
his father in the arm, unhorfed him. William
called out for affiftance; his fon knew his voice;
and ftruck with terror inilantly threw himfelf at his
father's feet, begged his pardon, and offered to pur-r
chafe it by any atonement in his power. The king
implacable in his refentments paid no regard to this
dutiful fubmiffion; however railing the fiege, he
marched his army to Normandy, where by the in-
terceffion of the queen he became reconciled with
his fon whom he took with him to England, and
intruded him with an army againft Malcolm
king of Scotland. The young prince obliged
Malcolm to make his fubmiffion. About this time
William built the Tower of London, to keep in
awe the citizens, of whom he entertained a conftant
jealoufy.
A D icS ^'ie tumu^ts °f war now at kngth
fubfided, and the whole ifland enjoyed
the fweets of peace. William had a large revenue,
and his avarice induced him to inveftigatsc every
method moft likely to augment it. For this pur-
pofe he caufed a general furvey to be taken of all
the lands in the kingdom, their extent in each dif-
trict, their proprietors, tenures and value; the quan-
tity of meadow, paiture, wood, and arable land
which they contained; and in fome counties the
number of tenants, cottagers and flavcs of all de-
nominations who lived upon them. He appointed
No. 6.
commiffioners, who entered every particular, in a
regifter by the verdict of juries ; 'and at the expira-
tion of fix years they brought him an exact account
of all the landed property in the kingdom. This
valuable monument of antiquity, called, Domel-
day book, is Hill preferved in the Exchequer. The
king was as careful to keep as to accumulate mone , .
He retained fourteen hundred manors in his own
poffeffion, after gratifying his followers, for their
lervice.s. He had more places to bellow than any
king of England, and his partiality in bellowing,
them, caufed him to be implicitly obeyed by
foreigners, but hated by his Engliih fubjeds. It
is laid he was the richeft of all our monarchs, than
any one who reigned before or fince.
At this time Matilda, William's . n
confort, died, whom he tenderly loved. I
Three years'after hepaffed into Normandy, taking
with him Edgar Athelmg, who with his pcrmilfion
fet out on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. While
on the continent he was detained by a mifundcr-
ftanding between him and the king of France, oc-
cafioned by fome inroads made by French barons
on the frontiers of his dutchy. The princes in
thofe times were little able to reftrain their licen-
tious nobility; but William thought they would
hot have dared to provoke his refentment, had they
not been affured of the French monarch's protec-
tion. His difpleafure was increafed by hearing of
fome ralleries that Philip had thrown out againft
him. William, who was very corpulent,? had been
confined to his bed by ficknefs ; upon hearing of
which Philip expreffed his furprize, that his brother
of England mould be fo long in being delivered
of his big belly. The king fent him word, that as
foon as hevwas up, he would prefent fo'many lights
at Notre Dame as would afford him caufe for much
greater furprize, alluding to the ufual practice at
that time, of women, after lying-in prefenting wax
tapers at the altar, upon their being churched*
Immediately on his recovery he entered France at
the head of a numerous army. Having taken
Mantes, he firfl plundered it and then fet it on fire^
Here the progrefs of his arms was flopped by an
accident which put a period to his life. Entering
the town before the flames were extinguifhed, h;s
horfe happened to tread on fome hot allies, which
made him plunge with fuch violence, that William
was thrown forward, and bruifed upon the faddlc to
fuch a degree, that he was foon after feized with a
fever. Senfible of his approaching dhTolution, he
exhibited a flriking example of the vanity of human
greatnefs. Struck with remorfe for the horrible
'cruelties he had committed, he offered ri::h prcfents
to churches and monaileries, in the way of atone-
ment, forgetting that mercy is more acceptable to the
judge of the whole earth than facrifice. Upon the
fame falfe principle earlMorcar and other Engliih
prifoners were releafed. He died on the 9th of Sep-
tember, 1087, in the fixty-firft year of his age, the
twenty-firft of his reign over England, and the
fifty-iecond over Normandy. By his wife Matilda,
daughter to Baldwin V. earl of Flanders, he had
four fons, namely, Robert, Richard,, William and
Henry; and five daughters, namely, Cicely, abbefs
of a Monaflery in Caen; Conftantia, married to
Fergant duke of Brittany ; Alice, who was con-
tracted to Harold, but_died in her infancy; Adela,
married to Stephen earl of Blois, whofe fon of the
fame name afterwards afcended the throne of Eng-
land; and Agatha, who was betrothed to the
king of Galicia, but died in her journey to that
country. To Robert, his eldeil fon, he left Nor-
mandy and Maine ; Richard was killed by a deer
in the New Forell; to Henry he bequeathed only
his mother's poffeilions; but upon this prince's
complaining to him of the fmallnefs of his patri-
mony, William is faid to have comforted him with
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OP ENGLAND.
the hopes, that the dominions of his brother would
be one day united to his perfon, an event which in
procefs of time really happened.
William in his ftature was tall and portly,
bones and mufcles were fo uncommonly ftrong,
that fcarcely a man of that age was to be found
who could bend his bow, or handle his arms. In
his carriage, he was ftern and haughty ; in his
temper, jealous and referred. His capacity not to
be doubted; his ambition unqueftionable. To the
iaft he facrifked all the laws of juftice, and the
feelings of humanity. With ftrict juftice he may
be ranked among the greateft generals any age has
produced. Having been from his childhocd at the
head of armies, he joined to a great military genius
all the knowledge and (kill that experience could
teach. His courage was heroic, and he poirefied
it not only in the field but in the cabinet ; attempt-
ing great things with means, that to other men
appeared totally unequal to fuch undertakings,
and fteadily profecuting what he boldly refolved ;
being never difturbed or difheartened with diffi-
culties in the courfeof his enterprizes ; but having
that noble vigour of mind, which inftead of bend-
ing to oppofition rifes againft it, and feems to have
a power of commanding and controlling fortune
herfelf. His majefty was never lowered by incon-
tinence, or indecent excefs. His temperance and
chaftity were his conftant guards. Through his
whole life he had no partner of his bed but his
queen. Had he kept his engagements to his peo-
ple as well as he did his marriage contract, he would
have been the beft of kings ; but he indulged other
paflions of a worfe nature, and infinitely more de-
trimental to the public than thofe he reftrained.
A luft of power, which no regard to juftice could
limit, the moft unrelenting cruelty, and the mod
infatiable avarice polTefied his foul. It is true,
among many acts of extreme inhumanity, fome of
great clemency were interwoven ; but thefe Iaft
were either the effects of policy, or of magnanimity,
which made him flight his fubmiflive enemies.
But where he had no pride or intereft in forgiving,
his genuine favage difpofition appeared in its pro-
per colours ; and fome inftances of his barbarity
exceeded the bounds that even the worft of tyrants
and conquerors have prefcribed themfelves. His
religion was after the fafhion of the age in which
he lived, belief without examination, and devotion
without piety. It was a kind of ftate policy which
prompted him to endow monafteries, and at the
lame time allowed him to pillage kingdoms ; that
brought him on his knees before a relic or a crofs,
but fuffered him without controul to trample upon
the liberties and rights of mankind. As to the
wifdom of his government, he was indeed fo far
wife, that through a long and unquiet reign he
knew how to fupport oppreflion by terror, by which
he carried on with impunity, a very iniquitous and
violent adminiftration. But that wifdom which
founds national happinefs upon the principle of
virtue, with all his abilities he does not appear to
have poflefled. Nor did he excel in thofe popular
arts of government, which fometimes change the
completion of tyranny, and give it a fallacious
form of freedom. Yet fo far he performed the duty
of a fovereign, in that he took care to maintain a
good police in his realm, by curbing licentioufnefs
with a ftrong military force, difperfed throughout
the kingdom. But it was a poor compenlacion
that the highways were fafe, when the courts of
juftice were dens of thieves, when his Normans in,
office employed their power to pillage the people,
and when the king himfelf had a large fhare of
their extortions. He drew into his treafury too
great a proportion of the wealth of the kingdom,
by authorizing the collectors of his revenues, to
practice the molt grievous abufes for raifing them
higher; by a perpetual auction of the crown lands ;
by various iniquities in the court of Exchequer ;
by forfeitures wrongfully taken; and by vexatious
arbitrary and illegal taxations.
However it muft be confeffed, that notwithftand-
ing his rapacious avarice was infatiable, it was not
meanly parfimonious ; for he fupported the dignity
of his crown with a decent magnificence ; and
though never lavifli, yet he was at times liberal,
efpecially to his officers of the army, and the
church. In fhort, he laid up wealth in his coffers
as he did arms in his magazines, to be drawn out,
when occafion required, either for the defence or
extenfion of his tyrannical fway.
To finifh the character of this ambitious con-
queror in few words, upon an impartial view of
his reign, wefhall find many mining actions to ad-
mire, many more to deteft; and that if, as a king,
he had many great qualities, as a man, he had but
few virtues.
CHAP. II.
WILLIAM II.
William, furr.amed Rufus, or red, from the colour of his hair, thefecondfon of William the Conqueror, afcends
the throne by the intereft of Lanfranc, archbijbop of Canterbury, in -violation of his brother Robert's right of
primogeniture — A confpiracy in favour of Robert, defeated through his inactivity— William's wars in Nor-
mandy, Scotland, and Wales — The crufades in which Robert engages — The king quarrels with Anfehn, whom he
had forced into the fee of Canterbury— A confpiracy among his barons — The manner of his death and charafler.
to moderate the violence of his temper, and to
foften the effects of his tyranny. He had a pater-
nal regard for William Rufus, whom he himfelf
had educated ; yet he refufed to exert his influence,
unlefs his pupil would promife in the moft folemn
manner, to govern with equity and moderation,
to maintain the liberties of the people, apd to be-
have like a dutiful and obedient fon to the church.
William, who feared the leaft delay might fruftrate
his intentions, readily confented, and thearchbifhop
applied himfelf afliduoufly to remove the prejudices
of the people. To this end reports were propa^
gated, that William had imbibed an affectionate re-
gard for the Englim ; that he had fcen with grief
their oppreffions ; that he confidercd the foreft laws
A.D 1087 Y\7ILLIAM' fumamed Rufus,
y V from the colour of his hair,
knowing that his right of fucceffion was founded
only on a letter the late king had written to Lan-
franc, archbifhop of Canterbury, in his favour,
haftened to England before any intelligence of the
death of his father could reach that kingdom, in
order, if poffible, tofecure the intereft of that po-
pular prelate, and the pofleflion of a throne, which
of right belonged to his brother Robert. Lanfranc
•was in great repute with the people, on account of
his amiable character. The Englifh in particular
thought him their friend, for his humanity made
him one to all in diftrefs; and the Normans were
fenfible that he had employed the king's favour,
as
flf WILLIAM H .
• \c/f' ' '/,.//;// //'f/////s.>/f/'/<' '.
Bom f0_ Crowned c A^ r%7./0#7— Invaded Norman
Ajccident CM a&uwut Hunting; t/n/tne- Ne\^ Foreft, Hampihire,
Tvrrel, ///^/ ///7^ <2^?Y // r/f/ Birrie d
Sir Walter
WILLIAM
II.
as fit only for a nation of flavcs ; that he ftiould
cfteem the Normans and Engl ilh equally his fubjects ;
that he intended to reftore the nation to its former
liberty> and govern only by the laws of Edward the
Confellbr, Thefe reports had the defired effect
with refped to the Englim, who wifhed to fee a
.king in the feat of power, who would reftore do-
meftic tranquillity and redrefs their grievances.
But the talk was more difficult to gain over the
Norman barons, who on many accounts were dif-
pofed to favour the claim of Robert. Recourfe
was therefore had to the arts of perfualion. They
•were taught to believe, that if Robert obtained the
throne, there could be no hopes of holding their
eftates, with which his Norman friends would be
gratified ; and that their interefts were clofely con-
nected with thofe of William, to whom the Con-
queror, their great benefactor, with his dying
breath had bequeathed the crown of England.
But William made ufe of a more powerful argument
to fupport hispretenlionSjfor he got pofleffion of the
royal treafure, laid up in the palace of Winchefter,
amounting to fifty thoufand pounds weight of
iilver coin, befides gold, jewels, plate, and a rich
wardrobe belonging to the royal tamily.
Thefe previous Heps to the fummit of power,
were ftrengthened by the indolence and inactivity
of Robert ; who when his friends advifed him not
to truft his intereft to precarious hope, but to crofs
over immediately into England, and take poffeilion
of his crown, he anfwered with haughtinefs ;
" That precipitation was unneceffary. The fceptre
was his undoubted right. That the Englim were
his friends, and would never prefume to appoint a
fucceflbr to the throne in his ab fence." He was
however for once miftaken. The archbifhop hav-
ing affembled the principal clergy and nobility,
they, from a refpect to his father's appointment,
readily concurred in opinion with Lanfranc, by
whom William was crowned, on the twenty-feventh
of September at Weftminfter. The Englim were
more inclined to bring about this event, becaufe he
won their affections by the moft conciliating mea-
fures ; and the bifhops were induced to favour his
pretenfions by the lenient perfualions of Lanfranc,
Ib that thus powerfully fupported, all the vaffals of
the crown, before the end of the year, fwore fealty
to him, and did homage without one diffenting
voice. In the mean time Robert took quiet poffeffion
of Normandy, where he was highly efteemed on ac-
countof his open, humane and generous difpofition.
But not many months had elapfcd, before the
throne of William was fhaken by a fudden and
almoft general confpiracy of the Norman barons,
at the head of which was Odo, bilhop of Bayeaux,
the king's uncle, to whom William had reftored
his earldom and lands ; but not having been in-
verted with power alfo, and jealous of Lanfranc's
abilities and high ftation, he employed all his ta-
lents in endeavouring to transfer the crown to Ro-
bert. The confpirators, retiring to their caftles,
put themfelves in a pofture of defence, and ex-
pecting to be fupported with a powerful army
from Normandy, haftily broke out into open re-
bellion. Several parts of the kingdom were thrown
into the utmoft confufion, and fome of the coun-
ties again laid wafte by the fword of defolation.
William, whofe prefence of mind never forfook
him, in this extremity had recourfe to the Englim,
and he foon found himfelf at the head of thirty
thoufand men. With thefc forces he took the
field, and fuddcnly marched into Kent, where Odo,
and Robert, earl of Montague, had feized the for-
treffcs of Rochefter and Pevenfey. Thefe he re-
duced by famine. He now, by the prudent advice
of Lanfranc, endeavoured to win over the northern
nobility by the gentle arts of perfuafion, telling
them, " that, they ought to take care how they
impeached his right to the crown, fince the fame
monarch who had made them earls, had made him
king;" at the fame time he offered them privately
any money or lands they defired. Thefe conci-
liating meafures were attended with the defired
fuccefs. The chief of the confpirators abandoned
the caufe of Robert, and returned to their alle-
giance. Odo efcaped to Normandy, and his large
poffeffiona were diftributed among thofe who had
ferved their fovcreign faithfully, in this alarming
crifis of danger. To give the finiihing ftroke to
the defigns of his enemies, a large body of troops,
font from Normandy, were deltroyed in the channel
by the fleet which guarded the coaft, whereby
Robert loft all his remaining intereft in England,
and the whole nation fubmitted to him quietly,
under the hope andafluranceof a good government;
William no fooner faw all his ene- . n fle
mies at his feet, and himfelf firtnly -
fixed in the feat of power, than he forgot all his
promifes, and treated his prefervers with the cruelty
of his predeceffor. Profperity unfolded thole
corrupt difpofitions, which policy and fear had
made him conceal. He increafed, inftead of miti->
gating the feverity of the foreft laws. The com-
plaints of the Englifh were urged in vain. He
was deaf to their petitions, and beheld their mife-
ries without redrefs. Even Lanfranc remouftrated
in vain. He urged his folemn promifes when a
candidate for the crown ; he pleaded the generous
condudt of the Englifh, when it was endangered
by the late rebellion; but all his pleas, all his.
remonftrances, all his efforts, ferved only to make
Rufus more cautious in his proceedings. The
revered character of the archbilhop kept the king
within the bounds of decency. But this check
was, unhappily for the Englim, foon removed :
Lanfranc departed this life, and left Rufus to
purfue his full career of vice and tyranny. The
death of this worthy prelate was jultly regretted
by all the virtuous part of the nation, Normans
and Englifh. He made no diftinction between
them ; every good man was fure of his favour and
protection. He gained the love of all parties j
and was juftly conlidercd as a faithful bifhop, and
an upright ftatefman.
After this prelate's death, the king grew im-
patient of controul. An immenfe prodigality, fup-
ported by extortion, with the inftigations of a
minifter worfe than himfelf, made the latter years
of his reign a continued feries of grievous op-
preflions. The whole nation now felt what heavy
burdens the feudal laws could, by arbitrary con-
rtructions, impofe on the fubjeds. They firft fell
upon the great Norman lords ; but the evil did not
flop there. Whatever demands the king made orf
his vaffals, they made on theirs. Whatever power
he exercifed, they likewife exercifed. Thus the
feudal fyftem became a heavy weight of oppreflion,
under which all fuffered, but the middling clafs of
people moft. The Englim groaned under the moft
grievous oppreffions. Every thing was fold by the
king and his minifters ; even the privileges of the
church proved a feeble rampart againft their ufur-
pations. Mitres and crofiers were put up to fale,
and the higheft bidder was fure to be the purchafer.
Benefices, bifhopricks, juftice itfelf, were facrifked to
his avarice; and when all other means were exhauft-
ed, confifcations, the laftand worft refource of a pro-
digal tyrant, were adopted under various pretences.
Rufus, at the inftigation of^his A D Q>
brother Henry, parted over to Nor-
mandy at the head of a powerful army. Robert
was in no condition to oppofe his brother. He
beheld, with aftonifiiment, his towns fucceflively
taken, and even his capital on the point of falling
into the hands of the invader, by the treachery of
the governor. He applied in vain to the king of
France
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
France for aflittan.ee, that monarch being in the
intereft of William. Henry now law his error, and
trembled for his own dominions. He therefore
changing fides, joined Robert with an excellent
body of forces. 'William, not thinking it prudent
lo oppofethe combined armies of his two brothers,
laid aiidc his defign of making himfelf matter of
Normandy, and returned to England. A peace
was foon after concluded between Robert and
William, by which it \\as ftipulatcd, that on the
death of either without ifTue, the furvivor ihould
fucceed to his dominions.
Alaimcd and exafperated at this contemptuous
treatment, Henry, whofe name had not been men-
tioned in the treaty, refolved to avenge the infult
upon Robert; arid accordingly made himfelf matter
of St. Michael's Mount, on the coaft of Normandy,
whence he infefted the neighbourhood with his in-
curfions. Robert and William befieged him with
their joint forces. The place was ttrongly fortified
by art and nature. It was fituated on a rock, one
iide of which was wafhed by the fea, and wholly
furrounded by the tide at high-water. Inftead
therefore of attempting to reduce it by florm, the
two brothers turned the fiege into a blockade ;
and determined to continue before the place, till
famine fhould force the befieged to fin-render.
Henry being at one time -diftrefled for want of
water, Robert gave him an opportunity of fupply-
ing the garrifon, and even fcnt him fome pipes of
•wine for his own ufe. William, reproving him for
his ill-timed fraternal affection, Robert with quick-
nefs replied, " W'hat, lhall I fuffer my brother to
die of thirft ? Where ttiall we find fuch another
when he is gone ?" During this ficge, William uled
frequently to ride round the camp,, to fee that a
proper difcipline was obferved among the foldiers.
One day, as, he was thus employed, he obferved
two men advancing full fpeed from the caftle.
William, who was a ftranger to fear, inftead of re-
treating, rode up to them, thinking he mould be
able to take one, if not both of them prifoners.
They- met, on the firft onfet, with equal fury; but
the lance of one of his antagonifls piercing the
cheft -of William's horfe, he fell, and was thrown
violently to the ground. The foldier difmounted ;
and raifing his arm to difpatch his adverfary, Wil-
liam exclaimed, " Hold fellow, I am the king of
England." Struck with aftomfhment, the foldier
fheathed his fword, and raifed him from the ground
\vith the higheft expreffions of refpect. At this
inftant, William, perceiving a body of his troops
haftening to his affittance, vattked into his faddle,
and catting his eyes, that fparkled with fire, around,
afldng -who it was that had unhorfcd him. He that
<Tid it anfwered boldly, " It was I, \vho took you
for an ordinary knight." " By the face of • our
Lord," replied William with a fmile, " thou (halt
henceforth be my foldier, and receive from me
the recompence thy valour deferves." This per-
haps is the only commendable action in his whole
reign. Prince Henry was foon after obliged to
furrcnder the fortrefs to his brother Robert, and,
being ftripped of his patrimony, wandered about
for fome time from place to place in extreme po-
verty and cliftrefs, with few attendants.
This war in Normandy was fucceeded by ano-
ther with Scotland. Malcolm made frequent in-
cmfions into England. After ravaging Northum-
berland he laid liege to Almvick, where a party of
carl Mowbray's troops, commanded by a knight
named Morel, attackmg him by furpri/e, a (harp
action tnfued, in which Ix.rh Malcolm and his
ion were (lam. Ilisdeath, for" fome years, inter-
rupted the regular fucccflion to-the Scottifh crown-
tor, though he left legitimate fons, his brother
Donald, they being minors, was raifed to the
throne; but foon after Duncan, Malcolm's natural
fon, formed a confpiracy againft him, and being
aflifted by William with a final! force, obtained
pottettion of the kingdom.
Malcolm, among other public and private vir-
tues, was pottcifcd of an extraordinary greatnefs-
uf mind, of which the following fact is an evident
proof. Having received information that one of
his nobles had a delign to aftaflinate him, 'he en-
joined the informer ftrict filence. The next morn-
ing he went to hunt with his train of courtiers ••
and when arrived in the middle of a foreft, he
drew the intended murderer away from the reft of
the company, and thus addretted him : " Behold,
we are here alone, armed and mounted alike. No
one fees, or hears us, or can give either of us aid
againft each other. If then you have courage and
fpiri't, effect upon this fpot your purpofe. Accoin-
plifti, this favourable inftant, your promife to my
enemies. If you think I ought to be killed by
you, where can you perpetrate the brave deed
better ? When more opportunely ? When more
manfully ? Have you prepared poifon for me '
that is a womanifh treafon. Or would you murder
me in my bed ? an adulterefs could do that. Or
have you hid a dagger to Ihi., me ftcretly ? that is
the act of a ruffian. — Ratuer behave like a brave
man and fight me hand to nar.'-I, that your treafon
may, at leatt, be free from bafenefs." At thefe
words the traitor, ftruck as if it had been with a
thunderbolt, fell at his feet, and implored his
pardon. " Fear nothing, you fhall not fufter
any evil from me," replied the king; and he kept
his word.
William ftill entertained defigns , ^
upon Normandy. He had con-
cluded a peace with Robert, but treaties were
feeble bars to. his ambition. This impelled him
to make a fecortd invafion of Normandy, and, ina
fhort time he fubdued feveral important plac«.
But the king of France, alarmed at his progrefs,
brought a numerous army into the field to the
affiftance of Robert. The face of affairs was now
fuddenly changed. The towns and catties William
had taken were fucceffively recovered, and he was,
to his mortification, reduced to the neceftity of
acting upon the defenfive. In this critical con-
junctiire, he difpatched orders to England for a
reinforcement of troops ; and till they arrived, he
threw up ftrong intrenchments round his camp, to
render any defigns Robert might form to the pre-
judice of his army, abortive. The levies were im-
mediately raifed in England, in number about
twenty thoufand. It was an eftabliftied cuftom
with the barons or knights, under whom forces
were raifed for foreign fervice, to furnifh each man
with ten fhillings, towards defraying necelTary ex-
pences. William wanted rnoney more than men ;
therefore, when the foldiers were drawn up, Ralph
Flambard, the king's infamous minifter, told them
that they might be difmifled from the fervice, on
paying him, to the king's ufe, the bounty money
they had received. The otter was readily cm-
braced, they paid each man his ten millings, and
were immediately difcharged. This money was fo
advantageoufly employed by William, that he
reaped greater advantage from it, than he co'uld
have expected from the army. He corrupted many
of Robert's vaflals, and detached the king of
France from his intereft. But he. was prevented
from purfuing his advantages by an invafion of
the Welch, which obliged him to return to Eng-
land, when he eafily repelled the enemy, but was
unable to make any confiderable imprettion on a
country guarded by its mountainous fituation.
The Welch, not thinking themfclves able to meet
him in the open field, wifely retreated to their
mountains ; whence they continually detached flying
parties., who harrafled the rear of William's army
\vith
WILLIAM
II.
•with perpetual fkirmifhes, and cut off his convoys ;
fo that he was obliged to return, without any
laurels to adorn this expedition.
At this time an affair of more
A. D. 1095. ferjous concern engroffed his whole
attention. A confpiracy was formed againft his
life by fomf of the principal barons. Robert
Mowbray, earl of Northumberland, was at its
head, and he engaged the count d'Eu, Richard de
Tunbridge, Roger de Lacy, and many others of
the nobility to join his party, which now became
very numerous. William took the moft prudent
meafures, without a moment's delay, to dif-
concert the fchemes of the confpirators. With
this view he fummoned Mowbray to attend him at
Winchefter, to anfwer for his plundering four mer-
chant fhips that had put into a port under his ju-
rifdiction. The Earl, confcious of his treafonable
practices, refufed to obey the fummons. The king
therefore marched againlt him ; and Mowbray be-
ing in no condition to oppofe his forces, fliut him-
felf up in Bamborough caftle, from whence, upon,
its being inverted, he found means to efcape.
Repairing to Tinmouth, he endeavoured to corrupt
the governor ; but before he could effect his pur-
pofe, a detachment of William's army followed
him, and took him prifoner. The caftle of Bam-
borough furrendered, and the governor impeached
all the confpirators. Mowbray was fentenced to
be confined for life in Windibr caftle. Several
were executed ; and the eftates of the greater part
of them were confifcated. Geoffrey, count d'Eu,
was impeached of high treafon, in being privy to
the confpiracy. He denied the charge, and was
allowed to vindicate himfelf by fingle combat ;
but being defeated, he was condemned to be
caftrated, and to lofe both his eyes. His coufm,
William d'Alderic, was fentenced to be publickly
whipped, and hanged afterwards on a gallows
thirty feet high. He fuffered the whole of this
ignominious punifhment with remarkable intrepi-
dity, and, with his dying breath, declared himfelf
innocent of the crime laid to his charge. .
. n ,. William, after the death of Lan-
°9b' franc, retained, for feveral years, the
revenues of Canterbury, and other vacant bifhop-
ricks in his own hands ; but being attacked with a
dangerous illnefs, his clergy reprefented to him
that he murt expect eternal perdition, if he did not
atone for his numerous impieties and facrileges.
The king, to ftifle a remorfe of confcience, or,
which is moft probable, to lilence the clamours of
the church, refolved to fill up the vacancy of Can-
terbury; and, to this end fent for Anfelm, abbot of
Bee, in Normandy. The abbot fleadily refufed
the dignity, and the king as obftinately perlifted in
his accepting the paltoral ftaff ; which being ten-
dered to him, Anfelm kept his fift fo faft clenched,
that it required the utmoft ftrength of the courtiers
prcfent to open it, and force that enfign of fpiritual
dignity into his hands. However, when he had
accepted of it, he endeavoured to correct all abufes,
even thofe in drefs, with great zeal ; and, though
forced into the fee of Canterbury, met with a
continual oppofition from the king. It was cufto-
mary for perfons raifed to any place of dignity, or
port of honour, to make prefents to the king ; and
William expected from the new archbifhop a confi-
derable fum; but, to his aftonifhmcnt, the prelate's
offering amounted to no more than five hundred
pounds. Enraged at this parfimonious gift, the
king treated Anfelm with great indignity. The
archbifhop left the prefence, carrying.the money
•with him; nor could he be prevailed upon, when
emergencies required affiftance from the church,. to
furnilh any aid towards the expcnces of govern-
ment. Anfelm was as tenacious of the rights of
the church, 'as William was of the prerogatives of
the crown. About this time two prelates, Urban
and Clement, laid claim to the papal dignity.
Anfelm had acknowledged the former, and per-
fifted in fo doing, though William had prohibited
his fubjects from recognizing any pope which he
himfelf had not received. Great difputes alfo aroffc
upon the archbifhop requefting to go to Rome, to
receive the pall from pope Urban, the king abfo-
lutely refufing to let him leave the kingdom.
When William returned from his expedition againft
the Welch, he complained that the quota of men,
provided by the archbifhqp, were neither fo fit for
fervice, nor'fo well accoutered as they ought toj
have been 5 and he now fummoned him to anfwer
that charge in his court: The prelate, difdaining
to fubmit to temporal authority, determined not t6
obey the royal .mandate ; but fearing compulfive
meafures might be employed to force obedience,
he applied to fome of the nobles, and by them
acquainted the king, that he defired to go td
Rome upon very urgent bufinefs. The king fent
back a pofitive denial. The prelate became im-
portunate. He renewed his requeft again and
again, though the charge was dropped, till Wil-
liam at laft, growing impatient, fent him word,
that if he did go to Rome, he would feize upon
his temporalities, and acknowledge him no longer
for his archbifhop. Notwithftanding this threat,
the prelate fet out upon his journey with the badges
of a pilgrim; and William, on hearing that he had
landed on the continent, ordered all his goods and
revenues to be brought into the Exchequer ; nor
could he, during the remainder of his reign, ever
be perfuaded to reftore them to the church. In
this conteft between Rufus and Anfelm, it appears
evidently, and will hereafter be more fully feen,
how detrimental it is to a nation, when facerdotal
and regal power are unlimited, or not reftrained by
the conftitution.
Thefe petty difputes, internal commotions, and
even the enterprifes of ambition, now gave way to
the noife of the crufades, which engroffed wholly
the attention of Europe. Superftition and 'en-
thufiafm, which compofed the principal features
of thofe times, produced fuch effects, as have
aftonifhed people of more enlightened ages. After
Mahomet had united the difperfed Arabs under one
head, they fubdued a great part of the eaftern em-
pire, and conquered Jerufalem. The Chriftians
no\v with grief beheld thofe places that had been
conTecrated by the prefence of the Deity, in the
hands of infidels. However, the Arabs, or Sa-
racens, gave little difturbance to thofe zealots who
went to perform in the Holy Land, what they efteem-
ed religious duties; but the Turcomans, or Turks,
who were a tribe of Tartars, having taken Syria
and Jerufalem from the Saracens, rendered the de-
votions of the Chriftians in the holy city much
more dangerous, the pilgrims being expofed to
infults, extortions, and robberies. A monk of
Picardy, known by the name of Peter the Hermit,
having made a pilgrimage to Jerufalem, reprefented
.at his return, in fuch ftrong colours, the outrage?
and oppreffions exercifed by the Turks on the piU
grims, that Urban II. confidered him as a proper
inftrument to exhort the fpvereigns of Europe to
make the conqueft of the Holy Land. Peter was
accordingly fent from province to province, in
order to blow up the fparks of enthufiafm into a
flame, and to roufe the people to action. He exe-
cuted his commiffion fully to the fatisfaction of
the pope ; who perceiving the exclamations of Peter
to have produced the defired effect, he held a
council in the open fields of Placentia, at which
above thirty thoufand fecula'rs, and four thoufand
ecclefiaftics were prefent. The project of invading
Paleftine was unanimoufly applauded, but none
"enlifted under tfee banner Q£ hts holinefs. He
R therefore
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
therefore held a fecond council at Clermont in
Auvergne, where he made a fpeech in the market-
place, expatiating on the miferies fuffered by the
Chriiiians in the Holy Land. Urban's oration, and
Peter*' s pathetic exhortations had fuch an effect,
that the whole multitude declared, with one voice
for war againft'the infidels, and folemnly devoted
themfelves to the performance of a fervice, which
tliey were taught to believe meritorious in the fight
of God, and for engaging in which the pope pro-
mifed them the remiilion of all their fins ; and, in
cafe they fell in the glorious caufe, pafiports under
his own feal into the other world. No wonder that
fuch terms Ihould operate upon thofe, moft of
whom were plunged in crimes, the natural at-
tendants of debauchery, and in grofs ignorance,
equal to their guilt. No wonder that princes,
prelates, and nobles, fhould exclaim at the con-
clufion of the pope's fpeech, " It is the will of
God ; it is the will of God :" words which were
fo firmly believed to flow from a diyine infpiration,
that in all the exploits of thofe adventurers, they
were ufed for the fignal of battle. An infinite
number of perfons, men of all ranks, now took
the crofs, which, when enlifted, they affixed to
their right moulders. All orders of men flocked
to the facred banners : nobles, partizans, peafants,
and priefts, enrolled their names. Even women,
concealing their fex under the difguife of armour,
attended the camp, and frequently, abandoning all
fenfe of decency, proftituted themfelves without
referve to the army. The greateft criminals were
forward in a fervice, they confidered as an atone-
ment for their crimes ; and during the courfe of
thefe romantic expeditions, the moll enormous dif-
orders were committed by men inured to wicked-
nefs, encouraged by example, and impelled by
necefllty. The hoft of adventurers was now fo
great, that their wifeft leaders, Hugh, count of
Vermandois, brother to the king of France, Stephen,
count of Blois, Godfrey of Bouillon, prince of
Brabant, and Raymond, count of Thouloufe, be-
gan to fear, left the great nefs of the armament
Ihould defeat its pfopofed end. They therefore
fuffered an undifciplined multitude, computed at
three hundred, thoufand men to go before them,
under the command of Peter the Hermit, and
Walter the Money-lefs. Thefe took the road
through Hungary and Bulgaria, toward Conftanti-
nople; and trufting that heaven would fupply all
their wants by fupernatural means, they made no
provifiori for fubfiftence on their march. Hence
they foon found a necefllty of obtaining by plunder,
what they had in vain expected from miracles ;
whereupon the enraged inhabitants of thofe coun-
tries through which they pafled, affembling in arms,
Slaughtered them with very little refiftance. After
thefe followed the more difciplined armies, who
pafTcd the ftreights of Conftantinople, and moft of
them perifhed in the plains of Afia. The whole
number amounted to feven hundred thoufand
men.
Yet this fanatical fury, though it deprived Europe
of millions of inhabitants, had its advantages,
which redounded to thofe, who, free from the
prevalent infatuation, did not entirely lofe fight
of their prefont intereft. The churches and cloiftcrs
purchafed, at very low rates, the eftates of many
barons, who imagined, that a little money and
their arms wereftifficient for them to obtain king-
doms in Afia. Thofe wifer princes who ftaid at
home, got rid of their moft turbulent fubjects, and
at the fame time took the opportunity of annexing
to the crown many confiderable fiefs, either by
purchafe or the want of heirs. Nobles fold their
anticnt caftles and eftates, which in their eyes had
loft their value. The French monarchy recovered
its luftre by this enthufiaftic infanity . But no prince
gained more, or deferved it fefs, than the king of
England. Robert, feized with the epidemic frenzy
of enthufiafm, took the crofs, and made prepara-
tions for a crufade. But finding it would be im-
practicable for him to appear at the head of his
vaiTals in a manner fuitable to his rank without a
fupply of money, he had recourfe to his brother
William Rufus, to whom he mortgaged his dutchy
for the fum often thoufand marks. The bargain
was foon concluded, and William raifed the money
by contributions, on his fubjects of all ranks; even
the convents were obliged to melt down their plate,
to furnifh the quota demanded of them. William
was immediately, upon advancing the loan, put in
pofTefllon of Normandy and Maine; while Robert
fet out with a fplendid retinue for Paleftine, filled
with an afTurance of gaining either glory or eternal
happinefs.
Thus the cefllon of Normandy and . -^
Maine brought the king an increafe
of power ; and he was confidered as one of the
greateft princes of his time. And yet a fingle
baron prefumed to fet that power at defiance.
Helic, lord of la Fleche, a fmall town in Anjou,
made fo many inroads into William's dominions,
that he was obliged to crofs the fea feveral times,
in order to drive him out of his. territories. But
Helic embraced the firft opportunity of the king's
abfence to renew his incurfions, and this year laid
fiege to the city of Mans. William was hunting
in the New Foreft, when he received the news of
this tranfaction ; when, turning to his attendants,
he afked them, in wnat direction the city of Mans
lay from them? He was no fooner informed, than,
turning his horfe's head, he rode full fpeed toward
the fea fide, calling to thofe that were about him,
" Let him who loves me, follow." Dartmouth
was the neareft fea port town; and there they found
only an old crazy veflel, which William entered,
notwithftandingall the perfuafions of his attendants
to the contrary. The mafter of the veflel declared,
that to put to fea was nothing lefs than running
into unavoidable deftruction. But the dauntlefs
fpirit of William was not to be terrified at danger.
"What!" faid he, " did ft thou ever hear of a .
king that was drowned?" Silenced by this reproof,
the mafter failed immediately out of the harbour,'
and the next morning reached Barfleur in fafety.
Surprized at the difpatch of William, Helic, after,
a few fkirmifhes raifed the fiege, and retreated with !>
the utmoft precipitation. William purfued the
flying enemy, attacked their rear, and took Helic
himfelf prifoner. The captive was treated with
infult ; which fo incenfed that intrepid nobleman,
that he told Rufus, tf He had little caufe for
triumph, as his fuccefs was owing rather to furprize
than valour;" adding, " that if he was again at
liberty, he would not find it eafy to defeat him in a
fair encounter." This fpeech awakened all the fen-
timents of valour in the breaft of William. He
immediately ordered the count to be fet at liberty.
" Be gone," faid he, fiercely, " do thy worft ;
and, by the face of St. Luke, if thou haft the good
fortune to conquer me, I will not afk the fmalleft
return for the freedom I now give thee." But no
more engagements happened between them.
About this period the duke of Aqui- . n
rr i I • I • Jt\» U* I IOO.
tame offered to mortgage his domi-
nions to William, upon the fame conditions as his
brother Robert had parted with his ; namely, for a
fum fufficient to defray his expences to the Holy
Land. William, who ridiculed both the motives
that gave rife to the crufades, and the madnefs of
thofe who engaged in fuch chimerical undertakings,
agreed to pay down the fum wanted, and would
have been in pofleflion of the dutchy of Aquitaine,
if in the midft of his projects, and while his heart
fwelled with arrogance and prefumption, a fudden
2 death
KileJflin.
E N RY
,'fc /f(/,i
ed r /(/<. ^.
Bora »/ //,' //<>((/• /(Wtf - -Crown
u-fttn Eating Lsimpreys, <•// Lyons, tfe/ir Rouen /// Normaiidv_Dted ~
>//f/
(/
Surfeited himfelf
Body ffc.i /'/<>//f//// f>t'f<r kr England ,////// Hurled /? ^ Reading.
H E N R
I.
67
death had not fnatched him to the bar of infinite
juftice, and faid to him as to the proud fool in the
gofpel, ' this night, vain ambitious monarch, {hall
thy foul be required of thee ; and whofe will thy
mortgages, and that great wealth, acquired by in-
juftice, rapine and extortion, be.'
As he was hunting in the New Foreft with Sir
Walter Tyrrel, a French knight, remarkable for
his (kill in archery, a ftag rufhing from the thicket
palled near the king, Sir Walter Tyrrel let fly an
arrow, which glancing accidentally either from a
tree, or from the horns of a ftag, pierced the king
through the heart, and he inftantly expired.
Tyrrel, who had been the innocent caufe of this
fatal accident, fled immediately to the fea fide,
where he embarked in a veflel for France, and
joined the crufade, which was then fetting out for
Jerufalem. The royal corpfe was treated with the
utinoft neglect. Thofe who feared his power when
living, and had followed his fortunes, paid no re-
gard to his remains. A peafant, pafling through
the foreft with his cart, put the body of the king
therein, and in that ignominious manner it was
conveyed to Winchester, where it was interred on
the day following without ceremony. The Eng-
lifh confidered this melancholy cataftrophe as one
of the moft fortunate events that could poffibly
have happened ; and obferved, that as the Con-
queror had expelled, with the moft mocking cir-
cumftances of cruelty, the inhabitants of Hampfhire,
in order to form the New Foreft ; fo providence,
by a juft retribution, had rendered that place fatal
to feveral of his pofterity; for befides William, his
elder fon Richard, and his grandfon of the fame
name, were killed by accident in the New Foreft.
The death of Wrilliam Rufus happened on the
fecond of Auguft, in the fortieth year of his age,
and the thirteenth of his reign. It does not appear
he was ever married, and therefore could not have
any legitimate children.
The character of this king is ftamped with many
vices, but we do not find any monuments of his
virtues, unlefs we reckon among the number, his
rebuilding London bridge, furrounding the tower
of London with a ftrong rampart, and erecting
I Wcftminfter hall ; a fmall quantum of national
good, over-ballanced by a corrupt heart, a bound-
lefs ambition, a violent temper bordering on fero-
city, a libidinous inftinct, addicted to what nature
abhors, a contempt even of the forms of religion,
and a rapacity of an unbounded extent. He was
.ungrateful, perfidious, cruel, avaricious and diflb-
lute. A violent and tyrannical prince ; a perfidious
encroaching neighbour ; and an ungracious, un-
generous relation. As to his magnanimity it was
little more than a conftitutional quality ; a courage,
whereby he only enflaved his own fubjecls, and
difturbed the tranquillity of thofe, whom by the
ties of blood he was bound to defend. It is pay-
ing him no great compliment to fay he refcmbled
Casfar; for though he might poflefs his virtue,
which confifted alone of magnanimity, hepofrefled
alfo his boundlefs ambition, which centered only
in felf-gratification. To fupport this, all his va-
lour, all his military talents were exercifed. To
the fame point his liberality, or rather political pro-
fuffcnefs tended, which ought to be accounted ra-
ther a vice than a virtue. If he had lived long, his
expences would have undone him ; for he had not,
as Cacfar had, the treafures of Rome to fupport his
extravagance ; and it had brought him fome years
before his death into fuch difficulties, that even if
his temper had hot been defpotic his neceffities
would have made him a tyrant. He -purfued plea-
fure with as much ardour as bufinefs, but never fa-
crificed bufinefs to pleafure. He was addicted to
women, yet without any tendernefs or fixed at-
tachment. He had many concubines, but no
miftrefs ; and never would marry for fear of fub-
jecting himfelf to any reftraint. His judgment
was folid, yet, as in the cafe of Anfelm, it was often
bore down by the violence of his uncontrouled
paffions. He paid fo little refpect to paths, that
he feemed to confider them as mere forms of ftate,
or acts which policy might employ and difpenfc
with at pleafure. In fhort, the mifery of the Eng-
lifh was complete in this reign ; for the nation was
as much a prey to licentioufnefs as to tyranny,
fuffering at once the diforders of anarchy, and the
oppreflions of arbitrary power.
H
CHAP.
E N R
III.
I.
Hisfituation, and unhappy circumjlances before the death of William— Caufes of his accejjion to the throne, in pre-
ference to the right of his brother Robert — Grants his fubjefis a very advantageous charter — Reforms many
alufes that had crept into his court — Robert's invafion, and accommodation with the king — The fecond enter"
prize of that prince, and the confequences attending it — A war with France and England, and how terminated
— Henry engages in a difpute with his. dergy, and the iffue of it — Death of -prince William, and the ejfeft it bad
on the king — Henry Jetties the fuccejfion— his death and character.
A.D. noo.
HENRY I. furnamed Beauclerc,
or the Scholar, fo called from
his great learning, had been treated ill after his fa-
ther's death by both his brothers, who had deprived
him of his patrimony, and yet fometimes madeufe
of his afliftance, which he gave freely. After the
fiege of St. Michael, where he had made a brave
refiftancc, and which was furrendered on no better
condition than freedom to himfelf and garrifon,
he took refuge in Brittany, and then in the French
Vexin, from whence, after having remained about
a year, he again changed his fituation, and wandered
over the provinces of France,wi th no other attendants
than one knight, a chaplain, and three efquires,
expofcd to all the hardfhips of want, and in the
fchool of adverfity learned patience and fortitude;
virtues he could not have acquired had he been
always nurfcd in the lap of profperity. By,t while
thus in a ftate far below his birth and merit, the
citizens of Dumfront, incenfed againft their lord,
Robert de Belefme, earl of Shrewf bury, from whom
they could not obtain the leaft redrefs of their
grievances, expelled him, and offered their town,
one of the ftrongeft in Normandy, to the exiled
prince. He accepted their offer, and made for
fome time a fuccefsful war againft both his brothers ;
but when Robert entered upon the crufade, a re-
conciliation took place between William and
Henry. The laft was in another part of the Nevr
Foreft when the news was brought him of his bro-
ther's death. Senfible that not a moment was to
be loft in this critical conjuncture, he galloped to
Winchefter caftle, in order to fecure the royal
treafure. He demanded the keys where the re-
galia and money was kept, of William de Breteuil;
who oppofed his will, telling him that Robert was
68
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
his elder brother, and that though abfent it was his
duty to preferve his allegiance to him, the un-
doubted heir to the Englifh throne. But Henry
drawing his fword threatened him with inftant death
if he dared to difobey his commands. At this
critical moment the earl of Warwick and Robert
de Mellant arriving, with a number of the late
king's attendants, they all declared in favour of
Henry's pretenfions. Upon which Breteuil fub-
mitted, and Henry gained poffeffion of the regalia,
and his brother's treafure.
Having thus fucceeded in a main point, and his
brother's corpfe being interred the next day, Henry
haftened to London, where he was elected king of
England by the great council ; and three days after
his acccffion, was crowned in Weftminfter Abbey,
on the fifteenth of Auguft, by the bifhop of Lon-
don. At this time Robert was in Italy, where hav-
ing, in his return from Paleftine, married Sibylla,
daughter of the count of Converfana, he had lin-
gered for a twelvemonth, and this imprudent delay
gave Henry an opportunity of feizing the crown,
to which Robert was entitled, as well by the right
of primogeniture, as by virtue of the laft treaty
concluded between him and William. Thus a re-
volution in the affairs of the nation was effected by
feveral accidental events. A king in the prime of
life, and in the zenith of power, was cut otf by
fudden death; the true fucceffion was let afide; the
treafurcs of the kingdom were feized by a perfon
who had not the leaft legal claim to them ; and the
throne was filled by a young prince who was little
better than a bold ufurper. But they who had
warmly fupported William Rufus againft Robert
in England, had reafon to apprehend the refentment
of the latter; and the manner in which he had
governed Normandy, was a ftrong prefumption. of
his unfitnefs to govern England. On the other
Hand, Henry had fhew'n great talents for govern-
ing, and fome ftrefs was laid upon his being born
an Englifhman.
But having obtained a crown,. Henry knew well
the beft methods of keeping it. He knew that the
fureft way of obtaining the favour of the Englilh,
would be to grant them fuch national benelits as
would make his intcreft that of the public. Their
fubmiffion to the tyranny of the two firft Norman
kings, had been owing to circumftances of a tran-
fient nature ; but they ftill retained a paffion for
liberty, equally natural to the Normans, and Eng-
lifh. On the prefent occafion their diftruft and
fear of each other, which had prevented their
uniting in defence of their privileges, gave way to
a ftrong and equal defire in both, of reducing the
regal authority to fuch limitations, as, without de-
ftroying the feudal fyftem, might alleviate the heavy
burdens with which it was loaded. So ftrong was
this defire, that neither the elderfhip of the duke of
Normandy, which though it did not in thofe days
convey an abfolute right to the crown, was yet a
powerful recommendation; nor a folemn treaty
made with him, and confirmed by the barons, who
had fettled the crown upon him, could ftand in
competition with Henry's offering to abolifh all
the evil cuftoms that had prevailed in the late reign,
and to eftablifh the beft laws that had ever been
given under any of the kings, his prcdeceffors.
Hence the nation refolved to give the crown to a
prince, who fhould acquire and hold it under no
other claim 'than a compact with, his people.
Agreeable therefore to the demands of his fubjects,
Henry, as foon as the ceremony of the coronation
was over, granted ~them a charter under the great
feal of England. A tranflation of this charter,
which has been the foundation of many others, we
here infert for the entertainment of our readers,
always having in view our promjfe, to furnifli them,
•-•Ul
as far as our abilities will permit, with a Complete
Hiftory of England.
I. Henrys Charter to all. his faithful fuljefts.
Henry, by the grace of God, king of the Englifh,
to all his barons and faithful fubjects, both French
and Englifh, greeting.
" Know ye, that by the mercy of God, and by
the common council (with the aflent) of the ba-
rons of the kingdom of England, I am crowned
king of the faid kingdom; and becaufe the king-
dom has been oppreffed with unjuft exactions, I
from the love of God, and the regard I bear you
all, in the firft place free the holy church, fo as that
I will neither fell nor farm it out ; nor upon the
death of any archbifhop, bifhop, or abbot, will I
accept.of any of the property of the church, nor
ought from any of its tenants, until a fucceffor en-
ters upon the fame. And I v banifh all the evil
ufages, with which the kingdom of England has
been unjuftly oppreffed, part of which evil ufages
I here fet down.
If any of rny barons, earls, or my tenants, hold-
ing of me, fhall die, his heirs fhall not redeem his
land, as was thecuftom in the days of my brother;
but lhall relieve the fame by a juft and lawful re-
lief. In like manner fhall the tenants of -my barons
relieve their lands by a lawful (certain) and juft re-
lief. And if any of my baroris, or other of my
fubjects, have a mind to give a daughter, or lifter.
or niece in marriage, let him treat me with ; but I
will neither accept any part of his fortune for fuch
licence, nor will I prohibit his difpofal of her, un-
lefs it be to my enemy. And if any one of my ba-
rons or fubjects fhould, at his death, leave a
daughter, his heir, I will difpofe of her, with -the
advice of my barons, together with her lands.
And if upon the death of a hufband, a wife fhall
furvive without children, fhe fhall have her own
dowry and marriage portion ; nor will I give her to
a hufband but with her own confent, provided the
wife keep her body in chaftity : and either the wife
or fome other relation, who is to deal juftly, fhall
be guardian of the children and the eftate, and I
command my barons, that they act conformably
hereunto, towards the fons, daughters and wives of
their tenants.
The common mintage of money, which was taken.
throughout cities and counties, and was not in
ufe under king Edward, I abfolutely forbid to be
taken for the future. If any minter or other per-
fon be taken with falfe money, let right juftice be
done upon him.
All fines and debts due to my brother, J forgive;
except my juft farms, and thofe of bargains which
concerned the inheritance of others, or for thofe
effects \vhich juftly concerned other perfons; and
I forgive all bargains which any man has made
with regard to his right of inheritance.
And if any of my barons or tenants fhall be fick,
fo as that he fhall difpofe of his money, I will that
fuch difpofition fhall ftand good; but if he be pre-
vented by ficknefs or war, lhall not give or difpofe
of his effects, let his wife, children, or parents, or
his lawful tenants, divide it among themfclvcs as
fhall feem beft to them.
If any of my barons or tenants forfeit, he fhall
not give a pledge for favour of the whole fine, as
he did in the time of my father and brother ; but .
according to the meafure of the forfeit fo fhall he
be fined, in fuch manner as fines were laid on un-
der thofe, my predeceffors, who reigned before my
father and brother: but if he fhall be convicted
of treafon, or wickednefs, let him make fatisfaction
as {hall fcemjuft.
II.
H
N R
I.
!L Concerning the confirmation of king Edward's laws.
I pardon all murders committed before my co-'
ronation, and thofe which fhall be hereafter com-
mitted fhall be fatisfied for according to the laws
of king Edward.
I have, by the common confent of my barons,
retained to myfelf the forefts, in like manner as my
father held them.
I grant of my own free gift, to my knights (i. e.
tenants by knights fervice) who defend their lands
by their habergeons (or arms) that their demefne
lands and goous fhall be free from all unjuft guilds
and taxes, and all labours, that their fidelity may be
in proportion to my kindnefs ; that fince they are
eafed of fo great a burden, they may the better
provide themfelves wiih horfes and arms, and fo
be made fitter and more ready for my fervice and
the defence of the kingdom.
I reftorc to you the laws of king Edward, toge-
ther with thofe amendments which my father made
by the advice of his barons.
If any one has taken any thing from me, or from
any other perfon, he ihall forthwith reftore the fame
without making fausfaction; and he on whom any
fuch thing is found fhall make fure fatisfaction to
the owner.
Given in prefence of the archbifhops, bifhops,
barons, earls, ihenffs, and nobles of all the
kingdom, of England, on the day of my co-
ronation."
From the obtaining this charter we may date the
union of the Normans with the Enghfh, whofe
interefts were blended, and infeparably united un-
der one common claim of national rights. Henry's
conduct in this inftance coi refpondcd with his en-
gagements. He freed his fubjects from all the bur-
dens that had been illegally impofed upon them ;
he remitted all the debts that were due to the crown,
and punifhed thofe who had made themfelves odious
by an abule of power, particularly Ralph Flambard,
jufticiary of England, and bifhop of Durham ; and
at the fame time by the advice of his parliament,
he recalled Anfelm, and placed him at the head of
the adminiftration.
Hov uver, far from intending to purchafe the
archbifhop's friendfhip by giving up the rights of
his crown, Henry exerted his authority on many
occafions with great firmnefs, and was conftantly
fuppcrted even with the concurrence of the Englifh
bifhops. He alfo granted a charter to the city of
London, whereby he confirmed the privileges be-
•ftowed by his father, with fome considerable ad-
ditional favours. To ftrengthen his intereft and
power with all parties ftill more, he married Ma-
tilda, a lady accomplished with every thing that
could render a woman defirable, the daughter of
Malcolm, king of Scotland, by the lifter of Edgar
Atheling: a match that reftored the crowjmo the
Saxon royal blood, and united the king and his
family after him to the people of England, by the
moft natural and endearing connection.
About this time Robert returned from the Holy
Land, and took pofleffion of his dutchy of Nor-
mandy v. ithout oppofition. His return revived the
hopes and fears of the Normans in England, who
had poflcffions on the continent ; and being very
powerful, they prevailed on moft of the^r country-
men to take part with Robert. But the Engliih,
who were attached ftrongly to Henry, having no
eftates abroad to forfeit, adhered to him firmly ;
and the whole clergy remained united to his in-
perdt, by the mediation of Anfelm. That prelate
fcrved the king with a zeal that bore down all op-
pofition. He even rode through the ranks of the
army, recommending to the foldicrs the defence of
their prince, and denouncing the heaviefl cenfures
No. 7,
of the church, againft any who mould continue to
oppofe him. Thus was the army fixed in the in-
tereft of their fovcreign, and marched with ardour
to oppofe Robert, who had landed with his forces
at Portfmouth.
Every appearance now of the two armies, who
lay for fome days in fight of each other, feenied to
prognoflicate a decifive aclion. But both parties
had powerful reafons for not proceeding to ex-
tremities. The connections of blood, intcrcit,
friendfhip, and alliances, rendered an engagement
very difagreeable to the officers and foldicrs on
both fides. They could not, without horror, think
of drawing their fvvords againft their parents, bro-
thers, friends, relations, and countrymen. Robert
had been difappointcd in his expectations ; he
hoped his partizans would have joined him with a
much greater number of forces; he had experienced
his brother's abilities in the art of war; he knew in
cafe of a defeat, he had no refource, and he fhould
lofe with the crown of England, his dutchy of Nor-
mandy. Henry on the other hand was no lefs
fenfible of the rilk he muft run in the uncertain
chance of war. He had much to lofe, and could
gain little more than the fhadow of honour, fhouldj
victory be on his fide ; and if in the day of battle
his foldiers proved unfaithful, he might lofe both
his life and kingdom. Each contending party \va;,v
therefore defirous of putting a period to their dif-
putes in an amicable manner; and to this end many
meflages pafled every day between the two camps.
At length a negociation produced the following
articles of agreement ; That Robert fhould for
ever relinquiih his pretenfions to the crown of
England ; in confederation whereof he fhpuld re-
ceive an annual penfion of three thoufand marks;
that if cither of the princes died without iflue, the
furvivor fhould fucceed to his dominions ; that the
adherents to each fhould be pardoned, and reftored
to their poireffions in Normandy or England ; and
that neither Henry nor Robert, fhould, from that
time, encourage, receive, or protect: the enemies of
the other. This convention was fworn to by twelve
of the principal barons on both fides. But Henry
was the firft who violated the articles, by punilhing
with fines, confifcations orbanifhment, all the molt
active and powerful nobles, who had engaged in
Robert's invafion. This he did at different pe-
riods, and under various pretences, that he might
not appear to infringe the indemnity he had
granted. His true motives were however well un-
derftood, and the terror his conduct produced to-
wards the objects of his refentment, prevented his
fubjects from confpiring any more in favour of his
brother. Almoft all the barons Henry thus puniihed
were of the firft rank in wealth and power, whole
eftates he divided among perfons of lower birth,
who had zealoufly attached themfelves to his fer-
vice, hereby balancing the grcatncfs of the nobility
eftablifhed by his father, which caufed perpetual
uneafinefs to the crown.
Henry now faw himfelf abfolute A r% T T ,
maftcr of England. He therefore rc-
folved to render himfelf independent of not only
every foreign power, but every order among his
own fubjec"ts. The moft conliderable power dif-
tinct from the crown, and which endeavoured to
curb its prerogatives, was lodged in the biftiops
and abbots. Henry could not fit eafy under this
reliraint from the church, particularly from An-
felm, whofe behaviour during the late invafion had
highly incenfed the Norman faction. Senfibje of
this, and defirous of humbling the arrogance of the
primate, the king refolved to make the icfentment
of the Norman nobility fubicrvient to his own
defigns; but at the fame time to proceed in fiu h
a manner, as might carry the greatcft appearance
of deference to the Roman pontiff. In purfuance
S of
THE NEW AND
COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
of this policy, thcarchbifliop was fummoned before
the king's court, where the prelate, upon his ap-
pearing, Vis required to do homage immediately;
to confecrate thofe who had been appointed to fill
the vacant fees and abbeys •, or to quit the kingdom
without delay. Anfclm, unmoved at this peremp-
tory requisition, appealed to the pope's letters,
adding, that he had himfelf been a member of a
council held at Bari, in which it was refolved to
excommunicate all thofe who Ihould admit the
claim of luy-invefti,tures ; and that, by admitting
the validity of fuch claim, he Ihould be Telf-con-
demned and felf-excommunicated. " But what is
all this to me," replied the king with:great quick-
nefs, " I am refolved not to depart from my re-
folution, nor fuffcr any one to refide within my do-
minions, who mail rcfufe to pay me the allegiance
due to a fovereign." Anfclm with equal fpirit re-
plied, " That he was refolved to repair to Canter-
bury, where he would wait the event with patience
and resignation." Henry, unwilling to come to
any dangerous extremity with the church, told the
primate, that he would fend a new deputation to
Rome, in order to lay before Pafcal, who then filled
the papal chair, the alternative, of either departing
from his declaration reflecting inveftitures, or of
agreeing with his determination that Anfelm lliould
quit the kingdom. Accordingly a deputation was
appointed, conn(tingofGerard,archbiihop of York,
Herbert, bifhop of Thetford, and Robert, bilhop
of Chcfter. Anfelm, afraid of the influence thole
prelates might have over the pope's decifions, no-
minated two monks as deputies of his own, namely,
Baldwin of the abbey of Bee, and Alexander, of
the abbey of Canterbury, with inftrudtions to re-
prefent the danger that threatened the papal au-
thority, mould the afpiring power of the king in
this inftance triumph over the church. The pope
having, in a full confiftory, examined into the me-
rit of the cafe, declared in favour of the primate;
and Anfelm, who was acquainted with every thing
that had pafled in Rome, fupportcd his opinion
with firmnefs and refolution. He not only refiifed
to confecrate fome new bifhops, who had received
invcftiture from the king, but alfo to communicate
with them. Henry was irritated to the higheft de-
gree, and the primate, to avoid the florin, retired
to Rome. The people were alarmed at the depar-
ture of the archbifhop; and the king feared left
England mould be put under an interact, and not
chufing to fee his kingdom wafted by the hand of
religious bigotry, wifely gave up the claim of in-
veftitures, and the pope confented to his exacting
from bilhops the homage they owed him as tem-
poral peers. An accommodation having thus
taken place between Henry and the church, An-
felm returned to England, and was reinftated in his
temporal and fpiritual privileges.
A D 1101 aca difpute did not
r divert Henry's attention to his intereft
in other particulars. He had already greatly re-
duced the exorbitant power of the nobility, and re-
folved to purfue that attention ftill farther. William
de Warrance, earl of Surry, had been deprived of
his eftate in England, and therefore continually
importuned the duke of Normandy to ufe his good
offices with Henry, in order to his' being reinftated
in his pofieflion*; and the duke was determined to
fqlicitnia brother for this favour in perfon. Henry
apprized of this intended vifit, pretended to be
highly difpleafcd with his brother, for having en-
tered his kingdom without permiflion, efpecially
* ith bringing over with hi«i perfons whom he knew
to be enemies to his perfon and government. He
even charged him with a breach of the late treaty,
by affording refuge to the rebellious carl of Shrewf-
bury, and putting him in poflcflion of his father's
«iiatts in Normandy. Robert perceived he had
i
taken a wrong ftep, and apprehending his liberty in*
danger, was glad to purchafe an cfcape by rclign-
ing his pcnfion.
This prince in his government was in every re-
fpect the rcvcrfe of his brother. Abandoned alter-
nately to diilblute pleafure and fuperftition, he be-
came fo remifs in the care of his trcafures, and the
exercife of his authority, that his fervants pillaged
him with impunity, and proceeded to practile every
fpecics of extortion on his defcncelefs fubjects.
His indolence, his being perpetually immerfed
in floth or riot, the factions his weaknefs en-
couraged, and the infolence of thofe who even
treated him with contempt when they approached
his perfon, induced many of the nobles and the
body of the clergy, to apply to the king of Eng-
land for protection. It may feem unnatural that a
younger brother, to whom Robert had ceded the
crown of England, fhould now, upon any pretence
whatever, deprive him of his patrimony ; but
Henry, belides having the barons, his par/iament,
and the pope on his fide, to quiet his fcruples,
might recoiled how ill he had been ufed by his
brother in former times. His imprisonment, his
exile, the indignities he had fuffered, might 'ft eel
his heart agamlt any imprcflions of fraternal affec-
tion. This is certain, the application of the Nor-
man nobility afforded him a plauiible pretence tor
interfering in their affairs.
He therefore parTed over into Nor- , ^
mandy in a grand fleet, and accoin- 1*05.
panied with a powerful army. The firft place that
lelt the force of his arms was Bayeux, which, after
an obftinate defence, he -took by ftorm. He next
became mafter of Caen, by the voluntary fubmiflion
of its inhabitants ; but being repulfed at Karlaife,
and obliged by the winter feafon to raife the liege,
he returned to England, after alluring the Norman
nobles, that he would perfevere in labouring for,
their deliverance.
The next year, agreeable to his promifc, he re-
turned, and began the campaign with the liege of
Trenchebray. Robert now perceiving his inten-
tions were to ftrip him of his dominions, was at laft
roufed from his lethargy, and being joined by the
earl of Mortaigne, and Robert de Bellefmc, earl of
Shrewlbury, the king's inveterate enemies, he raifed
a considerable army, and appeared before his bro-
ther's camp, intending to finilh by one decifive
battle the quarrel between them. By his prefence
he fo animated his troops, that at the commence-
ment of the action, they made a great impreflion
on the Englifti, who were thrown into fuch con-
fufion as offered Robert a fair opportunity of ob-
taining a complete victory, but which was loft by
the flight of Robert de Bellefme, earl of Shrewi-
bury, whereby the whole army was thrown into
confufion, and occalioned their being entirely de-
feated. Henry made a great (laughter among
the enemy, and, what gave much more real glory
to his arms, he took near ten thoufand prifoners,
with whom were numbered his brother, duke Ro-
bert, together with the moft considerable barons
who adhered to his intereft. This victory was
followed by the reduction of Normandy. Rouen
inftantly fubmitted to the conqueror ; Farlaife threw
open her gates ; and by the furrender of this laft
fortrefs, prince William, Robert's only font fell
into his hands. Henry alFcmbled the flutes of
Normandy, received homage from its vaflaK,
fettled the adminiftration of public affairs, and
difmantled the caftles that had lately been built.
He now returned to England, taking with him
Robert, his unfortunate brother. . This prince was
detained in cuftody during the remainder of his
life, which was no lefs than twenty-fcven years,
when 1ft died in the caftle of Cardiff, in Glarnor-
ganllu're. Prince William, his fon, \va,s committed
'to
H E N R
I.
to the care of Helie de St. Saen, who had married
Robert's natural daughter, and who being a man
of ftrict probity, executed the truft with tendernefs
and fidelity. To Edgar Atheling, another illuftri-
ous prifoner, Henry gave liberty, and fettled on
him a fmall pcnfion, on which he lived in England
totally neglected and forgotten. This prince was
diftinguilhed by perfonal bravery, but what can be
a ftronger proof of the mediocrity of his talents,
than, notwithftanding he enjoyed the only legal
right to the crown, his being permitted during the
reigns of fo many tyrannical ufurpers, to live un-
molefted, and defcend to his grave in peace.
By this revolution the inhabitants of Normandy
received many advantages ; for Henry, with the
concurrence of the Norman nobility, confirmed his
father's laws, refumed all his brother's extravagant
grants, and promifed to lupprefs, among all orders
of his fubjects, that rapine and violence which had
involved the ftate in want, and which the relaxation
of the reins of government, in the hands of Robert,
haa produced. Theie engagements were ftrictly
fulfilled. The very dread of Henry's juftice in-
duced many of them to feek refuge in exile, from
whence they never returned ; and fome of thofc
who .vere his prifoners he' confined for their lives;
though large fums were offered to purchafe their
freedom.
But though by the acquifition of his brother's,
territories, the ambition of Henry was gratified,
yet he found it difficult to maintain and defend
them. He was frequently involved in wars that
rendered it often necefJary to crofs the leas, in
order to ftop the inroads of neighbouring princes,
and difcontented barons. To defray the extra-
ordinary expences attending this new government,
he loaded his Enghfh- fubjects with continual taxes
almoft beyond what they could bear. He had
however the wifdom of accompanying demands of
this nature with Jkind words and fbme popular acts.
By thefe marks of paternal regard, as well as by
the juftice he did to the commons againft their
lords, whenever they applied to him for relief or
redrefs, he turned the complaints of the feverity
ufed in collecting the taxes, from himfelf to his
minifters, by whom they were raifed. As the ge-
neral tenor of his government was popular at home,
and fuccefsful abroad, the faults, which his pru-
dence moderated, and his policy varnilhed, were
never productive of any coniiderable difcontent to
the people. Whence from the fecond year of his
reign, in which he expelled the moil turbulent of
his barons, to .the day of his death, that is, for
the fpace of above thirty-three years, there was not
the leaft commotion in England. A term of tran
quillity, fcarce to be paralleled in the hiftory of this
kingdom, and more extraordinary at that time,
coniidering how very factious and prone to fedition
the temper of the barons appeared to be, in the
beginning of this, and through all the following
reigns.
AD 1 1 08 ^ut w^ile Henry was thus powerful
** and without inteltine broils at home,
a ftorm was gathering which threatened to burft
upon his foreign dominions. Philip, king of
France, being dead, was fucceeded by Louis le
Grofie, or the Fat. This prince, jealous of the
growing power of Henry, made preparations for
invading his Norman dominions.
We have already obferved that Henry had com-
mitted WiMiam Clito, alfo called William Long-
fword, Robert's only fon, and his nephew, to the
care of Helie. But the king foon repented of his
choice; for when he would have fecured William Y
perfon, Helie withdrew with his pupil to the count
of Anjou, who gave him a kind reception, and
allured him of his protection. In proportion as
the young prince grew up to man's eftate, he had
difcovered virtues that ornamented his birth ; and
wandering through the courts of Guienne, Bur-
gundy and Brittany, excited the friendly com-
paffion of feveral princes, and raifed a general in-
dignation againft his uncle, who had fo unjuftly
deprived him of his inheritance.
The king of England foon perceived the hoftile
intention of the French monarch, and was alarmed,
left he mould gain over William to his intereft,
and prompt him to/attempt a recovery of his juft
right. He therefore patted over into Normandy,
and employed every ftratagem to get the young
prince once more into his power, but could not
lucceed.
Having refided two years in Nor- . — .
mandy, during which period there ' ' J IO"
only palfed fome flight Ikirmifhes on the frontiers,
and having fettled his affairs in the belt manner
he could, Henry returned to England. In order
to break the confederacy that had been formed
againft him, between the counts of Anjou and
Handcrs, he contracted his eldeft fon William to
the daughter of the former, by which means he de-
tached that prince from the alliance, and obliged
the confederates to fign a treaty of peace.
But this peace was however of Ihort duration,
for his nephew, William, had now attained to man-
hood, and fhewcd ftrong indications of a great
fpirit, and an underftanding fit to fupport his high
pretenfions. Henry had offered to beftow upon
him three, earldoms in England, and to breed him
up in his own court as his adopted fon ; but he dif-
dained thefe proffers, being afraid perhaps of put-
ting himfelf in the power of a king, to whofe crown
he had a title. The young earl of Flanders now
warmly efpoufed the caufe of William. But the
moft fortunate event in his favour, was the death
of the earl of Evereaux: for &mauri de Montfort
claiming the earldom as heir to the deceafed, and
it being refufed him by Henry, he by his birch,
alliances, riches, and perfonal talents, pcrfuaded
alm.oft all France, and Louis himfelf, to declare
war againft the king of England, in behalf of
William. The Norman barons engaged likewife in
the fame caufe. The defection among them was fo
general, that the king fcarce knew in whom to
place confidence. He was encompafied by trea-
fon; it was in his court, in his council, inhisbedr
chamber itfelf ; one of the gentlemen of which
formed a plot againft his life ; and though difco-
vered to him before execution, the punilhment of
the traitor did not quiet' the king's fears, againft
thofe who attacked openly. He took into his pay a
ftrong body of foreign troops ; and he fecured on
his lide, among his beft friends and Englifti fub-
jects, the commons of England. This powerful
aid, joined to that of his nephew, the earl of Blois,
enabled him to oppofe rhe revolt of the Normans,
and the arms of all his other enemies, who had
combined to deftroy him.
In the courfe of this Norman war, . ^ ~
an event happened that deferves par-
ticular notice. Euftace, lord of Breteuil, who had
married Juliana, a natural daughter of king
Henry, and had by her two daughters, being con-
nected in friendftiip with Amauri de Montfort,
was perfuaded by him to demand a ftrong caftle,
becaufe it had formerly been in the poflefMon of
his anceftors. Henry afraid at fuch a time to re-
i ufe almoft any requeft, and yet unwilling to truft
him with a fortrefs of fuch importance, promifed to
deliver it to him after the conclufion of the war,
when it could be done with more fafety, and gave
him the governor's fon as a hoftage for fulfilling
his engagement, taking in return tl«c two daughter*
of Euftace, as hoftages for his fidelity during- the
continuance of the war. But Euftace, being per-*
fuaded by Amauri to revolt, cruelly put out the
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY ox ENGLAND,
boy's eyes, and in that miferable condition fent him
back to his father. Henry, cxafperated at fuch an
infolent act of barbarity, and not having the per-
petrator of it in his power, delivered up to the
injured governor his two daughters, whom Euftace
had delivered to him as holtages of his fidelity.
The governor, in the heat of paflioryand paying
no regard to their innocence, or to their being of
his matter's blood, inhumanly cut oft" the ends of
their nofes, and put out their eyes. Henry, inftcad
of refenting this cruel excels of his rage, loaded him
with preients and favours. One could wifh for
Henry's honour, that he had found a lefs horrid
expedient, to appeafe his injured fervant, without
having inflicted on innocence a puniftimcnt due
ohly to guilt, and in the perfons of thofc, whom the
firft and greateft of all moral obligations, the law
of nature, obliged him to fave and proteci.
Juliana, Henry's natural daughter, endeavoured
to revenge the injuries her children had received,
by an attempt to murder her father. Her hufband
had left Breteuil in her cuftody; but the inhabitants
having delivered the town up to the king, Juliana
retired into the cattle; when rinding herfelf unequal
to the tafk of maintaining it againft the bravery and
experience of Henry, fhe defired a parky with him ;
to which he having confented, this incenfed mo-
ther difcharged an arrow at him out of a crofs bow,
but fortunately for them both it fpcnt its force in
the air. Juliana was at length compelled to fur-
render the cattle and herfelf at difcretion. All eyes
were now fixed upon Henry, to fee in what manner
a prince fo rigorous in his juftice, would punifh a
daughter, who had rafhly made an attempt on his
life. But Henry imputing her intention to murder
him to the violence of her grief, which he himfelf
had occafioned, would not let her fuffer in life or
limb, nor even deprive her of liberty ; but he took
a whimfical method of expofing her to fhame : for
the drawbridge having been by his order broken
down, on her leaving the cattle me was obliged, in
the view of his gazing army, to get down from the
rampart into the ditch, and to wade through the
water of the mote ; and with this brand of difgrace
he fent her to her hufband.
The face of Henry's affairs wore now a more
profperous afpecr., and he was determined to pro-
iecute the war in Normandy with the utmoft
vigour ; which would foon have been concluded,
had not Louis, attended by William, Robert's fon,
marched to fuccour the rebels at the head of his
army. Henry, upon the firft notice of that mo-
narch's approach, retired to Rouen, being willing
to avoid any hottilities with the king of France ;
but the French having advanced within four miles
of Rouen, and ravaged the adjacent country with
fire and fvvord, he refolved to give them battle.
The two armies met on the plain of Brenneville,
where an engagement was begun by William Clito,
who by the impetuofity of his charge, broke the
firft line of the Engliih ; but was repulfed by the
fccond, compofcd of Henry's houlhold troops, and
commanded by himfelf at their head. The king
maintained his ground with furprizing prefence of
mind ; he rode from rank to rank, encouraging
thofe who flood firm, and rallying the fquadrons
which had been broken, by the intrepid attack of
the young Norman prince. The engagement now
became general ; and w hilc Henry led up his troops
againft the enemy, he was in the utmoft danger of
tailing a victim to one of thofe chances fo frequent
in war, by which the monarch and private foldier,
the coward and the brave, are equally expofed.
William de Crifpin, a Norman knight, celebrated
for his ttrength and courage, cut his way to the
tpot where Henry, regardlefs of his own fafety,
tought in pcrfon. Fired with the thought of gain-
ing the victory with a Tingle blow, Crifpin fell with
I
the utmoft fury on the king of England, and
ftruck him twice with fuch violent force on the
head, that the blood gufhed out from his mouth
and ears, and he feemed, for a moment, to have
loft his fcnfes. Crifpin was juft about to follow
his advantage with a third ftroke, when Henry,
with furprizing refolution, ftruck his adverlary with
fo much fury, that he fell headlong from his horfe
at the conqueror's feet, and was taken prifoner.
This perfonal bravery of Henry had no other
eftecl than defeating the intention of the Norman
knight; the battle raged with redoubled fury, and
fortune feemed inclined to beitow the palm of
victory on the French and Normans. Henry him-
felf began to be apprehenilve of the coniequences;
but in this critical moment the Englifh, who form-
ed the rear of the army, advanced, and charged
the enemy with fuch impetuoiity that they gave
way on all fides, and fled with the utmoft precipi-
tation. All attempts to rally them were fruitlcfs.
Louis himfelf having been difmour.ted, was hur-
ried away with the torrent, and efcoped by the
affiftance of a peafant, who conducted him out ol
the reach of his purfuers, through woods and by-
ways, to the cattle of Andeli.
Louis, notwithftanding this defeat, foon took
the field again, and a fecond battle was fought,
more furious than the firft, at the clofe of which
both of the contending parties claimed the victory,
and perhaps with equal reafon. The French
monarch however was made fenflble, that it would
be impoflible to reftore the young prince to the
dominions of his father by force of arms ; and
therefore applied to the council of Rheims,alTembled
by pope Calixtus II. flattering himfelf with the
thought of being able to turn his Culminations
againft the king of England. Aware of the dan-
ger, Henry took the moft prudent meafures to
avert the ftorm. With this view he fent large
prefents to his holinefs, and by.this powerful argu-
ment brought him over to his intereft. The pope
declared he was fatisfied with the reafons alledgcd
by Henry in juftification of his conduct, and dif-
miffed the aflembly.
A treaty was now fet on foot, the greateft diffi-
culty in which was, a difpute about the homage
which the dukes of Normandy were bound to pay
to the French crown. L°:-'is could not give up
this important point, w hich feemed an iniuperable
bar in the way of an accommodation ; when Henry
found an expedient which faved his own dignity,
and contented the French king, namely, that his
fon William fhould be inverted with the dutchy. of
Normandy in his ftead, and do' homage for it to
Louis in the accuftomed form. This being agreed
to, with a reftitution of places, and mutual ex-,
change of prifoners on both fides, the peace was
concluded to the fatisfaction of Henry, who with-
out any lofs had fuftained all the efforts of a moft
formidable confederacy, and put an end to fuch a
dangerous war, whereby he became more powerful
and refpeclcd than ever.
But this bright day of profperity \ T\ .,0
was overcaft with a domt-ftic cala-
mity, that humbled his pride, and difturbed the
remainder of his life with ever-flowing forrow.
William, his only fon, was, on his return with him
to England, but in another ihip, drowned in his
pallage, together with his natural fitter Matilda,
countefs of Perche; for the crew of the Ihip,
either through careleflhefs, or being intoxicated
with liquor, fuftercd her to run upon a rock not
far from the Norman fhore, where fhe in a fhort;
time foundered. The prince got into the boat,
and, as the \\eather was calm, might, had his fate
fo ordered it, been eafily faved ; bur, moved with
the piercing cries of his lifter, he ordered it; to be
rowed back to the fhip, when fo many leaped
therein
HENRY
I.
73
therein that it immediately funk. Richard, one
of Henry's' natural Tons, the countefs of Cheftcr,
the king's niece, her hulband, the earl of Chefter,
his brother, who was governor to the prince, a
nephew of the emperor Henry V. and other noble
perfons, foreigners as well as Englilh, pcriihed by
this fatal accident. When the llnp uas linking,
two perfons climbed to the top of the maft, and
kept their heads above the water. One of them
was the young fon of Gilbert de Aquila, the other
a butcher of Rouen. In this fituation they re-
mained a great part of the night ; but the tender
youth being benumbed by the wet and cold, loft
his ftrength, and, recommending his companion to
the mercy of God, fell into the fea, and rofe no
more. The butcher held out till morning ; and,
being faved by fome fiihermen who came from
Barrleur, related the circumftances of this melan-
choly event. The dead body of the prince was
fought tor in vain; his father was denied even the
confolation of burying him : he had no grave but
the ocean. Henry, with all his magnanimity, could
not reiift this dreadful fhock. At hearing, the news
he fainted ; and it was fome time before he reco-
vered that compofurc of mind, winch had hitherto
marked his character. Indeed, he had reafon fuffi-
cient, to be grieved, both as a father and a king.
The young prince is faid to have been of an ami-
able difpolition ; and, as Henry had no other legi-
timate fon, his death left the fuccefllon to England
and Normandy undetermined.
. n Deiirous, however, of having an
• heir to fuccccd him, he refolved to
marry again. His late wife Matilda had been dead
two years, and now he. made choice of Adelais,
daughter to the duke of Louvain, a young lady of
remarkable beauty and accomplifhments. But the
hopes of both the king and the nation were difap-
pointed.' Adelais brought Henry no child.
. J-. ^ The nation now began to turn their
I23' eyes towards the fon of duke Robert.
The bravery that prince had difcovercd in the
Norman war, in the opinion of the public, added
weight to his pretenfions. It is true, England was
too firmly attached to Henry, for his nephew's
adherents to make any impreftion on that nation
while he was alive; however, in Normandy they
were, at the mitigation of a French cabal, ripe for
another revolt : but Henry attacked the confpira-
tors before they were prepared, and took fome of
their caftles. Not long after moft of their leaders,
being furprifed on a march, were taken prifoners.
By this ftroke, all the hopes of William Clito were
again difappointed. Many who had defigned to
join him were flopped, and many who had declared
for his party forfook it. Even the earl of Anjou
renounced his friendlhip, and expelled him out of
his dominions. Henry now remained mafter of
Normandy, where he endeavoured to ftrengthen his
government by the rigorous punifhmcnts he inflicted
on thofe who had revolted againft him.
A D II2C While the king's thoughts were
5* chiefly employed upon a fuccefTor to
his throne, the emperor, who had married his
daughter Matilda, died without iffue ; upon which
he immediately fent for his daughter, and having
fummonedan aflcmbly of the ftates at Windfor, it
was there unanimoufly agreed, to acknowledge the
emprefs Maud, or Matilda, as queen of England,
in cafe Henry died without iffue. The Englilh be-
held that princefs with affection, as flic was dc-
fcended, on her mother's fide, from the antient race
of their Saxon kings, whole memories they ftill re-
vered. But Henry was not fatisfied with this ac-
quilition ; he was alfo defirous of fecuring to her
the dutchy.of Normandy. Accordingly he married
her to Geoffrey Plantagenet, fon of Fulk, earl of
Anjou. By this policy he effectually detached
No. 7, ,
Fulk from William, fon to duke Robert, and all
the allies of that unfortunate prince. But this
ftep, which svas taken without the advice of his
barons, was extremely difagrceablc to the Englilh;
William, whom Louis had put in poffeffion oi"
Flanders, conceived this a favourable opportunity
for recommencing the war ; but before he could
carry his. dei'ign into execution, he was . -p.
killed in a battle with the landgrave * ' 1I35<
of Alface. Thus did this brave prince pcrifh in
the flower of his age, after a long contention with
the malice of his ill-fortune. Had he furvived his
uncle, he probably might have been earl of Flan-
ders, duke of Normandy, and king of Fngland ;
biit he was cut off, and with him all the fami! ' of
duke Robert, for he .had no child. A little time
before he expired, he fent a fon of Odo, bilhop of
Bayeux, who had followed his fortunes, with a
letter to Henry, written on his death-bed, in which
he entreated him to forgive whatever he had done
to offend him, and to receive his friends to mercy.
Henry appeared touched by this affecting letter;
and treated all who, in confidence of this recom-
mendation, fubmit&ed, te him, with great kindnefs,
advancing fome of the moft deferving to the higheir
decree of his favour.
Henry remained undifturbed by . j^
any war with France, without doing
homage to that crown for Normandy, during the
remainder of his life. He had indeed furmounted
all oppoiition; and a calm of profound tranquillity
fuccecded the boiftcrous feafons of war and dc-
vaftations. But the lofs of his fon ftill preyed1
upon his fpirits, and tended to convince him of
the vanity of human glory, and its infufficiency in
affording true content. • The milder fentiments of
mercy fucceeded thofe of refentmcnt, which had fa
long filled his breaft. He extended his pardon to
all who implored it ; and attached to his intereft,
by acts of kindnefs and generolity, feveral perfons
of great influence ; but not a lingle ray of pity was
extended to his brother Robert, who ftill confumed
an ignominious life in Cardiff caftlc.
Every thing in England continuing . T-»
in a ftate of tranquillity, Henry took
this favourable opportunity of vifiting Normandy ;
to which -he was led, as well by his affection for
that country, as by his tendernefs for his daughter the
emprefs Maud." Some time after Ihe was delivered
of a fon, who was named Henry ; and the better to
enfure, as he imagined her fucceffion, he prevailed
upon all the nobility of England and Normandy to
renew the oath of fealty, which they had before
fworn to her.
While Henry was enjoying his eafe . •£.
in Normandy, his brother Robert,
w'hom it muft be confeffed, numerous as his faults
were, he had treated with great cruelty, was
fnatchcd from his follies and cares by the hand of
death ; and this unhappy prifoncr was buried in the
cathedral of Gloucefter.
The fatisfaction Henry enjoyed in . j-j
the company of his daughter, ren-
dered his refidence in Normandy very agreeable to
him, and he feemed determined to fpend the re-
mainder of his days in that country; but receiving
ad vice that the Welch had renewed their incurfio'ns,
he intended to chaftife ,the infolcnce of thofe in-
vaders. He was accordingly preparing for his
journey, when his fummons came for an unknown,
country, and death put a period to all his under-
takings. He departed this life at the caftle ot
Lyons, near Rouen, on the firft of December, in
the fixty-cighth year of his age, and the thirty-
fixth of his reign- By his iirft wife, Matilda,
daughter of Malcolm, king of Scotland, by the
litter of Edgar Atheling, he had William, duke of
Normandy, who was drowned ; and Matilda, o
74
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
the emprefs Maud, married to Geoffrey Planta-
genet, count of Anjou.
When he found himfelf approaching near his
end, he declared, in the prefence of Robert, earl
of Gloucefter, his natural Ion, and a large aflembly
of nobles who came to know his laft will, that he
bequeathed both England and Normandy to his
daughter Matilda, and to her pofterity, without
taking any notice of her hulband the carl of
Anjou.
Henry poflcfied all the qualities that could fit
him for the high ftation he filled. His perfon was
manly; his countenance engaging ; his eyes clear,
ferene, and penetrating. The affability of his ad-
drefs encouraged thofe who might be overawed by
a fenfe of his dignity or his wifdom ; and though
he often indulged his facetious humour, he knew
how to temper it with difcretion, which always kept
him at adirtance from all indecent familiarities with
his courtiers. He pofleffed many fplendid qualities,
fhaded, as their contraft, with fome confpicuous
faults. He was brave, affable, fagacious, and elo-
quent; temperate in his meals ; vigilant and adtive
in employing the bed means conducive to the in-
terefts of his crown and people. Ambition was his
ruling paflion, which actuated moft princes of the
Norman race; for to this, as in the cafe of his
brother, he certainly facrificed all the principles
of juftice, and all the dictates of humanity. He
had the glory of reforming and amending the ftate
of the kingdom ; and took care that the admini-
ftration of juftice, to all orders of men, mould be
flrict and impartial. He enacted good laws, and
by his firmnefs enforced a due obedience to them.
In his reign ftealing was firft made capital, as was
alfo falfe coining, by which the money had been
extremely debafed. The wifdom and vigour of
his adminiftration, procured to the diftrefied Nor-
mans that tranquillity, fafety, and happinefs, which
they had long folieited in vain ; yet, it mud be
confefTcd, in his unnatural conducl toward his
brother and nephew, the bands of fraternal affection
were feparated by the fword of ambition, and the
laws of nature and nations were facrificed on the
altar of bold ufurpation. Like all his predccelfors,
he was jealous of every encroachment on his
power ; but he relieved his fubjecls from feverat
oppreffive grievances under which they had long
laboured, and from which they had petitioned to
be relieved. While he protected the prerogatives
of his crown, he guarded, by refined policy, againft
the encroachments of the Roman pontiff. Among
the laws made in his reign, a reunion of the civil
and ecclefiaftical courts, as in the Saxon times, was
enacted.
This prince is faid to have changed the rents of
his patrimonial eftates, which were formerly paid
in kind, into money, which was more ealily re-
mitted into the Exchequer. He was an impla-
cable enemy to extortion ; that officer who dared to
make ufe of oppreflion, was fare to feel the whole
weight of his power. If he broke fome of the
articles of his charter, it mould be remembered,
that he was the firft of the Norman race that con-
defcended to make a contract with his people.
The charter of Henry I. was the foundation-ftone
of Englifli liberty. He obtained the furname of
Beauclerc, or, the fine fcholar, from the progrefs
he had made in the fciences ; which, confidering
the barbarity of the age, and that his chief employ
was war, was no trifling embellifhment in his cha-
racter. It is reported of him that he was much
addicted to women, having no lefs than feven ille-
gitimate fons, and fix daughters. It is the lot of
human' kind to err. Let him who is faultlefs caft
the firft ftone. If fome errors and crimes, com-
mon to all mankind, have ftained the memory of
this brave prince, this will furely be acknowledged,
that his virtues were of fignal fervice to hi$
country.
CHAP.
IV.
STEPH
N.
His right and pretenfwns to the throne of England, and by -what means he afc ended f6 tbat feat of dignity — Ti
crowned by the arihbijhop of Canterbury on the twenly-fecond of Def ember, 1135 — His conceffions" to bisfubjecJs,
in order to fix the crown firmly on his head— The Scots commit the moji dreadful ravages — A battle, in which
they are defeated — A 'civil war in England — In an engagement between Stephen and the earl of Gloucejier, the
former is taken prifoner — 'The earl of Gloucejier afterwards meets with the fame fate, and is exchanged for
Stephen, who is rcjlored to his crown-*- A peace concluded between Stephen and Henry, by which it is Jlipulated,
tbat Stephen Jbould enjoy the crown t during his life, and Henry fucceed him as lawful hctr— Stephen's death and
shnr/ifjfr
Stephen to the throne. Herein we fee the vanity
of human forefight. Man may plan ; but infinite
wifdom, united with unlimited power, can alone,
when it pleafes, accomplish. Human prudence
cannot command, nor regulate, the changeable
courfe of events. No prince ever took more pains
to fecure the crown to his family than Henry had
done, nor with lefs effect. All his chain of mea-
fures was broken by accidents, which his pene-
tration could not forefce ; and by the perfidy of
thofe, upon whofe faithful attachment to his family,
he had the greateft reafon to believe he might
fafely depend. Stephen he placed among the num-
ber of his firm friends; but gra-itude was not in
the catalogue of Stephen "s virtues. He had fworri
eventual realty to the emprefs Maud ; but the re-
membrance of his oath was buried in the grave
with Henry; and perfuadcd that his intereft with
his brother was furlkient to overbalance the claim
of that princefs, he haftened over to England to
ufurp the crown which had adorned the brow of
his
A D ••*•« CTEPHEN dc Blois was the fon
IIJ5' O of Adela, daughter of William
the Conqueror, and of Stephen earl of Blois and
Champagne. He was earl of Blois, Champagne,
Mortaigne, and Bologne in France ; and was pof-
fefled of very confiderable property in England.
This he had acquired by the generofity of the late
king, who had invited him and his brother Henry
to court, and conferred upon them a great number
of favours. To the former, Stephen, he had given
a large ertate in land, and married him to Matilda,
daughter and hcirefs of Kuftace, count de Bologne,
and niece to the king's firft wife. The latter he
had created abbot of Glaftonbury, and bifhop of
Winchefter, and procured him the high dignity of
legate to the holy fee. By thefe means the king
intended to ftrengthen the intereft of his daughter,
whofc caufe, he imagined, they would the more
heartily cfpoufc; but the credit, obtained by his
boundlefs generofity, they employed, not in fup-
•"—:-- the title of the emprefs, but in railing
I
\\'ai ,-'.
//< ,vr/.> Born f,n ///<'
Crowned ,v /^.//?ci
Prilbiier
^' Earl ^/Glocefter,"f /"/. 7//// /sWPut in Irons
t •/<>>•///< E<ai,ss>/?s> uw afa '/«'«>(/,< /Wr// /// Wincheftcr /y ///-.Kings
Armv __ Died &<&* 25 . 4f64, and evOJ Buried /// Fevorfham --
s
E
II
E N.
7,5
his patron. At the time of king Henry's death,
his daughter, the emprcfs, happened to be in
Anjou with her hufband, where ihe was employed
in fome important bufinefs relative to that province.
Her natural brother, the earl of Gloucefter, who
might have maintained her right, was detained in
Normandy as executor to the will of his father, in
his Norman affairs. Their abfence afforded Stephen
a favourable opportunity to mount that throne,
which his gracious benefactor had bequeathed to his
beloved daughter.
The biihop of Winchester, Stephen's younger
brother, was of an active and turbulent difpofition,
bold, diflembling, and faithlefs. Even fraternal
affeclion had little weight with this prelate, who
\vas always ready to adapt himfelf to the circum-
ftances of the times. A fluency of Speech, accom-
panied with a pleaSing addrefs, had procured him
an unbounded influence over both the populace and
the clergy.
The bifhop of Salifbury was likewife a perfon
of great abilities, great riches, and great power.
Thefe two dignified ecclefiaftics were the principal
fupporters ot Stephen's preienfions. The chief
obstacles to thefe, which had great weight with the
archbiShop of Canterbury and fome of the nobility,
were the oaths they had taken in behalf of the em-
prefs Maud. Therefore to remove this difficulty,
Hugh Bigot, earl of Norfolk, was prevailed upon
to fwear before the primate that Henry had, in his
prefencc, releafcd his Subjects from thofe oaths,
though the king had really confirmed them by his
laSt will and verbal declarations, in prefence of all
the lords who were with him in Normandy; but
thefe not having yet returned to England, the falfe-
hood remained uncontradicted till Stephen was fixed
on the throne.
What (lender reafons fatisfy the confcientious
fcruples of ambitious men! Oaths themlelves are
not binding, notwithstanding they cannot recede
from them without incurring the crimfon guilt of
perjury. But the bifhop of Salilbury, in deferring
the emprefs, broke every bond of human fociety ?
for not a man in the whole kingdom was more
obliged to Henry, who took him into his fervice
during the reign of William Rufus, when he was
only a curate in Normandy ; and finding him ex-
pert in bufinefs, efpecially in the management of
the finances, put an unlimited confidence in his
fidelity ; fo that when he came to the crown, he firft
made him chancellor, then a bifhop, and at lad
fifend justiciary ; by which high dignity, at the
ing's deceafe, he was constitutional guardian and
regent of the kingdom. We are not told \\ hat in-
duced him to betray the emprefs j but it is certain,
that immediately after Stephen's coronation he ob-
tained the town of Malmeibury for himfelf, the
office of chancellor for his natural fon, and that of
treafurer for one of his nephews. Thefe were pro-
bably the terms upon which he fold himfelf to
Stephen ; who was fo fenSible how neceSTary it was
to corrupt him, that, in a conversation with fome
of his intimate friends, he thus expreSTed his Senti-
ments : " By the nativity of God, if he were to
aik of me one half of my kingdom, I would grant
it him, till this fcafon is palt. He Shall be Sooner
tired of afking, than 1 will of giving." Thefe
words are very expreSfive of the character of this
king. In bargaining for a crown he thought no
price too great, but when that fcafon was pait, he
meant to take other meafures; and the biihop of
Salilbury was one of the firSt who felt the effects of
this intention.
When Stephen landed in England, the citizens
Of Dover, who were apprized of his purpofe, ihut
their gates againSt him. However, he did not (top
to revenge this infult, but made the beSt of his
toay to London, where, on his arrival, he was re-
ceived with cordial congratulations by the citizens,
and was crowned at Weftminfter by the archbilhop
of Canterbury with .the ufual ceremonies. Having
got thus far toward the accomplifhment of his
deSigns, the next Itep he took was to Secure the
late king's treafures, which amounted to one hun-
dred thoufand pounds, equivalent, in thefe times,
to one million five hundred thouShnd pounds Ster-
ling. By a proper distribution of this money, he
gained over to his fide many of the indigent nobi-
lity, whole fcruples of confcience, by the all-pre-
vau1 ing- power of gold, were entirely removed.
ihus a number of circumftances concurred to
pave the way for Stephen's advancement to the
throne. But they would have been inefficacious
without the confent of the nation. To obtain
this, Stephen entered into an engagement with the
people, by granting them a charter of privileges ;
in which he made many conceSfions demanded by
the barons, and granted the clergy fuch priviiegesj
as they had in vain wifhed to extort from his prc-
deceSTors. Thefe he not only ratified by an extra-
ordinary oath, which he took at his coronation,
but, fome time after, by another charter given at
Oxford. In one claufe he fettled the bounds of
his forefts, and gave up all the additions that had
been made to them ; in another, he promifed to
rcdrefs all the abufcs, unlawful exactions, or other
wrongs the people had Suffered from the officers of
the crown; to maintain peace and juftice, and to
confirm the antient cuftoms of the realm in judi^
cial proceedings. All the remaining articles re-
garded the clergy, to whom the king very amply
confirmed" the liberties, privileges, and dignities of
the church. He concluded with declaring, that
he granted the whole with a Saving of his juSt and
royal dignity. But as additional aids, and pro-
bably what Stephen chiefly depended on, he pro-
cured a bull from Rome, which ratified his title,
and invited over from the continent a body of
mercenary foldiers from Brittany and Flanders,
who guarded his throne by the terrors of the
fword. .
Stephen, was not lefs fuccefsful in Normandy
than in England ; for the nobility of that dutchy
put him in poSreffion of the government. Alfo
Louis the younger, king of France, not only ac-
cepted the homage of Euftace, Stephen's eldelt fon,
for the dukedom, but betrothed his fiSter ConStan-
tia to the young prince. The count of Blois, like-
wife, refigned all his pretenfions, and in lieu of
them received an annual penfion of two thoufand
marks. Even Geoffrey himfelf was forced to con-
clude a truce with the king of England for two
years. The duke of Gloucester was fo embarrafTed,
that, for fome time, he knew not what meafures to
take. To fwear allegiance to the ufurper, would
be not only difhonourable, but a breach of hi*
oath to his fiSter, whofe caufe he was determined to
defend ; and to refufe it was to render himfelf in-
capable of ferving her. He therefore offered Ste-
phen to do him homage, with an exprefs conditioa
that the king fhould maintain all his Stipulations,
and never invade any of his rights and dignities.
Stephen, though SenSible that this referve, fo in-
conliitent with the duty of a fubject, was meant
only to afford Robert a pretence for a revolt on
the firft favourable opportunity, was obliged, by
the numerous friends of that nobleman, to receive
him on thofc terms.
Notwithstanding all thefe advan- . ^\
tagcsin favour of Stephen, the people
were diSlktisfied with his government, and a Storm
of disturbances was gathering around his throne.
This being perceived by Robert, dukeof "Gloucester,
he railed upon the discontents of the people, the
ftandard of rebellion. His views were Supported
by David, king of Scotland, vho entered iingiand
at
V
THL NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
at the head of a powerful army, and penetrated as
tar as Northallerton in \orkllnre. In his firfl ex-
pedition he had ravaged all the open country to
the Tjne, his army committing the -mod horrid
outrages. They fir ft plundered the farms and vil-
Ugef, and then let them on fire. Even the churches
did not etcapc their rage. They murdered the lick
and aged in their Leus, infants at the brcaft, and
pried s at the altar. Women .with child they allo
killed, with ciicumftances of cruelty too mocking
to be related ; and carried into captivity harmlels
virgins, whom they drove before them in crouds
bound with cords, and llripped naked; and when
any of thele were fainting with fatigue, the inhu-
man foldiers goaded them on with the points of
their fwords.
Thele cruelties enraged the Englilh to a degree
of madnefs. Several ol the barons, who continued
firm in their allegiance, entered into an affociation,
and refolved to deliver their country from the
dreadful ravages of the invaders, or to perilh in
the attempt. They therefore made preparations to
give them battle, and erected a ftandard of a pe-
culiar kind. It was the malt of a Ihip fixed upon
a wheel carriage, on the top of which was fixed a
lilvcr crucifix, incloling a confecrated wafer; under
which were hung three banners, dedicated to St.
Peter, St. John of Beverly, and St. Wilfrid of
Rippon. 1'hefe decorations were adapted to ftrike
the imagination ; and, in fighting under them, the
foldiers believed themfelves to be the champions of
Chrift, and of thofe faints whole enligns were thus
Avaving over their heads. When it was railed,
Walter Efpec, who had a flow of natural elo-
quence, mounted the carriage upon . which the
maft was fuftaincd, and from thence harangued the
army in a military oration well fuited to the oc-
jcaiibn, and concluded with faying, that they muft
conquer or die ; for w ho among them could i'urvi ve
a defeat, that Mould give up his wife to be defiled
.by the brutal luftof their enemies, and his children
to be, Ituck upon the points of their lances. Then
turning to the earl of Albemarle, he faid, " I
pledge my faith to you, that I will this day either
beat the Scots, or be killed by them." Upon
which all the nobles cried out with one voice,
that they alfo bound themfelves by the fame oath,
and would conquer or fall with him. The Englifh
immediately furrounded their cnfign, and drew up
in order of battle. Being greatly out-numbered by
the enemy, they were formed into one phalanx, or
compact body compofed of foot, in the front of
which were pikemenand archers intermixed, and a
few horfe in their rear. While the two armies
were ftill at a diftance, though in fight of. each
other, Robert de Bruce went over to David, and
put him in mind of the many fervices.the Englilh
and Normans had done to his family ; that it was
furprizing fo wife a monarch fhould fight againft
thofe who were the principal fupporters of his
throne; and that he ought feriouily to conlider,
how far he might anfwcr before God for the guilt
of fhedding fo much innocent blood, and the inhu-
man barbarities that had been committed by his
Gahvegians, though againft his orders and incli-
nations. He exaggerated the numbers of the
Englilh ; reminded him of their well known- ^intre-
pidity ; and endeavoured to work upon his paflions
by the affection he expreffed for his perfon. David
now fecmcd inclined to a treaty. But his nephew's
fon, a young man of an imperious temper, anfwered
his fpeech, and concluded with obferving, that Da-
vid could not now go back with honour, either as
a king or a foldier.
Bruce had but juft time to rejoin his friends,
before the Galloway men, who compofed the van
«f the Scotifli army, began to advance with all
the fury natural to their character; whereupon the
bifnop of Orkneys made a fhort harangue to che
Englilh army, exhorting them to fight valiantly
for the remiliion of their fins. At the conclufioii
of«this fpeech they Itruck their fart-alls', tahnigon
God to aflift their arms. The bilhop then gu\e
them a general abfolution, and aker\\ards his
bleffing.
The Gahvcgians, after three fhouts, or rather yells;
fell upon the Englilh with their ufual intrepiditv.
But all their exertions of ability and ftrength were
in vain; the Englilh flood firm, and plied them fo
vigoroufly with their arrows and other miflilcs,
that they \\ere put to Might. The prince of Scot-
land, David's fon, feeing this, advanced at the head
of a chofen body of knights to their fuccour. He
broke through the ranks of the enemy, and even
attacked a troop of horfe in their rear. Confufion
now appeared to pave the way for a defeat. The
Englilh began to quit their ground; when a foldier
having cut off the head of one of the bodies fhun
near him, held it up, crying aloud, that it was the
Scotch king's ; upon th,s they again clofed their
ranks, charged the Galwegians, whom they foon
put to flight, and then fell upon the third line ot"
the Scots, \vho hardly flood the firft cafet. The
king, enraged at their cowardice, quitted his horfe,
and commanding all the barons and knights who
were with him to;dilmount, advanced on foot
at the head of his body rtlerve. But even thefe,
affected with the contagious panic, : fhamefully
abandoned their fovereign ; David himfelf refufed
to fly, and his friends with great difficulty faved
him. from captivity, and fled with him to Carlifle.
David was two days in great anxiety abou.t the fate
of his fon. That prince returning from his too
eager purfuit, found the Scots army defeated and
driven from the field. Having his. own body of
cavalry w ith him, he commanded them to throw
away all the marks that diftinguifhed them; by
which means they pafled the field of battle; but be*,
ing .obliged to leave the high read, they, did not
reach Carlifle till the third day after the king,
though they had difencumbered themfelves of all
their heavy armour. In .this .engagement, called
the Battle of the. Standard, the number of the Scots
was very great, who were flain. Several knights,
with almoft all their baggage, were taken; but the
Englilh loft only one gentleman of diftinctioai, and
a few privates.
Upon receiving the news of this victory, Stephen
rewarded th,e; earl of Albemarle and. Robert de
Ferrers. , Had he known alfo how to profit by it,
the event might have been fatal to Maud and her
brother. But flattering 'himfelf that he had now
attained the fummit of. his hopes, he fet no bounds
to his arnbiti.ous projects. He engaged in a con-
troverfy with his clergy, the moft dangerous of all
difputes in thofe times, to-whofe authority he could
be no ftrangef, and to whom recollection would
have informed him he was indebted for his crown,
Stephen found he had committed an error ia per-
mitting the nobility to fortify their catties, and he
was determined- to correct it. The evil was every
day increafing; and the king perceived, but too
late, that the kingdom was garnfoncd againfl him-
felf. The king therefore begun his intended plan
of reformation, by levelling his authority againft
the ftrong hojds of the clergy. Accordingly he.
feized the bifhopa of Salifbury and Lincoln, and
obliged them by menaces to deliver up their
caftles.
Henry, bilhop of Winchefter, exaf- A T^
tii-, • /Y. • .LA i * < y •
perated at the king s attempt to in-
fringe the privileges of the church, convoked a
fynod, and fummoned Stephen to appear in perfon.
The king, who defpifed thofe hypocritical pretences
to fanctity, whereby the ecclenaftics impofed upon
the credulity of the people, refu/ed to obey th?
fummqns. ,
S T E
fummons. He however lent one Auberv de Vere,
a learned lawyer, who juftified the king's proceed-
ing with great eloquence and force of argument.
He obferved that tlie followers of the meek and
humble Jefus, could not, confident with their
functions, oppofe their fovereign with an arm of
fleih ; that it was irreconcilable with their facred
characters, as t!;.e preachers of peace, to engage
in tumults of civil difcordj and that the caftles
which were the fubject of difpute, could be con-
fidered no other than afylums of rebellion. The
legate, highly offended at this bold remonftrance,
threatened to pronounce an ecclefiaftical anathema
on the king and all his adherents, when Aubery
gave the furious afiembly to underftand, that who-
ever was fool-hardy enough to pronounce a fpiritual
interdict againft his and their fovereign, fhould
never live to btho'd the effects of his daring info-
lence. ' This fpirited declaration made a deeper
impreffion on their minds, than all his realbning.
The lynod, aftonifhed, at the boldnefs of the
pleader, and dreading more the confeqviences of
Stephen's refentment, diflblved their affembly ; and
the two high-fpirited biftiops were obliged to part
with their caftles.
Thefe differences between the king and church,
were confidered by the emprefs Maud as fortunate
circumftances, that might be improved to her ad-
vantage. She therefore landed in England with
Robert, earl of Gloucefter, and a retinue of one
hundred and forty knights. She repaired, on her
arrival to Arundel caftle, whofe gates were opened
to her by Adelais, the queen dowager, now married
to William de Albiney, earl of Arundel and Suffex.
After making a fhort ftay in the caftle, the earl of
Gloucefter, attended only by twelve horfemen, went
from thence in a dark night by unfrequented roads
towards Briftol, and. was met by a party of horfe
who efcorted him fafe to that city.
Stephen was alarmed at the arrival of the emprefs
and her brother. He had reafons fufficient to fear
the popularity of Gloucefter, and that the nation
would join his ftandard, in order to place his filter
on the throne of her father. Quitting .therefore
Marlborough, where he was at this time, he came
before Arundel caftle at the head of a considerable
body of forces, in order to make himfelf mafter
of that fortrefs. The queen dowager was terrified
at the approach of Stephen, and by a meflenger
requefted that he would not befiege the emprefs in
her palace, but give her liberty to retire to fome
other place j alluring him that Ihe had received
her as a gueft only, not as his competitor for the
crown j and flattered herfelf that Ihe fhould not be
compelled by him to violate the rights of hofpi-
tality. The king was fo weak as to comply with
her requeft. He gave his oath for her lecurity,
fending her, under his own fafe conduct to Briftol,
efcorted by his brother, and the earl of Meulant
his prime minifter. On her arrival at Briftol, the
emprefs openly proclaimed her pretenfions to the
throne. The people reforted in great numbers to
her1 ftandard -f and Miles, high-conftable of Eng-
land, recognized her title, and conducted her to the
caftle of Gloucefter, which he had prepared for her
reception.
A D TTAO 'Stephen now exerted himfelf with
great fpirit. He drove the bifhop of
Ely out of that ifland, and plundered all his
wealth. His uncle, the bifhop of Salifbury, had
died a little before of grief for the lofs of his
treafures and caftles ; and had the mortification to
fee the poor remainder of his riches, which he had
depofited in his cathedral of Sarum, taken from
that church, while he lay on his death-bed, and
delivered up to the king by the canons them-
felves.
There now followed a number of military tranf-
No. 8.
H
E N.
77
actions, fo trifling in their nature, and fo confuted
in the circumftances of rime and place, that a
detail of them would afford the reader little in-
ftruction or entertainment. The whole kingdom
was now become one fcene of diftrefsful anarchy;
almoft every individual fiding with one or other «f
the contending parties; fome fwayed by affection,
others by intereO. The powerful barons attacked
each others domains, with all the rage of inveterate
enemies. Caftles, chu<rches, monafteries, towns
and villages, were every day levelled to the ground,
or laid in allies, to gratify the private animofities
of contending nobles. The moft inhuman cruel-
ties were practifed on the innocent inhabitants,
whofe only crime confifted in a compulfion, which
obliged them to participate in the fortune of their
louis. It muft be acknowledged, however, that
thefe diforders of a lawlefs banditti received not the
leaft countenance^ either from Stephen or the earl
of Gloucefter j they faw with concern the natural
confequences of civil difcord ; and exerted all their
power to heal the mifer'ies of the people ; to ter-
minate thefe fcenes of deftruction ; and to bring
the ferocious barons to a fenfe of their fhocking
enormities.
To this end, with the moft laudable . n
intent, feveral negotiations were be- H41*
gun, which produced no interruption in thefe de-
ftructive acts of hoftility, or in their dreadful con-
fequences, as the importance of the difpute, which
was for a crown, foon rendered them abortive.
All hopes of peace were now abandoned. But the
fiege of the caftle of Lincoln, undertaken by Ste*
phen, brought on a battle between the two con-
tending powers much fooner. than was expected.
That caftle was confidered as a place of the utmofl
importance, and Gloucefter determined, if poffible,
to relieve it. Accordingly he marched with the
utmoft expedition; and his troops, having forded
the Trent, appeared in the vicinity of the caftle,
before Stephen had received any information or*
their approach. A battle was now unavoidable,
and both armies prepared for a conteft that was to
decide the fate of the crown of England. ' The
battle was begun by William de Ypres, the moil
experienced general of his time. He fell with the
utmoft fury on a body of Welch, pofted on the lefc
wing of Gloucefter's army, and put them to flight}
but purfuing the broken fquadron too far, his di-
vifion was entirely broken. The earl of Gloucefter '
taking advantage of this fuccefs, fell with amazing
impetuofity on the infantry, which compofed the
center of the royal army, where Stephen himfelf
fought in perfon. The battle now raged with in-
expreffible fury. The field was covered with flain.
Stephen's infantry being deferted by the horfe, were
obliged to retreat ; but the king difdaining to turn
his back, difputed every inch of ground againft an
amazing fuperiority of the enemy. After an ob-
ftinate conteft, the king was at length furrounded.
He fought with the utmoft bravery, till his battle-
axe and his fword were broken, when he was taken
prifoner by the earl of Gloucefter, who ordered that,
in his confinement, he fhould be treated with the ut-
moft refpect and humanity.
The king's friends, a common policy with time-
ferving cou'rtiers, deferted him on this reverfe of
fortune. The city of London, ever faithful when
treated with a refpect due to their opulence, and
the county of Kent, where his queen Matilda, hi3
fon Euftace, and his friend William de Ypres, ftill
retained their authority, were the only places of
confequence that continued faithful to the im-
prifoned' monarch. All claries of men now wor-
fhipped the rifing fun, and bowed the knee to the
victor. Even the king's brother, the bifhop of
Winchefter, courted the favour of the emprefs : the
attractions of power, with this proud prelate, were
\ U ftranjrer
THE NEW ANS COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
ftronger than fraternal affection. Henry threw off
the mafk, and declared openly for Maud, who, in
return, promifed him all the honours an 'ambitious
churchman could requed or receive. Armed with the
legatine power, and proud of difplaying his authority,
Henry fummoned a fynod; and after afTer.ing, that
the clergy were intruded by heaven with the right
of electing and ordaining Kings, he declared that
it was the will of the mod High, that the emprefs
Maud fliould be placed on th? throne of England.
The only laymen fummoned to this affembly were
the deputies of London. Their prefence alarmed
the legate; for they were fo far from agreeing with
the fentiments of his declaration, that they pe-
remptorily demanded the liberty of their king, in a
tone that plainly indicated they had power fufficient,
in cafe of a refufal, to procure it. The legate only
anfwered, by recapitulating the errors of Stephen's
adminidration. " He connived," faid the prelate,
" at the licentious behaviour of all men ; fo that
virtue and peace abandoned this country, and op-
preffion filled its feat. Bilhops have been impri-
foned contrary to law; abbies Have been put up to
fale; churches and convents have been plundered
of their treafures, though devoted to the facred pur-
pofes of religion. For thefe, and other offences,
heaven itfelf has vifi'bly interpofed, and wreded the
fceptre from the hand of my brother ; and this
aiTembly have folemnly agreed, to prefent it to the
emprefs Maud, to whom it of right belongs."
Adoniilied at the impudence and wickednefs of the
legate, the deputies proteding againd the proceed-
ings' of the fynod returned to London. Henry
upon this declared the emprefs qneen, and paiTed a
-general fentence of excommunication againd all the
king's adherents.
The clergy having unanimoufly declared in her
favour, the greated part of England were induced,
by their powerful example, to acknowledge her
fovereignty. Near Midfummer, Maud entered
London, with her uncle the king of Scotland, who
came to affid at her coronation. Mean while the
earl of Glouceder negociated with the barons of
the oppofite faction. The haughty he allured with
careffes, the mercenary with promifes ; his deport-
ment was full of courtefy, moderation, and hu-
manity. Had the emprefs been guided by his
prudent counfels, die had' enjoyed, during her life,
the crown of her father; but her pride and info-
lence, the driking features of her character, which
were drongly exprefied in her looks, her mein, her
language, rendered all his meafures abortive. She
alTumed a mod imperious air, and behaved in the
mod defpotic manner. Some of Stephen's party,
who came to offer their allegiance, {he received
with affected coolnefs; others^ die drove from her
prefence with upbraidings and threats. All the
grants made by that prince, even thofe to the
church, die revoked, to give them to her favourites.
From thofe who fubmitted to her, die often took a
part of their lands as fines for their pad conduct;
and all the barons, who from' a fenfe of honour and
fidelity delayed to abandon their late mader, die
wholly deprived of their honours and edates, con-
ferring them upon others. The citizens of London
rempndrating againd the heavy impositions laid
upon them, flie, with rage in her eyes, frowns on
:her brpw, and fuch a diforder of padlons, as equally
dedroyed the foftnefs of the woman, and the ma-
jedy of the queen, told them that they had lavifhly
granted their money to Stephen, and mud not ex-
pect lenity from her, who would not remit the lead
part of the fum die had demanded. Refolving to
{hew her independence; die determined to refufe
every petition. Neither the foft whifpers of hu-
manity, afllded by the powerful interceffions of
Glouceder, could prevail over her obdinacy ; die
looked upon all advice as an infult upon her under-
danding, and perfevered in ' her haughty, con-
temptuous conduct, till die loft the -affect ions of
her people. One indance of extreme folly in her
behaviour, and which indeed {hewed a weaknds of
intellects, particularly contributed to this. Ste- -
phen's royal confort, a queen, whofe virtuts even
his enemies honoured, tndeavcured to procure his
liberty, upon the hard conditions of refigning the
crown, and entering a convent, or going to the
Holy Land for the ru:r.)inder of his life, which the
chief lords of his party engaged he fliould do, and
offered their cadlts and many hodages, to fecure
the performance of this flipulation ; all which ad-
vantageous terms Maud weakly rejected with a con-
temptuous air of difdain.
Glouceder faw with grief the inflexibility of this
woman's temper, and feared the natural confe-
quences. The citizens were at once alarmed and
incenfed. They complained loudly of her tyranny,
and the people caught the infection from the capital.
The Londoners entered into a confpiracy to fdze
her perfon. The earl of Gloucefier apprized of
their intention, ufed every method in his power to
footh the citizens ; but his attempts were not at-
tended with fuccefs; they conceived fo deep a de-
tedation of her iniblent behaviour, that all the en-
deavours of that popular nobleman could not erafe.
"He was greatly affected with th'is change 0f popular
opinion. He perceived the gathering dorm, and
prudently withdrew with Maud and her friends to
Oxford. They had fcarcely left the city, when the
populace affaulted the palace and dripped it of all
its rich furniture.
Henry faV this reverfc of fortune, and again em-
braced the party of his brother. He abfolved thofe
he had before excommunicated; and by his emif-
furiesj difperfed throughout the whole kingdom,
grievous complaints againd the emprefs. The
allegiance he had fworn to her was forgotten ;. his
oaths were not proof againd intered. Maud was
no dran^er to the character of the legate. She
knew "nothing was td be expected from his diffimu-
larion ; and therefore, advancing at the head of her
troops, encamped in the neighbourhood of Win-
cheder. Orders were immediately difpatched to
the bidiop, commanding his attendance at a council
the emprefs had fummoned to meet in her Camp.
The legate faw the fnare, and efcaped through a
podern gate; but the cadle fell into the hands of
the emprefs. Henry fled to London, joined Eu-
ftace.and William de Ypres, and openly declared in
favour of Stephen. A refpedtable body of forces
were foon raifed ; and the legate, attended by his
affociates, marched to Wincheder with fuch expe-
dition, that the emprefs and her friends had but jud
time to fhut themfelves up in the cadle, before it
was invefted by the enemy.
The bifhop had furnidied the fortrefs with fuch
a dock1 of provifions, that the befieged held out
feven weeks; and every attempt to take it by
affault failed, by the valour and conduct of the
duke of Glouceder. But famine at length effected
what force had attempted in vain. The ganifon
had but this alternative, either to cut themlelves a
paffage through the legate's forces, or furrender at
difcretion. They choie the former, and made the
neceffary preparations for the defperate attempt.
The care of the perfon of the .emprefs was com-
mitted to the main body of their forces ; while
Glouceder, at the head of two hundred followers,
fallied out of the 'cadle, and Attacked the befiegers
with the utmod bravery. Alarmed at the boldnefs
of this party of the befieged, the legate's army left
their pods to repulfe fo formidable a band of af-
failants. The expected opportunity now offered ;
and the emprefs, attended by a great part of her
forces, made her efcape. She fled to the city of
Glouceder, where flie was joined by Miles, who
' had
E
H
E
N.
had long ferved her with unfhaken fidelity. But
though the emprefs efcaped by the noble efforts
of the duke of Gloucefter, his courage proved fatal
to his liberty. He was taken prifoner, and -lent to
the caftle of Rochefter. The emprefs, fenfible that
every hope of fuccefs depended on the valour and
ability of her brother, conferred to exchange
Stephen for him.
The bifhop of Winchcfter now famrhohed a
fynod of the clergy, and endeavoured to vindicate
his conduct with regard to his brother ; but even
the clergy feemed not 'to be affected with his ha-
rangue. The legatine power, indeed, with which
he was inverted, commanded their filence ; they
feared the anger of the pope, more than the anger
of heaven. But a lay deputy from the emprds
nobly undertook what a daftardly clergy had re-
filled. He emered a proteft againft the legate's
proceedings ; accufed him of complicated perjury ;
affirmed, that the landing of the emprefs was
owing to his repeated invitations ; and the fevere
treatment his brother had experienced, was in con-
fequence of his pernicious advice. He concluded
with charging him, on the faith he had fworn to
the emprefs as his fovereign, not to do any thing
in that aflembly againft her title and dignity. The
legate kept a profound filence. Confcious guilt,
or rather prelatical policy, fealed his lips. How-
ever, he recollected himfelf fufficiently to pro-
nounce, the fentence of excommunication againft
the emprefs, ancl all her adherents. The whole
aiicmbly were ftruckwith furprize and indignation:
they could not hear, without horror, eccltiiaftical
cenfures, fo directly oppofire in their tendency,
pronounced, without any other reafon than that of
latisfying his own pride and malevolence. This
was, however, the laft time he exerted this .autho-
rity. Pope Celiftine II. on his accefilon to the
papal chair, deprived him of the legatine power,
and beftowed it on Theobald, archbifhop of Can-
terbury.
. ~ The earl of Gloucefter now per-
' ceived tne effects of his filler's pride
and obftinacy. Her party was decreafed in num-
bers, and even many of her powerful friends had
'forfook her ftandard. He faw that fhe could now
never hope to afcend the throne by the fuffrages of
the Englifh ; and feared it was too late to recover
the popularity fhe had loft through her haughti-
nefs. He, however, determined to perfevere in the
catife he had undertaken, till death, or a decifive
victory, might put an end to the conteft. A council
of Maud's principal friends was1 fummoned at the
Devizes, when it was refolvd to folicit a foreign
affiftance ; and Gloucefter was appointed to go
over to the continent, in order to perfuade Geoffrey
of Anjou to land in England at the head of his
forces.
Stephen exerted all his abilities, and the utmoft
activity, to profit by this defection of Maud's
friends ; and, which more ftrengthened his intereft,
the abfence of the duke of Gloucefter. The em-
prefs had no army capable of meeting the enemy
in the open field, and was 'obliged to elude the
vigilance of Sterhen, by retreating from one poft
to another. Her friends now became cool in her
femce ; and fhe found herfelf, by her own impru-
dent conduct, deferted by the brave citizens of
London, who of themfelves could have effectually
given fuccefs to her operations. At laft fhe retired
to Oxford, then one of the ftrongeft fortifications
in the kingdom, and determined there to wait the
arrival of fvjccours from her hufband. Stephen
immediately made himfelf mafter of the city, and
then laid dole fiege to the caftle.
The earl of Gloucefter, though mafter of the
moft engaging arts of perfuafion, could not prevail
'on Geoffrey Plantagenet to pals with him over into
3
England at the head of his forces ; all he could
obtain was a reinforcement of four hundred knights,
under the command of Henry his eldeft fon. With
this fmall body of men the earl of Gloucefter
landed in Dorfetfhire, and took Wareham, the
"urifon of which fin-rendered to him. He then
made himfelf mafter of the Ifie of Portland, which
Stephen had fortified. By thefe diverfions he in-
tended to induce the king to abandon Oxford; but
lie was not to be allured to abandon the object he
had in view. The arrival of Gloucefter and prince
Henry greatly lefTened his army ; his foldiers de-
ferted in fuch numbers, that fome of the avenues .
to the call le were left unguarded; Maud did not
neglect fo favourable an opportunity f>:r making
her efcape. It was now the middle of winter ; the
ground was covered with fnow, and the waters of
the rivers entire1.) frozen. Encouraged by thefe
favourable circumttances, fhe dreffed herfelf and
her attendants in white, in order to prevent their
being feen by the centinels. They then crofTed the
river on the ice, and walked on foot above fix miles
to Abingdon. The caftle of Oxford furrendered
the next morning to Stephen, who was fufficiently
mortified upon finding all the fruits of his labours
fnatched from him at the very time when he thought
^himfelf fure of his prey. During the fiege,
Gloucefter, finding- that by all his ftratagems he
could not force the king to leave Oxford, and
knowing the dangerous fituation of the emprefs
became every day more alarming, fent to all her
adherents to meet him at Cirencefter, declaring his •
intention of leading them directly to the relief of
the emprefs. They came, and were on their march
thither, when, to their inexpreffible joy, they heard
fhe was fafe in Wallingford. Here they joined
her, with the young prince her fon. The fight of
this object of htfr affections, excited the full force
of parental tendernefs. While ftraining hyn to her
bofom, fhe forgot, for a momentj all her afflictions,
and all her I cars. The emprefs had often been
favedi when juft on the very brink of deftruction.
She had a mind that could not bear profperity ; but
that fprr.it, which power rendered haughty and info-
lent, was great in misfortune, and intrepid in dan-
ger. Henry, her fon, after having devoted fome
time to filial duty, was fent to Briftol, where he
continued four years under the care of his uncle,
who trained Kim in fuch exercifes as we-e moft
proper to fit his body" for war, and in thofe ftudies
which might embellifh and ftrengthen his mind.
From this time when Maud made her efcape,
nothing material happened between the two con-
tending parties, except a few fkirmifhes, and the
taking a few caftles.
This year was marked with an ev-ent A r\
that blatted the hopes of Maud, and "*' '
ftruck at the very root of her intereft. The earl of
Glouceiler, whofe lofs no refource could fupply,
died of a fever, and was buried at Briftol. He had
lately unwillingly been feparated from prince
Henry, whofe father, the earl of Anjou, had re-
quefted, from apprehenfions of danger, to return
into Normandy. Gloucefter, juft before his death,
had parted with the prince at Wareham, never to fee
him more. In this accomplifhed nobleman, the
emprefs loft the only perfon that deferved her entire
confidence, he being, unqueftionably, the wifeft
man of thofe times ; and, which more juftly em-
balms his memory, his virtues were fuch, that even
thofe times could not corrupt. Perhaps he was the
only partizan in her caufe, who ferved the emprefs
without views of intereft. He was brave, prudent,
generous, and fincere ; an enemy to tyranny, 'an
enemy to injuftice, an enemy to deceit. He was
beloved by his foldiers, by his friends, by his
country. The virtuous part of it lamented his
death, and even Stephen himfelf dropped a tear in
refpect
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
refpect to his memory. Thus deprived of her
guide, the emprefs loon found it impoffible for
her to maintain any longer the conteft for the
crown. In lei's- than four months after the death
of her brother, fhe was conftrained, in order to pre-
ierve her liberty, to pafs over into Normandy, there
to refide ae;ain with a hufband whom Ihe never loved,
and who did not love her ; but who was generous or
prudent enough to receive her with kindnefs in this
fad reverie of fortune, when her pride was fuffi-
ciently humbled by fufferings.
Henry was now fixteen years old; and beginning
to difcover a manly vigour of body and mind, his
friends earntftly defired his prefence in England.
The king of Scotland had taken porTeffion of the
three counties adjacent to his kingdom, nor could
"Stephen drive him out of them. David was now
willing to engage heartily in Henry's caufe, on
condition of his yielding thofe three counties free
to him and his heirs, without doing homage for
them to the crown of England. He therefore in-
vited him over with a promife of aid; upon which
the earl of Anjou fent him into England, with a
good body of chofen troops, both of horfe and
foot. He landed fafely, and marched into fome
of the*weftern counties; where, being joined by
fev.eral barons of note, they proceeded to ithe king
of Scotland, who was then at Carlifle, at the head
of an army. David received Henry with a tender
affection ; and during Whitfuntide feftival, which
•was kept there with extraordinary pomp, that'mo-
• narch conferred on Henry the honour of knight-
hood, which in thofe days was efteemed neceiFary
for princes as foon as they were capable of bearing
arms. But, previous to this ceremony, David re-
• quired of Henry to take an oath never to refume
from him or his heirs, any part of the three
counties of which he had obtained pofieffion.
Henry took the oath prefcribed, and yielded thofe
province's, in hopes of recovering the reft of the
kingdom by the affiftance of the Scots.
n At this period Geoffrey Plantagenet,
- ,7v II5I> count of Anjou, and Maud's confort,
perceiving his end approaching, and defirous of
fettling the fucceffion of his dominions on the fureft
foundation, invefted young Henry with his dutchy.
'The king of France, incenfed at this defignation,
without his confent having firft been obtained as
fovereign lord of the fief, invaded Normandy, and
laid fiege to Arques. He fufpedted' that Henry
•was too young to give him any great oppofition,
but he was miftaken ; for he made fo powerful
a diverfion in France, that Louis was obliged to
raife the fiege, and march to the defence of his
own dominions. The confequence was., that a
peace was concluded, by which Louis invefted
Henry with the dutchy of Normandy. Geoffrey
now dying, Henry was left in poffeffion of Nor-
mandy, Main, and Anjou. Soon after Henry con-
cluded a marriage, which brought him an addi-
tional acceflion of power. Eleanor, the daughter
and heirefsof William, duke of Guienne, and earl
of Poictou, had been married fixteen years to Louis
VII. king of France, and had attended him in a
crufade. But having loft the affections of her
hufband, who fufpefted her of having had an
intrigue with a handfome Saracen, and being of
quite oppofite difpofitions, he procured a divorce
from her under the pretence of confanguinity, and
reftored the rich provinces of Guienne, Poictou,
and Xaintonge, which, by her marriage, were an-
nexed to the crown of France. Young Henry paid
a fuccefsful courtfhip ; and marrying her fix weeks
after her divorce, obtained the poffeffion of all
her dominions as her dowry.- About this time
Stephen involved himfelf in a quarrel with the
pope. His holinefs had fummoned a council to
meet at Rheims ; but infteadof permitting Stephen
to elect five deputies required, the pope nominated
them himfelf. Stephen complained loudly of this
breach of national privilege ; but Eugenius, who
then filled the papal chair, regarded not his re-
monftrances. Enraged at this infult, the king re-
fufed them permiffion to attend ; and the holy
father, in revenge, laid the kingdom under an in-
terdict, or fentence of excommunication. By this,
all the offices of religion were futpended ; the
churches {hut up, and the dead were not permitted'
to be depofited in confecrated ground. An uni-
verfal terror fpread through the nation ; and the
, king found it neeefiary to make fubmiffions to the
pope, in order to procure a reverfion of the fen-
tence. This quarrel with the holy .fee being con-
cluded, Stephen, in order to fix the Englifli fceptre
in his family, attempted td procure the coronation
of his fon Euftace with the ufual folemnities.
Theobald, archbifliop of Canterbury, \vhofe power
was increafed by the legatine authority, abfolutely
refufed to afiid at the ceremony. Incenfed at this
peremptory denial, Stephen committed the arch-
bifhop a clofe prifoner. But he found means to
corrupt his guards, and pafied over to the conti-
nent. This efcape rendered the king's attempt to
fecure the fuccefiion abortive ; it being then confi-
dered, that the archbifliop of Canterbury pofiefled
an unalienable right to crown the kings of Eng-
land.
Henry landed an army in England . . ~
on the fixth of January, which was
foon increafed by the moft refpectable part of the
nobility in the kingdom. Stephen faw the gather-
ing ftorm, and laboured with affiduity to break its
force. The feverity of the feafon had no effect
upon his ardour. He marched, at the head of his
forces, to meet the duke of Normandy; but the
badnefs of the roads fo greatly retarded his progrefs,
that Henry made himfelf mafter of feveral ftrong
caftles before Stephen could come to their relief.
At laft the two armies met in the neighbourhood
of Wallingford, each determined to decide, by a
general action, the great conteft for the Engliili
crown. But while Stephen was preparing for the
battle, the earl of Arundel, who was engaged in
his caufe, having aflfembled the principal nobility
and officers, made an animated fpeech, in which he
propofed to put an end . to the war, by an agree-
ment that Stephen fliculd enjoy the crown during
his life, and that Henry fhoulcl fucceed him as king
of England. This fpeech, the tenor of which
correfponded with the fentiments and wifhes of the
whole nation, was received with great applaufe.
The impreflion it made on me nobles was foon
communicated to the foldiers ; whereupon they in-
ftantly, as if animated with one foul, grounded
their arms, and loudly declared they wiflied for
peace. The earl then communicated their fenti-
ments to the king. Aftonifhment, rage, and in-
dignation, choaked up the fpeech of Euftace his
fon. Stephen was amazed, confounded, and inti-
midated. But after the conflict of contending
pafilons had fubfided, he yielded to a ceffation of
arms, and to a conference with the young prince.
The fame propofal was now laid before Henry,
who at firft refufed his afient, imagining that
Stephen might live many years, and that neither a
fincere nor lafting peace could be effected upon
i fuch terms ; however, he confented to an interview
with the king, and they met on the bank of the
Thames, where, after a -conference, they parted,
without coming to any decifive conclufion. The
greateft obftacle in the way was Euftace, who, .at
his father's return, upbraided him bitterly for hav-
ing the abject compliance to treat with his enemy ;
and told him, that by liftening to fuch terms, he
would facrifice not only his fon, but his own dig-
nity to a vain IKadow of peace, and to the mere
name
E
H
E
N.
81
name of royalty. But the nobles, unwilling to
iheath the fword in the bowels of their country-
men, interpofed tlicir authority, and a reflation of
arms took place. When this was expired, and
both parties were preparing for renewing hoftilities,
Euftace died of a fever ; which fudden event occa-
fioned a parliament to be afTemblcd at Winchefter,
by whom it was reiolved, that Stephen fhould en-
joy his crown unmolefted during life, and that on
his deceafe Henry Ihould fucceed to the kingdom.
After this aft had pafTtd, Henry returned to Nor-
mandy, and Stephen made a progrefs through feve-
ral counties of England. In his circuit he reformed
many abufes; ifiued feveral falutary edicts ; and
employed his time to heal the wounds of his bleed-
ing country. Indeed, by his conduct, one might
conclude, that he determined to devote the re-
mainder of his days in promoting the happinefs of
his fubjects. But while he v/as thus endeavouring
to diffufe univerfal harmony through the whole
kingdom, death put a period to his life at Dover,
A _. on the twenty-fifth of October, in the
i:54- fifties year of his age, and the nine-
teenth of his reign. He was buried. in the abbey of
Feverlham, which he himfelf had founded. Befides
Euftace, he had another ion named William, who
was earl of Bologne, in right of his mother the
queen. He IK. 'ikewife a daughter, named Mary,
efpoufed to Philip of Alfatia ; alfo two natural fons,
William and Gervafe, the laft of whom was abbot
of Weftmi niter.
The hiftory of learning, during this period, is
very defective. The numerous civil wars and re-
bellions that defolated the kingdom, difturbed the
progrefs of literature, and prevented the mufes
from taking up their abode in Britain. Ecclefiafti-
cal controversies indeed abounded, that had no
other tendency than that of fomenting civil difcord,
and exalting the power of the mitre, and making
it independent of the crown ; or of placing the ob-
fervance of fuperftitious rites above the practice of
pure, undefiled religion. A few, it is true, like
beacons on the fummit of diftant hills, have thrown
a glimmering light over this night of Romifh ig-
norance, and faintly irradiated the gloom of Gothic
barbarity.
Florence, a monk of Worcefter, often called Flo-
rentius Baronius, compofed a chronicle of the world
from the creation to 1118. He was confidered as
a careful and indefatigable hiftorian. He died in
1119.
Alfred, or Alured, a prieft and treafurer of the
college of Beverly, appears to have been a writer
of genius and abilities ; but his hiftory has fuffered
greatly by the hands of ignorant tranfcribers. He
died in 1 136.
Eadermus was cotemporary with Alfred, and an
intimate with Anfelm, archbifhop of Canterbury.
He wrote the hiftories of William I. William II.
and Henry I. and if we make allowances for his
prejudices in favour of the papal authority, his
works may be confidered as impartial. The time
of his death is uncertain.
William of Malmfbury is defervedly placed at the
head of all the Englifh hiftorians of his time. His
fenriments are bold and manly; his ftile nervous
and elegant, far fuperior to what might be expected
from the barbarous age in which he lived. He was
a monk and -librarian of the college of Malmfbury,
and his principal work is, de Geftis Anglorum, with
an appendix, entitled, Hiftoriarum Novelise. He
died in 1 142.
Simeon of Durham wrote a hiftory of the Englifh
Iranfactions till the year 1129. He was both a
monk and preceptor in the convent of Durham.
Leland tells us, that he diflinguifhed himfelf by
his indefatigable affiduity in collecting the monu-
ments of Englifh learning that had efcaped the
No. 8.
ravages of the Danes. The time of his death is un-
known.
Henry of Huntingdon compofed a hiftory of
England in ten books, ending with the death of
Stephen. This work is very defective in me-
thod, and abounds with a number of fabulous
legends, tranfcribed from Geoffrey, of Monmouth's
hiftory. He alfo wrote a continuation of Bede's
ecclefiaftical hiftory, and a chronological table of
the kings of England. The time of his death is un-
certain.
But the moft eminent monument of learning of
thofe times is the Saxon Chronicle, which begins
with the birth of Chrift, and ends with the death
of Stephen. It is evident from the difference of
ftile, and other characteriftic marks, that thefe
annals were wrote by feveral authors, and at various
periods of time. But their authenticity is un-
queftionable, efpecially with regard to the wars
between the Anglo-Saxons and Britons; and they
have been the foundation of all our hiftories to the
Norman, conqueft. Dr. Gibfon, afterwards bifhop
of London, publifhed. at Oxford, 1692, an accurate
edition of this celebrated Chronicle, with an elegant
tranflation.
CbaraBer of king Stephen.
Ambition was his predominant paffion ; to gra-
tify which he added perjury to ingratitude, trampled
on the juft rights of others, and involved an inno-
cent people in all the horrors of civil difcord. His
induftry, activity, and courage, are not to be
difputed; nor did he want the ibfter virtues of
affability, clemency, and generofity, which, had
they been under the guidance of wifdom and juftice,
would have placed him among the beft of our
kings. We do not find, notwithftanding his pre-
carious fituation, he ever indulged himfelf in the
exercife of any cruelty or revenge. But the extent
of his genius was not proportioned to the great
plan of action upon which his talents, not of the
fuperior kind, were employed; ever pufhing on to
bold undertakings, yet feldom fuccefsful. For
fetting out wrong, and having left the ftraight path
of virtue, he got into a labyrinth of perplexed
meafures, out of which he could never extricate
himfelf either with reputation or fafety. In his at-
tachments he was too warm ; in his refentments,
particularly toward the bifhops, too impetuous j
thus, not conforming to the times and circum-
ftanccs in which he was placed, that required a
fteady, calm, and regular prudence. His black
ingratitude in running counter to the obligations
he lay under to his uncle king Henry, is a ftain
on his charafter which even the merit of good
government could not have effaced. He forgot his
obligations to the clergy ; and that refource he
might have found in the affection of his people.
Bribes, and a (landing army of odious foreign
mercenaries, were the wretched fupports whereon
he leaned, to fecure a precarious and unnatural
power. His conceffions to the bilhops weakened
the regal prerogative ; and when he ventured to
oppofe them, he did it in a manner which hurt the
privileges of his temporal barons no lefs than theirs,
and made civil liberty appear to be interefted in
their defence. His private life was far better than
his public conduct. He was a good hufband, a
kind father. To his children he was too kind,
becaufe he took no care to reftrain the vices of
their youth. Having gained a crown by ufurpa-
tion, he governed by a foreign minilter, and
foreign arms; yet, at the fame time, gave way to
innovations, which rendered his fubjects formidabl*
to him; then, by all the means of abiblute dd'po-
tifm, without regard to law or. juftice, endeavoured
to fubdue the power he had railed; and after
X having
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
having made his reign a long civil war, purchafed
at laft a diflionourable peace, by excluding his fon
from the fucceffion, adopting his enemy, and leav-
ing himfelf little more than the empty name of a
king. No great idea can be formed of a monarch,
whofe whole conduct in government broke every
rule of good and true policy. If he might have
been permitted to continue only earl of Montagne,
he would, perhaps, have fupported that rank with
a fair reputation. But, confidering him in the
moft favourable light, we fhall find him unfit for a
throne. Had he afcended this feat of power by
right of inheritance, and lived in lefs troublelbme
times, he would, in all probability, have been
tranfmitted to poilerity with applaufe, and recorded
as one of the moft illuftrious princes of the Norman
race.
BOOK
V.
From the reftorat'wn of the Saxon line under Henry II. in the honfe of Plantc-genet, or Avjoii, to the deaik of
Henry III.
H
CHAP. I.
N R
II.
His title to the crown — On his arrival in England is received by the people with every demonjlration of joy — The
firft popular aRs of his reign Is in danger of being tut off -with his army in Wales — Becket made archbijhop
of Canterbury — The life and character of that prelate — His banijhment, return, and murder — Henry juftifiet
bimfelf to the pope, and performs penance at the tomb of Becket — The conqueft of Ireland — A rebellion of
Henry's fans (in the courfe of 'which he takes William, king of Scotland, prifoner) terminated at length by an
accommodation — Richard* bis eldeji fon, again revolts, and reduces him to great extremity — The death and cha-
rafttr of Henry II.
_ TT ENR Y II. fon of the emprefs
T55- J^l Matilda, by her fecond hufband
Geoffrey Plantagenet, count of Anjou, afcended
the throne of England by an hereditary right de-
rived from his grandfather Henry I. as aifo by
virtue of the late treaty he had concluded with
Stephen. He was mafter, in right of his father,
of Anjou, Touraine, and Maine; in that of his
mother of Normandy; and in that of Eleanor,
his confort, of Guienne, Poidlou, Xaintogne,
Auvergne, Perigord, Amgoumois, and Limofm.
Thefe provinces compofed near a third of the
whole monarchy of France, and were even fuperior
in extent and opulence, to thofe territories which
were fubjugated to the immediate jurifdiction of
that king. Henry, on the death of Stephen, was
befieging a caftle in Normandy. His council ad-
vifed him to haften to England, left his enemies
Ihould take advantage of his abfence to excite
difturbances ; but he could not be perfuaded to
raife the fiege, till the caftle had been forced to
lurrender at difcretion. He then went to Rouen
to confer with his mother, who prudently deter-
mined not to go with him to England, where Ihe
was not beloved.
After this he repaired with Eleanor his queen,
and a fplendid train of nobility to Barfleur, and as
foon as the wind was favourable he put to fea,
when he was in danger of being Jhip-wrecked ; but
the ftorm abating, he landed near Hurft Cattle on
the feventh of December, about fix weeks after
Stephen's death.
Upon his arrival at Winchefter, the clergy, no-
bility, and gentry, came from all parts to meet him,
and with the loudeft acclamations teftified their
willingnefs to obey him, not only as their fovereign,
but as their deliverer. His journey from thence
to London appeared a continual procefllon, and that
city received him with the higheft marks of diftinc-
tion. On the nineteenth of December he and his
queen were crowned in Weftminfter Abbey, by
Theobald, archbifhop of Canterbury, with no other
compact with his people, than the ufual oaths re-
quired of the antierit kings of England. Indeed,
they had imbibed a very Mattering idea of the
virtues and abilities of their new king ; and the
firft adts of his government fully juftified the good
opinion they had entertained of him. Having ad-
vifed with his parliament concerning the ftate of
the kingdom, he exerted himfelf agreeable to their
refolutions to remove the complaints of his fub-
jects. He began with difmiiTing. all thofe foreign
mercenaries who had long fattened on the fpoils of
the nation. Thefe, with their leader William de
Ypres, he commanded to leave the realm on
pain of death. He deftroyed the caftles which
Stephen, againft the faith he had given, referved
undemolifhed, except a few, that from their fitua-
tion were thought neceffary for the defence of the
kingdom. He revoked all the grants made by his
predeceflbrs, and even thofe which the emprefs his
mother had lavifhed on her favourites. He re-
paired the coin, which had been fhamefully de-
baled during the late confufions, and took pro-
per meafures for preventing a return of the like
abufes. He was rigorous in the execution of
juftice ; while, at the fame time, the powerful were
retrained from ads of tyranny, and the licentious
from difturbing the repofe of the innocent. A
few turbulent barons, at firft oppofed the deftruc-
tion of their caftles. The earl of Albemarle,
Hugh Mortimer, and the fon of Miles, earl of
Hertford, were inclined to make refiftance to this
lalutary meafure; but the king calling a general
council of the nation, all their fchemes were dif-
concerted, and they were obliged to fubmit. To
endear himfelf ftill more to his iubjefts, he granted
them a charter of liberties, in which that of his
grandfather, Henry I. was confirmed. Thus was
his kingdom, which had fuffered equally by tyranny
and faftion, re-eftablifhed in thofe legal rights,
which were the proper fences to guard it from both
thefe evils.
Henry embarked for Normandy, in . ~ f,
order to oppofe the defigns of his • • J
brother Geoffrey, who fince his departure, had
made an incurfion into Anjou and Maiire, and
took pofieflion of a confiderablc p;:rt of .thoff;
provinces,
\(\llc dclin .
Thornton .
Jlj JN IV Y I A .
///• ^y/y ///;/J._ Arrived /// Kngland We&fti./tit^UnM^
j Q uc en Eleanor , C rowned //'' /^ y//^' '^'W^' ' //<>»'/f - Impriroited
Queen ^? : ^yy^/x/ ^/ lloiomoncl ///» Conciibiiie,//^_r)ied "'/// Grief ^/^
Altar, cnrfing: /^.' Sons. X///. AV///^ :.* //// Buried "/ Fouleverand /// France
H E N R
provinces, to which he avowed a pretended right,
On the king's appearance the people returned to
their allegiance; and Geoffrey, finding it would be
in vain to contend with the fuperior power of his
brother, refigncd his claim for an annual penfion
of a thoufand pounds fterling money. Henry took
pofieflion of the lands and caftles, together with
the earldom of Nantz, which the inhabitants, who
had expelled count Heel, put into his hands. On
his return to England in 1157, Cadwalkr, brother
to Owen, a prince of Wales, applied to Henry for
protection, and encouraged him to revenge the in-
iults of the Welch, who had, during his abience,
committed great outrages by invading their country.
Henry therefore marched at the head of a powerful
army to Winchefter, where he received advice, that
Owen had advanced as far as Bafingwerk in Flint-
fhire to meet him. But this was only an artifice,
to draw the Englifh into a narrow and difficult pals
between too ranges of hills, where Owen had placed
a numerous ambufcade under the command of his
fons. Henry confiding too rrrach in the flrength
of his army, and not fufficiently confulting thofe
who had a more perfect knowledge of the country,
fell into the fnare, and paid dearly for his rafhnefs.
When he had advanced into the middle of thefe
ftraits with his vanguard, the Welch rifing at once
•with the moft horrible outcries, from under the
cover of the woods that hung over the fteep and
rocky Tides of the pafs, afiaulted them with ttones,
arrows, and other miflile weapons. The confufion
they were thrown into, and the fituation of the
place, quite difabled them from refilling this un-
expected attack. Euftace Fitz-John, and Robert
de Courfey, two barons, being flain, and Henry
rinding it impofiible to proceed farther, endeavoured
to retire back to the entrance of the (traits, which
•with much difficulty he performed; but moft of his
troops wert miferably deftroyed, before he could
extricate them or himfelf from their unhappy fitu-
ation. Henry de EfTex, hereditary ftandard-bearer,
being feized with a panic, letting the royal ftandard
drop from his hands, betook himfelf to flight ; and
meeting the reft of the army, cried aloud, " The
king is flain !" The confirmation became general.
The Welch perceiving their difmay, attacked
them with great fury. They would have been
jQiamefully routed, if, at that inftant, Henry had
not (hewn himfelf, and with a countenance full of
alacrity, encouraged, rallied, and led them on to
the charge j when, animated with the joy of feeing
him fafe, they quickly drove the enemy back into
the wood.
The king now drew off his forces, and calling a
council of war, it was refolved to leave the woody
hills between -which they had lo unhappily at
tempted to pafs, and march along the fea-fhore, till
they fhould get beyond Bafingwerk, to the back of
the poft the Welch had taken ; at the fame time
the fleet was ordered to fail along the coaft, and
make defcents upon the more open parts of the
country.
Owen having been informed of this plan, retired
to a ftrong pofition in the mountains of Snowden.
Henry immediately fubdued all Flintshire ; and, to
fecure his pofleffions, made roads for an army to
pafs without difficulty through the whole province;
cut down the woods ; rebuilt the caftles of Ruth-
land and Bafingwerk ; began that of Flint ; and
founded a houfe for the knights Templars, which
was a new kind of garrifon, before unknown in
that country. While thus employed, Owen, dread-
ing the confequences fhould they be completed,
came down from the mountains, and advanced to
the borders of Flintlhire. Several fkirmifhes after-
wards happened between the two armies, but no
general action ; Owen being not difpofed to venture
a battle in an open country, and Henry, inftructed
Y II. 83
by the lofs he had fuftained, as carefully avoided
expofing himfelf or his army to any more ambuf-
cades. In the mean time, having afTembled a fleet
at Chefter, by his orders they failed from thence,
and afljfted his operations in Flintlhire ; after which
he fent it to harrafs the coafts of North Wales,
under the command of Madoc ap Meredith. Some
of the forces of that prince, in conjunction with
the Englifh made a defcent on the Ifle of Anglefey,
where they ravaged the country without refinance j
but as they were returning to their {hips, encum-
bered with fpoils, the whole ftrength of the ifie fud-
denly attacked and cut them to pieces. Owen, not-
withstanding this fuccefs in his favour, on finding
himfelf unable to hinder the Englifh from delblat-
ing the moft fertile parts of his maritime provinces,
became very uneafy from the apprehenfions of
wanting provifions, fhould he either remain long in
the poll he had taken, or fhut himfelf up with his
army in the defarts of Snowdem He therefore
adopted the moft prudent ftep of fuing for peace,
which Henry granted him, on conditiorTof his ren-
dering him homage, yielding up all the diftricts and
caftles in North Wales which had been taken from
the Englifh during the reign of king Stephen, and
delivering two of his fons as hoftages for his future
fidelity. He alfo obliged him to reftore the lands
he had taken from his brother Cadwaller. Having
obtained thefe great points, and put ftrong garrifons
in the caftles of Ruthland and Bafingwerk, he left
the war to 'be finiftied by the lords of the Marches,
fuppofing that the inferior Welch princes would not
continue long in arms after Owen h-id fubmitted.
Nor was he miftaken ; for at the commencement of
the year following, all the princes of South Wales,
except Rhees ap Griftyth, and all the lefier chief-
tains of that country, came to the king in England,
and made a peace with him on the above conditions.
However, no perfect fettlement of South Wales
could be effected, while Rhees ap Griffyth remained
unconquered. That prince commanded his people
to remove their flocks, herds, and other effects, to
the defart of Tywy; and, though deferted by all
his confederates, continued the war with the kino-
of England. Henry who had an efteem for him
on account of his magnanimity, fent him a friendly-
invitation to come to his court, wi'h an affurance
that he fhould be kindly received; but added, if he
refufed that favour, the whole power of England
ihould be fent to bring him thither. That prince
having confulted his friends, who perfuaded him to
go, he followed their advice. Henry having
received his homage, gave him the patrimonial
eftates of his anceftors ; but not without receiving
from him in return two of his fons, as hoftages for
his future fidelity. Thus Henry had the honour
of concluding this troublefome and dangerous war,
and of recovering all the Englifh poflefiions which
Stephen had loft within the confines of Wales,
and likewife of reftoring to England its fovereignty
over the whole nation, by forcing its princes to
hold their territories as vaflals under homage and
fealty.
Geoffrey, the king's brother, dying . ^
foon after he had acquired pofiefiion of ^ ' • * J5°'
Nantz, Henry laid claim to his territories; and
having a competitor in Conan, duke of Brittany,
who took pofiefiion of the fame, he was refolved
to fupport his more juft pretenfions by force of
arms. In order to prevent Louis, the French king,
from interpofing in this controverfy, Henry paid
him a vifit, and fo influenced him by civilities and
carefies, that an alliance was contracted between
the two kings ; and it was agreed that young
Henry, heir-apparent to the Englifh crown, fhould
be betrothed to Margaret of France, though the
former was only five years of age, and the latter
ftill in her cradle, Secure now of not being mo-
i lefted
,S4
THE NEW ANE> COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
lefted in his operations on the fide of France,
Henry advanced at the head of his army into
Brittany; and Conan, defpairing ofi fuccefs againft
Ib powerful an enemy, delivered up the county of
Nantz to the Englifh monarch. And in order to
fecure his friendihip and fupport, as a counter-
balance to the tifrbulent difpofuion of his fubjecls,
Conan betrothed his daughter, and only child, and
yet an infant, to Geoffrey, the king's third fon,
who was alfo of the fame tender years. Henry, by
his political alliance with Louis, hoped to recover
the Norman Vexin, which had been ceded by his
father to Louis le Groffe. This territory was of
great importance, containing a chain of forts, which
if united to the dutchy of Normandy, would form a
good barrier for the defence of that country j but
remaining under the jurifdiftion of France, would
expofe it to continual danger. Henry therefore
propofed, that thefe places ihould be given by the
French king as a dowry with his daughter. This
negcciation was carried on and fuccefsfully con-
cluded. After which Louis, to exprefs the fatis-
faclion he felt in the union of the two families, in-
vited Henry to come to Paris, and receive the
princeis himfelf. Henry accepted the invitation,
and was received with all the honours that the
civility of thofe times could devife; he accepted
them with an amiable and graceful politenefs; but
as much as poffible avoided all pompous forms and
ceremonies, his mind being too great, his under-
ftanding too iolid, to be fond of fuch pageantry.
A t-» t Philippa, mother of queen Eleanor,
59- was the only iffue of William IV.
count of Tholoufe j and fhould have inherited his
dominions, had not that prince, defirous of preferv-
ing the iuccefiion in the male line, conveyed the
principality to his brother, Raymond de St. Giles,
by an illulory contract of fale. By this fiftuious
bargain, the county of Tholoufe caufed a difpute
between the male and female heirs, which in turns,
as opportunity favoured their prerenfions, had ob-
tained pofleffion. Alphonfo, the fon of Raymond,
was now the reigning ibvereign ; and Henry avowed
his refolution of fupporring his queen's right to
that earldom, which Louis himlelf, when hufband
to Eleanor, thought well founded ; but his fenti-
ments changing with his intereft, which might be
affecled by any farther addition of territory to the
Englifli monarch, he now determined to defend by
his whole force the title of Alphonfo. The fword
therefore was drawn to decide the controverfy.
Henry knew that the reduction of Tholoufe, a city
remarkable for its ftrength, would require a power-
ful body of troops ; and being fenfible at the fame
time, that the ufual cuftom of railing an army in Eng-
land would not anlwer his. purpofe, he had recourfe
to a fcheme which he flattered himfelf would not be
difagreeable to his people.
According to the feudal fyftem, the king iffued
out his orders, for all his military tenants to take
the field, at the head of a certain number of their
vaffals, in proportion to the number of their fiefs,
feut the delays occafioned by the flownefs with
which the military tenants came into the field, the
fpirit they poffefled when there, and the fhortnefs
of the time they were obliged to ferve, being only
forty days, rendered them not only of little ufe,
but even dangerous. Nor was this method of
raifing troops lefs inconvenient to the fubjedt.
When a war was to be carried on without the
Jcingdom, the expences going to and returning
from the army, which they were obliged to bear
themfelves, became an intolerable burden ; their
domeftic affairs, while in fervice, fuffered greatly;
the tillage of their lands was neglefted, and a fa-
mine was fometimes the confequence. Henry
therefore excufed the perfonal attendance of his
military tenants for a fum of money. The people
were delighted with this exchange; it being much
more agreeable to- them to advance a ftiptilatecl fum
than to furnifh troops, ar>d to head them in perfon.
The king was pleated to find he had united his
fentiments with thofe of his fubjects. They chear-
fully paid the fums levied upon them, and Henry
with the money hired foreign mercenaries, over
whom he had a more certain authority, and whofe
time of fervice was unlimited. The barons of Eng-
land engaged readily to fupport the king's preten-
fions : all his fubjecis had fuch a regard for him,
that they thought his intereft their own ; and all his
nobility followed him in this expedition with incre-
dible ardour.
Henry began his tnilitary operations againft
Cahors, the capital of the generality of Quercy, and
was foon mafter of chat place; but the city of
Tholoufe made a noble defence, baffling all the ex-
ertions of the Englifh monarch to take it. Louis
was , alarmed. He feared that if Henry fhould
make himfelf mafter of the principal places in the
heart of France, his ambition might tempt him to
advance even to the gates of Paris. He therefore
with a fmall body of forces, threw himfelf into
Tholoufe, before Henry could completely inveft that
city. Upon this, military operations immediately
ceafed.. The king of England declaring, influenced
by a nice punclilio of honour, that he owed lo much
refpeft to his fuperior lord, that he would not attack
a place defended by him in perfon. In confequence
of this declaration he raifed the fiege, and a peace
was foon after concluded between the two monarchs.
However Henry made war on all the other terri-
tories of earl Raymond, and in iefs than three
months conquered the grcateit part of the earldom
of Tholoufe.
Becket performed fignal fervices in this war ; for
he brought with him into the field feven hundred
knights, all of his own houfehold, each of whom
was attended by a fquire ; and thefe were efteemed
the braved foldiers in the king's army, charging
firft, and behaving with the greateft intrepidity in
every adtion. Nor was the chancellor lefs aftive.
He took by ftorm three caftles which were thought
impregnable, and pji that account left unattempted
by Henry. And when the king was in Normandy
he joined him, bringing with him twelve hundred
knights, and four thoufand ftipendaries of an in-
ferior degree, which he hired at his own expence.
During his fervice he engaged in a fingle combat
Engelran de Frie, a French knight of dillinguifhed
valour; difmoumed 'him with his lance, and gained
his horfe which he led off in triumph.
The peace between the two kin»s . ^
e T- i j i T- c n ' A. D. I IOO.
of England and France was of Ihort
continuance. Henry's eldeft fen had for fome time
been betrothed to Margaret, the daughter of Louis,
and it was agreed by the marriage treaty that the
princefs fhould have Gifors, wirii part of the Nor-
man Vexin, for her portion, which places were to re-
main in the pofleffion of the knights Templars, till
the marriage ihould be confummated. Defirous of
getting into his hands thefe valuable acquifitions,
Henry prevailed upon the cardinals Pifa and Pavis,
to grant him a fynodical decree, difpenfing with
the nonage of the parties. The nuptials were im-
mediately celebrated, though the prince was but
feven, and the princefs only 'three years of age ; and
the Templars confidering themfelves as free from
their engagements, delivered up the caftle of Gifors,
and the other places afllgned as Margaret's dowry.
Louis was not a little offended at this firatagem of
the Englifh monarch. And a war between them
feemed inevitable. But Alexander III. brought
about a reconciliation. Alexander, who the pre-
ceding year was driven from Rome by Victor IV.
had retired into France. Louis and Henry ac-
knowledged him for the true fucceflbr of St. Peter,
2 and
HENRY
II.
and the pontiff in return endeavoured to bring
about a peace between the two kings, who were
equally his friends. They both . ti;Ct his holinefs
at the caflle of Torci, on the banks of the Loire.
The two monarchs difmounted to receive him, and
each of them holding one of his ftirrups, walked
on foot by his fide, and in this manner conducted
him into the caftle. Can we wonder at the info-
lence of the Roman pontiff in the affair of Becket,
when two of the nioft powerful princes in Europe
were guilty of fuch an unpardonable weaknefs.
AT-) (• Henry had been detained fo long in
' ' Normandy, .that his affairs .in England
required his prefence. He therefore embarked,
and landed at Southampton, where he was received
by all his nobility both fpiritual and temporal with
great dernonftrations of joy. [ He now began an
undertaking, which, had it fucceeded, would have
completed his glory. The clergy had for feveral
years been making gradual encroachments on the
prerogative of the crown, fo that it was a queftion
at this time, whether the king or the bifbops might
be confidered as the head of" the kingdom. Henry
for fome time had it in contemplation to ftop the
rapid progrefs of ecclefiaftical ambition •, but the
mild behaviour and advanced age of Theobald,
archbifhop of Canterbury, together with his merit
in refufing to place the crown on the head of Euf-
tace, Stephen's fon, prevented Henry, during the
life of that prelate, taking thofe meafures which he
now adopted, and was refolutely bent to purfue.
After the death of Thtobald, the king promoted
Becket to the vacant fee, and he was now become
his chief favourite. From him therefore he no: only
thought himfelf fccure againft oppofition to his in-
tended reform, but fully expected a ready com-
pliance with all his intentions. Never did a prince
of fuch penetration appear, in the iffue, to have been
fo miftaken in the genius and character of a prime
minifter.
Becket had been raifed by Theobald to confi-
derable preferments in the church, and on Henry's
acceffion to the crown, was recommended to him
by that primate as a perfon worthy of his confi-
dence and favour. Henry accordingly promoted
him to feveral places of tru'ft, and loon after to
that of chancellor, one of the firft civil offices in
the kingdom. He was put in poffeflion of Eye
and Berkham, two baronies that had been forfeited
to the crown. He was made pcovoft of Beverly,
dean of Haftings, and conftable of the Tower •,
and to complete his grandeur, he was appointed
tutor to prince Henry, the king's eldeft fon.
Thomas a Becket was the fon of a reputable
tradefman in London, bred to the law, in the
practice of which he had acquired great reputation.
His perfon was graceful; his countenance pleafing ;
his wit lively ; his judgment folid ; his eloquence
powerful ; his addrefs fweetly engaging ; and his
memory ready on all occafions. Employments and
trufts of all kinds were heaped upon this favourite
without meafure. He had a fcandalous number
of ecclefiaftical benefices ; he had the temporalities
of vacant prelacies, the revenues of which he ufed
with the fame freedom as if they had been his own
rents, without keeping any regular account, and
with the appearance of the rnoft extravagant prodi-
gality. The fplendor of his furniture, which was
profufely ornamented; the luxuries with which his
table was conftantly provided; the pomp of his re-
tinue, and i he value of his donations, were corref-
pondent to his immenfe revenues, exceeding in
oftentation and prdfufenefs any thing before feen
in a fubject. He retiincd a great number of
knights in his fer'vice ; and To high was he in
public efteem,' that even the moft haughty among
the barons confidered themfelves as honoured by
being admitted to his table. The fons of the
No. 9.
principal nobility received their education in his
houfe, where the king himlelf frequently accepted .
of entertainments. His amulements tallied with
the fplendid ma'nner of his life. Tilting, hawking, •
hunting, and the game of chefs, employed his
hours of relaxation, with other fports cf a more
gay kind ; which, f.s he had only taken deacon's
orders, he did not think unfui table to his char after.
He expofed his perfon in feveral military exploits ;
and being fent on an embafly to France, he
aftonifhed that court with the number and magni-
ficence of his retinue.
Theobald, the late archbifhop of Canterbury, a
ftranger to ambit on, had lived in a good corref-
pondence with the (late. All the great points of
controverfy between the royal and ecclefiaflical
powers, had, during his mild administration, lain
dormant. Becket at this time behaved fo little
like 3. high- churchman, that Henry could not
imagine he would revive thofe dilputes, efpecblly
as he was well acquainted with the king's intention
of retrenching, or rather confining within their old
boundaries all ecclefiaftical privilege?, and had al-
ways {hewed a ready difpofition to comply with
the monarch's inclinations in this and all other par-
ticulars ; on account of which he lived on terms of
unreftrained familiarity with his mafter, who when
he was inclined to retire from the fatigues of
bufinefs, admitted this compliant time-fervtr to be
a partner in his convivial fports.
But the high-pritft was no fooner inverted with
that dignity, which rendered him, during life, the
fccond perfon in the kingdom, than he entirely
changed both his demeanor and conduct ; ftriving
to acquire that character for fanclity, of which he
had {hewed no figns, when in his bufy and fplendid
courfe of oftentatious vanity. Though he flill re-
tained the neceffary food for his pride,, a pompous
retinue, in his o\yn perfon he affected the greateft
aufterity, and the molt rigid mortification. Under
his canonical habit he. wore the frock of a monk,
and under that a haircloth next his fkin, which, by
his affected care to conceal, was neceflfarily the
more remarked by all his devotees. His ufual diet
was bread, which he rendered unpalatable by an in-
fufion of bitter herbs. He daily, on his knees,
warned the feat of thirteen poor perfons, whom he
afterwards difmiffed with prefents. He gained the
affection of the monks by his frequent charities to
their convents. He feemed to be perpetually employ-
ed in reciting prayers and pious lectures, or in
ptrufing religious books. His countenance exhi-
bited a picture of fonowful contrition, and he con-
vtrfed freely with perfons of all ranks who profeffed
a fanctity of manners. 7'he hofpitality of the fa-
vourite was kept up by the primate ; but the mode
of it was changed. He dined in public every day,
with profufion and fplendor ; but the noblemen
and others who dined with him were placed at
another table, none being permitted to fit at his,
except the monks of the convent of Canterbury,
and a felect fet of clergymen eminent for their
learning, whom he had particularly attached to his
perfon. Inftead of the ufual entertainment of
mufic, fome Latin book was read to him during
the time of dinner, after which he retired to a pri-
vate apartment with fuch friends in whom he could
confide.
Thefe pious frauds raifed the reputation of Thomas
a Becket high in the eftimation of popular opinion,
which was ftill more exalted by his fending the
great feal to Henry in Normandy, with this laconic
meffage, " that he defired him to provide himlelf
with another chancellor ; for he was hardly fuffi-
dent for one office, much lefs for two." However,
notwithftanding this outward mew of humility, the
difcerning few perceived the wolf in flieep's
clothing, and were convinced that Becket was
Y meditating
86
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
medicating fome great defign, and that he had only
changed the object of his ambition. Indeed, the
reafon he himfelf affigns for refigning the feals, is
not (lamped with the mark of a genuine contrite
fpirir. Henry, who was bed acquainted with his
temper, found it very difficult to impute his giving
up an office, ufually held by a churchman, to a
fcruple of confcience, or a diflike of temporal
power : he confidered it as a certain indication of
a more dangerous kind of ambition •, and be-
lieved, that the archbifhop would have continued
his minifter, if he had not afpired to become his
rival, by exalting the mitre above the crown.
The fequel proved plainly the truth of this con-
jecture ; for Sr. Thomas having fecured the af-
fection of all the bigots in the kingdom, did not
wait for Henry's commencing thofe projects, which
he well knew that prince had formed againft eccle-
iiaftical innovations and abufes : he became him-
felf the aggreffor, and endeavoured to intimidate
the king by his bold proceedings. He fummoned
the earl of Clare, a nobleman of great intereft and
reputation, to furrender the barony of Tunbridge,
which had formerly belonged to the archbifhop of
Canterbury, but had been in the pofleffion of the
family of that nobleman ever fince the Conqueft.
Becket alledged, that it was not in the power of
any of his predeceffors to alienate lands in preju-
dice of the church. But the earl having received
his honours and eftate from the crown, difregarded
the fummons. The primate next took a bolder
ftep, claiming from the king himfeJf, upon the fame
ground, the cuftody of the caftle and tower of
Rochefter.
William de E/nesford, a military tenant of the
crown, was the patron of a living belonging to a
manor, that held of the archbifhop of Canterbury.
Becker, who now pretended a right to all fuch
vacant churches, prefcnted one Lawrence, a prieft,
to that of Eynesford ; but the incumbent was vio-
lently expelled by William, patron of the living in
queftion. The primate, who acted both as judge
and party in fpiritual courts, iflued out a fentence
of excommunication againft Eynesford, who com-
plained to the king of the injury he had received,
in being expofed to the penalties contained in that
terrible fentence, without the confent of his fove-
reign Henry, who had now broken off all perfonal
intercourfe with Becket, fent a mefTenger to him
with orders to abfolve Eynesford without delay ;
but was anfwered by this meek prelate, that the
king had no right to inform him whom he fhould
excommunicate, or whom abfolve. However, after
many remonftrances and menaces, St. Thomas
condefccnded, though with a very ill grace, to
comply with the royal mandate.
Notwithftanding this oppofition from the arch-
bifhop, Henry maintained his refolution of rectify-
ing the diforders of the clergy, who were very li-
centious in their manners, under pretence that they
were not fubordinate to the civil power, and that
fpiritual penalties alone could be inflicted for their
enormous ofrences. The late times of national
confufion had demolifhed all diftinctions ; clerks
and priefts were as notorious for wickednefs as the
laity. Holy orden were become a full protection
for crimes of the deepeft dye. Robberies, murders,
rapes, and adulteries, were daily committed by ec-
cleiiaftics with impunity. Many perfons, during
the former reign, who were by no means qualified
either by their learning or virtues, had taken orders,
that they might indulge themfelves in their irre-
gularities without fear of cenfure. Thefe perfons
held not any ecclefiaftical preferment, nor did they
belong to any diocefe ; fo that not being under
controul, their behaviour was flagitious in a very
high degree. The priefts of this age, among other
modes of deluding the people, had introduced the
practice of felling pardons, which at length became
a very gainful trade, and enriched the clergy in
prpportion as it impoverifhed the laity; who were
taught, that an implicit obedience to the will of the
prieft, was a principal part of their duty. Henry-
was determined, by a rigorous punifhment of thele
offenders, to free his people from their opprellions ;
nor was it long before an opportunity offered,
which afforded him- a plaufible allegation for carry-
ing his juft defign into axecution. The daughter
of a man of fortune in Worccfterfhire had been,
debauched by a prieft, who had murdered her
father, to avoid the effects which he apprehended
might attend the commiffion of fuch a crime. The
murmurs of the people ran high, and the king in-
fifted that the culprit fhould be delivered up to the
civil magiftrate. Becket pleaded the privilege or"
the church ; and gave orders that the delinquent
fhould be confined in the bi (hop's prifon, to pre-
vent his being taken into cuftody by the king's
officers. Hereupon Henry demanded, that he
fhould be firft tried by the Ipiritual court, and then
given up to the fecular power : but this was op-
pofed by the archbifhop, who alledged the injuilice
of trying a man twice for the iame crime, and
maintained, no greater punifhment than degrada-
tion could be inflicted on him, though he himfelf
had, but a few months before, branded a pneil in
the face with a red- hot iron, for Itealing a chalice
out of a church. Henry immediately convened a
general afTembly of the bifhops, ot whom he de-
manded that the murderer mould be delivered into
the hands of juftice, and that a law might be
enacted for the more effectual punifhment ot fuch
offenders for the future. Becket retired with the
bifhops to confider of the proportion made by the
king i but they being .guided by his will, it was
determined that the culprit Ihould not be delivered
into the hands of the fecular power. The king de-
manded, whether they would oblerve the laws and
curtoms of this kingdom ; to which the bifhops,
after confulting with the primate, replied, that they
were ready to fubmit in ail things, " laving the
rights and privileges of the church." Henry was
provoked to the higheft degree at an anfwer lo pal-
pably evafive, and left the aflcmbly with vilible
marks of difpleafure in his countenance.
The bifhops now rejected coolly on the part they
had acted', in contempt of royal prerogative. They
knew the povvtr of Becket at Rome, and weighed
it with that of Henry on the throne of England.
They concluded it was the fafeft ftep, to make their
intereft as barons the meaiure of their obedience as
chuichmen. Accordingly they made iubmiilion to
the king at Oxford, and there retracted their re-
fervation. B;dtet, however, continued inflexible ;
and nothing but the intcrpofition of the pope's
legate Philip, who dreaded the refentment of fo
powerful a prince, could have prevailed with him
to retract his opinion, and give an exprefs promiie
of obferving the antient ulagcs of the realm.
Henry, however, could not reft contented with
a declaration in general terms. He was determined
to define expreisJy, and h'x the limits of the civil
power; and to form into ftanding laws thofe
cuftoms with which he required a compliance, in
order to put a ftop to the ulurpations of the church,
before they were too firmly eftabhfhed by time.
With this intent, he fummoned a A n
general council of the prelates and A<1J-Il64'
nobility at Clarendon, where he fubm.tted the fub-
ject of difpute to their difcuffion, dciiiing, at the
lame time, their concurrence to his plan of pro-
ceeding. The bifhops in general complied through
fear ; and in this aflembly a number of articles
were patted into laws, with little oppoficion, ^which,
were afterwards dittinguifhed by the title of the
Conftitutions of Clarendon i a recital of which we
here
H
E
N
R
IL
here irlfert, for the perufal, if agreeable, of our
more curious, indulgent, and numerous readers.
Conftitutions of Clarendon.
I. All fuits about the prefentation and advowfon
of churches, between either laity or clergy, fhall
be tried and determined in the king's courts.
II. Churches belonging to the king's fee, cannot
be granted in perpetuity, without his confent.
III. Clergymen accufed of any crime whatever,
and fummoned by the king's juftices, fhall appear
in his court, and plead to fuch articles as the civil
magiftrate fhall require ; and in the ecclefiaftical
court to luch as are cognizable therein, provided
the king's juftices fend an officer to infpect the
proceedings of the fpiritual court ; and in cafe a
clerk is convicted, or pleads guilty, he is to lofe
his privilege, and be protected by the court no
longer.
IV. No archbimops, bifhops, or priefts, may go
out of the kingdom, without leave firft obtained
from the king ; and, on obtaining a licence, they
lhall give fecurity not to afk or obtain any thing
either in their paffage, ftay, or return, to the pre-
judice of the king, or his kingdom.
V. Excommunicated perfons (hall not be obliged
to make oath, or give1 fecurity, to continue in the
place where they live ; but only to conform to the
judgment of the church in order to their abfolu-
tion.
VI. Laymen fhall not be accufed in the fpiritual
courts but by legal, reputable, promoters and wit-
neffes, in the prefence of a bifhop ; yet fo as the
archdeacon lofe not his right, nor any of his dues ;
and if the offenders are fuch that ho one will or;
dare accufe them, then the Iheriff, at the bifhop's
requeft, fhall caufe twelve legal men of the town
or vicinage, to make oath before the bifhop that
they will declare the truth of the matter according
to the beft of their knowledge.
VII. None, eitker of the king's tenants, or of
his minifterinl officers, fhall be excommunicated,
nor any of their lands put under an interdict, un-
lefs application be firft made to the king, if he be
in England ,• or, in cafe he be out of the realm, to
his jufticiary, that he may fee juflice done in their
cafe ; fo that what is cognizable in the king's court
may be there determined, and what pertaineth to
the ecclefiaftical may be remitted thither.
VIII. All appeals, in fpiritual caufes, fhall be
made from the archdeacon to the bifhop ; from the
bifhop to the primate; and from the primate, in
failure of juflice, to the king; nor fhall it be
lawful to proceed farther without the king's con-
lent.
IX. If a fuit arife between a clergyman and a
layman, which the firft pretends to be held by
frank almoine, (a tenure of lands or tenements be-
flowed for perpetual alms,) and the latter maintains
it to be a lay -tee, the tenure fliall be tried before
the king's jufticiary by the verdict of twelve lawful
men, fummoned according to the cuftom of the
sourts, by order of the king's chief-juflice ; and if
the tenement is found to be held in frank almoine,
the fuit fhall be tried in the fpiritual court ; but if
the verdict brings it in a lay-fee, the fuit mall be
carried on in the king's court, unlcfs they both
hold of the fame lord, either fpiritual or temporal,
in which cafe it fhall. be tried in his court ; pro-
vided, however, that the perfon, feifed of the te-
nement in qucflion, be not, on account of fuch
verdict, difleifed till the fuit is determined.
X. If any inhabitant of a city, caftle, borough,
or dcmrfnc manor of the king, be cited for any
time by the archdeacon or bifhop, and will not
make fatisfacticn upon their fummons, they may
interdict him 'from divine fervice ; but they ought
not to excommunicate him, till the king's principal
officer of the place be made acquainted therewith,
that he may oblige the perfon to make fatisfuction
to the church ; and fhould fuch officer fail in fo
doing, he fliall be finable at the king's pleafurc j
and the bifhop may then exert his ecelefiallical au-
thority upon the accufed perfon;
XI. All archbifhops, bifhops, and others of the
c^er§7j poflefled of ecclefiaftical dignities or bene-
fices, who hold of the king in capite, are to look
upon their eftates as baronies, and fhall appear be-
fore the king's juftices and officers to anfwer the
duties of their tenures ; they fhall alfo perform
and obfervc all the royal cuftoms, rights, and fcr-
vices, and fhall hold themfelves as other barons,
obliged to be prefent at judicial proceedings in
the king's court, till featence comes to be given
againftlife or limb.
XII. When any archbifhopric, bifhopric, abbey,
or priory of royal foundation or patronage becomes
vacant, the king fhall enter thereon, and receive
all the ifTues and profits thereof as of his own
eftates j and when he fhall think fit that the vacancy
of fuch church be filled up, the king fhall fend his
mandate to the chapter or convent, and the election
fhall be made in the king's chapel, with kis confent,
and by the advice of fuch dignitaries of the realm
as he fhall call together for that purpofe ; and the
perfon fo elected fhall there, before his confecra-
tion, do homage and fealty to the king, as to his
liege lord, for life, limb, and earthly honour,
faving his order.
XIII. If any of the noblity fhould violently
oppofe the bifhop or archbifhop, or archdeacon,
in doing juftice on themfelves to their tenants, the
king fhall take Cognizance of the matter, and
oblige them to fubmit to juftiee. And if any deny
the king his rights, and decline ftanding to the
judgment of the court, then the archbifhop, bifhop,
and archdeacons, fliall employ their cenfures and
authority to oblige them to make the king fatif*
faction.
XIV. Goods or chattels, forfeited to the king,'
fhall not be protected in any church or church-
yard, to fecure them from being feized according
to law, becaufe they belong to the king where -
ever they may be found, either in the precincts of
the church, or ellewhere.
XV. The clergy fhall no longer pretend to the
right of enforcing the payment of debts contracted
by oath or promife. All aclions and fuits for debts,
however contracted, fhall be tried iri the civil
courts.
XVI. The fons of tenants, holding in villainage,
fhall not be ordained, without confent firft obtained
of the lord of the manor, on whofe lands they were
known to be born;
Thefe conftitutions being reduced to writing,
it was refolved that every member prefent fhould
fubfcribe thrir names, and take an oath to obferve
them. All the prelates readily obeyed except
Becket, who objected to fetting his name, alledg-
ing, that would be a contradiction to the general
promife he had given, and which he thought quite
fufficient. The king and the temporal lords were
highly offended at thii oppofition, which amounted
to a confeffion that he meant to inipofe on his fo-
vereign, and fraudulently evade the obedience he
had promifed. The grand prior of the Templars
threw himfelf upon his knees, and with many tears
intreatcd Bcckct, if he paid any regard to his own
fafety, or that of the church, not to provoke with a
fruitlefs oppofition the indignation of a powerful
monarch, who was abfolutcly determined on his
purpofe, and had fworn to take ample revenge on
every perfon who fhould in this matter dare to
oppofe him. Becket finding himfelf deferted by
his
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
his own party, and thus prefled by Richard de
Hadings, he gave his afient in thele remarkable
words; " It is my matter's pleafure that I flvould
forfwear myfclf, and at prefent I fubmit to ir, re-
folving to incur a perjury, and to repent afterwards
as I may." The bifhops heard him with a marked
aftonifhment, and were not a little abamed at what
he had faid. Yet he declared his afient to the con-
ftitutions, and promifed " legally, with good faith,
and without referve and fraud," to obey them, and
even took an oath to ratify his iblemn promife.
They then figned the articles and let their feals to
them -, but this Becket peremptorily refufed ; a
referve which is not to his honour; for after his
formal declarations that he would obferve the.con-
ftitutions, it was trifling and inconfiftent to fcruple
the figning them : for befides his verbal engage-
ment, the confent he had given to the articles is
exprefsly declared in the preamble of the aft, .Which
is as ftrong a teftimony againft him as his fubicrip-
tion or fignature could be ; and mod authors agree
that he received one authentic copy of it, another
being delivered to the archbifhop of York, and a
third to the king himfelf, to be enrolled among the
royal charters.
Henry having thus far obtained the completion
of his defires, tranfmitted the conftitutions of Cla-
rendon to Rome, in order to their being ratified by
Alexander III. who was fovereign pontiff; bwt
when they came to be examined in the facred col-
ledge, the pope condemned and annulled mod of
the articles, judging them to be fuby.erfive of the
papal power in England, by rendering it dependent
on the ftate. Becket, pleafed at this, determination,
forgot in an inftant of time his folemn engagements ;
and expecting now to be fupported in oppofition
to the will of his .mafter, he expreffee} .the deeped
forrow (what a precious faint this !)' for his coricef-:
fions, labouring inceffantly to engage all the bifliops'
to perjure themfelves, for the honour of God, in
fapport of their eccleiiadical privileges. To inforoe
his arguments St. Thomas had recourfe to his
former artifice " of felf: mortification. He redoubled
his auderities, in order, as he faid, to punifli himfelf
for his finful compliance with the king's pleafure :
he even refufed to exercife any part of his epifcopal
function, till he had received abfolution from the
pope, which hs well knew; could be eafily obtained ;
arid there is now extant a letter from that pontiff
to him, which abfolves him from his fin, and en-
joins this pioy? fon of the church to return to the
fervire of the altar, led his abfence from it mould
occafion a public fcandal. The primate finding
himfelf ftiU:expofed to the king's refentment,' en-
deavoured twice to efcape out of the kingdom
without the king's knowledge, which was exprelsly
forbidden by thole conditutions he hid fwore to
obferve without fraud or deceit ; but he was often
detained by contrary winds. _
Jn proportion as the primate fubmitted to ap-
parent mortification, Henry _ deemed that he in-
tended ?.n infult tp himfelf,' fo that his fprmer
partiality to this favourite was convetted to hatred,
and the breach between them grew daily more wide.
At length the king requeded of his holinefs, that
he would appoint a legate in England, \vhofe fu-
perior power might curb the-; violent conduct of
Becket. The pope readily contented to find, a
legate, but inferred a claufe in his commifiion, by
which he- was enjoined not to do any thing to the
prejudice of the archbidiop ; a circumdance that
defeated the end which Henry had in view ; where-
upon he fent back the commiffion .with the utmod
difdain, and determined to feek another, mode of
revenge on the haughty prelate. An opportunity
of executing this refolution in a legal manner foon
offered.
An order having been fent from the king's •
court, requiring him to do jullice to a great officer
of -the houfhold, in relation to an edate which he
c'aimed from the church of Canterbury, that
nobliman complained to the. king by an'appeaf,
declaring that' ju'mce was denied him by the arcii-
bimop. Upon which tlie king fent a. citanoa' to
Becket, by which he was ordered ro appear before
his fovereign lord, upon an appointed day. Hut
the primate's anivver w.is an exprcfs declaration,
that he would not obey -the* liimmons. This re-
tufal being an evident ihfiingement, of the king's
right, as well as an infult olfcred to his dignity,
it w.iS refolved unanimoufly > in council, to bring
Thomas a. Becket: before the high: court of pailia-
ment, to anfwer for this,, and. many ; other oiiencex
A. great council of> the nation was accordingly
furamoned at. Northampton, which being affem-
bled, < Henry complained in very moderate terms
of the contempt, the arehbifhop had tfhewn to his
mandate. Becket, on being called, confeffed the
fact, and being condemned guilty of contumacy
againd the, king's majefty, his goods and chattels
were confifcated. The bifiiops unaramouQy con-
curred with the temporal . barons in this fentence ;
and it being underftood, that a fine of five hundred
pounds would be accepted by Henry, the primate
found fccufities for the payment of that fum.
The day following Henry made a demand of
five hundred pounds which he faid he had lent the
arehbiihop when chancellor. Becket alrlrmed it
was a gift; but not being able to bring proof, he
Was condemned to repay the money. On the third
day the king brought a higher charge againd him,
namely, that while chancellor, he had many years
his poffeffion the profits of feveral vacant
in
bifhoprics and abbies, and he was now required to
account for the .rent?, and allb for the expenditure
of other cafual fums that had pafled through his
hands. .. Becket, in reply, faid, that not having be-
foirfc been cited on this matter, he was not prepared
to anfwer the charge, but in due time and pUio;
he would not fail to- do the Jdngright. Henry did
not object to allow him time, but demanered fuf-
ficient bail for his appearance. Upon which he
defired leave to confult with the biihops, and the
king permitted him to retire apart with them into
an adjpjning room.
Becket was now .greatly perplexed ; but he rer
iblved neither to refign his archbifhopric, which,
feme of the prelates advifed him to do, nor to fub-
mit to an examination. . After continuing filent
fome lime, he defired to fpeak with the earls of
Leicefter and Cornwall, who 'were then with the
king. Thefe lords being fent for, he told them,
that the perfons. to 'whom his caufs was bed known
not being there, He defired a refpite till the next
day, when he, would anfwer'" as, pod- fhoukl infpire
himp" This being reported to the king by the
bifiiops of London aud Rochtfler, as purporting
that he would then -deliver in his accouirs, Henry
fcnt buck the (wo earls with his.affent to the re-
quired .delay, if he would then perform what the
two prelates had promifed in his name ; but the
arch-defaulter denied that he had authorized them
to carry fuch a meffage. However the king per-
mitted him to depart, and the next day being
Sunday, adjourned the council ' till Mon-J.iy, th.it
he might have no .reafon to. complain- of the. pro-
ceedings againd him being carried oa with' too
great precipitation.
On' his "return liome, finding himfelf forf.iken by
the great tnu'n of knights who had attended. hirn ro
the " parliament,' the agitation of ! his fpirits was ib
violent, that it brought upon him a fit of the chplir,
.which fei^ed him on- Sunday, night,, and rendered
Mm iiKivxible c;f attending the ' council the next
day. All the members imagined his il'nefs to b'e
feigned ; but to be certain they deputed fome of the
principal
H
N R Y
II.
89
principal nobility to cite him to the court. They
law his. Hind's was real, and he allured them, that
with the afliftance of God, he wouid not fail to ap-
pear before them the next day, though he mould be
carried in his litttr.
Early in the morning he was vifited by many of
the bifhops, who pcrfuaded him, for the fake of
per.ce, to fubmit intirely to the king's pleafure,
and becaufe if he did not, he would he impeached
by parliament of perjury and tre,.fon. This advice
St. Thomas rejected, faying, " he -appealed to the
church of Rome -," and added, " If the fccular
power fliould prefume to lay hands on me, I com-
mand you, in behalf of your father and metro-
politan, to thunder odt the proper ecclefiaftical
cenfures."
After the bifhops were departed, he faid mafs at
an altar dedicated to, St. Stephen, ordering it to
begin, as on the feftival of the martyr, with thefe
words of fcripture, " Princes fat and fpake againft
me." Having thus fortified his mind with the
artifices of felt deception, to which was added a
concealed confecrated hoft, he proceeded to the
parliament. When he arrived at the outer door,
he took the crofs from the perfon who bore it be-
fore him, and holding it up, entered alone into the
room where the barons were afiembled, expecting
his coming. The whole aflembly was aftonifhed
•at feeing him appear before them in ,fo extraor-
dinary a manner. The bifhop of Hereford offered
to carry the crofs, being his chaplain, but he re-
fufed to deliver it, intimating that he bore it as his
protection, and that by this enfign it would be
evident under what prince he fought. Upon this
the archbifhop of York reprehended him leverely,
for thus entering the fupreme court of his fovereign
in the way of defiance, accompanied with a pre-
meditated infult ; and he was told, both by that
prelate and the bifhop of London, that he would
find the king's weapon of greater force than his;
to which he replied, that the king's weapon indeed
could kill the body, but that in hisjiand could kill
the foul, and fend it to hell.' He then again ap-
pealed to the pope, and prohibited them from
aflifting in any other judgment reflecting him.
The king, having received information of the
infolent manner of his coming, had retired to an
inner appanment of the caftle, where he ordered
all the other fpiritual and temporal lords to attend
him. He now complained of Becket's contemp-
tuous behaviour, in attempting to appear before
him in an unheard of manner that was a reproach
to him, as if fome treachery had Jaeen intended
againft the primate's psrfon. It was anfvvered, that
Becket had always in his deportment difplayed
vanity, felf- conceit, and arrogance ; that this in-
itance was indeed a grofs affront, not only to his
fovereign, but to all the peers aflembled in parlia-
ment, and that for his ingratitude, perfidy, and
violation of his oath, he ought to be impeached of
high-treafon. This appeared to be the unanimous
opinion of all prefent, yet the king, from an ill-
timed lenity, would not allow them to proceed on
this ground, but only fent fome lords to demand
of the archbifhop, whether he was prepared to do
the king right, retpecting the debt he claimed,
according to his promife. Becket's anfwer
amounted to an abfolute refufal, which, with his
appeal to the pope, appeared to all the temporal
barons fuch an act of deliberate difobedience, that
they adhered "to their former rcfolution of an at-
tainder againft him for perjury and high treafon.
The bifhops, who found themfelves under great
difficulties how to act in this critical moment, after
a confultation, implored the king's permiffion to
appeal to the fee of Rome againft their metropo-
litan, on account of .his perjury ; folemnly pro-
niifing to ufe their utmoft endeavours to prevail on
No. 9.
pope Alexander to degrade him, if the king would
excufe them joining with the temporal lords in the
fentence they feemed determined to pronounce.
To this requeft Henry yielded with more complai-
fance than difcretion. The bifhops then went to
Becket, and told him, that putting themfelves
under the protection of the pope, they cited him to
anfwer their acculations ; all which was no more
than a refined ftratagem of arrant prial -craft, in
order to gain time, and avoid the ftorm which was
ready to be difcharged on their heads.
In the mean while the king demanded ji)ftice
againft Becket from the temporal barons, and they
unanimoufly found him guilty, of perjury and trea-
fon. Becket, to prevent hearing his fentence pro-
nounced againft him in due form, rofe up haftily
and departed. As he was pafTmg along, 'many
called him a perjured traitor ; whereupon looking
back with a ftern countenance, St. Thomas faid
aloud, that did not his holy orders forbid it, he
would by arms defend himfclf againft any one who
mould charge him with the crimes of perjury and
treafon. Henry, fearing left his infolent language
and behaviour, might be productive of fome act of
illegal violence to his perfon, prudently ifiued out
a proclamation, forbidding all perfons on pain of
death, to do the archbifhop or his people any
harm. Soon after the king received a meffage
from him, requefting permiflion to leave the king-
dom. Anfwer was returned by Henry, that he
would advife with his council upon the fubject of
his petition the next day. The archbifhop how-
ever apprehending his liberty might be in danger,
but without any uneafy apprehenfion from having
violated his oath and good faith, departed privately
from the convent at midnight, attended only by
two friends, and rode towards Eincoln, in order to
elude any purfuit ; after (laying fome time with the
fame intent at different places, he fet fail from
Sandwich in a fmall riming fmack, and arrived fafe
at Gravelins, on the tenth of November, though.
ftricft orders had been fent to the fea ports to pre-
vent his leaving the kingdom. He was received
by Lewis and the pope, who was ftill at the court
of France, with every mark of rcfpect ; by the
munificence of the former, he lived with a degree
of fplendor in the monaftery of Pontigni, and the
latter prepared to ifiue bulls to revenge his difgrace.
All the thunder of the Vatican was intended to be
launched againft the head of the Englifh monarch
and his minifters. Henry was no fooner informed
of Becket's efcape, than he immediately difpatched
a refpedtable embafTy to the pope, to folicit the de-
pofition of that prelate, offering to double the re-
venue of Peter's pence •, but the pope was inflex-
ible ; he received his ambaflaclors very coolly, and
they immediately returned to their matter. On
their arrival the king fummoned an aflembly of his
nobles, by whom it was determined to fequefter all
the pofleflions of the fee of Canterbury, together
with all the revenues of the churches, chapels, and
rents of the clergy, who adhered to Becket ; at the
fame time all the primate's relations and domeftics,
both of the clergy and laity, were banifhed the
kingdom.
In the management of this difpute, the greateft
error committed by Henry, was allowing the bifhops
to appeal to Alexander : as it acknowledged a right
of judicature belonging to the pope, in a matter of
which he had no proper cognizance ; and gave him
an authority to revive, and re-judge what ought
to have been finally determined in England, by the
law of the land and the judgment of the barons,
in whofe fentence againft the primate Henry
fliould, in good policy and for his own fafety,
have joined ; but he might probably have adopted
his own meafures with a view of keeping the
bifhops on his fide, and by thinking, that they
Z would
9°
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF E'NGLAND.
would eafily perfuade the pope to confider the
difputc between him and his late chancellor, as a
caufe in which the church had no concern; not
confiderkig, that pride, hypocrily and duplicity,
were the characteriftics of churchmen in thofe
times.
The honour \\ith which Eecket was treated
abroad, could not fail of exciting the indignation
of Henry, who feemed at this time to fet his face
againft the pope's fupremacy, and to have formed
a refolution of delivering his fubjects from the
burden of ecclefiaftical tyranny ; for he iffued orders
to his jufticiaries, that no appeals fhould be made
to the pope or archbifhop, and forbad the re-
ceiving any mandates from them, or applying to
their authority in any inftance whatever. He de-
clared, that they who fhould prefume to bring an
interdict on the kingdom, he would punifh with
lofs of limb or death, whether laymen or clergymen.
The pope and Becket on the contrary, formed a
refolution of proceeding to violent meafurcs with
the king. The modeft primate drew a comparifon
between himfelf and Chrift, and faid, he under-
went a fecond crucifixion from the prefent op-
preffions on the church. He excommunicated
thofe who had been concerned in fequeftering the
revenues of the archiepifcopal fee, and all who paid
obedience to the conftitutions of Clarendon. He
proceeded even to threaten his fovereign with ex-
communication, unlefs he repented of what he had
done ; and his influence procured the pope's ratifi-
cation of his cenfures.
* T> ,f The troubles which at this time
' J' were excited in Italy by the thunder
of the Vatican, alarmed Henry. He therefore
paffed over to the continent, in order, if poffible, to
prevent an interdict being laid on the kingdom,
by a perfonal conference with his holincfs. But he
was difappointed. The proud prelate remained
inflexible, and Henry returned to England. It is fur-
prizing, and difficult to be accounted for, unlefs the
king was in his heart a flave to the church of Rome,
that he who entertained a proper regard for the
dignity of his crown, fhould afterwards ftoop to
fuch mean ccnceffions as he is known to have done.
At this time he employed againft his opponents
every weapon of temporal power remaining in his
hands, he fufpended the payment of Peter's pence,
made advances towards an alliance with the em-
peror Barbarofia, the empire being then under an
interdict, and difcovering fome intentions of ac-
knowledging Pafcal III. hoping by thefe expedients
to terrify the crafty pontiff, and prevent his pro-
ceeding to extremities againft him and his king-
dom. During thefe tranfactions the pope and
Henry began to perceive, that in the prefent
fituation of affairs, nothing farther could be done
with fafety, than to bring the difpute to an amica-
ble decifion. A meeting was therefore appointed
at a village in the neighbourhood of Paris, where
Henry, Lewis and the archbifhop were prefent.
The laft offered to fubmit, with theclaufc, " faving
the honour of God," which Henry wifely remarked
was an evafion, that would, whenever he pleafed,
ferve his turn, and give rife hereafter to frcfh dif-
putes ; concluding with this remarkable propofal
which he addreffed to the king of France ; " Sir,
there have been many kings of England of lefs
power than I poflefs ; there have been many former
archbifhops of Canterbury much "better and holier
men than Thomas a Becket ; yet 1 will be fatisfied,
if he will confent to make the fame conccffions to
me, which the \vifeft and moft holy of his prcde-
ceflbrs have made to the weakeft and leaft power-
ful of mine." This frank declaration had a great
effect on moft prefent ; but- Becket refuted to fub-
mit, Lewis appeared to be difguftcd, and the two
kings parted without taking leave of the arch-
bifhop : yet the fritndfhip between Lewis and
Becket was foon after renewed, and the latter be-
came more than ever a favourite with the courts of
France and Rome.
Excommunications, iffucd by . — .
Becket, now fucceedcd each other
with fuch amazing rapidity, that the king had
fcarcely a fervant about him who wa^ not under an
interdict. The fortitude of his niinifters feemed to
fhake, and feveral councils were held in order to
terminate the difpute. At length, in the year
following, matters were brought toward a peaceable
conclufion ; and the primate was permitted to re-
turn to his fee on the following conditions. He
was not required to give up any of the rights of the
church, or refign any of thofe pretenfions which
had been the ground of the cbr.trovcriy ; but,
without making any conceflions, Ihould be, with
all his adherents, reftored to their livings ; and
that even the incumbents of kich as depended upon
the fee of Canterbury, and had been filled during
the primate's abfence, fhould be expelled, and
Becket have full liberty to fupply the vacancies.
In return for thefe conceflions, which ftruck at the
dignity of the crown, Henry reaped only the ad-
vantage of feeing his minittcrs abfolved from the
fentence of excommunication, and of preventing
the interdict taking place, which was ready to be
laid upon all his dominions.
This grand difpute being fettled, not much to
the king's credit, he held a great council at Wind-,
for. In this alfembly the kingdom was divided
into circuits, and certain commiffioners appointed
to make a progrefs through them, in order to take
cognizance of all abj'-fes committed by the flieriils,
bailiffs, and other inferior officers. This inquifition
produced the moft falutary effects. But the main
bufincfs Henry had in view, and which he now
brought forward, was the coronation of his eldeft
fon, who had been knighted by his father. No
objection was made to the propofal of the king;
the only difficulty flatted was with regard to the
prelate who was to perform the ceremony. It was
generally underftood to be the prerogative of the
archbifhop of ^Canterbury ; but on this occafion it
was performed by the archbifhop of York ; who,
affifted by the bifhops of London and Durham,
placed the crown on the head of young Henry. This
prince \vas a ftranger to generous paflions; gratitude
was not in the catalogue of his virtues. His father,
defirous of teftifying every mark of paternal love for
his favourite fon, lerved th« firft difh at his table
with his own h?.nds, faying at the fame time, " You
may now boaft, my fon, of being as honourably
ferved as aiy monarch upon earth." But the
haughty foul of Harry knew not how to make a
proper return to this engaging condcfcenfion in ati
indulgent parent. Turning to the archbifhop of
York, he vvhifpered, with a contemptuous fneerj
" That he thought it no mighty degradation, for
the fon of a petty count to ferve the heir of a great
king." Henry heard not this ungracious reflec-
tion, and was yet a ftranger to his imperious dif-
pofition.
This coronation gave offence to the king of
France, becaufc his daughter Margaret, wife to the
young king, was not cro'.vned wilh her hufband*
Henry therefore promifed Lewis, that the ceremony
fhould be repeated, and his daughter receive both
the crown and the royal unction with her hufband.
The breaft of Becket was alfo filled with the Ipirit
of malevolence. He threatened vengeance againft
thofe prelates who had performed the ceremony;
but its fury fpcnt itfelf in vain. The pope f,'f-»
pcnded the effects of his anathemas till a proper
enquiry Could be made.
Henry was now returned to Normandy, and St.
Thomas was preparing for his journey to England,
• in
H E N R
II.
in order to take pofleflion of his diocefe, and light
up afrcfh the torch of civil diffention. He had but
jiift landed in England, when he made a progrefs
through Kent with a pomp and oftcntation ill be-
coming a man who had fo lately received the
royal pardon. He paraded through the towns and
villages, exhibiting himfelf as a martyr to the caufe
of the church, while the credulous multitude hailed
his appearance with hymns of congratulation and
thankigiving. Becket had brought to England
three fine horfes, which he intended for a prefent to
the young prince, who hearing that he had ad-
vanced to Southwark, in the ridiculous, parade above
mentioned, fent him word, that he might difpenfe
with his vifit, and that his prefent would not be
accepted. In this oftentatious perambulation Bec-
ket had been attended by a number of knights, and
other perfons in arms, and finding that the hearts
of the people were devoted to him, he began to
exercife his ecclefiaftical power in a manner that
fufrkiently teftified the pride and rancour of his
heart. He fufpended the archbifhop of York, who
had crowned the king's eldeft fon: he excommuni-
cated the bifhops of Salifbury and London, and
treated other dignified clergymen with equal
rigour •, but the moft fingular proofs of his low
pride and folly were, his excommunicating a man
for fpeaking dilrefpectfully of him, and another for
cutting off the tail of one of his horfes.
Meanwhile the archbifhop of York, with the
bifhop.s of London and Salifbury, had gone over
to Normandy, and at the feet of the king implored
his juftice for themfelves, his whole clergy, and
for the nation in general. The archbifhop re-
marked, that while Becket lived, the king could
never hope to be in fafety. Upon this, Henry
gave a loofe to the violent commotions of his
mind, excited by their moving complaints, and
exclaimed in all the anguifh of affronted majefty
*' that the man whom he had railed from the duft,
had trampled upon the whole kingdom ; had driven
him and his children from the throne, and triumphed
there unrefifted ; that he was very unfortunate to
have maintained ib many ungrateful cowards in his
court, none of whom would vindicate his honour,
and revenge him of one infolent, turbulent pried."
Thel'e paflionate expreffions excited the attention of
the whole court ; buc were particularly noticed by
four knights of the houfehold, who confidered
them as a hint for B.cket's death ; and, having
communicated their thoughts to each other, bound
themfelves by a folemn oath, to revenge the in-
fults that had been offered to their fovereign.
Reginald Fitz-Urfe, William de Tracy, Hugh de
Moreville, and Richard Brito, were the four gentle-
men of the bed-chamber, who imagined they mould
oblige their matter by murdering Becket. With
this view they fecretly retired from courc, and em-
barked for England in different fhips. Some me-
nacing expicflions they had dropped gave fufpicion
of their defign •, of which, when Henry was in-
formed, he difpatched a meffenger after them with
exprefs orders, not to attempt any thing againft
the perfon of the primate. Thefe orders, however,
were too late, to prevent the execution of their
fatal purpofe ; for the confpirators being afTembled
at the cattle of Saltwood, they were joined there
by twelve other perfons, with whom they haftened
to Canterbury. The twelve affiftants took their
Rations in different parts of the town, and the four
principals repaired to the houle of the archbifhop.
Having fecured two or three of his domeftics, they
tntered his apartment, and reproached him in bitter
terms for the lupercilious arrogance of his conduct.
Becket did not feem in the leaft daunted at this
^mexpected charge ; but what he (aid, in reply,
tended only to confirm the affaffins in the refolu-
tion they had taken to dcftroy him. The hour of
vefpers now approached, and the archbifhotj re-
paired to the church of St. Benedict. He was fol-
lowed by the confpirators; and he had no iboner
reached the altar than they fplit his fkull, and the
blood and brains were fprinkled upon the pave-
ment. Thus was the nation delivered from the
tyranny of an imperious prelate, who endeavoured
to eftabliih the authority of the church on the ruins
of the civil eftablifhment. We may conclude he
was not a man of real piety, feeing he was deficient
in one of its moft tffential requifues, humility.
A proud, contentious Chriftian, is a contradiction.
in terms.
Thus was Thomas a Becket mur- . n
dered in the fifty- third year of his age, ' ' '
yet no tumult enfued in any part of the kingdom ;
no man fought to take vengeance on his murderers,
or even to bring them to juftice; but when his
death was known, multitudes of. people flocked to
the church, lamenting over the body, and crofting
their foreheads with his blood. After his burial,
many ridiculous ftories were propagated and be-
lieved, of miracles wrought at his tomb. Men,
nay horfes, dogs, and cows, were faid to have
been reftored to life. It was afferted and credited
that the archbifhop, a little while before his inter-
ment, quitted his coffin to light the candles of his
own funeral ; and that, after the ceremonial, he
ftretched out his hands . as if beftowing his blefling
upon the furrounding multitude.
Pope Alexander taking advantage of the credu-
lity of the people, canonized Becket by the name
of St. Thomas of Canterbury ; and his body was
removed to a magnificent fhrine, enriched with
prefents from all parts of Chriftcndom. Pilgri-
mages were performed to obtain his intercefTion ;
and it was computed, that in one year above one
hundred thoufand pilgrims arrived in Canterbury,
to pay their devotions at his fhrine. However,
even in thofe times of dark ignorance, men of
fuperior difcernment were fo far from acknow-
ledging Becket for a faint, that they would not
allow he had a claim to the character of an honeft
man ; and about fifty years after his death it was
publicly difputed at Paris, whether his foul was in
heaven or in hell.
. When the news of his murder reached the ears
of Henry, it filled him with unaffected concern.
He fhut himfelf up from the light of day, and
from all commerce with his fervants 5 he even
rtfufed, during three days, food and fuftenance.
The courtiers in waiting, apprehending that his
grief would be attended with fatal confluences,
broke in upon his folitude, and by making ufe of
every argument of confolation, at length prevailed
upon him to accept of nourimment ; at the fame
time intreated him to avert the anger of the pontiff,
whofe refentment he might juftly apprehend on ac-
count of the primate's murder. In purfuance of
this falutary advice, a fplendid embaffy was fent to
Rome, in order to ftay, ifpoffible, the thunders of
the Vatican. Alexander at firft refufed an au-
dience to Henry's ambaftadors; but by a proper
diftribution of large fums of money his intention
was fully anfwered; and his holinefs contented him-
felf wifh iffuing general denunciations againft the
principals and accomplices of Becket's murder.
The archbifliop of Sens, who had always been an
implacable enemy to the Englifh monarch, laid an
interdict upon all the French provinces fubject to
Henry ; but the pope prevented the confequences
that might have reiulted from that fentence. Two
cardinals were fent with legatine powers into Nor-
mandy, to examine into the king's conduct refpedt-
ing the murder of Becket •, and a conference was
opened at Avaranches, where Henry and his eldeft
fon, together with all the clergy of Normandy,
were prefent. After long debates, the whole affair
was
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
was fettled, and all differences between Henry and
the pope were terminated on the following con-
ditions •- The king declared upon oath in the
church of St. Andrew, that he had neither defired,
nor commanded the murder of Becket •, but as
ibme words had efcaped him, in the agony of
grief, which might have given occafion to it, he
was defirous of atoning for that offence, by ftipu-
Jating to pay a fum of money iuffLient to maintain
two hundred knights for one year in the Holy
Land, and to ferve himfelf three years againft the
infidels, fhould his holinefs require it. He farther
engaged, not to infill on any cuftoms derqgatory
to ecclefiaftical privileges, that had been introduced
in the courfe of his reign, nor to hinder appeals to
the pope; but content himfelf with exacting fuffi-
cient fecurity from thofe who left his dominions,
that they mould attempt nothing againft the rights
of his crown and kingdom. Thus Henry extri-
cated himfelf from a very alarming fituation, upon
very eafy terms.
,. P. Henry embarked for England, where
• II7 • afr'airs of confequence. demanded his
prefcnce •, and having now nothing to fear from
the fpiritual fword, he refumed, probably to divert
the attention of the people from Becket's death,
the defign he had fome years before formed, of
making a conqueft of Ireland. Adrian IV. who at
that time filled the papal chair, defirous of aug-
menting the revenues of the holy fee, encouraged
Henry to purfue the plan he had formed, and
granted him a bull with ample privileges. The
reader will not, perhaps, be diJpleafed to fee this
curious inftrument at large, as it affords a con-
vincing proof that the popes of Rome, even in
thofe early times, ufurped the power of conferring
kingdoms and^ftates on whom they ple'afed.
POPE ADRIAN'S BULL.
" Adrian, fervant of the fervants of God, to bis
fan in Cbrift Jefus, Henry, king of England, fends
greeting^ an apqftolical benediftion.
H E defire your highnefs exprefled to ad-
JL vance the glory of your name on earth,
and to obtain in heaven the prize of eternal happi-
nefs, deferves commendation. As a good catholic
prince you are very careful to enlarge the borders
of the church •, to fpread the knowledge of the
truth among the barbarous and the ignorant •, and
to extirpate the weeds of vice in the garden of the
Lord, for which you apply to us for countenance
and direction. We are confident that your enter-
prize will be crowned with fuccefs, becaufe you
have undertaken it from the nobleft motives ; for
whatever is taken in hand from a principle of faith
and religion, is always fure to fucceed. It is
certain, as you yourfelf acknowledge, that Ireland,
as well as all other iflands that have the happinefs
of being enlightened by the fun of righteoufnefs,
and have embraced the doctrines of chriftianity,
are undoubtedly St. Peter's right, and belong to
the jurifdiction of the Roman fee. We therefore
think, after mature deliberation, that to fettle in
that ifland colonies of the faithful, will be well-
pleafing to God.
. " You have informed us, that you intend to
make an expedition into Ireland, to fubject the
ifland to juft laws, and to extirpate vice, which
has long prevailed in that country. You promife
to pay us out of every houfe a yearly acknow-
ledgment of one penny, and to maintain the rights
of the church without the lead infringement" or di-
minution. Upon thefe conditions we confent and
allow that you make defcent upon that ifland, to
enkrge the bounds of the church ; to check the
progrefs of immorality ; to reform the manners of
the inhabitants ; and to promote the growth of
virtue and the Chriftian religion. We exhort you
to do whatever you fhall judge n-refiary to ad-
vance the honour of God, and the falvation of the;
people, whom we charge you to fubmit to your
juriidiction, and own you for their lovereign lord -,
provided always that the rights of the church be
inviolably oblerved, and Peter-pe'nce duly paid.
If, therefore, you think proper to carry your defien
into execution, labour, abuve all things, to im-
prove the inhabitants in virtue. Ule both your
own endeavours, and the endeavours of fuch as
you mail judge worthy of being employed in this
work, that the church of God be more and more
enriched ; that religion flourifh in the country -,
and that the things tending to the honour of God,
and the falvation of fouls, be difpofed of in fuch a
manner as may entitle you to an immortal fame
upon earth, and an eternal reward in heaven.*'
Upon this bull Henry fet up a pretended claim
to Ireland •, and an opportunity about this time
offered for his interference in the affairs of that
ifland. Dermot Macmorrogh, a petty king of
Leinfter, had bafely feized Omack, wife of Ororic,
kingofMeath, during the ablence of her huflxind v
who, provoked by this outrage, collected forces,
and affifted by Roderic, king of Connaught, drove
the tyrant from his dominions. The exiled prince
had recourfe to Henry, who was in Guienne, .im-
ploring his afllfbance, and offered, in cafe he re-
Itored him to his throne, to hold his dominions in
vaffalage under the crown of England. Henry
readily accepted the propofal •, but being embar-
rafTed by the rebellion of his French fubjects, he
gave Dermot no other affiltance than his letters
patent, by which all his fubjects were permitted to
aid the prince in perlbn, yet he himfelf declined
to embark in the enterprize. Supported by this
authority, Dermot went to Briftol, "where he con-
cluded a treaty with Richard, furnamed Strongbow,
earl of Strigul, who having impaired his fortune by
expenfive pleafures, was ready for any defperate
undertaking ; and promifed Dermot his fervices,
on condition of marrying Eva, Dermot's daughter,
and ' being declared heir to all his territories. A
treaty upon thefe terms being concluded between
them, while Strongbow was affembling forces,
Dermot went into Wales, where he engaged for his
expedition Robert Fitz-Stephens, and Maurice Fitz-
Gerald. Being now afTured of fufficient fuccour,
he repaired privately to Ireland, and refided in the
monaftcry of Femes, where he made preparations
for the reception of his Englifh allies.
Fitz-Stephens being firft ready, landed in Ireland
with one hundred and thirty knights, fixty efquires,
and three hundred archers. This fmall body,
being brave men, and completely armed, a fight
almoft unknown in Ireland, filled the inhabitants
with terror; and Fitz Stephens, being foon after
joined by Maurice de Prendergaft, with ten knights
and fixty archers, he was enabled to attempt the
fiege ot Wexiord, where, after gaining a battle,
he took the town. Fitz-Gerald arrived foon after
with ten knights, thiny efquires, and one hundred
archers, and joining the other adventurers, formed
a force which carried all before it. Roderic, the
chief king of the ifland, was defeated in .an en-
gagement ; and the prince of OfTory, being com-
pelled to fubmit, gave hoftages for his peaceable
behaviour.
Dermot, not contented with the reftoration of
his dominions, projected now the dethroning of
Roderic, and afpired even to the fole foverergnty
of Ireland. Wiih this view he diipatched a meifen-
gtr to Strongbow, claiming the performance of
his promife •, difplaying, at the fame time, the
great advantages that might now be reaped, by
a fmall
H
N R
II.
a fmall reinforcement of troops from England.
Strongbow lent over Raymond, one of his retinue,
with ten knights and fcventy archers, who landing
near Waterford, are faid to have defeated three
thoufand Irifh ; and he himfelf, a few days after,
brought over above two hundred horfe, and a
hundred archers, with whom, joining his fellow-
adventurers, they made themfelves mailers of Water-
ford, and took Dublin by afiault. Roderic, in
revenge, cut off the head of Dermot's fon, who
had been left in his hands as an hoftage ; and
Richard Strongbow having married Eva, foon after
became, by the death of Dermot, king of Leinfter,
and prepared for conquering the whole ifland ; of
which, befides many fmall tribes, there were five
principal fovereigntics, Munfter, Leinfter, Meath,
Ulfter, and Connaught. There is the greateft rea-
fon to believe, that Ireland was originally peopled
from England ; and at this period they remained
in a ftate of barbarifm, without even agriculture,
without arts, deftitute of laws, manners, and of
learning. Ferocious by nature, and fond of li-
berty, they oppofed every attempt to civilize them ;
and, like ancient Britons, when attacked by a fu-
perior force, fled to their forefb, mountains, and
caverns for fafcty. Roderic, and the other Irifh.
princes, alarmed at the danger which now threatened
the whole ifland, entered into a confederacy, and,
uniting their forces, befieged Dublin with an army
of thirty thoufand men ; but Strongbow, at the
head of ninety knights, with their followers, at-
tacking them in the night, routed this body of
forces, and in the ptirfuit made a prodigious
{laughter.
Such was the ftate of affairs in Ireland when
Heniy landed from the continent. Diipleafed at
the manner his fuhjecls went on, conquering king-
doms for themfelves, and probably touched with a
fit of jealoufy for his own dignity in not being a
fliarer in their glory, he fent letters to Strongbow,
charging him upon his allegiance to repair to him
immediately, and give an account of his conduct
in Ireland. The earl, who knew he was not in a
condition to difpute the king's orders, repaired to
him at Gloucefter, where he found means to appeafe
his anger by making him the mod humble fub-
miffions, and offers of holding fuch parts of his
conquefls as he mould approve, under vaflfalage to
his crown. The king now having determined to
invade the ifland in perfon, after taking proper
precautions for the peace of Wales, embarked at
Milford, and landed about eight miles from Water-
terford, at the head of five hundred knights, befides
other foldiers. The Irifh, difpirited by their late
defeats, had laid afide all thoughts of refiftance ;
fo that in the progrefs Henry made through the
ifland. he had little more to do than to appear the
proteftor, and receive the homage of his new fub-
jecls, whom he treated with remarkable lenity and
kindnefs. He kept his Chriftmas feftival in Dublin,
the metropolis of his new- acquired kingdom, where
he convened a national fynod •, committed to moft
of the Irifh princes the government of their own
territories; beftowed on Strongbow the'commiffion
of ftnefchal of Ireland ; and, after a ftay of a few
months, having been fummoned by the pope to
appear in Normandy, returned in triumph to
England.
From thence he paffrd over to the continent,
and on his arrival at Savigny, the two legates
Albert and Theodine, to whom the trial of hi's
conduct, with regard to the murder of Becket, had
been committed, opened their commiffion. At
firft, their demands were fo exorbitant that Henry
broke off the negociation, and threatened to return
to Ireland. The cardinals, fienfible that the feafon
for taking advantage of that tragical incident Was
now paft, were obliged to lower their tone, and the
No. 9.
king of England had the good fortune to conclude
an accommodation with them on cafy terms,.
The concefTions having been figned, Henry re-
ceived abfolution from the legates, and was con-
firmed in the grant pope Adrian had made him of
Ireland.
Henry had now reached the fummit of human
glory, and flattered himfelf with enjoying a feries
of unclifturbed tranquillity. He was deceived in
thele pleafing expectations. His children proved a
fource of the moft fevere difquietude. Htnry, his
eldeft fon, was weary of bearing the royal title
without authority. He had married Margaret,
daughter to Lewis king of France, and the cere-
mony of his coronation had been repeated, in order
that his confort might be included in the folemnity.
He had alfo been permitted to pay a vifu to his
father-in-law, and continued fome time at the court
of France. Lewis, ever attentive to excite com,-
motions in England, embraced this opportunity of
kindling the flames of domeflic dilcord in the
family of Henry. He perfuaded the young prince^
that in confequence of the ceremony of the coro-
nation, he was entitled to an immediate poffeffion
of a part of the dominions of his father. Impe-
rious by nature, and full of this extravagant idea,
young Henry returned to England, and demanded
or his father, either his kingdom, or the duchy of
Normandy. The king was aftonifhed at this un-
expected demand, and began to fear that his hopes
of happinefs were built on a chimerical foundation.
He endeavoured to convince his fon of the un-
reafonablenefs of his defire ; and painted in proper
colours the folly of a requeft, which could only
tend to weaken the power of his family, and, ulii-
mately, his own authority. But his endeavours
were in vain : the prince difcovered the higheft dif-
content, blended with infolence, at his father's re-
fufal ; and, retiring to France, put himfelf under
the protection of Lewis, whofe defire of leffening
the power of Flenry, had given rife to this domeflic
difcord. But the difobedience of the eldeft fon was
not the only misfortune that difturbed the tran-
quillity of Henry. Queen Eleanor was jealous of
her hufband, and communicating her difcontent to
her two younger fons Geoffrey and Richard, per-
fuaded them that they alfo were entitled to the
prefent polTefTion of the territories afllgned them ;
fhe likewife prevailed upon them to fly fecretly to
the court of France, and ha 1 alfo put on man's
clothes in order to efcape to the fame court, when
fhe was feized by Henry's orders, and confined.
Thus Europe beheld with aftonifhment the moft
indulgent of parents at war with his own children,
three boys, fcarcely arrived at the age of manhood,
requiring a great monarch in the full vigour of life,
and in the height of reputation, to quit the throne,
and place them on it ; and, at the fame time, fe-
veral princes, who were not afhamed to fupporc
them in thsir abfurd and unnatural pretenfions.
Lewis was not the fole monarch A ~
who began now to be jealous of ' ' JI73-
Henry's growing power. William, king of Scot-
land, had long beheld it with terror, and trembled
for the confequences. He followed young Henry
to France, under pretence of renewing the league
that had long continued between the Scottifh and
French nations ; but in reality to concert proper
meafures for diftrefTmg the king of England.
Nothing lefs than the amazing abilities of the
Englifh monarch, could have extricated him out
of the innumerable difficulties with which he was
now furrounded. The defertion of many of his
powerful barons, particularly in Normandy, gave
him reafon to fear that his own fubjecls would
defert him in the day of battle ; he therefore took
twenty thoufand Brab.mders, all veteran troops, into
his pay, and by his liberality attached them firmly
A a
94
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
to his perfon. He alfo applied to pope Alexander,
who, in compliance with his requeft, promulgated
anathemas againft young Henry and all his adhe-
rents : but jthe papal tlumdcr, whole effect was ir-
refiftible in ecclefiaflical cauks, loft its power when
employed in a difpute merely temporal : the flaming
bolts of the Vatican fell harmtefs to the ground'.
Indeed, the clergy were very remifs in fupporting
a lentcnce, that was not in the lead connected with
the intereft of their order. The king was there-
fore obliged to have recourfe to arms ; and his vir-
tues never fhone with fo much luftre as in this
alarming crifis. The fight of impending dangers
animated him with frefh courage. Bleft with the
rnoil aftonifhing prefence of mind, he viewed with
the moft intrepid coolnefs the approaching ftorm,
and planned the moft prudent mcafures to break its
force. Lewis, on this occafion, fummoned an af-
fenibly of the chief vaiFals of his crown to meet at
Paris, and engaged them by oath to adhere to
young Henry's caufe. In return, that prince fvvore
never to defert his French allies ; and having caufed
a new great feal to be made, lavifhly diltributed
among them confiderable parts of thofe territories
which he propofcd to conquer from his father.
The counts of Flanders, Bologne, Blois, and Eu,
jealous of Henry's power, and allured by the
profpect of advantages they hoped to obtain from
the young unnatural prince, declared openly in his
favour. William of Scotland entered into the
fame confederacy ; and a plan was formed for a
general invafion of the different parts of the king
of England's extenfive dominions.
Hoftilitics were begun by Richard, who repaired
into Guienne, and excited the greater part of the
inhabitants to take up arms againft his father.
Geoffrey flirred up a rebellion in Brittany, and put
himfclf at the head of the infurgents. Normandy
was invaded by the king of France, affifted by the
earls of Flanders, Bologne and Blois. The
Scottifli monarch led an army into the northern
parts of England ; and the earl of Leicefter landed
in EfTex at the head of a 'large body of Flemifh
troops, to excite an infurrection among the Englim.
The active genius of Henry now towered above
misfortunes. He faw his dangers, but was not
intimidated. He had taken fuch precautions in
providing for the defence of his frontiers, that
Lewis, after lofing the greater, part of his army,
was obliged to abandon the enterprize. Ten thou-
fand Brabanders, fent by Henry into Brittany, de-
feated the rebels, and obliged them to return to
their duty. The army of Leicefter was routed at
St. Edmondfbury in Suffolk, and above ten thoufand
Flemings flam on the fyot. Henry advanced at
the head of his army againft the infurgents in
Guicnnc, retook the places they had feized, and
obliged them to lay down their arms, and fubmit
to his authority.
Henry, who had defeated the cle-
A. D. I774' figns Of nis enemies in France, and
put his frontiers out of danger from any attempts
of his enemies, landed at Southampton ; and in
order to gain the affections of his people, before
he proceeded againft the Scottifh army, fubmitted
to an act of humiliation, which all the power of
the church could not have impofed on him. He
knew that the ridiculous ftories of Becket's miracles
were firmly believed by a weak and bigotted
people, and that he himielf lay under ftrong fuf-
piciuns of being acceffary to his death. He deter-
mined, therefore, to remove every fhadow of com-
plaint, by joining in the reigning devotions ot the
times. He lit out ("or Canterbury in order to. make
an atonement for his offences at Becket's tomb.
As foon as he came within fight of the cathedral,
at the diilancc of three miles, he difmountcd, and
-walked baa-foot over a road that was full of rough
and fharp ftones, which fo wounded his feet, that,
in many places, they were ' ftaincd with his blood.
When he got to the tomb, he threw htmft-rlf
proflrate before it, and remained feme time in
fervent prayer ; during which the bifhop of Lon-
don, in his name, declared to the people, that he
had neither commanded, nor advifed, nor by any
artifice contrived, the death of Becket ; for , the
truth of which he appealed, in the moft folemn
manner, to the teftimony of God. Not content
with this, he fubmitted to a penance ftill more
fingular and humbling. He alfembled a chapter
of the monks, difrobed himfclf before them, or-
dered a..fcourge of difcipline to be put into the
hands of each, and prcfented his bare Ihoulders to
the lafhes, whrch feveral bifhops and abbots in-
flicled on him. This fharp penance being over,
he returned to his prayers before the tomb, which
he continued all that clay and the next night ; not
even fuffering a carpet to be fpread under him,
but kneeling on the hard pavement. Early in the
morning he made a folemn pr"ocefTion round the
altars of the church, and paid his devotions to the
faints interred there ; then returning to the fhrine
of the canonized prelate, he made an offering of
forty pounds per annum, to fupport a number of
lamps, to be kept continually burning before hi<?
tomb. True devotion is more decent, and lefs
oftentatious.
Henry had fcarcely recovered from a fever, oc-
cafioned by his fevere penance, when his flecp was
difturbed in the middle of the night by a mciren-
ger, who infifted upon being admitted to his pre-
fence at that unfeafonable hour. Being introduced
by a gentleman of the bed-chamber, he told the
king he was fent with good tidings from Ranulph
de Glanville. Henry enquired kindly after his
health. He is well, anfwered the mtffcngcr, and
holds your enemy, the king of Scotland, a captive
at Richmond caftle in Yorkfhire. Henry, aflonifh-
ed, ordered him to repeat what he had laid.
After doing fo, he produced a letter, which con-
tained the particulars of this great event. The
king had no fooner read it, than leaping out of his
bed, and fhedding tears of gratitude, he with eyes
and hands raifed to heaven gave God thanks. He
then fent for his friends, to partake with him of the
pleafure he felt at this unexpected news ; the par-
ticulars of which were thefe.
The king of Scotland, blocking up the caflle of
Alnwick with his regular forces, fent all his irre-
gulars to ravage the country. A troop of thefe,
under the command of Duncan, earl of Fife, en-
tered Warkworth, which they burned to the
ground, and maffacred all the inhabitants, men,
women, and children. This act of cruelty railed
the ftrongeft refentments in the people of all the
northern counties. The Yorkfhire barons affem-
bled under Ranulph de Glanville, fheriff, forming
a body of horfe, in which were about four hundreu
knights, and after a long forced march, they en-
tered Newcaftle on the fourth of July. They there
learned in what manner the forces of the enemy
were fcattered ; which giving them a reafonablc
hope of finding the king weakly guarded, they re-
folved to fet out the next morning, in order to
furprize that part of the army which lay before
Alnwick caftle. As they proceeded on their,
march, fo thick a fog arofe that they could with
difficulty find their way ; upon which fome advilld
returning back to Newcaftle ; but Bernard de L'a-
liol, one of the principal barons, declaring, that
rather than ftain his character with the infamy of
fuch a retreat, he would go forwards alone, they all
refolved to proceed. While advancing, the rnift
which] had covered and concealed their march,
fuddenly difperfing, they had a near view of Aln-
wick caftle, and foon difcerned the Scotch king,
admidit
II E N R
Y
II.
95
amidft a troop of between fixty and feventy horfe-
men, diverting himlcJf with the exercifes of chi-
valry in an open plain. He at firft took them for
the detachment commanded by Duncan, returning
from Warkworth-, but on their nearer approach,
difcovering by their banners that they we're Eng-
lifh, he was amazed, yet not daunted; for fuppofing
fome bands of his forces which were on every fide
fcouring the country, would come to his aid,
or perhaps from the mere impulfe of a rafh un-
thinking courage, he fiercely fhook his fpear,
faying to his men, that " now it would be feen
who was a good knight -," having thus fpoke, he
Jed his men immediately to the attack, charging
foremoft himfelf ; but his horfe being killed under
him in the firft mock, he was taken prifoner, and
with him mo ft of his knights. Some nobles who
were not engaged in the action, hearing what had
happened, threw themfclves into the hands of the
Englifh, that they might be partakers in the ill
fortune of their fovereign. The victorious party,
without encountering any other detachment of the
enemy, returned that evening to Newcaftle, and
the next day they conducted their royal prifoner to
the caftle of Richmond. All his army, 011 the firft
account they received of this misfortune, retired pre-
cipitately into Scotland. Such remarkable fuccefs
was attributed to the protection of St. Thomas, and
this opinion, fpreading through the whole kingdom,
tended greatly to deprefs the fpirits of the Engliih
rebels •, but many barons being ftill in arms, Henry
marched without delay to chaftife them. He firft
inverted thj caftle of Framlingham, belonging to
Hugh Bigod, who was too well acquainted with the
martial difpofition of Henry to attempt defending
his fortreld. The bifhop of Durham, who had
effected an entire independence, delivered up the
caftles of Norham and Alverton. The officers of
the earl of Leicefter followed the bifhop's example,
and gave up the caftks of Mont.'orrel, Groby, and
Leiceirer. Mowbray delivered up the caftle of
Thirfk, and the earl of Ferrers, Stotville, and Du-
felde. Such was the ifiue of this unnatural re-
bellion in England -, and this prodigious career of
fuccefs, rendered it impracticable to purfuc the in-
tended invafion from Graveline, whe:e the younger
Henry was ready to embark with a powerful army.
Lewis, therefore, in conjunction with the earl of
Flanders, laid fiege to Rouen. The combined
army pufhed the fiege with great vigour, and the
French king flattered himfelf with being able to
rrake himfelf mafter of the place before the arrival
of Henry. He was however miftaken. The gar-
rifon made a noble defence, and Henry landed be-
fore Lewis could fubdue even the outworks. The
prefence of the Englifh monarch ftruck the enemy
with terror ; and the combined ton es retired from
the fiege with the utmoft precipitation, leaving all
their baggnge behind them.
All the confederates now dt fired a conclufion of
the war. Every enterprize they had formed with
confident hopes of fuccefs, from their great fupe-
riority of ftrength, having been ftrangely defeated
by fuch a feries of accidents in Hemy's favour, that
the immedi.ite hand of God feemed to appear in
Supporting and maintaining his caufe. The only
doubt was, whether the king cf England would
content to a peace, when revenge and giory feemed
equally to demand a continuance of the war againft
enemies difappointed in all their undertakings.
But no advantage he could gain over them ap-
peared of fuch importance to the happinefs of his
life, or the welfare of his people, as recovering his
children out of their hands, and reclaiming them
from thofe errors into which their inexperienced
youth had drawn them. Lewis having demanded
a conference, Henry appeared at it, with the moft
moderate and pacific difpoficion. A truce was
agreed to, and Henry was fuffcred to make war on
his fon Richard, who having gained the pofleffiorl
of fome caftles in Poictou, fmgly refuted to accept
the propofed conditions. None of the o'hcr con- •
federates would now afiift him, fo that helplefs, and
flying with a few of his barons, from one retreat to
another, as Henry purfted him, he was at lift con-
ftrained, notwithftanding the tlubborn pride of his
heart, to fubmit without reftrve to the kino's
mercy ; who took the rebel to his bofom with the
kindeft marks of parental affection. They went
together to another conference, appointed by the
king of France, at which were hkewife prefent the
two other brothers, Henry and Geoffrey Planta-
genet, with all the greater vafials of the French
crown, except the earl of Flanders. Henry now
granted his tons lefs advantageous terms than he
had before offered. The principal were confider-
able penfions, and fome caftles which he granted
them for their refidence, with an indemnity of all
their adherents, who were rertored to their honours
and eftates.
William, king of Scotland, was the only confi-
derable lofer of all thofe who had embraced the
caufe of the ^young princes. Henry reftored to
liberty without any ranfom, about nine hundred
knights, whom he had taken prifoners ; but William
paid for his freedom the antient independency of
his crown. He agreed to do homage to Henry for
Scotland, and all his other pofllrTions ; that his
barons and nobility mould do the fame; that the
bifhops fhould take an oath of fealty ; that both
mould fwear to adhere to the king of England, if
William mould break his engagements ; and that
the fortrefles of Edinburgh, Roxborough, Sterling,
Jedborough, and Berwick, fhould be delivered into
Henry's hands, till the performance of the articles.
Accordingly William, after his being releafed,
brought up all his barons, prelates, and abbots, who
did homage to Henry in York cathedral. He alfo
engaged the king and ftates of Scotland, to make a
perpetual ceflion of the fortreffes of Roxborough
and Berwick. Few princes were ever fo happy to
gain fuch confiderable advantages of their weaker
neighbours with fuch juftice, as Henry gained from
the king of Scotland, who had wantonly waged
againft him an unjuft war, in which all the neigh-
bouring princes, and even his own unnatural ions,
were, without provocation, combined againft him.
Brfore Henry left Normandy, his eldeft fort
ftayed at Rouen, while he went into Anjou, in
which time feveral mefiengers were fent from
Lewis, to perfuade the young prince not to venture
to go into England with the king, his father, who
it was infmuated, as foon as he thould have him in
his power there, would confine him in prifon ; which
artful representations fo terrified the young prince,
that when his father ordered him to come to Caen,
from whence they were to take flapping, he refufed
to obey. Henry having been informed of the rea-
fons which produced this reluclance, aflured him by
feveral gracious meffages, that he had nothing to
fear. • Thus encouraged, he threw himfelf at his
father's feet, in the prefence of many nobles, and
with a great effufion of tears, implored his forgive-
nefs of all he had done to offend him ; and moft
earneftly begged, that as his father and lord, he
would receive from him homage, and an oath of
allegiance ; adding, that till he permitted him, as he
had done his two brothers, to give him thefe
pledges of future loyalty, he fliould never believe
his indignation againft him entirely removed.
Henry, touched with this mark of filial contrition,
confuted ; upon which he not only took the oath of"
allegiance, but voluntarily fwoie, that he would be
guided in the whole ordering of his houfliold, and
all his other affairs, by his father's advire ; and as
long as he lived, would do no harm to thofe vafTals
who
96
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
who had ferved his father in this war, on account
of thac fervice-, but would honour and promote
them as men who had been faithful both to their
king and to him. Thefe matters being adjufted
b.tween the father and fon, they went to Barfleur,
and embarking there landed at Portfmouth, to the
inexpreffible joy of all Henry's faithful fubjects.
Thus ended this rebellion, the firft and laft ever
raifed in England, without fome difpute on the
title of the king to the crown, fome difference on
the fcore of religion, or the pretence of fome
grievances injurious to the public. Yet, ill-founded
as it was, it fhook the throne; but divine provi-
dence fo aflifted the juft caufe of the king, that his
combined enemies fell before him, and their malice
ferved only to make his virtues more confpicuous,
and his power more extenfive.
,. pj g Peace having now extended her be-
7 • njgn influence over every part of his
dominions, Henry applied himfelf to the adminif-
tration of juftice, and to render permanent the
affection of his Englifh fubjects. With thefe views
he fummoned a general council of the barons and
prelates at Northampton. In this affembly the laws
of Edward the Confcfibr, were revived to the entire
fatis faction of the people. And in order to carry
thofe laws into execution, he caufed the kingdom
to be divided into fix parts, and affigned to each
three itinerant juftices. Thofe divifions differ very
little from the circuits of the judges in thefe days.
He reftored the barons, who had joined his rebel-
lious fons, to their eftates. But having learned
from experience the danger of fuft'cring fo many
catties to exift in the very heart of his kingdom,
he feized many of them, and demoliflied others*
He caufed fevere penalties to be inflicted for the
crimes of murder, robbery, and coining. He de-
molifhed in -a great meafure the fuperftitious trial
by ordeal, by ordaining, that any perfon accufcd
of murder or heinous felony, ftiould, though ac-
quitted by the ordeal, be obliged to abjure the
realm. He was alfo defirous of abolifhing that ab-
furd cuftom of appealing to fingle combat •, but this
had taken too firm root among the nobility and
gentry •, he therefore contented himfelf with ad-
mitting either of the parties to challenge a trial by
jury of twelve freeholders ; this method of trial
was very antient in England, having been efta-
blilhed by the laws of Alfred the Great ; but
the barbarous tafte of the age had of late given
more credit to the trial by fingle combat, which
had for fome time been the method of deciding all
impo. tant controverfies of a perfonal nature. By
thefe and other wife regulations, Henry became the
delight of his people. All Europe from hating
and dreading, now began to admire and revere
him. His abilities were fuperior to any, his power
was guarded beyond infclt, and his clemency now
made more conquefts in peace, than his arms had
ever done in war. A fettled tranquillity in his king-
dom, afforded him that fatisfaction he had fought in
vain from power and grandeur. England knew
what it was to be governed by Englifh. councils ;
her laws were acquiring a new degree of duration ;
and the people were contented, protected, and
happy.
A P) Lewis, king of France, now worn
' °' out with years, was defirous of refign-
ing his crown to Philip his fon ; but that young
prince falling ill, on the day appointed for his co-
ronation, his father, contrary to the advice of his
council, refolved to make a pilgrimage to Bucket's
fhrine, in order to obtain the interceffion of that
Jaint for his recovery. Henry met the French
monarch at Dover, and conducted him to Canter-
bury, where they both p,'id their devotions at the
altar of St. Thomas •, and Lewis offered at his tomb
a niaffy cup of pure gold, and beftowed befides
upon the monks a grant of two hundred gallons of
wine annually. The monks, feniible that the ho-
nour of their faint was concerned, did not fail to
publifh, that the praye'rs of Lewis were anfwered,
and that the young prince was by the prevalent in-
terceffion of Becket, reftored to health. Lewis
died foon after his return, and was fucceeded by
Philip, an ambitious, politic prirce, who took every
occafion to deprefs the power of the Englifh mo-
narch.
Great as the abilities of Henry ,. ^
were, he found them inadequate to the " l
arduous taflc of reforming his rebellious fons;
Young Henry again renewed his pretenfions to
Normandy, again unfheathed the fword againfl his
father, and was protected by Philip, who favoured
his unnatural defigns. But while the young ingrate
was bufily employed at Martel, a caftle near
Turrene, in digefting the plan of his intended con-
fpircy, he was feized with a violent fever. Alarmed
at! the approach of death, who, at the inftant he
gives the fatal ftroke, takes off the veil of ftlf-de-
ception, young Henry began a ferious review of
his pad conduct, which now, ftripped of all falfe
difguifes, appeared to him what it really was, a
monfter of deformity. Terrified at the fight, and
penetrated deeply with contrition for his filial in-
gratitude, he difpatched a mefiage to the king, ex-
prefllve of his fincere repentance ; earneftly folicir-
ing the honour of a vifit, that he might not die
without the confolation of having obtained his fa-
ther's forgivenefs. After fuch repeated inftances
the king had experienced of his fon's treachery, ic
was natural for him to fufpect, that he only feigned
indifpofition, for the purpofe of accomplishing a
defign againft his crown or life ; he tfcrefore paid
no regard to his requeft. But receiving foon after
an account of his fon's death, the tendernefs of the
father fubdued all his philofophy and fortitude.
He fainted thrice, and when nature found utter-
ance, burft forth in exceffive lamentations of grief
and forrow. He upbraided himfelf feverely for
having refufed the requeft of a dying, repentant,
though undutiful fon •, and regretted that ground-
lefs fufpicion, which had deprived the youth of the
laft opportunity of making atonement for the errors
of his life. Prince Henry died on the eleventh of
June, in the twenty-eighth year of his age.
It was now hoped that the two fons . n
of Henry, Richard and Geoffrey, had A' U' ]
laid afide their rebellious intentions; but the
former, difgufted at a defign formed by his father
of fettling Guienne as an appendage upon John,
his youngeft brother, departed the kingdom, and
prepared to feize by force what he was only intitled
to by birth ; while Geoffrey repaired to the court
of France, to folicit affiflance againft his father,
becaufe he had refufed compliance with an infolent
demand, that Anjou fhould be annexed to his
duchy of Brittany. But the king was foon. after
relieved from all future intrigues of this unprincipled
fon, having received intelligence that Geoffrey had
been killed in a tournament at Paris. Nptwith-
ftanding the vicious difpofition of this prince,
which he had manifefted in numberlefs inftances,
the news of his untimely end proved the fource of
deep affliction to Henry -, but his death was re-
gretted by few of his fubjects ; for Geoffrey was a
prince in whom pride, diffimulation, and perfidy,
were equally blended. Neither principles of
honour, nor thofe of religion, had the leaft in-
fluence over, or could reftrain his headftrong re-
fractory temper. He was acquainted with every
vice, held in univerfal deteftation, and therefore
diftinguiflied by the opprobrious epithet of the
child of perdition.
Soon after the death of this prince, the melan-
choly news arrived, that the holy city Jerufaletn
was
H
E N . R
II.
97
was taken by Salad in, fultan of Egypt, and that
Guy dc Lufignan Mas in the hands of the infidels.
This difmal intelligence artonilhed all the Chriitians
of the weftern parts. Pope Urban III. is laid
to have died of grief; and his fucceflbr, Gre-
gory VIII. employed his whole time in calling to
arms all thofe who acknowledged his authority.
Philip and Henry for a time fufpendcd their quar-
rels, and vied with each other in their readincfs to
fuccour Palcrtinc. They both took the crofs; and
both ordered, that fuch of their fubjccts as did not
chufe to engage in the crufadc, Ihould pay the
tenth part of their revenues and moveables to defray
the expence of the armament. Moft of the regular
clergy were exempted from this import, called Sa-
ladin's tax ; and the fecular required the fame pri-
vilege, not\vithftanding they were the chief infti-
gators of thefe romantic enterprises.
An <?<* About two months after thefc tfanf-
' actions, the greater part of the inha-
bitants of Poictou rofe up in arms againft Richard,
upon a very frivolous occalion. The chief of the
confederacy was Geoffrey of Lvifignan ; who made
fo vigorous a refinance, that Richard, fummoning
all his ftrength, entered his country, and that of the
carl of Thbtoafe, who. had alfo joined the infur-
gcnts, with fire and fword. The earls immediately
applied to the king of France for protection.
Philip, who had fo lately entered into a facred
i.gement with Hemv, fent an ambalTador to
England, to know whether Richard had acted by
his authority. He was told, that Richard had in-
formed the archbilhop of Dublin, that thofe hofti-
litie.s were commenced by the approbation and au-
thority of Philip himfelf. The king of France,
inffead of being covered with lhame and confufion
at this detection, entered the county of Berry,
taking a great number of its principal places, with
ibme caftles which belonging to Henry.
Alarmed at fuch proceedings, Henry imme-
diately palled into Normandy, where he put him-
felf at the head of a powerful army, and a (harp
conteft was forfome time maintained between thefe
two monarchs. It was now the common caufe of
Henry and his Ion Richard to check the progrcfs
of the French arms. The former therefore ad-
vanced againft Mante, where Philip had then
taken up his quarters ; while the latter fell into
that part of Deny which.. belonged to the crown of
France, laying wafte, and plundering the whole
country through which he palled. As this war
deflroyed the hopes of fuccefs in the propofed
crufadc, it gave great fcandal ; which obliged
Philip to hold a conference with Henry at the ufual
place, between Trie and Gtiifons, in order to ac-
commodate their differences ; but the two kings,
neither of whom perhaps were under the guidance
of fincerity, fcparated with greater animolity than
they had met ; and Philip, in a rage, ordered the
beautiful elm, under which their conferences were
held, to be cut down, {wearing, that no more in-
terviews Ihould honour that fpot for the future.
The confederate carls were now convinced, that
the two kings purfued only their own interert, and
therefore refufed to fervc either of them any longer
in fo bad a caufe. Upon which the crafty French
monarch again attempted a reconciliation with
Henry ; but, in the mean time, fccretly brought
over young Richard to his fide. He artfully re-
prefented to this headftrong prince the wrong done
him by his father, in detaining from him his bride,
together with her fortune, and fuggeftcd, that
Henry's not putting him in the rank as heir-appa-
rent to the crown of England, and the duchy of
Normandy, was owing to a fecret dclign he had
formed of fettling the fueceflion upon John, his
younger brother. Richard behaved on this oc-
caiion with a caution uncommon to his impetuous
No. To. *
fpirit : he declined entering into any engagement
with Philipj but as the caufe of the differences
between his father and the French king regarded
his conduct; he expreffed his readincfs to juftify
himfelf before the court of France. For this pur-
pofe another conference was held, at which Philip,
who well knew the inflexibility of Henry, ottered
to reftore all things to the tlate they were in pre-
vious to the rupture, provided the princefs Alice
was immediately given in marriage to Richard,
who mould be declared heir-apparent of Henry's
dominions, and receive in due form the homage of
his fubjects. Henry had experienced already fuch
fatal effects from the crowning of his eldeit fon,
that he rejected thefe conditions ; upon which
Richard, furious with paflion, did homage to the
king of France, for the dominions his father held
of that crown without his knowledge or confcni,
and was inverted with them as if he had already
been the lawful proprietor.
Thefe increafing difficulties in the , n c •
way of the cnifade difplcafing car- ' #• r
dinal Albano, the pope's legate, he excommuni-
cated Richard as the chief fource of difcord ; but
this lenience produced no effects ; for the chief
barons of Normandy, Anjou, Poictou, and Guienne,
being attached to the young prince, declared for
him, and ravaged fuch of the territories 'as ftill ad-
hered to the king. Anagni, fucceflbr of Albano
in the legatefhip, now threatened the French king
with laying an interdict on all his dominions ; but
Philip reproached him for his partiality in taking
bribes from the king of England. He valued not
his excommunications ; telling him, at the fame
time, that the pope had no right to interpofe in
the temporal difputes of princes ; while Richard,
11 ill more outrageous, attempted to draw his fword
on the legate, but was prevented from committing
fuch a ram action by the company prefent.
Henry was now obliged to enter upon a war with
France, and his eldeft fon, now Philip's ally.
Hoftilities were renewed with more fury than ever.
Philip took Ferte-bernard, Montford, Beaumont,
and feveral other places. Nantz was taken by
affault ; and Henry, who had thrown himfelf into
it, efcapcd with fome difficulty, who on this oc-
cafion feems to have loft all his fpiri% with his
ufual good fortune. Amboife, Chaumont, and
Chateau de Loire, on the appearance of Philip
and Richard, opened their gates: Tours was in-
verted ; and the king, who retired to Saumuz, had
reafon to dread the moft fatal confequences frcnv
this war. He had not, for fome time, known
where to apply for mercenaries, having offended
the Brabanders. A late defeat had colt him the
flower of his army. He fent therefore over to
Ralph de Glanvil e, to raife all the militia of
England. But Henry's late tax for the crufluje
had greatly alienated the affections of his fu'ojccts.
They had feen their money extorted from them for
ridiculous purpofes, and now- faw it laviihly ex-
pended in meafures uninterefting to them as a
people. Thus we fee one oppreffive ftep in govern-
ment, too often cancels the merits of a whole reign
of beneficent actions.
Henry's warlike genius was now checked by that
of Richard and Philip. It is probable his peifon
might have fallen into their hands, had not the
neutral princes thought it high time to interpofe
their good offices. The duke of Burgundy, the
count of Flanders, and the archbilhop of Rhums,
applied to Henry, arid after making him fenfihle
of the defpcrate iituation of his affairs, prevailed
on him to confent to an accommodation. '1 he
place appointed for holding a conference, lay be-
tween Tours and Aralie. Several pretenlions and
claims were here fettled. Henry had undertaken
the crufadc. The difappointment in his not ful-
B b i;l!ing
98
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
filling this engagement had irritated the court of
Rome, and was, probably, one of the principal
caufes of his calamity. But he was now too old,
and too difpiritcd, to undertake that expedition
in-perfon. It was therefore concluded, that Richard
fliould perform in perfon the vows of his father.
By the other articles of this treaty it was agreed,
that Richard fliould marry the princefs Alice, and
receive .the homage and fealty of all his fubjccts,
both in England and on the continent ; that Henry
fliould pay twenty thoufand marks to the king of
France to defray the charges of the war ; that his
own barons fhould engage to make him obferve
this treaty by force ; and in cafe of his violating
it; fliould promife to join Philip and Richard
againft him ; and that all who had entered into
confederacy with Richard, fhould be indemnified.
Henry, who in moft treaties had been accu domed
to give law, had now the mortification of fub-
mitting to the moft humiliating terms ; the agita-
tions of his mind were beyond defcription. But
how were they incrcafed, when he, demanding a
lift of the barons to whom pardon was to be ex-
tended for their connexions with Richard, found
at the head of them the name of his fon John,
who had always been his favourite, whofe intercft
he had ever anxioufly at heart, and who had, by
his afcendency over him, often excited the jealoufy
of Richard. The unhappy father, already op-
prefled with a heavy load of forrows, broke out
into exprefTions of the utmoft defpair ; curfed the
day in which he received his miferable exiftence;
and beftowed upon his children, in bitternefs of
amniifh, a malediction, which he could not be
prevailed upon to retract. The more his heart
was fufceptive of friendfhip and tender affection,
the more he refented the barbarous return which
his four fons had made to his paternal care; and
this finifhing blow, by depriving him of every
comfort in life, quite broke his fpirit, and threw
him into a fever.
The day after the lafl conference he was carried
in a litter to the caltle of Chinon, and there took
to his bed. His natural fon Geoffrey had obtained
his leave to be abfent when the treaty was figned,
that he might not be witnefs to his father's humi-
liation; but, being informed of his illnefs, he
haftened to Chinon, and finding him fo exceeding
weak that he could not fit up in his bed, he gently
raifed his drooping head, and fupported it upon
his own bofom. Henry fetched a deep figh ; and
turning his languid eyes upon him, faid, " My
dearcft fon, as you have, in all dangers, behaved
yourfelf moft dutifully and affectionately to me,
doing all that the beft of fons could do; fowilll,
if God permit me to recover from this ficknefs,
make fuch rctur-ns to you as the beft of fathers can
make, and place you among the greateft and moft
powerful fubjects in all my dominions. But fhould
death prevent my fulfilling this intention, may
God, to whom the recompence of all goodnefg be-
longs, reward you for me." " I have no wifh,"
replied the fon, "but that you may recover and
be happy." After thefe words, Geoffrey rofe up ;
and, unable to reftrain his gujhing tears, left the
But, hearing that no hopes of life re-
room.
mained, he returned to perform the laft duties to
his father, who, awakened from a kind of trance
by his lamentations, opened his eyes, which had
been for fome time clofed, and knowing him, en-
deavoured with a faint voice to exprefs his defire,
that he fhould obtain the bifhopric of Winchefter,
or the archbiihopric of York. Then taking a ring
of great value from his finger, gave it to him with
his laft bleffing, and ordered that another, which
was kept in his trcafury as a precious jewel, fhould
alfo be delivered to him. After which he funk
down, and in a fhort time expired.
No fooncr had the breath left the body, than it
was treated with even more indecency than that of
his great grand-father William the Conqueror ; for
his fervunts, after rifling hi.s wardrobe, ftrippcd the
royal corpfe naked; in which uncomely manner it
continued, till one of the pages, lefs brutal than
the reft, threw over it a fliort mantle. The next
day Richard came to fee the dead body of his
father, and on viewing it was ftruck with horror
and rcmorfe; when the attendants, obfcrving that
at that very inftant blood iffucd from the mouth
and noftrils of the corpfe, he exclaimed, according
to a vulgar fuperftition, that he had been hi*
father's murderer; and expreffed, though too late,
that his undutiful conduct had brought his indul-
gent parent to an untimely end.
Thus died Henry II. on the fixth of July, in
the fifty-eighth year of his age, and the thirty-
fifth of his reign. By his queen Eleanor he had
five fons, two of whom only, namely, Richard III.
and John, his youngeft, furvived him : but
Geoffrey, his fourth fon, left Arthur, who was
duke of Brittany. He had three daughters ;
Maud, married to the duke of Saxony ; Eleanor,
wife of Alphonfo, king of Caftile ; and Joan,
confort to William II. furnamed the Good, king
of Sicily. Henry alfo had feveral natural children!
By the fair Rofamond, daughter of lord Clifford,
he had Geoffrey, and William Longe-efpee, or
Long-fword. This lady was his firft miftrcfs, and
the moft celebrated beauty in England. Being
then married, he might probably be afraid of his
queen's jealoufy, and folicitous io hide his in-
trigue from her knowledge ; which he might think
ftill more neceffary when Ihc was with him in Eng-
land ; and this may have given rife to the romantic
tradition mentioned by Brompton, of his having
made a kind of labyrinth in his palace of Wood-
ftock, to conceal his miftrcfs from the fight and
vengeance of his queen ; but the tale of her having
been poifoned in that place by Eleanor, has not
the Icaft foundation in authentic hiftory. Before
her death, fhe retired to the nunnery of Godllow,
near Oxford, and there died. Henry beftowed
large revenues on the convent ; in return for which
he required, that lamps fliould be kept perpetually
burning about the remains of fair Rofamond, which
were placed near the high altar, in a tomb covered
with filk: but under the reign of his fuccellbr,
Hugh, bifliop of Lincoln, commanded them to be
taken from thence, as being unworthy of fo holy a
place; upon which they were removed to the
chapter-houfe of the nunnery, and there interred.
There is a ftory r Jatcd of one Morgan, a Welch-
man, provoft of Beverly, who pretended to be a
natural fon of Henry, by the lady of a knight,
named Ralph- Bloet; but this pretence feems to
have been founded on nothing but the man's own
vanity and madnefs. Henry is likewife laid to
have carried on an intrigue with Alice, lifter to the
French king, and even to have had a child by her;
but this ftory is ftill worfe founded than the former.
It is certain, however, that Richard, to whom Alice
was betrothed, made ufe of this pretence for refilling
to marry that princefs.
Character of Henry II.
His perfon was of a middle ftature, yet robuft
and well-proportioned. His features, which were
good, formed a dignity of afpect ; and when his
mind was ferene, his eyes had a remarkable fwect-
nefs ; but when angry, they fparklcd with indig-
nant fire. His paflionate temper was one among
his imperfections. Upon any fudden provocation,
he could not command the firit emotions of his
rage ; though, at other times, he poffefTcd an ex,
traordinary degree of judgment and prudence.
Yet
H E N R
Yet this infirmity never betrayed him into furious
or cruel actions, but only broke out into words ;
nor did his anger laft long ; and when he was cool,
he became gentle and humane. As his countenance
was lively, fo his converfation was engaging. He
prefervcd almoft an uninterrupted ftate of health,
preventing corpulency, to which he was inclined,
by an abftemious diet, and frequent excrcife, par-
ticularly hunting. He was tenderly compaffionate
to all perfons in diftrefs ; and his good oeconomy
fecmed chiefly employed in providing an ample
fund for his charity and bounty. Befidcs what he
laid out in occafional acts of munificence, fome of
which were extraordinary great, he afligned the
tenth part of the provisions of his houfhold to be
conftantly given in daily alms to the poor. His
treafures were open to all men of merit; but he
was particularly liberal in his prcfents to Grangers
who came to vilit his court, as many did, drawn by
his fame, which was every where high and illuftrious.
When the affairs of his kingdom permitted him to
enjoy Icifure, he had always recourfe to books, or
the converfation of learned and ingenious men.
His palace was a kind of academy, and his table a
fchool, where the moft abftrufe points of govern-
ment were difcuiled. Nor was his reading of that
ufelefs kind which forms the pedant, or a mere
learned man; to letters he joined erudition ; to
erudition, knowledge. His affections, as well as
his enmities, were warm and durable ; and his long
experience of the ingratitude of men, never dc-
ftroyed the foe lability of his temper. He was fo
conftant in friendfhips, and chofe his minifters with
fuch difcretion, that not one of thofe he principally
trufted was ever difgraced, except Becket, who
rather quitted than loft the place he had gained in
his heart. Thofe who are moft Heady in their at-'
tachments, are generally moft apt to retain their
averfions ; and tiiofe whom this prince once hated,
he could feldom be perfuaded to admit again to a
frare in his favour. Yet, with a generous cle-
mency, he pardoned rebellions and other offences
committed againft himfelf. Some gentlemen of
his court being accufed in his prefcnce, of having,
the inftigation of the bifhop of Worcefter,
II.
99
at
talked of him difrefpectfully and to his difhonour,
they did not deny the words Jaid to their charge;
but, in excufe alledged, they were fpoken when
difordered with liquor. On this apology he dif-
miffed them all without any punifhment, and re-
tained no unkind fentiments or refentment towards
them or the bifhop. An admirable proof of true
magnanimity, and fuch which is found in few
princes; who are often more -angry at any liberty
taken with their perfons, than at an act of high
treafon againft their crown.
He lived with his intimate friends in the moft
eafy familiarity ; but though he fported with his
nobility, it doth not appear that he ever contami-
nated himfelf with the low fociety of buffoons, or
any of thofe who find accefs to the leifure hours
of princes, by miniftering to their vices, or footh-
ing their follies.
His favourite diverfion was hunting, in which he
followed the cuftom of his anceftors. When not
reading, or in council, he had always in his hand a
fword, a hunting fpear, or a bow and arrows. He
rofe by break of day ; purfued the chace till even-
ing with unabated ardour ; and when he came
home, though all his fervants were tired with fol-
lowing him, he would not fit down, but was upon
his feet continually, except at his meals, which he
ufually made very Ihort. Even while he was con-
fulting on buiinefs with his minifters, he flood or
walked. From a habit of exercife h>: was fo inde-
fatigable, that if occafion required, he would per-
form in one day a journey of three or four to an
ordinary traveller; by which expedition he fre-
quently appeared unexpectedly before his enemies,
difconcertcd the meafures that were taken againft
him, and crufhed the firft motions to rebellion
or fedition, even in the moft diftant parts of all
the feveral ftates that were under his government.
The frequent progrefs he made throughout Eng-
land, were very beneficial to his people : the execu-
tion of the laws, the good order of the cities, the
improvement of agriculture, manufactures and
trade, being thus under his immediate inflection.
He was the foul of his kingdom, pervading every
part of it, and animating the whole with his active
prcfencc. Nor were his cares for the public inter-
rupted by luxury, or the powers of his mind relaxed
or difordered by excefs. He was conftantly fober,
and often abftemious both in eating and drinking ;
and in his drefs he affected the utmoft fimplicity,
defpifing all fuperfluous ornaments, that might
hinder his exercife, or evidence an effeminate regard
to his perfon.
His predominant pleafure was a love of women,
of whofe attractions he was too fenfible, and too
defirous of pleafing them to the end of his life.
There are feveral inftances upon record of Henry's
incontinence, but not of that luftful kind which
influenced the eighth king of his name ; for
in his love for Rofamond, or any other lady,
there was no other weaknefs or criminality, than
what was infeparable from the paffion itfelf, irregu-
larly indulged. Nor was he lavifh in bellowing
either honours or riches on their relations, or de-
pendants. No worthlefs man ever rofe to power
by their favour ; nor worthy man ever incurred dif-
gracc at court by their malice. Henry was indeed
too often a lover ; but he was always a king.
It was a happy circumftance to Henry's govern-
ment, that his dominions in Britain, and thofe on
the continent, were nearly equal in value. The
fortunate feizure of William, king of Scotland,
with the acts of fubmiffion and homage he entered
into, fccured Henry from all domeftic troubles ;
but it was not fo with regard to his dominions on
the continent. There he had powerful rivals,
who improved the difcontents of his fons and fub-
jects, and at laft proved too ftrong for him to
fubdue. This occafioned a great difference in his
policy reflecting both people. In proportion as
his French fubjects wrere mutinous and rebellious,
the Englifh were relieved and encouraged. Henry
foon reaped the happy fruits of this conduct, and
what at firft fprung from neceffity, flowed at laft
from choice. He well knew that in feveral pre-
ceding reigns, thofe periods were alone profperous
and eafy to the government, in which the rights pt
the people were confulted. His own experience
confirmed this obfervation ; nor could he have been
able to maintain his ground againft the intrigues of
his queen, the rebellion of his fons, and the per-
fidious ftratagems of the crafty Philip, had it not
been for the fuppprt of England, reconciled to his
government, by his acts in favour of public liberty ;
fo that it was owing to Henry's good fcnfe, and the
circumftances of the times, that Englifh freedom
once more reared its head, during this reign.
Upon the whole, Henry II. was pofleffed of every
accomplifhment, both of body and mind, that could
fit him for the high ftation in which he was placed,
and may juftly be ranked among the moft illuftri-
ous monarchs that ever fat upon the Englifh
throne.
CHAP.
I GO
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
CHAP.
II.
RICHARD
I.
His coronation attended irilb an inhuman tnajfacre of the Jews — His preparations and expedients, /v id'/cb be
raifed money for the Crii/'ade — Sets otil for the Holy Land ivilh Philip king of /r./w — Hfs principal tra-
i ions and exploits in the courfe of that expedition — On his return to England, falls into the bands of Leopald^
by li-bota be is kept for fotne time a clofe prifoner, and then delivered to the emperor, Henry I'l. li-h^
ibreiv him into a dungeon, but loaded him with irons — Recovers his liberty, upon 'paying a ran/bm of one hun-
dred thoiifand marks, about two hundred thoufand pounds of our preferit- Money — DJfordi rs in England during
his affence — Upon his arrival there is crowned afecond lime at IVincbefler — A ii\ir with France — The maiuur
of his death and character.
.
"O
XV
I C H A R D, on account of his
' XV tingular fortitude, obtained the
furname of Cotur de Lion, or lion's heart. At the
time of his father's deccafe, he was <\i\ France ;
\vhcrc having concluded a peace with Philip, he
repaired to Rouen, and was inverted with the ducal
crown of Normandy; after which he pafled over
to England,, and was crowned, without oppofition,
on the third of December, at Weftminfter. His
contrition for his undutlful -behaviour to his father
was fo fincere, as to influence him after his fuc-
ccflion, in the choice of his miniftcrs and fervants.
Thole who had affifted him in his unnatural re-
bellion, inftead of being raifed to the pofts of ho-
nour they expected, had the mortification to find
they were hated and defpifed; while his father's
faithful minifters, who had expofed all the bafe ex-
ploits of his fons, were received with open arms,
and continued in the offices they had with honour
difcharged for their former mailer. One of his
firfl acts of regal power, was releafing Eleanor,
queen dowager, from her confinement, and in-
trufted her with the government of England during
his abfence. He remembered not the unnatural
part me had acled in arming children againft their
indulgent parent, and facrificing the lives of thou-
fands at the altar of jealoufy.
His bounty to his brother John w-as profufe.
Betides confirming him in the pofleffion of four
thoufand marks a year, bellowing on him the
county of Montagne in Normandy, and marrying
him to Avifa, daughter of the earl of Gloucester,
he conferred on him the whole eftate of William
Pi verell, which had efcheatcd to the crown ; he alfo
delivered to him fcven earldoms, and even put hirn
in porTeftion of eight caftles, with all the honours
annexed to them.
Richard, fince his arrival in England, had gene-
rally relidcd at Winchefter; but in the beginning
of December he fet out for London, in order to
be crowned. The ceremony was performed by
Baldwin, archbifhop 'of Canterbury, and celebrated
with great magnificence ; but the zeal of the people
againft infidels, which was excited by the king's in-
tended crufade, broke out in a very remarkable
and cruel manner on the day of his coronation.
The Jews on account of their religion, were beheld
with little lefs indignation than the Mahometans.
They had amaffed great riches, by lending money
on exorbitant intereft. Richard well knowing the
difpofition of his fubjects towards the Jews, pub-
liflied a proclamation,- prohibiting their appearance
at the coronation; but fome of them bringing him
large prcfents from their nation, prefumed in con-
fcquence of that merit, to approach the hall in
\\ hich he dined ; and being difcovered, were ex-
pofcd to the infults of the populace, who took this
opportunity, under cover of the king's edi<ft, for
\cntingthcir rcfemmcnt ugainft them. Thry were
obliged to Hy ; the people purfued them; 'and a
rumour was immediately circulated, that the king
had i fined orders t > maflacrc all the Hebrews. The
report was fo pleating to the vulgar prejudices,
that the fuppofed Command was executed in an in-
ftant on all who had the misfortune to fall into the
hands of their cruel murderers. Thofc who ibid
at home were expofed to equal danger : the popu-
lace, mftigated by rapacity and zeal, broke into
their houfes, which they plundered, after having
killed the owners ; where the Je\\s barricaded
their doors, and defended their property, the rabble
fet fire to the houfes, and made their way through
the flames to commit their deferrable acls of pillage,
and to gratify their thirft for blood. The licen-
tioufnefs of the mob in London, which the civil
power could with difficulty reftrain, continued their
outrages to an. alarming degree : the houfes of rich
citizens, though Chriftians, were next attacked and
plundered ; till wcarinefs and faticty at Lift put an
end to the riot, fo horrible, and incontinent \vith
humanity : yet Glanvillc, the judiciary, when cm-
powered by the king to find out the autl'uors of
thefe crimes, fo many conliderable' citizens were in-
volved in the guilt, that it was thought mod p; r-
dent to drop the profecution, and very ftv, furrercd
on this occafion. Nor did the difcrders flop at
London. The inhabitants of other cities of Eng-
land, hearing of this (laughter of the JeAvs, imitated
the barbarous example. In York, five hundred of
thofe people, who had retired into the caftle for
fafety, finding themfelves unable to defend it, mur-
dered their wives and children, caft the dead bodies
over the walls, and then fetting fire to the build-
ings, perifhcd in the flames. The gentry in the
neighbourhood, who were all indebted to the Jews,
ran to the cathedral where the bonds were kept,
and made a folemn bonfire of thofe papers; The
king did all in his power to manifeft his difpleafure
againft the authors of this inhuman tragedy. He
publifhcd an edicl:, ftridly forbidding any infuk to
be offered to the Jews, whom he declared to be
under his immediate protection*
Richard had taken the crofs from the hands of
the archbifhop of Tours, and \vas now determined
to make an expedition to the Holy Land in perfon.
He was indeed more a foldier than a devotee ; and
to gratify his pafllon for military glory, and gather
laurels in the field of Paleftine, he fcrupled not to
facrificc at once the intereft of his crown, and the
welfare of his people. His whole attention was
now engrolfed in forming fchemcs for raiting
money to defray neceifary expences. His father's
treafurcs amounted to above a hundred thoufand
marks, and he refolved to augment that fum by
every expedient, however pernicious it might be to
his fubjecls or himfelf. The biihop of Ely dying
without will, he confifcated his eftate, which was
very confiderable. He put to fale the manors aud
revenues of the crown ; and even difpofed of the
great feal to William Longchamp, his prime mi-
nifter. Ralph de Glahville, chief jufticiary, expof-
tulatcd with him on thefe proceedings, as derogatory
to his own dignity, and oppreffive to his iubjcccs.
The king replied, "That he would fell the city
of London itfclf, if he could find a purchafer.'-
This anfvvcr iliocked the upright jufticir.ry. He
was
IHk
£=*i
V;
1/i
llpfe13
S
In
•^?=a&
— til /VyJF1
SB
PI s-«» we-s-s wBVfivw » » «•*&"« wwe
L.vi^-'k-ra-:
. k-Myv-V-Y-i-i-incg
3%
Z&s
K5
LJB«|
E^
RICHARD I
>£S
'y |%^- W^/tf rtM» .
7U~
^/4V«S-'fflN-!/AVfeV5MWA?4at':
l/ifAy^r sculp.
I ,/# ^w./ liorn /•//- Oxford, //^. j^ ^*^Crowned ^/ London., c^/",7. //J^
/|; -/<"/ /-v// /"/,* //^» Crufade fu*tes%&. //^/^L^^Jt/^^Mefsiiia //if' /fitter ewd'Crf//!* '/at/if i
'| X/'v//'_ -i/)f/eatf(/, In*. Cyprians, //^/ t^/a/cen PriToner ttetw" Vienna /// //^ Du Ice /
''ffi^./ V.^ii.'.,. ^/f^, r O/l /Jf)Q 1> r* 1 /' T AS! /?/?/? .
' ////Ay//^- Wounded //vi'/ </>/ Arrow /y/ Cnaluz <w/ Normandy, Died foin/ 0. //&
RICH
R D
I.
101
was alarmed for his country, and remonftrated
freely with the king on the confequcnces that muft
attend fuch precipitate meafures. But Richard fo
highly refented the liberty taken by his jufticiary,
that he deprived him of his office, and committed
himtoprifon; and he was obliged to purchafe his
freedom at the price of fifteen thouiand pounds.
Upon which he fold the port of jufticiary to the
bilhop of Durham for a thoufand marks ; and the
lame prelate bought the earldom of Northumber-
land for his life. Many of thofc who were en-
gaged to join the crufadc, having repented of their
vow, purchafed the liberty of violating it: and
Richard, who was in lefs need of men than money,
on thofe conditions, having obtained a bull from pope
Clement, difpenfed with their attendance. So ncgli-
o-cnt was he of the future intcreft and honour of the
crown of England, that he fold the vallalagc of Scot-
land, together with the fortress of Roxborough and
Berwick, for fo fmall a fum as ten thoufand marks,
and agreed to accept the homage of the king of Scot-
land, merely for the territories that prince held in
England. All ranks and ftations among the Eng-
lilli, were indeed oppreffed by numerous exactions.
Offices of inquifition into thebchaviourofmagiftrates
were erected, not for reformation but oppreffion.
The innocent and guilty fuffered in common, and
nothing but paying large fums into the king's
coffers, #avc fafety to the one or indemnity to the
other. Such were the arts by which this brave,
ill-fated, and worfe judging prince, reduced the
patrimony of the crown, exhaufted the fubftance of
his people, and proftituted the juftice of his coun-
try, merely to procure a temporary fupply, for fa-
tisfying his unbounded vanity.
Yet, though Richard thus facrificed every confi-
deration to the fuppofed fuccefs of a romantic en-
terprize, his conduct had fo little the appearance of
real fanctity, that Fulk, curate of Neuilly, who
front the merit of being a zealous preacher for the
crufade, had acquired the privilege of fpeaking
the boldcft truths, advifed him to get rid of his
pride, avarice, and voluptuoufncfs, which he termed
the king's favourite daughters. " You advife well,"
replied Richard, " and I difpofc of the firft to the
Templars, of the fecond to the Benedictines, and of
the third to my prelates."
Richard's next care was to provide for the ad-
miniftration of public affairs during his abfcnce;
in fettling of which, he purfued the dictates of his
own caprice, without confulting his council, and
againft the fenfe of the whole nation ; leaving
Hugh, bifhop of Durham, and Longchamp, bifhop
of Ely, regents of the kingdom. The latter was a
Norman, of mean birth, who by art and addrefs
had inlinuated himfelf into his favour. He had
before created him chancellor, and now .engaged
the pope to invert him with legatine authority, that
both the civil and eccleliaftical power being cen-
tered in him, he might be the better able to fccure
the public tranquillity. Four of the principal
barons were appointed their afliltants and coun-
fcllors in the adminiftnition.
. T. Having thus provided for the fafety
' of his kingdom, Richaixi patted over
to the continent, and had an interview with Philip
at Gue clc St. Remi, in order to fettle finally the
meafurc> curing the whole expedition. Here they
appointed the rirlt place of their rendezvous to be
in the plains of Vc/.clay, on the borders of Bur-
gundy. Here alfo the two kings fwore mutually
to maintain an uninterrupted peace, pledged their
faith not to invade each other's dominions during
the cruiade, exchanged the oaths of their principal
nobility to the fame effect, and fubjcctcd thcmfelves
in, the molt folemn manner, to the penalty of inter-
dicts and excommunications, it they ever violated
tais religious engagement. And it was determined,
in order to prevent the calamities which hitherto
No. 10.
attended all the crufades, to conduct their armies
to PalefHne by fea, that by means of their naval
power, they might open a communication with
their own ftates, and all the weftern ports of Europe.
Every thing being thus fettled, Richard, after re-
ceiving the pilgrim's ftaff at Tours, repaired to Ve-
zelay, where, being joined by the king of France,
they reviewed their forces, amounting to one hun-
dred thoufand men.
The two armies now feparated, Philip taking the
road to Genoa, and Richard that of Marfcilles, their
refpective fleets having received instructions to
rendezvous at thofe parts ; Richard waited eight
days at Marfeilles, when his fleet not arriving, he
hired twenty gallics, on board of which he embarked
for Medina in Sicily, leaving orders for the whole
fleet to follow him with all expedition. This order
was punctually obeyed ; the fleet arrived fafe at
Meffina, where they found the king of France with
his whole navy, ready to join them ; and at this
place they ftaid all the winter. During this in-
terval of time thofe feuds and animolities firft broke
out, which ultimately defeated the principal defign
of the expedition. It was not indeed reafonable to
expect, that two kings, competitors in power, and
rivals in honour, would long continue to act in
concert, and facrifice their own paflions to the in-
tereft of the crufade. Could this have been ex-
pected, the intention would have been anfwcred,
and the Holy Land entirely recovered from the in-
fidels. But the torch of difcord was lighted up
by the hand of jealoufy. Philip could not behold,
without envy, the forces of his rival in glory fo
much fuperior to his own ; the power of Richard
filled the breaft of Philip with malignity ; who be-
ing politic and deceitful, did not fail to take every
advantage againft him; and thus that harmony,
which was neceflary to the fuccefs of their under-
taking, was entirely broken.
William II. the laft king of Sicily and Naples,
had married Jane, Richard's fiftcr; but he dying
without iflue, Tancred, his natural brother, feized
the throne of Sicily. Tancred having put the
queen dowager, Richard's lifter, into confinement,
and refufed to put her in pofieflion of her money
and effects, to which Ihe claimed a right on the
part of her hufband, her brother Richard demanded
the rcrtoration of both with her liberty. Tancred
complied immediately with the laft demand, and
the lady was fent from Palermo toxRichard, with
a very fplendid convoy. He alfo concluded an
alliance with Richard, who agreed that his nephew,
Arthur, the young duke of Brittany, fliould marry
one of Tancred 's daughters.
But before thefe terms of friendihip were fettled,
Richard, jealous both of Tancred and the inhabi-
tants of Meflina, took up his quarters in the
fuburbs, and having feized a fmall fort which com-
manded the harbour, kept himfelf upon his guard
againft any furprize. The citizens taking umbrage
at this, mutual infults and attacks parted between
them and the Englilh. Philip, whofe troops were
quartered in the city, had a conference with
Richard, to accommodate the quarrel. But while
the two kings, who met in the fields, were engaged
in difcourfe on this fubject, a body of Sicilians ap-
peared to be drawing towards them ; upon which
Richard, with a body of his troops pufhed forward,
in order to enquire into the reafon of this extraor-,
dinary movement. The Englilh wanting only a
pretence for attacking them, drove them into the
town, and entered with them at the gates ; Richard
made ufe of his authority to prevent their plunder-
ing the defcncelefs inhabitants ; but in token of
his victory, or in order to humble them, he com-
manded the ftandard of England to be erected on
the wall. Philip, considering the city as his head
quarters, ordered his troops to pull down the co-
lours: but Richard lent to let him know, that though
C c he
102 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
he himfelf was willing to remove the caufe of
offence, he would not permit it to be done by
others ; and if the French king attempted fuch an
infult, it would be attended with an effuiion of blood.
Philip fatisfied with this kind of haughty fub-
miflion, recalled his orders, and the difference, in
appearance, was accommodated, though the re-
mains of rancour and jealoufy Hill fublifted in their
breaSts.
The Sicilian prince was foon fenfible, that he
could not hope for fafety, only by Submitting to all
Richard's demands; and Tancred agreed to pay to
Richard twenty thoufand ounces of gold, for his
lifter's dower, and twenty thoufand more for his
acquittance of all his claim to the movcables left
by the late king. It is to be obferved, that Tan-
cred was at this very time, under apprchenlions of
an invaSion from the Saracens, and from the coaft
of Italy. This perhaps difpofed him the more
readily to pay down fuch exorbitant fums; but
he received another valuable confideration ; for
he not only procured the king of England to be-
come guarantee for the poSIeffion of his throne,
but alfo the oath of all his nobility, who engaged
that Richard Should defend him, with all his
forces, againft the attacks of his enemies. This
Stipulation not being agreeable to Philip, it was
now propofed by the two monarchs, to obviate
future contentions by a folemn treaty, which when
brought upon the carpet, inftead of bringing
matters to an amicable conclusion, became the
occalion of new difputes. In one of thcfe, the ho-
•nour of Philip's family was deeply concerned.
Richard when only heir to the crown, had inlifted
on his being allowed to marry Alice of France ; but
after his having afcended the throne, he no longer
mentioned that alliance, and was now preparing to
cfpoufe Bcrengaria, daughter of Sanchez, king of
Navarre, with whom he became enamoured, during
.his Stay in Guienne ; and queen Eleanor was daily
expected to arrive at Mcfiina with. that princefs.
When Philip therefore renewed his application for
marrying his lifter Alice, Richard gave him an ab-
.folute refufal. Tancred, who wished for his own
•fecurity to inflame their mutual hatred, employed
'aiiartiiicc that might have been attended with fatal
confequenccs. He mewed Richard a letter, ligncd
by the French king, and delivered to him, as he
pretended, by the duke of Burgundy; wherein Philip
deli red Tancred to fall upon the quarters of the
Engliih; and promifed to afliSt in putting them to
the (word. The unwary Richard gave credit to
the information; but complained of this treachery
to Philip, who denied the letter, and charged Tan-
, crc-d with forgery and falfehood ; on which Richard
• was, or pretended to be, entirely fatisfied.
. T-J In the beginning of February,
19 •' Richard received an account, that his
mother and the princefs Berengaria, were arrived at
Naples; upon which he fent his gallies to attend
• and bring* them to Meffma. Philip convinced of
the infidelity of Alice, permitted Richard to give
his hand to Berengaria ; and having fettled all other
controversies with the king of England, that monarch
let fail for the Holy Land, having for fome time
• been inceflantly importuned by the Christians, who
were carrying on- the liege of Acre.
Richard waited fome time for the arrival of his
mother and Berengaria, when they joined him every
thing; was prepared with the utmoSt expedition for
their departure. Queen Eleanor returned to Eng-
• land ; but Bcrengaria and his lifter, the queen
dowager of Sicily, attended him on the expedition.
The large fums received from Tancred, enabled
Richard to make great additions to his ttcct, which
now confided of one hundred and fifty fail of
• large Ihip:;, and fifty three well armed gallics.
This fleet, on leaving the port of MeSlina, met with
a violent tempeft ; and the Iquadron in which the
two princerTes were embarked, \vas, on the twelfth
of April, drove on the coaft of Cyprus, and fome
of the veffels were wrecked near Limiflb in tl
iiland. Ifaac, governor of Cyprus, who had
affumed the pompous title of emperor, plundered
the mips that were Stranded, imprifbned the feaincn
and palFengers, and even re f u fed to allow the
princcSres liberty, not withstanding their dangerous
Situation, to enter the harbour of LimiSTo. Richard,
enraged at hearing this cruel transaction, imme-
diately came to their relief. He difembarkcd his
troops, defeated Ifaac, who oppofcd his landing,
entered LimiSfo by ftorm, and having the next day
obtained a fecond victory, obliged Ifaac to Surren-
der at difcretion, and placed governors over the
whole island. Here the king married Berengaria,
who inflantly embarking, took with her Ifaac 's
.daughter, a dangerous rival, who was thought to"
have feduccd the -affections of her huSband.
Richard arrived in Paleiline, when the Siege of
Acre or Ptolemais, hud been carried on above two
years, by the united force of all the Chrillian armies
in the Holy Land, and had been defended by the
titmoft cllorts of Saladin and the Saracens. The
arrival of Richard and Philip gave new life to the
common caufc ; and thefe princes Sharing in the
honour and danger of every attack, gave hopes of a
Sinai victory over the infidels. Extraordinary acls
of valour were performed, by the emulation between
thtfe rival kings; but Richard, animated \\lth
a more precipitant courage, drew to himfelf the
general attention, and acquired a prodigious repu-
tation. This distinguished courage in the king of
England, raifcd a name or jealoufy in the brealt of
Philip, who now considered himSelf as totally cclipfcd
by the valiant exploits of the former. However,
notwithstanding the variance between Richard and
Philip, as the length of the liege had reduced the Sa-
racen garrifon to the laft extremity, they Surrendered
themfelves prifoners ; and in return for their lives,
agreed to reltore all the Christian captives. Thus
this long liege, refembling in fome particulars, that
of Troy, which had engaged the attention of
Europe and Alia, was at laft brought to a period,
after the lofs of three hundred thoufand Christians. .
1'hc city having fin-rendered, was, agreeable to
the determination of arbitrators, divided between
the two kings. Philip now exprefled a delire of
returning home. Richard confented to his depar-
ture, but not till he had obtained from him a fo-
lemn vow, that he would not invade his territories,
nor -fuffer them to be invaded by others, during his
abfence. The future behaviour of Philip plainly
evinced, what confidence Should be placed in a mail
who had already been guilty of fo many inftanccs of
perfidy. On his return through Italy, he complained
to the pope of the ill-treatment he had received
from Richard, whofe intolerable infolence, he al-
ledged, was the caufe of his returning from the
crufade ; at the fame time begging abfolution from
his holinefs, from the vow he had made, in order to
afford him an opportunity of avenging himfelf for
the injuries he had received. The pope abfolvcd
him from his oath in quitting the crufade, but
Strictly enjoined him not to invade Richard's terri-
tories. A number of pilgrims foon followed the
example of Philip, fo that to Richard was left
the whole charge of profecuting the war, whicR he
did with unremitting ardour.
The crufadcrs now under Richard's command,
rcfolved to open the campaign, by attempting the
Siege of Afcalon, in order to prepare the way for
that of Jcrufalem ; and w ith a view of gaining a
better fupply of provilions, marched along the lea-,
coalt of Joppa. Saladin, in,, order to interrupt
their paffage, encamped in the road with an army
of three hundred thoufand men ; and this oc-
R
C H A R D
I.
rafioned one of the greateft battles which any age
has produced. The right wing of the Chriftian
army was commanded by James d'Avefnes ; the
left by the duke of Burgundy. Suhdin had con-
cealed part of his troops on the right behind fomc
hills, which covered them from the fight of the
Chriftians. On this body of referve he placed his
greatrft hopes of viclory ; and therefore, without
altering his pofition, waited the attack of the ene-
my, who began the adtion with their right wing.
The Saracens fupported the fhock with great refo-
lution ; and by the fuperiority of their numbers,
put that body into great diforder. Their leader,
James d'Avefnes was (lain, in endeavouring to
rally his broken troops, arid lead them once more
againft the infidels. The duke of Burgundy, at
the head of the left wing, made a furious charge
upon the right of the enemy, who, agreeable to
their orders, re;rjated as they fought; whereby the
duke was deceived, and followed them to a confi-
dcrable difiance from the main body of the army.
Sahdin perceiving this, ordered the ambufh be-
hind the hills to move forward. Thcfe troops,
furroimding the duke's forces, made a dreadful
Daughter. The fate of the Chriftian army now
depended on Richard. Me had been very fuccefsful
in his attacks, and had compelled the troops that
opoofed him to retreat in diforder. He was pur-
fuing them when informed of the dangerous fitua-
tion of the two wings. Upon which, marching
immediaicly to the duke of Burgundy's afliftance,
he fell upon the victorious troops of Saladin with
fuch impctuoiity, that he foon wrefted from them
the palm of victory which they thought to have
fecured. Richard, on this occaiion, performed the
mod aftonifhing acts of valour; and thofe who
before were filled with envy, were now ilruck with
admiration. One of the Saracen generals, re-
markable for his ftrength and agility, feeing the
wonders which Richard performed, thought by
the conqueft of fuch a warrior to grace his arms.
He therefore fpurredhishorfe, and advanced againft
the brave Engliih monarch. So diftinguifhed a
combat drew the attention of both armies ; as the
event, had the king been vanquiihed, muft have
decided the fate of the day ; but Richard, after
having received a ftroke from the infidel, aimed a
blow with fuch force that it divided his head from
his body, and falling aflant, took away part of the
Saracen's moulder. The battle was now renewed
with more fury than before ; it feemed to be con-
traded to die fpot where Richard fought in perfon ;
every fword was aimed, every weapon directed,
either to deftroy or protect him. The brave earl of
Leicefter loft his liberty, fighting at the fide of his
mailer, by whom -he was generoufly refcued at the
iur/^rd of his own. Saladin w.;s obliged to re-
inforce his right wing with part of his victorious
troops from the left; this motion gave the right
wing of the Chriftians time to recover themfelves ;
\\ho, finding the oppofition they had before met
with to grow weaker, they recovered new vigour,
and quickly rallied ; then falling with the utmoft
fury on the Saracen troops that oppoled them, they
renewed the action with furprizing intrepidity, and
at length forced them to feek their fafety in a pre-
cipitate flight. Richard (till maintained the battle
in fpitc of the vaft fuperiority of the enemy; though
his horfe was ready to fink under him, and he him-
felf almoft fainting with fatigue, rather by the
blows he had given, than by thofe he had received.
He was, however, in danger of being overpowered
by numbers, had not his right wing, meeting with
no farther oppofition, advanced to his afilftance.
Finding themfelves attacked by a body 'of frefli
forces, the Saracens began to give way ; nor was
it in the power if Saladin, though he exerted him-
felf with the utmoft afliduity and fortitude, to rally
them. The Chriftians, taking advantage of their
diforder, preflcd them with fo much vigour that
they betook themfelves to flight. Above fifty
thoufand of the infidels were left dead on the field
of battle.
This complete victory ftruck the Saracens with a
panic: they abandoned the maritime cities of A f-
calon and Caefaria, after demoliiliing the fortifica-
tions, M hich, with fome other places, fell into the
hands of the Chriftians. Richard marched direct lv
to Joppa, where he ftaid fome time to repair the
fortifications, thut if he fhould be obliged to retreat,
he might have a fecure port to embark his forces
for Europe. While he continued at this place, he
frequently amufed himfelf with hunting in the
neighbourhood, attended only by a few of his in-
timate friends. As he was one day return iiv from
the chace, with only fix perfons in his train, he
alighted from his horfc, laid himfelf down under a
tree, and fell afleep. He was, however, foon
dirturbed, by the approach of a fmall party of
Saracen horfe palling by the place. Richard im-
mediately, as they were few in numbers, purfued
them; till he was artfully drawn in o an ambuf-
cade, and furrounded by a fquadron of horfe. He
defended himfelf for a coniiderable time with great
bravery, without the leaft thought of retreading;
noiwithftanding the prodigious difparity of- num-
bers. But even the valour of Richard would have
been exerted in vain, had not one of his attendants,
by a remarkable prefence of mindj favcd him from
the impending danger. Four of his attendants
were flain ; when William Defpreanx, his onlyfur-
viving friend, cried out in the Saracen tongue,
" Hold ! I am the king of England !" Every eye
of his atlailants was now turned to Defpreaux ;
and thofe who were engaged with Richard imme-
diately left him, that they might fhare in the glory
of taking prifoner the perfon, whom they imagined
to be the Englifh monarch. This counter-ftrata-
gcm afforded Richard an opportunity of efcaping.
Defpreaux did not difcover himfelf till he came
before Saladin; when, falling at his feet, he, with
tears of joy, confeffed the deception he had made ,
ufe of to fave his mafter. Saladin commended his
fidelity, and treated him with great refpec.1:; but
fennble that Richard would never fuftcr a perfon,
who had fo fignally affifted him, to remain in con-
finement, demanded ten emirs in exchange for fo
faithful a fervant.
Having put Joppa in a ftate of defence, Richard
advanced within fight of Jerufalem, the grand ob-
ject -of the expedition. Saladin, determined to
prevent, if poftiblc, this famous city from falling
into his hands, drew up his army on the plains of
Rama to oppofe his paffage. A fecond battle en-
fued, and Richard was again victorious. Nothing
now prevented his attacking the place, but the
crafty advice of the knights Templars, who, being
in the intereft of Philip, perfuaded the Englifh
monarch to lay al'ide his attempt againft Jerufalem
till the enfuing fpring. Richard, who was more of
a warrior than a politician, without fufpedting the
motive of the knights, who were envious of the
glory he would obtain by the conqueft of the Holy
City, follow cd their advice ; and marching to Af-.
calon, repaired the fortifications which Saladin's
forces had demolished.
The difputc between Guy dc Lu- . ^ .
fignan and Conrade, with regard to ' ' 119~-
the crown of Jerufalem, was now renewed ; and
the duke of Burgundy refufed to act any longer in
conjunction with the Englifh. The French troops,
retiring into places of Jafety, pafled their time in
luxury and indolence. Defirous of making himfelf
mafter of Jcrufakm, Richard put an end to the
difpute by declaring in favour of Conrade, and ap-
pointing him king of Jerufalem. But at the fame
time
104
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
time he indemnified Guy for the lofs of a nominal,
by prefenting him with a real crown. He bcftowed
upon him the kingdom of Cypi'us. Pleafed with
having obtained the honour he had fo long defired,
Conrade, who was now at Tyre, made preparations
for joining the Chriftian army at Afcalon. But
before he could embark, he was flabbcd in the
ftreets of that city by two aftaflins, fent for that
purpofe by a Saracen prince, known by the name
of The old man of the mountains. The fubjeds
of that chief eftcemed afTaflination meritorious,
when fandified by his mandate : they courted
death, were it even in the extremities of Europe,
in the execution of his orders. The Old Man juf-
tified his cruel proceeding, in a letter he wrote to
the duke of Auftria fome time after ; declaring,
that the marquis fell by the poniards of his foldiers,
in revenge for his having put to death one of his
merchants, whofe fliip was forced into Tyre by a
Itorm.
The death of Conrade proved a frcfh obllrudion
to the progrefs of the Chriftian army ; but his
widow foon after marrying Henry, count of Cham-
pagne, that nobleman was, in her right, declared
king of Jerufalcm ; and at his intreatics the French
contented to join the army of Richard, who imme-
diately marched to attack the capital of Paleftine.
But when Richard thought of putting a glorious
period to the expedition, his hopes were rendered
abortive by divilions among the leaders of the con-
federate army. 'The duke of Burgundy drew oft"
his forces, and marched diredly to Tyre. The
duke of Auftria followed the example of the French
general : he abandoned the king of England, when
fortune held up in his view the palm of vidory,
and when the Saracens, fhut up within the walls of
Jerufalcm, trembled for their liberty. Richard
now faw all his hopes of future laurels cut down.
It would have been folly in extreme for him to
have belieged a city famous for its ftrength, efpe-
cially as Saladin, at the head of a numerous army,
hovered on the mountains, ready to fall upon the
maritime places the moment they mould be de-
fcrtcd by the Chriftians. The Englifh monarch
was therefore obliged to abandon the entcrprizc,
and accordingly marched his army to Acre. But
he had fcarcely reached the environs of that city,
before advice arrived that Saladin had taken Joppa,
and was preffing the fiege of the caftle with fo much
tiny, that thegarrifon muft furrenderunlefs fpeedily
relieved. Richard, who never abandoned his fol-
diers in diftrefs, ordered his army to the relief of
joppa ; while he himfclf, at the head of a fmall
body of chofen troops embarked at Acre, and
reached Joppa fome time before the main body of
his arm}-. The name of Richard was terrible to
the infidels; he fell on the beiiegcrs with fuch irre-
fiftable fury, that they abandoned the enterprise
with precipitation, and retreated to the neighbour-
ing mountains.
But it was impofllble for this gallant hero, with
only a handful of followers, compared with the
numerous armies of Saladin, to gratify the darling
pailion of his foul, by taking Jerufalcm ; especially
when he had the mortification to find, that the
cnthuliaftic ardour of the crufaders was abated,
a;id that their long abfencc from home, fatigue,
want, and the variety of incidents attendant on
war, rendered all but himfclf defirous of returning
to their own country. Richard, therefore, who
was no ftrangcr to their wifhcs, concluded a truce
w ith Saladin ; by which it was agreed that Acre,
Joppa, with fome other fea-port towns, mould
remain in the hands of the Chriftians ; and that
pilgrims, without the leaft molertation, Ihouldhavc
free liberty to vilit the holy fcpulchrc, and that all
of their religion fhould be allowed to trade in any
part of the fultan's dominions. This truce was
fuperftitioufly concluded for three years, three
months, three weeks, three days, and three hours.
Shortly after the conclufion of this truce, the hu-
mane and brave Saladin died. Before he expired,
he ordered his winding fheet to be carried as a
ftandard through every ftrect of the city ; while
a crier went before, and proclaimed \\ith a loud
voice, " This is all that remains to the mighty
Saladin, the conqueror of the caft." By his lai't
will he left large charities, to be diftributcd to the
poor of every denomination, without diftindion of
Jew, Chriftian, or Mahometan.
As Richard had now no bufincfs of importance
to detain him, the intelligence he received of the
intrigues of the king of France, and his brother
John, made him haften to Europe. Not thinking-
it fafe to pafs through France, he failed for Italy ;
but being fhipwreckcd near Aquileia, he, on his
landing, put on the difguife of a pilgrim, in order
to travel unobfcrved through Germany. Being
purfued by the governor of Iftria, he was obliged
to leave the dircd road to England, and pafs by
Vienna ; where, being betrayed by his cxpenccs
and liberalities, more fluted to a monarch than a
pilgrim, he was arrcfted on the twentieth of De-
cember at Gynacia, by order of Leopold duke of
Auftria, whom this great monarch had infulted at
the fiegc of Acre,- and that duke, ftimulated by
his revenge, kept him for fome time a clofe pri-
foncr, and then bafely delivered him to Flenry VI.
his inveterate enemy, who not only threw him into
a dung'eon, but loaded him with irons.
It might be thought very unpolite, and appear
affededly fingular, nay, our prudence might be,
perhaps, called in queftion, if we vifitcd, or con-
tinued long, even with a king of England, when
confined by a concurrence of unfortunate events,
in a loathfome prifon, in a dungeon too, and en-
tirely at the mercy of his ungenerous enemies ;
indeed, we are a little better acquainted with the
world to be guilty of fuch an abfurdity, and to
difcover fo little inexperience, as to aUbciate with a
wretch loaded with chains, and covered with mif-
fortunes. We fhall therefore follow the example
of men much more wife, learned, and pious, than
we pretend to be ; and, leaving Richard to ftrugglc
with his hard fate as well as he can, j.afs over into
England, and enquire what tranfadions happened
there, during the king's abfence in the Holy
Land.
When queen • Eleanor conducted the princefs
Bcrcngaria to Medina, me gave her fon a faithful
account of the ftate of affairs in England. That
kingdom was involved in much confulion by Wil-
liam Longohamp, bilhop of Ely, guardian of the
realm. This imperious prelate, though of mean
cxtradion, difdaining to have a colleague of equal
authority, had committed Hugh, bilhop of Durham,
to prifon, and governed the nation by his fole au-
thority. He cxcrcifcd all the ftatc of a dcfpotic
monarch. His opprellivc meafures were unbounded.
Both clergy and laity were ftripped of their pol-
fcffions, \\hich were given to his own creatures.
The king's revenues were embezzled to make pur-
chafes for himfelf; the vacant churches and abbits
he lequcftered. In travelling he was attended by
fo numerous a retinue, that more damage was
fulhined in the convents where he lodged for one
night's entertainment only, than could be made-
good for a contiderable time. Aaiiong thofe whom
he deemed domellics, to wait at his table, WCA:
fons of the rirrt nobility in the kingdom, who
thought themfelves amply repaid by intermarrying
\\ith the remotcft branches oi his family. A prince
of Marfeillcs, on application being made to him
by Hugh for redrels, ordered William to reftorc
the places he had taken from him ; but he, with
great arrogance, pcrlifted in his arbitrary proceed-
ings,.
R I
H
R D
I.
10s
ings, and absolutely refufed a compliance with his
orders. The king was now convinced of his error
in appointing fuch a mean perfon to fo high and
important a dation. He therefore (igned a new
commiflion, and named a council, without whofe
concurrence Longchamp was not to act. This
commillion Richard fcnt to England -by Walter,
archbilhop of Rouen, accompanied with William
Marefchal, carl of Striguel, laying a pofitivc in-
junction on the regent not to act without their
advice ; but when arrived in England, finding the
univerfal tyranny of the legate, they were intimi-
dated from ihewing their powers ; John only was
informed of their cx>mmifiion. The reverence the
Englifh entertained for the perfon of their king,
together with the fanclity of the caufe in which he
was embarked, prevented a civil war from raging
among the people, reduced to the greateft extre-
mity, through the arbitrary proceedings of an im-
perious churchman. He diverted Gerard de Cam-
ville of the IhcritTdom of Lincolnfhire : even the
king's brother did not cfcape the infults offered by
this prelate to the greateft of the nobility. How-
ever, being oppofed by John, his pride was fome-
what lowered ; and at this juncture he was, by the
pope's death, deprived of his legatine authority.
An event alfo happened foon after, which highly
exafperatcd the nobility, clergy, and the people in
general, againft Longchamp. Geoffrey, the king^s
natural brother, had, fomc time before Richard's
departure for the Holy Land, been elected to the
fee of York ; but fomc difputes arifing between
them, Geoffrey had promifed not to refide in
England during the- abfcnce of his brother in
Paleftine. But queen Eleanor having obtained a
difpcnfation of the king's promife, Geoffrey arrived
in England to take poffeffion of his fee. Long-
champ ordered him to be arrefted ; but the arch-
bimop having received intelligence of his defign,
fled for refuge to the church of St. Martin. The
regent's officers, paying no regard to the fanctity
of the place, dragged him from the altar in his
facerdotal robes, and committed him to Dover caftle.
This violent proceeding excited the deteftation
of all ranks of people. The clergy were parti-
cularly alarmed. The bifhop of Lincoln excom-
municated all concerned in this facrilegious out-
rage; and the fentcnce was confirmed in a general
convocation held at Reading. The bilhops even
threatened the kingdom with an interdict, if
Geoffrey was not immediately releafcd. The regent
was now fufficiently alarmed, and Geoffrey was fct
at liberty. But this was not fufficient : it was now
rcfolved to put a final period to the defpotic admi-
niftration of Longchamp. A general affembly of
the nobles and prelates was accordingly fummoned,
where the king's commiffion was read, and Long-
champ ordered to attend. He promifed to affift at
the conference ; but confcious that his actions could
not (land a fcrutiny, he fled to London, and (hut
himfelf up in the Tower. Being clofely invefled
by the nobility and citizens, and not having fuffi-
cient (lores, particularly of provifions, he endea-
voured to efcape in the habit of a female, in hopes
of gaining the continent; but his auk ward deport-
ment led to a difcovcry ; upon which he was feized
by the populace and imprifoned in a cellar, till the
pleafure of the council mould be known. The
great feal of England was now delivered to Walter,
archbifliop of Rouen, a perfon of great prudence,
modedy, and integrity. He always confulted his
colleagues in the affairs of government; and by
his prudent management reftored peace to the king-
dom. Longchamp found means, after having been
deprived of all his offices, to efcape over to France,
where he endeavoured to didurb the new admi-
niftratioa of his country by promoting the views of
Philip.
No 10.
John, who had joined in the opposition againlt
Longchamp, was poffeffed of neither virtue nor
honour; therefore the fpecious pretext to public
fpirit, no longer ferving as a cloak for his private
ambition, he refufed to co-operate with thofe v,ho
were actuated by the mod noble and laudable views
in the fervice of their country. John's prefent
behaviour fo plainly indicated what might be ex-
pected from him in future, that it was refolved to
invite queen Eleanor into England, in order to
llrengthen the royal party.
On the arrival of Philip, king of France, from
Paleftine, a conference was propofed by him with
William Fitz-Ralph, fencfchal of Normandy, and
the nobility of that duchy ; at which conference he
demanded in marriage. Adela, his fifter, with the
caftle of Guifors, and the provinces of Eu and
Aumale, afTerting, that they were ceded to him bv
the treaty of Medina. The Normans, alledging
that they were not authorized to make the ceflion^
refufed compliance. Philip threatened. to afTert his
right by force of arms; whilft the Normans, .in
return, prepared for defence. Being difappointed
in this attempt, he made an offer to prince John
of his fifter in marriage, together with the pofleflibn
of his brother's dominions on the continent. John
embraced eagerly the propofal of Philip, in hopes
of gratifying a pique againft his brother, and was
preparing to fet out for the place appointed for a
conference; but through the remonftrances of his
mother, joined with the menaces of the judiciaries,'
who threatened to confifcate his prop'erty if he
quitted the kingdom, he was prevented froiri
putting his defign in execution. Philip now deter-
mined to invade Normandy. Such is the (lability
of Gallic faith. But his nobles refufed to join in
the expedition,, having taken a folemn oath to the
contrary when in Paleftine. The pope alfo de-
clared in favour of Richard, expreffing his abhor-
rence of thofe who would take advantage of the
abfence of a prince, who was fo laudably employed
in fighting battles for the caufe of their church,
and mod holy religion. Thus was the treacherous
French monarch again difappointed in his perfidious
defigns. The lords juftices now united more firmly
than ever; they called another meeting of the
dates ; and a general oath of fidelity was taken to
Richard and his heirs, againft all mankind. At
the fame time they kept a watchful eye over all the
fea-ports, where they placed ftrong garrifons, com-
manded by experienced officers, whofe fidelity they
could depend upon. They foon found they had
occafion for all thefe prudent precautions. John
recalled Longchamp, whom he had before driven
out of the kingdom ; that, by joining their in-
tereds, they might didrefs, or at lead embarrafs
the adminidration. Longchamp, confiding in fo
powerful a protector, returned immediately ; and
John ufed all his intered to replace him in his for-
mer pod and dignity. But this notorious in-
confiftency of conduct, ferved only to unite the
government more clofely againd both ; and the
prelate was given to underdand, that if he did not,
without a moment's delay, prepare to quit the
kingdom, he would, by a due courfe of law, be
proceeded againft as a traitor. This menace, which
was to have been put in execution, produced the
dcfired effect. Longchamp, who well knew his
former actions -would not bear infpection, left the
kingdom, and returned to the continent. John,
defpairing of gaining his point in England by di-
viding, or corrupting, or over-awing, ceafed from
his oppofition; and the affairs of government went
fmoothly on, the people being perfectly fatisfied
with the adminidration.
While the hand of perfidy was thus dretched
forth to grafp the dominions of Richard, that
prince was funding in prifoa everv kind of i.nfuit
D d and
[06 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
and indignity. A warrior, who at the head of his
army made even the mighty Saladin tremble, was
now treated with contempt and cruelty. He was
brought before the diet, and accufed of feveral
crimes, which had no exiftcnce but in the malig-
nant minds of his enemies. He juftified himfelf
with an eloquence that confounded his perfecutors,
and covered them with confufion.
When the fatal intelligence of his hnprifonment
reached England, the council were aftonifhed, and
inftantly forefavv all the dangerous confcquences
that might arife from fo melancholy an event.
Eleanor, the queen -dowager, exerted herfelf on
this occafion. She wrote letter after letter to the
pope, exclaiming againft this injurious treatment
of her foil; reprcfented the impiety of detaining
in prifon the moft illuftrious champion that had
ever marched under the banner of Chrift into the
Holy Land ; claiming his protection, and upbraid-
ing him, that in a caufe in which juftice, religion,
and the dignity of the church were fo nearly con-
cerned, the fpiritual thunders fhould fo long be
fufpendcd. At length the pope declared loudly
in favour of Richard; threatening to lay the whole
empire under an inderdict if he was not releafed.
The princes of Germany alfo exclaimed in ftrong
terms againft the emperor's condudl ; fo that
Henry, who had liftened to the propofals of the
king of France and prince John, now found it
impoflible to execute his and their bafe purpofes,
or to detain the king of England much longer in
prifon. He therefore agreed with Richard for his
ranfom, who purchafed his liberty for the fum of
one hundred and fifty thoufand marks, of which
one hundred thoufand were to be paid before he
was fct free, and fixty-feven hoftages to be delivered
as a fecurity for the remainder.
'. rx The Englifh no fooner received an
A. I). HQA.. ",, , .
account of this treaty, than they
exerted themfelves in raifing the fum required for
the king's ranfom. Twenty millings were levied
on each knight's fee ; but that being not fufficient,
the voluntary zeal of the people readily fupplied
the deficiency. The parochial clergy contributed
a tenth of their tithes ; the bifhops, abbots, and
nobles, paid a fourth of their annual income ; and
the churches and monafteries melted down as much
plate as amounted to thirty thoufand marks. The
fum being thus collected, queen Eleanor, and
Walter, archbifhop of Rouen, fet out with it for
Germany ; paid the money to the emperor and the
duke of Auftria at Mentz; and having delivered
the required hoftages, fet the king at liberty.
Richard, who well knew the difpofition of his late
tyrants, did'not flop a moment in their territories;
but proceeding with the utmoft expedition, em-
barked at the mouth of the Schelde, and after a
very fhort pafTage, landed in England. Happy
was it for Richard that no accident retarded his
journey. Henry had been detected in afTaflmating
the bifhop of Liege, and in making the fame at-
tempt on the duke of Louvaine ; and to render
himfelf, if poffible, more odious, he had refolvcd
to form an alliance with Philip ; to detain Richard
in perpetual captivity ; to keep the money they
had already paid for his ranfom ; and to extort
frelh fums from Philip and John, who had made
him large offers to detain the captive king. He
therefore gave orders, that Richard mould be pur-
futd and flopped ; but that prince had ufed fuch
expedition, that when the meflengers arrived at
Antwerp, the veflel had failed, and landed him fafe
at Sandwich on the twentieth of March, after an
abfence of four years and three months, fifteen
months of which time he had been in captivity.
On his arrival in London, where he made a
triumphal entry, he was received with the utmoft
demonftrations of joy by his fubjcds. They be-
held with rapture their favourite king, v.ho had
acquired fo much glory, and fpread the reputation
of the Englifh farther than their fame had ever
before extended. Every token of refpect was fhewn
him, and fuch a vaft profulion of riches flowed
from eveiy quarter, as aftonifhed thofc German
noblemen who accompanied him; one of whom
remarked, that a greater price would have been
fixed for his ranfom, had the emperor been ac-
quainted with the wealth of his fubjecls. This en-
dearing behaviour of his people, banifhed from the
mind of Richard thofe indignities he had ex^e-
rienced during his imprifonment ; all his alarms,
his fatigues, and his furTerings, were buried in
oblivion. On the other hand, Philip, the French
king, was aftonifhed when he heard that Richard
was fet at liberty; and he is faid to have wrote to
John" in thefe words, " Take care of yourfelf, the
devil is broke loofe."
A fhort time before the arrival of Richard in
England, his brother John had difpatched Adam de
St. Edmund, his chaplain, to his adherents, with
orders for them to fortify their caftles. Adam,
who poffcfTed a larger lhare of vanity than difcre-
tion, openly boafted of his mafter's connections
with Philip ; which the mayor of London being
informed of, ordered him to be arrefted, and his
papers feized, by which means the bafe defigns of
John were fully difcovered. Orders were imme-
diately iflued from the council to befiege his caftles,
and dilfeize all his pofTeflions ; the bifhops alfo
excommunicated him and all his adherents. Richard
not only approved of thefe meafures, but fummoned
a general council at Nottingham, where he de-
manded judgment againft John, count of Mon-
tagne, and Hugh Novant, bifhop of Coventry.
They were both cited to appear within forty days;
otherwife it was decreed, that John mould forfeit
all his poffeflions, and a procefs be commenced
againft the bifhop, both in the civil and ecclefiafti-
cal courts. This council likewife agreed on a tax
called hidage, to be laid on all ploughed land
throughout the kingdom.
Richard now appointed a day for his fecond
coronation ; thus giving the people another oppor-
tunity of difplaying publicly their exultations. This
ceremony the king pleaded the neceility of repeat-
ing, in order to wipe off the ignominy of his cap-
tivity. However plaufible this reafon may appear,
it is moft probable that his real motive was, to
have an opportunity of new modelling the king-
dom, of annulling the fales, and of refuming the
grants which he had made previous to his depar-
ture for Paleftine. He alledged, that the pur-
chafers had already indemnified themfelves by the
profits of the eftates ; that neceffity had compelled
- him to make thofe grants ; that the money had
been fpent in an expedition favoured both by the
clergy and the laity ; and that therefore it was
unjull the crown fhould bear the whole burden.
None difputed the validity of thefe reafons, or the
juftice of the intended refumption. Hugh, bifhop
of Durham, refigned the earldom ef Northumber-
land; Geoffrey, bifhop of Winchefter, furrendered
the fheriftalty of Hampfhire, the caftle of Win-
chefter, and the two manors he had purchafed pre-
vious to the crufading expedition. All other pur-
chafers and grantees followed the example of thefe
prelates, and feemed to vie with one another who
fhould be the firft to make the required furrender. '
During thefe tranfactions, Richard made pre-
parations to revenge the many injuries he hud
received undefervedly from Philip's perfidy. To
this end he raifed an army ; and embarking at
Portfmouth in a fleet of one hundred large fhips,
landed at Barfleur, from whence he proceeded to
his palace at Bures, near Bayeux. The next morn-
ing his brother John, throwing himfelf at his feet,
implored
R
C H
R D
I.
107
implored his pardon, which vras granted through
the inrcrccflion of his mother. " I forgive him,"
Cud the king ; " and I hope I fliall as eafily forget
his injuries, as he my pardon." ..In the following
year Richard reftored to him the counties of Mon-
tagne and Gloucefter, with an annuity of eight
thoufand livres, in lieu of thofe poffeflions not given
back to him. But John, in returning to his duty,
was guilty of an act of treachery, which has ftained
his name with infamy. Before he left Philip's
party, he invited to dinner all the officers which
that prince had placed in the citadel of Evreux, and
caufcd them to be mafTacred during the entertain-
ment; then fell on the garrifon, with the affiftance
of the to'ivnfmen, and having put them all to the
fword, delivered up the place to his brother.
Philip was now laying liege to Verneuil, to the
relief of which Richard advanced, refolving to give
him battle ; but that prince not being willing to face
him, who he had fo frequently injured, declined an
engagement, and retired in the night with precipi-
tation. After repairing the walls of Verneuil, the
king directed his courfe to Tours, where the citi-
zens voluntarily prefented him with two thoufand
marks; and from thence he proceeded to Loches,
which he took by allault. The king of France,
alarmed at the rapid progrefs of the enemy, pro-
pofed a conference at Ponte de 1'Arche ; but while
the Engliih commiffioners waited for the gallic de-
puties, Philip took the caflle of Fontaines, near
Rouen, and in his retreat furprized the earl of
Leicciler, in the neighbourhood of Gournay ; he
afterwards burnt the town of Evreux, and then
marched to Frctteval. This flagrant breach of
faith incenfed Richard fo much, that he advanced
to Vendomc, to give him battle ; but the perfidious
Frenchman, not daring to venture an engagement,
retired in great confufion. The Englilh monarch
purfued his flying foe, and cominj; up with him,
defeated his army with great daughter, and Philip
narrowly efcaped with his life. All his baggage
and treafure were taken, with the contracts (igned
by the rebellious barons, who had bound them-
felvcs to affift Philip and John againft the king of
England. Immediately after this decifive victory,
Richard marched with great expedition into Gui-
cnnc, againrt the count of Eugculefme, and Geoffrey
dc Rancone, who had raifcd an infurrection, and
in fixteen days reduced all their towns and caftles,
and took three hundred knights and forty thoufand
foldiers. Philip now fued in earned for peace, and
a truce for a year was concluded between the two
monarchs. In this interval, in order to regulate
his revenue, Richard directed the itinerant juftices,
to make an exact detail of the eftates of the crown,
and the lands of wards, with efcheats and for-
feitures ; he alfo obliged the Jews to deliver true in-
ventories of their eitates on pain of forfeiture. The
bifhop of Ely was deprived of his office of chan-
cellor, and a new feal being made, a very confider-
ablc fum of money was produced by fees paid for
the renewing of charters.
About this time the duke of Auftria, Leopold,
having cruftied his leg, by a fall from his horfe at
a tournament, a fever enfued, which brought on a
mortification, and on the approach of death, being-
ftruck with remorfe for his injuftice to Richard, he
ordered, by his will, that all the Englifh hoftages
in his hands mould be fct at liberty ; that the money
which he had received for his ranfom mould be
returned, and the remainder of the debt due to
him be remitted. His fon was fo unwilling to
execute thefe articles, that he allowed his father's
body to lie a week unburicd, before he would re-
leafe the hoftages ; for the clergy rcfufed to perform
the funeral till thefe articles were fulfilled.
A -p. The contentions, founded on ani-
A. U. IIb
and Richard, occafioned a continual feries of hof-
tilities, and truces, which were broken almoft as
foon as .concluded. They were little more than
cefiations from war, till both parties could recruit
their armies. • But to fupport thefe military expe-
ditions, Richard was obliged to load his fubjccts
with taxes, which, by becoming intolerable, ex-
cited among them a general complaint ; and the
great talents of Hubert, the jufticiar/, were hardly
fufficient to prevent the univerfal difcontent from
breaking out.^into open rebellion. Thefe difturb-
ances were greatly augmented by one William
Fitz-Olborn, commonly called Longbcard ; v, ho
had gained great popularity among the rabble, by
exclaiming, how gricvoufly the poor had been op-
preffed by an unequal affeflment of the taxes for
the ranfom of the king. He was continually ex-
citing a fpirit of refcntment in the poor againft the
, rich, by the molt inflammatory fpccches ; pretend-
ing there was a colluiion among the great to eafe
themfelves of the load of public taxes, and to throw
the whole weight on the ihoulders of the labouring
poor, who were conlidered in no better light than
that of beafts of burden. Thefe infmuations pro-
duced the delired effect ; the fury of the people was
raifed to a height bordering upon madnefs ; and a
tumult enfucd in St. Paul's Church-Yard, where
feveral perfons loft their lives.
This dangerous infurredtion alarmed the jufti-
ciary, who ordered Longbeard (a name given him,
becaufe he differed his beard to grow to an enor-
mous length) to appear before him ; but he was fo
far from obeying the fummons, that he killed the
officer who delivered the citation. The more fen-
fible part of his followers were ftruck with horror
at this inhuman action; they abandoned the pre-
tended advocate for the rights of the people, and a
few of the loweft fort only now adhered to him.
He faw the defertion of the greateft part of his
followers, but continued for fome days to rob and
murder his fellow citizens with cruel barbarity. It
was now time for government to interpofe, in order
to prevent an open rebellion. A ftrong party of
foldiers were accordingly fent into the city, with
ftrict orders to apprehend the incendiary, dead or
alive. The rioters were ftruck with terror, and re-
tired, with Longbeard at their head, to the church
of St. Mary le Bow, where they fhut themfelves up,
hoping that a general infurredtion would follow in
their favour. They were deceived: the citizens
faw their error, and abandoned the wretch, who had
deceived them, to his fate. Longbeard however
refufed to furrender; and being driven from the
body of the church, he retreated with his followers
into the fteeple, from whence they difcharged a
fhower of ftones, darts, and other mifllles, on their
affailants. Unwilling to expofe the lives of his
foldiers to the attacks of fuch defperadoes, the
officers caufed a large quantity of wet ftraw to be
carried into the body of the church, and fet on fire.
The fmoke effectually anfwered the propofed end,
and prevented any further opposition. The infur-
gents, apprehenfive of fuffbcation, furrendered at
difcretion. Longbeard was fentenced to be drawn
at a horfe's tail through the principal ftreets of the
city, and afterwards to be hung in chains with nine
of his accomplices.
The emperor now beholding the fu- . n
£n. i i, i r /V. iJ» I1Q7*
penonty of Richard s arms over thole
of France, made advances for his fricndfhip; and
offered to give him a difcharge from the (hare of
his ranfom that reiriained unpaid, on condition of
his entering into an offenfive alliance againft Philip.
Richard readily embraced this propofal. But
though the treaty with the emperor took no effect,
it ferved to re-kindle the war between England and
France, before the truce was expired. It was car-
ried on in Normandy with unremitted animolity,
but
io8 THE NEW AND COMPLETE H I STORY OF E N G L AN D.
but produced very few remarkable events. Richard
indeed having formed an alliance with the counts
of Champagne, Thouloufe, Bologne, Flanders, and
other confiderable vafTals, imagined he fhould now
gain great advantages over his rival. But he foon
experienced the iniincerity of thofc princes, and was
unable to make much impreffion on the dominions
of fo active and crafty an opponent as Philip.
In order to fruftrate his defigm, Richard ftrength-
encd the frontiers of Normandy; and roaking him-
fclf mailer of the town of St. Vallery, M-Pj curdy, dc-
ftroycd the caftle, and fcized all the mips in the har-
bour. Prince John and Marcadee, generals of the
Brabantines, took the caftlc of Melly, in Beauvais,
and demolished the fortifications. The bifhop, Peter
dc Dretix, a martial prelate, and coufin-gcrman to
the king of France, was taken prifoner, and was
clofely confined at Rouen, loaded with fetters.
Two of the clergy waited on the king, to requeft
his majefty, that more lenity might be fhewn to the
bilhop, \\hcn the king, who hated him, informed
them, that he having received many injuries from
him, while in Germany, had ordered him his prefent
punifhment by way of retaliation. The pope was
alfo applied to in his behalf, who demanded his
liberty, calling him his fon, and irtfifted in Strong
terms on the privileges of the church. Richard
lent to his holinefs, the coat of mail Peter had worn
, in battle, and which was befmeared with blood,
ordering the meffenger to ufe the words of Jacob's
fons to their father, " This have we found ; know
now whether it be thy fon's coat or not." The
pontiff, who knew Richard's haughty fpirit was
not to be trifled w ith, replied, " That the coat
lent by the king did not belong to a fon of the
church, but to a fon of the camp ; and that the pri-
foner mould rcpofe in Richard's mercy alone for
rcdrefs." The prelate thus abandoned, was obliged
to purchafe his liberty at the price of ten thoufand
marks.
The king's abfence, and his engagements in
foreign wars, encouraged the Welfh to invade his
dominions. Rees, prince of South Wales, collect-
ing a confiderable number of forces, laid fiege to
the town and cattle of Caermarthen, which he took
and laid in afhes. Roger Mortimer and Hugh
Say, two noblemen of the greatefl intereft in thofe
parts, attempted to check his progrefs, but were
routed with great lofs. The caftles of Culn, Rad-
nor, and Pain, now fell into the hand of Rees ; but
the laft was delivered to its owner, William de
Broufe, on certain conditions. The progrefs of the
Welfh at rength drew the tegent himfelf into the
field, at the head of a powerful army ; but the
Wei lh were wife enough not to hazard a battle, fo
that all Hubert could do was to take a few of their
caftles, which, as foon as the feafon obliged him to
retire, fell again into their hands.
The convulfions of kingdoms, equally with thofe
of nature, have their advantages. The Holy War
murt have fhook every pillar of ftate, and weak-
ened every nerve of government, had not the fpirit
of commerce happily fucceeded that of war.
Richard's crufading adventures had opened to his
Englifli Subjects countries almoft unknown to them
before, and intercourfes hitherto unattcmpted.
The ports of England, in confequence of the con-
queror's eftablifhmehts, continued yet free, or at leaft
their cuftoms were fo fmall as hardly to be felt, and
natural conveniences promoted mutual advantages.
All the continent of Europe had been for fome
years in arms; England alone enj yed the happinefs
ot peace. This invited commerce; nor could the
kingdom have otherwife fupplied the immenfe
fums that were every year furnifhed for fruitless
\\ans on the continent. As all taxe , in their laft
rdbrt, fall upon the landed intereft, the meaner
tenants fell thunfclves intenfely opprcfTed ; but the
trading part of the nation opened channels of traffic,
which, in time, fupplied thofe tenants with the
means of anfwering the demands of government.
But as the means of the one increafed, the claims
of the other kept equal pace with the augmenta-
tion ; and about this time the influx of riches and
treafure greatly altered the value of the fpecie :
for it appeared by the regent's accounts, that he
had railed, at a medium, five hundred and fifty
thoufand marks for the king's ufe only, during the
two preceding years of his administration. This
vaft increafe of revenue could be owing only to
the great increafe of commerce, fince fo few years
before, the raifing an hundred and fifty thoufand
marks had been attended with the utmoit diilrefs.
The war in Normandy was carried . ^
on with fuch ferocity, that both kings *
frequently put out the eyes of their prifoners ; but
Philip finding no advantage could be gained over
the Englifli monarch by arms, and weary of a war
which exhaufted his country, applied to pope In-
nocent III. who then filled the papal chair, to cm-
ploy his good offices in bringing about a peace
with Richard. The pope readily complied with
his requeft, and fent the cardinal of St. Mary, to
acl: as mediator between the contending parties.
A negotiation was accordingly begun, and confi-
derable progrefs made in a treaty for a permanent
peace, when the death of Richard, by an unfortu-
nate accident, put an end to the negotiation and all
his labours. Having laid fiege to the cafllc of
Chains, in order to compel Vidomar, vifcount de
Limoges, one of the vaffals, to deliver to him a con-
fiderable treafure, which that nobleman had found
in his grounds, but which Richard claimed as fu-
perior lord of the country; he one day, attended
hy Marcadee, in reconnoitcring the place, ventured
too near, when Bertram de Gourdon, an archer,
took an aim at him from the wall of the caftle, and
pierced him in the flioulder with an arrow, clofc
to the neck. An unfkilful furgeon, endeavouring
to extract theweapon, mangled khe rlefh fo defpe-
rately, that the wound gangreened, of which he
died, eleven days after the fatal defign was exe-
cuted, on the 6th of April, in the forty-fecond year
of his age, and the tenth of his reign. When he
found his end approaching, he requefted his will
might be made, by which he bequeathed the king-
dom of England, with all his other dominions, and
three fourths of his treafure to his brother John :
the remaining fourth he divided among his fervants
and the poor; and to his nephew Otho, emperor
of Germany, he bequeathed all his jewels. His
body he ordered to be buried at Fontevraud in
Anjou, at the feet of the king his father, in order to
teftify his grief for his undutiful behaviour towards
him. He left only one natural fon, named Philip,
to whom he bequeathed the lordfhip of Cognac
in Guienne. A fhort time before his death the
caftle of Chalus was taken by ftorm, and all the
garrifon hanged except Bertram de Gourdon, who
being brought into the king's prefenee, on feeing
him, he cried, " Wretch what have I ever done,
what injury from me, that you fhould feck my
life?" — "What have you done to me?" the pri-
foner cooly replied with an air of bravery ; " uhy
you killed with your own hands my father, and my
two brothers, and you intended to have hanged me.
I am now in your power. Satisfy your revenge.
I am prepared to Suffer every torment you can in-
fiic.t, fhall endure them all and die with pleafure,
fince I have been the iuftrument to deliver the
world from fuch a tyrant, who has filled it with
blood and carnage." This Spirited reply had more
effect on the mind of Richard, than all the admo-
nitions of the ghoftly confelibr. He ordered Gour-
don to be fet at liberty, and to be prefented with
one hundred fhillings; but Majrcadee, like a true
ruffian.
R
H
R D
I.
log
ruffian, ordered the unhappy man to be flead alive,
and afterwards hanged.
Some remarkable occurrences happened during
this reign, the noticing of which may perhaps be
acceptable to our readers. Richard added three
lions pafTant tq his arms, being the firft king of
England that ever bore them. He alfo ordered
one ftandard for weights and meafurcs, that they
might be the fame throughout the kingdom. The
city of London aflumed a new form of jurifdiction,
by chufing a mayor, and being divided intofeveral
corporations and focieties, now called companies.
Henry Fitz-Alvin was the firft mayor of London,
and continued in that office four and twenty years.
We cannot give any circumllanccs more curious,
refpecting the cuftoms of the age in this reign,
than the manner in which engagements at fea, and
the fieges of fortified towns were carried on, before
the invention of gunpowder.
The (hips of war were all gallics, with two rows
of oars, and to the prow was fixed a piece of wood,
commonly called a fpur, defigned to ftrike and
pierce the fhips of the enemy. There were alfo
lefTer gallies, with only one tier of oars, which be-
ing fhorter, and therefore moving with greater fa-
cility, were fitter for throwing combuftibles, and
were ufed for this purpofe. In order to give an
idea of naval engagements, we mall give a defer ip-
tion of one, which the Chriftians, who were going to
the fiege of Ptolemais, had with the Turks on that
coaft. When the fleets were advancing to engage,
that of the Chriftians was drawn up in a crefcent or
half moon, and at the two ends of the curve were
placed the largeft gallies, that they might the better
repel the attacks of the enemy. On the upper
deck of each galley the foldiers belonging to ,it
were drawn up in a circle, with their bucklers
clofely joined, the rowers fitting all together on the
lower deck, that thofe who fought above might
have the more room. The action began on both
fides with a difcharge of their miffile weapons :
then the Chriftians rowed forwards with all their
force to ftrike the enemy's gallies, with the fpurs
or beaks of theirs : after which they came to clofe
fighting; the oppofite oars were mixed and en-
tangled together ; they held the gallies together
with grappling irons, and fired the planks with a
kind of burning oil, commonly called Greek-wild-
fire, which, with a pernicious ftench, our author,
Geoffrey de Vinefauf, fays, confumed even flint and
iron, nor could be extinguifhed but by fprinkling
fand, or pouring vinegar upon it. While this
wildfire was known only to the Greeks, it was of
great life in the defence of Constantinople ; but in
the twelfth century the fecret was difcovered by
many other nations, and waj alfo ufed in the defence
of caflles and towns.
The military art, at this time, was in many par-
ticulars the fame with that of the antient Romans.
Among other machines ufed by them in fieges,
the Englifh and other nations had moveable towers
built of wood, and of fuch a height that the tops of
them overlooked the battlements of the city.
They were covered with raw hides, to prevent their
being burnt, and had alfo a net work of ropes,
which hung before them, in order to deaden the
violence of the (tones that were thrown againft
them by the engines of the befiegcd ; thefe engines
»fere the baliftte of the antients ; their force was pro-
digious ; they threw ftones of a vaft weight, and
were employed by the befiegers to batter the walls,
and by the Lcficged to defend them. Their man-
ner of fortifying towns and caftles, was alfo much
the fame as had been practifed by the old Romans :
but the armies differed much from thofe of that
people ; for their principal ftrcngth was in cavalry,
whereas arnon^ the Romans it confined of their
legions, which was chiefly compofcd of infantry.
No. i i .
CbaraSler of Richard I.
In his perfon he was tall, comely, fair, and well
proportioned, with prodigious bodily ftrength.
His eyes were blue, and full of vivacity ; he had
light hair, and a majeftic manner ; and it has been
remarked, that his arms were unufually long. He
was poffeired of a good underilanding, an uncom-
mon penetration, and a fund of manly eloquence.
His converfation was fpirited, and he was particu-
larly admired for his talent of rapartce. But the
moft dazzling part of his character were his military
talents. No man, even in that romantic age, car-
ried perfonal courage and intrepidity to a greater
height, and from this quality he gained the appella-
tion ot Lion's-heart. He was paflionately fond of
military glory, and never thought any toils, any
dangers, any difficulties, too great to attain it;
His talents were admirably adapted to the acqui-
lition of renown, and he poflelfed the good as well
as the bad qualities incident to that character. He
was therefore much better qualified to dazzle his
contemporaries by the fplendor of his enterprizes,
than either to promote the happinefs of his people,
or his own true grandeur, by a found and well re-
gulated policy. Several writers have given a
ftrange contradictory dcfcription of his character,
by faying, he was open, frank, generous, fincere
and brave ; but at the fame time, ambitious, domi-
neering, haughty, refentful, proud and cruel ; jar-
ring qualities which cannot be fuppofed to have
ever exifted in one man. His behaviour to his fa-
ther was certainly unnatural and bafe; but then it
is to be confidered he unhappily fell into the hands
of a crafty, politic Frenchman, at an age too when
the paflions are feldom under the guidance of cool
reafon ; and his fincere contrition is far from being
an indication of a bad heart, under the influence of
pride, revenge, or cruelty. The open franknefs
with which he pardoned his brother John, after a
feries of ingratitude, treachery and rebellion, and
the readinefs with which he renewed his truces with
the perfidious monarch of France, are fuch ftriking
inftances of generofity and condefcenfion, as are not
to be met with but in great and exalted minds.
The fame may be obferved of his conduct towards
Bertram, by whom he was mortally wounded. His
love of glory carried him into the fields of Palef-
tine ; and if in the exercife of his great military-
talents, or in the courfe of his reign, fome actions
appear arbitrary, opprefllve and cruel, we mu ft re-
member he was of a warm, paffionate temper, which
frequently involved him in expeditions, calculated
rather to promote his own glory, than the interefts
of his people ; to fupport which he impofed many
exorbitant, fometimes unjuftifiable taxes ; and yet
he was greatly beloved by his Englilh fubjects, and
is confidered the firft prince who bore them a fin-
cere affection. Eminent talents, nay even fhining
virtues, in fuperior minds, are frequently fhadcd
with headftrong paflions, and remarkable vices.
His enterprizing genius would nctfufferhim tore-
main long inactive; fo that, during the whole of his
reign, he was not more than eight months in Eng-
land. He fpent near three years in the crufade;
and notwithstanding his paft misfortunes, he was fo
pleafed with the fame he had acquired in the eaft,
thathedetermined to expofe him felf to new hazards,
and to have again exhaufted his kingdom by ano-
thcrexpedition into the Holy Land. It is pretended,
in proof of his tyranny and cruelty, that Hubert,
his jufticinry, fent him over to France, in the fpace
of throe years, the fum of one million, one hundred
thoufund marks ; but the valueof land, and prices of
Commodities, prove, that no fuch enormous fums
could be levied on the people. A hide of land,
which confided of about a hundred and twenty
acres, was then let for twenty ftu'llings a year, and
E c there
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
there were but two hundred and forty- three thou-
fand fix hundred hydes in England. The ufual
price of an ox was four {hillings, of a labouring
horfe the fame, of a few one {hilling, of a Ihecp
•with fine wool ten-pence, and with coarfe fix-
pence ; befides, the revenues of the crown, being
in this, #ftd feveral former reigns, moftly fpent
abroad, there could be but little fpecie circulating
in the kingdom. However cenfurable, therefore,
the conduct of this king may appear in the eyes of
fome, it muft be univerfally allowed, that he ex-
celled all the princes of his time in heroic courage;
and as, with all his faults, he was beloved by the
Englifh, it is in our opinion, a duty incumbent on
their pofterity, to touch his reputation with an im-
partial judgment, and a tender hand.
CHAP. II.
JOHN.
dfcends the throne agreeable to the will of his predeceffor, notwithstanding Arthur, fon to Geoffrey, John's elder
brother, bad a preferable title—He is crowned at Wejlminfter, on the twenty-eighth of May — War with France
renewed, in the courfe of which, Arthur is taken prifoner and bafely murdered— 'The whole of John's foreign do-
minims conquered, and united by Philip to the crown of France— John quarrels with the pope, in confequencc of
which his kingdom is laid under an interdift, and he himfelf excommunicated — An infurrecJion of the barons, who
eompel him to fign, in Runnemede meadow, a charter of liberties, called MAGNA CHARTA, or the great charter,
A. D. 1215 . — He endeavours with the ajjiftance of foreign mercenaries to revoke bis grants : and the barons
invite over Lewis, fon to the king of France— The civil war terminated by the death of John— His cba-
raclcr.
. ~ TOHN, who fucceeded his brother,
99- J Richard I. was furnamed Sans-
terre, or Lackland, becaufe his father left him no
inheritance. Richard, before his departure to the
Holy Land, had appointed Arthur, fon to his bro-
ther Geoffry, his fucceflbr, but afterwards changed
his mind, and by his lad will, bequeathed his fcepter
to his brother John ; notwithftanding which there
remained a doubt as to the right of fucceffion,
which had not been fettled by any law fincc the time
of William the Conqueror. It was a queftion,
whether Arthur, duke of Brittany, had not a prior
right to his uncle, being the immediate reprefenta-
tive of his father Geoffrey ; and it was likewife
doubted, whether, if the law was favourable to the
nephew, Richard had a right to difpofeof his pof-
fcffion. However, John found no difficulty in pre-
vailing on the Englilh to declare in his favour; for
while he -continued on the continent to fecure his
foreign dominions, he left the care of his affairs
in England to Hubert, archbifhop of Canterbury,
and William Marefchal, in conjunction with queen
Eleanor, and Geoffrey Fitz-Petcr, the chief jufti-
ciary. Thefc having fixed the greatcft men of the
kingdom in his interefr, invited them to meet at
Northampton ; where they magnified the liberality
and munificent difpofition of John, and prevailed
on them to acknowledge him as the fovereign, by
taking the oath of fealty. John having been in-
formed of the fteps taken in his favour, embarked
for England, and landed at Shoreham, proceeded
immediately to London, where he had arrived only
two days, when he was crowned in Weftminfter-
abbey, with the ufual ceremonies, on the twenty-
eighth of May, by Hubert, archbiftiop of Canter-
bury. Immediately after his coronation, he con-
firmed the archbifhop in his office of chancellor,
created Marefchal, earl of Pembroke, and Fitz-
Peter, earl of Eflex, bclides conferring feveral marks
of diftindion on other barons. However feveral of
the provinces on the continent revolted. The ba-
rons of Touraine, Maine, and Anjou, declared in
favour of Arthur, his nephew, and applied to the
king of France for affiftance. Philip, who wifhed
for an opportunity to embarafs John, took young
Arthur under his protection, fending him, with his
fon Lewis, to be educated at Paris. Thefe tranf-
adions occafioncd a renewal of hoftilities between
the Englilh and French, which WAS continued fora
while w^ith trifling fucccfies to either party ; but the
intriguing policy of Philip contributed to enable
John to bring this war to a conclufioit: for the
French king behaving in the provinces that had
delarcd for Arthur, without any regard to the
intereft of this prince, Conftantia, his mother,
became jealous of Philip's defigns ; and finding
means to carry off Arthur fecrerly from Paris, {he
put him into the hands of his uncle ; reftored thofe
provinces which had revolted ; and made the young
prince do homage to John for the duchy of Brit-
tany. This unexpected event induced Philip to
defirc a peace, which, after feveral fruitlefs confer-
ences, was concluded, fcemingly to the fatisfadion
of all contending parties. . Thus by the mutual
jealoufies of his enemies, did John become the un-
difputed fovereign of all the dominions appertain-
ing to the crown of England, yet power fo eafily
acquired, he had not prudence fufficient to preferve.
One of John's firft imprudent fteps, which proved
the fource of many misfortunes, was his indulging
a paffion for Ifabella, the daughter of the count of
Angouleme, Aymar Taillefer, while his own wife
was living, and at a time when the young lady was
under a contract, of marriage with Hugh, count dc
la Marche, wo was paffionateiy in love with her,
and to whofe care, on account of her tender years,
{be had been consigned. Rcgardlefs of this en-
gagement, or the confequences that might follow
his weak conduct, John prevailed upon Taillefer
to carry off his daughter from her hufband ; and
having procured a divorce from his wife Avifa,
heirefs of the family of Glouceftcr, under pretence
that ihe was too nearly related to him, married Ifa-
bella, giving himfelf not the leaft concern about
the menaces of the pope, who loudly complained of
fuch irregular proceedings, or the refentment of the
injured count. An infurredion againft him was
immediately formed, which obliged him to apply
to his Englifli fubjeds for affiftance ; and by their
aid the conteft was foon decided in his favour;
which ferved only to excite him to the commiflion
of other ads equally impolitic and unjuftifiable.
At this period it was common for difputcs of all
kinds to be determined by the barbarous cuftom of
duelling, which, with flume be it fpoken, continues
in an age fo refined as the prefent. Caufes in the
lords court being frequently decided by this an-
tient ufage, John retained for his champions certain
bravos, who were deputed to fight in his behalf,
when any of the nobility fiiould oppofe the rapid
ftrides he made towards arbitrary power. The
count de la Marche, and other barons, confidered
this bolh us an affront and an injury, declaring they
would never draw their fwords againft men of fuch
inferior
J
O H
N.
111
inferior quality. The confequence of which
was, that another confederacy of the French barons
was formed againft him ; to break which John had
recourfe to promifes, oaths, and proteftations ; but
having violated every engagement, his enemies,
knowing his weaknefs, refolved to pufh him to ex-
tremities ; and they were foon encouraged in their
oppofition to his defpicable adminiftration by the
junction of a new ally.
D Apprehenfive of his uncle's dan-
A. L). I203'gerous character, young Arthur, who
was now rifing toman's eftate, refolved to feek fe-
curity by an union with Philip and the difcontentcd
barons, and therefore joined the French army,
which had begun hostilities againft the king of
England. Philip received him with marks ot dif-
tinction, knighted him, gave him in marriage his
daughter Mary, and not only inverted him with
the duchy of Brittany, but with the counties of
Maine and Anjou, which had been rcligned by him
to his uncle. The progrcfs of the French forces
was remarkably rapid ; infomuch that John made
feveral advances towards a peace ; but the French
monarch declared, that he would not iheath the
fvvord, unlefs the king of England would fubmit to
refignall his tranfmanne dominions to his nephew,
the "undoubted and lawful heir. Philip now fup-
ported the intereft of Arthur with the utmoft vi-
gour. Several towns fubmitted to the young
prince, and for a while fuccefs leemed to follow his
tootfteps. He knew that queen Eleanor was a
fworn enemy to his intereft, and conceived a delign
of fecuring her perfon. She refidcd in the caftle of
Mirabel, the fortifications of which were in a ruin-
ous condition ; the garrifon too few to make a long
refiftance. Arthur being placed by Philip at the
head of two hundred knights, he led them precipi-
tantly againft that fortrefs. It was taken at the firft
aflfault; but the queen, with the greater part of the
garrifon, retired into the tower, there making a
gallant defence. The danger of his mother rouled
John from his indolence. He marched to her re-
lief with an army of Englifli and Brabandcrs, at-
tacked the camp of Arthur, put his forces to flight,
took the young prince, together with the count of
Marche, and molt of the revolted barons prifoners.
The king fent the greater part of his captives over
to England, but Arthur was imprifoned in the caftle
of Falaife ; after which he returned into Normandy
in triumph, without improving his victory. The
rival of John being now in his power, he began to
confider how he ftiould difpofe of him, fo as to pre-
vent his being troublefome in future ; and it imme-
diately ftruck the daftardly tyrant, that to be happy
he muft commence afiaflin ; and that his death alone
could be effectual to anfwer the propofed end.
Hiftorians have given different accounts in what
manner this young prince came to his end, but it
is generally allowed, that he was never feen in
public after his confinement ; and the following
circumftances, that attended a black deed of dark-
nefs, appear to be beft authenticated. The king,
it is faid, firft propofed to William de la Braye, one
of his fervants, to difpatch Arthur ; but he replied
with a becoming fpirit, " that he was a gentleman,
not an executioner ;" and refufed to comply with
the king's defire. Thus difappointed, John ap-
plied to another inftrument of murder, lefs fcrupu-
lous, who actually went to the caftle in which the
prince was confined, with a view of putting him to
death ; but this intended aflTaffin having informed
Hubert de Bouig, who was chamberlain to the king,
and conftablc of Falaife, of the nature of his com-
miflion, the latter, anxious to fave the life of the
young innocent, told the other, that he himfelf
would undertake to execute the king's mandate,
and laving fent away the aflaffin, fpread abroad a
report of Arthur's death, and to give it credit, per-
formed publicly all the ceremonies of his interment.
It is not to be imagined, that an affair of this dark
complexion could long remain a fecret. Conftantia
\\asinconfolable, fuppofing her fon to have been mur-
dered, their faithful adherents threatened the fevereft
revenge; the revolted barons perfevercd more oblti-
nately in their rebellion : and public clamor grow-
ing every day ftronger, Hubert thought it moft
prudent to inform the world, that the young prince
was yet fafe in cuftody. This circumftance com-
ing to the knowledge of the king, he determined to
be himfelf the perpetrator of that bloody deed, for
which he could not find a ready executioner. To
execute his horrid purpofe with fecrecy, he caufed
Arthur to be removed to the caftle of Rouen, on
the borders of the river Seine ; and going in a boat
to that place, during the dead of night, he com-
manded that young Arthur fhould be brought be-
fore him. A ferics of misfortunes, imprifonment,
and fearful apprehenfions of an untimely end, had
fo dejected the fpirit of this unfortunate prince,
that unable, in fuch a trying moment, to fupport
himfelf with any degree of fortitude, he fell at the
feet of his uncle, and implored his companion ; but
the inhuman butcher, callous to all the finer feel-
ings of humanity, with a look of revenge, making
no reply, ftabbed him with his own barbarous
hands ; then fattening a ftone to his body caft it
into the river Seine. From the ruin that purfued
this inhuman murderer of his kinfman, princes may
learn, that the direct path of honour is altogether
as eligible for thofe in the higheft, as for thofe in
more humble ftations ; and the middling clafs of
people, by attending to the juftice of providence,
vindicated on this and many other inftances,
throughout the hiftory of England, may perceive,
that notwithstanding the inequalities of this life,
there are certain punifhments the confequcnces of
criminal actions, and a fure retribution, in many
cafes, of a vicious conduct, even independant of,
and prc/ious to, a world to come. All Europe ac-
cufed John of murder, though perpetrated in the
inner chamber, at the folemn hour of midnight.
The crimfon deed rendered himuniverfally hated ;
and he was henceforward the leaft able to find
friends, when he ftood moft in need of them.
The difconfolate Conftantia cried aloud for re-
venge and protection. She applied to the king of
France, prcfenting a petition figned by all the
barons in Brittany. Philip readily undertook her
caufe, and fummoned the king of England before
his court, to take his trial for the fuppofed murder
of prince Arthur. But when the day of hearing
came, John appeared only by his deputies, the
bithopof Ely and Hubert de Bourg. Their bufinefs
was to demand of Philip a fafe conduct for their
mafter to the court of France. " He may come
fafely," faid Philip, with a ftern countenance:
" but will he be alfo fafe in returning?" replied .
the biftiop of Ely. " Yes," anfwered Philip,
" if the judgment of his peers will permit him."
The ambaffadors fufficiently perceived the infidious
tendency of this expreffion, and infifted upon a
clearer explanation, and the king's granting a fafe
conduct. Philip refufed this ; fwearing by all the
faints of France, « That he ihould return no
otherwife than according to the leutcncc oi the
court." The bifliop then told Philip, " that John
was to be confidered as .king of England, as well
as duke of Normandy ; and the barons of England
would not permit their king to rifque his life x
liberty at the French court, even though he fhould
agree to it himfelf." Philip's anfwerwas both ready
and juft. " If my lord," laid he, " the duke of
Normandy's ambition led him to acquire a higher
title, ou^lu I, who am his lord, to lofe his alle-
giance as my vaflul? What is it to me that he has
afcended the throne of England." Yt:e arrihafla-
dois
112
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
dors remained filent; for his remarks were un-
anfwerable upon the principles of the feudal law.
The court therefore proceeded to pafs the following
featence : " That John, duke of Normandy, not
regarding the oath he had taken to Philip his lord,
and being a vallal of the king of France, had,
within the feigniory of that crown, murdered his
elder brother's fon, who was alfo a vaflal of the
fame ; therefore the faid John is declared a traitor;
and, as an enemy to the crown of France, he is
adjudged to forfeit all his fcigniories, which he held
by homage, and re-entry into the fame is ordered
to be made by force."
< From this period John had no other means of
fupporting his power, than by feverity to thofe
whom he thought might oppofe him, and making
it the intcreft of others to engage in his fervice.
His late crime was fucceeded by a fupine inactivity,
and his time fpent in dalliance with his young
queen. With his innocence he had loft his fpirit.
He had dipped his hands in blood, and was more
fearful of reflection than punifhment. He ftrove
to delude his own heart, and drown the voice of
confcious guilt in the ftream of pleafure.
Philip, whofe ambitious views had been hitherto
retrained by the martial genius of Richard, pre-
pared now to put the fentence againft John into
execution. A more favourable event could not
have happened, for annexing to his crown fo many
valuable fiefs, which, during feveral ages, had been
difmembcred from it. His vaffals were in no con-
dition to oppofe him ; the inhuman action of John
engaged them to his fide ; the duchy of Brittany,
exalperated at the murder of their prince, promoted
all his meafures, and rendered all his attempts on
Normandy eafy and fuccefsful. The count of
Alen^on deferted his fovereign, and delivered up
all the places under his command to the French
monarch, who now fcparated his army, in order to
give them fome rcpofe.
John, now fuddenly collecting his forces, laid
fiege toAlenjon; when Philip, unable to re-iflemble
his fcattered troops, found an expedient to prevent
the mortification of feeing his friend and confe-
derate oppreficd. A tournament being at that time
held at Moret, in the Gatinois, whither all the
chief nobility of France and its neighbourhood had
reforted, Philip prefented himfelf before them,
and with great addrefs pointed out the plains of
Alen$on as the more honourable field, wherein they
might not only fignalize their courage, but, by
aflifting him, difplay their generofity. The martial
fpirit of thefe brave knights inftantly took fire.
They vowed to take ample vengeance on the ty-
rannical murderer ; and putting themfelvcs, with
their retinues, under the command of Philip,
marched without the leaft delay to the relief of
Alen9on ; when John, hearing of their approach,
raifed the ficge, and fled with fuch precipitation,
'that all his tents, military machines, and baggage,
fell into the hands of the enemy. This was almoft
the laft feeble effort of that cowardly prince, for
'the defence of his foreign dominions. He re-
mained inactive at Rouen, fpending his time in
paftimes with his wife, as if he had been in a ftate
of profound tranquillity, and his affairs in themoft
h'appy lituation. If war was ever mentioned, he
gave himfelf fuch vaunting airs as made him ftill
more contemptible. " Let the French go on,"
faid he, " I will ratake in one day what it has coft
them years to acquire." The Englifh barons, fee-
ing the progrefs of rhe French arms without refift-
ance, were amazed at his flupidity. Findingtheir
time wafted to no purpofc, they fecretly withdrew
from their colours and returned to England, re-
folving no longer to defend a weak, indolent prince,
who had deferted himfelf.
But while John thus neglected every natural cx-
2
pedient for his fafety, he had the meanncfs to apply
to pope Innocent III. whom he intreatcd to inter-
pofe his authority between him and the king of
France. Innocent, pleafed with an opportunity of
exerting the papal authority, fent Philip orders to
ceafe hoftilities, and to make peace with the king
of England ; but thefe commands were received
with indignation by the French barons, who dif-
claimed the temporal authority exerted by the
pontiff; and Philip, inftead of paying obedience to
them, laid fiege to Chateau Gaillard.
This place was defended with the . ^
greateft intrepidity for a whole year, 1204.
by Roger de Lacy, conftable of Chefter, and one
of the moft able generals of the age. The fortrefs
was remarkable for its ftrength ; and Philip was
obliged to reduce it by a blockade. The intrepid
governor, after having repulfed every attempt, to
which fucceeded the miferies of famine, was at laft
fubdued by a fudden affault in the night time, and
taken prifoner, with the whole of his garrifon.
Philip, charmed with the abilities of Lacy, treated
him with great refpect, and allowed him the whole
city of Paris for the place of his confinement.
True magnanimity refpects valour, even in an
enemy. Philip found little difficulty in reducing
the other fortrefles of Normandy. Every city
opened its gates on the approach of the French
monarch. The inhabitants of Rouen, indeed, who
hated the French, would willingly have defended
themfelves to the laft extremity; but fome of their
oatworks being taken, and finding, left as they
were to themfelves, all further refiftance would be
in vain, they; agreed to deliver up the place, pro-
vided they were not relieved in thirty days. No
fupply arrived, and the French monarch took
pofTefTion of the city. All other towns followed
the example of the capital. Thus was the im-
portant duchy of Normandy united . ^
to the crown of France, near three ' ' I2O5*
centuries after the ceffion of it by Charles the
Simple, to Rollo the firft duke. Animated with
his prefent career of fuccefs, Philip now led his
army mto the weftern provinces, where he foon
reduced under his dominion Anjou, Maine, Tou-
raine, and part of Poictou. Thus, by the pufil-
lanimity of John, within three years the French
crown received fuch an acceflion of power and
grandeur, as, in the ordinary courfe of things,
might have required feveral ages to attain. In the
mean time John, in order to cover this difgrace,
on his arrival in England exclaimed loudly againft
his barons, who he pretended had deferted his.
ftandard in Normandy ; and extorted from them,
in a very arbitrary manner, a feventh part of all
their moveables, as a punilhment for their offence.
Soon after he compelled them to grant him two
marks and a half on each knight's fee, for an ex-
pedition into Normandy, but did not attempt to
go there. The next year he fummoned all his
barons to attend him on that expedition ; but meet-
ing with fome oppofition from his minifters, fye
difmiffed both the fleet and army. He next put
to fea with a fmall body of forces, and it was
believed that he now intended to exert himfelf for
the recovery of his dominions. Perhaps his guilty
fears would not fuffer him to proceed ; for, after a
few days, his fubjects were furprized to fee him
return, like another Caligula, without having at-
tempted any thing.
John this year appeared to be in- . n
fpired with freih ardor, declaring he *
would ftrike a flroke which fhould reftore the
drooping honours of his country. Gui de
Thouars, who governed Brittany, being jealous of
the rapid progrefs made by his ally the French
king, prornifecl to join the king of England with
?.H his forces. John embraced the.' offer; and once
J O H
N. -
more embarking proceeded to Angiers, which city
he burnt to the ground ; but being informed bf
rhe approach of Philip's army, the vain-glorious
coward iiole to his (hips, reimbarkcd his army,
ar.j Tailed back to England, under additional cir-
•cirrnftances of difgrace. Nothing was wanting to
complete his misfortunes but a quarrel with the
church, and this he foon effected by his impru-
dence. It had been cuftomary for the clergy not
to acknowledge any fubjection bnt to the pope;
and when they had elected arty of their order to an
cccleiiaftical dignity, to abide by the confirmation
of the fovereign pontiff. There had been frequent
difputes between the fuffragan bifhops and the
monks of St. Auftin, reflecting the election of
archbifhops ; and both parties were in poffeffion of
precedents, which had given a fanction to their
pretenfions. Matters were thus circumftanced at
the time of the death of Hubert, archbilhop of
Canterbury ; on which event the monks of St.
Auftin held a private meeting in their cathedral at
Canterbury, and elected Reginald their fub-prior
archbifhop in his room. This election created the
utmoft dilturban.ee among the bilhops, who infifted
that their privileges had been invaded; and an
ecclefuftical conteft was likely to be the confe-
qiience. John, deficient in policy, as in every
other princely qualification, took part with the
fuflfragan bifhops, and recommended to them John
de Grey, bifhop of Norwich, who was imme-
diately chofen archbifhop. The confequence was
fuch as might eafily have been forefeen: both
parties made an immediate appeal to the fee of
Rome : the fub-prior fet out for Italy, to obtain
the pope's confirmation of his election ; and on the
bifhop of Norwich being elected, twelve deputies
•were Tent to fupport his election; and the bifhops
likcwife Cent agents to fupport their caufe. Inno-
cent fet alide both the elections as uncanonical
and illegal ; and ordered, that the monks fhould
choofe cardinal Stephen Langton, an Engliihman
then at. Rome, archbifhop of Canterbury. This
they for a while refufed to do; but the pope
threatening excommunication in cafe of refufal,
the election was accordingly made, and Langton
was confederated by the pope. Innocent, appre-
hending that this ufurpation on the crown of
England would be refentcd by that court, wrote
John a foothing letter, and made him a prefent
of four gold rings fet with precious ftones, which
were reprefented as invaluable, on account of the
myfteries they contained ; but John, hotwithftand-
ing he accepted the pope's prefent, refolved not to
admit Langton to be archbilhop of Canterbury.
Weak men are generally violent in their proceed-
ings. On receiving the pope's letter, he fent two
of his knights to expel the monks of St. Auftin,
who took pofleflion of their treafures. Thefe vio-
lent proceedings of the king coincided with the
pope's wifhes ; who forefeeing that he would not
be able to abide the conteft with him, had recourfe
to every method that he thought would promote
the important end he had in view. He foothed,
implored, and urged the king to a compliance with
his determination ; and when he found that all
thefe modes of proceeding were fruitlefs, he pro-
ceeded to threatenings, and fent three Englilh
prelates to the king to acquaint him, that if he
continued pertinacious, the whole kingdom mould
be laid under an interdict. The reft of the prelates
prof) rated themfelves before the king, befeeching
him, in terms of the utmoir earneftriefs, that he
would accept the bifhop who had been newly
elected, reinftate the monks in pofleflion of their
convent, and not expofe his church to the refent-
mcnt of the fee of Rome. Their intreaiies, how-
ever, were of no kind of ufe, but rather excited
the indignation of the king; who fwore, "by
No. ir.
God's teeth," his cuftomary oath, that, " if the
kingdom was put under an interdict, he- would
baniflv the whole body of the clergy, and cpntif-
cate all their pofleflions." Notwithstanding this
ridiculous vapouring, the pope, who was not ig-
norant of John's weaknefs, iflued the fatal inter-
dict, which he had for fome time held fufpended
over the head of this infatuated monarch. This
fcntence, the political engine of the court of Rome,
was calculated to operate with irrefiftible force on
the minds of the people. It was pronounced
againft fovercigns for the flighteft offences, and
rmde the guilt of one productive of inexpreflible
mifery to millions. The nation hereby was, on a,
fudden, deprived of all exterior acts of religion :
the altars were ftripped of their ornaments, the
crofTes, the relicks, the pictures, the ftatues of
the faints, the images, were laid on the ground;
and, as if the air itfelf was polluted, the prielts
carefully covered them up, even from their own
approach and veneration. The ufe of the bells
entirely ceafed in all churches ; they were removed
from the fteeples, and laid on the ground with
other facred utenfils. The doors were fhut while
mafs was celebrated, and none but priefts admitted.
The laity partook of no religious rite, except
baptifm of new-born infants, and the facrament to
dying perfons. The dead were not interred in
confecrated ground ; they were thrown intoditches,
or buried in common fields ; nor were their obfe-
quies attended with any funeral ceremonies. Mar-
riage was celebrated in church-yards; the people
were prohibited the ufe of meat; debarred from
all pleasures and entertainments ; forbid to falute
each other, or to beftow a decent attention tq their
perfons and apparel. Every circumrtance was fol-
lowed with deep diftrefs, and created horrid ap-
prehenlions of divine wrath and vengeance, John,
in order to oppofe temporal to thefe fpiritual
terrors, inftamly confiscated the revenues of the
clergy who obeyed the interdict; banifhcd the
biihops ; fhut up the monks in their convent, al-
lowing them only a fmall part of their incomes, to
provide them with food and raiment ; and treated
not only Langton's adherents, but all who obeyed
the commands of Rome w.jth^the utmoft rigour.
At the fame time the more fenfibly to diftrefs the
clergy, and to expofe them to ridicule, he threw
all their concubines into prifon. It may not be
arriifs here to obferve, that after archbifhop Anjfelm
had rigoroufly executed in England the canons
which enjoined celibacy, the ecclefiaftics gave al-
moft univerfally into concubinage; even convents
were fupplied with this kind of neceflary provifion;
to which the court of Rome made but a flight op-
pofition ; and it at length became every where
u&al, for priefts to apply to the ordinary to obtain
a formal liberty for this indulgence. The bifhop
did all he could that the practice fhould not dege-
nerate into liccntioufnefs ; and, to prevent the flefh.
gaining an entire afcendant over the fpirit, con-
rined the carnal mind to the ufe of one woman ;
enjoining him to be conftant to her bed, and
obliging him, that the parifh.es might not be'over-
ftocked, or be troublefome, to provide for her fub-
fiftence, and that of her children. What a confi-
derate, indulgent, comfortable profeffion, is the
Romifh religion ! Of what little eftimation are li-
berty, and the old inftitutions of the Bible, when
paffive obedience to the infallibility of anti-chrift
can purchafe the whole circle of terreftrial enjoy-
ments !
While the ftate of the kingdom A j) jjjjg
was in this deplorable fituation, John
attempted military expeditions againft Scotland,
Ireland, and the Welch, over whom ha gained
feveral advantages, owing more to the weaknefs
of his enemies, than to his own abilities or vigour.
F f In
114
THE NEW AND
COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Iri the mean time, the danger to which his throne
was expofed from the diffatisfaction of the clergy,
cncreafed his prqpenlion tO tyranny; and he be-
came daily more and more obnoxious to his people,
who hated a fovercign that had made himfclf con-
temptible by his vices. He appears to have dif-
g'ufted- particularly his nobles, \vhofe families he
difhonoured by his licentious amours ; \\homhc
a!fo attempted to deprive of the pleafures of hunt-
ing, hawking, and fowling; and that his deer
might have a ready accefs into their fields, he or-
dered the hedges and fences of his forelts to be
levelled. He even obliged them to put into his
hands their fons or near relations, as hoftages tor
their allegiance. His meifengers coming to Wil-
liam de Baroufe, a baron of great diftinction, his
lady imprudently replied to their demand, " That
Ih'e would never truft her fons with a man why had
murdered his nephew ;" but her hufband, in order
to foften this bitter farcafm, anfwered, with more
moderation, "that if his lady had been wanting
in her duty, he knew what was his ; and that if he
had, in any manner, offended the king, he was
ready to anfwcr for his offences in the king's court,
before his peers." The mefiengef, returning With-
out the required hoitages, John Hew into a violent
bafliori, r'efolving inftantly to impriiba the earl and
H's family. Bat they, being forewarned of their
danger, fled to Ireland, where they endeavoured.
to conceal thcmfelves j but the tyrant, having dif-
covcred their retreat, ordered the wife and her ion
to be thrown into prifon, where they were ilarved
to death ; and the baron narrowly efcapcd by Hying
into France.
It was one of the artifices of the Romifti court
to advance, by degrees, from the leaft to the moft
fev'ere feritence. The interdicl not having pro-
duced its "effect, Innocent now proceeded, in 1209,
to that of excommunication. This fecond lhaft of
Vengeance was ho fooner hurled againft John from
the Vatican, than its confequences began to appear.
Geoffrey, archdeacon of Norwich, who was one of
th'e foirohs of th'e Exchequer, being told that the
bi'fhops of London, Worccfter, and Ely, had palled
the fentence, mentioned it to his colleagues \\hile
fitting on the bench, the danger of fefving under
an'excommunicated king; and immediately rifing,
they left the court. Exafperated at the behaviour
of Geoffrey, -John ordered him to be feized, and
throwing 'him into prifon, caufed his Oioulders to
be covered with a weighty leaden 'cope; by which,
and other fcVcritics, he -put an end to his life.
The bifhops, on rinding thcmfelves cxpofed1 either
'to the'king's jealoufy or the hatred' of the 'people,
gradually ftofe out of the kingdom ; fo that at Lilt
mere were Only three prelates left to perform the
epifc'opal office. Many of the nobility followed
them; "ahd:thofe \vho ftaid were juftly fufpecteti
of having fccrctly entered into ' a confederacy
'againft the1 king.
John be^an now to be alarmed at his dangerous
fituatipn. 'He therefore fent for Langton, with
whom he had 'a 'conference at Dover, and wherein
he 'offered to acknowledge hirrrprimate ; to fubmit
to the pope ; to reftore the clergy he had bam fited ;
and to pay them a limited funVas a compenfation
for the produce of their revenues. But Langton,
riot fatisfVed'with thcfe conceffions, 'demanded that
full reftitution fliould be made to all the clergy ; a
condition which the king was/ probably, then un-
able to 'fulfil : and forefeeing ' that thefe 'damages
would amount to an immenfe fum, he broke up the
conference.
their oaths of fidelity and allegiance-; declaring
every individual in the realm excommunicated,
'who, either in public or private, had any jnter-.
courfe with him' at his councils, at his tab'le, or by
convcrfation ,- which fentence was denounced with
the utmoit folcmnity. John, however, ftifl per-.
fe\:ad in his contumacy, which caufed Innocent
to dart his laft thunderbolt of deposition againft
the king of England. This fentence requiring ah.
armed force to put it in execution, the pope call '
his eye on Philip, king of France, offering that
monarch, with the crown of England, numberlefs'
foiritual benefits as the reward of his fcrvices, for
aggrandizing the power of the catholic church.
PhHip could not refill a prize of fo tempting a
nature. To carry the fentence into execution, he
levied a great army, with a Meet of feventeen hun-
dred Veflels, collected in the ports of Normandy;
a force, to all appearance, equal to the greatnefs
of lib intended iijvafioh. On the other hand,
John i fflied out writs, requiring the attendance,
not only of all his military vailais, but of all able-
bodied men at Dover, out of whom he chofe an
army of fixty thoufand men; who, had they been
actjated by a love for their king, and zeal to
defend their country, might have bid defiance to
the power of France, and the thunder of the Vati-
Hut John, being an excommunicated tyrant,
A r> IT
'
This1 conference, and another held
Northampton with Pandolf the
pope's' legate, not haVing produced the end pro-
jpdfcd, Kis'holinefs proceeded' another flep againft
His refractory ion, by'afcfblvibg all his fubjccts'trom'
can.
was regarded by the people with horror, -at the fame
time that his barons defpiftd him for his cowardice,
and many of them held atreafonablecorrefpondence
with the enemy. The eyes of all Europe were
now fixed on the vaft preparations making bf
different parties ; and the face of the church was
expected to be determined by a decifive blow.
This important event, however, was not to be ac-
cornplilhed by the fvvord. The profound policy of
the pope was eminently difplayed on this occafion.
He kne»v his intereft confifted in not fuffering John,
deftitute of fortune and principles, to be overcome
by any enemy but himfelf. His view was therefore
to intimidate him in fuch a manner, as might bring
him the more cafily:into his mea'fures; To this
end he ordered his legate Pandolfj to go over to
England with a private commilfion, by which he
impowercd him, in cafe lie found the king in a
proper temper, to receive his fubmiffion on fuch
terms, as the legate, by v/rt-ue of his authority,
knew would be acceptable to the church of
Rome.
Pandolf, in pafling through France, . p.
beheld, with much feemiiygfatisfaction, I2I3'
the vrri't preparations making by Philip for a defcent
on the Knglifh Coaft ; -and highly exiolled that
monarch for his zeal in the laudable caufe in which
he had embarked ; at the fame time he lent -over
t\\o -knights Templars, to tiefire an interview with
John at- Dover, \\hich was readily granted. On
his1 arrival in- England, the legate ufed every artifice
io'bring this infatuated prince to -a compliance with
his propofals. He painted in ftrong colours the
inveterate hatred his meafures had produced among
his fu'bjeels ; he' acquainted him \\ ith a fecret con-
federacy, which he urgdl was then forming againft
hini ; he magnified Philip's prodigious armament,
chat John, terrified at his loft condition, promifed
fo iu'bmit entirely to -the pope ; to acknowledge
Langton rfor primate; to rettore all the exiled
clergy ; -to admit to hisgraceall who had been out-
lawtd or imprifoh-ed ; to grant a compenfation for
all dainhges fuffered 'by thofc^vho had adhered to
the pope ; ami -to coniign eight thoufand pounds
in part of payment. Four barons joined with the
king in fwearing to obferve this treaty; but his
igncntmy i\\iis not yet complete, for it was fol-
lowed \vkh: the humihating Ceremony of homage.
PandoiF propofed that JbhnMliould lefign his king-
ddni to rhe (JhUrch, :therc being no other way by
•which
J
o
H
N.
which he could fo effectually difappoint the hope of
tne French monarch. To this humiliating pro-
pofal John alfo affenting, he figned a charter, by
which he declared, that;, not conftrained by fear,
but of his own free will, for the remiffion of his
fins, and thofe of his family, he resigned England
and Ireland to St. Peter, St. Paul, to pope Inno-
cent, and to his fuccefTors in the apoftolic chair.
He agreed to hold thcfe his dominions as feudatory
of the church of Rome, by an annual payment of
a thoufand marks, feven hundred for England, and
three hundred for Ireland. In confequence of vhis
agreement, the next day, which was the fifteenth
of May, the king repaired to Dover church at-
tended by the legate, with a numerous train of
lords and officers of the army, where, in the pre-
fence of them all he took off his crown, and laid
it with the other enfigns of royalty at Pandolf's
feet, who was feated on a throne; after which,
having firft figned the above charter, he did homage
to him as the pope's reprefentativc, with all the
fubmiflive rites which the feudal law required of
vaffabs to their liege lord. He threw himfelf upon
his knees before the legate, and, lifting up his
joined hands, put them within thofe of Pandolf;
then fwore fealty to the pope, and paid part of the
tribute which he owed for his kingdom as the patri-
mony of St. Peter. Pandolf, elevated by this
triumph of the facerdotal over the regal power,
difcovered extravagant fymptoms of joyful exulta-
tion. The arch-hypocrite even trampled on the
money that was laid at his feet, as a mark of the
kingdom's fubjcction; an infolence which, though
all prefent beheid with glowing indignation, the
'bimop of Dublin only had fpirit to notice, who
exclaimed aloud againft the legate's pride and in-
tolerable infolence. Pandolf, not fatisfied with
Thefe mortifying acts of fuperiority, kept the crown
and fceptre five days, and then reftored them as a
fpccial favour of the holy fee ; but, notw'tthftand-
ing a king of England fubtnitted to fuch bafe in-
dignities, he refilled to take off the interdict and
excommunication till the loffes of the eccleliaftics
could be eftimated, for whom he infilled upon
having a full restitution and compenfation.
Thefe humiliating circumftances, difgraceful as
they .were, could not alter John's difpolition to ty-
ranny. A hermit, named Peter of Pomfret, hav-
ing predicted, that the king ihould lofe his crown
this very year, was clofely confined in Corfe caftle ;
and now, by the king's order, he was arraigned and
tried as an impoftor. The hermit pleaded in his
defence, that his prophecy was accompliihed, the
king having refigncd his crown and independency;
which plea was fuppofed to augment his guilt, and
he was dragged at a horfe's tail to Warham, where
both he and a perfectly innocent fon were hanged
on a gibbet.
Philip was now fully convinced he had been
made a dupe of by the fee of Rome, and was deter-
mined to profecutc the war, in defiance of the pope
•and his bulls. The French barons alfo vowed that
they would follow their prince in this expedition ;
except the earl of Flanders, who having made a
fccret treaty with John, declared againft the im-
piety of! the undertaking ; when Philip, unwilling
ro leave behind him fo dangerous an enemy, turned
his arms againft the dominions of that prince. In
the interim, the earl of Salifbury, admiral of the
• Englifh fleet, and the king's natural brother, at-
tacked the French in their harbours, took three
hundred of their (hips, and deftroyed one hundred
more ; when Philip, finding it impolfible to hinder
the re ft from falling into his hands, fet fire to
them himfelf; and thus were hisdeligns upon Eng-
; land entirely fruftrated.
About this time the exiled prelates returned to
.England in triumph, Langton appearing at their
head. The king on hearing of their approach
went to meet them; and throwing himfelf before
them on the (.'round, intreated them, with tears, to
have compallion on him and his kingdom. The
primate obferving thefe marks of repentance, led
him to the chapter houfe of Winchcfter, where, on
the Twentieth of July, he again fwore allegiance to
the pope, promiiing to love, maintain, and defend
the clergy. Langton then gave him abfolution,
and permitted the king to dine with him. The
fcntence of interdict was however ftill in force.
Nicholas, bifhop of Frefcati, coming into England,
in the room of Pandolf, declared, that the pops'
would not take off that fentence, till every thing
was reftored to the clergy, whieh had been taken
from them, and they had received ample reparation
for all the damages they had fuftained.. Certain
barons being appointed to take an account of thefe
claims, John feemed aftonifhed at the greatnefs of
the fums to which the clergy made their lofles
amount; the monks of Canterbury alone demand-
ing no lefs than twenty thoufand marks. The king,
to flop thefe kind of claims, w hich appeared endlcfs,
offered a hundred thoufand marks for a full difV
charge, but this they rejected with difdain. How-
ever the pope willing to favour his new vaflal, di-
rected his legate to accommodate the affair ; the
refult of which was, that the biihops and confider-
able abbots obtained full reparation, while the in-
feriour clergy were obliged to lit down as contented
as they could, under their lofles. The interdict
being now removed, John folemnly renewed his
proferTions of homage to the fee of Rome, by a new
charter fealcd with gold.
This troublefome affair having at , p.
lafl, by the cunning of pope Innocent, ' • I2I4-
been brought to a cohclufion, the king went to
Poictou, which ftill acknowledged his authority, and
then laid fiege to a caftlc near Angicrg; -but prince
Lewis, Philip's fon, approaching with an army, he
raifed the liege with fuch precipitation, that hc'left
his tents, baggage, and .military machines behind
him; and again returned with difgrace to England.
He now appeared to content himfelf with ruling
his own kingdom ; and his clofe connection with
the pope, made him imagine he ihould perform
this arduous talk with little or no difficulty ; but
other misfortunes awaited him which he did not
expect.
John, who refented the defertion of his barons,
in his laft expedition on the continent, collected an
army of his tenants and forefters, to reduce them to
reafon. With this intention he marched as far as
Northampton, where he was overtaken by Langton,
archbilhop of Canterbury. That prelate is an ex-
ample to prove, that every man of fenfe will, if
poflible, be independent. Though he owed his ad-
vancement to the pope, yet he no fooner .became
an Englifh baron, than he ftood forth in oppofition
to all the meafures which tended to fubject the
crown of England to a foreign power. The ty-
ranny of the pope was, to him, as intolerable as
that of any other power; and the tyranny of the
king as odious as that of the pontiff. He therefore
very freely expoflulated with the king, urging,. that
he had violated his engagements by making war
upon his fubjects before they had been tried by
their peers, or judged by the equity of his court.
John, relying upon the protection of the pope, an-
fweied fiercely, that matters of this kind caffie not
under his jurifdiction, which extended not to any
affair of a civil nature. The next morning he fet
out for Nottingham, breathing fury againft Ms ad-
verfarics. Langton renewed his remonft ranees, and
the king, at length, convinced by the'force of his'
arguments, appointed a day for the accufed barons'
to appear at his court, thefe to anfwer the com-
plaints that ihould be preferred agajnft them.
In
NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
In the month 6f September, a private meeting of
the barons was held at London, when the primate
laid before them a charter of Henry I. \rruuh, he
faid, he had happily found in a monaftery ; and
exhorted them to infill on its being renewed ;
whereupon the barons fworc, that they would lofc
their lives rather than not comply with fo reafon-
able, fo honourable, and juft a demand. The con-
federacy foon fpread, arid comprehended nioft of
the .barons in England ; and a more numerous
aflsmbly was fummoned by Langton, at St.-Ed-
muid's-bury, under the colour oi devotion ; wh^-re
he again produced the charter ; renewed his ex-
hortations to proceed with unanimity and vigour;
and represented in the ftrongeft light, the tyranny
to which they had been long fubjed, and from
which they were to iree themfelves and their pof-
terity. The barons, animated by his eloquence,
formed a general confederacy, to which there were
few in the kingdom who did not accede; and
agreed before the high altar, that at Chriftmas they
would prefent their petition to the king in a body.
They then feparated, after mutually promiling, to
enlift men, to purchafe arms, and to fupply their
caftjes with neceflary Mores and provilions.
. „ On the day appointed, which was
A. U. 1215.^ fixth Qf janua,.^ the barons re-
paired to London, and demanded of the king/that,
in confequence of his oath he had taken before the
primate, as well as out of refpect to their juft rights,
he would be pleafed to grant a renewal of Henry's
charter, and a confirmation of the laws of St. Ed-
ward. John, alarmed at their power, unanimity,
and zeal, promifed to give them a poiiti ve anfwer at
Eafter. , Having procured this interval, John en-
deavoured to gain over the clergy on his fide,
granting them a charter, in- which he relinquifhed
for ever a privilege, earnertly contended for by all
his anceftors, in allowing them a free election on all
vacancies ; he likewife made a vow. to lead an army
jnco Paleftine; andalfodifpatchcd an agent to Rome,
in order to appeal to the pope; while at the fame
time the barons were not inactive in their endea-
vours to attach his holinefs to their intereft.
. Innocent was concerned at obferving the fire juft
ready to be lighted in England, but fecretly in-
clined to John, whom he found willing to facrifice
every confideration to his prefent fafety. He how-
ever wrote letters to the king, prelates, and nobles.
He advifed the firlt to treat the barons with grace
and indulgence, and to grant them fuch of their
demands as Ihould appear reafonable. He ex-
horted the fecond to employ their good offices in
putting an end to civil difcord, by making a peace
between the contending parties -, and to the hit he
exprefled his difapprobation of their conducl, in re-
folving by force of arms to extort conceffionj from
their lawful fovereign.
Hence the barons perceived, that the pope in-
tended to take part with the king; but they were
already gone too far to recede ; and they received
frefh vigour, by having certain intelligence that
moft of the bifhops, as well as all the inferior
clergy, highly approved their conduct.
At the approach of Eafler, when the barons were
to expect the king's anfwer to their petition, they
afiembled by agreement at Stamford, having col-
lected a force confiding of above two thoufarid
knights, befides their retainers, and an infinite
number of inferior perfons. Having advanced in
a body to Brackley, within fifteen miles of Ox-
ford, the court being there kept, they received
a meflage from the king by the primate, deiiring to
know what were the liberties they fo zealoufly de-
manded of their fovereign. In anfwer to which,
they delivered a writing, containing the chief arti-
cles ; which being read to the king, he flew into a
violent paffion, afking the meffengers, why his ba-
i rons did not demand the whole kingdom of him ;
J fwearing that he would never grant their demands ;
but the king's menaces were not an object of con-
lidcrauon with the barons, who knew very well his
imbecility.
The confederated nobles were nofooncr informed
of John's refolve, than chuiing Robert FitZ-Walter
their general, whom they called, Marefcbal of ibe
army of God and, holy church, they, without farther .
ceremony, proceeded to lay fiege to the caftle of
Northampton, which they carried in only fifteen
days ; but they were willingly admitted into Bed-
ford caftle by William Beauchamp, its governor.
From this place they advanced to Ware. Here
they received intelligence that the citizens of Lon-
don were diipofed to give them a welcome recep-
tion : proceeding therefore to the capital without
lofs of time, they entered at Aldgate, which was
opened to receive them. They now ftationed pro-
per guards, took into cuftody fuch perfons as they
had reafon to fufpecl, and then wrote circular
letters to all the nobiltyand perfons of diftinction,
who had not declared in their favour, threatening,
that if they refufed to join them, they would de-
molifli their caftles, and ravage their eiiares. Thcfe
menaceshad their intended eifect.for moll of thegreat
men repaired to London, and united in the affbci-
ation. The king was now at Odiham, with very few
attendants, fome fay only feven knights. He was
mortified and alarmed in the higheft degree. He
had not a friend to whom he could apply for advice
or alliftance, and he found the dreadful effects of
his tyrannical difpofition, in the univerfal contempt
in which he was held. His affairs were now in-
deed arrived at a moft alarming crifis ; and he be-
gan to think ferioufly of compromifing all differ-
ences with his fubjects. Reflecting on his cala-
mitous fituation, he made propofals to refer the de-
alum of the matter to the pope, or to eight barons ;
four to be chofen by himfelf, and four by his oppo-
nents ; but thefe were rejected with difdain. The
king had no farther hope but in abfolute fubmif-
fion ; wherefore he fent word to the barons that he
would comply with all their demands ; in confe-
quence of which a conference was appointed to be
held, and preparations were made for adjufting this
important agreement. The meadow of Runne-
mede, between Staines and Windfor, was the place
fixed on ; here the confederated barons made their
appearance on the fifteenth of June, and two days
afterwards came the king's commiffioncrs, each
party forming a kind of feparate encampment, like
declared enemies. The barons being refolved to
abate nothing of their demands, and the king's
agents in general being of their fcntiments, the
treaty was not long protracted. At the end of
a few days, the king with a readinefs that was ra-
ther wondered at, as it was known to be the effecl:
of compulfion, figned the famous charter, known
by the name of MAGNA CHARTA. We {hall here
infert a tranfiation of this important deed, whereby
the moft valuable privileges were fecured to every
order of men, which, at this day, is coniidered as
the foundation of Englilh liberty.
M A G N A C H A R T A.
The- great charter of liberties, granted by king John to
biifubjefh, in the year 1215. '
" John, by the grace of God, king of England,
lord of Ireland, duke of Normandy and Acqui-
taine, and earl of Anjou, to. the archbifhops,
bilhops, abbots, earls,, barons, j-ufticiaries of the
fbrefts, fheriffs, governors, officers, and to all
bailiifs and others his faithful fubjects, greeting.
•Know ye, that we, in the prefence of God, and
for the health of our foul, and the fouls of all
our
MAGNA
EnglisTi Barons •//•//<> ////'<'/f/s> //'///,>/// //«' ( «//<><' />/ Liberty, /•//
/ / / ,
RimiieiiieadMead OAV, /^///YVV/ Stains ^/W Winds or, -
,
J
o
H
N.
117
our anceftors and heirs, and to the honour of
God, and the exaltation of holy church, and
the amendment of our kingdom, by the advice
of our venerable fathers, Stephen, arclibHhop of
. Canterbury, primate of all England, and cardinal
of the holy Roman church; Henry, archbifhop
of Dublin; William, bifliop of London; Peter, of
Winchcfter; Jocclyn, of Bath and Glaftonbury ;
Hugh, of Lincoln; Walter, of Worcefter ; Wil-
liam, of Coventry ; Benedict, of Rochefter, bifhops;
and matter Pandolf, the pope's fubdeacon and an-
cient fervant; brother Aymeric, mailer of the
Temple in England; and the noble perfons
William Marefcal, earl of Pembroke ; William,
carl of Salifbury; William, earl of Warrennc ;
William, earl of Arundel ; Alar de Galoway,
conftable of Scotland ; Warin Fitzgerald, Peter
Fitzherbert, and Hubert de Bourgh, fcnefchal
of Poiclou ; Hugo de Neville, Matthew Fkz-
. herbert, Thomas Ballet, Alen Baffet, Philip de
Albiney, Robert de Ropele, John Marcfchal,
John Fitzhugh, and others our liege men, have
in the firft place, granted to God, and by this
our prefent charter, confirmed for us and our
heirs for ever.
1. " That the church of England fhall be free,
and enjoy her rights entire, and her liberties in-
violable, and we will have them to be obferved, that
it may appear from hence, that the freedom of elec-
tions, which was reckoned chief and indifpenfible
to the Englifh church, and confirmed by our
charter, and obtained the confirmation of from
pope Innocent III. before the difcord between us
and our barons, was granted of mere free will ;
•which charter we fhall obferve, and do will it to be
.well obferved by our heirs for ever.
2. " We have alfo granted, to all freemen of our
kingdom; for us and our heirs for ever; all the un-
der°written liberties, to have and to hold them and
their heirs, of us and our heirs.
3. " If any of our earls or barons, or others who
hold of us in chief, by military fervice, fhall die,
and at the time of his death, his heir lhall be of
full age, and owe a relief; he mall have his inheri-
tance by the ancient relief; that is, the heir or heirs
of an earl, for a whole earl's barony, by an hundred
pounds ; the heir or heirs of a knight, for a whole
knight's fee, by an hundred {hillings at moft ; and
whoever oweth lefs, fhall give lefs, according to the
ancient cuftoni of fees.
4. « But if the heir of any fuch mall be under
age, and -be in \vard, his lord fhall not have the
wardflrip of him, nor his land, before he hath, re-
ceived his homage; and after fuch heir mall be in
\\ard, and attain to the age of one and twenty years,
he (hall, when he comes of age, have his inheritance
without relief, and without fine.
5. " The warden of the land of fuch heir, who
fhall be under age, mail not take of the land of
• fuch heir, other than reafonablc iffues, reafonable
cuftoms, and reafonable fervices ; and that without
deftrudtion or wafte of the tenants or effects upon
the cftate. And if we fliall commit the guardianfhip
of thofe lands to the fheriff, or any other perfon, who
is anfwerable to us for the iffues of the land ; and
if he fliall make deftruction and wafte upon the ward -
lands, we will compel him to give fatisfa&ion ; and
-.the land fliall be committed to lawful and difcrect
tenants of that fee, who fliall be anfwerable for the
iffues to us, or to him to whom we fliall aflign
them. And if we fliall give or fell to any one the
wardftiip of fuch lands ; and if he makes deftruclion
or wafte upon them, he fliall lofe the wardfliip
itfelf, which fliall be committed to two lawful and
difcreet tenants of the fee, who fliall in like manner
-be anfwerable to us aforefaid.
6. " But the warden, fo long as he fliall have
the wardfliip of the land, Hull keep up the houfes,
No. 12.
parks, warrens, ponds, mills, and other things
pertaining to the land, out of the ifiues of
the fame land, and fliall reftore to the heir, whcri
he comes of full age, the whole land flocked with
ploughs and carriages, according as the time of
wainage fliall require, and the iffues of the .land can
reafonably bear. And all thefe things fhall be ob-
ferved in the cuftodies of vacant archbiflioprks,
biflioprics, abbies, priories, churches, and dignities;
which appertain to us, except that thefe wardihips
are not to be fold.
7. " Heirs fliall be married without difparage-
mcnt, fo as that before matrimony fliall be con-
tracled, thofe who are neareft in blood to the heir
fliall be made acquainted with it.
8. " A widow after the death of her hufband,
fliall forthwith and without difficulty, have her
marriage and inheritance, nor fliall fhe give any
thing for her dower, or her marriage, or her in-
heritance which her hufband and flie held, at the
day of his death ; and flie may remain in the man-
lion houfc of her hufband, forty days after his death,
within which term her dower fliall be afcertained.
9. "No widow fliall be diftrained to marry her-
felfj fo long as flie has a mind to live without a
hulband. But at the fame time, flie fliall give fe-
curity, that flie will not marry without our content,
if flie holds of us, or without the confent of the
lord of whom flie holds, if flic holds of another.
i o. " Neither we nor our bailiffs fliall feize any
land or rent for any debt, fo long as there fliall be
chattels of the debtor's upon the premifes, fufficient
to pay the debt, and the debtor be ready to fatisfy
it. Nor fliall the fureties of the debtor be dif-
trained, fo long as the principal debtor be fufficient
for the payment of the debt.
n." And if the principal debtor fliall fail in the
payment of the debt, not having wherewithal to
pay it, or will not difcharge it when he is able,
then the fureties lhall anfwer the debt ; and if they
will, they fhall have the lands and rents of the
debtor, until they fliall be fatisfied for the debt
which they paid for him, unlefs the principal debtor
can fhew himfelf acquitted thereof againft the faid
fureties.
12. "If any one have borrowed any thing of
the Jews, more or lefs, and dies before the debt be
fatisfied, there fliall no intereft be paid for that
debt, fo long as the heir is under age of whom-
foever he may hold ; and if the debt falls into our
hands, we will take only the chattels mentioned in
the charter or inftniment.
13. " And if any one fliall die indebted to the
Jew, his wife fhall have her dower, and pay nothing
of that debt; and if the deceafed left children un-
der age, they fliall have neceffaries provided for
them, according to the tenement or real eftate of
the deceafed ; and out of the relidue the debt fhall
be paid, faving, however, the fervice of the lord.
In like manner let it be with the debts due to other
perfons than Jews.
14. " No fcutage or aid fliall be impofed in our
kingdom, unlefs by the common council of the na-»
tion, except for ranlbming our perfon, and making
our eldeft fon a knight, and once for marrying ouf
eldeft daughter ; and for thefe three only a reafon-
able aid fliall be demanded.
15. " In like manner-it fliall be concerning the
aids of the city of London; and that city fliall have
all its antient liberties, and free cuftoms, as well by
land as by water.
1 6. " Furthermore, we will and grant, that all other
cities, boroughs, towns, and ports, ihall have all their
liberties, and free cuftoms, and for holding the com-
mon council of the kingdom concerning the affeff-
mcnt of their aids, except in the three cafes aforefaid.
1 7. " And for the affeffing of fcutages, we fliall
. caufc to be fummoned the archbifliops, bilhops,
G g abbots,
n8
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
abbots, earls, and great barons of the realm, fiugly
by our letters. .
1 8. "And furthermore, we bail caufe to be
fummoned in general, by our fheriffs and bailiffs,
all others who hold of us in chief, at a certain clay j
that is to fay, forty days before their meeting at
leaft, and to a certain place ; and in all letters or Inch
fummons, we will declare the caufe of the fummons.
19. " And fummons being thus made, the buli-
nefs fhall proceed on the day appointed, according
to advice of fuch as fhall be prefent, although all
that were fummoned come nor.
20. " We will not, for the future, grant to any
one that he may take aid of his own free tenants,
unlefs to ranibm his perfon, and to make his cldeft
fon a knight, and once to mnrry his eldeft daughter ;
and for this there (hall only be paid a reafonable aid.
21. "No man fhall be diitrained to perform
more fervices for a knight's fee, or other free
tenement, than is due from thence.
22. " Common pleas fhall not follow our court,
but fhall be holden in fome certain place : trials
upon the writ of novel diffeifin, and of mort >d'an-
ceftor, and of deraign prefentment, fhall not be
taken but in their proper counties, and after this
manner : we, or if we fhall be out of the realm,
our chief jufticiary fhall fend twojufticiaries through
every county four times a year, who with four
knights, chofen out of every mire by the people,
fhall hold the faid aflizes in the county, on the day,
and at the place appointed.
23. "And if any matter cannot be determined
on the day appointed for holding the aflizes in each
county, fo many of the knights and freeholders as
have been at the aflizes aforefaid, fhall be appointed
to decide them as is neceflary, according as there is
more or lefs bufinefs. Afiizes of deraign prefent-
ment to churches, fhall always be taken before the
jufticiaries of the bench.
24. " A free man fhall not be amerced for a
fmall fault, but according to the degree of the fault ;
and for a great crime in proportion to the heinouf-
nefs of it, faving to him his contentment, and after
the fame manner a merchant, faving to him his
merchandize.
25. " And a villain fhall be amerced after the
fame manner, faving to him his wainage, if he falls
under our arnerciament ; and none the aforefaid
anierciament (hall be affefTed, but by the oath of
'honeft men in the neighbourhood.
26. " Earls and barons fhall not be amerced but
by their peers, and according to the degree of
offence.
27. " No ecclefiaflical perfon fhall be amerced
for his lay tenement, but according to the pro-
portion of the others aforefaid, and not according
to the value of his ecclefiaftical benefice.
28. " Neither a town, nor any tenement, fhall
be diitrained, to make bridges over rivers, unlefs
that anciently and of right they are bound to do it.
No river for the future fhall be embanked, but
what was embanked in the time of king Henry our
grandfather.
29. " No fheriff, caftellan, coroner, or other of
our bailiffs, (hall hold pleas of the crown.
30. " All counties, hundreds, wapentakes, and
trethings, (hall ftand at the old form, without any
increafe, except in our demefne manors.
31. " If any one, holding of us a lay fee, dies,
and the fhcriff, or our bailiff, fhew our letters pa-
tent of fummons concerning the debt due to us
from the deceafed, it lhall be lawful for the fheriff
or our bailiff, to attach and regifter the chattels of
the deceafed, found upon his lay fee, to the value
of the debt, by the view of lawful men, fo as no-
thing be removed, until our whole debt be paid ;
and the reft fhall be left to the executors, who arc
to fulfil the will of the deceafed j and if nothing be
due from him to his, all the chattels lhall remain to
the deceafed, faving to his wife and children their
reafonable (hares.
32. " If any free man fhall die inteftate, his
chattels fhall be diftributed by the hands of his
nearcft relations and friends, by view of the church,
laving to every one his debts, which the deceafed
owed to him.
33. "No conflable or bailiff of ours fhall take
corn, or other chattels of any man, who is not of
the town where the cuftle is, unlefs he presently
gives him money for it, or hath refpite of payment
by the good-will of the feller. But if he be of the
fame town, he fhall pay him within forty days.
34. " No conftable fhall cliftram any knight, to
give money for caftle guard, if he himfelf will
do it in his own perfon, or by another able man,
in cafe he cannot do it through any reafonable
caufe.
35. '* And if we lead him, or fend him into the
army, he fhall be free from fuch guard, for the time
he fhall be in the army by our command.
36. " No fheriff or bailiff or ours, or any other,
fhall take horfes or carts of any freeman for car-
riage, but by the good-will of the faid freeman
without paying according to the rate anciently ap-
pointed ; that is to fay, for a cart and two horfes,
ten-pence a day ; and for a cart with three horfes,
fourteen pence a day.
37. " Neither fhall we, or our bailiffs, take any
man's timber for our caftles, or other ufes, unlefs
by the confent of the owner of the timber.
38. '* We will retain the lands of thofe that are
convidted of felony, only one year and a day, and
then they fhall be returned to the lord of the fee.
39. " AH wares for the time to come, fhall be
put down in the rivers of Thames and Medway,
and throughout England, except upon the fca-coaft,
40. " The writ, which is called pracipe, fhall
not, for the future, be made out to any one of any
tenement, whereby a freeman may lofe his court.
41. " There fhall be one meafure of wine, and
one of ale, throughout our whole realm, and one
meafure of corn ; that is to fay, the London quarter,
and one breadth of dyed cloth, and ruffets, and
haberjects ; that is to fay, two ells within the lill.
As to the weights, they fhall be as the meafures.
42. " From henceforth nothing fhall be given or
taken for a writ of inquifition of life and limbs ;
but it fhall be granted gratis, and not denied.
43. " If any one holds of us by fee-farm, or
foccage, or burg^ge, and holds lands of another by
military fervice, we will have the wardfhip of
the heir, or land, which is of another man's fee, by
reafon of what he holds of us by fee-farm, foccage,
or burgage ; nor will we have the wardfhip of the
fee-farm, foccage, or burgage, unlefs the fee-farm
is bound to peribrm military fervice.
44. " We will not have the wardihip of an heir,
nor of any land, which he holds of another by mi-
litary fervice, by reafon of any pettit-ferjeanty he
holds of us, as by the fervice of giving us knives,
arrows, or the like.
4£. " No bailiff fhall for the future put any man
to his law, upon his fingle word, without credible
vvitneffes produced to prove it.
46. " No freeman fhall be taken or imprifoned,
ordiffeifed, or out-lawed, or banifhed, or any w^ys
deftroyed ; nor will we pafs fentcnce upon him, or
commit him to prifon, unlefs by the lawful judg-
ment of his peers, or by the law of the land.
47. " We will fell to no man, we will deny no
man, nor delay right nor juftice.
48. " All merchants, unlefs they be publicly
prohibited, fh ill have fafe and fccure conduct, to
go out of, and come into England ; and to llaj
there, and to pafs as well by Isnd as by water ; for
buying and felling by the anticnt and allowed
cuftoms,
J
o
H
N.
119
cuftoms, without any evil tolls, except in time of
war, or when they are of any nation at war with us.
49. " And if there be found any fuch in our
land, at the beginning of the war, they fhall be at-
tached without damage to their bodies or goods,
until it may be known to us, or our chief jufti-
ciary, how our merchants are treated in the nation
at war with us ; and if ours be fafe there, the others
ihallbe fafe in our dominions.
50. " It mail be lawful in the time to come, for
any one to go out of our kingdom and return fafely
and fecurely by land or by water, faving his alle-
giance to us, unlefs in time of war, by Tome fhort
ipace, for the common benefit of the realm, except
prifoncrs and out-laws (according to the law of the
land,) and people at war with us, and merchants
who mall be in fuch condition as is above men-
tioned.
51." If any man holds of any efcheat, as of the
honour of Wallingford, Nottingham, Bolognc,
Lancafter, or of other efchcats which are in our
hands, and are baronies, and dies, his heirs mall
give no other relief, and perform no other fervice
to us, than he would to the baron, if the barony
were in the pofTeftion of the baron: we will hold it
after the fame manner the baron held it. Nor will
we, by reafon of fuch barony or efcheat, have any
efcheat or wardlhip of any of our men, unlefs he
that held the barony or efcheat held of us in chief
elfewhere.
52. " Thofe men who dwell without the foreft,
fhall not from henceforth come before our judi-
ciaries of the foreft upon common fummons, but
fuch as are impleaded, or are pledges for any that
were attached for fomething concerning the foreft.
No country court fhall be holden for the future
but from month to month, and where there
ufed to be a greater interval, let it be fo continued.
Neither any fheriff, nor his bailiff, fhall keep his
turn in the hundred oftener than twice a year,
and only in the accuftomed place, that is, once
after Eafter, and once after Michaelmas, and the
view of frank-pledge fhall be held after Michael-
mas, that every one may have his liberties which
he had, and was wont to have, in the time of king
Henry our grandfather, or fuch as he obtained
afterwards. But the view of frank-pledge (hall be
fo made, that our peace may be kept, and that the
tything be full as it was wont to be. And the
fheriff fhall not feek occasions, but mall be con-
tent with what the fheriff was wont to have for
making his view in the time of king Henry our
grandfather. For the time to come it fhall not be
lawful for any man to give his land to a religious
houfe, fo as to take it again and hold it of that
houfe ; nor fhall it be lawful for any religious houfe
to receive land, fo as to grant it him again of whom
they received it to hold of him. If any man for
the future fhall give his land to a religious houfe,
and be covidled thereof, his gift mall be void, and
the land fhall be forfeited to the lord of the fee.
Squtage for the future fhall not be taken, as was
ufed to be taken in the time of king Henry our
grandfather; nor fhall the iheriffoppofe any man
but be content with what he was wont to have.
Saving to the archbifhops, biihops, abbots, priors,
templars, hofpitallers, earls, barons, knights, and
all others, -as well ecclefiaftics as feculars, the liberties
and free cuftoms which they had before.
53. " We will not make any judiciaries, confta-
bles, fheriffs, or bailiffs, but fuch as are knowing
in the law of the realm, and difpofed duly to ob-
ferve it.
54. " All barona who are founders of abbies,
and have charters of the kings of England for the
advowfon, or are entitled to it by ancient tenure,
may have the cuftody of them when vacant, as they
ought to have.
55. " All woods that have been taken into forefts
in our own time, fhall forthwith be laid out again ;
and the fame fhall be done with regard to rivers,
which have been taken or fenced in by us during
our reign.
56. "All evil cuftoms concerning forefts, warrens,
and forefters, warreners, fheriffs, and their officers,
rivers and their keepers, fhall forthwith be enquired
into each county, by twelve knights, fworTi of the
fame ihire, chofen by credible perfons of the fame
county, and upon oath ; and within forty days after
the faid inqueft, be utterly abolilhed fo as never to
be rcflorcti.
57. " We will immediately give up all hoftages
and writings, delivered unto us by our Englifh
fubjecls, as fecurities for their keeping the peace,
and yielding us faithful fervice.
58. " We will entirely remove from our bailiwicks
the relations of Gerard de Athyes, fo as that for the
future they fhall have no bailiwick in England. We
will alfo remove Engelard de Cygony, Andrew,
Peter, and Gyon from the chancery ; Gyon de Cy-
gony, Geoffrey de Martyn and his brothers, Philip,
Mark, and his brother, his nephew Geoffrey, and all
their followers.
59. " And as foon as peace is reftored, we will
fend out of the kingdom all foreign foldiers, crofs-
bow men, and ftipendafies, who are come with
horfes and arms, to the prejudice of our people.
60. " If any one hath been difpoffeffed or de-
prived by us, without the legal judgment of his
peers, of his lands, caftles, liberties, or rights, -we
will forthwith reftore them to him ; and if any dif-
pute arifes upon this head, let the matter be deter-
mined by the twenty-five barons hereafter men-
tioned, for the prefervation of the peace.
61. "As for thofe things of which any perfon
has, without the legal judgment of his peers been
difpofTeffed or deprived, either by king Henry our
father, or our brother king Richard, and which we
have in our hands or are poffeffed by others, and
we are bound to warrant and make good, we fhall
have a refpite during the term ufually allowed the
cruifes ; excepting thofe things about which there
is a plea depending, or whereof an inqueft hath
been made by our order, before we undertook the
crufade. But when we return from our pilgri-
mage, or if we do not undertake it, we will im-
mediately caufe full juftice to . be adminiftered
therein.
62. " The fame refpite we fhall have for dif-
afforefting the forefts, which Henry our father, or
our brother Richard have afforefted ; and for the
wardfhip of the lands, which are in another's fee,
in the fame manner as we have hitherto enjoyed
thofe wardfhips, by reafon of a fee held of us by
Jcnight's fervice ; and for the abbies founded in any
other fee than our own, in which the lord of the fee
fays he has a right ; and when we return from piU
grimage, or if we fhould not perform it, we will
immediately do full juftice to all the complainants
in this behalf.
63. " No man fhall be taken or imprifoned
upon the appeal of a woman, for the death of any
other perfon than her hufband.
64. " All unjuft and illegal fines levied by us,
and all amerciaments impofed unjuftly and contrary
to the law of the land, fhall be entirely forgiven,
or elfe be left to the decifion of five and twenty
barons hereafter mentioned for the prefervation of
the peace, or of the major part of them, together
with the aforefaid Stephen, archbifhop of Canter-
bury, if he can be prefent, and others whom he
fhall think fit to take with him ; and if he cannot
be prefent, the bufmefs fhall, notwithftanding,
proceed without him.- But fo, that if one or more
of the aforefaid five and twenty barons be plaintiffs
in the fame caufe, they fhall be fet afide as to what
concerns
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
concerns this particular affair, and others chofen in
their room out of the faid five and twenty, and
fvvornby the reft to decide that matter.
65. "If we have diffeifcd or difpofleffed the
Welch of any lands, liberties, or other things,
without the legal judgment of their peers, they
mail be immediately reilorcd to them. And if any
difpute arifes upon this head, the matter fhall be
determined in the Marches by the judgment of their
peers ; for tenements in England according to the
laws of England ; for tenements in Wales accord-
ing to the laws of Wales ; for the tenements of the
Marches according to the law of the Marches : the
fame fliall the Welch do to us and our fubjects.
66. "As for all thole things of which any
Welchman hath, without the legal judgment of
his peers, been difleifed or deprived by king Henry
our father, or our brother king Richard, and which
we either have in our hands, or others are pofTefied
of, and we are obliged to warrant it, we mall have
a refpite for the time generally allowed the cr'uifes,
excepting thofe things about which a fuit is de-
pending, or whereof an inquefl has been made by
our order, before we undertook the crufade. But
when we return, or if we ftay at home without per-
forming our pilgrimage, we ihall immediately do
them full juftice, according to the laws of the
Welch, and of the parts above-mentioned.
67. " We will, without delay, difmifs the fon
of Llewellin, and all the Welch hoftagcs, and re-
leafc them from the engagements they have entered
. into with us for the prcfervation of the peace.
68. " We fhall treat with Alexander, king ofScots,
concerning the reftoring his lifters and hoftages, and
his rights and liberties, in the fame form and
manner as wre fhall do to the reft of the barons of
England; unlefs from the charters, which we have
from his father, William, late king of Scots, it
•ought to be otherwife ; and this fhall be left to the
determination of his peers in our court.
69. "All the aforcfaid cuftoms and liberties
which we have granted to be holden in our king-
dom, as much as it belongs to us towards our
people of our kingdom, as well clergy as laity,
we mail obferve, as far as they are concerned
towards their dependants.
70. " And whereas for the honour of God, and
the amendment of our kingdom, and for quieting
the difcord that hath arifen between us and our
barons, we have granted all the things aforefaid ;
willing to render them firm and lafting, we do give
and grant our fubjeds the underwritten fecurity,
namely, that the barons may chufe five and twenty
barons of the kingdom w7hom they think conve-
nient, who fliall take care, with all their might, to
hold and obferve, and caufe to be obferved, the
peace and liberties we have granted them, and by
this our prefent charter confirmed ; fo as that if
we, our jufticiary, our bailiffs, or any of our offi-
cers, fliall, in any circumftance fail in the per-
formance of them towards any perfon, or fhall
break through -any of thcfe articles of peace and
fecurity, and the offence is notified to four barons,
chofen out of the five and twenty above-mentioned,
the faid four barons fliall repair to us, or our jufti-
ciary, if we are out of the realm, and laying open
the grievance, fliall petition to have it redreffed
without delay; and if it is not redreffed by us, or,
if we fhould chance to be out of the realm, if it is
not redreffed by our jufticiary within forty days,
reckoning from the time it has been notified to us,
-or to our judiciary, if we fhould be out of the
realm, the four barons aforefaid fhall lay the caufe
lie lore the reft of the twenty five barons ; and the
f aid five and twenty barons, together with the com-
munity of the whole kingdom, fliall diftrain and
diitrcis us all the ways poflible ; namely, by feizing
our caftles, lands, poffellions, and in any other
manner they can, till the grievance is redrefled
according to their pleafurc; faving harmlefs our
own perfon, and the perfon of our queen and chil-
dren; and when it is redrefled they fliall obey us
as before.
71. "And any perfon whatfoever in the king-
dom may fwear, that he will obey the orders of
the five and twenty barons aforefaid in the execu-
tion of the premifes, and that he will diflrefs us
jointly with them to the utmoft oi" his power ; and
we give public and free liberty to any one that fliall
pleafe to fv\ear to them, and never ihall hinder any
perfon from taking the fame oath.
72. " As for all thofe of our fubjec"ts who will
not, of their own accord, fwear to join the five
and twenty barons in diftraining and diftrefling us,
we will iffue our order to make them take the outh
above-mentioned.
73. " And if any one of the five and twenty
barons fliould die, or go out of the kingdom, or
be hindered any other way from carrying the things
aforefaid into execution, the reft of the faid five
and twenty barons may chufe another in his room
at their difcrction, who fliall be fworn into his
office in like manner as the reft.
74. " In all things that are committed to the
execution of the five and twenty barons, if, when
they are all aflembled together they fliould happen
to difagree about any matter, or fome of them,
when fummoned, will not, or cannot come; what-
ever is agreed upon or enjoined by the major part
of thofe who are prefent, ihall be reputed as firm
and valid as if all the five and twenty had given
their confent; and the aforefaid five and twenty
fhall fwear, that all the premifes they fliall faith-
fully obferve, and caufe with all their power to be
obferved.
75. " And we will not by ourfelves, or by any
other, procure any thing whereby any of thefc con-
ceflions and liberties be revoked or leflened ; and if
any fuch thing be obtained, let it be null and void ;
neither fhall we ever make ufe of it, either by our-
felves or any other.
76. " And all the ill-will, anger, and malice,
that hath. arifen between us and our fubjeds of the
clergy and laity, from the firft breaking out of dil-
fention between us, we. do fully remit and forgive.
Moreover, all trefpaffes occafioned by the laid dif-
fention, from Eafter, in the fixteenth year of our
reign, till the reftoration of peace and tranquillity,
we hereby entirely remit to all, both clergy and
laity, and, as far as in us lies, do fully forgive.
77. " We have moreover granted them our
letters patent teftimonial of Stephen, lord arch-
bifliop of Canterbury, Henry, lord archbifhop of
Dublin, and the biihops aforefaid, as alfo of maftcr
Pandolf, for the fecurity and concefiions afore-
faid.
78. " Wherefore we will, and firmly enjoin,
that the church of England be free, and that all
men in our kingdom have and hold all the aforefaid
liberties, rights, and concelfions, truly and peace-
ably, freely and quietly, fully and wholly, to them-
felves and their heirs, of us and our heirs, in all
things and places for ever as is aforefaid.
79. " It is alfo fworn, as well on our part, as
on the part of the barons, that all things aforefaij
fliall faithfully and fmcerely be obferved.
" Given under our hand, in the prefence of
the witnefies above-mentioned, and many
others, in the meadow called Runnemede,
between Windelfore and Staine?, the fifteenth
day of June, in the feventecnth year of our
reign.
This charter contained the principal outline$ of
a juft and legal government, and provided for the
equal
J Q
equal diftribution of jufticc, and the free enjoyment
of property; the great objects for which political
fociety was at firft inftituted. It was figned by
John, by all the lords fpiritual and temporal, and
ratified by folemn oaths. The barons alfo obliged
the king to confent, that London fhould remain
in their hands, and the Tower in the cuftody of
Langton, till the fifteenth of Auguft enfuing, or
till the articles of the great charter were fully
executed. Knowing the perfidioufnefs of his dif-
poiition, they alfo urged him to appoint twenty-
five of their number as confervators of public
liberty. Thefe were intended to be a check on his
conduct; and, if he prefumcd to violate his oath,
they were at liberty to levy \\ar againft him.
Though thefe regulations were fufficicntly degrad-
ing, John appeared to fubmit to them with the
utmoft chearfulnefs ; and even irTued writs, com-
manding his fhcriffs, their officers and others, to
pay a paffive obedience to the twenty five barons.
Indeed, all in the kingdom were obliged to enforce
the obfervation of the articles contained in Magna
Charta ; and the freeholders of each county chofe
twelve knights, who. were to make a report of fuch
evil cuftoms as required redrcf*. John went even
farther than this; for he difrnifled .all his foreign
forces, the inftruments of his tyranny, and pre-
tended, that there was to be a total reform in every
part of his government, which fliould thenceforward
have a regard to the welfare of his people. Thefe
circumftances gave fpirits to his fubjects, who
began to think that all traces of humanity were
not expunged from the heart of the king. Happy
would it have been for this weak tyrant, had he
not diffembled; but he only waited fora favour-
'ab!e opportunity of overthrowing that glorious
column of liberty, which his people had juft
erected. His deu're to break the restraints under
•which the barons had laid him, increafed in pro-
portion to the refolution they had evinced in cany-
ing their point. The injuries and indignities he
had fuffered from the king of France and the pope,
had made a flight impreflionon his mind; but the
fcnfe of his being compelled by his own fubjects
to confine himfelf within the bounds of juftke and
humanity, fhocked his pride ; and the thought of
being curbed by thofe whom" he held as his vaffals,
ftung him to the foul ; not confidering that kings
and minifters are deputies of the people, who al-
ways pay them liberally, and fometimes for what
they have neither ability nor virtue to perform.
John, from this period, grew fullen, filent, and
referred. He munned the company of his nobles ;
and, as if determined to fecrcte himfelf from
public view, retired to the Ifle of Wight. There
was a degree of artifice in this proceeding not then
comprehended ; for he font his eniiffaries abroad to
invite the rapacious Brabanters and other foreign
mercenaries into his fervice, to whom were pro-
mifcd the forfeited eftates of his opulent nobles.
He likewife complained to the fee of Rome of the
violence to which he had been obliged to fubmit.
Innocent, who confidered himfelf as feudal lord of
the realm of England, zealoufly cfpoufed his caufe.
He ifTucd a bull, in which, " from the plenitude
of apoftolic power, and the authority God had
committed to him to build and to deftroy, to plant '
and overthrow kingdoms," he abrogated the great
chapter; prohibited the barons from exacting the
obfervancc of it, and the king himfelf from re-
garding it; abfo'ving him and his fubjects from all
the oaths they had been conftrained to take, and
denouncing a general fente^ce of excommunication
againft all who perfevered in maintaining pretcnfions
fo treafonable and iniquitous. At this time the
forces John had fent for from the continent arrived ;
thereupon he no longer difguifcd his intentions,
but, thro v, ing off the mafk, recalled all the privi-
No. 12.
H
N.
I 21
leges granted to his fubjects, which he had folcmnly
fworn to preferve. Placing his whole confidence
in the pope, he re-artumed his tyrannical character.
But he mould have confidered the thunder of Rome
would have lefs force than when directed againft.
him. Langton refiifed to publifh the fentence of
excommunication againft the barons; and though
he was cited to attend a general council at Rome,
in which he was fufpended for difobedience to the
pope, and for fccretly correfponding with the king's
enemies ; yet John rtill found that his barons, his
people, nay, his clergy, ftill continued their con-
federacy againft him.
The king's intereft began to prevail now over
the barons, who had no fooner obtained the great
charter, than, lulled in a fatal fecurity, they took
no mcafures for re-aflembling their forces, in cafe
the king fliould introduce a foreign army. Hence
John, being mafter of the field, inverted Rochefter
caftle, which, though bravely defended by William
de Albiney, was obliged to furrendcr at difcretion.
The obftinacy of the befiegcd irritated the king to
fuch a degree, that he would have hanged the
governor and all the garrifbn ; but being informed
that reprifals would be made, he ordered only the
inferior prifoncrs to be put to death. Having raifed
two powerful armies, he marched with one into the
north, leaving ihc other under the command of
the earl of Salifbury, to ravage the fouthern
counties. His barbarous foreign mercenaries, in-
cited by a cruel, enraged tyrant, fpread devaftation
over the face of the kingdom. Rapacious by na-
ture ; hired to abet the purpofes of defpotifm, they
were guilty of the moft dreadful outrages. The
mifery of the inhabitants is beyond the power of
defcription. Villages and caftles were fucceflively
reduced to allies. Melford, Morpeth, AInwick,
and Werk were burnt. Roxburg, Haddington,
and Dunbar, underwent the fame fate ; John him-
felf, like a barbarous ruffian, fetting fire, with his
own hands, to every houfe in which he had lodged.
The foldicrs exercifed the utmoft cruelty on the in-
habitants to make them difcover their riches. Ruin
and deftruction marked their progrefs. The king
proceeding through the whole kingdom from Dover
to Berwick, confidered every eftate that was not his
own immediate property, as an object of military
execution, and laid wafte the country on each fide
of him.
The barons were inexpreflibly alarmed at this
fadden turn in their affairs. Reduced to extre-
mity, they knew not what courfe to take ; but, for
a while, remained in London, while John's merce-
nary troops were committing their devaftations.
They had now no profpect of conqucft ; nor could
they entertain any expectations of mercy, mould
they fubmit. In this dilemma, recourfe was had
to a moft dcfperate expedient. They invited over
Lewis, eldeft fon of Philip, to defend their juft
rights, promifing, in cafe of fuccefs, that they
would acknowledge him for their fovercign. No-
thing could be more agreeable to the ambition of
the French monarch than an offer of this kind.
He chearfully embraced the propofal ; and having
received twenty-five hoftages for the performance
of the contract on the part of the barons, he made
every poffible preparation for the expedition, not-
withftanding the pope threatened him with inter-
dicts and excommunications, if heprefumed to in-
vade the patrimony of St. Peter, or attack a prince
under the immediate protection of the holy fee.
But Philip, dcfpifmg now all papal cenfures, which
formerly he had pretended to reipcct, fent a body
of fcven thoufand men into England, which was
foon followed by a more confideiable army, under
the command of his fon prince Lewis, v,ho landed
at Sandwich on the twenty-hrft of May, 1216.
The arrival of Lewis gave a check to John'*
H h fuccelles.
122
THE NEW AND COMPLETK HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
fucccflcs. The greater part of his foreign troops,
who were chiefly natives of France, now deferted
him, declaring they could not fight againft the
heir of their lawful fovereign. John was encamped
near Dover when Lewis landed in the Ifle of
Thanet; but inftcad of endeavouring to attack
the French forces before they could be joined by
the barons, he retreated to Winchcfter. Confcious
guilt and jealous diftruft, benumbed all the facul-
ties of his foul, and difarmed him at the very
jnfhmt he flood in need of more than common
refolution. His unmanly fears operated more
powerfully in favour of Lewis than a numerous
nrmv ; fo that he marched to the capital without
meeting in his way the Icaft oppofition. He en-
tered the city amidft the acclamations of the
people. The barons and citizens immediately
iwore fealty to him ; while the prince, in return,
promifed folemnly to confirm the ancient privileges
of the kingdom. The profpcdl of the Englifti was
now very gloomy; for if the operations of John
fhould be attended with fuccefs, they were certain
of being fubjugated to a tyrant : if, on the con-
trary, the arms of Lewis mould prevail, abfolute
f abjection muft be the confequence. But we ftiall
fee in the fequcl, that neither Lewis nor John were
to tyrannize over the rights of Englifhmen.
Though Lewis was in poflcffion of the capital,
and at the head of a numerous army, yet many
difficulties remained to be furniounted, before he
could make himfelf maftcr of England. Moft of
the maritime places were in the intereft of John,
who had favoured the fea-ports with many valuable
privileges. This was an alarming circumftancc to
Lewis, who considered his being mafter of fome
convenient harbour as a matter of the lad import-
ance. He therefore attempted to make himfelf
matter of Dover ; but his enterprize was rendered
fmitlefs by the bravery of the beficged, who defied
his power. He therefore carried his arms into the
inland parts of Kent and Suffer, which he reduced
with great facility. On the other hand, John flat-
tered himfelf that the bolt of papal thunder, which
was now ready to be launched againft Philip and
his fon, would defeat all their fchemes, and reftore
him to the quiet pofTcflion of the Englim throne.
He was, however, miftaken. Innocent, indeed,
fulminated the fentence of excommunication againft
both ; but the effect fell far fhort of his expecta-
tions. The French bifhops declared the excom-
munication cf Philip void, and Philip was not ter-
rified at the thunder of the Vatican. More anxious
of procuring a convenient fea-port, than of guard-
ing againft the effects of the pope's anathemas, he
once more led his army to Dover, and inverted
that important fortrefs. But Lewis found the at-
tempt more difficult than he had imagined. Hubert
de Burgh, the governor, was an experienced officer;
and being at the head of a refolute garrifcn, made
fuch furious fallies upon the French army, that
Lewis was obliged to remove his camp to a confi-
dcrable distance, and turn the fiege into a blockade.
This mifcarriage not a little mortified the French
prince, efpecially as the barons appeared lefs active
in his fervice : but he was too haughty to conciliate
their efteem, and wanted prudence to forcfee the
confequences of his neglect. He did not even en-
deavour to conceal his difguft; he excluded them
from his councils, fhewing thereby his want of
confidence in them ; and inftead of reftoring the
nobility to their honours and eftates, he bcfto.wed
all his favours upon his own followers. The barons
now faw their error, in calling in a foreign force to
their^afliilance ; the people complained of the op-
preflions of their new mafters; and it was ru-
moured, that Melun, one of Lewis's courtiers,
falling lick at London, on the. approach of death,
il-nt for fome of the Englifh barons, who were his
friends, and informed them, that Lewis inte-ided
to exterminate them, and to beftow their d:V Cities
and eftates on his favourite, in whofc fi.Liicy he
could better confide. This report, v) • . , ; true
or falfe, was univerfally credited ; acted powerfully
on the Englilh barons, and was of unfpeakable
prejudice to L.wis. The carl of Salifbury, and
others of the principal nobility, deferted to the
king's army, in order to elude the llonn which •
threatened their dcftruction.
Animated with the hope of being joined by
more of the confederate barons, John exerted him-
felf in collecting a confiderable army, with the
view of making one vigorous effojt for the pre-
fervation of his crown. In the interim he was in
perpetual motion, to avoid coming to a battle for
the prefent. Having experienced the fidelity of
the inhabitants of Lynn, in Norfolk, he had there
depofited his crown, fccptre, and other treafures;
yet, not thinking this a place of fafety, he deter-
mined to remove; but in marching over the wafhes
from Lynn into Lincolnfhire, at an improper time
of tide, the fea rushed in upon him with fuch rapi-
dity, that he loft a great part of his forces, toge-
ther with all his treafure, regalia, baggage and
carriages, he himfelf efcaping with difficulty. In
the evening ht arrived at the abbey of Swinefhead,
and being ill before, was there feized with a violent
fever, occafioned by his affliction at this irreparable
lofs, and the diftracted ftate of his affairs. The
next day, being unable to ride, he was carried in
a litter to the caftle of Sleford, and frtfm thence to
Newark; where, having made his will, and ap-
pointed Henry, his eldeft fon, Ins heir, he died
on the eighteenth of October, in the . ^
fifiy-firft year of his age, and the A' D' I2r6'
eighteenth 'of his reign. By his firft wife, Avifa,
heirefs of the houfe of Gloucefter, he had not any
children; but by his fecond, Ifabella, daughter of
count Aymar, he had two fons, Henry his fuc-
ceflbr, and Richard, earl of Cornwal. He had
alfo three daughters ; Jane, wife to Alexander II.
king of Scotland; Eleanor, married firft to William
Marefchal, earl of Pembroke, and afterwards to
Simon de Montfort, carl ofLcicefter; and Ifabella,
confort to the emperor Frederick II. He is faid to
have had ten natural children, but none of them of
diftinguifhed characters.
Literature made very little progrefs durin°- this
period. No difcoveries were made in the fciences ;
the arts had no patrons among the great. The
little knowledge of the fciences that fubiifted was
confined to the cloifter ; jior were even the monks
remarkable for their learning. A few of them, in-
deed, wrote feveral chronicles of the Englifh tranf-
actions in certain periods, with fome degree of
eloquence; but none equalled William of Malmf-
bury, whom we have already noticed. The torch
of civil difcord was lighted up in the reign of
Henry II. and continued its baneful influence till
the death of king John. It is no wonder, therefore,
j that the fciences were little cultivated during that
' period. When the peace of a kingdom Ts de-
ftroyed, it is in vain to expect the productions of
tranquil retirement.
The commerce of England was alfo at a low ebb
f. in the reigns of Henry II. Stephen, Richard I.
' and John. The Flemings and Italians were in
pofleilion of its moft valuable branches. Flanders
was the grand market of Europe for all woollen
manufactures, and Italy for lilk; and it is highly
probable, that with the habits, manners, cuftoms,
and language of the Normans, we likewifc im-
ported their manufactures; for the Engliih were
too much engaged in civil wars, and fo often called
off from attending to the arts of peace by their
lords, to whom they owed military fcrvicc, that
nothing but wars and tumults, cicil difcord and
unnatural
('/U> ttw Bom ( 'cf .'/. /W7— Crowned/"/' Glocciter,^/.?^ f2/6—'/?wt>><-f/ Homae
Alexandcr.KLng i/ Scotland ttf N"()riharaplon,/^/^_ //////Died fjf S^E
HENRY
III.
unnatural rebellions, engaged their attention.
Coaches were, however, firft introduced during the
reign of Henry, but not the art of conftructing
them ; and die Jews pradlifed that ufeful article
of commerce, called in thefe days bills of ex-
change.
The Normans, flu fhed with victory, fought only
how to pals away tiieir time in fnirh and ruftic
feftivity ; and employed almoft all their intervals of
leifure, in hunting, feafting, and women. Nor is
their exceftive licentidufnefs in this refpecl to be
wondered at ; for the very laws tended to encourage
the practice of many vices. No man could ap-
proach the king without a prefent ; they fold all
their good offices; and permitted every indulgence
that might afford a pretence for extorting money.
Richard de Neville gave twenty palfreys to obtain
the king's requeft to Ilblda Billet, that (he mould
take him for a huftnnd. The biihop of Winchefter
gave one tun of good wine for not putting the
king in mind to give a girdle to the countefs of
Albemarle. And Robert de Vaux gave five of the
beft palfreys, that the king would hold his tongue
about Henry Pinel's wife. Every violation of
chaftity had its fixed price, which was not beyond
the reach of a fubftantial yeoman. The lewd lives
of the clergy, who cohabited publicly with concu-
bines, tended Hill farther to debauch the age ; nor
was it pofTible for the king, or his archbifhops, to
correct their enormities, while fuperftition blinded
the eyes of the people, an ' induced them to be-
lieve, that what confecrated a crime in a layman,
•was a virtue in a prieft.
It may not be amifs here to obferve, that, during
the reign of John, Conftantinople was taken by the
PVench and Venetians in 1204; and, in a crufade,
the Albigenfes, feclaries in the fouth of France,
were entirely exterminated. This crufade is faid
to have given rife to the bloody inquifition..
\
Character of king John.
In flature he was about the middle fize ; of a
good lhape, and an agreeable countenance. He
was a bad man ; and, if polfible, d worfe king.
He feems to .have been a compound of every
vice that can degrade human nature, without a
lingle virtue or good quality to throw into the
oppofite fcalc. When left to the bent of his own
depraved nature, he was ralh, furious, voluptuous,
and cruel ; and devoted himfelf entirely to the
gratification of his vicious paiTions, regardlefs of
thehappinefs or mifery of his people. His fortune
never fuited with his temper. He Ic;ved eafe and
quiet, yet was continually in action. The murder
of his nephew ; the infringement of public pro-
perty ; and the violation of private honour, have
configned his memory to eternal jgnominy. He
was infolcnt in profperity ; ram in advcrlity ; pu-
filkmimous in war ; and tyrannical in peace. He
broke every oath ; every facrcd bond of fociety ;
and was generally hated by his fubjecls, efpecially
in the latter part of his reigri. His inactivity,
cowardice, ingratitude, treachery and folly, tco
evidently appear in the feveral parts -of his life, to
give the lead room for fufpicion, that the dif-
agreeable picture has been at all overcharged by
the prejudices of ancient hiftorians. It muft,
however, be owned, that his reign, odious and
deteftable as it now appears, was not deftitute of
fome laudable tranfactions, and procured to the
people the moft important advantages. His ty-
ranny firft prompted the barons to aflcrt, and his
floth and cowardice afterwards enabled them to
obtain, thofe in ftimable rights and privijegs
which now form the ban's of the Englifli conftitu-
tion, whereby this nation is diftinguiftied from
every other in the world. He conferred on the
city of London, the right of annually eleding a
mayor out of its own body, an office which was,
till then, held for life. He gave the city power to
elecl: and remove fherifts at pleafure, and its. com-
mon council annually. He alfo introduced the
laws of England into Ireland, and granted the
Cinque Ports their particular privileges. On the
other hand, he fubjefted his kingdom to a fhameful
vafTalage under the fee of Rome ; obliged his fub-
jcits to take up arms, to recover thofe privileges
which had been handed down to them by their
anceftors ; drove them to feek proteclion from a
foreign power; and died at a time when he was in
danger of ending his life in a prifon, or as a fugi-
tive from the purfuit of his enemies. The horror
which the public entertained of prince Arthur's
murder, had more effect in driving him from his
French dominions, than all the power of Philip ;
nor was he ever able t6 avail himfelf of the many
favourable circumftances that afterwards offered.
This fcourge, and lelf-tormentor, like another Ca-
ligula, lived the life of a tyrant, and, which is the
end of moft tyrants, died as the fool dieth, uni-
verfally defpifed ; indeed, he feems to have valued
power, only as it gave him an opportunity of doing
mifchief with greater fecurity.
=S— £8— C
MS-
O O K
VI.
the commencement if the reign of Henry HI. to that of Henry W. of (he houfe of Lancafter.
=8— as— G=
CHAP. I.
HENRY III.
Ctvil difcord -prevails in England on the death of king John — The government fettled in favour of young Henry,
ly the earl cf Pembroke and the pope's legate — The French having been defeated in the great battle of Lincoln,
and their genera!, the count de Perche killed, Lewis, with his army, leave the kingdom — Commotions occafioned
ly the admin ifi rat ion rf Hubert de Burgh, the dominion of foreigners, and oppreffions by the' pope — A confederacy
of the baro>:s, who attain, from the king the ftatutes or provijions cf Oxford -r Civil war renewed; in which Ike
lafons, having obtained a complete viEtory, take the king himfelf, his fon prince Edward, his brother Richard,
and his nephew Henry d'Allmain, prifoners — The great power of Leicefter, and how employed — Origin of the
prefent Hotifc of Commons in 1265 — The battle of Eve/bam, in which the confederates are completely routed Ly
prince Edwcrd, and the earl of Leicejler is jlain — Injurrettion of the earl of Gioucejler, quelled without fff'vjion
cf blood — Prince Edward undertakes a crufade — Death and CharacJer cf Henry HI.
A. D. 1216.
H
ENRY III. furnamed of
Winchefter, at the death of
his father, was or.!/ nine years of age, confe-
| quently unable to hold the reins of govern-
| ment, efpecially at a time when civil difcord and
univerfal diffention prevailed in England. The
metro-
124
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
metropolis and more than one half of the kingdom
were already in the poifcffion of Lewis, fupportcd
by a majority of Englifh barons, and by the whole
power of France. Fortunately for young Henry,
and for his country, the gallant earl of Pembroke,
marfhal of England, was at the head of a powerful
army, in confequence of his poft, and the reins of
government could not have been placed in better
hands. His abilities and virtues ftemmed the cur-
rent of oppofition. By thefe he weathered the tem-
pefr, and reftored tranquillity to the ftate. He well
knew, that no fuccefs could be expected till a mu-
tual confidence between the king and barons was
rcfrored: this was therefore his firft care; and his
indefatigable labours to this end were facilitated
by the tyrannical behaviour of Lewis, who had fo-
highly exafpcratcdthe barons, that they now wanted
only a pretence to dcfert his fervice. The noble
carl, though he had maintained an unlhaken loyalty
to John, even in the loweft ebb of that weak king's
for une, was too wife, and too virtuous, to attempt
an excufe, far lefs a vindication of the meafures
purfued in the late reign. He was equally zealous
of hereditary right, and for the fupport of public
liberty, when invaded by incroaching prerogative.
Upon thefe principles he entered upon his arduous
work ; and at this critical time, with a true fpirit
of patriotifm, fummoned a council of the barons at
Glouceftcr. The meeting was very numerous, all
who adhered to the royal family being prefent. As
foon as the members were feated, the earl marfhal
entered the afTembly, leading young Henry by the
hand: "Behold," faid he, "your king." The ba-
rons wc*re plcafed at the fight of the prince; which
Pembroke perceiving, thus addrefled them : " My
cler.r countrymen, though we exprcfTed a juft rcfent-
Tne.it againft the father of this young prince, on ac-
count of his miflaken and wicked conduct, yet this
little child is free from the imputation of his father's
guilt ; and fince punifhment for offences ought only
to be inflicted on their authors, it would be unjuft
for us to make the fon bear the iniquity of the fa-
ther. It is our duty and intereft to forget our ani-
mofitics, and in compaflion to the tender years of
this infant king, unite to fupport him on the throne
of his anceflors. Let us exert our utmoft efforts to
Jrive Lewis and all his followers but of this oppreffed
country, who would infallibly enflave it, and who has
by his arbitrary conduct forfeited all the benefits that
have been promifed him." This addrefs was fo well
received, that nn univerfal acclamation of joy broke
out in the afTcmbly, who cried unanimoutly, " Let
Henry be king." Pembroke immediately prepared
for the ceremony of the coronation ; and the young
prince was crowned in the cathedral of Gloucefter,
on the twenty-eighth day of October, by the bilhops
of Bath and Winchefter, in prefence of Gualo, the
pope's legate. But as the crown had been loft in
the walhes of Lincolnfhirc, a fimple fillet of gold
Mas ufed at the ceremony ; which when concluded,
the perfon of the king was committed to the
cuftody of the earl of Pembroke, who acted as re-
pent of the kingdom. As it was necefTary to fup-
port the tottering throne by the afaftance of the pa-
pa! authority, Henry fwore fealty to the pontiff,
und renewed that homage, to which his father^had
already fubjected the kingdom. A general amncfty
was now pubiifhcd by the regent, which promifed to
all who fhould return to their obedience, and ac-
kno-.vledge Henry III. for their lawful fovercign, that
all paft offences fhould be buried in oblivion. Nor
did the carl flop here. Dcfirous of reconciling all
men to the new government, he prevailed on the
young K'.ng to grant a ne\v charter of liberties,
which differed from the former given by John, in a
lew alterations, both with regard to civil and eccle-
fiaft'uvil pretcp.iion.s. Another charter of forcfts was
alfo added, whereby all the fore'fts tliat had been
inclofed fince the reign cf Henry II. were difaf-
forefted, and new perambulations were appointed
for that purpofe : offences in the forefts were de-
clared to be no longer capital, but punifhablc by
fines, imprifonment, and more gentle penalties ; and
all the proprietors of lands recovered the liberty of
cutting their own wood whenever they pleafed.
Thefe famous charters were thus brought nearly to
the form in which they have ever fince remained ;
and for many generations have been eftcemcd the
moft facrecl bulwark of our national liberty. The
above prudent meafures had the dclired effect upon
many of the barons, who ftill adhered to Lewis.
They reflected that the caufe which induced them
to take up arms no longer exifted ; that oppolitioit
now was unnatural rebellion, and that the only me-
thod they could purfue with propriety, was that of
making their peace with their lawful fovereign. To
this they were alfo flrongly induced by theYentcnce
of excommunication, which the pope's legate caufcd
to be thundered againft them in every church
throughout the kingdom. This fentence, however
defpifed in the firft tranfports of refentment, they
wiihed in the calm moments of reflection to be dif-
annulled, and that they might be readmitted both to
the king's peace, and into the bofom of the church.
Lewis, in the mean time was blocking up the
caftle of Dover, and had frequently attempted ta
corrupt the fidelity of the governor, by the moft
alluring propcfals ; but Hubert de Burgh, nobly
difdained his offers, and declared, that he would de-
fend the right of his young fovercign, at the ex-
pence of his life and fortune. Finding that neither
forcible nor lenient methods would prevail over the
inflexible honour of Hubert, Lewis raifed the fietre,
and repaired to London. Having fccured his in-
tereft in that metropolis, he inverted the caftle of
Hertford, which furrendercd after a faint refiftance.
Robert Fitz- Walter, hereditary governor, demanded
the cuftody of it, but had the mortification to hear
himfelf upbraided as a traitor, and to fee the go-
vernment of the fortrcfs conferred on a Frenchman,
and the caftle garrifoned with foreigners.
This infulting act produced a general clamour
among the Englifh, who were not only deprived of
their eftates, but reviled as traitors unworthy to be
trufted with a place of that importance. They now
perceived the truth of Melun's difcovery on his
death-bed, and confidered themfelves as victims,
devoted to deftruction. In the mean time, Lewis
purfued his conquefts, and about the end of the
year returned' to London. But the regent, while
the French monarch was availing himfelf of the
king's death, exerted his utrnoft abilities, in fecur-
ing the intereft of young Henry. He informed
the pope of his coronation, and folicited his protec-
tion in favour of a prince, encompaflcd with foreign
and domeftic enemies.
Innocent, ever attentive to his own interefr, ap-
plied himfelf to the prefervatibn of England, as a
part of St. Peter's patrimony. He empowered his
legate to renew the excommunication againft Lewis
and his adherents. The whole body of the clergy
efpoufed the royal caufe, the French prince having
incurred their difpleafure, by deftroying their pof-
feflions, fo that Lewis readily confented to a fhort
truce ; during which he held a general affembly at
Oxford, while the regent convoked another at
Cambridge, and demanded a prolongation of the
truce, which Lewis, on hearing that the pope in-
tended to excommunicate him in full confiftory,
agreed to ; that he might have an opportunity of
vifiting Paris, and obtaining from his father, a fup-
ply of men and money.
His abfence greatly promoted the . -p.
royal caufe, for immediately on his ' ' I2I7-
departuie, the earls of Salifbury, Arundcl, and
\Varrenne, returned to their allegiance, and after-
wards
H E N R Y
III.
125
wards ailed with great zeal in the fervice of the
young king. The legate, to excite others to follow
their example, offered to all who would embark in
the roval caufc, the fame privileges with thofe who
undertook a crufade".
The cinque ports, with other maritime places,
declared in favour of Henry, and fitted out a
ftrong Meet to difpute the return of Lewis. That
prince having procured a reinforcement of merce-
naries under the command of the earl of Perchc,
embarked for England, and was met in his paflage
by the royal fleet, who took a great number of his
mips, but he himfelf, with the -earl, and a confider-
ablc body of foldiers efcaped, and landing at Sand-
wich, reduced the town to allies. The truce being
now expired, the earl of Cherter inverted the cattle
of Mont-Sorrel, in the county of Lcicefter, de-
fended by a Erench garrifon ; and Lewis detached
the earl of Pcrche, with an army of twenty thou-
fand men, to fullain the bcfieged.
The Englifh, being greatly inferior in numbers,
retired, and the count advanced and inverted the
caftle of Lincoln, which was held for the king,
though the town had declared for the barons. As
this was a place of great importance, the regent
determined to fuccour it, though at the expcncc of
an engagement. Accordingly, having affembled
his forces with great diligence and fecrecy, he ad-
vanced as far as Newark within twelve miles of
Lincoln, before the count had the lead intimation
of his approach.
The carl of Pcrche, thus furprizcd, called a
council of war, when fome of the moft experienced
officers deemed it expedient to quit the town, in
order to engage the earl of Pembroke in the open
plain where he could charge with his cavalry,
which would otherwife be ufelcfs ; but the majority
were for continuing the fiegr, and keeping them-
felves within the walls of the town, which was in
no danger of being forced by the regent.
In confequence of this opinion they repaired the
fortifications, fo as to render the place defenlible ;
and the regent approaching, without oppolition,
threw into the caftle by a poftern a choice body of .
troops, under the command of Eulk de Breant,
who, according to his inrtruftions fallied out fu-
rioufly on the befiegers, while the earl of Pem-
broke affaulted one of the city gates. This double
and unexpected attack, threw the enemy into the
utmoft terror and confirmation, who were entangled
for want of room, and favv thcmfelves charged with
incredible impetuofity; the legate having given,
to animate the common foldiers, abfolution, and
full alfurancc of paradife to all who lliould fall in
battle againft the enemies of the church ; fo that
they behaved, in general, with furprizing alacrity
and rcfolution. Unable to oppofe the vigorous at-
t icks of the royal army, they would fain have con-
fulted their fafety by a precipitate flight; but the
carl of Perche rejected the expedient as mean and
inglorious, and at length, after furprizing efforts to
rally his troops and fuftain the impetuofity of the
Englifh, feeing them totally routed, and difdaining
to furvive the difgracc, ruined upon the fwords of
the enemy.
The prifoners taken were numbcrlefs, and no
quarter given to the French, who were all cut to
pieces. The town, which had long efpoufed the
caufe of the barons, abandoned to pillage, and the
foldiers gained fuch a vaft booty, that they dirtin-
guifhed the pillage by the appellation, of Lincoln
fair.
This decifivc victory was attended with many
happy circumrtances. The Erench evacuated the
caftle of Pvfont-Sorrel, which was inrtantly dif-
mantled at the command of the regent. All the
adjacent country immediately fubmitted to the royal
army ; and the regent, having appeafcd the tumults
No. 12.
in the north, prepared to march to the Southward^
and attempt the reduction of London.
Lewis, at the news of this defeat, was rtruck
with the utmort confirmation. He immediately
niifcd the liege of Dover, which he had re-inveftedt
and returned to London in order to repair the lofs
he had fuftaihed. He then difpatched letters to his
father the king of France, foliciting a fpeedy rein-
forcement, without which it would be impoffiblc
for him to face his enemy in the field, or even quit
the kingdom with fafety. Philip, unwilling to
embroil himfelf farther with the pope, affected to
difclaim his proceedings, and publickly refufcd
him compliance; but at the fame time permitted
Blanche, his daughter-in-law, to equip an arma-
ment in her own name for the relief of her hufband;
and accordingly a rtrong fleet was prepared to
tranfport a considerable army to England. The
regent was no fooncr informed of this expedition,
than he fent out a rtrong fleet under the command
of Philip d'Albiney, and John de Marefchal, to
intercept them in their paffage, and prevent their
debarkation in England. The Erench fleet foon
appeared, and was attacked with fuch fury by the
Englifh, that the greateft part of their fliips were
taken, and the reft obliged to make for France.
A difafter this which was fcverely felt by Lewis,
as the Englifh army approached London, in which
he foon found himfelf blocked up by the regent
without any hopes of relief; the people now cx-
preffed their difcontent without rcfcrve ; his prin-
cipal partizans had been taken prifoners at Lincoln,
many had deferted him already, and others were on
the point of defection. His enemies were matters
of the fea, and himfelf befieged in a foreign court*-
try, and cut, off from all fources of fuccour and
fupply. In this forlorn Situation he demanded an
honourable peace of the regent, in which all his
allies mould be included.
The carl of Pembroke readily complied with his
demand. Conferences were accordingly opened,
and a treaty of peace concluded, on the following
terms: That all the adherents of Lewis fhould be
refiored to the eftates and poffeffions they enjoyed
before the commencement of the troubles; that
the city of London Should retain her antient privi-
leges; that all prifoners, taken fince the arrival cf
Lewis fhould be releafed, and commiffioners ap-
pointed to fettle the terms on which the reft mould
be ranfomed or exchanged ; that all the Englifh,
without distinction, who had revolted againlt John,
Should take the oath of allegiance to Henry ; that
the hoftages delivered to Lewis for the ranfom of
prifoners, fhould be fet at liberty upon the payment
of the money ; that all places, towns, and cafllcs,
occupied by Lewis in England, fhould bfe furren-
dercd .to king Henry ; that the king of Scotland
might be comprehended in the treaty, upon re-
Storing all that he had feized during the war, the
fame reflitution being made to him by the Englifh
monarch ; that the prince of Wales fliould enjcy
the benefit of the fame ftipulation ; that Lewis
fhould relinquish all the ifles that were held in his
name, and renounce the homage he had received
from the Englifh Subjects; that all the fums which
were due to him, and the terms of paying which
were fully expired, fliould be regularly remitted;
and that ecclefiartics fliould enjoy the benefit of
this treaty, not in their clerical capacity, but only
with refpect to their law-fees.
It was alfo rtipulated on the part of Lewis, that
he would ufe his intereft with his father that the
foreign dominions belonging to the royal family
mioht be refiored, and that on failure in his rc-
monftranccs on this Subject, he would make the
reflitution on his own acceffion to the crown of
France.
This treaty being ratified and confirmed by the
1 i pope's
i26 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
pope's legate, Lewis received abfolution and failed
for France, after having borrowed five thoufand
marks of the citizens of London to pay his debts,
and defray the expences of the voyage. Imme-
diately on the embarkation of Lewis, I Icnry made
his public entry into London, amidft the mouts
and acclamations of the populace. Here he fwore
to maintain the nation in all its privileges ; and this
voluntary oath afforded the barons more fatisfaction,
than could ever have refulted from the victories of
a foreign prince, by which he would have been
enabled to enflave them deeper.
The fword of civil diffention being now ap-
pcafed, the regent applied himfelf to the improve-
ment of that peace, which he with great difficulty
obtained. This proved a very arduous under-
taking, as fome of the nobility looked on the
grants of John to be valid, as he died pofTefTed
of the regal power ; and others had received
from him grants of eftates, which the late treaty
obliged him to rcftore. This created many debates
in the council, as well as excited perfonal animoli-
ties among the noblemen, who, during the late
difputes, had efpoufcd the intereft of different
parties.
AD R ^° aPPcafe any difturbanccs that
' ' might arife from either of thcfe
caufes, the regent fent orders to all the magiftrates
of the kingdom, to obferve the two charters of
king John, and to exact an oath from all perfons
that they would obferve them with the gr.eateft
punctuality. The earl of Pembroke, whofe whole
conduct fecms to have been influenced by a genuine
fpirit of patriotifm, in order to fpare the expence
that would have attended the reduction of Llewel-
lin, prince of Wales, propofed honourable terms
of accommodation, to which that prince acceded,
and was afterwards abfolved by the legate at the
earl's interceflion. This was the laft exertion of
legatine power by Gualo, who was recalled by
Honorius fucceflbr to Innocent, Pandulph being
vefted with that office.
A D TIT '^ne nati°n now fuftained an irre-
parable lofs by the death of the earl
of Pembroke, Xvho "was removed from this ftage of
life, in the midft of the wifeft and moft faithful
endeavours to confirm the peace and happinefs of
the people of England. This nobleman was no
lefs eminent for' his honefty, than his capacity,
being not only endowed with a good head, but
poiTeffing a good heart. No man, in fo exalted a
fphere, ever had, and none ever deferved to have,
fewer perfonal enemies. It was his peculiar happi-
nefs to reconcile the maxims of policy to the
ftricteft rules of juftice, and the unhappinefs of his
country, that the young prince loft fo faithful a
guardian, and wife a preceptor, before he had time
to imbibe his excellent inftructions, and imitate his
ihining example. He was fucceeded by William
de Roches, bifliop of Winchefter ; and Hubert de
Burgh, who fo gallantly defended Dover caftle,
was created chief judiciary of the realm.
A p. The king's coronation was now
A. L>. 1 220. c b , r
again performed by cardinal Langton,
who was freed from the fufpenfion on account of
which he had quitted the kingdom. Immediately
after the coronation, Henry fet out with the regent
on a progrefs through the different counties of the
kingdom, in order to examine the conduct of the
fervants of the crown, and remove fuch governors
as were thought averfe to the prefcnt admini-
ftration. None of thefe oppofed the king's mea-
fures, except William de Albcmarle, governor of
Rockingham, who had arrogated a kind of fovc-
reignty, and affected to defpife the laws of govern-
ment. This imperious nobleman refufcd to rcfign
his employment, and put himfelf in a pofturc of
defence j but hearing of the concurrence of the
neighbouring governors with the king's party, he
thought proper to furrcndcr on capitulation.
Henry returned to London, where, . T-.
with his own hands, he laid the firft ' I221'
ftone of the new abbey-chuj-ch of Wcftminftcr,
which remains to this day a monument of the archi-
tecture of that age. About: the fame time cardinal
Langton, archbimop of Canterbury, transferred
the body of Thomas Bucket from the (rone coffin
and vault in which it was firft interred, to a rich
Ihrine of gold adorned with precious ftoncs. This
pompous ceremony was performed in the prefcncc
of the king, and Paftdulph the pope's legate, fur-
rounded by a vail multitude, many of whom came
from foreign parts merely to be fpectators of fo
ridiculous a folemnity.
The citizens of London having obtained the
prize in a vvreftling match, a fteM'ard belonging to
the abbot of Weitminfter, one of the combatants,
piqued at the glory he had loft, and determined to
revenge the difgrace, propofed a fecond contelt,
and a ram, as the prize of the victor. The Lon-
doners, who flocked to the place of diverfion, were
fuddenly attacked by the rteward and a band of
armed ruftics, by whom, being cruelly maimed
and wounded, they were obliged to fly for refuge
into the city. The citizens, incenfed at this out-
rage, took to their arms in a tumultuous manner,
determined to be revenged on the perfidious fteward.
Serle, the mayor, endeavoured to appcafe the mob,
and referred them to the abbot for f itisfaction ; but
this moderate expedient was rejected at the inftiga-
tion of Conftantine Fitz-Arnulf, a rich, factious,
and popular citizen, who had been a zealous par-
tizan of the barons.
This incendiary having inflamed the rioters,
propofed that they mould march againft the abbot
and his fteward, and level their houfcs with the
ground. The mob, readily embracing the pro-
pofal, Conftantine put himfelf at their head, pro-
ceeded to Weftminfter, and having demolifhed fe-
.vcral houfes belonging to the abbey, returned in
triumph to the city.
The chief jufticiary being informed of this out-
rage, excited at the mitigation of Conftantine, re-
paired to the Tower, and fummoned the citizens
to appear and anfvver for their riotous proceedings.
Conftantine jurtified what he had done with unpa-
ralleled impudence, declaring that he would repeat
the fame conduct on a like occalion. He was thus
emboldened, by a vain prcfumption on the fecunty
which had been ftipulated in favour of the .adhe-
rents of Lewis ; but the jufticiary informed him,
that no benefit accrued from that ftipulation to
rioters, and that he, \vith his chief accomplices,
ftiould be hanged the next morning; a fentencc
which was punctually executed, notwithftanding an
offer of fifteen thoufand marks of iilvcr for his
ranfom. Many of the rioters were punillied with
the amputation of their hands and feet ; and the
king expreffcd his refentment of this behaviour by
difplacing the magiftrates, and fubftituting others
by his fole authority.
This act of feverity, as directly A T-\
oppofmg the charters which had. been ' l
fo lately confirmed, raifed an univerfal clamour
amongft the people ; notwithftanding which, the
royal power was fo abfolute at this period, that the
king exacted hoftages for the peaceable behaviour
of the citizens; and the corporation obliged them-
felves, by an authentic deed, to deliver them upon
demand.
Like defpotic meafures, thefe were fo difpleafing
to the nation in general, that in a fubfequent coun-
cil of the prelates and nobility, the king was
peremptorily demanded to execute thofe charters,
to the observance of which he had folemnly
fworn.
The
The celebrated BATTLE of AGIN COURT
r-tt //«
.^ 0 fff/ttt ff.t/y/fff f<
( '
err'/ //re > ' /'/r/tc/t
H
N R Y
III.
127
The court had, fince the death of the earl of
Pembroke, adopted new maxims; and when this
addrcfs was prefented to the king, William Briwere
replied, that\t was unreafonable to demand the
execution of charters extorted by force. The arch-
biihop of Canterbury, offended at this rafh reply,
obferved, that if he loved the king, he would not
prevent the peace of the kingdom.
Henry, though young, and befet with fawning
creatures, difcerned the equity of the demand,
and the confequenccs that might refult from a
refufal ; and therefore not only declared his appro-
bation of what the archbifhop had obferved, but
iffued orders for the exact execution of the articles
of the charter throughout the kingdom. The
council, to teftify their approbation of the king's
behaviour on this occafion, granted him a confider-
able fubfidy for relieving the Chriftians in the Holy
Land.
. ~ Philip Auguftus, king of France,
23' dying about this time, the council of
England fent over ambaffadors to congratulate
Lewis on his acceflion to the throne, and remind
him of the promife he made reflecting Normandy ;
but the French monarch informed them, that he
confidered himfelf as freed from that obligation,
by Henry's infringement of the articles of the
treaty in the affair of Conftantine, and neglect of
reftoring the antient laws purfuant to the charters.
The barons, incenfcd againft Hubert on account
of a late act for refuming the lands and caftles of
the crown, determined, if pofllble, to deprive him
of his authority. In order to accomplifh their
defign, they fent Peter, bifhop of Winchefter, an
implacable enemy to Hubert, to folicit a bull from
the pontiff declaring Henry of full age, and . au-
thorizing him to take the government into his own
hands ; and enjoining thofe who held any offices of
ftate to refign them into the king's . hands, that he
might diipofe of them as he mould think proper.
The pope readily complied with the bifhop's
requeft ; but the king, in confequcnce of a man-
date from his holinefs, was no fooner in poffeffion
of the caftles, than Burgh's governments were re-
llored. The principal malecontents were the earls
of Chefter and Albemarle, Ftilk de Brcant, and
Robert de Vipot, who, with fome other difcontented
barons held a meeting at Leicefter, to concert mca-
fures for carrying their rebellious projects into exe-
cution ; when the archbifhop of Canterbury and
his fuffragans, pronounced fentence of excommu-
nication on all difturbers of the public peace, and
particularly thofe who refufed to refign the caftles
belonging to the crown, which were then in their
cuftody.
In confequence of this fpirited meafure, the
malecontcnt barons repaired to Northampton, re-
figned the lands, caftles, and honours which belonged
to the crown, and renewed their oaths of allegiance
to their fovercign.
A n T->ic A gencral affembly was now held
• at Weftminfter, in which Hugh de
Burgh laid before the affembly the ftate of the
king's affairs abroad, the fucceffes of the French,
and the neccffity of an immediate fupply ; con-
cluding with a motion, that a fifteenth part of all
moveables belonging to clergy or laity, fhould be
granted for that purpofe.
The people fubmitted to this tax with great
chearfulnefs, as the charters were again confirmed
by Henry, who was now in the eighteenth year ©f
his Rgc. Thus fupplicd, Henry equipped an ar-
mament for an expedition into Guiennc, under the
command of his brother Richard, who had reduced
feveral places ; but hearing that the main army of
the French was advancing" to give him battle, he
retreated, and through the interpofition of the pope
a truce was concluded for three years.
During thefe tranfactions in Guienne, Otho, the
pope's legate arrived in England, and a general
afiembly being convened while the king lay dan-
gerouny ill at Marlborough, he made a very extra-
ordinary propofal in the name of the pontiff.
Having obferved, that as the holy fee had long
been fubject to the reproach of felling her favours
for money, through the extreme indigence of the
Roman church, it was the duty of all her members
to remove the caufe of that imputation ; he pro-
pofed that two prebends in every cathedral, and as
many cells in every convent in England, ihould he
granted to the pope by an authentic deed, con-
firmed by an act of the general affembly.
This demand appeared fo unreafonable, that the
council continued filent, till the legate complained
of being ill treated ; when they told him, that the
abfence of the king, and feveral principal members,
would not permit them to deliberate on a point of
fuch importance. Otho, with a true pontifical ar-
rogance, defired them to continue the feffion till
the arrival of his majefty and the principal mem-
bers ; but regardlefs of his importunity they broke
up, without fo much as conferring on the fubjecr,
fo that the legate was obliged to wait another op-
portunity.
During this interval he made a progrcfs through
the northern counties, where, under pretence of
the right of procurations, he fleeced the churcl es
in fuch a manner; that the people in general com-
plaining to the pope, he was recalled, in order to
avoid exafperating the Englifh at fuch a juncture.
At the fame time the pontiff deputed the arch-
bifhop of Canterbury, to demand a politive anfwer
to the propofal he had made by his legate.
Langton obeyed the mandate ; and the king,
with the advice of the prelates declared, that as
the affair concerned all the powers in Chriftendom,
he would conform to the refolutions of the other
potentates. During thefe tranfaclions, Lewis king
of France was poifoned by his fon Lewis IX.
under the guardianfhip of Blanche of Caftile, who
was alfo declared regent of the kingdom.
Henry began his reign with a tranf- ^ -p ,.
action, which afforded an unfavour-
able omen of his future government. As he could
not, with the leaft plaulibility, demand a grant of
money from the affembly after the large fubfidies
he had fo lately received, he refolved to revive an
expedient, practifed by his uncle Richard, after his
return from Paleftine. This was an impofition
of a certain tax upon all perfons who enjoyed
charters ; by which the nation in general, and the
monafteries in particular, were aggrieved ; but this
extortion was imputed to the justiciary, who had
gained an abfolute afcendcncy over the king, and
incurred the odium of the people, which was not a
little increafed by the death of the earl of Salifbury,
natural fon to Henry II.
This nobleman had done many ^ ^
fignal fervices to the king, and was
coniidered as a rival in power with Hubert, who
invited him to an entertainment in his houfe,
where he was feized with a languishing diftemper
that brought him to the grave ; fo that a general
opinion prevailed that he had been poifoned at the
mitigation of the justiciary.
This difguft to the miniftcr was increafed by the
conduct of the prince, who, as he advanced in
years, difcovered an avaricious, capricious, irre-
folute, and oppreflivc difpofition. The people
were perfuaded that a king, deftitute of maxims
and rcfolution, could never manage the helm of
ftate, and would therefore be liable to the influence
of fome infinuating ambitious individual, who
might rule him and his kingdom as favourite and
prime minifter.
Henry was thus devoted to the caprice of Hubert
de
THE NEW" AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
ck Burgh, who, impatient of any control, pre-
vailed on the king to difmifs the bifliop of Win-
chcfter from his councils ; and accordingly that
prelate was ordered to retire to his diocefe. After
his departure, Hubert perfuaded the king to render
himfclf independent of thofe reftridions that con- '
trolled him in his adminiftration, and affumc a
tlcfpotic power. This advice agreeing with the
difpofition of the king, the justiciary prevailed on
liim to exadl five thoufand marks from the city" of
London, on pretence of that community's having
lent the like fum to Lewis when he left the king-
dom. He alfo exacted from Northampton twelve
thoufand pounds fterling, on various frivolous pre-
tences, and extorted large fums from the monafte-
rics, notwithfhmding their appeals to the pontiff;
but that by which he incurred a general odium,
was the unexpected revocation of the two charters,
Avhich he had fo folemnly fworn to obferve, and
now renounced, alledging the invalidity of any act
pafied in his minority.
The confequencc of thefe impolitic fieps Mas a
univcrfal fpirit of diflatisfaction among the barons •
and prince Richard, lately arrived from Guienne,
took the advantage of this alienation to infult his
brother, in confequence of a quarrel about the in-
veltiturc of an eftate in Cornvval, poflcfled by one
Walleran, a German, who in his abfence had
feized the manor, and now rcftifed to produce
his title.
Richard therefore feized the eflatc, and refufed
to furrender it till the title was determined by the
judgment of his peers. Henry, incenfcd at this
declaration, ordered his brother to reftore the lands
in difputc, or immediately quit the kingdom.
Richard boldly replied, that he would abide by the
ilccifion of his peers ; and retired to his own houfe.
Hubert advifed the king to arreft him without
delay ; but while he heiitatcd, Richard fet out for
Marlborough, where he communicated the tranf-
aftion to the earl of Pembroke, who approving
his behaviour, undertook to form an affociation to
vindicate his right.
Accordingly a plan was concerted, in concur-
rence with the earl of Chcfter, and fome other
noblemen, and a rendezvous appointed at Stam-
ford, where they publiihed a manifefto containing
their grievances, and demanded a confirmation of
their charters, and reftitution of their rights. The
judiciary, to evade the danger that might refult
from thi; infurrcction, advifed the king to call a
council at Northampton, and promife the barons
to redrefs the grievances of the nation. This con-
cefRon induced the barons to lay afide their defigns,
und return to their allegiance.
A D 1128 Stephen Langton, archbifhop of
Canterbury, dying about this period,
the monks of St. Auguftin elected one Walter de
Hemiflum to fuccced him, without even demand-
ing the king's permiflion. Henry,, incenfed at
their proceedings, refufed to confirm his election,
:md agents were difpatched with appeals to Rome ;
\vhcn the pope, having examined the merits of the
cailfe, annulled the election, and referved the no-
mination of another archbiihop to himfclf. All
the Englifh envoys concurred in recommending
Richard le Grant, chancellor of Lincoln, who was
accordingly appointed by the pope, and confecrated
at Canterbury by the biftiop of Rocheftcr, before
he had received the pall.
v j-v The bufinefs of the late convention
at Rome being in itfelf fo fcandalous,
was induftrioufly concealed till one Stephen Sea-
grave came over from the pope, to collect the
renths of all moveablcs throughout the nation that
had been ftipulated by the agents, in confequence
of the pontiff 's confcnting to the nomination of
Richard. A meeting of the nobility being called
on the arrival of Stephen, the members \UTC
aftoniihed at the propofal ; but as a mark of rc-
fpect to his holineis, agreed to grant him a dona-
tion, without proceeding to a minute enquiry jjuo
the effects of individuals.
But while all the reft of the nation difcovcrcd
fuch a pulillanimous fpirit, in 1 uttering themfclvcs
to be robbed of their property by this religions
freebooter, the carl of C'hellcr maintained his in-
dependence; iniifted on his prerogative of Pa-
leitine ; and forbad the nuncio, or any of his
agents, to fet foot within his territories at their
peril. The collection of this tax was hardly
finilhcd, when the king demanded frefh fublidics
to enable him to profecute a war in France, for
the recovery of his dominions on the continent.
But after a numerous army had been collected from
all parts of the kingdom, the expedition was pre-
vented by a neglect of the judiciary, who had not
provided a fufticient number of tranfports.
The following year a fcutage was . ,,.
levied to defray the expences of a I23°-
fecond armament, which was accordingly tranf-
ported into Bretagnc. But the whole attempt was
fruftrated by impolitic conduct; and Henry hav-
ing exhaufted his finances abroad, returned to
England, and again demanded fubfidies, which a
generous council granted to his indigence.
The abfence of Henry from his dominions, oc-
cafioned many difturbances. The king cf Con-
naught, knowing that rnoft of the Englim troops
were employed in foreign parts, refolved to avail
himfclf of their abfence ; and affembling a great,
number of vaflals, invaded the lands of the Britim
proprietors, which he wafted with fire and fword,
until he was oppofed and routed by Geoffrey de
Morico, jufticiary of Ireland. Llewdlin, prince
of Wales, had alfo renewed his incurfions, ravaged
the borders of that country with impunity, and re-
turned with his plunder in fafety.
Henry marched into Wales at the head of a nu-
merous army; but .meeting with fome difficulties
and much opposition, he retreated without having
reduced the enemy, or done any thing worthy of
notice.
About this time Richard, archbifhop . ~.
of Canterbury-, reiigned his breath, ' • I23r"
and the monks chofe Ralph de Neville, bifliop of
Chichefter, and chancellor, for his fticceflbr ; and
Henry fo approved their choice, that he put him
in immediate poffcflion of the temporalities of the
fee; yet he could not obtain the confirmation *of
the pope, who fhrewdly fufpected that, mould he
be advanced to the primacy, he would endeavour
to detach the Engiifh church from its dependence.
on the holy fee.
He therefore annulled his election, and ordered
the monks to chufe another, and afterwards a
third, w ho was alfo rejected ; but at laft they elected
Edmund, treafurcr of the church of Salifbury,
who being chofen by recommendation of the pope,
was duly confirmed. This exertion of dcfporifm in
the court of Rome, excited a general clamour
throughout the kingdom.
It was now become a practice to beftcw benefices
on Italian priefts, and inhibit the Englim till thefe
foreigners were provided for. This being confidercd
as a national infult, rnany aflbciations were formed
for delivering the kingdom from fuch fhameful op-
prefiion. Circular letters were fent to the bifhops
and chapters, warning them againft favouring fuch
practices on pain of having their houfes burned,
and their farms deffroyed.
In this manner they proceeded ibmc time with-
out oppofition, and the foreign clergy fled for re-
fuge to monaflerics and convents. The pope, on
information of thefe outrages, wrote a letter to the
king, infixing that he fbould inflict an exemplary
punilhment
HENRY
III.
129
punifhmcnt on the delinquents, otherwife he would
excommunicate, his perfon, and lay his kingdom
under an interdict. Henry, alarmed at thefe me-
naces, appointed inquilhions in the different puts
of the kingdom; and it foon appeared that they
had been countenanced by all ranks and degrees of
people.
^ ^ At laft Robert deTwange, a gallant
A. L>. 1232. y0ung Anight, who, under the ficti-
tious name of W.*" Wither, had headed the rioters,
appeared in the king's prcfencei and osvned himfclf
the ringleader in all the expeditions againft the
Italians, who, he alledged, had endeavoured to
deprive him. of the only patronage he enjoyed.
Henry was charmed with his frank confeffion ; and
as fentence ,of excommunication had been de-
nounced againft all concerned in thofc riots, he
fent him to Rome, with letters recommending him
to the pope's indulgence.
Though the confeflion of this young knight ex-
culpated Hubert; his profeffed enemy, Peter de
Roches, bifhop of Winchcfter, infmuated to the
pope, that the judiciary was actually concerned in
the late difturbances, and by that means added
the influence of his holinefs to the confed racy
already formed againil Hubert. The jufticiary's
enemies perceiving the fickle temper of the king,
by calumniating the character and conduct of his
minifter, prevailed on his majefty to recall the bifhop
of Winchefter to court.
That artful prelate found means to obtain the
favour of this weak prince, by which he filled the
Vacant ports with his adherents; and while he
ftrengthened his own party, weakened that of the
jufticiary. About this time the prince of Wales
made frefh incurfions into the Englifh territories
with impunity ; the bifhop rcprcfentcd to the king
the difgrace of tamely fuffering his dominions to
be ravaged by a handful of banditti ; when Henry
informed him, that his finances were not adequate
'to the experices of his houfhold, much lefs to the
charges of a war ; Peter took occafion to inveigh
againft the conduct of the prime minifter, affirm-
ing that his revenues were embezzled; that the
wardfhips of the crown were beftowed on indivi-
duals ; that the income of vacant benefices were
intercepted, as well as that reverting to the crown
by death or confifcation ; adding, that by means of
honeft officers and oeconomy, he might, like his
prcdecefTors, keep his coffers always full, and his
power confequently independent of the general
affembly.
Thefe infmuations gratified the avaricious and
rapacious difpofition of Henry, who gave imme-
diate orders for all his fheriffs and officers of the
revenue to produce their accounts. Many who
were detected in frauds were deprived of their
offices, and imprifoned. Ralph Brito treafurer of
the chamber, was finct! in a thoufand pounds, and
his poft beftowed upo.. Peter de Rivaux, nephew to
the bifhop of Winchefter. Having removed the
dependents of Hubert from court, this artful pre-
late prevailed with the king to diveft him of his
office of jufticiary, and confer it on Stephen de
Seagrave, one of his principal adherents.
Hubert, perceiving that Peter was bent on his
ruin, and that the king's affection was wholly
alienated from him, retired to the priory of Merton,
in Surry, where he took fanctuary ;' and Henry,
\vhofe refentment againft him was now as furious,
as his confidence in him had been implicit, ordered
the mayor of London to force him from his retreat,
cither dead or alive.
In confequence of this order, in the cvenino-
the mayor afTembled the populace with the alarm
bell, and having acquainted them with the purport
of his majefty's command, directed them to be
ready to march the next morning to execute the
No. 13.
king's order. This direction was extremely grateT
ful to the mob, who retained an implacable hatred
againft Hubert ever fince the execution of their fa-
vourite leader Conftantine, and therefore chear-
fully difpcrfed to make preparations for the enter-
prize.
In the mean time fcveral citizens of diftinguifhed
rank, who fecm to have had more regard to order
and go~d government th:m either the king, his
council, or the mayor, repaired to the bifhop of
Winchefter in Southwark, and reprefented to him
the danger that might cnfue, not only to the church
of Merton, but even the city itfelf, from the un-
governed rage of a licentious multitude. The
prelate, inftead of afking with prudence and mo-
deration becoming his character, told them, that
whatever might be the confequcnce, the king's com-
mand muft be obeyed.
Animated by this declaration, and prompted by
their own refentment, the populace, to the amount
of twenty thouOiad armed men, marched towards
the church of Merton, where Hubert was kneeling
before the altar, expecting his fate with great for-
titude and resolution. But the execution of this
lawlefs command was prevented by the rcmon-
ftrance's of the earl of Chefter, who, though a pro-
feffed enemy to Hubert, prevailed on the- Icing, to
obviate a reproach he1 would inevitably incur from
fuch tumultuous as well as ungrateful proceedings,
againft a nobleman whofe whole life had been de-
voted to the fervice of himfelf and family.
Henry, affected with the ingenuity of the earl,
and confcious of the truth of his allegation, dif-
patched a counter-order to the mayor of London,
which, by the care of the bifhop of Winchefte'r,
arrived time enough to prevent rriifchief ; artd the
mob returned to London much chagrined at their
difappointment.
Through the interceffion of the archbifhop of
Dublin, the bifhop of Chichefter, and earl of
Chefter, Hubert obtained time to prepare for his
trial. Relying on the protection of this indul-
gence, he fct out for St. Edmunfbury on a vifit to
his wife ; and Henry, imagining that he intended
to make his efcape, fent a detachment of three
hundred men, under the command of Geoffrey de
Craucome, to apprehend and commit him clofe
prifoner to the Tower. The party dfetached found
Hubert in the chapel of Brentwood, with a ccofs
in one hand, and a confccrated wafer in the other ;
which having wrefted from him, he was dragged
out by violence, and conveyed to prifon like a
common felon. Next day, Roger, bifhop of
London, repaired to court, to complain of this
breach of the church's privileges ; and threatened
to excommunicate all concerned in it, unlefs Hu-
bert was immediately releafed.
The king accordingly ordered^ him to- be re-
conveyed to the chapel ; but at the fame time the
ftieriffs of Hertford and EfTex were directed to raife
the populace of thofe counties, and befet the place
in fuch a manner, that he could neither efcape or
receive fuftenance ; and offered him only the alter-
native of perpetual imprifonmcnt, perpetual exile,
or a confeflion of his treafon.
The earl, confcious of his innocence, difdained
to purchafe life on fuch inglorious terms; and after
remaining in the chapel a whole month, and la-
bouring under great want of the common neceffa-
rics of life, furrcndered himfelf to the fheriff, who
delivered him up to the conftablc of the Tower.
During his confinement, the king, informed that
he had depofitcd a confiderable fum of money in
the hands of the Templars, demanded it of the
mafter, who refufed to comply without Hubert's
order, which was immediately granted. This un-
referved compliance appeafed the indignation of
Henry, who now declared he would never confent to
Kk to
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
.
TO the death of a nobleman, to whom he and his
father owed fuch important obligations. He there-
fore liftencd to terms of accommodation; and Hu-
bert, after conveying to Henry all the lands he held
of the crown, was permitted to enjoy the reft of his
fortunes.
_ The biftiop of Winchefter thinking
A. U. 1233- hiso\vn power eftabl iflied on the ruins
of that of Hubert de Burgh, allured Henry that as
few of the Englilli nobility \vcre well affected to
his government, he could never render himfelf in-
dependent, while they pofTeffed the great offices of
the kingdom.
He therefore advifcd him to lefTen their power
and influence, by depriving them of their lucrative
pods and employments, which he might beftow on
foreigners, and thereby fecure their unrefervcd
fubmiflion to his pleafure. Henry, like a weak
prince, believed his fuggeftions, and embraced his
council.
In a fhort time above two thcuHind knights were
imported from Gafcony and Poi<£tou, the native
country of the bifhop of Wirtchellcr, who had in-
vited them over to ihare the fpoils of die nation.
Thefe were immediately provided with lucrative
employments, of \\hich the Englifh barons were
diverted. At length the earl of Pembroke, at the
infHgation of the P'nglifh nobility, openly com-
plained of this unjuft adherence to ftrangers ; and
told the king, that ! .is attachment to foreigners
alienated the affections of his fubjects, and mutt,
if perfiftcd in, be attended with dangerous confc-
quences ; frankly alTuring him, that mould he con-
tinue to lavilh his favours on foreigners, the barons
•\yould be obliged to concert fome meafurcs for
delivering the nation from thcfe rapacious inter-
lopers.
The bifliop who was prefcnt at this expoftulation,
immediately replied, that his infolcnce dcferved
chaftifcmcnt ; adding, that the king had full liberty
to call in what foreigners he thought proper for the
fecurity of his crown, and, that if thofe already in
England were not fufficient, others fliould be imme-
diately invited over for that purpofe.
The Ertglifli nobility, inflamed with this arrogant
declaration, retired from court, and began to form
aflbeiattons for the defence of their lives and fortunes;
while the bifhop of Winchefter affected to defpife
t'-.eir rcfcntmcnt, confiding on his foreign friends,
who almoft overfpread the kingdom.
A fliort time after the barons were fummoncd to
attend a council at Oxford, but refilled to expofe
themfdves to the infults and treachery of perfidious
foreigners. They received a fccond and third
Summons, with prornifes that their grievances
mould be redreffed ; but hearing that frefh fwarrns
of aliens arrived daily with military accoutrements,
they fent a deputation to the king, infilling on the
removal of the biihop of Winchefter from°all his
councils, and the exputfion of his foreign alTiftants
from the kingdom; othcrwifc they Ihould be
obliged to transfer the crown of England to fome
prince more worthy of fuch an exalted dignity.
The king was alarmed; but the bilhcp foon dif-
pclled his feaivs, by alluring him that he fliould
ftiortly be able, with the affiftancc of his foreign
friends, to chaftize the infolcnce of fuch rebellious
fubjefts, who dared to treat their prince with fuch
indignity. Accordingly, all the barons that ftill
continued about the court were treated as enemies to
their country, and obliged to give hoftages for their
peaceable behaviour.
At the fame time a confpiracy was formed againft
the earl Marefchal, who, to avoid the execution,
retired into Wales. As the abfence of this noble-
man prevented the other barons from comino- to
any refolution, the king, with the advice of Win-
chefter, fummoncd all his military tenants to meet
him in arms at Gloucefter on the fourteenth of
Auguft ; and the barons, refilling to obey the
citation were profcribcd as traitors, and their
eftatcs conlifcated and given to foreign merce-
naries.
The parliament alTcmbled at WTcftminfter, earneft-
ly bcfought the king to be reconciled to his barons,
and exclaimed againft the practice of profcnbing
Englifli noblemen without trial or conviction.
The bifliop of Winchefter not only pretended to
juttify the late proceedings, but impudently allerted,
that the Englifh nobility were not intitlcd to the
fame privileges with the peers of France.
An alTertion, falfe as it was infolent, fo exafpe-
ratcd the bifhops in general, that they rofe up and
threatened him with the fentence of -excommuni-
cation; and, when Winchefler told them he was
exempted from their jurifdidion, as having been
confecrated by the pope, to whom he appealed
from any Hep they might take to his prejudice ;
they denounced a general fentence againrt all thofe
who had alienated the king's affections from his
fubjccis ; but when Henry urged them to excom-
municate, the earl of Pembroke, they refufed com-
pliance, alledging. the injufticc of cenforing a man
for vindicating his right and property.
The king, finding himfelf under a ncceflky of
attacking the earl in the field/ ordered his troops
to rendezvous at Gloucefter, in order to march
from thence into WTales. The earl, receiving ad-
vice of the approach of the royal army, ordered
the cattle to be driven from the adjacent country,
fo that the king's troops being deftitute of forage
and provisions, were obliged to retire into Mon-
rnouthlhire, to prepare magazines for their fubfift-
encc. The earl, informed that the king and his
principal officers had taken up their garrifons in
the caflle Grofmont, while the army lay encamped
in the open plain, furprized them in the night,
routed them the firft onfet, and took above five
hundred horfcs, with all the king's baggage, fo
that he was obliged to return to Gloucefter. Pem-
broke then undertook the fiege of Monmouth,
which was defended by Baldwin de Guifnes, who
making a fally as the earl was reconnoitring the
walls with a fmall retinue, attacked them with the
utmoft fury. A defperatc conflict enfued, in which
the earl, after performing wonders, and killing
numbers with his own hands, was very near being
carried oft prifoner, when Baldwin received a wound
with an arrow, which his followers thinking mortal,
gathered round him, and gave the earl an opportunity
of making his efcapc.
In the mean time Pembroke's army marched up,
and feeing the danger of their general, furrounded
and took the \\hole party. In the mean time
Hubert de Burgh, who ftill continued a prifoner
in the caftlc. of the Devizes, received advice that
the bifhop of Winchefter determined to take away
his life; and that, in order to facilitate his dcfign,
he was foliciting the king for the government of
the caftle; communicated the danger of his fitua-
tion to fome of the guards, who, commiferating
the fate of fo gallant a man, connived at his efcape.
But the governor, fenlible of the importance of his
charge, detached a party in purfuit of the fugitive,
whom they found in a church, and dragged back
again to his prifon.
At the rcmonftrances of the bifliop of Salifbury
and fome other prelates, Henry ordered Hubert to
be re-conveyed to the church, but with the fame
difadvantageous circumftances as before; when at
length Richard de Siward routed the furrounding
mob, and refcued Hubert, who retired with him into
Wales, and joined the earl of Pembroke.
Early in the fpring he defeated a ^ D 12~.
conftdcrable body of troops, com-
manded by John of Monmouth, ravaged the lands
belonging
HENRY
III.
belonging to the king's foreign councellors on the
borders of Wales, and laid the town of Shrcwfbury
in afhes. Henry, inftead of oppofing the progrefs
of the Mar ihal/ retired to Winchefter, leaving the
country to his mercy. The bifhops therefore fo-
licited the king to compromife with Pembroke,
but he rejected this falutary advice, at the inftiga-
tion of Winchefter, unlefi that nobleman would
throw himfelf at his feet, and acknowledge himfclf
a traitor.
Thcfe dHhonourable terms were rejected by the
earl, who fell with redoubled fury, on the lands of
the kino>- advifers. But the crafty and iniidious
Wincheftcr, had concerted a fcherne unknown to all
but himfelf. He \vro;e letters in the king's name,
to Maurice Fitx-gcrald, judiciary of Ireland, Walter
and Hugh de Lacy, and others, giving them to un-
derftancf, that Richard, earl of Pembroke, had been
deprived by a fcntcnce in the king's court, of all
his honours and crtatcs, and deliring that they
would ravage his lands in Ireland, in order to draw
him over thither ; in which cafe if they would take
him, either dead or alive, all his fortune in that
ki"-:dorn mould be divided among them.
This treacherous contrivance had the defircd
effect; the carl fet out for Ireland, with only lix-
tcen attendant:, and on his landing was received by
Geoffrey de Mareis, with all the exterior marks of
zeal and attachment. This traitor engaged to raife
troops for his fervicc, and inveigled him into a
parley with his colleagues : on which occafion, be-
ing dcferted by his followers, he received a mortal
ftab in the back with a poinard, of which he died
in a few weeks, to the regret of all honeft men,
who revered him as a nobleman of great valour,
capacity and virtue, a hater of tyranny, and zealous
affcrtor of the constitutional rights of his country.
But the unprecedented and infamous proceedings of
the bilhop of Winchefter and his adherents now
approached their final clofe ; for in an arlembly at
Wcftminfkr, the prelates joined as one man in the
common caufe of liberty, und were well feconded
bv the barons • nor was there a fingle advocate in
the whole afTembly, for the prime minilter and his
foreign fadtion.
Edmund, ar-chbifhop of Canterbury, accufed Pe-
ter, bilhop of Wincheiter, and his foreign afliltants,
as acceflary to the misfortunes that had befallen the
kingdom, and the alienation of the affections of
thc'people from their prince; and finally infifted
on a fpecdy redrcfs of thofe grievances, on pain of
fentence being denounced againft him and all his
adherents.
The king, alarmed by this fpirited rcfolucion, re-
manded Winchefter back to his diocefe, difmiffed
Peter de Rivaux from the office of higli-treafurcr,
and ordered him to produce his accounts, and de-
liver up the caftles in his cuftody. Scagrave was
foon after diverted of his poft of jufticiary/ the
foreigners were obliged to quit the country, and the
Englifh prelates and nobility admitted into the
privy council.
A change of mcafures immediately followed ;
arnbaffadors were fent to conclude a peace with
.Llewellyn and his aiTociates, and the king himfelf
repaired to Glouceftcr, to forward the negociation.
In his way to that city, he received the news of
Pembroke's death, and though he had profecuted
that worthy nobleman with the utmoft virulence,
could not refrain from tears, vihen he heard the
treacherous manner in which he had been betrayed.
Llewellyn conferred to the propofals of peace,
on condition that the barons who were in alliance
with him mould be pardoned, and reltorcd to their
eftates. Thefc terms being granted, they repaired
to court and met with a favourable reception from
his majefly, who among the reft, diftinguifhed
Hubert de Burgh with peculiar marks of his luvour.
BifTet and Siward were created privy counfellors ;
Gilbert, brother to- the carl of Pembroke, received
the invefture of the Englifh and Irilh eftate3, and
Henry, having previoully conferred on him the ho-
nour of knighthood, delivered into his hands the
marOtal's ftaff, in a parliament held at Worcefrer.
It being now refolved to commence a profecution
againft rhe late minifters, Edmund, archbifhop of
Canterbury, produced copies of the letters which had
been fent to the Irilh noblemen, for the deltruction
of the carl of Pembroke; the recitation of which,
filled the whole affembly with horror and indigna-
tion. The mifcreartt authors v. ere fummoned to
appear in court at Midfummer, to anfwer this and
other charges of mal-adminiftration ; but inltead of
obeying the fummons, Winchester and Rivaux
took fanciuary in the cathedral of Winton, Seagrave
retired to the church of St. Mary Newark, in Lei-
cefterfhiiv, and another of the accomplices tied
himfelf in a cellar in London.
Edmund, who was a prelate of moderation, and
averfe to all violent meafures, prevailed on the
king to grant them a fafc conduct; in confcquence
of which they came from their retreats and appeared
in court to take their trial.
Peter de Rivaux was drcflTcd in the habit of a
clergyman, under which were concealed a coat of
mail and a ftiletto; Detected in this difguife, he-
fell on his knees and fued for mercy, deiiring time
to regulate his a counts of the royal revenue,
which was granted, though his lay pdttefTioiis were
fequeftered. Seagrave was fined a thoufand marks,
and obliged to reftore feveral manors that had been
alienated from the crown in his favour, but Peter,
bilhop of Winchefter, the principal offender, being
a favourite -of the pope, both on account of his
riches and rriilitary knowledge, was, at the defire of
his holinefs, fent to Rome to command his armies,
and thus efcapcd the judgment of his country.
1'he council were now employed in regulating
the confufed ftate of the kingdom ; the tbrtreffcs
were committed to the care of Englifh noblemen,
well affecled to their country ; the extent of the
civil and ecclefiaftical policy of the kingdom, was
afccrtained by certain reftrictions, to prevent a mu=-
tual encroachment; and proclamations were iffued,
to enforce a due obfervation of the two charters of
liberty.
About this time, the emperor, Frederick II.
demanded Henry's fifter, Ifabelhi, in marriage;
the propofal was embraced, the articles of the con-
trait fettled, and the prelates and barons g anted a
fcutage ; by which thirty thoufand marks we're le-
vied, as a dowry for the young princefs, who was
immediately fent with a fplendid retinue into Gc;*
nuny, and the nuptials were celebrated at Worms,
with great pomp, in prefence of a great number of
perfoas of the firft rank in the empire.
The king now determined to marry Eleanor>
fecond daughter df Raymond Berenger, count of
Provence, who had already difpofed of his cldert
daughter to the king of France. The council ap-
proving this alliance, and the father the propofals of
Henry, the young lady was conducted by the am-
bafTaciors into England, and the ceremony per-
formed at Canterbury, whence the rOyal pair pro-
ceeded to London, which they entered with great
fplendor.
The Sunday following the queen A D g
was crowned at Wcftminftcr, with a
pomp exceeding . ny thing known before. But
what completed the general joy on this occafion,
was the king's rcadincfs to gratify the people, by
holding a court at Merton, in Surry, in which fc-
veral regulations were made, a;id particula ly the
famous itatute, relating to the dowers, and wills of
widows • the improvement of \vafle ; the exemption
of heirs from 'ufury, during their minority, for
. debts
I32
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND,
debts contracted by theif fathef ; the limitation of
writs, and other articles calculated for the eafe artd
fecurity of the people.
There flill remained fome grievances, but they
were fuch as might cafily be removed. A council
was therefore fumrnoned to be held at London,
but the \veakncfs of Henry Toon ir-appeared,
notwithstanding all the pains which the new ini-
niftry had taken to regulate his conduct. William
cle Savoric, bifhop elect of Valence, uncle to the
queen, had attended her to England, and was now
become a great favourite with the pliant king.
The Englifh nobility, who were always remarkable
for their hatred of foreign favourites, determined
to crufh this new influence, before the minion could
acquire a degree of authority fufficieht to affect the
welfare of the nation.
Accordingly in an affembly convened at London,
they presented a remonftrance to the king, who
was fo alarmed at their addrefs, that he retired to
the Tower, and there propofed to finifli the bufmcfs
of the fcffion ; but the nobility refufmg to attend
in that place, Henry had forelight enough on this
occafion, to remove to his palace and prevent the
complaints of his people. This had the defired
effect; the members feeing all corhpulfion on heir
deliberations taken off, repaired thither, and the
king, by their advice, regulated the office of
meriffs.
Great abufes had crept into the difcharge of that
important truft, and the perfons in general who en-
joyed it having been creatures of the two laft mi-
nifters, were become obnoxious to the people.
Such therefore were difchargcd, and their places
filled with men of birth, fortune and honour, above
the temptation of mercenary actions.
The foreigners, alarmed at the power and in-
fluence of the barons, over the conduct of the king,
employed every art to ftrengthen their party.
They prevailed on Henry to difmifs Ralph Fitz-
nicholas, lord rteward, and other officers from the
houfhold and council, and to demand the feal from
the bifhop of Chichefler, who was a confummate
lawyer, and upright judge ; but the prelate boldly
refufed to refign his port, except by order of that
council, from which he had received his authority.
Rivaux, Seagrave and Paflelwe were recalled to
court, and recovered their former influence; the
pernicious meafures, for which they had been fp
juftly difgraced, were now revived ; the caftle of
Glouceftcr, was committed to their charge; in
fhort, they engrafted all the benefactions Henry
had to beilow. But thefe infolent foreigners, not
content with fatisfying their avarice, muft alfo gra-
tify their revenge. They exhorted Henry to revoke
all alienations of the crown demefnes, and grants
made the nobility "before his marriage, and even
engaged the pope to interpofe his authority. Ac-
cordingly Gregory iffiicd a bull, reprefenting thofe
grants as injurious to the honour of the crown, de-
trimental to the king's right of fovereignty, ab-
folving Henry from the oath by which they had
been confirmed, and enjoining an immediate re-
fa mption.
This mandate was communicated to the parlia-
ment of Winchefler, but the members rejected the
propofal with contempt, allcdging, that a com-
pliance with the bull, would be an acknowledge-
ment of fubjection to the Roman fee, of which they
conlidered the kingdom entirely independent.
A D i^i"! ^e new 1Tnn''ftry finding this
"•*'" fchemc rendered abortive, by the re-
folute oppolition of the reprefentatives of the peo-
ple, concerted another, for railing money to gratify
their o\vn avarice.
With this view, another aflembly was convened
at Wertminfter, where the king informed them,
that as his finances were cxhaufted, by the expcnces
attending his marriage, and the queen's coronation,
he1 defired they would grant-4iim a fubfidv, for the
ncceflary purpofes of government. The aflembly
replied, that former fubfidies had never been em-
played to the honour and advantage of the nation,
but fquandered on worthlefs foreigners, who fup-
planted his- fubjects in ports of honour and profit,
and fccirrcd to vaunt thcmfelvcs in oppreffing the
people.
Henry, foothcd by this fpiritcd reply, promifcd
to abide for the future, by council of his nstufal-
born fubjccts, and that if they would now indulge
him with the thirtieth part of their movcables, he
would never alk another fupply, that mould give
them the leaft caufe of offence. In order to facili-
tate their compliance, he difa vowed the pope's butt,
touching the refumption of grants, declared he
would inviolably obferve the liberties of Magna
Cliarta, and ordered fentence of excommunication
to be pronounced againfl all perfons who mould
dare to violate that facrcd conftitutiott. The aflem-
bly, influenced by thefe aflurances, and the admif-
iion of feveral Englifh noblemen into the council^
complied with his rcqucfl, but on condition that
the money levied fhould be depofited in certain ab-
beys and churches, as a fund facred to the neceffitiea
of government ; not to be lavifhed on governors,
who were no longer to rule, in prejudice of his na-
tural-born fubjects.
But the king foon receded from thefe folemrrpro-
teftations, through the prevailing influence of Va-
lence, who directed every tranfaction, and grafpcd
at everjr port of honour and advantage.
The avarice and ambition of this favourite fo ex-
afperatcd the Englifh nobility, that a civil commo-
tion would probably have- enfued, had he not left
the kingdom, on pretence of vifiting his own coun-
try ; but as foon as he was informed that the rc-
fentment of the barons had fubfided, he returned
to the kingdom, and renewed his former prac-
tices. Neverthelefs, being ftill apprehenfive of
danger, he prevailed on Henry, to defire the pope
would fend over a legate, whofe authority, added
to that of the crown, might intimidate the barons,
and rcflrain the mutinous fpirit of the people.
The pope readily granted Henry's rcqueft, Otho
was inverted with legatine authority, and fent over
into England.
His arrival excited an univerfal clamour, yet he
conducted himfclf with fo much prudence and mo-
deration, that he foon acquired the efteemand ve-
neration of the public. Henry, however, was fo
emboldened by his prefencc, that he made no diffi-
culty of conferring all his favours on foreign mi-
nifters, and totally difrcgarded the remonftrances of
the Englifh nobility.
The miniftry found it now abfo- , ^
lutcly neceffary, to engage fome of the ' * J
leaders of the oppofition in their intereft ; and they
accordingly gained over John earl of Lincoln, and
Simon de Montfort earl of Leicefter. This ambi-
tious young nobleman, thinking himfelf too great;
for a fubject. afpired to the dignity of a fovcreign.
With this view he paid his addreffes fuccefllvely
to two heirefles in foreign countries, the counteflcs
of Bologne and Flanders, but failing in thofe at-
tempts, he turned his eyes upon Eleanor, fecond
firter of Henry, and w idow of the wife and gallant
earl of Pembroke.
The foreign miniftcrs, refolving to attach Lei-
certer to their intereft, perfuaded Henry to confent
to the marriage, notwithrtanding fhe had made a
vow of chaftitv, at the deceafe of Pembroke, and,
as a confirmation of which, taken the ring without
the veil, from the archbifhop of Canterbury, in the
prefenceof. a great number of nobility. The king
was feverely rebuked for confcnting to this mar-
riage' by thc-archbifliop of Canterbury; and the
barons,
HENRY
III.
'33
barons, who oppofcd the foreign minifters, were fd
incenfed at the defection of the earl of Leicefter
and Lincoln, that they began to concert mcafures
for doing themfelves juftice.
Accordingly the earls of Cornwal and Pem-
broke, with the grcateft part of the nobility of
England, engaged in a confederacy againft the ad-
rriiniftration. They aflembled in arms at South-
wark, and being joined by the citizens, repaired to
court, arid peremptorily infifted that Lincoln and
Montfort, Ihduld be removed from the council
board. Henry, alarmed at this demand, had rc-
courfe to the good offices of the legate, who, on
the promife of large grants, appealed the relentment
of Cornwal ; and a truce concluded till the firft
Monday in Lent, when all grievances were to be
redrefled, at a general council in London.
The barons appeared according to appointment,
but the earl of Cornwal being detached from the
aflociation, the grievances were but half redrefled,
and the difpute was compromifed by the mediation
of the legate. The two earls were r moved from
the council, and Leicefter, fearing his marriage
might be diflblved, by means of the archbifhop of
Canterbury, went privately to Rome, and purchafcd
a confirmation of that venal court.
Otho, having effected an accommodation be-
tween the king and the barons, fet out on a vifita-
tion towards the north of England, and taking Ox-
ford in his way, was fumptuoufly entertained at
Ofiney. After dinner, the fcholars coming to pay
their refpeclis to his reverence, were refufed admit-
tance by his Italian porter. Enraged at this treat-
ment, they endeavoured to force their entrance,
the legate's fervants running to fuftain the porter,
an obftinate fray enfued. A poor Irifh fcholar,
begging at the grate, was miferably fcalded by the
ileward, who was brother to the legate ; and a
Welfhman, obferving this outrage, ihot him dead
with an arrow. The legate, alarmed at this dif-
after, fled to the church, whence he efcapcd to
Abingdon, where he loudly complained to the
king, of the unworthy treatment he had received.
Henry immediately detached the earl of War-
rcnne, with a parry of foldiers, to apprehend the
rioters, and thirty of them being taken, were com-
mitted clofe prifoners to Wallingford caftle.
Otho, not yet fatisfied, laid the univerfity under
an interdict, and excommunicated all thofe who had
been concerned in the late riot ; but the fcholars
fubmitting to humble themfelves before the legate,
the ccnliircs were removed. Peter de Roches, biihop
of Wincheiler, dying in the courfe of this year, the
king recommended William de Valence, to fuccced
him in that rich bifhoprick.
The monks abfolutely refufed to elect him as be-
ing a foreigner, odious to the Englifli nation, and
at the fame time illiterate and immoral. Yet, in
order to manifeft their inclination to conform to
the king's defire they conferred that dignity on
Ralph de Neville, a prelate of unblemifhed reputa-
tion, and fuppofed acceptable to his majefty.
Henry, incenfed at the preemption of the monks,
in' difputing his recommendation, applied to the
pope, \\ho, in coalideration of a Ann of money,
annulled the election, and difplaccd the prior, and
fubftituting one wholly dependent on the court,
procured a majority in favour of Valence. He did
not however long enjoy his promotion, tor he died
the following year at Viterbo, little regretted by the
friends of virtue and liberty.
A D 12-20 ^ nc ear' °* Lciceflx'r now returned
39" from Rome, and made a fplendid
entry into London, where he was received with
great refpeft by the king. He then, by his inii-
liuations, incenfed his majefly againft Gilbert earl
of Pembroke, who was now refilled admittance at
court. The carl, provoked at this affront, retired
No. 13.
to the north, to flicker himfelf from the, intrigues
of his enemies, and concert meafures with the d'f-
contented barons for their mutual fafcty. js'or
did the earf of Leicefter himfelf efcape the effecli'
of the king's capricious humour, for in a ihort time
after his return, he reviled him in the moft oppro-
brious terms, branding him with the odious appel-
lation of traitor, and excbmrnurijcuted wretch, who
had debauched hit; wife before riarrjage, and after-
wards by bribery and corruption, obtained the
pope's confirmation.
This indignity, offered to a nobleman of his
rank, and in the prcfencc of the countcfs, who was
the king's own lifter, alarmed them both to fuch a
degree, that they immediately retired to the conti-
nent. By this, time, Otho, the pope's legate, had
deviated from his original conduct,- and fo op-
preflcd the churches and clergy,- to gratify his infa-
tiable avarice, that the bifhops complained to the
pope of his exactions; and though the pontiff had
twice fent letters of revocation to the cardinal, they
were fet afide by the king who confidered Othoy as
the chief fupport of his adminiftration.
The legate, by the royal favour, was A -K . _ _
emboldened to renew his exactions,who ' '
levied fums from churches and monafteries, under
the title of procurations ; and at length publiftied a
mandate, in the name of his holinefs, importing,
that he was empowered not only to abfolvc from
their vow, all fuch as had taken the crofs, but to
compel them to purchafe their redemption with
money, on pain of excommunication. He likewife
granted to the abbot and monks of Clugny, a tenth
of the profits of all the benefices in England for the
term of three years. But this imposition was fo re-
pugnant to all rules of juftice, that Henry, abjed: as
he was, forbad the agents to collect it on pain of
fevere penalties. The pope, far from being inti-
midated by this repulfe, fent orders for railing a
fifth on all ecclefiaftical revenues, as an aid againft
the emperor; and accordingly exacted it firft from
the Roman clergy, refident in England, who rely-
ing on the pope's protection, were obliged to com-
ply \\ith this exorbitant demand. It was afterwards
propofed to the prelates in council, at Reading, and
granted by the advice and example of Edmund,
archbifhop of Canterbury.
The pope had no fooner received the immenfe
fums raifed by the late exactions, than he fent or-
ders to Edmund, and the bifhops of London and
Sartim, to referve three hundred of the beft livings
in England, for the benefit of the Roman clergy,
on pain of being fufpendcd from the power of col-
lating. Thefe benefices were defigned for the
children and relations of fuch, as mould afford him
their affiftance againft the emperor.
Edmund, incenfed at fo flagrant an impofition,
and meeting wuth no redrefs from the king, retired
to Burgundy, where he died, and was interred in
( the abbey of Pontigny. The pope and his emif-
faries continued to opprefs, not only England, but
Ireland, Wales, and Scotland, by methods/ which
plainly indicated, that the religion of thofe days
was little more than a mark to vail all that was
vile and diabolical. Nor did his holinefs reap the
fruit of his rapacious impofitions, for Otho, in his
return to Rome with the French legate, was inter-
cepted by the emperor's allies, who flrippcd them
of their whole acquisitions.
The indulgence foreigners had met , ^
. . . ,, ,° , , -i, , A. U. 1241.
with in England, encouraged Peter de
Savoy, one of the queen's uncles, to vifit the ifland,
who, on his arrival, was created earl of Richmond,
and folemnly knighted in the abbey of Wertminfter.
But Peter, perceiving how difguftful his prefer-
ments were to the Englilh nobility, behaved with
great moderation, and took alr-poflible care to avoid
giving them olicnce.
L 1 Soon
134
THE NEW AN,D COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Soon after, his brother Boniface was raifcd to the
fee of Canterbury, though he could not be con-
firmed on account of the vacancy in the Roman fee.
About this period died, in a very advanced age,
Llewellin, prince of Wales, leaving his principality
to his fon David, who had committed fome depre-
dations on the Englifh territories. He had an
illegitimate brother, elcj...- than himfelf, named
Griffin, who was extremely popular among the
Welfh, and thence the object of his jealoufy and
hatred.
Griffin claimed part of his father's inheritance, to
which he was entitled by the laws of his country ;
but David, inftead of complying with his demand,
committed him to clofe prifon. Henry, at the in-
Itigation' of his wife Senana, interpoied his good
offices in favour of Griffin; but thefe proving in-
effectual, he advanced from Gloucefter, and enter-
ing Wales with a ftrong army, compelled David
not only to releafe his brother, but to fubmit to
fuch conditions as he thought proper to impofe.
But David who knew Henry's foible, offered him a
larger fum than Senana had promifed, obtained his
intereft, and Henry, to his eternal difgrace, ac-
cepting the bafe and difhonourable bribe, from the
protector, became the perfecutor of Griffin, and
committed him clofe prifoner to the tower.
While Henry was degrading his birth and cha-
racter, by acts of perfidy and bafenefs, his brother
Richard was gathering laurels in the plains of Pa-
leftine, where he acquired great reputation, for his
courage, conduct and liberality. He fortified Af-
calon, recpvercd Jerufalem, and concluded an ad-
vantageous truce with the Saracens for ten years.
Having thus obtained glory and renown, he fet
out on his return to England, and tarried two
months at the imperial court, with his filter the
emprefs, who died in child-bed a few days after his
departure.
Before he fet out for the Holy Land, he had re-
ceived the invcftiture of the province of Poiitou,
though Fana pofleffcd great part of it, by the con-
quefts of Philip Auguftus, and the province being
thus divided between the two crowns, Lewis thought
he had an equal right to beftow the livery of it on
fcis brother Alphonfo.
Henry determined to revenge this infult, and en-
gaged in the quarrel more eagerly, as it affected
the intereft of his mother, Ifabella, who had lately
married the count de la Marche. This count re-
prefented to Henry, the facility of expelling the
French from Poictou, and affured him, that the
province itfelf would afford a fufficient number of
men for that purpofe, provided he would defray
the expence of their fubfiflence. Charmed with
this project, the king aflembled a parliament, and
demanded a fubfidy, adequate to the importance t)f
the expedition.
A D 1 24.2 ^ut ^e affcmkly obferved, that the
war was entirely foreign to the Eng-
lifh intereft, and promoted wholly by the count de
la Marche, and barons of Poictou, and that it was
particularly improper at a juncture, when the peo-
ple and nobility had been exhaufted of their fub-
ftance, by the exactions of the government, and the
Roman pontiff. The king alledged in his behalf,
the fhame tfiat would refult to Eng'immen, from a
defertion of their fov,reign, at a juncture fo critji-
cal, when both tire voice of his allies, and the in-
habitants of the country he claimed, loudly called
upon him to affcrt the right of his family and
crown. He alfo urged the glory that would re-
dound to them and the foldicrs from a fuccefs in
the expedition. But thefe arguments had no effect
on the affembly. Henry, therefore, with the advice
of the Roman agents, divided the province, and by
that means, prevailed on a confidcrable number of
the aflembly to efpoufe his intereft.
Having obtained a majority, a thirtieth of all
moveables \vas voted for the fervice of this under-
taking ; but this fund being inefficient, he levied
a talliage on the cities, boroughs, and crown de-
mefnes in Ireland ; and demanded an aid from the
clergy of that kingdom. Having thus procured a
fupply of money, he fummoned all his military
tenants, to meet him with horfes and arms at Wia-
chefter, and in the mean time agreed to a match
between his daughter Margaret, and Alexander,
fon to the king of Scotland, who in confequcnce of
this contract, undertook to prefcrve the peace in
the northern parts of England. William, arch-
bifho,. of York, was nominated guardian of the
realm, and a council appointed to affift him.
The public tranquillity being thus fecurcd, the
king embarked at Portfmouth with his queen, his
brother Richard, feven earls, three hundred knights,
and thirty hogfheads of filver, and, after a fpecdy
paiTage, landed at Royane, a port of Saintonge, at
the mouth of the river Gironde.
Lewis, apprized of Henry's defign, had fitted out
a fleet of thirty gallies, and affembled an army of
four thoufand knights, twenty thoufand gentlemen,
befides a vaft number of infantry. With thcfe
forces he invaded Poictou, where he reduced fe-
veral places of the count de la Marche, and at
length inverted Fontenay. He was engaged in the
fiege of this fortrefs, when Henry, landing at
Royane, fent ambaffadors to demand fatisfaction
for attacking the count de la Marche, whom he re-
prefented as an ally of England.
Lewis fenfibly replied, that he was defirous to
maintain, and even prolong the fufpenfion of hof-
tilities, but that Henry had no right to interpofe
between him and his rebellious fubjects. This re-
ply being deemed a refufal, was followed by a
formal declaration of war, and Henry advanced to
Pons, where he was joined by the nobility of Gaf-
cony, with their vaffals.
Thus reinforced, he marched to Saintes, but
finding his forces ftill much inferior in number to
thofe of the enemy, wrote to England for a fupply
of two hundred knights, and half that number of
horfemen. Soon after he advanced to Toney, on
the Charente, in order to check the progrefs of
Lewis, who had reduced great part of the count de
la Marche's caftles. He then returned to Saintes,
and endeavoured to hinder the French from ad-
vancing to Taillebourgh, but Lewis, getting be-
tween the Englim and the town, the garrifon
opened the gates to his forces. He then ordered his
army to encamp without the gates, in a meadow.
Henry had in his army fevcral brave and ex-
perienced officers, particularly his brother Richard,
who made himfelf mafter of a (tone bridge, over
the Charente, fo that the French army was obliged
to pafs the attack in boats, and affault the bridge
at the fame time. The Englifh fuftained the attack
with great intrepidity, but overpowered by num-
bers, were at length' driven from the bridge.
The French animated by this fuccefs, forced the
Englifh from the field of battle, and obliged them
to retreat to Saintes. Henry fuftained fo great a lofs
in this action, that he abandoned Saintes, and pro-
ceeded to Pons, w:here leaving a ftrong garrifon, he
made a hafty march to Blaye.
The count de la Marche, alarmed at th- rapid
progrefs of Lewis, difpatched his eldeft fon to fuje
for fome tolerable conditions of peace. Lewis, re-
taining his ufual moderation, readily indulged him
with a pardon, demanding only three of his catties,
as pledo-es of his future fidelity.
Henry was wholly ignorant of this negociation,
though the prefent fituation of his affairs rendered
an alliance with the count more neceflaiy than ever.
Richard at length difcovered the treaty, by
means of a French knight, whofe life he had faved
in
HENRY
III.
35
in the Holy Land, and who was privy to the whole
tranfaction. Henry was no fooner informed of it,
than he decamped, paflTed the Charentc, and fhut
hirnfelf up in Bourdeaux.
Henry's a flairs were now rendered defpcrate, the
earl of Marche, with feveral of his moft important
allies haying dcfcrted his intereft ; one nobleman,
Hertold dc Mircbau, alone pcrfevcred in the alle-
giance he had fworn to Henry, and refufed to deliver
up his caitle without his mailer's permiffion ; but
as ruin would have been the inevitable confe-
quence of his refiftance, he obtained leave to make
his fubmiflion, and the king of France was fo
charmed with his honour, that he permitted him
alone, of nil the barons in the oppofition, to retain
his eftate and caftle.
Lewis was now preparing to avail himfelf of
Henry's lofTes and misfortunes, by attacking him in
Gafcony ; but this expedition could not be rendered
fuccefsful, without many difficulties. Having ad-
vanced to the neighbourhood of Blayc, where the
Englifh army was encamped, the plague broke
out in his army, and raged with fuch violence,
that he loft upwards of twenty thoufand men,
bcfides fourfcore of his principal nobility, fo that he
•was obliged to relinquifh the purfuitof his conquefts,
and return to his own dominions.
. „ Henry loitered the winter in Botir-
243' deaux, among the Gafcoigne nobility,
in fcafting and riot; by which means -he foori cx-
hauftcd his finances; fo that he was obliged to write
for a fupply to the archbifhop of York, whom at
the fame time he enjoined, to corffifcate the eftates
.of certain noblemen, that had returned to England
Without his permiflion. •
The firft part of his orders was punctually exe-
cuted, and the money immediately remitted j but the
latter he refufed to obey, for fear of exciting a
difturbance in the kingdom. Henry had no fooner
received this fupply, than he direfited the archbifhop,
to demand the profits of a year's wool from the
Ciflcrtians, which they refufed to grant ; and the
regent unwilling to ufe compulfion, obtained a
confiderable fublidy from the parliament, in order
to difengage the king entirely from the debts he
had contracted. But this was fquandered with his
tifual prodigality. The prelate attempted to bor-
row money in the king's name, from individuals;
but this practice produced fuch difcontent and
clamour, that he gave the king to underitand, all
the refources were flopped, and that there Mas an
abfolute neceffity for his immediate return.
Henry, deprived of all hopes of further remit-
tances, prepared for his departure from Bourdeaux,
and gave orders that all the Englifh nobility iriould
affemble at Portfmouth for his reception. He then
ratified the truce he had concluded with Lewis,
and at his arrival in England, gave directions for
a magnificent entry into London, as if he had re-
turned from a conqueflr.
Henry, before he embarked in this expedition,
had projected a match between his brother Richard,
and Sanchia, third daughter of the count de Pro-
vence. This alliance was generally difapproved by
.the Englifh, who forefaw it would ftrengthen the
foreign intereft, which was already too powerful.
The contract was however adjufted, and the young
lady arriving, under the aufpices of her mother,
t]je nuptials were folemnizcd at Weflminfler with
the utmoft pomp and magnificence.
. f) ., After the celebration of the nup-
44" tials, the king confirmed to Richard,
the earldom of Cornwall, .together with an annual
itipcnd of five hundred pounds; The old countefs,
after borrowing of the king four thoufand marks
for the ufe of her hufband, returned to the conti-
nent. Henry, by his profufion, had reduced him-
felf to the utmoft neceliity, therefore, to recruit his
finances, he ifTued out writs, directing all his fhcriffs
to enquire into all mifdemeanors and tranfgrefllons
of the law, by widows and others, who had mar-
ried without a licence ; or thofe who had encroached
on the royal forefts; and by this means a large
fum was raifcd. The Ciflertians were obliged to
pay the profit of one year's wool, and the Jews to
part with moft of their fitbftance. But fuch was
his avarice and extravagance, that the fums raifed
by thcfe dcfpotic meafurcs, were infufficient ; hti
was therefore once more obliged to folicit a fupply
from parliament.
The ^prelates and laity retiring fcparately to de-
liberate, on the propofal, came to a refolution
that no fubfidy fliould be granted but with their
common confcnt, and that a committee of twelve
perfons fhould be chofen, to concert meafures for
preventing all encroachments on the two charters
for the future. They complained, that writs had
been iffued out of Chancery to the prejudice of
their liberties ; inlifted on their right of nominating
the chancellor and judiciary ; propofcd that four
noblemen of the king's council mould be ap-
pointed confcrvators of the liberty of the king-
dom, with power, to infpect the treafury, and the
application of the public money; to fummon a
parliament as often as ncceflity mould require, and
arbitrate in all differences between the king and
his people.
They infifted on the revocation of all writs
contrary to the cuftom of the realm; that ccnfures
mould be publifhed againft all that oppofed thefe
regulations 3 that the chancellor and jufticiary,
chofen by confent of parliament, fhould always be
two of the four confervators ; that if the king
fliould deprive the chancellor of the feals, all writs
figned by his fuccefTor fhould be null and void;
that befides the chancellor and jufticiary, two
judges in the Common-pleas, two barons of the
Exchequer, and a juftice of the Jews, mould be
nominated by parliament; and that all fufpected
perfons fhould be removed from about the king's
perfori.
The kirig was alarmed at thefe demands, which
were very incongruous with his notions of royal
prerogative. But as this was an improper time to
mew nis refcntment, he evaded their propofals with
promifes of amendment ; and after having vainly
endeavoured to perfuade them to a compliance, at
lail prorogued the afTembly.
Innocent, who now filled the papal chair, fent
one Martin as nuncio into England, with powers
exceeding thofe of all his predeceffofs in extortion.
His commifTion was to procure a fubfidy of ten
thoufand marks from the clergy, to enable his
holinefs to maintain the war againft the emperor,
who at the fame time fent ambafladors to England
to vindicate his own conduct, and diffuade the pre-
lates from granting any contribution.
This nuncio had received orders to excommuni-
cate all whom he mould find refractory to the
papal commands, contained in the bull he carried
with him ; and that all the dependents on the fee
of Rome fhould be provided with livings, worth
at leaft thirty marks a year. Martin perfifted in
his infolent behaviour and monftrous exactions, till
at length the clamour againft him became fo loud
and general, that Henry commanded him to depart
the kingdom. Mean while the king having ac-
quired the fubfidies he demanded, made prepara-
tions for attacking Alexander, king of Scotland,
who after the death of Ifabella had married the
daughter of Enguerrand de Courcy, and thereby
given great umbrage to Henry ; at the fame time
he refufed to pay homage for any part of the lands
he held in Scotland.
Thefe meafures fo incenfed Henry, that he
gave orders for affembling an army, and equip-
ing
I36
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
ing a fleet, to invade Alexander's dominions by fea
and land. All the military tenants were fummoned
to attend him at Newcaftle upon Tyne, and the
king putting himfclf at their head, marched im-
mediately againft the Scottifh army. At Pentland
he found the enemy in battle array ; and as the
forces were nearly equal on both fides, a bloody
engagement mull have enfued, had not the arch-
bifhop of York, with feveral prelates and noble-
men interpofed, and effected an accommodation,
whereby the former peace was confirmed, together
with a contratfl of marriage between Alexander's fon,
and Henry's cldeft daughter.
Griffin, brother to the prince of Wales, weary
of his long confinement in the Tower, attempted
to make his efcape ,- but the rope giving way, he
fell headlong from the battlements, and imme-
diately expired. David, during the imprifonment
of his brother, had maintained an harmony with
the Englifh; left, by provoking Henry, he might
have occafioned the releafe of Griffin, whofe great
popularity had excited his jealoufy.
This check being removed by the death of that
prince, David afTembled a body of troops, and in
open violation of the treaty fubfifting between him
and the king of England, committed great depre-
dations on his territories. Henry, contrary to the
advice of the nobility, had dilbanded the greatcft
part of his army, and detached only three hundred
horfe, under the command ofHubert-Fitz-Matthcws,
who was immediately routed by David.
The Welch prince, allured that Henry would
employ his whole force againft him, had folicited
the affiftance of the pope, offering to become a
yaffal to the Roman fee, and pay his holinefs an
annual tribute of five hundred marks, the fum im-
pofed on him by the Engliih monarch.
Innocent, though charmed with the propofal,
declined a determinate anfvver, till he mould have
enquired into the merits of the caufe ; and parti-
cularly whether the late treaty was the effect of
compulfion, on the part of David, as he alledged.
Accordingly, by commiflion, he directed two Welch
abbots to examine into the pretended complaint;
and it David's allegation appeared to be founded
on fact, to abfolve him from his oath, and annul
the treaty. Elated with their commiflion, the
abbots fummoned the king of England to appear-
ance without deference to his dignity ; an example
of infolcnce, equally provoking to Henry and his
fubjects, who had therefore reafon to repent the
difmifiion of the army. Determined to chaftize
this arrogance, Henry having levied a powerful
army, fummoned him, with all the nobility of
north and fputh Wales, to appear in the king's
court at Wellminfter, on the firft Thurfday in Lent,
there to do homage, and anfwer for their depre-
dations.
A D 12 David, alarmed at the fpirit of the
king and his council, endeavoured to
amufe them with a ncgociation which produced no
effect. At a grand council affcmbled about Whit-
funtide it was determined, that his majefty mould
command the army in pcrfon, and the military
tenants of the crown be fummoned to appear at a
certain rendezvous.
About the middle of Auguft, Henry began his
march to North Wales, ami penetrated without
oppofition to the river Conway, near which he
built the ftrong caftle of Garinac, to check the ex-
curlions of the enemy. This fort fo embarraffcd
the Welch, that they could draw no fupplies from
Chefliirc, while the Irilh auxiliaries wafted the Ifle
of Anglefey; and proclamation was made in all
the Marches, that no proviiions or merchandize
fhould be carried into Wales on fcvcrc penalties ;
fo that the ancient Briton.; were penned up in the
mountainous counties of Caernarvon and Merioneth,
anl reduced to a ftarving condition. In this me-
lancholy ftate they continued till the death of
David, which happened in the beginning of the
next year, when his dominions were divided be-
tween Llewellin and David Goch, the two fons
of Griffin.
Thefe princes, affected with the mifcries of their
countrymen, concluded a treaty of peace with
Henry, by which they engaged to furnilh England
with a thoufand foot, and four and twenty horfe,
well armed and difciplined to fervc in Wales and
the Marches when required.
The barons, immediately on their return from
the Welch expedition, applied themfelves to the
confutation of methods for delivering the nation
from the tyranny of Rome, which, through the
oppreffion and exactions of the nuncio was grown
infupportable.
The nobility beheld, with grief and indignation1,
the treafurc of the nation exported to gratify the
pope's avarice and ambition ; and perceiving; that
the clergy were always wrought into compliance
by the artifice of the legates, determined to put a
ftop to fuch fcandalous impofitions. Without
waiting for the fanction of the king, they of their
own authority difpatchcd a knight in their mine
to the nuncio, requiring him to leave the king-
dom. When Martin afked him by whofe authority
he brought fo infolent a meffagc, he replied, by
that of the whole nation; informing him at the
fame time that if he mould, after three days, be
found in England, he muft expeift to be hewn in
pieces.
The nuncio complained to the king ; but meeu
ing with no rcdrefs demanded a pafiport, and de-
parted immediately to the general fatisiadtion of the
people. The pontiff, on his return, enraged at
the infult offered to himfelf in the perfon of his
nuncio, broke out into the following exclama-
tion ; " I fee plainly I muft make peace with
the emperor, in order to humble thefc petty
princes ; for the great dragon being once appeafed,
we fhall find no difficulty in crufhing thole leficr
fcrpents."
Before the barons fcnt the above peremptory
meffagc to Martin, they had difpatchedambalfadors
to the general council at Lyons, where the pope
prefidcd in perfon. The purport of their com-
miffion contained a narrative of the oppreflions,
both civil and ecclefiaftic, under which England
had laboured from the Italians, whofe beneiices
exceeded the ordinary revenue of the crown, and the
-infolence and cxaftions of his nuncio.
.This charge was boldly enforced by the fecrc-
tary, William Poweric, who loudly difclaimed the
tribute that had been paid, and the fubmifTion that
had been made to the fee of Rome, as having been
extorted from the clergy without confent of the
barons and great council of the nation. To this
charge the pope evalively replied, that thcfe matters,
being of infinite confequence, required delibera-
tion. But the ambaffadors, not content with this
anfwer, iniifted on immediate fatisfaction ; and the
pope continuing to prevaricate, they departed Ircm
the affcmbly, after folemnly protecting againft fu-
ture payments of the^ fhameful tribute, or any
money out of the revenues of churches, to which
laymen prefented.
His holinefs politically diffembled his rcfent-
ment at thefe proceedings ; but finding his interefts
decline in England, he fent over a bull, requiring
the prelates to confirm the charter of fubxniffion
made by John to the fee of Rome. The prelates
complied with this infolent demand, to the aftoniib.
mcnt and concern of the whole kingdom, and
even Henry himfelf, who folemnly fworc, " Th'it
however fcandaloufly the bifhops behavc'd, yet he
would, while he had breati, fupport the liberties
of
HENRY
ill
'37
of his people." This year the male line of the
illuftrious family of Strongbow became extindt, by
the death of Anfelm, who fucccedcd his brother
Walter, and enjoyed the honours only a few weeks.
, Innocent determined to refent the
A. D. 1246. infolcnce Of the Englim ambaffadors,
and the refractory behaviour of Henry. With this
view he endeavoured to perfuade the king of
France to expel that prince from his dominions, or
at Icaft compel him to fubmit to the papal autho-
rity. But Lewis objected to that propofal, alledg-
ing his affinity to Henry, and the dictates of com-
mon juftice. He, in his turn, preffed the pope to^
a reconciliation with the emperor, which the pontiff
declined, and afterwards hired ruffians to affaffmate
Frederic.
The Englim nation was now highly exafperated
with the pope, who neverthelefs, defpifcd their
refentment, and perfifted in his actions. He de-
manded of the Englifh prelates a number of
knights to ferve in the army of the church ; and,
by his fole authority, granted the profits of all the
vacant benefices within the province of Canter-
bury for one year, to archbimop Boniface. He
levied fix thoufand marks, affeffed on the prelates
by his nuncio, the twentieth part of all eccleliaftical
revenues, according to a decree of the council of
Lyons ; one third of the income of all benefices,
exceeding the yearly amount of one hundred
marks ; and a moiety of the prebends and livings
of non-reiident canons and clergymen; exactions
which, according to computation, amounted to
eighty thoufand marks, a fum thought equivalent
to the whole fpccie of the kingdom ; and as this
enormous fum was to be extorted for three fuc-
ceffivc years, it could not fail to involve the nation
in the utmoll diftrefs. A parliament being fum-
moned for the redrefs of public grievances, it was
determined once more to renew their complaints to
his holinefs. Accordingly, three letters of ex-
poftulation were difpatchcd to the court of Rome,
one by the king, one by the prelates, and the
other b the barons; all which were committed
to the charge of William de Poweric and Henry de
la Mare, who had instructions to fecond them with
pcrfonal Rcmonftrances. But no means could check
the arbitrary and rapacious career of Innocent, who
proceeded with greater tyranny and defpotifm
than ever. He claimed the perfonal eftates of ec-
clefiaftics who died inteftate ; all goods fraudulently
acquired, provided the owner did not appear; all
effects amaffed by ufury, and all legacies granted
for reftitution and pious ufes; he appointed the
Dominicans, on whom he had conferred privileges
fubverfivc of all order and government, com-
miflioners to levy thefe actions.
Henry had prohibited the levy of the fix thou-
fand marks, and the payment of any talliage or
contribution to the pope, till the return of the
agents ; but notwithstanding this prohibition, it
•was collected by feveral bifhops, who were em-
powered by the pope to excommunicate all re-
cufants. At length the deputies returned ; and, in
a parliament held at Winchcfter, reported the ill fuc-
ceis of their negociation.
Innocent had treated them with contempt ; and
ppenly declared, that rather than relinquish the
profecutioh of his fchcmes, he would proceed to the
fame extremeties with the king of England as he had
done with the emperor.
The affembly, enraged at thefe menaces, per-
fuaded the king to renew the prohibition under the
fevcreft penalties; and this To incenfed the ; ope,
that he immediately difpatched orders to Cante-
ioup, bifhop of Worcester, to procure the payment
of the contribution money to his nuncio at the new
temple, on or before a certain day, on pain of fuf-
penlion and excommunication.
No. 13.
Henry at firSt Seemed tenacious of the liberties
of the nation ; but was foon intimidated into a
compliance by the menaces of this prelate and
others, who threatened the kingdom with an inter-
dict; especially as his brother Richard had efpoufcd
the interest of his holinefs, who had Secured his
afHftance by a grant of money arising from the
commutation of vows, made to engage in the
crufade.
Influenced, therefore, by thefe considerations,
which were Sufficient to Stagger the refolution of a
morecouragious prince than Henry, he was obliged
to fubmit, and the people were delivered over as
a prey to pontifical infolence and rapacity. In vain
did the abbots and clergy remonstrate on thefe ex-
tortions in the enfuing parliament ; for the Spirit o,f
the nation feemecT to be wholly depreffcd by a
popiSh faction, armed with the terrors of cccle-
fiaftical cenfures, and abetted by the concurrence
of the king's brother. The only refource was, to
reprefent, by new agents, the impoffibility of the
nation's Sustaining fuch exorbitant burthens ; but
this representation, as the former, was totally dif-
regarded. •
The prefent pofturc of Innocent's A r\ ,,
affairs, obliged him to abate Some- I
what of the rigour of his exactions, which he wa£
defirous of having attributed to his moderation.
The landgrave of Thuringia, in Support of whofe
pretenSions he had expended a great. fum, died of
grief, occasioned by the lofs of a pitched battle;
but Innocent, enraged at the triumph of Frederic,
determined to fet up another competitor in the
perfon of William, count of Holland.
In order to defray the exp^nces of this new
project, he fent four legates into different countries
to raife contributions ; and difpjitched two Fran-
cifcan friars into England to afk a Supply for his
holinefs, not authoritatively, but as mendicants.
Having by this dilTimulatjon obtained their point,
they threw off the difguif>i and fent circular letters
to the bifhops, abbots, and monasteries, demand-
ing exorbitant fums, which the prelates, however,
refufed to pay, without the confent of parlia-
ment.
Incenfed at their refufal, the pope fent over
Marino, one of his chaplains, to enforce the de-
mand by legatine authority ; from which the pre-
lates appealed both to the pope and parliament;
but meeting with no redrefs, were obliged to com-
pound for a large fum of money.
Henry's prodigality to foreigners ^ -Q I0,g4
had fo reduced the State of his
finances, that he was obliged to renew his appli-
cation to parliament, which met at Weftminfter in
the month of February ; but when he demanded a
fubfidy, the barons upbraided him with profufion
to foreigners, and want of ceconomy, and abfo-
lutely refufed to comply with his demand. They
complained of his retaining vacant benefices, dif-
couraging commerce, by loading it with heavy
duties, and conferring the higheft ports of the
kingdom on unworthy perfons. They therefore
infifted on the demands they had made in a former
feflion, relative to the nomination of chancellor
and justiciary; and the king, finding his defign
impracticable, prorogued the affembly, in order to
prepare himfelf againft their next meeting.
During this interval he Suffered himfelf to be
wrought on by the insinuations of his foreign fa-
vourites, at whofe instigation he again attempted
to intimidate the parliament. At the next affembly
he enveighed againft their infolence, in daring to
impofe laws upon him to which they themfelves
would never fubmit; he obferved, that every
I matter of a private family chofe his own confidants
< and counsellors, and retained or difmiffed his do-
I meftics at pleafure j while he, though a king, was
M m trea:ed
138
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
treated as a flave by his own fubjects ; declaring, at
the fame time, that inftead of changing his meafurcs
in conformity with their capracioiis humours, he was
determined to rule in his own kingdom, and teach
them their duty of obedience.
However, he promifed to redrefs their grievances
in general terms ; and concluded with demanding
an immediate fubfidy, to enable him, at the end of
the truce, to recover his lawful rights on the con-
tinent. The barons replied, with great compofure,
that as he was' not difpofcd to reform his conduct,
they would not impoverifh themfelves, to gratify the
pride and avarice of foreigners, under the notion of
imaginary conquefts.
This reply defeating every view of Henry from
that quarter, he difmifTed the affcmbly, left they
fliould refolve on meafurcs ftill more difagrceable.
His coffers being now wholly exhaufted, he was
obliged to fell his plate and jewels, which were
immediately purchafed by the citizens of London,
to the great mortification of the king, with whole
demands they had generally refufed to comply.
As an inftance of his refentment, he inftituted a
new fair at Weftminftcr, during which he pro-
hibited all trade in London ; and inftead of regard-
ing the remonftrances of the citizens on.thisfub-
ject, parTed the Chriftmas holidays in their city,
and exacted from them an exorbitant new year's
gift ; nor was he fatisfied with this impofition, for
he foon after extorted another prefcnt of two thoufand
pounds fterling.
, -pj The pernicious practice of cru-
• fading ftill prevailed in Europe.
Lewis, king of France, was now acquiring great
renown, againft the Saracens ; but the pope, though
patron of all crufaders, found means to facrifice that
prince, with all his army, to his own. private revenge
and refentment.
This prince, in conjunction with Frederick, em-
peror of Germany, wae efteemed by the Pontiff a
more dangerous enemy than either the Turk r
Saracen; he therefore publifhed a crufade againft
the emperor, adding the fame promifes, pains, and
penalties, as were commonly annexed to, crufades
againft the infidels.
This at once difconcerted tlie fchemes of Lewis;
but many of the Englilh nobility, difTatisfied with
their fituation in their own country, difdaining to
ferve againft a Chriffian prince, took the crofs,
and repaired to Lewis. This proceeding was
equally difagreeable to the pope and Henry, the
latter of whom determined, therefore, to aflume
the crofsv
This crufade feems to have been formed' againft
the emperor ; for the pope denounced his anathema
againft all the Englifh nobility who refufed to
follow their own prince; and at the fame time
bulls were fent 'from Rome, to ftop thofe who were
preparing to join Lewis. But Henry had another
motive for affuming the crofs ; he confidered it as
the bcft expedient for paying his debts, as it would
furnifli him with a pretence for afking a fubfidy
from parliament for the purpofes of die expedi-
tion.
The king's example was followed by five hundred
knights, many of whom had difpofed of their eftates
to defray the expences of their voyage; but as the
king was not in a condition to perform his vow, they
were obliged to wait his departure.
While the expedition was deferred, Henry found
himTeif involved in frefti difficulties. The army of
French cru fad rs having been defeated, and Lewis
himfclf, .with his two brothers, taken prifoners;
the French, irritated with this reverfe of fortune,
violently inveighed againft the pope, as the author
ol this fatal event, in prohibiting the Englifh from
following Lewis, as fo ftrong a reinforcement would
have rendered his army victorious.
Henry de Bathe, who was now high , ,,.
jufticiary, by a narrow, avaricious
conduct, had acquired an immenfe fortune. This,
determined Henry to liften to any accufation againft
fo wealthy a fubjcct,. that might infer treafon and
forfeiture of eftate. Accordingly, the jufticiary
being charged both with infidelity in his oflice, and
treafon, the caufe was brought before the parlia-
ment, who acquitted him of both accufati(,ns;.
but he was obliged to pay a very confidcrable fum,.
before he could reinftate himfelf in his majcfty's
favour.
Philip Lovel was feverely fined, on an accufa-
tion of bribery from the Jews, from whom he had
collected the talliage. In fhort, every expedient
was practifed for railing money to fupply the de-
mands of an indigent king. The cireurnftances of
the Englifh, notwithftanding the exactions of papal,
and royal authority, were far fuperior to thofe of
the other powers of Europe; the former having
carried on a large and extenfive trade, while the
latter 'were rent by domeftic broils, or mad, fu-
pcrftitious, and unavailing crufades. The city of
London this year, in confideration of five hundred:
marks, obtained the privilege of having her mayor
fworn before the barons of the Exchequer, and not
before the king in perfon. Henry alfb granted
them a renewed confirmation of their rights and
privileges ; and the citizens in return, fwore an al-
legiance to prince Edward*
The nation alfo received fome compenfation fot
its. la-te expences by the reduction of part of Wales,
and the payment of eleven hundred marks by Alert
dc la Touch, for the government of the parts re-
duced. Henry,, being apprehenfive of a war with,
Alexander, king of Scotland, who had fccurcd fe-
veral places on the borders of England, affemblcd
a numerous army,, and' immediately ..began his.
march towards the north ; but before the com-
mencement of hoftilities, an .embafTy arrived with
propofals for an accommodation.
Thefe were readily accepted, and a match con-
cluded,, between Margaret, daughter of Henry,
and young, Alexander, who repaired to York, on
a viiit to the Englifh monarch, by whom he was
knighted. The following day the marriage cere-
mony was performed with great fblemnity in the
prefence of Henry, and the queen mother of Scot-
land, attended by the chief nobility of both king-
doms. Alexander received a bond for five thou-
fand marks, as the portion of his wife, with whom
he returned to his own country.
The tranquillity of England being . n
thus fecured, Henry applied his whole J
attention to the crufade he had undertaken, fixing
the time of his departure at Midfummer. He
therefore convened all the prelates at Weftminfter,
and produced the pope's bull, enjoining them to.
pay a tenth of their revenue ;. but the prelates re-
fufed compliance, alledging, that they would not
proceed to any determination without the two arch-
bifhops, who were then abfent. The pope, to
prevent further delay, and punifh the refractory be-
haviour of the clergy, furnifhed Henry with frcm
bulls, granting him a twemieih of all ecclefiaftica!
revenues, a tenth of all the lands belonging to the
prelates, the crufade commutation money, and the
profits ariling from ftolen goods, ufury, and leg-.i-
cics for charitable ufes ; at the fame time he took
the king and his dominions under his immediate
protection.
Bolides the amount of thefe exactions, Henry
laid a talliage on all the royal demcfnes ; nor were
even the late conquefts in Wales exempted from
impofition. Having thus raifed a fufficient fum,
the king haftcned the preparations for his voyage,
which was delayed by fomc difturbances in Gaf-
cony ; deputies arriving from that province com-
plaining
HENRY
III.
plaining of the tyrannical government of the carl
of" Leicefler. The earl, however, was continued
in his office; and foon after, by his implacable
ill y and revenge he involved the province in a
civil war, and then retired info France.
„ Henry therefore called a parlia-
A. D. 1253. mciu at Weftminfter, . \\herc lie laid
before them the (late of Gafcony, and reprcfented
the necellity of vigorous nieafures in order to re-
cover that province. After long debates the barons
agreed to the fcutage, and the prelates granted the
tenths of their revenues, according to the pope's
bull, which they had before rejected. But they
objected to the king's over-ruling the election of
bithops and abbots, contrary to the firft article
of Magna Charta, and infiflcd on the redrefs of
thofe grievances.
The king acknowledged the juflice of the com-
plaint, and conlefTed, that on fomc occafions he had
extended the royal prerogative too far ; that he de-
termined a revcrfion of conduct, and the moft
punctual obfervance of the charters. Accordingly,
he aflembled the lords fpiritual and temporal, in
Wcflminftcr-hall, where every individual appeared
with a lighted taper in his hand, the king himfelf
{landing with his hand upon his bread, as a token
of his finccrity. Then the archbifliop of Canter-
bury denounced a dreadful anathema againft all
thofe, who mould directly or indirectly, oppofe the
execution of the charters, or violate, diminim, or
alter, the laws and conftitution of the kingdom.
This execration being denounced, the two char-
ters were read with an audible voice, and confirmed
by his majcfty, when each nobleman darned his
taper on the ground, faying, " fo let them be ex-
tinguimcd and fink in hell, who mail infringe the
charters." But notwithstanding the folemnity of
this declaration, the parliament was no fooner dif-
fblved, than the king endeavoured to free himfelf
from thefe falutary reftraints, to which he had fo vo-
luntarily fubmitted.
A D nc Henry now proceeded to Guienne,
-^° where, dreading the fuperior conduct
and capacity of Alphonfo, king of Caftile, he
effected an accommodation with that monarch ; at
which .time a marriage was concluded between
prince Edward, and Eleanor, half fifter to Al-
phonfo. The revolters of Gafcony likewife fub-
mitted, and tranquillity was rcftorcd to that pro-
vince.
About the fame period Lewis returned from Pa-
leftine, having purchafed his liberty by the fur-
render of Damictta, which he had taken. Henry,
on his return, made a magnificent entry into Lon-
don, from the citizens of which he received a pre-
fent of one hundred pounds, and a malty piece of
plate, of excellent workmanship.
A D I2<c During the late expedition, the
->->" king had contracted a heavy debt,
which was increafed by an imprudent contract with
pope Innocent, for the crown of Sicily, in favour of
his fecond fon Edmund. In confequence of which,
he fupplied the ponti]f with all the money in his ex-
chequer, as well as what he could extort from the
Jews, who were grievoufiy opprellcd.
Soon after, Innocent reiigned his breath, and
was fucceeded in the papal chair by Alexander IV.
who, adopting the rneufurcs of his predeceflbrs,
gratified Edmund with the invefliturc of the king-
dom of Sicily, whicli was performed by the bifliop
of Bologna, fent over to England for that purpofe.
While the bilhop was on his way, Alexander's forces
were defeated at Noct-ra by Monfroy, who, by this
victory, made himfelf mailer of Apulia, and was
crowned king of the two Sicilies at Palermo.
Though the bilhop was apprized of this unfortunate
event, he concealed it from Henry, who ordered
the ceremony of the inveiliturc to be performed
with great magnificence, and vainly expected to
exact a fupply from his people, for the fupport of
this new dignity.
The parliament pfomifed to grant the fub^idy,
on condition of the punctual obfervance of the t\\o
charters, and the right of appointing the lord high
treafurer, independent of the king's authority ; but
thele conditions Henry rejected, and therefore pro-
rogued the parliament.
In the mean time, Henry found his finances to
be very inadequate to the debts he had contracted
with the pope for the inveftiture of the kingdom of
Sicily. This debt, according to the pope's account,
amounted to thirty-five thoufand five hundred marks
of iilver, befides intercft. In order to raife this
fum, the moil iniquitous and opprcflive meafures
were concerted by the pontiff and king, that ever
flained the page of hiflory.
A number of fictions bills were forwarded, own-
ing the receipt of particular fums of money, from
certain merchants of Sienne and Florence; thefe
the pope propofed the Englifh clergy fhould fub-
fcribe, for fums proportioned to the benefices of
each individual,
In order to execute this villainous project, Ruflan,
the pope's legate, affembled the clergy, and im-
parted to them the demand of his holinefs ; but the
prelates difcovered a noble fpirit of independence,
and the bifhop of London, in particular, declared,
that he would rather lofe his head, than fubmit to
fuch tyranny and opprefiion. He was feconded by
the bifliop of Worcefter, and the affembly unani-
moufly declared, that the clergy of England dif-
dained popifh flavery.
The nuncio complained to Henry of the refrac-
tory behaviour of the clergy, which he imputed to
the inftigation of the bifliop of London. Henry
reprimanded the bifliop, alluring him, that he
fhould feel the effects of his refentment. The
bifliop nobly replied, that he acknowledged the fu-
prcmacy of the king and pope, but if they de-
prived him of his mitre, he would fupply its place
with a helmet.
Failing in this project, the pope ^ -Q ^
propofed another expedient, which he
determined to carry into execution. He infifted
on their paying the bills, according to the firft cal-
culations ; but agreed to indulge them with the de-
duction of thofe fums from the tythes, which might
in the fequel, be granted to his majefty, and with
this decifion, the clergy were at length obliged to
acquiefce.
The king, during thefe difputes between the pope
and clergy, endeavoured to obtain from the barons
the fubfidy he had demanded, for placing Edmund
upon the throne of Sicily ; and the archbifhop of
Meffina arrived from the pope, to enforce the in-
flances of Henry with the parliament. But the
eagcrnefs of the pope defeated the purpofe it was
infendcd to promote; for the barons perceiving
that the fubfidy was to pafs through the hands of
Alexander, \\hofc integrity they much doubted,
refufed compliance, alledging the danger of the
enterprize, and impoverifhed ftate of the kingdom.
Again repulfed, the king renewed his application
to the clergy, and with the afllflance of the pope,
extorted from them a continuance of the tythes,
which were at firft granted for three years only.
He likewife continued his exactions on the citi-
zens of London, and other corporations of the king-
dom, and even extended his aits of opprefiion to
the Welch, whom as they were become his vaflals,
he confidcred as his fubjects, and fleeced accordingly.
But the Welch barons, who retained their ancient,
free and independent fpirit, refufed the demands
both of himfelf and the pope, and boldly declared,
they would never be brought tamely to fubmit to ex-
tortion and oppreflion, but by dint of arms.
At
140
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
At this time many unfavourable
A. D. 1257- cjrcumftances concurred to impoverifh
the nation. The emperor of Germany, and king
of t-ie Romans, being killed in a fkirmim with the
Frifons, the princes of the empire were divided in
their choice of a fucccffor to that dignity, the ma-
jority, voted in favour of Richard, earl of Cornwal,
and the reft efpoufcd the intereft of Alphonfo, king
of Caftile. The election of Richard, was very dif-
pleafingto the king of France, fituatcd between the
two powers of England and Germany, which might
unite, in order to recover the dominions belonging
to their anceftors.
Actuated by thefe confederations, Lewis fortified
his frontiers and endeavoured to intercept the earl
of Glouccfter, and John Manfel, provoft of Beverly,
whom Richard had lent into Germany, to examine
the ftate of the country and genius of the people,
belbre he ventured his perfon among them.
Richard having received a favourable account
from his agents in Germany, and railed an immenfe
fum of money, embarked1 with a very fpkndid reti-
nue at Yarmouth, and was, foon after his arrival at
Aix-la-Chapelle, crowned king of the Romans, by
Conrade, archbiihop of Cologne. To add to the
calamities under which the Englifh now laboured,
a war broke out with the Welch, and was carried on
with as much fpirit a-ad refolution by the latter,, as
negligence and irafconduct by the former.
The ancient Britons* alarmed at an attempt to
introduce the Englifli laws and cuftoms into the
conquered diftricts, flew to their arms> and under
the conduct of prince Llewellin, made feveral in-
roads into the Engliih territories. The king irri-
tated at the profpect of lofing the only conquefts
he ever made, fummoned his barons, and military
tenants of the north, to attend him at Chefter, and
appointed thofe of the Weftern counties, to rendez-
vous at Briflol, intending to divide the forces of
the enemy, by attacking them at once in, different
quarters.
At the fame time he ordered a body of troops
from Ireland, to land upon the ifland of Anglefey,
in order to deprive the Welch of all Ripplies, which
they might receive from thence. Thcfe precautions
being taken, the king entered North Wales with his
army, and advancing to Gannock, continued there
inactive till Michaelmas, in expectation of the
forces from Ireland ; while the weftern divifion, ap-
pointed to make a diverfron into South Wales,, de-
layed the execution of their orders, on account of
the abfence of their general, Richard de Clare, earl
of Gloucefter, who was fufpected of holding a cor-
refpondence with Llewcllin ; fo that Henry, incapa-
ble of performing any action of importance, was
obliged to return, after an inglorious campaign, for
defraying the expence of which,, he had levied a
very considerable fcutagc.
Soon after Ruftan, the pope's legate, arrived in
England, vvith orders to excommunicate Che king,
imlefs he immediately undertook the projected con-
queft of Sicily ; and Henry, incapable of fuch an
enterprize, difpatchcd an embafTy to Rome, in the
name of his fbn Edmund,, renouncing all claim to
the crown of Sicily.
But the pope, deeming this renunciation in-
fuiVicient to- accomplifh his defigns, appointed a
new nuncio, called Arlot, to mitigate the conven-
tion in favour of Henry, and incite him to impofe
farther exactions on the clergy. For this purpofe
the nuncio publilhed a new bull, enjoining the
prelates to pay the tythes granted to the king, on
pain of excommunication-, notwithstanding all op-
poiitions, appeals, or exemptions. Such a perfc-
verance in extortion, coukl not fail of exciting the
refentment of any people, who retained the kail
fenfe of injury or independence.
The clergy groaned under thefe intolerable
burdens ; the people, driven to defpair by poverty
and diitrefs, burft into general exclamations againft
the eternal impofkions which exhaufted the wealth
of the nation ; and the nobility not only refcnted
the infolence, avarke, and tyranny of the pope,
but were incenfed at the wcakncfs and partiality of
the king, who had conferred on foreigners thofc
polls vhich they had an undoubted right to
enjoy.
A fpirit of difcqntent generally prevailed, and
the people began to deliberate on meafures more
fcvere than ever, in order to redrefs their grievances :
their firft refolution being to expel the foreign
ccunfellors, as the belt expedient toward* a refor-
mation of the miniltry. An opportunity for put-
ting this delign into ezccntion foon offered ; for,
Henry convoking a parliament, and, according to
cullom, demanding a fublidy for carrying on the
conqudl of Sicily, inflead of complying with his
demand, th y bitterly inveighed againil his breach
of promife, and all the abufes of government.
Notwithftanding his endeavours to allay the refent-
ment, by an affectation of candour and llncerity,
they plainly declared their non-reliance on his
word, and refolution to rectify the abufes of hii
government fo effectually, as to obviate all future
fears from his inconftancy.
Alarmed at this peremptory declaration, he prO-
mifed his hearty concurrence in every meafure that
tended to the interell of the nation ; and even
granted a writing, fubfcribed by his own' hand, by
which he confirmed to the nomination of, four and
twenty noblemen, chofcn by himfelf, and the par-
liament to draw up the articles of reformation ; and
as a further proof of his fincerity, ordered his foft
Edward to lign the obligation.
Fear was the only motive of Henry's behaviour
on this occalion ; for he perceived a confederacy
formed againfl him by the moft powerful nobility
of the realm, fome of whom were governed by
private animolity to hia perfon, and others actuated^
by a delire of retrencfemg- the prerogatives of the
crown.
On trfie third day of the feffion they all appeared
in the houfe, arrayed in armour, the light of
which fo much alarmed the king, that he afked, if
he was a prifoner: Roger Bigod replied in the
negative ; but at the fame time declared their refo-
lutiorr to expel all foreigners, and rectify the dif-
orders of the ftate. This appearance and decla-
ration terrified him into compliance with their pro-
pofal ; the execution of which was deferred till the
next meeting, which the king appointed at Ox-
ford.
During this interval the barons, . ^
diffident of his molt folcmn protefta-
tions, levied a body of forces, and at the tirne ap-
pointed repaired to Oxford, well armed and attend-
ed, and fully refolved to execute their d-eiign.
Having chofen the council of four and twenty,,
Simon de Mont was placed at the head of the
twelve, elected by the barons.
The commiflioners then began to deliberate on
the fubject of their meeting, and in a ihort time
the following articles were agreed to : That the
king mould confirm the great charter he had fo.
often fworn to obferve; that the office of high
judiciary Ihould be conferred on a perfon of talents
and integrity; that the chancellor, treafurer, j udges,
and other minifters of ftate, ihould be chofen an-
nually by the council of four and twenty ; and that,
the pasiiamcnt mould be aflembled three times,
in the year, to enact laws fof the benefit of the
kingdoms.
Thefe articles being approved by parliament,
were confirmed by the ailent of the king, and
called the Statutes or Prnijlmi tf Oxford. - But;
thefe falutary conftitutions Mere warmly oppofed,
sa
HENRY
III.
as the court party, even among the mod powerful
batons was very ftrong, confiding of Henry,
elded fon of Richard, king of the Romans ; the
earl of Warrenne, Amcrde Valence, bifliop elect
of Winchefter, Geoffrey de Lufignan, and William
de Valence.
The article enjoining the furrender of their
caftles, which was now inferted in the ftatutes,
greatly affected thefe foreigners ; as it inevitably
fubjected them to the refentment of the Englifti,
who had been long exafperated by their info-
lence.
They hoped a mitigation of affairs might be
effected ; but the violent fpirit of the Englifli bore
down all oppolition ; and feveral, who at firft in-
clined to rhe king's party, were now encouraged to
declare for the other, fo that there was a conlider-
able majority againft the court. William de Va-
lence put himfclf at the head of the royal party,
while Simon de Montford, by virtue of election,
acted for the other ; both of them foreigners, both
of them men of ftrong paffions, great parts, and
greater ambition.
In this debate, Valence, in the name of his
party, declared for the refervation of his caftles
and his ward (hips; to which Montford replied,
that he mould either refign them, or lofe his head.
The earl of Warrenne objected to articles fo
derogatory to the king's prerogative ; and Henry,
fon of Richard, king of the Romans, protefted againft
them, or any articles, that mould be made in the
abfence of his father.
The earl of Leicefter, ftill infolent and impe-
tuous, informed the young prince, that his father's
refufal of compliance with the falutary meafures of
the barons, would be attended with the lofs of every
foot of land he pofleffed in England. Hence the
court party, perceiving the prevalence of their op-
ponents, determined to feek their fafety in flight,
and agreed to rendezvous at Winchefter, where
they took refuge in the caftle of Wolvelham.
The barons, apprized of their flight, flew to
their arms, and purfued them to that city, where,
without any formal adjournment, they refumed
their deliberations, and clofed the bufinefs of the
fcffion. As they could not, without violating the
privileges of the church, attack the caftle to which
they had retired, they had recourfe to negociation,
propofing they ftiould quit the kingdom, and ftay
abroad till the abufes of government ihould be re-
formed ; when the king fhould be at liberty, with
content of council, to permit their return. To
this they readily confented ; and after having been
dripped of about feven thoufand marks in ready
money, were fupplied with a fafe conduct, and em-
barked at Dover for the continent.
The Englilh barons alfo feized the fums of
money they had depofited in feveral religious
houfes, confifcated tbeir lands, and fent agents to
Rome to juftify their own conduct. The barons
having thus expelled the foreigners, bound them-
felvcs by a folemn oath to maintain the ftatutes of
Oxford at the hazard of their lives and fortunes,
and invited the citizens of London to join in their
affectation ; a propofal which the Londoners readily
embraced.
Simon de Montford, the king's brother-in-law,
was ftill the mod violent of the anti-courtiers, and
therefore confidered by his majefty as the principal
caufe of his prefent misfortunes. But notwith-
ftanding the danger of Henry's iituation, he could
not avoid declaring his fentiments on that fub-
ject.
As he was one day going by water to the Tower,
he was overtaken by a fudderi ftorm, on which he
ordered himfelf to be rowed aftiore immediately.
He was received on landing by the earl of Leicefter,
who finding him in great perturbation at the danger
No. 14.
he had juft efcapcd, " Why fhoulrf your majefty,"
faid Montford, " be afraid, fince the ftorm is
" over ?" Henry replied, with a ferious look,
" Montford, I own I am greatly afraid of thunder
and lightning ; but by the head of God, I fear
thee more than all the thunder and lightning in
nature."
In the mean time the great intereft of the king
of the Romans would not fuffer him tacitly to
obferve the fundamental alteration in the Englifli
conditution. He therefore declared his intentions
of vifiting that kingdom, and loudly difclaimed
the conduct of the barons. Had not Henry been
greatly deprefled by the power of his own fubjects,
the refentment of this prince might have recovered
his authority ; for the parliament, hearing of his
intentions, and dreading the effects, not only of
his intered, but their own divifions, if he landed
as a foe in the kingdom, they entered into ferious
deliberations how to divert him from his purpofe.
The bidiop of Wincheder and others were ordered
to treat with him, and gain what intelligence they
could relative to his journey, and his continuance
in England. They were alfo directed, at all events
to declare, that he could not be admitted into the
kingdom, without previoufiy conforming to the
new model of government, and taking an oath to
that effect.
The king of the Romans, incenfed at thefe
propofals, fwore by the throat of God, he would
never comply with them. But receiving advice
that every meafure was taken in England to prevent
his landing, and that therefore all oppofition would
at prefent be vain, he complied with the barons de-
mands, and made preparations for his journey.
On the twenty-feventh of January . ^
he landed at Dover, and there took i
the oath, in prefence of the king, and a great num-
ber of barons affembled for his reception.
Having thus fecured the king of the Romans,
their next care was to edablifti a folid peace with
the king of France, whofe countenance and fup-
port might counterbalance any efforts made by the
king and his friends for retrieving the prerogative,
and Montford undertook to conduct the negocia-
tion. Accordingly that nobleman repaired to
France ; and in order to facilitate the clefign, pro-
pofed to facrifice all Henry's rights to Normandy
and Anjou.
Such a propofal could not but be agreeable to
Lewis, who readily agreed to the terms, and con-
cluded a treaty, which Henry was obliged to fign.
That weak pufillanimous prince was compelled to
vifit the French king at Abbeville, where, in an
affembly of the dates of France, he difclaimed all
title to Normandy and Anjou ; while Lewis ceded
in his favour all the Limoufin and Perigord, together
with all that he poffeffed on the other fide the Ga-
ronne, on condition of his fubmitting to do homage,
and fitting among the peers of France as duke of
Guienne.
During Henry's abfence, the four and twenty
governors of England effectually removed an abufe
of the court of Rome, of which the nation had
long complained.' All the beft benefices in the
kingdom were enjoyed by Italian priefts, who,
without refiding on the fpot, farmed their livings
to the higheft bidder. A proclamation was there-
fore iffucd, ordering all perfons who farmed bene-
fices of foreigners, to depofit the rents in the hands
of certain receivers appointed for that purpofe,
on pain of having their houfes razed to the foun-
dation.
For fome time the barons had acted ^ p 1260
with unanimity ; but now many of
them were offended at the great authority aflumed
by the earl of Leicefter, who began to exercife a
kind of fovereign power over the four and twenty $
N n
142
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
and the carl of Gloucefler endeavoured to form a
party, to check his towering ambition. In order
to this, he began to difparage his conduct in pri-
vate, by infmuating, that he had entered into a
negociation with prince Edward, whom he intended
to raife to the Englifli throne, even during the life
of his father.
Henry, informed of this report while at St.
Omer's, was fo terrified, that he refolved not to
return to England, perfuaded that cither his life or
liberty would be in danger. But the young prince,
hearing of his fufpicions, proved his own innocence
as to the fubject of the report, and thereby wholly
removed his father's doubts and fears. Failing in
this attempt, Gloucefter openly attacked Leicefter ;
but finding that nobleman's intereft too powerful
to hope for fuccefs, he prudently dropped the pro-
fecution.
Thefe diffentions furthered the defigns of Henry,
as they weakened the ftrength of the barons. But
his hopes were principally encouraged by the fpirit
of the common people and free tenants, who com-
plained that the yoke of the barons was more grie-
vous than that of the king, before the pretended re-
formation.
The king therefore determined to embrace the
firft opportunity of freeing himfelf from the ftatutes
of Oxford. In order to this he folicited of the
pope, abfolution from the oath he had taken to
obfervc the ftatutes of Oxford. The pontiff readily
grantefl the requeft ; but dying before the difpen-
fation could be expedited, he was obliged to wait
till the papal chair was filled by his fucceffor,
Urban IV. who made no difficulty in complying with
his demand.
Having obtained this difpenfation, Henry deter-
mined to throw off the difguife ; and accordingly
repaired to the parliament and declared, that as
they had not complied with their promife made to
him on his figning the ftatutes of Oxford, he
thought himfelf abfolved from the oath he had
there taken; adding, that he would no longer
fuffer counfellors to be impofed upon him, but was
determined to aflert the dignity of his prerogative.
He then retired to the Tower, which he had pre-
vioufly fecured, feized on all the money in the
Mint, and publifhed a proclamation, difcarding
the officers appointed by the four and twenty, and
nominating others in their room. In fliort, fo vi-
gorous and refolute was his conduct, that he feemed
determined to retrieve his independence.
Prince Edward, then refident at Paris, on advice
of thefe tranfactions returned to England, in order
to prevent the dreadful confequences of a civil war.
Henry was confounded when he heard that his fon
was much difpleafed with his violating his oath ;
and his aftonifhment was not a little excited, when
he understood, that unlefs he would voluntarily re-
move from his perfon the counfellors who advifed
him to oppofe the parliament, they would effect that
removal by compulfion.
Alarmed at this intelligence, the king relapfed
into his ufual perplexity and irrefolution, not being
able to determine what courfe was moft proper to
take for his fecurity, took no notice of the meflage,
but remained in the Tower, apprehending that his
perfon would not otherwife be fafc.
A.D. 1262.
As the nation was alarmed with the
daily apprehenfion of a civil war,
the king of the Romans offered his mediation,
which being accepted, he prevailed on his brother
to confirm the ftatutes of Oxford ; and, on the
other hand, perfuaded the barons to relax in thofe
articles which were moft difagreeable to the king.
The earl of Leicefter, ftill refractory, proteftcd
againft the peace, and retired immediately to
France.
This treaty feemed to portend the reftoration of
tranquillity ; but the embers of difcord ftill glowed
under the vail of peace, and foon burft into a
violent flame. After the ratification of the agree-
ment, the king palled over to the continent to re-
gulate the affairs of Guienne, and was feized
with a dangerous diforder at Bourdeaux, which
detained him much longer than he intended.
During his abfence, Richard, earl of Gloucefter,
died, and was fuccccded by his fon Gilbert.
Leicefter being now delivered from a' "powerful
rival, renewed his cabals, and returned to England,
where his prefence re-animated the barons, who
had fubfcribed the articles contrary to their inclina-
tions.
The king, informed of thefe proceedings, em-
barked immediately for England, in order to anti-
cipate the defigns of the confederate barons ; but
before his arrival they had concerted meafures for
fecuring themfelves from the effects of his incon-
ftancy. Accordingly on his arrival they prefentcd
an addrefs, infifting on the confirmation of the
Oxford ftatutes, according to a late agreement,
and threatening to ufe compulfive means in cafe of
refufal.
This peremptory language was dictated by the
furious Leicelter, in order to terrify the king
into an immediate compliance with their demands.
But his defign in this was defeated; for the king,
in his anfwer, treated the malccontent barons as
rebels, and threatened them with the fevereft pe-
nalties.
During his refidence on the continent, Henry
had engaged in his intereft both the king of the
Romans and prince Edward ; the latter of whom,
under pretence of arfifting at a tournament at Paris,
had levied fome foreign troops, and was leading
them againft Llewellin, prince of Wales, who
renewed his incurfions into the Englifti terri-
tories.
Edward, having repulfed the Welch, . -p. ,
and reinforced the caftle of Gannock, ' U" l
and other fortreflcs, returned to London ; but
being deftitute of money to pay his forces, marched
at the head of a ftrong detachment to the houfe of
the Templars, where he feized a confiderable fum
of money, the property of the citizens, who had
lodged it there as in a place of fecurity.
This act of violence excited an univerfal clamour
among the inhabitants ; but the prince, regardlefs
of their complaints, ordered it w be lodged in the
caftle of Windfor, which they did not think proper
to befiege.
The people, thus irritated, Leicefter convened
the barons at Oxford, where they unanimoufly re-
folved to maintain the ftatutes at the hazard of
their lives, and chofe the earl for their general.
Having raifed a confiderable body of forces, they
ravaged the lands belonging to the royal party, and
committed the moft dreadful outrages where they
met with the leaft oppofition.
The cities of Gloucefter and Worcefter fubmitted
to the earl of Leicefter, who advanced about Mid-*
fummer towards London, with the royal ftandard
flying before him. Henry was now in the moft
deplorable circumftar^ces, deftitute both of money
and friends ; and the city of London had declared
for the barons, under the influence of the mayor,
who was a firm adherent to Leicefter.
The populace now formed themfelves into
parties, determined to perfecute all foreigners;
and prince Edward retired, with his French knights
to Windfor, where he endeavoured to collect an
army, in order to take the field againft the
barons.
The queen, diffident of her fecurity in the
Tower, attempted to follow her fon by water ; but
as the approached London-bridge, was infultcd in
the moft brutal manner by the populace, who, not
content
HENRY
III.
'43
content with reviling her in the mod opprobrious
terms, endeavoured to fink her barge, by throwing
down ftoncs, as the rowers endeavoured to pai's
through one of the arches; fo that fhe was obliged
to return to the Tower, which flic reached with
great danger and difficulty, and was thence con-
veyed by night to the palace of the bifhop of Lon-
don, at St. Paul's, as a place of fancluary. The
wealthy citizens were equally expofed to the vio-
lence of the mob, who under pretence of fearching
for foreigners, broke open houfes> and plundered
friends and foes, without diftinction.
The king of the Romans, declaring for neither
party, interpofed his good offices to prevent the
effulion of human blood, and a ncgociadon was fct
on foot, under the bifhops of London, Worceftcr,
and Lincoln, John de Arlington, and William de
\Vilton.
In the mean time the earl of Lcicefter engaged
the cinque ports in his interelt, and then advanced
with his army towards London; when the king,
dreading the confequences of a fiege, agreed to
fuch terms as the revolters thought proper to im-
pofe, and a treaty was concluded, importing, That
the fortified places in the kingdom mould be put
into the hands of the barons ; that the flatutes of
Oxford mould be inviolably obferved ; that all
foreigners fhould be banifhed the kingdom, except
fuch as might be permitted to ftay by the unani-
mous confent of the barons ; and that none but na-
tural born fubjects, approved by the barons, mould
be concerned in theadminiftrationof public affairs.
Thus the barons, elated by their fuccefs, exceeded
all bounds of moderation, and carried matters to
the utmoft extremity. A parliament was held about
the middle of September, in which the ftatutes of
Oxford were confirmed, and the ftate foreigners,
either imprifoned or beneficed, taken into confider-
ation.
Boniface, archbimop of Canterbury, was then at
Bologne, as being a foreigner, and was not only fo-
liciting the concurrence of the court of France
againft the barons, but had excommunicated the
two fons of the earl of Leicefter, a fon of the earl
of Hereford, and many other barons, who had an-
noyed ecclefiaftical perfons.
Thefe proceedings induced the parliament to act
\\ ith more moderation. The bifhop of Hereford,
and Matthias de Bezile, governor of Glouccfter,
were fet at liberty, and the ccclefiaftical depreda-
tions ordered to be made good. But the court of
France, having now undertaken to act as umpire
between the king and the earl of Leicefter, the earl
was accordingly fummoned to appear before the
French parliament, then held at Bologne, to which
he, and Henry with his queen, repaired at the fame
time.
Lewis, at firft, remonftratcd with great modera-
tion, and exhorted the earl to leave his factious
practices ; but Montford anfvvercd, that though in
obedience to his fummons, he had attended the
parliament, yet he did not apprehend, that what he
and his peers had done were cognizable in a French
court. Lewis finding him thus refolute, was
obliged to difinifs him, and he immediately re-
turned to England, whither he was followed by
Henry, whofe queen thought it moft expedient to
remain at the court of France.
A parliament was held foon after Henry's return
from France, wherein hepropofed terms of accom-
modation, which appeared equitable to A!} the dif-
iutcrefted part of the aflembly ; but being rejected
by Leicefter and his party, the major part plainly
perceived that their conduct was actuated by factious
motives.
Prince 1 lenry, the Earl-mare fchal, John BafTet,and
fevcral other noblemen, thought it inconfiftent with
their honour to remain any longer with Montford,
and therefore joined prince Edward, determined to
curb the infolence of that faction, the fatal tendency
of which was fo amply evinced.
Their, firft united effort, was the furprifal of
Windfor caflle, whither Henry immediately re-
pairing, it \vas made the rendezvous of the royal
party, and the garrifon reinforced by the king of
thg Romans, and earl of Warrenne.
From Windfor they repaired to Dover, in order
to fecure that important fbrtrefs, which was ftill in
the hands of the barons ; but the governor refuling
them admittance, they vifited the other cinque ports,
and having received the homage of their barons,
returned to London about the beginning of De-
cember.
Prince Edward was then at Mertort, watching
the motions of the earl of Leicefter, who had raifed
troops for the relief of Dover, if it fhould be invcft-
ed, and remained in poffeffion of London ; where
Henry had now a confiderable party. Montford's
troops were quartered about Southwark, and the
adjacent places, but both parties remained inactive
till Henry having joined his forces with thofe of
his fon, found himfelf more powerful than Lei-
cefter, who, relying on his intcreft with the Loa-
doners, thought himfelf fecure. But one John de
Gifors, a Norman, and partizan of Henry, found
means to fecure the key of the bridge-gate, while
the earl was vigoroufly attacked in the front, by the
fuperior forces of prince Edward.
Being repulfed, he found the bridge fhut, and
thofe within unable or unwilling to give him relief;
he was therefore preparing to make the beft defence
he could, when the common people of the city,
who were his cbieffriends, iffued in fuch multitudes
to his affiftance, that they forced the gates of the
bridge, fo that the prince was obliged to retire,
and pitch his tents in Lambeth- fields. Adecifive
action was now daily expected, when by the inter-
polation of the humane and moderate of both par-
ties, a truce was concluded, and the difpute left to
the arbitration of the French king; the reference of
which was confirmed by the oaths of the king, ba-
rons, and all the principal perfons concerned in the
quarrel.
Lewis, having heard the caufe in an ^ ^ ,
aflembly of the dates at Amiens, de-
creed, that the ftatutes of Oxford fhould be an-
nulled ; that the king fhould recover all his rights
and prerogatives, and have the liberty of nomina-
ting all the great officers of ftate, and that foreigners
mould be deemed capable of holding pofts and dig-
nities, as well as the Englifh ; but added a claufe,
importing, that his award fhould have no effect to
invalidate the privileges granted to the Englifh be-
fore the parliament of Oxford.
The latter claufe being confidered by the barons
as a manifeft contradiction, the ftatutes of Oxford
having been enacted with the fole defign of con-
firming their privileges, furnifhed them with a
pretence for rejecting the decifion, and renewing
hoftilities.
Leicefter, therefore, fent his fon with a confider-
able detachment, to ravage the lands of Roger de
Mortimer, and being afterwards joined by Lle-
wellin, they reduced the caftle of Radnor. At the
fame time another party, under nhe command of
Robert Ferrers, earl of Derby, ftormed the caftle of
Worccfter and abandoned it to plunder.
To fupprefs thefe commotions, Edward advanced
with his army, reduced feveral caflles belonging to
Humphrey de Bohum, and purfued the two Mont-
forts to Gloucefter, where they fued for' a truce,
which they obtained by the mediation of the bifhop
of Worccfter ; before the expiration of which ano-
ther treaty was begun at Brackley, in the prefence
of John de Valence, the French ambaffador, but
the parties differing about the articles, the nego-
ciation
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
ciation was dropped, and preparations, for renewing
the war were made both by the king and barons.
The city of London was fubjected to the ravages
of the populace, who broke open the hpufes of the
Jews, and plundered their effects, ftripped them
naked, and kept them in cuftody feveral hours, and
then maflacred about five hundred of that unhappy
people.
Henry now fummoned his military tenants, and
prdered thofe fcholars of Oxford, whofe allegiance
he doubted, to depart the city, which he intended
as a rendezvous for his troops. Here he was joined
by a very confiderable body from the north, com-
manded by John Cummin, John Baliol, and feveral
other noblemen. Having received intelligence, that
the earl of Leicefter and the Oxford fcholars had
retired to Northampton, fummoned the town, and
being denied admittance, took it by ftorm. Sixteen
barons and fixty knights were taken prifoners, with
a vaft number of inferior rank, after a prodigious
Daughter in the ftreets.
This greatly weakened the inter? ft of the barons,
and was followed by the furrender of Leicefter,
Nottingham, and Tutbury ; the royal army alfo
over-run the counties of Derby and Stafford, ra-
vaging all the lands belonging to the confederate
barons.
In the mean time Montford, having fecured and
fortified the city of London, laid fiege to the caftle
of Rochefter, which was near furrendering when
Henry, by hafty marches, advanced to its relief.
Montford, finding himfelf incapable of coping
with the king, raifed the fiege, and retired to
London.
Henry now reduced the caftle of Tunbridge,
and advanced to Winchelfea, exacted from fome of
the barons of the cinque ports, the oath of alle-
giance, while the reft put to fea, and intercepted all
Jupplies of provifion, except thofe intended for the
ufe of the malecontents. From thence the king
marched ihto Suflfex, and fixed his quarters in the
convent of Lewes, while prince Edward took up
his refidence in the caftle.
Montford, being now reinforced by a body of
fifteen thoufand Londoners, determined to hazard a
decifive engagement, and accordingly advanced to-
wards the king's encampment. He halted about
the diftance of two leagues from Lewes, and, in
order to throw the odium of whatever mifchief
might happen, on Henry, fent a letter to the king,
written in the name of the whole party, containing
the warmeft profeflions of their readinefs to fubmit
to his government, and defend his perfon. They alfo
endeavoured, by private application to the king of
the Romans, and prince Edward, to perfuade
Henry to moderate terms, but all their attempts
proved fruitlefs; for the king and his party fet
them at defiance, and treated their fubmiffion with
contempt.
The barons renewed their application, by the
bifhops of London and Worcefter, and even offered
thirty thoufand pounds, as a reparation for the da-
mages the royal party had fuftained ; but as the
confirmation of the ftatutes of Oxford was ftill in-
lifted on, all applications were ftill ineffectual, and
both parties prepared to try the fortune of a battle.
The royal army was formed in three divifions;
prince Edward commanded the right, Richard, king
of the Romans, the left wing, and Henry himfelf
remained in the center, which confifted of his
houfhold troops, and the northern forces. Leicefter
had ranged his forces in four divifions ; the firft was
commanded by his fon Henry, the fecond by the
earl of Gloucefter, the third by the general himfelf,
and the fourth, confiding wholly of Londoners, by
Nicholas Seagrave. Montford, perfuaded that the
prince from whom he had mod to dread, would
charge the Londoners, affected a reliance on that
corps, by drawing them up before the baggage, and
his own chariot and ftandard.
This device fuccecdcd, prince Edward, breath-
ing revenge againft the Londoners, for the infult
they had offered his mother, charged them with the
utmofl fury, made a terrible (laughter, demolifhed
Montford's chariot, and purfued them above four
miles from the field of battle. The eagcrnefs of
the prince proved fatal to the royal caufe ; for the
earls of Leicefter and Gloucefter. now attacked the
troops under the command of Henry, and the
king of the Romans, and total'y routed the left
wing, where the king of the Romans, and two ba-
rons were taken prifoners.
The center wing made a gallant refiftance, being
animated by the example of Philip BafTet, who in-
trepidly maintained his poft.till he was overpowered
by numbers, after having received four and twenty
wounds; the king himfelf was flighty hurt, and his
horfe killed under him, before he retired to the
priory of Lewes, where he fell into the hands of the
enemy.
Thus the royal army was totally routed, when
prince Edward returned from the purfuit, and
his followers were ftruck with fuch confirmation,
that the earl of Warrenne, William de Valence,
Guy de Lufignan, and Hugh Bigod, fled with
feven hundred men to Penfey, where they em-
barked for the continent.
This defection prevented prince Edward's firft re-
folution of falling on the victors, while they were
difperfed in the purfuit and pillage ; it likewife
afforded the earl of Leicefter an opportunity of
making him an eafy prey, and he was taken pri-
foner without refiftance. This battle was fought
at Lewes, on the 1 4th of May.
Richard, king of the Romans, and prince Ed-
ward, were treated as common prifoners, the former
being fent with his fon to the Tower of London,
and the latter to Dover caftle, without the leaft re-
gard to his birth or quality. In the mean time
the barons concerted a new plan of government, to
be authorized by a parliament, which they intended
to aflemble in the king's name, about Whitfuntide.
But this ftep was attended with many difficulties,
as they did not chufe to fummon one of the oppo-
fite party, and forefaw, that a parliament compofed
wholly of their own dependants, would be deemed
deficient in point of legality. In order therefore
to render it more general, they compelled the king
to fign commiffions, appointing in every county,
certain officers, or magistrates, under the title of
confervators, for preferving the privileges of the
people, and thefe being of the barons party, were
inverted with extenfive authority. The king then
figned new writs to thefe confervators, command-
ing them to appoint four knights in every fliire, to
fit in the enfuing parliament j and from this aera,
moft writers date the origin of that right, which
the commons enjoy of fitting in the great council
of the nation, fince the Norman conqueft.
Such a parliament would doubtlefs approve the
plan of government, concerted by the barons,
whereby it was refolved, that the parliament fliould
nominate three commiffioncrs of approved fagacity
and difcretion, empowered to choofe a council
of nine noblemen, to whom the adminiftration of
public affairs fhould be committed ; but might be
changed occasionally, by the king, with' the confent
of the barons ; that if the commiffioners fhould dif-
agree, touching the choice of counfellors, the dif-
putefhall be referred to the majority 5 that the de-
liberations of the nine, fhall be executed with the
approbation of fix of the number ; but if that could
not be procured, the affairs fhould be decided by
the three great commiffioners, with the confent of
the barons ; and that the nomination of all officers,
fhould be at the difpofition of the nine counfellors;
and
HENRY
IIL
and laftly, that thcfe regulations mould prevail, till
altered or annulled by parliament.
The three commiffioners were the carls of Lei-
ceftcr and Gloucefter, and the bifnop of Chichefter,
who continued to govern the kingdom on this new
model; having extorted the approbation of the
king, and prince Edward, by threatening them both
with perpetual imprifonment.
. „ , Leiceftcr had now reached the fum-
A. U. 1265. mi,- Of. his ambition. The hand of the
king was made ufe of to authenticate the vileft aits
of opprefllon, and even to aflign over the royal de-
mefnes, to this infolent race, whofe ambition was as
extravagant, as their avarice was boundlefs. The
.earl of Gloucefter, the principal inftrument of
Montford's preferment, was now fet afide, as no
longer requilite to promote his defigns.
Gloucefter obferved his fupercilious behaviour
with indignation, but in filence ; and as he was in
every refpect, a nobleman of much better princi-
ples than any of the Montford race, perceived he
had too far acquiefced with their proceedings. He
therefore required Leicefter to releafe his prifoners,
and render an account of the enormous fums,
which, contrary to the convention of Lewes, he
had extorted, and applied entirely to his own ufe.
But receiving only an infolent reply to thefe de-
mands, he determined to embrace the firft oppor-
tunity, of atoning the miferies he had affifted to
inflict, by reftoring the royal family to their legal
rights.
Leicester, perceiving a change in Gloucefter's
conduct, ifliied a proclamation, enjoining all who
had taken arms againft the eftablifhed government,
to retire immediately to Ireland ; but inftead of
obeying the order, they repaired to the eftates of
the earl of Gloucefter, who afforded them protec-
tion. In the mean time the enemies of Leicefter fo
wrought on the minds of the people, by infmuating
that the cruelties he practiced towards the royal
family, plainly betrayed his pernicious defigns ; that
he found it neceffary to take fome fteps to excul-
pate himfelf from fo infamous a charge.
With this view he called a parliament, under pre-
tence of confulting meafures for fetting prince Ed-
ward at liberty ; and at this affcmbly, every county
was reprefented by two knights, and two burgeffes
appeared for every city and borough in the king-
dom ; and this feems to be the origin of the prefent
Houfe of Commons.
At the meeting of parliament, Leicefter accufed
Gloucefter of having granted fhelter and protection
to the lords of the Welch marches, and demanded
hoftages for his fidelity ; but the earl, inftead of
complying with his demand, quitted the aflembly
abruptly, and retired to the weft, with a ftrong
body of his followers, among whom was John Gif-
fard, one of the braveft noblemen in England,
whom Leicefter had endeavoured to opprcfs.
This defection, though alarming to Leiceftcr, did
not prevent the affenibly from proceeding on the
bufinefs for which they had been convened, which
was the releafe of prince Edward. The bifhops of
London, Worcefter, and Chichefter, drew up the
conditions on which he was to be fet at liberty, and
..the king was obliged to fwear to the performance.
The prince refigned his palace at Weftminftcr, to
Peter de Montford, ceded his caftle of Briftol to
the ea/1 of Leicefter, and promifed in writing, to
deliver up all his cables in the marches of Wales
for thnee years to fuch perfons as mould be nomi-
nated by the king's council, to pcrfuade or compel
the noblemen of the marches to fubmit to the pre-
fent administration, to oppofe the introduction of
foreigners, to obfcrve the agreement, on pain of
forfeiting his eftate, to give up the cuftody of all
his caftlcs, for the term of five years, and to confent
.that his couftn Henry ihould be detained, till the
end of the year, as an hoftage for his bhhaViour, in
cafe of an invafion.
This convention being figned and ratified, Ed-
ward was brought into Weftminfter-hall, where the
inftrument was publickly read, and nine bifhops
joined in excommunicating all perfons who mould
prefume to violate the agreement. The prince was
then declared free, and fet at liberty, though, like
his father, furrounded by a ftrong guard, who had
particular orders to watch his motions, by which
means he was in reality as much in cuftody as
before.
The fcene of things was now changed, and the
difpute not between the king and his people, but
between the nation and a faction. Gloucefter had
openly alTociated with the noblemen of the marches^
and fortified his caftlcs.
This was a retreat to which all the noblemen
who were difguiled with the pride, infolence, and
tyranny of Leicefter retired, and foon became fo
numerous, as to threaten the moft dangerous oppo-
fition. To divert this ftorm, he directed his ion
to proclaim a tournament at Northampton, to which
all knights were invited without diftmction. Lei-
cefter imagined that nothing could divert young
Gloucefter from his favourite divcrfion, at which it
would be eafy to take away his life, or at leaft make
him a prifoner. But Gloucefter, well acquainted
with the perfidious temper of Montford, avoided
the fnare, and Leicefter, enraged at this difappoint*
ment, prevailed on the knights aflembled at the
tournament, to proceed immediately to the marches
of Wales, in hopes of taking Gloucefter by furprize.
That nobleman, ftill fufpecting the treacherous
defign of Montford, had engpged with Mortimer,
and other lords for their mutual fecurity. Lei-
cefter now taking with him the king and prince
Edward, advanced towards the borders of Wales,
and endeavoured to amufe his rival, with the pro-
pofal for an accommodation. Gloucefter, to fur-
ther his defigns, detained the mefTengers of Mont-
ford, and at the fame time, concerted meafures for
the efcape of prince Edward, allured that the pre-
fence and influence of the heir apparent to the
crown, would ftrengthen his caufc, for humbling
the pride of Leicefter.
Having communicated his intentions to his bro-
ther, Thomas de Clare, who attended Edward as a
companion ; that prince readily embraced the offer
of retrieving his liberty, and promifed to act ac-
cording to the' directions he received. Accord-
ingly, the prince was next day mounted on a horfe
remarkable for his fleetnefs, and repaired with his
guards and attendants to divert himfelf in Wid-
marfh, near Hereford, where he had matches be-
tween them, till he had tired all their horfes ; when
a certain nobleman appearing on the afcent of
Turlington-hill, and waving his bonnet, according
to appointment, the prince mounted his horfe, and
bade adieu to his keepers, who purfued him for
fome time, till they faw him received by Roger de
Mortimer, with a party of men who had concealed
themfelves in a neighbouring wood, and now con-
ducted him to the caftle of Wigmore. The lords
of the marches now took to their arms, reduced
thofe caftles which they had formerly given up, and
over-run all the country between Hereford and
Chefter.
At the fame time the earl of Gloucefter took the
field, at the head of his troops, and broke down all
the bridges on the Severn, to prevent the incur-
fions of Leicefter. The populace flocked from all
quarters, to ferve under the banner of prince Ed-
ward, who was now joined by John Giffard, at the
head of a great number of horfe and foot, whp
followed the fortunes of that gallant nobleman.
At the fame time he was reinforced by William
de Valence, John, earl of Warrcnne, and Hugh
O o Bigod,
146
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Bigod, who had lately landed in Pembrokcfliire,
with a body of troops enlifted on the continent.
Leicester was alarmed at the news of the prince's
efcape, though he at firSt believed he was fled into
South Wales, in order to embark for France ; but
he was foon fatally convinced of his mistake; for
the prince having advanced at the head of a nu-
merous army to Worccftcr, found means to cut off
his retreat into England. Thus alarmed, Montford
fummoncd all the military tenants of the crown to
rneet the king at Gloucester, with the utmoft dif-
patch ; but before any body of the militia appeared
in his behalf, both the city and caftle of Gloucester
were taken by prince Edward.
Leicefter then applied to Llewellin, prince of
North Wales, who ravaged the lands of the earl of
Gloucefter, in Glamorganshire, and fent a body of
Welch troops to join Montford. Thus reinforced,
.he marched to Monmouth, whither he was followed
by John Giftard, who offered to give him battle ;
but declining the engagement, he proceeded to
Newport, where he expected a naval fupply from
Briftol, in order to tranfport his army into England,
finding it impracticable to crofs the Severn.
But this refource was cut off by the activity of
the earl of Gloucefter, who had blocked up the
Avon with a fleet of gallics, fo that no veflel could
come to his aSTiftance. In the mean time prince
Edward advanced with his army to Newport, and
waited for day-light to begin the attack. Thus
baffled, Montford decamped Silently at midnight,
and retired into North Wales, where he marched
over the mountains to Hereford, and there fixed his
quartets, till he could find an opportunity of eroding
the Severn.
In the mean time he difpatched orders to his fon
Simon, to relinquifh the fiege of Penfey-caftle, and
march immediately to his afliftance. Simon, in
obedience to his father, returned to London, where
having aSTembled a ftrong body of troops, he began
his march for the banks of the Severn. In his
route, he took Winchefter by afTault, was admitted
without oppofition into Oxford arid Northampton,
•whence he proceeded to Kenilworth, where his army
Jay encamped in the moft fupine fecurity.
One of prince Edward's fpies informed that
prince of their defencelefs Situation, who therefore
advancing with the utmoft expedition from Wor-
cefter, furprized Montford's troops, and without
refiftance took the greateft part of them prifbncrs,
amongft whom were many noblemen, but Simon
himfelf found means to efcape.
On his return from this fortunate expedition, the
prince found that Leicefter had patted the Severn in
his abfencc, and retired to Evefham, hoping to
join his fon the enfuing day. Edward therefore put
his army in motion about fun-fet, fpreading a report,
that he intended to march to Bridgnorth, in order
to deceive the fpies of the enemy. Accordingly he
took the road, but having matched two or three
miles, he faced about, and reached Evefham before
flm-rifing. But Montford difcovering his ap-
proach, eluded his vigilance, though he took his
troops at firft for a reinforcement marched to his
relief under the command of his fon. But he was
foon undeceived, for afcending an eminence in the
neighbourhood, he plainly perceived the banners of
Gloucefter and Mortimer, and obferving the troops
march in a regular manner, cried out, " By the
arm of St. James, they advance like well difciplined
troops ; it was not from themfelves, but me, they
learned that difcipline. Lord have mercy upon
our fouls, for our bodies are doomed to deftruc-
tion." But he did not abandon himfelf to un-
manly defpair, for being furroundcd on all fides, he
drew up his men in a compact circle, and exhorted
them to excit themfelves like mcrr, whofe lives and
liberties were now at Stake;, at the fame time he
obliged the king to put on his armour, that he
might not be known, and to cxpofe himfelf in the
front of the battle. The prince began the attack
with fuch impetuofity, that the Welch, unable to
fuftain the fhock, fled with the utmoft precipitation,
and the greater part of them perifhed either by the
fword, or in the ftream of the Avon.
At the fame time Gloucefter charged in another
quarter with equal intrepidity; but notwithstanding
the vigorous efforts of thefe two impetuous com-
manders, and the precipitate flight of the Welch,
Leicefter maintained the battle from two in the
afternoon, till night, with incredible obftinacy.
The king was wounded in the moulder, and in im-
minent danger of his life, when calling out he was
Henry of Winchefter their king, he was faved by
Adam de Mohaut.
Prince Edward, hearing his voice, ran imme-
diately to the fpot, and conducted him to a place of
Safety, and before he returned Leicefter was flain.
His horfe had been killed under him, and when he
demanded quarter as he fought on foot, his adver-
faries refufed, declaring there was no quarter due to
fuch a traitor.
Henry foon followed the fate of his father, and
his troops feeing their leaders flain, were fo difpi-
rited, that they made no further refiftance ; for by
this time the justiciary, Peter de Montford, William
de Mandeville, Ralph BafTet, John de Beauchamp,
Guy de Bardolph, Roger de St. John, and all the
barons had fhared the fame fate as the earl, except
John Fitz John, Nicholas de Seagrave, Henry de
Haftings, Guy de Montford, Humphry de Bohun,
junior, and Seven or eight others, who were taken
prifoners.
Thus fell the earl of Leicefter, and thus was dif-
fipated aconfpiracy, which, had Montford obtained
the victory of that day, would have fubverted the
Englifh laws and liberties ; the body of the elder
Montford was difmembered as a traitor, butthofe
of the other barons, were buried by the monks of
Evefham.
This defeat totally ruined the army of the confe-
derates, while the prince only loft three officers of
any note, w^hofe names have perifhed through the
negligence of writers. By this victory the king of
the Romans, and the other illuftrious captives of
the king's party, who had been imprifoned ever
fince the fatal battle of Lewes, obtained their liberty.
The Tower of London was furrendered by the wi-
dow of the justiciary Hugh d'Efpenfqr, but the
caftle of Kenilworth was ftill kept by Simon Mont-
ford, who releafed the king of the Romans, that he
might obtain the better terms for himfelf.
Henry being returned from Evefham to Wor-
cefter, immediately revoked all the grants and
other writings he had figned, to the prejudice of
himfelf or the prince. The citizens of Herefor-d
were pardoned, on payment of a large fine. The
pofts which had been filled by the earl of Leicefter,
were declared vacant, and difpofed of by the king's
order.
Having taken thefe necefTary precautions, the
king repaired to Winchefter, where he called a par-
liament, in which the effects of the rebels were con-
fifcated to the crown, and a refolution was entered
on, to invert, and deftroy the city of London, which
had always favoured the intereft of the malecontents.
The citizens informed of this determination, and
alfo of their having been adjudged to have forfeited
their privileges, Submitted to the mercy of the king,
who deprived the city of its chains, barricadoes,
gates, magistrates, and charter, which the inhabi-
tants were obliged to redeem with a large fum of
money; and Fitz -Thomas, the mayor, with feveral
of the aSTociates were imprifoned, till they agreed to
purchafe their liberty with the greater part of their
fubftance. 4
The
II E N R Y
III.
The confederated barons were perfccutcd with
the utmoft feveriry ; their effects being feized, and
thcmfelves hunted about, till defpair became their
only refuge. The inhabitants of the Cinque Ports
were fo much exafperated at Henry's fevere treat-
ment of the Londoners, that they fitted out a
ftrong fleet, with which they burnt the town of
Portfmouth, and committed feveral acts of piracy,
detrimental to the commerce and navigation of the
kingdom.
The king, mcenfed at thefe depredations, deter-
mined to punifh their infolence; accordingly prince
Edward marched againft them, took the town of
Winchelfea by affault, and hanged feveral of the
mod eminent inhabitants ; and the other ports,
alarmed at this feverity, fubmitted, on promife of a
general amnefty, and the confirmation of their pri-
vileges. At the fame time the caftle of Dover was
furrendered by the garrifon, on honourable condi-
tions.
Simon de Montford ftill kept poffeffion of Kcnil-
worth-caftle, then accounted the .ftrongcft fortifica-
tion in Europe. The king of the Romans warmly
folicited his pardon, declaring that he had faved his
life at the hazard of his own, and fet him at liberty
without ranfom : but this grateful felicitation was
ineffectual, for Montford was profcribed as a rebel,
and declared a traitor to his country.
Incenfed at this feverity, he determined to afTemble
the remains of his father's army, and feize on the
ifland of Axholm, in Lincolnfhire, where he forti-
fied himfelf, and was foon joined by a confiderable
number of his father's friends.
Prince Edward, judging it abfolutely neceffary
to repel fuch a body of enemies, marched thither at
the head of his forces, "and found the place well
fortified by art and nature. But he carried on his
attack with fuch vigour, that the befieged, after a
.refolute defence, were obliged to furrender, on con-
dition of their (landing to the award of prince Ed-
ward, and the king of the Romans, provided the
fentence did not extend to their lives, limbs, or per-
petual imprifonment. Young Montford according-
ly obtained pardon, and an annuity of five hundred
marks granted him out of the Exchequer, on condi-
tion of his departing the kingdom.
, -p> During thefe tranfactions the queen,
A. D. 1200. , , j& r, , • r-
who had relided two years in r ranee,
arrived in England, accompanied by Ottoboni,
cardinal of St. Adrian, the pope's legate, armed with
feveral bulls, confirming thofe of his predeccfibr
againft Leiceftcr and his adherents, whom he now
excommunicated dead or living ; he likewife laid an
interdict on all lands; granted to Henry one year's
tenth of the clergy's revenues, and fummoned the
bifhops of Worcefter, Chichefter, Winchefter, and
London, to anfwer for their crimes in fupporting
Leicefter in their rebellious proceedings, and dif-
regarding the cenfurcs denounced by the pope,
againft that arch rebel, and all his adherents.
The bifhop of Worcefter, on profeffion of pe-
nitence, was abfolved, and died foon after; but
the other three were fent to Rom$, in order to
undergo' fuch puniftiment as his holinefs mould
think proper to inflict. The caftle of Kenilworth
ftill held out, and the garrifon infolcntly cut oft' the
hands of a royal herald, fent to fummon them to
furrender.
Henry, exafperated at thefe proceedings, iffued
orders for affembling the whole force of the king-
dom at Oxford, in order to reduce this caftle.
Having affcmbled the troops he advances to
Northampton, where he received intelligence that
fome rebel barons had furprized and plundered the
city of Lincoln.
This advice obliged him to continue fome time
at Northampton, where he difpatched prince Ed-
ward, with a body of troops, to recover Lincoln.
But the rebellious contagion had fpread farther
than Henry perceived ; the earl of Derby having
taken up arms, was joined by John d'Ayville, and
Bernard Wake. This event difconcerted Henry's
fcheme for reducing the caftle of Kenilworth, as
he was obliged to difpatch his fon, at the head of
a party, to reftrain the incurfions of the garrifon,
while he fent Henry, fon to the king of the Ro-
man, to the north-weft counties, now harrafled
and plundered by the earl of Derby and his aflb-»
ciates. Prince Henry furprized the rebels in
Chefterfield on Whitfun-eve, where, after cutting
great part of them to pieces, he took the carl of
Derby prifoner; but d'Ayville and Wake made their
efcape;
While Henry was thus engaged againft two
parties of rebels, prince Edward was employed
againft a third, more dangerous than either, headed
by the intrepid Adam Gurdon. This nobleman,
difgufted at the late fevere meafures of the govern-
ment, fcorned to fubmit his property to the will
of a rapacious court ; and the renown he had
acquired in the field under Montford, induced
prince Edward to prefer the conqueft of him alone,
to a thoufand vulgar foes ; nay, fo emulous was he
of his glory, that he gave orders, that when they
faw Gurdon and himfelf engaged, no one fhould
interpofe. The noble rebel lay between Alton and
Farnham, attended by a handful of men; but thefe
loldiers of fortune fubfifting on the contribution
raifed from the eftates of the royal party. The
accefs to his camp, or rather retreat, was winding,
gloomy, and unknown to all but himfelf and his
followers. Edward watched his motions ; and one
day efpying him in his return at the head of hi»
party, attacked him hand to hand.
Each party kept a refpectful diftance from their
leader. Adam' was animated by the honour of
waging fingle combat with the heir-apparent to the
crown ; and Edward, by the glory that would
accrue from the conqueft of fo gallant a man.
After a fierce and equal conteft, Edward, fired with
congenial valour, offered his antagonift life, for-
tune and freedom, in exchange for his friend-
fhip.
Gurdon embraced the generous propofal, deli-
vered his fword to his prince, and ever after be-
haved with the utmoft fidelity. But the caftle of
Kenilworth ftill braved the attempts of Henry,
and the Ifle of Ely afforded a fecure retreat to the
rebels.
Though the fortrefs was invefte'd, the garrifon
was fo w ell provided, and made fo gallant a refift-
ance, that there appeared no probable method of
reducing it, but that of famine. As the caufe of
thefe troubles was the confifcation of the eftates of
the rebels, and the beftowing of them on the king's
adherents, Henry called a parliament in the town of
Kenilworth, to mitigate the ordinance that had been
enacted on this fubject ; and it was decreed by a
new law, called the Dictum de Kenilworth, that all
forfeited eftates fhould be reftored to the original
proprietors, after a certain deduction for his ma-
jefty's ufe, according to the nature of the trefpafs, or
crime of the owner.
Henry de Haftings, for his barbarity in cutting
off the hands of the herald, was fined in a fum
equal to the revenue of his eftate for feven years ;
and the earl of Derby, who had twice rebelled*
was condemned to imprifonmont for the fame term,
unlefs he chofe to throw himfelf on the king's
mercy. Though this decree was publifhed within
the hearing of the garrifon of Kenilworth, they
continued to defend the place with furprizing ob->
ftinacy, till their provilions beginning to fail, and
the foldicrs growing fickly, they agreed to fur-
render the callle within forty days, if not relieved
within that time, on condition of facing their lives,
limbs,
148
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND,
limbs, horfes, and armour. The propofal being
accepted, hoftages were delivered ; and, at the ex-
piration of the term ftipulated, the garrifon marched
out, dreadful to behold, being withered and ex-
haufted with fatigue and famine; and their long
confinement had occafioned fuch a (tench, that the
king's foldiers were almoft fuffbcated when they
firft entered the caftle. Thus ended a fiege,
as memorable as any recorded in the Englifh
hiftory.
Henry conferred the command of the fortrefs on
his younger fon Edmund, whom he had already
created earl of Lancafter, and high-fteward of
England, and gave him the whole eftate of the
earl of Leicefter. The reduction of Kenilworth,
and profpect of fubduing the rebels in the Ifle of
Ely, feemed to banifli the remembrance of former
misfortunes from the mind of Henry ; and though
Edward had folemnly fworn to the earl of Gloucefter,
when he efpoufed his party, that he would ufe his
utmoft efforts to re-eftablifh the ancient laws of
England, and drive the foreigners from the king's
councils, he now feemed to prefer the reduction of
the malecontents, to the performance of the articles
to which he was fo indifpenfably bound.
The royal prerogative was already extended
beyond the limits which the law prefcribed; and
there was the higheft reafon to believe, that the
king, after totally fubduing the rebels, would
render himfclf abfolute; a calamity which Gloucefter
thought himfelf obliged, by the duty he owed his
country, to prevent. In order to this, he infilled
that the malecontents fhould be put in poffeflion of
their eftates, according to the Dictum dc Kenil-
worth ; but on Henry's refufal of compliance, he
retired to his own eftate on the frontiers of Wales,
engaged in a treaty with Llewellin, and fome noble-
men in the adjacent parts, and fent promife of affift-
ance to the revolters of Ely.
The court, offended by his abfence and military
preparations, fent meflengers to demand the caufe
of his non-attendance. Gloucefter, with refpect
and fubmifllon, allured the meflengers, that he
•would never carry arms againft the king or his
fon, but in his own defence ; and that the levies he
was raifing were deftined againft his enemy Morti-
mer. This anfwer appealed the king and parlia-
ment, who granted a fubfidy for carrying on the
war againft the malecontents ; and at the fame
time the legate importuned the clergy to grant the
fame aid 'to his holinefs; but the prelates juflly dif-
dained fo unreafonable a demand.
* 'TV s As foon as the fefTion broke up,
* . • , Henry took the field with his troops,
and advancing into Cambridgefhire, fummoned the
rebels of Ely to furrender ; but relying on their
own valour, and the advantage of their fituation,
they defpifed his menaces, and made fo gallant a
defence that his courage abated, and he deter-
mined to wait the arrival of prince Edward, who
was then abfent on an expedition againft John de
Vefci, a northern baron, who had feized the caftle of
Alnwick, which the prince, at length, obliged him to
furrender.
Gloucefter in the mean time put himfelf in
motion, with the forces he had raifed on his own
eftate, and in the principality of Wales, and
marched with fuch expedition, that he reached the
neighbourhood of London, before the inhabitants
had the leaft intimation of his defign. The ma-
gittratcs, with the advice of the legate, afforded
him admittance ; and he remained quiet, till
d'Ayvillc, arriving with a party of rebels from the
north, and Robert de Willoughby with another
trom the Ifle of Ely, the draw-bridge was ordered
to be dra\\n up, and the gates to be guarded for
the defence of the citizens. But the earl, having
found means to fecurc the intercft of the greater
part of the inhabitants, fdzed the gates, and
gave admittance to the troops of the male-con-
tents.
The populace then chofe a new fet of magiftrates;
bulwarks and barbicans were erected between the
Tower and the city, and Glouceiler fummoned the
legate to furrender that fortrefs. At firft he acted
on the defeniive; but at length all communica-
tion being cut off, and the garrifon confequcntly
diftreffed for want of provifions, he pronounced a
general anethema on thofe who difturbed the public
tranquillity, and laid an interdid: on the churches
of London.
The feverity was ineffectual ; and the legate, on
receiving intelligence that the earl was preparing
for a forma] liege, furrendered at difcretion.
Gloucefter, having thus made himfelf matter of
the Tower, publilhed a manifefto, declaring he
had taken up arms to prove equitable terms to the
revolters, and that he fhould not lay them down,
till he had compelled both the king and prince
Edward to perform the engagements which they had
hitherto neglected. -
The king, alarmed at thefe proceedings, dif-
patched orders to his fon to join him without
delay; and this being effected, they advanced and
took poft at Stratford, within three miles of
London. The earl of Gloucefter, who vainly
flattered himfelf that the whole nation would
flock to his ftandard, was not a little furprized,
when he found an almoft general refort to the
king's army.
In order to extricate himfelf from the danger
which he was involved, he had recourfc to . the
?3od offices of the king of the Romans, and lord
hilip Baffet, by whofe mediation he obtained
pardon for having taken up arms againft his
fovereign. The earl then folicited and obtained
the royal clemency in behalf of his friends and the
city of London ; but with regard to the rebels of
Ely, the king was inexorable.
England now enjoyed tranquillity ; A -pv ,--
but foreign frenzy fucceeded civil A< L
commotion. A parliament wasv convoked at
Northampton, in which the legate Ottoboni de-
clared the pope's rcfolution of publishing a crufadc
throughout Chriftcndom ; at the fame time ex-
horted the Englifh to aflirt in an expedition tending
tq the honour of God, and the advantage of the
church.
His exhortation fucceeded ; prince Edward, and
his coufin Henry, received the crofs from the
hands of the legate, and their example was followed
by the earls of Gloucefter, Warrenne, Warwick,
and Pembroke; above an hundred and twenty
knights, and an infinite number of inferior quality.
But the royal coffers being exbaufted, a talliage
was laid on all cities, boroughs, and towns in his
dominions; and Henry, to confirm the public
tranquillity, fummoned a parliament to meet at
Marlborough, where a body of laws was enacted,
and diftinguilhed by the title of, the Statutes of
Marlborough.
Charles, cettnt of Anjou, had by . p.
this time acquired poflcflion of the
Sicilian throne, by a victory obtained over young
Conradin, whom he cruelly put to deatn ; and as
the king of Tunis had paid an annual tribute to
the emperor Frederic II. Charles claimed that right
as king of the Two Sicilies, and accordingly de-
manded this tribute ; but the Mahometan prince-
rejecting his propofal with difdain, he applied to
his brother Lewis, perfuading him to invade his
dominions ; alledging, that an expedition againft
the Saracens of Baibary would be as acceptable,
to God, as a new cruiade againft thofe of Pa»
leftine.
Lewis, whofe fuperftirious zeal pvercarne every
HENRY
III.
149
fugfeftion of reafon and common fenfe, agreed to
join" the troops of his brother Charles in making a
defccnt on the coaft of Africa -, and being dclirous
of engaging prince Edward in the fame entcrprize,
incited him to his court, \vhere he communicated
his defign, and fecured the prince's aflbciation, by a
Idan of thirty thoufand marks ; in confequence of
which they adjufted the particulars of the under-
taking, and fixed their departure for the month
of Auguft the enfuing year. About this period the
king of the Romans, who had lately married
Beatrix de Falquemort, niece to Conrade, arch-
bifhop of Cologne, a lady celebrated for her
beauties, both mental and pjrfonal, prefentcd her
to the king. <
Soon after, Henry tranflated the relicts of the
Confcflbr into a new fhrine of ineftimable value,
erected in the abbey of Weftminftcr, which he had
lately rebuilt. Prince Edward, in the mean time,
was wholly occupied in making preparations for
his departure.
The parliament, which was affcmbled on this
occafion, granted a twentieth of the moveables of
the laity; a tenth of the ecclefiaftical revenues;
and all the debts of the Jews, not afiigned to
Chriftians.
The earl of Gloucefter, diffident of the fincerity
of Edward's reconciliation, refufed to take his feat
in parliament; nor did he feem inclined to perform
his vow of pilgrimage. Edward, fearful of leaving
behind him fo powerful and ambitious a nobleman,
peremptorily infifted on his attending him to Pa-
leftine; and the earl as peremptorily refufed to
fubject himfelf to any reftriction, with regard to
the time and manner of performing his vow.
. p. But this difpute was happily com-
. 1270. pj-orjijc,,^ by tne interpolation of the
king of the Romans, to whofe arbitration both
parties fubmitted. He accordingly determined,
that the earl mould accompany prince Edward to
the Holy Land, unlefs prevented by ficknefs or
fome neceflary avocation ; that if on his arrival he
would join the prince with his followers, he mould
receive eight thoufand marks, and a fhip for his
paflage ; but, mould he chufe to act by himfelf,
the fum mould be reduced to two thoufand marks,
and be obliged to give fccurity for applying it to
the purpofes of the crufade.
He alfo obliged himfelf by a bond, in the pe-
nalty of twenty thoufand marks, to keep the peace
in England, provided he was prevented from ful-
filling his vow ; and agreed to deliver his caftles
of Tunbridge and Henley into the hands of the
king of the Romans, byway of fecurity, till advice
arrived of his landing in Paleftine, when they were
to be furrendered to his commiflioners.
In order to fccure the public peace, all the caftles
of importance were committed to the care of go-
vernors, on whofe fidelity the prince could depend.
Robert, earl Ferrers, was fet at liberty, and reftored
to the poflefllons of his eftate, upon giving fecu-
rity for the payment of fifty thoufund pounds to
prince Edmund, to whom it had been granted, when
it was fir ft forfeited by Robert's rebellion.
The king had indulged prince Edward with a
grant of the Tower, and all his rights in the city
of London, together with the duties on merchan-
dize, which he farmed to a company of Italian
merchants, and exacted fome illegal cuftoms from
the citizens, whom he ftill hated for their attach-
ment to the barons, and the infult they had offered
to his mother. Neverthelefs, at the inftance of
prince Edward he granted them a new charter,
whereby all their antient rights and privileges were
confirmed ; and the citizens, as a teftimony of their
gratitude for fo fignal a favour, prefented him with
the fum of five hundred marks, towards defraying
the expences of the crufade.
No. 15.
The nation now enjoying an uninterrupted tran-
quillity, a parliament was fummoned at Winchefter,
where the king, who had likewife taken the crofs,
delivered it to prince Edward, had afligned to him
the whole produce of the fubfidy lately granted
for the expedition. The guardianfhip of Edward's
fon was committed to Richard, king of the Ro-
mans; and the cuftody of his lands to Walter
Giffard, archbifhop of York, Philip Bafiet, Roger
de Mortimer, and Robert Wallerand.
Having taken every neceflary precaution, Ed-
ward fet out for France, with his princefs, his
coufin Henry, William de Valence, Thomas de
Clare, Roger de Clifford, and feveral other noble-
men. Lewis had already landed near Tunis with
an army of fixty thoufand men, and taken the
caftle of Carthage; but deferred the ficge of the
capital till the arrival of his brother Charles, king
of Sicily, whom we did not live to receive ; for he
died of the flux, in the arms of his fon Philip the
Hardy, who attended him in this expedition.
Charles landed immediately after his deceafe; and
having routed the Tunians in feveral encounters,
compelled their king to fubmit to whatever terms
he might impofe.
Edward, hearing of the king's death, refumed
his firft defign of proceeding directly to Paleftine ;
but being importuned by Philip to join him in
Africa, he failed thither, and arrived at Tunis after
the treaty was figned. This war being finifhed, and
the feafon advanced, he determined to winter in
Sicily ; but fent back his coufin Henry to ma-
nage the affairs of Gafcony in his abfence, who
did not live to reach that province, being aflaf-
finated in the church of the Francifcans at Rome
by Simon and Guy de Montford, Ions to the late
earl Leicefter.
Henry, now aged and infirm, . ^)
avoided, as much as poflible, the ' "
toils of government. About this time a difpute
arofe between the inhabitants and monks of Nor-
wich concerning their privileges ; when the popu-
lace attacked the monaftery, fet fire to the gates,
burned an adjoining parifh church, together with
the almonry, priory, refectory, dormitory, and all
the buildings in the outer court ; then forcing the
convent, murdered feveral monks in the cloifters,
infulted and imprifoned the reft, carried off the
confecratcd veflels, the church treafure, veftments,
books, and all the moveables that efcaped the
flames.
The king fummoned a parliament . j^
at St. Edmundibury, to concert mea- ' '
furcs for punifhing the authors of this maflacre,
who were already excommunicated by the bifhop
of Norwich ; and Henry, with the advice of his
prelates and nobility went thither, and deprived
the city of its liberties.
This year died Richard, king of the Romans,
who made a confiderable figure in the hiftory of
this reign. He was fucceeded by his fon Edmund,
as earl of Cornwal, who married Margaret, fifter
to the earl of Gloucefter. By this match he
ftrengthened his family intereft ; and the flourifh-
ing condition in which his father left his eftates and
caltles, rendered him a very powerful fubject.
Henry fuftained great lofs by the death of his
brother Richard, who had afllfted him with his
advice in all his emergencies, and contributed to
the fupport of his authority. His death muft
therefore have affected Henry, and co-operated
with his other diftemper ; which incrcafing daily,
he ordered himfelf to be moved, by eafy journies
to Weftminfter, where, finding his end approach*-
ing, he fent for the earl of Gloucefter, and infifted
on his taking an oath to preferve the peace of the
kingdom, and exert his endeavours in fupporting
the intereft of his fon Edward.
p p Then
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Then taking a folemn farcwel of his chief nobi-
lity, he departed this life on the twentieth of No-
vember, in the fixty-fixth year of his age, and
fifty-feventh of his reign. His body, at his own
requeft, was interred near the fhrine of Edward the
ConfefTor in Weftminfter abbey, where his tomb,
with his ftatue in brafs, is ftill to be feen.
By his queen, Eleanor of Provence, he had nine
children, five of whom died in their infancy, but
four of them furvived him ; namely, Edward, who
fucceeded him on the throne; Edmund, earl of Lan-
cafter; Margaret, married to Alexander III. king
of Scots ; and Beatrix, wife to John de Dreux, duke
of Brittany.
Character of king Henry III.
With refpect to his perfon it was of the middle
ftature, ftrong and compact ; and the lid of one of
his eyes hung over in fo extraordinary a manner,
that part of the ball was concealed. The moft
ftriking outlines of his character were mean abi-
lities, productive of an incapacity for government ;
hence he became as much a prifoner in the hands
of his own favourites, as when detained a captive
in the hands of his enemies. He was a flave to his
paffions ; fickle, capricious, and violent in his
temper. To which caufes ought to be afcribed,
rather than to his arbitrary principles, all the dif-
turbances that happened in his reigri ; and from
thefe fources arofe his attachment to foreign fa-
vourites ; his negligence in obferving his pro-
mifes; his paffive fubmiffion to the arbitrary will
of his miniflers ; his abject flavery to the court of
Rome ; his little courage, and lefs conduct; with
that eafy fimplicity, adapted to a private ftation,
which continually induced him, for a prefent gra-
tification, or a little prefent eafe, to facrifice the
more folid advantages arifing from the trufl and
confidence of his people. Greedy of money, but j
profufe in his expences, he was perpetually em-
ployed in pillaging his fubjects, or lavifhing his
wealth upon worthlefs minions. Inftcad of ac-
commodating himfelf to the embarrafled fituation
in which he found his revenue had bedn left by '
the military expeditions of his uncle, the diffipa-
tions of his father, and the ufurpation of the
barons, he was tempted to, levy money by irregular
exactions, which, without enriching hirnfclf, dif-
guftcd the whole nation. If he had few public
virtues, he had alfo few perfonal vices. Addicted
to no kinds of debauchery, we hear of neither his
amours nor acts of intemperance. Gentle and
merciful in his difpofition, he was never guilty of
any ' act of cruelty; but contented himfelf with
pun ilh ing the rebels in their effects, when he might
have deluged the fcafFold with their blood. He
was of fo cafy a difpofition, as to be always
governed by thofe about his perfon. An extreme
fondnefs for his flatterers and friends, precluded
an affection for his people, whom he feemed to
dc-fpife, as if they were only made to contribute to
his pleafure, by giving him unbounded fupplies :
thus making his arbitrary will, or rather that of
his minifters, the rule of his actions; which fpread
a general difcontent among his fubjects, and en-
couraged their leaders, from different motives, to
rife in defence of thofe privileges they derived
from their anceftors. However, one truth may be
drawn by way of inference, which ought ever to
be thankfully acknowledged as a divine mercy by
every Englilh Proteftant, that the people of this
country have derived the moft valuable bleflinors
from their weakeft fovereigns. The envied liber-
ties we now enjoy, are owing chiefly to the glo-
rious ftrugglcs of our fore-fathers in this and fomc
fucceeding reigns. The devotion of Henry III.
has been highly extolled by fome writers ; upon
what goad ground we do not pretend to fay.
Being once engaged in a difpute with Lewis of
France, concerning the preference between fermons
and maffes, he replied, in anfwcr to what was
urged in favour of the former, " I had rather have
one hour's converfation with a friend, than hear
twenty elaborate difcourfcs pronounced in hi*
praife." We fhall finilh this picture with ob-
ferving, that his flender talents and natural pro-
penfities would have fecured him that happinefs in
a lower ftation, of which they deprived him when
feated upon a throne.
CHAP. II.
1 V
EDWARD I.
Returns from Pale/line, -where he had performed feveral important aflions — On his arrival in England is crowned
with great pomp — His jirft affs of civil government — His military exploits, whereby Wales is fubjeEled to the
crown of England — Is umpire between Bruce and Baliol, two competitors for the crown of Scotland, and decides
in favour of the latter — Reduces Scotland to the form of an Englijh province — Engages in a war with France,
and afterwards with Scotland — Raifes money by jeveral illegal means — Is forced to.Jign the two charters — Ob-
tains a bull from the pope, to abfohe him from his oath to obferve them; and afterwards finally cftab'ijbes the
/lime without compuljion — Difpute s bet-ween him and France referred to the pope — The Scots, headed by Wallace t
again revolt — They are again fubdued, and Wallace fuffers as a traitor — A third attempt of the Scots to recover
their liberty under Robert Bruce, who is put to flight — Death, family, and character of Edward.
An T? DWARD, furnamed Long-
2721 Hi (hanks, at the time of his fa-
ther's death, was engaged in the holy wars. The
Saracens were prepar.ng to befiege the city of
Aeon in Paleftine, when the prince arrived to the
relief of the place ; and purfuing the enemy, ob-
tained fevcral fplendid, though not decifive victo-
ries over them. The rapid fuccefs of his arms at
. length ftruck the infidels with terror, and deter-
mined them to attempt the deftruction of an in-
trepid warrior, againft whom they defpaired of
maintaining a fuccefsful oppofition in the field.
One of the followers of the Old Man of the Moun-
tain, who were then called Aflaflms, having pro-
cured admittance to the prince, under colour of
\ carrying on a negociation, he took an opportu-
nity when no one was in the room but Edward and
himfelf, to aim a dagger at his breaft. Edward,
however, warded off the blow, though in fo doing
he was wounded in the arm ; and perceiving the
infidel about making a fecond attempt, he ftruck
him fo forcibly with his foot that he threw him on
the ground ; and then wrefting the dagger from his
hand, he inffontly plunged it in the barbarian's
heart. But the wound Edward had received foon
exhibited alarming fymptoms, it having been given
by a poifoned weapon. The prince made his will,
and waited the approach of death with a degree of
compofure truly heroic. But an Englifh -furgeon
who attended him, upon the appearance of a mor-
. tificatioa,
Ilia/
EDWARD L
, /6 //'f/,i Born e '/fttt<- /()./'>$() AfcendeA tke Throne
f/Hf/ /'t'r>r/t//t/ /<> Eiifi'laiid ^v/'Coroiiation Chair tSV— Died
/ o ('
,//?;/,/,> />/ Cumberland /////// '7./:
/ ' : / .><"///<-' Antiqviariatis /e.
// f7,> Buried
.j3Jj& — ConqueredSootlancl/W?^.
ft S /'///, r <7/ Bitrgh /f/w/t tKf
^tfifd /'// ?/f>
x t
EDWARD I.
tification, by making deep incifions, and cutting
away the mortified flefh where he judged it to be
neceflary, rcftored his patient to perfect health in
little more than a fortnight.
Shortly after his rec'wery, Edward, convinced
that it would be importable with his handful of
men to oppofe, with any hopes of fuccefs, the nu-
merous armies of the Saracens, liftened to the
offers of peace tendered him by the fultan of Baby-
lon, with whom he_ concluded a peace for ten
years, ten months, "and ten days. After having
figned this treaty, he embarked the remains of his
little army and palled over to Sicily. -Here he
received the news of his father's death. The
forrow he expreffed on that occafion, demonftrated
at once his tendernefs and filial affection. Advice
arrived a few days after of the death of his infant
fon, who died at Aeon, in Paleftine. This lofs,
however, affected him much lefs than the former ;
and the king of Sicily exprefllng a furprize at this
difference of fentiment, Edward told him, that the
lofs of a fon he might hope to repair, but that of a
father was irreparable.
The Englifh nobility in the mean time, imme-
diately on the death of Henry, apprehending
danger from delay, repaired to the high altar at
Wertminller, "where they fwore allegiance to prince
Edward ; and then fummoncd a parliament to pro-
vide for the fafety of the kingdom. The govern-
ment was vefted in the hands of Walter Giffard,
archbifhop of York ; the earl of Cornwal, fon of
Richard, king of the Romans ; and Gilbert de
Clare, earl of Gloucefler. Thefe guardians 'of the
realm entered upon their high office, without being
difturbed with oppofhion from the people, or
faction among thernfclvcs. The military genius
of Edward, his fuccefs in fubduing the infurgents,
his moderation in fettling the kingdom; had pro-
cured him great eftecm, blended with affection,
among all orders of men. The highest opinion
was entertained of his merit; and all ranks among the
people wiflied earneftly to fee him, on the throne of
'his fathers.
x j-. Having paid the tribute of grief
'->* to the memory 'of his much lamented
parent, Edward fet out for England ; and patting
through Chalons in Burgundy, he was invited by
the prince of that country to mew his dexterity at
a tournament he was then preparing to celebrate.
Edward, who excelled in thole martial exercifes,
did not decline the opportunity of diftinguiihing
himrelf in that great airembly of nobles. But the
engagement beca.ne a ferious affair. Edward fig-
nalized his courage and addrefs in arms. The
glory he acquired excited envy. Eoiled in every
attempt, the French knights v/ere exafperated,
and made a furious attack upon the Engliih.
The French were, however, repulfed ; yet not with-
out a confiderable effulion of blood. This ren-
counter obtained the name of the Little Battle of
Chalons. From Chalons, Edward proceeded to
Paris, where he did homage to Philip for the do-
minions he held in France. From thence he
marched to Guienne, and reftored tranquility to
that province, which had for fome time been in
confulion.
A pv Having fettled all ' affairs on the
2'4' continent, he patted over into Eng-
land, where he was received with the moft joyful
acclamations by his fubjects, and folcmnly crowned
with a fplendid magnificence at Weftminfter on
the nineteenth of Augufr, by Robert, archbimop of
Canterbury, in'thc prcfcnce of Alexander III. king
of Scotland, the duke of Brittany, and all the Eng-
lifh peers. -
Edward began his reign, with correcting thofe
diforders which his father's loofe adminiftration had
introduced into all parts of the kingdom. He re-
folved to uiminifh the power of the great, and to
give protection to the inferior orders of the ftarc,
by an exact difbribution of jurrjce, and a rigid exe-
cution of the laws. He caufed feveral ufeful fta-
tutcs to be enacted, in a parliament held at Well-
minflcr. He made ftrict enquiries into the conduct
of all the judges, and inferior magiftrates, and dif-
placcd fuch as were negligent or corrupt. Thus
introducing juttice and crder in die room of oppref-
fion and violence. The adulteration of the coin
was one of the various diforders to which the nation
was fubject, and the imputation of this crime fell
upon the Jews ; two hundred and eighty of whom
were hanged in London alone, befides thofe who
fuflered in the other parts of the kingdom. By
bribing the king's council in the latter end of the
late reign, the Jews had been admitted to ahnoftall
the privileges of denizens. They purchafed houfes,
lands, and manors. Thefe, with the goods of great
numbers of them were confifcated and fold. To
prevent its being fufpected, that the guilt of the
fuflerers chiefly confified in their wealth, the
king ordered a moiety of the money thus raifed,
to be diflributed among fuch as were willing to be
converted to Chriftianity ; but very few of them
were induced by this golden bribe to facrifice the
religion of their fathers. Some time after, Ed-
ward, prompted by rapacity, refolvcd to free the
land entirely of that hated race, and with one grafp
to feize all that belonged to them. He left them
only money fufncient to bear their expcnces into
foreign countries : but the inhabitants of the cinque
ports, filled with the avidity of their fovereign, robbed
them of this fmall pittance, and even threw many
of them into the fea : a crime for which the king,
who would be the fole plunderer in his dominion ;,
inflidted on them a capital punimment. It is faid,
that no lefs than fifteen thoufand Jews were at this
time ftripped of their effects and banifhed. The
extreme exigences of the irate, in conjunction with
the poverty of the crown, was probably the caufe of
this egregious tyranny exercifed againft the Jews.
An evil which Edward alfo endeavoured to remove
by more honourable expedients. He introduced a
ftrict frugality in the management of his revenue :
he prevailed on his parliament to grant him a fif-»
teenth of all moveables : he obtained from the
pope a grant of the tenth of all ecclefiaftical re-
venues for three years ; he engaged the merchants
to confent to a perpetual tax of half a mark on
every three hundred Ikins : he likewife iffued com-
miffions to fearch into all encroachments on the
royal demefne. The commiflioners, in the execu-
tion of their office, began to carry matters too far
againft the baronSj by calling in queftion titles to
eftates, which for ' feveral generations had de-
fcended from father to Ton. Earl Warrenne, a no-
bleman who had diftingu idled himfelfin the royal
caufe during the late reign, being defired to mew
his title deeds, he drew his fvvord, faying, that
William the Baftard had not conquered the king-
dom for himfelf alone : that his anceftor was a joint
adventurer in the enterprize, and he was refolved
to maintain what had from that time remained un-
queftioned in his family. The king, fenfible of the
danger of proceeding too far, very prudently de-
(ifted from making any further enquirie$ of that
nature.
Edward now undertook an enter- A r\ /-
prize more fuited to his active difpo-
fition. Llewellin, prince of Wales, had, during the
late reign, employed every expedient to promote
the fuceefs of the barons. Being at prefent clofely
connected with the Montford family, he refufed to
repair to the court of Edward and to pay him ho-
mage. The haughty fpirit of the Englifh monarch
could not brook fuch an infult, and he determined
to reduce to obedience this refractory vaflal.
Llewellin
152
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Llewcllin kept up a fecret correfpondence with his
former friends, and in order to ftrengthen his intereft
With them, paid his addrcfTes to Eleanor, a daughter
to the late earl of Lcicefter. The young lady,
who was at France, where me had taken refuge on
the death of her father, embarked for Wales, under
the care of her brother Aumeri ; but being detained
in her pafTage near the ifles of Sicily, the betrothed
princefs was fent to the court of Edward, where fhe
was detained a prifoner of ftate ; but her brother
was committed to Corf-caftlc. Soon after deputies
arrived from Llewellin, offering to ranfom the
princefs, whom he afTerted to be detained in viola-
tion of the law of nations. But Edward refufed to
fet Eleanor at liberty, unlefs Llewellin would en-
gage to make reparation for all devaftations com-
mitted by him on the coaft of England, and reftore
all the caftles he had taken. Llewellin refufed
the conditions, and hostilities immediately com-
menced between them ; but the operations of the
firft campaign were of little confequence, neither
Edward nor Llewellin heading their troops in
perfon.
A D 1277 Summer no fooner approached than
' ' ' Edward led his army into Wales. As
there was no proportion between the forces of Ed-
ward and thofe of the Welch, the latter retired to
thofe inacceffible mountains, which had hitherto,
during many ages, defended his predeceflbrs againft
all the attempts of the Saxon and Norman con-
querors ; and he accordingly retreated to the hills
of Snowden, determined to defend himfelf to the
laft extremity. But Edward, equally cautious as
brave, entering by the North with a formidable
army, penetrated into the heart of the country ; and
having carefully explored every road in his rout,
and fecured every pafs, approached the Welch
army in its laft retreat. Dcftitute of magazines,
cooped up in a narrow corner, both they and their
cattle were expofed to all the horrid attacks of fa-
mine ; and Llewellin, without being able to make
one effort for his independence, was at laft obliged
to furrcnder at difcretion, and receive the terms
impofed on him by the victor. He bound himfelf
to pay fifty thoufand pounds as a compenfation
for damages ; to do homage to the crown of Eng-
land, in which all the barons of Wales, except four
near Snowden, were to join ; to relinquish the
country between Chefhire and the river Conway;
to fettle on his brother Roderic a thoufand marks a
year, and five hundred on David ; and to deliver
ten hoftages for fecurity of his future fubmiflion.
On Llewellin's performing the other articles, Ed-
ward remitted the payment of the fifty thoufand
pounds, which, from the poverty of the country,
he was probably unable to raife. Complaints how-
ever foon arofe on the fide of the vanquifhed ; their
conquerors, infolent on obtaining fo eafy a victory,
oppreffed the inhabitants of the diftricts that were
yielded to them : the lords of the Marches com-
mitted with impunity all kinds of violence on their
Welch neighbours ; new and fevere terms were im-
pofed on Llewellin; and Edward, when that prince
attended him at Worcefter, exacted a promife, that
he fhould retain no perfon in his principality who
might be difagreeable to the Englifh monarch : be-
fides thefe, other infults were offered both to the
Welch and their prince, which raifed their indigna-
tion, and made them determine rather to encounter
every danger, than to fubmit to fuch oppreffions.
David alfo, Llewellin's brother, perceiving the ab-
ject ftate to which his country was reduced, made
peace with his brother, and promifed to concur
with him in defending the public liberty. Exafpc-
ratcd at the unjuft treatment of their haughty vic-
tors, the Welch flew to arms, and Edward, not
difpleafed with an opportunity of rendering his
conqucft abfolute, fummoned all his military tenants,
and advanced into Wales with an army much too
powerful to allow them any rcafonable hopes of
victory.
The Welch at firft, from the fituation of their
country, gained fome advantages over Luke de
Tony, one of Edward's captains, who with a de-
tachment had paired the Mcnaw ; but foon after
Llewellin had the misfortune to be furprizcd bv
Mortimer, when a battle enfuing he was flnin, with
two thoufand of his men. His head, together with
the news of the victory, were fent to the king.
We could wifh for the credit of the Englifh to omit
recording, that Edward ordered the head to be fent
to London, where, with all the brutifti infolcnce of
national rancour, it was conveyed as a pageant
through the ftreets, and at laft crowned with a filver
circle, in contempt of a prophetical tradition, which
faid, that Llewellin's head mould ride down Cheap-
fide, encircled with a filver diadem. It was next
placed upon a pillory, from whence it was conveyed
to the Tower of London, crowned with Ivy, in ri-
dicule of the prophecy, which faid, that Llcwellin
fhould wear the crown of Brute.
David, who fucceeded him in the . ^
principality, was never able to collect 1
an army fufficient to face the Englifh : he was
chafed from mountain to mountain;, hunted from
one retreat to another ; obliged to ufe various dif-
guifes in order to conceal himfelf; and was at laft
difcovered in his lurking place, having been be-
trayed by fome of his domefticks. About the end
of the fummcr he was brought prifoner to Rothland-
caftle, where the Englifh monarch then refided.
Upon this occafion Edward behaved with a cruelty,
that has ftained his character. He fent him to
Shrewfbury in chains, brought him to trial before
the peers of England, and caufed this fovereign.
prince, for defending by arms his own hereditary
authority, and the liberty of his country, to be
hanged, drawn, and quartered,^ a traitor.
After this unjuftifiable execution, the Welch
made no farther efforts to fupport the fallen ftate of
their liberty. The nobility delivered up their
caftles, and the whole country was annexed to the
crown of England. It is glorious for the memories
of this brave people, that after fo long a ftruggle
for freedom, they fell into dependence indeed, but
not into flavery, and that their dependence bears
rather the appearance of union with friends equally
tenacious of freedom with themfelves. Edward
now having fettled the government of Wales, di-
vided part of its lands among his barons. He
fent Rhecs ap Vaughn, who had furrendered, a pri-
foner to the Tower; and built two caftles, one at
Aberconway, and another at Caernarvon. In order
to reconcile the Welch to his government, he left
his queen, when near her time in the caftle of Caer-
narvon, where fhe was delivered. Upon which
event, having aflembled the Welch, he promifed to
give them a prince of unexceptional character; a
Welchman by birth, and one who could fpeak no
other language. Having teftified their joy with
loud acclamations, the infant was produced, and
inverted in prefence of the people with the princi-
pality of Wales. Edward's eldeft fon, Alfonfo,
dying foon after, the infant, prince Edward, became
heir to the crown of England, and from this time
Wales gave a title to the eldeft fon of the Britifh
monarchs.
Thetranquillityofthcwholekingdom, . n -.-
after the fettlement of Wales, being
firmly eftablifhed, Edward pafTed over to the conti-
nent, in order to make peace between Alphonfo, king
of Arragon, and Philip the Fair, who had lately fuc-
ceeded his father, Philip the Hardy, in the poffef-
fion of the crown of France. He continued abroad
about three years, and during the greater part of the
time was employed in fettling this intricate nego-
tiation,
EDWARD
'53
tiation, which was at laft happily terminated by the
labours of the Englifh monarch, whofe virtues were
revered in every part of Europe. On his return to
England, he found that during his abfence many
diforders had prevailed from the corruption of the
judges. In order to remedy thofe abufes, the king
fummoned a parliament, and brought them to a
trial. Two only were found innocent. The proofs
againft the reft were fo clear, that they were all de-
pofed, and fined in large fums to the amount of
one hundred thoufand marks. The two judges,
who were found on the ftricteft examination inno-
cent, were John de Martingham, and Elias de
Bokingham, both clergymen. While Edward was
thus employed in regulating the diforders that had
crept into the ftate, he loft his beloved queen Elea-
nor, the fond partner of all his diftrefles in Palef-
tine. She died at Hodcfby, in Lincolnfhire, on
the twenty-ninth of November, leaving the king
overwhelmed with the moft poignant fomnv. Her
remains were carried to Weftminfter, and interred
with great funeral pomp. At every place where
her body refted, and where dirges were fung for her
foul, Edward caufed ftone crofies, on which her
arms were engraven, to be erected to her memory.
Some of thefc have remained to this day, but greatly
defaced.
P. As the affairs of Scotland form a
A. U. 1290. ver^ jntereftjng part jn tne tranfadtions
of this and fome following reigns, it will be necef-
fary here to give a concife account of the ftate of
that kingdom at this period.
Alexander III. who had married the fifter of Ed-
ward, died in 1286, by a fall from his horfe, at King-
horn, without leaving any male iffue, or any other
•defcendant than Margaret, daughter of Eric, king of
Norway, married to Margaret daughter of Alex-
ander, king of Scotland. This princefs, who was
commonly called the maid of Norway, though a
female, an infant, and a foreigner, had through her
grandfather's care, been acknowledged fucceflbr by
the ftates of Scotland; and on the death of Alexander,
the ftepswhichhad been previoufly taken appeared fo
juft and prudent, that fhe was acknowledged queen
of Scotland, without any of thofe diforders in the
kingdom, that might naturally have been appre-
hended to enfue. The bifhops of St. Andrew's
and Glafgow, the earls of Fife and Buchan, and
James, fteward of Scotland, who were appointed
her guardians, entered peaceably on the adminiftra-
tion ; and the infant princefs, under the protection
of Edward, her great uncle, and Eric her father,
who exerted themfelves on this occafion, was firmly
featcd on the throne of Scotland. This event
feemed of the utmoft importance to Edward, who
built upon it a project of uniting in his fon, the
xvhole ifland into on'e monarchy. To promote this
great end, he intended a marriage between Marga-
ret and the prince of Wales, his eldeft fon. The
friend fhip which had for fomc years prevailed be-
tween the two nations, greatly facilitated this
fcheme, which appeared fo favourable to the gran-
deur and happincfs of both kingdoms ; and the
ftates of Scotland readily confented, that their
young queen fhould be educated in Edward's court.
Jealous however of the liberty and independency
of their country, they took care, before they threw
themfelves into the arms of fo powerful a monarch,
to ftipulate the following conditions.
1. That the Scots fliall enjoy all their privileges
and immunities, both ecclefiaftical and civil ; faving
the rights of the king of England, or »ny other per-
fon on the Marches, or elfewhcre.
2. That if Edward and Margaret fhould die
without ilTue of the body of Margaret, the kingdom
fliall revert, intire, free, abfolute, and independent,
to the next immediate heir.
3. That in cafe of the death of prince Edward
Ho. 15.
without iflue of the body of Margaret, her majefty's
pcrfon fliall be remitted in like manner free and iri^
dependent to Scotland.
4. That no perfon, cither of the clergy or laity,
fhall be compelled to go out of the kingdom, to alk
leave to elect, or prcient thofe they have elected j
nor to do their homage, fealty, and fervices ; nor to
profecute law fuits ; nor in a word to perform any
thing ufually done in Scotland.
5. That the kingdom of Scotland fhall have its
chancellor, officers of ftate, courts of judicature, as
before ; and that a new feal fliall be made and kept
by the chancellor ; but with the ordinary arms of
Scotland, and the name of none but the queen of
Scotland engraved upon it.
6. That all the papers, records, privileges, and
other documents of the royal dignity of the crown
and kingdom of Scotland, fhall be lodged in fome
fecure place within the kingdom, at the pleafure of
the nobility, whofe feals fliall be appended to them,
and there kept, till either the queen fliall return to
her own kingdom, or fhall have heirs to fucceed
her.
, 7. That all parliaments, when called to treat of
matters concerning the ftate or inhabitants of Scot-
land, fliall be held within the limits of the kingdom.
8. That no duties, taxes, levies of men, &c. fhall
be exacted in Scotland, but fuch as being ufual in-
former times, fliall confift with the common intereft
and good of the nation.
9. That the king of England fhall oblige himfelf
and his heirs, in a bond of one hundred thoufand
pounds fterling, payable to the church of Rome,
and to be applied to the fupport of the crufades in
the Holy Land, to make reftitution of the kingdom
in the cafes aforefaid ; and that he fliall confent
that the pope reftrain him and his heirs, by excom-
municating them, and interdicting their kingdom,
to both the above reftrictions, and payment of the
faid fum of money, if he or they do not fland to
the premifes.
10. That Edward at his own expence, fhall pro-
cure the pope to confirm thefe articles, within a
year after the confummation of the marriage ; and
alfo that within the fame time, the bull of his holi-^
nefs fhall be delivered to the eftates of the kingdom
of Scotland.
We cannot conceive, that two nations could have
treated more on a footing of equality, than Scotland
and England maintained, during the whole courfe
of this tranfaction ; and notwithstanding Edward
gave his aflent to the article, refpedting the future
independency of the Scottifli crown, with " a fav-
ing of his rights ;" this referve gave no alarm to
the nobility of Scotland, becaufe thofe rights hav-
ing been hitherto little heard of, had occafioned no
difturbance, and becaufe the Scots had fo near a
profpect of feeing them entirely abforbed in the
right of their fovereignty.
The above articles having been ra- . n
tified, thebiftiop of Durham was ap- I29r'
pointed the queen's lieutenant in Scotland ; and the
earl of Warrenne, with the dean of York, two
Scottifli commiflioners, embarked for Norway.
In their return with the young princefs, they were
unfortunately overtaken by a dreadful ftorm, and
driven into an Ifle of the Orkneys, where fhe died. .
Thus were all the hopes formed on this coalition,
fruftrated, and Scotland involved in all the cala-
mities that attend a difputed fucceffion.
The principal competitors for the Scottifli crown
were Robert Bruce, and John Baliol, both de-
fcended in the female line from the brother of that
William who had been taken prifoner by Henry II.
Bruce was the fon of one of the youngeft daughters
of the earl of Huntingdon, William's brother ; and
Baliol was the fon of Devergilda, the only daughter
of the eldeft. The former was therefore one degree
nearey
«54
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
nearer the common flock ; but the latter had a pre-
ferable title, according to the law of primogeniture.
The Scots, who were at this time a grofs and ig-
norant people, were little qualified to difcufs the
claims of thcfe competitors. The parliament was
divided ; and if they had determined the difpute by a
plurality of voices, the competitors were fo powerful,
that there were little hopes of a fubmiflion to their
decifion ; the animofities of the parties would in all
probability have been heightened, and the nation
plunged into all the horrors of a civil war. It was
therefore rcfolved to refer the conteft to the king
of England, who had already fhewn himfelf an able
and impartial arbitrator in contentions between
different princes of Europe, and was fufficiently
powerful to compel the unfuccefsful claimant to
lubmit to his fentence. The claimants were now
reduced to three, John Baliol, Robert Bruce, and
John Haftings ; and their contentions made way for
the execution of Edward's defigns ; who having his
ambition fired, fefolved to lay hold of the prefent
favourable opportunity of reviving the claims of
the kings of England, to a feudal fuperiority over
Scotland, imagining that if this pretenfion was once
fubmitted to, the abfolute fovereignty of that king-
dom would foon follow. Edward pretended to act
with the moft cautious circumfpedtion in this
bufmefs. He had taken a previous refolution, yet,
with a fpecies of confummate policy and artifice,
he directed that proper enquiries fhould be made
into the validity of each claim, which might enable
him to form a judgment on the queftion ; but to
enforce his own proofs, he marched towards the
borders of Scotland with a powerful army, and
fummoned the barons of that kingdom to meet him
at Norham-caftle, fituated on the fouthern banks of
the Tweed.
The barons were in the higheft degree alarmed
and difguftcd on receiving this fummons, yet they
did not think it would be prudent to difpute the
matter with a prince of Edward's power. They
therefore met him at the time and place appointed,
where he produced what he called his proofs of his
own claims, in preference to thofe of any other of
the candidates ; which grounds of his pretended fu-
periority, he had extracted from numerous records,
kept in monafteries down from the time of Edward
the Elder. The Scotch parliament were fo con-
founded at a claim of which they had hitherto
formed no idea, and which they conceived to be
founded in manifeft injuftice, that they remained
filent. Their filence the king interpreted into a
confent fo the legality of his demand ; and having
declared that he adted as fovereign lord of Scot-
land, he addrefled himfelf to the feveral compe-
titors for the crown, demanding that they fhould
acknowledge his juft claim. All the claimants
over-awed by his prefence, and influenced by the
fear of his power, behaved with the greateft obfe-
quioufnefs. Robert Bruce was the firft who recog-
nifed his right of fuperiority over Scotland, and
the reft, when required, made a like acknowledg-
ment with feeming willingnefs, though Baliol was
the Lift who gave his affent. This being done, Ed-
ward gave orders, that Baliol, with thofe who ad-
hered to him, fhould choofe forty commiffioners,
and Bruce, with his adherents, forty more. The
king added twenty-four Englifhmen to thefe, and
then directed thefe hundred and four commiflioners
to examine the caufe, and make the report to him,
promifing to give his determination in the following
year. At the fame time he pretended, that it was
neccfTary to have all the fortreffes of Scotland put
into his poffcflion, alledging, how vain it would be
Jbrhimto pronounce any fentence, without having
power to enforce it. The demand was complied
with both by the parliament and the claimants, and
Edward returned to England.
The titles of Baliol and Robert A T\ „ °
Bruce, whofe claims appeared to be
bcft founded among the competitors to the crown
of Scotland (the number of whom feme writers
have aflerted to have been twelve) were the fubjedt
of general difquifition, as well as of debate among
the commiflioners.
The queftion was fimply this, " Whether Baliol,
who was dcfcendcd from the eldeft fifter, but far-
ther removed by one degree, was to be preferred
before Bruce, who was actually the younger lifter's
.fon?" The fentiments of the people of that age
were much the fame, refpedting right of inheri-
tance, as prevail at the prefent period throughout
the greater part of Europe ; fo that the com-
miflioners appointed to examine into this bufmefs,
concurred in opinion with the mpft ab.*c lawyers,
that the claim of Baliol was better founded than
that of his competitor ; on which Edward deter-
mined in favour of Baliol, and he was put in pof-
feflion of the kingdom of Scotland, and all its for-
treffes, which had before been furrendered to the
king of England, to whom the .new Scotch king
fwore allegiance and did homage.
The new king of Scotland was fcarcely feated on
his throne, when he found, that he Mas more a
vaffal than a fovereign ; for Edward inftcad of ex-
erting his rights of fuperiority with moderation, en-
couraged all appeals to England ; mewing hereby
his determination of ftretching his royal prerogative
to its utmoft extent, and to enforce his whole au-
thority at once, inftead of reducing the Scotch to
the Englifh yoke by gentle gradations. He obliged
Baliol himfelf, by fix different fummonfes, on
trifling occafions, to repair to London ; denied him
the privilege of defending his own caufe by a pro-
curator ; and compelled him, as if he had been a
private perfon, to appear at *he bar of his parlia-
ment. By this treatment, Edward plainly intended
to excite Baliol to take up arms againft him, in
order that he might fcize upon his kingdom, under
the colour of punifhing him for his treafon. The
artifice in part fucceeded; for Baliol, though a
prince of gentle difpofition, was fo highly incenfed,'
that he refolved on his return to Scotland, at all
hazards to,, free himfelf from the bondage under
which he groaned, and a Mar foon after breaking
out between England and France, he took that
opportunity of attempting a recovery of his li-
berty.
It happened that an Englifh and . ^\
Norman fhip met off the coaft, near
Bayonne, and both of them wanting water, their
boats were fent to land, and the crews of each com-
ing at the fame time to the fame fpring, a quarrel
arofe about who fhould have the water firft. A
Norman attempted to ftab with his dagger an En-
glifhman, who grappled with him, threw him down,
Mhen falling, as it is faid, on his own dagger, he
was flain. Trifling as this fcuffle may appear
with refpedt to England -and Normandy, it Mas
fufficient to kindle a bloody Mar, and involve a
great part of Europe in the quarrel ; for the Nor-
man mariners carried their complaints to the
French court, when Philip, M'ithout enquiring into
the fad, or demanding redrefs, ordered them to take
their revenge, and not trouble him any more about
it. The Normans, thus encouraged, fcized an
Englifh fhip, and hanging feveral of the crew, along
with fome dogs on the yard arm, in the prefence of
their companions, difmiffed the veflel, and told the
mariners they Anight inform their countrymen, that
vengeance M'as now taken for the blood of the
Norman killed at Bayonne. When the ncM s of this
barbarous adt, accompanied with fuch deliberate in-
fult, reached the cinque ports, their mariners, highly
enraged, without complaining to the king, re-
taliated in like mannei upon all French veffels wjth-
out
EDWARD
I.
out diftindion. On the other hand, the ^ French
attacked, in return, the fliips of all Edward's fub-
jects, either Englifh or Gafcon, while the fovercigns
taking no notice, feemed to continue indifferent
fpedators. The Englifh entered into private aflb-
ciations with the Irifh and Dutch failors ; the
French with the F'.emifh and Genoefe. The ani-
mofity on both fides becoming daily more violent
and barbarous, a Norman fleet of two hundred fail,
fleering to the fouth for wine and other commo-
. dities, feized all the Englifh fliips they met with in
their paiTage; plundered them of their cargoes, and
hanged the feamen. The inhabitants of the Englifh
fea-ports no fooner heard this, than they fitted out
a fleet of fixty fail, ftronger and better manned, and
waiting for the return of the enemy, funk, de-
ftroyed, or took the greateft part of them. No
quarter was given ; and the Norman fleet being em-
ployed in tranfporting a confiderable body of fol-
diers from the fouth, the French are faid to have
loft on this occafion twenty thoufand men. Philip
the Fair now difpatched an envoy to demand re-
paration, and Edward fent to Philip the bifhop of
London, to accommodate the quarrel ; but the
French being lofers refufcd all the expeJients that
were offered ; in confequence of which the fhips
and cargoes of the merchants on both fides were
confifcated ; the Englifh continued their depreda-
tions in the channel, and the Gafcons on the weftern
coaft of F ance. Philip cited Edward, as duke of
Guienne, to appear in his court at Paris ; and Ed-
ward fent thither his brother Edmund, earl of Lan-
cafler, to prevent, if poffible, the ravages of a
bloody war. Jane and Mary, the queen dowager
of France, pretended to interpofe their good offices,
telling Edmund, that the moft difficult circum-
ftance to adjuft, was the point of honour with Phi-
lip, he being affronted with the injuries committed
againft him, by his fub-vafTals in Guienne; but if
the king of England would confent to give him
Seifm and poffeffion of that province, he would
efteem his honour fully repaired, would engage to
reflore Guienne immediately, and be eafily fatisfied
\\ith refped to all other injuries. Edward was
confulted, who confidering his defign upon the
Scots as a more important concern, and indulging
his favourite pafiion for fubduing that people, fuf-
fered himfelf to be deceived by fo barefaced an arti-
fice : he therefore fent orders to his brother, to
conclude and fign a treaty with the two queens:
Philip folemnly promifed to execute his part of it ;
and recalled the citation,, for the king's appearance
in the court of France ; but no fooner was the
French monarch in poffelTion of Guienne, than the
citation was renewed ; upon which Edward was
condemned for non-appearance, and by a fentence
in form, Guienne was declared to be forfeited, and
annexed to the crown of France.
Thus egrcgioufly over-reached, Edward was
equally alhamed and enraged ; having fallen into a
ihare, not unlike that he had fpread for the unwary
Scots. Senfible of the difficulty of recovering
Guienne, where, he had not kept a fingle place in
his hands, he endeavoured to compenfate for that
lofs, by forming alliances with feveral European
princes, who were to attack France on different
lides, and thus divide the forces of that kingdom.
With this view he entered into a treaty with Adol-
phus of Naflau, king of the Romans, Amadaeus,
count of Savoy, the Archbifhop of Cologne, the
counts of Luxemburgh and Guelders, the duke of
Brabant and count of Barre, who had married his
two daughters Margaret and Eleanor: but thefe
alliances proved extremely burdenfome, and of no
fervice. In the mean time Philip took advantage
of the growing jealoufy which fubfifted among the
feveral powers of Europe, of Edward's grerunefs.
He formed a fegrct alliance with John Buliol, king
I
of Scotland; whereby that ftrid union commenced*
which, during many ages, was maintained by mu-
tual interefts and neCeffitieSj between the French
and Scottiih nations. Baliol confirmed this alliance
by ftipulating a marriage between his eldeft fon,
and the daughter of Philip de Valois.
Edward had experienced the difficul- . ^) f..
ties of raifing money on his fubjeds with- ' -I~9
out their confent, and therefore purfucd the method
pointed out by Leicefter during the late reign. He
fuinmoned two deputies from every borough, in order
to procure their leave to the levying of the necefTary
taxes on the people. " It is an excellent rule," faid
Edward, in the preamble of his writ, " that what
concerns all, fhould be approved by all." A fenti-
ment worthy the confideration of a Houfe of Com-
mons in this more enlightened age. Nor did Ed ward
ftop here. He fummoned alfo deputies from the in-
ferior clergy, and thefe formed a lower houfe of con-
vocation. They however refufed to obey the king's
writ, left it fhould be conftrued as' an acknowledg-
ment of their having fubmitted to the authority of
the temporal power. It was therefore agreed, that
the king fhould iflue his writ to archbifhops, who
fhould in confequence fummon the clergy. The
king intended thefe deputies with the prelates, to
have formed one eftate of the kingdom ; but this
expedient rendered it neceffary for the ecclefiaftics
to me.t in two houfes of convocation, under their
refpedivc archbifhops. The Englifh parliament,
for they might juftl'y be now fo called, being met,
the barons and knights granted the king an eleventh
of their moveables, theburgefles, a feventh, and the
clergy, a tenth. Edward employed thefe fupplies
in making preparations againft his northern neigh-
bour. About this time he received intelligence of
the treaty between Philip and Baliol; and though
vexed at this concurrence of a French and Scottifh
war, he refolved not to encourage his enemies by a-
pufillanimous behaviour, or by fubmitting to their
united efforts, without any vigorous exertions on
his part. He therefore fummoned Baliol to per-
form the duty of a vaflal, and to fend him a fupply
of forces againft an invafion from France, with,
which he was threatened. He next required that
the fortrefTes of Berwick, Jedborough, and Rox~
borough, fhould be put into his hands as a fecurity
during the war. He again cited Baliol to appear
in an Englilh parliament, fummoned to meet at
Newcaftle ; and when none of thefe fucceffive de-
mands were complied with, he marched northward
at the head of a powerful army, confifting of thirty
thoufand foot, and four thoufand horfe. The
Scottifh nobility, who had very little reliance on
the fpirit and vigour of their prince, affigncd him a
council of twelve noblemen, in whofe hands the
fovereignty was lodged ; and who put the kingdom,
in the beft pofture of defence the prefent diftradions
would admit. The Scotch army was more nu-
merous than that of Edward's, being compofrd o£
forty thoufand infantry, and five hundred horfe, but
they wanted both discipline and experience ; and
what was ftill of more confequence, difTentions pre-
vailed among the leaders. From thefe alarming ap-
pearances, feveral of the Scottifh nobility, among
whom were Robert Bruce, father and ion, the earls
of March and Angus, prognofticated the ruin of
their country, and made their fubmifTion to Edward,
who now pafTed the Tweed at Coldftream without
oppofition. Berwick was taken by affault, and
above feven thoufand of the garrifon put to the
fword ; the governor, Sir William Douglas was
taken prifoner. Earl Warrenne was then dif-
patched, at the head of ten thoufand men, tobefiege
the caftle of Dunbar, defended by the flower of the
Scottiih nobility.
The Scots, fenfible of the importance of this
place, which, if taken, muft lay their whole country
open
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
-
open to the enemy, advanced with their mam body,
under the command of the earls of Buchan, Lenox,
and Mar, in order to relieve it, Warrenne, not
difmayed by the great fuperiority of the enemy
marched out to give them battle. The Scots could
not fupport the furious charge of the Englifh : they
were foon broke, and driven with great Daughter
from the field. Above twenty thoufand are faid to
have fallen by the fwords of the Englifti. Dunbar
furrendcred the next day to Edward, who then
brought up the main body of his army, and purfued
his conquefts without any further oppoiition from
Baliol's army. The caftles of Roxborough, Edin-
burgh, and Sterling, fubmitted after a feeble rcfift-
ance; and all the fouthern parts of the kingdom
were foon brought under fubjection to the Englim.
And in order to reduce with more facility the
northern divifions, whofe inacceffible fituation
feemed to promife more fecurity, Edward ordered a
ftrong reinforcement of Welch and Irifti, who being
accuftomed to a defultory kind of war, were better
qualified to purfue the Scots into the receflcs of
their lakes and mountains. But the fpirit of the
nation was already broke by their misfortunes, and
the timid Baliol, difcontented with his own fubjects,
abandoned all thofe rcfources, which his people
might yet have poflefled in their extremity. He
haftened to make his fubmiflion to Edward, ex-
preffing the dcepeft fenfe of his difloyalty to his
liege lord, and made a folemn and irrevocable re-
fignation of his crown into the hands of that mo-
narch. Edward now marched northward towards
Aberdeen and Elgin, -without meeting an enemy.
No Scotchman approached him, but to pay him
fubmiffion and homage: even the turbulent high-
landers, ever refractory to their own princes, en-
deavoured to give him early proofs of their obe-
dience: and Edward having brought the whole
kingdom to a feeming ftate of tranquillity^ returned
to the fouth with his army. There was at this time
in the abbey of Scone, a famous ftone, on which
the kings of Scotland ufed to be feated during the
ceremony of inauguration, and which was called
by the vulgar, Jacob's pillow. Upon it are en-
graved the following Latin verfes :
TvV fallal fatum, Scoli hunc quocunq-, hcalum,
Iwvenient lapidem, regnare ienentur ibidem.
In Englim :
If truth there be in what old prophets fay,
Where'er this ftone is found, the Scots mail fway.
Edward having got this palladium of Scotland, to
which popular fuperftkion paid the higheft venera-
tion, into his pofleflion, he ordered it to be placed
on a chair in the abbey of Weftminfter, where it
remains to the prefent day. At the fame time he
dcftroycd all thofe records and monuments of anti-
quity, which might preferve the memory of the in-
dependency of the kingdom, and refute the Englifh
claim of fuperiority. The great feal of Baliol was
broke, and that prince carried prifoner to London,
and committed to clofe cuftody in the Tower.
Two years afterwards he fubmitted to a voluntary
banifhment into France, where, without making
any further attempts for the recovery of his throne,
he died in a private ftation. Ear! Warrenne was
left governor of Scotland ; Englishmen were ap-
pointed to all the chief places of truft ; and Edward,
flattering himfelf that he had attained the comple-
tion of his wifhes, by the final reduction of Scot-
land, returned with his victorious army to England.
The ambitious fpirit of Edward could not reft
fansfkd even with fuch a confiderable acceflkm of
power. He was mortified at finding his attempt to
recover Guienne had not been equally fuccefsful.
He had fent thither his brother, die earl of Lan-
4
carter, with an army of feven thoufand men, who at
firft gained fomc advantages over the French at
Bourdeaux ; but being fcized with a diftemper, he
died at Bayonne ; and the command devolved on
the earl of Lincoln, who was unable during the reft
of the campaign, to perform any thing worthy of no-
tice. Edward finding the diftance of Guienne ren-
dered all his efforts againft that province feeble and
uncertain, refolved to attack France in a more vul-
nerable quarter ; and with this intent he married
Elizabeth, his daughter, to John, earl of Holland;
at the fame time he entered into an alliance with
Guy earl of Flanders, ftipulating to pay the fum of
twenty-five thoufand pounds, and propofcd with
their united forces to invade the dominions of
Philip. He flattered himfelf, that when he ap-
peared at the head of the Englifh, Dutch, and
Flcmifh armies, reinforced by his German allies, he
fhould compel the French monarch to accept of a
peace, on condition of his reftoring Guienne. But
in order to fet this great machine in motion, confi-
derable fupplics were neceflary ; and Edward, with-
out much difficulty, prevailed on the parliament to
grant him a twelfth of all the moveables of the ba-
rons and knights ; an eighth from all the boroughs ;
and likewife a fifth of the moveables of the church:
but he met with an oppofition from this quarter,
at the head of which was the archbifhop of Canter-
bury, whereby all his meafures, for the prefent, were
difconcertcd. Pope Boniface VIII. having fuc-
cceded Celeftine, had refolved to carry his do-
minions over the temporal power, to as great a
height as any of his predeceffors ; and on afcending
the papal throne, had ilfued a bull, prohibiting all
princes from levying taxes upon the clergy, without
his confent, and all clergymen from fubmitting to
them, under the penalty of excommunication, in
cafe of difobedience. When therefore a demand
was made on the clergy of a fifth of their moveables,
they flickered themfelves under this bull, and plead-
ing confcience refufed to comply. The king, on
this repulfc, did not choofe to proceed immediately
to extremities ; but after prohibiting all rent to be
paid them, and caufing their granaries to be locked
up, appointed a new convocation to confer with
him upon his demand. The king hoped a little
reflection would have brought the clergy to obe-
dience ; but Robert de Winchelfca, archbifhop of
Canterbury, told him, in the name of the whole
body, " That the clergy owed obedience to two
fovereigns, the one fpiritual, the other temporal \
but their duty bound' them to a much ftricter at-
tachment to the former than the latter ; nor could
they comply in oppofition to their fpiritual fo-
vercign." Edward, though highly enraged, con-
cealed his refentment ; but told them, that as they
refufed to aflift the civil power, they were unworthy
to receive any benefit from it ; and he would there-
fore put them out of the protection of the laws.
This was immediately put in execution. Orders
were iflued to the judges, to receive no caufes
which the clergy brought before them ; to hear
and determine fuch only in which they were
defendants ; to do juftice to every man againft
them, but to do them juftice againft no one. The
clergy were foon reduced to a miferable fituation.
The want of fubfiftence would not permit them to
remain in their own houfcs or convents ; and if they
went abroad to obtain, fupport, they were robbed of
their horfes and clothes, infulted by every ruffian,
and unable to obtain redrefs from the moft violent
infults. The primate himfelf wat attacked on the
highway, ftripped of every thing about him, and
reduced to the neceflity of boarding with only a
fingle fervant, in the houfe of a country clergyman.
Meanwhile the king remained an indifferent fpec-
tator of all thefe acls of violence, and, conniving at
his officers in any immediate injury on the priefts,
took
EDWARD
I.
'57
took ample vengeance on them for refilling to
comply with his demands. This politic, though
harfli treatment, at la'ft broke the fpirits of the
clergy. The whole province of York, which was
moft in danger from the Scots, had voted from the
firft a fifth of their moveables ; and now the bifhops
of Ely, Salilbury, and fome others, made a com-
pofuion for the fecular clergy within their fees ;
and agreed, inftead of paying a fifth, by which
they would have difobeyed the pope, to depofit a
fum equivalent to it in a church appointed, from
whence the king's officers took it. Many convents
and clergymen made a payment of a like fum, and
received the king's protection ; and very few eccle-
fiaftics in the kingdom appeared willing to fufier
this new fpecies of perfecution, for the fake of their
religious privileges.
But the fum granted by parliament was not
fufficient to anfvver the king's neqeffities, and that
raifed by the clergy came in flowly. Edward,
therefore, to obtain farther fupplies, had recourfe
to the mod arbitrary and oppreflive meafures.
He limited the merchants in the quantity of wool
allowed to be exported ; and, at the fame time,
forced them to pay him a duty of forty millings a
fack, which \vas computed to be much above the
fifth of the value. He feized all the reft of the
wool, as well as all the leather in the kingdom,
and difpofed of them for his own benefit. He re-
quired the fheriffs of each county to fupply him
with two thoufand quarters of wheat, and as many
of oats, which he permitted them to feize where
they could find them. The cattle, and other ar-
ticles neceifary for fupplying his army, were taken
away without the confent of their owners ; and
though he promifed to pay an equivalent for. all
thofe commodities he had plundered from the
people, they faw but little probability of his ever
performing his engagements. By fuch illegal arts
he fhewed a difregard to the principles of the
feudal law, by which all the lands of his kingdom
were held, in order to increafe his army, and to
enable him to fupport that great effort which he
propofed to make againft France ; for he required
the attendance of every proprietor of land, pofT
felled of twenty pounds a year, even if he held
not of the crown, nor was obliged by the tenor of
his eftate to perform any fuch fervice.
Nctwithftanding the great perfonal regard en-
tertained in general for the king, thefe violent pro,
ceedings raifed murmurs among all orders of men ;
and it was not long before fome of the great nobi-
lity, jealous of their own privileges, gave both
countenance and authority to thefe complaints.
Edward having alFembled an army on the fea-coaft,
which he propofed to fend into Gafcony, while
he hirnfelf in perfon intended to invade Flanders,
would have put thofe forces under the command
of Humphrey Bohun, earl of Hereford, the con-
ftable, and Roger Bigot, earl of Norfolk, marlhal
of England. But thefe two noblemen refufed to
execute his orders, affirming, that they were only
obliged by their office to attend his perfon in the
wars. A violent altercation enfued ; and Edward,
in the height of hispaffion addrefiing the conflable,
exclaimed, " Sir earl, be gone, you fhall either
go or hang." " By God, Sir king," replied
Hereford, " I will neither go nor hang;" and
immediately drew oft", in company with the marlhal,
and above thirty other conliderable barons. The
king, being thus oppofed, laid afide his deiign of
an expedition againir Guienne, and afTembled the
forces \\hich he himfelf intended to take into
Flanders. But the two earls, irritated by the
contert, declared, that none of their anccftors had
fcrved in that country, and refufed to perform the
duty of their office in muftcring the army. Ed-
ward, now thinking it prudent to proceed with
No. i c.
moderation, inftead of attainting the earls, ap-
pointed Thomas de Berkley, and Geoffrey de
Greynevillc, to act as confhtble and marfhal. He
then endeavoured to reconcile himfelf with the
church ; and taking the primate into favour, made
him, in conjunction with Reginald de Grey, tutor
to the prince, whom he intended to make guardian
of the kingdom during his abfcncc. He even con-
defccnded to afTemble a great number of the nobi-
lity in Weftminfter-hall, to whom he made an
apology for his part conduct, pleading the urgent
neceffities of the crown ; his extreme want of
money; his engagements both from honour and
intereft to fupport his allies abroad ; promiling, if
he ever returned in fafety, to redrefs all their
grievances, and to make full fatisfaction to his
fubjeds for all their lofTes. Meanwhile he intreated
them to fufpend their animofities; to judge of
him by his future conduct; to remain faithful to
his government; and, Ihould he perilh in the
prefent war, to preferve their allegiance to his
fon.
The two earls, by thefe prudent meafures, were
convinced, that it would be very imprudent in
them to carry their refentments farther than they
were warranted by the laws of their country.
They therefore contented themfelves with drawing
up a remonftrance, which was prefented to the king
at Winchelfea, when he was ready to embark for
Flanders. Edward again promifed them redrefs
as foon as he returned to England ; and added,
that he hoped thofe nobles who had declined lead-
ing his army, would make no attempts upon his
crown or kingdom during his abfence. However,
the barons were far from being fatisfied with the
king's verbal declarations; and he had hardly
landed on the continent, before the conflable and
marfhal inlifted on -a confirmation both of the
great charter, and the charter of the forefts. Ed-
ward was very delirous of putting it off till his
return; but the parliament, which had been af-
fembled at London by his order, joining with the
difcontented barons, and the two charters being
fent over to Flanders, the king confirmed them in
prefence of all the prelates and nobility in his
army ; yet fo great was his reluctance and refent-
ment on account of this compulfive act, that a
Ihort time after he applied to the pope to abfolve
him from his oath touching this matter.
Edward did not land in Flanders . n
till the feafon was too far advanced I298-
for executing any plan of importance. The earl
of Flanders, who had joined in a league with
Edward, foon experienced the refentment of the
French monarch. Lifle, St. Orner, Courtray, and
Ypres, were already wrefted from him ; and many
more of the principal places in his dominions
were threatened with the fame fate. The arrival
of Edward, indeed, put a flop to the fuccefs of
Philip ; but the two kings, inftead of venturing a
decifive battle, agreed to a truce for two years ;
and entered into mutual engagements of fubmitting
their differences to the arbitration of the holy fee :
yet as both monarchs were jealous of their prero-
gative, they took care to infert in the reference,
that they did not fubmit their differences to his
decifion, from any right the pope might pretend
by virtue of his pontifical .character, but merely
by their own confent as to a private perfon. The
pope foon gave his fentence, which feemed to have
been dictated more by paffion than cool judgment.
He commanded not only a reftitution of Guienne
but alfo the places that had been taken from the
earl of Flanders. Philip was delirous of compre-
hending John Baliol and the Scots in this treaty ;
but this was abfolutely refufed by Edward. At
laft the two monarchs compromifed the matters in
difpute, by making mutual facrifices to each other.
R r Edward
i58
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Edward abandoned his ally, the carl of Inlanders -,
and Philip gave up the Scots. This is not the
•only time the interefts of allies have been facnficed
on the altar of ambition. The fcntence of Bom-
face was, however, regarded, and the treaty ce-
mented by a double marriage; that of Edward
with Margaret, Philip's lifter ; and that of the
prince of "Wales with Ifabclla, daughter of the
French monarch.
In the mean time the affairs of Scotland took an
unexpected turn. Edward had not been fortunate
in the choice of thofe in whofe hands he had in-
crufted the civil adminiftration. Warrenne, earl of
Surry, to whom the chief authority had been dele-
gated, was, indeed, a man of prudence, virtue,
and abilities; but his ill ftate of health obliged
him to return to England. At his departure the
reins of government were delivered to William
de Ormefby, chief jufticiary, and Crefllngham, the
Ireafurer. The former was diftinguifhed by the
rigour and fevcrity of his temper; and the latter
by his avarice. Perfons of fuch characters were ill
adapted to the tafk for -which they were employed ;
and a very fmall military force was at the command
of thefe minifters, to fecure their precarious autho-
rity. Inftead of making ufe of lenient meafures
to reconcile the Scots to the yoke, they treated
them as a conquered people ; and made them feel
the full weight of the fervitude under which they
ivere opprefled. This exafperated the whole na-
tion ; and the Scots refolvcd on another effort for
the recovery of their liberties.
William Wallace, a gentleman of fmall fortune,
but defcended from an antient family, was one of
the firft who undertook the defence of his country.
He was of gigantic ftature ; remarkable for heroic
courage, and difinterefted magnanimity ; patient to
a miracle under the extremes of hunger, heat, and
cold ; without infolence when fuccefsful ; his ge-
>nius always dictating the means of combating for-
tune, and his temperance always improving her
favours. By his example he effected, what he
.could not prefcribe by his power. The love of
his country commanding his pa (lions, though of
themfelves impetuous ; and his duty controlling his
ambition, though naturally unbounded. He had
retired to the woods, to avoid the vengeance of the
government ; and put himfelf at the head of a
fmall chofen band, who had fled from the tyranny
of the Englifh. The fame of his exploits increafed
the number of his followers, which daily fwelled,
and were indefatigable in harrafling their op-
preflbrs. Wallace now put his little band in mo-
tion, with the view of attacking the governors ;
but Ormefby and Creffingham, apprized of his in-
tentions, fled into England. Elated at this fuccefs,
the Scots flew to arms ; and fome of the principal
barons, among whom were the bifhop of Glafgow,
the earl of Carrick, with the families of Stuart
and Douglas, who openly countenanced the party of
Wallace.
Warrenne, earl of Surry, was now fufficiently
alarmed, and endeavoured to recover by the cele-
rity of his motions, what he had loft by neglect.
He entered Annandale, and came up with the
Scottifh army at Irvine, before they were fuffi-
ciently formed. The number of his forces con-
fifted of forty thoufand men. Many of the Scotch
nobles, alarmed at their fituation, and thinking it
would be in vain to oppofe the Englifh, made
their fubmiflion, and obtained a pardon. Never-
thelefs Wallace, at the head of a choice body of
followers, who had all bound themfelves by an
oath never to lay down their arms till they had ef-
fected the liberty of their country, retired before
the capitulation was figned, and pofTefled them-
felves of an advantageous poft above the monaftery
of Cambufkenneth, in, the neighbourhood of Stir-
ling. Warrenne having continued his march, dif-
covered the enemy on the oppofite bank of the
Forth ; but at the fame time perceived the danger
of attacking them in this pofition, efpecially as a
bridge over the Forth was fo narrow, as hardly to
admit two men a-breaft. Sir Richard Lundy, a
Scotchman of birth and family, but a firm adherent
to the Englifh, defired a party of five hundred
horfe, and a proportional body of foot, might be
put under his command, promifing to pafs the
river at a ford a few miles above, and to fall on
the rear of the enemy, in order to divert their at-
tention while the main body of the army pafled the
bridge. This prudent deflgn was rejected by the
continual felicitations of the impatient Crelling-
ham, who being actuated both by perfonal and
national animofities againft the Scots, urged the .
earl of Surry to attack them immediately; exclaim^
ing loudly againft all delays as expenlive.and dif-
honourable. Warrenne, who confidcred thefe re-
flections as ccnfures upon his own conduct, ifTued
out his orders for the army to pafs the bridge.
But he paid dear for his temerity. Wallace allowed
fuch a number of the Englifh to pafs over as he
was confident he could conquer ; and then attacked
them with fuch fury, that they were all cut to
pieces, or puflied into the river, where they pe-
rifhed.. Near five. thoufand men fell in this action.
Creflingham was among the flain ; whofe memorv
being extremely odious to the Scots, they flayed
his dead body, and made girths and fuddles of his
fkin. Warrenne, after this defeat, finding the
remains of his army which had been fpcctators of
the deftruction of their countrymen quite difpi-
rited, was obliged to march fouthward, and retire
into England.
Wallace was now declared regent of the king-
dom, during the captivity of Baliol, and the Scots
flocked from all parts to join his ftandard; when,
finding that unfavourable feafons, and the de-
ftructive fword, had produced a famine in Scot-
land, he perfuaded his army to march into England,
to which propofal of their brave general they joy-
fully confented; and the caftles of Roxborough
and Berwick, after a feeble refiftance, opened the
Scots a free pafTage into Northumberland ; on
which Wallace, invading the northern counties
during winter, laid every place wafte with fire and
fword ; and having extended the fury of his ravages
on all fides without oppofition as far as the bifhop-
ric of Durham, he marched back into his own
country, loaded with fpoils, and crowned with
honour.
Edward, informed of thefe events, haftened his
return to England, in order not only to wipe off
this difgrace by his activity and valour, but to
recover Scotland, the fovereignty of which he
always confidered as the chief glory of his reign.
On his return, he endeavoured to appeafe the mur-
murs of his people by conceflions and promifes.
He ordered a ftrict account of the quantity of
corn, and other commodities which had been vio-
lently feized before his departure, to be taken, ir^
order that the owners might receive fatisfaction ;
he reftored to the citizens of London the privilege
of chufing their own magiftrates, which had been
taken from them in the latter part of his father's
reign ; having afTemblcd a parliament at York, he
figned voluntarily the two charters, -together with
additional ftatutes in favour of liberty, which he
ordered to be read publickly for the fatisfaction of
the whole nation. This was done with great for-
mality ; and the bifhop of Carlifle denounced the
fentence of excommunication againft aii perfons
who fhould dare to violate the two great charters.
Thefe popular acts made him entire mafter of
his fubjects affections. They appeared to have but
one heart ; and flocking to his ttandard,, the king
found
EDWARD
I.
*S9
found himfelf at the head of one hundred thoufand
fighting men. It was impofllble for the Scots to
oppoie Edward, fupported by fuch an army, with-
out a perfect union among thcmfelves ; but this
was far from being the cafe. Divisions and envy
had taken place among that unhappy people. The
noblemen, defcended from the royal line, mftead
of looking upon the patriotic virtues of Wallace
with admiration, and joining in a glorious emula-
tion in the fervices of their country, threw out the
moft ungenerous reflections upon his conduct, and
even charged him with a defign of feizing the
crown. They chofe rather to behold their country
groaning under the yoke of perpetual bondage,
than fee themfelves eclipfcd by a perfon of inferior
birth. Wallace faw the fatal confequences that
muft attend thefe divifions. That brave man,
dreading left intcftine difcords mould ruin the
common caufe, reiigncd his authority; retaining
only the command of his chofen followers, who,
being accuftomcd to victory under his banner,
refilled to follow any other leader into the field.
The liberty of his country, not a love of power,
or the cravings of ambition, had called him from
his private ftation; and the real patriot willingly
lac riliced the latter to preferve the former. On his
resignation, the chief command of the army de-
volved on the fteward of Scotland, and Cummin
of Badenoch, men of high birth, under whom the
nobility more willingly refolved to defend their
country". The two commanders collecting their
forces from every quarter, fixed their ftation at
Falkirk, where they propofed to wait for the
Englifh ; and Wallace was at the head of his
own band which acted under his command. The
army of the Scots were compofed of pikemen in
the front, and the intervals between their three di-
vilions were interlined with archers. Dreading the
advantage the Englifh might obtain by the great
fuperiority of their cavalry, they endeavoured to
fecure their front by pallifadoes tied together with
ropes.
Wiien Edward arrived in fight of the Scots, he
was pleafed with having an opportunity of en-
deavouring to finifh the war by one dccifive ftroke ;
and having divided his army alfo into three bodies,
led them to the attack. It was begun by the
Englilh archers, who poured a ihower of arrows
upon the enemy. The Scottifh bowmen, unable
to fupport the fury of the Englifh, were driven
from the field of battle with great flaughter. The
archers purfued their advantage; and pouring in
their arrows among the pikemen threw them into
difordcr, which was improved by the cavalry, and
* general rout enfued, attended with the molt
dreadful carnage.
It is impoflible to fix, with any certainty, the
exact number that fell in this remarkable battle.
Some hiftoHans make the amount not lefs than
fifty, and others fixty thoufand ; but there are
thole who have reduced the account to twenty
^houfaiid. This may be affirmed with truth, that
the Scots never fufi-ered a greater lofs, nor ever
tx'ucrienccd a defeat that feemed pregnant with
more deftructive confequences. This memorable
battle of Falkirk was fought on the twenty- fecond
of July, one thoufand. two hundred, and ninety-
eight years after the birth of Chrift.
Wallace, by his military (kill and prefence ef
mind, amidft this general rout, kept his troops
together; and having croffed the Carron, which
during the engagement lay in his rear, marched
leiiiirely along the bank of that fmall river, which
protected him from the enemy. Young Bruce,
who had hitherto ferved in the Engliih army, ap-
peared on the oppolite fide of the river; and.
diftinguifhing the Scottifh hero by the height of
bis, ttature, and his majeftic port, called out and
defired a fliort conference with him. He now re-
prefcntcd to Wallace the fruitlefs and ruinous en-
terprize in which ho was engaged ; and endeavoured
to pcrfuade him to bend at leaft his inflexible fpirit
to the iuperior merit, and fuperior fortune of Ed-
ward. He infifted on the unequal conteft between
a weak ftate deprived of its head, and agitated by
internal difcord ; and a powerful nation, conducted
by the moft martial monarch of the age, poflefled,
of every refource either for drawing out the war,
or pufhing it with the utmoft vigour. If the love
of his country was the only motive for his perfe-
verance, his obftinacy could have no other ten-
dency than that of prolonging her mifery. If he
carried his private views to grandeur and ambi-
tion, he would do well to reflect, that if even
rZdward fhould withdraw his army, it fufficiently
appeared from paft experience, that fo many
haughty nobles, proud of the pre-eminence of
their family, would never fubmit to perfonal
merit, whole fuperiority they were lefs inclined to
regard as an object of admiration, than as a re-»
proach and injury to themfelves. In anfwer to
thefe exhortations Wallace replied, that if he had
hitherto acted alone in the character of the cham-
pion of his country, it was only becaufe no fecond,
or, what he much rather wifhed, no leader had
yet appeared to place himfelf in that honourable
rtation : that the nobility alone were to blame,
and- particularly Bruce himfelf, who. uniting dig-
nity of family to perfonal merit, had deferted the
poft which the powerful calls of nature and fortune
invited him to affume: that the Scots, with fuch a
leader, would, by their unanimity and concord,
furmount the difficulties, great as they were, under
which they at prefent laboured; and, notwith-
ftanding their late lofs, might hope to oppofe,
with fuccefs, the utmoft power and abilities of
Edward: that heaven itfelf could not prefent a
more glorious earthly prize before the view, either
of ambition or virtue, than the joining in one
object, the defence of national independence with
the acquifition of royalty ; and that as the intereft
of his country could never be promoted with the
facrificc of liberty, he himfelf was fully refolved to
prolong, to the utmoft of his power, not her mi-
fery, but her freedom ; and was defirous that hr&
own life, as well as the exiftence of the nation,
might be brought to a period, when they could no.
otherwife be preferved than by receiving the chains
of a haughty conqueror. Thefe fentiments made
a deep impreflion on the generous mind of Bruce.
They were inftantly conveyed from the breaft of
one hero to that of the other. Repenting of his
engagements with Edward, he directed his attention
to the honourable path Wallace had pointed out to
him, and fecretly refolved to lay hold of the firft
opportunity of embracing the caufe of his opprefled.
country.
Enraged at their late defeat, the Scots ftill main-
tained the conteft for liberty ; but being fully
fenfible of the great inferiority of their ftrength,
they endeavoured to procure affiftance from France ;
yet in vain they implored the prote<5lion of Lewis,
who had abandoned them to the fury of their con-
queror by his late treaty. However, they were
more fuccefsful in their application to Boniface.
That pontiff, who feemed determined to carry the
power of the papal chair to the moft ex1 ravagant
height, wrote a letter to Edward ; in which, after
confuting the pretenfions of that monarch to the
fuperiority of Scotland, advanced claims ftill more
abfui'j in their room. He afTerted, with a fingular
degree of confidence, that he, the pope, was true
liege lord of Scotland ; that his right was de-
rived from the moft remote antiquity. Edward,
aftonifhed and offended, was at firft difpofed to
treat the pontiff's letter with contempt ; but fearing
the
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OP ENGLAND.
the blind zeal of the people might occafion dif-
orders in the nation, and interrupt his dcfigns
upon Scotland, he wrote an anfwer to the pope's
epiftle, wherein he advanced claims at leaft as
chimerical as thofe of his holinefs. He deduced
the fuperiority of England over Scotland from the
time of Brutus the Trojan, who, he faid, firft
founded the Britifli monarchy in the days of Eli
and Samuel. He laid it down as a fact, confirmed,
by ancient records, that the kings of England had
often made grants of Scotland to their fubjects,
and had dethroned their monarchs as vafTals when
they rebelled againft them. He recited, with great
oftentation, the homage which William had done
to Henry II. but mentioned not the abolition of
that extorted deed by Richard I. Thefe preten-
fions, abfurd as they were, one hundred and four
barons, aflembled at Lincoln, confirmed. They
alfo agreed to fend them to Boniface; but took
particular care to prevent this act from affording
the fmalleft pretext for his holinefs to make it the
foundation of any claim to a fuperiority over
England. They therefore annexed a pofitive de-
claration, that though they were willing to fubmit
thefe proofs to him as a man, they did not autho-
rize him to acl the part of a judge. " The crown
of England," added they, " is free, nor will we
fuflFer even the king himfclf to relinquifh its inde-
pendency." A fentiment which mould be en-
graven on the memory, and cherifhed among the
immutable laws of nature in the breaft of every
Englifhman.
. £ Notwithftanding Edward had ob-
r3°3- tained fo complete a victory as that
of Falkirk, the reduction of Scotland was far from
being perfected. After the Englifh army had re-
duced the fouthern provinces, the want of pro-
' vifions obliged them to retire in 1299, and to leave
the northern counties in the hands of the natives.
Wallace continued at the head of a confiderable
party ; and frefh forces joining them, they made
incurfions into the fouthern counties, which Ed-
ward imagined he had fubdued. An army was
now formed under Cummin, who had been ap-
pointed regent on the refignation of Wallace.
Thefe marched to Bigger, in the neighbourhood
of Edinburgh. John de Seagrave, whom Edward
had left guardian of Scotland, aflembled all the
Engliih forces in that kingdom to oppofe the Scots ;
but perceiving it would be difficult to procure
the ncceflary quantity of provifions for their fub-
fiftence in a body, he feparated them into three
divifions : the firft was commanded by himfelf in
perfon ; the fccond by his brother ; and the third
by Sir Robert Neville. The regent, taking ad-
vantage of this feparation, advanced, under cover
of the night, to attack Seagrave's divifion, which
lay at Roflin, about fixteen miles from the Scottifh
camp. When dawn appeared, the Englifh difco-
vered Cummin's forces in full march to attack
them ; but it was too late to make the neceflary
preparations ; fo that the Scots fell upon them
before they could form in order of battle, and ob-
tained an eafy victory ; a few only efcaped by flying
to the fecond divifion, informing them at once of
their defeat, and the approach of the enemy. The
commander inftantly drew up his men, and led
them on directly to revenge the death of their
countrymen. The Scots, elated with the victory
they had lately acquired, rumed upon them with
great intrepidity; and the Englifh, animated by
an eagernefs of revenge, maintained a brave refift-
ance. The conteft was bloody, but terminated in
favour of the Scots, who broke the Englifti, and
chafed them to the third divifion, which was ad-
vancing in a hafty march to fupport their compa-
nions. The Scots, already exhaufted by fatigue,
*nd their ranks confiderably thinned by the two
4
former actions, would willingly have declined the
engagement. They pleaded the exceflive labours
they had already undergone ; they pointed to their
wound's ; and defired to retire while it was yet in
their power. Cummin, who knew that a retreat
was now impoflible, reminded them of the glorious
caufe for which they were fighting, the tyranny of
the Englifh, the glory of their anceftors, and the
difgrace of flavery. Tranfported with renewed
vigour by the perfuafive arguments of their ge-
neral, and the followers of the camp arming them-
felves with the weapons of their flaughtered ene-
mies, they ftood boldly the fhock of a third en-
gagement, and with the utmoft difficulty obtained
the victory. The event was not, however, inglo-
rious to Neville ; for he rcfciied Seagrave, who
had been taken prifoner in the firft action, and re-
treated, though driven off the field, in excellent
order. Thus the Scots obtained three victories in
one day, the fame of which, added to the favour-
able difpou'tion of the people, foon enabled the
regent to take all the fortrefTes in the fouth.
The arduous undertaking of the conqueft of
Scotland was now to be performed over again by
Edward, and he prepared for it with the utmoft
vigour. His forces being aflembled at Rox«
borough, he advanced into the heart of that king-
dom at the head of an army, againft which the
Scots were unable to make any refiftance. A
powerful fleet at the fame time eoafted the fhores,
and fupplied the army wirh neceflary provifions.
The enemy had no other refource than to fly for
fafety to the mountainous parts of their country ;
while Edward marched fecurely to the utmoft
boundaries of the ifland, laying wafte the country
wherever he came. The only oppofition he met
with was from two or three caftles : even the intre-
pid Wallace, though he watched narrowly the mo-
tions of the Englim army, found few opportunities
for displaying his valour. Stirling caftle indeed
refifted during the whole winter; nor capitulated,
till the month of July in the following year. The
capture of this fortrefs completed Edward's fourth
expedition, and third conqueft of Scotland.
However, there remained one ob- , p.
ftacle to be removed before the mo-
narchy of Scotland could be faid to be abolifhed.
The gallant Wallace was yet unconquered. A few
of his faithful adherents attended him from moun-
tain to mountain, ftill maintaining that inde-
pendence which was their boaft and pride, the
great object of their purfuit, and their final hope,
mould victory attend their arms. But their hopes
were blafted by one bafe act of treachery. Edward
had iflued a general pardon to all who had carried
arms againft him. The publication of this caufed
a confiderable defertion in the hitherto faithful
band of Wallace ; in confequence whereof, he was
obliged to wander from one part of the country to
another, in order to keep himfelf concealed from
the vigilant eyes of his enemies. At laft that
brave patriot, that true friend of his country, who
determined, amidft univerfal flavery, to maintain
his freedom, was betrayed into the hands of Edward
by Sir John Monteith, his pretended friend, whom
he had informed of the place in which he concealed
himfclf. The king, whofe natural bravery ought
to have induced him to refpect that quality in an
enemy, fubmitted to the dictates of barbarous
policy; and with a view of over-awing the Scots
by an example of unjuft feverity, ordered him to
be conducted in chains to London. The undaunted
hero, worthy of a better fate, proceeded thither
through prodigious crouds, aflembled to gaze on
the man who had filled the whole country with
terror. The day after his arrival in London, he
was brought to trial in Weftminfter-hall, where he
was placed upon an elevated feat, and was crowned
with
EDWARD
I,
161
with laurel, which he truly deferred in honour of
his merit, by way of (difgraceful meannefs in his
judges !) derifion and infult. On his being ^ ac-
cufed of treafon, he pleaded not guilty ; affirming,
it was equally abfurd and unjuft to charge him
with being a traitor to a prince, whofe fovereignty
he had never acknowledged : that he was a free-
born native of an independent nation ; and as he
had never fworn fealty to Edward, lie was not
fubject to the laws of England. But his plea
being over-ruled by the court, he was found
guilty, and fentenced to be executed as a traitor.
This fevere fentence was carried into full execu-
tion ; and after this brave man had fuffered, the
divided parts of his body were hung up in four of
the principal cities of England.
Reader, let us here paufe a little. A fingle tear
from the humane heart and pitying eye, will not
be thought too great a tribute, I know it will not,
by eveiy generous Briton, over the fate of an
honourable Scotchman, whofe only crime feems to
have been a brave and determined oppofition to
one^ whom he deemed a rapacious invader of his
country's freedom.
. n , But this political facrifice of the
' injured fufferer, did not anfwer the
purpofe for which it was defigned by Edward.
The Scots^ already difgufted at the innovations
introduced into their laws and government by the
fword of their conqueror, were now exafperated by
the injuftice and cruelty exercifed upon Wallace.
All the envy, which during his life-time had at-
tended that gallant leader, being now buried in his
grave, he was uhiverfally regarded as the champion
of Scotland, and the patron of her expiring inde-
pendence. The people, ftimulated by refentment,
were every where difpofed to take arms againft the
Englifti government ; and it was not long before
a more fortunate leader appeared, who, after
fome ftruggles, conducted them to victory and
to liberty.
Robert Bruce, the fon of that Robert who had
been one of the competitors for the crown, had, at
his father's death, fucceeded to all his pretenfions ;
and the deceafe of John Baliol in France, about
the fame time, together with the captivity of
Edward his eldeft fon, feemed to open an extenfive
field to the genius and ambition of this young
nobleman. He had obferved that the Scots, when
the right to the crown had failed in the males of
the antient royal family, had been divided into
nearly equal parties between the houfes of Baliol
and Bruce, and that a concurrence of circum-
ftances had tended to wean them from the former.
He therefore hoped that the Scots, who from want
of a leader had been fo long expofed to the op-
prefiions of their enemies, would unanimoufly re-
fort to his ftandafd, and feat him on the vacant
throne. This young nobleman opened his mind
to Cummin, with whom he was ftriftly intimate,
and found him, as he imagined, to be of the fame
fcntiments. But on the departure of Bruce, who
attended Edward to London, Cummin, who had
either diflemblt d with him, or from reflecting more
coolly, refolved to make a merit of betraying him,
and revealed the fecret to the king. Edward did
not however immediately commit Bruce to prifon,
bccaufe he intended to feize, at the fame time, his
three brothers, who refided in Scotland ; and con-
tented himfelf with fetting §yes upon him, who
were ordered to watch ftriftly all his motions. A
nobleman, in Edward's court, Bruce's intimate
friend, was informed of his danger; but not
daring, while he was encompafled with fo many
watchful eyes, to hold converfation with him, he
had recourfe to a device which he hoped would
give him fufficicnt warning of his danger. He
font him by a jfervant a purfe of gold, and a pah-
No. 1 6.
of gilt fpurs, which he pretended to have borrowed
df him, trufting in his friend's lagacity to difcover
the meaning. Bruce took the hirit, and contrived
the means of his efcape. In a few days he arrived
at Dumfries, in Anandale, and had the haftpinefs
to -find there a great number of the nobility of
Scotland, and among the reft John Cummin, his
treacherous friend. He informed them that he was
come to live or die with them, in defence of the
liberty of his country, and hoped with their aflif-
tance, to redeem the Scots from the indignities they
had fo long fuftered, under the tyranny of their im-
perious mafters ; that the facrifice of the juft claims
of his family, was the firft injury which had pre-
pared the way for the flavery that enfued ; and by
refuming them, he afforded the joyful profpecl of
recovciing their antient and hereditary indepen-
dence, from the fraudulent ufurper : that all their
paft misfortunes had folely proceeded from their
difunion; and they would foon appear formidable
to their enemies, if they would now follow the
ftandard of their lawful prince, who knew no me-'
dium between death and victory : that their valour
and their mountains, which, during fo many ages,
had protected their liberty from all the efforts Of the
Roman empire, would ftill, if they were worthy of
their generous anceftors, be fufficient to defend
them againft the Englifh tyrant: that it did not
become men, boi'n to the moft antient indepen-
dence, known in Europe, to fubmit to the will of
any mafters ; but that it was doubly fatal to receive
thofe, who being irritated with the higheft ani-
mofity, would never think themfelvcs fecure in
their ufurped dominion, till they had exterminated
all the antient inhabitants; and that being reduced
to this dreadful extremity, it were better for them
to die at once, like brave men with fwords in
their hands, than always to dread, and at laft un-
dergo, the fate of the brave but unfortunate Wal-
lace, whofe merit, in the generous defence of his
country, was at laft rewarded by the hands of an
Englifh executioner. The manly fentiments con-
veyed in this fpeech, which was delivered with all
the ftriking advantages of oratory, affifted with a
noble deportment, and all the winning graces of
youth, roufed in the minds of his audience the
principles of revenge j who declared their refolution
of feconding his patriotic defigns, and aflerting the
undoubted rights of the nation, againft their com-
mon oppreflbrs. Cummin alone, who had fecretly
taken his meafures with the king, oppofed this ge-
neral determination; endeavouring to fet before
them the folly of an attempt, pregnant with de-
ftrudkm, being againft the power of England, go-
verned by a prince of uncommon abilities ; he added,
that nothing but the moft rigorous punifhment
could be expected, if they again broke their oaths
of fealty, and fhook off their allegiance to the victo-
rious Edward. Thefe infinuations were little relifhed
by Bruce and his adherents. He had already been
informed of Cummin's treachery, and faw the cer-
tain failure of all his fchemes from the oppofition
of fo powerful a leader. He was therefore deter-
mined to remove this obftacle to his ambition at
the expence of his virtue. Accordingly he fol-
lowed Cummin on the diffolution of the aflembly ;
attacked him in the cloifters of the Grey-friars ;
ran him through the body; and left him for dead.
Sir Thomas Kirkpatric, one of Bruce's friends,
afking him foon after if the traitor was flain; " I
believe fo," replied Bruce. " And is that a mat-
ter," replied Kirkpatric, " to be left to conjecture?
I will fecure him." Then drawing his dagger, he
ran to the altar, and ftabbed Cummin to the heart.
Hence the family of Kirkpatric took for the crefl of
their arms, which they ftill wear, a hand with a
bloody dagger, with this motto, " I will fecure
him." This deed of violence, which was then con-
S f fiderep
i6a THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
fidercd as a noble atchievcmcnt of patriotic virtue,
revived the Spirit of the nation. Bruce and his ad-
herents, who were now more than ever objects of
Edward's refentment, had only the alternative to
conquer or perifh. They now faw that fuccefc
muft depend alone on their determined valour.
The Scots embraced with ardour the pleating hopes
of recovering their liberty. The EngliSh were
again driven out of the kingdom, except thofe who
had taken refuge in places of Strength ; and Bruce
was folemnly crowned king of Scotland, in the ab-
bey of Scone, by the biShop of St. Andrews.
Edward, though far advanced in life, felt his
bofom glow with an ardent defirc of revenge. He
difpatched Aymcr de Valence, earl of Pembroke,
with the lords Robert Clifford, and Henry Piercy,
at the head of a body of forces, to protect the few
remaining friends of his government in Scotland,
while he him felf prepared to fupport them with the
whole force of his army. Bruce had collected a
confiderable number of raw, undifciplined troops,
who were encamped at Methven, in Perthshire,
without SuSpecting the approach of an enemy.
Pembroke furprifed them in the night ; and the
Scots were completely routed. Bruce made a moft
gallant refiftance; was thrice thrown from his horfe,
and as often remouuted by the good conduct of Sir
Simon Frazcr; but at length was obliged to retreat,
with a few of his adherents, and take fhelter in the
weftern ifles. Several pcrfons of distinction, who
were taken prifoners, among whom are numbered
Frazer the earl of Athol, and Sir Chriftopher Se-
ton, were immediately executed as traitors.
A few days after this event Edward arrived in
Scotland, to triumph, not to conquer j for the poor
natives in general fubmitted to him, and he had
little to do but to punifh their fuperiors. He
therefore divided his army into two bodies, fending
one to the north, under the command of the prince
of Wales, affifted by the earls of Lancafter and
Hereford. Thefe took Brace's caftle at Kildommy,
where they made prifoners his queen and filler, with
many of his principal followers. After this expe-
dition, the prince and his father met at Perth, and
all Scotland was once more reduced under the
power of Edward ; yet no Submiflions could appeafe
his hatred of thofe who had made any refiftance.
The executions he ordered were numberlefs. His
refentment even drove him to unmanly fury. Lady
Mary Campbell, fifter to Bruce, and the counteSs
of Buchan, he enclofed in wooden cages, and hung
over the walls, the one at Roxborough, and the
other at Berwick, as a Spectacle for the rude popu-
lace. However, Edward, notwithstanding fo many
facrifices were daily offered to his ambition, was
very uneaSy on account of Bruce. This prince lay
concealed for fome time in the ifle of Raughrin -,
, whence he fent Sir James Douglas and Sir Robert
Boid to acquaint his friends, that he was ft ill alive:
and thefe taking up arms, he fecretly put himfelf
at their head, and cut off a convoy intended for an
Englifh corps in that county. His followers be-
ing by this exploit equipped with arms, and fur-
niihed with provisions, he attacked the caftle of
Tunberry, which he took, and obliged lord Piercy,
who commanded in thofe parts, to retire to the
Southward. This action was performed by a body
of only four hundred men. The king was now at
Carlifle, when he ordered Thomas and Alexander,
two of Bruce's brothers, who were taken in an at-
tempt to invade Galloway, to be executed. He was
exafperated to find his Ichemes difconcerted by a
handful of wretches, miferable in every refpect that
can render life defirable, except in the love of li-
berty and heroic actions. He could not think of
the re-appearance of Bruce, but with the greateft
uneaiineJ's : his reflections preyed upon his fpirits,
and the pain they caufcd daily iucreafed. The
affairs of Scotland were much altered Since the tint
he had formed the laft Scheme for its establishment-
Severity and .lenity had been equally ineffectual ;
and neither power nor'policy could extinguish the
fpark which ever exift in minds lefs fearful of 'death
than dependence. In vain was every corner of the
two kingdoms filled with Sanguinary executions, or
dreadful imprisonments.' The Shackled bodies and
mangled limbs of the Scots infpircd their unSub-
mitting countrymen with revenge inftead of terror;
and late as the Seafon was, the king found it ne-
ceSTary to order the earl of Pembroke, and lord
Lorn, with a body of veterans, to advance in Search
of Bruce and his party.
To thefe painful mortifications was added an
affljction in his own family, which afforded Edward
an affecting proof, that happinefs will not fre-
quently attend the Steps of policy, wifdom, power,
and human greatnefs. He beheld, with concern,
the profligacy of his fon, the prince of Wales, \vho
was entirely guided by Gavefton, his young Gafcon
favourite. Edward had Several times endeavoured
in vain to break the infamous connection, and to
reclaim his fon, Sometimes by paternal admonitions,
at others by punifhments bordering on Seventy.
But a frefli infult being now offered to the bifliop
of Chcfter, the king reiblved to proceed in a legal
manne'r againft the favourite, and it was determined
that Piers Gavefton Should, in three months, em-
bark for France, and never more return to Eng-
land, without the king's permiffian or command ;
at the fame time he ordered him a penfion of one
hundred marks a year, on condition that both he
and the prince Should folemnly Swear to obferve.
the Sentence pronounced againft them.
Bruce, bleffed with a genius that . ^
taught him to improve under afflic- A>JJ' I307<*
tions, and to riSe Still greater from defeat, perceiv-
ing that the force of the, enemy was far Superior to
his own, intrenched himfelf on the brow of a hill;
but obferving the highlanders, under lord Lorn,
fetching a compafs round the eminence by which
he muft foon have been Surrounded, he divided his
little army into three bodies, and ordered them to
march different ways, but all to rendezvous, by a
certain time, in the wood of Glantroule, near Cutn-
nock. This retreat being happily performed,
Bruce found his army considerably increased by the
acccffion of new friends, and he obtained Several ad-
vantages over the enemy, though his whole force
did not exceed a thoufand men. With theSe how.
ever he knew fo well how to choofe his ground,
and watch his opportunity, that he defeated the earl
of Pembroke, and attacked a party under the earl
of Glouce, :er, with fo much refolution, that after
a bloody difpute, that nobleman was obliged to
Sliut himfelf Up in the caftle of Ayre, till he Should
be relieved by Edward. This gleam of fuccefs
raifed the Scots from clefpair. The fire of freedom '
ran from brcaft to breaft, and Bruce, in a Short
time, found his army increafed to Several thou-
Sands, by which he became a dangerous, becauSe
a deSperate enemy.
On the other hand Edward made preparations for
invading Scotland, with more fury than ever. He
refolved to give no quarter to the Scots ; but lived
not to carry his cruel purpofe into execution. He
had for fome time been afflicted with a dySen-
tery, which had weakened him exceedingly ; yet his
eagerneSs to finiSh the"*<jduction of Scotland Suffered •
him not to continue at Carlifle. His army being
affembled, he cauSed himfelf to be removed by
eaSy journeys, unable to march above two miles a
day. Arriving at a place, called Burgh, upon the
Sands in Cumberland, he found nature too weak to
proceed any farther. He took to his bed ; and his '
dying ejaculations, if we may credit a cotempo-
rary writer, were worthy of a repentant Chriftian.
Having
EDWARD
I.
'63
Having enjoined hisfon and fucceffor, with his laft
breath, to profecute the enterprise, and never to de-
fift till Scotland was fubdued, he expired on the
feventh of July, in the fixty-ninth year of his age,
and the thirty-fifth of his reign, 'exceedingly re-
fpefted and beloved by his fubjects.
By his firft wife, Eleanor of Caftile, he had four
fons ; but Edward his heir and fucceflbr was the
only one who furvived him. He had likewife by
the fame conlbrt eleven daughters, fix of whom
died in their infancy. Eleanor was married to
Henry, duke of Bar-, Joan to Gilbert Clare, earl of
Glouceftcr, and afterwards to Ralph de Monther-
mez; Margaret to John, duke of Brabant; Eliza-
beth to John, earl of Holland, and afterwards to
Humphrey de Bohun, earl of Hereford; Mary was
a nun at Ambrefbury. By his fecond wife, Mar-
garet of France, he had two fons; Thomas earl of
Norfolk, Edmund, earl of Kent; and a daugh-
ter, named Eleanor, who died in her childhood.
In this reign, Matthew of Weftminfter, a Bene-
dictine monk, compiled his hiftory of England, to
whofe labours fubfequent hiftorians have been
greatly indebted.
The tribute paid to Rome, of a thoufand marks
a year, to which John had fubjected the kingdom,
in doing homage to the pope, had fince his time
been regularly paid ; but the vaffalage was con-
ftantly denied; and that court, for fear of giving
offence, had not much infilled on it. This money
was not called by the name of tribute, but that of
cenfus. Edward paid it always with great reluc-
tance ; having fuffered it at one time to be in ar-
rear for fix years, and at another for eleven.
In fome former reigns the taxes had partly con-
fifted of fcutages, or fums to exempt the vaffals of
the crown from their attendance in military fervices,
and partly'in fuch a proportion of moveables as the
parliament thought fit to grant : but in this reign
fcutages were intirely dropped, and the king, in
lieu thereof, had, from time to time, duties upon
exportations and importations ; the moft confider-
able of which was generally laid by parliament
upon wool.
Char after of Edward I.
He was well qualified to captivate the populace
by his exterior appearance ; being upon the whole,
notwithftanding the remarkable length and flender-
nefs of his legs, of a graceful perfon, and dignified
afpect ; having regular features, with ftrong,
piercing black eyes. But his folid underftanding,
and thole political virtues, which greatly over-
balanced his private and public vices, were of that
caft, as could not fail to gain him the approbation
of all men of fenfe. Endued alike with perfonal
bravery, and political courage, he had the fpirit to
undertake, and refolution to accomplish, fome of
the moft difficult and dangerous enterprifes, that
ever were attempted by any Englrfh. monarch.
The projects which he formed were more regularly
conducted and more conducive to the folid intcreft
of his kingdom, than thofe undertaken in any pre-
ceding reign. He reflored authority to the govern-
ment, difordered by the weaknefs of his father ; he
maintained the laws againft: the efforts of his tur-
bulent barons ; he fully annexed to his crown the
principality of Wales ; and he took the wifeft and
moft fpirited meafures for reducing Scotland to a
like condition. The equity of his attempts upon
that kingdom has been jufHy queftioned; but when
it is remembered, that the union of the two king-
doms muft have been attended with the moft folid
advantages to both, we fliall perhaps be more in-
clined to praife, than cenfure his conduct. At the
fame time it muft be confcflcd, that if his character
mould be thought exceptionable in this particular,
his country obtained the moft permanent benefits
from his heroic virtues ; and he was confidered all
over Europe as the flower of chivalry. Nor was he
lefs famous for his civil than his military abilities.
The improvements he made in the Engliih law
were fo great, that he received the appellation ol
the Engliih Juftinian ; as under him the civil po-
licy of England was not only purged from' -thep-jl-
lutions of former reigns, but refined, enlarged, and
confirmed. The numerous ftatutes palled in his
reign, relating to the chief points of jurisprudence.,
became conftant and durable laws, that full- fubfift;
while the regular ord«r maintained in his govern-
ment, brought the judges to a certainty in their
determinations. Sir Mathew Hale, on mentioning
the fudden improvements of the Engliih laws, in the
time of Edward I. afferts, that, till his days, they
had not received any confiderable amendments.
He abolilhed the office of jufticiary, who he thought
poirelled too much power; and divided the: court
of Exchequer into four diftinct courts, v\'hich ma-
naged each its refpcctive branch of bulinels. He
iirlt cftablifhed the office of jutHce of the peace ; i e-
prelled robberies and cliibrders of every kind ; and
encouraged trade, by giving merchants an eaiy me-
thod of recovering their debts. He reduced by
wife expedients the exorbitant power of ccclefiafti-
cal authority, and treated the function according to
merit of character. Their pofleliions were un-
alienable, and perpetually augmenting : he there-
fore prevented them from making new acquisitions
by the ftatute of mortmain. But what will ever
render the name of this prince dear to the Engliih,
was his eftablilhing the Houfe of Commons, by
fummoning two deputies from every borough, con-
formable to the example of the earl of Leicefter. By
this means the boroughs became of importance to
the ftate ; and the mechanics and tradefmen, whom
the feudal fyftem had placed in a defpicable point
of view, acquired the honour of being one ot the
branches of the legiilature ; trade was encouraged,
and men of property thought it no difgrace to en-
gage in the commerce of their country. With this
pleafing fcene we could wifli to clofe the hiftory
of this great monarch. A painter might here take
the liberty of drawing a vail over his foibles ; but it
is the duty of an impartial hiftorian, to weigh
even the character of an Edward, in the balance of
ftrict juftice ; and we muft confefs, that in the be-
ginning and latter end of his reign, his amiable
qualities, and beneficient actions were lullied by
ambition, refentment and cruelty. To extend his
power feems to have been his grand fpring of
action, without regard to the juftice of means, or
the effect of caufes. Thefe are too evident from his
bloody and expenfive war with Scotland ; his fe-
verities towards Llewellin and Wallace, heroes,
whofe laudable efforts againft flavery and depen-
dence, muft endear their names to the lateil pofte-
rity ; and his rigid treatment of all who oppofed
his will, or obftructed his arbitrary deligns. Yet
thefe blemifhes appear what Shadows are to lights,
appendages in every good picture, and which Serve
as foils, to fet off his more ftriking virtues. If his
acts of tyranny and oppreffion draw our attention
on one fide ; let us on the other behold his penetra-
tion, difcernment, foundnefs of judgment, perfonal
valour, refined policy, and circumlpection of con-
duct. Let us view him introducing a new face of
things by the wifdom and vigour of his govern-
ment. Above all, let us behold this prince as lay-
ing the foundation for that ipecies of government,
which is ftill the glory and boaft of this illand, and
we cannot with-hokl from him that refpect and
cordial efteem, with which his fubjects treated him,
and to which he is juftly entitled.
CHAP.
164
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
CHAP.
III.
E D W
R D
II.
the injiincTionvjf his dying parent, by not pro/editing the war with Scotland— Recalls Gave/ion,
favourite, whom the barons befiege in Scarborough, takes prifoner, and caufe his head to bejiruck off by an
executioner— Bruce effectually fecures the crown of Scotland, and ejlabtiflies the tranquillity of his kinad'om — i
Hugh le d'Efpenfer, or Spencer, Edward's fecond favour it e~His weak fajjton for this young nobleman — A
confederacy of the banns, who oblige the king tv bantjh his favourites^— -Edward, having defeated his barons ,
recalls the two Spencers — J^iteen Ifabella's aversion to them, and /ovefor Mortuner, engage her in a conf piracy
tigairtft the king-^The two Spencers hanged — Edward retires to Wales, where for a time he conceals himfclf
•*-h committed clofe prifoner in the cajile of Kennilworth, dethroned, and truelly murdered — Hh character.
n T7t DWARD II. furnafried Caernar-
' JL von, from the place of his birth,
Was, on his acceflion, about twenty-three years of
age. Heafcended thethroneof hisilluftrious father,
at a time when public affairs wore a moft pleafing
afpect ; when harmony univerfally prevailed ; for
the people were fond of the fon, through the verie*
ration in which they held the memory of his be*
loved parent. They had formed the moft flattering
expectations of enjoying both tranquillity and hap-
pinefs under the government of their young prince ;
but they foon perceived, that all their hopes were
built on a chimerical foundation, and that the
pleafing profpecl was merely delufive ; for chis Ed-
ward was born to obey, not to govern ; and want-
ing both the abilities and fpirit of his father, he was
unable to fupport the regal authority over a proud
and turbulent nobility. A fceptre fwayed in fuch
feeble hands could but become contemptible.
His rather, on his death bed, had charged him to
purfue the enterprize againft Scotland with the ut-
moft vigour. '* Cany my afhes before you," faid
he to his fon, " the rebels will never be able to
fupport the fight of them." But Edward's ruling
paflion wasfarfrom being of the heroic kind. Being
at Carlifle, he ordered a rendezvous of his troops,
who were ftill on their march, at Dumfries in Scot-
land, where they made a gallant appearance ; yet
this was not done with a view of carrying his fa-
ther's defigns into execution ; for he had advanced
but a little way into that kingdom, when he re-
turned with precipitation, and difbanded his forces.
Nor was this the only inftance in which Edward
violated his filial engagements ; for immediately on
his return from Scotland, he recalled his favourite
Gavefton, and even before his arrival, prefented
him with the earldom of Cornwal, which would
have been a fufficient provifion for a prince of the
"blood. Piers Gavefton was a Gafcon knight, dif-
tinguifhed by the elegance of his perfon, a fine
mein, an eafy carriage, which conflituted his chief
merit; yet with thefe qualifications, accompanied
with lively Tallies of wit, he gained an entire afcen-
dency over the weak mind of young Edward, while
his vices threatened the deftruction of the ftate.
On his arrival, one of our writers fays, the king ig-
nobly carefied him, with all the ardour of love that
nature directs to a female beauty. However this
may be, it is certain, the king appeared to covet
the poffeflion of royalty for no other reafon than
that he might fliower down his favours on this
worthlefs minion. Honour, faith, promifes, in-
tereft, and even decency, vanifhcd before this info-
lent foreigner. He caufed him to be married to
his own niece, the carl of Gloucefter's fifter ; and
among other favours, he made him a prefent of
thirty-two thoufand pounds, which the late king
had allotted for the fupport of a hundred and forty
knights, who had engaged to carry his heart to
Jerusalem. By his advice Edward removed from
their offices the chancellor, treal'urer, judges, and
barons of the Exchequer, and filled their places
with his followers. Langton, bifliop of Litdificld,
was imprifoned, and the temporalities of his fee fe-
queftered ; while Gavefton being appointed great
chamberlain and fecretary of ftate, governed the
kingdom as prime minifter.
Edward now fummonecl a parliament at North-
ampton, to regulate his father's funeral, together
with his own marriage and coronation. A fubfidy
was granted for defraying expences ; arid an order
was made, that the bafe coin which would not pafs
in the late reign, fhould be current all over the
kingdom. The body of the late king, which had
been carried to Waltham-abbey, was now removed
to Weftminfter-abbey, where it was buried with the
ufual ceremonies, and a plain ftone monument,
erected to his memory, is to be feen to this day.
Thefe rites performed, Gavefton, before the king's
departure for France, was appointed guardian of
the realm, with full powers to difpofe of all vacant
places and benefices. It is no wonder that the
barons mould be offended at the favours thus
lavifhed on a foreigner of inferior birth ; who in-:
ftead of endeavouring by his moderation to difarm
envy, difplayed with the utmoft oftentation his
power and influence. He wae vain glorious, pro-
fufe, and rapacious. Hence his enemies daily mul-
tiplied, and nothing was wanting but time to ce-
ment their union-
After a fhort pafTage, Edward . n
landed at Bologne, where, having
done homage to the king of France for Guienne
and Ponthieu, his marriage with the princefs
Ifabella was folemnized with great fplendor, in
prefence of Philip, king of France; Lewis, king
of Navarre; Charles, king of Sicily, and the king"
of the Romans. On his return to England with
his queen, their coronation was performed in Weft-
minfter-abbey by the bifhops of Salifbury, Win-
chefter, and Chichefter, commiilioned by the arch-
bifhop of Canterbury, who was prevented by fick-
nefs from attending at the ceremony. But a diffi-
culty arofe, previous to its performance, which
greatly alarmed Edward. The barons, inccnfed at
the infolence of his favourite, who affected to treat
them \vith the moft mortifying contempt, refufed
to aflift at the coronation, unlefs Gavefton was
banifhed the kingdom. Edward promifed to re-
drefs all their grievances, provided they would not
force him to delay the ceremony ; and the barons^
in return, agreed to fufpend their refentment. But
the minion was fo far from profiting by thcfe na-
tional marks of difguft to his perfon and conduct,
that lie appeared with the moft oftcntatious pomp
in the proccflion, in which he carried the crown of
St. Edward before the king. The ceremony was
no fooner over, than the king renewed all the
proofs of that fond attachment to his unworthy
favourite, who became intoxicated with power,
and looked down on the nobility with fupercilious
contempt. Nor did even the queen efcape the at-
tacks of his pointed ridicule. Ifabella, finding
that not only her hufband's capacity required that
he
GREAT SEALS
EdwardIE:t
Original Tniprefsio us
I
EDWARD
\\',?/e Jetin
Bom (tt Carnarvon r/t "V
.s Kldelt Son,//
/W>. . ,/^'AlVended d^Throne
Government c/ //tr Kingdom /// 21 P
.< Murdered ,// liorklcy CaUlc,. /// *&Je
Tinier sculp.
Titlp ^ Prince Wales,
^Barons
Dethronrd ,
EDWARD II.
165
he fhould be governed, but that his temper in-
clined him to^it, thought ihe was beft intitled to
the office ; and harboured in her breaft a mortal
hatred to the man \vlio had fupplanted her. She
was therefore glad to fee the nobles uniting againtt
Gaveflon ; while he, perceiving that ihe hated him,
wantonly intuited and provoked her.
Thomas, earl of Lancafter, coufin-german to
the king, one of the moft opulent and powerful
fut»je£bin England, became head of that party of
the nobles who defired the depreffion of this arro-
gant minion. The aflbciated barons bound them-
ielves by a folemn'oath never to defert each other,
till the detefted object of their hatred was banifhed
the kingdom, A parliament having been fum-
moned at Weftminfter, Lancafter and his party,
determined not to mifs fo favourable an opportu-
nity, came thither with an armed retinue ; infifted
on the banifhment of Gavefton ; and demanded,
that he mould abjure the realm before Midfummer;
even the bifhops, in cafe of his refufal, pronounced
him excommunicated. Edward found it would be
in vain to refift, and therefore complied with their
demands: but inftead of fending him to Gafcony,
the place of his birth, as the barons expected, the
king appointed him lord lieutenant of Ireland ; at-
tended him as far as Briftol when he fet out for his
new government ; and conferred on him lands and
honours both in Gafcony and England.
Edward was inconfolable for the lofs of his
favourite, and had recourfe to every expedient
that might have a tendency to foften the barons,
and pave the way for his return. In order to this,
he conferred the high office of hereditary fteward
upon the earl of Lancafter: the earl of Lin-
coln was bought off by other conceffions, and earl
Warrenne was mollified by civilities, promifes, and
valuable grants; fb that Gavefton's infolence being
no longer apparent, become lefs the object of ge-
neral refentment ; and the king, finding matters
fufficiently prepared to anfwer his purpofe, applied
to the court of Rome, and obtained a difpeniation
from that oath which the barons had compelled
Gavefton to take, that he would for ever abjure the
realm. By tliefe lenient applications the anger of
the nobles was appeafed, and the whole aflbciation
receded from their refoludon, except Guy, earl of
Warwick. Edward, having obtained the comple-
tion of his wifhes, recalled his abfent darling;
and went as far as Chefter to receive him, on his
iirft landing from Ireland. He flew into his arms
with tranfports of joy, and, having a little before
gained the formal confent of the barons in parlia-
ment for his re-eftablifhmcnt, fet no bounds to his
extravagant fondnefs and infamous careffes. This
unmanly conduct of the king, rekindled the fparks
of popular odium agaiuft Gavefton; who, for-
getting every thing that was paft in the embraces
of his fovereign, and blind to thofe caufes which
had excited the refentment of the barons againft
him,refumed his wonted oftentation and infolence;
and with a view to fecure a ftrong party in his
favour, diverted many people of their places, be-
ftowing them on his adherents; by which means
he incurred the implacable hatred of thofc whom
he had deprived of their pofts, without gaining any
real advantage, or ftrengthening his own intereft.
His prefumptuous behaviour revived the animofi-
ties of his enemies, who vowed revenge, particu-
larly the earl of Lancaller, from fome private in-
jury he had received; yet Gavefton affected to
contemn their refentment, and the firft noblemen
in the kingdom were not exempted from the lafh of
his fatyrical reflection-:.
A.D i ? io The barons, therefore, enraged at
' his public mifconduct and perfonal
ridicule, re-united their councils for his deftruftion;
and the king, dreading the confcquenccs of this
No. 16.
union, renewed his proclamation, prohibiting the
bnrons from coming to parliament in armour.
This precept they obeyed ; but at a parliament
fummoned to meet at Weftminfter, they appeared
with numerous retinues all aimed, relolving to
compel the king to redrefs the grievances of the
nation. With this view they propofed to elccl
twelve perfons, who mould, till the term of
Michaelmas in the following year, have authority
to enacl ordinances for the regulation of the king's
houihold, and for the government of the king-
dom ; and that the ordinances mould thenceforth,
and for ever, have the force of laws ; alfo, that the
ordainers fhould be allowed to form affociations for
their ftrict and regular obfervance. The king at
firft fcrupled to grant their petition, which was in-
deed equivalent to a command, and a plain indi-
cation that he was utterly incapable of holding the
reins of empire himfelf ; but the barons threaten-
ing to proceed to extremities, he thought it moft
prudent to fubmit ; and iffued a commiffion, em-
powering the prelates, earls, and barons, to elect
proper perfons for making the propofed regulations.
Thef'e ordinances required meriffs to be men of
property j aboliflied the practice of ifluing privy-
leals for the fufpenfion of juftice; prohibited the
adulteration of coin; reftrained the practice of
purveyance; excluded foreigners from the office
of farming the revenue ; revoked all the grants of
the crown ; and ordered all payments to be made
regularly into the exchequer. By thefe it was
enacted, that the church fhould enjoy her privi-
leges; that the two great charters mould be ob-
ferved; that no prizes mould be taken by the
king's officers without the owner's confent; that
none fhould be entrufted with certain offices, but
fuch whofe lands were fufficient to anfwer for their
actions ; that parliaments fhould be held annually ;
that all perfons profecuted unjuftly, and acquitted,
mould be entitled to damages; that none fhould
be appealed imlicioufly, or outlawed in counties
where they had no lands or tenements ; that they
fhould neither forfeit their eftates, nor lofe their '
lives, provided they furrendered themfclvcs toftand
trial; that pardons for robbery, and other felonies,
ihould not be granted without good reafon, but
deemed void, unlefs agreeable to the king's oath,
the courfe of law, and the cuftom of the king-
dom ; that the king fhall not leave the realm, nof
declare war againft any prince or potentate, without
the confent of the barons; that on his quitting the
kingdom without their confent, a guardian of the
realm fhall be appointed by the parliament, who
mall alfo nominate the chief officers of ftate, of
the houfhold, of the revenue; in a word, all per-
fons employed under the crown in any part of his
majefty's dominions; that the power of making
war, or aflembling the military tenants of the
crown, fhall no longer be folely vefted in the king,
nor be exercifed without the confent of the nobi-
lity. That, (which particularly grieved the king)
all evil counfellors fhall be removed from the king's
perfon, particularly Henry de Beaumont, and his
lifter the lady Vefey, who had obtained grants from
the king difhonourable to the dignity, and preju-
dicial to the prerogatives of the crown. That -
whereas Piers Gavefton had given evil counfel to
his majefty; removed all peribns of integrity and
abilities from the public offices, and fupplied their
places with his own worthlefs creatures; embezzled
the king's treafure ; impoverifhed the realm, by
obtaining unreafonable grants, and procuring blank
charters, which he filled up according to his own
pleafure; protected robbers; arrogated to himfelf
regal power and dignity, and formed combinations
inconfiftent with the law of the land ; he fhould,
for thefe mifdemeanors, abjure the realm for ever,
before the firft of November j and if found in any
.T t part
[66
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
part of his majefty's dominions after that day,
fhould be treated as a public enemy. That all
perfons in office fhould take an oath to obferve
thefe ordinances ; and that one bifhop, two earls,
and as many barons, fliould be chofe in every par-
liament to receive complaints againft the king's
minifters, and others who fhould violate thefe laws,
and to puniih offenders at difcretion. The com-
miffion concluded with declaring, that all this was
done for the glory of God, the fecurity of the
church, and the advantage of the whole nation.
In return for the royal condefcenfion, the barons
figned a declaration, in which they acknowledged
that they owed thefe conceflions to the royal
bounty ; promifed that they fhould never be drawn
into precedent ; and engaged that the power of the
ordainers fhould expire at the time ftipulated.
Edward, after allowing a parliamentary fanftion to
be given to the above articles, fecretly protefted
againft them ; declaring, that fuch as fhould be
found prejudicial to either the king or his kingdom,
were to be held as not ratified and confirmed ; and
the parliament was no fooner diflblved, than, re-
pairing to York, where he was no longer under
the control of the barons, he repealed the article
relative to the exile of his favourite as being un-
juft, and contrary to his coronation oath. After
this imprudent acfc, he invited Gavefton to return
from Flanders, whither he had retired, declaring
that he had been illegally banifhed, and openly
reftored him to his former authority and credit.
The barons, exafperated at the king's having thus
violated his engagements, renewed their confede-
racies againft his odious favourite with redoubled
zeal. The earl of Lancafter was at their head :
Guy, earl of Warwick, joined the confederacy with
great warmth : Aymer de Valence, earl of Pem-
broke, and Humphry Bohun, earl of Hereford,
the conftable, and added to it a great acceflion of
power and intereft ; even earl Warrenne, who had
hitherto fupported the royal caufe, joined the dil-
contented barons ; and Robert de Winchelfea,
archbifhop of Canterbury, being of the fame
party, both the clergy and the people were united
in the fupport of the fame common caufe. The
earl of Lancafter inftantly raifing an army, marched
to York, from whence Edward had removed to
Newcaftle : he then marched thither in purfuit of
him ; and the king had but juft time to make his
efcape to Tinmouth, where he embarked on board
a fhip, and with his favourite arrived at Scar-
borough. In this fortrefs he depofited the object
of his affections ; which, being well fupplied with
provifions, was thought impregnable. Edward
now proceeded by fea; and landing at Knaref-
borough, went to York, in hopes of levying an
army fufficient to fupport him againft the forces of
his enemies.
* -r* In the mean time while the king
' was thus employed, who found the
people not inclined to join his itandard, Pembroke
laid fiege to thecaftle of Scarborough. Gavefton,
fenfible of the bad condition of his garrifon, and
want of provifions, was obliged to capitulate on
the nineteenth of May, having firft ftipulated that
he fhould remain in Pembroke's hands for two
months, during which time means fhould be ufeJ
for bringing about an accommodation ; but if the
terms propofed by the barons fhould not be ac-
cepted, the cafllc fhould be reftored to him in the
fame condition as when he furrendered it. Pem-
broke having now the public enemy in his power,
conducted him to the caftle of Dedington near
Banbury, where he left him, probably by confent
of the confederates, with a feeble guard, under
pretence of prefling bufmefs. But,' before he re-
turned, Gavefton was carried off by the earl of
Warwick, who, together with the earls of Lan-
cafter, Arundel, and Hereford, in violation of
their engagements, caufed him to be beheaded by
the hands of a common executioner on the firft of
July. Edward having received the news of this
affecting event, burft into the moft violent tranf-
ports of grief, and fufTered fuch agitations as mud
have endangered his life, had not his mind been
fupported by determinations of revenge. His
anguifh became loud and impetuous ; he denounced
vengeance againft the murderers of his beloved
Gavefton ; and inftantly made preparations for war
in all parts of the kingdom. Having fummoned a
parliament to meet in Auguft, he repaired to Dover,
where he fortified the caftle, received the oath of
allegiance from the barons of the cinque ports,
and then returning to London, afTembled a confi-
derable body of forces. But the barons, proclaim-
ing tournaments in different counties, levied fuch a
number of troops as exceeded the royal army.
The earl of Lancafter at their head advanced
towards London; and a civil war muft have fol-
lowed, had not the earls of Richmond and
Gloucefter, with the pope's nuncio, and the French
ambaffador, interpofed their good offices. A treaty
was fet on foot by their mediation, and a fate
conduct granted to the earl of Hereford, and the"
lords Clifford and Botetourt, to appear at court;
in order to treat about an accommodation. About
this time the queen, being delivered at Windfor
of her eldeft fon Edward, the king was fo elated,
that he feemed to have forgot the lofs of Gavefton.
He fent to inform the barons, that he would confent'
to any thing they could reafonably afk. They de-
manded, that all the ordinances without exception^
fhould be confirmed : and that a full pardon mould
be granted for the murder of that traitor Gavefton,
for thus they called him. Edward at firft rejected
this condition; but the treaty was at laft con-
cluded on the following terms, that the barons
fhould come before the king in Weftminfter-hall,
and afk pardon on their knees ; that all Gavefton's
effects, which had been feized at Newcaftle, fhould
be reftored; that they and their adherents fhould
have a full pardon for every thing that was paft,
under the fanction of parliament; that a like
pardon fhould be granted to that unhappy favou-
rite's friends and adherents; and that immediately
after the pacification, a fupply fhould be granted
for carrying on a war with Scotland.
Tranquillity being thus reftored^ ^
between the king and his barons, it
was nowdetermined to fend a powerful force againft
the Scots, who, taking advantage of the troubles
in England, had made inroads into the northern
counties, and committed the moft dreadful ravages.
The whole military force of the kingdom was
affembled ; and Edward put himfelf at the head of
a powerful army, which, according to Scottifh
writers, amounted to an hundred thoufand men.
Bruce, whofe army was inferior in numbers, en-
deavoured to fupply by art, what he wanted in
ftrength. He chofe the field of battle with the
utmoft prudence ; and made the neceffary prepara-
tions for receiving the Englifh. He ported his
army at Bannock-burn, about two miles from.
Stirling, having a hill on his right flank, and a
morals on his left. In the front of his camp ran a
fmall river, the banks of which, and the bed of
the ftream, he filled with fliarp ftakes; and caufed
the fame to be placed in deep pits which were dug
a little beyond the oppofite bank, covering them
over with turf. The van of the Englifh army
reached the neighbourhood of the Scottifh camp
in the evening of the twenty-fourth of June, and
a fmart fkirmifh enfued between two parties of
cavalry. The Englifh were led by Henry de
Bohun, a younger brother of the earl of Hereford,
and the Scot* by Bruce in perfon. The conteft
was
EDWARD
II.
167
was very bloody ; and decided at laft in favour of
the Scots by the valour of Bruce, who, riding up
to Bohun, cleft his head with a battle-axe, in fight
of both armies. The Englifh retreated, and night
put a flop to the reinforcements which were march-
ing to their relief; otherwife the aclion had be-
come general. As foon as the morning appeared,
each fide prepared for the dreadful conflict. The
wings compofcd of cavalry, were commanded by
the earls of Glouceftcr and Hereford, and the king
himfelf led the center or main body. Bruce drew
up his forces, confifting chiefly of foot, in three
lines, and a body of referve. The center was
commanded by himfelf; the right wing by his
brother Edward ; the left by Randolph, and the
body of referve by Sir James Douglas. When the
Englifli army was on the point of engaging, a
diipute happened between the earls of Glouceftef
and Hereford with regard to making the firft at-
tack upon the enemy. The former claimed this
poft of honour by cuftom, and the latter as con-
ftable of England : but the earl of Gloucefter,
impatient of control, fprung forward to the charge,
and fell into the covered pits : by -which imprudent
fally of youth his whole fquadron was thrown into
confufion, many of the horfes being ftaked in a
terrible manner, and he himfelf perifhed. Several
of the concealed trenches had been difcovered
during the fkirmifh in the evening ; and the king,
in order to prevent a fimilar misfortune, gave orders
for a body of infantry to take a circuit round the
jnorafs, and to attack the main of the Scottifh
army in flank ; and during the confufion of that
unexpected attack, the cavalry were to have forded
a, paffugc of the river, and fallen fword in hand on
the embarraffed enemy.
Notwithftanding thisdifafler, the Englifh archers
advanced againft the right wing of the enemy,
and galled them fo effectually with their arrows,
that they began to give way ; which Sir James
Douglas perceiving, he fell fuddenly upon the rear
bf the Englifh with fuch impetuofity, that they
were routed with great flaughter. Mean while the
tenter, commanded by Edward, moved on againft
the main body of the Scots, art .1 met with a warm
reception from Bruce, who fought in the front of
the line with amazing valour. The Englifh were
difheartened by the great lofs they had fuftained ;
•when they obferved on the heights towards their
left, what they imagined to be "another army
marching leifurely to furround them: This was
nothing mor? than a number of waggoners and
firmpter boys, whom Bruce had fupplied with mili-
tary ftandards, which at a diftance gave them the
appearance of a numerous body of forces. The
Englifli, ftruck with a panic, fled with the utmoft
precipitation, and Bruce obtained a complete vic-
tory. Edward was hurried off from the field of
battle by his attendants to Stirling Caftle ; but the
governor refufing him admittance, he fled to Dun-
bar, where he was cordially received by Patric,
earl of Marche, an old and faithful adherent of
his family. In this obftinate action great numbers
of the Englifh were killed, as well in the purfuit
as the field ; and more would have fhared the fame
fate, had not the Scots been particularly attentive
to the plunder, which is laid to have amounted
to the value of two hundred thoufand pounds fter-
ling. Forty principal barons, with a multitude Of
knights, were taken prifoners ; and the number
of flam, according to Scottifh. hiftorians, amounted
to fcven hundred lords, knights and efquires; but
according to other accounts, there were about one
hundred and fifty-four killed of the former j and
riear twenty thoufand of the latter. Of the Scots,
between four and five thoufand were flain in the
field of battle. Bruce treated all his prifoners with
the greateft Humanity. He font the bodies of the
earl of Gloucefter and lord Clifford to the Englifli
monarch; he difmifTed lord Monthermer, forwhom
he had a particular fYiendfhip, without ranfom ; he
exchanged the earl of Hereford and . other noble-;
men, for his wife, his daughter, and fifter, the earl
of Mar, and the bifhop of Glafgow ; and he caufed
the flain in battle to be ckceatly interred. Ed-
ward, diffident of his fecurity at Dunbar, eiri-
barked on board a fmall veflel and landed at
Berwick, whence he repaired to York, and con-
vened a parliament to coniider of the ftate of thg
nation;
This decifive battle of Bannock- A T> ' '•
burn, feciired the independency of A'L)<I3I5-
Scotland, by fixing Bruce on the throne ; but Ed-
ward, inftead of calling forth the united force of
the whole nation to vindicate its honour, trampled
upon it flill more by attaching himfelf to a new
favourite. This was Hugh le d'Efpenfer, or
Spencer, a young man defcended from a noble
family, and an Englifhman by birth. He poffeffed
all the exterior aCcomplifhments of perfon and
addrefs, necefl'afy to engage the affections of Ed-
ward ; but wanted that prudence and moderation
v/hich alone could have fuppbrted him, when fur-
rounded by dangerous enemies.. He was at firft
forced upon the king by the earl of Lancafter as
chamberlain of the houfhold, in which capacity he
fo ingratiated liimfelf with Edward by his obfe-
quious behavibur, that he gained the fame afcen-
dency over him, which Gavefton had formerly
pofiefled. His father, who had alfo acquired a
confiderable fliare in the adminiftration, was vener-
able for his age; and during his whole life had
been refpected for his wifclom, his valour, and his
intrepidity. Young Spencer had no foo'ner fuc-
ceeded Gavefton in the king's affedion, than he
began to exertife a moft arbitrary fway in the cli-
• rection of publick affairs, and from a dependent,
became the rival of Lancafter. He had married
Eleanor, one of the co-heireffes of Gilbert dd
Clare, earl of Gloucefter, and in right of this lady
enjoyed the greateft part of Glamorganfhire. But
his ambition and avarice induced him to encroach
on the fhares of the other lifters, and even ufurp
the lands of other proprietors. He feized the
caftle of Newport from Hugh de Audley, who had
married one of his fifters-in-law, and afterward^
compelled him to grant a conveyance confirming
his poffeffion ; he likewife prevailed oh the king to
refume the grants of fome caftles he had bellowed
on Roger de Mortimer, and appropriated them to
himfelf. But the moft exceptionable part of his
conduft was his difpute with John de Mowbray,
who had married Aliva, daughter of William de
Baroufe, lord of Gower. By a fpecial deed, this
nobleman had granted the lands and honours of
Gower to his daughter Aliva, and his fon-in-law
Mowbray, and to their heirs, with the remainder
to Humphrey de Bohun, earl of Hereford, and
his heirs. By virtue of this grant, Mowbray took
poffeflion, without any licence from the king, of
whom it was held in capite; and young Spencer
made ufe of this pretence to obtain judgment, by
which the lands were forfeited.
Jncenfecl at this violation of their privileges, the
lords of the Maichcs were determined to humble
the pride of tin's over-bearing minion. The earl.4
of Lancafter and Hereford, Audley Roger de Clif-
ford, the two Mortimers, with many others, flew td
arms, 'and demanded peremptorily the banifhmcnt
of the two Spencers. The king refufed to comply.
Upon which they marched to London, and pre-
fented to parliament an accufation againft his two
minifters and favourites. The Spencers were con-
demned to baiiifhment, without a lingle crime be-
ing proved againft them ; and upon their fubmitting
qiuctly to tucir lenience, the barons disbanding
their
i68
TH E NEW AND
COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
their army, feparated to their feveral caftles. But
the patient acquicfence of Edward, to the demands
of his turbulent fubjecfc, fo weakened his authority,
that others thought they might without impunity
defpife it.
The queen having occahon to pals
A.D. 1321. by Leeds in Kenti belonging to lord
Badlcfmere, difpatched one of her fervants, to ac-
quaint him of her intention of lodging there that
night, but me was refufed admittance, and fome of
her attendants were killed. This infult upon a
princefs, who was herfelf an enemy to the Spencers,
not one of the confederates juftified, and the king
afierobled an army to punifh the offender. He
took his caftle, and put the governor with feveral of
the garrifon to the fword. Having now fome
forces on foot, Edward ventured to rccal his fa-
vourites, and refolved at the fame time to attack
their enemies. He therefore haftily advanced to
the Marches of Wales, and found them entirely un-
prepared for refiftance. Many of the barons in
thofe parts ftrove to appeafe him by fubmiffion, on
which he feized their caftles, and caufed their per-
fons to be committed to cuftody. Lancafter, in
order to prevent the total ruin of his party, fum-
moned his vafials, declaring he had entered into an
alliance with the king of Scotland, and had received
a promife of a reinforcement, under the command
of Randolph, earl of Murray, and Sir James
Douglafs. Being foon after joined by. the earl of
Hereford, he advanced with all his forces againft
the king, who having aflembled an army of thirty
thoufand men, was much fuperior to his enemies in
number. Young Spencer now returned to Eng-
land, and prefented a petition, fetting forth the
illegality of the fentence pronounced againft him,
and offered to vindicate his innocence againft all
oppofition. He was therefore committed to clofe
cuftody, and his eftate taken into the royal protec-
tion, till the affair mould be decided by a judicial
procefs. His petition was referred to the infpec-
tion of the prelates belonging to the province of
Canterbury, who condemned the fentence as illegal
and unjuft ; upon which Hugh was fet at liberty,
and again admitted into the king's council.
A D 1222 ^e earl °f Lancafter, encouraged
by the hope of a powerful affiftance,
took port at Burton upon Trent, in order to defend
the paflage of that river; and to prevent Edward
crofting it, a ftrong party was placed on the bridge,
which they maintained three days fuccefllvely againft
the attacks of the royal army. At length the king
forded the river; and Lancafter refolving to give
him battle, advanced with great confidence and
alacrity ; but on perceiving the vaft fuperiority in
point of numbers, he wasintimidated, and retreated
towards Borough-bridge, in order, if poflible, to
reach the borders of Scotland. But Sir Andrew
Harcla, governor of Carlifle, fufpefting hisdefign,
polled himfelf with a body of troops, to difpute his
paffage over the river Eure, fo that Lancafter found
himfelf reduced to the wretched alternative of ven-
turing an engagement, or of furrendering himfelf a
prifoner to Harcla. He chofe the former: but the
earl of Hereford being flain in the firft charge,
and Sir Roger de Clifford dangeroufly wounded,
the reft of the troops fled with great precipitation,
and Lancafter was taken prifoner, with about one
hundred barons and knights. The next day, after
having been removed from York to his own caftle,
which had furrendered to the king without oppo-
lition, he was arraigned in the caftle-hall before the
earls of Richmond, Pembroke, and feveral others,
who found him guilty of appearing in arms againft
the king, and condemned him to be hanged,
drawn and quartered ; but the fentence was after-
AVards changed, in confideration of his being a
prince of the blood. This noble earl now ex-
perienced the fame indignities, which had before"
been pradtifed upon Gavefton. He was drafted in
mean apparel, placed upon a mean horfe without a
bridle, and a hood upon his head. In this igno-
minious manner he was conducted to an eminence
in the neighbourhood of Pomfret, amidft the feoff-;
of the rabble, and there beheaded, on the twenty-
third of March. Thus fell Thomas earl of Lan-
cafter, one of the moft powerful barons of the king-
dom. Lord Badlefmere, the principal promoter of
this infurrection, Gifford, Cheney, Meming, and
about eighteen others, were afterwards executed at
Canterbury, Windfor, Gloucefter, and London, in
terrorem, for a terror to the country: many were
confined in prifon, and others- fled from the king-
dom. The king's friends were rewarded out of
their eftates. Harcla, in particular, received for
his fervices a large grant, with the earldom of Car-
lifle. He foon after forfeited his eftate with his
life, for carrying on a treafonable correfpondence
with the king of Scotland. But the greateit part of
the forfeitures to the crown were feized by young
Spencer, whofe rapacity had no bounds. Hence
many of the barons were much difpleafcd at fo par- ••
tial a divifion of the fpoils ; and the envy againft:
the king's minion rofe to a greater height than"
ever, which was increafed by his ufual infolence,
enflamed by fuccefs which impelled him to commit
many acfts of violence and injuftice. He thus be- •
came ftill more the object of popular averfion, and
all the relatives of the attainted barons vowed le-
cretly revenge, which conftituted thefource of fu-
ture convulftons. Things being in this ftate of
confufion, there could be little room to hope for
fuccefs in foreign wars ; whence Edward, having
made another fruitlefs attempt upon Scotland,
found it neceflary to conclude a peace of thirteen
years. And though Bruce's title to the crown was
not acknowledged in that treaty, he was fatisfied
with fecuring the poflefllon of it for fo long a time.
He had bravely expelled all the attacks of Eng-
Lind ; had carried the war both into that kingdom
and into Ireland ; and his throne was firmly efta-
blifhed,not only by force of arms, but in the affec-
tion of his people: yet he muft naturally feel fome
inquietude, while at war with a kingdom, which,
however divided by faction, was greatly fuperior
both in riches and in number of people. At the
fame time this truce was the more feafonable to
England, as the nation was then threatened with
the danger of entering into a war with France.
Charles the Fair, third fon, and the . „
third fucceflbr of Philip the Fair, fum- *
moned Edward to do him homage for his province
of Guienne. Spencer, who faw all the confe-
quences that might attend his own authority during
the king's abfence, would not confent to his leav-
ing the Jdngdom. It was likewife the unanimous
opinion of parliament, that it was improper for the
king to go abroad in perfon, but that ambaffadors
fhould be fent to the court of France, requefting,
that the homage might be delayed to a more con-
venient opportunity. Charles refufed to poftpone
the ceremony, and fent a body of troops to attack
Guienne. In this dilemma, the fertile imagination
of Ifabella furnifhcd her with an expedient for re-
moving all difficulties, and putting it in her power
to be revenged on the younger Spencer, whom flic
detefted as a rival in the affection of her confort.
She propofed that the king fhould refign the fo-
veieignty of Guienne to his fon, and that the prince
fhould be fent to Paris, to perform the required
duties of a vaflal. This device concealed a fnarc
imperceptible by the Englifti council, Edward and
Spencer were charmed with the queen's contri-
vance, and the young prince was foon after fent to
Paris. Ifabella had now gained her point, and
determined, by accompanying her fon, to make ufe
of
EDWARD
II.
169
of her good fortune by procuring the deftruction of
her enemies. Edward and his minion were foon
convinced of the egregious blunder they had com-
mitted, in trufting the heir apparent to the crown
in the hands of an ambitious woman. Ifabella, on
her arrival in France,had found there a great 'num-
ber of fugitives, who had belonged to the earl of
Lancafter's party, and mutual hatred of Spencer
foon created a fecret friendfhip between them, and
that princefs. Among the reft was Roger Morti-
mer, a powerful baron of the Welch Marches, one
of the leaders of the late rebellion, who had fortu-
nately made his efcape out of prifon to France.
This young nobleman, with the graces of perfon
and addrefs, in a fhort time engaged the affections
of the queen, who facrificed to a vicious paffion
every fentiment of honour and fidelity to her huf-
band. The exiled barons daily reforted to her
court, where Mortimer lived with her in the utmoft
intimacy. Edward, informed of this intrigue, or-
dered the queen, to return; but in anfwer, me de-
clared her refolution of continuing in France, till
the Spencers mould be banifhed England with in-
famy and difgrace. This declaration procured her
popularity among the Englifh, and covered her in-
trigues with a vail of decency.
AT) ,,,,* Every lenient method having been
' tiled in vain, to bring the queen to a
fenfe of her duty, refource was had to the pope, who
readily engaged in the caufe of the injured Edward.
His holinefs wrote a very prciling letter to the king
of France, inlifting, even on pain of excommunica-
tion., that the queen of England mould be fent back
to her hufband. Charles was fo affected by this
menace of the pontiff, and much more by the
fhameful commerce carried on between Mortimer
and his fitter, that he was determined to fupport her
openly no longer. Having for fometime expected this
event, Ifabella had formed an alliance with William,
covint of Hainault and Holland, to whofe daughter
Ihe had contracted her fon, the prince of Wales;
who in return promifed her an afylum in his do-
minions, and to aflift her with a body of troops.
She retired therefore directly into Hainault, where
me was received with the ftrongeft marks of kind-
nefs and refpect. The utmoft difpatch, and every
probable expedient were now ufed for railing a body
of forces to attend the queen and the young prince
to England. Three thoufand men were now en-
lifted in her fervice, placed under the command of
John, the count of Hainault's brother. With
thefe me failed from Dort, and landed without
the leaft oppofition on the coaft of Suffolk, with
the earl of Kent, who accompanied her, on the
twenty-fourth of September. Soon after her land-
ing, flic was joined by the earls of Norfolk and
Leicefter, two princes of the blood, with all their
followers. The bifhops of Lincoln, Hereford, and
Ely, added not only the authority of their characters,
but brought with them their vaffals ; and even
Robert cle Watte ville, whom the king had fent
to oppofe her in Suffolk, furrendered up to her all
his forces. Ifabella, to give the greater appearance
of juftice to her caufe, renewed her declaration,
that her only purpofe was to deliver the king and
nation from the tyranny of the Spencers, and of
chancellor Baldoc, their creature. This proclama-
tion had the defired effect: it allured the populace,
and the prince in her army, made the barons think
themfelves fecure.
At this time the king was at London, where he
made a vain attempt on the citizens to efpoufe his
cauie. Perceiving that no reliance could be placed
on their loyalty, he fet out for the weftern parts of
England, flattering himfelf that he fhould there meet
with better fuccefs, that his fubjects, in fuch an ob-
icure corner, would commifcrate his diftrefs, and
fupport their king againft the unnatural rebellion of
No. 1 6.
an implacable woman. Edward had no fooner left
London, than popular rage broke out with the ut-
moft violence againft his minifters. The outrageous
mob not only plundered, but murdered thofe who
were moft obnoxious to them : among thefe was the
bifhop of Exeter, whom they feized as he was paff-
ing through the ftreets, beheaded him, and threw
his body into the Thames. They gained poffeffion
of the Tower by furprize, and then agreed to {hew
no mercy to thofe, who fhould dare to oppofe the
prince and queen Ifabella. The fame fpirit fpread
throughout England, and filled the few perfons who
ftill adhered to the unfortunate king with the ut-
moft terror.
The foreign forces, under John de Hainault, with
the earl of Kent, purfued the king to Briftol, and
invefted the cattle, which the elder Spencer, who
had been left governor thereof, would have de-
fended to the laft extremity; but the garrifon
infected with the difloyalty of the times, mutinying
againft him, delivered him up to his enemies. Not
the leaft refpect was paid to this venerable noble-
man. All his former fervices, with his virtues*
were alike forgotten-, and though near ninety years
of age, he was condemned without trial, and hanged
on a gibbet ; after which his body was cut to pieces
and thrown to the clogs. Thus the common dic-
tates of humanity, with the laws both human and
divine, were facrificed to the unjuft refentment of a
ferocious nobility!
Edward,purfuant to his refolution, had embarked
for Ireland, but being driven back by contrary
winds, he endeavoured to conceal himfelf in the
Welch mountains. However by the force of all-
powerful uold, the difficulty of clifcovering his re-
treat was foon removed: and the king was taken
at Caerfilly in Glamorganfhire, with the younger
Spencer, Baldoc the chancellor, and a few do-
meftics; all the reft of his fycophant courtiers
having deferted him in the midft o.f his misfortunes.
The king was committed to the care of the earl of
Leicefter, and confined in Kenilworth caftle. His
favourite, the young Spencer was executed without
any form of trial, with the moft mocking circum-
ftances of barbarity and infult. Chancellor Baldoc,
being a pricft, was fent to the bifhop of Hereford's
palace in London, where he was affaulted by the
populace, who ufed him with unfpeakable cruelty,
and being thrown into Newgate, foon expired, from
the fevere treatment he had received from the po-
pulace.
A parliament was now fummoncd A r> ,-
to meet at Weftminfter, and on the
day appointed the houfe was furrounded by the
people, inveighing againft the king and his adhe-
rents. The bifhop of Hereford having declared
aloud, that the queen could not again cohabit with
Edward, without the moft imminent danger of her
life, put the queftion, Whether they would have
the father or the fon for their king? Defiring them
to confider the alternative of their choice, and
give their anfwer the following day in the after-
noon. When they were affembled, the few adhe-
rents of the king, over-awed by the clamors with-
out doors, and the influence of faction within, kept a
profound filence; and on repetition of the queftion,
it was rcfolvcd that young Edward fhould be raifed
to the throne; accordingly the lords did homage to
him ; after which he was conducted into Weftmin-
fter-hall, and prefented to the multitude as their
fovereign, the archbifhop addreffing them in the
words of the old adage, Vox populi, -vox Dei e/t,
" The voice of the people is the voice of God ;"
and the bifhop of Hereford harangued them to the
fame purpofe. Silence being commanded, the
prince was proclaimed king, and his inauguration
fblemnized. Some of the prelates refilling to fwear
fealtv, thev were forcibly conveyed by the mob to
U u Guildhall,
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Guildhall, and there compelled, not only to take
the oath, but folemnly promife to maintain and
fend the privileges of the city of London
was n6t fufficient for the queen, to have feized the
perfon of the king, it was alfo thought by her nc-
ceffary,that he fhould refign his fceptre. As young
Edward's authority could not be eftabhflied, while
his father remained unimpeached, it was refolved
formally to depofe that unfortunate monarch. To
this end, writs were iffued to return eight and forty
members from north and fouth Wales, in order to
flrengthen Mortimer's party. On the feffion of
parliament, fix articles of impeachment were drawn
up by the bifliop of Winchefter, againft the friend-
lefsking, importing his incapacity for government,
apparent from his being biafled by wicked minifters,
to his own difhonour and the prejudice of his fub-
jecls; his purfuit of objects unworthy of his dig-
nity ; his neglect of adminiftration ; his want of
military capacity, from whence refulted the lofs of
Scotland, together with the territories in Gafcony
and Ireland : lire diftreffing moft holy church, by
profecuting and imprifoning ecclefiaftics ; and
finally the tendency of his general conduct to the
utter deft-ruction of the kingdom. Thefe articles
having been read in prefence of the prince, feated
ofl the throne, it was refolved, that young Edward
fliould affum« the reins of government, and that
Edward II. fhould no longer be ftiled king of
England, but Edward of Caernarvon, the king's fa-
ther. When the fentence was paffed, the queen
fhed a few {trained tears, and even affected to fwoon
at the declaration of her hufband's depofition: the
young prince alfo, as he had been tutored, refufed
accepting the crown without his father's confent.
To obviate this objection, the parliament deputed
three bifhops, two earls, with the fame number of
barons, .abbots and juftices, to go to Kenilworth,
and acquaint the king with their refolution. The
bifhops of Hereford and Lincoln were fent to con-
verfe with him before the deputies arrived, in
order to prepare him for the approaching change
of his condition. They advifed him after many
proferTions of regard and attachment, to refign vo-
luntarily his crown, afliiring him, on a compliance,
of the moft honourable treatment, and of the bad
Deflects which would inevitably refult from a refufal,
as the parliament were determined, in that cafe, to
exclude all his children from the fuccefiion, and
place a ftranger on the throne of his anceftors.
This infinuation awakened all the fondnefs of a fa-
ther in the foul of the unfortunate Edward : he
paufed ; he fhed tears to the remembrance of his
fallen ftate ; qonfented to admit the deputies; and
retired to his chamber. When they entered, the
commiffioners proceeded to read the articles of im-
peachment, and demanded his immediate refigna-
tion. Edward deeply affected with the thought of
being hurled from the fummit of human grandeur,
\vas unable to ftand the fhock: his fpirits forfook
him, and he had fallen to the ground, had not the
bifhop of Lincoln fupported him in this dreadful
moment of conflicting paflions. On recollection of
his fpirits, fenfible that arguments andremonftrances
would now be ineffectual, thanking them for the
honour clone his fon, the timid Edward proceeded
to the ceremony of refignation, by delivering to
the commiflioners, the crown, fceptre, and other
Cnfigns of royalty, which had been brought thither
for that purpofe ; and Sir William Truflel, who
acted as procurator for the parliament, renounced
in their name all future allegiance and homage.
The deputies on their return to London, having
made their report to parliament, Jfabella revived
from her hypocritical dejection, and the prince
agreed to his own elevation. Accordingly the ufual
proclamation at an accefllon was made through-
out England j and the prince, after having been
knighted,^ was crowned, on Sunday, the fifth of
February, by Walter, archbifhop of Canterbury,
in prefence of the principal nobility of the kingdom.
It was" impoilible to prevent thefe atrocious acts
of violence from opening the eyes of a deluded
people. The perfidy and infidelity of the queen, ;
her impudent hypocrify 5 her more infamous com-
merce with Mortimer; charrged the current of po-
pular odium. Ifabella and her paramour were re-
garded with horror, while the fate of Edward was
generally deplored. A fcerie of maj-efty m cHftrefs
attracted the pity, the compaffion, the tears of
every humane heart. Leicefter, nbw earl of Lan-
cafter, felt all the power of tender fympathy; and
therefore treated his prifoner with refpectful kind-
nefs. The queen and her adherents knew the
power, and tlieaded the effects, of Englifh com-
pafiion. They forefaw all the fatal confequences
to themfelves,fhould Edward be reftored to the feat
of power. They could but know their own black
deeds of guilt ; yet were not eafy without adding
the horrid crime of premeditated murder to their
black catalogue. They therefore removed Edward!
from Kenilworth to Berkley caftlc, in Glouceffcr-
fliire, where he was committed to the care of Sir
John Gurney, aud John de Montravers, who treated!
him with cruelty and infolence ; but the goodnefs
of Edward's conftitution fupported him under thefe
afflictions, till orders arrived from the queen and
MovtimeF, to finifh the inhuman tragedy. Thefe
deteftable wretches, in compliance with the orders
of their more deteftable abettors, hurried him about
from one caftle to another, in order to elude his
friends endeavours for his releafe, and, in the courfe
of thefe migrations, treated him with the moft bar-
barous indignities. They contrived horrid noife*
to prevent his natural repofe ; they compelled him
to eat the moft difguftful food ; they lodged him in
a dampjtower, not only expofed to the inclemencies
of the weather, but alfo the flench of human car-
cafes, piledon thereof of his chamber: the wretched
apartment in which he lay, was generally over-
flowed with water, and he was fubjected to per-
petual infults from the meaneft flaves, who were
encouraged to treat him in that unworthy manner.
It is laid, that one day, when the king was to be
fhaved, they ordered clirty water to be brought for
that purpofe frem a ditch, when defiring that it
might be changed, and being refufed this poor re-
queft, he burft into tears, and faid, that in fpite of
them he would be fliaved with warm water. The
queen and Mortimer, who were the inftigators of
thefe inhuman tortures, finding them "ineffectual,
and apprehenfive of condign punifhment, fhould
the truth reach the ears of young Edward, refolved
to anticipate fuch a difcovery by the immediate
murder of the old king, for which a moft execrable
expedient was contrived. The two villains, to
whom the unhappy Edward was committed, having
received their orders, entered his chamber at mid-
night, and the ruffians who attended them, held
him down with a table, which they threw upon
him, and thiuft into his fundament a red-hot iron,
inferting it through a horn, in order to prevent any
external marks of violence upon his perfon. But
the guards and fervants were fufiiciently apprized
of the blocdy deed, by the fcreams with which the
king, in fuch unutterable agonies, filled the caftle.
Thefe proclaimed tc the world the infernal practices
of an adulterous woman, and her vile lover; and
though no wound or blemifh appeared on the fkin,
the mufcles of the face were fo diftorted, as plainly
to fhcw the exquifite agonies he had undergone.
Thus perifhed this weak and unhappy prince, on
the twtnty-firft of September, in the forty-third
year of his age, and twentieth of his reign. His
body was interred without enquiry, in the abbey of
St. Peter, in Gloucefter.
Montravers
EDWARD HI
77-
GJREAT vS
/V ///////"/// //f/'f/t //'ft// //ft' Orio-LlL-llIlllpl'l'lsiOllS . )
( / / ^
EDWARD II.
171
Montravers and Gurney, his executioners, were
the fubjects of general deteftation ; and when the
queen loft her power, and a revolution took place
in favour of her fon, they were obliged to provide
for their fafety by flight. At length Gurney, being
feized at Marfeiles, was put ori board a Clip, in
order to be carried to England; but by fecret or-
ders was executed at fea. Montravers, after hiv-
ing been feveral years in Germany, found means to
perform fervces for Edward III. on account of
which he was pardoned.
Edward II. by his queen Ifabella of France, had
two fons, and two daughters, namely, Edward -his
ekleftfon and fucceflbr; John, created afterwards
carl of Cornwal, who died young at Penh; Jane,
married to Davkl Bruce, king of Scotland;
and Eleanor, efpoufed to Reginald, count of
Guelders.
During this reign, England was afflicted with a
moft grievous famine. The parliament alfo en-
deavoured to regulate the price of provisions'.
Two pounds eight fhillings of our preterit money
for the beft ox not fed with corn ; if fed with corn,
three pounds twelve fhillings. A fat hog of two
years old, ten {hillings: a fat wether, unfhorn, five
fhillings: if fhorn, three fhillings and fix-pence: i
fat goofe, feven-pence halfpenny: a fat capon fix-
pence: a fat hen three-pence : two chickens three-
pence, four pigeons, three-pence : two dozen of
eggs three-pence.
Character of Ed-ward II.
He is faid to have refembled his father in the
•linements of his face, as well as in the exact
elegance and fymmetry of fhape; having a ma-
jeftic and noble ftature, and a deportment altoge-
ther engaging and agreeable ; and he followed his
example in a ftrict obfervance of conjugal duties,
to which he met with a very ungrateful return, in
the vicious profligacy of an adulterous abandoned
woman: but the qualifications of his mind bore no
kind of proportion to his bodily perfections ; for
he was deficient in forcfight, in judgment and in
courage. His mental debility urged him to a con-
duel that had all the appearance of infatuation.
Being a Have to his own paflions, he -too readily
committed to others the weight of that government
which he had neither the ability nor inclination to
fupport. Of a warm and benevolent heart, he was
ftrongly inclined to friendfhip; of weak and narrow
intellects, he had not difcernment to choofe a
friend ; of a lazy and indolent difpofition, he took
up with the firft that chance. threw in his way; and
when he had fixed his choice, he could never be
permaded to withdraw his attachment. The grand
fburce of that univerfal contempt which he in-
curred, was an ill founded and obftiaate affection
for favourites. This incorrigible paflion, prompted
him to fuch a fufpicious deportment, accompanied
with thofe arbitrary meafures of his minifters, as
roufed the fpirit of a free people, which, inflamed
by the intrigues of an infamous queen, involved
him, his minions, and all their adherents in one
common ruin. To thefe caufes have been attri-
buted all the calamities that befel him in his life;
and the untimely death to which he was at Lift
brought. fJence a ftriking example is left on re-
cord to fucceeding princes, of the dire effects of
gratifying private pafiions, in oppofition to the will
or intereft of the public ; while at the fame time is
exhibited, in glowing colours, the fatal confe-
quences of relying on' the guidance of any one in-
dividual, in the important affairs of government.
If the ftrong attachment of Edward to Gaveflon
was not the refult of unnatural inclination, of
which it is our duty to acknowledge, not the leafi
fhadow of pofitive proof is to be found in the re-
cords of authentic hiftory ; yet it will be acknow-
ledged, he might have placed his regard on more
deferving objects; at leaft,- he might have avoided
thofe weak expreffions of womanifhfondnefs, which
laid the ground of vulgar fufpicion, and an imputa-
tion of other crimes, of which his favourites were
alone guilty. His tragical death ought not to be
afcribed to the barons; for Mortimer and the queen
only could have fuch reafons, as to involve them-
felves in fo black a crime* Had thefe wretches
fuffered the degraded monarch to live, he probably
might have excufed the parliament having ex-
cluded him from the throne ; and happy would it
have been for him, could he have been allowed to
defcend into a private ftation, which, being of a
harmlefs difpofition, he was beft qualified to fill ;
but viewed in the glafs of truth, under the character
of an Englifh monarch, we cannot but conclude,
that he was deftitute of all thofe noble endowments
of mind that are neceflary for guiding the wheels
of government, and to form only the outlines of a
great prince.
CHAP. IV.
li D W A R D III.
A regency is appointed-, but the chief authority erigrojfed by the queen dowager, and her favourite Mortimer — The
young king's expedition againjl the Scots — The earl of Kent tried and executed — Mortimer is feized, and experiences
a fimilar fate — Edward takes the reins of government info his own hands- — A war with Scotland renewed — »•
Edward lays claim to the crown of France, and makes war with that kingdom-^ A gre at naval vittory obtained
over the French at fea — Dome/lie occurrences — A war with France continued — '7 be glorious battle of Creffy,
in 1346 — The famous fiege of Calais — War with Scotland renewed-*— The king of Scotland, David Bruce, made
prifoner- The gallant battle of Poicliers, in 1356, in which king John of France is taken prifoner — The glory
which Edward, prince of Wales, called the black prince, gained by this viclory — The jiate of France — That
kingdom again invaded ; and the war is terminated by the peace of Bretagni — The conditions andeffecli of this
peace-^ — King John of France comes over to England, and dies in the Savoy — The black prince undertakes an ex-
pedition into Spain — His death, with that of the king—Characler of Edward IlL
A.D 1^7 T?DWAII]D III. furnamed of Wind-
' ' f2j for, being raifed to the throne
during his minority, the parliament appointed a
regency, confiding of five bifhops, three earls, and
four barons, to fuperintencl the adminiftration of
public affairs ; and the carl of Lancafter reftored to
the dignity of high fteward, was intrufled with the
guardianfhip of the king's perfon. But the chief
authority was engrofTed by Ifabella, queen dowager,
and her favourite Mortimer. The laft, having ob-
tained a revcrfal of his fentence, was reftorcd to his
lands and honours, to which were added the eftates
of
172
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND,
of the earls of Arundeland Winton, in North Wales.
The queen likewife obtained from parliament a
grant of twenty thoufand pounds, to pay her debts,
and the fame fum as an annual jointure, together
with all the treafures of the two Spencers, the earl
of Arundel, and of Baldoc, the chancellor. The
French fubjects were all rcleafed, and their effe&s
reftored; hoftilities ceafed in Guienne; and peace
was eftablifhed between France and England.
Public rejoicings were made on this occafion, which
were interrupted by advice from the frontiers, that
a body of Scots had made an attempt to fin-prize
the cattle of Norham, though without fuccefs ; for
by the vigilance of Sir Robert Manners, the go-
vernor, they were obliged to retire with confiderable
lofs. The Englifh regency endeavoured in vain to
procure a peace ; Bruce being determined, though
bending under the weight of years and infirmities, to
take ad vantage of Edward's minority, and the unfet-
tled ftate of the kingdom. He was foon at the head
of a numerous army, aflifted by his two moft expe-
rienced generals, Murray and Douglas. Thefe gal-
lant officers had been long bred in the field of mili-
tary action. Their forces were trained in the fame
fchool, inured to the fame hardfhips, and perfectly
qualified from their manner of life, for a defultory
war. The whole equipage of the troops, except a body
of about four thoufand cavalry, well armed, confift-
ed of a bag of oatmeal, as a fupply in cafe of necef-
fity, which each foldier carried behind him, together
with a thin plate of iron, upon which he baked his
cakes. But his ordinary fubfiftence was the cattle
which he feized, in cooking which he was remark-
ably expeditious : after flaying the animal, the Scots
placed the fkin upon fome flakes, hanging loofe in
the form of a bag, which, thus fufpended, ferved
them as a cauldron for the boiling their victuals.
Soldiers like thefe, wholly unincumbered, who could
attack or retreat from their enemy at pleafure, were
well adapted to carry theirravages into the northern
counties. To chaftife their infolence, and check
their progrefs, the Englifh miniftry affembled an
army of near fixty thoutand men. Edward, glow-
ing with military ardour, even in thefe his early
years, placed himfelf at their head, and marched
without delay from Durham infearch of the enemy.
He fet out in the middle of July, fuppoling they
might be fomewhere between Durham and Carlifle;
but he could perceive no figns of an enemy.
The flame and fmoak of burning villages pointed
out plainly the place where they were encamped;
yet upon haftily marching thither, he found them
gone, and by new marks of devaftation, difcovered
that they had moved to a diftant place. Having
for fome time harrafied his army in this fruitless
fearch, he advanced to the northward, and crofied
the Tyne, with a refolution of waiting for them in
their return homewards, and of taking ample ven-
geance on them for all their depredations. But
their frequent incurfions had fo much wafted the
country, that it was impofiible for him to obtain
fubfiftence for his army ; and he was obliged to
change his operations and return to the fouth. All
track of the enemy was now loft; and though he
promifed to any one who fliould bring him an ac-
count of their motions, a reward of one hundred
pounds a year, he remained for feveral days inac-
tive from his not knowing where to find them. At
length he received intelligence, that they were en-
camped on a declivity of a hill, beyond the river
Were. Edward advanced againft the enemy; when
approaching them, he found they had chofen their
ground with fuch judgment, that it would be the
utmoft raflinefs to crofs the river in their front, and
attack them in their prefent fituation. The young
king, impatient for revenge and glory, challenged
them, if they dared, to meet him in the open field.
This bravado Douglas could ill brook, and was in-
clined to accept the challenge ; but he was over-
ruled by Murray, who returned in anfwer to Ed-
- ward, " That he never, in any of his operations,
took the advice of an enemy." The king therefore
kept his prefent ftation, oppofite to the^Scots, ex-
pecting that he fliould be able to reduce them by
famine, having received intimation, that their pro-
vifions were nearly expended. This being really
the cafe, the Scots decamped at midnight, marched
fome miles higher up the river ; and encamped on
the brow of another hill, flanked by a wood. The
Englifh no fooner were informed of their retreat,
than they followed them, ftill keeping on the north
fide of the river, and pofted themfclves on another
hill, oppofite to that which the Scots pofleflcd.
While the two armies lay -in this pofition, an
incident happened which had almoft proved fatal to
the Englifh. Douglas having got the word, and
an exact delineation of the Englifh camp, entered it
fecretly in the night, with a body of two hundred
refolute foldiers, and advanced as far as the royal
tent, with a defign of furprifingand carrying oft" the
perfon of tlje king ; but in that critical moment,
the chaplain and chamberlain, who factificcd their
lives to his fafety, alarming the guards, Douglas
was immediately fuiTOur.dcd, and efcaped with
much difficulty, by cutting a paflage through thofe
who oppofed him. The Scottifh army decamped
foon after in the dead of night, and having march-
ed with theutmoft expedition, by the way of Carliilc,
they reached their own country withov': further lofs.
Edward, on entering the place where the Scots had
encamped, found only fix Englifhmen, whom the
enemy, after having broke their legs, had tied to
trees, in order to prevent their carrying any intelli-
gence to their countrymen. The king was much
chagrined at his being thus difappointed in his firft
campaign; and knowing it would be in vain to
purfue the enemy, he retired to York, where he
difbanded the greateft part of his forces. However,
the marks of bravery he had difcovered in this en-
terprize, were extremely pleafing to his troops, and
regarded by the nation as fure indications of an
illuftrious reign. The general cenfure fell upon
Mortimer, who was now an object of public detef-
tation ; and every meafure purfued by him only
tended to increafe the hatred of the people againit
him and queen Ifabella.
Aparliamenthavingbeenfummoned . •-.
at Lincoln, they granted the king a
fupply for the profecution of the Scottifh war, and
to defray the expences of his marriage with Phi-
lippa, fecond daughter of William, count of Holland
andHainault. This princefsarrivedin England with
a very fplendid retinue. When approaching Lon-
don, fhe was met by the mayor and afdermen in their
formalities, who exprefled their affection for their
fovereign by a fervice of plate; and a iblcinn pro-
ceffion of the clergy introduced her into the city.
From thence fhe fet out for York, where the king
then rcfided, and the nuptials were folemnizcd
with great magnificence.
Mortimer, who at this time ufurped the whole of
fovereign authority, had taken no care to fecurc fur
himfelf a place in the council of regency, nor did
he in any public meafures confult either with the
princes of the blood, or with the nobility •, hence all
the envy which had attended Gavefton and the two
Spencers, now fell on this favourite of the queen.
He faw his danger ^ and fenfible of the increafing
hatred of the people, thought it neceffary to fecure
a peace upon any terms. Hiscommiflioners there-
fore, with thofe appointed by Bruce, began their
conferences at Newcaltle. As the claim of Eng-
land to the government of Scotland, was the prin-
cipal caufe that excited the animofities between both
nations, Mortimer confented to refign this preten-
fion, and to ackno\yledge Robert an independent
fovereign ;
/•/•./«./ \XRjBsj!"" •""""'
*r,,/..,,. H:< l/UJIj,j ^— f.
,1.1 " • , -^ >!•>•**•'•' f/i,,s. £ >
(llrm/:in //'' ,' . OMnrif / *V.-^;..
7' ' • 7*
\l..ll.:urn _','" '
J .V I)
EDWARD IIL
173
fovercign : in return for which, Robert ftipulated to
pay thirty thoufand marks to England. Thus a
treaty was concluded, and even ratified by parlia-
ment, on fuch terms, which Bruce, at any other
juncture, could never have obtained, after a feries
of fuccefs. It excited univerfal clamovir in the
kingdom. The people expreffed their refentment
in the Itrdrigeft terms. They declared openly that
fuch a peace was neithet" honourable nor neceflary ;
that thofe who concluded it, had bafely facrificed
. both the blood and trcafure of the nation to private
views ; and that the queen, who under pretence of
her late huiband's incapacity, had ufurpeU his au-
thority, fufliciently difcovered, how unable file her-
feif was to hold the reins of government. Nor
did Mortimer, who treated his fuperiors with the
moft fupercilious contempt, efcape the flvafts of
public difpleafure. The barons were highly in-
cenfed at the arrogance of this infolent upftart,
Lancafter, Norfolk arid Kent formed a confederacy
for their mutual f'afety ; with whom were unite'' the
new archbifliop of Canterbury, with the prelates of
London and Weftminlter ; thefe held private con-
ferences at London, refolving to exhibit articles of
impeachment againft the favourite; tb enquire
into the king's death, and to demand a refurription
of the forfeited eftates granted to the queen-mother
and her minion, to the great detriment of the royal
revenue. Mortimer, fufpecting their defigns againft
him on fummoning them to parliament, ftrictly
prohibited them, in the king's name, from coming
with an armed force; The "three earls, when they
drew near the city of Salifbury where the parlia-
ment was appointed to meet, found, that though
in obedience to the king's command, they had
brought with them only their ufual. retinue, Morti-
mer and his partizans were attended with all their
followers in arms ; and, apprehending fome dan-
gerous defigns againft their perfons, they turned
Sack, aflembled their vaffals, and were returning
with^an army to take vengeance on Mortimer;
but Kent and Norfolk deferting the common caufe,
L-ancafter was obliged to fubmit, and, by the inter-
pofition of the prelates, the quarrel feemed to be
for the prefent appealed. It was agreed, that all
grievances ftiould be redreffed, and all errors cor-
rected, in the enfuing parliament, which however
the king found an excufe to poftpone. He had
been fummoned by Philip de Valois, then reigoing
king of France, to do homage for the dominions
he held of that crown. Accordingly he failed
A D iaao i!Om Dover ia Ma7> and, having
' performed the ceremony of homage
at Amien?, returned to England ia June. During
is abfence died that brave commander and (teady
patriot Robert Bruce, in the fifty-fourth year of
t»rs age, and twenty-third of his reign } the tranf-
rions of which have convinced pofterity how
porfcdly he underftood the art of war, the true
mtereftj of his country^ and the genius of his
Through his inftructions" his generals
acquired their martial and political knowledge;
yet ail they could do after his death, was to pre-
Icrve a few faint remains of his glory.
A . D i -^o Mortimer now profecuted all who
prefumed to blame his conduct, or
©ppofe his meafures* he even rendered the king
inacceflible to any but his own adherents, and pre-
vented the earl of Lancafter bimfelf, who had been
entruited with the care of Edward's perfon, from
onfernng with him on the affairs of the nation.
The earl of Kent, for his bold oppcfition to un-
onftitutiohal meafurcs, was marked for deftruction
by that vileft of minifters. The fimplicity of this
upright nobleman, rendered it eafy to pradice
him; therefore Mortimer and his emiffaries
perfuaded him, that his brother, king Edward was
1 alive, and coiuined fccretly in prifon. The
No. 17.
earl, too readily giving credit to their infinuations*
formed the defign of reftoring him tb liberty, and
replacing him on the throne. With this intent,
having carried on his preparations for fome time;
he was at length impeached by Mortimer of high
trcafon before the parliament, where none but the
minifter's friends attended, and was condemned to
lofe his head. The principal author of this tra-
gedy, with the queen-dowager his abettor, fearing
the young king would be unwilling to have his
uncle fuffer, hurried on the affecting cataftrophe:
but fo dcteftable did this barbarous fentence appear
in the eyes of the public, that not a man could be
found abandoned enough to ftrike the blow; for
the day after his fentence, when the earl was
brought upon the fcafFold, the Common, execu-
tioner refilled to perform his office, fo much was
he beloved by the people ; nor could any one be
found to fupply his place till the evening, when
the fentence was executed by a felon from the
Marflialfca, who, as a reward for his fervice, re-
ceived a free pardon for all the robberies and other
offences he had committed.
But a crime of fo deep a die as that of mUrder,
could not remain long unpunifhed. The earth
would not cover the victim's blood; and this laft
inhuman action filled up themeafureof Mortimer's
iniquities, and rendered him univerfally detefted.
All parties forgetting their former animdfities,
confpifed the deftruction of this infolent and perfi-
dious miniftcr. Nor did this object of the people's
abhorrence efcape the difcerning eye of Edward,
who had exprefled great concern for the death of
his uncle, and did not now conceal his averfion to
the bafe inftrumcnt of that earl's untimely end.
The king was now in the eighteenth year of his
age, extremely diffatisfied at being held in bondage
by the haughty Mortimer. This reverfe of affection
was no fooner known, than thofe who had accefs
to his majefty vied with each other in divulging
the particulars of his abandoned life, and arbitrary
proceedings. But Edward, though determined to
deprive Mortimer of his power, yet, being en-
compafTed by that minifter's erniffaries, -found it
neceflary to ufe the utmoft caution and.fecrecy in
his endeavours to bring him to exemplary punifh-
ment. He imparted his defign to lord Montacute £
and that noblemen engaged the lords Clifford and
Molins, Sir John Nevil of Hornby, Ufford, and
others, who all promifed their affiftance; and it
was refolvcd to feize Mortimer during the feffion
of parliament, which was fummoned to meet at
Nottingham. To effect this it was propofed, that
the king fhould occupy the caftle of Nottingham,
wherein the queen-mother and Mortimer lodged j
but on their arrival, they found the caftle already
filled with the attendants of Ifabella and her fa-
vourite, one or two apartments only being left for
the king, and a few of his train. This caftle was
fituated upon a rock which was inacceffible ; all
other parts were ftrictly guarded ; the gates were
locked up every evening, and the keys carried to
the queen : hence it appeared fufficiently evident,
that it would be impoffible to execute their purpofc
without the afliftance of Sir William Eland, the
governor of the caftle. Lord Montacute was there-
fore fent to found, and gain him over to their
party. This was effected with great facility, that
gentleman joyfully embracing an opportunity of
teftifying at once his affection for the peribn of his
fovereign, and his abhorrence of thofe, who, by
their infamous conduct, had brought then- country
to the brink of deftruction. By his direction, the
king's afibciates were admitted through a fubter-
raneows paffage, which had been contrived for pri-
vately conveying provifions and ftores into that
fortrefs. The entrance was level with the meadows,
and a way winded up through the rock to the
X x caftle,
i74
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
caftle. The above nobleman, conducted by Eland,
proceeded after him in fearch of their prey ; and
fuddenly entering the chamber adjoining to the
queen's apartment, they found Mortimer, with the
bifhop of London and others of his party, in clofe
consultation ; and after having (lain Sir Hugh
Turpliton, and Richard de Monmouth, who drew
their fwords in Mortimer's defence, took him pi i-
foner. The queen hearing the noife, and readily
gueffing the nature of the bufinefs, called aloud
in French to the king, whom fhe fuppofed to be at
their head, " Fair fon ! Fair fon ! have pity on
the gentle Mortimer." But receiving no anfwer to
her intreaties, fhe rufhed into the room, and
earneftly intreated them to do no injury to his
perfon, for he was a worthy knight, her dear
friend, and well-beloved coufin. They however
took him away, and conveyed him from the caftle
through the fame paflage by which they afcended,
which to this day is known by the name of Morti-
mer's hole. This exploit was conducted with fuch
difpatch and privacy, that the guards were not
alarmed, and the people of the town knew nothing
of the ti anfaction till the next morning, when two
of Mortimer's fons, and feveral of his adherents,
were apprehended by the royalifts. All the pri-
foners were committed to the Tower of London ;
and the king iflued a proclamation, fignifying that
he had taken the government into his own hands,
and would redrefs the 'grievances of the people.
He then repaired to Leicefter, where he iflued
writs for a new parliament to meet at Weftminfter,
where all perfons who had received injuries from
the late admmiftration were invited, in order to
obtain fatisfaction. At this parliament, articles of
impeachment were exhibited againft Roger de
Mortimer, who was accufed of fetting the queen-
dowager at variance with her hufband ; of pro-
curing exorbitant grants to the prejudice of the
royal revenue ; of embezzling the king's jewels
and treafures ; of confpiring to deftroy hismajefty's
beft friends; of obtaining pardon for two hundred
Irifhmen, who had bafely murdered many of the
king's liege fubjects ; of aflbmrog the regal power,
and ufurping the adminiftration ; of infulting the
prelates, aflembled in the parliament at Salisbury ;
of perfuading to march, in an hoftile manner,
againft the earl of Lancafter and other peers who
had tamed at Winchefter ; of impoling exceflive
fines on that nobleman and others, contrary to the
capitulation of Bedford ; of having procured the
death of the late king ; of having deceived the earl
of Kent into a confpiracy to reftore that prince ;
of fecreting, for his own ufe, twenty thoufand
marks of the money paid by the king of Scotland ;
and of having repaired to parliament with an armed
force, difturbed their deliberations, and threatened
feveral members with death. Thefe fads were fo
notorious, that without examining witnefles, or
hearing his defence, he was found guilty of high
treafon, and condemned, as a traitor, to be hanged,
drawn, and quartered : which fentence was exe-
cuted on the twenty-ninth of November, at a
place called the Elmes, about a mile from London,
where his body hung two days on a common
gibbet ; an awful example, to warn future favour-
ites not to defpife public juftice, which fooHer or
later will lay her iron hand upon them, when, by
an abufe of power they run counter to the princi-
ples of good government, and are only intent upon
the gratification of their private paffions. The
noblemen who had affifted in feizing Mortimer,
were rewarded ; tke attainder of the earl of Kent
reverfed ; and Richard, earl of Arundel, reftored
to the honours and pofleflions of his father. The
queen-dowager was confined to her houfe at
Kifings, in the neighbourhood of London, and
her revenue reduced to, four thoufand pounds a
year. The king conftantly vifited her once or
twice a year during her life ; but flie never reco-
vered the leaft degree of power or authority in the
ftate.
Edward had no fooner affumed A T\
the reins of government, than he
applied himfelf to redrefs all grievances, that had
arifen either from the want of authority in the
crown, or the late abufes of it. All who were put
in office by Mortimer weredifcharged, and others
put in their places. The king iffucd writs to the
judges, enjoining them to adminifter impartial
juftice, without paying the leaft regard to any
arbitrary orders fent from the miniftry. The king-
dom was infefted with numerous bands of robbers,
who, taking advantage of the late commotions,
had fet the power of the magiftrates at defiance,
and exercifed, with impunity, their lawlefs depre-
dations. They were even openly protected by the
great barons, who employed them againft their
enemies. It was therefore previoufly neceilkry to
deftroy this alarming connection, before the evil
could be removed. Edward therefore exacted a
folemn promife from his barons, aflembled in par-
liament, to break off all connections with fuch
malefactors as a difgrace to nobility. He aL'o>
iflued a proclamation, forbidding all jefts and
tournaments, which ferved as a plaufible pretence
for aflembling armed men, to the difturbance of
public tranquillity, and the terror of peaceable in-
habitants. After taking thefe public meafures, he
marched in perfon againft the banditti, and, by
his courage and activity, the more powerful troops
were broken ; many were taken and executed -r
and great numbers flew to the continent for fat'ety.
The minifters of juftice followed the royal example.
They were indefatigable in difcoveriug, and ftrict
in punifhing criminals. By thefe falutary methods
the difeafe was removed, and travellers pafled
from one part of the kingdom to the other without
moleftation.
Here we may fix the period of England's mife-
ries, from the guilt of rebellion, regicide, and un-
natural murder ; as well as the date of her glory,
from kingdoms conquered, fovereigns captives,
and nations relieved, always fupported by a jull
and equitable adminiftration at home. The fatif-
faction arifing from the proceedings of the late
parliament to all kinds of people, made Edward
fenfible of the importance of his always living in
amity with his barons and reprefentatives of the
people. He faw that he had been directed wifely
in putting a ftop to all fanguinary profecutions.
This induced all parties to concur in Supporting .
his government j nor was he, like moft of his pre-
deceflbrs, afraid of meeting his people in parlia-
ment.
Having thus eftablifhed authority at home, the
government of Edward became once more for-
midable to its neighbours. The brave Robert
Bruce, whofe death we have noticed in due place,
left his fon David, a minor, under the guardian-
fhip of Randolph, the brave earl of Murray, la
the late treaty with England it had been Stipulated,
that both the Englifh, who inherited eftates ii>
Scotland before the commencement of the wars,,
and the Scotch nobility, who enjoyed lands ir*
England, fhould be reftored to their rdpectivc
pofleflions : but though Edward had nearly exe-
cuted his part of this article, Robert, observing
that the lands claimed by Englishmen were moie
numerous and valuable than the others, was either
unwilling to admit fo many fecret enemies into his ^
country, or found it difficult to wreft from his own
followers the pofleflions they had obtained as the
reward of their dangers and fatigues, and therefore
protracted the performance of his part of the ftipu-
lation. The Englifli barons thus diflippointed,
refoived
EDWARD
III.
refolved to obtain what they had a right to de-
mand; and having great influence in the north,
their difcontent was fufficient to fhake the throne
-of a young prince, who was as yet too young to
fway a fcepter. Edward Baliol, fon of John, who
was crowned king of Scotland, had for fometime
after his father's" deceafe, been detained as a pri-
foner in England; but having obtained his liberty
he went toVrance, and refided on a patrimonial
eftate hepoflefled in Normandy, without the leaft
thought of laying claim to the crown of Scotland.
He was univerfally confidered as a private perfon,
and had been committed to prifon on being ac-
cufed of a private offence. Lord Beaumont, who
in right of his wife had a claim to the earldom of
Buchan in Scotland, found him in this fituation;
and thinking him a proper inftrument for his
purpofe, prevailed on the king of France to reftorc
him to liberty, and brought him over to Eng-
land.
On his arrival, the Englifli nobles refolved to
vindicate their rights by force of arms, and ap-
plied for affiftance to Edward; but he had fufficient
reafons which prevented his openly countenancing
their defigns; for in the treaty with Scotland he
had been made to enter into a bond to pay the
pope twenty thoufand pounds, if he violated the
peace within four years; and that time not being
elapfed, he made no doubt but that his holinefs
would demand the penalty. Befides, on every
demand which had been made of reftitution to the
Englifli barons, the regent of Scotland had always
acknowledged the juftice of their claim, and
founded the delay on plaufible pretences. The
king therefore refolved to make ufe of the fame
artifice, and not proceed to open violence. He
fecretly encouraged the undertaking of Baliol,
conniving at his levying forces in the north, and
countenancing thofe nobles who were willing to
join him. Two thoufand five hundred men were
raifed by Umfreville, earl of Angus ; the lords
Talbot, Moubray, Stafford, Beaumont, Ferrers,
Fitz- Warren, and Wake, and the command given
to Baliol. As they fuppofed the frontiers would
be guarded, they refolved to proceed by fea ; and
. j-j embarking at Tlavenfpur in the begin-
1 3 3 • jng of Auguft, reached the coaft of
Fife. Scotland was at this time in a very feeble
condition. Murray had lately paid the debt of
nature ; and Lord Douglas, difdaining a life of in-
dolence, had pafled over into Spain, where he was
ilain in a battle againft the Moors. Donald, earl
of Marre, who was of inferior abilities, had fuc-
ceeded him in the regency ; and the young king
was unable to defend a throne, which all the abili-
ties of his father were neceflary to acquire and
maintain. The Englilh fleet no fooner appeared,
than Sir Alexander Seyton, at the head of the
1'ifefhire militia, oppoled their landing ; but he
was routed and (lain with nine hundred of his fol-
lowers. Baliol advanced to Dumferling, where he
feized a magazine of arms, which he diftributed
among thofe who joined his banner in Scotland.
Thefe were only a fmall number of his partizans,
the Scotch being greatly prejudiced againft a prince
Supported by the Englifli. Reviewing his little
auny, he found they fell fhort of three thoufand
men; whereas the regent had encamped at Gladf-
muir with forty thoufand ; while an advanced
guard poftetl tliemfelves by the fule of the river
Krne, to dilpute the pallagc with the Englifli.
Trufting to their great fuperiority of numbers,
and the depth of the river, they lay in a very
fupine manner ; a circumftance which induced
Baliol to ford the river in the night, at a place
called DupHng. thw/ng fucceeded in this at-
tempt, he liirprized and attacked the enemy with
fuch impetuofity, that -they were routed before the
morning. The earl of Marre, who lay at a diftance
with the main army, was for reducing the En°-lifh
by famine; but Robert, earl of Carrick, naturally
headftrong and impetuous, treated his propofal as
the efFeft of treachery or cowardice. In confc-
quence of which thefe ferocious chiefs rufhed for-
ward to charge the Englifli with the utmoft pre-
cipitation, while their men ran after them in great
diforder, not regarding fome broken ground,
which threw their ranks into diforder. Men and
hprfes tumbled over one another ; and the fecond
divifion prefling upon the firft, threw the whole
into confufion. Baliol, to prevent their rallying,
immediately advanced with his troops, who chafed
them off the field with a terrible {laughter. Above
twelve thoufand Scots fell in this engagement ;
among whom were the regent himfelf ; the earl of
Carrick, a natural fon of the late king ; the earls
of Athol and Monteith ; and the lords Hay, Keith,
and Lindfey ; yet the lofs of the Englifli was very
inconfiderable ; it is faid to have been only about
thirty men.
Elated with this fuccefs, Baliol advanced to
Perth, which he entered without oppofition. Find-
ing this place well ftored with provifions, he re-
paired the fortifications. The necefllty of this
precaution foon appeared ; for it was fcarcely exe-
cuted, when he found himfelf befieged by Patrick
Dunbar, earl of March, and Sir Archibald Douglas,
with his army, which being recruited, amounted
again to forty thoufand men, who were determined
to block up Baliol, and reduce him by famine.
To effect this, orders were difpatchecl to John
Crabbe, a Flemifh failor, to deftroy the Englifli
fleet, ftationed at the mouth of the Tay, for the
convenience of fupplying the army with provifions.
Crabbe attacked them •, but inftead of demolishing
the enemy, all his own veflels were either burnt or
taken. The Scottifh generals now perceived it
would be in vain to continue the blockade of
Perth ; retiring therefore from the fiege, they
difbanded their forces for want of pay and fub-
fiftence ; and the kingdom was, in efFecb, fub-
dued by a handful of men. Intimidated by the
fuccefs of the Englifli arms, nor lefs by the lofs
they had fuftained, the Scots gave overall farther
thoughts of refiftance, and Baliol was crowned
king of Scotland at Scone, on the A ^
twenty-feventh of September. David,
the late king, with Jane, fifter to Edward, his
betrothed wife, retired to France, where they were
gracioufly received by Philip. A truce was alfo
propofed to Baliol; to which he readily confented,
in order that he might aflemble a parliament, with
a view of having his title recognized by the whole
nation.
However, notwithstanding this truce, A n
Baliol, having difmifled the greateft A
part of his army, was attacked luddenly, and
routed near Anan, by Sir Archibald Douglas.
John Baliol, his brother, was flain, and he himfelf
was obliged to fly into England, driven from his
throne by as fudden a revolution, as that by which
he had obtained it. During the fhort time Baliol
enjoyed his crown, perceiving it would be impoffi-
ble for him to retain it without the protection of
Edward, he fent fecretly to that prince, offering to
pay him homage, and to marry his fifter Jane, pro-
vided a difpenfation from the pope could be obtain-
ed, her nuptials with David Bruce not having yet
been confummated. Edward had willingly accepted
the offer; and now, ambitious of gaining hisfupe-
riority. - over Scotland, which he had loft by the
treachery of Mortimer, openly declared for Balic/1,
and made 'preparations to reinftate him by force in
his loft feat of power. The Scots, elated with their
late fuccefs, had made incurfions into Cumber-
land ; which furnifhed Edward with a fufficient
I pretence
176
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
pretence for recommencing hoftilities againft them.
Accordingly he fent orders for this purpofe to Sir
Anthony Lacy, who defeated the invaders, and
compelled them to return to their own country
with great precipitation.
The king in the mean time having appointed a
rendezvous of his army at Newcaftle upon Tyne,
opened the campaign in the beginning of May,
with the fiege of Berwick, where he commanded in
perfon. That place being confidered, as it is now,
the key of Scotland, Douglas furnifhed it with a
ftrong garrifon, under the joint command of Sir
William Keith, and Patrick Dunbar, carl of March,
governor of the caftle. Thefe gallant officers made
a brave defence. The fiege continued near two
months; when great part of the fortifications being
demolifhed, the garrifon agreed to capitulate if not
relieved in five days. Thefe terms were no fooner
made known to the Scottifh army, which was pre-
paring to invade Northumberland, than Sir Archi-
bald Douglas, in compliance with the requcft of the
garrifon, marched to the foot of Halidown-hill, a
little to the north of Berwick, in fight of the Eng-
lifh army ; where he drew up his forces in four di-
vifions, commanded by the principal nobility of
Scotland. The Englifli were pofted upon an emi-
nence. They were alfo drawn up in four fcparate
bodies, and flanked with archers. In this pofition
Edward waited the attack of the enemy, who, on the
thirteenth of July began to afcend the hill with
great intrepidity ; but the fteepnefs of the afcent, the
weight of their armour, the incefT.mt fhowers of
arrows difcharged from the bows of theEnglifh, and
the large ftones rolled down upon them, foon
checked their career. They halted ; and their ge-
neral, being that moment transfixed with an arrow,
fell lifelefs to the ground. Difmay, confufion, and
diforder, now ran through the ranks of the Scottifh
army. Edward, taking advantage of this favourable
opportunity, ordered lord D'Arcy, at the head of a
body of light armed infantry, to charge them in
flank, while he himfelf attacked their front with a
choice brigade of veterans. The Scottifli knights,
to render the action more defperate, haddifmounted
from their horfes : but the impetuous attack of the
Englifli, led on by their brave fovereign, was more
than equal match for their furious valour. Incapa-
ble cither of making refiftance, or of having recourfe
to flight, being furrounded on all hands, a horrible
carnage enfued ; the remainder who efcapecl the
fword, fought their fafety inflight; butlittlequarter
being given in thepurfuit,all the principal nobility
were either flain or taken prifoners. The lofs of
the Scots, according to the moft probable com-
putation, amounted to thirty thoufand; while on
the part of the Englifh, it is faicl, only one knight,
one efquire, and thirteen privates, fell in this me-
morable action. The town of Berwick furrendered
next day, according to agreement, and Edward
executed all the articles of capitulation with great
punctuality. The Scottifh inhabitants had time
granted them to remove their effects i but thofe who
took the oaths of allegiance to the king of England,
were permitted to ftay. Patrick Dunbar entered
into Edward's fervice, who in conjunction with
Henry Lord Piercy, was intrufted with the guar-
dianfhip of Lothian and Galloway ; the crown of
Berwick upon Tweed was annexed to the crown of
England ; and Edward, leaving a confiderablebody
of forces with the new king of Scotland, to com-
plete its reduction, returned to England. It was
impoflible for the Scots, in their prefent unhappy
ftate, to oppofe the power of Baliol. Their chief
nobility loft, their army diflipated, their king in
France, their regent flain, what could they attempt
with any profped of fuccefs ? Submiffion was their
only refource. When therefore Baliol marched
through the whole country, all the cstftles, except
3
Dumbarton, Urquhart, and two or three others,
which werefuppofcd to be impregnable, furreRdered
at the firft fummons.
In February, a parliament aflcm- . ~.
bled, in confequence of writs from
Baliol, at Edinburgh, when he was acknowledged
king; the fiiperiority of England over Scotland
was alfo folcmnlyconfinned, and Berwick; Dunbar,
Roxburgh, Edinburgh, and all the fouth-eaft conn*-
ties of Scotland, were declared to be for ever an-
nexed to the crown of England. To thefe hum-
bling conditions the Scots were obliged to fubmit,
but at the fame time they were fwearing fealty, de-
termined, the firft opportunity that offered, to break
through thefe, and their bonds and allegiance,
while the conduct of the king grea'tly firengthent\t
both their refolution and refentment : for David,
earl of Athol, the lords Beaumont and Talbot,
were put in pofleffion of the eftites they claimed in
Scotland ; Henry de Piercy was gratified with the
caftle of Lochban, which belonged to the earl of
Murray ; and grants were made to other Englifh
noblemen, at the expence of Scottifli proprietors;
Thefe impolitic meafures rendered the perfons thus
deprived of their poflcifions, defperate, and impla-
cable enemies to Baliol; nor could the Scots in ge-
neral efteem a prince, who had fhamefully refigned
that independence, to maintain which fo much
blood and treafure had been expended. The
Englifh troops therefore were no fooner returned to
their own country, than they flew to arms. Sir
Andrew Murray was elected regent, who defeated
Baliol in feveral fkirmilhes. In the mean time ap-
plication had been made for fuccours to Philip,
king of France, who fent a body of troops to their
affiftance ; by which means they over-ran aud re^
duced all the northern parts of Scotland.
Baliol beingthus again brought into . ™
moftdiftrefsful ciicumflances,Edward
was obliged to afTemble an army and march into
Scotland to his relief. Having entered by the way
of Berwick, he made a confiderablc progrcfs, with-
out meeting with the leaft oppofjtion. At his ap-
proach the enemy abandoned all the plains, and re-
tired to the mountains and faftncffes of their country.
Several fkirmifhes however happened between the
Scots, and ftraggling parties of the Englifb ; in, one
of which the late created regent was taken prifoncr.
During Edward's flay at Perth, he detached a body
offerees, under the command of his brother, John
of Eltham, and Sir Anthony Lacy to ravage the
weftern counties, which were moftly inhabited by
the adherents of Bruce. The Scots who thought
themfelves fufficiently ftrong to face a part of "die
Englifh army, prefented their whole force in order
of battle. A bloody engagement enfued; victory
was for fome time doubtful, but at laft declared in
favour of the Englifh ; and a great number of Scots
perifhed in the field of battle. The friends of
Bruce were fo intimidated by this defeat, that they
determined to fubmit to Edward. Accordingly a
treaty was concluded on the following terms:
*' That the Scottifli noblemen fhould have the be-
nefit of a general amnefty ; that they fhould enjoy
their lands, honours and offices in Scotland, and be
reftored to thofe of their Englifli poileffions that
had been forfeited ; that the Kirk, and boroughs
fhould enjoy all their privileges; that none but na-
tives fhould be put into public oilices, except in
fome particular cafes, where their king, Baliol,
might fee reafon to exert his prerogative in behalf
of perfons of a different nation : To which were
added by fome of Bruce's party, who at firft refufed
to accede to this treaty; that Edward Baliol fhould
enjoy the crown of Scotland during his natural life,
but on his demife, David Bruce fhould fucceed him
on the throne, and in the interim be maintained
honourably at London, An end being thus ap-.
parently
EDWARD III.
177
parently put to hoftilities, Edward ordered the for-
tifications of Perth to b'c repaired, and the caftles
of Edinburgh and Stirling to be rebuilt. He atlfo
appointed the earl of Athol guardian of the
northern part of the kingdom, and returned to
England at the head of the greater part of his army.
Yet theScots,notwithftanding they hadfigned the
above articles of their fubmiffion, were ftill farther
than ever from being broken, or fubdued ; nor did
they wait long for a plaufible pretence and oppor-
tunity of fhaking off a yoke* to which neceflity
alone had compelled them to fubmit. The earl ot
Athol, whofe talents were ill adapted to govern
fuch a turbulent fet of people, inftead of applying
foothing lenients, treated them with rigour ; and
imprudently befieged the caftle of Kildrummy,
which ftill refufcd to open its gates, and where: n the
regent's wife had for fecurity fliut herfelf up. The
earl of Marche and Sir William Douglas haftened
immediately to the relief of that fortrefs, fell upon
the bellegers with the utmoft impetuofity, and
routed them with great flaughter.. The earl of
Athol himftlf was one among the numerous {lain.
The ftandard of war was now again difplayed ; but
before any farther hoftilities were committed, by the
mediation of his holinefs and the king of France, a
fufpenfion of hoftilities was agreed to till the ninth
of May, in the enfuing year ; which truce was con-
iidered as a prelude to a general peace.
A Y) s Conferences, in the fpring, were
'• opened at Newcaftle, whither Sir Wil-
liam Douglas, Sir William Keith, and Robert
Louther, repaired, on the faith of a fafe conduct,
which was alfo granted to fix other commiflioners
of the fame nation, deputed by David Bruce, toaflift
at the negociation. The commiflioners, in 1336,
entered upon bufinefs ; but the French envoys,
agreeable to the inftruclions they had received from
their court, under the difguife of mediators, ftarted
fuch difficulties as they knew would render the ne-
gociation ineffectual. Philip had already fupplied
the Scots with a confiderable affiilance both of men
and money. He now publicly declared, that he
would never abandon the caufe of Bruce, but fup-
port him to the utmoft of his power. Elated by
thefe promifes, and exafperated againft the invaders
of their country, the Scottifh deputies infifted on
fuch exorbitant terms, that the treaty was broken
off, and both fides refolved to renew hoftilities
immediately after the expiration of the truce. Ed-
ward, forefeeing the remit had continued his mili-
tary preparations, and had been very careful to
conciliate the affedions of his fubjecls, by feveral
popular a<fts ; whereby he fo endeared himfelf to his
people, both clergy and laity, that they readily
granted him large fubfidies, for fupporting the con-
quefts he had made in Scotland, and finally to reduce
that nation under the Englifli government. Thus fup-
plied, he ordered his military tenants to repair to the
north, and conferred the chief command of his army
on Henry, fon to the old earl of Lancafter. Having
received advice, that Murray, the regent, had re-
duced the caftles of St. Andrew's and Bothwel, he
repaired immediately to Berwick, where being
joined by a body of troops, he proceeded to Perth.
Juft before his arrival, the enemy made a defperate
affault upon Stirling-caftle, in which attack Sir
William Keith wasflain ; but being repulfed in this
attempt, with great lo!'s, and hearing of Edward's
approach, they abandoned that enterprise, as well
as the fiege of Lochendoris, and retired to thcir
faftneffes to avoid an engagement.
The king continued his march through Athol to
Invernefs, and thence by Elgin, through the {hire
of Murray, which he laid defolate. The town of
Aberdeen was reduced to aflies ; and having pro-
ceeded northward to the extremity of Scotland, he
returned to Perth, having left the country a wild
No. 17.
and dreary wafte. The king now repaired to Eng-
land, and fummoned a parliament on the twenty-
third of September, to meet at Nottingham, where
feveral falutary laws were enacted ; after which he
returned to Scotland, where his prefence was again
required. On his departure the regent had taken
the field, and reduced feveral caftles which Edward
had fortified ; and his brother John, whom he left
with Baliol to command his forces, died at Perth,
during his abfcnce. Murray, on the king's ap-
proach, retired to the foreft of Platon, where he
continued in the feafon of winter; fb that Edward's
military exploits amounted to no more, than burn-
ing and wafting the open country; while the Scots,
encouraged amidft their misfortunes, by promifes of
relief from France, fupported their fpirits ; and a
war being likely to break Out between England and
that kingdom, they had reafon to believe, that this
would prove a great diverfion in their favour.
Nor did Edward' neglect any necefTary precautions,
in preparing for this expected event. He com-
miflioned Geoffrey de Say, one of his admirals, to
equip a ftrong fleet, and aflat his dominion of
the Englifli fea, which his predeceffor had always
maintained, and in particular to deftroy Che gallies
of France, mould they attempt to approach the
coafts of England or Scotland.
We are now entering upon a period . -r\
of hiftory, productive of very fti iking
events^ therefore it will be neceflary to give a par-
ticular account of the fources from whence they
fprung. During the {"pace of nine hundred years'
France had been governed by males only, and none
in the female line had ever reigned On that throne.
Of the late kings, Philip the Fair, oh his dernife,
left three fons, Lewis Hutin, Philip the Long, and
Charles the Fair, and one daughter, who was
Ifabella, the prefent queen dowager of England.
Lewis Hutin, at his death, left one daughter,
which he had by Margaret, fifter to Eudes, duke
of Burgundy, and the queen, being at the fame
time pregnant, Philip the Long, his younger
brother, was appointed regent till it might be
known whether {he mould be delivered of a fon or
daughter. The child was a male ; but living only
a few days, Philip the Long was proclaimed king.
The duke of Burgundy oppofed his' mcceflion,
avowing the right of his niece to the crown of
France; upon which the ftatesof that kingdom ex-
cluded her by a folemn act ; and at the fame time
excluded all females for ever from fucceflion to
the throne of France. On the demife of Philipj
who left three daughters, his brother, Charles the
Fair, without the leaft difpute from a fingle claim-1
ant, fucceeded to the crown. The reign of this
prince was equally ftiort with that of his prede-
ceffor ; and at his death, Charles left only one
daughter ; but the queen being pregnant, the next
male hair was appointed regent, with a declared
right of fucceflion, fhould the child prove a female.
This regent was Philip de Valois, coufin-german to
the deceafed king ; who was the fon of Charles de
Valois, brother of Philip the Fair. The queen be-
ing delivered of a daughter, the regency ended, and
Philip de Valois, the prefent reigning monarch,
was unanimoufly feated on the throne. Hence it is
evident, that through a long feries of years, the
French would not permit their crown to defcend to
a female-, from an opinion derived originally from
a maxim in the Salic law; (being a law of an
anticnt tribe among the Franks) though theclaufe in
that law does not, by the confeffion of the beft an-
tiquaries, bear the fcnfe commonly drained from it.
But Edward, notwithftanding the cxclufion of
females had taken place in France1, and the cuftom
was eftabliflied by a long chain of precedents, ima-
gined, that in right of his mother he had a j lift
claim to the crcnyri of France, in oppofition to the
Yy
cuftom
178
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
cuftom of excluding females, which had acquired
equal authority with the moft exprefs and pofuive
law. To {hew the futility of this pretenfion it was
urged, that each of the laft three kings of France,
had daughters who were (till alive, and who, fuppo-
fing his claim to be well founded, flood before him
in the order of fucceflion. In anfwer to which,
Edward, who was more of an able general, than a
learned civilian, wasunder the neceffity of aflerting,
that though Ifabella, his mother, who was on ac-
count of her fex, incapable of fucceeding, he him-
felf, who inherited through her, was liable to no
fuch objection ; not confidering, that allowing the
Validity of this plea, yet it was more favourable to
Charles, king of Navarre, who was defcended from
the daughter of Lewis Hutin, and immediate fuc-
ceflbr of Philip the Fair. Indeed his claim was fo
thoroughly difavowed by all France, that to infift
upon it, was pretending to make a conqueft of that
kingdom. This Edward ferioufly intended ; and
was determined to attack France, and to wreft the
fceptre from the hand of Philip de Valois, which he
flill declared to belong to him, as the fon of
Ifabella, fifter to Charles the Fair. In this refolu-
tion he was encouraged by Robert d'Artois, de-
fcended from the blood royal of France, who hav-
ing been condemned in confequence of a forgery
he had committed, took refuge in England. In-
fpired with a moft implacable defire of revenge
agan.il Philip, by whom he had been deprived of
his dominions, and profecuted with the utmoft vio-
lence, Robert now endeavoured to flimulate Ed-
ward to declare war againft France, in favour of
his title to that crown ; and the king was more
eafily prevailed upon to Men to his fuggeftions,
from his having reafon to complain of Philip's con-
duct with regard to Guienne, and from that mo-
narch's having not onry given protection to David
Bruce, but openly affifled the Scots in their ftrug-
gles for independence. Philip was no fooner in-
formed of the council given by Robert d'Artois,
than he iflued a fentence of felony againft him ;
which declared every vaflal within or without the
realm, involved in the fame predicament, who
fliould give countenance to that traitor. This me-
nace wanted no comment ; and war with France
now feemed inevitable. The French indeed had
made incurfions into Guienne, feized feveral caftles,
and threatened a fpeedy reduction of that province.
f Edward therefore fummoning a parliamentcluring
Lent, laid before them the nature of his differences
with Philip, and the fteps he had taken toward an
accommodation ; and the nation in general feemed
very defirous of revenging the hoftilities which the
French had committed: whereupon the bifliop of
Lincoln, with the earls of Salifbury and Hunting-
ton, were appointed to finifh the progrefs Edward
had made in contracting foreign alliances ; in order
to divert the arms of the French monarch from
Guienne, and at the fame time to attack his domini-
ons with -a profpect of fuccefs. Accordingly, treaties
were concluded both in the low countries, and on
the frontiers of Germany, with the count of Hain-
ault, the duke of Brabant, the archbimop of Co-
logne, the duke of Guilders, the marquis of Juliers,
the count of Namure, with fome others, who en-
gaged to furnifh the king with a ftipulated number
of troops, which were to be maintained at the ex-
pence of England. The acceflion of Flanders was
alone wanting to render this confederacy fufficiently
formidable, which Edward procured by an extra-
ordinary addrefs. The Flemings, by cultivating
arts and manufactures, began to emerge from that
ilate of vaflakige in which the common people had
been univerfally involved in the feudal fyftem. By
commerce they acquired riches, and by riches ob-
tained a mare of independence. They had driven
the carl of Flanders into France, and put them-
felves under a leader of their own choice, one Jacob
Ardevelt, a brewer of Ghent, who governed them
with unlimited authority. To him Edward ap-
plied, and never courted the afliftance of any ally
with fo much affiduity, as he did that of this
Flemifh merchant. Ardevelt, on the other hand,
proud of thefe advances from the king of England,
and perceiving that the Flemings were inclined to
form connections with the Englifh, from whom they
received the materials of their woollen manufac-
' tures, readily embraced Edward's intereft, and in-
vited him over into the Netherlands. About the
fame time Edward received from the emperor,
Lewis of Bavaria, the title of " Vicar of the Em-
pire," that he might have a right to command the
princes of Germany ; and to remove the fcruplcs of
the Flemings, who were vaffals of France, aflumed
the title of king of France, and challenged their
afliftance for dethroning Philip de Valois, who had
ufurped his kingdom.
In the beginning of February, a par- . ~
Ihment was fummoned, from whom ' ' r33°-
the king obtained a confiderable fubfidy, for cany-
ing on a war. He then borrowed a large ftim of
money for prefent ufe, and equipped an armament
with the utmoft expedition. Having committed
the guardianfhip of the kingdom to his elcleft fon
Edward, and after taking proper precautions for
fecuring the peace during his abfence, he embarked
at Orewell, on the feventeenth of July, with a fleet
of three hundred fail, accompanied by his principal
nobility, and after an eafy pafTage, arrived at An--
twerp. But finding that his allies were not ready
to take the field, his military operations were de-
ferred to the enfuing year. Edward, intending to
pafs the winter in Brabant, fent for his queen to
Antwerp, where, in the month of November, ihe
was delivered of a third fon, named Lionel, who
was afterwards created duke of Clarence. Philip
had made prodigious preparations againft the Eng-
lifh ; and his allies were more powerful \ whereas
thofe of Edward were at once very flow in their
motions, and irrefolute in their meafures, having no
object in view but his money, which was now
nearly exhaufted.
Such a lofs of time was very preju- . y»
dicial to Edward's finances, who was
now obliged to borrow large fums at exorbitant in-
tereft, and even pawn his queen's jewels for fecurity.
His operations were fo retarded by this, and other
difficulties, that he could not take the field, till the
twentieth of September, whe.n he marched againft
the French army, with which Philip lay encamped
in the neighbourhood of Peronne. The two mo-
narchs continued a week within fix miles of each
other ; and on Wednefday , the twentieth of October,
Edward fent a herald to Philip, defiring him to ap-
point a day for a general engagement. The French
king having pitched upon the following Friday,
both armies were drawn out early in the morning,
in order of battle, the Englifh and their allies not
exceeding fifty thoufand men, and. the enemy
amounting to almoft double that number. After
having flood facing each other the whole day, both
feeming to decline an engagement, they retired to
their refpective camps, and appeared again the next
morning in the fame difpofition. In the afternoon
the French retreated to their quarters, which they
fortified with. trenches and the boughs of tre«s ;
while Edward wheeled off to a more convenient
fituation, and informed Philip by meffage, that he
would wait for him all Sunday. The French king
was defirous of engaging, but his council reprefent-
ing the imprudence of rifquing his crown on the
ifrue of a battle, with an enemy, whom the feafon
would foon compel to withdraw his forces, having
fortified his frontier towns, he returned to Paris ;
and Edward, informed of his retreat, permitted the
2 Gprmans
EDWARD
III.
179
Germans to retire, while lie with his own troops
retired to Bruffels. Thus ended a fruitlefs cam-
paign, in his preparations for which Edward had
contracted aclebt of three hundred thoufand pound s,
and anticipated moil of his revenue : but he had
too much fpirit to be diicouraged by the firft clifli-
culties of an enterprise, and was therefore anxious
to retrieve his honour by more fuccefsful exploits.
In this interval of his abfence from England, Sir
Amhony Murray, guardian of Scotland, reduced
all the fortreffes on "the north fide of the Tay, and
defeated a party of four thoufand Englifti, com-
manded by lord Henry tMontford, who loft his life
in the engagement. The earl of Dunbar having
taken the field with Murray, his caftle was befieged
on all fides by lord Henry Plantagcnet, Angus, and
Arundel, and gallantly defended by the earl's
countefs, who receiving a reinforcement, foon after
Moncfort's defeat, the Englifh noblemen raifed the
iiege, in order to advance to the relief of their
countrymen. They accordingly fent two large de-
tachments from the main army by different routes,
under the command of William Talbot, and lord
Richard Montague, who were defeated at Panmuir,
in Angus, and Talbot taken prifoner. The caftles
of Edinburgh, Stirling and Coupar, were now the
only places of confequcnce remaining in the hands
of Baliol. On the firft of thefe Sir William Doug-
las had made an unfuccefbful attempt ; foon after
which Bruce's party fuftaincd an almoft irreparable
lofs, in the death of their guardian, in which office
he was fucceeded by Robert Stuart, who was con-
nected with David by the tics of blood. He reduced
the town of Perth ; and William Bullock, governor
of the cattle of Coupar, betraying his truft, fur-
rendered up that fortrefs to the Scots.
Edward now determined to form a clofe connec-
tion with the Flemings, and therefore promifed to
reftore them to the poffeflion of Lifle, Douay, and
Bethunc, provided they would cordially engage in
his intereft, and the twenty-third of January en-
fuing,was,by mutual confent, appointed for ratifying
the agreement. With the fame view he alfo for-
mally took upon him the title of king of France,
and quartered the French with the Englifh. arms,
afTuming the motto, Dleu et man droit, " God and
my right;" alluding to his defign of mpporting his
pretenfions to the crown of that kingdom. This bold
ftep induced all the Flemings as one man to declare
in his favour. He now called a council of allies,
when the operations on opening of the next cam-
paign were fettled; and having entered into en-
gagements with the duke of Brabant, to ftay in the
low countries till the war was firiifhed, he now
offered fuflicient reafons for his pafling over to
England ; and promifing, on his word of honour,
to return in perfon, the duke confented to his de-
parture.
A ,,. He no fJboner arrived in England,
r34°- than writs were ifTucd for aflembling
a parliament at Weftminfter, who fliewed an un-
common alacrity in affifting their fovereign ; for
Edward obtained an unufual grant for two years, of
the ninth fheaf, lamb, and fleece, on the eftates of
the nobles; and from the burgcffes, a ninth of
their moveables, at their true value. They alfo
granted a duty of forty millings on each pack of
wool exported ; the fame on every three hundred
wool-fells; and on every Lift of leather for the fame
term of years. But being fenfible this fupply
would come in flowly, they agreed, that twenty
thoufand packs of wool fhould be immediately
granted, and their value deducted from the ninth's
which were afterwards to be raifed. To this gcne-
rofity they added a becoming attention to their
own independency ; for to obviate anyconfequcnces
that might accrue from Edward's title of king of
France, they declared that they owed him no obe-
dience as king of France, and that the two king-
doms mould for ever remain diftinct and feparate.
As this was a matter of too great importance for
Edward to neglect, he publifhed a full, ample, and
fatibfactory declaration on that fubject. Thefe
tokens of affection on the part of his people, juftly
merited a grateful return from Edward; accord-
ingly he granted a full remiflion of all debts due
to the crown, and of all profecutions of fore It tref-
paffes : to which he added a confirmation of the
two charters, and of the franchifes of the boroughs;
with fevcral wholefome regulations, for redrefling
the grievances of his fubjects.
While Edward was preparing for his fecond ex-
pedition againft France, advice was received from
the duke of Guelders, that Philip had affembled a
powerful fleet to intercept him in his paffage.
Orders were therefore given by his two chief ad-
mirals, Morley and Crab, for collecting the whole
naval force of his kingdom, to the number of two
hundred and fixty fail. This fleet was well manned
with the utmoft difpatch ; and Edward embarked
for the continent, attended by a confiderable body
of land forces, and the principal nobility of Eng-
land, fetting fail from Orewell on the thirteenth of
June. A few days after their departure, the French
fleet was difcovered lying at anchor in the harbour
of Sluys, to the number of four hundred fail, and
manned with forty thoufand men. In the morning
of Midfummer-day, they had advanced about a mile
without the harbour, and appeared drawn up in
three fquaclrons. Upon which, the king's admi-
rals made the fame difpofition, ftationing the largeft
mips in the firft divifion, provided with archers and
men at ai ms. The fecond were ordered to keep
at fome diftance to windward, and prevent the firlt
from being inclofed by the enemy ; and the third
was refervecl for the protection of the tranfports,
loaded with baggage and warlike implements. The
line being thus formed, they hauled upon a wind,
in order to gain the vveaf her-gage ; then bearing
down upon the enemy, a fierce and bloody action
enfued, which lafted from ten in the morning, till
feven at night. The fhips engaged yard-arm to
yard-arm with incredible fury, and the nobles and
brave knights exerted all their martial abilities, in
order to fignalize themfelves under the eye of their
fovereign, who animated them by his own example.
The Englifh archers, who excelled all Europe in
their profeflional fkill, made terrible flaughter
among the French and Genoefe; while the men at
arms, boarding their vcffels, attacked them with
fuch fury, that multitudes leaped into the fea, to
avoid the horrors of the affault. The firft divifion
of the French was now nearly defeated, and the
fecond thrown into great confufion. In this critical
moment, the Flemings failed out of their ports
and joined the Englifh. This reinforcement de-
termined the fortune of the day. Falling in with
the mattered fquadrons of the enemy, they bore
down the feeble remains of oppofition; and victory
in all her glory, was feen triumphing by the fide of
Edward. Two French admirals, with upwards of
twenty thoufand men were flain, and two hundred
and thirty of their largeft mips taken. The king
was flightly wounded in the thigh, and his lofs, it
is faid, amounted to about four thoufand men, who
fell in this memorable naval engagement. He
paffed the night on board his {hip, and landed the
next day at Sluys, whence he marched to Ghent,
where, to render his joy complete, he found his
queen juft delivered of a fon, called John, who was
afterwards created duke of Lancafter.
This important victory increafed both the renown
and authority of Edward among his allies, who
affembled their forces with great expedition ; where-
by he was enabled to advance to the frontiers of
France, at the head of above one hundred thoufand
men,
180 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
men, chiefly foreigners. Befides thefe, the Flemings,
who amounted to fifty thoufand men, under the
command of Robert d'Artois, laid fiege to St.
Omer's ; but being chiefly compofed of manu-
facturers and tradefmen, unacquainted with war,
they were routed by a fallyfrom the garrifon, and
feized with fuch a panic, that they difperfed, and
never ventured to appear again in the field. In
the mean time, Edward with his army had laid
fiege to Tournay, then reputed one of the moft
confiderable cities in Flanders. It contained above
fixty thoufand inhabitants, and was defended by a
garrifon commanded by the braveft of the French
nobility, who were refolved to perifli under the
ruins of the city, rather than open its gates to the
enemy, notwithstanding that enemy was Edward
III. This brave prince, finding that every aflault
proved unfuccefsful, turned the fiege into a
blockade, in hopes of reducing the city by famine.
At the end of ten weeks, Philip advanced within a
few leagues of the Englifh army, not with an in-
tention of bringing on a decifive action, but of
being ready to aflift thegarrifon, whenever a favour-
able opportunity might offer. Edward, exafperated
at the fmall progrefs he had made in this fiege,
fent an herald to Philip, challenging him to decide
their quarrel either by fingle combat, or by fighting
with one hundred men on each fide, or by a general
engagement. Philip replied, that he mould find
means to drive his vafial out of his kingdom ; that
it did not become him to challenge his liege lord ;
that the duel was propofed on very unequal terms,
by offering to hazard only his own perfon ; but if
Edward would put the kingdom of England into
the (lake, he would accept the challenge.
While the two armies lay in this fituation, and
a general action was daily expected, Tournay, for
want of provifions, being reduced to great diftrefs,
Jane, countefs-dowager of Hainault, endeavoured
to produce a reconciliation between them. This
princefs was fifter to Philip, and mother-in-law to
Edward. She had retired to a convent ; but left
her retreat to employ her good offices, with a view
of putting an end to the animofities between per-
fons fo nearly related to her and to each other :
yet her zeal could only effect a fhort truce, which
left both parties in poffeflion of their prefent ac-
quifitions, and put a flop to all farther hoftilities
on the fide of the Netherlands, Guienne, and Scot-
land, till the following Midfummer. Soon after,
the king of France prevailed on the emperor to
revoke the title of imperial vicar, which he had
conferred on Edward ; whofe allies alfo, difap-
pointed in their expectations, gradually withdrew
from the confederacy ; and that prince, not a little
embarrafled by a heavy load of debts, was obliged
to return haftily into England.
After a dangerous paffage of three days, in a
fmall veffel, he landed with his queen about the
latter end of Noyember at the Tower of London,
which he found unguarded. He was fo irritated
with the ill fuccefs of his military operations, and
fo much vexed and affronted by his foreign cre-
ditors, that he returned in a very ill humour,
which fpent itfelf upon all thofe whom he thought
merited his difpleafure. He committed to prifon
the conftable of the Tower, with all his fubalterns,
for their negligence. The bifhops of Chichefter
and Litchfield he turned out of their employments
of chancellor and treafurer : Sir John St. Paul,
keeper of the privy-fcal, the fheriffs, the collectors
of the taxes, and other officers of the revenue
were imprifoned, and a commiffion iffued to en-
quire into their defaults, for which they were fe-
verely punifhed ; for the king attributed the bad
fuccefs of his expedition partly to their negli-
gence. The primate, fearing the effects of 'his
anger, retired to Canterbury, and took refuge
under the privileges of his order. He accordingly
convened a meeting of the clergy in that cathedral,
and pronounced a general fentence of excommu-
nication againft all, who, on any pretence, cxer-
cifed violence on the perfon or goods of clergy-
men, or accufed a prelate of treafon, or any other
crime, in order to make him incur the king's dif-
pleafure. The clergy, thus headed by the primate,
now formed themfelves into a regular combination
againft the king ; and the archbifhop, in a letter,
went fo far as to afTeit, that there were two powers
by which the world was governed, the holy ponti-
fical apoftolic dignity, and the royal fubordinatc
authority ; that the clerical was evidently the
fupreme, fince prieftswere to anfwer for the conduct
of kings themfelves at the divine tribunal. Thev
were the fpiritual fathers of all the faithful, and
among the reft of kings and princes ; and, bv a
heavenly charter, were entitled to cenfure their
tranfgrefHons, and to guide their actions. Edward
little relifhed thcfe obfervations, fo diametrically
repugnant to his prerogative ; and determined the
primate fhould feel the weight of his refentment.
He therefore fent Nicholas de Cantaloup, with a
public notary, to the archbifhop, to warn that
prelate to take care of his bonds, and cither dif-
charge them immediately, or crofs the fea to
Flanders, and refide in that country till the money
fhould be paid. In the mean time he fummoned
the metropolitan to court, to render an account of
the conduct of thofe to whom he had intrufted the
management of the public revenue. Stratford ex-
cufed himfelf from appearing at court, where he
fhould be expofed to the malice of his enemies ;
and faid, he would confider the other part of his
majefty's propofal. Upon this, an information was
preferred againft him in the court of Exchequer,
before which he was fummoned to appear; but he
refufed to plead to a charge of fuch importance,
before any other jurifdiction than that of the
lords fpiritual and temporal afferabled in par-
liament.
A parliament being aflembled, the . -p.
primate was not permitted to take his A-u- T34'-
feat, till he put in anfwer to the charge exhibited
againft him in the Exchequer. This being per-
formed, he was admitted to his place; and on
taking his feat declared, that he would not have
prefumed to have appeared there, but for the honour
of his fovereign, and the good of the kingdom ;
and that he was willing to fubmit to a parliamentary
enquiry into his conduct, as one of his majefty's
principal minifters. The whole aflembly applauded
this refolution ; and at the fame time refolving to
fet legal bounds to the royal prerogatives, they
required a new confirmation of the great charter.
They alfo framed a bill, whereby it was enacted,
that the peers of the realm fhould not be proceeded
againft and punifhed, but by the judgment of their
peers aflembled in parliament ; that the more im-
portant offices fhould be filled by the king, with
the confent of his council and barons ; that eveiy
feffion thefe offices fhould be refumed by him, and
the minifters who filled them reduced to private
perfons ; that they fhould in that condition anfwer
before the parliament, to any accufations brought
againft them ; and that if they were any ways
found guilty, they fhould finally be difpofllfTed of
their dignities, and morefufficient perfons be fub-
ftituted in their place. Having obtained this im-
portant aft, the parliament voted for the king's
preffing wants twenty thoufand facks of wool.
Edward was no fooner poflefled of this fupply,
than he iiTiied an edict, in which he afferted, that
the ftatute had been enacted contrary to law, and
was prejudicial to the prerogatives of the crown
which he had fworn to defend ; that he only dif-
fembled when he feemed to ratify it, but that he
had
AtAJjfcbM AfAtAI AtAfTlFA TAF vW ATATA FAIA I Al A I AIA1 A t A! AtAI A-f AfAl AKATZ Vt
•///•/ Edward 3
•} ///<• //////< s/
///<• Kiiio-.s/'/ FrniLct'.BoLeinia ,////^J Majorca .
^ /
E D W A R D 1IL
181
had never, in his own bread, given it his affent : I
he therefore annuls it, though he profefles himfelf
willing and determined to obferve i'uch of its
articles as were formerly law. This arbitrary
exertion of regal power, left all the laws at the
king's mercy, yet future parliaments took not the
leart notice of it; and two years after Edward
recovered fuch influence, as to obtain a legal
repeal of thofe parts of the aft which were molt
diCagreable to him.
But though, by thus temporizing, Edward had
extricated himfelf from fome of his moft pi effing
difficulties, yet his prefent circumftances, in many
refpects, were far from being pleafing. His claims
on France and Scotland had involved him in a
very expenfive war ; his want of money had made
him lofe moft of his foreign mercenaries; he was
deeply involved in debt, for which he was obliged
to pay extravagant intereft; while none of his
military operations had been attended with the
leaft degree of honour or profit to the nation,
except his naval victory; and, as an addition to
thefe perplexing circumftances, he received advice,
that his German allies had deferted his intereft:
but his afpiring genius proved at laft equal to his
great undertakings ; and an unexpected event about
this time happened, which furnifhed him with an
opportunity of attacking Philip in the very center
of his dominions, with much lefs expence, and a
greater probability of fuccefs. John III. duke of
Brittany, declining through age and infirmities,
was folicitous to prevent thofe diforders, to which
his fubjects, at his death, might be expofed by a
difputed fucceflion. Having no iffue, and in-
tending to leave his duchy to a daughter of his
brother the count de Ponthievre, he refolved to
many her to Charles de Blois, a prince who, in
his judgement, appeared capable of repelling any
attempts that might be made to difturb the tran-
quillity of his country. As his family had inhe-
rited by a female fucceflion, he preferred the title
of Ponthievre's daughter to that of the count of
Montfort, his brother by a fecond daughter. How-
ever, he would not take this important ftep with-
out confulting his fubjects, who willingly concur-
ing in his choice, the marriage was concluded,
when all his vaflals fwore fealty to Charles and his
fpoufe as their future fovereigns; among which
number was the count de Montfort himfelf: yet on
the death of his brother John, forgetting both his
conceffion and his oath, he engaged many of the
moft confiderable barons to acknowledge his au-
thority, and made himfelf mafter of Rennes,
^Nantes, Breft, Hanncbonne, and other important
fortreffes of the duchy ; while Charles de Blois was
foliciting the inveftiture of the fame at the court of
France. Montfort was fenfible he fhould not be
able to fupport his pretended right, unlefs aflifted
by forne powerful ally; and therefore made a
voyage to England, under pretence of eftablifhing
his claim to the earldom of Richmond, which de-
volved to him on the death of his brother. Here
he made Edward an offer of acknowledging, and
of maintaining by a ftrict alliance, his title to the
crown of France, pi opofing, at the fame time, to
do him homage as his liege lord. Edward, who
immediately perceived all the advantages that might
refult from this offer, fpeedily concluded a treaty
with Montfort; and though their pleas, in regard
to the preference of fucceflion by a male or female
were directly oppofite, yet their immediate interefts
formed a ftrict connection between them.
When the latter returned to the continent,
thinking his treaty with Edward a profound fecret,
he ventured to appear at Paris, with an intent of
defending his cauie before the peers. But he was
ibon convinced of the imprudent ftep he had taken.
Philip, at hii lirft audience, told him plainly, that
No. 17.
he had no right to the duchy; and reproached him
for entering into an alliance with a prince, the
profeffed enemy of France; but he excufed his
vifit to the Englifh court under the pretence above-
mentioned ; and with refpect to the duchy, he ex-
prefled his willingnefs to ftand an impartial trial,
and fubmit to the judgement of his peers. Philip
promifed the trial fhould be brought on in a fort-
night; but commanded him in the inteiem to keep
within the walls of Paris. From this injunction,
Montfort concluded he had every thing to fear
from the juftice of Philip, and took a refolution to
effect an efcape, while he had it in his power.
Accordingly, disfiguring himfelf in the habit of a
burgher, he quitted Paris early in the morning,
and reached Brittany in fafety. The king, when
informed of his efcape, in a tranfport of rage in-
ftantly confifcated the earldom of Montfort ; at the
fame time by his fole authority, he ordered the
parliament of Paris, without proceeding through
cuftomary forms, to adjudge Brittany to Charles
de Blois, whom, in order to execute the fentence,
he fupplied with a numerous army, under the
command of his eldeft fon John of Normandy*
Montfort, unable to face the French forces in the
field, fhut himfelf up in Nantes; which, being be^
fieged, was, by the treachery of the inhabitants,
delivered up to the enemy, who took Montfort
prifoner, and conducted him to the caftle of
Louvre.
This event might have determined . ^
the -fate of Brittany, had not Jane of A< L
Flanders, countefs of Montfort, bravely flood
forth to fupport the finking fortunes of her family.
Affected with the captivity of her hufband, flie
quitted thofe domeftic cares which had hitherto
employed her thoughts; and having aflembled the
inhabitants of Rennes, then the place of her refldence,
fhe prefented herfelf before them with her infant
fon in her arms, recommending to their care the
illuftrious orphan, the only remaining male of
their antient princes, by whom they had been
governed with parental indulgence. She laid be-
fore them the refources that would arife from the
alliance that had been formed- with England.
She earneftly entreated them to make one vigorous
effort againft an ufurper, impofed on them by an
armed force, who in return would facrifice the
antient liberties of Brittany to his protector ; and
me afiured them that in fo juft a caufe, fhe was
willing to run all hazards. Deeply affected by her
addrefs, the inhabitants and foldiers promifed to
fupport her with their lives and fortunes. All the
other fortified towns in the duchy took the fame
refolution; and the utmoft difpatch was ufed to
furnifh them with every thing neccffary for making
a refolute defence again ft the enemy. The countels
fent her infant fon to England, both as a place of
fafety, and to engage the king to embrace the in-
terefts of her family with the greater zeal, from his
having fuch a pledge in his poffeffion •, after which
fhe repaired to Hennebonne, the ftrongeft fortrefo
in Brittany, refolving there to wait for the expected
fuccours from Edward.
Charles de Blois, anxious to obtain fo important
a fortrefs as Hennebonne, and more ftill to take
the countefs prifoner, inverted the place with a large
army, which, was defended by the countefs in per-
fon with a bravery that would have done honour
to the bcft general of the age. The French were
repulfed in every attack, and perpetually harrafled
by fallies from the caftle. The countefs was fore-
moft in every danger, and headed her troops with
undaunted intrepidity. One day, obferving that
the befiegers in making an affault, had neglected
to fecure a diftant quarter of their camp, fhe fallied
out with two hundred cavalry, and fet fire to their
tents, baggage, and magazines. Preparing to
2 z return,
i82
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
return, flie found herfelf intercepted by a datach-
meut from the main body of the enemy. Inftantly
taking her refolution, me ordered her men to make
the beft of their way to Breft, where me would
foon meet them. At the time appointed, me met
at the place of rendezvous; increafed her efcort to
five hundred men; returned to Henncbonne; and
cutting her way through part of the enemy's camp,
entered the town amidft the fhouts and acclama-
tions of the garrifon. However, the repeated at-
tacks of the befiegers having at length made feveral
breaches in the walls, a general affault was hourly
expected; in which the garrifon, climiniihed in
their numbers, and extremely weakened, would
prob ibly have been overpowered. In this diftreffed
fituation, it was thought neceffary to offer terms of
capitulation-, and the bifhop of Leon was actually
fent for that purpofe to the camp of Charles de
Blois: but the countefs, who in thefe truly afflict-
ing moments had afcended a tower of the fortrefs,
and with earneft impatience was looking with lan-
guid eyes towards the fea, obferved a fleet of (hips
at a diftance, bending their courfe toward her long-
ing wifhes. Immediately with rapturous joy,
fcarcely articulate, fhe exclaimed, " Behold the
fuccours! The Englifh. fuccours! No capitula-
tion." This fleet, which Edward had fent for the
relief of Hennebonne, had long been detained by
contrary winds ; which, when the French faw enter
the harbour, they were confounded, and laid afide
their defign of making a general affault. This re-
inforcement confifted of a body of men at arms,
and fix thoufand archers, commanded by Sir Walter
Manny, a brave Englifh officer. The courage of
the garrifon was now revived ; they readily joined
the Englifh in a fally ; drove the befiegers from
their pofts; and obliged them to retire with pre-
cipitation.
Notwithftanding this fuccefs, the countefs was
not able to take the field, being overpowered by
numbers. She therefore repaired to England, to
folicit more effectual fuccours. Edward granted
her a confiderable reinforcement, under the com-
mand of Robert d'Artois, and the earl of North-
ampton. The countefs herfelf returned in this
fleet, which was attacked by a French fquadron,
commanded by prince Lewis of Spain. The brave
heroine behaved with her ufual valour, and the
aftion continued till night put an end to the con-
teft. A violent ftorm feparated the two fleets, but
the Englifh t«ached Brittany in fafety. The firft
attempt made by Robert was againft Vannes,
which he carried by affault, but was dangeroufly
wounded; and, during his confinement, a party
in the intereft of Charles, attacked and took the
place by furprize. Robert died foon after in his
paffage to England of his wounds.
Edwafd now undertook to defend in perfon the
countefs of Montfort. With this intenthe affembled
his army, embarked at Sandwich on the fifth of
Oclober, and, after a paffage of two days, landed
at Breft. He formed three important fieges at the
^atne time; but by attempting too much, mif-
carried in all. The duke of Normandy, with forty
thoufand men, encamped in the vicinity of the
Englifh, and out off their provifions. In this
Dangerous fituation, Edward liflened to the me-
diation of the pope's legate, and a truce for three
years was concluded on the following terms: that
Vannes fhould befequcftered, till the expiration of
the truce, in the hands of two cardinals, to be dif-
pofed of by them in fuch manner as they may
think proper; that the Flemings fhould be ab-
folvcd from the cenfurcs which the pope, at the
mitigation of the king of France, had denounced
againft them : that the places taken on both fides
fhould remain in the hands of the prefent poffefibrs,
and the piifoners be fet at liberty on paying their
i
ranfoms: that the allies, both of France and Eng-
land, fliould be included in this treaty; and that
the two kings fhould exert their endeavours to
prevent hoftilities in Guienne, France, arid Brit*
tany.
After the ratification of thefe articles, Edward
embarked for England, and having efcaped in a
long and dangerous paflage, landed at Wey-
mouth on the fecond of March, . ~
from whence he proceeded imme- •*343*
diately to London. Neither of the monarch^
were difpofed to obferve the truce. Philip, whofe
coffers were nearly emptied, was defirous of pro-
curing the departure of Edward; and the motive
of Edward was that of extricating himfclf from a
very dangerous fituation. It is no wonder, there-
fore, that the fmalleft incident was laid hold of as
a pretence for recommencing hoftilities. Soon
after the king's arrival in London, a parliament
was fummoned to deliberate on the truce, as well
as to take cognizance of the ftate of the govern-
ment, and provide for the fafety of the nation.
Thefe points were debated by the lords fpiritual
and temporal in the White-Chamber, while the
knights of mires and burgeffes took them under
consideration in the Painted-chamber of the palace;
and this is the firft clear diftinftion we find on
record between the two houfes, as it is at prefent
maintained. Having maturely confidered the fub-
jc<5t, they voted the truce honourable, and recom-
mended a treaty of peace as a dcfirable object,
provided it could be procured upon equitable
terms; otherwife they propofed to fupport the
arms of their fovereign to the utmoft of their
power.
In the beginning of Lent, confer- . ~
ences were to be opened at Avignon A'L)' r344«
in the prefence of the pope ; but were deferred on
account of fome infringements of the truce in
Brittany, for which Philip delayed giving proper
fatisfaction. Thefe conferences in the end proved
ineffectual; for the Englifh commiflioners infifted,
as a preliminary on their matter's right to the
crown of France, and Philip declared, that Ed-
ward fhould never hold one foot of land in France,
but what he might poffefs in vaffalage. In vain
his holinefs endeavoured to prevail on both parties
to relax in their pretenfions: theywere equally ob-
ftinate: and their mutual difguft being inflamed
with perfonal rancour, all thoughts of a folid peace
vanifhed. Edward complained loudly of Philip's
conduct, in having feized as many of the friends
of Montforcl as fell into his hands ; of whom fome
were confined in loathfome pi ifons, and others put
to death. But his treatment of Oliver de Cliffon,
a gallant and brave officer, rendered his name
odious. Cliffon had been taken prifoner during
the courfe of the war, and exchanged by Edward
for lord Stafford, at the folicitation of his brother
Amaury, who happened to be in the fervice of the
countefs of Montfort. The preference given on
this occafion to Oliver over John de Leon, who
was alfo his prifoner, and the circumftauce of liis
being attached to Montfort, excited the jealoufly of
Philip, who was naturally cruel and fufpiciaus,
He imagined, that Oliver had entered into fome
engagement with Edward, and on this mere fur-
mife ordered him to be apprehended; which was
no fooner done, than the* un/ortwnate nobleman,
without any form of trial, was beheaded, and his
body hung on a gibbet at Paris. Not a lionefs,
deprived of her whelps, could be more enraged,
than the brave king of England was at this unjuft
tranfadion-. The inhabitants of Brittany were fi>
exafperated, that they declared to a man for Mont-
fort, and expelled the pope's garrifon out of
Vannes. This confirming Philip in his cruel fuf-
picions, he now caufed feveral other noblemen of
Brittany
J-
-
EDWARD
III:
18 3
Brittany to be apprehended, and put them to death
in the fame infamous manner. , InCenfed at thefe
repeated acts of cruelty, Edward gave orders for
beheading John de Leort, by way of reprifal, but
was diverted from his intention by his coulin, the
carl of Derby, who reprefented the iniquity of de-
priving an innocent perf'on of life for the fault of
another. Edward therefore fending for his orifoner,
generoufly gave him his liberty, bidding him go to
Philip de Valois, upbraid him with his tyrannical
behaviour, and tell him that Edward would not
ftain his reputation by imitating fo bad an example;
but by the afliftance of almighty God, he will fe-
verely punifh the author of fuch unparallelled bar-
barity : that having broke the truce, by the execu-
tion of fo many brave men, the king of England
renounced it, and confidered him as an enemy to
mankind.
Edward complained of Philip's behaviour with
great emotion to his parliament, whom he confulted
on all occafions; and they, entering cordially into
his quarrel, granted him {applies for the renewal of
the war. The counties were to pay a fifteenth f«r
two years; boroughs a tenth ; and the clergy agreed
to give a tenth for three years. Enabled by thefe
fuppliee to complete his military preparations, he
fent Henry, earl of Derby, the earl of Lancafter's
fon, to commence hoftilities in Guienne. This
oflicer was one of the moft accomplifhed noblemen
in the Englim court ; intrepid and humane; beloved
by his friends, and dreaded by his enemies. Not fa-
tisfied with defending that province, he attacked
the count de Lifle, the French general, at Bergerac,
drove him from his intrenchments, and took the
place. This fuccefs animated the Englifli ; they
made continual conquefts with great rapidity, till
they had reduced the greater part of Perigord.
A D 1 2 "^ut l'ie count ^e Lifle, while the
'45- earl of Derby was at Bourdeaux,
aflembled an army of ten or twelve thoufand men,
inverted Auberoche, which had lately fallen into
the hands of the Englim. Derby haftened to re-
lieve the place; and reached Lilbourn. Here he
halted all clay, waiting the arrival of a reinforce-
ment under the earl of Pembroke, and proceeded
on his march in the night ; fo that in the morning
he reached a wood two leagues diftant from Au-
beroche. In this fituation he continued the beft
part of the day, ftill waiting for the expected rein-
forcement; when, defpairing of their arrival, he
liilened to the advice of Sir Walter de Manny, who
propofed to furprize the French at fupper-time.
His advice was followed with fuch fecrecy and
fuccefs, that the Englim entered one quarter of
the French camp without refiftance: the enemy,
feized with a panic, fled; and the counts de Lifle,
Perigord, and Valentois, were taken pfifoners in
their tents, before they had time to recover their
furprize. The confufion was not however general ;
for while one quarter was filled with diforder, the
other, where the count de Cominges commanded,
fled to arms, and advanced againft the enemy. The
Englifli attacked them with incredible fury, and
the engagement became very bloody ; when the
garrifon, alarmed by hearing the trumpets found a
general charge, and difcovering by the light of the
dawn the EngHfh enfigns, fallied out, attacked the
French in flank, and had the honour of deciding
the fate of the battle. Above fevsn thoufand fell
in the action, and twelve hundred were taken pri-
foners, among whom were nine counts, and three
hundred perfons of diftinction. After this victory,
the earl made a rapid progrefs in fubdu'mg the re-
mainingFrench provinces. Monfegar,VillaFrancke,
Aiguil!on,Angouleme, andReole, with other places
and fortreffes, fell into his hands. Having put his
army into winter quarters, he embarked for Eng-
land, where he was honourably received. In June
he returned to the continent, when he reduced
every town ind caftle he inverted, except Blaye,
oh which he made feveral unfuccefsful attempts.
At length, the feafon being far advanced, he put
an end to his operations, and repaired to Bourdeaux.
John de Montford about this time, having been
confined almoft four years, found means to make
his efcape, ancl palling over to England, where his
wife Chen refided, fo affected the king with a recital
of his treatment, that he determined to declare war
with France without delay.
Montfort having done homage to Edward, as
king of France for Britariny, in the beginning of
June, repaired thither, with a confiderable body of
forces, under the command of the earls of North-
ampton and Oxfbid, whereby he was enabled to
reduce Dinan, and encouraged to invert Corentin,
lately taken by Charles de Blois ; but this compe-
titor advancing with a numerous army, Montfort
was obliged to raife the fiege, and retired to
Hennebonne, where he died of a fever. The earl
of Northampton again took the field ; defeated
Charles in a pitched battle near Morlaix, and
ftormed Roche-derien ; but winter coming on, he
left the affairs of Brittany to Sir Thomas Dogworth,
and returned to London.
No fooner was theFrench court fup- A -r* /•
plied with money, than Philip made
great preparations to oppofe the fuccefsful arms of
the Englifli. He collected a numerous army, the
command of which he committed to his fon, the
duke of Normandy, affifted by the duke of Bur-
gundy ; who marched to Guienne, which obliged
the earl of Derby to ftand on the defenfiva. The
duke of Normandy opened the campaign with the
fiege of Angouleme; the garrifon of which made a
noble defence, but were at laft reduced to great ex-
tremities. Lord Norwich, the governor, faw the,
impoflibility of defending the place much longer j
but being unwilling to furrender at difcretion, had
recourfe to ftratagem, which faved his garrifon from
being made prifoners of war. Afcending the ram-
parts, he defired a parley with the duke of Nor-
mandy. His requeft was granted. When the duke
approached the walls, Norwich requefted a ceffa-
tion of arms on the day following, which was the
feait of the Virgin, to whom they both paid great
devotion. The duke readily agreed to the propo-
fal ; and the governor having ordered his forces to
prepare their baggage, marched out the next day
early in the morning, advancing towards the French
camp ; who, fuppofmg they were to be attacked,
flew to arms ; but Norwich by a meflenger remind"
ed the duke of their agreement. " I fee," replied the
prince, " the governor has out-witted me ; but let
us be content with taking the place." The duke of
Normandy, after having obtained additional fuccefs
in other attempts, inverted Aiguillon, which, having
a ftrong fortrefs, and a brave garrifon, commanded
by the earl of Pembroke, it leemed impoflible to
take by affault ; he therefore propofed to reduce it
by famine ; but before this could be effected, he
was called to defend a diftant part of the kingdom,
againft the fuccefsful ravages of the Englifh.
Edward, informed by the eari of Derby, of the
danger to which Guienne was expofed, equipped a
very powerful armament ; and appointed ^general
rendezvous at Portfmouth, on Midlent Sunday.
But part of his fleet being difperfed by a ftorm, his
departure was deferred till the middle of May,
when he was prevented from putting to fea by con-
trary winds. During this interval, the king was
perfuaded to change his defigns and plan of opera-
tions. Geoffrey d'Harcourt, who was obliged by
the ill treatment of Philip to fly from his native
country, and feek anafylum in England, had lon£
maintained, that in the prefent circumftances of
affairs, an expedition to Normandy would probably
be
•
1 84
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
be attended with greater fuccefs than one to Gui-
enne; that the northern provinces would be found
almoft deftitute of military force, the troops being
drawn to the fouth ; that they were tilled with
flourifliing cities, which would enrich the Englifliby
their plunder ; and the neighbourhood of the ca-
pital, would render every victory of importance.
Thefe reafons, to which Edward had before given
little attention, now made great impreflion on his
mind ; and by reflecting on the difappointments he
had met with in his intended voyage to Guienne,
he altered his firft intentions, and refolved to follow
the advice of Geoffrey : he therefore ordered his
courfe for Normandy; and failing from St. Helen's,
with a fleet confiding of a thoufand fail, landed at
la Hogue, on the twelfth of July.
His army confifted of fourthoufand men at arms,
ten thoufand Welch infantry, ten thoufand archers,
and fix thoufand Irim. The Irifh and Welch were
light troops, fitter for doing execution in a purfuit,
or in fcouring the country, than for folid action.
The only fteady and regular forces were the men
at arms ; but thcfe being cavalry, were not equal
to good infantry, in the mock of a battle. Edward,
on his landing, created the earl of Arundel confta-
ble of the army, and the earls of Warwick and Har-
court marfhals. Here he beftowed the honour of
knighthood on his eldeft fon, Edward, prince of
Wales, furnamedthe BlackPrince, from the colour
of his armour, now only fixteen years of age ; and
the fame honour he conferred on fcveral young no-
bility. The king then fent back the greater part of
his fleet; and ordered the earl of Huntingdon, who
commanded the reft, to cruize along the coaft, and
deftroy an the veffels which the king of France had
equipped in different ports, for an invafion of Eng-
land. This fervice effectually performed, and hav-
ing traverfed the feacoafts, he returned to la Hogue,
in order to attend the motions of the army. In
the mean time Edward refrefhed his troops, after
their long confinement on board, and having di-
vided them into three bodies, advanced towards
Valougnes, and thence to Carentan, which opened
its gates at his approach, St. Lo, Mouteburg, and
other places in the Contenton were plundered with-
out refiftance; and continuing his march, he arrived
in the neighbourhood of Caen, the capital of lower
Normandy. Philip, anxious to preferve this rich
and populace city, fent for its defence the count
d'Eu, conftable of France, and count Tankerville,
at the head of a confiderable body of forces. The
townfmen, encouraged by the reinforcements they
had received, fallied out upon the Englifh. The
confequence was what might naturally be expected,
when undifciplined multitudes attack a regular
army, they were totally defeated ; Tankerville and
d'Eu were taken prifoners ; the victors with the
vanquifhed entered the city together, and a dread-
ful flaughter enfued, without diftinction of age
or fex ; all fell a facrifice to the edge of the fword.
But Edward, defirous of fparing both his foldiers
and the fpoil, obliged the inhabitants to lay down
their arms; ordering his troops at the fame time, to
plunder with more regularity and lefs hazard. The
.pillage continued three days; Edward referving for
his own {hare, the plate, jewels, filk, fine cloth, and
fine linen; the remainder he beftowed on his army;
which was fhipped, an immenfe booty, on board
the fleet, lying at the mouth of the Orne, and the
whole was fent to England, with three hundred of
the richeft citizens, from whofe ranfom the king
expected to raife an additional profit.
This difmal fate of Caen, but efpecially the con-
fideration of its vicinity to Paris, threw all France
into inexpreflible confirmation ; which was height-
ened by the march of Edward to Rouen, the capital
of Normandy. Philip, not a little alarmed, ap-
pointed a general rendezvous of all his military
power at Paris ; from whence he proceeded for
Rouen, breaking down all the bridges upon the
Seine, between Paiis and that city, in order to
prevent the Englifh from crofling that river. Ed-
ward, hoping to take advantage of the general
confirmation, continued his rout along the banks
of the Seine, on the other fide of which he law
Philip pofled with a numerous army, in fuch a
manner as to render a pafl'age impracticable. To
effect this, Edward laid the whole country towards
I'aris wafte, deftroying every town and village he
met with on his way. Some of his light troops
extended their ravages even to the gares of Paris,
and the royal palace of St. Germain, with Ruel.c,
Nanterre, Vernon, Mullien, and Pont 1' Arch, were
reduced to aflies within fight of the capital. Yet
thefe devaftations could not provoke the wary
French monarch to an engagement ; whofe defign,
Edward now perceived was to enclofe him, in
hopes of attacking him on all fides to advantage.
To prevent this, he advanced farther up the
Seine ; but by a countermarch fuddenly returned
back to Poiffy, which the Frence had quitted in
order to attend his motions ; and having, with in-
credible celerity repaired the bridge, he cut to
pieces a body of Picard militia kft to guard it,
paffed over with his army, and advanced by quick
marches towards Flanders. In his rout, he burnt
the fuburbs of Beauvais ; and defeated, with great
flaughter, the townfmen of Amiens, who were
flattening to reinforce the army of their fovereign.
But on approaching the river Somme, he found
himfelf under the fame difficulties as before, all
the bridges being either broken down, or ftrongly
guarded ; Godemar cle Faye, with twelve thoufand
men, appeared on the oppofite fide ; and Philip was
approaching him with an army of above pne
hundred thoufand men. In this perplexing fitua-
tion, Edward offered a reward to any perfon who
mould inform him of a paffage over the Somme ;
on which a peafant difcovered a ford below Abbe-
ville, where the bottom was found, and the ftream
not more than a foot in depth at low water. This
difcovery was very pleafing to the Englifh army :
they decamped at midnight, and reached the ford
about fun-rifing the next morning, a little before
the tide of flood made up the river. The place
anfwered exactly the defcription given of it by the
peafant ; but they found the paffage guarded by
Godemar de Faye, who was ftationed on the oppo-
fite bank. Neceffity directed the conduct of the
Englifh ; but the king, who in the day of battle
always maintained a remarkable coolnefs, acted in
this dangerous attempt with the fame prefence of
mind, as when drawing up his battalions in the
abfence of an enemy. He ordered his archers to
line the bank of the river, and to ply the foe in-
ceffantly with arrows •, while, with calm intrpidity,
he enteted the river at the head of his third di-
vifion, calling out, " Let all who love me, fol-
low my example." The French made a brave op-
pofition ; but the Englifh were not to be intimi-
dated by their moft fanguine efforts; animated by
the prefence of their fovereign, they returned their
charge with double fury; cut in pieces the flower
of their troops; and obliged the reft to have re-
courfe to flight for fafety. So narrow was Ed*
ward's efcape, by his celerity and prudence, that
Philip, with his vaft army, arrived at the ford,
while the rearguard of the Englifh were paffing-,
but the rifing of the tide flopped his career, and it
is impoffible to exprefs his vexation, when he be-
held his victorious invaders purfuing their march
with the utmoft tranquillity.
Having determined to form the fiege of Calais,
Edward purfued that rout by flow marches, and
halted the firft night at the caftle of Noyelle,
whence he fent detachments to burn Crotoye, and
other
EDWARD
III,
other towns in its neighbourhood. Next day he
arrived at Creffy. Here, being informed that
PhiUp was purfuing him, as one whom he imagined
fled before his arms j and perceiving the danger of
expofmg his rear to the frequent attacks of the
French cavalry, mould he proceed over the plains
of Picardy ; thefe weighty confiderations made him
forma refolution of "waiting for the enemy, and
venturing a general engagement. With this fixed
determination, he encamped on an eminence with
a wood in his rear, placing £he baggage waggons
in his flanks, to fecure them from the attacks ot
the enemy. Having reviewed his army., he held a
council of war, who agreed unanimoufly with him
in opinion. Their refolution gave the king a par-
ticular pleafure, as he had now an opportunity, by
one glorious action, of recovering the earldom of
Ponthieu, the inheritance of queen Eleanor, his
grandmother. He could not differnble his fatif-
ttftion; and concluded a fpeech he made in the
council, with thefe remarkable words, " God de-
fend my right."
On the twenty-fifth of Auguft, Edward, after
having difpofed his army in excellent order, waited
with great tranquillity for the arrival of the enemy,
hoping that their eagernefs to prevent his retreat,
would hurry them on to fome rafh and ill concerted
meafures ; in which conjecture he was not miftaken.
He palled the night fecurely with his officers, who
he magnificently entertained, and, during their
repaft, difcovercd an unufual gaiety of fpirit.
Early in the morning the king fent for his fon,
the Black Prince, and ordered the army to be
drawn up on the place appointed for the battle.
The ground lay on the declivity of a hill, on the
eaft fide of a large foreft, having the river Maye,
and the village of Crefly, or Crecy on the left,
and an intrenchment, with the baggage waggons
already mentioned in the rear. He now divided
his army, confifting of thirty thoufand men, into
three lines. The firil was commanded by the prince
of Wales, or the Black Prince, having under him
the earls of Warwick, Oxford, and Harcourt, the
lords Stafford, Chandois, Delaware, Holland, Cob-
ham, and other perfons of diftinction. At the
head of the fecond line were the earls of Arundel
and Northampton, with^ the lords Willoughby,
Roos, Ballet, Moulton, and Sir Lewis Tufton.
Thefe two lines were formed in fuch a manner as
to fupport each other ; and the fecond out-flanking
the firft, prevented its being fuirounded by the
enemy on the left, which was defended by a i'emi-
circular intrenchment terminating in the village of
Crefly. 'Die third divifion was commanded by the
king in perfon, placed on the brow of the hill
behind the other two lines. It confifted of feven
hundred men at arms, fix thoufand archers, and
five thoufand three hundred billmen, under the
command of the lords Mowbray, Mortimer, Dug-
worth, Sir Hugh Raftings, and other brave offi-
cers. In this pofition Edward propofed either to
fuccour occafionally his other divifions; to pufli
any advantage againft the enemy, or, in cafe of
any misfortune, to fecure a retreat. The beha-
viour of the king, and his gallant fon the prince
of Wales, cxprclled a calm intrepidity of invin-
cible courage and manly refignation. Edward,
attended by two field marfhals, rode from rank to
rank to animate his men. His appearance and ad-
drefs ditfufed a martial ardour throughout his
army; and the refolution apparent in his counte-
nance fcemed to prelage approaching victory. He
then ordered his men at arms to difmount, that
the horiies might not be fatigued mould an action
commence, and his fbldiers to be refrefhed with a
a plentiful meal-, after which they laid down in their
ranks on the grafs to repofe, that they might be
frefli and vigorous at the approach of the enemy.
No. 18.
In the mean time the French king, entirely con-*
fiding in the fuperiority of his numbers, imagined
every thing depended on forcing the Englifli to i
battle; and that, if he could once reach the enemy
in their retreat, victory on his fide muft inevitably
follow. He had made a hafty march from Abbe-
ville in great diforder; and after having advanced
near two leagues, fome officers whom he had fent
before to reconnoitre, returned with intelligence,
that they had feen the Englifli drawn up in ad-
mirable good order, and were waiting for his ar-
lival with the greateft tranquillity. The count de
Balche, one of the beft foldiers in Philip's army,
advifed him to defer the combat till the next day,
when his men would be recovered from their
fatigue, and might be difpofed in better order than
their prefent precipitate march had permitted them
to obferve. Philip was convinced of the propriety
of this remark, but the impatience of his nobility
to attack the enemy rendered it of no effect. One
divifion preffed upon another ; orders to halt were
not feafonably conveyed to them all; the whole
body was too large to be managed ; thus they ar-
rived very imperfectly formed into three lines, and
already fatigued, within fight of the enemy. The
firft line, confifting of fifteen thoufand Genoefe crofs-
bowmen, were commanded by Anthony Doria, and
Charles Grimaldi; the fecond was headed by count
d'Alen9on, brother to the king ; and Philip com-
manded the third in perfon. Befides the French
monarch, there were three crowned heads prefent;
the king of Bohemia, the king of the Romans,
and the king of Majorca; together with all the
great vaffals'of the crown of France. The army
confifted of above one hundred and twenty thou-
fand men, more than four times the number of
the Englifli.
Yet thefe were far from being daunted at the
fight of fuch a prodigious multitude; and Edward
urged every motive that might have a tendency to
inflame their natural valour : he pointed out to them
the neceflity to which they were at prefent reduced,
and the certain deftruclion which awaited them, if,
in their prefent fituation, enclofed on all fides in
an enemy's country, they trufted to any thing but
their own valour, or gave the French an opportu-1
nity of taking revenge for the many indignities
they had lately received. He reminded them of
the acknowledged fuperiority they had hitherto
maintained over all the detachments of the French
army who had fallen in their way, and aflured
them, that the greater numbers of the enemy which
at prefent menaced them with deftruclion, were
more than compenfated by the order in which he
had placed his own troops, and the refolution he
expected from them. He told them, that he re-
quefted nothing more than their imitating his own
example, and that of the Black Prince; and as
the honour, the lives, the liberties of all were now
expofed to the fame danger, he was confident they
would make one common effort to extricate them-
felves from furrounding difficulties, and that their
united courage would give him a glorious victory.
Befides this, and other neceffary incentives, fome
hiftorians have obferved, particularly John Villani,
that Edward placed fome pieces of artillery in his
front. This invention was at this time known in
France as well as in England; but Philip, in hig
hafte to overtake the enemy, had probably left his
behind him; and all his other movements dif-
covered the fame imprudent precipitation.
On the approach of the enemy, the Englifli kept
their ranks firm and immoveable. The battle was
begun by the Genoefe crofs-bowmen ; but a fudden
fliower having fallen a little before the engage-
ment, their bow firings were relaxed, and their
arrows fell fliort of their intended mark. The
fame misfortune had not attended the bows of the
3 A Englifk
I 82
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.'
Englifli archers; who drew them from their cafes
in which they were preserved, and inftantly poured
ftich a dreadful mower of arrows, that the Genoefe,
unable to endure the ftorm, fell back upon the
duke of Alencon's cavalry, and were put into dif-
order. A fecond well-aimed difcharge threw them
into the utmoft difmay. The duke, enraged at
their cowardice, commanded his troops to put them
to the fword. At this inftant the Black Prince
ordered forne battalions of guards to advance, who
charging them at that juncture, caufed great con-
fufion in the firft and fecond lines of the French;
but the duke of Alei^on having difen gaged himfelf
from the Genoefe, and making a circuit with his
cavalry, flanked the firft battalion of Englifli
archers, and from their fuperior numbers began to
furround them. The earls of Northampton and
Arundel now advanced with their line to fupport
their prince, who, ardent in his firft feats of arms,
fet an example of bravery that was imitated by all
his foldiers. However, the affiftance thus afforded
the prince had eventually almoft proved his ruin ;
for Philip, by that motion of the Englifli, found
an opening, at which he poured in a frefh body of
troops to his brother's aid, who fell on the flank
of the archers with fuch fury, that they were
obliged to open their ranks, and thus expofe the
prince to imminent danger. This being perceived
by the earl of Warwick, he fent a meflenger to
the king, with intreaties that he would difpatch
fuccours for the relief of the Black Prince, who
was now attacked both in front and rear. " Is
he flain or wounded?" faid the king with great
compofure. Being anfwered in the negative,
.f Return to my fon," added he, and tell him,
" I referve the honour of the day for his bravery.
I am confident that he will fliew himfelf worthy of
the honour of knighthood which I fo lately con-
ferred upon him; I {hall not intermeddle; let my
boy win his fpurs by his own valour." This
anfwer, when delivered to the prince in the hearing
of his followers, infpired the whole battalion with
frefli courage. They clofed their ranks, and at-
tacked their aflailants with redoubled vigour.
Their whole line of cavalry being furrounded,
were routed •, the count of Alen?on was among the
flain ; the men were killed or difmounted ; and
the Welch infantry, rufliing inte the throng with
their long knives, cut the throats of all who had
fallen, not any quarter being allowed by the viftors
to the vanquifhed.
Philip now advanced with the rear; but he found
two lines of his army already defeated; yet the
battle was now again renewed with great obftinacy.
The French monarch, his fon Charles, with a great
number of auxiliary princes, animating their fol-
diers to heroic deeds both by words and example-,
but the impetuofity of the Black Prince bore down
all oppofition. Elated with the fuccefs he had
already obtained, and infpired by his father's
meflagev he redoubled his efforts, nobly braving
every attempt of the enemy; lances, fpears, ar-
rows, and fwords, were indifcriminately mixed ;
kings, princes, peers, generals, knights, and com-
mon foldiers, fliared the fame fate, forming one
promifcuous frightful heap of flain. In vain did
Philip attempt to adjuft the confufion that reigned
in his own line; in vain he endeavoured to re-
animate his drooping foldiers; their courage
anfwered not that of their leader ; he gave fignal
proofs of his capacity as a general ; his valour was
undaunted; but his efforts were too late. Having
had his horfe killed under him, he was remounted;
and though left almoft alone, was refolved to main-
tain the combat ; when John of Hainault feizing
the reins of his bridle, turned about his hbrfe,
and led him off" from the field of battle. The
blind king of Bohemia, whofe' ambition 'had em-
4
broiled the greatcft part of Europe, enquiring
about the fate of the day, was told that the
French would no longer face the Englifli; that a
great number of nobles were flain; that Charles
had been put to flight, being dangeroufly wound-
ed ; that the Englilh had made a dreadful Oaughtei ;
and that Philip himfelf, who was alfo wounded,
had retired from the field of battle. Upon this in-
formation, he ordered the reins of his bridle to be
tied on each fide to the horfes of two gentlemen of
his train, and that they fhould lead him again ft the
young warrior. Having exchanged t\vo or three
random ftrokes, he fell, with his attendants, at the
feet of the conquerer. Their dead bodies were
afterwards found, with their horfes {landing by
them. He wore on his creft three oftrich feathers,
with this motto in German, ICH DIEM, / ferve,
which the Black Prince, and fucceecling princes of
Wales adopted, in remembrance of this unrivalled
engagement.
Victory, to clofe the bloody tranfaiftions of this
important day, now blew her trumpet by the fide
of Edward; the ftandard of France- was beaten
down; a horrid carnage, attended with a general
flight, enfued; nor did the flaughter ceafe, till
darknefs put an end to the defperate conteft.
Edward, feeing the glorious work accomplifhed,
defcended from the hill, and running into the arms
of the prince embraced him tenderly, faying,
" My brave fon, God grant you may perfevere i.i
the courie you have fo glorioufly begun! You are
my fon; for nobly have you acquitted yourfelf this
day : well do you defcrve that crown to which you
•was born." The prince made no other reply than
a low obeifance, confiftent with that modefty and
moderation, which in iiis time were without
example.
In this memorable action, which was fought on
the twenty-fixth of Auguft, and continued from
three o'clock in the afternoon, till the evening,
John, king of Bohemia; James, king of Majorca;
Ralph, duke of Lorrain ; the counts of Alencon,
Flanders, Blois, Vaudemont, Harcourt, Aumale,
St. Pol, and feveral dukes of Bourbon and Lor-
rain ; four-and-twenty barons, twelve hundred
knights, fifteen hundred gentlemen, four thoufand
men at arms, with thirty thoufand infantry, are faid
to have fallen, by a moderate computation; where-
as the lofs of the Englifli did not exceed three
knights, with very few of inferior rank; fo great
is the fuperiority of prudence and conduct, over
numbers and temerity! Philip, attendee! by only
five knights and fixty followers, was conducted to
the caftle of la Braye, about a league from Creffy,
where, having taken fome refrefhment, he fet out
.at midnight, and arrived fafe at Amiens. Edward,
who pafled the night on the field of battle, fent a
detachment of two thoufand archers on horfeback,
with five hundred lancemen, to fcour the adjacent
country. Thefe fell in, during a mift, with a
large part of the country militia, who, not know-
ing the fate of the day, were advancing to join
Philip ; but the Englifli foon defeated them. A
more confiderable body of French, under the com-
mand of the archbifhop of Rouen, and the grand
prior of France, who were both flain, feared the
fame fate. In the mean time the king ordered
fome French ftandards to be erected on the neigh-
bouring eminences as a decoy to the enemy, and
all who were allured to refort to thofe fafe fignals,
were put to the fword without mercy. This tinne-
ceflary feverity, and his orders ifl'ued before the
battle to give no quarter, are reprefentcd by fome
as circumftances that have tarniflied the glory of
this victory. In excufe it is alledged, that the
French king had given fimilar orders to allow no
quarter to the Englifli; but the moft probable
reafon afllgned may be, that Edward, in his fitua-
tion,
E D W A R D
III.
183
tion-, thought it dangerous to be encumbered with
prifoners. But if Edward refufed mercy to the
living, he treated the dead and wounded with great
humanity; ordering the latter to be taken care or",
and confecrating the bloody fpot for the burial of
the former, attending in perfon the funeral of the
nobility. The body of the king of Bohemia was
fent to his family.
Edward, though he drew the moft folid ad-
vantages from the battle of Crefly, was not fo
elated" as to imagine himfelf in a condition to make
a total conqueft of France; he only propofed ^to
fecure an eafy entrance into that kingdom, which
might afterwards open a way to the accomplifli-
ment of future projects. He knew the great
diftanceof Guienne; he had experienced the diffi-
culty of penetrating on the fide of the Low Coun-
tries, where he had "loft all influence fincc the death
of Ardevelt, who had been dragged into the
ftreet, and cut to pieces by his enraged country-
men,: having therefore continued three days on the
field of battle, he .led hi-s victorious army to the
gates of Calais, and invefted that place on the third
of September. It was governed by John de
Vienne, a valiant knight of Burgundy, who know-
ing the place to be well fupplied with plenty of
ftores, encouraged the garrifon to make a refolute
defence. Hence Edward being fcnfible it would
be in vain to attempt gaining the town by ftorm,
propofed to reduce it by famine. With this deter-
mination, having chofen a fecure ftation for his
camp, he drew a circumvalhtion of entrench-
ments, caufing huts to be erected for his foldiers ;
and furnifhed his army with all conveniences, ne-
ceffary to endure the rigour of the feafon in their
winter quarters. The governor, perceiving his in-
tention, expelled above feventeen hundred ufclefs
mouths out of the town, whom the king fuffered
generoufly to pafs through his camp without mo-
leftation, and even fupplied them with money to
defray the expences of their journey. During this
famous fiege, many events happened to the honour
of the Englifli arms; and upon an impartial view
of the whole period it will be found, that few years
are recorded in the annals of hiftory more glorious
to England, than that at prefent under confidcra-
tion.
The duke of Normandy having been recalled
from Guienne, on the landing of Edward in that
province, no army was left to oppofe the progrefs
of the earl of Derby: nor did this able general fail
to improve Co favourable an opportunity. He took
Maribeau and Lufignan by affault. Taillebourg,
St. Jean d'Angeli, and Poictiers furrendered at the
firft fummons. Thefe acquifitions opened him a
free pafTage into the adjacent provinces, and he ex-
tended his incurfions to the banks of the Loire,
fpreading devaftation through all that part of the
French dominions. The countefs of Montfort
continued alfo to difplaylier heroic virtues in Brit-
tany. Charles de Blois having inverted the fortrefs
of Roche de Rien, at the head of a confiderable
army, that place was of too much importance for
the countefs to fuffer it to fall into the hands of
the enemy, without attempting its relief. She
therefore put hericlf at the head of her forces; and
having received a reinforcement of Englifh troops
under the command of Sir Thomas Dagworth, at-
tacked the French during the night, routed the
whole army, and took Charles de Blois prifoner.
This misfortune drew the countefs of Blois from
obfcurity, in whofe right her hufband claimed the
duchy of Brittany. She now took upon herfelf
the government, and rivalled the countefs of Mont-
fort, her antagonift, both in the field and the ca-
binet. While thefe heroic ladies thus diftinguifhed
themfelves, another princefs of ftill higher rank
appeared in the lilt of military heroines.
After having defended a long time . n
their liberties againft the Englifli, the
Scots recalled David Bruce their king. At the in-
ftigation of Philip, they now took the opportunity,
during the abfence of Ed ward, to ravage the northern
counties of England, which they entered with an
army of fifty thoufand men, levying the moft op-
preilivc contributions, and committing the moft
dreadful diforders in their march, which extended
to the gates of Durham. Upon this occafion
queen Philippa fet outr for the north, and having
collected an army of twelve thoufand men, led them
againft the Scottifli invaders. Her army was di-
vided into four bodies; the firft commanded by
lord Piercy ; the fecond by the ai chbifliop of York
and lord Neville; the third by the bifhop of Lin-
coln and lord Mowbray; and the fourth by Baliol
in perfon. In this order they advanced towards
Neville's crofs, near the city of Durham, where the
army of Bruce lay encamped. A great number of
perfons ferved as volunteers on this occafion, partly
to exprefs their loyalty in the king's abfence, and
partly to diftinguifh themfelves under the eye of
the queen, who riding through the ranks, exhorted
them to do their duty, and to be revenged on thofe
barbarous ravagers.
The Scottifli army was drawn up in three lines.
The firft confifting of French auxiliaries, and the
flower of the Scotch nobility, was commanded by
the king in perfon; the fecond by Robert, high
ftewardof Scotland, and the earl of Marchc; and
the third by the earls of Murray and Douglas.
The Scots had often been unfortunate in their
pitched battles, fought with the Englifli, but never
did they receive a more fatal overthrow than the
prefent.
The battle was begun on the feventeenth of
October, by a body of crofs-bow men, who ferved
in the divifion under Robert; but they were foon
routed by the more experienced Englifli archers.
Robert perceiving the fuperiority of the latter, and •
prefled on furioufly with his men at arms, to begin
a clofe fight with the detachment under lord Piercy.
The Englifli archers opened immediately to the
right and left, to let the enemy pafs, but clofing
again, galled them dreadfully with their arrows in
flank, while they were engaged in front with the
Englifli infantry. Robert ho wever maintained the
fight with the greateft obftinacy ; and it was for
fome time doubtful on whofe fide victory would
declare. Baliol faw the furious conteft ; and led
up his divifion to the affiftance of lord Piercy.
The Scots now fighting an unequal combat, gave
way and betook themfelves to flight. Baliol, who
was not deficient in military abilities, inftead of pur-
fuing the fugitives, wheeled fuddenly about, and
fell with the utmoft impetuofity on the flank of the
divifion commanded by the king. David fought
with unqueftionable bravery, and afllfted by his
barons, made a noble ftand againft the Englifli;
but their fuperior numbers, and military difci-
pline, which was almoft arrived to its zenith in
that age, foon broke the whole divifion, put them
to flight, and took the king himfelf prifoner. The
third divifion, under the earls of Murray and
Douglas, ftill flood firm ; till the whole force of the
Englilh was brought up in the attack, when they
were alfo obliged to follow the flying remains of
their fcattered army. Murray was flain in endea-
vouring to rally his men, and Douglas was fent to
accompany his royal mafter. The field of battle
was now in poflefiion of the Englifli ; and this
victory might have determined the fate of Scotland,
had not Robert rallied his men, and retreated in
fuch good order, that the fugitives had time to
join him, and form a body which the victors did
not think proper to purfue. This decifive action
proved equally to the honour of the queen, and the
advantage
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
advantage of the nation. Fifteen thoufand, or ac-
cording to fame hiftorians, twenty thoufand of the
Scots were flain ; among thefc, Sir Thomas Char-
teris, chancellor; Edward Keith, earl marfhal ; and
the lord Chamberlain, the carls of Sutherland,
Monteith, Fife, Carrick, Murray, and Strathem
lord Douglas, the king, with feveral noblemen anc
pcrfonsof diftinction, were in the lift of prifoners
Thiity fix of thefe, with David their king, were fe-
curcd in the Tower of London, and Philippa paflec
over to the Englifh camp before Calais, where flic
was received with all the honours due to her rank,
her merit, her late prudent meafures, and glorious
fuccefs.
,. p. While the blockade of Calais was
•V . conducted with great circumfpection,
it was defended with no Jefs vigilance and bravery
by the townfmen and garrifon. Philip/ after the
fiege had continued near twelve months, being
made acquainted witli their diftrefied condition, ap-
proached the Englifh with an army, which, accord-
ing to the writers of that age, amounted to two
hundred thoufand men. But he foon perceived
it would be madnefs to attack them, without run-
ning on inevitable deftruction, Edward having fe-
cured his camp with morafles, and exceeding ftrong
intrenchments: the French monarch therefore had
recourfe to negotiation. He offered to cede Gui-
enne, together with the earldom of Ponthieu. Thefe
offers were rejected. Whereupon he challenged
the king of England, to decide their quarrel in the
open field. This was alfo refufed, Edward being
too prudent to rifk the whole upon the uncertainty
of a fingle" combat. Thus difappointed in all his
•wews, to render ignominy complete, the French
monarch left the victor to purfue his conquefts, and
difbandecl his numerous forces. The garrifon be-
ing left without hope of relief, almoft wholly defti-
tute of provifions, reduced to the laft extremity,
defired to capitulate. John de Vienne, fully con-
vinced of the neceflity of furrendering, appeared
upon the walls, and having made fignal to the
Englifh centinels, defired a parley. Edward fent
to him Sir Walter Manny, whom the governor thus
addreffed, " Brave knight, I have been intrufted by
my fovereign with the command of this city. You
have befieged me almoft a year ; and I have en-
deavoured, as well as thofe under me, to do our
duty. You are acquainted with our prefent con-
dition, perifhing with hunger, and without hopes
of relief: I am therefore willing to furrender, and
defire, as the fole condition, to infure the lives and
liberties of thofe . brave men, who have fo long
fhared with me every danger and fatigue." Sir
Walter informed the governor in anfwer, that he
was well acquainted with his royal matter's refo-
lution reflecting this matter, and knew, he would
infift on his furrendering at difcretion ; nor would
he accept the proffered furrender on any other
terms, than that the inhabitants, who had exafpe-
ratecl Edward by their obftinate refiftance, mould
be ranforaed or punifhed at pleafure. " Is this,"
replied Vienne, " the treatment brave men are en-
titled to ? Would not your mafter have expected the
lame conduct from an Englifh knight with whom he
had intrufted the defence of a citadel ? The inha-
bitants of Calais have done nothing more than their
duty, which fhould pleafe rather than offend the
king of England, efpecially fo gallant a prince as
Edward. But I will inform you, Sir, that if it is
our fate to be devoted, we will not perifh unre-
venged ; and that we are not yet reduced to fucli an
abject itate, as fhall prevent our felling our lives at
a high price to the victors. Nature and humanity
plead againft fuch unjuft extremities; and I expect
that you, Sir, will interpofe your good offices in our
behalf." Manny, ftruck with the juftnefs of thefe
ientiments, reprefented to the king, the dreadful
confequencc's that might refult from fo dangerous a
precedent, fhould he treat the inhabitants of Calais
with unufual rigour, which could not fail of in-
creafing the miferies of war, already fufliciently fe-
vere. At length Edward was perfuaded to mitigate
the rigour of his profcription, and inliftcd only,
that fix of the moft fubftantial citizens fhoulcl be
fent to him, to be difpofed of according to his
pleafure: that they fhould repair to his camp,
carrying the keys of the city in their hands,
with ropes about their necks, bare headed and bare
footed, on which terms he confented to indulge
the reft with a pardon. When thefc hard condi-
tions were reported to the inhabitants of Calais,
they were feized with a general confirmation and
horror. The facrifice of fix of their fellow citizens
to certain deftruction, for bravely diftinguifhing
themfelves in the common caufe, appeared even
more fevere than the general punifhment, with
which Edward had before threatened them. At lad
Euftacede St. Piere, with a fpirit worthy of an old
Roman, ftepped forward, and declared his willing-
nefsto fuffer death for the prefervation of his fellow
citizens. His generous example was followed by
three of his relations; a fifth, a fixth, prefented
themfelves to fufler the fame fate. Thefe felf-
devoted victims appeared, in the manner prefcribed
before Edward, marching through a melancholy
croud of weeping friends. When they reached the
Englifli camp, they laid the keys at his feet. The
king, more inclined to ftrike terror than to carry
his threats into execution, ordered the fix burgers to
be beheaded. The remonftrances of his courtiers
could not divert him from his purpofe ; but the
voice of conjugal affection pleaded more ftrongly
in their behalf. The queen, then pregnant, fell on
her knees, and with all the tender eloquence of
love, implored their forgivenefs. Edward could not
withftand the pleadings of fuch a powerful media-
trix. Overcome by her tears, he relented ; forgave
the patriotic citizens ; an,d after regaling them
plentifully, fuffered them to return to their difcon-
folate relations. Edward, being now mafter of
Calais, took every precaution in his power to fecure
his conqueft. He knew that it would be impoffible
for him ever to make the inhabitants real friends
to his government, and therefore obliged them
all to leave the town, and re-peopled it from Eng-
land. This policy preferved the place feveral cen-
turies from reverting to the government of a French
monarch.
By the mediation of the pope, Ed- . n
ward concluded a truce with Philip ;
but the terms were very ill obferved, and he was
very near lofing Calais, the fole fruit of his vic-
tories, by the governor being corrupted. Aimer y
de Pavia, brave, but a ftranger to every principle
of honour, was intrufted with the command of this
important place. Geoffrey de Charny, governor
of St. Omer's, found means to open a negotiation
withAimery, who for the fum of twenty thoufand
golden crowns, promifed to admit a certain number
of French troops into the town ; and the moft pro-
per methods were taken to infure fuccefs. Aimery's
fecretary informed Edward of this treachery, who
fummoned the governor to London ; where having
charged him with his crime, he promifed him his
life, on condition of his turning the contrivance to
the deftruction of the enemy; and the Italian readily
agreed to this double treachery. A day being ap-
pointed for the admiffion of the French, Edward
with about a thoufand men, under the command of ,
Sir Walter Manny, departed fecretlyfrom London,
taking with him the prince of Wales ; and arrived
at Calais the evening before the treacherous defign
was intended to be carried into execution. Having
prepared for the reception of the enemy, Charny,
the French gcneralj no fooner appeared, than a
chofen
)DWMLD,Princc ./Wales r//;
fa ,;///<•</ ^w BLACKPRINCE
H?,^> Ife - \^V^1 * 1 v ^JL ' fef * Jti ~t**K ™r.S"
#.t376.
E D W A R D IIL
185
chofen band, which he had felefted, was admitted
at one of the poflerns by the governor, who re-
ceived the ftipulated fum, and promifed he would
inftantly open the great gate to the troops who were
waiting without. All the French who had entered
were immediately taken prifoners, while Charny
was waiting with impatience for the fignal to enter
the town in triumph. At length the great gate
opened, and the Englifh rufhed out under the
banner of Sir Walter Manny, both Edward and the
prince of Wales ferving as volunteers. Charny
was aftonifhed, but behaved with great bravery,
and a bloody conteft enfuecl. He drew up his
men in a fquare battallion, and maintained the fight
till the break of day with the greateft intrepidity.
The king, who fought as a private man, obfervmg
a French gentlemen fighting with fingular valour,
was ftrongly inclined to engage with him in fingle
combat : flepping forth from his rank, he challenged
Ribeaumont whom he knew by name, and a fharp
encounter enfucd. Edward was twice flaggei ed by
the Frenchman, and as of ten recovered himfelf with
furprizing agility. Their blows were redoubled
with equal fury on both fides •, and the victory re-
mained long undecided, till Ribeaumont calling out
to his antagonifl, faid, " Sir knight, I yield myfclf
your prifoner," delivering at the fame time his
fword to the king. Charny in the mean time
maintained the fight with great obftinacy; but per-
ceiving his retreat cut off" by a detachment from
the town, he furrendered at difcretion. All the
officers were conducted to Calais, where they were
treated with great courtefy, being admifjted to fup
with the prince of Wales and the Englifh nobility.
After fupper the king entered the apartment, con-
verfing familiarly with different, prifoners, and in an
obliging manner addreffed himfelf to Charny, whom
he reproached not for his treachery. He beftowed
the highefl praifes on llibeaumont, whom he called
the moft valourous knight with whom he had ever
been acquainted ; and acknowledged, that he had
never been in fuch danger as when engaged in com-
bat with him ; then taking a firing of pearls which
he himfelf wore, and throwing it overRibeaumont's
head, " Sir Euftace," faid he, " I make you this
prefent as a teftimony of my efteem for your
bravery, and defire you to wear it a year, for my
fake. I know that you are amorous, and take de-
light in the company of the ladies. Let them all
know from whom you received this prefent. You
are no longer a prifoner ; I acquit you of your ran-
fom ; and to-morrow you are at liberty to difpofe
of yourfelf as you pleafe."
A TN It is not improbable but the regard
A\ • X349- which Edward fhewed to the brave
Ribeaumont, might occafion the inftitution of the
antient order of the garter, which took place about
this time. Authors are not agreed about this par-
ticular. Some think, according to a vulgar notion,
it took its rife from an affair of gallantry. They
fay, that Edward's miftrefs, the countefs of Salif-
bury, happening to drop her garter while fhe was
dancing at a court ball, the king picked it up, and
obferving fome of his courtiers to fmile, as if he
had not obtained this favour merely by accident,
he cried out, Hani fat qm mal y penje, i. e. " Evil
to him, who evil thinks;" adding, that many who
now laughed at the garter, mould be proud to
have the honour of wearing it; that in order to
make good his word, and perpetuate the memory
of this event, he inftituted the order of the garter,
retaining the words above mentioned for the motto,
and chooling the garter for the badge of the order.
Others fuppofe it owed its origin to an affair of a
military nature. They pretend that Edward hav-
ing revived the order of the round table, originally
eftablifhed by prince Arthur, fuch numbers of
foreign warriors crouded to his court, as excit«d the
No. 18.
jealoufy of the French king, with whom he was
then at war; and who, in order to counterbalance
the advantage accruing to his adverfary from this '
circumftance, inftituted an order of his own, which
foon procured him a like number of warriors: but
that monarch abufing the confidence repofed in
him, and violating the laws of hofpitality, feized fe-
veral lords of the Englifh party, who came among
others to affift at the feftival. That Edward in-
formed of this proceeding, confcious of the recti-
tudc of his own intentions, and provoked at the
perfidious conduct of his rival, cried out, Horn foit
qui mal y fenfe, and converted the round table into
the order of the garter. That he chofe this badge
in particular, either becaufc in the battle of Crefly
he had given garter for the word ; or becaufe on
that occafion he had ordered his garter to be fixed
to the end of a lance, as the fignal for engaging ;
or, according to others, becaufe Richard 1. at the
fiege of Aciesin Paleftine, intending to afTault the
place, diftributed among fome of his principal
officers, certain leather firings to be tied about their
legs, the better to diftinguifh them from the enemy;
The only conclufion we are able to draw from thefe
conjectural plaufibilities, is, that Edward, in imi-
tation of fome other orders of the fame honorary
kind, both military and religious, eftablifhed in
different parts of Europe, inltituted that of the
garter, probably as a token or pledge of regard,
which he entertained for fome particular perfon,
blue, which is the colour of the garter, having been
always reputed the emblem of friendfhip andfidelity.
This order confifted at firft of twenty five perfons,
befides the fovereign, and ftillcontinues to be no
lefs honourable than it was at its firft inftitution.
When this feftivity and other rejoicings were
ended, Edward, after depriving Aimery of his go-
vernment, which he conferred on Sir John Beau-
champ, returned to England, where he amply re-
warded his brave followers, and companioos in his
heroic exploits.
The return of Edward to his court A D
was with inexpreffible pomp, where he
•was received as a being of a fuperior nature. He
had then many illuflrious captives, beficles the king
of Scotland, Charles de Blois, and the conftable of
France; and as he had a natural turn for magnifi-
cence, the winter was fpent in grand tournaments,
to which all his prifoners were invited. This gave
them a very favourable idea of the Englifh monarch,
who appeared as amiable in peace, as he had been
terrible in war. Indeed England now feemed to
have attained her meridian of power. But the pro-
digious extenfion of commerce, the incredible in-
flux of riches, joined to the natural plenty of the
feafons, introduced luxury, and threatened to re-
venge on the victors the caufe of France. Refine-
ments in the methods of living, drefs, and furni-
ture, became common. The plain fide-boards,
hitherto adorned with veffels and other utenfils of
wood, now glittered with gold and filver plate;
and the native charms of the Englifh ladies were
heightened with the reflected rays of jewels and em-
broidery. But this was not all, it was an age of
heroines. The queen of England, the countefs of
Montfoi t, and the lady of Charles de Blois, with
many other of the moft exalted ranks, had diftin-
guifhed themfelves in the field; and thence private
ladies affected, by an aukward imitation, diflinc-
tions foreign to their fex. This prepofterous
cuftom was encouraged by the manners of the court,
the moft fplendid that had been feen during many
a°-es in Europe. But the plague which foon after
broke out in feveral parts, brought them back to a
juft fenfe of what they owed to their own fex, and
to their duty. This dreadful vifitation of God firft
appeared in the northern parts of Afia ; and after
fpreading all over that country, continued its de-
B (tractive
1 86
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
ftru&ive progrefs from one end of Europe to the
other. It then fell Upon the Weftern parts of
England from whence it proceeded to London, and
raged with unremitting fury, near two years ; fo that
hardly one tenth of the inhabitants furvived.
Above fifty thoufand perfons perifhed in the capital
only. This fevere fcourge of providence rendered
it necefTary for the kings of France and England
to prolong the truce concluded at Calais ; neither
the French or Englifli being in a condition to re-
new hoftilities. But the Scots taking advantage
of the peftilence, renewed their ravages in the
northern parts of England, and carried back the
contagion, together with a large booty, into their
own country, where it made terrible havoc.
. -p. About this time died Philip de Va-
• •I35°'iojS} king of France, without being
able to reftore the affairs of France, which Edward,
by his victories had thrown into extreme confufion.
He was fucceeded by hisfon John diftinguifhed by
his many virtues, particularly a fcrupulous honour
and fidelity. His kingdom was filled with do-
meftic conYmotions, and he wanted thofe virtues of
a public nature, which the turbulence of the times,
and the fituation of his affairs required. His rela-
tion, Charles king of Navarre, furnamed the Bad,
threw the kingdom of France into diforder, by
aflaffinations and perfidy. He entered into a private
treaty with the Englifli, and even feduccd the
dauphin to engage in his intrigues ; but that prince
being at laft convinced of the folly of fuch deftruc-
tive connections, invited the king of Navarre, and
the noblemen of his party to an entertainment at
Rouen where they were all betrayed into the hands
of John; though this treachery proved not decifive
in maintaining the royal authority.
The pope, having proclaimed a jubilee at Rome,
complained, that hoftilities prevented the paflage of
the devotees, who were defirousof reforting thither.
But Edward, to prevent his. people from being
fleeced of their money by popifh pageantry, re-
ftricted his fubjects from repairing to Rome. This
prohibition fo incenfed the pope* that he even pro-
ceeded to threats j but Edward, defpifing his re-
monftrances, not only repeated his former injunc-
tion, but commanded all his fubjeds beyond fea,
to return home immediately, on forfeiture of life
and fortune.
The king of France fpirited up the Spaniards to
make captures among the Englifli veflels, a number
of which trading for wine to Bayonne, they took
and deftroyed. Elated by this fuccefs, they afpired
to more important defigns, and equipped a power-
ful armament, with which they intended to make a
defcent.upon England. The chief command was
vefted in Charles de la Cerda, who failed up the
Britifli channel as far as Sluys in Flanders, de-
ftroying all the Englifli veflels that came in his
way. Edward, being informed of his proceedings,
aflembled a fleet of fifty fail, to intercept him in
his return ; and embarked at Sandwich with the
Black Prince, the earls of Warwick, Northampton,
Salifbury, and a ftrong body of Englifli archers.
The two fleets no fooner came withiu fight of each
other, than a furious engagement commenced, off
Winchelfea and Rye, on the twenty-ninth of Auguft.
Though the Spaniards had a great advantage in the
fize of their fliips, the Englifli bowmen plied them
with arrows fo effectually, that they could not ftand
their decks, and after an obftinate refinance, were
entirely defeated. So humbled were they by this
defeat, that they fued for a truce of twenty years,
which Edward granted for the benefit of commerce.
The plague being at this time greatly abated,
the fpirit of war revived, which feemed to have lain
dormant under that calamitous affliction. The
truces between France and England were only ob-
fervcd as far as fubfervient to their refpe&ive in-
| terefts, and now the French had formed . ~.
a kind of blockade round Calais, by
poflefllng themfelves of all the roads leading to
that town, and cutting off the garrifon's commu-
cation with the adjacent country. The Englifli go-
vernor, Sir John Beauchamp, determined to fcour
the country with a body of troops, confifting of five
hundred. In one of his excurfions he was attacked
by a fuperior number of French ; and though he
behaved with the utmoft bravery, yet being oppofcd
by frefh numbers, he was at laft furrounded and
taken prifoner, and loft the grcuteft part of the de-
tachment, notwithftanding he killed the French
commander with his own hand. He was fucceeded
in the government of Calais, by Sir Robert Herle,
who in revenge for the captivity of his predeceflbr,
over-ran the frontiers of Picardy and Artois. Hof-
tilities now rofe to fuch a height, that Edward fent
over the duke of Lancafter, to carry on the war,
which was continued with various fuccefs for fome
time. Such was the ftate of the difpute, when
hoftilities again fubfided by the renewal of the
truce, in the negotiation at Calais, where it was
agreed, that the governors of frontier places fliould
take an oath to fee it obferved with punctuality :
yet, notwithftanding this precaution, acts of hoftility
were again commenced. The marfhal . n
de Nefle was detached with .a body of
forces, to aflift the partizans of Charles de Blois,
and being joined by many noblemen of Brittany,,
formed a confiderablear"ny,with which he attacked
Sir Walter Bentley, in the plains of Mairon,
Though far fuperior to the Englifli in number, he
met with fo warm a reception, that his forces were
routed, and himfelf, with fourfcore knights, five
hundred gentlemen, and fome thoufands of com-
mon foldiers, were fcft dead on the fpot,and feveral
noblemen taken prifoners.
England was threatened with a . ~
dreadful famine ; but the people were r 353*
fcafonably fupplied with corn from Holland and
Hainault, and by Edward's fubjects in Ireland.
At the fame time the conferences for a definitive
treaty were again opened, and the archbifhop of
Canterbury, with the duke of Lancafter, were ap-
pointed to meet the French commiflioners near
Guifnes. The treaty 'advanced fo far, that Ed-
ward confented to refign his title to the crown of
France, on condition that the duchy of Guienne,
and province of Ponthieu, fliould be reftoredto him
as independent fovereignties, and that the French
fliould cede to him the lands he had conquered
round Calais, and the fuperiority of Flanders, but
thefe propofals being rejected, both parties prepared
to decide the difpute by the fword.
The pope ftill laboured to effect a . ^
reconciliation between the two con- ' z 354-
tending powers, but his intentions were fj uftrated
by the French plenipotentiaries, who declared, that
every gentleman in France would fooner lofe his
life, than confent to a feparation of Guienne from
the crown of that kingdom ; the whole refult there-
fore of the pope's negotiation, was a prolongation
of the peace till Midfummer. This truce beini;
expired, the duke of Lancafter was appointed
lieutenant for the king in Brittany ; and the BLick
Prince, accompanied by the earls of Warwick, Ox-
ford, Salifbury, Suffolk, and other perfons of dif-
tin&ion, embarked with a numerous army at Ply-
mouth, and landed at Bourdeaux, was joined by
the moft confiderable part of the Gafcon nobility.
In confequence of this junction, he began his march
towards Armagnac, which together with Aftarac,
Cominges, la Riviere, he ravaged, plundering the
inhabitants, and laying the villages and towns in,
afhcs. From thence he proceeded to Thoulofe, where
the French army, exceeding his own in number,
computed at threefcore thoufand men, lay en-
camped.
••*""••••• • — ~ • --_
EDWARD
III.
187
camped, under the command of the counts of Ar-
magnac and Foix, the prince of Orange, the con-
ftable of Bourbon, and the marfhal de Clermont.
Having attempted in vain to bring them to battle,
he pafled the Garonne above the city, deftroyed all
the fine towns in the neighbourhood, and entirely
ruined one of the moft fertile countries in France.
Having received intelligence, that the French were
pofted'behind the Sauvc, as if they intended to dif-
pute his paffage,the Black Prince repaired thither ;
but on his approach, the enemy retired to Gimont,
though not fo expeditioufly, but that the van of the
Englifh intercepted part of their rear, which was
cut to pieces. He arrived before the place, with
his whole army in the evening, and drew up his
forces in order of battle; but the enemy had
marched off in the night, leaving a ftrong garn-
fon in the town, which being well provided for
making an obftinate defence, young Edward
thought proper to decline the fiege. Returning
therefore to Bourdeaux, he put his troops into
winter quarters.
The fuccefs of the prince of Wales in France,
difpofed his father to fupport him again in the in-
vafion of that kingdom. Accordingly he ordered
a rendezvous of his military tenants to be held at
Sandwich, and landed the latter end of October at
Calais, where he was joined by a thoufand men at
arms from Flanders. He had under him his fon
Lionel, Henry duke of Lancafter, and a great
number of barons from the north: the border hav-
ing been fecured by a treaty granted to the Scots at
their own requeft.
, On the fecund of November, he
A. JJ. I355- advanced to St. Omer, where king
John was pofted. That prince retiring from thence,
he followed him to Hefdin ; but finding there was
not the leaft profpecl: of bringing him to an engage-
ment, and winter being near» the king returned to
Calais, where he difmiffed his foreign troops, and
pafled over to England, in order to oppofe a threat-
ened invafion of the Scots. That nation, in vio-
lation of the truce, had furprized Berwick, and
raifcd an army, in order to ravage the northern
provinces. Edward, advancing as far as Hadding-
ton, burnt the towns and villages without feeing the
face of an enemy; for the Scots had retired to their
faftneffes, after having removed all their provifions
from the low lands, that the Englifh might not find
any fubliftence. This precaution obliged Edward
to retire to Roxburgh. Here Baliol, now grown
old, and overwhelmed with infirmities, refigned his
title to the crown of Scotland in favour of the
Engliih monarch, who in confideration of this
celiion, granted him a penfion of two thoufand
pounds for life; paid all his debts; and prefented
him with five thoufand marks, as a recompence for
Ins faithful fer vices.
Encouraged by his late profperous
A. L). * 3 5° 'campaign, the Black Prince took the
field, in the month of July, ac the head of two thou-
fand men at arms, fix thoufand archers, and four
thoirfand infantry. The fuccefs of this young
warrior is at this day aftonifhing. He wafted
Quercy, the Limofm, and Auvergne, catered Berry,
and took Vierzon by affault. Here he received
the firft intelligence, that the king of France
was pofted at Chartres, with a prodigious army,
collected from all parts of the kingdom. John,
fufpecr.ing that Edward intended to pafs the
Loire, and join the duke of Lancafter, who com-
manded a body of troops in Normandy, had difpofed
his army in fuch a manner, as to guard all the
towns and paiTages on that river. Young Edward
perceived it was impracticable to advance, and
therefore refolved to retreat to Bourdeaux. John,
penetrating into his views, in order to intercept
him, crofled the Loire, and marched with fuch ex-
pedition, that he overtook him in the neighbour-
hood of Poi&iers. Young Edward, fenfible that it
was impoffible for him to continue his retreat, pre^
pared for a battle with all the courage arid fpirit of
a hero, and with all the prudence of ah old expe-
rienced commander. He pofted his handful of
men in a place of difficult accefs, where neither the
enemies cavalry could attempt to pierce, nor their
infantry attack him without great disadvantage.
At the end of a narrow lane, the only avenue oy
which the French could advance, he placed a fquare
battallion of the flower of the Englifh archers; nor
could the enemy avail themfelves of their vaft fu-
periority of numbers till that corps was broken.
Yet notwithstanding this prudent arrangement, he
was fo ftraitened for want of provifions, that a
few days mufthave ftarved him into a furrender;
but the French, confiding in their own valour, and
numbers, demanded a battle with fo much eager-
nefs, that John did not think it prudent to check
their ardour. He divided his army into three
bodies : the firft, and moft advanced, was com-
manded by his brother the duke of Orleans : the
fecond, pofted on the left, was under the direction
of the dauphin, affifted by his brothers Lewis and*
John ; while the king in perfon, accompanied by
his youngeft fbn Philip, commanded the third di-
vifion, or body of referve. It was propofed to be-
gin the attack by a fquadron of three hundred
horfe, drefled in complete armour, who were to be
Supported by all the reft of the army difmounted,
except the Germain curiafiers.
Ju ft before the charge was founded, the cardinal
of Pei igord interpofed his good offices, to prevent
any further effufion of blood ; defiring that he might
be allowed to repair to the Englifh camp, where
he did not doubt of being able to perfuade the
prince of Wales to furrender. John confcnted, and
the cardinal found young Edward fenfible of the
critical lituation of his affairs, and willing to agree
to any terms confiftent with his own honour and
that of England. He offered to purchafe a retreat
to Bourdeaux, by refigning all the conquefts he had
made, during this and the former campaign, and
for the fpace of feven years not to ferve againft,
France. This propofal was haughtily rejected by
John, who peremptorily infifted, that the prince
himfelf, together with one hundred of the chief
nobility in his army, fhould furrender themfelves
prifoners ; oh which conditions he promifed a fafe
retreat to the Englifh army. The Black Prince,
with a true greatnefs of mind, which would have
done honour to an old Roman, rejected the propofal
difdainfully," declaring that England mould never
be constrained to pay the price of his ranfom, and
that he would rather facrifice his life, than confent
to fuch infamous demands. This refolute anfwer
put an end to all thoughts of an accommodation.
The fword was to determine the important conteft,
and the next morning was to be the period of the
lives of thoufands. No advantage was omitted by
the Black Prince. He employed the night in
ftrengthening the poft, he had fo judicioufly chofen,
with new intrenchments ; and detached a body of
chofen men under the command of John de Greilly,
with orders to make a compafs round the hill, and
keep himfelf concealed till the battle fhould begin,
and then to fall upon the Frencli rear. He divided
his troops into three diftinct bodies, but ranged in
fo compact a manner, that they feemed to form only
a fquare battalion : the fronc was defended by a
number of ditches and hedges ; and the flanks were
fecured on one fide by a fteep hill, and on the
other by a morafs. The earl of Warwick was fta-
tioned on the fide of the hill, with the troops which
compofcd the van ; the rear, commanded by the
eai Is of Suffolk and Salifbury, was pofted behind a
hedge, about a ftone's throw from the lane through
which
i88
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
which the French muft march to the attack. At
the end of the lane was a pretty large gap, where
young Edward took his poft at the head of the
main body, which extended itfelf among the vines
and bufhes; the weaker part of the field being m-
clofed by the carriages and baggage-waggons.
About nine in the morning the felect body of
men at arms entered the lane with great intrepidity,
but were fo galled by the Englifh archers, who
lined the hedges on each fide of their paffage, that
one half of them fell before they reached the front
of Edward's main body, when they were cut to
pieces by an advanced party, commanded by lord
Audley. The marfhals Clermont and Andrehen,
who with a body of cavalry had advanced clofe
behind the men at arms to fupport them, were
greatly incommoded by the bodies of the flain,
while the archers plied them without intermiflion.
When they had penetrated to the rear of the Eng-
lifh, they met with fo warm a reception from the
earls of Warwick, Salifbury and Suffolk, at the
head of a detachment from the rear, that Clermont
was killed on the fpot, and Andrehen obliged to
fin-render himfelf prifoner; the fate of thefe noble-
men, and the carnage that enfued, fo terrified their
followers, that they fled with the utmoft precipita-
tion. The firft body of the French being thus
routed, the dauphin advanced to the charge, though
his men were greatly difpirited; but they had no
fooner begun the attack, than John de Grielly,
Tallying from his ambufti, fell with the utmoft im-
petuolity upon their rear, and threw them into ter-
rible diforder : theEnglifh archers plied them with
arrows, while another body of infantry with fwords
and battle axes, rufhed upon them, and made a
moft dreadful flaughter. Bodenai, St. Venant, and
Landas, to whom had been committed the care of
the dauphin, carried him off, and thus let the exam-
ple of a precipitate flight. The duke of Orleans,
who had not been engaged, being feized with a like
panic, followed the fame rout. Lord Chandois
then calling out to the Black Prince, that the day
was won, the young hero inftantly charged the di-
vifion under the king with great fury. The king
was in the vigour of manhood; the prince in the
flower of youth ; the former armed with a battle
axe, the latter with a fword ; both atchieving feats
6f valour ; the one prefled forward for the prize of
glory, the other exerted his utmoft efforts, to re-
trieve by his valour what he had loft by his impru-
dence. The fti uggle was violent, the conteft long
and doubtful, the laft fcene blood and flaughter.
All that had paffed before feemed only an exercife
of arms, in comparifon of what now eni'ued. The
refolution of the Englifh was oppofed to the raging
fury of the French; their projected fpears checked
that fury, and well aimed arrows thinned the ranks
of the enemy. The Black Prince, with unfpeak-
able courage fell on a body of German -cavalry,
placed in the front. The difpute was warmly
maintained; nor did the Germans give ground till
their three leaders, with the conftable of France,
were flain. Being left without a commander they
fled from the field of battle, leaving their fovereign,
with his young fon Philip, expofed to all the fury
of the enemy. John now faw himfelf reduced to
a fmail battallion of faithful friends, who were con-
tinually leflened by the fwords of the Englifh.
Every moment the ranks were thinned around him:
his nobles, one after another, fell by his fide; his
fon, fcarce fourteen years of age, received a wound,
while fighting with great bravery by the fide of his
father. John himfelf who could weild his fword
but faintly, might eafily have been flain, but every
one was emulous of fo noble a prize, and therefore,
as they approached called out to him to furrender,
and offered him quarter ; but unwilling to yield
himfelf a prifoner to any perfon of inferior rank,
3
he called out, " Where is my coufin, the prince of
Wales ; to him only I will yield." Being informed
that Edward was in another part of the field, he ftill
perfifted obftinately to defend himfelf, and feveral
who attempted to feizehim paid for their raflmefs.
At length Sir Dennis de Morbec, a knight of Ar*
tois, making his way through a croud of affailants,
requefted John to yield himfelf his prifoner; and
the king, after being affured he was a knight, threw
him his gauntlet, as a fignal of furrender. His fon
was alfo taken with him.
Prince Edward, who had been carried to fome
diftance in purfuit of the enemy, finding the field
clear, ordered a tent to be pitched, and was repofing
himfelf after the toils of the battle. He was at the
fame time very anxious to know the fate of the
king of France. Having fent the earl of Warwick
to bring him intelligence, that nobleman came
happily in time to fave the life of the captive king.
The Englifh had taken him by violence from Mor-
bec ; but the Gafcons claimed as their right the
honoui of detaining him ; and fome brutal ioldiers
threatened to put him to death, rather than deliver
him up. Both parties were overawed by the pre-
fence of Warwick, who approaching the monarch
with the greateft marks of refpect, offered to con-
dud him to the Black Prince. The behaviour of
this noble perfonage was even, if poflible, fuperior
to the abilities and bravery he had difcovered in the
time of action. Inftead of indulging a fupercilious
pride, too commonly the attendant of youthful
warriors, he came from his tent to meet the captive
king with all the marks of a fincei e regard.
Though only twenty-feven years of age, and elated
by as extraordinary an inftance of fuccefs, as ever
crowned the arms of any commander, he fympa-
thized tenderly with his misfortunes: he paid him.
the tribute of praife due to his valour; and alcribed
his own victory to the blind chance of war, or to a
fuperior Being, whofe providence controuls all the
efforts of human power and prudence. He ordered
a magnificent repaft to be prepared for him in his
tent, and with thefweeteft affability, he even waited
upon his royal prifoner, as if he himfelf had been
one of his retinue; and when preffed by the French
monarch to fit down, he declared with all the marks
of genuine modefty, " That it was not for a fubjcelc
like him, to fit in the prefence of royal majeily."
The French noblemen, who- had been invited to
the entertainment, were ftruck with reverential awe
at this inftance of magnificence and true greatnefs
of foul; and lamented the fate of their country, in
being expofed to the refentment of an enemy of
fuch diftinguifhecl abilities. He was indeed a
fhining example of moderation and humanity, and
exhibited a fublime fympathy, rarely attendant on
conqueft. Even the elder Edward, brave as he
was, degraded himfelf by the mean ufes he made
of his victory, and their mercenary tendency; but
the younger was truly great, without vanity, in
conciliating the affection of his very captives.
This memorable victory was obtained by the
battle of Poictiers, on the nineteenth of September,
without the lofs of one perfon of diftinction among
the EnglifhV- \vhereas the principal noblemen of
France fell in the conteft. Two dukes, nineteen
counts, five thoufancl men at arms, and about eight
thoufand infantry, are faid to have, been killed on
the fide, of the French. Two thoufand men at
arms were taken prifoners ; among whom, befides
John, king of France, were three princes of the
blood; the archbifhop of Sens; the counts of
Eftampes, Vaudemont, and many other noble-
men.
The generous conduct of Edward toward his
noble prifoners was imitated by the whole army,
who treated even the moft inferior among them
with tendernefs and humanity. The fpoils taken
in
V
!~Jr<Hf<r atHi
Edward me BlackPrince
" Kincr ^f France //, / Prisoner
P /
EDmKDm
EDWARD
III.
in the French camp were fo great, that the meaneft:
individual in the Engliih army, found himfelf
placed beyond the reach of want during the re-
mainder of his life. Indeed, the ranfoms of the
illuftrious prifoners alone, were more than fufficient
for that purpofe; though thefe were very moderate.
The extent of the fortunes of all were confidered;
and no more was exacted from them than they
could eafily fpare ; nor were they without fuflicient
means to fupport their rank and families.
After a folemn thankfgiving in the Englifh camp
for their late victory, the moft noble prince of
Wales marched with his army to Bourdeaux ;
while the dauphin, hafteuing to Paris, aflembled
the ftates of the kingdom to concert meafures for
its defence, and to procure their affiftance towards
the ranfom of their fovereign ; but inftead of com-
plying with his requeft, they entered into fteps for
humbling the power of the crown; and John, in-
formed of their proceedings, defired his fon not to
confent to their infolent demands, alluring him, that
he had rather continue the prifoner of an honourable
enemy, than live a flave.to his own fubjects.
A p> Pope Innocent VI. affected with
X357- the captivity of the French king,
fent the two cardinals, Perigord and St. Vital to
Bourdeaux, to mediate a peace; but failing in their
negotiations, they confined their requefts to the
obtaining a truce for two years. The Black
Prince, lincerely difpofed to heal the wounds both
nations had received, readily joined his endeavours
with thofe of the legates; and wrote over to the
king in fuch prefling terms, that his father fent
him full powers to act as he thought moft condu-
cive to his own honour, and the good of his
country. The prince hefitated not a moment.
He figned the peace at Bourdeaux, on the twenty-
third of March, and then embarked with his noble
prifoners, having ranfomed all his own men of the
captors, for England; and landed on the twenty-
fifth of May at Sandwich in Kent.
He was received in every place through which
he paffed with the greateft expreffions of joy ; but
he refufed many of the honours that were intended
for him, defiring that they might be transferred,
with every mark of attention and civility, to the
French monarch. At Southvvark he was met by a
thoufand of the principal citizens on horfeback;
and the mayor difplayed, on this occafion, all the
pomp of the city. The entry was very magnifi-
cent, and the proceflion was attended by an innu-
merable concourfe of people of all ranks. John,
attired in his royal robes was mounted on a ftately
white courfer, remarkable for its fize and beauty,
as well as for the richnefs of its trappings. The
Black Prince rode on the left hand of his prifoner,
in hir, ordinary drefs, on a fmall black palfry, dif-
covering, in the whole of his deportment, a ftu-
dious defire to avoid every mark of diftinction.
The ftrects through which they paffed were adorned
with plate, tapeftry, trophies of war, colours,
armour, fountains of wine, and temporary trium-
phal arches; a fight infinitely more glorious than
the vain parade of a Roman triumph, when the*
ear of folly was faluted with the rattling of chains,
and the eye of pity oppreffed with the dejected
looks of enflaved captives. The procefiion lafted
from three in the morning till noon. When arrived
at Weftminfter-hall, where the king of England
fat on his throne, furrounded by a iplendid circle
of nobles, he advanced a few fteps to receive from
the prince his royal prifoner, whom Edward ad-
dreffed with the fame refpect as if he had been a
neighbouring prince, who had come voluntarily to
pay him a friendly vifit ; and John in captivity re-
ceived the honours of a king, which were refufed
him when fcated on a throne. The French monarch
behaved with fo much propriety on this occafion,
No. 18.
as to fhew himfelf truly deferving the generous Ci-
vilities that were fhcwn him; with which his nobles
appeared much affected.
Immediately after this ceremony, the two car-
dinals arrived from the pope, to obtain, if pofilble,
a definitive treaty; but finding Edward averfe to
the terms propofed, they demanded the arrears of
the tribute that had been formerly paid to the fee
of Rome; but the king refufed a compliance there-
with, and plainly tokl them, that as he held his
crown of God alone, he would never pay tribute
to any power on earth. Awed by this bold decla-
ration, they dropped thefubject; and, after having
raifed large contributions from the clergy, applied
themfelves to obtain the liberty of David Bruce,
king of Scotland. This prince had been now
eleven years a captive in England, his fubjects
having refufed to pay his ranfom. Edward, moved
by the intreaties of the two cardinals, but especially
by the folicitations of his fifter, the queen-confort
of Scotland, agreed to a negotiation for fetting her
hufband at liberty. The conferences were opened
at Berwick, where it was ftipulated in the treaty,
that David mould be fet at liberty, on condition of
giving hoftages for the payment of one hundred
thoufand marks fterling, to be difcharged in ten
years by equal payments; and till the whole debt
mould be liquidated it was alfo agreed, that a
truce mould fubfift and be inviolably obferved by
both nations. This treaty being ratified, David
returned to his kingdom.
The captivity of John produced . ~ „ <
in France an almoft total diffolution •I35°-
of civil authority; and occafioned the moft horrible
and deftructive confufions. The dauphin, who
was now eighteen years of age, naturally affumed
the royal power; but though he had an excellent
capacity, he had neither fufficient experience nor
authority to defend a ftate, affailed at once by
foreign powers, and fhaken by internal faction.
During this diffracted ftate of affairs in France,
Edward chiefly employed himfelf in negotiations
with his prifoner; and John figned terms of peace,
in which he confcnted to reftore all the provinces
that had been poffeffed by Henry II. and his two
fons ; and to annex them for ever to the crown of
England, without any obligation of fealty or
homage. But this treaty was rejected by the
dauphin and the ftates of France; and Edward,
incenfed at their refufal, threatened to vifit the
dauphin at Paris on the expiration of the truce.
His refolution reflecting an invafion of France
was no fooner divulged, than a prodigious number
of adventurers flocked to his ftandard; and he
croffed the fea to Calais with a very formidable
armament, attended by the Black Prince, three
other fons, and a great number of nobility, on
the twenty eighth of October. Ed- . ~
ward began his march from Calais ' >I359-
on the fourth of November, at the head of one
hundred thoufand men. This force the dauphin
thought irrefiftible, and he determined not to
hazard a decifive action. Leaving therefore the
open country expofetl to the fury of the enemy, he
employed himfelf in putting all the confulerable
towns in a pofture of defence: while Edward, in
fpite of deep roads and rainy weather, continued
his progrefs through Artois and Picardy, till he
reached' Rheims in Champagne, where the kings of
France were ufually crowned. Here he propofed
to be inverted with the royal diadem of France,
and the bifhops of London and Durham attended
him to perform the ceremony; but finding the
place well fecured, he fpent three months in a
blockade without effect, and was obliged at la(t to
raife the fiege.
Early in the fpring, Edward con-
ducted his army into Burgundy,
3C
A. 0.1360.
when
190
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
when the duke, in order to preferve his country
from farther ravages, agreed to pay him one hun-
dred thoufand nobles. He then directed his march
towards the Nivernois, which efcaped by a like
compofition. The Brie and the Gatinois he plun-
dered with the utmoft cruelty ; and after a long
deftructive march, of fome prejudice to his own
troops, he appeared before the gates of Paris,
burnt the fuburbs, and fixed his head-quarters at
Bourg-la-Reine. Here the king fent a defiance to
the dauphin, challenging him to battle: but this
was rejected, the dauphin being too prudent to
change his plan of operations ; for Paris was in no
danger either of an affault or a blockade; and
Edward, being in the heart of a country he had
wafted, was obliged to fpread his troops into the
provinces of Maine, Beaufe, and the Chartraine,
which were abandoned to the fury of their devafta-
tions.
While the war was carried on in this deftructive
manner, the negotiations for peace were not in-
terrupted; yet as the king fleadily infifted on the
full execution of the treaty he had made with John
at London, which was as obftinately rejected by
the dauphin, there appeared little profpect of an
accommodation ; but, by the reprefentations of the
duke of Lancafter, more moderate terms were in-
troduced at the conferences between the Englim
and French carried on at Bretigni in the Char-
traine; and a peace was concluded on May the
eighth, on the following conditions ; that the king
of England mould renounce his pretenfions to the
crown of France, and to the provinces of Nor-
mandy, Maine, Tourain, and Anjou; and mould
receive in exchange the provinces of Poictou,
Xantongue, Perigord, the Limofin, Agenois,
Quercy, Bigone, Gauze, Angoumois, and Ro-
vergne : that he mould enjoy thefe territories in the
fqlleft manner, and without any feudal fubjection
or homage, together with Calais, and the fove-
reignty of Guienne: that the difpute between
Charles de Blois and John de Montfort, with re-
gard to the duchy of Brittany, mould be candidly
difcuffed and referred to arbitration, under the
fanction of both kings ; but if their good offices
proved ineffectual, neither fhould take any part in
the quarrel, though the fovereignty of Brittany
fliouldbereftored to the king of France, and John
de Montfort to the poflemon of all his eftates in
that kingdom : that the king of France mould re-
nounce his alliance with the Scots, and Edward his
connections with the Flemings. Forty hoftages,
among whom were two fons of the French king,
the dukes of Orleans and Bourbon, offered them-
felves voluntary fureties for the execution of thefe
conditions. All points of difference being thus
adjufted, king John went over to Calais in July,
and in October king Edward repaired thither, to
receive the firft payment of the ranfom, which
amounted to fix hundred thoufand gold crowns ;
but France had been fo grievoufly exhaufted, that
not above two thirds of the furn could be raifed,
and hoftages were delivered for payment of the
remainder at Candlemas. The dauphin and his
council repairing to Bologne, conferences were held
on the late treaty; and by the confent of all parties
fome claufes of it were altered, and the whole was
ratified by both kings at Calais, on the twenty-
fourth of October. The next day John fet out for
Bologne, and Edward accompanied him about a
mile from Calais, when they parted with demon-
ftrations of mutual cfteem ; for the good difpofition
of John rendered him fo fenfible of the generous
treatment he had received in England, as entirely
obliterated the memory of his rival's afcendency
over him. Notwithllanding the terms of the late
peace were very rigorous, John was poflefled of
luch integrity, that he relblvcd to execute them at
all hazards, and to employ every expedient in order
to fatisfy a monarch, who, though he had been his
grcateft political enemy, had treated him with the
utmoft humanity and fingular refpect.
This important bufinefs of a treaty between the
two kingdoms being happily concluded, Edward
returned to England in November, . -p.
where the peace was celebrated with *3
all kinds of rejoicings; and the articles foon after
being laid before both houfes of parliament, were
unanimoufly approved. But the great joy arifing
from this plealing event, was foon damped by the
fatal confequences of a dreadful plagucwhich broke
out at this period, and fwept away great numbers,
amongwhom werethelords Seymour, Mowbray, and
other perfons of high diftinction ; but no one was
fo much regretted by the public as Henry duke of
Lancafter, who was univerfally efteemed and be-
loved for his many amiable qualities. His only
furviving lifter became his heir, and had been fbme
time married to John of Ghent, Edward's fourth
fon, who, in right of his brother-in-law, was icon
after created duke of Lancafter.
In order to reconcile his new fubjects to the
Englifli government, Edward determined to put
them under the immediate jurifdiction of the heir-
apparent. Accordingly he conveyed his French
dominions to his fon, by executing a deed of aflign-
ment; and the Black Prince prepared for his em-
barkation. He had married his coufin, Joan of
Kent, the young and beautiful relict of the late
earl of Holland. This princefs was daughter of
Edmund, earl of Kent, who had been beheaded,
in the beginning of the prefent reign; and for her
exquifite beauty Ihe was generally known by the
appellation of the Fair Maid of Kent. The noble
hero who had raifed the honour of the Englifti to
fo exalted a pitch, was now created prince of
Aquitaine. He fbon after croffed the lea, and
fixed his refidence at Bourdeaux, where he kept a
fplendid court, beloved and refpected by all his
fubjects, who thought themfelves peculiarly happy
in being governed by fo great and generous a
prince.
The king of France, notwithftand- A ^ ,
ing his earned defire of fulfilling his
late engagements in the treaty with England, found
infurmountable difficulties from the unwillingnefs
of thofe who were to evacuate the places ceded to
Edward, fo that his two fons, who were left as
hoftages, began to be tired of their confinement;
and gave the king to underftand, that they could
contribute towards the removal of thofe difficulties,
if permitted to repair to Calais, where they mould
be near the feat of negotiation ; they were there-
fore fent thither, and allowed to ride about the
country on their parole ; but their endeavours
proving ineffectual, the duke of Anjou ungenerouily
abufed his liberty, and efcaped to Paris. John fe-
verely reprimanded him for this diftionourable be-
haviour: he even determined to atone for the fault
of his fon, by going over to England in perfon,
and by attempting to remove the obftacles which
impeded the full execution of the treaty. His
council in vain endeavoured to diffuade him from
his defign; his purpofe was fixed, and every argu-
ment loft its force. " If juftice, honour, and
good faith," faid he, " were banifhed from the reft
of the world, they ought to be found in the
breafts of kings." This noble way of thinking,
incompatible with the common maxims of policy,
kept him fixed to his purpofe: ac- , -p.
»• i l 1 L- r l J A. D. 1^64.
cordmgly he embarked tor England,
where he met with a cordial reception, which his
heroic integrity juftly merited ; and the kings of
Scotland and Cyprus being then in London, Ed-
ward's court {hone with refplendent luftre. John
refided at his former place of abode the Savoy,
where,
E D W A R D
III.
91
where, in the fpring he fell fick, and died on the
eighth of April, in the fifty fixth year of his age.
During his reign, the crown of France had ac-
quired confiderable acceflions, by obtaining the
provinces of Dauphiny and Burgundy : but the
latter province John difmembered from the crown,
by beftowing it on his favourite fon Philip, which
afterwards proved the fource of many calamities to
France.
Charles, the dauphin, fucceeded John m the
throne, and contrary to the practices of the great
princes of that age, refolved never to appear at the
head of his armies ; and he is ftid to be the firft
king in Europe that mewed the fuperiority of
judgement, forefight, and policy, to rafh and pre-
cipitate courage. He began his reign wJth turning
his arms againft the king of Navarre, who was de-
feated by his general Bertrand de Guefclin, a gentle-
man of Brittany, and obliged his enemy to accept
of moderate terms of peace. But the chief ob-
ftacle Charles met with in the fettlement of the
ftate, proceeded from enemies of an inferior kind,
who were rendered eminent for their crimes, and
dangerous from their numbers. The numerous ad-
venturers who had followed Edward's fortunes,
having, after the treaty of Bretigni difperfed into
feveral provinces, and obtained the pofleffion of
ftrong foitrefies, refufed to lay down their arms.
They afibciated themfelves with bands of robbers,
who were inured to violence and rapine; and under
the name of Companions and companies, became
the terror of the people. Thefe banditti were
commanded by feme Englifti and Gafcon gentle-
men, particularly Sir Hugh Calverly, Sir Matthew
Gournay, the chevalier Vert, and others, and their
numbers, amounting to near forty th'oufand, carried
the appearance of regular armies. Several pitched
battles were fought by thefe leaders with the troops
of France, in which they were victorious; and in
one of thefe, James de Bourbon, a prince of the
blood, was flain. Charles, in the diftracted ftate
of his kingdom, not being able to redrefs fo enor-
mous a grievance, was led by policy to fend them
into foreign countries.
Peter, king of Caftile, furnamed the Cruel, had
incurred the univerfal hatred of his fubjects, by
filling, not only his own family, but the whole
kingdom with murders and bloodfhed: his nobles
daily fell victims to his fufpicions: from groundlefs
jealoufy, he put to death feveral of his natural
brothers; hence, as his enemies incrcafed, they
became the occafion of frefh barbarities. Infti-
gated by his miftrefs, he threw into prifon Blanche
de Bourbon his wife, the queen of France's fitter,
whom he foon after difpatched by poifon, in order
to many his ftrumpet. In confequence of this,
Henry, count de Traftamare, rofe in arms againft
Peter ; but, failing in his attempt, fled to France,
where he was protected by Charles. Here he pro-
pofed to enlift the companies into his fervice, not
doubting but that by their afliftance, added to his
brother's arms, he mould foon be able to expel the
tyrant from his throne. The French king, pleafed
with the propofal, readily confented, and ordered
Guefcliu to conclude a treaty with thofe banditti.
Guefclin quickly completed his levies; and being
. appointed their commander, took the
A. D. 1366. fidd> He conduftcci his army to
Avignon, the refidence of the pope, and demanded,
fword in hand, not only an absolution for his
foldievs, but the fum of two hundred thoufand
Jivrcs. His holtnefs readily promifed the firft;
but making fome difficulty with refpect to the
money, the general anfwercd, " I believe that my
fellows may make a fhift to do without your abfo-
lution, but the money is abfolutely neceflary."
His holinefs having obliged the inhabitants to pay
one hundred thouland livres, oflcred it to Guefclin,
He, however, refufed to accept it. "I have no
intention," faid he, " to opprefs the innocent
people. His holinefs and his cardinals alone can
eafily fpare me that fum out of their pockets, t
therefore infift on this money being reftoi ed to the
owners; and fhould they hereafter be compelled to
pay, or be defrauded of it, I will return from the
other fide the Pyrenees, and oblige you to make
rcftitution." The pope, knowing it would be in
vain to contend with the fword, paid him the fum
demanded out of his own treafury; and the army,
being enriched by the bleffings and fpoils of the
church, continued their march, and foon drove
the king of Caftile from his dominions-, while
Henry afTumed the title of king of Caftile, and
was acknowledged as fuch throughout the whole
kingdom. Peter having retired into Guicnne,
implored the protection of the Black Prince, who
heartily engaged in his reftoration ; i aifed all the
money he could borrow; and even melted down
his own plate for the fervice.
Had the prince reflected on the un- A n
worthinefs of the perfon who folicited
his afliftance, he would probably have refufed his
requeft; but confidering, perhaps only on this oc-
cafion the honour of reftoring a dethroned mo-
narch, or, being weary of an inactive life, having
obtained his father's confent, he levied an army,
and fet out upon this expedition. Beingjoined by
the banditti, and a confiderable force from England,
he began his march about the latter end of Fe-
bruary, and advanced to Caftile, where he at-
tacked and routed Henry's army in feveral engage-
ments ; and after a complete victory, obtained* at
Nafara, re-eftablifhed the tyrant on the Caftilian
throne. Peter threw himfelf at the prince of
Wales's feet, and thanked him for reftoring him to
his kingdom ; but that hero, railing him up, faid,
it was to God alone he was indebted for the victory,
and not to him, who was only a weak inftrument
in his hand ; yet, notwithftanding this appearance
of gratitude, Peter deceived his benefactor, when
ke had no longer any need of his afliftance. The
prince reminding him of the money due to the
troops, the Caftilian pleaded inability, and dallied
with him till the heats of Spain became exceflive ;
when Edward, perceiving that his men daily
periftied by ficknefs, was under the necefllty of re-
turning to Bourdeaux, where he was received in
triumph amidft the acclamations of his people.
During his late campaign, the Black Prince, be-
fides a very dangerous diforder, had contracted an
enormous debt, which Peter ungeneroufly refufed
to pay. This obliged him to tranfgrefs the bounds
of prudent policy. He impofed on . -p.
the French an unufual and heavy tax, T396*
which was fo difagreeable to them, that many of
their barons repaired to Paris, and there entered an
appeal againft the proceedings of the Black Prince,
before the king of France as fovereign lord. The
king of France, who had been long defirous of
this, fummoned the prince to appear in his court,
to anfwer their complaints. Exafperated at fuch an
infolent rnd unjuft citation, Edward anfwered, with
all the fpirit of an offended warrior, that he might
expect his appearance at Paris, but it mould be
with a helmet on his head, and a retinue of fixty
thoufand men. Charles was not, however, to be
intimidated. He knew the declining years of
Edward ; the languifhing ftate of the prince of
Wales's health ; and the extreme animofity which
the inhabitants of the conquered provinces had ex-
prefled againft the Englifti, would act powerfully in
his favour. He, therefore, refolving to come to
an open rupture with England, made preparations
in private, formed an alliance with Caftile, the earl of
Flanders, and the princes of Germany, and attached
to his intereft the barons and citizens of Abbeville.
Tiie
192
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND:
A -p. The firft operations of war were
A.D. 1370. commencej in Ponthieu, where the
trench met with very little oppofition. Abbeville
opened its gates to them. This example was fol-
lowed by St. Vallery, Crotoy, Rue j and in a little
time the whole country was reduced to fubmiflion.
The dukes of Berry and Anjou, brothers to Charles,
aflifted by du Guefclin, invaded the louthern pro-
vinces, and daily made a Confiderable progrefs
agairift the Englifh. The ftate of the prince's
health would not permit him to mount on horfe-
back, or exert his ufual activity. In one action
the brave Chandeis was flain ; in another, the
great du Buche, who had fucceeded him as con-
ftableof Guienne, was taken prifoner; and prince
Edward being conflrained, by his increafing in-
firmities, to return to his native country, the affairs
of the Englifli in the fouth of France were totally
ruined. Incenfed at the injuries he had received
from Charles, Edward meditated a fevere revenge.
By advice of his parliament he refumed the vain
title of king, and endeavoured to fend fuccours
into Gafcony ; but all his attempts proved unfuc-
cefsful. The earl of Pembroke was intercepted at
fea, and bcth he and his whole army fell into the
hand of the king of Caftile, who had fitted out a
fleet for that purpofe, and attacked him near
Rochelle. Edward himfelf, with another army,
had embarked for Bourdeaux-, but contrary winds
obliged him to lay afide his enterprize. Thirty
thoufand men, under the command of Sir Robert
Knollcs, however, marched out of Calais, and con-
tinued their ravages to the gates of Paris, but were
unable to provoke the enemy to an engagement.
They therefore proceeded on their march, laying
wafte the provinces of Maine and Anjou ; but part
of the army being defeated by the conduct of du
Guefclin, who was now made conftable of France,
the reft were fcattered and clifperfed •, and the few
who returned, inftead of reaching Guienne, took
flicker in Brittany, whofe duke had entered into an
alliance with England.
AT) 7 1 he duke of Lancafter began his
*'4* march from Calais with an army of
twenty- five thoufand men, and marched the whole
length of France from Calais to Bourdeaux ; but
his rear was fo harraffed by flying parties of the
enemy, and his foraging detachments fo frequently
cut off", that hardly half his army reached their
pi .ice of cleftination. One province after another
fell into the hands of the French, till only Bour-
deaux, Bayonne, Calais, with a few other lefs im-
portant places, remained in the pofleflion of the
Engliffi ; when the neceflities of Edward obliged
him to conclude a truce with the enemy till the firft
of May in the following year 1375.
Edward, befides the mortification of lofing his
foreign dominions, felt the decay of his authority
in England ; and from the feverity of fome par-
liamentary remonflrances, experienced the influence
his prefent ill fortune had on the affections of his
people. As an addition to his misfortunes, during
this laft war he loft his queen. He had lived with
her forty years in perfect union. She was univer-
fally .lamented by the people, who had always
found her ready to relieve them in their neceflities,
and the poor were great lofers by her death. But
Kdward, who during the vigour of his life had
been employed in thepurfuitsof war and ambition,
now, in the decline of life, had to encounter with
ievere mortifications. The paflion for military
glory, that fired his breaft in the vigour of his
age, was now extin«uifhed. In his old age he fell
jn love with Alice Pierce, who had been one of
the ladies of the bed-chamber to Philippa, his late
queen; and his paflion had iuch an afcendent over
him, that, in order to gratify her avarice, he
countenanced feveral corrupt practices, which, in
the vigour of life, he would have difdained to
patronize. He was wrought upon by this aban-
doned miftrefs, to convey to her the jewels and
moveables of the late queen : fhe created and dil-
placed minifters at her plcafure ; and the king only
thought of procuring her diverfions, which were
daily made at a great expence. Infhort, the doat-
ing Edward was guided juft as her caprice and
humour prompted ; but this weak conduct gave
fuch general difguft, that the parliament prcfentcd
a fpirited remonftrance, and the imperious lady
was baniflied the court. The king alfo fatisfied
his parliament in another requeft. The nation had
entertained ajealotify of the great power of John
of Ghent, duke of Lancafter, and apprehended he
might feize the crown on the death of his father.
Edward, therefore, to remove their fears, declared,
in full parliament, Richard, fon to the prince of
Wales, his heir and fucceflor.
At this period died at Windfor, on A n
the eighth of June, Edward prince of '
Wales, commonly called the Black Prince, fincerely
regretted by his father and the whole nation, who
flattered themfelves with the profpect of confum-
mate felicity, under the reign of fuch an accom-
plifhecl fovereign. The character of this prince is
truly amiable. His valour and military talents,
which produced the admiration of all Europe, form
only a part of his merit. He was an ornament of
human nature, and is defervedly the boaft of the
Englifli nation. In public life he exhibited the
brighteft difplay of genius, heroifm, and magna-
nimity ; in private, he afforded a matchlefs example
of benevolence, candour, and equanimity. Gene-
rous, humane, affable, and pleafed with rewarding
merit wherever he found it. He gained univerfal
efteem, and was qualified to throw a luftre not only
on that rude age, but on the moft fhining period of
antient and modern hiftory. His affability in con-
verfation, and his remarkable modefty, can never be
fufiiciently admired ; and he was equally diftinguifh-
ed by the fubmiflion and profound refpect he paid
his father, whom he never once difobliged. His
virtues were celebrated by his greateft enemies. The
news of his death, though long expected, was re-
ceived with'inexpreflible grief. Charles of France,
though his kingdom had fuffered fo feverely from
his valour, gave a noble mark of his high efteem
for this celebrated hero. He caufed a folemn fer-
vice to be performed for the repofe of his foul, in
the church of Notre Dame, and aflifted himfelf in
perfon, with the principal nobility of France. The
body of this renowned warrior was placed in a
ftately hearfe, drawn by twelve horfes, and carried
through London to Canterbury, where it was in-
terred agreeable to his own defire. The parliament
fliewed their regard by paying their duty to his fon
Richard, as heir-apparent to the crown of England,
and petitioned the king that he might be created
prince of Wales, duke of Cornwal, and earl of Chefter.
He was ve'fted alfo with all his father's lands, except
thofe afllgned to his mother as her dower, and foon
after received the honour of the garter.
Edward furvived the death of his . n
favourite fon little more than a year, :377«-
He retired to Eltham in Kent, where he diverted
himfelf of the cares of government, and buried his
glory in the grave of voluptuoufnefs. John of
Ghent being declared regent of the kingdom, in-
gratiated himfelf with the princefs of Wales, who
reficled with her fon Richard, at Kennington in .
Surry: he a]fo afted ;n concert with Alice, who had
now regained her former influence. At her infti-
gation, the regent imprifoned Sir Peter de la Mere,
who had contributed to her difgracein parliament,
and recalled thofe whom the king had a little
before removed from his perfon : feveral noble-
men and prelates alfo were deprived of their pofts
on
BATTLE ^POIGTIEBS,/A Inmce /^ A'./ '///X^', Joaii,;#
EDWARD III.
On the fame account. They chofe a new parlia-
ment of fordid mercenary wretches, who could fa-
crifice honour and confcience to avarice and ambi-
tion; at the fame time the infamous Alice was re-
ftored to her former privileges. The regent and
his creatures now rioted in luxury, regardleis of the
public intereft, and even fuffered foreigners to in-
fringe the liberties of the city of London, whofe re-
monftrances were treated with a fnpercilious con-
tempt. This excited the refentment of the popu-
lace, who plundered and deftroyedthe hdufeof the
loi d'-marfhal, and ftripped the palace of the duke
of Lancafter, of all its rich furniture; but the dUUir-
bancc was at length quelled by the interpofitiori of
the prince of Wales, and the biihop of London.
The truce of France being expired, the militia
were ordered to be ready to oppofe an invafion,
for which preparations were thought to be making
in France; but inftead of embarking their forces^ for
England, they inveftedthe ftrong fort of Outwick,
in the neighbourhood of Calais, which furrendered
almoft without opposition. This was the laft mili-
tary operation in the reign of Edward, who was
foon after feized with a malignant fever, attended
with irruptions, which brought him to his grave.
He died at Shene, dear Richmond in Suny, on the
twenty-firft of June, in the fixty-fifth year of his
age, and the fifty-firft of his reign. When no hope
of recovery remained, his court fycophants forfdok
him, as a bankrupt no longer capable of requiring
their venal fervices. Alice, his favourite, who took
care of him in his licknefs, fuffered few to enter his
room. When he was dying, me laid her hands
>n every thing valuable me could find, even the
nngs on his fingers, and then withdrew. No left
ingratitude was {hewn by his friends and chaplains,
who all deferted him, except one fingle prieft, who'
feeing him forfaken in his laft agonies, approached
the bed, and addreffed to him fome fpiritual confo-
lations, to which the dying monarch endeavoured
to reply, but his words were too inarticulate to be
wnderftood.
Edward had twelve children by Philippa of
Hainault, his queen. Edward, ftiled the Black
Prince, hiseldeft fon, who married his coufin Joan,
commonly called the Fair Maid of Kent, daughter
and heirets of his uncle the earl of Kent, by whom
the prince had only Richard, who fucceeded in the
throne. His fecond fon William of Hatfield, who
died in his infancy. Lionel of Antwerp, duke of
Clarence, who firft married Elizabeth de Burgh,
heirefs of William de Burgh, earl of Ulfter. After
her death he married Violante, daughter to the duke
of Milan, and died in Italy foon after the confum-
mation of his nuptials, without leaving any pof-
terity. John of Ghent, vulgarly called, John
of Gaunt, duke of Lancafter, from whom fprung
that houfe which afterwards filled the throne. He
firft married Blanche, daughter and co-heirefs of
Henry duke of Lancafter, to whofe title he fuc-
ceeded. Mis fecond wife Was Conftance, eldeft
daughter of Peter the Cruel, king of Caftile, in
whofe right he affumed the arms and title of that
kingdom. After her death, he married Catherine
Swinford, who had already bore him feveral natural
children. Edward's fifth fon, was Edmund de
Langley, earl of Cambridge, conftable of Dover-
caftle, and afterwards duke of York. William,
furnamed, of Windfor, died an infant. Thomas
of Woodftock, his feventh fon was created duke of
Buckingham by Richard II. and afterwards duke
of Gloucefter. Befides thefe fons, Edward had five
daughters. Ifabella, married to Ingelram de Coucy,
earl of Bedford. Joan, betrothed to the prince of
Caftile, but died in her journey to Spain. Blanche,
who died in her infancy. Mary, married to John .
de Montfort, earl of Brittany. And Margaret,
married to John de Haftings, earl of Pembroke.
No. 19.
In- this reign the celebrated John Wickliff began
to declaim, in his fcrmons, againft the do&rine of
the real prefence, pilgrimages, purgatpry, monauic
vows, and other fuperftitions of the church ,of
Rome ; and he foon had the good fortune to make
a great many profelytes, particularly the duke of
Lancafter. But notwithstanding the protection of
this powerful patron, he was cited to appear before
the bifhopof London; and, his tenets were folentnly
condemned in an affembly held at Oxford. He
efcapcd however the malice of his persecutors, and
died peaceably at his rectory of Ltit- .. ^ »
terwbrth, in the county of Leicefter.
He was reputed a man of learning, and has the
honour of being the firft perfon in Europe who
publicly called in queftion thofe doctrines, which
had univerfally prevailed as undifputed truths dur-
ing many ages. His folknvers were called Wick*
liflites, and fometimes Lollards. ! .
The moft remarkable law pafled in this reign,
was that which limited the cafes of high treafon to
three heads, namely, the confpiring againft the life
of the king; levying war againft his perfon; and
adhering to the king's enemies: but the bounds of
this ftatute have been fince enlarged ; and its fim-
plicity almoft deftroyed by the nice diftindtions of
law luminaries,1 which they term conftniclive trea-
fon, of this we have had one or two recent inftances
in the prefeht reign; which are ftill frefli in every
one's memory.
At this period the fpirit of chivalry and gallantry
was perhaps mdre prevalent, than in any age which
either preceded or followed it. A difpute having
arifen between the Englifli and the Bretons, which
of them had the faireft jniftreffes; they agreed. to
decide the quarrel in a folemn duel of thirty knights
on each fide. After a bloody combat the Bietons
prevailed; and gained for their prize, full liberty
to boaft of their iniftreffes beauties.
In this reign was introduced pieces of artillery^
and the ufe of gunpowder in war, which has by de-
grees changed the whole art of war, and many cir-
cumftances in the political government of Europe.
The ignorance of that age in the mechanical arts,
however, rendered the progrefs of new inventions
very flow. The artillery firft made were very
clumfy, and managed with.fuch difficulty, that peo-
ple were not immediately fenfible of its ufe ; but
fince that time, improvements have been con-
tinually making on thefe dreadful engines of de-
ftruction ; which, though they appear to be con-
trived for the overthrow of empires, and the extir-
pation of the human race, have, in fact, rendered
battles lefs bloody, and given to civil focieties a
greater degree of {lability. By the ufe of gun-1
powder, nations have been brought more to a level;
conquefts have been rendered lefs frequent and ra-'
pid ; and perfonal ftrength in warriors lefs neceflary.
To Edward III. we owe the fuperiority, which in
his time the Englifli began to obtain over the
French, and which, mould their councils be di-
rected by wife and honeft men, it is hoped they
will maintain to the lateft pofterity. This politic
prince banimed the ufe of the French language iri
pleadings and public deeds ; for the king and nobility
ieem to have kept in remembrance their Norman
extraction, till the wars with Edward and France,
infpired theEnglifli with an antipathy tothatnation.
In this age the parliament attempted to reftrain
luxury by fome peculiar fumptuary laws. It was
enacted that no one fliould be allowed either for
dinner or fupper above three dimes in each courfe,
and not more than two courfes. Servants were
prohibited from eating fiefh meat or fifli above once
a day: and no man not worth one hundred per
annum was permitted to Wear gold* filver, or filk in
his clothes.
Edward built the magnificent caftle of Windfor,
3 D and
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
and the method of his conducting the work, may
ferve as a fpcdmen of the condition of the people
of that age, and of the blcffings of a more equal
government, which we, of this age, ought thank-
fully to enjoy. Inftead of alluring workmen by
wages and contracts, he affeffed every county in
England to find him mafons, tilers, and carpenters,
as if he had been levying an army. To which
incident we may add, that in his reign was impofed
the firft toll we read of in England for mending the
highways ; and this was for repairing the road from
St. Giles's to Temple-bar.
The only exports during this reign were wool,
hides, fkins, leather, butter, lead, tin, and the
like unmanufactured goods, of which wool was
themoft conficlerable. To introduce and promote
the woollen manufacture, Edward gave protection
to foreign weavers ; and a law was enacted, pro-
hibiting the wear of any cloth not made in England.
Yet fo little was the nature of trade underftood by
the parliament, that the exportation of woollen
goods was prohibited, while the exportation of un-
wrought wool was not only allowed but encouraged.
The exportation of manufactured iron was alfo
prohibited by parliament.
Character of Edward III.
He was certainly one among the nu-mber of ac-
compliflied princes that have filled the Englim
throne. The memorable tranfaclions of his reign
fufficiently enhance his character, whether we con-
fider him as a warrior, a legiflator, a monarch, or
a man. In his ftature he was about fix feet high,
of an elegant fhape, and robuft conftitution : his
limbs were finely turned ; his eyes quick and
piercing, his vifage fliarp and aquiline; and his
whole air fuch as commanded efteem, and eno;aafed
*v* • • • •
affection. Nor were the qualities of his mind in-
ferior to thofe of his body. He was brave, active,
and enterprizin'g ; fhrewd, fenfible, and engaging;
ievere but impartial in the execution of juftice ;
liberal, but not profufe in his expences. Glory
was his predominant paflion ; and it muft be con-
fefTed, that he fcrupled not to indulge it at the
expence of humanity, the lives of his fubjects,
and the intereft of his country. But it mould, at
the fame time be remembered, that he was a man,
and therefore fubject to errors; and that the dif-
tracted ftate of affairs on the continent, and the
jarring intcrefts of its princes, concurred in flatter-
ing his ambition, and infpired him with ideas,
which, otherwife, he might never have conceived.
He was no lefs diflinguimed for his domeftic
government, and the prudence and vigour of his
adminiftration, which procured England a longer
interval of domeftic peace, and. tranquillity, than
this nation had enjoyed, in any former period.
His court was magnificent and regular ; and he
was remaikably judicious in the choice of his
fervants, whether in the cabinet or the camp. His
plans were conceited with prudence, and executed
with alacrity. He was a patron of genius and
learning; and his buildings, levees, and other cir-
cumftances, fufficiently evince his tafte for the li-
beral arts, very little attended to in that rude and
uncultivated age. His affability and obliging be-
haviour to the good, and his rigour and feverity to
the bad, gained him the affections of the people,
at the fame time that it curbed their licentioufnefs.
Never did king beftow honours and rewards with
more judgment, and greater regard to true merit.
His valour and conduct rendered him fuccefsful in
moft of his enterprizes ; yet this fuccefs was far
from filling him with pride ; for never did he fhew
greater humility than in the courfe of his victories,
which he constantly afcribed to the interposition of
divine Providence. Pofleffed of the greateft affa-
bility, his converfation was eafy, and always ac-
companied with gravity and difcretion. He was a
friend to the poor, the fatherlefs, the widow, the
oppreffed, and unfortunate. In the beginning of
his reign he made fome encroachments on pubHc
liberty; but he loon learned to maintain, in general,
the prerogatives of the crown, without invading
the privileges of the people. Edward, in the ge-
neral tenor of his conduct, was a friend to the con-
ftitution; though his paflion for glory obliged him
fometimes to break through the rules which ought
to reftrain the royal prerogative. He always con-
fulted his parliament ; by which means that affembly
acquired a confiderable accefllon of authority
during his reign ; and the commons were no longer
regarded with that indifference with which they had
formerly been treated. Edward's glory received a
new luftre from that of his fon the prince of Wales ;
and his happinefs was increafed by his conftant
union with his queen. ' His religion was without
fuperftition ; his greatnefs, of terror; and his ma-
jefty, of pride. Some errors, it is true, fell to his
mare, the principal of which was ambition in ex-
treme ; yet his reign was one of the longeft and
moft glorious that occurs in the hiftory of Eng-
land.
CHAP.
V.
R I
II
R D
II.
Richard, grandfon of Edward III. afcends the throne in the eleventh year of bis age — The government chiefly conducted
by his three uncles, the dukes of Lane after, York, and Gloucefter — Progrefs of the war in France — A dangerous
infurrection under Wat Tyler and Jack Straw — Richard enters Scotland on the eajl by Berwick ; and the Scots,
•with their allies the French, enter England by the weft — Faclions and cabals of the barons, particularly the duke
of Gloucefter, who expels the king's minifters — The king refumes his fewer — His attachment to favourites; par-
ticularly Robert de Vere, carl of Oxford, and Michael de la Pole, a fon to a merchant of London, who was
created earl of Suffolk — His proceedings again/I thofe noblemen who had held him in fubjefl'wn, and whom he
confidered as his enemies — Duke of Lancafter returns from banijhment — Raifes an army — Secures the perfon of
the king — Who is folemnly depofed- — Imprifoned— And dies in Pomfret cajllc— His character.
An T> I C H A R D II. of Bourdeaux,
' J[\ fon to Edward, the Black Prince,
on the demife of his royal grandfather, afccnded
the throne, without oppofition,in the eleventh year
of his age. Notwithstanding his tender years, and
die fpecious pretenfions that might have been urged
in favour of his uncle's claim, he was received by
the Englim as their fovereign, with the moft cor-
dial affection. The remembrance of his father's
qualities, induced them to cherifli this infant
prince as defcended from a ftock whofe achieve-
ments had. rendered their nation eminently re-
nowned.
RICHARD II
/fc /vv<v Born i.?ff/t*'6.fSfry. Suri'tH'tleA /(>///<• C"r<rvv.u *'/ft//f ','/. /«'7^
C\-oivai , 'I'/ttTQg./SQQ. //v?c/ Murdered /'// Poiiifrct Cnftle , '/rut '' '/
-l^aiio-lev/'///' f?//t' j'/fsr /'f/,i /VV//YVV//" AVoftnihifter .
•///,>
/ Buried ///
RICHARD
II.
'•95
nowned. Even Lancafter, imperious as he was,
inftead of endeavouring to fupplant his nephew,
was the firft to do him homage. His example was
followed by the mayor and citizens of London,
who repaired toKingfton upon Thames, where the
young prince then refided, and implored bis favour
and protection for their city, foliciting him to
refide in the metropolis, and alluring him they
would venture their lives and fortunes in hisfervice.
Richard, in compliance with their rcqucft, the very
next day made a magnificent entry into London,
where every tongue overflowed with gratitude,
every heart with affedion. Every gazing eye fondly
read'the revival of Edward's virtues, in the difpo-
fition, genius, and appearance of this.royal infant.
The people were fo impatient to fee their youthful
monarch decorated with the enfigns of royalty,
that the day was fixed for the fifteenth of July,
when the ceremony was performed with great mag-
nificence at Weftminfter. On this occafion we
meet with the firft mention in hiftory of a cham-
pion, M'ho appeared completely armed in Weft-
minfter-hall, where his majefty dined. He was at-
tended by the high-conftable, the marfhal of Eng-
land, and preceded by the heralds. When the
champion reached the middle of the hall, he threw
his gauntlet on the ground, at the fame time chal-
lenging all perfons whatfoever to fingle combat,
who mould dare to difpute his majefty's title to the
crown. The origin of this cuftom, which is ftill
preferved, is however unknown; for though this is
the firft time it is mentioned by hiftorians, it is cer-
tainly of a much earlier date; fince Sir John Dim-
mock, who performed the office of champion at
the coronation of this prince, was admitted to it
by virtue of a right annexed to a manor he poffefTed
in Lincolnfhire.
During -the king's minority, the government
was conducted by a council of nine, confiding
partly of prelates, and partly of lay-peers: how-
ever, the chief authority was engroffed by his three
uncles, the dukes of Lancafter, York, and
Gloucefter ; but the whole power of the crown
refted on the fecret authority of Lancafter, who
was really the regent. Unpopular, and of a genius
not adapted to any bold undertakings ; yet being
accuftomed to govern during'the latter part of the
late reign, he took upon himfelf the adminiftra-
tion of public affairs, notwithftanding neither of
the three brothers were named in the council of
regency.
The truce concluded with France was now ex-
pired ; but Charles, ftill reigning monarch of that
kingdom, had received no information of Edward's
death, the Englifli government having laid an em-
bargo upon all mips as foon as that event was
known ; however, the French king was not lefs
afliduous in his preparations, efpecially thofe by
fea, whereby he was enabled to fend out a ftrong
navy, which being joined by that of Spain,
amounted to one hundred fhips, veffels, and gal-
lies. A fquadron of this fleet had already landed,
and burnt the town of Rye; from whence they
failed to the Ifle of Wight, the whole of which
they reduced, except the caftle of Carifbrook,
which was bravely defended by Sir Hugh Tyrrel;
while the inhabitants of the ifland were obliged to
pay a large contribution, to prevent their houfes
from being pillaged. Having fucceeded in this
expedition, they viiited feveral of the Englifh
eoafts, and burnt the towns of Haftings, Portf-
mouth, Dartmouth, and Plymouth. They then
landed a party of men in Suffex, where they were
oppofed by the prior of Lewes, at the head of a
few undifciplined forces, which were eafily de-
feated ; and the prior, with two knights, being
taken prifoners, were fent to France. From them
the French gained the firft intelligence of Edward's
death ; and John de Vienne, admiral of France,
immediately difpatched an exprefs to his court with
advice of this important event. By this time the
earls of Cambridge and Buckingham had collected
a body of troops, and appeared on the coaft to
prevent the enemy's landing. This was all that
could be done; for the navy of England was in no
condition to face the combined fleets of France and
Spain. The whole nation was greatly alarmed;
their eoafts infultcd; their commerce interrupted;
and the people threw out many melancholy, though,
bitter reflections, on the fatal rcverfe of their"
affairs. Nor was Charles lefs fuccefsful by land
than by fea. He fent one army into Picardy,
under the command of the duke of Burgundy,
and the marefchal Blainville, who took the town of
Ardrefs. They next made themfelves matters of
Ardwick and Vavelingen, all of them ftrongly for-
tified, and of great ufe to prevent any excurfions
from the ganifon of Calais. Sir Thomas Felton.
was at this time governor of Aquitaine for
Richard ; and another army of French was fent into
Galcony, under the duke of Anjou, and the
marefchal Sancerre. The firft inverted Bergerac,
and John de Bueil was fent with a detachment to
bring up the artillery from Reolc. Felton, who
was employed in collecting forces, as foon as he
had formed a fufficicnt body of troops, threw him-
felf between this detachment under de Bueil, and
the main body of the French army at Bergerac,
hoping to feize the artillery, and cut in pieces the
detachment, before it could receive any fuccours
from the main body: but the duke of Anjou took
his meafures fo well, that de Bueil's brother reached
the detachment with a ftrong reinforcement, before
Sir Thomas arrived. They then gave battle to
the Enghfh who were defeated ; and Felton, who
had been guilty of an unfeafonable feverity in
ftriking off the head of the lord de Poimeres, and
that of his fecretary, was taken nrifoner, with all
his foldiers who had efcaped trie fword. The
whole French army then preffed the fiege of Ber-
gerac with fuch fury, that the place was foon after
taken. This acquifition fo intimidated the neigh-
bouring garrifons, that they made little or no re-
fiftance ; and it is computed, not lefs than one
hundred and thirty-four caftles were taken by the
French in the courfe of this campaign. As a
counter-balance to thefe heavy loffes, Sir Hugh
Calverly, governor at Calais, made an inroad into
Picardy with a detachment of the garrifon, burned
above twenty-fix mips in the port of Bologne, laid
the town in afhes, and carried off a large booty.
On his return to Calais he learned, that the garrifon
of Merck, a caftle of great importance in its
neighbourhood, had delivered up that fortrefs to
the enemy, in the abfenceof Sir Robert Solle their
governor; whereupon, Sir Hugh attacked the place
fo vigoroufly .that he retook it, and hanged up all
the garrifon as traitors. About this time Sir
Thomas Piercy had the good fortune to fall in with
a fleet of merchantmen, confifting of fifty fail,
part whereof belonged to the Flemings, and part
to the Spaniards, laden with French merchandize.
Piercy fent a meflage to the Flemings, defiring
them to feparate from the Spaniards; but this
requeft not being complied with, a fharp difpute
eufued, in which the Englifh commander took
twenty-two fail, and returned with great honour
to England.
Such was the fituation of public affairs, when,
about Michaelmas, Richard held his firft parlia-
ment. They were fummoned to concert meafures
for oppofing the progrefs of the French. The
commons declined giving their opinion without the
advice of the duke of Lancafter ; but on the ar*
rival of that nobleman, they granted a confid^r-
able fupply for the defence of the kingdom. The
duke
196
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
duke immediately took into his fervice nine large
fliips belonging to Bayonne,with which he attacked
a fleet of French merchantmen, and took fourteen
Veflels laden with wine. But alderman Philpot
-was more fuccefsful in the north ; he fitted out a
fmall armament at his own expence, and failed in
queft of one Mercer, a Scottifh mariner, who had
greatly annoyed the Englifh coafters, engaged and
took him, together with fifteen Spanifh fhips, which
had entered into his fervice. The Scots had not
only made captures at fea, but commenced hoftili-
ties by land, in violation of a truce lately con-
cluded between the two kingdoms. They fur-
prized and took the town and caftle of Berwick ;
on which the earl of Northumberland marched with
an army of ten thoufand men, and fummoning the
fortrefs to furrender, was anfwered by Ramfay,
governor of the garrifon, that the place had been
taken by virtue of a commiffion from the king of
France, in whofe name he would defend it to the
lafl extremity. Upon this an aflault was immedi-
ately given ; the place was taken ; and all the Scots,
One only excepted, were put to the fword.
A l~) o The duke of Lancafter was em-
J3' 'ployed in fitting out a powerful fqua-
clron, in order to retrieve the honour of the nation,
and aflert the empire of the fea; and about the
latter end of July arrived at St. Malo, where he de-
ftroyecl a fleet of French and Spanifh veflels, laden
with wines and other commodities. Then landing
his troops, he invefted the city, which was defended
by a gallant officer, at the head of a powerful gar-
rifon ; but the conftable of France, encamping with
fixteen thoufand choice troops in the fight of the
Englifh, the duke thought proper to raife the fiege,
and to embark his forces. His mifcarriage in this
expenfive enterprize, increafed the hatred he had
already incurred, and he was univerfalty confidered
as the author of all thefe ill concerted meafures. In
the mean time the war with France was carried on
with little fuccefs, and lefs fpirit.
A D 127 ^r ^US^ Calverly being recalled
• ' 3/9* from },js government of Calais, was,
with Sir Thomas Piercy, appointed admiral of
England. Their firft exploit was taking a fleet of
feven merchant fhips richly laden, together with a
large fhip of war their convoy : nor was the earl of
Salifbury, who fucceeded Sir Hugh in the govern-
ment of Calais, lefs affiduous by land. But a fcene
now began to open in France, which might have
been attended with great advantages to England,
had it been properly improved. After the duke of
Lancafter had raifed the fiege of St. Malo, the
French made themfelves matters of the important
fortrefs of Auray, fo that nothing remained of the
duke of Brittany's dominions, except Breft, which
was in the hands of the Englifh, and commanded
by Sir Thomas Knolles. But the king of France
could not think himfelf fafe while the Englifh were
in pofiefilon of that important place, which afforded
them a ready accefs to the very heart of his do-
minions. He therefore gave orders for invefiing
the town by land, while the Caftilian fleet blocked
it up by fea. But the king of Caftile dying about
this time, the French were obliged to raife the
fiege, and Charles, exafperated at this difappoint-
ment, fummoned the duke of Brittany to appeal-
before his court at Paris. The peers being aficm-
blcd,and the king feated on his throne, the duke
was formally fummoned ; not appearing, the advo-
cate general accufed him of bearing arms againft
theftate, of his being a declared enemy to his fo-
vereign, and of his taking refuge in England.
Having endeavoured to fupport this charge, he
proposed, that the duke of Brittany mould be de-
clared a rebel, attainted, and convicted of felony,
and that his duchy fhould be confifcated and re-
united to the crown. The propofal, though
ftrongly oppofed, was at laft carried by a majority,
agreeable to the king's wifhes. The fentence being
obtained, Charles fent the duke of Bourbon, with
the marefchal de 8ancen e, at the head of a powerful
army, to feize all the places of importance. . Not a
moment was to be loft; and the duke having ob-
tained aflurances of being fupported by England,
was once more prevailed upon to throw himfelf
into the arms of his fubjedbs. This happened
juft as the admirals, Sir Hugh Calverly, and Sir
Thomas Piercy, were returning from a fuccefsful
cruife againft the French and Spaniards. Having
landed in Brittany, they heard the difcontent ex-
preffed by the people againft the French, and the
ardour of their wifhes for the reftoration of their
duke. On their return they confirmed the ac-
counts government had before received; upon
which the duke immediately embarked on board
the Englifh fleet for his own dominions, where he
was received with the moft fincere demonftrations
of joy. Three great towns, Dinant, Rennes, and
Vannes, declared for him ; the nobility flocked to
him from all quarters, and his army every hour in-
creafed by a number of deferters from the French
fervice. This fuccefs induced the court of England
to fupport him with a confiderable army. A very
ftrong fleet was fitted out under the command of
Sir Hugh Calverly, and Sir Thomas Piercy, on.
board of which a great number of the beft land
forces in England, commanded by Sir John Cal-
verly, were embarked. But the fleet had fcarcely
put to fea, before they were overtaken by a furious
ftorm, in which thirty- five tranfports, together with
Sir John Arundel's fhip, were loft, and above a
thoufand men, with their general perifhed. This
misfortune might have proved fatal to the duke of
Brittany, had he not been effectually fupported by
the fpirit of his own fubjefts. The duke of Bour-
bon found it impoflible to ftem the torrent ; he was
obliged to retreat, and the king of France, fenfible
that he had been too hafty in his meafures, fent du
Guefclin, to fucceed the duke of Bourbon in com-
mand: but even that great general -could perform
no effectual fervice, except fcouring the country,
and reinforcing the garrifon of St. Malo. While
the conftable continued at the latter, Sir Hugh
Calverly with part of his fleet entered the mouth of
the harbour, which being narrow, his rear was at-
tacked by a fquadron of French and Spanifh fhips.
Sir Hugh inftantly ftood out to fea, juft at a time
when the garrifon was reduced to the laft ex-
tremity, defeated their fquadron, and brought his
fhips fafe into the harbour of St. Malo. This
exploit gave the conftable a high opinion of Englifh
courage, and being a native of Brittany, the French
court imagined that he did not aft with his ufual
vigour againft the duke. In the mean time a pefti-
lence made dreadful havock in the north of Eng-
land, and the Scots taking advantage of this ca-
lamity, made a furious irruption into that country,
where they met with little refiftance, both the-
country and principal towns being almoft depopu-
lated ; which gave the invaders an opportunity of
committing the moft mocking barbarities on the
defencelefs inhabitants.
Great preparations were now made, . -p» p
and events of the greateft confequences ' ' 3 °*
expeded from the afliftanceof the duke of Brittany.
The command of the army was conferred on the
duke of Buckingham, who having landed at Calais,
marched from thence into Brittany, without having
met with anyoppofition. Butinthe interval theking
of France was carried off in the flower of his age,
and his fon, Charles VI. who fucceeded him, being
a minor, a treaty of accommodation was concluded
between France and the duke of Brittany : where-
upon the earl of Buckingham returned to England.
Not any actions of importance had hitherto been
performed
RICHARD
II.
performed againft France ; yet the great expences
attending feveral fruitlefs expeditions, had reduced
the Engliih treafury to fo low an ebb, that in order
to raife neceflary fupplies, a new and extraordinary
poll-tax wasimpofed by parliament, of three groats
upon every perfon in the realm, above the age of
fifteen, to be levied in each town by collectors ap-
pointed for that purpofe: and it was decreed, that
in raiting the tax, the wealthy mould affift the poor,
according to the value of their eftates.
Thisimpofition, added to the prefumptuous be-
haviour of the tax-gatherers, occafioned one of the
nioft fingular infurrections recorded in the annals
of hiftory. The people had already acquired, by an
admifiion into the legiflature, a degree of indepen-
dence, and given feveral indications of their defire
to break thofe chains, whereby they had long been
ruled, under a haughty nobility. Enthufiafm alfo
afliftcd to ftrengthen this defire, and to make the
commonalty acquainted with their own importance.
John Ball, a turbulent but popular preacher, vifited
various parts of the kingdom, and every where en-
couraged his levelling notions of equal right to all
the goods of nature; and the tyranny of artificial
diftinctions, introduced by a few powerful rulers,
in order to aggrandize themfelves, and degrade the
more conliderable part of the fpecies. Thefe tenets
were received and embraced by the populace, with
the greateft avidity, and kindled in their minds thole
dangerous fparks of ambition, which fbon after
buril out into an open flame, and ended, which muft
ever be the refult, in the deftrudion of their fe-
ducing leaders. The methods fixed upon to col-
left the tax, in their tendency, promoted theconfu-
fion in the nation, which fprung from the inflamed
paflions of a lawlefs multitude. The king farmed
the tax to a fet of rapacious collectors, who extorted
the money with the utmoft rigour, and thereby ir-
ritated the minds of the people to a higher degree.
The infurreftion began in Eflex,. where a report
was propagated, that the peafants were doomed to
deftrudion, their houfes to the flames, and their
farms to plunder. While they were alarmed with
this rumour, one of the perfons employed in col-
leding the tax, had entered into a difpute with one
Walter of Deptford in Kent, a tyler, known after-
wards by the name of Wat Tyler, who refufecl to
pay for his daughter, on account of her not being
yet of the age afligned by the ftatute. The brutal
officer infilled on her being a full grown woman ;
and had the infolence to proceed to acts of inde-
cency, in order to difcover, as he obfervecl, the
ligns of her puberty ; at which the father being juftly
enraged, was provoked to fuch a degree, that he
knocked out his brains with a tyling hammer. This
adion was applauded by the by-ftanders, who ex-
claimed, that it was high time for the people to be
revenged on their tyrants, and to defend their na-
tive liberty. Encouraged by the example of their
friends in Eflex, they inftantly flew to arms, and
the fpirit of rebellion fpread like a contagion,
through the counties of Suflex, Hertford, and Suf-
folk, Norfolk, Cambridge, and Lincoln. It in-
creafed moft-rapidly, and the populace had thrown
off all regard to their governors before they had the
leaft notice of their danger. Not only difcontented
peafants, but all the 'debauched profligates, and
delperate villains in thefe counties, took the field
on this occafion ; and being headed by Wat Tyler,
Jack Straw, Hob Carter, and Tom Millar, the moft
audacious of their aflbciates, they committed all
manner of outrages both in the perfons and property
of the gentry, pulling down their houfes, putting to
death all the juftices and practitioners of the law,
and burying all court-rolls and records.
AD 1 8 When the feveral parties from dif-
' ferent counties were collected toge-
ther, they amounted to one hundred thoufand men,
19.
who on the twelfth of June, affembled at BJack-
hcath, the place appointed for a general rendezvous.
Ball, a principal incendiary, was remarkably afli-.
duous in ftirring up his hearers to madnefs and
fury; and'in confequence of the harangues of this
turbulent prieft, which were well adapted to the
undcrftandings of his audience, houfes were de-
molimcd, churches plundered, goals broke open,
and every diforder committed, that can be expected
to proceed from an exafperated, lawlefs multitude.
As loon as the whole body was formed, they chofe
Wat Tyler their general. The duke of Laircafter was
at this time on the borders of Scotland; the regular
troops ii: the kingdom were very inconfiderable; fo
that the government was thrown into the utmoft
confufion, as having every thing to fear from thislaw-
lefs rabble. The princefs dowager of Wales, return-
ing from a pilgrimage to Canterbury, and palling
through the midft of them, they not only infulted
her attendants, but fome of the moft audacious
among them kifled her, in order to mew their pur-
pofe of levelling all mankind; however they allowed
the king's mother to continue her journey without
attempting any farther injury. A council was now
called in the Tower, and it was agreed, that a
meffage mould be fent from the king, to demand
the reafon of fuch a tumultuous meeting. The
melTengcrs were informed by the infurgents, that
they had afTembled in' that manner to fettle the
affairs of the nation ; and if his majefty was defirous
of being more particularly informed, he muft repair
in perfon to their camp. Richard was advifed to
comply with their requeft. With this view the
king failed down the river in his barge; but on his
approaching the more, fuch fymptoms of tumult
and infolence appeared, that Simon Sudbury, arch-
bifhop of Canterbury, the chancellor, and Sir Ro-
bert Hales, grand prior of the knights hofpitallers,
treafurer of England, hurried him back to the
Tower. The rebels, thus difappointed, called
aloud, Treafon ! T reafon ! Then proceeding to
Southwark, they plundered feveral houfes, and
murdered fome Flemifh merchants. They ft ruck
off the head of every lawyer who unfortunately fell
into their hands: even ecclefiaftics, who belonged
to fpiritual courts,, lhared the fame fate; it being
one of Ball's maxims, that while there was any law
no liberty could exift. However, amidft all their
acts of violence, they affected to preferve an ap-
pearance of loyalty to Richard's perfon. They
even took an oath for that purpofe ; but it con-
tained an exprefs claufe for excluding from the
throne every perfon whofe name was John, becaufe
the duke of Lancafter, whom they hated, was of
that name. Neverthelefs, that they might not in-
jure their plaufible pretences for rifing, they paid
ready money for every thing they received, and by
that mejuis. rendered themfelves fo very agreeable
to the common people in and about London, that
on their approach, the magiftrates thought it pru-
dent to open the gate of the bridge, and give them
free admifiion into the city, in order to prevent the
ravages and murder they had begun in Southwark,
being joined by the prifoners confined in the King's
Bench and Marfhalfea. Being thus mafters of the
city, they were joined by the populace; and going
to the Savoy, the ftately palace of the duke of Lan-
cafter, they burnt thatfuperb ftructure,with all the
jewels, plate, and rich furniture. One of the rioters
being detected in endeavouring to conceal a piece
of plate for his own ufe, was feizcd by fome of his
companions, and thrown immediately into the
flames, boafting, that they were not come as thieves,
to enrich themfelves by plunder, but to redrefs the
grievances of the nation, and reftore a perfeft
equality among the people ; this affected appearance
of difintereftednefs, it muft be confeffed, has raifed
them above the level of the mifcreants in 1780,
3 E and
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
and at that time increafcd their credit with the
middling and lower clafies of citizens: yet their ex-
ecrable defigns bordered upon folly in the extreme;
and the liquor of which they drank very plentifully,
in the houfes they plundered, carried their madnefs,
thus inflamed, to a fuflicient height for executing
any deteflable project. From the Savoy they turned
back to the Temple, where they burned all the re-
cords, books, and papers, they could find, and Lid
the whole ftructure in afhes. The magnificent
priory of St. John, Clerken well, fhared the famefate.
After having performed thefe exploits, they divided
themfelves into three bodies; one under their leader
Jack Straw, marched to Heighberry, about two
miles north of London, and reduced to afties a fpa-
cious edifice belonging to the knights of St. John.
A fecond body which confided chiefly of the people
of Eflex and Hertfordfhire, proceeded to Mile-end
Green ; and a third divifion, with Wat Tyler at
their head, pofted themfelves in St. Catharine's, and
about the Tower.
The Eflex men, who had taken up their quarters
at Mile-end, and who appeared the moft reasonable,
fent a meflage to the king, with whom he was ad-
vifed to treat in perfon. At the fame time their
companions on Tower-hill intercepted the pro-
vifions intended for his majefty, and loudly de-
manded the heads of the chancellor and the trea-
furer. Though the archers and men at arms in the
Tower were able to defend it againft fuch an un-
difciplined and ill armed mob, they werefo intimi-
dated, that they could not even manage their arms;
and Richard being afraid of exafperating the rebels,
by refufing to grant them a conference, agreeable
to their requeft, found means to repair to Mile-end,
notwithftancling all the vigilance of Tyler. When
arrived among the feditious riotors, the king ac-
cofted them with great affability ; told them he was
their king, and came to redrefs all their grievances.
In anfwer to this demand, they required to be freed
from bondage, and particularly that of villainage,
and that they, their heirs, and lands, mould for ever
remain free ; they requefted likewife freedom of
commerce in market towns, without toll or import;
and a general pardon for all offences. Thefe re-
quefts were immediately complied with. Charters
being drawn up, were delivered to them, fealed and
executed the next morning; which condefcenfion
on the fide of the king had fo good an effect on the
Eflex-men, that they immediately returned to their
feveral homes. In the mean time Tyler, at the
head of his Kentifh-men, demanded entrance into
the Tower of London. Within this fortrefs were
twelve hundred of the beft troops in the kingdom,
but the fear of famine, added to the terror of the
princefs, prevailed on the king to grant the rebels
admifllon, and the gates of the Tower were thrown
open. Their behaviour now was trulyiMihuman.
They dragged Simon Sudbury, archbifhop of Can-
terbury, out of the fortrefs, and beheaded him with
all the circumftances of favage barbarity. The
lord treafurer, Sir Robert Hales, with Legg, the
Flemifh farmer of the land-tax, fuffered the fame
fate. A francifcan friar was put to death; and
they made a merit of permitting the ladies to re-
main without being violated. Fifteen other per-
fons were maflacred in cool blood ; one of whom
was the friar, becaufe he had been intimate with the
duke of Lancafter. Even the king's mother was
treated with the greateft indignities. Succefs and
fhedding blood, inftead of fatiating, increafed the
fanguinary difpofition of thefe brutifh infurgcnts.
Every perfon of note was facrificed as a victim to
their lawlefs barbarity. Lyons, a famous merchant,
was murdered, and thirty Flemings, who had been
dragged from the churches in and about London,
had their heads ftruckoffin the open ftrects.
At length Tyler, who now fcemcd to thirft for
blood, entertained thoughts of murdering the king,
with all his nobility, and laying the city of London
in afhcs. It appears that he only waited for rein-
forcements from Hcrlfordfliire, and the adjacent
counties, in order to execute this inhuman refolu-
tion ; for when the king fent to acquaint the rabble
of the terms he had granted the Eflex-men, and that
they might enjoy the fame advantages, the mifcreant
Tyler infolently replied, that he would embrace
peace if he liked the conditions. Nay, fo obfti-
nately did they pcrfift in their feditious proceed-
ings, that they not only rejected three different
forms of charters, but openly avowed their refolu-
tion of not making a peace, without all laws were
extinguifhed, and they had the liberty of putting all
lawyers to death. The citizens now too plainly
faw their error, in admitting without refinance fuch
j a lawlefs multitude into the city. Walworth, the
mayor, and Philpot,one of the aldermen, promifed
to fupport the king againft the rebels, provided
means could be found to amufe them fome time
with propofals for an accommodation. Richard
therefore fent Sir John Newton to Tyler, requiring
him to meet the king, in order to con fid er his ob-
jections to the charters. Having delivered his mef-
fage, the knight defired Wat to make hade, the
king being then waiting for him in Smithfield, at-
tended by the lord mayor and other officers of Lon-
don. Tyler replied, he woi'M come when he
thought proper, and, probably now fomewhat
alarmed, he moved toward Smithfield, at the head
of the infurgents, with a very flow pace. Newton
begged he would quicken his march. " Make
what hafte you plcaf'c," replied the infolent leader,
" Ifliall take my own time." The true reafon of
this delay arofe from his dcfire of deferring the
conference till the arrival of his expected reinforce-
ment. But by this time the magiftrates of London
had joined their fovereign with a large body of well-
armed citizens ; and Sir Robert Knolles had entered
the city at the head of a thoufand veterans to act as
occafion fhould require. When Wat Tyler came
into Smithfield, Sir John Newton told him, that both
duty and decency required he fhould be uncovered
in the prefence of his fovereign ; but the traitor was
fo highly offended, that he aimed a ftroke at him
with his dagger. Exafperated at this infolent at-
tempt upon his life, Newton would probably have
difpatched the ruffian, had not the king interpofed,
andfuddenlyadvancing,enquiredof himwhathehad
to requeft? Tyler made fuch extravagant demands,
and delivered himfelf in fo incoherent a manner
that the king could make no reply. He demanded
that all antient laws fhould be abolifhed ; that all
bondmen fhould be free; that all warrens, parks,
and chafes fhould be laid open ; and that every per-
fon fhould have free liberty to fifli, fowl, and hunt,
in every part of the kingdom. He added feveral
other particulars relative to his levelling plan, but
in fo confufed a manner that they were not under-
ftood. The king not being able to comprehen
the meaning of what this illiterate fellow had ad-
vanced, kept filence. This the demagogue con-
fidered as a contemptuous refufal. He now dii-
covered a gloomy ominous countenance, and ap-
peared in all the diforder which actuates a weak
mind, when on the point of plunging deep into
wickcdnefs. The dagger fhook ^is he grafped it ;
he fliifted it from one hand to the other ; he ftir-
veyed the royal perfon with all the fymptoms of ir-
refolute guilt, as if making a place where the blow
might be mortal. At laft he raifed the dagger, and
feizcd the reins pf Richard's horfe. Walworth,
who had with difficulty curbed his refentmcflt hi-
thirto, was now fo exaipei ated at the behaviour of
this audacious rebel, that, without confidering to
what clanger he expofed his mafter, he difcharged
fuch a blow with his mace, at the head of the re-
bel,
RICHARD
II.
'99
bel, as ftunned him, when Philpot laid him dead
with his dagger, under the horfe's belly. Upon
this the rebels, giving a dreadful fhout, cried
out, " Our captain is dead! revenge! revenge!"
and immediately bent their bows. _ But Richard
prevented the confequences that might have been
expected, by a conduct which {hewed great bold-
nefs and prudence in a young piince^not quite
feventeen years of age. Inftead of flying from,
he, with admirable prefence of mind advanced
towards the rebels, calling out to them in a refo-
lute tone, " What ! will you kill your king ?
Give yourfelves no concern for the lofs of your
leader. Follow me. I will be your captain, and
will grant all your defires." The rebels, over-
awed' by his prefence, and not lefs by his magna-
nimity, implicitly followed him; and to prevent
any diforder that might have arifen from their
entering the city, he led them into the fields near
Islington, where he was immediately joined by Sir
Robert Knolles, and fome thoufandsof Londoners.
The rebels were now fo much difcouraged at the
fight of thefe troops, that, on the king's repeating
his offer of granting them the fame charter he had
before given to the people of Eflex, they threw
down their arms, and implored the royal mercy.
Sir Robert propofed punifhing the ringleaders with
inftant death on the fpot ; but the king granted
them a free pardon, and difmifTed them all with
the fame charters their comrades had received.
But at the fame time he iflued a proclamation, for-
bidding the citizens to hold correfpondence with
the rebels, or to admit any of them within the
liberties and walls of London.
Neverthelefs, the death of Wat Tyler, and dif-
perfion of his followers, did not extinguifh en-
tirely the flames of rebellion. The infurgents of
Hertfordfhire, Suffolk, and Norfolk, ftill continued
their outrages ; but the latter of thefe were attacked
and routed by the bifhop of Norwich, and a great
number of them flain in the puriuit. John Lit-
tefter, or the dyer, who headed them, and his
principal accomplices, being taken, were hanged
as traitors, and the quiet of the county was foon
re-eftablifhed. After this fuccefs, the prelate
marched into the counties of Cambridge and
Huntingdon, where he. reduced all the mutinous
peafants to their duty ; and entering Suffolk,
routed all the mal-contents in that diftrict, who
had committed terrible ravages. However, not-
withftanding the ill fuccefs of other infurgents,
thofe of Eflex fent deputies to the king, to procure
a confirmation of their charter. But Richard's
fituation was now changed ; for the nobility and
gentry, finding themfelves to be the principal
marks aimed at, had flocked to London with all
their retainers, and Richard had taken the field
with forty thoufand men. He therefore iflued a
proclamation, requiring all tenants to perform their
accuftomed fervices ; and then marched in perfon
againft the rebels of Efiex, who, having been de-
feated in two battles, fued for mercy. Thefe in-
furrections being in a great meafure fupprefled, the
charters of enfranchifement and pardon were re-
voked; the peafants were reduced to the fame low
condition as before, and commiffions were iflued
for trying the ringleaders; among whom John Ball,
the fanatic prieft, and Jack Straw, with many of
their accomplices, being convicted of high treafon,
fuflered the punifhment due to their crimes. From
their fate, the people of this age may learn the
invaluable eftimation of their precious conftitution
and equal government, and not haftily to engage
in riots and popular infurrections, which generally,
if not always, end in their own deftrudtion; for
popular infurreclions, where they have no peribns
of rank and diftinction at their head, who have
genius and influence, to govern them, and to
. awaken their attention to the voice of reafon, pru-
dence, and humanity, degenerate into licentious
' mobs. The moft daring, vicious, and abandoned,
get the lead; cruelty and rapine become wanton
fports; all the laws of right, reafon, nature, and
juftice, are trampled under foot; and with what-
ever laucfable views they may have been firft
actuated, every valuable purpofe is fure to be de-
feated ; and the more upright in their intentions,
will fufTer equal punifhment with thofe knaves and
fools who have deluded them. It is faid, that
befides thofe infurgents who fell with their arms in
their hands, above fifteen hundred were put to
death by the common hangman. Judge Trefilian
was commiflloned to take a circuit through the
feveral counties, and try the guilty, the number
of whom being great, he had an opportunity of
indulging his naturally cruel temper by punifhing
the unfortunate, mifguided wretches, to whom he
mewed no mercy. During thefe tranfactions,
Richard proceeded to diftinguim the magiftracy of
London, who had fo well deferved his favour.
Walworth, lord-mayor, Philpot, and four other al-
dermen, were knighted; and the mayor had one
hundred pounds a year, fettled upon himfelf and
his heirs. Shortly after thefe difturbances, a treaty
of marriage was concluded between the king, and
Anne, fitter of Winceflaus, king of Bohemia. The
princefs arrived in England a few days before Chrift-
mas,and the nuptials werefolemnized after the holi-
days. She v.-as crowned at Weftminfter with great
pomp,and tournaments wereheld upon that occafion.
At this period, the ftate of public . ^
affairs was no lefs unfettled on the ' U" l^2'
continent than in England ; and feveral events
happened, which threatened to involve all Europe
in confufion. Conferences had been opened be-
tween England and France, but they were fuf-
pended by an ecclefiaftical difpute that divided all
Chriftendom. On the death of Gregory X. the
inhabitants of Rome infifted his fucceflbr fhould
refide in that city. This refolution was fignified
to the college of cardinals, moft of whom were
natives of France; and thefe, in a formal inftru-
ment, protefted againft the validity of the election,
fhould any violence be offered to the conclave.
On the day of election, the Romans became fo
refolute, that the cardinals were awed into fub-
miflion to their will ; and the archbifhop of Bari
being chofen, aflumed the title of Urban VI. but
the French cardinals retiring to Naples, difclaimed
this election as extorted, and proceeded to a new
choice, which fell upon the cardinal of Geneva,
who took the name . of Clement VII. Urban,
dreading the refentment of fo powerful a nation as
France, and defirous of ingratiating himfelf with
the potentates of Europe, created twenty-nine car-
dinals in one day, among whom was Philip of
Alen9on, a prince of the blood of France. On
the other hand, Clement preached up a crufade
againft Richard and his fubjects; while Urban not
only fulminated his excommunications againft all
the adherents of Clement, but alfo fent over a
commiffion to Henry Spencer, bifhop of Norwich,
nominating him leader of a crufade againft the
anti-pope, his rival. With this commiflion the
pope fent him plenary powers, as his legate, to
grant the fame indulgences to all who engaged in
this expedition, as to thofe who carried arms
againft the infidels. The publication of this cru-
fade in England, anfwered the moft fanguine wifhes
of the pontiff". The nobility, gentry, clergy, and
almoft all ranks of people, engaged in it with the
fame ardour and alacrity, as if they had been going
to fight againft an enemy that threatened to put a
period to the Chriftiaa name. All ranks of both
iexes contributed largely towards the expence, even
before the bifhop was empowered bymthe kiqg to
put
2OO
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
put the pope's fchemc in execution. However, it
was at length refolved, by a parliamentary decree,
that the bifhop of Norwich fhould tranfport his
troops to Calais and join the Flemings; upon
which the bifhop began to aflemble his forces, and
was joined by a great number of volunteers, who
embarked in the expedition from religious motives.
With thefe he palled over to
A. L). i 83. CaiajSj where he landed on the
fourth of May, and fbon found himfelf at the
head of fifty thoufand foot, and two thoufand
horfe. His firft attempt was upon Gravclines,
which he carried by aflault. The inhabitants of
Dunkirk, intimidated by this exploit, opened their
gates to the victor.' CafTel, Fumes, Oftend, and
all the towns on the fea coaft, followed the example
of Dunkirk. Alarmed at this progrefs of the
bifhop, the count of Flanders, who was in the
French intcrefl, prepared to give him battle.
Norwich, depending on the enthufiaftic difpolition
of his followers, marched to meet the enemy, and
a bloody battle enfued, in which the count was
totally defeated, and feveral cities afterwards fur-
rendered to the Englifh. The king of France, at
the head of one hundred thoufand men, now ad-
vanced to check the progrefs of the crufaders;
and the bifhop's forces, by the continual arrival of
irefh fupplies from England, being increafed to
ninety thoufand, he determined to hazard a battle
with the French. But many of his volunteers and
recruits were the very dregs of the people, at once
ignorant of difcipline, and impatient of command.
Befkles, fome mutineers in his army infifted, before
they marched, into France, on his attempting. the
reduction of Ypres, where they expected to acquire
an immcnfe booty. It was in vain to oppofe their
obftinate determination ; and the bifhop, contrary
to his own judgment, was under a neceffity of in-
vefting that place. The approaches were carried
on with great intrepidity; yet the Englifh were rc-
pulfed in feveral furious aflaults, by which means
they were fo exafperated, particularly the dregs of
- the people, that chey rejected all military reftraint,
ravaged the adjacent country, and deferted in fuch
numbers, that the bifhop, finding it impracticable
to execute his defign, retired to Dunkirk, leaving
his artillery and ammunition in the hands of the
enemy. Sir Hugh Calverly, and Sir Thomas
Trivet, threw themfelvcs into Barbourg, which was
immediately inverted by the king of France ; but
thofe gallant officers flood two defperate aflaults,
in which the French were repulfed with great
flaughter, and then obtained an honourable capitu-
lation, by virtue of which they returned to Calais.
Charles, marching to Gravelines, found the bifhop
fo refolute in his defence, that he propofed to treat
for a truce.
Norwich, diffident of the courage of his cru-
faders, demanded a cefTation of hoftilities for a
certain number of days, at the expiration whereof
he promifed to give a definitive anfwer. The terms
offered, were, that he and his army mould have a
free conduct to any place he mould name, and
fifteen thoufand marks in ready money, provided
he furrendered the town without difmantling its
fortifications. • His requeft being granted, he im-
mediately difpatched a meflenger to England,
prefling, in the moft earneft manner, a fufiicient
reinforcement of men and neceflary fupplies.
Richard had by this time greatly degenerated from
his father's virtues, by plunging into all excefs of
riot and debauchery. He was likewife furrounded
with pernicious fycophants, who inflamed inftead
of checking the tendency of his heaclftrong paffions,
which knew no reftraint. He had not one faithful
counfellor to advife, remonftrate, or make him
fenfibie of the errors of his conduct. Riot and
debauch furrounded his table, and made up the
morning and evening of his days. The judgment
he formed of his friends, was regulated by the
meafure of their adulations ; he confidered the
prerogatives of royalty valuable only in their fur-
nifhing out the gratifications of luxury and mag-
nificence. When he received the bifhop's letter,
his brain being heated with wine, he called for
his horfe, and pofted alone from Daventry in
Northamptonfhire to London, breathing cleftruc-
tion to France, and threatening to take "in pcrfon
the fevereft vengeance. In his cooler moments,
however, he fent for the duke of Lancatter, and
appointed him to take the command of an army
deftined to relieve Gravelines. But through the
intemperance of the king, and the tardinefs of
Lancafter, the truce expired before they could
embark, and Norwich was obliged to accept of the
terms offered him by Charles. Accordingly he re-
tired to Calais, from whence lie embarked the
wretched remains of his army for England. From
this example of Richard's weak conduct, fome idea
may be formed of his capacity for government,
and of the caufe of thofe diforders which now
fullied the glory of England. The few prudent
perfons who faw and bewailed them, were iilenced
by the humour of the times ; and calamity only,
as in thefe days, was the alone phyfieian that could
cure the madnefs of ifs authors. Extortion and
rapacity, heats and divifions, reigned in the city of
London, and all received encouragement from the
venality of the court.
The duke of Lancafter was far from approving
of the expedition of the bifliop of Norwich ; but
unfortunately, his own private affairs kept- him
from acting the part dictated by his better judg-
ment. He faw his nephew furrounded by the moft
abandoned of mankind, who confidered him as
their property; yet he could not difoblige them for
fear of hurting his own intereft. He therefore
chofe to refide at a diftance from court, efteeming
a private retirement the true poft of honour, and
affected to apply himfelf in taking care of the na-
tion's concerns in Scotland. The bifliop of Lon-
don alfo refigned the great feal, which was delivered
to the fbn of a rich merchant, who fupplied the king
with money at an exorbitant intereft, and by gra-
tifying his follies, ferved his own ufurious purpofes,
at the expence of his country's good. The king,
by fquandering his revenue on parafites and plea-
fures ; and the queen, by profufion to her needy
countrymen, had exhaufted their finances. Their
neceflities, therefore, together with the fituation
of public affairs, requiring the interpofition of a
parliament, one was aflembled at Weftminfter on
the firft of November ; and, In confideration of the
exigencies of the ftate, they granted a confiderable
fubfidy, notwithftanding their difapprobation of
the king's proceedings.
The Scots having for fome time . ,^ „
paft infefted the northern counties,
and intelligence being received, that, in con-
junction with the French, they intended to invade
England both by fea and land, it was refolved in
parliament to raife a confiderable army, and to
frant a fufficient fubfidy for the defence of the
ingdom. In the mean time, Charles prefled the
king of Scotland to collect his forces, and com-
mence hoftilities in the north; but that prince
refufed compliance, without certain information of
the landing of the French in the fouthern parts
of England. But Robert, now king of Scotland,
< applied to the regency of Charles VI. for a body
of cavalry, on which they fent John de Vienne,
admiral of France, with fifteen hundred men at
arms, to fupport the Scots in their incurfions againft
the Englifh.
Richard, refolving to march againft the Scots in
perfon, appointed a rendezvous of his forces at
Newcaftle
3
R
C H A R D
20 1
Newcaftle upon Tyne, where a great number of
knights affembled to {hare the glory of the king's
firft. campaign. At the lame time a fleet of tranf-
ports Attended the motions of the army, in Order
tp fupply it with provifions, in cafe fubfiftence
ffxould fail in Scotland. He now entered that
kingdom by Berwick, at the head of fixty choufand
inert, while the Scots, as ufual, abandoned their
country to be plundered ; and the French com-
mander exprefling his furprize at this con dud,
they let him know, that their cattle being driven
into places of fecurity, their houfes and goods were
of little value, and they could eaiily repair the
lofles theyfuftained in this refpect, by an.incurfion
into England. In conformity to this policy, when
Richard entered Scotland on the eaft, thirty thou-
fand of the Scots, attended by the French, entered
England by the weft, extending their devaluations
through Cumberland, Weftmoreland, arid Lanca-
Jhire, and returned unmolefted with an irrimenfe
booty. Mean while Richard advahcted as far as
Edinburgh, burning and deftroying all the towns
and villages On each fide Of him; but when his
mod experienced officers advifed him to march
towards the weftern coaft, in order to intercept the
enemy in their return, he weakly rejected their
counfel. His impatience to enjoy his favourite
bleafures, induced him to return with his army to
England, having incurred much expence, and not
performed arty aftibn worthy of notice: Soon after
the Scots, finding in the kind of war to which
jthey confined themfelves; that a heavy body Of
French cavalry was of little ufe, they treated their
allies fo ill, that they returned home greatly dif-
gufted with the country and its inhabitants. On
the king's arrival at Weftminfter he fummoned a
parliament, who granted a large fubfidy, to enable
the duke of Lancafter to afiift the king of Portugal,
he having promifed the dlilte, on that condition,
to recognize his title, to the crown of Caftile. At
the fanie tiriie Richard conferred honours and pre-
ferments on his unworthy creatures and favourites,
to the injury of the defervingj and the difpleafure
of his people, who on this account hated his
perfon, and deiptfed his government.
AD 8rf r^e trench had long been jealous
' of the fway the Englifli bore in their
country, and imagined a favourable opportunity
now offered of wreftirig the fea-ports out of their
hands; the duke of Lancafter having carried all
the flower of the Englifh military force iritb Spain,
in order to profe'cutehis empty claim to the crown
of Caftile. Great preparations were therefore made
In France for an invafiori of England, as the moft
likely method of fueceeding in their defign. With
thefe views, Clifton the conftable was fent into
Brittany, where; in conjunction with that duke,
he formed the liege of Breft, ftill poffefled by the
Englifti. Another army, under the high-admiral
of France, was fent to block up Chef burg in Nor-
mandy ; while a third was ordered to keep a watch-
ful eye over the garrifon of Calais, and other places
poflefled by the Eriglifti in Picardy. A prodigious
fleet arid arniy were collected at Sluys. AU the
nobility of France were engaged in this enterprize,
and the.Englifll were kept for fome time in per-
petual alarm's. The French army, when reviewed
at Arras, confided of eighty thoufand mert at arms,
with their followers on horfeback, befides a vaft
number on foot. Twelve huridred and eighty-
feven fhips of all forts were ready at Sluys, to
carry over this numerous army, and feveral warlike
engines, of a new conftruftion, were put oil board
the fleet. All Europe fixed tHcir attention on this
amazing armament. The Englifli were intimi-
dated, particularly the city of London; the ports
and harbours were put in a pofture of defence;
the militia were ordered to the fea-toaft; a fleet
No. jr
put to fea to watch the motioria of the enemy,; and
all the beacons on tae <oaft were prepared for
giving an aiarrii) whenever they fiiould appear,
Every prudent meafiire, which reafon 'could fug-
geft, was purfued with the ctmoft alacrity. .But
the fafcty of England was to fpring from other
cnufes, independent of human wifdom, for whi^h
fhe has frequently had reafoh gratefully to ac-
knowledge the goodnefs of preferving Providence.
About the latter end of Oclober the French fb'rces
were embarked, an^ the fieet failed out of harbour
with a f;iir wind ; but had not left the cOaft more
than two hours, . before a violent ftorm arofe,
which difperfed to different: quarters the whole
navy* part of which was driven back to Sluys ;
part either funk m the raging ocean, or were darned
upon the rocks.; and fome of them v/c're taken by
the Lnglifli., ,Thus, in a few moments, the mighty
projecl of many days was rendered abortive.
It is impoflible to clelcribe the timidity and
diftraction which, at thi,s period, prevailed in the
Englifh cabinet^ ,nor fcarcely to conceive the
liir.ury and effejhiriacy which pervaded the Englifli
eourt._With a view of freeing .himfelf from ttie
fubjeclibn in which he was held by his uncles^
Richard tHrew himfelf into the arms of Robert de
Vere, earl of Oxford, a young rtobleman of ari
agreeable figure, but of very diflblute marinerSj
therefore more calculated to corrupt the prince^
than to govern the kingdom. This favourite en-
groffed thb affection of Richard ; and By gaining
an afcendancy over him, governed him with abfo-
lute authority. Richard', fetting ho bounds to his
partial fondiicfs, created him marquis of Dublin, a
title before unknown in England. He then made
him duke of Ireland; and transferred to hini for
life the entire fovereignty of that ifland. The
king alfo gave him in marriage his coufin-g'erm'aH >
the earl of Bedford's daughter; and though that
lady was of an unexceptionable character, he foori
after permitted him to divorce her* in order to
marry a young Bohemian lady, whd waited on his
queen, with whom that nobleman had become
enamoured. The whole attention of the court was
turned ^o this favourite; all favours pafled through
his hands; and by his mediation alpne> accefs tp
the king could only be obtained. The archbifliop
of Canterbury, a prelate of worth and ability, was
fet afide, and retired from public bufinefs ; while
the archbifliop of York, without one amiable Dua-
lity, engrofTed a. great mare of the king's favours,
Alexander Nevil, arid judge Trefilian, who never
wanted reafons to jiiftify what He knew would
pleafe his mafter, ftdod high in his efteem. Michael
de la. Pole, the chancellor, lately created earl of
Suffolk, was another of his favourites. He was
pofieiTed of great military talents, and na<i Served
in the army with applaufe. He had alfo been em-
ployed in feveral embafiles and treaties of peace1,
in all which he had diftingijiftied himfelf by his
grudence, judgment, and integrity. ,, Yet the jea-
loufy of power produced great a.rtimofities betweeri
the p'ririces of the blood, and the chief nobility on
the one hand, arid between the principal favourite
arid his .creatures ori the other. The dukes of
York and Gloucefter repined it their want of inj
fliierice^ difcOnterit prevailed in the nation; and
the people infifted on an impeachment againft the
earl of Suffolk. An impeachment was accordingly
drawn up againft Michael de la Pcle, and Gloucefter
undertook to carry it lip to the houfe of lords. It
was, however, thought proper to obferve the ap-
peararice of decency at leaft; and the commondi
fent a mfcfiage by the fpeaker to the king, import-
"ng, that unlefs the chaticeliof- was removed, they*
could not . proceed in the difpatcH of putilic
bufinefs. Richard, who little expected a motiOsh
of this naturtf, received the addrefr with an indig-
3 F
2O2
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
nation he could not conceal. He told the fpeaker
very fharply, " That it would better become par-
liament to attend to the bufinefs for which they
were fummoned, than to concern themfelvcs with
his fervants ;" and left his prefence fhould be con-
ftrucd as a fanction t® their proceedings againft his
favourite, he retired to his palace at Eltham in
Kent. The parliament fent a- deputation, inviting
him to return, threatening, in- eafe of refufal, to
diffoive, and leave the kingdom, then in danger of
a French inva-fion, without voting any fupply for
its defence. The king, finding it impoflible to
divert the parliament from their refolution, pre-
vailed on the earl: of Suffolk to refign the great
feal, which was delivered to the bifhop of Ely.
The bifhop of Durham was removed from the offke
of treafurer, which was conferred on the bifhop of
Hereford, and }ohn de Waltham was made keeper
of the privy feal. But the commons, not fatisfied
with the removal of the chancellor, impeached
him in. full parliament of having purchafed lands
and tenements of the king under full value; of
having applied to other ufes a tax granted for the
protection of the fea-coaft,- which had been fhame-
fully neglected to the prejudice of the realm ; of
having purchafed for himfelf and his heirs a grant
of fifty pounds a year out of the cuftoms of King-
fton upon Hull, which had been beftowed upon
the king's grandfather ; of having, by falfe infi-
nuations, prevailed on the king to confirm the faid
purchafe;- of having procured from the pope a
penfion for his fon John upon the hofpital of St.
Antony, to the prejudice of the high mafter ; of
having obtained divers charters, and pardons for
murders, treafons, felonies, and other crimes; and
in particular, a charter of certain franchifes to the
caftle of Dover, to the fubverfion of the laws and
the king's courts of judicature j and finally, of
having embezzled ten thoufand marks, which had
been raifed for the relief of Ghent, by which
means that city was loft, 'together with part of the
money. Suffolk made fo poor a defence by way
of exculpation, that the king himfelf, who was
prefent at his trial, could not help making his
head, and faying, " Ah ! Michael, Michael, fee
what thou haft done!" Being corivi&ed on clear
evidence, he was committed to the cuftody of the
duke of Gloucefter, who, as conftable of the king-
dom, fent him prifoner to Windfor-caftle ; and all
his illegal grants and proceedings were annulled.
Having made this example, Richard expected to
recover the countenance of his parliament ; but he
was miftaken ; for they were determined to make a
thorough reformation in the management of the
revenues. They faw the minifters grow rich amidft
national penury, and that there was a neceffity for
eftablifhing a committee of enquiry and reforma-
tion. Eleven noblemen were therefore nominated
for this purpofe; they were furnifhecl with full
powers for irifpeding the ftate of the public reve-
nue ever fince the king's acceffion to the throne ;
they were fworn to adminifter juftice to every
perfon in the eourfe of this enquiry j and the king
himfelf took an oath to abide by their determi-
nation. Nor was this all ; it was ordained by the
parliament, that whoever mould advife the king
to make any revocation of the powers granted to
the. committee, even though his majefty did not re-
voke them, fhould, for the firft offence, forfeit- his
eftate ; and for a repetition of the fame, fufler death
as a traitor. Thefe powers were confirmed under
the great feal; the committee, confifting of eleven
perfon s, was eftabh'fhed; and the fovereign power
transferred to them for a twelvemonth. By this aft
of the ftate, Richard, who had now attained the
twenty-firft year of his age, was, in reality, de-
throned, and a kind of ariftocracy eftablifhed; for
though the commiilion was limited to a twelvemonth,
it was fufficiently evident, that the intention of the
party was to render it perpetual, and that it would
be a difficult matter to wreft the power from their
hands. Richard, however, entered a proteft, againft
thefe ae'ts of eompulfkm at the clofe of the feflion,
declaring, that the prerogatives of his crown, not-
withrtanding his late conceflions, fhould full be
deemed entire and unimpaired. The confequcnce
was a confederacy, which, in the end, occalloned
his depofition. Mowbray, earl of Nottingham, the
marfhal; Piercy, carl of Northumberland; Fitz-
Alan, earl of Arundcl; Beaucho-mp, earl of War-
wick, and Mon-tacute, earl of Salifbuiy, \\cre
elofc'ry united with each other and the princes,
both by friendfhip, and their antipathy to the
minion •, and being no longer kept in awe by the
king's perfonal character, now truly contemptible,
they fcorned to fubmit to his corrupt minifters, and
ran to the greateft extremities in their oppoiition.
On the other hand, Richard foon became feulible
of the contempt into which he had fallen, by
having his prerogative thus circumfcribed •, and
his favourites, who were yet allowed to reniaiu
about his perfon, did not fail to aggravate the
injury that had been offered him: he therefore
reibK'ed to leek the means, both of recovering his
prerogative, and of being revenged on thofe who*
had invaded his authority. To this end he at-
tempted to procure a favourable houfe of commons,
by founding fome of the fhcriffs, who being then-
returning officers, and alfo magiftrates of great
power in the counties, had a considerable influence
in elections. But as they had moft of them been,
appointed by his uncles, they were averfe to hi*
defigns.
On this ill fuccefs, the king a'p- A -p*
plied to the lawyers and judges, and c
propofed to them fomequeftions, which they made
no fcruple of anfwering agreeable to his wifhcs*
They declared, that the late commiffion was dero-
gatory to the royalty and prerogatives of his ma-
jefty ; that thofe by whom it was procured, or who
advifcd the king to confent to it, were liable to
capital punifhment; that thofe by whom he was-
compelled to fign it, were guilty of high treafon ;
that the king has a right of diffolving parliaments
whenever he pleafes; that while the parliament
fits, it muft firft proceed upon the king's bufinef.v ;
and that, without his confent,they cannot ifnpeach
any of his minifters and judges. This anfwer they
figned in prefence of the archbifhops of York and
Dublin, Chichefter and Bangor, the duke of Ire-
land, the earl of Suffolk, and two other of the
council. It was not long before the determinations'
of this fecret council reached the ears of the duke
of Gloucefter and his adherents, who refolved to
prevent the execution of the king's intentions.
Having collected their forces, they marched to-
wards London ; and the king, on receiving intelli-
gence of their defign, haftened thither, where he
was received with great fplendor by Bembre the
lord-mayor, who undertook to raife fifty thoufand
men for his fervice. Next day the confederates
arrived within three miles of London ; but inftcad-
of entering the city, and proceeding to extremi-
ties, they wifely preferved a fhew of moderation )
profeffed a deep fenfe of the calamities confequent
on civil difcord; propofed fchcmes of accommo-
dation; and by private emiffaries inflamed the re-
fentmeot of the people againft the king. It was
currently reported, that under pretence of a pil-
grimage to Canterbury, Richard intended -to crofs
the lea, and deliver up Calais to the king of
France, who, in confideration of that ceffion, had
engaged to fupply him with an army to fubdtie his
rebellious fubjects, 'and eftablifh rm arbitrary go-
vernment upon the ruins of the Englifh conftitu-
tion. This report, which gained much credit frotn
the
RICHARD
II.
203
the late decifion of the judges, gave juft caufe of
offence to every lover of his country. The arch-
bifliop of York, with the neutral lords, endea-
voured to effect an accommodation ; and Richard
at length consented to an interview with Gloucefter
and his affociates in Weftminiler-hall. But at the
time appointed for the conference, it was difcpvered
that a body of armed men, under Sir Nicholas
Bembre, were placed in ambufh in order to appre-
hend them : the barons, therefore, refufed to pro-
ceed, till the avenues were examined ; in eonfe-
quence of which, the confpirators immediately dif-
perfed. The lords then repaired to Weftminfter-
hall, and approaching the throne with great fub-
miffion, fell on their knees, in which pofture they
remained a confiderable time, before the king bid
Gloueefter rife. The bifliop of Ely reprimanded
them feverely, for prefuming to take up arms
againft their fovereign, who, had he not been
reftrained by his royal clemency, would have
crufhed them to atoms. To this harangue of the
prelate the lords made no reply, but ftill retaining
the marks of humility and fubmiffion, prelented a
memorial, wherein they demanded that the arch-
bifliop of York, the duke of Ireland, the earl of
Suffolk, Robert Trefilian, and Nicholas Bembre
fhould be removed from his majefty's council and
prefence forever, as traitors to their king and coun-
try. Having delivered this requefl in writing, they
threw down their gauntlets, challenging the accufed
to fingle combat. Richard, alarmed at the refolute
and determined air they now affumed, laid afide his
imperious deportment, and anfwered their petition
with great affability. He promifed to redrefs their
grievances, in the enfuing feffions of parliament,
exhorting them, in the mean time, to avoid all
.quarrels and diffentions. He then difmiffed them
with affurances of paternal efteem, and as a proof
of his fincerity, in a few days iffued a proclamation,
clearing the duke of Gloucefter, the earl of Arundel
and Warwick, from the imputation of treafon,
which had been thrown upon them by the five per-
fons they challenged to combat, and requiring thofe
calumniators to anfwer their charge in parliament.
The lords however dill kept on their guard, as they
had obferved feveral fufpicious fymptoms in the be-
haviour of the king, who, though he had not fuf-
fered his favourites to appear at the interview, ftill
protected them at court, and was wholly governed
by their advice. Their diffidence foon appeared
juftly founded ; for in a fhort time they heard, that
the duke of Ireland had repaired to the Marches of
Wales, where he was joined by Sir Thomas Moli-
neaux, Sir Ralph Vernon, Sir Ralph Ratcliff, and
that his army daily increafed. On the firft report
of thefe proceedings, the confederates fent the. earl
of Derby, with a confiderable detachment to flop
his progrcfs, and he met him near Radcot-bridge in
Oxford fliirei The duke had not courage enough
to ftand the firft charge, but fled towards the
bridge ; which being broken down, he quitted his
horfe and armour, and fwimming acrofs the river,
efcapecl to the oppofite bank. Molineaux, difdain-
ing to fly, was killed on the fpot, and the earl of
Derby not only gained an almcfft bloodlefs victory ;
but among the baggage of the duke, who was fup-
pofed to have perimcd in the river, found a number
of letters, plans, and commiflions, by which the
projects of the king and his favourites were dif-
covered. This misfortune entirely difeoncerted the
meafures of the cabal, and ftmck them with fuch
confirmation, that the earl of Suffolk difappeared,
and with a view of efcaping to France, went over
in difguife to Calais, where he was difeovered, and
arrefted by his own brother, and Beauchamp, the
governor, fent him prifoner to the Tower of
London.
During thefe internal commotions, the French
war was fearcely heard of. Early in the fpring o*
this year, the earl of Arundel put to fea, with a
powerful fleets at a time when the French had laid
up their fhips. In the courfc of his cruife, the earl
happened to fall in with a very rich fleet of Flemifli,
French, and fome Spanifh men of war for their
convoy; The Engliih attacked them very bravely,
and were as bravely received ; but the victory at laft
declared for the Englifh, who took the Flemifh ad-r
miral, with many of the enemy's beft officers; and
fifty- fix of their fhips. Not contented with this
capture, they purfued the flying enemy for two days
with fuch fuecefs, that the number of mips taken
amounted to one hundred and twenty fix. The earl
of Nottingham, a very promiiing young nobleman;
commanded under the admiral, and diftinguiftied
himfelf greatly on this occafion. The fhips were
fearcely brought into harbour, when advice arrived
that Breft was inverted by the French. The ad-
miral'therefore immediately put to fea, obliged the
enemy to raife thefiege, demolifhed two forts, and
/upplied the garrifon with a whole year's provifions.
The French councils were foon after difeoncerted,
by Cliffon, the conftable, being taken prifoner by
John de Montfort, and as this officer was the very
foul of the propofed defcent upon England, that
enterprize was entirely laid afide. This fuecefs,
though fortunate for the nation, gave uneafinefs to'
the king and his minions ; for they had no other
profpect of freeing themfelves from the reftraint of
the council, than that of its incurring national dif-
grace, from the mifcarriage of its meafures; When
therefore the two earls returned, they were received
with great applaufe by the whole nation, except the
king and his favourites, who treated them witli
coldnefs and negledt' : though Nottingham had
been the companion of his youth, Richard now re-
ceived him with indifference, and the commiffion
of Arundel was given to the famous Henry Piercy,
who, though but a young officer, defended the coaft
with great bravery. This glaring mark of ill-timed
partiality fired thofe brave commanders with refent-
ment, againft the tools of power; and they attached
themfelves clofer than ever to the duke of Glou-;
cefter's party. Indeed Richard's conduct rendered
both common danger, and common injury, the
bonds of a ftrong confederacy againft him.
Amidft thefe fcenes of anarchy, * -Q ^33
the Scots purfued their defultory war
with great advantage, but nothing happened worthy
a. place in hiftory till the beginning of Auguft,
when they entered Northumberland with a imall
army, confuting of three hundred horfe and two
thoufarid foot, all veterans, commanded by the earls
of Fife, Murray and Dunbar, the moft celebrated
commanders in the Scottifh army.' They ravaged
the whole country through which they paffed, and
advanced as far as Newcaftle, where ford Piercy,
furnamed Hotfpur, fon to the earl of Northumber-
land, firft oppofed them. But his troops were de-
feated, and himfelf unhorfed in fingle combat by the
younger Douglas, who having feized his lance,
vowed to carry it to Scotland as a trophy of his vic-
tory. Inflamed with rage at his late misfortune,
Hotfpur vowed Douglas mould never carry his
lance to Scotland in triumph. He accordingly
collected a body of fix hundred horfe, arid eight
thousand foot, and putting himfelf at their head,
marched in purfuit of the enemy, without wait-
ing for a reinforcement of troops that were
haftening to join him, under the command of
the bifhop of Durham. The Scots, elated with
their late fuecefs, had undertaken the fiege of the
caftle of Otterborn, and were lying before that
fortrefs when Piercy, by forced marches, reached
their camp. Rage had expelled prudence from the
breaft of Piercy : he would not delay the engage-
ment for a moment, though his troops were greatly
fatigued,-
204
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
fatigued, and night Was approaching whtn became
Up with the eneifly. He attacked the Scots with
all the fury of a difappointed warrior-, but the dark-
•nefs rendered it impoflible to continue the conteft,
and they feparated without either obtaining the
victory. The moon rifing at midnight occalioned
the battle to be renewed, and at laft victory de-
•clared for the Scots ; Douglas was flain, and Piercy
taken prifoner. The condensation of the Englifh
was fo great, that the bifhop of Durham, who was
advancing with ten thoufand men, inftead of at-
tacking the Scots, weakened and fatigued by the
late battle, difmiffed his men, and retired with his
principal officers to Newcaftle, leaving the Scots at
liberty, to return at leifure, with their priforiers
and booty, into their own country.
About this time the duke of Lancafter returned
from his expedition, after having obliged the king
of Caftile to conclude a treaty with him, he having
promifed to pay him fix hundred thoufand livres,
with an annual penfion of forty thoufand, or ten
thoufand pounds of our prefent money, during his
life, and that of his duchefs. This treaty was fol-
lowed by the marriage of Catherine, the duke's
daughter, with Henry, the eldeft fon of the king
of Caftile ; on which account the duke refigned his
pretenfions to the crown of Caftile. Lancafter's
authority ferved to Counterbalance, for a fhort time,
that of the duke of Gloucefter, and fecured the
power of Richard who treated him with great re-
fpecT:, and ceded to him for life the duchy of Gui-
enne ; but as the nation loudly remonftrated againft
this ceflion, it was afterwards, by the duke's cori-
fent, given up.
After the engagement at Radcat-bridge, the earl
of Derby returned to the lords at St. Alban's, and
they marched immediately at the head of forty
thoufand men to London. Having encamped in
Clerken well- fields, they fent for the mayor and
principal citizens, whd waited upon them with the
keys of the city. By this time Richard had fhut
himfelf up iri the Tower, where he remained in a
forlorn condition, abandoned by all, except a few
of his creatures, who were as much dejected in ad-
Verfity, as they had been elated by profperity, and
therefore incapable of affifting him in the trying
moments of his prefent diftrefs. The confederates
deliring an audience, he was afraid to refufe their
requeft, and in the interview they expoftulated with
his weak conduct fo fharply, that the unhappy mo-
narch could not refrain from tears. This was con-
fidered by the lords as an evidence of a heart ftill
fenfible of honour, efpecially when the king pro-
mifed to meet them next day at Weflminfter, in
order to concert meafures to be taken in the enfuing
parliament* But thefe impreffions were foon re-
moved, by the infinuations of his fycophants, who
per ftiaded him to retract a promife, which they al-
ledged was injurious to his royal dignity : in con-
fequence of which Richard refufed to treat any far-
ther with the difcontented nobles. Exafperated at
i'uch trilling proceedings, they drew up their forces
on Tower-hill, and fent a menage to the king, de-
claring, that if he continued to trifle with them any
longer, they would advance another prince to the
throne. Terrified at this menace, he promifed fo-
kmnly to appear next day at Weftminfter-hall, and
he punctually fulfilled his appointment. The pro-
ceedings of parliament were perfectly confifteht with
the declarations of the lords, public juftiee, and the
Cuftoms of that age j and Richard, fully fenfible of
this, complied with every thing they propofed. He
gave up his favourites, without diftinctioh of fex
or quality, who had brought his perfonal character
into thehnveft contempt. The archbifhop of York
had already fled, with the bifhop of Chichefter, from
juftiee. Of thofe that remained were the bifhop of
Durham, friar Rufhok, the king's eonfeflbr, the
lords Zouch of Hariiigworth, Burmel, and Beau-
mont, .Sir Albaric de Vere, Sir Baldwin Beresford,
Sir John Worth, ,Sir Thomas Clifford, Sir John
Lovel, with feverai ladies of quality, who had con-
tributed to the debauchery and profligacy of the
court. Some of thefe \vereimprifoned in different
parts of the kingdom, fome obliged to give fecurity
for their appearance, to anfwer the charges that
might be exhibited againft them, and others were
banifhed the court. Sir Simon Burley, Sir Thomas
Trivet, Sir Nicholas Bambre, Sir William Elling-
ham, Sir John Beauchamp, John Blake, and the
following clergymen, Richard Clifford, John de
Lincoln, Richard Matford, and Nicholas Larke,
were committed to prifon, that they might be
brought immediately to trial. The corrupt judges,
who had given unjuft decifions, were arrefted on
the bench in Weftminfter-hall; but Trefilian, con-
fciotis of his own demerits, had abfconded.
The parliament meeting at the time appointed,
the feflion was opened by the bifhop of Ely, chan-
cellor of the kingdom, who declared they were
affembled to redrefs the grievances of the public; to
further the impartial adminiftration of juftiee j to
concert meafures for defending the coafts and bbr-
ders of the kingdom ; and to raife neceffary fupplies
in the eafieft and moft expeditious manner. The
chancellor having finifhed his fpeech, Gloucefter
fell on his knees before the king, and offered to
ftand the award Of his peers, touching certain ma-
licious reports, fuggeftirtg his intention of dethron-
ing the king, and ufurping the fovercign authority ;
but the king declaring himfelf allured of his inno-
cence, he was acquitted of all fufpicioh. The lords
now demanded a confirmation of their claim, of
trying and judging all important cafes relating to
the peers, in the courfeof parliament, independent
of the comrrion and civil law of the kingdom ; which
claim was confirmed under the fanction of parlia-
ment. Thefe points being fettled, the appellants
exhibited their charge againft the archbifhop of
Ybrk, the duke of Ireland, the earl of Suffolk} Sir
Robert Trefilian, and Sir Nicholas Bembre, in
thirty-nine articleSj containing accufatinns of.trea-
fon and mifdemeanors of various kinds and degrees.
The accufed were fummoned in the chamber of
parliament j and at the great gate of the palace j
and on their non-appearance^ the appellants moved
that the default might be recorded, and the lords
proceeded to judgment. Fully fatisfied concerning
the truth of the charges, the king, with the lords
temporalj pronounced the accufed guilty of high-
treafon. Their eftates were forfeited, the atch-
bifhop's temporalities were feized, but the others
were condemned to be hanged and drawn, as trai-
tors. Judge Trefilian, being betrayed by his own
fervants, was taken in a mean difguife, and brought
before the parliament, who ordered their fentence to
be executed Immediately atTyburri. The archbifhop
of York wds apprehended at Shields, attempting to
embark in difguife : he was however permitted to
retire to Flanders, where he ferved a fmall cure to the
day of his death, which happened about three years
after. Suffolk did not long furvive his difgrace,-
and the duke of Ireland died at Lovain^ of a wound
he received in huritihg. Sir Nicholas Bembre was
delivered into the hands of the earl marfhal, who
with the mayor, aldermen * and fheriffs of London,
attended at his execution. Several others fuffered
the fame fate ; brut nOne were more regretted than
Sir Simon Burley. His execution made a deeper
impreffion on the mind of Richard than all the
others. The queen interefted herfelf extremely in
behalf of Burley: were we to credit one writer,
who has endeavoured to vafnifh over the vices 'of
this reign, and to blacken the folemn rcfolutions of
parliament, as fcenes of injuftice and violence, fhe
remained three hours before the earl of Gloucefter,
on
•RICHARD
II.
2.0$
on her knees, pleading for that gentleman's life;
but her petition was rejected by that nobleman, who
certainly had more fenfe than to plead for a man,
who had been governor to Richard, and connived
at, to fay the- leaft, his follies and vicious courfes.
Thefe profecutions being ended, a declaration was
made by parliament, that none of the articles pro-
nounced treafon on the late trials, mould ever after
be drawn into precedents by the judges, who ftill
were to confider the ftatute of the twenty-fifth^ of
Edward, as the only rule of their conduct. The
parliament alfo parted a general aft of amnefty and
pardon; and as Richard had violated his contract
with his people, it was thought neceffary he mould
renew his coronation oath,. and, in his turn, receive
the homage and fealty of his fubjects. This done,
thearchbimop of Canterbury denounced lenience of
excommunication againft all who Ihould attempt to
difturb the tranquillity and peace of the kingdom.
After thefe important tranfactions,the feffion, which
had cbntinued from the third of February to the
fourth of June, broke up, with the appellation of
the mercilefs parliament.
Mean while the earl of Arundel, having received
a commiffion as governor of Breft, and a renewal of
that which conftituted him lord high admiral, put
to fea at the beginning of the fummer with his
fquadron, and had the good fortune to fall in with
a fleet of French fhips, confifting of eighty fail,
mod of which he took and deftroyed the reft. He
likewife plundered Rhee and Aleron, with fome
other iflands on the French coaft.
n Notwithftanding the extraordinary
I389< tranfactions of laft year, in which the
violent contentions between Richard and his nobility,
in appearance, feemed to have been brought to an
iflue, yet the event proved otherwife. The king,
who was now in the twenty-third year of his age,
declared, in full council, held at Eafter, his inten-
tion of directing the affairs of his houfliold and
kingdom, by his own fole authority, and of taking
into his hands the reins of government. Not the
leaft oppofition was made to fo reafonable a defign,
Richard immediately demanded the great feal from
the archbifhop of Canterbury, and gave it to Wil-
liam of Wickham, bifhop of Winchefter. He re-
moved the duke of Gloucefter, and the earl of
Warwick, from the council board, and fupplied
their places with others, whom he thought more
worthy of his confidence. The bifhop of Here-
ford was deprived of his office of treafurer, and the
earl of Arundel of that of admiral. Thefe changes
were unpopular, yet the dukes of Lancafter and
York affected to return to their duty. Thefe po-
litical revolutions, confidering how much the power
of the crown had been limited, appear, at this time,
rather unaccountable, nor have modern hiftorians
given us any reafons for fuch unexpected changes.
Perhaps fome fecret animofities prevailed among
the leading men of the oppofition, which enabled the
king to recover his authority. Perhaps the affec-
tions of the people were cooled, who eafily pafs
from one extreme to another. Perhaps the lords
knowing the king's headftrong temper, were in-
clined to give him his full length of command, that
hereafter they might effectually execute their pur-
poies, and fliift the blame from themfelvcs to him.
But however this be, Richard exercifed the au-
thority he had refumecl, with a degree of modera-
tion -, and the kingdom from this period, enjoyed a
fhort calm of tranquillity. On the fourth day of
the feflion of parliament, the bifhop of Winchefler
religned the great feal, as the bifhop of St. David's
did the keys of the Exchequer; and all the lords of
the council were difcharged at their own defire.
They then alked in open parliament, if any member
had ought to object to their conduct, which having
examined, the commons declared themfelves amply
No. 20.
fatisfied on tlfis point. After this declaration the
king reftored them to their offices, and the dukes of
Lancafter and Gloucefter were added to the coun-
cil, protefting, however, that for any thing then
done, he would retain or difplace thofe counsellors,
as he himfelf fhould think proper.
But while the new adminiftration conducted
themfelves with more integrity than his abandoned
favourites, yet the conduct of the king was in many
inftances exceedingly obnoxious to the fober part of
the nation. Addicted to pleafure, he fpent his time
in feafting and jollity; and lavifhed away immenfe
fums in tournaments. Though a terrible plague,
and a famine not lefs dreadful, afflicted . n
England, the king's exceffive fondnefs ' T1 1W1'
for pageantry and pomp, induced him to retrench
none of his diversions or expences. He valued
himfelf upon furpaffing in magnificence all the fo-
vereigns of Europe, and acted as if he had poffeffed
an incxhauftible fund of treafure. Three hundred
domeftics were employed in his kitchen alone; and
the queen had the fame number in her fervice.
The courtiers eafily obtained what they afked, and
he in every thing behaved with a profufenefs, which
could not fail of being very chargeable to his fub-
jects. His finances being reduced, he attempted to
borrow fo fmall a fum as one thoufand pounds of the
city of London, but had the mortification to be re-
fufed ; and even an Italian merchant, who offered to
lend the money, was cut in pieces by the populace.
This affront Richard highly refented, and foon
after, under colour of punifhing a tumult of a
trifling nature, raifed by a baker's apprentice, he
took away the charter of the city, and removed the
courts of juftice to York: but afterwards the city
of London were glad to redeem their charter, by
making him a prefent often thoufand pounds, and
two gold crowns.
Such perfect harmony feemed to be eftablifhed
between Richard and his parliament, that they voted
him a whole tenth and fifteenth, to defray the ex-
pences of his voyage to France, whither he had
been invited, to effect, if poflible, a lafting accom-
modation. In the mean time commiffioners were
appointed to treat with France and Scotland, and
all parties agreed, that a general congrefs fhould be
held at Amiens, that a treaty of peace might be
concluded, and ratified in the prefence of the two
monarchs.
At the time appointed, Charles, king . _.
of France, with his two brothers, and * '
three uncles, repaired to Amiens, and Richard pro-
ceeded as far as Dover, in his way thither; but
whether lie altered his refolution from his own
judgment, or was diverted from hispurpofeby the
reprefentation of his council, his voyage was poft-
poned, and he remained at Dover with the duke of
Gloucefter; while his two uncles, the earls of Hunt-
ingdon, Derby, and other noblemen, proceeded to
Amiens, in quality of ambaffadors and plenipoten-
tiaries. They entered the town with a train of
twelve thoufand horfe, and during their ftay, were
magnificently entertained at the expence of the
French king. Yet the demands of both courts
were fo incompatible, that nothing was done but
prolonging the truce, till Michaelmas the enfuing
year.
Conferences for a peace were again . _.
renewed by the duke of Lancafter, in
Picardy, but were again broken off without coming
to any conclufion, except that of prolonging the
truce for five years. After this fome infurrections
of the Irifh induced the king to make an expedition
into that country, which he had the good fortune to
reduce to obedience, and recovered by that means,
in fome degree, his character with refpect to cou-
rage, which he had loft by his inactivity. The
Englifh noblemen, who poffeffed large eftatqs in
3 G that
2o6
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLANP,
that country, chofe to refide in England, fo that
Ireland was left almoft defencelefs, and expofed to
the ravages of the old Irifh Scots, who took care to
avail themfeves of every favourable opportunity f°r
recovering their antient poffeffions. Thefe they
took by force of arms, and plundered all the reft of
the country belonging to the Englifh, fo that the
revenue, which in the time of Edward III. was very
confiderable, was not now fuflicient to defray the
ordinary expences of government. In Auguft a
proclamation was publifhed, commanding all the
proprietors to repair to Ireland by the eighth of
September, and wait the king's arrival. The mi-
litary tenants of the crown were likewife fum-
moned; the cinque ports required to furnifh their
armament of fifty-feven fhips well manned. This
being accordingly provided, Richard fet out for
Wales, accompanied by the duke of Glouccfter, the
carls of March, Nottingham, and Rutland; and
embarking about Michaelmas, at Milford Haven,
landed in Ireland with an army of fifty thoufand
men. The native Irifh, terrified at the fight of
fuch a formidable army, either retired to their faft-
neffes, or made their fubmiffion, and they were
treated by the king with great clemency. He not
only pardoned thofe who fubmitted, but even
allotted penfions tp their chiefs, -and endeavoured
to foften their native ferocity. The earl of Not-
tingham was empowered to receive, in the king's
name, fubmiffion and homage of all the Irifh in
Leinfter, who gave bonds for their peaceable beha-
viour. O'Neal, lord paramount over the other
princes of Ireland, voluntarily tended allegiance to
the king of England, and did homage to him at
Drogheda. His example was followed by O'Han-
lon, O'Donnel, Mac Mahon, and other toparchs.
who engaged for themfelves and their clans, to
maintain the peace of the kingdom. Richard,
during the Chriftmas holidays, invited all the chiefs
to an entertainment, and not only difplayed on that
bccafion his ufual magnificence, but conferred on
them the order of knighthood, and encouraged
them to adopt the Englifh drefs, and way of living.
He then fummoned a parliament in the fame city
to redrefs their grievances, and in fhort conducted
himfelf with fuch moderation and prudence, as ac-
quired the affeftion and efteem of the native Irifh,
the greater part of whom voluntarily fubmitted to
his government.
About this time the queen paid the debt of na-
ture, to the general regret of the nation : fhe ac-
quired, on account of the meeknefs of her difpofi-
tipn, the epithet of the gpod queen Anne; and
Richard was fo deeply affefted with her death, that
he was for fome time inconfolable ; nor could he
ever after bear the fight of the palace of Sheen,
where fhe expired.
A -pj While the king was thus laudably
D°5- employed in Ireland, the regent fum-
moned a parliament at Weftminfter, and the duke
of Gloucefter was fent to manage the affairs of the
crown in this affembly, who being informed of the
king's proceedings, were fo pleafed with his con-
duel, that they granted a fubfidy for finifhing the
reduction of that country. During this feffion, a
remonftrance was prefented by the Lollards, who
were become fo numerous and confident, as to
preach, write, and openly declaim againft the efta-
tlifhed religion. Protected by fome powerful no-
blemen, they impeached the morals and doctrines of
the clergy, and a writing, containing the articles of
the charge, was brought into the houfe by Sir
Thomas Latimer, Sir Richard Story, and other
members, who had adopted their principles. The
archbifhop of York, and brfhop of London, alarmed
at this prefumptuous behaviour, went over to Dub-
lin, where they inveighed againft the Lollards as ene-
Jnies to church and ftate, and -wrought fo effectually
on the mind of Richard, that he declined his deficrn.
of reducing Ireland, and returned to England, With
a view to crufh thefe innovating reformers- On
his arrival, they were threatened with death, if they
continued to propagate their tenets, and the chaRs
cellpr of Oxford wa's ordered tp expel all thpfp who,
were fufpefrcd of favouring them, The next fiib,-
jeft that came under the consideration of Richard
and his council, was the appointment of a pi'Qr
fumptive heir to the crown, the queen having died
without iffue, Hithard had, previous to his dg-
parturc, declared Edmund Mortimer, fpn and help
to Roger earl of JVlarche, fucceffor to, 'thg crown ;
but the ambition of Gloucefter and Lancafter would
doubtlefs have prevented this appointment ever
taking place, Jn order to prevent givil diffentjpns,
the king was advifed to engage in a fecond mar*
riage, and his council propofing Jfabella, eldeft
daughter of the French king, Charles VI, as a fuit*
able confort, the archbifhop of Dublin, thg bifhpn
of Sc. David's, the earls of Rutland and Natting*
ham, the lord Beaumont, and Wilja }e Scroop,
were fent ambaffadors to the court of France, to
demand that princefs in marriage for Richard,
They were inftruered to infift on a confiderable ppr*
tion, and tp offer ten thoufand marks a year for her
jointure. When this propofaj was hud' before tho
council of France, fome of the members hinted at
theinconfiftenceof treating of a marriage previous
to the conclufion of a peace -, but the duke of Bur*
gundy wifely obferved, it was the moft probable
expedient tp effect and confolidatc an accommoda->
tion, Through the powerful influence of this no.*
bleman, the ambafladors were honourably received,
and the king favouring the propofal, it was ac«
cepted, A treaty was immediately fet on foot, and
the articles having been difcuffed by thg plenipo*
tentiaries, it was at length agreed, that "Richard
fhould marry the princefs Ifabella, and receive with
her a portion of eight hundred thoufand franks in
gold, at yearly payments ; that he fhould renounce
all claim to the crown of France, either by his own
hereditary pretenfions, or by virtue of his marriagei
that the truce fhould be prolonged for five and
twenty years; and that the king of France fhould
affift him againft his rebellious fubjefts. Thefe ar-
ticles being ratified, the young princefs only feyen
years old, was ftiled queen of England, and married
by the earl of Northumberland, ^Richard'sprpxy,
^ This negotiatipn and alliance with . r
Charles being concluded, Richard de^ • '
termined to go over to the continent, and --,.-„-„
the princefs in perfbn, Both kings met under a
pavilion fuperbly decorated, between Ard.es and
Calais, each with a fplendid retinue; where the
nuptials were folemnized, and the treaty figned to
their mutual fatisfaction. But this confederacy
with France gave offence to the Englifh, who had
contracted a violent antipathy againft that nation?
Gloucefter told the king, it would have been more
advifeable to attempt the recovery of what England
had loft in France, by a vigorous war, than enter
into an alliance with a crown, that had always
gained greater advantages by treaties with England?
than by its arms. The public diffatisfactiun was
increafed by the reftitution of Cherburg to the king
of Navarre, and of Breft to the duke of Brittany?
for which the king received an inponfiderable fum,
and lavifhed it away in needlefs expences, Thg
duke of Gloucefter was fo difpleafed with this mea*
fure, that he upbraided his nephew in fevere terms?
to which Richard replied in a manner that fh.ewed
lie was greatly offended. He afterwards com*
plained to the dnkes of Lancafter and York, that
Gloucefter took upon him to controul his actions,
and dropped fome expreffions, which made them
think, he fufpefred all three pf forming ill de%n§
againft him. ThetwQ princes prpfeffed their —
RICHARD
fliaken loyalty, and obferved, they did not queftion
but that the duke th'eir brother was equally loyal,
though his hafty temper made him fometimes fpeak
with loo much warmth, Richard endeavoured to
'employ thefe his two tmcles as tools of his refent-
ment againft Gloucefter, but they declined all con-
cern in any defign againft the life bf their own
brother, and retired to their country feats to avoid
all fufpicion and certfure. Sir Thomas Piercy,
brother to the earl of Northumberland, alfo with*
drew from court) which was now entirely devoted
'to riot and luxury. Richard;, a flave to pleamre,
was incapable of applying himfelf tb bufmefs ; un-
der the dominion of favourites, on whom he pro-
fufely lavifhed the revenues of the crown, and the
grants of the people ; and fullyirig the dignity of
his rank by admitting perfons of very mean condi-
tion to his familiarity; thereby rendering himfelf
totally unworthy of wearing the Englifli crbwh.
He was alfo at this time left tb the directibrt of un-
experienced, hot brained counfellors, who permaded
him that his life was in danger, during the exiftence
of Gloucefter ; and this opinion was confirmed by
the count of St. Pol^ a French nobleman, who
came to viflt the young queen of England.
Gloucefter was too considerable a fubjectj and too
popular tb be taken bfF by any fiiew bf juftice, and
his brothers were too well affected tb his merit and
perfon, to be unconcerned fpe'ctators of his dan-
ger ; recburfewas therefore had to a more probable
expedient; Richard having determined to be re-
venged on his uncle, to affect this he cohdefcended
to be himfelf an accomplice in his murden The
duke wls then ih Plafhy, one of his feats in Effex,
without the leaft fufpicion of any attempt againft
his life. Having always maintained the appearance
of affection for his unele, on a fumrher evening he
paid him a vifit> and was received by the duke and
duchefs with all the endearing marks of hofpitality;
Richard was mean enough to partake of an enters
tainment from the Very perfon he' intended to be-
tray. Duririg flipper he told the duke, that he
wanted to confult him on fome very important
affairs, and defired he would accompany him tb
London, where a council was, as he pretended,
to be held in the morrtingi The duke, hot fuipect-
ing the leaft treachery, very readily obeyedj and
let out with the king, attended only by four or five
domeftics. An ambum having been placed on the
road near Epping-foreft, when they came near
it, the king putting fpurs tb his horfe, rode off
at full gallop, and before the duke of Gloucefter
could Overtake him, he was furrounded by armed
horfemen, who arrefted hirn ih the king's name,
conveyed him inftantly to the river, and put him
on board a fliip, which iriftaiitly fet fail, and arrived
at Calais the next day. This treacherous trahfac-
tion was carried bh with fuch feerecy, that his
friends, the earls of Afundel and Warwick, cafne to
Court the next rnbrnihg, purfuant to the king's in-
vitation, without the leaft fufpicion of danger. But
foon after their arrival, they Were arrefted, together
with lords Cobham arid Chehey, arid committed to
the Tower; This eveht blew up again the flames
Of difeohtent among the people, who confidered the
imprifolied lords as their protectors and deliverers ;
and a general rebellion would doubtlefs haVe beeh
the cbnfequence,had not Richard, with remarkable
jbrudence iffued a proclamation, declaring* that the
lords we're arrefted in confeqtiehce of a frefh infbr-
inatibh againft them, arid that they mould be tried
before their peers, during the next feffions of par-
liament rlimmohed to meet at Nottingham on the
firft of Auguft; Accordingly an appeal for high
treafoh was brought ih againft the duke of Glb'u-
teftcr ahd his confederates, by the earls of Rutland,
Kent, Huntingdon; Nottingham, Somerfet, and
Balifbtny, tye lord Spencer, and William Scroop,
the chamberlain of the hbumolch After having
read ahd confidered the bill, the appealed lord*
were indulged with time till the fourteenth of Sep*
tember, to prepare anfwers to the articles of irn«
peachment exhibited againft them. The fuipenfci
the hopes, the fears, and tliftrefs of the riation weii
increafed, when it was underftoOd how great, hew
good, how fair in eftimatibn, the impeached perfons
were confidered. They were almoft all of them
eonnefted either by blood Or alliance, with ever^
member of the hou'fe ; fo that Richard Was afraid to
truft them with his bloody purpofe, the death of the
duke of Gloueefter. He therefore firft endeavbUred
to extort a confeflibn from him by the afliftane'e of
William Reckhill, one of the juftices of the Com*
mOn Pleas. This perfon had a commiffion to ei*
amine the duke at Calais, and Richard hoped that
the fubtle lawyer, by tampering with the heat and
impatience of his temper, would extort from him,
particulars Upon which an aCcufatibn might b<i
grounded. But Gloucefter feems to have beeh fd
very open ahd ingenious oh his examination, that
the reftilt did hot anfwer the intention of finding
him guilty. Richard therefore fent orders tb the
earl of Nottingham* governor of Calais, that the1
duke flibuld be privately difpat'ched. On receiving
this order, the eail was fo mocked at the intended
treachery, that he abfolutely refufed to obey. But
being threatened by Richard With death, in cafe bf
refulal, the earl fecretly connived at the bafe affaf-
finatioh; We are informed, that the duke was
taken out of the caftle of Calais, and carried tb an
adjacent inn by four affaffins, Hall, Lovetoftj
Serle and Francis, who were all fworh to fcfcrecyi
Lovetoft carried the duke to an inner apartment*
where he informed him of the king's commaricL
The dnke, who expected nothing lefs than dfeatru
anfwerecl, without the leaft emotion, that he would
readily fubtnit, and leave his death to be revenged
by his country. They then threw him on a frnsll
bedi where they fmbthered him between two fea*>
ther beds; This horrid tranfaction being over, they
ftripped the body, placed it in the bed, and it
was pretended that the diike died of an apOplexVi
Thus fell Thomas of Wbodftock, duke of Glou-
cefter, from whofe Unwbrthy fate we may learn*
how fatal a taint the brighteft virtues may receive
from the flighteft failings* That he was brave*
open, fihcere and patriotic, none can dehy ; but as
thefe qualities were unhappily blended with arni
bition and a love of popularity he was htirried at
times into fuch conduct as entailed on him the fuf-
picion of the kingi and the hatrfed of the greater
part of the nobility, notwithstanding which, he
lived and died the friend of liberty, that particular
glory of the Englifh conftittition. It is impoffible
to conceive the horror which feized all ranks of
people, when this unnatural murder was known*
nor is it eafy to determine which was excited mofti
their confirmation or refentment; But Richard
with admirable forefight, had taken every preCau^
tion for fupporting his deteftable plan of arbitrary
power. Had rhe fame vigour and fagacity been
employed in a virtuOus caufe, which was proftituted
ih the fervice of vice, this prince might have lived
With renown, and died with glory. The king had
already taken all neceffary meafures to have a par-
liament at his devotion, he having fome time be*
fore changed all the flieriffs of the kingdom, and
placed in their robm none but thofe who had pro*
mifed to be fubfervient to his defign. The par-
liament, thus at his devotion, had lately paffed
whatever acts the king was pleafeci to dictate : they
annulled for ever the commiffion which tifurped
upon the i oyal authority, and declared any attempt
to revive a like commiffion to be treafbn : they
abrogated all the ads which attainted the king'3
m-.m'fters, and which both the parliaoisfit that had
paifoj
2C8
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
patted them, and the whole nation, had fworn to
maintain ; and declared, the general pardon granted
by the king to be invalid, becaufe extorted by
force, though after Richard had refumed the go-
vernment, and no longer lay tinder any reftraint,
he had voluntarily confirmed that general indem-
nity by proclamation. They even annulled a par-
ticular pardon granted to the earl of Arundel, fix
years after, under pretence that it was obtained
by furprize ; and that the king was not fully in-
formed of that nobleman's guilt.
But Richard had not only gained over the par-
liament to his devotion ; he had collected alfo an
army of twenty thoufand veterans, and ftationed
them in the neighbourhood of London; and when,
on the death of the duke of Gloucefter, his two
brothers haftened thither, breathing revenge, he
employed his favourite Rutland to compromife
matters, on the principles of preventing a civil
war. He accordingly reprefented, that though
Gloucefter's fate was deplorable, it could not be
altered ; and that by endeavouring to revenge it,
they might deftroy their country. He aflured them
of the king's unfeigned forrow for that unhappy
event; and engaged, in his majefty's name, that if
they would decline all thoughts of revenge, and
confent to a hearty reconciliation, they mould pre-
fide in his councils, and be intrufted with the fole
direction of public affairs. The immediate refult
of this engagement too plainly evinces, that ambi-
tion was the ruling paflion of York and Lancafter ;
for they difmiffed their adherents, and all difputes
between thofe two noblemen and the king fubfided.
The parliament was no fooner met, than ftrong
marks of venality and corruption appeared ; and
the miniftry, felicitous only to procure fuccefs to
their meafures, were very indifferent about the
means they employed for that purpofe. Fitz
William, archbifhop of Canterbury, and brother
to Arundel, was then impeached by the commons
for his cbncurrence in procuring the illegal com-
miffion, and in attainting the king's minifters.
To this the primate pleaded guilty ; but, being an
ecclefiaftic, the king was fatisfied with his being
banifhed the realm, and his temporalities fequef-
tered. The duke of Gloucefter, with the earls of
Arundel and Warwick, were accufed of the fame
crimes, and alfo of having appeared in arms in a
hoftile manner. The earl of Arundel, when
brought to the bar, pleaded both the king's general
and fpecial pardon ; but this plea being over-
ruled, he was found guilty. The earl of Warwick,
likewife, was found guilty of high treafon ; but,
on account of his fubmiffive behaviour, was fen-
tenced to perpetual banifhmerit in the Ifle of
Man. In the mean time a warrant was ifTued in
due form to the governor of Calais, commanding
him to bring over his prifoner to take his trial ;
but anfwer was returned, that the duke of
Gloucefter had died of an apoplexy. The time
and circumftances of that prince's death appeared
extremely fufpicious; and it was the general opi-
nion, that he was murdered by order of the king
his nephew: which popular opinion was too well
founded; for in the following reign, undoubted
proofs were produced in parliament of his being
difpatched in the way we have already related ;
and it evidently appeared, that Richard, appre-
henfive left the execution of fo near a relation
might prove' dangerous, had thus bafely gratified
his revenge, by a method which he thought would
have perfectly concealed it. Having received fuch
fubftantial proofs of fervile obedience from his
parliament, he exacted from them an oath, that
they would perpetually maintain all the afts they
had lately made; and the feflion concluded with
fome adls of the king's munificence, by the creation
or advancement of feveral of his peers. The earl
of Rutland was made duke of Albemarle ; the earl
of Derby, cluke of Hereford ; the eail of Kent,
duke of Surry; the earl of Nottingham, duke of
Norfolk; the earl of Huntingdon, duke of Exeter;
the earl of Somerfet, marquis of Dorfet; Ralph
Nevil, earl of Weftmoreiand ; lord Spencer, earl
of Gloucefter; William Scroop, earl of Wiltshire;
and Thomas Piercy, earl of Worcefter. In the
mean time the earl of Arundel, in confequence of
the fentence pronounced upon him, prepared to
fuffer its execution, with all the fortitude that at-
tends confcious virtue. The king himfelf was mean
enough to be a fpeftator of this tragic fccne, at-
tended by the earls of Kent and Nottingham, with
all the fymptons of -favage exyltation. When the
earl came upon the fcaflbld, he turned to Notting-
ham, his fbn-in-law, and faid, " My lord, it
would furely have better become you to have beeu
abfent on this occafion: you feeni to tiiumph in
my fufferings; but remember, the time is coming,
when your own misfortunes may iurnifh the like
triumph to your enemies." The ungrateful and
cruel treatment of this gallant nobleman, excited
an univerfal clamour among the people, who pub-
licly declared, that he fell a martyr to the liberties
of his country. His life was fpent in performing
a feries of brave a&ions, from his firft entrance ou
the ftage of the world, to his magnanimous exit.
He had boldly aflerted the freedom of his country,
in oppofition to vice, weaknefs, and venality; and
with fo uniform a tenor of conduft, that he was
never known to defert his principles.
Richard, in his cooler moments, . n . R
could not help reflecting on the fate
of this gallant earl, who had performed fo many
fignal adions in his fervice, and had always been a
fuccefsful commander. His image inceflantly
haunted the mind of the guilty monarch, and the
uneafinefs of his fpirit was heightened by the ap-
prehenfion of danger; for though he had obtained
all he required of his parliament, yet by his condudt
he had alienated the affedions of the whole body
of the people. The principal nobility faw them-
felves debafed by the cheapnefs of public honours,
and the admiffion of the vile and venal into public
councils. Divifions foon fprung up among the
members of the new miniftry; and Richard was fo
far from difcountenancing, that he encouraged
them ; thinking, as moft mifguided princes have
always done, that his own power was by that means
rendered of more decifive weight. At the fame
time he took every ftep in his power for fixing the
arbitrary authority he had lately acquired, on a more
folid bafis. He new modelled his guards, and endea-
voured to render them capable of committing every
fpecies of cruelty, in order to fupport the abfolute
power of the crown. It is impoflible to defcribe
the miferies of England at this period. The
mameful fetters me had forged for herfelf, and
which now feemed to be firmly rivetted, galled her
fenfe of freedom, embittered her fuflerings, and
increafed her afflictions. But calamity at laft
roufed her to a true fenfc of her fallen ftate; and
liberty, though now to all appearance in her laft
convulfive pangs, wrought out her own deliver-
ance.
Jn a parliament which met on the twenty-eighth
of January, Richard appeared fo anxious for the
eftublifhment of their late adts in the laft feflion,
that he not only obliged the lords and commons to
fwcar again to obferve them on the crofs of Can-
terbury; but foon after procured a bull from the
pope, in order to fecure and eftablifh them for ever.
The parliament, to keep pace with the king's
defires, granted him a moft exorbitant fubfidy by
duties on wool, leather, and wool fells for life ;
alfo a fubfidy of one tenth and a half, and one
fifteenth and a half. The attainder of Trdllian
and
RICHARD It,
209
and other judges were reverfed ; and the anfwers,
for which they had been impeached, were, by the
approbation of the prefent judges, declared to be
juft and le^al. They even went fb far back as to
reverfe the'attainder of the two Spencers, in the
reign of Edward 11, Before their diflblution, they
preferred a petition, importing, that as the fcflion
had been fhort, and the bufinefs before them long
and difficult, his majefty would be pleafed to ap-
point a committee of lords and commons, who
might be vefted with full powers of parliament,
for hearing and determining all matters then de*
pending before the aflembly ; and the king, with
the advice and confent of the lords, agreed to the
petition. Thus the defpotifm of Richard had al-
ttioft reached the point of perfection ; aiid nothing
was wanting, but to place him above the neceflity
of calling any more parliaments for the future.
The firft object that fell under this committee,
was a charge exhibited againft the duke of Nor*
folk by the duke of Hereford, who accufed him of
having fpokert feditious words againit his majefty,
in a private converfation between Brentford and
London. Henry, duke of Hereford, equally dif-
tinguifhed by the gifts of nature and fortune, was
now in the flower of his age : he had neither de-
clined, nor courted popularity, and therefore had
acquired it ; he had neither frequented, nor fhunned
the court, and therefore adorned it ; he had always
kept fair with the king, and was particularly careful
not to leave the fmalletl ftain, on which the piercing
eye of fufpicion could fatten an imputation of dif-
loyalty. His eftimation of mankind was founded
upon his own experience of their difpofitions and
interefts, without truftitig to profeflions which vanifh
on the profpect of advantage, or to ties of friend-
ihip which diflblve by the breath of power. He
had gone too far in the late meafures, owing per-
haps to that esceflive caution which he inherited
from his anceftors. Nor is it to be fuppofed, that
a prince of his character would be fond of forming
any connections but with fuch as he knew he could
truft. The duke of Norfolk was alfo a nobleman
of high rank, and diftinguifhed courage ; but his
manners were unpolifhed, and without a fteady
virtue to recommend them, He had never been
greatly courted by any party; and therefore think-
ing himfelf flighted by all, he had attached himfelf
to the king, from whom he received an increafe of
dignity, but no degree of confidence. Both he
and the dilke of Hereford, had formerly been
deeply engaged in that oppofition. which Richard
always confidered as an unpardonable crime ; and
both, perhaps, dreaded the effects of his refent-
ment. Both being in the fame fituation, the duke
of Norfolk was perfuaded that they could be fafe
only by uniting their interefts. He was imprudent
enough to propofe this coalition to the duke of
Hereford, who received it with great difguft. He
knew the character and difpofition of the duke of
Norfolk too well, to embark with him in fo dan-
gerous a coalition : he even fufpected that the pro-
pofal had been fecretly dictated by his enemies St
court ; and therefore) in prefence of the king,
charged the duke of Norfolk with having privately
fpoken to him many flanderous and difrefpectful
words of his majefty, in relation to his intending
to deftroy many of the principal nobility. The
duke of Norfolk, denying the charge, gave Here-
ford the lye, and offered to prove his innocence by
fingle combat. The challenge was accepted, and
the clifpute ordered to be decided according to the
laws of chivalry, in prefence of the king and his
whole court. When the two noblenaen entered the
lifts, and were on the point of engaging, the
trumpets having founded a charge for that purpofe,
the king ordered their lances to be taken away,
and they returned to their chairs, according to the
No.'
so.
I ufual ceremony on thefe occafions, while his ma-
jefty retired to council, where their doom was fixed,
with a view to prevent effufion of blood, or rather ,
to prevent the confequences of their quarrel, by
expelling two of the moft powerful oppofers of
Richard's tyrannical government. Sir John Brurey
returned to the field at the king's command ; ana
filence being enjoined by proclamation, pronounced
their fentence to this effect : That as both the ap*
pellant and defendant had honourably appeared in
the lifts, their courage was fufficiently afcertained 5
and the king, with the advice of his council and a
committee of parliament had agreed, that the duke
of Hereford mould, within fifteen days, depart the
kingdom, and go into exile for the fpace of teii
years, on pain of death ; and that Norfolk mould
be banifhed for life, becaufe he had not been able
to clear himfelf of the crime laid to his charge*
This fentence being pronounced, proclamation was
iflued, that no perfon flioukl prefume to intercede
with the king in behalf of either party, on pain of
incurring his majefty's difpleafure* A fentence, at
once impolitic and unjuft ; perhaps the moft ar-
bitrary ever pronounced by a king of England j
for both were banifhed, though one only could be
guilty. Nor was the penalty lefs fevere ; the one
being for life, the other for only ten years. The
duke of Norfolk confefled fome part of the charge*
while he was confined at Windfor ; but afterwards
retracted his confefllon. As to the duke of Here*
ford, he retained his ufual moderation. When he
waited on the king to take his leave, he behaved
with fuch fubmifiion, that Richard, pleafed with
his refpectful deportment, remitted four years of
his exile, and gave him permiflion to continue 1
month at Calais, with a retinue of twelve perfons.
Both of thefe noblemen alfo obtained pafles, di*
rected to all fovereign powers, fora kind reception
fuitable to their rank ; and in all writs wherein
they were mentioned, the word exile was induftri-»
oufly avoided, and that of travelling or peregri-
nation, fubftituted in its room. On their depar-
ture, the duke of Norfolk retired to Germany,
where he foon after died of grief, and Hereford to
France. Richard had empowered Hereford, by
letters patent, to enter into immediate pofleflion of
any eftates that might fall to him during his ab«
fence, and to poftpone the homage till his re-
turn.
During thefe tranfactions, the Scots were conti-
nually offering repeated infults to the natives of
the northern counties, which infults were either
connived at by the court, or terminated by a truce
haftily concluded, and as readily broken. At
length a treaty was figned under proper guarantees,
confifting of fubjects inhabiting the Marches that
feparated the kingdoms j but nothing was done
toward effecting a folid peace.
The power of Richard at this A r\
time was become very extenfive, and '
rofe to an amazing height; yet refted on fo nar-
row a bafis, that it tottered with its own weight*
His defpotifm had wrought him to a kind of frenzy
of pride and infolence, and the magnificence' of"
his court was fupported by repeated afts of op-
preflion and injuftice. The earls of Wiltfhire,
Bufhy, Green, and Bagot, formed his cabinet
council, where every thing was digefted,and came
previoufly determined to the other counfellors,
who had nothing to do but approve. Thefe
minions alfo farmed the royal revenues ; and the
ordinary funds not anfwering their avaricious pur*
poles, exceflive loans were demanded from every
county. At the fame time nc\v oaths were exacted
from the fherifls of counties, by which they bound
themfelves to obey the king in all his arbitrary and
illegal proceedings. In this gloomy i'eafon of
public affairs, died John of Ghent, duke of Lan«
3 H cafter.
210
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
cafter, in the fifty-ninth year of his age; and his
Ion, the duke of Hereford, in confcquencc of his
right and letters patent, expefted to be put in
pofieffion of the eftate and jurifdiction of his
father. John of Ghent, or Gaunt, poflefled an
aflemblage of virtues and vices. His addrefs in
bufinefs was remarkable ; but his lending his name
and authority to Richard, in the inoft unjuilifiable
acts of government, does no honour to his virtue.
His ambition, however, proved extremely fortu-
nate to England. His alliance with the courts of
Spain and Portugal, opened an immenfe channel
of trade, which greatly, though almoft by infenfi-
ble degrees, enriched the nation. With a foreign
education, and foreign employments, he always
retained an Englifh heart, and imported into Eng-
land the rudiments of that learning, for which fhe
is now fo defervedly celebrated. His court was
magnificent without affectation, and himfelf learned
without pedantry. So that had he lived under a
prince of more virtue, prudence, and fortitude, he
might have proved as ufeful a member of fociety,
as he was on ornament to his country.
When the fon of this illuftrious prince left the
kingdom, Richard's jealoufy of the -wealth and
power of that family revived. Being informed that
Hereford had entered into a treaty of marriage
with the daughter of the duke of Berry, the French
king's uncle, he refolved to prevent the conclufion
of an alliance that would fo much ftrengthen the
duke's intereft abroad ; and for that purpofe fent
the earl of Salifbury to Paris, and by the authority
of the parliamentary commiffioners, not only re-
verfed his letters patent, but feized the eftate of
his late father, and declared that his banifliment
fhould be perpetual. By thefe acts of defpotic
power it appeared, that the laws and liberties of
England could afford no fecurity againft the efforts
of tyranny and oppreflion. From the number of
great nobility who had been banifhed, there was
fcarce a man left in the kingdom able to oppofe
the ufurpations of the king. The duke of York
alone might have defended the interefts of the
people; but he loved his eafe too well to engage
in fuch an undertaking. Richard, therefore, find-
ing himfelf above all reftraint, paid no regard to
the good of the public; and while his minifters
fuffered the nation to fall into contempt, every
means was ufed to extort money from the people,
in order to fupply the king's prodigious expences;
among the reft, accufations were brought againft
fuch as had taken arms in favour of the duke of
Gloucefter and his adherents ; and as their pardon
had been lately reverfed, feventeen counties were
condemned as guilty of treafon, and the eftates of
all the inhabitants adjudged to the king. In this
extremity, the moft wealthy gentlemen and bur-
gefles, in order to avoid the feizure of their landed
property, were obliged to give blank obligations,
which the king caufed to be filled up with fuch
fums as he pkafed to require ; and in thefe bonds
every perfon was obliged, under great penalties, to
fupport the ftatutes of the parliament held at
Shrewfbury, and all the fubfequtnt acts, and thus
to throw themfelves entirely on the king's mercy.
A government fo tyrannical, naturally excited the
hatred of the nation, and kindled in the hearts of
all an ardent defire to free themfelves from fuch op-
preffions.
Young Hereford, now duke of Lancaftcr, was
particularly exafperated at this fcene of complicated
iniquities. He was of a bold and enteipiizing
fpirit; he had fignalized his courage both at home
and abroad ; he was beloved by the people and
adored by his foldiers. Always cool, fed ate, and
prudent, he was confidered as the only Englifh
prince that deferved the public confidence and
efteem. His misfortunes were lamented, and the
injuries he had received complained of by all ranks
of people. To him therefore they looked up, as
the only perfon able to redrefs the abufes of go-
vernment, and to free them from its tyranny. In
this difpofition they fecretly invited yo'ung Henry
to return to England, promifing to affift him in
the recovery of his lawful inheritance, at the
hazard of their lives and fortunes. The duke
readily embraced the invitation, andpromifcd to
comply with their requeft; and a favourable op-
portunity for fulfilling his engagements now pre-
fented itfelf. Roger Mortimer, Richard's coufin,
and lord-lieutenant of Ireland, had been lately
killed in a fkirmifh with a fmall party of native
Irifh; and the king, in order to reduce the rebels
to fubjeclion, and revenge the death of the pre-
funiptive heir to the crown, refolved to pafs over
into that ifland, and head his army in perfon. He
accordingly embarked at Briflol; and, after a fhort
paflage, landed at Waterford, at the head of two
thoufand men at arms, and ten thoufand archers.
When the king was ready to embark, fome
fufpicions being inftilled into him of the earl of
Northumberland, governor of the northern coun-
ties, he fent that nobleman pofitive orders to join
him without delay; and on his excufing himfelf, on
account of his prefence being ncceflary in thofe
parts, the king, without farther enquiry, pro-
nounced him a traitor, and ordered all his eftates
to be feized; then leaving the regency to his
uncle, the duke of York, he fet fail, leaving his
kingdom open to the attempts of his enemies.
The duke of Lancafter had prudently concealed-
his intentions till the departure of Richard, of
which he no fooner -heard than he fet out for
Nantz on the fourth of July, where he hired three
fmall veflels, and embarked with the archbilhop of
Canterbury, the young earl of Arundel, lord Cob-
ham, Sir Thomas Erpington, Sir Thomas Ram- •
ftone, and a retinue of about fourfcore perfons;
and, after a fpeedy paflage, landing-at Ravenfpur
in Yorkfhire, he \\»s joined by the earls of Nor-
thumberland and Weitmoreland, the lords Wil-
loughby, Rofs, Darcy, Beaumont, and feveral
gentlemen of diflinftion, attended by a numerous
body of vafTals and adherents ; and having pub-
lifhed a manifefto, in which he aflerted that "he had
taken arms only to obtain fatisfaction for the in-
juftice with which he had been treated, it had fuch
an effect, that the people flocked in crowds to join
him, fo that in a few days he had an army of
fixty thoufand men. The regent was in no con-
dition to oppofe fo powerful a body of mal-
contents, had he been a real friend to the tyrant.
He had long beheld, with fecret difguft, the inju-
ries done to his country in general, and to his
nephew the duke of Lancafter in particular ; but
his own indolence, and the arbitrary difpofitions of •
the king, had hitherto prevented his complaining.
He had, however, too much honour to betray his
truft on this occafion, though not difpleafed at his
inability. He appointed a general rendezvous at
St. Albums, and found the number of his forces
amount to forty thoufand-, but he foon perceived,
not a man would draw his fword againft the duke
of Lancaller, (a caution this to all tyrants not to
place a vain-confidence in their army) who, they
openly affirmed, had been unjuftly banifhed, and
deprived of his lawful inheritance. Nor could
they bear the prefence of the earls of Bufhy, Green,
and Bagot, who farmed the revenues, and -were
univerfally detefted as monfters of iniquity and
oppreflion, and who had perverted the king by
their pernicious counfel. The duke of York,
therefore, finding it impoffible to ftem the torrent
of Henry's popularity, broke his ftaff of office,
and laid alide aU opposition. In the mean time
the march of the duke of Lancaster's army te
London,
RICHARD
II.
211
London, was rather triumphal than hoftilc. Every
tongue was bufied in his praife, every purfe was
open to his wants, every hand employed in his de-
fence. His affability, his graceful modefty, his
winning addrefs, his moderate pretenfions, and
above all his former fuflferings, fpoke irrefiftibly in
his favour. The cjuke of York now declared, that
he would fecond his nephew, in his juft requeft of
recovering his legal patrimony. The two armies
embraced each other, and Henry was joyfully re-
ceived by the citizens of London, as their guardian
and deliverer. Having fecured the capital in his
intcreft, he directed his march to Briftol, which
after a feint refiftance, was obliged to furrender at
difcretion. The earl of Wiltfliire, Sir John Bufliy,
and Sir Henry Green, who had taken refuge there,
were led out to immediate execution, at the impor-
tunate requeft of the people.
'ftie king no fooner received intelligence of this
infurrcction, than he haftened over from Ireland,
and landed at Milford-haven with a body of twenty
thoufand men. When arrived at Carmarthen, he
received a particular detail of Lancafter's amazing
progrefs, the death of his favourites, the furrender
of his forts, the revolts of his cities, and the defection
of his fubjects. His foldiers alfo, like the reft of
their comrades, were fo ftrongly infected with the
prevalent opinion in favour of the duke of Lan-
cafter, that his army melted away like fnow before
the fun ; and Richard foon perceived he was in no
condition to meet the enemy. Diftracted with a
variety of thoughts, he knew not which way to turn,
what courfe to purfue. Wavering and irrefolute,
he knew not whom to truft, or whom to fear. At
length he determined to take refuge in Wales.
Accordingly heretired with thedukes of Exeterand
Surry, the bifhop of Carlifle, and a few other at-
tendants, to Conway-caftle ; propofing to take the
firft opportunity of efcaping to Ireland or France,
and there wait for fome favourable crifis of reco-
vering his crown, which he was now incapable of
defending. Finding himfelf in this forlorn condi-
tion, in a place he had chofen for his fanctuary,
without the leaft profpcct of being able to defend
himfelf, he was afraid that if he attempted to efcape
he fliould fall in the hands of the enraged populace,
who gave him too many proofs of their hatred.
In this extremity, he refolved to throw himfelf
upon the generofity of his enemy, and fentthe duke
of Exeter about an accommodation, and the
duke of Surry obtained leave to accompany him in
this embafiy, which proved very unfortunate, for
they were both detained as prifoners at Chefter. In
this interval the king was deferted by Sir Thomas
Piercy, lord ftcward of his houfehold, who refigned
his office, and declared his refolution to join the
duke of Lancafter. Henry apprehenfive that
Richard meditated an efcape, confulted with the
archbifhop of Canterbury, and the earl of Northum-
berland, when it was agreed, that the latter mould
be fent to Conway-caftle, with propofals to amufe
the king, and if poflible, perfuade him to put his
perfon into the duke's hands. Northumberland
advanced with a felect number of troops to Conway
nver, whence he fent a herald to Richard, defiring
a fafe conduct for himfelf only; which being
granted, he went to the caftle, and being admitted
int» the king's prefence, demanded, in the name of
Henry, that a parliament might be immediately
fummoned, to reverfe his fentence of banifliment,
andreftore him to the poffefiion of his eftate-, that
the dukes of Surry and Exeter, the earl of Salilbvfry,
and bifhop of Carlifle, mould be brought- to trial,
together with all thofe who had been concerned in
the death of the duke of Glouccfter. Richard, who
owned that he was both unworthy and weary of
royalty, agreed to this propofal, yet not without
fjgns of diftruft. But the earl declared, in the
name of his principal, that he mould be reftored to
all the prerogatives of royal dignity; that Henry-
had fworn to fulfil the articles with the utmoft
punctuality, and that he himfelf was ready to take
the fame oath. The king was diffident of the fm-
cerity of this ambaflador, yet was perfuaded to truft
him upon his oath, which he. took in the moft fo-
lemn manner. Richard then ordered him to ride on
before, and declared his intention of following him
to Flint-caftle, where he mould be nearer the duke,
to treat about an accommodation. Soon after his
arrival, he received a meflage by the archbifhop of
Canterbury, the earl of Rutland, and lord Thomas
Piercy, that the duke was coming from Chefter to
wait upon his majefty. Henry came to him the next
day, and was received by the king with the faluta-
tion of " Coufin of Lancafter, you are welcome."
The duke bowing three times to the ground, re-
plied, " My lord the king, I am come fooner than
you appointed, becaufe, according to the general
voice of your people, you have governed for this
one and twenty years with great rigour and impru-
dence, fo that they cannot but difapprove your con-
duct; but if it pleafe God, I will help you -to go-
vern them better for the future." To which the
king only replied, " Fair Coufin, fince it pleafes
you, it pleafes us likewife." In a few days after
the duke fet out with his royal captive for London,
who, in the courfe of his journey, had the mortifi-
cation to hear the very dregs of the people add in-
fults to his mtfery, and heap curfes on his govern-
ment. Henry made his entrance into London
amidft the acclamations of the people, who cried
out, " Long live Henry, the noble duke of Lan-
cafter, our worthy friend and glorious deliverer."
Richard was conveyed to the Tower, and the duke
took up his lodgings in the houfe of the knights of
St. John in the liiburbs.
That no time might be loft, a parliament was.
fummoned to meet at Weftminfter. In a conference
Henry held with his friends, previous to their
aflembling, on the manner how they fliould proceed,
it was refolved to place him on the throne; but the
manner in which this might be effected was the
fource of various opinions. Some were for his
taking poffeflion upon Richard's refigning the
crown. Others thought the refignation too con-
ftrained to be the foundation of any right, efpecially
as a nearer heir than Henry being then alive. This
was Edmund Mortimer, earl of Marche, the fon of
Roger, who had been declared Richard's prefump-
tive fucceffor, he being defcended from Lionel, duke
of Clarence, the third fon of Edward III. whereas
Henry was the fon of John, Lionel's younger bro-
ther, and thus the duke of Lancafter could claim
right to the crown by Richard's refignation.
no
It was therefore concluded, that Richard mould be
formally depofed by parliament, and the duke
elected by the fame authority. This opinion was
not without its difficulties, as it afcribed to the par-
liament a power to difpofe of the crown, contrary
to the laws and cuftoms, to the prejudice of the
next heir, who might have done nothing to weaken
his title. After many debates, the duke of York
propofed to unite thefe fevcral opinions by three
ways: that Richard mould, in th'e firft place, be
obliged to refign the crown; that the parliament
fliould immediately proceed to clepofe him; and
that then, the crown being declared vacant, the
fame parliament fhould in confideration of the duke
of Lancafter's great fervices, adjudge to him the
throne, by their fupreme authority. This opinion
was unanimoufly approved ; but the very expedient
which was then thought requifite toreftore the peace
of the kingdom, proved a fource of dreadful ca-
lamities, in which the nation was afterwards in-
volved. For the defcendants of the duke of York,
who propofed this opinion, found it to their intereft
to
212
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY of ENGLAND,
to maintain, with fire -and fword, that this parlia-
ment had exceeded their power, in thus transferring
the crown to the duke of Lancafter. Agreeable to
thefe refolutions, Henry,duke of Lancafter repaired
to the Tower, attended by a great number of lords,
on the 29th of September, the day before the open-
ing of parliament, when Richard, in the prefence
of thefe nobles, delivered up the crown and fcepter,
with the other enfigns of royalty ; and even by an
inftrument figned with his own hand, confefled him-
felf unworthy and unfit to govern any longer, and
that he freed his fubjects from their oaths of fealty,
homage and obedience. After this ceremony was
finimed, he defired the archbifliop of York, and
bifhop of Hereford, to acquaint the eftates of the
realm, that he wifhed his coufin Lancafter might be
chofen his fucceffor : at the fame time he drew his
fignet ring from his finger, and delivered it to the
duke, as his teftimony of good-will, which he defired
they would alfo communicate to the parliament.
Next day the two bifhops declared the king's
meflage, and produced the inftrument of refigna-
tion, which being read in Latin and Englilh, was
admitted by the unanimous confent of both houfcs ;
but as this, according to the meafures before con-
certed, did not appear fufficient, a charge of thirty-
three articles againft the king, was prefented to the
aflembly. Thefe articles being afterwards drawn
iip, contained the reafons of his depofition, and
Were received with general approbation. The only
perfon who offered to fpeak in defence of Richard,
was the bifhop of Carlifle, who with great ftrength
of judgment pointed out theinjufticeof the charge;
adding, that however the nation might aft right in
depofing the mifguided Richard, no reafon could
be offered for taking the crown from his lawful
fucceffor, who was confefledly innocent: but this
fpeech was fo far from producing the defired effect,
that it brought down upon the bifhop the difplea-
fure of the whole aflembly, by whofe order he was
immediately taken into cuftody,and fent prifoner to
the abbey of St. Albans. The prince being thus
depofed, and the throne declared vacant, Henry,
duke of Lancafter, after crofling himfelf on the
forehead, claimed the crown : building his preten-
iions on his being defcended from Henry III. and the
right he received from God, by the afliftance of his
relations and friends, for the recovery of the realm
of England, which was upon the brink of deftruc-
tion. The parliament took care not to examine his
claim too clofely, and therefore, without any regard
to the earl of Marche, it was decreed, that Henry,
duke of Lancafter, mould be proclaimed king of
England and France, and lord of Ireland.
As by the depofition of Richard, the parliament
was diffblved, it was neceffary to fummon a new
one; and in fix days after, Henry, without any new
election, called together the fame members; and
this aflembly was employed in reverfing every
thing done by the oppofite party. All the ads
which had paffecl in the parliament where Gloucefter
prevailed, and which had been abrogated by
Richard, were again eftablifhed : all thofe of the
laft parliament of Richard, though confirmed by a
papal bull, were abrogated. "Ihe anfwers of the.
judges, which one parliament had annulled, but
which had been approved by a new parliament, and
new judges, were here a fecond time condemned :
and the peers who had received higher titles for
accufing Gloucefter, Arundel, and Warwick, were
ftripped of their new honours. Soon after thefe
transactions, the earl of Northumberland made a
motion in the houfe of peers, relating to the depofed
monarch, and alked, that fince Henry was refolved
to fpare his life, what advice they would give for
his future treatment, when the lords replied unani-
moufly, that he mould be confined in fome fecrot
place, under a fecure guard, and deprived all com-
merce with his friends or partisans j on which IK-
was removed from the Tower to Pohtefraft'eadle.
The manner of Richard's death, though varunifly
related, is one of thofe fecrets, which the eye of the
moft penetrating and fagacious hiftona'n has not
been able to difcover. It has been the prevailing
opinion, that Sir Piers Exton, and eight of his
guards fell upon him, when the king wrcfting &
pole axe from one of them, defended himfelf with
fuch bravery, that he laid four of them dead at his
feet ; on which Exton coming behind him, and
getting up on a chair, difcharged fuch a blow on
his head, as laid him dead at his feet. Others fay
he was ftarvcd to death, and that he had lived a,
fortnight without food, before he reached the end
of his miferics. Thefe being mere fuppofitions,
may we not fuppofe in our turn, that vexation,
grief, clofe confinement, infults, and a manner of
living thereverfe of volnptuoufnefs, to which he
had been accuftomed, were the inftrumenta that
brought this youthful monarch to an untimely end ;
and this conjecture is confident with the authentic
account we have of his body being brought to
London, and expofcd in St. Paul's cathedral to the
eyes and inflection of every obferver, and that no
marks of violence were found upon it. Thus much
we may with truth aflirm, Richard II. fon of the
brave Edward, tJie Black Prince, and gnmdfon to
Edward III. was cut off by a fudden ftroke of
death, which his own weak conduct occafioned, in
the flower of his youth, being only in the twenty
fourth year of his age, and the twenty-third of his
reign ; and was the XXXth king of England from
Egbert I. lie left no pofterity, either legitimate or
illegitimate; though he was twice married ; firft to
Anne of Luxemburgh, fifter to the emperor Win-
ceilaus ; and afterwards to Ifabella of France,
daughter of Charles VI. but his marriage with this
laft princefs was never confummated.
This period, like thofe preceding it, furnifh us
with few particulars relative to learning, or' the
arts, adapted to excite our curiofity or our admira-
tion. It is indeed no wonder that a proud, warlike,
and ignorant nobility, encouraged only thofe art?,
which proclaimed their dignity, or contributed to
their fecurity. They were magnificent without
tafte, and pompous without elegance. Rich plate,
even to the enamelling on gold, rich fluffs, and cu-
rious armour, were Carried to excefs, while their
chairs were mere pedeftals, their cloaths, incum-
brances; and they knew no ufe of fteel, but as it
ferved for fafety or deftruction. There houfes (for
there was no medium between caftles and houfes)
implied the dangers, not the fweets of fociety ; and
whenever peace left them at leifure to think of
modes, they feemed to imagine that fafhion confifted
in disfiguring the human body, infteacl of difplay-
ing its graces. While the men wore fhoes fo long
and pointed, that they were forced to fupport the
points by chains from their middle j the ladies
erected fuch pyramids on their heads, that the face
became the centre of the body. The fciences alfo
were abforbed in the myfteries of theology, and
learning chiefly confined to the clergy, who gene-
rally employed their talents in ufelefs, and often
ridiculous Ipeculatioas. Some indeed ftudied phy-
fic, but in fo ftrange and imperfect a manner, that
every epidemical diftemper, which refifted their
injudicious method of practice, became a real
plague, and fwept away multitudes of people.
Some difcoveries were however made, and fome
extraordinary characters flourifhed, during this pe
riod. It fometimes happens that in the darkeft -
nights of ignorance and error, fome' bright ftar of,
uncommon luftre darts the beams of genius amiclft
the horrid gloom, Roger Bacon was a genius of
this-kind, and born for the inftruction of the human
fpecies; but the age io which he lived knew not his
merit.
RICHARD
II.
213
tnerit. He was a Francifcan friar at Oxford, and
filled Doflor mirabilis, for his great learning, and
by the common people, the Conjurer, on account
of his inventions. He difcovcred the telefcope,
burning glafs, camera obfcura, gunpowder, the
tranfmutation of metals, and feveral other particu-
lars, known only to himfelf. Future times, and
future artifts, have claimed the difcoveries made by
Bacon. A greater genius in mechanics had not
then arofe fince the days of Archimedes. But all
his merit could not protect him againft the barba-
rous opinions of the age in which he lived. He was
perfecuted by an enthufiaftic clergy, at a time
when philofophy had made lefs progrefs than any
other branch of learning, and when geometry and
aftronomy were branded with the odious ftigma of
necromancy. He died on the eleventh of June,
1292.
In the year 1237, water was firft conveyed into
the city of London by means of leaden pipes, from
Springs in the manor of Tyburn ; but the infant
artifts of that age were forty-eight years in com-
pleting that ufeful work ; the great conduit in
Cheapfide, built of ftone, and furnifhed with
ei.'lerns, lined with lead, not being finifhed till the
year 1285.
The noble difcovery of the mariner's compafs
was made about the year 1302 ; but the perfon to
whom we owe that valuable acquifition is not cer-
tainly known : but though the Englifh lay no daim
to the dilcovery, they were inventors of the box in
which the magnetical needle is fufpended, a contri-
vance whereby it is always kept in an horizontal
pofition.
The art of weaving received very confiderable
improvements during this period, by the great en-
couragement given to our woollen and linen manu-
factures by Edward III. and the two fucceeding
reigns. The art of painting alfo began to be
efteemed, which was chiefly performed on board or
glafs.
In the year 1344, the firft regular gold coins were
ftruck in the kingdom, of three different forts ; one
of fix (hillings value; a fecond of three millings ;
and a third of eighteen pence. About the fame
time alfo the art of gauging was invented. The
firft mention of clocks in England, was in the year
1368, though they had been invented in the ninth
century by Pacificus, archdeacon of Verona.
The moft remarkable for learning, belides a few
hiftorians who flouriftied in this period, were John
Wickliffe, and William of Wickham.
Wickliffe may be juftly regarded as the father of
the reformation, he being the firft in Europe, who
ventured to bring religion to the teft of fcripture,
and ecclefiaftical authority. The aufterity of his
life, and the fanclity of his manners, added great
weight to his doctrine. He was indefatigable in
his labours, and generally went about barefooted in
the habit of a pilgrim : but we have already had
•ccafion to fpeak of him in the courfe of this
reign.
William of Wickham was confidered as one of
the moft learned perfons of the age ; and it appears
that his great and ufeful talents, efpecially his fkill
in architecture, recommended him to the favour of
Edward III. He perfuaded that prince to pull
down a great part of Windfor-caftle, and rebuild it
from his plan, in that plain magnificence in which
it now appears. He alfo drew the plan, and fuper-
intended the building of Queenborough-caftle. He
No. 20
was afterwards made fecretary of ftate and lord
privy feal, and enjoyed other accumulated prefer-
ments, before he was promoted to the fee of Win-
chefter. He died on the twenty-feventh of Sep-
tember, 1404.
The moft noted hiftorians of this period were,
Thomas Wikes. His hiftory begins at the con-
queft, and ends With the death of Edward I. He
was a canon regular of Ofney, near Oxford ; and
the part of his work which relates to the barons
wars, is clear and explicit. His hiftory was pub-
limed by Dr. Gale in his Hift. Angl, vol. 2.
John Brompton, abbot of Joreval, in Yorkfhire^
wrote a chronicle of the principal tranfactions of
England. It was publifhed among the Decem
Scriptores. It begins with the arrival of St. Au-
guftine the monk, and ends with the death of
Richard I.
Matthew, a Benedictine monk of Weftminfterj
finifhed his hiftory in the year 1307, and died foon
after. But the work lias been continued by feveral
hands, efpecially by Adam Merimath^ a canon re-
gular of St. Paul's, who devoted the latter part of
his time to the ftudy of Englifh hiftory *
Charafter of Richard it*
In every quality the reverfe of his father, was
a weak, vain, tyrannical, contemptible prince,
and agreeable to his own confeflion, altogether un*
qualified for managing the reins of empire. He
was violent in his temper; fond of oftentation,
pomp, idle mew, and magnificence ; devoted to fa-
vourites, who made him a dupe to their flattery}
addicted to pleafure, which made him a tyrant to
his people; gratifications and paffions the moft in«
confident with prudent ceconomy, and confequently
dangerous in a limited and mixed government.
He feems to have preferred, on all occafions, his
own eafe to the happinefsand welfare of the nation*
Inftead of difplaying a cordial affection for his
people, he feemed to glory in opprefling themj
nay even proftituted the very legiflature to gratify
his prefumptuous arrogance. He wanted the dif-
cernment neceffary to enable him to chufe a good
miniftry, and the refolution to oppofe the meafurea
of his evil counfellors, when the^y happened to clafh
with his own opinion : yet big with the idea of fo-
vereignty, he forgot that he was a man; funk in
loathfome fenfuality, he forgot that he was a king.
Indeed his erroneous conduct feems to have flowed
from the general fource of moral evil, that of in-
attention to the grand defign of rational exiftence,
which is to promote the happinefs of our fellow
creatures. When Richard found means to gain the
commons to his intereft, and to contract a formid-
able alliance with France, prerogative weighed
down the conftitution. But by extending his power
to the utmoft boundaries of arbitrary fway, the
commons again deferted him, and he became the
victim of his own folly. Richard is a memorable
inftance of the power of habit over the human
mind ; and his hard fate fpeaks to the living •, and
bid* them remember it as an eternal warning, to
prefer public good to private humour; while at the
fame time it reminds them, that they are only
ftewards in the hand of God ; and that however
they may plume themfelves upon the ftratagems of
refined policy, one truth in fpite of human pride
will remain eternally the fame, namely : ThatTirtiie
alone 13 true nobility.
CHAP.
2I4
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
BOOK
VlL
Fnm the afeenfion of Henry IV. tie frjl of the Lanca/ler line that filled the Engtifi throne, to the union of the
houfes of York and Lancajier under Henry VII.
HOUSE OF LANCASTER.
H
CHAP. t.
E N R Y
IV.
Henry, duke of Lancajler, fur named Bolingbroke, is crowned king of England; notwithjlanding Mortimer, earl of
Marche, had a preferable title — His reign continually dijlurbed by infurreElions , which he finds means, in the
end, tofupprefs — Perfe c ution again/I the Lollards, in which William Sawtre is burned for herefy, being the fir/I
ferfon whofuffered on account of religion— Fir/I infurretfion in England by the earl of Kent and others — Second,
in Wales by Owen Glendour — Third, in England by the earl of Northumberland — The battle of Shrewjbury
—The archbijhop of Tor k and earl of Nottingham take arms~The earl of Northumberland and lord Bar dolf de-
feated and/lain — War with France and Scotland : not dijlinguijhed by any conjiderable aclions — James, fon of
Robert III. king of Scotland, feized and detained in captivity by Henry, who gives him an excellent education — •
Diffblute life of the prince of Wales ~Death, family, and eharafter of Henry IV.
fl ^
TTENRY, farnamed Bolingbroke,
399- J-J from tne place of his birth, im-
mediately after his being proclaimed, aflumed the
reins of government. He was the fon of John of
Ghent or Gaunt, late duke of Lancafter, who was
third fon of Edward III. But Mortimer, earl of
Marche, defcended from Lionel, duke of Clarence,
fecond fon of Edward III. had a preferable title.
Henry was crowned with the ufual formalities, on
the thirteenth of October, being then thirty years
of age. He was anointed with a kind of oil, pre-
tended to be brought by the Blefied Virgin to
Thomas Becket while in France. This precious
oil was contained in a phial, which fell into the
hands of a hermit, who prefented it to Henry duke
of Lancafter, the grandfon of Henry HI. at the
fame time prophecying, that the kings who mould
be anointed with it, would become true champions
for the church. The duke of Lancafter afterwards
gave it to Edward the Black Prince, who refolved
to be anointed with it ; but after his death the phial,
•which had on the top an eagle of gold fet with dia-
monds, was laid up among the jewels, without be-
ing minded, till it fell into Henry's hands ; but the
reign of this prince and feveral of his fuccefibrs,
who were anointed with this oil, contradict the
hermit's prophecy. The ufurpation of Henry was
fo palpable, and the right of Edmund Mortimer,
earl of Marche, fo clear, that all the courage, capa-
city, and difcernment of the new monarch, were
neceflary to prevent the diforders that threatened
the commencement of his reign ; but the friends of
young Mortimer, who was only feven years of age,
con fidering that it would be equally dangerous and
fruitlefs to maintainhis juft rights to the crown,took
him to his eftate at Wigmore, near the borders of
Wales, from whence he was afterwards removed by
Henry to Windfor-caftle, where he and his younger
brother were detained in an honourable cuftody,
the king having reafon to apprehend, that when
that nobleman arrived at man's cftate, he would at-
tract the refpect of the people, and make them re-
flect on the injuftice which had been ufed to ex-
clude him from the throne.
Henry's firft parliament, which afiembled on
Monday after Michaelmas, gave him an opportu-
nity of perceiving the dangers to which his high
ftation expofed him. The nobles were agitated with
fuch violent animofitics,that foi ty of the peers threw
their gauntlets on the floor, and mutually challenged
each other, while the epithets lyar and traitor re-
founded from every quarter ; yet the king had in-
fluence fuflicient to prevent all thefe combats,
though he was unabic to reconcile them to each
other. The City of London, and the adjacent
counties, were in general well affected to the prefent
government; but Wales with its Marches, where
the intereft of Mortimer lay, and which had always
been diftinguifhed by Richard, wanted only an op-
portunity of breaking out into* rebellion. The
northern counties had not appeared very fanguiae
in the late revolution, and all they had done to fa-
vour it was entirely owing to the great intereft of
the Piercy family, fo that the continuance of the
people's loyalty, depended alrnoft wholly on- that
of the earl of Northumberland. Nor had the king
any reafon to depend upon the fidelity of the clergy,
with whom he was not a favourite. Both he and
his father had been ftrongly fufpected of favouring
Wickliffe's doctrine, and the king, when duke of
Lancafter, had been heard to fay, that in England
the revenues of the barons were too fmall, and thofe
of the church too great. The abbot of Weftmin-
fter, a bold intriguing prieft, one who had always
been foremoft in the proceedings of both parties,
embraced this opportunity of forming a feeret ca-
bal againft the government. The earls of Kent,
Rutland, and Huntingdon, with lord Spencer, who
were now degraded from the titles of Surry, Alber-
marle, Exeter, and Gloucefter, conferred on them
by Richard, together with the biihop of Carlifle,
lord Lumley, Sir Thomas Blount, and feveral other
perfons of fortune, joined in the confpiracy, and
met frequently in the abbey of Weftminfter, where,
in a feeret room, they concerted their dangerous
defigns which foon after broke out into action.
Henry, finding himfelf prefled on . n
everyfidewkhfunoundingdifficulties, J
had recourfe to every prudent meafure, that might
have the leaft tendency to remove them. In order
to pay his court to the clergy, he refolved to ufe his
endeavours to fupprefs the heretical Lollards.
Hitherto there had been no penal laws enacted
againft herefy ; but the king now engaged the par-
liament to ordain, that when any heretic, who re-
lapfed, or refufed to abjure his opinions, was de-
livered over by the bifhop or his commiflaries to
the fecular arm, the civil magiftrate mould commit
him publicly to the flames. This infernal weapon
being put into the hands of the clergy, did not long
remain unemployed. William Sa vvtre, rector of St.
Ofithes in London, being condemned by the con-
vocation of Canterbury, his fentence was ratified by
the houie of peers. Whereupon Henry iffued his
writ for execution, and he was punifhed for fup-
pofed erroneous opinions, by being committed to
the flames. This was the firft man who fuffered
death in England, for the fake of his religion.
While
/f l/i i. Kin it. i-.l/'/n.i- . \'.''il> /',//,-/ •//<>, rf, i
( -New (MecSten ,/ EN ("JLIS ( ;[ ( ' ( ) [^/vv// HrmyW./,s GEORGE III
/ / «
k '(CfY/'/ff /<•/// ///x<vv///vv/x ///(' Orioiuals . ) \
, / / s
ENRY [V.
\\~alc deiin .
r /re f/'rr.i ]i«»m /%
v/" (tt.i/i/ff/ff
_ . . ,
Richard II '/tu/s/ttt/t// />'/// mt (1rown,//<"/'«'y/./ Crowned
OnU'r <>/'//tr BalK^/'^/ r'trvr/n/ M Knights Died /
'/ :////; ^>?// Buried ^ ("antrrhm-v.
Apoploxv
HENRY
IV.
215
While this perfecution was carried on againft the
followers of Wickliffe, a peftilence raged in the
northern counties of England; and the Scots, ac-
cording to their ufual cuftom, in times of public
calamity, invaded the northern counties of Eng-
land. They befieged and took the caftle of Werk,
commanded by Sir Thomas Grey, who was then
attending his duty in parliament. Yet this infult
did not provoke Henry to abandon his cautious
conduft, in watching narrowly the motions of his
domeftic enemies. The effects of the abbots con-
fpiracy began now to appear. When their fcheme
was ripe for execution, the principal actors prevailed
on one Maudlin, who had been chaplain to Richard,
and who greatly refembled him in features, to per-
fonate that monarch. They imagined it would not
be difficult to furprize the king, who was then in a
bad ftate of health at Windfor, attended by a few
of his nobility. It was therefore agreed, in order
to aflemblea fufficient number of perfons without
fufpicion, to appoint a tournament to be held at
Oxford. Henry was to be invited. If he accepted
the invitation, they fuppofed it would be very eafy
to feize his perfon ; if he refufed it, they were to
march fecretly to Windfor-caftle, into which they
flattered themfelves with obtaining an eafy admit-
tance. Every particular of this infamous plot- was
conducted with the utmoft precaution, and on the
point of being carried into execution, when Henry
was informed by Rutland, one of the affociates, of
his danger, and fuddenly returned to London; fo
that the confpirators who arrived at Windfor with
five hundred horfe, had the mortification to find
they were betrayed, and their plot defeated. The
next day Henry, at the head of twenty thoufand
men, appeared at Kingfton upon Thames j on
which the rebellious lords, being unable to refift
him, difperfed into their feveral counties, in order
to raife their followers, when they met with what
\vasworfethandifappointment; for the king's ad-
herents having every where oppofed their progreis,
the earls of Kent and Salifbury were taken prifoners
by the citizens of Cirencefter, and according to the
cuftom of thofe times, inftantly beheaded by the
mayor's orders. Spencer and Lumley were treated
by the citizens of Briftol in the fame manner. The
carl of Huntingdon, Sir Thomas Blount, with fe-
veral others of the confpirators fuffered the fame
juft punifhment, by orders from Henry. When
the quarters of thefe misjudging men were brought
to London, it is faid, that eighteen bifhops, and
thirty-two mitred abbots, joining the populace,
went with the moft indecent marks of exultation to
meet them. The earl of Rutland carried on a pole
the head of his brother-in-law, the lord Spencer,
and as a teftimony of his loyalty, prefented it to ,
Henry ; a fpeftacle which muft have been extremely
fliocking to all who were not deftitute of every fen-
timent of humanity. This treacherous earl, who
thus difhonoured his birth, and who became foon
after, by the death of his father, duke of York,
had been concerned in the murder of his own un-
cle, the duke of Gloucefler; had then deferted
Richard who trufted him ; had confpired againft
the life of the prefent king; had betrayed thofc
whom he had feduced ; now, by this proof of in-
humanity, publickly proclaimed his own bafenefs.
. D The unfettled ftate of the Englifh
" government encouraged Owen Glen-
dour, a defcendant of theantient princes of Wales,
and obnoxious to the prefent ruling power, on ac-
count of his attachment to the late king, to fet up
bis ftandard in oppofition to Henry. His mind was
that of a hero, and his heart that of a patriot, ready
to burft with the indignation at the miferies of his
Country. His genius was enterprising, his conduct
fir,m hut cautious. Owen contented himfelf at firft
. attacking the eftates of the earl of Ruthyn.
He was always fuccefsful in thefe fkirmimes, and at
laft took that nobleman prifoner; nor would he rekafe
him but on condition of his marrying his daughter*
This alliance rendered Owen ftill more illuftrious
in the eyes of the Welch, who now confidered him
as born to be the deliverer of his country. The
earl of Marche, who had armed his followers in fa-
vour of Henry 4 was defeated and taken prifoner.
He was fuffered to remain in captivity ; nor would
the king, notwithftanding his loyalty, permit the earl
of Northumberland to ranfom him, though he owed
his crown to the afliftance of that powerful noble-
man. But notwithftanding his indifference for his
coufin, Henry ordered all his forces to advance to
the borders of Wales; Owen; who was in no con-
dition to oppofe a royal army, commanded by the
ableft and moft fortunate prince of the age, in the
open field, purfued that conduct which true policy
dictated, and his anceftbrs had found fuccefsful.
He retired behind Snowdoh-hills, and left the Eng-
lifh monarch^ in a fevere feafon, to wreak his ven-
geance on an already defolate country. By this pru-
dentftep,Henry was compelled to return to England,
without having effected any thing of confequenee
againft the enemy. When the feafon per- t +-.
mitted, he again entered Wales; but the -• , I^°i
very elements fought againft him, and nature feemed
to have abanooned her ordinary courfe in favour of
Owen. Such dreadful ftorms arofe, that the com-
mon people in that age of ignorance believed they
were railed by the magic of Glendour, whofe activity
and fuccefs, and above all his retirement into parts
almoft inacceflible, made them confider him as
fomething more than human. Henry was unable
to regain any part of the vaft plunder taken from
the Englifh, and forced to abandon an expedition,
in which his difappointment was heightened by the
great hopes he had entertained of fuccefs.
In the mean time the Scots tempted by the
changes in the government were not inactive.
Archibald, earl of Douglas, at the head of twelve
thoufand men, and attended by many of the principal
nobility of Scotland, made an irruption into Eng-
land, carrying fire and fword through the northern
counties. On his return, he found his retreat cut
off by the Piercys, and both parties prepared for a
general engagement. The Scots were drawn up
upon the declivity of Halidown-hill, but to great
difadvantage ; for rifing one above another they
prefented to the Englifli archers a very extended
front, fo that the arrows of the latter did much
greater execution than thofe of the former. Doug-
las, perceiving this advantage, endeavoured to re-
pair it, by coming down the hill upon the Englifh
fword in hand. The archers, fearing to be broke,
at firft gave way, but again clofing their ranks,
plied the Scots fo warmly with their arrows, that a
total rout enfued. The gallant but unfortunate
Douglas, feverely wounded, and fainting with the
lofs of blood, was taken on the field of battle, to-
gether with the earls of Fife, Murray, Angus, and
Orkney ; the lords Montgomery, Erfkine, and
Graham, befides eighty knights, and a great num-
ber of foldiers. The remainder of the Scottifh
army that fled were purfued by the Englifh archers,
who made a dreadful flaughter ; part were puflied
into the river Tyne, where many of them perifhed,
and part obliged to furrender themfelves prifoners
of war. Among the flain of the Scottifh army were
Sir John Swinton, Sir Adam Gordon, Sir John
Levingfton, Sir Alexander Ramfay, twenty-three
knights, and near ten thoufand common foldiers:
while the lofs of the Englifli was too inconfiderable
to be mentioned*
Henry no fooner received intel- . ^
ligence of this victory, than he wrote
a letter of congratulation to the earl of Northum-
berland and his fon, full of the warmeft expreflions
of
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
of gratitude ; but, at the fame time fent them a
peremptory order, enjoining them not to ranfom
any of their prifoners. This was regarded as an
arbitrary ftretch of power; all prifoners being, by
the laws of war which then prevailed, the fole pro-
perty of the victors. The earl expoftulated with
Henry on the illegality of this reftriction, but in
fiich preemptive terms, that the king rebuked his
freedom, and defired him to obferve the deference
due to his facred perfon. This reprimand fired the
choleric fpirit of the earl of Northumberland, who,
in the heat of paffion, conceived it to be an un-
pardonable indignity. Both father and fon confi-
tlered themfelves as the principal fupporters of
Henry's throne, and vainly imagined it would be
as eafy to deprive him of the crown, as it was to
place it on his head. Northumberland's brother,
Thomas Piercy, earl of Worcefter, not only efpoufed
their quarrel, but concerted a plan of revenge,
which had well nigh deprived Bolingbroke of his
royalty. Other caufes alfo contributed to excite
his refentment. He had been made vice-chamber-
lain and admiral by Richard; he loved the perfon
of his old mafter and benefactor while living ; re-
tained a grateful fenfe of his benefits after his
death; and could not but deteft Henry as the
ufurper of his crown. He therefore readily joined
his brother, to drive from his throne a perfon,
who, in his opinion, had no title to it. With this
rebellious intent, he entered into a correfpondence
with Glendour •, releafed earl Douglas without ran-
fom, formed a ftri<5t alliance with this martial
nobleman ; aflembled his vaflals from all quarters ;
and fo unlimited was his authority, that the very
fame men whom he had lately led againft Richard,
were now ready to repair to his ftandard, in oppo-
fttion to Henry. When this rebellion was ready to
break out into action, Northumberland remained
at Berwick, on pretence of being indifpofed; but
in reality, to aflemble another body of troops,
with which he might join the confederates in cafe
they proved fuccefsful in their firft attempt; or,
that he might be at hand to retire into Scotland,
provided the enterprize fhould mifcarry, and he
himfelf be confidered by the king as an accom-
plice of the rebels. An army being aflembled,
the chief command devolved on young Hotfpur
Piercy, who led his forces to Shrewfbury, in order
to join the troops under Glendour. Before they
took the field, Piercy publifhed a manifefto, in
which he renounced his allegiance to Henry, and
fet that prince at defiance; and in the name of his
father and uncle, reprefented all the grievances of
which the nation had reafon to complain, and
which he took upon himfelf to redrefs. He ac-
cufed Henry of perjury ; becaufe, foon after his
lauding at Ravenfpur, he had fworn upon the
gofpels, in prefence of the earl of Northumberland,
that his fole intention was that of recovering pof-
feffion of his duchy, and that he would ever re-
main a faithful fubject to king Richard. He ag-
ravated his guilt, in firft dethroning, and then
imprifoning that prince; and in ufurping upon the
title of the houfe of Mortimer, to whom the crown
juftly belonged, both by lineal defcent, and the
declaration of parliament. He complained loudly
of the cruelty exercifcd againft the earl of Marche,
who was fuflered to remain a captive in the hands
of the enemy ; nor were any of his friends per-
mitted to treat for his ranfom. He alfo accufed
the king of having ruled with a tyrannic fway,
rendering himfelf inacceflible to all but the clergy,
fo that the greateft noblemen in the kingdom could
not be admitted to his prefence, unlefs introduced
by a bifliop, and finally, he charged him with lay-
ing upon the nation a heavy burden of taxes, after
having fworn, that, without the utmoft neceffity,
he would never lay any impofitions on his people ;
and that he had converted to his own private ufe,
the fubfides granted for public fervices. Henry
publifhed an anfwer to this manifefto, in which he
endeavoured to exculpate himfelf from all the
crimes laid to his charge* He accufed the Piercys,>
in his turn, of having excited an unnatural rebel-
lion againft their lawful fovereign ; one who had,
on all occafions, diftinguimed them from the reft of
his fubjefts, by every act of munificence and
fricndfhip that a prince could beftow upon his
moft favourite counfellors. But Henry was not to
learn that remonftrances were of little ufe on the
prefent occafion ; and fortunately for him, he had,
at that time, a good body of forces, which had
been levied for another expedition againft the
Welch. With thefe he proceeded as far as Burton
upon Trent, where he received intelligence, that
Worcefter and his nephew had marched towards
the frontiers of Wales ; on which 'the earl of
Dun bar prevailed on him to alter his rout, and, if
poflible, prevent their joining. He accordingly-
wheeled about, and directed his march towards
Shropfhire; and 'this motion was of infinite ad-
vantage; for Glendour had advanced as far as
Ofweftry, with a body of twelve thoufand men, in
order to join Piercy, who was already reinforced by
the people of Chefhire, the conftant adherents of
Richard in all his diftrefTes. The Piercys had
given out that the late king was alive; to give
credit to which report, they had drefled Maudlin
in royal robes, and carried him about to different
parts of the kingdom, pretending he was Richard,
who had efcape'dx^ut of prifon ; and this ftratagem
induced many to join their banners. The rebels
had marched to Shrewfbury, when the royal army
unexpectedly appeared in fight; upon which
Hotfpur, abandoning the liege, withdrew his forces
to Hartlefield, where he refolved to make a ftand,
and hazard an engagement ; while the bravery of
the two leaders, and the equality of the two armies,
each of which amounted to about twelve thoufand
men, rendered the iflue of the combat extremely
doubtful. The king, with the afliftance of the
earl of Dunbar, and his fon Henry, made an ex-
cellent difpofition of his troops ; and being per-
fuaded the whole force of the battle would be di-
rected againft his own perfon, ordered feveral offi-
cers to array themfelves in the fame armour, and
to have the fame equipage, that ufually diftin-
guimed himfelf in time of action. The charge
was no fooner founded, than the battle • began.
The firft fhock was at once both dreadful and
conftant. The two armies engaged with fury, and
maintained the fight with obftinacy and perfe-
verance hardly to be equalled in the records of
time. Henry's infantry was the firft that gave
ground ; and his whole army would have been
thrown into confufion, had not the impetuous
valour of Piercy and Douglas afforded the royalifts
an opportunity of rallying. Thefe two chiefs
fought fide by fide, and opened themfelves a pafiage
to the fpot where the royal ftandard was erected,
and where they knew Henry fought in perfon,
both contending who fhould have the honour of
encountering the royal warrior. Piercy fupported
that renown he had acquired ; and Douglas, his
antient enemy, but now his friend, ftill appeared
his rival amidft the dangers and horrors of this
bloody battle. Their ardour, however, proved
fatal to their caufe ; for they charged with fuch
dreadful impetuofity, and pierced with fuch def-
perate rapidity the ranks of the enemy, that few of
their men could follow them. Afurrounding heap
of dead bodies, and the lines they had broken
clofing again, intercepted their retreat. The feats
of valour performed by thefe undaunted heroes are
incredible. Douglas flew three brave warriors whd
perfonatcd the king of England. The royal
ftandard
H
E N R
IV.
217
• ftandard was thrown to the ground. Death and
horror followed their fteps, and equally reigned ;
but, numbers of their followers being {lain, they
.found themfelves hemmed in on all fides, without
any profpedt of being relieved by the main body of
the army ; which the king obferving, he advanced
•with a body referve, and made a dreadful havock ;
expofing his perfon in the thickeft of his foes, and
every where braved, with undaunted prefeverance,
the raging ftorm of claming weapons. His gallant
ion affo, who afterwards became the renowned
•Henry V. atchieved prodigies of valour, following
the example of his illuftrious father ; nor could
even a wound in his face, which he had received
from an arrow, oblige him to quit the field. In
the mean time Piercy and Douglas endeavoured to
cut their way back to. their own forces; but the
former, in the midft of this furious conteft, being
flain by an unknown hand, his death was no fooner
known, than the remains of his mangled army fled
in the utmoft confufion, after the battle had raged
little more than three hours ; in which ftiort fpace
of time Henry had expofed his perfon like the
meaneft foldier, and is faid to have killed thirry-
fix perfons with his fingle arm. In this battle,
which was fought on the twenty-firft of July, and
is called the battle of Shrewfbury, about fix thou-
fand were flain, two-thirds of whom were of
Piercy's army. The earls of Worcefter and Douglas
were taken pi ifoners, together with the baron Kin-
derton, and Sir Richard Vernon. All thefe, except
Douglas, whom Henry difmifled without ranfom,
on account of his valour, were beheaded at Shrewf-
bury. On the king's fide, the earl of Stafford,
Sir Hugh Shirley, 'Sir John Clayton, Sir John
Cockayne, Sir Nicholas Chaufel, Sir John Calverly,
Sir John Mafley, Sir Hugh Mortimer, befides fix-
teen hundred privates, were flain, and about three
thoufand dangeroufly wounded. The body of
Hotfpur Piercy was, by the king's permifiion,
buried in the field where he had fignalized his
valour, but his quarters were afterwards hung up
in fome of the chief towns of England. During
thefe tranfaftions, the earl of Northumberland was
marching at the head of a considerable body of
troops to reinforce the army of the rebels ; but
hearing of his fon's death and defeat, and that the
king was advancing againft him with his victorious
troops, he fhut himfelf up in Warkworth caille,
where he difmifled his forces, and came to the king
at York, after having previoufly received an af-
furance of a pardon. He pretended that he had
no other intention in taking arms, but to mediate
between the parties. This apology Henry ac-
cepted, and granted him a pardon. The fame
lenity was extended to all the other rebels ; and
except the earl of Worcefter and Sir Richard
Vernon, who were confidered as principals, none
engaged in this infurre&ion appear to have perifhed
by the kands of the executioner.
_^ Henry having thus ftifled this un-
A'JJ'I4°4> provoked rebellion, marched towards
the borders of Wales, in order to proceed againft
Owen Glendour; but the defign was defeated by
want of money for the fubfiftence of his army.
Soon after this the parliament met at Weftminfter,
when the earl of Northumberland prefented a peti-
tion to the king, imploring his clemency, and
promife of pardon he had made at York. Henry
referred the petition to the judges; but the lords
entered a proteft againft this reference, declaring,
that judgment, in cafes of treafon, belonged to
them only. Then they took into confideration the
charge againft the earl, and pronounced, that the
facts alledged to him did not amount to treafon or
felony, but only a trefpafs, for which the faid earl
ought to make fine -and ranfom to his majefty.
Being thus acquitted, the earl petitioned that he
No. ?i.
might renew his oath of allegiance, which he fwore
anew upon the crofs of Canterbury, and then the
king remitted his fine and ranfom. The commons,
having acknowledged the juft and equitable judg-
ment of the lords, petitioned, that the king would
be gracioufly pleafed to abolifh all animofities fub->
fifling among the noblemen of the realm ; and by
his command the earls of Northumberland and
Weftmoreland embraced each other, with marks of
perfect reconciliation, promifing for themfelves,
their tenants and vaflals, that they would, for the
future, live in peace and amity. The earl of
Dunbar was alfo reconciled to Northumberland;
and the archbifhop of Canterbury, the duke of
York, with feveral other prelates and lords, fuC-
pefted to have been concerned in the late confpi-
racy, were cleared by the king, being declared at
the fame time true and loyal fubjects.
The rebellion under Glendour was now grown
to a dangerous pitch. He had lately reduced the
caftles of Harlegh and Aberyftwith, defeated a
ftrong body of Englifti near Monmouth, and ra-
vaged the country as far as the banks of the Severn.
The king, who well knew the objects that de-
manded, at prefent, his fole attention, was averfe
to an expedition into Wales, and was reftrained
from proiecuting that war by a trivial incident.
The report of Richard's being alive was now re-
vived, and gained more credit than ever. One
Serle, who had been his domeitic, engaging as an
accomplice in the deceit, wrote letters to different
perfons in England, afluring them, that the king
was then in being, and in good health. The evi-
dence of a man who could not reafonably be fup-
pofecl to err in that point, greatly promoted the
defign of the impofture, which was afllfted.by the
old countefs of Oxford, mother to the duke of
Ireland, who had been attainted in the reign of
Richard. But the cheat was at length detected by
means of Sir William Clifford, governor of Ber-
wick, who, in order to make up a former breach
with the king, .delivered him up to juftice.
However, though this defign was . n
defeated, the difcontented nobles 4°^*
ieemed ripe for a revolt. Northumberland was
fenfible that, notwithstanding his being pardoned,
he fliould never be trufted, and that his great
power rendered it difficult for him to be fincerely
forgiven by Henry, who had fuch reafonable
grounds of jealoufy. Indeed, the folly of that
prince's enemies in never adling in concert, pre-
vented his ruin. The earl of Nottingham, the
fon of the duke of Norfolk, and the archbifhop of
York, brother to the earl of Wiltshire, whom
Henry, when duke of Lancafter, had caufed to be
beheaded at Briftol, notwithftanding their having
remained quiet while Piercy was in the field, ftill
entertained a violent hatred againft the king; and
joining with the earl of Northumberland, refolved
to be revenged. They took arms before that
nobleman was ready to aflift them; and publishing
a manifefto, in which they bitterly reproached
Henry with his ufurpation, demanded, that he
fhould refrore the right line, and redrefs all public
grievances. This confpiracy foon after received
additional ftrength, by the junction of lords Bar-
dolf, Haflings, and Fauconbridge, and a great
number of gentlemen of figure and fortune in their
reflective counties. The earl of Northumberland
vifitecl the courts of France and Scotland, in order
to previl upon thofe powers to fupport the con-
federates, and wrelt from the hand of Henry the
fcepter of England. He was received with the
utmoft refpecl, and met with great encouragement
in his negotiation. The hopes of foreign affift-
ance gave new life to the confpiracy, and a plan
was formed for making an infurreclion in the nurtsh,
while the French made a defcent in Wales; and
3 K. Glendour
2l8
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Glendour alfo joined the confederacy, which now
became truly alarming. Yet Henry was not idle
in his endeavours to break the gathering ftorm.
He. Cent an army into Wales under the command
of his fon, who attacked one of Glendour's de-
tachments, and obtained a complete victory. The
confpirators now perceived the king was no ilranger
to their defigns, and therefore precipitantly took
the field. On the other fide, the earl of Weft-
mordand, affifted by feveral noblemen of confider-
able power in the north, having been appointed to
watch the Scottifh Marches, no fooner heard of
this infurreftion than he advanced with his forces,
hoping to furprize the rebels before they were pre-
pared for defence. He was deceived ; for on his
reaching Shipton-moor, he faw the infurgents,
amounting to feventeen thoufand, drawn up in ex-
cellent order, and ready to engage. The force of
Weftmoreland being inferior to that of the enemy,
he was afraid of hazarding a battle, and therefore
endeavoured to obtain by artifice, what he could
not attempt by force of arms. He defired to enter
into a conference with the archbifhop and the earl
of Nottingham, between the two armies ; which
being granted, he heard their grievances with great
patience, and begged of them to propofe the reme-
dies. This done, he approved of every expedient
they mentioned ; granted every demand ; and en-
gaged that Henry "mould give them full fatisfaction.
On finding them pleafed with his ready compliance
with all their demands, he obferved, that fince
their amity was thus reftored, it would be better
for both fides to difband their forces, which would
otherwife prove burthenfome to the country. To
this propofal, the archbifliop and earl not having
the leaft fufpicion, affented, and inftantly difmilled
their troops, which feparated in the field ; on
which, Weftmoreland feizinfg the two rebels with-
out refiftance, conducled them to the king, who
was within three days march at the head of a
powerful army. Henry refufed to confirm the
terms offered by Weftmoreland, being determined
to make thofe mutinous leaders feel the weight of
liis juft refentment. But knowing that the trial of
an archbifhop, if conducted in the ufual form,
would prove troublefome and tedious, and that the
celerity of the execution could alone render it fafe
and prudent, he determined to follow the ferocious
cuftorii of that age, and put the prelate to death
without the form of a trial. He accordingly ap-
plied to Sir William Gafcoigne, chief juftice, to
nafs' fentence of high treafon on the archbifhop.
But Gafcoigne refufed to aft contrary to the laws of
his country. Sir William Fulthorpe was therefore
nppointed a judge on this occafion ; who, without
any indictment, trial, or defence, condemned the
prelate to the death of a traitor. Nor was the exe-
cution of the fentence delayed ; the archbifhop was
immediately put to death, with many ignominious
ctrcumftances. This was the firft inftance, in Eng-
land, of a capital fentence being inflicted on a dig-
nitary of the church. The earl of Nottingham,
Sir John Lamplugh, and Sir Robert Plumpton,
fuffered at the fame time. The pope was fo highly
irtcenfed at this alarming attack on the privileges
of the church, that he pronounced the fentence of
excommunication againft all who were concerned
in the death of the archbifhop ; and it was only by
the prevailing eloquence of a large fum of money,
that Henry procured abfolution. During thcfe
tfanfactions-, the marefchal de Montmorency arrived
in Wales with a numerous fleet, from which he
landed twelve thoufand men ; then joining Glen-
dmir,reduced Carmarthen and feveral other placea,
ravaging the country with fire and fword, and car-
rying off an immenfe booty. Henry advanced to
flop the progrefs of thefe invaders ; but being re-
tarded by bad weather, the French auxiliaries were
embarked, and the feafon fo far advanced, that he
could undertake nothing of confequence againft
Owen, who found means to intercept fifty waggons,
loaded with provifions and money for the i'ub-
filtence of the army, fo that the king was obliged
to retreat to London. In the interim, the earl of
Northumberland fled with lord Bardolf into Scot-
land, on which Henry reduced thofe noblemens
caftles without oppofition.
In the fpring Henry called a par-
liament; and, under certain reftric-
. .„
tions, obtained a confiderable fubfidy. In the
mean time he carried on a private correfpondence
with fbme Scottifh noblemen, who promifed to
deliver the earl of Northumberland, and the lord
Bardolf into his hands, on condition of his re-
leafing, without ranfom, their relations who had
been taken at the battle of Holmedon. Robert III.
king of Scotland, being weak and infirm, his
brother, the duke of Albany, directed the admi-
niftration ; and not content with his prefent au-
thority, he had formed the cruel defign of deftroy-
ing his brother's children, and advancing his own
family to the throne. On pretence of fome irre-
gularities, he had extorted an order from Robert to
confine his eldeft fon David in the caftle of Falk-
land, where that unhappy prince was ftarved to
death by his inhuman uncle. James alone, the
younger brother of David, flood between Albany
and the throne, and he was detained by Henry in
England, who refufed to fet him at liberty* Op-
prefied with cares and infirmities, Robert was un-
able to firftain the fhock of his misfortunes, and
died foon after, leaving the government in the
hands of the duke of Albany.
The city of London being afflicted with a
grievous plague, which fwept off great numbers of
its inhabitants, the king, to avoid the contagion,
refided for fome time in the caftle of Leeds in
Kent ; where, having pafTed part of the fummerj
he refolved to vifit another country feat in Norfolk^
and for that purpofe went on board a fmall veffel*
attended by four fhips loaded with his baggage and
domeftics ; but in this fhort voyage he was attacked
by fome French cruizers, who took the fhips, with
all his fervants and equipage, while he himfelf
efcaped with the utmoft difficulty.
The earl of Northumberland and . n
lord Bardolf entered the north of l
England, in hopes of engaging the people to take
arms. He was joined by a party of Scotch free-
booters, and as he advanced, his little army confi-
derably increafed. Pleafed to find the inhabitants
of the feveral places through which he paffed had
not yet loft their affections for his family, he con-
tinued his march, made himfelf mafter of feveral
caftles which had been reduced after the fatal
battle of Shrewfbury, and appointed Thirfk in
Yorkfhire, the general rendezvous of his army.
The government was alarmed at the fuccefs which
attended the beginning of Northumberland's in-
furrection, and there was no royal army to march
againft the rebels. Sir Thomas Rokefby, fheriff of
Yorkfhire, thought it his duty to flop their pro-
grefs. With this view he raifetl a confiderable body
of forces, and advanced to meet them. The earl
of Northumberland was equally defirous of coming
to an action with the fheriff, perfuaded, that if he
could defeat Rokefby's forces, he mould not only
difappoint Henry of fo effential a reinforcement,
but alfo, by this luccefs, engage the city and county
of York in his favour. Accordingly he drew up '
his followers in a line of battle on Barham-moor ;
yet, though prepared for the attack, his party did
not long f iiftain the fury of the royal army. The
fight was maintained a confiderable time with equal
impetuofity ; but the rebel troops, confiding of
raw, unexperienced people, were foon broken and
• routed,
HENRY
IV.
routed, notwithftanding the vigorous efforts of the
gallant earl, who was flam in the field of battle,
and lord Bardolf who died of his wounds. The
king received the news of this victory in his march ;
notwithftanding which he proceeded to York,
where he punifhed thefurviving rebels with death,
fine, or forfeiture ; and rewarded the fhei iff with
part of Northumberland's forfeited eftate.
'r Glendour's power and influence were greatly im-
paired, by the vigilance and fuccefs of the prince
of Wales ; who completed the con-
A.D. i4oa-queft of South Wales, and reduced
Harlech in Merionethfliire ; fo that Owen was in a
manner befieged at Snowdon, where he was greatly
diftreffed for want of fubfiftence. Owen, on this
reverfe of fortune, was gradually forfaken by the
greater part of his adherents, who fubmitted, and
were pardoned by Henry. About two years after
the fuppreffion of the rebels, Glcndtour died at his
daughter's houfe in Herefordfliire, where he had
been fupported during that term in the difguife of
a fliepherd. Thefe fortunate events freed Henry
from all his domeftic enemies. Not any more
attempts were made to tear the laurel from his
brow; and he enjoyed the crown without any
farther opposition from the ambition of his turbu-
lent nobles.
A .p. The commerce of England had
' ' I4°9- t,een greatly annoyed by French cor-
fairs. The king therefore ordered a ftrong fleet to
be fitted out, under the command of the earl of
Kent, who imrnediately directed his courfe to the
town of Brehal, the rendezvous of thole pirates.
The earl immediately inverted the place, but was
repulfed after having received a wound in his head,
which proved mortal. The Englifli, incenfed at
the death of their commander, renewed the attack
with fuch fury that they carried the place •, put all
they found in arms to the fword ; and brought the
reft prifoners to England.
. .p. The followers of Wickliffe, not-
5>withftanding the bloody act paffed
againft them, were grown more numerous than
ever, and many of them held places of power and
triift under the government. The major part of
thefe heretics were very illiterate, neither capable
of defending their tenets by found argument, nor
regulating their conduct with decency. There were
many perfons of learning and reflection all over
the kingdom, who condemned the intemperate zeal
of thefe Lollards, but made no fcruple of de-
claring, that the church flood in need of reforma-
tion. A pailiament being convoked at Weftmin-
fter on the twenty-feventh of January, feveral pro-
vifions were made againft alienations; and the
commons preferred a bill againft frauds in return-
ing officers, to which the king aflented with re-
luctance. During this feflion an execution hap-
pened, which affords a ftriking inftance of perfe-
cution on the one hand, and abfurd zeal on the
other. One Bodby, a taylor, took upon him to
exclaim violently againft the real prefcnce in the
eucharift. As the fpirit of reformation daily in-
creafed, the clergy fingled out this poor fanatic
for exemplary punifhment. On his trial he was
condemned to the ftake, and Henry was a fpedtator
&f his execution. The commons, of whom a great
part were Lollards, confidered the fufferings of
this man as an intended affront offered to them-
felves, and therefore took the firlt opportunity of
expreffmg their refentment.
The truce with Scotland expiring in the courfe
of this year, the Scots renewed their hoftilities on
the borders ; and with their cruizers interrupted the
navigation and trade of the Engiifh. To chaftize
thefe adventurers, Robert de Umfreville, vice-
admiral of England, entered the Frith of Edin-
burgh with ten capital fliips, and not only deflroyed
the naval force of Scotland, but ravaged the whote
coaft, and brought off immenfe plunder.
Several negotiations were carried .
on in different parts of the continent, *4Ir"
and produced a prolongation of the truce with
France for five years, with Callile for two, and
with Brittnny for ten. A treaty was affo concluded
with the duke of Burgundy, againft whom a power-
ful confederacy had been formed by the dukes of
Berry, Orleans, Alencon, and Brittany. Thefe
aflbciates having levied a powerful army, inveftcd
Pans; on which the duke of Burgundy had rc-
courfe to his Englifli ally, who fent a body of
troops to his afliftance. Thus reinforced, the duke
began his march; but the Picarcls and Flemings
who compofed his army, quarrelling after he had re-
duced the town of Ham, difperfed and returned to
their own habitations ; fo that he was abandoned
by all but the Englifli auxiliaries under the eail of
Arundel, amounting to one hundred men at arms,
and a thoufand archers. With thefe he proceeded
to Paris, the blockade of which had been fome
time formed by the duke of Orleans ; and, forcing
his way through the quarters of the enemy, entered
the city amidft the acclamations of the people.
The next day after their arrival, the duke ordered
the Engiifh troops to attack the important pofts of
Montmatne and la Chapelle, from whence they
drove the enemy with great flaughter ; and a few
days after this valiant action they attacked St.
Cloud, which was defended by two officers of
courage .and experience, at the head of fome of
the beft troops in France; and, notwithftanding
the vigorous efforts of the defendants, the Englifli,
fupportecl by a body of Picards and Parifians, car-
ried on the affault with fuch irrefiftible fury, that
the place was taken, and a great number of perfons
of diftinction made prifoners. The duke of Or-
leans, alarmed at this lofs, raifed the blockade of
Paris, and retired into the provinces, where his
troops difperfed. After this retreat, the duke of
Burgundy reduced all the caftles and fortrefles in
the ifle of France which had been feized by the
other faction ; and this fuccefs encouraged great
part of the kingdom to declare in his favour,
The Englifli parliament meeting on the twelfth of
November, were fo well pleafed with this expedi-
tion, that, in an addrefs to his majefty, they defired
thanks might be given to the prince, and to the
reft of the counsellors, appointed by the laft par-
liament to fuperintend the application of the public
money. They then petitioned that a general
amneity, under the great ft-al,, might be pafled in.
favour of all his majefty's fubjects ; and the king
granted their requeft ; in consideration of which
the commons voted a fubfidy for the occafions of
the crown. At the fame time Henry's three fons,
John, Thomas, and Humphrey, were created
dukes of Clarence, Bedford, and Gloucefter ; and
his own brother duke of Dorfet.
Henry had now neither foreign nor . ^
domeftic enemies to contend with; •L>>1412>
yet his days were embittered, as a parent, by the
diflblute behaviour and irregular courfes of the
prince of Wales. He was now in the full vigour
of youth, and of an active, fprightly fpirit.
While employed in the field, no action, of an
immoral tendency, ftained his character. But a
life of indolence was not fuited to his turn of mind.
The cliftruft and jealoufy of his father having
removed him from all fhare in the public bufinels,
he plunged himfelf, with the utmoft violence, into
all the extravagances of debauchery, and blufhed
not for a conduct the moft diforderlyand licentious.
T3ut his outrages proceeded not lefs from a de-
praved difpofition, than the violence o/ his temper,
which being not directed to ufeful objects, induced
him to give full fcope to his paffionsj but many
gleam?
220
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
gleam:; of fpirit and magrfanimity were obferved to
break through the cloud, which a wild conduct had
thrown over his chin-after. The degeneracy of the
heir apparent was not more mortifying to the king
than alarming to the nation, who trembled at being
governed by a prince whofe court was the recepta-
cle of libertines, buffoons, parafites, and every
ipecies of vermin, which are at once the difgrace
and ruin of noble princes and kings. However,
in the midft of thefe excefies, the greatnefs of his
foul feemed fometimes to emerge from the dungeon
of deformity in which it lay obfcured. One of
young Henry's diffolute companions having been
indicled for fome mifdemeanor, was condemned,
notwithftanding all the intereft of the prince, who
was prefent at the trial, could make in his favour;
and he was fo incenfed at the iffue of the trial, that
he ftruck Sir William Gafcoigne, the judge, as he
fat on the bench ; but the magiftrate, who acled
with a fpirit fuitable to his character, inftantly or-
dered the young prince to be committed to prifon ;
and young Henry, confcious of the flagrant infult
he had committed, both with refpect to the judge,
and the laws of his country, fuffered himfelf with
the utmoft refignation to be conducted to the place
of confinement, by the officers of juftice. When
this tranfaftion had been reported to the' king, who
was an excellent judge of mankind, he cried out in
a tranfport of joy, " I thank God, I have a judge
endowed with courage to execute the laws, and am
ftill more happy, in having a fon who will fubmit
to fuch chattifement."
During the reign of Henry, the parliamentary
proceedings deferve more attention, than thofe re-
fating either to military or foreign tranfa&ions.
The commons had now attained a very confider-
able fhare of importance, and it became an object
of policy to direct their election. This circum-
ftance had been complained of during the preced-
ing reign, and was made one of the articles of
charge againft Richard ; but it continued Mill un-
redrefled. Henry purfued the lame meafures he
had feverely cenfured in his predeceflbr. He was
however obliged to court popularity, and this gave
the legiflative body an opportunity of affuming
powers they had not hitherto ventured to excr-
cife. In the firft year of Henry's reign, the
commons procured a law, that no judge, on be-
ing guilty of any iniquitous meafures, mould be
excufed by pleading the king's orders, or even the
danger of life from the fovereign's menaces. In
the fecond year, they infifted on maintaining the
practice, of not granting fupplies before their peti-
tions were anfwered. In the fifth year, they peti-
tioned the king to difmifs four officers who had
difpleafed them, one of whom was his own con-
feflbr ; and though the king informed them, that
he was not fenfible of their having been guilty of
any offence, yet to gratify them he complied with
their requeft. In the fixth year, though they voted
the king fupplies, they appointed treasurers of their
own, to fee the money difburfed for the purpofes
intended ; and enjoined them to deliver in their
accounts to the houfe. In the eighth year, they
propofed thirty important articles for the regulation
of the government, and the houfhold, which were
all agreed to; and they even conftrained all the
members of the council, the judges and officers of
the houfhold to fwear to their obfervance : but in a
fubfequent parliament, wlien the king had overcome
*11 his difficulties, the fpcaker, on making his
•cuflomary application to the throne for liberty of
fpeech, was told by Henry, that he intended to en-
joy his prerogatives, and would have no novelties
introduced. However this prince was more atten-
tive to maintain the rights and privileges of the
people than moft.of his predeceflbrs. When the
houfe of commons were at anytime brought tP
make unwary conccffions to the crown, they always
fpeedily retracted them. On this account, though
Henry entertained a well grounded jealotify of the
family of Mortimer, he never allowed their name
to be once mentioned in parliament ; and as none
of the rebels had ventured to declare the earl of
Marche king, he would not attempt to procure an
exprefs declaration againft that nobleman's claim,
though he knew this would not have been refufcd
him, he being fenfible, that fuch a declaration
would only ferve to revive the memory of Morti-
mer's title. As the commops, during this reign,
difcovered a laudable zeal for liberty, in their
tranfaclions with the crown, they exerted themfelves
no Icfs againft the church: for in the fixth year of
Henry's reign, they, on being required to grant
fupplies, propofed to the king in plain terms, that
he mould feizc the temporalities of the church, and
make ufe of them as a perpetual fund to fupply the
exigencies of the (late. They obferved, that a third
part of the lands of the kingdom was pod'efTcd by
the clergy, who contributed nothing towaids re-
lieving the public burdens ; and that their riches
tended only to abate their zeal and attention in the
performance of their minifterial functions. The
archbifhop of Canterbury being with the king when
this addrefs was prefented, obferved, that though the
clergy did not go in perfon to the wars, they, in,
cafes of neceffity, fent their vaflals and tenants ;
while they themfelves who ftaid at home, were day
and night employed in offering up their prayers
for the happinefs and profpcrity of the kingdom.
The fpeaker anfwered with a fmile, that the prayers
of the church were but a flender fupply. However
the archbifhop prevailed; the king refuftd thrir
requeft, and the lords rejected the bill. Not dif-
couraged by this repulfe, the commons returned
to the charge in the eleventh year of this reign,
with greater zeal than before. They prepared a
calculation of the ecclefiaftical revenues, which
they maintained amounted to the annual firm of
four hundred eighty five thoufand marks, and con-
tained no lefs than eighteen thoufand four hundred
ploughs of land, which they propofed to divide
among fifteen new earls, fifteen hundred knights^
fix thoufand efquires, and one hundred hofpitals;
befides twenty thoufand pounds a year, to be applied
to the king's own ufe; and infifted, that the facred
functions would be much better performed than they
were by fifteen hundred parifh priefts, with an an-
nual ftipend of feven marks for each. This addrefs,
though refufed with a fevere reply, alarmed both
the king and the clergy. It was fufficiemly evi-
dent, that the doctrine of Wickliffe had fpread to a
great extent among the people, and it was therefore
thought neceflary to put the laws againft the
Lollards in execution. Accordingly leveral of
them were fent to prifon, and one, whom we have
before noticed, committed to the flames, even while
the parliament were fitting. But thefe rigorous
meafures anfwered not the intention of the clergy.
Perfecution always tends to increafe the numbers of
any religious feel; and the fuffetings of the Lollards
augmented their difciples. The afhes of one
victim, fcattered by the breath of the reformation,
became the feed of thoufands.
Henry had for fome time employed . „
himfelf in fomenting the divifions ' ' I4I3m
which prevailed between the families of Burgundy
and Orleans; but the two French princes having
agreed to a pacification, the interefts of the Englifli
were facrificed to their mutual convenience, and this
effort of Henry was productive of no real advan-
tage ; and the bad ftate of his health hindered him
from renewing the attempt, which his more fortu-
nate fon profecuted with fuccefs, againft the French
monarchy. His health had for fome months been
vifibljr declining ; he was fubje& to fits, which for
a time
HENRY
IV.
221
a time bereaved him of his fenfes ; and though yet
in the flower of his age, his end was vifibly ap-
proaching. He was naturally of a peevifh, jealous
difpofition, which at this time gradually increafed;
and he too readily liftened to the vile fiiggeftions
of his courtiers, who infinuated, that his eldeft fon
had formed defigns upon his life and crown. The
breaft of the king was now filled with anxious fears,
which impelled him to remove the prince from his
poft of prefident of the council. Young Henry
was greatly alarmed. Fond as he was of pleafure
and 'diffipation, he was ftill poflefied of the finer
feelings; and could not without the moft heart-
rending anguifh reflect, that his own conduct had
given too much reafon for his enemies to afperfe
his character. But ftill he knew himfelf innocent
with regard to his having formed a wifh to the pre-
judice of his father's authority; and determined to
purfue every method in his power to convince the
King of his duty and loyalty. He repaired to court
drefled in a mourning habit to exprefs his forrow;
having obtained, at his requeft, a private audience
with the king, he threw himfelf on his knees, and
addrefled him in a fpeech to the following purport :
" My liege and honoured father; it gives me the
moft fincere concern to find, that I am fufpecled of
harbouring an "unnatural clefign againft your crown
and perfon ; which I, more than any other fubject,
am bound to reverence and defend. It is true, and
I confefs the fame with unfeigned contrition, that I
have been guilty of many irregularities and excefies,
for which I havejuftly merited your difpleafure. But
I call the Almighty to witnefs, who knows the fecre
recefles of the heart, and never fails to punifh thof
who dare to invoke him to fanftify a falfhood, tha
I never entertained a thought, inconfiftent witl
that duty and refpect I owe to your majefty. Thofe
who charge me with contrary intentions feek only
to difturb your tranquillity, and to alienate youi
affections from your fon and fucceflhr. I woulc
willingly remove thefe anxieties from your mind;
came for no other purpofc. Let me befeech you
therefore to permit me to clear myfelf from fo
fcandalous an imputation. Let my actions be tried
by the utmoft rigour; with the fame feverity as if I
was the meaneft of your fubjects : and if I am guilty
in any refpect of the atrocious crime laid to my
charge; if 1 have ever ufed an expreffion indicating
difloyalty, or want of attention, punifh me as a
•wretch unworthy the name of fon or fubject. I
refer my conducl to your infpection, and will rea-
dily fubmit to any punifhment you may think pro-
per to inflict. This enquiry, with the utmoft hu-
mility, I demand, both for your own fatisfaftion,
and the vindication of my injured honour." This
free, ingenuous, and pathetic addrefs, greatly
affcifled the king. He took the prince in his arms;
embraced him with tears ; aflured him, that all his
fufpicions were entirely removed; and that he
would never for the future harbour a thought pre-
judicial to his loyalty and honour.
Henry did not long furvive this interview. He
was feized with apoplectic fits, which returned at
certain intervals, and deprived him of all fenfation.
This malady co-operating with fcruples of con-
fcicncc, and an idle prophecy, that he mould die
in Jerufalem, difpofed his mind todevotional duties,
and afl'uming the crofs, he refolved to confecrate
the remainder of his days to a war againft the in-
fidels. He imparted his refolution to a grand
council afTembled for that purpofe,. and began to
prepare for his expedition, when his dreadful fits
returned. They foon, by their frequency, impaired
his fenfes; and having been often in danger of
lofmg his crown, his imagination feems to have
been itrongly imprefled wiih that idea, which in-
creafed as his ftrength and reafoning faculties de-
cayed even to a degree of childifh anxiety. He
No. 21.
would not go to fleep unlefs it was laid on his
pillow, left it mould be feized before he was dead.
One day he remained fo long in a fwoon, that his
fervants thought him adtually dead, when the prince
coming in, took up the crown and Carried it
away. The king recovering the ufe of his fenfes,
and obferving the diadem was removed, demanded,
with an anxious folicitude, who had prefumed td
take it from his pillow, and being told the prince
had carried it away, he ordered him into his pre-
fence. When young Henry appeared, the king,
with an angry countenance, faid, " What would
you deprive me of my crown before my death ?"
No," replied the prince, " I had not fuch a
thought; but thinking your majefty was really dead,
I took the crown as my lawful inheritance. I am
happy in finding my miftake, and now, feeing you
alive, with pleafure reftore it; May you long live
to wear it in peace!" He accordingly replaced the
crown on his father's pillow, and having received
his bleffing, retired.
The king was feized with his laft fit as he waS
paying his devotions before the fhrine of St. Ed^
ward, and was carried into the Jerufalem chamber,
belonging to the abbot of Weftminfter; where re'
covering his fpeech, and perceiving himfelf in a
ftrange place, he defired to know by what name it was
called, and being told, it put him in mind of the pre-
dic~tion,and he concluded his laftmoment approached.
Before he expired, he fent for the prince of Wales,
to whom he gave fome excellent advice; but ex-
prefled an uneafmefs with refpeft to his ufufpatiori,
and told him, that he was afraid his brother, the
duke of Clarence, would difturb him in the poffef-
fion of his throne. The prince obferved, that being
lawful heir, he would endeavour to keep the crown
by the fame methods, by which he himfelf had
preferved it : that if the duke of Clarence behaved
as he ought, he would always find him a kind bro-
ther; but if he pretended to do otherwife, he knew
how to make him return to his duty. The king
then recommended him to the protection of heaven,
and expired a few minutes after, on the twentieth
of March, in the forty-fixth year of his age, and the
fourteenth of his reign, being the XXXIft king of
England from Egbert I. By his firft wife Mary de
Bohun, daughter and heir of the earl of Hereford,
hehadfourfonsj Henry, furnamed of Monmouth,
from the place of his birth, who fucceeded his fa-
ther on the throne ; Thomas, duke of Clarence ; John,
duke of Bedford, afterwards regent of France •, and
Humphry, duke of Gloucefter. He had alfo two
daughters; Blanche, who married firft the elector
Palatine, then the king of Arragon, and laftly, the
duke of Barr. Philippa, who married Eric, king
of Denmark. Henry's fecond wife was Joan, daugh-
ter to Charles I. king of Navarre, and widow of
John Montfort, duke of Brittany. By this prin*
cefs he had no iflue.
Char after of Henry IV.
This prince was of middle ftature, and regular
form,; perfectly fkilled in all the exercife of arms and
chivalry. His countenance was the very emblem
of equanimity, difplaying a mind fortified againft
the fudden reverfes of fickle fortune, neither elated
with pro/perity nor dejefted with adverfity. Be-
fore he afcended the throne, he enjoyed great po-
pularity; but when the people were led to pity the
unhappy fate of the late monarch, they were filled
with refentment, and ready to enter into rebellions
againft Henry; hence, though the executions were
much fewer than might have been expected, and
were neceflary for the fupport of his authority, the
temper of the times made them appear cruel. Henry
was led to the poflcflion of a crown by a train of
incidents that feduced his virtue. The injuftice
3 L with
•"*- •* - l
222
THE NEW AND COMPLE.TE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
\\ith which lie was treated by his predeceffor; his
being banifhed for no crime ; that banifhmcnt being
afterwards made perpetual, and the fentence ren-
dered more fevere by a deprivation of his patri-
mony, induced him to think of recovering thofe
rights of which he had been fo unjuilly deprived:
but the fleps whereby he afcended the throne, and
the means by which he attained that high dignity,
were altogether unjuftifiable; and the depofi tion of
his near relation, fubjefted to a cruel confinement,
which occafioned his death, will ever remain an in-
delible ftain in the character of this prince. A
crown feems to have been the feducing tempter,
that corrupted his principles and deftroyed his good
fame; to which had he not afpired he might have
lived without envy, without danger, with the ap-
plaufe of wifdom, and the approbation of virtue,
having juftly acquired the glorious diftinctions of;
the deliverer, the protector, and the reftorer of En-
glifli liberty. The circumftances of his reign evince
his perfonal courage, nor are proofs wanting of his
refined fenfe, folid judgment, and deep penetration;
and it muft be confefled, that he had a remarkable
command of temper; maintained his power with
admirable prudence; and the regard he fhewed for
the liberties of the people, with the pofleilion of
many great qualities, fitted him for the high ftatioa
to which he was raifed. Though his ufnrpaiion,
legally conh'dered, is unjufti liable, it actually proved
.a happy preventive of the defpotic fway of a weak h
prince, under the influence of a corrupt miniilry-
and had he gained the regal dignity by a juit title,
without being expofed to the numerous infurrcc-
tions which disturbed his whole reign, he mi^ht
pofilbly have paffed his life with as much honour
to himfelf, and advantage to the nation, as any :
Other monarch. The inquietude-with whieh Henry •
enjoyed his height of power, and the rcmorfe with
which he is faid.to have been continually haunted,
rendered him an object of Companion, and affords a
ftriking leflbn to thofe \vhom Providence may have
placed in the higheft elevation of life, not to trifle,
fport with, nor infringe the eternal laws of moral
obligation, which when, in particular inftances, '
once violated, expofes die mind to all the (harp up-
braidings of an inward monitor-; and in ipite of all
the artificial propofitions of fceptical fophiflry, will,
fooner or later, deprive it of that calm^fwect, in-
ternal tranquillity, the certain effect of confcious
integrity, which is preferable to unenvied greatnefs, •
even when that greatnefs is f'eated on a throne of
royalty*
H
CHAP. II.
E N 11 Y
V.
tils behaviour upon offending the throne— Hit {onducl re/feeling ecclefiaftical affairs — Perfeaition of tie Lollards'
renewed— Death 'of Sir John Oldcajlle, hcddofthatfett — State af France and war with that kingdom — G/ omuls'
and pretenftons for it — The battel of Agincourt — Henry again invades France, meeting with tie corfidcrable op-
fojition— Recovers the whole province of Normandy — Circumjlanccs which tended to facilitate the progrcfs of
the Englijh arms — -Affajfination of the duke of Burgundy — Conferences of Henry's fuccejjes — Qffofed Ij the
~ daupfrin of France— Death, family, and char after of this prince.
A.
H
ENRY V» furnamed of Mon-
1413. j-J mouth5 from the place of his
birth, had been educated under the eye of his un-
dc, the bifhop of Winchefter, at the univerfity of
Oxford. Here he received thofe feeds of education,
which though buried for a time deep in the bed of
immorality, in due feafon fprungup, and produced
a clufter of virtues. He was about twenty-five
years of age when he afcended the throne, and the
people were inclined to think they fliould be happy
under his adminiftration; feeing they had perceived
many indications of a noble and -generous fpirit
darting frequently with uncommon luftre, through
the mill of diflipation.
Whatever arguments may have been framed in
defence of the divine and indefeafible nature of he-
reditary right, it has generally been found, in the
progrefs of human events, to give place to the more
important confideration of the general good of fo-
cicty. Though Henry V. could urge no more
validity of claim than his father, and though the
carl of Marche, the lineal heir was flill living, the
parliament, without fcruple, placed the royal dia-
dem on his head, convinced that fuch a flep would
conduce to the intcreft of the nation. Henry
therefore having been proclaimed, inpmcdiately
after the death of his father, with the ufual cere-
monies, was crowned by the archbifhop of Canter-
bury, on the ninth of April. He was fcarcely
feated on the throne, when he fent for his former
companions, and after acquainting them with his
intended reformation, exhorted them to imitate his
example, but ftrictly prohibited them from appear-
ing any more in his prefence, till they had given
fufficient proofs of their having changed their
courfe of life ; and then difmifled them with pre-
fents. Such conduct afforded Henry's fubjefts a
happy omen of his future government ; which he
began with a general amnefty, and an appeal to
heaven, that he would rather chufe to be removed
from life, than exercife a tyrannical fway over his
people. Thofe of his father's wife minifters who
had checked his folly, immediately found they had,
unknown to themftlves, been paying their court to
him, and were received with every mark of favour :
even the chief juftice, approaching him with fearful
apprehenfions, received praifesinftead of reproaches,
and was exhorted by the king, to pei fevere in ex-
ecuting the laws with the fame rigour and impar-
tiality. The furprize of all who expected an oppo-
fite conduft, increafed their fatisfaclion, and the
amiable deportment of the young king appeared
blighter than if it had never been fliaded by his
follies. He was alfo not only felicitous to .repair
his own mifconduct, but to atone for thofe crimes
into which his father. had been betrayed by policy,
or the neceffity of affairs. He exprefied his concern .
for the unhappy face of Richard; did juftice to his
memory ; ordered his corpfe to be removed from
Langley, where it had been interred, to Weft-
minfier- abbey ; and caufecl it to be depofited by
Ann of Luxemburg!), his late queen, with great
pomp, and folemn funeral rites at which he himfelf
attended as chief mourner. He received the earl
of Marche with fingular courtcfy, and by this in-
ftance of true policy, gained fuch an afcendance
over the gentle and unambitious temper of that
prince, that he ever after continued fincerely at-*
tached to him, and gave aim no difturbance in his
future government. He rellorcd the family of
Piercy to their honour and fortunes; and being de-
firous of burying in oblivion all party diflinctions,
he made thole who had been advanced without
merit, give place to men cf real abilities. The low
and
^ ( t'/i
' 'i , t
'/i i-f/t,ny/fi-H<-<- <>/ //••Advice <•/ ///.t //•//• Father's -wise Nriui.s1i-i'sv/v/-/^
t'/ t/t'.>(-t/'t<// H// /{/',» loose Coaiipauioiis, tr/u' ////</ /f//r/<- //>• ti'ri-t Fi'iiice
'
, e Coaiipauioiis, t
v/ /,'/// /'/i ft* lollv/// ///'// fli'i'siii/ifrd course of Life .
E N R Y \
, rfc /f
IA JO VI a
N R Y 'V.
223
and narrow politics of .governing by a party, he
iuflly fcorned, and cfteeme4:\yiidoi?Q, united with
"integrity, as the bulwark of his throne.
Notwithftanding Henry afcendedj, the .throne un-
der the moft favourable aufpiccs, he could not
efcape the envy and hatred ofj; fo,m& individuals.
A confpiracy was formed againft, him by one
\Vightlock, who endeavoured to foment a rebellion
by "porting papers in public places, containing
affirmatives that Richard was ftill alive. , This in-
cendiary being apprehended, ;was. committed prjr
foner to the Tower, from whencehe efcaped by the
connivance of the conftable, who was difmifled from
his office, and one of. the. wardens, convicted of
having favoured the.prifoner's efcape, executed as a
traitor. But the "attention of Henry was chiefly
turned towards France;, the theatre of his future
glory. A confiderable body of Englifh troops ftill
remained in Guienne, and had not only committed
dreadful outrages againft the French, but defeated
a body of four thoufand troops tinder the marfhal
de Heli, whom they took prifoner. But the duke
of Clarence returning foon after with the main body
of thefe forces to England, a truce had been con-
cluded, which, asufual, had been very iU.obfervcd;
for immediately after the death of the late king, the
garrifon of Calais, perfuaded, that every truce ter-
minated with the lives of the contracting parties,
made an irruption into Bologne, aipon rwhich the
French government fent ftrong -reinforcements to
Ardres, Gravelins, and the neighbouring places.
Hoftilitics alfo commenced by fea, and a ftrong
fquadron of French overpowered .three Jlngliih
Ihips, which were defigned to furprize the veflels in
the harbour of Dieppe, and killed their commodore.
Such was the fituation of affairs when a new par-
liament met on the fifteenth of May. The.feflion
was opened with a fpeech by the bjfliop of Win-
"chefter, who affured them of Henry's zeal to pro-
mote the interefts of the church and ftate. The
commons then prefented an addrefs, defiling the
punctual execution of the laws, and a redreii pf
national grievances. They . alfo petitioned, that
his majcfty would provide for the defence of Ire-
land, Wales, the Marches of Scotland, Calais, and
Guienne. After which they granted, a fubfidy.on
wool and leather, for four years, together, with ton-
nage and poundage, for one year, and. a fifteenth
and a half. They complained loudly of the clergy's
^acting pecuniary commutations, and the king
ex
promifed to interpofe his authority with the bifhops,
that i hole abufcs might be reformed.
At the fame time the convocation of the clergy
were employed in concerting the mpft effectual
methods, for putting a flop to WicklihVs herefy.
The fects of the Lollards were .every day increafmg,
and appeared not only dangerous to the church,
but even formidable to the civil power* To Hop
their progrefs, Thomas Arundel, bifhop of Canter-
bury, had obtained an order from the late king,
to fend commiffions to Oxford, to take information
in relation to their doctrines, and chief abettors,
\vhen it was found, that Sir John Oldcaftle, lord
Cobham, -was at their head, a nobleman, who, on
many occafions'had diftinguifhed himfelf by his
bravery, .whereby he acquired the efteem both of
the late and prefent king. His great character and
his zeal made the archbifhop oonfider him as a pro-
per victim of ecclcfiafticaj cenfure, concluding,
that by indicting him, he fhould flrike a terror
into the whole party, and make them fenfible, that
after his death no others could expect the Icaft
mercy. But lord Cobham was too great a favourite
with the king for the archbifhop to proceed with-
out his leave. He therefore -waited upon Henry,
to whom he opened the fubject of his complaint,
endeavouring to peifuade him, that fire and faggot
were the only means proper for the extirpation of
herefy, and that the intereft of religion rendered it
abfolut.ely neccflary, to proceed againfl that noble-
man with- the utmoft rigour. The king, who was
no friend to ccxleiiaiticul i'evcrity, reprefemed to
the primate that realon and pcrJiia'iion were the beft
means for fiipportihg U-ufiii, and correcting error ;
that he ough-t.-lirft to try all gentle methods To bring
back the Lollards to the -botom of tlie church, and
that he himfelf wguld converie with Sir John Old-
cattle, and endeavour to reconcile hi -a So the ca-
tholic faith. But Henry found all his pcduaiions
were in vain;. Cobham was too fceadily h;icd in his
opinions, to facrifice truths of the uimoir impor-
tance, to conciliate the favour even of a foverei'^n^
to whom he \vas ftrongly attached. Tile king was
difpleafed at that nobleman's inflexibility ; and-irad*
ing that his own power had no effect, cruelly de-
livered him up to the primate, with his'pcrmiliion
to proceed againft him to the utmoft -extremity of
the laws. The violence of eccleliaftical authority
was now exerted, and the prelate, afililed by the
biihops of London, Winchefter, and St. 'Davids,
condemned th&devoted.lorcl Cobham to the flames;
but he made his efcape from the Tower before the
day appointed for his execution. j
, The clergy had obtained a pr'ocla- A -p.
mation againft the Lollards alfembling r4M-
for religious worfhip, on which, not daring to meet
in houies, they chofe fome unfrequented place,
where they met in the night. Some of them having
afiembled in St. George's fields, then overgrawn
\Vith bufhes, it came to the ears of their enemies,
who informed the king, that Cobham was there at
the head of twenty thoufand men, with a defign to
kill his majefty, and fubvert the government.
Henry weakly giving credit to the iqle tale,
marched againft them, with a view of attacking
them before they had taken their meafures. Arriv-
ing upon the fpot about midnight, he put fomc of
them to the i'word, and took the reft prifoners.
Among thefe were Sir linger Acton, John Browne,
Efq. and Sir John Beverly, who itiflered death as
heretics and traitors, together with fixty- three of
their followers. Lord Cobham was out-lawed, not
having been prefent on thisoccafion; but being ap-
prehended four years after, he was drawn, hanged,
and burnt on the gibbet for, 'herefy and treaion.
This funked conduct of , the king- checked for a
time the very idea of herefy, and many who wifhed.
for the:reformation of abules in the church, dii-
covered their diflike to the fpeculative doctrines of
the Lollards, which they imagined threw diigrace
upon fo good a caufe : hence the parliament in*-
created the rigourp of the penal. -laws.- They en-
acted, that whoever flioukl be convicted of that he-
refy before the ordinary, fhould not only f'ufier
capital punifliment, but forfeit lands and goods to
the king; and that the chancellor, treafurcr, juliices
of the two benches, iheriffs, and all chief magiftr.,tes
in every city and borough, fhould fwear to uf'e their
utmoft endeavours to extirpate herefy. Yet when the
king required a fupply, this very parliament renewed
the offer made to his father, and intreated him to
feize the revenues of -the clergy for the ufe of the
.crown. , The .bifhops, who could oiler nothing
equivalent, were greatly alarmed; they offered the
king all the' revenues of alien priories ; but this in
all probability would not have diverted' the ftorm
which Chichclcy, who was now raited to the fee of
Canterbury, effected, by directing the attcntion-of
Henry to a very different object. He perfuaded the
king to engage in a war with France, in order to re-
cover theprovinces wrcftcd from hisanccfloi s, and to
obtain that kingdom, to which the artful prelate pre-
tended he had a juft claim. jHcnry's natural dilpo-
fition inclined him to follow this advice, and thecivil
diflcntions in France which hacllafiedfor a longtime,
and fl.il! continued, favoured his ambitious views!
The
224
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
The ftate of that kingdom was indeed now truly
deplorable. Charles VL had been fcized with a fit of
frenzy, which rendered hi:n incapable of exercifiug
his authority; and though he recovered from this
diforder, he was fo fubject to reldpfes, that his
fcnfes were gradually impaired, whereby he was
unable to purfue any plan of government. This
misfortune gave a full career to the rage of parties.
The duke of Orleans, the king's brother, and the
duke of Burgundy, his coufin-german, after en-
gaging in moft violent quarrels, by which the
country had been deluged with the blood of its
inhabitants, agreed to enter into ftrict fricndfhip,
and fwore at the altar to the (incerity of their in-
tentions. But notwithftanding they had invoked
heaven as a witnefs againft them, very little regard
was paid to the facrednefs of their promife, or
folemn oaths. The duke of Orleans was foon after
aflaffinated in the ftreets of Paris, by order of the
duke of Burgundy,. For fome time he ftrove to
conceal his guilt •, but being detected, he openly
avowed and endeavoured to juftify what he had
done. Even the parliament of Paris, the fupreme
tribunal of juftice, on hearing the harangues of
the duke's advocate in defence of aflaffmation,
which he juftified under the name of tyrannicide,
influenced by faction, and overawed by power, did
not condemn this deteftable doctrine. The com-
miflion of fo bafe a crime, thus fhamefully vindi-
cated, deftroyed all truft and fecurity ; and a re-
conciliation between the two parties was now im-
poffible. The princes of the blood joining with
the young duke of Orleans and his brothers, en-
gaged in a terrible war with the duke of Bur-
gundy ; and the unhappy king, on being fome-
times feized by one party, and fometimes by
another, alternately transferred the appearance of
legal authority to each : the provinces were ra-
vaged ; the animofities of the feveral leaders every
where produced moft {hocking murders ; and exe-
cutions were ordered, without legal trial, by pre-
tended courts of juftice. All the French were
divided into two parties, the Burgundians, and the
Armagnacs; the latter of whom were the followers
of the young duke of Orleans, and were fo called
from that prince's father-in-law the count of Ar-
magnac. Paris was a perpetual fcene of blood and
confufion ; the king and royal family were fre-
quently detained captives by the vulgar on either
lide, and his minifters flaughtered before his face.
The butchers of Paris declared for the duke of
Burgundy ; and committed, with the moft furious
zeal, every kind of outrage againft thofe of the
oppofite party. On the other hand, the Armagnacs
were fupported by the fraternity of carpenters;
thus the populace ranged themfelves on one fide or
other, and on the prevalence of either party, de-
pended the fate of the capital. Henry perceived
the advantage that might be taken of thefe con-
iufions, and refolved to make war on the divided
kingdom of France.
In order, however, to conceal his real intentions,
apd to have a plaufible pretence for this ftep, he
fent over a fplendid embaffy to France, with the
offer of a perpetual peace and alliance between the
two crowns; at the lame time demanding, in
return, the French king's daughter in marriage,
with two millions of crowns for her portion ; the
payment of one million fix hundred thoufand
being the arrears of king John's ranfom ; the im-
mediate pofleffion and full fovereignty of Nor-
mandy, and the other provinces which had been
conquered by the arms of Philip Auguftus, toge-
ther with the fuperiority of Brittany and Flanders.
The exorbitant nature of thefe demands fufficiently
indicates, that Henry, notwithftanding the diftrcfs
of the French monarchy, never expected they could
be granted. And the terms offered by that court,
4
though greatly inferior, abundantly clcmonftrate the
conlcioufnefsof their melancholy condition. They,
agreed to give him the princefs in marriage, with a
portion of eight hundred thoufand cro\\ns ;' to in-
veft him with the entire fbvereignty of Guienne ;
and to annex to it the counties of -Peri'gord, Ro-
vergne, Xaintonge, Angoiimois, and other territo-
ries. However, the dauphin, \vlio wns a youth of
high fpirit, difliking thefe conceifions, and having
a mean opinion of Henry on account of his di So-
lute character when prince of Wales, contemp-
tuoufly fent him, in derifion, a box of tennis-
balls, intimating, that they would afford him 1
more proper amufement. Henry, piqued at this
fatirical ftroke, anfwered, that his balls fhould be
matched with racquets, with which he would play
a game that fhould make the walls of the Louvre.
The above terms, offered by the French court,
were rejected by Henry, who was determined to
erect his ftandard in the plains of France. The
ardour of the natron to follow their fovereign, ex-
ceeded his moft1 fanguine expectations, and freed
him from any apprehenfions of his finances being
inefficient for the payment of his forces. The
earl of Northumberland levied forty men at arms,
and one hundred and twenty archers ; the earl of
Weftmoreland the fame number; the earl of War-
wick twenty men at arms, and forty archers-, the
earl of Suffolk, the lords Zouch, Berkley, d'Arcy,
Seymour, Rofs, and Willoughby, contributed four
mips, one hundred and forty men at arms, and
two hundred arid eighty archers, and the reft of
the nobility in proportion.
While Henry was thus afllduoufly . -Q
employed in making preparations for ^
a foreign invafion, he had the mortification to find
himfelt in danger from a confpiracy at home.
Richard, earl of Cambridge, fecond fon of the
late duke of York, having married the fifter of
the earl of Marche, had entered with great zeal
into the interefts of that family. For this lady
being the daughter and heirefs of Lionel, duke of
Clarence, the third fon of Edward III. he became,
in right of her, nearer to the crown than Henry,
and had reafon to hope, that on the death of Mor-
timer, earl of Marche, who had no iffue, he, or
his children might fucceed to the throne. He
therefore engaged on his ftde lord Scrope of Mar-
fham, treafurer of England, and Sir Thomas
Grey of Heaton, in Northumberland. They pro-
pofed to crown the earl of Marche ; and having
exacted from him an oath of fecrecy, communi-
cated the plan they had formed in his favour ; but
his fears, or his gratitude, overcoming his ambi-
tion, he imparted the whole converfation to Henry.
The confpirators were inftantly feized, and im-
prifoned in Southampton caftle, when three of
them were indicted before a jury of commoners.
The cbnftable of that caftle fwore, that each of
them had confeffed their guilt to him ; and, with-
out any other evidence, Sir Thomas Grey was
condemned and executed ; but the earl of Cam-
bridge and lord Scrope, pleading the privilege of
their peerage, Henry fummoned a court of eighteen
barons, in which the duke of Clarence piefided.
The evidence of the jury was read, and' brought
againft them ; but the prifoners, though one of
them a prince of the blood, were not heard in their
own defence, nor fo much as brought into court;
but upon this proof received fentence of death,
and were foon after executed.
This affair delayed the king's departure till the
fifteenth- of Auguft, when he failed from Southamp-
ton with fix thoufand men at arms, four and
twenty thoufand archers, and about -twenty thou-
fand common infantry, on board a fleet of fifteen
hundred fail. After a quick and eafy "paffage he
landed at the mouth of the Seine in Normandy,
about
HENRY
V.
225
about nine miles froni Harflenr, which he imme-
diately invefted. The place was under the com-
mand of Eftouteville, affiHed by ibme of the bed
officers of France, ftrongly fortified, and provided
with a numerous garrifon, who made a gallant
defence. But Henry carried on the attack with
iuch unremitted fury, and plied his artillery with
iuch fuccefs, that a confiderable breach was made ;
and the befieged, finding it impracticable to main-
tain the place, capitulated, on condition of fur-
rendering, if not relieved, a week after Michael-
mas. A body of troops, under the command of
the marfhal d'Ifle d'Adam, attempted to throw fuc-
cours into the town, but were repulfed; fo that
the time being expircxl, the garrifon furrendercd
themfelves piifoners of war; and Henry having
taken poffeffion of Harfleur, peopled it with an
Englifh colony, by caufing a proclamation to be
made throughout England, that all who would
fettle there mould have houfes fecured to them and
their heirs. The fatigue of this fiege, and ex-
ceffive heat of the feafon, had fo diminifhed the
Englifh army, that Henry was obliged to think of
returning to England; and before he left Harfleur,
not above a fourth part of his forces remained in
perfect health. Having lent back his tranfports,
which could not fafeiy anchor in an open road on
the enemy's coaft, he was under a, neceffity of
inarching by land to Calais, before he could reach
a place of fecurity. In his march he met with
many difficulties, all the bridges of the Somme
being broken down, and all the paffages defended
by ftrong detachments of the enemy. Having at
length found means to clear the paffes, Henry
forded the river between St. Quintin and Peronne,
and directed his rout towards Blagney. Here
he found himfelf in the midft of an enemy's
country, in the fevere feafon of the year, at the
head of a handful of men, exhaufted by diftemper
and fatigue, and blocked up by an army of one
hundred thoufand men. In this emergency he fent
a meflage to the conftable of France, offering to
reftore Harfleur, and to repair all the damage he
had clone; nay, even bind himfelf by oath never
more to invade France, if he would allow him ta
pafs unmolefted to Calais. The fame offer had
been made by the Black Prince, and thi:; of Henry's
was in like manner rejected, the French infifting
that he and his army mould furrencler at difcretion.
At the fame time they fent three heralds to defy
him to battle, leaving the time and place to his
own choice; he replied, that weakened as his army
now was, he would not feek an engagement; but
as he was determined to make his way to Calais,
they might attack him when and where they
thought proper. Henry now obferved from the
heights the whole French army drawn up in the
plains of Agincourt, and polled in fuch a manner,
that it was impoflible for him to continue his
march without coming to an engagement. In ap-
pearance, nothing could be more unequal than the
impending battle. His army confifted of little
more than half the number which had difcmbarked
at Harfleur, now almoft destitute of provifions,
and wore down by ficknefs. The enemy's army,
four times more numerous, was headed by the
dauphin, and all the princes of the blood, and well
fupplied with accommodations of every kind.
Thus Henry's fhuatton refembled that of Edward
at Creffy, and that of the Black Prince at Poictiers;
and the memory of thofe glorious victories, in-
fpiring his troops with frefh courage, made them
hope for the like fuccefs. The French commanders,
vainly confident from their fuperiority in point of
numbers1, gave notice on the twcnty-lecond of
October to the king of England, that they would
• engage him on the twenty-firth. Finding it i n-
poffible to avoid an action, he accepted the dial-
No. 22.
lenge, and prcfented the herald who brought it
with a rich robe, and two hundred crowns. During
this interval of three days, Henry employed every
expedient which prudence could fuggeftj in order.
to prepare his men for the approaching combat.
He procured them fuch refrefhment as the nature
of their fituation would afford ; he caufed their
weapons and armour to be repaired ; he fixed fharp
ftakes for the defence of his archers ; he was con-
ftantly on horfeback, riding through the ranks of
his army, to fuperintend the oeconomy of his camp,
and to animate his foldiers, reminding them of the
great victories obtained by their forefathers in
France ; yet he gave them to underftand, that the
extraordinary efforts of valour alone, could prc-
ferve them from death or captivity. His affability,
activity, confidence, and acldrefs, infpired his fol-
diers with fuch martial ardour, that far from dread-
ing the numbers of the enemy, they only wifhed
eagerly for the battle, and bore their diftrefles with
an heroic firmnefs, in hopes of being relieved by a
fpeedy victory. This fpirit remarkably appeared
on the clay preceding the battle. Henry having
fent David Gam, a Welch captain, to reconnoitre
the pofture and ftrength of the enemy, on his re-
turn, being interrogated by the king concerning,
the numbers of the French, that brave officer re-
plied, " My liege, there are enough to be killed,
enough to be taken prifoners, and enough to run
away." Far different from this prudent conduct
of Henry, was the arrogant behaviour of the
French generals, who fpenc their time in riot and
rejoicing, haughtily boafting their fuperiority of
numbers, and confidering the fmall handful of
Englifh, whom they vainly dcfpifed, as victims
devoted to fure deftruction. They were fo confi-
dent of victory, that they are faid to have played
at dice for the Englifh prifoners before they were
taken ; and to have fent orders to the neighbouring
villages to prepare lodgings for thofe Grangers.
On the morning of the engagement, their infolence
and prefumption rofe to fuch a pitch, that they de-
tached another herald to Henry, to know what he
propofed to give for bis ranfom. This infult he
received with juft difdain ; and defired the herald
to tell thofe who fent him, that a little time would
decide to whom the ranfom belonged.
As foon as it was light on the day appointed fof
the battle, the two armies marfhalled their forces.
The conttabled' Albert, who commanded the French,
was guilty of a capital error, in chufing a narrow
piece of ground, flanked by a rivulet and thick
wood, where he could not extend his front fo as to
enclofe the Englifh, and where his fuperiority of
numbers, inftead of being an advantage, was a
burden and incumbrance. The conftable divided
his army into three bodies ; he himfelf, accompa-
nied by the dukes of Orleans and Bourbon, with
many other nobles, took their ftation at the head of
the van. The fecond line was commanded by the
duke of Alen9on, affifled by the duke of Bar j
and at the head of the third body were the counts
of Marie, Fauquenberg, Dampmartin, and thefieur
de Lauroy. While the French were employed in
arranging thefe lines, Henry concealed four hun-
dred lances in a wood upon the right, and about
two hundred and fifty choice archers on the left
in a low meadow covered with buflies. In order to
extend his front equal to that of the enemy, he was
obliged to form his little army into one line: the
right wing, commanded by the duke of York,
with the lords Beaumont, Willoughby, and Stan-
hope, was advanced a little before the center
which the king commanded in perfon, affifted by
his brother the duke of Glouccfter, the earl mar-
fhal, and the young earl of Suffolk, whofe father
died at Harfleur. The left, which was called the
rear, as it had not advanced fo far as the other two
3 M i divifions,
226
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
clivifions, was under the command of the duke of
Exeter. Nothing could be more prudent than this
difpofition, which was made by the advice of Sir
Thomas Erpingham, an old experienced foldicr,
who afted this day as Henry's marfhal, and was
appointed to give the fignal for the attack. The
king himfelf appeared in front of the aimy in
fplcndid armour, mounted on aftately white courier,
with a golden crown, fixed by way of creft, to his
helmet. Four royal banners were difplayed before
, him ; he was followed by a great number of led
horfes, in rich caparifons, and furroundecl by the
chief of his court and army. The French flood
for fome time in order of battle, at the diftance of
two hundred and fifty paces, without proceeding to
the attack ; and Henry began to think, that they
intended to ftarve him into a furrender, which
would have been their vvifeft courfe, as his pro-
vifions were quite exhaufted, and the weather fo
rainy, that it would have been impracticable to
have kept the field. Henry immediately rode
along the line, and exhorted his foldiers to behave
like Englifhmen : and then alighting from his
horfe, took his ftation in the center of the main
body, ordering Sir Thomas Erpingham to throw
up his truncheon into the air as a fignal for the at-
tack. Immediately the whole line, raifing a loud
fliout, rufhed forward to the charge ; but Henry,
fearing they would be out of breath before they
could come to clofe fight, ordered them to halt
about midway, where the archers planted their
picquets, to defend themfelves from the French
cavalry. At the fame time a body of chofen
archers advancing fome paces, discharged a flight
of arrows, which did amazing execution. The
French had drawn up before their front line two
thoufand four hundred horfe, all, with their riders,
covered with armour for receiving the firft dif-
charge of the Englifh arrows; after which they
propofed to break in among the archers, who being
once difordered, their rout was to be completed by
the reft of the army. But this difpofition was vain,
when oppofed to the barbed arrow fent from an
Englifh arm. Every fliaft took place, and even
pierced the armour of the Frenchmen at arms ;
-and the conftable, feeing the moft advanced of the
Englifh archers finifhing with their battle-axes and
daggers the flaughter they had begun, ordered his
firfUine to advance, which they did to great dif-
advantage ; for the horfes, which efcaped the ar-
rows of the EngHlhj bore their riders headlong
through their own ranks, while the heavy armour
of the French, both horfe and foot, rendered it
extremely difficult for them to move through a
miry foil to the attack. The Englifli archers, on
the other hand, being lightly armed, and fup-
ported by a body of pioneers, fell back behind
their pointed flakes into their ranks, which they
kept entire, and gave another general discharge of
their arrows fo clofe and deadly, that the French
began to reel through the deepeft ranks of their
Hvil column. The troops that lay in ambufh on
each fide now fuddenly charging them in flank,
increafed the diforder, which the archers perceiv-
ing, flung their bows ; and rufhing upon them
with their battle-axes and daggers, made a terrible
flaughter. The front line, confifting of the beft
troops in France, animated by the preicnce of many
noblemen, and commanded by the conftable in
pcrfon, could not fuftain the impetuofity of the
Englifh ; and by the narrowncfs of the ground,
being prevented from due exertion of their ftrength,
•4$ well as thrown into dilorder, all oppofition was
at an end ; while the archers rufhed in among
them, and covered the field with the killrd,
wounded, and difmounted. Yet, notwithstanding
the conftable and many principal officers were flain,
and even their firft line entirely routed, the battle
ftill remained undecided ; for the fecond line,
commanded by the duke tJf 'Alen9on, flood firm;
and on perceiving the rout of the firft divifion, ad-
vanced to repair the difgrace of their countrymen;
whereupon thofe of the Englifh who were fatigued,
with aclion retired behind the main body to re-
cruit their fpirits, and form themfelves anew ;
while Henry in perfon led up his divifion to the
charge, and a dreadful conteft enfued, efpecially
round the king's perfbru D'Alenjon, in order to
match, if poflible, the victory from the enemy,
commanded eighteen French knights of approved
valour, to watch attentively the motions of the
Englifli monarch, and to ufe their utmoft efforts
to kill or take him prifoner. But the genius of
Henry faved him from this imminent danger.
Animated with the furprizing fuccefs of his archers,
added to his natural vivacity and courage, the king
difmounted from his horfe, and performed exploits
of valour, which aftonifhed, not only his own
army, but alfo that of the enemy, whom he charged
with a fury almoft irrefiftible, and was met by
d'Alenfon with a firmnefs that deferved a better
fate. The French knights, who had never loft
fight of Henry, made their way fword in hand to
the place where he fought, and one of them
ftunned him with a b;uffc, axe. In all probability
he would have fallen a facrifice to the aflault of
thefe furious aflbciates, had not David Gam, and
two other officers, perceiving • the danger that
threatened their fovereign, rufhed in between him
and the affailants, and facrificed their own perfons
for his fafety. All the eighteen knights paid for
their temerity with their lives. Gam, and his two
valiant countrymen, were alfo mortally wounded j
and Henry, when he had recovered his fpirits, to
fhew his gratitude for their generous afliftance,
knighted thofe three gallant foldiers, as they lay
upon the field of battle, expiring of their wounds.
Having paid this tribute of acknowledgment to
merit and loyalty, the king, to revenge the late
attempt upon his life, darted into the thickeft part
of the battle, and was again furrounded by a hofl
of foes. His brother, the duke of Gloucefter,
who had fought by his fide, was ftruck to the
ground, and the enemy prefled in crouds to avail
themfelves of the incident. Henry, who was a
ftranger to fear, covered the body of his brother
with his fhield, and defended him with his fword.
While in this critical fituation, the duke of York
advanced to his affiftance at the head of a frefh
body of troops. The enemy were intimidated ;
they fell back ; by which means Henry and his
brother had time to recover their ftrength. Another
reinforcement immediately followed, and Henry
again attacked the French with fuch fury, that
they weve unable to fupport the fhock, and a
horrid flaughter enfued. In the mean time, the
duked'Alenfon, with a fpirit worthy his blood and
rank, made one furious effort, determined cither to
retrieve the battle, or fpare himfelf the mortifica-
tion of furviving the difgrace of his country. He
put himfelf at the head "of a chofen body of
volunteers, and, cutting his way to the fpot where
Henry fought in perfon, rufhed upon the Englifh
monarch, killed the duke of York by his lide ;
and then turning furioufly towards Henry, cleft
his golden crown with the firft ftroke of his fword ;
but he had not time to repeat the blow; for Henry
returned the falutation in fuch an effectual manner
as brought him to the ground, and with his own
hand flew two of his attendants. He endeavoured
to f'ave the life of Alqnjon ; but the guards were
fo exafperated at his daring attempt, that they
difpatched him before the king could interpofe
effectually in his behalf. The "death of this ge-
neral put an end to all farther oppofition. But the
• third line were flill entire, and more numerous'
than
H EN R Y
V.
227
than the whole Englifli army. They were frefli
and vigorous, while the victors were faint with the
fatigue of action, which was increafed by a flux,
that had for fome time prevailed among them -, yet
the French were fo intimidated by the defeat of
the other two lines, and the terrible havock which
had been made among their countrymen, that they
refufed to obey the command of their generals ;
and, inftead of advancing to the charge, retired
from the field of battle; though they ftill con-
tinued in a body, until Henry fent a herald to
declare, that if they remained in that pqfture till
he fhould overtake them, he would put them all to
the fword without mercy. Alarmed at this decla-
ration they inftantly difperfed, and left him fole
matter of the field. But before he had time to
receive congratulations on his victory, he was in-
formed the French were in his rear, and in poflef-
fion of his camp; concluding, therefore, that they
intended to renew the battle, he inftantly ordered
all the prifoners to be put to death, except thofe of
the moft diftinguifhed quality; which cruel order
was punctually executed. He then marched toward
his camp, and found it already pillaged by- a body
of fugitives, who retiring by times out of the field,
and knowing that the Englifh camp was but weakly
guarded, plundered it while the two armies were
engaged, but retired at Henry's approach. The
above maflacre has caft a ftain on this glorious
battle ; but it appeared to Henry unavoidable,
from the impoilibility of the Englifh being able to
guard their prifoners, who are faid to have equalled
or exceeded their conquerors; and the king's juft
apprehenfions, left, during the fight, which he
imagined on the point of being renewed, they
fhould turn againft him. Nothing now remaining
to oppofe his victorious arms, his firft care was to
return thanks to God for fo fignal a deliverance
and victory ; and he ordered proclamation to be
made, that it mould be afcribed to divine power
alone. He then fent for Montjoy, a French herald,
who had been difpatched from the dauphin to
obtain permiffion to bury the dead ; and afked him,
to whom he thought the victory belonged ? the
herald replied, to the Englifh ; upon which he
defired to know the name of a village, to which
he pointed with his finger; and being informed
that it was known by the name of Agincourt,
" This action then, faid he, fhall henceforth be
called the battle of Agincourt."
In this memorable action, fought on the twenty-
fifth of October, which began about ten in the
morning, and lafted till five in the afternoon, the
French are faid to have loft three dukes, fix earls,
ninety barons, fifteen hundred knights, and feven
thoufand efquires, or gentlemen. Among the pri-
foners, which amounted to fourteen thoufand before
the maflacre, the moft eminent of thofe who were
favcd were the dukes of Orleans and Bourbon, the
earls of Eu, Vendome, Richemont, Etouteville,
and marfhal Boucicaut. The pcrfons of chief note
who fell among the Englifli, were the duke of
York, with the young earl of Suffolk ; and their
whole lofs is faid not to have exceeded four hundred
men. The king having refrefhed his men at Mar-
coucelly by a plentiful fupply of all neceflai ies out
of the French camp, refumed his march for Calais,
where he arrived without meeting with farther op-
pofition. About the middle of November he em-
barked for England with his prifoners, and, after a
dangerous paflage, landed at Dover. Thence he
proceeded to London, and was received by the
citizens with all the honours due to the rcftorcr of
Englifh glory.
The emperor Sigifmond had been for fome time
at the court of France, and drew up the plan of a
AD 6 truce which he intended to communi-
'* cate to Henry. Accordingly he re-
paired to Calais, where he was nobly entertained
by the earl of Warwick, governor of that place,
and received fafe conduct' for himfelf and all his
retinue, confifting of a thoufand horfc, among
whom were the count Palatine of the Rhine, the
duke of Milan, the marquifles of Ferrara, Mantua,
and Montferrat ; count Bertold of Hungary ; the
prince of Orange; the duke of Paleitme ; ind
many others of the German and Italian nobiliiy.
While Sigifmond continued in France, he had
aflumed an air of fovereignty, that feemed to rife
from a notion that emperors enjoyed a power fupe-
rior to that of kings. Henry, informed of this
arrogant behaviour, determined to give his impe-
rial majefty to underftand, that the king and people
of England knew no earthly fuperior. Accord-
ingly, thedukeofGloucefter, and other noblemen,
were ordered to receive the emperor at his landing,
and inform him of this refolution. He was brought
over under the convoy of a magnificent fleet of
Englifh fhips ; and approaching the fhbre, found
Gloucefter and his retinue drawn up on the ftrand,
who advancing into the water with their fwords
drawn, flopped the boats. This extraordinary pro-
ceeding was followed by a declaration from the
duke of Clarence, in the name of the king and
the people of England, " That if his imperial
majefty was come as a friend, an ally, and a
mediator of peace, they were ready to receive him
with all the refpect and honours due to. his high
dignity; but that the crown and nation of England
being free and independent, they were ready to
oppofe Ms landing, if he claimed any po\Ver as a
paramount fovereign." The emperor declaring to
the fatisfaction of all prefent, that his intentions
were friendly and pacific, was received on fhorewith
the moft profound demonftrations of regard. He
was met by Henry himfelf at Blackheath, and con-
ducted firft to London, and then to Windfor,
where he was inftalled, with extraordinary pomp, a
knight of the noble order of the garter.
The lofs which the French fuftained at the battle
of Agincourt, was fo far from being fuflicient to
put a period to the fury of factions in France, that
they continued to rage with ftill greater violence.
The difcredit into which the French minifters and
generals had fallen by the late difgraceful defeat,
encouraged the duke of Burgundy to approach
Paris with a great army, thinking to recover the
pofleflion of the government, and the king's perfon.
But his pai tizans in the city being over-awed bv
the court, were afraid to join him ; on which the
duke, defpairing of fuccefs, retired with his forces
into the Netherlands, where he difbanded them.
The next year the duke was invited . ,^
to make a new attempt, by the violent *417-
quarrels which broke out even in the royal family.
Ifabella, the queen, the duke of Bavaria's daughter,
had been hitherto the profefled enemy to thecluke
of Burgundy ; but having been moft injurioufly
treated " by the other party, that princcfs's impla-
cable fpirit could not ftoop to forgive it. The
count of Armagnac, who had been created conRable
of France in the room of d' Albert, was obliged by
the public .neceflities to feize the great treafures
amaflcd by Ifabella; and her exprefiing her refent-
ment for this injury, he inftilled into the weak
mind of the king a jealoufy of this princefs, and
induced him to feize, put to the torture, and throw
into the Seine, Bois bourdon, her favourite, uhom
he accufed of carrying on a criminal converfation
with the queen. She herfelf was fent to Tours,
and confined under a ftrong guard. This injurious
treatment induced her to enter into a correfpon-
clence with the duke of Burgundy ; and her fon
Charles, the dauphin, a youth of fixteen, being
entirely governed by the oppofite faction, fhe ex-
tended her animofity to him ; and, with moft un-
relenting
228
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
l-elenting hatred, fought his deftrucUon. She foon
had an opportunity of being revenged ; for, in
concert with her, the duke of Burgundy, at the
head of a great army, entered France, and made
himfclf mafter of Amiens, Abbeville, and other
towns in Picardy; Rheims, Senlis, Auxerre, Cha-
lons, and Troye, declared themfelves of his party.
He took pofleffion of Beaumont, Meulant, Pon-
toife and Vernon, which were in the neighbour-
hood of Paiis; and, extending his progrefs towards
the weft, made himfelf mafter of Etampes, Char-
tres, and other fortrefles; and at laft delivered the
queen; when flying to Troye, me declared openly
againft the minifters, who, flie faid, held in capti-
vity the king her hufband. In the mean time the
duke of Burgundy's partizans raifed an infurreftion
in Paris; and Lile Adam, one of the duke's
captains, being received into the city in the night,
placed himfelf at the head of the people, who in-
itantly became fo ftrong, that nothing could op-
pofe them. They feized the king's perfon, while
the dauphin, with much difficulty, made his efcape.
They inftantly butchered great numbers of the
faction of Armagnac, and threw the count himfelf,
and many perfons of note, into prifon: under the
colour of party, murders were daily committed
from private animofity, and at length the populace,
breaking into the prifons, killed the count, of Ar-
magnac, and the reft of the nobility who were
confined. In this confufion, ill prepared to refift
a foreign enemy, was France, when Henry landed
A. Y) in Normandy, on the firft of Auguft,
*4 at the head of an army of twenty-
eight thoufand men; and finding little refiftance,
foon made himfelf mafter of Falaife and Cherburg,
Caen and Evreux fubmitted to him ; Point de
I'Arche fell into his hands; and having fubdued
lower Normandy, and obtained a reinforcement of •
fifteen thoufand men from England, he laid fiege
to Rouen, which had a garrifon of four thoufand
men, feconded by the inhabitants, who amounted
to fifteen thoufand. Here the cardinal des Urfins
endeavoured to moderate Henry's pretenfions, and
incline him towards a peace: but the king fully
fenfible of his advantages, anfwered, " Do you not
fee that God has conduced me hither, as by his
hand? France has no fovereign : I have a juft claim
to that kingdom : every thing here is in the ut-
moft confufion, and no one thinks of refifting me.
Can I have a more convincing proof, that the great
Being, who difpofes of empires, has determined to
place the crown of France upon my head?" How-
ever, Henry, though under the influence of ambi-
tion, carried on a negotiation with his enemies, en-
deavouring to obtain advantages that were more
fccure, but lefs confiderable. He offered terms of
peace to both parties; to the queen and duke of
Burgundy, who had the appearance of legal au-
thority, from their having the king in their pof-
fcflion; and to the dauphin, who being undoubted
heir to the crown, was adhered to by all who had
any regard to the intereft of their country. A con-
tinual negotiation was alfo carried on between the
two parties with each other; while the terms on
each fide were perpetually varying, and the fate of
France remained for a long time in the utmoft un-
certainty. At length Henry propofed to the queen
and the duke of Burgundy, to conclude a peace
with them; to many the princefs Catherine; and
to be fatisfied with receiving all the provinces ceded
to Fdward III. with the addition of Normandy, of
which he was to enjoy the entire fovereignty. To
thefe terms they fubmitted, and only fome circum-
ftances remained to be adjuftcd : but during this in-
terval the duke of Burgundy and the dauphin fe-
cretly concluded a treaty, in which they agreed to
{hare the royal authority, during the life of the
king, aod to unite their arms againft a foreign
enemy. This alliance, which appeared to exclude
Henry from all his hopes of fucceis, proved of ad-
vantage to him. It is uncertain whether the
dauphin and the duke of Burgundy were fincere in
thefe engagements: however they agreed to an in-
terview, in order to concert the means of expellino-
the Englifh: yet it feemed diflicifft to contrive in
what manner this conference might be carried on
with fafety. The aflaffination which the duke of
Burgundy had perpetrated, and his open avowal of
that bafe, cruel act, tended to diiTblve all the bands
of fociety, and every reafon for confidence in him.
Hence the duke agreed to every contrivance for
their mutual fecurity, propofed by the dauphin's
minifters. The two princes went to Montereau:
the dauphin lodged in the town, and the duke in
the caftle, which was divided from the town by the
river Yonne. The place chofen for the interview
was the bridge between them, and two high rails
were placed acrofs it : the gates on each fide were
guarded; one by the dauphin's officers, and the
other by thole of the duke. The princes, each ac-
companied by ten perfons, were to enter the inter-
mediate fpace by the oppofite gates-, and amidft all
thefe marks of diffidence to conciliate their mutual
friendfhip. But no precaution can afford fecurity
where the principles of honour are abandoned.
Thofe who attended the dauphin having been the
zealous partizans of the late duke of Orleans, re-
folved to feize this opportunity of revenging on the
afiaffin that prince's murder : and no fooner entered
the rails, than, drawing their fwords, they attacked
and flew the duke of Burgundy, while his friends
ftruck with aftonifhment, made not the leaft de-
fence, and either fliared his fate, or were taken pri-
foners, by the dauphin's retinue. It was aujfirft a
matter of doubt, whether the dauphin was admitted
into the fecret of this confpiracy ; but the deed
having been committed by his moft intimate friends,
who were alfo chief officers of his houfhold, and
his detaining thofe aflafiins in his fervice, fixed the
blame of the aclion entirely upon him. The moft
dreadful confequences followed the perpetration of
this defperate crime. The inhabitants of Paris,
who were zealoufly devoted to the duke of Bur-
gundy, were inflamed with fury againft the dimphin.
King Charles's court entered into the fame views;
and as all that monarch's minifters were indebted
to the late duke for their preferment, and forefee-
ing, that if the dauphin recovered the pofleffion
of his father's perfon, it would involve them in dif-
grace, they eagerly endeavoured to pi event, by every
means, the fuccefs of his enterprize. Every fenti-
ment of honour and patriotifin, and even perfonal
intereft gave way to the tranfports of revenge.
The queen, who ftill maintained her animofity
againft her fon, increafecl the general flame; at the
fame time Philip count of Charolois, the new.duke
of Burgundy, imagined himfelf bound by all the
obligations of duty and honour, to revenge his fa-
ther's murder. Amidft this general rage of parties,
the expulfion of the lawful heir, the fubjeciion to
a foreign enemy, and the flavery of the kingdom,
appeared but fmall evils, while they led to the gra-
tification of private pafiions. Henry, before the
death of the duke of Burgundy, had, after an
obftinate fiege, taken the city of Rouen : Pontoife
and Gifors fell into his hands-, he even advanced to
the gates of Paris, and had obliged the court to re-
move to Troye. A league between . n
him and the prefent duke of Bur-
gundy was concluded. That prince agreed to all
Henry's demands, making no other ftipulation for
himfelf, but the profecution of his father's murder,
and the duke of Bedford's marriage with his lifter.
To put the finifhing ftroke to this A -r\
treaty, Henry, accompanied by his
two brothers the dukes of Clarence and Gloucefter,
went
H E N R Y
V.
229
ent to Troye, where a peace tvas ratified, on the
twenty-third of May, by the oath of the contracting
parties ; the queen and the duke of Burgundy
acting as proxies for king Charles. On this impor-
tant occafion, Henry prefented the princefs Ca-
therine with a ring of great value, and the marriage
contract was immediately fettled, though the nup-
tials were not confummated till the fecond of June.
After the folemnization of the marriage, the two
courts proceeded to Sens, which was already in-
verted by the Englifh and Burgundian forces, and
after a refiflancc of ten days, furrendered to Henry
« by capitulation. With the fame eafe he fubdued
Montereau ; but that of Melun was attended with
greater difficulty, Barbazan, the governor, defend-
ing the place with the moft invincible obftinacy,
iil'l compelled by famine to furrender. Henry
promifed to fpare the lives of all the garrifon, ex-
cept of fuch as had been concerned in the murder
of the late duke of Burgundy ; and as the governor
himfelf was ilrongly fufpected of having been one
of the aflaffins, the'prefent duke infifted on his im-
mediate punifhment ; but Henry, who admired him
for 'iis brave and gallant defence, interceded in his
favour, and prevented his execution, though he was
committed to clofe cuftody, in the Chateau-
Galliarcl, where he remained a prifoner upwards of
twenty years. The treaty of Troye confuted of a
great number of articles, the principal of which
•were ; that Henry mould marry the princefs Ca-
therine ; that king Charles, during his life, mould
enjoy the title and dignity of king of France ; that
Henry mould be acknowledged heir to that king-
dom, of which he mould be regent, and entrufled
•with the adminiftration of the prefent government:
that the crown of France mould defcend to his
heirs : that France and England mould for ever be
united under one king, but fhould ever retain their
feveral diftinct ufages, cuftoms and privileges : that
all the princes, peers, vaflals, and communities of
France, mould fwear, that they would adhere to the
future fucceffion of Henry, and alfo pay him obe-
dience as regent: that Henry mould unite his arms
with thofe of Charles and the duke of Burgundy, in
order to fubdue the adherents of the prefent dau-
phin ; and that thofe princes mould make neither
peace nor truce with him, unlefs by common con-
lent and agreement. This extraordinary treaty,
could be dictated by nothing but private animofity ;
and had it taken effect, it is difficult to determine,
whether it would have proved molt prejudicial to
England or France. It would have reduced the
former kingdom to the form of a province ; and
•with refpect to the latter, it would have brought on
the deftruction of many great families, whole titles
being preferable to that of the Englifh princes, they
would have been expofed to the perpetual jealoufy
of the king. Henry's claim was in every refpect
deficient : for befides the infuperable objections to
which the pretenfions of Edward III. were expofed,
Henry was not heir to that monarch; for if the fe-
male fucceffion were admitted, the right had de-
volved to the houfe of Mortimer. Amidft the
hurry of contending paffions, which actuated the
courts of France and Burgundy, thefe confidera-
tions were overlooked, yet we may reafonably fup-
pofe they would neceflarily have revived in more
tranquil times. Henry was therefore under the
neceffity of purfuing his prefent advantages, and
allowing no time for reafon and reflection. In a
few days after this treaty, he made his public entry
into Paris, with great magnificence, when the ftates
of the kingdom, and the parliament, ratified the
treaty, and fwore obedience to the king of England,
who afliimed the reins of government as regent of
the kingdom. But the feeds of envy were now fown
between the Englifh monarchy and the dukeof Bur-
gundy, the latter of whom took great umbrage at the
No. 22.
II
former's engroffing the whole direction of affairs, and
leaving him a mere cypher in the adminiftration.
Charles having fummoned an ex- . ^
traordinary council in the beginning 42I»
of January, the duke of Burgundy appeared in deep
mourning, and demanded juftice on the murderers
of his father. The dauphin, with his accomplices,
being fummoned to appear at the marble table, and
paying no regard to the citation, were convicted,
attainted, and condemned to perpetual exile; and
that prince, on the other hand, appealed to God
and his own fword, from the fentence, as well as
all proceedings that might be carried on to his pre-
judice, in the name of his father. The remote pro-
vinces, which had not been expofed to the attacks
of the Englifh, ftill adhered to the dauphin, and
even many places, in the neighbourhood of Paris ;
fo that Henry had an arduous talk to perform, be-
fore the war could be finifhed, efpecially as his
troops were extremely difguftfiil to the French na-
tion. Being under thencceffity of procuringfupplies,
he was obliged to pafs over into England." Having
placed Englifh governors in the fortrefles he had lub-
dued, he committed the government of Paris, dur-
ing his abfence, to his uncle the duke of Exeter, and
the command of the army to the duke of Clarence.
On his arrival in England, about the latter end
of Feuruary, the queen was crowned, and a parlia-
ment fummoned to meet at Weftminfter, on the
fecond of May. When affembled, the king could
obtain only a fubfidy of one fifteenth : a fcanty f'up-
ply, which mews they were not highly plcafed with
his victories; and that in proportion as the profpect
of their being united to France became nearer, they
began to fee the dangerous confequences, which
might attend that event. Henry had now however
other refources. The provinces he had already
fubdued, fupported his troops, and all ambitious men
in England were allured to his ftandard. He there-
fore eafily raifed a new army of four thoufand men at
arms, and twenty-four thoufand archers, with whom
he marched to Dover, the place of embarkation.
During the abfence of Henry from France, the
dauphin, affifted by a body of feven thoufand Scots,
under the command of the earl of Buchan, had de-
feated the duke of Clarence, Henry's brother in An-
jou. The two armies came to an engagement at
Bouge, in which the Englifh, being overpowered by
numbers, were defeated, and the duke himfelf was
wounded in the face by Sir Allan Swinton, a Scotch
knight, and killed by the earl of Buchan . The Englifh
had fifteen hundred men killed and a great number
taken prifoners. Among the flain were the earls of
Kent, the lords Gray and Rofs, and feveral other offi-
cers of diftinction ; and among the prifoners, were
the earls of Somerfet,Dorfetand Huntingdon. This
was the firft battle in which the Englifh were defeated ;
and the dauphin, in order to reward the conduct of
the earl of Buchan, and attach the Scots to his fer-
vice, created that nobleman a conftable of France.
But Henry's arrival with his army, appeared
more than fufficient to repair this lofs. He was
received at Paris, with great expreffions of joy, and
immediately proceeded to Chartres, which had been
for a longtime befieged by the dauphin, who now,
on the approach of the Englifh, raifed the fiege,
and retired with his army, Henry then took pof-
feflion of Dreux, without oppofition ; after which,
at the folicitation of the Parifians, he invefted
Meaux, and carried on the fiege during eight
months. Thebaftardof Varus, governor of Meaux,
who had diftinguifhed himfelf by his obftinate de-
fence, was obliged to furrender at difcretion. This
officer's cruelty was upon a level with his valour,
he being accuftomed to hang all the Englifh and
Burgundians that fell into his hands ; and to re-
venge this barbarity, Henry ordered him inftantly
to be hanged on the fame tree, on which his inhu-
3 N
man
230 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
man executions had been performed. The reduc-
tion of Meaux was followed by many other places,
and the dauphin was obliged to abandon almoft all
the northern provinces. This feries of profperity
was crowned by the queen being delivered of a fon,
who was called by his father's name. The infant
prince appeared to be univerfally regarded as the
future heir of both kingdoms ; and his birth was
celebrated by rejoicings, that were no lefs pompous
at Paris than at London.
Henry had now almoft reached the
A. D. T422- furnrnit of his touring ambition, con-
fidered as a king. By his prudent adminiftration,
he had fecured the affections of his fubjefts in Eng-
land : by keeping the king of Scots in his poffeflion,
he prevented that people from making incurfions
into the northern counties: by his undaunted va-
lour, and a concurrence of favourable circum-
ftances, he had fubjected, in a fhort fpace of time,
the greateft part of the extenfive kingdom of
France ; but his career of glory was now arrefted
by the king of terrors, and all his mighty projects
vanimed like the mift of the morning. Through
the hardfliips and fatigues he had undergone, he
contracted an acute fever, accompanied with a cly-
fentery, which foon made him fenfible that his end
was approaching. He fent for his brother, the
duke of Exeter, the earl of Warwick, and feveral
other noblemen, who happened to be near him,
that they might hear his laft injunctions. Accoft-
ing them with a chearful countenance, he obferved,
that his reign, though fliort, had been glorious ;
that though his pretenfions to the crown of France
had occafioned much bloodflied, yet thofe calami-
ties, the natural confequences of war, ought not to
be imputed to him, but to thofe, whofe obftinacy
and injuftice had forced him to have recourfe to
arms, by refufing to accept of an honourable peace :
that with refpecl to himfelf, he could meet death
without the leaft concern, but could not help la-
menting the fate of the infant prince, his fon, who,
from his tender age, was incapable of finifhing a
work he had fo happily begun. He therefore con-
jured them, in the name of the mod High, to pre-
ferve an inviolable fidelity and attachment to the
young prince, who was born to be their fovereign ;
to watch over his education ; and as much as lay in
their power, confole the queen in her affliction : he
exhorted them to cultivate the friendfhip of the
duke of Burgundy; to detain the prifoners who had
been taken at the battle of Agincourt, till his fon
fhould be capable of managing the reins of go-
vernment; and whateveraccommodation they might
think neceflary to make with the court of France,
to preferve to the crown of England the abfolute
Sovereignty of Normandy. He concluded, with
expreffing a defire, that the duke of Bedford might
ailume the adminiftration of France, that the duke
of Gloucefter might aft as regent of England, dur-
ing the prince's minority, and that the earl of War-
wick fhould have the care of his fon's perfon.
Having thus delivered his fentiments concerning
the management of public affairs, he enquired of
his phyficians, how long they thought he had to
live? when one of them fulling on his knees by
the bed fide, faid witb tears in his eyes, that with-
out a mir.icle he could not live above two hours.
This declaration he heard with the utmoft compo-
fure, and having made ccnfeffion of his fins, or-
dered his chaplain to read the feven penitential
pfilms. When he came to that paffageof the fifty
iirft pfakn, " Build thou the walls of Jerufalem,"
he interrupted him, and declared on the word of a
dying prince, that it was his full intention, after he
had eftablifhcd a peace with France, to have made
a crufade againll the infidels, for the recovery of
Jerufalem out of their hands. This exercife of de-
votion being Unilhed, Henry expired, on the thirty-
firft of Auguft, in the thirty-fourth year of his age,
after a glorious reign of nine years, five months,
and eleven days, being the XXXIIId king of Eng-
land from Egbert I. His body was brought to
England, and interred among his anceftors in Weft-
minller-abbey, with a pompfuitable to the grandeur
he enjoyed when living, and to the eileem of
his fubjccls ; and the queen, in honour of her
illuftrious confort, caufed to be laid on his tomb a
ftatue of filvcr gilt, extremely like him, and as large
as life. By his queen, Catherine of France, he left
only one fon, named Henry, whofe misfortunes in.
the courfe of his life, furpaffed all the glories and
fucceffes of his father. Henry's widow, foon after his
death, married a Welch gentleman, called Sir Owen
Tudor, and faid to be defcended from the antient
princes of Wales: flie bore him twofons, Edmund
and Jafper, of whom, the eldcft was created earl of
Richmond ; the fecond, earl of Pembroke. The fa-
mily of Tudor, firft raifed to diftinction by this al-
liance, mounted afterwards the throne of England.
The ordinary revenue of the crown, during this
reign, amounted only to fifty-five thoufand, feven
hundred, fourteen pounds, ten millings, and ten
pence a year, which muft have been about one hun-
dred, ten thoufand pounds of our prefent money,
and from the cheapnefs of provifions, was equiva-
lent to about three hundred and thirty thoufand
pounds fterling. The ordinary expence of the go-
Vernment amounted to forty-two thoufand, five
hundred, feven pounds, fixteen millings, and ten
pence; whence the king had only a furplus of.
thirteen thoufand, two hundred and fix pounds,
fourteen fhillings, for the fupport of his houlhold,
his wardrobe, the expence of embaflies and other
articles ; on which account he was frequently
obliged to have recourfe to parliament for fupplies.
War was then attended with an expence, which
neither the king's ordinary revenue, nor his extra-
ordinary fupplies were able to fupport. Hence the
fovereign was commonly reduced to the neceflity
of borrowing money from all quarters: he pawned
his jewels, and fometimes the crown itfelf ; not-
withftanding which, he was often forced to flop in
the midft of his victories, and to grant a truce to
the enemy, till he could gain a freih fupply ; and
Henry, till within a year of his death, owed debts,
which he had contracted when prince of Wales.
Character of king Henry V.
In ftature, he was fomewhat above the middle
fize; his countenance was engaging; his limbs gen-
teel and {lender, but full of vigour. He excelled
in all warlike exercifes ; and was able to endure
cold, hunger, and fatigue to as great a degree, as
the moft hardy foldier in his army. His abilities
in the cabinet were equal to thofe difplayed in the
field ; and it is hard to determine, whether his
courage or policy deferve our higheft encomiums.
He had the art, with a moft engaging deportment,
to win the affections of his friends by affability,
and of recovering the good opinion of his enemies
by clemency and addrefs. He was religious, with-
out fuperftition or enthuflafm ; juft, without ri-
gour or partiality ; and complaifant, without mean
condefcenfion, or felf-interefted views. He was no
more tenacious of the prerogatives of the crown,
than the privileges of the fubjecl, and fwayed his
fcepter with fuch equal poife, that under him virtue
never loft its reward, corruption never found an.
excufe, nor oppreffion a fancluary ; excepting a few
inftances of religious controverfy ; and even thefe
he obviated in fome meafure as a man, when he was
under a kind of neceflity to tolerate them as a king.
The boldnefs of his enterprifes was as remarkable
as that perfonal valour with which he conducted
them ; and his warlike exploits have principally en-
gaged the pens of -antient and modern hiftorians.
The
i
HENRYTI
X
f
' //Y/,/ Born ^/ \Vmdfor . //v,V/ //;V. AiVeiiclocl //r Thi-ono //////. ','?/,/ >'.'
.\' Murdered ///
/ ^)
Tower /• London, /line >, '>(' . //;/
HENRY
VI.
231
The conqueft of France, confidered in itfelf, had
fomething in it grand and glorious ; yet that con-
queft, with the ftruggles of the Englifh to prefervc
it, coft the nation a deluge of blood. Henry could
not be ignorant of the weaknefs of his title to the
crown of France ; yet in fupport of this he laid wafte
the faireft provinces of that kingdom ; at a time
too when the civil diffentions of the French ren-
dered them unable to defend themfelves. But m
viewing thefe kind of tranfactions, and efpccially in
drawing the characters of great men, who flquni
in former times, we ought never to lofe fight of the
prevalence of predominant paffions, the ruling
manners, cuftoms and vices of the age, whereby
people faw not the deformity of a conduct in parti-
cular inftances, which in thefe days_ cannot be re-
conciled to the principles of humanity, and much
lefs to the precepts of our moft holy religion. Neg-
lectful of the liberal arts, which expand the human
min.i, and direct it to more Worthy purfuits, un-
taught in the grand leflbn of univerfal benevolence,
the principal objects in thofe days were war and
fuperiiition. Princes being trained up in arbitrary
maxims, confidered the bulk of mankind as Haves
devoted to their intcreft and ambition : they were
taught to expeft forgivenefs, or that the mofl atro-
cious crimes were eafily expiated, by devotional
exercifcs, benefactions to the church, or a crufade
in the holy land. Is it to be wondered then, that
corrupt practices mould flow from fuch corrupt
principles? efpecially if we confider, that conftitu-
tional failures are palliated by the flighteft confi-
derations, and confcience is readily brought over to
difpenfe with the gratification of any ruling pafllon?
Henry was not without ambition, the common vice
of monarchs ; yet confidered as a king of England,
with regard to public liberty and private affections,
he was, perhaps, the moft unexceptionable of all
the Norman race. He had, no material difputes
with his parliament; he refufed no falutary acts ;
he adopted no unconftitutional mcafures ; this con-
duct made the crown fit eafy on his own head, and
ftrcngthened his fcepter when committed to dele-
gated power. A diftinguifhed warrior he certainly
was ; and alfo poffefled thofe milder virtues, which,
in a peaceful reign would have contributed to the
profperity and happirtefs of his people. His for-
giving the earl of Marche, is a fufficient proof of
his magnanimity ; while his candour and lincerity
are abundantly eftablifhed, by that nobleman's re-
lying entirely upon his friendship. Dazzled by the
luftre of his character, even more than by his vic-
tories, the Englifh overlooked the defect of his title :
the French almoft forgot that he was an enemy.
His care in diftributing impartial juftice, in his civil
adminiftration, and in preferving the ftrifteft dif-
cipline in his armies, made fome amends to both
nations for the calamities infeparable from defultory
wars: with thefe the fhort reign of Henry V. was
almoft entirely occupied, in profecuting which he
was remarkably fuccefeful ; and had one advantage
over many of his predeceffors, in that he had the
happinefs to fee the fruit of his labours, and to die
much lamented in the midft of his profperity.
H
C H A P. III.
N R
VI.
To whom the government was intruded during the minority of the infant prince — State of his dominions at the time
cf bis accejjion — military operations in France -Siege of Orleans raifed, when on the point of furrendering, by the
pretended miffion, and heroic exploits, of Joan d'Arc, the famous Maid of Orleans — She is taken prifoner in a f ally
made upon the Englijh, at thefiege of Compeigne, and burned for a witch — Merit, popularity, and prudent condutt
of the duke of Bedford, who died at Rouen, the fifteenth of September — His fucceffor s in the regency — Duke of
Gloucefter murdered — Normandy and Guienne fubdued, and the Englijlo lofe all their pojfejfions in France, except
Calais andGuifnes, with their dependencies — Pretenfions of Richard, duke ofTork, to the crown — Popular infur-
reclions — Civil war commences — Battles of St. Albans, Black-heath, Northampton, and Wakefield — Duke of
fork's death — Battle of Mortimer' s-crofs— Second battle of St. A/bans — Condujion of the reign, and character of
Henry VI — Edward IV. proclaimed, and crowned king of England.
A.D.
H
nENRY VI. furnamed of Wind-
for, when proclaimed with the
ufual formalities at Weftminfter, was about nine
months old ; in. whofe nominal reign was fulfilled
that antient adage, " Woe to that nation whofe
prince is a child." This done, the duke of Glou-
cefter iffued writs in the name of that prince, for a
parliament to meet at Weftminfter, on the ninth of
November. The lords and commons paid very
little attention to the verbal will of their late mo-
narch : they fet afide the name of Regent, with re-
fpect to England, changing it into that of Protec-
tor, and advanced the duke of Bedford to that
office, inftead of the duke of Gloucefter; yet they
permitted the latter to difcharge its duties during
his abfence. At the fame time to limit their
power, a council was appointed, without whofe
advice and concurrence no meafures of importance
could be determined. Nor would they confirm
that part of Henry's will, which appointed the earl
of Warwick guardian of his fon's perfon, but en-
trufted the care of their infant king to the bifhop
of Winchefter. The two princes, Bedford and
Gloucefter, made no oppofition to this plan of go-
vernment ; for the war in France appearing an ob-
ject of the grcateft confequence, they avoided every
oiifpute that might obftrucl: the conquefts in that
kingdom, In lefs than two months after the death
of Henry V. Charles VI. of France, paid the debt
of nature ; and his fon, Charles VII. was, imme-
diately after his father's death, crowned at Poictiers ;
a prince of a mild, generous clifpofition, but indo-
lent, irrefolute, and given to pleafure. However
the French renounced not wholly their attachment
to their natural fovereign ; and though moft of the
princes of the blood had been detained prifoners in
England ever fince the battle of Agincourt, their
friends and vafials were zealoufly attached to Charles;
nor was it poflible for them not to fee the difad-
vantage of being governed by a foreign prince.
This was foon perceived by the duke of Bedford,
and every method that human prudence could fug-
geft, was taken to prevent the confequence.
Charles, though reduced to a very bw ebb of for-
tune, was ftiH mafter of the counties of Berry,
Bourbon, Languedoc, Lionnois, Ferrez, Auvergne,
a great part of Xaintonge and Poictou, together
with the earldoms of Comfninges and Armagnac,
bordering on the Pyrannees ; fo that his power was
ftill rcfpectablc, efpecially as both his ofilcers and
minifters were men of great parts and integrity.
On the other hand, Henry was in poffeffion of Nor-
mandy, Guienne, Picardy, Champaigne, la Brie,
the lilc of France, and the city of Paris •, befides the
provinces
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
provinces belonging to the duke of Burgundy,
his vaflal and ally. The duke of Bedford well
knew, that foreign affiftance would be neceflary be-
Fore he could hope to complete his conqueft of
trance. He therefore applied himfelf afliduoufly
to increafe the number of his friends on the conti-
nent, and had the good fortune to form an alliance
with the duke of Brittany, and his brother, the
count of Richemont. He alfo prevailed on the
Englifh council to releafe James, king of Scotland,
who had continued a prifoner in England, ever
fihce his having been taken by Henry IV. It had
been fuppofed, that the Scots would never attempt
any thing to difturb the peace of England, while
their king was a prifoner in that court; but the late
afliftance fent to Charles, fufliciently proved, that
this opinion was founded on a chimerical bails :
and that a much greater advantage might be pro-
cured from releafing James, who having contracted
a friendfhip for the Englifh, would ftill continue
their firm ally, efpecially as his obligations would
be fo greatly increafed by reftoring to him at once
his liberty and his crown.
i ~ Since the death of Henry V. the
"' 1424-war jn France had been carried on
with various fuccefs, fometimes fortune favouring
the French, fometimes the Englifh. Places were
taken and retaken fucceffively, without any re-
markable advantage. Charles having reduced
Yvry, on the frontiers of Picardy, a place of great
importance, the regent determined to retake it. At
the end of three months, the governor was obliged
to capitulate, and agreed to furrender the town, if
no relief arrived before a certain time. Charles
was no fooner informed of thefe conditions than he
employed the neceflary means in order to fave the
place; and having collected an army of fourteen
thoufand men, half of whom were Scots, he fent
them thither, under the command of the conftable,
who was attended by his countryman the earl of
Douglasj the duke of Alenfon, the marfhal de la
Fayette, the count of Aumale, and the vifcount of
Narbonne. "When Buchan arrived within a few
leagues of Yvry, finding he was corne too late, it
having furrendered, he inverted Vernueil, which the
inhabitants, in fpite of the garrifon, delivered up to
liim. Buchan might have retired with the honour
of having made an acquifition of no lefs importance
than the place he was fent to relieve ; but on hear-
ing of the duke of Bedford's approach, he fum-
moned a council, in which the wifer part declared
for a retreat, reprcfenting, that every reafon invited
them to embrace the moft cautious meafures, and
that this army, being the king's laft refource, and
the only defence of a few provinces he now poflefled,
he ought to avoid giving battle, when not com-
pelled by neceflity. Thefe prudential confidera-
tions being however over-ruled, by a vain point of
honour, of not turning their back on the enemy,
they determined to wait the arrival of the duke of
Bedford, who was now advancing at the head of
fifteen thoufand men. On his arrival near the camp
of the enemy, he took pofleffion of an advantageous
fpot of ground, neat the walls of Vernueil, flanked
by a hill, on which he pofted a body of two thou-
fand archers, and furnifhed all his infantry with
large flakes, to check the fury of the French ca-
valry. The earl of Douglas having furveyed the
pofition of the Englifh camp, declared, that in his
opinion the French army fhould fland upon the de-
fenfive, and not begin the action, as the enemy had
chofcn their own ground, where they could not be
attacked without great difadvaotage. This pru-
dent advice, which was feconded by the conftable,
and every officer of experience in the army, appeared
to Aymer, vifcount of Narbonne, aheadftrong, im-
prudent man, as the effect of timidity; nor did he
fail to upbraid the commanders, in exprefs terms,
with pufillanimity, and of difhonouring, by their
meannefs, the arms of France. No anfwer was re-
turned to his invectives; which fo highly exafpe-
rated him, that, (hatching up one of the ftandards,
he exclaimed, " Let all who love their fovereign
follow me," and rufhing immediately out of the
line, he advanced to the charge with the moft irre-
gular impetuoficy. Douglas and the conftable fee-
ing the confulion that now prevailed in their army,
and finding their authority clefpifed, determined to
perifti like foldiers in the inevitable deftruction,
which they knew mult be the confequence of this
headftrong rafhnefs. The regent had ordered all
his cavalry to difmount, and to place their horfes in
the rear of the army. The attack, though made
with the utmoft diforder, was fo furious, that a
body of their horfe on their right wing, broke the
oppofite wing of the Englifh, and advanced to the
barricade which furrounded the horfes, and behind
which a body of archers was placed. Thefe dif-
charging a fhower of well-directed arrows, obliged,
them to fall back: at the fame time the body of
troops who were pofted on the hill fo galled the
Italians, who were marching up in another line,
that they fled with great precipitation. This corps
of rcferve immediately marched to the fupport of
the main body, where the fight had continued for
three hours without any advantage on either fide;
but the viftory now remained no longer dubious j
they fell upon the flank of the Scots, and foon
turned the fcale in favour of the Englifh. The
French horfe were driven back tjpon their foot, and
a dreadful {laughter enfued. Douglas and the con-
fl able perceiving the defeat of their army inevitable,
fcorned to furvive the difgrace, and rufhing into
the thickeft of the battle, bravely fell in the midfl
of their enemies, victims to youthful temerity and
foolhardinefs. The headftrong Narbonne, fbn of
earl Douglas, the counts Aumale, Ventadour, and
de Tonnere, the lords Granville, Manni, Gamaches,
and Guitri, with many other perfons of diftinftion,
fhared the fame fate. The other principal officers
were fo dangeroufly wounded, that they could no
longer give command, fo that the men, deprived
of their leaders, fought at random until they were
entirely routed. The daftardly Italians, who dif-
perfed in the beginning of the action, hearing that
the French had gained the viftory, returned for
their fhare of the booty, but met fuch an unexpected
reception from the Englifh, that not a man would
have efcaped alive, had they not been favoured by
approaching night. Five thoufand Scots and
French were flain in this battle, and fixteen hundred
Englifh. A great number of the former were taken,
prifoners, among whom were the marfhal de la
Fayette, the lords Goncour, Mortimer, and the
duke of Alen9on. Next day the duke of Bedford
laid fiege to Vernueil, which furrendered on capitu-
lation. Having gained this important advantage,
he returned to Paris, to quell an infurre<ftion that
had been raifed in that city, while the earl of
Salifbury finifhed the conqueft of la Maine.
The condition of Charles was now truly de-
plorable. His adherents were ftruck with confler-
nation, and began to look upon his caufe as def-
perate. Every thing feemed to forebode approach-
ing ruin; when an event occurred which averted
the impending danger, and deprived the Englifh of
a moft favourable opportunity for completing the
conqueft of France. Jacqueline,countefs of Hainault,
animated by a violent antipathy to her hufband the
dxike of Brabant, coufin-germanto the duke of Bur»
gundy, determined to diffblve her marriage. Shewas
a princefs of a mafculinc fpirit, and uncommon un-
derftanding, and her hufband weak both in confti-
tution and intellects. Knowing his family would
exert all their power to prevent the pope from
fetUng afide her marriage contract, in order to
efteft
HENRY
VI.
233
effect her purpofe fhe made her efcape to England,
and put herfelf under the protection of the duke of
Gloucefter, who being enamoured of her perfon
and fortune, ventured to marry her without waiting
for the papal difpenfation, not confidering thecon-
fequences of an action he had refolved to perform.
Soon after their marriage, he went over into the
Low Countries to claim her dominions. The duke
of Burgundy exclaimed loudly againft this conduct,
and coniidering himfelf as intuited by it, inarched
in perfon to the afliftance of the duke of Brabant.
The labours of the duke of Bedford to reftrain the
impetuous temper of his brother were in vain ; nor
•Was he able to foften the rcfentment of the duke of
Burgundy. Inftead therefore of improving the
important victory he had obtained at Vernueil, he
was under the neceffity of returning to England,
where the departure of his brother had excited con-
tentions in the adminiftration. This ccflation of
hoftilities gave Charles an opportunity of recover-
ing from his defeat.
AD iK ^'ie duke °f Bedford, after having
l^2 ' paffed eight months in England, found
the affairs of France in a very critical fituation.
The duke of Burgundy was greatly difgufted; the
duke of Brittany had done homage to Charles ;
and the French had begun to recover from the
confirmation into which they had been thrown by
their frequent misfortunes, their courage being
raifed by an event which had juft happened. Mon-
targis had been befieged and reduced to extremity
by the earl of Warwick, with a fmall army of
three thoufand men, when the baflard of Orleans
refolved to ufe his utmoft endeavours to relieve the
town. This general, who was the natural fon of
the prince affaffinated by the duke of Burgundy,
and was afterwards created count of Dunois, con-
ducted a body of fixteen hundred men to Mon-
targis, and attacked the enemy's trenches with fuch
bravery and fuccefs, that he not only entered the
town, but obliged Warwick to raife the fiege. This
advantage raifed the hopes of Charles's party, and
etlablifhed the military character of Dunois.
A D Bedford having fettled
'•' ' ' affairs in England, returned to France,
and revived the reputation of the Englifh arms;
for having fecretly aflembled, in feparate detach-
ments, a confiderable army on the frontiers of
Brittany, he fell fo unexpectedly on that province,
that nothing could refill his progrefs. All the
attempts of its duke were in vain ; fo that after
ieeing the greater part of his territories wafted with
fire and fword, he was not only obliged to renew
his engagements with the Englifh, but likewife to
fign the treaty of Troye, acknowledging the duke
of Bedford regent of France, and promifing to do
homage for his duchy to the king of England.
The conqueft of France feemed now an eafy ac-
quifition, the military ftrength of Charles being
nearly exhaufted ; and he had lately devoted him-
felf to luxury and indolence, as if he had laid
afide all thoughts of oppofing the progrefs of the
enemy. The earl, of Warwick had returned to
England, and was appointed governor to the king
in the room of the duke of Exeter, lately deceafed ;
and the earl of Salifbury arrived in France with a
reinforcement of five thoufand men, which he had
levied at his own expence in England, in confe-
quence of an agreement with the council. Imme-
diately on his arrival at Paris, the regent conferred
on him the command of an army of fixteen thou-
fand men, in order that he might reduce the city of
Orleans, the only barrier that oppofed his entrance
into the foutherii provinces.
AT) 18 Accordingly, about the latter end
' of July, the carl of Salifbury marched
from Paris, attended by the earl of Suffolk, lord
Talbot, Sir John Faftolf, and other experienced
2.
officers, and reduced all the towns that lay in his
rout to Orleans. He paffed the Loire at Beau-
genci, and invefted the place on the fide of So-
logni, on the twelfth of October. Every precau-
tion was taken by the French Tor its defence. As
the retention of Orleans was of momentous con-
fequence to the intereft of their mafler, they took
a refolution of defending it with their lateft breath.
The command was given to count de Gaucouit, an
officer of great experience. The troops that formed
the garrifon were all veterans, long familiar with
danger. The citizens had acquired a military
turn, and were extremely well qualified to affift the
regulars in the defence of the place. Many new
fortifications were raifed ; the old ones repaired ;
and the greater part of the buildings in the
fuburbs pulled down. Both the affailants and de-
fenders feemed infpired with a fenfe of honour,
and feats of chivalry were cl.iily performed. The
deftitute circumftances of Charles, would not ad-
mit of his raifing the fiege; but he found means
to evade the vigilance of the Englifh, and to in-
troduce fuccours from time to time ; fo that the
garrifon, .which originally confifted of twelve
hundred men, was, by the clofe of December,
augmented to three thoufand, and the number of
the befiegers to three and twenty thoufand, by re-
inforcements received from the regent. The firft
operation on then- fide was againft a bulwark erected
to cover the caftle of Tourelles, which defended
the head of the bridge over the Loire. The
Englifh artillery foon demolifhed the parapets ;
yet in their firft attempt to ftorm it they were
obliged to retreat, leaving two hundred and fifty
men dead in the breach. This repulfe, however,
ferved only to increafe their ardour ; they conti-
nued battering the work with fuch unremitted fury,
that it was at length abandoned, and the Englifh,
took poffeffion of it without any farther oppofition.
It was now perceived, that while the city could be
fupplied with troops and provifions, it would be
impofllble to take it. The earl of Salifbury there-
fore ordered lixty fmall forts, or redoubts, to be
creeled at proper dillances round the city; but
while he was infpeding the works, a cannon ball
from the befieged put a period to his life ; but his
death, though univerfally lamented by the army,
did not in the leaft interrupt the fiege, which was
carried on under the direction of the earl of Suf-
folk, affifted by the famous Taibot, one of the
moft accomplimed generals that age produced.
Four months had already been fpent in continual
fallies and attacks, when the regent ordered a
convoy of fait fifh to be fent from Paris, for the
ufe of the befiegers in Lent, efcorted by a detach-
ment of feventeen hundred men, under the com-
mand of Sir John Faftolf, an officer of great valour
and experience.
Charles having: received intelligence ,. T.
c , A.D. 1420.
of the day on which this convoy pro-
pofed to fet out, ordered the count de Clermont,
at the head of three thoufand men, to attack the
Englifh in their rout. The count came up with
the convoy at Rouvrai St. Denis, on the twelfth of
February. Faftolf, apprized of his approach, pofted'
his men behind a barricade of waggons, where
they withftood the firft attack of the enemy, who
were received fo warmly that great diforder en-
fued ; which the Englifh general obferving, or-
dered openings to be made in the barricade,
through which his men charged the enemy before
they could rally, and defeated them with great
{laughter. In this action, which was called the
battle of Herrings, one hundred and twenty noble-
men and officers of diftinction were flain, befides a
great number of private men ; but the baftard of
Orleans, who had joined Clermont on tin? pc-
cafion, retreated to the town with four hundred in
3 O good
234
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
good order. This overthrow fo difpirited the
French king, that he began to defpair of retrieving
his mattered fortunes ; and an offer was made, that
Orleans fhould be fequeftei ed into the hands of the
duke of Burgundy. But Bedford rejected the pro-
pofal ; obferving, " That he was not in a humour
to beat the bufries, while others ran away with the
game." This farcafm fo difgufted the duke of
Burgundy, that he recalled all his troops from the
fervice of the Englifli. But notwithstanding this
defection, Orleans was every day more and more
clofely inverted. The utmoft fcarcity prevailed in
the city, and Charles meditated an inglorious re-
treat into Dauphine ; when his affairs were reftored
by an amazing refolution. At this dangerous crifis,
a country girl delivered him from the danger with
which he was threatened, and was the initrument
of placing him on the throne of his anceftors.
About the latter end of February one Joan
d'Arc, afterwards better known by the name of the
Maid of Orleans, a native of the village of Dan-
remy, repaired to Vaucouleurs, on the borders of
Lorraine. She was about twenty years of age, of
an irreproachable life, and had not hitherto been
remarked for any fingularity. She had been fervant
at an inn, where (he was accuftomed to ride the
horfes to water without afaddle, and to perform all
the low offices that are commonly allotted to the
men fervants. A continual recital of the calami-
ties of France, had made fo great an impreffion on
her imagination, that abandoning herfelf to the
tranfports of enthufiafm, me miftook the rovings
of her own heated pailions for the infpirations of
the Almighty, and fancied fhe beheld vifions, and
heard voices from heaven, exhorting her to re-
place Charles on the throne of France, and to
expel the invaders. Her natural intrepidity made
her difregard the dangers of fuch an attempt; and
imagining that God had deftined her to perform
this great work, me threw off the bafhfulnefs
natural to her fex and years ; and having got ad-
miffion to Baudricourt, the governor of Vaucou-
leurs, fhe acquainted him with her infpirations,
exhorting him to comply with the voice of God,
and to fecond the heavenly revelations, which im-
pelled her to engage in fuch a glorious enterprize.
The governor at firft paid little regard to what fhe
faid; but, on her frequently renewing her impor-
tunate felicitations, he allowed her fome attendants,
by whom me was conducted to the French court,
then refiding at Chinon. It is pretended, that Joan
was no fooner admitted to the king than fhe knew
him, though fhe had never feen him before, and
he now purpofely concealed himfelf in the croud
of his courtiers, having laid aficle every thing in
his drefs by which he might be diftinguifhed : that
fhe offered him, in the name of the Supreme
Being, to raife the fiege of Orleans, and to con-
duct him to Rheims to be anointed and crowned
there ; and on his expreffing fome doubts of her
divine commiffion, fhe revealed to him a fecret un-
known to all the world befides himfelf; and that
Hie defired a particular fword, kept in St. Cathe-
rine's church at Fierbois, which though fhe had
never fecn fhe exactly defcribed, as well as the
place in which it had long lain neglected. Thefe
pretended miraculous relations were inftantly fpread
abroad, that they might make proper impreflions
on the vulgar. Every method was taken to publiih
her>predictions; yet, notwithftanding Charles and
his minifters were determined to carry on the cheat,
and countemnce the delufion, they gravely pre-
tended fcruples, and caufed to be afTcmbled a
council of (age divines, who after having examined
Joan's million, declared, with great folemnity, that
fhe was fent from heaven. The maid was then
conducted to the parliament, which refided at
ersj and being examined before that aflembly
they alfo were convinced of her infpirations, and
ratified the pious fraud. This extraordinary en-
gine being thus prepared, it was refolved to try its
force upon the enemy. The Maid of Orleans, at
her own requcft, was armed cap-a-pie, and mounted
on a fine horfe richly caparifoned. The fword of
St. Catherine was delivered to her with great for-
mality; and in this martial drefs fhe was exhi-
bited to a croud of fpectators, who received her
with the loudeft acclamations. This infpired leader
was now fent to Blois, where a confiderable convoy-
was prepared of provifions and ammunition for the
befieged, who were at this time reduced to the laft
extremity. Joan accordingly marehed at the head
of twelve thoufand chofen men, by whom the con-
voy was to be efcorted. She ordered, that all the
foldiers, before they fet out, mould confefs to their
pi iefts ; fhe banifhed all women of ill fame from
the camp; fhe held in her hand a confccrated ban-
ner, in which was reprefented the Supreme Being
holding the earth in his hand, furrounded with
flower-de-luces, and infifted that the convoy mould
enter Orleans by the direct road from Beauffe; but
the count of Dtinois caufed it to approach by the
other fide, where he was fenfible the weakeft part
of the Englifli army was ftationed. Joan had
written to the regent and the Englifh generals,
ordering them, in the name of the Almighty, by
whom me was commiflioned, inftantly to raife the
fiege and to quit France, on pain of fuffering divine
vengeance for their difobedience. The Englifh en-
deavoured to ridicule the maid and her divine com-
miffion ; obferving, that the French king, by
having recourfe to fuch a ridiculous expedient,
muft be reduced to a wretched pafs ; yet they felt
their imaginations fecretly affected, and waited with
fome anxiety for the iffuc. On the twenty-ninth of
April the convoy approached the river, when the
garrifon made a vigorous fally on the fide of
Beatific, to prevent the Englifh fending troops to
the other fide of the river, while the boats were
loading with the provilions and ammunition de-
figned for the city. After Joan had covered the
embarkation with her troops, fhe entered the city
in her military garb, and was received by all the
inhabitants as their celeftial deliverer. They were
now firmly perfuaded, that under her influence
they fliould be invincible ; and Dunois, perceiving
the extraordinary effect fhe had produced in the
minds of the people, both friends and enemies,
confented the next convoy fhould enter by the fide
of Beauffe. That convoy approached on the fourth
| of May, when the waggons and troops paffed be-
tween the redoubts of the Englifh without inter-
ruption ; while they, who were formerly fo elated
with victory, remained in filent aftonifhment. The
earl of Suffolk was in a very extraordinary fitua-
tion, fufficient to confound the greateft capacity.
He perceived, that his army in general was over-
awed with the idea of Joan's being accompanied
by a divine power ; and inftead of expelling thefe
terrors by the hurry of war, he imprudently waited
for the foldiers recovering themfelves from their
panic, and thus allowed time for thefe prepoffeffions
to fink deeper into their minds. The -Englifh,
finding that their courage failed, imagined the
vengeance of heaven hung over them ; and their
inactivity, fo new and unexpected, made the French
think fo too. The Maid of Orleans now exhorted
the garrifon to continue on the defenfive ; and pro-
mifed all thofe fhould have fupernatural affiitance,
who attacked the formidable redoubts by which
they had fo long been kept in awe. Her en-
thuliaftic ardour was feconded by^ the generals.
One redoubt being ftormed with uncommon fury,
it was taken, and all the F.nglifh put to the fword,
or made prifoners ; Sir John Talbot himfelf, who
had drawn together fome troops from, the other
redoubts,
HENRY
VI.
235
redoubts, not daring to appear againft fo formi-
dable an enemy in the open field. Animated by
this fuccefs, nothing feemed impoflible to Joan and
her infpired followers, for fuch they now really
tyere. She endeavoured to perfuade the generals
to attack the main body of the Englifli in their
intrenchments; but Dunois being unwilling, by
too great a temerity, to hazard the fate of France ;
and fenfible, that on the leaft reverfe of fortune all
this enthufiafm would evaporate, he checked her
vehemence by propofing, before me attempted any
other hazardous enterprize, to drive the enemy
from their forts on the other fide of the river, and
thus open a communication with the country.
Joan fuffered herfelf to be perfuaded ; and thefe
forts were vigoroufly aflailed. However, in one
attack the French were repulfed ; and the maid
being left alone, was obliged to retreat with the
hinaways; but fuddenly dilplaying her facred
ilandard, animating them at the fame time with
her countenance, her exhortations, and extravagant
geftures, fhe led them back to the charge, and beat
the Englifli out of their intrenchments. While at-
tacking another fort, me was wounded in the neck
with an arrow ; on which fhe retreated for a mo-
ment behind her companions, pulled out the arrow
•with her own hands, and having had the wound
quickly drefled, headed her troops again, and
planted her victorious banner on the enemy's ram-
parts. Thus the Englifh were driven from all their
fortifications on that fide, having loft in different
actions above fix thoufand men ; and, what was of
greater confequence, their former courage being
entirely vanifhed, was fucceeded by amazement
and defpalr. Joan, having returned again over the
bridge; was received by the citizens a~s their guar-
jdian angel. The Englifh generals in vain urged,
that Joan was not infpired by God, but the devil;
for the foldiers, having found from fad experience
that the devil might fometimes be allowed to pre-
vail, they did not reap much comfort from their
urging this opinion. On the contrary, they
trembled at the very apprehenfion of being led
againft this tremendous inchantrefs; fo that the
fearl of Suffolk, finding it impofllble to carry on
the operations of the fiege, abandoned the enter-
prize, after having laid before the place upwards
of feven months. The very generals feemed to be
ftupified with terror; for inftead of keeping their
forces together in a body till they fhould have
recovered from their amazement, they distributed
great part of them in places they had taken near
the Loire, and retired with the reft to a great
diftance ; fo that the enemy had an opportunity of
reducing the towns and caftles they had thus gar-
rifoned. The French now refolved to allow them
iio leifure to recover from their confternation.
tharles took the field with fix thoufand men, which
he fent to inveft Gergeaux, in which Suffolk had
fli ut himfelf up with part of his army. The place
was obftinately defended during a fiege of ten
days. Joan behaved with her ufual intrepidity ;
and in leading the attack clefcended into the foflee,
where fhe was ftruck on the head with a ftone
which knocked her down ; but foon recovering
hcrfelf, flie continued the affault with fuccefs.
Suffolk was forced to furrender himfelf prifoner to
llenaud, a Frenchman ; but before he fubmitted,
afked if he was a gentleman ; on being anfwered
that he was, he demanded whether he was a
knight ? Renauld replied, that he had not yet at-
tained that honour. " Then I will make you
one," replied Suffolk ; and giving him a blow with
his fword, which dubbed him or that honourable
fraternity, inftantly furrendered himfelf. The reft
of the Englifh army, under the command of
Talbot, Faftolf, and Scales, thought only of re-
treating as foon as poffiblc into a place of fafety ;
while the French imagined their overtaking them
was equal to a victory. The van-guard of the
French, commanded by Richemont and Xantrailles,
fell upon the rear of the Englifh at the village of
Petay on the eighteenth of June, on which the
Englifh were inftantly defeated and fled, Faftolf
himfelf fhewing the example of flight to his troops;
on which he was, as a punifhment for this inftance
of cowardice, degraded from the order of the
garter. In this adion both Talbot and Scales
were taken prifoners, and two thoufand men
flain.
The French writers reprefent the Maid of
Orleans, as not only behaving with great courage
and activity in battle, but as exercifing the office of
general ; conducting all the military operations,
and influencing their deliberations in all the coun-
cils of war. This appearance the French court en-
deavoured to maintain ; but there is much greater
probability that fhe was prompted in all her mea-
fures by Dunois, and the other commanders. It is
fufficient praife, that flie was able to diftinguifh
the perfons on whofe judgment fhe might depend ;
deliver their opinions as her own ; and permit them
at times to temper with prudence her enthufiaftic
ardour. This famous heroine had now performed
one part of her promife ; but the more difficult
tafk remained ftill to be executed, the crowning
Charles at Rheims. Before this could be done,
it was necefiary to pafs over a large tract of land
occupied by the Englifh ; an attempt which would
have been impracticable in any other conjuncture
than the prefent. Charles, who hSd never hitherto
expofed his perfon, allowed himfelf to be carried
away by the torrent of his fuccefs, and the infti-
gation of the Maid of Orleans. This interval of
enthufiafm fecured his victories. Without pro-
vifions, without refources, he marched fecurely at
the head of twelve thoufand men through the
midft of his enemies. Troye and Chalons opened
their gates at his approach. The inhabitants of
Rheims drove out the Englifh garrifon, and fent
him the keys of the city, which he entered in
triumph. The ceremony of his coronation was
performed there on the feventeenth of July, the
Maid of Orleans ftanding by his fide in complete
armour, difplaying her confecrated banner. Charles
now appeared more venerable in the eyes of his
fubjects. Numbers immediately joined him ; they
returned from their prepofieflions and errors, and
conceived the utmoft averfion to the fhameful yoke
of flavery they had hitherto endured. Loan,
Soiflbns, Chateau-Thierri, and feveral other towns
and fortrefles, fubmitted to their lawful fovereign.
Under this ftrange reverfe of fortune, the duke of
Bedford acted with the moft confummate prudence.
He employed all the refources in his power. He
detained the Parifians in obedience by making ufe
of carefles and feverity. He alfo renewed his al-
liance with the duke of Burgundy ; and being
joined with five thoufand men, which the bifhop b£
Winchefter was conducting on a crufade againft
the Huffites, he was once more in a condition of
taking the field againft the French, in order to
check their rapid progrefs. The maid of Orleans,
after Charles was crowned at Rheims, confidering
her commiflion as accomplished, was felicitous to
return to the place of her nativity ; but the count
of Dunois, being fenfible that her prefence in the
army might be attended with many advantages, he
exhorted her to ftay till the Englifh were entirely
expelled from France, and all her prophecies fhould;
be accomplifhed.
The duke of Bedford now flrove to . n
revive the declining ftate of his af- J43O-
fairs, by caufing the young king of England, who
was fent over by the parliament, to be crowned
king of France at Paris, which was done with the
greateft
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
cn-eateft folemnity. To induce the duke of Bur-
tmndy to act with more vigour, he ceded to him
all the places the Englifh poffefled in Champaigne
and Brie; and the duke immediately entered
France with a powerful army. He reduced Troye
and Soiffons; and being joined by the earls of
Suffolk and Arundel, he inverted Compeigne.
The place was well provided with provifions, and
every thing neceflary for making a noble defence;
and the garrifon was commanded by Flavi, a
brave and experienced oflicer. But ^Compeigne
being conlidered as a city of the utmoft importance,
a detachment of about fix hundred men, under the
command of the Maid of Orleans and Xaintrailles,
threw themfelves into the place. At her appear-
ance the! garrifon thought themfelves invincible;
but their joy was of fliort continuance. The day
after her arrival me headed a fally upon the quarters
of John of Luxemburg, and twice drove the enemy
from their intrenchments. However, finding her-
felf overpowered with numbers, ihe ordered a
retreat ; but, being hard preffed by her purfuers,
flie turned upon them, and again drove them back.
At this in Rant being deferted by her friends, and
encompafied by the enemy, flie was at laft, after
having given proofs of extraordinary bravery,
taken prlfoner by the Burgundians. It was then
the common opinion, that the French officers had,
from envy of her fame, purpofely expofed her to
this misfortune. The Englifh and their partizans,
would have received lefs joy in having obtained a
complete victory, than they did in getting the
Maid of Orleans into their poffeffion. Te.Deum
was fung at Paris on this occafion ; and the regent,
thinking that on the captivity of this heroic female,
he ihould recover his fupei iority over France, im-
mediately purchafed her of John of Luxemburg.
The Maid of Orleans had a juft right to be confi-
dered a prifoner of war, and might expect to be
treated with courtefy at leaft. She had never
ftained her character by one cruel or treacherous
action ; flie had even rigidly obfervecl the virtues
and decorums of her fex ; and although her con-
ducting armies to battle may appear an exception,
yet her conduct in this particular was of fuch fignal
iervice to her prince, as rendered her an object of
praife and admiration. The regent therefore re-
iblved to cover his violation of humanity, in the
profecution of this brave woman with the cloak of
religion. The bifhop of Beauvais, who was de-
voted to the Englifh, prefented a petition againft
her, under pretence of her being taken within his
diocefe, in order to have her tried by an ecclefiafti-
cal court, for magic, forcery, and impiety: the |
univerfity of Paris joined in the fame requeft ;
and feveral prelates^ among whom was only one
Englifhman, the cardinal of Winchefter, were ap-
pointed her judges. Their court was held at
Rouen, then the refidence of the young king of
England; and before this tribunal the maid was
brought in her military apparel, loaded with irons.
Joan i equefted to be eafed of her chains ; but her
judges told her, that flie had once attempted to
throw herfelf from a tower. This flie confefied ;
and owned, if flie was able flie would ftill do it.
In all her fpeeches flie fliewed the utmoft firmnefs.
Though teazed with queftions for almoft four
months, flie never betrayed the leaft weaknefs, nor
was any advantage gained over her. The point
puflied by her judges with the greateft vehemence,
was her vifions and revelations. She was afked,
whether flie would fubmit the truth of thefe to her
judges, or to the decifion of the church? She
replied, that flie was ready to fubmit them to God,
the fountain of truth. Upon this they exclaimed,
that flie denied the authority of the church, and
was an heretic. She then appealed to the pope ;
but her appeal was rejected. They enquired, why
flie put her truft in a ftandard, confecrated only
by magical incantations? She replied, that flie
put her truft in God alone, whofe image it bore.
They demanded, why flie held in her hand that
ftandard at the coronation of Charles at Rheiins?
She anfvvercd, that the perfon who had fhared the
danger, was entitled to fliare the glory. On beinf
cenlured for going to war contrary to the decorum
of her fex, fhe made no fcruple of afTerting, that
her only defign was to defeat the Englifh, and to
drive them out of the kingdom. At length fhe
was condemned, as being guilty of all the crimes
of which fhe had been accufed, with the aggra-
vation of herefy, her revelations were declared in-
ventions of the devil to delude the people; and
fhe was fentenced to be delivered over to be
punifhed by the fecular arm. This unhappy
maid, for fo long a time encompafled by inve-
terate enemies, who treated her with contumacy,
brow-beaten by men of fuperior rank, even by
thofe invefted with the facrcd character, whom flie
had ever honoured, at laft found her fpirit fub-
dued ; and the vifionary dreams of infpiration
gave way to the terrors of thepuniftiment flie was
fentenced to fuffer. She therefore publicly de-
clared her willingnefs to recant; acknowledged the
illufion of the revelations rejected by the church;
and promifed never more to maintain them. Upon
this her fentence was mitigated to perpetual im-
prifonment, and to be fed on bread and water
during life. But the barbarous inhumanity of her
enemies, not thinking this fentence fufficient to
anfwer all their political views, refolved on her
death. She had confented to wear a female drefs j
but they, fufpecting it was clifagreeable to her,
placed a fuit of men's apparel in her apartment,
watching the effects it would produce. On fight of
a clrefs in which flie had acquired fuch fame, and
which fhe imagined was intended for her by the
appointment of heaven, all her former ideas re-
vived ; and ,flie ventured, while alone, again to
put on the forbidden garment. She was detected
by her infiduous enemies in that fituation ; and this
thoughtlefs, innocent action, was termed a relapfe
into herefy. No recantation was now thought
fufficient, and no pardon could be granted. She
was delivered over to the civil power on pretence
of herefy and witchcraft ; and on the
fourteenth of June, was burnt alive by
a flow fire, in the old market place
Such was this infamous fentence, and fuch was the
miferable end of that extraordinary heroine, the
Maid of Orleans, whofe uncommon exertions for
the good of her country, to which flie fell a victim,
muft excite furprize and admiration, whether we
confider her actions as the remit of innate courage,
or a heated imagination, or the effects of wild en-
thufiafm.
But this execution was not attended . -p.
with any advantages to the Englifh, '
for we find their affairs every day grew worfe.
Chartres was furprized by a ftratagem of the count
of Dunois ; lord Willoughby, who commanded a
body of Englifh, was defeated at St. Celerin ; the
fair, in the fuburbs of Caen, though feated in the
midft of the territories belonging to the Englifh,
was pillaged by de Lore, a French oflicer, who
carried away two thoufandperfons, with a very rich
booty; and the death of the duchefs of Bedford,
fifter to the duke of Burgundy, diflblved that clofe
connection that had hitherto fubfifted between her
brother and the regent; which was followed by an
irreconcileable breach. A congrefs . yx
was appointed at Arras, under the me-
diation of the pope and the council of Bafle. The
French offered to cede Normandy and Guienne to
the Englifli, but on condition of doing homage to
Charles, conformable to antient cuftom. This offer
was
. -^
of Rouen.
HE N R Y
VI.
237
was rejected with difdain, and the Englifh plenipo-
tentiaries departed immediately from congref s. No-
thing now remain«d but to adjuft matters between
Charles and the duke of Burgundy ; this was foon
done ; and France purchafed ' the friendship of
Philip upon the moft humiliating terms. Soon
after this treaty Avas concluded, the duke of Bed-
ford died at Rouen. He was juftly reputed one of
the moft diftinguifhed characters of that age ; and it
is difficult to fay, whether he fhone brighter in the
field or the cabinet, whether he was a greater ge-
neral or politician, and whether he was moft
cfteemed for his valour, his equity, or his moderation.
.~ ' Such parties were formed in the
A. D. 1436. Engijfh council5 between the duke of
Gloucefter and the cardinal of Winchefter, as pre-
vented the reparation of national lofles in France,
and paved the way for ftill greater which enfued ;
and though the cluke of York was appointed to
fucceed Bedford, it was feven months before his
commiflion parted the feals. So that when the duke
arrived in France, as regent, he found the capital
loft. The Parifians, who had always been more at-
tached to the Burgundians than to the Englifh, after
the concluiion of the treaty of Arras, put Paris into
the hands of the duke of Burgundy; and lord Wil-
loughby, who commanded the garrifon, which con-
lifted only of fifteen hundred men, after difcover-
ing great valour and prefence of mind, was obliged
to retire into the Baftile ; which being invefted, he
was contented with ftipulating for the fafe retreat
of his troops into Normandy. At the fame time
the duke of Burgundy attempted to reduce Calais
with an army of fifty thoufand men, and made him-
felf mafter of feveral fmall caftles in the neighbour-
hood of that city ; but the garrifon harraffed their
camp with fuccefsful Tallies -, and the duke of
Gloucefter, landing at Calais with fifteen thoufand
men, fent a herald to the duke of Burgundy, offer-
ing him battle. In the mean time the Flemings
made a precipitate retreat ; whofe example was fol-
lowed by Philip; and having drawn up his regulars
in good order, he retired to Gravelines-, leaving
behind him all his baggage and artillery, which fell
into the hands of the Englifh. Nor was this the
only mortification the duke of Burgundy had to
fuftain ; for he was hardly feturned to his own do-
minions, when the maritime parts of his pofleffions
in Flanders were ravaged by an Englifh fleet;
while he himfelf was in danger of lofing his life
in a fedition at Bruges, after feeing the French
marfhal, Adam, who delivered up Paris, almoft torn
in pieces by the populace.
Military operations in France were now carried
'on in a very languid manner. Scarcely could either
fide bring^ the appearance of an army into the field.
The war folely confifted in the furprizal of places,
and ravaging the open country by fmall bodies, fud-
denly affembled from neighbouring garrifons. The
great abilities of the duke of York enabled him to
ftruggle againft every difficulty for more than font-
years; and by the affiftance of lord Talbot, who was
created earl of Shrewfbury, he performed actions by
which he acquired great honour. Happy would it
have been for the people had this puny war pre-
vented other oppreffions; but the forces of the
French and Englifh were obliged, being deflitute
of pay to fubfift by plunder. The provinces in all
the riorth of France were laid wafte, the lands left
uncultivated, and the cit'es gradually depopulated.
About this time the duke of York refigned his go-
vernment to the earl of Warwick; but death pre-
venting that nobleman from long enjoying his
dignity, the duke upon his deceafe, returned the
government; and during his adininiftration, a truce
was concluded between the king of England and
the duke of Burgundy, which the commercial in-
tereft of their fubjects rendered neceflary.
No. 23.
The captivity of the five princes of .the blood*
taken at the battle of Agincourt, had been for a
long time of confiderable advantage to England,
but this was now loft. Some of them had died,
others had been ranfomed ; and the duke of Or-
leans, the moft powerful of them all, was the only
one that now remained in the hands of the Englifh.
This prince offered for his liberty fifty-four thou-
fand nobles, equal to thirty-fix thoufand pounds of
our prefcnt money. The duke of Gloucefter's
party, and that of the cardinal of Winchefier, were
here divided in their fentiments. The duke re-
minded the council of the late king's dying advice,
that none of thefe prifoners fhould be releafed, till
his fon fhould be capable of holding the reins of
government. The cardinal infifted on the largenefs
of the fum, which was indeed nearly equal to two
thirds of all the extraordinary fupplies annually
granted by parliament for the fupport of the war,
during the courfe of feven years ; and added, that
his releafe was more likely to be advantageous than
prejudicial to England. The cardinal's party pre-
vailing, it was determined to fet the duke of Or-
leans at liberty, and he was releafed after a captivity
-of twenty-five years. The duke of Burgundy dif-
played a noble inftance of generality on this occa-
fion ; he renounced his antient refentments, and
paid the ran'fom of a prince who had long been his
enemy.
The character of Henry, as he advanced in years,
became fully known ; and from the weaknefs of his
abilities it was plainly perceived, that his reign
would prove a continued minority. He had now
entered into the twenty-third year of his age; and
each party was ambitious of chufing him a queen. -
The duke of Gloucefter warmly recommended the
daughter of the count d'Armagnac; but the car-
dinal and his friends had fixed their choice on Mar-
garet of Anjou, the daughter of Kegnier, titular
king of Sicily, Naples, and Jerufalem, who was
efteemed the moft accomplifhed women of her age,
both in body and mind ; and feemed qualified, not
only to acquire an afcendant over Henry, but to
fupply all his defects. The earl of Suffolk, there-
fore, in concert with his affociates in the Englifh
council, made propofals of marriage to Margaret,
which were accepted. This treaty was ratified in
England •, and Suffolk obtained firft the title of
marquis, then of duke, and even received the thanks
of parliament for his fervices in concluding it.
This princefs, by reafon of the oppofition made by
the duke of Gloucefter to her marriage, entered
into a clofe correfpondence with the cardinal and
the marquis of Suffolk, who, ftrengthened by her
friendfhip, and animated by their common hatred
againft the duke of Gloucefter, refolved to effect
the ruin of that patriotic nobleman. He was ac-
cordingly ftripped of all his preferments, and even
entirely removed from the council board. But this
cruel proceeding raifed fuch commotions among
the people, that his enemies thought it abfolutely
neceffary for their own fafety, to colour over their
bafe conduct with a fhew of juftice.
For this purpofe, to deftroy a man A ^
whofe popularity might become dan- ' ' X447-
gerous, and whofe refentment they had caufe to
fear, they fummoned a parliament to meet at St.
Edmundfbury, not chufing they fhould aflemble in
the capital, which was fuppofed to be too well
affected to the duke. Having been cited in due
form, Gloucefter appeared before this parliament
on the tenth of February. The next day he was
arrefted, and confined under a ftrong gu~rd. The
people were highly exafperated at this mode of pro-
ceeding, but being perfuaded, that the duke on his
trial, would fufficiently exculpate himfelf from every
charge that could be exhibited againft him, no tu-
mult was excited in his favour. His enemies,
3
however
238
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
however, never intended to bring him toafair trial.
But the lords, who were appointed to be his
judges, took no pains to conceal their fentiments
with regard to his innocence. This fufliciently in-
timidated the faction; and on the twenty-eighth
of Februaiy the duke was found dead in his bed.
His body was expofed to public view, without ex-
hibiting any marks of external violence, yet no one
doubted of his having fallen a victim to the ven-
geance of his enemies, who imagined, that his
public trial and execution would have been more
invidious, than his private murder. Afterwards
fome gentlemen of his retinue were tried as his ac-
complices, and condemned to be hanged, drawn,
and quartered. But they were no fooner fufpended
than they were cut down, recovered to life, and
received their pardon. Thus fell by the treacher-
ous hand of malice, Humphrey of Woodltock,
duke of Glouceftcr, the moft learned perfon of his
age. He founded at Oxford one of the fidt libra-
ries in England. He was a generous patron to
men of fcience and able artifts of every profeffion.
From his amiable character he was called the good
duke of Gloucefter. He was free from all vulgar
fuperftition and credulity, which in his time univer-
fally prevailed ; of which Sir Thomas More gives
the following inftance. A man pretended that he
was born blind, but by touchiag the mrine of St.
Albans had recovered his fight. Soon after the
duke happened to pafs that way, examined the man,
and feeming to doubt of his being able to fee, alked
him the colour of feveral cloaks worn by the per-
fons in his retinue; and the man readily telling
him, he faicl, " You are a knave, for had you
been born blind, you could not fo foon learn to
diftinguifh colours;" and immediately the duke or-
dered him to the ftocks as an impoftor. The car-
dinal of Winchefter did not long enjoy his triumph
over the fall of Gloucefter. He died fix weeks
after him in all the horrors of a guilty confcience,
from having embrucd his hands in the blood of the
innocent. He is faid to have felt more remorfe in
his laft moments, than could have been expected
from one hardened, in a long courfe of life, in the
mazes of falfehood, known by the name of ftate
policy. By his death, the queen and her favourite,
Suffolk, were expofed to all the effects of thofe un-
popular meafures they afterwards purfued. How-
ever the minifter for fome time enjoyed his power;
and the next feflions of parliament he was created
duke of Suffolk.
. -Q g Charles, king of France, reftored
' the adminiftration of public juftice in
that kingdom, regulated the finances, eftabliflied dif-
ciplineamonghis troops, encouraged commerce, and
made his fubjects forget their former misfortunes.
This prince no w warmly infifted on the performance
of the articles in the marriage treaty, by which
Charles of Anjou, the queen's uncle, wastopoffefs
the province of Maine. Orders, under Henry's
hand, were therefore fent to Sir Francis Sur-
rienne, governor of Mans, to furrender that city
to Charles of Anjou. Surrienne, a native of Arra-
§on, who had ferved the Englifhabove twenty years,
ifputed the authenticity of the order, and abfo-
lutely refufed to deliver up the place; on which a
French army under Dunois, laid fiege to the city.
Surrienne made a noble defence, but was at laft
obliged to capitulate ; by which the garrifon, con-
fiding of two thoufand five hundred men, were
fuffered to march out with all their effects. They
retired into Normandy ; bufc being refufed admit-
tance into any of the fortified towns, Surrienne led
them into Brittany, furprized fome fortifications,
and the town of Fougeres, and extended his depre-
dations over the whole province. This breach of
the truce, in which Brittany had been included, in-
duced the French monarch to demand fatisfaciion
3
from the duke of Somerfet governor of Normandy.
Somcrfet returned for anfwer, that he had ho au-
thority over Surrieime and his followers. Charles,
though he was well acquainted with the licentious
fpirit of fuch mercenary troops, was diffatisfied
with this anfwer ; and on application being made
to the court of England, infifted that thofe plun-
derers mould not only be recalled, but that all the
damages fuftained by the duke of Brittany fliould
be repaired; and to render an accommodation im-
practicable, the damages were made to amount to
the enormous fum of one million, fix hundred
thoufand crowns.
Charles, refolving to take advantage A n
of the vifible fuperiority, which the £
prefent ftate of his affairs gave him over England,
declared war againft Henry, and invaded Nor-
mandy with four powerful armies. The towns
opened their gates to the French as foon as they
appeared, and Normandy was foon annexed to his
dominions. The brave Talbot, earl of Shrewfbury,
indeed, fupported his reputation and glory to the
laft. He was, father Orleans obferves, equal to an
army, but he had only a handful of forces. It is
true, four thoufand fuccours arrived from England,
which were foon after defeated by the count of
Clermont at Fourmigni. This was the only battle
fought by theEnglifh in defence of their dominions,
which had been obtained at a great expence of
blood and treafure. The duke of Somerfet, who
was fhut up in Caen, without the leaft profpect of
relief, was obliged to capitulate : Falaife furren-
dercd ; and Cherburg, the laft town in Normandy,
that remained in the hands of the Englifh, opening
its gates, Charles within the compafs of one year,
conquered that important province. Guienne fuf-
fered the fame fate. Dunois who was fent thither
met with no refiftance in the field, and very little
from the towns. This province alfo, which had
for three centuries formed a part of the dominions
of the crown of England, was now united to that
of France. To complete the laft act of national
difgrace, attended with a train of fucceflive mis-
fortunes, the fword of civil war was about to be
unftieathed by a pretender, who difputed the title
of the weak prince feated on the throne. This was
no other than Richard, duke of York, firft prince of
the blood, who was defcended, by his mother, from,
the houfe of Mortimer, which enjoyed an incon-
teftible title to the crown of England, after the de*
mife of Richard II. when the rights of fovereignty
were ufurped by the houfe of Lancafter. His
abilities, courage, and political prudence were very
eminent; and he was in poffefllon of an immenfe
fortune, by fucceeding to the eftates of Cambridge,
York, and Mortimer; which laft had been increafed
by an union of the eftates of Clarence and Ulfter,
with the patrimonial poffefllon of the family of
Marche. His alliances alfo, by marrying the
daughter of Ralph Nevil, earl of Weftmorland, had
greatly extended his intereft among the nobility.
The family of the earl of Weftmorland was more
potent than any other in the kingdom. The earl of
Warwick was one of that family, a nobleman ex-
tremely popular, and fo amazing rich, that thirty
thoufand perfons were conftantly fed at his expence,
in his different manors and caftles. Allured by his
bravery, munificence, and hofpitality, the military
men, and the people in general, bore him an un-
bounded affection. The duke of York had alfo
many other partizans, who were attached to him
from their hatred of the houfe of Lancafter.
Suffolk was alarmed at his increaf- . ~
ing popularity; and this prime mi- •
nifter, having incurred public hatred, and fore-
feeing he mould be attacked by the commons,
ftrove to over-awe his enemies, by boldly pref<*nt-
ing himfelf to the charge. He rofe in the houfe
of
HENRY
VI.
239
of peers, and having taken notice of the clamours
raifed againft him, complained, that after he had
ferved the crown in thirty-four campaigns ; after
he had lived abroad about feventeen years, without
once viiiting his native country ; after lofing a
father and three brothers in the French wars; he
thought it exceeding hard, to be even fufpected, of
having been corrupted by that enemy, whom with
fuch zeal he had oppofed, and of betraying his
prince, who had rewarded him for his fervices, with
the greateft oflices and higheft ports of honour.
The commons provoked at this challenge, fent up
to the peers an accuf.ition of high treafon ; but this
being not fupported by evidence, they drew up
againft him a new charge of mifdemeanours, well
founded, probably upon fads ; for we find the king
-now greatly alarmed for his minifter. He perceived,
that the commons were determined to carry on
the profecution with the utmoft vigour, and feared
the upper houfe would declare him guilty. He
therefore fent for the lords fpiritual and temporal
to his apartment, produced Suffolk before them,
and alked him what he had to fay in his own de-
fence. He denied the charge, but fubmitted him-
felf to the pleafure of the king, who banimed him
for the term of five years. The lords remained
filent, but were no fboner returned to their own
houfe, than they entered a proteft, that their privi-
leges fhould not be infringed by this fentence; and
that if Suffolk, inftead of voluntarily fubmitting to
the king's commands, had infifted upon his right,
he would have been intitled to a trial by his peers
in parliament. Every one knew that thefe irre-
gular proceedings were intended to favour the duke
of Suffolk, who by enjoying the queen's favour,
would, the firft favourable opportunity, be reftored
to his former credit and pov.er. His enemies
therefore employed a captain of a fhip to cruife off
Dover, and intercept him in his paffage to the con-
tinent; who feizing him near that place without ce-
remony, caufed his head to be ftruckoff on the fide
of his long boat, and his body to be thrown into
the fea. Thus ignominioufly fell William de la
Pole, duke of Suffolk, who a few days before, was
the moft powerful perfon in the kingdom ; yet no
enquiry was made after the authors and accom-
plices of fuch an atrocious crime ; though the
coujl threatened to fend an army into Kent, and
lay the whole country wafte, in revenge of this
inhuman aft of violence.
The duke of Sornerfet fucceeded Suffolk in the
miniftry, and in credit with the queen -, but he be-
ing the perfon who commanded on the continent
when the French provinces were loft, the public,
who always juclge by the event, foon made him the
object of their inimofity and hatred. Sornerfet
was now in the fame dangerous fituation expe-
rienced by Suffolk, and the parliament was no
fooner broke up, than various commotions were
excited in different parts of the kingdom. They
were indeed fbon quelled, but fufikiently indicated
the difpofition of the people, and proved a prelude
to an insurrection of a more alarming nature, and
which, for fome time, threatened the nation with
very dangerous confequences.
Notwithftanding the great intereft of the duke of
York, before he would perfonally appear in fupport
of his pretenfions, he thought it moft advifeable to
prepare the nation for his defign, by exciting their
affection to the houfe of Mortimer. With this
view he engaged an Irishman, named John, or
Jack Cade, who had ferved under him as a foldier
in France, to raife a fedition in favour of the family
of Marche, that their title, which had fo long laid
dormant, might once more attract the attention of
the public. Jack Cade, who by his courage, capa-
city, and fpirit, was well qualified for fuch an un-
dertaking, having received proper inftructions from
the duke's agents, affumed the name of Mortimer,
pretending to be the fon of Sir John Mortimer,
who was beheaded for treafon in the laft reign ; and
repairing to the county of Kent, in which the duke
of York had a great number of adherents, he col-
lected a ftrong body of malecontents, on pretence
of redrefling the grievances of the nation, and de-
livering the people from the burden of taxes. He
foon found himfelf at the head of a powerful army,
fo as to be in a condition to carry his fcheme into
executfon, and advancing towards London, en-
camped on Blackheath. The court on receiving
intelligence of this insurrection, fent a meffage to
the infurgents, demanding the reafon of their ap-
pearing in arms. Cade replied, that they had no
defign to offer the leaft violence to the perfon of
the king, they only defired to prefent a petition to
the parliament, that the minifters who oppreffed the
people might be removed from the royal prefence.
At the fame time he delivered to the deputies two
papers enumerating the grievances of the nation.
Among other things they prayed, that the duke of
Somerfet might be punifhed as the principal author
of the lofs of Normandy ; that the king's council
might be filled with the princes of the blood, and
not with men of bad principles and corrupt morals,
from whom neither happinefs nor tranquillity could
be expected. Thefe remonftrances, however, were
fo far from producing the defired effect, that
the miniftry thinking themfelves highly infulted,
determined to have recourfe to arms. Fifteen thou-
fand difciplined forcesx under the command of Sir
Humphry Stafford, was fent againft the infurgents.
Cade artfully affected to be terrified at the general's
approach, and retired with his main body to Seven-
oaks, but left a ftrong body in ambufcade, to inter-
cept Stafford in his march. The royal army fol-
lowed without obferving the neceffary cautions, and
were fo vigorously attacked by Cade's concealed
forces, that great numbers of them were cut to
pieces, and the reft fought their fafety in a precipi-
tate flight. The general himfelf fell in the action.
Elated with this fuccefs, Cade returned to Black-
heath, and demanded, in a fecond remonftrance,
that the dukes of York, Exeter, Buckingham, and
Norfolk, fhould be recalled to court; that the
murderers of the duke of Gloucefter, together with
all thofe who had coritributed to the lofs of the
Englifli territories on the continent, fliould be
brought to condign punifhment. The council,
alarmed at the late defeat of their forces, and
knowing that the fecret friends of the duke of
York, were on the point of declaring themfelves,
refolved, if polfible, to purchafe their fafety by fa-
crificing fome individuals to the fury of the popu-
lace. The lords Say and Cromer, who had ren-
dered themfelves very unpopular, were committed
to the Tower ; and the archbifhop of Canterbury,
and the duke of Buckingham, fent to treat with the
rebels. Cade received them with the utmoft com-
plaifance, but told them he was abfolutely deter-
mined not to lay down his arms, till the king came
in perfon, and granted their requefts. The effect
of this conference was reported to the council, and
the king, perfuaded that he had every thing to fear
from the fury of the infurgents, fet out with his whole
court for Kenelworth-caftle. The citizens of Lon-
don, alarmed at the fuccefs of the rebels, opened
the gates at their approach, and Cade entered in
triumph, at the head of his troops, which had been
greatly augmented fince his victory. As he pafied
by London-Stone, he ftruck his fword againft it,
crying, now is Mortimer lord of London. But he
forbad his followers, on fevere penalties, to com-
mit the leaft outrage, or give any caufe of complaint
to the inhabitants. Next day being informed, that
the lord treafurer Say was in the city, he caufed
him to be apprehended and beheaded, without any
forna
240
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
form of trial, and in the evening retired to the
borough of Southwark. Thus he continued for
fome days to enter the city in the morning, and
retire at night, that he might not give umbrage to
the citizens, with whom he at firft maintained a
good underftanding; but at length, the infurgents
having plundered fome houfes, and committed
other outrages, Cade one morning found the gate
of the bridge ihut, and fecured agairtft him. At-
tempting to force a pafiage, a battle enfued be-
tween the rebels and citizens, which lafted till
night put an end to the cortteft. The archbifhop
of Canterbury^ and the chancellor, who had taken
refuge in the Tower, being informed by their
emiffaries that the infurgents were greatly dif-
pirited by this repulfe, and heartily tired of their
rebellious projeft, drew up an aft of amnefty,
confirmed by the fanftion of the great feal, and
found means to publifh it by night in the Borough.
This expedient fucceeded ; and at day-break, Cade
found himfelf deferted by the greateft part of his
followers, and was obliged to take fhelter in the
woods of Sufiex with a few of his friends, who
were determined to {hare his fate. A price was
now fet on his head ) and he wasflain by one Iden,
a gentleman of Suflex, who fent it to London, for
which fervice he was rewarded with the government
of Dover caftle. At this time a report prevailed,
that the duke of York intended to return from
Ireland, where his fuccefs had entitled him to
public cfteem and Confidence ; and the council,
fufpefting that he meant to come with an armed
body, ifiued orders in the king's name to oppofe
him, wherever he fhould endeavour to land ; but
the duke eluded all their defigns, by arriving with
no more than his ordinary retinue.
A ^ Notwithftanding Cade's enterprize
A.LJ. H5 1 -had failed, the duke received feveral
advantages from it 5 and this induced him to repair
to London, where his adherents waited his arrival
with much impatience. Thefe were John Mow-
bray, duke of Norfolk ; Richard Nevil, earl of
Salifbury ; his fon Richard Nevil, afterwards earl
of Warwick ; Thomas Courtney, earl of Devon-
fhire ; and Edward Brooke, baron of Cobham.
The confederates had now an opportunity of pro-
jefting their plan without interruption, as the court
•was on a progrefs through the weftern counties ;
.and they at length determined that the duke of
York mould retire to Wales, where the houfe of
March had an extenfive influence, and there fecure
fuch an intereft as might enable him to aflemble an
army at pleafure. His party was now directed to
maintain, in all companies, his right, both by fuc-
ceflion, and the conftitution of the kingdom; in
confequence of which the people were divided in
opinion, with regard to the pretenfions of the
houfes of York and Lancafter. Many plaufible
reafons were urged by the partizans of both parties.
*' Richard II." faid the friends of Lancafter, " was
dethroned by an aft of the nation; arid Henry IV.
was placed in the feat of power by the fame autho-
rity. The right of fucceffion was admitted only for
the general good, and could not be pleaded to
the deftruftion of national tranquillity. Two glo-
rious reigns had confblidated the pofleflion and
rights of the reigning family ; and the people were
bound to allegiance by the numerous oaths of
fealty they had taken. Even the duke of York
himfelf had renounced claims, to which he might
have been entitled, by having done homage to
Henry as his lawful fbvereign. To what calami-
ties, added they, would the nation be expofecl,
if difputes on revolutions, which muft be attended
•with bloodfhed, were encouraged." It was urged
on the contrary, by the partizans of the duke of
York, " That the maintenance of order in the
fucceffion of princes, was th& bafis of public tran-
2
quillity ; that the injuftice committed by the vio-
lation of it, could not be too foon repaired ; that
the lapfe of many ages was necellary to give ftabi-
lity to ufurpation ; that both the depofition of
Richard, and the coronation of Henry IV. had
been occafioned by a popular infurreftion, rather
than by a deliberate aft of the nation; that the
lawful heirs of the crown had, indeed, fubmitted
to neccflity and force, but had never renounced
their rights ; and that a revolution, deftined to
eftablifh order, fo far from proving ruinous to the
ftate, would prevent limilar difputes for the future."
Thefe arguments were continually repeated, and
appeared weaker or ftronger in proportion to the
prejudices of each party.
In fpring, the duke of York, who . ^
was then in Wales, entered England
with a formidable army, and, without committing
any acts of hoftility, advanced to London; but,
contrary to his expectations, he found the gates of
the city fhut againft him ; and, on his retreating
into Kent, he was purfued by the king at the head
of a numerous army. Richard now found it ne-
ceflary to temporize ; and therefore declared to
two bifhops, who were fent to demand the reafoii
of his appearing in arms againft the government,
that his intention was not to renounce his obedience
to the king, but folcly to remove the evil coun-
fellors from his perfon, efpecially the duke of
Somerfet •, and that if his majefty would commit
that nobleman to prifon, and detain him there till
the enfuing feflion of parliament, he would imme-
diately dilband his forces. The court pretended to
grant his requeft, and Somerfet was put under an
arreft. Without the leaft hefitation therefore, the
duke difbanded his troops, and vifited the king,
not regarding the fecurity of his perfon. When he
was introduced to his majefty, he accufed the duke
of Somerfet as a traitor, who had facrificed his
country to his own avarice and ambition ; but was
not a little furprized to fee that minifter quit his
hiding place, and offer to vindicate his innocence.
Richard now at once perceived the delufion, as
well as the danger of his fituation. Neverthelefs
the court, being afraid to purfue rigorous meafures^
permitted him to depart, after his having took a
new oath of allegiance; and the duke of Somerfet
continued to enjoy his influence at court without a
rival. The duke of York, on his difmiflion, re-
tired to his feat at Wigmore on the borders of
Wales; during his abode at which place an inci-
dent occurred that inflamed popular clamour againft
the miniftry, and contributed greatly to the fuccefs
of his enterprize. Deputies arrived from Gafcony,
offering to renounce the dominion of France,
and to return to their former allegiance under
Henry.
The earl of Shrewsbury was there- . -^
fere difpatched to the continent with 453-
eight thoufand men, in order to affift the Gafcons
in throwing off the French yoke. He was ad-
mitted into Bourdeaux without opposition; and
being joined in a few days by the remainder of the
troops from England, foon reduced Fronfac, Caf-
tillon, and other places. But after having made
a confiderable progrefs in fubduing the province,
he was attacked by a fuperior force, and he him-
felf, together with his gallant fon the lord d'Ifle,
were flain in the aftion. The towns which had
been reduced by the Englifh were inftantly re-
covered by the French arms. Bourdeaux again
returned to its former mafter, and all hopes of re-
annexing Gafcony to the crown of England, were
for ever extinguifhed. Thus fell the valiant
Talbot, earl of Shrewfbury, than whom the annals
of England cannot boaft a more illuftrious hero.
When advice of this defeat arrived, the people in
general exclaimed moft virulently againft the
treachery
HENRY
VI.
241
treachery and mifconduct of the miniftcrs, who
through indolence or defign had not furnifhed the
carl of Shrewfbury with neceflary reinforcements.
During the prevalence of this difcontent, a motion
was made in the houfe of commons, that as Henry
had no ifluc, the duke of York might, confiftent
with equity of claim, be declared heir-apparent to
the crown. This motion gave great difguft to the
queen's junto, flit: being fome months advanced in
her pregnancy ; and, on the twenty-third of
October was delivered of a fon, called Edward,
and created prince of Wales, and earl of Chefter.
Soon after this event, Henry was feized with a
violent diftemper, which rendered him not only
incapable of difcharging the important functions of
a king, but even main r .lining the appearance of
royalty. On which, the queen and
A. D. 145-1 • council, finding themfelves unable,
without this fupport, to rcfitt the duke of York's
party, were obliged to fubmit to the torrent ; and
fending Somerfet to the Tower, appointed Richard
lieutenant of the kingdom, with power to call a
parliament ; and that affembly foon after created
him Protector during pleafure. Thole who thus
entrufted one that had fucli evident pretenfions to
the crown with fovereign authority, were certainly
not averfe to his afcending the throne; yet the
duke, inilead of urging his title, drew back, and
appeared irrefolute in receiving the power that was
offered to him. He deiired that it might be re-
corded in parliament, that they conferred this au-
thority upon him from their own free-will, without
his applying for it; expreffed his hope of their
aififtance; ind not only made it a condition of his
acceptance, that the lords fliould exercife that truft,
•when appointed of the council, but required, that
the parliament mould fpecify and define all the
powers of his office.
.p. Henry, having in fome meafure
* '• X455- recovered from his diftemper, was
perfuaded to reaffume his regal power, annul the
lieutenancy of the duke of York, reftore Somerfet
to liberty, and inveft him with the fole manage-
ment of ftate affairs. Richard, being fenlible of
the dangers to which he might be expofed for
having accepted of the parliamentary commiffion,
fiiould he now fubmit to its being annulled, levied
an army; but without making any pretenfions to
the crown, complained of the king's minifters,
and demanded a reformation of the government ;
and foon after a battle was fought at St. Albans on
the twenty-fecond of May, in which the victory
was foon determined in favour of the duke of
York, whofe enemies loft about five thoufand men,
among whom were the duke of Somerfet, the earls
of Northumberland and Stafford, lord Clifford,
and many other perfons of diftinction. Mean
time the king, who was wounded in the neck with
an arrow, finding himfelf deferted in the rout of
his army, retired to a little houfe, which was foon
invefted. Notice being brought to the duke of
York of the king's fituation, he pofted thither with
the earl of Salifbury; and both of them kneeling
before him, the duke faid, that fince the public
enemy was dead, he faw none there but perfons
ready to obey him. Upon this the king, recover-
ing a little from his fright, intreated the duke, for
God's lake, to put a ftop to the flaughter ; affuring
him, that he was ready to give him all the fatis-
faclion he could dcfire. The duke inftantly or-
dered a retreat to be founded, and commanded
that no more blood mould be flied. He then con-
ducted the king to St. Albans, and the next day
they returned to London. At the enfuing parlia-
ment, Henry declared from the throne, "that he
was well affurcd of the loyalty of the duke of
York, and the earls of Salifbury and Warwick,
and their late conduct was approved of by both
No. 23.
houfes. They alfo voted, that the nation was mil-
guided by the queen and duke of Somerfet, who
had abufed the goodnefs and confidence of his
majefty ; that the late duke of Gloucefter had been
unjuftly accufed, and that there fliould be a full
refumption of all the alienations which had been
made fince the firft year of the king's reign.
Though the Lancaftrian party affected to ac-
quiefce in thefe meafures, they carefully watched
every opportunity to regain their . n
former power. The queen, in the '45°*
duke's prefence, appeared with Henry before the
houfe of lords, his health permitting him to aft his
part with fome degree of propriety ; and he there
declared, that being by God's grace in good
health, and able to refume "the reins of govern-
ment, he thought the kingdom wanted no longer
a protector, and defired the parliament to confent
to the duke of York's being difmilfed from that
office. The contrary party being furprized, did
not oppofe this motion ; and the houie of lords,
many of whom were offended with the late aft of
refumption of grants, giving their affent to Henry's
propofal, he was declared to be reinftated in fove-
reign authority ; even Richard himfelf acquiefced,
and no difturbance enfued. But the duke's claim
to the crown was too well known, ever to allow
fincere confidence to fubfift between the two
parties. The confederates, on pretence of having
no farther bufinefs at court, retired into Yorkfhire,
where they refided contiguous to each other ; but
the queen receiving advice that they held frequent
conferences, determined to have them arrefted at
Coventry, where they were lefs popular than in
London. With this view the court was removed
thither ; and the duke of York, with the earls of
Salifbury and Warwick, were required by letters,
under the privy-feal, to attend the king about fome
affairs of importance. As Richard had taken no
fteps towards publiihing his defign upon the crown,
he refolved to obey the order, and accordingly fet
out with his aflbciates for the place appointed; but
being apprized on the road of the queen's inten-
tions, they inftantly parted ; Richard retired to
his eftate at Wigmore; Salifbury to his feat in
Yorkfhire ; and Warwick embarked immediately
for Calais, the government of which place*he had
obtained after the battle of St. Albans. A n
The duke of York and his partizans A" U' 14^'
came to London with a numerous retinue, the
archbifhop of Canterbury having, by his mediation,
attempted to effect a folemn reconciliation, and for
mutual fecurity took up their quarters near each
other. The fame precaution was ufed by the
Lancaftrian party ; while the mayor kept a ftricT:
watch night and day at the head of five thoufand
men, in order to maintain peace among them.
One of the king's retinue having in- . n
fulted one of the earl of Warwick's, ' U
their companions on both fides took part in the
quarrel, and a fierce combat enfued. The earl,
apprehending there was a defign againft his life,
fled to Calais ; and this violation of their late
engagement enraged the Yorkilts, while the mif-
carriage of their fcheme chagrined the Lancaftri-
ans ; fo that both parties made open preparations
throughout England, for deciding the conteft by
force of arms. In the mean time the king and
queen were making a progrefs through the counties
of Warwick, Stafford, and Chefter; by which
means a ftrong- alfociation was formed in favour
of their fon Edward.
Having received intelligence that the earl of
Salifbury was on his march to join the duke of
York in Herefordfhire with a confiderable army,
a commiffion was granted to lord Audley to
affemble troops, with a view of preventing the
infurgents from joining. Accordingly he levied
3 °x. aa;
242
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
an army of ten thoufand men, at the head whereof
he overtook Salifbuiy, who had proceeded as far as
Boreheath, on the borders of Staffordfhire. The
two armies were parted by a rivulet with fteep
banks; Salifbury therefore had recourfe to a
ftratagem, which was attended with extraordinary
fuccefs. He ordered a large detachment of men
at arms to advance brifkly to the banks of the
rivulet, and difcharge a volley of arrows upon the
royal army. The archers having executed this
order, he made a feint of retreating with a fceming
confufion. Audley, fuppofmg the enemy to have
actually fled, paflecl the rivulet with great preci-
pitation ; when Salifbury, fuddenly wheeling about,
charged the royalifts with his whole force, who
were entirely defeated, with the lofs of their ge-
neral, feveral principal officers, and two thoufand
four hundred men. Salifbury having thus opened
a free paflage, continued his rout to Ludlow,
where the duke of York had raifed a powerful
army. This was foon after reinforced by a felect
body of veterans, which the earl of Warwick
brought from the continent, under the command
of Sir Andrew Trollop, and John Blunt, both
officers of great reputation. Richard now no
longer concealed his pretenfions to the crown ;
and his avowal of the fame roufed all the king's
friends, ,who in a Ihort time found their army far
exceeded that of the infurgents. A refoludon was
therefore taken to advance towards Ludlow, where
they were informed the Yorkifts lay encamped.
When they approached, and a general action was
hourly expected, Sir Andrew Trollop deferted,
with the whole detachment under his command ;
and his treacherous example was followed by fuch a
number, that the faithful adherents to the caufcj
fearing they mould be abandoned, difperfed next
day, without ftriking a ftroke. The duke of
York, with his fecond fon, repaired to Ireland;
the earl of Warwick to his government at Calais;
and the other noblemen to their refpective habi-
tations ; yet bravely refolving, notwithftanding fuch
an unexpected disappointment, again to attempt
the retrieval of this fevere check in their for-
tunes.
A T) < Warwick, whofe popularity had
' induced numbers of volunteers daily
to repair to his ftandard, determined to make
another vigorous effort in favour of the houfe of
York; and having fitted out a fleet, with which he
made fbme captures at fea, landed in Kent, ac-
companied by his father the earl of Salifbury, and
York's cldeft fon the earl of Marche. On their
arrival at Sandwich they were met by the primate,
lord Cobham, and other perfons of diftinction,
•with whom they directed their rout towards the
capital, which they entered in triumph with an
army of forty thoufand men, well attached to the
caule. On the earl's proceeding from thence, his
troops increafed fo faft every day that he was foon
in a condition to face the royal army, which hafted
from Coventry to attack him. The battle was
fought near Northampton on the nineteenth of
July. The earl of Warwick commanded the right
wing; lord Cobham the left; and the earl of
Marche the center. The dukes of Somerfet and
Buckingham headed the royalifts, while the queen
was at a diftance to obferve what pafled. In the
mean time the king remained in his tent, waiting
the iffue of a battle that might fecure him in the
pofleffidn of the crown, or deprive him of it for
ever. The Yorkifts publifhed a ftrict charge
throughout the army not to hurt the king's perfon,
to fpare the common foldiers, and to fall chiefly
upon the officers. The battle began about two
in the afternoon, and was fought with great ob-
ftinacy, till lord Grey of Ruthin, who commanded
a confiderable body of the royal army, fuddenly
went over to the Yorkifts; when the royalifts,
being apprehenfive that others would follow, began
to give way, and at laft were completely routed^
with the lofs of ten thoufand men. The duke of
Buckingham, the earl of Shrewfbury, fon of the
brave Talbot, the lords Beaumont and Egremont,
and Sir William Lucy, were flain. The queeu
fled with her fon and the duke of Somerfet, with-
out flopping to take reft till they entered the
bifhopric of Durham, fo great was her fear of
falling into the hands of her enemies; while the
unfortunate fhadow of a king, continuing in his
tent, fell into the hands of his victorious nobles,
who paid him all the refpect he could have re-
ceived in his gieateft profpevity. He was con-
ducted immediately after the battle to Northampton,
where he took up his refidence for fome time ;
after which he returned to London, encompafled
by a croud of thofe lords, who, a fhort time before,
had appeared in arms againft him. The queen,
not thinking herfelf fafe in Durham, retired pri-
vately with only eight perfons into Wales ; but
foon after left that retreat, and fled with the prince
her fon into Scotland.
The duke of York, who was in Ireland when
the laft battle was fought, having been informed
of the fuccefs of his friends, arrived at London,
and repaired to the houfe of peers, which was then
fitting. He ftood for fome time under the canopy,
with his hand upon the throne, expecting the lords
would defire him to afcend. The archbifliop of
Canterbury advancing, afked him, if he had yet
paid his refpects to the king ? He was confounded
at the queftion ; but, after a fhort paufe, replied,
he knew not any perfon to whom he owed that
refpect, and then departed. The day following he
prefented a writing to parliament, containing the
principles on which his claim to the crown were
founded. This produced long and very remark-
able debates-, but at length it was refolved una-
nimoufly, that Henry mould enjoy the crown
during his natural life, and the duke of York be
declared his fucceflor. In the mean time the
queen had raifed in the northern counties an
army of twenty thoufand men, with which foe
hoped once more to reftore the dignity of her
family. Richard apprized of her d'efign, deter-
mined to ftop her in the beginning of her career j
and he was no fooner informed of her appearance
in the north, than he marched haftily thither fl^
the head of five thoufand men, ordering the earl
of Marche to lead the reft of the army into
quarters of refrefhment in Wales, and afterwards
join him in the north. As the cluke advanced, he
was informed how greatly he was outnumbered
by the enemy : he therefore threw himfelf into hi?
own caftle of Sandal, by the advice of the earl of
Salifbury, who obferved, that the queen, being
deftitute of artillery, could not force the fortifi*
cation, till the arrival of his fon the earl of Marche*
The queen continued in the neighbourhood of
Wakefiekl, extremely troubled at thus lofing the
hopes of a victory, which fhe flattered herfelf flie
could eafiiy obtain. She therefore employed every
artifice to draw the duke of York from his, retreat*
She placed a confiderable body of troops in am-
bufh out of fight of the caftle, and then appearing
before the walls, challenged the duke to battle by
the moil infulting meflages, fometimes threatening,
at others upbraiding him, that a man who thus
afpired to the crown, mould have the cowardice to
fhut himfelf up for fear of a women. Thefe means
fucceeded beyond her expectation. The duke, fti-
mulated by her reproaches, drew out his men into
the plain, attacked the queen's troops with un-
daunted refolution, and fignalized his own valour
particularly in the action ; but, all his bravery was
of little avaij againft the great inequality of numbers.
While
HENRY
VI.
243
While preffcd by the enemy in front, he was at-
tacked in the rear by thofe in ambufli, which threw
his little body of forces into fuch confufion, that in
lefs than half an hour they were routed, and he
himfelf was flain fighting valiantly on foot. His
fecond fon, the younger earl of Rutland, who was
not above twelve years of age, flying with his go-
vernor, was overtaken by lord Clifford, upon
Wakcfield-bridge, and that barbarian, to revenge
the death of his father, who had pcriflied in the
battle of St. Albans, plunged his dagger into the
breaft of that innocent prince, whofe exterior figure
and accomplifhments are faid to have been ex-
tremely amiable. The fame lord Clifford, finding
the body of the duke of York, cut off his head, and
encircling it with a paper crown in derilion of his
title, fixed it upon a lance, and thus prefented it to
the queen, by whofe orders it was elevated on the
walls of York. The earl of Salifbury, being
wounded, was taken prifoner, and beheaded at Pom-
fret, with feveral other perfons of diftinftion. In
this battle three thoufand Yorkifts were flain. Thus
fell, in the fiftieth year of his age, Richard Planta-
genet, duke of York, a prince endowei-1 with many
great and amiable qualities, who furely merited a
better fate. His claim to the crown was indifput-
ably juft, and the fatal effects of his afTerting it,
would in all probability have been avoided, had
Henry pofleflcd the fpirit of a king, or Mar-
garet that meeknefs, which is the peculiar or-
nament of her fex ; or had Richard followed the
ferocious practice of the times, and waded to a
throne in the blood of his enemies, he might per-
haps have enjoyed the Englifh fcepter, notwith-
ftanding all the efforts of the houfe of Lancafter.
He left behind him three fons, Edward, George,
and Richard ; and three daughters, Anne, Eliza-
beth and Margaret.
A n , The battle of Wakefield inftead of
^ retrieving the ruined fortunes of the
queen, fcrved oijly to expedite their deftruction.
The brave earl of Marche was infpired with the
moft implacable refentment, at the news of his fa-
ther's death, and determined to hazard his life and
fortune, in aflerting his own pretenfions to the
crown. He now found himfelf at the head of
twenty thoufand men, befitles thofe left under the
command of the earl of Warwick, and with thefe
united forces, he intended to go in queft of Mar-
garet, who marked her route with every inftance of
barbarity, whofe cruelty he eagerly defired to re-
taliate. The queen had begun her march towards
London, and being informed of young Edward's
defign, detached Gafper Tudor, earl of Pembroke,
and James Butler, earl of Ormond, with a body of
Englifli and Irifh troops, to ftop his progrefs. Ed-
Ward, informed of the queen's motions, had altered
his firit refolution of giving her battle, and directed
bis march towards London; but when he under-
ftood that Tudor had been fent againft him, rather,
than expofe himfelf to the danger of being inclofed '
between two hoftile armies, he repaired immediately
for Hei efordfhire, in order to give him battle.
Both armies met on Candlemas-eve, near Moi ti-
mer's-crofs, and Edward, being greatly fuperior in
numbers, obtained an cafy victory over the enemy
who loft near four thoufand men on the fpot. The
earls of Pembroke and Ormond efcaped, but Owen
Tudor, hufband to Catherine of France, and ftep-
father to king Henry, was taken and beheaded at
Hereford, with nine other officers. Mean while
the queen was in full march towards London, vainly
hoping, thatasfoonas her victorious army mould ap-
pear, the citizens would expel Warvvickrand receive
her with demonftrationsof joy. Warwick apprehen-
five of fuch an event, marched out with a handful
of veterans, to hazard an engagement. The two
armies met, and engaged on liernard's-heath, near
St. Albans, where notwithftanding the inequality of
numbers, the conduct and courage of Warwick
rendered the fortune of the day for a long time
doubtful, till lord Lovelace, who commanded one
of the wings, having treacheroufly withdrawn from
the combat, the victory declared for Margaref.
The vanquifhed loft about two thoufand three hun.-
dred men in the battle and purfuit, and the perfon
of the king, whom Warwick did not chufe to leave
behind him, fell again into the hands of his own
party. But whatever fide detained him, this weak
prince was equally a prilbner. Lord Bonville, to
whofe care the Yorkifts had intrufted him, ftaid
with Henry after the defeat, on his folemn affu-
rance of a pardon; but Margaret, paying no regard
to her hufiund's promife, ordered him to be be-
headed at St. Albans, and Sir Thomas Ririel, a
warrior of diftinguifhed bravery, was treated in the
fame manner. Margaret by her cruelties had fo
incenfed the Londoners, that they refufed her ad-
mittance into the city ; yet the lord mayor, at her
requeft, ordered feveral waggons loaden with pro-
vifions to be conveyed to her camp; but they were
flopped at Newgate by the populace, who declared,
that the city fliould not fur.nifh provifions for an
army, which inftead of defending, came only to in-
vade their properties. The queen denounced ven-
geance againft the Londoners for their oppofition,
which flic never had an opportunity of executing;
for hearing that the earls of Marche and Warwick
had joined their forces at Chipping-Norton in Ox-
fordftiire, and were in full march to London, fhe
'retired towards the north, where me hoped to aug-
ment her army, and thereby be able to cope with
all her enemies.
Prince Edward, earl of Marche, and duke of
York, rejoiced at the queen's thus giving up the
metropolis, and entered it amidft the acclamations
of the people. He was in the bloom of youth ; re-
markable for the beauty of his perfon, affability
and bravery. It was now his determined refolu-
tion, not to aft within the narrow limits to which
his father confined himfelf, but to infift on his
claim; to aflame royal dignity; and to treat all his
opponents as traitors. But the appearance of na-
tional confenc feeming neceffary previous to this
bold ftep, and the aflembling a parliament, he or-
dered the earl of Warwick to marfhal his army in
the fields near Clerkenwell; when a great number
of people aflembling to gratify their curiofity,
Warwick made an oration to this mixed multitude,
•wherein he ftrongly urged the undoubted title of
Edward, and reflected, in pointed terms, on the
ufurpation and tyranny of the then reigning family.
At the conclufion of his fpeech, the people were
afked, whether they would ftill have Henry of
Lancafter king ? When having univerfally fhewn
their diflike to the propofal, it was demanded, if
they would accept of Edward, the late duke of
York's eldcft fon, for their fovereign? To this they
gave their confent by loud and joyful huzzas. Ed-
ward having thus far fucceeded, called a great
council of all the bifliops, lords, magiftrates, and
other perfons in and about London, who affembled
at Baynard's-caftle, where, on the fifth of March,
they confirmed the popular election, and the new
king was the next clay proclaimed in London, under
the title of Edward IV. After which ceremony the
king publicly declared, that his views fliould be
folely directed to the welfare and happinefs of his
people. Thus was terminated the nominal reign
of Henry VI. after it had lafted the fpace of thirty-
eight years and. a, half; a prince who had long been
the fport of fortune, though' he came to the poffef*
fion of a crown even when in his cradle. At the time
of his being dethroned, he was thirty-nine years
and about three months old.' By his queen Mar-
garet, he had only one fon, named Edward, who
was
244
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
was in the ninth year of his age, when his unfor-
tunate father was depofed, .
This reign furniflies us with the firft inftance of
a debt contracted upon parliamentary fecurity.
And in the eighth and tenth years of this king,
laws were enacted for the due eledion of members
of parliament in the counties, limiting the eledions
to fuch as poffeffed forty fliillings a year in land,
free from all burthen within the county ; a lum
equivalent to near twenty pounds a year of our
prefent money.
It was enafted by parliament in the twenty-
third year of this reign, that when wheat was
fold for fix fliiHings and eight pence a quarter
(money of that age) rye at four millings, and
barley at three millings and four pence, it mould
be lawful to export corn into foreign markets
without licence.
There was fuch a plenty of corn, m the year
1454, that a quarter of wheat was commonly
fold for twelve or fourteen pence ; and a quarter
of malt for fixteen or feventeen pence of our pre-
fent money.
Mahomet II. in the year 1453, inverted
ftantinople with an army of four hundred thou-
fand men, and after a fiege of fifty-four days, took
it by aflault. This put an end to the Grecian or
caftern empire.
Jn this reign the art of printing was difcovered at
Mentz, in Germany, by John Guttenberg.
Character of Henry VI. during the time of bis reign.
He was a king merely in title, without penetra-
tion to difcern or undertake the adminiftration of
government, nor refolution to withftand the tyran-
nical fway of a cruel queen, and a corrupt, felf-
interefted miniftry; indeed, a natural imbecillity
rendered him unable to govern, which was his
principal defeft: for though deficient in regal qua-
lifications, it muft be confefled, he pofleired
many virtues which embellim domeftic life. He
was chafte, temperate, and deliberate ; he abhorred
cruelty and injuftice : nay fuch was his humanity,
that he could not confent to the punimment of no-
torious criminals without reluctance, and he fre-
quently bore the moft aggravated infults with a
ferenity of mind, void of the fliadow of refentment.
Thefe virtues rendered his perfon refpeclable ; and
though his incapacity made him contemptible in the
eyes of his fubjects ; yet at the fame time his amiable
character prevented their contempt from turning
into hatred; however, this was not fufiicient to
fupport him againft the attacks of infatiable ambi-
tion. It is a common obfervation, many are fit for
good fubje&s, but few, very few, for good kings.
Henry, would doubtlefs not only have added to
number who verify this remark, but alfo have cor
tributed to the intereft of fociety in general, ha
his humble lot been to obey that power, from the
due exercife of which he was prevented by natura'
infirmity, and a want of mental abilities.
CHAP. IV.
HOUSE
D W
OF
YORK.
R D
IV.
Edward difcovers figns of a cruel difpofition — Party dijlinfiions of the white and red croffes — Battle in the fields \
tweenTouton andSaxton — Margaret efcapes with her fon into Scotland — Battle of ' Hexam — The queen's fingula.
diftrefs before fie ejfefts her efcape into Flanders -Henry imprifoned in the Tower— Edward marries Elizabetl
Woodeville, widow of Sir John Gray, while the earl of Warwick is negotiating a treaty of marriage between hir
and the French king's Jifter — The difgujl this marriage gave to the nobility, and its conftquences — The earl r
Warwick and Clarence, Edward's brother, fly to France — Their return ; 'upon which Edward it compelled toj
abroad, and Henry is rejlored to his throne — Edward lands' in England with two thoufand men, and levies at
army — The battle of Barnet, in which Warwick is flain, and Henry againtakenprifoner — That near Tetvkejbury,
where the Lancajlrians are totally defeated — Imprifonment of Margaret — Murder of her fon, prince Edward —
And death of Henry VI. — War and peace with France— The fate of the duke of Clarence — Edward prepares for
a fecond invajion of France — His death and character.
_ , TTVD WARD, the young king, at this
• Jjj time in tne twentieth year of his
a^e, was fcarcely feated on his throne, when he dif-
covered a difpofition very different from that of his
father. He feemed formed for thofe fcenes of
Daughter he was to pafs through. The very com-
mencement of his reign was marked with blood.
A tradefman in the city, who kept a fliop at the
fign of the crown, told his fon, in a jocular manner,
that he would make him heir to the crown; this
expreffion being conftrued as a farcafm, and fup-
pofed to be uttered in contempt of Ed ward's affumed
title, the fhop-keeper was tried, condemned, and
fuffered death for his innocent pleafantry. But this
was only the commencement of thofe fanguinary
meafures and party commotions, which almoft de-
ftroyed the nobility of England, and laid great part
of the country wafte. The whole kingdom was
filled with two implacable factions, diftinguiflied by
the White and Reel Rofes ; the former being the
badge of the houfe of York, and the latter of that
of Lancaster ; and Edward was too much difpofed
to confirm his authority by cruel executions. The
fubtle Margaret, was ftill employing her influence
to difturb his tranquillity, if me could not effect his
deposition j for he received advice, about eight days
after his elevation, that fhe had collected an army
of fixty thoufand men, ready to devote their lives
to her fervice. But the king depending twi the
ftrength of his arms, rather than his election, fet out
from London, accompanied by the earl of War-
wick, with an army of forty thoufand men, in order
to oppofe her progrefs. On his arrival at Ponte-
frad, he detached the lord Fitzwalter, to feize the
pafs at Feiry-bridge, on the river Aire, and that
nobleman executed the order with equal celerity
and fuccefs ; but was not able to defend the place
againft lord Clifford, who attacked him with fupe-
rior numbers, drove him from the pafs with great
{laughter, and Fitzwalter himfelf loft his life in the
action. Warwick dreading the confcquence of this
difafter, at a time when a general engagement was
momentarily expected, ftabbed his horfe in fight of
the whole army, and kiffing the hilt of his fword,
fwore, that he was firmly refolved to mare the fate
of the meaneft foldier, and to fpend the laft drop
of his blood in defence of his roajefty.
Edward, far from being diifcouraged by this
difafter, ifliied a proclamation, granting to every
individual in his army full liberty to retire, but de-
nouncing the fevereft vengeance againft thofe who
in the enfuing action, mould betray the leaft fign of
treachery
EDWARD iv
fff St'rf.
7tt> f f/'//f>/l'r/
«
T ,AI)Y ELIZABETH G
• .
<>/i'rh'i//'rffA'w'/'t7:f/tr/ I/ <>t>rt (ft .
EDWARD
IV.
249
fifteen days, in order to conduct him back, in cafe
his attempt fliould prove ineffectual. Edward
being thus furnifhed with fhips and money, em-
barked at Terveer ; and he had no fooner departed
from Holland, than the duke of Burgundy, by
proclamation, prohibited all his fubjeds from af-
fording him any affiftancc, either directly or m-
direclly. The Hnglifh monarch, attended by the
lords Haftings and" Say, and about two thoufand
men, attempted a defcent on the coaft of Eflex ;
but being repulfed by a brother of the earl of
Oxford, he flood away to the northward, and
landed at Ravenfpur in Yorkfliire about the latter
end of March, hoping that the inhabitants would
flock to his ftandard, on his producing the letters
of invitation he had received from the earl of
Northumberland. But he met with a very cold
reception, and the inhabitants of Holdernefs took
«p arms to oppofe his progrefs.
But mining to the loyalty of the inhabitants of
York, of which he was fecure, though the ma-
giftrates were devoted to Warwick, he marched
towards that city, and was vifited by a deputation
of the aldermen, who de fired him to take another
road, that they might not be under the difagree- •
able necefllty of refilling him admittance. He now
repeated his' former declarations, and expoftulated
with them on the cruelty of refufing him ad-
mittance into a city from which he derived his title,
and on which he had conferred fo many favours; but
he depended on the attachment of the inhabitants,
more than the power of his eloquence: nor was
he difappointed. His partizans raifed a difturb-
ance in the city ; and the magiftrates, unable to
refift the torrent, went forth to offer him the keys
of the city, and ftipulate for their being exempted
from pillage. Thefe propofals being agreed to,
Edward was admitted into York. He alighted at
the cathedral, where, by a folemn oath, he ratified
his former protcftations, that he would remain a
loyal fubjecl: to Henry, and leave his demand,
touching his .private inheritance, to the decifion of
parliament. Having thus made himfelf mafter of
York, his army daily increafed ; till having af-
fembled a conficlerable body of troops, he left a
flrong garrifon in the place, and directed his march
towards London.
Commiflions of array were now iflued to the
duke of Clarence, and the earls of Warwick and
Pembroke, for raifing forces to repel the invaders ;
and the marquis of Montacute, lately appointed
warden of the Scottifh Marches, was ordered to
Intercept Edward in his march to York, and attack
him before he could affemble his army. But this
nobleman, inftcad of complying with his orders,
remained quiet in his camp at Pontefract, and
fuffered Edward to pafs unmolefted within four
miles of his ftation ; who having reached Notting-
ham, was joined by Sir William Stanley, Sir Wil-
liam Parr, and a great number of other gentlemen
with their vaffals. Encouraged by thefe fuccours,
he openly avowed his claim to the crown ; and his
numbers were hourly increafed during his march
towards London. Warwick having levied a body
of troops, proceeded to Leicefter in order to join
his brother Montacute ; but fuffered his adverfary
to continue his march to London, imagining that
the citizens would hold out till he fhould come to
their affiftancc. This might have been the cafe,
had the archbifliop of York, to whofe care the
perfon of Henry and the city of London were
committed, been true to the intereft of his brother
Warwick ; but he had made peace with Edward,
\yho, by his connivance, was received into the city,
and feised king Henry in the palace of the bifhop
pf London. The archbifliop was apprehended to
fave appearances, and committed to cuftody, but re-
kafed in two days, and indulged with a pardon.
' .No./M.
Warwick, being joined by Clarence and Monta-
cute, advanced towards London ; and on the thir-
teenth of April encamped on a heath near Barnet,
the town itfelf being occupied by the troops of
Edward, who had come thither to give him battle,
in corifequence of a promife he had received from
Clarence, that he would ddert to him with all his
forces. The night previous t'o the action, Richard,
duke of Gloucefter, repaired, without any fafe-
guard, to the tent of Clarence, where the two
brothers embraced with marks of the mod' cordial
affection •, and after fome private conference, went
off together towards Edward's camp, with about
twelve thoufand followers. Immediately after this
bafe defertion, Clarence fent a meffenger to War-
wick to apologize for his conduct, and acquaint
him, that he had made his peace with Edward',
who had promifed to pardon him upon his fub-
mifiion. But the earl rejected his mefiage with juft
diiclain, faying, " He had rather be himfelf, than
a falfe and perjured duke ; and that he was deter-
mined not to put up his fword, until he had either
gained his point, or loft his life."
In the morning of the fourteenth of April, . the
hoftile armies were within bow-fhot of each other,
drawn up in Order of battle, and a dreadful charge
enfued, with incredible fury. The troops of War-
wick, though inferior to the enemy in number,
fought with the utmoft refolution, confcious that
if taken, they would undergo the fate of rebels J
and the earl himfelf was determined to conquer or
die on the fpot. So furious was their charge, that
Edward's firft line was forced to recede; and fome
of his forces riding full fpeed to London, alarmed
his friends with a report of his defeat. In this
critical juncture, he commanded his body of re-
ferve to advance, and charge the enemy in the
flank ; and this expedient was the more fuccefsfuli
as the earl of Oxford had repulfed the Yorkifts fo
far, that Warwick's main body was left unguarded.
Oxford, however, no fooner recollected this cir-
cumftancej than he wheeled about, in order to re-
fume his ftation, and that clifpofal occafioned the
lofs of the battle. His device on his arms and
cnfigns was a ftar, darting rays, and that of Ed^
ward was a fun. The followers of Warwick, ob-
ferving a ftar approaching through the medium of
a thick fog, miitook it for Edward's ftandard, and
fell on their friends fo furioufly, that they were
broken and difperfed, before the earl could rectify
the fatal error. Thefe laft, fufpecting they were
betrayed, fled towards the enemy with great pre-
cipitation ; other parts of Warwick's army feeing
them fly, imagined they had been charged in the
rear, and that they themfelves had of confequence
been furrounded ; they began to be feized with
confternation, and univerfal coiifufion enfued.
Edward at this criiic?.! juncture availing himfelf
of their diforder, renewed the charge with frefh
vigour ; and Warwick in vain exerted his utmoft
efforts, to rally and re-animate his difperfed forces*
On this occafion he fent off" his horfes, determined
to fight on foot, and fliare the fate of the rrieaneft
foldier in his army. But all his gallantry was in-
effectual ; fo that at length, having acquitted him-
felf as a moft confummate -officer and undaunted
hero, he rufhed into the thickeft of the fight, and
fell covered with wounds ; and his brother Monta^
cute endeavouring to fupport him, met with the
fame fate. The death of thefe two generals put
an end to the battle, and about noon Edward
gained a complete victory. '
Such was the laft ftruggle and untimely fend iof
the renowned Warwick, who from.his great power>
influence, military capacity and fortune, had ac-
quired, the epithet of King-maker. His naked
body, and that of his brother Montacute, were
expofed in the cathedral' of St. Paul,- whence they
o
25°
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
\vere carried to Bifham in Berkfhire, and interred
in the priory founded by their anceftors. But this
battle did not put an end to the civil war. The
duke of Somerfet and earl of Oxford had rallied a
large body, and retreated northward ; but after-
ward turned afide into Wales, where they joined
the earl of Pembroke. Soon after the battle,
Margaret of Anjou, that brand of the war, landed
at Weymouth, attended by her fon, the countefs
of Warwick, the lord Wenlock, and feveral other
perfons of diflinction. On her landing, being in-
formed of the death of Warwick, and captivity of
her hufband, {he fell into a fwoon; and at laft took
fanctuary with her fon in the monaftery of Boileau
in Hampfhire. But fhe foon recovered her fpirits
when joined by the duke of Somerfet, the earl of
Devon, and many noblemen and gentlemen, with
their vafials and dependents. Encouraged by their
reinforcements fhe took the field, and her fol-
lowers continually increafed as flue advanced to
Tewkfbury in Gloucefterfhire, whence fhe intended
to proceed to Wales, and join the earl of Pem-
broke. But Edward had in the mean time pro-
fcribed the queen and her adherents by proclama-
tion, and advanced immediately towards the banks
of the Severn, in order to attack her before this
intended junction. Having happily executed this
fcheme, fhe could not pafs the river without ex-
pofing her rear to deftruction ; it was therefore
refolved in a council of war 4 to intrench themfelvcs
in a park adjoining to the town of Tewkfbury,
and remain in that fituation till the arrival of
Pembroke. Intrenchments were accordingly thrown
up ; and Edward, on his arrival, determined to
attack them in their lines, before their camp fhould
be rendered impregnable. With this view he mar-
fhalled his army in two lines, one of which was
commanded by his brother the duke of Gloucefter,
while he and Clarence took their ftation in the
other.
Somerfet arranged the queen's army in three
lines within the intrenchments, he himfelf com-
manding the van, that he might withftand the firft
affault of the enemy. The fecond line was com-
manded by lord Wenlock, under the prince of
Wales, who was confidered as commander in chief;
and the rear was conducted by the earl of Devon-
flare. Edward, obferving that Somerfet had left
lome openings in the front, through which he in-
tended to fally; and being well acquainted with
the impetuous temper of that nobleman, ordered
his brother Gloucefter, who began the attack, to
draw Somerfet from his intrenchments by receding
precipitately, until he fhould obferve the duke and
his line in the open plain, and then to wheel and
renew the charge; in which cafe he might rely on
proper fupport. Gloucefter having executed his
inftructions with punctuality and fuccefs, inftantly
ordered his troops to halt, and recover their former
ranks; which done he led them back to the
charge, to the terror and amazement of the Lan-
caftrians, who, confounded at this unexpected
event, fled to their intrenchments. Somerfet ob-
ferving that lord Wenlock had not advanced a ftep
to fuftain the lirft line, was fo incenfed, that he
rode up and cleft his head with a battle-axe; and
the duke of Gloucefter entering the intrenchments
of the enemy, made a dreadful carnage. Edward,
following his brother with the fecond line, com-
pleted the overthrow of the queen's army, which
.was routed with great daughter, the fecond and
third lines having fled without finking a blow.
This decifive battle was fought on the fourteenth of
May. The earl of Devonfhire, and Sir John
Beaufort, were found among the flain, which
amounted to three thoufand. The duke of So-
merfet, the prior of St. John, and about twenty
ether gentlemen, retired to the abbey church,
thinking they would be fafe in the fanctuary; from
which, however, they were dragged to execution.
The prineeof Wales being taken prifbner, was, at
the command of Edward, brought into his prefence,
and being afked with a haughty and fupercilious
air, how he durft prefume to invade his dominions?
the young prince more mindful of his high birth,
than his prefent fortune, replied, that he came
to recover his father's crown, and his own in-
heritance. Regardlefs of the circumftances which
might julily mitigate the young prince to fuch a
reply, Edward ftruck him on the mouth with his
gauntlet, which feems to have been a pre-concerted
fignal to Clarence, Gloucefter, Mailings, and
Thomas Gray, who dragged the gallant youth out
of the royal tent, and buried their daggers in his
heart. Margaret of Anjou was taken and com-
mitted to the Tower, where fhe remained about
four years, till ranfomed by the king of France for
fifty thoufand crowns. In the fame place of con-
finement expired the unfortunate Henry, a few days
after the battle of Tewkfbury; but whether of a
natural, or violent death, cannot be afcertained.
His body was interred in the abbey of Chertfey
but afterwards removed to Windfor by Richard 111.
The earl of Oxford meeting with a cold reception
m France, whither he retired after the
battle of Tewkfbury, aflcmbled about AfD> X472-
a hundred defperadoes; and landed at St. Michael's
Mount, in Cornwall, took the place by furprize.
Alarmed at this exploit, Edward detached a body
of troops againft him, which inverting the place,
he furrendered on promifeof life; but he loft both
his liberty and eftate, which the king confifcated,
without allowing the leafl moiety for the fubfiftence
of his countefs, who was fifter to the earl of War-
wick. John Holland, duke of Exeter, who had
been left for dead on the field of Barnet, retired to
the fanduary at Weftminfter; but weary of con-
finement, and a life of dependence on the bounty
of his friends, privately quitted his afylum, and in.
about two years after his body was found on the
fea fide in the county of Kent.
This was the laft of the houfe of Lancafter
from whom Edward had reafon to expect any
oppofition, except the earl of Richmond, who
rehded at the court of Brittany with his uncle
Pembroke; and though thefe were deprived of
power to excite any important infurrection, he yet
defired to have the young earl in his power ; and
therefore difpatchecl an embafly to the duke of
Brittany, demanding that they fhould be delivered
up; but that prince refufed to comply, though he
aflured Edward they fhould never interrupt the
tranquillity of his government; in confideration of
which promife the king paid a yearly penfion,
under pretence of granting a maintenance for the
two refugees.
A league was concluded between . „
Edward and the duke of Burgundy, r4?4'
in which they mutually agreed to attempt the
conqueft of France ; but the fubfidies granted by
parliament being infuflicient for the expences of
fuch an expedition, the king fblicited a benevolence
from his fubjects according to their refpedive
abilities. This expedient fucceeded, as many in-
dividuals chofe rather to part with their money,
than incur the king's difpleafure; and a war
with France was a very popular pretence at this
juncture.
In the beginning of the year, Ed- . n
ward went over to Calais with anA<i?'147^
army of fifteen hundred lances, and as many
thoufand archers, accompanied by the principal
nobility of England, who flattered themfelves with
hopes of the fame fuccefs which had attended the
attempts of their anceftors. Edward fent a herald
to demand the crown of France, and ia cafe of
refufal
EDWARD
IV.
251
refufal to denounce war; Lewis, without emotion,
replied, that Edward had not taken this rafh flep
without the inftigation of the duke of Burgundy,
and even made the herald a confiderable prefent.
He foon after took occafion to fend a herald to the
Englifh camp, with directions to folicit the good
offices of the lords Stanley and Howard, towards
effecting an accommodation. Accordingly a treaty
of peace was concluded, on condition that Lewis
fliould pay feventy-five thoufand crowns to in-
demnify Edward for the expence of the armament,
on the receipt of which he mould retire with his
forces ; that Lewis mould alfo pay him an annuity
of fifty thoufand crowns; that the dauphin of
France mould marry the princefs Elizabeth, daughter
of Edward, and fettle on her a jointure of fixty
thoufand livres a year ; and that neither party
fhould encourage civil wars in their refpeclive do-
minions, but that both mould aflift each other in
fuppreffing the rebellions of their fubjects. The
Englifh army having reached Amiens, Lewis or-
dered the gates to be thrown open, and the foldiers
to be entertained by the inn-keepers at his expence;
but this gcnerofity was the effect of fear, from
•which he V.MS afterwards delivered by the departure,
of the Englifh, who returned to their own country
well fatisfied with their treatment from Lewis.
A -T) f. After the ratification of this treaty,
• • r47 • the duke of Burgundy marched againft
the duke of Lorrain, and reduced his wholecountry
•without any confiderable refinance. He then un-
dertook an expedition for humbling the Swifs, who
had declared againft him, while he was employed
in the iiege of Nuys. This he carried on at firft
with great fuccefs ; but at length he loft two
battles, with his whole baggage and great part of
his army. Being afterwards confiderably rein-
forced, he advanced to retake Nancy, which fince
his defeat had been furrendered to the duke of
Lorrain, who encamped at St. Nicholas, in order
to fee the effect of a correfpondence he carried on
with a Neapolitan officer called Campo Baflb, a
great favourite of the duke of Burgundy. The
town was reduced already to extremity, when that
prince drew up his army in order of battle ; and
then Baffo deferted to the enemy with two hundred
men at arms, leaving fourteen accomplices whom
he had intruded to terrify the Burgundians, and
kill the duke during the engagement, if they found
it practicable. The attack began early in the morn-
ing, and the duke of Burgundy was routed and
flain. This event not only changed the appearance
of things, but introduced a new fyftem of politics
into Europe. He left behind him an only daughter,
named Mary, who as flie was heirefs of his rich
and extenfive dominions, was eagerly courted by
all the potentates of Europe; but at length married
to Maximilian of Auftria, fon of Frederic, emperor
of Germany, from whom the Burgundians hoped
relief in their prefent diftreffes.
A -p. During thefe tranfaclions on the
• H??' continent, the management of public
affairs was engroffed by the queen and her relations,
who were now become very unpopular, as well for
their unbounded ambition and infolent behaviour,
as the conflant oppofition they made to all the
fchemes of the king's brothers. The duke of
Gloucefter, who was naturally refervcd, fo artfully
diffembled his anger, as to prevent an open rupture
between him and the miniitry ; but George, duke
of Clarence, who was proud, ambitious, and im-
petuous, could not ftifle his refentment, which
broke out with great vehemence on all occasions.
He hated the queen and the miniftry, who had
deprived him of the honour of Tutbury, and many
other manors, which he enjoyed by virtue of the
king's donation. His duchefs dying a little before
Charles, duke of Burgundy, hefolicited theintereft
of his fifter Margaret, in procuring a match be-
tween him and her ftep-daughter the princefs
Mary. This alliance would have greatly promoted
the intereft of England; and the duchel.W!owager,
who loved Clarence above all her brothers, fo
zealoufly efpoufed his caufe, that die fcheme would
probably have fucceeded, had it not been defeated
by the intrigues of Edward, who was either jealous
of his brother's acceffion to fuch an unlimited
power, or buffed by the queen, who wanted to
fecure this match for her brother, Anthony Wicle-
ville, earl of Rivers. This difappointment fo en-
raged Clarence, that he inveighed againft the king
with great acrimony ; which 'being afterwards told
to him with exaggerations by the duke of Glouceller,
who confidered Clarence as an infurmountable ob-
ftacle to his defign upon the crown, the king was
fo exafperated that he committed him to the
Tower, where he was foon after difpatched ; hav-
ing, according to fome hiftorians, been drowned
in a butt of Malmfey. This was the fate of George,
duke of Clarence, who left behind him one fon,
named Edward, earl of Warwick, and a daughter,
who was afterwards countefs of Salifbury. The
duke's death excited fuch a clamour among the
populace, that the miniftry thought proper to
conceal the manner of his execution, and gave
out that he died fuddenly of grief and vexation j
and as proof that no violence had been ^c; :d to
his, perfon, his body was expofed in the catJ'edral
of St. Paul; but this trick was fo ftale, that it
ferved only to confirm the fufpicions of the people,
who without fcruple exclaimed againft the cruelty
of the administration. This was the laft transaction
of Edward's reign, which was one. continued fcene
of blood, violence, and barbarity. His mind was
either aftei wards wholly devoted to fenfual gratifi-
cations, or his fchemes were defeated by his im-
prudence and want of circumfpection. Anxious
for the confummation of the marriage of his eldeft
daughter with the dauphin ot France, . n
Edward appointed ambaffadors extra- ^^ 9-
ordinary to demand of Lewis the performance of
his promife ; and that prince, with all his fubtilty,
found it difficult to evade the preffing inftances of
the envoys. Forefeeing, therefore, that he" could
not amufe Edward much longer, he determined to
divert his attention in a different manner ; and by
a proper diftribution of prefents in the court of
Scotland, excited James to, make war upon Eng-
land. Thefe evafions convinced Edward of t
perfidy and diffimulation of Lewis, againft who
he vowed the bittereft revenge ; but in the mean
time determined to retaliate on him his own
weapons of cunning and fraud. He A -TV ., R
renewed and confirmed the treaty of ' ' I4°°«
alliance which had fubfifted between him ahd the
late duke of Burgundy, and engaged to furnifh
Maximilian with a reinforcement of fi.c thoufand
men ; while on the other hand, the archduke pro-
mifed to pay fifty thoufand crowns annually to
Edward, if the French king fhould withdraw his
penfion. Lewis, after many prefiing inftances,
continued to decline the pepformance of the con-
tract. Edward therefore ordered a fleet to be
fitted out, and fent it under the command of John
Middleton to the aififtance of Maximilian, with
whom he had lately concluded a treaty. His next
ftep was to guard his frontiers from the inroads of
the Scots, and to conclude an alliance in his name
with the lord of the Ifles, who engaged to make a
diverfion in his favour, fliould James attempt the
invafion of England. That weak prince, who was
at variance with his nobility, and whofe whole
force was unequal to fuch an enterprize, affembled
an army, and entering England committed fome
ravages, but foon retired without attempting any
thing of importance.
Having
252
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Having fettled a correfpondence
A.D. 1481. with t]^ Scottifli nobility, Edward
was in no hafte to advance againft the enemy,
pcrfuaded that James would find it expedient to
liften to terms of accommodation ; in order to
effect which he renewed his alliance with the duke
of Brittany, and ratified a contract of marriage
between the prince of Wales, and Anne, eldelt
. _ daughter of that duke. The duke of
A.D. M82- Gloucefter, attended by the duke of
Albany, invaded Scotland with a powerful army,
reduced Berwick, and forced the Scots to agree
to an accommodation, by which they ceded that
fbrtrcfs to Edward. Elated with this fuccefs, the
king determined in good earneft to profecute the
war againft Lewis, and his people contributed
towards the expence with great alacrity ; but in
the midft of his preparations he was feized with a
violent fever, of which he died on the ninth of
April in the forty-fecond year of his age, and
twenty-third of his reign, being the XXXVth king
of England from Egbert I.
By his queen Elizabeth he had three fons and
fcven daughters, viz. Edward, Richard duke of
York, and George, who died in his infancy. His
daughters were, Elizabeth, afterwards married to
Henry VII. king of England; Mary, betrothed to
the king of Denmark, but who died before mar-
riage ; Cicely, firft married to John, vifcount
Willes, and afterwards to Sir John Kyme ; Mar-
garet, who died an infant; Anne, married to
Thomas Howard, duke of Norfolk; Bridget, who
took the veil ; and Catharine, married to William
Courtney, earl of Devonfhire. His natural chil-
dren were, Arthur Plantagenet, vifcount Lifle,
born of Elizabeth Lucy ; and Elizabeth Planta-
genet, married to Thomas, lord Lumley : another
Elizabeth, by Catherine Clavenger ; and Ifabel
Mylbery, married to a brother of lord Auclley.
In this reign flourifhcd thofe two great lawyers,
Thomas Littleton, and John Fortefcue ; the former
was, in 1454, called to the degree of ferjeant at
law, and afterwards appointed Uewardof the Mar-
fhalfea of the king's houfhold; and, in 1466, was
made one of the judges of the Common Pleas.
He wrote on the tenures by which all the eftates in
England were antiently held. Sir Edward Coke's
books of inftitutes is a comment on this work.
This great lawyer died on the twenty- third of
Auguft, in the twenty-firft year of the reign of
Edward IV.
Sir John Fortefcue ftudied the municipal laws
of England in Lincoln's Inn, and in 1442 was
made lord chief juftice of the King's Bench, in
•which poft he continued till near the end of the
reign of King Henry VI. who fliewed him many
particular marks of favour, and advanced him to
the poft of lord high chancellor. He wrote in
Latin a learned commentary on the politic laws of
England, for the ufe of prince Edward ; and
another work on the difference between an abfo-
Inte and limited monarchy, as it more particularly
regards the Englifh constitution.
In the fourth year of Edward IV. a pound
weight of gold was ordered to make by tale twenty
pounds, fixteen millings, and eight-pence ; and a
pound weight of iilver, one pound, ieventeen fhil-
lings, and lix- pence; but it was afterwards ordered,
that a pound weight of gold mould be divided
into forty- five nobles, each to -pafs for ten fhil-
lings.
Cba rafter of King Edward IV.
He was a prince of moft elegant perfon, graceful
mien, and infinuating addrefs. His courage was
greater than his prudence, and his good fortune
greater than both. Thefe qualities gained him the
efteem of the people, and in many circumftances
of his life were of etfential fcrvice to him. His
leading paflion was the gratification of his fenfual
appetites ; and his libertinifm was unreftrained.
In times of profperity he devoted himfelf entirely
to his pleafures ; in adverfe circumilances no man
was capable of exerting greater fpirit, vigour, and
activity ; in nine battles, where he fought in perfon,
he was victorious in all. For fome time he was
exceeding liberal, but at laft became covetous ;
lefs from his natural temper, than from the neceffity
of fupplying the immoderate expences attending a
I gratification of irregular defires. He had much
wit, and folid judgment, yet committed feveral
j capital errors ; particularly in a private marriage
of lady Eleanor Butler, daughter of the earl of
I Shrew/bury, which rendered his marriage with the
widow Gray bigamy ; and his afterwards being
I governed by the relations of the laft mentioned
! lady, on whom he lavifhed wealth and honours.
So fond was he of power, that he facrificcd the
nobleft blood in England to his jealoufy ; whereby
the laurels which he gained in the field, were
ftained and difgraced by the lives he facrificed
on the fcaffold. Inftead of following that example
of moderation and mildnefs fet him by his father,
he was guilty of cruelty, perjury, and inconti-
nence. The firft appears in the great number of
princes and lords whom he caufed to be put to a
violent death. He fhewed his breach of faith by
his unjuft punifhment of lord Willes and his
brother-in-law, after drawing them out of fanctuary
by a fafe conduct. As for his incontinency, he
had many concubines; among whom were three;
one of them, he faid, was the merrieft, the other
the wittieft, and the third the holieft in the
world, flic being always in a church when he
fent for her. His good fortune feems to have
been almoft fupernatural. He was raifed to the
throne after the lofs of two battles, and pro-
claimed king, while his father's head was upon
the walls of York. In the beginning of his reign
he was cruelly vindictive ; in the latter part he was
addicted to pleafure ; and left to his fucceffor a
throne polluted with blood.
CHAP. V.
EDWARD
V.
Thejleps which tie duke of Gloucefter took In order to ufurp the throne—Orders Edward, and his brother Richard,
dukeofYork, totheToiver- — Rivers, Hajiings, and other noblemen, beheaded —Fate of Jaae Shcre~-Richard
no longer makes a fee ret of his defigns — The means by which he obtains thecroivn.
uD. 1483.
DWARD V. fucceeded his
father Edward IV. but the
crown was only fufpended over, and never placed
upon his head. This was ufurped by Richard,
duke of Gloucefter, againft whom were brought
i
the moft horrid charges malevolence -could invent j
though there are no accounts of the greateft crimes
of which he is accufed but from Lancaftrian hifto-
rians, and they are, moreover, invalidated by au-
thentic records lately brought to light, which we
have
EDWARD
V.
253
have had the favour of perufing. During the
latter part of the reign of Edward IV. the nation
in a great meafure forgot the dreadful animofities
•which had fubfiftecl between the houfes of York
and Lancafter, and having acquiefced in the efta-
blifhed governinent, were only agitated by fome
court intrigues, which arofe from the perpetual
rivallhip between the queen, her relations, and the
ancient nobility, who complained of the fudden
elevation, and unbounded credit of that afpiring
family. The late king faw with regret the confe-
quences that might refill t from thefe alarming divi-
fions, during the minority of his fon ; and on his
death-bed prevailed upon the contending parties to
embrace each other, with all the marks of a cordial
reconciliation ; but his eyes were no fooner ctofed,
than they followed their feparate interefts, and each
endeavoured to get the duke of Gloucefter over to
their fide. Earl Rivers had been intrufted by the
deceafed monarch with the care and education of
his fon; and the queen was defirous, that he mould
levy a body of troops to conduct his young fo-
vereign to London, in order to his being crowned
with the ufual folemnities; but the duke of Glou-
cefter writing to the queen, reprefented, that the
appearance of an armed power might be dangerous,
and was not necefl'ary ; upon which me revoked
her order to her brother, clefiring him to come with
no greater retinue than was neceflary to tupport
the young king's ftate and dignity. In the mean
time the duke of Glouceiler fet out from York
with a numerous train of northern nobility. On
his reaching Northampton, he was joined by the
duke of Buckingham, who had allb a fplendid re-
tinue ; and hearing that the king was every hour
expected there, he determined to wait for him, and
conduct him from thence to London. The earl
Rivers, apprehending the town was too fmall to
accommodate fo many people, fent the king for-
ward by another road to Stony Stratford, and went
to Northampton to apologize for this meafure, and
to pay his refpect to the duke of Gloucefter. He
was received with every mark of friendly efteem,
and fpent the evening in an amicable manner with
Gloucefter and Buckingham; but at the time of reft,
the gates of the inn were fuddenly locked, and the
earl made prifoner. Early in the morning, the
two dukes proceeded to Stony Stratford, where, in
the king's prefence, they found occafion to quarrel
with his half brother, lord Richard Gray, accufing
him, the marquis of Dorfet, and earl Rivers, of
hoftile and treafonable defigns ; to which ends the
marquis had entered the Tower, taken treafure
from thence, and fent a force to feat. Thefe no-
bles, together with Sir Thomas Vaughan, who
poflcfled a confiderable poft in the houfhold, and
Sir Thomas Hawte, were at the fame time put un-
der a guard, and conducted to Pontefradl. Glou-
cefter approached the young king with all the
marks of refpect, and ftrove to fatisfy him, with
regard to the violence committed on his uncle and
brother; but Ed ward being fond of thofe near rela-
tions by whom he had been tenderly educated, was
unable to conceal his concern.
The queen was no fooner apprized of thefe pro-
ceedings, than Ihe conceived the whole defign of
Gloucefter, and confidering her two fons and bro-
ther as loft, fled for refuge into the fanftuary at
Weftminfl er, with the duke of York, who was about
nine years of age, and the reft of her children. The
lord Haftings having received intelligence of this,
repaired to the palace of the archbifhop of York, to
whom he imparted the tidings, alluring him that no
harm was intended to the king, to whom he was
indeed moft fincerely attached, not having pene-i
trated into the dark and bloody views of Gloucefter.
The archbifliop, confiftent with his known hu-
manity, arofe immediately-from his bed, and though
No. 24.
it was midnight, went to vifit the queen, whom he
found fitting on the floor, deploring, in the utmoft
anguifh of mind, the fate of her children. He
endeavoured to comfort her from the aflurances of
Haftings; butflie could derive no confolauon from
that quarter. He then protefted, i: her enemies
mould be cruel enough to take away the king*s life,
he would inftantly crown the duke of ¥ork; and;
as a pledge of his fincerity, left the great feal in her
hands. Soon after this, the duke of Gloucefter,
with the king, arrived in London, and were re-
ceived by the citizens with loud acclamations.
The duke, like a confummate difTembler, rode be-
hind Edward, calling to the people, " Behold your
prince and fovereign !" A grand council was now
fummoned, when Richard, duke of Gloucefter, he
being the neareft male of the royal family, capable
of exercifing the powers of government, was de-
clared Protector of the king and kingdom. Glou-
ceiler, inverted with this dignity, to which he was
invited by the cuftoms of the realm, took the great
feal from the archbifhop, and gave it to the bifliop
of Lincoln. He alfo beftowed on his own crea-
tures, all the places which had been poffefled by
the queen's dependents. He then made a motion
in council, that a deputation fliould be fent, to de-
fire the queen to permit the duke of York to attend
his brother and affift at the coronation. He al-
ledged, that the queen's concealment implied
diftmft, which might excite jealoufies, and revive
factions, to the great prejudice of the nation; that
the circumftance of York's continuing in the afy-
lum, while his brother was vefted with the crown,
would derogate from the dignity of government;
and that there was great reafon to fufpecT:, that the
queen's clefign was to efcape from the fan&uary,
and raife commotions in the kingdom, under pre-
tence of defending her fecond fon from violence.
He therefore propofed, that the primate fhould en-
deavour to perfuade the queen to part with him,
and fliould fhe refufe to grant this defire of the
council, recourfe ought then to be had to force.
The archbifhop being a perfon of great humanity
and integrity, and convinced of the duke's inte-
grity, employed every forcible argument to carry
his point ; but the queen continued long obftinate,
infifting, that the duke of York not only lived in
fecurity, by refiding in the fanctuary, but gave fe-
curity to the king, who was in no danger, while
his fucceflbr remained in a place of fafety. At
length fhe was prevailed upon to confent, and pro-
duced her fon. She delivered him to the primate
with the ftrongeft marks of maternal afteftion, ac-
companied with the moft violent agitations of
mind ; and at parting fhed a torrent of tears. The
archbifhop prefented the young prince to the pro-
tector, by whom he was embraced with all the ex-
ternal figns of paternal tendernefs, defiring he
would confider him as his guardian and father.
At the firft meeting of the two young princes, joy
was vifible in their countenances ; and they began,
to think their uncle had a real regard for their in-
tereft; but thefe pleafing furmifes foon vanifhed;
for in a few days they were conveyed from the
bifhop's palace, where they had refided, to the
Tower, from whence the kings of England ufecl
to ride in proceflion through the ftreets of London,
to their coronation at Weftminlter, a cuftom which
now furnifhed Gloucefter with a pretence for com-
mitting his nephew to clofe cuftody.
About this time a proclamation was ifTued by
the protestor, charging Jane Shore with having
plotted treafon with the marqu c Dorfet, the
queen's fon, and fummoned her to aniwcr before
the council for forcery and witchcraft; but no proof
appearing againft her, fhe was tried in the fpiritual
court for adultery, and did public penance at St.
Paul's in a white fheet, with a wax taper in her
3
hand,
254
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
hand. This lady was born in London, had re-
ceived a good education, and was married to a fub-
ftantial citizen ; but in this match, views of intereft
had unhappily been more confulted than her incli-
nations ; and though her mind appeared formed for
virtue, me wanted -the fteadinefs and refolution ne-
ceffary to enable her to refift the allurements of
Edward, who had folicited her favours ; but though
this gay and amorous monarch feduced her from
the path of duty, fhe rendered herfelf refpectable by
her many virtues; and employed the afcendency,
which her charms and vivacity long maintained
over him, in acts of humanity and beneficence.
The king was as much in love with her temper as
her beauty. He never heard her fpeak ill of any
one ; but me was forward to oppofe calumny, to
protect the oppreffed, and to relieve the indigent.
Her good offices were the genuine dictates of her
heart, and fhe fcorned to take a reward, being un-
willing to have it thought that me acted from a
motive of intereft. Hence fhe amaffed but a fmall
degree of wealth, of which me was now plundered.
Mrs. Shore lived to experience, in old age and po-
verty, the ingratitude of thofe courtiers, who had
folicited her friendfliip, and been protected by her
credit; and none among the multitude, whom flie
had obliged, had the gratitude or humanity to re-
lieve her. Hence fhe languifhed out her life in
folitude and -extreme indigence, and, living to a
great age, begged of thofc, fays Sir Thomas More,
that might then have begged, had it not been for
her.
Richard now no longer made a fecret of his in-
tentions to afcend the throne. He declared by his
cmiflaries, the marriage of Edward invalid, and all
his pofterity illegitimate, by his having been mar-
ried to lady Eleanor Butler, the earl of Shrewfbiiry's
daughter, long before his marriage with Elizabeth
Gray, by Stilton, bilhop of Bath, who afterwards
divulged the fecret. It was alfo reported, that the
duke of Clarence's attainder had rendered his
children incapable of fucceeding to the throne;
and thefe two families being fet afide, the protector
remained the only true and legitimate heir of the
houfe of York. It is pretended by feme writers,
that Richard made ufe of another plea, and main-,
tained, that both Edward IV. and the duke of
Clarence were illegitimate, the duchefs of York
having had feveral lovers, who were the fathers of
thofe children ; but this appears highly improbable,
fince by baftardizing his elder brothers, he would
have rendered his own legitimacy juftly fufpected,
and. there is not the lealt degree of probability,
that he would throw fo foul an imputation on his
own mother, who was then living, a princefs of ir-
reproachable virtue, and with whom he maintained
a moft cordial intimacy, an objection which is
greatly ftrengthened by his holding his firft council
at her houfe, and by a very affectionate letter to
her, preferved among the Harleian manufcripts in
the Britifli Mufeum. Upon the fame ground ftands
the ftory of Dr. Shaw, being appointed to preach
at St. Paul's, and chufing for his text, " Baftard
flips fliall not thrive," on which he is faid to have
enlarged on all the topics, that could difcredit the
birth of Edward IV. and the duke of Clarence,
with ^heir children. Mr, Walpole who fcems to
be as fond of novelties in opinion, as others are of
the marvellous, obferves, that Richard's 'election
appears to have been voluntary; and that the no-
bility, from their hatred and jealoufy of the queen's
family, and many of them from the conviction of
Edward's precontract, met his claim half way;
which is nothing more than an ingenious conjec-
ture of one very ingenious and learned man.
Richard, now his plot was near the cataftrophe,
thought proper to impart his defign to Bucking-
ham', and fecure that nobleman, who was deftitute
of every virtuous principle, in his intereft, by large
grants and larger promifes. He alfo engaged in
his fervice a fet of wretches, without fear or con-
fcience, whofe very villany had rendered them
defperate, and whofe fole principle of action was
felf-intereft. Yet, though thus provided with in-
ftruments, fit to execute the moft horrid purpofes^
he neverthelefs thought it expedient to found the
difpofition of Haftings, in order to affign him his
employ, or if he found him wavering, to difpatcli
him at once. One Catefby therefore was properly
inftructed in this bufinefs ; but the loyal Haftings^
mocked at the thought of Richard's afluming the
regal diadem, declared he. would fupport the in-
tereft of the young princes, and not only at the ex-
pence of his fortune, but with the laft drpp of his
blood. Richard had already been the cruel caufe
of the murder of earl Rivers, Sir Richard Gray,
and Sir Thomas Vaughan, by an order difpatched ta
Sir Thomas Radcliffe, governor of Pontefract caftle,
in which they were confined ; and now, finding the
integrity of Haftings invincible, he devoted him
alfo to immediate death ; to accomplifh which pur-
pofe he repaired in the morning to the council,
then held in the Tower, where he converfed with
the members very affably, and after fome time re-
tired, defiring they might continue their delibera-
tions, and give the laft direction for the coronation,
which had been too long deferred. In about an
hour after his departure, he returned with a frown-
ing afpect, knitting his brows, biting his lips, and
exhibiting all the ligns of the moft violent indig-
nation. After fome paufe, " My lords, faid he,
what puniflimcnt do thofe deferve, who have con-
fpired againft my life?" The queftion ftruck the
whole council with filent aftonifhment. Haftings
anfwei ed in the name of the reft, " That whoever
was guilty of fuch a crime, deferved to fuffer the
death of a traitor." Before the members had time
to recover from their furprize, he made bare his
left arm, which was withered, and prefenting it to
the council, " Behold, faid he, what that for-
cerefs, my brother's wife, and the accurfed Shore,
have done by their inchantments! They have re-
duced this arm to the condition in which you fee it ;
and the reft of my body muft have been confumed
in the fame manner, if by the fingular protection
of heaven, their infamous practices had not been
difcovered." Haftings could not avoid exprefling
his doubts about the truth of the information, and
obferved, that " if they were guilty, they deferved
punifhment." " How!" cried the protector, in a
furious rage, " doft thou anfwer me with thy ifs,
as though I had forged the information ? I tell thee,
they have confpired againft my life, and thou thy-
felf art one of the accomplices." So faying he
ftruck upon the table with his hand, and immedi-
ately the council chamber was filled with armed
men : then turning to Haftings, he faid, " I arreft
thee for high-trea(bn." " \Vho, me? my lord!"
replied that nobleman; "Yes thee, thou traitor!"
exclaimed the protector, and immediately ordered
him to be feized by the foldiers. At the fame in-
ftant, lord Stanley, together with the archbifliop of
York, and the bifhop of Ely were arrefted ; but as
for Haftings, Richard was fo bent on his deftruction,
that he i wore he would not dine until his head
mould be brought him." He was therefore led im-
mediately to the green, before the chapel of the
Tower, where, after a hafty confeffion to a prieft,
he was beheaded on a log of timber lying upon the
green. 'J he death of the prifonei s at Pontefract,
and that of Haftings, exciting no infurrection among
the people, Gloucefter became more confident :
he threw off the malk of diflimulation, openly
afpired to the crown, and perpetrated other a&s of
injuftice and violence. He had iqdeed proceeded
too far to think of receding. It was necefiary for
him
/ v
r
Vfalf Jelin .
Protector of England,
Crowned Juty 6,/4£3 __ and ' wav Slain
(' '
Henry VII. a/- Bofworth w Leiceftefhire ,
Smith fculp
2j,/4ff3 t'/rrtes/ KLng;, '/MM. W, and
> *~ ( //
Henrv Earl </ Richmond,
.t '/eJ? 32.
RICHARD
III.
2.55
him to perfevere: he muft either perfevere or perifli.
It was therefore agreed in council, which now con-
fifted wholly of Richard's creatures, that an attempt
fliould be made to obtain the voice of the people in
his favour. Accordingly the lord mayor, alder-
men, and livery of London, were affembled by
fummons at Guildhall -, where the duke of Bucking-
ham, in a ftudied harangue, expatiated on the vir-
tues of the duke of Gloucefter, and concluded with
afking, whether they would have that prince for
their liing? A profound filence prevailed through-
out the whole aflembly. The duke repeated the
fame queftion : the fame filence enfued. The
mayor defired the recorder might addrefs the peo-
ple, he being confidered as the mouth of the city.
The experiment was tried, but without fuccefs.
i( This is aftonifhing obftinacy," cried the duke;
" declare your fentiments one way or other. I de-
mand now, in plain terms, " whether you will, or
not, have the protector for your fovereign?'' Uport
this fome hired apprentices fet up a feeble cry, of
" Long live king Richard." This was confidered
as a fufficient declaration of the fentiments of the
nation ; and Buckingham hafteried to acquaint the
protector, that he was called upon to affume the
reins of government by the loyal citizen's of Lon-
don : adding, " That the people were fo much de-
termined to reject the pofterity of the late king,
that if his highnefs would not accept of the crown,
they muft turn their eyes on fome other perfon."
However, with a genuine hypocritical reluctance,
he confented to comply with their requeft, and
yielding to the earneft perfuafions of Buckingham^
accepted of the crown. From that moment he
acted as legal poffeffor of the Englifh throne, while
young Edward was fcarcely confidered as a nomi-
nal king;
CHAP. VI.
RICHARD
m.
His coronation— Strictures on his perfon — Conjectures on the fuppofed murder of his two nephews — Rebellion and
death of the duke of Buckingham — Earl of Richmond invited to England — makes a defcent without oppojit ion;
and arrives en theftxth of Augujl in Mi If or d Haven — The battle ef Bof worth, in which Richard is /lain — His
iharacler.
A r> Tl I CHARD having by diffimula-
A. D. 1483. R-c . i n. •
JLV tion, and murders almolt innu-
merable, accomplifhed his main defign, was pro-
claimed king of England and France, on the fixth
of July, with great pomp at Weftminfter. All the
peers of the realm were prefent, fearing left by their
abfence they Ihould incur the fufpicion of the ty-
rant, who was now become the object of a general
terror. But Mr. Walpole, from the great regu-
larity with which thecoronation was conducted, and
the vaft conqueft of nobtlity with which it was graced,
infers, that the election of Richard to the throne
could not be an unwelcome revolution, though ac-
complifhed merely by violence. It is here necefiary
to obferve to our readers, that in this and fucceed-
ing reigns, we fhall be obliged to produce the
teilimonies of various writers to the truth or falfe-
hood of contefted facts ; feveral of thefe are known
to have been hired partisans, fuch as Smollet, Mor-
timer, Montague, and others ; but where differences
of opinion are laid before our readers ; or in cafe
we in our turn differ from other hiltorians, thy
know their privilege: utrum horum mavis ; " take
•which you pleafe of them." We do not pretend
to be wifer than our predeceflbrs, our only boaft
is impartiality and integrity.
One of the firft acts of Richard's reign, after his
coronation, was to remove out of the way of his
ambition the two young princes*. Various have
been the relations reflecting the particulars of this
horrid action. One hiftorian tells us, " that
Richard fent orders to Sir Robert Brackenbury,
conilable of the Tower, to-put the princes to death,
but that gentleman refufed to have any hand in the
infamous office. Richard commanded him to refign
* We think ourfelves much obliged to a certain nobleman,
who has favoured us with a curious manufcript, relating to this
tranl'uYion; but not having been able, after the mod diligent
fearc.i>, to authenticate the fame by the leaft corroborating evi-
dence, even of a circumituntial kind; we hope his Grace will
e*cui'e,our not having made ufe of'it, in the body of this work.
We alfo embrace this opportunity, of paying the tribute of
grateful acknowledgments, to another truly honourable perfonage,
for tliat free accefs, which we have at all times been allowed, to
both his cabinet and library ; nor mull we omit our hearty thanks
for feveriil hints we have received from other perfons whofe judg-
ment we ihail ever highly efleem.
the government to Sir James Tyrrel, for one night
only. This ruffian chufing three affociates, Slater,
Dighton, and Foreft, came in the night time to the
door of the chamber where the young princes lay,
and fending in the affaffins, he bid them execute
their commiffion, while he himfelf ftaid without.
They found the young princes in bed, and in a
found fleep: when after fuffocating them with the
bolfter and pillows, they mewed their naked bodies
to Tyrrel, who ordered them to be buried at the
ftair foot, deep in the ground, under a heap of
ftones. Thefe circumftances were all confeffed by
the actors, in the reign of Henry VII. who were
never puniflied for the bloody deed. The bones
of the princes were difcovered in 1674, and were
removed by order of Charles II. to Weftminfter-
abbey, where they were interred among the remains
of the Englifh monarchs. A monument was after-
wards erected to their memory. Another writer^
of whofe integrity we have a very high opinion, ob-
ferves, that Richard, to obviate all fufpicion of be-
ing acceffary to this tragical fcene, made a tour
through feveral counties, under pretence of re-
forming abufes which had crept into government.
In the courfe of this excurfion, the two princes are
faid to have been ftifled in the Tower, by one
Tyrrel, a notorious affaifin in the reign of Edward
IV. It is certainly true, that the two princes dif-
appeared about this time; and that, in the reign of
Charles II. the workmen employed in repairing
that part of the Tower, found the bones of two
fmall Ikeletons, which were interred in Weft-
minfter-abbey, as the remains of thofe princes who
had fufiered an untimely fate. To invalidate thefe
accounts, though taken from authentic records,
Mr. Walpole, in his Hiftoric Doubts, obferves,
that Sir Thomas More, and lord Bacon, confefs,
that many queried, whether the two princes were
murdered in Richard's days or not. On which he
demands, " If they were not deftroyed in Richard's
days, in whofe days were they murdered? Who
will tell me, that Henry VII. did not find the
eldeft, at leaft, prifoner in the Tower ? And if he
did, what was there in Henry's nature or character
to prevent ourfurmifes going farther? If they were
put to death at the time fixed by More
256
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
muft have acted from the wantonnefs of cruelty:
for his throne then appeared to be firmly efta-
blifhed, and the whole kingdom quiet. By the
roll of parchment which baftardized Edward V. it
appears he was then alive, though it was feven
months after the time afllgned by More for his
murder, and it feems more than probable, that it
was one of thofe princes, who afterwards endea-
voured to obtain the crown, and was called Perkin
Warbeck. The two fkeletons found in the Tower,
in the reign of Charles II. with no marks to afcer-
tain the time of their interment, can furely be no
proof of the contrary." "It is probable," fays another
author, " that Edward V. walked at the coronation
of Richard." Indeed, in the coronation roll is an
entry of the robes prepared on this occafion, which
were extremely fplendid, and appear to be the
trappings of a cavalcade, and not for the ufe of a
prifoner : and this prince, all agree, was at firft
treated by the tyrant with great indulgence and
refpect.
Not lefs various and jarring are the fentiments
of modems relating to the perfon of Richard. He
was formerly represented as a little, crooked, wi-
thered, hump-backed monfter, who remained two
years in his mother's womb, and at laft born with
teeth, and hair on his moulders, to intimate hour
careful Providence was when he formed a tyrant,
to give due warning of what was to be expected.
" Yet thefe portents," fays Mr. Walpole, " were
far from prognofticating a tyrant ; for this plain
reafon, that other tyrants have been born without
them. Who was handfomer than Alexandjr, Au-
guftus, or Lewis XIV. yet who ever commanded the
fpilling of more human blood?" The truth feems
to be, that Richard who was flencler, and not tall,
had one moulder higher than the other ; a defedl
cafily fwelled by the minifying glades of party,
the diftance of time, a d the amplification of tra-
dition, into {hocking deformity. The old countefs
of Defmorid, who had danced with Richard, de-
clared, that he was the handfomeft man in the
room, except his brother Edward 5 and John Rous,
the antiquary of Warwickfhire, who faw Richard at
Warwick, defcribing his perfon, mentions no other
defect than the inequality of his moulders ; and in-
deed the vigour and activity with which he exerted
himfelf in battle, are an evident proof of his being
poflefled of that bodily fticngth, which is never the
lot of perfons much deformed.
Richard in the courfe of his progrefs through the
country, refided fome time at Gloucefter, which he
affected to favour, as the place from whence he
derived his title. He was attended by the duke of
Buckingham, who thinking no reward adequate to
his late fervices, was become fo infolent, that the
king determined to humble his pride, and he re-
tired in difguft to his caftle of Brecknock. During
his journey, Richard adminiftered juftice with great
impartiality; and by an affiduous application to the
intereft of his fubjedts, feemed defirous of wiping off
the ftain his character had contracted, from the bloody
meafures by which he afcended the throne. From
Gloucefter he repaired to York, where he had the
pleafure of receiving Geoffrey de Safiola, ambaffa-
dor from Spain, whom Ferdinand and Ifabella had
fent on purpofe to renew the alliance between
CaUile and England. He was fo pleafed to find
himfelf acknowledged by that princefs, that he
knighted the ambarTidor, and fent very refpectful
letters to their Catholic majefties, and even to their
minifters. In this interval, the duke of Bucking-
ham raifed a rebellion againft Richard, aflifted by
Moreton, bifliop of Ely, a perfon of fingular pene-
tration and addrefs. They agreed to declare for
Henrv, earl of Richmond, who fhould marry
h, daughter of Edward IV. and by this
•'"•• ;n his fa-
vour. They communicated their fcheme to the
old countefs of Richmond, and the queen dowager,
who ftill continued in the fanctuary of Weftminfter.
Both thefe princeffes approving the propofal, a
friendfhip was eftabliflied between them and the
duke of Buckingham, and each began to engage
their adherents. In the mean time, the countefs
dowager of Richmond difpatchcd two mellengers
to her fon in Brittany, to acquaint him with the
meafures that had been entered into in his favour,
and the terms on which he was invited to England.
In confequence of this advice, he repaired to the
court of Brittany, and related the particulars of the
plan to the duke, who promifed his concurrence
and fupport. He then fent letters to his mother
and the duke of Buckingham, informing them of
the progrefs he had made, and dcfiring they would
prepare for his reception in the beginning of
October. Thefe fucceffes animated the refolution
of the confederates, who refpeciively began to exert
their power and influence in promoting the main'
dcfign. Richard fufpecting that fome plot was
forming againft him, advanced from York towards
the center of the kingdom, giving out orders for
the troops to be in rcadinefs to march on the firft
notice. He then fent a meflengcr to the duke of
Buckingham, whom he imagined to be at the head
of this con fpiracy, enjoining his attendance at court*
but inflead of obeying the order, he collected his
forces, and retired to the weftcm provinces, where
he expected to be joined by the reft or the confede-
racy. The king, alarmed at the preparations which
Buckingham had made in fo fhort a time, deter-
mined to go in queft of the duke, and engage him
before he mould, be reinforced ; but an unfore-
feen accident kept them afunder. Buckingham
had advanced by hafty marches, to the fide of
the Severn, in order to join his friends in the
counties of Devon and Dorlet, but the river had
overflowed its banks to fuch an extent, that, for fix
days, he could neither pafs the ftream, nor find fub-
fiftence where he had encamped. His men,
alarmed with fuperftitious terrors at this extraor-
dinary event, and at the fame time diftrefled for
want of provifions, abandoned their camp, and
Buckingham in a few days was left with only one
fervant, who was faithful enough to attend his
matter in diftrefs. He had now no other refource
than that of concealment, there expecting the ar-
rival of the earl of Richmond, or fome other acci-
dent might occafion a revolution in the govern-
ment. Thus forlorn he fled, difguifed in the habit
of a peafant, to the houfe of one Bannifter, a crea-
ture who had fubfifted on his bounty, and been
raifed by him to a moderate eftate near Shrewfbury.
But this ungrateful wretch betrayed him to the
fheriff of Shropfhire, who conducted him to
Salifbury, where he was beheaded without form of
trial. His friends, alarmed at the news of this
difafter, concealed themfelves in different retreats,
and a great number of his adherents palled over to
Brittany.
Richard being thus unexpectedly A ^
fuccefsful, he facrificed a great num- A> U' r484*
ber of victims to his cruelty and ambition ; but to
attach lord Stanley, hufband to the countefs of
Richmond more firmly to his intereft, he created
him loi d high conftable of England. During thefe
tranfactions Richmond received fecret affiirances
from feveral noblemen, that he might rely On their
fupport, whenever they fhould find a proper op-
portunity to declare againft Richard j and among
thefe was the lord Stanley, who was fo much fuf-
pected by the king, that he could not obtain leave
to retire into the country, without leaving his fon
at court as an hoftage. As Richard knew that the
carl of Richmond could be only formidable from
his projected marriage with the princefs Elizabeth,
he
rB'f,,,! at ttrJRy&frmf. ~\WPafyrnartrr-Re
7r' //,,,•/,-, ,//,-,vr,,-,,i, irrr U.VR B'
RICHARD
III.
he refolved to make her his own confort. This
could not be effected without the removal of his
prefent wife, and prevailing on the pope to grant a
difpenfation for an inceftuous marriage. He there-
fore began the execution of this ftrange project, by
making large offers to the queen- do wager, and
confirming the fame by a folemn oath, taken at an
affembly of the lords fpiritual and temporal. Al-
lured by thefe offers, the queen left the fanctuary
and repaired to court with her five daughters,
where they were gracioufly received. Having, as
he imagined, accomphfhed the moft arduous part
of his plan, Richard concerted means for the
removal of his wife, who had borne him only one
ion, who died about this time ; and fhe herfelf,
being in a declining ftate of health, foon followed
him. He was now at liberty to wed his niece
Elizabeth ; but me received his adclreffes with
horror, and begged he would ever defift from the
difagrceable fubject : however, he did not defpair
of overcoming her antipathy, though he deferred
his defign, thinking it impolitic to force her incli-
nations. In the mean time all the exiles flocked
to the earl of Richmond in Brittany, and folicited
him to haften his attempt for an invafion, in order
to prevent Richard's marriage with the princefs
Elizabeth, which would prove fatal to all their
hopes. The earl, fenfible of the urgent neceffity
of this attempt, without delay efcaped into France,
dreading the treachery of Peter Landais, the
duke of Brittany's fecretary, who had entered into
a negociation with Richard for betraying him,
where Charles VIII. who after the death of his
father Lewis had fucceeded to the throne, afforded
him countenance and protection ; and being, as
ufual, defirous of railing difturbances in England,
fecretly encouraged the earl in collecting troops for
his enterprize againft that kingdom. TJw earl of
Oxford, who on his being fufpeded by Richard
had been confined, now made his efcape, and
joining Henry, animated him to make the attempt
with all poffible expedition. They alfo informed
him, that the character and conduct of Richard
had brought upon him a general odium, and that
he could not poffibly land more opportunely, than
at a time when the tyrant had made no prepara-
tions for oppofing his defcent.
Encouraged by this intelligence, Henry haflened
his departure ; and embarking with his forces,
confifting of about fix thoufand men, at Harfk-ur,
on the laft day of July, he landed without op-
A D 148- Poiition at Milford-Haven, in Wales,
yon the feventh of Auguft. He had
directed his courfe thither, in hopes that the Welch,
who confidered him as their countryman, and had
already been prepoffeffed by the duke of Bucking-
ham in favour of his caufe, would join his flandard,
and enable him to make head againft the ufurper.
From Milford-Haven the earl proceeded to Haver-
ford, where he was received with great demon-
ftrations of joy, and fet out for Shrewfbury, in-
tending to pafs the Severn. Stanley, and his
brother Sir William, had raifecl a body of five
thoufand men, under pretence of fcrving Richard,
and they advanced to Litchfield, as if they in-
tended oppofition to the invader-, but Sir William
had a private conference with Henry, whom he
affured of his brother's affiftance, as foon as he
could act with any profpect of fafety to his fon,
whom the tyrant flill detained as an hoftage.
Richard, not knowing where his enemy would
land, had aflembled his forces, and fixed his poft
at Nottingham, in the center of the kingdom;
and having received advice that the earl intended
to march to London, determined to attack him in
his rout \* and with this view encamped between
Lcicefter and Coventry. Having granted com-
mifh'ous, empowering perfons in the different
counties to oppofc the enemy, he propofed, on the
firft alaim, to march to the place expofed to
danger. Sir Walter Herbert, and Sir Rice ap
Thomas, were entrufted \vith this authority in
Wales -, but the former made a feeble opposition
to the cad of Richmond, and the latter imme-
diately deferted to him. Henry, on his acj-
vancing, was joined by Sir Gilbert Talbot, with
all the vaffals of the family of Shrewfbury ; by-
Sir Walter Hungeiford, and Sir Thomas Boiichier,
with their friends ; and the perfons of diftinction
who appeared in his camp, afforded him a favour-
able omen of future fuccefs. The earl now drew
neaj to Litchfield, from whence the lord Stanley
retired at his approach, and took poft at Ather-
ftone; and Henry, having preconcerted affairs
with the two brothers, proceeded to Leicefter,
where he propofed to hazard, a clecifive engage-
ment ; but hearing that Richard had advanced
from that town with the fame defign, he deter-
mined to meet him in the mid-way.
The two armies came in fight of each other at
Bpfworth, on the twenty-fecond of Auguft. The
king's army confifted of twelve thoufand men.
Henry was at the head of fix thoufand. The duke
of Norfolk commanded the van-guard ; Richard
took poft in the center, with his crown on his
head, either as a mark of diilinctlon, or to remind
his troops that he was fighting for a kingdom.
The earl of Richmond likewife drew up his troops
in two lines 5 the firft commanded by the* earl of
Oxford, and the fecond by himfelf in perfom
Stanley, who had quitted Atherftonc, took up his
flation in a piece of ground fronting the fpace
between the two armies, with four thoufand men ;
while his brother, Sir William, with three thoufand,
flood facing him. Richard had too much fagacity
not to diicover their intentions by this pofitidn;
but kept the fecret from his own men, for fear of
clifcouraging them : however, he fent orders to
lord Stanley to join his army immediately ; to
which he only antwered, that he would come when
it was convenient. This ambiguous reply fo en-
raged the king, that he would have ftruck off the
head of Stanley's fon, had he not been diverted
from his purpofe by his eagernefs to begin the
battle, and the remonftrances.of his generals, who
reprefented to him, that fuch a cruel act could be
attended with no advantage, and would certainly
provoke the two Stanleys to join the enemy, whofe
intention at prefent might be to remain neuter, at
leaft till they mould perceive which fide was moft
likely to prevail. The two leaders having ha-
rangued their troops, the earl of Richmond made
a motion to the lefr, in order to avoid a morafs
that divided the two armies ; by which movement
he not only fccured his right flank, but obtained
the advantage of having the fun in his back. The
trumpets now founded a charge. The battle began
with a general difcharge of arrows, and the royal
army advanced to cloi'e combat. The lord Stanley
perceiving that the duke of Norfolk extended his
line in order to furround the enemy, did not give
him time to execute his defign, by fuddenly poft-
ing himfelf on the right of Richmond's line, ia
order to receive the front of the king's firft line.
This motion caufing the duke of Norfolk to halt
to clofe his files, which had been too much opened
by the extenfion of the lines, occafioned a few
folemn paufes. But foon after, both fides ap-
proaching nearer to an equality, the battle con-
tinued with equal ardour. Richard, in order to
encourage his troops by perfonal valour, galloped
to the front of the firft line : there obferving his
brave competitor, who had quitted his ftation with
the fame defign, he couched his lance, and clapping
fpurs to his horfe, fought with great eagernefs to
engage with him, in hopes that either Henry's
U deacfc
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
death or his own, would decide the victory. He
killed with his own hands Sir William Brandon,
the earl's ftandard-beai er, and difmounted Sir John
Cheyney. As Richard was thus endeavouring to
make an attempt on the life of his rival, Stanley
fell upon the flank of Richard's line, driving the
right wing back upon the center ; while the earl of
Northumberland, who commanded a feparate body,
ftood wholly inactive. Norfolk, however, charged
his numerous aflailants with more fury than ever,
and a dreadful carnage enfued. But the battle
was no longer fought upon equal terms ; the royal
forces were intimidated by the defertion of Stanley
and his brother, while it infpired Henry's army
with unufual courage. Senfible of his defperate
fituation, the furious tyrant threw his eyes around
the field; and difcovering his rival at no great
diftance, he foon opened himfelf a paflage to the
fpot, where Henry coolly intrepid, fought in
perfon. He called aloud to him to pay the forfeit
of his treafon, and rebellious invafion of his king-
dom. Henry declined not the combat; but the
two champions for a crown were hardly engaged,
when Sir William Stanley, breaking in with his
troops, furrounded Richard, who after performing
the moft aftonifhing acts of valour, fell, covered
with wounds, in the midft of thofe he had flain.
In this battle about four thoufand of the king's
army perifhed ; among whom were the duke of
Norfolk, lord Ferrers of Charltey, Sir Robert
Brackenburg, Sir Robert Piercy, and Sir Richard
llatcliff; while the lofs on the fide of the victors
was about one hundred men, of whom Sir William
Brandon was the moft confiderable. The earl of
Northumberland furrendered himfelf a prifoner,
and obtained a pardon ; the earl of Surry was fent
to the Tower, whence he was afterwards releafed ;
but Catefby, the infamous tool of Richard, was
beheaded the next day at Leicefter. After the en-
gagement, Richmond devoutly acknowledged the
interpofing hand of Providence; then repairing to
an eminence, he applauded the foldiers for their
gallant behaviour, and promifed them ample re-
wards for their fervices. Richard's crown being
found among the fpoils of the field, was by lord
Stanley placed upon the head of Henry, upon
which the whole army fainted him as king. The
body of the tyrant was found among the dead,
befmeared with blood ; and being thrown carelefsly
on the back of a horfe, was thus carried to
Leicefter, where, after having been expofed two
days, and treated with great indignity, it was
buried in the church of the Grey-Friars, in a private
manner ; but Henry, in refpect to his former
dignity, ordered a tomb to be placed over his
grave.
Thus was England delivered from an ambi-
tious, cruel, unrelenting tyrant, after a reign of
two years and two months, who was flain in
the battle of Bofworth, which was fought the
twenty-fecond of Auguft. He was the lad of
the Anjouvin race, furnamed Plantagenet, who had
fat on the Englim throne for the fpace'of three
hundred and thirty years ; and with his death clofed
the civil wars between the houfes of York and
Lancafter, after raging near thirty years, and in
which above one hundred thoufand Englimmen
had perifhed, with a great number of princes of
the two houfes. Some years ago there was an
original painting of Richard III. in the royal
palace of Kenfington. The fancy at top, in imi-
tation of painting upon glafs, alludes to a ftory iw
this king's reign, of Mr. Collingborn, a gentle-
man, who was executed for a rhime (faid to be
wrote by him)
The cat, the rat, and Lovel the dog,
Rule all England under a hog.
This king's device being a white boar, and Henry
VII. a dragon : at the bottom is reprcfented a
dragon overcoming a boar : the dragon was the
enfign of Caclwalladcr, the laft king of Britain,
faid to be the anceftor of Henry VII.
Richard was married to Anne, fecond daughter
of Richard Nevil, the great earl of Warwick;
me died, as fome hiftorians have fuppofed, of
poifon, given her by her huibancl. By this lady
he had one fon, whom he created prince of Wales,
and who died a little before his mother. He
had likewife two illegitimate children, John of
Gloucefter, and Catherine, married to William,
earl of Huntington.
Character of Richard III.
His ftature was of the middle fize; his afpecfe
cloudy, fevere, and forbidding ; one of his arms
was withered, and one fhoulder higher than the
other; whence he acquired the nick-name of
Crook-back Richard. It muft be owned, he had
great perfonal courage; an uncommon degree of
fagacity ; nor lefs of the moft daring ambition ;
and, where his own intereft was not concerned,
he caufed juftice to be exactly adminiftered. Yet,
he was much more deformed in the qualities of
his mind, than in the members of his body, being
deftitute of every focial quality, every generous
fentiment of humanity: no law of nature, no tie
of confanguinity, could reftrain the violence of
his boundlefs ambition, which feemed to engrofs
his whole foul, and to ftifle every emotion of con-
fcience. Some modern hiftorians, from a defire
of appearing fingular, have laboured to varnifh
over the juft characteriftical difplay of this reign.
They may talk of his jultice, piety, moderation,
wife regulations, and falutary laws ; but after the
moft candid allowances, confiftent with hiftoric
juftice, which could reafonably be granted, we
leave every impartial reader to judge, whether
any one of thofe principles really influenced one
action of his life, or, whether he ever practiced
a good deed, from the only motive intrinfically
meritorious, the love of doing good. For the
honour of human nature, \ve do not wifh Richard
to be a monfter; nor, for the honour of impar-
tiality, equally efteemed, can we proftitute the
pencil of heaven-born truth. Let us ftrip Richard
of the obloquy thrown upon him by the parti-
zans of Henry VII. ftill it will be too evident
from this fhort hiftory of his reign, that he was
one of the moft cruel, treacherous, and Mood-
thirfty tyrants, that ever difgraced the Englifli
throne.
BOOK
• • •
HENRY
VII.
-59
BOOK
vin.
From the Union of the houjes- of Tork and Lancafter, to the Union of the crowns of England arid Scotland mdtr
James /. the XLIIId. king of England, andfirjl of Great Britain.
THE FAMILY OF TUDOR.
CHAP. I.
HENRY vii;
His accejjion ; pretenfans to the crown ; and coronation — His marriage with the princefi Elizabeth— An infurreftion
fomented by vifcount Love!, Sir Humphry and Thomas Stafford — Two pretenders to the crown, Lambert Simnel,
and Perkin Warbeck, fet up and fufported by the York faclion — A fuccincJ account of thefe two adventurers—
State of Europe— An embajjy from France— That kingdom invaded— The French pur chafe a peace— Sir William
Stanley tried and executed — Infurr-eclion of the Cornifomen, who are defeated at Blackheath— Execution of the
duke of Tork, and of the earl of Warwick— Death of prince Arthur— -King of Caftile arrives in England— In-
trigues of the earl of Suffolk— Death and char after of King Henry VII.
H'
ENRY, having given orders
concerning the difpofal and
march of his army, fet out for London, which
he entered on the twenty-feventh of Auguit,
amidft the joyful acclamations of the people, who
confidcrcd him as the aufpicions viftor over a cruel
tyrant, vvhofe union with the fair Elizabeth would
put a final period to all animofity between the two
rofes, which had fo long manured the kingdom
vith the blood of its inhabitants. The root of
Henry's family was John of Ghent, earl of Lan-
cafter, fourth Ln to Edward III. That prince was
thrice married ; firft, to Blanche of Lancafter, by
whom he had two daughters ; Philippa, married to
John, king of Portugal ; and Elizabeth, efpoufed
to John Holland, duke of Exeter ; and a fon, who
afterwards afcended the throne by the name of
Henry IV. and whofe male defcendants became ex-
tinct in the perfon of Henry VI. fecondly, to
Conftance, princefs of Caftile and Leon, who bore
him one daughter, married to the king of Caftile ;
and thirdly, to Catharine, widow of Sir Otter
Swinford. This lady had for fome years before
her marriage lived with John of Ghent as his
miftrefs, and during that interval bore him four
children; John Beaufort, duke of Somerfet ; Henry
Beaufort, cardinal of Winchefter ; Thomas Beau-
fort, duke of Exeter •, and Joan Beaufort, countefs
of Weftmorland. Thefc children were afterward
legitimated by the fame parliament, which excluded
them from the throne. John Beaufort left a fon
called by his own name, who enjoyed his title of
duke of Somerfet. The latter had only one
daughter, named Margaret, who married Edmund
Tudor, duke of Richmond, whofe deleft fon was
Henry VII. This prince was the fole reprefenta-
tive of the houfe of Lancafter ; and by his mar-
riage with the princefs Elizabeth, eldeft daughter
of Edward IV. he united in his pofterity the titles
of the two rival families. He had early imbibed
an antipathy to the Yorkifts, which neither expe-
rience nor time were ever able to efface; and his
jealoufy induced him to commit to the Tower the
earl of Warwick, then only ten years of age.
When arrived at London, he proceeded directly to
St. Paul's, in which church he offered up the
ftandard he had taken, and after divine fervice,
repaired to his lodgings at the bifhop's palace-,
where, in a few days, he afiembled a council of all
the nobility and gentry then in London, and
folemnly renewe.' the oath he had formerly taken,
to marry the princefs Elizabeth. His coronation
was now fixed for the thirtieth of October. In the
interval, while neceflary preparations were making,
an epidemical diftemper broke out in London;
This dreadful difeafe, which fwept away many
thoufands, was, from the fymptoms attending it,
called the Sweating Sicknefs, and is thbuoht to be
the firft time it ever appeared in the world. The
patient commonly died, or recovered in twenty-
four hours ; but after it had for a few weeks exerted
its fury, it began to abate, either from the alteration
of the air, or from a proper antidote having been
difcovered. The confufion this malignant fever
occafionecl delayed the ceremony ; and Henry em-
ployed the interval in rewarding the fervices of his
'faithful adherents. John de Vere, earl of Oxford,
was made conftable of the Tower ; Jafper, earl of
Pembroke, uncle to the king, alfo his tutor and
guardian, was created duke of Bedford ; the lord
Stanley, early of Derby, and Sir Edward Cdu'rtenay,
earl of Devon/hire. The alarming diftemper hav*
ing entirely ceafed, the crown was placed on
Henry's head by cardinal Bouchier, archbifliop of
Canterbury -, and to augment the fplendor of this
ceremony, he inftituted'a body guard, confifting of
fifty archers, called yeomen, under the command
of a captain, to be always in attendance on his
perfon. But left the people mould conftrue this a
mark of jealoufy, which feemed to intimate a diffi-
dence of his lubjecb, he declared the irtftitution
perpetual.
Eight days after the coronation, the parliament
met on the feventh of November at Weflminfter,
and the king found no difficulty in obtaining an
aft of fettlement agreeable to himfelf. Yet he
feemed to have entertained fome doubt, on what
claim it was bed for him to found his pretenfions.
In his firft fpeech, he mentioned his juft title by-
hereditary right ; but left that fliould be infuffi-
cient, he added his claim by the judgment of
God, who had enabled him to triumph over his
enemies ; but as this might look like affuming a
right by conqueft, he enfured to the people "the
enjoyment of their former properties and poflef-
fions. The parliament having enafted, " that the
inheritance of the crown fhould reft, remain, and
abide in him, and the heirs of his body," they
next reverfed the fentence of attainder that had
been denounced againft Henry and his adherents
and pafled the fame againft the late king, under
the name of Richard, and his principal partizansj
Thefe confifcations produced fuch large fums, as
to obviate the neeeflity of any application to this
parliament for granting a fubfidy. Henry was not
perfectly fatisfied with the fanftion of his title by
parliament ; for in the following year he applied
to papal authority for a confirmation of it j and as
the
260
THE NEW AJJD COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
the court of Rome readily laid hold of every
opportunity of extending its influence, Innocent
VIII. made no fcruple of granting a bull, in which
all Henry's titles by fucceflion, marriage, conqueft,
and the choice of parliament, are enumerated :
excommunication was pronounced alfo againft all
who fliould oppofe his prefent poffefllon, or his
heirs in their future fucceflron to the crown.
Having thus gratified his ambition and avarice,
the king published a free pardon to all thofe who
had taken up arms, on condition of their fub-
mitting to his government within a limited time;
in confequence of which great numbers quitted
their fanctuaries, and took the oaths of allegiance.
This act of clemency tended greatly to quiet the
minds of the people, and to introduce peace and
harmony among all ranks and orders of men. On
the prorogation of parliament, John Morton and
Ilichard Fox were admitted members of the privy-
council ; the former of whom fucceeded cardinal
Bouchier in the fee of Canterbury ; the latter was.
made keeper of the privy-feal; and thefe prelates,
in conjunction with Ufewick, the king's chaplain,
maintained a very powerful influence at the helm of
flate. He likewife beftowed favours and honours
on fome of his particular friends. Edward Stafford,
the duke of Buckingham's eldeft fon, was reftored
both to the honours of his family, and to his
fortune. This proceeded from Henry's gratitude
to the memory of Buckingham, who had firft
formed the plan of his advancement, and had
made \vay»for rhat great event by his own ruin.
Chandos of Brittany was made earl of Bath ; Sir
Robert Willougliby, lord Broke j and Sir Giles
Daubeny, lord Daubeny.
•+. ,,. Henry now found it neceffary to
f,H 'fulfil his promife, by marrying the
princefs Elizabeth. His nuptials were celebrated
at London with fuch demonftration of joy as dif-
guftcd him, who confiderecl thofe expreffions of po-
pular fatisfaction as fo many marks of affection to
the houfe of York. The fufpicions which a'rofe on
this occafion, made him conceive the ntmoft aver-
fion to the queen, and difturbed his tranquillity
during his whole reign. His confort, though vir-
tuous, amiable, and perfectly obfequious, was con-
ftantly treated by him with the utmoft coldnefs, and
feldom met with a proper return of tendernefs, or
even of complaifance ; the malignant ideas of fac-
tion, in his iullen mind, prevailing over every fen-
tiroeat of conjugal affection. Indeed, he always
difcovere^t a fupercilious clifpofition towards the
friends of 'the houfe of York, many of whom felt
the dire effects of his invincible antipathy. After
the ceremony of his nuptials, the king made a pro-
grefs into the northern counties, where Richard had
many firm adherents, in order to remove their
prejudices by his prefence and conversation. He
paffed his Eafter at Lincoln ; and during his refi-
clencein that place, information was fent him, that
vifcount Lovel, with Sir Humphry Stafford, and
his brother Thomas, had privately left their fanc-
tuary at Colchefler ; but regardleis of this intelli-
gence, he proceeded to York, at which place he was
informed, that the Staffords were approaching to
itivcft the city of Worcefter, and that Lovel, at the
;head of three or four thoufand men, was advancing
;to furpii/.c him in York. This information
alarmed, but did not intimidate Henry, who hav-
ing iffued orders for levying troops in the county
of York, fuch was the fnccefs of his officers, that in
a {hurt time they raifed a body of three thoufand
•men, the comlhahd of whom was conferred on the
duke of Bedford. This nobleman was exprefsly
•commanded, not to approach too near the enemy;
i>ut to try every lenient method, in order to dif-
pcrfc them; particularly, to publifh a pardon in the
•king's name, to all who fhould lay down their
arms and fubmit. This expedient fucceeded to
Henry's wifh, having had a greater effect on the
commander, than on his followers ; for Lovel
through fear of being deferted by his troops, re-
tired alone into Lancafhire, where he lay fome time
concealed •, and then croflingthe fea, repaired to the
court of the duchefs of Burgundy. The two Staf-
fords, when informed of this mifcarriage, raifed the
fiege of Worcefter, and took faneluary in the church
of Comham; but it appearing that the privileges of
that place did not extend to treafonable offences,
they were taken thence by force. Humphry was
foon after executed at Tyburn, but the younger
brother obtained a pardon, in consideration of his
youth, and his plea of having been milled by his
brother. The fuppreffion of this rebellion was
followed by the birth of a prince, who was named
Arthur, in memory of the renowned Britifh hero,
from whom the king affected to derive his origin.
The nation cherifhecl fome hopes, that this event
would kindle the king's lukewarm affections into a
glow of conjugal love; but when they perceived
he was inflexibly obdurate ; that he delayed the
coronation of his queen ; discovered an inveterate
hatred on all occafions to the houfe of York ; and
that his temper was morofe and referved, they be-
gan to conceive an averfion to him. His enemies
now took occafion to infinuate that they had made
a bad exchange; they even hinted the king's inten-
tion of murdering the earl of Warwick, (on to the
duke of Clarence, whom he had committed to the
Tower ; and a report was propagated among the
people, that Edward, duke of York, youngeft fon
to Edward IV. had eluded his uncle's cruelty, by
making his efcape from the Tower. The univerfal
joy expreffed by the people at this report, induced
Richard Simon, a prieit of Oxford, to difturb
Henry's government, by raifing a pretender to his
crown ; for which purpofe he made choice of a pupil
of his, one Lambert Simnel, the illegitimate fon of
a mechanic, a youth endowed with extraordinary
abilities and perfonal accomplifhments. The fe-
ditious prieft had firft inftructed his pupil to per-
fonate the duke of York ; but another report pre-
vailing about that time, that the earl of Warwick
had found means to efcape from the Tower,
and obferving that this report was alfo attended
with equal fatisfaction, he changed his plan, and
made Simnel perfonate that unfortunate prince.
Though nature had formed him for the part he
was to act, yet he was thought to be better informed
of fuch circumftancts as related to the royal family,
and particularly of the earl of Warwick's adven-
tures, than he could have learned from Simon ;
whence it was conjectured, that the plan of this
confpiracy was laid by perfons of a higher rank,
and that he had received proper inftructions from
the partizans of the houfe of York. It was even
fufpecled, that the queen dowager, difcontented
with the king, and offended at the ftate of abfolute
infignificance to which fhe was reduced, favoured
this ridiculous enterprize. Henry himfelf feems to
have been of this opinion ; for he foon after caufed
the queen dowager to be clofely confined in the
monaftcry of Bermondefey, and feized all her lands
and revenues ; nor did me ever regain her liberty,
but ended her life in poverty, folitude, and confine-
ment. When Simon thought his pupil perfect in
the part he was to a6t, he fent him to Ireland,
where the deception was not fo likely to be difco-
vered, and where the houfe of York had a number
of friends among the people, Clarence having been
their governor. Simnel on his arrival in Ireland
addreffed himfelf to the earl of Kildare. That cre-
dulous nobleman received him as a true Planta-
genet. The populace followed his example. Sim-
nel was received with acclamations of joy, and
crowned in Dublin, with a diadem taken from a
ftatus
HENRY
VII.
261
ftatue of the virgin, under the title of Edward VI.
In order to ftifle this revolt in its infancy, Henry
ordered Warwick to be taken from the Tower, and
led in proceflion through the principal ftreets of
London. This expedient had its proper effecl: in
England ; but in Ireland it was thought a ftate
trick, and the king was reproached with having ex-
hibited a counterfeit Warwick.
In the mean timejohn, earlof Lincoln ,fon of John
de la Pole, openly efpoufed Simnel's caufe. This
nobleman, who poffeffed capacity and courage, whom
his uncle Richard had declared prefumptive heir to
the crown, openly efpoufed his caufe, and embarked
for Flanders, in order to concert with his aunt Mar-
garet, duchefs dowager of Burgundy, proper mea-
fures to enfure the fuccefs of this enterprise. That
princefs by her virtuous condudl had acquired great
authority among the Flemings, and lived with much
dignity upon the ample dowry fhe inherited from
her late hufband, Charles the bold. Incenfed at
Henry's behaviour to her neice, and the inveteracy
he had difcovered to the partizans of the houfe of
York, fhe readily engaged in the fcheme of fup-
porting Simnel, and after confulting with Lincoln
and Lovel, hired a body of two thoufand German
veterans, commanded by Martin Schwart, and fent
them to join Simnel in Ireland.
» -p. p Elated with this unexpected rein-
' 4 7 '' forcement, the Trim determined to fix
the feat of war in England, where they flattered
themfelves with being joined by all who favoured
the houfe of York. Henry, informed of their in-
tentions, was employed in making preparations, to
defend his throne againft the impending ftorm ; and
having levied troops in different parts of the king-
dom, he put them under the command of the duke
of Bedford, and the earl of Oxford. The marquis of
Dorfet he confined in the Tower, from a fufpicion
that he would refent the injuries fuffered by the
queen dowager, his mother, and to pleafe the peo-
ple, by an appearance of devotion, he made a pil-
grimage to the {hrine of our lady Walfingham, who
was famous for working miracles. The infurgents
now landed near Foudrey, in Lancafhire, directing
their march towards York; but finding themfelves
difappointed in the hopes they had formed, of being
joined by multitudes of the Englifh, it was deter-
mined to give Henry battle the firft opportunity.
With this view, the earl of Lincoln marched to-
wards Newark, and encamped with his army, which
confided of only eight thoufand men, on a riling
ground, at Stoke, a village near Newark. In the
nrean time Henry with twelve thoufand men had
reached Nottingham, with the refolution of en-
gaging the rebels without delay. Shrewfbury fuf-
pefting Lincoln's defign upon Newark, ported
himfelf between the enemy and that town. The
next day, being the fixth of June, Henry drew up
his army in order of battle, upon the plain, which
being very narrow, he could not extend his front,
and was therefore obliged to form his troops into
three lines. The infurgents marched down in good
order, and attacked the royalifts with great intre-
pidity, hoping that mould they be able to break
the king's firft line, it would fall back on the other
two, whereby his whole army would be thrown
into confufion. The battle was begun with great
fury, and maintained for three hours with equal
valour on both fides. The Irifli deftitute of de-
fenfive armour, were terribly galled by the arrows
of their affailants ; but the Engliih troops under the
earl of Lincoln, and the Germans under Schwart,
made fo noble a refiftance, that the greater part of
Henry's vanguard was cut to pieces. In this def-
perate conteft, Martin Schwart was flain. The earls
of Lincoln and Kildare met with the fame fate ;
but at length, after a bloody conflicT:. their army
was entirely routed, with the lofs of four thoufaad
No. 25.
men, who fell in the field of battle. Simnel, and
his tutor Simon, were taken prifoners ; the latter
being a prieft was committed to clofe confinement,
and never heard of after j but the former, as too
contemptible to excite any apprehertfions of danger
in Henry, was made a fcullion in his kitchen, from
whence he was afterwards promoted to the place of
falconer. The lord Lovel was ho more heard of;
but Sir Thomas Broughton efcaped to his owii
eftate, where he lived and died in obfciirity.
Henry, immediately after the battle, marched to
Lincoln, and from thence to York, punifliing in his
progrefs with rigour all thofe who had encouraged
the rebels. To obviate any popular complaints
that might arife from this fevere treatment, the
king refolved to gratify his people in a matter
which for fome time they had paflionately defired.
Though near two years had elapfed fince the queen's
marriage, me had not yet been crowned. Henry
now caufed the ceremony of her coronation to be
performed on the twenty-fifth of November, with
the ufual formalities; and upon this occafion, re-
ftored to liberty the marquis of Dorfet, who had
been able to clear himfelf of all fufpicions enter-
tained againft him.
All domeftic diflurbances having a't . ~ 9a.
this period ceafed, Henry turned Ins
thoughts to the affairs of Europe ; which renders it
necefiary to explain the ftate of the neighbouring
kingdoms, in order to give a juft idea of his tranf-
adions with his foreign neighbours. The throrte
of Scotland was at this time filled by James III.
who had a narrow genius, with little indufti y ; and
though it was neceffary for him to commit the reins
of government to his minifters, he was never able in,
the choice of them to pleafe either himfelf or his
people. Henry knowing if he attempted to con-
quer that kingdom, he ihould never be able to re-
tain the Scots in obedience without a regular mili-
tary force, which was then unknown in England,
chofe rather to renew a treaty with Scotland, and to
this end fent an embaffy to James. But as the Scots
never defired a durable peace, they would only
agree to a feven years truce, which was concluded.
Spain was now become formidable by the union of
Caftile and Arragon, in the perfons of Ferdinand and
Ifabella. They had undertaken the conqueft of Gre-
nada from the Moors, and nearly brought it to a cori-
clufion; and the king being no longer awed by do-
meftic enemies, began to enter into all the tranfadions
of Europe, and to be diftinguiflied in every war and
negociation. France had greatly increafed in. power
and extent, having united to the crown Normandy,
Dauphiny, Champaigne, Anjou, Burgundy, Pro-
vence, and Guienne. The nobles of Brittany had
revolted againft their late duke, Francis II. on ac-
count of his being governed by a favourite of very
mean extraction, who oppreffed the people ; and thd
king of France confidered this rebellion as a
favourable incident for annexing that duchy to his
crown, efpecially as he was invited by the ftates, to
affift them againft the intrigues of the duke of Or-
leans; who being difgufted with the lady of Beau-
jeu, After of Charles VIII. had retired into Brit*
tany, and greatly inflamed the difcontented no-
bility. Charles therefore fent an army into that
duchy, under pretence of delivering the nobles
from oppreflion, but in reality to reduce that pro-
vince. It was the intereft of Charles to perfuade
the king of England, that no hoftile defigns werd
entertained againft Brittany, and ambafladors were
fent to England for that purpofe -, yet the Engliih
monarch clearly penetrated into the views of
France ; but either thinking that the attempt would
prove abortive, or unwilling to incur the expence*
of a foreign war, he contented himfelf with ob-
ferving a neutrality, The French rrtet with very
little oppofition in their progrefs, and th& nobles
3 X began
262
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLANp.
began to be alarmed for their fafety. They were
how convinced, that inftead of affifling them againft
the ambitious defigns of the duke of Orleans, the
very power they had called in for the prefervation
of their liberty, was labouring to render them flaves.
They therefore retired from the French forces, col-
lected an army of fixty thoufand men, and obliged
the French to raife the fiege of Nantz. Flufhed
with this fuccefs, they raflily engaged the French
army at St. Aubin, and were totally defeated.
The cluke of Orleans himfelf fell into the hands of
the victors, and the whole force of Brittany was
diffipated. Soon after this misfortune, Francis
paid the debt of nature, and his death expofed his
dominions to a total revolution. The duke left an
only daughter to fucceed him; and it feemed evi-
dent the marriage of that princefs would decide the
fate of Brittany. But me was in no condition to
oppofe the arms of France} for notwithstanding the
cluke of Orleans was now a prifoner, and confe-
quently the pretence for invading Brittany no
longer exifted, the invaders continued their
operations with the fame avidity. Henry, now
thought proper to act as auxiliary to the princefs
Anne ; but fent over only fix thoufand men ; a force
incapable of effecting any thing decifive againft the
numerous armies of France. They acted entirely
upon the defenfive; and inftead of relieving,
plunged the duchy into ftill greater diftrefs.
A Y) Yet that diftrefs was not productive
' of unanimity among the Britons.
The object of diflention was the marriage of their
duchefs. At laft the party of Maximilian pre-
vailed ; and the marriage of the duchefs with that
prince was celebrated by proxy, and Anne imme-
diately affumed the title of queen of the Romans.
But Maximilian was in no condition to give affif-
tance to his diftrefled confort ; he was deftitute both
of troops and money, and embarraffed by continual
revolts of the Flemings. The court of France be-
gan now to perceive their error. It was found that
it would be very difficult, perhaps impoffible, to re-
duce the duchy of Brittany by arms, and that ne-
gociation only could annex it firmly to the French
crown. Charles, the young king of France, had
formerly been affianced to the daughter of Maxi-
milian; and that princefs, though too young to con-
iummate her marriage, had been fent to the court
of France to be educated, and now actually bore
the title of queen. But notwithftanding thefe en-
gagements, it was perceived that it would be more
advantageous for Charles to marry the duchefs of
Brittany, by which that rich province would be for
ever annexed to the crown of France. The whole
art of perfuafion was therefore employed by the
court of France, to convince the Britons, that they
could never enjoy a happy tranquillity, but by being
united to the French monarchy. The Britons were
influenced by their fuggeftions; but the young
duchefs herfelf had imbibed the ftrongeft prejudices
againft Charles, whom me conlidered as the author
of all the misfortunes of her family : yet notwith-
ftanding her repugnance, fhe confented to facrifice
both her engagements and prejudices, to the in-
^ Y) tereft of the people; and her marriage
^° ' was celebrated at Langey in Tourane.
The princefs was then conducted to St. Dennis,
•where (he was crowned, and thence made a public
entry into Paris. The daughter of Maximilian was
lent back to her father and the duchy of Brittany
annexed to the crown of France; an acquifition of
the utmoft importance to that kingdom. Maxi-
milian tranfportcd with rage, threatened the moft
dreadful vengeance againft Charles. Henry had
alfo reafon to reproach himfelf for his inaction : he
ought to have fuppbrted the Britons with a force pro-
portional to the importance of the union of Brittany
with France. His chagrin ftimulated him the more
to revenge, as he piqued himfelf upon the depth of
his policy. A war with France was always flatter-
ing and agreeable to the Englifu, and Henry im-
mediately fummoned a parliament to obtain fup-
plies. In this fpeech, which he pronounced him-
felf, after mentioning the affairs of Brittany, he
told them, that Chailes, elated with his fuccefs, had
even fhewn a contempt of England, and refufed to
pay the tribute which Lewis XI. had ftipulated to
Edward IV. That fo warlike a nation as the
Englifh ought to refent this indignity : that for his
part he was refolved to lay claim to the crown of
France itfelf ; and by force of arms to maintain fo
juft a title, tranfmitted to him by his anceftors:
that Creffy, Poictiers, and Agincourt, were fufficicnt
to mew their fuperiority over the enemy, and that
he did not defpair of adding new names to the
glorious catalogue: that a king of France had beea
prifoner in London, and a king of England crowned
at Paris: events that mould animate them to emu-
late the glory of their forefathers: that the domeftic
diflentions of this kingdom had been the fole caufe
of its lofing foreign dominions, and its prefent in-
ternal union would be the effectual means of re-
covering them : that if they had fuch honour, and
fuch an acquifition in view, brave men ought not to
repine at advancing a little treafure; and he hoped,
by an invafion of fo opulent a kingdom, to increafe
rather than diminifh the wealth of the nation.
Thefe were oftentatious boaftings; but people of
penetration, from Henry's known perfonal cha-
racter, and the ftate of political affairs, concluded
that he did not intend to carry on the war with vi-
gour. France was not in the fame lituation, as
when former kings of England made fuccefsf ul in-
roads into that country. The great fiefs were
united to the crown ; the nation had many able
captains and veteran foldiers, and feemed rather in
a condition to threaten her neighbours, than to
afford them hopes of acquiring any confiderable ad-
vantages againft them. Maximilian wanted the
revenue and military power neceffary to fupport his
pompous title; and Ferdinand, while he made a
mew of war, was actually negociating for peace;
England herfelf was not free from domeftic difcon-
tents; and in Scotland James III. Henry's friend
and ally, having been murdered by his rebellious
fubjects, was fucceeded by James IV. who was de-
voted to the intereft of France. But the Englifh
parliament, inftead of being influenced by thefe-
confiderations, were inflamed with a delire of con-
queft, and of enriching themfelves with fpoils : they
therefore granted the king two fifteenths; and the
better to enable the nobility to attend him in this
expedition, paffed an act, by which they were em-
powered to fell their eftates, without paying any
fines for alienation.
The love of military glory having . p.
now animated the Englifh, they pre- X492*
pared with the greateil alacrity to follow their
prince ; and many of the nobility fold their eftates,
that they might appear in the field with the greater
fplendor, or borrowed large fums, that they might
head their followers in a manner becoming their
rank. Having obtained fupplies, and levied an
army confifting of twenty-five thoufand foot, and
fixteen thoufand horfe, Henry embarked, and
landed at Calais on the fixth of October. The
latenefs of the feafon being confidered as an indica-
tion, that this campaign would foon be terminated,
the king obferved, " It is of little confcquence at
what feafon the invafion is begun, as one ftmimer
will not be fufficient for the reduction of France;"
and yet perhaps, at that very time, he had begun a
negociation for peace : for before the expiration of
the year a peace was concluded ; by the articles of
which it was agreed, that the king of France mould
difcharge the debt contracted by his queen for the
defence
HENRY
VII.
263
defence of Brittany, which was fet clown' at feven
hundred and forty thoufand crowns; and fhould
alfo pay the arrears of the penfion granted to Ed-
ward IV. by an annual tribute of twenty-five thou-
fand crowns, to Henry and his heirs. Thus lord
Bacon obferves, peace and war equally contributed
to fill the coffers of Henry; the former giving him
the money of his people, and the latter that of his
enemies. The above mentioned treaty excited
much clamour among Henry's fubjects, who loudly
complained, that he"had ileeced his people for the
maintenance of the war, which he had undertaken
merely to enrich himfelf. This year the queen was
delivered of a fecond fon, called Henry, who fuc-
ceeded to the crown of England.
. , A new pretender was raifed up on
A.JJ. 1493. the continent by the duchcfs of Bur-
gundy, more dangerous than Simnel, whom me re-
ported to be her nephew, Richard Plantagenet,
duke of York, fecond fon to Edward IV. fuppofed
to have efcaped from the Tower, 'after the death of
his elder brother. This impoftor was a youth of
engaging addrefs, and is fiid to have been the fon
of one Warbcck a Jew, of Tournay, who had been
converted to Chriftianity, and whofe bufinefs hav-
ing called him to London in the reign of Edward
IV. his wife was there delivered of a fon. He was
called Perkin, or Peter ; and Edward, who -was
fufpected of having criminal converfation with
Warbeck's wife, was his godfather. The comelinefs
of his mein, and the vcrfulity of his genius, rendered
him extremely well adapted to the part he was to
act. After having refided fome years in England,
he was conveyed to Flanders, where he frequented
the company of the Englifh to retain his native
tongue; and, as he grew up, exhibited fuch mental
and perfonal accomplifhments, as attracted the no-
tice of the cluchefs of Burgundy, who refolved to
inipofe him on the Englifh as a better claimant to
the crown than Henry. With this view me gave
him private inftructions, till he was perfectly ac-
quainted with the character he was to affume. He
was fully tutored in the particulars relative to the
duke of York, whom he was to perfonate, together
with the mo'ft minute tranfaciions of Edward's
court, which a child of eleven years old might be
fuppofed to uaderftand, and remember. He like-
Avife received a circumftantial detail of all the oc-
currences during his fuppofed refidence in the
fanctuary, the manner of his brother's death, and his
own efcape. When he was perfectly verfcd in
thcfc preparatory lectures, the duchefs refolved he
ihould avow his right to the crown of England ;
but in the mean time, to difguife her defign, fhe
fent him to Portugal with lady Brompton, where he
continued until Henry declared war againft France;
then fhe directed him to embark for Ireland, and
make his appearance in that country, which was
firmly attached to the houfe of York. Purfuant to
her inftructions, he landed at Cork, and perfonated
Richard Plantagenet, fecond fon to Edward IV.
Being immediately joined by a ftrong party, he
wrote to the earls of Defmond and Kildare, ex-
horting them to vindicate his claim, and flrengthen
his intereft by the addition of their vaflals and de-
pendents. Charles VIII. imagined that this pre-
tender might be of advantage to him during his
•war with Henry, and Perkin was accordingly in-
vited to the court of France. He was honourably
reteived at Paris, acknowledged agreeable to his
.pretenlions, and accommodated fuitable to the 'dig-
nity of the character he fufttined, till the conclufion
of the late peace, when Henry, without effect, ap-
. plied to Charles for the fuirender of this impoltor.
:The French king, though be refufecKto violate the
laws of hofpitality, promifec he fhould have no fuc-
co'urs, and difniifled him frcm his court.
.. Thus deprived of all hops. from, that quarter, he
retired to Flanders, and artfully addrefled himfelf
as a ftranger to the duchefa dowager. Margaret
affected to doubt of the reality of 'his claim, and
examined him in public touching that point, whe/i
he replied fo pertinently, and deported himfelf with
fuch dignity, that Hie and all the audience feemed
convinced of his veracity. The duchefs upon thns
acknowledged his relationfhip, difUnguifhed him
by the title of the white role of England, appointed
him a guard de cprps, and mewed him every mark
of honour due to the heir of a crowned head.' When
thefe tranfactions were divulged in England, the
people fecmed clifpofed to favour the plot, partly
through averfion to the king ; and from an affu-
rance, that this pretender "was identically what
he affumed. Sir William Stanley, chamberlain of
the houfholcl, the lord Fitzwalter, Sir Simon Mont-
ford, with fome others, entered into a confederacy,
to promote the claim of this youth, and fent over
emiffaries to learn the particulars of the tranfadions
at the Burgundian court. They had feveral inter-
views with the duchefs and Perkin ; after which they
wrote to their employers, afluring them of their full-
conviction of the veracity of his aiTertions. Henry
faw his danger, and that the utmoft prudence was
neceffary to divert the force of the impending
ftorm. Could the king have afcertained the death
of the real duke of York, the confpiracy muft have
fallen immediately to the ground ; but of the five
perfons who had been employed in the bafe aflafil-
nation, two only remained alive ; fo that their tefli-
mony, though they agreed in the fame ftory, was
not thought mflicient to put the fact beyond all
doubt and controverfy. However, he found a clue,
by means of his fpies, which guided him through
the labyrinth of this myftery. He difcovered the
pedigree and adventures of Perkin, and traced the
whole confpiracy from its firft formation. The
ftory was immediately publifhed for the fatisfactiou
of the nation. He even gained o*er Clifford, one
of the chief perfons in the court of the pretended
prince to difcover the fecrcts of h-is party. Henry
had no fooner procured neceflary intelligence, to-
gether with the names of the principal confpirators
in England, than they were arrefled, John RatclifFe,
lord Fitzwalter, Sir Simon Montford, Sir Thomas
Thwaites, William Daubeny, Robert RatelifFe,
Thomas CrelTenor, and Thomas Aflnvood, whom
he caufed to beapprehended at the fame time, were
convicted of holding treafonable correfpondence
with Perkin, and condemned to fuffer death as
traitors. The lord Fitzwalter was conveyed to
Calais, where he might have obtained his pardon,
had not his impatience of confinement prompted
him to attempt his efcape ; and, on difcovery, he.
fufFered the rigour of the law, but the reft obtained
a free pardon.
Having thus fupprefied the con- . ^
fpiracy in England, Henry turned his X494-
attention to the concerns of Ireland, where he was
informed the pretender had many powerful friends.
He appointed his fecond fon, Henry, an infant of
two years of age, viceroy of that kingdom, and Sir
Edward Poynings, his deputy, with a very extenfive
power over the civil, as well as' military admini-
ftratiori.
At his arrival in Ireland, he made diligent en-
qtiiry about thofe whofe loyalty was in the leaft fuf-
pected, and in a particular manner attacked the
-earis of Defmond and Kildare, who had carried on
an epiftolary correfpondence with the pretender.
The firft ftood on the defenfive, and eluded the
power of the deputy, but the latter was fent pri-
ibne'r to England, whence he was foOn difmiffed to
his own 'Country, with marks of e'tteem. Henry
wifely preferring at fuch a time, acts of clemency
and indulgence, to thofe of rigour and fevejrity.
He then fent a meflengeF-to Ireland, with a formal
amnefty
264
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
•
amnefty in favour of the e4rl of Defmond, and all
the rebels in that kingdom; hoping by that means
to quench the embers of rebellion, in a country,
where the houfe of York had fo many zealous ad-
herents. During his refidence in Ireland, he con-
vened a parliament which is famous on record for
the acts it paffed in favour of England. But the
prevalence of Henry's darling paffion, fubdued that
honour, which his clemency had acquired; though
he poflefled more perfonal property than any prince
that had ever fat on the throne of England, his re-
dundance ferved but to ftimulate his covetous dc-
fires. To gratify his inordinate avarice, he had re-
courfe to the penal laws. The firft perfon of emi-
nence who was aggrieved in this manner, was Sir
William Capel, alderman of London, who was con-
demned in the fum of two thoufand feven hundred
pounds, fixteen hundred of which he paid by way
of compofition; but his moft flagrant act of extor-
tion and ingratitude, was his profecution of the
lord chamberlain Stanley, to whom he in a great
meafure owed his crown and dignity. Sir Robert
Clifford, who was juft arrived in England, repaired
privately to Henry in the Tower, where he ftill
kept his court. Being fummoned to appear before
the council, he fell at the king's feet, and after im-
ploring and receiving full affurance of pardon, de-
clared, that Sir William Stanley was one of the con-
federates in the caufe of the pretender. The king
affected aftonifhment at this declaration, charging
the informer to be very cautious of his allegations
on pain of death, if the object of his charge fhould
be found innocent. Clifford perfifted, and the
chamberlain was put under an arreft ; and on ex-
amination owned to the charge, though it amounted
to no more than a declaration, that he would never
bear arms againft Perkin, were he certain that he
was the fon of Edward IV. from this frank con-
feffion, we may conjecture, that he confided in the
fervices he had done the king, and the influence
of his brother, the earl of Derby, who had married
Henry's mother. But his wealth proved his de-
ftruction, and all the favour he could obtain, was
the refpite of a few days, that he might prepare
himfelf for death, which he did not fuffer till the
beginning of the following year, when he was fuc-
ceeded in his office by lord Daubeny, a nobleman
of great abilities. The king found in Stanley's
caftle of Holt, forty thoufand marks in money and
plate, befides jewels, furniture, cattle and effects to
an immenfe value, and an eftate of three thoufand
pounds a year. Thefe inftances of avarice and in-
gratitude incurred the general deteftation of the
people, who vented their fpleen in fevere libels and
fatires againft the judges, the council, and the king
himfelf; who was fo incenfed, that he ordered five
obfcure perfons, detected in difperfing the papers,
to be executed for treafon.
A ~ By this conduct of Henry, the fpirit
X495' of rebellion was roufecl, and the pre-
tender's party began to put themfelves in motion.
Thefe alarms determined Henry to make a progrefs
into Lancafhire, under pretence of paying a vilit to
his mother, and his father-in-law, the earl of Derby,
to fatisfy them concerning the equity of the fen-
tence, pafled upon their brother, Sir William Stan-
ley. During Henry's refidence in the north, Per-
kin determined to try his fortune in England.
Accordingly, having been fupplied with fome troops
and veffels by the duchefs of Burgundy, he em-
barked in July, and arrived on the coaft of Kent,
landed fome of his people, to found the inclinations
of the inhabitants. Thefe endeavoured to inveigle
the Kentifh men, by affuring them there was a
flrong armament fitted out in Flanders, for fupport-
ing the claim of the duke of York ; but the Englifh,
inftead of acquiefcing with their defire, confulted
the gentlemen of the county, who advifed them to
allure the pretender on fhore, by pompous affur-
anccs, arid then fccufe his perfon ; but he was dif-
fuaded by his fecretary from venturing his perfon
on fhore, and the Englifh, finding that he fufpected
their delign, put to the fword all that he had fcnt on
fhore, except an hundred and fifty, who were carried
prifoners to London, and afterwards executed oh
gibbets along the coaft, by the king's orders ; and
Perkin, feeing the fate of his people retired to
Flanders.
Henry fooh after received advice, that the pre-
tender had landed in Ireland, where he had large ex-
pectations from the friends of the houfe of York, by
whom he had heretofore been greatly careffed. But
by this time the king had taken every meafure, pre-
ventive of corhmotions in that kingdom-, fo that
his defigns were entirely fruftrated. Being deprived
therefore of all hopes of fuccefs in Ireland, he re-
paired to Edinburgh, and demanded audience of
James, in quality of duke of York. He was ac-
cordingly admitted, and by his fkill and aadrefs,
wrought on that weak prince, that he not only re-
ceived him with great hofpitality, but gave him in
marriage, his own kinfwoman Catharine Gordon, a
lady eminent for her accomplilliments, both mental
and perfonal.
James now undertook to efpoufe A n ,
the claim of Perkin to the Englifli
crown, and accordingly affembled a numerous
army, which he led in perfon to Northumberland,
accompanied by the pretender. There a manifclto
was publifhed, inveighing againft Henry as an
ufurper, tyrant, and murderer, and prOmifing ho-
nour and profits, to thofe who fhould join their
lawful prince, and affift him in the depofition of a
robber, who had deprived him of his crown. This
manifefto had very little effect on the Engliih, who
were fo intimidated by the fuccefs and rigour of
the reigning king, that they refufed to hazard their
lives and fortunes in behalf of a ftranger, though
they believed him to be the fon of Edward. James,
defpairing of aflittance from the Englifh, and
willing to indemnify himfelf for the expences of
the expedition, ravaged the country with fire and
fword.
Henry fummoned a parliament to . -pv
meet in January, from whom he de-
manded a fubikly for the maintenance of the
Scottifh war, though he knew a peace might be
eafily effected. As he was affured of the fuccefs of
his negociation with Scotland, he determined to
levy the fubfidy granted with the utmoft expedition,
that he might amafs the money before the conclu-
fion of the peace. His collectors however met with
a confiderable oppofition in the county of Corn-
wall, where the inhabitants loudly complained of
their fubjection to fo grievous an impofition. This
difcontent was increafed by the infinuations of one
Michael Jofeph, a factious blackfmith at Bodmin,
and Thomas Flammock, a turbulent lawyer, who
affured the people, that the fiefs depending on the
crown, were the funds afligned for the maintenance
of fuch wars ; and that the king ought to apply
them in cafe of an invallon from Scotland, and not
pillage his fubjects under the fanction of paTliarnent.
The populace being inflamed by this declaration,
the lawyer and blackfmith offered to conduct them,
till they fhould be headed by fome perfon of qua-
lity : and they immediately armed themfelves with
fuch weapons as they could procure. Under the
lead of thefe two hcendiai ies, they marched
through the counties of Devon and Somerfet, their
numbers continually hcreafing in their rout. At
Taunton they murdered a collector, who had been
very rigorous in the execution of his office ; at
Wells they were joined by the lord Audley, an am-
bitious nobleman, who being chofen their leader,
1 conducted them through Salifbury and Winchefter,
without
HENRY
VII.
265
without fiiffering them to do the leaft injury to the
inhabitants. But in (lead of proceeding directly to
London, according to their original deiign, they
turned off towards' Kent, hoping to be joined by a
confiderable party in that country, the inhabitants
of which had been eminent for their zeal and for
the liberty of the fubject. But the noblemen and
freeholders had taken fuch wife precautions, that
they could not obtain the addition^of a lingle man ;
which circumftance difcouraged a great number of
the infurgents, who returned to theirown habitations.
Thofe who continued their march, boafted, that
they would either give the king battle, or make
themfelves matters of the metropolis, and accord-
ingly proceeded to Blackheath, where they en-
camped between Eltham and Greenwich. Henry,
who had already, equipped an armament for the
expullion of any Scottifh invaders, determined, on
advice of this infurrection, to keep the greater part
of the troops in thefouthern parts of the kingdom,
fending the earl of Surry with a detachment to guard
the northern frontiers. As the rebels committed no
outrages in their rout, he remained inactive, in
order to found the principles of thofe counties
through which they parted, by the numbers which
iliould join them, hoping at the fame time, that
fatigued with the length of their march they would
difperfe. The citizens of London were terrified at
their approach, till they beheld the king vigoroufly
exerting himfelf in their defence, and even placing
himfelf between them and the rebels ; for he no
fooner received advice of their encampment on
Blackheath, than he divided his army into three
bodies ; one of which, commanded by the earl of
Oxford, marched round the hill, in order to cut off
their retreat, and, ifneceffary, attack them in the
rear. The fecond, under the command of lord
Daubeny, was defigned to charge them in the
front ; and Henry himfelf, with the third divilion,
encamped in St. George's Fields, that he might be
at hand to reinforce the others occafionally, or in
cafe of misfortune throw himfelf into London.
Thefe precautions being taken,' he declared his in-
tention of engaging the rebels on Monday, though
his real defign was to give them battle on Saturday.
This feint obtained the clefired fucccfs. In the
evening of the twenty fecond of June, the lord
Daubeny marched towards them in order of battle.
Having repulfed an advanced guard on Deptford-
bridge, he afcended the hill, and found them on
the heath drawing up their forces; but in apparent
•djforder, not thinking of coming to action before
. Monday. Yet, notwithftanding thefe difadvanta-
geous circumftances, they fought with great intre-
pidity, and killed above three hundred of the
royalifts with their arrows. The lord Daubeny
advanced to the charge with fuch ardour of pre-
cipitation, that he was taken prifoner in the be-
ginning of the action, but immediately refcued by
the valour of his men, who bore down on the
rebels with fuch impetuofity that they were routed
with great {laughter ; and on their attempt of
flight, found themfelves intercepted by Oxford's
.divifion. The lord Auclley, Flammock, and the
blackfcnith were taken, two thoufand were flain in
the field, and the remainder, amounting to about
fourteen thoufand, fubmitted to the king's mercy.
Audley was beheaded on Tower hill ; Flammock
and the blackfmith executed at Tyburn, and the
reft obtained his majefty's pardon. James of Scot-
land availing himfelf of this infurreclion, affemblcd
his army and inverted the caftle of Norham ; but
the earl of Surry marching to its relief, he re-
treated, and was purfued to his own country by the
earl, who reduced the caftle of Ay ton, fituated be-
tween Berwick and Edinburgh. But at the defire
of both fovereigns conferences were foon after
opened at Ayton, under the mediation of Don
No. 25.
Pedro d'Ayala, the Spanifh ambaffador. The prin-
cipal obftacle to a treaty, was the objection' of
James to Henry's demand of delivering up Perkin ;
but it was, however,- at length agreed, that James
fhould honourably difmifs th'e pretended duke of
York, and afterwards proceed with the negociations
as if he had never been in Scotland. In confe-
quence of this agreement, James told Warbeck,
that he had fupported his claim to the utmoit of
his power-, that he had twice entered England at
the head of an army; but as the Englifh had re-
fufed to efpoufe his caufe, he could not imagine
the Scots would, without their concurrence, be
able to eftablifh him on the throne of that king-
dom. He therefore exhorted him to concert fome
more probable plan, and chufe fome other country
for his refidence ; at the fame time affuring him,
that he fhould be honourably accommodated with
mips and money, on his departure for another
place. Perkin bore his misfortunes with magnani-
mity, gratefully acknowledged the favour and
protection of James, and folicited conveyance for
himfelf and his wife into Ireland. His requeft was
readily granted, and he arrived at Cork, where he
ftill found friends and adherents. On his departure
from Scotland, the ambaffadors at Ayton figried a
truce for feven years ; importing, that the two
kings mould not make war on each other, by them-
felves, their fubjects, or any other perfon whatever;
that certain points, as yet undecided, fhould be
referred to the arbitration of Ferdinand and Ifabella
of Spain ; and that the truce fhould be prolonged
till one year after the demife of that party who
fhould die firft. Though the marriage between
James and the king's daughter was omitted in the
treaty, it afterwards took place, and produced an'
union between the two crowns.
The Cornifh rebels, after their A n o
repulfe and return to their own •
county, proclaimed that the king's clemency was
not the effect of principle, but apprehenfion of
his own fubjects, the greater part of whom enter-
tained the fame fentiments with themfelves. This
declaration prevailed on their friends and neigh-
bours to join them in making another attempt
againft the government. Some of the moft zealous
amongft them underftanding that Perkin was in"
Ireland, propofed that he mould be invited over,
and appointed general of the expedition. A de-
putation was accordingly fent to inform him, that
if he would repair to Cornwall, he would find
many attached firmly to his interelt; who, with
the afliftance of his friends in other parts, might
be able to place him on the throne of his anceftors.
Perkin accepted the invitation ; and immediately
embarking with about feventy men in four final!'
veffels, landed at Whitfand-bay in the month of
September. He was joined at Bodmin by a body
of about three thoufand men, and iffued a pro-
clamation, in which he affumed the title of Richafcl
IV. king of England; inveighed bitterly againft
Henry Tudor; and exhorted the people to take up
arms and depofe the ufurper ; promifing at the
fame time ample reward for their fervice. He then
advanced to Exeter, intending to eftablifh- a ma-
gazine in that place, and keep it as a retreat in
cafe of misfortune. Finding on his arrival that
the inhabitants were well affected to the govern-
ment, he refolved to take the city by ftorm. The
neceffary preparations were accordingly made ; but
his attempt mifcarrying, he was repulfed with the
lofs of two hundred men, and his followers were
fo greatly difpirited, that many of them returned
to Cornwall. Several noblemen in the county of
Devon affembled troops at their own expence to
repel the infurgehts ; and the king, ordered the
lord Daubeny to march towards Exeter, declaring
he would follow him at the head of a numerous
3
army,
266
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
army. Perkin, alarmed at the news of thefe pre-
prations, raifed the fiege, and retired to Tau nton,
where he declared he would hazard an engage-
ment ; but in the night withdrew, with fome of his
coniidants to Beaulieu, in the New Foreft. Lord
Daubeny being informed of his retreat, detached
three hundred'horfe to befet the fanftuary, till they
fhould receive further orders. The rebels now
finding themfelves deferted by their leader, fub-
mitted to the king, who pardoned them all, except
a few ringleaders. He afterwards fent a detach-
ment of cavalry to St. Michael's Mount, to fecure
the lady Catharine Gordon, the wife of Perkin,
forefeeing that if flie was pregnant, the rebellion
would be continued to another generation. When
ihe was brought into the king's prcfence, he was
fo (truck with her beauty and modefty of deport-
ment, that he confoled her with promife of pro-
teclion ; fent her under a ftrong guard to attend
upon the queen; and beftowed on her a confider-
able penfion, which (he enjoyed during his life,
and feveral years after his deceafe. Henry then
proceeded to Exeter ; and on his entrance, pre-
fented his own fword to the mayor, as a token of
his favour and good will to the citizens, who had
fo fignaliged themfelves in the defence of his
government. Having thus fuppreffed the rebel-
lion, he here called a council of war to deliberate
on the fate of Perkin, who ftill continued in the
fandtuary. After much debate, it was determined
that the king mould pardon him, on condition of
his explaining every circumftance of the impofture
he had fo long carried on. The defperate ftate of
his affairs induced him to embrace the king's offer
without hefitation, and quit the fanftuary. Henry
being defirous of feeing him, he was brought to
court, where the king obferved him from a window,
but would never admit him into his prefence.
Afterwards he was conducted to London, and by
the king's order rode in public through the ftreets
from Weftminftev to the Tower, where one of his
chief abettors was executed ; and he himfelf figned
a confeffion, which was difperfed through the na-
tion ; but it was fo defective and contradictory,
that it ferved rather to perplex than explain the
pretended impofture.
A n Perkin, even in his captive ftate,
^"'tampered fo effectually with four
ferVants belonging to Sir John Digby, lieutenant
of the Tower, as by their means to procure his
efcape. They had for fome time permitted him
to converfe with the earl of Warwick, who had
agreed, with him to take the firft opportunity to
efcape, which they perceived could not be done
without murdering the lieutenant ; a defign which,
if it had been fuccefsful, would doubtlefs have
fhaken the pillars of Henry's throne ; but the plot
was difcovered, and Edmund, earl of Warwick,
was beheaded on Tower-hill, while Perkin made
an inglorious exit at Tyburn with John Walter,
mayor of Cork, one of his moft faithful adhe-
rents. Tranquillity having now fixed her feat in
England, the avarice of its monarch became more
flagrant; who, as all pretence for the demand of
parliamentary fupplies was entirely obviated, de-
termined to exhauft the coffers of the rebel party.
"With this view, on pretence that they were fubjcct
to the rigour of the law, he inlifted on their being
indulged with feparate pardons, for which he ex-
torted large fums. He alfo appointed com-
miffioners minutely to explore all, that had either
diredly or indirectly aflifted and favoured the revolt
of Perkin Warbeck. Thefe inquilitois were em-
powered to amerce at difcretion, every individual
who fhould have the benefit of a pardon ; and
even feize the effeds of the deccafed, fhould their
heirs refufe to make a compolition. Such mon-
ftrous oppreffions augmented the popular clamour
3
againft Hemy, and were in a great meafure attri-
buted to the counfel of cardinal Morton, arch-
bifhop of Canterbury, who died at this period to
the general joy of the nation. He was fucceeded
in the metropolitan fee by Henry Dean, bifhop of
Salifbury; and the public was foon convinced
that Henry's extortions on his fubjeds was the
effeft of his own avarice, and not the counfel of
Morton.
The earl of Salifbury, nephew to . n
king Edward IV. and brother to the Al
earl of Lincoln who had fallen in the battle of
Stoke, happened in his paffion to kill a man ; and
though he was a branch of the houfe of York, the
king would not indulge him with a pardon, but on
condition of his appearing and pleading it in
public. The haughty earl fo deeply refented this
indignity, that he retired in difguft to his aunt
Margaret, duchefs of Burgundy. Henry, in order
to prevent any clefigns he might form to his pre-
judice, fent over emiflaries, who, by large offers
and promifes, prevailed on him to be reconciled
to the government. At this period, Catharine,
daughter of Ferdinand, king of Arragon, arrived
in England, and was married to Arthur, prince of
Wales, with great folemnity, on the fourteenth of
November, the prince being turned of fifteen, and
the princefs of eighteen years of age. Her dower
amounted to two hundred thoufand ducats in
money, jewels, and plate; and a third part of the
principality of Wales, dukedom of Cornwall, and
earldom of Chefter, was affigned the princefs, as a
jointure in cafe of the demife of her hufband
before his acceflion to the throne. A treaty of
marriage between the king of Scotland and Henry's
daughter Margaret fucceeded this match, which
was ratified by the Scottifh ambaffadors at London
on the twenty-fourth of January, and the nuptials
folemnized by proxy amidft the acclamations of the
people, who hoped that this alliance would termi-
nate the enmity which had fo long fubfifted between
the two nations. But the general joy which this
marriage diffufed through the kingdom, was foon
damped by the death of the young prince Arthur,
who departed this life at Ludlow about five months
after his nuptials, univerfally regretted by the
Englifh, who from his extraordinary talents had
conceived happy omens of his future adminiitra-
tion. His brother Henry fucceeded to his title
and dignities.
Henry's queen, in the beginning . ^
of this year, paid the debt of nature 1 15°B'
to the joy of her hufband, who efteemed it a
fortunate event, as it freed him from a detefted
rival in his title to the throne. Public peace
and domeftic tranquillity now prevailed, and
England might have been the feat of uninterrupted
felicity, had not the infatiable avarice of its king
fought out new methods of preying on the pro-
perties of his fubjecls. With thefe mercenary
views he patronized two infamous minifters called
Empfon and Dudley, who followed the practice
of the law, and had recouife to all its chicaneries,
in preferring indictments and falfe accufations
againft the fubjecls, in order to extort money,
by way of what thofe robbers of the public called
a mitigation. Nay, fo egregioufly infolent were
they, that' they even tried pretended delinquents
in private, without fair appeal, or verdict of jury;
and this violation of the law of equity was coun-
tenanced by the king, who fhared in the fruits
of fo fcandalous an oppreffion ; nor could he be
diverted from this difgraceful conduct, by the
remonftrances of the honeft, or groans of the
oppreffed ; and even practifed himfelf, what he
enjoined on. his infamous minifters ; a glaring in-
ftance of which we have in the iniquitous treat-
ment of the earl of Oxford, who was eminently
dignified
HENRY
VII.
267
dignified at this time in confideration of his fer-
vices in the field and the cabinet, in both which
refpects he had acquitted himfelf to the general
approbation of his country. Henry took an op-
portunity of paying him a formal vifu at his
caftle at Henningham, and was received by Oxford
with a magnificence becoming the dignity of his
vifitor. On the king's departure, the earl's fervants
formed a long rank on each fide through which his
majefty paffed: furprifed at fo numerous a train,
he turned to the earl and faid, " My lord, the
report I heard of your hofpitality is great, but I
perceive it falls fliort of the truth. Pray, are thefe
handfome gentlemen and yeomen on both fides
of me, your menial fervants?" The earl, with
great modefty replied, that he only entertained
them on that occafion, to do the more honour to
his majefty. Henry affected furprife at that
anfwer, and replied, " By my faith, my lord, I
thank you for my good cheer, but I cannot endure
to have my laws broken in my fight : my attorney
muft fpeak with you." Nor did he fail in verifying
his declaration ; for the earl was afterwards obliged
to compound for this mitdemeanour, by the pay-
ment of fifteen thoufand marks. Such ungenerous
behaviour excited a general clamour; and the
fpirit of difcontent was encouraged by the earl of
Suffolk, whofe profufion had ruined his fortunes,
•which he hoped to repair by the formation of new
projects againft the king's perfon and government.
Having acquired a degree of popularity as the
iurviving branch of the houfe of York, he pri-
vately engaged fome perfons in his intereft; and
then retired to Flanders, in hopes of receiving
fuccour from the duchefs of Burgundy. The .
king, on advice of thefe proceedings, employed
Sir Robert Curfon, governor of the caitle of
Hammes, to practice the very expedient by which
all the defigns of Perkin had been formerly de-
fea'ed. Sir Robert, on pretence of having been
injured by Henry, retiring to Flander?, offered his
fervice to the earl of Suffolk, and acted his part
with fuch dexterity, that he foon difcovered that
nobleman's fchemes, and the particulars of his
connections. Intelligence was immediately con-
veyed to Henry, who ifTued writs for apprehending
his brother-in-law, William Courtney, earl of De-
vonfliire, hufband to the princefs Catherine, daugh-
ter of Edward IV. William de la Pole, brother to
the earl of Suffolk, Sir James Tyrrel, and Sir John
Wyndham; George, lord Abergavenny, and Sir
Thomas Green, were arrefted at the fame time
upon flight fufpicion, but foon difcharged. The
earl of Devon, and cle la Pole, though nothing
material appeared againfl them, were detained
prifoners during the king's life. Tyrrel, fuppofcd
to have been concerned in the death of Edward V.
•with Wyndham, and feveral others of lefs note,
were hanged as traitors. Suffolk repaired to
Flanders, where the archduke took him under his
protection, after the demife of the duchefs-
dowager. The prince of Wales was now about
thirteen years of age, of eminent talents, and a
robuft conftitution; and his father having defigned
him for the church, he had received a more liberal
education than his brother. The king, unwilling
to refund one moiety of Catharine's dowry he had
already received, and equally defirous of obtaining
the other, propofed to Ferdinand that the young
widow ihould be married to Henry, prince of
Wales, brother to her late hufband; the Spanifti
monarch readily confented, provided the pope's
difpenHition could be obtained. The archbifliop
of Canterbury, a very great divine and able poli-
tician, honeftly remonftrated againft this marriage;
but Fox, bifliop of Durham, whofe confcience was
ftifled by intereft, warmly oppofed him, averrino-
that the pope's difpenfation would obviate all
impediments civil or facred. Henry's darling
paflion bore down all before it ; and though he
was convinced of the propriety of Warham's rea-
foning, and alfo, that the aftion was in itfelf un-
juftifiable on principles of moral reftitude ; yet
rather than refund, he determined to rifle all dangers
and inconveniences, and therefore direfted his
agents at Rome, moft importunately to folicit the
difpenfation.
The parliament affembled in the A n
beginning of January, and Henry I5°4*
obtained a fubfidy for the portion of his eldcft
daughter, by which he received much more than
the fum he had paid to the king of Scotland. He
now indeed ruled with defpotic fway; a flagrant
proof of which was the choice the houfe of
commons made, of the venal and wicked Dudley
for their fpeaker. This parliament even conde-
fcended to grant a mercenary fovereign whatever
his avarice could crave, to the fcandalous im-
peachment of their own honour, and monftrous
oppreflion of thofe whofe caufe they had under-
taken to plead. In the mean time the king or-
dered the Body of Henry VI. to be removed froni
Windfor to Weftminfter, where it was interred with
great pomp. He alfo applied to the pope for a
bull to canonize that monarch; but the miracles
attributed to him after his death were fo defective,
in point of atteftation, that his holinefs would not
admit him to a place among the faints, without
fuch a confideration as Henry's avarice would not
permit him to afford ; the deiign was therefore, by
that means, entirely fruftrated.
In this year, Henry concluded a . ~
treaty of commerce and intercourfe -5°^*
with the king of Spain, and conceived a defign
of marrying the widow of Ferdinand.^ king of
Naples, that he might by that means obtain the
large dower which had been afligned her in that
kingdom. He therefore directed by private com*
million, Francis Pearfon and other emiffaries, to
inform themfelves circumftantially of every thing
relative to the lady's perfon and fortune. But
thefe agents difcovering that the queen's large
jointure in land had been converted into an an-
nuity for life, they fet out for Spain, without dif-
cloling the intention of their journey to Naples.
Philip and Joan had for fome time been pro-
claimed king and queen at Bruffels; but were pre-
vented from taking poffeffion of that kingdom by
the war in Guelderland; and the pregnancy of the
queen, who was in a fliort time delivered of a
princefs, called Mary, afterwards queen of Hun-
gary; but the war being terminated, and the
queen in a condition for travelling, Philip equipped
a powerful armament, and with his queen, em-
barked on the tenth of January. But A ^
the fleet was difperfed by a violent A ' I5°6'
ftprm in the Channel, and the veffel in which the
king and queen embarked, driven into the harbour
of Weymouth in Dorfetfhire. The peafants,
alarmed at the appearance of fuch a numerous
fleet, took to their arms; and Sir Thomas Tren-
chard, a knight of that county, being informed
that the king and queen of Caftile were landed,
waited on them in perfon, and begged they would
do him the honour to lodge in his houfe, till the
king fhould have notice of their arrival. Philip
perceiving that the weather would not admit of
their immediate embarkation, complied with his
requeft. Henry having been informed of their
landing, he difpatched the earl of Arundel to
compliment them in his name, and aflure them
that he would with all convenient fpeed, have the
pleafure of embracing them; and that, in the
mean time, they might command his dominions.
In order to haften the interview, Philip fet out for
the ceurt at Windfor, where he and his confort
were
268
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
were honourably received ; though Henry was de-
termined to avail himfelf of the accident that
drove them into England. He propofed, that as
"Philip had changed his condition in becoming
king of Caftile, the treaty of commerce between
England and the Low Countries fliould be re-
newed, with fume alterations in favour of the
•Englifh; and Philip readily affented to the pro-
pofal. This affair being adjufted, Henry propofed
a marriage between himfclf and Philip's filter Mar-
garet, widow of the duke of Savoy; and the king
of Caftile being allured by the proipecr. of fuch an
alliance, the contract was immediately fettled,
Philip engaging to pay three hundred thoufand
'crowns in lieu of a dower to his lifter, together
with a very confiderable annuity. Not content
with thefe advantages, Henry feemed refolved to
detain his gueft till he mould deliver up the earl
of Suffolk, from whofe fchemes and 'influence he
ftill apprehended fome commotions. He therefore
took occafion in a private conference with Philip,
to fay with fome emotion, " Sir, you have been
faved on my coaft, I hope you will not fuffer me
to be wrecked on your's." "When the king of
Caftile defired to know the drift of that addrefs,
Henry replied, " I mean that wild extravagant
fellow, my fubject the earl of Suffolk, who is
protected in your country, and begins to play the
fool when others are tired of the game." To this
Philip anf\v,ered, " I thought your prefent circum-
ftances had raifed you above all fuch apprehenfions ;
but fince his refidence in Flanders gives you dif-
quiet, I will banifh him from my dominions."
The Englifh monarch hinting a defire of having
him in his power, Philip told him, in fome con-
fufion, that he could not deliver him up confiftently
with his honour; and that fuch a ftep would ftill
more detract from the character of Henry, as the
world would thence conjetture he had treated his
gueft as a prifoner. " I will venture to incur the
difgrace," faid Henry, " and fo your honour will
remain inviolate." Philip, finding him fo folicitous,
anfvvered, " Sir, you give law to me, and I will
dictate to you in my "turn: Suffolk fhall be deli-
vered up to you, but on condition of your pafting
your honour that his life fhall be fafe." The pro-
pofal being agreed to, Philip wrote to the earl of
Suffolk, affuring him that he had obtained his
pardon ; which affurance being alfo confirmed by
an exprefs meffage from Henry, that nobleman
returned to England, and was committed prifoner
to the Tower. On the earl's arrival, Philip was
permitted to purfue his voyage, after a refidence of
three months in England, during which he was in-
ftalled a knight of the garter, and conferred the
honour of the golden fleece on the prince of
Wales.
. Empfon and Dudley ftill continued
rr "• 15°7- extortions, and in the courfe of
this year commenced a- fevere profecution againft
Sir William Capel, on pretence of mifconduft
during his mayoralty, and fined him in the fum of
two thoufand pounds ; but being exafperated by
former extortions he refufed payment, and was
committed to the Tower, where he remained till
the death of the king. In the midft of thefe vile
oppreffions, Henry was feized with the gout,
which gradually affected his lungs, and produced
a fevere afthma; notwithstanding which he conti-
nued to tranfaft the affairs of government, till his
ftate of health threatening approaching diflblution,
he began to make preparations for futurity. This
vifitation of heaven, prevented the folemnization
of the nuptials between him and Margaret of
Auftria, though the contract had paffed the confent
of all parties. Henry finding himfelf in a gradual
decay, affected concern at the extortions of Emp-
fon and Dudley, difcharging all prifoners that were
confined for debt under forty millings; and amo-ng
other religious foundations, finimed and endowed
the hofpital of the Savoy, and built a beautiful
chapel in Weftminfter abbey, called after his name
to this day.
Henry's diforder now returning in . „
a moft violent degree, it foon carried J 5°9-
him off this fcene of exiftence, on the 'twenty-
fecond of April, in the fifty-third year of his age,
and the twenty-fourth of his reign. He bequeathed
to his fon Henry the crown of England, together
with eighteen hundred thoufand pounds in money,
jewels, and plate, depofited in the vaults of his
palace at Richmond. He was born at Pembroke
callle, and, as lord Bacon juftly obferves, " lieth
buried at Weftminfter, in one of the ftatelieft and
daintieft monuments of Europe, both for the
chapel, and for the fepulchre; ib that he^hvclleth
more richly dead in the monument of his tdmb,
than he did alive at Richmond, or in any of his
palaces.''
By his queen Elizabeth, of the houfe of York,
eldeft daughter of Edward IV. he had three fons
and four daughters; Arthur, who clied-before him
in the feventeenth year of his age; Henry, who
fucceeded him on the throne; and Edmund, who
did not live to the years of difcretion. Of his
daughters, Elizabeth and Catherine died in their
childhood; Margaret efpoufed James IV. king of '
Scotland; and Mary, who had been betrothed to
Charles, archduke of Auftria, was married to
Lewis XII. king of France; and afljer his death
to Charles Brandon, duke of Suffolk.
Many falutary ftatutes were made during this
reign; but the moft important one was that, by
which the nobility and gentry were allowed to
break the antient entails, .and alienate their eftates;
by which means the great fortunes of the barons
were diminiflied, and the property of the commons
confiderably increafed.
In this reign laws were made againft the ex-
portation of money, bullion, and plate. Foreign
merchants, \f ho imported commodities, were obliged
to expend all the money they acquired, by their
fales in Englifh commodities, to prevent the fpecie
being carried in a clandeftine manner Qut of the
kingdom. The exportation of horfes was prohi-
bited ; and in order to promote archery, no bows
were to be fold at a higher price than fix millings
and fourpence of our prefent money.
Befides the chapel in Weftminfler-abbey, Henry
rebuilt, in 1498, the royal palace of Shene, which
had been confumed by fire, and gave it the name
of Richmond, which it ftill retains. He likewife .
founded a chapel in Windfor, and feveral monafte-
ries of Dominicans and Francifcans. He turned
into an hofpital the palace of the Savoy, built
under Henry III. by Peter, earl of Savoy: and he
expended fourteen thoufand pounds in building a.
large veffel, called the Great Harry, which was,
properly fpeaking, the firft fhip in the Englifh
navy.
During the laft period, arts and fciences began
to emerge from that obfcurity under which they
had been fo long concealed. The city of Con-
ftantinople having been taken by the Turks, the
Greeks, among whom fome remains of learning
were ftill preferved, being fcattered by thofe en-
th'ufiaftic barbarians, took fhclter in Italy, and
imported, together with their admirable language,
a tincture of their fcience, and their refined taftc in
poetry and literature. The purity of the Latin
tongue was alfo revived ; the ftudy of antiquity
became fafhionable; and the love of learning gra-
dually fpread over the nation. But what ftill more
contributed to diffeminate the fciences, was the
difcevery of the art of printing. William Caxton,
citizen and mercer of London, being fent am-
baffador
. //, <•'//.',!,, ,ml,, Ri'i,r.f
Mill /!/ fi»Mr/, rA'i'ii:
ii ;,f, ,/, •/,'„.
-M ?ft \viiose ReipTi /// Relbrmatioii
- x ' s.'
/<> Crowned
^amtfj>ay
!s/p Craouier .
HENRY
VJII.
2.69
baffador by Edward IV. to the duke of Burgundy,
learned that ufeful art, during his abode in the Low
Countries, and introduced it into England about
the year 1474. He tran Hated feveral books from
the French, and printed them himfelf in one of the
chapels in Weftminfler-abbey, by permiilion of
John Iflip, the abbot. The book on " the. Game
of Chefs," dated 1474, but without Caxton's name,
is generally reckoned the firft production of the
Englifh prefs. The invention was foon purchafcd
by the monafteries, and piefies were fet up at Ox-
ford, Cambridge, St. Albans, and other places.
During the reign of Henry VII. Chriftopher Co-
lumbus, aGenoeYe, in 1492, failed from Cadiz, on
the voyage, by which he difcovered America; and
a few years after, Vafquez de Gama, a Portugueie,
doubled the cape of Good Hope, and opened a new
pa-Mage to the Eaft Indies: events that were at-
tended with the mofl important confequences, with
reipeft to all the nations of Europe. Commerce
and navigation being thus enlarged, induftry and
the arts were rapidly propagated ; the nobles ipent
their fortunes in expenfive pleafures ; and men of
inferior rank, not only acquired a (hare in landed
property, but created a property of a newfpeciesin
itocks, commodities and credit.
It was only by accident, that Henry VII. had not
a iriare in the great naval difcoveries, by which that
age was dirtinguifhed. Chriftopher Columbus,
after he had been feveral times repulfed by the
court of Portugal and Spain, lent his brother Bar-
tholomew to London, in order to explain to Henry
his great defign, and to obtain his affiftance in its
execution. The king invited Chriftopher to come
to England ; but his brother being taken by py-
rates, was detained in his voyage ; and in the mean
while, Chriftopher having obtained the countenance
of Ifabella, was (applied with a fmall fquadron, and
happily executed his enterprize. Henry, thus dif-
appointed, fitted out Sebattian Cabot, a Venetian,
fettled in Briftol, and in the year 1498, that ma-
riner failed to the wcftward in fearch of new difco-
veries. Cabot reached the continent of America in
about the fixteenth degree of north latitude •, and
failing fouthward along the coaft, difcovered New-
foundland and other countries, but returned to
England without making any fettlcment. A like
attempt was made by Elliot, and other merchants
of Briftol, in the year 1502. Thus, in the courfe
of a few reigns, a general revolution took place in
human affairs, and people gradually attained that
lituation, with refpect to arts, fciences, commerce,
and other great improvements of different kinds,
in which they have ever fince perfevered, and even
carried them nearer to perfection.
Character of Henry Vlf;
Henry was tall, ftrait, and wcll-fhaped, though
{lender; of a grave afped, and faturnine complcc-
tion 5 auftere, and referred in his addrcfs and con-
verfation, except when he had a favourite point to
gain, and then no man was more eloquent or per-
lualive. He pofleffed a genius happily adapted to
government; particularly fo to the factious times
in which he lived. He loved peace without fear-
ing war. Though filled with continual fufpicions
of his fervants and minifters, he difcovered no ti-
midity, either in the conduct of his affairs, or in the
day of battle; and though often fevere in his pu-
nifhments, he was commonly lefs actuated by re-
venge, than by the maxims of policy. He inhe-
rited a fund of good fenfe, greatly improved by
ftudy : his prudence and valour maintained order
and regularity in the ftate ; and by thefe royal
qualities, he humanized the ferocious manners of
the nobility. His judgment was found; hisfag:icity
deeply political ; and he poffeffcd in a peculiar
manner, the art of turning all his domcftic troubles,
and all foreign difputes, to his own advantage :
hence he acquired the appellation of the Englifh
Solomon, and was univerfally allowed to be the
wifeft crowned head at that time in Europe. His
laws were prudently enacted, punctually executed ;
and he was a warm patron of arts and commerce,
thofe inexhauftible fourccs of wealth. Yet it muft
be acknowledged, that notwithftanding all his good
qualities, the reign of this great monarch was more
advantageous to his people, than honourable to
himfelf, on account of two leading paffions, by
which his foul was continually agitated, and his
conduct ever influenced : thefe were, a fear of
lofing his crown, and a defire of amafling riches*
His ruling paffion was infatiable avarice, which
he gratified at the expence of other people's hap-
pinefs, and fometimes to the endangering his own
inward tranquillity; whereby a ftain is left upon his
memory, which his activity, firmnefs, wifdom, po-
licy, and courage, cannot obliterate. Hence no
king of England was ever more hated by his fub-
jects, though this abhorrencewasblendedwithamix-
ture of fear, excited by his uninterrupted fuccefs and
his extraordinary abilities ; however, fome national
advantages were derived even from his jealoufy and
avarice ; fince by the firft he was led to abolifh
feudal tenures, which depreffed the nobility; and
by the laft he was prompted to encourage induftry
and trade ; becaufe it improved his cuftoms, and
enriched his fubjects, whom he could afterwards
pillage at difcretion.
CHAP. II.
HENRY VIII.
The eflablijhment of bis mlmjlry — Punijhments of Empfom and Dudley — Confummates his marriage with Catharine
of Arragon— Foreign affairs — War with France — King of Scotland makes a diverfeon in favour of Lewis — A
complete -viflory obtained over the Scots — Character and conducl of cardinal Wolfey — An inter-view near Calais
between Henry and Francis L^A war with France, and afterwards with Scotland — The invajion of France and
Italy— The battle of Pa-uia, in which Francis is taken prifoner, and recovers his liberty— Scruples concerning
Henry's marriage with Catharine — Applies to the pope for a divorce — Commencement of the reformation, with the
proceedings which led to it — Foreign affairs — An account of the Maid of Kent — Death of queen Catharine — •
Execution of queen Anne — Henry marries and diflikes Anne of Cleves— Is divorced from her, and Carries Ca+
tharine Howard — Ecclefiajlical matters — A war with Scotland — The vidory of Sol-way — Peace with France and
Scotland — Perfecutions — Execution of the earl of Suriy, and the attainder of the duke of Norfolk — "Death and
character of Henry VIII.
A>D YJENRY VIII. fucceecled his fa-
_f~]L ther, in the eighteenth year of
his age, with every advantage nature and fortune
could beftow. Au unfeigned fatisfaction appeared
No. 26.
univerfally on his acceffion and coronation. Amia-
ble in perfon and addrefs, and poffeiTed of immenfe
wealth, this young prince faw himfelf at the head of
a flourifhing kingdom, where the arts and fciences
3 Z wanted
27°
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Wanted only a liberal benefactor to promote their
progrefs. The people had formed the higheft ex-
pectation FrOm his diftinguifhed abilities-. His fa-
ther, with a view to detach him from the cdnfidera-
tion of ftate affairs^ had hitherto engaged him in
the purfuits of literature; he had made confiderable
advances in the languages, theology, atld Ariftotle's
philofophy; and he was no fooner feated on the
throne, than his difpofition appeared to be of a ge-
nerous caft ; his liberality even bordered on profufion.
The paflionate vehemence and impatience, which
afterwards degenerated into tyranny, were now only
confidercd as the faults of youth, that would be cor-
rected by time; andthehoufes of York and Lancafter
being fully united in his perfon, people expected
from being obnoxious to no party, that impartial ad-
miniftration which had been long unknown. The
beginning of his reign encouraged thefe favourable
prepoffefiions. His grandmother, the countefs of
Richmond, was ftill alive, and as fhe was greatly
efteemed for her prudence and virtue, Henry liftened
to her advice, in the eftablifhment of his miniftry
and new council. This was compofed of Warham,
archbifhop of Canterbury, and lord chancellor ;
Fox, bifhop of Winchefter, fecretary, and lord privy
feal; Howard, earl of Surry, lord treafurer; Talbot
earl of Shrewfbury, lord fteward of the houfhold;
lord Herbert, chamberlain; Sir Thomas Lovel,
rnafter of the wards, and conftable of the Tower ;
Sir Edward Poynings, comptroller; Sir Henry
Manny, afterwards lord Manny ; Sir Thomas
Darcy, afterwards lord Darcy ; Thomas Huthal,
doctor of laws ; and Sir Henry Wyat. Thefe were
thoroughly experienced in bufinefs, and were lefs un-
popular than any other minifters under the late king.
By Henry's expences, the treafures amafled by the
father were gradually diffipated: parties of pleafure
fucceeded each other : caroufals, tilts, and tourna-
ments, were exhibited with the utmoft magnifi-
cence; and as the court was permitted, by the pre-
fent tranquillity of the public, to feek gratification
in every amufement, little attention was paid to fe-
rious bufinefs. In the intervals between thefe di-
verfions, the king applied himfelf chiefly to mufic
and literature, his favourite purfuits ; and made
fuch proficiency in the former, as to compofe fome
pieces of church-mufic, which were fung in his
chapel. However, the complaints of his people
were not forgot; nor would he protect the inftru-
ments of his father's extortion. The fpies and in-
formers, who had long exercifed an unbounded ty-
ranny over the kingdom, now felt the iron-hand of
juftice; and fell victims to public refentment.
Empfom and Dudley, who had been fo often loaded
with execrations, were cited before the council to
anfwer for their conduct. Empfom, in apologizing
for himfelf and his affociate, told the council, that
they were fo far from deferring cenfure, that the cla-
mours of their enemfes were levelled againft actions,
which feemed rather to merit a reward: that they
'\vere accufed of having ftrictly executed the laws,
eftablifhed by general confent; in doing which they
had acted only in obedience to their fovereign, to
whom the conftitution had intrufted the adminillra-
tion of juftice ; that it was not for them, who were
inftruments in the king's hands, to determine what
laws were recent or obfolete, expedient, or per-
nicious, fince they were all equally valid, while
the legiflature permitted them to remain unre-
pealedj that a licentious populace would naturally
murmur againft the reftraints of authority ; but the
glory of all wife ftates ever confided in the juft
diftribution of rewards and punifhments ; and that
nothing could be expected but the fubverfion of all
government, when the judges were configned over
to the mercy of the criminals, and the rulers to that
of their fubjects. The council perceived Empfom's
arguments were unanfwerable^ and therefore com-
mitted thdfe obnoxious minifters to the Tower, till
a new accufation could be formed againft them.
After fome deliberation it was determined to ac-
cufe them of high-treafon. To gratify the people
they were charged with the improbable crime, of
having entered into a confpiracy againft the late
king, whom they were to put to death, and then to
feize by force the adminiftration of government.
Of this ridiculous and abfurd accufation they were
found guilty by the jury, who were entirely in-
fluenced by popular prejudices; and their verdict
being afterwards confirmed by a bill of attainder
in parliament, they Were accordingly executed.
This bufinefs being finifhed," the council renewed
their deliberations on the expedience of the king's
confummating his marriage with Catherine of Ar-
ragon. The chief objections urged againft his
efpoufing her, were her former marriage with his
brother, and the inequality of their years: on the
other hand, the affections fhe bore to the king, with
her virtue, modefty, and fweetnefs of temper, were
infifted on ; as well as the advantage of cementino- a
dole alliance with Spain ; the neceflky of finding
fome confederate to counter-ballance the power of
France; the large dowry to which fhe was entitled
as princefs of Wales, and the expediency of fulfil-
ling the late king's engagements; all thefe confi-
derations determined the council, contrary to the
primate's opinion, to advife Henry to celebrate the
marriage. This was accordingly done, after which
the coronation was performed on the twenty-fourth
of June, immediately after the death of Margaret,
countefs of Richmond and Derby, the king's
grandmother. But though the bifhop of Win-
chefter had been fuccefsful with regard to the con-
fummation of Henry's marriage, he foon perceived
that his power began to decline. He had acquired
fuch habits of caution and frugality, during the
preceding reign, that he could not now wholly lay
them afide. He remonftrated againft the fchemes
of diffipation and expence, put fued by the young
monarch, and by that means loft his favour: while
Surry, who made his own intereft the fole motive
of his conduct, was very officious in promoting the
liberality, pleafui e, and magnificence of the times.
Winchefter remonftrated with him on his remark-
able change of conduct, but without effect. Surry
derived great advantages from the diffipation of his
mailer, and engaged him in fuch a courfe of plea-
fure that he became negligent of ftate affairs, and
willing to entruft the government to the care of his
minifters. Fox was highly exafperated againft
Surry, and determined to introduce a perfon who
might be a fpy upon his actions. He caft his eyes
upon Dr. Thomas Wolfey, as a perfon well quali-
fied to anfwer his purpoie. Wolfey was the fon
of a butcher at Ipfwich, but diftinguifhed by his
prudence, his talents and his learning. He had
recommended himfelf by his addrefs to Henry VII.
who had employed him, with advantage, in fome
difficult commiffions ; and his infinuating addrefs,
his tafte for pleafure, and his love of letters, could,
not fail of rendering him very acceptable to
Henry.
The domeftic adminiftration of . -p.
Henry was rendered eafy by the tran- ' ' 1510'
quillity of his fubjects; but the wars in Italy ftill
raged with the utmoft violence, and attracted the
attention of all the princes of F.urope; yet all par-
tics courted Henry's alliance, while he was engaged
by no immediate intereft to join with any. Several
great monarchies were eftablifhed, and none fo far
furpaffed the reft, as to give any pretence of jea-
loufy; and their internal force, by balancing each
other, might long have maintained a general tran-
quillity, had not the active and enterprising fpirit-
of that ambitions pontiff, Julius II. excited among
them the flames of war. By his intrigues a league
had
HENRY
VIII.
271
had been formed at Cambray, between Lewis,
Maximilian, Ferdinand, and himfelf, in order to
overwhelm the commonwealth of Venice by their
united arms ; and Henry, though he had not the
leaft motive for it, allowed his name to be inferted
in the confederacy. Julius had no fooner humbled
the republic of Venice, than he was ambitious of
expelling all foreigners, whom he termed barba-
rians, from Italy. He refolved to make the temped
fall firft upon Lewis, and feeking for a caufe of
quarrel with that monarch, fought the alliance of
Other princes. He courted Henry's favour by
fending him a facred rofe, perfumed with mufk,
and anointed with chryfm : he engaged in his in-
tereft Bambridge, archbifhop of York, Hemy's
nmbaffador at Rome, whom he raifed to the rank of
cardinal ; drew over Ferdinand to his fide ; and
formed a treaty with the Swifs cantons. Lewis
exerted himfelf to repel the attacks of his enemies.
To this end he endeavoured to defpoil the pope of
that facred character, by which he was rendered
formidable ; and in conjunction with Maximilian,
determined to call a general council, that might
give a check to the defigns of the Roman pontiff.
Henry was inclined to protect his holinefs from the
enterprises of Lewis ; fbr Julius had given him
hopes, that his fervices mould be rewarded with the
title, of the moft Chriftian King, which had hitherto
been annexed to the crown of France. He there-
Fore joined in an alliance formed by the pope,
Spain and Venice, againft the French king.
. _. The glory of ferving the p'ope, and
X512'of conquering provinces, excited the
ambition of Henry ; and the parliament readily
granted fupplies for an enterprize that was agree-
able to the people. Ferdinand, always attentive to
his own intereft, when he feemed to be acting for
that of others, perfuaded Henry, that it would be
more for his advantage, not to land his troops at
Calais, but at Fonterabria, where he might eafily
"make a conqueft of Guienne, and where he pro-
mifed to affift him with a Spanifli army. But the
real intention of Ferdinand was to turn his force to
the acquifition of Navarre. Henry, not fufpecting
the views of Ferdinand, agreed to the propofal.
The marquis of Dorfet was appointed general of the
hnd forces, which were landed in the province of
Guipifcoa, about the middle of June. The Englifh
admiral, in his return, made feveral fuccefsful at-
tempts on the coaft of Brittany, and being joined
by a fquadron of flaps commanded by Sir Thomas
Knivet, their depreciations were continued with ad-
vantages. Alarmed at the attempts of the Englifh,
the French fleet of thirty-nine fhips, was ordered to
fail from Breft, under the command of Primauget,
an admiral of great courage and conduct. The
two fleets foon after met, and a furious engagement
enfued. At length Primauget's fliip was fet on
fire, and determining not to perifh alone, he bore
down upon the F.nglifli admiral, when grappling
\v;th her, both fhips foon became involved in the
fame inevitable deflnsdion. This dreadful fcene
fufpended the action between the other fliips ; they
were ftruck with aftonifliment at fo terrible an ap-
pearance of horror and confulion. After fome time
the French fliip blew up, and in its explofion de-
ftroycd the Englifh. This alarming cataftrophe, in
which above ftxteen hundred men perifhed, fo
affected both partie.;, that the engagement was not
renewed. The French retired to Breft, and the
Englifh continued cruifing in the channel. The
duke of Alva, who commanded the Spanifti forces,
having joined theEnglifli, preparations were made
for opening the campaign. But Dorfet, who was a
flranger to^Fcrdinand's'intentions, was furprized to
find, that inflead of purfuing the conqueft of
Guienne, his army moved towards the frontiers of
Navarre. The Englifh gcner..! complained of this
ftep. Ferdinand, in reply, obferved, that as the
king of Navarre was connected with France, he
thought it would not be advifeable to form the fiege
of Bayonne, till meafures were taken for pi eventing
that prince from cutting off their provifions. Dor-
fet fufpectingj that little regard was paid to the in-
tereft of his mafter in this affair, and having no
orders to invade Navarre, refufed to comply, and
remained in his quarters at Fonterabria, where his
army kept that of the French in awe, and prevented
its advancing to fuccour Navarre; which enabled
Alva to make himfelf mafter of Pampeluna, and
obliged John to flicker himfelf in France. "Alva
again applied to Dorfet; but as he Hill declined
forming the fiege of Bayonne, and infixed on in-
vading another part of the king of Navarre's do-
minions, Dorfet perceiving now his finiftcr in-
tentions, obferved, that he could not comply with-
out new orders from his mafter. Upon this Ferdi-
nand difpatched Martin cle Ampios, to London, to
perfuade Henry, that the moft favourable opportu-
nities were loft, by the refractory and fcrupulous
humour of the Englifh general, it being neceflary
for him to act on all occafions in concert with the
clukeof Alva, who was beft acquainted with the
fituation of the country, and the reafons of every
operation. Mean while Dorfet obferving, that his
farther ftay was of no ufe to the main delign, and
that his foldiers perifhed daily by want and ficknefs,
demanded of Ferdinand fliips to convey him back
toEngland. Ferdinand, who was bound by treaty to
furnifh him whenever demanded with this fupply,
at laft, after many delays, yielded to his importu-
nity ; but when Dorfet was embarking his troops,
and preparing for the voyage, a meflenger from
Henry arrived with orders for them to continue in
Spain ; notwithftanding which, the foldiers, difcon-
te»ted with the treatment they had received, mu-
tinied, and obliged their officers to fet fail. The
ill fuccefs of this expedition difpleafed Henry; and
the marquis of Dorfet found great difficulty in ap-
peafmg him, by explaining Ferdinand's conduct.
Difgraceful as this enterprize was, . ^
it ferved to weaken France. Lewis
was obliged to recall his forces to the defence of
his own dominions, and by that means loft all his
Italian conquefts. Julius triumphed in the dif-
grace of the French monarch 5 but he did not long
enjoy his good fortune, dying on the twenty-firft of
February, and was fucceeded in the papal chair by
the famous John de Medici, being Leo X. He was
the patron of arts, and the friend of learning.
Defirous of attaching Henry firmly to his intereit,
he fent him a veflel laden with hams and wine.
The arrival of this veflel, which carried the papal
banner, filled the Englifh with exultation, and ex-
cited their natural antipathy againft France.
Thomas Wolfey, dean of Lincoln, and the king's
almoner, was now at the head of affairs, having fo
far gained the king's favour, that he fupplantcd
both Suny and Fox. His being near forty years
of age, and a clergyman, were no reftraints on the
gaity with which Henry pafled his carelefs hours.
He introduced bufinefs and ftate affairs during the
intervals of amufement ; and then infinuated thofe
maxims which he wifhecl him to adopt : he told
him that while he trufted his father's counfellors
with the conduct of his affairs, he had the advan-
tage of employing perfons of tvifdom and es;pe*
rience; but as they did not owe their promotion td
his favour, they fcarcely thought themfclves ac-
countable to him for the exercife of their authority;
and by their cabals obftructecl bufinefs more than
they promoted it by their age and experience ; that
while he chofe to pafs his time in the pleafures to
which he was invited by his youth and princely
fortune, and in the fludies that would in time en-
able him to fway the fccpter alone, it would be beft
to
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY o? ENGLAND.
to entruft his authority to one who was the creature
of his will, and could entertain no view but that ot
womoting his fervice ; and if this miniftcr had the
fame relilh for pleafure with himfelf, and the lame
tafte for learning, he might with the greateft eaie
at proper intervals, account to him for the whole of
his conduct, introduce him gradually into the
knowledge of public bufinefs, and thus, without a
tedious conftraint, initiate him into the art of go-
vernment. The king entered into all Wplfey's
views ; and finding none fo fit to execute this plan
of adminiftrationas the manwhopropofedit, he loon
railed him to be a member of his council; and
from thence to be his fole and abfolute minifter.
Wolfey, perceiving the ardour of Henry for war,
exerted his abilities to provide an army, that might
retrieve the martial glory of his countrymen.
Hoftilities were firft commenced at fea, but without
any advantage to either of the contending parties. It
was on the continent that the decifive blows were in-
tended to be (truck. The van of the army, confifting
of eight thoufand men, was led by the earl of Shrew i-
bury, aflifted by the earl of Derby, the lords Fitz-
•walter, Halting:,, and Cobham, and Sir Thomas^ ap
Rice, captain of the light horfe. This divilion
being landed at Calais, was foon followed by another
body of fix thoufand men, under the command of
lord Herbert, chamberlain, attended by the eark of
Northumberland and Kent, the lords Audley and
Dehwar, together with Carew, Curzon, and other
gentlemen. Henry now prepared to follow his
forces ; but before his departure, hecaufed the un-
fortunate earl of Suffolk to be beheaded. What
peafons induced Henry to commit this cruel action,
is hot known. The French hiltorians tell us, that
k was in obedience to the dying commands of his
father ; while others think, that Henry poured
his vengeance on this nobleman, for the conduct of
his brother Edward de la Pole, who had accepted a
command in the French fervice. About the thir-
teenth of June, Henry landed at Calais with the
third divifion of his army, confifting of twelve thou-
land men. He was attended by the duke of Buck-
ingham, and many others of the principal nobility,
but he foon perceived the little reliance to be
placed on the engagements of princes ; for among
all his allies, the Swifs only performed the condi-
tions of the treaty. The emperor Maximilian had
promifed to join them with a body of eight thou-
fand men, but though he had received from Henry
one hundred and twenty thoufand crowns for that
purpofe, he failed in his engagements. He made
iotne atonement however to the Engliih monarch,
by joining him in the Low Countries, with feme
German and Flemifh foldiers, who were of great
iervice in giving an example of difcipline to Henry's
new raifed army. The emperor himfelf enlilled as
3. volunteer in the Engliih, army, and blufhed not
to receive an hundred crowns a day for his fervice.
Before the landing of Henry, the earl of Shrewfbury
and lord Herbert, had laid liege to Terouane, on the
frontiers of Picardy, and began the attack with vi-
gour. Teligni and Crequi commanded in the
town, which had a garrifon that did not exceed a
thoufand menj but defended the place with great
intrepidity, and were at laft in danger, from the
want of provifions and ammunition of being obliged
to furrender ; but having fent notice of their fitua-
tion to Lewis, who had advanced with his army to
Amiens, -he gave orders to throw relief into the
place. Upon this Fontrailles fet out at the head of
eight hundred horfemen,each of whomcarriedbehind
himtwoquarters of bacon, and a fack of gunpowder.
This fmall body unexpectedly rufhed through the
Englifh camp ; and overcoming all oppofition, ad-
vanced to the foffce of the town, where each man
threw down his burden, and immediately, galloping
back, were again fo happy as to break through the
[ Englifh, and to fuffer little lofe, But the Englifh
foo-n after fully revenged this infult. Henry hiv-
ing Deceived intelligence of the approach of the
French horfe, who had advanced to protect Fon-
trailles, ordered fome troops to pafs the Lis, and .
oppofe them. This body of French cavalry, not-
withftanding they chiefly confided of gentlemen,
.who had behaved in Italy with great gallantry, on
fe,eing the enemy, were feized with futh an unac-
countable panic, that they inftantly fled. The
duke of Longueville, who commanded the French,
Clerrnont, Bufli, d'Amboife, Imbercourt, the che-
valier Bayard, and other officers of dillinction, were
made prilbneis. This rout is fometimes termed
the battle of Guicnegate, from the place where it
was fought, but more generally the battle of the
Spurs, becaafe that day the French made more ufe
of their fpurs than of their weapons.
Henry, who was now at the head of an army of
fifty thoufand men, infteatl of profiting by this vic-
tory, and inarching into the heart of France, as he
might eafily have done, returned to the liege of
Terouane, which w>is foon after obliged to capitu-
late. The terrors of the French again revived ;
they were indeed fcarcely ever in greater danger,
and lefs able to defend themfelves againft the
powerful armies, with which they were on. every
fide threatened, or alTailed. Even many of the in-
habitants of Paris, not thinking themfelves fafe
there, began to remove, without knowing where
they mould find a greater place of fafcty. How-
ever the many blunders committed by the enemies
of Lewis, extricated him from his difficulties-..
The S\\ifs fuffercd themfelves to be feduced into a
negotiation by Tremoille, governor of Burgundy,
and they accepted of the conditions he offered
them. Maximilian advifed Henry to lay fiege to.
Tournay, a gre*at and rich city on the frontiers of
Flanders, with the hopes of freeing his grandfon,
from fo troublefome a neighbour as the French ;
and Henry, not confidering, that this acquifition.
would no way promote his conquefts in France, was.
fo imprudent as to follow his interefted advice.
Tournay being by its antient charters exempted
from the burden of a garrifon, the burghers en-
gaged, contrary to the remonftrance of their fo-
vereign, to defend the city ; but when they came to
a trial their courage failed, and after fuftering a few
days fiege, furrendcred to the Englilli. The bifhop
of Tournay being lately dead, the chapter had
elected a new bifhop, who was not infb.lled in his
office; the king of England therefore beftowed that
fee on Wolley, his favourite, and put him in im-
mediate pofTeffion of the revenues. Henry, hearing
of the retreat of the Swifs, and finding the feafon
far advanced, returned to England, about the mid-
dle of October, with the greateft part of his army.
His youthful mind was highly fatisfied with the
fuccefs of his firlt campaign ; but people of judg-
ment comparing his ad vantages with his progrels, and
the expen.ce with his acquilitions, were convinced,
that this boafted expedition was both ruinous and
inglorious.
While Henry was thus employed, James IV.
king of Scotland, who had declared for Lewis, ra-
vaged the northern parts of Northumberland,' at
the head of fifty thoufand men. He made himfelf
matter of Norham, Etal, Werke, Ford, and other
places of fmall importance. Lady Ford was taken
prifbner in her caftle ; and being prefented to
James, fo gained on his affections, that he fpent in
pleafure the critical time, which, during the ab-
ience of his enemies, he ought to have employed to
better purpofe. In the mean time, the earl of
Surry, who commanded the Engliih forces, marched
into the North, to flop the ravages of the invaders.
His army confifted of about tsvcnty-fix thoufand
men i five thoufand of which had been fent from
the
HENRY
VIII;
273
the army in France. The Scots were encamped on
the high grounds near the hills of Chiviot, in a
very advantageous fituation. The river Till ran in
their front ; nor could their camp be approached
but by one narrow pafs, which was defended by
artillery. Surry, perceiving that it would be mad-
nefs to attack the enemy, difpatched an herald to
the Scottifh monarch, offering to meet him in the
plain of Milfield, to try the valour of their forces on
equal ground. But the anfwer he received was far
from being fatisfaclory, and he determined to have
recourfe to a ftratagem, in order, if poffible, to draw
the Scotch from their advantageous fituation. He
made a feint, as if he intended to march to Berwick,
in order to enter Scotland, lay wafte the borders,
and cut off his enemies provifions : upon which the
Scots, fetting fire to their huts, marched down
from the hills. Surry had obferved their precipi-
tate decampment, and the fmoke concealing his
motions, he paffed the Till with his vanguard and
train of artillery, at the bridge of Twifel, while
the reft of his army croflcd the ftream at a ford
higher up the river. A battle being now inevita-
ble, both fides prepared for it with the greateft
tranquillity. The Englifh army was divided into
two lines. In the firft, lord Howard led the main
body, Sir Edmund Howard the right wing, and Sir
Marmaduke Conftable the left. In the fecond/the
earl of Surry commanded the main body, lord Da-
cres the right wing, and Sir Edward Stanley the
left. The king of- ScotLmd drew up his army on
a rifing ground, p.nd the front appeared in three
divifions : the right commanded by the earl of
Huntley, affifted by lord Hume ; the center by the
king himfelf, and the left by the earls of Lenox
and Argyle. There was alfo a fourth divifion, as
a body of referve, under the command of the earl
of Bothwel. In this pofition the armies approached
each other, and met in Flouden field. The battle
was begun by the earl of Huntley, who charged
with fuch fury, that he broke the wing of the
Englifh, and drove them off the field. But the
fame fuccefs did not attend the other commanders.
They could not fupport the attack of the Englifli,
and Huntley, at his return, found the Scottifh
army in great diforder. The divifion commanded
by Lenox and Argyle, were fo elated with the fuc-
* cefs of the other wing, that they broke their ranks ;
and notwithftanding the remonftrances of La Motte,
the French ambaflador rufhed in the utmoft con-
ftifion upon the enemy, imagining themfelves fure
of victory. But they foon found the effeds of their
rafhnefs. Sir Edmund Howard, with his divifion
ftood firm, and received them with great bravery ;
while Dacres, wheeling about during the action,
fell upon the rear, and attacked them fo furioufly,
that they could not fuftain the mock. The greater
part of them were cut to pieces, and the reft efcaped
by a diforderly flight. This diforder did not how-
ever intimidate the divifion under the king and
Bothwel. Animated by the valour of their leaders,
they ftill made head againft the Englifli; and forming
themfelves into a circle, continued the engagement
till night put an end to the flaughter. The clarknefs
favoured the retreat of the Scots ; nor were the Eng-
lifh fenfible of their having obtained the victory,
till the morning difcovered where the advantage
lay. Ten thoufand Scots are faid to have perifhed
on this occafion, and the victors to have loft about
half that number. Others reprefent the numbers
that fell on each fide nearly equal : but it is certain
the Englifli loft only perfons of fmall note, while the
flower of the Scottifh. nobility, with the king him-
felf was flain. In fearching the field, the Englifli
found a dead body, dreffed in a habit like his,
which refemblcd him ; and it being put into a leaden
coffin, was fcnt to London, where it was kept un-
buried for fome time; James having died under the
No, 26.
fentence of excommunication, on account of his
confederacy with France, and his oppofing the holy
fee. Henry however obtained his abfolution from
the pontiff, and the body was hiterred. The Scots
afferted, that the body of their king was not found,
but that of a younger gentleman, named Elphin-
fton, who, with feveral other volunteers, weredreffed
like the king. It was even affirmed, that James
was feen to crofs the Tweed at Kelfo, and that he
was affaflinatcd by the vaffals of lord Hume, who
had been initigated to commit fo enormous a crime
by that nobleman. The populace were however
perfuaded, that he was ftill alive ; and having fe-
cretly gone on pilgrimage to the Holy Land,
would at length return, and again take pofiefiion of:
the throne. The Scots long entertained this con-
ceit. Such was the event of the battle of Flouden,
fought on the ninth of September ; and this vidory
afforded Henry a fair opportunity of infilling upon
lii»«nvn terms with Scotland, perhaps of conquering
tnat kingdom ; but on this occafion he behaved
with great generofity: He liftened to the requcft
of his fifter, the queen of Scotland, who had been
appointed regent during her fon's minority, and in
compaffion to her helplefs condition, readily con-
cluded a peace. At the fame time he created the
eail of Surry duke of Norfolk; Charles Bran-
don, duke of Suffolk; lord Herbert, earl of Wor-
cefter ; Sir Edward Stanley, lord Monteagle, and
Wolfey was created bifhop of Lincoln. Margaret
of York, daughter to the duke of Clarence, ob-
tained the title of countefs of Salifbury, as heirefs
to her brother the earl of Warwick, beheaded by
Henry VII.
Lewis, perfectly fenfible of the dan- AT).,
ger to which his kingdom was expofed ' '••*».
in the laft campaign, appeafed Leo X. by re-
nouncing the council of Pifa, which had beeri
transferred to Lyons ; and the pontiff, in return^
took off the excommunication that had been de-
nounced againft him and his kingdom. Ferdinand,
who was advanced in years, and had no other am-
bition than to keep pofieflion of Navarre, which he
had fubdued, readily liftened to the propofals of
Lewis, for prolonging the truce to another year,
and of forming a more intimate connection be-
tween them, by marrying his fecond daughter Reneej
to Charles prince of Spain, grandfon to the Spanifb.
monan h ; with whom he was to have Lewis's claim
to the duchy of Milan. The emperor Maximilian
alfo acceded to the treaty. When Henry was in-
formed of this tranfaction, he flew into a violent
rage, loudly complaining, that his father-in-law,
by his promifes and profeffions, had engaged him to
be at enmity with France ; and yet, without the
leaft warning faci ificed his intereft to his own felfifh
views, leaving him expofed to all the dangers and
expence of the war. But he loft all patience, on
hearing that Maximilian was alfo feduced from his
alliance, and that propofals had been agreed to for
the marriage of Charles,- prince of Spain, with the
daughter of France. At this time, the duke of
Longueville, who had been taken prifoner at the
battle of Spurs, took advantage of Henry's vexa-
tion to procure a peace, which he knew to be
eagerly defired by his matter ; and therefore repre-
fented to Henry, that Anne, queen of France, be-
ing lately dead, an affinity might be formed, which
would prove of advantage to both nations, and at
once put a period to all differences ; and that no
marriage feemed more faitable than that of Lewis
to the princefs of England, whofe youth and beauty
afforded the mod flattering hopes : that though it
might appear fbmewhat unfuitable for a king of
fifty- three years of age, to be married to a princefs
of fixteen, yet the alliance would be attended with
other advantages, more than fufHcient to compen-
fate for this inequality. Henry feemed to pay at-»
4 A tention
274
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
tention to this difcourfe. Longueville therefore in-
formed Lewis of the probability of bringing the
affair to a happy conclufion, and received full
powers for negociating the treaty. Hence the ar-
ticles were eafily adjufted. Lewis agreed that
Tournay Ihould continue in the hands of the Eng-
lifh -, that Richard de la Pole fliould retire to Metz,
and have a penfion affigned him by Lewis; and that
Henry fhould receive a million of crowns, as the
arrears due by treaty to his father and himfelf ; and
that the princefs Mary fliould have four hundred
thoufand crowns for her portion ; and poffefs as
large a jointure as any other queen of France had
done. Agreeable to this treaty Mary was fent with
a fplendid retinue to France, and was met by Lewis
at Abbeville, where the marriage was celebrated.
He was charmed with the beauty and accomplifh-
ments of the young princefs : but being fe-
duced into a courfe of gaiety and pleafure, unfuit-
able to his declining ftate of health, he died in lefs
than three months after his marriage, to the great
concern of the French, who unanimoufly gave him
the honourable title of the father of his people.
His young queen foon after married Charles Bran-
don, duke of Suffolk.
. _j The archbifliop of York was poi-
• • r 5 ' 5- fone j at Rome by his chaplain, in re-
venge for a blow the prelate had given him. In-
formation was immediately fent to Henry of this
cataftrophe; and the pope determined to keep the
fee of York vacant, till the king's pleafure fhould be
known. He did not wait long ; Henry immediately
conferred it upon Wolfey, and the pontiff con firmed
his election. Wolfey by his ambition, raifed him-
felf many enemies, which only ferved to rivet him
the fafter in the confidence of Henry, who was fond
of fupporting the choice he had made againft all
oppofition. That prelate, knowing the king's im-
perious temper, had the art to conceal from him the
afcendant he had obtained ; and while all public
councils were under his fecret direction, he conftantly
pretended a blind fubmiffion to his matter's will.
He preferred the king's affection by entering into
his pleafures ; he gratified his indolence by conduct-
ing his bufinefs; and in both cafes prevented the
jealoufy which would naturally have arifen from his
exorbitant acquifitions, and oQentatious courfe of
life. Befides enjoying the adminiftration of Tour-
nay, he, on eafy leafes, obtained the poffeffion of
the revenues of Bath, Worcefler, and Hereford ;
bifhopricks filled by Italians, who, being permitted
to i efide abroad, were willing to compound for this
indulgence by yielding to him a considerable fhare
of their incomes. He held the abbey of St. Al-
bans, and many other church preferments in com-
mtndam. He was even permitted to unite to the
fee of York, firft that of Durham, and then that of
Winchefter ; and there appeared to be no end of his
acquifitions. The pope, obferving his great in-
fluence over Henry, endeavoured to engage him to
his intereft, by creating him a cardinal. Under co-
lour of exacting a regard to religion, he carried the
flate and dignity of a churchman to a moft exorbi-
tant height. He had a train confifting of eight
hundred fervants, many of whom were knights and
gentlemen : even fome of the nobility put their
children into his family, as a place of education ;
and that they might gain their patron's favour, al-
lowed them to bear offices as his fervants. All who
were diftinguifhed by their fkill in any art or
fcience, paid their court to him, and none paid it in
vain. He was a generous patron of literature, and
gave encouragement to every branch of erudition,
both by his private bounty and public inftructions.
This generous munificence procured him the ap-
probation of the wife : but not fatisfied \vith this,
he flrove to dazzle the eyes of the populace, by the
fplendor of his equipage and furniture, the em-
broidery of his liveries, and the richnefs of his own
apparel. He was the firft clergyman in England
who wore filk and gold on his habit, his faddles and
the trappings of his horfes. His cardinal's hat was
bore aloft by a perfon of rank •, and when enterinw
the king's chapel, he would permit its being laid
on no place but the altar. The talleft and moft
comely priefl that could be found carried before
him a filver pillar, with a crofs on the top ; and
another prieft of equal ftature and beauty, bore the
crofs of York, even in the diocefe of Canterbury.
Warham, chancellor and archbifliop of Canter-
bury, being averfe to all difputes, chofe to retire
from public employment, and refigned his office of
chancellor ; on which the great feal was delivered
to Wolfey. Fox, bifhop of Winchefter, who had
long directed the affairs of government, and even
introduced Wolfey to the king's favour, could not
bear to find himfelf neglected. He obtained per-
miffion to retire to his biflioprick, and when leaving
the council board, he told the king, that " he
hoped he would not fuffer the fervant to be greater
than the matter." "Fear not my good lord bifhop,"
replied Henry, " It fliall be my care that fubjects
fliall obey, and not command." The duke of
Norfolk, alfo, finding the king's money almoft ex-
haufted, refigned his office of treafurer ; and Suffolk,
offended at the king's having refufed to pay a debt,
which he had contracted while in France, lived in
privacy. Thus Wolfey was left to enjoy the power
and favour of the king without a rival. And though
his dignity increafed the number of his enemies/it
exalted his perfonal character ; for no chancellor
ever excelled this able ftatefman, nor ever fliewed
greater impartiality in his decifions, or more en-
larged knowledge of law and equity, or deeper pe-
netration.
Francis I. who afcended the throne, on the death
of Lewis XII. was a prince of great courage, and
wanted only the additional quality of difcretion, to
render him fuperior to all the princes of Europe.
He renewed the treaty made by his predeceflbr
with Henry, and induced by the ardour of conqueft,
he paffed into Italy. His deiign was to conquer
the duchy of Milan, and wreft it once more from
the unhappy family of Sforfa. The Venetians fup-
ported him, who wanted at leaft to recover the Ve-
ronefe, of which they -had been (tripped by the em-
peror Maximilian. His oppofers were pope Leo X.
an intriguing, politic prince, and Maximilian, worn
out with age and infirmities : but his moft dangerous
enemies were the Swifs, irritated againft France, by
the refufal of Lewis XII. to fulfil the treaty con-
cluded before Dijon, and inflamed with the ha-
rangues of Matthew Schaner, cardinal of Sioo,
They had affumed the title of " Defenders of the
popes, and protectors of princes ;" and indeed for
the laft ten years this appellation was not merely
imaginary. Francis, on his march to Milan, con-
tinued to negotiate with that nation. Practifed in
the art of diffimulation, they amufed the king with
empty promifes, till they had received advice, that
the military cheft of France was arrived, when they
defcended from the mountains into the plain,
though deftitute of cavalry, and oppofed the pro-
grefs of the French arms. A dreadful battle en-
fued, at Marignan, near Milan. The victory was
contefted with a perfeverance hitherto unknown :
and it required all the heroic valour of Francis to
infpire his troops with courage, to fupport them-
felves againft the defperate affaults of thefe mountai-
neers. After a bloody action in the evening, night
intervened with her gloomy darknefs between the
combatants. The king flept on the carriage of a
cannon, within fifty paces of a Swifs battalion. As
foon as dawn appeared, the action was renewed
with redoubled fury ; and it was not till the Swifs
had loft their braveft troops, that they could be
4 prevaiJed
HENRY
VIII.
275
prevailed upon to retire. The field was ftrewed
with twenty thoufand flain on both fides ; and the
old marihal Trivulzio, who had been prefent at
eighteen pitched battles, ufed to call this ' the
battle of the giants." This victory was followed by
the reduction" of the Milanefe. Both the pope and
the Swifs became allies to Francis. He compelled
Maximilian to reftore the Veronefe to the Vene-
tians; and procured for Leo X. the duchy of Urbino,
which ftill belongs to the church of Rome. Sforza
himfelf tired with the viciflltudes of fortune, difgufted
with the tyranny of the Swifs, and defirous of pri-
vacy and repofe, put himfelf into the hands of
Francis; and after flipulating for an annual penfion
of thirty thoufand ducats, refigned his pretenfions
to the duchy of Milan, and retired into France.
Shortly after the Germans were driven out of Italy ;
and both Henry and his minifter were difappointed
in their defigns of leflening the power of France.
„ In the following year Henry con-
A. U. J5'6' ciucjeci a truce with the regent of
Scotland for one year, that he might have an op-
portunity of deftroying the influence of that noble-
man, by means of the Humes, who were devoted to
his intereft. In order to this he infiftccl, that the
Scottifh parliament mould fend the duke or Al-
bany to France, as it was dangerous to truft the
young king in the hand of his prefumptive heir,
and threatened on their non-compliance, to take
other meafures for the fafety of his nephew. This
remonftrance proving ineffectual, the Humes per-
fuaded the earl of Arran to claim the regency ; but
the duke of Albany, being informed of the confpi-
racy, decoyed them to the court, and caufed them
to be executed as traitors.
The death of Ferdinand, the Catholic, and the
fucceffion of his grandfon Charles to his extenfive
dominions, made Francis fenfible, of the neceffity
of gaining the confidence and friendfhip of Henry;
and for that purpofe, he paid his court by flattery
and prefents to Wolfey. He difpatched Bonnivet,
admiral of France, to London, with orders to em-
ploy all that infinuation and addrefs in which he
excelled, to procure the cardinal's good graces.
The amtufTador took an opportunity to exprefs his
matter's concern, that by miftakes and mifappre-
henfions, he had been fo unfortunate as to lofe a
friendfhip which he fo highly valued as that of his
eminence. Wolfey liftened to thefe honourable ad-
vances, and from thenceforward expreffed himfelf
in favour of the French alliance. Francis even en-
tered into fuch confidence with him, as to afk his
advice in his moft fecret affairs, and in every diffi-
cult emergency had recourfe to him, as to an oracle
of wifdoni. The cardinal made no fecret to Henry
of this private correfpondence ; and the king had
fuch an opinion of his miriifter's capacity, that he
faid, he verily believed, he would govern Francis
as well as himfelf. At length Bonnivet informed
the cardinal of his matter's defire to recover Tour-
nay; on which Wolfey took an opportunity to re-
prefent to the king and council, that the diftance
between Tournay and Calais was fo great, that, in
cafe of a war, it would be very difficult, if not im-
poffible, to keep open the communication between
them: that as it was feated on the frontiers both of
France and the Low Countries, it might be attacked
on cither fide, and that it could not be preferved
even in time of peace, without a garrifon, to be a
check upon the mutinous inhabitants, who were
difcontented with the Englifh government; and
that its pofleflion, though precarious and expenfive,
was entirely ufelefs, with refpedt to annoying the
dominions of either Charlea or Francis. Thefe rea-
fons meeting with no oppofition, a treaty was en-
tered into for ceding Tournay : and it was agreed,
that the dauphin mould be contracted to the
princefs Mary, though both of them were infants,
and that city be confidered as the princefs's dowry.
But Henry having been at great expence in building
a citadel there, Francis agreed to pay him fix hun-
dred thoufand crowns, at twelve annual payments,
and to allow a yearly penfion of twelve thoufand
livrcs to the cardinal, as an equivalent for the re-
venue of the bifhopric of Tournay.
While thefe negociations were car- . ^
rying on between the courts of Eng- ' I-5T7*
land and France, Germany was agitated with thofe
theological difputes, which produced the reforma-
tion. Martin Luther, an Auguiiine monk, and
profeflbr of divinity in the univerfity of Wirtem-
berg, in Germany, undertook to refute divers doc-
trines of the church of Rome. Leo. X. at firft dif-
regarded his writings, as the weak efforts of an ob-
fcure monk. His whole attention was indeed berit
to filling his treafury by the traffic of indulgencies.
In this fale he chiefly employed the Dominicans.
The Auguftine friars were highly affronted, becaufe
this lucrative occupation was not as ufual entrufted
to them; efpecially, as they had fome time fince
been employed in Saxony, and had acquired both
reputation and profit. Martin Luther, ftimulated
to revenge, was loud in his declamations againft
the church of Rome. He was a perfon of great
learning, genius, and fpirit, inflexible and opinia-
tive; and their was no want of abufes whereon to
ground his invectives. Religion, often proftituted,
had become a cloak for the moft fordid rapacity,
and the moft unpardonable ambition. An inceflanb
cry of reformation refounded from all quarters,
and Luther knew how to take advantage of it.
He, however, confined himfelf, in his firft writings,
to expofe the doctrine of indulgencies, and, perhaps,
had then no other defign. But he went farther
than he at firft intended, as is the cafe with all re-
ligious difputants ; and it has been faid, with feem-
ing probability, that the beft method of inducing
this zealous reformer to change his opinion, would
have been by a prefent of a cardinal's hat; but the
contempt in which he was held by the church of
Rome, proved fatal to her power.
Luther now founded openly a defiance to the
holy fee. He exhorted all princes to throw off
the papal authority ; he railed againft private
maffes; and met with the greater applaufe, by in-
veighing againft the fale of them. His writings,
full of zeal and fury, fpread over Europe. The
doctrines he inculcated were flattering to its princes,
becaufe they furnifhed them with a pretence for
throwing off the pope's dominion, and for en-
riching themfelves with the wealth of ecclefiaftics.
The Dominicans, fupported by the pope's nuncios,
caufed his books to be burnt. His holinefs thun-
dered out a new bull againft him; but Luther,
now protected by the princes of Germany, was not
to be intimidated ; he even ordered the pope's bull
and decretals to be burnt in the public market
place of Wirtemberg.
During thefe difputes, the pope A n Q
invefted Wolfey with a legaritine ^
power, together with a right of fufpending all
the laws of the church for one year. On obtain-
ing this new dignity, he clifplayed his grandeur
with great parade. On folemn feaft-days, he faid
mafs after the manner of the pope; was ferved by
bifhops and abbots; and even engaged the firft
nobility to give him water and the towel. Wolfey
now erected an office, which he termed a legantine
court; and as he was thus, by means of the pope's
commiflion, and the favour of the king, invefted
with all ecclefiaftcal and civil power, none knew
what bounds he would let to the authority of his
new tribunal. He directed the members of tin's
court to inquire into all matters of confcicnce j
and into all thofe actions which, though not cog-
nizable by law, were contrary to good morals.
People
276
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
People were offended on feeiag a man fo fond of
pomp and pleafure, fevere in reprefiing the leait
appearance of licendoufnefs in others ; and this
court was rendered the more obnoxious, from
Wolfey's making one John Allen judge in it,
whom he himfelf, as chancellor, had condemned
for perjury \. arid as he extorted fines from all whom
he was plea-fed to find guilty, or received bribes to
drop profecutions, it was concluded, that the car-
dinal had a fhare in thofe wages of iniquity. To
the tyranny of this court, the clergy and monks
were particularly expofecl ; and as their lives fre-
quently gave a juft handle againft them, they were
obliged to pay large fums to purchafe an indemnity.
Wolfey, not fatisfied with this authority, pretended
to affume, by virtue of his commiilion, the jurif-
diction of all the hifhops courts, particularly that of
judging all matters reflecting wills and teftaments.
None dared to complain, till archbifhop Warham
ventured to lay before the king the difcontents of
fhe people. Heary pretended ignorance, faying,
" A man is no where fo blind as in his own houfe.
But do you, father, go to Wolfey, and tell him,
if any thing be amrfs, that he amend it." This
only fervcd to ftrengthen the cardinal's enmity to-
Warham ; but Allen, his judge, being profecuted
by one London in a court of law, and being con-
victed, the clamour at Faft reached the king's ears,
and he expreffed fuch difpleafure, that Wolfey ever
after was more cautious in exerting his authority.
It muft be confefTed, in' favour of this noble per-
fonage, that, considering the whole of his admi-
niftration impartially, he made ufe,of his power
for the good of his country. Hi&" poft of chan-
cellor placed him at the fountain of juftice, and
never was it better adminiftered*. He was a firm
fupporter of the poor ; and enforced feveral laws
for the protection of the mercantile and induftrious
part of the people. We have already obferved,
that he was a great friend to literature. At this
time the arts, under his patronage, found en-
couragement ; trade was improved ; and manu-
factures were carried on with fuccefs. Wolfey
f pared no pains to difcover perfons of literary ac-
complifhments, nor thought any rewards too great
to beftow upon them. He employed no minifters
but fuch who were fcholars ; and under Iras admi-
niftration, the dignified offices of the law, the
church, and the ftate, were filled with men whofe
literary merit was their only recommendation.
~ The attention of Henry was now
A<L)- *5l 9- excited by the death of Maximilian
the emperor, which left vacant the firft ftation
among the Chriftian powers, and, of courfe, affect-
ed the general fyftem of Europe. Inftantly the
kings of France and Spain became candidates for
that crown- ; and, by money and intrigues, en-
deavoured to obtain the great point of their ambi-
tion. Henry likewife put in his claim; but Pace,
his minifter, who was fent to the electors, found
that he was too late, all thofe princes having en-
gaged their votes. Francis and Charles profeffed
to carry on their rival pretenfions without enmity.
Francis declared, that his brother Charles and he
were fair and open fuitors to the fame miftrefs ;
and that, as the molt fortunate would obtain her,
the other muft reft fatisfied. But every one, appre-
hended this extraordinary moderation would be of
fhort duration, and that the minds of two fuch
candidates would foon be imbittered againft each
other. Charles at laft prevailed ; though the king
of France had continued to the laft to believe, that
the majority of the electoral college was engaged
in his favour. He was now filled with indignation,
at being publicly difappointecl in an affair of fuch
importance. From hence, joined to- the oppofition
of intereft, arofe that emulation between them
which kept that age in motion, and formed a
remarkable contraft between thefe two princes.
Both of them were endowed with extraordinary
abilities: they were brave, afpiring, and active;
beloved by their fubjccts, feared by their enemies,
and refpeeted by all Europe. Francis, who was
open, frarnk, and liberal, carried thefe virtues to
an excefs which was -prejudicial to his affairs.
Charles, who was politic, artful, and frugal, was
better qualified to obtain fuccefs in negociations
and wars: the one was by far'the moft amiable
man, and the other the greatcfl prince. Fortune,
without the afliftance of prudence or valour, never
raifed on a fudden fuch power as centered in the
emperor Charles V. He had fucceeded to the
poifeflion of Caftile, Arragon, Granada, Auftria,
the Netherlands, and Naples ; was elected em-
peror ; and a little before his time, the bounds of
the earth feemed to be enlarged, that he might
poffefs the unrifled treafure of the new world-
His dominions in Europe were richer, and more
extenfive, than any that had been known fince the
time of the Romans : France only, by being a
compact, rich, and populous country, placed be-'
tween the provinces of the emperor's dominions,
was able to oppoCe his progrefs. However, Henry,
by the fituation and ftrength of his kingdom, was
able to hold the balance between thofe powers ;
and had he known how to improve, by his pru-
dence and policy, this extraordinary advantage, it
would have made him a greater prince than either
of , thofe monarchs, who feemed to Itrive for the
dominion^ of Europe. But Henry was vain, ca-
pricious, imperious, and impolitic, guided by his
paflions, and under the direction ot -a favourite.
Indeed, he was fometimes actuated by friendmip
for foreign powers, but oftener by his refcntmcnt j
feklom by his true intereft.
This character of Henry, Francis . ~ -,
was well acquainted with, and there- I52O«
fore folicited an interview with him near Calais, in
hopes of obtaining his friendmip and confidence
by familiar converlation. The king of France had
promifed Wolfey fourteen votes in the conclave on
the demife of Leo ; but the cardinal thought the
aid of the emperor would more effectually conduce
to raife him to this fummit of power ; and there-
fore began to detach his mafter from' the intereft of
France, and engage him in that of the houfe of
Auftria. However, he would not fo far declare
himfelf as to prevent his aflifting at the propofed
interview, which would afford him an opportunity
of difplaying his magnificence before the court of
France ; but was at the fame time determined, that
Francis mould gain no advantage by it to the pre-
judice of the emperor. He therefore feconded the
requeft of the French monarch ; and Henry, who
.was equally fond of empty pageantry, confented to
the propofal. Charles, being informed of this in-
tended interview, refolved to pay the king of
England a higher compliment, by vifiting him in
his own dominions ; and while Henry was pre-
paring to depart for Calais, the emperor, on the
twenty-fifth of May, landed at Dover, whither the
court immediately hafted to receive their royal
gueft. The next day he was met by Henry in
perfon, who conducted him to Canterbury, where
he was entertained with the utmoft fplenclour.
Charles paid his court to Wolfey in the moft artful
manner, promifing his afliftance in procuring for
him the papacy, whenever there mould happen a'
vacancy. There was, however, little appearance,
that this promife would be claimed. Leo X. was
a young man, and likely to fill the papal chair
when the name of Wolfey would only exift : yet
the promife from Charles foothed the ambition of
the powerful prelate, who, in confequence, devoted
himfelf folely to the intereft of the emperor.
Charles, after flaying five days, took leave, and
embarked
HENRY
VIIi.
277
em barked at Sand wish for Flanders, well fatisfied
with the fuccefs of his vifit.
The fame day that Charles left England, Henry
fet fail for Calais, with his queen and the whole
court ; and thence proceeding to Guifncs, a fmall
town near the frontiers, took up his reficlence in
a fuperb wooden edifice, creeled near the place ap-
pointed for the interview. It was furnifhed in a
moft oftentatious manner; and from the chapel
was a private gallery that reached to the cattle of
Guifnes. Francis, attended with a fplendid reti-
nue, repaired to Guifnes, a few miles diftant from
Calais. On the feventh of June, the two monarchs
met on horfeb.ick in the valley of Ardres, within
the Englifh pale ; for Francis agreed to pay this
compliment to Henry, in confideration of his
having eroded the fea to vifit him. Wolfey, to
whom the regulation of the ceremonial had been
entrufted by both kings, contrived this circum-
fiance in honour of his mafter. The nobility,
both of England and France, here difplayed their
magnificence with fuch profufion, that the place of
interview was ftiled, 'The Field of Cloth of Gold.
The two monarchs having alighted, fainted each
other in the moft cordial manner, and retired arm
in arm to a rich tent pitched for their reception,
where they held a private conference. Here
Henry propofed an amendment of fome of the
articles of their former alli.ance, and began with
reading the preamble to the treaty, " 1, Henry,
king ;" and paufing a moment, added only, " of
England," without mentioning "France;" on which
Francis, obferving this delicacy, exprefled his ap-
probation by a fmile, and foon after paid Henry a
compliment of a more flattering nature. He ob-
ferved the diftruftful precautions nfed whenever he
had an interview with Henry; the number of their
attendants and guards were counted on both fides ;
every ftep was fcrupuloufly meafured ; and when
the two kings propofed to pay a vifit to the queens,
they left their refpective quarters at the fame
inftant on the difcharge of a culverin, and paffed
by each other in the middle point of diftance
between the places they were each of them
going to.
Francis, who was himfelf a man of honour,
incapable of diftrufting others, in order to put an
end to this tedious ceremony, one day took with
him only two gentlemen and a page, with whom
he rode into Guifnes. The guards were furprized
at the prefence of the French king, who called
aloud. to them, " You are all my prifoners ; con-
duct me to your matter." Henry was equally
aftonifhed ; and taking him in his arms, faid,
" Brother, you have paid me a moft agreeable
compliment, and hereby fhewed what full confi-
dence I may place in you : from this moment I
furrender myfelf your prifoner." Then taking
from his neck a collar of pearls, worth fifteen
thoufand angels, and putting it about that of
Francis, defired him to wear it for his fake.
Francis agreed, on condition of Henry's wearing a
bracelet which he prcfented to him, worth double
the value of the collar. From that moment they
vifited each other without the leaft precaution ; a
generous difdain of fufpicion produced a perfect
confidence ; and the reft of their time was fpent in
feftivals wind tournaments. The two kings enter-
tained eajjjti^pther with thefc kiafls of amufements,
without paying much attention to ferious bufinefs.
Nothing of importance pafled during the inter-
view, but an agreement, that after Francis mould
have clifcharged the million of crowns ftipulated in
the laft treaty, he mould continue to pay to the
king of England an annual fum of one hundred
thoufand livres •, that in cafe the dauphin mould
become king of England by his marriage with the
princefs Mary, this penfion fliould be enjoyed by
No. 26.
herjand her heirs for ever; and that the difputes
between England and Scotland mould be referred
to the arbitration of the French king's mother,
and cardinal Wolfey. On the twenty-fourth of
June the two monarchs parted, and Henry, with
his retinue, returned to Calais. The emperor, un-
eafy with regard to the event of this interview,
came to Gravelincs, where he was met by Henry,
and the moft cordial aflbrances of mutual efleeni
paifed between them. At the fame time the em-
peror renewed his promiies of aflifting Wolfey in
obtaining tlie triple crown, and put him imme-
diately in pofleflion of the revenues belonging to
Bajadox and Palencia in Caftile ; an acqiiifiti'm
which rendered the revenues of Wolfey nearly
equal to thofe of the crown itfclf. Charles here
completed the favourable irnprefiion he had begun
to make on Henry and Wolfey, and effaced alTihe
friendfliip which the frank and generous temper of
Francis had kindled in their minds. Henry, on
the eleventh o'July returned to Calais, and' em-
barking for England with the fit ft fair wind, ar-
rived there, with his retinue, in fafety.
Charles V. foon after his coro- . p.
nation, affcmbled a diet at Worms, 52T>
where he fummoned Luther to appear, granting
him a fafe conduct for his perfon. He accordingly
appeared ; but refufmg to retract his tenets, was,
with his difciples, profcribed by public edict.
Every zealous votary of the church now entered
the lifts againft this reformer; among the reft,'
Henry declared himfelf a champion for his holi-
nefs. He was particularly incenfed againft Luther,
for the feverity with which he had treated Thomas
Aquinas, an author highly efteemed by him and
Wolfey ; and therefore wrote a treatife, de fepteni
SacramentJS) in which he vehemently oppofed Luther
with rcfpecl: to the article of indulgencies, the
number of facraments, and the papal authority.
This work was prefented to his holinefs in full
confiftory, who received it with marks of the
higheft refpedt ; and, with (he unanimous confent
of the college of cardinals i/Tued a bull, in which
he conferred upon Henry the honourable title of
" Fidei Defenfor," Defender of the Faith ; a title
.ftill retained by the kings of England.
The emulation and political jealoufy that fub-
fifted between Charles and Francis, foon produced
hoftilities between them. The French fent an army
into Navarre, to replace the family of •<.!' Albert off
the throne of that kingdom. Had the French
general confined himfelf to the reduction of Na-
varre, his conduct could not have been confidered
as a breach of the peace between Charles and
Francis ; but he had no fooner fubdued that coun-
try, than, finding the kingdom of Spain itfelf.
was in the utmoft diforder from an infui reclion of
the people, he thought the opportunity too favour-
able to be rejected, and immediately laid fiege td
Logrogno in Caftile. The Cuftilians were now
convinced of their folly ; the appearance of a
foreign enemy put an end to their domeftic diffen-
tions ; they attacked the French with fo much furv,
that they drove them from their intrenchments, and
even expelled them out of Navarre. Robert de
la Marck, duke of Bouillon, had the affurance to
attack the emperor's dominions in the Low Coun-
tries ; and Charles, not doubting but that Robert
was inftigated by Francis, raifed a powerful army,
and openly commenced hoftilities againft the French
monarch. But while thefe ambitious princes were
at war with each other in different parts of their
dominions, they ftill profeffed the ftrongeft defire'
of peace, and continually carried their complaints
to Heijry, as to their common umpire. Henry,
pretending to be neutral, advifed them to fend
their ambafladors to Calais, in order to negotiate
a peace under the mediation of the pope's nuncio.
4 B Th«
278
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
The emperor, knowing the partiality of thefe
mediators in his favour, demanded the reftitution
of Burgundy, though it had been ceded to France
many years by treaty ; and though its being in his
poffeflion would give him an entrance into the
heart of that kingdom : he alfo infifted on being
freed from the homage conftantly paid by his an-
ceftors for Flanders and Artois, though he himfelf
had engaged to renew it by the treaty of Noyon.
Thefe terms being rejected by Francis, the congrefs
broke up, and foon after Wolfey went to the em-
peror at Bruges, where he was received with the
fame ftate and magnificence as if he had been a
crowned head; and there, in his mailer's name,
concluded an offenfive alliance againft France with
the emperor and the pope. It was ftipulated, that
England fhould invade that kingdom with forty
thoufand men.
Wtolfey was no fooner returned to England, than
he commenced a profecution againft the duke of
Buckingham, conftable of England, the firft noble-
man both for family and fortune in the kingdom,
who had unfortunately given the cardinal fome
caufe of difguft. He was defcended by a female
line from the duke of Gloucefter, fon of Edward
III. and being infatuated with the whims of judi-
cial aftrology, and the vain predictions of a vifionary
monk, he flattered himfelf with the hopes of one
day fucceeding to the crown ; and even meditated
fome project againft the life of the king. For this
he was brought to his trial ; and the duke of Nor-
folk, whofe fon, the earl of Surry, had married
Buckingham's daughter, was created lord fteward
on thisVolemn occafion. He was tried by one
duke, a marquis, feven earls, and twelve barons,
by whom he was condemned ; but as his crime ap-
peared to have proceeded from indifcretion, rather
than deliberate malice, the people, by whom he
was beloved, expected he would be pardoned •, and
imputed that difappointment to the influence of the
cardinal. However, the king's jealoufy of all who
were allied to the crown, was alone fufiicient to
render him implacable againft this nobleman. The
office of conftable was now forfeited, and never
after revived in England. After his trial he was
remanded back to the Tower, where he received a
meffage from the king, intimating that hispunifh-
ment was mitigated to decapitation. Accordingly
he fuffered death, to the univerfal regret of the
people. A little after this melancholy event,
Lea X. died in the flower of his age, and in the
ninth year of his pontificate. He was fucceeded
in the papal throne by Adrian VI. who had been
tutor to the emperor Charles. This pontiff was a
perfon of great integrity, candour, and fimplicity
of manners; but the prejudices of the reformers
againft the church were fo violent, that he rather
hurt the caufe by his fteady attachment to thofe
virtues*
• r^ The emperor dreaded the refent-
' *522' men* of Wolfey, which he expected
would refult from his difappointment by the
election of Adrian ; and therefore, to prevent the
breach this might make in their friendfhip, Charles
paid another vifit to England on the twenty-fixth
of May, when he not only flattered the vanity of
the king and the cardinal, but renewed his pro-
mifes of feconding Wolfey's pretenfions to the papal
chair. Whereupon the cardinal, being fenfible that
the great age and infirmities of Adrian promifed a
fpeedy vacancy, concealed his mortification, and
flattered himfelf with the hopes of being fuccefsful
at the next general election. Charles alfo- renewed
the treaty concluded at Bruges, and agreed to in-
demnify both the king and Wolfty, for the revenue
they fliould lofe by a breach with France. Still
farther to ingratiate himfelf with Henry and the
Englifh in general, he gave to Surry, admiraj of
England, a commiffion, conftkuting him high-
admiral of his dominions, and he himfelf was in-
ftalled knight of the garter. After flaying fix
weeks in England he embarked at Southampton,
and in ten days returned to Spain.
Henry now avowed the league he had made with
the emperor, and alledged that Francis was the
aggreflor; but the truth fcems to have been, that
he was incenfed againft the French monarch for
differing the duke of Albany to return from France
to Scotland, where he had been detained at his
requeft, in order to procure an afcendency in the
Englifh council during the abfence of the regent.
Befides, he was afraid the duke would marry his
fifter, the queen dowager of Scotland, as fhe had
applied to the pope for a divorce from her hufband,
the earl of Angus; and the duke of Albany had
fupportcd her fuit at the court of Rome. Not-
withftanding the regent's declaring that he had no
fuch intention, his own wife being ftill living,
Henry wrote to the Scottifh parliament, accufing
the duke of having formed a clefign upon the
crown, to the prejudice of the lawful hci>-, and
requiring them to banifh him the realm. To this
they replied, that he had been mifinformed con-
cerning Albany's dtfign; that he himfelf encoun-
tered the intereft of his nephew, by fomenting
broils in his kingdom; and that if he did not re-
new the truce, the regent would endeavour to-
defend their country from his attacks. Henry had
no fooner received this anfwer, with a letter from
his Cfter, upbraiding him with bafe and difin-
genuous conduct, than he fent lord Dacres, with
five hundred men to the borders, with a commiflion
to proclaim, that the Scottifli parliament were to
make peace wkh him at their peril by a certain
time. His dcfign in this was to afford a pretence
to his own party for refufing to ferve the regent,
fliould he attempt to make a diveriion in favour of
Francis. The duke of Albany having raifed an
army to make a defcent upon England', many
noblemen of diftinction refufed to involve their
country in an unneeefl'ary war with that kingdom;
the regent, therefore, finding his defign of ferving
his French ally defeated, propofed a truce, to
which Henry atfented ; and the regent returned to
Paris, to concert new meafures with Francis.
This monarch being apprized of what had pafled
between Henry and the emperor, fent letters patent
to Henry, in which he inferted the articles of the
treaty of London, whereby they were bound to
mutual afliftance ; and then demanded the execu-
tion of that treaty, to which he had folemnly fworn;
Henry again affirmed, that Francis was the ag-
greffor ; and as he had violated his promife with*
refpect to the duke of Albany, declared war againft
him as a difturber of the peace of Europe. Fo*
the fupport of this war, the king, with the advice
of the cardinal, iffued warrants to all Iheriffs and
conftables, to number the people from the age of
fixteen and .upwards, and to fpeeify the effects of
each individual, that he might borrow a tenth
from the laity, and a fourth from the clergy, be-
fides a loan of twenty thoufand pounds, which he
expected from the city of London. This expe-
dient produced great clamours againft the cardinal,
as author of the impofition ; and the merchants
of London flatly refuted to afcertain the value of
their effects, which being diftributed in various
channels of commerce, could not be fpecified; fo
that Henry was obliged to have recourfe to more
lenient methods.
The bloody ftandard of war was . ^
now difplayed ; ambaffadors on both ' T523*
fides were recalled ; the effects of merchants ir*
both countries were feized ; and Henry fitted out a
ftrong fleet for making prizes, and protecting the
Enghlh commerce. But as the plan of operation*
for
HENRY
VIII.
279
for the approaching war was likely to be extenfive,
there was a neceflity for calling a parliament, and
demanding a fubiidy for the cnfuing year. The
felons was opened with a fpcech from the car-
dinal ; who after enhancing the great advantages
that would accrue to the nation from the alliances
lately concluded with the powers on the continent,
required one fifth of all lay effects, payable in Four
years. This demand produced very ftrong debates ;
though the members were at length wrought into
compliance.
In the middle of Auguft, the Fnglifli army,
under command of the duke of Suffolk, palled
over to Calais. On his arrival at St. Omers, he
was joined by three thoufand foot, and five hun-
dred horfe, in the Imperial fervice. It was now
determined to march along the banks of the
Somme, and, if poflible, to provoke the enemy
to a decifive engagement : but the French had
learned wifdom from paft misfortunes •, they con-
tented themfelves with harrafling the van of the
Englifh army \vith flying parties ; and depended on
the ftrength of their frontier garrilbns, and the
advanced feafon of the ye.ir. to prevent the Englifh
from taking up their winter quarters in their coun-
try. This p ,:dcnt meaiure anfwered their ex-
pectations , ior though the duke of Suffolk made
himfelf mafter of Bray, Montdidier, Roye, and
fcveral other confiderabje pla> es, and even ad-
vanced within eleven leagues of Paris, he found
it would be impoffible for him to canton his troops
in the places he. had taken, as the duke of Vendome
lay in Pa is with a large body of forces, and the
ni.irfli ilTremouille was forming another, by draughts
from the garnions of Picardy. He was therefore
obliged to return to Calais, in order to put his
army into winter quarters ; but before he reached
that fortrefs, many of his loldiers perifhed by the
inclemency of the weather. In confcquence of
this retreat, moft of the places he had taken during
the campaign, fell again into the hands of the
French. Nor had Charles any better fuccefs in
the attempt he made, at the fame time, upon Gaf-
cony. His forces inverted Bayonne ; but the
French general, Leutrec, made fuch a noble de-
fence, that the Spaniards, after ravaging the ad-
jacent country, were obliged to abandon the enter-
prize. By thefe untoward events, the French were
animated to exert themfelves againft the powerful
alliance formed againft their country; and, in all
probability, Francis would have been able to have
fupported himfelf, notwithftanding all the efforts
of his enemies, had not the conftable of Bourbon,
the moft able of all his generals, perfccuted by the
hatred of -the duchefs of Angouleme, the king's
mother, facrificed the love of his country to his
refentment, and entered into the fervice of the
emperor. He was immediately created genera-
liffimo of his armies, and marched into the duchy
of Milan, which the French had again invaded
under admiral Bonnivct, his greateft enemy. Bon-
nivet was but an indifferent foldier, and a worfe
ftatcfman. He croMcd the Alps at the head of
thirty-three thoufand men, and made himfelf
mafter of Navaro, and fome other places of lefs
importance in Italy j and had he marched directly
to Milan, he might, perhaps, have recovered that
city for his mafter ; but he loft fo much time in
treating with the inhabitants, that the conftable of
Bourbon had an opportunity of putting the place
in a pofture of defence. The remainder of the
campaign was conlimied in feveral fruitlefs attempts
upon Cremona, and other places, none of which
he was able to reduce. The Italian generals law
tis inabilities, and took care to cut off his provi-
fions ; fo that Bonnivet was obliged to retire into
Piedmont, where he put his army into winter
quarters. During tliefe tranfadions pope Adrian
j VI, died ; and by the concurrence of the Imperial
party, Clement VII. of the family of the Medicis,
was elected in his room.
It was impoflible for Wolfey to avoid being con-
vinced of the emperor's infincerity ; and he had now
full conviction that Charles would never fccond his
pretenfions to the pap.il dignity. This new dif-
appointment to his afpiring hopes, he highly re-
fented and inftantly began to prepare for an union
between Henry and the French king. In the meari
time, concealing his difguft, he congratulated the
new pope on his promotion, and applied to him for
the continuance of the legantine powers, conferred
upon him by the two former popes. Clement, fen-
fible of the importance of his rriendfiiip, granted
him thefe powers for life, and thus, in a manner,
inverted him with the whole papal authority iri
England ; of which in feveral inftances, the cardinal
made a good ufe.
Europe was by this time fo intimately connected
by interefts and alliances, that war could hardly be
kindled in one part, without diffusing itfelf through
the whole: but the clofeft of all the leagues was that
between France and Scotland. In order therefore
to diffolve this connection, fo prejudicial to the in-
terefts of England, Henry fent an army into Scot-
land under the command of the earl of Surry, who
had reduced the town of Jedburgh to afhes. The
Scotch had neither king nor regent to conduct
them, and the Engliih monarch, who knew their
diftreffed fituation, was determined to puQi them td
extremity, in hopes of compelling them to renounce
their French alliance, and embrace the friendfhip
of England. He even endeavoured to allure tiiem,
with the profpect of contracting a marriage between
the lady Mary, heirefs of England, and their young
monarch ; and the queen dowager, with the whole
party enforced the advantages of this alliance.
But the propoial was warmly objected to by the
oppofite party, who alledged, that fuch a meafuie
would dettroy the liberty of that kingdom, and
render it dependent on England. The number
and influence of thefe two parties were fo nearly
poifed, that the leaft addition, on either fide,
would have been fufficient to preponderate. This
was at length effected in favour of Scotland, by
the arrival of the duke of Albany, who, by the
advice of the eftates, had affembled an army, to
retaliate on the Englifh the ravages they had lately
committed. With this view he advanced towards
the borders ; but when his army was pa/ling _the
Tweed, at the bridge of Mulcrofs, they were fo
warmly oppofecl by the Englifh, that Albany was
obliged to retreat. He then encamped his army
oppofite to Werk caftle, the fortifications of which
had been lately repaired, and detached a body of
troops to beiiege that fortrefs, which made a
gallant defence. Though the Scotch and French
auxiliaries carried the outworks, the garrifon
charged them fo clofely that they were repulfed
with confiderable lofs. In a few days after this
mifcarriage, the duke of Albany departed for
France, and never more returned to Scotland j
which, diftracted by inteftine commotions, left
Henry at full liberty to profecute his other defigns*
in conjunction with his continental alliance.
The different ftates of Italy having . ^
expelled the French, refolved to pufh *
their fucceffes no farther. They had all entertained
a jealoufy of the emperor ; which was increafed by
his refufing the inveftiture of Milan, a fief of the
empire, to Francis Sforza, whofe title fee had ac*
knowledged, and in whofe defence he had en-
gaged ; whence it was concluded, that he himfelf
in ended to obtain that important duchy, and
afterwards to reduce Italy to fubjection. This in-
duced Clement to fend orders to his nuncio in
England, to mediate a reconciliation between her
and-
s8o
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
and F; ance. But Wolfey, though difgufted with
the emperor, refolved to have the glory of pro-
ducirg this great change, and therefore prevailed
on' the king to rcjeft the pope's mediation ; and
even a new treaty for the invafion of France was
concluded between Charles and the king of Eng-
land. Charles agreed to fupply the duke of Bour-
bon with a powerful army, to enable him to con-
quer Dauphiny and Provence ; and Henry con-
fented to pay him a hundred thoufand crowns for
the iirft month, and either to continue the fame
monthly, or to enter Picardy with a powerful army.
Bourbon was to enjoy the provinces, with the title
of king; but to "hold them in fee of Henry as
king of France. Henry was to have the reft of
that kingdom, and Charles the duchy of Bur-
gundy.
Bonnivet, the French general in Italy, having
given offence to the Swifs by his haughty carriage,
theie hardy mountaineers abandoned the French
army, and returned to their own country. Deferted
by thefe forces, Bonnivet faw the neceffity of a
retreat. He left his camp, and was followed by
the combined army. A {harp a<5Hon enfued, in
which the greater part of Bonnivet's rear was cut
to pieces. The chevalier Bayard was mortally
\vounded : he was confidered as the model of fol-
diers and men of honour ; and obtained the title
of the " Knight without fear, and without re-
proach." When this brave gentleman could no
longer fupport himfelf on horfeback, he ordered
his attendants to fet him under a tree, and turn
his face towards his enemies, that he might die in
that pofture. Every perfon feemed to fhare in his
misfortune. The foldiers as they pafled dropped a
tear. The allied generals, and among the reft the
conftable of Bourbon, came round him, expreffing
their concern for his prefent condition. " Pity
not me," cried he to Bourbon, " I die in the
difcharge of my duty : they alone are objeds of
pity, who fight againft their prince and their
country."
The pope now began to be alarmed for Italy.
The conftable of Bourbon had pafled the Alps,
and entered Provence at the head of ten thoufand
foot, two thoufand horfe, and eighteen pieces of
cannon. The defencelefs towns of Antibes, Frejus,
Vignolles, and Aix, fell an eafy conqueft ; and the
conftable fat down on the nineteenth of Auguft
before Marfeilles, which was defended by a gar-
rifon of three thoufand foot, and two hundred men
at arms, befides nine thoufand inhabitants who
fought on this occafion. About the fame time
the Spanifh admiral, who had been fent with a
ilrong fleet from Genda to aflift the land forces,
made himfelf matter of Toulon. The fiege was
carried on with the utmoft vigour for about a
month ; when the approach of Francis, at the
head of forty thoufand men, obliged the conftable
to abandon the enterprize, and retreat, with fome
precipitation, into Italy. Had Charles been fatif-
fied with defending his own dominions, in all pro-
bability he might have rendered all the defigns of
his enemies abortive ; efpecially as the Englifh
were by no means fanguine for carrying on the
war with vigour. But he was defirous of recover-
ing the Milanefe, and accordingly croJTcd the Alps
at mount Cenis ; and the conftable being in no
condition to oppofe him, he marched immediately
to the capital of that duchy, and entered the city
•without oppofition. Advice was now received, that
Francis had undertaken the fiege of Pavia, one of
the ftrongeft fortrefles in Italy, and well provided
for making a ftout defence. Francis puihed the
fiege with the utmoft fury, and made feveral
breaches in the walls ; but the vigilance of Ley va,
the governor, rendered all his attempts fruitlefs, for
he threw up new intrenchments behind tte breaches j
he made an attempt to turn the courfe of the Tefin,
which defended one ficle of the city ; but in one
night, an inundation of the river deftroyed all
the mounds, which his foldiers had for a long time
been railing.
In the mean while Pefcara and Lan- . ^
noy, viceroy of Naples, aflembled
forces from every quarter ; and Bourbon, having
pawned his jewels, went into Germany, raifed
twelve thoufand Landfquenets, and joining the
Imperialifts, the combined army, amounting to
twenty thoufand men, advanced to raife the liege
of Pavia ; while the emperor was fo deftitute of
money for the payment of his army, that they
were kept to their ftandards by the hopes of
plunder ; and had Francis raifed the fiege before
their approach, and retired to Milan, they muft
have in a fliort time difbanded ; but having once
faid, that he would either take Pavia, or perifh in
the attempt, he was determined to fufter the utmoft
extremities, rather than change his purpofe. The
French camp being furrounded with intrenchments,
the Imperial generals contented themfelves for fome
days with cannonading the enemy ; when the Swifs
having deferted their poft, they attacked the in-
trenchmenjs of the befiegers about midnight, on
the twenty-fifth of April. Upon the firft alarm,
Francis put himfelf at the head of two thoufand;
cavalry, and fell with fuch impetuofity upon a body
of troops commanded by Pefcara, that the general
was unhorfed, and dangeroufly wounded j and the
whole corps would have been totally ruined, had
not the cluke of Bourbon, who had already made
dreadful havoc in another part of the camp, haften-
ed to his affiftance. The conteft was now unequal ;
but the French, to defend the perfon of their king,
gathered round him, and fought with all the fury
of men driven to defpair. La Plefle, la Tre-
mouille, Galcas de San Severino, and admiral Bon-
nivet, were flain by his fide. The king defended
himfelf with aftonifliing vigour ; his horfe was
killed under him, and he received a defperate
wound in his leg ; but he ftarted up, and ftill
fought on foot with amazing valour. Pomerant,
an officer of fome diftinftion, who had followed
the duke of Bourbon in his revolt, came up at that
inftant ; and feeing the king in fuch a dangerous
fituation, afiifted him in keeping off the foldiers,
who prefied forward to take him alive. At tha
fame time he defired that the duke of Bourbon
might be called, to receive the king as a prifoner.
But Francis, tranfported with rage, declared, that
he would fooner perifh, than deliver his fword to a
traitor. " Send for Lannoy, viceroy of Naples,"
continued he, " to him I will furrender." Thafc
officer accordingly came ; and the king faid to
him, " M. de Lannoy, take this fword ; it is that
of a king, who is not a prifoner from cowardice,
but the accidents of fortune." Lannoy received
the fword upon his knee; killed his hand with the-
profoundeft refpeft ; and prefented him his own
fword, faying, " I beg your majefty will be fo good
as to receive mine, which has this day fpared the
lives of many Frenchmen. It does not become aa
officer of the emperor to leave a king difarmed,
though a prifoner." Lannoy, however, did not
think Francis fafe in the army. He feared the
German forces might feize his perfon as a fecurity
for their pay ; and therefore conducted him imme-
diately to the ftrong caftle of Pizzeghitone, where
he remained for fome time under the care of Al-
vazon, the Spanifh governor, who ferved him with
the greateft refpecr.
Charles, on receiving this news, behaved with
the appearance of great moderation. He difplayed
a concern for Francis's ill fortune, and a fenfe of
the calamities to which the greateft monarchs are,
liable.. He forbad any public rejoicings at Madrid,
and
___
HENRY
VIII.
281
and faid, that every exprefilon of triumph fliould
be deferred, till he obtained a viaory over the in-
fidels; he difpatched orders to the garrifons on the
frontier, to commit no hoftilitiesagainft the French,
and talked of inftantly concluding a peace upon
honourable terms. But this appearance of mode-
ration was only hypocritical, and he inftantly
formed fchemes of gratifying his ambition, by im-
proving this fortunate event to the utmoft ad-
vantage. Pennalofa, the meffenger of this extra-
ordinary news, in pafling through France, delivered
a letter from Francis to his mother, who refided at
Lyons, which contained only thefe few words:
" Madam, All is loft, except our -honour."
princefs, whom he had left regent, was ftruck with
the greatnefs of the calamity. Every thing feemccl
to foretell inevitable ruin. The kingdom was with-
out an army; without generals; without money ;
on every fide encompaffed by implacable and victo-
rious enemies. But the over-ruling power of Pro-
vidence, who can bring good out of evil, caufed
this misfortune to produce a fudden change of
politics in England, which was to be the means
of falvation to France. The king determined to
lend her his afliftance, and thus to obtain the glory
of railing a fallen enemy. Henry had been for
foriie time jealous of the emperor's power, and dif-
fatisfied with his conduct ; his pride now com-
pleted the difguft of the Englifti monarch. Charles
had hitherto always written to him with his own
hand, and fubfcribed himfelf, " Your affectionate
fon and coufin •" but now he dictated his letters
to his fecretary, and only fubfcribed himfelf,
'* Charles." An incident of this kind could not
fail of wounding the pride of Henry •, and the
refentment of Wolfey, twice deceived by h:m,
now exerted its whole force. Thus prompted by
his own inclination, and the advice of the cardi-
nal, the Englifh monarch imparted his fentiments
to the duchefs-regent of France, who fending her
ambafiadors to the court of London, a^treaty of
peace and alliance was actually figned by the two
parties on the thirtieth of Auguft. The chief ar-
ticles of this treaty were, that all tranfactions of
the late war fliould lay dormant for ever ; that the
two powers fliould fuccour each other, in cafe of
an afiault from a third ; that the commercial inter-
courfe fliould be revived, and neither nation har-
bour the rebellious fubjects of each other -, that
the prifoners on both fides ftiould be releafed, and
their feveral allies comprehended in the treaty ;
but that neither ftiould maintain or protect thofe
allies in any ufurpations, made fince the treaty
of London in the year 1518; that Francis
fliould, in three months after his i eleate, ratify the
treaty ; for the fulfilment of which the conftable of
Bourbon, the dukes of Vendome and Longueville,
the count of St. Poll, with feveral other noblemen,
and nine of the chief cities of France, ftiould en-
gage. In a previous convention it was alfo agreed,
that the court of France fliould pay Henry two
millions of crowns, as a compenfation for all the
arrears and demands which the Englifh monarch
had on the French king ; and that the queen-
dowager of France, wife to the earl of Suffolk,
ftiould be paid all the arrears of her jointure.
Henry expected the natural confequence of this
alliance would be an expenfive war j he therefore
committed the recruiting of his almoft exhaufted
treafury to Wolfey, atwhofe inftigation commiflions
were iffued in the king's name, for levying through-
out the realm one-fixth of all lay revenues, and a
fourth of the effects of the clergy. This -was
conCdered as fuch an incroachment on the liberty
of the fubject, and violation of Magna Charta,
that it produced a general clamour throughout the
kingdom, and had almoft occafioned a rebellion.
The complaint$ of the people were fo loud, that '
No. 27.
the king was obliged to difavow his minifter's pro-
ceedings; and declared by writs, circulated through
all the counties of England, that he would exact
nothing, and that he required only what they
fliould contribute by way of benevolence. The
people. Were far from being fatisfied with this mode
of railing fupplies. Some difapproved it on ac-
count of their inability, and others becaufe of its
illegality. The magiftrates of London refilled to
fubmit to the impofition, alledging, that the prac-
tice of raifing money b,y benevolence had been
abolifhed by Richard III. The cardinal, awed as
it were by this noble ftand of the citizens, declared
he would receive privately whatever they fliould
think proper to advance. This fubmiffion of the
cardinal prevented any farther oppofitiori from the
city, but had no effect on the country. The
people of EfTex and Suffolk flew to their arms,
pouring forth bitter execrations againft the cardi-
nal; inlbmueh that Henry, perceiving his govern-
ment was in danger of becoming unpopular, thought
proper to fummon his council, and demanded to
know, by whofe advice the late loan and benevo-
lence had been undertaken, difclaiming, at the
fame time, all unlawful methods of raifing money.
Wolfey took the meafure upon himfelf; adding,
that he acted in conformity to the opinion of the
judges, who affirmed, that the king might demand
any fum by commiffion, and that the council had
confirmed this decree. Henry appeared to be fome-
what fatisfied with this evafive behaviour of the
artful cardinal, and the fault was imputed to the
judges, who had given them wrong information ;
upon which a general pardon was iffued to all de-
linquents, either on account of the loan or bene-
volence. Still more to fatisfy his fubjects, the king
was induced to fcrutinize the conduct of his
favourite ; and he found fo many inftances of ty-
rannical oppreffion, that he burft forth into a vio-
lent paflion, and feverely checked his prefumption;
but the fubtle cardinal foon found means toappeafe
his mafter, by infinuatingj that his interetl was the
fundamental motive of his actions, and that all
the wealth he had amaffed would reverf to the
crown ; as a confirmation of which declaration, he
prefented to Henry his ftately palace at Hampton
court. Towards the clofe of this year, Henry
Fitzroy, the king's natural fon, was created duke of
Somerfet, earl of Nottingham, and lord high-
admiral of England ; and cardinal Campeius was
made bifliop of Salifbury.
The emperor's diffembled modera- . _
tion was of fliort continuance; and r52<5'
every one was foon convinced, that inftead of being
fatisfied with his vaft dominions, they only ferved
to prompt his ambition to acquire a ftill more ex-
tenfive empire. He even demanded fuch terms of
his prifoner, as would for ever have deftroyed the
balance of Europe. Francis declared, that he was
refolved to faffer any extremity, rather than confent
to fuch unreafonable demands; and accordingly fent
into France a public act, figned by his own hand,
confenting that his fon, the dauphin, fliould be
placed on the throne, and he himfelf fpend the
remainder of his days in captivity. But finding
how little he had to expect from the emperor, his
gloomy reflections, added to want of exercife,
threw him into a languifhing illncfs. Charles was
now alarmed, left the death of his captive ftiould
deprive him of all the advantages he propofed to
extort from him ; and therefore paid him a vifit
in the caflle of Madrid. On his approaching the
bed in which Francis lay, the fick monarch faidj,
" You come, Sir, to vifit your prifoner." «« No,"
anfwered Charles, " I come to vifit my brother and
my friend, who fliall foon be reftored to li-
berty." He then uttered many foothing fpeeches,
which had fo good an effect, that Francis, from
G that
282
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
that time, began to recover; and employed himfelf
in concerting the terms of the treaty with the 'em-
peror's minifterSk
, ^ Moft of the powers of Europe now
• 1527- jnterefted themfelves in procuring the
liberty of the French monarch ; and Charles was at
length induced to abate fomewhat of his rigour, by
the apprehenlion of a general combination being
formed againft him. He therefore figned a treaty
on the fourteenth of January, at Madrid, whereby
it was ftipulated, that Francis mould relinquiffi to
the emperor the duchy of Burgundy, with its fo-
vercignty, and dependencies, within fix weeks after
his return to France : that Francis mould be fet at
liberty in his own kingdom by the tenth of March,
when the dauphin and the duke of Orleans, his two
eldeft fons, mould be'put into the emperor's hands,
as hoftages; that if any difficulty fhould occur with
regard to the rcftitution of Burgundy, Francis
mould return to Madrid, and remain there till the
full performance of the treaty; that he mould refign
all pretenfions to the kingdom of Naples, the duchy
of Milan, the lordfhip of Genoa, the counties of
Afti, Arras, Tournay, Montaigne, St. Amand, Lifle,
Douay, Orchies, Hefdin ; and alfo all fovereignty
\vhich he could claim over the counties of Flanders
and Artois: that the emperor mould refign all his
rights and pretenfions to the cities and lordfhips of
Peronnc, Montdidier, Rouen, Guifnes, and Pon-
thieu ; together with all the cities and territories on
• the river Somme : that the duke of Bourbon mould
bereftored to all theeftatesand poffeflions he formerly
enjoyed. Thefe articles Francis engaged to ratify
at the firft town he mould enter upon his arrival in
his own dominions. But though he was remarkable
delicate in regard to the principle of honour, he did
not think himfelf bound by a promife which force
had extorted from him, and which was ftrenuoufly
oppofed by the ftates of Burgundy. However,
Francis offered the emperor two millions of crowns
as an equivalent for Burgundy} but Charles would
not confcnt to the leaft alteration in the treaty.
The French monarch therefore concluded an alli-
ance againft the emperor, with Clement VII. the
Venetians, and the principalities of Italy; a con-
federacy, of which the king of England was de-
clared the protector. Charles, incenfed at this
league, determined to take ample vengeance on
thofe allies who had deferted him in time of danger;
particularly the Roman pontiff, who, though he
had chiefly owed his election to the good offices of
the emperor, had fo ungratefully abandoned the in-
tereft of his benefactor. He ordered the duke of
Bourbon to advance towards Rome, and attack the
pope in his capital. Bourbon executed the em-
peror's commands with the greateft bravery and
conduct, but was killed as he mounted a ladder to
fcale the walls. His death infpired his followers
with fury and revenge. Rome, taken by affault,
was pillaged, and became a fcene of the moft
Clocking barbarities. That renowned city never
fuffered more even from barbarians, than now from
the hands of Chriftians, whatever was refpectable in
modefty, whatever facred in religion, feemed only to
i.ncreafe the brutality of the foldiers. The pope
himfelf \vas taken priibner, and treated with every
indignity.
When intelligence was brought the emperor of
the fucccfs of his arms againft the Roman capital,
he affected the utmoft fori ow, put himfelf and his
whole court into mourning, and ordered prayers to
be offered up for the deliverance of the pope. But
the artifice was too grofs to impofe even upon the
ignorant and fuperftitious multitude. It was re-
marked even by the vulgar, that a letter under his
own hand, to his generals in Italy, would be more
effectual than all his prayers. It was very different
with Francis and Henry ; they were extremely con-
4
cerried for the misfortunes of the pontiff, and agreed
to carry their arms into Italy. Wolfey himfelf
eroded the feas to have an interview with Francis,
•\vho met him at Amiens; where it was ftipulated,
that the duke of Orleans mould marry the princefs
Mary : and as it was apprehended Charles would
immediately fummon a general council, both mo-
narchs contented not to acknowledge it, but to go-
vern the churches in their refpective dominions by
their own authority, during the pope's imprifon-
ment. Soon a new treaty was negociated between
the two monarchs, by which Henry renounced his
antient pretenfions to the crown of France ; and
Francis, in return, bound himfelf and his fucceffors,
to pay annually the fum of twenty thoufand crowns.
Spain was now become the terror of the Englifh;
and the animbfity fo long entertained againit the
French entirely fubfided; Though Charles was
alarmed at this alliance between France and Eng-
land, yet he refufed to fubmit to the conditions in-
lifted upon by the allies. He receded indeed from
his demand of Burgundy, as the ranfom for the two
princes; but infifted that Francis mould evacuate
all his Italian conquefts before they mould recover
their liberty. The conditions being rejected, the
Fnglifh and French heralds, purfuant to their in-
ftructions, declared war againft the emperor, and fet
him at defiance. Charles anfwered the herald with
great moderation ; but reproached the Frenchman
with his matter's breach of faith, and returned his
infults. The French monarch retaliated this charge
by giving the emperor the lie; and challenges were
formally fent to each other by thefe great princes.
But though they were both undoubtedly brave no
duel took place. His holinefs foon after this alter-
cation, efcaped. in difguife to Orivetto.
During the confinement of the . _. _
pope, Henry firft declared his inten-
tion of being divorced from his queen Catharine.
This memorable part of Englifti hiftory has ever
been liable to various conjectures, as principle or
intereft have fuggefted. Now to afcertain mo-
tives, of action, an exemption from the bias of
either, and an adherence to the eternal, invariable
maxims of equity, are indifpenfibly neceffary.
Proceeding therefore on thofe principles with which
we at firft fet out, it mall be our bufinefs to trace
this part of our hiftory, regardlefs of preceding
affirmations, or the conjectural opinions of other
writers, any further than they cbrrefpond with truth
and reafon. The king now profcffed fcruples of
confcience relative to his marriage with Catharine,
as that prineefs had before been efpoufed to his
elder brother Arthur, and defired that archbifhop
Warham might confult the Englifli prelates on that
fubject. The primate complied with his requeft,
and in a few days prefented him with a writing,
condemning the marriage, as contrary to all laws
both human and divine. This declaration was fub-
fcribed by all the prelates, except Fifher bifhop of
Rochefter, whofe name is faid to have been coun-
terfeited by cardinal Wolfey. The next point ne-
ceffary for the furtherance of Henry's defign, was
the confent and approbation of the Roman pontiff,
and with this view, doctor Knight was difpatched to
the court of Rome, with four papers for the figna-
ture of his holinefs. The firft was a commiffion to
cardinal Wolfey, to judge and determine the affair,
in conjunctions with fome Englifh prelates. The
fecond was a decretal bull, annulling the marriage
between the king and Catharine, as that princefs
had been previoufly efpoufed to his brother Arthur.
The third contained a difpenfation for Henry's
marrying another wife; and the fourth, an engage-
ment never to revoke the other three. After much
importunity, the pope figned the commiflion, and
the bull of difpenfation for the king, promifing:to
fend the other decretal bull for annulling the mar-
. wage,
HENRY
VIII.
283
riage, when he fhould have confidered the fubject
more maturely. Henry not fatisfied with this reply,
fent other ambaffadors, defiring his holinefs to grant
his requeft without limitation. Clement thus hai -
ra fled with repeated importunities,appointed Wolfey
and Campegio, his legates a latere conftituting them
his vicegerents in the caufe of the divorce, and in-
verting them with his whole authority. fliefe
conceflions were made at different periods, in order
to protract the time, and before the decretal pafled,
Lautrec the French general died of the plague, and
the army was ruined ; fo that Clement had nothing
to fear from the confederates. He therefore directed
Campegio to dally as long as poflible, and forbear
giving fentence of the divorce, till he fhould receive
frelh orders under his own hand. Campegio on his
' arrival in England began his legation, with. exhort-
ing the king to live in harmony with Catharine, and
•defift from the* profecution of the divorce. This
Advice proving ineffectual, he endeavoured to per-
fuacle ^ne queen to agree to the reparation ; but Ca-
tharine- rejected his couniel, alledging that me was
the king's lawful wife, and would remain fuch till
declared otherwife by the pope's fentence. Incenfed
at thefe tedious proceedings, Henry fent Sir Francis
Bryan, and Peter Vannes to Rome, to difcover the
caufes of delay. They were alfo directed to
fearch the pope's chancery for a pretended brief,
\vhichthe Spaniards afferted, confirmed the difpen-
fation of Catharine's marriage, granted by pope
Julius; to propofe feveral expedients to facilitate
the fentence ; and to offer a guard of two thoufand
Inen to affift his holinefs, in cafe of necefftty ; but
if this propofal mould be rejected, to counterbal-
lance the threats of Charles, with thofe of Henry.
Thefe agents finding the pope ftill undetermined,
Jplainly told him, that mould he refufe the fatisfac-
tion their matter expected from him, England
would renounce him and all his fucceflbrs. They
obfcrved, that the fubjectsof England, wanted only
their king's permiffion to fhake off all obedience to
the papal power. Thefe remonftrances had no effect
on Clement, who anfwered in general terms, and pre-
tended to think himlelf in fo dangerous a fituation,
that nothing but fomeunforefeen and extraordinary
event could give him relief. But though the pope
refufed, or at leaft evaded compliance with Henry's
full defire, he continued to heap favours on Wol-
fey; granted him two bulls to fupprefs feveral fmall
monafleries, and made divers other grants to gra-
tify that prelate. This year Henry lent ambaffa-
dors to his nephew, James of Scotland, with pro-
pofals of peace ; which on account of the diffrac-
tions of that kingdom could not be effected ; a
truce was however concluded at Berwick for five
years.
. y^ ^ Wolfey, informed that Clement had
' been feized with a dangerous malady,
hoped now to be exalted to the papal chair without
much difficulty. But his hopes were foon blafled,
by the recovery of that pontiff; who being ac-
quainted with what had paffed during his illnefs,
looked on Wolfey as a dangerous competitor, who
might one day fupplant him on pretence of his ille-
gitimacy, on account of which he had been already
threatened with depofition, by the emperor. How-
ever he thought it prudent to conceal his refent-
ment, and as a mark of his regard for Henry and
his favourite, expedited the neceflary bulls for con-
firming Wolfey in the bifhopric of Worcefter,
which he had juft received on the death of Richard
Fox, the late incumbent. In the mean time, Henry
importuned the legates to proceed on their com-
miffion, and they met for that purpofe, on the
thirty- firfc of May, when they appointed adjuncts to
affift them in examining the papers and evidences,
and then fummoned the king and queen to appear
before them on the eighteenth of June. When
affembled, the queen's agents objected to the aui
thority of the legates, but their refufal being over-
ruled, the king and queen appeared pcrfonally, on
the twenty-firfi clay of the month. Henry anfwered
to his citation, but the queen being called on, rofe
up, and falling on her knees before Henry, ad-
dreflecl him in the following manner; " 1 am a poor
helplcfs woman, and a fb anger in your dominions,
where I can neither expert impartial judges, nor
difinterefted council. I have been your wife about
twenty years, have borne you leveral children, and
ever ftudied to pleafe you. 1 pro t eft you found me
a virgin, for the truth of which affertion, 1 appeal to
your confcience. If 1 have been guilty of any
crime, let me be put away with fhame. Our pa-
rents were efteemed wife pi inces, and had cloubtlefs
good counfellcrs, when they concluded on our mar-
riage. I will not therefore fubmit to the authority
of this court. My lawyers are your fubjects, and
dare not fpeak freely on my behalf, for which reafori
I defire to be excufed till I hear from Spain."
Having thus fpoke, fhe arofe, and making a low
reverence to the king, retired from the court.
After her departure, Henry declared, that file had
ever been a dutiful and affectionate wife, and that
the whole tenor of her conduct, had been agreeable
to the fb'icteft rules of probity and honour; but that
his confcience being difquieted, he had refolved to
try the lawfulnefs of his mat riage, for the eafe of
his mind, and the benefit of his fucceffion. The
queen being again fumrnoned to appear, appealed
to the pope, and was declared contumacious.
Twelve articles were now drawn up, to bedifcuffed
by the examination of evidence. They declared,
that prince Arthur, and the king were brothers ;
that prince Arthur had efpoufed Catharine, and
confummatecl the marriage ; that on the death of
Arthur, Henry, by virtue of a difpenfation, had
married the widow ; that this marriage with his
brother's wife, was forbidden by laws both human
and divine ; and, that upon complaints, which the
pope had received, his holinefs had deputed them to
try and decide the affair. Impatient of delay, the
king fent for Wolfey, and reproached him in the
molt outrageous manner ; and a few hours after,
difpatched the earl of Winchefter, father to Anne
Boleyn, miftrefs of his paffions, to the cardinal,
ordering him to repair with Campegio, to the
queen's court in Bridewell, and endeavour to per-
luade, or terrify her into compliance, for with-
drawing the appeal, which both fhe and the emperor
had entered againit the court's proceedings. The
cardinal obeyed, but the queen infifted as me could
hope for no juftice in England, on Waiting th«
opinion of the Spanifh court, before fhe proceeded
any further. Her deportment to the prelates, was
fuch as became confcious integrity, blended with
virtuous refolution,. While the legates were pro-
ceeding very flowly in the procefs, the emperor's
envoys defired the pope to refer the caufe to Rome,
and the Englifh miniiters exerted all their influence
to prevent it. Both fides threatened to depofe him
on account of his illegitimacy, which furnifhed the
pontiff with a reafon for poftponing a declaration,
till he had concluded a treaty with Charles, which
was no fooner ratified, than he told the Englifh
agents, he was determined to have the caufe of the
divorce tried at Rome ; and for that purpofe figned
a bull of avocation, on the fifteenth day of July,
which he immediately difpatched to England. But
his minifters affured his holinefs, that the avocation
of the divorce, would certainly deprive the holy fee
of the fpiritual dominion of England. Clement,
neverthelefs, refufed to retract his refolution any
further, than by prolonging the citation till Chrift-
mas. From this period we may date the com-
mencement of Wolfey's fall, who had behaved dur-
ing the whole procefs, with fuch indifference, as
feemed
284
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
feemed highly incoiififtent with that zealous con-
cern, which on all other occafions he affected to
manifeft for the Jntereft of his mailer,
The emperor neglected nb means, that had a
probable tendency to ruin that prelate in the opinion
of Henry ; he invented defamatbry reports of him,
and by means of his emiffaries, the king received
copies of letters, fakl to be written by the cardinal
to his holinefs, to difapprove the divorce ; while
Anne Boleyn imputed the mifcarriage entirely fo
Wolfey's neglect, and her refentment was propor-
tioned to the greatnefs of her difappointment.
Her father, now promoted to the title of lord vif-
countRochfort, had removed her from court, in order
to prevent fcandal ; but when the commiffron was
annulled, me returned at the king's defire. The
king, to difpel his chagrin, made a progrefs through
the kingdom ; and on his return, lay in the houfe of
Mr. Creffy, at Waltham-crofs. This gentleman
had committed the education of his two fons, to
Thomas Cranmer, a doctor in theology, eminent
for his piety and learning, and a fecret favourer of
the doctrine of Luther. At fupper he was defired
to give his fentiments of the divorce, and being
preffed on the fubject, he propofed, that the king
mould confult all the univerfities. of Europe, as
the moft effectual method of deciding the contro-
verted point. When the king exclaimed, with a
transport of joy, " That Cranmer had got the right
fow by the ear ;" and he conceived fo favourable an
opinion of him, that he ordered him to follow the
court, and ever after confulted him in all cafes of
importance. On his return from this progrefs, he
fcnt a meflenger to the cardinal, demanding the
great feal, which he at firft refufed to deliver;
but on the king's writing to him the next day,
he refigned it to the dukes of Norfolk and
Suffolk, and it was given to Sir Thomas Moore, a
man of eminent learning and integrity. Campegio,
forefeeing the final ruin of his colleague, took his
leave of the king, and in a few days fet fail for
Italy. On the ninth of October, Hales the attorney
general, preferred an impeachment againft Wolfey,
accufing him of having violated the ftatute of pre-
munire. He owned the charge, pleaded ignorance
of the ftatute, and fubmitted himfelf to the king's
mercy. But being out of the king's protection, his
goods and chattels were forfeited to the king ; and
his palace of York-houfe, afterwards known by the
name of Whitehall, wasfeized for his majeity's ufe,
together with all the rich furniture, and treafure he
had accumulated. Humbled by this reverfe of for-
tune, he petitioned the king fos a protection for his
perfon, which he immediately obtained, with a free
pardon. He was reftored to the fees of York and
Winchefter, and recovered of his own effects the
amount of fix thoufand pounds in plate, money,
and furniture : and received feveral kind meffages
from the king and Anne Boleyn, from whence it
appears, that Henry's intention at this juncture,
was to humble the pride, not to ruin the fortune of
Jus old minifter. Thefe favourable fentiments were
however of fliort continuance ; his enemies foon
gained the afcendant at court, and brought into the
houfe of lords, an impeachment of high treafon
againft him: but when it was fent down to the
houfe of commons, Thomas Cromwell, one of the
members, who had been Wolfey's fervant, defended
him with fuch ftrength of argument, that the bill
•was rejected, and the profecution dropped. The
cardinal difcovered as much pufillanimity in adver-
lity, as he had arrogance and prefumption in
profperity ; and at length fickened in confequence
of fo many repeated mortifications. His indifpo-
fition feemed to rekindle the king's affection. He
had formerly fent him a valuable ring as a tefli-
mony of his protection, which the cardinal re-
ceived on the road to Winchefter, and was fo
affected with the kindnefs of his fovereign, that he
alighted, and fell on his knees in a tranfport of joy.
Henry how fent him another prefent of a ruby, by
his phyfician, doctor Butts; who affured him that he
fhould foon have a more convincing proof of his
majefty's affection. Thefe inftances of the royal fa-
vour, contributed to the recovery of the cardinal,
who obtairied the king's peimiffion to refide at
Richmond-palace for the benefit of the air.
In the beginning of the year, . -.
Henry*s agents returned from the A>L)>I53O'
continent, with the opinion of the foreign univer-
li'ties, concerning the legality of his marriage; thofe
of Paris, Aiigiers, Bourges, Oilcans, Thbuloufe,
Bologna, Ferrara, and Padua, unanimoufly agreed
that the king's marriage with Catharine, being con-
trary to all laws, human and divine, could ne-
ver be rendered valid by the difpenfation of pope
Julius II. The Engliffi univerfrties fubfcribed to
the fame opinion, though not without great oppo-
fition from the matters of arts, eipeciallyat Oxford,
and a fharp conteft at Cambridge. Henry having
obtained thefe declarations in his favour, and find-
ing his application to the pope ineffectual, prevailed
on his chief prelates and nobility, to fend a remon-
ftrance, by way of letter, to the pontiff; in which,
having mentioned the obligations- his holinefs owed
to the king, and the declfion of the univerfities, they
gave him to underftand, thatfhould herefufe to do
juftke in the affair of the divorce, they would re-
nounce their connection with the fee of Rome, and
feek for other remedies. To this letter, which was
figned by cardinal Wolfey, four prelates, two dukes,
two marquiffes, thirteen earls, two vifcounts,.twenty-
two abbots, and eleven commonei s, the pope wrote
an anfwer to juftify his conduct. But this apology
was fo far from being admitted, that Henry, in order
to anticipate any flep that might be taken in favour
of Catharine or the cardinal, iffued a proclamation,
forbidding all perfons whatever to publifh any thing
from Rome or elfewhere, that mould be contrary to
his royal prerogative ; or to divulge any thing of
that nature on pain of incurring his indignation,
and the penalties fpecified in the ftatute of provifos
and premunire. He alfo appointed feveral learned
men, to collect, compare, and publifh, all that had
been, or could be advanced in favour of the di-
vorce, together with the opinions of the univer-
fities, and a particular anfwer to Fimer, bifhop of
Rochefter, in defence of the marriage. - In the »
mean time, the mind of Wolfey was alternately
poffeffed by hope and defpair. Inthebeginningof his
difgrace, he had been reduced to great neceflity, from
which he was relieved by the bifhop of Carlifle ; but
afterwards his affairs feemed to^take a more favour-
able turn. He received a full pardon, confiderable
appoiHtments, kind meffages from the king, and
was permitted to fit among the peers in parliament ;
but at length his enemies prevailed on Henry, to
fend him an order for retiring to his archbifhopric of
York. He obeyed, but with much reluctance; and
proceeded by £hort ftages to Cawood, attended by
a train of an hundred and twenty horfemen, diftri-
buting alms and benedictions with great liberality.
In fhort, in adverfity, he affected a reformation from
thofe practices by which he had incurred the popu-
lar odium, when he was deprived of the power of
putting them in exercife. Upon his arrival at
York, the earl of Northumberland was ordered,
without paying any regard to his ecclefiaftical cha-
racter, to arreft him for high treafon, and conduct
him to London, in order to ftand his trial. The
haughty fpirit of the arrogant Wolfey was much
dejected by this event, and being feized with the
flux in thebeginningofhis journey, itwaswithmuch
difficulty that he reached Leiceiter-abbey. When
the abbot and monks advanced to pay their formal
compliments, he told them, that lie was come to
HENRY
VIII.
285
ay his bones among them; and foon after, finding
the arreft of the king of terrors at hand, he ad-
drefled himfelf to Sir William Kingfton, coriftable
of the Tower, to whofe charge he was committed in
the following terms. " Had I ferved my God with
the fame fidelity as I have ferved my king, he
would not have abandoned me in my old age; but
this is my juft reward. I pray you commend me to
the king, clefiring him to remember all that pafled
between us, touching the affair of queen Catharine ;
and then his majefty may determine whether or not
I have given juft caufe of offence. He is a prince
of royal courage, but rather than be thwarted in his
pleafure, would rifque the lofs of one half of his
realm. I have kneeled before him three hours fuc-
ceflively, to diffiiacle him from compliance with his
will and appetite, and could not prevail; therefore,
m after Kingfton, if ever you be of his council, de-
liberate ferioufly upon what you intend to advife,
for if once he fets his heart upon any thing, he is
not to be diverted from the purfuit." During this
fpcech, his voice faultercd, and in a few minutes
after he expired. Thus Fell the famous cardinal
Wolfey, a churchman of great abilities, intolerable
pride, and unmeafurable ambition. He exhibits a
ftriking inftance of the folly of thofe, who imagine
the paths of worldly greatnefs the paths of happi-
nefs. His character has been loaded with the moft
violent cenfures •, but great allowances mould be
made for the obftinacy and violence of Henry's
temper ; and the king's obftinacy often obliged him
to purfue meafures his better judgment con-
demned; and as the remaining part of Henry's reign
was more criminal than that in which his councils
were directed by Wolfey, there may be reafon to
fufpeft the partiality or thofe hiftorians who have
endeavoured to throw fuch a load of reproaches on
this great miniiier.
n The proteftant religion at this
• I53I> time had a great number of favourers.
The king refolved to renounce all papal jurifdic-
tion, and in the affair of the divorce, abode by the
determination of his own parliament and clergy.
For this purpofe both the parliament and clergy
met in convocation, on the fixth of January. The
chancellor opened the fofilons with declaring, That
the king did not deiire the diflblution of the mar-
riage from carnal motives, but from confcientious
ici uples, and his zeal for the welfare of the king-
dom, that the fuccefllon might not be difputed after
his deceafe. Then he produced a great number of
treatifes, penned by the ableft divines and cafuifts,
on the fubjeft of divorce, and the decifions of the
univerfities of France, Italy, and England. The
king then imparted his defign to the convocation
of the clergy, who, without hefitation, declared
againll the marriage. Notwithftanding this inftance
of complaifance, Henry proceeded gradually to di-
minifli the ecclefiaftical power, and by me^ns of the
influence of archbifhop Warhain, Thomas Crom-
well, and fome others of the council, obtained the
title of " Supreme head of the church," with this
faving claufe, " as far as confident with the laws of
Chrift." The convocation of York refolved alfo
to prefent his majefty with eighteen thoufand eight
hundred pounds j but as they had not owned the
king's fupremacy in the aft, they were informed it
would not be accepted ; they were therefore obliged
to follow the example of the other convocation.
Henry fatisfied with this acquilition of power, in-
dujged them with a pardon. He now caufed the
controvcrfial writings on the fubjecl of the divorce
to be published, that all his fubjefts might under-
ftand the cafe before the next feffion. As he was
very defirous of obtaining Catharine's confent to a
fep^ration, he fent feveral peers to perfuade her to
wave her appeal ; and when they preffed her to refer
the caufe to four ecclefiaftics, and as many fecu-
No. 27.
lars, flie replied, ihe would pray to God to fend the
king a quiet confcience ; but as flie was his lawful
wife, was determined to abide by her light, till the
court of Rome fhould declare the contrary. Find-
ing her inflexible, Henry fent her word, that flie
was at liberty to chufe her place of refidence at any
of his manors; and flie replied, " to whatever place
flie might be removed, flie could not be removed
from the ftation of his wife." She fir ft repaired to
Moore, and then to Eafthamftead, and afterwards
to Ampthill.
The humiliation of the prelates was highly
pleafing to the Englifli in general; they now began
openly to difcufs abftrufe points of religion, and
were by their intemperate zeal hurried into dan-
gerous extremes. Henry, alarmed at their com-
motions, refolved to convince the people,- that
though he had renounced the papal jurifdiction, he
had no intention to violate the fundamental laws of
Chriftianity ; and therefore iflued orders for the
rigorous puniihment of heretics ; in confequence of
which, two ecclefiaftics and a lawyer were con-
demned to the flames in Smithfield.
In the month of January, the com-,. ^
mons, who were privately inftrufted by
the court, prefented an addrefs, intreating his ma-
jefty to confent to the reformation of abufe, which
had crept into the immunities enjoyed by the clergy.
The king anfwered, that before he could afferit to
fuch a propofal, he muft hear what the clergy had
to alledge in their own defence; by which he meant
to infinuate, how much they flood in need of the
royal protection. Several acts were pafled which
flightly affefted fome of the privileges of that body,
though thefe were fully compenfated by a decree,
abfolving them from paying annates to the pope,
which had always been a heavy burthen. The
parliament nlfo declared, that the kingfliould be at
liberty, to annul, or confirm this aft, within a li-
mited time; and if in that interval, he fhould com-
prornife his difference with the court of Jlome, it
fhould be deemed inviolable; but fhould the pope,
on account of this aft, pretend to harrafs the
kingdom with fentences of excommunication and
interdict, thefe fentences fhould be wholly difre-
garded ; and all the clergy were ordered to cele-
brate divine fervice, as if they had never been
iflued. About this time the king received a letter
from the pope; importing, that he had heard of his
putting away his queen, and maintaining an illicit
commerce with another perfon, to the difgrace of
his character, and contempt of the holy fee, before
which the fuit was ftill depending. He therefore
exhorted him to difcard his miftrefs, and take back
his lawful wife, by which means he would avoid a
rupture with the emperor, and preferve the peace of
Chriftendom, which was the only fecurity againft
the progrefs of the Turks; In anfwer to this letter,
Henry reproached his holinefs with ignorance, par-
tiality, and deceit i declaring he had no intention of
making any further attempts on his authority, unlefsx
provoked ; defiring he would conform to the
opinion of fo many learned cafuifts, and do juftice
according to the dictates of his confcience. Cle-
ment, inftead of gratifying the king in his defire,
by a citation, fummoned him to appear in perfon,
or by proxy, at Rome, to anfwer to the queen's ap-
peal, and he accordingly fent Sir Edward Karne, as
his excufator. The plea of defence was argued in
the confiftory, and after much debate, was neither
allowed nor rejected. While thefe points were de-
bating at Home, the parliament met again in April,
and in the courfe of the feflion, one Temfe moved,
that an addrefs might be prefented to the king, de-
fiiing his majefty to recall the queen, and prevent
all the inconveniencies that might attend the illegiti-
mation of the princefs. Henry, incenfed at this
freedom, chid the fpeaker of the houfe,_and ap-
4D pealed
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Pealed to the 'teftimony of his own confcience, for
the juftificatioh of his conduft. At this period the
plague broke out in London, and the parliament
was therefore prorogtied till the enfuing February.
After this prorogation, Sir Thomas Moore, dread-
Jng the confequences that might attend a total rup-
tion with the court of Rome, and difapproving the
proceedings of Anne Boleyn, refigtled the office of
chancellor, which was conferred on Sir Thomas
Audley.
A _ Henry was privately married to
A. .U. 1533. Anne B0ieyn> by Rowland Lee, after-
wards bifhop of Litchfield and Coventry, in the
prefence of Cranmer, who now had fucceeded War-
ham, in the metropolitan fee, the dukes of Norfolk
and Suffolk, and Anne's father, mother, and bro-
thers. The parliament meeting in the month of
February, the convocation of Canterbury was
affembled at the fame time, and required to give
their opinions of the following queftions: Whether
or not the difpenfation granted by pope Julius, was
fufficient to render the marriage of Henry and Ca-
tharine binding and valid ? and whether or not the
confummation of Arthur's nuptials with that princefs
had been fully demonftrated ? The convocation de-
clared that the pope had.no power to grant difpen-
fations contrary to the law of God; and that the
confummation of the firft marriage had been as
fully proved as the nature of the cafe would admit.
This anfwer from both the convocations of Can-
terbury and York, determined the king to proceed
upon the caufe of the divorce, before the judicature
of his own clergy. This courfe he was the rather
inclined to purfue, as he was no longer able to con-
ceal his marriage with Anne Boleyn, who was now
become pregnant ; and it was therefore neceffary to
make it public, in order to fave her reputation.
The archbifhop being privately inftrufted, de-
manded permiffion of his majefty to determine the
affair of his former marriage with Catharine, whofe
confent to the divorce, the king had endeavoured
to procure by fair means; but all proving ineffec-
tual, the queen was fummoned to appear at Dun-
ftable. This citation fhe abfolutely refufed ; upon
which Cranmer pronounced fentence, declaring her
marriage null, as being contrary to the law of
God ; and confirmed at the fame time the king's
marriage with Anne Boleyn, who was crowned on
the firft day of June. The lord Montjoy was fent
by Henry with this fentence to Catharine, who flill
refufed to fubmit ; and the king ordered, that for
the future, £he ihould have no other title, than that
of princefs dowager of Wales. The pope iacenfed
at thefe proceedings, aggravated by a book which
Henry had written againft the papal jurifdiftion,
reverfed the fentence, declaring that the king him-
felf ihould be excommunicated, unlefs he renounced
all that had been committed againft the holy fee,
before the end of September. But Henry had
gone too far to recede ; however, at the interceflion
of Francis, he fent Gardiner, bifhop of Winchefter,
Sir Francis Bryan, and Sir John Wallop, accom-
panied by Edward Bonner, an arrogant meddling
prieft, to attend at the interview between Francis and
Clement, at Marfeilles. Bonner, foon after the
marriage was performed, demanded an audience of
his holinefs, and told him, that the king of England
had appealed to a future council, from any papal
fentence, that either was or might be given againft
him. This prefumption fo much incenfed his ho-
linefs, that he threatened to have Bonner thrown
into a cauldron of melted lead ; Francis alfo ex-
preffed his indignation at the arrogance of the Eng-
lifli prieft, and engaged to affift the pope in chaf-
tifirig him for fuch an affront, but fufFered the de-
linquent however to efcape. This intervention of
Bonner feemed to deftroy all hopes of an accommo-
dation, yet Francis did not defpair of feeing die
4
matter brought to a happy conclufion. On his re-
turn to Paris, he difpatched John de Bellay, bifhop
of that fee, with new proposals to Henry, who
agreed to the difputes being decided at Cambray,
by judges that could not be fufpefted of partiality.
The bifliop having gained this point, fet out in the
middle of winter for Rome, and found Clement clif-
pofed to embrace this expedient, in cafe Henry
would fign a writing, by which he fhould bind
himfelf to abide by the determination; and in order
to avoid delay, fixed a day for the return of the
courier, with the inftrument from England. No
fooner were the emperor's minifters apprized of
thefe proceedings, than they preffed the pope to re-
voke his engagement, and obtained a. promife from
his holinefs, that if the courier did not arrive by the
time appointed, he would pronounce fentence againft
Henry. The meffenger not arriving within the
limitted time, the bifhop of Paris applied for a re-
fpite of fix days alone : but the pope intimidated by
the menaces of the ImperhHils, refufed to comply
with this requeft. He publifhed a bull, declaring
the validity and legality of Henry's marriage with
Catharine, and commanding that prince, on pain of
eeclefiaftical cenfure, to recall his wife. The
courier arrived in two days after this decifion, from
England, with full power for the bifhop of Paris to
grant what the pope had demanded ; and feveral
cardinals advifed the pontiff to revoke the fentence ;
but the emperor's partisans prevailed upon him to
rejeft the propofal. Thus England was wholly dif-
membered from the fee of Rome.
The parliament meeting in the . _.
month of January, began the feffion T-534-
with an aft, repealing the ftatute of Henry IV.
againft heretics; not that they intended to exempt
them from the penalty of the laws, but in order to
hinder the clergy from being fole judges in fueh
cafes ; it was decreed, that for the future, heretics
fhould be tried by the laws of the land, without any
regard to the canon law. By another ftatute it
was enacted, that no fynod fhould be held by the
clergy, without the king's licence ; that his majefty
fhould nominate fixteen perfons from the parlia-
ment, and as many from the clergy, to examine the
canons and conftitutions of the church, with power
to abolifh fuch as were ufelefs, and confirm thofe
that were neceffary. This parliament alfo paffed an
aft of attainder, againft Elizabeth Barton, the holy
Maid of Kent, a native of the parifh of Aldington,
who was employed by certain ecclenaftics, to raife
difturbances in the kingdom. This girl being;
fubjeft to hifterical fits, was perfuaded by Richard
Mafter, the parifh prieft, that fhe was infpired from
above ; and like other fanatics, exhibited various
fymptoms of phrenzy, by diftorting her face, vehe-
ment exclamations, and even affirming, that the
Virgin Mary had appeared to her, and told her fhe
fhould never recover, till fhe had vilited her image,
which was erefted in a neighbouring church ; with
many other abfurdities mocking to common fenfe.
As ignorance is the mother of fuperftition, and cre-
dulity, the device gained in a fhort time many par-
tizans, who gloried in the abufe of their reafon, and
degradation of thofe fublime faculties, with which
the common parent of nature had endued them,
and were eafily induced to broach the moft palpable
nonfenfe : they held private meetings, and de-
bauched from their allegiance numbers of people,
among whom were many of the inhabitants of
Richmond, Greenwich, and Canterbury. At length
the king, apprehenfive of the confequences of this
impofture, ordered the maid and her accomplices
to be examined in the Star-chamber, where fhe
confeffed the device, and publicly read on a fcaffold,
in St. Paul's church, the articles of their con-
feffion. From thence they were conveyed to the
Tower, and being tried and found guilty of a moft
pernicious
HENRY
VIII.
287
pernicious impofture, were executed at Tyburn,
the twentieth day of April.
This parliament alfo palled an aft, declaring the
king's marriage with Catharine void, and fettmg
the fucceffion upon the iffue of his lawful wife
Anne, whether male or female ; after which, the
members having fworn to maintain the fucceffion,
the two houfes were prorogued to the third day of
November. The parliament had no fooner broke
up, than Henry fent commiffioners throughout the
kingdom, to adminifter the oath to all his ecclefi-
aftical fubjecls; importing, that they would be
faithful to the king, queen, their heirs and fuc-
ceflbrs ; that they held the king to be " the fu-
preme head of the Englifh church," and the pope
no more than another bifhop. This oath was vo-
luntarily taken by the majority of the clergy ; but
Fifher, bifhop of Rochefter, with Sir Thomas
Moore, abfolutely refufed. Sir Thomas declared,
he was willing to fwear to the fucceflion, provided
they would allow him to draw up the oath himfelf.
Cranmer and Cromwell expreffed much concern for
him, and endeavoured to convince him by argu-
ments: and Cranmer propofed, that his expedient
mould be accepted; but the king being incenfed
againft them, they were fent to the Tower, de-
barred the ufe of pen and paper ; and Fifher, to the
eternal difgrace of his fovereign, was ftripped of
every thing in his old age, but a few rags which
hardly covered his nakednefs.
Having in vain endeavoured to perfuade to fub-
miffion, Henry began to apprehend a ttorm from
his nephew Charles, who had undertaken to exe-
cute the pope's fentence, and propofed to render
his union with Francis ftill more firm, for their
common fafety. But before his defign could be
carried into execution, pope Clement died, and was
fucceeded by cardinal Farnere, who affumed the
title of Paul III. On the twenty-third of Novem-
ber, the Englifh parliament enafted feveral impor-
tant laws, to deftroy all future connection between
the kingdom and the pope. They confirmed the
title of fupreme head of the church, which the
clergy had already beftowed on the king. They
declared all thofe who mould fpeak, write, or ima-
gine any thing to the prejudice of the king or
queen, guilty of high treafon. When they had
broke up, the king iffued a proclamation, to fnp-
prefs the name of the pope, and eraze it from all
books and writings. By this time the reformation
had made a confiderable progrefs in England ; the
writings of Luther were well known to the fubje&s
of Henry, and the bible was tranflated into the
Englifh language by Tindal, who had retired into
the Low Countries. The bifhop of London ordered
fome copies of this tranflation to be burnt by the
hands of the common hangman, and feveral perfons
fuffered martyrdom with amazing refolution.
Thefe feverities, however, inftead of fuppreffing,
ferved only to ftrengthen the fpirit of religious op-
pofition, which was ftill farther inflamed by the
quarrel of the Roman pontiff. The reformation
was favoured by Anne Boleyn, archbifliop Cran-
mer, and fecretary Cromwell ; but at the fame time
it was ftrongly appofed by the duke of Nor-
folk, bifhop Gardiner, and many other ecclefiaftics,
who frequented the court. Henry himfelf ad-
hered firmly to the Roman faith, and had written
more than once againft Luther, who treated him in
a veryfcurrilous manner; and though that reformer
afterwards humbled himfelf by letter to the king,
he could never forgive the infolence of his firft at-
tack. Though Henry had abolifhed the papal ju-
rifdiction, and concluded a treaty of peace with his
nephew the king of Scotland, he did not enjoy that
tranquillity which he might have expected to reap
from his fuccefs. He gave a loofe to his paffions,
and became boifterous, cruel and arbitrary. The
monks having incenfed him by perfohal reflections,
he refolved to execute his vengeance on them with-
out mercy. He was particularly exafperated againft
the new pope, Paul III. who created the bifhop of
Rochefter a cardinal, as a recom pence for his having
denied the king's fupremacy ; and to (hew his re-
fentment, ordered the oath to be once more ten-
dered to that prelate, who refufing it as before, wa3
condemned and executed as a traitor. Sir Thomas
Moore was alfo inveigled into a conference about
the fupremacy ; and fome hints, joined to his for-
mer conviction, ferved as a pretext for taking away
his life. He was accordingly condemned and be-
headed; but Henry incurred much reproach from
the death of a man revered for his honefty, and ad-
mired for his learning, and facetious humour, which
he exerted to the very clofe of life. In confequence
of thefe proceedings, the pope denounced fentence
of excommunication againft Henry, abfolving all
his fubjecls from their oath of allegiance: he ordered
all ecclefiaftics to retire from his dominions ;
commanded the nobility to rife up in arms againft
him ; laid the kingdom under an interdict ; forbade
all Chriftians to communicate with the Englifh;
annulled all treaties which other powers had con-
cluded with Anne Boleyn ; and declared all the
children, which fhould be produced by that mar-
riage, illegitimate, and incapable of fucteflion.
The king, informed of this attack, fent ambaffadors
to the proteftant princes, who had entered into a
league at Smalcade in Germany, to propofe an
union of intereft; but thefe powers, whole main de-
fire was to enjoy liberty of confcience, wifely
avoided any connection with a prince who con-
demned their doctrines, and even perfecuted thofe
of his fubje&s, by whom thefe doctrines were pro-
feffed.
Henry now determined a general vifitation of
the monafteries, in order to enquire ftriclly into the
titles, revenues, and morals of the friars and nuns,
and the regulations obferved in each order. By
this expedient, he propofed to wreak his vengeance
on the monks, who had oppofed his defigns, and
augment his owri\evenue with their fpoils. Thomas
Cromwell being appointed vifitor general, nomi-
nated fubftitutes to examine the monafteries, and
thefe deputies were no friends to monaftic inftitu-
tions, did not fail to exaggerate the particulars in
their reports. They firft menaced the delinquent
friars and nuns, with the utmoft rigour of the law,
and then hinted, that in order to conceal the faults
of which they had been guilty, they fliould refign
their houfes to the king, who would take care to
provide for the fubfiftence of every individual. The
reports of thefe vifitors, according to fome hiftorians,
are of fo enormous a nature, that they cannot be re-
lated without offending decency and mocking mo-
deration-, which, added to the motives of the vifita-
tion, and the prejudice of the deputies, we think
fufficient to juftify an omiffion of the particulars.
During thefe tranfa&ions, the king deprived car-
dinal Campegio, and an Italian, called Ghinacer,
of their bifhoprics of Salifbury and Worcefter ; and
beftowed them upon Nicholas Shaxton, and Hugh
Latimer, who favoured the reformation.
This year was ufhered in with the ^ ^ .
death of the unhappy and much in-
jured queen Catharine, which happened at Kim-
bolton in Somerfetfhire, on the twenty-ninth of Ja-
nuary in the fifty third year of her age, after hav-
ing fuftained a long feries of afflictions. She lived
on the penfion affigned her, as princefs dowager of
Wales, and notwithftanding her ill treatment in this
kingdom, difcovered not the leaft inclination of
leaving it, being fuppofed to be detained by her
paternal care of the princefs Mary. A little before
her death, me wrote a letter to the king, in which
{he addrefled him as her moft dear lord, king, and
hulbaod .
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Iiulband. and aflurcd him of her fincere forgivcnefs,
for all the calamities, in which his ungovernable
paflion had involved her, and concluded with thefe
remarkable words; " I make this vow, that mine
tyes.. defire you above all things.". This "pathetic1
letter oreatly affected Henry, who is faid to have
dropped fome tears at the remembrance of a wo-
man, whofe virtues 'deferved a better fate. She was
buried in the- abbey church of Peterborough, which
Henry afterwards converted into a cathedral.
Though good effects have arifen from the divorce
of this princefs, an impartial view of Henry's cha-
racter, and that of the unhappy Catharine, together
with the whole progrefs of his conduct refpecting it,
and the. circumrhmces antecedent to it, muft. ftirely
convince every honeft, unprejudiced mind, that it
was a fligrant injury done to- the perfon and cha-
racter of aiirhonourable and virtuous woman. They
being joined in a ft ate of wedlock, by a competitive
a<^ of their parents during their minority, if Henry
had effected th'edivorce immediately on his arrival at
maturity of judgement, the candid might hav.e been
induced to think, that he acted from confcientious
motives; but as it was deferred to a remote period,
and his queen, even by his own confefTion. had
evinced the moft virtuous and amiable qualities, we
refer it to the ingenious reader, whether his con-
duct in this lef'pect was intrinficall'y good or bad,
according to thofe eternal maxims of truth, on
which all rcli ion is founded.
The parliament meeting for difpatch of bufinefs,
an act was p iffed, fupprefilng all monaftcries, whofe
revenues did not exceed two hundred' pounds a
year, and appropriating their income to his ma-
jefty's ufe. By which ftatute the crown acqir'red a
yearly revenue of thirty thoufand pounds, beficies a
capital- of above one hundred thoufand pounds,
arifing from the plate, ornaments, and effect's of
churches and convents. The king then erected a
riew court of juftice, called the court of augmenta-
tion of the crown revenues, for taking cognizance
of .all fuch fequfftrations. At this period the king1
was petitioned to employ fome able perfons to tran-
ilate the fcriptures, and the queen feconded the pe-
tition, with which Henry complied ; and, though the
tVanflators are not known, the work was in three years
printed at Paris. The king, having thus obtained
all his delires, diffolved that parliament, after it had
continued fitting fix years. During thefe tranfac-
tions, the queen was delivered of a dead male child,
to the unfprakable chagrin of the king, who looked
on this accident as a judgement from heaven. His
Jove for Anne Boleyn now began to cool, while the
Beauty of Jane Seymour, one of the queen's ladies,
raifed a new flame in his breaft, and his paflions
were fo ftrong and impetuous, that he facrificed
every thing to their gratification. Thefe con-
curring motives for his alienation from the queen,
were ftrengthened by her own deportment, which
was too fi ank and unguarded to fcreen her from the
imputation? of levity and indifcretion. Her ene-
mies, particularly the duke of Norfolk, and thofe
who adhered to the old religion, took advantage of
this difpofition to inflame the king's jealoufy, the
principal fomenter of which was lady Rochford,
who hinted to the king, that his queen carried on a
criminal correfpondence with her own brother, the
lord Rochford; and this infinuation, through the
difguft he had taken to Anne, and his new paflion
for Jane Seymour had vaft effect. As flie favoured
the reformation, the partizans of the pope confpired
her ruin; and {he was not only accufed of inceft
with Uochford, but alfo of criminal converfe with
Henry Norris, groom of the flole, Weflon and
Brereton, gentleman of the king's privy chamber,
and Smeton, a mufician. Thefe charges were very
defective in pom*- of evidence, yet they were fuffi-
eicnt to rufile the mind 'of Henry, who is faid to
3
havefeen the queen, at a tournament at Greenwich,
to drop her handkerchief to One of her minions, that
he might wipe his face, having overheated himfelf
in the exercile. Whatever 'might be the caufe, he
commanded the queen to be confined to her cham-
ber, and the fufpected delinquents to be committed
to the Tower. The queen imagined at firlt that
the king was in jeft, but when {he found it was a
fericus affair, fhe retired to hercloiet, and prepared
for1. death. This reverfe of fortune affected her fo
fenlibly, that flie' was icize'd with hyfteric fits, dur-
ing which me exhibited figns of a nioft violent agi-
tation. When me was conveyed to the Tower, fh6
fell on her knees, and appealed to heaven for her
innocence. Cranmer alone, of all her adherents,
preferved his fiiendfhip inviolate; and as far as the
king's impetn'ofify would allow him, endeavoured)
to remove the violent and (mjuft prejudices Tvhich
he had conceived to her detriment ; but all his at-
tempts proved ineffectual. On the fifteenth of
May, the queen and her brother Rochford, were
brought to their trial before the duke of Noifo k,
as lord high fteward for the occafion, the duke of
Suffolk, the marquis of Exeter, the earl of Ai-undct,
and twenty-five other peers. The unfoi tunate
queen was charged with criminal converfation witSi
her brother, and four others; and alfo with having
confpirecl the king's death. She pleaded, Not
guilty, and drftinctly anfwered all the evidence that
was brought againft her. She was, however. 'con-
victed, and condemned to be burnt, or beheaded,
at the pleafure of the king. Her brother allo was
condemned to be beheaded and quartered; nor did
this fatisfy the vengeance of Henry, wh6 caufcd her
marriage to be proclaimed null and infuflicient, on
account of a pre-contract between her and the earl
of Northumberland, and her daughter iileg timate.
When brought to the fcaffold, me laid {he was come:
to die, as {lie had been adjudged by the law; fhe
prayed heartily for the king; and defired the peo-
ple would judge of him with charity ; {he took Lave
of all the fpectators, defiling they would pray for
her, and having fpent fome time in devotion, fub-
mitted to the fatal flreke, which was given by an,
executioner, fent over from Calais. Thus came lo-
an untimely end the unhappy Anne Boleyn, a facri-
fice to the impetuous pafiions of Hemy, inflamed
by the malicious fuggeftions of her enemies. The
king, eager to gratify his brutal appetite, and
wholly regardlefs of decency and decorum, efpouled
lady Jane Seymour, on the very day that fucceeded
her execution. In the month of June, a ftatute *A as
enacted by a new parliament, repealing the foimer
act of fucceflion; declaring the children < f the two
firft marriages illegitimate, excluding them from the
inheritance from the crown, and adjudging it after
the king's death, to his iffue by lady Jane, or any
other wife he might afterwards efpoufe. This par-
liament alfo paffed an ad, whereby all thofe, who
in any manner attempted to re-eftablifh in England,
the authority of the bifliop of Rome, fliould" incur
the penalty of premunire.
Cromwell and Cranmer ftill maintained their
influence at court; and the latter was appointed
the king's vicegerent in all. ecclefiaftical affairs.
In this character he informed the convocation, at
the king's defire, that the rites and ceremonies . f
the church mould be reformed by fcriptui e, and
in a few days produced a fet of articles drawn up
by Henry himfelf, concerning the doctrines cf
religion;' that the clergy might .examine them, and
make a faithful report of their deliberations.
In this debate, the friends and enemies of the
reformation declared themfelvcs openiy. Cranmer
was joined by Goodrick, bifliop of Ely; Shaxton,
of Salifbury; Latimer, of Worcefter;, Barlow, of
St. David's ; Fox, of Hereford; and Hilfey, of
Kochcfter. The other party were headed by Lee,
archbifhop
ri/r-JSnry vnr, -^^/^z-^e^f^/,
HENRY
VIII.
289
archbifliop of York; Stokefly, bifliop of London j
Tonftan, of Durham ; Gardiner, of Wincliefter •,
Longford, of Lincoln ; Sherburn of Chicliefter ;
Nix, of Norwich; and Kite of Carlifie. But
Cranmer and Cromwell had the king's ear, and
perfuaded him, that the abufes of vhich they
demanded an abolition, tended directly to the
fupport of papal ufurpation. After very warm
debates, the convocation agreed to certain articles,
digefted in the form of conflitutions, and import-
ing, that the Holy Scripture was the foundation of
faith, together with the creeds of the apoftles, the
council of Nice, and Athanafius ; that bapcifm
was abfolutely neceffary, as well as penitence, com-
prehended in the three acfs of contrition, auricular
confeflion, and amendment of life; that the real
body of Chrift was prefent in the eucharift; that
justification was attained by regeneration, compoled
of contrition, faith, and charity; that .images
fhould be retained in churches, though worfhip
fliould not be paid to the image, but to God
alone ; that faints ought to be honoured, though
•without believing that they could grant what was
in the gift of God alone; that they might, never-
thelefs, be invoked without fuperftition, and their
feftivals obferved; that the number of thefe might
be abridged by the king's authority; that the
ufual ceremonies of the church fhould be retained,
fuch as the prieft's veftments, holy-water, confe-
crated-bread, tapers on Candlemas-day, afhes on
Aih-Wednefday, palms on Palm-Sunday, proftra-
tion before the crofs on Good-Friday, hallowing
of the font, exorcifms, and benedictions •, that
prayei s mould be put up for departed fouls, and
alms given for mafies and obfequics ; but as the
place they were in, and the pains they fuftered,
were not afcertained by fcripture, they fhould be
referred to the mercy of God ; that purgatory,
and the pope's power of delivering fouls from
thence, mould be exploded.
The act for the fupprefling fmall monafteries,
which took place in the month of Auguft, oc-
cafioned great clamours among the people ; who,
inflamed by the fuggeftions of the mdnks, infinu-
ating, that the king meant to deftroy all the
monafteries, without exception, affembled in Lin-
colnfhire, to the number of twenty thoufand, under
the conduct of doclor Mackrel, prior of Barlins,
difguifed like a cobler. Thefe fent a petition to
Court, requefting the king to confider and redrefs
the grievances to which they were expofed ; but
his majefty, inftead of granting their requeft, pub-
liflied a very fevere anfwer, and fent the duke of
Suffolk againft them, at the head of fome forces
levied for that purpofe. This conduct ferved only
to inflame the infurgents, and gave the clergy an
opportunity of reprefenting the ftate of the people
to be as really enflaved as that of the Turks ; and
that they were now to expect an extermination, not
only of popery, but Chriftianity itfelf. Several
perfons of diftinftion among them privately cor-
refponded with the duke of Suffolk, and affined
him, that their fole view was to bring by degrees
the common, people to a fenfe of their duty; and
that if the king would indulge them with an am-
nefty, they would difperfe without bloodflied.
The duke acquainted his majefty with this in-
formation ; who, in confideration of a commotion
excited in Yorkfliire, publifhed an amnefty in
favour of -the Lincoln revolters, who immediately
difperfed, though fome of them joined the infur-
gents of York. Thefe were preceded by priefts
with crucifixes, and the paflion of Chrift was
painted on their banners. They compelled all the
freeholders either to join them or fly the country ;
and re-eftabliflied the monks who had been clif-
poffeffed. The earl of Shrewfbury having armed
his vaflals to oppofc their progrefs, was created
No. 28.
king's lieutenant againft the confpirators ; the duke
of- Suffolk being ordered to remain in Lincoln-
fhire, to prevent any frefh commotions in that
county* Several noblemen alfo were commiflioned
to inlift men ; and the king himielf began to
aflemble an army under the command of the duke
of Norfolk. Thefe proceedings gave rife to a
frefh rebellion. Two gentlemen, called Mufgrave
and Tilby,, putting themfelves at the head of "eight
thoufand peafants, made an attempt upon Carlifle,
from which, however, they were repulfed, and
afterwards entirely defeated by the duke of Norfolk.
Mufgrave efcaped ; but Tilby, with feventy of
his followers were taken, and hanged upon the
walls of Carlifle.
An event now happened of a more . n
joyous and important nature. This A-L)-I537«
was, the birth of a young prince at Hampton-
court, on the twelfth day of Auguft, who was
baptized by the name of Edward; and though the
mother died in a few days after her delivery, it
afforded Henry infinite fatisfaclujn, as it gratified
his pride, and removed all doubts with refpecl to
the fucceflion. Six days after his birth, the infant
was created prince of Wales, duke of Cornwall,
and eurl of Chcfter. At the fume time the queen's
brother, Sir Edward Seymour, lately made lord
Beauchamp, was created earl of Hertford ; Sir
William Fitzwilliams, earl of Southampton ; Sir
William Paulet, lord St. John ; and Sir John Ruffel
was dignified with the title of lord Ruffel.
The late commotions had fo in- ^
cenfcd the king againft the whole '^ 3 8-
monuftic feel, that he determined on its total abo-
lition. His refolntion, in this particular, appears
to have been actuated by intereft, as well as re-
fentment; for he appropriated the rents and riches
of the convents and monafteries, which at his
inftigation were razed, to his own private ufe.
He therefore again ordered a general and minute
vifitation of the monafteries, in confequence of
which, as before, the deputies made the moft in-
decent and horrid reports. This foftened all op-
pofition to Henry, who attacked the flirine of
St. Thomas a Becket at Canterbury, which ex-
celled all others in magnificence and pretended
fanctity. We have obferved, vaft numbers of
pilgrims reforted to this famous flirine, and even
preferred it to thofe of Chrift, and the Virgin
Mary ; for in one year, the offerings made at die
altar of Chrift, and the Virgin, did not exceed four
pounds, while thofe at the flirine of Becket,
amounted to between eight and nine hundred.
Lewis VII. of France had vifited this tomb, and
prefented it with a jewel, which was deemed the
richeft in Europe. The flirine was now broken
and taken down, together with the gold that
adorned it, to an immenfe value. The king
ordered his bones to be burned, his name to be
crazed from the calendar, and the office for his
feltival expunged from the breviary. Thefe pro-
ceedings were no fooner known at Rome, than that
city was filled with fatires and libels againft the
pcribn and conduct of Henry. He was branded
with the moft notorious infamy and facrilege, and
compared to the moft cruel and lawlefs "tyrants
that ever foiled the pages of hiftory. His emifla-
ries at Rome informed him, that the intelligence
from England was generally directed to cardinal
Pole; in confequence of which he wreaked his
revenge on that ecclefiaftic, by caufing fcveral of
his relations to be apprehended and executed as
traitors. The pope now publiflicd his bull of'
excommunication, and endeavoured to c;-:cite the
neighbouring princes againft him; and even of-
fered his kingdom to James of Scotland, provided
he was able and willing to fubdue it. Henry, in-
formed of the publication of this bull, exacted
4 E from
290
THE-NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
from the bifliops and abbots a new oath, by
which they renounced the pope's authority; and a
new tranflation of the Bible, printed at London,
being prefented to him by Cromwell, he permitted
copies of it to be diftributed throughout the king-
dom. At the fame time he ordered the clergy to
read the Lord's prayer, the creed, and the ten
commandments in the Englifh tongue. They were
directed to infift on practical religion, and expofe
the futility of pompous rites and ceremonies.
The bifhop of Winchefter was, by this time, re-
turned from France; and though averfe to the
reformation, difguifed his fentiments fo artfully,
that the king beftowed on him fome degree of
confidence, on account of his complaifance and
fubmifllon. This prelate raifed a perfecution againft
thofe who denied the real prefence in the eucha-
rift; and one John Nicholfon was burned in Smith-
field, with circumftances of horrid barbarity. In
the mean time cardinal Pole maintained a private
conefpondence in England, and is even faid to
have afpired at the crown through a marriage with
the princefs Mary; but the king difeovering his
intrigues, ordered his correfpondents to be executed
as traitors. On the twenty-eighth of April, the
Jaw of the fix articles, commonly called the
bloody ftatute, was crafted, denouncing death
againft all thofe who mould deny tranfubftantiation;
maintain the neceflity of communicating both fpe-
cies; affirm that it was lawful for priefls to marry ;
that the vows of chaftity might be violated ; that
private mafles were nfelefs ; and that auricular
confeflion was not neceflary to falvation. This
ftatute was fuggefted by bifhop Gardiner, who
aflured the king, that nothing would more effectu-
ally prevent the formation of a league againft him,
than thus to convince the world that he had not
varied the eflentials of religion ; -and that no
perfon could accufe him of herefy while he main-
tained thefe fix articles, which fo eminently diftin-
guifhed the true catholics from fectaries and inno-
vators. Cranmer vehemently oppofed this ftatute;
but as foon as the bill paffed he font his wife to
Germany, of which me was a native. This par-
liament, which was wholly at the king's devotion,
confirmed him in the pofleflion of the religious
houfes which he had fupprefled, and empowered
him to erect fome new biflioprics. Six hundred
and forty-five monafteries were fupprefled in Eng-
land and Wales, of which twenty- eight had abbots,
who enjoyed a feat in parliament; ninety colleges
were demolifhed, together with two thoufand three
hundred and fevemy-four chantries and free chapels,
the annual revenue of the whole being equal to
one hundred and fixty-one thoufand and one
hundred pounds. From this fund, Henry is faid
to have increafed the number of colleges and pro-
feffors in the tiniverfities, and founded the bifhop-
rics of Weftminfter, Oxford, Peterborough, Brif-
tol, Chefter, and Gloucefter; that of Weftminfrer
was diffolved by queen Mary, and Benedictines
placed in the abbey; bxit queen Elizabeth con-
verted it into a collegiate church, and a feminary
for young fcholars.
From his confcientious behaviour, Cranmer ftill
retained the king's efteem, though he oppofed the
fix articles; and therefore infinuated to him, as he
could not be fatisfied in his mind till the people
ihould be fully coovinced of his right to the fupre-
inacy, that nothing would more contribute to that
end than a free ufe of the fcriptures; by which
they would be aflured that the pope's authority
was not founded on the word of God. Henry no
fooner fignified his approbation to this propofal,-
than Gardiner vehemently oppofed it; and the
two prelates difputed on the fubject in the prefence
of the king, who decided in favour of Cranmer,
telling the other he was but a novice, in compa-
rifon with his learned and experienced antagonift.
Letters patent were therefore granted to the fecre-
tary, importing, that the fubject s of England
mould have the free ufe of the Bible tranflated
into their mother tongue, and that for five years
there fhould be no impreflions of the Bible, or
any part of it, but fuch as he fhould appoint.
At this period Anne of Cleves, who had been
fome time contracted to Henry by means of Crom-
well, arrived in England. When the king heard
of her landing at Rochciter, he went thither in-
cognito to fee his future confort, and found her
fo different from her picture, which had been drawn,
by Sir Hans Holbein, that in the violence of his
paflion he fivore they had brought him a Flanders
marc. Reflecting, however, that her brother the
duke of Cleves, was one of the moft confiderable
potentates in Germany; that her brother-in-law,
the duke of Saxony, was the chief of the league
of Smalcade ; and that the emperor was then at
Paris, endeavouring to detach Francis from the
intereft of England; he thought it moft prudent to
efpoufe the princefs, and the nuptials were folem-<
nized on the fixth day of January.
The parliament having aflembled . -p.
on the twelfth of April; Cromwell^
opened the feflion with a fpeech, in which he in-
formed both houfes, that the king, in order to end
all religious difputes, had appointed commifuoners
to examine the controverted articles, that a rule of
faith might be eftablifhed upon the word of God
alone; and that after fuch a ftandard fhould be
fixed, he was determined to inflict the fevereft;
punifhment on thofe who Ihould dare to diffent
from the public creed i a determination nearly re-
fembling the decrees of that church, which Henry
pretended to abolifl). Thefe commiflioners being
approved by parliament, were ordered to begin
their examination without delay; and in the mean
time the king created Cromwell earl of Eflex.
During this feflion, the order of the knights of St.
John of Jerufalem was diflblved, on pretence of
their attachment to the pope and emperor, and all
their effects in England and Ireland confifcated for
the ufe of the king, who allotted three thoufand
pounds yearly for their fubfiftence. Shortly after
the prorogation of this parliament, the fall of
Cromwell was refolved on, and the means of
effecting it concerted and executed. The duke
of Norfolk, and bifliop Gardiner, did not fail to
add to the difcontent of the king, who had ex-
preflcd great diflatisfaction on account of the mar-
riage. They reprefented, that the kingdom was
filled with mal-contents on account of religion ;
that they looked upon Cromwell as the author of
thofe meafures, which they disapproved ; that he
had acquired an immenfe fortune by oppreffion ;
and that the facrificing him to the refentment of
the public, wonld conciliate the favour of his
fubjects. The king, wrought on by thefe inlinua-
tions, gave up his favourite to the vengeance of
the people, hoping by that means to recover their
affection. But this defign was kept fo fecret, that
he attended the council about the middle of June,
when he %was arrefted for high treafon by the duke
of Norfolk, and fent prifoner to the Tower. The
fall of this minifter gave great fatisfaction to the
people, who now remembered the meannefs of his
extraction, the infolence of his manners, and the
felf-interefted views of his whole conduct. His
power was envied even by the reformers ; whom,
though he favoured, he could not protect; and
therefore they attributed that to apoftacy, which
probably was only the effect of inability. The
Romans hated him as the grand caufe of all their
calamities; and indeed he never favoured either
party, but as it fluted his intereft. Cranmer alone,
of all his friends, adhered to him in his cliftrefs,
and
HENRY
291
and went farther in efpoufing his caufe with the
king, than any other man would dare to do ; but
all his interpolation was ineffectual ; for Cromwell,
without being heard in his own defence, was, by a
bill of att.iiricler, found guilty of divers herefics
and treafons, and condemned to fuffer death, in
whatever manner the king mould think proper to
dired. This was fucceeded by the dilTolution of
the marriage between Henry and his new wife ; a
diffolution on which he was determined, not only
on account of his averlion to Anne of Cleves,
but principally becaufe he was enamoured of Ca-
tharine Howard, daughter of lord Edmund, and
brother to the duke of Norfolk. The king was
highly pleafed with Catharine, and Gardiner made
frequent entertainments at his own houfe for the
royal lover and his miftrefs ; the ftratagem fuc-
ceeded ; the king was fo pleafed with his miftrefs,
that he offered to make her his partner in the
throne ; and in confequence of this new con-
nection, Cromwell, his minifter, was executed
•without delay, all his fervices being difregarded or
forgotten.
. Y) To procure a divorce from Anne
' of Cleves, now wholly engroffed
Henry's attention ; and he found no difficulty in
obtaining a deciiion from the convocation in his
favour. The houfe of lords, with a committee of
the commons, waited an the king with an addrefs,
defiling he would give orders for trying the vali-
dity of his marriage. A commiffion was accord-
ingly granted. They immediately proceeded to
the examination of witneffes, and the fubftance of
their evidences amounted to thefe particulars ; that
there had been a pre-contract between the queen
and the marquis of Lorrain ; that the king having
married againft his will, had not given a pure,
inward, and complete confent ; and that he had
not consummated the marriage. Thefe objections
were certainly very frivolous; but as the queen
made no oppofition, they were thought fufficient ;
fentence was pronounced for a diffolution of the
marriage, and the decifion of the clergy was rati-
fied by the parliament. The queen expreffed no
diffatisfaction. She was fatisfied on being informed,
that the king would, by letters patent, declare her
his adopted fitter, and give her precedence before
all the ladies in England, except his own wife and
daughters ; that an eftate of three thoufand pounds
a year mould be allotted for her maintenance ; and
that flic might either live in England, or return to
her own country. She chofe the former ; and was
even prevailed upon to write a letter to her brother,
the duke of Cleves, informing him that me had
been treated in the moft tender, generous manner
by the king, though me could not have him for
her hufband ; and conjuring him not to break the
harmony that fubfifted between the two courts, on
account of any thing that had happened to her in
England. Thus was her marriage diffolved on the
moft frivolous pretences that ever were urged be-
fore a court of juftice. Soon after this divorce
from Anne of Cleves, Henry married Catharine;
the ceremony being performed on the eighth of
Auguft following. But this marriage had no
eflecl; on the cruelty of Henry, which feemed to
have taken poffeffion of his foul. His councils
being directed by Norfolk and Gardiner, the re-
formers underwent a fevere perfccution, and the
fix bloody articles, as they were called, were ri-
goroufly executed. Dr. Barnes, Thomas Gerard,
and William Jerome, vicar of Stepney, were con-
demned to the ftake for herefy ; but they did not
iufler alone : three bigotted catholics fliared the
fame fate, and perimed in the fame flames, for
denying the king's fupremacy. Barnes difcuffed
theological queftions even at the ftake; and as the
debate between him and the (heriff turned upon
the invocation of faints, he faid, that he doubted
whether the faints could pray for us ; but if they
could, he hoped, in half an hour, to be praying
for the flieriff and all the fpeclatots. This promif-
cuous punifhment of protefhnts and catholics,
gave occafion to a foreigner then in England to
fay, that it was of no conference whether they
were for or againft the pope, fince both loft their
lives for their opinions.
An inconfiderable rebellion broke out at this
time in Yorkfhire, headed by Sir John Nevill ;
but being foon fuppreffed, Nevill and the other1
officers were executed. The king's fufpicion fell
upon cardinal Pole, to \\hofe intrigues he fuppofed
this rebellion was owing ; and this to him was a.
fuflicient reafon for making the countefs of Salifbury^
who then lay under fentence of death, fuffer for
her fon's offences. On the twenty-feventh of May,
flic was led to the place of execution ; and in thefe
diftrefsful circumftances, this venerable matron flili
maintained the fpiiit of that long race of monarchs
from whom me was defcended. She abfolutely
refufed to lay her head on the block, alledging,
that flic would not fnbmit to an unjuft fentence,
when me had received no trial ; telling the execu-
tioner that if he would have her head, he muft win
it in what manner he could ; and making her
venerable locks, inn about the fcaffold, while he
followed her with his axe, aiming many ineffectual
ftrokes at her neck, before he could give her the
fatal blow. Thus perimed the daughter of the
duke of Clarence, the laft of the Plantagenet line,
which had governed England during the fpace of
three hundred years. Soon after the countefs of
Salifbury's death, lord Leonard Grey, who had
formerly rendered fcrvice to the crown, was alfo
beheaded for treafon.
The above infui redion in the north, . -^
induced Henry to make a progrefs
thither, in order to quiet the minds of the people,
at the fame time that he hoped to terminate thofe
diforders, by punifhing with the utmoft feverity all
who dared to difturb the tranquillity of his king-
dom. The inhabitants, who were no ftrangers to'
the cruelty of his difpofition, endeavoured to de-
precate his vengeance, by offering him a conficler-
able fum of money. Henry accepted the commu-
tation, and defilted from carrying his inhuman rle-
figns into execution. Before he left London, he
had difpatched Sir Ralph Sadler into Scotland; to
propofe an interview with James V. Scotland had
for fome time felt the fury of the catholics, the
reformation having reached that kingdom ; while
the torch of civil difcord ftill blazed both in the
northern and fouthern parts of the Britim ifles.
Patrick Hamilton, a young man of noble family,
deligned for the church, having, about the year
1527, been fent abroad for his education, im-
bibed the opinion of the reformers-, and, on his
return to Scotland, diflembled not his religious
fentiments. A Dominican, who had inu'nuated
himfelf into his friendfliip, accufed him before the
archbifhop of St. Andrews. He was tried ; con-
demned to be burnt for his errors ; and fuffered
with the refolution of a hero. At the ftake, he
cited his accufer to the tribunal of Jems Chrift ;
and the Dominican, aftonifhcd at his conftancy,
and touched, perhaps, with remorfe for his un-
grateful conduct, foon after loft his fenfes, and ex-
pired. The death of Hamilton, who was now
confidered both as a prophet and a martyr, brought
over a great number of profelytes to the refor-
mation. Among others, was friar Foreft, who
became a zealous preacher, extremely attached to
the holy fcriptures ; which, in thofe times, was
confidered as a fure charadteriftic of herefy.
Foreft was therefore brought to his trial, and
condemned to the flames. While the priefts were
deliberating
292
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTOPvY OF ENGLAND.
deliberating on the moft proper place for his exe-
cution, one advifed them to burn him in a cellar;
for (faid he) the finoke of Mr. Patrick Hamilton
affecied all thofe on whom it blew. Such was the
ftate of the reformation in Scotland, when James
received the invitation from Henry to meet him at
York. The nobility perfuadcd him to accept the
offer, hoping that if an union was formed between
the two princes, they mould be enabled to enrich
themfelves with the fpoils of the church. The
clergy were alarmed ; they dreaded the confequences
of Uich an interview ; and determined, if poffi-
ble, to prevent it. They reprefented the danger
of making any innovations in the eftablifhed reli-
gion ; the pernicious confequences of. aggrandizing
the nobility, already too powerful; the hazard of
putting himfelf in the hands of the Englifh ; and
the dreadful fituation of his country, mould he,
by purfuing fuch impolitic meafures, lofe the
frienclfhip of France. At the fame time they
offered him a prefent gratuity of fifty thoufand
pounds, Scots, and promifed, that the church
mould be always ready to contribute liberally to
the neceffities of the ftate. Thefe reprefentations,
affifted by the influence of the queen, induced
James to change his refolution. He delayed his
journey for fomedays, and then fent excufes to the
Englifh monarch, who waited for him at York.
Henry was not of a temper to bear tamely this
affront; he vowed the molt fevere revenge ; but an
event happened which rendered it neceffary for him
to return to his capital.
The agreeable perfon and difpofition of Catha-
rine, had entirely captivated the king's affe&ions,
who thought himfelf very happy in his new mar-
riage; but the queen's conduct was far from merit-
ing his tendernefs. One Lafcelles, while Henry
continued at York, informed Cranmer of her diffo-
lute life, who had been little better than a common
ftrumpet. He offered to confirm his information
by the evidence of his fifter, who had lived a fer-
vant in the family of the old duchefs of Norfolk,
at whofe houfe the queen had been educated, and
where fhe had carried on a criminal intrigue with
Derham and Mannock, two menial fervants, whom
fhe had admitted to her bed. This intelligence,
which it was as dangerous to conceal as to dif-
cover, Cranmer communicated to the earl of Hert-
ford and the chancellor; and they agreeing that it
ought not to be buried in filence, the prelate wrote
a narrative of the whole, and conveyed it to Henry,
•who having perufed it, was feized with inexpreflible
confufion andaftonifhment; infomuch, that at firft
he gave no credit to the information. However,
the king's jealoufy and impatience, happily for
Cranmer, who was in a very dangerous fituation,
would not-fufFer him to reft till he knew the cer-
tainty of the matter. The privy -feal was therefore
ordered to examine Lafcelles, but with fuch pre-
cautions, as might preferve the queen from f'candal,
ihould fhe be found innocent. Lafcelles perfifted
in what he had faid ; and appealing to his fitter's
teftimony, that nobleman went to SufTex, where
the woman i efided, and found fhe was extremely
particular as to fafts. Mannock and Derham were
both arreftcd, who had not the leaft fufpicion of
their danger. They both confeffed repeated ads
of impurity with the queen before her marriage.
It was alib proved, that fhe had fince entertained
one Culpcpper a whole night in her chamber.
Three maids of the family were 'admitted into her
fecrets, and one of them had even pafled the night
ivith her and her lovers. When Henry received
the report of thefe examinations, his grief and
diftraction deprived him of fpeech ; he could only
vent his diftrefs in a torrent of tears. He ap-
pointed the primate, the chancellor, the duke of
Norfolk, the earl of Suffolk, and the hifhop of
Winchefter, to interrogate the queen. She at firft
denied the charge; but finding her illicit amours
were fully clifcovered, fhe confefled the whole to
the archbifhop, who wrote the narrative from her
mouth, which fhe figned with her own hand.
Henry, now fully convinced of the infidelity of
his queen, was determined to take a fevere revenge
on her and all her accomplices.
In order to fatiate his vengeance, . -p.
a parliament, the ufual inftrument of ^2*
Henry's tyranny, was immediately fummoned.
The two houfes having received the queen's con-
feflion, prefented an addrefs to the king, in which
they entreated him not to be vexed with this un-
toward accident, to which all men were fubject,
but defired leave to pafs a bill of attainder againft
the queen and her accomplices ; and begged him
not to give his aflent to the bill in perfon, which,
by renewing his grief, might endanger his health ;
but by commiffioners appointed for that purpofe;
and there being a law in force, by which it was
treafon to fpeak ill of the queen, they craved his
royal pardon, if any of them mould tranfgrefs that
ftatute. On receiving a gracious anfwer, they
voted a bill of attainder againft the queen for high
treafon, and the vifcountcls of Rochford, who had
conducted her fecret amours ; and in this bill were
alfo comprehended Culpepper and Derham. They
paffed at the fame time a bill of attainder for mil-
prifion of treafon againft the old duchefs of Nor-
folk, the queen's grandmother ; her uncle, lord
Howard and his lady ; the countefs of Bridge-
water, and nine other perfons-, for knowing the
queen's vicious courfe of life before her marriage,
and concealing the fame ; as if Henry could expect
that near relations would be. fo far infenfible of
natural affection and fhame, as to reveal the fecret
criminal actions of their families. The king,
however, pardoned the duchefs of Norfolk, and
moft of the others condemned for mifprifion of
treafon, though fome of them were long detained
in confinement. The parliament, .among other
curious matters, enacted, that any perfon who
knew, or vehemently fufpected any guilt in the
queen, and did not, within twenty days, reveal it
to the king, or his council, fhould be guilty of
treafon ; and that if the king married any woman
who had been incontinent, taking her for a true
maid, die fhould be guilty of treafon, unlefs fhe
previoufly revealed her guilt to him. The people
made themfelves extremely merry with this claufe.
It was pleafantly remarked, that the king muft,
for the future, look out for a widow, as no reputed
maid would ever venture to incur the penalty of
the ftatute. Thefe acts being paffed, the queen
and lady Rochford were beheaded, the twelfth of
February upon Tower hill. Catharine Howard
confeffed her mifconduct in the former part of her
life ; but endeavoured to perfuade the world, that
fhe had never tranfgreffecl the rules of virtue fince
her marriage. Lady Rochford experienced very
little pity from the fpectators 5 her execution was
confidered as a judgment from heaven, for her
having been the principal caufe of the death of
Anne Boleyn, and that of her own hufband. And
this notorious inftance of her profligate life, tended
greatly to clear their characters in the opinion of
the world.
Some time fince Henry, had appointed a com-
miflion, confifting of two archbifhops, feveral
bifhops, and a confiderable number of doctors of
divinity, and by virtue of his ecclefiaftical fupre-
macy, had ordered him to afcertain proper articles
of belief, and to eftablifh uniformity of fentimenc in
matters of faith and practice. Before the com-
miflioners had made any confiderable progrefs, the
parliament had, in the laft year, paffed a law, by
which they ratified all the tenets which thefe divines
4 fhould
HENRY
VIII.
mould afterwards efhblifh with the king's confent ;
and thus were not afhamecl of exprefsly declaring,
that they took their religion upon truft, and had no
other rule, in fpiritual concerns, than the arbitrary
will of Henry. The produce of the labours of thele
commiffioners, was a fmall work, entitled, '
Inftitutions of a Chriftian Man ; which was received
by the convocation, and voted to be the ftandard
of orthodoxy. In this work the facraments, wh
a few years before were allowed to be three, were
again augmented to feven, agreeable to the fenti-
ments of the Romifh church. Soon after, the peopk
had an opportunity of feeing another inftance of the
king's inconftancy ; for not being long fatished with
his inlUtutions, he ordered another book to be coni-
pofed, called u The Erudition of a Chriftian Man,
and publifhed this new model of orthodoxy by his
own authority and that of his parliament. It differs
from the former work; but Henry was no lefs pofi-
tive in his new, than he had been in his old creed,
and required the faith of the nation to veer about
at his fignals. In both thefe works the king took
.particular care to inculcate the doctrine of jaaffive
obedience. He now ret rafted the permifilon he
had fo lately given his fubjects in general to read
the fcriptures, reftraining that conceflion only to
gentlemen, and even thefe were commanded to read
in fuch a manner, " that it be done quietly and in
good order." He likewife made alterations in the
miffal, and ordained, that the name of the pope
fhould be erafed, or blotted out of every book
wherein it was mentioned. Thus by endeavouring
to fet bounds to the opinions of his fubjects, and by
entering himfelf into ecclefiaflical difputes, he in-
duced them to apply to the ftudy of divinity ; and
it was in vain for him, notwithftanding his argu-
ments, creed, and penal ftatutes, to expeft to bring
his fubjects to a cordial agreement with his religious
fentiments.
At this time Henry was determined to refent the
affront he had received from the king of Scotland.
He complained of James having afforded an afy-
lum to feveral Englifh rebels, and reproached him
•with breach of promife, with refpeft to the intended
interview. He alfo, to give a more fpecious co-
lour to his hoftile proceedings, obfervcd, that his
nephew had detained territories belonging to Eng-
land. He likewife revived the old claim to the
vaflalage of Scotland, and fummoned James to do
homage to him for that kingdom, as his liege lord.
James, on being apprized of his uncle's intention,
began to put himfelf into a pofture of defence, but
fent two ambafTadors to London, with terms of ac-
commodation. Thefe, under various pretenfions,
were detained, till Henry was ready to take the
field ; and were even then obliged to attend the
army fent into their country, under the command
of the duke of Norfolk, whom Henry called the
fcourge of the Scots. The earl of Southampton
was appointed to command the van; but he died at'
Newcaftle, univerfally regretted for his abilities as
a ftatefman., and his approved, courage and pru-
dence as a general. On the twentieth of Oftober,
the Englifh forces entered Scotland, and were met
by a herald from James, who expoftulated with the
duke of Norfolk, on the injuftice of invading the
kingdom before any declaration of war had been
publifhed. But his remonftrances were in vain :
the Englifh general ravaged all the country bor-
dering on the Tweed, and retired to Berwick on
account of the feverity of the weather. The earl of
Huntley had indeed been fent to James, with ten
thoufand men ; but his forces were fo inferior to the
Englifh, that he was obliged to aft wholly on the
defenfive. Mean while the Scottifh monarch levied
an army of fifteen thoufand men ; and being joined
by the earl of Huntley with a train of artillery, he
determined to invade England on the weftern fide
No. 28.
of Solway Frith. James repaired thither in pcrfon,-
but when ready to take the field, he left the army
under the command of Oliver Sinclair, his fa-
vourite, who was hated by the Scottifh nobility.
The confluences of fuch ari imprudent action were
foon appaicnt. The officers chofe to facrificc their
king, their country, and their own honour, rather
than fervc under a pcrfon they detefted ; fo that
when Sinclair read his coniinitfion, at the head of
the army, the nobility retired from their polls, and
the foldiers following their example, threw down
their arms, by which mutiny, uproar and confufion
univerfally prevailed. A body of five hundred
Englifh, under the command of Sir Thomas War-
ton, who hovered round the Scottifh camp, to ob-
ferve the motions of the enemy, perceiving the dif-
order in their ranks, attacked them with fo much
fury, that they fought their fafety in a precipitate
flight. The earls of Cafiils and Glencairn, the
lords Maxwell, Fleming, Somerville, and Gray, the
general Sinclair, with about two hundred gentle-
men, and eight hundred common foldiers, were
taken prifbners, and all their artillery and baggage
fell into the hands of the Englifli. This rout hap-
pened cm the twenty-fourth of November, at Sol-
way Mois, in the neighbourhood of Carlifle. James
was then at Caerlaveroc, where he received the
alarming intelligence of the defeat and difperfioa
of his army by an handful of Englifli forces. Be-
ing of a high fpirit, and the fame time of a melan-
choly difpofition, he loft all command of his tem-
per. His rage againit, his nobility, by whom he
imagined he had been betrayed; his flume at his
army having been defeated by a handful of men,
with his dread of the confequences, had fuch an
efledt upon him, that he would admit of no confo-
lation, but entirely abandoned himfelf to defpair.
His body wafted, his death evidently approached",;
and he had no ifliie living; when hearing that his
queen was fafely delivered, he alkcd, with fome
emotion, whether flie had brought him a fon or a
daughter? Being told the latter ,*he turned himfelf
in his bed, and exclaimed, faying, " The crown
came with a woman, and it will go with one. How
many miferies await this poor kingdom ! Henry
will make it 'his own, either by arms, or by mar-
riage." A few days after he expired, on the four-
teenth of December, in the flower of his age.
James V. was a prince of confiderable abilities and
virtues ; whofe perfonal courage and vigilancej
fitted him for. reprefiing thofe disorders to which
Scotland, during that age^ was fo much expofed.
He took care that juftice was adminiftered with
impartiality and rigour ; but as he fupported the
church, and the common people, againft the rapine
of the nobility, he did not efeape the hatred of that
order.
Henry was no fooner informed of his nephew's
death, than, as James had forefeen, lie projefted
the fchcme of uniting Scotland to his own do-
minions, by marrying his fon Edward to the infant
heirefs of that kingdom. Having called together
the Scotch noblemen, who were his prifoaers, he
fevercly reproached them for their pretendecPbreach
of treaty ; and then, foftening his tone, pfopofed
this marriage as a means of preventing for the fu-
ture thofe ch'fordersfo prejudicial to both kingdoms;
offering to reftore them to liberty, without ranfom,
on condition of their favouring the marriage. They
readily affented to this propofal ; and being con-
ducted to Newcaftle, delivered hoftages to the duke
of Norfolk for their return, if the intended nuptials
fliould not be completed ; and thence proceeded to
Scotland, where aflairs were in much confufion.
The primate, cardinal Beaton, had . r-.
long been confidered as principal
minjfter of ftate to James, and was at the head of
the party which defended the privileges of the ec-
4 V clefiaftics.
294
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
clefiaftics. He had now put himfclf in poffeflion
of the government, and with the afliftance of the
queen dowager, obtained the confent of the conven-
tion of the ftates; while James Hamilton, eail of
Arran, who claimed that honour, was excluded.
This nobleman was next heir to the crown by his
grandmother, the daughter of James III. and there-
fore feemed beft entitled to pofiefs the high office
into which the cardinal had intruded himfelf. The
profpect of his fuccecding the infant princefs, in
cafe of her death, procured him many partizans.
He was of a moderate genius, of a quiet difpofition,
and favoured the reformation ; whence thofe who
zealoufly promoted it were attached to him. By
means of thefc adherents, joined to the vaffals of
his own family, and the noblemen who had been
prifoncrs in England, he fo effectually oppofcd the
cardinal's adminiftration, that he was declared go-
vernor ; at the fame time the cardinal was com-
mitted to cuftody, under the care of lord Seton ;
and a negociation was fet on foot for the marriage
of the infant queen with the prince of Wales. But
the cardinal primate having prevailed on Seton to
reftore him to liberty, he affembled the moft con-
fidcrable ecclefiaftics : and reprefenting the immi-
nent danger to which they were expofed, perfuaded
them to collect privately a large fum of money ; by
means of which he engaged to overturn the fchemes
of his enemies. The partizans he acquired by pe-
cuniary favours, reprefenfed the union of England
as a certain forerunner of ruin to the church ; and
Sadler, the Englim ambaflador, received many in-
fults from perfbns whom the cardinal, in hopes of
bringingonarupturc, inftigated tocommit thefeacts
of violence. Sadler, however, prudently diffembled
the matter, till the day appointed for the delivery
of the hoftages, and then fummoned thofe who had
Been reftorecl to liberty, to fulfil their promife of
returning into captivity; but all of them refufed to
obey, except Gilbert Kennedy, earl of Caffils, who
preferred his honour to his liberty. Henry was fo
charmed with his noble behaviour, that he received
him with great marks of efteem, loaded him with
prefents, and gave him his liberty without ranfom.
Beaton was not difpleafed at this refufal of the pri-
foners, though it reflected difgrace on their country.
He well knew that they muft now depend wholly on
the government for fupport, and oppofe the Englifh
with all their power. A war was now expected be-
tween the two kingdoms, and Francis engaged to
fupport the intereft of Scotland. But however de-
firous the French monarch might be of affiiling his
Scottifh allies, the war he was already engaged in
with the emperor, rendered it very difficult to fend
forces fufficient to fupport them againft the power
of the Englifh monarch. Matthew Stuart, earl of
Lenox, was then at the French court ; and Francis
being informed, that he was engaged in an antient,
hereditary enmity with the family of Hamilton, by
whom his father had been murdered, propofed that
he fliould vifit his native country, and join in fup-
porting the cardinal and the queen-mother ; pro-
mifing.:that a fupply of money, and, if neceffaiy,
even military fuccours mould be lent after him.
He was alfo flattered with the hopes of efpoufing
the queen-dowager ; and in cafe of the death of
Mary, the infant princefs, of afcending the Scottifh
throne in preference to the earl of Arran, whofe le-
gitimacy was liable to fome objections. Tempted
by thei'e alluring profpects, Lenox returned to
Scotland, and on his arrival, exerted all his intereft
for breaking off the marriage treaty. He affembled
a confiderable number of forces, in order to wreft
the young queen from the hands of the regent; who
being unwilling, or unable to contend with his
enemies, agreed to an accommodation. This im-
portant point being gained, the queen and the»car-
dina!, who had now no farther occafion for the
affiftance of Lenox, defired Francis to recal him :
but the earl, informed of their defign, withdrew to
his caftle of Dumbarton, and the following year
threw himfelf into the arms of the Englifh.
This oppofition in Scotland to Henry's views,
confirmed him in the refolution lie had before
taken, of uniting his arms to thofe of the emperor,
who earneflly courted his alliance. A league was
therefore formed in which the twomonarchs agreed
to enter France, each with an army of twenty-five
thoufand men, and to require of Francis to pay-
Henry all the fums he owed him, and to depofit
Andres, Terouene, Montreuil, and Bologne, as a
fecurity for the regular payment of his penfion for
the future. Should theie conditions be rejected,
they agreed to challenge for Henry the crown of
France, or at leaft the duchies of Normandy, Aqui-
taine, Guienne ; and for Charles the duchy of Bur-
gundy, with fome other territories. A meffage was
now fent to the French king, requiring him to re-
nounce his alliance with the Turks, and to make
reparation for the damage the infidels had done in
Chriftendom. Francis refufed a compliance with
the haughty demand, and a declaration of war was
the confequence. In the mean time an event hap-
pened, which gave the reformers foine hopes of en-
joying their religion unmolefced. On the twelfth
of January, the king had married Cathaiine Parr,
the widow of Nevill, lord Latimer; a woman of
great virtue, and well affected to the reformed reli-
gion. By this marriage Henry fulfilled the prophecy
uttered in jeft, that he would be obliged to marry a
widow. But this event did not put an end to the
perfccutions carried on againft the reformers ; for a,
few days after the king's marriage, Anthony Pcr-
fonne, a prieft; Robert Teft wood, a finging man;
and Henry Fulmer, a taylor ; were, at the inftiga-
tion of Gardiner, bifhop of Winchefter, burnt at
j Winchefter for reading the writings of the reformed.
At the fame time the bifhop's own fecretary was
executed for denying the king's fupremacy.
In France the campaign was opened by the duke
of Cleves, an ally of Francis, who gained a victory
over the emperor's forces. Francis in perfon made
himfelf malter of the whole duchy of Luxemburgh,
without refiftance ; and afterwards taking Laddrecy,
added fome fortifications to it. Charles at length
affembled a powerful army in the Netherlands, and
having taken almoft every fortrefs in the duchy ot"
Cleves, reduced the duke to fubmit to fuch terms
as he was pleafcd to prefcribe. Being then joined
by fix thoufand Englifli, he invefted LandreCy, and
covered the fiege with an army of upwards of forty
thoufand men. Francis advanced at the head of an
army which was little inferior, as if he intended to
give battle to the emperor, or to force him to raife
the fiege : but while the two armies were facing each
other, the French king found an opportunity oT
throwing fuccours into Landrecy, and then made %
fkilful retreat; on which Charles, finding the feafon
far advanced, went into winter quarters.
A period being put to military . -p.
operations, Henry fummoned a par-
liament, which met on the 1 4th of January; and
after declaring the prince of Wales, or any of the
king's male iffue, firft and immediate heir to the
crown, reftored the princeffes Mary and Elizabeth
to the right of fucccffion ; yet Henry would not al-
low the act to be reverfed, which had declared them
illegitimate ; but prevailed on the parliament to
confer on him the power of ftill excluding them, if
they refufed to fubmit to any conditions he fhould be
pleafed toimpofeonthcm. In this parliament thelaw
of the fix articles was mitigated ; and it was enacted,
that no perfon fhould be tried upon any accufation
for offences comprized in that fanguinary ftatute,
except on the oa,th of twelve perfons : that no per-
Ibn LIiQuld be arrefted for any fuch offence before
3 he
VIII.
he was indicted ; and that any preacher charged
with fpeaking in his fermon contrary to tfcefe arti-
cles, muft be indicted within forty days. In the
fame fcflion, Henry made no mention of a fupply :
but as his wars both in France and Scotland, toge-
ther with his ufual prodigality, had involved him
in great expence, he filled his coffers by other me-
thods. Though he had a little before caufed all
his debts to be abolifhed, he required new loans
from his fubjects, and raifed the price of gold from
forty-five millings, to forty-eight millings an
ounce ; and filvcr from three flullings and nine-
pence, to four millings an ounce. He even comec
ibme bafe money, and ordered it by proclamation
to pafs current. He appointed commiffioners tor
levying a benevolence, by which he extorted above
feventy thoufand pounds from the people. Read,
alderman of London, refufing to contribute his
fhare, or not coming up to the expectation of the
commiffioners, was enrolled as a foot foldier, and
lent with the army into Scotland, where he was
taken priloner. Roach, who had been equally re-
fractory, was caft into prifon, and obliged to pay a
large compofition, before he could recover his li-
berty. Thus all the valuable privileges of Eng-
liihmen were facrificed to the lawleis will of a
tyrant.
The whole winter was employed
A.I/. 1 545- by Francis in fitting out a fleet to
invade the coafts of England. They failed early
in the month of July ; and on the eighteenth ad-
vanced towards the Englifh fleet, then riding at
St. Helens. Here a cannonade began, which lalted
feveral hours, but with very little effect, the art of
gunnery being then in its infancy. Finding their
attempt to deftroy the Engliih. fhips abortive, they
landed on the Ifle of Wight, where they committed
the moll dreadful ravages, till the militia of the coun-
try advanced againft them, and drove them to their
fhips. The king now found it impoflible for him to
fup port this expensive war, without having recourfe
to his parliament, who granted him a fmall fubfidy.
The clergy were more liberal, and it is remarkable,
that during the eftablifhment of the catholic reli-
gion, greater fums were always contributed by the
church than the laity. Hence the emperor, when
he was informed of the fuppreflion of the Englifh.
monasteries, and of Henry's profufe donations of
their revenues among his courtiers, is reported to.
have faid, not knowing that trade and commerce
are the true fources of riches, " That Henry had
killed the hen which brought him the golden eggs."
But though the parliament were fo remarkably te-
nacious of their own money, they were amazingly
profufe with regard to the fubftance of others.
Thev now beftowed on Henry all the revenues of
the iiniverfities, chapels, and hofpicals. The king,
however, took care to inform the univerfities, that
he meant not to incroach upon their endowments.
Some idea may be formed of the proftitution of this
parliament by one of their ftatutes, in which they
acknowledge, that the king had always been by the
word of God, fupreme head of the church of Eng-
land: that the bifhops and other ecclefiaftics had
no manner of jurifdiction, but by his royal man-
date ; and that he alone was inverted with full au-
thority, to corre<£t all manner of herefies, errors,
vices and fins. Henry made a long and elaborate
fpeech to this parliament, in -which he complained
of the diflentions that prevailed among his fubjedts
with regard to religion. He told them, that the
ieveral pulpits were become a kind of batteries
againft each other; where one preacher called another
heretic and anabaptift, which were retaliated by the
opprobrious terms of papift and hypocrite: that he
had permitted his people the ufe of the fcriptures,
not in order to furnifh them with matter for difpute
and railing, but that he might enable them to re-
form their confciences, and inftrucl their families :
that he was grieved to the heart to find how that
precious jewel was proftituted, by being introduced
into conversation at every alehoufc, and employed
as a pretence for decrying the fpiritual and legal
paflors : he was forry to obferve, that the word of
God, while it was the objeft of their enquiries, had
very little influence on their practice ; and though
an imaginary knowledge fo much abounded, cha-
rity was daily going to" decay. Thefe obfervations
were certainly juft-, but the example of the king,
who encouraged difputes, was ill adapted to pro-
mote that charity and peaceable difpolition to the
eftablifhed opinion he fo ftrongly recommended.
The war between England and France was dif-
tinguiflied by no great events. While Charles
was employed in the fiege of St. Difier on the
Marnc, which made a brave defence, the Englifh.
forces aflembled in Picardy ; on which Henry, in-
Mead of marching forward to Paris, laid fiege to
Bologne ; and tlie duke of Norfolk to Montreuil.
During the courfe of the fiege, Charles had taken.
St. Difier, when finding the feafon much advanced,
and that all his fchemes for fubduing France were
likely to prove abortive, he liilened to terms of
accommodation with Francis ; and to obtain a
pretence for deferting his ally, fent a meffenger to
require Henry to meet him before Paris with his
army. Henry anfwered that he could not raife
the liege of Bologne with honour, and that Charles
had fi'rft broken the agreement, by befieging St.
Difier. The emperor, upon receiving this anfwer,
concluded a peace with Francis at Creify, in which
no mention was made of England. After which,
he ordered his troops to depart from Picardy.
Henry, who had taken Bologne, was now obliged
to raife the fiege of Montreuil, and returned to
England. Mean while the war with Scotland was
conducted feebly, and with various fuccefs ; and
principally confuted in inroads made by the Englifh.
into that country. At length the Scottifh leaders,
in order to induce their troops to make a Heady
defence, ordered all their cavalry to difmount, and
refolved to wait the aflault of the Englifh, on forne
high grounds near Ancram. The Englifh, whofe
paft fuccefles had made them defpife the enemy,
on feeing the Scotch horfe led off the field, thought
the whole army was retiring, and hafteiied to the
attack. The Scots received them in good order ;
and being favoured by the furprize of the Englifh,
who expected no refiftance, and alfo by the advan-
tage of the ground, foon put them to flight, and
purfued them with great flaughter. Evers and
Latoun, the two Englifh commanders, were both
flain, and above a thoufand men made prifoners.
The viclory was obtained by the Scots on the fe-
venteenth of February. Some time after Francis
fent them three thoufand five hundred auxiliaries;
on which the governor affembled an army of
fifteen thoufand, at Haddington ; then marching to
the eaftern borders of England, laid wafte the
country wherever he came with little refiftance ;
after which he returned into Scotland, and dif-
bandecl his army. The earl of Hertford revenged
this infult by ravaging the middle and weft
marches.
Thefe misfortunes induced Henry, A D ^ ^
whofe animofity againft Francis was
neither violent nor 'perfonal, to think of liftening
to the terms which had been offered for a peace.
He had fufliciently gratified his capricious humour,
by the ihort war he had carried on againft his
former ally ; and having reafon to apprehend from
his great increafe in corpulency, and vifible decay
of ftrength, that his end was approaching, he was
defirous of finifhing a quarrel, which might prove
clajngerous to the kingdom during the minority of
his fon. Francis being equally with Henry defirous
of
296
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
of a peace, it was concluded on the' fallowing
conditions : " That the king of France fhould
pay reaularly the penfion fettled by former treaties :
that Francis fhould pay in eight years the fum of
two millions of golden crowns, in consideration
of the penfion, and the expence Henry had been
at in reducing Bologne : that the king of England
fhould keep poffeffion of Bologne, together with
its territories, till the whole debt was difcharged :
that when the fums fhould be paid to Henry,
Bologne fhould be reftored to France, in the fame
condition as when taken by the Englifh." In this
peace the emperor was included ; and with regard
to Scotland, Henry agreed that it fhould enjoy the
fame benefit, provided the Scots gave him no
caufe to make war upon them. Thus Henry ter-
minated a war which had coft him above one mil-
lion, three hundred, and forty-three thoufand
pounds fterling ; and all he had acquired in return,
was only a bad fecurity for a debt which did not
amount to one-third of the value. All Henry's
expeditions were much of the fame kind.
However, this ceffation of hoftilities afforded
the Englifh monarch leifure to attend to domeftic
affairs; and he foon found returning upon him
his madnefs of introducing new fyilems of faith,
and endeavouring to eftablifh uniformity of opi-
nion among all ranks of people,. He had hitherto
ftrictly ordered divine fervice to be performed in
no other language than the Latin; but he now
permitted the litany, a confiderable part thereof,
to be celebrated in the vulgar tongue. He added
to it one petition, " to be laved from the tyranny
of the bifhop of Rome, and from all his deteft-
able enormities." Cranmer endeavoured to induce
Henry to make farther innovations, and had pro-
bably fuccceded ; but Gardiner, who was fent on
an embaffy to Charles, writing to the king that
the emperor threatened to break off all intercourse
•with him, if he carried hrs oppofition to the Romifh
religion to greater extremities, the fuccefs of Cran-
mer's deligns was for fome time difappointed.
This year Cranmer loft his moft fmcere and power-
ful friend, Charles Brandon, duke of Suffolk,
brother-in-law to Henry. The queen-dowager of
France, Suffolk's confort, had died fome years
before. This nobleman was well affected to the
reformation ; took every opportunity to fupport its
profeffors •, and had always maintained a cordial
and fteady friendfhip with the king. Henry was
informed of Suffolk's death, when fitting in coun-
cil •, and immediately expreffed his own forrow for
the lofs, and extolled the merits of the deceafed.
He declared, that during the whole eourfe of their
friendfhip, his brother-in-law had never once at-
tempted to injure an adverfary ; and had never
even whifpered a word to the difadvantage of any
man. He then added, "• Is there any of you,
my lords, who can fay as much of yourfelves ?"
Then looking round in all their faces, faw plainly
the confcioufnefs of guilt in their confufion. De-
prived of this fupport, Cranmer became expofed to
the (Sbals of the courtiers. The catholics i epre-
fentWto Henry, that the ill fuccefs of his laudable
zeal lor enforcing the truth, was entirely owing to
the primate, whofe encouragement and example
were the fecret fupport of herefy. Henry, feeming
to yield, defired the council to enquire into Cran-
mer's conduct. The primate being now confidered
as loft, his old friends, as well as his enemies,
began to treat him with contempt. He was
obliged to ftand among the fervants feveral hours
at the door of the council chamber, before he was
admitted ; and was then told, that they had de-
termined to fend him to the Tower. Cranmer
inftantly appealed to the king himfelf ; but finding
his appeal difregarded, he produced a ring which
lie had received from Henry, as a pledge of his
favour and prote&ion. The council were now
confounded, and on coming before the king, he
fevcrely reproved them ; obferving, that he was
well acquainted with the primate's merit, as well
as with their malignity and envy, but was deter-
mined to curb all cabals; and finee gentle methods
were ineffectual, he would teach them by the
fevereft difcipline, a more dutiful concurrence in
promoting his fervice. The duke of Norfolk,
Cranmer's principal enemy, apologized for their
conduct ; and declared, that their only intention
was to let the primate's innocence in a full light,
by bringing him to an open trial. Henry, how-
ever, was highly difpleafed with their conduct, and
obliged them all to embrace Cranmer, as a proof
of their cordial reconciliation.
But though Henry thus extended his favour to
the primate, his pride and peevifhnefs, which was
encreafed by his declining ftate of health, prompted
him to ponifh, with frefh feverity, all who pre-
fumed to differ from him in opinion, efpecially in
his favourite articles of faith. Anne Afcue, a
young woman of beauty and great merit, who had
entered into a ftriet connection with the queen, •
was accufed of having denied the real prefence in
the facrament ; and the king, inftead of paying the
leaft regard to her fex and age, was the more
provoked, that a woman fhould dare to oppofe his
sentiments. Bonner, by his menaces, prevailed oft
her to make a feeming recantation ; but fhe qua-
lified it with fuch relerves, that it did not fatisfy
that furious prelate. She was therefore thrown into
prifon1, where Ihe compofed prayers and difcourfes
to ftrengthen her refolution to fuffer. Anne now
wrote to the king, declaring, that with regard to
the myftery of the eucharift, flie believed as much
as Chrifl had revealed of it, and as much as the
catholic church required -f but as fhe could not be
brought to acknowledge her affent to the king's
explications, this declaration was confidered as a
frefh infult. Wriothefley, then chancellor, who
was ftrongly attached to the catholic party, being
fent to examine her with refpec~l to" her patrons at
court, fhe refufed to difcover any of her friends j
and though put to the torture in 'the moft cruel
manner, fhe ftill continued refolute in preferving
an inviolable fecrecy. Her eonftancy exceeded the
barbarity of her perfecutors, and baffled all their
- efforts. She was then condemned to be burnt
alive ; but her limbs being fo diflocatecl by the
rack that fhe could not ftand, flie was carried in a
chair to the ftake. With her were conducted John
Laffels, one of the king's . houfhold, Nicholas
Belenian, a prieft, and John Adams, a taylor,
who had been fentcnced to fuffer the fame punifh-
ment, for a fimilar crime. When they were tied
to the ftake, the chancellor fent to inform them,
that their pardon was ready drawn and figned, if
they would recant their errors. They, however,
only confidered this offer, as a new ornament to
their crown of martyrdom ; ami beheld with tran-
quillity the executioner kindling the flames by
which they were to be confumecl. Even in the
midft of thefe, they feemed to glory in their fuffer-
ings. The fidelity of Anne Afcue laved the queen
on this occafion ; yet flie foon after found herfelf
in the utmoft danger of falling a victim to the
dogmatical zeal of her hufkind. Henry, who was
now of a bad habit of body, was afflifted with an
ulcer in his leg, which threatened his life, and at
the fame time increafed that peevifh pafl^onate
temper to which he was fubjeft. The tendernefs
of Catharine was remarkable on this occafion ; Ihe
attended him with the utmoft affiduity, and ufed
every method in her power to footh his pains, and
prevent thofe dreadful gufts of humour fo frequent
and fatal in thtir confequences. The king's fa-
vourite topic in converfation was polemical divi-
nity j
HENRY
VIII.
297
hity; and Catharine was frequently obliged to
difcufs the more abftrufe tenets of religion with
him. Whether her arguments were too ftrong for
the king to anfwer, or whether fhe inadvertently
dropt Come expreflions that (hewed fhe was attached
to the Lutheran principles, is not abfohitely known ;
but it is certain, Henry, provoked at her pre-
fuming to differ from him, complained of her
obftinacy to Gardiner, who, glad of an oppor-
tunity to inflame the quarrel, praifed the king's
anxious concern for prefcrving the orthodoxy of
his fubjeds ; and flirewdly obforved, that the more
elevated, and the nearer to him the perfon chaftized,
the greater terror would be ftruck by the example,
and the more glorious would the facrifice appear to
poftcrity. The chancellor, on being confulted,
corroborated Gardiner's opinion ; and Henry,
hurried on by his impetuous temper, and en-
couraged by his counfellors, ordered articles of
impeachment to be drawn up againft the queen.
The articles were foon after brought to be figned.
Fortunately for Catharine, the chancellor dropped
the fatal paper, which being found by one of the
queen's friends, was immediately put into her
hands. She was fenfible of her extreme danger,
but did not defpair of eluding the efforts of her
enemies -, and paying her ufual vifit to the king,
found him in a more placid temper than fhe ex-
pected. He began to difcourfe on his favourite
lubjecTf, and feemed to challenge her to enter upon
it ; but me gently declined the converfation, ob-
ferving, that fuch profound fpeculations were ill
iuited to the natural weaknefs of her fex. Women,
by their firft creation, fhe faid, were made fubjecTt
to men: the male being created after the image of
God, the female after the image of the male : it
"was the hufband to chufe principles for his wife,
and the duty of the wife to adopt implicitly the
fentiments of her hufband ; and as to herfelf, it
was doubly her duty, from her being bleffed with a
hufband, who by his rare judgment and learning,
was not only qualified to chufe principles for his
own family, but for the moft wife and knowing
part of the nation. " Not fo, by St. Mary,"
replied the king. " You are now become a
doctor, Kate, and better fitted to give, than re-
ceive inftruclion." To this fhe meekly replied,
that fhe was fenfible how little fhe was entitled to
thefe praifes ; that though fhe did not ufually
decline any converfation, however fublime, when
propofed by his majefty, fhe was fenfible that her
thoughts could be of no fervice, but to give him a
little momentary amufement ; that fhe found con-
verfation was apt to languifh, when it was not re-
vived by fome oppofition ; and fhe fometimes
ventured to pretend to be of contrary fentiments,
in order to give him the pleafure of refuting her ;
and by this innocent artifice fhe alfo propofed to
engage him to difcourfe on topics, whence fhe had
obferved, by frequent experience, that fhe reaped
much profit and inftruction. " And is it fo,
fweet-heart ?" replied the king ; " We are now
perfect friends again/' He then embraced the
queen with great affection, and fent her away with
affurances of his kindnefs and affection. On the
day following, her enemies, to whom this fudden
change was unknown, prepared to convey her to
the Tower, agreeable to the king's warrant.
Henry and Catharine were converfing amicably
in the garden, when the chancellor appeared with
forty of the purfuivants. The king went to him
as he flood at fome diftance, and reproached him
in the fevered terms ; frequently calling "him,
vhich Catharine overheard, knave, fool, beaft ;
and at length ordered him to depart his prefence.
She afterwards interpofed to mitigate the king's
anger-, on which he cried, " Poor foul, you little
know how ill entitled that man is to your good
No. 28.
offices." The queen, from thence forward, took
great care not to offend Henry by the leaft con-
tradiction ; and Gardiner, who had malicioufly
endeavoured to widen the breach, could never
after again regain his favour.
Soon after Henry's tyrannical dif- . n
pofition broke out againft the duke of
Norfolk, who was by his birth allied to the throne,
and had diftinguiflied himfelf by his fervices to the
ftate. He was uncle to two of Henry's queens,
and confidered as the greateft fubjed in the king-
dom. He was an implacable enemy to the re-
formers, and had taken every opportunity to enforce
the laws againft them. The earl of Surry, his fon,
was a young nobleman of great merit, but of very-
little difcretion. Hurried away by his ambition,
and exafperated by fome affronts he had lately re-
ceived, he very imprudently irritated the peevifh
humour of Henry by certain menacing expreflions ;
and the king, perfuaded that he entertained views
of marrying the princefs Mary, -determined to pre-
vent die great power of his family from becoming
formidable to the government during his ion's
minority. Both Norfolk and Surry were arrefled,
and fent prifoners to the Tower. The accufation
of the earl of Surry confifted of his having enter-
tained in his family fome Italians, who were fuf-
pecled to be fpies from his holinefs ; he was ac-
cufed alfo of a correfpondence with cardinal Pole,
one of his domeftics having paid a vifit to that
prelate in Italy ; and becaufe the earl quartered the
arms of Edward the Confeffor upon his efcutcheon,
he was fufpecled of afpiring to the crown ; though
it was well known this had been done, with the
approbation of the heralds, during many years.
However frivolous thefe charges may now appear,
they were then thought fuflicient to find him guilty
of high treafon. He is faid to have made at his
trial a moft eloquent and fpirited defence ; yet he
was condemned by the lord chancellor, and, on
•the twelfth of December, beheaded on Tower
hill. This noble earl was diltinguifhed by every
accomplifhment that became a fcholar. He had
made fome fuccefsful attempts in poetry ; and
being feized with the romantic gallantry of that
age, had'in every mafque and tournament cele-
brated the praifes of his miftrefs, by his pen and
his lance. He encouraged the fine arts by his
patronage and example ; he excelled in all military
exercifes ; his fpirit and ambition were equal to his
talents and his quality. The innocence of the
duke of Norfolk was fbll more apparent than that
of his fon ; though his duchefs, with whom he
lived on bad terms, had been fo bafe as to inform
his enemies of all fhe knew againft him, as did
alfo Elizabeth Holland his miftreis ; yet his accufers
could difcover no greater crime than his having
faid that the king was fickly, and could not hold
out long, and that the kingdom, from the diver-
fity of religious opinions, was likely to fall into
diibrders. Henry well knew that all the accufa- •
tions he could alledge againft him, would not be
fufficient to find him guilty in a trial befiore his
peers. He therefore ordered a bill of attairaer to
be preferred againft him, and he was declared
guilty of high treafon, without evidence, or being
heard in his own defence. Cranmer had for many
years been of the oppofite party, and received
many injuries from the duke ; yet he refufed to
have any fhare in a tranfaftion, which reflected
difgrace on all who were concerned in it. When
therefore he was informed, that the commons had
paffed the bill, he retired to his feat at Croydon,
appearing no more at court, till he was fent for to
affift the king in his laft moments.
Thefe now approached with hafty fteps. The
hour of his diffolution was at hand •, but Henry
was become fo froward, that no perfon had courage
4 G to
29$
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
to inform him of his dangerous filiation ; and as
fome, during this reign, had fuffered the punifh-
inent of traitors for foretelling his death, all were
afraid, left, in the tranfports ofhis rage, hefhould,
on this pretence, inflict death on the author of
fuch friendly intelligence. At length, Sir Anthony
Denny ventured to inform him of the fatal feci ct,
and to exhort him to prepare for his diffoltition.
The king heard him with patience ; exprefled his
resignation ; and defired that Cranmer might be
fent for ; but before the archbifhop arrived he
was fpeechlefe, though he retained his fenfes. The
prelate defired him to give a fign of his dying in
the faith of Chrift ; on which he fqueezed his
hand with great fervency, and immediately ex-
pired, on the twenty-eighth of January, in the
fifty-fixth year of his age, and the thirty-eighth of
his reign. When he was taken ill, fearing left
Norfolk fliould efcape him, he fent to defire the
commons to haften the bill : they obeyed ; and
the king having affixed the royal affent to it by
commiffion, iffued his mandate for execution on
the morning of the twenty-ninth of January; but
news arriving at the Tower that Henry had expired
that night, the lieutenant deferred obeying the
Xvarrant ; and the council thought it not advifeable
to begin a new reign with the death of the greateft
nobleman in the kingdom, efpecially as his fen-
tence was confidered both as tyrannical and un-
juft.
Near a month before his deceafe, Henry had
made his will, in which, purfuant to an adl of
parliament, he fettled the fuccefiion upon prince
Edward and his iffue; then to the lady Mary ; and
next to the lady Elizabeth 5 but with this condition,
that the two princefles ftiould not marry -without
confent of the council he had appointed for the
government of his minor fon, under the penalty of
forfeiting their title to the crown. After his,own
children, he fettled the fucceffion on Francis
Brandon, daughter to his fifter the queen of France,
by the duke of Suffolk ; and then on Eleanor
Brandon, the younger fifter of Francis ; thus
paffing over the pofterity of his eldeft fifter the
queen of Scotland. By another claufe, he named
the following iixteen executors ; the archbifhop of
Canterbury ; the lord chancellor ; the earl of Hert-
ford, uncle to young Edward ; the lord St. John ;
the lord Ruffel ; the lord vifcount Lifle ; Cuthbert
Tunftal, bifhop of Durham ; Sir Antony Brown ;
Sir Edward Montague-, the chief juflice Bromley-,
Sir William Paget; Sir Anthony Denny; Sir Wil-
liam Herbert; Sir Edward. Watton, and his bro-
ther Dr. Watton. To the lords, appointed his
executors, he left five hundred marks, and to the
commoners three hundred ; and enjoined them to
difcharge all his debts. He made the prince of
Wales heir to all his moveables ; but fhiclly
charged him to be fubject to the advice and control
of his council, till he mould be eighteen years of
age. He left three thoufand pounds per annum to
each of his daughters, with ten thoufand pounds
addition, as their whole fortune, if his executors
thought proper. To the queen he left three
thoufand pounds in plate and jewels, and a thou-
fand pounds in money. Another claufe of his will
fuggefted, that he was far from being fettled with
regard to his notions in religion ; feeing he left a
fum for maffes to be faid for delivering his foul
from purgatory, though he had deftroyed every
inftitution his anceftors and others had eftablifhed
for the fuppofed benefit of their fouls ; and though
in all the articles of faith he had publifhed during
his latter years, he had left the doctrine of there
being fuch a place as purgatory doubtful. By his
firft wife, Catharine of Spain, he had two fons,
and one daughter ; namely, Henry, born January
the firft, 1511, and who died on the twenty-feventh
l| of February following ; and another fon, who died
foon after his birth. His daughter was Mary,
who afcended the throne on the death of he*
brother Edward. By his fecond wife, Anne
Boleyn, he had the famous queen Elizabeth, and
a male child ftill born. By his third wife, Jane
Seymour, he had a fon, named Edward, who fuc-
ceecled him immediately in the throne. By his
three wives, Anne of Cleves, Catharine Howard,
and Catharine Parr, he had no iffue. By Elizabeth,
widow of Gilbert Taillebois, he had a natural fon,
named Henry Fitzroy, created duke of Rich-
mond and Somerfet, and afterwards made lord
lieutenant of Ireland, who died in the eighteenth
year of his age.
During this reign, the only expedient employed
to fupport the military fpirit, was the revival and
extenfion of fome old laws for the encouragement
of archery ; but the countenance given to letters
by Henry and his minifters, contributed to render
learning fafhionable in England ; and F.rafmiis
mentions, with great fatisfaction,- the regard paid
by the nobility and gentry to men of knowlege.
The king himfelf having a tafle for letters, he
encouraged the fame in others, and founded Tri-
nity college in Cambridge. Wolfey founded Chrift
church in Oxford, which he intended to call Car-
dinal college : but upon his fall, before he had
entirely finifticd his fcheme, all the revenues were
leized by the king; and this violence is faid to have
given that minifter greater concern than all his
other misfortunes. Henry, however, afterwards
reftored its revenues, and only changed its name.
In this reign, attempts were made to fix the
wages of artificers : luxury in apparel was prohi-
bited by repeated ftatutes; and fome of the king's
miniiters were empowered to fix the prices of
poultry, cheefe, and butter ; as alfo thofe of beef,
veal, pork, and mutton. Beef and pork were
ordered to be fold at a half-penny a pound, and
veal at near three farthings, the money of that
age. In i 544, an acre of good land in Cambridge-
mire let at a milling, which is about eighteen-
pencc of our prefent money.
It was not till the end of this reign, that either
fallads, turnips, carrots, or other edible roots, were
produced in England, all thefe vegetables being
formerly imported from Flanders and Holland.
When queen Catharine wanted a fallad, fhe was
obliged to fend a meffenger thither on purpofe.
The planting of hops, and the* ufe of them, were
introduced from Flanders about the beginning of
this reign.
In 1 546 a law was made for fixing the intereft of
money at ten per cent, which was the firft legal
interelt known in England. All loans of that
nature were formerly confidered as ufui ious. The
intereft of money was, in the preamble of this
aft, treated as illegal and criminal ; and the pre-
judices againftit were fo itrong,'that in the follow-
ing reign the law allowing intereft was repealed.
At this time, the Englifh artificers in general
were much furpaffed in dexterity, induftry, and
frugality, by foreigners: hence arofe violent ani-
mofities ; the former complaining, that all their
cuftomers left them, and went to foreign tradef-
men. In 1517, the Englifh artificers being moved
by the feditions fermons of one Dr. Bcle ; and the
artifices of Lincoln, a broker, raifed an infur-
rection in London, in which the apprentices and
others began by breaking open the prifons, wher^
fome perfons were confined for infulting foreigners,
They then proceeded to the houfe of Meutas, a
Frenchman, where they killed fome of his fervants,
and plundered his goods. Neither the mayor, nor
Sir Thomas More, fo greatly rcfpected in the
city, were able to appeafe them : they even
threatened cardinal Wolfey, \vho was obliged to
fortify
HENRY VIII.
299
fortify his houfe. Tired at laft with thefe diforders
they difperfed, when fome of them were feized by
the earls of Shrewsbury and Stirry. A proclama
tion was then iffued. that women ihould not meet
together to babble and talk ; and that all men
Ihould keep their wives in their houfes. The next
day the duke of Norfolk entered the city at the
head of thirteen hundred armed men, and en-
quired into the tumult ; on which Bele, Lincoln,
and feveral others, were lent to the Tower, and
condemned for treafon. Lincoln, and thirteen
others, were executed ; and the other criminals,
amounting to four hundred, were brought before
the king with ropes about their necks ; when falling
on their knees, they cried for mercy, whereupon
Henry difmiffed them without farther punifliment.
READERS,
As we are now treating of mifcellaneous ar-
ticles, we take this opportunity to return you our
hearty thanks for the attention and encouragement
you have obligingly afforded us hitherto. Through
the whole of this work, the writer has endeavoured
without intentionally offending either the members
of his own, or any other communion, ftate parti-
zans, and feclaries of different denominations, to
relate every fact with juftice, clearnefs, and preci-
fion. It has been his earneft defire, that in every
page, truth mould guide his pen, and impartiality
dictate to his heart. His abilities may not be fo
fplendid as fome of his predeceffors, who have tra-
velled the fame road before him, but for integrity,
combined with indefatigable induftry, he will not
give place to any one. He has affiduoufly endea-
voured to merit your approbation, and it is natural
for him to flatter himfelf, that he has not wholly la-
boured in vain. If a love of fame is a univerfal
puflion, he does not wifh to be fingular; but he de-
fires only an honourable reputation, which is the
main fpring of human action. In the courfe of
reading, you have doubtlefs met with feveral parti-
culars, not to be found in any other performance
of the like kind ; and to render this hiftory agree-
able to his public profeffions, a New and Complete
Work, as alfo ftill more to gain your good opinion,
he propofes at the clofe of this and fome fucceeding
reigns, to prefent you with the lives of our molt
eminent reformers ; or memoirs of thofe great cha-
racters who were the chief inftruments of delivering
the church of England from its dependence on the
church of Rome. We fliall begin with the life of
Thomas Cromwell.
Memoirs of the life of Thomas Cromwell, earl of EJfex,
and knight of the garter.
THOMAS, Lord CROMWELL, was an emi-
nent friend and fupporter of archbifhop Cranmer ;
a principal inftrument in the reformation, and a
lively example of the inftability of all worldly
grandeur, which flourifhes to day like a blooming
flower, to morrow is cut down and cieftroyed, and
all its fair beauty is known no more.
His father was a blackfmith at Putney ; and of
confequence cannot be fuppofed to have been ca-
pable of beft owing any extraordinary education upon
him. He improved however what he had; and
having attained to the Ikill of writing and reading,
and to fome fmall knowledge of the Latin tongue,
(which indeed was the ftandard learning of thofe
times) he determined when he grew up, to travel ;
and accordingly went abroad, though in what capa-
city, or at whofe expence, we know^notr he re-
ceived great advantage in his travels, gaining a
knowledge not only of feveral modern languages,
but alfo of mankind ; and at length was retained at
Antwerp by the Englilh merchants there, as the
clerk or fccretary to their factory.
1
But an opportunity prefenting itfelf of vifiting
Rome, he relinquiflied his oflice and readily em-
braced it. The church of St. Botolph, at Bofton
in Lincolnmire, had at that time, a famous gild of
the Virgin, to which feveral popes had granted
large indulgences, which were then highly Valued,
and very beneficial to the holy fociety. Defirous
of having them renewed by the then pope Julius II.
they difpatched two perfons, with a conliderable
fum of money to Rome, to procure this renewal.
Fhefe men met with Cromwell at Antwerp ; and
finding him well fitted to folicit the caufe, to which
they conceived themfelves unequal, they perfuaded
him to go along with them. Accordingly he
went and was of fingular fervice to them. For
finding, that the readied way to the pope's favour
was by courting his appetite, he prefented him with
fome fine dimes of Englifh jelly, which was then
unknown at Rome ; which fo delighted the tafte of
his holinefs, that, commanding them to teach his
cooks the method of making this jelly, he readily
granted Cromwell and his Lincolnlhire friends the
pardons and indulgencies they came to requeft.
Cromwell had, at this time, very little regard for
religion, as he tifed frequently to confefs in his fu-.
ture days, with regret, to his worthy friend Cran-
mer. His life was bufy and wild: he ferved as a
foldier under the duke of Bourbon, and was at the
facking of Rome; and at Bologne he affifted John
Ruffel, afterwards earl of Bedford, in making his
efcape, when he had like to have been betrayed
into the hands of the French. The writings of
Erafmus, however, then made fo much noife in the
world, that they drew the attention of Cromwell ;
and it is a remarkable inftance of his memory and
induftry, that in his journey to and from Rome, he
learned by heart the whole New Teftament of that
writer's tranflation ; which probably laid the foun-
dation of that proteftant and reforming fpirit,
whereby he fo much diftinguifhed himfelf after-
wards.
Upon his return to England from his travels, he
was taken into the family and fervice of cardinal
Wolfey, who at that time ruled defpotic in the fa-
vour of king Henry. Cromwell's fidelity recom-
mended him to the cardinal's high efteem ;' he made
him his folicitor, and afligned him the chief care of>
thofe buildings at Oxford and Ipfwich, which he
was erecting for the fervice of knowledge.
Wolfey falling foon after into difgrace with the
king, Cromwell fhewed the integrity and gratitude
of his foul, by ufing every effort to procure his re-
ftoration ; and when articles of high treafon were
lent down to the houfe of commons, of which
Cromwell was then a member, he defended the car-
dinal with fo much eloquence and understanding,
that no treafon could be laid to his charge. Thus
he procured great reputation, and his honefty and
abilities were equally commended.
The cardinal's houfhold being diffolved, Crom-
well, recommended by Sir Chriftopher Hales,
matter of the rolls, and Ruffel earl of Bedford, was
admitted into the king's fervice } though the king,
from fome wrong reprefentations, respecting the
demolition of the fmall monafteries for Wolfey's
colleges, had conceived prejudices againft him,
which feveral about the court were very willing to
inflame. However, upon converting with the
king, refpecting the difputes he then had with the
pope, he fo much approved himfelf to liis majefty,
that he took him into the higheft degree of favour.
The firft remarkable fervice he did the king, was
his preparing the way for an abolition of the pope's
fupremacy in his realms. Cromwell told him, that
while the clergy took the oath, they then were ufed
to take, to the pope, he was but an half king; con-
vinced of which, the king gave him his ring, fent
him to the convocation then fitting; where he
proved
300
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
proved to the bifliops, that they were all under a
pVemunire ; in that they had not only contented to
die bower le^atine of the cardinal, but becauie they
had all (worn to the pope, contrary to the fealty of
their fovereign lord the king, and therefore had for-
feited to the king all their preferments and poflef-
fions. The bifliops were confounded ; but upon
his producing the oath, they could not deny it ; and
were content to bxly their peace by a prefent to the
king of one hundred eighteen thoufand eight hun-
dred and forty pounds.
Honours now began to fall thick upon him.
In the year 153 i, he was knighted; and fucceffively
promoted from one great pi ice to another, till at
length, in the year 1539, he was cohllituted earl of
Efi'ex, andloid high chamberlain of England. He
was made in fucceffion mailer of the king's jewel-
houfe, and a privy counfellor, clerk of the hanaper,
chancellor of the exchequer, principal fecretaiy of
ftate, and matter of the rolls, chancellor of the uni-
verfity of Cambridge, lord keeper of the privy feal,
knight of the garter, a baron of the realm under
the'litle of lord Cromwell of Okeham in Rutland-
fliire; where a privilege, in memory of him, ic-
mains to this day ; the people claim a flioe (or a
gratuity in its ftead) from the foot of every baron's
horfe which enters that town ; and in the caftle, (of
which he had a grant from king Henry) and upon
the cattle gate, there are now many fuperb gilt
horfe fhoes, which have been given by different no-
blemen, who have patted through Okeham.
But the offices in which he laboured moft effec-
tually for the fuppreffion of popifh fupcrftidon,
were thofe of vilitor general of the monatteries
throughout England, and vicar general and vicege-
rent over all the fpirituality under the king, who was
novy declared fupreine head of the church, the
pope's fupremacy being abolifhed in England.
And under this high character Cromwell fat above
the archbifhop, as'the king's reprefentative.
Not elevated by his power, he proceeded with
indefatigable induftry and zeal to promote the re-
formed religion. Towards which nothing con-
duced more than the abominable fcenes which were
difcovered in the abbies and monasteries, as well as
the ridiculous impoftures which were carried on in
many of them. " Had nothing, fays an hiftorian,
appeared againft thofe religious foundations, but
the vice and profligacy of the abbots, abbeffes,
nuns, and friars, the people would have naturally
thought that the inftitution, which was good in it-
felf, ought not to have been aboliihed for the cor-
ruption of the members, who might have been
changed and reformed. But a more effectual me-
thod' was chofen, for opening the eyes of the peo-
ple, with refpecl to the pretended fanftity of relics,
images, and all the other trumpery of fuperttition.
The vifitors were inftructed to examine, and, if
poflible, difcover the arts by which ihe minds of
the vulgar were infatuated ; and then the whole ma-
chinery of monkifh impofture was detected : not but
that the fcandalous vices praftifed in convents were
h'kewife publifhed, in order to undeceive the nation.
The impurities of Sodom and Gomorrah are faid
to have been exceeded at Battle-abbey, Chritt-
chiirch in Canterbury, and feveral other 'con vents.
They found innumerable inftances of whoredom,
adultery, onanifm, and other unnatural lufts and
beaftly practices ; with arts to prevent conception,
and procure abortion, among the nuns who were
debauched. With refpecl: to monkifh idolatry and
deceit, Heading feems to have been the repoiitory
of the nation : there the vifitors found an angel
with one wing, who brought over the head of the
fpear which pierced the fide of Jefus Chrift, with
fuch an inventory of other relics, as filled up four
Iheets of paper. At St. Edmundfbury they feized
forne of the coals that roafted St. Lawrence, the
parings of St. Edmund's toes, the penknife, and
boots of Thomas a Becket, a great quantity of the
real crofs, and certain relics to prevent rain, and
the generation of weeds among corn. The houfe
of Wett-acre had pawned a finger of St. Andrew
for forty pounds, but this the vifitors did not think
proper to redeem. There was a crucifix at Bexley
in Kent, diftinguifhed by the appellation of the
Rood of Grace, which had been long in reputation,
becaufe it had been feen to bend and raife itfelf, to
fluke the head, hands and feet, to roll the eyes, and
move the lips. This puppet being brought to
London, (by the order of lord Cromwel!) was
broke in pieces, in fight of the people, at St. Paul's-
crofs, where, with their own eyes, they faw the
iprings by which it had been actuated."—*- Thefe,
and a thoufand other inftances of monkifh delufion,
were difcoveied, which ferved greatly to fupport
the friends of the reformation, and to dilparage the
popifh caufe.
Cromwell however did not think it fufficient to
reft in a demolition of popery; he ufed every pro-
per endeavour to fpread real knowledge, and to
diffufe the facred light of pure inftru<ftion through
the nation. Favoured by Anne Boleyn, and afiitted
by Cranmer, this great man procured an explana-
tion of the principal branches of true religion to be
printed and difperfed ;• enjoined refidence upon the
clergy ; gave them orders to preach no more upon
the ablurdities of popifh fuperftition, but upon the
fubftantial duties of chriftianity ; he advifed them
to exhort the people to teach their children ,the
great effentuls of the Chriftian faith, the creed, the
Lord's prayer, the commandments, &c. in their
mother tongue: and, as the moft important work of
all, he not only procured a tranflation to be made
of the fcriptures into the Englifh language, but alfo
enjoined every parifli to purchafe one copy of the
largeft fort, that it might be conftantly read in the
churches. This was the death-blow of popery, as
reformation owes its life and continuance to the pe-
rufal of the holy fcriptures in the vulgar tongue.
While he was thus active in promoting true and
found religion, free from the foppery of image-
worfhip, and unpolluted with the falfe dependencies
of pardons, bulls, mafles, &c. he carried his fa-
culties fo meekly, fhewed at once fo great and fo
humble a mind, and fet fo great an example of
Chriftian virtue, that the bufinefs of reformation
flourifhed happily under his hands. Two hundred
poor people were every clay ferved at the door of
his houfe in Throgrriorton-ft reet, with bread, meaf,
and drink, fufficient for them. And his grateful
remembrance, and remuneration of fome old friends,
who had ferved him in his low eftate, gained him
a general efteem.
Amongft the reft, his kindnefs to Frefcobald, a
Florentine merchant, mud not be omitted, who had
relieved Cromwell in Italy, when he was reduced to
the utmoft diftrefs. Frefcobald himfelf being after-
wards brought low, came to England to recover
fome debts, where the lord Cromwell finding him
out, not only afllfted him in recovering his dues,
not only paid him back what he lent him in Italy,
but alfo made him a prefent of fixteen hundred
ducats more. And now that we are upon this {ob-
ject, we cannot pafs by his gratitude to a poor wo-
man that kept a viclualling-houfe at Hounflow,
with whom Cromwell, in the days of his low eftate,
contracted a debt (mighty to her) of forty fhillings,
which he remembered, and repayed as foon as he
was able, and fettled a penfion of four pounds a
year, (a confiderable fum in thofe times) with the
allowance of clothing, as long as flie lived. Many
other inftances of the fame kind are related. " In-
finite almoft, fays a writer of his life, were the pri-
vate benefits which he did, in helping poor pious
men and Women out of trouble and great diftrefles,
Yea,
HENRY
VIII.
301
Yea, his whole life was full of fuch examples ; being
a man ordained of God to do good to many, efpe-
cially to deliver fuch as were in danger of perfecu-
tion for the fake of religion.
But his virtues were no fecurity againft the ma-
lice and envy of his enemies. His low birth ren-
dered him offenfive to the nobility: his zeal for the
reformation to Stephen Gardiner, and the Roman
catholics ; fome unpopular fteps had irritated the
nation; and the wife he had procured for king
Henry from Germany, Anne of Cleves, not pleafing
the king, he began to lofe ground : add to this, that
the monarch's amorous eye was.caft upon another
lady, whofe family were no friends to Cromwell.
In fhort, the virulence of his enemies prevailed ;
and though he was fatisfied that he was too great
to Hand long, yet he was arrefted at the council-
table, in confequence of feveral high accufations
by the duke of Norfolk, when he leaft fufpected it,
and was fent to the Tower.
He had the common fate of all difgraced fa-
vourites ; his fummer friends forfook, his ene-
mies infultcd him. Archbifhop Cranmer only re-
tained ftill fo much of his former fimplicity, that he
could not learn thefe court arts ; and therefore the
next day tie wrote earneftly to the king concerning
him ; in his letter he fays — " Who cannot be for-
rowful and amazed, that he mould be a traitor
againft your majefly? he who was fo advanced by
your majefty ? he whofe furety was only by your
majefty ? he who ftudied always to fet forward what-
foever was your majefty's will and pleafure ? he that
cared for no man's difpleafure to ferve your ma-
jefty? he that was fuch afervant, in myjuclgment,
in wifdom, diligence, faithfulnefs, and experience,
that no prince in this realm ever had? he that was
fo vigilant to preferve yourmajefty from all treafons,
that few could be fo fecretly conceived, but
he detected the fame in the beginning? If the noble
princes of happy memory, king John, Henry II.
and Richard {I. had had fuch a counfellor about
them, I fuppofe they would never have been fo
traiteroufly abandoned and overthrown, as thefe
good princes were."
But all this availed not ; his enemies were deter-
mined to deftroy him, and fearing his eloquence
and abilities, they would not allow him a fair trial
by his peers, but convicled him of herefy and trea-
fori, he was condemned unheard, and upon the au-
thority of a bill which he had unhappily promoted
himfelf. He wrote to the king in the moft pathetic
terms: — " Wher' I have bene accufyd, fays he in his
letter, to your Mageftye of treafon. To that 1 fay, I
never in alle my lyfe thought wyllingly to do that
thyng that myght or fholde difpleafe your mageftye;
and much lefs to do or fay that thyng which of itfelf
is fo high and abominable offence; as God knowyth,
who I doubt not mail reveal the trewthe to your high-
nefs. Myne accufers your grace knowyth, God for-
give them : for, as I ever had love to your honor,
perfon, lyfe, profperitye, helthe, welthe, joy, and
comfort; and al fo to your moft dere and moft en tyerly
belovyd fbne, the prynce his grace, and your pro-
ceeclyngs : G,od fo helpe me in this myne adverlitie,
and confFound me yf ever I thought the contrary.
What labours, paynes, and travailes I have taken,
according to my moft bounden dutye, God alfo
knowyth : for, yf it were in my power, (as it is in
God's) to make your mageftye to live ever young
and profperous, God knowyth I wolde; ifithaclde
bene, or were in my power to make yow fo ryche,
as ye myght enrych all men, God helpe me, as I
wolde do hit. If it hadde bene, or were in my
power to make your mageftye fo puyflant, as alle
the world fliolde be compcllyd to obey yow, Chrift
he knowyth I wolde ; for fo am I of alle othyr moft
bounde ; for your mageftye hath bene the moft
bountiful prynce to me, that ever was kyng to his
No. 29,
fubjeets : yc, and more like a dcte father (your ma-
jeflye not ollendyed) than a rhafter. Such hath
bene your moil grave and godly coinliayk- towards
me, at iuiulry tymcs. Iii that I offended I ax yowr
mercy. .Should I now, for fuch exceed ing good-
nefs, beiiygnyte, liberalitie, and bounty, be your
tray tor, nay then the greuteft paynes were too little
fur me. Should any faccyon, or any aflcccyoh to
any point make me a traytor to your magcftie, then
all the devyls in hell confound me, and the ven-
geance of God light upon me; yf I molde once
have thought yt, moft gradoui fovcrcign lord.
•" Sir, as to your common welthe, I have
aftyr my wytte, power and knowledge, travayled
therein, havyng had no refpecl to perfons (your
mageftye only except) and my dewtye to the lame j
but that 1 have don any injuftice, or wrong wylfully
I truft God fhall b'cre my witnes, and the world not
able juftly to accufe me.—- —
" Neverthelefs, Sir, I have medelyd in fo
many matyers, under your highnes, that I am not
able to anfwer them all. But one thyng I am well
afTured of; that wyllingly and wy ttingly I have not
had wille to offend your highnes : but hard it is
for me, or any other, medelyng, as I have clone, to'
live under your grace, and your laws, but we mull
daylie offend." — After which he proceeds to clear
himfelf of fome particular matters laid to his charge.
And concludes the whole in thefe words.
" Wryten with the quaking hand, and moft fbr-
rowful heart of your forrowful fubject, and moft
humble fefvant and pryfoner, this Saturday, at your
Tower of London."
In another letter to the king he concludes with
thefe words: " befeeching mutt humbly your
grace to pardon this my rude writing, and to con-
lider that I a moft woeful prifoneiY ready to take the
death, when it fhall pleafe God and your majefly }
and yet the frail flefli inciteth me continually to call
to your grace for mercy and grace for mine
offences, and thus Ghriftfave, preferve, and keep you.
" Written at the Tower this Wednefday, the laft
of June, with the heavy heart and trembling hand,
of your highnefs's moft heavy and moft miferable
priloner and poor Have,
f . C.
' Moft gracio'us prince, I cry for mercy,
mercy, mercy."
The king was fo. much ;moved with this letter,
that he cau'ed it to be read three times. But the
charms of Catharine Howard, the malice of the duke
of Norfolk, and Gardiner, bifhop of Winchefter,
the fworn enemy of all the reformed, prevailed !
and after fix weeki imprifonment in the .Tower, a,
warrant was fent for his execution on Tower-hill.
When he came upon the fcaffold, his affection
for his fon made him cautious in what he delivered,
and lefs careful to affert his own innocence. " I am
come hither to die, faid he, and not to purge myfelf;
as maie happen fome thynke, that I will, for if I
fhould clo fo, I wer a very wretch and mifer ; I am
by 'the lawe condemned to dye, and tlianke my
Lord God that hath appointed me thys deth for
myne offence ; for fithence the time, that I had
yeres of difcretion, I have lived a finher, and
offended my Lorde God, for the which I afke him
haitely forgevenefs. And it is not unknoune to
many of you, that I have bene a great traveler in
this worlde, and beyng but of a bafe' degree, was
called to high eftate ; and now I have offended
my prince, for the which I afke him hartely for-
givenefs, and befeche you all to praie to God with
me, that he will forgeve me. O Father forgeve
me, O Son forgeve me, Q Holy Ghoft forgeve
me, O three perlons in one God forgeve me," &c.
After this kneeling down he went on with a pra'yer,
which we will give at length, as it fully mews his
religious fentiments. — " O Lord Jefus, which art
4 H tfae
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
the Only health of all men living, and the everlaft-
ing life of them which die in thee: I, wretched fin-
her, do fubmit frtyfelf wholly to thy blefled will,
and being fiire thit that thing cannot perifli which
is committed to thy mercy : willingly now I leave
this frail and wicked nefli, in Cure hope, that thou
wilt in better wife reftore it unto me again at the
laft day, in the refurreclion of the juft : I befeech
thee, mod merciful Lord Jefus Chrifl, that thou
wilt, by thy grace, make ftrong my foul againft all
.temptations, and defend me with the buckler of thy
mercy, againft all the affaults of the devil. I fee
and know, that there is in myfelf no hope of falva-
tion, but all my confidence, hope, and truft is in thy
moft merciful goodnefs ; I have no merits, nor good
works that I may alledge before thee ; of fins and
Cvil works, alas, I fee a great heap ; but yet,
through thy mercy, I truft to be in the number of
there, to whom thou wilt not impute their fins, but
will take and accept me for righteous and juft, and
make me an inheritor of thine everlafting kingdom.
Thou, merciful Lord, was born for my fake ; didft
fuffer hunger and thirft for my fake; didft teach,
pray, and faft for my fake ; all thy holy actions and
works, thou wroughteft for my fake j thou fufferedft
moft grievous pains and torments for my fake ;
finally, thou gaveft thy moft precious blood to be
fhed upon the crofs for my fake : now, moft merci-
ful Saviour, let all thefe things profit me, that thou
haft freely done for me, which haft alfo given thy-
felf for me. Let thy blood cleanfe and warn away the
fpots and foulnefs of my fins : let thy righteoufnefs
hide and cover my unrighteoufnefs ; let the merits
of thy paflion and blood-fhedding, be fatisfaftory
for my fins : give me, Lord, thy grace, that my faith-
waver not, but be firm and conftant to the end ; that
my hope in thy mercy, and life everlafting, may not
decay; that love wax not cold in me. Finally, that
the weaknefs of my flefh be not overcome by the
fear of death ! Grant, O moft merciful Father, that
\vhen death (hall fhut up the eyes of my body, that
the eyes of my foul may ftill behold and look upon
thee, and when death hath taken away the life of
ray tongue, that my heart may cry and fay unto
thee, Lord, into thy hands I commend my foul ;
Lord Jefus, receive my fpirit. Amen."
Having finifhed this prayer, he addrefled himfelf
to the people, defiring them " to praie for the
kynges grace, that he may long live with you in
healthe and profperitie. And after him, that his
•Tonne prince Edward (that goodly ympe) maie long
reign over you. And once again, I defire you to
praie for me, that fo long as life remaineth in this
flefhe, I waver nothyng in my faithe." After
which he fubmitted his neck to the executioner,
who mangled him in a barbarous and terrible
manner.
" Thus (fays an able writer) fell Thomas lord
Cromwell, under the weight of his fickle and cruel
matter's difpleafure, Henry VIII. after he had
ferved him with great faithfulnefs, courage, and re-
folution, in the moft hazardous, difficult, and im-
portant undertakings. As for the lord Cromwell's
character, it is no wonder, that between papifts and
proteftants it fhould be various. The firft reprefent
him as a crafty, cruel, ambitious, and covetous
man, and an heretic, (which contains all vices, with
them, in one word) ; the latter aflure us, that he
was a'perfon of great wit and excellent parts, joined
to extraordinary diligence and induftry ; that his
apprehenfion was quick and clear, his judgment
methodical and folid, his memory ftrong and ra-
tional, his tongue fluent and pertinent, his prefence
ftately and obliging, his heart large and noble, his
temper patient and cautious, his correfpondence
well laid and conftant, his converfation infinuating
and clofe ; none more dextrous in finding out the
defigns of men and courts, a,nd none more referved
in keeping a fecret. Though he was raifcd from
the mcaneft condition to a high pitch of honour,
he carried his greatnefs with wonderful temper,
being noted, in the exercife of his places of judi-
cature, to have uled much moderation, and in his
greateft pomp to have taken notice of, and been
thankful to mean perfons of his old acquaintance.
In his whole behaviour he was courteous and affa-
ble to all; a favourer in particular of the poor in
their fuits, and ready to relieve fuch as were in
danger of being oppreffed by their mighty adver-
faries. He was one of the chief inftruments in the
reformation ; and though he could not prevent the
promulgation, he flopped the execution, as far as
he could, of the bloody act of the fix articles. — As
he was good abroad, fo was he alfo at home : calling
his fervants yearly to give an account of what they
had got under him, and what they defired of him,
warning them to improve their opportunities ; be-
caufe, he faid, he was too great to ftand long ; pro-
viding for them as carefully as for his own fon, by
his purfe and credit, that they might live as hand-
fomely when he was dead, as they did when he was
alive. In a word, we are afTured, that for piety
towards God, fidelity to his kingj prudence in the
management of his affairs, gratitude to his bene-
factors, dutifulnefs, charity and benevolence, there
was not any one then fuperior to him in England."
— And it cleferves to be remembered, that he pre-
ferred more men of integrity and abilities, both
ecclefiaftics and laymen, than any one of his pre-
deceffors in power had ever done. Reader, admire
and imitate his great example.
His monument bore the following infcription :
Cromwell, furnamed the Great,
Whom Wolfey firft raifed
From the forge, to eminent good fortunes;
Whom Henry the eighth ufed as his inftrument
To fupprefs the pope's fupremacy, and to difiblve
religious ftruchires ;
Whom he advanced to the higheft pitch of honour
and authority ;
Whom he caft down fuddenly, and bereft both of
life and dignities;
Lies here interred.
Character of King Henry VIII.
Lord Herbert has juftly remarked, that the
hiftory of this prince is his beft character and de-
fcription. Indeed his conduct was fo different in
the different periods of his life, and he was fo fre-
quently inconfiftent with himfelf, that to give an
accurate fummary of leading qualities, which con-
ftitute a character, is a very difficult tafk. In his
youth he was fincere, open, gallant, and liberal; in
his more advanced years, he became rapacious, ar-
bitrary, froward, fretful, and fo wantonly cruel, that
he feemed to delight in the blood of his fubje&s.
His exterior qualities were fit to captivate the
multitude, being hanclfome in his pei fon ; but in
the latter part of his life he grew very corpulent.
The regard which he acquired among foreign
princes, is a circumftance which entitles him in
forne degree to the name of a great prince; while
the tyranny, the barbarity, and abfolute power he
maintained' at home, will not admit of his being
termed a good one. A lift of his vices would con-
tain many of thofe that are moft difhonourable to
human nature ; fuch as injuftice, cruelty, pride,
arrogance, obftinacy, profufion, rapacity, prefump-
tion, caprice, and pedantic bigotry : by which he
was rendered a dupe to the flattery of his own
courtiers, and, at times, to the intrigues of foreign
princes. In his earlier years, when he had no hopes
of afcending the throne, he applied to his ftudies
with great fuccefs, making a confiderable profi-
ciency both in philofophy and divinity j yet his
ftock
EDWARD V .11
(// //'<'<•;/;('/(•/ ////(>./,),!;> -
/<>///,! II (//,/>/////, i ('<>//,tf// .Jtff/// '/ff/fi- fj/'f/y, /f/fo /t<vsi(f<><wt (///<•/•
EDWARD VI.
303
ftock of knowledge was of little fervice to himfelf,
and much lefs to his people. He afcended the
throne, efteemed for his affability, and generofity,
but thefe qualities degenerated gradually, into mo-
rofenefs and an infatiable avarice ; to which he fa-
crificed every laudable principle,
himfelf a lawlefs dominion "•
He arrogated to
«i,i»vn a ,aw».« uu.ii..i.v." over the reafon of
others, and fet himfelf up as chief arbiter in all reli-
gious difputes. He wrefted the fupremacy from the
fee of Rome, rather from reafons of ftate, private
convenience, and the impulfe of brutal paffions,
than motives of right reafon, juftice, and con-
fcience. Affeding a fuperiority to human nature,
he became a ftranger to its tendered emotions, and
a flave to its impetuous paffions. He never contri-
buted to happinefs, of which he was not to partake ;
if therefore there are any traces of beneficence
in his life, they arofe not from a view of alle-
viating the anxieties of others, but procuring
repofc for himfelf. His conduct, with refpeft to
religion, ftirred up many difputants ; while his
bigotry and defpotil'm blafted the fruits of free
enquiry. As he perverted law to the deftruclion
of humanity, fo he eftabliftiecl a religion of his
own on the ruins of reafon. But of all his dif-
graceful foibles, his capricious amours are moft
glaring ; and no human being, one would think,
can read of a man in the character of a monarch^
who having obtained poffeflion of the moft defirable
Object of his paffion, could fend her to the block,
in order to pave the way for the gratification of a
new, unwarrantable defire, without fliuddering at
the hideous thought. The cruel fate of the un-
fortunate Anne Boleyri, will fix an eternal mark of
infamy on his character ; fo that however Foreign
nations might refpect his pdwer, and his own
fubjects forget his vices, impartial hiftory will
regard Henry VIII. as a monfter. Neverthelefs,
though encircled with vices, he was evidently an
inftrument in the hand of Providence, to lay the
foundation of thofe civil arid religious liberties,
we, of this age, now enjdy. The great difpofer
of all events frequently purfues means, to us the
moft improbable, hereby confounding the wifdom
of the wife, in order to execute his benevolent
and gracious defigns. In the hiftory of the Jews,
we find a remarkable fucceffioh of good and bad
kings, all of whom were made fubfervieht to the
grand clefign of infinite wifdom, the introduction
of Chi iftianity ; and here, in our Englifh annalsj
we may plainly fee, that the inordinate paffions,
and very vices of a proud, arrogant tyrant, were
employed to procure mankind the fecond fnoft in-
valuable gift of heaven, the Proteftant religion.
CHAP. III.
EDWARD
vi.
Proclaimed king — Proceedings of the regency and executors of (he rate kirtg's will— The ear! of Hertford, Edward's
maternal uncle, is made proteclor — A creation of nobility; and the king's^ coronation — Proceedings of the council
againjl the chancellor — Progrefs of the reformation — Gardiner's opposition thereto, who is font to the Fleet—
Foreign affairs— Wijhart burnt for herefy in Scotland-*-A/ajJination of cardinal Beaton— Hertford, now duke of
Somerfet, revives the claim of fuperiority over Scotland, and commences hojlilities Again/I that kingdom— The,
battle of Pinkey, a nobleman's feat of that name — The rigour of feveral former Jlatutes mitigated; and moft of
thofe againjl the Lollards, among which were the fix bloody articles, repealed— Intrigues of lord Seymour, who is
beheaded— Perfections carried on by the protejiants— Joan Bocher, an anabaptiji, Committed to the flames —
Commotions and infurreftions of the people in federal counties of England — A peace with France and Scotland-
Proceedings of the council againft the duke of Somerfet, at the injiigation of Warwick—The duke fent to the
Tower A new council of regency formed — A peace with France and Scotland— Warwick obtains the title of
earl of Northumberland — Rcfohes to ruin the duke of Somerfet, who' is tried, condemned, and executed — A new
parliament fummone J, and the order of fucceffion changed by the king's letters patent— Death and character of
Edward VI.
A.D. 1547
Hertford wit
E'
th hi:
DWARD VI. who, at the time
of his father's death refided at
his fifter Elizabeth, was conducted
from thence by the earl of Hertford and Sir
Thomas Brown, to the Tower of London, where
he was received by the council, affembled in a
body, and proclaimed king of England. The
regent and counfellors had no fooner taken pof-
feffion of their refpective offices, than they de-
parted from the late king's appointment iu a
principal article. It was intimated, that the dig-
nity of government required that one of the
number mould be chofen as a reprefentative of the
king, who might receive addreffes from foreign
ambafladors, difpatches from foreign minifters, and
whofe name fhould be ufecl in all public bufmefs.
This propofal was oppofed by the chancellor
Wriothefley, who reprefented this innovation as an
infringement of the late king's will, which being
ftrengthened by aft of parliament, could only be
altered by the fame authority by which it was
eftablifhed. The executors and counfellors were
of a different opinion ; and readily acquiefced in a
propofal, which feemed well calculated to preferve
the public peace and tranquillity. It was therefore
agreed to name a protector ; and they made choice
of the king's maternal uncle, the earl of Hertford ;
who being ftrongly interefted in his fafcty, and
having no claim to inherit the crOwn, could never
have any feparate intereft to induce him to put
Edward's perfon or authority in danger. This
change in the adminiftration was made known to
the public by proclamation ; and difpatches wen.
fent to inform all foreign courts of it; All in
poffeffion of any office now refigned their former
commiffions, and accepted new ones iri the name1
of the young king. Even the bifhops themfelves
were obliged to make the fame fubmiffion. They
then, agreeable to Henry's intention a little time be-
fore his death, proceeded to fupply the titles which
had fallen by attainders, of the failure of iflue; evi-
dence was examined touching the particulars of
Henry's promiies j in confequence of which they
created Hertford the protector } duke of Somerfet^
marihal and lord-treafurer ; Wriothefley, earl of
Southampton ; the earl of Eflex, marquis of Not-
tingham ; Dudley, vifcount Lifle, earl of War-
wick ; Sir Thomas Seymour, baron Sudley ; and
Sir Richard Rich, Sir William Willoughby, and
Sir Edward Sheffield, were promoted to the dignity
of barons. As foon as the obfequies of the late
king were performed^ young Edward was crowned
with great magnificence on the twentieth of Fe-
bruary ; and after the ceremony an amhefty wa3
publimed ; from which, however, the duke of
Norfolk, cardinal Pole, Edward Courtney, eldeft
fort
3°4
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
fon of the marquifs of Exeter, with three other
perfons, were excluded. The friends of religious
liberty now congratulated themfelves on thefe new
arrangements of gbvernment, openly avowing their
fentiments, even while the laws continued m fl
force againft them. The king himfelf was edu-
cated in the reformed religion, and had_ already
exhibited ftriking proofs of genius, capacity, and
'an amiable difpofition, averfe to cruelty and per-
fecution.
The icligion and politics of the earl of South-
ampton, who was of a fierce, turbulent difpofition,
being very different from thofe of the council, the
protector refolved to feize the firft opportunity to
expel him from the regency; nor was he long
waiting for a pretence. Wriothefley granted a
commiffion under the great feal, to empower four
lawyers, Southwell, Tregonell, Oliver, and Bel-
lafis, to execute, in his abfence, the office of
chancellor; a ftep which he took of his own
authority, without the confent of the king, or the
regents. On complaints being made to the coun-
cil, they confulted the judges, who determined,
that the commiffion was illegal, and that the chan-
cellor, by prefuming to grant it, had not only for-
feited the great feal, but was liable to punifhment.
The council fummoned him to appear before them ;
when he endeavoured to fhew, that if the com-
miffion he had granted was illegal, it might be
declared null and void, and all the ill confequences
of it eafily prevented •, but as he held his office by
the will of the late king, founded on an aft of
parliament, he could not lofe it without a trial in
parliament. Notwithftanding this defence, the
council declared he had forfeited his office ; that
he mould be fined, and conveyed to his own
houfe, and there remain a prifoner during pleafure.
The duke of Somerfet now obtained a patent from
the young king, in which he was named proteftor,
with full regal power ; and all the executors, ex-
cept the earl of Southampton, were, with the
twelve additional counfellors, affigned to him for a
council. He referved a power of nominating others
at pleafure, and was bound to confult fuch only
as he thought proper, without incurring penalties
from any law, ftatute, or proclamation. Thus
the protector made himfelf matter of the govern-
ment: however, the connivance of the executors,
and their acquiefcence, made this change uni-
verfally fubmitted to; and the young king dif-
covering an extraordinary regard for his uncle,
who was, in the main, a man of moderation and
ftrift probity, no objections were made to his
affumed power. Men of fenfe, who obferved the
nation divided by the religious zeal of oppolite
parties, efteemedit-neceffary to entruft the govern-
ment to one perfon, who. might, by checking
the efforts of all parties, fecure the public tran-
quillity.
The proteftor had, for a long time, been
confidered as a fecret partizan of the reformers ;
and, being now freed from reftraint, made no
fcruple of difcovering his intention to correft all
abules in the antient eftablifhed religion. He took
care, that all who were entrufted with the king's
education mould be proteftants ; and as the young
prince grew extremely fond of every kind of lite-
rature, efpecially of theological, for one of his
tender years, it was forefeen, that in the courfe
of his reign the Rdmifh religion would be totally
abolifhed in England. In all the duke of Somerfet's
fchemes to this end, he had conftantly recourfe to
the advice of Cranmer, who being poffeffed of
moderation and prudence, was defirous of bringing
over the people by infenfible innovations, to that
fyftem of doctrines and difcipline, which, in his
opinion, was the moft pure and perfeft. He feems
to have intended the eftablifliment of an hierarchy,
which, from its being fuited to a great and fettled
government, might remain a perpetual barrier
againtl the efforts of Rome, and might retain the
reverence of the people, after the full fervours of
zeal were diminifhed. The perfon who moft
zealoufly oppofed the defigns of Cranmer, \vas
Gardiner, bifhop of Winchefter ; who, from his
having difpleafed Henry, had no place in the
council, but gained by his capacity, experience,
and bigotry, the higheft confidence of his party.
He magnified the great wifdom and learning of -
the late king, and infilled on the neceffity of per-
fevering in conformity to the ecclefiaftical model
of that learned monarch, at leaft till the young
king fhould be of age. He defended the ufe of
images, which theproteflants now openly attacked;
and bifhop Ridley having decried holy water in a
fermon, he wrote an apology for it, and main-
tained, that, by the power of the Almighty, it
might be rendered an instrument of doing good,
equally as St. Peter's fliadow, the hem of Chrifl's
garment, or the clay and fpittlc laid upon the eyes
of the blind.
An aft of parliament having, in the laft reign,
inverted the crown with legiilative power, and
royal proclamations, even during a minority, were
armed with the force of laws, the proteftor, fup-
ported by this ftatute, refolved to employ his au-
thority in favour of the reformers ; and having,
for a time, fufpended the jurifdiftion of the
bHhops, he appointed a general vifitatiori throughout
England. The vifitors, who confifted of a mixture
of clergy and laity, had fix circuits affigned them;
and belides correcting the immoralities of the
clergy, were inftrufted to bring the difcipline and
worfhip fomevvhat nearer to the reformed churches.
In conducting this delicate affair, Cranmer and
Somerfet mewed the greateft moderation. The
vifitors were to retain, for the prefent, all images
which had not been abufed by idolatrous worfhip ;
to inftruft the people not to defpife the ce/emonies
that were not yet abrogated ; and only to avoid
fome particular fuperftitions, as ufing of confe-
crated candles in order to drive away the devil;
and the fprinkling of their beds with holy water.
In order to reftrain the abufes of preaching, twelve
homilies were publifhed, which the clergy were
enjoined to read to the people ; and all of that
order were prohibited from preaching any where,
but in their parifh churches, without peimiffion.
Thefe meafures met with fome oppofition from
Bonner, buthefoon after retrafted and acquisfced.
Gardiner continued to oppofe them with great
fteadinefs ; which drawing on him the indignation
of the council, he was fent to the Fleet, where he
was treated with fome fevei ity. Tunftal, bifhop of
Durham, having alfo made fome oppofition to the
new regulations, was difmiffed the council board ;
but, for the prefent, no farther feverity was exer-
cifed againft him, he being a man of moft unex-
ceptionable charafter, and great moderation.
Let us now turn our attention to, and take a
curfory view of foreign affairs. The pope had at
laft, with much reluftance, and after long delays,
fummoned a general council, which was affembled
at Trent, and was employed in afcertaining the
doftrinls, and correcting the abufes of the church.
The emperor, defirous of retrenching the court of
Rome, and of gaining over the proteftants, pro-
moted the latter objeft of the council. The
Roman pontiff, finding his own greatnefs con-
cerned, defired rather to employ them in the
former : he inftrufted his legates to protraft the
debates, and to engage the divines in difputes
concerning the nice points of faith canvaffed before
them ; but the legates foon found it neceffary to
intei pofe, in order to appeafe the animofities which
arofe among the divines, and to bring them to
fon>e
E L) W A 11 D
VL
3°5
fonie decifion. The difliciilty of this tafk made
them, under the pretence that the plague had broken
out at Trent, fuddenly transfer the council to
Bologna, where they hoped it would be more
immediately under his holinefs's direction. The
femperor, in order to render religion fubftrvierit to
his views, refolved to make ufe of the charge of
herefy, as a pretence for fubduing the protcftant
princes, and opprefling the liberties of Germany ;
but found it neceflary to prevent the combination
of his adverfariesr by concealing his intentions
under the deepeft artifices. He feparated from the
proteftant confederacy, the palatine and the elector
of Brandenburg. He made war on the elector of
Saxony, and the landgrave of Hefle j took the
former prifoner, and by treachery, prevarication,
and breaking a fafe conduct he had granted to the
latter, detained him captive. He now appeared
to have reached the fummit of his ambition ; and
while the German princes were aftonifhed at his
fuccefs, they were difcouraged by receiving the
news of the death of Henry VIII. and then of
Francis I. who, in every calamity, were their ufual
refuge. Henry II. who fucceeded Francis in the
throne, was lefs hafty in his refolutions, and had
lefs animofities againft the emperor Charles V.
than his predeceflbr. Being governed by the duke
6f Guife, and cardinal Lorrain, he liftened to their
advice, in giving immediate afliftance to Scotland,
his antient ally ; which had loudly claimed the
protection of France, a little before the death of
Henry. The religious difputes and ftruggles on
account of the reformation in Scotland, became
daily more violent ; but the refolution taken by
cardinal Beaton, the primate, to employ the molt
rigorous puniftiments againft the reformers, quicken-
ed its progccfs. Wifliart, a gentleman by birth,
was Celebrated for his extenfive learning, his zeal,
the purity of his morals, and for being poflefled
of talents neceflary to draw the attention and af-
fections of the people, fo that he became a very
popular preacher. The magitlrates of Dundee, in
which place he exercifed his miffion, were alarmed
at his fuccefs ; and being unable or unwilling to
treat him with great rigour, denied him only the
liberty of preaching, and then banifhed him out of
their jurifdidion. Wifliart, filled with indignation
at his being thus rejected, together with the word
of God, threatened them with fome dreadful cala-
mity, and withdrew to the weftern part of the
country, where he daily increafecl the number of
his followers. Meanwhile the plague breaking out
in Dundee, people exclaimed, that the town had
drawn down the vengeance of heaven by expelling
their pious preacher ; 'and that the pellilence would
continue till he was recalled. "Wifliart no fooner
was informed of the fentiments of the people in
his favour, than he returned ; but left the conta-
gion fliould fpread by the aflembling of multitudes
together, he fixed his pulpit on the top of a gate,
where the infected flood within, and the others
without ; and in this fituation enforced his fenti-
ments with furprifing fuccefs. This made cardinal
Beaton refolve to ftrike a terror into the minds of
the people, by the punifhment of their excellent
preacher. He accordingly prevailed on Bothwell
to arreft him, and to deliver him into his hands,
contrary to a promife he had made that unhappy
man. The cardinal, being poflcfled of his in-
tended victim, conducted him to St. Andrews,
where he was tried, and condemned to the flames
for herefy. The cardinal, finding that though he
had gained over Arran, the governor, to his party,
he would not concur in Wifliart's condemnation
and execution, refolved to bring him to punifh-
ment, by executing his fentence without the aflift-
ance of the fecular arm ; and he himfelf beheld the
difmal fpectacle from his window. Wifharf:, who
No. 21,
iuitcrod with the utmoft refignition, obfevved the
triumph of his infulting peri.ecutor, and foretold,
that, in a tew days he fliould lie in tiie fame placcj
as low as lie was now exalted. This prophecy of
the p.uient martyr was foon after accompliflied ;
for his difdplcs, enraged by the cardinal's cruelty,
formed a confpirdcy againft him ; and having
joined with them Norman Lefly, who had been ill-
treated by the prinlate, conducted their enterprize
in the'moft fccret manner. One morning early
they entered the cardinal's palace, which he hail
ftrongly fortified-, and though they were no more
than lixteen perfons, turned out a hundred traclef
men and fifty fervants, whom they leized feparately
before their intentions were fufpected, and then,
fhut the gates. The riqife in the caftle had ahrmed
the cardinal, who barricadoed the door of his
chamber ; but finding that they had brought fire
in order to force an entrance, he opened the door*
and reminding them that he was a prieft, conjured
them to fpare his life. Two of the aflaflins then
rufhed upon him with drawn fwords ; but a third,
named James Melvill, flopped their career, and
filled with the madnefs of enthufiaftic zeal, defircd
them to relied, that this facrifice was the Work and
judgment of God, and ought to be executed with
becoming deliberation and'gravity. Then turning
the point of his. fword towards Beaton, he cried,
" Repent, thou wicked cardinal, of all thy fins
and iniquities, but efpecially of the murder of
^Vifllart, that inftrnment of God for the converfion
of thefe lands. It is his death which now cries for
vengeance againft thee, and we are lent by God to
inflict the dderved punifhment : for here, I proteft
before the Almighty, that it is neither hatred of
thy perfon, nor love of thy riches, nor fear of thy
power, which moves me to feck thy death, but
only becaufe thou haft been, and ft'ill remained:
an obftinate enemy to Jcfus Chrift, and to his Holy
Ghoft." Then, without allowing Beaton tirrre toi
finifli his prayers, or to exprefs repentance agree-
able to his exhortation, he (ran him through the
body, and the cardinal fell dead at his feet. Scot-
land had the misfortune of five fliort reigns, being
fuccefllvely followed by as many long minorities.-
Juftice had been continually interrupted by the
cabals and factions of the nobility ; and the hands
of adminiftration were now weakened by the death
of the cardinal, who, though cruel, was poflefled
of great abilities. However, the queen-dowager,
who was a woman of extraordinary talents and
virtue, excited herfelf as much as poflible in fup-
port of the government, in order to fupply the
weaknefs of Arran the governor.
The government of England having been fettled,
the protector bent his whole attention towards pro-
fecuting the war with Scotland. He aflembled an
army of eighteen thoufand men, and equipped a
fleet of fixty fail ; one half of which were fhips of
war, and the other loaded with ammunition and
provifions. The command of the fleet was given
to lord Clinton ; while Somerfet himfelf, aflifted
by the earl of Warwick, led the land forces.
Alarmed at this powerful armament, the French
ambaffador applied, by orders from his court, to
the regency, defiring that a negociation might be
opened, in order, if pofliblej to reftore peace be-
tween the two kingdoms, without the effufion of
human blood. This requeft was complied with ;
and Tunftal, bifliop of Durham, and Sir Thomas
Howe, were appointed to meet the Scottifli com-
miflaries at Newcaftle, where the conferences were
begun on the fourth of Auguft. But the Englifli
plenipotentiaries refufing to proceed, unlefs their
preliminary of a marriage between the two fove-
rcigns fliould be granted j and the Scottifli com-
miflioncrs declaring they had no power to confent
thereto, the negociation was broke off, and the1
4 I protector
306
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF E NGLAND.
protector entered Scotland on the fourth of Sep-
tember. Previous to the commencement of hofti-
lities, the duke publifhed a manifefto, in which he
Recapitulated the reafons that induced the Engliih •
to have recourfe to arms ; urging, by a variety of
arguments, even the necefiity of the marriage of
the young queen of Scots with the king of Ffngland.
Thefe arguments were drawn from the fituation
of the two kingdoms, which nature, by furround-
ing them with the ocean, feemed to have defignecl
for one nation ; from the fimilarity of the inha-
bitants in their laws, language, cuftoms, and man-
ners, whereby they were naturally adapted to be
united, and to become one people ; from the equa-
lity of the young king and queen, with regard to
age and fortune ; from the imminent danger to
which Scotland was perpetually expofed from the
holHle attempts of a powerful and richer neigh-
bour ; and from the many advantages that muft
remit to the inhabitants of both kingdoms, from
living in a ftate of peace and fecurity. The pro-
tector added, that exclufive of thefe confiderations, j
pofitive engagements had been made for conclud-
ing this alliance ; and that the Scots were bound
in honour to perform, what their intereft and fafety
fo ftrongly demanded. The Sco,ts, inftead of
afcribing thefe reafonable propofals to their true
caufes, imputed them to fear, united with diftruft-
ful circumftances j and the protector foon found,
that the attachment of the queen-dowager to
France, and to the Romifh religion, would render
all his remonftrances ineffectual: he therefore re-
folved to compel the Scots, by force of arms, to
adopt a meafure, which no motives of policy or
prudence could induce 'them to embrace. He
accordingly continued his march towards Edin-
burgh, without meeting with any oppofition, ex-
cept from a few ^catlles, which .were eafily re-
duced.
Arran had affembled the whole force of the
kingdom ; and his army, which was double in
number to that of the Engliih, had taken poft at
MufTelburgh on an advantageous fpot of ground,
fccured by the river Efke, about fix miles from
Edinburgh ; and the Engliih encamped at the
village of Prefton-Pans, at the diltance of about
two miles from the enemy. In this fituation,
feveral ikirmiihes happened between the light
troops of each army. Arran having detached the
bcft part of his cavalry to infult the Engliih
quarters, and thefe being attacked by lord Grey
and Sir Francis Bryan, were entirely defeated,
after a furious engagement, in which lord Hume
was dangeroufly wounded, and about eight hun-
dred Scots left dead on the field. Somerfet finding
it impoflible to draw the Scots to an action, and
fearing he Ihould be diftrefied for want of pro-
vifions, fent an herald to Arran, offering to aban-
don his enterprize, and to pay all the damages the
Scots had fuffered from his troops, provided he
would give his promife, that the young queen
fliould not be given in marriage to any foreign
prince, till me arrived at an age of chufing an
hufband for herfelf. The moderation of thefe
terms induced the Scots to imagine that the Englifh
were intimidated, and that if they were attacked,
the victory would be certain. At the fame time
the pricfts and monks, many of whom had entered
the camp, made them to believe that the Englifh
were detefhble heretics, who being abhorred of
God, were expofed to the divine vengeance, whence
their arms could never be crowned with fuccefs.
A movement made by Somerfet towards the fea,
as if he intended to efcape with his army on board
the fhips, confirmed them in this opinion. Elated
with this imagination, and determined to cut off
his retreat, they quitted their camp, croffed the
river Efke, and advanced with great precipitation
his army m three ciivmons : tne tint, which cnn-
fifted of his beft troops, was commanded by the
earl of Angus ; the fccond by the regent ; and the
third by the carl of Huntlcy. The earl of Aro-yle
headed a body of Highland archers, who formed
a guard to the artillery. The protector was much
pleafed at this motion of the Scottifh army, and
•as the Englim had ufu ally been victorious 'in re-
gular engagements, he conceived the moft fanguine
hopes of fuccefs. He formed his van on the left
fartheft from the fea, upon an afcent, where he
ordered them to remain, until the enemy fliould
approach. He drew up his main body and his
rear towards the right ; and beyond the van he
pofted lord Grey, at the head of the men at arms,
and directed them to flank the Scots, but not till
the front of both armies mould be engaged. The
enemy advancing along more, were galled with
the artillery from the Engliih mips ; lord Graham
was killed, and the Highlanders thrown into con-
fuiion ; when the lord Grey, obferving their
fituation, neglected his orders, quitted liis poft,
and at the head of his weary armed horfe, attacked
the Scottifh infantry, hoping to decide the action
by one vigorous effort. But he was checked ia
his career by a ditch, behind which were pofled
"fome Scottifh infantry armed with fpears, who
charged them fo warmly that lord Grey was
wounded, his men routed, and their ftandard in
great danger of being loft ; and had the Scot
been furnifhed with cavalry to have improved th«
advantage, a total overthrow of the Engliih muft
have eniued ; but as they were almoft deftitute
that refpect, lord Grey had time to rally his horfe
behind his infantry.. , Meanwhile the protector,
Sir Ralph Sadler, and Sir Ralph Vane, excited
themfelves with great activity and fuccefs in rally-
ing the cavalry. Warwick difcovered great pre-
fence of mind in preserving the ranks of the foot*
on which the horfe had recoiled. He directed Sir
Peter Meutas, captain of the foot arquebufiers,
and Sir^Peter Gamboa, captain of fome Italian
and Spanifh arquebufiers, to advance on horfeback,
with orders to fire on the Scottifh infantry. They
marched to the flough, and continually difcharged
their pieces full in the face of the enemy. The .
fhips galled them in flank ; the artillery, planted
on an eminence, deftroyed them in front ; the
Englifh archers poured in upon them an mediant
fhower of arrows ; and the van-guard advanced
leifurely, and in good order from the hill, "i he
van of the Scots being difmayed, began to retreat,
which was foon changed into flight, which was
begun by the Irifh archers. The panic commu-
nicated itfelf to the main body ; and proceeding to
the rear, the field became a fcene of terror, con-
fufion, c.onfternation, and overthrow. The Englifh
obferving this from the heights, began the purfuit
with loud fhouts, which flill added to the clifmay
of the vanquifhed. The horfe, eager to revenge
the repulfe they had received in the beginning of
the action, made great flaughter among the flying
enemy; and for the fpace of five miles from the
field of battle to Edinburgh, the ground was
ftrewed with dead bodies. The carnage was in-
exprefiibly terrible. About three thoufand ec-
clefiaftics, who made a feparate body, were mafia-
cred without mercy. Never was victory more
decifive, or purchafed at an eafier rate by the
conquerors. The Englifh loft not more than two
hundred men; but according to the moft moderate
computation, above ten thoufand of the Scots were
flain, and about fifteen hundred taken prifoners.
This action, which was fought on the tenth of
September, was called the battle of Pinkey, from
a neighbouring nobleman's feat of that name.
The queen-dowager and Arran fled to Stirling;
while
EDWARD VI.
3°7
while the earl of Lenox and lord Wharton, enter-
ing the weft marches at the head of five thoufand
men, took and plundered Annan, and fpread de-
vaftation over all thejieighbouring counties. Had
the protector improved" his advantage, he might
have compelled the Scots to fubmit to any terms
he could have impofed ; but he was impatient to
return to England, where he heard cabals were
forming againft his authority, in which ~his own
brother was a principal. Having therefore taken
feveral caftles, and reduced to fubmiflion fome
counties on the borders, he departed from Scot-
land. The fleet not only deftroyecl all the fhips
along the coaft, but took Broughty in the Frith of
Tay ; and having fortified it, left a garrifon there.
Arran, in order to gain time till fuccours could
arrive from France, defired leave to fend com-
miffioners to treat of a peace ; on which Somerfet,
appointing Berwick for the place of conference,
left Warwick with full powers to negotiate •, but
the Scotch commiflioners never appeared.
Somerfet, foon after his return to England, con-
vened a parliament, and obtained a patent, em-
powering him to arrogate all the honours and
privileges that any princes of the blood, or any
uncles "of the kings of England had ever pofTefled.
He even obtained a patent appointing him to fit
on the throne, upon a ftool or bench, on the
right hand of the king. Thefe honours were in-
vidious to the old nobility, and created the duke
many powerful enemies. But if the protector
difcovertd his vanity in afluming fo much ftate,
he merited the higheft applaufe on account of the
ftatutes, enacted through his influence, in this
feffion of parliament ; by which the rigour of
former ftatutes were greatly mitigated, and fome
fteps taken for fecurjng the liberties of the people.
All laws were repealed which extended the crime
of treafon beyond the limits afEgned it by the
ftatute of the twenty-fifth of Edward III. toge-
ther with all laws made during the late reign for
extending the crime of felony j all former, laws
againft Lollards or heretics ; and the bloody
ftatute of the fix articles ; no perfon was to be
accufed of words, but within a month after they
tvere fpoken. That ftatute which gave the force
of law to the king's proclamations, was alfo re-
pealed. Herely, however, ftill continued to be a
capital crime, punifhable by fire; but as there
now remained no precife ftandarcl by which that
crime could be afcertained, it entirely depended
upon the rigour or lenity of the judges. Thus,
by thefe repeals, many of the molt rigorous laws
that had ever paffed in England were annulled ;
and, after the prevalence of tyranny for a long
fucceflion of years, fome dawn both of civil and
religious liberty began to appear. Several laws
were alfo pafled by this parliament, which greatly
contributed to promote the reformation. The cup
was reftorecl to the laity ; private maffes were
abolifhed. The king was empowered to create
bifhops, without any election of the chapter ; and
all proceffes, in the bifhops courts, thofe of Can-
terbury excepted, were to be carried on in the
king's name, and fealed by his feal, as in the courts
of common law. They alfo granted to Edward
all the foundations for chantries, chapels, and col-
leges, of which Henry had not taken pofleffion.
The preamble to this ftatute premifes, that thefe
funds Ihould be employed to good and godly ufes,
in erecting grammar fchools, in farther augmenting
the revenues of the universities, and in making
better provifion for the poor and needy. But the
rapacious courtiers had already, in their imagi-
nations, divided the fpoil j and it was not long
before it was fhared out among them. Cranmerj
•and feveral other prelates, were of opinion, that
the revenues of the church, by the impropriation
of tythes, and other methods of alienation, were
already too much reduced. The primate, there-
fore, ftrenuoufly oppofcd the bill, and was joined
by the bifhops of London, Ely, Norwich, Here-
ford, Wihchefter, and Chichefter ; yet, riotwith-
ftanding this oppofition, it was paffed intf) a law.
By tin's act, not fewer than two thoufand three
hundred and feventy-four religious foundations,
fell into the hands of the crown. We have already
obferved, that the protector was obftructcd in the
profecution of the war in Scotland, by the intrigues
of his brother Thomas, who had married Catharine
Parr, the queen-dowager, and had lately been
created lord high-admiral of England. He had
already gained fuch an afcendancy over Edward^,
that he had perfuaded him to write a letter in his
own hand to the houfe of commons, recommend-,
ing him to their choice as governor of his perfon.
Though this attempt flruck at the foundation of
the protector's greatnefs, he ftill endeavoured to
reclaim his brother by gentle, munificent methods ;
but finding he was ftill determined to purfue his
fchemes, Somerfet found it neceflary to fummon a
parliament, as the only authority that could fupport
him againft the machinations of his brother. Be-
fore the feflion opened, he informed the council of
the letter his brother had obtained from the young
king, and which he propofed to lay before the
houfe. The council was alarmed at this circum-
ftance, and feveral lords were deputed to difTuade
the admiral from purfuing his rafh projects; yet he
continued firm to his purpofe, till the council
threatened to deprive him of all his pofts, commit
him to. the Tower, and indict him upon the ftatute
which made it death for any perfon to difturb the
eftablifhed government. Thefe menaces awakened
his attention. He faw the confcquences that might
refult from difbbeying the council, and thought
proper to abandon his enterprize ; but was never
thoroughly reconciled to his brother.
In the beginning of this year, the A n
council made feveral alterations in the 1 S^'
ceremonies of religion. They iffued orders, for-
bidding the ufe of candles in proceflions on Candle-
mas-day; palms on Palm-Sunday; and proftra-
tions before the crofs on Good-Friday. They left
the people at liberty to practice, or lay afide, auri-
cular confeffion ; and ordered all images to be
removed from the churches. As the people were
much diftracted by the oppofite opinions of their
preachers, the council firft endeavoured to remedy
that inconvenience, by laying fome reftraints on
preaching ; but finding this expedient ineffectual,
they impofed a total filence on the preachers, and
by this means put an end at once to all the pole-
mical contentions of the pulpit : a reftraint which,
in the nature of things, could only be temporary.
But the farther Somerfet proceeded in the refor-
mation of England, the more averfe were- the
queen-dowager, and the clergy of Scotland, to an
union with that nation. Bdides, the hoflile at-
tempts made againft Scotland being neither re-
gular, nor puflied to the laft extremity, only ferved
to infpire that nation with the ftrongeft averfion,
which was courted in fo violent a manner. Even
the perfons who were inclined to the Englifh al-
liance, were averfe to its being impofed on them
by force of arms; and the earl of Huntley
pleafantly faid, that he did not diflike the match,
but the manner of wooing. The queen-dowao-er
obfervingv that thefe were prevailing . fentiments,
called a parliament, in which it was propofed, that
the young queen mould, for her greater fecurity,
be lent to France. Some objections were made to
this propofal ; but thefe being anfwered, and the
arguments ftrengthened by French gold, which
was plentifully diftributed among the nobles, and
alfo by the zeal of the clergy, who dreaded the
soufequence*
3o8
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
confluences of the Englifh alliance, it was deter-
mined to fend the queen to her antient ally. Ac-
cordingly the young queen, attended by the lords
Arefkine and Levingftone, embarked on board a
fleet -deftined for France, and fafely arrived at Breft,
whence (he was conducted to Paris, and was foon
after contracted to the dauphin.
In the month of May the expected fuccours
from France, arrived in the Frith, to the number
of fix thoufand, half of whom were Germans, with
fome pieces of artillery, under the command of
D'Effe d'Efpanvilliers. Small as this feafonable
fupply was, it raifed the fpirits of the Scots under
their misfortunes. The fiege of Haddington was
immediately undertaken ; and the Scots had the
good fortune to furprize and cut off a party fent to
its relief, under the command of Sir Robert Bowes
and Sir Thomas Palmer. But on the approach of
the earl of Shrewfbury, at the head of twenty-two
thoufand men, they raifed the fiege, and retired with
great precipitation. Shrewfbury, however, made
no attempt to diftrefs the enemy : he contented
liimfelf with reinforcing the garrifon, and leaving a
large fupply of provifions and ammunition in the
place. This was effected without the leaft oppo-
lition, and the earl immediately returned to Eng-
land. While the war was thus weakly conducted
in Scotland, the reformation under the protection
of Somerfet and Cranmer, gained great ground in
England. The parliament meeting on the twenty-
fourth of November, enacted a Itatute, by which
priefts were permitted to marry ; and another con-
firmed the new liturgy, which was much the fame
as that now ufed by our church of England. But
though the protector was cordially attached to the
progrefs of this work, prudence required, that he
fliould proceed with caution, as the Romifli religion
had ftill many votaries, and himfelf many enemies ;
among whom his own brother was the moft invete-
rate and dangerous. He had renewed his former
practices, and carried them to a much greater
length. The queen dowager, his wife, had fome
time fince died in child-bed •, and he flattered him-
felf with the hopes of efpoufing the princefs Eliza-
beth, who was then in her fixteenth year, and feems
to have liftened to the infinuations of a man, pof-
feffed of every talent proper to captivate the affec-
tions of the fair. But as Henry had excluded his
daughters from the fuccelfion, if they married with-
out the confent of his executors, which Seymour
could never hope to attain, it was concluded, that
he propofed to effect his purpofe by expedients ftill
more rafli and criminal. He could depend upon
ten thoufand of his fervants and retainers, and had
Provided arms for their ufe. He bribed all who
ad immediate accefs to the king's perfon; endea-
voured to bring over the young prince to his in-
tereft ; vilified his brother's adminiftration ; and by
his promifes and perfuafions, induced many of the
principal nobility to join his party.
._ Somerfet on being informed of thefe
A. v. I549' alarming circumftances endeavoured
by gentle methods, and even heaping new favors
upon the admiral, to bring him back to his duty,
but all his endeavours proved ineffectual j he re-
jected every offer, and fet his brother at defiance.
The protector therefore now began to think of ufing
more fevere methods. He laid the whole of his
conduct before the council ; who drew up a charge
againft him, confuting of thirty-three articles, and
he was committed to the Tower. This quarrel was
inflamed by the earl of Warwick, who had formed
a defign of raifing his own fortune on the ruin of
both the brothers. This fecret incendiary was the
fon of Dudley, one of Henry VII. judges. The
late king had reftored the blood of young Dudley,
by act of parliament, and finding him a man of
abilities, en tru tied, him with many important com-
mands; raifed him to the dignity of vifcount Lifle;
conferred on him the poft of admiral ; and gave
him, by his will, a place among the executors.
During the minority, Dudley obtained the title of
earl of Warwick ; and having undermined the
credit of Southampton, was one of the chief of the
protector's counfellors. But his vices obfcured all
his virtues ; for he had an exorbitant ambition, a
contempt for juftice, and inlatiable avarice ; and
finding lord Seymour, whofe abilities he chiefly
dreaded, was involving himfelf in ruin by his ram
conduct, he refolved to remove the principal ob-
ject of his greatnefs, by pufhing him down the pre-
cipice. Somerfet, finding his brother's feditious
fchemes endangering the public peace, was the
more eafily perfuaded by Warwick to proceed
againft him. Some of his accomplices were now
taken into cuftody ; yet the protector ftill fufpended
the blow, and {hewing himfelf unwilling to ruin his
brother, offered to defift from the profccution, if he
would promife to be cordially reconciled to him,
renounce all his ambitious hopes, and be contented
with enjoying a private life in the country. Sey-
mour anfwered the friendly offer only by menaces.
On which commiffioners were fent to interrogate
him in prifon ; but he refufed to anfwer the
queftions that were put to him : defired that his trial
might proceed in a legal method ; that the witneffes
might be confronted with him ; and that the heads
of his accufations fhould be laid before him. Thefe
reafonable demands were denied him; and a bill of
attainder was preferred, which paffed the houfe of
lords without any material oppolition. The com-
mons were more fcrupulous ; fome of the members
objected againft the whole method of proceeding;
by bills of attainder ; and required a formal trial
mould be given to every man before his condem-
nation. This oppofition alarmed the miniftry. A
meffage was fent from the king, requiring them to
proceed ; ordering, at the fame time, thofe narra-
tives which had fatisfied the lords to be laid before
them. This conceflion produced the defired effect ;
the bill paffed in a very full houfe : near four
hundred voted for it, when not above nine or ten
were againft it. The royal affent immediately fol-
lowed, and lord Seymour was foon after, on the
tenth of May, beheaded, contrary to the fenfeof the
nation in general, who, not without reafon, accufed
the protector of cruelty and injuftice, in depriving
his brother of life, without legal proofs of the fe-
veral articles of accufation alledged, many of which
were of a very frivolous nature.
Though the proteftant reformers had renounced
opinions, which for feveral ages had been efteemed
infallibly certain, they had fo little-idea of true re-
ligious liberty, which allows no limits to private
judgment, confcience, and freedom of enquiry, and
which maintains Chriftian charity for men of every
perfuafion, that they were ready to burn all who
prefumed to differ from them, in the fame flames
from which they themfelves had narrowly efcaped.
The new liturgy, though received and approved
by all who wiflied well to the reformation, yet met
with very great oppofition from the catholic party,
they were unwilling to abandon the tenets of their
antient religion, and exerted their whole intereft to
raife difturbances in the nation. A great variety of
opinions prevailed, and all attempts to reduce them
to uniformity were'fruitlefs. Hence the council
granted a commiflion to the primate and fome
others, to examine and fearch after all anabaptifts,
heretics, and contemncrs of the new ritual. Thefe
they were enjoined, if pofiible to reclaim, to impofe
penance on them, and to give them abfolution j or
if they continued obftinate, to imprifon, excommu-
nicate, and deliver them over to the fecular arm.
Several perfons were* taken up for maintaining he-
retical opinions, but being prevailed upon to ab-
jurc
EDWARD
VI.
3°9
jure them, were difmifled. A woman, named
Joan Bodier, an anabaptift, who denied the incar-
nation of Chrift, perfevered in her error, and was
committed to the flames. Cranmer, though of a
mild clifpofition, thought it ncceflary to punifli
Iicr; and having engaged Edward to fign her fen-
tence,the young monarch told him, with tears in his
eyes, that if any wrongwasdone, the guilt fhould lay
entirely upon his head. Cranmer uied every argu-
ment to reform the woman, but in vain ; on which
he fuffered the fentence to be executed. Soon after
one Van Paris, a Dutchman, was condemned for
having embraced the herefy of Arius, and fuffered
with fo much refolution and fanatical zeal, that he
embraced with traniport the faggots which confumed
him. But thefe feverities were ill calculated for
removing the evil ; they tended rather to increafe
than exterminate error : however they produced at
that time a temporary eftecl: ; a conformity to the
new liturgy was eftablifued, and the murmurs againft
the late innovations ceafed. The lady Mary alone,
•refufing to admit the eftablifhed modes of worfhip,
continued to adhere to the mafs. On her being
teazed and menaced on this account, me applied to
the emperor, who ufing his intereft with Sir Philip
Hobby, the Englifh ambafiador, fhe obtained from
the council a temporary connivance.
No inftitution can well be fuppofed to have been
more prejudicial to the interefts of mankind, than
that of the monks and friars, yet it was attended
with many falutary effects, which ceafing with the
monaftic order, occafionedmuch murmuringamong
the people of England. When the monafteries
were fupprefled, a great number of monks were un-
der the neceffity of living by their, labour, fo that
every kind of employ was oveiftocked. The mo-
naftic eftates had been farmed out, on moderate
terms to vaft numbers of common people, who were
thereby enabled to maintain their families on the
profits of agriculture ; but the lands being now di-
vided among the nobility, the rents were raifed,
and the farmers perceiving that wool was a more
profitable commodity than meal, converted their
arable land into paftures. In confequence of .this,
bread became dear, to the unfpeakable diftrefs of
the poor. As multitudes were deprived of employ,
and therefore of fubfiftence, through the negled of
agriculture, the nation abounded with complaints
againft the nobility, as the fources of this wretched-
nefs. The protector attended to the remonftrances
of the fufferers, and refolved to exert his utmofl en-
deavours in redrefling their grievances. In order to
remove the fubject of their complaints, he appointed
commiffioners with full power to try and decide all
caufes relative to inclofures, high ways and cottages.
This meafure being very difpleafing to the nobility
and gentry, they exclaimed againft the commiifion
as illegal ; and the peafants imagining their deiign
was to reduce them to fervitude, determined to re-
drefs themfelves by force of arms. The infurrec-
tion began at once in feveral counties of England,
as if the populace had engaged in a general confpi-
racy. The rioters in Wiltshire were clifperfed by
Sir William Herbert ; thole in the neighbouring
counties of Oxford, and Cloucefter, by lord Gray
of Wilton. Many of the infurgents were flain in
the field ; others fuffered by martial law. The
malcontents of Devonfhire, amounting to ten thou-
fand, were headed by one Humphrey Arundel, an
experienced foldicr, and encouraged by the pi cach-
ing of fome ecclefiaftics. They prefented a petition
to the king, defirinr- liberty to practice the antient
ceremonies of the Roman church ; and redrefs of
various grievances. Thefe demands the council
anl'\vered by a formal manifcfto, concluding with an
offer of pardon on their immediate fubmiflion; but
the monks pcrfuaded them, that an abject furrender
of themfelves, would be attended with the. inoft
No. 29.
i "-^
grievous oppreffion and inthralment. Thus inftir
gated, they undertook the fiege of Exeter, which
was gallantly defended by thfe inhabitants. Lord
Ruflel then lay at Honiton, when being joined by-
Sir William Herbert, lord Grey, and fome others,
he marched to the relief of Exeter, which was now re-
duced to the laft extremity. Thefe jointly attacked
the rebels, drove them from all their pofts, flew a;
great number both in the action and purfiiit, and took
many prifoncrs. Arundel^ and the other leaders
were conducted to London, tried and executed ; and
thofe of the lower clafs were condemned by martial
law. The (edition in Norfolk was more alarming,
and terrible in its confequences. The infurgents
amounted to fixteen thoufand, under the conduct of
one Kit, a tanner, and Conyers, an ecclefiaftic, who
performed the office of their chaplain. Thefe com-
mitted all manner of outrages, and prefented to the
king a fet of articles, demanding that farms fhovrld
be reduced to the antient rents ; that the price of
wool fhoukl be abated ; and that allinelofures mould
be laid open. The king promifed them pardon on
fubmiffion. Difdaining the offer, they eftabliflied
their quarters on Moufhold-hill, near Norwich,
where Kit the tanner fat in judgment under a large
tree, fincc known by the name of the oak of refor-
mation. They invefted and reduced the city of
Norwich, and then imprifoned the mayor with fome
of the principal citizens. The marquis of Nor^
thampton was firft fent againft them, but was
worfted in an action, in which lord Sheffield loft his
life. The protector then detached the earl of
Warwick thither, with an army of fix thoufand men,
which had been raifed for the Scottifh war; and by
this means he furnifhed his inveterate etiemy with
an opportunity of augmenting his fame and cha-
racter. Warwick having routed feveral detach-
ments of the rebels, at laft attacked their main body,
and put them to flight. Two thoufand of them
were "flam in the action and purfuit. Kit their
ringleader efcaped from the field, but being taken
next clay in a barn, was hung in chains at Norwich
caftle, and nine of his accomplices fuffered on the
oak of reformation. The rebels in Yoikfhire,
hearing of the fate of their companions, embraced
the offer of pardon, and laid down their arms, and
a general amnefty was foon after publifhed by the
protector. Yet, though all commotions in Eng-
land were now fupprefled, they were productive of
very bad confequences, with refpecl to the foreign:
intereft of the nation.
The forces dcftined for Scotland having been de-
tained in England ; and M. de Thermes landing
there with frefh fuccours from France, he had lei-
fure to reduce the diftracted ftate of that unhappy
country to fome order. He took the caftle of
Boughty, and put the whole garrifon to the fword.
Haddington however held out againft all his efforts,
and it was determined to reduce the place by fa-
mine. But this was not eafily effected; fupplies
were continually thrown into the place durintr
fummer, fo that all his attempts proved unfuccefs-
ful. At laft winter accomplifhed what his whole
power could not perform. The inqlemency of the
weather was an obftacle not to be furrhounted
by the Englifh. The earl of Rutland received-
orders to difrnantle the place. He accordingly
marched thither at the head of a ftrong body of
forces, demolifhed the fortifications, and brought
oft" the garrifon. Nothing was now left to the
Englifh of all their conquefts in Scotland, except
thecaftlcsof Lauder, Douglas, Eymouth and Rox-
burgh. Nor were thefe alt the ill eonfequences
that refulted from the late commotions. Henry II.-
of France, encouraged b% the inteftine troubles of
England, made an effort to execute his favourite
fchcmc of recovering Bologne. The court had for
fome time been appi eheufive that he had formed
4 K th*!j
310
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
that delign, and fent over fecretary Paget to the
court of Charles V. in order to conclude an alliance
with the emperor. But that powerful monarch
having formed a defign of extending his dominions,
by acting the part of a champion for the catholic
religion, lillened not to the advances made by the
court of England, for entering into a ftrict confe-
deracy. In the mean time Henry II. entered the
territories of Bologne at the head of a numerous
army, took feveral caftles, equipped a powerful
fleet, and attempted a defcent on the iflands of
Guernfeyandjerfey ; but afquadronof Englifh mips
being immediately fitted out, fell upon the enemy,
and drove them from the iflands, with the lofs of
above a thoufand men. Difappointed in receiving
the expected afliftance from the emperor, Somcrfet
was deiirous of concluding a peace with France and
Scotland ; especially as he was in no condition to
fupport the neceffary expences, and had experienced
the difficulties and dangers that attended minifters
in demanding and raifing new fubfidies : at the fame
time he was refolved to complete the great work of '
the reformation fo fuccefsfully begun. He there-
fore determined to facrifice Bologne, in order to
gain the fiiendihip and afliftance of Henry. But
• when he propofed the refutution of that place in
council, he met with the ftrongeft oppofition from
his enemies ; who knowing he was in no condition
to carry on the war, were determined for that very
reafon, to oppofe every meafure that had the leaft
tendency to procure a pacification, and to embrace
the firft opportunity that offered to deprive him of
his dignity.
Somerfet, after he had procured the patent, by
which he, in a manner, obtained regal authority,
had paid but little attention to the opinion of the
other executors and counfellors. All who were not
entirely devoted to him were fure to be neglected.
The haughtinefs of his carriage, joined to an in-
ferior capacity, and an unlimited authority, irri-
tated daily the difconteatecU Warwkk, in particu-
lar, having entered into a clofe connection with
Southampton, who had been admitted into the
council, formed, a ftrong party, who had deter-
mined to rain the protector. The nobility were
greatly difpleafed with the regard be kad fhewn
the common people, to which they aferibed the
late infurrections ; and from his popular meafures
apprehended a revival of flmilar diforders. He
Jiad directed a court of requefts in his own houfe
for the benefit of the poorer clafs of people, and
readily embraced every meafure calculated to pro-
mote their intereft and fafety. Yet his intereft
with the people was far from being confiderable.
The Romifh party, who had great influence on the
lower ranks, were his declared enemies, and took
every opportunity of decrying his conduct. His
brother's attainder and execution ^ the great eftate
he had fuddenly acquired ; the magnificent palace
in the Strand, which ftill bears his name, to furnifh
ground and materials for which, the parifh church
of St. Mary, and three bifhops houfes had been
pulled down ; thefe actions had given his enemies
too many advantages over him;, theyrriifreprefented
all the meafures of his adminiftration, and even his
imprudencies were magnified into crimes. At
length, after feveral complaints and difputes, lord
St. John, prefident of the council, the earls of
Warwick, Southampton, with five other members,
met at Ely-houfe, where the earl of Warwick re-
fided, on the fixth of Odtober ; and afiuming to
themfelves the whole power of the government, fent
for the lord mayor and aldermen of London ; be-
fore whom they arraigned the protector's conduct,
and commanded them to ^bey no orders but what
were iflued by themfelves. The fame injundions
Here laid on the lieutenant of the Tower. The
t&ext day Rich, lord chancellor, the marquis of I
I
Northampton, the earl of Shrewfbury, and other
perfons of high rank, joined the malcontents ; and
Secretary Petre, whom the protector fent to treat
with his enemies, chofe to remain with' them.
Somerfet, on being informed of this defection
of the counfellors, removed the king from
Hampton-court to Windfor-caftle; and arming
his friends and fervants, feemed refolved to
ftand on his defence; but finding that no perfons
of rank adhered to him, except Cranmer and Paget;
that the city and Tower had declared againft him ;
that the people did not rife at his fummons; and
that he was even deferted by his confidants ; he loft
all hopes, and applied to his enemies. This ftep
induced the lord Ruffel, Sir John Baker, fpeaker
of the houfe of commons, and three other coun-
fellors, who had hitherto remained neuter, to join
Warwick's party. The council now vindicated
themfelves in a proclamation, and wrote to the lame
purpofe to the princefles Mary and Elizabeth.
They then addrefled the king, and, after the hum-
bleft proteftations of duty and fubmiflion, declared,
that they were the council appointed by his father,
and had chofe the duke of Somerfet protector, un-
der the exprefs condition of his being guided by
their advice ; but he had ufurped the whole au-
thority, and had not only neglected, but oppofed
their councils, they therefore begged, that he would
reftore them to his confidence, and difmifs the pro-
tedor's fervants. The king complied with their
requeft, and Somerfet only capitulating for gentle
treatment, it was promifed him. Yet, noiwith-
ftanding this, he was fent to the Tower, with fbme
of his friends and partifans, among whom was Cecil,
diflinguifhed afterwards in the reign of queen
Elizabeth. On the fourteenth of October he was
brought before the' council, and articles of im-
peachment exhibited againft him, of which the fol-
lowing were the chief: that he had not obferved
the conditions on which he had been made pro-
tector ;. that he had treated with ambafladors with-
out notifying it to the counfel ; and had, by his
own authority, difpofed of governments and
bifhoprics ; that he had held a court of requefts in
his own houfe ; that he had debafed the coin ; that
he had iflued proclamations in the affair of inclo-
fures, contrary to the opinion of the whole council j
that he had not taken care to fupprefs the late in-
furrections, but had on the contrary fuppoi ted and
encouraged them ; that he had occafioned the lofs of
the forts in the territory of Bologne, by neglecting
to furnifh them with provifions and ammunition; that
he had endeavoured to inftill into the king a bad
opinion of his counfellors, by perfuading him that
tfiey intended to deftroy him; that he had caufed the:
lords of the council to be proclaimed traitors; that
he had malicioufly, not only put the king in great
fear, by carrying him fuddenly to Windfor, but
thrown him into a dangerous difeafe ; that he had
armed himfelf and his fervants ; and, laftly, that he
intended to fly to Guernfey or Jerfey. The duke
having received no previous notice of thefe articles,
could not be prepared to give his anfwer, and was
therefore remanded back to the Tower. A revoca-
tion of the protector's office was now publifhed un-
der the great feal. But all the arts of \Varwick
could not perfuade the well-meaning part of the
council to believe the duke guilty of any thing in-,
tcntionally bad, either againlt the king- or thecon-
ftitution of his country. They indeed thought him
too obnoxious to the landed intereft of England, to
continue longer at the head of affairs; and therefore
willingly engaged in meafures for removing him
from the feat of power. The marquis of Nor-
thampton, the earls of Warwick and Southampton,
the lords St. John, Ruflel, and Wentworth, were
appointed regents, and the principal adminiliration
of the government entrulted with the earl of War-
wick.
EDWARD VI.
wick, but without any title that might give him
the leaft authority over the other counfellors.
The popifh party afcribing all the late innova-
tions toSomerfet's councils, were now elevated with
the hopes, that his fall would pave the way for the
reftoration of their antient religion. But Warwick,
whofeviewswere guided folely by ambition, knowing
that it would not be eafy to eradicate the principles
of the reformation out of Edward's mind, declared
for the new dodtrine. Bonner was deprived of
the fee of London, and the earl of Southampton,
head of the catholics, treated with fuch difgraee,
that he retired abruptly from court, dying foon after
of chagrin and disappointment. Somerfet, who
wanted fpirit to fupport his difgraee with dignity,
was prevailed upon to confefs, on his knees, before
the council, all the articles of the charge exhibited
againft him; a fubmiffion that difgraced him in the
eyes of the nation. The parliament deprived him
of all his offices, and condemned him in a large fine.
But Warwick, thinking his abjed behaviour had
effectually deftroyed the fmall remains of his au-
thority, readmitted him into the council ; and even
agreed to an alliance between their families, by the
marriage of his fon, lord Dudley, with the lady
Jane Seymour, daughter to Somerfet.
A T-) Though a project for concluding a
'•5-5°* peace with France, by the reftoration
of Bologne, had ferved for a pretence againft the
protedor's adminiitration, yet the new council were
inclined to adopt the meafure, and lent the earl ot
Bedford, and other commillioners, with full powers
to negotiate. Henry II. refufed abfolutely to pay
the two millions of crowns, which his predeceffor
had acknowredged to be due to the crown of Eng-
land, as the arrears of penfions ; and offered four
hundred thoufand crowns for the reftitution of Bo-
logne, which was accepted, and fix hoftages given for
the performance of this article. Scotland being com-
prehended in the treaty, the Englifh agreed to re-
ftore Dunglas and Lauder, and to demolilh the for-
treffes of Eymouth anu Roxburgh. A peace was
no fooner concluded, than a fcheme was formed
to enter into clofer alliance with France, and it was
foon after agreed, that Edward mould marry Eliza-
beth, daughter of Henry, and all the articles of this
project were fully fettled, tho-.'pjh it never was car-
ried into execution. The defign of marrying the
king to the daughter of a prince who was a violent
perlecutor of the proteftants, could not be agree-
able to that party in England ; but in every other
refpect the council fteadily promoted the reforma-
tion. The peace was celebrated with great re-
joicings, though very far from being agreeable to
the people. They plainly difcerned, that thofe who
accepted of four hundred thoufand crowns, inftead
of two millions which Francis I. had engaged to
pay, were the very perfons who had fo rancoroufly
inveighed againft Somerfet, for merely propofing a
reftitution of Bologne upon reaibnable terms.
This inconfiftent proceeding raifed fuch a clamour
among the people, that the earl of Warwick
thought proper to divert their attention to other
objects, that might conduce more to their fatisfac-
tion. He enquired into the practices of thofe who
had embezzled the king's revenue, or had been
guilty ot'oppreflion in the execution of their offices,
and thefe, on convidion, he puniftied with the ut-
moft rigour. This feverity of juftice, though
arifing from ignoble motives, pleafed the nation in
general, and eltablifhed Warwick's authority among
the great, who perceiving the vigour with which he
aded, began to dread the weight of his refentment.
In the courfe of this year, Thirley refigncd the fee
of Weftminfter, which was united te that of Lon-
don, and bellowed upon Ridley, bifhop of Ro-
chefter. Polydore Virgil, who had refided forty
years in England, obtained permifllon to pafs the
remainder of his days in his own country, in con-
fideration of his having devoted the greaCeft part of
his life to the compilation of theEngliih hiftory.
The reformation now greatly prevailed in Kng-
land, being patronized by the king, and promoted
by the indefatigable labour of archbifhop Cranmcr.
Warwick alfo had declared his intention of com-
pleting this great work, and now began to carry
his defign into execution. A profecution was com-
menced againft Gardiner, bifhop of Winchefter,
who in feveral inftances had rendered himfelf ob-
noxjous to the adminiftration. He was required to
acknowledge his former mifbehaviouf, and confefs
the juftice of his confinement ; to own that the king
was fupreme head of the church ; that the power of
making and difpenfing with holidays was part of
the prerogative; that the common-prayer book
was a godly commendable form; that the king was
a complete fovereign in his minority ; that the fta-*
tute of the fix articles was juflly repealed ; and that
the king had full authority to corred and reform
what was amifs in ecclefiaftical difcipline. The
bifhop made no difficulty of figning all thefe arti-
cles, except the firft. He maintained, that his con-
dud had been always incffenfive, and declared, that
he would never own himfelf guilty of faults he had
not committed. But the council, who intended not
to accept from him any acknowledgments, multi-
plied articles in proportion to his fubmiffion. At
laft the prelate, from a dread of totally difhonour-
ing his former conduct by mean compliances, de-
termined to ad with vigour. He refufed to fign
any articles they might prefent to him ; and was de-
pofed from his fee by a commiflion appointed for
that purpofe. Several other bifhops, much lefs
fufpeded, and troublefome than Gardiner, under-
went the fame fate ; as Day, bifhop of Chichefter j
Heathe, of Worcefter; and Vaify, of Exeter*
About the fame time an order was iflued by the
council, for purging the library at Weftminfter of
all initials, legends, and other fuperftitious books.
Many of thefe were plated with gold and firver,
and curioufly embofled. Great havoc was alfa
made in the libraries of Oxford, in which printed
books and manufcripts were deftroyed without
diftindion. Volumes of divinity fuffered for their
rich bindings ; thofe of geometry and aftronomy
were fuppofed to contain nothing but necromancy ;
and thofe of literature were condemned as ufelefs.
The princefs Mary was not forgot in this vigorous
attack on the remains of popery. She was required
to change her religion, or at leaft, in order for her
convidion, to read the antient fathers. Alarmed
at her danger, fhe formed a plan for efcaping to the
court of Charles V. but her defign was difcovered
and prevented. The emperor, however, made
ftrong reprefentations in her behalf: he even
threatened to commence hoftilitjes, if liberty of
confcience fhould be refufed her. His interpofition
had the defired effect. It was not thought advifeablc
to plunge the nation into a war on fo flight an oc-
cafion; and Edward, who had imbibed the utmoft
deteftation for the idolatrous worfhip of the catho-
lics, lamented with tears the obftinacy of his fitter,
and his own misfortune, in being obliged to tolerate
her errors. This religious zeal of the council did
not prevent their finding leifure to attend both to
the public intereft, and their own temporal con-
cerns. The trade of England had been chiefly
carried on by the inhabitants of the Hanfe-towns
or Eafterlings, as they were called ; and to en-
courage thofe merchants to fettle in England,
Henry III. had granted them a patent, by which
they were exempted from feveral heavy duties paid
by other foreigners. This company, ufually called
the merchants of the Steel-yard, had hitherto en-
groffed the whole foreign trade of the kingdom }
and as they employed the fhipping of their own '
country
312
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Country, the navigation of England had continued
rather in a languishing condition. The council
annulled the privileges of this corporation ; and
though feveral remonftrances were made by Lu-
beckf Hamburgh, and the other Hanfe towns, the
council perfevered in their refolution: and the good
effects foon became vifible to the nation, by the
Eno-lifli being allured to enter into commerce.
However the plans for promoting
A. D. I55i.induftl,v were jn danger of proving
abortive, from domeftic troubles, and confufions.
The fweating ficknefs, which now raged in Eng-
land, fwept away great numbers of the inhabitants.
Several of the nobility alfo felt the dreadful effects
of this alarming contagion ; among whom were the
duke of Suffolk and his brother. By the death of
thefe two noblemen, the title of duke of Suffolk
became extinct in the family of Brandon, which was
next in the fucceffion to the crown after the two
daughters of Henry VIII. The earl of Warwick,
who feems already to have formed the defign of
placing his own family on the throne, immediately
procured Henry Grey, marquis of Dorfet, to be
created duke of Suffolk. The laft earl of Northum-
berland died without iflue; and Sir Thomas Piercy,
his brother, having been attainted, on account of
the mare he had in the Yorkfhire infurrection, dur-
ing the late reign, the title was extinct, and the
eftate vefted in the crowp. Warwick therefore
procured for himfelf thofe ample pofleflions which
lay in the north, the moft warlike part of the king-
dom; and was dignified with the title of duke of
Northumberland. Lord St. John, the treasurer,
was created marquis of Winchefter, and Sir William
Herbert, earl of Pembroke; William Cecil was
knighted, and made fecretary of ftate, and Sir
Hobert Dudley, one of Northumberland's fons, was
fworn one of the fix ordinary gentlemen of the
king's bed-chamber. Northumberland, however,
regarding all increafe of pofleffions and titles, for
himfelf and his partizans, only as fteps to farther
acquifitions ; and perceiving the duke of Somerfet,
though deprived of his dignity, ftill preferved a
confiderable degree of popularity, he refolved to
ruin a man, whom he confidered as a chief ob-
ftacle to his ambitious projects. The alliance lately
concluded between their families had been pro-
ductive of no cordial union. It only afforded
Northumberland an opportunity of effecting with
jnore eafe«and certainty the deftruetion of his rival.
He began his infamous defign, by fecretly cor-
rupting many of that unhappy nobleman's friends
and fervants : he fometimes provoked him by ill
ufage, and at others terrified him by the appearance
of danger. He alienated the affections of the young
king from his uncle, whom he reprefented as a
very dangerous fubject. He fpread a report, that
Somerfet had caufcd himfelf to be proclaimed king
in feveral counties, and that he was preparing an
armed force to make himfelf maftcr of his majefty's
perfon. Thus provoked, the unguarded Somerfet
broke out into menacing expreflions againft Nor-
thumberland : and at other times formed rafli pro-
jects, which he immediately abandoned; his treach-
erous confidants repeated every paffionate word
which cfcaped from his lips to his enemy, and re-
vealed the fchemes they themfelves had firft pro-
jected. Northumberland thought that the proper
feafon for acting was come, and the duke of Somer-
fet, lord Grey, David and John Seymour, Netidi-
gate and Hammond, two of the duke's fervants, Sir
Thomas Palmer, and Sir Ralph Vane, were arrefted
and confined. The next day the duchefs of Somer-
fet, with Crane and his wife, her favourites, Sir
Michael Stanhope and others, were thrown into
prifon. Sir Thomas Palmer, who had acted as a
i'py upon Somerfet, charged him with having formed
a defign to fecure the Tower, raife a rebellion in
i
London, and an infurrection in the north ; and
maintained, that the duke once defigned to murder
Northumberland, Northampton, and Pembroke, at
a banquet. Palmer's teftimony with regard to the
laft circurn fiance, was confirmed by Crane and his
wife ; and it feems fome rafh expreflions of fuch a.
nature had really been mentioned, though no regu-
lar confpiracy had been formed, nor any meafures
taken for its execution. This unhappy nobleman
was brought to his trial on the firft of December,
before the marquis of Winchefter, who was created
high fteward. The jury was compofed of twenty-
feven peers, among whom werehis principal enemies,
Northumberland, Pembroke and Northampton.
He was accufecl of high treafon, for defigning to
raife infurrections ; and of felony, in intending the
murder of privy counfellors. The witneffes were
examined by the privy council, but neither pro-
duced in court, nor confronted with the prifoner ;
and their depofitions were given in to the jury.
Somerfet's defence, with refpect to the treafonable
part of the charge, was fo fatisfactory, that the peers
gave a verdict in his favour. His intention of
aflaulting the privy counfellors, was indeed fup-
ported by fomewhat like evidence, the duke him-
felf confefling, that he had made ufe of words to
that effect, though he had formed no refolution j
and the peers brought him in guilty of felony. On
receiving his fentence, he alked pardon of thofe
peers for having liftened to defigns againft them.
Somerfet, being beloved by the people, they, on
hearing of his having been acquitted of treafon, ex-
preffed their joy by loud acclamations ; but their
fatisfaction was foon damped, when informed, that
he was condemned to fuffer death for felony, pur-
fuant to a ftatute paffed in the reign of Henry VIIT.
declaring it felony for any perfon to form a defign
of killing a privy ccunfellor. The behaviour o£
Somerfet, from the time he received fentence, was
calm, refigned, and unaffected, he employed his
time in reading, and competing exercifes of devo-
tion.
Northumberland's creatures had . ,-j
taken care to prepoffefs the young
king againft his uncle ; and to prevent his re-
lenting, kept him from reflection by a continued
round of amufements, and by preventing any o£
Somerfet's friends from having accefs to him. On
the twenty-fecond of January this noble prifoner
was conducted to the fcaffolcl on Tower hill, where
he was to fuffer. He was attended on this melan-
choly occafion by Dr. Cox ; and, after fome de-
votional exercifes, he addreffed himfelf in a fpeech
to the people, in which he declared his innocence
with regard to the king, and his fidelity to his
country : he fubmitted to his fentence becaufe
awarded by the law ; he profeffed his zeal and affec-
tion for the proteftant religion, and a lincere fatis-
faction in what he had done to promote it. He
expreffed the higheft regard for the perfon of the
king : he exhorted the people to pay both him and
the council the moft implicit obedience : declared
he died in peace with all mankind ; alked pardon
of all whom he had offended ; and requefted thq
prayers of all prefent. When he declared, that he
- had always promoted the fervice of the king, and
the intereft of true religion, the people attefted the
truth of this, by crying aloud, " It is moft true;"
and on his praying, that the king might enjoy
health and profperity, there was a general refponfe
of "Amen." The fpectators appeared to be ia
great agitation $ and on the brink of taking fome
violent meafure. Some people who had been or-
dered to appear in arms at the execution, when they
faw the duke upon thefcaffold, mended their pace,
crying aloud to each other, " Come away !" The
precipitation added to this exclamation, whiehwas
'I echoed through the whole multitude, produced an
univerfal
EDWARD
VI.
3*3
univerfal tumult. This having fubfided, Sir An-
tony Brown riding towards the fcaffold, the people
exclaimed, " A pardon ! A pardon !" But the duke
telling them they were miftaken, intreated them to
allow him to pafs his laft moments in peace.
Having concluded his fpeech, he adjufted himfelf
with the utmoft calmnefs for the block. ^ When
the fatal ftroke was given by the executioner, a
dreadful groan run through the whole croud of
fpeftators ; many of whom rufhed in, and dipped
their handkerchiefs in his blood, which they pre-
ferved as a precious relic ; and foon after, when the
ambitious Northumberland met with the fame fate,
they, upbraiding him with his cruelty to Somerfet,
difplayed before his eyes thefe fymbols of his
guilty cruelty. Though many actions in Somerfet's
life were exceptionable, he certainly merited a
better doom. He was a nobleman eminent for his
piety ; courteous, affable, fincere, and candid in
all his tranfactions ; a patron of the poor, the
fatherlefs, the friendlefs, and the opprefled : but
his virtues were better calculated for a private than
a public life ; he was a much better general, than a
counfellor; his want of penetration and firmnefs
rendering him incapable of extricating himfelf
from thofe cabals and violent meafures, to which
that age was fo much addicted; yet the faults he
committed during his adminiftration were owing
to weaknefs, not to any bad intention. He was
never accufed of perfonal vices, of falfehood, of
perverting juftice, of cruelty, or of oppreffion.
Among the number of his friends, Sir Ralph Vane,
a brave old foldier, and Sir Miles Partridge, were
hanged. Sir Michael Stanhope, with Sir Thomas
Arundel, were beheaded, as the duke's confe-
derates ; but ftrenuoufly denied, in their laft mo-
ments, the .crime for which they fuffered. Lord
Paget, chancellor of the duchy of Somerfet, was
tried in the ftar-chamber, fined fix thoufand pounds,
and condemned to lofe his office. He was alfo
degraded from the order of the garter as un-
worthy, on account of his mean birth, to mare
that honour. Lord Rich was alfo deprived of the
feals, for having fent a letter to Somerfet, inform-
ing him of the defigns of the council.
On the twenty-third of January the parliament
met, and pafled feveral bills, both of a civil and
religious nature ; but the moft remarkable was
that, refpecting the crime of high treafon-, to
•which the commons annexed a claufe of infinitely
more confequence than the bill itfelf. It was de-
clared, " That none fhould be attainted of high
treafon on this aft, unlefs two witnefles fliould
come, and to their face aver the fact for which
they were to be tried, except fuch as mould make
a voluntary confeffion ; and that none fhould be
queftioned for any thing faid or written againft the
king or government, but within three months after
it was done." This equitable and conftitutional
claufe was ftrongly oppofed by all of Northumber-
land's party, as it totally condemned their late
proceedings in the cafe of the unfortunate duke
of Somerfet ; but notwithftanding all their ftate
tricks it pafled both houfes, and has ever fince
remained one of the chief bulwarks of Englifh
liberty.
Among the moft eminent prelates of that age,
was Tunftal, bifhop of Durham, highly diftin-
guifhed by his abilities, learning, humanity, and
integrity of life. He had oppofed all innovations
in religion ; but they were no fooner eftablifhed
than he fubmitted, and conformed himfelf to every
fyftem of doctrine and difcipline eftablifhed by
authority ; concluding, that all private fentiments
ought to be facrificed to the greater concern of
public tranquillity. The general refpect enter-
tained for him in Somerfet's adminiftration, fecured
him from any fevere treatment : but neither his
No. 30.
obedient conduct, nor the unimpeached rectitude
of his morals, could protect him from the rapacious
cravings of Northumberland, who had formed a
defign of appropriating to himfelf the ample re-
venues of the fee of Durham, and of acquiring a
principality in the northern counties. A bill of
attainder was therefore brought into the houfe of
peers againft Tunftal for mifprifion of treafon, and
pafled with the oppofition only of Cranmer, who had
always a cordial friendfhip for him, and of lord
Stourton, a zealous catholic. But when the bill
was fent down to the commons, they demanded
that witnefles fhould be examined ; that the bifhop
fhould be confronted .with his accufers, and be
permitted to fpeak in his own defence ; which
demands being refufed, the bill was rejected.
Northumberland and his partizans afcribed this
equity, fo unufual in a parliament of that age, to
the prevalence of Somerfet's party 5 and a bill for
ratifying the attainder of Somerfet and his accom-
plices, being alfo rejected by the commons, after it
had pafled the upper houfe, confirmed them in this
opinion. They therefore refolved to diflblve the
parliament, which had fat throughout this whole
reign, and to fummon a new one.
Northumberland exerted himfelf A ^
with fo much induftry, and em-
ployed fo many corrupt and unjuftifiable methods
in the election of members, that when the par-
liament met, he found the commons as obfequious
to his will, and as ready to concur in all his mea-
fures, as he could poffibly have wifhed. Tunftal
had, during the recefs, been depofed by lay-com-
miflioners ; the fentence was confirmed by this
tool of a parliament, who divided the fee of
Durham into two bifhoprics ; but the dignity of
an earl palatine was vefted in the king, who gave it
to Northumberland. They alfo granted the king
two fubfidies, and two fifteenths. Having exe-
cuted his defigns with this fervile parliament during
the feffion of a month, Northumberland caufed it
to be diflblved, and applied himfelf to other
meafures for the gratification of his ambition : yet
he found the emptinefs of the Exchequer an ob-
ftruction to the execution of his projects ; for
though the king had received four hundred thou-
fand crowns from France, on delivering up
Bologne; notwithftanding the plunder of churches,
colleges, and hofpitals, with the fall of many
manors that belonged to them; yet, from the ra-
pacity of the courtiers, the crown owed about three
hundred thoufand pounds fterling : but as Edward,
among other virtues, was inclined to frugality, he
would, probably, had not his health declined very
faft, have retrieved thefe lofles in a very fliort
time. The king, on his recovery from the fmall-
pox, had made a tour through feveral parts of the
kingdom ; and it was fuppofed, that in this pro-
grefs he had inflamed his blood with too violent
exercife ; for he was feized with a cough, which
proved obftinate, and could neither be removed
by regimen or medicines. This diforder foon
degenerated into a confirmed confumption -, and
many people fcrupled not to infinuate, that Nor-
thumberland had tampered with his conftitution.
When the phyficians defpaired of the king's life,
he was committed to the care of an old woman,
who engaged in a fliort time to reftore him to his
former health ; but this promife fhe performed
with much the fame fidelity, which is well known
to belong to our modern quacks. His diforder
increafed fo faft, that when the parliament met in
the beginning of March, both houfes were obliged
to attend him at Whitehall, to hear the realons
of their being called together. This infirm ftate
of the young prince rendered him fufceptible of
any impreflion. Of this Northumberland took
advantage, perceiving that now was the time for
4 L him
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
him to complete the defign he had planned, of
placing his own family on the throne of England.
He therefore fuffered none but his own creatures
to approach the royal perfon ; at the fame time he
affected the moft anxious concern for the young
monarch's health and recovery. By thefe hypo-
critical expreffions of duty, he gained the firft
place in the affections and confidence of F.dward.
This point being gained, the next was to prevail
upon the king to alter the fucceflion. With this
view he reprefented to Edward, that his two
filters, Mary and Elizabeth, had been declared
illegitimate by aft of parliament ; and though
Henry, by his will, had reftored them a place in
the fucceflion, the nation would never fubmit to
fee the throne of England filled by a baftard ; that
they were only his nalf-fifters, and, if legitimate,
had no right to the crown as his heirs and fuc-
ceflbrs ; that his fifter Mary's fucceflion would be
attended with the abolition of the proteftant reli-
gion, and the eftablifhment of popery ; that when
thofe princefles, together with the queen of Scots,
were excluded, the fucceflion devolved on the
marchionefs of Dorfet, the eldeft daughter of the
French queen, and the duke of Suffolk; that the
next heirefs of the marchionefs was the lady Jane
Gray, whom he knew to be ftrongly attached to the
reformed religion, of a mo'ft amiable character, a
friend to virtue, and a lover of her country. Thefe
reafons made a ftrong imprefllon on the young
prince's mind ; and more particularly his zeal for
•) the proteftant religion, made him apprehend the
nfequences that might attend the throne's being
.•led by fo bigotted a papilt as his fifter Mary ;
and though he had a tender affection for Elizabeth,
againft whom there could be no fucn objection, he
was perfu;uled to believe, that he could not exclude
One fifter for illegitimacy, without excluding the
other. Edward therefore determined to leave his
crown to the accompliftied lady jane; efpecially
as her mother had been exprefsly mentioned in the
will of Henry VIII. as heir to the throne;after his
own children. The two fons of the duke of
Suffolk having at this time died of the fweating-
ficknefs, that title was extinct •, and Northumber-
land perfuaded the king to beftow it upon the
mai quifs of Dorfet ; after which he induced the
new duke and duchefs of Suffolk to give their
confent to the marriage of the lady Jane Gray with
his fourth fon, lord Guilford Dudley. In order to
ftrengthen himfelf by other alliances, he married
his own daughter to the lord Haftings, eldeft fon
of the earl of Huntingdon ; and alfo negociated a
marriage between the lady Catharine Gray, and
lord Herbert, eldeft fon of the earl of Pembroke.
The folemnization of thefe marriages was attended
•with great pomp and feftivity ; and Northumber-
land being hated by the people, they could not
refrain from exprefling their indignation, at ob-
ferying fuch public demonftrations of joy, while
their beloved monarch was languifhing on a bed of
ficknefs. Nothing now remained for Northumber-
land, but to finilh his political fabric by a fpeedy
execution of the main part of his defign. To
this end, on the eleventh of June, Sir Edward
Montague, chief-juftice of the Common Pleas,
Sir John Baker, and Sir Thomas Bromley, two of
the judges, the attorney and folicitor- general, at-
tended the council, in obedience to a fummons
they had received, when the king laid before them
minutes of an intended deed for altering the fuc-
ceflion, with orders to draw them up in the form of
a patent. They hefitated to obey, and defired
time to confider Of a fubject fo important in it-
felf, and which would affect themfelves in parti-
cular; but the more they refleaecl, the greater
danger they found in complying. Henry VIII.
had made a fettleraent of the crown, in confe-
quence of an aft of parliament ; and by another
aft paused in this reign, it was declared treafon to
change the order of fucceflion. Thefe reafons
were pleaded before the council ; and the juoVes
alledged, that the only proper method for jnvin'o- a
fanftion to the new fettlement, was to fummon a
parliament, and to obtain the confent of that
aflembly. Northumberland was fo incenfed at their
conduft, that he behaved in the moft indecent
manner ; and it was even feared, he would proceed
to violence againft their perfons. Edward ob-
ferved, that he intended to call a parliament in
order to have the fettlement ratified ; but in die-
mean time required them, on their allegiance, to
draw the patent in the manner required ; and the
council told the judges, that their refufal would
fubject them to the penalties of treafon. After the
arguments had been canvafled in feveral meetings,
Montague propofed an expedient, which fatisfied
both counfellors and judges. He defired, that the
king and council mould pafs a fpecial commiffion,
requiring the judges to draw a patent for a new'
fetilement of the crown ; and that immediately
after, a pardon mould be granted them for any
offence they might have incurred by their com-
pliance. On the patent's being drawn, and brought
to the bifhop of Ely, the chancellor, for him^to
affix the great feal to it, that prelate requefted, that
all the judges might previoufly fign it. Gofnald
at iirft refufed, and was with much difliculty pre-
vailed on to comply; but the-conftancy of Sir
James Hales, notwithstanding his being a zealous
proteftant, remained unmaken. He refolutely re-
fufed to put his name to the inftrument. The
chancellor, for his greater fecurity next required,'
that the hands of all the privy-counfellors ihoulct
be fet to the patent. Cranmer alone, of all the
officers of ftate, oppofed the fcheme,j asd laboured
afliduoufly to perfuade Edward not to alter the
fucceflion. He affirmed that, without perjury, he
could not fubfcribe the deed, ' having already luorn
to the obfervation of Henry's will ; but at laft 1m
resolution was overcome by the earneft intreaties of
his lovereign, and he figned the inftrument. Thus,
by the king's letters patent, Mary and Elizabeth
were excluded, and the crown fettled on the heirefles
of the duchefs of Suffolk, flie herfelf confentino- to
give place to her daughters. During thefe tranf-
actions, Edward had declined vifibly every day ;
and the awful moment now approached, in which
this amiable young monarch was to be removed
from this tranfitory ftate of exiftence. The moft
alarming fymptoms now increafed to a violent de-
gree ; he felt a difficulty of fpeech and breathino- -
his pulfe became feeble, his legs fwelled, and his
colour changed livid ; indications that mewed too
plainly, that this virtuous prince could not be lone
an inhabitant of this world. But his pious dif-
pofitions, and the benevolent turn of his mind
never left him. He prayed with his lateft breath
for the happinefs of England, and expired at Green-
wich on the fixth of July, in the fixteenth year of
his age, and the feventh of his reign. He was
buried under the fine altar at the head of Henry
Vllth's maufoleum, which was cleftroyed in the
civil wars : but the nobleft monument of his vir-
tues are Chrift's hofpital, St. Thomas's in South-
wark, St. Bartholomew's and St. Bride's hofpitals
for the education of youth, the cure of the dif-*
eafed, and the employment of idle perfons and
vagrants: thefe foundations are immortal inftance*
of his piety, benevolence, and charity.
Char after of King Edward VI.
This young prince was endowed with every
qualification that could recommend him to the
affections of his fubjefts, and attract the admira-
tion
EDWARD VI.
tion of mankind. His perfon was elegant ; his
difpofition affable and humane; and his mind cul-
tivated by extenfive learning. His ftrift attach-
ment to equity and juftice, filled his people, by
whom his death was lamented as a public mis-
fortune, with flattering hopes, that his reign would
be rendered illuftrious by his virtues ; and had he
been indulged with a longer life, there is all the
reafon in the world to fuppofe, he would have
made his people happy by a wife and equitable
adminillration. His capacity and application to
Uudy were fo extraordinary, that about the time of
his death he underftood the Greek, Latin, Italian,
French, and Spanifh languages ; was verfed in the
fciences of natural philofophy, logic, and mufic ;
and was matter of all the theological difputes, with
which the minds of men of that age were agitated.
He kept a book, in which he wrote the characters
of all the chief men o'f the nation; taking notice
of the manner of life, and their religious prin-
ciples. He underftood fortification, and clefigned
well : he was alfo well acquainted with the harbours
and ports in his dominions, and with thofe of
Scotland and France, with the depth of water, and
the way of entering them. He had ftudied the
bufinefs of the Mint, with the exchange and value
of money ; and had acquired fuch knowledge in
foreign affairs, that the ambafiadors who were fent
into England, publimed very extraordinary things
of him in all the courts of Europe. To aflift his
memory, he took notes of every thing he heard
worth notice, which he wrote firrt in Greek cha-
racters, that they might be unintelligible to thofe
about him ; and afterwards copied out fair in his
journal. This journal, written with his own hand,
is in the Britifh Mufeum, and was tranfcribed by
bifhop Burnet, who publifhed it in his fecond
volume of his Hiftory of the Reformation. Edward,
was almoft idolized by his fubjecls ; and his exam-
ple fired the young nobility with that general emu-
lation, which pufhed them into every glorious
purfuit, and raifed, foon after, their drooping
country to glory and to empire. Why did fo fair
a fun fet, before it had reached its meridian glory ?
Well may we fay with the poet,
The ways of heaven are dark and intricate ;
Puzzled with mazes and perplex'd with errors j
The underftanding traces them in vain,
Loft and bewilder'd in a fruitlefs fearch.
Memoirs of the life ,and char after of John Wick-
life, D. D.
It is not more pleafing than ufeful to trace the
fteps, by which divine Providence produced and
perfected the Reformation. On this account, agree-
able to our promife, we have determined to give
our readers the life of our countryman Wickliffe,
that they may fee the fpark which lighted Hufs,
and Luther, and Cranmer, and others, till it flione
forth into that bright and glorious day, which we
of this happy nation now enjoy.
Every man, who knows any tiling of human
nature, is aflured, that thofe who attempt refor-
mations of any kind, lie under great difficulties,
and are fubject to numberlefs mifreprefentations.
Reformers are men ; and as fuch, they have their
faults : and it too frequently happens, that the
zeal for truth (wherewith they are animated, and
without which they would not be reformers) carries
them too far, and caufes them to overftioot the
mark which they ftrain all their nerves to hit.
Thefe faults are greedily laid hold of by their
adverfaries, while every their minuteft flip is ag-
gravated into the molt enormous (tumble. So
many too are irritated, nay, and interefted to
blacken them, that is no wonder their characters
af e loaded with a weight of infamy.
3
Much allowance fhould be made to thefe and
the like confiderations, by the perfon who fits down
to read any account of the life of Wickliffe ; who
having been unboundedly free and unreferved in
cenfuring the manners or. the Romifh clergy and
others of his time, it is not ftrange that they have
been as free with him ; but it is very ftrange, that-
proteftant writers have fuffered themlelves to be-
buffed by the prejudiced reprefentations of popifh
ones. Let us obferve too, as another juft apology
for this truly great man, before We enter upon the
detail of his life, that we cannot be furprized that
he fhould haye embraced and defended many points
of doclrine, which the more enlightened enquiries
of following ages have found caufe to explode..
Kather let us admire thathefawfo much, than that
he ftw not evei-y thing, in fuch an age of ignorance
and iuperflition ; and let us venerate the man, who
had iagacity and courage enough to oppofe the
grofs errors of his day ; and to hold forth that
inextmguiihable ray of light, the facred fcripture
m our mother tongue, before which the midnight
daiknefs of popery has been difpelkd, and to
which the proteftant faith: owes its being and flip-
port. ,
This " firft difcoverer afld guide - in our blefled
reformation," as one calls him, was born in the
year 1324, at a village called Sprefwell, in the
parifli of Wicklitfe, near Richmond in Yorkfhire,
a place of which there are no remains at prefcnt.
Though there is no authentic account of his fa-
mily, it appears to have been confiderable. A
learned education was given him, and in proper
time he was admitted commoner of Queen's' college
in Oxford ; but was foon removed to Merton, and
made fellow. Merton was at that time diftin-
guifhed for perforis of learning and genius ; feveral
men of the firft fame, and who afterwards enjoyed
the firft dignities, were cotempotaries with Wick-
lirfe ; who was fobn . diftinguiftied, among his iU
luftrious cotemporaries, for the clbfenefs of his
application, and the vivacity!. of his genius. He
became celebrated in philofophy and divinity, be-
ing fo remarkable for. the elegancy of his wit, and
his ftrength in deputation, that he was efteemed
more than human by the corffmon fort of divines.
He adorned the learning" bf the fchools, by ac-
quiring a deep knowledge of the civil and canoa
law, as well as of the municipal laws of his own
country. He not only ftudied and commented
upon the facred writings, but he afterwards tranf.
lated them into his native language (the firft
tranfhtion icver made) and wrote homilies on fe-
veral parts of them. He alfo read with accuracy
the writings of St. Auflin, St. Jcrom, St. Andrew,
and St. Gregory, the four fathers of the Latin
church. And thus furnifhed, he. was well adapted
to the difplay of his talents, which were called into
exertion about the thirty-fixth year of his age,;
when they attracted the notice, not only of the
univerfity, but 'of the whole kingdom.
Enough has been faid, by almoft every writer,
of the miferable ftate of the church in this age ; of
the fcandalous vices, and more fcandalous igno-
rance of the ecclefiaftics, who were in pofleflion of
the principal power afld wealth of the kingdom.
But the mendicant friars were now become ex-
tremely troublefome, as well to the univerfity, as
to the kingdom in general : under a falfo Ihew of
extraordinary fanctity and poverty, they cloaked
the molt encroaching priJe, and exorbitant cove-
toulnefs. By their means the number of ftudenti
in the univerfity of Oxford had been reduced from
thiity to fix thoufand ; parents were afraid to fend
their children thither, left the friars fliould entice
them into their convents.*
Wickliffe nobly and boldly oppofed thefe dan-
gerous enemies to fociety : other men of learning
and
316.
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
and worth joined with him to refute their prime
doftrine, " That the poverty of Chrift and his
apoftles was a fuflicient foundation for their beg-
irtg trade, and pofiefling all things in common."
Wickliffe wrote with great fpirit againft them ; and
his language is extraordinary, confidering the times.
" Freres," fays he, in one of his tracts, " drawen
children fro' Chrift's religion into their private
order by hypoCrifie, lefings, and ftelihg. For they
tellen that their order is more holie than any other :
that they fhullen have higher degree in the blifs of
heaven, than other men, that been not therein :
and feyn that men of their order fhullen never
come to hell, but fhullen dome other men, with
Chrift, at domefday." And here, by the way, we
cannot but obferve, as a comment upon Wickliffe's
words, that fo great was the ignorance and fuper-
ftition of mankind in thefe times, and fo much had
the begging friars infinuated themfelves into the
good opinion of people, that dying men, even [
the richeft and greateft, would, in their laft hours,
fend to beg an old cloak or covering of one of
thefe friars, that they might be buried in it;
hoping that Chrift would take them for friars at the
general refurreftion, when appearing in thefe old
cloaks, agd fo fend them'- to heaven, where other-
wife they had little hope of arriving.
The reputation which WicklifFe gained by op-
pofing thefe mendicants, could only be equalled
by the malice with which they purfued him. In
confequence of the former, he was advanced to be
mafter of Baliol college in 1361; and four years
after he was made warden of Canterbury hall, then
founded by Simon de Iflip, archbifhop of Canter-
bury, but now fwallowed up in Chrift church.
This worthy prelate feems to have been very
defirous to place men of diftinguHhed worth in his
new feminary ; and the letters of inftitution, where-
by he appointed WicklifFe to the wardenfhip, do
equal honour to the patron and his warden. In
thefe, he f peaks of him " as a perfon in whofe
fidelity, circumfpecHon, and .induftry, his grace
very much confided ; and one on whom he had
fixed his eyes for that place, on account of the
honefty of his life, his laudable converfation, and
knowledge of letters."
WicklifFe conducted himfelf in his headfhip with
great approbation, till the death of archbifhop
Iflip, when his fuccefibr, archbifhop Langham,
turned him out, in favour of Henry de Wodehall,
at the inftigation of the monks of Canterbury,
fworn foes to Wickliffe. It was in vain that the
univerfity interfered, ori that an appeal was made
to the pope. The pope confirmed the archbifhop's
choice : Wodehall and his monks kept pofTeflion,
and perpetual filence was impofed upon WicklifFe
and his affociates. It cannot be fuppofed, that fo
arbitrary and unfair a fentence could diminifh
WicklifFe's juft contempt of the monks and the
pope.
An afFair of a more public nature now made
him more confpicuous. Pope Urban threatened
to cite king Edward to his court at Avignon, for
omitting to pay the tribute of feven hundred marks,
which the pope unjuftly arrogated, in confequence
of king John's pufillanimity. Some of the monks
ventured to defend this claim ; and againft them
Wickliffe oppofed himfelf. This rendered him
odious to the pope, who could ill brook any op-
pofition ; but it gained him favour at court : he
was made king's chaplain ; and the duke of Lan-
cafter in particular took him into his patronage,
and procured for him the living of Lutterworth in
Leicefterfhire, which he held to his death. Though
he had from the beginning freely declared his
fentiments (as appears particularly from his traft
" Of the laft age of the church," publifhed in
1356) refpecUng the monks, the corruptions and
difordcrs of the religious, the exactions, and ufur-
pations of the pope ; yet now he began more freely
to deliver his doctrines, which were judged novel,
becaufe contrary to the received opinions of thofe
times.
In 1372 he took his degree as doctor in divinity,
which he publicly profefFed, and read lectures in it
with great applaufe. In thefe he ftrongly oppofed
the follies and fuperftitions of the friars : he charged
them with holding fifty errors and herefies -, he
{hewed their corruptions, and detected their prac-
tice. This was ftriking at the root of all the
abufes which had crept into the church, at a time
when the greater and more necefFary articles of
faith, and all genuine and rational knowledge of
religion, had generally given place to fabulous
legends and romantic ftories.
A fhameful abufe prevailed in our kingdom at
this time. The pope difpofed of all ecclefiaftical
benefices and dignities, which he generally con-
ferred upon foreigners ; by which means, all the
revenues of them went out of the land. In 1374,
the king iflued out a commiffion for taking a furvey
of all ecclefiaftical benefices in the hands of
aliens. The number and value of them aftonifhed
him ; and it was refolved to fend an embafly upon
this fubjedt to the pope. Dr. WicklifFe was the
fecond perfon mentioned in this commhTion. Two
years were employed in the treaty, when it was
concluded, that the pope fhould ceafe from this
practice. But treaties were vain ; the parliament
complained the very next year that the treaty was
infringed, and a long bill was brought into par-
liament againft the papal ufurpations ; in which
they remonftrated, that the tax paid to the pope
amounted to five times as much as that paid to the
king; and that God had given his fheep to the
pope to be partured, not fleeced. WicklifFe,
during this embafFy, was made more fenfible of
the pride, avarice, ambition, and tyranny of the
pope ; whom therefore he boldly expoied in his
public lectures and private converfation. He as
freely reproved the corruptions which prevailed
amongft the prelates and inferior clergy, obferving,
that " the abomination of defolation had its be-
ginning from a perverfe clergy, as comfort rofe
from a converted clergy !" Of the prelates, he
fays, " O Lord, what token of meeknefs and for-
faking of worldly riches is this ! A prelate (as an
I abbot or prior that is dead to the world, the pride
( and vanity thereof) to ride with fourfcore horfes,
with harnefs of filver and gold ! and to fpend with
earls and barons, and their poor tenants, botli
thoufand marcs and pounds, to maintain a falfc
plea of the world, and forbeare men of their
right."
The reader will not wonder, that this freedom
expofed him to the refentment of thofe whofe vices
he fo feverely reprehended. The monks complained
to the pope j the pope, already enraged at Wick-
lifFe, heard them with fuflicient readinefs. Nine-
teen articles were drawn up againft him, taken, as
they pretended, from his lectures and fermons ;
and the pope, Gregory the Xlth, iflued out feveral
bulls againft him, all dated May the 22d, 1377.
The articles which they objected to, as held by
him, were principally as follow : " That the
eucharift, after the confecration, was not the real
body of Chrift, but only an emblem or fign of it :
that the church of Rome was no more the head of
the univerfal church, than any other church j and
that St. Peter had no greater authority given him,
than the reft of the apoftles : that the pope had no
more jurifdi£tion, in the exercife of the keys, than
any other prieft : that if the church mifbehaved, it
was not only lawful, but meritorious, to difpoflefs
her of her temporalities : that when a prince, or
temporal lord, was convinced that the church
4 made
EDWARD
VI.
made an ill ufe of her endowments, he was bound
under pain of damnation, to take them away. —
That the gofpel was fufficient to direct a Chrittian
in the conduA of his life. — That neither the pope,
nor any other prelate, ought to have prifons for the
punifhing offenders, againft the difcipline of the
church ; but that every perfon ought to be left at
liberty in the conduct of his life."
Now, though perhaps, in our better days of li-
berty, we mall not be able to difcern any thing very
criminal and heretical, in the greater part of thefe
opinions of WicklifFe ; yet it is eafy to fee how
oftenfive they mult have been to the pope and his
clergy, as they ft ruck at the foundation of their
ufurpations. Let it alfo be remembered, that thefe
articles were drawn up by his enemies, and are pre-
fented, all of them, without any of thofe reflections
and qualifications, with which fo wife and fenfible a
man muft unqueftionably have delivered them.
Upon the force of thefe bulls were fent to the
king, to the univerfity of Oxford, and to two
bifhops, Simon Sudbury of Canterbury, and William
Courtney of London, empowering them to examine
into the matter of complaint, the univerfity deliver-
ing up Wickliffe, and the king aiding in the trial.
•—Before the bulls arrived, Edward III. died ; and
in the firft parliament of Richard I. it was debated,
" whether they might lawfully refufe to fend the
treafure out of the kingdom, after the pope re-
quired it, on pain of cenfures, &c." The refo-
lution of this doubt was referred by the king and
parliament to Wickliffe, (as high an honour as
could be done him) and he not only declared it
lawful to refufe, but undertook to prove it fo by
the principles of the law of Chrift.
Thm honoured and powerfully fuppoitecl by the
duke of Lancafter, and the lord Henry Percy, earl
Marfhall, who took him into their protection,
Wickliffe hid no great caufe to fear the trial, to
which he was fummoned by the two prelates at
St. Paul's. He came attended by the two nobles ;
and the concourfe of people was fo great, that it
was with fome difficulty he and his two patrons got
admittance into the church. A warm altercation
enfued between the bifhop of London and the duke
of Lancafter, indecent and unfeemly on the duke's
iideefpecially : a tumult came on, no bufinefs could
be done ; the court broke up, when the two noble-
men carried off" Wickliffe in triumph, and the mob,
enraged at the duke of Lancafter for infulting their
bifhop, plundered his palace in the Savoy.
Another bull from the pope, inftigating the
univerfity, and the bifliops to greater zeal againft
Wickliffe, occasioned another fummons for his ap-
pearance before the delegates at Lambeth. He ap-
peared ; when the Londoners, now on his fide,
forced themfelves into the chapel, to encourage the
doctor. — Willing to give all proper fatisfadion, he
delivered in a paper, explaining the conclutions,
wherewith he was charged : but that which pro-
cured him an exemption from any harfher fentence,
than that of an injunction of filence, (to which little
.regard was paid) was a meflage from the king's
mother, by Sir Lewis Clifford, to forbid them from
proceeding to any definitive againft Wickliffe.
The delegates -were confounded at this meflage :
and as their own hiftorian Walfingham fays, (who
is not a little difpleafed with them for this timidity)
*' at the wind of a reed ftiaken, their fpcech became
as foft as oil, to the public lofs of their Own dignity,
and the damage of the whole church ! They were
ftruck with fuch a dread, that you would think them
to be as a man that heareth not, and in whole mouth
are no reproofs."
However, it feems, the fatigues which WicklifFe
underwent, by attending the delegates, and in the
courfe of this harraffing affair, threw him into a
dangerous fit of jjlneis, on his return to Oxford.
No. 9.
His old antagonifts, the begging friars, fent a fo-
lemn deputation to him, upon this occafion, ad-
vifing him to revoke the errors he had advanced
and fpread ; thofe efpecially which tended to their
prejudice : but he railing himfelf on his pillow, faid,
with much vivacity, — " I fhall not die but live, and
declare the evil deeds of the friars." The deputies
upon this retired in confufion, and Wickliffe reco-
vered to make good his promife.
The death of his great enemy, pope Gregory XI.
in the year 1 378, gave Wickliffe reft from peifecu-
tion, and time to open the minds of men, by the
difleminating his opinions. Thefchifm too, which
happened by the election of two popes, not only
threw the church into confufion, but afforded
Wickliffe and his party a fair occafion to {peak
freely of the head of the church. He wrote accord-
ingly a trad, entitled, " Of the fchifm pf the Ro-
man pontiffs;" and being very anxious for a pub-
lication of the facred Icriptures, in the vulgar
tongue, he now alfo printed his book of the truth
of the fci ipture," in which he affirms, that the will
of God is evidently revealed in the twoTeftaments,
and contends earneftly for a tranflation of them.
Accordingly his wifhcswerefoon after accomplifhed :
and he lived to fee the " firft tranflation of the
whole bible into the Englifh language," publifhed
by himfelf, and his learned aflbciates ; for which
fingle work, he deferves ever to be held dear in the
memory and eftimation of every proteftant.
Courtney, bifhop of London, who fucceeded
Simon Sudbury in the fee of Canterbury, was always
a great oppofer of Wickliffe and his followers : and
was preparing to proceed againft them with all ri-
gour. But as foon as the parliament met in the
year 1382, Wickliffe prefented his appeal to the
king and both houfes.— And it fhould feem, as if
he met with powerful fupport and protection ; for
fpite of all the enmity and virulence which were
exerted againft this heroic confeffor, we do not find,
that his enemies were able to prevail againft him.
Anne of Luxemburg, whom the king married in the
year 1382, became a great patronefs of him and
his doctrines : fome of which, though a court ap-
pointed by Courtney, condemned as heretical and
erroneous,— and who can wonder at this? — yet they
were never able to harm his perfon : power for the
imprifonment and burning of heretics not yet being
giVen to the church, independent of the crown.
It doth not appear that Wickliffe had any
thoughts of feparating from the Romifh church en-
tirely ; he appears only to have wifhed for a refor-
mation of many grofs and grievous abufes then pre-
vailing, and for a demolition of the abfolute and
fpiritual tyranny then exercifed by the pope and his
numerous adherents of monks, friars, &c. For we
find, that after his retirement from his profeflbrfhip
at Oxford, to his living at Lutterworth, he exer-
cifed the duties of his function in the regular way.
He had a ftroke of the palfy (a clifeafe frequently
occafioned by great fatigues and anxiety of mind)
in the year 1384, when the pope cited him to ap-
pear at Rome. He returned a letter of excufe to
his holinefs, and tells him in it, that " Chrift
taught him more obeiftie (obedience) to God than
man." His enemies were fenfible that this diftem-
per would foon put a period to his life, and there-
fore they permitted him to fpend the remainder of
his days in tranquillity, after he had been maliy
years expofed to continual danger. He was feized
with another violent fit of the palfy on Innocents-
day, in the year 1 384, as he was hearing mafs in his
church of Lutterworth, when he fell down, never
recovered his fpeech, and foon expired in the fixtieth
year of his age.
He wrote and left behind him many pieces ; un-
couth indeed to our ears, but elegant and well wrote
for thefe times, and far fuperior to the cenfure
4 M which
i 8 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
which M. Voltaire fuperficially throws upon them.
Many of thefe are found in different libraries ; and
their utility is fufficiently proved by the ftrict in-
junction given by the priefts, that no man mould read
them— and by the excommunication, which the
pope threatened, againft thofe who mould even keep
any of them in their poffeffion. He is faid to have
written two hundred volumes, befides his tranflation
of the Bible, a fair copy of which is now in Queen's
College library, Oxford, and two more in the uni-
verfity library. " It was done no doubt in the moft
expreffive language of thofe days, though harm, to
6ur ears: as for inftance, the ' knave' of Jefus Chrift,
for ' fervant,' and Philip baptized the ' gelding,'
fhr ' eunuch :' fo much is our language now im-
proved."
The letters teftimonial given by the univerfity of
Oxford, and fealed with their common feal, do his
character more honour, than all the invidious repre-
fentations of his many foes do him prejudice. In
thefe it is faid, " that his converfation from his
youth to his death, was fo praife-worthy and honeft
in the univerfity, that he never gave any offence,
or was afperfed with any mark of infamy or finifter
fufpicion: but thatinanfwering, reading, preaching,
and determining, he behaved himfelf laudably, as a
valiant champion of the truth, and catholically
vanquifhed by fentiments of holy fcripture, all iuch
as by their wilful beggary blafphemed the religion
of Chrift. That this doctor was not convicted of
heretical pravity, or by our prelates delivered to-be
burnt after his burial. For God forbid, that our
prelates mould have condemned a man of fo great
probity for an heretic, who had not his equal in all
the univerfity, in his writings of logic, philofophy,
divinity, morality, and the fpeculative fciences."
But though our prelates condemned him not, yet
the council of Conftance fufliciently fhewed what
fpirit they were of, and what they would have done,
by ordering his bones to be taken up and burnt, fo
many years after, and his afhes to be thrown into
the river Swift. His followers indeed, fometimes
called Wickliflites, and more frequently Lollards,
felt all the weight of the civil and ecclefiaftical
arm combined to deftroy them. It has been com-
monly fuppofed, that this name, which undoubtedly
is of German original, was derived from one Walter I
Lollard, a German reformer. Du Pin and others
affert this : but a late hiftorian of much ingenuity,
Moflieim, (in his Ecclefiaftical Hiftory, p. 589,
quarto) declares, that upon the ftrictett enquiry, he
could not be fatisfied of the truth of this; and gives
it as his opinion, that as the religious people, who
were called by the name of Lollards in reproach,
were remarkable for all charitable offices, particu-
larly attending the fick, and taking care of their
funerals, when, according to the German cuftom,
hymns and pfalms were always fung; and as upon
other occafions, they delighted efpecially in fpiri-
tual fongs and hymns, — hence they were called by
way of derifion, Lollards, or pfalm-fingers ; for he
tells us, that fuch is the direct fignification of the
word, derived from the German, {alien, lollett, lallen,
with the ufual termination ' hard.' Lollen or lullen
fignifies to fing with a low and fweet voice, and
hence fays he in Englifh, the phrafe ' to lull aflcep.'
A'rchbimop Chichely, in the year 1416, fet up a
kind of inquifition in every parifh, to difcover and
punifli the Wickliffites ; but this prevented not the
growth of thefe opinions, as the prefent ftateof the
church abundantly proves : nay even in thofe days,
Kneyghton, one of their own hiftorians, tells us,
" That the number of thofe who believed in Wiek-
liffe's doctrine, very much increafed ; and, like
fuckers growing out of the root of a tree, were
multiplied, and every-where filled the compafs of
the kingdom ; infomuch that a man could not meet
two people on the road, but one of them was a dif-
ciple of Wickliffe's.
Thofe who are defirous to obtain a more (atis&c-
tory account of this great and good man, we .'efer
to his life, written by the Rev. Mr. Lewis, wAo has
fpared no pains to vindicate his memory from the
afperfions of popifh bigots : and who has laid before
the public feveral authentic papers, which will
afford every friend to the reformed churches much
fatisfaction : while we will conclude our brief ac-
count of him with the juft eulogy, which the able
and learned Mr. Wharton long lince paffed upon
this diftinguimed reformer. " He was a man, than
whom the Chriftian church in thefe laft days, has
not produced a greater : and who feems to have
been placed as much above praife, as he is above
envy."
H
P. IV.
MARY
I.
'Steps which t&e duke of Northumberland took after the death of Edward — Endeavours in iiain to get the printeffes1
Mary and Elizabeth into his power — Publifoes the late king's will, and caufes the lady Jane Gray, to be pro-
claimed— Conduct of queen Mary at this critical conjunflure— She is acknowledged and proclaimed queen — Nor-
thumberland, bis diffimidation and meannefs — Is brought to trial, condemned and executed — The catholic religion
rejtored — The queen's marriage with Philip — Infurreclions — Lady Jane Gray, and her hujband, lord Dudley,
' executed — A violent perfecution of the proteftants — The old fanguinary laws again/I heretics revived — A great
number of martyrs fupport their punijhment with invincible fortitude — The chief injiruments ef thefe cruel per-
fecutions — Mary's extortions — A war with France — The battle of St. ^uintin, and the lofi of Calais — Difcon**
* tents in JLwland;. — Affairs in Scotland — Death and. character of queen Mary.
was confidered by the
in general as the legal
indeed,
A n TV /TARY I.
A.D. 1553-jyl people
fucceffor of Edward. The proteftants,
dreaded the effects of her prejudices ; but the uni-
verfal hatred againft the Dudleys, who it was fore-
i'een, would be the real fovereigns, was more than
iuflicient to counterbalance, even with that party,
their regard to every other confideration. Mary
\vas known to be a bigotted catholic; but Henry
VIII. having reftored his daughters to the right of
fucceflion, her title to the crown admitted of no dif-
pute. However, the ambition of Northumberland
was not to be reftrarined. As he knew it would be
impoffible to execute Edward's will, without get-
ting the princefles Mary and Elizabeth into his
power, he fent them orders in the king's name,
whofe death he had concealed for fome days, to
come to court, under pretence, that the king's ill
ftate of health made him defire the confolation of
their company and advice. In confequence of this
invitation, the lady Mary had already reached
Hoddefclon, within half a day's journey to the ca-
pital, when fhe received a private meffage from the
earl of Arundel, informing her of her brother's
death, and Northumberland's defigns ; upon which
flie inftantly returned back, and, by quick journies,
I arrived
.'/ Ittf
' w whose Reign ^- Protestants AU^</^cruell)rBuriit
/> /J / f. '/ /T*
y // , /; ' •/ ' / / / /x
/' 7 , '
\
Persecuted.
/
T
MARY
I.
.3*9
arrived firft at Kenning-hall in Norfolk, then at
Framlingham, in the county of Suffolk; whence
Ihe wrote circular letters to the nobility and gentry,
reminding them of her right, requiring them to
afiift her in defence of her perfon, and commanding
them to proclaim her without delay. Northum-
berland finding it in vain to diflemble any longer,
repaired to Sion-houfe, attended by the duke of
Suffolk, the earl of Pembroke, and others of the
nobility, to intimate to lady Jane Gray her acceffion
to the throne, by virtue of an act of fettlemcnt.
This lady was no fooner made acquainted with the
defign of their vifit, than ihe burft into a flood of
tears, and, overwhelmed with grief, appeared quite
•inconfolable. Infallible of the flattering allure-
ments of ambition, mocked at the very idea of pof-
feffing a crown, ihe refufed to accept of it: ex-
preffing her dread of the confequences attending fo
dangerous an enterprise; the preferable right of the
two princefles ; and begging to be permitted to re-
main in a private ftation. At laft, overcome by the
perfuafions of her father, and above all of her
hufband, me was prevailed on to relinquifh her own
judgment, and fubmit to their will. The next clay
£he was conveyed to the Tower, according to a
cuftom which then prevailed, and had been long
ufual for the Englifh monarchs to pafs a few days I
after their acceflion in that fortrefs. The council^
immediately gave orders to proclaim lady Jane
throughout the kingdom ; but thefe orders were
obeyed only in London and its environs, on the
'tenth of July, and the people were fo aftonifhed at
the exclufion of Henry's two daughters, and fo
averfe to Northumberland, the deftructive foe of
their favourite Somerfet, that they expreffed neither
joy nor exultation at this event. This odium was
increafed by the behaviour of the duke, who or-
dered one Pot, a vintner's apprentice, who had ut-
tered feme farcaftic expreffions relative to the fuc-
cefllon, to be deprived of his ears, and expofed on
the pillory for his infolence. . The proteftant di-
vines, who were employed to convince the people
of Jane's title, found their eloquence fruitlefs ; and
even Ridley, bifhop of London, who preached a
fermon on that fubject, produced no effect on his
audience. Meanwhile, Mary exerted hcrfelf with
great activity, to oppofe the dcfigns of Northum-
berland. She was joined by numbers of the no-
bility and gentry, particularly, by the earls of Bath
and Suffex, Sir Thomas Mordaunt, Sir John
Wharton, Sir William Drury, Sir Henry Beding-
field, and the lord Thomas Howard, fun to the
duke of Norfolk. Sir Edward Haftings, brother
to the earl of Huntingdon, having been ordered to
levy troops for the fervice of lady Jane, clefcrted to
Mary, at the head of four thoufand men. Even the
fleet which had been fent by Northumberland to
cruife on the coaft of Suffolk, in order to prevent
either the efcape of Mary, or the landing of foreign
forces to her afliftance, fubmitted to that princefs.
Thcfe friends being informed, that the duke of
Northumberland was in full march againfl them,
advifed the princefs to retire into another country.
But this advice was needlefs; for the duke inftead
of marching againft the enemy, loitered away feveral
days in the neighbourhood of Cambridge, and
wrote in the moft prelfing terms to the council
for a reinforcement. Accordingly they offered
advantageous terms to every volunteer, who
would enlift in the fervice ; but as the duke
was generally detefted, very few would engage ;
while the people flocked to the banners of Mary,
and maintained themfelves at their own expence ;
lb that, in a fliort time, her army amounted to forty
thoufand men. The departure of the duke of
Northumberland afforded the counfellors an oppor-
tunity of leaving the Tower, where they had been
«i fome mcafure prifoners. They affembled at
Baynard's caftle, a houfe belonging to the earl of
Pembroke, and invited thither all the noblemeri
whom they conceived to be well affected to Maryl
A confiderable number attended ; and the con-
ference was opened by the earl of Arundcl, who in-
veighed againft the cruelty and injuftice of Nor-
thumberland, in the ftrongeft terms; and concluded
with moving, that they mould return immediately
to their duty and allegiance, by proclaiming Mary
queen, as the only method they could now*ake to
preserve the tranquillity of the ftate, and recover
their honour!
This motion was feconded by the earl of Pem-
broke, who laying his hand on his fword, fvvore he
was ready to anfwer any man who'fhould oppofe fo
falutary a meafure. But the majority exprefled
their approbation of the propofal. The lord mayor
and aldermen were ordered to attend : then mount-
ing their horfes, they rode to the crofs in Cheapfide,
where, on the nineteenth of July, Mary was pro-
claimed queen of England. The fame ceremony
was performed in all the principal ftreets of Lon-
d°n :} Te Deum was furtg in the cathedral of St.
Paul's ; and this unexpected event celebrated with
great rejoicings by the populace. Even the duke
of Suffolk, lady Jane's father, who commanded in
the Tower, finding it would be in vain to refiir,
furrendered that fortrefs; and ladyjaneherfelf, after
wearing the vain pageantry of a crown during teii
clays, returned to a private life, with much more
fatisfaction than Ihe felt when royalty was tendered
to her. Northumberland, deferte'd by his troops,
and defpairing of fuccefs made a merit of neceflity ;
and finding it impoflible to efcape out of the king-
dom, he was the firft, when queen Mary was pro-
claimed at Cambridge, to throw up his cap, as a
token of h»1 loyalty and fubmiffioh. But this
diflimulafian was of no fervice to him. Mary knew
the duke to be an inveterate enemy to her family,
and that his expreffions of loyalty were only the
effects of ffar. She therefore fent the earl of
Arundel to arreft that ambitious nobleman. The
haughty Northumberland now loll both his hopes
and his courage. Arundel had no fooner in-
formed him of the purport of his vifit, than he fell
at his feet, and in the moft fubmiffive manner,
begged for his life. This abject behaviour, fo pe-
culiar to fallen infolence, excited the contempt, ra-
ther than the pity of Arundel. He told the duke,
the queen's orders muft be obeyed, and Northum-
berland, together with two of his fons, and his
principal accomplices, were fent to London, and
committed to the Tower. The duke of Suffolk,
lady Jane Gray, lord Guildford Dudley, the marquis
of Northampton, Sir Thomas Palmer, and Sir John
Gates, werealfo taken into cuftody, and fha'red the
fame fate. But the queen being defirous of ac-
quiring popularity in the beginning of her reign,
by an appearance of clemency, pardoned moft of
them, and even rcftored Suffolk to liberty. All
oppofition being thus deftroyed, Mary, attended by
vail numbers of people, and a long train of cour-
tiers, let out from Framlingham for London, where
fhe was met by the princefs Elizabeth, with a body
of two thoufand men. The queen made a very
pompous entry into London, and proceeding im-
mediately to the Tower, where the duke of Nor-
folk, who had been detained prifoner ever fince the
death of her father; Courtney,, fon to the marquis of
Exeter, who, without having been charged with any
crime, had been fubject to the fame punifhfnent,
ever fince his father's attainder ; the three prelates3
Gardiner,tTunftal, and Bonner, who had been con-
fined for 'their adherence to the catholic religion,
appeareu before her, and implored her protection.
She embraced them all in the moft affectionate man-
faying to the conftable of the Tower, " thefe
ner
are my prifoneis," and ordered them
iriftantly
tit
320
^•^^^•^M^^^-
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
to be fet at liberty. The prelates were reftored to
their fees ; Courtney was created Earl of Devon-
^hire, and Gardiner made lord high chancellor of
England.
The heinoufnefs of Northumberland's offence, in
the queen's judgment, could not admit of any
lenity. When brought to his trial in Weftminfter-
hall, he defired permiffion to afk the peers two
queftions; — Whether a man could be guilty of
treafon for obeying orders of the council, under the
great feal? And whether thofe who were at leaft
equally guilty, could fit as his judges ? — The duke
of Norfolk, who fat as high fleward, anfwered, that
the great feal of an ufurper was no authority ; and
the perfons alluded to, not lying under any fentence
of attainder, were ftitl innocent in the eye of the
law, and capable of fitting on any trial. From this
laft anfwerj fo contrary to common fenfe, the duke
forefaw, that any objection he could make would be
over-ruled : he therefore pleaded guilty to the in-
dictment, and refted upon hermajefty's mercy. At
his execution, the duke eonfeffed, that he had
always been a Roman catholic in his heart, and ex-
prefled great compunction of mind for having
plundered the effects of the church, efpecially as he
was rendered incapable of making reftitution. Sir
Thomas Palmer, and Sir John Gates fuffered with
him ; but the marquis of Northampton, and the
earl of Warwick, who were alfo condemned, ob-
tained a reprieve, and were afterwards pardoned.
But this fliew of clemency in the queen, and her
other popular acts, did not prevent the proteftants
from being agitated on account of the reformation,
to which the bulk of the nation were inclined ; for
notwithftanding her promife to continue the form of
religion eftablifhed by Edward, they plainly per-
ceived, fhe intended its abolition. She granted in-
deed a kind of general amnefty, and remitted the
fubiidy voted to the late king : but thefe were fal-
lacious appearances, foon followed by all the rigours
Of tyranny. After having fecured ttye perfons of
thofe from whom fhe expected the greateft oppo-
fition, her next ftep was to confult with her friends
the beft method of extirpating the proteftant reli-
gion ; and fuch was her hafty zeal to effect this,
that had it not been for the counfels of Charles V.
and bifhop Gardiner, fhe had fent for cardinal Pole,
legate, to reconcile England to the bifhop of
as
Rome. But they both difapproving a ftep of Inch
dangerous tendency, the queen was, with great re-
luctance, prevailed upon to fufpend her refolution
for the prefent, and to content hei felf in publifhing
liberty of conscience in affairs of religion. How-
ever, the proteftanta were alarmed ; and their fears
were foon confirmed by the confidence of the ca-
tholics, who made no fcruple of inveighing, in the
moft bitter terms, againft the profeflbrs of the re-
formed religion. Bourne, one of the chaplains of
bifhop Bonner, in a fermon, preached before that
prelate at St. Paul's, ufed the moft indecent invec-
tives againft Edward's adminiftration, particularly
with regard to the reformation j by which a tumult
was excited among the audience. Some reproached
him in the harfheft terms ; others pelted him with
ftoncs ; one threw a dagger, which narrowly miffed
him j and he would probably have been torn in
pieces, had not Bradford and Rogers, two eminent
proteftant minifters, interpofed, and conveyed him,
by a private door, out of the church. Such a glar-
ing proof of the peoples diflike to popery, inftead
of being a caution to adminiftration, had a contrary
effect, and induced them to have recourfe to violent
meafures.
This reign had not yet been ftained with any fan-
guinary aft; but it was now thought neceffary to
open the flukes of ecclefiaftical feverity, which foon
deluged the land with blood. Under pretence of
difcouraging difputes, Mary began with £lencing
all preachers throughout England, except fuch as
had obtained a particular licence ; and thofe of the
Romifh religion only were favoured with this privi-
lege. Bradford, one of the two proteflant minifters,
who had refcued Bourne in the late tumult, was
committed to prifon, and his companion, Rogers,
was confined to his own houfe. Judge Hales, who
alone, of all his brethren, had refufcd to fign the
inftrument which transferred the crown to lady Jane,
was fent to prifon, where he was treated with fuch
feverity that he was feized with a frenzy, and put an,
end to his own life. Sir Edward Montague, who
was alfo a proteftant, was deprived of his office,
and fined a thoufand pounds, for having affined in
drawing up the fettlement of the crown m favour of
lady Jane. Hooper, bifhop of Gloucefter, and
Ferrar, bifhop of St. David's, were imprifoncd, for
prefuming to preach without a licence from Gar-
diner ; Coverdale, bifhop of Exeter, was alfo con-
fined to his own houfe, for the fame crime. Peter
Martyr, profeffor of divinity at Oxford, fuffered fo
many indignities and infults, that he was obliged to
leave his chair, and retire for protection to the arch-
bifhop's palace at Lambeth. Some zealous catho-
lics moved, that he might be committed to prifon;
but Gardiner effectually oppofed their attempts,
and generoufly fupplied him with money for his
journey.
Though Cranmer had employed with fuccefs hi»
good oflices, in abating the prejudices which Henry
VIII. had entertained againft his daughter Mary, yet
the activity with which he had fupportcd her mother's
divorce, and carried on the reformation, had rendered
him the object of her hatred ; and though Gardiner
had been no lefs forward in promoting and defending
the divorce, he had fufficiently atoned for it, by his
fufferings in defence of the Romifh religion. The
primate had, therefore, little reafon to expect favour
during the prefent reign ; and his honeft zeal loon
involved him in perfecution. A report prevailing,
that Cranmer had promifed to officiate in the
Latin fervice, in order to pay his court to the queen,
he publifhed a tract, with a defign to wipe off this
afperfion ; in which, among other things, he faid,
That as the devil was a liar from the beginning,
he had ftirred up his fervants to perfecute Chrift
and his true religion ; and now endeavoured to re-
ftore the Latin fatisfactory maffes, a thing of his own
invention, by falfely making ufe of Cranmer' s name
and authority ; and that the mafs is neither founded
on the fcriptures, nor on the practice of the primi-
tive church ; but difcovers a plain contradiction to
antiquity and the infpired writings, and is replete
with many horrid blafphemies. On the publica-
tion of this inflammatory paper, Cranmer was caft
into prifon ; and being tried for concurring with
lady Jane, and oppofing the queen's acceffion, was
fentenced to fuffer death for high treafon ; but Pro-
vidence had referved him for a more fevere trial.
Mary fhould have remembered that Cranmer had
done her many good oflices with her father; it was
owing to his interpofition, that the fevere prejudices
that monarch had entertained againft her were mi-
tigated ; but being the perfon who pronounced her
mother's divorce, and the author of the eftablifh-
ment of the reformation in England, he became the
object of her inveterate hatred. The imprifonment
of the primate was followed by that of bifhop La-
timer ; nor was there hardly a bifhop, or even a
preacher, who had fignalized himfelf in eftablifhing
the tenets of the reformation, and did either recant,
or fly beyond feas, that efcaped either deprivation
or imprifonment. John a Lafco, a Pruffian noble-
man and minifter of the German proteftant church
in Auftin Friars,, with all other reformed preachers,
who were foreigners, were bammed th«s kingdom.
Many Englifh proteftants alfo followed them, and
every thing bore a melancholy afpect.
A par-
M
R
I.
A parliament being fummoned to meet on the
fifth of October, the court gave fuch candidates
the preference, who were willing to favour their
defigns; and it foon appeared, that the majority
of the commons were devoted to their fervice ;
while the peers, being from intereft or expectation
attached to the court, little oppofition was ex-
pected from them. On the firft of October,
Mary was crowned by the bilhop of Winchefter ;
and at the fame time publiflied an amnefty, from
the benefit of which, however, all thofe who had
been arrefted before the month of September, and
many others, were nominally excluded. On the
opening of the feffion, the parliament mewed a
contempt of the laws, by celebrating, in the Latin
tongue, a mafs of the Holy Ghoft, though it had
been abolifhed by act of parliament ; when Taylor,
bifhop of Lincoln, and Dr. Harley, bifliop of
Hereford, refufing to kneel, were thruft by vio-
lence out of the houfe. The only ftatutes enacted
in this Ihort feffion were, an ad to limit all treafons
to the cafes fpecified in a former act on the fame
fubject in the reign of Edward III. and another to
repeal the act of attainder pafled againft the, mar-
chionefs of Exeter, whofe fon, the earl of Devon-
fliire, was now re-eftablifhed in all the honours of
his family. In the enfuing feffion an aft pafled for
reverfing the fentence of divorce between Henry
VIII. and Catharine of Arragon, for repealing all
the ftatutes by which that fentence had been con-
firmed. By this act the princefs Elizabeth was
again declared illegitimate ; and Mary, having no
further occafion for her affiftance, treated her with
indignity and cruelty. An act alfo pafled for
abolifhing all laws which Edward had made touch-
ing religion ; and prohibiting all forms of worfhip,
except thofe ufed at the clofe of Henry's reign.
Another ftatute annexed rigorous penalties to the
abufe of ecclefiaftics, the prophanation of the eucha-
rift, and pulling down the crucifixes or images.
The parliament then renewed an aft of the late
reign, making it felony for twelve perfons, or any
greater number, to aflemble with a view of chang-
ing the eftabliflied religion ; and repealed the act of
attainder againft the duke of Norfolk.
Mary, after her acceffion, is faid to have deli-
berated upon three marriages that were propofed
to her. Courtney, earl of Devonshire, having an
engaging perfon, accompanied with a pleafing ad-
tlrefs, gained the queen's affections, and hints were
dropped of her not being averfe to him ; but,
neglecting thefe overtures, he attached himfelf to
the lady Elizabeth, whole youth and agreeable
converfation, he preferred to all her lifter's power
and grandeur. This occafioned a great coldnefs
between Mary and Devonfhire, and made her
break out into a declared animofity againft Eliza-
beth, that knew no bounds. Another party pro-
pofed to the queen was cardinal Pole ; for he had
never taken prieft's orders, and there appeared
many reafons to induce her to make choice of him :
but the cardinal being in the decline of life, and
accuftomed to retirement, was reprefented as un-
qualified for the buftle of a court, and the hurry
of bufinefs. The queen then caft her eye towards
the emperor's family, from which her mother was
defcended. Charles V. had no fooner heard of the
death of Edward, than he refolved to acquire the
crown of England for his family. His fon Philip
was a widower, and eleven years younger than the
queen ; yet he imagined this objection would be
overlooked, and there was no reafon to defpair of
her having a numerous ifiue. Charles immediately
fent to inform Mary of his intentions. She being
pleafed v.ith fo powerful an alliance, and glad to
unite herfelf more clofely to her mother's family,
to which ftie was always ftrongly attached, willingly
embraced the propofal. Norfolk, Arundel, and
No. 3 1 .
Paget advifed her to confent ; and Gardiner, who
was both prime-minifter and chancellor, consented
to the propofal. He at the fame time reprefented
both to her and the emperor, the neceffity of
putting a flop to the perfecution of the proteftants,
till the nuptials were compleated, which being once
over, would give authority to the queen's meafures,
and afterwards enable her to proceed in the work ;
and obferved, that it was necefiary to reconcile the
Englifh to the marriage, by rendering the con-
ditions fuch as would feemingly enfure their inde-
pendence, and the enjoyment of their antient pri-
vileges. But Mary's intention of efpoufing Philip
becoming generally known, the commons were
alarmed at hearing that fhe was refolved to contract
a foreign alliance, and therefore fent a committee
to remonftrate againft it in the ftrongeft terms.
Upon which me difiolved the parliament. After
the diflblution of this body, and that of the con-
vocation, the queen, pufhed forward by her zeal,
forgot the moderate meafures propofed as the line
of her conduct. She caufed the new ftatutes to be
carried into execution with the utmoft rigour.
The mafs was univerfally reftored. Celibacy was
exacted of the priefthood -, and numbers of the
clergy were deprived of their benefices, for having
availed themfelves of the indulgencies of their
late beloved monarch. A vifitation was appointed
in order to reftore more perfectly the antient rites ;
and the vifitors were enjoined to forbid the oath of
fupremacy from being taken by the clergy on their
promotion to any benefice, notwithftanding the
laws of Henry VIII. were ftill in force.
Charles, in the beginning of this , -p.
year, fent over the count of Egmont, ! 554»
at the head of a fplendid embafly, to adjuft the
marriage articles ; and Gardiner was appointed to
act in behalf of the queen. The treaty was at
length concluded on the following terms: that
though Philip ihould enjoy the title of king, the
adminiftraaion ihould be lodged in the hands of
the queen ; that no foreigner mould be capable
of holding any dignified poft in the kingdom ; that
no change ihould be made in the Englifh. laws,
cuftoms, and privileges; that Philip ihould not
carry the queen abroad without her confent ; or
any of her children, without the confent of the
nobility ; that her jointure mould amount to fixty
thpufand pounds a year ; that the male iffue of
this marriage mould enjoy England, together with
Burgundy and the Low Countries; and that if
Don Carlos, Philip's fon by his former marriage,
ihould die, and his line become extinct, the queen's
iflue, whether male or female, ihould fucceed to
Spain, Milan, Sicily, and all the other dominions
of Philip. This marriage was univerfally difliked
by the Englifh. They diftrufted, with reafon, the
artful emperor, and ftill more his fon, who was
equally inclined to fuperftiuon and bigotry. Corn-
plaints being diffufed through the nation, the
people feemed determined to maintain their inde-
pendence, or periih in the attempt. Sir Thomas
Wyat, a gentleman confiderable on account of his
ample fortune, and more fo by the opinion the
people entertained of his virtues, engaged to arm
the Kentiih men ; Sir Peter Carew undertook to
aflemble the inhabitants of Devonihire ; and they
perfuaded the duke of Suffolk, by the hopes of
reftoring lady Jane to the throne, to attempt to
raife the midland counties. Carew, prompted
either by his impetuofity or apprehenfions, role in
arms before the time appointed ; but his troops
were foon difperfed by the earl of Bedford, and he
himfelf was forced to take refuge in France.
Suffolk, informed of the fate of this confederate,
and dreading an arreft, quitted the town, attended
by his brothers the lords Thomas and Leonard
Gray, and attempted to raife the people in the
4 N counties
IHOTMMaMMManBMMMMMHHMMQpMMHMMflMMOMBHMavViMMMMMMWMM^^^HnMMBM ~--i • ^i ii «-
322 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
counties of Warwick and Ldcefter, where his
chief intereft lay ; but he was fo hotly purfued by
the earl of Huntingdon at the head of three hun-
dred, horfe, that he was obliged to difmifs his fol-
.lowers ; and being difcovered in his retreat, was
ieixecl and conducted to London. Wyat was at
iirft fuccefsful, and feemed to threaten more fatal
confeq-icnces. Having publifhed a declaration at
Maiditone in Kent, . ag'ainft the queen's unjuft pro-
ceedings, and the danger of being enflaved by a
Spaniard, the people flocked to his ftandard in
great numbers. The duke of Norfolk, with Sir
Henry Jernegan, were detached againft them, at
the head of the queen's guards, with five hundred
of the city trained bands, commanded by one
Bret ; and they overtook the Rebels at Rochefter,
.where they had fixed their head-quarters. Upon
Norfolk's approach, Sir George Harper pretended
to defcrt from the infurgents ; but having pre-
vioufly fecured the intereft of Bret, thefe two
pcrfons reprefented the defigns of the court in fuch
odious colours, that the whole body of Londoners
went over to the rebels, and Norfolk was obliged
to make a precipitate retreat, leaving behind him
his baggage, and eight pieces of brafs cannon.
Wyat, encouraged by this reinforcement, and re-
lying on the favour of the people, efpecially of the
Londoners, who were moftly proteftants, refolved
to proceed on his enterprise ; and accordingly led
his troops to Southward, where he demanded of
the queen that me mould put him in poffefiion of
the Tower, deliver, four counfcllors as hoftages,
and in order to infure the liberty of the nation,
immediately efpoufe an Englifhmarr. Finding that
the bridge was barricadoed againft him, and that
the city was overawed by the regular troops, he
marched up to Kingfton, where he croffed the river
with four thoufand men, hoping to animate his
friends, who had promifed to declare in his favour.
But he had imprudently fpent fo much time in
Southwark to no purpofc, that his popularity
began to wane ; and though he entered Weftmin-
fter without oppofition, his followers finding that
no perfon of note efpoufed his caufe, gradually
difperfed, and Wyat was at length taken prifoner
near Temple-bar by Sir Maurice Berkley. About
feventy perfons fuffered for this infurrection ; and
four hundred falling on their knees, obtained
pardon, and were difmiffed. Wyat was condemned
and executed. As it had been reported, that at
his trial he had impeached the lady Elizabeth, and
the earl of Devonfhire, he folemnly declared to
tlie fpectators prefent at his execution, that they
had no concern whatever in his rebellion. Mary,
defirous of effecting the ruin of her fifler, refolved
to embrace the opportunity of this infurrection to
accomplish, her wicked defign ; and hoping to find
againft that princefs fame appearance of guilt, ihe
ordered her to be conducted to London under a
ftrong guard, there to be imprifoned and ftrictly
examined by the council ; but this fcheme not
anfwering according to her cruel intention, a mar-
riage was projected between Elizabeth and the duke
of Savoy ; and when this propofal was rejected by
the princefs, flie was again confined at Woodftock.
The earl of Devonfhire, equally innocent, was
committed prifoner to Fotheringay caftle.
Lady Jane Gray, and her hufband lord Guilford
Dudley, had lang'uifhed in prifon ever fince the
queen's acceflion ; and it was now determined to
finifh the difmal tragedy. A meflage was fent to
the lady Jane, defiring her to prepare for imme-
diate death ; which doom me had long expected,
and therefore heard it pronounced without much
perturbation. The bigotted queen, under pretence
of compaflion for -her foul, lent her two divines,
who harrafled her with difputations, inftead of ad-
miniftering any real comfort: yet that amiable
lady, even under thcfe fad and mournful circum-
ftances, had prefence of mind, not only to defend
.her religion, but alfo to write a letter to her fifter
Catharine in the Greek language; in. which, fend-
ing her at the fame time a copy of the New Tefta-
ment in that tongue, me exhorted her to maintain
an unfhaken perfeverancc in the profeffion me had
avowed. It had been propofcd to execute lady
Jane and lord Guilford together, on the fame
fcaflbld ; but the council, to prevent any difturb-
ance that fuch an affecting fcenc might be fup-
pofed to excite among the people, gave orders,
that lord Guilford mould be beheaded within the
.verge of the Tower. She viewed her hufband as
he went to execution, and even faw his lieadlels
trunk brought back in a cart, to be interred in the
.chapel. In about two hour* after his death, me
hcrfelf {uttered within thefortrefs. The lieutenant
.of the Tower requefting {he would favour him
.with fome memorial, me gave him her table-book,
wherein fhe had written three fhort fentences in the
j Greek, Latin, and Englifh languages, declaring
j .her innocence. When brought to thcfcaffokl, {he
turned to the fpectators, moft of whom were dif-
folved in tears, and obfervcd, that innocence was
no cxcufe for fafts or circumilances that tended to
the prejudice of the ftate. Having fpent fome time
in devotion, {he caufed herfelf to be difrobed by
her women, and with the utmoft tranquillity fub-
mitted to the fatal ftroke. Thus, by the ambition
of her family, was this lovely flower crept before
its beauties were expanded in full luftre ; for at the
time of her death fhe had not attained the fevcn-
teenth year of her age. She was a lady of an ele-
gant perfon, an engaging temper, and of a moft
accomplifhcd mind. Being of the fame age with
the late king, {he had been educated with him,
and was well acquainted with the Roman and
Greek languages, befidcs the modern tongues.
She had fpent moft of her time in a ftudious ap-
plication to learning, mewing great indifference
to the ufual amufements of her fex and ftation.
Roger Afcharn, lady Elizabeth's tutor, one day
paying her a vifit, found her reading Plato, while
the reft of the family were engaged in a party
hunting in the park ; and on his expreffing ad-
miration at the fingularity of her choice, fhe ob-
ferved, that Plato afforded her more real pleafure,
than others could reap from all their gaiety and
{ports. While her mind was poffefTed of this fond-
nefs for literature, her heart was filled with tender-
nel's for her hufband, who deferved her affection.
On the morning of her execution, he defired per-
miffion to fee her, but flic refufed her confent :
{he feared the tendernefs of a parting interview
would overcome the fortitude of both, and render
them incapable of finiihing.the period of life with
that conftancy which was neceflary in their melan-
choly circumftances. " Our reparation, faid me,
will only be for a moment ; we mail foon rejoin
each other in the regions above, where our affections
will be for ever united, and where the ftorms of
adverfity, and even death itfelf, can never afflict us
more." Being informed that he met death with,
great compofurc, me exprefled an eagcrnefs to fol-
low him, and with her departed that beauty, fpirit^,
fenfe and virtue, with which fhe honoured her
country, and which can never be forgot by every
faithful hiftorian. Her fate drew a flood of tears
from the eyes of all fpectators, and even of thofe
who were moft zealoufly attached to queen Mary.
Soon after the death of this innocent victim, the.
duke of Suffolk was tried, condemned, and exe-
cuted. He would have been more pitied had not
his daughter's untimely fate been caufed by his
temerity. Lord Thomas Gray loft his life for the
fame crime. Sir Nicholas Throgmorton was tried
in Guildhall j but no fatisfactory evidence appear-
ing
M
R Y
I.
3*3
ing againft him, and he making an admirable de-
fence, the jury gave a verdict in his favour. Mary
was fo 'enraged af this difappointment, that flie
caufed him to be fent back to the Tower, and for
fome time kept in clofe confinement. The jury
were alfo fummoned before the council, who lent
them all to prifoh, and afterwards fined them, fome
a thoufand pounds, and others two thoufancl each.
This illegal violence proved fatal to thofe who were
afterwards tried; among others, to Sir John Throg-
morton, brother to Sir Nicholas, who was con-
demned on no better evidence than that which had
been before rejected. Mary now filled the prifons
with all thofe, whom the favour of the people, ra-
ther than any appearance of guilt, made the objects
of her fufpicion. She ordered the chancellor to
purge the church of ecclefiaflics ; upon which, the
archbifhop of York, with the bifhops of St. David's,
Chefter, and Briftol, were depofecl, becaufe they had
not lived in celibacy; thofe of Lincoln, Glouceftcr
and Hereford, met with the fame fate, on pretence
that they had inculcated erroneous doctrines. Two
thirds of the inferior clergy were deprived of their
benefices, on account of their being married ; and
the mafs was re-eftablifhed in all churches, together
-with the liturgy ufed in the latter part of Henry's
reign.
The queen, confumed by impatience, expccled
her intended confort with a degree of anxiety that
affe&ed her health. At length, on the nineteenth
of July, (he received the grateful news, that prince
Philip was landed at Southampton. Mary met the
prince at Winchester, where the nuptials were fo-
lemnized with great fplendor, by bifhop Gardiner,
nnd the queen with her new fpoufe made a pompous
entry into London. Philip was a prince of pro-
found diflimulation, and maintained a referve very
difgufting to theEnglifli; but he brought with him
an immenfe fum of money ; and, in order to acquire
popularity, interceded in behalf of the princcfs
Elizabeth, whom Gardiner had devoted to deftruc-
tion. By his mediation, that princefs, the arch-
bifliop of York, and feveral other perfons of
diftinction, were fet at liberty. Philip well knew
that if Elizabeth fell a facrifice to the malevolent
difpofition of her fifter, Mary Stuart, queen of
Scotland, and wife to the dauphin of France, was
the next in order of fucceffion, and confequently,
that England would be united to that crown ; to
prevent an incident of fuch importance, Philip
affected a generofity little confident with his real
character. The only way-to Philip's heart was to
gratify his ambition. Mary, however, loved him
for thofe qualities that acquired him the hatred of
others.
About this time, cardinal Pole arrived in Eng-
land, as the pope's legate, the parliament having
repealed the act, by which that prelate had been
condemned in the reign of Henry VIII. On his
arrival in London, he was introduced to the king
and queen ; after which, he exhorted the parlia-
ment to reconcile themfelves and the kingdom to
the holy fee, from which they had been fo long un-
happily divided. The parliament approved the
propoial ; of which the legate being, informed, he
went to the houfe of peers, and after having expa-
tiated on the pope's tender affection to the people
of England, preferibed byway of penance, that they
ftiould abolim all the laws enacted againft the pa-
pal authority. He then, in the name of his holi-
nefs, abfolved them from all the cenfures that had
been pafled againft them, and admitted them into
the bolbm of the church. The parliament in
fequence of this indulgence, enacted a ftatute re-
eftablifhing the papal dignity and jurifHiction in
England, but under this reftriction, that all aliena-
tions of church lands Ihould be authorized ; and
that the pofleffors of them fhould not be fubject to
' 3
any cenfure, or profecution on that account. They,
alfo pafled a law, importing, that whofoever Ihould
attack any poffeflbr of church lands, on pretence-
of ecclefiaftical right, fhould be fubject to the
penalties in the ftatute of premunire. The laws
againft heretics were now revived ; but cardinal
Pole, who was a man of moderation, advifediin.
council, that perfecution fhoulcl be avoided, and
the morals of the clergy reformed ; neverthclefs .
the queen adhered to Gardiner's opinion. She left
to Pole the care of reforming the clergy, and com''
mitted the charge of extirpating herefy by torture
and fire to Gardiner. The parliament having con*
firmed to the nobility the poffefllon of their church
lands, did not hefitate to come into all the meafures
.of the court; they readily facrificed their liberty on
the altar of fuperiUtious bigotry ; and once more
lighted up the piles for confuming all who thought
different from the Roman church. Such, however,
was their rooted averfion to Spain, that though the
queen laboured with the utmoit difficulty to procure
her hufband to be declared prefumptive heir to the
crown, and to be inverted with the adminiftration of
public affairs, me failed in both attempts : fhe could
not even prevail upon the parliament to agree to his
coronation, nor obtain from the commons a fub-
fidy for afiiiting the emperor in his war againft
France.. .
It was now determined to execute . n
the Jaws againft herefy in their full ' I555<
force ; and Kngland was foon filled with fcenes of
horror, which has ever fince rendered the catholic
religion (if a mixture of judaifm, paganifm, and
Ghriftianity may be fo called) an object of general
deteftation. We could wifti for the honour of
popery and humanity, that the mantle of oblivion
could be drawn over thefe deteftable actions ; but
the pen of hiftory muft not diflemble the excefles
and dreadful confequences of bigotted zeal. The
horrid inhuman fcenes, which mull be difplayed,
are awful monitors to perfecuting bigots of every
communion, and furnifh an important, though me-
lancholy leflbn to all mankind. The firft victim of
falfe zeal was Rogers, a prebendary of St. Paul'sj
who was committed to the flames in SmithfiekL
He had defired to fee his wife before he died; but
Gardiner, adding infult to cruelty, told him, that
he was a prieft, and could not poffibly have a wif%
Hooper, bifhop of Gloucefter, was tried at the fame
time with Rogers, but was fent to be executed at
Gloucefter. Saunders was burned at Coventry. He
rejected a pardon that was offered him, and em-
bracing the (take, cried, " Welcome the crofs of
Chrift : welcome everlafting life." Doctor Taylor,
vicar of Hadley, fuffered in the fame place, fur-
rounded by his friends and parifliioners. Philpot
fealed the truth with his blood in Smithfield. Gar-
diner, who had expected that the reformers would
be ftruck with terror by a few examples, finding
his miftake, and that the work grew under his
hands, devolved the laborious office on others, par-
ticularly on Bonner, a man of profligate manners,
and of a brutal difpofition, who appeared to rejoice
in the torments he inflicted on unhappy fufferers.
.He fometimes whipped the prifoners with his own
hands till he was tired : he tore off the beard of a
weaver, who refufed to recant ; and to give a fpe-
cimen of burning, held his hand in the flame of a
candle, till the finews and veins fhrunk and burft.
It would be to little purpofe to enumerate all the
horrid cruelties practifed in England, during the
three years that thefe perfecutions lafted. How-
ever, a few inftances more may be worth recording,
to warn zealous bigots of every denomination, to
keep at the greateft diftance from fuch odious and
fruitlefs adts of iuhumanity. Ridley, bifhop of
London, and Latimer, who had been biihop of
Worcefter, were celebrated for their learning and
piety.
324
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
piety. Thefe died together at Oxford, in the fame
flames, and fupported each others conftancy, by
their mutual exhortations. Cranmer had been long
confined in prifon, and was led from thence to the
Itake, amidft the infults of ignorant papifts, and
bore their fcorn, as well as the torture of his punifh?
jnent with fingular fortitude. One Hunter, an ap-
prentice of nineteen years of age, having been drawn
by a prieft into a difpute, in which he unwarily de-
nied the real prefence, was fo fenfible of his danger,
that he immediately concealed himfelf ; but Bonner
feizing his father, threatened him with the greateft
feverities if he did not produce the young man,
that he might be brought to his trial. Hunter,
hearing of the troubles to which his father was ex-
pofed, delivered himfelf up voluntarily to Bonner,
and was condemned by that inhuman monfter to
the flames. One Hawkes agreed with his friends,
while he was conducted to the ftake, that if he
found the torture tolerable, he fhould make them
a fignal from amidft the flames. His zeal for the
caufe, and the ravifhing profpedt of his approaching
happinefs fo fupported him, that he ftretched out his
arm, the fignal agreed upon, and thus expired.
Multitudes, encouraged by this example, and many
others of like conftancy, were ready to fuffer, and
even longed to obtain a martyr's crown. Even the
tender fex produced many examples of invincible
tourage, in maintaining the facred dictates of con-
fcience, amidft all the fufy of their perfecutors.
In partitular, one execution was attended with cir-
cumltances, which even at that time excited
aftonifhment. A woman in Guernfey being brought
to the Rake, near the time of her labour, was de-
livered when the faggots were lighted. One of the
guards matched the infant from the fire, and at-
tempted to fave it ; but a magiftrate ordered it to
be thrown back, faying, he was refolved, that no-
thing fhould furvive which fprang from fo obftinate
and heretical a parent. Impolitic as thefe proceed-
ings were in every view, .repeated orders were fent
from the council to quicken the diligence of the
jnagiftrates in difcovering heretics. Thefe a£ts of
violence rendered the Spanifh govern mentftill more
odious: which Philip perceiving, he endeavoured to
remove the reproach from himfelf, by caufing Al-
phonfo, his confeffor, to preach a fermon in favour
^f toleration, in the prefence of the court, in which i
he charged the bifhops with thofe cruelties which
had excited the indignation of the public ; and
challenged them to produce one paflage in the
fcriptures, which authorized them to put people to
death merely for matters of faith. The audience
heard, with aftonifhment, a Spanifh friar condemn
perfecution; and the bifhops were fo confounded, that
they for fome time fufpencled their inhuman rage,
though afterwards the flames broke out with re-
doubled fury. But the court finding that Bonner,
however cruel and fhamelefs, would not bear alone
the whole infamy, threw off the mafk, and the
queen's unrelenting temper appeared without con-
troul. That we might not return to the favage
cruelties of this bloody reign, we have placed in one
view the principal transactions againft the pro-
teftants, during the fpace of three years. In which
time it was computed, that two hundred and feventy-
feven perfons were brought to the ftake, befides thofe
whowerepunifhedbyconfifcations, fines, and impri-
fonments. Among thofe who were burned alive are
included five bifhops, twenty-one clergymen, eight
lay gentlemen, eighty-four tradefmen, one hundred
hufbanclmen, fervants and labourers, fifty-five wo-
men, and four children. Aftonifhing as this cruelty
appears, the number of proteftant martyrs in other
countries was much greater. Father Paul com-
putes, that in the Netherlands alone, from the time
when the edict of Charles V. was promulgated
againft the reformers, there had been fifty thoufand
hanged, buried a\ive, or burned, on account of
religion, and that the number in France was very
confiderable.
fn the courfe of this year a fplendicl embaffy was
fent to Rome, to inform his holinefs of all that had
been tranfacted in the Englifh parliament, and to
make tender of fubmiflion to the holy fee in the name
of the king, queen, and three eftates of England.
But before their arrival, Julius III. was dead, and
St. Peter's chair filled by Paul IV. a proud,
haughty, infolent ecclefiaftic. He was fo far from
receiving the Englifh ambaffadors with that kind-
nefs they had reafon to expect, that he refufcd to
give them audience, becaufe Mary had ftiled herfelf
queen of Ireland, as well as of England; a title
which neither herfelf, nor any of her predeceffoi s,
had received from the holy fee. In confequcnce of
this, they were obliged to wait till a bull was ex-
pedited for inverting Mary with that title, and then
they were admitted to an audience. The pope ap-
peared aftonifhed when the ambafladors expreffed
their hopes, that he would confirm to the laity the
poffeffion of the church lands. He blamed Pole
for exceeding his commiffion ; and wondered how
any perfon could prefume to harbour a thought,
that he would grant any confirmation to acts in
themfelves iniquitous and facrilegious. He even
iffued a bull, denouncing the fevereft anathemas
upon all who fhould withhold from the church, or
the religious orders, any part of their property.
He alfo demanded Peter-pence, which had been Ib
long abolifhed. The nobility heard of thefe deter-
minations of the pontiff without emotion : the thun-
der of the Vatican had loft its force in England j a
few only trembled at the threatenings of the holy
father. Among thefe ignorant zealots was the
queen, who, notwithftanding the meafures purfued
at the commencement of her reign, thought herfelf
obliged to give up fuch church-lands as remained
in her poffeffion, and to found new monafteries till
the treafury was exhaufted. It was in vain that the
council reprefented to her the intereft of her crown ;
" I prefer (faid fhe) the falvation of my foul to ten
fuch kingdoms as England." A kind of inquifition
was now eftablifhed, by appointing commiflioners
to take an exact account of all herefies ; to punifh
all neglects of the catholic worfhip in churches and
chapels ; to proceed againft the clergy who did not
preach the doctrine of tranfubftantiation, or ufe the
holy water. The juftices of the peace were or-
dered to appoint fpies over the conduct of the peo-
ple ; to fummon the accufed, without difcovering
the accufer, and to put to the torture fuch obftinate
perfons who would not confefs. Nor did the ty-
ranny of the court terminate here ; a proclamation
wa> iffued, commanding all who were poffeffed of
heretical books to burn them without reading, or
fhewing them to others : and declaring that all who
refufecl to pay an implicit obedience to thefe orders
fhould be deemed rebels, and executed immediately
by martial law. But this iron hand of oppreffive
tyranny was difplayed in vain : every martyrdom
was more effectual than a thoufand fermons againft
popery ; and the afhes of a fufferer, like feed dif-
feminated in a fertile foil, produced an hundred
fold.
It was not long before Mary felt the effect of
public hatred, excited by her malevolence and cruel
difpofition. She had flattered herfelf with an ima-
ginary pregnancy, and when fhe found her miftake,
fhe fell into a profound melancholy. The miniftry
became extremely unpopular; and Philip, difgufted
with a wife who was continually jealous, without
being in any refpedt amiable, made preparations for
returning to the continent. The choler which con-
fumed her, was difcharged on the proteftants, by
daily enforcing the fanguinary laws, and even by
expreffions of rage againft all herfubjects, by whom
4
j-ftfif !>i'—i:..r'l!,-it,t ir////fA'tir,/,i;//-l/t.i- I "/" /.V. im\ria-Jti>n' .
»,//,• ; ('\\Y^M", .
"' /V/V///VV
•ft//- .
B URKlS G ArdrBisliop GRANMER^ ,
SNMARY,
326
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
nor, admiral Coligni, thinking it his duty to fave
fo important a fortVcfs, threw hm.feH into the town,
and with a few battalions of French and Scots, and
by his exhortation?, encouraged the foldiers to make
a vigorous defence. In the mean time he fent an
exprefs to his uncle Montmorency, the conftable, re-
quefting a reinforcement. That general accord-
ingly advanced towards St. Quintin, at the head of
his whole army, in order to facilitate the attempt of
throwing a body of forces into the town. The
duke of" Savoy, one of the greatest generals of his
age, informed of the conftable's defign, attacked the
reinforcement with fuch fury, that not more than
five hundred men entered the place. Animated
with this fuccefs, he fell upon the conftable, routed
his whole army, and took him prifoner. Two
thoufand five hundred of the enemy fell on the field
of battle, among whom were feveral noblemen of
the firft diftinction. This defeat filled France with
confirmation : and the duke of Savoy, to improve
the advantage he had gained, difpatched the duke
of Bedford, and the count of Egmont, at the head
of four thoufand men, to make an inroad into
France. ' The inhabitants of Paris were fo terrified,
that they began to fortify their city ; and had the
duke of Savoy marched directly to the capital, he
had, in all probability, made himfelf mafter of the
place ; but he continued the fiege of St. Quintin,
which, by the bravery of the admiral, held out fe-
vemteen days, when it was taken by ftorm, and that
gallant officer, with his brother, and all who had fur-
vived of the garrifon, were made prifoners. The
noble conduct of the admiral, in defending the
place, faved France ; for the Spaniards loft a favour-
able opportunity of pufhing their conquefts, till
the advanced feafon obliged them to go into winter
quarters.
^ Q The vigilant and active duke of
A.D. 1558. Guife) wno had been recalled with his
army from Italy, now attempted, in the depth of
winter, an enterprize, which France, in her greateft
profperity, had always confidered as impracticable.
Not content with fortifying the frontiers of the
kingdom, the duke refolved to attempt the reduc-
tion of Calais. This place was defended by lord
Wentworth, an experienced officer ; but the garrifon
confuted only of five hundred foldiers, and about
two hundred townfmen. It was furrounded by
morafles on the land fide, and could only be ap-
proached by a dyke, at the head of \vhich was a
bridge, defended by a fort called Newenham, about
a quarter of a mile from the town. Near this fort
was another, called St. Agatha ; and the entrance of
the harbour was defended by a caftle, called. Ryf-
bank. Such was the fituation of Calais when Guife
fat down before it; when it was not imagined the
French could be able to undertake any enterprize
of confequence, fo foon after the defeat they had
fuffered at St. Quintin. When the duke began his
march to Calais, a French fleet was fent into the
channel, under pretence of cruifing on the trading
veffels of the Englifh, but in reality to aflift the
land forces in then- operations. The firft attempt
of the French was againft fort Agatha, which the
Englilh, after a gallant defence, were forced to
abandon. Thegariifon, however, threw themfelves
into fort Newenham, which was immediately invefted
by the enemy. At the fame time the French mips
cannonaded Kyfbank, and both forts became un-
tenable. W ent worth faw the neceflity of abandon-
ing thefe places, the greater part of his garrifon be-
ing employed in defending them : he therefore gave
orders for their capitulating with the enemy,
and joining him in Calais, which, without their
afiiftance, he was in no condition to defend. The
garrifon at Newenham followed his inftructions,
and were pcrmittedtoretheintothetown: but thofe
in the Kyfbank were not fo fortunate ; the French
2
officer refufed to figri any capitulation ; and the
garrifon were obliged to iurrender prifoners of war.
All accefs to Calais was now totally cut off; and
the duke of Guife formed, with pro -igious labour,
a road, conftrudted with pitched hurdles, through
the morafs, by the help of which a large detach-
ment of his army lodged themfelves behind fome
heights, near the walls of the town. Here they
erected a battery of fifteen pieces of large cannon
againit the cattle, in which a practicable breach was
foon made. D'Andelot, brother to Coligni, was
now ordered to draw the water out of the ditch,
and fuccefsfully executed the tafk in one night. The
next day the duke ordered a general afTault, which
was made with fuch fury, that the breach was car-
ried by ftorm, and the French effected a lodgment
in the caftle. During the enfuing night, Went-
worth endeavoured to recover that poft, but having
loft two hundred men, and the French pouring
fuch numbers into the caftle, he thought any far-
ther refiftance would be madnefs, and accordingly
capitulated on the following terms, the beft he could
obtain in his difti efled fituation : " That he himfelf
fhould remain a prifoner of war, with fifty of the
chief officers of his garrifon : that the reft fhould be at
liberty to retire, either to England orTlanders ; and
that the place, with all its provifions, ammunition,
cannon, and riches, fhould be immediately delivered
up." This capitulation was figned on the feven-
teenth of January. Ham and Guifnes were taken
by the twenty-feconcl, and in lefs than thirty days,
the duke of Guife reduced what had coft Edward
III. a fiege of eleven months J- at the head of an
army flufhed with glory, acquired in the fields of
Creffy. Mary, even that unfeeling queen, was fo
fenfibly affected with the lofs of Calais, that me
abandoned herfelf to grief, and repeatedly declared
to thofe about her, " That her end was approach-
ing, and that fhe fhould never recover the effects of
this misfortune." Murmurs and complaints now
prevailed throughout the kingdom ; the miniftry
could not attempt a vindication of their conduct ;
while the queen fuffered all the pangs of the moft
mortifying difappointment.
In the month of April, the dauphin of France
efppufed Mary, queen of Scotland; and in June,
Philip, king of Spain, obtained a complete victory
over the French at Gravelines, where the general de
Termes and his principal officers were taken pri-
foners. The Scots, prompted by French councils,
beginning to move on the borders, the Englifh
were under a neceflity of attending to their de-
fence at home. Mary's repofe and fecurity feeming
to be threatened by this clofe alliance between
France and Scotland, it was found neceffary to call
a parliament, to obtain fupplies for her exhaufted
treafure; on which fhe obtained a fifteenth, a fub-
fidy of four fhillings in the pound on land, and two
fhillings and eight pence on goods. The clergy
likewife granted eight fhillings in the pound, pay-
able in equal proportions, within four years. The
parliament alfo pafled an act, confirming all the-
fales and grants of the crown lands, already made
by the queen, or that fhould be made during the
feven enfuing years. One Copley, a member, having
expreffed his apprehenfions, that the queen, under
fanction of this dangerous act, might alienate even
the crown itfelf to the prejudice of the lawful heir,
was, for his prefumption, with fome others, com-
mitted to the Tower.
Throughout this whole inglorious reign, the
Englifh were under great apprehenfions with refpect
to the fucceffion, and the life of the lady Elizabeth.
The queen's violent hatred of that princefs, broke
out on every occafion ; and it required all Philip's
prudence and authority to prevent its producing
the moft fatal effects. Elizabeth retired into the
I country ; and being fenfible that fhe was furrounded,
with
M
A R
I.
327
.with fpies, fpent her time in reading and finely,
without intermeddling in bufinefs, or feeing much
company. While fhe remained in this dull and in-
active h'tuation, the Svvedifh ambaffador made her
propofals of marriage in the name of his matter.
She firft afked, whether the propofal had been made
to the queen. The ambaffador replied, that his
matter thought it his duty as a gentleman, to pay
his addreffes to herfelf ; and if he was fo happy as
to obtain her confent, he would next, as a king, ap-
ply to her fitter. The princefs would, however,
allow him to proceed no farther. The affair, not-
withftamling, coming to the queen's knowledge, fhe
thanked her for this inftance of duty, and clefirecl to
know how fhe liked the propoi'al of the Swedim
monarch. Though Elizabeth was expofed to many
mortifications and dangers, fhe refolved not to make
life of the relief this match would have afforded
her, and covered her refufal with expreffmg a fond
attachment to a fingle life, which, fhe faid, fhe pre-
ferred to any other. She likewife fhewed great
prudence in concealing her religious fentiments,
and eluding all the queftions that were put to her
on that delicate fubject. During thefe tranfaclions,
the perfecution again raged in England with infer-
nal fury. Thirty-nine 'proteilants fuffered martyr-
dom in different parts of England.
The health of queen Mary had for fome time
been in a declining ftate. On miftaking herdropiy
for a pregnancy, Ihe had ufed an improper regimen,
which daily mcreafed her diforder. Every refle&ion
was now a fubject of torment, begun in this world,
and ftruck a dagger in he^ heart. The corroding
worm that never dies began to gnaw its vital
firings. The confcioulhefs of having incurred the
hatt ed of her fur jects ; the idea of Elizabeth's fuc-
ceeding to the crown j her fears, that the catholic
religion would be expofed to danger; her dejection
for the loftl of Calais, with which fhe was deeply
affected ; and above all, her grief for the abfence of
her hufband, who, fhe knew, intended foon to re-
turn to Spain, to lettle during the remainder of his
life : thefe melancholy reflections preying upon hel~
mind with the greateft violence, threw her into a
complication of diforders, attended with a lingering
fever, of which fhe died on the feventeenth of No-
vember, in the forty-third year of her age, after a
fliort, a cruel, and unhappy reign of five years, four
months, and eleven days. She was interred at
Weftminfter, in the chapel of her grand-father
Henry VII. Some writers have been of opinion,
that this unworthy queen had a ferious fenle of re-
ligion : but can we call that profeffion, however
diftinguifhed, by the facred peaceful name of reli-
gion, which prompts men to be guilty of favage
cruelty, and is dettitute of all the focial virtues ?
There are, we acknowledge, a few devout pieces ex-
tant, compofed.by Mary. Styrpe has preferved
three of her meditations and prayers ; and at the
defire of Queen Catharine Parr, fhe began to tran-
flate Erafmus's paraphrafe on St. John, but after fhe
had made a ftnall progrefs in it, fhe left the reft to
Dr. Mallet her chaplain. Erafmus fays, that fhe
wrote very good Latin letters, but her French ones
are poor performances. Styrpe has printed one
from the Cotton library, in anfwer to a haughty
mandate from her hufband, on his refolving to
marry the lady Elizabeth to the duke of Savoy,
againft the inclinations of the queen, and that
princefs : in which he bids the former examine her
confcience, whether her repugnance does not pro-
ceed from obftinacy ; and inlolently tells her, that
if any parliament went contrary to his requeft, he
fhould lay the blame on her. The mortified Mary,
in a moft abject manner, and the moft wretched
ftile, fubmitting entirely to his will, profeffes to be
moft bounden to him, than any other wife to a
huiband, notwithstanding his ill ufage of her.
Other of her letters are preferved in Hayne's ftate
papers : we wifh we could add alfo a few of her vir-
tues: but we fhall here drop the curtain, her true
portrait having been faithfully delineated in the
hiftory of her reign. Cardinal Pole, who had long
laboured under an intermitting fever, died the fame
day with the queen. He was a prelate remarkable
for his candour and fweetnefs of temper, and was
efteemed by all who knew the value of thofe amia-
ble qualities. In times, when fuch cruel perfecii-
tions were raifed againft the reformers, Pole expe-
rienced not the hatred of proteftants.
In this reign a law was paffed by which the
number of horfes, arms, and furniture was fixed,
with which eachperfon, according to the largenefs
of his fortune, fhould be provided for the defence
of the kingdom. For inftance, a man of a thou-
fand pounds a year was obliged to maintain at his
own expence, fix horfes for his demi-lances, three
of which, at leaft, were to be furnifhecl with fufii-
cient harnefs, fteel faddles, and proper weapons: he
was obliged to have forty corflets furnifhed ; fifty
almain revets, or inftead of them, forty coats of
plate, corflets or briganclines furnifhed ; forty pikes,
thirty long bows, thirty fheafs of arrows, thirty fteel
caps or fkulls, twenty black bills or' halberts,
twenty haquebuts, and twenty morions, or fallets.
This method was, coubtlefs, fubject to many in-
conveniencies ; but the revenues of the crown, and
the fupplies of parliament, were fo inconfiderable,
that there was no other method of equipping the
troops. The revenue of England, at that timet was
very little more than three hundred thoufand pounds
a year, .
The Englifh having difcovered a paffage to
Archangel, during the reign of Edward VI. a bene-
ficial trade had been eftablifhed with Mufcovy.
Hence a folemn embaffy was fent by the Czar to
queen Mary, which feems to have been the firft that
had been fent by that empire to any European
prince. The ambaffadoi s were fhipwrecked on the
coart of Scotland ; but being hofpitably entertained
in that kingdom, proceeded on their journey, and
were received in London with great pomp and fo-
lemnity.
In this reign we find the firft general law in relation
to highways, which were appointed to be repaired
by parifh duties all over England : but the arts and
fciences had made a very fmall, progrefs, and neither
commerce, nor the marine of England had yet ob-
tained a refpectable footing. Holiingfhed, who
lived in the next reign, gives a rude account of the
preceding generation ; and Erafmus imputes the
frequent plagues in England to the flovenly habits
of the people. The floors, fays he, are commonly
of clay ftrewed with rufhes, under which lies un-
molefted an antient collection of beer, greafe, frag-
: ments, bones, excrements of dogs and cats, and
every thing that is nafty. Indeed we may form an
idea of the fmall progrefs of the arts, with refpect
to refinement and elegance, about this time, from a
perfon of no lefs rank than the comptroller of
Edward VI. houfhold, paying only thirty fhillings a
year, of our prefent money, for his houfe in Channel
Row, London. Labour and provifions were only
about a fourth of the prefent price.
Memoirs of the life of Dr. Thomas Cranmer, the frjl
prote/iant archbjjhop of Canterbury.
Aflaclon, in the county of Nottingham, was the
birth place of this eminent prelate : who was born
July 2, 1489. His family was antient, and came
in with William the Conqueror. He was early de-
prived of his father Thomas Cranmer, Efq. and
after no extraordinary education, was fent, by his
mother to Cambridge, at the age of fourteen, ac-
cording to the cuftom of thofe times. He took the
ufual
328
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
ufual degrees, and was chofen fellow of Jefus col-
lege : and emerging from the fubtle and ufelefs
ft udies of thofe days, foon became celebrated for his
learning and abilities.— In the year 1525 he mar-
ried : but his wife dying in child-bed, within the
year, he was re-elected fellow of Jefus : a favour fo
gratefully acknowledged by him, that he chofe to
decline an offer of a much- more valuable fellovvfhip
in cardinal Wolfey's new feminary, at Oxford, ra-
ther than relinquifh friends who had {hewn fuch re-
gard to him.
In the year 1523, he commenced doctor in divi-
nity : and being in great efteem for theological
learning, he was chofen divinity-lecturer in his own
college : and appointed, by the univerfity, one of
the examiners in that fcience. In which office he
principally inculcated the doctrine of the holy
fcriptures, then greatly neglected, as being of in-
difpenfible neceffity for the profeffors of that divine
knowledge. The plague happening to break out
at Cambridge, Cranmer, with fome of his pupils,
removed to Waltham-abbey : where falling into
company with Gardiner and Fox, one the fecretary,
the other almoner of king Henry; that monarch's
intended divorce of Catharine his queen, the com-
mon fubject of difcourfe in thofe days, came upon
the carpet : when Cranmer advifing an application
to our own and to the foreign univerfkies for their
opinion in the cafe, -and giving thefe gentlemen
much fatisfaction, they introduced him to the king:
who was as much pleafed with him ; committed him
to the care of Sir Thomas Boleyn, ordered him to
write his thoughts on the fubject ; made him his
chaplain, and admitted him into that favour and
efteem, which he never afterwards forfeited.
In the year 1530, he was fent by the king, with a
folemn embafly, to clifpute on the fubjcct of the di-
vorce at Paris, Rome, and other foreign parts. At
Rome he delivered his book which he had
written in defence of the divorce to the pope, and
offered to juftify it in a public difputation : but
after various promifes and appointments, none ap-
peared to oppofc him : while in private conferences
he forced them to confefs that the marriage was
contrary to the law of God. The pope conitituted
lu'm " Penitentiary General of England," and dif-
rnifled him. In Germany he gave full fatisfaction
to many learned men, who were before of a con-
trary pcrfuafion : and prevailed on the famous
Qfiander to declare the king's marriage unlawful.
Before he left Germany he married Ofiander's
niece.
. While he was abfent the great archbifhop War-
ham died: Henry, convinced of Cranmer's merit,
determined that he mould fuccecd him : and com-
manded him to return for that purpofe. He fuf-
pected the caufe, and delayed: defirous, by all
means, to decline this high ftation : for he had a
true and primitive fenfe of the office, But a fpirit
fo different from the churchmen of his times ftimu-
lated the king's refolution : and the more reluctance
Cranmer mewed, the greater refolution Henry ex-
erted. He w as confecrated on March 30, 1 53 3, to
the office ; and though he received the ufual bulls
frofti the pope, he protefted, at his confecration,
againfl the oath of allegiance, &c. to him. For he
had converfed freely with the reformed in Germany,
had read Luther's books, and was zealoufly at-
tached to the glorious caufe of reformation.
He was difagreeably employed, as the firfl fervice
he did the king, in pronouncing the fentence of his
divorce from queen Catharine : and next in joining
his hands with Anne Boleyn : the confequence of
which marriage was the birth of Elizabeth, to
whom he ftood godfather. And as the queen was
greatly interefted in the reformation, the friends to
that good work began to conceive high hopes; and,
indeed, it weiit on with defirable fuccefs. The
pope's fupremacy was univerfally exploded ; mo-
naileries, Src. deftroyed; and that valuable book of
" The Erudition of a Chriftian Man," was fet forth
by our great archbifhop, with public authority: and
the facred fcriptures, at length, to the infinite joy
of Cranmer, and the lord Cromwell, his conftant
friend and aflociate, were not only tranflated, but
introduced into every parifh. ' And " the tranfla-
tion was received with inexpreffible joy : every one,
that was able, purchafed it, and the poor flocked
greedily to hear it read: fome pcrfons, in years,
learned to read on purpofe, that they might perufe
it : and even little children crowded with eagernefs
to hear it." One cannot fail to reflect, on this oc-
cafion, how much we are bound to prize this facred
treafure, which we enjoy fo perfectly : and how much
to contend agninft every attempt of thofe enemies,
and that church, which would deprive us of it, and
again reduce us to legends and Ichoolmcn, to ig-
norance and idolatry !
That he might proceed with true judgment-,
Cranmer made a collection of their opinions from
the works of the antient fathers and later doctors ;
of which bifliop Burnet faw two volumes in folio ;
and it appears, by a letter of lord Burleigh's, that .
there were then lix volumes of Cranmer's collec-
tions in his hands. A work of incredible labour,
but vafl utility ! A fhining proof was foon after-
given of his fincere and difinterefted conftancy by
his noble oppoiition to what are commonly called
king Henry's fix bloody articles. However he '
weathered the ftorm ; and published, with an in- 1
comparable preface by hiinielf, the larger Bible j
fix of which, even Bonner, then newly confe-
crated bifhop of London, caufed to be fixed, for
the perufal of the people, in his cathedral of St.
Paul's.
The enemies of the reformation, however, were
reftlefs : and Henry was no proteftant in his heart.
Cromwell fell a racrifice to them ^ and they aimed
every poffible fhaft at Cranmer : Gardiner in par-
ticular was indefatigable: he caufed him to be ac-
cufed in parliament; and feveral lords of the privy
council moved the king to commit the archbifhoj
to the Tower. The king perceived their malice ;
and one evening, on pretence of diverting himfelf
on the water, ordered his barge to be rowed tc
Lambeth fide. The archbifhop being informed of
it, came down to pay his refpects, and was orderec
by the king, to come into the barge and fit clofe by
him. Henry made him acquainted with the ac-
cufations of herefy, faction, &c. which were laid
againft him ; and fpoke of his oppofition to the fix
articles: the archbifhop modeftly replied, that he
could not but acknowledge himfelf to be of the
fame opinion, with refpect to them; but was not
confcious of having offended againft them. Then
the king, putting on an air of pleafantry, afked
him, If his bed-chamber could ftand the teft of
thefe articles? The archbifhop confeffed, that he
was married in Germany, before his promotion ; but
affured the king, that on paffing that act, he had
parted with his wife, and fent her abroad to her
friends. His majefty was fo charmed with his
opennefs and integrity, that he difcovered the whole
plot that was laid againft him : gave him a ring of
great value to produce, upon a future emergency ;
and determined to counterwork Cranmer's enemies;
who fummoned him foon after to the council, fuf-
fered him to wait in the lobby amongft the foot-
men ; treated him on his admiflion with haughty
contempt; and would have fent him to the Tower;
but he produced the ring, and gained his enemies a
fevere reprimand from Henry, and himfelf the
higheft degree of fecurity and favour.
Upon this occafion he fhewed that lenity and
mildnefs which always diftinguimed him ; never
perfecuted any of his enemies, nay freely forgave
even
M
R
I.
329
even the invetcraTe Gardiner, on his writing a fup-
plicatory letter to him for that end. And now we
are upon the fubject of the archbifhop's readinefs to
forgive and forget injuries, we may relate a pleafaHt
in (lance of it, which happened fome time before
this. The archbifhop's firft wife, whom he married
at Cambridge, was kinfwoman to the hoftcfs at the
Dolphin Inn, and boarded there: and he often re-
forting thither on that account, the popifh party
had raifcd a ftory, that he was hofller to that Inn,
and never had the benefit of a learned education.
This idle ftory a Yorkfhire prieft had with great
confidence afTerted, in an alehoufe which he ufed
to frequent ; railing at the archbiihop, and faying,
that he had no more learning than a goofe. Some
of the parifh informed lord Cromwell of this ; and
the prieft was committed to the Fleet prifon. When
he had been there nine or ten weeks, he fent a re-
lation of his to the archbiihop, to beg his pardon
and to fue for his difcharge. The archbifhop in-
fiantly fent for him, and, after a gentle reproof,
afked the prieft whether he knew him ? to which he
anfwering. No; the archbifhop expoftulating with
him, why he mould then make fo free with his cha-
racter? The prieft excufed himfelf by faying he was
in drink: but this Cranmer told him was a double
fault ; and then let him know, that if he were in-
clined to try, what a fcholar he was, he mould have
liberty to oppofe him in whatever fcience he pleafed.
The prieft humbly afked his pardon, and confefled
himfelf to be very ignorant, and to underftand no-
thing but his mother tongue. No doubt, then, faid
Cranmer, you are well verfed in the Englifh Bible ;
andean anfwer any queftions out of that; pray tell
me, who was David's father ? The prieft flood flill a
while to confider; but at laft told the archbiihop he
could not recollect his name. Tell me then, fays
Cranmer, who was Solomon's father ? The poor
prieft replied, that he had no fkill in genealogies, and
could not tell. The archbifhop then advifing him
to frequent alehoufes lefs, and his ftudy more, and
admonifhing him not to acctife others for want of
teaming, till he was matter of fome himfelf, clif-
chargedhim out of cuftody, and fent him home to
his cure. Thefe may ferve as inftances of his cle-
ment temper. The king, who was a good difcerner
of men, remarking the implacable hatred of his
enemies towards him, changed his coat of arms
from three cranes to three pelicans, feeding their
young with their own blood: and told his grace,
" that thefe birds fhould fignify to him, that he
ought to be ready, like the pelican, to fhed his
blood for his young ones, brought up in the faith of
Chrift ; for, faid the king, you are like to be tried,
if you will ftand to your tackling at length." The
event proved the king to be no bad prophet.
In the year 1 54-6, king Henry left his crown to
his only ion Edward, who was godfon to Cranmer,
and had imbibed all the fpirit of a reformer. This
excellent young prince, influenced no lefs by his
own inclinations than by the advice of Cranmer and
the other friends of reformation, was diligent in
every endeavour to promote it. Homilies were
compofecl by the archbifhop, and a catcchifm:
Erafmus's notes on the New Teftament tranflated,
and fixed in churches; the facrament adminiftered
in both kinds ; and the liturgy ufed in the vulgar
tongue: Ridley, the archbifhop's great friend, and
one of the brightefl lights of the Englifh reforma-
tion, was equally zealous in the good caufe : and
with him the archbifhop drew up the forty-two
articles of religion, which were revifcd by other
bifhops and divines ; as through him he had per-
fectly conquered all his fcruples refpccbing the doc-
trine of the corporeal prefence, and publiflied a
much eftecmed trcatife, entitled, A Defence of the
true and catholic Doctrine of the Sacrament of the
Body and Blood of our Lord Jcfus Chrift.
No. ;i.
But this happy fcene of profperity was not to
continue: God was pleafed to deprive the nation
of king Edward, in the year 1553, defigning in his
wife providence, to perfect the new born church of
his Son Jefus Chrift in England, by the blood of
martyrs, as at the beginning he perfected the church
in general. Anxious for the fuccefs of the refor-
mation, and wrought upon by the artifices of the
duke of Northumberland, Edward had been per-
fuaded to exclude his fifters, and to bequeath the
crown to that duke's amiable and every way de-
ferving daughter, the Lady Jane Gray. The arch-
biihop did his utmoft to oppofe this alteration in
the fucceflion; but the king was over-ruled; the
will was made, and fubfcribed by the council and
the judges. The archbiihop was fent for laft of all,
and required to fubfcribe ; but he anfwerecl, that he
could not do it without perjury; having fworn to
the entail of the crown on the two princcfles Mary
and Elizabeth. To this the king replied, That the
judges, who being beft fkillecl in the conftitution,
ought to be regarded in this point, had afiured him,
that notwithftanding that entail, he might lawfully
bequeath the crown to lady Jane. The archbifhop
defired to difcourfe with them himfelf about it; and
they all agreeing, that he might lawfully fubfcribe
the king's will, he was at laft prevailed with to refign
his own private fcruples to their authority, and let
his hand to it.
Having done this, he thought himfelf obliged in
confcience to join the lady Jane: but her fhort-lived
power foon expired ; when Mary and perfecution
mounted the throne, and Cranmer could expedt no-
thing lefs than what enfued; attainder, imprifon-
ment, deprivation and death.
The Tower was crowded with prifoners; info-
much that Cranmer, Ridley, Latimer and Bradford,
were all put into one chamber; which they were fo
far from thinking an inconvenience, that on the
contrary, they blefled God for the opportunity of
converfing together; reading and comparing the
fcriptures, confirming themfelves in the true faith,
and mutually exhorting each other to conftancy in
profefling it, and patience in fuftering for it!
In April, 1554, the archbifhop, with bifhop Rid-
ley and Latimer, was removed from the Tower to
Windfor, and from thence to Oxford, to difpute
with fome feleft perfons of both univerfities! but
alas ! what farces are difputations, where the fate of
men is fixed, and every word is tnifconftrued ! and
fuch was the cafe here: for on April the aoth,
Cranmer was brought to St. Mary's, before the
queen's commiffioners, andrefufing to fubfcribe the
popifh articles, he was pronounced an heretic, and
Sentence of condemnation was pafled upon him.
Upon which he told them, that he appealed from
their unjuft fentence, to that of the Almighty: and
that he trufted to be received into his prefence in
heaven, for maintaining the truth of whofe fpiritual
prefence at the altar, he was there condemned.
After this his fervants were difmifled from their at-
tendance, and himfelf clofely confined in Bocarclo,
the prifon of the city of Oxford. But this fentence
being void in law, as the pope's authority was
wanting, a new commiffion was fent from Rome in
the year 1555: and in St. Mary's church, at the
high altar, the court fat and tried the already con-
demned Cranmer. He was here will nigh too
ftrong for his judges; and if reafon and truth could
have prevailed, there would have been no doubt
who fhould have been acquitted and who con-
demned. The February following a new com-
miffion was given to bifhop Bonner and bifhop
Thirlby, for the degration of the archbifhop.
When he came down to Oxford he was brought
before them : and after they had read their com-
miffion from the pope (for not appearing before
whom in perfon. as they had cited him., he was de-
4 P clared
33°
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGL AND.
chred contumacious, though they themfelves had
kept him a clofe prifoner)— Bonner, in a fcurnlous
oration, infulted over him in the moft unchnftian
manner, for which he was often rebuked by Whop
Thirlby, who wept, and declared it the molt lor-
rowful fcene in his whole life. In the commiffion
k was declared that the caufe had been impartially
heard at Rome: the witneffes on both fides ex-
amined, and the archbifhop's counfel allowed to
make the beft defence for him they could : at the
reading this, the archbifhop could not help crying
out, " Good God ! what lies are thefe ; that I, be-
ing continually in prifon, and not fuffered to have
counfel or advocate at home, ihould produce wit-
nefles and appoint my counfel at Rome? God muft
needs punifli this mamelefs and open lying 1" When
Bonner had finished his invective, they proceeded to
degrade him ; and that they might make him as ridi-
culous as they could, the epifcopal habit which they
put on him, was made of canvas and old clouts:
Bonner, mean time, by way of triumph and
mockery, calling him Mr. Canterbury, and the like.
He bore all with his wonted fortitude and patience;
told them, " the degradation gave him no concern,
for he had long defpifed thofe ornaments :" but
when they came" to take away his crofier, he held it
faft, and delivered his appeal to Thirlby, faying,
" I appeal to the next general council." When
they had ftripped him of all his habits, they put
upon his jacket, a poor yeoman-beadle's gown,
thread-bare and ill-fhaped, and a townfman's cap;
and fo delivered him to the fecular power, to be
carried back to prifon, where he was kept entirely
deftitute of money, and totally fecluded from his
friends. Nay fuch was the iniquity of the times,
that a gentleman was taken into cuftody by Bonner,
and nearly efcaped a trial, for giving the poor arch-
biftiop fome money to buy him a dinner!
He had been imprifoned now alrnoft three years ;
and death ihould have immediately followed his
fentence and degradation; but his cruel enemies re-
ferved him for greater mifery and infult. Every
engine that could be thought of was employed to
ihake his conftancy ; but in vain : he held faft the
profcflion of his faith without wavering. Nay,
even when he faw the barbarous martyrdom of his
dear companions Ridley and Latimer, he was fo far
from fhrinking, that he not only prayed to God to
ftrengthen them ; but alfo by their example, to ani-
mate him to a patient expectation and endurance of
the fame fiery trial. —
But at length, thepapifts determined to try what
gentle treatment would effect: they removed him
from prifon to the lodgings of the dean of Chrift
church, urged every pcrfuafive and affecting motive:
and too much melted his gentle nature by the falfe
fun-mine of pretended civility and refped. Yet
this availed not, till they again changed their con-
dud, and, with feverity enough, confined him to a
loathfome prifon. This was more than the infir-
mities of fo old a man could fupport: the frailty of
human nature prevailed: he began to waver: he
fell: fell, but to rife with fuperior luftre; and was
induced to fign fix different recantations, drawn
from him by the malice of his enemies ; who, not-
withftanding, determined not to fpare his life: for
nothing lefs than his death could fatiate the gloomy
queen ; who faid, " that as he had been the great
promoter of herefy, which had corrupted the whole
nation, the abjuration, which was fufficientin other
cafes, fhould not ferve his turn ; for fhe was refolved
he Ihould be burned."
The archbilhop had no fufpicion of fuch a fate,
after what he had done: the papifts defigned that
Ire ihould foon read his recantation publicly at St.
Mary's ; upon which they propofed to have triumphed
in his death. Accordingly an the day appointed,
Cole mounted the pulpit, and the archbifhop was
placed oppofiteto it on a lowfcaffold, afpcctacle of
contempt and fcorn to the people! Cole magnified
his converfion as the immediate work of God's in-
fpiration ; exhorted him to bear up with refolution
againft the terrors of death ; and by the example of
the thief on the crofs, encouraged him not to de-
fpair, fince he was returned, though late, into the
bofom of the church; and aflured him, that dirges
and mafles mould be faid for his foul in all the
churches of Oxford. As fbon as the archbifliop
perceived from Cole's fermon what was the bloody
decree, ftruck with horror at the bafe inhumanity of
thefe proceedings, he gave by all his geftures, a full
proof of the deep anguifh of his foul. And at length
being called upon by Cole, to declare his faith and
reconciliation with the catholic church; he rofe with
all poffible dignity— and while the audience was
wrapped in the' moft profound expectation, he
kneeled down and repeated the following prayer:
" O Father of heaven ! O Son of God ! Redeemer
of the \vorld! O Holy Ghoft! proceeding from
them both: three perfons and one God, have mercy
upon me, moft wretched and miferable finner! I
who have offended both heaven and earth, and more
grievoufly than any tongue can exprefs, whither
then may I go, or where fhail I fly for fuccour? —
To heaven 1 may be afliamed to lift up mine eyes,
and in earth I find no refuge: what fhall I then do :
fliall I defpair? God forbid! O good God, thou art
merciful! and rcfufeft none who come to thee for
fuccour : to thee, therefore, do I run : to thee do £
humble myfelf, faying, O Lord God, my fins be
great, but yet have mercy upon me, for thy great
mercy! O God the Son, thou waft not made man,
this great myftery was not wrought, for few or
fmall offences ! nor thou didft not give thy Son
unto death, O God the Father! for our little and
fmall fins only, tbut for all the greateft fins of the
world : fo that the finner return unto thee with a
penitent heart, as I do here at this prefent; where-
fore have mercy upon me, O Lord ! whofe property
is always to have mercy: for although my fins be
great, yet thy mercy is greater ! I crave nothing,
O Lord ! for my own merits, but for thy name's
fake,, that it may be glorified thereby, and for thy
dear Son, Jefus Chrift's fake. — And now, therefore,
Our Father," &c.
He then rofe up : exhorted the people to a con-
tempt of this world ; to obedience to their fovereign,
to mutual love and charity; he told them, that be-
ing now on the brink of eternity, he would declare
unto them his faith without referve and diflimu-
lation. Then he repeated the apoftle's creed,'
profeffing his belief thereof, and of all things con-
tained in the Old and New Teftament. By fpeak-
ing thus in general terms, the attention of the au-
dience was kept up; but amazement continued that
attention when they heard him, inftead of reading
his recantation, declare his great and unfeigned
repentance for having been induced to fubJcribe
the popifh errors : he lamented with many tears his
grievous fall, and declared that the hand which had
ib offended, fhould be burned before the reft of his
body. He then renounced the pope in moft ex-
prefs terms, and profeffed his belief concerning the
eucharift to be the fame, with what he had aflerted
in his book againft Gardiner.
This was a great difappointment to the papifts :
they made great clamours, and charged him with
hypocrify and falfhood : to which he meekly re-
plied, " That he was a plain man, and never had
acted the hyprocrite, but when he was feduced by
them to a recantation." He would have gone on
further; but Cole cried, " Stop the heretic's
mouth, and take him away." Upon which the
monks and friars rudely pulled him from the fcaf-
fold, and hurried him away to the flake (where
Ridley and Latimer had before been offered up)
which
M A R
I.
33*
which was at the north fide of the city, in the
ditch oppofite Baliol college. But if his enemies
were difappointed by his behaviour in the church,
they were doubly fo by that at the flake. He
approached it with a chearful countenance; prayed
and undreffed himfelf; his fhirt was made long
down to his feet, which were bare, as was his head,
where a hair could not be feen. His beard was fo
long and thick, that it covered his face with won-
derful gravity ; and his reverend countenance
moved the hearts both of friends and enemies.
The friars tormented him with their admonitions ;
while Cranmer gave his hand to feveral old men
who flood by, bidding them farewel. When he
was tied to the (lake, and the Hie kindled, he
feemed fuperior to all fenfation, but of piety. He
ilretched out the offending hand to the flame,
which was feen burning for fome time before the
fire came to any other part of his body ; nor did
he draw it back, but once to wipe his face, till it
was intirely confumed : faying often, " This un-
worthy hand, this hand hath offended-," and
raifmg up his eyes to heaven, he expired, with the
dying prayer of St. Stephen in his mouth, " Lord
Jefus^ receive my fpirit!" He burned, to all ap-
pearance, without pain or motion, and feemed to
repel the torture by mere flrength of mind; ihew-
ing a repentance and a fortitude which ought to
cancel all reproach of timidity in his life.
Thus died archbifhop Cranmer in the fixty-
feventh year of his age, and the twenty-third of
his primacy ; leaving an only fon of his own name
behind him. He was a man naturally of a mild
and gentle temper; not foon provoked, and yet
fo eafy to forgive, that it became a kind of pro-
verb concerning him, " Do my lord of Canter-
bury a fhrewd turn, and he will be your friend as
long as you live." His candour and fincerity,
meeknefs and humility, were admired by all who
converfed with him: but the queen could not
forgive his zeal for the reformation, nor his divorce
of her mother, though he had been the inftrument
of faving her own life : and, therefore, me brought
him to the flake, which has jullly numbered him
amongft the nobleft martyrs of Jefus Chrifl: thus
crowning his characler ; for he may well be efleemed
the apofile of the reformed church of England,
and as fuch mufl ever be dear in the mention of
every proteftant. He may truly be ranked with
the greateft primitive bilhops, and the fathers of
the very firlt clafs, who were men as well as him-
felf: and therefore, if in a fcrutiny of theirs or of
his character, fome infirmities and imperfections may
appear, we may learn to make a wife and moral
improvement by them. His learning was great,'
and his endeavour to encourage it greater.
Cranmer's labours were well feconded by Ridley,
Latimer, and Hooper, who were his fellow martyrs
in the caufe of reformation: but the characters of
this illuflrious quadriumvirate differed one from
the other. Cranmer was mod refpected, Latimer
was moft followed; Ridley befl efleemed, and
Hooper moil beloved. The art and addrefs of
Cranmer proved a happy balance to the zeal of
Latimer; while the relaxed notions of Hooper
were tempered by the wifdom and virtue of
Ridley.
A narrative of the life of bifiop Latimer.
Hugh Latimer, bifliop of Worcefter, was born
of mean parents at Thirkeflon, in Leicefterfhire,
about the year 1475, who gave him a good edu-
cation, and' fent him to Cambridge, where he
ihewed himfelf a zealous papift, and inveighed
much againfl the reformers, who began to make
fome figure in England. But conveifing frequently
with Thomas Bilncy, the moil confiderable perfon
at Cambridge of all thofe who favoured the re-
formation, he favv the errors of popery, and be-
came a zealous proteftant.
Latimer, thus converted, laboured both pub-
licly and privately to promote the reformed opi-
nions, and prefled the neceflity of a holy life, in
oppofition to thofe outward performances which
were then thought the effentials of religion. This
rendered him obnoxious at Cambridge, then the
feat of ignorance, bigotry, and fuperflition. How-
ever, the unaffected piety of mailer Bilney, the
chearfulnefs and natural eloquence of honeft
Latimer, wrought greatly upon the junior ftudents,
and increafed the credit of the proteflants fo much,
that the papift clergy were greatly alarmed, and,
according to their ufual praclice, called aloud for
the fecular arm.
Under this, Bilney fuffered at Norwich. But
his fufferings, far from mocking the reformation
at Cambridge, infpired the leaders of it with new
courage. Latimer began to exert himfelf more
than he had yet clone; and fucceeded to that credit
with his party, which Bilney had fo long fup-
ported. Among other inftances of his zeal and
refolution in this caufe,. he gave one which was
very remarkable. He had the courage to write to
the king [Henry the Vlllth] againft a procla-
mation, then juft publifhed, forbidding the ufe of
the Bible in Englifh, and other books on religious
fubjeds. He had preached before his majefty
once or twice at Windfor, and had been taken
notice of by him in a more affable manner, than
that monarch ufually indulged towards his fubjefts.
But whatever hopes of preferment his fovereign's
favour might have raifed in him, he chofe to "put
all to the hazard, rather than omit what he thought
his duty. His letter is the picture of an honeft
and fincere heart: he concludes in thefe terms,
" Accept, gracious fovereign, without difpleafure,
what I have written; I thought it my duty to
mention thefe things to your majefty. No perfonal
quarrel, as God ihall judge me, have I with any
man: 1 wanted only to induce your majefty to
confider well, what kind of perfons you have about
you, and the ends for which they counfel. In-
deed, great prince, many of them, or they are
much flandered, have very private ends. God
grant your majefty may fee through all the defigns
of evil men, and be in all things equal to the high
office with which you are intrufted. Wherefore,
gracious king, remember yourfelf ; have pity upon
your own foul, and think, that the day is at hand
"when you fliall give account of your office, and
the blood which hath been flied by your fword:
in the which day that your grace may ftand fted-
faftly, and not be amamed, but be clear and ready
in your reckoning, and have your pardon fealed
with the blood of our Saviour Chrifl, which alone
ferveth at that day, is my daily prayer to him who
fuffered death for our fins. The Spirit of God
preferve you."
Lord Cromwell was now grown up into power,
and being a favourer of the reformation, he ob-
tained a benefice in Wiltfhire for Latimer, who
immediately went thither and refidecl, difcharging
his duty in a very confcientious manner, though
perfecuted much at the fame time by the Romifh
clergy, who at length carried their malice fo far as
to obtain an archiepifcopal citation for his appear-
ance in London. His friends would have had him
fly; but their perfuafions were in vain. He fet out
for London in the depth of winter, and under a
fevere fit of the ftone and cholic ; but he was moft
diftreffed at the thoughts of leaving his parifh ex-
pofed to the popifh clergy. On his arrival at
London, he found a court of bifhops and canonifts
ready to receive him; where, inftead of being
examined, as he expected, about his fermons, a
paper
S32
THK NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
paper vv;is put into his hands which he was ordered
to fubfcribe, declaring his belief in the eflicacy of
nufles for the fouls in purgatory, of prayers to the
dead faints, of pilgrimages to their fepulchres and
rdiques, the pope's power to forgive fins, the
doctrine of merit, the fcven facraments, and the
worfhip of images ; which when he refufed to fign,
the archbifliop, with a frown, begged he would
confider what he did. " We intend not, faid he,
Mr. Latimer, to be hard upon you ; we difmifs you
for the prefcnt; take a copy of the articles; exa-
mine them carefully; and God grant, that at our
next meeting we may find each other in better
temper." The next, and fcveral fucceeding meet-
ings, the fame fcene was acted over again. He
continued inflexible, and they continued to diftrefs
him. Three times every week they regularly fent
for him, with a view either to elicite fomething
from him by captious queftions, or to teize him at
length into compliance. Tired out with this ufage,
after he was fummoned, at laft, inftead of going,
he fent a letter to the archbifliop, in which, with
great freedom, he tells him, " That the treatment
he had lately met with had fretted him into fuch a
diforder, as rendered him unfit to attend that day;
that in the mean time he could not help taking
this opportunity to expoftulate with his grace for
detaining him fo long from his duty ; that it
feemed to him moil unaccountable, that they, who
never preached themfelves, fliould hinder others ;
that, as for their examination of him, he really
could not imagine what they aimed at; they pre-
tended one thing in the beginning, and another in
the progrefs; that if his fermons were what gave
offence, which he perfuaded himfelf were neither
contrary to the truth, nor to any canon of the
church, he was ready to anfwer whatever might
be thought exceptionable in them; that he wifhed a
little more regard might be had to the judgment
of the people, and that a diftiriction might be
made between the ordinances of God and man ;
that if fome abufes in religion did prevail, as was
then commonly fuppofed, he thought preaching
•was the beft means to discountenance them ; that
he wiftied all paftors might be obliged to perform
their duty; but that, however, liberty might be
given to thofe who were willing; that as to the
articles propofed to him, he begged to be excufed
lubfcribing them ; while he lived, he never would
abet fupefuition ; and that, laftly, he hoped the
archbifhop would excufe what he had written ; he
knew his duty to his fuperiors, and would practife
it ; but in that cafe, he thought a flronger obligation
laid upon him."
The bifliops, however, continued their perfecu-
tions; but their fchemes were fruftrated in an un-
expected manner. Latimer being raifed to the fee
of Worcefter in the year 1533, by the favour of
Anne Boleyn, then the favourite wife of Henry, to
whom, moft probably, he was recommended by
lord Cromwell. And now he had a moreextenfive
field to promote the principles of the reformation,
in which he laboured with the utmoft pains and
afliduity. He was remarkably zealous in the dif-
charge of his new office ; and in overlooking the
clergy of his diocefe, he was uncommonly active,
warm, and refolute, and prefided in his ecclefiafti-
cal court with the fame ipirit. In vifiting, he was
frequent and obfervant; in ordaining, Itrict and
wary; in preaching, indefatigable; and in reprov-
ing and exhorting, fevere and perfuafive.
In 1536 he received a fummons to attend the
parliament and convocation, which gave him a
further opportunity of promoting the work of re-
formation, whereon his heart was fo much fet.
In the mean while the bifhop of Worcefter
highly fatisfied with the profpect of the times]
repaired to his dioccfe, having made a longer flay
m London than was abfolutely neceflary. He had,
no talents, and he pretended to have none for fhte
affairs. His whole ambition was to difcharge the
paftonil functions of a bifhop, neither aimtnw to
dilplay the abilities of a ftatefman, »or thofc of a
courtier. How very unqualified he \\-as to fupport
the latter of thefe characters, the following (lory
will prove. It was the cuftom in thofe days for
the bifliops to make prcfents to the king or/New-
year's day; and many of them would prefent very
liberally, proportioning their gifts to their expect-
ancies. Among the red, the bifhop of Worcetter,
being then in town, waited upon the king with his
offering; but inftead of a purfe of gold, which was
the common oblation, he prefented a New Tefta-
ment, with a leaf doubled down in a very confpicu-
ous manner, to this paflage ; " Whoremongers and
adulterers God will judge."
In 1539 he was fummoned again to attend the
parliament. The bifliop of Winchefter, Gardiner,
was his great enemy; who, upon a particular
occafion, when the bifhops were with the king,
kneeled down, and folemnly accufcd bifliop Lati-
mer of a feditious fermon preached at court.
Being called upon by the king, with fome ftern-
nefs, to vindicate himfelf, Latimer was fo far from
denying and palliating what he had faid, that he
boldly juftified it; and turning to the king, with
that noble unconcern which a good confcience in-
fpires, " I never thought myfelf worthy, faid he,
nor did I ever fue to be a preacher before your
grace ; but I was called to it, and would be willing,
if you miflike it, to give place to my betters: for
I grant, there may be a great many more worthy
the room than I am. And if it be your grace's
pleafure to allow them for preachers, I can be
content to bear their books after them. But if
your grace allow me for a preacher, I would
defire you to give me leave to difcharge my con-
fcience, and to frame my doctrine according to my
audience. I had been a very dolt indeed "to have
preached fo at the borders of your realm, as I
preach before your grace." The greatnefs of this
anfwer baffled his accufer"s malice; the feverity of
the king's countenance changed into a gracious
fmile; and the bifhop was difmifled with that
obliging freedom, which this monarch never ufecl
but to thofe he efteemed.
However, as the bifliop could not give his vote
for the act of the fix papiftical articles, drawn up
by the duke of Norfolk, he thought it wrong to
hold any office in a church where" fuch terms of
communion were required ; and therefore he re-
figned his bifhopric, and retired into the country,
where he purpofed to live a fequeftered life. But
in the midft of his fecurity, an unhappy accident
carried him again into the tempeftuous weather
which was abroad : he received a bruife by the fall
of a tree, and the contufion was fo dangerous, that
he was obliged to feek out for better affifhnce
than could be afforded him by the unfkilful
furgeons of thofe parts. With this view he re
paired to London, where he had the misfortune
to fee the fall of his patron the lord Cromwell ; a
lofs which he was foon made fenfible of. For
Gardiner's emifTaries quickly found -him out in his
concealment ; and fomething, which fomebodyhad
fomewhere heard him fay againft the fix articles,
being alledged againft him, he was fent to the
Tower; where, without any judicial examination,
he fuffered, through one pretence or another, a
cruel imprifonment for the remaining fix years of
king Henry's reign.
Upon the death of Henry, the proteftant intereft
revived under his fon Edward ; and Latimer, im-
mediately upon the change of the government,
was fet at liberty. An addrefs was made by the
parliament to the protector, to reftore him to his
bifhopric :
M
R
I.
333
biffiopric : the protector was very willing to gra-
tify the parliament, and propofed the refumption
of his bifhopric to Mr. Latimer ; who now think-
ing himfelf unequal to the weight of it refufed to
refume it, chuiing rather to accept an invitation
from his friend archbifhop Cranmer, and to take
up his refidence with him at Lambeth, where his
chief employment was to hear the complaints, and
redrefs the grievances of the poor people; and his
character, for fervices of this kind, was fo uni-
verfally known, that ftrangers from every part of
England would refort to him. In thefe employ-
ments he fpent more than two years, during which
time he affilted the archbilhop in compoiing the
homilies, which were let forth by authority in the
firft year of king Edward, lie was alfo appointed
to preach the Lent fermons before his majefty,
which office he alfo performed during the three firft
years of his reign.
Upon the revolution which happened at court
after the death of the duke of Somerfet, he feems
to have retired into the country, and to have made
ufe of the king's licence as a general preacher in
thofe parts, where he thought his labours might
be moft ferviceable. He was thus employed during
the remainder of that reign, and continued in the
fame courfe for a ihort time in the beginning of
the next ; but as foon as the re-introduction of
popery was icfolved on, the firft ftep towards it
was the prohibition of all preaching, and licenfing
only fuch as were known to be popifhly inclined.
The bifhop of Winchester, who was now prime-
minifter, having profcribed Mr. Latimer from the
firft, fent a meffage to cite him before the council.
He had notice of this defign fome hours before the
meffengers arrival, but he made no ufe of the in-
telligence. The meflenger found him equipped
for his journey ; at which, expreffing his furprize,
Mr. Latimer told him, that he was as ready to
attend him to London, thus called upon to aniwer
for his faith, as he ever was to take any journey in
his life ; and that he doubted not but that God
who had enabled him to ftand before two princes,
would enable him to ftand before a third. The
meflenger then acquainting him that he had no
orders* to feize his perfon, delivered a letter, and
departed. However, opening the letter, and find-
ing it a citation from the council, he refolved to
obey it, and fet out immediately. As he paffed
through Smithfield, he faid chearfully, " This place
of burning hath long groaned for me." The next
morning he waited upon the council, who having
loaded him with many fevere reproaches, fent him
to the Tower.
This was but a repetition of a former part of
his life; only he now met with a harlher treatment,
and had more frequent occafion to exercife his
refignation, which virtue no man poffeffed in a
larger meafure ; nay, even the uf ual chearfulnefs of
his difpofition did not forfake him, of which we
have an inftance ftill remaining. A fervant leaving
his apartment, Latimer called after him, and bid
him tell his mafter, that unlefs he took better care
of him, he mould certainly efcape. Upon this
meffage, the lieutenant, with fome difcompofure,
came and defired an explanation. " Why you
expect, I fuppofe, Sir, faid he, that I fhould be
burnt ; but if you do not allow me a little fire
this frofty weather, I can tell you, I fliall firft be
ftarved."
Cranmer and Ridley were alfo prifoners in the
fame caufe with Latimer; and, when it was re-
folved to have a public difputation at Oxford
between the moft eminent of the popifh and pro-
teftant divines, thefe three were appointed on the
part of the proteftants. Accordingly they were
taken out of the Tower and fent to Oxford ; where
they were clofely confined in the common prifon,
No. 32,
and might eafily imagine how free the difputation
was likely to be, when they found themfelves denied
the ufe even of books, pens, and ink.
He behaved with the nobleft fortitude through-
out the public difpute; wherein, though much
artifice was ufed for that purpofe, he never would
be drawn into any formal reafoning with his ad-
vcrfaries ; full well affured that it would anfwer no
end to be explicit. However, he anfwered their
qucftions as far as civility required ; and in thofe
anfwers it is obfervable, he managed the argument
much better than either Cranmer or Ridley; who,
when they were preffed in defence of tranfubftan-
tiation, with fome paffages from the fathers, in-
ftead of difavowing an inefficient authority, weakly
defended a good caufe. Whereas, when the fame
proofs were multiplied upon Latimer, he told them
plainly, " That fuch proofs had no weight with him ;
that the fathers, no doubt, were often deceived, and
and tint he never depended upon them, but when
they depended upon fcripture." " Then you are
not of St. Chryfoftom's faith, replied his anta'-
gonift, nor of St. Auftin's." " I have told you*
replied Latimer, I am not, except when they bring
fcripture for what they fay."
The difpute being ended, fentence was paffed
upon him in the beginning of October, and he
and Ridley were martyred" the fixtcenth. They
were brought to the fire on the north fide of Baliol
college, wiiere, after a fcrmon, being told by an
officer that tiiey now might make ready for the
flake, Latimer, having thrown off his prilbn attire,
appeared in a flirowd prepared for the purpofe;
and " whereas before, fays Mr. Fox, he feemecl a
withered and crooked old man, he now flood bolt
upright, as comely a father as one might lightly
behold." Being thus ready, he recommended his
foul to God, and delivered himfelf to the execu-
tioner, faying to Ridley, " We fhall this day, my
lord, light luch a candle in England, as fhall
never be extinguifhed." He died in the eightieth
year of his age, 1555.
Such was the life and death of Hugh Latimer,
bifhop of Worcefter, one of the leaders of that
glorious army of martyrs, who introduced the fe-
tormatiyn into our land. He had. a happy temper,
formed on the principles of true Chriftianity . Such
was his chcarfuinefs, that none of the accidents of
life could difcompoie him; fuch was his fortitude,
that not even the fevereft trials could unman him.
He had a collected fpirit, and on no occafion
wanted a refource. He could retire within himfelf,
and hold the world at defiance.
And as danger could not daunt, fo neither could
ambition allure him. Though converfant in courts,
and intimate with princes, he preferved to the
laft (a rare inftance of moderation !) his primaeval
plainnefs. In his profeffion he was indefatigable;
and that he might beftow as much time as poffible
on the active part of it, he allowed himfelf only
thofe hours for his private ftudies when the bufy
world is at reft, conftantly rifing, at all feafons of
the year, by two in the morning. How con-
fcientious he was in the difcharge of the public
parts of his office, we have many examples. No
man could perfuade more forcibly ; no man could
exert, on proper occafions, a more commanding
feverity. The wicked, in whatever ftation, he re-
buked with cenforian dignity ; and awed vice more
than the penal laws.
He was not eftecmed a very learned man, for he
cultivated only ufeful learning, and that he thought
lay in a very narrow compafs. He never engaged
in worldly affairs, thinking that a clergyman ought
to employ himfelf only in his profeffion. Thus he
lived rather a good, than what the world calls a
great man. He had not thofe commanding talents
which give fuperiority in bufinefs; but for purity
4 Q^. and
334
THE NEW AND 'COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
and fincerity of heart, for true fimplicity of man-
ners, for apoftolic zeal in the caufe of religion,
and for every virtue, both of a public and private
kind, which fhould adorn the life of a Chriftian,
he was eminent beyond moft men of his own, or
of any other time.
The life of John Hufs, D. D. with feme account sf
Jerom of Prague.
John Hufs, of the univerfity of Prague in
Bohemia, the firft martyr abroad for the reforma-
tidn, is the illuftrious foreigner whofe life we here
add, not becaufe of any fingular events which it
contains, for we know but few particulars refpeft-
ing him, but to give our readers a view of the
fteps by which the reformation proceeded. Though
the unjuft perfecution by which this heroic martyr
was condemned, and the fortitude wherewith he
fuffered, may fuggcft to the ferious^ leffons of the
utmoft importance and utility.
John Hufs, whofe name in the language of his
country fignifies Goofe, was born at Huflenitz, a
village in Bohemia, eighteen miles from Prague,
about the year 1 380, as we conjecture. His
parents, though mean, gave him the beft educa-
tion they were able; and when tranfplanted to the
univerfity of Prague, he gave ftrong proof of his
mental powers, and was remarkable for his dili-
gence and application. We are told, that he com-
menced bachelor of divinity in 1408, and was fuc-
ccffively chofen paftor of the new built church of
Bethlehem in Prague, dean and rector of the
univerfity ; in which ftations he discharged his duty
with great fidelity, and became at length fo con-
fpicuous for his preaching, which was in confor-
mity with the doctrines of Wickliffe, that he could
not long efcape the notice of the pope and his
adherents, againft whom he inveighed with no
finall degree of afperity.
Our countryman Wickliffe, whofe life we have
already given, had kindled the light of reforma-
tion, which began to illumine the darkeft corners
of popery and ignorance. His doctrines fpread
into Bohemia, and were well received, as by many
others, fo efpecially by John Hufs, and his zealous
friend and fellow-martyr Jerom of Prague.
Queen Anne, the wife of Richard II. of Eng-
land, was daughter to the emperor Charles IV.
and fifter to Wmceflaus, king of Bohemia. She
was a princefs of great piety and knowledge, and
had ftrongly patronized Wickliffe. Upon her
death, in 1394, feveral of her attendants returning
into Bohemia, carried with them many of Wick-
liffe's books, which were read with much avidity,
and tended greatly to promote the caufe of the
reformation. To fupprefs them, the archbifhop of
Prague iffued two orders, which had an effect quite
contrary to what he expected ; for it ftimulated the
friends of thefe doctrines to greater zeal, and al-
moft the whole univerfity united in propagating
them.
Hufs had confiderable influence in the univerfity,
not only on account of his learning, eloquence,
and exemplary life, but alfo on account of fome
valuable privileges which he had obtained from the
king in behalf of the Bohemians in that feminary,
by which many Germans had been obliged to leave
it, and retire to Leipfic; who afterwards became
his fteady enemies, and efpeciaUy at the council of
Conftance. And being ftrenuoufly attached to the
doctrines of Wickliffe, he ftrongly oppofed the
decree of the archbimop, who however at length
obtained a bull from the pope, giving him com-
miffion to prevent the fpreading of thefe errors in
his province.
By virtue of this bull the archbifhop definitively
condemned the writings of Wickliffe j and pro-
ceeding againft four doctors, Hufs, \vitfi fome
other members of the univerfity, proteftcd aeaintt
thefe proceedings. Upon which he was cited to
appear pcrfonally at Rome, to aiffwer the accufa-
tions laid againft him, of preaching both errors
and herefies. Hufs defired to be excufed a pcr-
fonal appearance ; the king, the queen, the nobi-
lity and univerfity joined in requefting the pope to
difpenfe with it. However, Cardinal Colonna de-
clared him contumacious, and accordingly excom-
municated him. And this excommunication was
afterwards carried much farther, even to all his
difciples and friends. He was declared a promoter
of herefy, and an interdict was paffed againft him.
From this unjuft fentence he appealed to a future
council ; and notwithftanding fo fevere a decree,
and an expulfion in confequence from his church
in Prague, lie retired to Huflenitz, where he con-
tinued to promulgate his new doctrine, both from
the pulpit and with the pen.
The letters which he wrote at this time are very
numerous ; and he compiled a treatife, wherein he
maintained, that the reading the books of heretics
cannot be abfolutely forbidden. He wrote in de-
fence of Wickliffe's book on the trinity ; and un-
dauntedly declared againft the vices of the pope,
the cardinals, and the clergy of thofe corrupt
times. He caufed a writing to be fixed upon the
church of Bethlehem, charging the clergy with
thefe fix errors : Firft, Of believing that the prieft,
by faying mafs, became the creator of his Creator:
Second, Of faying that he ought to believe in the
virgin, in the pope and in faints: Third, That
the priefts can remit the pain ?.nd guilt of fin:
Fourthly, that eveiy one muft obey their fupcriors,
whether their commands be juft or unjuft: Fifth,
That every excommunication, juft or unjuft, binds
the excommunicate : The Sixth relates to fimony.
He wrote alfo many other books; and with what
ftrength of argument the amazing influence of his
doctrines fufficiently prove.
But though John Hufs and Jerom of Prague fo
far agreed with Wickliffe, that they oppoftd the
tyranny and corruptions of the pope and his
clergy, yet did they not advance, by any means,
fo far as our Englifh reformer ; they had not fo
clear light ; they were not of the fame opinion with
regard to theeucharift; for neither of them ever
oppofed the real prefence and tranfubftantiation.
as Wickliffe did.
Hufs corresponded with our noble and excellent
countryman Sir John Oldcaftle, lord Cobham.
England was then filled with fcenes of perfecution,
which extended to Germany and Bohemia, where
John Hufs and Jerom of Prague were marked out
to fhare the fate of Sir John Oldcaftle. Upon the
review of thofe times can we fail to congratulate
our felicity, and to blefs God for the liberty, civil
and religious, which our country enjoys in fo
diflinguifhecl a manner!
Jn November, 1414, a general council was
aflembled at Conftance in Germany, which was
one of the greateft that was ever held, as for other
matters, fo to determine the difpute concerning the
papacy, which was then affumed by three perfons,
who all appeared under the character of popes!
This council was one of the moft important events
of the fifteenth century, and the greateft of all
oecumenical fynods that ever was held, confidering
the dignity and number of the princes, prelates,
and doctors who affifted at it, after the example of
the emperor himfelf. According to the lifts made
at the emperor's arrival, by his order, there were
above one hundred thoufand foreigners then in and
about this city. Not a kingdom, republic, ftate,
and fcarce a city or community in Europe, but had
its ambaffadors or deputies at it. Ten popes, by-
turns, prefided in it, and the emperor was hardly
ever
M
R Y
I.
335
e\rer abfent. Thirty -fix thoufand beds were fet up
for new-comers, and at one time were no lefs than
thirty thoufand horfe in the city. The pope had
fin hundred perfons in his retinue, and the emperor
four thoufand. There were thirty cardinals, who,
with four patriarchs, and two of the pope's legates,
had full twelve hundred. Here were twenty-feven
archbifhops, two hundred and fix bifhops, thirty-
three titular bifhops, above one hundred and fifty
other prelates, and two hundred and three abbots,
•who all together maybe fuppofed to have four or
five thoufand in their retinue; prelates, priefts,
and prefbyters, are reckoned in fhort eighteen
thoufand; and there were eighty thoufand laymen,
all ftrangers; fourteen auditors of the rota,
twenty-feven prothonotaries, eighteen auditors of
the facred palace, and as many fccretaries of the
pope's, who had two hundred under them; and
there were computed two hundred and forty-two
•writers of apoftolic bulls, foi ty-feven writers peni-
tentiary, not reckoning one thoufand two hundred
fcribcs or writers of otlicr kingdoms, befides their
fervants : the pope and cardinals had one hundred
and twenty-three attorneys, and two hundred and
feventy-three proctors, with each a man to wait on
them ; there were four huridred and forty-four doctors
of divinity and law, befides their fervants, exclufive
of fixty-five heralds at arms, vergers of the con-
fiftory, beadles, and other petty officers; with above
one thoufand perfons in their retinue. The retinue
of the laity was numerous in proportion: the em-
peror, the four electors prefent, with other fovereign
princes, dukes, marquifes or margraves, and bur-
graves, one hundred and twenty-eight counts, fix
hundred barons, &c. who were all computed at no
lefs than ten thoufand, had four or five thoufand
men for their guard: there were alfo one hundred
and fix envoys or deputies, from feveral places, with
about one thoufand fix hundred in their retinue ;
above fix hundred gentlemen, and twenty-three
thoufand knights and military officers, with their
fervants ; and the garrifon con fitted of about two
thoufand • there were eighty-fix farriers, eighty-
eight carpenters, and blackfmiths, fixty-five apo-
thecaries, one thoufand fix hundred barbers, two
hundred and forty-two bankers, forty-eight gold-
fmiths, one hundred and twenty-two fhoe-makers,
two hundred and twenty- eight taylors, all the fore-
going matters, with the journeymen of each; three
hundred vintners and victuallers, with their drawers,
&c. five hundred and five muficians, feven hundred
and eighteen common harlots, which another lift
taken from the Vienna manufcript makes one thou-
fand five hundred, three hundred and forty-fix
jugglers and ftage-players. This famous council,
which lafted four years and forty-five feffions, made j
that infamous canon, as Sleiden fays, in his com-
mentaries, That faith is not to be kept with here-
tics, nor with thofe fufpedted of herefy; and it
aflerted the authority of a council to be above that
of a pope. John Hufs was fummoned to appear at
this council •, and to encourage him the emperor fent
kirn a fafe conduct, giving him permiffion freely to
come to and return from the council. But it was
honourably determined by thefe wife men, that
" faith is not to be kept with heretics, — " and
therefore Hufs was no fooner arrived, than he was
committed prifoner to a chamber in the palace.
He was well accompanied in his journey, and in
all the cities through which he pafied he made
public declarations, that he was going to the coun-
cil to vindicate his doctrines, and invited all his
advcrfaries to be prefent. Wherever he came great
numbers refortcd to him, and fliewed him fuch
marks of high reverence and eftimation, that
he ufed to fay, " He no where found fo bitter ene-
mies againft him, as among his own countrymen the
Bohemians."
|j But he afterwards met with more bitter enemies
in the council: who, rcfolving to deftroy him, drew
up fuch articles of accufation as they thought pro-
per, and knew he could not abjure ; being at once
his accufers and judges, and acting, not by the laws
of equity, but of cruelty and revenge.
The fpirit with which the council of Conftance
acted againft the popes : their declaring themfelves
as a council, and all councils to be above popes;
the rigour with which they executed their decrees,
and the awful form of their proceedings, are com-
mendable. But to what did it all tend ? To no ge-
nerous principle of love to God, or benevolence to
man. It only tranflated the feat of wicked power ;
the people were as much flaves to ignorance ; they
were as much tied down to fuperftition, and they
had as little the exercife of any one rational fenti-
ment as ever. This council acted the part of in-
quifitors. " They ordered the remains of Dr. Wick-
liffe to be dug up and burnt, with this charitable
caution, if they might be difcerned from the bo-
dies of other faithful people." His afhes were caft
into the river Swift, that river conveyed them into
the Avon, Avon into the Severn, Severn into the
narrow feas, they into the main ocean. Thus the
afhes of WicklifFe are the emblems of his doctrine,
which is now difperfed all over the world."
The nobility of Bohemia and Poland flrongly
interceded for Hufs, and fo far prevailed, that he
fhould not be condemned unheard, which the com-
miffioners appointed to try him, had refolved upon.
When he appeared before them, and the articles of
accufation were read, he freely acknowledged them.
But onecircumftance bore more hard upon him, than
this acknowledgment, which was, a generous wifh
he vented, to be with the happy fpirit of Wickliffe.
Thefe haughty judges had no idea of a man's feli-
city whofe aftfts they had condemned to be burnt!
A great many falfe and frivolous objections were
raifed againft him, which he refuted with a manly
eloquence ; and recommended himfelf and his caufe
to God ; he was carried from the court, and a refo-
lution was foon after taken to burn him as an
heretic, if he would not retract. He was then com-
mitted to a filthy prifon, where in the day time he
was fo laden with fetters on"his legs, that he could
fcarce go, and every night he was fattened by the
hands to a rack againft the wall ; while petitions for
his releafe, upon bail, from his Bohemian friends,
were unavailing.
Four bifhops, and two lords were fent by the
emperor to the prifon, to prevail. -on him to make a
recantation. But he called God to witnefs, with
tears in his eyes, that he was not confcious
of having preached or written, any thing againft
the truth of God, or the faith of his ortho-
dox church. The deputies then reprefented
the great wifdom and authority of the council;
" Let them, faid Hufs, fend the meaneft perfon of
that council, who can convince me by arguments
from the word of God, and I willfubmit my judg-
ment to him." This Chriftian and pious anfwer
had no effect, becaufe he would not take the au-
thority and learning of the council upon truft, with-
out the leaft fhadow of an argument offered: and
the deputies departed in high admiration of his
obftinacy.
Qn the fevcnth of July he was brought the lafl
time before the council. He was required to ab-
jure. He refufed. The bifhop of Lodi preached
a bloody perfecuting fermon, concerning the de-
ftructionof heretics, the prologue to his fate; and
accordingly his fate was determined, his vindication
difregarded, and judgment was pronounced. His
books were condemned, and he was declared a ma-
nifefl heretic : convicted of having taught many
herefies and pernicious errors, of having delpifed
the keys of the church and ecclefiaftical cenfures;
336
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY-or ENGLAND.
of having feduced and given fcandal to the faithful
by his obftinacy, and having raflily appealed to the
tribunal of Chrifl: the council therefore cenfured
him for being obfiinate and incorrigible, and or-
dained, " That he fhould be degraded from the
priefthood, his books publicly burnt, and himfelf
delivered to the fecular power."
He heard this fentence without the lead emotion ;
he kneeled down with his eyes lifted towards
heaven ; and with all the fpirit of primitive martyr-
dom, he faid ; " May thy infinite mercy, O my God,
pardon this injuftice of my enemies. Thou
knoweft the injuftice of my accufations : how de-
formed with crimes I have been reprefented; how I
have been opprefled with worthlefs witnefles, and a
falfe condemnation ; yet, O my God, let that
m^rcy of thine, which no tongue can exprefs, pre-
vail with thee not to avenge my wrongs." Thefe
excellent fentences were eileemed fo many ex-
preflions of treafon ; and tended to inflame his ad-
verfaries. Accordingly, the bimops, appointed by
the council, ftript him of his prieftly garments, de-
graded him, and put a mitre of paper on his head,
on which devils were painted with this infcription,
" a ringleader of heretics." Our heroic martyr,
received this mock-mitre with a gallant air of un-
concern, which feemed to give him dignity, rather
than difgrace. A fertility, a joy, appeared in his
looks, whLh indicated, that his foul had cut off
many ftages of tedious journey in her way to the
realm of everlafting peace.
The bifhops delivered Hufs to the efhperor, who
put him into the hands of the duke of Bavaria.
His books were burnt at the gates of the church,
and he was led to the fuburbs to be burnt alive.
When he came to the place of execution, he fell on
his knees; fling portions of pfalms, looked ftedfaftly
towacds heaven, and repeated thefe words : " Into
thy hands, O Lord, do I commit my fpirit; then
haft redeemed me, O moft good and faithful God !"
When the chain was put about him at the flake, he
faid, with a fmiling countenance, " My Lord Jefus
Chrift was bound with a harder chain than this for
my fake, and why fhould I then be afliamed of this
old rufty one ?" When the faggots were piled up to
his very neck, the cluke of Bavaria was officious
enough to defire him to abjure. " No, faid Hufs,
I never preached any doctrine of an evil tendency.
And what I taught with my lips, I now feal with my
blood." — He faid to the executioner, " You are
going to burn a ' goofe' now ; but in a century you
will have a ' fwan,' whom you can neither roaft nor
boil." If he was prophetic, he muft have meant
Martin Luther, to whom his words were applied,
und who had a fwan for his arms. The flames were
then applied to the faggots, when the martyr fung
a hymn with fo loud and chearful a voice, that he
•was heard through all the cracklings of the com-
buftibles, and the noife of the multitude. At laft
his voice was interrupted, and he was confumed in
a moft miferable manner. The duke of Bavaria
ordered the executioner to throw all the martyrs
cloaths into the flames ; after which his afhes were
carefully gathered together, and caft into the
Rhine. He wrote many treatifes, which were col-
lected and publifhed at Nuremburgh, in the year
1558.
Thus fell John Hufs, a martyr to the doctrines of
the gofpel which Wickliffe had revived ; and which
flruck fo effentially at the root of corrupt religion,
and the fecular intereft of the clergy ; that there is
no wonder, he, as well as his friend Jerom of
Prague, was perfecuted with the utmoft- feverity.
Jorom,who was remarkableforhis extenfive learn-
ing and great eloquence, was treated in pretty nearly
the fame manner with John Hufs : a fafe conduct
was given him, and was alfo violated. He fuffered
extremely in an 'hard imprifonovent : and underwent
a trial as partial and unjuft, as Hufs had undergone,
tie is faid by catholic writers to have recanted his
opinions, and afterwards to have relented that re-
cantation ; but this feems to want evidence. When
he defired to plead his caufe and exculpate himfelf
and this was refufed him, he is faid to have ex-
claimed againft the council in thefe words- .
' What barbarity is this! tfor three hundred and
forty days have I been through all the variety of
prifons. There is not a mifery, there is not a want
which I have not experienced. To my enemies
you have allowed the fulleft fcope of accufation • to
me, you deny the leaft opportunity of defence.
Noc an hour will you indulge me in preparing for
my trial. You have fwallowed the blackeft ca-
lumnies againft me. You have reprefented me as
an heretic without knowing my doctrine; as an
enemy to the faith before you knew what faith I
profelled : as a perfecutor of priefts, before you
could have an opportunity of underftanding my
fentiments on that head. You are a general Coun-
cil: in you center all that this world can commu-
nicate of gravity, wifdom, fandity : but ftill you
are men, and men are feducible by appearances.
The higher your character is for wifdom, the greater
ought your care to be, not to deviate into folly.
The caufe I now plead is not my own caufe : it is
the caufe of men ; it is the caufe of Chriftians : it is
a caufe, which is to. affect the rights of pofterity,
however the experiment is to be made in my per-
This fpeech had no effect: Jerom was
obliged to hear his charge read, which was reduced
under thefe heads, " That he was a derider of the
papal dignity, an oppofer of the pope, an enemy of
the cardinals, a perk-cuter of the prelates, and an
hater of the Chriaian religion." He anfwered this
charge with an amazing force of elocution and
ilrength of argument : " Now, faid he, wretch that
[ am ! whither fliall I turn me ! To my accufers ?
My accufers are deaf as adders. To you my
judges ? You are all prepoffeffed by the arts of my
accufers." A Roman catholic hiftorian has in-
genuity enough to declare, That Jerom in all he
ipoke, faid nothing unbecoming a great and wife
man : and he candidly afferts, that if what Jerom
faid was true, he was not only free from capital
guilt, but from fmalleft blame. The trial of Jerom
was brought on the third day after his acculation,
and witnefles were examined in fupport of the
charge. The prifoner was prepared for his defence,
which will appear almoft incredible, when it is
confidered, that he- had been three hundred and
forty days flint up, in a dark offenfive dungeon de-
prived of day-light, food, and fleep. His fpirit
loared above thefe difadvantages, under which a
man lefs animated muft have funk; nor was he
more at a lofs for quotations from fathers and an-
tient authors, than if he had been furnifhed with
the fineft library.
Many of the zealots and bigots of the affembly
were againft his being heard ; as they knew what
effect eloquence is ufed to have on the minds of the
moft prejudiced. However, it was carried by the
majority, that he fhould have liberty to proceed in
his defence, which he began in fuch an exalted ftrain
of moving elocution, that the heart of obdurate zeal
was feen to melt, and the mind of fuperftition
feemed to admit a ray of conviction. He made an
admirable diftinclion between evidence as i citing
on fads, and as fupported by malice and calumny.
He laid before the aflembly the whole tenor of his
life and conduct. He obferved, that the greateft
and moft holy men have been known to differ in
points of fpeculation, with a view to diftinguifh
truth, not to keep it concealed. He then exprefled
a noble contempt of all his enemies, who would
have induced him to retract the caufe of virtue and
truth. He next entered upon an high encomium
3 of
,',, ihf'-» / 1 if'/:
I, I 7, A BETH
V /')/
ELIZABETH.
337
of Hufs: and declared he was ready to follow him
in the glorious tract of martyrdom. He then
touched upon the moft defenfible doctrines of
Wickliffe ; and concluded what he had to fay on
that head, with obferving, that it was far from his
intention to advance any thing againft the ftate of
the church of God : that it was only againft the
abufe of the clergy he complained : and that he
could not help faying with his dying breath, it was
certainly impious, that the patrimony of the church,
which was originally intended for the purpofe of
charity and univerfal benevolence, mould be profti-
tuted to the luft of the flefhj and the pride of the
eye, in whores, feafts, foppifh veftment.s, and
other reproaches to the name and profeffion of
Chriftianity.
The prifoner received many interruptions, from
the impertinence of fome, and the inveteracy of
others ; but he anfwered with fo much readinefs and
vivacity of thought, that at laft they were aihamed,
and he was permitted to finifh his defence. His
voice was fweet, clear, and fonorous: pliable to
captivate every paffion, and able to conciliate every
affection. He was admired by his enemies, and
compaffionated by his friends : but he received the
fame fentence which had been paffed upon his mar-
tyred countryman ; and Poggius fays, the aifembly"
condemned him with great reludlance.
The fame author tells us, that jerom had two!
days allowed for his recantation : and that the car-
dinal of Florence ufed all tlie arguments he could
for that end, but they were ineffectual. The divine
was refolved to feal his doftrine with his blood :
and he fuffered death with all the magnanimity of
Hufs. He embraced the ftake, to which he was
faftened with peculiar malice by wet cords. When
the executioner went behind him to fet fire to the
pile, " Come here, faid the martyr, and kindle it
before my eyes: for if I dreaded fuch a fight, I
mould never have come to this place which'l had
free opportunity to efcape." The fire was kindled,
and he then fung a hymn, which was foon inter-
rupted by the encircling flames.
Thus died thofe two Bohemian martyrs: and their
blood may truly be faid to have been the feed of
the reformed church ; which was fo far from being
crufhed by malice and cruelty that it foon gathered
ftrength, and became fuperior to all perfecution.
H
P.
ELIZABETH.
Afcends the throne -when twenty-five years of age — Her popularity and prudent conduct with regard to religion—
Her coronation — Peace with France — Mary arrives in Scotland — Declares in favour of the catholics ; and
offends her fijhr Elizabeth — Progrefe of the reformation in Scotland — Mary marries the earl of Darnley — Her
intimacy with Rizzio, who is aJJ'aJJlnated — Darnley being murdered, the queen of Stats marries Bothwell — A con-
federacy formed againjl her — She is imprj/oned, ej 'capes and flies into England-^-The reception Jhe meets with in that
kingdom — Infurrettions in the north— The earl of Murray affajfinated — Parliamentary proceedings — The civil
wars in France — Affairs of the Netherlands — Confpiracy of the duke of Norfolk, who is tried and executed—*
Affairs of Scotland — Majflicre of Paris — Civil Wars of the Netherlands — Tranfaftions in Spain and Scotland-^-
Plots and confpiracies in England, and hojlilitie* with Spain — Queen of Sc ots tried, condemned, and executed in
Fotherinhay-cajlle — An attempt to invade England with the Spanifo Armada — IJJue of this great enterprise — •
Expedition againjl Portugal—Murder of the duke of Guife, and of Henry III. — A rebellion in Ireland raifed by
Hugh O'Neal, earl of Tyrone — Earl of EJfex fent thither, who is difgraced on his return to England — Infur-
reclion, trial, and death of this nobleman — The a fairs of France — Mountjoy's fuccefs in Ireland — Spaniards
and Irijh defeated — Tyrone makes his fubm'ijfion — Death and character of queen Elizabeth.
A ^ Q
'•
LIZABETH, daughter of Plenty
VIII. and Anne Boleyn, was
twenty five years of age, when me afcended the
throne, for which flic was preferved by the particular
interpofition of divine Providence. Immediately
on the death of Mary, the council notified this event
to the houfe of lords, who acquainted the commons
with the refolution, to place her fifter Elisabeth on
the throne. As this princefs had difcovered her
moderation and prudence, during the reign of
Mary, and as the dangers to which me had been
conftantly expofcd, ftrongly recommended her to
the affections of the people, the joy they expreffed
on this occafion feemed to prognofticate the future
happinefs of her reign. She was at Hatfield at the
time of her lifter's death, from whence me pro-
ceeded to London, through crowds of loyal fub-
jects, who vied with each other in giving the
ftrongeft teftimonics of their affection. After
having received the compliments of the nobility,
Hie difpatched ambaffadors to the different powers
of Europe to notify her acceflion. Among the reft
lord Cobham was fent to Philip, to exprefs her gra-
titude to that prince, for the protection he had
afforded her, and her inclination to enjoy the con-
tinuance of his friendfliip. The firft acl of her go-
vernment was a proclamation, ftridlly enjoining all
her fubjefts to keep the peace, and forbear, upon
any pretence whatever, to break, or alter, any order
or ufage, at that time eftablifhcd. With this ad-
mirable fagacity fhe always regulated her conduct,
No. 32.
fo that the reign of this queen, as it is one of tHe
longeft, is alfo one of the moft glorious that is to
be found in the Englifh annals. Elizabeth feemed
on her change of fortune, to forget the injuries fhe
had received from her enemies. She returned
thanks to heaven for her deliverance as for a mira-
cle ; but fhe wifhed not to make her perfecutors feel
the rod of retaliation. Even Sir Henry Beding-
field, who had been her keeper in prifon, and de-
lighted in treating her with the utmoft rigour, found
her infenfible to the defire of revenge. This noble
inftance of a fuperior underftanding, and beneficent
difpofition, charmed her enemies. Philip had no
fooner received the news of the queen's acceflion,
than he fent orders to his ambaffador at London, to
make propofals of marriage, offering to procure a
difpenfation from Rome. Elizabeth obferved, that
the nation had, during her fitter's reign, entertained
an extreme averfion to the Spanifh alliance, and that
her own popularity principally arofe from the pro-
fpeft of being freed by her means from the danger
of foreign fubjeftion. She knew that her marriage
with Philip would be fimilar to that of her father
with Catherine of Arragon, and her concluding it
would be declaring herfelf illegitimate. She there-
fore declined the offer, but in fuch polite and eva-
five terms, that the Spanifh monarch could not
juftly take offence at her refufal. Notwithstanding
Elizabeth had determined to reftore the reformed
religion in England, her ambaffador at Rome re-
ceived orders to notify her acceffion to the fovereign
4 R • pontiff.
$38
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Jiontiff. BUI Paul IV. behaved with all the info-
fence natural to his character. He declared, that
England was a fief of the holy fee, and that Eliza-
beth was guilty of great temerity in affuming, with-
out his confent, the title and authority of queen;
that being illegitimate, {he could not inherit that
Kingdom; but being willing to treat her with pa-
ternal indulgence, if fhe would renounce all preten-
fions to the crown, and fubmit entirely to his will,
fhe fliould experience all the lenity that was con-
itftent with the dignity of the apoftolic fee. The
queen, being informed of thefe particulars, ob-
ferved, that the pope, in order to gain too much,
v/as willing to lofe the whole. She therefore re-
called her ambaflador, and immediately purfued
thofe meafures in favour of the reformed religion,
which me had fecretly embraced. That fhe might
not too much alarm the papifts, fhe had retained
eleven of her filler's counfellors : but to balance
their authority added eight more, whom fhe knew
were warmly inclined to the proteftant communion ;
thefe were the marquis of Northampton, the earl of
Bedford, Sir Ambrofe Cave, Sir Thomas Knolles,
Sir Edward Rogers, Sir Thomas Parry, Sir Nicholas
Bacon, whom fhe created lord keeper, and Sir
\Villiam Cecil, whom fhe made fecretary of ftate.
She alfo difcharged from prifon, or recalled from
exile, thofe whofe religion had been their " only
crime. At the fame time a proclamation was pub-
lifhed, forbidding all preaching without a fpecial
licence, that the pulpits might not be filled with the
chmours of difcord. The Lord's prayer, the creed,
the litany, and thegofpels, were ordered to be read
in Englifh; and having directed, that all the
churches fhould conform to the practice ef her own
chapel, fhe forbad the haft to be any more elevated
in her prefence.
~ The bifhops now apprehending a
U> 15W' total abolition ef the Romifli religion,
refufed to officiate at her coronation ; but Ogle-
thorpe, bifhop of Carlifle, was, with fome difficulty,
prevailed on to perform that ceremony. On the
fourteenth of January, Elizabeth pafled from the
Tower through the ftreets of London, in grand
proceffion, to Weftminfter, amidft the acclamations
of a prodigious number of fpectatoi s aflembled on
that occafion. The queen returned their applaufes
with fuch a modeft affability, and winning be-
haviour, as charmed the hearts of all beholders.
But no incident, on this occafion, difplayed in a
flronger light the religious fentiments of the citi-
zens, or tended more to endear the new fovereign
to the people, than her accepting of an Englifh
Bible, richly gilt, which was delivered from a pa-
geant in Cheapfide, by a child reprefenfing truth,
who addrelfed the queen in an oration. She re-
ceived the book in a moft gracious manner, kifTed
it, held it up, placed it on her bofom, and declared,
that amidft all the coftly teftimonies the city had
that clay given her of their affection, this prefent was
by far the moft precious and acceptable. Indeed,
whenever this queen appeared in public, fhe feemed
to rejoice in the concourfe of her fubjefts ; to enter
into all their amufements; and thus, without de-
parting from her dignity, which fhe well knew
ho\v to preferve, fhe acquired the affections of her
people, and greater popularity > than any of her
predeceflbrs.
On the twenty-fifth of Jartwary a parliament was
fummoned to aflemble. Sir Nicholas Bacon opened
the fcflion with a fpcech, in which he expatiated on
theviitues of the new queen; and after recom-
mending the religious ftate of the nation to their
confideration, exhorted them to obferve a due me-
dium between the extremes of fuperftition and re-
ligion, as the moft effectual means of uniting both
Roman catholics and p%roteftants in one mode of
worfhip. He concluded with foliciting a fupply
in behalf of her majefty, which the exigencies of the
ftate required. The commons, though they haci
been harrafled by impofitions in the late reign,
chcarfully granted the tonnage and poundage, to-
gether with a large fubfidy on funds and movcables.
A bill \vas pafled for fuppreffmg the monafteries
lately erected, and reftoring the tenths and fn(t
fruits to the crown, which had been furrendcrcd by.
Mary. They alfo enumerated a ftatute, rccogniz*-
ing Elizabeth to be their lawful fovereign, by virtue
of an act pafled in the thirty-fixth yearof her father's
reign. Then both houfes turned their attention
to affairs of religion, and pafled the following bills:
That the fervice fhould be performed in the vulgar
tongue; that the fupremacy of the church of Eng-
land fliould be vefted in the fovereign;.that all acts
relative to religion, which had pafled in the reign
of Edward VI. mould be renewed, and confirmed;
that the nomination to bifhoprics, fhould be vefted
in the queen, who might cxercife her fupremacy by
any perfon fhe fhould appoint to that purpofe; that
all perfons in office, fliould take the oath of fupre-
macy: and that no perfon, under fevere penalties,
fhould, byword or writing fupport any foreign au-
thority in this kingdom; that there fhould be a
uniformity of worihip; and that on the vacancy of
any bifhopric, the queen might refume its temporal
poffeffions. Elizabeth being thus vefted with the
fupremacy, erected a tribunal, called the High Com-
mifEon-court, vefted with the authority appointed by
Henry VIII. But of nine thoufand four hundred
ecclefiaftics, who held benefices in England, thofe
who chofe rather to renounce their livings than the
Romifh religion, amounted to fourteen bifhops,
twelve archdeacons, fifty canons, and about four-
fcore of the inferior clergy. Bonner alone fuffered
under the hand of authority. He was committed
to the Marfhalfea, and died in confinement. Some
foreign princes interpofed their good offices to pro-
cure the catholics a toleration in fome particular
places; but the queen would not comply with their
requeft, for the fake of national peace. But in
order to induce the catholics to conform to the
eftablifhed religion, fhe caufed every thing to be
ftruck out of the new liturgy, that haa any tendency
to give them offence.
In the mean time a treaty was concluded with
France on thefe conditions ; that Henry fhould re-
tain Calais for eight years, with all other towns
taken from the Englifh; at the expiration of whichj
they fliould be reftored to the queen of England;
that he fhould give ample fecurity for paying to
Elizabeth or her fucceflbrs, the fum of five hundred
thoufand golden crowns, in default of reftoring the
places at the time appointed ; that the French fliould
give hoftages for the performance of this article ; that
neither Henry, the queen of Scotland, nor Eliza-
beth, fliould attempt any thing againft each other,
directly or indirectly, to the prejudice of this treaty;
and that they fliould not encourage or protect the
rebellious fubjects of each other. A peace with
Scotland followed as a neceflary confequence of
that with France. But this peace was no fooner
concluded, than the dauphin and his confort Mary,
at the inftigation of the pope, and the monarths of
France and Spain, who were incenfed at the accef-
fion of a proteftant princefs, aflumcd the titles of
king and queen of Scotland, England and Ireland;
Sir Nicholas Throgmorton, the queen's ambaflador
at Paris, remonflrated on this infult offered to his
miftrcfs, and receiving a very frivolous anfwer, re-
peated his complaints-, but was told by the French
miniftry,thatthe queen of Scots was as much entitled
to the arms of England, as Elizabeth was to the ap-
pellation of queen of France. Elizabeth from this
time beheld Mary in the light of a formidable rival,
and the king of Spain a? her invc terate foe -, and
therefore determined to ufe every method to con-
.ciJiate
ELIZABETH.
339
ciliate the affections of her people, as the bcft pre-
fervative againlt the united power of her enemies.
Capable of diicerning merit, fhe appointed men of
capacity to the important offices of ftate; difpenfccl
jultice impartially: evinced a well judged cecono-
my; deported herfelf with complacency ; and de-
monftrated fo ardent a regard for the welfare of her
fubjecls, as produced the warmed returns of confi-
dence and affection. At the fame time fhe took
care to foment the religious cliffentions in Scotland,
occafioned by a ftrong party embracing the re-
formation; infomuch that conferences for a pence
were opened at Edinburgh. But before this hap-
pened, Henry of France was accidentally flain in a
tournament, and his Ion Francis afcendedthe throne.
The French monarch, Francis II.
A. U. i56°- was an abfolute tool in the hands of
the houfe of Guife, who prompted him to take every
method to fupprefs the reformation in Scotland.
But all his efforts were baffled by the fuperior ge-
nfus of Elizabeth, who reduced him to the neceffity
of concluding a treaty, by which it wasftipulated,
that the king of France and Scotland, mould
thenceforth abftain from bearing the arms of Eng-
land: that Elizabeth mould be further fatisfied, for
the injury already done her in that particular; that
commiffioners fhould be appointed to fettle the
point ; and on failure of agreement, the matter
ihouldbe referred to the arbitration of Spain;and that
the king and queen of France and Scotland, fhould
confirm the conceflions that had been made by the
French plenipotentiaries to the Scottifh confederates.
This treaty being concluded, an amnefty was pub-
liflied by the eftates of Scotland, and feveral laws
were enacted in favour of the reformation. Though
Francis and Mary confirmed thefe laws, they pe-
remptorily refufed to ratify the treaty with Elizabeth,
on pretence that (he had treated with their rebellious
fubjects; though their real defign was to wreft the
crown from her, and place it on the head of their young
niece. But their fcheme proved a fource of bitter
calamities to that unfortunate princefs, whofe in-
tereft they meant to promote. Elizabeth now found
flie had fcarce an ally abroad on whom fhe could
depend. Montague, who had been fent ambaffadoi to
Philip, met with a very cold reception. That prince
bewailed the ellablifliment of the reformation in
England, reftorcd the collar of the order of the garter,
and declined renewing an alliance with Elizabeth.
The pope fent a nuntio with inftructions, and a
brief to the queen, exhorting her to return within
the pale of the church, promifing her, that a general
council fhould be convoked with all convenient ex-
pedition ; that he would annul the fentence of di-
vorce between Henry VIII. and AnneBoleyn, confirm
the Englifh liturgy, and allow the people to com-
municate in both kinds at the facrament ; all which
temponfing offers were rejected. At this time,, the
CalVinilts in France were perfecuted with the ,ut-
zno.ft feverity, until they formed a confpiracy againft
the duke of Guife, and the cardinal of Lorraine,
who were their inveterate enemies. _ The prince of
Conde was -fuppofed to favour them in private, aad a
fcheme was formed for furprizing the duke and
cardinal. This defign being difcovered, was con-
itrued into a confpiracy againft the king, and twelve
hundred perfons were executed, for having been
privy to the plot. The ftates of the kingdom being
affemblcd at Orleans, the king of Navarre, and the
prince of Conde, attended the meeting, though
they knew they were fufpectcd, and hated by the
princes of Lorraine. The firft was fo narrowly
watched, that he could not efc.ipe; the other was
imprifoned, and fentenced to die, by the hands of
the common executioner; but the death of Francis
II. favid the noble prifoner from that ignominious
fate. The queen mother was appointed regent
during the •minority of her Jiya '..harks IX. who
fucceedcd his brother; the king of Navarre was con-
ftituted lieutenant general; the fentence againft
Conde was reverfed ; and the authority of the princes
of ^Lorraine greatly diminiflied.
The fortune of Mary underwent a A ~
Hidden change by the death of the A
king, her hufband. Catharine of Medicis, mother
of Charles IX. affumed the whole authority. Mary
Stuart, who experienced from her only mortifica-
tions, found herfelf obliged to leave a country fhe
loved, and return to her unhappy kingdom, rent to
pieces on account of religion. The ftates of Scot-
land had fent to invite her over; and fhe applied to
Elizabeth for liberty to pafs through England ; but
that queen let her know, that till (he had given her
fatisfadion, by ratifying the treaty of Edinburgh,
me ought to expect no favour from a perfon, whom
me had fo much injured. This denial filled Mary
with the higheft refentment ; and fending for the
Englifh ambaffador, " What offence, faid fhe, have
I given your miftrcfs, that fhe mould deny me fo
fmall a favour ? But, with God's afliftance, I can re-
turn to my own country without her leave." Nor
did flie delay her departure on account of Elizabeth
having refufed her a fafe conduct. She repaired to
Calais, attended by her uncles, and feveral French
noblemen of the firft rank, and embarked in the
beginning of Auguft. Mary feemed greatly affected
on her leaving France. She kept her eyes fixed
upon the coaft till darknefs intercepted it from her
view. "Farewel France ! me cried, farewel, be-
loved country ! I mall never fee thee more."
Elizabeth had fitted out a fleet of (hips, under pre-
tence of purfuing fome pirates, but probably with
a view of intercepting the queen of Scots in her
paffage: (he, however, paffed the Englifli fleet in a
fog, and reached her native more in fafety. Mary
was received by her people with every mark of
affection ; for no fooner did the French gallies ap-
pear off Leith, than people of all ranks flocked
thither, with eager impatience to behold and receive
their young fovereign, who was now nineteen years
of age, diftinguiflied by her beauty, politenefs, and
elegance of manners. The firft meafures embraced
by Mary, confirmed all the favourable prepoffeffions
that people had entertained. She beftowed her
confidence entirely on the leaders of the reformed
party, who had the greateft influence, and were
alone able to fupport her government. James,
her natural brother, whom (he made earl of Murray,
had the chief authority. After him Lidington, fe-
cretary of ftate, had a principal (hare in her confi-
dence ; and, by their adivity, they endeavoured to
eflablifh order and peace in a country, divided by
private feuds, and public factions. But one cir-
cumftance deprived Mary of that favour, which
might have been expeded from her engaging de-
portment; (lie was a papift ; and it was with the ut-
moft difficulty flie could obtain permifTion to cele-
brate mafs in her own chapel. One fingle mafs
was thought, by the reforming miniftcrs, more
dangerous to the kingdom, than an hundred thou-
fand armed men. Knox, a popular preacher, daily
lignalized himfelf by frefh inltances of zeal againft
the catholics ; he publicly called the queen Jezebel.
All the endeavours of Mary to gain this clamorous
preacher over to her intereft were in vain : he was
cited before the council, before whom he defended
his principles without timidity, and was difcharged
without punifhment. The bigotry of the minifters
and people were carried to the greateft height.
The ufual prayers in the churches were, " That
God would turn the queen's heart, which was ob-
ftinate againft him and his truth ; or were his holv
will otherwife, that he would ftrengthen the hearts
and hands of the elect, ftoutly to oppofe the rage of
alf tyrants." The pulpits were filled with reproaches
againft the vices of the court j and the queen na-
turally
340
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
turally regretted leaving z country where fhe had,
in early youth, received the firft imprefiion of thofe
manners, which were now confidered as fmful
abominations. Thus furrounded with dangers,
Mary thought her only expedient for preferring
the tranquillity of her kingdom, was to maintain a
good correfpondcnce with Elizabeth. In order to
this flie difpatched her fecretary to London, to
exprefa her defire of maintaining a good corre-
fpondenee with her $ and to rcquelt, that this
friendfhip might be cemented by Mary's being
declared fucceflbr to the crown of England. No
requeft could be more unreafonable, or made at a
more impi oper time. Elizabeth replied, that Mary
had once discovered her intention not to wait for
the fucceflion, but had openly aflumed the title of
queen of England, and pretended a fuperior right
to her throne: that though her ambafladors, and
fhofe of her hniband, had iigned a treaty, in which
they renounced that claim, and promifed fatis-
faction for fb great an indignity, yet fhe had re-
jected the moft earned felicitations, and had even
incurred fome danger in crofling the feas, rather
than ratify that equitable treaty : that, for her part,
whatever claims were advanced, fhe was determined
to live and die queen of England ; and after her
death, it was the bufinefs of others to examine who
had the beft pretenfions to fucceed her, either by
the laws or right of blood ; and that fhe would
never confent to ftrengthen theintereft or authority
of any claimant, by fixing the fucceflion on a rival
queen. Thus the treaty continued without being
ratified : however, the queen of England agreed
to maintain a correfpondence with Mary, and many
letters pafTed between them, abounding with ex-
preffions of the moft unreferved friendfhip, while
they detefted each other with all the rage of jealoufy
and difdain.
Elizabeth, obferving that Mary was fufficiently
deprefTed by her rebellious fubjecls, inftead of
adding at this time to the troubles of Scotland,
wifely employed herfelf in regulating the affairs of
her own kingdom. Her firft attempt was to put
the Englifh navy in a refpeclable condition : fhe
augmented the pay of her feamen ; filled her ma-
gazines with arms ; introduced the manufacture of
gunpowder into England ; ordered a great number
of iron and brafs pieces of ordnance to be caft;
reinforced the garrifon of Berwick ; introduced and
encouraged improvements in agriculture, by per-
mitting the exportation of corn ; promoted the
trade and navigation of England; regulated the
national coin, which her predeceflbrs had altered;
and ordered her people to attend the exercife of
arms at ftated times. The glory that attended
her wife meafures, attracted the admiration of all
Europe; nor were there wanting numbers, who
made propofals of marriage to a princefs, who en-
joyed fuch fingular felicity and renown. The arch-
duke Charles, the emperor's fecond fon, with
Cafimir, fon of the elector Palatine, made their
Applications. Eric, king of Sweden, and Adolph,
duke of Holftein, alfo became her fuitors. The
earl of Arran, heir to the crown of Scotland, was
recommended to her by the ftates of that kingdom.
Even fome of her fubjects entertained hopes of
fuccefs, though they did not openly declare their
pretenfions. The earl of Arundel, though de-
clining in years, flattered himfelf with this profped;
as did alfo Sir William Pickering, who was much
efteemed for his perfonal merit. But lord Robert
Dudley, a younger brother of the late duke of
Northumberland, appeared the more likely to fuc-
ceed, as by his addrefs and flattery he had, in a
manner, become her favourite, and had great in-
fluence in her counfels ; whence people Ion? ex-
peaed, that he would be preferred above all the
princes who had addrefled her. The queen gave
thefe fuitors fuch a gentle refufal as encouraged
their puffuit ; and thus allowed them to entertain
hopes of fucceeding in their pretenfions, in order
to attach them to her intereft: yet, though Eliza-
beth refolved never to beftow upon her people an
heir to the crown, fhe feems to have determined
that none, who had any pretenfions to the fuc-
ceflion, fhould ever have one. By her father's ex-
clufron of the pofterity of Margaret, queen of
Scotland, the right to the crown devolved to the
houfe of Suffolk; and the lady Catharine Gray,
yovnger fiftcr to the lady Jane, was now heirefs of
that family. This lady was fent to the Tower for
marrying the earl of Hertford without her confent,
and died in confinement. But however fcvere this
queen was with regard to thofe who had any pre-
tenfions to the crown, fhe was always attentive to
remove the oppreffions of her fubjefts. She re-:
voked all warrants granted to purveyors for
victualling the fleet, which were generally exe-
cuted in a very vexatious manner; and ifiued
orders, that the people fhould be paid in money
for whatever provifions they furnifhed. She re-
formed the impositions of the Exchequer j and
took care that the penfions affigned to the popifh
clergy, on their refigning their livings, mould be
punctually paid. She alfo encrcafed the falary of
the judges, and allowed them a provifion for their
refpedive circuits. At the fame time fhe took
care that her ceconomy fhould go hand in hand
with her liberality.
The queen regent of France had' , ~
formed a plan of adminifhation, m '••*&*>?
which fhe gave equal authority to the catholics
and the proteflants; and by dividing the power
between the duke of Guile and the prince of
Conde, endeavoured to render herfelf neceflary to
both; but fhe found it impoffible to preferve a firm
concord in fo delicate a fituation. An edift had
been publifhed, granting toleration to the pro-
teftants ; but the interefted views of the duke of
Guife, tinder the pretence of religious zeal, pro-
duced a disagreement ; and the two parties, after
the tranquillity of a moment, renewed their mutual
infults. Coligni and Andelot, afTembling their
friends, flew to arms: Guife and Montmorency,
getting the king's perfon into their pofleffion,
obliged the queen regent to embrace their party.
Fourteen armies were raifed, and in motion in
different parts of France. Wherever the reformed
prevailed, the images were broken, the altars
pillaged, and the monafteries deftroyed j where
fuccefs attended the Romans, they burned the
bibles, they obliged married perfons to perform
the ceremony over again, and re-baptized their
infants ; both fides employed themfelves in plunder,
defolation, and bloodfhed. Even the parliament
of Paris put the fword into the hands of the en-
raged multitude, and empowered the catholics to
maflacre thofe who were called Hugonots. Philip,
king of Spain, dreading left the doctrines of the
reformed fhould fpread into the provinces of the
Netherlands, had formed a fecret alliance with the
princes of Guife, for the fuppreffion of what
termed herefy; and now fent fix thoufand men,
with a fupply of money, to reinforce the catholic
party. The prince of Conde iinding himfelf un-
able to oppofe their united force, fent to crave the
affiftance and protection of Elizabeth ; and offered
to put Havre-de-Grace into the hands of the
Englifh, on condition of three thoufand men
being fent for its garrifon, three thoufand more to
defend Dieppe and Rouen, and his receiving a
hundred thoufand crowns. Elizabeth agreed to
the propofal; and three thoufand Englifh, under
the command of Sir Edward Poinings, were fent to
take pofTeffion of Havre. Soon after the earl of
Warwick arrived with another body of thre?
> LVS
ilip,
the
th9
the
wa^ .
ELIZABETH.
341
fhoufand Endifh, and took the command of that
cry Andelot, affifted by Elizabeth's negotia-
tions, had raifed a confulerable body of German
proteftants, who marched towards Normandy, in
oider to act in conjunction with the Lnghlh.
Mean while the catholics, under the command ot
the conftable and the duke of Guife, overtaking
them at Dreux, a battle was fought with great
obftinacy on both fides; and, what is very re-
markable, Conde and Montmorency, the com-
manders of each army, were taken prifoners.
Guife, however, appeared to have the victory : but
the admiral, collecting the remains of his army,
fubdued fome confiderable places in Normandy;
and Elizabeth, to enable him to fupport his caufe,
fent him a fupply of a hundred thoufand crowns.
On the twelfth of January the
A. D. 1503- queen fummoned a parliament; when,
a fhort time before the meeting of that affembly,
flie was feized with the fmall-pox. Her life having
been for fome time defpaired of, the people became
fenfible of their dangerous fituation, in cafe of her
deceafe, from the uncertainty which attended the
fucceffion to the crown. The commons therefore
prefented an addrefs to her majcfty, requefting,
that ihe would be gracioufly pleafed either to
marry, or to fix the fucceflion in fuch an explicit
manner, as might prevent the calamities which it
was natural to" fear would remit from the contcft s
of feveral claims to the throne. But Elizabeth
{till found means to elude giving a clear anfwer to
their applications; nor could fhe be prevailed upon
to appoint a fucceflbr. The parliament, however,
made no difficulty in granting the neceffary fup-
plies. They were very willing to fupport the noble
defigns of the queen for the improvement of trade
ancf manufaaures, for the augmentation of her
navy, for the fuppreffion of vice, and for the more
effectually reftraining the progrefs of popery.
They granted two fifteenths, and two fubfidies.
In the mean time the duke of Guife laid ficge to
Orleans. A very confiderable progrefs had been
made in this undertaking, when the duke was
affafiinated by a young enthufiaft named Poltrot de
Merc. The duke, on finding his end approach-
ing, expreffed the deepeft remorfe for having in-
volved his country in the horrors of a civil war;
and conjured the queen regent to conclude a peace
as foon as poffible with the Hugonots. His advice
was followed. Both parties being heartily tired of
the war, foon agreed to articles of pacification.
A toleration, under fome reftraints, was again
granted to the proteftants; a general amnefty was
publiflied ; Conde was reinftated in his offices and
government; and money being advanced to pay
the arrears of the German troops, they were fent
out of the kingdom. It had been ftipulated be-
tween Elizabeth and Conde, that a peace mould
be concluded by neither party without the other's
confent, but this was little regarded. The leaders
of the French proteftants only obtained a promife,
that on her relinquifhing Havre, her charges, and
the money me had advanced, mould be paid by the
king of France, and that Calais mould be reftored
to her on the expiration of the ftipulated term.
Elizabeth difdaining to accept of thefe conditions,
and imagining Havre a much better pledge for
obtaining her purpofe, flie fent orders to her
general to defend the place againft the united
power of France. The earl of Warwick made a
gallant defence, not%vithftanding the many diffi-
culties he laboured under; but the plague breaking
out among his troops, he was obliged to furrender
the place. Nor did the misfortune terminate there-,
the garrifon brought home the petlilence, which
afterwards raged with uncommon violence; above
twenty thoufand perfons died of it in London only.
A peace was foon after concluded with France j
No. 32.
two hundred thoufand crowns were paid to Eliza-;
bcth for the redemption of hofiages; and the mu-
tual pretenfions of both parties continued.
By the death of the duke of Guife, the influence1
of Mary was greatly leffened in France, which
made her uncle, cardinal of Lorrain, ready to
efpoufe her to any one who could ftrengthert their
intereft, or give inquietude to the queen of Eng-
land. Elizabeth was equally vigilant in preventing
the execution of their fchemes ; and told the queen
of Scots, that nothing could fatisfy her but her
efpoufing fome Englifh nobleman ; and even went
fo far as to propofe her own favourite, the earl of
Leicefter, whom me certainly never meant to part
with ; for when flie perceived that Mary was in-
clined to liften to the propofal, flie found means
to elude the promife flie had made of declaring
that princefs her fucceflbr. England now enjoyed
a profound tranquillity. The queen being no
longer engaged in foreign affairs, made a progrefs
to the univerfity of Cambridge, where fhe was re-
ceived with great pomp and magnificence. Every
thing was conducted with a fplendour that did
honour to that celebrated feat Of learning; and^flie
declared her fatisfaction in an elegant Latin oration,
wherein flie aflut ed the univerfity of her protection,
and earneft defire of encouraging learning to the
utmoft of her power.
Two years having been cbnfumed A -n *< ?
r ,-r 1 .. • , •"• *-*• I5O5*
in evafions, artifices, and uncertainty,
Mary fixed upon lord Darnley, fon to the earl of
Lenox, as the object of her choice. This young
nobleman was her coufin-german by the lady Mar-<
garet Douglas, neice to Henry VIII. and daughter
to the earl of Angus, by Margaret, queen of Scot-
land. He had been born and educated in England^
where his father had conftantly refided, after being
expelled his native country by the fuperior intereft
of the Hamiltons. Darnley was alfo, by his father,
defcended from the fame family with Mary her-1
felf; and would, by marrying her, preferve the
royal dignity in the -houfe of Stuart. He was4
after her, next heir to the crown of England ; and
thofe who had affected to deny her title, on account
of her being a foreigner, had endeavoured to main-
tain his claim, and to give it the preference; fa
that the queen of Scots propofed to unite the rights
of the two families by this marriage. But fufpect-
ing that Elizabeth would counteract her defign,
Ihe recalled the earl of Lenox, that he might be
put into poffeffion of his lands which had been
confifcated. The queen of England entered fully
into her views, though flie feemed entirely ignorant
of her purpofe ; nor was fhe forry to find Mary
had cad her eyes on a young nobleman, whofe
father pofleffed a great eftate in England ; and
therefore ihe imagined would be fo far fubject to
her pleafure, that Ihe could prevent the marriage
without interrupting the treaty. Underftanding
that the negotiation for Darnley's marriage was in
great forwardnefs, flie permitted that nobleman, on
his firft application, to follow his father into Scot-
land j but no fooner did flie hear that preparations
were making for celebrating the nuptials, than flie
exclaimed againft the marriage ; fent Throgmorton
to command Darnley, upon his allegiance, imme-
diately to return to England; committed the
countefs of Lenox, and her fecond fon to the
Tower; and though it was impoffible for her to
afilgn one plaufible pretence for her difpleafure,
fhe threatened, protefted, and complained, as if
fhe had been injured in the niceft point. The
conduct of Elizabeth, though generally judicious,
was always full of duplicity and deceit; but nevef
did flie evince greater infincenty, than in her
tranfactions with the queen of Scotland. In thefe
fhe was influenced by fo many narrow prejudices^
that flie ever fludioufly concealed her real motives.
4 S Thfr
342
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
This flate policy, or deep diflimulation, is always
Shocking to a virtuous mind, though it often
Hands a leading maxim in the fcience of govern-
ment. However, notwithflanding all the efforts
and mean arts of Elizabeth, the marriage between
the Scottifh queen and Darnley was celebrated on
the twenty-ninth or" July. Mary, allured by the
youth, beauty, and exterior accomplifhments of
ner huiband, at firft overlooked the qualities of
his mind, which were far from corresponding with
the excellence of his external figure. Addicted to
low pleafures, he was incapable of the genuine
fentiments of love, and deftitute of gratitude,
from thinking that no favours could equal his
merit. He was at the fame time violent in his
temper, yet variable in his enterprizes; credulous,
and eafily governed by flatterers. Mary, in the
firft effulions of tendernefs, took a pleafure in
exalting him : me granted him the title of king ;
joined his name with her own in all public acts ;
but having leifure to obferve his weaknefs and
libertine follies, me withdrew from him by degrees
her confidence, and treated him with neglect.
The refentment he {hewed upon this occaflon,
ferved only to increafe her difguft; and Darnley,
enraged at imaginary ill treatment, refolved to be
revenged on every one whom he deemed the caufe
of this change in her deportment to him. This
unworthy hufband not confidering that he, a flave
to vice, and wholly occupied by felf-love, was
never fincerely attached to the mofl amiable of
"women. There was at this time in, court one
David Rezzio, a Piedmontefe mufician, who had
obtained the queen's confidence and favour in a
very high degree. Having a good ear, and a
tolerable voice, the queen retained him in her
fervice to complete her band of mufic, which
gave him frequent opportunities of infinuating
imfelf into her favour. Some time aftery her
fecretary for French difpatches having incurred
her difpleafure, fhe promoted Rezzio to that office,
•which placed him continually near her perfon.
Darnley had the misfortune to fall under the ma-
nagement of this man, Rezzio's whole influence
with the queen was employed in promoting his
marriage. But, when her majefty's affections were
. cooled, Rezzio refuling to humour him any longer
in his follies, he imputed the queen's coldnefs, not
to' his own behaviour, but to the favourite's infi-
nuations. Thefe fufpicions were confirmed by
• Mary's conduct. She treated this upftart with the
utmoft familiarity: he was perpetually in her
prefence ; intermeddled in every bufinefs ; and,
together with a few favourites, was the companion
of her private amufements.
A n Darnley, inflamed with rage, formed
' a plan for his definition, in which
were engaged the earl of Morton, chancellor, with
the lords Ruthven, Lindefey, and Maitland.
Thefe confpirators, being well acquainted with the
levity of their employer, engaged him to fign a
paper, in which he avowed the undertaking, and
promifed to protect them from all confequences.
The ninth of March was the day fixed for the exe-
cution of their fanguinary purpofe; and all ne-
ceflary precautions were taken to render the defign
fuccefsful. Mary, then in the fixth month of her
pregnancy, was flipping in her bedchamber with
her natural fifter the countefs of Argyle, and David
Rezzio, when the king entered the apartment by a
private pafTage, and placed himfelf at the back of
Mary's chair. Lord Ruthven, and the other con-
fpirators, all armed, rufhed in after him. The
queen, terrified at their appearance, demanded the
reafon of this rude intrufion. They anfwered, that
not the Icaft violence was intended againft her
perfon; they meant only to bring that villain,
pointing at Rezzio, to his deferved punifliment.
Rezzio inttantly run behind his miflref's, and cling*
ing round her waift, implored her protection-
while fhe interpofed in his behalf with cries, me-
naces, and entreaties. But regardlefs of her efforts
to fave him, the impatient afTaffins ruflied upon
their prey ; and by overturning the table, cncreafed
the confufion and horror of this dreadful fcene.
He was now torn from the queen by violence, -and
dragged into the anti-chamber, where he was dif.
patched by the confpirators, who pierced his body
with fifty-fix wounds. Mary, after having paid a
decent tribute of grief, dried up her" tears, and
employed her mind wholly on meditating a fevere
revenge. The king, with the confpirators, kept
pofleflion of the palace, and guarded the queen •
when fhe, obferving his irrefolution, employed all
her perfuafions and carefles to difengage him from
his new aflbciates; and at length prevailed on him
to efcape with her in the night to Dunbar, at-
tended only by three perfons. Here many of her
fubjccts offered her their fervices ; and having col-
lected an army, which the confpirators were unable
to refift, fhe obliged them to fly into England,
where they lived in great poverty and diflrefs.
However, upon applying to the earl of Bothwell,
the queen's new favourite, he pacified her refent-
ment, and procured them liberty to return to
Scotland, Mary now difcovered the ftrongefl
\ proofs of antipathy to her hufbancl. She encouraged
her courtiers to neglect him ; and was pleafed with
his mean equipage and few attendants, which drew
on him the contempt even of the very populace.
She prevailed on him to difown all his connections
with the aflaffins ; to deny his having any concern
in the murder ; and even to publifh a proclamation,
containing fo notorious a falfhood. On the nine-
teenth of June, Mary was delivered of a fon, and
Sir James Melvil was tlifpatched to carry intelli-
gence of this event to Elizabeth. On the evening
of his arrival in London, the queen had given a
ball to her court at Greenwich, difplaying all the
fpirit fhe ufually difeovered on thefe occasions : but
no fooner heard the news, than all her joy was
damped; and finking into melancholy, reclined her
head upon her arm, and complained to fome of her
attendants, that the queen of Scots was mother of
a fair fon, while fhe herfelf was but a barren flock;
yet, the next day, fhe put on a chearful counte- |
nance, thanked Melvil for his hafte in bring-
ing the agreeable intelligence, and exprefled
the moft cordial frienclfhip for Mary. The birth of
a fon contributed greatly to encourage the zeal of
Mary's partizans in England ; perfons of all parties
began to be impatient for fome fettlement of the
fuccefllon. Warm debates were fupported in both
houfes on this occafion. Some fpirited fpeeehes
were made; in one of which Paul Wentworth
affirmed, that the queen was bound in duty not only
to provide for the happinefs of her fubjects, but to
fhew her regard to their future fecurity, by fixing
on a fucceflbr. The queen, hearing of thefe debates,
fent for the fpeaker, and having repeated fome ex-
prefs orders, to proceed no farther on that matter,
commanded him to inform the houfe, that if any
member remained unfatisfied, he might appear be-
fore the privy council, and there give his reafons.
The members feeming ftill difpofed to proceed
upon the queftion, fhe fent to revoke her orders,
and to allow the houfe liberty to debate. Pleafed
with this condefcenfion, they voted her a fupply of
a fubfidy and a fifteenth, without any conditions
annexed, to be levied at three payments. It was
believed, the commons intended, by this liberal
fupply, to engage the queen to yield to their re-
queft, therefore on her refufal,' fhe voluntarily
omitted the third payment, obferving, that money
in the purfes of her fubjects, was as good as in her
own exchequer.
While
E LIZ A B E T H.
343
While Elizabeth was employed in promoting the
•happinefs of her people, the Netherlands were agi-
tated with thofe alarming convulfions, which at laft
gave liberty to a very confiderable part of that
country. Soon after Philip had quitted thefe pro-
vinces, in order to refide in Spain, the difcontents
of the inhabitants arrived at fuch a height, that it
was impoffible for affairs to continue long in their then
iituation. This untverfal diflatisfaction flowed from
feveral caufes. The people were perfuaded that the
king intended to abolifli the fmall remains of then-
privileges, and to erect on their ruins the throne of
defpotic power. The eftablifhment of bifhopncs
alarmed many principal families, as thejurifdiction
and revenues of the abbeys, in which they were
nearly concerned, were greatly leflened. The
inquifition which was going to be eftablifhed m
thefe provinces, caufed an univerfal alarm,
ftates had been prohibited from affembling.
king difcovered a determined refolution of exter-
minating the reformed religion. Thefe meafures,
which fet the provinces in a flame, were upon the
point of being eftabliflied. They had for feveral
years petitioned for permiffion to aflemble the flates,
in order to avert the ftorm which threatened the
deftruction of their country. Their requeft was
always rejected, and often with contumelious lan-
guage. This orange behaviour raifed the rcfent-
ment of the people. The prince of Orange, with
the counts of Egmont and Horn, withdrew from
the council, and'joined in a petition to the king.
The cardinal de Glanville, who directed all the
meafures of government, had rendered himfelf fo
odious, that the moft violent attempts were to be
feared, if he tilled any longer the feat of power.
1'hilip, whofe pride would not fuflfer him to recal
the cardinal, advifed him to withdraw. The car-
dinal obeyed, and the nobles refumed their feats at
the council board. This point obtained, they ex-
erted themfelves to prevent the eftablifhment of the
inquifition, which they confidered as the greateft
oppreffion that could be laid upon any people.
They formed aflbciations ; and the proteftants cele-
brated divine fervice openly, notwithftanding all
the threats of government. From this moment
Philip confidered the people of the Low Countries
as rebels, while they looked upon him as an unjuft
and arbitrary fovereign. Such was the beginning
of the troubles in the Netherlands, in which the
Englifh were afterwards very intimately engaged.
About this period, Elizabeth vifited the univerfity
of Oxford, where (he was magnificently entertained
a whole week, during which fhe affifted at feveral
academical exercifes. She "anfwered a Greek ora-
tion in the fame language, and in a Latin fpeech
afiured the univerfity of her favour and protection.
n The earl of Bothwell, one of the
A. U. 1567. mo£ conquerable noblemen in Scot-
land, though undiftinguifhed either by civil or mi-
litary talents, had made a figure in the party which
oppofed the earl of Murray, and the rigid reformers.
He was profligate in his manners, and hisprofufe ex-
pences had involved his great fortune in fuch debts,
as feemed to leave him no refource, but in the moft
defperate enterprizes. Having lately obtained
Mary's entire confidence, all her meafures Vere di-
rected by his advice, and reports were fpread of
more particular intimacies between them, which
gained ground from the increafe of her hatred
to her hufband, who was treated with fuch
neglect, that he fecretly provided a veflel to
tranfport him to the continent. The fufpicions
againft her were even carried fo far, that when
Darnley reduced to a ftate of defperation, left the
court, and retired to Glafgow, an extraordinary
kind of illnefs, with which he was afflicted while
there, was afcribed to her having given him a dofe
of poifon. Whatever truth might be in this report,
4
Mary feemed greatly alarmed. She repaired to
Glafgow, paid him a vifit, and not only treated
him with the utmoft tendernefs, but brought him
along with her, and by her conduct gave reafon to
believe, that fhe intended to Jive with him
on a more agreeable footing. Darnley, far from
having any miftruft, had put himfelf into her hands,
and attended her to Edinburgh. She lived in the
palace of Holyrood-houfe; but it being in a low
fituation, and as the noife occafioned by the con-
courfe of people, might difturb him during his ill-
nefs, thefe reafons were afligned for fitting up an
apartment for him in a folitary houfe, called the
Kirkfield, at fome diftance. The queen converfed
with him here in the moft endearing manner, and
fome nights lay in a room below his -, but on the
ninth of February told him that fhe fhould pafs
that night in the palace, on account of the marriage
of one of her maids of honour. About two in the
morning, the whole city was alarmed with a violent
noife, and aftonifhment appeared in every counte-
nance, when known, that it was occafioned by the
blowing up the houfe where the king refided. Darn-
ley's body was found at fome diftance in a neighbour-
ing field, without any marks of fire, contufion or vio-
lence. Not the leaft doubt was made by any that the
king had been murdered ; and Bothwell was generally
confidered as the author of that atrocious crime.
Voices were heard in theftreets of Edinburgh, during
the ftillnefs of the night, imputing to Mary and Both-
well the death of the king. The earl of Lenox, who
lived in poverty and contempt, at a diftance from
the court, wrote to the queen, demanding juilicc
for the murder of his fon. The court, convinced
that it was abfolutely neceflary to make fome en-
quiry, allowed fifteen days for the examination of
this important affair; and cited Lenox to appear at
court, and prove his charge againft Bothwell. The
earl beginning to entertain apprehenfions from the
power and iniolence of his enemy, requefted, that
the day might be prorogued. Conjuring the
queen, for the fake of her own honour, to employ
more leifure and deliberation, in determining an
affair of fuch extreme moment. Not the leaft re-
gard was paid to his application ; and though Cun-
ningham, one of Lenox's retinue, appeared in court,
and protefted in his mafter's name, againft the ac-
quittal of the criminal, a verdict was given in his
favour, as neither accufer nor witnefs appeared. A
parliament was held two days after this extra-
ordinary trial, which ftrongly confirmed the general
opinion of Bothwell's guilt ; yet he was thepedbn ap-
pointed to carry the royal fceptre on their firft meet-
ing. In this parliament a rigorous act was pafled a-
gainft thofe who pofted up defamatory papers, but
no notice was taken of the king's murder. Soon after,
Mary having gone to Sterling, to pay a vifit to her
fon, Bothwell aflembled eight hundred horfe, and
way-laying her on herreturn, feized her perfon near
Edinburgh, and carried her to Dunbar, withadefign
to force her to marry him. It was generally fufpected,
that the whole tranfaclion was managed in concert
with the queen, for fome of the nobility in order to
difcover the truth, having fent her a private mefTage,
afiuiing her, that if fhe lay under any conftraint,
they would exert all their power for her relief, fhe
anfwered, that fhe had indeed been carried to Dun-
bar by violence, but had been treated with fo much
kindnefs fince her arrival, that fhe willingly re-
mained with Bothwell. The nobility were now
fully convinced, that the whole had been previoufly
planned between them, and gave themfelves no
farther concern about her captivity. A few days
after, Bothwell received a pardon for this violence,
and for all other crimes ; by which the murder of
the king was indirectly forgiven. Notwithftanding
the refolution of Mary to marry this reputed mur-
derer, a difficulty lay in the way, by fome thought
inlur-
344
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
infurmountable ; he had been married two years be-
fore to a woman of merit, fifter to the earl of Huntley,
and it was neceffary to fet this marriage afide. A fuit
\vasthereforecommencedforadivorcein the fpiritual
court of the archbifliop of St. Andrews, which was
popifh, governed by the canon law, and in the new
confiftorial court, which was proteftant, and regu-
lated by the principles of the reformed divines.
The firft decided in his favour from reafons of con-
fanguinity, alledged by Bothwell ; the latter from
reafons of adultery alledged by his wife. The
affair being carried on with the utmoft precipitation,
a fentence of divorce was pronounced, in both
courts, in four days. The banns were then ordered
to be publilhed in the church, between the queen
and the duke of Orkney, the title Bothwell now
bore ; which Craig, a minifter of Edinburgh refufed.
He even exhorted all who had accefs to the queen,
to advife her againll fo fcandalous an alliance ; but
Mary perfifting in her weak refolution, the cere-
mony was performed by the bifhop of Orkney, on
the fifteenth of May, three months and five days
after the death of the king ; but he was afterwards
depofed by the church for his fcandalous compliance.
Very few lords attended, though many of them had
ligned a petition for her marrying Bothwell ; even
the French ambaflador could not be prevailed upon
to countenance the marriage by his prefence. This
event difgraced Mary in the eyes of all Europe.
Her fubjecls beheld her with horror. The fufpi-
cions fhe lay under with regard to her being an ac-
complice in the death of the king grew ftronger.
Her connection with the man whom the public
voice had pointed out as the murderef: her great
anxiety to have him acquitted ; a marriage fo con-
trary to all decency, negociated by means fo odious;
every thing feemed to confirm, that, Mary the flave
of her paffion for Bothwell, was the partner of his
crime. Even though this barbarous action mould
not be imputed to her, it is impoflible to clear her
of the moft fhameful weaknefs. But fuch is the
frailty of human nature, that the befl characters un-
der certain fatal circumftances, tranfgrefs at once
the bounds of wifdom and duty. The guilt of
Bothwell was aggravated by his infolence. He
treated the queen herfelfwith thegreateft barbarity;
and endeavoured to make himfelf mafter of the
young prince, who had been committed to the care
of lord Erfkine, lately created earl of Mar; but
lie nobly refufed to part with his charge. This at-
tempt'iilarmed the whole nation. The principal
nobility met at Stirling caftle, and formed an affo-
ciation to protect the prince, and punifh the king's
murderers. Lord Hume appearing firft in arms,
at the head of eight hundred horfe, fuddenly en-
compafled the qeeen of Scots and Bothwell, in
Bothwick caftle ; but they found means to efcape
to Dunbar. Meanwhile the confederate lords
afiembled their troops at Edinburgh. Bothwell
foon after took the field, and advanced againft
them. The two armies met at Carberry hill, about
fix miles from Edinburgh; but the queen was foon
fenfible fhe had no reafon to depend upon her
troops, for they refufed to fpill their blood in her
caufe, and fhe had no refource but that of holding a
conference with the confederates, into whofe hands
flic furrendered herfelf. They conducted her to
Edinburgh, amidft the irifults of the populace; who
not^only reproached her with her crimes, but which
way foever fhe turned, held before her eyes a banner,
on which were painted the murder of her hufband,
and the diftreft of James, her infant fon; on which,
bcingoverwhelmedwithher calamities, fhe burft into
tears and lamentations. Bothwel!, perceiving that
the authority of the queen was no longer able to
protect him, fled to Dunbar ; where, fitting out a
few fmall mips, he failed for the Orkneys, fiibfifting
for fome time by piracy. Being purfued thither,
the veflel in which he had embarked was taken,
with feveral of his fervants ; who afterwards difco-
vered all the circumftances of the king's murder,
and were punilhed for that crime ; while Botlwell
having efcaped in a boat, found means to get a
paflage to Denmark; where he was thrown into
prifon, loft his fenfes, and about ten years Rafter
died miferably, in extreme dittrefs.
The unfortunate Mary was not permitted by the
confpirators to continue long at the palace : they
fent her under a ftrong guard to Lochleven, belong-
ing to William Douglas, .uterine, brother to the
earl of Murray. This caftle was fituated on a fmall
ifland in the middle of a lake, and acceffible only
by a boat. Here the captive queen was treated
with incxprcffible cruelty, without a fingle frienq
to comfort her. The fiifferings of this unhappy
princefs removed the fears and jealoufies of Eliza-
beth, and me relblved to employ all her authority
to alleviate her misfortunes. She difpatched
Throgmorton to Scotland, with orders to enquire
into the real fituation of Mary, and topromifeherall
the afliftance in her power. At the fame time, he
was commiffioncd to demand of the confpirators
the liberty of their fbvercign, and in cafe of refufal,
to threaten them with the refentmentof his miftrefs,
But the aflbciated lords apprehenfive of Elizabeth's
political views, thought proper, after feveral de-
lays, to refufe the Englifh ambaflador all accefs to
Mary, and fent her three inftruments to fign; by
one fhe was to refign the crown in favour of her
fon, by another to appoint Murray regent, and by
a third to give her fanftion to a council, appointed
to adminifter the government till Murray arrived
from France. The queen feeing no prof peel of re-
lief, after a plentiful effufion of tears, iigned the
three inftruments; and in confequence of her forced
refignation, the young prince who was but thirteen
months old, was proclaimed king, with the title of
James VI. and on the twenty-ninth of July, he was
crowned at Stirling, the earl of Morton taking, in
his name the coronation oath, in which was a pro-
mife to extirpate-herefy, and fome conceffions in fa-
vour of the liberty of the people: but Throgmorton
was ordered by Elizabeth not to affift at the coro*
nation. Soon after was ftruck a coin, on which
this memorable faying of the emperor Trajan was
engraven, Pro me ; Ji merear^ in me; "Forme; If I
deferve it, againft me." The earl Murray arriving
from France, took pofTeffion of his high office. In
a vifit to the captive queen, he talked to her with
great feverity on her paft conduct. He then fum-
moned a parliament, which, after voting that fhe
was an acomplice in her hufband's murder, fen-
tenced her to perpetual imprifonment ; ratified her
refignation to the crown ; acknowledged her fon as
king, and Murray as regent. Murray, being pof-
fefied of vigour and abilities, now exerted himfelf
in reducing the kingdom. He bribed Sir James
Balfour to fin-render Edinburgh caftle ; and forced
the garrifon of Dunbar to open its gates, and then
demolifhed its fortifications.
While Bothwell was with Mary, . n ,Q
few of the nobility were inclined to
fupport her authority. - By his abfence, the fenti-
ments of many were changed ; and feveral of the
malcontents, obferving that every thing was car-
ried to extremity againft the queen, became dif-
pofed to embrace her caufe. But all their endea*
vours would have been of little avail, had not her
charms engaged George Douglas, brother to the
laird of Lochlevin, to promife her his afTiftance.
He having atlmiffion into the houfc at all times, on
the fecond of May conveyed her into a fmall boat,
and rowed her afhore. The news of her efcape
was foon known to her friends, who conveyed her
to Hamilton, where fhe was joined by a great
number of the nobility. A bond of aflbciation
•was
ELIZABETH.
345
was immediately figned for her defence, and Mary,
in a few days, found herfelf at the head of fix
thoufand men. The regent haflily affembled a body
of forces, and though they were inferior in number,
he took the field; and on the fifteenth of May a
battle was fought at Langfide, near Glafgow, in
which the regent obtained a decifive victory ; and
the queen's party was entirely difperfed. Thisunfor-
tunate princefs fled with precipitation to the borders
of England. Here fhe refolved to feek an afyluni;
and, entering a fifliing boat, landed the fame day at
Workington, in Cumberland, and was conducted to
the caftleof Carlifle, in a very honourable manner, by
the deputy governor. From thence (he fent a letter to
Elizabeth, foliciting that affiftancc fhe had promised
againft her rebellious fubjefts. Elizabeth was clif-
pofed to comply with the requeft of the Scottifh
queen: but Cecil cautioned her againll Suffering
the feelings of humanity to prevail over the dictates
of prudence. However, fhe fent orders to lady
Scroop, the duke of Norfolk's fitter, who lived in
the neighbourhood, to attend on that princefs ; and
foon after fent to her lord Scroop with Sir Francis
Knolles. Though the queen of Scots had, by the in-
fluence of their reprefentations, Submitted hcrcaufe
to the arbitration of Elizabeth, fheufed every evafion
po/fible to avoid coming to this extremity ; but on
Elizabeth's allcdging, that it was never meant that
flie fhould be cited to a trial on the accufation of
her rebellious Subjects, but that they fhould be
fummoned to appear, in order to juftify their con-
duct, and being confident there would be no diffi-
culty in refuting all the calumnies of her enemies,
flie was determined to fupport her caufe, and pro-
cure her reafonable terms of accommodation: upon
thefe affurances, Mary agreed to vindicate herfelf by
her own commiffioners, before thofe appointed by
Elizabeth. The conferences were begun at York,
and afterwards continued at Hampton-court ; where
the regent opened fully his charge againft the queen
of Scots; and after expreffing reluctance to proceed
in an affair of fuch delicacy, accufed her, in plain
terms of having given her confent and participa-
tion in the affaffination of the king; and the earl of
Lenox alfo appearing before the Englifh com-
miffioners, implored vengeance for his fon's mur-
der ; and accufed Mary, as being an accomplice
with Bothwell, in that crime. But copies of this
charge being given to Mary's commiffioners, they
abfolutely refufed to return an anfwer ; and
grounded their filence on having orders from their
miftrefsv that if any thing was advanced that might
affect her honour, they were not to make any de-
fence, fhe being a fovereign princefs, and not fub-
ject to any tribunal; they therefore repeated Mary's
requeft, that fhe might be admitted to Elizabeth's
prefence, to whom, and to whom alone, fhe was de-
termined to juftify her innocence. The confe-
quence of Mary's commiffioners refufing to anfwer
Murray's charge was the putting an end to the
conference. But the Englifh minifters defiring to
have in their hands the proofs of her guilt, Murray
was called before the Englifh commiffioners, and
feverely reproved, in the queen's name, for the bafe
imputation he had thrown upon his fovereign ; and
told, that though he had forgot the duty of alle-
giance, the queen would never overlook what fhe
owed to her friend, her neighbour, and her kinf-
woman; anddefired toknowwhatthecommiffioners
could fay in then-town juftification. Murray, thus
urged, produced the proofs of his charge againft the
queen of Scots; and, among the reft, fomeof her love
letters, and fonnets to Bothwell, all written in her
own hand, with other papers, which contained incon-
teftible proofs of Mary's criminal correfpondcncewith
Bothwell ; of her confent to the murder of her hufband ;
and of her concurrence in the pretended violence,
offered by Bothwell. in carrying her off. The friends
No. 33.
of this queen have laboured to prove, that thefe fa-
mous letters were forged, and many volumes have
been wricten with that intention. The fubjcct is too
diffufe, nor indeed is it neccffary to difcufs the ar-
, gmnents that have been offered for and againft the
authenticity of thefe letters, as our labours are cal-
I dilated for the instruction of our countrymen, by a
faithful difplay of interefting facts, and not for the
amufement of little cavilling critics. Let it fuffice
therefore to fay, that from a candid examination, we
find the proofs brought, to prove them forgeries, are
weak and -inconclufive. They are alfo the more
exceptionable, as the queen, at a crifis fo affecting to
her honour, refnfed either to acknowledge or deny
their authenticity. Every expedient was tried by
Elizabeth to prevail upon Mary to continue the
conferences; (he remained inflexible; and even ac-
cufed Murray and the other commiffioners of being
the murderers of her hufband ; but produced riot
a fingle proof againft them. Elizabeth now offered
to bury whatever was pafl in oblivion, and riego-
ciate a reconciliation with her fubjects, provided fhe
would renounce the throne, or affociate her fon
with her in the government, and fuffcr the direction
of affairs to continue in the hands of Murray during
the minority of the prince. But Mary rejected the
propofal with difdain. " My laft words, faid fhe,
fliall be the words of the queen of Scotland."
Murray having returned in fafcty ro Scotland,
Mary preffed Elizabeth, either to enable her to re-
gain poSlcffion of her kingdom, or to fuffer her to
retire into France, where fhe intended to fcek other
refources. The queen evaded anfvvering her re-
quefts, and that unhappy prifoner, whofe wit and,
infinuating graces, might have drew many hearts to
her intcreft, was removed to Tutbury caftle, and
guarded with the greateft vigilance.
The duke of Norfolk was the only . -p.
peer that enjoyed the higheft title of A--U-I569«
nobility, and was the firft Subject in England. He
was at this time a widower; and being of a fuitable
age, feveral of his friends, and particularly the earl
of Murray, before his departure for Scotland, had
propofed his marrying the queen of Scots. The
previoufly obtaining of Elizabeth's confent was
considered, both by Murray and Norfolk, as effen-
tially neceffary to the fuccefs of this fcheme. But
the latter, knowing her former reluctance to all
propofals of marriage with Mary, dreaded left
Elizabeth would never agree to it, and therefore
attempted firft to gain the approbation of the moft
conftderable of the nobility. He was fuccefsful with,
the earls of Northumberland, Weftmoreland, Suffex,
and many others : even the earl of Leicefter, notwith-
ftanding his being the favourite of Elizabeth, wrote
a letter to Mary, figned by feveral other perfons of
the firft rank, recommending Norfolk to her for a
hufband, on fuch conditions as mould be for the
advantage of both kingdoms. Mary returning a
favourable anfwer, the kings of France and Spain,
were fecretly confulted, who expreffed their appro-
bation; and though it was all along fuppofed, that
Elizabeth's confent was to be obtained before this
alliance fliould be completed, it evidently appeared
to be Norfolk's intention, by proceeding fuch
lengths without confuting her, to render his party
fo Strong, as to put it out of her power to refufe it*
The vigilance both of the queen and of Cecil, ren-
dered it impoffible, that thefe proceedings fhould
efcape their notice. Elizabeth dropped feveral in-
timations to the duke, which fliewed that fhe was
acquainted with his defigns, and frequently "cau-
tioned him to beware on what pillow he repofed his
head ; but he wanted courage and prudence to in-
form her of his intentions. She afterwards fent for
Norfolk, upbraided him fharply for prefuming to
engage in a treaty without her confent, and com-
manded him, upon his allegiance, to proceed no
4 T farther.
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
farther. The duke promifed to obey her com-
mands, but retired from court without taking leave,
and repaired to his feat in Norfolk. Repenting of
this ftcp, he fe't out on his return to court, when
Fitz Garret, lieutenant of the band of pcnfioncrs,
apprehended him at St. Albans, and conveyed him to
Burnhum, three miles from Windfor, and hcwasfoon
after committed to the Tower. Lefly, bifhopof Rofs,
the queen of Scots' ambaflador, was examined, and
confronted with Norfolk before the council : the earl
of Pembroke was confined in his own houfe, and
A rondel, Lufnley, and Thrbgmorton were taken
into cuftody. The queen of Scots was removed to
Coventry, and all accefs to her was for fome time
ftricYly prohibited. A report prevailing that a re-
bellion was breaking out in the north, Elizabeth
difpatchecl orders to Northumberland and Weft-
morland, to appear at court, and anfwer for their
conduct. They had however proceeded too far to
truft. thcinfelves in her hands. They had commu-
nicated their clefign to Mary, and engaged the duke
of Alva, governor of the Netherlands, to promife
them not only a reinforcement of troops, but a fup-
ply of arms and ammunition. The infurgents pro-
ceeded immediately to Durham, tore the'Bible and
Common Prayer Book in the public market place,
erected a crucifix in the catlieclial, and caufed mafs
to be faid in an afTembly of above fix thoufancl per-
Ibns. They then made themfelves matters of Ber-
nard caftle, and fortified Hartlepool. While part
of their forces were employed in thefe operations,
amounting to about fifteen thoufand foot, and two
thoufand horfe, the reft formed into fmall detach-
ments, over-ran all Yorkfhire; the royal army,
commanded by the earl of Suffex, being too weak
to prevent their ravages. At length Suflex. at-
tended by the earl of Rutland, the lords Hunfdon,
Evers, and Willoughby of Parham, at the head of
feven thonfand men, marched againft the rebes,
who difperfed without ftriking a blow ; the common
people retiring to their houfes, while their leaders
fled into Scotland. Northumberland was feized by
the regent, who committed him to the caftle of
Lochleven. The earl of Weftmorland was more
fortunate : he found means to pafs over into Flan-
ders, where he lived on a fmall penfion, fettled on
him by the king of Spain.
A D i c-o The clueen was *"0 wel1 pleafed with
' Norfolk's behaviour, that fhe releafed
him from the Tower, and allowed him to live in
his own houfe, under fome appearance of confine-
ment-, only engaging him to promife, that he would
not proceed any farther in his negociations with the
queen of Scotland. This pi incefs had now recovered,
by means of her natural good fenfe, from that infatu-
ation into which fhe appears to have been thrown
'while attached to Bothwell; behaving with fuch
moclefty and judgment, that fhe charmed all who
approached her. On the other hand, Elizabeth en-
deavoured to fupport the meafure me had adopted ;
and trt guard againft the mifchiefs to which it was
expofcd by every prudent expedient. She ftill ob-
ferved an ambiguous conduct between Mary and
her enemies in Scotland ; perpetually carried on a
negociation, in relation to the terms of her being
reftored; made her conftant profeflions of friend-
fliip; and endeavoured by thefe artifices, both to
prevent her taking only defperate ftep for her de-
livery, and to fatisfy the French and Spanilh am-
baffadors, who were continually renewing their fo-
licitations. This deceit was received by the queen
of Scots with equal diflimulation; and profeflions
of confidence were returned by profeflions no lefs
infincere: but Mary had always the unhappinefs to
be inferior to her illuftrious rival in difcretion, as.
well as in power; and a different turn was given to
their projects by the Hidden death of the regent,
•who, on the twenty-third of January, was affafli-
natecl by a gentleman of the name of Hamilton, to
revenge a private injury. This event involved
Scotland in its former anarchy. A body of Scots
entered England, committingravages which equalled
in cruelty thofe of the molt barbarous times. This
expedition feems to have been undertaken merely
to provoke the Englifh to avenge their affronts on
the Scots in general ; but they were miftaken in
their politics. Elizabeth was too cautious to be de-
ceived by fuch a fcheme; flie declared, that fhe did
not think the party that fupportcd the government
concerned in the late infult upon her fubjects. She
even offered her afiiftance to rcftore the government
to its former vigour, and to reclrefs the diforders
that had been committed by Mary's friends. She
added, that fliould her friendly offers be rejected,
fhe was fufllciently prepared to do herfelf juftice,
and take a fevere revenge on thofe who had wan-
tonly infulted her crown and dignity. This decla-
ration, which was delivered by Randolph, the
Englifh ambaflador, to an affembly of the dates,
difconcerted all the meafures of Mary's friends:
they were not prepared with an anfwer, and ob-
tained a farther time for that purpofe. In this in-
terval they afiembling, made themfelves mafters of
Edinburgh. Elizabeth, in order tp check their
progrcfs, fent an army under the command of the
earl of Suflex, who entering Scotlasd, feverely re-
taliated on the aggreffors the miferies they had in-
flicted on the Englifh. Hewasfoon after recalled, the
queen of Scots promifing, that, in return, noFrench
forces fhould be introduced into Scotland, and that
her partizans mould deliver up the Englifli rebels.
Thejealoufy and vigilance of Eliza- . n
beth were now revived by the conduct I571'
of the catholic powers, who exerted themfelves to
procure the enlargement of the queen of Scots*
Pope Pius V. having attempted this in vain, had
recourfe to the thunders of the Vatican. He iffucd
againft Elizabeth a bull of excommunication, in
which he pretended to deprive her of all title to the
crown, and to abfolve her fubjects from their oaths
of allegiance. This attack on the queen's authority
was probably made in concert with Mary, in order
to forward the northern rebellion. The bull was
affixed to the gates of the bifhop of London's pa-
lace, by one Felton, who fcorning either to fly or
deny the fact, was feized, condemned and executed.
The tenets of the diflenters, from the eftablifhcd
church, called Puritans, were now daily gaining
ground, and called for the vigilance of Elizabeth,
equally with the papift. They were declared enemies
to epifcopacy, and certain external rites of worfhip.
The church of England, in their opinion, was in-
fected with, the wickednefs of the Roman antichrift.
An image, the bending of the knee at the name of
jefus, the fign of the crofs in baptifm, even a fur-
plice, a fquare cap, church mufic, and other in-
different matters, ftruck them with horror. This
love of religious liberty, blended with an obftinate
fpirit of fanaticifm, was the radical caufe, from
whence fprung thofe remarkable revolutions, which
afterwards happened in the Englifli government.
A new parliament, after an interval of five years,
was affembled^at Weftminfter, on the fecond of
April ; by which the following laws were enacted,
It was declared treafon to affirm, during the life of
the queen, that me was not the lawful' fovereign ;
that any other pofleffed a better title; that Ihe was
an heretic, fchifmatic, or infidel; or that the laws
cannot determine the fucceffion of the crown:
whoever fliould aflert, in writing or printing, that
any perfon, except the iflue of her body, is, or
ought to be, the queen's heir or fucceffor, was, for
the firft offence, to he imprifoned during a year;
and for the fecond, they were to incur the penalty
of a premunire. In this feflion a member named
Strickland, propofed a reformation of the liturgy,
and
ELIZABETH.
347
and particularly, an abolitition of the fign of the
crofs in baptifm. The motion was fupported, and
feveral arguments were ufed, to fhew the propriety
of. the parliament's interfering in religious matters.
Ic was anfwered, that this was an infringement of
the right of fupremacy; that the queen alone, as
head of the church, had power of regulating the
ceremonies of worfhip, and that it was dangerous
for the commons to meddle with an affair of that
kind. But the puritans were not fo eafily intimi-
dated from their purpofe. " The falvation of the
foul, they exclaimed, was in queftion, a confider-
ation, to which all the kingdoms of the earth are
nothing in comparifon." This fally of zeal, though
highly approved in the houfe, did not weaken the
general refpcct for the prerogative. It was deter-
mined to petition the queen for leave to proceed
farther on this fubject. But Elizabeth was too
much offended at the prefumption of Strickland, to
pafs it over in filence. She fent for him to the
council, and commanded him not to appear any
more in the houfe of commons. This peremptory
order was too violent, even for the fubmiffrve par-
liaments of that age to endure: it excited loud
complaints in the houfe, and privileges before un-
claimed were afferted to belong to the commons.
It was juftly obferved, that Strickland was not a
private man, but a reprefentative of his conftituents ;
and that though the queen ought to fupport her
prerogative, it was limited by the laws ; for as the
fovereign could not of himfelf make laws, fo neither
could he break them merely by his own authority.
We fhall fee thcfe noble feeds of liberty taking
deeper root in fucceeding reigns, and acquiring
daily greater force. Elizabeth , finding her exertion
of power was likely to excite commotions, faved her
honour, by giving Strickland pel-million to attend
his duty in parliament.
We fhall now take a view of fome events, which
had paffed in France and the Netherlands, in order
to fhew the reafons of Elizabeth's conduft with re-
fpect to thofe countries. The league formed at
Bayonne, in the year i 556, for exterminating the
pro'teltants, had reached the ears of Conde, Coligni,
and other leaders of the reformed, who finding that
the meafures of the court agreed with their i'ufpi-
cions, refolved to prevent their enemies from exe-
cuting their cruel purpofe. They informed their
partizans of the impending danger, and they, obey-
ing the fummons of their leaders, flew to arms.
The king and queen mother were at Mon-
ceaux, when they found themfelves fuddenly fur-
rounded by proteftant troops, which had fecretly
.marched thither from all quarters, and they muft
have fallen into their hands, had not a body of
Swifs hafted to their relief, and conducted them to
Paris., Afterwards 'a battle was fought on the
plains of St. Dennis; where, though Montmorency,
general of the catholics was flain, fighting bravely,
the proteftants were totally defeated. Conde, how-
ever, collecting his fcattered forces, and obtaining a
ftrong reinforcement of German proteftantsi again
appeared in the field ; and inverting Chartres, a
place of confiderable importance, obliged the court
again to confent to an accommodation. Every
pacification being employed by the court as a fnare
to catch the reformed, a plan was artfully laid for
feizing the prince and admiral, but he happily
efcaped to Rochelle, and fummoning their party to
their afftftance, the civil war was renewed with
greater fury than ever. The forces of the catholics,
fommanded by the young duke of Anjou, the
'king's brother, defeated the proteftants, in the year
156^9, at the battle of Jarnac, in which the prince of
.Conde was llain. Admiral Coligni, however, ftill
fupported the caufe ; and having placed the prince
.of Navarre, who was then only iixtcen years old,
and the young prince of Conde, at the head
of the proteftants, he animated that party with
the delire of rather bravely perifhing in the field,
than by the hands of the executioner, and railed an
army, which being joined by a body of Germans,
obliged the duke of Anjou to retreat, and divide
his forces. The admiral then invefted Poicliers,
when the duke of Guife, emulating the fame his
father had acquired by the defence of Mentz, threw
himfelf into the town, and infpired fuch courage
into the garrifon, that the admiral was obliged to
raife the fiege. Elizabeth, who had fteadily fixed
her attention on thefe civil commotions in France,
was far from being pleafed with the honour acquired
by Guife, and being folicitous about the fate of
the proteftants, lent fome money to the queen of
Navarre, employed her authority with the German
princes, and permitted Henry Champernon, to
raife, and cany into France, a hundred gentlemen,
volunteers, among whom was Sir Walter Raleigh,
who then began to diftinguifh himfelf by his bravery.
But Coligni, engaging in battle the duke of Anjou,
at Moncontour, was wounded and defeated. The
court of France now vainly imagined, that the
power of the Hugonots was entirely deftroyed, and
therefore neglected making preparations againft an
enemy, that feemed incapable of being any longer
dangerous. They were, however, greatly furprized
to find, that Coligni appeared undifmayed in another
part of the kingdom, where he had affembled an
army, and even threatened Paris. In the mean
time, the treafury could no longer furnifh fums ne-
ceffary for a new armament, and the kingnotwith-
itanding his antipathy to the reformed, was, in the
year 1570, obliged to conclude a treaty with them,
and to allow them liberty of confcience. As the ad-
miral, the two young princes, and the other leaders
of the reformed, feemed to diftruft the king's in-
tentions, every artifice was ufed in order to remove
their apprehenfions: the terms of the peace were re-
ligioufly obferved; offices, favours, and honours^
were beftowed upon the principal nobility of the
reformed religion ; and both the king and council
frequently declared, that they were convinced of
the impoifibility of forcing men's conferences, and
that every one mould enjoy the free exercife of re-
ligion. Charles, the French king, among other
ftratagems, employed to lull the proteftants into a
fatal lecurity, feemed to enter into a clofe con-
nection with Elizabeth; and the better to deceive
her, offered her propofals for marrying the duke of
Anjou, a prince whofe youth, beauty^ and bravery
might naturally be fuppofed to recommend him
to her efteem. On this offer the queen imme-
diately founded the defign of deceiving the court
of France. Negociations were entered into with
refpedt to the marriage; the terms of the contract
were propofed; difficulties ftarted and removed;
and the two courts, though equally infincere,
feemed daily to approach nearer to an agreement.
The principal obftacle appeared to be adjufting the
difference of religion ; for though Elizabeth recom-
mended toleration to Charles, me was refolved not
to allow it in her own dominions, even to her
hufband. The queen, befides difcouraging the
partizans of Mary, by the appearance of an alliance
between France and England, had other motives for
her difiimulation : her fituation, with refpect to
Philip, king of Spain, required the utmoil circum-
fpection; and the arbitrary proceedings of that
prince in the Netherlands, made her defirous of
itrengthening herfelf by every political meafure in
her power.
But if France groaned under the lames of per-
fecution or fuperftitious tyranny, the Low Countries
felt more feverely that dreadful fcourge. Philip
was determined to rule thofc commercial provinces
with the iron hand of defpotic power; and he
employed a man well qualified to execute his
fangxiinaty
348
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
fanguinary purpofes. Ferdinand of Toledo, the
man felefted to accomplifh his tyrannical defign,
had been educated in a camp; and having ob-
tained a confummate knowledge of the military
tut, his habits led him to transfer into all govern-
ments the fevere maxims of military difcipline and
martial law. About three years before, he had
conducted into the Low Countries from Italy, a
powerful body of veteran Spanifli forces. The
Flemings, who were no ftrangers to his ferocious
ehai after, and the inveterate hatred he entertained
againft them, were ftruck with confirmation, 't-
were their terrors ill founded. The military exe-
cutions of that mercilefs nobleman, will hand down
his name with infamy to the lateft pofterity. All
the privileges of that people were abolifhed by
edicl:. The counts of Egmont and Home, not-
withftanding all their paft fervices, were brought
to the fcaffold. Multitudes of all ranks were
thrown into prifon, and thence delivered over to
the executioner. He proceeded unoppofed in his
career of cruelty, and nothing was heard of but
confifcation, imprifonment, exile, tortures, and
death. Numbers of the Flemings, driven to
defpair, took refuge in England, where they
eftablifhed, under the queen's protection, thofe
tifeful manufactories for which they had been long
famous. It was impoffible for the defpotifm of
Alva to be of long continuance, without exciting
fome popular commotion. Elizabeth declared, me
could not behold the deftrudtion of an induftrious
body of people, without affording them afliftance.
She accordingly feized a large fum of money,
which fome Genoefe merchants were upon tranf-
mitting to Alva, for the payment of his forces.
This induced him to have recourfe to the moil
oppreffive meafures, which ftill farther incenfed
the Flemings againft their Spanifh tyrants. Exaf-
perated in the higheft degree, Alva laid' a plan for
raifing difturbances in England. He opened a
fecret correfpondence with .the queen of Scots, by
means of Hodolphi, a Florentine merchant, who
had refided many years in Londoo, and managed
all the intrigues between the catholics and the
court of Rome. It was agreed, that a powerful
army of Spanifh troops fhould be landed in Eng-
land, and at the fame time an infurrection fhould
be excited in the heart of the kingdom. But Alva
being perfuaded that the attempt could not poffibly
fucceed, unlefs fome Englifh nobleman of autho-
rity could be found to head the infurgents ; and no
perfon appeared fo proper for this purpofe as the
duke of Norfolk. Mary, who now defpaired of
ever recovering her crown, or even her liberty,
readily embraced the offer : while Norfolk, unable
to recover the favour of Elizabeth, engaged in this
new confpiracy. The promife of marriage was re-
newed between them; yet ftill he flattered himfelf
there was nothing criminal in his conduct, as his
ible view was that of obtaining the queen's confent
to marry the captive princefs. In confequcnce of
the duke's acquiefcence, three letters were wrote in
his name by llodolphi, one to Alva, another to the
pope, and a third to the king of -Spain; but Nor-
folk, though very defirous of delivering Mary from
confinement, refufed tofign them, lie could only
be prevailed upon to fend Baker, one of his con-
fidants, to the Spanifli ambaffador, to vouch for
their being authentic. The fcheme was embraced
with great cordiality by Alva and the pope, and
every thing fceined to wear a very promiiing ap-
pearance. The vigilance of Cecil, who had now
the title of lord Burleigh, was not fuflicient to
difcover the abettors of. this confpiracy ; but a
fubfequcnt tranfacliou, diligently traced, .led to the
knowledge of every circumftance. Mary wanted
to fend a fum of money to lord Herrics, for the
vifc of her party in Scotland; OH which Norfolk
engaged to have it delivered to Bannifter, one of
his fcrvants in the north, who was to find fome
method of conveying it to lord Herries. This
money he entrufted to a fervant who was not in the
fecret, telling him, that the bag contained a fum
of money in filver, which he was to deliver with a
letter to Bannifter: but the fervant ima^inin^
from the weight and fize of the bag that it was
full of gold, carried the letter to Burleigh, who
immediately ordered Bannifter, Barker, and Hick-
ford, the duke's fecretary, to be arrefted and
ftriclly examined ; and on their being put to the
torture, they confefled the whole truth. Hickford,
though he had been ordered to burn all the papers
relating to the confpiracy, having concealed them
under the mats of the duke's chamber, and the
tiles of his houfe, thcfe were difcovered, and pro-
duced full evidence againft his matter. Norfolk,
who had not received the leaft intimation of the
difcoveries made by his fervants, was brought be-
fore the privy council ; and, though perfuaded to
atone for his guilt by an ingenuous confeffion,
he perfifted in denying every thing laid to his
charge.
The queen declared, that if he . ^
would give her this proof of his
fincere repentance, fhe would pardon all his former
paft offences ; but he ftill continuing obftinate,
me committed him to the Tower, in order to take
his trial. The bifhop of Rofs, who before this
difcovery had been committed to cuftocly, refufed
to anfwer interrogatories ; but being informed of
the confeffion made by the duke of Norfolk's
fervants, he made a full difcoveiy. Thus that
nobleman's guilt was confirmed ; and he being-
tried by a jury of twenty-five peers, was unani-
moufly found guilty. The queen, however, hefi-
tated, with refpeft to 'the execution of Norfolk.
She twice figned a warrant for that purpofe, and a"s
often revoked it ; and though her minifters and
counfellors urged her to ufe rigour, fhe ftill ap-
peared undetermined. At length, after hefitating
four months, a parliament was affembled." The
commons adclrefllng her in ftrong terms for the
execution of Norfolk, Ihe confented, and he was
beheaded on Tower-hill, where he fuffered with
great calmnefs, fincerely regretted by the people,
by whom he was much beloved. His anceflors
had long been confidered as the leaders of the
catholics ; and this hereditary attachment, united
with alliances of blood, had procured him the
friendfhip of the moft confiderable men of that
party; but as he had been educated among the
reformers, and maintained that ftrict regularity of
life by which the proteftants were at that time
diftinguifhed, he thereby enjoyed the real felicity
of being popular, even among the raoft oppofite
parties. The height of his profperity alone was
the caufe of his misfortunes, and engaged him in
connections and attempts, from which his virtue
and prudence ought to have for ever kept him at a
diftance. Mary was either the occafion or caufe of
all thefe difturbances ; but being a fovereign
princefs, who might think herfelf entitled to make
ufe of every expedient to recover her liberty,
Elizabeth did not yet chufe to proceed to extre-
mities againft her. She however fent lord Dela-
war, Sir Thomas Bromley, Sir Ralph Sadler, and
Dr. Wilfon, to expoftulate with her, and to demand
fatisfadtion for the various parts of her paft con-
duct. Mary endeavoured to juftify herfelf from
thofe charges that were allcdged, either by denying
the facts, or laying the blame on others : but
Elizabeth was far from being fatisfied with her
apology ; and the parliament was fo exafperated
againft her, that the commons petitioned for her
being immediately tried and executed. Elizabeth
put a ft^op to their proceedings in relation to the
3 queen
ELIZABETH.
549
queen of Scots, yet fhe was alarmed at her reftlefs
fpirit, and dole connection with Sp-iin; on which
account fhe thought it neceflury to confine her
more ftrictly, and to change her conduct with
rcfpect to Scotland, which ttill remained in a ftate
of confufion. Kirkaldy of Grange, who com-
manded in the cattle of Edinburgh, having de-
clared for Mary, the lords of her party, encouraged
by his countenance, made themfelves matters of
tlie capital, and carried on a vigorous war againft
the regent, who was obliged to retire to Stirling.
The infurgents followed, and made themfelves
matters of his perfon. Perceiving his friends were
advancing with a confiderable body of troops,
they immediately put him to death. The earl of
Mar was chofen regent in his room; but that
nobleman found it impoffible to govern fo divided
a country. At laft, the courts of France and
England ordered their minifters to negociate a
cefiation of arms, which they effected. But this
tranquillity was of no long duration; Mar foon
after died of grief, and the earl of Morton was
elected to the regency. This nobleman had always
been directed in 'his meafures by Elizabeth ; and it
was now determined to fupport effectually her party,
at the head of which he was placed. Sir Henry
Killigrevv was accordingly fent ambaflador into
Scotland, where he found the partizans of Mary
fo difcouraged by the difcovery of Norfolk's con-
fpiracy, that they were glad to fubmit to the royal
authority, and accept an indemnity for all paft
offences. The garrifon of Edinburgh caftle alone
continued refractory. Elizabeth ordered Sir Wil-
liam Drury, governor of Berwick, to march to
Edinburgh, and lay fiege to the caftle. The gar-
rifon foon furrendered at difcretion ; and Kir-
kaldy being delivered into the hands of his country-
men, was tried, condemned, and executed. Scot-
land nowfubmitted to the regency; and for a long
time gave no farther inquietude to the queen of
England.
But France at this time became the theatre of
cruelty hardly to be equalled. The queen of Na-
varre, and all the reformed, began to place an un-
referved confidence in the treacherous profeffions of
the French court. Elizabeth herfdf, notwithftand-
ing her great penetration, did not entertain the
leaft diftruft of Charles's fincerity; efpecially as
Walfingham, her ambaflador, fent her the moft
fatisfactory accounts, by every courier, of that
perfidious king's honour and fincerity. Charles,
the more effectually to deceive the proteftants,
offered his fitter in marriage to Henry, prince of
Navarre, and great preparations were made for ce-
lebrating the nuptials with uncommon fplendor.
Deluded by thefe vile arts, Coligni, with all the
principal leaders of the Hugonots, flocked to Paris
to aflift at a ceremony, which, it was hoped,
would finally put a period to thbfe civil wars that
had ToTong wafted their country. The queen of
Navarre died fuddenly foon after her arrival, not
without the moft violent fufpicion of poifon; and
the admiral was dangeroufly wounded by a bafe
aflaffin, as he was returning to his lodgings; yet
Charles was ftill able, by redoubling ^his difllmu-
lation, to retain the proteftants in their fatal fecu-
rity. The eve of St. Bartholomew was appointed
for putting in execution the infernal plan. The
duke of Guife, chief projector, communicated the
king's intention to the intendant of Paris, who
Ordered the captains of the different ware's to arm
the citizens privately, and when the fignal was
given, to place lights in their windows, then to
break into the houfes of the Hugonots, and put
them all to the fword without deftinction. The
cruel orders were punctually obeyed. About mid-
night, when the whole city was wrapt in darknefs,
and the unfufpecting victims folded in the arms of
No. 33.
fleep, the fatal alarm was given, and the catholics
began the horrid butchery. The hatred they had
long, bore to the proteftant heretics, fteeled their
breafts againft the feelings of humanity; fo that
all conditions, ages, and fexes, iiifpected of only
propenfity to the reformed religion, were involved
in one undiftinguifhcd ruin. The ftreets of Paris
flowed with blood ; and the catholics, after the
detefted carnage ceafed, exercifcd on the dead
bodies of the proteftants all the rage of licentious
brutality. They feemed to i egret, that death, by
putting an end to their work, left their thirlt for
blood unfatiated. Above five hundred gentlemen
of rank and fortune perithed in this maffacre; and
near ten thoufand of inferior condition. Among
the former were admiral Coligni, his fon-in-law
Teligni, Kochefoucaut, Sobize, Lavardin, Piles,
and Pardillon, who, during the late wars, had
diftinguifhed themfelves by the moft heroic actions.
Orders were inftantly difpatched to all the peo-
vinces for a like fanguinary facrifice. The people
in the country emulated the favage fury that had
raged in the capital; and the proteftants in MeauX,
Orleans, Trope, Bourges, Angers, Tholoufe,
Rouen, Lyons, and many other cities, were
butchered in the fame inhuman manner. Even
the young king of Navarre, and his coufin the
prince of Conde, were devoted to deftruction by
the duke of Guife; but Charles, pleafecl with the
king of Navarre's amiable mariners, and hoping
that thefe young princes would be eafily converted
to the catholic faith, fpared their lives, though he
obliged them to purchafe their fafety by feeming to
change their religion. To give a colour to this
barbarous perfidy, Charles pretended, that a con-
fpiracy of the Hugonots againft his perfon was
fuddenly difcovered, which obliged him, in his
own defence, to proceed to this extremity againft
them. Fenelon, the French ambaflador at London^
abhorred the treachery of his court, and did not
hefitate to exprefs his grief. He blufhed, he faidj
to bear the name of a Frenchman. Being, how-
ever, ordered to juftify the infamous conduct of
his mafter, he demanded an audience of Elizabeth.
The folemnity of his reception was moft awful and
affecting. The whole court appeared plunged in
the abyfs of forrow. On every face fat drooping
melancholy. Indignation glowed in turn in every
countenance, and declared, in the ftrdngeft lan-
guage, the fentiments of the Englifh nation. An
awful lilence reigned through all the chambers of
the royal apartment. The nobility, clad in deep
mourning, were ranged on each fide, who allowed
him to pafs, without giving him one falute or
favourable look. When he came into the prefence,
the queen heard his apology with great coolnefs,
and calmly replied, that fuppofing there had been
a confpiracy, it would not remove the blame of
the king's councellors, or juftify the ftrange irre-
gularity of their proceedings ; that the fame force
which, without refiftance, had maffacreed fo many
defencelefs men, might eafily have fecured their
perfons, and have referved them for a trial, which
would have diftinguifhed the innocent from the
guilty; that it was more worthy of a fovereign to
referve the fword of juftice in his own hands, than
commit it to bloody murderers, who being the
declared and mortal enemies of the perfons ac-
cufed, employed it without mercy, and without
diftinction; that for her part, fhe fhould judge of
his intentions by his future conduct; and, in the
mean time, mould act as the ambaflador defired,
and rather pity than blame his mafter, for the cruel
extremities to which he had been carried. Eliza-
beth was now fully fcnfible of her own dangerous
fituation. She f.uv, in the mailkcre of Paris, the
refult of that general confpiracy formed tor the
deftruction of the prote&ants; and knew that fhe
U bcrfclf
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
herfclf, as the head and protectrefs of their reli-
gion, was expofed to the utmoft refentment and
fury of the papifts. The violence and cruelty of
the Spaniards in the Netherlands, appeared to be
another branch of the fame confpiracy; and as
Charles and Philip, who were nearly allied in
bigotry, perfidy, and barbarity, now laid afule
their pretended quarrels, profeffipg the moft cor-
dial friendfhip for each other, ihe had reafon to
clread the effects of their united councils. She
therefore prepared for the attack with which fhe
ieeined to be threatened from the combination of
her enemies. She fortified Portfmouth ; fitted out
her fleet ; exercifed her militia ; drove to increafe
her popularity with her fubjects ; and renewed her
alliance with the German princes, who were equally
alarmed at fuch treacherous and bloody proceed-
ings. By thefe prudent meafures me gained the
love and efteem of her fubjects, who were willing
to facrifice their lives and fortunes in her defence.
But the great power of Philip rendered her ex-
ceeding cautious in all her actions. That monarch
fent an ambafTador to London, with remonftrances
againft the conduct of Elizabeth. He complained,
that many of the Flemifti exiles who infeited the
feas, and committed acts of piracy, were protected
in England, contrary to the treaties fubfiuing be-
tween the t.wo courts. Unwilling to engage in an
open rupture with Spain, Elizabeth publifhed a
proclamation, commanding all the Flemings, fuf-
pefted of rebellion, to depart the kingdom. But
this was far from anfwering the views of the Spa-
niards. Driven to defpair, thofe wretched exiles
undertook the moft dangerous expeditions. Wil-
liam Vandermark, a perfon of diftinction in the
Netherlands, having collected a confiderable num-
ber of his countrymen, left England in trhe begin-
ing of April, and made himfelf mafler of the
Brill and Pluming. This fuccefs raifed the fpirits
of the Flemings; they flocked to his ftandard;
and before the end of the year, he was joined by
the greater part of the provinces 'of Holland and
Zealand. William of Naffau, prince of Orange,
put himself at the head of the confederates, who
formed, in procefs of time, the moft powerful
republic in Europe.
. _. Though Elizabeth took care to
"y preferve peace with Charles, her
greateft fecurity was founded on the refinance of
his proteftant fubjects. Thofe who lived near the
frontiers, on receiving the firll news of the maffacre
bf Paris, fled into England, Germany, and Swifler-
lancl ; where, qxciting the companion of the pro-
teftants, they prepared to return into France with
encreafed forces and redoubled zeal, to revenge the
treacherous {laughter of their brethren. Thofe
who refided in the middle of the kingdom, fled
to the neareft garrifons in the poffeffion of pro-
teftants ; and having found that no faith could be
depended on in capitulations, refolved to defend
themfelves to the laft extremity. Thus the people
whom Charles expected to exterminate at one blow,
had foon an army of eighteen thoufand men, and
•were in pofleflion of above a hundred places of
ftrcngth in different parts of the kingdom; when,
at the fame time, that prince was threatened with
being invaded by all the other proteftant powers in
Europe. To fuch a pitch of refenftrtient were the
nobility and gentry of England raifed, that they
offered to levy an army of twenty thoufand foot,
and four thoufand horfc, to tranfport them into
France, and to maintain them fix months at their
own cxpence; but Elizabeth, from political rca-
fons, refufed her confent. The German princes,
however, forwarded the levies raifed by the pro-
tcftants; and the young prince of Condc efcaping
l'iom court, and placing himfclf at the head of
thefe troops, prepared to invade France. The
catholics had for fome time clofely"befieged Ro-
chclie ; the Hugonots made a molt dcfperate refift-
ancc; and the duke of Anjou, who commanded
the catholic army^ loft twenty-four thoufand men,
without having made any confiderable progrefs in
the fiege. Anjou now perceived he had under-
taken a tjfk he was unable to perform; and advice
arriving of his having been elected king of Poland,
he readily concluded a treaty with the inhabitants
of Kochelle, in which their allies of Nifmes and
Mon'taubon were comprehended.
Charles, exafperated at tin's mifcar- . ~
riage, had formed a plan of new fe-
vereties; but before he could carry it into exe-
cution, he was fummonecl to give an account of
his inhuman actions, and died on the thirtieth of
May, in the twenty- fifth year of his age, after
having rendered his name odious, and thrown an
eternal infamy upon his' country. He was i'uc-
ceeded in the throne by his brother Henry, duke
of Anjou, who had lately been elected king of
Poland.
At this period, the affairs of Ireland gave
Elizabeth great uneafinefs. She faw no end of
fupporting an army among a ferocious and bigotted
people. The earl of Eflcx, an active young noble-
man, offered a propofal to the queen, for putting
an end to the troubles in that ifland. Elizabeth
accepted the offer ; and it was agreed, that the earl
mould tranfport to Ireland two l^undred horfe, and
four hundred foot, and maintain them there at his
own expence ; that thefe forces fliould act againft
the rebels for two years, the queen furnifhing the
fame number during that perio'd ; and that the earl
fhould receive the commHiion of captain-general
for feven yeais. In confideration of this icrvice,
the queen agreed to invcft him with half the lord-
fhips of Clandeboy, Ferney, and other lands of a
great extent, which he agreed to people with as
many foldiers as the queen mould think proper to
maintain on the other half of thefe lordihips^
The expence of maintaining the fortifications was
to be equally divided between the queen and the
earl. Eflex was fo well pleafed with this poft of
honour, which placed him on the footing of a
prince, that he borrowed ten thoufand pounds of
Elizabeth, upon a mortgage of his lands in Effex,
and landed in Ireland about the latter end of
Auguft, accompanied by the lords Dacres and Rich,
and many other perfons of diftinction, who ferved
under him as volunteers. He met with every
difficulty that could be expected from an enterprize
of this kind ; and the earl foon found, that the
reduction of the rebels, while aflifted fecretly by
the Englifh, was a talk beyond his power. After
having exerted his abilities in vain, he was obliged
to return to England, and had fpent the' greater
part of his fortune in this fruitlefs expedition.
When Elizabeth heard of the return . ^.
of. Henry III. from France, fhe fent A-L
an ambaffador to compliment him on his acceflion
to the throne, and to create him a knight of the
garter. The people ftill continued divided into
two religious parties ; and as all faith had been
violated, and every degree of moderation banifhed,
it feemed impoffible to unite them. Henry had
laid a fcheme for reftoring his own authority by
acting as umpire between them, and reducing
both to a dependance on himfelf. He poffefied
all the diflimulution of his prcdeceflbr; but being
deficient in underftanding and vigour, inilead of
acquiring a fuperiority over both parties, he loft
their confidence, and taught each of them to ad-
here ftill more clofely to their particular leaders.
"When he renewed hostilities againft the Hugonots,
lie found them more formidable than ever ; and was
at length obliged to grant them a truce for lix
months, under the mediation of Elizabeth. This
was
E L I Z- A B E T H.
551
was the fifth pacification concluded with the re-
formed ; yet it was'no more finccre on the part o
the court, than any of the former; yet it cnigufted
the catholics, particularly the duke of Gmfe, who
from thence took occafion to reduce his party into
a more regular body, by laying the foundation of
the famous League, which, without regard to the
royal authority, was levelled at the entire fupprefhon
of the proteftants, or thofc who were itigmatized
with the name of Hugonots.
The confederacy of Holland and
A.D. 1576. Zealand was ftill fupported by the
prince of Orange, againft all the attempts of Lewis
Zuntea, who fucceeded the duke of Alva m the
government of the Netherlands. But finding i
would be impoffible to continue the qppofition
much longer without fome foreign afhftance, he
fent a deputation to Elizabeth imploring her pro-
tection, and offering to acknowledge her for -their
fovereign, if fhe would engage in their defence.
Though many powerful reaibns 'might have in-
duced Elizabeth to accept of this oiler, yet fore-
feeing that an open rupture with Spain would be
the confequence of her accepting the dominion of
thefe provinces, and that after taking the Hol-
landers uncle'r her protection, flic could never, m
honour, abandon them, politivcly refufed the prof-
fered fovereignty; but told their ambaffadors, that
in return for the good-will fhewn her by the prince
of Orange and the States, flie would ufe all her
influence with Philip in their favour. Accord-
ingly, an ambaffador was difpatched to the court
of Spain ; but Philip found means to evade a
categorical anfwer, and the war continued to rage
with as much violence as ever. An accident,
however, delivered the Hollanders, when driven to
the brink of deftruction. Zuniga dying fuddenly,
the' Spanifh troops became difcontented for want
of pay, and licentious for want of a proper com-
mander, which occafioned their breaking out into
a moft dreadful mutiny. They facked and plun-
dered the city of Antwerp and Maeftricht, and
maffacreed near feventeen thoufand perfons of all
ages and fexes ; nor was there any poffibility of
preventing their dreadful outrages, They menaced
all the cities of the Low Countries with the fame
fate. Alarmed at the deftruftion that awaited
them, all the provinces, that of Luxembourg!! cx-
cepted, engaged in an allocution for their mutual
defence; and difpatched a deputation to the prince
of Orange, imploring his protection, and requcft-
ing that he would put himfelf at their head.
Conferences were immediately opened at Ghent;
and an union was formed between the provinces,
called the pacification of Ghent. By this treaty,
which was figned on the eighth of November, the
contracting parties declared, that they had entered
into this union for the defence of the laws and
liberties of their country, againft the encroach-
ments, op^reilions and cruelties, long exercifed
on them by the Spaniards. At the fame time,
they declared their willingnefs to acknowledge the
king of Spain's authority, provided he would
govern them by their antient laws.
The rebellion in Ireland ilill continuing, the
earl of Effex. was fent back to that kingdom, with
the title of earl-marfhal, in the room of Sir Nicholas
Bagftal. But he foon perceived, that notwithftand-
ing his new dignity, he was little more than a
private officer. He however exerted his authority
to reduce that turbulent people to order, but with-
out effect ; and a few months after his arrival he
died, not without fufpicion of having been
poifoned. This fell upon the earl of Leicester,
who immediately divorced his own wife, and mar-
ried the widow of the eail of Effex.
,. Don John of 'Auftiia, Philiprs na-
T577- tural brother, was appointed governor
of the Netherlands. Animated 'with the fuccefs
which had attended him in his youth, he had formed
a plan for marrying the queen of Scots, and ac-
quiring in her right, the dominion both of England
and Scotland. Elizabeth, who knew his intentions,
ami had obfervccl from the union of the provinces,
that they would make a vigorous defence againtt
Spain, had now no longer any fcruple to en-
gage in the protection of their liberties, which ap-
peared to be clofely connected' with her own fafety.
After fending Ujem about twenty thoufand pounds
to pay their troops, flie concluded a treaty ^with
them, in which fhe agreed to fupply them with a
thoufand horfe, and five thoufand foot, to be paid
by the Flemings ; and to lend them one hundred
thoufand pounds upon the bonds of fome of the
moft confiderablc towns of the Netherlands, to be
repaid within the year. It was alfo ftipulated, that
the commander in chief of the Englifli forces,
fhould be admitted into the council of the States ;
that they fhould enter into no. league without her
confent ; that fhe fhould be arbitratrix in any
difference that might arife among them ; and that if
any prince fhould attempt hoftilities againft her, they
fhould fend an army to her aid, equal to that fhe
employed in their defence. One of Elizabeth's in-
ducements for entering into this treaty with the
States, was to prevent their throwing themfelves
into the arms of France ; and her ambaffador was
ordered to reprefent this to the king of Spain as her •
fole motive. Philip, however, ftill continued to
fupply Don John with money and troops, who, hot-
withftancling being once repulfed at Rimenant by
the Englim,' and oppofed both by the army of the
States, and by prince Cafimer, who had conducted
to the Netherlands a large body of Germans, ob-
tained a confiderable advantage over the Flemings
at Gcmblours; but in the midft of his profperity,
he was cut off by poifon, adminiftered to him fe1-
cretly, as was fufpefted, by orders from Philip, who
dreaded the effects of his ambition. He was fud- .
ceedcd in command by the prince of Parma, diftin-
guifhed both by his valour and clemency, who .now
carried on the war againft the Flemings.
England, while almoft all the reft of Europe
was agitated with internal commotions, enjoyed a
fettled tranquillity ; chiefly owing to the pruclelice
and vigour of the queen's adminiftration. Religion,
was the capital point upon which the political
tranfactions of that age depended ; and the queen's
conduct in that particular had been hitherto much
lefs.fevere than that of her predeceffors. She ap-
peared, indeed, very anxious to keep a ftrift hand
over the puritans; for when any of the eltablifhed
clergy discovered a tendency to their principles, by
omitting the habits or ceremonies appointed by
law, fhe flicwed a determined refolution to yunifh
them by fines and deprivation; though her orders
were frequently eluded by the protection they '
received from fome of the moft confiderable of her
miniftcrs. Yet fhe rigidly maintained her title of
governefs of the church, and would never permit
either the parliament or convocation to attempt,
without her leave, the leaft alteration in the efta-
blifhed religion.
This priii cefs was remarkably diftin- ^ -^
guifhed by her frugality, which greatly
contributed to endear her to the nation. Indeed it
was fometimes carried to an extreme, yet it did not
lead her to amafs treafures, but was only ufed to
prevent her laying burdens on her ^-ople. Her
ftrict ceconomy enabled her to pay all the debts Ihe
found due from the crown, with their full interetr.
By this means me eftablifhcd her credit on fuch a
foundation', that no prince in Europe could fo
readily command any fum, which the public •. xi-
genccs might require. Hence few materials are
offered to hiftory, during her 'peaceable and
uniform
352
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY of ENGLAND.
uniform government, except the fmall part (he
took in foreign tranfaclions, and thofc of Scotland.
This kingdom had hitherto been retained in ftrict
alliance with Elizabeth, by the influence of Morton
the regent, who had alfo reftored its domeftic tran-
quillity. #ut it could not be expected, among a
people agitated with religious difputes, that his au-
thority would be long fupported. Factions were
formed among the nobility, who were difgoiled
with Morton's avarice ; while the clergy, whofe
narrow revenues were ftill farther invaded, joined
the difcontented party, andincreafed theconfufion,
Oppreffed with the ponderous weight of govern-
ment, the regent dropt fome peevifh expreffions,
implying a deiire ot being relieved from the care of
conducting the adminiftration. This conception,
whether real or pretended, was readily laid hold of
by the oppofite party, and he was difmiffed from
the regency*
A T) „ Morton refigned his authority into
" x-5 the hands of the young king, then only
eleven years of age. The regent feemed at firft
determined never more to engage in the bufy fcenes
of active life, but feek in domeftic concerns that
peace which was not to be found amidfl the con-
tentio ns of turbulent parties. But either his am-
bition would not fuffer him to continue in the
fliades of obfcurity, or he could not find in retire-
ment that tranquillity he expected, for he returned
to court, acquired an afcendancy in the council,
and directed, as before, public affairs, but without
renaming the title of regent. The difcontented
faction faw their danger, and flew to arms, under
pretence of refcuing their prince from captivity.
Elizabeth interpofed by her ambaffador, and pro-
(luceda feeming reconciliation between the factions ;
but though Morton kept his ftation at the helm of
government, his vigilant enemies were numerous,
and his fituation daily more precarious. Meanwhile
the count D'Aubigney, of the houfe of Lenox, who
had been born and educated in France, appearing
to the duke of Guife as a proper perfon for detach-
ing James from the Englifli intereft, and connecting
him with his mother, fent him to Stirling, the refi-
dence of young James, and he foon ingratiated
himfelf into the young monarch's affections,
fclizabeth, being much alarmed, fent her ambaffador
to accufe D'Aubigney, who Was now created earl of
Lenox, of being attached to the French, and to
warn James againft entertaining fuch dangerous
connections. Lenox, now finding that the queen
had openly declared againft him, refolved to ruin
Morton, who was at the head of the Englifh in-
tereft. That nobleman was therefore arrefted in
council, accufed of being an accomplice in the mur-
der of the late king, and being brought to his trial,
was condemned for treafon. The queen fent Sir
Thomas Randolph to intercede in Morton's behalf;
and by his perfuafions, the earls of Montrofe,
Argyle, Glencarne, Mar, and Angus, were en-
gaged to enter into a confederacy for preferving the
life of the prifoner by force of arms. At the fame
time an Englifh army moved towards the frontiers
of Scotland. The French party faw the danger of
delaying the execution of the fentence, and Morton
was beheaded at Edinburgh ; who died with that
conftancy and refblution, by which he had been
diftinguifhed throughout his whole life. This re-
volution in Scotland, rendered Elizabeth extremely
uneafy. She knew that her inveterate enemy, the
duke of Guife, would take every opportunity of
fupporting the prevailing party ; and that the popifh
faction in England would readily join in an attempt
to difturb the government. She was alfo fearful
left Philip, who feemed defirous of fuppOrting the
caufe of Mary, might embrace the opportunity of
affifting the king's party in Scotland, in revenge for
the reinforcements flie had fent into thelow Coun-
tries* 2
Dining thef'c transitions, Sir Francis Drake re-
turned fi orii his voyage round the world. This in-
trepid fearnan was a native of Devonfliire; and in-
troduced to court by the vice-chamberlain Hatton.
Drake having propofed to pafs into the South Seas
through the Streights of Magellan, a voyage till
that time unattempted by the tlnglifh; his fleet
confifted only of the five following fhips, if they
may be fo called: the Pelican, of an hundred tons,
commanded by himfelf; the Elizabeth, of eighty
tons, under captain John Winter; the Marygold, a
bark of thirty tons, under the command of captain
John Thomas; the Swan, a fly-boat of thirty tons,
under captain John Chefter; and the Chriftopher,
a pinnace of fifteen tons, under the command of
captain Thomas Moon. On board this fmall fleet '
were embarked one hundred and fixty-four men,
and the gallant admiral failed on an expedition,
which with fuch fmall (hips, would,, even in our
times, be confidered as a very rafti undertaking.
He entered the Pacific Ocean with only his own
fhip, nnd took a prodigious booty from the Spaniards,
who expected no enemy in that diftant part of the
world. lie alfo facked and plundered the town of
Arica, and in one fhip took four hundred pounds
weight of Baldivian gold. But having learned that
the viceroy of Peru had fitted out two large Ihips, in
order to intercept him in his return, he determined,
being not in a condition to fight them, to attempt
a new paffage. He firft endeavoured to find one
by the north of California ; but failing in that enter-
prize, he failed for the Eaft Indies, and returned
fafely by the cape of Good Hope. The council,
apprehending that Drake's enterprize would occa-
fion a rupture with Spain, moved, that the queen
fhould punifh him, and reftore the treafure. But
Elizabeth rejected the pi opofal ; and in order to
teftify her approbation, fhe accepted a banquet
from Drake, on board his fliip, and conferred on
that brave commander the honour of knighthood.
The Spanifli ambaffador failed not to make com-
plaints againft, what he termed, the piracies of
Drake; but he was told by Elizabeth, that no treaty
with his catholic majefty excluded her fubjects from
trading to the South Seas ; and that the infigni-
ficant ceremony practiced by the Spaniards in taking
pofleflion of fuch immenfe tracts of land in Ame-
rica, fliould never preclude her from fending colo-
nies thither, nor would fhe everfubmit to fuffer the
ocean to be claimed as the property of any perfon^
or even prince whatever. The queen, however,
ordered part of the treafure to be reftored to Pedro
Sebrura, a Spaniard, who pretended to be an agent
from the merchants whofe effects Drake had feizedj
but underftanding afterwards that Philip had fe-
queftered the money, flie refufed to make any far-
ther reftitution.
A parliament being affembled, they & r\ _o
granted a fupply of one fubfidy and
two fifteenths, and enacted feveral laws for the fe-
curity of the government, levelled chiefly againft
the catholics, who had occafioned many dithirbances.
Whoever reconciled any one to the church c£
Rome, was declared guilty of treafon : faying mafs
fubjected the prielt to a year's imprifonment, and a
fine of one hundred marks : every one who con-
tinued, during a month, abfent from the churchy
was to pay a fine of twenty pounds : the uttering of
flanclerous or fcditious words, was, for the firft
offence, puriimecl with the pillory and lofs of ears ;
the feconcl offence was declared felony : the writing
or printing fuch words wls made felony, even on the
firft offeree. Thefe ievcre laws were owing to
feminaries founded at Douay, Rheims and Home,
under the direction of the jcfuits ; to which places
the catholics fent their children to be educated*
where they were taught an extreme hatred to the
queeo ; and propoied to effect their purpofes
againft
ELIZABETH.
353
againft her by fcdition, rebellion, and fometimes
aflaffination.
A treaty of marriage between Alen9on, duke of
Anjou, and Elizabeth, had been for fome time ne-
gociating, and the queen, though he was near
twenty years younger than herfelf, became pleafed
with the proofs of love and tendernefs, evident in
his addreffes. In order to forward his fuit, the
duke fent over Simier, an artful man, of an agree-
able difpofhion and convention, who, inflead of
entering into ferious political i eafonings, amufed her
with fubjects of gallantry, and the tender attachment
of his matter. Elizabeth liftened to his difcourfe,
and Simier forfn infinuated himfelf fo firmly into
the queen's favour, that he obtained a more ready
accefs to her perfon, than even the moft favoured
miniiters of ftate. The earl of Leieefter, who had
laughed at every preceding treaty of marriage, now
feared, that the queen was at laft caught in her own
ihare, and that the artful encouragement me had
given to her young fuitor, had, unawares, engaged
her affections.' He therefore took advantage of the
credulity of the times ; and to render Simier odious,
fpread a report, that he had gained an afcendant
over the queen by incantations and love potions.
Jn revenge, Simier ftrove to clifcredit Leieefter, by
revealing to the queen a fecret, which none of her
courtiers dared to difcover ; that he had fecretly,
without her confent, married the widow of the earl
of Effex. The queen imagining that this muft pro-
ceed from want of refpect to her, threatened to fend
Leieefter to the Tower, and to prevent the effects
of his refentment, took the Frenchman under her
protection. Encouraged by the accounts he re-
ceived from his agent, the duke of Anjou deter-
mined to folicit his fuit in perfon. He accordingly
landed at Dover, and fecretly vifited the queen at
Greenwich. The duke had no reafon to be dif-
pleafcd with his vifit; for foon after his departure,
ihe commanded Burleigh, lord treafurer, Suflex,
Leieefter, Bedford, Lincoln, Hatton, and Walling-
ham, her fecretary, to concert with the French am-
baffadors the terms of the intended contract: of mar-
riage. On this occafion, Henry had fent over
a fplendid embaify -, and as the queen had the power
of prefcribing what terms me pleafed, the articles
were foon fettled. It was agreed, that the marriage
jfliould be celebrated within fix weeks after the rati-
fication of the articles; that the duke and his re-
tinue mould enjoy the free exercife of their religion ;
that after the marriage was folemnized, the duke of
Anjou mould have the title of king, but that the
management of national affairs mould continue
folely with Elizabeth ; that their children, male or
female, mould fucceed to the crown of England ;
Chat if there mould be two males, the eldeft, in cafe
of Henry's death, mould be king of France, and the
younger of England ; that if there fhould be one
male only, who might fucceed to the crowns of
England and France, he mould be obliged to refide
eight months every two years in the former king-
dom ; that the laws and cuftoms of England fhould
be obferved inviolate; and that no foreigner fhould
be promoted by the duke to any offices of ftate.
Thefe articles would have opened a gloomy profpect
to the Englifh, had not the age of the queen, who
was now in her forty-ninth year, contributed to
allay their apprehenfions. She had proceeded far-
ther in this affair than fhe at firft intended, and was
not yet determined to bring matters to a final con-
clufion. She now fent Walfingham as ambaffador
to France, with orders to negociate, on the con-
ditions of a mutual alliance between England and
France. He purfued his inftructions with the ut-
jnoft afiiduity ; but had the mortification to perceive
that the refolutions of the queen were fluctuating
and unfett'ed. Sometimes he received orders to
purfue the negotiation, for completing the marriage
No. 33.
preferable to that of the league; and at others (he
declared for the league in preference to the mar-
riage. The minifter was aftonimed at this incon-
fiftent conduct of the queen, and the whole privy
council were doubtful what would be the refult of
this conteft between inclination and reafon, love
and ambition. The French king had allowed the
duke of Anjou to embrace the protection of the
States of the Netherlands; and had fecretly fupplied
him with men and money for that purpofe: the
duke alfo expected fome money from Elizabeth, to
enable him to open the campaign in Flanders. The
queen, though her frugality made her long reluc-
tant, after much hefitation, fent him a prefent of a
hundred thoufand crowns, which enabled him to take
the field againft the prince of Parma, and to raife the
fiege of Cambray: after which, the States chufing
him governor of the Netherlands, he put his army
into winter quarters, and came to England, in order
to profecute his fuit to the queen. His reception
gave him hopes, that fhe had now furmounted all
her fcruples, and was at laft determined to maks
choice of him for her hufband. During the pomp
attending the anniverfary of her coronation, fhe had
a long and intimate difcourfe with him, and was
afterwards feen to take a ring from her finger and
put it upon his. All the fpectators immediately
concluded, that fhe had given him a promife of
marriage, and was willing to make it public. The
ambaffador from the States inftantly difpatched a
letter to them, to let them know this great event;
and the inhabitants of Antwerp, who, with the
other Flemings, confidered the queen as a tutelar
deity, expreffed their fatisfaction by public rejoic-
ings. About this time, Stubbs, a gentleman of
Lincoln's Inn, publifhed a book, which he entitled,
" The Gulph wherein England will be fwallowed
by the French Marriage ;" for which, being appre-
hended and profecuted by the queen's order, he was
fentenced, for his libel, to lofe his right hand.
This cruel fentence was executed on a fcaffold at
Weftminfter; when fuch was his conftancy and
loyalty, that he had no fooner been deprived of one
hand, than he took his hat off with the other,
and, waving it over his head, cried, God fave the
queen.
Notwithstanding Elizabeth thus . ^ R
openly difcovered her attachment to
the duke of Anjou, her ambition and prudence
filled her mind with anxious doubts. Moft of her
courtiers difcovered an extreme averfion to the
marriage ; and the ladies of her bed chamber did
not fcruple to oppofe her inclination with warm re-
monftrances. Amongft others againft the match
was Sir Philip Sidney, one of the moft accomplifhed
young gentlemen of the age, who wrote her a letter,
in which he diffuaded her from her prefent purpofe,
with great force of reafoning. He obferved, that
the fecurity of her government entirely depended
on the affections of her proteftant fubjects, whom
fhe could not more effectually difguft, than by
marrying a prince who was brother to the cruel and
perfidious Charles; that her mortal enemies, the
catholics, believing that fhe had ufurped the crown,
and was legally depofed by the pope's bull of ex-
communication, wanted only a head to conduct
their cnterprizes; and fhe herfelf was rafhly fup-
plying them with one, by giving to a prince, who,
by his education, was zealoufly attached to that
communion, an intereft in the kingdom: that
France would fupply him with partizans, dangerous
to a people long unaccuftomed to war : that as the
duke was of a reftlefs turbulent fpirit, and had often
violated his loyalty to his elder brother, the French
king, there could be no room to hope, that he would
paflively fubmit to a woman, whom he might, in
quality of a hufband, think he had a right to com-
mand: that the plain and honourable path of cul-
4 X tivating
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND
»ivating the affeftions of her people, had, hitherto,
rendered her reign fecure and happy ; and that her
own prudence, without any foreign aid, -would
enable her to baffle all the efforts of her moft ma-
lignant enemies. Thefe, and other reflections,
equally conclnfive, filled the queen with great un-
caJinefs, and fhe paffed feveral nights without fleep.
At length her prudence and ambition prevailingover
her temporary inclination, fhe fent for the duke of
Anjou, and had a long conference with him in pri-
vate. On leaving her, he expreffed the moft
violent difguir, threw away the ring fhe had given
him, and curfed the mutability of women. He foon
after went over to his government in the Nether-
lands; when lofing the confidence of the States, by
attacking their liberties, he was expelled that coun-
try; and retiring into France, there died.
The detracted ilate of the French monarchy pre-
vented the queen from feeling the effects of that re-
fentrnent fhe had reafon to dread; and her atten-
tion was now directed to the troubles of Scotland,
which ftill raged with irrefiflible fury. The death
of Morton, the influence of the earl of Lenox,
and that of James Stuart, now earl of Arran,
alarmed the reforming preachers. A faftwas appointed
to be held all over the kingdom, when the pulpits
refoundcd with declamations againft the king's
counfellors and favourites. A confpiracy was
formed for feizing the perfon of James, who was
then at Ruthvcn, a feat belonging to the earl of
Gowry. The utmoft fecrecy was obfervcd ; and
the council not having the lead intimation of their,
defigns, the attempt lucceeded without any oppo-
Ction. The earls of Gowry and Mar, the lords
Lindefey and Boyd, the mafters Glamis and Oli-
phant, 'the abbots of Dumbfermline, Plaifey and
Cambufhenneth, were the principal leaders in this
enterprize. James wept when he found himfelf
deprived of his liberty. " .No matter for his tears,
(faid pne of the confpii ators) better that boys fhould
weep than bearded men;" an expreffion which
James never forgave. He was, however, obliged
to fubmit, and acquiescing in his prefent fate, not
only acknowledged, that the affociator-s had done
him an acceptable fervice, but agreed to fummons
a convention of the ftates, to ratify their proceed-
ings. • Though the eccle'fiaftical ftate had no right
to meddle with civil' matters, yet on this occafion
they declared, that the late event was agreeable to
all who feared God, and defired to preferve the
pfofperity of the realm. They even threatened
thofe who fhould dare to oppofe the authority of
the confederated lords with the moft fevere church
Cenfures. The earl of Lenox, unwilling to excite a
civil war, retired into France, where he foon after
died. The earl of Arran was confined a prifoner
to his own houfe; and Elizabeth fent ambaffadors
to compliment the captive king upon his delivery
from his late pernicious counfellors.
A "T, 0 Ambaffadors alfo arrived from
A. JJ. I Co 2. T, . , , .
3 France, to enquire into the king's
fituation, to make profeffions of their matter's
friendfhip, and to procure an accommodation be-
tween James and his mother. This laft propofal
gave great offence to the clergy, who inveighed
againfl the ambaffadors in their pulpits, and exerted
their intereft to render the defign abortive. They
were fo violent in their declamations, that the am-
baffadors were publicly affronted in the ftreets.
James had no power to reprefs this infolent be-
haviour; and the ambaffadors finding it impofli-
ble to carry on any negociation, quitted the king-
dom.
The queen of Scots hearing of her fon's deten-
tion, wrote a letter to Elizabeth, in a more pathetic
/train than ufual, in which me afked only the
blc/Iing of liberty, for which Hie offered to facrifice
her crown, and every other right fhe poffeffed.
Elizabeth was affcded with Mary's fituation, but
from political motives, refolved to deny her rcqucft ;
though the unhappy prifoner was even difpufcd to
live in England, in a private ftation, with fome
little degree of reftraint. In the mean time, James
made his clcape from his keepers, and flying to
St. Andrews, i'ummoned his friends and partizans
to attend him. The confederated lords, perceiving
that all oppofition would be in vain, made no at-
tempts to recover their authority: fome of them
accepted a pardon ; and the reft took flicker in
Ireland and England. The earl Arran was now
recalled to court, whofe profligate manners, and
violent conduct, foon rendered him extremely un-
popular. Though the earl of Gowry had been par-
doned for his late attempt on the king, he was
thrown into pjilbn, tried on fome new accufa-
tions, condemned and executed. Many innocent
perfbns fuffered from the tyranny of this favourite.
At length the banifhed noblemen, A n
who were affiited by Elizabeth, found
the time favourable for the recovery of their eftates
and authority. They made the attempt and were
fuccefsful. Arran was degraded from his authority,
deprived of the eflate and title he had .ufurped,
and the whole kingdom feemed to have obtained
that tranquillity which had been fo long fought for
in vain. Thefe revolutions would have been of little
confequence to Elizabeth, had her own fubjects,
been perfectly united : but the zeal of the catholics
daily threatened her with dangerous infurrections.
The vigilance of her minifters, particularly of Bur-
leigh and Waliingham, was railed in proportion to
the activity of the mal-contents ; and many arts
were employed in detecting conlpiracies. Henry
Piercy, earl of Northumberland, brother to the earl
who had been beheaded fome years before, and Philip
Howard, earl of Arundel, the fon of the unfortunate
duke of Norfolk, fell under their fufpicion; and the
council ordered the latter to be confined to his own
houfe : lord Paget, and Charles Arundel, who had
been engaged in treafonable defigns with Francis
Throgmorton, withdrew beyond fea. Thrognaor-
ton, being taken into cuftody, confeffed, that a
! plan had been laid for an invafion and infurredtion;
for which he was found guilty and executed; and
this confpiracy having been promoted by Mendoza,
the Spanifh ambaffador, he was ordered to depart
the kingdom. As many of thefe confpiracies were
imputed to Mary's intrigues, and as her name was
employed in all of them, the council concluded,
they could not ufe too many precautions againlt
the reftlefs activity of her temper. She was there-
fore removed from the earl of Shrewfbury's care ;
for though that nobleman was faithful and vigi-
lant, he had fhewn great indulgence to her, par-
ticularly with refpect to air and exercife; and me
was committed to the cuftody of Sir Drue Drury,
and Sir Amias Paulet. The earl of Leicefter, and
other noblemen, now fet on foot an affociation ;
and the queen being beloved by the whole nation,
except the moft bigotted catholics, people of all
ranks flocked to fign it. This aflociation was to
defend the queen, to revenge her death, or any in-
jury committed againft her perfon ; and to exclude
from the throne all claimants, in whofe behalf
any violence fhould be offered to her majcfty.
Mary was fenfible thefe tranfactions were levelled
againft her, and, to remove all fufpicion from
herfelf, defired leave to add her name to the fub-
fcription.
In order to difcourage the mal-contents, Elizabeth
fummoned a new parliament on the twenty-third of
November, in which the aflbciation was confirmed,
and a claufe added, empowering the queen to
name commiflioners for the trial of any pretender
to the crown, who fhould attempt or imagine
againft lier any invafion, infuneclion, or affafli-
natiori
E L I '/ A B E T H.
nation; and the perfon found guilty was. not only
excluded from all claim to the iucccflion, but was
liable to be punifhed as her majefty fhould direct:
and for the greater fecurity, .in cafe of the queen s
violent deuth, a council of regency was appointed
to wvcrn the kingdom, and to revenge her
mu-der. A fevcre law was alfo enacted ag.unit
iefuits and popilh prieils, ordering them to depart
the kingdom within forty days under the penalty of
treafon • and to harbour or relieve them was muu
felony. This parliament alfo prefented a petition
to the houfe of lords for a reformation of religion ;
in which they deiired, that no bithop might excrciie
the office of ordination, without the concurrence
of fix prefbyters ; that no clergyman might be
induced into any benefice, without notice being
previoufly given to the jr.srifh, that they might
examine whether any objection lay to his life or
doctrine: but the moft material article _ touched
upon in this petition, was the ecclehaUhcal com-
miiiinn, and the oath exacted by that court, called
ev o'fcio, which being a fubject of great importance,
as £ 'thews the power of the churchmen, and th
arbitrary proceedings againit the diflenters of that
time, deferves a particular explanation, i arker,
the firft primate after Elizabeth's acceffion, ngo-
roufly exacted a conformity to the eftabhfhed
worfhip, by punifhing all puritanical clergymen,
who attempted any innovation in the habits, li-
turgy, or ceremonies of the church, by lines or
deprivation. He dying in 1575, was fucceeded
by Grindall, who being a man of great moderation,
could not be brought to execute the laws again ft
iionconforming clergymen ; and for this oflence,
the queen, by an order of the fta; -chamber, fe-
queftered him from his archiepilcopal function,
and confined him to his own houfe. He dying in
1583, the queen chof'e Whitgift, a zealous church-
man, who having in vain attempted to convince
the puritans by arguments was refolved to en-
lighten their umkrilartdings, an abfolute impofli-
biiity, by the force of perlecution. He therefore
informed the queen, that the fpiritual authority
lodged with the prelates was infignificant, vyithout
the°fancl-ion of the crown ; and there being" no
ecclefiaftical commiflions in force, he prevailed
upon her to ilfue one more arbitrary than any of
the former. Influenced by his pernicious advice,
flic appointed forty commiiiioners, twelve of whom
were eccleiiaftics, and three commiffioncrs made a
quorum. '1 hefe comuu'flioners were empowered
to viiit and reform all errors, hereiies, and Icldlms;
and to puniih all breaches of uniformity in the
exercife of public woilhip. Their proceedings
were contrary to all principles of Lw and equity,
b:-ing directed to make enquiiies, not only by tlie
legal methods of witnefles and juries, but by every
other means they could devife; that is, by torture,
by inqiufition, or imprifonment. Where they
found reafbn of fufpicion, they might adminifler
-an oath called ex cfticio* by winch the perfon was
bound to anfwer all queftions, and might be obliged
to accufc htmfelf, or his moll intimate friend.
The fines they levied were merely dilcretionary,
and frequently occalioned the entire ruin of the
fuppofed offender. The imprifonment to which
they fentenced any one, was limited by no other
rule but their own pleafure. They aflumed a
power of impofing on the clergy what new articles
of fubfcription they thought proper. Though
every other fpiritual court had, lince the reforma-
tion,' Ixen fubject to inhibitions from the fuprtme
courts of law, thefe ecclefiaftical inquifitors were
freed from that reftraint, and liableto no controul. .
The more to enlarge their authority, they were ;
empowered to puniih all incetts, adulteries, dif-
orUers. in marriage, fornication, and immorality,
according to their wifdom, conicience, and difcre-
tion. In fhort, this court was a real inquiiitiqn,
attended with all the feverities of that arbitrary
tribunal; and being deftructlve of all laws, its
erection was, by many, cftcemed a mere ufurpation
of the queen, that had no other foundation than a'
claufe of a llalutc which reftorcd the fupremacy to
the crown, and authoiifed the fovereign to appoint
commiflioncrs for excrciiing that prerogative. The
commons, in an humble petition to the upper houfe,
had mentioned thefe grievances in the mod fub-
mifiive teims. The queen, in a fpecch from the
throne, took notice of their prefumption, and ob-
fcrvcd, that fhe would no longer endure this licence,
but would guide her people by God's rule, in the
juft mean between the corruptions of Home, and
the errors of modern fectarics; and that as the
Komanilts were the inveterate enemies of her per-
fon, fo the other innovating enthufiafts were dan-
gerous to all monarchical government; who, under
colour of preaching the word of God, prefumed
to exercife a right of private judgment in can-
vaffing the fcriptures, and cenfuring the actions of
their fovereign. But, notwithftanding exertions
of royal prerogative, and the deference paid to
Elizabeth by lords and commons, the puritans were
not to be intimidated. Perfuaded that their tenets
were undeniably founded on fcripture, and jealous
of the liberty of confcience in matters of faith$
above five hundred ecclefiaftics of that perfuafion
fubfcribed a book of difcipline conformable to
their principles ; and the force of laws was unable
to prevent Prefbyterianifm from taking root in the
boiorn of the church of England1. During this
fcfiion of parliament, a horrid confpiracy againft
the life, of Elizabeth was brought to light. Wil-
liam Parry, a bigotted catholic, after having re-
ceived the 'queen's pardon for a capital offence^
retired into Italy, 'where he openly profefled his
religion, which he concealed during his abode in
England. Having contracted an intimacy with
Palmio, ' a jefuit, he too readily liftened to the
deteftable doctrine of that order, and was per-
f'uaded that he could not perform a more merito-
rious aclion, than that of taking away the life of
his fovereign and ben'efactrefs; Gampeggio, ' the
pope's nuncio, whom Parry confulted,1 removed ail
his doubts, and approved of his pious undertaking.
Parry retired to Paris, whence lie propofecl to pals
over into England, in order to exedute Ins bloody
defign. Remorfe, however, daggered his refolu-
tion; it is not fonie -times even in the power of
fanaticifm to filence 'the remonflrauces of co-n-
fcience. His foul fhuddered at the complicated
horror of the action he was going to commit.
This bigot now refolved to try, before he pro-
ceeded to extremities, whether he could not alle-
viate the perfecution of the catholics. Having
found means of being introduced to -the queen, he
told her, that many confpiracies were formed againft
her, and endeavoured to perfuade her, if fhe had
any regard for her life, to give greater indulgence
to the Romans in the exercife of their religion;
He even procured a feat in parliament .; but
having made a warm fpeech againft the rigorous
laws enacted in the laft feflion^ was taken into
cuftody, and expelled the houfe. Failing in thefe
attempts, his refolution was confirmed, which he
impaited to Nevil, next heir to the Weftmoreland
family, who inftantly highly approved of the atro-
cious ci ime. It war; refolved to flioot the queen
v, lu-n fhe -took the air on horfeback: but while
they \urted for a favourable opportunity, the earl
of Weftmoreland died in exile; and Nevil, hoping
to recover the honours and efhites of that noble
family, revealed the whole confpiracy to the queen's
minifters. Upon which, Parry being caft into
priion, made a confelTion of his guilt ; and having
receivedfcntcr.ee of deathx fuffered the punifhment
appointed
356
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
appointed by the law for treafonable practices.
About the fame time Balthazar Gerard, a Burgun-
dian, undertook and executed the affaflmation of
the prince of Orange at Delf, as that prince rofe
from table, in tjie prefence of his wife and fifter, by
fhooting him with a piftol. This vile affaffin, fa-
tisfied with refpect to the rectitude of his motives,
which led him thus to dellroy the leader of thofe he
deemed heretics, fhewed not the leaft remorfe for
his infernal crime; and on his flefh being torn off
with burning pincers, uttered not the leaft cry or
groan.
AD l<;8< ^"S me'ancno'y end of the
protector of religious liberty, fpread
a general confternation through the Netherlands,
where the people regarded the prince of Orange
as their father, and where the prince of Par na had
made an alarming progrefs in re-eftablifhing the
authority of Philip. Being thus reduced to extre-
mity, the States offered the fovereignty of their
country to Henry III. king of France. But the
deplorable condition of that monarchy obliged the
king to reject fo advantageous an offer. Elizabeth
perceived the neceffity of aflifting them effectually.
She, therefore, engaged by a treaty to fuccour
them with five thoufand infantry, and one thoufand
cavalry, under the command of a general whom me
Ihould appoint; and to pay thefe troops during the
war, on condition of being reimburfed upon a re-
eftablifhment of peace. It was alfo ftipulated, that
the queen mould be put in poffeflion of Fluffingen,
Rammikens, and the Brille, as fecurity ; that the
Englifh governors fhould have no jurifdiction over
the inhabitants of thofe places j that the towns
fhould be reftored on the payment of all expences ;
that the Englifh general, and two other perfons
nominated by the queen, mould have places in
the affqmblies of the States; and that neither a
peace nor truce mould be made without the mutual
confent of Elizabeth and the confederates; that in
cafe of the Englifh fleet being fent to fea, it fhould
be joined with an equal number of mips, to be
commanded by the Englifh admiral; and laftly,
that the harbours of both countries fhould be open
to the fubjects of each nation. The earl of
Leicefter, who was appointed to command the
Englifh forces, embarked on the twenty-third of
October, attended by a fplendid retinue, com-
pofed of the young earl of Eflex his fon-in-law,
the lords Auclley and North, Sir William Ruflel,
Sir Thomas Shirley, Sir Arthur Ballet, Sir Walter
Waller, Sir Gervafe Clifton, and a felect company
of five hundred gentlemen. He was met, on his
arrival at Flufhing, by his nephew, Sir Philip
Sidney, governor of that place; and every town
through which he pafled difcovered every demon-
ftration of joy, confidering him as their guardian
angel, their deliverer from impending ruin. Eli-
zabeth, on finding that an open breach with the
Spaniards was unavoidable, refolved to attack their
fettlements in America; and therefore equipping a
fleet of twenty fail, fhe fent it to the Weft Indies,
under the command of Sir Francis Drake. He
firft took St. Jago, one of the Cape de Verde
iflands. Then failing weftward, he reduced Car-
thagena and St. Domingo. In his return through
the Gulph of Florida, he burned St. Auguftine,
and St. Helena; then touching at Virginia, he took
on board the fmall remains of a colony which had
been planted there by Sir Walter Raleigh, and at
their requeft brought them to England. To thefe
people we are indebted for the knowledge of to-
bacco, a plant hitherto unknown in England.
Drake returned with fuch riches, as inflamed the
fpirits of the Englifh to engage in future enter-
prizes, and their ardour was increafed by accounts
of the wcaknefs of the Spaniards in thofe diftant
countries. Leicefter, whofe merit was not equal to
4.
the favour he enjoyed from the queen, had lefs
fuccefs in the Low Countries. At firit, he gained
fome advantages over the Spaniards ; and throwing
fuccours into Grave, enabled that town to make a
vigorous defence; but Van Hermert had the
cowardice to capitulate, after a very feeble refift-
ance, for which he fuffered death by the fentenc-e
of a court-martial. Venlo was befieged and taken
by the prince of Parma. He afterwai ds 'inverted
Rhimbeig, garrifoned with twelve hundred Englifh,
when Leicefter endeavoured to draw off the prince
from that place by forming other enterprizes.
He laid fiege with this view to Zutphen, which the
Spanifh general thought fo important a fortrefs,
thac he hafted to its relief, and made the marquis
of Guafto advance with a convoy, which he was to
throw into the place. They were favoured by a
fog; but accidentally meeting with a body of
Englifh cavalry, a furious action enfued, in which
the Spainards were defeated, and the marquis of
Gonzaga, an Italian nobleman of great reputation,
was flain. The purfuit was flopped by the prince
of Parma's advancing with the main body of the
Spanifh army ; but" the Englifh, after having
exerted all their valour, were obliged to retreat,
with the lofs of Sir Philip Sidney, who having been
mortally wounded in the action, was carried off by
the foldiers, and foon after died. He is delci ibed;
by writers of that age, as a moft perfect model of.
an accomplifhed gentleman. Sir Philip's virtuous
conduct, heroic valour, elegant erudition, and
polite converfation, had rendered him the orna-
ment and delight of the Englifh court; and as his
credit with the queen and the earl of Leicefter,
was folely employed in the encouragement of
genius and literature, his praifes have been tranf-
mitted to pofterity. While he was lying in the
field, mangled with the wounds he had received,
and almolt fuffocated with thirft, a bottle of water
was offered him ; but obferving a foldier by his
fide in the fame fituation, he refigned to him the
valuable acquifition, with this generous obferva-
tion, " That man's neceffities are ftill greater than,
mine." The memory of Sidney's virtues were
celebrated in a copy of Latin verfes, wrote by the
king of Scots. The States were highly difpleafed
with Leicefter's management of the war, nor lefs
with his arbitrary and imperious conduct ; and at
the end of the campaign, folicited him to redrefs
their grievances ; yet he foon after returned to
England, without giving them the leaft fatis-
f action.
Philip's defigns againft the per- . n
fon'and government of Elizabeth be- -5
coming more apparent, it was of the laft importance
for her to fecure the friendfhip of the king of Scot-
land. To this end, fhe difpatched Wotton as her
ambaffador to that kingdom ; but notwithftanding
her having given him private inftructions, with re-
fpect to her affairs, me informed the king, that
when fhe had any political buiinefs to tranfact with
him, fhe \yould employ another minifter; her chief
intention in fending him being to entertain James
with his wit, and that he might partake with him
in his pleafures. Wotton was mailer of profound
diflimulation, and knew how to cover the deepeft
defigns under the appearance of carelefs gaiety.
James admitted him into all his amufements, on
which the ambaffador foon made himfelf mafter
of his fecrets ; and had the more authority over him
in ftate tranfactions, as he did not feem to pay the
leaft attention or regard to fuch things; while the
Scotch minifters, who obfervedhis growing intercft,
endeavoured to acquire his friendship, by inform-
ing him of every thing they knew of their mafter.
But Wotton employed his intrigues to more dan-
gerous purpofes : he formed a confpiracy for feizing
the perfou of James, and delivering hinj into the
hands
ELIZABETH.
357
hands of the" Englifh queen. This treachery was
clifcovered, and Wotton fled into England. 1 hough
James was highly exafperated, he thought it pru-
dent to diffemble; and foon after a treaty of alliance
•was concluded between him and Elizabeth, for tl
mutual defence of their dominions and religion,
againfl the open combination of all the catholic
powers in Europe. By this treaty it was ftipulated
that if Elizabeth was invaded, James mould furmfJ
her with a body of about two thoufand horie, and
five thoufand foot ; that Elizabeth in a fimilar cafe,
Ihould fend him three thoufand horfe, and
thoufand foot; that the charge of the'e armie
fhould be defrayed by the power who demanded
afliRance; that if the invafion mould be made in
England, within fixty miles of the frontiers of beo
land, James fhould march his whole force to I
aid of Elizabeth; and that the prefent league
fhould fuperfede all former alliances of either itate
with any foreign prince, fo far as religion was con-
cerned.
The character, principles, and pretenfions or
Mary, had early engaged Elizabeth, in her treat-
ment of that unfortunate princefs, to confult the
dictates of policy and jealoufy, rather than ot
fritndfliip or generality ; and her reftramt, refent-
ment, and high ipirit, concurring with the iug-
geftions of the moll cruel bigots, at laft engaged
Mary in defigns which terminated in her ruin.
The Englifh, in the feminary at Rheirns, were
filled with the greateft animofity agamft Eliza-
beth, and revered the bull by which the pope had
excommunicated and depofed the queen ; lome of
them aflerang that it had been immediately dictated
by the Holy Ghoft, and that whoever loll then-
lives in attempting to murder her, would un-
doubtedly enjoy an unfading crown of martyrdom.
By thefe doctrines, John Savage, who had ferved
fome years in the Netherlands under the prince of
Parma, was inftigated to attempt the life of Eliza-
beth; and having made a vow to perfevere in his
defign, was fent to England, and recommended
to the confidence of the moft zealous papitts.
About the fame time John Ballarcl, a prieft, re-
turned to Paris from his million in England and
Scotland i and having ohferved that a fpirit of
mutiny and rebellion prevailed among the devotees
of thole countries, formed the defign of dethroning
Elizabeth, and reftoring the exercife of their reli-
gion by force of arms. This enterprize feemed to
be favoured by the fituation of affairs abroad ; for
the pope, the Spaniards, and the duke of Guife,
had formed the refolution of making fome attempt
a^ainll the queen; and Ballard was warmly en-
couraged by Mendoza, the Spanifh ambaflador at
Paris, to hope for fuccour from thofe princes.
But Charles Paget, a devoted partizan of the queen
of Scots, being convinced of Elizabeth's prudence
and popularity, fteadily maintained, that it was in
vain to expect any fuccefs from the invalion of
England while that princefs was alive; and Ballard
hence concluded the necefiity of executing the
defign formed at Rheims: he therefore came to
England in the difguife of a foldier, afluming the
name of captain Fortefcue, and endeavoured to
execute at once the projects of an afiaflination, an
infurrection, and an invafion. He firft applied to
Anthony Babington, a young gentleman of for-
tune and polite education, who was fufceptible of
that falfe zeal, which impels thofe who are under
its influence, to believe every thing juftifiable in
defence of the catholic religion. Babington en-
gaged in the confpiracy feveral perfons of diflinc-
tion, who agreed, that a feledt number, fhould join
Savage in the execution of his vow. In the mean
time the papifts, in order to carry on the plot
without fufpicion, publifhed feveral hypocritical
writings, in which they profefled the highelt regard
No. 34.
for the perfon and government of Elizabeth; ad-
moniflied the people of their perfuafion not to
engage in any practices againft the ftate, but to
confine themfelves to fuch weapons as are alone
lawful for Chriftians to ufe, fuch as tears, prayers,
and farting. But the watchful eye of Walfmgham
was not to be deceived; he foon obtained hints of
the confpirators defigns; and by the afliftance of
one Maud, a man of impenetrable diilimulation,
who found means to infinuate himfelf into the
favour of Ballard, the minilter was regularly in-
formed of all their fchemes. The plan being com-
pletely fettled, Babington wrote to Mary, inform-
ing her of all that had pafled between him and
Ballard ; that he had undertook, with the afliftance
of one hundred gentlemen, to deliver her from her
coniinement; but at the fame time infilled, that
thofe who were concerned in fo dangerous an at-
tempt for her fervice, mould be affured of a reward
luitable to their merit. This letter was wrote in
the ufual cypher which had palled between him and
Mary; and was fo pleafing to her, that (he failed
not to anfwer it in the fame cypher, defiring the
confpirators to be extremely cautious, affuiing them
flie highly approved of the defign, and that the
gentlemen might expect all the rewards it might
ever be in her power to grant. Babington had
employed one Giffbrd to communicate his defigns
to Mary, who immediately applied to Walfmg-
ham, that by his intereft he might fecretly carry
on a correfpondence with the queen of Scots.
Walfmgham propofed the affair to Paulet, who
had then the charge of Mary, and defired him to
connive at Gifford's corrupting one of his fervants;
but Paulet defiring that fome other expedient might
be deviled, Gifford bribed a brewer, who fupphed
the family with ale, to convey letters to the captive
queen. By Paulet's contrivance, the letters were
thrult through a chink in the wall, and anfwers
returned by the fame conveyance. Babington and
Ballard being at firft afraid of Giflbrd's fidelity,,,
gave him only blank papers folded in the form of
letters ; but finding by the anfwers that thefe had
been faithfully delivered, they laid afide their
fcruples, and Babington informed Mary of the
propofed foreign invafion; the plan of an infur-
rection at home; that of her delivery; and one for
aflafiinating the ufurper, by fix noble gentlemen,
as he called them. All the letters, containing thefe
and other particulars, were carried to Walfmgham,
who was ftill defirous of having farther information.
With this intent, he added to one of Mary's
letters delivered to him by Maud, his trufty agent,
a poftfcript, in th^ fame cypher, requefting Ba-
bington to fend her the names of the principal
confpirators. The Itratagem fuccceded ; and the
able minifter difcovered, that Savage, already men-
tioned ; Charles Tilney, a man of family, and
one of Elizabeth's penfionersi John Charnock, a
gentleman of Lancafhirej Edward Abingdon,
whofe father had been cofferer to Elizabeth; Chid-
cock Tichbourn, a gentleman of Southampton ;
and one Barn well, a perfon of quality in Ireland;
were the fix engaged by oath to alfaflinate the
queen. The vanity of Babington furniftied Wa!-
fingham with another means of detection. He had
cauled a picture to be drawn, in which he himfelf
was repiefented ftanding amidft the fix aflafiins,
with a motto, importing, that they were all em-
barked in the fame dangerous enterprize. A copy
of this was delivered to the queen, that, upon
feeing them, fhe might be upon her guard,
Babington now refolved to fend Ballard into
France, to haften the foreign fuccouns ; and to
procure a licence, applied to Walfingham, pre-
tending great zeal for the queen's fervice, and his
refolution to make ufe of the confidence he had
gained among the catholics, in detecting their con-
^Y fpiracies
358
THE 'NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
f piracies. But Ballard being fei'/ed by a warrant
from the fecretary of ftate's office, all the con-
fpirators were terrified, and fome aclvifed their im-
mediately making their efcape ; while others pro-
pofed the inftant aflaffination of Elizabeth. How-
ever, the next day their fears fubfided ; for Babing-
ton having renewed his correspondence with Wal-
fingham, that fubtle ftatefman perfuaded him, that
the apprehending of Ballard proceeded only from
the ufual diligence of informers. Babington was
even prevailed upon to lodge in Walfingham's
houfe, that they might frequently converfe toge-
ther; but obferving that he was watched with the
moll careful affiduity by one Scudamore, he began
to be alarmed for his fafety. Soon after, as they
were fitting at flipper, Scudamore received a note
from Walfingham, ordering him to watch Babing-
ton more narrowly than ever-, and Babington, by
Scudamore's inadvertency, reading the note over
his fhoulder, was fufliciently convinced of his
danger. He rofe haftily from the table, went out
of the room, as if on fome fudclen occafion, made
the beft of his way to Weftminfter, and having
acquainted Charnock, and fome others with what
he had difcovered, they withdrew immediately into
the woods, where they concealed themfelves for ten
days; but were at laft taken near Harrow on the
Hill, dtefled like countrymen, and brought pri-
foners to London. On the thirteenth of September,
Babington and Ballard, with five of their accom-
plices, were arraigned, and pleaded guilty ; and
the next day feven more of the confpirators were
convicted on evidence. The firft feven fuffered the
fentence pronounced againft traitors in its utmoft
rigour, but the others were fuffered to hang till
they were dead. They all behaved with great de-
cency, and confeffed their forrow for that part of
the confpiracy relative to the murder of Eliza-
beth.
This horrid plot having, by the vigilance of
adminiftration, being fully detected and rendered
abortive, meafures were taken for the trial and
conviction of the queen of Scots. But great diffi-
culties occurred with regard to the manner of pro-
ceeding. Scarce a precedent in the hiftory of man-
kind could be found of a meafure of this fort; not
one in the annals of England. Walfingham, with
the majority of the council, infilled upon a fair,
open, candid trial of the indifcreet captive. Mary
had been guarded fo ftrictly, that fhe remained
entirely ignorant of what had happened to her pre-
judice, till Sir Thomas Gorges accofted her by
Elizabeth's orders, when fhe was mounted on horfe-
back to go a hunting, and informed her, that
all her accomplices were difcovered and feized.
Mary was not permitted to return to her former
place of refidence, but was conducted from one
gentleman's houfe to another, till ihe was placed in
Fotheringay caftle, in Northajnptonfliire. Her two
fecretaries, Nau and Curie, were apprehended ; all
her papers were feized, and transmitted to the
council; alfo many letters from perfons abroad, and
fome from E-nglifh noblemen, expreffing their firm
attachment to her perfon and title. The queen
took no notice of this laft difcovery; but the
perfons themfelves, finding their correfpondence
detected, endeavoured to atom; for their impru-
dence, by declaring themfelves from thenceforward
moft inveterate enemies to the queen of Scots.
It was now determined by the council to try
<Mary, not by the common laws relative to treafon,
but by an ad of parliament that had been palled in
the laft feflion againft that crime. Accordingly
'the queen appointed a commillion, confiding of
forty noblemen, privy counfellors, and judges,
*'ho were empowered to examine and pafs fentence
,on the devoted queen of Scots, whom they ftiled
-daughter and heir to James V. late kinp- of Scot-
land. On the eleventh of October, the com-
mifiioncrs repaired to Fotheringay caftle. Sir
Walter ivlildmay, and Sir Edward Baker, delivered
to the queen of Scots a letter from Elizabeth, in-
forming her of the cqmmifiion, and her approach-
ing trial. Mary read the letter with a countenance
more becoming her dignity than her fituation; and
told them, without the leaft emotion, that it was
very furprifing the queen mould command her as a
fubject to fubmit to a trial and examination before
perfons of a rank far inferior to herfelf ; that fhe
would fubmit to no trial that had a tendency to
leffen her royal majefty, or the dignity of her ion;
that however her Ipirits might be broken by mis-
fortunes, flic was not yet reduced to the abject (late
her enemies defired, nor would flic ever be pre-
vailed upon to confent to her own degradation
and difhonour; that though fhe had long lived in
England, fhe had lived in captivity; was ignorant
of the laws and ftatutes of the kingdom, dcititute '
of council, and could not conceive who could be
her peer:;, or fit in judgment on a fovereign
princefs; that fhe had never enjoyed the protection
of the laws of England.,, and therefore could not
be fuppofed to have fubjeclecl herfelf to their jurif-
diction; that if in her own perfon every rule of
juilice mould be violated, fhe fhould find her re-
venge in the judgment of the whole world, where
her innocence would triumph on a theatre infinitely-
larger than that of a fingle kingdom. This fpirited
anivver to Elizabeth's letter, greatly embarr ailed
the commifiioners, who deputed lord Burleigh,
the treafurer Bromley, the chancellor, and bir
Chiiftopher Eatton, vice-chamberlain, to prevail
upon her to relinquifh her plea with regard to her
royal dignity, and to fubmit chearfully to a trial,
which was now abfolutely not to be avoided, even
though fhe might refufe to appear before the com-
miffioners, or to plead. Various arguments were
urged on this occafion; but thofe advanced in the
following fpeech, delivered by vice-chamberlain
Hatton, made the ftrongeft impreffion on the queen
of Scots. " You are, madam, faid he, accufed,
but not condemned, of having confpired the de-
ftruction of our lady and queen anointed. You
fay, you are a queen ; but in a crime of this nature,
and i'uch a fituation as your's, the royal dignity it-
felf is not fufficient, by either the civil or canon,
law, or the law of nature and nations, to exempt
you from judgment. If you are innocent, you
injure your reputation by avoiding a trial. We
have heard your proteftations of innocence; but
queen Elizabeth thinks otherwife, and is heartily
forry for the appearances that lie againft you. She
has therefore appointed commiffioners, honourable
perfons, prudent and upright men, to examine the
merits of your caufe, They are ready to hear you
with equity, and even with indulgence, and will
rejoice if you can clear yourfelf of the imputa-
tions which have been thrown upon you. Believe
me, madam, the queen herfelf will rejoice; for
fhe affirmed to me, at my departure, that no mil-
fortune had ever given her fo much uneafinefs, as
that you fhould be fufpected of a, concurrence in
thefe criminal tranfaftions. Laying afide, there-?
fore, the fruitlefs claim of your privilege, which
can now avail you nothing, truft to the better
defence of your innocence; make that appear in
open trial, and leave not upon your memory a ftain
of infamy, which muft attend your obftinate filence
on this occafion." Thefe arguments produced the
defired effect : Mary gave up her plea of royalty,
and agreed to appear before the high court of
commiffioners. The trial had the appearance of
great folemnity. At the upper end of thq room
was placed a chair of itate for the queen of Eng-
land, under a royal canopy; over againft it ftood
another for the queen of Scots ; by the walls, on
both
E L I Z A B K T H.
359
both fides, benches were placed for the com-
miffioners. As foon as the court was opened, the
chancellor, turning to Mary, told her, " That flie
was accufed of confpiring the dcftruction of the
queen, the realm of England, and the proteftant
religion; and that they were commiffioned to
examine into the truth of the accufation, and to
hear her anfwer." Mary replied^ " That flie came
into England to crave the affiitance which had been
promited her; that flie was a queen, and not a
iubject to Elizabeth; and that if flie appeared
before them, it was only to fecure her honour and
reputation." The chancellor denied that any
affiftance had been promifed her; and declared,
that her proterl ation was in vain ; for fince the law,
upon which the accufction was founded, allowed
of no diftincTion in the pcrlbn of the tranfgreflbr,
it could not be admitted. The commillioncrs,
however, accommodated matters, by ordering both
her proteftation and his anfwer to be recorded.
They then touched upon other facts ; but as they
no way affected Mary's life, flie took no pains to
confute their affertions. The grand buiinefs was
to prove the main charge of the impeachment,
That Mary had concurred" in the defign of affaffi-
nating Elizabeth. To prove this accufation, copies
of the intercepted letters between her and Babing-
ton, in which were exprefled, in the cleared terms,
her approbation of the murder, were produced;
the evidence of Nau and Curie, her two fccre-
taries, who without being put to the torture
readily f-.vore, that flie received thefe letters from
Babington, and that by her orders they had written
the aniwers. The confeffion of Babington corre-
fpondecl with the depofitions of her fecretaries.
Mary was incapable of making a fatisfacloi y de-
fence before the commiffioners ; her reply confift-
ing chiefly in her own denial. She aflerted, that
as Nau and Curie had taken an oath of fecrecy
and fidelity to her, their evidence ought not to be
credited; and that if her fervants had received any
letters, or wrote any anfvvers, the imputation could
not affect her. She added, that it was eafy to
forge the hand-wricing and cypher of another.
But if we confider the enterprizing character of
Mary, the odious treatment flie had received, her
hatred to Elizabeth on that account, and the then
prevailing eftabliflied opinion among catholics,
that it was lawful to make ufe of any violence
againft a prince excommunicated by the pope, we
may believe, without difficulty, that Mary might
be an accomplice in a confpiracy, in the fuccels of
which her own intereft was principally concerned.
To fay, that her two fecretaries held a correfpon-
dence with Babington, wherein flie was not con-
cerned ; or that they fliould betray their miftrefs,
without fo much as having been lufpecled them-
felves; or that Walfingham, a minifler of ftrict
integrity, if ever there was one, had forged the
letters, would be to ftart the moft indefenfible im-
probabilities. In truth, the only circumftance in
Mary's defence, which to us appears worthy of
notice, was her requiring that Nau and Curie
ihould be confronted with her, affirming, that they
would not, to her face, perfift in their affertions.
However agreeable this demand was to natural
juftice, it was obferved to her, that in cafes of
high treafon, the laws and cuftoms of England
did not admit of confronting evidences with the
prifoner, and that the judges had it not in their
power to grant fuch an indulgence. The com-
miffioners having finifhed the trial, they on the
twenty-fifth of October, adjourned from Fotherin-
gay caftle to the ftar-chamber at London; where,
having taken the oaths of Mary's two fecretaries,
who voluntarily, without hope of I'eward, fworeto
the authenticity of the letters before produced,
they pronounced fiyitcnce of death upon the queen
of Scots, and this fentence they confirmed under
their hands and feals. The fame day they pub-
liflied a. declaration, that this fentence did not
derogate from the title and honours of James,
king of Scotland, but that he was in the fame
place,- degree, and right, as if this fentence had
never been pronounced. Elizabeth had now fuffi-
ciently humbled her hated rival; but flie was tod
politic to exprefs her joy on this folemn occafion,
knowing that her conduct, in this inftance, would
be reprefented in the moft invidious colours by
Mary's numerous partizans -, that flie fliould
be reproached by foreign princes, and perhaps
by pofterity, as having violated the rights of
hofpitality, of kindred, and of royal inajefty.
She therefore affected to be deeply interefted
in the fate of her unfortunate relation ; declar-
ing, that however injurious her defigns might
be to herfelf, flie was willing to bury them for ever
in the gulpli of oblivion ,' and that the fafety of her
people alone, which was nearly interefted in the fate
of the queen^of Scotland, induced her to with-hold
a pardon. She now fummoncd a parliament; that
while flie indulged the moft implacable hatred, flie
might appear to be guided by the voices of her
fubjects ; well knowing, that flie fliould not want
the mott earneft felicitations from that affembly, to
content to a meafure fo agreeable to her fecret in"
chnations. Both houfes unanimoufly ratified the
Jentence againft Mary, and voted an addrefs to
Elizabeth, to obtain her confent to its publication
and execution. In her anfwer, flie mentioned the
danger to which her life was continually expofed,
and her willingnefs to die, did flie not forefee the
calamities her death would produce ; flie mentioned
the clemency of her temper, and her violent reluc-
tance to proceed to extremities againft her unhappy
kinfwoman: flie maintained that the late law by
which Mary was tried, was folely intended to give
her warning, not to engage in attempts, that rnight
expofe her to the penalties of her prcfent fituationj
and begged them to think again, whether it waa
poffible to find any expedient for fecuring the public
tranquillity, befides the death of the queen of:
Scots. In obedience to her command, the parlia-<
ment again took the affair under confideration ;
but finding no other expedient, they repeated thei?
felicitations and intreaties; and even remonftrated,
that mercy to the queen of Scots was cruelty to
them ; and affirmed, it would be injuftice to deny
the execution of the law to any individual, much
more to the whole body of the people, now unani-
moufly fuing for the pledge of her parental care and
tendernefs. In anfwer to this fecond addrefs, the
queen complained of her unfortunate fituation;
exprefled the uneafinefs their importunity gave her;
renewed her profeflions of affedion to her people,
and difmiffed the committee of parliament in great
uncertainty with refpett to her final refolution. She
however complied with their requeft, in publifliing
the fentence againft Mary by proclamation; and
this appeared to be attended with the hearty re-
joicings of the people. Lords Buckhurft and Beale
were lent to inform Mary of the ratification of her
fentence by the parliament, and that affembly's»
earneft applications for its execution, from their
apprehenlions, that their religion could never,
while flie was alive, be firmly fettled and fecured.
Mary laying hold of this laft circumftance, infifted,
that as her death was demanded by the protcftants,
for the eftablifliment of their faith, flie was a martyr
to her religion, -and entitled to all the merits at-
tending that glorious character. " I can hardly be-
lieve (laid fhe, fmiling) that the queen, my fifteiv
has confented to my death: but if her will be fuch,
that death, which will put an end to my fufferings,
cannot be unwelcome to me: and I think that foul
unworthy of celeftial happinefs, that fliould flirink
in
36o THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND,.
Jrt paffing through the gloomy valley of the fhadow
of deatli." Paiilet, her keeper, who had received
orders to take down her canopy, and no longer to
ferve her with the refpecl: due to ibvereign princes,
told her, that (he was now to be confidered as a
dead pcrfon, and unworthy of any dignity. To
this fiic replied, that flic had received her royal cha-
racter from the hands of the Almighty, and could
not be deprived of it by any earthly power; but
this plea of divine right did not exempt her from
very fevere treatment. Great efforts were made by
foreign powers, to prevent the execution of the
fentence pronounced againft Mary, The- ambaffa-
dors of France and Scotland were vehement in their
remonftrances, which had no weight with Elizabeth,
who (till perfifted in her former refolution. Her
minifters (Irenuoufly oppofed every argument that
had a tendency to make her hefitate. We need not
be furprized at this if we conlider the (ituation of
England at that critical jundure. No lucceffbr to
the crown was declared ; the heir by blood, to
whom the people were mod likely to adhere, was,
by education, an enemy to the national religion ;
and, from multiplied injuries, an implacable enemy
to the minifters and principal nobility. Hence
their pcrfonal fafety, as well as the fecurity of the
szovernment, feemed to depend folely on the queen's
life, who was now fomewhat advanced in years, and
perpetually expofcd to the danger of aflaflination.
No wonder then, that Elizabeth's wife counfellors,
•who knew themfclves obnoxious to the queen of
Scots, endeavoured to pufh every meafure to ex-
tremity, in oider to prevent her ever mounting the
throne of England. The captive princefs fupported
herfelf with fuch placid dignity as does honour to
her memory. She wrote a very pathetic letter to
Elizabeth, requefting, that after the fatal fentence
ihould be executed, her body might be fent to
France, there to be interred near the facred relics of
her mother, and accompanied to the grave with
thofe rites and ceremonies which her religion re-
quired : that the execution of her fentence might be
in public, in the fight of all the world: and that her
fervants, after they had done her the laft offices,
and been witnefles of her perfeverance in the faith,
and of her fubmiflion to the will of heaven, might
be fuffered to depart without moleftation, and en-
joy the legacies bequeathed them by their dying
miftrefs. Elizabeth forefaw the inconveniencies
that would urife from granting Come of thefe re-
quefts, and being unwilling to give Mary, in her
prefent filuation, a refufal, fent no anfwer to this
letter.
A D c8? Humours were now fpread of inva-
*5 '' (ions, infurrections, and confpiracies.
The people were terrified, and the death of Mary
was confidered as necefiary to reftore the tranquillity
of the nation. Elizabeth was obferved frequently
to fit alone, penfive and filentj and fometimes to
peter half Sentences, importing the difficulty and
diftrefs to which (he was reduced. But having
taken her final refolution, (he fent for fecretary Da-
vilbn, and ordered him privately to draw up a war-
rant for the execution of the queen of Scots ;
which, (he afterwards faid, die intended to keep by
her, and put in force, in cafe any attempt mould be
made for the delivery of that princefs. This warrant
(he figned, and then ordered Davifon to carry it to
the chancellor, that he might affix the great leal to
it. The next day (he fent Killigrew to Davifon,
with orders to forbear executing her former com-
mands. Davifon came immediately to court, and
informed the queen, that the warrant had already
pafled the feals. She feemed offended, and blamed
him for his precipitation. Davifon, upon this, was
greatly perplexed, and informed the council of
what had pafled. They perfuaded him to fend away
the warrant, and promifed, jf the queen, (hould be
difpleafed, to juftify his conduct, and take the
whole blame on themfelves. From fome letters
publifhed by Strype, it appears, that Elizabeth had
not exprefly informed any of her minifters, not
even Burleigh himfelf, that (lie intended to have
the warrant fent at this time for Mary's execution.
The fecretary, however, complied with their ad*
vice, and Beale was difpatched with the warrant,
addrefled to the earls of Shrewsbury, Kent, Derby,
and Cumberland, and commanded them to fee it
executed.
On the feventh of February, the earls of Shrewf-
bury and Kent reached Fotheringay caftle, and be-
ing introduced to Mary, informed her of their,
commiffion; adding, that (he muft prepare for death
by the next morning at eight o'ciock. She re-
ceived the fummons with great calmnefs. She
feemed furprized that (lie was to die (b foon, but
not terrified, and her looks, words, and geftures
were full of chearful refignation. She delired to
have a conference with her almoner, confeflbr, and
Andrew Melvil, the mafler of her houfliold ; but
(he was told they could not comply with that part
of her requeft which had refpect to her confelibr.
They, however, recommended to her Dr. Fletcher,
dean of Peterborough, who would very readily
afliit her in making preparations for eternity. She
replied, his afliitance was not neceflary ; and as they
had thought proper to deny a requeft for which the
dictates of humanity fo ftrongly pleaded, (lie would
endeavour to fupply the defecl: by her, own prayers.
The earls had no looner left her, than (he ordered
that (upper might foon be ready, that after it, (he
might have the more leifure to (inifh the few affairs
(he had to do in this world, and to prepare for her
paflage to the next. She fupped (paringly, as was
ufual with her, and with her wonted chearfulnefs,
Her domeftics being overwhelmed with affliction,
(he ftrove to comfort them ; and turning to Burgoin
herphyfician, a(ked him, if he did not obferve the
invincible force of truth ? adding, "they pretend
that I muft die, becaufe I confpired againft the life
of their queen ; but the earl of Kent owned, that
the only cau(e of my death, is the apprehenfions
my life gives them for their religion. My con-
ftancy in the faith is my real crime j the reft is
only a colour, invented by interested and de-
ligning men." When fupper was ended, (he ordered
her fervants into her prefence; and drinking to
them, they ail, in order, pledged heron their knees,
begging pardon for every pad negled of duty.
She in return, afkecl their pardon for her offences
towards them; and this exchange of mutual for-
givenefs was attended with a plentiful flood of
tears. Mary now perufed her will, in which flic
had given them legacies; and calling for the inven-
tory of her goods, clothes, and jewels, wrote clown
the names of thofe to whom (he bequeathed each
article, and to fome (he diftributed money with
her own hands. She alfo wrote letters of re-
commendation for her fervants to the French kill"-,
and to her coufin the duke of Guife, whom flje
made her chief executor. She went to bed at her
ufual time-, where having flept fome hours, (he
arofe, and fpent the remainder of the night in
prayer. As (he had forefeen the difficulty of
exercifmg the rites of her religion, (lie had ob-
tained a confccrated wafer from pope Pius, and
had referved it for this laft period of her life.
When it began to grow light, (he drefled herfelf
in the only rich habit (he had referved for herfelf,
which was of filk and velvet, telling her maids,
that (he would willingly have left them this drefs,
rather than the olain one (lie wore the day before,
but it was neceflary for her to appear in a decent
habit at the enfuing folemnity. Soon after, the
fheriff of the county, entering her room, told her,
that the hour was come for his attending her to
the
MARY
Queen of Scots.
England . ..
Beheaded l<y r '///<> r f>/Q~UE EN ELIZABETH, at FotherirLghay Caille in
Northampton (hire , r X/ , y 6\ /6&7,
* 44.
ELIZABETH.
361
the place of execution ; to which fummons, with a
compoied countenance, flie anfwered, flie was
ready. . Her head was covered with a vail, ex-
tending to the ground, her beads hung at her
girdle, and flie held a crucifix in her hand.
Having an infirmity in her limbs, ftie leaned
on two of Sir Arnias Paulet's guards, and fol-
lowed the ftierifF with a compoied countenance.
"When paffing through a hall adjoining to her
chamber, fhe was met by the earls of Kent and
Shrewsbury, Sir Amias Paulet, Sir Drue Drury,
anJ many other gentlemen of diftmction, among
whom was Sir Andrew Melvil, her fteward, who
threw himfelf on his knees, and, wiinging his
hands, uttered the moil bitter lamentations. She
endeavoured to comfort him ; and reclining her-
felf, with her cheeks bedewed with tears, killed
him, faying, " Good Melwil, farewel ; once again
farevvel, good Melvil; give the afiiftance of your
prayers; you will foon behold the forrows of your
queen and miftrefs at an end." Then turning
to the noblemen, me defired that her fervants
might be permitted to attend their miftrefs in her
laft moments. This was oppofed by the earl of
Kent, who told her, that they would be apt, by
their cries and lamentations, to clifturb both her-
felf and the {peculators. Touched with his cruelty,
flie very earneftly renewed her application, faying,
" I am coufin to your queen: I am defcended
from the blood-royal of Henry VII. I .have been
queen of France by marriage: I am an anointed
queen of Scotland: can you, will you deny me
this fmall indulgence ?" The commiffioners, con-
cluding a perfiiting in a denial would appear invi-
dious, after a little confultation, agreed that flie
might take a few of her fervants with her ; and
flie made choice of four men, and two maid
fervants. Mary, this devoted victim of ftate
policy, now entered the hall, where flood a fcaffold
covered with black, two executioners, and all the
apparatus of death, which fhe beheld with un-
fhaken fortitude. The hall was crowded with
Spectators, who gazed on this fhadow of royal
dignity with a folemn, filent aftonifliment; and
feemed greatly moved with the recollection of the
iurprifing train of her misfortunes, her inflexible
conftancy, her amiable accomplifliments, and the
gleaming remains of beauty, faded by years, and
furrowed with affliction. Here the warrant of her
execution was read, which flie heard with filent
unconcern. The dean of Peterborough then
Stepped forward ; and, though flie frequently told
him that he had no need to concern himfelf about
her; that flie was fettled in the belief of the
Romifh faith; and that flie meant to lay down
her life in its defence; yet ftill he perfifted in his
exhortations; and, under the vail of pious in-
ftruclions, uttered the moft cruel expreffions.
During his difcourfe, the queen could not forbear
betraying her impatience, by interrupting him.
The dean bid her change her religion ; repent of
her former wickednefs; and fettle her faith upon
this ground, that in Chrift Jefus alone fhe could
hope to be faved. She anfwered, with great
earneftnefs, again and again, " Do not trouble
yourfelf any more about the matter ; I was born in
this religion ; I have lived in this religion ; and
in this religion I am refolved to die." Shrewfbury
and Kent, perceiving that it was to no purpofe to
trouble her any farther with religious difputes,
ordered the dean to delift from his unfeafonable
exhortations, and to pray for her convcrfion.
While the dean was engaged in prayer, flie em-
ployed herfelf in her private devotions from the
office of the Virgin; and when he had finiflied,
uttered aloud fome petitions iu Englifh for the
afflicted church, for herfelf, her fon, and for queen
Elizabeth. The carl of Kent, obferving that
No. 34,
during her devotions flie made frequent ufe of the
crucifix, reproved her for her attachment to that
popifli trumpery, as he termed it; and exhorted
her to have Chrift in her heart, and not in her
hand; to which flie mildly replied, that it was
difficult to hold fuch an object in her hand, with-
out feeling her heart touched with fome com-
punction. Her private devotions finiflied, fhe
began, with the affiitance of her women, to dif-
robe herfelf; and the executioner alfo lending a
hand, flie fmiled, and faid, flie was not accuftomed
to undrefs herfelf before fo large a company, nor
to be ferved by fuch valets ; on which her fervants
burft into tears and lamentations. She laid her
finger upon her lips, reminding them of her
having engaged for their difcreet behaviour; gave
them her bleffing; and requefted their prayers.
When prepared for the block, one of her maids*
according to the directions me had received, co-
vered her eyes with a handkerchief. This done,
Mary laid herfelf clown, without the leaft fign of
fear or trepidation, and the executioner fevered
her head from her body at two flrokes. When he
held it up to the fpeclators, the dean of Peter-
borough alone exclaimed, " So perifli all queen
Elizabeth's enemies; and the earl of Kent was
the only perfon who replied, " Amen." Thus
died Mary Stuart, queen of Scotland, on the
eighth of February, in the forty-fifth year of her
age, and the nineteenth of her captivity in Eng-
land. She was a princefs of moft attracting
beauty and addrefs, uncommon underftanding,
and diftinguifhed by fuch qualities, both natural
and acquired, as rendered her the moft lovely of
women. But her connections with the profligate
Bothwell, joined to the effects of paflion and blind
bigotry, betrayed her into actions which humanity
herfelf may alleviate, but cannot excufe; and
afford us a ftriking inftance of the fraility, weak-
nefs, inconftancy, and depravity of human nature;
and from this exemplary punifliment, which, fooner
or later, will be the inevitable confequence of cri-
minal indulgences, whatever fources they may
fpring from,, let him who ftandeth firm on the
conceit of his own virtue, who can thank God
that he is not as others, « take heed left he
falleth." The body was embalmed, enclofed in a
leaden coflin, and interred in the cathedral of
Peterborough, from whence her fon James after-
wards removed it to the chapel of Henry
VII.
Elizabeth no fooner heard of Mary's execution,
than flie appeared to be ftruck with the utmoft
furprize, indignation, and extravagant forrow; her
countenance changed ; her fpeech failing her, flie
flood like a ftatue, for a long time, in filent
aftonifliment. None of her minifters or counfellors
dared to approach her; or if any were fo rafh, flie
chafed them from her with the moft violent ex-
preffions of rage and refentment, faying, that they
all of them had been guilty of an unpardonable
crime, in putting to death her dear fifter and kinf-
woman, contrary to her fixed purpofe and in-
tention, of. which they were Sufficiently apprized.
She openly declared, that the execution had been
done without her knowledge. She wrote a very
pathetic letter to the king "of Scotland, calling
heaven and earth to witnefs, that her intention
was to have fpared the blood of Mary. She com-
mitted Davifon to prifon, and ordered him to be
tried in the ftar-chamber for his offence, where he
exprefled his repentance, and throwing himfelf
upon the queen's mercy, was fentenced to pay a
fine of ten thoufand pounds, and to remain in
prifon during the queen's pleafure. The fine,
though it reduced him to beggary, was rigoroufly
levied, and he remained a long time in cuftody.
All the favour the queen would grant him, was
4 2. fending
362
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
fending him, from time to time, fmall fupplies to
keep him from peiifliing. Yet notwithtianding
this feverity, and the apparent reluctance Elizabeth
fhewed againft confenting to the execution of
Mary, and the grief flie exprefled afterwards, if
any credit is to be given to the apology which
Davifon is faid to have fent to fecretary Walfing-
ham, and two letters inferted by Mackenzie in his
life of queen Mary, Elizabeth may be charged with
great diflimulation : for though the warrant for
the queen of Scots execution was fent away with-
out the queen's knowledge, it appears by thefe
letters, that fhe would have been glad, if Mary
had died by any other means. But, if the grief
of Elizabeth was counterfeited, that of the king of
Scotland was real. He gave way to the moil
violent complaints, and abandoned himfelf to the
wildeft refolutions. He refufed to admit Gary,
who brought the letter of Elizabeth, into his
prcfence. He recalled his ambaflador from the
Englifh court; war and vengeance feemed to have
taken pofiefllon of his foul. When the court went
into mourning, lord Sinclair appeared in a fuit of
armour, and faid, his drefs only was proper
mourning for the queen of Scotland. Elizabeth
was alarmed at thefe warlike appearances and as
foon as the firft heat of paffion was abated ; flie had
recourie to conciliating meafures. Wa^fingham
wrote a long letter to James, in which 1 he inti-
mated the danger Scotland would be expof ed to in
a war with England: but James was diffuaded from
commencing noftijities, chiefly by lord Hunfdon,
the Englifli ambaflador, a nobleman whom he
particularly efteemed, and by whom a good cor-
refpondence with the queen was gradually re-
ftored.
Thus Elizabeth, with her ufual policy, having
diflipated the northern ftorm that threatened to
difchargc its fury on England, flie was more at
leifure to watch the motions of the Spanifli
monarch, who had for fome time been very intent
on making warlike preparations. A prodigious
number of fhips were equipping in his ports ; and
though he had yet not declared war, the queen
was not deceived in his intentions. But the navy
of England was able to difpute the prize of vic-
tory with Philip, fovereign of the new world.
Drake was fent with a flrong fleet to infult the
coafts of Spain, intercept the fupplies of naval
and military (lores continually fending to Cadiz,
ind to deftroy the Clipping of the enemy in their
harbours. Drake executed his commifiion with
great courage and fuccefs, burning and deftroying
above one hundred fail of fliips, mod of them
laden with provifions and military ftores. Then
taking the town of St. Vincent, and bombarding
Lifbon, he proceeded to the weftern iflands, in
order to intercept a rich carrack or galleon, and
was fo fuccefsful as to make her his prize. She
was called the St. Philip, and contained an immenfe
booty. But the moft valuable acquifition was a
pacquet of papers found on board, by which the
Englifli learned the nature of the Oriental com-
merce, which gave the firft hint of eftablifliing an
Eaft India company. Soon after this expedition,
Thomas Cavendifh, a gentleman who had fpent a
considerable eilate by living at court, returned
from his voyage round the world. With a view of
retrieving his fortune by an attempt againft the
Spanifli fettlements in the new world, he fitted out
three fliips at Plymouth, one of an hundred and
twenty tons, another of fixty, and a third of forty.
With thefe fmall veflels he ventured into the South
Seas, and committed great depredations on the
Spaniards. He took nineteen veflels richly laden,
and returned to England in triumph by the Cape
of Good Hope. His failors and foldiers were
drefled in filkj the fails of his fliips were of
damafk ; his top-fails cloth
booty pi-oportional to this
of gold ; -and his
magnificence. His
. s
prizes were efteemed the richeit ever brought to
England.
But the enterprizes of the Englifli a™nft
Spam in the Netherlands, were far" from Win*
equally fuccefsful. Stanley and York, v/hom
LciceUer had appointed governors of Deventer
and'Zutphen, betrayed their trtift, and furrendcrcd
thefe towns to the prince of Parma. Alarmed at
thefe practices, the States fent an cmbaffy to the
Enghfh court, requefting that the government
might be taken from the earl of Lciccftcr, and
given to fome more able and prudent general
Elizabeth, notwithftanding her partiality tor her
favourite, recalled Leiceftcr; and Maurice, the
young prince of Orange, being appointed governor
of the United Provinces, foon fhewed himfelf
worthy of his father.
Though Philip had not yet de-
clared war againft Elizabeth, who Al D' r *88'
had every where committed hoftilitics againft him,
he had long harboured a fecret and violent rcfo-
lution to be revenged on her. His ambitbn and
his hopes were prompted by his prefent proiperiry;
and it he could fubdue Elizabeth by an "invafion
of England, he hoped to acquire the etmiil
renown of reuniting the whole Chrifrian \vund
in the catholic communion. Pope ocxtus V.
not lefs ambitious than Philip, excited him to
this enterpnze; he again excommunicated the
queen and publifhed a crufacle againft her
with the ufual indulgences. Philip had fpent
three years in making iecret preparations; and no
fooner was his refolution fully taken, than every
part of his vaft empire refoundcd with the noife of
his armaments, and all his generals, minifters,
and admirals were employed in promoting the
defign. His fleet, on account of its prodigious
ftrength, and the elevated hopes of the Spaniards,
was called the Invincible Armada. A confecrated
banner was procured from the pope, and the £old
ot Peru was laviflied on this occafion. This tre-
mendous armament confided of the following par-
ticulars: nineteen thoufand two hundred and ninety
foldiers; eight thoufand two hundred and fifty
leamen; two thoufand and eighty galley flaves;
and two thoufand fix hundred and thirty pieces
of ordnance. The marquis of Santa Croce, an
officer of great reputation, was appointed to com-
mand the Armada, and by his directions all the
naval preparations were conducted. There was
hardly a noble family in Spain, but fent either a
ion, a brother, or a nephew, on board this fleet,
in order to acquire riches and eftates in England,
which was confidered as an eafy conqueft The
duke of Parma, in order to infure fuccefs, was
ordered to provide tranfports, fufficient to embark
an army of twenty-five thoufand men, and land
them in England as focn as the Spanifli fleet ap-
peared off the coaft of Flanders. Ships were ac-
cordingly provided, and the duke quartered his
troops in the neighbourhood of Gravelines, Dun-
kirk, and Newport. All the carpenters that could
be procured, were employed to build a great
number of boats and flat-bottomed veffels, for
tranfporting his cavalry and infantry. The greateft
princes and nobility in Spain and Italy, were filled
with the ambition of fliaring in the honour of this
great enterprize; and about two thoufand volun-
teers, many of whom were men of rank, enlilled
in the fervice; nor was the leaft doubt entertained,
but thefe vaft preparations, conducted by officers
of the moft confummate fkill, would be fuccefsful.
NotwitManding the pretence of the Spaniards,
that this force was to be employed in the Indies, it
was concluded by the court of London, to be
intended againft England. The invafion had been
fore
ELIZAB.ETH.
363
forefeen by the queen; who, finding that fhe
muft now contend for her crown with the whole
force of Spain, prepared for refiftance with a
jnind unterrified at that power, by which all
Europe apprehended (lie would be eafily over-
whelmed. Her magnanimity, on this occafion,
was indeed truly great ; but her force was ex-
tremely inferior to that of her potent enemy. All
the failors in the kingdom at that time amounted
only to about fourteen thoufand men ; and the
Englifh fhips were in general fo fmall, that except
a few of the queen's line of battle fhips, there
were not four veffels belonging to the merchants
that exceeded four hundred tons. The royal navy
confided only of twenty-eight fail, many of them
of a fmall fize, and none of them exceeding in
bulk our largeft frigates; and moft of the reft
rather deferved the name of pinnaces than of mips.
The Englifh fleet had no other advantage, than
that which arofe from the courage and dexterity of
the mariners, who being accuftomed to fail in
tempeftuous feas, and to expofe themfelves to all
dangers, as much exceeded the Spanifh failors, as
their veffels were inferior in Cze and force to theirs.
All the fea-port towns in England were ordered to
furnifli mips for reinforcing this fmall navy, and
now difcovered great alacrity in defending their
liberty and religion, againft the imminent dangers
•with which they were threatened. Inftead of fifteen
veflels, which the citizens of London were ordered
to equip, they fhewed their zeal in the common
caufe (a zeal which would equally redound to
their honour, if exerted in the prefent alarming
ftate of public affairs) by fitting out double the
number. The nobility and gentry hired, armed,
and manned, forty-three mips at their own expence.
We mail be happy, in due feafon, to enrol in this
lift of true patriots, the name of that generous
public fpirited nobleman, whofe time is now em-
ployed in the highly commendable purpofe of
building and fitting out a fecond rate fhip of war,
to ftrengthen his majefty's navy, in order to
humble the arrogant proud boaftings of the com-
bined power of France, Spain, and thofe ingrates
(in this reign the poor) now the high and mighty
lords of the United States. Lord Howard of
Effingham, a man of capacity and courage, was
made admiral ; and under him Drake, Hawkins,
and Forbifher, the moft renowned feamen in
Europe. The grand fleet was ftationed at Ply-
mouth ; and a fmall fquadron, confiding of forty
Englifh and Flemifh veffels, commanded by lord
Seymour, lay off 33unkirk, in order to intercept
the duke of Parma's fleet that was to convoy the
land forces. Twenty thoufand men were ftationed,
in different bodies, along the fouthern coaft, and
•were ordered, if they could not prevent the land-
ing of the Spaniards, to retreat, wafte the country
as they retired, and wait till they fliould be re-
inforced from the neighbouring counties, before
they came to a battle with the enemy. In order to
defend the capital, twenty thoufand foot, and a
thoufand horfe, were ftationed at Tilbury, under
the command of the earl of Leicefter. The
main army was compofed of two thoufand horfe,
and thirty-four thoufand foot, commanded by lord
Hunfdon, and were appointed to march whither-
fdever the enemy appeared.
The fate of England now feemed to depend on
a fingle battle; and people of reflection were filled
with the moft dreadful apprehenfions, when they
compared the force of fifty thoufand veteran
Spaniards, commanded by experienced officers,
under the cluke of Parma, the greateft general of
the age, with the military power which England,
long difufed to war, could* mufter againft them.
But Elizabeth, undifmayed by furrounding dangers,
iffued her orders with tranquillity, and employed
every refource, which either her xlomeftic fituation,
or her foreign alliances, could afford her. She fent
Sir Robert Sidney into Scotland, who prevailed on
James to agree to march to her afliftance with all
his forces. She engaged the king of Denmark to
feize a fquadron of fhips, which Philip had bought
or hired in the Danifh harbours ; and the Hanfe-
towns were alfo induced, by the common tie of
religion, to delay fo long the equipment of fome
veflels in their ports, that they became of no ufe in
the intended invafion. All the proteftants in Eu-
rope confidered this enterprize as an event on
which the fate of their religion depended ; and
though unable, by their diftance, to join their forces
with thofe of Elizabeth, beheld with admiration and
anxiety, the intrepidity with which fhe endeavoured
to encounter the dreadful tempeft, which was every
moment approaching. The queen was fenfible,
that next to her popularity, the firmeft fupport of
her throne confifted in her peoples zeal for the
proteftant religion, and the ftrength of their pre-
judices againft popery; fhe therefore took care to
have them reminded of their former danger, from
the tyranny of Spain: the inhuman perfccutions
which Mary exercifed againft the proteftants, were
afcribed to the councils of that bigotted and impe-
rious nation : the horrid cruelties of the inquifition,
the bloody maffacres in the Indies, and the fevere
executions in the Netherlands, were fet before the
eyes of the people : a lift and defcription was pub-
lifhed, and pictures difperfed, of theinftruments of
torture, with which it was reported the Spanifh Ar-
mada was loaded ; (of which we have given an
exact engraving) and every artifice was employed,
to animate her fubjects vigoroufly to defend their
religion, their liberties and their laws. While
Elizabeth thus excited the refentment of the nation
againft popery, fhe wifely treated the papifts them-
felves with moderation ; and though Sextus V. the
prefent pope, had fulminated a new bull of excom-
munication againft her, depofed her therein from
the throne, abfolved her fubjecls from their oaths
of allegiance, publifhed a crufade againft England,
and granted plenary indulgences to all engaged in
the Spanifh invafion, fhe rejected all violent coun-
cils; and the catholics, fenfible of this favour, ex-
prefled, in general, great zeal for the public fervice.
Some gentleman of that perfuafion, fenfible that
they could not reafonably expect to obtain any
truft or authority, entered as volunteers in the fleet
and army : fome fitted out fhips at their own ex-
pence, and, with a generous difintereftednefs, gave
the command of them to proteftants: while others
behaved with activity in animating their tenants,
vaflals, and neighbours, to defend their country ;
and all ranks of men, laying afide party diftinclions
feemed to prepare with one heart to refift their in-
vaders. Still more to excite the martial fpirit of
the nation, Elizabeth appeared on horfeback in the
camp at Tilbury, harangued her army, and ex-
prefied an entire confidence in their loyalty and
courage. She aflured her troops, that the weaknefs
of herfex fhould not prevent her marching at their
head ; that fhe would behold and reward their
bravery herfelf ; and that fhe would fooner perifh
on the field of battle, than live to fee the flavery of
her beloved people. " My arm," faid this heroic
queen, " is the arm of a woman ; but I have the
heart of a king, and what is more, of a king of
England." The whole army catched the martial
ardour of their fovcreign : they were impatient to
meet the enemy; and with an admiration mixed
with tendernefs they afked each other, if it were
poffible for Englifhmen to abandon this glorious
caufe, or, by any dangers, to reiinquifh the defence
of their intrepid queen ? The pride of haughty
Spain was now in the zenith of its glory, and ready
to enter upon its grand expedition; but when the
Armada
THE NEW AND COMPLETE H I S T O R Y OF E N G L A N D.
Armada was preparing to fail, the marquis of Santa
Croce was flopped in his career by death. The
duke of Paliano, vice-admiral, died alfo at the very
fame time, and Philip appointed the duke of Me-
dina Sidonia, admiral, a nobleman of great family,
but wholly unacquainted with maritime affairs.
This interval was employed by the Englifh in
making new preparations againft the impending
ftorm. At length, on the twenty-ninth of May,
this formidable Armada failed from Lifbon ; but
being overtaken with a dreadful tempeft, the fleet
was obliged to take flicker in the Groyne, having
received confiderable damage. The news of thus
event having been brought'to England, the queen
concluded, that the Spaniards were difappointed for
this rummer; and being always ready to fave cx-
P9Pces, ordered Walfingliam to write to the admiral,
to lay up fome of the largeft mips, and to difcharge
the feamen; but lord Effingham being lefs fanguine
in his hopes, ventured todifobey thefe orders', and
begged leave to retain all the mips in the fervice,
though at his own expence : then taking advantage
of a north wind, he failed towards the coaft of
Spain, with a view to attack the enemy in their
harbours; but the wind changing to the oppofite
quarter, he was filled with apprehenfions, left they
mould pafs by him at fea, and therefore returning
to Plymouth, he lay at anchor in that harbour. In
the mean time, all the damage of the Spanifh Ar-
mada being repaired, it fet fajl again, after a delay
of two months, to profecutetheintended enterprize.
This invincible fleet, thought fo by the vaunting
Spaniards, now confided of one hundred and thirty
veflels, near a hundred of which were galleons,
and of a larger fize than any that had ever before
been ufed in Europe. It was attended by twenty
lefler fliips, called caravals and ten falves, with fix
oars each, and was victualled for fix months. The
Spanifh admiral was ordered to fail as near the
coaft of France as poffible, in order to join the
duke of Parma, and avoid meeting the Englifh
fleet, which might occafion fome delay in the en-
terprise; for it was never imagined, that they
would dare to attempt an oppofition. The in-
terpofition of providence in the prefervation of
ftates and kingdoms never more evidently appeared
than on this occafion. After the Spaniards were
under fail, they took a fifherman, from whom they
learned, that the Englifh admiral had been lately
out at fea, but it being reported to him, that the
Spanifh fleet was, by the late ftorm, prevented
from profecuting the intended invafion, he had re-
turned to Plymouth, laid up his fhips,and discharged
moft of the failors. From this falfe intelligence
the duke of Medina, fuppofing that it would be
eafy to deftroy the Englifh fhips, was tempted to
break his orders, and to fail directly for Plymouth ;
thus a refolution, founded on the miftake of a fifher-
man, proved the fafety of England. On the nine-
teenth of July, about fun-fet, the Armada made
the Lizard, which the Spaniards happily miftaking
for the Ram-head, bore out to fea, with a clefign
to return and effect their purpofe, the next day.
They were feen by a Scottifh pirate. He imme-
diately informed the Englifh admiral of their ap-
proach, who had but juft got out of port, when he
faw the Spanifh Armada approaching in full fail,
dilipofed in form of a crefcent, and ftretching to the
diftance of feven miles, from the extremity of one
divifion to that of the other. Lord EfTingham gave
orders to cannonade the Spaniards at a diftance,
and to wait the opportunity which various accidents
might afford, of intercepting fome of the enemy's
fcattcred vellels. This anfwered expectation. A
large fhip of Bifcay, which had a confiderable part
of the Spanifh money on board; took fire; at the
fame time the great galleon of Andaluzia fprung a
a maftj both which veflels were taken by'Sir
i
Francis Drake. . While the enemy advanced flowly
up the channel, the Englifh followed thejr rear
and harrafled them with perpetual fkirmiflics. The
Spaniards now began to abate in their confidence of
fuccefs ; and they directed their courfe towards
Calais, in order to join the duke of Parma. The
^ilarm had no fooner reached England, than the no-
bility and gentry failed with their vcffels from every
harbour, and reinforced the admiral. The earls
of Northumberland, Cumberland, and Oxford, Sir
Walter Raleigh, Sir Thomas Cecil, Sir Robert
Cecil, Sir Charles Blount, Sir Thomas Gerrard,
and Sir Thomas Vavafor, diftinguifhed themfelves
by their zeal in the fervice of their country; and
the Englifh. fleet, after being joined by their flvips,
' amounted to one hundred and forty fail. The
Armada, having reached Calais, caft anchor, in ex-
pectation that the duke of Parma would put to fea
and join his forces. But the duke's veffcls were
made for tranfporting foldiers, not for fighting ;
when therefore that general was perfuaded to
leave the harbour, he abfolutely rcfufed to expofe
his troops to fuch evident hazards, efpecially while the
Englifh not only kept at fea, but fecmcd to triumph
over the late fuppofed Invincible Armada. While
the Spaniards were in this confufcd ftate of irrcfolu-
tion, the vigilant Howard, took eight of his fmaller
fliips, and having filled them with combuftibles,
fent them one after another in the midft of the
enemy's fleet. Terrified at this unufual appearance
of fire fliips, the Spaniards cut their cables, and
difperfed with theutmoft diforder and precipitation.
In the midft of this confufion, the Englifh fell upon
them, and took twelve of their large ihips, befides
damaging many more. The Spaniards would now
willingly have returned immediately into their own
por's; for their admiral found, that though he had
loft a confiderable part of his own navy, he had de-
ftroyed only one fmall Englifh veflel; but the wind
not permitting his paflage back through the chan-
nel, he refolved to proceed northward, and to re-
turn home by failing round the ifland. For fome
time the Englifh fleet followed him, and had not
their ammunition fallen fhort, they would have
obliged the whole Armada to furrender atdifcretion.
This refolution the duke of Medina had once
taken, but the perfuafions of his confcffor diverted
him from it. The event however proved equally
fatal to the Spaniards ; for a violent ftorm overtook,
and completed the deftruction of the Invincible
Armada. The mips which had already loft their
anchors, were obliged to keep the fea : the ma-
riners, who were tmaccuftomecl to fuch hardfhips,
and unable to govern their unwieldy veflels, were
forced to yield to the raging fury of the tempeft,
and their fhips being driven, fome on the weftern
iflands of Scotland, and others on the coaft of Ireland,
where they were wrecked, not half of the fleet re-
turned to Spain, and thofe veffels that did efcape
from their furious purfuers were in a moft fluttered
condition. It is faid, Philip, though a flave to
ambition, had fuch command over himfclf, that
being informed of thefe clifafters, he fell on his knees,
and thanked God, that the calamity was no greater.
On the other hand, the whole kingdom of England
was one continued fcene of joy. A public thankf-
giving was ordered by Elizabeth, and flic herfelf re-
paired, in folemn proceffion to St. Paul's, to per-
form that facredduty. Eleven ftandards, taken from
the enemy, were hung up in the church, and the
queen caufed two medals to be ftruck, in comme-
moration of this glorious and clecifive victory over
the Spaniards. She alfo beftow^ed rewards on many
of her officers, who had fo nobly exerted themfelves
in defence of their country. About this time died
Robert Dudley, earl of Leiceftcr, the queen's
great but unworthy favourite ; but the queen's af-
fection feemed to terminate with his death j for
flie
ELIZABETH.
flie caufed his goods to be expofed to fale, in order
to reimburfe herfelf for the money flie had lent
him.
„ The victory obtained over the
A. D. 1589. Spanifh Armada, encouraged the En-
glifh to engage in any enterprizes againft Spam,
that required their afliftance. Don Antonio, a
natural fon of the royal family of Portugal, laying
claim to the crown, the people of England rc-
folved to endeavour to conquer it for him. Sir
Francis Drake, and Sir John Norris, were leaders
in this romantic expedition. They hired flups,
and provided arms at their own expence; near
twenty thoufand volunteers refoited to their ban-
ners; but the queen contributed only fix mips,
and fixty thoufand pounds. The fleet failed from
Plymouth on the fifth of April, and arriving
lately at the Groyne, entered the harbour, burned
fome fliips of war, and defeated an army of four
or five thoufand men affembled to oppofe them.
They now failed for Portugal, and in their paffage
were met by the young earl of Effex, who, in-
flamed with a thirft for military glory, had, un-
known to the queen, equipped a few flaps at his
own expence, and fecretly left- England. As the
Spaniards had prepared againft this invafion, the
Englifh had the misfortune to find their attack
on Lifbon unfuccefsful. On their arrival, they
became mafters of the weftern fuburb of Lifbon
without oppoiition ; but the next clay a large body
of Spaniards fallied from the citadel, and cut oft
ieveral of the Englifli, with fome of their beft
officers. The earl of Eflex behaved with the molt
furprizing courage on this occafion; yet it was
determined not to make any farther attempt upon
the capital ; upon which, after blowing up the
caftle of Cafcaris, and burning Vigo, they re-
turned to England, having loft a great number of
men by ficknefs and fatigue. In the mean time
James, king of Scotland, having renewed his fuit
to the princefs of Denmark, and ftill finding ob-
ftacles from the intrigues of Elizabeth, he broke
through all her policy; and having caufed his
marriage to be celebrated by proxy, the princefs
embarked for Scotland, but was driven by a ftorm
into a port of Norway ; on which James went to
Norway, carried his queen thence to Copenhagen,
where he palled the winter, and the next fprmg
conducted her fare to Scotland.
In France, the Hugonots were ftill perfecuted
by the League. Unforefeen events, however,
changed the" face of things. The inhabitants of
Paris, intoxicated with the admiration of Guife,
and ftrongly prejudiced againft the king, took up
arms againft him, and Henry was obliged to fly
from his capital for fafety. Diffembling his re-
fentment, he loaded Guife and his partizans with
favours. Deceived by thefe appearances of friend-
fliip, Guife, and his brother the cardinal of Lur-
raine, came to court, and were both aflahinated
by the king's orders. TluV-f> crfidious conduct
rendered the League more formidable than ever.
The citizens of Paris renounced their allegiance,
and were followed by thofe of many conliderable
places in the kingdom. Henry finding it im-
poflible to refift the ftorm that was gathering
around him, was obliged to have recourie to the
Hugonots for afiiftance ; and being fupported by
his chief nobility, he affembled an army of near
forty thoufand men, and advanced to the gates of
Paris. But the city was faved by the bloody
fpiiit of bigotry which inflamed Jaqtics Clement,
a Dominican monk. This zealot took the reib-
lution of facrificing his own life to fave the
church. He found means to be admitted into
the king's prefence, and plunged a dagger into the
breaft of his fovereign, who expired on the firft of
Auguft. The king of Navarre, afterwards Henry
No. 35.
IV. afcended the throne; but found, by the re>-
bellion of his fubjeds, he had a kingdom to
Cubdue.
Near the conclufion of this year, died that con"
fummate ftatefman and wife counfellor, Sir Francis
Walfingham, fecretary of ftate, one of the nioft
accomplifhed minifters that ever appeared in this
or any other country, not more diftinguiflied by his
fplendid abilitieSj than his unfullied virtues. He
was chancellor of the duchy of Lancafter, and
knight of the garter. The nation fuftained an
irreparable lofs ; by the death of this great poli-
tician. Though he had pafled through many high
employments in the ftate, and had been very frugal
in his expences, he died fo poor, that his family
was obliged to give him a private burial. He
left only one daughter, married firft to Sir Philip
Sidney, and afterwards to the earl of Effex, the
queen's favourite. He was furvived but a few
months by Ambrofe Dudley, earl of Warwick ;
Sir Thomas Randolph, chancellor of the Exchequer;:
Sir James Crofts, comptroller of the houfhold ;
George Talbot, earl of Shrewfbury; and Thomas
lord Wentworth, formerly governor of Calais.
Thefe were all faithful fervants to the crown;
though not one of them was more regretted than
Sir Chriftopher Hatton, Chancellor of England,
and of the univerfity of Oxford; a man of un-
fhaken probity, firmly attached to the intereft
of his country, and a generous patron of learn-
ing.
'1 he prejudices entertained againft ,. -^
TT r i_ • i- A. D. i %oo.
Henry IV. on account of his reli-
gion, made a great part of his nobility defert
him; yet he gained a complete victory over his
enemies, which enabled him to blockade Paris;
when the duke of Parma, having received orders
to march to its relief, he obliged Henry to raife
the blockade. Henry afterwards obtained frefh
fupplies from Elizabeth, which enabled him to
carry on the war with fuccefs ; but finding infur-
mountable obftacles to his afcending the throne,
from the bigotry of the zealous partizans of the
League, he at leaft renounced the proteftant reli-
gion, and was received into the bofom of the
Romifli church. During thefe tranfaclionsin France,
feveral naval operations were carried on in the
Weft Indies, by different fquadrons, with various
fuccefs. The lord Thomas Howard was dif-
patched, early in the fpring, to the Azores, with a
iquadron of feven fhips, to intercept the galleons
in their return to Europe. The Spanifli monarch,
apprized of this defign, fitted out fifty-five fail of
fliips. Howard, who knew nothing of this ftrong
fleet, efcaped with difficulty. The revenge was
not fo fortunate. Sir Richard Grenville, after an
engagement of fifteen hours with the whole force
of the enemy, was obliged to furrender, yet not
before he was mortally wounded. The reft of the
Iquadron returned to England, difappointed in-
deed in their expectations of acquiring riches
from the new world, but not in effentially diftrefllrig
the enemy; for the plate fleet had been fo long
detained at the Havannah, through fear of the
Englifli, that they were obliged to put to fea at
an improper feafon; in confequence of which
the greater part were loft before they reached the
ports of Spain.
All the vaft defigns of Philip were . -^
at this period rendered abortive by
the death of the prince of Parma, who died in the
forty-fifth year of his age. Even Elizabeth is faid
to have dropped fome generous expreflions to the
memory of that brave general ; and, perhaps, few
princes ever excelled him in virtue, in civil, and
military accomplifhments. His merits were foon
confpicuous after his death. No other general
had authority fufficient to maintaia a proper dif-
5 A cipline
366
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
cipline among the Spanifh troops; the foldiers
mutinied, and a great number of them deferted.
Elizabeth continued to practice her favourite
plan of humbling the pride of Philip, by cutting
the finews of his ftrength in the Weft Indies.
Fifteen fhips were fent to annoy the Spaniards,
under the command of Sir Walter llaleigh ; but
his fleet being difperfed in a ftorm, the expedition
failed in its grand aim. However, a fmall fquadron
was difpatched to cruife off the Azores, and Sir
Martin Forbiflier to the coaft of Spain, in order to
wait for the carracks from the Eaft Indies. Bur-
roughs, who commanded thefirftof thefe fquadrons,
burned one galleon, and took another very richly
laden. The money of this capture publickly known,
amounted to one hundred and fifty thoufand pounds,
and the embezzlements were thought to be at leaft
equal in value.
. .„. The parliament meeting in Fe-
' 159S' bruary, took into cohfideration a
book written by Parfons the jefuit, attempting to
prove, that the right of fucceffion was veiled in
the Infanta of Spain. The book was condemned,
and all perfons deemed guilty of high treafon, who
fliould keep it in their houfes. Peter Wentworth
prefented a petition to the upper houfe, requeft-
mg, that they would join with the commons in a
fupplication to her majefty, that (he would be
pleafed to entail the fucceflion of the crown.
Elizabeth was offended at this attempt ; Went-
worth was fent to the Tower; and Sir William
Bromley, who feconded the motion, to the Fleet
prifon. But even this arbitrary proceeding could
not reprefs their farther attempts for freedom.
Morrice, attorney of the court-wards, expofed, in
their proper colours, the enormous abufes of the
ecclefiaftical commrffion, and made a motion for
redreffing thofe grievances. Exafperated at the
temerity of Morrice, the queen fent for the fpeaker,
and told him, that fhe had affembled the parlia-
ment for two purpofes only; to maintain the uni-
for,mity of the national religion, and to provide
for the defence of the kingdom againft the enor-
mous power, of Spain; that their deliberations
muft turn entirely on thefe points ; that fhe had
already enjoined them not to meddle, either with
the affairs of the ftate or religion ; and wondered
how any perfon could be fo prefuming, as to attempt
a fubject fo exprefsly contrary to her prohibition.
Morrice felt the weight of the queen's refent-
ment: he was feized in the houfe by the ferjeant at
arms, difcharged from his office, difabled from
acting in his profeffion, and confined fome years in
Tilbury caftle. Soon after this, a fevere bill was
paffed againft nonconformifts of all perfuafions.
It was enacted, that any perfon above fixteen years
of age, who obftinately refufed, during the Ipace
of a month, to attend the public fervice of the
church of England, mould be committed to
prifon; that if, after having been condemned for
this offence, he perfifted three months in his re-
fufal, he muft depart the realm j and that if he
either refufed this condition, or returned from his
banifhment, he was to fuffer capitally as a felon,
without benefit of clergy. Both catholics and
puritans had reafon to complairi of this law: but
the commons were entirely paffivej. they even
granted the queen extraordinary fupplies, to re-
imburfe the great expence which had attended
the defence of England againft the Spanifh in-
vafion.
The difaffectecl party ftill continued to plot
againft Elizabeth and her government. One
Hefket exhorted Ferdinand, earl of Derby, to
affume the title of king, as grandfon of Mary,
daughter to Henry VII. affuring him he would be
fupported in his claim by Philip ; and threatened
him at the fame tim« with death, on his non-
compliance wich, or revelation of the fcheme.
The earl, however, difcovered it; the traitor was
brought to condign punifhment; and he himfelf
died a few months after. At the fame time a plot
was concerted againft the queen by the count de
Fuentes, and Don Diego d'Ibarra, who directed
the Spanifh affairs in the Netherlands. Thefe
bribed Koderic Lopez, a Portuguefe Jew, and one
of her majefty's phyficians, to take her off by
poifon. But the defign being difcovered, he, with
two. of his accomplices were apprehended, and
confeffing their correfpondence with Fuentes and
Ibarra, were executed as traitors.
At the fame time the queen was . -^
making preparations for carrying the ^5*
war into the territories of Spain, feveral atchieve-
ments were performed at fea by the Englifh; but
the moft remarkable was an expedition of Sir
Walter Raleigh to Guiana, a large tract of land in
South America, rather poffeffed, than inhabited by
the Spaniards. At his own expence, he had fent
one Whiddon to view the coafl, and make all the
obfervations in his power. From his report,
Raleigh refolved to wreft that extenfive country
out of the hands of the Spaniards. His under-
taking was fo well approved, that both the trea-
furer and admiral of England contributed to the
expences of fitting out a fleet for carrying the
defign into execution; and on the fixth of Fe-
bruary, Sir Walter failed from Plymouth. On the
twenty-fecond of March, he took the city of St.
Jofeph, in the ifland of Trinidada, and made
Boreo, the Spaniih governor, prifoner. Having
procured all the information poffible with regard
to the ftrength and riches of Guiana, Raleight
manned his long-boats with about one hundicd
men, and proceeded above four hundred miles up
the river Oroonoko; but met with fo many diffi-
culties from the navigation, and the heat of the
climate, that he did not reap all the advantages io
brave and dangerous an undertaking deferved.
It is certain, that he made great difcoveries; and
though we have no authentic account of the riches
he acquired in this undertaking, there is fufficient
reafon to believe they were very confiderable. He
was received with the higheft applaufe on his
return, and a very pompous account of his voyage
was publifhed.
The queen, difgufted on fome ac- A n
count with the ftates of the Nether- A' U" l&6;
lands, demanded a reimburfement of all the money
fhe had expended in their defence. The ftates,
befides alledging the conditions of a former treaty,
by which they were not bound to repay her till a
peace was concluded, pleaded their poverty and
diftrcfs, then ftiling themfelves the fcor United
States ; the fuperiority of the Spaniards ; and the
difficulty of fupporting the war. After much
negotiation, a new treaty was formed, by which
they agreed to free the queen immediately from
the expence of the Englifh auxiliaries, computed
at forty thoufand pounds a year ; to pay her an*
nually twenty thoufand pounds for fome years ; to
affift her with a certain number of fhips ; and to
conclude no treaty or peace without her confenU
They alfo bound themfelves, after a peace mould
be concluded with Spain, to pay her annually a
hundred thoufand pounds, during four years, in
lieu of all demands.
Elizabeth had now completed her preparations
for attacking Philip's dominions in Europe, by way
of retaliation for his intended invafion of England.
For this purpofe a formidable fleet was equipped at
Plymouth, confining of a hundred and ieventy
fhips, feventeen of which were men of war, and th«
reft fmall veffels and tenders. To thefe the Dutch
added twenty fhips. They had on board fix thou-
fajid three hundred and fixty foldiers, a thoufand
volunteers,
ELIZABETH.
volunteers, together with fix thoufand feven hun-
dred and fevcnty-two feameni This fleet was
commanded by lord Eflingham, high admiral, and
the land forces by the earl of Effex; both which
commanders, agreeable to the public fpirit of that
age, expended great fums of their own in this ar-
mament. Lord Thomas Howard, Sir Walter Ra-
leigh, Sir Comers Clifford, Sir George Carew, and
Sir Francis Vere, had commands in this expedition,
and were appointed a council to the admiral and
general. On the firft of June they fet fail for Cadiz,
fending before them fome armed tenders, which
intercepted every fhip that could carry intelligence
to the enemy. Near Cadiz they took an Irifh
veffel, whereby they received intelligence, that the
port was full of merchant fhips of great value; and
that the Spaniards, having no apprehenfions of an
enemy, lived in perfect fecurity. It was propofed
by Sir Walter Raleigh, in a council of war, to at-
tack the fhips and gallies in the harbour, which re-
folution was ftrongly feconded by the young earl of
tffex, who burnt with an eager defire of fignalizing
his courage on this occafion. He appeared, however,
greatly mortified, on being informed by Effingham,
that the queen, dreading the effects of his youthful
ardour, had given fecret orders, that he fhould not
be permitted to command the van in the attack.
This poft of honour was allotted to Sir Walter Ra-
leigh, in the Warfpite, and lord Thomas Howard,
in the Nonpareil, who were feconded by Sir George
Carew in the Mary Rofe, Sir Robert Southwel, in
the Lion, Sir Francis Vere, in the Rainbow, vice-
admiral Crofs, in the Swiftfure, and Sir Comers
Clifford in the Dreadnought. The Spaniards, in
order more effectually to oppofe their enemy,
ranged their gallies under the walls of the city, fo
as to flank the Englifh fhips as they paffed : cul-
verins were planted to fecure the channel of the
harbour; and the artillery both of Fort St. Philip,
and the curtain of the fortification, were brought to
bear on the Englifh fleet. Befides thefe, the
Spaniards had put guns on board all their large
galleons, which were covered by Fort Puntal,
fttuated in the middle of the harbour. At break
of day the Englifh van advanced to the attack,
when Effex, forgetting the promife he had made to
the admiral, to ftay in the centre of the fleet, prefled
forward to the hotteft poft of danger and glory.
Infpired with emulation, the Englifh received with
undaunted bravery the fire from Fort St. Philip, the
curtain, and feventeen gallies; but Raleigh an-
fwered only by a flourifh of his trumpets, purfuing
his courfe, in order to encourage the fhips that
followed him, and to referve his fire for the body
of the enemy. After a long and moft defperate en-
gagement, Sir Walter prepared to board the Spanifh
admiral, a fhip of fifteen hundred tons ; but the
Spaniards, perceiving his intention, ran her on
ihore, and fet her on fire. Three other galleons
followed the example of their admiral, but two of
them were faved by the Englifh boats. Effex then
landed at the Puntals, and inftantly marched to
the attack of Cadiz. Five hundred Spaniards ad-
vanced to meet him, but being 'ftruck with a panic,
they retired into the city with the utmoft precipita-
tion, and were clofely followed by the Englifh.
Cadiz was now in the utmoft confternation ; and
before any meafures could be taken for making
a proper defence, the Englifh had forced the gate,
and were foon in poffeffion of the market-place.
The garrifon and inhabitants fled to the caftle and
town-houfe, but foon offered to capitulate; and it
was agreed their lives fhould be fpared, on the pay-
ment of feventy thoufand ducats. A prodigious
quantity of filver was found in the place, and fent
immediately on board the Englifh fleet. While
Effex was thus employed in the reduction of Cadiz,
Sir Walter Raleigh was fent to burn the merchant
fhips at Port Real. The Spaniards offered for their
ranfom two millions of ducats, but Raleigh re-
jected the offer, faying, he came to deftroy, not to
ranfom. The Spaniards, however, found means to
unload fome of their fhips, and let fire to others*
Befides the merchant fhips, two galleons, thirteen
men of war, eleven fhips freighted for the Indies*
and thirteen others were captured. A prodigious
quantity of military ftores, prepared for an expe-
dition againft England, were likewife deftroyed;
No Englifhmen of note, except Sir John Wingfield,
perifhed in this memorable conqueft, and about twd
hundred men. The whole lofs of the Spaniards was
eftimated at twenty millions of ducats. Effex re-
garded this glorious victory only as a ftep to farther
conquefts. He in fitted on keeping pofTeffion of
Cadiz ; and propofed to intercept the carracks at
the Azores, to affault the Groyne, to take St. Se-
baftian and St Andero; but all the other feamea
and foldiers were impatient to return home, in order
to fecure their plunder. Effex complained to the
queen of their want of fpirit ; and fhe herfelf was
not pleafed with their returning, without endeavour-
ing to intercept the India fleet, loaded with trea-
fure; bot though fhe admired the enterprizing
genius of Effex, fhe could not help teftifying her
approbation and efteem for the gallant behaviour
of the other officers. She created the admiral earl
of Nottingham, at which Effex was highly offended;
and it being faid in the preamble to the patent, that
this honour was conferred on him for his good fer-
vices in taking Cadiz, and deftroying the Spanifli
fhips, this merit Effex afcribed folely to himfelf ; he
even offered to maintain his claim, by fingle com-
bat, againft the earl of Nottingham, his fan, or any
of his relations.
Information having been received, * -r\ t
that the Spaniards, notwithftanding
the damage their fleet had fuffered at Cadiz, were
preparing a fquadron at Ferrol, and the Groyne,
and were marching troops thither, in order to make
a defcent upon Ireland, Elizabeth refolved to deftroy
the fhips in thofe harbours. For this purpofe ihe
prepared a large fleet of one hundred and twenty-
fail, feventeen of which were her own fhips, forty-1
three were fmaller veffels, and the reft tenders and
victuallers. On board of this fleet were embarked
five thoufand new raifed foldiers, and a thoufand
veteran troops, brought by Sir Thomas Vere from
the Netherlands. The earl of Effex, who was com*
mander in chief, both of the fea and land forces,
was at the head of one fquadron; Sir Walter Ra-
leigh was appointed vice-admiral of another; lord
Thomas Howard of a third ; and lord Mountjoy
was commander of the land forces under Effex. On.
the ninth of July they fet fail from Plymouth ; but
were no fooner out of harbour, than they were dif-
perfed and fluttered by a violent ftorm : and before
they could be refitted, their provifions were fo far
fpent, that it would have been unfafe to have taken
fo numerous an army along with them. Effex
therefore difmifled all the foldiers, except a thou-
fand veterans under Vere ; and abandoning all
thoughts of attacking Ferrol or the Groyne, con-
fined the object of his expedition to intercepting the
fleet from Spanifh America, which was about this
time expected to flop at the Azores. Thither Effex
bent his courfe, after having informed Raleigh, that
he intended to attack Fayal, one of the Azore
iflands. The fquadrons being by fome accident
feparated, Raleigh arrived firft before that ifland ;
and having waited fome time for the general,
thought it moft prudent to begin the attack alone,
left a further delay fhould give the inhabitants time
to prepare for their defence. He fucceeded in the
attempt ; but Effex thinking, that Raleigh had de-
prived him of the glory of the action, was fo highly
offended, that he cafhiered feveral of the captains
368
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
who had exerted themfelves, with their ufual
bravery, to take the place; and would rafhly have
infixed the fame punifhment on Raleigh himfelf,
had not lord Thomas Howard interpofed with his
good offices, and perfuaded that gallant officer to
make his fubmiflion to the general. Effex, being
appeafed, received Raleigh into favour, and reftored
the other officers to their commands. This mifun-
derftanding, however, laid thefint foundationof that
violent animofity which afterwards fubfifted between
thefe two gallant commanders. Eflex now dif-
pofed his fleet in a manner proper for intercepting
the galleons; and Sir William Monfon, falling in
with them, made the fignal which had been agreed
upon: but the Spanifh fleet, no fooner faw the
enemy, than they made all the fail poffible to Ter-
cera, one of the largelt of the Azore iflands, before
the Englifli fleet could overtake them ; Eflex, how-
ever, took three fliips, which were fo rich, as to pay
all the expences of the expedition ; the reft that
efcaped flickered themfelves in the well-fortified,
and fafe harbour of Angara. Upon the return of
the fleet, the caufes of the mifcarriage of this enter-
prize were much canvaffed in England. The
courtiers lided with Eflex or Raleigh, according to
the refpecl they bore to each ; but the people, in
general, who were pleafed with the fpii it and gene-
rofity of the former, were inclined to juflify his
con duel : the queen, who loved the one, and
elleemed the other, maintained a kind of neutrality
between both parties.
AT) p Henry IV. king of France, having
•&• ' received overtures for a peace with
Philip, Elizabeth difpatched Sir Robert Carew to
France, in order, if poflible, to break off the treaty ;
but all her attempts were in vain, as Henry was de-
termined to give peace to his kingdom, now re-
duced to the moft deplorable condition. The ne-
gotiations were carried on at Vervins; and on the
twelfth of June, the peace was ratified by Henry ;
who was put in poffefiion of all the places that had
been taken by Philip during the courfe of the civil
wars. ( Thus he procured leifure to attend to the
domeftic fettlement of the diftracled ftate; and, by
the wifdom of his government, he, in a fhort time,
raifcd France from the mifery in which that kingdom
•was involved, to a more flourifliing condition than
it had ever before enjoyed. Elizabeth was fenfible
it was in her power to make peace with Spain on
equitable terms ; yet, though at firft averfe to war,
ihe feemed now to have attained fuch an afcendancy
over the enemy, that fhe was unwilling to put a flop
to her profperous fortune. Her paft victories had
entirely fecured her from any dangerous invafion.
She confidered, that the weak condition of Philip
in the Indies, and the annual return of his treafures
from thence, afforded her a profpect of the moft
lafting advantages : that Philip, after his peace with
France, fhould fhe confent to an accommodation,
would be able to turn his whole force againft the re-
volted provinces of the Netherlands, which, though
they had greatly increafed their power by commerce
and good government, would, neverthelefs, without
hgr afliftance, be unable to maintain a war againft
fo powerful a prince; and that it would be unfafe
and difhonourable to abandon their caufe, till they
were placed in a ftate of greater fecurity. The earl
ot Eflex encouraged her in thefe fentiments. Lord
Burleigh, on the contrary, was defirous of a peace;
and the rivalfhip of thefe two noblemen, made each
of them infift the more ftrenuoufly on his own
counfel ; but the arguments of Eflex, whofe perfon
was agreable to the queen, prevailed : the favourite
feemed daily to gain an alcendancy over the mi-
nifter; and had he been poffeffed of a felf-command
equal to his mining qualities, he might have fo
ftrongly ri vetted himfelf into the queen's affeclions,
that none of his enemies could have hurt him j but
his high fpirit could ill fubmit to the implicit
obedience, which Elizabeth, ever jealous of her
prerogative, had been accuftomed to receive from
her fubjecls. That nobleman was no lefs diftin-
guifhed by his underftanding, than by his birth and
figure. He was brave, generous, iincere; a firm
friend ; active, and paflionately fond of glory ; but
carried away by his paflions, and incapable of yield-
ing to the rein of prudence. Theie paffions at laft
proved his deftruclion.
On the fourth of Auguft died, in an advanced
age, lord Burleigh, equally lamented by the queen
and the people. A zealous and faithful councilor.
This truly great man had long and earnettly re-
quefted his niiftrefs, to grant him f'ome moments of
eafe between bufinefs and the grave ; but he afked
in vain. He continued immerfed in all the fa-
tigues of office, till death gave him that repofe that
was denied him by Elizabeth. Lord Burleigh was
now on the verge of eighty, and though many mi-
nifters had lived with lels envy, none ever-died with
greater reputation. He was chiefly diftinguifhed
tor iblidity of underftanding, probity of manueis,
and indefatigable application to the duties of his
ftation. He was the only one in this icign, who
left a confiderable fortune to his pofterity ; a for-
tune not acquired by rapine or plunder, but gained
by the regular profits of his office, and prelerved by
his frugality. This great ftatefman wrote La Com-
plalnte de i'Ame Pechereffe, in French verfe, now-
extant in the king's library; the Execution of
Juftice in England ; Meditations on the State of
England; lord Burleigh's precepts, &c. In a
fhort time after expired at Madrid, Philip II.
king of Spain, the principal enemy of Elizabeth, in
the feventy third year of his age, and the forty-
third of his reign. This prince had transferred to
. his daughter, who was married to the arch-duke.
Albert, the pofleflion of the Netherlands; but as it
was thought he would have no ifl'ue, and as the re-
verfion was referved to the crown of Spain, the
States flill obftinately perfifted in their reiiftance to
the Spanifh arms.
Nothing but the imprudence of Eflex could now
have fhaken his credit with the queen ; but his lofty
fpirit could ill brook controul, even from his
miiirefs. Difputing with her, one day, on the
choice of a governor for Ireland, he was fo heated,
and carried matters fo high, as imprudently to turn
his back on her, with an air of contempt. At this
prpvocation, her anger, naturally violent, wasraifed
to fuch a pitch, that fhe inftantly gave him a box
on the ear, adding her ufual pailionate expreffion,
which fhe thought f'uited his impertinence: when
inftead of recollecting himfelf, and making the fub-
mifiions her fcx required, he clapt his hand upon
his fword, and fwore, in his turn, that he would not
have taken fo grofs an affront even from Henry,
her father. The admiral and vice-chamberlain in-
terpofed between the fovereign and the fubjecl, and
prevented any farther confequences at that time.
The chancellor, Egerton, who had a regard for
Effex, exhorted him to repair his indifcretion, by
making proper acknowledgments ; but he was fo
deeply ftung with the difhonour, that he not only
wrote him a fpirited letter, full of refentment againft
the queen, which breathed all the violence ot his
haughty foul, but even fhewed the letter to his
friends, who imprudently difperfcd copies of it :
yet notwithftanding this additional provocation,
the queen's love for him prevailed, and Effex be-
came the only confident of Elizabeth, and fole di-
rector of the affairs of the kingdom.
The troubles which flill iiibfiiled in Ireland
opened a new fcene for his ambition, and he
rafhly engaged in an undertaking which termi-
nated in crimes and misfortunes. Hugh O'Neale,
whom the queen had created earl of Tyrone, and
whofe
E L I Z A B E T H.
t
369
whole treachery was equal to his ferocious valour,
renewed .n this time his rebellious practices. He had
already afl'umed the character of the deliverer of his
country, and the patron of Irifh liberty ; and having
received affiltance from the king of Spain, gained ad-
vantages conflderable enough to make the court of
London very uneafy. It was therefore determined
to profecute the war with vigour, and fubdue the
rebels by extraordinary efforts. For this purpofe
the queen had caft her eye on Charles Blount, lord
Mountjoy ; but the earl of Eflex, ambitious of
glory, reprcfented the ueceflity of appointing fomc
perfon more experienced in war, and of higher
quality. Being underflood to mean himfelf, his
defire was granted, and Elizabeth honoured him
with the title of lord deputy of Ireland, granting
him more extenfive authority than had ever been
conferred on any governor before; being furnifhed
with a commiflion, whereby he was empowered
either to continue or linifti the war : to pardon the
carl of Tyrone, and other rebels ; an authority never
granted to any of his predeceflbrs. Had Eflex
iiicened to the advice of his enemies, he could not
have engaged in a more fatal undertaking: but the
young cv.rl was incapable of caution : he imagined
that every difficulty would give way before him ;
that his prefence, at the head of a numerous army,
would awe the rebels into peace, and that he fhould
return crowned with laurel. The" queen's prepa-
rations were equal to the tendernefs the cherifhed
for her favourite. To enfure fuccefs, fhe gave him
an army of twenty thoufand foot, and two thoufand
horfe, which, it was fuppofcd, would be fuflicient
to overwhelm the rebels in one campaign. Nor
dicl the earl of Nottingham, Sir Robert Cecil, lord
Cobham, and Sir Walter Raleigh, the enemies of
Eflex, throw any obftacles in the way of thefe pre-
parations ; for they imagined, the higher the ex-
pectations of the queen were raifcd, it would be the
more difficult for him to flitisfy her.
AT) , About the middle of March, Eflex
-3'"1 fet out for his government, attended
with the acclamations of the populace, and accom-
panied by a numerous train of nobility and gentry,
who from affection to his perfon, attached them-
ielvcs to his fortunes. After his arrival in Ireland,
he appointed his intimate friend the earl of South-
ampton, general of the horfe, though that nobleman
had incurred the queen's difplcafure, and though
flic herfelf had exprefsly enjoined Eflex not to give
him any command ; and even repeated orders were
hardly fuflicient to induce him to revoke the com-
miflion. The reft of his conduct was conformable
to this beginning. Inltead of leading his powerful
army into Ulfter againlt Tyrone, he fuffered himfelf
to be perluaded by the Irifh council to march into
Munfter, lituated at the other extremity of the'king-
tiom. He indeed reduced the rebels to fubmiflion,
but he loft a conflderable part of his army in the
attempt ; and had no fooner left the country, than
they again revoked. By this time the feafon was
confiderably advanced., his army fickly, and greatly
rcdnced in their numbers,, fo that he was obliged to
requeft a reinforcement of two thoufand men, in
order to enable him to march againft the chief of
the rebels. The troops were immediately fent, and
Efiex .advanced into Ulfter. Tyrone, though with
an arm'y greatly fuprrior in numbers to that of the
I^nglifh, wifely avoided a decifive action, and pro-
poled a conference with Eflex, in order, as he pre-
tended, to put a flop to the flames of civil difcord,
which had fo long wailed Ireland. The offer was
accepted, and the two generals met without any of
their attendants. Tyrone behaved, during the con-
ference, with the.greateft fubmiflion, and aceflation
nf arms was concluded till the fit ft of May. This
unexpected ifl'uc of the moft expcniive enterpi ize
that Elizabeth had ever undertaken, exafperated her
No. 2?.
againft Eflex: and her chagrin was heightened by •
his writing many letters to tne council,1 filled with
peevifh expreillons, and lamenting, that the calum-
nies of his enemies ihould be believed againft him.
She informed him of her diflatisfaction ; and com-
manded him to continue in Ireland, till he received
her oniers to the contrary. The haughty favourite
was now iuiltciently alarmed. Dreading, that if he
continued any longer at any diftance from the court,
he mould loie all his ini'luencc with the queen,
while his enemies enjoyed the malignant fatisfAcVton
of triumphing in his fall, he determined to difobey
the orders of his mifhefs. He accordingly left Ire-
land, and arrived at London before any one was >
apprized of his intentions. He immediately re--
paired to court, and though covered with dirt and
iweat, he ran up flairs to the prtfence-chamber, then
to the privy-clumber, nor did he flop till he was in
the bed-chamber of the queen, who was juft rifen,
and was fitting with her hair about her face/
Whether Elizabeth's tendernefs awakened at the
fight of her favourite, or whether furprizc prevented
her from attending to punctilios, fhe gave him a
very kind and flattering reception ; and on his de-
parture he was heard to thank God, that though he
had met with many troubles and ftorms abroad, he
had found at home a placid and fwect calm. But
this promifing interval was deceitful. Elizabeth's
favourable difpofition was entirely owing to the
furprize at the f'udden and unexpected appearance
of her favourite ; but fhe had no fooner time for re-
collection, than all his faults recurred to her.
When Eflex, therefore, waited on her in the after-
noon, he found her behaviour much altered: flic
ordeied him to be twice examined by the council ;
to be committed to the cullody of the lord-keeper,
Egerton, and to be excluded from all company,
even from that of his count efs. Eflex exprefled
great humiliation and forrow; butjiis vexation, and
the triumph obtained by his enemies, preyed fo
'deeply on his fpirits, that he fell into a diforder,
winch teemed to endanger his life. The queen,
who had always declared, that her feverity was in-
tended to correct, and not to ruin him, no fooner
heard of his condition, than fhe was alarmed at his
danger, and ordered eight phyficians to confult
upon his cafe. Being informed, that there was rea-
fon to fear he would not recover, fhe fent one of her
phyficians to deliver a meflage, that if me thought
f'uch a ftep coniiftent with her honour, flie would
herielt pay him a vifit. Thofe who flood by, care-
fully obferving her countenance, remarked, that in
pronouncing thefe words, her eyes fwam in tears.
The enemies of Eflex were greatly alarmed at thefe
fymptons of the queen's returning affection, par-
ticularly Sir Walter Raleigh, who was fo affected
by it, that he, in his turn, was feized with ficknefs ;
and the queen, who had a refpect for him, fent him
alfo a favourable meflage, in which fhe exprefled
her willies for his recovery. Elizabeth's medicine
was fuccefsful with both thefe afpiring rivals; and
Eflex being allowed to enjoy the company of his
countcfs, and to entertain more agreeable hopes
with refpect to himfelf, foon became out of danger.
The queen was then perfuaded to believe, that he
had counterfeited his illnefs, in order to excite com-
paflion; and this induced her to relapfe into her
former rigour. Me fent her a rich prefent, with a
letter, on new year's day, as was then ufual among
the courtiers: fiie read the letter, but rejected the
preitnt. However, fhe fbon after allowed him to
retire to his own houfe; and though "he full re-
mained in cultody, and was allowed no company
but his countcfs, he feet her a letter qf thanks for
this indulgence. The countefs of Eflex, who was
the daughter of Sir Francis Walfingham, had, as
well as her huiband, a refined tafte in literature,
and the chief confolation of Eflex, during this
5 B period
37°
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Period of anxiety and fufpence, confided in her
ommny, and his reading, with her, thole in-
ilructive and entertaining authors, which he
had never entirely neglected during his greateft
jn'ofperity.
The departure of Eflex from Ire-
A. D. 1600. jantj revive(j tiie h0pes of Tyrone.
The Englifh army, now without a leader, was not
fufficient to ftop his progrefs: he reduced the whole
province of I'lfter to obedience; and being en-
couraged by a bull fcnt from pope Clement Vlf.
granting him and his adherents the fame indul-
gences as thole who fought for the recovery of the
Holy I/and, he flattered himfclf with being foon
mailer of the whole kingdom. He was alib pro-
mifed a fupply of men and money from Spain; and
having received a confecratcd plume from the pope,
lie called himfclf the champion of the catholic re-
ligion. Alarmed at thefe circumftances, the queen
fcnt lord Mountjoy into Ireland. The whole ifland,
on his arrival, was in a very defperate fituation ;
but being a man of capacity and vigour, he was not
difcouraged. He advanced immediately into
Ulfter againft Tyrone, and foon penetrated into
the heart of that county, the principal feat of the
rebels. He drove them from the open fields, and
obliged them to take refuge in their bogs and
foreits. Sir George Carew had equal advantages
in M under, and the queen's authority was once
more eftablifhed in Ireland. The fuccefs of
Mountjoy rendered the fuccefs of Eflex lefs ex-
cufable at conrt, but his popularity increafed with
his misfortunes. The miniflry was accufed of
malice, and the queen herfelf of injustice. Alarmed
at the prejudices of the people, Elizabeth deter-
mined to invedignte fully the military conduct of
Eflex in his late Irifli expedition. The queen had
often expreffed her intention of juftifying her own
conducl to the public, by having him tried in the
Star-chamber: but her tendernefs at laft prevailed
over her feverity ; and me was contented to have
him only examined by the privy-council. Coke,
the attorney general opened the caufe againft him,
tvith all that cruelty and infolence, which that great
lawyer ufiully exercifed againft the unfortunate;
and Francis, the fon of Sir Nicholas Bacon, clofed
the charge, with difplaying the undutiful expref-
fions in fome of the earl's letters. When Eflex
came to plead in his own defence, he, with great
lubmiflion and humility, renounced all pretences to
an apology, and declared his refolution, on this or
any other occafion, never to have any conteft with
his fovereign, and this fubmiflion was uttered with
fuch eloquence, and in fo pathetic a manner, that it
drew tears from many of the audience. All the
privy-council did him juftice with regard to the
loyalty of his intentions ; even Cecil, whom he be-
lieved his capital enemy, treated him with regard
and humanity. Hence he was only fentenced to
be deprived of the oflices he pofleflecl, and to be
confined in his own houfe, till her majefty mould
be pleafed to releafe him. Francis Bacon, who
was afterwards fo eminently diftinguifhed by his
high oflices, and his profound fkill in the fciences,
was nearly allied to the Cecil family, but met with
fo little protection from his powerful relations, that
though he was bred to the law, he had yet ob-
tained no preferment. But Eflex, who difcovered
his great abilities, had engaged in an intimate
triendfhip with him, and had zealoufly endeavoured,
though without fuccefs, to procure for him the
office of queen's folicitor; and to comfort him
under his difappointment, had made him a prefent
in land, to the value of eighteen hundred pounds.
The public, therefore, were highly offended at
Bacon's appearing before the council, againft his
generous benefactor, though he was commanded to
do it by the queen: but flic was fo pleafed with his
behaviour on this occafion, that fhe directed him to
draw up an account of that day's proceedings, in
order to fatisfy the nation, with refpect to the
juftice and lenity of her conduct. Bacon, in exe-
cuting her commands, reprefented the whole in the
moft favourable terms for Eflex: defcribing parti-
cularly, in a pleafing manner, the dutiful fubmiflion
with which he avoided making a particular defence
of his conduct. On his reading the paper to the
queen, fhe fmiled at that part, faying, flie faw that
old love could not eafily be forgotten ; to which
Bacon replied, he hoped Ihe meant that of herfelf.
Every one now expected, that Eflex would be re-
ftorcd to his former credit, and in this hope they
were confirmed, on finding, that though he was ftill
forbid to appear at court, he was continued in his
oflice of mailer of the horfe. The queen gave
orders that his fentence fhould not be recorded, and
reftored him to his full liberty; but at the lame
time advifed him to be cautious of giving farther
offence, and ordered him not to appear at court.
Eflex immediately prepared for his departure into
the country ; but before he let out, he wrote a letter
to the queen, in which he told her, that he kifled
her majefty's hands, and the rod with which fhe had
corrected him: but that he never could recover his
ufual chearfulneis till fhe deigned to admit him to
that prefcnce which had ever been the chief fource
of his happinefs and enjoyment ; and that, in the
mean time, he would retire into a country folitude,
and labour afliduoufly to atone for his former
offences. Flealed with thefe fentiments, the queen
replied, that fhe wifhed his actions might be con-
formable to his cxpreflions; but as he had fo long
abufed her patience, fhe would take fome time to
try his fmcerity. She added, " That if the furnace
of affliction produced iiich good effects, {he fhould
ever after have the better opinion of her chemiftry."
Elizabeth reflected not, that this . ^ ,
haughty fpirit, when driven to ex- '
tremities, was capable of trampling under foot
every fpecies of duty, as well as the laws of his
country. By pufliing her precautions too far, fhe
inflamed his reientment. He loft all hopes of her
favour, forgot her former kindnefles, and flew to
revenge. He imprudently followed the interefted
couniels of fome needy friends who lived upon his
bounty, and determined to have recourfe to vio-
lent meafures. To increafe the number of his
partizans, he paid his court to the catholics, and
lecretly folicited the king of Scotland's afliftance.
He acquainted him, " That whatfoever appear-
ances the Englifh court affected, a refolution was
formed to place the Infanta of Spain on the throne
of England} that to facilitate this defign, all
places of power, all pofts of importance, were in
the hands of thofe who were fworn enemies to the
Stuart family; the lord high-admiral had the
command of the navy and army; Buckhurft was
at the head of the treafury; Cobham was warden
of the cinque-ports ; Cecil, lord-lieutenant of the
north ; Raleigh, governor of the iflands of Guern-
ley and Jerfey; and Carew, prefident of Munfter ;
places very favourable for landing the Infanta."
He added, " The queen's uhderitanding was fo
greatly impaired, that fhe was incapable of acting
for herfelf, and was entirely guided by her mi-
nifters; that it was therefore abfolutely necefiary
for him to act openly againft this confpiracy, by
fending ambafladors immediately to the Englifh
court, to demand a public declaration of his title
to the fucceflion, and the removal of his enemies,
all creatures and penfioners of Spain, from the
court and council." But this headftrong noble-
man depended chiefly for fupport on the puritans,
•whofe manners he now entirely adopted. The
molt celebrated preachers of that feet reibrted to
his houfe, which became a kind of pulpit, where
3 the
ELIZABETH.
the fervours of fanaticifm conftantly difcharged
themfclves. The genius of the age was fo entirely
devoted to thefe rhapfodies, that the language of
the reformation had more attractions for the people
than pleafure itfelf : nothing more effectually in-
gratiated an ambitious leader with the public
than thefe religious entertainments. The ambitious
Effex fpared not the queen in his difcourfes ; he
reprefented her as an old woman, whofe temper
was as crooked as her perfon. Elizabeth was
informed of thefe liberties, which highly incenfed
her againft him. He could not have attacked her
in a more tender part. Elizabeth was always fond
of flattery, and loved to be complimented on her
beauty ; nor could either her own good fenfe, or
old age itfelf, cure her of this prepofterous infir-
mity. Effex had now formed a feleft council of
mal-contcnts, confiding of the earl of Southamp-
ton, Sir Charles Danvers, Sir Ferdinando Gorges,
Sir Chviftopher Blount, Sir John Davis, and John
Littleton, of Frankel. The reft of his friends,
according to a lift he produced at Drury houfe,
the ufual place of their meeting, confifted of one
hundred and twenty of the firft: noblemen and
gentlemen in the kingdom. Here all their plans
were laid, and all their refolutions formed. Among
other criminal projects debated in this aflembly,
was that of the moft proper method of taking up ;
arms; and it was at laft agreed, that the firtt
attack fliould be made upon the palace; that Sir
Chriftopher Blount, at the head of a choice de-
tachment, fliould take poffeffion of the gates-, that
Davis fliould feize the hall; Dauvcrs the guard
and prefence chamber; and that Effex, attended
by a felect number of his paitizans, fliould rufh in
from the Mews, oblige the queen to remove his
enemies, affemble a parliament, and fettle a new
plan of government. The queen was informed of
all thefe refolutions, and took the neceffary pre-
cautions to render them abortive. Effex never
doubted but the citizens of London, by whom he
was greatly beloved, would take up arms at the
firft fignal. He was, however, miftaken. The
court had taken meafures to prevent it; and when
he appeared in the city, accompanied with about
two hundred men, he found that his feditious
exhortations had no effect. They gazed at him as
he paficd along the ftreets, but none took up arms
in his defence. Difappointed of afliftance, he
returned to his own houfe, which was foon fur-
rounded by a detachment of the guards, com-
manded by the admiral. He at firft determined
to defend himfelf to the laft extremity, and perifli
like a foldier with the fvvord in his hand, rather
than by the axe of a bafe executioner. But he
foon after abandoned this resolution; and, not-
withftanding all his bravery, fubmittcd at dif-
cretion. Elizabeth, who had behaved on this
occafion with the greateft tranquillity and prefence
of mind, foon gave orders for trying the moft
confiderable of the prifoners. The earls of Effex
and Southampton were arraigned on the nineteenth
of February. The trial was foon finilhed; the
crime was notorious. Far from making any de-
fence, Effex gave himfelf up entirely to the fenti-
ments of religion, which he had before politically
affected, and not only acknowledged himfelf guilty,
but alfo impeached his friends; a circumftance,
which at other times, he would have confidered
as the moft infamous bafenefs. The celebrated
Sir Francis Bacon, is reproached with having
pleaded on the trial againft Effex, his friend and
benefactor, without being obliged to it by any
office. Blemifhes apoear in the characters of the
greateft men ; Bacon was at this time ambitious of
making his fortune. It now retted with Elizabeth
to pardon or execute her favourite nobleman, and
flie long balanced between juftice and clemency.
She felt all the force of an ill-diftinguifhed paffion >
and if the earl had folicited her pardon, love
would certainly have granted it. She confidered
this obftinacy as the confequence of contempt,
and figned the warrant for his execution. lie
fuffered in the court-yard of the Tower, purfuant
to his own requeft, on the twenty-fifth of Fe-
bruary. His behaviour in his laft moments were
conformable to his condition, penitent and re-
figned. He reflected not on his enemies, but
prayed for the life of the queen, and the prosperity
of his country. Thus ended his career of glory,
by the hand of the executioner, Kobert Devereux,
earl of Eflex, in the thirty-fifth year of his age.
He was defcended from a royal lineage on the
female fide, and endowed with extraordinary talents
and heroic qualities. He was generous, liberal,
and humane ; a patron of learning, in which he
himfelf held a confiderable rank, a warm friend,
and an open enemy. His foibles were vanity,
ambition, and an impetuofity of temper which, he
could not reftrain. He ruined himfelf for want of
knowing how to enjoy good fortune with mode-
ration. The people, by whom he was muc^i be-
loved, were irritated by his death ; and the queen,
who was accufed of cruelty, no longer heard
the ufual acclamations when {he appeared in
public.
The king of France, defirous of forming a clofe
connection wirh Elizabeth, in order to eftablifli a
plan for effecting a perpetual balance of power in
Europe, made a journey to Calais; and Elizabeth,
in hopes of having a perfonal interview with a
prince ihe fo highly efteemed, repaired to Dover.
Some conhderations, however, prevented their
meeting; but the queen, expreffing a defire of,
conferring on fome bufinefs of importance with a
miniiter in whom an entire confidence might be
placed, Henry fent over Rofny, afterwards duke of
Sully. What appears very extraordinary is, that
both thefe princes, without communicating their
fentiments to each other, had conceived the fame
defign of humbling the houfe of Auftria, and
eftablifhing a juft equilibrium between the powers
of Europe. It principally confifted in uniting the
feventeen provinces of the Low Countries, into one
republic. But the wounds which France had re-
ceived during the civil wars were not 'yet healed ;
the attention of Henry was ftill neceffary to re-
cover the languifhing ftate of his country. The
execution of this defign therefore was put off, and
never after refumed.
The ceath of Philip II. king of Spain, did not
put a period to the clefigns of the Spaniards for
difturbing the peace of Elizabeth. The fame
councils ftill continued, and the fame meafures
were to be purfued. The preparations for an
expedition againft Ireland had been for fome time
finifhed, but fufpended on account of the troubles
that broke out in Spain. Thefe having now fub-
fided, Don John d'Aquila was fent at the head of a
body of troops into that kingdom, and made reli-
gion a pretence for the enterprizes of ambition
and rebellion. He affumed the title of " General
of the Holy War, for the prefervation of the
faith in Ireland." Care had been taken to autho-
rize tfcefe meafures by bulls from Rome ; and
d'Aquila endeavoured to perfuade the people, that
a queen, deprived of her authority by the pope,
had no longer any right to the crown; that her
fubjects, abiolved from their oaths of allegiance by
the holy father, ought to take up arms againft
her, and drive her from a throne of which fhe
ought to be confidered as an ufurper. He added
that the fole intention of his coming was to aflift
them in that religious undertaking, and to deliver
them from the dominion of the devil. Mountjoy
faw the gathering' ftorna, and exerted all his abili-
ties
37
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
tics to break its force. The Irifh (hewed every
where figns of a general infurrection, and the
ntmoft vigour was neceflary to prevent it. He
immediately laid flegp to Kinfale, which the Spa-
niards had taken after their landing; but he had
hardly began his operations, before he received
intelligence that another body of two thousand
Spaniards, under the command of Alphonfo
Qcanjpo were landed, and had taken pofiefllon of
Baltimore and Berehaven. He found himfelf there-
fore obliged to detach Sir George Carew, to oppofe
the progrefs of the enemy. Tyrone immediately
advanced to the relief of Kinfale ; bnt Mountjoy
having received information of his defign, ad-
vanced to meet him at the head of part of his
army, totally defeated the rebels, and took fcveral
of them iprifoners. Tyrone himfelf efcaped into
LJlfter, but was utterly incapable of giving the
Englifh any farther difturbance. The Spanifh
general now perceived that all refiftance would be
in vain, and immediately offered to furrender all
the places held by the Spaniards in Ireland, and
evacuate the kingdom. The conditions were ac-
cepted, and the Spaniards embarked for their own
country. This defeat ftruck the rebels with terror.
They law the foreign forces on whom they fo
greatly depended, incapable of giving them any
iiipport, and defpaired1 of being able to make
head again ft the Englifh. This war in Ireland was
very burdenfome to the queen, and fhe was
obHged to call a parliament in order to obtain
fupplies. No oppofition was made to the requeft
<5f her majefty; but the commons revived the
great queftion with regard to monopolies, fo de-
ilruclive to trade, and burdenfome to the people.
The fmall revenues of the crown being inefficient
for the queen to confer favours or rewards on thofe
that had ferved her faithfully, fhe fupplied the
defect: by lavifhing exclufive privileges; and thofe
who were provided fold them to others. In con-
iequen.ee of thefe monopolies, almoft every kind
of merchandize was advanced at the pleafure of
individuals ; and that liberty, which conftitutes
the very foul of commerce, was no longer known.
The effects were viflble by a continual decline of
trade; and the nation felt all the vexatious effects
of avarice, fupported by the royal authority. Nor
was the abufe confined to the greater objects of
commerce, it extended even to the common ne-
ceffaries of life; fait, oil, vinegar, paper, cloths,
iron, lead, Ikins, bottles, brumes, and many other
articles. When this aftoniming lift was read in
the houfe of commons, one of the members aflced,
with great vivacity, " Is not bread among the
number?" And obferving that the houfe feemed
aflonifhed at the queftion, " Yes, bread! added
he; if things continue on the fame footing, we
fliall fee that monopolized before the next par-
liament." But it appeared ufelefs to complain, as
abfolute authority was then confidered as the bafis
of the En-glim government. The courtiers, ac-
cordingly, fupported that tenet with all their elo-
quence. Bacon afferted, that the royal preroga-
tive ought neither to be contefted, nor examined ;
that it gave the fovereign the power of extending
what was retrained by the laws, and of reftraining
what the laws had made free and open. Another
obferved, that it would be a frivolous attempt to
bind up the queen's hands by act of parliament ;
becaufc fhe was poffeffed of an unlimited difpen-
fing power, and consequently could extricate her-
fclf whenever lhe pJeafed; and even if the ftatute
fhould contain a ciaufe exclufive of that power,
{he could equally dif'penfe with fhat ciaufe, and
confequently with the ftatute itfelf. One of the
members went fi> far as to declare, that the Deity
had given to princes the power that belonged to
himlcLf j and attempted to prove his aflcrtion from
a pafiage in the Pfalms, " I have laid that ye are
gods." But notwithftanding thefe ftrahge pofitiohs
of the courtiers, many of the members itrongly
oppofed this alarming abufe; and the laft parlia-
ment having prefented a petition to the throne
without c fleet, they proposed to pafs a bill againft
all monopolies whatever. The queen perceived
this refolution, and wifely avoided the blow. She
was unwilling to refufe the royal afient to a bill,
that, however it might leflen the prerogative of
the crown, could not fail of being very advanta-
geous to her people. She therefore lent for the
Ipeaker, and ordered him to acquaint the houfe,
that Ihe would immediately fupprefs all fuch exclu-
five grants as were moft burdenfome to her fub-
jects. Affected with the goodnefs and conde-
icenlion of the queen, the joy of the commons
was exccifive. They had always been ufed to the
tone of abfolute authority and haughty refufal,
and could hardly contain themfelves within the
bounds of decency, at finding the royal prero-
gative at laft give way to the intcreft of the nation.
One of the members obferved, that this meffage
from the queen was a kind of gafpel of glad-
tidings, and ought to be written in indelible
characters on the tablets of the heart. They voted,
that the fpeaker, at the head of eighty members,
Ihould return her majefty their humble thanks for
this inftance of parental regard. The fpeech de-
livered by the fpeaker on this occafion, was more
proper to be addrcfled to the Supreme Being, than'
an earthly monarch. So fulfome was the language
of flattery ! Nor did they wait till fhe had fatisfied
them with regard to the particular monopolies flic
meant to abolifh ; they immediately voted her four
times the ufual f'upply. An inftance then without
example. But they well knew the imperious dif-
polition of the queen, and that by giving even the
moft diftant hint of their being diflatisfied with her
promife, would have forced her into a denial of
'their requefts. Thus Elizabeth, by prudently re-
ceding in time from what was then confidered as
the right of the crown, maintained her dignity,
and preferved the affections of her people. Her
fucceffors imitated not her example in this parti-
cular : they wanted her addrels as well as her
power, to triumph over the principles of li-
berty.
Exafperated at the Spaniards for . ~
having involved her in fo many diffi- ' :
culties by fomenting the rebellion, and affifting the
infurgents in Ireland, irre refolved to find them,
fufiicient employment at home. She accordingly
ordered a fquadron of nine mips to be fitted out,
under the command of Sir Richard Levefon and Sir-
Richard Monfon, with orders to fail on an expedi-
tion to the coaft of Spain. This fleet left England
early in the fpring, and foon after part or the
fquadron fell in with the galleons loaded with trea-
fure; but were not ftrong enough to attack them
with any profpect of fuccels. The other divifion alfo
met with a fleet of very rich mips, and was, for the
fame reafon, obliged to let them purfue their courfe
unmolefted. Thefe difappointments induced the
two admirals to join the little fquadrons, and purfue
the defign of the expedition in company. For
fome time they met with no fhips of the enemy,
and it was determined, in order to prevent the ex*
pedition from becoming entirely fruitlefs, to attack
the harbour of Coimbra in Portugal, where they
were informed a rich carrack had taken flicker.
The harbour was defended by a caftfe mounted with
heavy pieces of cannon; eleven gallies were moored
near the entrance, and the militia of the country,
amounting to near twenty thoufand men, appeared
on the fhore. But all thefe indications of a power-
ful oppofition was not fufficient to intimidate the
Engliih. They broke into theharbvur, difuaounted
ther
ELIZABETH.
373
the guns of the caftle, funk, burnt, and put to flight
the gallies, and made themfcives mafters of the
carrack. With this prize they returned to England,
where her loading was valued at near a million of
ducats; a very feiifible lofs to the Spaniards, and a
Hill more confiderable fupply to Elizabeth.
The catholic religion was not tolerated in Eng-
land, yet great numbers of people ftill profeffed the
tenets of Rome; the kingdom was full of priefts of
that perfuafion; and a very rancorous quarrel now
broke out between the Jcfuits and the fecular
clergy, on the following occafion: one Blackwell,
a perfon entirely devoied to the intereft of the je-
fuits, had been placed over thcfe fcculars, as their
fuperior. Not content with cxercifmg the common
jurifdidion, he opprefled them in the moft cruel
manner ; and when they appealed to the pope for
reclrefs, the fuperior reprefented them as fchifmatics
and heretics. The moft bitter invectives were
publifhed by both panics, and the whole body
of the catholic clergy feemed to be engaged in this
furious conteft. Whether the whole affair was fe-
rious, or a fcheme to lull the government into a
fatal fecurity, while the Spaniards ftruck fome de-
cifive blow, is now impoffible to be known; but it
is certain that the bifhop of London, from political
motives, fomented this divifion, which at laft rofe
to fuch a height, that the council of ftate thought
proper to interpofe their authority; and perceiving
that their difputes were incompatible with the peace
of the nation, commanded them all to depart the
kingdom immediately.
Lord Mountjoy improved fo well his late victory
in Ireland, that Tyrone and his friends were foon
reduced to the greateft diftrefs ; and many of them,
after concealing themfelves in woods and morafTes,
where they lived rather like beafts than men,
thought proper to abandon their retreats, and fub-
mit to the mercy of the Englifh government. They
were received with kindnefs, and the terms impofed
upon them were fo mild and generous, that Tyrone
himfelf, feeing all hopes either of fucceeding, of
efcaping to the continent, were vanifhed, applied,
in the moft abject manner, both to the queen herfelf,
and the governor, for pardon. The queen was
long refolved not to fhew the leaft favour to that
ferocious and perfidious rebel, but being continually
importuned by her council, who reprefented the
prodigious expence me had been at, in maintaining
an army in Ireland to purfue the rebels, and that by
(hewing clemency to the great leader in every in-
furrection, me would infallibly reftore tranquillity
tothatdiftreffed kingdom, and introduce a proper
legiflation among the people; fhe was at laft pre-
vailed upon to recede from her refolution. She
figned his pardon, and fent it to Mountjoy; facri-
ficing her refentmcnt to the peace of her fubjects,
who had fo long felt all the dreadful effects of civil
difcord.
A p. , Had that furious leader perceived
even the fmulleft profpecl of fupport-
>ng himfclf again ft the Englifli, there is not the leaft
doubt but he would have rejected the conditions
with difdain ; but he was deprived of every refource, '
and enjoyed only the wretched alternative of ac-
cepting the queen's pardon on her own terms, or
perifh with hunger. He chofe the former, and on
the thirteenth of March, repaired to Mellefont,
where he prefented himfelf upon his knees before
the lord-deputy, ami in that fubmiffive pofture re-
ceived his pardon. O'Rourk, another active chief
ni the late infurrections, iurrendered about a month
after Tyrone ; and thus that dreadful rebellion,
which had raged in Ireland with the utmoft violence
during eight years, and had coft the queen near
four hundred thoufand pounds annually, was en-
tirely fuppreffed; the whole kingdom was reduced
to a itate of fubjection, and: tailed the pleafures
No. 35.
attendant on tranquillity. But Elizabeth was not
long capable of enjoying the fatisfaction of feeing
this condderablc part of her dominions in a ftatc
of peace. She had, for fome time, fallen into a
ftatc of melancholy ; was obferved to be conti-
nually in tears, and to labour under fome extra*
ordinary affliction. She had always been parti-
cularly careful of her health, but now obftinately
refufed all" the remedies prefcribed by her phyfii
cians. Her council ufed every method in their
pow.er to prevail upon her to recede from this fatal
refolution, but in vain. The archbifliop of Can-
terbury, and fecretary Cecil, begged her, on their
knees, to take what was necefiary for her fufte-
nance and relief; but fhe refilled their requeft,
and, in an angry tone of voice, defirfid they would
leave off their importunities, and fuffer her to die
in quiet. Various are the opinions which have
been formed with regard to the caufe of this pro-
found melancholy: fome afcribed it to her re-
pentance for having granted a pardon to Tyrone ;
others to the chagrin of feeing heY courtiers turn
their eyes upon the king of Scotland as the pre-
fumptive heir to the Englifh crown, and their fhew-
ing difpofitions to neglect her, at a time when fhe
laboured under the debilities of age and infirmi-
ties; while others attributed it to her paflion for
Effex, which a very remarkable incident had lately
revived. After his return from his expedition to
Cadiz, me made him a prefent of a ring, which
fhe defired him to keep as the pledge of her
affection ; at the fame time affuring him, that
whatever difgrace might attend him, or whatever
prejudices fhe might entertain againft his conduct:,
yet, on fight of that precious pledge, fhe would
recoiled her former tendernefs, be ready to give
hinv a favourable hearing, and to liften candidly
to his apology. Effex, notwithftanding all his
misfortunes, preferved this pledge of her majefty's
affection; and, when under fentence of death, re-
folved to try the experiment. He accordingly
prayed the countefs of Nottingham to carry the
ring to Elizabeth; but the earl, her hufband, the
capital enemy of Effex, would not fuffer her to
execute the commiffion. The queen waited for
this ring with the moft paflionate anxiety, and
conftrued her not receiving it as a mark of con-
tempt. Exafper.ated at what fhe confidered as the
higheft affront, fhe figned the warrant for his exe-
cution. Some time after, the countefs being feized
with a violent illnefs, was flung with the deepeft
remorfe for her conduct; and having obtained a
vifit from the queen, fhe revealed the fatal ftcret.
Aftonifhed at this alarming confcffion, Elizabeth
burft into the moft violent paffion of grief and
rage. She flruck the dying countefs in her bed*
telling her, " That God might pardon her, but
fhe never could." This remarkable fact: has been
rejected by many hiftorians as romantic 5 but from
the proofs collected by Dr. Birch, in his memoirs
of this princefs, the truth of it feems to be fuffi-
ciently eftablifhcd. From that moment fhe gave
herfelf up to a deep incurable melancholy, which
preyed on her fpiritS; Rejecting all confolation
and fufteuance, me threw herfelf upon the floor,
where fhe remained fullen and immoveable, feeding
only on her fufferings, and declaring, that life was
an intolerable burden. She uttered but few words,
and thefe were all expreflive of inward grief, the
caufe whereof fhe did not chufe to reveal; giving
vent to her dcfpondency only by fighs and groans,
which were unable to affuage her forrow. Ten
days and nights fhe lay upon the carpet, leaning
on cufhions brought her by her maids ; and her
phyficians, by all their arguments, could not per-
fuacle her to allow herfelf to be put to bed, or to
take any of the remedies they prefcribed. At
length, the diftrefs of her mind preying on her
5 C body,
374
THE'NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
body, her end vifibly approached ; when the
council afiembling, fent the chancellor, admiral,
and fecretary to-know her pleaiure, with refpecl to
her fucceflbr. With a faint voice fhe anfwered,
that as flic had held the regal fceptcr, fhe defired a
royal fucceflbr. Cecil entreating her to explain
herielf more particularly, me added, that fhe
would haveakingtof'uccecd her; and who mould
that be, but her neareft kinfman the king of Scot-
land ? the archbifhop of Canterbury, who was
preient, then advifed her, to fix her thoughts
upon God; fhe replied, that me did fo, and that
her thoughts had not in the leaft wandered from
him. Soon after, her voice and fenfes failed; ihe
fell into a lethargic flumbcr, which lafted fbme
hours, and then gently expired, without ftruggle
or convulfion, on the twenty-fourth of March, in
the fev entieth year of her age, and the forty-fifth
of her reign. She had given orders, that her
corpf'e mould not be touched or feen by any one
but her own women, which were complied with.
It was conveyed from Richmond, where me dkd,
to Whitehall ; and was interred with great mag-
nificence in Henry the Seventh's chapel at Welt-
mi nfter.
Before the reign of Elizabeth, the ftate of the
Englifh manufactures were very low ; foreign wares
of almoll all kinds were preferred ; and the kings
of England had recourfe fomctimes to borrowing
money of the city of Antwerp ; when, befides
paying ten or twelve per cent, intereft, they were
obliged to make the city of London join in the
fecurity ; but that great and enterprizing merchant,
Sir Thomas Grefham, engaged the company of
merchant- adventurers to grant Elizabeth a confider-
ftble loan ; and fhe paying regularly the money,
her credit, by degrees, became fo eftablifhed in
the city, that fhe fhook off this dependance on
foreigners. Sir Thomas alfo built, at his own
expence, the magnificent fabric of the Exchange.
The queen, highly pleafed with his public fpirit,
vifited the ftructure, and gave it the name it now
bears of the Royal Exchange. In 1567 there
were four thoufand eight hundred and fifty-one
foreigners in London, of whom three thoufand
eight hundred and thirty-eight were Flemings,
and only fifty- eight Scots. Afterwards the perte-
cutions in France and the Low Countries drove a
great number of foreigners into England, by
whom the manufactures and commerce were greatly
improved.
The nobility in this reign acquired, by degrees,
a tafte for elegance and fplendor. Many i'umptuous
edifices were built, to the great ornament of the
kingdom, and to the promotion of arts and in-
duftry. Buileigh, though he was thought frugal,
and without a paternal eftate, had a hundred
fervants in his family. He had a ftanding table
for gentlemen, and two other tables for perfons of
inferior rank. About his perfon, he had people
of great diftinction ; and no lefs than twenty
gentlemen, each of whom was worth a thoufand
pounds a year. He feveral times entertained the
queen at his country-houfe, where fhe ftaid three,
tour, or five weeks at a time. The quantity of
plate poffeffed by this nobleman was amazing ; it
amounted to fourteen or fifteen thoufand pounds
weight ; and land being then ufually fold at ten
years purchafe, and he poHcffing only four thoufand
pounds a year in land, and eleven thoufand pounds
in money, the value of his filver plate was nearly
equal to all the reft of his fortune. But the queen,
by proclamation, obliged her nobility to retrench
in fbme articles of luxury, particularly that of fer-
vants, and from that moment their influence de-
clined. They had fewer retainers, and confe-
quently were lefs able jto form plots and confpi-
racies. A tafte for luxury prevailed among them,
by which their fortunes were foon impaired: while
the merchant and mechanic were enriched by their
expence and prodigality. In confequence of this,
the towns became more populous : and the country
people, by means of agriculture, acquired an in-
dependency, which refcued them from the yoke of
the nobility.
In 1=569, Elizabeth obtained from the Czar,
John Balilides, an cxclufive patent to the Englifh
for the whole trade of Mufcovy; on which the
Englifh ventured farther into that extenfive country,
than any Europeans had done before them. They
tranfported their goods along the Dwina, in canoes
made of the trunk of a tree, which they rowed up
the ftrcam as far as Walogda; from whence they
carried their commodities feven days journey by
land to Yeraflau, and then down the Volga to
Aftracan, where they built fhips, croffed the Caf-
pian fea, and c'illributed their manufactures into
Perfia; but were prevented from continuing this
bold attempt, from the difcouragements they met
with. After the death of John Bafilides, this
patent was revoked by his ion Theodore; and
when the queen remonftrated againft it, he told
her minifters, that princes ought to carry an in-
different hand, both between their fubjeds and
between foreigners; and not to convert trade,
which ought to be common to all, into a monopoly
for the private gain of a few. He however con-
tinued fome privileges to the Englifh, on account
of their being the firft who formed a communi-
cation between Europe and Mufcovy.
The fpirit of this age was ftrongly bent on naval
entet prizes; and befides the military expeditions
againlt the Spaniards, the Englifh made many at-
tempts for new difcoveries, and opened many new
branches of foreign commerce. Sir Martin For-
bifher undertook three fruitlefs voyages to difcover
a north-weft paffage to the Eaft Indies. Davis,
not difcouraged by this ill fuccefs, made a new
attempt, in which he difcovered the Streights, now
called by his name. In the year fixteen hundred,
Elizabeth granted the Eaft India Company their
firft patent, when their ftock amounted to feventy-
two thoufand pounds. They fitted out for this
new branch of trade, four fhips, commanded by
James Lancafter, which returning with a rich cargo,
encouraged the Company to proceed. In this reign,
two attempts were made to fettle colonies in
America; one by Sir Humphrey Gilbert in New-
foundland, and another by Sir Walter Raleighin Vir-
ginia-, but thefe did not, at firft, prove fuccefsful.
In 1583 the Turkey Company was eftablifhed; for
before that time the Grand Seignior had always
conceived England to be a province fubject to
France; but having heard of the queen's power
and reputation, he gave a favourable reception to
the Englifh, and granted them larger privileges
than he had given to the French. '
In 1562, the fitit attempt of the Englifh for
eftablifhing a trade to the coaft of Guiney, was
made by Mr. John Hawkins. He purchafed a
.confiderable number of negroes in Guiney, and
carried them to Hifpaniola, where he difpofed of
his flaves and merchandize, and loaded his veflels
with hides, fugar, and ginger, commodities that
found a quick fale in England, and rendered the
voyage very lucrative to the merchants.
In the third year of Elizabeth's reign, fhe was
prefented with a pair of black filk knit ftockings;
with which, doctor Howcll fays, fhe was fo plcafed,
that flie never wore cloth hofe any more.
About the year 1580, the ufe of coaches was
introduced into England by the earl of Arundel.
Before that time, the queen, on public occafions,
rode on horfeback, generally behind her chamber-
lain.
Several difcoveries, very ufeful to this kingdom,
were
"//./ Habits and Characters ^Different Periods
HISTORY of
ELIZABETH.
375
were made during this period of hiftory. One
Owen is noted, as being the firft who call brafs
cannon in England, fome fpecimens of which are
flill in the Tower of London. They were caft
about the year 1 536. Mufquets, or hand guns were
introduced in the year 1521. Thefe fuperfeded
the practice of bows and arrows, which were foon
after laid aflde. About the year 1 535, glaffes were
firft manufactured in England ; the finer fort was
made in Crutched-Friars, London ; and the flint
glafs, little inferior to that of Venice, at theSavoy-
houfe in the Strand. The firft manufacture of
knives in England was begun in 1563, by Thomas
Matthews, on Fleet-Bridge, London ; the art was
foon improved, and large quantities were exported
to different parts of the world. In 1589, William
Lee, M. A. of St. John's college, Cambridge, in-
vented an engine, or tieel-loom, called a flocking
frame; and in 1599, was a preamble in an aft, for
manufacturing fail cloth in England -, before that
period it was imported from France and Germany.
About the fame time, that ufeful inftrument, the
telefcope, was difcovered by one Janflen, a fpectacle
maker at Middleburgh in Zealand. He knew not,
however, the theory on which the inftrument de-
pended, and therefore never made them longer
than eighteen inches. Galileo, aftronomer to the
grand duke of Tufcany, was the artift who per-
fected theclifcovery, and rendered it of thegreateft
fervice in aftronomical obfervations, and hence the
telefcope acquired the name of Galileo's tube.
The progrefs made in the mathematical arts was
chiefly confined to the ftudies of Dee, and one or
two more, who were patronized by Burleigh.
During this fertile period fprung up many
eminent characters, diftinguimed by their great
abilities and attainments in literature. Henry VIII.
Queen Catharine Parr, Edward VI. Lady Jane
Grey, Cardinal Wolfey, Leo X. Elizabeth, and
other great perfonages, whom we have particularly
noticed in the cou'rfe of this hiftory, were reputed
learned perfons in their times. Henry Howard,
earl of Surry was one of the greateft ornaments in
the court of Henry VIII. He was famous for the
tendernefs and elegance of his poetry, in which he
excelled all his cotemporaries. Archbifhop Ware-
ham fhone as a divine, a lawyer, and a ftatefman.
Erafmus makes honourable mention of this prelate,
whom he efteemed a perfect: model of the epifcopal
character. He died on the twenty-third of Auguft
1532. Archbiihop Cranmer, and Cuthbert Ton-
ftal, bifhop of Durham, are juftly efteemed chief
ornaments of our church and nation. John Collet,
dean of St. Paul's, was one of thofe great men that
affifted in the revival of learning in England. No
higher teftimony need be given of the dean's merit,
than his great intimacy with Erafmus. There was
a remarkable fimilitude of manners, fentiments, and
ftudies between thefe illuftrious men, who ventured
to withdraw the vail of fuperftition ; and to prepare
the minds of men for that reftoration of learning
and reformation in religion, which foon after fol-
lowed. He founded St. Paul's fchool, and died in
the year 1519. Collet, Lynacre, Lilly, Grocyn
and Latimer, were the firft who revived the litera-
ture of the anticnts in England. William Tindale,
canon of. Chrift church, Oxford, defervedly ftiletl
the Englifli apoftlc, was the firft who tranflated the
New Teflamcnt into Englifti from the Greek. This
work appeared in 1526; and three or four years
after, he publifhed an Eilglim tranllation of the
Pentateuch from the original Hebrew, and in-
tended to have gone through with the whole : but
his good defign provoked the catholic clergy, and
he was burnt for herefy at Wilford, near Bruffels,
1536. Sir Thomas More was a great matter of
in
the elegant learning of the antients. His Utopia, a
kind of political romance, which gained him the
higheft reputation as an author, is an idea of a per-
fect republic, in an ifland, fuppofed newly difcovered
in America. He was beheaded for denying the
king's fupremacy, on the fixth of July, 1535. Sir
Thomas Smith, Sir John Cheke, and Roger Af-
cham, tutor to queen Elizabeth, were the politefli
fcholars of their time in the univerfity of Cam-
bridge. Among ufeful improvements in learning^
they introduced the true pronunciation of the
Greek tongue in that feat of the mufes. Richard
Hooker, fbme time mafter of the Temple, and after-
wards rector of Bimop's Bourne in Kent, was one
of the moft celebrated writers of the age in which
he lived. His " Ecclefiaftical Polity," which is a
defence of the government of the Englifh church,
againft the cavils of diffenters, is written with a
claffic fimplicity, and efteemed one of the com-
pleteft works, both for ftile and argument, in the
Englifli language. Queen Elizabeth ufed to call
him, " The judicious Hooker," an epithet by
which he is ftill diftinguifhed. He died on the fe-
cond of November, 1600. Sir Philip Sidney was
the delight and admiration of the Englifli court.
He was the ornament of the univerfity, and ap-
peared with equal advantage in a field of battle, at
a tournament, in a private converfation among his
friends, or in a public character as an ambaflador.
His talents were equally adapted to profe or verfe,
to original composition, or tranflation. His Ar-
cadia was not only admired for its novelty, but con-
tinued to be read longer than fuch compositions
generally are, and has pafled through fourteen edi-
tions. He died the fixteenth of October, 15815.
John Stowe was one of the moft induftrious anti-
quaries this kingdom has produced. He was bred
a taylor, but quitted his employment to purfue his be-
loved ftudyof the hiftory and antiquities of England.
His principal works are, A Survey of London ;
Additions to Hollingflied's Chronicle ; his Annals ;
the folio volume, commonly called, Stowe's
Chronicle, was compiled from his papers after his
deceafe. He died the fifth of April, 1605. Sir
Thomas Bodley muft not be omitted in this lift of
men of letters, when we confider the ample provi-
fion he has made for literature, by the library he
founded at Oxford, and in which he ftands unri-
valled. In 1599 he opened his library, a maufo-
leum which will perpetuate his memory as long as
books themfelves endure. He died the twenty-
eighth of January, 1612. John Gerrarde, a furgeon
of London, was the greateft Englifti botanift of that
age. He publifhed his Herbal in 1597, which has
ever fince its firft appearance, been confidered as a
very ufeful work. John Rogers, a clergyman of
Lancafhire, tranflated the Bible into Englifli with
notes. Thomas Sternhold ~.vd John Hopkins
tranflated the pfalms into met -e. John Leland, the
famous antiquarian, lived in this period. Fairfax
tranflated Taflb with eafe -ind el' ance ; and Har-
rington, Ariofto, with tolerable ' curacy.
In this reign of Elizabeth flourifhed thofe cele-
brated poets, Spencer, Shakefj: ^r, and Ben John-
fon. '^>. v
Spencer was born in London ; V*" '' his ftudy-
ing in Cambridge, took up his relivA. -e with fome
friends in the north,, where he fell in love with his
Rofalind, whom he fo finely celebrates in his pafto-
rals, and of whofe cruelty he has written fuch pa-
thetic complaints. He was patronized by Sir
Philip Sidney, who was charmed with reading part
of his poem, called the Fairy Queen. He was
afterwards created poet lauret to queen Elizabeth.
He at length became fecretary to lord Gray of
Wilton, on that nobleman's being appointed lord
deputy of Ireland ; after which he was rewarded by
a grant from queen Elizabeth of three thoufand
acres of land, in the county of Cork. In this re-
tirement he finished his Fairy Cuieen, and b^ame a
more
37*
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OK ENGLAND.
more fuccefsful lover; for the collection of his
fonnetsare a kind of hiftory of the progrefs of a new
amour, which ended in marriage. He was here
vifited by Sir Walter Raleigh, in 1589, who brought
him with him to England, and introduced him to
the queen; but in the Irifli rebellion he was plun-
dered, and deprived of his pofleflions. He died in
1 598, and was interred in Weftminfter abbey, where
J'is obfequies were attended by the poets of that
time. The Fairy Queen, the moft celebrated of
Spencer's works, contains great beauties, a fwect
and harmonious verification, and a fine flow of
imagination; yet the perufal of it becomes tedious,
and it requires fome refolution to carry us on to the
end of that long performance.
William Shakefpeare was the fon of John Shake-
fpeare, a considerable dealer in Woof; and was born
at Stratford upon Avon, in April, 1564. He was
educated at a free grammar fchool; after which he
aflifted his father in budnefs, till falling into bad
company, he was feveral times engaged in the then
common practice of Healing deer; for which, being
profecuted, he fled to London, -where, being with-
out money or friends, he fupported himfelf by
taking care of the horfes of the gentlemen who
came to the play, for coaches not being then in
ufe, gentlemen rode to the play-houfe on horfeback.
Being there diftinguifhed by his diligence ; he was
taken notice of by the players, who, being pleafed
with his converfation, admitted him, in a low Na-
tion, into the houfe; when his admirable wit foon
raifed him, and he became an actor, a manager,
and an excellent writer for the ftage. He was
highly efteemed by queen Elizabeth, who had fe-
veral of his plays acted before her; and was fo
pleafed with the admirable character of Falftaff, in the
two parts of Henry IV. that {he ordered him to
continue it in another play, and to make him in
love, which is faid to have occafioned his writing
the Merry Wives of Windfor. He alfo obtained
the friendfhip.and favour of the earl of Southamp-
ton, who gave him a thoufand pounds to enable
him to complete a purchafe, which he heard he had
a mind to. The latter part of his life was fpent in
eafe, retirement, and the converfation of his friends.
He had an eftate equal to his wifhes ; and is faid to
have fpent fome years before his death, at his na-
tive place. He died in 1616, in the fifty-third year
of his age. If we confider Shakefpeare as a man
born in a rude age, and educated in a low manner,
without much inftruction from books, he will appeal-
in our eyes as a prodigy. His dramatic writings
abound with animating and paflionate fcenes, filled
with nervous and picturefque defcriptions : he had
a fertile and great genius, equally enriched with the
tragic and comic vein. Hence he has ever been a
favourite of, and lull Continues to be admired by,
the Englifli.
Ben Johnfon, the fon bf a clergyman, was born at
Weftminfter, in 1574, and educated at Weftmih-
fter fchool ; from thence he was taken home by his
mother, who had married a bricklayer for her fecorid
hufband, who obliged him to work at his trade ;
but being entirely averfe to it, he enlifted himfelf
as a foldici, ., ,vas diftinguifhed by his bravery in
the wars in the Netherlands. Upon his return to
England, he refumed his former ftudies, and was
admitted into St. John's college, .Cambridge; but
being unable to fupport himfelf there, he entered
into ah obfcure play-houfe, called the curtain-, but
was unable to gain any reputation as an actor.
He there quarrelling with One Of his Brother
comedians fought a duel, in which he killed his
antagonift. He was committed to prifdn, but was
fome time after difcharged. At his firft entrance
into the play-houfe, he had written a play or two,
which were condemned. He offered another,
which h^e had put into the hands of a perfon who
carelefily read it, and was ready to return it with a
di'fagreeable anfwer ; when Shakcfpeare havino- by
accident fccn it, he was fo pleafed, that he brought
it upon his own ftagc, where he' was manager, and
acted himfelf one of the parts. Ever after Shake-
fpeare continued to recommend Johnfon, lent his
hand in finiOiing fome of his productions, and
played a part in every play wrote by Johnfon, while
he continued on the itage. Johnfon was afterwards
poet laurcat to James 1. and Charles I. He wrote,
feveral pieces, which are printed with his plays, in
feven volumes octavo, and died on the lixtecnth of
Auguft, 1637, in the fixty- third year of his age.
Johnfon poflefledall the learning which was wanting
in Shakefpeare, and wanted the genius of which
Shakefpeare was poflefled.
Character of the illuftrious queen Elizabeth.
In her perfon (he was tall and ftraight; with a fair
completion, fine white teeth, and yellow hair.
Having high cheek bones, flic had her portraits
taken in the garden, without lhades, fo that all her
pictures from the life appear flat. She had a fhrill
voice, danced with great agility, and played upon,
feveral inftruments. Hiftory affords few peribns
who have been more expofed to the calumny of
enemies, and the applaufe of friends, than this
queen \ but pofterity have placed her reputation in
a true light; and in fpite of religious animofities,
and political factions, have formed almoft a uniform
judgment, with refpect to her character and con-
duct. Her penetration, vigilance, vigour, fteadi-
nefs, and magnanimity, deferve the higheft praifes,
and appear not to have been exceeded by any one
who ever filled the Englifli throne. She poflefled
an excellent memory, underftood the dead and
living languages, had made great proficiency in the
fciences, and was well acquainted with hiftory.
She anfwered the Polifli ambaflador in latin, with-
out premeditation, and in a very fpirited manner.
She tranflated Boethius of the Confolation of Philo-
fophy; Xenophon's Dialogue between Hiero and
Simonides, and the Meditations of the queen of
Navarre. She alfo wrote a Comment on Plato, and
tranflated into latin a play of Euripides, and two
of the orations of Ifocrates. Her heroifm was free
from temerity; her active temper from a vain am-
bition; her friendlhip from partiality ; and her fru-
gality from avarice. Few of the fovereigns of
England fucceeded to the throne in a more difficult
and dangerous feafon ; yet the government was
never conducted with fuch uniform fuccefs and fe-
licity. Though the idea of religious liberty was,
in that age, very contracted, without knowing the
advantages refulting from a toleration, yet Eliza-
beth, by her fuperior prudence, preferved her peo-
ple from thofe confufions in which theological con-
troverfies, carried on with frantic zeal, had involved
all the neighbouring nations. Her fingular talents
for government were equally founded on her capa-
city and heroic fpirit ; and being endowed with
great command over herfelf, when the intereft of
her kingdom required it, flie foon obtained an un-
controuled afcendant over her people, whofe eftecm
flie won by her wifdom and virtues. Though her
enemies were the moft active, the moft enterprizing
and the leaft fcrupulous princes of Europe, flie was
enabled by her courage, and the deep policy of her
adminiftration, to make a ftrong imprdlion on their
ftates ; while her own greatnefs remained untouched
arid unimpaired. She was the protectrefs of the
proteftant religion, the bafis of its profperity both at
home and abroad, and flie is highly deferving of
praife for her fteady adherence to an impartial ad-
miniftration of juftice. Her reign was adorned
with the wifeft minifters, the bravefi warriors, and
the brightcft literati of the age, who fliared the
2 praifc
[AME S
ft., Horn "/Edinburgh f&ncMJ556 _ Crowned King c/ Scotland /rt/y, 22. />///
///A-Dealh ry Elizabeth., Succeeded /<V/# Crown ^/England t ftitweA. 2-1. /M3, on // '//f'c/t s
«/ King; f>/ Crcai Britaia ! ( ///,/ Died r/^// Ag^ie < 1/fw<6, ',"/.
'
'<• /.*&
JAM
praife of her fucceffes, but thofe brilliant ornaments
of her crown, inftead of leffening, add to the ap-
plaufe which is her due; feeing they all owed then-
advancement to her choice, were fupported by her
conftancy, and with all their abilities were never able
to acquire an undue afcendancy over her. Thus me
conftantly remained miftrefs in her family, in her
court, and in her kingdom. Her ceconomy was fo
remarkable, that the fmalleft expence, if it could
poflibly have been favecl, appeared confiderablc in
her eyes ; even the charge of an exprefs was not be-
low her notice; yet this wife queen was fo void of
avarice, that fhe amaflecl no treafurcs, and even re-
fufed fubfidies from parliament, when flic had no
prefent occafion for money. During that age, the
1'plendor of a court was a great part of the public
charge ; and Elizabeth being a fingle woman, and
being expenfive in no kind of magnificence, except
in cloaths, this enabled her to perform great things
with her fcanty revenue; for me is faid to have
paid a debt of four millions, left on the crown by
her father, brother, and lifter ; an incredible fum
for that a"~e. But with all thefe amiable and great
qualities, it mil ft be confeffed, that fhe had fome of
the foibles belonging to the weakeft of her fex.
She was proud, imperious, and in fome cafes even
I.
377
cruel; as an inftance of which, we need only cite
her treatment of the unfortunate queen of Scots,
her filler queen and near kinfwoman. She carried
not only her prerogative, but her ftate to thegreateft
height, not permitting any one to fpeak to her
without kneeling. She gave way to the fallies of
anger, the rivalfliip of beauty, a fondnefs for ad-
miration, and flattery to her perfon; fo that when
near feventy years of age, lhe lillened with delight
to the moft fulfome praifes of her beauty. On con-
templating her as a woman, we cannot but be
ftruck with the highcft admiration of her extenfive
and uncommon qualities ; yet we are alfo apt to re-
quire morefweetnefs of difpofition, more gentlenefs
of manners, a greater lenity, and that mildnefs of
temper, by which her fex is diftinguiflied. But a
more juft method of forming a true eftimate of her
merit, is to lay afide all thefe confiderations, and to
confider her merely as a rational being, entrufted
with the government of a part of mankind ; in which
view, her magnanimity, wifdom, policy, bravery,
and fteadinefs, have immortalized her fame, and
juftly entitle her to univerfal admiration. Had me
been lefs rigorous, lefs imperious, and without thefe
foibles, fhe would have been, what never did, or
can exift in this world — a perfect character.
BOOK
IX.
From the union of the crowns of England and Scotland, under James I. the XLIIId king of England, andfrjl of
Great Britain, to the reparation of Charles II. ,
THE FAMILY OF THE STUARTS.
J
CHAP. I.
M
I.
His reception in England — Tranfaclions at the commencement of his reign— His conduct with refpefl to the puritans
— The commons attempt in vain a redrefs of grievances — Gunpowder-plot — Farther Jlruggles between
the king and the parliament — Affairs of Ireland— The rife and fall of Somerfet — Murder of Sir Thomas
Over bury — The rife of Buckingham — Affairs of Scotland — Sir Walter Raleigh's expedition and fatal end —
Lofs of the Palatinate — The fall of Bacon — The prince of Wales' s journey to Madrid — A rupture with Spain —
Majjacre of the Englijh at Amboyna — The king's death and characler.
A.D. 1603.
:AMES VI. of Scotland, was the
great grandfon of Margaret, the
eldeft daughter of Henry VII. and on the failure of
the male line, his hereditary right to the crown of
England, remained unqueftioned. James I. having
been long conficlered by the people as the fucceffor
of Elizabeth, he was proclaimed by the council fix
hours after her demife. They then difpatched
letters to notify his acceflion, and receive his com-
mands; in confequence of which, having left a com-
miffion with his council for the adminiuration of
affairs in Scotland, James departed for England,
on the fifth of April, accompanied by the duke of
Lenox, the earls of Mar, Murray, and Argyle ;
the lords Hume and Kinlos, Sir George Hume,
treafurer, and fecretary Elphinfton. The people,
in general, expreffed moft extravagant joy on his
entering the kingdom, crowding in multitudes to fee
their new fovereign, and invoking heaven to blefs
him with a long and profperous reign; but the
concourfe of thole, whom curiofity had brought to-
gether, gave him fuch offence during his progrefs,
that he iffued a proclamation, forbidding fuch a tu-
multuous refort. At York, he received the homage
of almoft all the nobility in the kingdom ; and there,
to the furprize of all prefent, he honoured Cecil with
a gracious reception,, though he had been the invete-
vi\To. 36.
rate enemy of Effex, whom James had highly
efteemed, and was the fon of that Burleigh, who
brought his mother to the block. At Newark, to
Ihew his high idea of regal prerogative, he com-
manded a thief to be hanged without any form of
trial. Soon after, his feverity was exercifed on Va-
lentine Thomas, of whom he had complained to
Elizabeth, that he had calumniated his conduct.
He found this unfortunate man imprifoned for that
fuppofed crime, and had him condemned, under the
pretence of a confpiracy againft Elizabeth, and fome
of her council. On his arrival at Theobalds, a
feat belonging to the fecretary, he was vilited by
the council in a body, and augmented that honour-
able board with fome of his attendants, to whom he
added lord Gough, and baron Burleigh, brother to
fecretary Cecil. When James entered the capital,
he was received with the greateft rejoicings. The
whole nation appeared interefted in favour of their
new monarch; and he was crowned at Wellminfter
on Monday, the twenty-fifth of July, by Whitgift,
archbifhop of Canterbury, amid ft the acclamations
of the people. He began his reign with lavilhing
a profufion of honours on his courtiers. Within
fix weeks after his afcending the Englifh throne, he
conferred the honour of knighthood on no lefs than
two hundred and thirty feven perfons. To ridicule
5 D thii
3/8
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
this imprudent manner of beftowing titles, a pafqui-
nade was affixed to the gate of St. Paul's, adver-
tifmg, that an artiit had difcovered the beil method
of retaining, in weak memories, the names of the
new nobility. The greater part of thefe honours
were conferred upon the Scots, at which the Englifh
were offended, and this partiality might have occa-
fioned national quarrels, had not James refolved to
employ Englifhmen only in the adminiilration.
Among thefe fecretary Cecil, created fucceflively
lord Effindon, vifcount Cranborne, and earl of
Salifbury, was always regarded prime minifter and
chief counfellor. Very different was the fate of
Sir Walter Raleigh, who had been clofely con-
nected with Cecil in oppofing Eflex, whom James
considered as a zealous partizan of the fucceffion in
the houfe of Stuart. Among thofe courtiers who
were mod diffatisfied with the change of royal fa-
vour were Raleigh, and the lords Gray and Cob-
bam, who were fo indifcreet, that a kind of con-
fpiracy for fetting Arabella Stuart, the king's
coufin-german, upon the throne, was charged
againft them, in conjunction with Aremberg, the
Flemifli ambaffador, and the three following Englifli
commoners, Sir Griffith Markham, Anthony Cop-
ley, and George Brooke, the lord Cobham's brother.
The ground of their accufation, was fome impru-
dent words fpoken in the height of refentment; and
this ended in the condemnation of all the accufed ;
though Sir Walter Raleigh could not be brought in
guilty without the violation of every efiential law
in the conftitution, there being no other evidence
againft him, than a letter figned by lord Cobham,
who afterwards declared, that his name to that letter
was fraudulently obtained. In this cau/e Sir Ed-
ward Coke, then attorney-general, impleading for
the crown, threw out a torrent of abufe on Raleigh,
beftowing on him the epithets of traitor, monfter,
viper, and fpider of hell : while that great man de-
fended himfelf with temper, eloquence and courage.
To all but Brooke, the fentence of death was miti-
gated to imprifonment} but Watfon and Clerk,
two accomplices in this pretended confpiracy, were
executed.
James, with little judgment, and a mallow capa-
city, had acquired fome common-place learning,
which rendered him conceited and open to adula-
tion. He difplayed a fondnefs for idlenefs, while
he enjoyed a reputation of bufiuefs; and affected to
decide, by his own judgement, all religious and civil
affairs; yet devoted his whole time to amufement,
fpending his days in hunting, or idle compofitions,
and his evenings in all the variety of entertainments
which the ingenuity of his queen could procure
him. The fycophants at court extolled his genius
and learning, flattering him with the epithets of
moft facred majefty, and the Solomon of the age.
But by this time he had incurred the almoft general
odium of the people, by his encouragement of un-
deferving favourites, and his partiality for his own
countrymen, who not only engrofTed his whole fa-
vour, but became fo arrogant, that quarrels, mur-
ders, and riots, univerfally prevailed. So attached
was this king to arbitrary fentiments, that the moft
apparent profpect of fatal confequences could not
prevail on him to flacken the reins of defpotiftn;
nay, he was fo ludicroufly imperious, that he would
curfe the people, who, through accident, had ob-
ftructed the courfe of his diverfions, which he pre-
ferred to the moft ferious concerns. However,
notwithftanding thefe ill qualities* impartiality muft
acknowledge, that he ferved the ftate by fufpending
all monopolies, granted in the late reign, to the ob-
ftruction of commerce-, fuperfeding all illegal de-
Uys of fuits by protections, and putting a ftop to
the abufe of purveyors. An opportunity was now
afforded James of difplaying his pedantic learning,
by a petition from feven hundred and fifty clergymen,
4
for the reformation of feveral articles in the efta-
blifhed church. The king gave them hopes of an
impartial debate, in which he was to preiide as
judge; and the aflembly being met at Hampton-
court, James turned principal difputant, lilencing
all oppoiition by his loquacity and authority. Thele
were Ibme of his powerful arguments : " If you aim
at Scottifh prefbytery, it agrees as well with mo-
narchy, as God and the devil. There Jack, Tom,
Will and Dick, mall meet to cenfure me and my
council. Therefore, I reiterate my former fpeech ;
Le roy, s'avifera. Stay, 1 pray you, for one feven
years, before I demand ; and then, if you find me
grow purfy and fat, I may perchance hearken unto
ye." The clergy were obliged to acquiefce, with no
other conviction, than of their being miftaken in
the hopes they had formed from his education.
The churchmen and courtiers mewed great exulta-
tion on this occafion. Chancellor Egerton faid,
that he had often heard of royalty and the prieft-
hood being united, but never faw it verified till
now; and archbifliop Whitgift, carrying his flattery
ftill farther, exclaimed, that he verily believed the
king fpoke by the fpecial affittance of the Spirit of
God. This curious debate was followed by two
proclamations; one commanding all jefuits and
priefts, who had received orders from any foreign,
power, to depart the kingdom ; and the other en-
joining the puritans to conform to the eftablifhcd
church. The latter foon after fuffered fo levere a
petfecution, that they offered a petition to the king,
for relief while he was hunting ; when being offended
at this unexpected intrufion, he ordered them, to
lay their grievances before the council : but no
fooner did thefe deputies make this application,
than they were, fenc to prifon ; and Sir Francis
Haftings, Sir Valentine Knightly, and Sir Edward
Montague, by whofe direction they had taken this
ftep, were turned out of the lieutenancy of the
county, and the commiflion of the peace.
The marquis of Rofny, afterwards the famous
duke of Sully, a minifter worthy of Henry IV. was
charged with the affairs of France at the Englifli
court. That able ftatefman propofed a league with
James, in conjunction with Venice, the United Pro-
vinces, and the northern crowns, in order to invade
the houfe of Auftria on every fide, and to humble
the exorbitant power of that ambitious family. But
the genius of the Englifli monarch was not adapted
to fuch an enterprize; the love of peace was his
ruling paflion ; and Rofny found James to be
matter of fo much diflimulation, that all his addrefs
was infufEcient to carry his point. James had rhe
art to hide his real intentions. He refufed to make
any declaration but in general terms, of his fincere
defire of living in friendfhip with France. A fo-
lemn conference was, however, at laft held, wherein
it was agreed, that the Dutch fliouid have the li-
berty of levying forces both in France and Eng-
land ; that the two monarchs mould fupply that
republic with the fum of one million four hundred
thoufand Hvres a year; that the whole fum mould
be advanced by the king of France, but that one
third of it mould be deducted to difcharge a debt
due from that monarch to Elizabeth ; and that if
the Spaniards attacked either the territories of
France or England, the contracting parties fhould
aflift each other, James with a force of fix thou-
fand, and Henry with one of ten thoufand men.
The parliament aflembled on the . ^ ,
ninth of March, whofe meeting had /
been delayed on account of the plague, which had
raged fo dreadfully in London, that above thirty
thoufand perfons are faid to have died of it in one
year; though, at that time, the city contained only
a hundred and fifty thoufand inhabitants. The
king, in a tedious fpeech from the throne, while he
endeavoured to clifplay his learning, more fully
difplaycd
J
M
I.
379
difplayed his real character. After having expa-
tiated on his title, which he fixed on the baf'e of
divine right, as being ordained by God for his peo-
ple, he exprefled his fatisfaction at the cordial re-
ception he had received on his firft entry into his
new kingdom. " Shall it be ever blotted out of
my mind, faid he, how, at my firft entry, the peo-
ple of all forts rid and ran, nay rather flew to meet •
me; their eyes flaming nothing but fparkles of
affection ; theirmouths and tongues uttering nothing
but founds of joy ; their hands, feet, and all the reft
of their members, in their geftures, difcovering a
paffionate longing and eagernefs to meet and embrace
their new fovereign." He then expatiated on the
manifold bleflings England had received in his per-
fon : which would complete their happinefs, if the
two nations were united in one kingdom. He ob-
ferved, that he was the hufband, and the whole
ifland his lawful wife, and hoped none would be fo
unreafonable, as to think a Chriftian king fliould
be a polygamift, or huibaad to two wives. He ac-
knowledged the Roman catholic to be the mother
church, though defiled with fome impurities; and
that he was conlidering to lighten the burden ot
laws againft them ; but as to the feels of puritans
and novelifts, they were infufferable in a well-
governed commonwealth. This fpeech, which was
pedantic, laboured, and extremely prolix, diffatis-
fied all parties. The proteftants were alarmed at
the advances made towards the catholics, and the
nonconfoi mifts were enraged to hear the king pro-
fef's himfelf their open enemy; nor was the whole
flation lefs defpleafed at the hints he threw out of
tin union with Scotland. The parliament having
confirmed the king's title, a motion was made for
the redrefs of the following grievances : thewardfliips
of children ; the abufe of purveyors, and of mono-
polies ; difpenfations in penal ftatutes, the exportation
of ordnance, and the abufes of the exchequer. In a
conference with the lords, on a propofal to petition
the king, for leave to take into confideration their
giving him a recompence in exchange for ward-
Ihips, the lords heartily joined in the caufe, and re-
commended their comprizing in the petition,
licence of alienation, refpite of homage, and other
intolerable burdens, which had been obtained by
ftretches of prerogative. Thefe fpirited exertions
•were, however, rendered ufelefs, by an incident
which now difturbed the concord fubfifting between
the two houfes. One of the prohibitions in the
king's proclamation for aflembling a parliament
was, that no out-law fliould be returned. Sir
Francis Goodwin had been chofen member for the
county of Bucks, and his return, asufual, was made
into chancery : but the chancellor pronouncing him
an out-law, vacated his feat, iffued writs for a new
election, and the county chofe Sir John lrortefcue in
his room. The firft aft of the houfe was to reverfe
the chancellor's fentence, and reftore Sir Francis to
his feat. On which the lords, by the king's com-
mandj defired a conference on this fubject ; but this
the commons refufed, as the queftion related folely
to their own privileges. They, however, agreed,
that their fpeaker fhoukl remonftrate to the king,
that though the returns were made by form into
chancery, the fole right of judging, with refpect to
elections, belonged to that houte alone. James, not
Satisfied, ordered a conference between the houfe
and the judges, which, he faid, he commanded as
an abfolute king; adding, that " all their privi-
leges were derived from his grant, and he hoped
they would not turn them againft himfelf." This
opened the eyes of the commons, who now favv the
coniequences of the power afuimed by the chan-
cellor, to which their predeceflbrs had, in fome in-
ftances, blindly fubmitted; and they were deter-
mined to {hake off that pufillanimity which had
rendered them fo fubfervient to the orders of the
crown in the preceding reign, and to affert their
privileges with a becoming fpirit. They appointed
a committee to confer with the judges before the
king and council ; there the queftion of law appear-
ing in the eye of James, more doubtful than he had
hitherto imagined it to be, he propofed, that Good-
win and Fortefcue fhould be both fet afide, and a
writ be iflued by a warrant of the houfe for a new
election. To this Goodwin confented, and the
commons embraced the expedient ; which at once
fhewed their refped for the king, and fecured the
right they claimed, of being the fole judges in their
own elections and returns.
The attention of the parliament was next turned
to a propofal for a union of the two kingdoms,
which true policy would have confidered as the
greateft advantage to both. The king was very
defirous of completing this union. He told the
parliament, " that he juftly regarded it as the pe-
culiar felicity of his reign, that he had terminated
the bloody animofities of two hoftile nations, and
reduced the whole ifland under one empire, enjoy-
ing tranquillity within itfelf, and fecurity from all
foreign invafions." He added, " that while his
fubjects of both kingdoms reflected on the difafters
of former times, he hoped they would entertain the
ftrongeft defire of fecuring themfelves againft a re-
turn of fimilar calamities, by a thorough union of
laws, parliaments, and privileges." But thefe rea-
fons, however powerful, when confidered without
prejudice, loft their effect. James was fo bent on
the accomplifhitient of this fcheme, that he had
affumed the title of king of Great-Britain, quartered
St. Andrew's crofs with that of St. George ; and
iflued a proclamation, to make the coin of Scot-
land current in England. Let it here be noted,
that whenever we fpeak of the coins and great feals
of England, we would refer the curious, to our
elegant copper-plates, defigned particularly to
illuftrate the fubject of our hiftory, which have been
accurately taken from original impreflions, and
procured for the entertainment of our fubfcribers,
at no fmall trouble and expence.
The commons afcribed the exceffive zeal of the
king for an union between England and Scotland,
to partiality in favour of his antient fubjects, of
which, on other occafions, they thought they had
fufficient reafon to complain ; they therefore took
his plan into confideration, rather out of compli-
ment to him, than with any defign to bring it into
execution. They were, indeed, chiefly intent on a
redrefs of grievances ; but the gleam of public
virtue, which appeared in the lords at the begin-
ning of the feffion, was now entirely vaniflied ; yet
the commons, though thus foiled in their intentions
for the public good, were determined that the peo-
ple fliould not be robbed, to feed the luxury of the
courtiers ; when therefore a queftion of a fupply was
brought before the houfe, the fame fpirit of oppo-
fition appeared among them ; they oppofed vehe-
mently a fubfidy being granted to the king, who ra-
ther than fuffer the mortification of a refufal, fent
a mefiage to the houfe, informing them, that he
defired not a fupply. In this parliament, the com-
mons demanded the delivery of Sir Thomas Shirley,
one of their members, who had been committed to
the fleet ; and punifhed the warden for contempt of
the houfe, in having at firft refufed to releafe his
prifoncr. Thus the commons eftablifhed their
power of punifliing both the perfon at whofe fuit
any member is arreiled, and the officers who either
arreft or detain them.
Soon after the prorogation of parliament, a peace
was finally concluded between Spain and England ;
one of the articles of which was, that James fhould
fix a day, before the expiration of which the United
Provinces fliould agree to the peace, and in cafe
I of their refufal, he ihould deem himfelf abfolved
from
__
38o
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
from his former engagements. It is remarkable,
that in James's proclamation, he plainly fuppofes,
that as he had hiinfelf, while king of Scotland,
always lived in friendihip with Spain, peace was
attached to his perfon ; and that merely by his
acceflion to the crown of England, without any
articles of agreement, he had ended the war be-
, twcen the two kingdoms. Soon after the con-
clufion of this treaty, the town of Oftend capi-
tulated, having endured a three years fiege. The
Spaniards found nothing in the place but heaps of
niuis to recompenfe them for the vaft fums of
money, and the incredible number of lives they
had loft in making the conqueit. James gave
himfelf no concern about the lofs of this fortrefs,
refolving to improve his prefent connection with
Spain. He accordingly difpatched the earl of
Nottingham, lord high admiral, with the character
of ambaflador extraordinary to that court, attended
by a numerous and magnificent retinue.
We come now to that page of hiftory, wherein
is recorded an event fcarcely to be paralleled in
the annals of this, or any other country. It ftands
as an awful warning to religious bigots of every
defcription, {hewing them, how far the human
mind may be drawn afide from the paths of right
reafoh and moral obligations, by the baneful in-
fluence of narrow prejudices, and falfe zeal. The
gunpowder plot, whether we confider either the in-
ftruments, the means employed, or the end pro-
pofed, is one of thofe infernal fchemes, which
one would think human nature, in its moft de-
praved ftate, could neither devife nor execute.
The papills had expected at leaft the free exercife
of their religion from the fon of Mary Stuart ;
but when they found their eftates were confifcated,
under the diftinction of popifh recufants, and that
the laws enacted againft them were executed with
rigour, furprize and rage ftifled the foft dictates
of humanity, and in the bafe thoughts of revenge,
they forgot the real duties of religion. Catefby,
a gentleman of an antient family, in one of his
converfations with Piercy, a defcendant of the
houfe of Northumberland, firft opened his plan for
overturning the Engliih government. Piercy, in
a fally of paflion, propofed affaflinating the king ;
on which Catefby cried, " In vain would you put
an end to the king's life ; his children would
fucceed both to his crown, and to his maxims of
government. In vain would you extinguifh the
whole royal family : the nobility, the gentry, the
parliament, are all infected with the fame herefy.
To anfwer any good purpofe, we muft at one blow
deftroy the king, the royal family, the lords, the
commons, and involve all our enemies in one com-
mon ruin. Happily, they will be aflembled on
the firft meeting of parliament, and afford us an
opportunity of a glorious revenge. A few of us
may run a line below the hall in which they meet ;
and chufing the very moment when the king makes
his fpeech to both houfes, confign over to de-
ii ruction thofe determined foes to all piety and
religion ; while the impious inhabitants, medi-
tating, perhaps, new perfecutions againft us, ihall
pafs from flames above to flames below, there for
ever to endure the torments due to their crimes.
The glorious catattrophe may eafily be laid at the
xloor of the puritans." Piercy appeared highly
pleafcd with this daring project ; and it was agreed
between him and Catefby, to communicate the
dcfign to a few of their friends, particularly to
Thomas Winter, whom they fent into Flanders,
to bring over Guy Fawkes, an oflicer in the Spanifh
fervicc, with whofe zeal for the catholic faith, and
courage to execute any defperate enterprize, they
were weHJacquainfedv Fawkes having entered into
the confpiracy with all the ardour of wild en-
thufiafm, 'a houfe was hired in Picrcy's uame, ad-
joining to that in which the parliament was to
meet. They began their operation in the month
of December; and to prevent fufpicion, laid in
ftore of provifions, and never defifted from their
labour.
It being expected that the par- . ^
liament would be affembled fome i°°J.
time in February, the work was carried on with
aftonifhing perfeverance ; nor was refolution want-
ing, feeing they had provided themfelves with fire
arms, in order, fliould they have been difcovered,
to perifli rather than be taken. They foon pierced
through the wall, though three yards in thicknefs ;
but on their approaching the other fide, they were
alarmed at hearing a noife, which they were at a
lofs to account for. A difcovery was now appre-
hended, and the confpirators prepared to defend
themfelves to the laft extremity; but upon en-
quiry it was found, that the place from whence
the noife proceeded was a large vault under the
houfe of lords, where a quantity of coals were
felling off, and that the vault would be let to the
highett bidder. Piercy immediately hired the place,
conveyed into it thirty-fix barrels of powder, and
covered the whole with faggots. The door was
boldly flung open, as if it contained nothing dan-
gerous, or that ought to be concealed. 7 he whole
train of mifchief was now completely laid ; but
the parliament being prorogued to the fifth of
November, the confpirators had time to perfect
the remaining part of their diabolical project.
James, his queen, and prince Henry, were all ex-
pected to be prefent at the opening of the par-
liament. The duke of York, on account of his
tender age, they knew would be abfent, and it
was agreed, that Piercy fliould feize, or affaflinate
him. The princefs Elizabeth, alfo a child, was at
lord Harrington's, in Warwickfhire ; but Sir
Everard Digby, Rookwood, and Grant, engaged
to aflemble their friends, under the pretence of a
hunting match ; and after feizing that princefs, to
proclaim her queen. The long wifhed-for time
now drew near, for carrying this infamous fcheme
into execution; and the vile agents waited with
impatience for its arrival. 7*he horrid fecrer,
though communicated to above twenty perfons,
had been kept almoft a year and a half. Not a
fyllable had tranfpired. Not one of the confpi-
rators had abandoned the enterprize, either through
fear of punifliment, or the hopes of reward. Fear,
pity, and remorfe, the voice of confcience, and
the foft whifpers of humanity, were all ftifled by a
religious frenzy; but, under the providence of
God, the royal family and kingdom were faved
from deftruction, by a feeming trifling occurrence.
About ten clays before the meeting of parliament,
lord Monteagle, fon of lord Morley, a catholic
peer, received the following letter, which had been
delivered to his fervant by an unknown hand.
" My lord, ou of the love I bear to fome of
your friends, I have a care of your prefervation :
therefore I would advife you, as you tender your
life, to devife fome excufe to fhift off your at-
tendance on this parliament ; for God and man
have concurred to punifh the wickednefs of this
time. And think not flightly of this advertife-
mcnt, but retire yourfelf into the country, where
you may expect the event with fafety ; for though
there be no appearance of any ftir, yet, I fay,
they will receive a terrible blow this parliamenr,
and yet they fliall not fee who hurts them. This
counfel is not to be contemned, becaufe it may
do you good, and can do you no harm ; for the
danger is paft as foon as you have burned this
letter. And I hope God will give you the grace to
make good ufe of it, to whofe holy protection I
commend you." Monteagle, alarmed at this am-
biguous Utter, carried it at midnight to lord
Salifbury,
Seizino- / GUYFAWKE S n
/ / i
'f T) T r^ ' //
^^ -parliament House, /// ///^ yyy/^/y
J
M
I.
381
Salifbury, who corifulted with the earl of Suffolk,
lord chamberlain, about the enigmatical contents,
which were afterwards communicated to the king,
the earls of Nottingham, Worcefter, and North-
ampton. Having per u fed and canvaffed this dark
intimation, they conjectured, from the earned ftile
of the letter, that tbmewhat very dangerous was
intended: and that the effect which was repre-
fcnted to be at once both fudclen and terrible,
feemed to denote a contrivance by the means of
gunpowder; and it was thought advifeable, to
fearch all the vaults under both houfes of par-
liament. Accordingly, on the fourth of Novem-
ber, the lord chamberlain, who was obliged by his
oflice to fee every thing in readinefs againft his
majefty's coming, vifited, as ufual, all the places
about the parliament houfe. Heobferved, though
leemingly with a flight infpetflion, the great piles
of wood and faggots in the vault under the upper
houfe, and caft his eye upon Fawkes, who flood
in a dark corner, and laid, he was one of Piercy's
fervants. The lord chamberlain was ft ruck with
the appearance of the man, in whofe countenance
all the figns of ferocious courage were ftrongly
marked. It appeared a little extraordinary, that
Piercy, who feldom redded in town, fhould have
here fuch a quantity of fuel; and, upon com-
paring all circumftances, it was refolvecl to make a
more thorough fearch. This refolution being
taken, about midnight, Sir Thomas Knevet, a
juftice of the peace, was fent, with proper at-
tendants, to examine the cellar, under the pretext
of fearching for ftolen goods. Fawkes had juft
put the finifhing flroke to his preparations, and
was coming out of the vault, when Knevet arrived
on the fpot. The daring confpirator was in-
ftantly fecured; and the faggots being removed,
the barrels of powder were laid open to view.
Fawkes had a dark lantern in his hand ; and the
matches, with every thing neceflary for fetting fire
to the powder, were found in his pockets. The
guilt of this determined villain was now apparent;
who, knowing that all denial would be in vain,
avowed the dreadful defign, at the fame time ex-
prcfling the utmoft regret, that he had loft the
opportunity of firing the powder, and at once
cleftroying both his enemies and himTelf. When
examined before the council, he difplayed the fame
intrepid firrnnefs, mixed with fcorn and dildain.
He {hewed not the leaft concern, but for the
failure of the enterprize, and refufed to difcover
his accomplices. This obftinacy continued two or
three days ; but being clofely confined in the Tower,
and brought before the rack, his courage forfook
him, and he made a full difcovery of all the con-
ipirators. Such of thefe who refided in town had
not abandoned their hopes of fuccefs, till they
heard that. Fawkes was taken. They then fled
into Wai wickfhire, where Sir Everard Digby, per-
fuaded that the attempt had fucceeded, was ready
to fcize the princefs Elizabeth; but ihe had pre-
vented their dciign by flying to Coventry. The
whole country was now railed and armed by the
fheriff; and Sir Richard Walfh, high-conftable of
\Voiceflerfhire, aflifted by the inhabitants, fur-
rounded the confpirators at Holbeach. Their
number, including all their attendants, did not
exceed eighty perfor.s. Having confeffed, and
received abfolution, they refolved to, fell their lives
as dear as pofiiblc. But this confolation was denied
them. A quantity of powder, laid before the fire
to dry, taking fire, difabled them from making
any defence. The people rufhing in upon them,
Piercy and Catefby were killed by a fingle fhot.
Digby, Winter, Rookwood, and Bates, being
taken prifoners, were tried, confefled their
guilt, and died, as did alfo Garnet, the jefuit,
by the hands of the common executioner.
No. 36,
Fawkes, with feveral more, fuffered in Old Palac«
Yard.
The earl of Northumberland was fined thirty
thoufand pounds, and imprifoned feveral years in
the Tower, under pretence of his having been ac-
quainted with the confpiracy; though the only
grounds of fufpicion were, his having admitted
Piercy, hiskinfman, into the number of gentlemen
penfioners, without tendering him the oath of fu-
premacy. The lords Mordaunt and Sturton were
fined by the fbr-chamber ; the former ten thoufand
pounds, and the latter four thoufand. On the
other hand, the lord Monteagle was rewarded with
an eftate of two hundred pounds a year, and a
penfion of five hundred. The difcovery of this
aitonifhing treafonable plot, occafioned the meet-
ing of parliament to be put off till the ninth of
November; when the king, in his fpeech from the
throne, obferved, that it would be highly unjuft,
nay, criminal, to involve the whole body of ca-
tholics in the guilt of a few; that it could not be
fuppofed they were all inclined to engage in fuch
horrid barbarities; that all men who maintained
the tenets of the Roman church, fhould not be
conficlered as fupporters of the pope's power of
dethroning kings, or fandifying afl'aflination ; for
though the wrath of heaven is denounced againft
crimes, yet innocent error may obtain favour.
" For my own part, added he, confpiracy, how-
ever atrocious, mail never alter my plan of govern-
ment: while I punifh guilt with one hand, I will
fupport and protedl innocence with the other."
He then charges the members of both houfes, not
to think that any foreign princes had a hand in the
plot, but to fpeak and think of them reverently ;
and concludes with inftructing them, that they
were not to bufy themfelves in propofing new
laws, but to confult on thofe propofed by their
king. After this fpeech, which was drawn to a
great length, he prorogued the parliament to the
twenty-fecond of January.
This moderation of James, though A T\ s t
much applauded by the courtiers, ' ' l
was far from being agreeable to his fubjedls ; on
the contrary, the generality of the people were
much difpleafed with his fpeech ; the puritans
particularly fo, who reprefented his lenity as a
proof that his heart was inclined to the doctrines
of Rome. But James was at this time cajoled by
Spain with the hopes of a family alliance, attended
with thefe flattering conditions ; that he was to be
made the arbiter of all the religious differences in
Europe; that a large part of Flanders, and an
annual penfion of a million of ducats, were to be
the portion of the Infanta, and that he was to
affift Spain againft the the Seven United Provinces:
hence proceeded the tenclernefs he difcovered for
the catholics; hence the many proclamations to
prevent the public from fufpefting that the con-
fpirators had been promifed affiftance from Spain ;
and hence proceeded his charge to the commons,
to think and fpeak reverently of foreign piinces.
Neverthelefs, on the meeting of parliament, the
heinoufnefs of the late confpiracy engaged the
attention of both houfes; the refult of which was,
an aft which appointed an annual thankfgiving on
the fifth of November; an acl for difcovering and
repreffing popifli recufants; and another to pre-
vent dangers that may arife from perfons of this
defcription. When the bufinefs of a fupply was
introduced, it was accompanied with a demand for
the redrefs of grievances. Three fubfidies, and
fix fifteenths were required ; but while the houfe
debated upon thefe, the whole city was thrown
into confufion, by a report of the king's having
been murdered at Oking, about twenty miles wetf
of London. The citizens were put under arms ;
and the frighted members fent mcflage after mef-
5 E fage
382
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
*age to the council, to know the truth; but in a
*ew hours, James fent word that he intended to be
in London that day. While the minds of men
were agitated by this double furprize, the courtiers
pafled the fupply fo warmly, that they carried the
motion ; and the next day, when fome of the
members moved that the bill mould not pafs till
the heavy grievances of the nation were redreffed,
this motion was over-ruled, and the bill being fent
up to the houfe of lords, it met with an eafy and
quick affent. This fupply, though very confider-
able, was foon fquandered by the king's profufion.
A vifit which James received from the king of
Denmark, and prince Vaudemont, third fon to the
duke of Lorraine, helped to confume the large
grants the king had jull received. One continued
round of magnificent mews, and expenfive amufe-
ments, diffipated reflection. The whole court was
employed in feafting and revelry, in mafques and
interludes. Prince Vaudemont was attended by
feven earls, ten barons, forty gentlemen, and one
hundred and twenty domeftics, which greatly en-
creafed the fplendor that then reigned in every part
of the palace.
On the eighteenth of November the parliament
met again at Weftminfter, when the project of an
union between the two kingdoms was revived.
James laboured hard to complete this his favourite
fcheme. Sir Francis Bacon employed all his
powers on the fame fubject ; and, in order to
foften the members, fome trifling conceffions were
made, with refpect to a few of the leaft important
grievances; but the only point gained, was an act
for the utter abolition of the memory of hoftilities
between the two nations ; and for repreffing oc-
cafions of difcord for the time to come. The
king, impatient at thefe delays, fummoned the
two houfes to appear at Whitehall, where he ftrove
to convince them of the advantages that would
flow from his plan. Yet, notwithftanding all his
rhetoric, the parliament were determined not to
attempt the incorporation of the two nations ;
while the king's partiality, and the pretenfions of
the Scots, forbad all hopes of its being done on
advantageous, or even equitable terms.
A ~ , During this feflion, the puritans
•°7' exerted themfelves, as ufual, in
bringing in bills againft pluralities, and moved for
a toleration of th'ofe who oppofed the ceremonies
of the church; but all their efforts were in vain.
In the mean time, an infurre&ion happened in the
counties of Northampton, Warwick, and Leicefter,
occafioned by large tracts of land being enclofed,
whereby the people were deprived of their right of
commonage. A body, confirming of three or four
thoufand men, roved about the country, demolifh-
ing enclofures, and laying open the lands that had
been taken from them. They were headed by one
John Reynolds, a perfon in very low condition,
but who had acquired great authority among the
populace. Several proclamations were published,
and the fheriffs raifcd the pofle of their refpe&ive
counties againft them, but carefully avoided com-
ing to blows. At lalt James publifhed a con-
ciliating proclamation, expreffing his unwillingnefs
to proceed againll them by martial law, and pro-
miling them mercy, and redrefs of grievances.
This produced the defired effect ; the people laid
down their arms, and returned to their refpective
habitations. A few weeks after this commotion
lubfidcd, James, though no fupply had been
granted him by the parliament, paid a debt of
iixty thoufand pounds contracted by Elizabeth,
who, about nine years before, had borrowed that
t'um of the city of London, and left it undifcharged
at L<?r deceafe. In the year following, nothing
memoraUe occurs but the death of Thomas Sack-
ville, earl oi Uoifet, lord high-treafurcr. He was
i
fucceeded in his ofiice by Robert Cecil, earl of
Salilbury, a nobleman every way qualified to in-
ftruct James in the methods ufed by former kings,
for raifing money without the afliftance of par-
liament. The king continued to gratify his capri-
cious humour without reftraint, and to difpenfe
favours with fuch profufion, that his finances were
reduced to the loweft ebb. Though he'was wholly
inattentive to the concerns of the States, he de-
manded the payment of the debts owing to the
crown of England, amounting to eighteen hun-
dred, eighteen thoufand and eight pounds fterling,
which they acknowledged and promifed to dii-
charge after the rate of thirty thoufand pounds,
payable half-yearly. All former treaties were con-
firmed, together with the privileges before this
time enjoyed by the Englifh in Holland, and the
Dutch in England.
This year is remarkable for the a n
prevailing influence and triumph of l6°9'
liberty, over the efforts of arbitrary power, and
Spanifli cruelty. Never conteft feemed, at firft,
more unequal, than that between Spain and the
States of the United Provinces, and never was
conquelt finifhed with more honour to the weakeft
fide. On the part of Spain were numbers, riches,
discipline, and authority; on that of the revolted
provinces, were the attachment to liberty, and the
enthufiafm of religion. The republic, from the
fmalleft beginnings, had acquired amazing power;
and having vanquifhed the forces of Spain in every
quarter of the globe, obliged the Spaniards to
declare the Dutch an independent (late. Long
had the pride of Spain flruggled, before it would
give up the point; but after a tedious negotiation,
a truce of twelve years was concluded, under the
mediation of the kings of France and England j
in which the king of Spain treated with them as ;i
free people. This was very mortifying to James,
who always confidered the Hollanders as rebels.
It was his avowed maxim in all debates concerning
his prerogative, that fubjects ought not to with*
draw their allegiance from their princes on any
account whatever. He therefore confidered this
treaty as a dangerous precedent, and prejudicial to
the fovereign authority of kings. Cecil, who
acted for James, was, on the one hand, fhackled
by his matter's fear of being involved in a war ;
and, on the other hand, by the warm inclination
of the Englim to afiift the States. Influenced by
thefe contrarieties, his conduct was fo lukewarm,
as to raiie the jealoufy of the Dutch, and the
refentment of Spain. However, though the former
were not afllfted by the Engh'fh, with fuch vigour
as they ought to have been, yet, by their perfe-
verance in not abandoning them, may be attri-
buted the terms they obtained from Spain, and
their being acknowledged a Sovereign State by all
other potentates.
James, notwithftanding the many . n
artifices he employed for levying !
money, foon found his exchequer empty, and
was obliged to fummon a parliament, which met
on the ninth of February, to raife neceffary fnp-
plies. This talk was undertaken by the earl of
Salifbury, who, in order to allure the commons
into a compliance, allured them of his majefty's
gracious intention to redrefs their grievances.
He then apologized for the low ftate of the king's
finances, by obferving, that he had paid the dents
of the late queen ; that he had maintained in
Ireland an army of nineteen thoufand men ; that
he had expended large fums in his journey with
his family from Edinburgh to London ; in the
entertainment of the king of Denmark, and foreign
ambaffadors; in maintaining feparate courts for
himfelf, the queen, and the prince of Wales ; in
lending envoys to the different courts on the
J
M E
I.'
continent; and in acts of munificence to his officers
and dependants. He declared, that his majefty far
from having imbibed arbitrary maxims, was ever
reaHy to attend to the remonftrances of his fubjecls,
fo far as confident with the refpect due to fo
great, fo wife, and fo gracious a ibvereign. But
rheie and feveral other reafons were urged by the
treafurer in vain, and without effect; the commons
-loudly complaining of the king's prodigality, par-
tiality to his countrymen, and defign on their liber-
ties; as well as the rigour with which he treated the
puritans, whofe caufe was efpoufed by a majority of
the members then prefent. The king on this occa-
fion had rccourfe to his ufual method of infignifi-
cant harangue; fbmetimes menacing, fometimcs re-
proving, and fometimes alluring, fo that the com-
mons exprefied their willingnefs to comply with
his defires, provided they did not exceed the
bounds of rcafon. Accordingly the earl of Salisbury
moved for a conference with the commons, when
he propofecl, that an adequate fupply might be
granted for his majefty's prefent occafions, and that
two hundred thoufand pounds a year mould, for
the future, be added to the royal revenue, in order
to fupport the dignity of the crown. Fired at this
proposal, the commons voted only one fubfidy, and
one fifteenth, which did not amount to a fixth part
of what had been required; and they refufed to
fettle any {landing revenue, unlefs the king would
purchafe it with fome valuable confideration. They
complained of his infringement on the liberty of
the fubject, by annexing the force of laws to his
proclamations; vefting the high commi-flion court
with a power to which it was not entitled; altering
the book of rates, and impofing new cuftoms on
various kinds of merchandize. They defired, that
no one fhould be compelled to lend money to the
king, or aflign a reafon for his refufal. They after-
wards palled a bill againft taxes on merchants, to-
gether with another againit ecdefiafti'cal regula-
tions, made without authority ot parliament; but
both thde were thrown out by the lords. Theft-
bold attempts, with others of a iimilar nature, could
not fail of being very difagreeable to a prince firmly
attached to arbitrary principles. He told the par-
liament in his fpeech, that he would never agree to
have his power difputed, but mould always be
willing to explain the motives of his conduct, and
to regulate it by the laws.- " A good prince (he
obferve-d elfewlicre) though above the laws, will
make his acVions conformable to them; and thus
let an examble to his people, whillt he himfelf is
not amenable, nor fubject to the laws." ' It is not
to be wondered, that, with fuch oppofite fentinients,
the king and his parliament parted, on prorogation,
equalled diOatislied.
Henry IV. of France, by his good
fenfc and experience, was now become
one of the greateft politicians and generals of the
age. That prince faw, that while the houfe of
An (triawasalways ready to aggrandize herfelf, France
had every thing to fear from her ambitious pro-
jects; and he had formed a noble pLn for humbling
the wide extending branches of that afj;iring fa-
mily. But all his great defigns were blafled in a
moment by the poniard of an infamous aflailln.
Ravaillac had for fome time followed the king in
his excurfions, in queft of an opportunity of perpe-
trating his horrid purpofe. One morning he in-
tended to (tab Henry at the Feuillans, where he went
to hear rnafs; but was prevented by the interpo-
lition of the duke de Vcndome. After dinner the
king appeared extremely uneafy, and leaning his
head upon his hand, was heard to fay, " My God !
what is this that will not fufl'cr me to be at quiet ?"
About four in the afternoon he went into his coach
with the duke d'Epcrnon, and attended by feveral
qther noblemen. In paffing through the ftreet dc
A.D. 1611.
la Roquelaer, which was very narrow, a Hop was
made by two loaded carts: the king had fent away
his guarJs, and ordered the coach to bp opened,
that he might fee the preparations that were mak-
ing for the queen's entry; all the pages were gone
round another way, except two,' one of whom went
before to clear -tin: ftreet, and the other had ftept on
one fide to tie his garter, llavaillac, who had "fol-
lowed the carriage, 'took this opportunity to effect
his bloody defign.' Me mounted on the coach-
wheel, and with a two-edged knife ftruck the king
over the moulder of the duke d'Epernon. Henry
exclaimed, " I am wounded!" The daring aflaflin
repeated the blow with greater violence, and the
knife, penetrating' /the thorax, divided the vena
cava, fo that the king expired immediately, lla-
vaillac was not perceived by any one while he per-
petrated this horrid murder, fo that he might have
efcaped ; but he ftood upon the wheel fixed like a
ftatue, with the bloody knife in his hand. A gen-
tleman coming up1 would have put him to death
immediately, but the duke d'Epernon called aloud,
" Save him on your life," and the mifcreant was
fafely fecured. On his examination, he-bolclly con-
fefled he murdered the king,' becaule he would not
take up arms againft the hugonots, and that his
making war againft the pope, was nothing lefs
than making war a gain ft- God ; "• becaule the
pope was God, and God was the pope." This fa-
natical villain foon after fuffered for his treachery,
all the torments a human being is capable of fup-
porting. The difcovery of the principle oil which
this regicide had been actuated gave James no fmall
uneafinefs, and as the jefuits were univerfally be-
lieved to be the prime inftigators in the bloody
tragedy, thekingthought it prudentto remove from
'his perfon men who held the m'oft deteftable of all
doctrines. A proclamation was therefore iffued,
commanding all .jefuits and priefts o!f the Roman,
perfuafion, to depart thc-kingdom, and all reciifants
not to come 'within ten miles of the couit. At the
fame time the ' ju'ttices of the pWce:ih every county
were ordered to adminifter the oath df allegiance to
all catholics'. But'thcfe precautions' did not divert
James from exerting himfelf to improve the navi-
gation arid commerce of the kifigdom. He en-
couraged difcoveries of every kind, that had the
leaft tendency to promote thy happinefs of his peo<-
pie. He erected Targe ftore houies for the benefit
of victualling his fhips and Supplying them with
military frorcs, and cairied naval architecture to a
much greater degree of perfection than it ever
before had reached in England. His care for pro-
moting the intereft of the Eaft India Company,
muft not be omitted. That company, incorpo-
rated by queen Elizabeth, had hitherto mbfifted
under great difadvantages, -from the difficulty and
length of their voyages; but the large returns of a
fortunate voyage, induced them to apply to the
king for an enlargement of their charter, by which
they propofed to augment the riches and ftrength
of the kingdom, and to deprive the Turks and
Perfians of the commerce of the Eaft Indies. James
entered into thefe confiderations with an attention
becoming the father of his people : he granted them a
new charter, enlarged their patent, and formed them
into a body corporate and politic. Yet, it muft be
confefled, James was much better fitted to fhine in
a college than on a throne. His timidity and in-
dolence rendered him little attentive to foreign
affairs; but a controverfy at Leyden made him
fummon up all his religious zeal. Vorftius, a pro-
feflbr of divinity, and a difciple of Arminius, dif-
fered from his Britannic majefty, in denying that
men were condemned ' to everlaiting torments, by
the fecrct decrees of God, and in maintaining the
doctrine of free-will. The royal difputant therefore
attacked the profeffor with, all the rage of arrogance
and
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
and prefumption. Apprehenfive of the conie-
quences that might eni'ue irotn this fcholailic con-
tention, the States thought proper to deprive Vorf-
tius of the chair he had tilled with fo much reputa-
tion. The king was appealed by this mark of
condefcenfion iii the States, though he charitably
hinted to them, " that as to the burning of Vori-
tius for his hlaiphemies and athe'ifm, he left them
to their own Chriftian wifdom; but finely never
heretic better delerved the flames." The States,
however, had too muchfenfe and humanity to un-.
derftand his majefty's meaning ; they even procured
a chair for the profeflbr in another univerlity. But
arnidft thefe theological difputes, in which James
was engaged, he forgot not a project he had formed
in favour of Ireland, and which did him more real
honour than all his polemical divinity. This was
an attempt to civilize the him, and to make them
acquainted with the happinefs that attends a well-
regulated fociety. He began with abolifliing the
Irifh cultoms, which fupplied the place of laws ;
and having taken all the natives under, his protec-
tion, declared them free citizens, and proceeded to
govern them by a regular administration. Statutes
were eftablifhed, jultice: adminiftered, oppreflion
baniflied, and crimes and disorders of every kind
were feverely puniflied. The whole province of
Ulfter having fallen to the crown, by the attainder
of the rebels, a company was eftablifhed in London,
for planting new colonies in that province. It was
divided into moderate iharcs, the largeil not ex-
ceeding two thoufand acres: tenants were tran-
fported from England and Scotland: and the him
being removed from their hills and faitnefies, were
fettled in the open country, where they were taught
hufbandry and the arts. By tliefe means, U liter,
from being the moil wild and diforderly province
in Ireland, fqon became the moft cultivated and
beft civilized. In a word, after proceeding regu-
larly, during the courfe of a few years, James came
at length to govern by juftice and the laws, a peo-
ple, who appeared incapable of acknowledging
them. He frequently- boafted of the management
of Ireland as his maiter-piece, and his vanity in this
particular was not altogether without foundation ;
it doubtlefs forms the moft glorious monument of
his reign.
\ 1) , The fudden death of Henry prince
•OI2t of Wales, on the fixth of November,
diffufed an. univcrfal grief throughout the na-
tion. This young prince had not reached his
eighteenth year, and yet poflefled more dignity in
his behaviour, and commanded more refpect, than
even his father, with all his learning and experience.
Endowed with a genius more refined, he devoted
his time to thofe itudies and diverfions, in a regular
alternate courfe, which tended to embellifh his ,
mind, and habituate his body to martial and manly
achievements ; and this, added to an degant per-
fon, rendered him the delight of the Englilh na-
tion. Npr was this the only lofs the ftate fuitaiaed
in the courfe of this year.. The king's chief coun-
fellor, the earl of Salibury, died on the fourteenth
of May, His death was a great misfortune to
James, who was thereby deprived of a very able
minifter, and one perfectly acquainted with the
clifpofition and genius of the Lnglifli. He was a
nobleman, of, great parjts, honour, and fidility, a
.lover and encourager of virtue and learning in
others. Soon after the death of the prince, the
marriage of the princefs Elizabeth to Frederic, the
Elector Palatine, ferved to diffipate the grief occa-
fioned by that melancholy event. This marriage
was celebrated with fuch joy and fcftivity, that the
expence of the nuptials amounted to fifty thoufand
pounds: but it proved an unhappy union to the
king and his fon-in-law; for the Elector trufling to
fo great an alliance, engaged in enterprizes beyond '
his ftrength, and the king was neither able nor
willing to extricate him from his diftrefles Thc
fate of Arabella. Stuart was ftill more deplon-bi-
than that of her kinivvoman Elizabeth. James to
whom me was couiin geiman, had icized on her
pofkilions, and allowed her a peniicn for her (im-
port. This unhappy lady, tired of inch dependence
and urged by her youthful inclinations, married'
privately Seymour, grandfon to the carl of Hertford
upon which, both of them were apprehended, but
found means to make their efcape, one of them on
board a French bark, and the other in a Newcattle
collier. The unfortunate Arabella was retaken
and conveyed to the Tower. The fatigue n\e had
fuflered, the feverity of her treatment, andhcrdif.
appointment, had fuch a fatal effect upon her terula-
conftitution, that flie immediately loit her fenfes
and foon after her life. The -avowed caufe of
Arabella's melancholy fate, was the jealoufy her
conlangumity gave to the crown.
The court was now immerled in
fenluality, and nothing prevailed but ' l61 3- -
gaudy parade and thoughtleis jollity, while the
iinghfli and Scottifli dependants vied with earh
other, in attaching the king to fomc favourite who
might gam the alcendancy over his weak mind
and be the difpenfer of his prodigal honours. The
lord Hay, fenfible that perfonal beauty would, in
the efteem of the king, preponderate every other
accomphfhment, introduced Robert Carr, a youth
who had been James's page in Scotland. " Without
mentioning him at court, he appointed him at a
tilting match to prefent his device and buckler to
the king, in hopes that he would gain that mo-
naich's attention. On Carr's advancing to execute
his office, his horfe threw him, and his leg was
broke in the king's prefence. James approaching
him, was ftruck with the beauty of his perfon, and
ordered him to be immediately lodged in the pa-
lace. He reforted after the titling to his chamber,
and frequently vifited him during his confinement.
James, highly conceited with his own wifdom,
pleafed himfelf with thinking, that by his lefibns
and inftructions. this raw unexperienced youth
would, in a little time, be initiated into all the pro-
found myfteries of government, and equal his wiftft
miniiters. James loon conferred on him honorai v
titles and lucrative offices. Heknighteclhim, created
him vifcount Rochefter, bcftowed on him the Bar-
ter, brought him into the privy council, and at laft
honoured him with the fupreme cliredion of all his
bufinefs and political concerns; and while all his
wifeil minifteis could with difficulty, fupport the
exigences of government, the king, with an un-
fparing hand, loaded this infignificant youth with
riches. Having given him an order to receive five
thoufand pounds, for his own ufe, from the exche-
quer, the earl of Saliibury, to convince his rnaje.ty
of his prodigality, invited him to dinner, and led
him through a room, where the whole fum in
fpccie lay on the table; the king, furprized at the
fight of fo much gold, demanded for what ufe it
was intended, when being told it was the money
his majetly had ordered to be given to the lord Ro-
chefter, he fwore it was too much for any private
man, and deiired the treafurer would give him only
two thoufand pounds. James is faid to have found
his pupil to be ignorant even of the firft rudiments
of the Latin tongue, and that the monarch, laying
afide the fceptre, inllructed him in the principles of
grammar. Carr was not fo intoxicated with ad-
vancement, as to be entirely infenfible of his own
ignorance and inexperience, he had therefore re-
cpurfe to the afliftance and advice of a friend ; and
found, in Sir Thomas Overbuty, a judicious coun-
lellor, who inftillcd into him the principles of pru-
dence and diici etion. Thus while he was governed
by Ovcrbury's friendly advice, he enjoyed the fa-
vour*
J
M
E S
i.
3*5
vours of his prince, .without incurring the hatred
of the people.
No iboner had James afcended the throne, than
he remembered his friendfliip for the unhappy fa-
milies of Howard and Devereux, who had fullered
for adhering to the caufe of Mary. Having rellored
young Eflex to his blood and dignity, and conferred
the tides of Suffolk and Northampton on two brothers
of the houfe of Norfolk, he endeavoured to unite
thefe families, bycaniingtheearl of Efiex to marry the
lady Francis Howard, the earl of Suffolk's daughter.
But as he was only fourteen years of age, and fhe
no more than thirteen, it was thought proper that
he mould go abroad before confummation, and pafs
fome time in his travels. After four years abfence
he returned to England, was pleafed to find his
countefs in the full luftre of beauty, and poflefled
of the admiration of the whole court : but on his
claiming the privileges of a hufband, he was re-
ceived with figns of averfion, and met with a flat
refulal. Upon his applying to her parents, they
obliged her to retire with him into the country, and
to p'artake of his bed: but nothing cou-ld overcome
her fullennefs and obftinacy ; and me ftill rofe from
his fide without allowing him the leaft favour.
Difgufted with repeated denials, he at laft fepa-
rated- himfelf from her; and from thenceforward
abandoned Frances to her own will and difcretion.
This lady had, during her hufband's abfence, re-
ceived the addrefTes of the favourite, in which he
had been too fucccfsful-, and Ihe imagined, that
•while fhe refufed the embraces of Eflex, fhe could
not be deemed his wife, and that a divorce might
open the way for her being married to her beloved
Rochefter. Though they had already indulged
thenifelves in all' the gratifications of love, they
thought their happinefs incomplete; and both the
lover and his miftrefs were impatient, till marriage
crowned their mutual ardour. An affair of fuch
moment could not, however, be concluded without
confulting Overbury, who was accuftomed to fhare
all Rochefter's fecrets. The friend , who had con fidered
his patron's attachment to the countefs of Eflex merely
as an affair of gallantry, which he imagined would
endear him to James, who liftcned with pleafure to
the amours of his court, was greatly alarmed at Ro-
chciler's mentioning his defign of marrying the
countefs, and ufed every argument to difluade him
from it. He reprefented how invidious and diffi-
cult it would be for her to obtain a divorce from
her huiband: the difgrace of taking to his bed a
profligate woman, who, after being married to a
young nobleman of the firft rank, hadmadenofcruple
of proftituting her character, to gratify a capricious
and momentary paflion ; and, in the zeal of true
•friendfhip, he threatened Rochefter with feparating
himfelf for ever from him, if he could be fb blind
to his honour, as to complete the intended marriage.
This converfation Rochefter had the folly to reveal
to the countefs of Eflex: and on her giving vent to
her rage againft Overbury, he had alfo the weak-
nefs to {wear to be revenged on him, for the greateft
inftance he could have given of a fincere friendfliip.
7\s fome contrivance was neceflury for the execution
of their bafe refolve, Rochefter complained to the
king, that his own. indulgence to Overbury, had
rendered him fb arrogant, that he fhould be glad to
get rid of him ; and therefore defired that he might
be fent on an embaffy to liuflia ; which he repre-
fented as a retreat for his friend that would be both
honourable and profitable. When Overbury con-
f ul ted him, he carneftly difluaded him from ac-
cepting it, and promifed to fatisfy the king, if he
iliould be difpleafed at his refufal; to the king, on
the other hand he aggravated the infolence of
Ovcrbury's conduct, and on the twenty-fiift of
April obtained a warrant for committing him to the
Tower, which James intended as a flight punifh-
No. 37-
ment for his difobedience. The lieutenant of the
Tower, whom Rochefter had put into that poft to
ferve his purpofV, confined Overbury fo ftrictly,
that he was debarred the fight of his neareft rela-
tions, and deprived of hearing what pafled abroad
during near fix months, which time he was per-
mitted to live. This troublefome counfellor being
thus removed from the fcene of action, the divorce
was folicited with fuch fuccefs, that the fentence was
foon pronounced; and the king not only gave his
favourite leave to marry the countefs, but alfo
created him earl of Somerfet, that her fecond choice
might not be inferior in dignity to her firft. The
nuptials were fblemnized in the moft magnificent
manner ; and nothing was now wanting to complete
their triumph but the death of Overbury, without
which that implacable woman could not be fatis-
fied. She ufed every art to effect her bloody de-
fign ; and at laft prevailed both on her hufband and
the earl of Northampton, her uncle, to engage in
the atrocious deed, of taking him off by poiibn.
Several attempts were accordingly made for this
purpofe, but the ftrength of Overbury foiled all the
attacks of weak poifons. At laft nature gave way
to repeated experiments, and he died in his prifon
on the fixteenth of September, by a poifoned
clyfter. His interment was hurried on with the
greateft precipitation ; and though the public enter-
tained a ftrong fufpicion, it was, not till fome years
after, that the full proof of the hqrrid crime was
brought to light.
The earl of Salifbury having died A -TV /•
.1 •• ., ' r j A. JJ. I6I4"
the preceding year, the favourite and
the earl of Suffolk fucceeded him in the miniftry ;
and the tafk of fupplying an exhaufted treafury
falling to their lot, feveral projects were to this
end carried into execution. The title of baronet
was fold for a thoufand pounds, and two hundred
patents of th^t fpecies of knighthood were difpofed of.
An inferior order, with the title of knights of Nova
Scotia,twere fold at three hundrecl.pounds each. The
dignitiesofbaron,vifcount, and earl, were refpectively
fold at ten, fifteen, and twenty thoufand pounds: be-
nevolences were exacted, to the amount of fifty-two
thoufand pounds; and thefe expedients proving in-
fufticient to fupply the king's neceflities, a public
lottery, the firft of its kind in England, was ap-
pointed to fupply the deficiency ; yet all thefe ex-
pedients proved infufficient; and the invention of
the miniitry being exhaufted, the king found him-
felf obliged, though much againft his inclination,
to call a parliament. Great pains were taken to
procure a majority; and James, in the exordium of
his fpeech, compared himfelf to a mirror, which
clifcovered his true intentions, arid aflured them,
" that his integrity was like the whitenefs of his
robe; his purity, like the gold in his crown; his
firmnefs'and clearnefs, like the precious ftones he
wore; and his affections like the rednefs of his
heart-," but his fpeech was received coldly, and he
himfelf obtained little fatisfaction from this parlia-
ment. The commons, ftill animated by the fame
public fpirit againft the prerogative, determined to
confine it within proper limits; and inftead of
granting a fupply, as defired by the king, they re-
fumed the fubject debated in the laft parliament.
Nor did they think their remonftrances fufKcient :
they even applied to the lords for a conference, in
order to fecure the liberty of the fubject, by cir-
oumfcribing the unlimited power of the crown.
Informed of their intention, and determined to ren-
der their defign abortive, James diflblved the par-
liament, after about a feflion of two months, in
which not one ftatute was enacted, nor any fupply
granted. In the fpace of fix hundred years, there
are only three inftances of the parliament's re-
fufing an aid to the crown. They were diflblvecj
on the feventh of June ; after which James wreaked
5 F ' tis
;86
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
his vengeance on the leading members, by throw-
ing feveral of them into priibn.
n The favourite, deprived of the ad-
'5* vantage of Overbury's counfel, found
himfelf greatly embarraffed in the management of
pubJic affairs. Though he had efcaped the en-
quiry of juflice, he had not efcapcd that remorfe,
\vhich, amidft all the hurry and flattery of a court,
itung him with the remembrance of his iecret crime.
Somerfet, confcious of the murder of his friend, re-
ceived fmall confolation from the enjoyments of
]ove, and the favour of his fovereign. The graces
of his youth, and the gaiety of his manners gradually
difappcared ; his politenefs and obliging manners
were changed into fullennefs and thoughtful filence.
James began to eftrange himfelf from one who no
longer contributed to his amufements. The queen
hcrfelf was infulted by this minion, and joined a
party formed againft him. After many confulta-
tions on the moft likely method of effecting the
ruin of Somerfet, it was agreed to give the king a
new favourite. George Villiers, a young man, re-
markable for his beauty and effeminacy, .was the
object chofen for this purpofe. James firft beheld
this younger brother, of a good family, at a co-
medy, acted at Cambridge, where he was confpi-
cuoufly placed, and immediately engaged the affec-
tions of the king. Villiers was introduced to
court, and foon weakened the influence of the fa
voui ite. He was immediately knighted, and made
a gentleman of the bed-chamber, with the yearly
penfion of a thoufand crowns. Somerfet faw his
tall, and exerted all his influence to avert it; but
his efforts were in vain: the difcovery of Overbury's
murder involved him in infamy and ruin. The
apothecary's apprentice, who had made up the
poifons, having retired to Flufhing, talked very
freely of this cruel tranfaction. His clifcourfe came
at length to the ears of Trumbal, the king's envoy
in the Netherlands, who fent an account of it to
Sir Ralph Windwood, fecretary of ftate. The evi-
dence of the boy was confirmed by the information
of the countefs of Shrewfbury, then a prifoner in the
Tower. That lady had found means to infinuate
herfelf into the confidence of Sir Jarvaife Elwis,
lieutenant of the Tower; and being of an in-
triguing difpofition, me drew the fecret from him.
James affected to be aftonifhed at finding fuch enor-
mous guilt in a man whom he had admitted to his
bofom, and recommended to Sir William Coke,
the chief juilice, a moft rigorous fcrutiny, telling
him, " that Somerfet and his wife had made him a
pimp to carry on their bawdry and murder; and
commanded him to fpare no man whatfoever ;
adding, God's curfe be upon you and your's, if you
fpare any of them ; and God's curfe be upon me
and mine, if I pardon any of them." Accordingly
Wefton, who had given Overbury thepoifoned tarts
and jellies, and at laft the clyfter ; Mrs. Turner,
chief confidant of the countefs of Somerfet ; Frank-
lin, the apothecary, who had prepared the poifon ;
and Sir Jarvaife Elwis, were apprehended. All
thefe, together with Somerfet and his countefs, were
convided of the atrocious faft on the fulleft evi-
dence. Somerfet and his countefs, notwithftanding
James's tremendous execration, after continuing a
long time in prifon, received not only a pardon,
but a penfion of four thoufand pounds a year.
With this they retired into the country, and lan-
guifhed out old age in obfcurity and infamy. Their
guilty love was turned into hatred, and they lived
together in the fame houfe, without any intercourfe
or correfpondence with each other.
The fall of Somerfet made way for the advance-
ment of Villiers. He was created duke of Buck-
ingham, lord high admiral of England, conftable of
Windfor. His family was alfo raifed to the height
of favour, honours, and riches. His mother ob-
tained the title of countefs of Buckingham; his^
brother was created vi (count Purbeck; and the ('noils
of Somerfet, amounting to the fum of two hundred
thoufand pounds, andaneftate of nineteen thoufand
pounds a year, gave credit and authority to his ne-
ceffitous relations. Thus a profufion of honours
rendered Villiers ram, precipitant, and infolent,
while, at the fame time, it increafed the kind's ne*
ceffities, and obliged him to raife money by the
moft obnoxious means. To recruit his empty exche-
quer, James delivered up the three cautionary for-
trefles of Flufhing, the Brille, and Rammekins,
which had been delivered to queen Elizabeth, as
pledges for a debt due to her from the States. ' At
the conclufion of the truce between them and Spain,
they had entered into an agreement with the king'
that this debt, which then amounted to eio-ht hun-
dred thoufand pounds, mould be discharged by
their paying forty thoufand pounds annually; and
five years having elapfed, the debt was reduced to
fix hundred thoufand pounds ; and in fifteen years
more it would have been finally difcharged; fo that
the remainder, which only amounted to the annual
fum of fourteen thoufand pounds, was all that ac-
crued to the king. Hence the Dutch now offered,
on furrenclering thofe places, to pay him immedi-
ately two hundred and fifty thoufand pounds, and
to incorporate the Englifh garrifon into their army ;
and this propofal being accepted, they were evacu-
ated on the fourteenth of June, 1616, and from
this period we may date the full liberty of the
Dutch republic. The fmall fum above-mentioned
was foon diflipated by ways unknown ; none of the
king's debts were paid; the navy was not repaired ;
nor had any money been fent to the army in Ireland
though their arrears formed the chief pretence for
treating with the States. At length it was difco-
vered, that the lord treafurer, Suffolk, had converted
the greater part of the money, received from Hol-
land to his own ufe. He being father-in-law to
Somerfet, confequently no friend to Villiers, this
opportunity to effedl his ruin was readily embraced.
Accordingly the lord treafurer was accufed in the
ftar-chamber, of feveral mifdemeanors in the exe-
cution of his office, and particularly of having em-
bezzled large fums of money. Sir Edward Coke,
who carried on the profecution againft him for the
crown, aggravated the charges brought againft him,
his extortions, his mifmanagement of the king's
treafure, his boldnefs, in applying it to his own
ufe, the corruptions and artifice^ of his deputy
Bingley. He then produced feveral precedents of
treafurers who had been punifhed for much flighter
crimes than thofe of the earl of Suffolk, and dif-
played the dangerous confequences that muft refult
from the corrupt adminiftration of the public
money. Had Suffolk thrown himfelf upon the
mercy of the king, he would have been acquitted ;
but he endeavoured to invalidate the evidence
brought againft him, and to juftify his conduct
againft the malignant accufations of his enemies.
He failed in the attempt, and his judges pronounced
him guilty. He was fined thirty thoufand pounds,
and condemned to imprifonment during the king's
pleafure. Nor did his deputy efcape :' he was Se-
verely reprimanded, and fined two thoufand pounds.
The friends of Somerfet were now no longer capa-
ble of giving Villiers any difturbance. This new
favourite began his influence by filling all the
places about the court with his own creatures. The
lord chief juftice Coke was deprived of his office
and his place was filled by Montague; and Bacon
on the death of Ellefmere, was appointed lord
chancellor.
James, in the fummer of this year,
refolved to pay a vifit 'to his native ^"
country, in order to renewhisantient friendfhip, and"
tointroducethatchangeofccclefufticaldifciplineand.
1 govern-
J
M E
I.
387
orovernnicnt on which his heart was fixed. Hr had,
before his acceflion, extorted from the Scotch clergy,
un acknowledgment of the jurifdiction of bifhops ;
who were received, though with great reluctance,
as perpetual presidents, or moderators, in their ec-
cleliaftical fynods ; and by fuch gradml innova-
tions, the king flattered himfelf, that he mould im-
perceptibly introduce the epifcopal authority. This
he could not hope to eftablifh, without iirft pro-
curinf an acknowledgment of his fupreme authority
in all ccclcfiaftica) caufes; but nothing could be
more contrary to the principles of the prcfbytcrian
clergy. On his arrival in Scotland, hepropofedto
the parliament, then affembled, that whatever his
niajcfty mould determine, in the external govern-
ment of the church, with the confent of the arch-
bifhops, bifhops, and a competent number of the
miniltry, mould ruve the force of law, by which
means his ecclcfiaflical authority, had this bill
palled, would have been cftablifhcd in its full ex-
tent; but fome of the clergy protefting againft it,
James, dreading clamour and oppolition, dropped
the bill, though by dint of authority, he had caufed
it to be palled by the lords of articles. Sometime
after, he affembled, at St. Andrews, a meeting of
the bifhops, and thirty-fix of the moft eminent
clergy, to whom he declared his refolution. They
intrcated him rather to fummon a general aflembly:
vet this aflembly, which met on the twenty-fifth of
November, after the king's departure from Scot-
land, eluded all his applications to carry his fa-
vourite point. Indeed in every ftep of this affair,
as well as in all the general afiemblies, the nation
mewed the utmoft averfion to all innovations.
Hence every prudent man condemned the mealures
of the king, who by an ill-timed zeal for ceremonies,
had betrayed equal narrownefs of mind, with thofe
whom he treated with the utmoft contempt. James
at the fame time {hocked the lovers of pure religion
among the Englifti, by ifluing a proclamation to
allow and encourage, all kinds of lawful games and
diverfions, after divine fervice on Sundays ; which
his fubjccts conf:dered as an inftance of profanenefs
and impiety.
A n /c Q The fentiments of the public re-
' fpecting Sir Walter Raleigh were at
this time much changed. People had leifure to
reflect on the injuftice of his fentence, and were
concerned that a perfon of fuch an enterprising
i'pirit, mould, for the fpace of thirteen years, have
fuffered the rigours of confinement; and they ad-
mired his unbroken activity, which at his age, and
under fuch circumftances, could undertake and exe-
cute fo great a work as his Hiftory of the World.
Notwithstanding he was treated by his fovereign
\vith a barbarous indignity, he had, on every oppor-
tunity offered his fervice, and, on many occafions,
had given ufeful advice, particularly with regard to
forming the mind of prince Henry. He alfo re-
covered the queen from a fit of illnefs by medicines
of his own compofing. Thefe fervices, added to
the general good opinion of the people, forced from
James a mitigation of his unjuft treatment ; his
lands were reftored to him, and he had fome in-
dulgencies with refpect to his liberty : but Raleigh
having before made over the considerable ellate of
Sherburn to his Ion, the omiflion of a word in the
deed of conveyance made a flaw in young Raleigh's
title, and the forfeited lands reverted to the crown.
Raleigh's wife petitioned the king on this occafion ;
when the anl'wer he returned, was, " I mun ha the
lands, I mun ha the lands for Car."
Haleigh, who had enjoyed full liberty, by reafon
of a coldnefs which fublilted between the courts of
England and Spain, offered a project which pro-
mi led to recruit his broken fortune, and flattered
the avarice of the king. He had formerly made a
voyage to Guiana, in South America, and from his
knowledge of the country, had imbibed a notion,
that it contained incxhauftiblc riches. He had
actually marked particular parts of the territory, in
which he believed were mines of gold. Upon the
ftrength of thefe conjectures, he offered to James
the plan of an expedition, which promifed moun-
tains of wealth, and it- was eagerly received by the
king, though he, at the fame time, affured Sar-
miento, the^Spanifli ambaffador, that Raleigh mould
be bound up by his commiflion, from all hoftilities
againft the Spaniards; and that if they were com-
mitted, he mould be delivered up to the refentment
of his catholic majefty: but when the commiffion
was made out, it contained no caution againft at-
tacking the Spaniards. Raleigh fet fail on the
fourteenth of Auguft, with fourteen {hips, all fitted
out by private perfons ; he himfelf venturing the
wreck of his broken fortune, befides an ellate which
his wife had given up to him. After a tedious
voyage, in which the adventurers experienced
ftorms, licknefs, and want of water, they reached
the coaft of Guiana, when new obftacles oppofed
their obtaining the golden prize: the river Oroo-
noko was too mallow for the large (hips to fail .up
it; a divifion of the force was unavoidable; the
fmaller veffels, with a detachment of three hun-
dred men, were fent in queft of the mines, while
Raleigh ftaid behind with the large ones, to defend
the mouth of the liver againft the Spaniards. The
detachment was commanded by his fon; and the
pilotage entruftedto his old friend Keymis, who had
ibme knowledge of the river. On their landing at
the appointed place, they were brifkly attacked by
the garrifon of St. Thomas; but they repulfed the
enemy, took, burned, and plundered the town, but
with the.lofs of many men, and of young Raleigh.
Among the plunder were found papers containing
the whole of Raleigh's fcheme, which had been.
fent to Spain by Sarmiento, to whom James had the
weaknels to divulge it. This fo enraged the
foldiers, that refufing to be conducted farther by
Keymis, they returned to the place where their
commander lay, without having fearched for any
mines. Before the return of Raleigh's forces, he
had heard the news of his accumulated misfortunes j
no lefs fevere than the death of his fon, the blafting
of all his hopes, and the danger he was in from the
violence committed on the Spanifh town. In vaia
did Keymis attempt to excufe his conduct, who, in
defpair, put an end to his life, and this increafed
the perplexity of the unhappy adventurer, who loft
in Keymis an evidence to juftify his conduct. Thefe
cliforders were fucceeded by a mutiny among the
crew: fome were for returning to England, and
fome againft it : the unfortunate Raleigh was of the
former opinion, and prevailed fo far as to bring his
remaining force home. James was foon made ac-
quainted with all the circumftances of the mifcar-
riage ; and the artful Sarmiento did not fail to work
upon his paffions, by reprefenting, in lively colours,
a war between the two nations, and a certain
breach of the marriage contract. Alarmed by fuch
artful infinuations, the king iflued a proclamation^
declaring his abhorrence of what had been tranf-
acted ; however, notwithftanding the proclamation,
Raleigh landed at Plymouth ; and having furren-
clercd himfelf, wrote a pathetic letter to the king,
in which he ftated his misfortunes in a clear and
juft light ; but James was not to be moved by con-
fiderations of juftice or compaffion, being folely
actuated by the fear of a rupture with Spain. ThaC
power was bent on the deftruction of Raleigh; and
his death was to be the cement of fricndfhip between
the two courts. The only queftion was, how to
compafs it under the appearance of law. With this
view the council endeavoured to render Raleigh's
actions as odious as poflible. A declaration, pub-
lifhcd by James on this fubject, begins with affert-
iflg,
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
ing, that kings are not bound to give an account of
their adlions to any but God ; however, he declares,
that he is willing to reprefent his proceedings in
this affair to the world. He then urges feveral
charges; and among others, that Raleigh's only
delign was to plunder the Spanifli fettlements,
and to. furprize their fleets. Raleigh compofed an
unanfwerable apology for his conducl. But not-
withftandingthis, on the eighteenth of October, in
the fixty-fixth year of his age, he was taken out of
his bed, while in a fit of an ague, and brought up
to the king's bench. . He attempted to make a de-
fence, by explaining the juftnefs of h;s conducl in
the expedition; but was interrupted by the court,
who told him, that the matter of the voyage had
nothing to do in the prefent cafe; and they con-
demned him upon a former fentence. He then
fupplicated, in very pathetic terms, a refpite of the
execution of the fentence for a few days, that he
might fettle his private affairs, and vindicate his re-
putation; but an order was produced, ready figned
by James, though at that time in Hertfordfliire, for
his execution the next morning. Gruel as this hafte
>vas, it had no effetl on the compofure of Raleigh's
mind, who met death with the greateft intrepidity.
His manly philofophical deportment, during the in-
terval of his fentence and execution, was uniformly
calm ; nor lefs heroic was his behaviour when he
came upon the fcaffold ; here he denied, with an
awful appeal to God, the heavy charges which had
been laid againft him ; then feeling the edge of the
axe, faid, " It is a fhort remedy, but a fure one
for all ills ;" after which he received the fatal blow,
with an indifference, which left rtrong impreffions
of veneration and efteem in the hearts of all the
fpedlators. His hard fate was regretted by the
whole body of the nobility ; and heightened the
difguft which the public had long entertained to
James. The execution of a man of merit, upon a
fentence originally illegal ; a fentence whofe rigour
had been already felt, in the lofb of a large fortune,
and of fifteen years imprifonment ; a fentence which
had been underftood to have been pardoned by the
truft and command lately conferred, was confidered
as an inftance of the utmoft cruelty and meannefs ;
and this, to forward an alliance which the whole
nation decefted, excited the greateft indignation and
contempt. James had conceived the moft ridi-
culous notion, that it was unworthy a prince of
Wales to marry any other than the daughter of a
king. Gondomar the Spanim ambaffador irf Eng-
land, in order to open a negotiation, had dropped
fomc hints, that the infanta, Maria, would not be
refufed, if demanded for the king's fon; and in
order to render the temptation irrefiftible to the
neceflitous monarch, he gave the greateft hopes,
that an immenfe dowry would be the portion of that
princefs. The defire of accomplilhing fo advan-
tageous a treaty, induced James to embrace the pro-
pofal with the greateft avidity : and after many for-
malities and fcruples had been difcuffed by the
Spanim council, certain articles were tranfmitted
by lord Digby, the En glim ambaffador at Madrid,
for his approbation. But in this tranfaction, the
whole intention of the Spanim court feems to have
been only' to amufe the king, in order to prevent
his fending a powerful affiftance to the proteftants
of Germany.
A commotion was excited which threatened their
ruin ; yet the fentiments of liberty never prevailed
more ftrongly in Europe than at this period: even
Hungary, Bohemia, and Auftria, were as jealous of
their rights as the Engliih themfelves. The fpirit of
independence had taken root in Germany ever lince
the reign of Charles V. The emperor Matthias pof-
feffed the crown of Bohemia; and to pleafe the ca-
tholics, adopted Ferdinand, hiscoufm-german, who
>vas arch-duke of Gratz, for his fucceflbr, who was
defcended from a younger branch of the houfe of.
Auftria, and was a zealous Roman. Not iatisfied
with this adoption, he obliged him through the
means of the catholic party, to reiign the nominal
crown of Bohemia-, and by a paitial call of the
States, in an affembly compofed of catholics, ob-
tained the election, though he was not to aft as,
fovereign till after the emperor's death. The king-
dom of Bohemia was now governed by a council
of papifts, and the proteftant party being treated in,
a very injurious manner, a general affembly of the
States demanded reparation for the injuries they had
received, and then adjourned to another day. The
emperor's lieutenants attempted to prevent their
meeting again, but the States were fo enraged at this
tyrannical oppolition, that they feizecl the emperor's ,
officers, and threw the moft inlblent of them out of
the window. The Bohemians now flew to arms,
in defence of their religion, and of their antient
conftitution. The kingdom of Hungary, and the
neighbouring principalities, Silefia, Moravia, Auf- j
tria, and Lulatia, took part in the quarrel, and a ^
fpirit of difcord, menacing a civil war, was univer-
ially diffufed throughout thofe populous and mar-
tial provinces. In the mean time, Matthias died,
and Ferdinand obtaining the imperial dignity, all
the catholic princes of the empire embraced his de-
fence, and even Saxony the moft powerful of the
proteftants. Poland had' likewife declared in his
favour; as -did alfo the king of Spain, who intereil-
ing himfelf in the quarrel, prepared powerful fuc-
cours, and advanced large fums for the fupport of
Ferdinand, and of the catholic religion. The States
of Bohemia, alarmed at thefe vaft preparations, be-
gan alio to folicit foreign affiftance. They caft
their eye upon Frederic, Elector Palatine; who, be-
fides his having confiderable forces, was fon-in-law
to the king of England, and nephew to prince
Maurice, who had almoft an abfolute authority in
the United Provinces, and offered him their crown,
which he accepted, without confulting either James
or Maurice, and marched with all his forces into
Bohemia, to fupport his new fubjecls. The news
of thefe events no fooner reached England, than it
had different effects upon the king and his fubjecls.
The people animated by zeal for liberty, and ar-
dently longing to relieve their proteftant brethren,
were fired with impatience to~enter as parties into
the quarrel : but the king, whofe ambition was
fdely centered in the Spanilh match, had oppofite
dilj-iofitions. In the mean time affairs were haften-
ing to a crifis. Ferdinand levied a great force,
commanded by the duke of Bavaria and the count
of Bucquoy, who advanced into Bohemia ; and
Spinola aflembled a veteran army of thirty thoufand
men in the Netherlands. The news reached
England almoft at the fame time that Frederick,
being defeated in the great and decifive battle of
Prague, had fled with his family into Holland ; and
that Spinola had invaded the Palatinate, where,
meeting with no refiftancee, except from fome princes
of the union, and from two thoufand four hundred
Englifh, under the command of the brave Sir
Horace Vere, he had reduced the greateft part of
that principality.
Anne of Denmark, James's queen, n
did not live to know the entire ruin of l
her daughter's fortune, for her death happened in
the beginning of this year, in the forty fifth of her
age. She was of a vain and haughty temper, and
the court amufements which were under her direc-
tion, were pompous and gaudy, without any degree
of tafte or propriety : but as ihe had little influence
over her huflband, me efcaped the odium which fell
on all who had the management of public affairs.
Murmurs and complaints againft the king's neu-
trality and inactivity now role high, and this James
attempted to turn to his own pecuniary advantage,
by
M E
389
by demanding an aid towards the recovery of the
Palatinate : but whether the people thought this
only a pretext, or whether they were difgufted at
its being demanded, when it was too late to expect
fuccefs, the king got little from his fubjects by
this ftratagem.
It was now faid publickly, that he
°' had not only deprived the Elector of
that affiftauce which the Englifh were willing to
afford him, but had alfo deferred other princes
from efpoufing his quarrel. We cannot furmife
that James was unwilling to preferve the Palatinate ;
but he was fo much governed by the artful Gon
domar, that he was perfuaded the moft effectual
expedient for that ptirpofe, was the marriage of his
fon with the Infanta of Spain, and that the treaty
he was negotiating to that end would infallibly
mifcarry, if he took any vigorous meafures in
favour of the Elector. Befides, his averfion to
war rendered him proud of the title of the pacific
king ; but he never conficlered that his pufilla-
nimity tended only to expofe him to contempt :
he never imagined that the Spanifh match itielf
was attended with fuch difficulties, that all his art
of negotiation wonld not be able to remove.
n A parliament being now found the
!I> only refource that could furnifh large
fupplies, writs were iffued for fummoning that
great council of the nation, which affembled on
the twenty-firft of January, James opened the
feflion with a long fpeecli from the throne, wherein
he enumerated the duties of a parliament, expa-
tiated on his preffing wants, and demanded fupplies
for the relief of the Palatinate. The commons,
highly incenfed againft the ambitious views of the
houfe of Auftria,1 voted the king two fubfidies,
with which James was fatisfied for the prefent.
This affair being difcuffed, the commons received
petitions againft the increafe of popifh recufancs,
monopolies, and projectors. The king had farmed
to certain individuals the power of licenfing taverns
and public houfes; and granted to Sir Giles Mom-
peffon and Francis Michel, an exclufive patent for
the fale of gold and filver lace. By virtue of this
privilege, they had been guilty of fuch fcandalous
frauds" and extortion, that upon complaint being
made to the upper houfe, they were ordered to be
committed to prifon. Mompeffon, however, found
means to efcape; but he was degraded from the
honour of knighthood, and his eftate confifcated.
His companion in iniquity was fentenced to do
public penance in the ftreet, fitting on horfeback
with his face towards the tail, to pay a fine of a
thoufand pounds, and to be imprifoned for life.
By thefe vigorous proceedings of the two houfes
againft the delinquents, James began to fear for
Ins favourite, who had been the author of thefe
monopolies. He therefore went to the houfe of
peers; and in a fpeech filled with the moft af-
fectionate expreffions, affured the parliament, that
had he known of thefe grievances, he would have
punifhed the authors with the utmoft feverity ; at
the fame time cautioning the houfe not to credit
every report, left the innocent mould fuffer inftead
of the guilty. The houfe underftood his meaning,
and endeavoured not to trace the evil to its
fource. In a fiiort time after, lord chancellor
Bacon, vifcount St. Albans, was impeached by
the commons : upon which the king again repaired
to the houfe, and in a fpeech reprefented the ne-
ceffity of punifhing corrupt judges ; and folicited
farther fubfidies, as the fupplies granted by the
commons were already expended in fubfifting the
Elector Palantine and his family, who had taken
refuge in Holland. He obferved, that large fums
would be neceflary for defraying the expence of
fending extraordinary ambafladors to all the courts
of Europe, . as well as in maintaining an army to
!S7o. 37-
act with vigour, if the negotiations proved abor-
tive: and concluded with protefting, that he would
not diffolve the parliament till all the affairs then
under confideration fhould be fully determined.
Bacon was a nobleman equally admired for the
greatnefs of his genius, and beloved for his cour-
teous and affable demeanor: but his want of
ceconomy, and his indulgence to his fervants, had
involved him in debts ; and in order to fupply his
neceffities, he had been tempted to take bribes
from fuitors in chancery. It is, however, affirmed
that notwithstanding this enormous abufe, he flill
maintained in the feat of juftice, an unfhaken
integrity; and had given fuch juft and equitable
decrees, that none of them were ever afterwards
queftioned or reverfed. Confcious of his guilt,
he implored the mercy of his judges, and en-,
deavouied, by a general confeffion, to avoid the
fhame of a public enquiry. But the lords were
inexorable, and infifted on a full confeffion of all
his corrupt practices. He acknowledged twenty-
eight articles, and was condemned to pay a fine
of forty thoufand pounds : to be imprifoned in
the Tower during his majefty's pleafure ; to be for
ever incapable of enjoying any office or employ-
ment, and of fitting any more in parliament.
This fevere fentence he furvived five years ; and
being foon after releafed from his confinement, he
retired into the country, and difplayed fuch abili-
ties in literature, -as .have thrown a vail over his
guilt, or lather , his -weaknefs : his genius only is
admired by pofterity. He has left a ftriking leffon
to thole of the human fpecies who are born for the
inftruction of mankind, how much preferable the
exercife of their talents is to the attractions of am-
bition. The bold fpirit of the commons was
growing imperceptibly. Nothing efcaped their at-
tention and vigilance. It was in this parliament
the two parties, afterwards known by the names
of Whigs and Tories, were fii ft formed ; and of
whom it may be faid, that if they have often
threatened the government with total diffolution,
they have, notwithftanding, been the real caufe of
its conftant life and vigour. Under the princes
of the houfe of Tudor, the great council of the
nation were, in reality, nothing more than flaves
to the court. Though they retained the privilege
of making laws and granting the peoples money,
they fuffered themfelves to be led into the moft
paffive obedience. Without emulation, without
principles, without zeal for the fecurity of the
fubject, without fpirit in public bufinefs, they
feemed ignorant of the Englifh conftitution, as
founded on Magna Charta, or at leaft abandoned
it to the abfolute power of the fovereign. But
now the fpirit of liberty, or rather of indepen-
dence, revived, and every tranfaction of govern-
ment became a fubject of difcuflion. The com-
mons enquired into the fmalleft grievances, and
examined the rights of the crown even in the
minuteft articles. They drew up a fpirited re-
monftrance, which they propofed to prefent to his
majeily, wherein they obferved, " That the power
of the houfe of Auftria threatened the liberties of
Europe ; that the progrefs of the catholic religion
in England occafioned the moft alarming appre-
henfions, left it fhould once more gain the afcen-
dant in the kingdom ; that the king's lenity
towards the profeffors of that religion, had in-
creafed their arrogance and prefumption ; that the
uncontrouled conquefts made by the Auftrian
family, had raifed the expectations .of the Englifh
papifts ; while the expectation of the Spanifli match
infpired them with the moft fanguine hopes of pro-
curing, if not a final eftablifhment, at leaft an
entire toleration of their religion." They then
proceeded humbly to offer to his majefty the fol-
lowing remedies againft thefe growing evils :
c G " That
V*
39°
TH;, NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
" That he fliould immediately undertake the
defence of the Palatinate by force of arms ; that
he fliould declare war again!* Spain, whofe arms
and riches formed the chief bulwark of the catholic
religion in Europe ; that he would engage in no
negotiations for the marriage of his fon, but with
a proteftant princefs j that the children of popifh
recufants fliould be taken from their parents, and
committed to the care of proteftant teachers and
fehoolmafters ; and that the fines and conlifcations
to which the catholics were fubject by the law,
fliould be exacted with the utmoft rigour." James,
who was at Newmarket when he heard of this un-
precedented remonftrance, immediately wrote a
letter to the fpeaker, in which he fharply rebuked
the houfe for debating openly on matters far above
their reach and capacity, and ftridly forbad them
to meddle with any thing that regarded his govern-
ment or deep matters of ftate; and efpecially not
to touch on his fon's marriage with a daughter of
Spain, nor to attack the honour of that king, or
any of his friends or confederates. In order the
more to intimidate them, he mentioned the im-
prifonment of Sir Edwin Sandys ; and though he
declared that his confinement was not owing to any
•ffence committed in the houfe, yet he plainly told
them, " That he thought himfelf juftly entitled
to punifli every mifdemeanor in parliament, as well
during its fitting, as after its diffolution ; and that
he intended, for the future, to chaftize every man
whofe infolent behaviour mould give occafion for
offence." This letter threw the houfe into a
flame. They knew their own ftrength too well to
be intimidated at James's menaces. Inftead of re-
trading what they had done, they entered with
greater freedom than ever on the national grievances,
and the dangerous ftate of the reformed religion
both at home and abroad. They formed a new
remonftrance, drawn up indeed in very refpeclful
terms, but not lefs bold and fpirited than the
former. After reminding him with the chearful-
nefs with which they undertook to affift him in the
defence of the Palatinate, they obferved, " That
their zeal for the proteftant religion, and the in-
tercft of his majefty's family, had induced them
to reprefent the dangers with which both were '
threatened, and to point out remedies for thofe
evils : that by his .letter to the fpeaker, he feemed
determined to deprive them of the parliamentary
liberty to fpeak freely in the houfe, and alfo of
the jurifdidion which the houfe exercifed over its
own members ; they therefore begged he would
not violate a privilege which was their undoubted
right, and which they inherited from their an-
ceftors ; a right which he himfelf had confirmed
in his fpeeches to the parliament, and without
which it would be impoffible to difcufs and deter-
mine the affairs that might fall under their cogni-
zance." This refolute anfvver in the commons,
raifed every fpark of regal pride in the compofi-
tion of James. His anfwer was fhort, peremptory,
and fuitable to that fpirit of kingly power which
filled his breaft. After explaining his intentions
with regard to the prerogative in very clear and
explicit terms, he concluded his reply, with regard
to the rights and privileges of parliament, in the
following manner: " And although we cannot
allow the ftile, calling it your undoubted right
and inheritance, but could rather have wifhed you
had faid, that your privileges were derived from
the grace and permiflion of our anceftors and us
(for moft of them grew by precedents, which
rather mew toleration than inheritance) yet we are
pleafed to give our royal affurance, that, as long
as you continue yourfelvcs within the limits of
your duty, we will be as careful to maintain and
prcferve your lawful liberties and privileges, as
any of our anceftors were, nay, as to preferve our
2
own royal prerogative; fo as your houfe fhall only
have need to beware to trench upon the preroga-
tive of the crown, which would enforce us, or any
juft king, to retrench them of their privileges,
that would pare his prerogative and the Mowers of
his crown. But of this we hope there will never
be caule given." The houfe of commons were
juftly alarmed. They faw their title to every
privilege, if not plainly denied, yet confidered at
leaft as very precarious. He plainly told them it
might be forfeited by abufe, and they had already
abufed it. They therefore refolved to grant no
fupply, till they received fatisfaclion from James
for the breach of their privileges, and drew up
the following proteftation : which is fo very re-
markable, that it will be neceflary to give it at full
length. " The commons now aflembled in par-
liament, being juftly occafioned thereunto, con-
cerning fundry liberties, franchifes, and privileges
of parliament, among others here mentioned, do
make the following proteftation : That the liber-
ties, franchifes, and jurifdiclions of parliament,
are the antient and undoubted birth-right and
inheritance of the fubjects of England; and that
the urgent and arduous affairs concerning the king,
ftate, and defence of the realm, and of the church
of England ; the maintenance and making of
laws, and redrefs of mifchiefs and grievances,
which daily happen within this realm, ate proper
fubjects aucl matter of council and debate in par-
liament, and that in the handling and proceeding
of thofe bufineffes, every member of the houfe of
parliament hath, and of right ought to have,
freedom of fpeech to propound, treat, reafon, and
bring to conclufion the fame ; and that the
commons in parliament have like liberty and
freedom to treat of thefe matters, in fuch order
as in their judgment fhall feem fitteft ; and that
every member of the faid houfe hath like freedom
from all impeachment, imprifonment, and mo-
leftation (other than by cenfure of the houfe
itfclf) for or concerning any fpeaking, reafoning,
or declaring of any matter or matters touching the
parliament or parliamentary bufinefs. And that if
any of the faid members be complained of and
queftioned for any thing done or faid in parliament,
the fame is to be fhewn to the king, by the advice
and ailent of all the commons affembled in parlia-
ment, before the king give credence to any private
information."
James hurried to town from Newmarket, deter-
mined to exert the regal authority with which he
was intrufted, and convince the commons that
they had proceeded too far in afferting their li-
berties. On his arrival, he fent immediately for
the journal book of the commons, and before the
council, tore out, with his own hand, the above
proteftation, which he confidered as an infult on
his prerogative. At the fame time he declared it
abfolutely null and void, becaufe it was voted
tumultuoufly at a late hour, and in a very thin
houfe; and becaufe it was expreffed in fuch general
and ambiguous terms, as might be confidered as a
fuflicient foundation for the moft enormous crimes,
and extended to the moft unwarrantable ufurpa-
tions on the prerogative of the crown. Soon
after he diffolved the parliament by proclamation,
in which he made an apology to the public for his
whole conduct. Some of the leaders among the
commons he committed to prifon, and fent other*
to execute a commiflion in Ireland. At Lift he
prohibited all difcourfe on public affairs, as if he
had power to prevent the people from fpeaking on
thole fubjects in which they were moft interefted ;
an authority enjoyed not by the moft defpotic
monarch.
James had already feen the con- . „ ,
fcquencc of fruitlefs negotiations in 1
Germany,
J
M E
1.
Germany, though he ftill purfued the fame plan
which had already rendered him fufficiently con-
temptible. He difpatched Digby to the emperor,
defiring a ceflation of hoftilities. The minifter
was referred to the duke of Bavaria, who com-
nunded the Auftrian armies. The duke told him
that there needed no treaty for that purpofe, fince
hoftilities were already ceafed by his having taken
poffeffion of the Palatinate, which he intended to
keep till a final accommodation fhould take pl,»ce'
between the contending parties. Notwithstanding
this grofs infult, and though every circumftance
concurred to convince James that the emperor in-
duftrioufly eluded all his applications, that weak
monarch had the meannefs to follow Ferdinand
through all his evafions, and renew the conferences
at BrufTels. Frederic, finding the pacilic endea-
vours of his father-in-law were ineffectual, em-
braced fome favourable circumftances ariling from
the expiration of the truce between Spain and
the States-General, and the jealoufies of the Ger-
mans, excited by the increafing power of the
houfe of Auftria, to make a final effort for the
recovery of his dominions. Three confiderable
armies were raifed, and commanded by three able
generals, Chriftian, duke of Brunfwick, the prince
of Baden, and count Mansfeldt. But the fame ill
fuccefs ftill purfued the unfortunate Frederick.
Count Tilly, at the head of the Imperial army,
defeated the duke of Brunfwick, and foon after
the prince of Baden. Mansfeldt, though his army
was greatly inferior in numbers, ftill continued the
war; but not being fupported with money either
by the Palatinate or the king of England, he
could aft only on the defenfive. Thefe misfor-
tunes, joined to the perfuafions of James, who
was defirous that his fon-in law mould lay down
his arms, entirely diftieartened that pi ince, who
retired to Sedan, where he remained an unwelcome
gueft, with his uncle the duke of Brunfwick.
Count Mansfeldt was difmiffed from his employ-
ment; and that famous general retired with his
nrmy into the Low Countries, where he was re-
ceived into the pay of the States-General. In the
mean time the vveaknefs of James rendered him
contemptible in every court, of Europe; it was
even extended fo far as to paint him fometimes
with a fcabbard without a fword, and fometimes
with a fword which a number of perfons were
trying in vain to draw out of the fcabbard.
The king of Bohemia was perfuaded, that a
vigorous oppofition always bids faireft for ob-
taining equitable terms ; yet the repeated requefts
of his father-in-law had forced him to abandon
his maxim, and now, when it was too late, he
repented of his folly. Count Tilly, after the re-
treat of Mansfeldt, loft not a moment to harrafs
the Palatinate. He befieged and took Heidelberg,
the richeft city in it, and fent its fine libraries of
books to Rome. The caftle was bravely defended
by Heibert, an Englifh colonel, who, after per-
forming prodigies of valour, was killed with a
mufquet ball. Tilly next made himfelf mafter of
Manheim, notwithftanding the noble defence made
by the garrifon commanded by Sir Horace Vere.
]ames now gave up all thoughts of recovering the
Palatinate from the emperor. But he ftill flat-
tered himfelf that if he could accomplifh his fon's
marriage with the Infanta of Spain, he mould be
able to obtain, by the affiftance of that court, the
territories of his fon-in-law, and reinftate him in
his former dignity. Ferdinand, however, deter-
mined to prevent him from executing his project.
He afiembled a diet at Ratifbon, in which he de-
clared, " That the Elector Palatine, having been
guilty of high-treafon, his eftates, goods, and dig-
nities were forfeited; but being unwilling to di-
minifh the number of electors, he ordered that
Maximilian of Bavaria mould be inverted with
the Electorate Palatine." In Spain, Digby, earl of
Briftol, had the fole management of the nego-
tiation for the marriage. Briftol was a nobleman
of great abilities, and had formerly difapproved of
entering into any engagement with Spain ; but
appeared now fo convinced of the fincerity of
that court, that he wrote a letter to James, feli-
citating him on the entire accomplilhment of his
views and projects : a daughter 'of Spain, whom he
reprefented as extremely amiable, would foon, he
faid, be conducted into England, and bring with
her an immenfe fortune of two millions, a fum
four times greater than was ever given with any
other princel's. The truth is, that the court of
Spain had hitherto carried on the negotiation
merely to amufe the Englifh monarch ; but per-
ceiving that James was determined, on any terms,
to complete the alliance, it was thought that fo
favourable an opportunity of reftoring the catholic
faith in England fhould not be neglected, as it
feemed more than probable it might eafily be
effected by means of the Infanta, and her nume-
rous train of domeftics and dependants, who were
to enjoy the free exercife of their religion. Pur-
fuant to this refolution, the behaviour of the
Spanifh court was now entirely changed, and ap-
peared as eager to conclude the negotiation, as
before to find excufes for deferring it. The only
difficulty confided in extorting from the Englifh
monarch fuch conceffions, as might contribute to
complete the favourite defign, and which the im-
patience of James gave the greatelt realbn to ex-
pect ; that the only obftacles that now remained to
the completion of the marriage, were thofe re-r
lating to religion. The earl of Briftol, ever fince
his arrival in Spain, had been employed in fettling
thofe preliminaries. At laft the court of Spain
made their final demands with regard to that par-
ticular, and the earl of Briftol fent them imme-
diately to his mafter. James made fome difficulty
of agreeing to thefe articles; but his defire of
completing the marriage, at laft got the oetter of
his prudence; he figned the articles, and fent them
back to Spain. Among all the conceffions favour-
able to the catholics, none gave greater difguft to
the Englifh, than that in which the king engaged
that the children of the prince and the Infanta
fhould be educated by their mother till they were
ten years of age ; a condition which could only
be ftipulated with a view of implanting in their
tender minds the ftrongeft prejudices in favour of
the Romifh religion ; and though fo early an age
might feem little fufceptible of any lafting irh-
preffions, yet the fame motive which prompted
the Spanifh monarch to infert it, fhould have in-
duced the king of England to reject it. Befides
the public treaty, there were feveral private arti-
cles, by which both the king and prince of
Wales engaged to fufpend the penal laws againft
the catholics ; to obtain a repeal of them from
the parliament; and to tolerate the exercife of the
popifh religion in private houfes.
Nothing was wanting to conclude . ,-. .
the marriage but the pope's difpen- '
fation, which was confidered merely as a formality,
Elated by this fuccefs, James triumphed in his
pacific councils, and confoled himfelf for the con-
tempt he had incurred in all the courts of Europe,
in having tamely fuffeied his fon-in-la* to be
ftripped of his eftates and dignity. But while he
was boafting of his fuperior wifdom and fagacity,
his flattering projects were ruined by the rafh-
nefs of a man whom he had raifed from a private
ftation, to be the curfe of himfelf, his family, and
his people.
Buckingham, who was now as much in favour
with the prince as with the king, and feemed to
direct
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
direct all the affairs of the kingdom, was envious
of the great credit obtained by Briftol in the
Spanifh negotiation. The ambitious favourite
therefore determined tc* fupplant him, or, at leaft,
to fhare in the honour of concluding a treaty fo
agreeable to the king. He.perfuaded the prince
to undertake a journey to the court of Madrid in
perfon, in order to bring home his miftrefs the
Infanta. He reprefented to him, that the romantic
nature of the adventure, could not fail of attracting
the admiration and affection of that monarch and
his fubjects, and of introducing him to the princefs
tinder the character of a fond lover, rather than of
a (lately hufband; that the negotiation with regard
to the Palatinate, which had hitherto languiflied in
the hands of minifters, would quickly be termi-
nated by fo illuftrious an agent, feconded by the
mediation and intreaties of the grateful Infanta :
that the Spanifh generofity, excited by fo uncom-
mon an inftance of truft and confidence, would un-
doubtedly make conceflions far beyond what could
be expected from political views and confiderations.
"With thefe generous and romantic ideas, fo pecu-
liarly adapted to the minds of youth, Chailes em-
braced the propofal with rapture, and it was agreed
to make application to the king for leave to carry
the defign into execution immediately. They chofe
the moment wh^n James was in the moft kind and
jovial humour; and by importunities, rather than
4he force of their reafons, they extorted from him a
hafty and unguarded confent. But the prince and
Buckingham had hardly left the king, before he
repented of his weaknefs: every difficulty occurred
with a peculiar force, and the danger to which the
prince's perfon muft be expofed, affected him in a
very fenfible manner. He reflected, that however
pardonable this romantic expedition might be con-
fidered in youth, it muft reflect difgrace on mature
age: that if the profeffions of the Spanifh monarch
were fincei e, a few months only muft finifh the ne-
gotiation, and bring the Infanta to England, with-
out expofmg his only fon, the heir of his crown, the
prop of his age, to fo dangerous an undertaking ;
and if he was not fincere, the lofs would be abfo-
lutely irretrievable. James therefore determined to
recal his promife, and prevent, by a. timely oppo-
fition, an undertaking which, if unfortunate, muft
render him at once both infamous to his people,
and ridiculous to all pofterity. Accordingly when
the prince and Buckingham returned for their dif-
patches, James informed them of the reafons which
had prevailed upon him to change his refolution,
and begged they would bury all thoughts of fo ri-
diculous an adventure in the pit of forgetfulnefs.
The prince was greatly affected at this difappoint-
ment, but anfwered only with tears. Buckingham
affumed the air of authority, and told the king, that
this retraction of his promife fo foon after it was
given, muft render all his declarations for ever after
fufpected ; that the word of a king ought to be fa-
cred, and never broken but by the moft powerful
reafons, or abfolute neceffity. The king, who was
unable to make any effectual oppofition to the de-
figns of the prince and favourite, renewed his con-
fent, proper directions were given for the journey,
and the prince, with Buckingham, and their two
attendants, Sir Francis Cottington, the prince's
fecretary, and Endymion Porter, gentleman of his
bed-chamber, with Sir Richard Graham, mafter of
the horfe to Buckingham, paffed, difguifed and un*
difcovered, through France, They even ventured
to appear in a court ball at Paris, where Charles faw
the princefs Henrietta, then in the bloom of youth
and beauty. On the eleventh day after their de-
parture, they reached Madrid, where every body
was furprized at a ftep fo very unufual among the
princes of that age. Penetrated with gratitude for
the unbounded confidence repofed ia him by the
3
prince, Philip paid him a vifit immediately after
he was informed of his arrival; made him the
warmeft proteftations of friendfhip; fhewed him
every refpcct in the power of majefty to beftow ; and
prefented him with a golden key which opened all
his apartments, that the prince might have free ac-
cefs to him at all hours. He gave him the upper
hand on all occafions, except in the apartments
afligned for his relidence, where he faid the prince
was at home. The fame pomp and ceremony were
ufed when Charles firft vifited the palace, as were
common at the coronation of the kings of Spain ;
and the council received public orders, tp obey him
as the king himfelf. Every kind of rejoicing was
ufed throughout the kingdom: and all the prifons
were thrown open, that even thofe who before hn-
guifhed in confinement might fhare in the general
joy. Nor was any advantage taken of the prince's
prefence, to impofe any harder condition of the
treaty. In the mean time, pope Gregory XV. who
had granted the difpenfation, died, and Urban VIII.
was placed in the pontifical chair. This event in-
duced the nuncio not to deliver the difpenfation till
it could receive the fanction of Urban ; who hoping
that fome expedient might be difcovered during the
prince's reficlence in Spain, to effect his conveifion
to the catholic faith, delayed the difpenfation. Such
a dilatory method of proceeding, occafioned great
uneafinefs both to the king of England and the
prince. Philip perceived it, and neglected nothing
in his power to diffipate every apprehenfion, and
prevail upon the prince to wait till the difpenfation
could be procured from the court of Rome ; but, at
the fame time, he made not the leaft difficulty of
granting him permiffion to return. He even
caufed a pillar to be erected on a fpot where they
parted, as a monument of their mutual friendfhip.
And the prince, having fworn to the obfervance of
all the articles in the marriage treaty, fet out, at-
tended by a numerous train of the Spanifh nobility,
for St. Andero, where he embarked on board an
Englifh veffel, lent by the king for that purpofe.
No prince could more engage the affections of the
Spaniards than Charles. His character, compofed of
decency, referve, modefty, and ibbriety, rendered
him very agreeable to that people. They were in love
with his unparalleled confidence, and the romantic
gallantry he had practiced towards their princefs.
At the fame time, his advantageous figure, and the
blooming graces of youth that adorned his counte-
nance, endeared him to the whole court of Madrid,
and made deep imprcffions on the heart of the In-
fanta. Had the character of Buckingham been
equal to that of the prince, every thing had fuc-
ceeded according to their wifhes; but that noble-
man was as much defpifed and hated as the prince
was efteemed and beloved. Hisdiffolutepleafures,
his fallies of paffion, .his arrogant, impetuous tem-
per, rendered him the object of the Spaniards aver-
fion, and he was, in general, treated with contempt.
Senfible of the affronts he had given to the court of
Spain, and fearful of the influence of the Infanta
when flie arrived in England, he determined to cm-
ploy all his credit to prevent the marriage from be-
ing concluded. But it feemed a difficult talk to
prevail upon the prince to treat a court, where he
had received the moft cliftinguifhed favours, with
ingratitude; and, if poffible, ftill more difficult to
induce James to break off a treaty, the accomplifh-
ment of which had fo long been the object of his
wifhes, and which he had now fo nearly brought to
a fuccefsful and happy iffue. At this diftance of
time it is impoffible to know the reafons he
made ufe off to accomplifh his defign : it only ap-
pears that he obtained an entire afcendant over
both the king and his fon. James, indeed, made
fome oppofition ; and had the earl of Briftol arrived
in that critical moment, perhaps the impetuous and
turbulen£
J A M E
I.
39S
turbulent minifter had funk under the burden of his
own crimes ; but the king wanted fpirit and refolu-
tion to refift the importunities of Buckingham ; he
facrificed both honour and integrity to the folly of
his minion. Orders were fent to the earl of Briftol
for breaking off all negotiations, juft at the time
•when that minifter had, in all appearance, accom-
modated every difference between the con trading
parties, and the Spaniards were on the point of de-
livering up the Infanta.
Soon after the departure of Charles
24- and Buckingham, the difpenfation
reached Spain, and the Infanta had immediately
affumed the title of princefs of Wales. Philip was
therefore very unwilling to break off the treaty,
efpecially as he forefaw that a rupture between the
two crowns would be the inevitable confequence ;
and determined that nothing on his part fhould be
wanting to complete the marriage, and 'maintain
the harmony that now fubfifted between Spain and
England. He, on the eighth of January, fent the
earl of Briftol a written promife, by which he en-
gaged to procure the reiteration of the Palatinate,
either by treaty of force of arms. But when he
found that this conceftion was difregarded, he or-
dered the Infanta to lay afide the title of princefs -
of Wales, and to drop the ftudy of the Englifh
lan"Tiafe. At the fame time, he iffued orders for
making preparations for war in every part of his
dominions, perfuaded that the court of England
would not flop at the violation of the marriage
treaty. This refolution of James 'to break off all
connections with Spain was no fooner known to the
people, than they celebrated the rupture with bon-
fires, and other public demonftrations of joy. Buck-
ingham, by giving a partial, and, in many mftances,
a falfe account of the negotiation, eafily inflamed
thofe fpirits which were already prejudiced againft
Spain. Eulogiums were poured upon him, as one
of the belt of fubjeCts ; he was called the deliverer
of his country. James, who wanted firmnefs of
mind to refift the impetuofity of the nation, was
fwept away with the torrent, and obliged contrary
to his natural principles, to follow thofe violent re-
folutions that led inevitably to war. He affembled
a parliament, in order to obtain fupplies. In his
fpeech to the two houfcs, James dropped fome hints
of the caufes of complaint he had againft Spain ;
and gracioufly condefcended to afk their advice,
which he had ever before rejected, with regard to
the conduct of fo important an affair as the mar-
riage of his fon. The commons promifed to aflift
him in revenging the affront put upon him by
Spain : for Buckingham, by laying before a com-
mittee of both houfes a long and partial account,
which he pretended was a true and complete narra-
tive, of all the fteps taken in the Spanifh nego-
tiation, had entirely gained the confidence of that
affcmbly. It contained, indeed, fo many contra-
dictory circumftances, that they were fufficient to
open the eyes of every reafonable man, notwith-
ftanding the artful veil which was thrown over the
whole proceedings. But the narrative concurred
fo well with the paffions and prejudices of the par-
liament, that no fcruple was made of immediately
adopting it as a truth that could not be difputed.
Charmed with having at laft the opportunity, fo
long and fo ardently defired, of going to war with
papifts, they thought not of future conlequences,
but immediately advifed the king to break off both
treaties with Spain, as well as that which regarded
the marriage, as that for the reftitution of the Palati-
nate.
Having thus given their voice for a war, they
joined in a petition to the king, that he woxild caufe
the laws againft Romifli priefts and jefuits to be
ftrictly executed ; that he would iffue orders for
feizing the arms of popim recufants, and obliging
No. 37.
them to retire from the capital ; that he would re-
voke all licences granted to fuch recufants, and put
a ftop to the great concourfe of people who reforted
to hear mafs in the chapels of ambaffadors ; that he
fliould deprive all papifts of the pofts they enjoyed
under the government, and not relax the laws made
againft popim recufants on any. account whatever.
James returned a very gracious and condcfcending
anfwer : but declared himfelf an enemy to all perfe-
cution on account of religion : from a thorough
conviction that it always injures the caufe it is in-
tended to promote ; according to the received
rriaxim, " That the blood of the martyrs was the
feed of the church." At the fame tiriie, he con-
demned an entire indulgence to the catholics ; and
ftrongly hinted, that a middle courfe ought to be
chofen, as at once the moft humane, and the moft
political. James, having determined to purfue
hoftile meafures, repaired to the parliament houfe,
where he declared, in a fpeech to that affembly, his
refolution of humbling the pride of Spain, provided
they would engage to fupport him. He began his
harangue with lamenting his misfortune, in being
obliged in his old age, to exchange the bleffmgs of
peace for the inevitable calamities of hoftile mea-
fures. He reprefented to them the prodigious ex-
pence requifite for maintaining military armaments ;
and demanded a vote of fix fubfidies and twelve
fifteenths, as a proper flock before war was declared
againft Spain. He mentioned the large debts he
had contracted, principally to fupport the Elector
Palatine and his family ; but declared, he infifted
not on any fupply for himfelf ; the honour and fe-
curity of the kingdom was all he was defirous of
fupporting. He even fo far forgot his prerogative,
which he had hitherto fo flrenuoufly fupported,
that he made a dangerous and unexpected con-
ceflion, that the fums granted mould bevefted in a
committee of parliament, and be iffued by them
without being intrufted to his management. No-
thing could be more agreeable to the commons;
they readily accepted the offer, but voted much
lefs than was demanded ; three fubfidies and three
fifteenths were, by the commons thought a fuflicient
fum for the prefent occasions of the Itate ; nor did
they take the leaft notice of that part of his fpeech
which regarded his own neceflitics, though he had
made a conceflion greater than they could have
even prefumed to afk. But though they were fo
very parfimonious in their fupplies, they took ad-
vantage'of the prefent agreement between the king
and the parliament, to make frefli attacks upon the
prerogative. James had aboliflied all the mono-
polies fo loudly and juftly complained of; but this!
did not fatisfy the commons ; they paffed an act,
by which it was declared, that all monopjlies were
contrary to the laws and liberties of the kingdom.
By the fame ftatute it was enacted, that every man
enjoyed an entire freedom with regard to his own
actions, provided he did nothing detrimental to
any perfon ; and that no other authority but that of
the laws fhould ftop this unlimited right ; a principle
which fcrved as a bafis for the civil liberties of
England. In the mean time the Elector Palatine
wrote a letter to James, wherein he enumerated the
reafons which offered themfelves both for continu-
ing the negotiations, and attempting to recover the
Palatinate by force of arms. The latter now pre-
dominated at the Britifh court, fince a refolution
had been taken to break off all negotiations with
Spain. The indefatigable duke of Brunfwick had
raifecl another army for the fervice of the king of
Bohemia, with an intention to force a paffage into
the Low Countries, and join the prince of Orange.
The Dutch, in general, were well inclined to the
fame caufe, and the princes of Germany every day
difcovered frefh fymptoms of difconteht at the pro-
ceedings of the houfe of Auftria. But above all,
5 H the
394
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
the perfon of the queen of Bohemia, the wifeft and
moft virtuous lady of her age, became now an ob-
ject of public concern. Her merits, her misfor-
tunes, her young family, and theunworthy treatment
ihe had received, like fo many charms, animated every
proteftant, who was not wholly a Granger to the dic-
tates of humanity. James* himfelf was fometimes
warmed into companion, and fometimes into refent-
ment. Hehadfparedher and her family a littleof the
fcanty remainder his prof ufion had left, and they lived
on good terms with the prince of Orange, who was
at that time, fincerely difpofed to have ierved them,
could James have been prevailed upon to truft the
Dutch, or they to put any confidence in him. But
the infolence of the Dutch traders, and their cruelty
towards the Englifh in the Eaft Indies, were 16
great, that James at laft yielded to the repeated in-
ftances of his fubjedts, and gave the earl of Oxford
the command of a fmall fquadron of mips, in order
to intercept the Dutch Eaft India fleet in their re-
turn to Europe. By a treaty lately concluded, the
Dutch and the Englifh were to divide between them
the trade of the iflands they had taken from the
Portuguese and Spaniards ; the Englifh to enjoy one
third, and the Dutch two thirds of this valuable
trade. Accordingly, Englifh factories had been
fettled in the Molucca iflands, and at Banda. A
few Englifh merchants, not more than eighteen or
twenty, had, for above two years, lived at Am-
boyna, where there was a Dutch fort, and two com-
panies of foldiers, befides a civil eftablifhment.
For fome time a correfpondence fubfifted between
the two people ; but the Dutch, envying the prof-
perous ftate of the Englifh factory, determined to
ruin them. A confpiracy was accordingly formed
againft their lives, of fo deteftable a nature, as is
hardly credible to thofe who do not fufficiently re-
flect on the rancour of a people towards their rivals
in trade ; efpecially when the fcene is not only
fufficiently diftant from all feats of juftice, but where
they themfelves pi efide, uncontrouled, in the ex-
ercife of their tyranny, and blinded by the motives
of intereft. It was pretended that the Englifh and
Japanefe, the whole not exceeding forty perfons,
had formed a defign for destroying the Dutch fet-
tlement. /Upon this, Gabriel Towerfon, the chief
agent, and the reft of the Englifh then upon the
ifland, were taken into cuftody, and fiddly ex-
amined by the Dutch council. No witneffes of
credit appeared againft them ; and the unhappy pri-
foners, confcious of their innocence, denied the fact
•with the ftrongefl afieverations. But it had been
before determined to put them to death, and only
fome pretence was wanting for carrying the bloody
defign into execution. The rack was therefore to
fupply the place of evidence, and the tortures were
fo dreadful, that even confcious innocence was un-
able to fupport them. Some fought relief by con-
feffion ; but on obtaining the mercy of being
put to death, they folemnly retraced their con-
felfions with their lateft breath ; but others, with
matchlefs fortitude, expired under their tortures.
By this horrid proceeding, the Dutch continued
mafters of the fpice trade, and have ever fince kept
it in their own hands. No reparation was, how-
ever, obtained for this infolent affront, till many
years after, when Cromwell held the reins of go-
vernment. That ufurper obliged them to pay
three hundred thoufand pounds on that account.
It, however, prevented a junction between the
armies defigned to reduce the Palatinate.
The earl of Briftol having received orders to
leave the court of Madrid, he applied for an au-
dience, in order to fulfil the ceremonial of his de-
parture. Philip exprefled the higheft regret that
Briftol's fervices fhould meet with fo unworthy a
reward ; and that his enemies fhould have fo far
prevailed, as to infufe prejudices into his matter
2
and his country againft a minifter who had fo faith-
fully performed his duty to both. He endeavoured
to prevail upon him to engage in his feivice, pro-
mifmg to beltow upon him every advantage of rank
and fortune he himfelf could delire. But Briflol,
though he exprefled the utmoft gratitude for this
generous offer, refufed every thing, and determined
to return immediately to his own country, not
doubting but the torch of truth would foon expofe
the falfhoods of his enemies in their genuine co-
lours. Philip could not even prevail upon him to
accept of ten thoufand ducats, though his circum-
ftances rendered fuch a prefent neceflary. The
monarch ufed every intreaty in his power to prevail,
and aflured him, that neither James, nor any one
elfe, fhould ever know he had received it.
" There is one, anfweied the virtuous minirter,
who will be privy to the whole tran faction ; it is
the earl of Briftol, and he will certainly reveal it to
the king of England." It was the intereft of Buck-
ingham to keep Briftol at a diftance from the king
and the court, left the voice of truth, enforced with
thofe powers of oratory which the earl poflefled in.
a very eminent degree, fhould difclofe fcenes which
he wiihed to bury in oblivion. He accordingly no
fooner heard of the earl's arrival in England, than
he made ufe of all that power he had acquired over
the mind of his weak Sovereign, for procuring an
order for committing Briftol to the tower, till he
had anfwered certain queltions that fhould be put
to him by the council. He was, however, fbon
after releafed, but ordered to retire to his own
houfe. The earl wrote to James, loudly demand-
ing an opportunity of vindicating himfelf, and of
laying his whole conduct before his mafter and the
public : he aflerted his own innocence, and threxV
the blame of every mifcarriage on Buckingham.
He had always flattered himfelf that the hatred of
the minion could not prevail over the juftice of his
mafter, as if a weak prince was not generally a dupe
to the paflions of others. Buckingham was defirous
that he fhould own the pretended faults exhibited
againft him ; but he juftly thought a reconciliation
offered on fuch terms a real difgrace. James him-
felf declared, that to require fuch a thing of an in"
nocent man was the moft horrible tyranny. How
juftly ought he to have reproached himfelf for fuf-
fering fo unjuft a fentence to take place!
The parliament being prorogued to the twenty-
ninth of May, it was neceflary to make fome prepa-
rations, for oppofing the warlike armament fitting
out by the court of Spain, and alfo to aflift the count
Palatine. Accordingly fix thoufand men were fent
over to Holland to join the army of the States,
commanded by the prince of Orange ; while another
army under count Mansfeldt was to penetrate into
the Palatinate. Religious zeal had made the re-
covery of the Palatinate appear a point of vaft im-
portance to the Englifh ; and the fame effect might
have been expected in France, merely from political
views ; for while that principality continued in the
hands of the houfc of Auftria, the French dc-
minions were, on all fides, furrounded by the
pofleflions of that ambitious family, and might be
penetrated in every part by fuperior forces. Of
this the court of France was fully fenfible ; but car-
dinal Richlieu was refolved firft to fubdue the Hu-
gonots, before he proceeded to humble the houfe
of Auftria. However, the profpect of an alliance
with England was readily embraced, by conciliating
a marriage between paince Charles, and the princels
Henrietta Maria, daughter to Lewis XIII. The
conferences were opened at Compeignc, and the
marriage articles were figned at Paris on the tenth
of November. They were nearly the fame in fub-
ftance with thofe, which had been concluded with
Spain ; for as Lewis required only the fame con-
ditions which had before been granted to his ca-
tholic
IAMB
I.
393
tholic majcfty, James made no fcruple to comply.
One of the conditions was, that the children fliould
be brought up by the mother ; or, which is the
fame thing, in the catholic religion, till they were
thirteen years of age. To this imprudent article
the misfortunes of that family have been attributed,
though it was never put in execution. While this
negotiation was carried on, count Mans'eldt came
over to England ; and after fome conferences it was
agreed, that he fliould conduct the war in the Lower
Palatinate, ac the head of twelve thoufand foot, and
two hundred horfe. The French miniftry had, in
general terms, made great promifes, not only that
the English troops fhould he allowed a free paffage,
but that in their inarch to the Palatinate, they fliould
be joined by powerful fuccours : but when the
troops commanded by Mansfeldt, failed from Do-
ver to Calais, they found that no orders had arrived
to permit their landing. After therefore waiting
fome time, they were obliged to fail towards Zea-
land, where proper meafures for their difembark-
ation had been alfo neglected. The Zealanders
excufed themfelves from receiving fuch a number
of unexpected guefts, under a pretence of fcarcity
of provifions. During a tedious period of fufpence,
in which meffengers were fent to the Hague, and
afterwards to London, a peftilential difeafe fpread
among the Englifh troops, fo long cooped up in
their fhips, and carried off above two thirds of them.
Of the few who efcaped fickneis, fome deferted,
fome enlifted themfelves in the fervice of the States.
Thus ended this ill-timed expedition. The refufal
of the Zealanders to allow the king's troops to
land, was the fecond infult he had received from
the Dutch : the firft being the maflacre of Am-
boyna. This tragedy was acted at a time when
James was puilied on by the violent meafures of his
favourite, to a rupture with Spain ; and the friend-
fhip of the Dutch appeared to him too valuable, to
hazard it by an ill-timed refentment ; he therefore
accepted of their excufes, and put up with this
flagrant and cruel breach of faith, without exacting
any kind of fatisfaction.
James had laid a folid foundation for putting an
end to the difturbances in Ireland, yet he had not
been able entirely to complete his plan. The
Spaniards ftill maintained a conftant correfpondence
with the difa fleeted papifts, and kept the Englifh
government in continual alarms. The earl of Ty-
rone having been received into favour, and ob-
tained the royal protection, lived for fome time in
great fubmiflion to the government ; but imputing
all the marks of favour he had received to the
effects of fear, he had the boldnefs, foon after, to
petition the king for a toleration of the catholic re-
ligion. This requeft being refuied, he joined the
earl of Tyrconnel, and other chiefs of the Irifh
papifts ; and a defperate confederacy was formed
for affaffinuting the lord deputy and the council,
and maflacreing all the Englifli in the kingdom of
Ireland. This defign was happily difcovered by a
letter dropped in the council chamber; and Ty-
rone, with other principal confpirators, fled to
Bruflels, where the Archduke gave them a kind re-
ception, and fettled on them large penfions by ex-
prefs orders from the court of Spain. Soon after
Tyrone, pafling over to Ireland, attempted to excite
another rebellion ; but his intention being dif-
covered before he could put it into execution, the
chiefs who had engaged in the confpiracy, were ap-
prehended and executed. This, and great difputes
in the Irifli council, which continued for feveral
years, occafioned the government to iflue a fevere
proclamation againft the catholics, ordering all re-
gular priefts to leave Ireland, under very heavy
penalties.
A F) rt " While James, contrary to his incli-
*' nation, turned his thoughts on war,
which he cletcfted, and which he knew rtot how to
conduct, he was feized uith a diforder that termi-
nated his weak reign. He had long addicted him-
fdf to thofe pleafuies which.he could not tafte, that
he might banifh from his mind thofe reflcftions
which he could not bear. He had accuftomed him*
felf to the ufe of fweet wines, and to ride hard both
before and after drinking. This ii regular method
of living had occafioned feveral fevere fits of illncGs,
which his phyficians had ralher palliated than re-
moved ; for James was t o headflrong to fubmit
with patience to any troubleibme regimen, in order
to obtain a cure. Infirmities therefore increafed
upon him with age, nor was the approach of the
king of terrors to be prevented any longer. The
ftate of his mind added fuel to his bodily diforder.
He was highly provoked at die behaviour of Buck-
ingham, to whom he imputed all the misfortunes
that now furrounded him. He was defirous of
humbling that haughty minifter, but he wanted
power to execute his delign. Finding that all at-
tempts in his prefent fituation would be in vain, he
compofed himielf with a kind of fullen refignation,
meditating how to take the firft opportunity of a
friendly hand for his deliverance. Such was the
king's fituation, when the marquis of Hamilton,
who hated Buckingham, died fuddenly, not without
ftrong fufpicions of poifon. James confidered the
death of that nobleman as a fure prelude to his own.
" If the branches are cut down, faid he, the ftock
cannot long ftand." From that moment he became
pcnfive and melancholy. In the beginning of
March he was feized with a tertian ague, followed
by a fever ; and when encouraged by his courtiers
with the old proverb, that this deftemper, during
that feafon, was phyfic for a king, he replied, that
the faying was meant of a young king. The
countefs of Buckingham, and fome other ladies,
who had no great opinion of regular phyficians, but
had a high opinion of empyrics, attended James,
whofe impatience for health drove him into the
fame fatal error. Buckingham had fome time be-
fore been cured of a tertian ague by an emetic, a
plaifter, and a poflet-drink, which James now in-
lifted fliould be adminiftered to himfelf. Bucking*
ham ufed every argument in his power to difluade
him from taking any thing that was not prescribed
by his phyficians ; but all his arguments were in
vain : the king fent for the medicines, and they
were given him at his earneft requeft. Every
fymptom of his difeafe was immediately increafed,
and it was foon perceived that he could not long
furvive. At intervals he fent for the prince, whom
he exhorted to have a tender affection for his wife ;
to be ftedfaft in his religion ; to protect the church
of England ; and to extend his care to the prince
Palatine's unhappy family. During the laft flage
of his diforder, he was clofely befet by Buckingham
and his family, who refufed, till near the clofe of
life, to permit his courtiers to fee him. James was
very fenfible of his approaching end, and met the
king of terrors with great fortitude. His prepara*
tions for death were extremely fervent, in which
he was chiefly aflilted by lord-keeper Williams. In
his laft momtnts, he declared he died in the faith,
of the church of England, and expired on the
twenty-feventh of March, in the fifty-ninth year of
his age, and the twenty-third of his reign. Hig
body was conveyed from Theobalds to Weftminfter-
abbey, where it was interred with great funeral
folcmnity, his Ton performing the office of chief
mourner upon the occafion. By his confort, Anne
of Denmark, James had feven children ; but two of
them only furvived him, namely, Charles, who
fucceeded him on the throne ; and Elizabeth, mar-
ried to the unfortunate Elector Palatine.
In this reign the public were free from the
expcn.ce of a {lauding army ; and while James
was
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
'•Vvas boafli'ng his divine vicegerency, he had not a
Jingle regiment of guards. The fole defence of
the kingdom of England was its militia, which
amounted to one hundred and fixty thoufand men,
who were kept in good order ; for all the counties
of England, emulating the capital, were fond of
fhewiilg a Well-trained militia. In 1583 there was
a general review made of all the men in England
capable of bearing arms, and thefe, according to
Raleigh, were found to amount to one million,
on hundred and feventy-two thoufand men.
The growth of London in riches, beauty, and
in the number of its inhabitants, has been prodi-
gious. From 1600 it doubled every forty years;
confequently, in 1680 it contained four times as
many inhabitants as at the beginning of the cen-
tury". It was at this time almoft entirely built of
wood, and in every refpect a very difagreeable city.
The carl of Arundel firft introduced the general
practice of erecting buildings of brickk
As coaches were firft feen in the reign of Eliza-
beth, the firft fedan-chair was feen in that of James,
and was ufed by the duke of Buckingham^ The
people, on feeing him carried in his chair, were
filled with indignation at his pride and arrogance,
exclaiming, that he made his fellow creatures do
tlie fervice of beads.
At this period, all the feamen employed in the
merchants fervice, appear to have amounted to only
ten thoufand men, which is fcarcely a fixth part of
their prefent number. Raleigh obferves, that the
Dutch traded to England with fix hundred mips,
and England to Holland with only fixty. Moft
of the curious arts were cultivated abroad, parti-
cularly in Italy, and the Englifli excelled only in
mip-building, and the founding of iron cannon.
Nine-tenths of the commerce of England con-
futed in woollen goods; yet the exportation of
wool was not prohibited till the nineteenth year of
this reign. Moft of the cloth exported was dyed
and dreiled by 'the Dutch, who are faid to have
gained feven hundred thoufand pounds a year by
this manufacture ; and Raleigh computes the lofs to
England at four hundred thoufand pounds. Yet a
proclamation publifhed by James againft exporting
cloth in that condition fucceeded fo ill, on account
of the Dutch refufmg to buy the drefled cloth,
that great murmurs ardfc againft it-, and this mea-
fure was retracted by the king, the nation com-
plaining of it as if it had been the moft impolitic
thing in the world. Englifh cloth was then in fo
little credit, that the king was obliged to feek ex-
pedients to engage the people of fafhion to wear it.
The manufacture of linen was at this time entirely
unknown in England, and the fame may be ob-
ferved of the filk manufacture.
After the difcovery of Greenland, the whale
Emery was, at firft, carried on with great fuccefs ;
but the Dutch foon deprived the Englifh of this
iburce of wealth. A company was now erected
for the finding a north-weft paflage, and many
fruitlefs attempts were made for that purpofe. The
India Company received a new patent; and en-
larging their ftock to one million, five hundred
thoufand pounds, fitted out feveral mips ; and in
this reign the Bermuda, or Summer Iflands, as alfo
Virginia, were fettled.
The exports of England from Chriftmas 1612,
to Chriftmas 1613, are computed at two millions,
four hundred eighty-feven thoufand, four hundred
and thirty-five pounds ; the imports at two mil-
lions, one hundred forty- one thoufand, one hun-
dred and fifty-one pounds ; fo that the balance in
favour of England was three hundred forty-fix
thoufand, two hundred and eighty-four pounds ;
but in 1622, the exports were two millions, three
hundred twenty thoufand, four hundred and thirty-
fix pounds ; the imports two millions, fix hundred
4
nineteen thoufand, three hundred and fifteen pounds ;
which made a balance of two hundred ninety-eight
thoufand, eight hundred and feventy-nine pounds
againft England. The Eaft-India Company ufually
carried out a third of their cargo in commodities.
The trade to Turky was one of the moft gainful
to the nation.
Tradefmen had hitherto carried on their retail
bufinefs by means of leaden tokens. The filver
penny, which had the crofs deeply indented, had
been broke in half, and pafled for half-pennies, or
half pence ; and thofe halves broke again into four
pieces, were fourths, or farthings ; but copper
half-pence and farthings began to be coined in this
reign in the place of this fmall money, which was
eafily loft. Intereft was at ten per cent, till 1624,
when it was reduced to eight*
This being an age of bigotry, and as the light
of reafon had not yet fpread its influence, reli-
gious liberty was ftill unknown ; nor was a tolera-
tion allowed to any, who entertained opinions
widely different from thofe publickly efhblifhecL
Two Arians were burned during this period, who
were offered a pardon at the ftake, on condition
of their making a recantation. The efhblimed
worfhip was the only one allowed during this and
the former reign ; and twenty pounds a month
might be levied on any one who did not frequent
it. The puritans, at this time members of the
eftablifhed church, had yet no feparate con<n-e-
gations. Such of the clergy as refufed to comply
with the legal ceremonies, were deprived of their
livings ; nor was it fafe for any one to fpeak againft
the forms and ceremonies of the church.
Nor was the liberty of the prcfs lefs unknown,
being incompatible with thofe principles of go-
vernment which then prevailed. Elizabeth had
laid the greateft reftraints on the prefs ; and the
fevereft penalties were inflicted on thofe who pre-
fumed to write againft an eftablifhment, either in
church or ftate. James extended the fame pe-
nalties to the importing fuch books from abroad,
and afterwards prohibited the printing of any
book, without permiffion from the archbifhop of
.Canterbury, the archbifhop of York, the bifhnp
of London, the vice-chancellor of one of the
Univerfities, or of fome perfon appointed by
them.
By a proclamation for eftablifhing public maga-
zines, whenever wheat fell below thirty-two mil-
lings a quarter, rye below eighteen, and barley
below fixteen, the commiflloners were empowered
to purchafe corn for the magazines. Thefe prices
may be conficlered as low ; though by our prefent
eftimation, they would rather pafs for high. At
that time, the ufual bread of the poor was made
of barley. During the greateft part of James's
reign, the beft wool was at thirty-three millings
a tod.
Fifteenths and fubfidies having been frequently
mentioned in this hiftory, and Yome of our fub-
fcribers defiring of the writer an explanation of the
fame, he here takes this opportunity of complying
with their requeft. The tax called a fifteenth, ori-
ginally correfponded to the name, and was the
value of a fifteenth part of moveables. But a
valuation made in the reign of Edward III. being
always adhered to, each town conftantly paid "a
particular fum, afTefled by the inhabitants tbem-
felves. The fame tax, in corporate towns, was
called a tenth, becaufe there it was a tenth of the
moveables ; but both together were concifely termed
a fifteenth : when the produce of the whole was
mentioned, and throughout the kingdom, it
amounted to about twenty-nine thoufand pounds.
A fubficly was not invariable, like a fifteenth : .for
in the eighth of Elizabeth, a fubfidy amounted
to a hundred and twenty thoufund pounds : in the
fortieth
// different Periods
tirttit/,ff r.tt ft
Habits
JAMES
1.
397
fortieth of the fame reign, it was not above feventy
eight thoufand ; it afterwards fell to feventy thou-
fand, and was continually decreafing. This was
owing to the method of levying it. One fublicly
was originally given for four {hillings in the
pound on land, and two {hillings and eight-pence
on moveablcs, throughout the counties ; which,
when the nation was enriched by trade, would
have amounted to a confiderable tax, had it been
ftrictly levied ; but during the reign of James,
the twentieth part of that ftim was not paid. The
rax was fo far perlbnal, that a man paid only in
the county where he lived, though he polfelfed
eftates in other counties; the affeffor forming a
Joofe eftimation of his property, and rating him
accordingly. However, to preferve fome rule in
the eftimation, it appears to have been the prac-
tice to keep an eye to former affe.Tments, and to
rate every man according to his anceitors, or ac-
cording to what men of fuch eftimated property
were accuftomed to pay. This was a fufficient
reafon why fubfidics could not imreafe, notwith-
ftanding the increafe of money, and the rife of
rents. In fhort, fubfidies at laft became fo un-
equal and uncertain, that the parliament was ob-
liged to change them into a land-tax
James, fucceffor of Elizabeth, erected a mag-
nificent monument to her memory, in the eait
end of the north ifle of her grandfather Henry
VIPs chapel. It is an arch of white marble,
fupported by ten Corinthian pillars of black
marble, under which lies her effigies in royal
robes. The freeze is adorned with the arms of all
the royal marriages from Edward the Confeflbr,
and with cmpalements of feveral branches of the
royal family. On the tablature over the cornifh,
at the head of the tomb, is this inscription, which
Speed, in his chronicle, thus tranflates:
For an eternal memorial
Unto Elizabeth, queen of England, France, and
Ireland, daughter of king Henry VIII. grand-
child to king Henry VII. and great-grandchild
to king Edward IV. The mother of her
country •, the patronefs and nurfe of religion and
learning; a princefs, for all the endowments
of body and mind, and more efpecially for her
royal virtues, above her fex,
INCOMPARABLE.
James, king of Great-Britain, France, and Ireland,
heir both of her throne and virtues, hath pioufly
creeled this monument to a princefs fo worthy
of commemoration.
On the bafement at the top are thefe words :
The filters, Mary and Elizabeth, who poffefled
the fame throne, are companions in the grave,
and here ileep in hopes of a refurrection.
OB a like tablature on the cornifl; at the feet is
this infcription: ,
Religion to its primitive purity reftorecl ; peace
eitablHhed ; money reduced to its juft value ;
domtllic rebellion quelled; France relieved
when involved in inteftine divifions; the Nether-
lands fupported; the Spanifh Armada over-
thrown ; Ireland, almoft loft by rebellion, re-
trieved by defeating the Spaniards; the revenue
of both Univerlities much enlarged by a law of
provifions; and laftly, all England enriched.
E L I Z A B E T H,
During forty-five years a rood wife governor, a
victorious and triumphant queen, moft ftrictly
religious i moft happy, by a calm and refigned
No. 38,
death, in her feventy-fecond year, left her mortal
remains, till by Chrift's word they {hall rife again
to immortality, to .be depolited in this famous
church, by her repaired and re-eftabliftied.
On the bafement at the feet are thefe words:
She died the twenty-fourth of March, in the year
of falvation 1602, in the forty-fifth year of her
reign, and the feventy-fecond of her age.
The fame Englifli monarch, foon after his ac-
cefiion, erected a magnificent tomb for Mary,
queen of Scots, in the fouth aifle of Henry Vllth's
chapel, over a vault to which her body had been
removed from the cathedral of Peterborough,
where, as we have obfcrved, it was firft interred.
It is raifed in the form of a triumphal arch, fup-
ported by eight Corinthian pillars, under which
lies her portraiture in royal robes. The freeze is
adorned with the arms or feveral marriages of the
kings of Scotland, and the top crowned with her
achievements. On feveral tablatures of marble
round the tomb, are epitaphs, which give a brief
account of her royal defcent and relations; the
exquifite endowments of her body and mihd^the
troubles of her lite; her conflancy in religion,
and refplution in death. The infcriptions on the
plate are in Englifli.
The firft part of her epitaph is upon the fbutb.
fide of her tomb, in Roman capitals;
D. O. M<
Sacred to the memory of Mary Stuart, queen of
Scotland, and dowager of France; daughter
and fole heii efs of James V. king of Scotland,-
and grand-daughter of Margaret* eldeft daughter
of Henry VII. by Elizabeth, eldeft daughter of
Edward IV. (kings of England) wife of Francis
II. king of France, whilft flie lived, certain and
undoubted heirefs to the crown of England,
and mother of the moft potent James, monarch
of Great-Britain. She was defcended from a
truly royal and moft antient line, nearly allied
by defcent and confanguinity to all the greatetl
princes of Europe, and was abundantly adorned
with the moft excellent endowments of body
and mind : but as all human affairs have their
viciffitudes, after a confinement of above twenty
years, and having ftruggled with refolution
and fortitude (though ineffectually) with the
malignity of calumniators, the jealoufy of the
fearful, and the fnares of capital enemies, flic
was at length an unprecedented, unheard* of
example with kings, brought to the block;
where, with contempt of this world, triumphant
in death, and fearlefs of the executioner ; re-
commending her foul to Chrift her Saviour, her
hopes of empire and poftcrity to her fon James,
and the example of her patience to all the
fpechtors of io bloody and mournful a fcene,
{he pioufly, patiently, and intrepidly fubmitted
her royal neck to the accurfed aXe, and ex-
changed this tranfitory life for a bleffed eternity
in heaven, on the eighth of February, in the
year of our Lord 1587, aged forty-fix.
The other part of the epitaph is on the north
fide of the monument, in hexameter and penta-
meter, or elegiac verfes. In Englifh:
If birth illuftrious, or if beauty's pride,
A guiltlefs mind, and faith feverely try'd ;
If wifdom, fortitude, a candid breaft,
And hope in Him who comforts the diftreftj
If probity of heart, with patience mild '
To bear injurious bonds, to be rcvil'd j
If goodnefs, m?jefty, a lib'ral will
To raife the wretched, and the poor- to fill,
I Could
39*
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Could 'fcape Wind fortune's thunders, that alike
On good and bad, on low and lofty, ftrike 5
. Thou hadft not early falt'n by being great,
Nor thy fad image feem'd to weep thy fate.
Scotland by right, by marriage France was thine;
To thefe well founded hope did England join ;
By triple right a triple crown fhe wears,
But dim its luftre to a crown of ftars.
Happy, too happy if, the.ftorm allay'd,
Tho' late, the neighb'ring realm had her obey'd.
But fee! fhe falls to triumph in the grave,
New vigour thence, and fruits her branches have.
Conquer'd, Hie conquers ; free, tho' clofeconfin'cl ;
Not dead, tho' flain ; the fates her chains unbind.
So the prun'd vine {hoots forth with fertile fprays,
And the cut gem reflects its purple rays ;
So genial feeds, committed to the earth,
Rife from the fruitful foil, a brighter birth.
With blood, God's covenant with man was made ;
With blood, the patriarchs his wrath allay'd;
With blood, the firft-born 'fcap'd the general doom •,
Blood ftain'd the land which now is her's become.
Oh ftay thy vengeance heaven, for mercy's fake ;
That fatal day be ever mark'd with black ;
To murder kings, abhorr'd for evermore,
Nor Britain ftaih'd again with royal gore:
Let the example perifli with the blow,
Accurs'd its author, and its actor too.
Since in her better part file triumphs flill,
. Dumb be her fate, and filent every ill.
Such was her courfe as heav'n thought fit to fleer,
She had her joys, fhe knew her forrows here.
Early to life the royal James Ihe gave,
Whom ev'ry kinder pow'r in keeping have.
By nuptials great, by birth ftill greater known,
And greateft in her iflue, fuch a fon !
Here Mary lies, of whom we fighing fing,
The daughter, wife, and mother of a king.
Grant heav'n, that to the lateft times her race,
Their happy hours without a cloud may pafs,
H. N. lamenting.
Over the cornifh of this tomb at the head, is
part of the twenty-firft verfe of i Peter, chapter
ii. In Englifh :
'* Chrift alfo fuffered for us, leaving us an example
that ye mould follow his fteps."
Over the cornifh, alfo in Latin, at the feet, is
the twenty-third verfe of the fame chapter. In
Englifh :
«' Who when he was reviled, reviled not again ;
when h«. fuffered, he threatened not ; but com-
mitted himfelf to him that judgeth righteoufly."
Character of James I.
In his perfon he was of a middle ftature, and of
a fair complexion; jolly, but not corpulent, His
countenance was rather difagreeable, his eyes being
large and rolling, his beard thin, and his tongue
too big for his mouth: he had an aukward air,
and his gait was remarkably ungraceful, from a
weaknefs in his knees, which prevented his walking
without affiftance: in his diet he was tolerably
temperate, but drank little elfe befides rich and
ftrong wines.
His mental beauties were as imperfect as his
perfonal accoraplifhments ; a mixture of virtues
and vices have admitted no ftriking lights to fet
off or relieve the fhacles of his character. This
prince appears, on a flight view, to have poflefled
fome amiable qualities; but when thefe qualities
were brought forth into aftion, we find them all
unhappily tainted-, and candour herfelf is com-
pelled to acknowledge, that his liberality dege-
nerated into profufion, his learning into pedantry,
his pacific difpofition into pufillanimity, his wifdom
into mean cunning, and his friendfhip into light
fancy, and puerile fondnefs. He had not the
fmalleft idea of that manly fcience which ennobles
fociety; which regulates the paflions of men in a
free ftate; and which animates, directs, and com-
pletes the purpofes of public fpirit. He was void
of all conception of the difference between liberty .
and licentioufnefs; and endeavoured to croft for
himfelf, in the minds of the people, as (irons; ;m
opinion of his infallibility, both in religion °and
politics, as ever the church of Rome had thought
to eftablifh over her deluded votaries. James,
more of a cafuift than a politician, was greatly
diftrefled, whenever his fubjects dared dilute or
reafon upon matters which might lead them to a
fenfe of their true intereft as a people; and nothing
gave him greater pleafure, than to hear and decide
on the ufelefs fpeculative points of fchool-divi-
nity : but he feldom advanced a man of merit to
preferment. While king of Scotland, his beha-
viour was, in piany points, unexceptionable ; but
the ridiculous, and even profane flattery he re-
ceived from the Englifh. nobility, intoxicated his
brain, and filled him with felf-concnt. Cecil,
who flood foremoft among his fycophants, had
the aflurance to tell him, on his accefiion, that he
would find his Englifh fubjecls like affes, on whom
he might lay any burden, and mould need neither
bit nor bridle, but their ears. Vain of his here-
ditary title; a bigot to the doctrines of divine
right and paflive obedience, he aimed to imitate
the example of the princes of the Tudor line,
who had made great breaches in the Englifh
conflitution. But he never reflected on the dif-
ference between their fituation and his own.
The ignorance, and confequently the timidity of
the Englifh, was now vanifhed ; they were refolvcd
to defend with courage, what they had acquired
by induftry. The doctrine of refiftance was
preached from the pulpit, and underftood in par-
liament, but with fuch reftrictions, as left fuffi-
cient room for a king of England to be at once
both great and happy. James ftudied to preferve
peace rather than tranquillity ; the fhadow, rather
than the fubftance ; becaufe the genuine bafis of
tranquillity is freedom. Though he Itcld the
fceptre without any fenfible reverfe of fortune,
yet the life of James was veiy uneven. No prince
ever learned more or profited lefs by experience.
The Howards, who continued in the miniftry,
had not fufficient abilities to hold the reins of
government: the Scottifh favourites were difagree-
able to the nation; and thofe whom James trufied,
wanted both capacity and honefly to ferve him.
His prodigality rendered him always neceflitous.
One of his minions feeing a load of filver carrying
to the treafury, faid to a perfon who flood near
him, " How happy would that money make me!"
The king defired to know what he had been faying,
and immediately gave him the whole fum, amount-
ing to three thoufand pounds. You think your-
felf happy, faid he; but I am more fo in obliging
the man I efteem. The commons took advantage
of his extravagance; and finding their afliftancc
was abfolutely neceflary, they made themfelves his
mafters. In his youth, James gave feveral in-
ftances that he wanted neither fpirit nor refolution ;
but his political cowardice had every characteriftic
of meannefs; for he trembled moft when he
boafled loudeft: but when reflection fucceeded to
fear, his good natural fenfe convinced him, that
his fchemes were impracticable ; though his pride
always led him to drop them in fuch a manner,
that his crown and government were expofecl to as
much danger as if he had purfued them. Hence
it happened, that among all the conceffions lie
made to his parliament, not one was received with
thankfulnefs ; they were always conficiered as the
refult of prcfcnt convenience, or the effects of fear.
We
I
CHARLES r
H
R
I.
399
We cannot unite in fentiment with the ingenious
writer of the catalogue of Royal and noble authors,
•when he fays, puns, fcripture, witticifms, oaths,
prerogative, and vanity, are the ingredients of all
his facred majefty's performances. James, confi-
dered as an author, has made a figure as a fcholar.
He certainly had a more learned education than is
commonly beftowed on princes. His works, ftill
extant, are printed in one volume, folio. He
wrote the Bafilicon Doron ; The true Law of Free
Monarchies ; A Counterblaft to Tobacco ; A Trea-
tife on Witches and Apparitions ; A Commentary
on the Revelations ; An Encomium on Sir Philip
Sidney ; fome Verfes prefixed to Tycho Brahe's
Work ; and he began a Tranilation of the Pialms.
Several other pieces are afcribed to him, and many
of his letters are extant ; feveral of them in the
Cabala, others in manufcript in the Britifh Mufeum,
and others in Howard's collection. Modern wits
and modern reviewers, may ftile thefe productions
the pedantic
learning
of James ; but it is a pe-
dantry which was peculiar to this reign, and which
evidently appears both in the choice of fubjects
and flile, of other eminent writers of that age.
If the learning of James made him a cafuift, not a
politician, a wrangling difputant, but not a wife
king, yet we cannot think it funk him into con-
tempt as a man. Perhaps, in fome future more
political and folid age than the prefcnt, even the
works of Mr. Walpolc may appear equally fm-
gular, pedantic, and ufelefs, with the immenfe
erudition and fcholaftic writings of James. And
we beg leave further to obferve in behalf of this
monarch, that if his reign was ignoble to him f elf,
rendered fo by the flatterers of his age, it was
undoubtedly happy for his people, who, by being
blefled with peace, enriched by an extenfive com-
merce, and freed from the eare of foreign affairs,
had leifure to attend to their own concerns, and
to fecure their liberties and privileges by many ex-
cellent regulations.
CHAP. II.
CHARLES
I.
' Succeeds his father James on the throne of Great Britain, in the twenty-fifth year of his age-*-Firft tranfaftions
after his aicejjion — Proceedings of the parliament — Impeachment of Buckingham — Supplies raifed, without an
act of 'parliament ; by various expedients — The emergency of the king's affairs obliges him to fitmmon a parliament
— Their remonjlrances and petitions of right — Death of Buckingham — Laud' s innovations in the church—Money
again raifed by illegal methods — Arbitrary proceedings in the flar-chamber and higb-commijfivn court — Ship
money \ and the trial 'of Hampden — Epifcopacy abolijhed in Scotland — Proceedings of the long parliament — Straff ord
and Laud impeached — Diffolution of the Jlar-chamber and high-commijjion court — The king's journey to Scotland
— A maffacre in Ireland— The arbitrary condutt of Charles toward feveral members of the houje of commons —
Riots and tumults — Preparations for a civil war, and its commencement — Several battles fought— Brijld taken
— Thefiege of Gloucejler — The battle of Newbury, and other actions — Invafton of the Scots — The treaty of Ux-
bridge — The execution of Laud — The dedftve battle of Nafeby — Surrender of Brijlol — Conquefl of the Weft by
Fairfax — The king Jlies to the Scots at Newark, and is by them delivered up — A mutiny in the army, -who
govern the parliament — Charles efcapes to the IJle of Wight— Civil -war renewed — The treaty of Newport — The
'king again feized by the army — His trial, death, and characler.
HARLES I. fon of James I.
^_^ in the twenty-fifth year of his
age, fucceeded his father on the throne of Great-
Britain. He began his reign by removing lord
Baltimore from the oiEce of fecretary of flate ;
granting a pardon to the earl of Middlefex •, re-
calling by proclamation all Britifh fubjects from
the Imperial, Spanifh, and Flemim fervices ; iffuing
commiilions for granting letters of reprifals againft
the Spaniards, as well as railing ten thoufand men
for a naval expedition, and for the recovery of the
Palatinate. The marriage of the king being cele-
brated at Paris by proxy, the duke of Bucking-
ham was employed, in conducting the queen to
Englind, where {he arrived on the twelfth of
June, when the king received her at Dover, and
the nuptials were celebrated at Canterbury. The
king and queen, on the fixteenth of the fame
month, made their public entry into London, and
on the eighteenth the parliament was a/Tembled..
The comaions, after mentioning fome grievances
not redrcfled, and demanding an account of the
latl money granted for the recovery of the Pala-
tinate, being reftr-ained from keeping together by
the raging of the plague, and unwilling to give a
total denial to their young king, granted him two
fubfidies, and petitioned" for a recefs, on which
account they were adjourned to meet on the firft of
Auguft at Oxford. It appears very evident, from
the fmallncfs of this fupply, that parliament had
already entertained a ftrong jealoufy of the prefent
government. A trifling change had been made
in the adminiftration fince the death of James:
Charles had the fame favourite, the fame
mi-
nifters, and all the offices of the kingdom, con-
tinued in the hands of Buckingham's creatures.
His influence over Charles exceeded even that
which he had acquired over the weaknefs of James;
and every public meafure was conducted by his
advice and direction. He engrofled the entire
confidence of his matter, and was himfelf poffefled
of the moft confiderable offices of the crown.
The hatred of the people had been fufpended,
•while the duke's conduct feemed to gratify their
prejudices ; but they now found that his zeal
fprang from a particular pique againft Spain, and
that an alliance had been contracted with a court
no lefs hated. A chapel had been built at Somerfet-
houfe for the queen and her family, with conve-
niences adjoining to it for the capuchin friars, who
were permitted to walk abroad in their habits.
Befides, the extraordinary fupplics granted to the
crown by the laft parliament, and the bad manage-
ment of its firft military attempt, convinced the
commons, that the miniftry were not to be trufted
with fo important a bufinefs as war ; and the fpecch
of the lord-keeper, which i epi efcnted that the fub-
fidies were not only fpent, but the revenue in debt,
did not a little contribute to confirm them in this
opinion. But before the meeting of parliament,
an incident happened which inflamed the refentment
of the Englifh. The French miniftry had cajoled
James into a promife to furnifh Lewis with ong
fhip of war, and feven armed merchant fliips, to
be employed againft the Genoefe. Buckingham,
prevailed on Charles to lend thefe fhips, to be
ufed againft the proteftants at the fiege of Ro-
chelle, where they were to be filled with French
foldiers
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
^oldiers and mariners, commanded by the duke de
Montmorency. This was no fooner known than
the whole crew mutinied. Vice-admiral Penning-
ton declared, that he would rather be hanged in
England for difobedience, than fight againft his
brother proteft ants in France; and notwithftanding
the repeated menaces and promifcs of the French,
he refufed to deliver up the {hips, and failed back
to the Downs. They there received new orders
from Buckingham, lord admiral, to return to
Dieppe. As the duke was fenfible, that authority
alone was not fuflicient to engage the com-
manders in an action fo repugnant to con-
fcience and honour, a rumour was fpread, that
a peace had been concluded between the French
king and his proteftant fubjects. On their return
to Dieppe, they found they had been deceived. 1'he
captains of the merchants now maintained, that the
king had no right to difpofe of their property, and
prepared to fail away; but Pennington, who could
no longer plead a mifunuerftanding of his orders,
fired to bring them to ; yet the brave Sir Ferdinando
Gorges, who commanded one of the veflels, broke
through, and returned to England. The remaining
fhips were delivered to the French : but all the
officers and feamen, notwithftanding the great
offers made them, immediately deferted ; and not
one individual, except a gunner, would ferve againft
their diftrefied brethren, the French proteftants.
This tranfaction entirely prevented that popularity,
which every Englifh. monarch fhould endeavour to
obtain at the commencement of his reign. No
fooner were thefe transactions known in parliament,
than the commons {hewed the fame attachment
with the failors for the proteftant religion. They
even carried their zeal to a height that rendered
their deliberations at once ridiculous and unjuft.
Montague, one of the king's chaplains, publifhed
a book, which, contrary to the rigid tenets of the
puritans, faved virtuous catholics, as well as other
Chriftians, from eternal torments. It now became
evident that thofe great men, who reafoned fo
forcibly on the danger of the conftitution of their
country from the increaling power of the crown,
could not reafon at all on the fubjeft of religion.
Montague was ordered to be profecuted, a com- j
mittee was appointed to confider of the proceedings
againft him, and the ecclefiaftic, for having done an
important fervice to the church of England, by ex-
ploding the adopted errors of her antagonifts, was
ordered into custody of the ferjeant, and to give
bail of two thoufand pounds for his appearing at
the next feflion. It was no wonder that Charles was
offended at thefe proceedings, and that he often
put them in mind that they had bufinefs of far
greater concern to engage their attention. But
finding all attempts were in vain, the king dif-
folved a parliament from which he had nothing to
expeft.
The favourite was now hated by Spain, he was
feared by France ; he was diftrufted in Holland ; he
was unpopular in England. The affections of the
king, and his own afccndancy in the cabinet, were
all he had to truft to, and he therefore determined
to increafe his power, by putting more of his friends
into places of confequcnce. All the diflimulation
of Williams could not remove Buckingham's
hatred. He was deprived of the feals and retired
to his bifhopiic with great dejection. Charles had
afterwards time fuflicient to regret the lofs of this
able fervant, when the heats that afterwards flamed
out fo fatally, and fccmed to threaten the deftruclion
of the kingdom. However, notwithftanding Buck-
ingham was an enemy to the perfon of Williams,
he was in his heart a friend to his principles, and
was daily more and more convinced how imprac-
ticable it was for the government to oppofe the
people's torrent of zeal againft popery. The earl
of Holland continued to be his faithful correfpon-
dent at the French court, and gave him intelligence
how deeply Blanville, the French ambafiador, was
engaged in plotting his deftruction. The duke de-
termined to return to France in. quality of ambafla-
dor; but the queen having been incautious in her
expreflions of her paflion for that noblemen, Lewis
abfoiutely refufed to admit him into his terri-
tories. This highly exafperated Buckingham,
efpecially as the court of France refuted to iigu a
fee-ret treaty againft the houfe of Auftria, uniels
Charles would employ his forces againft the French
proteftants. Charles, deferted by his parliament,
was obliged to have recourfe to unconftitutional
methods of raiting money. He iflued privy-feals
in order to obtain the neceffary fum ; but the ad-
vantages he gained by this temporary fupply were
more than balanced by the dilguft it occaiioned.
By means, however, of this fupply, he was enabled
to fit out a fleet of eighty iail, on board of
which were ten thoufand foldiers. Buckingham
was very unfortunate in his choice of the officers.
Sir Horace Vere had been created a baron of Eng-
land, and was endowed with every talent requifke
for the command of this armament ; but he was no
friend to the mimfter. Sir Edward Cecil, who had
commanded under count Mansfeldt, was therefore
chofen for that office, and immediately created
vifcount Wimbledon. Buckingham could not have
made a more unfortunate choice. Wimbledon,
though a brave field officer, knew nothing of fea
affairs. The public complained loudly that Sir
Robert Manfel was neglected; but they fhould
have remembered that he was engaged in the party-
formed againft the minitter. Nor was Buckingham
more fortunate in his choice of the other officers.
The earl of Ellex was appointed to command under
W in.bledon, though there adually fublifted fo great
an antipathy between them, that they would have
more readily fought with each other than againft
the enemy.
On the fiift of Oftober the fleet failed, and a
council of war was held off" Cape St. Vincent, in
order to form a plan for their future operations.
The earl of Eflex naturally gave his voice for at-
tacking Cadiz, the fcene of his father's glory, and
his propofal being accepted, the whole fleet flood
towards that port. But by this time all Spain was
alarmed, and fo dreadful to the Spaniards was the
remembrance of the Englifli valour under queen
Elizabeth, that their king was ready in perion to
march down at the head of a royal army to the de-
fence of his coaft.
The Englifli reached Cadiz, and found every
thing in readinefs to give them a warm reception,
and the attack of fort Puntal was given to the earl
of Eflex. He advanced with twenty Englifh and
five Dutch fhips with fuch impetuolity, that the
Spanifli {hipping, which confifted of feventeen itout
{hips and-eight or ten gallies, fearing the fatal con-
fequence of that fort's being taken, retired to Port
Real. The fort, however, made a noble defence •
and it was found impracticable to take it on the fide
where the attack was made. Upon this Sir John
Burroughs, an old Englifh officer, landed with his
regiment, and driving fome companies of Spanifh
infantry, who had oppofed his landing back to the
fort, the Spanifli governor thought proper to fur-
render. The taking of this fort was, however of
no other confequence than as it opened a parTa^e to
Cadiz itfelf, and commanded a large extent of
villages and country round; but the raw Englifh
foldiers could not refill the temptation of the new
Spanifli wines; they drank to excefs, and could
not be brought to act with that ipirit and refolution
neceflary for rendering the expedition fuccefsful.
At the fame time diflentions prevailed amonr the
officers, and difeafes among the foldiers, fo°that
any
C H
R
E
i.
401
any farther ftay appearing fruitlefs, the troops were
re-embarked, and the fleet put to lea, with a retb*
lution of waiting for the Spanifh galleons. But the
plague breaking out among the feamen and foldiers,
Cecil was obliged to return to England with infected
crews, fickly companies, a broken reputation, dif-
heartened officers, and national diflionour.
n , On the fecond of February Charles
2 ' was crowned, and four days after the
lew parliament met at Weftminfter. The feflion
as opened by the new lord-keeper, Sir Thomas
Finch, with a concife fpeech, wherein he acquainted
both houles, that as his majcfty intended the feflion
fhould be very fhort, he hoped they would make all
imaginable clifpatch in granting the fupplies. But
the commons, without paying any regard to the
lord-keeper's fpeech, began an enquiry into the
national grievances, at the very point where they
had left off the laft feflion, as if the fame men had
been every where elected, and no time had inter-
vened between their lait meeting. Charles had he
been left to himfelf would probably have fucceeded
much better than he did with this parliament. For
though he had loft nothing of his arbitrary notions,
yet the neceflity of his affairs, and his cloie engage-
ments on the continent, where both his honour and
reputation were at ftake, would certainly have in-
duced him to have made fuch facrifices, as would
have brought over to his iucerelt that very I'm all
number of members, which gave the oppolition the
majority. But Charles was now governed in eccle-
fiaitical artairs by Laud, a furious churchman, who,
rather than give up one point of uielefs ceremony,
or immaterial doclrine, was determined to hazard
the rights of monarchy, and the tranquillity of
his country. The commons indeed voted a fupply
of three fubfidiesand three fifteenths, and afterwards
added another fubfidy ; but referved the palling that
vote into a law till the end of the feflion ; lo that if
the king refufed to grant them a fuflicient time to
finifh their enquiry into the national grievances, or
refufed to comply with their demands, he muft ex-
peel no fupply. Very foon it appeared, that the
whole ftorm was intended againll Buckingham, who
was confidered as the lource of all the national
grievances. Charles forefaw the confequence, and
endeavoured to foften the enquiries of the commons,
by ordering Heath, the attorney-general, to fend
letters to 'the judges, enjoining them to proceed
with more vigour than ever againft the popim re-
cufants. But all orders of that kind were miltruitecl
by the commons -, and an embargo being at that
time laid on all the Engliih fhipi^'ng in France, the
commons ordered an enquiry to be made into the
reafon for fuch ftrange proceedings. In anfwer to
this enquiry, it was laid, that the French had im-
pofed it upon the Englilli, in order to indemnify
themfelves for the illegal detention of a fliip belong-
ing to Havre-de- Grace, called the St. Peter, even
after an order had been iflued by the king for her
releafe. But upon examination, it appeared that
there was fuflicient reafon for this detention, and
the enquiry was laid afide. At this time the earl
of Brifcol, who had now taken his feat in parlia-
ment, impeached Buckingham, his inveterate ene-
my; and the commons lent up another impeach-
ment. But however odious the irregularities of the
favourite had rendered him, they were not fuch A3
would condemn him as a traitor. The commons,
however, purfued their delign with unwearied at-
tention ; but the members of the council of war
declining to give any anfwcrs fo the queftions put
to them by the commons, it was thought proper to
put a ftop, for fome time, to the enquiry.
Charles, prefled by his allies for fulfilling his en-
fagemcnts, was very urgent with the parliament to
nilh the fupplies. The houfe of peers candidly
declared, that it was neceflai-y to put the nation in
No. 2 8.
a poftuie of defence both by fea and land; and that
count Mansfeldl's army, and the king's allies ought
to be fupported. Theie rdblutions were commu-
nicated by the upper, to the lower houfe; but the
commons paid very little attention to them ; the
iuppprting their charge again II Buckingham en-
groiled all their attention. In the courle of this
debate, Mr. Coke, fon to Sir Edward Coke, faid,
* It was better to die by an enemy than to fuffer at
home;" and Dr. Turner, a phylician, propofed the
following queltions againtt Buckingham.
Whether the duke, being admiral of England,
be not the caufe of the king's lofs of his royalty in
the narrow leas?
Whether the unreafonable, exorbitant, and im-
menle gifts of money and lands, beftowed on the
duke and his relations, be not the caufe of impair-
ing the king's revenue, and impoveriflung the
crown f
Whether the multiplicity of offices beftowed on
the duke and his dependents, be not the eaufe of
the ill government of the kingdom ?
Whether recufants in general be not fupported
and encouraged by the duke's mother and father^
in-iaw, being papilts?
\Vhether che lale of honours, offices, places of
judicature, ecclefiaitical livings, and promotions, be
not carried on by the duke?
Whether the duke's ftaying at home, though
admiral of the fleet and general of the land army,
was not the caule of the mifcarriage of the expedi-
tion to Cadiz ; and whether he gave proper direc*
tions for executing the defign ?
In the midlt or this debate, the fpeaker received
the following letter from the king:
" Trufty and well-beloved, ike.
" Having aflcmbled the parliament early in the
beginning of the year, for the more timely help and
advice or our people in our great and important
affairs; and having of late, not only by mcflage,
but allb of ourlelf, put our houfe of commons in
mind of our prefling occafions, and of the prefent
Hate of Chriitendom, wherein they have equal in-
tereft with us, as well as in reipect to their owa
former engagements, as of the common caule; we
fliall not need to tell them with what care and pa-
tience we have, in the midft of our neceffities, at-
tended their refolutions; but becaufe their unfea-
fanable flowneis may produce at home as ill effcds
as a denial, and hazard the whole eltate of things
abroad, -we have thought fit, by you, the fpeaker,
to let them know, that without more lofs of time,
we look for a full and perfect: anfwer to what they
will give for pur fupply,, according to our expecta-
tion and their promiics; wherein, as we prefs for
nothing beyond the prefent flate and condition of
our fubjeCts, fo will we accept no lefs than is pro-
portional to the greatnefs and gooclnefs of the caufe >
neither do weprels them to a prefent refolution in
this, with a purpofe to precipitate their counfels,
much lefs to enter upon their privileges, but to
fhe\v that it is unfit to depend any longer upon un-
certainties, whereby the whole weight of the affairs
of Chriftendom may break in fuddenly upon us, to
our difhonour and the flume of this nation. And
for the bulinefs at home, we command you to pro-
mile them in our name, that after they have fatisfied
us in this realonable demand, we fliall not only
continue them together at this time Ib long as the
feafbn will permit, but call them fliordy again to
perfect thole necelfary bufmefles which will be now
left undone ; and now we Ihall willingly apply fit
and feafonable remedies to fuch juit grievances
which they fliall prefent unto us in a dutiful and
mannerly manner, without throwing an ill-odour
upon our preient government, or upon the govern-
ment of our late blefled father; and if there be
yet who dethe to find fault, we fliall think him.
5& the
4O2
THE NEW AND COMPLETE H ISTORY OF ENGLAND.
the wifeft reprehender of our errors paft, who,
without reflecting backward, can give us counfel
how to fettle the prefent ftate of things, and to pro-
vide for the future fafety and honour of the king-
dom." To enforce the intention of this letter, Sir
Edward Weflon, chancellor of the exchequer, de^
livered to the houfe the following meflage.
" r. His majefty's fleet being returned, and the
victuals expended, the men muft, of neceffity, be
difcharged, and their wages paid •, otherwife a mu-
tiny will be the confcquence, which may, at this
time, prove dangerous.
" 2. His mnjefty hath fitted out about forty mips,
for a fecond attempt againft the enemy : thefe
want only victuals and a few men, but without a
prefent fupply of money, cannot fail, nor be kept
together.
" 3. The army aflembled on the coafls muft foon
be difbanded, if they be not fupplied with victuals
and cloaths.
" 4. If the companies lately fent to Ireland
be not provided for, inftead of defending that
country, they will become the authors of re-
bellion.
" 5. The feafon for providing healthful victuals
will be paft if this month be neglected.
" His majefty therefore commanded me to tell
you, that he defired to know without farther delay,
what fupply you will give him for thefe his prefent
occafions, that he may frame his courfe and council
accordingly." This meflage contained fuch ftrong
reafons, that, notwithftanding all the arts of the
oppofition, and the unbounded afcendancy the
leaders of it had acquired over the minds of the
people, they thought proper to join very readily in
the following anfwer to Wefton's meflage :
" Moft gracious fovereign,
" Your majefty's moft dutiful and loyal fubjects,
the commons, now affembled in parliament, in all
humility, prefent unto your royal wifdom this their
loyal anfwer to the meflage which your majefty was
pleafed, by the chancellor of your exchequer, to
fend unto them, defiring to know, without any far-
ther deferring of time, what fupply they would give
to your majefty for your prefent and extraordinary
occafions, that you might form your courfes and
counfels accordingly. Firft of all, they moft hum-
bly befeech your majefty to know, and reft aflurecl,
that no prince was ever clearer to his people than
your majefty; no people more zealous to maintain
and advance the honour and greatnefs of their king
than they, which, as upon all occafions they will
be ready to exprefs, fo efpecially in fupport of that
caufe wherein your majefty and your allies are juftly
engaged. And bccaufe they cannot doubt but
your majelty, in your great wifdom, even out of
juftice, and according to the example of your famous
predeceffors, will be pleafed gracioufly to accept
the faithful and neceffary information and advice of
your parliament, which can have no end but the
lervice of your majefty, and the fafety of your
realm, in difcovering the caufes, and propofing the
remedies of thofe great evils, which have occafioned
your majefty's wants, and your people's grief.
They therefore, in confidence and full aflurance of
redrefs therein, do, with one confent, propofe,
though in former time fuch courfe had been un-
uled, that they really intend to aflift and fupply
your majefty in fuch a way, and in fo ample a man-
ner, as may make you fife at home, and feared
abroad ; for the difpatch whereof, they will ufe fuch
diligence as your majefty's prefling occafions fliall
require."
But the commons, notwithftanding this anfwer,
inftead of immediately applying themfelves to finifh
the bill relative to the fubiidies, flill purfued their
favourite project againft Buckingham; and having
voted upon the queries of Dr. Turner, «« that com-
4
mon fame was a fuflicient ground of accufation by
the commons," proceeded to frame regular article's
againft the minifter. They accufed him " of having;
united many offices in his perfon; of having bought
two of them; of neglecting to guard the feas," fo
that many merchant mips had fallen into the hands
of the enemy ; of delivering fhips to the French
king, in order to ferve againft the Hugonots ; of
being employed in the fales of honours and offices •
of accepting extenfive grants from the crown ; of
procuring many titles of honour for his kindred ;
of adminiftering phyfic to the late king, without
acquainting his phyficians; of extorting a fum of
ten thoufand pounds from the P",aft-India Company;
and of confifcating fome goods belonging to fonie
French merchants, under pretence of their being
the property of the Spaniards." Among all thefe
accufations, the two laft only could be regarded as
of any importance; the reft feem to be frivolous, or
falfe, or both. But the duke's anfwer to thefe par-
ticulars was fo clear and fatisfactory, that it is im-
poffible to refufe our aflent to it. Charles, per-
ceiving that the commons were determined to pur-
fue their own meafures, ordered the lord -keeper to
forbid the houfe meddling any farther with his
minifter and fervant, Buckingham ; and ordered
them to finifh, in a few days, the bill they had
begun for the fubfidies; and to make fome ad-
dition to them, otherwife they muft expect to fit no
longer.
This language, more proper for an eaftcrn than
an Englifh monarch, tended to deuroy the confti-
tution, and to reduce Britons to that abject ftatc of
flavery known only in the moft dcfpotic kingdoms.
It deftroyed all confidence between the king and
his parliament. At the fame time, he fent to de-
mand fatisfaction of Mr. Coke, for the words he
had fpoken, and of Dr. Turner, for the queries he
had prefented to the commons. The houfe was
aftonifhed at fuch proceedings ; fome were intimi-
dated with fear; fome were filled with indignation;
fome with true patriotic zeal for a coalition between
the king and his people; and others, inftigated by a
fecret ambition, rejoiced at this language of the
king, as it tended to throw every thing into confu-
fion. Thefe different paflions produced different
effects ; and fo many left the committee, that the
fpeaker was obliged to refume the chair, and it
was ordered that no member fliould depart the houfe
without leave.
Having taken the king's meflage into confidera-
tion, they prefented a fpirited remonftrance, in
which they boldly juftified their proceedings againft
Buckingham, as being founded upon precedents,
and confiftent with every principle of natural liberty
and fafety: and concluded with putting the king in
mind how readily they had agreed to grant him a
fnpply, and requefted his majefty not to be preju-
diced againft their proceedings. But neither thefe
meflages nor remonftrances had any power to with-
draw the attention of the commons from their fa-
vourite project, that of fupport ing their articles of
impeachment againft Buckingham; though they
muft have known, that few of the articles exhibited
againft him contained real crimes, and that thcfe
were impoflible to be proved. It is, indeed, fur-
prizing, that men of fuch remarkable abilities as
the leaders of the houfe of commons were, inveterate
in their hatred, and keen in their purfuit of a fa-
vourite minifter, young and giddy at his entrance
into power, bold and infolent in its excrcife, unfor-
tunate and difappointed in his meafures, fliould find
fo little real matter againft him, during the fpace of
almoit fourteen years. The truth is, that Bucking-
ham had always been faithful to his maftei s ; and
had been fometimes, to gratify their arbitrary in-
clinations, forced upon meafures his judgment dif-
approved ; and he had, for fome years, been
ft rug-
H
R
E
I.
4°3
ftruggling in vain againft the tide of popular fury.
The breath of the king, inftead of diflipating,
fvvcllecl the ftorm. It was now agreed to demand
of the lords that Buckingham fhould be committed
to fafe cuftody. When this meflage was delivered
to the upper houfe, the duke addrefled the lords in
the following manner :
" My lords,
" If I hold my peace it will argue guilt ; if I
fpeak it will argue boldnefs, when accufed of fo
many crimes. Your lordfhips fee what complaints
are made againft me by the houfe of commons.
How well I flood in their opinion not long fince,
your lordfhips well know : what I have done fince
to lofe their good opinion, I proteft I am entirely
jo-norant. I cannot fo greatly diflruft my own in-
nocency, and my heart, which abhors guilt, as to
decline any courfe, or court of juftice ; and had they
not brought my caufe before your lordmips, it
would have been my own work : they have done
me a favour, by delivering me out of their hands
into thofe of your lordfhips.
" I will not endeavour to throw any reflection on
thofe who have taken pains to reprefent me in fo
vile a light ; it will be fufficient for me to proteft
my innocence, which I hope to prove, as the caufe
is now before jult judges : I defire that my trial
may be baftened, that I may differ no longer than
is abfolutely necefiary : and as my accufers have
not been content with my procefs only, but to
prtfciibe to your lordfhips the manner of your
judgment, and to punifh me before I am heard,
I {hall not give way to any of their unjuft de-
mands."
About this tim£, the earl of Suffolk, chancellor
of the univerfity of Cambridge, died •, and Bucking-
ham, though then under impeachment, was chofen
in his place. The commons refented, and loudly
complained of this affront ; but the king was fo far
from regarding the cenfure of the commons, that
he wrote a letter to the univerfity, extolling the
duke, and giving them thanks for his election.
Sir Dudley Uigges, and Sir John Elliot, who had
been employed as managers of the impeachment
againft Buckingham, were fent to the Tower.
This highly exafperated the commons, who imme-
diately declared, that they would proceed no farther
upon bufinefs till they had received fatisfaction
with regard to their privileges. Charles alledged, as
a reafon for this violent meafure, certain feditious
expreflions, which, he faid, had dropped from thofe
members in their accufation of the duke. Upon
enquiry, it appeared that no fuch expreflions
.had been ufecl ; upon which the members were
releafed.
The example of the houfe of commons was now
imitated by the peers. They claimed liberty for the
earl of Arundel, who had been lately fent to the
Tower. The king made feveral attempts to elude
the demand of the lords, but was at laft obliged to
comply, and the earl was accordingly releafed from
his confinement. The king having complied with
the demand of the commons, with regard to the
difcharge of their members, and even declared that
he had been impofed-upon, there were no plaufible
reaibns for with-holding the fupplies. A great ma-
jority of the houfe would readily have paffed the bill,
but were oppofed by other turbulent members, who
intimated, that they had fome doubts whether the
money would be properly applied, and whether
there was any real intention of fending out the fleet
that year. Thefe infinuations were at once both
groundlefs and malicious, yet many events con-
curred to render them poflible. The king had as
yet given them no fatisfaclion, nor even an anfwer
to their remonftrance. The houfe of peers had re-
filled to proceed againft Buckingham, or even to
admit that he might be criminal, by fending him to
the Tower. The French court had made peace
with the Hugonots, by the mediation of the Englifli
ambaffadors : they had paid off, and fent home,
the Euglifh (hips employed in their fervice ; they
had taken off the embargo laid on the Englifh mer-
chantmen ; and, after renewing the treaty of 1610,
feemed entirely difpofed to act with vigour againft
the houfe of Auftria. For this purpofe, Lewis bad
offered to make a cliverfion, with twenty-five thou-
fand men, in Germany ; and to continue the war, if
ncceffary, for four years to come, provided England
would enter into the fame engagements ; but refufed
to be concerned any farther againft the houfe of
Auftria, than the reinftating the Palatine, and other
deprived German princes, in their dominions.
From thefe circumftances the difcontented members
took the opportunity of urging, that there would
be no occafion for the operations of the fleet, and
that the houfe ought to be very careful how they
granted money for that purpofe. Thefe artful
fpeeches made a vifible impreflion to the difadvan-
tage of the court, and the commons feemed per-
fuaded that the fupply was not neceffary. Charles
endeavoured to quicken their proceedings by mef-
fages •, and even proceeded fo far as to threaten the
commons that if they did not furnifli him with the
fupplies, he fhould be obliged to have recourfe to
" new councils." This language could not be
miftaken j but left any of the members fhould con-
ficler it as ambiguous, Sir Dudley Carleton, vice-
chamberlain, took forne pains to explain it fully.
" I pray you confider, faid he, what thefe new
councils are. I fear to declare thofe that I conceive.
In all Chriftian kingdoms you know that parlia-
ments were formerly in ufe, by which thofe king-
doms were governed in a moft flourifhing manner;
until the monarchs began to know their own
ftrength, and feeing the turbulent fpirit of their
parliaments, at length they, by little and little, be-
gan to ftand on their prerogatives, and at laft over-
threw the parliaments throughout Chriftendom,
except here only with us. — Let us be careful, then,
to pi eferve the king's good opinion of parliaments,
which bringeth fuch happinefs to this nation, and
makes us envied of all others, while there is this
fweetnefs between his majefty and the commons ;
left we lofe the repute of a free people by our tur-
bulence in parliament." Thefe imprudent fug-
geftions rather gave the commons warning of the
cjefigns formed againft them, than ftruck them with
tenor. They confidered a precarious liberty, or
that preferved by unlimited complaifance, as no
liberty at all. They were determined to preferve
the fubftance, or lofe the fliadow. Inftead, there-
fore, of pafling the bill for the fupplies, they re-
newed their enquiries into grievances ; they ordered
the houfe to be called over, and all abfent members
to be punifhed. They revived their attack on the
revenues of the crown. They entered on a remon-
ftrance againft the levy ing of tonnage and poundage
without confent of parliament. This article, to-
gether with the new impofitions laid on merchan-
dize by James, conftituted near one half of the
royal revenues. This attack, therefore, had it fuc-
ceeded, muft have proved decifive ; and as they
were not able to fix any legal crime upon Bucking-
ham, they intended to prefent a petition to his ma-
jefty for removing him from his perfon and councils.
To preferve, however, the appearance of modera-
tion, the fubfidy bill was again read, but kept in
fuch fufpence as fufllciently indicated, that if all the
grievances prefented by the commons were not re-
moved, the bill would never pafs into a law. The
king, alarmed at thefe proceedings, determined to
diffolve the parliament. The lords endeavoured
to difluade him from this refolutiott, but in vain ;
and when they petitioned him, that he would allow
the parliament to fit fome time longer, he anfwered,
in
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
in a very hafty manner, " Not a moment longer."
The commons had juft finifhed their remonftrance
when the king carried his threats into execution,
by diflblving the parliament, before they had com-
pleted a fingle act.
Their remonftrance began with a kind of recapitu-
lation of the reafons why the prefent and former par-
liament had been in a manner abortive, and the
whole blame thrown upon Buckingham. Among
other things they charged him with appointing Sir
Edward Coke, and feveral other leading members
againft him, fheriffs of counties, in order to dif-
qualify them from ferving their country in parlia-
ment ; and for fending Mr. Glanville abroad, as fe-
cretary of the fleet for the fame purpofe. They
afterwards declared it was their firm refolution to
have fignally fupported his majefty in the profecu-
tion of the war, had not all their intention been
blafted by the enormities of Buckingham, whofe
crimes they fum up in the following manner. " We
found, fay they, that the moft preffing and com-
prehenfive mifchief and grievance fuffered by the
late king, was fundamentally fettled in the vaft
power, and enormous actions of the faid cluke, be-
ing fuch, by reafon of his plurality of offices ; fome
procured by ambition, and fome by money, ex-
prefsly againft the laws of your majeily's realm ;
his breach of truft in not guarding the feas ; his
high injuftice in the admiralty ; his extortion ; his
delivering over the mips of this kingdom into the
hands of a foreign prince; his procuring the com-
pulfory buying of honour for his own gain ; his
unexampled exhaufting of the treafures and reve-
nues of the kingdom ; his tranfcendent prefump-
tion of that unhappy application of phyfic to your
royal father of Welled memory, fome few days be-
fore his death ; of thefe and Ibme other of his of-
fences carefully examined by us, we made a parlia-
mentary charge againft him to the lords, by your
majefty afiembled in parliament, there expecting
fome remedy by a fpeedy proceeding againft him ;
but may it pleafe your moft excellent majefty, not
only during the time of our examination of the
matters and offences of the faid charge, we were
often interrupted and diverted by mefiages, procur-
ed, through mifinformation from your majefty,
which with moft humble duty and reverence we did
ever receive, whence.it firft fell out that fo, not only
much time was fpent among us, before the faid
charge was perfected, but alfo within two days after
the fame charge was tranfmitted by us to the lords,
two of our members, Sir Dudley Digges, and Sir
John Elliot, upon untrue and malicious informa-
tions, privately and againft the privilege of parlia-
ments, given to your majefty of certain words, were
by your majeily's command committed to clofe im-
prifonment in the Tower of London, their lodgings
prefently fcarched, and their papers taken away ; by
reafon whereof not only our known privileges of
parliament were infringed, but we ourfelves, who
in full hopes of fpeedy courfe of juftice againft the
faid duke, were preparing with all dutiful affection
to proceed to difpatch the fupply and other iervices
of your majefty, were wholly, as the courfe and pri-
vilege of parliament bind us, employed for feveral
days in taking into cojifideration the proper methods
to be purfued for the ratifying and preferving the
privileges fo infringed." They next comphun of
the infolence of lord Con way, fecretary of ftate,
who had ordered the meilengers, who, by their
warrants, were to have apprehended the members
at their lodgings, to feize them in the very houfe of
commons. This outrage they alfo charged upon
the duke, as they do all the interruptions they re-
ceived, when they were well difpofed to grant the
fupply. They next attack that nobicman°for pro-
curing himfelf to be elected chancellor of the uni-
verfity of Cambridge, becaufe, fay they, '< the fame
univerfity, having two burgefles in parliament,
did by the fame burgefles, a few weeks before,
confent with us in the charge againft him, for his
ambition in procuring fuch a plurality of offices;
fuch was his ambition to fue for it; fuch was
his power to make them give it him, contrary to
what they had agreed in parliament with all the
commons of England." They next charge him
' with having fcreened Montague, and defpair of
being able to do any thing for the public lervice,
while Buckingham remained in poffeflion of his
power, continued to abufe the confidence of his
majefty, and enjoyed the arbitrary difpofal of re-
wards and punimments to all ranks of people.
They promife to reply to this anfwer to the articles
they had exhibited againft him. They tremble to
think of the confequenccs that muft attend his ma-
jefty's following new councils, as he had intimated,
if, by new councils, he meant to govern and raife
money without confent of parliament. They added,
that they had reafon to fear, that this was really
his meaning, or perhaps that of his minifter, the
rather, fay they, becaufe the fubfidies of tonnage
and poundage, which determined on the death of
your moft royal father, our late fovereign, and
were never payable to any of your majeity's an-
ceftors, but only by a fpecial act of parliament, and
ought, not to be levied without 'fuch an act; yet,
ever fmce the beginning of your majefty's happy
reign over us, the faid fubfidies have been levied by
fome of your majefty's minifters, as if they were ftill
due ; although one parliament had fince that time
been held and diflblved, by procurement of the faid
duke, wherein no act paffed for the fame fubfidies.
Which example is fo much againft the conftant ufe
of former times, and the known right and liberty
of your fubjects, that it is an apparent effeft of fome
new counfels, given againft the ancient fettled
courfe of government of this your majefty's king-
dom, and chiefly againft the right of your com-
mons, as if there might be any fubfidy, tax, or aid
levied upon them, without their confent in parlia-
ment, or contrary to the fettled laws of the king-
dom. But if any fuch do fo ill ufe an office, as by1
the mifreprefentation of the ftate and right of your
majefty's loyal fubjects, advife any fuch new coun-
fels, as the levying any aid, tax, or fubfidy, among
your people, contrary to the fettled laws of your
kingdom, we cannot, moft gracious fovereign, but
efteem thofe who {hall advife, not only as vipers,
but pefts to their king and commonwealth, and alfo
capital enemies as well to your crown and dignity,
as to the commonwealth. And we mail, for our
parts, mew, in parliament, as occafion may require,
and be ready to declare their offences of this kind
fuch, as may be rewarded with the higheft punifh-
ment your laws inflict on any offenders." In th«
conclufion of this remonftrance, after laying before
the king the dangers and miferies which muft attend
his continuing to place his confidence in this fingle
minifter, they proceed in the following manner ;
" Give us then leave, moft dear fovereign, in the
name of all the commons of this your kingdom,
proftrate at the feet of your facred majefty, moft.
humbly to befeech you, even for the honour of Al-
mighty God, \vhofe religion is directly undermined
by the practice of that party whom this duke fup-
ports ; for your honour, which will be much ad-
vanced in the relieving your people in this their
great and general grievance ; for the honour,
fafrty, and welfare of your kingdom, which by this
means is threatened with almoft unavoidable dan-
gers ; and for the love which your majefty, as a
good and loving father, bears unto your o-ood peo-
ple, to whom we profefs, in the prcfence of Al-
mighty God, the fearcher of all hearts, you are as
highly efteemed and beloved, as ever any of your
prcdeceflbrs were, that you would be gracioufly
pleafed
CHAR
pleafed to remove this perfon from having accefs to
your facred prefence, and that you would not ba-
lance this one man with all thefe things, and with
the affairs of the Chriftian world, which do ail fuffer,
fo far as they have relation to this kingdom, chiefly
by his means. For we protcft to your nv.ijefty,
and to the whole world, that until this perfon be
removed from intermeddling in the great affairs
of ftate, we are out of hope of any good fucceCs ;
and do fear, that whatever money we can or mall
sive, will, through his mifmanagement, be turned
rather to the hurt and prejudice of this your king-
dom than otherwife i as by lamentable experience
we have found in thofe large fupplies \ve have
formerly and lately given. But no fooner fhall
we receive redrefs and relief in this, which, of all
others, is the moft inluppoi table grievance, but
we mail forthwith proceed to accomplim your
majefty's own defire for fupply •, and likewife, with
all chearfulnefs, apply on delves to the perfecting
of divers other great things, fuch as we think no
one parliament in one age can parallel, tending
to the {lability, wealth, ftrength, and honour of
this your kingdom, and the fupport of your
friends and allies abroad : and we doubt not but
through God's bleffing, as you are the beft, fo
(hall you be the beft beloved and the greatert
monarch that ever fat on the royal throne of this
famous kingdom."
The commons intended to have prefented this
remonftrance to the king; but being prevented
from carrying their defign into execution, they
caufed it to be difperfed among the people in
juftification of their conduct. Charles was no
ftranger to its contents, but determined not to
make the facrifice i equefted of him. He thought
that the great guilt of Buckingham confifted in
being his friend and favourite. All the other
complaints againft him he confidered as mere pre-
tences. A few months before he was the idol of
the people ; and no new crime had fince been pre-
tended to be difcovered. After the moft diligent
enquiry, prompted by the greateft malice, the
fmaileft appearance of guilt could not be fixed
upon him. What idea, he afked, muft all man-
kind entertain of his honour, mould he facrifice
his innocent friend to pecuniary confiderations ?
What farther authority would he entertain in this
nation, were he capable, in the very beginning of
his reign, to give, in fo fignal an inftance, fiich
matter of triumph to his enemies, and difcourage-
ment to his friends? Indeed, the whole charge
againft Buckingham was fo general, that it might
have been thrown out againft a virtuous as well as
a wicked minifter. It was equally abfurd in them
to fuppofe, that the aft of the two members for
the Univerfity of Cambridge, was the aft of the
Univerfity itfelf; nor did the reprefentatives of
that body, by agreeing or not agreeing to the
charge againft the duke, make it more or lefs
binding upon the Univerfity to approve or dif-
approve of the fame charge. The raifing of
tonnage and poundage, without confent of par-
liament, was indeed a ftrong and an alarming cir-
cumftance, and laid, as it were, the axe to the
root of liberty. An Englifli houfe of commons,
could not, therefore, be too loud upon this head ;
they aded as true patriots, when, while fuch an
arbitrary meafuie was purfuing, they made the
poft of honour the place of danger, and poured
out the vials of public indignation againft any
minifter, guilty or not guilty, who mould dare
to ferve a prince that avowed fuch dangerous
principles. By way of anfwer, the government
alfo difperfed a declaration, fliewing the reafons
which induced the king to diffolve the two laft
parliaments ; but it is one of the weakeft pieces
ever publilhed by any miniftry. It contains
..No. 38.
E
I.
4°5
nothing in reply to thofe ftrong facts and princi-
ples which had been urged by the commons in
their remonftrances ; it confifted of particulars
which no body pretended to deny, namely, That
the king, by the advice of his parliament, had
been engaged in a war with the houfe of Auftria ;
that this war hnd been attended with great expencej
that he had called the two laft parliaments for fur-
nifhing him with fupplies for carrying, on the
war ; that he had preflcd them again and again for
that purpofe ; and that being always difappointed
in his expectations, he had difiblved them. Thefe
were facts never dilputed -, nor did the moft violent
oppofers of the court ever deny, that the occalions
for ftrengthening the hands of his majefty were
great and urgent. But the true queftions were,
whether the foreign war was of fo much import-
ance, as to interpofe between them and every
thing that ought to be dear to a free people ?
Whether they ought to fupport a prince, who
threw his favourite into one fcale, as a counter-
poiie againft his parliament in the other? Whether
this favourite, fole and fupreme as he was, might
not when poffefTed of money granted by the
parliament, make ujfe of it to rivet thofe chains
he was then forging, and to eftablifh the principles
his mafter had avowed ? Charles, in all his papers
and declarations, gave no conftitutional fatisfaction
as to any one of thofe doubts, and his filence ad-
mitted of the worft conftruction.
Had Charles immediately made peace with
Spain, he might perhaps have found the neceffary
refources to have fupported the expences of his
government. But befides the treaties and en-
gagements which he had entered into with Holland
and Denmark, the king's thoughts were at this
time entirely averfe to pacific counfels. He was
determined to carry on the war, and to feed it
by opening the fluices of prerogative. He was
always perfuaded that he had much lefs to fear
from the papifts than the puritans ; and to take
away the great objection which the latter urged
for exclaiming againft the violent part of the church
of England, he iflued a proclamation againft
preaching or difputing either for or againft the
religious tenets of Arminius. It was long before
Buckingham could gain this point ; and perhaps
no prince ever committed more folly than James
and Charles did, in fo long fupporting the prin-
ciples of the Anti-Arminians, contrary to their
own private opinions, and to the fenfe of almoft
every man to whom they trufted for the advance-
ment of their meafures. The council was now
entirely engaged in forming meafures for raifing
the fupplies neceffary for carrying on the war \ and
it was refolved that the king might continue to
levy all thofe duties upon goods and merchandize,
called by the feveral names of cuftoms, fubfidies,
and imports, in the fame manner as they had been
levied during the late reign. The other proceed*
in^s of the government were of the fame kind.
It was well known that nothing could be more
diiagreeable to the people of England, than the
leaft attempt to favour popery ; yet the king
granted a commiflion to the archbifhop of York,
Sir John Saville, and others, " To treat and make
compofitions with the faid recufants for all for-
feitures in not going to church, under fuch con-
ditions and immunities as they (hall fee meet and
convenient, according to fuch inftructions as his
majefty hath or fhall give for that purpofe ; his
majelly rather defiring their converfion than de-
ftruction." The king imagined, that he could not
effect a more popular action than to increafe the
ftrength of the royal navy ; and in the commiflion
for compounding with the recufants, he had af-
figned the neceffity of guarding the northern
ports, as the reafon for his appropriating the
5 L com-
406
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
compofition-money to himfelf. Advantage was
alfo taken of fome precedents, by no means ap-
plicable to the prefent times, for charging the fea-
ports with certain fums of money for fitting out
fhips. This demand fell heavy upon the city of
London, which was ordered to fit out twenty mips.
But the king foon perceived that this meafure
would be attended with fome difficulty. Not
only the capital, but the deputy-lieutenants and
juftices of Dorfetfhire, remonftrated ftrongly againft
this impofition, which they conceived to be without
precedent. This fufficiently mewed that they were
little converfant in Englifh hiftory, as marry pre-
cedents occur; though they were in themfelves
either tyrannical, obfolete, or warranted by imme-
diate neceflity. They were, however, to be found ;
and the council confidering them as fufficient for
their purpofe, rejected all petitions, and parti-
cularly that of the city of London, to have this
impofkion abated. They alfo, to increafe the ap-
pearances of neceflity, aiugmented the wages of
failors from fourteen to twenty millings a month ;
and publifhed feveral proclamations, giving them
other encouragements. At the fame time rigo-
rous directions were ifiued for putting all the fea-
coafts, and the principal fortrefles of the king-
dom, in a pofture of defence, as if an actual
invafion or rebellion had already taken place.
Nothing 'was feen throughout the kingdom but
mufters and arrays of forces ; and the military
Jaw, with all its terrors, was fufpended over the
heads of the aftonifhed people. Charles had foon
occafion for all thefe precautions, though the event
was not, perhaps, forefcen. He had paid the
king of Denmark large fubfidies ; and that prince,
by his encouragement, having for fome time aclecl
as the patron of the Germanic liberty, had marched
his army towards the Wefer, where he took Minden
and Hamelin ; but upon the approach of count
Tilly, at the head of an army of veteran Impe-
rialifts, he retired towards Ferden, to wait the
arrival of Mansfeldt with twelve thoufand Englifh
and Dutch forces. While he remained in that
fituation, he had feveral fkirmifhes with the Impe-
rialifts, who were ordered to keep him fully em-
ployed, till the Emperor could place the crown of
Hungary on the head of his eldeft fon. This
coronation exafperated the famous Bethlem Gabor,
a prince of Tranfylvania, who afpired, to the throne
of Hungary, and propofed to enter into the
league formed againft the houfe of Auftria. His
offer was accepted; and it was agreed that he
flioulcl invade Hungary, and be joined by the
troops under count Mansfeldt, as foon as he ar-
rived in Silefia. But before this could be effected,
the Emperor had affembled one army on the
Wefer, another under the famous Wallenftein on
the frontiers of Silefia, and a third under count
Tilly in Lower Saxony. This obliged the king
of Denmark to divide his army ; which, by the
junction of Mansfeldt and the German princes,
was now increafed to fixty- thoufand men, into
three bodies. The firft, commanded by duke
Chriftian of Brunfwick, was to aft upon the
Wefer ; the fecond, by Mansfeldt, was to oppofe
Wallenftein, and, if poflible, force a pafiage into
Silefia; and the third, commanded by the king
of Denmark in perfon, was to aft in the inter-
mediate fpace between the other two. The aftive
count Mansfeldt, in his route to Silefia, made
himfelf matter of the whole province of Magde-
bourg, before Wallenftein could come up to op-
pofe him; but being flopped by general Altringer
at Deffau upon the Elbe, Wallenftein had time to
march to the relief of the place ; and falling upon
his army, obliged Mansfeldt to retire, with the
lofs of the greater part of his infantry, baggage,
and artillery, into the marquifate of Brandenburgh.
3
Mansfeldt did not, however, abandon his prin-
cipal defign, that of penetrating into Silefia, and
gaining fome marches upon Wallenftein. He was
fo induftrious, that he foon recruited his army,
which now confifted of twenty-five thoufand men,
and advanced at their head to join Bethlem Gabor.
But that prince, upon the firft news of Mansfeldt's
defeat, made peace with the Emperor. This be-
haviour fo greatly difgufred Mansfeldt, that he
refigned the command of his troops to duke
Erneft of Saxe Weimar, and retired to Buda,
when he fet out for Venice, but died on his
journey in an obfcure village of Dalmatia. About
the fame time, the brave duke Chriftian of Bruaf-
wick, who commanded another divifion of the
confederate army, paid the debt of nature ; and
foon after, the duke of Saxe Weimar, Mansfeldt's
fucceflbr. The lofs of thofe three great generals
was irreparable to the confederates, whofe hopes
now entirely centered in the king of Denmark.
Tilly, who had all this time watched the motions
of that prince, had now retaken Minden, and
fome other places ; but was very near being fur-
prized in his camp by the king of Denmark, at a
time when he thought that prince was at thirty
leagues diftance. But Tilly, after making 3
maftei ly retreat, was reinforced by fo great a body
of veterans, that the king of Denmark, who had
no great opinion of his own new-raifed troops,
would in his turn have gladly declined a battle;
but this was impofiible. The conteft was very
bloody, but ended in favour of the Imperial
general ; and the king was obliged to retire, with
the lofs of his baggage and artillery, towards
Holitein. Three thousand men of the confederate
army were flain on the field of battle, and three
thoufand taken prifoners.
This defeat of the king of Denmark, redoubled
the endeavours of Charles to obtain fupplies. He.
had fent a fquadron of mips to lie at the mouth
of the Elbe, to prevent the Spaniards from fur-
nifhing themfelves with naval, ftores from that
country. But this not only exafperated the Hafn-
burghers, whofe commerce was thereby greatly
leflened, but the attempt itfelf.was ineffectual, be-
caufe the enemy was fuppliedfrom Lubec, and the
paffage of the Sound was left open. The fquadron
was therefore recalled at the interceflion of the
Hamburgh merchants. The public did not fail
to make their own reflections upon thefe incon-
fiftent difpofitions of the court ; for either the
deftination of the fquadron had been improper,
or the recalling of it impolitic. The truth is,
the objed of Buckingham's refentment was
changed. Befides his paffion for the young queen
of France, and his refentment at the refufal o£
Lewis to receive him as ambaffador, he had the
greateft reafons to watch the conduft of cardinal
Richelieu. The proteftants of France had ac-
cepted the peace, under the guarantee of the king
of England. By concluding this treaty, Charles
committed a great political error. He gave peace
to France, hoping that France would then join
him againft the Spaniards; but he was deceived.
Inftead of fulfilling their promifes, they made ufe
of this tranquillity as an argument for extorting
advantageous terms from Spain. Richelieu, the
better to conceal his real intentions from the allies
during this negociation, had procured the prince
of Piedmont to be appointed lieutenant-general
of the French armies in foreign parts : prepara-
tions were made in every province of France ;
and it was expefted that the ftorm, which had been
fo long gathering, would foon burft upon the
houfe of Auftria. But no fuch thing was in-
tended : for, in a few days it was publickly
known, that a peace had been concluded between
France and Spain. This perfidious conduft raifed
Richelieu
CHARLES
407
Richelieu many enemies, particularly the duke of
Savoy, and the duke of Orleans, brother to the
kin"-. The former was now left expofcd to the
vengeance of the Spaniards; and the latter, for
reafons foreign to this hiftory, was more exafpe-
rated againft the minifter than ever. But Riche-
lieu's fortune rofe fuperior to all difficulties. Fear-
ful of a correfpondence between England and the
duke de Vendome, governor of Brittany, which
lay fo convenient for a defcent from England, he
prevailed upon Lewis to undertake a journey into
that province, where he caufed the duke of Ven-
dome to be arrefted. But the moft active agent
againft Richelieu was the abbot of Scaglia, am-
baflador in England from the duke of Savoy, a
reftlefs intriguing minifter, who hated Richelieu,
and was now become very intimate with Bucking-
ham. This produced a fecret correfpondence be-
tween England, the court of Savoy, and the duke
of Rohan, the head of the French Hugonots, who
were now convinced that all the great preparations
in France were intended againft Rochelle, the
principal place in their pofleffion. It was eafy
for the abbot of Scaglia, by the affiftance of
Buckingham, and the duke of Soubife, who ma-
na<red 'the affairs of the French Hugonots in
England, to infpire Charles with a contemptible
opinion of the duplicity of the French couri ; and
to perfuide him, that having now loft all hopes of
prevailing upon Lewis to join in the alliance
againft the houfe of Auftria, he ought to revive
the antient policy of England, in preventing the
total ruin of the Hugonots. The abbot gave him
the ftrongeft affurances of his matter's friendihip
and affiftance; and it was accordingly deter mi >d
to fupport the proteftants of Fi ance. But how to
effect this was the point. Supplies were wanting
to pay both the fleet and the army;- and the
neceffities of Charles increafed, as his exteni.ve
engagements were augmented. It was therefore
determined to have recourfe to a general loan, in
which every man was to be affefied- according to
the rolls of the laft fubfidy. But this expedient
anfwered not the intentions of the minifter: the
neople refufed to fubfcribe to the loan, and the
whole country became a fcene of cpnfufion.
Among other articles of fecret inftruction, the
commiffioners appointed to levy thefe loans were
enjoined, " If any man mall refufe to lend, and
fhull make delays or excufes, and perfift in his
obitinacy, that they examine him upon oath, whe-
ther he has been dealt with to deny or refufe to
lend, or make any excufe for not lending ? Who
has dealt with him, and what fpeeches or perfua-
fions were ufed for that purpofe ? And that they
alfo charge every fuch perfon in his majefty's
name, upon his allegiance, not to difclofe to any
one what his anfwer was." It is aftomftung that
the king could be prevailed upon to fuffer fo
impracticable an attempt to be made by his offi-
cers. A very little reflection would have been
abundantly fufficient to have convinced him, that
the fecrecy he enjoined was impoffible; and that fo
violent an inquifttorial power could not fail of
excitino- the indignation of his fubjefts. The
principal leaders in the late parliament, and others
who had adopted their fentiments, refufed to
fubmit to an impofition not agreed to by the
leeiflature. Moft of them were thrown into
pnfon- the goals were filled with illuftrious of-
fenders. All who petitioned the clemency of the
kin? were releafed ; but five gentlemen, Sir Tho-
mas Darnel, Sir John Corbet, Sir Walter Earl,
Sir lohn Heveningham, and- Sir Edmund Hamp-
den not only refufed to folicit the clemency of
his maiefty, but boldly demanded their releafe-
ment not as a favour from the court, but as a
right derived from the laws of their country. The
queftion was at laft folemnly argued in the courfc
of King's-bench, when it appeared, beyond con-
tradiction, that the perfonal liberty of the fubject
had been fccured againft the arbitrary power of
the crown by fix feveral acts of parliament, be-
fides an article of the Great Charter itfelf, the moft
facred foundation of the laws and conftitution of
England. The judges, however, thought proper
to remand the gentlemen to their prifons ; though
they refufed to enter a gener.il judgement, that no
Mil could be granted upon a commitment of the
king or council. 'But liberty lofes not her nature
by confinement ; her voice was heard from all
quarters of the kingdom.
Imprifonment was not the only engine em-
ployed by government to force the people to
fubmit to the arbitrary orders of the court : re-
courfe was alfo had to religious prejudices ; the
duty of unlimited obedience was preached from
the pulpit. Manwaring, one of his majefty's
chaplains, cliftinguifhed hirrifelf on this occafion.
Among other curious paffages in his elaborate
difcourfcs, the following are remarkable: "That
the king is not bound to obferve the laws of the
realm, concerning the fubjecls rights and liber-
ties ; but that his royal will and command in
•. impofing loans and taxes, without the common
[ confcnt of parliament, is fufficient to oblige the
conscience of the fubject, under pain of eternal
damnation. That thofe who refufed to pay this
loin, offended againft the law of God, and the
king's fupreme authority, and became guilty of
impiety, difloyalty, and rebellion. That the au-
thority of parliament is not neceffary for the railing
of aids and fubfidies ; and that the flow proceed-
ings of fuch numerous affemblies are nbt fitted for
the fupply of the ftate's urgent neceffities, but
would rather occafion many impediments to the
juft defigns of princes." Sibthorpe was another
divine that exerted all his abilities in recom-
mending the fame flavifh tenets. Abbot, arch-
bifhop of Canterbury, refufed to licence thefe
fermons. This was confidered as fo heindus an
offence, that the prelate was fufpended from the
exercife of his office, and confined to one of his
country-feats. This fequeft ration and confinement
of ttie firft peer and prelate of England, were
alarming monuments of Buckingham's power over
the mind of h'i: mafter. The archbifliop had
always acted with the greateft moderation, and was
confidered by the public as a fincere friend to the
liberties of his country ; but he could never be
brought to offer incenfe to the favourite minifter,
and this marked him out as an object of difgrace.
Even indifference in the Service of defpotic pur-
pofes, was now confidered as criminal by the go-
vernment. Sir Randal Carew was removed from
his poft of lord chief-juftice of the King's-bench,
for his coldnefs in promoting the loan ; and Wil-
liams, the late lord-keeper, whofe great abilities
had rendered him a favourite of the people, was
not fuffered to enjoy the retirement he had chofen.
He was confidered as an encourager of the pu-
ritans ; for every perfon who favoured the caufe of
liberty, whatever his religious tenets might be,
was branded with that epithet, and was con-
fidered by the minifter as an enemy to the go-
vernment.
While the people were thus bar- \ -r) f.
railed with perfecutions with regard ]
to the loan, vigorous preprations were making
for covering the feas with armaments. The duke
of Soubife, who was then in England, received a
commiffion from Charles for employing the fhips
fitted out by the Hugonots in his fervice, and for
cruifing on the Spaniards. This occafioned great
confufion in the bufinefs of the Englifh admiralty,
where it was difficult to diftinguifh between the
prizes
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
prizes made by the Englifh, and thofe taken by
the French proteftants. The French were in a
very bad condition to fupport a war againft
England; but all the catholics in the kingdom were
united, and dcfirous of exerting all their power
againft the enemies of their religion. On the other
hand, the unpopularity of Buckingham, the high
exertion of the prerogative, and the imprifonment
of fome of the worthieft men in England, rendered
the fincereft intentions of Charles diftruftcd : nothing
could be expected from the efforts of a nation di-
vided within it (elf. A fleet of one hundred fail,
having on board an army of feven thoufand men,
\vere fitted out for the invafion of France; and both
intrufted to the command of the duke of Bucking-
ham, though he was wholly unacquainted both with
the land and fea-fervice. When the fleet appeared
before llochelle ; the inhabitants of that city were
divided into two factions, one for the court of
France, and the other for the Englifli. The former
endeavoured to perfuade the people, that if the
Englifli were admitted into the town, they would,
by their great fuperiority at fea, feize the govern-
ment, and keep pofleflion of the place in defiance
of the whole power of France. The latter, which
was headed by the mother and fifter of the dukes of
Rohan and Soubife, oppofed thefe aflertions; de-
claring that the Englifli were their friends, and were
come to fupport their religious privileges. The
French party, however, prevailed, and it was de-
termined not to admit the Englifli. Buckingham,
who was furprized that the gates were not opened,
fent Soubife and Sir William Beecher afliore, but it
was not without difficulty they were permitted to
enter the gates. The council was immediately
aflembled, and Soubife did every thing in his power
to perfuade them of the friendly intentions of the
Englifli monarch, and that he had fitted this large
and expenfive armament purely for their fervice.
The council, however, thought proper to decline
their profered affiftance, under pretence that they
could not determine on an affair of fuch importance
without confultingthe whole body of the Hugonots.
Exafperated at this refufal, Buckingham determined
to make a defcent on the ifland of Rhe. It had
before been agreed between Soubife and Bucking-
ham, that the Englifli fliould land on Oleron, a
fertile and then defencelefs ifland, where refrefh-
ments of every kind might eafily be procured, and
the troops in no danger of any attack from the
enemy. But the Englifli general thought proper
to alter this plan of operations, and {rood, imme-
diately for the ifland of Rhe, then well garrifoned
and fortified. Had the military abilities of Buck-
ingham been equal to his perfonal courage, he
might have acquired immortal honour both to him-
felf and his country. Thoyras, the French general,
who commanded in the ifland, no fooner perceived
the Englifh were preparing to land, than he drew
out his forces to oppofe them; but imagining the
firft debarkation was only a feint to draw his atten-
tion to that quarter, while the main body of the
Englifh army was landed at another, he thought it
imprudent to attack them, till they were followed
by greater numbers. Thoyras now perceived his
miftake, and marched immediately to give them
battle ; but the Englifh volunteers jumping afliore,
and performing wonders in their own perfons, fo
animated the fbldiers, that they prefled forward
with theutmoft intrepidity, and put the enemy to
flight, though far fuperior in numbers. Soubife,
who was an excellent foldier, advifed Buckingham
to purfue his victory, and immediately attack the
caftle of St. Martin's. Had this prudent advice
been followed, there is the greateft reafon to think
that the attempt would have fucceeded ; but Buck-
ingham .pretended that it would be imprudent to
march his troops again It that fortrefs, till intelli-
gence could be procured of the flrength of the
enemy. By this dilatory method of proceeding five
days were loft to the Englifli, and that lofs was
irretrievable. He alfo neglected to take fort Prie,
which was then but meanly garrifoned, and being
fituated on the fhore, would have afforded an ex^
cellent retreat, in cafe of accident, to the Englifh. #
On the tvventy-feventh of July, he opened his
trenches before St. Martin's, and was fo confident
of fuccefs, that he affured the king by exprefs, he
would be mafter of the caftle in eight days time.
This occafioned a ridiculous proclamation to be
publiflied in England, for encouraging people to
tranfport themfelves and their families to the ifland
of Rhe. But Buckingham was not born to fliinc
in a camp. Though determined to ftarve the gar-
rifon into a furrender, he took fo little care to guard
the feas, that the French found means to throw
ammunition and provifions into the place. It was
now perceived, that the taking the caftle would not
be fo eafy a talk as imagined ; he endeavoured there-
fore to make himfelf mafter of fort Pri« ; but the
garrifon had been reinforced, and the attempt mif-
carricd. The French had now in the ifland an
army under the command of marfhal Schomberg,
fuperror in numbers to that of the Englifh ; and
Buckingham determined to make an attack upon
the place, in order to put an end to the fiege by
one defperate attempt. He had been informed by
fome French deferters, that there were no more than
eight hundred foldiers in the caltle, and that the
curtain towards the fea was but poorly fortified.
It was therefore refolved to ftorm the curtain with-
out attempting to make any breach in the wall.
The army was accordingly divided into two bodies,
one of which was to attack the caftle on the land
fide, and the other on the fea. The latter was the
principal attack, and it was propofed to mount the
curtain with their fcaling ladders. But the mea-
fures were fo improperly taken, that there were no
hopes of fuccefs. The French immediately per-
ceived their intention, and fuffered them to advance
to the foot of the curtain, where the Englifli foon
pereived their ladders were too fliort for fcaling
the wall. They behaved, however, in both attacks
with amazing intrepidity, but were at lafl obliged
to retreat with the lofs of five hundred men killed,
and fifty taken prifoners. The French were, how-
ever,-convinced by this fpecimen of Britifh valour,
that it would be dangerous to attack them in the
open field; Schomberg did not chufe to prefs
clofely fo brave an enemy. After this mifcarriage
it was fufficiently evident that any farther attack
upon the caftle would be the height of imprudence ;
and Buckingham accordingly began his march in
excellent order towards his mips, intending to pafs
through a hollow way, the only paflage by which
he could retreat. The French army under mai fhal
Schomberg followed him at a diftance. Bucking-
ham perceived it, and offered the marfhal battle,
which he declined, and the Englifh continued
their march towards the hollow way, their rear,
by fome ftrange neglect, confifting only of the in-
fignificant guard of eighty horfe. When the Englifli
had advanced a confiderable diftance in the hollow
way, they were attacked by the French cavalry,
who forced the Englifh rear-guard to break the
ranks of their own men, and there being no room
for the forcmoft battallions to form, a general rout
enfued. But they had no fooner pafled the hollow
way, than they faced about, and once more offered
the marfhal battle, notwithstanding the great lofs
they had fuftained. Schomberg was too prudent to
venture a general engagement ; he retired with his
army, and Buckingham embarked his forces, after
lofing near two thirds of his army. Thus ended an
expedition which totally difcredited Buckingham,
both as an admiral arid a foldier j he acquired no
praife
H
R
E
I.
409
praife but that vulgar one of courage and perfonal
bravery. If he was unpopular before, he was now
detefted by the people ; the enemy triumphed in the
narrow feas, and infulted the Englifh in their own
harbours. The inhabitants of Rochelle, who had
declared for the Englifh, were now in the moft
dreadful fituation. They were threatened with an
immediate fiegc from their enraged mafter, and had
expended great part of their provifions in fubfifting
Buckingham's forces on the ifland of Rhe. The
deputies from that city were loud in their com-
plaints ; but fo greatly was Charles infatuated with
Buckingham, that all their inftances, joined with the
general voice of his people, could not prevail upon
him to cenfurc lu's conduct. Something, however,
muft be done to filence the clamours of the people.
They believed their liberties had been raviflied
from them, and illegal taxes extorted. They faw
their commerce daily declining, and the military
honours, tranfmitted to them by their ancedors,
fhamefully ftained, by two ill-concerted and unfuc-
cefsful expeditions. They dreaded the calamities
of a war carried on agaiaft two of the moft powerful
kingdoms in Europe, and feared for their domeftic
fafety from the general clamour excited in every
part of the nation. Thefe evils were folely afcribed
to the obftinacy of the king in adhering to the
counfcls of Buckingham, whofe abilities were far
from cleferving fuch implicit confidence. The only
expedient that offered to relieve the government
from this embarraffing fituation, was that of calling
a parliament. It was expected that the mifcarriage
of the attempt upon Rhe would be feverely cen-
fured, and the duke's conduct made the fubjedt of
the clofeft fcrutiny. Sir Robert Cotton therefore
advifed his majefty, that Buckingham fhould make
a .motion in the council for aflembling the parlia-
ment; hoping that by his appearing to favour a
meafure fo highly agreeable to the people, his
former faults would be forgotten.
AD K On the feventeenth of March, the
parliament was opened by a fpeech
from the throne, in which the king very pathetically
enumerated the neceflities of the government, and
required the affiftance of his parliament ; but con-
• eluded with fairly telling the commons, *' that if
they did not do their duty in contributing to the
neceflities of the ftate, he muft, in difcharge of
his confcience, ufe thofe other means which God
had put into his hands, in order to fave that, which
the follies of a few particular men may otherwife
endanger. Take not this as a threatening, added
he, for I fcorn to threaten any but my equals ; but
as an admonition from him, who, by nature and
duty has moft care of your prcfervation and profpe-
rity." Having finifhed'his fpeech, the lord-keeper by
the king's command, laid before the houfe the ftate
of affairs of Europe, and the motives which in-
duced the king to attempt the reduction of the dan-
gerous power of the houfe of Auftria, and to inter-
pofe between the French king and his protcftant
.fuhjefts. He obferved, that the powers which ufed
to balance the alarming greatnefs of the houfe
of Auftria, were now 'otherwife employed ; the
Turk in an Afiatic war, and the Swede in a war
with Poland, fermented by Spain ; that the king of
Denmark -was already ftripped of great part of his
dominions, and the houfe of Auftria on the point of
being matters of all the fea-coafts between Dant-
zick and Embdcn : that they were arming all the
fliips they can procure in the Baltic feas, and en-
deavouring to engage the Hanfe Towns in their
quarrel, in ord&r to deprive the Englifh of the Eaft-
land trade, and make themfelves matters of the fea,
without {hiking a blow : that the fleets of France
and Spain, were preparing in conjunction to ruin
our fimery, and to render it dangerous for our
merchant {hips to pafs from one part of the king-
No. 39.
dom to another : that a large armament was fitting
out at Lifbon, in order, as there is the grcatett
reafon to fear, to make a defcent either in Eng-
land or Ireland. He then ftrongly recommended
unity, as the only means of difappointing the in-
tentions of the enemy, and preffed them in the moft
carneft manner to affift the government, as the moft
conftitutional method of impofing the neceffary
taxes. " This way of parliamentary fupplies, added
he, as his majefty told you, he hath chofen, not as
the only way, but as the fittelt ; not becaufe he is
deftitute of others, but becaufe it is moft agreeable,
to the goodnefs of his moft gracious difpofition, and
to the defire and weal of his people. If this be de-
ferred, neceffity and the {'word of the enemy make
way to others. Remember his majefty's admo-
nition, I fay remember it." Notwithftanding the
members of this parliament were mei) of the fame
independent fpirit with their predeeeffors, and pof-
fefled of fuch large eftates, that it was computed
their riches lurpaiTed three times that of the houfe
of peers ; though they were all inflamed with the
love of liberty, and many of them had fuffered by
the violent meafuresof thegovernment ; yet they en-
tered upon bufinefs with great temper and decorum.
They feared that the king, difgufted with popular
aflemblies, wanted only a fair pretence, offered by
any incident or undutiful behaviour of the mem-
bers, to govern alone with a defpotic power ; and
fliould that ever happen, no remedy could be hoped
for, but from infurrection and civil war, of which
thr event would be extremely uncertain, and muft,
at all events, prove infinitely diftrefling to the whole
nation. Decency of conduct was therefore abfo-
lutely neceffary to carry on the great work of re-
formation in the government, and to pafs fame
laws which might fecure the privileges of parlia-
ment, and the liberties of the people. At the fame
time they did not propofe to fuffer calmly the
grievances under which the nation had lately
groaned. They knew that the conftitution of their
country was at ftake, and that every effort muft be
exerted in its defence. The cry of liberty was
therefore ecchocd in the houfe of commons as it
had anciently been in the Roman fenate. " We
are called here by his majefty, faid Sir Francis
Seymore, to give him faithful counfel, fuch as may
conduce to his honour and dignity, and we ought
to do it without flattery. We are fent here by the
people to deliver them from their grievances, and
we ought to do it without fear. Not to be dif-
pofed to part with life and fortune when the in-
tereft of our king and country required the fact ifice,
were not to be good fubjects ; but, on the other
hand, to fuffer our property to be taken from us,
inconfiftently with liberty, our inclination, and the
laws of our country, this were to be flaves. While
we oppofe fuch encroachments, we tread only in
the fteps of our great anceftors, who always pre-
ferred the public to their private intereft, nay, even
to their very lives. It will be the higheft injury to
ourfelves, to our pofterity, to our confciences, if we
forego this claim and pretenfion." " I can live, faid
Sir Robert Philips, though another, who has no
right, be joined with me; -nay, I can live, though
burthencd with impofitions, beyond what at pre-
fent I labour under: but to have my liberty, which
is the foul of my life, ravifhed from me ; to have
my perfon pent up in a goal, without relief from
law, and to be fo adjudged,— O ! improvident an-
ceftors ! O ! unwife forefathers ! to be fo careful in
providing for the quiet poffeffion of our lands, and
the liberties of parliament; and, at the fame time,
to neglect our perfonal liberty, and fuffer us to lie
in pnfon during pleafure, without redrefs or re-
medy ! If this be law, why do we talk of liberties ?
Why trouble ourfelves with difputes about a con-
ftitution, franchifes, property of goods, and the
5 M llke ?
410
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
like ? What may any man call his own, if not the
liberty of his perfon ?" " The fame evil, added Sir
Thomas Wentworth, affects the king and the peo-
ple, and the fame remedy muft heal it. We are to
defend, — what? — any new object?— no — our an-
cient, our legitimate, ourvital liberties; wemuft con-
firm the laws eftabliflied by our anceftors ; we muft
put fuch a feal to them, as no licentious fpirit mail
dare to break." The whole houfe agreed in thefe
noble and generous fentiments ; even the court
party the'mfelves did not pretend to offer any thing
but the plea of neceffity in defence of the late
meafures purfued by the miniftry, and to which the
king had been reduced by the obftinacy of the two
laft parliaments. No oppofition was therefore
made to a vote againft arbitrary imprifonments and
forced loans. This being pafled, the houfe unani-
moufly voted the king five fubfidies. This fupply,
though not equal to his wants, fatisfied his majefty,
and even the tears of affection ftarted from his eyes,
when he was informed of this concefllon in the
commons. Yet, though the fupply was voted, the
bill neceflary to give it the force of a law was not
yet pafled, and the commons, in order to have time
fuflkient to confider the grievances of the nation,
appointed a committee to prepare the model of fo
important a ftatute, before any draught of it was
laid before the houfe. Some of the commons were,
indeed, for pafling the fubfidy bill with as much ex-
pedition as the nature of the fubjedt would admit,
before the grievances of the kingdom were taken into
confideration ; but this was oppofed by others with
all the enthufiaftic warmth of true patriotic zeal.
Mr. Crefwell, a young gentleman of the law, de-
livered his fentiments in a very mafterly manner.
" Give me leave, faid he, to refemble juftice to Ne-
buchadnezzar's tree ; for flie is fo great that me
fhades at once the palace of the prince, the houfe of
the noble, and the cottage of the beggar. If there-
fore • either the blafts of indignation, or neceffity,
the irreiiftiblc violator of laws, hath fo bruifed any
part of the branches of this tree, that either our
perfons, goods, or poffeffions have not the fame
flielter as before, let us not for that reafon, neglect
the root of this lovely plant ; but rather ufe every
poffible endeavour to apply to it frefh ' and fertile
mould, and to water it even with our tears, that
thefe bruifed branches may be recovered, and the
whole tree once more profper and flourifli.
" I well know that kings, though they are only
men before the Almighty, are gods among the peo-
ple : and therefore to my gracious and dread fo-
vereign, whofe virtues are ingenerate both in his
judgment and nature, let my arm be cut off, nay,
let not my foul furvive the clay that I mail dare to
lift up my hand to touch thofe forbidden produc-
tions, thofe flowers of his princely crown and dia-
dem. But yet, in our Eden, in this garden of the
commonwealth, as there are flowers of the fun
which are too glorious to be touched by any but
the hands of royal majefty ; fo are there alfo fome
daifies and wholefome herbs, which every common
hand that lives and labours in this garden, may
pick and gather up, may take comfort and repofe
in them. Among all thefe, this eye of day, this
lovely liberty, is, perhaps, the principal. This
fhould be cultivated with the utmoft care, nor
mould any confideration, not even the frowns of
power, prevail upon us to abandon its culture."
The fpeeches of thefe patriots prevailed ; and a
committee was appointed to draw up the form of
fome ftatute, which having obtained the force of a
law, might form a fufiicient barrier to their rights
and liberties, fo lately violated. Forced loans, be-
nevolences, taxes without confent of parliament,
arbitrary imprifonments, billetting foldiers in pri-
vate houfes* and the impofition of martial law, were
the grievances complained of, and againft thefe an
eternal remedy was to be provided. At laft the fa-
mous petition of right was drawn up, and prefented
to the lords for their concurrence ; that having thus
obtained the fanclion of both houfes, it might have
the force of an act of parliament, as foon as it re-
ceived the royal affent. Charles ufed every art to
divert this fatal blow to an unlimited prerogative.
He repeated his meffages to the commons •, "he en-
deavoured to gain over ibme by promifes of favour,
and to terrify others by threats. All the' eloquence
of the crown lawyers was exhaufted to deftroy the
principles upon which the petition was founded ;
and, as the laft refource, the king wrote a letter to
the lords, informing them, that" he could not give
up the point of committing offenders to prifon in
matters of ftate, without exprefling the caufes, as
that method muft be often attended with the moft
dangerous confequences, fuch delinquents being
generally beyond the reach of the ordinary courts
of judicature. He promifed, however, to be very
tender of his people's privileges, and to commit
none for the future for refufing to lend money, and
that the caufes of all commitments fhould be ex-
preffed as foon as it could be done with fafety.
This letter, together with the influence of the court
party in the houfe of peers, had great effect on their
proceedings ; and fix weeks were fpent in hearing
the pleadings of the king's council againft, and the
arguments of the commons for, the petition of
right. During the whole time of the dependence
of this petition, the court party did every thing in
their power to difconcert the commons in their
procedings j and in a conference between the two
houfes, the archbifliop of Canterbury, who was
fincerely defirous of effecting an union between the
king and the commons, propofed, for the fake of
peace, to throw the fubftance of the petition into
the form of proportions, to be prefented by both
houfes to the king for his confent. Thefe pro-
pofitions were the following :
" i., That his majefty would be pleafed gracioufly
to declare, that the good old law called Magna
Charta, and the fix ftatutes conceived to be declara-
tions, or explanations of that law, continue ftill in
force to all intents and purpofes.
" 2. That his majefty would be pleafed gracioufly
to declare, that according to Magna Charta, and
the ftatutes aforefaid, as alfo according to the moft
ancient cuftoms and laws of this land, every free
fubject of this realm hath a fundamental property
in his goods, and a fundamental property in his
perfon.
" 3. That his majefty would be pleafed gracioufly
to declare, that it is his royal pleafure to ratify and
confirm unto all, and every his faithful and loyal
fubjects, all their ancient, feveral juft liberties,
privileges and rights, in as ample and beneficial a
manner, to all intents and purpofes, as their an-
ceftors did enjoy the fame, under the government
of the beft of his moft noble progenitors.
" 4. That his majefty would be pleafed moft gra-
cioufly to declare, for the good contentment of his
loyal fubjecls, and for the fecuring them from fu-
ture fears, that in all caufes within the cognizance
of the common law, and concerning the liberties of
his fubjects, his majefty would proceed according
to the laws eftablifhed in the kingdom, and in no
other manner.
:' 5. And as touching his majefty's royal prero-
gative, intrinfical to his fovereignty, and intruded
him from God ad communem totius popull fahttem, et
non ad de/lruflionem, his majefty would refolve riot
to ufe or divert the fame to the prejudice of any of
his loyal people, in the property of their goods, or
liberty of their perfons. And in cafe, for the fe-
curity of his majefty's perfon, the common fafety
of his people, or the peaceable government of his
kingdom, his majefty fliall find juft caufe to im-
prifon
G H
R
I.
411
prifon or reftrain any man's perfon, his majefty
would gracioufly declare, that within a convenient
time, he mail and will exprefs the caufe of his com-
mitment, or reftraint, either general or fpecial ; and
upon a caufe fo exprefTcd, will leave him imme-
diately to be tried, according to the common
juftice of the kingdom."
The commons made ufe of every reafon in their
power to convince the peers that thefe propofitions
were not fufficient to fecure the liberty of the
fubject ; a poiitive law only, in which the rights of
the people were fully defined and ftrongly ailerted,
could anfwer the intended purpofe. Their reafons
at laft prevailed. The lords confented to the peti-
tion of right, but propofed to fubjoin to it the fol-
lowing claufe: " We humbly prefent this petition
to your majefty, not only with a^care of preferving
our own liberties, but with due regard to leave en-
tire that fovereign power, with which your majefty
is entrufted for the protection, fafety, and happinefs
of your people." It required not the penetration of
the leaders of the commons to perceive, that this
claufe, if fuffered to be added to the petition of right,
would be fufficient to elude its whole force; and it
was therefore unanimoufly rejected. " If, faid Sir
Thomas Wentworth, we admit this addition, we
fhall leave the fubjecl: in a worfe ftate than we found
him, and receive little thanks for our labour when
we return home. Let us leave all power to his
majefty to punifti malefactors ; but thefe laws are
not acquainted with fovereign power ; we defire no
new thing, nor do we offer to trench upon his
majefty's prerogative; we may not recede from this
petition, either in part or in whole." Another con-
ference was therefore held with the lords, where
thefe reafons were thought fatisfactory : the petition
of right paffed both houfes of parliament, and is as
follows :
" To the king's moft excellent majefty,
I. " Humbly fhew to our fovereign lord the
king, the lords fpiritual and temporal, and com-
mons, in parliament affembled, That whereas it is
declared and enacted, by a ftatute made in the
reign of king Edward I. commonly called Statutum
de "iallagio non concedendo, that no tallage or aid mail
be levied by the king or his heirs in this realm,
without the good- will and aflent of the archbifhops,
bifhops, earls, barons, knights, burgeffes, and other
the freemen of the commonalty of this realm : and
by authority of parliament holden in the five and
twentieth year of the reign of king Edward III. it
is declared and enacted, That, from thenceforth,
no perfon mail be compelled to make any loans
to the king againft his will, becaufe fuch loans were
againft reafon, and the franchife of the land : and,
by other laws of this realm, it is provided, that
none mould be charged by any charge or impofition
called a benevolence, or by fuch like charge : by
which the ftatutes before-mentioned, and other the
good laws and ftatutes of this realm, your fubjects
have inherited this freedom, that they fliould not
be compelled to any tax, tallage, aid, or other like
charge, not fet by common confent in parliament.
II. " Yet, neverthelefs, of late^ divers commiffions
directed to fundry commiffioners in feveral counties,
with inftructions, have iflued ; by means whereof
your people have been in divers place aflembled,
and required to lend certain fums of money unto
your majefty ; and many of them, upon their refufal
fo to do, have had an oath adminiftercd to them
not warrantable by the laws and ftatutes of this
realm ; and have been conftrained to become bound
to make appearance before your privy council, and
in other places; and others of them have been
• therefore imprifoned, confined, and fundry other
ways molefted and difquieted : and divers other
charges have been laid and levied upon your peo-
ple, in feveral counties, by lord- lieutenants, de-
puty-lieutenants, commiffioncrs for muftcrs, juftices
of peace, and others, by command or direction from
your majefty, or your privy-council, againft the
laws and free cuftoins of this realm.
III. " And whereas alfo, by the ftatute called
The Great Charter of the Liberties of England, it
is declared and enacted, That no freeman may be
.taken or imprifoned, or be diffeized of his freehold
or liberties, or his free cuftoms, to be outlawed or
exiled, or in any manner deftroyed, but by the
lawful judgment of his peers, pr by the law of the
land.
IV. " And in the eight and twentieth year of the
reign of king Edward III. it was declared and
enacted, by authority of parliament, Thatnomatti
of what ftate or condition that he be, fliould be
put out of his lands or tenements, nor taken,
nor imprifoned, nor diflieritecl, nor put to death,
without being brought to anfwer by due pfOcefs of
law.
V. " Neverthelefs, againft the tenor of the faicl
ftatutes, and other the good laws and flatutes of
your realm to that end^provided, divers of your
fubjects have of late been imprifoned without any
caufe fhewed ; and when, for their deliverance, they
were brought before juftice, by your majefty's writs
of habeas corpus, there to undergo and receive as
the court fliould order, and their keepers com-
manded to certify the caufes of their detainer, no
caufe was certified, but that they- were detained by
your majefty's fpecial ccmmancl, fignificd by the
lords of your privy-council ; and yet were returned
back to feveral prifons, without being charged with
any thing to which they might make anfwer ac-
cording to law.
VI. " And whereas, of late, great companies of
foldiers and mariners have been difperfed in divers
counties of the realm, and the inhabitants, againft
their wills, have been compelled to receive them
into their houfes, and there to fuffer them to fo-
journ, againft the laws and cuftoms of this realm,
and to the great grievance and vexation of the
people.
VII. " And whereas alfo, by authority of parlia-
ment, in the five and twentieth year of the reign
of king Edward III. it is defired and enacted,
That no man fliould be forejudged of life or limb
againft the form of the great charter and law of the
land : and by the faid great charter, and other the
laws and ftatutes of this your realm, no man ought
to be judged to death but by the laws eftabliflied
in this your realm, either by the cuftoms of the
fame realm, or by acts of parliament : and whereas
no offender, of what kind foever, is exempted from
the proceedings to be ufed, and punifhments to be
inflicted by the laws and ftatutes of this your realm :
neverthelefs, of late, divers commiffions, under
your majefty's great leal, have iffued forth, by
which certain perfons have been affigned and ap-
pointed commiffioners, with power and authority,
to proceed within the land, according to the juftica
of martial law, againft fuch foldiers and mariners,
or other difiblute perfons joining with them, as
fliould commit any murther, robbery, felony, mu-
tiny, or other outrage or mifdemeanor whatfoever,
and by fuch fummary courfe and order as is agree-
able to martial law, and as is ufed in armies in
time of war, to proceed to the trial and condem-
nation of fuch offenders, and them to caufe to be
executed and put to death according to the law
martial.
VIII. " By pretext whereof fome of your ma-
jefty's fubjects have been, by fome of the faid com-
miffioners, put to death, when and where, if, by
che laws and ftatutes of the realm, they had de-
ferved death, by the fame laws and ftatutes alfo they
might, and by no 'other ought, to have been judged
and executed.
IX, •" And
412
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
IX. " And alfo fundry grievous offenders, by
colour thereof claiming an exemption, have efcaped
the punifliments due to them by the laws and
lutes of this your realm, by reafon that divers of
your officers and rniniftcrs of juftice have unjuftly
refufed or for born to proceed againft fuch offen-
ders, according to the fame laws and ftatutes, upon
pretence that "the faid offenders were punifliable
only by martial law, and by authority of fuch
commiffioners as afore (aid ; which commiflions,
and all other of like nature, were wholly and di-
rectly contrary to the faid laws and ft atutes of your
realm.
X. " They do therefore humbly pray your molt
excellent majefty, that no man hereafter be com-
pelled to make or yield any gift, loan, benevolence,
tax, or fuch like charge, without common confcnt,
by aft of parliament; and that none be called to
make anfwer, or take fuch oath, or to give at-
tendance, or be confined, or otherwife molefted or
difquieted concerning the fame, or for refufal
thereof: and that no freeman, in any fuch manner,
as is before mentioned, be imprifoned or detained:
and that your majetty would be pleafed to remove
the faid foldiers and mariners, and that your peo-
ple may not be fo burthenfome in time to come :
and that the aforefaid commiflions, for proceeding
by martial law, may be revoked and annulled :
and that hereafter no commiffions of like nature
may iflue forth, to any perfon or perfons whatfo-
ever, to be executed as aforefaid, left, by colour of
them, any of your majefty's fubjeds be deftroyed,
or put to death, contrary to the laws and franchife.
of the land.
XI. " All which they moft humbly pray of your
moft excellent majefty, as their rights and liber-
ties, according to the laws and ftatutes of this
realm : and that your majefty would alfo vouchsafe
to declare, That the awards, doings, and proceed-
ings to the prejudice of your people, in any of the
premifles, fhall not be drawn hereafter into confc-
quence or example : and that your majefty would
alfo be pleafed, for the further comfort and fafety
of your people, to declare your royal will and
pleafure, That in the things aforefaid, all your
officers and minifters fliall ferve you according to
the laws and ftatutes of this realm, as they tender
the honour of your Majefty, and the profperity of
this kingdom."
The king's aflent only was now wanting to
give this famous petition of right the force of a
law. To this end -Charles came to the houfe of
peers, and fent for the commons,; when, being
ieated on his throne, the petition was read to him ;
but the king, inftead of the ufual, concife, and clear,
form, by which a bill is either confirmed or rejected,
gave 'this anfwer, " The king willeth that right
be done, according to the laws and cuftoms of the
realm; and the ftatutes be put into execution, that
his fubjefts may have no caufe to complain of any
\vrong or oppreffion, contrary to their juft rights
and liberties, to the prefervation whereof, he holds
himfelf in confcience, as much obliged, as of his
own prerogative." It is ftrange that the king, after
having excited the jealoufy of the commons, by his
frequent evafive meflages in relation to this bill,
could imagine, that they would be fatisfied with an
anfwer fo vague and undetermined. The commons
returned to the houfe in a very ill tumour. A
gloomy filence for fome time prevailed. Several
leading members burft into tears. Their confter-
nation was increafed, when Sir John Elliot deliver-
ing his fentiments, in his ufual manner, againft the
minifter, was flopped by the fpeaker, who declared
that he was ordered to fuffer no fuch fpeeches to be
continued. Upon this the houfe came to the fol-
lowing refolution, " That £very member of that
houfe is free from any undutiful fpeech from the
3
beginning of parliament unto this day j and it was
ordered, that no member prefume to leave the
houfe on pain of being fcnt to the Tower." This
refolution being pafled, the fpeaker, at his own re-
quell, was permitted to leave the houfe, and the
debate re-commenced in the committee with greater
vigour than ever. Sir Edward Coke, after an ela-
borate detail of the power and privileges of parlia-
mcut, thus proceeded: " What fliall we do? Let
us palliate no longer ; if we do, God will not prof-
per us. I think the duke of Buckingham is the
caufe of all our miferies, and till the king be in-
formed thereof, we fliall never go out with honour,
or fit with honour here : that man is the grievance
of grievances ; let us fct down the caufes of our
clifdllers, and all will reflect on him," This fpeech
was received with loud applaufe, and every part of
the houfe rang with approving acclamations. Mr.
Sclden aclvifed, that a declaration fhoujd be drawn
up under four heads : i. To exprefs the dutiful be-
haviour of the houfe towards his majefty. 2. To re-
prcfcnt, that their liberties were violated. 3. To
exprefs what was the real intention of the houfe.
4. That the duke of Buckingham, fearing left he
might bequeftioned, interpofed, and occafioned this
dilti action. " -All this time, continued he, we have
caft a mantle over what was done in the laft parlia-
ment ; but being forced now again to look upon
that man, let us proceed with what was then well
begun, and let the charge be renewed that was made
againft him laft parliament." During thefe debates,
the fpeaker was with the king, informing him of the
fenfe and difpoiltion of the houfe. Chailes was in
the utmoft perplexity how to behave in this alarm-
ing ci iiis ; but undei Handing by another meflenger,
thut the commons were upon the point of naming
Buckingham as the author of all their grievances,
he lent back the fpeaker, who obtained a refpite of
their ptoccedings till the next clay. Charles fpent
the intermediate fpace in meditating what anfwer
. he fliould return to the joint addrefs of both houfes
for a more fatisfactory anfwer to their petition of
right. Nothing can more effectually juftify the
fteadinefs of this parliament, in the fupport of their
natural lights, than the king's open encouragement
and avowal of fuch general principles, as were en-
tiiely inconiiftent with a limited government. Dr.
Manwaring had preached a fermon, which upon
enquiry had btcn found to be printed by the king's
fpecial command, though it contained doctrines
lubverfive of all civil liberty ; maintaining, that
though property was commonly lodged with the
fubject, yet, whenever a fupply was required, all
property was transferred to the crown ; that the
content of parliament was not neccffary for the im-
pofition of taxes ; and that the divine laws required
a compliance with every demand, how irregular
foever, which the prince fliould make upon his fub-
jects. The commons impeached Manwaring for
thefe doctrines ; and the peers pafied fentcnce on
that hireling, that he fliould be imprifoned durim
the pleafure of the houfe ; be fined a thoufanc
pounds to the king ; make acknowledgment ant
fubmifiion for his offence ; be fufpended durim
three years ; be incapable of holding any feculs
office ; and that his book be called in and burned.
Yet no fooner was the feffion ended, than this man,
fo juftly obnoxious to both houfes, received a par-
don, and was promoted to a living of confiderabl
value.
"When the commons met the next day, they pro-
ceeded to cenfure the conduct of Buckingham,
whole name they had hitherto forborn to mention.
In vain did the king fend them a meflage, to let
them know, that the feffion was drawing near to
conclufion, and to defire them not to enter upor
new bufineis, nor to caft any afperfions on his go-
vernment and miniftry. The commons refumec
their
HAR
E
their intended declaration ; and the king, to
prevent the ftorm which was impending over the
head ok the duke, thought proper, upon a joint
application of the lords and commons, to give
them fatisfaction with regard to the petition of
right •, and going to the houfe of peers after the
petition had been again read, the king confirmed
it in due form, by laying, foit drolt faife comme II
e/t i/e/ire, " Let it be law as is deiired :" Upon
\vhich the commons gave a general and loud
upplaufe, and a univerlal joy was diffufed through-
out the whole nation. The fubjecl of a fupply was
now entered upon, and a bill for five fubfidies,
•which had been formerly voted, immediately pafled
the houfe; after which the commons continued
their fcrutiny into the many innovations which had
been lately made on the liberties of the fubjcct ;
and particularly of the illegal power the king had
aflumed of exacting tonnage and poundage, with-
out having received that grant from parliament.
A remonftrance on this fubjecl: was prepared ; and
•while it was reading in the lower houfe, Charles
came fuddenly to the upper, and fending for the
commons, ended the feffion by a prorogation, with
the following fpeech from the throne." " It may
feem ftrangc, that I came fo fuddenly to end this
leffion, before I give my affent to the bills ; I will
tell you the caufe, though I muft avow, that I
owe the account of my actions to God al^one. It
is known to every one, that a while ago, the houfe
I of commons gave me a remonftrance, how ac-
ceptable every man may judge, and for the merit
of it, I will not call that in queftion ;' for I am
fure no wife man can juftify it. Now, fince I am
informed a feconcl remonftrance is preparing for
me, to take away the profit of my tonnage and
poundage, one of the chief maintenances of my
crown, by alledging I have given away my right
thereto, by my anfwer to your petition ; this is
ib prejudicial to me, that I am forced to end this
feffion Ibme few hours before I meant, being not
willing to receive any more remonftrances to which
L mult give an harm anfwer. And fince I fee,
that even the houfe of commons begin already to
make falfe conftructions of what I granted in your
petition, left it be worfe interpreted in the country,
1 will now make a declaration concerning the true
intent thereof. The profeflion of both houfes, in
the time of forming this petition, was no way to
trench upon my prerogative, faying, they had
neither intention nor power to hurt it". Therefore
it muft needs be conceived, that I have granted
no new, but only confirmed the antient liberties of
my iubjects. Yet to {hew the clearnefs of my in-
tentions, that I neither repent, nor mean to recede
irom any thing I have promifed you, I do here
declare myfelf, that thofe things which have been
done, whereby many have had fome caufe to
expect the liberties of the fubject to be trenched
upon, which was indeed the firft and true ground
or. the petition, mall not hereafter be drawn into
example for your prejudice ; and from time to
time, on the word of a king, ye mall not have the
like caufe to complain. But as for tonnage and
poundage, it is a thing I cannot want, and was
never intended by you to afk, nor meant by me, I
am fure, to grant. To conclude, I command you
all that are here to take notice of what 1 have
fpoken at this time, to be the true intent and
meaning of what I granted you in your petition ;
but efpecially you, my lords, the judges, for to
you only, under me, belongs the interpretation of
laws-, for none of the houfes of parliament, either
joint or feparate (what new doctrine foever may be
railed) have any power either to make or declare a
law, without my confcnt."
'I he war carried on againft France and Spain,
afforded the nation a very melancholy profpect.
No. 39.
The firft exploit ih which the miniftry engaged,
after the prorogation of the parliament, was an
attempt to relieve Rochelle, which had for fome
time been invefted ; and it was apparent by
Richelieu's taking the fiege upon himfelf, that he
intended to exterminate the Hugono'ts, whofe
whole clependance was now upon the Englifh'.
Lord Denbigh, brother-in-law to Buckingham,
was fent with a fleet, confifting of ten mips of the
line, and fixty fmaller veffels, to fuccour the be-
neged, with a recruit of men and provifions. In
the beginning of May the English fleet anchored
m the road of Rochelle. On the eighth a fhallop,
by means of a high tide, and a ftrong favourable
wind, got fafe into the harbour, and carried the
news of their arrival. Immediately the inhabi-
tants erected fignals on the top of their towers,
and difcharged their cannon, to fhew that they
were ready to favour, by a diverfion, the entrance
of the deflined fuccours. The Englifh admiral
found the harbour guarded by a great number of
French mips; and promifed the Rochellers that
he would, upon the return of the tide, attack the
fleet of the enemy. During the night, a battery
of nine pieces of cannon was creeled at the mouth
of the harbour, and played furioufly On the Englifh ;
and before noon the next clay, the French mips
were filled with troops ; an army of land forces
was drawn up on the ihore to oppofe their landing,
and all the neceffary difpofitions were made for a
vigorous defence, in cafe any attack mould be
made by the Engliih. Thefe difficulties did not
however intimidate Denbigh ; he prepared to
relieve the place, and to fink the French mips that
guarded the pafiage into the harbour; but the
wind changing, he was obliged to lay aftde his
defign. Turee days after he attacked the French
mips on one fide, while the Rochellers cannonaded
their land forces on the other, and brought up
four of their largeft veflels, which had been pur-
pofely built to draw as little water as poflible, in
order to pafs the bar ; but found the attempt im-
practicable, not only for want of water, but alfo
from the difpofitions the French had made to
defend the paffage. Upon this mifcarriage a
council of war was held, in which the majority of
Englifh captains gave it as their opinion, that the
Rochellers had deceived them in their account of
the facility of the enterprize •, but the vice-admiral,
and another officer named Car, exclaimed againft
the backwardnefs of the reft ; and the French
proteftants in the fleet, whofe whole force con-
fided only of twenty two fmall veflels, offered
with the affiftance of four merchant fhips well
armed, and three fire mips, to throw fuccours
into the place; and agreed to pay for all the
Englifh fliips that might mifcarry in the attempt.
Denbigh excufed himfelf by pretending that it
was impracticable ; and by infifting on the words
. of his commiffion, which were not to fight unlefs
firft attacked by the enemy : and notwithftanding
the tears and prayers of the deputies from Ro-
chelle, he refufed to give any relief to that
diftrefled town, and returned to England, where
he was loaded with difgrace. Thus, by a com-
plication of treachery, ignorance, and cowardice,
the expedition was rendered abortive.
Buckingham, by this difhonour, and the re-
monftrmces of the commons againft him, per-
ceived plainly his dreadful fituation ; and found
the wings of royal authority, not fufficient to
fhelter him from the ftorm which threatened to
overwhelm him. He faw that no efforts of his
own, no conceflions of his mafter, could recover
his credit, and that nothing lefs than his blood
could fatisfy his enemies. He therefore threw
afide all other confiderations, and refolved, if
poflible, to fignalize himfelf, and recover the
5 N favour
4'4
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
favour of the people, however he might ftand
with that of the parliament. He accordingly
caufed, for the relief of Rochelle, ten mips of a
particular form, and peculiarly adapted to pafs
the bar, to be got ready with the utmoft expe-
dition, and made the necefiary difpatches for {ail-
ing, to relieve that place, now reduced to the laft
extremity. But a fixed gloom was fettled on his
countenance : he appeared abroad with omens of
misfortune in his afpect; his unfteady motions;
his dark expreflions ; his earneftly recommending
his wife and children to Charles-, his frequent
folitary entertainments with his mother ; his rea-
flections on the tender ties of nature; and the
foft endearments of life, which he was juft going
to leave behind him, fufficiently declared that he
prefaged his approaching fate. The fleet being
ready to fail, he repaired to Portfmouth, deter-
mined to relieve Rochelle, or perifli in the attempt.
One Felton, a man of good family, but of a
gloomy, enthufiaftic difpofition, had ferved in the
itation of lieutenant under the duke, in his late
attempt upon Rhe. His captain being killed in
the retreat, Felton applied to Buckingham for the
Company ; but being refufed, he threw up his
commiflion, and retired difcontented from the
army. The remonftrance of the commons roufed
at once both his refentment and enthufiaftic fury:
he was now convinced, that it would be a meri-
torious fcrvice in the fight of heaven to murder
Buckingham, whom the parliament had accufed of
all the misfortunes of his country; Filled with
thefe ideas he repaired to Portfmouth, fully deter-
mined to put his bloody defign into execution.
On the twenty-third of Auguft, early in the
morning, Buckingham received information, that
a fmall convoy of provifions had got fafe into
Kochelle. This intelligence he communicated to
the duke of Soubife, and other French gentlemen
in his train, who infifled with great vehemence
that the whole was falfe, and calculated only to
retard the failing of the fleet. During this con-
verfation, the duke drew towards the doqr; and
turning his head to give directions to Sir Thomas
Fryar, a colonel in the army, he received a mortal
wound from an unfeen hand, which (truck a knife
into his heart; and, without uttering any other
words than, «* The villain has killed me," he
drew out the knife, and immediately expired in a
deluge of his own blood. No one had feen the
blow, nor the perfon who gave it; but in the
confufioti every one made his own conjecture, and
all agreed it was done by one of the French
gentlemen, whofe angry tone of voice had been
heard, while their words were not underftood.
The duke's attendants iriftantly drew their fwords
in order to difpatch the foreigners, but were flopped
by fome of more temper and judgment j who
though they had the fame opinion of their guilt,
thought proper to referve them for a judicial trial.
In the midft of this confufion, a hat was found
near the door, in the infide of which was fewed a
paper, containing a few lines of that remonftrance
of the commons which declared Buckingham an
enemy to the kingdom l, under which was a flioi t
ejaculation. It was concluded, that the owner of
the hat muft be the murderer; but the difficulty
ftill remained of knowing who that perfon was,
and it was natural to believe that he had already
fled too far to be found. While they were in this
perplexity, a man without a hat was feen walking
very compofedly before the door, on which one
cried, " Here is the fellow who killed the duke."
Every one ran, afking, which is he? Felton
anfwered, " I am the perfon who committed the
action ; let not the innocent fuffer." Immediately
rhe moft furious rufhed upon him with drawn
fwords i others, more deliberate, defended him ;
while he lumfelf, with open arms, calmly and
chearfiilly expofcd his breatl to the moft enraged.
Some gentlemen, defirous of finding whether
Felton had any accomplices, hinted, that Buck-
ingham, though dangeroufly wounded, was not
dead, and that there were great hopes of his
recovery. Felton, fmiling, replied to this, in
words very expreflive of his enthufiafm, " I know
that lie is dead, for I had the force of forty men
when I ftruck the blow." Being queftioned with
regard to the perfons by whofe inftigations he ha<l
performed the horrid deed, he told them, that
their enquiries were ufelefs; that no perfon on
earth had credit fufficient with him to have dif-
pofed him to undertake fuch an action ; that no
man living was privy to his purpofe ; that the
refolution proceeded wholly from the impulfe of
his own confcience; and that if his hat was found,
his motives would fufficiently appear ; for per-
fuaclcd that he mould die for, or might perifh in
the attempt, he had taken care to explain them,
that no innocent- perfon might fuffer on his ac-
count. Thus came to an untimely end George
Villiers, duke of Buckingham, a nobleman of
very {lender abilities, confidered either as a ftatef-
man or a foldier, raifed to the fummit of mini-
fterial glory, to be the fcourge of three kingdoms.
A man, whofe extraordinary influence over two
fucceffive princes, will ferve as an eternal monu-
ment of the contemptible government this nation
muft fubmit to, who groan under the oppreffive
yoke of an arbitrary fway, entrufled to the ca-
price of rapacious, weak, and ambitious indivi-
duals.
"When the news was brought him of his fa-
vourite's death, Charles was ^ac church ; but h*
was fo earneft in his devotions, that no difcom-
pofure appeared in his action, nor alteration in
his countenance. The fervice was, however, no
fooner concluded, than he retired to his chamber,
and gave vent to his forrows in a flood of tears :
and during his whole life, exprefled his regard
for Buckingham by a feries of munificent acts
towards his widow, his children, and his friends.
Some of the council, and bifliop Laud in parti-
cular, threatened Felton with the rack, if he did
not difcover his accomplices. But this had no
effect upon the aflaflin : he calmly replied, " That
if he was put to the torture, he did not know
whom he might name in the extremity of anguifli,
perhaps the bifhop himfelf." The judges, how-
ever, being confultedj declared, that though that
practice had been formerly common, no man, by
the laws of England, could be put to the torture.
Reflection and confinement had more effect on the
enthufiaftic fpirit of Felton than all their threaten-
ings. He feemed, in fome meafure, to recover
from his delufion ; exprefled remorfe for what he
had done; and fuflered death with compofure and
refignation.
Charles, notwithftanding the death of his fa-
vourite, was very defirous of relieving Rochelle.
He gave the command of the armament to the
earl of Lindfay, and repaired in perfon to Portf-
mouth, in order to haften the failing of the fleet.
His prefence had fuch effect, that more was done
in ten or twelve days, than in almoft as many
weeks before. It was, however, the eighth of
September, before the fleet failed from Portfmouth,
when the vaft genius of Richelieu had finifhed a
work thought impoiTible to be executed in fo
fhort a fpace of time: this was a mole of more
than a mile in length, carried acrofs the mouth of
the harbour in that boifterous ocean, and by
means of which all relief by fea was cut off. On
the eighteenth of September the fleet reached the
road of Rochelle ; but a calm coming on, it was
the twentieth before the fhips approached the mole,
2 when
CHAR
when a furious cannonade began, and continued
for two hours, without any great lofs on either
fide. Next day the cannonading continued, but
with lefs vigour ; though it was known, by a
gentleman who had found means to efcape from
Rochelle, that the inhabitants, unlefs relieved in
two days, muft furrender. But even this intelli-
gence produced no effect on the Engliih captains,
who appear to have been deftitute of experience,
and ibme of them of courage. The duke of
Soubife offered to attempt the mole with the
French mips, provided the Englifli would promiie
to follow him ; but this propoial was rejected in a
council of war, by a majority of the Englifh
captains. The count Laval next propofed, with
the help of artificial mines, contrived in three
{hips, to attempt to blow up the mole ; but this
was alfo rejected, and the time was fpent in fruit-
lefs cannonading. At lalt it was determined, in
a council of war, to make one general and decifive
attack upon the mole ; but before the delign could
be carried into execution, the befieged were obliged
to capitulate. Of fifteen thoufand perfons who
had been {hut up in the town, four thoufand only
furvived the fatigues and famine they had under-
gone. A more mocking fcene of calamity was
never beheld, than Rochelle prefented at the time
of its furrender. The living were notfufficient to
bury the dead ; fo that vermin and birds of prey
devoured the uninterred bodies in the ftreets.
Ma.iy carried their own coffins into the church-
yards to lie down in them, never more to rife ;
and the few inhabitants who furvivecl, appeared
rather as fpedtres and ikeletons than men. This
deduction of Rochelle, was the firft neceffary ftep
towards the profperity of France. Foreign ene-
mies, as well as domeftic factions, being deprived
of that refource, the kingdom began to fliine out
in its full fplendor, and gradually to gain an
afcendant over the rival power of Spain. The
French king, however, ufed his conqueft with
great moderation ; the Hu'gonots flill enjoyed a
toleration, though every order of the ftate, and
every feet, were obliged to pay fubmiffion to the
lawful authority of the foveieign. On the other
hand, in England, the failure of the enterprize to
Rochelle, tended greatly to diminifh the king's
authority in the parliament during the approaching
ieffion. Nor did his meafures at home tend to
raife the character of his government. He again
revived the iniquitous opinions of the judges,
and fome eppreflive practices in former times, to
juftify the impofition of twenty millings a ton upon
wines, and five (hillings and fixpence a hundred
upon currants ; he even declared in full council,
that the tax Ihould be levied with rigour, and fuch
merchants as refufed to pay it excmplarily pu-
nifhed. He was not infenfible of the ferment
which thefe proceedings muft occafion in the
kingdom, but took no pains to prevent it. His
coffers were now full, and he could talk with
his parliament upon more equal terms than before.
It was therefore refolved to juftify the proceedings
of the government upon this principle, that though
his majefty's predeceflbrs had raifed tonnage and
poundage by act of parliament, yet they had, in
fact, levied it in the late reigns when no fuch act
fuMifted : that if the parliament would agree to
pai's fuch an act, and make it commence from the
beginning of the king's reign, his majefty's pro-
ceeding would be juftified under that act, and he
would defift from his claim of raifing the tax by
his prerogative ; but if no fuch bill paflcd, his
mnjefty would be juftified, becaufe he did no more
than had been done by his predeceffors. Charles
was confirmed in thefe reiblutions, by the late
fuccefs that had attended his endeavours to bring
Over the famous Sir Thomas Wentworth to his
E
I.
4<5
intcreft. This gentleman had been a principal
leader in the oppofitiun, and was confidered by all
parties as one of the moil able members of the
Britim fenate. On his embracing the meafures of
the court, he was created vifcount Wentworth,
and carl of StrafFord, and placed at the head of
the miniftry. Amamed at what the party he had
abandoned termed apoftacy, Strafford, for fome
time, concealed his change of fcntiments ; but at
lalt boldly juftified it by faying, that he had gone
as far in the oppofition as was confident with his
confcience, or theconftitution of his country ; and
that he had not left his party till he perceived
they had views of a very different nature from the
redrefs of grievances, or an alteration of meafures.
Thefe excufes were treated as chimerical by the
heads of the party he had forfaken ; and Mr. Pym
in particular defired Wentworth not to take any
pains in juftifying his conduct, but added,
Though you have left us, we will not leave
you, while your head is on your moulders."
On the tenth of January the par- . n
liament met, and immediately pro- ' D> l62?*
ceeded to take into confideration every thing that
had been tranfacted againft the liberty of the
fubject, in direct oppofition to the petition of
right. Several complaints were immediately made
to the houfe by merchants, whofe goods had been
feized in confequence of their having refufed to
pay the duties of tonnage and poundage. While
the members were employed in debating on this
fubject, the king fent a meffage to the commons,
defiring they would proceed no farther in that
bufinefs, till he could fpeak to both houfes in
perfon at Whitehall. The lords and commons
accordingly attended him the next day, when he
endeavoured to juftify his conduct on the prin-
ciples already mentioned to have been laid down
in his council. He blamed them for their general
refolutipn of enquiring into all the infractions of
the petition of right, and recommended to their
difpatch the bill of tonnage and poundage, which,
he faid, would have been paffed laft feffion, had
there been time fufficient for that purpofe, and it
was upon that prefumption he had ordered his
officers to act in the manner they had done. But
inftead of following his majefty's directions, thofe
members, who were no ftrangers to the effect of
fpeeches in popular affemblies, turned the atten-
tion of the houfe to matters of religion ; poured
out the moft inveterate invectives againft Armi-
nianifm, which they termed the fpawn of popery ;
but in reality they meant nothing more by the
term, than bifhop Laud and his party. An Ar-
minian was faid to be as bad as a papift ; and
fome declared that they feared his fuccefs more,
than a fecond invafion by a Spanifh Armada.
When the houfe was fufficiently heated by decla-
matory fpeeches, Mr. Pym moved to give religion
the precedency of all other matters. The motion
was agreed to, and a committee appointed ac-
cordingly. This was a great point gained, efpe-
cially as under the head of religion they voted,
'* An enquiry into all ecclefiaftical preferments ;
into the ceffa.tion of the execution of the laws
againft papifts ; into the employments and en-
couragements they had obtained ; into the growth
of fuperftitious ceremonies, of which Coufins, a
prebendary of Durham, was mentioned as the
principal author ; and into the growth of herefies,
falfe doctrines, and other opinions." The confi-
deration of fo many fubjefts could not fail of
employing the houfe for a great length of time.
The king faw the intention of the commons, but
thought it imprudent to break with them imme-
diately, merely becaufe they refufed to proceed to
the bill of tonnage and poundage ; he thought,
and indeed very reafonably, that he could better
juftif
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY-or ENGLAND.
juftify any violent mcafures he might afterwards be
obliged to take, if he allowed them to carry to the
ntmoft extremity their attacks upon his government
utmoft extremity
and prerogative. He
upon
therefore contented himfclf
for the prefent with foliciting the houfe by rheffages
and fpeeche.«. But the commons, inflead of lifleh-
ing to his felicitations, proceeded to carry their
cenforial fcrutiny into his management of religion,
the only grievance to which they had not as yet ap-
plied a'fufficient remedy by the petition of right.
Yet while they pretended the utmoft regard for
religion, their principal defign was to wreft from the
king the duties of tonnage and poundage, in order
to render him abfolutely dependent on the parlia-
ment for fupport. The right of tonnage and
poundage on the importation and exportation of
merchandize, though originally the mere gift of the
people, had been fo ftrongly confirmed to the crown
iince the reign of Henry IV. that the kings of Eng-
land had always claimed it from the moment of
their acceflion. This right, which had been
granted for life to former princes, was allowed to
Charles only for one year. Finding that the inten-
tion of the commons was to ftrip him of it entirely,
he fent them a meflage, importing, " That he had
never pretended to look upon it as a branch of the
prerogative ; that neeeffity alone had compelled
him to levy it till that time, and, in order to termi-
nate all clifputes upon the fubjecl, requefled that the
commons would pafs the bill, that he might receive
it as a free gift from his people." This meflage
•was difregarded ; they Continued to give the pre-
ference to religion, and made fome attempts to
annul the confecration of Montague, lately pro-
moted to the fee of Colchefter, for certain com-
plaints that had been offered againft him by one
Jones, an obfcure perfon : but failing in this un-
accountable attempt, they attacked the pardons that
had been granted to Montague, Mainwaring, Sib-
thorpe, and other divines of Laud's party, who had
been cenfured by the commons. It was upon this
occafion that Oliver CromXvellj who had then a feat
in the houfe, firft diftinguimed his zeal, by (hewing
how inftrumental Neile, bifliop of Winchefter, had
been in procuring thefe pardons. Sir Robert
Philips called upon the attorney-general to give an
account by what authority he drew thefe par-
dons, and a committee was appointed accordingly.
Upon enquiry, it appeared, that the warrants had
been brought to the attorney-general by the earl of
Dorfet and the lord Carleton, and that the bifliop of
Winchefter had corrected them with his own hand,
and iiiferted the names of Coufins, Mainwaring and
Sibthorpe. It alib appeared upon farther enquiry,
that an information had been given upon oath
againft Coufins* for denying the king's fupremacy
in matters of religion, and that the attorney-general
had, from a hint given him by the bifliop of Win-
chefter, difregarded the information, becaufe it
came from one King, whom the bifliop faid was a
very empty fellow, and deferved no credit. Elliot
upon this difcovery was very fevere upon the attor-
ney-general, whom he threatened with an impeach-
ment for high treafon for a neglect of duty. While
the houfe Was engaged in thefe religious difputes,
Mr. Rolls, one of the members, complained that he
had the day before been ferved with a fubpcena to
attend the court of ftar-chamber, but that at night
he received a letter from the attorney-general, inti-
mating, that it had been done by miftake of the
meilenger, and that the information fhould be with-
drawn. The houfe, however, voted the ferving of
Rolls with a fubpoena to be a breach of privilege.
They alfo proceeded to enquire into the grievances
of other merchants, and to cenfure the officers who
had feized their goods, for refufmg to pay the duties
of tonnage and poundage. Thefe proceedings
-jrhimed the king, and a council was fummoned to
confider the n:oft proper method to be purfued on
this occafion. And as the houfe of commons had
founded their refolution Upon an opinion, that the
cuftom- houfe officers had feized me goods upon
their own account, Charles thought proper to fend a
meflage to the houfe, importing, " That what was
formerly clone by his farmers and officers of the
cuftoms, was done by his owri direction and com-
mand^ being himfclf for the moft part, prefent in
council : and if he had at any time been abfcnt
from the board, yet he was minutely acquainted
with all their transactions, gave full directions in
every particular, and therefore in this could not
fever the act of his officers from his own, nor could
his officers differ for it without the higheft difho-
nour to his majefty." The houfe was fo highly
exafperated at this meflage, that after many bitter
fpeeches, the qtieftion was propofed to be put, that
the feizing Mr. Rblls's goods was a breach of pri-
vilege 5 but the fpeaker informed the houfe, that he
was commanded by his majefty not to put the
queftion. This threw the houfe into the utmofl
confternation, and they adjourned themfelves for
one day. Wheri they met, the fpeakcf told them
that he had the king's command for a farther ad-
journment, and to put no queftion. Having made
this declaration, he rofe and left the chair ; but was
puflicd back again into it, arid detained there by
force, by Mr. Holies and Mr. Valentine, while Sir
John Elliot read the following remonftrance :
1 . " Whoever fhall make any innovations in re-
ligion, or by favour Or countenance feem to extend
or introduce popery or Arminiahifm, or other
opinions contrary to the truth and the orthodox
church, fhall be reputed a capital enemy -to this
kingdom and commonwealth.
2. " Whoever mall counfel or advife the taking
and levying thefubfidiesof tonnage and poundage,
not being granted by parliament, or ihall be ah
actor or initrument therein, mail be likewife re-
puted ah innovator in the government, and a capiul
enemy to the kingdom and commonwealth.
3. If any merchant or other perfon whatfoever,
fhall Voluntarily yield, or pay the faid fubfidies of
tonnage and poundage, not being granted by par-
liament, he mall likewife be reputed a betrayer
of the liberties of England, and an enemy to the
fame."
This remonftrance was pafled by acclamation
rather than by vote, while many of the members,
thinking the leaders had gone too far in their op-
pofition, exprefied their diflike of the whole pro-
ceeding, and the greateft indecencies, even to
blows, were committed. The king fent the gentle-
man-uflier of the houfe of lords, but the dcors were
locked, and he could obtain no admittance till the
remonftrance was finiflied. As foon as the door
was opened, he, by the king's order, took the mace
from the table, which put an end to their pro-
ceedings ; and a few days after the parliament was
diflblved.
This rupture between the king and his parlia-
ment alarmed the nation ; but Charles took no care
to make ufe of lenient meafures, which might, per-
haps, have effected a reconciliation. On the con-
trary he inflamed the difcontents of the people, by a
feverity which he wanted power, perhaps inclination,
to carry to extremity. He committed Denzil
Holies, Efq; Sir John Elliot, Sir Miles Hobart, Sir
Peter Hayman, John Selden, Efq; William Coriton,
Walter Long, William Shoude, and Benjamin Va-
lentine, to prifon, on account of the late tumul-
tuous proceedings in the houfe, which were termed
fcclitious. Elliot, Holies, and Valentine were
brought to their trial in the court of king's bench :
but refufing to anfwer before an inferior court for
their conduct as members of a fuperior, they were
condemned to be imprifoned during the king's
pleafure,
CHAR
pleafure, to find fureties for their good behaviour,
and to be fined, the two former a thoufand pounds
a-piece, and the latter five hundred. Sir John Elliot
died in cuftody, and was univerfally confidered as
a martyr for the liberties of England. The king,
that he might no longer be harrafled with the tur-
bulence of the commons, made peace with France,
abandoning the Hugonots to the mercy of Lewis
XIII. and foon after concluded a treaty with the
Spaniards, from whom he obtained nothing more
than a general promife of their ufing their good
offices in reftoring the Elector Palatine. Being
thus at peace with the neighbouring powers, eafcd
of a burthen too heavy for him, inftructcd by ex-
perience, no longer a (lave to the pernicious coun-
fels of Buckingham, and bleft with an able minifter
In Wentworth, earl of Stafford, it was natural to
think that the troubles of his reign were over, and
that a fcries of tranquillity would fucceecl the rtorms
of popular contention. But this was not the cafe.
New difficulties, new caufes of diftruft, arofc among
the people, and the olive wand of peace dirFufcd not
domeftic felicity over the kingdom.
Charles was as equally zealous to
A. D. i 630. mamta;n hjs fyftem of religion, as to
fupport the prerogative of his crown. Unfortu-
nately for him, and unfortunately for the peace of
the kingdom, the king honoured with his confi-
dence Laud, bifliop of London, a prelate, whofe
iupei ftitious prejudices, obftinate zeal, enterprizing
fpirit, and inflexible firmnefs, in oppofition to the
fpirit of the nation, threatened the greateft misfor-
tunes to the ftate. Laud was very defirous of ad-
vancing the power of the priefthood, and of multi-
plying church ceremonies ; feveral of which he in-
troduced, and molt of them very fimilar to thofe of
the Romifh church. The puritans beheld with horror
thefe preludes to popery. The communion-table
railed in, the minifters drefled in hoops to admi-
nifter the facrament, the communicants obliged to
receive it kneeling, the crucifix and other images
placed in the churches, were, in their eyes, fo many
fcandalous attributes of Antichrift. The court of
Rome itfelf entertained hopes of regaining its au-
thority in this ifland; and in order to forward Laud's
good intentions, an offer was twice made him, in
private, of a cardinal's hat, which he declined ac-
cepting. The general cry, however, was, that the
bifliop of London was endeavouring to reftore
popery. One of the daughters of the carl of De-
vonfhire having turned catholic, was aiked by Laud
the reafon of her convcrfion. " It is principally,
replied me, becaufe I hate to travel in a crowd : for
perceiving that you and numbers more are making
preparations for home, I thought it more convenient
to let out before you, that I might not be joftled in
the multitude." While the bifhops and his parti-
zans carried the fpiritual jurifdiction too high on
one hand, and thereby incurred the hatred of the
people, they did not fail, on the other, to preach up
the moil implicit obedience to the royal authority,
the Cure means of obtaining the favour of his ma-
jefty. Laud was accordingly advanced to the
archiepifcopal fee of Canterbury, which empowered
him to exercife a kind of defpotifm with vigour in
the church. DiftrefTed for money, notwithftanding
the ftricteft ceconomy, Charles began to make a
freer ufe of his authority. Illegal as the collection
of tonnage and poundage was, the council preflecl
it with the utmoft violence. This induced the
great merchants to enquire more than ever into its
legality, and were foon convinced that the principle
On which it was founded (truck at the root of li-
berty. This alarmed the whole fraternity of mer-
chants, and their fears were greatly increafed by
the publication of' the following relblution of the
council.
" That warrants fliould be directed to the officers
No. 39.
E
417
of the cuftoms in the port of London, and elfewhere,
to fcize and detain the goods of any perfon, who
fhould attempt to land them without warrant till
the duties were paid.
" That fuch merchants goods as remained on
fhip-board, fliould be removed into ftore-houfes <3n
the cuftom-houfe-quay ; and for want of room into
the Tower, there to remain till his majefty's duties,
and thefreight due to fhip mafters, were fatisfied.
" And whereas attempts were made by replevin,
directed to the fheriff of London, to obtain thofe
goods out of the king's ftorc-houfes, the meflengers
of the council were ordered to detain them in their
cuftody, and to apprehend all perfons who Ihould
prcfume to make refinance."
Strict orders were fent to the officers and ma-
giftrates of the chief ports of the kingdom, to
allift the officers of the cuftoms, in cafe *any oppo-
fition mould be made by refractory pcrfons. Sir
Francis Cottingham was authorized to call before
him fuch merchants as had been trufted by the col-
lectors for Aims now due by cuftoms, and who had
protracted the payment ; and to require them to pay
the feveral fums they owed his majefty without de-
lay. Warrants were alfo iflued from the council
empowering their meffengeis to enter any fhip*
vellel, houfc, warehoufe, or cellar, to break any
bulk whatever, and feiee the goods, in default of
paying the accuftomed duties j and to apprehend
all perfons who fhall publifh fcandalous fpeeches
againlt his majefty and his government, or caufe
any difturbance.
Thefe were not the only methods taken by the
king for railing money on his fubjects without the
confent of parliament. He publiihed a proclama-
tion, " declaring his mnjefty's royal pleafure to
confirm to his fubjects their defective titles, eltates
and pofTeffions, by his commiffion lately granted
and renewed for that purpofe." But notwithftand-
ing the fpecious title of this proclamation, the people
in general confidered it only as an expedient to
raife money without the confent of parliament ; and
this increafed the alarming difcontent already dif-
feminated in every part of the nation. But this was
trifling when compared with the fpirit railed by
another proclamation, publifhed on the thirteenth
of July, " for the eafe of the fubjects in making
their compofitions for not receiving the order of
knighthood according to law." The reader may
recollect, that in the former part of this hiftory,
many inftanccs have been given of fubjecls vefted
with a cei ta?n degree of property being obliged to
take upon them the order of knighthood. This
property was very fluctuating in different reigns;
and there was an obfolete, though unrepealed fta-
tute, called, Statutum de militibus, pafled in the
reign of Edward II. which obliged all fubjects pof-
fefied of fifteen pounds a year in land, to take upon
them the order of knighthood, provided they were
fit for that doty. The order was generally conferred
at the coronation ; and Charles, on account of the
plague's raging in London at the time when he
received the crown, had difpenfed with the atten-
dance of fuch fubjects as were qualified to be
knights. But being now dilirefled for money, this
difpenfation was confidered only as a matter of con-
venience. It was pretended, that the right of im-
pofing the honour, which was attended with a large
expcnce of fees, remained (till with the crown ; and
that the king was at liberty to oblige all perfons,
properly qualified, either to be knighted, or pay
composition money to certain commiflioners ap-
pointed to receive it : the qualification was fixed at
forty pounds a year. It is not eafy to conceive a
project more abfurd, more unreafonable, and more
unjuft, than this. As the whole fyftem of feudal
fervices in perfon, during war, was now abolifhed,
there was ngt the leaft pretence of reviving this tax,
5 Q but
- . - •- I - - — II J II I T l< ,__
4,8 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
--_.-- ' __• ..-.-
but a ftatute which had been made when thefe fer-
vices were in full force. Add to this, that if fifteen
pounds a year was, in the time of Edward II. a pro-
per qualification, two hundred pounds _a year, at
leaft, ought to have been the qualification under
Charles I. The king, while any hopes remained of
obtaining fupplies from his parliament, had defifted
from collecting fo invidious a tax ; but it was now.
revived with fo much vigour, that many were put
to great cxpences in the exchequer and ftar-cham-
ber for refufing to pay the compofition-money,
which was required to be one third and a half of
what the perfons fo compounding were found rated
in the fubfidy. Thefe proceedings intimidated fo
many perfons, that the king received above one
hundred thoufand pounds compofition-money. Be-
fides thefe, Charles granted oppreflive patents, and
monopolies, among which thofe on foap and ftarch
were particularly complained of as very burdenfome
to the lower clafs of people. It is furprifing with
what patience thefe impofitions were borne by the
nation ; they occafioncd no difturbances in any part
of the kingdom.
The king was much better pleafed to govern by
his prerogative alone, than in conjunction with his
parliament; and left the hopes of relief or protection
from the commons might encourage oppofition,
he iffiied a proclamation, in which he declared,
" That whereas, for feveral ill ends, the calling
again of a parliament is divulged ; though his ma-
jefty has flaewn, by frequent meetingwith his people,
his lovf to the ufe of parliaments : yet the late abufe
having tor the prefent, driven him unwillingly out
of that courfe ; he will account it prefumption in any
one to prefcribe to him any time for the calling that
aflerrbly." This was generally confidered as a de-
claration, that, during this reign, no more parlia-
ments were intended to be fummoned.
The thoughts of the Englifh were now turned
towards the queen of Bohemia ; and the king was
very defirous of procuring fome relief for his un-
fortunate fifter, and her family. He joined his
good offices with thofe of France, and mediated a
peace between the kings of Poland and Sweden, in
hopes of engaging the latter to undertake the pro-
tection of the diftrefled proteftants in the empire.
This was the famous Guftavus Adolphus, whofe
heroic genius, feconded by the wifeft policy, ren-»
dered him, in a few years, the moft diftinguifhed
monarch of the age. Charles, to encourage and
aflift him in his projected invafion of Germany,
agreed to furnifh him with fix thoufand men ; but
in order to maintain the appearance of neutrality,
he made ufe of the marquis of Hamilton's name, a
nobleman nearly allied to the crown. Hamilton
accordingly entered into an engagement with Guf-
tavus ; and enlifting thefe troops in England and
Scotland, at the king's expence, he landed them at
the mouth of the Elbe. Guftavus was greatly
pleafed when he heard the Englifh were landed,
and promifed to join them as foon as poffible, with
the ftipulated number of forces deftined to conquer
Silefia. The appearance of fo fine a body of men
were of great fervice to the proteftant caufe. Their
numbers were greatly exaggerated by their enemies
through fear, and by their friends through defign ;
and fo great was the reputation of their valour, that
the celebrated vidory gained a few weeks after by
the Swedifh monarch over count Tilly at Leipfick,
was, in a great meafure, owing to their reputation.
What remained of that hero's life, was one con-
tinued feries of victories, for which he was much
lefs beholden to fortune than to thofe perfonal en-
dowments which he derived from nature, and from
induftry. The veteran troops of Ferdinand, com-
manded by the moft celebrated generals of the age,
were foiled in every encounter, and all Germany
was over-run in an inftant by the victorious Swede.
But, by this extraordinary and unexpected fuccefs
of his ally, Charles failed of the purpofe for which he
framed the alliance. Elated by profperity, and no
ftranger to ambition, Guftavus began to form ex-
tcnfive plans ; and after freeing Germany from the
yoke of Ferdinand, he intended to reduce it under
lubjeaion to his own. Full of thefe ideas, he re-
fufed to reftore the Palatine to his principality, ex-
cept on conditions that would have kept him in to-
tal dependence. And thus the negotiation was
protracted till the battle of Lutzen, where the
Swedifh hero periflied in the midft of a complete
victory which he obtained over his enemies.
Wentworth was now made prefi- . _
dent of the council of York. This A> Dl l63r-
court had been creeled, after a rebellion in the north,
by a patent from Henry VIII. without any authority
of parliament; and this exercife of power, like many
others, was indulged by that arbitrary monarch.
The council of York had long afted chiefly ;is a
criminal court; but befides fome innovations in-
troduced by James, Charles thought proper, fome
time after Wentworth was made prefident, to extend
its powers, and to give it a large civil jurifdiclion,-
and, in fome meafure, a difcretionary power. Pofli-
bly the king's intention in this, was nothing more
than to free the inhabitants of the northern counties
from the trouble, expence, and fatigue, of attending
the courts at Weftminfter ; but ft foon appeared, that
the inhabitants were, by this means, deprived of the
protection of the ordinary law, and fubjccted to an
arbitrary authority. And accordingly, fome irre-
gular proceedings in that court, were now com-
plained of, and tended to exafperate the people Mill
more againft the government. Wentworth was
gained over to the court party, Sir Dudley Digges
was made mafter of the rolls, Noy, attorney-gcntn al,
and Littleton, folicitor-general. All thefe were
leading men in the houfe of commons. But the
fame abilities which are fuflicicnt to perplex a court
by their oppofition, are not capable of effectually
ferving it by their compliance. Charles flattered
himfelf, that by engaging thofe eminent leaders in
his fervice, his government would meet with no
more oppofition, and that acalnrtranquiiity would
be eftablifhed in this kingdom during the remainder
of his reign ; but<bis minifters fatally deceived him.
Laud purfued the puritans with unremitting fury,
and was fond of introducing new ceremonies into
the church, and of carrying to theutmoft height the
power of priefthood.
The furious conduft of -this im- . n
perious churchman alarmed the mo- I(532-
derate Englifh, and ft ruck the Scotifh prcfbyterians
with terror. They were, in general, men as'violent
for one extreme as Laud was for the other; and the
dreadful fhock, when both afterwards encountered,
crufhed the church, the monarchy, and the confti-
tution. When Mary was driven from the throne of
Scotland, the conftitution of that kingdom became
fuch a confufed mixture of monarchical, ariftocrati-
cal, democratical, and ecclefiaftical powers, that it
hardly deferved the name. The prudent government
of James, while he continued in Scotland, and the
unfuccefsful attempts of the bigotted zealots to efta-
blifh their favourite model of religion, gave the
crown great advantages ; fo that about \lic year
1621, epifcopacy was reftored in Scotland. James
had been wifely cautious in the promotion of his
bifhops ; they were, in general, men of great mode-
ration, and well acquainted with the genius of the
people ; for which reafon they ftibngly oppofed
every attempt to bring the difciph'ne and worlhip of
the church of Scotland to a nearer conformity with
that of England. The truth is, nothing in the
principles of the firft reformers, either in Scotland
or foreign parts, wereagainft a fubordination of ec-
clefiaftical government. All of them, indeed, con-
curred,
H
R
curred, that the popifh bifhops fhould be removed;
but neither their plan of government, nor that of
power, was fo fixed, as to enable them to agree
who fhould fucceed them, though, in general, they
fuffered thofe who embraced the tenets of the re-
formation to retain both their revenues and appel-
lations. But what at firft was no more than a mat-
ter of convenience, foon became a point of princi-
ple. The eftates of their great men were chiefly
compofed out of the fpoils of the church ; and the
misfortune was, that the power of the crown was
not fufficient to prevent thefe dilapidations. The
acts of parliament in favour of the prefent poffeffors,
gave them infinite advantage; but the circum-
fiances under which thefe parliaments were held,
rendered their authority liable to many juft excep-
tions. While the king touched not this jarring
firing of ecclefiaftical government, the parliament
fubmitted to the prerogative in as full a manner as
it had ever been exercifed ; but the landholders of
Scotland could not, without the utmoft concern,
fee the lead increafe of epifcopal power, or any
nearer conformity of their church with that of Eng-
land. During the whole reign of James, the
Scottish bifhops had been contented to aft, rather
as prefidents in their ecclefiaftical meetings, than the
fathers of the church, in the common acceptation of
their character. When a fee happened to be va-
cant, James always ordered the bifhops to prefent
him with the names of fuch men as they thought
moft proper to fill it, and he generally pitched upon
the beft qualified. Hence the bifhops, in a man-
ner, nominated one another, lived in harmony
among themfelves, and acted fo moderately, that
the noblemen and great landholders in Scotland
became pretty well reconciled both to their temper
and their character. Happy would it have been for
Charles, had he prefervecl the fame moderate con-
duct. But Laud detefted all moderation in church
government, and Charles would liften to no advice
but that of Laud. That imperious churchman re-
prefented in the higheft terms, the dignity of the
epifpocal character: he difplayed an army of mar-
tyrs who had died in its defence : he called to his
aid all the tyrants of the eaftern empire who had
favoured it : he poured forth a profufion of quota-
tions, from what he called the fathers of the
church : and, upon the whole, fucceeded in con-
vincing Charles, that the leaft defect of reverence,
either to the government, the doctrine, or the wor-
fhip of his church, ftruck at the moft facred rights
of the crown. Nor was this all: Laud was of
opinion, that the church of England, as left by
James, was imperfect in its worfhip. To prove
this, he produced fome opinions, which in the
twilight of reformation, when feveral prelates wa-
vered between the old and the new religion, had been
maintained in the convocation, and fometimes in
their writings. The authorities of the weakefl of
the fathers of the church were pi oducecl,toprove,that
certain forms and ceremonies, things as indifferent
in themfelves as Laud's own dreams, had been for-
merly practifed, and hence he inferred that they
were eiFentials in religion. Neverthelefs Charles,
however warm and fei ious in thefe matters, was
perfuadcd that thefe ceremonies had fo near a re-
iemblance to popery, that it would be imprudent to
attempt their introduction, all at once, among a
people accuftomed to think on the oppofite ex-
treme, ft was therefore determined, previoufly to
new model the hierarchy, by introducing gradually
a let of men of very different principles from thofe
that now filled the fees of Scotland, in order to re-
florc authority and difcipline to the church, and
purity and fplendor to her worfhip. The vacant
bifhoprics were accordingly filled with fuch men as
had neither the virtues nor abilities neceflary for
iiiiing. their itations, in a country where the minuteft
i
# 4*9
parts of their conduct were fevercly fcrutinizecl.
The Scots made not the leaft oppofition; but under
the pretence of fafts and other religious exercifes,
they formed many fecret refolutionsVor ftrengthen-
ing their party. Charles was fo much impofed
upon by thefe appearances of acquicfcence, that he
thought he mould meet with nothing in that coun-
try to oppofe his pleafure ; and imagined that his
prefence, the fplendid appearance of his court, and
the weight of his authority, would bear down the
fmall remains of oppofition.
With thefe pleafing ideas, and de- A n
firous of being crowned in his ancient I633-
kingdom, he let. out for Scotland, attended by the
whole flower of the Englifli nobility, who vied with
each other in the fplendor of their equipages, ft
was the fifteenth of June before Charles reached
Edinburgh; and on the eighteenth, he was crowned
in that city with the utmoft pomp and magnifi-
cence. On the twentieth the parliament met, and
gave the king every thing he defired. Two acts,
indeed, met with fome oppofition. The firft, be-
fides eltablifhing the king's prerogative, gave him
power to prefcribe what habits he pleafed to the
ecclefiaftics of Scotland : and by the fecond, the
alienations formerly made of tithes, and other
eftates of the clergy, were revoked. Such of the
Englifli nobility who attended the king, and dif-
liked Laud and his principles, foon perceived thd
Scots were far from approving the bill that gave
Charles the power of regulating the habits of the
clergy. The dreadful furplice was before their
eyes ; and they apprehended, with fome reafon, that
under the fanction of this law, it would foon be
introduced among them. This difcovery prompted
the Englifh nobility to attempt another; namely,
the real ftrength of the royal party in Scotland.
The courtiers had been at great pains .to have
believed that the Scots, who had been ennobled
and enriched by Charles and his father, were men
of the greateft intereft, as well as property, in their
country. But the falfhood of thefe fuggeftions
was eafily perceived by Charles's attendants : they
faw the Scots in general treat with great contempt
the royal favourites of their own nation ; and were
foon convinced, that the perfons of the greateft
weight and property there, were in the country ift-
tereft. This difcovery tended to lefTen the terror
conceived by the Englifli on account of the king's
power in Scotland ; and laid the foundation of a
correfpondence between the principal perfons of the
two kingdoms, and which was not broken off till
both found themfelves engaged in a civil war.
After the king's return from Scotland, Juxon was
placed in the fee of London, and alfo made lord
high treafurer. He was a perfon of great integrity,
mildnefs, humanity, and underftanding; but all his
virtues could not procure him the friendftiip of the
puritans. He was a lover of hunting and other
fports of the field; a fufficient reafon, however emi-
nent in virtue, to procure him the hatred of thofe
whofe religion admitted not of the leaft relaxation.
Charles was in the other extreme, and very defirous
of introducing foppery into the national devotion.
He renewed his father's edict for allowing fports
and recreations on Sunday, after the fervice was
over, to fuch as attended the public worfhip: and
ordered his proclamation for that purpofe to be
publicly read by the clergy after divine fervice.
Thofe who were ferioufly affected refufed obedience,
and were puniflied by fufpenfion or deprivation.
This tended greatly to widen the breach between
the church and the diffenters, and promote that ill
humour ami difcontent already too predominant in
the nation. The queen, though ftrictly virtuous,
was immoderately fond of pleafure, particularly the
entertainments of the ftage ; and her example was
followed by the whole court, and the greateft men
in
42 o
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
in the nation. In the midft of this inconfiderate
difiipation, William Prynne, a barrifter of Lincoln's-
inn, publifhed a quarto of a thoufand pages, inti-
tled Hiftorio-Maftyx. Its profeffed purpofe was
to decry ftage-plays, comedies, interludes, mufic,
dancing, and otlier diverfions of that kind ; but he
alfo took occafion to declaim againft hunting,
public feftivals, Chriftmas-keeping, bonefires, and
May-poles. TJie author tells us, in his preface,
that he was excited to write again ft thefe enormities,
by obferving that plays fold better than the choiceft
iertnons, and that they were frequently printed on
finer paper than even the Bible itfelf. He main-
tained that moft of the players were papifts, and all
of them defperately wicked ; that the play-houfes
were Satan's chapels, the frequenters of them little
better than devils incarnate, and every ftep in a
clance was a ftep to hell ; that the principal crime of
Nero was that of frequenting and acting of plays ;
and that thofewho confpired his death were chiefly
excited to it by their indignation of that enormity.
This publication gave fo much offence to the court,
that Prynne was indicted before the ftar-chamber,
where he was condemned to pay a fine of five thou-
fand pounds to the king, to be put from the bar,
and rendered incapable of his profeffion ; to be ex-
cluded from the lociety of Lincoln's-inn, and de-
graded in Oxford ; to Hand on the pillory in Weft-
minfter and Cheapfide, to lofe an ear at each place,
and to fuffer perpetual imprifonment. The cruel
feverity of this fentence raifed the government many
enemies, and greatly augmented the numbers of
the puritan party. It was thought extremely hard
that an invective againft plays Ihould merit a pu-
nilhment proper only for the greateft criminals.
But it muft be remembered, that this fatire againft
the diverfions in vogue, though the pretended, was
not the real crime for which Prynne was con-
demned. He had feverely cenfured the practices
of the new hierarchy, and the ceremonies introduced
by Laud j a crime not to be forgiven by that im-
perious prelate.
.
At this time the Dutch were great
f ^
34' rivals in commerce to the Englifh.
A prince of Charles's principles was fhocked at
the independent pretenfions of that haughty re-
public, which had been nurfed by the blood, and
fed by the bounty of England ; nor had received
any adequate fatisfaction for the mafiacre of Am-
boyna. James had made feveral attempts for
hindering the Dutch from fifhing on the coaft of
England, but all his prohibitions were in vain ; the
Dutch, after various pretences, at laft aflerted they
had a right to fi(h upon the Britifti coafts, founded
on immemorial pofleffion. The States of Holland,
however, difavowed this plea of their commiflloners;
but, at the fame time declared, that however unjuft,
and however contrary to the rights of fovereignty
in the crown of .England, their practice of fifhing
on the Britifh coafts might be, it was fo abfolutely
neceflary to the very exiftence of their ftate, that
they dared not either give it up, or pay any ac-
knowledgement for it, left their people fliould rife
in open rebellion againft them. This was an ar-
gument not to be anfwered by reafon, and Charles
was determined to drive them by force from the
Britifti coafts. To this end vigorous meafures were
begun in feveral parts of the kingdom ; but thefe
could not be carried on without proportional re-
venues, and thofe of Charles were only barely fufli-
cient for maintaining the fplendor of the court, per-
forming his engagements with foreign princes, and
defraying the neceflary expences of his government.
Noy, the attorney-general, was therefore com-
manded to difcover ways and means for fitting out
a fleet fufficiently powerful to execute this purpofe.
Noy fell upon the expedient of Ihip-moncy ;
ding it upon obfolcte ufages aud records,
which juftilied a tax upon the people for furnifhing
a certain number of fhips for the defence of the
feas ; and writs were illued accordingly. Thefe
writs were accompanied with inftructions and di-
rections, from the lords of the council for the affef-
fing and levying {hip-money. Inftruftions were
directed to the fherifls of the feveral counties ; and
by them it appears, that the mips aflefied upon the
counties of Middlefex and Hertford were to coft
three thoufand pounds ; and that thofe who refufed.
to pay their proportion, were to be diftreffed and
their goods fold for payment, without any refpect
of perfons. The reft of thefe inftrudions contain
the particular manner of levying the tax, and gave
very arbitrary powers to the officers of the peace.
The writ being fervcd upon the lord-mayor of Lon-
don, he immediately fummoned a common council,
where it was agreed to prefcnt the following peti-
tion to the king :
" To the king's moft excellent majefty,
" The humble petition of your faithful fubjects,
the mayor, commonalty, and citizens of your city
of London, moft humbly fheweth,
" That whereas your majefty, by writ bearing
tefte 20 Octobris laft, commanded your petitioners,
at their own charge, to provide feven fliips of war,
furnifhed with men, victuals, and all warlike pro-
vifions, to be at Portfmouth by the firft of March
next, and to continue from that time during the
fpace of twenty-fix weeks in your majefty's fervice,
upon the defence of the feas, and other caufes in
the faid writ contained.
" Your petitioners do, in all fubmiffive humble-
nefs, and with acknowledgements of your facred
majefty's favours unto your faid city, inform your
majefty, that they conceive, that by ancient privi-
leges, grants, and acts of parliament, which they
are ready humbly to produce, they are exempt, and
are to be freed from that charge.
" And do moft humbly pray,
" That your majefty would be gracioufly pleafed,
that the petitioners, with your princely grace and
favour, may enjoy the faid privileges and exemp-
tions, and be freed from providing of the faid fhips
and provifions."
Notwithftanding this oppofiticn of the capital,
Charles proceeded with as much violence as if fhip-
money had always been an eftablifhed tax, and as if
he did not expect to meet with the leaft att'empt to
oppofe his arbitrary proceedings. Noy, the at-
torney-general, dying about this time, left the affair
unfinifhed -, but the neceffities of Charles increafing,
he refolved that fhip-money mould be extended to
the inland as well as the maritime counties. But
in order to this, it was neceflary to employ proper
perfons, and to invent plaufible pretences. Sir
Robert Heath, lord chief juftice, had, in many re-
fpects, been found untractable, and was accordingly
removed from his office, and his place fupplied by
Sir John Finch, a lawyer of great eloquence, and
a firm friend to the court ; and Sir John Banks was
made attorney-general. It was, probably, owing
to the opinion of thofe lawyers who were far in-
ferior in abilities to Noy, that Charles made ihip-
money a general tax -, but even this attempt did not
alarm the nation fo much as was expected. The
merchants, who generally take the lead on thefe oc-
cafions, were too well acquainted with the advan-
tages of commerce to rifque them by an oppofition
which might have given the court a pretence for
impofmg heavier duties upon goods ; and as the
tax pi opofed fell more heavy on the landed than
the trading intereft of the kingdom, they did not,
for fome time, confider it as a ftretch of arbitrary
power. This acquiefcence gave the court a perfect
iecurity. Charles endeavoured to fill the kingdom
with apprehenfions, that the Dutch and the French
having entered into a new alliance, would certainly
attempt
H
R
E
I.
421
home immediately.
this. The nation
higheft opinion of
manner, forced the
attempt to make themfelves mafters of the narrow
feas; and a proclamation was accordingly pxib-
lifhed, commanding all Englifh feamen and Ihip-
wrights who were in foreign fervices, to return
A deceitful and fatal calm
Mill continued to have the
thofe patriots, who had, in a
king to pals the petition of
right, and rather acquiefced in, than approved of
the many breaches daily made in that famous act,
efpecially with regard to fhip-money. It was
about this time that Edward Coke, the eminent
lawyer and patriot, paid the debt of nature, in
the eighty-third year of his age. But there were
not wanting men who trod in his paths, and en-
deavoured to rouze the public from their lethargy,
by mewing, that the continual encroachments of
the prerogative would foon banifh all law from the
constitution.
Thefe alarming fuggeftions had their weight ;
they occafioned fuch difputes with regard to the
payment of mip-money, that no more than
two hundred and thirty-fix thoufancl pounds were
collected during the whole year. This oppofition,
however, produced no change in the conduct of
Laud: he continued to exercife his ecclefiaftical
power with *the greateft feverity. He now at-
tempted to oblige all foreigners fettled in England
to conform to the eftablimed church, notwith-
ftanding the privileges and indulgencics that had
been granted them by former princes, and the
infinite advantages the nation acquired by their
fettling in this country. The French and Dutch
churches, being joined by all the puritans in
England, made a vigorous oppofition, and re-
fufed, on account of the exemptions and privi-
leges they had received from the crown, to pay
any deference to Laud's authority. The primate,
however, prevailed fo far, that though all fo-
reigners of the firft defcent were fuffered to con-
tinue their own method of worfhip, yet thofe of
the fecond defcent, that is, thofe who were born
in England of foreign parents, were ordered by
the king to repair to their own parifli-churches,
tinder the penalty of being proceeded againft in
the fpiritual courts.
A fleet of fixty fail of large mips
was now fitted out, under the com-
mand of the earl of Northumberland ; and a pro-
clamation iffued, ftrictly forbidding all perfons,
not the natural-born fubjects of thefe kingdoms,
from fifhing on the Britifli coaft, without proper
licences from the king ; who farther declared,
that he intended always to keep a ftrong fquadron
at fea, in order to prevent all fuch encroachments
for the future, and to protect thofe fhips of his
friends and allies who mould take out licences.
The earl of Northumberland failed in the month
of May ; and coming up with fome of the Dutch
fliips, he funk all that refufed to leave the coafts,
and difcontinue their fiftiery. This fpirited conduct
ftruck a terror into all the maritime powers of
Europe ; even the haughty Richelieu himfelf, who
had formed a defign of rendering the Dutch the
rivals of the Englifh on the ocean, was obliged
to abandon his project. The Dutch themfelves
applied to Charles in the moft earneft manner ;
and at laft confentecl to pay thirty thoufand pounds
for a licence to fifh during the remainder of the
year, when it was hoped a proper regulation would
be made for fixing an annual tribute for the ne-
ceflary licences. But no advantages of commerce,
reputation or fafety, could prevail upon the people
to pay the odious tax of fhip-money. The
progrefs of the fcienccs had increafed their thirft
for knowledge ; and the excellent writings arid
fpeeches on the conftitution of England during
the late reign, were now purchafed and read with
No. 40.
A. D. 1636.
the greateft avidity. But particularly the plain in-
confiftencies between the levying of that tax, and
the petition of right, were evident to the moft
flender capacity; fo that neither the fermons of
divines, the opinions of lawyers, the threats of
•power, nor the arts of courtiers, had any effect :
they firmly adhered to the dictates of common
fenfe, and fet all the fophiftical arguments of the
artful and the eloquent at defiance. Such, ho\\>
ever, was their veneration for the government,
that many paid the tax, though they were per-
fuaded the law could not oblige them. They
knew that the judges had taken great pains to
recommend it from the bench, and doubted not
but an attempt would foon be made to render it
legal by a formal decifion. Chambers, a merchant
of London, abfolutely refufed to pay, and was
lent to prifon by Sir Edward Bromfield, lord-
mayor, one of the commiflionei s for levying mip-
money. But Chambers was not to be intimidated
by the hand of power: he brought his action
againft Bromfield for a trefpafs and falfe imprifon-
ment. Sir Robert Berkley, one of the judges of
the court, would not, however, fuffer Chambers's
council to argue againft the legality of fhip-
money, declaring openly in court, " That there
was a rule of law, and a rule of government;
and that many things which might not be clone
by the rule of law, might be done by the rule of
government." This was the deteftable doctrine
which led Charles to thofe dangerous precipices
from whence he fell, to the ruin of himfelf, and
the ruin of his people. A regular diftribution was
now drawn up of fliips adapted to the feveral
fliires of England and Wales, with their tonnage,
number of men, and monthly expence; together
with the fums charged upon the refpective cor-
porate towns in each county. And Charles, that
he might proceed with more fafety, and remove
the feveral objections that had been ftarted againft
paying the tax, procured the opinion of the judges,
" That when the good and fafety of the kingdom
in general is concerned, and the nation in danger,
the king might lawfully levy a tax for fitting out
fuch a number of fhips as fhall be neceflary for
the defence of the nation ; and that his majefty is
the fole judge both of the danger, and when and
how it is to be prevented.'-' The king, though he
now acted contrary to the laws, determined to
punifh, with the utmoft feverity, all who mould,
for the future, dare to oppofe his royal pleafure.
It is amazing with what reluctance the people paid
this tax, though they were no flrangers to this
proftitution and perverfion of the laws of their
country : their ufual afylum, the courts of law,
were fhut againft them, and there was no medium ;
they muft either fubmit, or have recourfe to vio-
lence, an expedient which no wife man would
chufe. A chofen few, however, were ftill in
referve; men who dared to think with juftice,
and act with intrepidity ; who, armed with the
principles of civil and natural liberty, were de-
termined to fupport the caufe of their country,
and not tamely fubmit to the arbitrary power of
the crown. Strong reafonings, bold elocution,
deep learning, and upright intentions, were not,
however, fufHcient to fuftain this dreadful combat;
a leader muft be found, who, befides all thefe
accomplifhments, had intrepidity fufficient to ftand
forth in the caufe of his country. Such a man
was John Hampden, a gentleman pofleffed of a
confiderable eftate, and defcended from an antient
family in Buckinghamfhire ; which, being an in-
land county, afforded him the better pretence for
refufing to pay the tax of fhip-money. His fhare
did not amount to more than thirty fhillings, yet
he abfolutely refufed payment, and determined to
venture a trial, the event of which would clearly
5 P point
422
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
point out the whole kingdom, whether arbitrary
power was to prevail over juftice.
The cafe was argued, during
A. U. 1637- twelve days, in the Exchequer-
chamber, before all the judges of England ; and
the nation regarded, with the utmoft anxiety,
every circumftance of this celebrated trial. It will
be eafily conceived, from the opinion of the
judges, that the great queflion in *his caufe was,
'Whether the kingdom was in fuch imminent
danger, that the king had a right to aflefs his
fuhjecls, without waiting for the necefiary forms
of parliamentary proceedings? It was confefled
on all hands, that both public and private dangers
may be fo great, that all property may ceafe,
while the parties are providing for their own
fafety. But none of the crown lawyers pretended,
that the danger of the kingdom was then fo
prefling, as to give the king a right to the pro-
perty of the fubjecl ; and the fmall portion of Mr.
Hampden's affefiment was no argument for his
paying it, unlefs they could prove it to be ac-
cording to law. Whether the king was, or was
not, the fole judge of the public neceflity, was
ftrongly debated, but greatly to the difadvantage
of the court ; fince nothing could be more ob-
vious than this, that when public danger becomes
fo preffing as to confound all property, the cafe
will be notorious, and felf-prefervation becomes
the common principle with both prince and people.
It is true, the king may have reafons, unknown
to his fubjeds, to fear the attempts of fome public
or private enemy, and make the necefiary pre-
parations to render the whole abortive ; but nothing
here occurred to convince any man of common
underftanding, that the danger, if indeed any was
apprehended, might not have been prevented by
regular parliamentary methods. With regard to
the precedents brought by either fide from former
reigns, they were equally ftrong for both parties,
and therefore were of no weight in deciding this
great national caufe. The truth is, we have too
many melancholy infiances in the Englifh hiftory
of iniquity being eftablifhed, not only by pre-
cedents, but by law ; and that liberty often bor-
rowed her gloom or luftre from the vices or vir-
tues that filled the throne. The lawyers, how-
ever, that pleaded the caufe of Hampden, or
rather that of their country, had infinite advantage
over their antagonjfts, by unanfwerably proving
the illegality of the tax from the pofitive and
fundamental articles of the Great Charter, and
other conftitutional ads, which no practices, no
precedents, ought to affed or deftroy. And who-
ever examines with attention the inftances pro-
duced on both fides, will perceive, that the cur-
rent of precedents runs always ftrongeft for the
people in the moft virtuous periods of govern-
ments ; while thofe for the crown fpring from the
fear of arbitrary power, from flavifh complaifance,
from immediate danger, from grofe ignorance, or
from prevailing corruption. Yet notwithftanding
the force of the arguments ufed by Hampden's
counfel, the event was what had been long fore-
leen. The prejudiced or proftituted judges, four
of them excepted, gave fentence in favour of the
crown. Hampden, however, obtained by the
trial, the end for which he had fo generoufly
facrificed his fafety and his quiet; the people were
rouzcd from their lethargy, and became fully fen-
lible of the danger to which their liberty was ex-
pofed. Thefe national queftions were canvafled in
every company ; and the more they were examined,
the more evidently it appeared to many that li-
berty was totally liibverted, and an unufual and
arbitrary authority exercifed over the kingdom.
Slavifh principles, it was faid, concurred with il-
it gal practices ; ecck-fiaftical tyranny lent affift-
ance to civil ufurpations ; iniquitous practices were
fupported by arbitrary punifhments; and all die
rights of the nation, tranfmitted through fo many
ages, fee u red by fo many laws, and purchafed by
the blood of fo many heroes and patriots, now lay
proftrate at the feet of the monarch. '
Laud proceeded in the fame imperious manner,
and whoever -refufed to fubrnit to his arbitrary
meafures, was fure to feel the weight cf the hand
of power. Among others, Williams, bifhop of
Lincoln, was fingled out as a perfon who oppofed
the meafures of the government, and was a friend
to the puritanical party. He was accordingly in-
dided in the ftar-chamber on very frivolous pre-
tences ; fined ten thoufand pounds ; fufpended
from his office ; and committed to the Tower
during the king's pleafure. Williams, when de-
prived of his poft of lord-keeper, retired to his
bifhopric, joined the country party, and became
one of the chief leaders of thofe who oppofed
the government. This was a crime not to be
forgiven by Laud, though the primate himfeif.
had been indebted to Williams for his firft pro-
motion. But to fee a bifliop countenance pu-
ritans ; a creature of the court become its obfti-
nate enemy, and oppofe with great firmnefs and
vigour all the meafures of government ; thefe were
circumftances that excited indignation, and en-
gaged the minifters to purfue him with the utmoft
vengeance. Men of more generous and more
moderate principles, beheld thefe tranfaclions in a
very different point of light ; they confidcred the
profecution of Williams as one of the moft ini-
quitous meafures purfued by the court during the
time that the ufe of parliaments were fufpended.
Burton, a minifter, and Beftie, a phyfician, were
alfo tried in the ftar-chamber, for writing feditious
and fchifmatical libels, and condemned to fuffer
the fame punifhment as had been inflicted on
Prynne. Thefe writers had attacked with great
feverity, and even intemperate zeal, the ceremo-
nies, rites, and government of the church ; crimes
for which no pajdon could be expeded from the
furious primate. The fentence of the court was
greatly condemned, as very unworthy men of their
profeflion ; and the patience, or rather the alacrity,
with which they fuffered the punifhments inflided
on them, ftill farther increafed the indignation of
the public. But notwithftanding all thefe mea-
fures, there would have been no danger of the
government's being overturned, if religious zeal,
ftronger than all human pafiions, had not armed
the people againft their king. We have already
feen how deiirous Charles was of eftablifhing in
Scotland the difcipline and worftiip of the church
of England. He was fond of epifcopacy, and
invefted the bifhops with an authority which he
thought equally advantageous to religion and
government. He loved church ceremonies, and
wanted to have them received as efientials in
divine fervice ; without reflecting how much all
men are attached to their particular modes of
worfhip. Charles, confident of his own power,
now fent down canons for the government of the
church of Scotland, and a new liturgy for regu-
lating the manner of worfhip. The people were
far from being difpofed to receive them. The
nobility and the diflenting clergy were enemies
to the hierarchy ; and their univerfal hatred of the
church of Rome, made them abhor whatever had
the leaft refemblance to the method of its worfhip.
On the fixteenth of July, public intimations were
given from the pulpits, that on the following
Sunday the new liturgy would be introduced into
the principal churches. Both the bifhop and dean
of Edinburgh attended, to give the greater folem-
nity to this new form of worfhip. The latter,
dreflatt in a furplice, began the liturgy. But he
had
C H
R
E S
I.
423
not proceeded far in the fervice, before the
people cried out, " A pope ! a pope ! ftone him !"
The bifhop, however, mounted the pulpit, and
attempted to appeafe the tumult. But his endea-
vours were in vain : they threw a ftool at his
head, and it was with the utmoft difficulty that
both him and the dean efcaped with life. The
contagion foon fpread through the city. The
magiftrates fuffered a thoufand infults. The clergy
declaimed with the utmoft vehemence againft in-
novations, and compared the populace to Balaam's
afs, \vhofe mouth the Lord had opened. Yet
notwithstanding thefe alarming tumults, no man of
any confequence joined the people. The laws
in Scotland were very fevere againft treafon, and
men of property were cautious of trulling their
lives and fortunes to the furious declarations of an
inconftant multitude. Charles was fatally de-
ceived by this appearance of reftraint, and attri-
buted their filer ce to an approbation of his mea-
fures. He had long been deluded by prctenfions,
and raifed to the iirft pofts in the miniftry thofe
men who hated his perfon, his family, and his
religion ; they flattered him the more abjectly,
that they might ruin him the more fccurely.
The whole cabinet council, indeed, was compofed
of perfons who wifhed well to the meafures they
feemed to oppofe, and which they were fometimes
obliged to punifh. The fpirit againft the new
liturgy daily increafed among the common people ;
and the repeated commands of the court to intro-
duce it, proved at once ineffectual and dangerous
to the bifhops. The magiftrates of Edinburgh,
where thefe difturbances chiefly prevailed, were,
in fecret, enemies to the liturgy ; but, in public,
they expreffed the utmoft abhorrence of the riotous
proceedings of the populace, and frequently af-
fembled, in order, as they pretended, to concert
meafures for putting a flop to thefe alarming at-
tempts of the multitude. They even promifed
to affift the king to the utmoft of their power to
appeafe the tumultuous populace, and introduce
the new liturgy. But in the mean time a breach
enfued between the bifhops and minifters of Scot-
land, and foon after another between the bifhops
and the nobility of that kingdom. The counfel
of the moderate bifhops who had always oppofed
the violent methods of introducing the liturgy,
was difregarded by the new prelates promoted by
Laud, and who were pcrfuaded that the intereft
of their patron with the king was abundantly fufli-
cient to fupport them. This induced them to
disregard, not only the advice of their more mo-
derate brethren, but alfo that of the nobility, who
took advantage of this neglec~l to withdraw their
countenance entirely from the proceedings of the
clergy. The people, animated by the countenance
of their minifters and the nobility, began to unite
and to encourage one another to oppofe the reli-
gious innovations introduced into the kingdom.
Petitions to the council were figned and presented
by perfons of the higheft quality ; the women, as
is common in every religious difturbance, joined
with great violence in the opposition ; the puritan
minifters declaimed vehemently againft popery ;
and the pulpits refounded with the moft violent
invedives againft antichrift.
. n , Q Charles, refolvinc; to perfevere,
feemed to defpife the threats of the
vulgar, and even the defection of the nobility.
The primate of Scotland, a man of great temper,
v/ifdom, and religion, always averfe to the in-
troduction of the new liturgy, reprefented to his
majefty, in faithful colours, the ftate of the
nation. The earl of Traquair, lord-treafurer, re-
paired to London, in order to lay the matter
ifcore fully before the king. But all their reprer
ientations were in vain : Charles was inflexible.
He had, however, nothing to oppofe to fo violent
a combination of the whole nation but a procla-
mation, wherein he promifed pardon for all paft
offences, and exhorted the people to be more
obedient for {he future, and to fubmit peaceably
to the ufe of the liturgy. But this was fo far
from producing the defired effecT:, that it was im-
mediately oppofed by a public proteftation, pre-
fented by the earl of Hume and lord Lindefay.
This was the crifis of the oppofition : the inlur-
reftion which had been gathering by degrees, now
broke out at once ; the ftandard of rebellion was
difplayed, and the fword of civil difcord on the
point of being fheathed in the bowels of that
unhappy country. No diforder, however, attended
thefe dreadful appearances ; on the contrary, a
new order, or rather a new adminiftration, imme-
diately took place ; a fufficient indication that
this difturbance had been fecretly fomented by
perfons in a ftation far exalted above the common
people. Four tables, as they were called, were
formed in Edinburgh : one confifted of nobility,
another of gentry, a third of minifters, and a
fourth of burgeffes ; and in the hands of thefe
four tables the whole authority of the government
was placed. One of their firft, and, at the fame
time, the greateft aft they performed, was that of
the Solemn League and Covenant. This celebrated
compact confifted firft of a renunciation of popery,
formerly figned by James in his youth. Then
followed a bond of union, by which the fub-
fcribers bound themfelves to refift all religious
innovations, and to defend each other againft all
oppofition whatfoever: *' and all this for the
greater glory of God, and the greater honour
and advantage of their king and country." It
is aftonifhing with what eagernefs all ranks of
people flocked to fign this covenant, confldered
by them as the bulwark of the Chriftian religion,
which, according to their way of thinking, was
praftifed no where in its original purity but in,
Scotland.
Though a people cannot be too jealous of their
liberties, and though no government has a right to
attack, much lefs to deftroy them ; yet this jealoufy
ought to have its bounds in reafon, in nature, and
in duty. The firft never warrants refiftance but
under provocation ; the fecond makes felf-prefer-
vation to be her primary law ; and the latter, by
fupporting fubordination in government, preferves
the peace, the happinefs, and the tranquillity of
human fociety. But the voice of enthufiafm liftens
not to the declarations of reafon. The Scottifh
preachers, determined to carry their point, though,
they involved the government of their country in
confufion, and recommended the ftrongeft oppofi-
tion to the people. Charles was alarmed, and
offered to fufpend the introduction of the liturgy,
provided they would retract the covenant. Their
anfwer was, that they would fooner renounce their
baptifm. He then relaxed in other matters, in
order to preferve epifcopal government, and per-
mitted a general affembly to be fummoned at
Glafgow. By this unadvifed meafure the whole
defign was finifhed. The laity, whom the Prefby*
tcrians admitted, and who formed the ftrongeft
part, began with impeaching the bifhops, whom
they charged indifcriminately with all forts of
crimes. They afterwards declared all acts with
regard 10 ecclefiaftical matters, made fince the ad-
vancement of James to the crown of England,
null and void. Thus the canons, the liturgy, (he
court of high commiffion, and even epifcopacy
jtfelf, were abolifhed in Scotland at one ftroke.
Meafures like thefe could be fupported only by
arms. They accordingly prepared openly for a
civil war; feized all places of ftrength; fortified
the. town of Leith; and fo remarkable was the
defire
424
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF. ENGLAND.
defire of completing the work, that women of
quality mixed with the populace, and carried on
their flioulders the materials neceffary for the erect-
ing the fortifications.
The king began to raife troops
A. D. 1039. to re£juce his rebellious fubjefts to
reafon, and fubdue the refraftory fpirit of the
Scots. By his ceconomy, he had faved two
hundred thoufand pounds ; and the queen, by
her influence with the catholics, engaged them
to grant the king a confiderable fupply. The
Englifh fleet was very formidable, and well pro-
vided with every neceffary. Five thoufand land
forces were embarked on board this fquadron, the
command of which was given to the marquis of
Hamilton, who had orders to fail to the Frith of
Forth, and caufe a diverlion in the forces of the
rebels. An army of near twenty thoufand foot,
and three thoufand horfe was levied, and com-
manded by the earl of Arundel, a nobleman
of great family, but famous neither as a foldier
nor a flatefman. The earl of Effex, a nobleman
extremely popular, and of great military abilities,
was appointed lieutenant-general, and the earl of
Holland general of the horfe. On the twenty-
ninth of May the king himfelf joined the army,
and fummoned all the peers of England to attend
him. Few difregarderi the fummons -, fo that the
Englifti army relembled rather the court of an
caftern prince, than a military expedition againft
an enemy. The forces of the male-contents were
little inferior in numbers to that of the Englilh,
but almoil deftitute of cavalry. The infantry
confifted, indeed, of an undifciplined and ill-
armecl rabble, but animated with a religious fer-
vour, which, in fome meafure, fupplied the want
of difcipline, and rendered them very formidable.
The declamations of the clergy had greatly affifted
the officers in gaining recruits, by thundering out
anathemas againft " All who went not out to
help the Lord againft the mighty." But the
leaders of the male-contents did not omit the
more fafe and prudent methods of negotiation.
They knew that a defeat muft be fatal ; and how-
ever their troops might be infpired with an en-
thufiaftic fury, they were unable to ftand the
regular attacks of difciplined forces. They there-
fore immediately fent very fubmiffive meflages to
the king ; begged leave to be admitted to a
treaty, in order to reftore tranquillity to their
native country, and flieath the deftruftive fword
of civil difcord. Several conferences were ac-
cordingly held ; but fo many difficulties occurred,
that it was fome time before even any preliminary
articles could be eftablifhed. At laft, however,
a pacification was agreed to, on the following
terms :
" i. The forces of Scotland to be difbanded
and diflolved, within eight and-forty hours after
the publication of his majefty's declaration being
agreed upon.
" 2. His majefty's caftles, forts, ammunition of
all forts, and royal honours, to be delivered after
the faid publication, fo foon as his majefty can fend
to receive them.
** 3. His majefty's mips to depart prefently after
the delivery of the caftles, with the firft fair wind,
and in the mean time to caufe no interruption either
to trade or fifliing.
• " 4. His majefty has been gracioufly pleafed
to caufe to be reftored all perfons, goods, and
Ihips, detained and arrefted fince the firft of No-
vember laft.
" 5. That there- £ball be no meetings, treatings,
confutations, or convocations, of his majefty's
fubjects, but fuch as are warranted by aft of
parliament.
" 6.^ The works on all fortifications to be aban-
doned, and the places themfelves to be delivered
up to his majefty.
" 7. To reftore to every one of his majefty's
fubjefts, their liberties, lands, houfes, goods, and
all other particulars whatfoever, taken or detained
from them fince the above term."
The Scotifh deputies were at a lofs how to
appeafe their principals with regard to thefe articles,
which fell far fhort of what their fanguine hopes
had taught them to expeft. Accordingly the
earl of Caflils, and feveral other noblemen and
heads of the male-contents, loudly exclaimed againft
a pacification, which was to difarm them, and
leave them, in that condition, to the mercy of
the court. No abolition of epifcopacy, nor ac-
knowledgement of the affembly at Glafgow had
been ftipulated, as they had been made to believe;
the reftitution of {hips taken fince the firft of No-
vember was but a poor conlideration, in compa-
rifon of the common caufe ; and the drawing off
the Englifh fleet from the coaft was of little im-
portance, becaufe the mips might return whenever
his majefty pleafed. Add to thefe confiderations,
that Charles, in one of the anfwers he had given
to the deputies, had actually difowned the affembly
at Glafgow; nor would he confent to any thing
farther than to refer civil matters to a parliament,
and ecclefiaftical affairs to a general afl'embly;
both of which he could call or diflblve at pleafure.
Nor was the peace more agreeable to the Englifh ;
they exclaimed againft it as loudly as the Scots ;
and there feemed very little hopes that it would
be of any long continuance : the feeds of dif-
affection were fown in Scotland, and it was no
eafy tafk to prevent their growth. .
During thefe tranfaftions, an incident hap-
pened on the coaft of England, which feemed to
threaten alarming confequences. The firmnefs of
Charles, in fteadily preferving his neutrality, dif-
concerted Richelieu's plan for attacking the fea-
coaft of Flanders ; and the count d'Eftrades was
fent to conclude a new treaty of fubfidy with the
prince of Orange, in order to enable the Dutch to
attack Antwerp, while the French were to befiege
St. Omer's. The fuccefs of thofe attempts are
foreign to this hiftory. It will be fufficient to
obferve, that thefe difpofitions induced the court
of Spain to fit out a ftrong fquadron at Corunna,
confifting of fifty mips, under the command of
Don Antonio Doguendo, a celebrated fea-officer.
Twelve thoufand fo.ot were embarked on board
this fquadron, which was defigned to join another
fleet of Spanifh mips at Dunkirk. Richelieu gave
immediate notice of the failing of this fleet to the
prince of Orange, who foon after difcovered that
the Spanifh admiral was ordered not to fight, if
he could poffibly avoid it ; but put himfelf under
the protection of the Englilh, and landed his men
upon the coaft of Flanders. This armament, and
the fear of its being joined by the Englifh fleet,
greatly alarmed both the French and Dutch ; and
extraordinary efforts were made to put their fleets
to fea, in order, if poffible, to render any attempt
of the Spaniards abortive. A fmall fquadron of
the Dutch, then at fea, fell in with and attacked
the Spanifh fleet, but with confiderable lofs to
themfelves. Soon after, the Spanifh admiral came
to an anchor near Dover, where he thought himfelf
fafe under the protection of the Englifh. But the
ambitious Richelieu had no regard to the rights
of neutrality, when they oppofed his views. Hot
ordered d'Eftrades to lay before the prince of
Orange, " The glory that would attend his de-
feating the meafures of two great monarchs, and
of crowning all his noble exploits in war, by a
victory over the fleet of Spain, under the protection
of the Englifh, and, perhaps, actually affifted by
their fhips." He added, " That fuch an action
would
• C II A R
would infallibly lay Flanders open to the united
forces of France and Holland." The prince of
Orange was ftanled at the thoughts of committing
fo grof's an infult on the Englifh flag ; and afked
d'Ettracles, with fome emotion, " Whether Riche-
lieu was in earneft ?" D'Eftracles alluring him he
was, the prince fent orders to Van Tromp to
harrafs the enemy with a kind of flying fquadron ;
but not to venture a general engagement, till he
was joined by admiral Evertfon. As foon as this
junction was performed, Tromp was ordered to
fend a meflage to the Englifh admiral, acquainting
him, that having received orders from his matters
to attack their enemies wherever he found them,
he requefted that the Englifli fliips might leave the
Spanifh fquadron, becaufe he was commanded not
to attack them, unlefs they afllfted the enemy, and
in that cafe his orders were to attack both without
diftinction. Charles was in the utmoft perplexity
how to behave on this alarming occnfion. The
haughty republicans were now at the height of their
power: their fleet, when united, confuted of one
hundred and fifty fail of fliips of war, commanded
by the beft fea officers in the world ; they were
highly exafperated againft Charles for refufmg them
the liberty of fifhing on the .Britiih coafts, and(
wifhed for an opportunity of revenging the affront,
by dettroying his fleet. At the fame time, the pub-
lic were perfuaded, that the Spanifh fleet was either
intended to conquer England, or aflift the king in
fubduing his rebellious fubjects. Charles therefore
knew that he could not trull to the fidelity of his
feamen, even if the Dutch mould violate their
neutrality. At the fame time, he knew that the
Spanifh fleet, which confifted of fixty-feven large
fliips, was in want both of cannon and ammunition ;
while the Dutch were liberally fupplied with both
from Calais and other fea-port towns in France.
It was fome time before the whole Dutch fleet ap-
peared, and made the proper difpofitions for attack-
ing the enemy. During this interval, the Spanifh
niinifter prefented repeated memorials to Charles,
for his protecting the Spanifh fleet, which was now
riding at anchor under the guns of the Englifh
caftles near the South Foreland, while the Dutch
remonflrated ftrongly againlt any Englifli fhip be-
ing employed in the Spanifh fervice. Charles
knew not how to behave in this critical conjunc-
ture, but at laft determined to obfcrve a ftrict neu-
trality ; and immediately ifiued orders, that no
Englifli fliip fliould take any Spaniards on board,
or pafs from London below Gravefend without a
licence. At the fame time, he acquainted the
Dutch ambafTador, that he could not, without the
higheft difhonour, refute the Spaniards that pro-
tection on his coafts they had a right to demand
from the law of nations ; and that he had fent orders
to Sir John Pennington, who lay in the Downs
with thirty-four fail of linglifli men of war, to
join that fleet which fliould be lirft attacked. This
declaration leflened the ardour of the Dutch, and
the Spanifh admiral found means to fend twelve
large fliips and four thoufand men to Dunkirk.
Charles was, however, fearful of the confequences;
and fent the earl of Arundel to pcrfuade the Spanifh
admiral to flip away the firlt fair wind, as he could
not be anfwerable for the fuccefs of an engagement,
if the Spaniards vvti c attacked by the Dutch. Do-
guendo would gladly have followed this advice, but
could not, on account of contrary winds: arid the
Dutch fleet being now completely reinforced, Van
Tromp lent a letter to Penmngton, demanding the
benefit of his neutrality, under pretence of the
Spaniards having violated their privilege of pro-
tection, by firing on the Dutch admiral's barge,
and killing one of his men. Trcnip accordingly
attacked the Spanifh fleet with the utmoft fury,
forced them to cut their cables, drove twenty-three
No. 0.
I.
425
fhips afliorc, of which three were burnt, and two
funk. The Thcrefa, mounted with a hundred brafs
guns, was burnt, fixteen were taken, and fent to
Flufhing, with four thoufand five hundred pri-
foners, and fourteen fhips were loft near Bologne;
the Dunkirk fquadron under Doguendo, only
efcaping. The victory was complete on the fide of
the Dutch, though it was not obtained without
fome lofs ; ten of their fhips perifhing in the^action.
The king did not fail to reprefent this conduct of
the Dutch, as an infult upon the Britifh flag; arid
made ufe of it as an argument for inforcing tlie
payment of fhip-money, 'in order to be able to* keep
a fuflicient fleet at fea, to curb the infolence of thole
republicans. New writs were accordingly ifiued
and fent to all the counties of England a*nd Wales
for collecting the tax. About this time the lord
keeper Coventry, who had the good fortune to hold
the great feal many years, died in pofieflion of that
high office. Every day now increafed the obftinacy
of Charles, when it ought rather to have increafed
his caution. He determined to feize by violence
that power which would enable him to govern the
nation without controul, and to exercife it with
prudence and equity, or, at leaft, with fomething
which Laud and his own confcience termed equity.
The great feal was given to Finch, a man fit for pro-
moting every arbitrary purpofe. Though the odious
tax of fhip- money was raif'ed with great feverity,
and other acls of defpotic powerwere daily exercifed,
the people difcovered no remarkable uneafinefs at
the neglect of parliaments, and the unconftitutional
meafures of the government. Peace and plenty
reigned in the kingdc m, and the wars that raged in
the other nations in Europe, made England the re-
'pofitory of riches from every part of the world.
This greatly contributed to render the people al-
moft pafllve in their pi efent fituation. They knew
indeed their rights ; they murmured at their being
violated; they publicly procla.med their grievances^;
they protefted againft illegal exactions ; but a par-
liament was wanting to give their complaints
ftrength and confiftency.
The conduct of Charles in Scotland anfwer.cd the
moft fanguine hopes of the warmeft patriots ; and
the difpofitions of the Scots were equally favourable
for bringing matters to the crifis they defired. The
nobility and perfons of confequence in that king-
dom, were perfuaded they had fufticiently guarded
againft all refumptions of church revenues, by ex-,
acting a promife from Charles to call a free parlia-
ment and an aflembly of the clergy. They would
willingly have waited the refult of both ; and that
great point, the only one they dreaded, being gained,
they would willingly have concurred and acquiefced
in every dutiful meafure towards the crown. But
they found the people untractable : they refufed to
flop till epifco,pacy was totally abrogated, and the
principles of civil liberty founded on a more folid
bafis than at prefent. This fcheme might have an-
fwered the juft expectations of men of property,
and at the fame time, if not have fully fatisfied their
wifhes, have calmed the fpirit of the people -, but
the whole was defeated through a want of modera-
tion on the part of government. The marquis of
Hamilton laul before Charles the deftructive con-
fequences that muft attend his not acting with fiu-
cerity, by leaving the approaching parliament and
aflembly in Scotland, at free liberty to gratify the
people with regard to every thing that had been
underftood to have been granted by the late pacifi-
cation. By this he meant the total abolition of the
epifcopal order both in church and ftate ; but he
perceived by the manner in which the king received
his reprefentations, that this would not be granted.
He therefore refigned the ofiiceof high-commiffioner
in Scotland, and that invidious poft was given to
the carl of Traquaire.
,5 <L
426
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
The moderate part of the Scotifli nobility would
have been content with fomc rcilraints being hid
on epifcopal power in parliament. The marquis of
Hamilton was entirely of this opinion, and fairly
laid all his reafons before the king, who had con-
tinued fome time at Berwick. Charles was afto-
niftied, and ordered fourteen of the chief covenant-
ing lords to attend him, in order to confult the
proper mc.vfurcs for fettling the affairs of Scotland.
The people were alarmed at this meflage, and
openly declared, that it had been propofed by their
own leaders in order to elude the force of the co-
venant. This fo greatly intimidated the noblemen,
that three only of the fourteen lords could be pre-
vailed upon to obey his majefty's orders. Montrofe,
London, and Lothian, were the perfons who defpifed
the fury of the populace, when it tended to prevent
their obedience to the king. The bufmefs of
Charles was ferious and important : he was defirous
of learning the whole clefign of the covenanters, and
what they intended to demand in the approaching
parliament and aflembly. Montrofe was one of
thofe noblemen who thought the king had done
enough to fatisfy all his Scotifli fubjecls. His two
companions, particularly the earl of London, were
of the fame opinion, but wiflied to have fecurity for
the performance ; and this they thought could only
be effected by fome additional bulwarks to the li-
berties of their country, eftablifhed in a full and
free parliament. They therefore laid fairly before
Charles what they expected from the next parlia-
ment. In the firft place, the currency of the coin
in that country was not very large-, but its value
might be raifed or lowered by the crown in fo ar-
bitrary a manner, that all property, in a great mea-
fure, depended upon the king, and, at beft, was
very uncertain. The fame power had formerly
been exercifed in England, and proved an intoler-
able grievance ; but it carried with it its own re-
medy when commerce enlarged. For foreigners,
without regarding the orders of the Englim go^
vernment, always proportioned the price of their
commodities to the intrinfic, not the nominal value
of the coin. This conduct at Lift obliged the
crown to lay afide thofe deftructive practices,
which could ferve only fome mercenary immediate
ends, and the Englim mint had been, for fome time,
under excellent regulations. But Scotland had not
the fame remedy againft this ab.rming opprefllon,
becaufe the commerce o.f that kingdom was more
reftrained, and money of much greater value than
in England. It was therefore juftly thought, that
the fubjecT: ought to have fome fecurity againft this
grievance : and that the king mould declare, " that
the coin mould not be meddled with, but by ad-
vice of parliament." The fecond grievance enu-
merated by the Scots, was that of the command of
their garrifons being given to ftrangers. Both
James and Charles had, indeed, to ufe their own
exprelfions, broken down the partition-wall between
the two kingdoms ; and the Scots had poured by
multitudes into England, where they enjoyed a
great number of offices both ecclefiaftical and mi-
litary. But the wifeft men in both nations con-
demned this partiality in favour of the native country
of their prince ; and even the generality of the Scots
themfelves were difl'atisfied with the encouragement
many of their great men met with in England, which
induced them to fpcnd both their money and eftatcs
in that country. The Englifh, a great and power-
ful people, had far lefs to apprehend from the Scots
than the Scots from them. The caftles of Edin-
burgh and Dumbarton were already garrifoned by
the Englim ; and it was always eafy for their navy
to deftroy the commerce of Scotland. The Scots
therefore thought it reafonablc, that no ftranger
mould be intrufted with the government of any of
their caftles, unlefs by the advice of the ftatcs. The
3
heritable jurifdictions of Scotland were thought,
even by the natives themfelves, to be dangerous,
becaufe they created too great a dependence of the
inferior people on particular families. They de-
manded, therefore, that no commiffion of jufticiary
or lieutenancy might be granted, but for a limited
time. Laftly, they excepted againft the precedency
of the lord ti eafurcr and lord privy-feal, as not be
ing warranted by any pofitive law. This exception
was, probably, intended to prevent arbitrary pro-
motions, which might eclipfe the luftre of their an-
cient nobility, and create too powerful an influence
of the crown in parliament. Such were the de-
mands intended by the Scots to be made in the en-
fuing parliament; and, poffibly, if Charles had acted
with fincerity, they had flopped there; but he could
not be prevailed upon to confent to the abolition of
epifcopacy. The covenanters faw this, and were
convinced that all conceflions made by the king
mult be forced, and that he would retract them the
firft favourable opportunity. Their chiefs, there-
fore, thought they had no fafety but in uniting more
clofely than ever, and openly oppofing the power
of the crown itfelf. Though their army had fepa-
rated on the conclullon of the late treaty, they con-
tinued ftill in large bodies ; the fortifications of
Leith were continued ; they iflued commiflions for
purchafing large quantities .of arms and ammuni-
tion abroad ; and Lefley flill kept up the character
and title of general. When Traquaire had received
his commiflion, he returned to Edinburgh, where
both a parliament and an aflembly were held.
They immediately pafled a bill for abolifhing epif-
copacy, and another for removing the grievances
already mentioned. The king was greatly exafpe-
rated at thefe precipitate proceedings, and Tra-
quaire received orders to prorogue both the parlia-
ment and aflembly ; but his authority was difre-
gnrcled ; they continued their feflion ; and fent the
bill they had puffed to Charles for the royal aflent,
pretending that no prorogation could take place
without the confent of the eftates of the kingdom
in parliament. The aflembly proceeded with
equal violence ; and all that Charles could obtain
was an explanation of the famous covenant, in the
following terms : " We do fwear not only our mu-
tual concurrence and afliftance for the caufe of re-
ligion, and to the utmoft of our power, with our
means and lives, to ftand to the defence of our
dread fovereign, and his authority, in the preferva-
tion and defence of the faid true religion, liberties,
and laws of this kirk and kingdom ; but alfo in
every caufe which may concern his majefty's ho-
nour, we fhall according to the laws of this king-
dom, and the duties of good fubjecls, concur with
our friends and followers, in quiet manner, or in
arms, as we fliall be required of his majefty's coun-
cil, or any having his authority." Charles was not
contented with this explanation, though it was
more than could have been expected from perfons
of their difpofition. The aflembly paid not due
deference to the king's prepoflefllons, though they
gave the utmoft indulgence to their own. They
voted epifcopacy to be unlawful in the church of
Scotland : the king was willing to allow it, con-
trary to the conftitutions of that church. They ftig-
matized the liturgy and canons as popifh : he
agreed fimply to their being aboliftied. They de-
nominated the high commiflion tyranny : he was
willing to fet it afide. Both were determined to
pei fevere ; and on this account recourfe was again
had to arms, and it was now fuppofed the fword
alone muft decide the difpute.
On figning the late pacification, A n
Charles 'had difbanded his army ; a '
very coniiderable lum of money was neceflary for
railing another, and the council was greatly perr
plexed to difcover neceflary ways and means for
that
H
R L E S
I.
427
that purpofe. The only conftitutional method, by
fummoning a parliament, was thought a dangerous
experiment ; but the neceflities of the crown were
fo preffing, that it was determined to fummon that
affembly. It was, however, thought, that there was
a neceffity for ftriking fome bold, fpeedy, and.
effectual blow, to intimidate the rebels ; and that
the parliamentary fupplies would be too flow and
uncertain to anfwcr the purpofe. The earl of
Strafford therefore propofed a fubfcription, and ge-
neroufly opened it with twenty thoufand pounds.
The young duke of Richmond followed his exam-
ple, and fubfcribed the fame fum. Their examples
influenced many of the nobility and clergy ;
fo that a large fum was foon fubfcribed, in order to
enable the king to oppofe his rebellious fubjects.
The parliament met at Weftminfter on the
thirteenth of April ; and were informed by the lord
keeper, Finch, that the king had been able to
affemble and fupport his army, not by any revenue
he poffeffed, but by means of a large debt, amount-
ing to three hundred thoufand pounds, which
he had contracted, and for which he had given fc-
curity upon the crown lands. He reprefented, that
it was neceffary to grant fupplies for the urgent de-
mands of his military armaments : that the fcafon
was far advanced, the time precious, and that none
of it muft be loft in deliberations : that though his
coffers were empty, they had not been exhauftecl by
unneceffaiy pomp, fumptuous buildings, or any
other kind of magnificence : that whatever fupplies
had been levied from his fubjects, had been em-
ployed for their advantage and prefervation ; and
like vapours arifing out of the earth, and gathered
into a cloud, had fallen in fweet and refreming
fhowers on the fame fields from which they had at
fill} been exhaled : that though the king defired
fuch immediate afiiftance, as might, for the time,
prevent a total diforcler in the government, he was
far from any intention of precluding them of their
right to enqaii e into the Uate of the kingdom, and
to offer him petitions for the relief of their griev-
ances : that as much as was poffible of this feafon
fhould be allowed them for that purpofe : that as he
expected only fuch fupplies at prefent as the current
fervice abfolutely required, it would be neceffary to
affemble them again next winter, when they fhould
have full Jeifure to conclude whatever bufinefs had
been left imperfect and unfinifhed : that the parlia-
ment of Ireland had twice put fuch truft in his
good intentions, as to grant him, in the beginning
of the feflion, a very large fupply, and had always
experienced good effects from the confidence re-
pofed in him : and that in every circumftance his
people mould find his conduct fuitable to a jtift,
pious, and gracious king, and fuch as was calcu-
lated to promote an entire harmony between prince
and parliament.
Thefe topics, however plaufible, produced not
the defired effect. The leaders of the difcontented
party began to forefee the confequences of the
Scotifh infurrection, and to hope that the time fo
long wifhed for was at hand, when royal authority
uift become" wholly fubordinate to popular affem-
blies ; and when public liberty muft acquire the full
ifcendant. A reafonable compliance with the
icafures of the court was now confidered as flavifh
ependence ; a regard for the king, fervile flattery ;
confidence in his promifes, fliameful proftitution.
It was hoped, that by reducing the crown to ne-
ceflities, the king would be pufhed into violent
leafures, which could not fail of ferving their pur-
pofcs ; and that by multiplying thefe neceffities, his
prerogative, undermined on all fides, muft at laft
overthrown, and rendered no longer dangerous
to the privileges of the people. Full of thefe fenti-
icnts, every meafure that had a tendency to pre-
ferve the government in *ts pi'efent form, was
zealoufly oppofed by the popular leaders •, who, in-
ftead of noticing the king's complaints againft his
Scotifh fubjects, or his applications for a fupply,
entered immediately upon grievances, and a fpeech
made by Pym upoa that fubject, was much more
attended to, than the harangue delivered by the
lord keeper in the name of their fovereign. Nor
were the Scotifh covenanters idle. The noblemen
and gentry of that party ftripped themfelves of
every luxury, the ladies of their jewels and orna-
ments, to fupport the neceffary expcnces of what
they termed a holy war. Some of the fortifications
of Edinburgh having fallen down, the covenanters
not only refufed to fuffer them to be rebuilt,
but openly oppofed an order fent by the king for
throwing in ftores, provifions and foldiers, to rein-
force that fortrcfs : but men, women, and children,
worked with amazing alacrity on the fortifications
of Leith ; and the covenanters having demanded
that the caftle of Edinburgh mould be delivered
into their hands, declared Kuthven, the governor,
a traitor, for refufing their demand. In the mean
time the Knglifh houfe of commons had ordered,
that the records and proceedings in the ftar-
chamber and king's-bench, concerning feveral
members of the houfe, in the laft parliament,
fhould be immediately fent for, and a felect com-
mittee appointed on the violation of the privileges
of parliament ; and that the records, enrolments,
judgments, and proceedings in the exchequer,
and all other courts, concerning .fhip-money, fhould
alfo be fent for : they then began with examining
the behaviour of the fpeaker, the Jaft day of the
former parliament, when he refufed, on account of
the king's command, to put the queftion, and they
declared it a breach of privilege.
They next proceeded to enquire into the impri-
fonment and profecution of Sir John Elliott, Holies
and Valentine ; after which, they regularly claffed
the grievances under three heads ; innovations in
religion, the property of the fubject, and privileges
of parliament. Each of thefe branches was re-
ferred to a feparate committee ; and it was refolved
not to grant any fupplies till thefe grievances fhould
be removed. This fteady behaviour in the repre-
fentatives of the people excited the indignation of
Charles, lie came to the houfe of peers; and
having fent for the commons, told them ; " That
the caufe of his coming was to put them in mind of
what had been delivered in his name, by the lord
keeper, at the opening of the feffion. That, con-
trary to his expectations, the houfe of commons
had held confutations with regard to religion, pro-
perty, and privileges : that they had voted fome
things on each of thofe heads, and given them pre-
cedence to the matter of his fupply : that his necef-
fities were fo preffing as not to bear delay : but if his
commons would truft him, whatever had been pro-
mifed, in his name, by the lord keeper, mould be
faithfully performed. That with regard to religion,
his heart and confidence went together with that
eftablifhed in the church of England ; and he would
iffue ftrict orders to his archbifhops and bifhops,
that no innovations might be made. That as to
fhip-money, he never made, nor intended to make
any profit of it himfelf, but had levied it merely to
preferve the dominion of the feas, which was ne-
ceffary ; that without it the kingdom would not
fubfilt ; that as for property of goods, and liberty of
parliament, he always defired his people fhould en-
joy them, and confidered no monarch fo great as he
who governed a rich and free people ; that if the
commons refufed to truft him, the affairs of govern-
ment muft be difordered, and the prefent opportu-
nity of retrieving them irrecoverably loft : that
though they trufted him in part at firft, yet before
the conclufion of parliament, he muft totally truft
to them, and they, at laft, wholly confide in him
for
428 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
for the execution of every thing parted in the
prefent afiembly : that fmce there was nothing more
than who fhould be firft trufted, and that the truft
in him was but a truft in part, he defired the lords
to take into their ferious confidei ation his and their
own honour, the fafety and welfare of the kingdom,
and the great danger with which it was now
threatened ; and that they would endeavour, by
their advice, to difpofe the commons to give his
fupply the precedence to grievances. The peers
voted, that the fupply fhould have the precedency,
and that there mould be a conference with the
commons to difpofe them to it. The commons
had always claimed the granting of fupplies, as their
peculiar privilege ; and the advice of the lords was
no fooner known, and reported to them, than they
unanimoufly voted fo unprecedented an interpo-
fition, to be a high breach of privilege ; and that
they could not proceed upon any other matter, till
they had firft received fatisfaction from the upper
houfe. The lords feemed at firft determined to
refent the free expoftulations of the commons ; but
became at length fenfible of their error, acknow-
ledged the privileges of the commons, and de-
fired them to proceed on the important affairs of
the kingdom after their own manner. Charles,
with a view of bringing the matter of fupply to a
conclufion, fent a meflage to the houfe ; and know-
ing that fhip money was the chief obftacle, he
offered to abolifh. it entirely, by any law which the
commons fhould afterwards think proper to prefent
to him ; but firft demanded a fupply of twelve fub-
fidies, about fix hundred thoufand pounds, payable
in three years, demanding at the fame time a pofitive
anfwer, his affairs being in fuch a ftate as could en-
dure no longer delay. The majority was againft
complying with this meafure ; yet the king had
many friends in the houfe, and the debate was
carried on for two days on both fides with equal
zeal and warmth. The partizans of the court
urged, that the happieft occafion was now offered
for removing all difgufts and jealoufies between the
king and people, and for reconciling the fovereign
for ever to the ufe of parliaments : that to repofe a
reafonable confidence in the king,, and generoufly to
fupply his prefent wants, would be an effectual
means of gaining on his generous nature, and ex-
torting by a gentle violence, fuch conceffions as
were requifite for the eftablifhment of public order.
On the other hand, it was urged, that the court had
difcovered but few fymptoms of that mutual truft
and confidence to which they now fo kindly in-
vited the commons : that eleven years intermiffion
of parliaments, the longeft that was to be found in
the Englifh annals, was a .fufficient indication of
the jealoufy entertained againft the people ; or
rather for defigns formed for the fuppreffion of all
their liberties and privileges ; that if the fame
grievances, ecclefiaftical and civil, under which
this nation itfelf laboured, had pufhed the Scots
to extremities, it was not neceflary that the Englifh
fhould forge their own chains, by impofing them
on their unhappy neighbours : that the anticnt
practice of parliament, was to give grievances the
precedency of fupplies -, and that this order fo care-
fully obfcrved by their anceftors, was founded on
a jealoufy inherent in the conftitution, and was
never interpreted as any peculiar diffidence of the
prefent fovereign : that'fcarcely any argument more
unfavourable could be pleaded for a fupply, than an
offer to abolilh fhip-money ; a taxation the moft
illegal, and the molt dangerous that had ever been
impofed on the nation : and that by bargaining for
the remiffion of that duty, the commons would in a
manner, ratify the authority by which it had been
levied ; or, at leaft, give encouragement for ad-
vancing new pretenfions of a like nature, in hopes
of refigning them on like advantageous conditions,
While the houfe was thus divided in opinions, Sir
Henry Vane flood up, and told them, that he was
authorized to fay, that the king would accept of
nothing lefs than twelve fubfidies, as a cumpenfa-
tion for the abolition of fhip-money. Upon this
the houfe arofe. This ill timed fpeech threw the
whole houfe into a flame, and they immediately ad-
journed to the next day. Charles was highly pro-
voked, efpecially when Vane informed him, that
the commons intended to abolifh not only fhip-
money, and other illegal branches of the revenue,
but likewife to declare their difapprobation of the
intended war againft the Scots. Determined there-
fore to prevent any attempts of this kind, the king
came to the houfe next morning, and having fent
for the commons, difiblved the parliament.
The refentment of the people was naturally ex-
cited by this hafty meafure, who faw all their hopes
blafted, while none of their grievances had been re-
drefled ; and the king, as if they had no real grounds
of complaint, perfevered obftinately in thofe dan-
gerous, unpopular councils, which, from experience,
he muft have known, could only ferve to inflame
their minds. The ftudies, and even the pockets of
the earl of Warwick and lord Broke, were fearched
before the expiration of privilege, in expectation of
finding treafonable papers. Henry Bellafis, knight
of the fhire for the county of York, and Sir John.
Hotham, were fummoned before the council ; and.
not making fatisfactory anfwers to interrogatives,
concerning paffages in the late parliament, were
committed to the Fleet. All the petitions and
complaints, which had been fent to the com-
mittee of religion, were demanded from Carew,
chairman of that committee, and on his refufing to
deliver them, and thus fcreening from difcovery
the names of thofe who complained of innovations
in religion, and the proceedings of the high-com-
mifHon court, he was committed clofe prifoner to
the Tower ; which acts of arbitrary power were
juftly interpreted by the people, as invafions of the
privileges of parliament. Contrary to unden'iable
cuftom, the convocation continued to fit, and noc
only exercifed a very dangerous indepenelency, by
granting the king a benevolence, without the fanc-
tion of parliament, of four fhillings in the pound
for fix years, but made canons, in which all fectaries
were made fubject to the fame penalties as thofe
againft popifh recufants ; approved the new cere-
moiiies of placing the communion table, and bow-
ing, towards the eaft ; rendered thofe fubject to ex-
communication who mould write, import, print,
publifh, or difperfe any book or writing againft the
difcipline and government of the church ; and
framed an oath, by which the clergy and graduates
in theuniverfities were to fwear, that they approved
the doctrine and difcipline of the church of England,
and would maintain its government by archbifhops,
bifhops, &c. All thefe canons were efteemed ille-
gal, becaufe not ratified by confent of parliament ;
while the oath was looked upon with abhorrence
by thofe who did not approve of the doctrine and
difcipline of the church ; and befides, nothing could
afford a more apt fubject for ridicule, than an oath
which contained an et cetera in the middle of it.
The convocation being generally as much detefted
by the people, as the parliament was revered, they
could fcarcely be reftrained from infulting and
abufing that aflembly ; whereupon the king ap-
pointed them guards for their protection : never-
thelefs, a body of two thoufand people forced their
way into St. Paul's cathedral, where the high-cotn-
miflion court then fat, crying, No bifhops ! No
high-commifllon court ! and pulled down the
benches. Alfo a great number of apprentices, with
others of the loweft clafs, befet the archbifhop's
houfe at Lambeth, when one of them being taken,
was tried for treufon, and being condemned, was
drawn
H
R
E
I.
433
between the king and his people, a circumftance
not unknown to fevei al in the houfe of lords ; and
that fhe would continue to purfue the fame in-
tention, from a full perfuafion of its being the
only method of procuring happinefs to the king,
to herfelf, and to the kingdom ; that it was her
earneft defire that all things might be jullly fettled
between the king and his people, and all caufes of
mifunderftanding taken away and removed: that
her majefty, being informed that the perfon fent
to her from the pope is obnoxious to the kingdom,
fhe is defirous of giving all the fatisfaction in her
power, and will, within a convenient time, re-
move him out of England : that underftanding
exception has alfo been taken at the great refort
of people to her chapel at Denmark-houfe, her
majeity will be careful not to exceed what is con-
venient and neceffary for the exercife of her re-
ligion : that as the parliament is not fatisfied with
the method Ihe purfued for raifing money on the
catholics for aflifting the king in his late journey
to the north, (he deiires it may be obferved, that
flie was moved to it merely by her dear and tender
affection for the king, and the example of many
others among his majeity's fubjecls. If, therefore,
any thing in her proceedings be illegal, me hopes
it will be remembered, that fhe was ignorant of
any laws to the contrary, and carried away by her
great defire of aflifting the king on fo prefling
an occafion -, but promifes to be more cautious for
the future, not to do any thing contrary to the
eftablifhed laws of the kingdom : that being
defirous of employing heir own power to unite
the king and his people, fhe wifh.es the parliament
would look forward, and pafs over fuch errors
and miftakes as her fervants may formerly have
committed ; and promifes to repay this inftance
of refpect with all the good offices fhe can do the
houfe; and that they fhall experience the real
good effects of her interpofition, as often as there
fhall be occafion."
A bill was brought in for giving the king the
duties of tonnage and poundage for a limited
time; but the utmoft care was taken by the
commons, in the preamble, to aflert their own
right of beftowing this gift, and to diveft the
crown of all independent title of afiuming it.
And that they might increafe, or rather finally
fix, the entire dependence and fubjection of the
king, they voted thefe duties only for two months ;
and afterwards renewed their grant from time to
time, by very fhort periods. Charles paffed this
important bill without any hefitation ; probably
with an intention to fhew, that he entertained not
the leaft intention of ever more attempting to go-
vern without a parliament.
n - The triennial bill was now of-
[64'' fered to the king, under the title
of " An act for preventing the inconveniencies
happening from the long intermiflion of par-
liaments ;" and, at the fame time, the commons
prefented a bill for the relief of his majefty's
army, and the northern parts of the kingdom,
and both received the royal aflent. No act that
had ever pafled, feemed better calculated for pre-
ferving the liberties of the iubject, than the bill
for triennial parliaments •, for it provided, " That
in cafe the king fhould refufe to. fummon a par-
liament at the time therein limited, the chancellor
or keeper of the great feal might iffue writs for
fummoning the peers, and for the election of the
commons ; and if the chancellor or keeper fhould
neglect to do it, any twelve of the peers might
fummon the parliament ; and if the peers fhould
neglect to iffue the neceflary fummonfes, the
fheriffs of the counties, and other magiftrates
reflectively, were empowered to proceed to the
election ; and fhould the fheriffs refufe, the free-
No. 41.
holders of each county might elect their rhembers ;
and the members fo chofen were obliged to attend
under fevere penalties." Charles feerns to have
been by this time fenfible of the many mifchiefs
arifing from the too long intermiffion of parlia-
ments, and to have refolved to communicate his
fentiments by that method, more freely to his
fubjects ; and his giving fo readily his aflent to
this bill, was highly pleafing to the people in
general, who every where exprefled their fatif-
faction by bonfires and other marks of public
rejoicings : both houfes alfo waited on the king at
Whitehall, with an addrefs of thanks on the oc*
cafion. The king now feems to have had nothing
elfe in view than the regaining the confidence of
his people, by endeavouring to fatisfy his parlia-
ment, and fmooth his meafures. In order to this,
he agreed to make feveral confiderable alterations
in his court. He admitted into his council the
earls of Hertford, Eflex, Bedford, Briftol and
Warwick, the lords Say, Seville, and Kimbolton.
Juxon, bifhop of London, who had never defired
the treafurer's ftaflf, now requefted to refign it, that
he might apply himfelf entirely to the govern-
ment of that turbulent diocefe committed to his
care. The king gave his aflent ; and it is re-
markable, that, during all the fevere enquiries
carried on againft minitters and prelates, the mild
and prudent virtues of this man, who bore both
thefe invidious characters, remained unmolefted.
The earl of Bedford, a popular nobleman of great
authority, wifdom, and moderation, was intended
to fucceed Juxon ; but unfortunately both for king
and people, he died about this very time. The
king alfo intended to make feveral other promo-
tions : St. John was created folicitor-general ;
Hollis was to be made fecretary of ftate, in the
room of Windebank, who had fled the kingdom;
Pym chancellor of the Exchequer, in the place
of lord Cottington, who had refign ed ; lord Say,
mafter of the wards, in the place of the fame noble-
man ; the earl of Eflex governor, and Hampden
tutor to the prince. Charles at firft imagined,
that by making this remarkable conceffion, he
fhould be able to fave Strafford's life ; but he was
greatly miftaken. His impeachment was pufhed
on with the utmoft vigour ; and after long and
folemn preparations, it was brought to a final iffue.
On this occafion, Weftminfter-hall was formed into
a fpacious court of judicature. The earl of Arun-
del prefided as high-fteward ; the peers fat in their
robes as judges; the commons appeared as ac-
cufers ; and therefore it was determined that the
impeachment mould be managed by commoners.
Accordingly, George lord Digby, an Irifh peer,
John Hampden, John Pym, Oliver St. John, Sir
Walter Earle, Geoffrey Palmer, John Maynard,
and John Glynn, were appointed' a committee for
this important office, and Whitlock was chofen
their chairman. The bifhops, agreeable to the
precepts of the canon law, which forbid their
aflifting at any trial for life, withdrew. At the
upper end of the hall was a chair and cloth of
ftate for the king; and on each fide a clofe gal-
lery, in which the king and queen, who attended
during the whole trial, fat in private.
On the twenty-fecond of March the trial began-,
when the accufations were enforced, fupported by
the united efforts of the three kingdoms. The
accufation and defence lafted eighteen days ; and
Strafford, in his replies, was obliged to preferve a
refpect for his moft implacable enemies, the Scottifh
nation, and the Irifh parliament. Nothing had
hitherto appeared againft him to juftify the charge
oftreafon. Indeed, the charge itfelf was founded
on a kind of accumulative or conftructive evidence,
by which many actions, either totally innocent in
themfelves, or criminal in a lefs inferior degree,
5 S mould,
434
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
fhould, when united, fubjed the perfon to the
hizheft penalties inflicted by the law.
" Where," faid Strafford, in the conclufion of
his fpeech, " Has this fpecies of guilt lain fo long
buried during fb many centuries, that no fmoke
fliould appear, till it burlt out at once to confume
me and my children ? Better it were to live under
no law at all, and by maxims of cautious prudence,
to conform ourfelves, the bell we can, to the
arbitrary will of a mailer ; than fancy we have a
law on which we can rely, and find, at la.il, that
this law fliall inflict a punifhment precedent to
the promulgation, and try us by maxims unheard
of, till the very moment of the profecution. If 1
fail on the Thames, and fplit my veflel on an
anchor, in cafe there be no buoy to give me
warning, the party fliall pay me damages ; but it
the anchor be marked out, then is the Unking on
it at my own peril. Where is the mark fet upon
this crime? Where is the token by which I mould
difcover it? It has lain concealed under water,
and no human prudence, no human innocence,
could fave me from the deftruclion with which 1
am at prefent threatened. It is now full two
hundred and forty years fince treafons were de-
fined; and fo long has it been fince any man
was touched to this extent, upon this crime, before
myfelf. We have lived, my lords, happily to
ourfelves at home; we have lived glorious abroad
to the world: let us be content with what our
fathers have left us ; let not our ambition carry
us to be more learned than they were, in thele
killing and deftrucTive arts. Great wifdom it will
be in your lordftiips, andjuft providence foryour-
felves, for your pofterities, for the whole king-
dom, to caft from you into the fire thefe bloody
and myfterious volumes of arbitrary and con-
ftruclive treafons, as the primative Chriftians did
their books of curious arts ; and betake yourfelves
to the plain letter of the ftatute, which tells you
where the crime is, and points out to you the
path by which you may avoid it. Let us not, to
our own deftruclrbn, awake thofe fleeping lions,
by raking up a company of old records, which
have lain for fo many ages by the wall, neglected
and forgotten. To all my afflictions add not
this, my lords, the molt ievere of any ; that I,
for my other fins, not for my treafbns, be the
means of introducing a precedent fo pernicious to
the laws and liberties of my native country.
However, thefe gentlemen at the bar lay, they
fpeak for the common-wealth, and they believe ]
fo ; yet, under favour, it is I, who in this par-
ticular, fpeak for the common-wealth. Precedents
like thole endeavoured to be eftabliftied againft
me, muft draw along with them fuch inconve-
niencies and miferies, that in a few years the king-
dom will be in the condition exprefled in a ftatute
of Henry IV. and no man fhall know by what
^ule to govern his words and actions. Impofe not,
my lords, difficulties unfurmountable on minilters
ot itate ; nor difable them for ferving, with chear-
fulnefs, their king and country. If you examine
them, and under fuch fevere penalties, by every
grain, by every little weight, tiie fcrutiny will be
intolerable ; and ho wile man, \vh6 has any honour
or fortune to lofe, will ever engage himfelf in fuch •
dreadful, fuch unknown perils. My lords, I have '
now troubled your lordfhips much longer than I
Ihould have done. Were it not for the intcieft •
of thefe pledges, which a fijjnt in heaven left me, ,
I mould be loth." — Here he pointed to his chil-
dren, and his tears ftopt him.— •*'-' -What 1 forfeit
for myfelf is nothing; but I confefs, that my in-
difcretions mould forfeit for them, it wounds me
very greatly. You will be pleated to pardon my
infirmities. Something I mould have laid, but 1
n e 1 ihall not be able ; and therefore 1 fliall leave
it. And now, my lords, I thank God I luvft
been, by his bkfllng, fufliciently inftruCkd in tilt-
extreme vanity of all temporary enjoyments, com-
pared to the importance of our eternal duration.
And fo, my lords, even fo, with all tranquillity
of mind, I fubmit clearly and freely to your
judgment ; and whether that righteous doom fhall
be to life or death, I fliall repoie myfelf, full of
gratitude and confidence, in the arms of the great
Author of my exigence." The death of Strailbrd
was confidercd of too great importance to be left
unaccomplilhed. A bill of attainder was therefore
introduced into the lower houfe, immediately after
the conclufion of this pleading, which pafled the
houfe on the twenty-firlt of April, after very warm
debates, fifty-nine votes only diflenting, and was
immediately lent up to the lords. On the firft of
May the king went to the houfe of peers, and in a
fpeech, earnetlly requefted both houfes that they
would not carry their profccutions againit the earl
of Strafford to the utmoft extremity ; declaring,
upon his confcience, that he could not condemn
him of high treafon ; but affured them, that for
his mifdemeanoi s he fliould never ferve him, or
the kingdom, in any place of truft, " no not fo
much as a conftable." This fpeech was highly
oflenfive ; and the commons voted it a breach of
privilege for the king to take notice of any bill
depending before the houfe. At the fame time
they employed their emiflaries without doors, to
difperfe, in different parts of London, papers,
containing the names of the fifty-nine members
who voted againft the bill of attainder. Thole
names were alfo fixed up at public places, under
the denomination of StrafFordians and betrayers of
their country ; and thus expoled to the fury of the
multitude, who were arrived to fuch a pitch o£
madnefs, that, on the third of May, great num-
bers from the city appeared at Weftminller, armed
with fwords and cudgels, crying out for juilice
againft the earl of Sn afford ; and fuch as we^e
luppoled t6 be the friends of that unfortunate
nobleman, were afraid to appear in public. Eighty-
peers had constantly attended the trial of Stratford ;
but fo much were they intimidated by the popular
tumults, that only fbrty-.nine were in the houfe
.of lords when the bill of attainder was introduced;
yet even nineteen of thefe had the courage to vote
againlt it. A ftrong proof that, had liberty of
debate been allowed, the bill would have been re-
jected by a great majority.
About this time a difcovery was made which
heightened the fury of the people, aud haftened
the fate of the devoted Strafford.' Some principal
officers of the: king's army, partly from their at-
tachment to the crown, and partly from an averfion
to the parliament, had formed a plan for engaging
in the king's fervice the troops under their com-
mand. With this view they entered into an aflb-
ciation, bound themfelves by an oath of fecrecy,
and maintained . a clofe correfpondence with the
king's fervants.' The form of a petition to the
king and parliament was drawn up, to which they
refolved to procure the fubfcription of the army.
In this petition,j.after reprefenting the great danger
to which the .ancient conttitution of the kingdom
was fubject, by the infolent proceedings of certain
factious and: turbulent fpirits, the army offered to
come up and protect his maj city and the parlia-
ment. " So Ihall the nation," .as they exprefe
themfelves in the conclufion, " not only be vin-
dicated from precedent innovations, but be le-
cured from the future which arc. threatened, and
which are likely to produce more dangerous effects
than the former." The draught of this petition
being conveyed to the king, ha was, unhappily,
prevailed on to counterfign it/ as a mark of his
approbatipn. One of . tie. afibciation, named
Goring,
H A R L E S
I.
435
Goring, imagining the affair could not long remain
a fecret, difcovered the whole to the lords Newport
and Dungarvon, and they to Pym, who immediately
jmparted it to the houfe. This difcovery cpuld not
fail to excite the moft violent indignation among
the people. It was now reported, that a fcheme
was concerted between the court and the army, to
cnt the throats of the parliament, and of all thofc
who flood up for their liberties. To convey more
fpeedily their terror and indignation at this plot,
the commons voted, that a proteftation fhould be
ligned by all the members, to maintain the pro-
teftant religion again!1 popery, to defend the king's
perfon, the power of parliament, and the rights and
liberties of the fubjeft. This proteftation was fent
up to the lords, and figned by all of them, except
Southampton and Roberts ; and then the commons,
by their fole authority, iffued orders that it mould
be figned by the whole nation. Alarms were every
clay given of new confpiracies, and thefe of fuch a
nature as to keep up the rage of the mifguided
multitude, and animate them in their demands of
juftice againft the unfortunate Straffbrd. A bill
was now brought into the houfe for continuing the
parliament, which mould not be prorogued, ad-
journed or difTolvcd, without the confent of both
houfes, until the grievances mould be redreffecl.
This was on the fifth of May, and the fame day the
commons fent to the king, defiring accefs to him,
which being granted, they attended in the ban-
quetting-houfe, where they prefented to him the
bill of attainder againft Strafford, and that for the
continuance of parliament. Charles told them
they might expeft his anfwer on the Monday fol-
lowing, and fo clifmiffed them. He came to the
houfe of lords according to his promife, and afiured
them of his firm resolution, for which he offered
them any fecui ity, never again to employ Strafford
in any public affairs ; but at the fame time owned
himfelf entirely diffatislied with regard to the cir-
cumftancesof treafon, and on that account declared
his difficulty in giving his affent to the bill of at-
tainder. The commons, not content with this de-
claration of the king's, voted it a breach of privilege
for him to take notice of any bill depending before
the houfe. The nation was now in fuch a ferment
as threatened forne great and violent convulfion.
Wherever the king turned his eyes he faw no re-
medy or relief. He had not a fervant about him,
Juxon excepted, who would fpeak his mind, or in-
terpofc, by his advice, between him and parliament.
The queen, terrified with the appearance of fo
great a clanger, with tears conjured him to fatisfy
his people in this demand, which {he flattered her-
felf would appeafe them. But Juxon, whofe
courage was equal to his other virtues, advifed the
king, if in his confcience he thought the bill unjuft,
by no means to give his affent to it. The devoted
Strafford, informed of the great perplexity his
royal mafter fuffered, carried his loyalty to an ex-
traordinary height. He wrote a letter to him,
wherein he beiought him, for the fake of public
peace, to put an end to his unfortunate, however
innocent, life, and to quiet the tumultuous people,
by granting them a requeft for which they were fo
anxious. '• In this, faid he, my confent will more
acquit you to God than all the world can do be-
lides. To a willing man there is no injury.
And as for God's grace,, I forgive all the world
with a calmnefs and meeknefs, of infinite content-
ment to my diflodging foul -, fo, Sir, to you I can
refign the life of this world with all imaginable
chearfulnefs, in the juft acknowledgment of your
many and exceeding favours." After the moil
violent doubt and anxiety, the king at laft granted
a commiflion to four noblemen to give the royal
aflent, in his name, to the bill, and likewife to that
which rendered the parliament perpetual. Charles
fent fecretary Carleton to fhform Strafford of the
final refolution which neccffity had extorted from
him. The earl was at firft fomewhat moved, but
foon recollecting hiniiclr, he with courage and re-
fignation prepared to fuffer the fatal fentence.
Charles paffecl this bill contrary to his conference,
and ftill continued to be very unhappy about it.
On the tenth of May, he fent the prince of WaleS
to the lv>ufe of peers with a letter, in which he
enjoined them to interpofe their good offices with
the commons, in order to procure a mitigation of
Strafford's fentence, or at leaft a fhort delay ; but
both tlu-f'e requefts were ivfufed, and a committee
of t\velve lords was appointed to fatisfy the king,
that even a delay of the death of this noble criminal
would endanger his own fafety, and that of his
family.
On the twelfth of May the earl of Strafford was
brought to Tower-hill, where the fcaffold was
erecled. hi his way, he flopped under Laud's
windows, with whom he had long lived in the
ftricteft friendfhip, and intreated the affiftance of
his prayers, in thofe awful moments which were ap-
proaching. The aged primate, diffolved in tears,
and having, with a broken voice, pronounced a
tender blcfling on his departing irieno, funk into
the arms of his attendants. Strafford, ftill fuperior to
his fate, walked on with an elated countenance, and
with an air of even greater dignity than what ufually
attended him. His difcourfe on the fcaffold was
full of decency and courage. He faid, " he feared
that the omen was bad for the intended reformation
of the ftate, when it commenced with the fhedding
of innocent blood." After bidding adieu to his
broker and friends, who attended him, and fending
a bleffing to his wife and children, who were abfent,
he faid, " I have now almoft done. One ftroke
will make my wife a widow, and my dear child i en
fathcrlefs, deprive my poor fervants of an indulgent
mafter, and feparate me from my affeftiotvate bro-
ther and all my friends ! But let God be to you and
them, all in all." As he was laying his head upon
the block, he faid, " I thank God, 1 am not afraid
of death, nor am I daunted with any terrors ; but do
as chearfully lay down my head at this time, as
ever I did when going to repofe." After finifhing
this fhort declaration, the executioner, with one
blow, put a final period to his life. The parlia-
ment, foon after his death, as if confcious of the
violence with which the profecution had been con-
dudcd, remitted to his children the moft fevere
part of the fentence.
Having thus, by the death of the earl of Straf-
ford, removed the great obftacle to the reformation
of the ftate, the commons proceeded to profecute
the projected plan, with the utmoft induftry and
vigour. All the taxes which the king had impofed,
the ftar-chamber, and high-commilfion court, the
extenlion of the forefts, and the practice of impri-
foning thofe who refufed to comply with fuch im-
pofitions, were voted contrary to law; and the
greater part of the monopolies were fuppreffed.
The judges had hitherto enjoyed their patents only
during his majefly's pleafure : the commons now
petitioned the king to grant them patents during
their good behaviour; and Charles was perfuaded
to comply with their requeft. The marfhal's court
which took cognizance of offenfive \\oids, and was
extremely arbitrary in its proceedings, was fup-
preffed. The ftannaiy court, which exercifed jti-
rifdiction over the miners of Cornwall, being
liable to a like objection, fuffered the fame fate.
The council in the north, and that in Wales, were
both abolifhecl from fimilar reaibns. The authority
of the clerk of the market, who had a right to in-
fpect the weights and meafures throughout the
kingdom, was transferred to the mayors, fheriffs,
and'ordinary magifti ateb. In a word, if we examine
the
436
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
the*proccedings of this memorable parliament dur-
ing the firft period of its operations, we fliall find,
that we are obliged to it for many valuable privi-
leges and bleflings we ftill enjoy.
'The treaty with the Scots being brought to a
conclufion, Charles allowed the parliament of that
kingdom to affemble, and declared his intention of
aflifting at it in perfon. The commons fufpecting
that he defigned to put himfelf at the head of his
army in the north, under pretence of vifiting his
kingdom of Scotland, demanded a conference with
the lords •, and propofed that both armies fliould be
difbandcd before his departure, which the king, at
their requeft, poflponed till the twenty-fifth of
Auguft- Both armies were accordingly difbanded
at the fame time, and the Scots returned to their
own country, very well fatisfied with their expedi-
tion. This being finifhecl, the king fet out on his
journey ; but their diftruft ftill fubufting, the par-
liament propofed that a committee of both houfes
fliouldt attend the king into Scotland, under pre-
tence of conferring with the Scotifh parliament,
but in reality of being fpies on his majefty's con-
duel. ' Lord Howard of Efcrick was, however, the
only member of the upper houfe, who undertook
that journey : but the committee of the commons
confifted of Nathaniel Fienncs, Sir William Armye,
Sir Philip Stapleton, and John Hampden. The
commons ftill continued fitting, and took feveral
grievances into confideration ; and then refolved to
adjourn from the ninth of September to the twen-
tieth of October.
A great number of the members of both houfes
retired into the country ; and fome of the more
rigid prefbyterians took this opportunity to propofc
an alteration in the book of common prayer ; but
the liturgy was fovigoroufly defended by Mr. Hyde,
afterwards earl of Clarendon, that no ftep was taken
with regard to this fubject. During this difpute in
the lower houfe, the lords voted that the book of
common-prayer mould ftill be ufed without any
alteration. This vote produced a conference be-
tween the houfes. The commons defired the lords
to concur with them in publifhing a declaration for
fupprefling all the late innovations in the church,
and all diversions on the Lord's day. On the other
hand, the lords demanded the concurrence of the
commons in publifhing an order of their houfe, pro-
hibiting all change in divine worfhip, as eftablilhed
by law. The lower houfe abfolutely rejected this
propofal, and ordered their declaration to be
printed, and difperfed through the whole kingdom.
At the fame time they appointed a committee of
forty-three members to manage all affairs of impor-
tance during the interval of their adjournment. The
lords eftablifhed another for their houfe ; and then
the parliament adjourned till the twentieth of
October.
The king attended by the duke of Lenox, lately
honoured with the additional title of duke of
Richmond, the marquis of Hamilton, and lord
"Willoughby, £et out for Scotland on the tenth of
Auguft. He was received at Edinburgh with great
demonftrations of affection by the people ; and in
return for this reception, he not only confirmed the
articles of the treaty between the two kingdoms by
act of parliament, but likewife all his former con-
ceflions, together with all the particulars that had
been tranfacted in their general aflembly. At the
fame time, to gain more effectually their efteem, he
conferred titles of honour and dignity on fome, and
places of truft and profit on others. Among the
former, the marquis of Hamilton was created a
duke; and general Lefley, earl of Leven. While
the king was thus afliduoufly em ployed in com pofing
the troubles in Scotland, he received intelligence,
that a rebellion was broke out in Ireland. The
catholics of that kingdom were perfuaded, that
4
they had now the faireft opportunity of making off
the Englifh yoke; and religion and libcity, .thole
two fources of the greateft actions, hurried them
into the moft barbarous attempt. They agreed to
rife throughout all the provinces in one day, and
after furprizing the caftle of Dublin, to murder
every proteftant in the kingdom. The execution
of this favage confpiracy was delayed, till the ap-
proach of winter, that the fending troops from
England might be attended with greater difficulty.
Cardinal Richelieu had pi omifed the confpirators a
confiderable fupply of men and money ; and many
Irifh officers had given the ftrongeft affurance?,
that they would heartily concur with their catholic
brethren, as foon as any insurrection appeared.
The deiign upon the caflle of Dublin, which was to
have been carried into execution on the twenty-
third of October, was prevented by a timely clifco- .
very of the plot to two of the lords juftices the
very night before ; and thus the capital was pre-
ferved. The bloody part of the confpiracy was
however paft prevention, for the confpirators were
in arms early in the morning of the day appointed,
and actually maflacred forty thoufand defencelefs
proteftants. No age, no fex, no condition was
fpared. The wife weeping for her butchered
hufband, and embracing her helplefs children, was
pierced with them and pei ifhed by the fame ftroke.
The old, the young, the vigorous and the infirm,
underwent the fame fate, and were blended in .one
common ruin. In vain did flight fave from the
firft affault: deftruction was every where let loofe,
and met the hunted victims at every turn. In vain
was recou rfe had to relations, to companions, to
friends : all connections were diffolved, and death
was dealt by that hand, from which protection was
implored and expected. Without provocation,
without oppofition, the aftonifhed Eng'"fh, living
in profound peace, and full fecurity, were mafla-
cred by their neareft neighbours, with whom they
had long maintained a continued intercourfe of
kindnefs and good ofiices. Nay even death was
the flighteft punifhment inflicted by thefe monfters
in human form: all the tortures which wanton
cruelty could invent, all the lingering pains of body,
the anguifh of mind, the agonies of defpair, could
not fatiate revenge excited without injury, and
cruelty derived from no caufe. Humanity forbids
a particular enumeration. Such enormities, though
attefted by undoubted evidence, appear almoft in-
credible. Depraved nature, even perverted reli-
gion, though encouraged by the utmoft licence,
cannot reach to fuch a pitch of ferocity. Even the
weaker fex themfelves, naturally tender to their
own fufferings, and compaflionate to thofe of
others, here emulated their robuft companions,
in the practice of every cruelty. The very
children, taught by example, and encouraged by
the exhortations of their parents, dealt their feeble
blows on the dead carcafes or defencelefs children
of the Englifh. Nor was the avarice of the
Irifh a fufficient reftraint to their cruelty. Such
was their frenzy, that the cattle they had feized,
and by rapine had made their own, were, be-
caufe they bore the name of Englifh, wantonly
flaughtered, or, when covered with wounds, turned
loofe into the woods, there to perifh by flow and
lingering torments. The commodious habitations
of the planters, as if upbraiding the floth and ig-
norance of the natives, were laid in afhes, or levelled
with the ground. And where the wretched owners
had fhut themfelves up in the houfes, and were
preparing for defence, perifhed in the flames, toge-
ther with their wives and children.
Charles received intelligence of this inhuman in*
furrection by a meflenger fent from the north of
Ireland, and immediately laid the difpatches before
the Scotifh parliament, demanding immediate fuc-
cours
H
R
E
I.
437
cours for the fuppreffion of the rebels. But the Scots
referred the buiinefs to the Englifh parliament,
alledging that Ireland depended upon England,
and not upon Scotland. Difappointed in this at-
tempt to procure afiiftance, the king haftened to
London ; and, after communicating the account he
had received of this favage mafTacre, preffed to fend
immediate relief to the wretched Englifh fettled in
Ireland. He added, that the infurrection was not,
in his opinion, the refult of any rafh enterprize, but
of a confpiracy long formed againft the crown of
England. " To your care and wifdom," continued
he, " I commit the conduct and profecution of the
war, which, in a caufe fo important to national and
religious interefts, muft of neceffity be immediately
entered upon, and vigorously purfucd." But the
commons determined to make this event contribute
to the attainment of their favourite purpofe, and
therefore to proceed in a very cautious manner.
They had conftantly encouraged a horror againft
the papifts, however innocent ; they had endea-
voured to excite a terror againft the conspiracies of
that fe<5t, however improbable. It is therefore no
wonder that the whole nation was aftonifhed to hear
of a rebellion, at once both dreadful and unex-
pected : a rebellion attended with the moft deteft-
able circumftances ever recorded. The guilt pecu-
liar to the Trim papifts was eafily, in the prefent
difpofition of men's minds, attributed to that whole
feft, who were fo much already the object of ge-
neral abhorrence. Accuftomed to join the pre-
latical party with the papifts, the. people imme-
diately fuppofed this infurreclion to be the refult of
their united councils ; and this unjuft fufpicion was
confirmed by an aflertion propagated by the Irifh
rebels.
The houfe of commons thinking, or at leaft pre-
tending to think, that Charles was concerned in the
Irifh rebellion, fent but very {lender fupplies of men
and money to that kingdom ; and, at the fame time
refuming their former clifpofitions, they fufficiently
fliewed, in every vote, their determined refolution of
extended their own authority, and proportionally
abridge the power of the fovereign. In order to
this they embraced every opportunity of exafpcrat-
ing the people againft the government. Accord-
ingly, they prefcnted to him, at Hampton-court,
that famous remonftrance, which was foon produc-
tive of the moft important confequences. It was
not addrefied to the king, but plainly declared to
be an appeal to the people ; and the feverity of the
matter was exceeded only by the feverity of the
ftyle. It was indeed a recapitulation of all the
wrong meafures which Charles had purfued ever
fince the commencement of his reign, and for which
he had fo feverely atoned by the conceffions he had
undergone. In many other particulars they were
remarkably fevere againft the popifh lords and the
.Englifh prelates in the houfe of peers, to whom they
attributed all the oppofition they had met with
from the upper houfe in all their popular meafures.
They concluded with petitioning the king, for lay-
ing on the papifts and their favourers farther re-
ftraints and punifliments ; and concluded with de-
claring, that unlefs he made ufe of fuch minifters,
both at home and abroad, as they could confide
in, they would give him no fupport. They even
let his majerty know, that he might eafily guefs
their meaning, though they neither named or im-
peached perions ; and that it was fuftkient to dif-
qualify any perfon if they diflruftcd him, or if he
had ever been known to countenance or defend any
•'who- had been queftioned in parliament.
Had the opprellions here complained of ftill
ex if ted, t.l.is rei'r.onltrance had been a wife meafure:
but as all thole grievances had been already re-
drefled : as the land-marks of the conftitution had
BOW been refined ; as Charles had been as liberal in
granting as his fubjects had been in afking : whaf
could any unprejudiced perfon imagine the parlia-
ment meant by this remonftrance ? the anfwer is ob-
vious. They intended to inflame the people againft
the government, and throw the whole ftate into
confufion. It is therefore no wonder that an ap"-
peal of fuch an invidious and malignant naturfc
fhould meet with a ftrong oppofition in the houfe
of commons, where it pafled by only a majority of
eleven. One hundred and fifty-nine being for, and
one hundred and forty-eight againft the motion. It
was indeed now too evident that thof'e who only
defired the reformation of the government, muft
now divide from thofe, who were determined to
abolifh monarchy itfclf. The proceedings of the
oppofition were very clifagreeable to many of their
own friends in the houfe, who began more and more
to difhuft their intentions. Mr. Capel, member for
Hertfordshire, a perfon of great integrity and au-
thority in parliament, had been very warm in the
oppofition, and as forward as any member in the
houfe for removing the real grievances of his coun-
try. The fame may be faid of the lords Falkland
and Digby, Sir John Culpepper, Mr. Hyde and
many others, whofe concurrence againft the mea-
fures purfued by the court, had given great credit
to the oppofition. But they now thought the king
had gone as far as in prudence, and perhaps farther
than in duty they could require, and that therefore
oppofition ought to ceafe. They made no fecret of
thefe fentiments, and Mr. Capel had been called
up. to the houfe of peers. Treaties were alfo now
begun with many other gentlemen, who were quite
wearied out by the encroachment of the puritanical
party in the lower houfe, though none had yet the
courage, except lord Digby, to break with the vi-
olent party among the commons.
Charles received the remonftrance with fome im-
patience, but with great civility and politenefs ; and
it is remarkable, that it was carried to the king by
Sir Ralph Hopton, who afterwards became fo ftre-
nuous an advocate for that prince. In the mean
time the leaders of the oppofition took care to ftir
up the populace againft the bifhops, who were fo
odious to the puritan party. The whole city was
filled with fedition, and the populace aflemblingin
great multitudes before the houfe of lords, ex-
claimed, " No bifhops ! No bifhops !" Twelve
prelates, intimidated by thefe riotous proceedings,
refolved to retire, and protefted againft all laws,
votes, and refolutions which fhould be made -in
their abfence. The lords, upon receiving this pro-
teft, fent them to the Tower ; and the reft of the
bifhops, dreading the fame fate, retired from the
houfe. Tumults now became every day more out-
rageous ; and fome reduced officers and gentlemen
of the inns of court, offered their fervices to guard
his majefty's perfon. They accordingly appeared
as guards at Whitehall, and frequent fkirmifhes
happened between them and the people. By way
of reproach, thofe gentlemen who fupported the
royal caufe, ftigmatized their antagonifts with the
appellation of roundheads, on account of their hav-
ing their hair round and fhort ; and thefe, in re-
turn gave the others the name of cavaliers. Thus the
nation was provided with party names, under which
the oppofite leaders might range their adherents,
and fignalize their mutual hatred and refentments.
The countenance given by the king to the cava-
liers proved fatal to that prince, as it furnifhed the
commons with the plaufible reafon for demanding of
the king a guard for defending the parliament ; and
on his refufal, a committee was appointed to fit at
Guildhall, under protection of the citizens.
Charles, a few days after, com- . ^ . > .,
mitted a more fatal indifcretion. Lord
Digby, of a warm paflionate difpofition, reprefented
to Charles, that if he exerted the authority of a-
5 T monarch,
438
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
monarch, his infolent fubjefts would fhnnk from
him. The queen and feveral of the courtiers en-
forced this advice, and the king, who was weak
and hafty, yielded to the importunity of his rafh
counfellors. It was propofed to give a finifliing
ftroke, at one blow, to the oppofition, by producing
undeniable proofs of their having invited the Scots
to invade England. Herbert, the attorney-general,
with this view, appeared in the houfe of peers, on
the third of January, and, in his majefty's name,
entered an accufation of high treafon againft lord
Kimbolton, a member of that houfe, and five com-
moners, namely, Mr. John Pym, Sir Arthur Ha-
flerig, Denzil Holies, John Hampden, and Mr.
William Strode. The following extraordinary
articles of high treafon were exhibited againft them.
i. That they had traiteroufly endeavoured to fub-
vtrt the fundamental laws and government of the
kingdom; to deprive the king of his royal power;
and to place in the fubjects ah arbitrary and tyran-
nical power over the laws and liberties of his ma-
jefty's liege people. 2. That they had traiteroufly
endeavoured, by many foul afperfions upon his
majefty and his government, to alienate the affec-
tions of his people,' and to make his majefty odious
to them. 3. That they had endeavoured to draw
his majefty's late army to difobedience, and to fide
with them in their traiterous defigns. 4. That they
had invited and encouraged a foreign power to in-
vade his majefty's kingdom of England. 5. That
they had endeavoured to fubvert the rights, and
very being of parliament. 6. That for completing
their defigns, they had endeavoured, fo far as in
them lay, by force and tenor, to compel the par-
liament to join with them, and to that end had
actually levied war againft the king. The
loids were fdzed wirh amazement, on hearing
both houfes ac< v 1 rf high treafon; every a£t
whiuh> ' •••>! ecu ie the people from any
future ; t\l, as extorted by vio-
lencei and • ':fted to perform fo un-
conftitutionai a ;.o commit five members of
the lower houfe, over whom they had no power.
But their aftonifhment was beyond defcription,
when informed, that a meflenger had been fent to
the houfe of commons, and in his majefty's name,
demanded the perfons of the five members ; but was
fent back without any pofitive anfwer. In the
mean time, Sir William Fleming, Sir William Killi-
gi e w, and others, were at Mr. Holles'sand Mr. Pym's,
Dealing up their trunks, papers, chambers, and doors.
Thefe proceedings being reported to the commons,
they came to the following refolutions: " That the
ferjeant at arms be ordered to apprehend and bring
hither, as delinquents, the perfons who have fealed
up the trunks or doors, or feized the keys of Mr.
Pym, Mr. Holies, or any other member of this
houfe : and that the feijeant fhall have power to
break open the doors, and to break the feals off from
the trunks. That if any perfon whatfoever fhall
go to the lodgings of any members of this houfe,
and there offer to feal the trunks, papers, &c. of
any members, or to feize upon their perfons, that
fuch members fhall require the aid of the conftable,
to keep fuch offenders in fafe cuftody, till this
houfe give farther order; and this houfe doth de-
clare, that if any perfon whatfoever fhall offer to
arreft, or detain, the perfon of any member, with-
out firft acquainting this houfe therewith, and re-
ceiving farther order, that it is lawful for fuch
member, or any one affifting him, to (land upon
his or their defence, and to make refiftance, accord-
ing to the proteftation taken to defend the pri-
vilege of parliament." Exafperated at thefe pro-
ceedings, the king had recourfe to the moft extra-
vagant refolution ever formed by any monarch
of England : he determined by the advice of his
fycophants, to fupport what he had begun by one
vigorous ftroke of authority ; forgetting that
this was a juncture in vhich he ought not to have
expofed that authority to any new affront. But the
king's dcfign was not kept fuftlciently fccret to an-
fwer his majefty's intention. The countefs of
Carliflc, fitter to the earl of Northumberland, dif-
covered it, and fent intelligence to the five mem-
bers, fo that they had time to withdraw a few mi-
nutes before Charles arrived. He went the next
day, attended by his ordinary retinue, and a train
of five hundred followers, to the houfe of commons,
in order to feize the perfons he had accufed. Leav-
ing his retinue in the lobby, and the door being
immediately thrown open, he advanced to the
chair, while all the members rofe up to receive him.
Charles looked carefully round, but not feeing the
accufed members, he made the following fpeech to
the commons.
" Gentlemen,
" I am forry for this occafion of coming to you.
Yefterday I fent a mcflage to demand fome, who,
by my order, were accufed of high treafon. Inftead
of obedience, I received a meflage. I muft here
declare to you, that though no king that ever was
in England could be more careful of your privileges
than 1 fhall be, yet, in cafes of trcalbn, no perion
has privilege. Therefore I am come to tell you,
that I muft have thei'e men wherefoever I can find
them. Well, fince I fee all the birds are flown,
I do expedl you will fend them to me as foon as
they return. But I afli.re you, on the word of a
king, I never did intend any force, but fhall pro-
ceed againft them in a fair and legal way ; for I
never want any other. And now, fince I fee I
cannot do what I came for, I think this no unfit oc-
cafion to repeat what I have faid formerly, that
whatever I have done in favour, and to the good of
my fubjects, I do intend to maintain it." The fury
into which the houfe was thrown by this unguarded
action of the king, is impofilble to be deiciibed.
Before the king reached the door, fome of the
members called aloud, " Privilege! Privilege!"
Immediately after his departure the houfe ad-
journed till the next day; and the five accufed
members retired for prote&ion into the city. The
guards at the gates were immediately doubled, and
the greater part of the citizens continued the whole
night under arms, while reports of various kinds
were raifed, that the cavaliers and papifts were
coming to fire the city, with the king at their head.
The next morning Charles difpatched a meflenger
to the lord mayor, ordering him to call a com-
mon-council immediately. His commands were
obeyed ; and about ten o'clock, the king, attended
only by three or four lords, repaired to Guildhall,
where he delivered to the common-council the fol-
lowing fpeech.
" Gentlemen,
" 1 am come to demand fuch perfons as I have
already accufed of high treafon, and do believe are
concealed in the city. I hope no good man will
keep them from me; their offences being treafons
and mifdcrncanors of a very high nature. I defire
your loving affiftance herein, that they may be
brought to a legal trial. And whereas divers fuf-
picions are raifed, that I am a favourer of the
popifh religion, I do profefs in the name of a king,
that I did, and ever will, to theutmoft of my power,
be a profecutor of all fuch as fhall in any ways
oppofe the laws and fiatutes of this kingdom, either
papifts or feparatifls; and not only fo, but I will
maintain and defend that true proteftant religion
which my father profeffed, and will continue in it
during life." The lord mayor and aldermen be-
haved with great civility, and attended the king to
Temple-bar; but he could not efcape the infults of
the populace; the cry of " privilege of parliament!"
refounded from all quarters; and one of the mob,
more
CHAR
more daring than the reft, advanced near to the
coach door, and called aloud, " To your tents, O
Ifrael," words ufed by the Ifraelites, when they
abandoned the tyrannical Rehoboam. The next
day a proclamation was iffued for apprehending the
five members, forbidding all perfons to harbour
them ; and the articles againft them were printed
and difperfed. The houfe of commons only met
to vote, that the king had violated the privileges
of parliament, and adjourning themfelves for fome
days, appointed a committee to fit at Guildhall, to
coniider of every thing for the good and fafety of
the city and kingdom, and how to fecure the pri-
vileges of parliament. This committee had alfo
the direction of the Irifh affairs ; and the king had
fcarcely left the city, when they drew up a declara-
tion, with regard to the late attempt on the pri-
vilege of parliament, which was afterwards con-
firmed to the houfe. It was conceived in the follow-
ing terms: " Whereas his majefty, in his royal
perfon, came yefterclay to the houfe of commons,
with a great multitude of men, armed in a warlike
manner, with halberts, fwords, and piftols, who
came up to the very door of this houfe, and placed
themfelves there, and in other places and paflagcs
near to the houfe, to the great terror and difturb-
ance of the members thereof then fitting, and, ac-
cording to their duty, in an orderly manner, treat-
ing of the great affairs of both kingdoms of Eng-
land and Ireland ; and his majefty having placed
himfelf in the fpeaker's chair, did demand the per-
fons of divers members of that houfe to be delivered
to him : — It is this day declared by the houfe of
commons, that the fame is a high breach of the
rights and liberties of parliament, and inconfiftent
with the freedom thereof; and therefore the houfe
doth conceive, that they cannot, with fafety of their
own perfons, or the indemnities of the rights and
privileges of parliament, fit here any longer, with-
out a full vindication of fo high a breach of pri-
vilege, and a fufticient guard wherein they may
confide, for which both houfes jointly, and this
houfe by itfelf, have been humble fuitors to his
majefty, and cannot yet obtain." This committee
was treated in the city with the greateft refpecl:,
having a guard of fubftantial citizens to attend
them. Nothing was. now talked of but declara-
tions, votes and remonftrances, againft the late
flagrant breach of privilege ; and feveral addrefles
were prefcnted to the king, requeuing him to name
the perfons who had advifed him to purfue fuch
alarming meafures. Petitions were alfo fent up
from different parts of the kingdom, and among
others, the lord mayor, aldermen, and common-
council of London, reprefented to his majefty,
" That trade was decayed, to the ruin of the pro-
teftant religion, and the lives and liberties of the
fubjects, by the defigns of papifts ; more parti-
cularly by their fomenting the Irifh rebellion, by
changing the conilable of the Tower, by fortifying
Whitehall, and his majefty's late invafion of the
houfe of commons. They therefore prayed, that by
the parliament's advice, the proteftants of Ireland
might be relieved ; the Tower put into the hands of
perfons of truft ; a guard appointed for the fafety
of parliament ; and that the five members might not
bp reftrained, nor proceeded againft, but by the
privilege of parliament." Charles thought proper
to return an anfwer to this petition, in which he
obferved ; " that, merely to fatisfy the city, he had
removed a very worthy perfon from his command
in the Tower ; and that the late tumults had
rendered it absolutely neceflary for him to fortify
Whitehall for the fecurity of his own perfon:
. that his going to the houfe of commons Was to
apprehend thofe five members for high treafon,
to which the privilege of parliament could not
extend; but that he never intended to proceed
E
I.
439
againft them any otherwife than by lesjal methods
only."
The king, either appreherifive of danger from the
enraged multitude, or unable to bear the triumph
of his enemies, contrary to the advice of hfs friends,
retired to Hampton-court before the meeting of
parliament. The committee, with the accufed
members, were now conduced to Weftminfter, with
great ftate and folemnity, in a triumphant procefuVn
of the _ city trainbands: the Thames was, at the
lame time, covered with boats and other vcfiels,
adorned with flags and dreamers, in which were
imall pieces of ordnance ; alfo drums, trumpets,
and all other kinds of martial rfmfic. When the
news of the parliament being afiembled was de-
clared to the multitude, they exprefled their joy by
the found of trumpets, the beat of drum, the clif-
charge of ordnance on the water, and mufketry on
the land, intermixed with loud fliouts and congra-
tulations. The houfe of commons now confirmed
all the afts of their committee. The lord Kim-
bolton entreated the lords not to permit him to lie
under a charge, in which his life, his eftate, and his
honour were concerned : but to allow the attorney-
general to profecute the accufation againft him;
buC the next day his majefty fent to inform the
lords, that he was pleafed to wave his former pro-
ceedings ; and that when the minds of people were
compofed, he intended to proceed in an unqueftion-
able manner ; and aflured his parliament, that he
would be as careful of their privileges as his own.
He afterwards, by fucceffive meflages, offered a
pardon to the members ; propofed to concur in any
law that fhould acquit or fecure them, and to make
reparation for the breach of privilege, of which he
acknowledged they had reafon to complain. They,
however, refolved not to accept of any fatisfaction,
unlefs the king would difcover his advifers in that
illegal meafure; but this he pofitively refufed.
Diftruft, fear, and jealoufy, not only poflefled the
minds of both houfes, but of all the people. A
petition from the county of Buckingham was pre-
fented to the houfe of commons, by fix thoufand
men, who promifed to live and die in defence of
the privileges of parliament. The city of London,
the counties of Effex, Surry, Hertford, and Berks,
did the like. A petition from the apprentices was
alfo received ; and the porters, whofe number, they
faid, amounted to fifteen thoufand, prefented theirs,
containing the fame articles with all the others :
the privileges of parliament, the danger of religion,
the rebellion in Ireland, and the decay of trade.
Another petition was prefeflted in the name of many
thoufands of the poor. The very women peti-
tioned ; and a brewer's wife, attended by feveral
thoufands of her fex, prefented a petition to the
houfe, in which they exprefled their terror of the
papifts and prelates, and their dread of the like
mafTacres, rapes, and outrages which their fex had
fuffered in Ireland. It was now fufKciently evident
from the proceedings of both fides in this remark-
able conteft for power, that the fword alone could
decide it. Charles, feemingly defirous of averting
the horrors of a civil war, fent a meflage to the par-
liament, clefiring, " that they would digeftinto one
body all the grievances of the kingdom, and to
fend them to him, promifing his favourable aflent
to thofe means which mould be thought moft
effectual for redrefs." This requeft was refufed ; the
commons being engaged in matters of far greater
confequence. In fhort, their leaders had fo invin-
cible a diftruft of Charles, that they put no confi-.
dence in his promifes : and were perfuaded that
nothing lefs than wrefting all power from his hand
would be fuffkient for their fafety. By the defpon-
dency of the king's party, their opponents every
where obtained an undifputed authority; and the bills
fent up by the commons, which had hitherto flopped
with
440
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
with the peers, now patted, and were preferred for
the royal affent. Thefe were the preffing bills, and
the bill againft the votes of the bifhops in parlia-
ment. The king's power was, by his mifconduct,
reduced to the loweft ebb ; and the queen being
threatened with an impeachment, and finding no
refource in his protection, was preparing to retire
into Holland : the rage of the people being le-
velled at her, on account of the advice fhe gave
the king ; and fhe being defirous to facilitate her
efcape from England, prevailed on his majefty to
pafs thefe bills, in hopes of appealing for a time
the rage of the people. The commons being
fenfible that the king would take every opportunity
to regain the power of which they had deprived
him, refolved to prevent him by every method
their wifdom could fuggeft. The arms and am-
munition of the late army had been, by the king's
command, laid up in the town of Hull. Previous
to the attempt of feizing the five members, he
had fent the earl of Newcaftle to be governor,
and to draw into the town as many of the militia
as he could. This alarming the commons, they
difpatched thither Sir John Hothatn, a gentleman
of confiderable fortune in the neighbourhood, and
gave him the authority of governor. They fent
orders to Goring, governor of Portfmouth, to
obey no commands, without the king's authority,
fignified to him by the lords and commons ; and
never ceafed foliciting the king, till he had given
the command of the Tower to Sir John Conyers,
in whom alone they faid they could confide. At
the fame time both houfes prefented a petition,
that the forts and militia of the kingdom might
be put into their hands. To this the king
anfwered, that when he ihould be informed of the
extent of the power intended to be eftabliftied in
thofe perfons to whom the parliament defired to
entruft the command of the militia, and how long
he was to be debarred from exercifing his power
over it without the advice of parliament, he would
then put in fuch perfons as the parliament mould
approve, provided he had no objections to them.
The parliament, perceiving that the king's fole
defign was to gain time, pafled an ordinance,
which reftored to the lieutenants and deputies the
fame authority they had formerly exercifed, with
power to employ the militia in England and Wales,
for the fuppreffion of infurrections and invafions.
The names of the perfons who had been invefted
with this authority, were inferted in the ordinance ;
they were to be accountable to parliament, and
their authority to continue during the pleafure of
that aflembly. When this demand was made, the
king was at Dover, attending the queen and the
princefs Mary in their embarkation ; and he re-
plied, that he had not now leifure to confider a
matter 'of fuch importance, and muft, therefore,
defer his anfvver till his return. The parliament
inftantly difpatched another meffage to him, ex-
prefling their grief at his majefty's anfwer to their
juft and neceflary petition ; reprefenting, that any
delay during fuch preffing clangers and diftractions,
was not lefs unfatisfactory and deftruclive, than an
abfolute denial. In return, he defired, if the mi-
litary authority were defective, it mould firft be
conferred upon the crown ; and promifed to beftow
commiffions, but revocable at pleafure, on the
fame perfons the parliament had mentioned in the
bill. To this they inflantly replied, that the
dangers and diforders of the nation could endure
no longer delay ; and unlefs the king fpeeclily com-
plied with their requeft, they mould be forced, for
the fafety of the prince and people, to difpofe of
the miiitia by the authority of the two houfes,
and were refolved to do it without delay ; at the
fame time they invited him to fix his refidence in
London. On the receipt of this meffage, Charles
peremptorily replied, that, for the militia, he was
fo aflured that his anfwer was agreeable !o what in
julHce or reafon they mould afk, or he, in honour
grant, that he fhouhl not alter it in any point;
as touching his refidence near the parliament, he
wifhed it might be fafe and honourable, and that
he had no caufe to abfent himfelf from Whitehall.
" What would you have?" (Paid the king in his
reply.) " Have I violated your laws ? Have I
denied to pafs any bill for the eafe and fecuiity
of my fubjects ? I do not afk what you have done
for me. Have any of my people been tranfported
with fears and apprehenfions? I offer as free and
generous a pardon as you yourfelves can deviie.
All this confidered, there is a judgment of heaven
upon this nation, if thefe diftractions continue.
God fo deal with me and mine, as all my thoughts
and intentions are upright for the maintenance of
the proteftant religion, and for the obfervance and
prefcrvation of the laws; and I hope God will
blefs and aflift thofe laws for my prefervation."
This pofitive refufal produced in the commons the
following refolutions: that the kingdom fhould be
forthwith put in a pofture of defence, in the way
already agreed on by both houfes; and that a
committee fhould be appointed to prepare a de-
claration to free the houfe from fufpicions, and to
lay down thejufl caufes of the fears and jealoufies
on which they proceeded.
The earl of Clarendon fuppofes, that if the
king had returned to the parliament immediately
after the queen's departure, and the two houfes
had been convinced that he was no longer go-
verned by her dictates, matters would have been
compofed by very moderate conceffions on his
part : but when it was known that his majefty
intended to vifit the northern parts of his king-
dom, and to make the city of York the place of
his refidence, and to take the prince with him,
they fell into their ufual heats and debates on
their juft caufes of jealoufy and diftruft. When
the king reached Huntingdon, he fent a mefTage
to the commons, upbraiding them for their con-
duct with regard to the affairs of Ireland, and
informing them, " That he expected an equal
tendernefs in them with regard to his known pri-
vileges, among which he is Jure it is a fundamental
one, that his fubjects cannot be obliged to obey
any act, order, or injunction, to which his majefty
had not given his confent ; and therefore he thinks
it neceflary to publifh, that he expects and hereby
requires obedience from all his loving fubjects to
the laws eftablifhed, and that they prefume not,
on any pretence of order or ordinance, to which
his majefty is no party, concerning the militia, or
any other things, to do or execute what is not
warranted by thofe laws, his majefty being re-
folved to keep the laws himfelf, and to require
obedience to them from all his fubjects." Many
were the declarations and rneffages which pafled
between the king and parliament during his
journey. The king endeavoured to perfuade the
people, that, to give the parliament fatisfaftion,
he had granted every thing he ought; while the
parliament, by commenting on his conduct, ftrove
to convince the nation, that at the very time
when they, in a manner, forced his aflent to their
necefTary demands, he had been, and was now,
contriving the means to invalidate thofe con-
ceffions. When Charles reached York, he at firft
found the people cautious in offering their fervice;
and the difpofitions of men in general not fo
favourable as he expected in the counties more
remote from the capital-, this induced him to in-
form the parliament, that he was refolved to go
in perfon to fupprefs the rebellion in Ireland, and
intended to raife in the counties near Chefter a
guard, confifting of two thoufand foot, and two
hundred
H A R
E
I.
445
hundred hoife, to be armed from his magazine at
Hull; and that the officers and common foldiers
fhould all take the oath of allegiance and fupre-
niacy. But both houfes were unanimoufly of opi-
nion, that it would be dangerous and unfafe to
confent to his majefty's going into Ireland ; for
their fears were alarmed at the apprehenfions, that
he would place himfelf at the head of the two
oppofite armies, that under Ormond, and that of
the rebels, who pretended that he allowed of their
proceedings. They therefore drew up a petition
againft it; to which they added a refolution, de-
claring thofe enemies to the ftate, who fliould en-
deavour to raife forces for Ireland without the
confent of parliament. Manifefloes, and all the
forerunners of a civil war, were now published on
both fides. Lord Falkland, fecretary of ftate, and
Mr. Hyde, afterwards Lord Clarendon, were the
authors of the papers in defence of the king. In
thefe, the Englifh conftitution was defined with
great precifion ; the three fpecies of government,
monarchical, ariftocratical, and democratical, were
thftinguifhed ; and the government of England
fhewn to be a compound of the whole, each
tempering the other.
Charles, difappointed in his Irifh fcheme, now
turned his thoughts towards getting pofieflion of
the important fortrefs of Hull, where the arms
of all the forces levied againft the Scots had been
depofited. The parliament, jealous of his near
neighbourhood to this place, had fent orders to
Sir John Hotham to introduce into the town eight
hundred of the Yorkfhire militia; and though this
reinforcement was fufticient to repel any force the
king could bring againft it, yet fearing treachery,
they petitioned the king to permit the removal
of the magazine to the Tower of London, where
the ftores were much exhaufted. This being de-
nied, the parliament fent orders to prepare fhips,
and remove the magazine to London. But Charles
hoped before this order could be executed, to be
himfelf mafter of Hull. To this end he fent his
fon, the duke of York, the elector Palatine, and
fome of thofe nobles who had followed his fortune
to the town, where they were received with great
civility. The next day, which was the twenty-
fecond of April, he advanced with three hundred
hoife, and fent a meflenger to Sir John Hotham,
with a letter, to inform him, he intended to vifit
his town of Hull, and the magazine ; and ordered
him to provide for himfelf and train. Sir John,
in great confufion, called the chief magiftrates of
the town, and officers of the garrifon, to a council,
in which it being refolved not to admit the king,
a refpeclfnl menage was fent, entreating him to
forbear his intended vifit; and on his nearer ap-
proach the bridge was drawn up, and the garrifon
flood to their arms. Charles, with a loud voice,
demanded entrance; when Sir John kneeling,
pleaded his having received his truft from par-
liament, and with much civility of language,
gave the king an abfolute refufal. Charles then
repeated his demand, and offered to reduce his
train to twenty perfons. This was alfo denied.
He then defired the governor to come out to him,
promifing that he fliould return in fafety. The
governor excufed his non-obedience ; but readily
confented to the demand, that the king's fon, and
the reft of his friends, fliould leave the tawn.
Charles, enraged at this difappointment, pro-
claimed Hotham a traitor, by two heralds at arms,
and after having ftaid five hours before Hull,
returned to Beverley.
The increafing inclinations of the inhabitants
of Yorkfhire for the royal caufe, greatly alarmed
the parliament. They had raifed a guard of fix
hundred men for his perfon, and feemed determined
to aflift him to the utmoft of their power. The
No, 42.
parliament, though they had already levied a
guard for themfelves, had attempted to ieize the
whole military power, the navy, and all the forts
of the kingdom ; yet they immediately voted,
" That the king, fcduced by wicked counfels,
intended to make war againft his parliament, who,
in all their confultations and actions, had propofed
no other end but the care of his kingdoms, and
the performance of all duty and loyalty to his
perfon : that this attempt was a breach of the
truft repofed in him by his people, contrary to
his oath, and tending to a diflblution of the
government; and that whoever fhould affift him
in fuch a war, were traitors by the fundamental
laws of the kingdom." Thus things haftened
towards a crifis. The parliament appointed the
earl of Effex general of their fbn.es; and the
ardour was fo great among the people in the
capital, that no lefs than four thouiand men in-
lifted in one day. At the fame time the parlia-
ment voted a declaration, which they required
every member to fubfcribe, that they would live
and die with their general. Orders were ifiued for
bringing in loans of money, in order to maintain
the forces levied to defend the parliament: and
the zeal of the people was, in this particular^ more
remarkable, than their enlifting under Lifex ; for
during ten days the throng was fo great, that the
perfons appointed to receive the offerings of the
populace, had neither time nor room fufficicnt for
the purpofe; many of them were therefore obliged
to carry back their treafures till a more convenient
opportunity, when the commiflioners would be at
leifure to receive them.
But the parliament were totally eclipfed by the
fplendid appearance of the nobility, who flocked
to the king at York. Above forty peers of the
higheft rank in the kingdom attended upon
Charles, among whom was the lord-keeper Littel-
ton ; while the houfe of lords at Weftminfter
feldom confifted of more than fixteen members,
and even fome of thefe were of the royal party,
and conftantly oppofed the meafures of the com-
mons. The king iffued commifllons of array all
over the kingdom ; but the execution of them*
was voted treafonable by the parliament. Th~".
were, however, greatly aftonifhed and alarnf ^
when they perceived fb large and refpedtable°/a
part of the kingdom had declared for the king*
This, produced a new fet of propofitions, on which
they were willing to come to an agreement. Their
demands were, •
" i. That the officers of the crown, the mi-
nifters of ftate, and the governors of all the ports
and forts of the kingdom, fliould be chofen and
approved of by the two houfes, or by the council
in the intervals of parliament. 2. That no places
fhall be given for life; but that thofe on whom
they fliould be beftowed, may hold them no longer
than they difcharge their duty well. 3. That the
two houfes, and the council, fhall name the perfon
unto whom the government and education of the
king's children lhall be committed. 4. That no
marriage fhall be concluded, or treated, for any of
the king's children, without the confent of parlia-
ment. 5. That the laws againft Jefuits, and other
fecular priefts, and in general againft all papifts,
fhall be ftri&ly put in execution, without any to-
leration or difpenfation whatfoever. 6. That the
popifh lords be expelled from the houfe of peers,
and their children taken from them, in order to
their being brought up in the proteftant religion.
7. That fuch a reformation be made of the liturgy
and church government, as both houfes of parlia-
ment, with the advice of divines, fhall advife.
8. That the king fhall reft fatisfied with the method
taken by the parliament for fettling the militia,
o. That a ftrict alliance be entered into with the
U ftates
446
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY, o*
11, IS
,AND.
ftates of the United Provinces, and other neigh-
bouring princes and ftates of the proteihnt religion,
again ft" the pope and his adherents. 10. That
the 'five impeached members- be cleared by aft of
parliament, and rcftored to their rights, that future
parliaments may be fecured from the confcquence
of that bad example, i r. That peers made here-
after be retrained from fitting and voting in par-
liament, without the confent of both houies. 12.
That the military forces now attending the king
be difcharged. 13. That the lords and others of
the privy-council, and others in offices and em-
ployments, be removed, except fuch only as (hull
be approved by both houfes of parliament ; and
that the perfons made choice of to fill their places
and employments, may be approved of by both
houfes of parliament ; and that the privy counfel-
lors mall take an oath for the clue execution of
their places, in fuch form as fhall. .be approved of
by the parliament. 14. That the great affairs of
the kingdom mall not be concluded nor tranfac'ted
by the advice of private men, or by any unknown
or unfworn counfellors; but that fuch matters as
concern the public, and are proper for the high
court of parliament, fhall be debated, refolvecl,
and tranfacted only in parliament ; and fuch as
fhall prefume to do any thing to the contrary, fhall
be reiervecl to the cenfure and judgment of parlia*
ment; and fuch other matters of itate as are pro-
per for the privy-council, fhall be debated and
concluded by fuch of the nobility and others as
fliall, from time to time, be chofen to fill that
.board, by approbation of both houfes of parlia-
ment ; and that no public act, concerning the
affairs of the kingdom, which is proper for the
privy-council, fliall be eftcemed of any validity,
as proceeding from the royal authority, unlefs it
be done with the advice and confent of the major
part of the council, attefted under their hands;
that the council fhall be limited to a certain num-
ber, not exceeding twenty-five, ,nor under fifteen ;
and if any counfellor's place happen to be vacant,
"it fhall not be fupplied without the affent of the
major part of the council, which choice fhall be
confirmed at the next fitting of parliament, or elfe
0^' l$' Tliat.die lord high fteward of Eng-
j die lord high conftable, the lord chancellor,
^epcr of the great . feal, the lord treafurer, the
privy-ieal, the earl marflial, the lord admiral,
the warden of the cinque ports, the chief governor
of Ireland, the chancellor of the exchequer, the
matter of the wards, the feveral fecretaries of flate,
the two chief juftices and chief baron,, fhall .always ;
be chofen with the approbation of both houfes of
parliament; and in the intervals of parliament, by
the affent of the major part of the council, in the
fame manner as is before exprefled in the choice of
counfellors. 16. That fueh members of either
houfe of parliament, as, during this prefent parlia-
ment, have been put out of any place or office,
fhall either be reftored, or otherwife have fatisfac-
tion, upon the petition of fuch houfe of which they
are members. 17. That all privy-counfellors and
judges fhall take an oath, the form whereof fliall
be agreed upon and fettled by aft of parliament,
for maintaining the petition of right, and of cer-
tain ftututes made by this parliament, which fliall
be mentioned by. both houfes; and that an enquiry
of all breaches and violations of thofe laws fliail
be given in charge by the juftices of the king's-
bench every term, and by the judges of aflize in
their circuits, and juftices of the peace at the
feflions, to be prefented and punifhed according to
law. 1 8. That the juftice of parliament fhall pafs
upon all delinquents, whether they be within the '
kingdom or in foreign parts ; and that all perfons,
.cited by either houfe of parliament, fhall appear,
.ind abide the cenfure of parliament. 19. That a
general pardon fhrdl be granted, with fuch excep-
tions as mail be advifed by Loth huuli s of par-
liament." It nu.fi be acknowledged that thefe
proportions new nj'uklkxl the confutation, and
would huve infufed To BHJCU' of a re-publican fpirit
into it, as to have left tl:e king little more than the
fliadow of royalty, and deprived. him of>every pre-
rogative pernicious to good government; but in
his prefent circumChnccs, he was not in a difpoG-
tion to confent to fuch an abridgement of his royal
privileges. '« Should I grant thefe demands,"
laid he, in his reply, " I may be waited on bare-
headed ; I may have my. hand killed; the title of
majefly continued to me ; and the king's authority
fignified by both houfes of parliament, may be
ftill the ftilc of your commands: I may have
fwords and maces carried before me, and pleafe
myfelf with the fight of a crown and fceptrej but
even thefe twigs would not longflourifh, when the
flock upon which they grew was dead; but as to
true and real power, I fliould remain but the out-
fide, but the pidure, but the fign of a king/'
About this time the queen, by ciifpofing of the
crown jewels in Holland, had been enabled to
purchafe a confiderable quantity of arms and am-
munition ; -and a fmall vcffel laden with part of
thefe, after having efcaped many dangers, ar-
rived fafely to the king, who now prevailed with
the nobility of York to fign. a paper, in which
they engaged to defend his per/on, crown, and
dignity, and to iffue out commiffions of array; at
the fame time declaring, that his intentions were
not to make war againft the parliament? but againft
a few malignant fpirits whom he was determined
to bring to juflice. The commiffion of array was
an antiquated prerogative, founded on a ftafute
of Henry IV. which had been repealed, and there-
fore gave great difguft.
Advice from Holland having been received by
parliament, that veffcls had foiled from thence
laden with arms, with prince Rupert, prince
Maurice, and other officers on board, who in-
tended to ferve in the royal army, that fame of
the troops raifed by the commiffion of array had
begun hoftilities on the militia, and had attempted
to feize a magazine of arms in Leicefterfhire,
guarded by the earl of Stamford; that the earl
and his followers were declared traitors; that troops
were fent into Lincolnfhire, and horfes feized by
force; that a garrifoa was put into Ncwcaftle ; that
fortifications were erected on the river Tyne, to
.interrupt the conveyance of coal; that feveral
commiffions had been delivered out to raife volun-
teers for the king's fervice; and that a threatening
'declaration was made againft the proceedings of
both houfes; they refolved to put themfelves in a
pofture of defence, and pafled a vote for railing
an army, of which the earl of Effex fliould be
general, and the earl of Bedford commander of
the horfe. At the fame time a vote was paffed
for petitioning the king to come to an agreement
with his parliament. Their propofals, however,
were rejected. Charles proceeded to attempt the
reduction of Hull; but the earl. of Lindfey, after
making a few impotent attacks with a fmall body
of raw, undifciplined troops, amounting to two
thoufand five hundred horfe and foot, was obliged
to draw off his forces. However, this repuhe v.as
fully compenfated by the conduct of Goring,
governor of Portfmouth, who, notwithstanding his
having profefled the mod ftridt attachment to the
parliament, declared for the king. The acquifi-
tion of fuch an important fea-port town elated
Charles to fuch a degree, that he immediately pub-
liflied a declaration, in which he recapitulated all
thofe aclions, which he termed infolent and rebel-
lious in the two houfes ; and at the fame time
publiflied a proclamation, requiring all men who
2 could
C H A
R
I.
447
could bear arms to repair to his ftandard, which
was to be creeled at Nottingham, on the twenty-
fifth of Auguft following. It fhould be remem-
bered, as a proper ch.e to the tranfactioas of this
reign, by all thofe who would candidly inveftigatc
caules and motives, that the nation had at that
time the higheft veneration for parliaments. The
cuttom of reviling thole affemblies for corruption
was then unknown ; and the houfe of commons
was confidered in no other light than as the re-
prcientatives of the people, \vhofe intereft was the
lame with that of the public, who were the eternal
guardians of law and liberty, and whom no motive
could ever engage but the neceflary defence of the
nation, in an oppofition to the crown. Hence
the torrent of general affection ran to the parlia-
ment, who, actuated by a generous love ot free-
dom, and incited by the fear of again falling into
that flavery from which they had gloriouily re-
deemed themlelves and their country, were now
excited by every confideration of public and
private intcreft, to defend themfelves againft a
piince, who for the fpace of twelve years had
levelled the boundaries of law, and thrown down
the bulwarks of civil and religious liberty : that
fuch a prince, in his adverfe itate, mould find a
party to efpoufe his broken fortunes ; that he mould
be able to perfuade men to lift their impious
hands againft the authors of freedom, and drench
their country in blood, to fupport a power he had
abufed, are circumftances which exhibit a melan-
choly proof of the extreme weaknefs '-and depra-
vity of the human mind. The injuries which the
Englifh had fuffered under the family of the Stuarts,
had, in appearance, roufed an univerfal fpirit of
oppofition ; yet, when the indefeafible power of
the people was oppofed to the claims of monarchy,
the king found among men of fortune and family
a numerous party, who priding themfelves on their
tlefcent from opulent ancestors, fancied they had
a right to tyrannize over their fellow citizens ; and
growing fick of the new broached doctrines, which
afierted, that all men had; right to equal liberty,
deferted the caufe wliic!^ cpprefiion had engaged
them to abet, and rang'0 -^ hemfelves on the fide
of the crown. Thus the? greater weight of the
landed intereft fell on the "fide of the king, who
had alfo all the catholics, and thofe who were fu-
peiftitioufly attached to the hierarchy. But thefe
advantages were more than balanced by the popu-
larity of the parliament ; and by the love of li-
berty, which was 'diffufed among the active, 'the
induftrious, and the commercial part of the nation.
The king had a particular difadvantage arifing from
the dnp'licity of his conduct : he had frequently
violated his' engagements with his people; and
now, notwithstanding all his aflei tions to the con-
trarv, they in general believed, that he had an
averfion to the free government of the country;
that he had con fen ted to all the laws in favour of
liberty with reluctance ; that neither his oaths nor
promifes could be depended on ; and that he only
waited till he had fuflicient power, and a proper
opportunity, to refume all his former arbitrary
meafurcs.
On the cViy appointed the royal ftandard was
creeled at Nottingham ; but to the furprize and
mortification of the king, the people did not at
'fiift refort to it, in obedience to his proclamation.
His artillery, far from numerous, had been left at
York, for want of horfes ; and, befides the trained
bands of the county, raifed 'by Sir John Digby,
the iheriff, he had not got together _ above three
hundred infantry. His cavalry, which did not
exceed eight hundred, and were very ill provided
with arms, was commanded by prince Rupert,
and lay at Leicclter ; and his force was fo much
inferior to what the parliament had now in the
field, that Sir Jacob Aftley, fhjeant-innjor general
of his army, told him, that he could not give
him any afl'uiMnce that he might not be taken out
of his bed, flunild'. the rebels attempt it. While
the king and his friends were ruminating on the
danger of their lituation, they received the mor-
tifying advice, that Portfnumth being befieged
both by fea and hind by the parliament's forces,
would be reduced in a fe\v days. Charles, in his
w.ry to Nottingham, had propofed to enter Co-
ventry ; but the citizens fhut their gates, fired at
his men, and obliged him to retire. The anxiety
of mind occafioned by thefe alarming circum-
ttances, was heightened by liiperftilious appre-
henfions, arifing from his ftandard having been
blown down by a high wind. Thefe incidents in-
duced the nobility to prcfs the king to fend an
immediate mefiage to the parliament with over-
tures of peace; but this he abfolutely refufed, and
haftily broke up the council. However, the earl
of Southampton the next day urging the fame
advice, it was liftened to with more coolnefs and
deliberation ; and, by the unanimous defire of the
counfellors, he was prevailed with to embrace
Southampton's advice ; and that nobleman, with
Sir John Colepepper, and Sir Willi.im Uvedale,
were difpatched to London, with offers of a treaty
to the following purport : that the king had, witfi
vmfpeakable grief of heart, beheld the diffractions
of the kingdom ; and to prevent the mifeiies ready
to overwhelm the nation by a civil war, propofed
to the parliament to appoint perfons to treat with a
like number authorifed by him ; and he concluded
with affuring them, that this motion was folely
owing to his Chriftian and pious care to prevent
the effufion of blood ; his provifion of men, arms,
and money, being fuflicient to {ecu re him from
violence, till it pleafed God to open the eyes of
his people. The parliament wafted no time in iin-
neceffary difputes ; but two days after they had
received' this propofal, clifpatchcd a mcflage to the
king, in which they told him, that till he fhould
recall his proclamations, by which the earl of E'.ffex,
and both houfes of parliament, with thofe who
obeyed their commands, were declared traitors ;
and till his ftandard was taken down, they could
not, confiftently with the public truft repofed in
them, or the good and fafety of the kingdom,
give any anfwer to his propofal. This fudden
determination fo alarmed the royalifts, that they
advifed the king to lay afide all thoughts of con-
queft, to hafte to London, and appear in parlia-
ment before they had any item of his intention.
This fealonable advice was rejected with difdain :
but the parliament having fent their principal offi-
cers to their army, which lay at Northampton,
with orders to prepare for their march, it was
thought neceflary to amufe them with another
meflage, in which the king promifcd to recall his
proclamations, provided they would recall theirs,
in which his adherents were declared traiutrs. The
parliament, perceiving the king's aim, immediately
difpatched the meflenger with an anfwer, in Which
they charged the king with duplicity of conduct,
in fending hoftile inftructions to his commiffioners
of array, fince his pacific profeffions ; and entreated
him to difbancl his forces, and return to his par-
liament, where, they faici, he would find fuch ex-
prcflions of their fidelity and duty, as mould
affure him that his fafety, honour, and greatnefs,
could only be found in the affections of his people,
and in their fincere councils. From this period
the king's levies and other warlike preparations,
were carried on with great expedition. When the
earl of Eflex joined the army, it amounted to
fifteen thoufand men; and the king found it
neceflary to decamp from Nottingham, and retire
into the weft. It would have been extremely eafy,
while
448
THE NEW ANP COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
while he lay at Nottingham, or in his retreat
from thence, for the parliament's forces to have
difperfed the fmall handful of his followers, and
cither to have taken him prifoner, or oblige him
to quit the kingdom : but this opportunity was
miffed, by the too cautious difpofition of the earl of
Effex 'who had not yet received his inftructions.
A neglect, occafioned by the fanguine hopes of
the parliamentary leaders, who, depending on
the king's unpopular character, and judging the
fentiments of the fickle vulgar by the liberal
warmth of their own feelings, confidered it as
impoflible for him to raife a force fufficient to
encounter their army; they thought that the
nobility and gentry would foon be weary of main-
taining the troops already on foot, and that they
fhoulcl thus accomplifli their defigns, without
fpilling the blood of their countrymen. Charles
was therefore permitted to retreat to Shrewfbury
without moleftation.
At Wellington, Charles made a rendezvous of all
his forces, and caufed his military orders to be
read at the head of each regiment, and that he
might bind himfelf by reciprocal ties, he folemnly
made the following proteftation before the whole
army.
" I do promife in the prefence of Almighty God,
that as I hope for his bleffing and protection, that I
vill, to the utmoft of my power defend and maintain
the true reformed proteftant religion, eftablifhed in
the church of England, and, by the grace of God,
in the fame will live and die.
" Idefire that the laws may ever be the meafure
of my government, and that the liberty and pro-
perty ot the fubject may be preferved by them with
the fame care as my own juft rights. And if it
pleafe God, by his bleffing on this army, raifed
for my neceffary defence, to preferve me from the
prefent rebellion, I do folemnly and faithfully
promife, in the fight of God, to maintain the juft
privileges and freedom of parliament, and to
govern to the utmoft of my power, by the known
ftatutes and cuftoms of the kingdom, and parti-
cularly, to obferve inviolably the laws to which I
have given my confent this parliament. Mean-
while, if this emergence, and the great neceffity to
which I am driven, beget any violation of law, I
hope it fhall be imputed by God and man to the
authors of this war ; not to me, who have fo
earneftly laboured to preferve the peace of the
kingdom. When I willingly fail in thefe parti-
culars, I fhall expect no aid or relief from man,
nor any protection from above. But in this refo-
lution, I hope for the chearful affiftance of all
good men, and am confident of the bleffing of
heaven."
At the commencement of troubles in England,
the princes Rupert and Maurice, fons to the un-
happy Palatine, had made a tender of their fervice
to the king, and the former at this time commanded
a body of horfe, which had been fent to Worcefter,
in order to watch the motions of Effex, who was
marching towards that city. No fooner had the
prince arrived, than he faw fome cavalry of the
enemy, commanded by colonel Sandys, approach-
ing the gates. He, and his company, with ad-
mirable courage and prefence of mind, attacked
and totally routed thjem. Sandys and thirty of his
men were killed on the fpot, and a number of the
officers taken prifoners. This trifling fkirmifh
greatly elated the fpirits of the royalifts, and im-
preffcd the enemy with a terror of prince Rupert,
who had given fuch an early proof of his extra-
ordinary courage and promptitude. After this en-
gagement the prince threw himfelf into Worcefter;
but hearing that Effex was marching thither with
his whole army, he quitted it, and retired to Lud-
tow. Charles, on muttering his army, found he
4
had about ten thoufand men. The earl of Lindfey
was general; prince Rupert commanded the
horfe; Sir Jacob Aftley the foot ; Sir Arthur Afton
the dragoons ; and Sir John Heydon the artillery.
The lord Bernard Stuart was at the head of a troop
of guards, and their fervants, under the command
of Sir William Killigrew, made another troop,
and always marched with their mafters. About the
middle of October the king left Shrewfbury, and
directed his march towards London. Two days
after his departure Effex quitted Worcefter, and on
the twenty-fecond of October the two armies were
within fix miles of each other. The king having
received intelligence that Effex had advanced to
Kempton, on the borders of Warwickfhire, drew up
his army on Edge-hill, about two miles from the
enemy, and on Sunday the twenty-third gave the
earl battle. This engagement, which was carried
on with great bravery on both fides, lafted till
night, when both parties claimed the victory. They
lay under arms all night, but in the morning
neither fide feemed inclined to renew the battle.
Effex firft drew off, and retired to Warwick, and
the king returned to his former quarters. Five
thoufand men are faid to have been found dead on
the field of battle ; and the lofs of the two armies
was fuppofed to be nearly equal. The earl of
Lindfey was carried to a barn, and expired before
his wounds could be dreffed. The lord Aubigney,
brother to the duke of Richmond, and Sir Edward
Verney, the king's ftandard- bearer, were likewife
killed, as were feveral other officers, but none of
difiinction. Lord Willoughby, fon to the earl of
Lindfey, Sir Thomas Lunclsford, Sir Edward
Stradling, and Sir William Vavafer, were taken
prifoners. On the fide of the parliament the lord
St. John and colonel Effex were killed ; and Sir
William Effex, father to the colonel was taken
prifoner. A party of Effex's horfe, who had been
drove off the field in the beginning of the action,
alarmed the city and parliament with the news of a
total defeat ; but foon after expreffes arriving from
the army, affured them that their caufe had received
but a flight check ; upon which they affumed the
merit of a victory, and ordered public thankfgivings
for the fame. Charles alfo, on his part, took care
to difplay his advantages ; though he had few marks
of victory to boaft, except the taking of Banbury
fome days after; from whence he continued his
march, and took poffeffion of Oxford. The royal
army was again put into motion, and a party of horfe
advanced to Reading, of whiclf Martin had been
appointed governor by the parliament ; at their ap-
proach the governor was feized with a fudden
panic, and the garrifon following his example, they
fled to London. Charles, imagining that every
thing would now yield to him, conducted his whole
army to Reading, and in a few days advanced to
Colnbrook. • The parliament were alarmed at the
near approach of the royalifts, while their own
forces lay at a diftance ; and voted an addrefs for a
treaty. They clifpatched the earls of Northumber-
land and Pembroke, with three commoners, re-
quefting his majefty to fix on fome convenient
place for his refidence near London, till com-
miflioners fliould attend him, with propofals for
healing the prefent unhappy breach between him
and his parliament. The king named Windfor,
and demanded that the garrifon fhould be with-
drawn, and his own troops received into the caftle.
In the mean time Effex, advancing by hafty
marches, had pofleffed himfelf of Windfor, Hamp-
ton, and Acton? and Charles received intelligence
that he was fortifying himiclf at Brentford. A
council of war being called, it was agreed that
prince Rupert fhould attack the parliament's army
and works at Brentford, which he did with fuch
irrefiftiblc fury, that, notwithftanding the noble,
refiftance
H
R
I.
449
refinance that was made by the regiment of Holies,
they were all either drowned, wounded, or taken
prifoners, and prince Rupert remained mafter of
die town. The parliament had fent orders to for-
bear all hoftilities, and had expected the fame com-
pliance from the king ; though no ftipulations to
that purpofe had been mentioned by their com-
miflioners. Loud complaints therefore were raifed
againft this attack, as being an inftance of the ut-
moft perfidy, and a breach of the treaty then ne-
gotiating on both fides. Inflamed with refentment,
and anxious for its own defence, the city marched
the trained bands, in excellent order, to reinforce
the army under Eflex ; who drew up his forces,
now amounting to upwards of twenty-four thoufand
men, at Turnham-green. Charles was at this
time preparing to march towards London ; but
finding the number of the enemy fo vafUy fuperior
to his own, he thought it moft prudent to retire
over the bridge at Kingfton to Oatlands, and from
thence to Reading, where he left a good garrifon,
and then marched with his army to Oxford. The
royalifts in the north, were, by this time, become
very confiderable. The earls of Newcaftle and
Cumberland having joined each other with their
troops, compofed a imall army of eight thoufand
horfe and foot, which were daily increasing : fo that
thofe who commanded for the parliament in thofe
parts were unable to cope with them, efpecially
after the arrival of colonel Goring at Newcaftle,
\vho brought a fupply of two hundred men, and a
quantity of ammunition from Holland. The par-
liament now found means to engage the counties
of Norfolk, Suffolk, Effex, Cambridge, and the
city of Norwich, in an aflbeiation, to ftancl by them
with their lives and fortunes ; and the lord Grey
of Werk, received a commiflion from Effex,
xvhereby he was appointed commander in chief in
thofe parts, with an authority to raife forces.
A r\ s In February the queen landed at
U" 1643- Burlington bay, from Holland, and
brought with her a confide! able Iupply of artillery,
arms and ammunition ; and Very foon after fet out
again in queft of new fuccours. About this time
Sir Hugh Cholmley, who had the government of
Scarborough for the parliament, declared for the
king, with three hundred men of his garrifon ;
and prince Rupert took the town of Cirencefter by
florin ; cut in pieces a whole regiment of the par-
liament's forces, took eleven hundred prifoners,
about four thoufand ftand of arms, and the whole
magazine of the enemy. The king now hoped to
relieve the calamities of his people, and recover his
own difireffed fortune by an equitable peace; for
this purpofe he propofed a treaty to the parliament ;
to which they confented ; and the earl of Nor-
thumberland, with four members of the lower
houfe came, as commtflioners, to Oxford. But the
propofitions of peace were dictated in f'uch ftile, that
Charles, finding nothing could be done to compofe
the reigning difbrders, without abfolutely facrificing
his kingly character, difmifled the commiflioners ;
upon which the earl of Eflex was ordered to ad-
'vance with his army to befiege Reading, the gar-
rifon of the king whicn lay neareft London, and at
that time efteemed a place of confiderable firength.
He accordingly fat down before this place, on the
fifteenth of April, with an army of eighteen thou-
fand men. The engineers feemed very little ac-
quainted with the bulinefs of fieges. They had,
however, fuch advantages by the iituation of the
place, that their cannon played directly into the
town. Sir Arthur Afton, the governor, -being
wounded, colonel Fielding fucceeded to the com-
mand, and foon after the town was found to be no
longer in a condition of defence, and though
Charles approached with an intention of obliging
Eflex to raife the liege, the difpofition of the enemy
No. 2.
was foftrong, as rendered the defign abortive; and
on the twenty-feventh of April, Fielding was obliged
to un-render ; but on condition that he fhould bring
off all the garrifon with the honours of war, and
in return he was to deliver up all the deferters.
Phis laft condition was thought fo ignominious and
of fuch prejudice to the king's intereft, that Field-
ing was tried by a council of war, and condemned
to death for contenting to it j which fentence was
afterwards remitted by the king.
Befides the operations between the principal
armies, which lay in the centre of England ; each,
county, each town, nay alrnoft each 'family, was
divided within itfelf, and the moft violent commo-
tions agitated the whole kingdom. Throughout
the winter continual effoits had been made, by each
party, to furmount its antagonift, and the royalifts
were in moft parts victorious. In the north the
lord Fairfax commanded for the parliament, and
the earl of Newcaftle for the king. The latter
united in a league for Charles the counties of Nor-
thumberland, Cumberland, Weftmoreland, and
Durham, and fome time after engaged other
counties in the fame aflbeiation. Finding that
Fairfax and Hotham were making great progrefs in
the fouthcrn parts of Yorkfhire, he advanced with
a body of four thoufand men, and took pofieffion
of York. He attacked the parliament's forces at
Tadcafter, and diflodged them ; but his victory
was not decifive. He obtained feyeral other in*
confiderable advantages ; the chief benefit refulting
from which was the eftablhhment of the king's
authority in all the northern provinces. All this
time the two capital armies lay inactive, that under
the king about Oxford and Abington, and that
under Effex about Reading. The latter was about
this time joined by Sir William Waller; who had
taken Winchefter and Chichefter, after which he
advanced towards Gloucefter, which, was in a man-
ner blockaded by lord Herbert, who had levied
confiderable forces in Wales for the royal party.
While Waller attacked the Welfh on one fide, a
fally from Gloucefter made impreffion on the other.
Herbert was defeated, five hundred of his men
killed, a thoufand taken prifoners, and he himfelf,
with great difficulty, efcaped to Oxford. Hereford^
which was a ftrong place, and defended by a con-
fiderable garrifon, through the cowardice of Price>
the governor, furrendered to Waller. Tewkfbury
fhared the fame fate ; and after thefe victories he
made art attempt upon Worcefter, which proved
unfuccefsful. Buckmghamfhire being difpofed in
favour of the king, Eflex fixed his head quarters at
Thame, as he could from thence over-awe that
country. While he lay here, colonel Urrey, a
Scotfman, cleferted from the parliament's army to
the king. He informed prince Rupert of the dif-
pofition of the enemy, and perfuaded him to beat
up their quarters. To convince him of the prac-
ticability of this exploit, he offered to go firft with a
detachment; which being confented to, he con-
ducted the men to part of thefe quarters, where he
defeated fome regiments, and brought a great
number of prifoners to Oxford. The prince, en-
couraged by his fuccefs, complied with his advice
in attacking that part of the army which lay at
Thame. They took a ftrong body of horfe with
them from Oxford, and marching all night, by
break of day arrived at Wickham, where they cut
in pieces two regiments of the enemy ; and at-
tacked another quarter with the fame fuccefs. By
this time Effex had taken the alarm, and detached
part of his cavalry to engage the prince till he
could come up with the infantry. On their
arrival, the prince charged them with fuch im-
petuofity, that they betook themfclves to flight,
after having loft fome of their beft officers, among
whom was the celebrated John Hampden, who,
c X from
45°
THE NEW
COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
„
from the commencement ^ the war had acted as
colonel of a regiment, and proved in many en-
counters, that his rourage was equal to his other
extraordinary endowments. After this viaory
prince Rupert returned m triumph to Oxford, and
fnoke in foch high terms of the conduct and
courao-e of Urrey, that the king immediately con-
ferred t&e honour of knighthood on that gentleman,
and gave him the command of a regiment. The
king's affairs alfo wore a very favourable afpect in
the weftern counties. In Cornwall, Sir Bevil
Granville, Sir Ralph Hopton, Sir Nicholas Slan-
ning, Arundel, andTrevannion, undertook, at their
own charges, to raife an army for Charles ; and
their great interefts in the country, enabled them to
effect their purpofe. Alarmed at theCe proceedings,
the parliament ordered Ruthven, governor of Ply-
mouth, to march with all the forces of Dorfet,
Somerfet, and Devon, and make an entire conqueft
of Cornwall. The earl of Stamford followed him
at fome diftance with a confiderable fupply. Ruth-
ven having entered Cornwall by bridges thrown
over the Tamar, haftened to an action ; left Stam-
ford flioukl join him, and obtain the honour of a
victory, of which he had already allured himfelf.
The royalifts were alfo impatient to bring the affair
to a decifion, before Ruthven fhould receive fo con-
fiderable a reinforcement. The armies met at Bra-
dock-down : where Ruthven was totally defeated.
With a few broken troops he fled to Saltafh, and
when that town was taken, he, with great difficulty,
and almoft alone, efcaped to Plymouth. Stamford
retired, and diftributed his forces into Plymouth
and Exeter j till about the middle of May, when
having affembled a ftrong body of near feven
thoufand men, well fupplied with money, provi-
fions, and ammunition, he advanced upon the
royalifts, who were not half his number, and were
oppreffed by every kind of necefihy. He en-
camped on the top of a hill near Stratton, and de-
tached Sir George Chudleigh, with twelve hundred
cavalry, to furprize the Iheriff ot the county at
Bodmin. The Cornifh loyalifts refolved to attack
the camp in four divifions. One was commanded
by lord Mohun and Sir Ralph Hopton ; another by
Sir Bevil Granville and Sir John Berkley ; a third
by Slanning and Trevannion ; and the fourth by
Ballet and Godolphin. They preffed as many
different ways up the hill with the utmoft vigour,
which their enemies as obftinately defended. The
battle continued with very doubtful fuccefs, till word
was brought to the chief officers of the Cornifh
army, that their ammunition was fpent to four
barrels of powder. They then agreed to advance
without firing till they fliould reach the top of the
hill. The courage of the officers was fo well fe-
con'ded by the foldiers, that they forced the enemy
on all fides to give way ; and major general Chud-
leigh being taken prifoner, the parliamentarians
were foon put to the rout, and the royalifts took
poffefiion of their cannon and camp. The earl of
Stamford retired with precipitation to Exeter, and
Sir George Chudleigh, as foon as he was informed
of the earl's defeat, took the fame route from
Bodmin.
The attention of both Charles and the parlia-
ment was directed towards the weft as to a very im-
portant fcene of action. The marquis of Hertford
and prince Maurice, were fent by the king with
a reinforcement of cavalry, who having joined the
Cornifh army, the two bodies united amounted to
above feven thoufand men. They foon fubduec
the county of Devon, and advancing into that o.
Somerfet, began to reduce it to obedience. The
parliament now put Sir William Waller, in whom
they placed great confidence, at the head of their
new army, and fent him into the weft in -order to
check the progrefs of the royalifts. After fome
fkirmiflies the two armies met on the fifth of July
at Lanfdown near Bath, and fought a pitched
battle, with great lofs on both fides, but decilive on
'neither. It was now refolved that Hertford and
prince Maurice fliould march to Oxford with the
cavalry, procure a reinforcement from the king,
and return immediately to the relief of his friends,
by which means they would be enabled to make
head againft Waller, who having received feveral
additions to his army, much furpafled the royalifts
in number. No fooner were they gone, than
Waller, confident of taking their infantry, wrote to
the parliament, that their work was done, and that
his next letter mould inform them of the number
and quality of the prifoners. But before Hertford
and the prince could reach Oxford, the king had
received intelligence of the great difficulties to
which his army in the weft was reduced, and dif-
patchecl a coniiderable body of horfe, under the
command of lord Wilmot, to their afliftance.
Waller drew up on Roundway-down ; and advanced
with his horfe to engage Wilmot, and prevent his
joining the infantry. He was received with great
valour by the royalifts, who, after a fharp engage,
ment, put the parliamentarians to the rout ; and
Waller, with a few horfe, efcaped to Briftol. Wil-
mot then, feizing their cannon, joined the friends
whom he came to relieve, attacked Waller's in-
fantry with redoubled courage, and obtained a com-
plete victory. At this time the queen returned to
England with a frefh fupply of men and money; of
which Effex received intelligence, left Thame and
Aylefbury, where he had hitherto lain, and marched
to London. The king, freed from this enemy, fent
his army, under prince Rupert, weftward ; and by
its conjunction with the Cornifh troops, a very for-
midable force, for numbers, as well as reputation
and valour was compofed. Having reduced Bath,
they now marched to form the fiege of Brirtoi, of
which Fiennes, fon to lord Say was governor, and
the garrifon confifted of two thoufand five hundred
foot, one regiment of horfe, and another of dra-
goons. It was refolved fay prince Rupert to ftorm
the city. Accordingly the Cornifh men, in three
divifions, attacked the weft-fide with amazing refo-
lution. The middle divifion had already mounted
the wall, but fo great was the difadvantage of the
ground, and fo brave the refinance of the befieged,
that the affailants were repulfed with confiderable" lofs
both of officers and private men. The affault on
the prince's fide, was conducted with equal courage
and lofs, but with better fuccefs. At length Wafli-
ington, with a fmall party, finding a place in the
curtain weaker than the reft, broke in, and foon
made way for the horfe to follow. The fuburbs
was now gained ; but the entrance to the town was
ftill more difficult, and by the lofs already fuftained,
as well as by die profpect of farther danger, every
one was extremely difcouraged ; when to the great
furprize and joy of the royalifts, thecity beat a parley,
and furrendered, after obtaining leave to march out
with their arms and baggage ; but their cannon,
ammunition, and colours, they were obliged to leave
behind them. Fiennes was afterwards tried by a
court martial, found guilty of cowardice, and con-
demned to loie his head : but this fentence was not
executed.
The king hitherto had fubfifted his forces by
contributions and afleffments, or by loans, and vo-
luntary prefents from all parts of England ; but the
fupplies, including thofe brought hint by his queen,
were ftill very difproportionable to his preffing ne~
ccflities. The acquifition of Briftol therefore was of
the utmoft advantage to him, for prince Rupert
feized all the fhips in which the mofl wealthy citi-
zens of that place had embarked their riches, with
a view of conveying them to London. The king
went to Briftol, where he received the news of the
furrender
H
R
E
T.
furrender of Dorchefter to the carl of Caernarvon :
and a day or two after, Portland, Weymouth, and
Melcombe, likewife fubmitted ; fo that the royal
party, before the conclulion of the fummer, were
in poffcflion of all the weftern counties, from the
Land's-end, the moft weftern point of Cornwall,
except a few garrifoned places which were clofely
blocked up. Nor was there any army in the field
to oppofe that of the king, in any of the northern
counties, even to the borders of Scotland.
London was now greatly divided between the
two parties ; many of the wealthier and more cre-
ditable citizens favoured the king's caufe ; and
many of the gentry, in the afibciatec! counties, were
ready on the firft appearance of the royal army, to
fecure thefe counties for the king. Thefe favourable
appearances indicated that the moft fpeedy method
of putting an end to the civil war, was for Charles
to march at the head of his army directly to London,
and detach the eail of Newcaftle to fecure the
counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. But this_ favour-
able opportunity was loft, from a refolution of a
council of war held at Briftol, where it was deter-
mined, that the weftern army fliould be fent back
to protect the loyalifts in their refpeclive counties,
and the fiege of Gloucefter fliould be undertaken
immediately. Nothing could be more fatal to the
king's affairs, than this refolution. A few days
after the earl of Newcaftle fat down before Hull,
where the lord Fairfax, after feveral repeated de-
feats had taken refuge. He defended the place
with great bravery and conduct for feveral weeks,
though attacked with the greateft vigour. At laft
the befieged made a furious fally, and after a very
obftinate difpute, drove the befiegers from their
trenches, and feized all their artillery. The fame
day another part pf Newcaftle's army, under the
command of lord Widdrington, was routed at
HorncalHe, by the earl of Mancheftcr, afliQed by
Sir Thomas Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell. In the
m-ean time the king marched to the fatal ficge of
Gloucefter, and on the tenth of Auguft fat down
before that city with, an army of eight thoufand
horfe and foot. As foon as intelligence of this
fiege arrived in London, the confirmation of the
inhabitants was as great as if the enemy was already
-at their gates. The rapid progrefs of the royalifts
threatened the parliament with immediate fubjec-
tion : the factions and difcontents among themfelves
in the city, and throughout the neighbouring
couuties, prognofticated fome dangerous divifion,
or infurre&ion. A cry for peace was renewed, and
with more violence than ever. Crowds of women,
'•with a petition for that purpofe, flocked about the
houfe, and were fo clamourous and importunate,
that orders were given to difperfe them; and fome
females were killed in the fray. Bedford, Holland,
and Conway, had deferted the parliament, and re-
tired to Oxford : Clare and Lovelace had followed
them. Northumberland had retired to his coun-
try feat-, Effex himfelf iliewed extreme diflatisfac-
- tion, and exhorted the parliament to make peace.
The upper houie accordingly fent down terms of
accommodation more moderate than had hitherto
been infifttd on. It even paffed by a majority
among the commons, that thefe propofals fliould
be tranfmitted to the king. The zealots were now
alarmed : a petition againft peace was framed in the
city, and prefented by Pennington the mayor.
Multitudes attended him, and renewed all their
former menaces againft the moderate party. The
pulpits thundered out anathemas againft all who
deferted the good caufe ; and rumours were fpread,
that twenty thoufand Iriih had landed and deligned
to murder every proteftant. The majority was
again turned for war ; and all thoughts of pacifica-
tion being laid aiide, every preparation was made
for refiftance, and for the immediate relief of
Gloucefter, on which tVe parliament knew all their
hopes of fuccefs depended,
Maffey, governor of Gloucefler, refolute to make
a vigorous defence, and having vxnder his command
the citizens and garrifon, all of them ambitious of
acquiring the crown of martyrdom, had hitherto
baffled all the attempts of the royalifts with courage
and capacity. By continued Tallies he attacked
them in their trences, and gained Hidden advan-'
tages over them. By difputing every inch of
ground, he repi effed the vigour and alacrity of their
courage, elated by former iucceffes. His garrifbn,
however, was reduced to the laft extremity, and he
conitantly, from time to time, informed the parlia-
ment, that unlefs fpeedily relieved, it would be
impoffible for him in his extreme want of provi-
fions and ammunition, to defend the place for any
confiderable time longer againft the enemy. The
parliament, in order to repair their declining con-
dition, and put themfelves in a poftui e of defence,
now exerted their whole power and authority.
They voted that an army fliould be levied under
Sir William Waller, whom, notwithftanding his
misfortunes, they loaded with extraordinary careffes.
Having affociated in their caufe the counties of
Hertford, Efft-x, Cambridge, Norfolk, Suffolk,
Lincoln, and Huntingdon, they gave the earl Q£
Manchefter a commifTion to be general of the
affociation, and appointed an army to be levied
under his command. But they were principally
folicitous th;u the army of Effex, on whom their
wlu;le fortune depended, fhould be put in a condi-
tion of marching againft the king. They engaged
the city to fend four regiments of its militia to^he
relief of Gloucefter. In the mean time all the mops
were ordered to be fliut, and every man expecled,
with the utrnoft anxiety, the event of that impor-
tant enterprize. On the twenty-lixth of Auguft,
Effex began his march from Hounflow-heath to
Ayleibury, where the general rendezvous was ap-
pointed ; and^being there joined by the lord Grey,
| and reinforcements from the affociatcd counties,
he found himfelf at the head of eight thoufaad in-
fantry, and about half that number of horfe. With
I this army he continued his march by Brackley,
though confiderably incommoded by a party
of the king's horfe, detached on purpofe to
harrafs him with flight fkirmifhes. He, however,
proceeded with great expedition, and the king's
forces abandoning their works at his approach, lie
entered Gloucefter in triumph, when the garrifon
was reduced to the laft extremity. After fupplying
the city with provifions and ammunition, and re-
inforcing the garrifon, he marched to Tewkfbury,
whence he made a fudden motion to Cirencefter,
where he furprized two regiments of loyalifts, and
feized a large quantity of provifions prepared for
the king's army. He then took his route through
the northern parts of Wiltfhire, and marched
twenty miles before thp king was informed of his
motions. Prince Rupert was immediately detached
after him in order to intercept his march, till the
king fliould come up with the reft of ihe army.
This general overtook the earl as he was marching
over Aubourn-chafe, with an intention of reaching
Newbury. A fliarp fkirmifh enfued. Prince Ru-
pert charged Effex with fuch fury, that his army
was put into great diforder. The marquis de la
Vieuville, a French ofHcer, who ferved as a volun-
teer, was killed in this aclion ; and Effex took up
his quarters at Hungerford.
Pie continued his inarch towards Newbury, but
found the king had prevented him by two hours,
and polled himfelf near the town ; where prince
Rupert joined him the fame day. In confequence
of the advantages enjoyed by Charles, he miitl, had
he known how to piefcrve them, have been vic-
torious j but his officers had fo great a contempt for
the
452
THE NEW >*"> COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLANLL
the London apprentices, w*« compofed the greater
part of the parliament's ^y, that they abandoned
all their advantages, *»d regarded nothing but how
to brine the enemy to » b-lttle- i hls was now indeed
unavoidable, ap<* Eirex prepared for it, with great
pretence of rn'«d> ancl not without military conduit.
On both £Jcs ^e battle was fought with defperate
valour, and fteady bravery. Eflex's horfe was fe-
veial Jmes broke by that of the king; but his in-
fantry ftood firm ; and befidcs a continued fire,
they prefented an invincible rampart of pikes
againft the furious impulfe of prince Rupert, and
thofc gallant troops of gentry, of whom the royal
Cavalry was chiefly compofed. The London mi-
litia, efpecially, though before the battle defpifed
by the king's' officers, and totally unacquainted
•with action, yet being animated with unconquerable
zeal for the caufe they had undertaken to fupport,
equalled, on this occafion, every thing that could
be expected from the moft veteran forces. Both
armies continued clofely engaged with the utmoft
ardour, till night put an end to the action, and left
the eventundecided. Next morning EfTex proceeded
on his march, and though his rear was once put
into diforder by an incuriion of the king's horfe, he
reached London in fafety, and received the ap-
plaufe his conduct and fuccefs in the whole enter-
prize deferved. The king followed him to Read-
ing, where he eftablifhed a garrifon, which greatly
ftraitened the quarters of the parliament's army.
This fmall advantage over Eflex was dearly pur-
chafed by the deaths of Ralph Dormer, earl of
Caernarvon, Henry Spencer, earl of Sunderland,
Lucius Carey, vifcount Falkland, fecretary of ftate,
and twenty other officers of note. Falkland was
beloved by every perfon of ingenuity and virtue in
the kingdom. This nobleman ftood foremoft in
the defence of public liberty, till the civil convul-
fions proceeded to extremity, when he joined the
party who had embarked in the defence of thofe
limited powers which then remained to monarchy,
and which he deemed neceffary for fupporting the
Englifh conftitution. Still, however, anxious for
his country, he feems to have dreaded the prof-
perous fuccefs of his own party as much as of the
enemy ; and among his intimate friends, often after
a deep filence, and frequent fighs, he would, with
a fad accent reiterate the word peace. In excufe
for the too free expofing his perfon, which feemecl
incompatible with the office of fecretary of ftate,
he alledged, that it became him to be more active
than other men in all hazardous enterprizes, lelt
his impatience for peace might be ftigmatized with
the name of cowardice or pufillanimity. He fell
a victim to the caufe he had undertaken to defend
in the thirty-fifth year of his age. The advanced
feafon of the year, added to the lofs fuftained by
both parties in the battle of Newbury, induced
them to put their troops into winter quarters.
The court of France, penetrated with the helplefs
fituation of Charles, fent the count d'Harcourt, a
prince of the houfe of Lorraine, and one of the
greateft generals of the age, as ambaflador to
England, to offer the mediation of France, for
compofmg the differences between the king and the
parliament. He came firft to London and ad-
dreffed himfelf to both houfes for a fafe conduct
to the king, which was readily granted. On the
eighteenth of October, they entered the city of
Oxford, where the king then refided, and three
days after had a public audience in the great hall
at Chrift church, where the king and queen re-
ceived him with great ftate and magnificence. But
finding himfelf unable to effect a reconciliation, he
returned to France after flaying a few months in
England.
The puritans, who had now acquired a majority
in both houfes, entered into a league with Scotland,
and figned the famous covenant of that people.
By this covenant, the fubicnbers bound themfelvcs
to fupport the reformed religion in the three king-
doms; to eftablifh an uniformity of doctrine and
difcipline; to extirpate popery and prelacy; to
maintain the privileges of the parliament and peo-
ple; to defend his majedy's perfon and authority,
in the prelervation and defence of the true religion
and liberty of the kingdom; to difcoverand punifli
incendiaries and malignants; and to eftablifh a firm
peace and union to all pofterity: to renounce
neutrality and reiift temptation : to repent of their
lins, amend their lives, and to vie with each other
in the great work of reformation. The covenant
itfelf was read in St. Margaret's church at Weft-
minfter, in prefence of both houfes, by whom it
was fubfcribed, and the commons ordered it fhould
be acknowledged by all perfons living under their
jurifdiction. An hundred thoufand pounds was
now borrowed of the city, and fent to Edinburgh,
according to an agreement made with the Scots,
who after the firft three months fervice, were alfo
to be allowed thirty thoufand pounds per month,
while they were empioyed in the parliament's
fervice.
Thefe having been induced by their diftrefies to
feek affifhnce from the prefbyterians of Scotland,
Charles had recourfe to the papifts in Ireland, where
the rebellion ftill continued. In many rencounters
the Englifh, under lord More, Sir William St.
Leger, Sir Frederic Hamilton, and others, had
routed the Irifli, and returned in triumph to Dublin.
The rebels raifed the fiege of Droghccla, after the
garrifon had made an obltinate defence. Ormond
had obtained two complete victories at Kilrufh and
Rofs, and had brought relief to all the forts that
were befieged in different parts of the kingdom.
Yet the moft common necefiaries of life were
wanted by the victorious army; for the Irifh, in
their rage againft the Britifh planters, had laid walle
the whole kingdom ; and even moft of the inhabi-
tants of Dublin had come to England, to efcape
ftarving there. By the intereft and authority of
Ormond, the juftices and council of Ireland were
fallen into Jan entire dependence on the king.
Parfons, Temple, Loftus, and Meredith, who ap-
peared to be of the oppofite party, had been re-
moved, and Charles had fupplied their places by
others better affected to his fervice. In obedience
to orders ..tranfmitted from the king, a committee
of the Englifh houfe of commons, which had been
fent over to Ireland, in order to conduct the affairs
of that kingdom, had been excluded the council.
This, with the great difficulty under which4 the
parliament themielves laboured, rendered them-
felves unwilling to fend fupplies to an army,
which, though engaged in a caule much favoured by
them, was commanded by their declared enemies.
Charles, in order to obtain fupplies of men from
that kingdom, fent orders to Ormond and the
juftices, to conclude, for a year, a ceffation of
hoftilities with the council of Kilkenny, by whom
the Irifh papifts were governed, and to leave both
fides in poffeffion of their prefent advantages.
Thus the Irifh rebels, who, on all fides, had re-
treated before the Englifh troops, obtained free
liberty to enjoy, with impunity, the habitations and
fpoils of the exiled proteltants, to Itrengthen them-
felves by confederacies abroad, and to increafe
their forces at home, while the proteflant inhabi-
tants were at full leifure to repine at their fruitlefs
victories. After the ceffation of hoftilities, there
being little occafion for the army in Ireland, the
king ordered Ormond, who was entirely devoted
to him, to fend over considerable bodies of troops to
England; but fome of them having imbibed while
in Ireland a refentment againft the catholics, foon
after deferted to the parliament. At the fame time
many
H
A R
E
453
1
many Irifh papifts being alfo brought over, joined
the royal army in England, where they continued to
commit the fame cruelties and dilbrders to which
they had been accuftomed. This, fbme time after,
induced the parliament to pafs a vote, that no
quarter mould be given them in battle. But
prince Rupert, by making fome reprifals, foon put
a flop to this. Charles, in order to prepare for the
enfuing campaign, fummoned all the members of
each houfe, who adhered to his intcrcft, and thus
endeavoured to take advantage of the name of a
parliament. His houfe of peers was pretty full,
and contained twice as many members as voted at
Weftminfter: but his houfe of commons did not
confilt of above one hundred and forty, which did
not exceed half of the other houfe of commons.
Among the other evils arifing from thefe domeftic
wars, was the introduction ot an excife. The par-
liament at Weftminfter having voted an excife on
wine, beer, and other commodities; that at Oxford
followed their example, and conferred a like reve-
nue on the king. The parliament at Weftminller
patted an ordinance, comman.ling all the inhabi-
tants of London, and its vicinity, to retrench a meal
a week, and to pay the value of it for the fupport of
the public caufe. On the other hand, the parlia-
ment at Oxford granted the king a hundred thou-
fand pounds, to be raifed by loans from fuch per-
fons as lived within his quarters. But to proceed
with the war.
„ A letter fubfcribed by the prince of
44' Wales, the duke of York, and forty-
three noblemen, was fent to the earl of Effex; in-
treating him to ufe his endeavours for reftoring
peace to the kingdom, and to promote that happy
end with thofe by whom he was employed : Eilex,
though much ditfatisfied with the conduct of the
parliament ; though appi ehenfive of the extremes
to which they were labouring to extend their mea-
fures ; though willing to agree to any reafonable
accommodation; was yet more anxious todifcharge
the truft repofed in him. He therefore replied,
that as the paper fent to him was neither addrefled
to the houfes of parliament, nor acknowledged the
authority of that aflembly, he could not, by any
means, lay it before them . Like propofals were re-
peated by the king during the feafon of inaction ; but
always met with the fame denial from Eflex. In
order to make another attempt towards a treaty, the
king fent a letter to the lords and commons of par-
liament convened at Weftminfter; but as he alfo
mentioned in it, the lords and commons convened
at Oxford, and expreiTed his defire, that all the
members of both houfes might fafely meet in a free
and full aflembly ; the parliament, perceiving the
conclufion he intended to draw from this diftinction,
ref'ufed to treat upon fuch terms. While the king,
who indeed defpaired of all hopes of accommoda-
tion, would not acknowledge the two houfes as a
tree parliament. During thefe overtures for peace,
the celebrated Pym paid the debt of nature. He
was a perfon as much hated by one party, as re-
fpecled by the other. He was confidered at London,
as a victim to national liberty ; while at Oxford he was
reprefented as the principal author of all the miferies
the nation had fuffcred from the civil war: it was
added, that his death was a mark of the divine ven-
geance for his multiplied crimes. But however
that be, he had made the improving his private
fortune fo little his care, that the parliament thought
themfelves obliged by gratitude, to pay the debts
he had contracted.
The Scots entered England on the nineteenth of
January, with an army of eighteen thoufand foot,
and three thoufand horfe, and between five and iix
hundred dragoons. On the twenty fecond of Fe-
bruary, they advanced to Newcaftle, and having in
vain iummoned the town which was defended by a
No. 42.
ftrong garnfon, they CK<rcd the Tyne in order to
foi ce the camp of the earl a' Newcaftle, who lay at
JJurnam, with an army of fot,-teen thoufand men,
-Jewcaitle fearing to be fliut up b^wcen two armies,
i.red at their approach, and Lev-n, the Scotch
general, joined his troops to thole ot\ord Fairfax*
I his junction being completed, they inve^ed Yorkj
where the royal army had taken flicker. But the
Scotifh and parliamentary forces not being fufficient
to behege in form lo large a city, divided by a river,
they contented themfelves with forming a kind of
blockade; and affairs remained for fome time in a
kind of fufpence between theie oppofite armies.
Nor were the other parts of the kingdom free from
the calamities of civil war ; lord Hopton was de-
feated by general Waller, at Alresford, in Kent;
and, on the other hand, prince Rupert gained a
fignal viftory over the parliamentary forces who
had formed the fiege of Newark, under the com-
mand of lord Willoughby and Sir John Meldrum.
By this victory the prince preferved a free commu-
nication between the northern and fouthern coun-
ties. After this the prince attacked Liverpool, and
foon reduced the town. Here he received a letter
from the king, preflmg him to relieve York, the
fiege of which was now began by the united forces
of Leven, Fairfax, and Manchefter. On the ap-
proach of prince Rupert the parliamentary generals
fjiied the liege, and drew up their forces oh Marf-
ton-moor, relelving to prevent the junction of the
i oyahlts. But prince Rupert approached the town,
by marching on the other fide of the Oufe, and
joined the troops under the command of the earl,
now created marquis of Newcaftle. Having com-
pleted this junction, the marquis endeavoured to
perfuade him, that he ought to be fatisfied with
the prefent advantage, and leave the enemy, now
greatly diminished by their lofles, and difcouraged
by their ill fuccefs, to diflblve by thofe mutual
diflentions which had taken place among them.
But the prince, whofe martial difpofition was not
fufficiently tempered with prudence, nor foftened by
politenefs, pretending a pofitive order from the
king, without deigning to confult with Newcaftle,
whole great merit and fervices deferved much better
treatment, gave immediate orders for a general
battle, and drew out the army to Marfton-moor.
The viftory was obftinately dilputed between the
moft numerous armies that were ever engaged
during the whole courfe of thefe wars; nor were the
forces greatly different in their numbers. Fifty
thoufand Britifh troops were led to mutual (laugh-
ter, and the battle was long carried on with the ut-
moft fury. Rupert, who commanded the right
wing of the royalifts was oppofed to Cromwell, who
conducted the choice troops of the parliament,
inured to danger under that determined leader,
animated by zeal, and confirmed by the moft rigid
difcipline. After an obftinate conceit the cavalry
of the royalifts gave way, and the infantry that ftood
next to them were borne down, and put to flight.
Newcaftle's regiment alone, refolute to conquer or
perifh, obftinately kept their ground, and main-
tained, by the dead bodies of their fellow foldiers,
the fame order into which they had at firft been
ranged. In the other wing, Sir Thomas Fairfax
and colonel Lambert, with fome troops broke
through the royalifts, and tranfported by the fury of
purfuit, foon reached their victorious friends, and
alfo engaged in the purfuit of the enemy. But this
furious attack being over, Lucas, who commanded
the royalifts in the fame wing, reftoring order to
his broken forces, made a gallant attack on the par-
liament's cavalry, threw them into dilbrder, pufhed
them upon their own infantry, and routed the
whole wing. But when ready to feize on their
carriages and baggage he perceived Cromwell, who
was now returned from the purfuit of the othor
5 Y wing.
454
THE NEW 'ND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
wing. Both fides were D- a ll"lc ^''Pnzed to find
that they mud again ~*ew l ie ^^ fo,r hf
victory, which each •>' thei» *««*&£ th,ey had Al-
ready obtained. lfie front of the battle was di-
rectly changed each army occupying the very
ground wh*a ^iat' Ijcen pofi^d by the other at
the be«in*inS °f tnc day. This fecond onfet was
equally Jefperatc and furious at the beginning; but
after ™e utmoft efforts of courage exerted by both
parses, victory declared in favour of the parliament.
Tne prince's train of artillery was taken, and his
whole army drove off the field of battle. The
royalifts loft fix thoufand men, half of whom fell
in the battle. But this was not the only misfortune.
The marquis of Newcaftle, ftill refenting the
haughty behaviour of prince Rupert, took Clipping
at Scarborough and retired to the continent, where
he continued till the reftoration. Confounded at
his late defeat, prince Rupert, with the remains of
his army, retired into Lancafhire, abandoning York
to its fate, which was, a few days after, delivered up
to the parliament's forces by Glenham the deputy
governor. Fairfaix immediately entered the place,
fupplied it with a flrong garrifon, and detached a
thoufand horfe into Lancafhire, to reinforce the
parliament's army in that quarter, then watching
the motions of prince Rupert. At the fame time
the Scotch army marched to the northward to meet
the earl of Calender, then coming to join them with
ten thoufand additional forces. As foon as this
junction was finifhed, they attacked the town of
Newcaftle, and took it by ftorm.
But in the fouth the king's affairs wore a different
afpeft. The two armies under EfTex and Waller
being compleated, the generals were ordered to
march with their combined forces towards Oxford,
and if the king mould have taken refuge in that city,
to inveft it immediately, that they might finifh the
war at a fingle blow. The king, apprized of his
danger, left the place, pafled the parliament's forces
unnoticed, and directed his march towards Wor-
cefter. The condition of Charles was now con-
fidered as defperate, and would certainly have been
fo, had he not been preferved by the differences,
which, fortunately for him, fubfifted between Eflex
and Waller ; the former taking upon himfelf the ex-
pedition into the weft, which had been allotted to
the latter. Waller complained loudly of Eflex, for
having thus ufurped his command, and produced
his orders from the committee of the parliament.
But Eflex was abiblute, and even threatened to try
Waller by a council of war, if he did not obey his
orders, and purfue the king immediately. "While
this debate continued, Charles gained two days
march, and reached Worcefter: but fearing to be
fhut up in that city by Waller, who was now ad-
vanced to Evefham, he retreated with his army to
Bewdly, under pretence of reaching Shrewfbury,
where it was practicable for him to have joined
prince Rupert. Waller, who expected a confider-
able reinforcement, moved towards Broomfgrove
and Kidderminfter, extending his quarters to the
caftward till he got between Charles and Shrewf-
bury. This was the very thing the king defired;
he immediately returned to Worcefter, and thence
to Evefham, breaking down all the bridges as he
pafled. By this means he left Waller two days
march behind him, in a heavy country. Upon his
coming to Evefham, he puniftied fome of the ma-
giftrates for their fo readily admitting Waller into
that place; and marched the fame day towards
Cambden. From this town he wrote to his friends
at Oxford, for a reinforcement, and immediately
marched in queft of Waller, hoping to be foon in a
condition ot meeting him in the open field; and
was accordingly joined in a few hours, by his in-
fantry and artillery from Oxford. June the twenty-
ninth, the two armies approached each other at
Cropcdy-bridge, and were divided only by the
narrow channel of the LharwelJ. The next day the
king marched towards Davcntry; and Waller or-
dered a large detachment to crofs the bridge, and
attack the rear of the royalifls ; but they were re-
pulfed, routed, and chafed to a confidence dif-
tance. Difcouraged by this blow, Waller's troops
began to defert in great numbers; and the king
thought he might fafely leave them, and march to
the weltward againft Eflex.
After the engagement at Cropedy-bridge, the
king drew up a mclfage for peace, addreflcd to both
houfcs of parliament, and caufed a copy of it to be
fent to the earl of- Eflex, by the marquis of Hert-
ford, in order to be communicated to the parlia-
ment, with an intimation that the French agent had
the original to deliver, if required. This meflage,
directed to the lords and Commons at Weftminiter,
contained a general offer to treat of peace, and if
commiflioners fhould be appointed to repair to
the king, he would fend them a fafe conduct. But
the two houfes, ever jealous of the king, thought
there was fome artifice concealed in fending them i
only a copy of his meflage, and that his aim was to
engage them to demand the original from the
French agent. Nor did they conceive themfelves
to be acknowledged by the meflage, as the two
houfes of parliament; and therefore imagined, that
the king had referved to himfelf the power of de-
claring, he did not acknowledge them for the true
parliament of England. Indeed he ought not to
have made this acknowledgment, according to his
principles declared in the proclamation he had pub-
lifhed againft it. They therefore refolved not to take
the lealt notice of the meflage, nor return any anfwer.
Eflex having compelled prince Maurice, who
commanded the royal army in the weft, to i aife the
fiege of Lime ; he reduced Weymouth and Taun-
ton, and proceeded ftill in his conquefts without
meeting with any interruption. But hearing that
the king was marching into the weft againft him,
he retired into Cornwall, and fent a meflage to the
parliament, defiring them to dif'patch an army to
attack the king in his rear. Accordingly general
Middleton was fent with a confiderable body of
troops for that purpofe ; but arrived too late to do
any effectual fervice. Charles entered Cornwall on
the firft of Auguft, where he was joined by prince
Maurice at the head of his army; and Eflex had
now the mortification to find himfelf cooped up in
a narrow corner at Leftwithiel. And being cldti-
tute of forage and provificms, and defpairing of all
hopes of relief, he was foon reduced to the Lift ex-
tremity. The" king prefled him on one fide, prince
Maurice on another, and Sir Richard Grenville on
a third. When expecting every moment to be at-
tacked from aH quarters, Eflex, Roberts, and fome
others of the principal officers, found means to get
on board a boat, and to reach Plymouth. Bel-
four, at the head of his cavalry, efcaped the king's
guard in a thick mift, and reached the garrifons of
their own party. But the infantry under the com-
mand of major-general Skipton, were obliged to
furrender their arms, artillery, baggage, and am-
munition; and being led to the parliamentary
quarters, were fet at liberty. By this time the earl,
now created marquis of Montrofe, was very fuccefs-
ful for the king in Scotland ; having obtained a
remarkable victory over the covenanters at New-
biggen-moor; and taken Perth. About fourteen
days after he gained another victory near Aber-
deen, took that city, and marched directly into
Argyle's country, which he wafted with fire and
fword. Befides thefe he performed feveral other
important fervices, with a mere handful of men,
and very little afliftance from England. But the
good fortune of the parliament in other parts,
more than balanced this fuccefs of the royal party.
Monmouth
CHAR
Monmouth \v;is taken by colonel Malley, and
Liverpool was furrendered to Sir John Meldrum.
The parliament having armed again the forces of
Kffex, ordered Manchefter and Cromwell to mrrch
with their recruited forces from the eaftern allo-
cution ; and after joining their armies to thofe
of Waller and Middleton, to offer the king battle.
Accordingly, after joining thefe different corps,
they vigoroufly attacked the king at Newbury,
where Charles had polled his forces ; and by that
means rendered Newbury a f'econd time the fcene
of the bloody animofities of the Englifli. Effex's
foldiers, exhorting one another to repair their
broken honour, and revenge their difgrace at Left-
withiel, made an impetuous afl'ault upon the
royalirts ; and having recovered fome of their
cannon loft in Cornwall, he embraced them with
tears of joy. Though the king's troops defended
thcmfelves with great valour, they were .over-
powered; and the night came very feafonably to
their relief, and prevented a total overthrow.
The king perceiving himi'elf unable to renew the
'" battle, left his cannon in Dennington caftle, near
Newbury, and retreated immediately to YValling-
ford, ami from thence to Oxford. There prince
Rupert, and the earl of Northampton, joined him
with confiderable bodies of cavalry. Strengthened
by this reinforcement, he ventured to advance
towards the enemy, now employed in the fiege of
Dennington caftle. Effex, who had been detained
by fickuefs, had not joined the army fince his
misfortune in Cornwall. Manchcfter, who had
now the commntid, though his forces were much
fuperior to thofe of the king, declined an engage-
ment, and rejected Cromwell's advice, whoearneftly
preffed him not to neglect fo favourable an oppor-
tunity of lin idling the war. The king's army
therefore brought off their cannon from Denning-
ton caftle, in the face of the enemy ; while Charles
enjoyed the fatisfaction of exciting between Man-
chefter and Cromwell, the fame animofities which
before exifted between Effex and Waller.
About this time Laud, archbilhop of Canter-
bury, was condemned and brought to the fcaffold.
The houfe "of commons, engaged in enterprizcs
of greater importance, had for three years found
no leifure to linilh his impeachment. He was
accufed of high treafon in endeavouring to fubvert
the fundamental laws, and of other high crimes
and mildemeanors. Prynne, the lawyer, who had
been profccuted by Laud with fuch tyranny and
cruelty, was a member in this parliament, and
carried on the profecution with great animofity
and bitternefs; and Laud now experienced from
this exafperatcd fufferer, the fame rigour with
which he had treated others ; the fame unjuft
feizing of papers, not only to prove the facts of
which he was already accufed, but to frame others,
and deprive him of the neceffary materials of
defence. His behaviour through his tedious trial,
which lifted twenty days, did great honour to
his temper, and his mafterly defence gave fuffi-
cient proof of his great abilities. Laud in vain
pleaded the king's pardon fent from Oxford.
Both houfes declared it of no effect.. Being con-
demned to fuffer as a common felon, he pleaded
the fanctity of his character, his former fituation
in life, the offices he had held, and hoped he
fhould not be fubjected to the ignominious punifli-
ment denounced againft him. But fuch was the
refentment of the commons againft his paft con-
duct, that his petition was with great reluctance
granted. He was fentenced to fuffer death on the
tenth of January, 1644-5, without any other fa-
vour than to have one of his chaplains to attend
him, in the company of two divines appointed by
parliament, ;ind to have his fentence altered from
hanging ami cjiiiiteiiag, into beheading. In his
E
I.
455
preparations for death he difcovered great mag-
nanimity, and on the fcaffold made a long fpeech.
or rather fermon, to vindicate the king and himfclf
from intending to introduce popery, and to per-
fuade the pt-ople to fubmit to the antient clifcipline
of the church. He declared in the moft folemn
terms, that he had never been an enemy to the
inftitution of parliament, though he could by no
means give his approbation to every meafure they
purfued. He fervently called upon heaven for
forgivenefs to his enemies, and then gave a fignal
to the executioner, who at one ftroke fevered hi?
head from his body. Thus fell archbifhop Laud,
a prelate of found learning, and poffeiling fome
virtues, but who had unfortunately imbibed prin-
ciples, by no means favourable to the liberty of his
country. He {hewed himfelf unacquainted with
the fimplicity, charity, and meeknefs of the Gofpel v
nor had he any other rule to judge of mens
deferts, but as they were more or lefs attached to
the power of the church. Upon the whole, his
character ferves, as an eminent example, to mew,
that extenfive learning and abilities are not incom-
patible with a narrow judgement ; and that in all
the catalogue of human frailties, there are none
which more corrupt the heart, or deprave the
underftanding, than the follies of mingled pride
and fuperftition. This prelate is the only individual
of that high office in the church, except Cranmer
the martyr, who ever fuffered death by the hands
of the executioner. On the fame day, when the
lords concurred with the commons in the attainder
of the archbilhop, they paffed an ordinance that
the Common Prayer Book fhould be laid afide;
and for eftablilhing a directory of worfhip, framed
by the aflembly of divines.
The city of London, which was divided into
fevcral factions, complained bitterly that the par-
liament had loaded the capital with the whole
burden of the war, and at the fame time greatly
neglected the intereft of the city. This circum-
itance occafioned warm debates in the houfe of
commons ; and Cromwell took the opporcunity of
expofing, with great freedom, the llcentioumefs
and ill government of the army, the officers of
which, he faid, could not eafily be called to an
account, as many of them were members of the
houfe of commons. He then made a motion for
taking into confideration the new modelling the
army ; in which he was warmly feconded by Sir
Harry Vane, Mr. Nathaniel Fiennes, and Oliver
St. John, folicitor-general, all of them furious in-
dependents. In order to effect this fcheme, it was
propofed, that the members of both houfes mould
refign all their employments, civil and military.
The greater part of the places of profit were
poffeffed by the members of one or the other
houfe. The three generals of the parliament's
army, the earls of Manchefter and Effex, and lord
Fairfax, were peers. The principal part of the
colonels, majors, treafurers, purveyors, and com*
milfioners of all departments, were members of the
lower houfe. How improbable then did it appear,
that fo many perfons in power could be prevailed
upon by the foothings of a religious cant, to refign
at once their pofts, their power, and their income.
This was, however, effected in a very Ihort fpace
of time. The commons, in particular, dazzled
with the profpect of gaining an afcendancy over
the minds of the people by this fingular example
of difinterefteJnefs, paffed the bill. The lords,
indeed, at firft refilled to concur, but were foon
overpowered by the commons : fo that on the
nineteenth of December, the famous aft, called
" The felf-denying ordinance," paJTedboth houfes;
whereby the members of parliament were excluded
from all civil and military employment, a few
officers excepted, which were fpecified in the bill.
In
456
THE NEW
COMP-LETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
In confequence of this act. £ffex' Warwick Man-
chefter, Denbigh, WaJ*r> Brereton, and feveral
others, refigned their commands, and received the
thanks of the pai#*ment for their good fervices :
a penfion of ten 'Aoufand pounds a year was fettled
on Effex.
The calamities of the war being
A. D. 164$' forely felt by both parties, it was
mutually deemed neceflary to make a treaty of
pea.ce- The deputies on both fides accordingly
met. at Uxbridge. Charles's commiffioners were
the duke of Richmond, the marquis of Hertford,
the earls of Southampton, Kingfton, and Chi-
chefter, and eleven commoners ; among whom was
Sir Edward Hyde, chancellor of the Exchequer,
and afterwards earl of Clarendon. The parliament
appointed twelve deputies, the principal of whom
were the earls of Northumberland and Pembroke,
Salifbury and Denbigh ; lord Louden, the mar-
quis of Argyle, and others, being commiftioned
on part of the Scots. But however willing each
party might be to obtain peace, nothing like it
could be effected. The parliament, on their part,
claimed a right, not only to infpect all public
affairs, but even of taking particular cognizance
•of all the king's private and domeftic concerns,
which was no fooner propofed than rejected.
Charles's deputies made the following proportions :
that every perfon fliould enjoy liberty of con-
fcience ; that no bifhop fhould exercife any kind
of jurisdiction ; that the management of the mi-
litia flxould be veiled in the hands of twenty com-
miffioners, ten to be appointed by the king, and
ten by parliament ; but thefe propofitions met with
the difapprobation of both parties, and thus ended
the commiffion. At this time two powerful parties
began to break forth, the Prefbyterian and the Inde-
pendent. The object of the Prefbyterians was the
reftriction of regal prerogative ; the Independents
aimed at the abolition of monarchy, and to intro-
duce the democratic form of government. The
former renounced hierarchy, and the latter rejected
all forms of the church government, totally con-
demning epifcopal ordination ; granting to all
perfons, without exemption, the liberty to teach,
preach, and expound the fcriptures, as directed by
divine infpiration. Cromwell, Vane, Tate, and
Haflerig, were at the head of the Independent
party; who ftooped to every art for the attain-
ment of popular applaufe. Cromwell exhibited a
complaint againft the earl of Manchefter, accufing
him of mifmanagement at the battle of Newbury.
The earl retorted, by declaring, that Cromwell
had, in a private conference, hinted to him, that
if he would adhere to honeft men, he might com-
mand an army that would give law to both the
parliament and king. Aftonifhed at. this decla-
ration, both houfes debated on the propriety of
putting Cromwell under an arreft j but matters
of great importance engaging their attention,
a further difcuffion of this point was poft-
poned.
The Prefbyterian party had fingled Fairfax for
their general ; but it being difcovered that he
had all along cliffembled, and was in reality at-
tached to the intereft of Cromwell, they altered
their intentions. The army belonging to the
parliament was new modelled, agreeable to the
plan devifed by Cromwell ; and all the members
of parliament being excluded, and their adherents
having thrown up their commiffions, the vacant
places were filled up with thofe of Cromwell's
party, who appeared in the double capacity of
chaplains and military officers. The wildeft en-
thufiairn was now to be feen in both officers and
common men, who proceeded to battle chaunting
divine hymns. Cromwell, who was at the head
of this enthufiaftic army, a.nd from whofe example
the contagion fpread, marched with them to
Windfor on the twenty fourth of April; and in
the neighbourhood of Iflip, beat and cut to pieces
four regiments of the king's cavalry. Bletchington
was furrendcred to him on a fingle fummons by
colonel Windebank, who was tried by a court-
martial, and mot for cowardice. Having taken
the town of Leiceflcr by aflault, Charles continued
his march towards Wales, in expectation of re-
ceiving a reinforcement of three thoufand cavalry,
under the command of Goring, and two thoufand
recruits lately railed in Wales by colonel Gerard.
\ letter written by Goring from Taunton, to
inform the king of the little difliculty that would
occur in reducing that place, and to reprcfent
the expediency of his majclty's acting upon the
defenlive, falling into the hands of Fairfax, that
general refolved to h.izard a battle before a
junction could be effected. Fairfax followed the
royalifts; and Charles apprehending that he mould
not be able to reach Leicefter, without expofing
his rear to great danger, he refolved to meet the
enemy, and abide the iffue of an engagement.
The king leading his forces back, the contending
armies came within fight of each other near the
fmall village of Nafeby. Charles commanded a
body of rcferve ; the right wing was headed by-
prince Rupert; the left wing was under Sir Mar-
maduke Langdale ; and the main body was com-
manded by lord Afhley. The enemy were arranged
in the order of battle on a hill of gentle aflent,
Skipton and Fairfax commanding the main body ;
Cromwell the right ; and Ireton ihe left wing of
the army. With his ufual intrepidity and fuccefs,
prince Rupert aflaulted the left wing, whom he
routed, -and purfued to the village : but on his
return, the prince wafted fome tiir.e in unluccefsful
endeavours to puflefs himfelf of the enemy's artil-
lery. In the interim, Cromwell engaged Sir Mar-
maduke Langdale, and after an obitinate conteft,
threw his cavalry into diforder; but the infantry
on both fides maintained the battle with aftonifh-
ing vigour. At length, however, the battalions
commanded by Fairfax and Skipton retreating,
Cromwell returned, and fo furioufly charged the
king's infantry in flank, that, unable to refift fo
powerful an attack, they were thrown into con-
f'ufion, and in a fhort time completely routed.
Notwithftanding the fuccefs of prince Rupert in
the firft aflault, his utmoft endeavours were not
fufficient to animate them to a fecond attack ; fo
intimidated were they by the formidable appear-
ance of the enemy, who were now marfhalled in
fuch exact order as to be equally prepared for at-
tack or defence. The king was anxious to a/Tail
the enemy at the head of his referve; but he was
pi evented by the earl of Carnwath, who feizing
the bridle of his majefty's horfe, and turning the
creature round, exclaimed, " Will you rufh on
certain deftruction ? This being oblerved by the
royalifts, they wheeled to the right, and were
prefently in fuch a ftate of confufion, that all
efforts to rally them proved ineffectual. This
afforded an advantage too favourable to be dif-
regarded by the parliamentarians, who exerted
themfelves with fuch vigour, that they took up-
wards of five thoufand prifoners, and all the
ammunition and artillery belonging to the royal
army.
The king and prince Rupert retreated with
the cavalry to Afhby cle la Zouch ; whence his
majefty purfued his rout towards Wales, with a
view of f aifing an army in that country ; and the
prince directed his courfe towards Briftol, in order
to put that place in a ftate of defence. Fairfax
proceeded to Leicefter, which town furrendered to
him on capitulation ; and he then fubdued Bridge-
water, Sherborn, and Bath. After thefe fuccefies,
he
H
R
E
I.
457
he v;inquiflied Lord Goring at Lamport, and pro-
ceeded to lay fiege to Briflol, which place was
ftrongly fortified and plentifully fupplied with
military itores and provisions. It was univerfally
imagined, that on this occafion prince Rupert
would difplay his ufual prowefs, and defend fo
important a poll as Briftol even to the laft extre-
mity ; but on the firft fummons of the enemy, he
offered to iunender the place on terms of capitu-
lation, to the extreme aftonifhment of the public.
The king was fo exafperated againft Rupert for
his ihan. tul furrender of Briftol, that he diverted
that pnnce of his commiffions, and commanded
him to evacuate the kingdom. Having Rationed
a ibong garrifjn in Briftol, Fairfax marched into
tiie vveftern counties, committing great depradations
la his way. Having fubdued the Devizes, and
feveral other places, he made himfelf mafter of
Tiverton, and blocked up the city of Exeter.
Fairfax, upon gaining information that the prince
of Wales, at the head of a powerful army, was
marching from the county of Cornwall in order to
give him battle, proceeded with all poflible expe-
dition to meet his royal highnefs ; and he attacked
a pai t of his cavalry by furprize, and fo clifcom-
fitted them, that the prince was under the neceflity
of returning to Cornwall. Lord Goring having
fled to France, the prince of Wales promoted
Hopton to the command that nobleman had held
in the army. Upon his march to the relief of
Exeter, Hopton was attacked by the enemy and
routed ; and upon his troops being furrounded, he
capitulated, on condition that his army fhould be
allowed to crofs thefea, or return to their refpective
habitations. Their horfes and arms were furren-
dcred to Fairfax, who granted paflports to fuch as
e::preffed a defire of abandoning the kingdom ;
but he previoufly bound them by oath never again
to appear in arms, in oppofition to the parliamen-
tary intereft. The treaty being concluded, the
lords Hopton and Colepepper fet out to join the
prince of Wales, who, from an apprehenfion of
falling into the power of Fairfax, had retired to
the iile of Scilly. By the month of April the
city of Exeter had furrendered to Fairfax ; and the
king's troops had been fo frequently routed, and
were fo diipirited by a fucceffion of misfortpnes,
that his majefty's fituation appeared to be truly
defperate. Yet, notwithftanding the great and
repeated inftances of ill fuccefs he had experienced,
the king's fortitude and courage fuffered no re-
laxation. To fo terrible a dilemma was he now
reduced, that he refolved to join Montrofe in
Scotland, as the only probable means of retrieving
his affairs. While in this difpofition of mind,
his rnajeily received information, that the enemy
had ftationed a ftrong detachment of cavalry, under
the command of Poyntz, between Hereford and
Worcefter; and therefore he determined to go
to Chefter by the way of Wales, and to pafs
through Lancafhire and Cumberland to Scot-
land.
Finding that the enemy had attacked Chefter
by furprize, and that they had gained poffeflion
of the outworks and fuburbs of that city, he
detached Sir Marmaduke Langclale over Holt-
bridge, with orders to make an affault upon the
rear of the befiegers, intending, in the interim,
to attempt a forcible entry into the city: Poyntz,
who had followed the king with great expedition,
appeared the next day; but Sir Marmaduke Lang-
dale compelled him to retire. The affailants now
abandoned the fuburbs, in order to join Poyntz,
who being thus confiderably reinforced, attacked
the royalifts, and drove them to the very gates
of the city. The earl of Litchfield, and lord
Gerard, who commanded the king's guards and
cavalry, advanced to the charge, and compelled
No. 43.
the enemy to retire; but vyir rnufqueteers dif-
chargcd fuch repeated volliev, Up0n the king's
new raifed forces, that they wern;hrowri jnto dif-
orcler, routed and difperfed, many brave officers
being among the number of the ilaiv. His ma-
jefty retreated to Denbigh caftle, whei, he was
prefently joined by prince Maurice, with, eight
hundred cavalry; and after being reinforce^ by
feveral fmaller parties, he croffed the river bee,
and, gaining a march upon the enemy, arrived «t
Briclgnorth, where intelligence was communicated
to him, that Berkeley callle and the Devizes had
fallen into the power of the parliamentarians.
Lord Digby was now appointed lieutenant-general
of all the troops raifed or to be raifed on the
other fide the river Trent, for the fervice of his
majefty ; who ordered him, in conjunction with
Sir Marmaduke Langdale, to haften to Scotland,
with a body of fifteen hundred cavalry, to join
Montrofe, whofe army had lately been defeated
by Lefley. The march was begun without delay,
and this body of troops attacked and difperfed a
thoufand infantry raifed in the neighbourhood of
Doncafter for the fervice of parliament. They
afterwards encountered a body at Sherborn, under
the command of colonel Copley, who having com-
pletely routed them, they fled to join Skippon.
This party then proceeded to Dumfries ; but
gaining no intelligence there relating to Montrofe,
they, after being joined by feveral Scotifti noble-
men, embarked for Ireland. When Charles re-
turned to Newark, prince Rupert folicited an
audience, that he might vindicate his conduct
with refpect to the furrender of Briftol. His
requeft was granted, and the king publicly de-
clared himfelf perfectly fatisfied, that the prince
had in no inftance been guilty of difloyalty.
The king's fituation now appeared to be truly
deplorable : his moft faithful friends and able
counfellors had either facrificed their lives in his
fervice, or been compelled to fly their country ;
his queen had fought a fanctuary from the horrors
of civil war in Holland ; the prince of Wales was
a wretched exile among the rocks of Scilly ; and
his other children were continually in the moft,
imminent danger of falling into the power of his
moft inveterate enemies : his military flrength was
exhaufted ; his ungrateful nephews, whom he had
reared with the utmoft tendernefs of paternal
affection, had vilely deferted his caufe ; and he was
fo embarrafTed by the contrivances of his enemies,
that there appeared but little probability of his
being able to elude the effects of their implacable
refentment : but though reduced to this defperate
and perplexing fituation, he ftill preferved a calm-
nefs of mind, a clearnefs of recollection, a quick-
nefs of difcernment, and an unremitting fortitude
truly aftonifhing. Having dilpatched orders to the
governor of Oxford, to ftation the horfe of the
garrifon at a ftated time between Banbury and
Daventry, he departed from Newark late in the
evening, accompanied by three hundred horfe,
and rode to Belvqir caftle, at which place he
arrived at three in the morning. Sir Gervas
Lucas was there ready to attend him further on
the way ; towards the evening, the king, very
much fatigued, retired to reft at a village near
Northampton. The next morning early he pro-
ceeded on his march, and arrived at Banbury
about noon, from whence he was conducted with
fafety to Oxford, after having been greatly har-
raffed, and efcaped much danger in his march.
Not thinking his fituation fecure, he held it ex-
pedient to treat again with his enemies ; he there-
fore demanded of parliament a fafe conduct for the
duke of Richmond, the earl of Southampton,
and others, whom he defigned to charge with
offers of accommodation. Having fignified his
5 Z intention^
453
THE NE*V AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
intentions to grant the nonconformifts liberty of
confcience, he propofed, upon the difmiffion ot
the armies, to join the two houfes ; to adopt
meafures for the fettling the debts of the public,
and to pbce the militia in a ftate that fhould
prove to the fatisfaction of all parties ; he de-
mand«d a perfonal treaty, in which he manifefted
his ardent inclination to ftop the progrefs of the
deductive war. But parliament, having grown
Arrogant in confequence of their fuccefs and
power, wanted to impofe fuch conditions, as
would have been degrading in royalty to have
accepted : they imputed to him the crime of
having employed the forces of the nation in
defence of arbitrary power, and with an intention
to make peace with the revolted catholics of Ire-
land. While thefe important concerns agitated
the mind of the unfortunate king, France fent
over Montreuil, apparently to mediate a peace
between Charles and the parliament ; but his real
errand was to effect, if practicable, a fecret ac-
commodation between his majefty and the Scotifh
army. The ambafladors met the Scotifh com-
miflioners in London, and found them difpofed
to effect a compromife : but they infifting, as the
moft indifpenfible condition of the treaty, that
the epifcopacy fhould be abolifhed, Charles de-
clined the negotiation. While the French minifter
went to the Scotifh army, to expoftulate with
them on the intemperance of their zeal, Fairfax
led his troops towards Oxford, and the king was
in great clanger of being furrounded. Lord
Afhley, with about a thoufand men, marched to
fuccour his majefty ; but being apprized of this
defign, Fairfax attacked Afhley's troops, who were
greatly fatigued, completely routed them, and
made prifoners Afhley, Sir Charles Lucas, and
many other officers of diftinction. After this,
Charles made no efforts to oppofe his enemies by
dint of arms ; but he refolved to put himfelf
under the protection of the Scots, hoping, that
the implacable enmity they entertained againft the
Independents, would urge them to exert their
beft endeavours for defending his perfon from
danger.
, With this intent the king de-
A. D. 1046. parfed from, Oxford on the twenty-
feventh of April under the conduct of Sir John
Afhburnham and Dr. Hudfon, who had under-
taken to guide him to a retreat by unfrequented
ways. On the king's difcovering himfelf to the
earl of Leven, that general exprefled great aftonifh-
ment, but treated him with the refpect due to his
exalted ftation. The parliament had no fooner
gained information of the king's efcape, than
they publifhed a proclamation, denouncing the
ieutence of high treafon againft any perfons who
mould fhelter, or in any manner protect the fove-
veign. They determined, that Fairfax mould
abandon his enterprize againft Oxford, and march
to Newark, where the king had thrown himfelf
under the protection of the Scotifh army ; but this
refolution was declined in confequence of a decla-
ration by the Scotch commiflioners, that the king's
arrival was entirely unexpected by the general.
Being informed that Fairfax had received orders
to direct his march northwards, the Scots retired
with the king to Newcaftle, where his majefty was
denied the liberty of holding any communication
with Montreuil ; and Afhburnham, fearing he
fhould be taken into cuftody, fled the kingdom.
The Scotifh preachers exprefled themfelves in the
pulpit in language grofsly affronting to his ma-
jefty, who was treated with coolnefs, referve, and
fometimes with the moft mortifying difrefpect, by
the officers of the Scotifh army : he was advifed
to furrender all his garrifons to the parliament,
and he complied, feemingly with great compo-
fure. Difpatches wejre tranfmitted to Dublin
commanding Ormond to furrender that city, and'
the other forts of Ireland, to the officers appointed
by parliament; and after laying down his arms at
the command of the king, Montrofe retired to the
continent. Charles now fent a meffage to the
houfes of parliament, requefting, that the reli-
gious controverfy might be fubmitted to the arbi-
tration of able divines: he iignified in a letter to
the city of London, an earneft defire to give the
parliament every fatisfaction they could reafonably
drfire; and in fhort, manifefted every poflible proof
of an earneft wifh to effect an accommodation
with parliament. The Scots Mill rigidly adhered
to their covenant; protefting that -they abhorred
all fecret proceedings that might tend to create au
animofity between the two kingdoms. Their
general aflembly wrote to the parliament of Eng-
land, the city of London, and the ecclefiaftical
aflembly, entreating them to forward the work of
reformation, according to the tenor of the co-
venant. The parliament now caufed propofals to
be prefented to the king, wherein they arrogated
to themfelves the whole powers of the adminiltra-
tion of the government. To thefe the king re-
plied, that though he could not diveft himfelf of
that which he inherited by birth, and the laws
of the realm, yet, regardlefs of his own private
intereft, he would willingly comply with any mea-
fures that might tend to promote the general wel-
fare of his Subjects. It being ftipulated, that the
Scotifh army mould be withdrawn immediately
after the payment of their arrears, commiflioners
were ^nominated .to infpect the accounts of the
deputies; who, after many warm debates, con-
fented to receive four hundred thoufand pounds
in acquittal of all demands. In the beginning of
September, the duke of Hamilton had been re-
moved to St. Michael's Mount, in Cornwall ; but
upon the furrender of that place to the parliament,
he recovered his liberty, and immediately repairing
to the king at Newcaftle, earneftly intreated him
to confent to the propositions made by the two
houfes. Defirous of putting a period to the horrid
devaftations of civil war, Charles propofed, that
the hierarchy mould be limited to fome particular
diocefe, and that prefbytery fhould be eftablifhed
in all other parts of the kingdom; obferving, that
the liberty of acting according to the dictates of
confcience, which he was willing to grant to others,
he entertained the reafonable hope would not be
denied to himfelf.
About the middle of the fame month the par-
liament nominated a committee, to hold a con-
ference with the Scotifh commiflioners, as to the
manner of difpofing of the perfon of the king.
Equal pretenfions were fet up by the Scots and the
Englifh; but the controverfy at length terminated
in favour of the latter. Charles repeatedly foli-
cited, that he might be allowed to treat with the
parliament in perfon, reminding them that it was
their lawful fovereign who pleaded for this privi-
lege; and intimating, that had he denied the
meaneft of his fubjects, the right he then demanded
in his own behalf, he mould have juftly incurred
the reproach of being unworthy to govern a free
people. A vote was now pafled in parliament,
purporting, that his majefty mould refide at
Holmby, in Northamptonfhire, and be treated
with the refpect and deference due to the fovereign
dignity. Parliament then appointed a committee
to receive the king from the Scotifh army, who
furrendered his majefty on the thirteenth of April,
and the fame day they marched on their return to
Scotland. On his way to Holmby, the king was
attended by an immenfe concourfe of people,
whom curiofity had brought together to behold
their fovereign, reduced to a ftate of the moft
abject
H
R
E S
I.
459
abject humiliation ; and thcfe people expreffed great
concern for his unhappy fate, and fervently prayed
to heaven for his fafety.
Animofities now arofe between the
A- V. 1647. in[]epen(ients and prefbyterians de-
ftructiveof the union they had fo long maintained.
The operations of the independents were princi-
pally directed by Cromwell, a man of great courage,
boundlefs ambition, and deeply verfed in the arts
of diffimulation. Having obtained an entire in-
tereft over general Fairfax, Cromwell procured ap-
pointments in the army for Rainfborough, Fleet-
wood, Lambert, Harrifon, and a vaft number of his
other dependents and creatures. Perceiving, that
a majority of the perfons who compofed the parlia-
ment, from an apprehenfion of the increafing power
of the general oflicers, were defirous of difbanding
the army, Cromwell affected to approve the plan,
profefled himfelf attached to the doctrine of prefby-
terianifm, frequently introduced quotations from
icripture, and declared, that the glory of God, and
the advancement of true religion, were the grand
motives that influenced his conduct. But at the
fame time emifTaries were employed by Cromwell
to ftir up a ipirit of mutiny among the foldiery.
The thought of returning to their former employ-
ments was exceedingly difagreeable to the oflicers,
who, from long ufe, had become enamoured of a
military life : however, the commons voted that
the army fhould be difbanded, each foldier to re-
ceive fix weeks pay on his difcharge : but the vote
for fuch a fudden diflblution, caufed great mur-
murings among the troops. Directions were given
to Cromwell, Ireton, Fleetwood, and Skippon, to
acquaint the army, that the parliament intended to
pafs votes in its favour; whereupon the private
foldiers deputed perfons to deliberate on their con-
cerns, and communicate their refolution to a coun-
cil of the principal oflicers. By thefe tools, whofe
recommendation confuted in their reputed fanctity,
and their talents in preaching and praying, Crom-
well and his partizans effected their purpofes.
However the parliament continued its intentions of
dilbanding all the troops except thofe intended for
Ireland, and deliberated on what fteps mould be
taken in the affair. A petition was now prefented
to the general by the foldiers, ftating the injuftice
of this defign, and praying that the divifions of the
army might be affembled, to deliberate on the mode
of redi efling the grievance ; and hinting that dif-
agreeable confequences to parliament might enfue,
if their petition was not attended to. Whereupon a
council of war was fummoned, in which it was re-
folved to reprefent to parliament, that meafures
mult be immediately taken to appeafe the army, or
the vvorft confequences might be expected. To
avert theimpendingdanger,the parliament refolved,
if poflrble, to divide the collective body of the
troops ; they made concefllons to the army ; but
thofe who had the direction of its operations, took
effectual care that it fhould not be difbanded ; and
the army now fomewhat refembled a republic, in
which the vote of a private man was as valid as
that of an officer, Indeed, almoft every one
thought himfelf at liberty to carry his own fchemes
into execution. Some of the regiments of horfe
having formed the refolution of feizing the per-
fon of the king, one Joyce, a cornet, who had
formerly been a taylor, was fixed on to carry their
plan into execution. On the third of June at break
of day, the cornet arrived at Holmby, with a de-
tachment of fifty horfe ; and he and three foldiers
going up -{lairs, knocked at the door of the king's
apartment. The door being opened, Joyce and
the ethers advanced uncovered, but with piftols
in their hands, and told the king he muft attend
them to. the army. Charles enquiring by what
authority, Joyce pointed to his piltol, and faid,
" By this j" and defired that he would be expe-
ditious.
Charles now directed one of his attendants to
call the committee of the two houfes, who had
taken charge of his pcrfon ; and thefe afking Joyce,
if. the parliament had commiffioned him to act as
he was now doing, he owned they had not, at the
fame time holding up his piftol. They then faid
they would write, to demand the pleafure of par-
liament : he faid they might do fo, but the king
muft go with him inftantly ; and Charles was
obliged to fubmit, as his guards feemed unwilling
to refift, and he departed with Joyce, though under
the apprehenfion of being affafiinatecl on the road*
The king lodged at colonel Montague's, near
Cambridge; and on the following day reached
Newmarket, where the officers of the army fhewed
him much refpect. The regiments prefented a
petition to the general, exhibiting complaints of the
parliament •, and then fubfcribed a writing which
they called " the engagement," by which they had
confentecl to be difbanded, on the redrefs of fuch
of their grievances as mould be deemed worthy of
redrefs by a council to be compofed of the generals,
two oflicers, and two foldiers of each regiment ;
and refolved that they would adhere to the terms
of this engagement. The army had now advanced
to St. Alban's, when the general fent a tneflfage to
both houfes, requefting that the demands of the
troops might be complied with.
The city of London was now empowered by
parliament to raife a body of cavalry ; and ten
thoufand pounds were ordered to be paid to fuch
of the foldiers as mould quit the army, and engage
in the expedition to Ireland. The army prefented
a remonftrance to both houfes, demanding the dif-
miflion of fuch members as had been unduly elected,
or had been guilty of corrupt practices ; that the
public accounts mould be fettled ; that juftice
fhould be done on delinquents, and then an act
of general amnefty fhould be pafled ; they likewife
impeached eleven members of the prefbyterian
party, requiring that they mould be removed from
the houfe, alledging that they had obftructed the
ufual courfe of juftice. They then retreated from,
the metropolis to their head quarters at Reading,
taking the king with them ; and his majefty was
now treated with greater kindnefs than he had ex-
perienced at Holmby ; his friends were permitted
to vifit him, nor was he denied the liberty of cor-
refponding with his queen ; his children being no
longer denied accefs to him, they pafled fo'me. days
at Caverfham, where the king then refided ; his
chaplains were reftored, and he was allowed the ufe
of the liturgy. Before they had obtained a com-
plete victory over the parliament, Cromwell, Ireton,
and other leading men of the independent party,
continued to amufe the king with vain hopes : but
they afterwards treated him with the utmoft harfh-
nefs and arrogance, abridging him oi the liberty
of holding any private converfation with either
his friends or domeftics, and ordering him to be
ftridtly guarded, and the moft exact obfervation to
be made upon the whole tenor of his conduct.
This treatment convinced the king, that he had
been made a dupe to the confummate art of Crom-
well ; and he was alarmed by the fufpicion, that
meafures were concerting for depriving him of life.
Thefe fufpicions were confirmed to him by major
Huntington, whom Cromwell had employed in
carrying private meflages to the king ; for he in-
formed his majefty, that if meafures were not
fpeedily purfued for counteracting the machinations
of Oliver, he would certainly fucceed in the plot he
had projected for depriving the king of his crown
and life. Charles was now confined at Hampton-
court, under a very ftrong guard : but having
formed a plan for effecting an efcape from this
place,
460
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
place, he retired to his apartment at an early hour
in the evening, under the pretence of indifpofition ;
and an hour "after midnight, his majefty, accom-
panied by Afhburnham and Legge, two of the
gentlemen of his bed-chamber, descended by the
back flairs, and proceeded to the garden, at the
gate whereof Sir John Berkeley was waiting with
hoi fes. The king and his attendants directed their
couiTe towards Hampshire, and riding all night
through the fortft, they, on the following day,
ai rived at Titchfiekl, the feat of the countefs
dowager of Southampton, where his majefty took
up his refidence, being firmly perfuaded that he
could faftly rely on the fidelity of the countefs.
Before his arrival at the above place, the king had
gone to the fea-coaft in fijarch of a veflel which he
cxpeded to be waiting to receive him ; but being
dif-ippointed of the. fhip, his companions advifed
him to fcek refuge in the Ifle of Wight, notwith-
ftamling that place was under the government of
Hammond, a known creature of the afpiring
Cromwell. Accordingly Charles difpatched Afh-
burnham and Berkeley to the Ifle of Wight, under
a ftricfc injunction not to reveal to Hammond the
place of his retreat, till he fhould have given a fo-
lemn promife that he would not betray his ma-
jefty to his enemies ; but Afhburnham violated the
confidence Charles had repofed in him, and brought
Hammond to Titchfield ; in confequence of which,
the king was under the neceflity of furrendering
himfelf to the governor, and of accompanying him
to Carifbrook-caftle in the Ifle of Wight. The
king was at firft inclined to fufped the fidelity of
Afhburnham : but being convinced that rafhnefs
and prefumption had led him to apprize Hammond
of the place of his refidence, he fully acquitted him
of any treafonable defign, and reftored him to fa-
The king's perfon being fecured, and the
vour.
parliament entirely fubjeded to the will of Crom-
well, that afpiring adventurer privately fummoned
a meeting of fome of the principal officers under
government, to be held at Windfor, for the purpofe
of forming a refolution as to the mode of fettling
the nation, and what meafures fliould be purfued
with regard to the king.
When Charles retired from the camp, he in tended
to carry on, in fome place of fecurity, two oppofite
treaties, into which he had entered, the one with his
Scotch fubjeds, and the other with the general
officers of the army. In purfuance of this plan,
letters were fent by Sir John Berkeley to Fairfax,
Cromwell, and Ireton. Hammond, who had
treated his prifoner with the utmoft courtefy and
humanity, accompanied the king's difpatches with
others of his own, to Ireton and Cromwell, in
which he ufed many arguments and entreaties
to pcrfuade them to agree fpeedily with the king.
Berkeley, on his way to the camp, heard that the
agitators had dropped fomething concerning bring-
ing the king to a trial. When he arrived at the
general's quarters and had delivered his compli-
ments and letters, he had the mortification to be
told by Fairfax, with a ftern look, in the midfl of a
full affembly of officers, that the army was the par-
liament's, and therefore they muft refer the king's
motion for peace to their principals, to whom they
would lend the letters. Berkeley looked round for
comfort on his old friends, Cromwell and Ireton,
who not. only treated him coldly, but appeared clif-
pleafed at the letters delivered them from Ham-
mond. Berkeley, filled with melancholy appre-
heniions, retired to his lodging; and at twelve at
night met, in an unfufpeded place, Watf'on, the
icout-mafter general, who told him, that the army
had refolved to bring the king to a trial ; that the
oiX'crs were obliged to fubmit to the fenfe of the
mutineers; that Cromwell being fully informed
that this was 'the refolution of the majority, had
2
laid afide his former oppofition ; and acknowledged
that his eyes had been fo dazzled with the glories
of the world, as not to fee clearly the great works
the Lord was doing ; and declared his refolution to
humble himfelf, and to defire the prayers of the
faints, that God would be pleafed to forgive him
his felf-feeking ; and that with thefe hypocritical
arts, and the affiftance of Hugh Peters, a famous
independent miniMer, he had made a full peace
with the party he had offended. Berkeley loft no
time in acquainting the king of his danger, and
eai neftly intreated him to lay afide all fchemes, but
that of his immediate efcape : but Charles thinking
the danger not fo great as he reprefented it, re-
newed his offers to the two houfes for a perfonal
treaty, and accompanied them with proposals fora
peace. Notwithflanding the king's former denial,
the parliament had, before his removal from the
army, voted to addrefs him once more on this fub-
jed ; and it was now refoived to addrefs the king
to a perfonal treaty, on condition of his giving his
aflent to four preliminary articles : firft, that the
parliament fhould have the militia under, their
power during twenty years ; the fecond, that the
king fhould recal all his proclamations againft his
parliament ; and acknowledge that they had taken
arms for their juft and neceflary defence : the third,
that he fliould annul all the ads and patents off
peerage, which had paffed the great feal, fince its
being conveyed from London by chancellor Lyttle-
ton ; and the fourth, that he mould give the houfes
power to adjourn when they thought fit. This re-
folution of the parliamept to renew their offers of
agreement with the king, was difagreeable to the
majority of the republicans ; both as it difappointed
their fchemes, and as they juftly concluded, that if
Charles was reftored 'to any part of his former
power, it would enable him to recover the re-
mainder, whereby he would be enabled to gratify
his own party, and to take revenge on them. The
Scotch commiflioners, for different reafons, pro-
tefted againft the four preliminary articles: but
both houfes adhering to the refolution, the Scotch
commiflioners attended the committee appointed to
wait upon the king, and were fo fuccefsful in their
private infinuations and promifes, that the unhappy
Charles returned a refufal to the offers of parlia-
ment ; and thus rejeded his laft opportunity of pro-
viding for his fafety and fecurity. The king had
been tojd by Sir John Berkeley, that his fending an
abfolute negative, would occafion his being fo
ftridly confined, as to render it impoflible for him
to efcape. To this Charles aflented ; yet depended
on the fuccefs of delivering his anfwer fealed up to
the parliament's commiflioners. But they, on re-
ceiving it, refufed to take it fealed, and on their
opening it, and perilling the contents, abruptly de-
parted. Hammond, who, till now, had indulged
the king in riding about the ifland at his pleafure,
and had been fo fuccefsful in his expoftulations to
the parliament, as to procure him the attendance of
his own fervants, with the company of his friends,
now perceiving that he had clofed with the Scots,
in oppofition to the interefts of England, doubled
the guards round the caftle, barred the gates, and
fending the king's attendants out of the ifland,
prevented every poffible means of efcape.
Both houfes on receiving the king's A -r) z a
denial were put into a flame ; and the
republicans now advanced thofe opinions which had
hitherto only tranfpired in their private councils.
Sir Thomas Wroth propofed, that articles of im-
peachment fliould be drawn up againft him ; that
he fhould be fet afide, and the kingdom fettled
without him. Commiffiiry Ireton afierted, that the
king, by rejecting the four bills, had denied fafety
and protection to his people. Stfbjedioa to a
fovereign, he obferved, was but a return for pro-
tection ;
CHARLES
I.
461
teJtion; and that being denied by the king, fub-
iection ought to be with-hekl. Cromwell, who
fpoke laft in the debate, after declaiming fome
time on the valour, good affections and godlinefs
of the army, faid, it was now expected, that the
parliament mould govern and defend the kingdom
by their own power, and not teach the people to
expect fafety and protection from a man whofe
heart God had hardened ; obferving, that thofe who
had defended them from fo many dangers, at the
expence of their blood, would defend them in this
with fidelity and courage, againft all oppofition.
On calling the queflion, That the lords and com-
mons declare, that they will make no farther appli-
cation to the king, the vote paffed in the affirma-
tive, by an hundred and forty-one voices againft
ninety-two: and the parliament to refrefh the me^
inory of the public, with refpect to the provocations
and reafons which had excited them to makeufe of
thefe feverities, publifhed a long declaration, in
which were enumerated all the errors of the king's
adminift ration.
At this time there were three political parties in
Scotland. One party was diftinguifoed by the ap-
pellation of the royalifts; and thefe contended for a
full re-eftablifnment of the king's authority, with-
out regard to the opinions entertained by the
different religious fefts ; though he was abfent,
Montrofe was confidered as the head of this party.
The rigid prefbyterians were refolved to introduce
an exact uniformity in religious worfhip, and were
averfe to affording the king any kind of affiflance
till he mould fubfcribe the covenant ; and Argyle
was the chief of this faction. The third party,
under the direction of the two brothers Hamilton
and Laneiic, was compofed of the moderate pref-
byterians, and their view was to reconcile the con-
tending interefts of religion and the crown ; and,
with the followers of prefbyterianifm in England,
to obtain an afcendancy over the independent
army, and re-eftablifh both the king and parliament
in their conftitutional authority, privileges and free-
dom. Upon an enquiry into the ftate of the na-
tion, the committee appointed to condudt that bu-
fmefs declared, that there was a neceffity for levy-
ing an army of forty thoufand men, for the public
defence. The duke of Hamilton was appointed
general, but he was not able to raife fourteen thou-
iand recruits ; and thefe, being wholly ignorant of
military difcipline, were not in a condition to
march for England till the beginning of July.
While thefe preparations were making in Scotland,
Langhorne, Poyer, and Powell, officers who had
ferved in the parliamentary army, revolted to the
royalifts, fecured the caftle of Pembroke, and in-
fluenced a majority of the inhabitants of South
Wales to declare in favour of the king. In the
mean time young Hales, and the earl of Norwich,
excited commotions in the county of Kent ; Sir
ChaTles Lucas, Sir George Lifle, Sir Bernard Gaf-
coyne, in conjunction with colonel Farr, who had
been in the fervice of parliament, collected an army
of three thoufand men, and made themfelves matters
of Colchefter; where they intended to remain till
they fhould have an opportunity of joining the
Scotifh army: but Fairfax invefted the town, and
deprived the inhabitants of all relief. And a fleet,
under the command of the earl of Warwick, was
ordered to oppofe the feventeen fhips that had re-
volted to the prince of Wales. The army being
. removed from the metropolis, the fpirit and inde-
pendency of parliament gradually revived; and, in a
fliort time, they fent commiflioners to the Ifle of
Wight, to propole the terms of a treaty with the
king. The appearance of his majefty greatly
affected the coaimiflioners; fo melancholy an altera-
tion had been wrought in his figure, having been
Jong excluded from focial intercourfe, he had en-
No. 43.
tirely neglected his perfon ; time, aflifted by a con-
liant fucceffion of misfortunes, had changed his
hair gray, and in a difhevelled ftate, it fhaded his
face, which was ftrongly expreffive of adverfity and
defpain But, notwithftanding this unfavourable
change in the appe'arance of the king, his mental
powers retained their former vigour: His clif-
paffionate and nervous arguments gave the earl of
Salifbury occafion to obferve, that " the king's
faculties had greatly improved." Upon which Sir
Philip Warwick replied, " No, he was always thus ;
.but you are now convinced of the ftrength of his
majefty's mind." Hereupon Sirj,Henry Vane ob-
ferved, that fince the king poffeffed fuch ftrong fa-
culties, it became neceflary to be more cautious^ and
rigid in the terms of accommodation. Charles,
now, without any appearance of reluctance, coa-
fented that his proclamations againft the parlia-
ment fhould be refunded; and he agreed to re-
linquifh in favour of the two houfes the power of
regulating the militia during the fpace of twenty
years, or for a longer term, if that conceffion fhould
be judged neceffary for the welfare of the public.
But he declared, that he could not, confidently
with the dictates of his confcience, confent to the
abolition of the epifcopacy ; and with refpect to the
fale of the church lands, his majefty faid, he conceived
that he could not give his fanction to that meafure
without committing facrilege, and violating his co-
ronation oath, by which he was folemly bound to*
maintain the rights and privileges of the clergy ;
but to manifeft the fincerity of his defires for ter-
minating thofe diflatisfactions which had fo fatally
difturbed the peace of his reign, he was willing that
the epifcopacy fhould be reduced to its original
eftablifhment; that archbithops, deans and chapters
mould be abolifhed; that the prefbyterian mode of
worfhip mould be authorized for the fpace of three
years ; in the courfe of which time the king and
parliament, with the advice and concurrence of the
ecclefiaftical affembly, and other divines, nominated
by his majefty, mould adopt fome falutary plan of
church government. In fliort, Charles made fuch
conceffions, as, had they been accepted, would have
proved fubverfive of the conftitution. Though the
king thus far fubmitted to the terms of parliament,
both houfes, after deliberating on his propofition?,
rejected them as infufficient and unfatisfactory, with
refpect to the epifcopacy and the fale of church lands.
Hamilton having made an incurfion into Eng-
land it the head of a numerous but irregular body
offerees, a junction was intended to be formed with
the troops under the command of Langdale; but the
duke was fearful of attempting to effect this, becaufe
the Englifh royalifts declined a fubfcription to the
covenant, and the Scotifh prefbyterians could not
be prevailed on to incorporate with them on any
other conditions. The two armies, amounting to-
gether to about twenty thoufand men, began their
march at the fame time, but they kept regularly a
little fpace apart. Cromwell's army was not half
fo numerous as that of the enemy; but notwith-
ftanding this difadvantage, he boldly advanced to
give them battle. He attacked Langdale by fur-
prize, near Prefton in Lancafhire, and put him to
the rout with great flaughter, though the royalifts
fought with fingular bravery. He then attacked
Hamilton, and having defeated the troops under
his command, and chafed them to Utoxeter, he
directed his march to Scotland, and being rein-
forced by Argyle, he fubdued Laneric and Munro,
and then returned to England. At the fame time,
after maintaining a vigorous defence, the garrifon
of Colchefter was reduced to the neceffity of capitu-
lating-, and Fairfax, yielding to the perfuafions of
Ireton, refolved to facrifice the lives of Sir Charles
Lucas and Sir George Lifle, whom he had made
prifoners, to the refentment of the army. The pri-
6 A foners
462
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
foncrsunanimouflycenfured the determination with
refpeft to Lucas and Lille ; and Lord Capel, regard-
lefs of his perfonal fafety, feverely reproached
Ireton, at the fame time challenging him to inflict
a fimilar punifhment upon all the prifoners. Sir
Charles Lucas was fii ft mot ; and he gave the word
" fire," with as firm a refolution, as if he had been
pronouncing theword of commandat the head of his
troops. Having embraced the body of his deceafed
friend, Sir George Lifledefired the foldiers appointed
to fire at him to approach nearer ; upon which one
of the men faid, " Doubt not, Sir, but our balls will
ftrike you v" to which Sir George, with a fmile upon
his countenance, replied, " I Inve been nearer you,
my friends, when you have miffed me." Immediately
after pronouncing thefe words, he received their
{hot and fell breathlefs upon the earth. A remon-
fl ranee was now drawn up by a general council of
officers, and prefented to the parliament, wherein
they condemned the treaty with the king, infifted
on the neceffity of fubjefting him to exemplary
punifliment, on account of the great effufion of
blood during the war •, demanding a difTolution of
the parliament ; reprefenting, that though they were
fervants, they had a right to interfere in thefe im-
portant concerns, and to remonftratc to their em-
ployers, who were no more than fervants to the
public. The military commanders led their forces
to Windfor, whence they difpatched colonel Ewer
with ofders to feize the king, and conduct him to
Hurft-caftle. The commons voted that the king's
removal had been effected without their confent,
ind then came to a refolution, that the conceffions
made by his majefty were fuflicient to ferve as the
ground of an accommodation. On the following
day, colonel Pride furrounded the houfe with two
regiments, and with the afliftance of lord Grey of
Groby, arrefted foi ty-one of the members, as they
were pa/ling through the avenues, and put them into
confinement in the neighbourhood. The moft
defperate of the Independent party, amounting to
near fixty, were alone permitted to enter the houfe,
about an hundred and fixty members being excluded .
This remnant of the commons pafled a vote of
thanks to Cromwell, for the great public fervices
he had performed. A committee was then ap-
pointed to draw up a charge againft the king ; and
colonel Harrifon received orders from the houfe,
to conduct Charles to London under a ftrong
guard. At Windfor, the duke of Hamilton, who
had been fome time a prifoner there, was admitted
into the prefence of his majefty ; and falling upon
his knees, he pathetically exclaimed, " My dear
mafter !" and then grief choaked his voice. Here-
upon the king tenderly embraced him, and while
tears gufhed from his eyes, faid, " I have, indeed,
been a dear mafter tc you." His majefty was then
abruptly hurried away ; and the duke, diffolved in
tears, predicted, that he ihould never more behold
his fovereign. Soon after the king's arrival at
Windfor, an order was iflued from the council of
war, that he fhould no longer be confidered in the
character of a fovereign ; and in confequence hereof,
he was divefted of the externals of royalty, and
treated without the leaft ceremony or refpeft.
During the whole courfe of the
A.L>. 1648-9.
very little authority or influence ; fince the king's
imprifonment, the upper houfe had been wholly in-
fignificant, and moft of the members, afliamed of
the public proceedings, declined giving their at-
tendance. It however happened that day, to be
more full than ufual, and they were aflembled to
the number of iixteen, when the ordinance was pre-
-fented. They, without the leaft hefitation, unani-
1 moufly rejected the vote of the commons, and imme-
diately adjourned themfelves for ten days ; hoping,
try this means, to reftraiu the furious proceedings
of the conjmons. So fmall an obftacle was very in-
fuflicient to divert the Independents from their
purpofe. They voted to proceed in trying the king,
and eftablifhing all other meafnrcs, without the
concurrence of the lords : and accordingly paflcd
the following votes, which fufliciently indicate the
purpofes they were calculated to ferve.
" Refolved, that the commons of England in
parliament aflembled, are, under God, the original
of alljuft power.
" That the commons of England, in parliament
aflembled, being chofen by, and representing the
people, have the fupreme power in this nation.
" That whatever is enacted or declared, for them
by the commons, in parliament aflembled, has the
force of a law ; and all the people of this nation, are
included thereby, although the confrnt or concur-
rence of the houfe of peers be not had thereunto."
They alfo voted, " That all members, and
others, appointed to aft in any ordinance with the
peers, were empowered and enjoined to fit, act, and
execute,notwithftandingthepeersjoinednottherein.'*
The ordinance for the king's trial was now
changed into an aft of the commons, and ordered
to be engrofled. Two days after, proclamation
was made in Weftminfter-hall, Cheapiide, and the
Old Exchange, for witnefles to come in againft him.
At the fame time commiflioners were appointed for
trying him.
This court confifted of one hundred and thirty-
three perfons, as named by the commons, but there
never met above feventy ; fo diflicult was it found,
notwithftanding the blindnefs of prejudice, and the
allurements of intereft, to engage perfons of any
name or charafter, in a meafure fo criminal and re-
pugnant to all forms of law and juftice. Cromwell,
Ireton, Harrifon, and a few more of the principal
officers of the army, moft of them of very mean
birth, were members, together with fome of the
lower houfe, and fome citizens of London.
The twelve judges were among the parties in-
rolled to form the court; but upon their declaring
the king could not, according to the laws and con-
ftitution of England, be tried for treafon, as all pro-
fecutions for offences of that nature muft be con-
ducted under the fanftion of th« royal authority,
their names were expunged. The court aflembled
in Weftminfter-hall, Bradfliaw, a lawyer, being
elected prefident ; Coke acting in the capacity of
folicitor-general, and Doriflaus, Steele, and Afke,
attending as afllftants in the profecution. When,
among the names of the perfons who were to com-
pofe the court, the crier pronounced that of lord
Fairfax, a female voice was heard to exclaim from
the gallery, " he has more wit than to be here."
And upon thefe words of the impeachment being
read, " In the name of all the good people of Eng-
land," the fame voice faid, " No, nor the twen-
tieth part of them ; where are all the people, or
their reprefentatives ? Oliver Cromwell is a villain
and a traitor." One of the officers ordered a file of
mufqueteers to fire towards that part from whence
the voice proceeded ; but it wasprefentlydifcovered, '
that the fpeaker was the wife of Fairfax ; and it was
with the utmoft difficulty, that the- lady was pre-
vailed upon to retire.
On the twentieth of January, the king was
brought before this high-court of juftice, having
been guarded from St. James's thither by colonel
Hacket, with thirty officers armed. The deport-
ment of the king, though long ufed to be a pri-
foner, was before this court, very majeftic. He
looked undauntedly on the array of troops that
attended him, and the pageantry of the court ; and
without moving his hat, or fhewing the fmalleft
mark of reverence, he feated himfelf in a chair
of crimfon velvet, prepared for him within the bar.
The folicitor-general, in the name of the com-
mons,
H
R
I.
463
•P
mons, opened the profecution ; reprefenting tliat
Charles Stuart, admitted king of England, and in-
trulted with limited powers of foveieignty, from
the wicked defign of introducing an arbitrary and
tyrannical form of government, had traitcroully
and malicioufly levied war upon the parliament and
the people ; and that he was therefore accufed as a
traitor, a tyrant, a murderer, and an enemy to the
commonwealth. The impeachment being con-
cluded, the preficlent of the court informed the
king, that it was expected that he would then
declare what he had to offer in juftification of his
proceedings. Charles difavowed the authority of
the court, declaring that he would not fubmit to
their ufurped jurifdiclion : and his whole deport-
ment and behaviour on this folemn occafion, were
expreffive of calmnefs of temper, ftrong prefence
of mind, fortitude, and dignity. The prefident
afleited that the dignity of the court was fuperior
to that of the prifoner, as it derived its authority
from that community of which even kings were no
more than the fervants ; and therefore he infifted,
that the prifoner was not juftifiable in refufing to
acknowledge the authority of his judges. Charles
objected, that both the king and houfe of lords,
v ere neceffary to conftitute a parliament : that he
had a truft committed to him by God, by old and
lawful defcent ; and that there was no jurilclidtion
on earth could try a king ; the authority of obe-
dience to kings being clearly and ftriftly com-
manded in the Old and New Teftament : this, if
denied, he was ready inftantly to prove ; " where
the word of a king is, there is power, and who may
fay unto him, What cloft thou?" He owned, that
a lacred truft had been committed to him by God,
the liberty of his people, which he would not be-
tray, by acknowledging a power founded on vio-
lence and ufurpation. He had taken arms, and
frequently expofed his life in defence of public
liberty, of the conftitution, of the fundamental laws
of the kingdom, and was now willing to feal with
his blood, thofe precious rights for which he had fo
long, in vain, contended. To this the prefident
anlwered, How great a friend, Sir, you have been
to the laws and liberties of the people, let all Eng-
land, and the world judge : your actions have fufli-
ciently declared it, and your meaning has been
written in bloody characters throughout the king-
dom. Charles returned, that the laws of England
determine, that " The king can do no wrong;"
he was however able, he added, to juftify his con-
duel: by the mod fatisfaftory reafons : but he muft
forego his reafons, left, he fhould ratify an au-
thority, no better founded than that of pirates and
robbers. Having been thrice called before the
court, Charles perfifted in denying their right of
jurifdidion ; but on his fourth appearance, finding
it impoflible to make his conftancy, the court, hav-
ing conftrued his filence into confeflion, the prefi-
dent pronounced the following fentence :
" That he Charles Stuart, king of England,
having been convifted and attainted as a tyrant,
traitor, murderer, and public enemy, fliould be put
to death, by fevering his head from his body."
This fentence was figned by the whole court, ex-
cept nine members.
Upon his return to Whitehall, the king defired
that his children might be permitted to vifit him,
and that he might be attended in his private de-
votions by Dr. Juxont the late bifhop of London ;
and in thefe requefts he was indulged.
The circumftance of fubjefting a king to trial,
before a court of judicature conftituted of his own
fubjcc'ts, infpired the feveral European princes
with aftonifhment and horror. The French and
Dutch minifters interefted themfelves in the king's
behalf; the Scots remonfirated on the indignity
and injuftice offered to his majefty, and the queen
i epeatedly wrote to the parliament, in the moft pa-
thetic ftyle, in favour of her royal confort. But
the duke of Richmond, the earls of Hertford,
Southampton, and Lindfay, voluntarily offered to
yield their lives as a facrifice to his prefervation.
Only three days were allowed this royal fufferer
between his fentence and execution, during which
the following authentic warrant was figned for the
latter by parliamentary Independents, &c.
" At the high court of Juftice for the tryinge and
judginge of Charles Steuart, king of England,
on January 29, Anno Dom. 1648-9.
" Whereas Charles Steuart, king of England, is,
and ftandeth convicted, attaynted, and condemned
of high treafon, and other high crimes : and fen-
tence, upon Saturday laft, was pronounced againft
him by this court, to be put to death, by the fever-
inge of his head from his body ; of which fentence
execution yet remaineth to be done : Thefe are
therefore to will and require you to fee the faid
fentence executed, in the open ftreets, before
Whitehall, upon the morrow, being the thirtieth
clay of this inftante month of January, between the
hours of tenn in the morninge, and five in the
afternoone of the fame day, with full effecT: : and for
fo doing this mall be your fufficient warrant. And
thefe are to require all officers, and foldiers, and
other the good people of this nation of England,
to be affiftynge unto you in this fervice. Given
under our hands and feals.
" Directed to colonel Francis Hacket, &c."
The following are the names of thofe who figned
and fealed the above-mentioned warrant :
Valentine Wauton.
Thomas Harrifon.
Edward Whalley.
Thomas Pride.
Ifaac Ewers.
Tho. lord Grey of Groby.
Sic John Danvers.
Sir Thomas Maltrever.
John Moore.
John Alvred.
Henry Smith.
Humphrey Edwards.
Gregory Clement.
Thomas Wogan.
Sir Gregory Norton.
Edmund Harvey.
John Venn.
Thomas Scot.
.Thomas Andrews.
George Fleetwood.
Symon Mayne.
James Temple.
William Cawley.
Anthony Stapeley.
John Downs.
Thomas Horton.
Thomas Hammond.
Nicholas Love.
Vincent Potter.
Auguftine Garland.
John Dixwell.
Peter Temple.
Thomas Waite.
John Bradfhaw, prefident.
John Lille.
William Say.
Oliver Cromwell.
Henry Ireton.
Sir Hardnefs Waller, Kt.
Sir John Bourchier, Kt.
William Heveningham.
Ifaac Pennington.
Henry Martin.
William Purefoy.
John Barkftead.
Matthew Thomlinfon.
John Blackifton.
Gilbert Millington.
Sir Win. Conftable, Bart.
Edmund Ludlow.
John Hutchinfon.
Sir Michael Livefey, Bart
Robert Tichbourne.
Owen Roe.
Robert Lilbourn.
Adrian Scroope.
Richard Dean.
John Okey.
John Hewfon.
William Goffe.
Cornelius Holland.
John Carew.
John Jones.
Miles Corbet.
Francis Allen.
Peregrine PeJham.
Daniel Blagrave.
This fhort and awful interval between his fen-
tence and execution, the now depreffed, humbled
monarch pafied chiefly in reading and devotion j
and from the time when his intended fate wa$
made known to him, to his laft moment, he pre-
ferved a perfect tranquillity and compofure j nor
can his bittereft enemies deny, that he demeaned
his character, either as a prince or as a man. Even
under the dreadful apprehenfions of death, his foul,
without
464
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
without effort or affectation, maintained a calm he-
roical frame, and feemed to look down with con-
tempt on the triumph of his conquerors. All his fa-
mily that remained in England were allowed accefs
to him. Thefe only conlifted of the princefs Eliza-
beth, and the duke of Glouceiler, who was little
more than an infant. The princefs Elizabeth, not-
withftanding her tender years, deeply felt the
calamities of her family. The king, after giving
her his advice and confolation, charged her to tell
the queen, that during the whole courfe of his
life he had never once, even in thought, failed in
his fidelity towards her. Then taking the young
duke of Gloucefter on his knee, he laid, " Now
they will cut off thy father's head." At this the
child looked very ftedfaftly on him ; and he added,
" Mark, child, what I fay, they will cut off my
head, and perhaps make thee a king; but thou
muft not be a king as long as thy brothers Charles
or James are alive. They will cut off thy brothers
heads when they can catch them ; and thy head
they will cut pff at laft : and therefore I charge
thee, do not be made a king by them!" The
duke fighing, replied, " I will be torn in pieces
firft." This anfwer, from one of fuch tender
years, is faid to have filled the king's eyes with
tears of joy and admiration. Fairfax, overwhelmed
with grief, ufed all the intereft which he yet re-
tained, to prevent the execution of the fatal
fentence ; and even employed perfuafion with his
own regiment, though none elfe mould follow
him, to refcue the king. Cromwell and Ireton
being informed of this intention, endeavoured to
convince him, that God had rejected the king;
and exhorted him to feek by prayer fome direction
from heaven on this important occafion. Harrifon
was appointed to join ia prayer with the unfufpect-
ing general, who was ignorant that the death
warrant had been figned : this man prolonged his
fpiritual exercifes, till intelligence arrived, that the
finifhing period was put to the awful tragedy ; then
rifing from his knees, he told Fairfax, that this
event was certainly a miraculous and providential
anfwer, fent by heaven to their devout fupplications.
On the thirtieth of January, the day appointed
in confequence of the above warrant for his exe-
cution, the king rofe early in the morning, and
calling Herbert, ordered him to employ more
than ufual care in dreffing him, for what he thought
a joyful folemnity. He then received the facra-
ment from the hands of bifliop Juxon, and con-
tinued in his devotions till noon, at which time he
drank a glafs of wine, and ate a bit of bread,
when, having walked from St. James's, where he
lay (therefore could not have had his reft diftui bed
by the noife of the workmen employed in erecting
his fcaffold, as fome affert) acrofs the Park, he
was carried from thence in a coach to the ftreet
before the Banqueting-houfe, Whitehall, the place
deftined for exhibiting this his laft tragic fcene.
On his coming upon the fcaffold, he found it fur-
rounded with foldiers, fo that he could not hope
to be heard. He eyed the apparatus of death with
Teat compofure, and afked if there was not a
higher block; then addreffing himfelf to the
colonels Thomlinfon, Hacket, and fome other
pedons who were on the fcaffold, he attempted to
juitify his innocence with refpect to the civil war,
and averred, that he had no other object in his
military operations, than to preferve entire that
authority which had been tranfmitted to him by
his ancestors. He infifted on his perfect innocence
towards his people, but acknowledged the equity
of his execution in the eye of his Maker; ob-
ierving, that the unjurt fentence now inflicted on
him, yas an equitable return for that which he
had fuflcred to be inflicted on Strafford. He ex-
prcfled his forgivenefs of his enemies; and ex-
horted the people to return to the paths of obe-
dience, by fubmitting to the government of their
lawful fovereign, his fon and fucceffor. He threw
not the leaft blame upon the parliament ; but was
more inclined to think, that ill inftruments had
interpofed, and excited in them fears and jealoufies
(we muft confefs too juftly founded) with regard
to his intentions. When he was preparing for the
block, bifhop Juxon faid to him, " There is
Sir, but one ftage more, which, though turbulent
and troublefome, is yet very fhort. Confider, it
will foon carry you a great way ; it will carry you
from earth to heaven ; and there you mall find, to
your great joy, the prize to which you haften, a
crown of glory." " Yes," replied the king, « I
go from a corruptible to an incorruptible crown
where no difturbance can have place." Then de-
livering his George to the prelate, he faid, " Re-
member ;" and laying his head on the block, he
ftretched out his hands as a fignal, when at one
blow his head was fevered from his body. A
man in a vizor performed the office of executioner.
Another, in like difguife, held up the head, and
aicd aloud, " This is the head of a traitor."
Thus fell, after an unhappy reign of twenty-three
years, ten moTiths, and three days, in the forty-ninth
year of his age, Charles Stuart, king of England, on
the thirtieth of January, 1649: a prince whofe
principles, conduct, and death, by working power-
fully on oppofite affections, according to their
different intereft and views, have given rife to a
bitter and irreconcilable contelt. He was rcpre-
fented by a confiderable party as a martyr to the
church, a patron to the clergy, and the fupport of
nobility ; and thefe have adorned his memory with
a chaplet of panegyric. On the other hand, bigots
of a different perfuafion have applauded his fate,
and held 'his memory in the higheft deteftation :
but the liberal minded and humane, however
zealous in the caufe of freedom, both civil and
religious, will equally condemn and pity him.
Indeed, the melancholy tranfition from royal pomp
to a prifon, from a life of cafe and luxury, to a
premature and violent death, are punimments fo
fliarp and affecting, that they naturally excite the
tendereft fympathy for the fuffering prince : we are
apt to overlook the tyrant, to dwell on his hard-
fhips, and forget his crimes. Companion is in-
herent in Englifhmen ; and the commiferation of
this king's unfortunate 'fate, but for the' violence
of his partizans, would have inclined fuch to have
thrown the mantle of oblivion over the dark pans
of his character, and only to have remembered,
that he bore his iufferings in a manner which would
have done honour to the beft caufe. But the
impartiality required in hiftory, renders it neceffary
to fcrutinize with exactnefs, his principles, con-
duct, and character ; fince, from the falfe colour-
ings which have been thrown on thefe, confe-
quences have been drawn deftructive to liberty,
and the welfare of fociety.
After the king's death, the duke of Richmond,
the marquis of Hertford, the earls of Southampton
and Lindfey, were, at their exprefs defire, per-
mitted to pay their laft duty to their matter, who,
by the appointment of parliament, was decently,
but without pomp, interred at Windfor. His
body was put into a coffin, covered with black
velvet, and removed to an apartment in Whitehall,
where it was embalmed, and then expofed for fe-
veral days at St. James's. But colonel Witchcot,
governor of Windfor-caftle, had the narrownefs of
Ipirit to deny the ufe of the burial fervice, accord-
ing to the ufage of the church of England.
Charles, by his queen Henrietta, had nine chil-
dren ; four fons and five daughters ; namely,
Charles James, who died an infant ; Charles, prince
of Wales, who fucceeded to the tfirone of Eng-
land ;
H A R
I.
465
land ; James, duke of York, who alfo afcended
the throne ; and Henry, duke of Gloucefter, who
died after the reftoration. The princefs Mary,
who married William of Nafiau, prince of Orange ;
Elizabeth, who died in Carifbrook caftle ; Anna
and Catharine, who died in their infancy ; and
Henrietta Maria, married to Philip, duke of Anjou
and Orleans.
Characler of king Charles I.
Charles, as to his perfon, was of a middle
ftature, robuft and well proportioned. His fea-
tures were regular; his face handfome ; but his
countenance was naturally of a melancholic caft,
yet expreffive of a benevolent mind. His in-
tellcclual powers were naturally good, and fo im-
proved by continual exercife, that though, in the
beginning of his reign he fpoke with hefitation,
towards the clofe of his life, he difcovered in his
difcourfe elocution, and quicknefs of conception.
*He excelled in horfemanfhip ; had a good tafte,
particularly in painting, and was even fkilled in
ieveral of the polite arts : but though a proficient
in fome branches of literature, he was far from
encouraging ufeful learning, and patronized none
but thofe who endeavoured to prove the divine
right of kings and bifhops. He was undeniably
pofll-fled, not only of good natural talents, but
alfo of many excellent qualities, fuch as tempe-
rance, fortitude, and perfonal bravery: but his
diffimulation, or want of integrity, is manifeft in
every part of his cbnducl ; and his lofing him
the faireft opportunities of reinstating him in the
throne, appears to have been the principal vice for
which he paid the tribute of his life. Yet, there
have been thofe who tell us, Charles was the
worthieft gentleman, the beft friend, the bell
matter, the beft father, the beft hufband, and the
' beft Chriftian of the age in which he lived. But
thefe ftrokes conftitute no part of the outlines of
the prefent fubject, which we wifh faithfully to
pourtray. A prince may govern his own family
well ; he may have fome perfonal excellencies ; yet
he may be poflefled of neither abilities nor virtues
iufficient to govern a nation, and he may be the
contrary. Oliver Cromwell was a confummate
ftatefman ; but, if we judge right, a very bad
man : and the reverfe will hold good with refpect
to a king. We have had many examples, in the
courfe of this hiftory, of princes whofe private
virtues have been very fplendid, but ihaded with
that ambition and thirft of power, which have
fixed an intolerable load of mifery on the people.
To form a right judgment of the characters of
princes, it will be abfolutely neceffary to feparate,
in our ideas, the king from the man. It is a diffi-
cult matter for fubjefts to gain a true knowledge
of the private virtues of a prince ; but his public
actions fpeak plainly to the underftanding of every
one : and people of the loweft capacities can
know, whether, under the reign of their fove-
reign, they are well or ill governed ; or, in other
words, happy or miferable : and happy had it been
both for Charles and his people, had his public
conduct deferved as much commendation, as his
private character. It has been a queftion, pro-
ductive of violent debates, whether the people have,
in any caie, a right to depofe and punifh kings.
On the one fide, the fuflferings of Charles, {Hied
the royal martyr, have been compared to thofe of
Chrift ; and the crucifiers of their God were, in
the works and fermons of feveral churchmen, re-
garded as lefs worthy of deteftation, than the
murderers of their king. Monarchy has been re-
prefented as a form of government of God's im-
mediate appointment ; kings, as his facred vice-
gerents, whom to refill is impious, to depofe dam-
No. 43.
nable, and to punifh atrocioufly criminal, be-
yond the hope of mercy. It has been alledged,
that a parliament from which moft of its members
are detained by force, can perform no conftitu-
tional aft ; nor can even the joint powers of both
houfes extend to the making war againft, or de-
throning their king, much lefs putting him to
death. On the other hand, the partizans of liberty
maintain, that kings are appointed for the good
of the people ; and when they degenerate into
tyrants, forfeit their right to government ; that
oaths of allegiance are to be underftood as confti-
tutionally binding, according to the obfervance'of
the oaths kings make to their people : that to fay
a king is accountable to none but God, is neither
founded on reafon nor precept : that to fay a king
has as good a right to his crown, as another man
has to his inheritance, is to make his fubjefts no
better than flaves ; and that weak and wicked
princes may be refitted, depofed, and flain. Thefe
and many other arguments have been ufed both for
and againft this extraordinary tranfaftion ; but we
will venture to affirm, moft of them have very
little to do with the prefent fubjeft. To form juft
fentiments of the real charafter of Charles, and
the legality of the parliament's proceedings, we
ought to go not one ftep farther than the com-
mencement of the civil war. What will it avail,
faid Pompey, talking of laws to me, who have a
(word in my hand ? And, when this is once drawn,
law and conftitution depend entirely on the will of
the conqueror. The cbarafter of Charles is ftrongly
marked in the firft part of his reign ; and every
impartial judge will allow, that aiming at more
power than the conftitution allowed, was the firft
caufe of his misfortunes. Paflion for power, and
a ftrong attachment to his regal prerogative, were
his governing principle. The prelates of the
church paid him the groffeft flattery, inculcating
a flavifh dependence on his authority alone ; and
his fuffering the cruel rigours of the ftar-chamber
fliew, that neither clemency, humanity, nor equity,
made any part of his public charafter. He fub-
mitted to the guidance of counfellors, who were
not only inferior to himfelf in experience and
judgment, but, generally, proud, partial, and ob-
ftinate : and from an excefs of conjugal affection,
he paid too much deference to the advice of his
queen, who was fuperftitioufly devoted to the
Koman church, and importuned him inceflantly
in favour of its votaries. The exercife of arbi-
trary power, and the genius of an incenfed people,
which ran ftrongly in favour of liberty, were the
prime caufes which brought him to an unexampled
end : yet, though dead, he ftill may be faid tr»
fpeak to his fucceffors on a throne, warning th *•
not to endeavour to fubitute their own
the place of law, nor to aft as if the people ^ ^
only made to be fubfervient to their caprice, r.^
mour, and perhaps, ungoverned paflions : for they
may be aflured, when the cord of tyranny is
ftretched to its utmoft length, a time will come,
when the oppreffed will refift and try their
ftrength. Inftances of this abound not only in
free ftates, but in the moft arbitrary forms of
government. In Afia, the head of a grand
vifier has often been ftruck off to appeafe a po-
pular infurreftion ; in Holland, a prime minifter
has been torn in pieces by an enraged multitude ;
and in England, a king has loft his crown, and,
in one melancholy inftance, his life, for attempts
to overturn the conftitution. Indeed, when a
king, by enlarging the limits of that power with
' which he is invefted for the protection of the
people, weakens the authority of laws, and, con-
fequently, the fecurity of the people. When, by-
breach of truft, he afts in oppofition to the juft
ends for which government was inftituted, his
6 B truft
466
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
truft and right to government from that period
are forfeited ; the tie of allegiance is diffolved ;
and the law and conftitution being rendered in-
capable of affording the fubjecls protection, they
may juftly, by the right of felf-prefervation, take
every probable means to fecure themfelves from
the lawlefs power and enterprizes of a tyrant. On
thefe grounds the parliament are to be defended
in their proceedings againft Charles ; and on thefe
grounds even the army, if we may credit their
declarations, endeavoured to fupport their pre-
tenfions : till in the end, conftitutional forms
being laid afu'e, the monarch fell a facrifice at
the fhrine of liberty, for the fecurity of the con-
tending parties. We fhall conclude, with what
ought and will be the wifh of every honeft, inde-
pendent Englifhman, may every king of England
enjoy his prerogatives, and the people their legal
rights.
CHAP. III.
OLIVER CROMWELL,
LORD PROTECTOR OF THE COMMON-WEALTH,
AND OF THE UNITED REALMS OF ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND IRELAND.
AN INTER-REGNUM OF TEN YEARS.
The conftitution and government of England abolijhed ; and a common-wealth ejlablijhed by the commons, under the
title of the parliament — State of affairs in Ireland — Montrofe defeated, taken prifoner, and executed— Charles
figns the terms presented to him by the Scotijh committee — Battle of Dunbar — Charles takes the covenant, and is
crowned king of Scotland — Enters England with an army — The battle of Worcejler — Charles is compelled to fly,
and efcapes into France— Scotland reduced— A Dutch war — Cromwell is declared Lord Proteflor by the parlia-
ment, which diffblves itfelf — A new parliament — A war with Spain — The crown offered to Cromwell^ which he
rejefts — His death and charafter.
THE INTER-REGNUM CONTINUED UNDER HIS ELDEST SON
RICHARD.
The fuccejfion of Richard recognized by the parliament — Proclaimed Proteftor in Scotland by Monk — The army and
fleet acknowledge his title— He is depofed, and the long parliament rejlored and expelled — A committee offafety-*-
General Monk declares for the parliament^ which is rejlored — Monk enters London, and will have a free par/id'
The fee luded members recover their feats — A new parliament — The rejioration of Charles II. — Of com-
arts, feiences— Manners of the age — And a fuccinfl account of the feel called Quakers.
merce,
THE throne by the death of Charles, being
rendered vacant, the commons proceeded to
fettle the government ; and, under the title of the
parliament, iffued a proclamation, forbidding all
perfons, on pain of high treafon, to acknowledge,
or declare, Charles Stuart, commonly called prince
of Wales, to be king of England. They after-
wards decreed, that the nation fliould be governed
by the reprcfentatives of the people fitting in the
houfe of commons, under, the form of a republic,
confequence of their proceedings, the royal
.ics were erafed out of the public writings ; the
jyal arms were taken down from all public offices
and courts of juftice ; the oaths of allegiance and
fupremacy were abolifhed ; and a new great feal
was made, bearing this infcription, The Great
Seal of England. On one fide were engraven the
arms of England, and on the reverfe the houfe of
commons, with thefe words, In the firft year of
Freedom, by God's blefiing reftored, 1648. The
impreflion of the national coin had, on one fide,
the Englifh arms, with the infcription, The
Commonwealth of England ; and on the reverfe,
the crnfs and harp, with this motto, God with us.
That there might remain no objecls to excite am-
bition, not only the crown and fee-farm rents were
put up to fale, but alfo the regalia, the rich fur-
niture of the royal palaces, the jewels and paint-
ings belonging to the late king, with all the ex-
penfive magnificence of royalty. The houfe of
peers was abolifhed ; and the commons taking
both the legiflative and the executive powers of
government into their own hands, altered their
ftile from that of the houfe of comnions, to the
parliament of the common-wealth of England ;
and conferred the whole executive power of govern-
ment on a council of ftate, who were to aft and
proceed according to the inftructions they fhould,
from time to time, give them. This council was
compofed of thirty-nine perfons ; and the com-
mons, who at firft pofleffed the fupreme authority
of the nation, amounted only to ninety ; but their
number was foon after increafed. Another high
court of juftice was now erected, to try fome noble-
men who remained in cuftody, and Bradfhaw was
again chofen preiident. The perfons whofe fate
was to be decided by this tribunal, were the duke
of Hamilton, the earl of Holland, the lord
Goring, lately created carl of Norwich, lord
Capel, and Sir John Owen ; all of them accufed
of having carried arms againft the parliament.
After a fhort trial, they were all convkled and
condemned to the block. The duke of Hamilton,
on his trial, comphined bitterly of the fentence
by which he fuffered death, alledging, that he
acted by virtue of a commiflion from the parlia-
ment of his own country. The earl of Holland,
being oppreficd with age and infirmities, made
little or no defence. Sir John Owen, on hearing
the fentence, thanked the court for adjudging him
to fo honourable a death ; and fwore he was
afraid they would have caufecl him to be hanged
as a felon. This gentleman, however, and the
earl of Norwich, were reprieved ; the other three
were immediately executed. Lord Capel, in his
laft moments, behaved with great dignity and
refolution,-
o.
CROMWELL.
467
refutation, extolling the virtues of his late fove-
reign, and exhorting the people to acknowledge
his fon, the prince of Wales. This nobleman
died a ftiining example of magnanimity.
Charles, helplefs and forlorn, living fometimes
in Holland, fometimes in France, and fometimes
in Jerfey, confoled himfelf, amidft all his diftrefles,
with the hopes of better fortune. The marquis of
Ormond no fooner heard of the tragical death
of his fovereign, than he inftantly \yent over to
Ireland, levied an army of fixteen thoufand men,
with which he retook from the parliament the
towns of Dundalk, Newry, Trim, and Drogheda,
and was refolved to undertake the fiege of Dublin.
To this kingdom Charles determined to repair;
but his defign was fufpencled in confequence of the
intelligence he received from Scotland. The par-
liament of that kingdom iflued a proclamation,
acknowledging Charles II. as their lawful and
hereditary Ibvereign, on the following conditions •,
that he fhould give proper fatisfadioa to the king-
dom touching the fecurity of religion, the union
.between the two nations, and the peace of Scot-
land, according to the national and folemn league
of the covenant. For this purpofe deputies were
fent to the Hague, to fignify their intentions to
the young prince, who in a few days after their
arrival was vifited by the marquis of Montrofe,
and the earls of Lanerk and Lauderdale. Mon-
trofe having laid down his arms at the command
of the late king, had engaged in the fervice of
the emperor ; but hearing of his mafter's death
repaired to the Hague, and received from the
young king a renewal of his commiffion as captain-
general of Scotland. Charles had no folid foun-
.clation of joy from his being proclaimed under
fuch reftrictions. Remembering that the ruin of
his father was in a great meafure owing to the
Scotifh Prefbyterians, he was diffident of their
power and unanimity, averfe to their aufterity, and
therefore waved their invitation. Inftead of fub-
fcribing to their conditions, he perfifted in his
refolution of vifiting Ireland ; at the fame time
ordering Montrofe to make a defcent upon Scot-
.land. The king's friends in that kingdom, under-
Handing that he was averfe to the conditions pro-
pofed by the parliament, determined to excite an
infurrection, and if they fucceeded, to receive
him upon his own terms. About this time
Charles fent tne lord Collington, and chancellor
Hyde, his plenipotentiaries to the court of Madrid,
to folicit fuccours from his catholic majefty. Such
was the fituation of affairs in Ireland, that the
young prince could not go thither without expofing
himfelf to imminent danger ; as the Englifh par-
liament, alarmed at the union between the catho-
lics and the royalifts, had voted a ftrong army for
that fervice, and appointed Cromwell lord lieute-
nant of that kingdom. Cromwell having defeated
Ormond, and entirely fubdued the fpirit of the
Jrifh, Charles had no hopes of refource from that
country ; and was therefore under a neceflity of
liftcning to the Scotifh treaty. Accordingly the
parliament and general affembly of the kirk, who
were influenced by the marquis of Argyle, pre-
pared propofition«, and appointed deputies, to open
the conferences at Breda.
A P. , At the time and place appointed
5°' the deputies met Charles, and pre-
fented him with four articles of peace, which he
could not really approve ; but not being in con-
dition to {hew his refentment, he carefully dif-
femblcd, offering to confirm the Prefbyterian
difcipline in Scotland, by act of parliament; but
thought it unrcafonable to expeft that he fhould
renounce the form of religion, in which he had
been educated. He afked them, if they had power
to relax in any demand, or to treat about the
affiftance he might expect from the Scots towards
reftoring him to the crown of England ; they
anfwered him in the negative. Prince Charles,
though highly difpleafed at their impofition, found
it neceffary to temporize and protract the nego-
tiation, until he fhould receive fotne intelligence
from Montrofe, on whofe fuccefs all his hopes were
founded. That intrepid nobleman, having re-
inforced his handful of men with a few recruits
which he raifed in the Orkneys, pafled over to
Caithnefs, hoping the general affection to the royal
caufe, and the fame of his former achievements,
would allure the people to his ftandard. But the
nation was now fatigued with continual wars,
many of his former adherents had been appre-
hended and punifhed, and no hopes of fuccefs re-
mained againft fo great a force as was now deftincd
to oppofe him, Lefley and Holboine being ordered
to advance againft him with an army of four thou-
fand men. Strachan was fent before with a body
of cavalry, in order to check his progrefs. This
general fuddenly attacked Montrofe ; the royalifls
were defeated ; all of them either flain or taken
prifoners ; and Montrofe himfelf being foon after
feizcd, was conducted to Edinburgh, where, not-
withftanding the king's commiffion, he was con-
demned to death ; which, after having been ex-
pofed to the utmoft ignominy, he fufFered with the
fame intrepidity with which he had formerly braved
it in the field. Charles, being deprived by this
event of all hopes of prevailing by force, was
under a neceflity to figu the terms which the
Scotifh committee had prefented to him. In con-
fequence of this agreement he immediately fet fail
for Scotland, and arrived in the Frith of Cro-
marty. The parliament recalled Cromwell from
Ireland, which by this time was almoft reduced.
That general, having conflituted Ireton, his fon-
in-law, deputy-lieutenant, returned to England,
according to ^he fummons of the parliament.
When returned to London, he took his feat in the'
houfe, and received the thanks of the commons
for the fignal fervices he had done the common-
wealth. They then defired to know whether Fair-
fax would undertake the command of the troops
deftined for Scotland ; and on his refufal beftoweH
it on Cromwell. Without delay he put his troops
in motion, and entered Scotland with an army of
fixteen thoufand men. The command of the
Scotifh army was conferred on Lefley, an able
officer, who laid a very proper plan for defence.
He fecured himfelf in a fortified camp between
Edinburgh and Leith ; and took care to remove
from the fouthern counties, whatever could tend to
the fupport of the Englifh army.
Cromwell approached the Scotifh camp, and
attempted, by every expedient, to provoke
Lefley to battle ; but that general knew that the
Englifh army as much excelled the Scotch in dif-
cipline and experience, as it fell fhort in point of
numbers ; and therefore prudently kept within his
intrenchments. By fkirmifhes and petty rencoun-
ters he endeavoured to animate his foldiers, and
was generally fuccefsful in thefe enterprizes. His
army became every clay more numerous, and more
dexterous, and expert in their exercife. Cromwell
made another motion, in hopes of drawing the
Scotifh general from his entrenchments, but all his
efforts proved ineffectual. After the two armies
had remained feveral weeks in fight of each other,
Cromwell found himfelf obliged to retire, being
quite deftitute of provifions. Kc therefore with-
drew to.Dunbar: Lefley fallowed him, and en-
camped on a hill oppofite the town, allured himfelf
of putting an end to the war, by the dcftruction of
the whole Englifh ai my. Cromwell was almoft de-
prived of every refource. He had even once en-
tertained the .thoughts of embarking all his foot
ar.d
468
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
and artillery, and of forcing his way at the head of
his cavalry. But the folly of the Scotifh clergy
effectually faved him from that difhonour. The
disputes which at that time agitated the two nations,
being more of a religious than of a civil nature,
the clergy in both kingdoms had acquired a confider-
able influence in all public deliberations; and the
Scotifh minifters in great numbers now attended
the camp. Thefe men relying fo much on provi-
dence (which they firmly believed efpoufed their
caufe,) wholly neglected human means, and inccf-
fantly importuned their unfortunate general to at-
tack the Englifh, afluring him, that they had re-
ceived from heaven the cleareft revelation, that the
Lord had delivered their enemies into their hands.
In vain did the general remonftrate againft the im-
prudence of fuch a meafure •, the private men being
entirely guided by the clergy ; Lefley, therefore,
after taking every precaution, though (Irongly ap-
prehenfive of the fatal confequence, was at length
obliged to defcend into the plain, and come to an
engagement with the Englifh. army. Cromwell too
in his turn declared, that he had received from hea-
ven a revelation, that the Lord had delivered his
enemies into his hands, and indeed it foon ap-
peared, that his revelation, though dotibtlefs'as ill
founded as that of the Scots, was attended with
much better fuccefs. The latter being raw and
wnclifciplined, were not able to fuftain the fliock of
fuch hardy and experienced veterans as the Englifh.
Though double in number to the enemy, they were
inftantly routed with great flaughter, and purfued
to a coniiderable diftance. Three thoufand were
ilain on the fpot, and about nine thoufand taken
prifoners. The Englifh general then took poflef-
fion of Leith and Edinburgh, but the caftledid not
furrender till the latter end of December. Humbled
by their late defeat, the Scotifh parliament began
to relax in their feverity towards the king, his
friends were fuffered to approach him, and his co-
ronation was performed with great folemnity at
Scone. His fitvlation, however, though fbmewhat
amended, was far from being eafy or agreeable.
Of a gay difpofition, he could but ill digeft the
rigid aufterities to which he was confined by the
clergy, or the ftill more flavifh fubmiflion, in which
he was held by Argyle and his party. Difgufted
at thefe and many other circumftances, -he deter-
mined to attempt the recovery of his liberty. Ge-
neral Middleton being profcribed by the covenant,
had retired with a party of royalifts to the moun-
tains, where he waited an opportunity of ferving
his mafter. This gentleman the king determined
to join, and having found means to elope from
Argyle, he fled directly towards the Highlands.
Colonel Montgomery, with a troop of horfe, was
fent in purfuit of him. The king was not a little
mortified at his difappointment, in being obliged to
return ; but this attempt to efcape had a good effect
in his f*vour. The committee and Argyle were
now alarmed with the apprehenfion, that the fe-
verity with which they had treated him, might
force him to 'join the cavaliers, and fo involve the
nation in a civil war. They therefore abated their
rigour, 'and even admitted him to a fmall ihare in
the adminiftration. Charles finding that Argyle
•was an inftrumerit indifpenfibly requifite for the
attainment of his defires, treated thac nobleman
•with uncommon affability and efteem, and even
hinted a defire of efpoufing his daughter. Argyle,
well acquainted with his majelly's principles, kept
at a diftance ; but1 his fon, the lord Lorn, attached
himfelf to the king, and faithfully executed his
private commiffions. Levies throughout the whole
kingdom were now fet on foot, and before the be-
ginning of June an army of eighteen thoufand men
was ready to take the field.
The Scotifh army, early in the fpring, was affem-
A
bled under Hamilton and David
Lefley, and encamped at Tor-
'wood in the neighbourhood of Stirling. The
king himfelf was prefent in the army, and his
generals determined to aft with prudence and
caution. The town of Stirling lay at his back,
and the northern counties fupplied him with
provifions. His front was fecured by ftron^ ?.n-
trenchments ; and it was in vain that Cromwell
ufed every expedient to tempt him to an engage-
ment. After confuming much time, the Englifh
general fent Lambert over the Frith into Fife, in
order to intercept the provifions of the army.
He was oppofed by Holborne and Brown, who
commanded a party of the Scots -, but thefe were
defeated with great flaughter. Cromwell alfo
pafied over with his whole army, and placing him-
felf in the rear of the king, rendered it impoffible
for him to remain any longer in his prefent fitua-
tion. Thus reduced to extremity, he came to a
refolution, worthy a prince contending for empire.
The way to England being perfectly clear, he de-
termined immediately to repair thither •, where he
hoped that all his friends, and all thofe who were
diflatisfied with the prefent form of adminiftration,
would flock to his ftandard. He prevailed on the
generals to agree to his propofal ; and with one
confent, the army, to the number of fourteen thou-
fand men, quitted their camp, and proceeded by
long marches, towards England. This unex-
pected motion of the enemy aiarmed Cromwell,
who detached Lambert with a body of cavalry, to
hang upon the rear of the royal army, and having
left Monk with feven thoufand men to finifli the
reduction of Scotland, purfued the king with the
utmoft expedition. His army being greatly di-
minifhed by defei tion and difeafe, his majefty laid
afide his defign of marching to London, and di-
rected his rout to Worcefter, where he met with a
kind reception from the magiftrates, and the next
day was folemenly proclaimed. In the mean time
Cromwell, being reinforced, approached Worcefter
with an army of forty thoufand men. This place
he attacked with incredible fury, and meeting with
little oppofition, except from Hamilton and Mid-
dleton, broke in at once upon the royalifts. The
ftieets of the city were covered with the carcafes
of theflahii Hamilton, a worthy nobleman, was
mortally wounded, and the king compelled to
flight. By the earl of Derby's advice, he repaired to
Bofcobel, a lone feat on the borders of Staffordfhire,
inhabited by one Panderell a farmer. This man
poffeffed a greatnefs of foul in his humble ftate, and
though death was threatened againft all who har-
boured the forlorne Charles, he retained the mofl
unfhaken fidelity. He imparted the fecret to his
three brothers, actuated by the fame noble fenti-
ments with himfelf ; and having furnifhed the king
with a peafant's habit, they led him into a neigh-
bouring wood, put an axe into his hand, and pre-
tended to employ themfelves in cutting wood.
During his ftay at this poor cottage, he lived upon
fuch homely fare as the landlord could afford. One
day, on the approach of a party of foldiers, he
climbed up into an oak tree, where he flickered
himfelf for the fpace of twenty- four hours. This
tree was afterwards called the .Royal Oak, and for
many years held by the royalifts in great .veneration.
During this fugitive life, he was frequently cx-
pofed to dangers no lefs imminent, and had re-
courfe to various methods of concealment, till at
length, having affumed many difguifes, and paffed
through many difficulties, he embarked at Shore-
ham in Suflex, and arrived fafely at Fefcamp in
Normandy.
Cromwell, who was as ambitious and afpiiing
in his views, as bold and fuccefsful in his actions,
could no longer brook fubjection to a republic de-
pending
l(,,,,hlin ].•!, f TYM
JflttlH
<,.,.,,,/f}l
o.
ROM W E
L.
469
pending on his influence, and fupportecl by his
victories. Such was his reputation and intereft,
that all the refolutions of the lower houfc, were
directed by him as well as the army ; and he was in
effect chief of the republic. At this time the Eng-
lifh parliament paffed an act abolifhing the royalty
of Scotland, empowering it however to fend a cer-
tain number of reprefentatives to the Britim parlia-
ment. All caufes in both kingdoms were deter-
mined by a mixture of Englifh and Scotifh judges;
juftice was administered impartially, and peace and
order were maintained by the prudence of general
Monk, who commanded the forces in Scotland.
The people being fecured in their property, applied
themfelvcs to the manual arts ; and they enjoyed
more plenty and fatisfaction than ever was known
to their anceftor*. Blake, a man of undaunted
courage was appointed admiral ; and though he had
hitherto been accuftomed only to land fervice, he
foon raifecl the naval glory of the nation, to a higher
pitch than it had ever before attained. Prince Ru-
pert being obliged to quit Kinfale with his fleet,
iteered to Portugal ; thither he was purfued by
Blake, who could hardly be prevented by the re-
monftrances of his Portuguele majefly, from at-
tacking him even in fight of Lifbon. The prince
cicjping through favour of that monarch, directed
his courle to the Weft Indies, where his brother
prince Maurice was fhipwrecked in a ftorm. Hu-
pert, after undergoing many harclfhips, and finding
it impoflible to do any effectual fervice to the royal
caufe, returned to France, where he difpofed of the
few mips which remained, together with all his
prizes. .All the fettlements in America, except
New England, which had been planted entirely by
the Puritans, continued to acknowledge the royal
authority, even after the eftablifhment of the com-
monwealth ; and Sir George Ayfcue was difpatched
with a fquadron in order to reduce them to fub-
jection. Bermudas, Antigua, and Virginia, made
Jittle refiftance ; Barbadoes, commanded by lord
Willoughby of Pai ham, held out for a confiderable
time, but was at length obliged to follow the exam-
ple of the other plantations. Jerfey, Guernfey,
JScilly, and the Ifle of Man, were with equal eafe,
brought under obedience. Nor were the arms of
the republic lefs fuccefsful in Ireland and Scotland.
Ireton, deputy lieutenant of the former kingdom,
pcrfevered with great induftry in fubduing the re-
volted Irifh, and defeated them in many engage-
ments ; which though in themfelves of little im-
portance, entirely ruined their declining caufe. All
perfons who had any concern in the popiih maflacres
were punifhed without mercy ; among whom was
Sir Phelim O'Neal, who juftly fuffered on the gal-
lows, for the many barbarities he had committed.
After the reduction of Limeric, Ireton died in that
city of the plague ; at whofe death Cromwell, and
the reft of the republicans, exprefled great forrow.
A -r» s The parliament having now leifure
A. i). I Of 2. . L . • r •
to attend to their concerns m foreign
countries, determined to chaftife the Dutch. They
parTed an act of navigation, prohibiting all nations
to import any merchandize into England, but what
was the produce of the country to which the fhips
belonged. The ftates general alarmed at thefe
meafures, fent ambaffadors to London, to folicit a
repeal of the act of navigation ; but the parliament,
far from complying with their requeft, demanded
fatisfaction for the maffacre at Amboyna, the mur-
der of Doriflaus, the correfpondence, which during
the civil war, the Dutch ambaffaclors had main-
tained with the late king : claiming alfo two mil-
lions of money for the lofles they had fuftained by
the Hollanders in the Eaft Indies. The States
forefeeing the ftorm, equipped a fleet of an hundred
and fifty fail ; but were fo imprudent as to command
.their minifters at London, to acquaint the council
No. 44.
with that armament. Van Tromp, a brave ande^'
perienced admiral, was difpatched by the Stater,
with a fleet of forty-five fail, in order, to fecurc the
Dutch navigation from the Englim corfairs. He
no fooner obferved the Englifh admiral, than he
endeavoured to retire, without ftriking as ufuaL
Blake fired a blank mot in order to remind him of
that cuftomary compliment. Tromp taking no
notice of thefe warnings, Blake fired a bail, and
Tromp returned it with a broadfide.' Notwith-
ftandmg the great difparity of number, Bhke
maintained the fight, with undaunted refolution,
for five hours, funk one {hip of the ene,my, and took
another. According to the Englim hiftonans,
none of Blake's mips received any damage; but
the Dutch alledge that there were fix funk, The
populace of London were highly incenfcd, and
would have affaulted the Dutch ambafladors, had
they not been furniflied with a guard, for the fafety
of their perfons. Van Tromp'then failed towards
the Downs, in order to engage rear admiral Ayfcue,
who lay at anchor with part of the Englifh fleet ;
but on receiving intelligence of Blake's being failed
to the northward with forty mips, to deftroy the
herring buffes on the coaft of Shetland, he followed
him with a very numerous armament. The two
fleets came in fight of each other near Newcaftle,
but a violent ftorm arifing juft as they were ready to
engage, fcattered the Dutch fleet in fuch a manner,
that not above thirty fail returned to Holland ;
though in a few weeks the reft arrived in the Texel.
On the fixteenth day of Auguft admiral de Ruyter,
with four and thirty mips of war, and a large fleet
of merchant-men under his command, fell in with
Sir George Ayfcue off Plymouth, who though in-
ferior in number to the enemy, engaged them va-
liantly until night put an end to the action. Van
Galen before this time had defeated commodore
Badily in the Mediterranean, though the victor loft
his life in the battle. Tromp, foon after, affifted
by de Ruyter, met near the Goodwin with Blake,
whofe fleet was inferior to theirs, though he was
nevertheiefs determined to come to action. In this
battle the Dutch had the advantage; Blake himfelf
was wounded ; two fliips were taken, two burned,
and one funk. He retired to the Downs; and
Tromp, elated with his victory, hoifted a broom,
at his main-top-maft head, as a fignal that he would
f weep the channel clear of the enemy.
To retrieve this misfortune, great A n
preparations were made in England.
A fleet of fourfcore fail was equipped, under the
command of Blake, affifted by Deane, together with
Monk, who had been recalled from Scotland for
that purpofe. While they lay off Portland, they
efpied the Dutch fleet of feventy-fix fail, having
above three hundred merchant-men under their
convoy. The Englifh bore down to give battle,
Three days was the engagement continued with the
moft invincible obftinacy ; and Blake, who was
victor, gained not more honour than Van Tromp
who was vanquifhed. The Dutch admiral made an
excellent retreat, and faved all the merchant-men
except thirty. Eleven of his fhips of war were taken
or dcftroyed ; two thoufand men were flain, and
about fifteen hundred made prifoners. The Eng-
lifh, though many of their mips were greatly da-
maged, had but one funk, but the number of their
flain was nearly equal to that of the enemy.
The States had fuffered fo much by the war, that
they now applied to the parliament of England to
appoint a place in which to treat of peace; but be-
fore any thing could be done in this bufinefs, a cir-
cumftance happened, as extraordinary as any re-
corded in the annals of this kingdom. The par-
liament not acting agreeable to the wifhes of the
people, Cromwell held a conference with fome of
his officers, who prefented a petition to the houfe,
6 Gf demanding
47°
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
demanding payment of their arrears, when the par-
liament cenfured them for the freedom of their
tddrefs : Cromwell, now finding matters ripe for
the accomplifhment of his views, afiembled a coun-
cil of officers, for the profefled purpofe of delibe-
rating reflecting the fettlemerit of the nation.
While they were in conference, colonel Ingoldfby
entered, and informed Cromwell, that " the par-
liament had met, and were come to a refolution not
to diflblve themfelves, but to fupply the vacancies
by new elections." Hereupon Cromwell took
with him three hundred foldiers, and haftening to
the houfe, and pofting them at the different ave-
nues, he addreflTed himfelf to his friend St. John,
and told him, " he was come to do that, which to
his great grief, the Lord had impofed on him."
After liftening a confidei able time to the debates,
be arole, and^accufed the members of tyranny, op-
prefllon, and robbery of the public. Then Damp-
ing with his foot, which was the ligrral for the fol-
diers to enter, the place was foon crowded with
them. He then addrefled himfelf to the members,
faying, " Get you gone: give place to honefter
men ; you are no longer a parliament ; I tell you,
you are no longer a parliament, the Lord has done
with you." Sir Harry Vane rifmg to remonftrate
with him on this behaviour, Cromwell cried out
with a loud voice, " ()! Sir Harry Vane, Sir Harry
Vane ! the Lord deliver me from Sir Harry Vane 1"
Then feizing Martin by the clo«k, he faid, " Thou
art a whoremafter." Another he called a drunkard,
a third an adulterer, and a fourth an extortioner.
" It is you, laid he, that have driven me to this.
I have fought the Loid night and day, that he
would rather flay me, than put me on this work."
Pointing to the mace, he cried, " Take away that
bauble." Then caufing the foldiers to clear the
hall, he ordered the door to be locked, and putting
the key in his pocket, he retired to Whitehall. Thus,
by a fingle effort of daring refolution, was the whole
power, civil and military, vetted in Cromwell, who
now received congratulations from the fleet, the
army, and from different bodies of people : but this
politic man was too cautious to be feduced by their
praife, or driven on by their exhortations.
One diftinguifhcd feature in his character, was
the art of managing all parties. Though he had
affumed the fuprenic authority, " he thought pro-
per to amufe them with the appearance of a com-
monwealth. He firft juftified his conduct in dif-
folving the parliament, by a declaration fubfcribed
by all the principal officers of the fleet and army.
He then propoted a parliament, coniifting of one
hundred and forty-four perfons, in whom, with
their confent, he would veft the fupreme power."
He chofe his members from among thofe in the
middling and lower ranks of life, as the moft likely
to refign, without murmuring, that buflnefs they
might find themfelves unable to conduct. Thefe
agents " aboliflied the clergy, the tythes, the uni-
verfities, the court of chancery, and the common
law, in the room of which they intended to fubfti-
tute the Mofaical inftitution."
Van Tromp with a hundred mips under his com-
mand, falling in with the Englifh fleet, commanded
by Monk, Dean, Penn, and Lawfon, on the third
of June, a defperate engagement enfued off the
Flemifh coatt, which lafted till night obliged the
parties to defift. Admiral Dean was killed ; but on
the following day the Englifh renewed the battle,
and being joined by admiral Blake with eighteen
ihips, they obtained the victory, finking fix of the
enemy's bell Ihips, blowing up two others, and,
taking eleven. A few days afterwards Van Tromp
failed with a refolution to revenge his late lofs, or
iofe his life. Falling in with Monk a defperate en-
gagement enfued, in which a mufket ball pierced
the Dutch admiral through the hcajt. This de-
cided the fate of the day ; and the Dutch fled to
their harbours, after having fuftained confiderable
lofs. Heartily tired of the war, the dates of Hol-
land now became earneft in their fblicitations for
peace, which Cromwell at length granted, on the
following conditions : " A defensive league was
concluded between the two republics : they engaged
each of them to banifh the enemies of the other :
thofc concerned in the maffacrc of Amboyna were
to be feverely puniflied : the honour of the flag was
to be yielded to the Englifh : eighty- five thoufand
pounds were to be paid by the Dutch Eaft India com-
pany, as an indemnification for the lolles which the
Englifh company had fuffeicd ; and the illand of
Poleron in the Eaft Indies, was to be ceded to the
latter."
Cromwell's parliamentary power had by this
time increafed to fuch a degree, that the members
came to a refolution to refign that authority which
they found it impoflible to enforce ; and therefore
they repaired to Whitehall, where they delivered
the initrument of government into the hands of
Cromwell. In a council of field officers held at
Whitehall, the writing of refignation was pro-
duced, and another Icheme of government pro-
pole,! by Lambert, for tempering the liberty of
commonwealth by veiling the fupreme power in
one perfbn, who fhould be ftiled protector ; and
communicated the contents of an inftrument already
prepared of fuch a plan of government. Several
objections were made, but it was immediately
voted, that Cromwell fhould be declared protector.
He was to enjoy his office during life ; and on his
death his place was to be immediately fupplied by
the council.
Thus raifed to fupreme dignity by the moft
violent and irregular means, Cromwell was, on the
fixteenth of December, inaugurated into the office
of lord protector of the united realms of England,
Scotland, and Ireland, with all the parade of royal
pageantry. He fet out from Whitehall to the court
ot chancery, preceded by the lords commiffioners of
the great leal of England, the judges and barons of
the feveral benches in their robes, the council of
the commonwealth, the lord-mayor and aldermen
of London; the recorder, town-clerk, and fword-
bearer, with the cap of maintenance, and fv\oi d, but
not erected. Cromwell followed in his own coach,
with his life-guard, attended by feveral gentlemen,
bare-headed, and feveral of the chief officers of the
army, with their hats on. In the court of chan-
cery was placed a rich chair of ftate, with carpets
on the floor. The loi;ds commiflioners ranged
themfelves on each fide of the chair ; round it fat
the judges and council of ftate ; the lord-mayor and
aldermen on the right fide of the court, and the
chief officers of the army on the left, all bare
headed. The company being properly ranged,
major-general Lambert, after declaring the dillb-
lution of the parliament, and the exigences of the
times, defired the lord-general, in the name of the
army and the three nations, to accept of the pro-
tectorfhip. Cromwell, with feeming reluctance,
giving his confent, the inftrument of government
was read aloud ; after which the form of an oath wa*
adminitlered to the protector, to preferve inviolate
the articles contained in the inftrument, and in all
other refpects to govern the nations according to
their laws, cuftoms and ftatutes. During the read-
ing of this oath, Cromwell lifted up his eyes to
heaven, with the appearance of great Iblemnity and
devotion, and then publicly fubfcribed it. This
ceremony over, Lambert prefented him, on his
knees, with a fword in a fcabbard, reprcfentmg the
civil fword ; this he accepted, and put off hi* own,
to intimate that he was no longer ruled by the mi-
litary one. He was then invited by the lords com-
miflioners of the great feal, the judges, and the
officers
'in. , . 1'"
-IU.M;. . ~W?
/'//•• Oliver Cromwell, ///
^r y///-
/ / /
/ >//,r,- , ;t//i
'F )
^PARLIAMENT, 10,53 /
7^- ' /// //,
y 9/MtWtt€ff- < f <'('//(>/ /-I .
o.
CROMWELL.
47'
officers of the army to take poflefllon of the chair
of (late, as lord protector of England, Scotland, and
Ireland. Upon which he fat down in it, with his
head covered, while the court continued bare.
The lords commiflioners then delivered up the
purfe and feals; and the lord-mayor the fword ; and
thefe being delivered back, the court broke up, and
returned in the following order to Whitehall : firfl
the aldermen and members of the council; after
them the judges; then the commiflioners of the
great feal, who were followed by the life guards
and four ferjeants at arms, carrying the maces be-
longing to the court of chancery, the council, and
parliament. The lord-mayor went immediately
before the protector, with the fword, and the officers
of the army were about his perfon. At Weft-
minfter-hall gate they took coach, when the lord-
mayor rode bare headed. At the banqueting-
houfe, Whitehall, Lochier, Cromwell's chaplain,
made an exhortation to the company, which being
ended, they were difmifled by the foldiers firing
three times.
. ^ , The peace concluded with the
54- Dutch, brought great credit to Crom-
vrcll's adminifhation. Moft of the powers in Eu-
rope fent ambaffadors to court his alliance ; and an
accident which happened about this time, gave a
convincing proof of his firm refolution to govern
with fpirit, and to maintain the dignity of the Eng-
lifh nation. Don Pantaleon Sa, brother to the
Portuguefe ambaflador, and joined with him in the
fame commiffion, refented an affront which he ima-
gined had been offered upon the New Exchange,
by ordering his fervants to his afilltance, and after
wounding feveral Englifli gentlemen, he, by mif-
take, fell upon a perfon named Green-away, whom
he took for the man that had given him the offence,
and having butchered him with many wounds, he,
and all his accomplices, took flicker in the houfe of
the Portuguefc ambaffador, which they threatened
to defend again ft all attempts to take them. But
finding that the houfe was befet by colonel Whalley,
and a party of horfe, the ambaflador ordered his
fervants to arm, and fent to complain to Cromwell
of a breach of the law of nations. The lord pro-
tector fent him for anfwer, that juftice mull be
done, and that blood muft be fatisfied with blood.
All the foreign ambafladors, then at London, in-
terefted themfelves in this affair, but every remon-
ftrance made to Cromwell was ineffectual, and Don
Pantaleon, to the admiration of the world, was
tried, condemned, and publicly executed on Tower-
hill. The fituation of Portugal at this time was
fuch, that they could not refent this transaction ;
and the ambaflador foon after figned with the pro-
tector a treaty of peace and alliance, which was
very advantageous to the Englifti commerce. The
parliament nret on the third of September, accord-
ing to writs iffued by Cromwell for that purpofe.
He went in great ftate and opened it with a fpeech,
in which he informed them of the fteps he had
taken for modelling the new government ; afluring
them of his upright intentions ; recapitulated what
he had done for the nation, told them he had con-
voked a free parliament, and that he did not pre-
tend to be their mafter, but their fellow labourer.
The parliament, having with great attention liftened
to his fpeech, which lafted near three hours, and,
by Cromwell's recommendation, chufing Lenthall
for their fpeaker, immediately entered into a dif-
cuffion of the inftrument of government, and of
that authority which Cromwell, under the title of
protector, had aflumed over the nation. They
arraigned his new dignity with the greateft freedom,
and even his perfonal character and conduct did not
efcape without cenfure. The protector, enraged at
this refractory fpirit in the parliament, fent for them
to the painted chamber, and with an air of great
4
authority, inveighed again ft their proceedings,
telling them, that nothing could be more abfurd
than for them to difpute his title; fince the fame
inflrument of government, which made them a par-
liament, had inverted him with the protectorftup ;
that fome points in the new conftitution were fup-
poled to be fundamentals, and were not, on any
pretence, to be altered or difputed ; that among
thefe were the government of the nation by one
perfon and a parliament, their joint authority over
the army and militia, the fucceflion of new parlia-
ments, and liberty of conference ; and that with re-
gard to thefe particulars, there was referved to him a
negative voice, to which in the other circumftances of
government he confefled himfelf in no wife entitled.
When the members returned to the houfe, they
found a guard at the door, which would not fuffer
any one to enter till he had figned a recognition,
by which he promifed to be faithful to the com-
monwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland ; and
that he would never confent to a change in the go-
vernment eftabliflied under a protector and parlia-
ment. Molt of the members, after fome hefitation,
fubmitted to this condition, but retained the fame
refractory fpirit, which they had difcovered in their
firft debates. The inftrument of government, was
examined one article after another, with the moft
fcrupulous accuracy. Very free topics were ad-
vanced with the general approbation of the houfe ;
and during the whole courfe of their tranfactions,
they neither fent up one law to the protector, nor
took any notice of him. Several members engaged
in a confpiracy, formed chiefly by the cavaliers, a.
name at this time given to the royal party, to take
aims in different parts of the kingdom. But
Cromwell having received intelligence of this
fcheme from his fpies, haftened to the diflblution of
fo dangerous an aflembly, eleven days before the ex-
piration of the time fixed by the act of government ;
and he gave them to underftand, at parting, that
he knew feveral of them were engaged in a plot
againlt him.
The cavaliers now concerted a plan * T\ A
for a general infurrection in favour of ' ' ' 55-
Charles ; but the protector's fpies informing him
what was in agitation, he caufed fome of the con-
fpirators to be thrown into prifon ; the confequence
of which was, that moft of the reft remained quiet;
but in the weft of England, Penruddock, Grove,
Jones, and other gentlemen, raifed two hundred
horfe, and entering Salifbury during the affixes, took
pofleffion of the gates and market-place, and pro-
claimed the king ; but their friends not joining
them, they left the city, and wandered through the
country till their numbers were fo leflened, that
they were fupprefled by one troop of horfe. The
leaders of the party being condemned and executed,
and others tranfported, Cromwell began to attend
to foreign affaii s. The new republic was fo much
dreaded by the French king, that though his fleet
failing to the relief of Dunkirk, had been attacked
by the fleet of England, yet the French court, fo far
from refenting the affront, fent ambafladors to
England, to folicit their fiiendfhip. Soon after
Cromwell had entered on the protectorfhip, he dif-
patched admiral Blake with a fleet to the Medi-
terranean, to chaftize the infolence of the Algerine
corfairs, which had committed great depredations
on the Englifli trading veflels : and admiral Penn
failed to the Weft Indies, with a fleet carrying five
thoufand foldiers under the command of general
VeiKtbles. The admiral, by his private orders,
to be opened in a certain latitude, found that he
was to attack St. Domingo, the capiaal of Hif-
paniola. On the approach of the Englifli, the
Spaniards fled to the woods; but when Venables
had landed fome of his forces, they returned, and
made preparations to defend themfelves. The
Englifli
472
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Englifh had been greatly fatigued by a forced
march immediately after landing, and the heat of
the climate had fuch an effect on them, that the
Spaniards, after killing fix hundred of their men,
compelled them to retire to their fhips. This mis-
fortune, fo unfavourable in appearance, turned out
highly advantageous to the Englifh intereft, and
was productive of a very happy event ; for our
commanders failing immediately to Jamaica, that
valuable ifland furrendered to them without the
leaft refiflance, on the fevcnteenth of May ; and has
been in our poffeflion from that period to the pre-
fent time; yet " fo little was thought of the im-
portance of this conqueft, that upon their return
from the expedition, Penn and Venables were fent
to the Tower, for their failure in the principal ob-
ject of their expedition." It appears, however,
that they were foon releafed.
Blake, now in the Mediterranean,
A. D. 1656. being j0jnetj by Montague, they
cruized off Cadiz, with the view to intercept the
Spanifli fleet from the Weft Indies ; but, being in
want of water, they failed to the coaft of Portugal
for a fupply. Captain Stayner, whom Blake had
left on the ilation, with feven fliips,' foon de-
fcried the galleons, and immediately gave chace.
The Spanifh admiral, and two of his captains, ran
their veffels afhore ; but two fhips, richly laden, fell
into the hands of the Englifh, and two were fet on
fire. The treafure was brought from Portfmouth
in waggons, and carried in triumph through the
city of London. A fubfequent action with the
Spaniards, was productive of great honour to this
brave admiral and to his country. Having re-
ceived intelligence, that fixteen Spanifh fhips, un-
der the command of Don Diego Diagues, were at
the Canaries, he failed thither, and finding them in
the bay of Santa Cruz, attacked them with fuch
impetuous fury, that the Spaniards quitted their
fliips, to which Blake immediately fct fire, and de-
ftroyed them with all their valuable contents. Blake
died on his return to England, after he was within
light of his native country ; and Cromwell, to fhew
his refpect to the memory of fo gallant a commander,
caufed him to be buried in great pomp, at his own
cxpence, in the chapel of Henry VII. It is re-
corded of Blake, that though he fought under
Oliver, whom he deemed an ufurper, he was a
zealous republican in principle ; and that he would
fay to his feamen, " It is our duty to fight for
our country, into whatever hands the government
may fall." The duke of Holftein having prefented
the protector with fix beautiful Fi ieflanci horfes, he
attempted to amufe himfelf with /driving them in
Hyde Park, his fecretary Thurloe being in the
coach : but the horfes taking fright, threw his high-
nefs out of the box, and in his fall one of his
pocket piftols went off; notwithftanding which, he
received neither wound nor broken bones. On the
feventeenth of September, a parliament fummoned
by Cromwell, met, the members of which were to
be approved by his highnefs's council, before they
fhould have leave to fit : and by this means near a
hundred were excluded, who publimed a fevere re-
monftrance againft this violence : and now the
fitting members proceeded juft as Oliver would
have them.
n Cromwell now endeavoured to en-
A. L). 1657. gage the a{fections of the people by
an impartial adminiftration of juftice. The benches
were filled with judges of incorruptible integrity,
who gave their decifions without refpect of perfons,
and he laid afide his major-generals, who by this
time had incurred the hatred and refentment of
the whole nation. By fuch means he flattered
himfelf that he had eftablifhed his authority on a
firm foundation, and that in order to make it as
:Ufting as it 'was cxtenfive, it wanted nothing but
the confent of a national afiembly ; he therefore
convoked a parliament ; but as he had no great
confidence in the good will of the people, he em-
ployed every art to influence the electors, and to
fill the houfe with his own dependents, by which
he fecured an undifputed majority, and fully ima>
gined he fhould now be able to accornplifh all his
views. The parliament being aflembled, they
voted a renunciation of all title in Charles Stuart,
or any of his family; and this was the firft act,
dignified with the appearance of national confent,
which ever had that tendency. An act was alfo
paffed for the fecuring his highnefs the lord pro-
tector's perfon, and the continuance of the nation
in fecurity and peace. This act was occafioned by
the difcovery of two plots, which had been entered
into, fome time before, to depofe Cromwell. This
parliament likewife approved of the war with Spain,
and granted large fums of money for carrying it
on ; and after they had fat fome months, a formal
motion was made by Pack, one of the city mem-
bers, for inverting the protector with the dignity of
king. This motion occafioned great diforders, and
threw the houfe into parties. The chief oppofition
proceeded from the major-generals, and fuch
officers as were attached to their intereft. But
Lambert, a man of great interefts in the army, had
entertained the ambitious views of fucceeding
Cromwell in the protectorfhip, which he forefaw
would be impoflible if the monarchy fhould be re-
ftored, as hereditary right would then likewife be'
eftablifhed; he therefore, with Defborough, and
other officers openly declared, that if Cromwell
accepted the crown, they would inftantly rei'ign
their commifllons •, yet notwithftanding all their
oppofition, the motion was approved by a great
majority ; and a bill was brought in and paffed for
that purpofe. But this refractory fpirit in Lam-
bert and the other officers, difconcerted Cromwell
extremely.
A committee of the houfe now waited on the
protector, befeeching him to accept the crown ;
when he returned them the following ambiguous
anfwer, hardly reducible to the rules of plain
Englifh, or common fenfe. " I confefs, for it
behoves me to deal plainly with you, I muft
confefs, I would fay I hope I may be unclcrftood
in this ; for indeed I muft be tender what I would
fay to fuch an audience as this •, I fay I would be
underftood, that, in this argument, I do not make
a parallel between men of a different mind, and a
parliament which fhall have their defires. I know
there is no comparifon ; nor can it be urged upon
me that my words have the leaft colour that way,
becaufe the parliament feems to me to give liberty
to me to fay any thing to you. As that is a tender
of my humble reafons and judgment, and opinion
to them, and if I think they are fuch, and will be
fuch to them, and are faithful fervants, and will
be fo to the fupreme authority and the legiflative,
wherefoever it is. If I fay I fhould not tell you
knowing their minds to be fo, I fhould not be
faithful if I fhould not tell you fo, to the end that
you may report it to parliament." Hereupon a
fecond committee was appointed to reafon with
the protector, and to overcome thofe fcruples which
he pretended againft accepting fo liberal an offer.
The conference lafted for feveral days ; which, as
there is no doubt but that Cromwell was defirous
of obtaining the crown, could only be done with
a view of bringing the army to approve of the
defign, which being found impoflible, on the
eighth of May the protector, with great feeming
humility, told the parliament, that he could not
undertake the government with the title of king.
Thus they found themfeves obliged to retain the
name of a commonwealth j but inftead of the
instrument of government, which had been the
work
o.
C R O M W E L L,
473
work of the general officers alone, an humble
petition and advice was framed, and offered to
the protector by the parliament. This was repre-
fented as the great bafis of the republican eftablifh-
inent ; by it the authority of the protector was in
fome particulars enlarged, and in others confiderably
diminiflied. Cromwell having obtained this fanction
of his authority, refolved to confecrate his title by a
new inauguration, which was performed the twenty-
fixlh of June in Weftminfter-hall, with all the pomp
and magnificence of a coronation ; after which the
parliament adjourned itfelf to the twentieth of
January. Cromwell now deprived Lambert of all
his commiflions, in lieu of which, as a bribe for
his future peaceable deportment, he allowed him a
penfion of two tlioufand pounds a year. He next
turned his thoughts towards the eftablifhment of
his family. He fcnt for Richard his eldeft f'on
out of the country, where he led a private life, to
bring him acquainted with a court, and to initiate
him into the knowledge of public affairs. Soon
after his arrival, he prevailed on the univerfity of
Oxford to elect him their chancellor, in which
honour he was folemnly inflallcd at Whitehall.
l-]is fecond fon Henry he made lord-lieutenant of
Ireland : and having two daughters unmarried, he
matched one of them to the lord. Falconbridge,
and the other to Mr. Rich, grandfon and heir to
liis great friend the earl of Warwick. France fent
this year to demand auxiliary forces from England,
to aflift it in its war with the Spaniards ; which
requeft was readily granted by the protector, and
fix thoufand foot were accordingly fent, under the
command of Sir John Reynolds. • The arrival of
thefe forces enabled the French to make themfelves
matters of Montmedi and St. Venant, two very
important places in the Spanifh Netherlands ; and
fbon after of the ftrong fort of Mardyke, which
opened them an eafy pafiage to the conqueft of
Dunkirk, an event that ibon after happened.
Charles, in his turn, entered into a treaty with
the court of Spain, by which he was allowed to
retide privately at Bruflels, with a penfion of fix
thoufand livrcs a month, and half as much for his
brother the duke of Gloucefter. They alfo en-
gaged to furnifh him with fix thoufand men, as
foon as he fhould be poflefled of a good port in
England. About this time there was a plot laid
for an infurrection in England in favour of the
kino-, and the marquis of Ormond came over to
London to forward the delign ; but the protector
having notice of it, publifhed a proclamation for
apprehending the confpirators before they could
form a body. The marquis narrowly efcaped.
Dr. Hewet, Sir Henry Slingfby, Mr. Mordaunt,
and feveral others concerned in the plot, were
feizecl, and the two former being tried by a high
court of jufticc, were condemned and executed.
„ . The parliament, on the twentieth
}-5' ' of Janu'iry, was again aflembled, coii-
lifling, as in the times of monarchy, of two
hoiifes, the commons, and the other houfe. This
parliament occafioned Cromwell great uneafmefs.
In the ftrft place, all the members who had been
excluded the houfe of commons the laft feflions,
were now admitted to their feats, in confequence
of a claufe in the Humble Petition and Advice,
c: That the pcrfnns who are legally chofen, by a
frrr election of the people, to ferve in parliament,
may not be eKchukd from doing their duties, but
by the confcr.t of the houfe whereof they are
members." The next thing which proved pre-
judicial to his views, was the erecting this new
afiembly, diftinguifhed -by the title of the Other
Houfe. It coniifled of fixty members, among
whom were five or fix antient peers, feveral gentle-
men of fortune and diftinction, and fome ollicers,
who had rifen from the meancft profcffions. None
No, 44.
of the antient peer.s, however, would deign to
accept of a feat which they were to ihure with fuel)
companions as were afligned them. By bringing
fo great a number of iii:, friends and. adherents into
the other lioufe, Cromwell loft his majority among
the national reprefejitatives, and Sir Arthur
Hazelrig, and fome others, whom the piotectoi
had created lords, chofc rather to take their feats
with the commons, in order by their prefence to
ftrengthen their own party, by which means an
unconteftable majority appeared againft Cromwell,
and the commons refufed to acknowledge the
authority of his other houfe. Even the legality of
the humble petition and advice was queflioned, as
being voted by a parliament which lay under force,
and which was deprived by military violence of a
confiderable number of its members.
The protector, apprehenfive of combinations be-
tween the parliament, and the malcontents of the
army, was refolved to allow no time for forming a
confpiracy againft him ; and accordingly, withouc
confulting any one, on the fourth of February he
went to the houfe, and fent for the commons into
the Painted Chamber, where, after reproaching
them with their factious fpirit, and charging them
with being privy to confpiracies againft his autho-
rity, he faid, " Since fuch are your proceedings, I
think it high time to put an end to your fitting.
I therefore declare this parliament diflblved : and
God be judge between me and you." " Amen,"
replied the members, with as great vehemence as
the protector. But thefe diffractions at home were
not able to take off Cromwell's attention from
foreign affairs. On the third of June, marfhal
Turenne, who commanded the French army, un-
dertook the fiege of Dunkirk, which was but very
ill provided for a defence. Don John of Auftria,
governor of the Spanifh Netherlands, drew toge-
ther all his troops, and amongft the reft the-Britilh
and Irifti under the duke of York, to relieve it.
After the fiege had continued about twelve days,
intelligence came that Don John and the Spanifh
generals were coming to its relief. It was refolved
to attack them, and the Spaniards were totally
defeated. The valour of the Englifh on this oc-
cafion has been juftly celebrated. On the twenty-
fifth of June, Dunkirk furrendered, and was, by
agreement, delivered to Cromwell. He committed
the government of it to Lockart, a perfon of
great abilities.
Cromwell, however, reaped little fatisfaction
from the fuccefs .of his arms abroad ; the fitua-
tion of his affairs at home, kept him in per-
petual inquietude. His military enterprizes, and
iecret intelligence, had exhaufted 'his revenue,
and involved him in a confiderable debt. The
royalifts (as we have before hinted) having
concerted meafures for a general infurrection,
Ormond came over in order to carry it into exe-
cution. Lord Fairfax, Sir William Waller, and
many of the heads of the Prefbyterians, had fe-
cretly entered into the engagement ; and even the
army was infected with a general fpirit of dif-
content. The confpiracy was crufhed by Willis,
who difcovered the whole to the protector ; upon
which Ormond was obliged to fly, and thought
himfelf happy in having efcaped fo vigilant an
adminiftration. Many of the confpirators were
thrown into prifon ; and a high court of juftice
was erected for the trial of thofe whofe guilt was
moft apparent. Sir Henry Slingfby, and Dr.
Hewet, were condemned and beheaded ; Afton,
Storey, and Beftlcy, were hanged in different
ftreets of the city ; and Mordaunt, brother to the
carl of Peterborough, narrowly efcaped, the num-
bers for hig condemnation and acquittal being
equal. The republicans, though they regarded
with horror the views and principles of the royalifts,
6 D continuallv
474
THE NEW AND- COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
continually denounced vengeance againft Crom-
well, and entered into cabals to dethrone him.
Sindercome had undertaken to murder him, and
had often been prevented by the moft unaccount-
able accidents, from executing his bloody purpofc :
but though his dcfign was difcovered, the pro-
tector could never find the bottom of his enter-
prize, nor detect any of his accomplices ; and not-
withftanding the clear and full proof of his guilt,
the jury was, with difficulty, brought to condemn
him. When eveiy thing was prepared for his
execution, he was found dead in his bed from
poifon, which it is fuppofed he had taken. The
protector might have better fnpported his fears and
apprehcnfions, had he enjoyed any domeftic fatis-
faction ; but. Fleetwood, his fon-in-law, offended
at Cromwell's ambition, had eftranged himfelf
from him. Cromwell's elcleft daughter, who was
Flcctwood's wife, had adopted republican prin-
ciples, and could not, with patience, behold
power lodged in a lingle perfon, though that
perfon was even an indulgent father. His other
daughters wei'e as much prejudiced in favour of
the royal caufe. But above sill, the ficknefs of
Mrs. Claypole, Cromwell's favourite daughter, a
lady endowed irith many virtues and amiable ac-
complifhments, depreffed his mind. She had en-
tertained a high regard for Dr. Hewet, lately exe-
cuted ; and being refufed his pardon, had tenderly
urged her father to repent of the crimes into which
he had been betrayed by his fatal ambition ; and
her death, which followed foon after, gave a new
edge to all her exhortations.
The protector now experienced that his high
elevation and grandeur could not enfure him that
tranquillity which virtue and moderation can alone
bellow. Overwhelmed with the load of public
affairs, and feeing nothing around him but
treacherous friends, and enraged enemies, he
found his power to depend on Ib delicate a poize
tof factions and intereft, as the fmalleft event was
able to deftroy. Though he had, with fuch fignal
intrepidity, braved death in the field, it was now
his utmoft care to avoid receiving it from the
poinards of affaffms; he never moved a ftep with-
out his guards ; he wore armour under his clothes,
and always carried a fword and piftol. He feldom
Itept above three nights together in the fame
chamber ; and never let it be known before hand,
what chamber he intended to ckufe; nor trufted
liimfelf in any one which was not provided with
back doors, at which centinels were carefully placed.
"While in this fituation of mind, he was feized with
a flow fever, which changed into a tertian ague ;
but in the intervals of his fits he was able to walk
abroad. At length the fever increafed, and he
began to confider the near approach of death.
He alked Dr. Goodwin, one of his preachers, if
the doctrine were true, that the elect could never
fall, or fuffer a final reprobation. The minifter
anfwered, " Nothing is more certain." " Then,"
faicl Cromwell, " I am fafe; for I am fure that I
was once in a ftate of grace." His chaplains, by
their prayers and revelations fo buoyed up his
hopes, that he began to believe his life out of
danger-, and with confidence faid to his phyficians,
" I tell you I fiiall not die of this dittemper ; I
am well allured of my recovery. It is promifed
by the Lord, not only to my fupplications, but to
thofe of men who hold a ftricter commerce, and
more intimate correfpondence with him. Ye may
have fkill in your profeflion ; but nature can do
more than all the phyficians in the world, and God
is far above nature."
In a fhort time all the fymptoms began to wear a
more fatal afpect; and the phyficians declared, that
he could not furvive the next fit. The council
being alarmed, feut a deputation to know his will,
4
with regard to his fucceffor. They aflced him
whether he did not intend that Richard, his eldef
fon, fhould fuccced him in the protectorfhip-, but
his tenfcs being nearly gone, he could not cxprefs
his intentions. A fimple affirmative only was, or
feemed to be. extorted from him. He died on 'the
third of September, a day he had always regarded
as aufpicious, and on which he had gained his
two fignal victories of Dunbar and Worccfter,
aged fifty-nine years, and four months. His death
was followed by a violent tempcft of thunder and
lightening •, both his partizans and enemies weakly
drew conclufions from this event, which they in-
terpreted according to their different prejudices.
His remains were apparently interred in Weft'
minfter-abbey, with more than regal magnificence;
but fome writers afTcrt, that the body was wrapped
in lead, and thrown into the Thames below
London-bridge; and others with as little reafbn
affirm pofitively, that it was fecrctly depofitecl in
Nafeby-field. By Elizabeth, daughter of Sir
James Bouchier, he had two fons and four daugh-
ters. Richard his fucceffor, married the eldefl
daughter of Richard Major, Elq; and Henry
married a daughter of Sir'Francis Ruffel, of Chip-
pen ham, in Cambridgefhire. His daughters were
Bridget, married to commilTary-general Ireton,
afterwards to lieutenant-general Fleetwood; Eli-
zabeth, the wife of John Claypole, Efq; M.;.y,
married to lord vifcountFalconbridge; and Frances,
wife to Mr. Rich, grandfon to the earl of War-
wick; and afterwards to Sir John Ruffel of Chip-
penham.
Character of Oliver Cromwell.
This great ftatefman and brave general was
born at Huntingdon, of Wellh extraction, and
the family name was originally Williams: but one,
of his anceftors having married a fifter of the
renowned Thomas Cromwell, earl of Effex, in
the reign of Henry VIII. a fon by that man iage
took that name, and tranfmitted it to pofterity.
Oliver, being the fon of a fecond brother, inhe-
rited but a fmall eftate. His father died when he
was young ; but his mother, whofe name was
Stuart, and by fome authors fuppofed to be re-
motely allied to the rOyal family, lived till after
he was protector. In his perfon he was of a robuft
frame of body, and of a manly afpect, flrongly
marked with good fenfe, but with finking lines of
feverity. He ftudied for fome time at Sidney
college in the univerfity of Cambridge, where he
was admitted a fellow-commoner, and in which
library there is now his portrait, reckoned the moft
ftriking likenefs now exifting. Though he diffi-
pated part of his patrimony in gaming and drink-
ing in this feminary of learning, yet while in college,
he was eiteemed a man of mining abilities. Being
fuddenly feized with a fpirit of reformation, he mar-
ried ; behaved with great gravity ; reltored whatever
fums he had won by gaming ; and entered with zeal
into the principles and views of the puritanical
party. His mother could never be perfuaded,
that either his power or his perfon were in fafety ;
and at every noife flue heard, exclaimed, that her
fon was murdered. By her frugality and induftry
fhe raifed and educated a numerous family upon a
fmall fortune. She had even been obliged to fet
up a brewery at Huntingdon : hence Cromwell
has been ftigmatized with the name of the Brewer;
and Ludlow, by way of infult, takes notice of the
great acceflion he would receive to his royal re-
venues upon his mother's death, who poffeffed
a jointure of fixty pounds a year upon his
eftate.
The character of Cromwell has been drawn in
quite oppofite features by different hiftorians, ac-
cording
o.
CROMWELL.
475
corclinfr to their various principles and prejudices.
Cardinal Mazarine was wont to call him a fortu-
nate madman -, father Oilcans ftiles him a judi-
cious villain ; lord Clarendon, a brave, wicked
Abufive epithets, or terms of reproach,
man.
are beneath the gravity of a thinking hiftorian ;
and, when ufed, cledroy, in that inllant, both his
impartiality and credit. It is certain, the memory
of this extraordinary genius has been celebrated
by the fineft pens of his age. The verfes of Mr.
Waller, Dryclen, and Sprat, afterwards bifhop of
Kochefter, are well known. Tuckney, mailer of
St. John's college, Dr. Wichcot, llorton, Min-
fluil, Seaman, and others, alfo wrote poems in his
praife. " What can be more extraordinary," fays
Cowley, " than that a perfon of private birth and
education, no fortune, no eminent qualities of
body, nor mining talents of mind, fhould have
the courage to attempt, and the abilities to execute
fo great a tlefign, as the fubverting one of the
molt antient and beft eftablifhcd monarchies in the
world I that he fliould have the boldnefs and
power to put his prince and mailer to an open
and infamous death ? Should banifh that numerous
and ftrongly allied family? Cover all thefe teme-
rities under a feeming obedience to a parliament,
in whofe fei vice he pretended to be retained ?
Trample too upon that parliament, and fcornfully
expel them as foon as they gave him ground of
dillatisfaction ? Overcome all his enemies by arms,
and afterwards all his friends by artifice ? Serve all
parties patiently for a while, and command them
victoi ioufly at laft ? Be feared and courted by all
foreign princes ? Call together parliaments with a
itroke of his pen, and fcatter them again with a
word of his month ? Reduce to fubjection a
warlike and difcontented nation, by means of a
mutinous army I Command a mutinous army by
feditious and factious officers ? Be humbly and
daily petitioned, that he would be pleafed, at the
rate of millions a year, to be hired as matter of
thofc who had hired him before to be their fervant?
Have the cftates and lives of three nations as much
at his difpofal, as was once the little inheritance of
his father, and be as liberal and noble in the
fpending of them ? And laftly (for there is no
end of enumerating every particular of his glory)
with one word, bequeath all this power and
fplendor to his pofterity? Die poflefled of peace
at home, and triumph abroad ? Be buried among
kings ? And leave a name behind him not to be
extinguimed but with the whole world, which as
it was too little for his praife, fo might it have
been for his conquetls, if the fhort line of his
mortal life could have ftretched out to the extent
of his immortal defigns." Hyperbolical as this
character may appear, it is, in a great meafure,
founded in truth. It is aftonifhing that a man of
fuperficial knowledge, by the ftrength of natural
talents, mould conceive the moft daring projects
which were ever formed by the human mind.
That he fliould be as artful in exploring the pur-
pofes of others, as he was fagacious in diflembling
his own defigns ; that he fliould be fo verfed in
the knowledge of mankind, as to be able by the
fingle principle of an hypocritical enthufiafm, to
render all factions fubfervient to his ambitious
Such was his courage and reiblution, that
views.
in the accomplifliment of his defigns he overlooked
all danger, and faw no difficulty ; and, on being
raifed from a very private flation, to the power of
the grcatefl monarh, it is really amazing, that he
could behave with a dignity fuitablc to that power,
and fupport, with all ftrangers, that high idea
with which they had been impreffed by his great
exploits and uncommon policy ; efpecially if we
confider he made no figure in the awful tragedy,
till the breaking out of the civil war; and he was
not lefs than forty-three years of age, when he
firft embraced the military profeflion./ Notwith-
ftanding the gravity of his manners, and his reli-
gious cant, upon many occafions he could relax
himfclf in trifling, jetting, and making verfes
among his intimate friends, without lowering him-
fett in their efteem ; whereby he took the oppor-
tunity of diving into their weakneffes ; and would
fometimes induce them by an indulgence in wine,
to open to him the moft fecret recefles of their
hearts. However, great regularity of manners was
always maintained in his court ; and notwithftand-
ing his fondnefs for fportive frolics in private, he
took care to give no offence to the moft rigid and
devout. He upheld fome flate, but with little
expence, and without oftentatious fplendor. Every
thing was managed with great frugality, yet he
was generous to thofe who ferved him. He knew
how to find out and engage in his intereft, every
man poflefled of thofe talents which every parti-
cular employment demanded ; and all his generals,
admirals, judges, and ambafladors, were pcrfons
who, in their feveral fpheres, contributed to the
honour of the nation, and his own fecurity. He
fought every where for men of abilities, in order
properly to employ them. He favoured learning,
and was munificent to f uch as excelled in fcience :
nor did he fail, in feveral refpects, to conciliate
the affections of his enemies to his perfon and
government. It muft, indeed, be confefled, Crom-
well knew as well how to play the tyrant, as to aft
the faint. His edict againft the epifcopal clergy was
to the laft degree unjuft and cruel. The cavaliers
had hard meafure from him, as they were, almoft
without exception, rendered fubject to heavy taxes»
and other inconveniences, upon account of the
rafhnefs and imprudence of fome of their party.
He alfo, on particular occafions, made ufe of
packed juries, and difplaced judges for refufing
to follow his directions. He committed men
illegally to prifon ; caufed them to be tried before
new created tribunals ; and adjudged to death
without the verdict of a jury : if to this we add
the violation of the privileges of parliament, we
muft acknowledge his actions were, in many in-
ftances, arbitrary, illegal, and tyrannical. On the
other hand, his enemies allow, that in private life,
as a fon, a hufband, a father, and a friend, he de-
ferves applaufe ; and his government, though ar-
bitrary, and fupported by military force, was, in
many inltances, worthy of praife. He gave great
encouragement to trade and commerce, which1
flouriflied furprifingly under his aufpices: by means
of his influence over cardinal Mazarine, he effec-
tually interpofed in favour of the proteftants
abroad : he preferved untarnifhed the glory of the
Britilh flag : and he fupported the honour of the
nation, and maintained it in a degree of confide-
ration among European powers, that had not been
known fince the reign of Elizabeth. To conclude,
this confummate ftatefman was a magnanimous
governor : an aftonifhing compound of ambition
and hypocrify, adorned with a clufter of many
public and private virtues.
THE
47 6
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
THE I N T E R-R E G N U M C O N T I N U E D UNDER
RICHARD.
IMMEDIATELY on the death of Cromwell,
Richard, his eldeft fon, was proclaimed pro-
tector in London by the council, and by Monk
in Scotland ; and Henry, Richard's brother, who
governed Ireland with popularity, undertook for
the obedience of that kingdom. Both the army
and fleet acknowledged his title. Upwards of
ninety addrefles from the counties and moft confi-
derable corporations, congratulated Richard on his
accefiion, in terms of dutiful allegiance ; and the
foreign minifters were particularly attentive in pay-
ing him the ufual compliments. Thus Richard, a
young man of no experience, accuftomed to a
retired life in the country, unacquainted with the
officers of the army, and recommended by no
military exploits, was tempted to accept of fo rich
an inheritance, though his want of ambition would
never have prompted him to contend for it.
. ,,. , The parliament was now affcmbled ;
A. D. 1659. Hke the formerj it confifted of two
houfes. There were a great many republicans in
the houfe of commons, who held long debates
about the other houfe, and likewife about the
humble petition and advice ; and after great op-
pofition, and many vehement difputes, it was at
laft, with much difficulty, carried by the court
party to confirm it. Before the meeting of this
affembly, feveral cabals had been fet on foot by
difcontented perfons, againft the government of
the new protestor. His uncle Defborough was a
republican, and Fleetwood, his brother-in-law, a
violent fanatic, and of confequence both averfe to
the .government of a fingle perfon. Lambert and
Ludlow, with many other officers whom Oliver
had deprived of their commiffions, now came forth
from their retreats, and joined the council againft
Richard. Some of thefe, pretending great friend-
fhip for him, advifed him to call up to London
as many officers as could be fpared from the
regiments quartered in different parts of the
country, for the better fupporting him in his
authority, if the parliament fhould prove re-
fraclory.
Richard, who did not poffefs much penetration,
fell into the fnare, and when thefe officers repaired
to London, they eftabliflied their meetings at Fleet-
wood's apartments, which being in Wallingford-
houfe, the party were known by the name of the
Wallingford cabal. They now aflumed the title of
the great council of the army, and prefented a
petition to the protector, wherein they demanded,
*' That no member of the army fhould be fubject
to the civil magiftrate ; and that the officers mould
enjoy the privilege of chuling their own general."
Richard foon perceived that their defign was to
render themfelves independent of him, therefore,
alarmed at their prefumption, he rejected their
petition, and even threatened to difmifs them from
liis fervice, mould they make fuch extravagant
propofals for the future. But this feeming firmnefs
in Richard had no effect on the Wallingford cabal,
who now prefented a petition to the parliament,
praying that Fleetwood might be appointed general
of the army ; but Richard gave an unfavourable
anfwer, and commanded the officers immediately
to return to their refpedlive quarters. The council
of officers now denied the authority of Richard,
and came to the refolution of eftablifhing a form
or government in which he mould have no concern.
They led their troops to Whitehall, and having
ihtioned parties of men'in all the avenues of that
building, Defborough, attended by a ftrong guard,
2
demanded an audience of the protector. In the
name of all the oflkers, he infifted on an imme-
diate diflblution of the parliament. Richard ic-
fufcd to comply with their demands ; but upon
Defborough threatening, that if entreaties were i c-
jecled, recourfe would be had to coercive means,
the protector declared that the parliament mould
be diflblved. A difTolution of parliament fooa
after taking place, it was generally confidered that
the protector was depofcd ; and in a few days he
formally refigned his authoiity.
Intelligence was now received of feveral con-
fpiracies, which were forming by the royalifts, in
conjunction with the Prefbyterians, in feveral parts
of the kingdom ; and in many counties a refo-
lution was taken to rife in arms. Lord Willoughby
of Parham, and Sir Horatio Townfhend, under-
took to fecure Lynn ; general MafTey engaged to
feize Gloucefter ; lord Newport, Littleton, and
other gentlemen, confpired to take poffeffion
Shrewsbury ; Sir George Booth of Chefter; Sii
Thomas Middlcton of North Wales; and Arundel,
Pollard, Granville, and Trelawney, of Plymouth
and Exeter. A day was appointed for all thef
enterprizes ; and the king, attended by his brothe
the duke of York, had arrived fecretly at Calais
with a refolution of putting himfelf at the hea
of his loyal fubjecis, as foon as a favourable op
portunity offered. This combination was, ho\
ever, difconcerted by the treachery of Sir Richar
Willis, who, being in great confidence with th<
king and his little court, was intrufled by them
with all their cabinet fecrets. This man had bee
bribed by Oliver, and f^rom that time had cor.
tinually betrayed all th? refolves of Charles anc
his friends, and now fen|i intelligence of this cor
fpiracy to Thurloe, the fecretary of flate. The
parliament, Alarmed at their danger, caufed all tt
horfes in and about London to be feized ; the ave«
nues of the city to be guarded ; and feveral de
tachments of horfe and foot to be placed in tl
roads from the weft and north-weft parts of tt
kingdom. They had many officers whofe fidelitj
they could more depend upon than that of Lam-
bert j but there was no one in whofe vigilance
and capacity they repofed fuca confidence ; he was
therefore fent about the beginning of Auguft agaiaft
Booth and his party, whofe intent of taking Chefter
was the only part of the confpiracy which had fuc-
ceeded. The earl of Derby, lord Herbert of
Cherbury, Mr. Lee, and colonel Morgan, took
part in this enterprize. He was alfo joined by Sir
William Middleton with fome troops from North
Wales, by which means his party became ftrong
enough to fubdue all in that neighbourhood who
had courage enough to oppofe them. When
Lambert left London, his army did not confift of
above fifteen hundred men ; but on his march he
was joined by three regiments, which the parlia-
ment had ordered from Dunkirk, and by colonel
Zauchy with his own regiment of horfe, and a
regiment of foot, amounting in all to about five
thoufand. Booth, whofe party did not confift of
half that number, having intelligence of Lambert's
approach, thought to have got a clay's march
before him into Lancafhire, where he hoped to in-
creafe it ; and to gain time, he font a trumpeter,
with two minifters, to fliew the reafon for their
raifing an army, -and defired a treaty, to favc the
effufion of blood. This propof.il Lambert con-
fented to, if they would firft lay clown their arms,
and furrender to him the garrifons in their power.
N.o
R.
c R O M W E
L L.
477
No anfvver being given, an engagement enfued, in
which the royalifts were defeated. Booth and
Middleton made their efcape, many were taken
prifbners, and Booth himfelf was foon after feized
and committed to the Tower. This fuccefs
haftened the ruin of the parliament4 Lambert, con-
fcious of his ftrength, and of their extreme weak-
nefs, was no lefs dangerous to them than Booth.
A thoufand pounds, which they voted him as a re-
ward for his fervice, he employed in bribing the
officers under his command, who all fwore to be
true to him. At his inftigation they drew up a
petition to the parliament, demanding that they
would comply with the addrefs formerly prefented
by the council of Wallingford-houfe ; that they
would eftablifh Fleetwood in his command, ap-
point Lambert major-general, Defborough lieute-
nant-general of the horfe, and Monk, major-general
of the foot ; and that no officer fhould be difmifled
from his command but by a court-martial. This
petition being prefented was taken into confidera-
tion by the houfe, who at laft voted, •' that to have
other officers than thofe appointed by parliament,
would be ufelefs, chargeable and dangerous to the
commonwealth." At the fame time, alarmed at
the danger, they cafhiered Lambert, Defborough,
Berry, Clarke, Barrow, Kelfey, and Gobbet ; re-
voked Fleetwood's commiffion, and appointed
commiffioners to govern the army for a limited
time. The army paid no refpedl to their acts or
refolutions. Lambert drew fome troops together,
in order to decide the controverfy. Mofs and
Morley brought their regiments into Palace-yard,
refolute to oppofe the violence of Lambert : but he
had no intention of giving them fo much trouble ;
he had an eafier method of fubduing them. He
placed his foldiers in fuch a manner as to fecure all
the avenues to Weftminfter-hall ; and when the
fpeaker arrived in his coach, he ordered the horfes
to be turned, and with great politenefs conducted
him home. The other members were by the fame
ftratagem prevented from meeting, and the two
regiments in Palace-yard finding themfclves expofed
to the derifion of the people, departed quietly to
their quarters. Thus, on the thirteenth of Auguft,
five months after it had been reftored, was the
rump parliament again depofed by the army, and
the officers found themfelves again inverted with
fupreme authority. Out of their own body they
appointed a council of; ten perfons, who were to
take upon them the management of fuch affairs as
were moft preffing. They then declared Fleetwood
their general, Lambert their lieutenant-general, and
Defborough commiffary-general of the horfe. At
laft they elected a committee of twenty-three per-
fons, of whom fcven were officers. Thefe they pre-
tended to inveft with fovereign authority ; and
called them a committee of fafety.
All this time the conduct of Monk was fo impe-
netrable, that it remained a doubt which party he
would embrace. But he no fooner heard of Lam-
bert's proceedings in London, than he marched
out of Scotland, with the beft of his troops, firmly
refolved to reftore the rump parliament. This
meafurc rendered him fufpected of having formed
fome deep defigns either in his own favour or that
of the king ; but his profound fecrecy and diffimu-
lation prevented any thing certain from tranfpiring.
He wrote letters to Fleetwood and Lambert,
wherein he complained of their violation of faith
to the parliament, and declared his refolution of
ejideavouring to reftore them to their power, againft
all oppofition whatfoever. Fleetwood and Lam-
bert were aftonifhed at this refolution. They im-
mediately ordered colonel Talbot aad Clarges,
brother-in-law to Monk, to go into Scotland, and,
if poffible, prevail with the general to enter into a
treaty, which might prevent the effufion of blood.
• No. 45,
But Monk was indefatigable in carrying his defigns
into execution. All the officers in his army, of
whom he entertained the leaft iufpicion, he
cafhiered. He drew together the feveral fcattered
regiments. He fummoned ao afiembly fomewhat
refembling a convention of eftates in Scotland, and
having communicated his intention of marching
into England, he received from them a fmall but
feafonable fupply of money. Clarges and Talbot
being arrived in Scotland^ were well received by
Monk ; who, by their advice, and in order to gain
time, confented to a negotiation, and fent Wilkes,
Cloberry, and Knight, three of his officers, to treat'
with the committee. They met Lambert at York,
with a body of forces to oppofe the progrefs of
Monk. He told them he was Sufficiently au-
thorized to treat with them ; but upon their de-
manding the reftoration of the parliament, he ac-
knowledged he had no inftruclions on that head, and
they proceeded to London, where the fame demand
being made to the committee, they immediately
aflented to it. And the treaty, by which both fides
engaged to aft vigorously againft Charles, was
figned on the fifteenth of November.
The nation was now in a ftate of perfect anarchy ;
and by refufing the payment of all taxes, reduced
the army to the greateft extremity. While Lam-
bert was colleding his forces at Nevvcaftle, Hafclrig
and Morley entered Portfmouth, and declared for
the parliament. A party, fent to quell the infur-
rection, were induced by their commander, to em-
brace the fame intereft. The city apprentices rofe
in a body, and infifted on a free parliament : and
though they were fupprefled by colonel Hewfon, a
man who was once a cobler, but now enjoyed a
confiderable rank in the army, the city ftill retained
its oppofition, and difcovered marks of the higheft.
diflatisf action. The magiftrates even erected a
kind of feparate government, and exercifed the fu-
preme authority within their walls. About the
fame time admiral Lawfon entered the river with
his fleet, and declared for the parliament. Alarmed
at thefe events, Hafelrig and Morley left Portf-
mouth, and haftened towards London. The regi-
ments quartered in the neighbourhood of that city,
were perfuaded by their old officers, who had been
difmifled by the committee of fafety, to efpoufe,
once more, the caufe of the parliament. Defbo-
rough's regiment, which had been fent to Lambert,
to affift his friends, no fooner reached St. Albans,
than that officer declared for the fame aflembly.
Lenthall the fpeaker, at the defire of the officers,
refumed his former authority, and on the twenty-
fixth of December, aflembled the parliament, which
had, with fo much contempt and ignominy, been
twice expelled. On their meeting they annulled
the aft againft the payment of the excife and cuf-
toms ; they next chofe commiffioners for affigning
quarters to the foldiers : and without taking the
leaft notice of Lambert, they enjoined the forces
under his command, to repair directly to the gar-
rifons allotted for them. The Situation of this ge-«
neral was now defperate ; his army, now rendered
entirely ufelefs to him, and what was ftill worfe, the
few troops that remained with him, thinking to
make their court to thofe in power, or perhaps to
gratify fome pique of their own, put their general
under an arreft, and fent him to London, where he
was committed a prifoner to the Tower.
Monk, having received a fupply of . ~
thirty thoufand pounds from the °*
Scots, and taken proper precautions for maintaining
the peace of that kingdom, entered England on the
fecond of January. During his march he received
information of the difbanding'of the army, and allo
that the lord Fairfax, with fome of the principal
gentry in Yorkfhire, were in arms, demanding a
free parliament. This was going a ftep farther
6 £ than
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OK ENGLAND.
than Monk had yet propofed. He was, however,
received with open arms by the lord Fairfax and
all his friends, who had taken poffeffion of the city
of York. The rump parliament now became
greater objeds of deteftation than the army had
been before ; and every ftep which Monk advanced
towards the capital, occafioned fome frefh declara-
tions or aflbciations of the counties for a free par-
liament. The rump now began to think they had
made the breach between themfelves and the Wal-
lingford officers, too irreconcileable. They began
to apprehend that Monk had fomething more in
view than the reftoring them, and would have been
better pleafed had he continued in Scotland. They,
however, fent him a letter, informing him, that
they were re-affembled, and attributed the reftitu-
tion of their authority wholly to his fidelity, care,
and courage. This meffage was fo far from being
pleafing to the general, that he confidered it as one
of the moft unfortunate events that could have at-
tended him. He was under a thoufand perplexities
how to ad; for by the parliament's precipitate re-
fumption of their power, affifted by a numerous
army newly returned to their obedience, he defpaired
of being able to compafs his defigns, and thought
it prudent not to continue any longer in arms,
than a favourable opportunity mould offer for lay-
ing them down ; for he had been perfuaded that
they would not have thought themfelves fafe till
his arrival in London with his army, when he in-
tended to reftore all the other members with them,
without paying the leaft regard to their difference
of opinions. He, however, continued his march,
and in all the counties which he palled through, the
chief people flocked to him with addrefles, wherein
they exprefied their earneft defire, that he would do
his utmoft to reftore the nation to peace and tran-
quillity, and to the enjoyment of thofe liberties, of
which they had been, for fuch a number of years,
fo unhappily deprived. At Lancafter he was met
by a deputation from London, with an addrefs,
praying the reftoration of the members who had
been excluded in 1648. The prefbyterians feem to
have had the principal fhare in all thefe addrefles,
for the fecluded members were moftly of that per-
fuafion. The parliament perceiving it was not in
their power to prevent the progrefs of Monk, thought
it molt prudent to confent to it, and accordingly on
the twelfth of January an aft was voted to juttify ,
Monk's march into England ; and on the fixteenth
they voted a thoufand pounds a year to be fettled
on him. Scot and Robinfon, two of their mem-
bers, were fent under pretence of complimenting
him on the road, but in reality as fpies on his con-
duel:. The city difpatched four of their chief per-
fons to perform like compliments ; and at the fame
time to confirm the general in his inclination to a
free parliament. When Monk came to St. Al-
bans, he fent a letter to the parliament, wherein he
defired they would remove from London thofe re-
giments, who, though they now profefled to return
to their duty, had fo lately offered violence to that
affembly. The parliament thought proper to com-
ply with this requeft. Lambert was now in the
Tower, and Fleetwood, with the other fuperior
officers, tamely obeyed the orders they received for
leaving London ; but the common men were more
refraftory ; about four thoufand of them mutinied ;
one regiment in particular, which was quartered in
. Somerfet-houfe, refufed to yield their place to the
northern army, but, for want of leaders, they were
at laft obliged quietly to fubmit.
Monk entered London on the fourth of February.
The next day he was introduced to thehoufe, and
thanks were given him, in the name of the mem-
bers, by Lenthall their fpeaker, for the eminent
Services he had done his country. Monk returned
an anfwer in fuch ambiguous terms, as ftill kept
every one in fufpcncc. But it was impoflible fo
the nation to remain long in this doubtful fituation
and the pc-ople, as well as parliament, were defirou
of bringing matters to fome determined iffue. Durin
the late diiiraclions, the payment of taxes had bee
interrupted ; and though the parliament, as foon a
they were rettored, had given orders for all collec
tions and impofitions, yet fo little authority
they poffefs in the nation, that the people obeye<
their commands very flowly and with great re-
luclance. The common council of London abfo-
lutely refufed to fubmit to an afleffm en t required of
them ; and declared, itliat till a free and lawful par-
liament impofed taxes, they never mould think
their duty to make any payment. This peremptory
denial gave the parliament a fair pretence of making
a trial of their own pqwer, and the general's
fidelity. Accordingly on the ninth of February,
Monk received orders to march into the city
feize twelve perfons the mod obnoxious to the pa
liament, to remove the ports and chains from
theftreets, and to takedown and deftroy the
cullifes and gates of the city. Thefe orders Monk
complied with in part only, and, after fome fecret
conferences with the citizens, he began to throw
off the mafk which he had fo long worn. He fent a
letter to the parliament, acquainting them with
what he had done, and begging they would mitigate
the feverity of their order; which they refufing to
do, he made many public apologies to the city for
his conduct in the affair, declaring it to have beea
entirely in compliance with the orders of the rump,
whom he now found to be a fet of mercilefs unre-
lenting tyrants. He then wrote a letter to the
houfe, reproaching them with fome new cabals they
had formed with Vane and Lambert, and alfo with
the encouragement given to a fanatical petition,
prefented by Praife-god Barebone, wherein he de-
fired, that every individual of the kingdom fhould
be compelled to take the oath of abjuration. He
then required them in the name of the citizens,
foldiers, and whole commonwealth, to iflue wri
within a week for filling their houfe, and to fix the
time for their own^diflblution and the aflembling of
a new parliament. He now declared his refolutioa
to the city, and defired that they would join their
endeavours with his for the happinefs and fettle-
ment of the commonwealth. The joy which this
declaration occafioned in the city, was teftified by
the ringing of bells, bonfires, and illuminations.
The parliament forefaw the approaching ftorm,
but refolved to make one more effort for the re-
covery cf their dominion. They difpatched a com-
mittee to the general, to endeavour by every per-
fuafion to bring him over to their interefr; and
even went fo far, as to offer him the fupreme au-
thority. But Monk refufed to hear them except in
the prefence of fome of the fecluded members. He
then marched into the city, where he formtd a new
militia; this done he returned with his army to
Weftminfter, and purfued every proper meafure for
the fettlement of the nation, ftill concealing IIM
real defigns under the appearance of republican
principles. On the twenty-fir.ft of February the fe-
cluded members attended him in a body to White-
hall; from whence, aftei receiving their promife to
call a free parliament, and then diflblve themfelves,
he gave them a guard to the parliament-houfe,
where they took their feats. The leaders of the in-
dependent and republican party, amazed at the
fudden appearance of the excluded members among
them, retii ed from the houfe. The reftored mem-
bers then repealed all the orders by which they had
been excluded. They gave Sir George Booth and
all his party their liberty and eftates. They re-
newed and enlarged the general's commillion.
They fixed an afleflment for the fupport of the fleet
and army. And having paffed thefe votes for the
prefent
1C
is,
ts
he
i
•
R.
C R O M W E
L.
479
prefent compofure of the kingdom, they on the
lixteenth of March, 'iflblvrd themfelves, and gave
orders for the immediate aflembling of a new par-
liament. In the mean time a council of ftate was
eftabliflied, compofed of men of dignity and mode-
ration. The militia of the kingdom was intrufted
in fuch hands as would promote order and fettle-
ment. Thefe, when joined with Monk's army,
were efteenird a fuflicient check on the difperfed
army, which was more numerous, and of whofe in-
clinations there was ftill great reafon to be diffident.
But before the new parliament met, Lambert
efcaped out of the Tower. This accident alarmed
Monk and the council of ftate, who knew Lam-
bert's great popularity in the army. Colonel In-
goldfby was immedia'oly difnatched after him, and
overtook him at Daventry, while he had yet afiem-
blecl but four troops of horfe ; two of which de-
ferted- him ; and he, endeavouring to make his
.efcape, was feized by Ingoldfby, and again com-
mitted to the Tower. Monk did not openly de-
clare that he had adopted the king's intereftj&md
Morrice, a near relation of his, was the only^nan
with whom he intrufted the important fecret. Sir
John Grenville, being at this time fent to Monk by
Charles, applied to Morrice for admiflion to the
general, but received for anfwer, that the general
defired he would communicate his bufinefe to
Morrice ; this he refufed to do, and Monk, pleafed
with his fecrecy, admitted him to his prefence.
After hearing what he had to fay, he opened to him
his whole intentions, and commiflloned him to
affure the king of his attachment to his intereft; as
a prefent proof of which, he defired he would in-
ftantly leave Spain, and retire to Holland, as he
had received fecret information, that Spain in-
tended to retain him as a pledge for the recovery of
Dunkirk and Jamaica. This intelligence was com-
municated to Charles but juft in time ; for he very
narrowly efcaped to Breda ; and had he delayed his
journey, even for a few hours, he had certainly,
under pretence of honour and refpect, been arrefted
by the Spaniards.
The parliament, on the twenty-fifth of April,
afiembled in two houfes, that of lords and that of
commons. The commons chofe Sir Harbottle
Grimftone, for their fpeaker. This gentleman,
•with many others, had gone great lengths in con-
tributing to the ruin of the late king, but flopped
when his death was under confideration. On the
firft day of their meeting, the commons received a
meflage from the lords; and on the fecond, Grim-
ftone, by order of the houfe, returned thanks to
Monk for fubduing all their, and the nations ene-
mies without the effufion of blood. They then ad-
journed till the firft day of May. When the houfe
re-aflembled, the great dangers incurred during the
former ufurpations, and the extreme caution of the
general, kept every one in awe ; and no one dared
for fome days to make any mention of the king.
But Monk, finding by their b:.tter invectives againft
the memory of Cromwell, and execrations upon
thofe who had murdered their late fovereign, that
they were difpofed as he could wifli, ordered An-
nefly, prefident of the council to acquaint them,
that one Sir John Grenville, a fervant of the king's
had been fent to England by his majefty, and was
now at the door with a letter to the cotnmons. He
was immediately called in, and prefented the letter,
together with a declaration, which he had received
from the king. Without one moment's delay, or a
contradictory vote, a committee was appoined to
prepare an anfwer ; and on the eighth of May both
houfes attended, while the king was with great fo-
lemnity proclaimed in Palace-yard, at Whitehall,
and at Temple-bar. As a convincing proof of
their affection for Lis majefty, the commons voted
him a prefent of fifty thoufand pounds, ten thoufand
pounds were at the fame time given to the duke of
York, and live thouland to the duke of Glouceftef ;
and a committee of lords and commons was dif-
patched to invite his majefty to return and take
poflcflion of his dominions. This fubmiffion of the
king's fubjecfls was foon fuccceded by the refpect of
foreign powers. Spain invited him to return to
the Low Countries and embark in fome of their
maritime towns, and Fi ance offered Calais for the
fame purpofc. But Charles accepted a third invi-
tation, which he received from the States-General,
and going to Plolland, where every mark of mag-
nificent refpeft was mewn him, he embarked on
board the Knglifh fleet which lay ready to receive
him, under the command of admiral Montague.
He made his public entry into London on the
twenty-ninth of May, which was alfo his birth-day;
and afcended the throne of his anceftors, without
making any conditions with the people. It may be
proper here to obferve of the defcendants and rela-
tions of the protector, that Richard Cromwell died
at Chefhunt in Hertfordfhire, July 13, 1712, aged
eighty fix. William Cromwell, Efq; and great
grandfon of the protector, died in Kirby-ftreet,
Hatton-garden, unmarried, on July 9, 1772, agect
eighty-five. Mr. Thomas Cromwell, lately in the
Eaft Indies, and Mr. Thomas Cromwell, an attor-
ney at Million Bank, now living in Budge-row,
Watling-ftreet, fons of Mr. Thomas Cromwell, of
Snow-hill, and the protector's great grandfons, are
now the furvivors of his male line.
During the peaceable part of Charles the firft's
reign, the induftry and commerce of England was
extremely increafed. The Englifli poflefled almoft
the fole trade with Spain ; twenty thoufand pieces of
cloth were annually fent to Turkey; and the trade
to Guinea and the Eaft Indies became confiderable.
Commerce received fome interruption from the
civil wars-, but foon recovered after the eftablim-
ment of the commonwealth. The war with the
Dutch greatly promoted the trade of England ; but
that with Spain was equally prejudicial. The pre-
valence of the principles of liberty, which brought
mankind more upon a level, engaged the country
gentlemen to bind their fons apprentices to mer-
chants, and commerce has been ever fince more
honourable in England, than in any other kingdom
in Europe. The exclufive companies, by which
,trade had been confined by royal charters, were
never,during the commonwealth, exprefslyabolifhed
by any ordinance of parliament: but no regard
being paid to the prerogative whence thofc charters
were derived, thefe monopolies were gradually in-
vaded: and commerce increafed with the increafe
of liberty. Money became more plentiful; and in
1650, intereft was reduced to fix per cent. From
1619 to 163:8, there had been coined fix million
nine hundred thoufand and forty-two pounds, and
from 1638 to 1657, the coinage amounted to feven
million feven hundred and thirty-three thoufand
five hundred and twenty-one pounds.
In 1653, tne Poft-houfe was farmed at ten thou-
fand pounds a year, which was efteemed a con-
fiderable fum for the three kingdoms : but letters
paid then only about half the prefent poftage.
The firft mention of chocolate, tea, and coffee,
is about the year 1660 ; and about the fame time
afparagus, cauliflowers, artichokes, and a variety of
fallads, were introduced into England.
The colony of New England was founded by the
puritans, who fled thither from the rigorous perfe-
cutions of Laud, in the reign of Charles I. For a
like reafbn the catholics, who afterwards found
themfelves expofed to many hardfhips, went o%'er
in great numbers to^ America, and fettled the co-
lony of Maryland.
Learning and the fine arts were favoured at
court, before the civil wars; and a good tafte be-
480
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
£an to prevail in the nation. Charles I. loved pic-
tures; was "a judge of painting, and fometimes
handled the pencil himfelf. The pieces of foreign
mailers were bought up at a vafl price; and from
the emulation between Charles I. and Philip IV.
of Spain, the value of pidures doubled in Europe.
Many eminent mafters fettled in England, and
were encouraged at court. Architecture alfo
flourifhed ; and Inigo Jones was mafter of the
king's buildings. Notwithftanding the narrow
revenue of Charles I. he lived in fuch magnifi-
cence, that he pofTefled twenty-four palaces, all of
them elegantly and compleatly furniflied. Charles
was, however, far from encouraging literary merit.
As civil wars, founded on principles of liberty,
prefent noble and interefting objeds to the mind,
they amply compenfate for that tranquillity of
which they bereave the mufes. Hence the fpeeches
of the parliamentary orators are much fuperior to
what any former age had produced in England ;
and the force and compafs of the Englifh language,
was then firft put to trial. And hence this period
abounds with the moft admirable authors.
John Milton, who was born on the ninth of De-
cember, 1608, was diftinguifhed by being the moft
fublime poet who wrote either in our own, or in
any other language, Homer and Taffo not ex-
cepted. His Paradife Loft not only furpaffed all
the performances of his contemporaries, though
jt was wrote during a ftate of blindnefs, clanger,
and old age, but is ftill admired as an inimitable
effort of the human mind. His L' Allegro and II
Penferofo, and alfo his Comus, are extremely beau-
tiful, and his other poems abound with beauties.
Moft of his profe works are in Latin,' and are
diftinguifhed by the force and clearnefs of his
reaibning.
The fame praifes are not due to the other poets
of that time ; Waller, the firft refiner of the Englifh
tongue, is, indeed, diftinguifhed by his gaiety, wit,
and ingenuity ; but his performances abound with
many faults, and contain but feeble beauties.
Cowley, whofe works were mare praifed and ad-
mired during his life time, and more celebrated
after his death than thofe of the great Milton, had
little ear for harmony, and his verfes are only
known to be fuch by the rhyme which terminates
tticm. His numbers are rugged and untuneable ;
however, great ingenuity and vigour of thought
fometimes break out.
Sir John Denham is chiefly diftinguifhed by his
Cooper's hill, his principal performance, which has
a loftinefs and vigour, fuperior to that of any poet
who wrote before him in rhyme: but he too is
much inferior to the poets who fucceeded him.
Among our profe writers, none was more cele-
brated both abroad and at home than Hobbes.
Clearnefs and propriety of ftile are the chief excel-
lencies of his writings ; but being an enemy to re-
ligion, his ethics are only fitted to encourage licen-
tioufnefs, and his politics to promote tyranny.
Harvey, an admirable phyfician and anatomift,
made a capital clifcovery in one of the moft impor-
tant branches of fcience ; and had the happinefs of
eftablifhing his theory on the circulation of the
blood, upon the moft folid and convincing proofs.
In fhort, the works of Nevil, Sydney, and Har-
rington, are performances which excel even the
ancient daffies on policy; and, in the character of
Andrew Marvel, are allowed to be united, in an
exalted degree, the wit, the patriot, and the legif-
lator.
In the courfe of the reign of Charles I. and in
•the hiftory of the commonwealth, we have fpoke
largely of the feveral religious feds which at that
time diftinguifhed themfelves; particularly the
prefbyterians. About the beginning of this cen-
tury, one Brown, a puritan minifter, having h<ad a
i
quarrel with fome of his brethren, left them, and
the perfecution in England againft thcfe people
being violent, Brown went over to Holland, where
he formed a new feel:, lince called independents,
becaufe that each congregation refufes to have any
dependence either on bifhops or prefbyteries. But
the quakers being enemies to war, made no figure
in public tranfactions, and were therefore not men-
tioned : but being too eonfiderable, and too fingular
a feet to be omitted, we mall give an impartial ac-
count of them here, and fhall be more particular as
they have been mifreprefented by every other
hiftorian.
This fed was founded by George Fox, who in
the reign of king Charles I. preached with fuch
fervour againft the vices of the times, that his
hearers frequently burft into tears, and trembled,
whence they in clerifion were called quakers, but
they, as a term of mutual love, ftiled themfelves
Friends. As to their religious fentiments, they lay,
that ceafon is the gift of God to man', as a light and
clirddion to him in this world ; that the Old and
New Teftament contain a revelation of the will of
God to man, through the influence of the Spirit of
truth, which direded the penmen in the writing of
it, and that a ray of the fame light or Spirit of
truth, ftill dwells within the true Chriftian of every
denomination, as a witnefs to his mind of thefe
truths, and a guide into all eflential truths ; and that
thele three evidences of the fupreme Being, right
realbn, eternal revelation, and the Spirit of truth,
or the inward witnefs, cannot pofiibly, in the nature
of things, be at all contradictory to each other, all
fpringing from one and the fame unchangeable
fountain, God himfelf.
Thequakeis do not deny the Trinity ; but be-
lieve that the Father, the Word, and the Spirit,
are truly and properly one : but they are very ten-
der of quitting fcripture terms for thofe of the
fchoolmen, judging, that a curious enquiry into
this fubjed tends little to godlinefs and lefs to peace.
They have no regular clergy, but permit fuch as
are approved of by the body for their piety, to ad-
minilter advice to the people without refped to fex
or circumftances, whether acquainted with human
literature or not, and that without any fee or reward
whatfpever, but what aiifes from an honeft con-
fcientious difcharge of their duty : for they are per-
fuaded, that purity of heart, and humility of mind,
are far more eflential qualifications for that holy
office, than the higheft attainments in human litera-
ture, or the moft extenfive acquaintance with arcs
and fciences. As to women's preaching, they be-
lieve it to be the pradice of the primitive times,
from the advice of the apoftle, i Cor. xi. 5. where
he fays, " Every woman that prayeth or prophc-
fieth with her head uncovered, diflionoureth her
head." In which epiftle alfo the apoftle gives
cliredions to the women how to behave when they
prophefied ; and what he means by prophefying, he
himfelf explains in the fame epiftle, where he faith,
" He that prophefieth, fpeaketh unto men to edifi-
cation, and exhortation and comfort, and he that
prophefieth, edifieth the church."
Contrary to the general opinion of Chriftians,
they believe neither baptifm nor the Lord's-fupper,
to be of perpetual obligation ; but that they were
intended only for the infancy of the church, when
the myfteries of truth lay concealed in figures and
fhadows; and obferve, that it is fufficient to them
with refped to water baptifm, that Jefus never ufed
it, and that it was no part of St. Paul's commiffion.
Hence they alledge, that truly feeling in them-
felves, the very thing fignified by outward water,
bread and wine, they leave them off, as fulfilled in
Chrift, who is in them the hope of their glory : and
henceforth they have but one Lord, one faith, one
baptifm, one bread, and but one cup of bleffings ;
and
R.
R O M W E
L.
481
and that is the new wine of the kingdom of God,
which is within.
They think thofe words of Chrift, " Swear not
at all," amount to a prohibition of folemn, as well
as profane fwearing; and the government, accept-
ing their folemn affirmation inftead of an oath,
they readily fubmit to the fame punifhment in cafe
of untruth, that is due by law to perjury.
They object to the paying of tithes, and church
rates, which they confider as unfcriptural, and in-
confident with the gofpel difptnfation, though this
frequently expofes them to very vexatious and ex-
penfive profecutions. How ever, when the minifter
or others feize for thefe clues, they do not oppofe
them.
They are zealous advocates for liberty of con-
fcience in thofe who differ ever fo widely in opinion
from themfelves, and are enemies to all perfecution
for religion, agreeable to the fourteenth propofition
in Barclay's Apology, which affirms, that " the
power of the civil magiftrate doth not extend to
matters purely religious, and pertaining to con-
fcience."
They difapprove of war, as inconfiflent with the
nature and perfection of the Chriftian religion,
which" moft eminently confifts in peace, love, and
the forgivenefs of our enemies, believing that
Chrift, the bleffed fhepherd of his flock, will ever
preferve the faithful followers of his meeknefs, and
the difciples of his peaceable and forgiving doc-
trine.
As a prefervation againft pride and extravagance,
the quakers think it beft to keep nearly to one
plain, neat, and decent habit, in their apparel :
thinking that a defire .after gaiety and new faihions,
leads to the negledlof what is more valuable, " the
inward adorning of a meek and quiet fpirit, which,
in the fight of God, is of great price." They alfo
look upon mourning habits as no better than dif-
guifed pride, frequently ufed where there is no real
forrow : efteeming the moft certain token of refpect
towards their departed friends, is to love and
chcrifh thofe whom they loved, and by their whole
deportment to demonftrate, that they really revere
their memory. For the like reafons, they difap-
prove of all coftiy furniture of houfes, luxurious
tables, fports, plays, and drinking healths ; which
l.aft has an evident tendency to drunkennefs and
quarrels.
They believe magiftracy to be an ordinance of
God, and that he that ruleth well is worthy of
double honour, and deferves to be much valued and
efteemed; and though they do not pull off their
hats, or ufe forms of falutation, they treat their fu-
periors with a modeft and awful diftance, and all
men with ferioufnefs and gentlenefs. This, they
fay, is honouring of government and governors,
and not empty titles, fervile cringing and unmean-
ing forms of falutation.
To mew that they love order and good govern-
ment, they carefully practice it amongll themfelves.
Their monthly meetings in the country are often
compofed of feveral fingle congregations, called
particular meetings: thefe particular meetings fend
reprefentativcs to the monthly meeting, who are to
report the ftate and exigencies of their meetings,
and bring back inftruftions to their next prepa-
rative meeting, as it is called, from their preparing,
collecting, and putting the affairs of each parti-
cular meeting in fit order to be laid before the
next monthly meeting. In every particular meet-
i^g, two or more of the moft elderly, fenfible, and
exemplary men, are generally appointed to overfee
theflock, to admonim and reprove, on occafion, who
are therefore called elders. Before they enter upon
bulincfs at the monthly meetings, they commonly
fit forne time in folemn meditation, and fometimes
one or more of their Tninifters have a feafonable
No. 45.
word of exhortation to the congregation. When
worfhip is concluded, after the minutes of the laft
monthly meeting are confidered, every particular
meeting is -called upon, to declare their particular
exigencies, which are alfo duly coniidered. The
general heads of the bufinefs of monthly meet-
ings, are the poor, orderly walking, integrity to
their profeffion, births, marriages, burials, certifi-
cates, fufferings, &c.
Their quarterly meetings are generally held at
the capital of the county. Thele meetings confift
of the reprefentatives fent from their feveral
monthly meetings, who are to give an account of
the ftate of thofe meetings; after which the exi-
gencies of every monthly meeting are duly confi-
dered, and proper expedients provided. The
yearly meeting is always held at London in Whit-
fun-week, for no other reafon, than becaufe it is a
well known and fuitable time of the year for the
brethren to come together from all parts. This
meeting is compofed of the country reprefentatives
fent from the quarterly meetings, city and country
correfpondents and minifters, with deputies from
Ireland and Scotland. Here the reports of the re-
prefentatives fhewthe ftate of the fociety throughout
the world, and proper meafures are concerted for
every emergency. This is efteemed a moft edify-
ing time, becaufe it generally brings to the city their
moft eminent minilters and elders from all parts.
Their meeting is concluded with a printed epiftle,
fetting forth the ftate of the fociety, with fome fea-
fonable advice; the general paragraphs of which
are, parents and mafters to excite their families to
thediligent reading of the Holyfcriptures; thatthey
diligently attend the meetings for worfhip; that
they wait upon the Lord in filence, in order to have
a true relifh and favour of the miniftry of thofe who
are rightly concerned by the fame fpirit, to labour
in word and doctrine amongftthem ; that they main-
tain their Chriftian teftimony againft tithes, and
forced maintenance of minifters ; that they be care-
ful not to defraud the king of his cuftoms, duties,
or excife, and to avoid dealing in goods fufpected
to be run ; that a fpirit of love and humility may
more and more diffufe itfelf amongft them, and in-
fluence the hearts of all; they are exhorted to
peace, and mutual forgivenefs, and right conduct
towards others.
Diforderly walkers and backfliders are dealt
with according to the nature of the cafe. If
neither private admonition, nor the admonition of
the particular meeting, has the defired effedt, to re-
claim the offender, he is complained of to the
monthly meeting, where again he is intreated in
love to mend his ways. But if no fufficient tokens
of amendment appear in fome months after, or that
the offence be grofs, the particular meeting he be-
longs to, is ufually directed to draw up a teftimony
of denial againft him, and prefent it to the next'
monthly meeting ; which, when approved of, is
generally figned by the clerk in behalf of the
meeting. Thefe papers of denial are to be read in
the meeting the defaulter belongs to, at the con-
clufion of their worthipj and copies thereof clif-
perfed, as the- occafion may require, that the public
may be fatisfied, that the fociety by no means ap-
proves of the condudt of fuch unworthy men. The
following is a copy of one againft a perfon for de-
frauding his creditors : " Since this moral precept
of our Lord, to do by others as we would be clone
unto, is fuch a main part of Chriftianity, as without
the due obfervation thereof, all the moft fpecious
fhews of religion will avail us nothing: it becomes
the indifpenfible duty of Chriftians, in all ages, as
much as in them lies, to fee that their aflemblies
are compofed of fuch men, whofe upright carriage,
in their outward dealings, demonftrates, that they
are fincere difciples of Jefus Chrift. And inafmuch
6F
as
482
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
as we find, on due enquiry and examination, that
1M. N. has been difregardfn! of this plain and
principal law of our divine lawgiver, by not de-
livering up his effects amongft his creditors in due
time, to their great injury, and very great dif-
content, as the wade of his fubftance was entirely
owing to careleflhefs and extravagancy; which
condu<5t he perfectly knew was alfo quite contrary
to the good inftruftions and wholeibme difcipline,
Ib pioully and wifely recommended and fettled by
our worthy elders now at reft. We, therefore,
from a juft abhorrence of fuch unrighteoufnefs,
hereby declare, that henceforth we do not account
him a member of our Chriftian church, until he
fhew fuch tokens of repentance, as (hall bear
due proportion to his offence, which we fmcerely
defire."
There lies an appeal from the monthly meeting
to the quarterly meeting, and from this to a
yearly meeting; for if a man be denied by the
monthly meeting, either for diforderly walking, or
on civil cafes, or not fubmitting matters in diffe-
rence with another to arbitration; but will, with-
out confent of the meeting, go to law, or, if an
award be made, and one of the parties will not a-
bide by it, in fuch like cafes the perfon who thinks
himlelf aggrieved by the judgment of the fubordi-
nate meetings, has a right to appeal to the yearly
meeting at London, where the cafe comes before
a committee of twelve, which is always a change-
able committee, and in which all the counties take
their turn ; the reprefentatives of that county,
againft whom an appeal lies, being excluded. If
either party intimate a difiatisfaction with what
the committee has done, the cafe is again confidered
either before a larger committee, or the whole
meeting, whofe judgment is final.
When two perfons declare their intentions of
marriage before a monthly meeting, thefe queflions
are put : Are you clear of all others, and have
you the confent of your parents or friends con-
cerned ? To which, if they cannot anfwer in the
affirmative, an entire flop is put to their proceed-
ings. And, however full in the affirmative their
anfwer may be, their parents muft either perfonally,
or by a duly witnefled certificate, confirm their
anfwer. And the meeting alfo frequently appoints
two men and two women, to make due enquiry
concerning their clearnefs from all others, and
make report thereof to the next monthly meeting,
when, if no fuflicient rekfon appears to the con-
trary, they have confent to proceed, by appointing
a meeting for the folemnization of their marriage
when they pleafe ; and two perfons are nominated
to attend it, to fee that good order be kept, and
make report thereof to the next monthly meet-
ing.
When the day of marriage is come, they ufually
fit in the moft confpicuous place of the meeting
with their relations and friends about them. After
fome time for folcmn meditation on the important
contract they are" going to enter into with each
other, and, perhaps, after a feafonable exhortation
and prayer by one or more of their minifters, they
ftand up, and taking each other by the hand, in a
folemn manner the man audibly declares to this
purpofe: " Friend, in the fear of the Lord, and in
the prefence of this aflembly, whom I defire to be
my witnefles, I take this my friend, M. N. to be
my wife, promifing, through divine afliftance, to
be unto her a loving and faithful hufb.md, till
death feparate us." Then the woman makes the
like declaration. After which one audibly reads a
certificate, fetting forth the aforefaid orderly pro-
ceedings of this couple at the monthly meetings,
and. the folemn words of the marriage contract;
to which the new married people fet their hands
firft, and then (as witnefles) their near relations
and friends, with as many of the congregation as
pleafe. The original belongs to the bride and
bridegroom ; but a true copy is to be regiftered
in the monthly meeting books. Parents name
their own children ; and, at London, they have a
printed ceitificate, fetting forth the names of the
parents and child, with the time of its birth, which
is figned by the midwife, and fome of the company
prefent; which certificate is filled in the proper
meeting, and alfo a fair copy entered in the book
of births. Their burials are alfo regiftered with
like care.
In conducting a funeral, if it be not otherwife
inconvenient, the body of the deceafed is fre-
quently carried to a meeting houfe, where probably
fome of their minifters preach to the congregation.
After which the corpfe, which is always* laid in a
plain coffin, is generally carried to the grave, by
fuch as come to pay their laft office of love to their
departed friend. At the ground, the corpfe being
fet down by the grave-fide, in folemn filence they
paufe awhile before they inter it, that the minds of
the fpectators may be the more deeply touched
with a fenfe of their approaching exit, and their
future ftate : and fometimes alfo here again a mi-
nifter has a feafonable word of exhortation to the,
auditory.
BOOK
From the reparation of Charles II. to the revolution under William HI.
=<r-r-:
C H
CHAP.
A R L
I.
II.
Ajcends the throne wihout any conditions with the people— His m'miJlry—An aft of indemnity— The government in
church and Jl ate rejlored— Proceedings againft the Scots— The marquis of Ar^yle beheaded— The tijhops re/lored
to their feats in parliament— An afl of uniformity faffed— Vane tried and executed— The di/entin? minifters
ejetted— Dunkirk fold— The triennial act repealed— A war with the Dutch— Five mile aft— A great plavue fuc-
ceededby the fire of London— The peace of Breda— Clarendon's fall— The triple league— The cabal— Alliance
with I'rance againft Holland-The Coventry aft—An account of Blood— The Exchequer frut—Afecond Dutch
war— Ihe prince of Orange made Stadt holder— A peace with the Dutch— The dubious conduft of the kin?, and
the parliament t dijlrujl of him-The marriage of the prince of Orange with the princefs Mary— The peace of
Nimeguen—The pop,J]jpot-The impeachment of Danby -Dilution of the long parliament— ibe bill if excli
ftcn— Habeas corpus bi!l-The trial and execution ofthejivejefuits, and of Langhorn—An InfurreElion in
Scotland,
CHARES IE
Succeeded tv me. Crown f>'» ft/is Execution
xe,r I by ?#. MM Crowned /f/n'ii.
Father,
^7_f '////Died
//^'Enemies _ Reft ored /»
A})opl«-xy. ' '/-ft' ? ti. / M •'> .
H
RLE
II.
483
Sept land, and the battle of Bothwell-bridge — The meal- fTib plot — Trial and execution of Stafford — Anew par-
liament at Oxford — Charles invades the charters — The Rye-houfe plot — -Lord Ru/el's trial and execution —
Sidney's trial and execution Great power of the king and duke The death of Charles II. and his cha-
ratfer.
A. D. 1660.
CHARLES II. afcended the
throne on the tweny-ninth of
May, in the thirtieth year of his age, amidft an
excefs of joy that introduced an almoft univerfal
diffoluteneis of manners, which being encouraged
by the example of the king and his courtiers, ra-
pi<lly led from the fanaticifm of former times, to
the oppofite extreme of licentioufnefs and immo-
rality. Being accuftomed during his exile, to live
among his courtiers rather like a companion
than a fovereign prince, he retained the fame open
affability while on the throne; and appearing
totally void of refentment, from the natural care-
leflhefs of his temper, he feemed to enfure pardon
to his bitter enemies; and to allow thofe who had
moft violently oppofed him, to hope for favour.
His firft care was to felect a council, partly from
the leaders of the Prefbyterian party, and partly
from among the royalifts. The earl of Man-
chcfter was appointed lord chamberlain; lord Say
bad the privy-feal; Annefley was created earl of
Anglefea; Afliley Cowper, and Denzil Hollis,
were advanced to the dignity of barons; general
Monk was created earl of Albemarle, and ad-
miral Montague, earl of Sandwich. Thefe were
deemed leaders of the Prefbyterian party, and of
the royalifts, Sir Edward Nicholas, and Sir Wil-
liam Maurice, were appointed fecretaries of ftate;
and the office of chancellor was conferred on Sir
Edward Hyde, who was advanced to the dignity
of the earl of Clarendon.
The king had been reftored by an affembly,
which had been fummoned by a writ, when the
government was under the form of a common-
wealth ; and this fummons ran in the name of
the " Keepers of the liberties of England."
After the arrival of Charles, it affumed the name
of a convention ; but the king going to the houfe,
gave his aflent to an act for changing the con-
vention into a parliament. An aft of indemnity
and oblivion being depending, Charles went in
perfon to the houfe of lords to haften the paffing
it, agreeable to a declaration he had made at
Breda. This bill received the royal aflent on the
twenty-ninth of Auguft; but there were excepted
out of it the judges of the late king, and others,
who had been materially concerned in his death.
Twenty-five of thofc perfons were dead, whofe
eftates were con fifcatecl ; nineteen had made their
elcape (of whom Ludlow was one) who were after-
wards attainted -, feven were thought worthy of the
king's mercy; and twenty-nine were tried in
October, and condemned to die; but of thefe,
nineteen, who had furrendered themfelves, were
fpared as to life, but referved for other punifh-
inents, as imprifonment, baniflunent, and confif-
cation of eflate; fo that only ten were executed at
this time, namely, major-general Harrifon Carew,
Cook, Scot, Clement, Scrope, Jones, and Hugh
Peters, at Charing-crofs, and Hacker and Axtel at
Tyburn ; all juftifying what they had done to the
late, and looking upon themfelves as martyrs.
Some time after Corbet, Okey, and Barkftead,
who had made their efcape, were brought from
Holland to England and executed. Sir Henry
Vane was likewife tried, condemned, and be-
headed on Tower-hill; but Lambert, who was
condemned at the fame time, was imprifoned for
life in the ifland of Gnernfcy. When the above
act of indemnity was palled, the king gave the
royal aflent to an act for a perpetual anniverfary
thankfgiving, on the twenty-ninth of May; and
foon afterwards the cammons voted one million
two hundred thoufand pounds for the ordinary
expences of government. At this time died of
the fmall-pox, Henry, duke of Gloucefter, a
young prince, of whole abilities and virtues the
higheft expectations had been formed. Imme-
diately after the adjournment of parliament, the
king ifiued a proclamation, commhTioning a num-
ber of learned divines to review and alter the
liturgy; and by the lame proclamation, thebifhops
were directed to exercife their fpiritual jurifdiction,
in the fame manner as formerly ufed in the church
of England: nine bifhops who were ftill living,
were reftored; and Reynolds, Calamy, Baxter,
Manton, Bates, and Bowles, all Preibyterian mi-
nifters of eminence, were offered biftioprics and
deaneries: but they had all fpirit enough to refufe
the temptation except Reynolds, who was made
bifhop of Norwich. In October, the princefs
dowager of Orange came to England, to congra-
tulate her brother on his reftoration ; and in the
following month arrived the queen-mother, who
brought with her the princefs Henrietta, her
youngeft daughter, who was married to the duke
of Orleans by the king's confent. In December
the parliament was diflblved, when the king made
very grateful acknow.ledgmentsfor their affectionate
regard to his intereft ; and the chancellor made a
fpeech, recommending the fettlement of the mi-
litia; hinting that a confpiracy had been formed
for feizing Windfor, Whitehall, and the Tower of
London ; and he affirmed, that " Many difbanded
officers and republicans were concerned in this
defign ; and that their intention was to raifej an
insurrection in the weft, under the command of
general Ludlow."
Anenthufiaftof the name of Thomas . -p, <<
Venner, one of thofe diftinguifhed by A> U'
the name of fifth-monarchy-men, who expected
the perfonal reign of Chrift upon earth, being
attended by about fixty perfons of his own per-
fuafion, they rufhed into the ftreet, and fought
defperately with the city trained-bands ; nor did
they yield, till a party of horfe and foot were fen.t
againft them, and feveral had been killed on both
fides. Venner, and fixteen of his affociates, were
apprehended, tried, and executed ; declaring
that if they were deceived, the Lord was their
deceiver.
The king now turned his attention towards the
affairs of Scotland, and orders were given to dif-
band the troops, and demolifh the forts in that
kingdom. Epifcopacy was likewife reftored in
that kingdom ; and the Scots parliament being
devoted to the intereft of the court, " Abrogated
the folemn league and covenant, that idol of the
majority of the Scots nation, and made feveral
other acts in favour of the king, and againft the
Prefbyterians." On the twenty-third of April his
majefty was crowned with great magnificence, and
on the meeting of parliament, he recommended
two bills for confirming the act of indemnity: he
likewife acquainted the houfe with his intention of
marrying the infanta of Portugal, the match
having been already determined on by the advice
of his council. Sir Edward Turner being chofen
fpeaker, the houfe paffed an " Act for the fe-
curity of the king's perfon and government j" by
which it was conftituted " High treafon, to in-
tend or devife his imprifonment or dethronement:
to call him a papift, or to endeavour by fpeech or
writing, to deprive him of the affections of his
fubjects, was declared punifhable, with exclufion
from all offices, ecclcfiaftical, civil, or military."
Thfc
484
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
This parliament annulled the act for excluding
bifhops from fitting in the houfe, and declared
that the power of the militia was vefted in the
king alone. They likewife empowered his majefty
to difpofe of all the land forces, and then both
houfes were adjourned, after receiving the king's
thanks for their zeal and loyalty. The cavaliers
now made great complaints, that Charles had left
them unprovided for, while the act of indemnity
allowed the qniet pofleffion of all their wealth to
thofe who had profecuted the royalifts with the
utmoft rigour. To counteract the effects of thefe
complaints, the miniftry caufed it to be reported,
that plots and confpiracies were formed againft the
king and government. This was done to inflame
the public againft the nonconformifts, the alledged
authors of the pretended confpiracies. The king,
the earl of Clarendon, and a majority of both
houfes, were enemies to thefe diflenters from the
eftablifhed church, and defirous to humble them
by every means in their power. The parliament
having afiembled in November, petitioned the
king to iflue his proclamation, that all reduced
officers and foldiers fliould depart to the diftance
of twenty miles from London : and the prayer of
this petition being complied with, a vote pafied
for granting twelve hundred thoufand pounds for
the king's immediate ufe.
A D 66 ^'ie king* on tne firft °f March,
'2< fent for the commons to attend him
at Whitehall, where he charged them with having
been neglectful in the adjuftment of the revenue :
he hinted, that a republican party ftill fubfifted ;
declared his warm attachment to the church of
England ; and gave his aflent to an " Act for
eftablifhing uniformity in public worfhip, and in
the adminiftration of the facrament." The mar-
riage of Charles with Catherine, Infanta of Por-
tugal, was celebrated on the twenty-firft of May,
in a moft fplendid manner. This was generally
confidered as a mere match of convenience, for the
lady had not any perfonal charms to attract the
notice of Charles; but flic poflefled what he
deemed a full equivalent, a fortune of three
hundred thoufand pounds, exclufive of the fortrefs
of Tangier in Africa, and Bombay in the Eaft
Indies. About this time Vane was indicted for
affifting Cromwell in obtaining the protectorfhip,
after the death of the late king. He made an ad-
mirable defence, pleading, that he had only acted
in obedience to an eftablifhed authority; and that
if he was guilty, the whole kingdom muft be in-
volved in his crime. He called to the recollection
of the court, the violent perfecution he had
fufFered for his firft oppofition to Cromwell ; and
faid, that " Though it had been in his power to
efcape from his enemies at the reftoration, he
chofe rather to ftay, and give teftimony to the
caufe of liberty which he had efpoufed." His
oratory, however, had no effect; he was fen-
tenced to death, according to the ftrict letter of
the law. When conducted to the fcaffold, he
began to addrefs the furrounding multitude, but
his voice was drowned by the clangor of drums
and trumpets ; and though he was by nature of a
timid difpofition, yet he fubmitted to his fate with
a fortitude, that did honour to thofe fentiments of
liberty by which he had been infpired. Lambert
alfo was condemned, but reprieved. He was fen-
tenced to fpend the remainder of his days in the
ifland of Guernfey, where he lived in a degree of
content that did honour to his good fenfe and
philolbphy ; " forgetting his former fchemes of
ambition, as well as forgotten by the world." He
furvived his condemnation fix and thirty years.
The clergy being obliged, by the act of unifor-
mity, to fubfcribe to the articles of the church,
or relign their livings, on St. Bartholomew's day,
4
no lefs than two thoufand minifters, moft of them
of the Prefbyterian perfuafion, facrificecl their in-
tereft to their religious principles, and actually re-
figned their livings.
They prefented a petition to the . ^
king in council, praying an exemp- '""v
tion from the penalties inferted in that act. The
king complied with their requeft, but at the fame
time granted a fimilar indulgence to the Roman
catholics. The earl of Briftol, who, during his
exile, had embraced the Roman catholic religion,
became now the declared opponent of the carl of
Clarendon, whom he ridiculed in the highcft
degree, and did every thing in his power to render
that minifter obnoxious to the king ; and there
were others equally ready to traduce the earl:
among the reft, th'e duchefs of Cleveland, the
king's favourite miflrefs, exerted all her influence
to ruin Clarendon in the king's opinion, bccaufe
the earl had refufed to gratify her ambition, or to
flatter her vanity. Secretary Nicholas, the warm
friend of Clarendon, was difplaced, and his office
filled by Sir Henry Bennet, who was generally
deemed a Roman catholic. It is a ftain on the
reputation of Charles, that he was remarkably un-
grateful to thofe who had been moft zealous in the
fervice of his father and himfelf, many of whom
had been reduced to beggary by their attachment
to the royal caufe: there are, however, fome ex-
ceptions in his favour; for he granted a few
penfions to the family of Penderell, to Mrs. Land,
and others, who had affifted in preferving him
after the battle of Worcefter; ftill, however, the
majority of the royalifts were much diftrcfled,
while their wretched circumftances were rendered
more difagreeable, by obferving, that almoft all
places of power and profit were in pofleffion of the
oppofite party. The revenue of Charles was not
very confiderable, and his extravagance kept him
always poor; for notwithftanding the frequent
fupplies that were voted him, his treafury was
ftill empty, and his debts were continually in-
creafing, fo that Charles at length fold Dunkirk
to the French for five millions of livres ; a cir-
cumftance feverely reflected on at the time, and
which has entailed difhonour on his memory.
The earl of Clarendon had, in a confiderable
degree, loft his fovereign's efteem and confidence ;
but Charles, in gratitude for the fervices he had
received from that nobleman, continued him in
the chancellorlhip, and conferred upon him fome
flight favours ; in confequence of which the
papifts became apprehenfive that he would be
reftored to that reputation and power, of which
he had been fo lately deprived through their con-
trivances and intrigues. The earl of Briftol im-
peached the chancellor of high ti eafon ; and the
ill-founded and inconfiftent accufation alledged
againft him fpecified, that he had endeavoured to
fix the imputation of popery upon the king; pro-
mifed to exert his influence in abolifhing the penal
laws againft papifts; vilified the facred character
of his majetty; advifed the fale of Dunkirk;
fcandalized the parliament ; and embezzled the
public treafure. This accufation the lords treated
with the contempt it merited; and lord Briftol
was fo fenfible of the iniquity of his conduct in
this affair, that for fome time he was afhamed to
appear in public.
The parliament was now prorogued A n ,,
to the fixteenth of March. During *
the recefs, the king and queen made a tour through
the weftern counties, and they were entertained
with great pomp and magnificence by the univerfity
of Oxford. In the king's abfence, the miniftry
difcovered, that another confpiracy had been pro-
jected, and that it was intended to furprize feveral
towns in the north, and foment an univerfal rebel-
liop*
:
CHAR
II.
48.?
lion. This confpiracy was fet on foot by a number
of obfcure fanatics and difbanded foldiers, thirty of
whom were condemned and executed. The idle
project of thefe infignificant people, furnilhed the
king with a plea for demanding a repeal of the act
for triennial parliaments. In a fpeech to both
houfes, his majefty affirmed, that the government
was expofed to continual dangers, from the machi-
nations of a number of difalfected people; who
claimed the right of aflembling for the purpofe of a
new election, under the pretence that the parliament
%yas diflblved by virtue of the triennial act ; and
hence the houfes were induced to comply with the
king's requifition. They alfo palled a vote pur-
porting, that the indignities offered to the Englifti
by the iubjects of the United Provinces, had greatly
interrupted the commerce of the kingdom, and an
immediate war againft the Dutch was now univer-
fally approved. Whereupon Downing, the Englifli
relidcnt in Holland, prefemed a memorial to the
States, particularizing the depredations the Hol-
landers had committed upon the Englifli ; and in
the mean time Charles difpatched a fleet of two and
twenty fail under the commandof Sir Robert Holmes,
to the coatt of Africa. The admiral compelled the
Dutch, who had oppofed the attempts of the Afri-
can company to ettabliih fettlements on the coaft
of Guinea, to evacuate Cape Corfe, and took pof-
icfiion of Cape Verde, and the ifland of Goree, to-
gether with three veilels trading on that coafiv A
remonftrance being fent from Holland, complain-
ing of the hoitilities committed by the Enghfli,
Charles pretended to be entirely ignorant ot
Holmes's enterprise ; and in order to amufe the
States, he committed the admiral to the Tower, but
in a mort time he was reftored to freedom. Judg-
ing that the Englifli court was not difpoled to yield
to their applications for redrefs, the States fent pri-
vate orders to de Kuyter, to fail to the coaft of
Guinea, and make reprifals upon the Engliih.
De Kuyter recovered all the places that had been
lately ieized by the enemy, except Cape Corfe ;
and, after feizing feVeral Englifli fhips, directed
his courfe towards the Weft Indies, in the hope of
being able to fubdue Barbadoes ; but in this enter-
prize he did not fucceed.
Having received no fupplies from the parliament
for prolecuting the war, the king by his own intereft
and credit, equipped a fleet; and by viiiting the
clock-yards, and giving every pofliDle encourage-
ment to the woi kmeh, the maritime power of Eng-
land was foon in a very formidable Hate. The
city of London granted the king a loan of a hun-
dred thoufand pounds, and the parliament, which
aflembled on the twenty-fourth of November,
granted him a fubiidy of two millions and a half,
to be railed by quarterly payments. After this
Charles publiftied a declaration, enjoining his fub-
jects to make reprifals upon all Ihips belonging to
the States of -Holland.
,,. , The Englifli fleet was com pofed of
5' one hundred and fourteen fail, exclu-
five of fire-fliips and bomb-ketches ; of which the
duke of York was admiral, and prince Rupert, and
the gallant earl of Sandwich had comnaiflions under
him. The Dutch armament, which was nearly of
equal force, was under the command of Opdam,
who received expreis orders to give battle to the
enemy. In the heat of the action, while Opdam,
and the duke of York were engaged, the fliip of
the former blew up} and he, wiili all his crew pe-
liflied. This circumftance decided the fortune of
the day ; for the Dutch, whofe fpirits were deprefled
by the lofs of their commander, broke the line,
and fleered toward their own coaft : their retreat
being favoured by Van Tromp, fon of the admiral
t)f that name, who for fome time fuftained the fight
alone. In this engagement the Englifli loft only
No. 45.
one fliip, but the Dutch had nineteen funk and
taken. During the whole action, the duke of York
behaved with fingUlar bravery and Ikill. In the
heat of the action, the earl of Falmouth, lord
Mulkerry, and Mr. Boyle, Were killed by one ball,
while they were ftahding by the fide of the duke,
who was bcfmeared with the blood and brains of
thofe gallant officers; but, hotwithftanding this,
he ftill kept his ftation, and delivered his orders
With his ulual calmnefs. The duke now became
the object of univerfal admiration and efteem ; and
as it was not expected that Charles would have
ilTue by his queen, towards whom he had for fome
time behaved with the molt perfect indifference, he
was confidered as the prefumptive heir to the
throne. It having been refolved by the king and
council, that the duke fliould not expofe himfelf to
the danger of a fecond engagement, the command
of the navy was given to the earl of Sandwich.
Upon receiving information that a fleet of Dutch
merchantmen were laying at anchor at Berghen, the
king commanded Sandwich to fail thither ; but he
difpatched a part of his fleet for that fervice, under
the command of Sir Thomas Tiddeman, who at-
tacked the enemy with remarkable bravery ; but he
was fo refolutely oppofed, that he was obliged to%
retreat, after futtaining confiderable damage. In/
cenfed againlt the earl for having neglected to con-
duct this unfuccefsful expedition in perfon, the king
revoked his commiflion, and fent him to an em-
bafly to the court of Spain. At this time the
phgue raged for feveral weeks with great violence
in London, where upwards of one hundred thou-
fand perfons fell facrifices to that dreadful malady.
To avoid the contagion, the king retired to Hamp-
ton-court, and proceeded from thence to Salifbury ;
but finding that the infection had reached that city,
he removed to Oxford.
Barnard Van Galen, bifhop of Munfter, fomented
an infurrection againft the Sates of the United
Provinces, in conlideration of a large fubfidy from
the Englifli court. An army of twenty thoufand
men being collected by this turbulent prelate, he
made an incurfion into the province of Overyflel,
and reduced feveral places; but finding the fubiidy
from England was not regularly paid, and that the
Dutch had received confiderable reinforcements
from the king of France, and the duke of Lunen-
burgh, he dpemed it advifeable to effect a com-
promife. The parliament which aflembled at Ox-
ford, allotted twelve hundred thoufand pounds to
the fupport of the war, and one hundred thoufand
to the duke of York, as an acknowledgment for
the eminent fervices he had rendered the ftate. A
proclamation was now iflued by his majefty, com-
manding all nonjuring minifters to remove, with
their families, to the diftance of twenty miles
from their ufual places of refidence. This com-
mand would have proved extremely afflicting to
them, had not the munificence of their friends in-
creafed in proportion to the feverity of the govern-
ment.
In the month of February, war was A n ., .. ,
declared againft France, in confe- ' r
quence of that power having efpoufed the caufe of
the Dutch. Prince Rupert and the duke of Albe-
marle, commanded the Engliih fleet, as did de
Ruyter and Van Tromp that of Holland. Not-
withftanding they were greatly inferior in point of
ftrength, the Englifli bore down to give battle to
the enemy, who upon their approach, cut their ca-
bles and made preparations for engaging. The
battle was maintained with aftonifhing fury on both
fides ; and both de Ruyter and Van Tramp were
under the necefiity of hoifting their flags on board
other fhips, their own having fuftained fuch injury,
that it was momentarily expected they would fink.
One of the Dutch fhips was blown up, and admiral
6 G Evetgzea
486
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Evertzen was killed by a cannon-ball. The van
of the Englifh, which was commanded by Sir
William Berkeley, engaged the thickeft of the
enemy, and after an obftinate refiftance, his fhip was
taken, and the gallant commander flain. Two
of the Englifh {hips were loft, notwithftanding
Albemarle exerted every poflible endeavour to pre-
ferve them -, and, in fh'ort, throughout the whole
aftion, the duke difplayed a degree of courage,
perfeverance and activity, that were truly aftonifh-
ing at his advanced period of life. Night coming
on, the battle was fufpended, but on the following
morning it was renewed with more impetuous fury.
Tromp being in the moft imminent danger, de
Ruyter feafonably came to his relief, and prevented
his being taken by the enemy. During this action,
the Dutch received a reinforcement of fixteen mips ;
in confequence of which Albemarle judged it pru-
dent to retreat towards the coaft of England, and he
was followed by the triumphant enemy. On the
third day, the duke fent the difabled mips a-head,
remaining himfelf in the rear with eight and
twenty fhips, keeping fuch a pofition as enabled
him occafionally to foYm a line a-ftern, for the pur-
pofe of annoying the enemy. At two in the after-
noon, Rupert's fquadron coming within fight of the
duke, that commander, who was at that time within
gun-fhot of the enemy, bore up before the wind to
form a junction with the reinforcement. In the
morning of the fourth day the two fleets united,
and bore down towards the enemy. A terrible
battle enfued, which was maintained with aftonifh-
ing vigour on both fides, till the decifion of victory
was interrupted by a remarkable thick fog. The
Englifh firft retreated into their harbours, and both
parties erected a claim to conqueft. Candour,
however, muft acknowledge, that the Dutch had a
confiderable advantage in this conteft, though the
Englifh were not in any refpect inferior to .them
either in point of bravery or fkill. Ruyter having
refitted his mips, that commander took his ftation
at the mouth of the Thames, in order that he might
effect an eafy junction with the French admiral, who
was preparing to enter the channel. Albemarle and
Rupert obferving the motions of de Ruyter, they
bore towards him, and an obftinate battle enfued.
Sir Thomas Allen, at the head of the white fqua-
dron, attacked the Dutch van, wlijpji he entirely
defeated, after the three admirals who commanded
it had been flain. Van Tromp and Sir Jeremy
Smith, being engaged, the former in the greateft
heat of the action, was fuddenly feparated from de
Ruyter and the main body of the fleet ; but by
what means this happened cannot be afcertained.
However, de Ruyter continued with uncommon
refolution and dexterity to fight the main body of
the Englifli till night interrupted the conteft. Per-
ceiving on the following day that the fleet com-
manded by Van Tromp was difperfed, de Ruyter
judged it prudent to retreat. The Englifh hung
for feveral hours upon the rear of the Dutch fleet,
which, however, reached the ports of Holland ; and
this was entirely owing to the courage and good
conduct of the French admiral.
Having now obtained the abfolute fovereignty of
the ocean, the Englifh braved the Dutch in their
own harbours. The duke of Albemarle difpatched
Holmes, with orders to avail himfelf of every op-
portunity of committing depredations \ipon the
enemy ; and he accordingly burnt in the river Ulye
a hundred merchantmen, with two large men of
war, under'the convoy of which they were to fail.
After this en,terprize, Holmes made a defcent upon
tjie iflancLof Schelling, and fet fire to the town of
Brandai is, which was foon reduced to afhes. On
: iecond of September, a moft dreadful fire broke
• at a-.baker's near London-bridge, about one
MI the*mQrm'ng, and the flames continued to rage
with mercilefs fury for the fpace of three clays and
three nights. This terrible conflagration proceeded
from the bridge along the river to the Temple-
church, and from the north-eaft gate as far as
Holborn-bridge, and it confumed eighty-nine
churches, Guildhall, the city gates, a great num-
ber of other public ftructures, and thirteen thoufand
two hundred dwelling houfes, and covered a track
of ground meafuiing four hundred and thirty-fix
acres. The feafon was remarkably dry when the
fire happened, and an eaft-wind blew with great
violence, fo that the progrefs of the flames could
not be interrupted but by means of blowing up
feveral houfes. Few believed this dreadful fire to
have happened accidentally, and many circum-
flances concurred to fupport a contrary opinion.
Some were of opinion, that the republicans were
the authors of this terrible calamity : but the moft
univerfal idea was, that the city was fired by the
papifts; and they were accufed of the crime, in the
infcription upon the monument, which was erected
near London-bridge, in commemoration of the fire.
James II. caufed the infcription to be expunged,
but after the revolution it was reftored. The city
was rebuilt with all poffible expedition, the new
ftreets were made wider than thofe deftroyed,
whereby the metropolis was rendered more healthy
than before.
Not all the miferies his fubjects had experienced
from this dreadful accident, and the preceding ca-
lamity of the plague, could make any impreffion on
the mind of Charles, or divert him from the profe-
cution of the ruinous war in which he had engaged,
the nation. Accordingly, when the parliament re-
aflembled, the king, in his fpeech to both houfes,
magnified the happy fuccefs of his arms as if he had
always been victorious; and concluded with af-
furing the commons, that the money granted for
carrying on the war had proved deficient, and
folicited a farther fupply. The commons, who
ftill retained their liberal difpofitions, readily voted
him one million eight hundred thoufand pounds.
But at the fame time the lower houfe, miltrufting
that the king was not fo firmly attached to the
proteftant religion as they could wifh, prefented an
addrefs, praying that the laws againlt jefuits and
popifh priefts might be carried into execution.
Charles, in return for the liberal fupplies they
had granted him, publifhed a proclamation for
banifhing all popifh priefts and jefuits out of the
kingdom. But this proclamation, like thofe of
his father and grandfather on the fame fubject, vvas»
fhamefully eluded by the connivance of the king
and his courtiers. This conduct convinced the
•people, that the king had -fame fecret attachmenft
to popery, which he was either afhamed or afraid
to own. Whether thefe fufpicions had leflened
the king's popularity, is uncertain ; but the com-
mons.were very dilatory in paffing the money bill,
which, did not receive the royal aflent till the clofe
of the year ; notwithftanding the king fent feveral
meflages to the commons, requefting them to ex-
pedite that bufiuefs.
The Dutch, even without any aflift- A n ,,
ance, had defended themfelves with
great vigour, and were every day improving in.
their military {kill and preparations. Though their
trade had fuftered extremely, yet their extenfive
credit enabled them to levy prodigious fums: and
while the Englifh feamen loudly complained for
want of pay, the Dutch mariners were regularly
fupplied with every thing. As two powerful kings
now f'upported them, every place, from the ex-
tremity of Norway to the coaft of Bayonne, was
become hoftile to the Englifh. And Charles,
neither fond of action, nor animated by any
violent ambition, gladly fought for means of
reftoring trajiquillity to his people, who were
heartily
H
RLE
II.
487
heartily difgufted with a war, which,* joined with
the plague and fire, had proved at once fo fruitlefs
and deftructive. Charles therefore intimated to
the States, his defire of peace upon reafonable
terms ; and their anfwer was filled with the fame
amicable fentiments. After fome meffages had
pafied between the belligerent powers, the con-
ferences were opened at Breda, and the fevewl
parties concerned fent thither their plenipoten-
tiaries. The Englifh propofed that a Ceflation of
hoftilities fliould immediately take place, and con-
tinue till the feveral points of difpute fliould be
happily determined. But this offer was rejected by
De \Vit. That fagacious and enter prizing minifter
had formed a defign of ftriking a blow, which he
•was perfuaded would have a greater effect in favour
of his countrymen, than all the arguments that
could be urged in the congrefs. De Wit, informed
jhat Charles, depending on the fuccefs of the
conferences, and perfuaded that he had nothing
to fear from the Dutch, had unmanned his fleet,
and laid up all his large fhips, ordered De lluyter
to fail with a fleet of fifty men of war, in order to
furprize the Englifh while lulled in their dangerous
fecurity. DC Ruyter executed his commiflion with
equal conduct and fuccefs. On the eighth of
June he entered the mouth of the Thames, and
filled the capital with terror and confufion. He
then difpatched his vice-admiral Van Ghent with
fome fhips into the river Medway, who, by the
favour of a frefh eafterly wind, broke the chain
which defended the entrance of that harbour, and
burnt three large fhips, called the Matthias, the
Unity, and Charles the Fifth, all of them taken
from the Dutch during the prefent war. He alfo
feized the hull of the Royal Charles, and pro-
ceeding as far as Upnor callle, burnt the Royal
Oak, the Loyal London, and the Great James, all
capital fhips. After this, falling down the Med-
way, he joined De Ruyter, who ftill lay at the
Nore. Nothing lefs was now expected in London,
than that the enemy, in order to improve their
fuccefs, would fail up the river Thames, and
deftroy all the merchant fhips in that port, if not
infult the city itfelf. To prevent thefe misfortunes,
thirteen fliips were immediately funk at Woolwich,
and four at Blackwall. Platforms of cannon were
Taifed on the banks of the river, and every poflible
precaution taken to prevent the threatened affault.
But De Ruyter, not chufing to run too great rifks,
weighed anchor, and failing to the weftward, at-
tempted to deftroy the fhips in the harbours of
Portfmouth and Plymouth ; at both which places
Jie was repulfed with conflderable lofs. The wind
now changing to the weftward, the Dutch admiral
returned, and again entering the Thames, ad-
vanced as high as Tilbury fort, but foon found
the Engiifh were now too well prepared for him
to hope for any fuccefs. He therefore flood im-
mediately to fea ; but kept die coafts of England
in perpetual alarms, till he received intelligence
that the peace was concluded. By this treaty
Acadia was ceded to the French king, who agreed
to reftore St. Chriftopher's, and fome other iflands
he had taken . in the Weft Indies ; while the two
principal contracting parties retained the acquifi-
tions they had made during the hoftilities. The
colony ot New York was the only advantage the
Englifh acquired from a war, in which the national
character of bravery had fhone with the greateft
iuftre, but where the mifconduct of the government
had been equally apparent.
Charles, as if born only for himfelf, being now
freed from the troubles of the war, gave into every
kind of liccntioulnefs, regardlefs of the fufferings
or cries of his people. His courtiers following his
example, feemed to vie with each other in libcrti-
nifm and debauchery. Irreligious wit, and obfcene
raillery, triumphed in broad day ; while decency,
virtue, and morality, were obliged to hide their
heads. One perfon only was left about the court,
whofe noble and virtuous qualities, added to his
great authority, was ftill a check upon the growing
evil, and him they took care to remove. This
was the great earl of Clarendon, lord high chan-
cellor of England, the moft difcerning and upright
magiftrate; the moft capable and faithful minifter
England had for a long time feen. The wide
difference between the principles and practices
of this great man, compared with thofe of the
fovereign and his followers, foon brought him into
difgrace ; but they did not dare to attack him
openly, till they had poifoned the minds of the
people by bafe infmuations againft him; the fale
of Dunkirk; the bad payment of the feamen ;
even the difgrace at Chatham, and the fhameful
conclufion of the war, were, by their emifiaries,
imputed to the chancellor. Buckingham, a man
of profligate morals, happy in his talent of ridi-
cule, but expofed in his own conduct to all the
ridicule he threw on others, itill made the chan-
cellor the object of his raillery, and gradually
leflened in the king that regard which he bore to
his minifter. When any difficulties arofe, either
for want of power or money, the blame was always
caft on him, whom it was believed had, at the
reftoration, checked all lavifh conceflions to the
king. But what perhaps touched Charles ftill
more was, his finding that Clarendon was an
obftacle to his pleafure, as well as his ambition.
Difgufted with the perfon of the queen, and
defirous of having children, Charles had liftened
to propofals for obtaining a divorce, on pretence
either of her being pre-engaged to another, or of
her having made a vow of chaftity before her
marriage. At the fame time he was ftimulated
by his paflion for Mrs. Stuart, daughter to a
Scotch gentleman, a lady of great beauty, and
whofe virtue he had hitherto found impregnable :
but Clarendon, fearful of the confequences at-
tending a difputed title, and perhaps anxious for
the fucceflion of his grand children, engaged the
duke of Richmond to marry Mrs. Stuart, and by
that means put a final period to the king's hopes.
Charles was fo highly offended at this action, that
it is faid he never forgave the chancellor. Every
thing being now ready for attacking the minifter,
and the parliament meeting on, the tenth of Octo-
ber, the commons fent up an impeachment againft
him to the houfe of lords, in which aim oft the
only article that could admit of proof, was that
of advifing the fale of Dunkirk ; and even that
meafure, though the moft exceptionable of all his
counfels, was rather owing to a miftake in judg-
ment, than to any malignity of intention. It is,
therefore, no wonder, that the peers, when the
charge was prefented them, refufed to commit
him to cuftody. This highly exafperated the
commons, and feveral conferences were held be-
tween the two houfes : but the lords perfevered,
and the commons voted their conduct an obftruction
to public juftice, and a precedent of evil and
dangerous confequences. Clarendon, perceiving
that the popular torrent, united to the violence
of power, ran \\ith great impetuofity againft him,
thought proper to retire into Normandy. The
French, more judicious and more humane than
his own countrymen, knew the worth of the
perfon, and received him with open arms, and every
mark of refpect. He furvived his exile fomething
more than fix years, and employed his leilure hours
in reducing into order the hiftory of the civil wars,
for which he had before collected materials ; a
performance that has done the greateft honour
to his memory. He died at Rouen in Nor-
mandy, leaving behind him the character of a
noblemaa
488
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND,
nobleman of unblemifhed virtue, an incorruptible
judge, and an able minifter, equally valuable for
his attachment and integrity.
When Clarendon withdrew, the feals were given
to Orlando Bridgeman, created lord-keeper; and
a bill paffed both houfes for banifhing the late
chancellor. Southampton, k>rd-treafurer, the only
faithful counfellor now remaining, foon after paid
the debt of nature. By the removal of Clarendon,
and the death of Southampton, every obftacb to
the torrent of lewdnefs which foon after deluged
the court, was removed. Sir Richard Clifford was
made one of the commiffioners of the treafury j
and Sir Henry Bennet, created lord Arlington,
made fecretary of ftate : the former was a pro-
feffed, and the latter a concealed papift. Buck-
ingham, famous at once for his humour and
abandoned courfe of life; and Wilmot, earl of
Rochefter, a fhining wit, and the moft lewd and
licentious poet of his age, were the king's prin-
cipal favourites, and the minifters of his pleafures.
With thefe, and his miftreffes, Charles fpent the
greateft part of his time ; nor were there any
perfons but papifts, or men of no religion, that
had any credit at court. At the fame time the
Englifh monarch was thus- purfuing pkafures that
difgraced his exalted ftation, Lewis the Fourteenth
was affiduoufly purfuing the extenfive defign he
had formed. Philip the Fourth of Spain was
lately dead : and Lewis, when he married the
Infanta of Spain, daughter to the deceafed monarch,
renounced all title to the fucceflion of any part of
the Spanifh monarchy. But Philip was no fooner
dead than he retracted his renunciation, and made
the neceffary preparations for recovering, by force
of arms, what he called his natural rights to the
Spanifh Netherlands, and the Franche Compte.
Alarmed at the rapid progrefs of the French, the
States-general endeavoured to form an alliance with
England and Sweden, in order to check the am-
bitious defigns of Lewis. The plan of this con-
federacy, afterwards fo famous under the name
of the triple alliance, was purfued with the utmoft
diligence and fecrecy. Charles, in liltening to
thefe overtures, and afterwards agreeing to the
propofed union, performed a very meritorious
action, as it was productive of the happinefc of
Europe in general, and of his own kingdom in
particular. By this treaty Franche Comte, Aire,
Cambray, and St. Omers, were to be ceded to
Lewis.
A T» /C/CQ By this meafure, not only bounds
' were fet to his ambition, but a bar-
rier was alfo raifed which feemed for ever im-
pregnable. And though his own offer was made
the foundation of the treaty, he had prefcribed
fo fhort a time for the acceptance of that offer,
that he ftill expected, from the delays and re-
luctance of Spain, to find fome opportunity of
eluding it. The court of Madrid {hewed equal
difpleafure. To be obliged to give up any part
of the Spanifh provinces ; to fatisfy claims fo
apparently unjuft ; and even thefe claims urged
with fuch violence and haughtinefs, infpired the
higheft difguft. Often did the Spanifh minifters
threaten to abandon the Low Countries, rather
than fubmit to fo cruel a mortification ; and en-
deavoured by thefe menaces, to terrify the me-
diating powers into more vigorous meafures for
their iupport. But the Englifh minifter Sir Wil-
liam Temple, and De Wit, were better acquainted
with the real views and interefts of Spain. They
knew that flie muft ftill retain the Low Countries,
as a bond of connection with the other powers
of Europe, by whom alone, if her young monarch
fhould die without iffue, her independence againft
the pretenfion of France could be fupported. They
therefore ftill urged the terms of the triple league,
J
and even threatened Spain with a war in cafe oi
refufal. The plenipotentiaries of all the powers
met at Aix-la-Chapelle. Temple was minifter
for England 5 Van Beringhen for Holland ; and
d'Hona for Sweden. At laft Spain, prefled on all
hands, accepted of the alternative offered. But
even in her compliance, fhe exhibited ftrong fymp-
toms of ill humour and difcontent. It was appa-
rent that the Hollander^ by entirely neglecting
the honours of the Spanifh monarchy, had been
anxious only for their own feeurity ; and, pro-
vided they could remove the army of Lewis from
their own frontiers, were very indifferent with
regard to the progrefs he might make in other
places. Convinced of this, the queen- regent of
Spain refolved ftill to keep them in anxiety, which
might, in time^ prove the foundation of an union,
than they were, at prefent, willing to enter into.
Franche Comte', by a vigorous and well-concerted
plan of the French king, had been conquered in
fifteen days, during a rigorous feafon, and in the
depth of winter. The queen, therefore, deter-
mined to recover this province, and to abandon
all the towns conquered in Flanders during the
laft campaign. By this means, Lewis was enabled
to extend his garrifons into the heart of the Low
Countries; fo that only a very feeble barrier
remained to the Spanifh provinces. But notwith-
ftanding the advantages of his fituation, the Frencli
monarch could entertain very little hopes of ever
extending his conqueft in that quarter, which lay
the moft expofed to his ambition, and where his
acquifitions were of moft importance. The triple
league guaranteed the remaining provinces to Spain ;
and the emperor, together with other powers of
Germany, whofe interefts feemed to be ftrongly
concerned, •were invited to enter into the fame
confederacy. As Spain about this time, under
the mediation of Charles, made peace, on equal
terms, with Portugal, it might be expected fhe
would exert more vigour in oppofition to her
haughty and triumphant rival. The prodigious
fatisfaction expreffed in England, on account of
the meafures now embraced by the court, pro-
mifed a hearty concurrence in parliament of
every fcheme which could be propofed in op-
pofition to the grandeur of France ; and thus
all Europe feemed to repofe with feeurity, under
the protection of that powerful confederacy,
which had been fo happily formed for her
profperity.
Charles was defirous of gaining . ~ , ,
the prefbyterians, who were now ex- '
tremely numerous, over to his interefts ; and at
the fame time to attach the papifts more ftrongly
to him, by procuring a remiflion of the fevere
reftrictions they laboured under. To effect this,
he propofed to incorporate the prefbyterians with
the church of England, and obtain a general
toleration for all the other fects of nonconformifts.
The lord-keeper was accordingly directed to pro-
cure a conference between fome of the moft emi-
nent of the epifcopalian and prefbyterian minifters •,
and to make them propofals for a comprehenfion
of fuch diffenters, as could be brought into com-
munion with the church of England; and for
procuring a toleration for the independents and
other religious fects. The epifcopal divines fhewed
great compliance on this occafion, and even made
large conceffions ; and nothing remained to put
the finifliing ftroke to an accommodation, but the
point of re-ordination of the prefbyterian minifters,
which was at laft adjufted by the confent of both,
parties. Affairs being in this fituation, the lord
chief juftice Hales undertook to draw up a bill
of comprehenfion, which the lord-keeper engaged
to fupport in parliament with all his intereft. But
the archbifhop of Canterbury refolved to oppofe
thefe
H
R
E
IL
489
thefe meafurcs ; and for this purpofe he wrote a
circular letter to all the fuffragan bifhops, enjoin-
ing them to make exa<£l enquiry into the conven-
ticles held in their diocefes. Being thus pro-
vided with the neceffary informations, he went to
the king, and obtained from him a proclamation
to put the laws againft conventicles into execu-
tion, and particularly the act for retraining the
nonconformifts from inhabiting in corporations.
But the king rendered this proclamation of no
effect ; for about two months after, he gave orders
that the nonconformift minifters fhould be told
from him, that he was defirous to make them eafy ;
and if they thought proper to petition him, they
would-be favourably received. A petition was ac-
cordingly drawn up, and prefented to his majefty,
who received it very gracioufly ; and in his an-
fwer allured them, " That he would do his ut-
moft to get them comprehended with the public
eftablifhment." This feflion a violent difpute hap-
pened between the two houfes. Skinner, a rich
merchant in London, having met with fome inju-
ries from the Eaft India company, laid the affair
before the houfe of lords, by whom he was re-
lieved in cofts and damages to the amount of five
thoufand pounds. The commons voted, that the
lords, in taking cognizance of this bufinefs, ori-
ginally, without any appeal from inferior courts,
had acted in a manner contrary to the laws of the
land, and tending to deprive the fubject of the ad-
vantages of thofe laws ; and that Skinner, in pro-
fecuting the fuit, had infringed the privileges of
the commons ; for which offence they ordered
him to be taken into the cuftody of the ferjeant
at arms. The lords, in the conferences which
enfued between the houfes, were tenacious of their
right of judicature; and affirmed, that the method
in which they had exercifed it, was quite regular.
This exafperated the commons, who immediately
voted, that, " Whoever mould be aiding or
'affifting in putting in execution the order or
fcntence of the houfe of lords, in the cafe
of Skinner againft the Eaft India company,
fhall be deemed a betrayer of the rights and
liberties.. of the commons of England, and an
infringer of the privileges of the houfe of com-
mons.
The parliament, which had been prorogued to
the nineteenth of October, met on that day, and
voted an addrefs of thanks to the king for his
proclamation againft conventicles. They then ap-
pointed a committee to make exact enquiries con-
cerning the conduct of the nonconformifts; and
having received intelligence that feveral conven-
ticles were held in the neighbourhood of the par-
liament, they publifhed a declaration, importing,
" That they would adhere to his majefty for the
fupport of the government in church and ftate,
againft all forts of adverfaries." The quarrel be-
tween the two houfes was now revived; and
as the commons had voted only four hundred thou-
fand pounds, with which Charles was far from
being fatisficd, he thought proper, before they
had carried their vote into a law, to prorogue
them to the fourteenth of February. About this
time died in France, queen Henrietta Maria, the
king's mother; and in England, the famous
George Monk, duke of Albcmarle, the reftorer of
the royal family.
» r» t On the fourteenth of February
A. L). Io7O. , i j- ,.
' the two houies met according to
adjournment, refumed the bufinefs of fupply, and
granted the king an additional duty, during eight
years, of twelve pounds on each ton of Spanifh
wine, and eight on each ton of French. They
alfo palled an act, authorizing his majefty to.
difpofe of his quit-rents and fee-farms, by which
expedient his prefcnt neceffitics were fuppliedj but
NO. 46.
himfelf and fucceflbrs left in a more dependent fitua-
tidn than before.
We now come to a period when the king's
councils, which in many refpects had hitherto been
laudable, in moft excufable, became extremely
wicked and pernicious, and were attended with
fuch confequences, as had well nigh proved fatal
both to prince and people. It was commonly
obferved, that a total alteration was made in the
committee of the council appointed for foreign
affairs, and that prince Rupert, the duke of
Ormond, lord-keeper Bridgeman, and fecretary
Trevor, men of inviolable honour, were feldom
at the council board ; the king being wholly
guided by the advice of Clifford, Afhley, Buck-
ingham, Arlington, and Lauderdale, a junto
diftinguifhed by the appellation of " The Cabal;"
a word formed by the initial letters of their names.
Their pernicious councils, though from the firft
they were ftrongly fufpected, appeared not in their
full light till fome time after. Such were the
notions which they infufed into the king and
duke, and which thefe princes were but too apt t6
imbibe. They faid, that even this parliament,
fo remarkably attached to the crown, had already
difcovered fymptoms of difcontent ; that they had
been penurious in their temporary fupplies, and
kept the king's revenue in a very precarious
fituation ; that his kinfman, the king of France,
if properly applied to, would enter into fuch
engagements with him, as would raife him above
all fear of a revolt ; that a war with Holland, in
conjunction with Lewis, would procure him every
advantage that he could wifh to enjoy, and furnifli
him with a pretence for equipping a navy, and
raifing forces, with which he might retrieve the
loft power of the crown, and even extend his
prerogative to abfolute monarchy. About this
time arrived in England the duchefs of Orleans,
on a vifit to the king her brother. She landed at
Dover in May; here being met by the king, fhe
was magnificently entertained for the fpace of a
fortnight. The duchefs of Orleans was a lady of
admirable addrefs, and had great influence over
the mind of her brother. The French ambaffador
at London had already founded the king's incli-
nations, as well as thofe of the cabal, and found
them favourably difpofed towards forming an
alliance with the king his mafter. The French
king, knowing the diff ofition of Charles, refolved
to bind him to his intereft, by procuring him
new plcafures. For this purpofe he had fent over
with the duchefs of Orleans, Mademoifelle de
Querouailles, whom the king had no fooner feen,
than he was captivated with her charms. She ac-
companied him to London, where fhe was created
duchefs of Portfmouth, and maintained her in-
fluence over him during the whole courfe of his
life. The joy which Charles derived from his new
alliance, was greatly damped by the death of his
fifter, and ftill more by thofe unhappy circum-
ftances with which it was attended. After her
return to Paris, fhe was carried off by a fudderi
illnefs, being feized with the diftemper upon
drinking a glafs of fuccory water. It was fup-
pofed that fhe fell a facrifice to the jealoufy of her
hufband, who was much chagrined at the gaiety of
her difpofition, and the intimacy that fubfiftcd
between her and Lewis XIV. Charles himfelf was
fully perfuaded of his guilt ; but as the misfortune
was irreparable, he thought proper to admit the
exculpations of the French king, who affirmed,
that the phyficians, on opening her body, could
difcover no ground for the general rumour. So
far was Charles from breaking with France upon
this incident, that he took occafion from it to>
difpatch the duke of Buckingham to Paris, under
pretext of condoling with the duke of Orleans,
6 H but
49°
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
A. D. 1671:
but in reality to finifh the fecrct alliance. On
the twenty-fourth of" Odober the parliament meet-
ing, the king addreiTed them in a Ihort fpecch,
and left the bufirtefs to be explained by the lord-
keeper. That minifter reprcfented the prefent
exigencies of the ftate, and the abfolute neceffity
of an immediate fupply ; the augmentation of the
naval power of France ; the remarkable decay of
the Englifh navy; and the feveral engagements
into which the king had entered with the different
ftates of Chriftendom. The commons, dazzled
by the great alliance Charles had made for the
honour and advantage of the nation, began to pre-
pare bills for railing two millions five hundred
thoufand pounds to fatisfy the king's demands;
but before they could be paffed, his majefty ad-
journed the parliament. Sir William Temple, who
refided at the Hague as ambaffador, was recalled to
England, the king and cabal knowing he had too
much integrity and love for his country, to be a
tool to the miniflry. In the winter, the prince of
Orange arrived in England, and was received by
the king his uncle with the greatefl demonftration
of love and affection.
1'he parliament pafled a bill called
the Coventry Act, by which the
practice of maiming \vas confidered as a capital
crime. This law was occafioned by an outrage
committed upon a member of the lower houfe.
A propofal having been made for laying a tax
upon the play-houfes, it was oppofed by the
courtiers, one of which obferved, that the players
were the king's fervants, and contributed to his
diverfion. Sir John Coventry then afked, whether
his majefty's plcafure lay among the male or female
players ? This farcafm was evidently levelled at
Charles, who then maintained as concubines two
actrefles, Davis, and Nell Gwin. The duke of
Monmouth, incenfed at the familiarity with which
Coventry had ufed his majefty, refolved to make
him a public example. For this purpofe he en-
gaged Sands, Obrien, and feve^d officers of the
guards to fet upon him, as he mould return to
his lodgings in the evening. He made a brave
and cbRinate refiftance ; and after wounding feveral
of the aflailants, was with great difficulty over-
powered. They flit his nofe with a knife, in
order, as they faid, to teach him for the future, to
treat his majefty with greater refpect. The com-
mons, exafperated at the affault, immediately
enacted the law above-mentioned, and added a
claufe, importing, that . thofe who had attacked
Sir John Coventry, .fhould not be intitled to a
pardon from the crown. In the month of March
the duke of York loft his duchefs, Anne Hyde,
daughter of the earl of Clarendon, by whom he
had Mary, afterwards princefs of Orange, and
Anne, who lived to fway the fcepter of England.
The duchefs, on her death-bed, openly profeffed
the. Romifh religion, and ended her life in that
communion. Some have thought that me had
been perfuadcd, contrary to her confcience, to fign
a paper containing the grounds of her convcrfion.
The death and converfion of his duchefs, put an
end to the difguife which the duke of York had
hitherto worn, and he now openly avowed his at-
tachment to the church of Rome, which circum-
Itance tended ftill farther to alarm and difguft the
whole nation. The attention of the cabal was at
this juncture employed in concerting meafures for
a. war with Holland ; and finding fome pretence
for commencing hoftilities, they at laft refolved,
that the captain of the vclTel employed in con-
veying lady Temple from Holland, fhould demand
an obedience to be paid to the Englifh flag from
the whole Dutch fleet, and on their refufal, to fire
upon them. This officer, after he had received
Jady Temple and her children on board his veflcl,
3
failed through a fquadron commanded by Van
Ghent, and as they did not ftrike their top-fails,
difcharged a broad-fide at them without hefitation.
The Dutch admiral, aftonifhed at fuch conduct,
fent an oflker to remonftrate with him concerning
it* The captain replied, he had acted according
to his orders. Van Ghent told him, that though
the States-general had by treaty engaged to pay
the compliment to the Britifh flag, he could not
expert that a large fleet, commanded by an ad-
miral, would ftrike their top-fails to a fingle veffel,
which was not even a fliip of war, but a private
boat for pleafure or difpatch; The captain de-
parted without further difpute, and no fooner
arrived in England than he was imprifoncd, for
not having fufficiently afferted the honour of his
fovereign. At this time lived an infamous defpc-
rado, named .Blood, whofe daring entcrpnzes
have tranfmitted his name to pofterity. This man
was a difbanded officer of the protector's, and had
been concerned in a plot for exciting a rebellion in
Ireland ; for which he himfelf was attainted, and
fome of his confederates capitally punifhcd. While
the duke of Ormond was viceroy of that kingdom,
he had undertaken to furprize the caftle of Dub-
lin; but failing in this enterprize, determined to
attempt the life of the duke. For this purpofe he
followed him into England ; and one night, accom*.
panicd by eight of his confederates, he affaulted
his coach in St. Jamcs's-ftrect, and made himfelf
mafier of his perfon. He then fet him on horfe-
back behind one of the gang, in order to convey
him to Tyburn, and put him to an ignominious
death. He himfelf rode on, and actually fixed a
rope to the gallows. The other accomplices had
got as far as Berkley, now Devonfhire houfe ;
when the duke endeavouring to difengage himfelf
fell from the horfe, together with the ruffian to
whom he had been fattened, and while they lay
ftruggling on the ground together, Ormond's
fervants came to his affiftance. Blood by this
time had returned; but finding it impoffible to
accomplifh his dcfign, ordered his confederates
to fire at the duke, which done, they efcaped
through favour of the night. This refohite villain
laid a fcheme for carrying off the regalia from the
Tower, and had well-nigh fuccecded in the at-
tempt. He had bound and wounded Edwards,
the keeper of the jewel office, and got out of the
Tower with his prey, but was apprehended in
the ftreets with fome of his accomplices. One of
them was known to have been concerned in the
attempt upon the duke of Ormond, and Blood
was fuppofed to be the ring-leader. When quef-
tioned on the fubject, he boldly acknowledged
the fact, but refufed to difcover his confederates,
declaring, that " The fear of death fliould never
induce him either to deny a crime, or to betray a
friend." The king, prompted by curiofity to fee
and converfe with this extraordinary perfon, Blood
was introduced to his majefty, and confeffed his
having once entertained a defign on his life, on ac-
count of his feverity towards the godly ; but his
fpirit was fo damped by the fight of his majefty,
that he relented, and his refolution failed. He
obferved, that he was fenfible of the danger, to
which, by his confeffion, he had expofed himfelf;
but at the fame time warned the king of the7con-
fequences that might attend his execution, affuring
his majefty that his afibciatcs had bound themfelycs
by the ftricteft oaths, to revenge the death of anV
of the confederacy. Charles, ftruck with admi-
ration, or awed by fear, not only pardoned the
malefactor, but gratified him with an eftate of five
hundred pounds a year in Ireland, and diftinguifhed
him by many marks of perfonal regard. At this
period the famous carl of Manchefter, and lord
Fairfax, who though they had been generals
againft
=
CHAR
E
II.
. ~
againft the late king, were afterwards instrumental
in his fon's reiteration.
f The French king, the elector of
b72' Cologne, and the biihop of Munfler,
agreed to inveft the territories of the States General,
while the combined fleets of England and France
fhould fall upon their {hipping and interrupt their
commerce. Charles having by his profufion
lavifhcd away two millions five hundred thoufand
pounds, granted by parliament ; befides feven
hundred thoufand livrcs received by Stipulation
from the king of France ; Still found himfclf in great
neceffity. He therefore gave the miniftry to un-
derftand, that it would be impoffible to begin the
war without a farther fupplyoffTve hundred thou-
fand pounds; but as he could not think of obtain-
ing it from parliament, propofed to confer the
office of treafurer on him who Should devife the
jueans of furnifhing the prefent demand. Shaftf-
bury dropped a hint to Clifford, which the latter im
mediately communicated to the king, who beftowed
on him the "'promifed reward, together with a
peerage. This device was the (hutting up the ex-
chequer, and retaining all the fums which mould
be paid into it. Such a defperate meafurc fpread
a confternation through the city, and was attended
with the ruin of many. The bankers flopped pay-
ment : the merchants could anfwer no bills; diffi
dence and jealoufy every where prevailed, together
with an interruption of commerce, by which the
trading part of the nation were reduced to extreme
indigence, and men were univerfally exafperated at
thofc rnyfterious councils, from which the parlia-
ment and all men of honour were excluded, and
which began with the destruction of public credit,
and open violation of the moft facred engagements
both foreign and domeftic. The next meafure of
the court was Strongly cxprcffive of thofe arbitrary
defigns, which the king and his miniftry had
adopted. A proclamation was published, fufpcnd-
ing the penal laws, which had been made againft
nonconformirts, and granting to proteftant diffen-
ters the public exercife of their religion; and to
catholicKs, the exercife of it in their own houfes.
About the fame time the act of navigation was
fufpended, and a proclamation iSTued for impreSfing
failors, punifliing all thofe who fhbuld dare to ar-
raign his majefty's meafures ; martial law was alfo
eftabliflied for the regulation of the army. Lord-
keeper Bridgnian was deprived of the feals, for re-
fufmg to imprefs the declaration for fufpending the
penal laws, and the chancellorship was veiled in the
hands of the earl of Shaftibury. Thus another
jnember of the cabal received the reward of his
iniquity. The direction of foreign affairs was per-
fedtly confident with thefe domeftic tranfactions.
A perfidious attempt was made upon the Dutch
Smyrna fleet before the declaration of war. Sir
Robert Holmes who was fent on this expedition,
fell in with a fquadron from the Mediterranean,
under the command of admiral Sprague, and if
re-inforced by this officer, he would doubtlefs have
fucceeded in his defign ; but being defirous ofen-
grofiing the honour and profit of the enterprize to
nimfelr, he concealed- his orders and permitted
Sprague to continue his voyage. When Holmes
approached, he aSfumed a friendly appearance, and
invited the Dutch admiral, Van Ncfs, who con-
dueled the convoy to come on board ; one of his
chaplains fent a like inlidious mefTagc to the rear
admiral. But thefc officers had been previously in-
formed of the defign of the Engliih, and had already
prepared for defence. Three times were they vi-
goroufly attacked by the Engliih, and as often did
they bravely repel the afiailants. In the third, one
of the Dutch ilups was taken, together with three or
four of their fmalleft merchantmen, but the reft
under favour of a thick focj, continued their c.ourle,
and fafely arrived in Holland. The States exclaimed
againft this piratical attempt with great virulence j
the people of England condemned it as an infamous
enterprize, and the king himfelf was aShamed of
having given his affent to the undertaking.
The States General feemed now to be devoted
to utter deftmction. Lewis, king of France, was
at the head of an army, confiftiug of one 'hundred
and eighty thoufand men, commanded by the ableSt
officers in Europe; his fubjects were enriched by
commerce, and his finances managed with the
grcateft ceconomy, while the Dutch were distracted
between two powerful factions. In this-, Situation
of affairs, the States confentcd to. honour the Eng-
HSh flag in whatfoever manner Charles Should think
.proper, and appointed his nephew the prince of
Orange captain general and admiral, though he
had not yet reached the twenty-third year of his
age. De Wit, a confummate StateSman, who pre-
lided in the council of the United Provinces, had
made the neceffary preparations for the threatened
invaiion, and now refolved to make a powerful
effort by fea, while the prince of Orange was employ-
ed in levying troops, and re-eftabliihing the dif-
cipline of the army. De Ruyter was fent to fea
with a fleet of ninety fail, befides forty-five Ships ;
Cornelius de Wit, acting on board, as deputy from
the States. De Ruyter 's intention was to have pre-
vented the junction of the French and English
fleets, but they were already joined and lay at an-
chor at Solebay, to t,he number of one hundred and
thirty Ships of the line. The duke of York com-
manded in chief, and the earl of Sandwich acted as
admiral of the blue; marefchal d'Etrees com-
manded the French fquadron. The English fleet
rode at anchor in Such diforder, that the earl of
Sandwich, a brave and experienced officer, ap-
prized the duke of the danger; but the anfwer
given him feemed to imply a fufpicion , of his
courage. On the approach of the enemy, every
one flew to his poft with the utmofi. precipitation,
and many Ships were obliged to cut their cables in
order to prepare for the action. Sandwich com-"
manded in the van, and though refolved to conquer
or to die, he yet behaved with fo much prudence,
that to him the fafety of the whole fleet was vifi-
bly owing. He hurried out of the bay, and by
this wife meafure, afforded time to the duke of
York, who conducted the main body, and to
marefchal d'Etrees, admiral of ?he rear, to get out
to open fea. The earl fuftained a moft furious
attack from the enemy: he repulfed the Ship of
Van Ghent, after that admiral had been killed in
the engagement ; he funk another Ship which at-
tempted to board him, together with three fire Ships
which came full againft him; and though his Ship
was Shattered, and fix hundred of his men Slain, he
continued to ply his artillery without intermiSfion,
until another fire Ship grappled him on the quarter.
He might have efcaped the danger; but he dif-
dained to furvive the difgrace, which the duke's
injurious expreffion he imagined had caft upon
him ; fo that himfelf, and all his crew that remained
were buried in the general ruin ; and thus was de-
Slroyed one of the moft gallant officers that ever
England produced, by the infolent reflection of a
young admiral, who prefuming on his elevated Sta-
tion, had treated him with indignity. Meanwhile
de Ruyter was engaged in clofe combat with the
duke of York ; and the fight was maintained for
two hours with great obftinacy on both fides. The
duke was obliged to Shift his flag to another Ship,
and his own clivifion was in danger of being over*,
powered, when Sir Jofeph Jordan, who fucceeded
Sandwich, came to his aSfiSlance. The battle con-
tinued till night, when the Dutch- Sheered off, but
were not (urfucd by the enemy. was generally
fuppofed that marefchal d'Ecrees had received private
orders
49*
THE NEW ANB COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
orders to keep aloof, that the two maritime powers
might deftroy each other, as he entered not into any
part of the action.
Lewis had invaded the territories of the States
General, on the fide of Germany, taking and deftroy -
ing every thing before him, almoft without oppo-
lition. In thefe circumftances, the magiftrates of
Amfterdam obliged the burgeffes to keep watch
and ward ; the other towns followed their example,
and having opened all the fluices, the whole pro-
vince of Holland was laid under water. The
French monarch perceiving a flop put to his con-
quefts by the inundation of Holland, left the com-
mand of the army to the duke of Luxemburgh at
Utrecht, and marched into Flanders, from whence
he went to Paris, which he entered amidft the ac-
clamations of the populace. The paffage of the
Rhine, which he effected with much eafe and expe-
dition, was celebrated by the bards of France, as an
exploit equal to that of Alexander in patting the
Granicus, and the furname of " Great" beftowed
on him by his flattering fubjects. Thefe alarming
fucceffes induced the emperor and feveral other
German princes to afllft the Dutch, who were in
imminent danger of being utterly deftroyed. Of
all their allies, there was none on whom they fo
much depended, as the Englifh parliament ; which
the king's necefilties at laft obliged him to affemble.
A. D. 1671 On the fourtn °f February Charles
IS' ventured to fummon a parliament;
and to this parliament, Britain, perhaps, owes the
liberty it now enjoys. Charles opened the feflion,
by obferving, in high terms, that he would not be
contradicted in his refolutions to maintain his grant
of indulgence ; and that inftead of diminishing, he
intended increafing his army : a declaration which dif-
covered, that he thought he had a right to make the
laws depend upon his will, and to obtain his will by
an army, to whofe efbiblifliment parliament had not
confented. But the houfe of commons, with a true
Englifli fpirit rcmonftrated, in an addrefs, that the
difpenfing power he had afferted in his declaration,
did not belong to the crown. Charles gave an am-
biguous anfwer, and in a fecond addrefs, they in-
fifted on one more explicit. In another, they pref-
fed him to difmifs the popifh officers in his army ;
and in a fourth, to difband the army itfelf, as
foon as the peace mould be concluded. They
paffed the teft act againft popery, which ftruck the
ftaff of lord high treafuerer from the hand of lord
Clifford, and that of lord high admiral from the hand
of the king's brother. Charles, now declining a
conteft with his parliament, relinquifhed his pre-
tenfions to a difpenfing power, breaking with his
own hands the feal affixed to the declaration of
indulgence; and declared his inclination to give
fatisfaction to his people, and leave his new mi-
nifters to their vengeance. To efcape that ven-
geance, the cabal made the fame fudden turn with
their matter. Shaftefbury, the chancellor, faying
aloud, " that the prince who forfook himfelf. de-
ferved to be forfaken." Then putting himfelf at
the head of the oppofition, he urged the revoking
thofe constitutional meafures, which he himfelf had
advifed; and Buckingham prepared to follow his
example. Arlington, who had been difobliged, by
Clifford's being appointed treafurer, and who was
married to a Dutch woman, privately paid his court
to the prince of Orange, and joined the popular
party in parliament. The furious Clifford, filled with
indignation, retired into the country ; and Lauder-
dale alone adhering to Charles, preffed him, in
vain, to march the Scotch army into England : but
not being able to prevail, joined in the national
complaints againft the duke. The commons, how-
ever, to recompence the king for -his concefllons,
granted him a fupply, and paffed an act of general
pardon and indemnity, which fcreened the above
miniflers from all farther enquiry. Charles ftill re-
folved to perfevere in his alliance with France, and
in the Dutch war, and the money granted him by
parliament enabled him to equip a fleet, the com-
mand of which he gave to prince Rupert, under
whom commanded the earl of Offory, and Sir Ed-
ward Sprague, who being joined by a French fleet,
commanded by d'Etrecs, they fet fail towards the
coaft of Holland, and came to an engagement with
the Dutch; in which the lofs fell chiefly on the
French, whom the Englifli, diffident of their in-
tentions, took care to expofe to all the fire of the
enemy : but the event was not decifive, and both
fides claimed the victory. In a week the Dutch
were refitted, and again prefented themfelves to the
combined fleets; upon which a new action enfued
not more decifive than the former. It was fufficicnt
glory to de Ruyter, that with a fleet much inferior,
he could fight them without any great lofs, and
prevent their making a defcent on Zealand, which,
had it taken place, would at this time have endan-
gered the exiftence of the Dutch commonwealth.
A few weeks after prince Rupert was again refitted;
and putting to fea, the hoftile fleets met at the
mouth of the Texel, and fought the laft battle;
fince which, during the courfe of a century, thefe
neighbouring powers, (though now unhappily at
variance) have not fo far forgot their mutual in-
terefts, as to contend with each other. In this
action, as in the former, de Ruyter, and under him
Tromp, commanded the Dutch. De Ruyter was
oppofed to prince Rupert, Tromp to Sprague, and
Brankert to d'Etrees. This laft admiral, with all
the French fleet, except rear admiral Marte!, kept
at a diftance; and Brankert, inftead of attacking
them, bore down to the afllftance of de Ruytcr,
who was engaged in a furious combat with Rupert.
This prince diftinguifhed himfelf by his bravery ;
and having difengaged himfelf from the numerous
enemies with which his fquadron was furrounded,
and joining Sir John Chicheley, his rear admiral,
who had been feparated from him, haftcd to the
relief of Sprague, who was hard preffed by Tromp.
The Royal Prince, in which Sprague firft engaged,
being difabled, he hoifted his flag on board the St.
George; while Tromp was obliged to quit the
Golden Lion, and go on board the Comet. The
fight was then renewed with the utmoft fury, by
thefe brave rivals, and by the rear admirals their
feconds. Offory, Sprague's rear admiral, was pre-
paring to board Tromp, when he faw the St. George
terribly ftiattercd and difabled. Sprague left her,
in order to hoift his flag on board a third {hip, and
return to the charge : when a fhot, which had paffed
through the St. George, funk the boat in which he
was, and that brave admiral was drowned, to the
great regret even of Tromp himfelf, who generoufly
beftowed on him the praifes due to his great merit.
Prince Rupert found moft of the fliips in Sprague's
fquadron difabled ; yet renewing the engagement,
it became very clofe and bloody. He threw the
enemy into diforder ; and to increafe it, he fent
among them two fire ftiips ; making a fignal at the
fame time to the French to bear down ; but feeing
they neglected his fignal, and that mofl of his fliips
were in no condition to keep at fea, he provided
for their fafety, by making eafy fail towards the
coaft of England. In this battle,, the victory was
ae doubtful as in all the other engagements. In
the mean time, the prince of Orange, who was
joined by the forces of the emperor, under Monte-
culi, had greater fuccefs by land ; took feveral
places; and having cut off the communication be-
tween France and the United Provinces, obliged
Lewis to recall his forces, and to abandon his con-
quefts. The taking of Maeftricht was the only
advantage he obtained during this campaign. The
Englifh parliament, near the end of October, mcc
at
c
H A R
493
at Weftminfter, where the debates were carried on
\\ith great violence during nine days, when they
were ao-ain prorogued : but before the ulhcf of the
black rod could enter the houfe, the door was fhut,
and the following refolutions were paired : that the
alliance with France is a grievance : that the evil
counfcllors about the king are a grievance : that the
duke of Lauderdale is a grievance, and not fit to be
employed.
But the king's neccflities 'obliged
A. D. 1674. nim fo nflfcmble them again on the
fevcnth of February; when they proceeded with
ftill o-reater fpirit. They began with addreffing
the king for a general fait, by which they fuffi-
ciently intimated that the nation was in a very de-
plorable condition : and the commons palled a rcfo-
lution to grant no more fupplies till the grievances
thev enumerated were actually redreffed ; and their
liberties, properties, and religion fully fecurcd.
They took fome fteps towards eftablifhing a new
and more rigorous teft againlt popery; and, what
chiefly alarmed the court, they made an attack
on the members of the cabal, to whofe pernicious
counfels they juftly imputed all the prcfent griev-
ances. Both 'houfes voted, by a great majority, to
addrefs the king for the removal of the duke of
Lauderdale from all his employments, and from his
majcflv's prefence and councils for ever. Clifford
was dead ; Shaftfbury, as we have before obferved,
had made his peace with the country party, and
was become their leader: Buckingham was en-
deavouring to imitate Shafdbury, but very few
were as yet acquainted with his intentions ; and a
motion was accordingly made for his impeachment.
He defired to be heard at the bar, but exprcffed
himfclf in fo confufed and ambiguous a manner,
that he gave very little fatisfaction. He was there-
fore requeftcd to anfwer precifcly to certain queries,
which they propofed to him. In thefe queries the
following is remarkable: by whofe advice was the
army brought up to over-awe the debates of the
houfe of commons ? From this queftion it is ap-
parent that the lower houfe had carried their fufpi-
cions to a very great length. As Buckingham's
anfwers gave no'fatisfaction to the houfe, they voted
an addrefs for his removal. Arlington was next
examined; but he found means to clear up his con-
duel: in fo fatisfaclory a hianncr, that though an
impeachment had been prepared againft him, they
thought proper to drop the profecution. Charles
finding it would be impoflible to continue a war fo
difagrceable to the parliament:, and the nation in
general, without the fupplies which the former re-
fufed, began ta liften to terms propofed by the
States General for^ a feparate peace. In vain did
the marquis de Rouyigny, the French ambaflador,
make him the mofl tempting offers to keep him
firm to his engagements; in vain did he threaten
him with the lloppage of the yearly ftipend of one
hundred thoufand pounds, which Lewis had been
polite enough to give, and Charles mean enough
to receive, for affifting that ambitious prince in his
projects for univerfal power. Promifes and threats
were equally unavailing : Charles chofe rather to
reconcile himfelf to his parliament and his people,
by agreeing to a peace they fo greatly defired, than
" to trull to the fupport of France. Six commiffioners,
of which the earl of Arlington was one, were ap~
pointed to confer with an equal number lent by the
States of Holland, and in fifteen days the treaty
was concluded. It was a renewal of the treaty of
Breda, with the following additions; that the Dutch
ihould pay the compliment of finking their flag to
that of the Engliih, whether in large fleets or in a
lingle velFel ; and pay about three hundred thoufand
pounds, towards defraying theexpence of the king's
armament. A regulation of trade was agreed to;
all pofletfions were reftorcd to the fame condition
. No. 46.
| as before the war ; and the Englifh planters in Suri-
nam were allowed to remove at pltafure. This
peace, which was proclaimed on the fourth of Fe-
bruary, was near bringing on an alliance oncnuve
and dcfenfive, between the States General and the
Englifh ccairt, againft the king of France. It was
warmly folicited by mofl of the European powers.
The two houfes of parliament fupportcd thefe re-
monftrances with all their power. Their hatred
towards the French was fo great, that they would
gladly have rclinquifhed the enjoyments of the new
peace for a time, to fee their king armed againll
the common difturber of the tranquillity of Europe ;
nor would they have thought any fupplies too great,
that tended to promote the welfare and happinefs
of their country. Charles, however, difregarded
their remonflrances ; prompted equally by his
hatred to the Dutch, and the hopes of ftill receiving
a powerful afliftance from France, he refufed to fa-
crifice his ally to the refentment of his enemies. In
a word, he ftill remained the friend of Lewis,
while his fubjects more and more efpoufed the in-
terert of the ftadtholder: an attachment which
feems to have paved the way for that prince's after-
wards mounting the Engliih throne.
The parliament ftill continued to examine
grievances, and in the courfe of their enquiries
they attacked the court with fo much vigourj that
Charles, apprehenlive of their going dangerous
lengths, rendered their meafurcs ineffectual by an
immediate prorogation. And having thus freed
himfelf from all foreign and domeftic difputcs, he
relumed his former courfe of indolence and de-
bauchery. In the courfe of this year, two famous
men paid the debt of nature; John Milton, one of
the greateft poets the world ever faw, and the earl of
Clarendon, who died at Rouen in Normandy, in the
fixty-fcventh year of his age.
Though Charles was obliged to ^ ^ t*
make a feparate peace, he ftill kept
up his connections with the French king ; apolo-
gized for defcrting him, by reprefenting the diffi-
culties under which he laboured : and Lewis, with
great complaifance, admitted the validity of his
excufes. As Charles was now at peace with all the
world, and almoft the only prince in Europe in that
agreeable fituation, he offered his mediation to the
contending powers, but without effect. ; and in ths
mean time the war was carried on in Flanders and
Alface by the prince of Orange, affifted by the em-
peror, againft the forces of France, commanded by
the prince of Conde and Turenne. About this
time confiderable alterations were made in the
Englifh miniftry. Sir Jofeph Williamfpn who had
been plenipotentiary at the court of Cologne, was
appointed fecrctary of ftate in the room of the earl
of Arlington, who became lord high chamberlain.
Soon after which the moft rancorous animofity
broke out between the chamberlain and the trea-
furcr Danby, each exerting his utmoft power to
accomplilh Vhc ruin of the other. The duke of
Buckingham loft the dignity of chancellor of the
univerfity of Cambridge, and was fucceeded m
that honourable ftation by the duke of Monmouth,
who had fignalized himfelf in France, and who was
now become the idol of the people. Lauderdale
ftill kept his pofts, by the mort affiduous application
to the king's paflions, and devoted fubferviency to
all his extravagant dcligns. He was, however, fo
greatly intimidated by the vote that had been
palfed againft him in the houfe of commons, that he
aftectcd°openly to renounce all the meafurcs of the
cabal. He profeffed an uncommon zeal for the
proteftant religion ; appeared conftantly at church,
was punctual in receiving the facrament, and advifcd
the king to put the laws ftrictly in execution againft
the catholics.
Thefe arts were far from being fuffkient,to ap-
6 I Pcafe
494
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
pcafe the refentment of the commons, for at their
meeting on the thirteenth of April, after a recefs
of fourteen months, the firft bufmefs they refumed,
was a bill to prevent the growth of popery ; wherein
it was declared, that the faying mafs fhould be a
futficient evidence to convict a pcrfon of being a
popifh prieft, and punifhmcnts were ordered to be
inflicted on all who attended the popifh fervice.
This bill being fmifhed, they drew up an addrefs
againft the duke of Lauderdale, whofe private con-
verfation had been betrayed to them by doctor
Burnct, once a creature of that nobleman. In this
addrefs they charged the duke with having advifed
his majefty to deprive his fubjects of their rights
and liberties ; for faying in council, that his ma-
jefty's edicts were equal to the laws: and with
having procured acts of parliament in Scotland for
efhiblifhing a militia in that kingdom of twenty
thoufand men, who were obliged to march into
England and perform there any fervices his ma-
jefty fliould think fit to command, and to obey
fuch orders as they fhould from time to time re-
ceive from the privy council : by thefe general
words they conceived this realm was liable to be
invaded, on any pretence whatever ; and therefore
they begged his majefty to remove the faid duke
from his employments, and prefence, as a perfon
dano-erous to the government. But Charles did
not°think proper to grant this requeft, and gave
fome reafons for his refufal. Thefe not being
fatisfactory to the commons, they now refolved to
prepare a remonftrance againft the duke. In the
mean time they ordered an enquiry to be made into
the conduct of the lord treafurer, the earl of Danby :
but finding themfclves deficient in proofs againft
that minifter, they thought proper to drop the pro-
fecution. They, however, determined to intimate
to the king, how little they depended upon his
royal word ; and in order to this, they drew up an
addrefs, befeeching his majefty to recall the Englifh
forces in the French fervice, and forbidding all
the king's fubjects, from engaging in the army of
Lewis for the future. The king anfwered, he
would take care to prevent any more of his fub-
jects from engaging in the French troops ; but that
he could not recall thofe already engaged without
prejudice to his honour, and the peace of the king-
dom. The commons finding nothing was to be
expected from addrefics, framed a bill, declaring it
treaibn to levy money without the confent of par-
liament ; another for vacating the feats of thofe, who
had accepted of ports or employments; and another
for fecuring the liberty of the fubjects, and prevent
their being tranfported to diftant iflands. Thefe
and other bills were rendered abortive, by a difpute
which happened between the two houfes of parlia-
ment. Doctor Shirley being caft in a law fuit, be-
fore the chancellor by Sir John Fagg, a member of
ihe houfe of commons, preferred a petition of ap-
peal before the houfe of peers. The lords received
the appeal, and cited Fagg to appear before them.
He complained to the lower houfe, who efpoufed
hiscaufe,- they not only maintained that no mem-
ber of their houfe could be fummoned before the
peers, and for this claim, they could plead prece-
dent ; but alfo aflerted, that the upper houfe could
receive no appeals from courts of equity ; a preten-
fion which greatly abridged the jurifdiction of the
peers, and which was contrary to the practice which
had prevailed during the prefect century. The
commons fent Shirley to prifon ; the lords afferted
their power; conferences were tried j, but no ac-
commodation enfued. Four lawyers were fcnt to
the Tower for tranfgreffing the orders of the houfe,
and pleading in this caufe before the peers. The
lords voted this arbitrary commitment, a breach
of the great charter, and fent orders to the
lieutenant of the Tower to releafe the prifoners.
The lieutenant refufed obedience. The lords
applied to the king, defiring him to punilh the
lieutenant for his contempt. Alarmed at thefe dif-
putes, and dreading the confequenccs they might
occafion, the king came to the houfe of peers, and
fending for the commons, he reproached both houfcs
for carrying their differences to fuch an indecent
length, told them, he found there was no method
of preferving the peace of the kingdom, but by
putting an end to the fefiion, and accordingly pro-
rogued the parliament to the month of October.
On the thirteenth, the king opened the fifteenth
fefiion of this parliament, with a very fhort fpeech,
in which, after recommending union and harmony
to both houfes, and the intereft of the church of
England, he demanded a fupply fufficient for build-'
ing a number of new fhips, and liquidating the an-
ticipation of his revenue. The commons abfo-
lutely refufed to grant any money for paying off
the debts of the crown. ; but voted three hundred
thoufand pounds for defraying the cxpence of build-
ing twenty fhips of war; and appropriating the
tonnage and poundage to the fupport of the navy.
Thefe votes being paffed, they took into conlideni-
tion, the difadvantages the nation lay under
with regard to the trade with France ; and it ap-
peared that the fi)k and linen manufactures only,
annually imported from France, amounted to above
eight hundred thoufand pounds : and that the ma-
nufactures of wool and lilk exported to France, did
not amount to eighty-five thoufand pounds ; while
all the other commodities of the manufacture of
England, exported to France, did not amount to
ninety thoufand pounds. Whereas, the wines,
brandies, and other commodities of the produce and
manufacture of France imported hither, amounted
to above three hundred thoufand pounds, exclufive
of an incredible fum paid for toys, point lace, &c.
So that our imports exceeded our exports thither,
at leaft a million fterling annually. The commons
now thought it neceffary to fet a diftinguilhing
mark on all fuch of their members, who, preferring
their own private intereft to the public, had fold
themfelves as penfioners to the court ; and were ready
on any occafion, to throw their votes into the fcale
of minifterial influence. With this view, the houfe
prepared a declaration or teft for every member to
take, by which they protefled before God and that
affe~mbly, that they had not, either directly or in-
directly, received any fum, gratuity, place, or pen-
fion ; or the promife of any, from the court or any
foreign minifter, fince the firft of January, 1672,
except what they then delivered in writing to the
houfe ; nor did they know of any fuit, gift, grant or
promife, but what they had declared in writing;
nor given a vote in parliament for any reward or
promife whatfoever. At the lame time the duke of
Buckingham propofed, in the houfe of peers, a bill
for the cafe of the proteftant diffenters : but this,
and all the other bills were fufpended, by a revival
of the difpute between the two- houfes with regard
to the cafe of Shirley and Fagg. The commons,
were as refolute as ever ;n fupporting their preju-
dices. The earl of Shaftfbury, who ever fuice his.
defection from the court had acted the part of art
incendiary between the king and the parliament, en-
deavoured to fpirit up the houfe of peers, by a
violent fpeech, which had fuch an effect: on his au-
ditors, that it was moved to addrefs his majefty, to
diflblve the prefent parliament. The motion was,
however, carried in die negative, though by only a
majority of two votes. The king, perceiving that
no bulmefs could be done while the divifions fub-
fifted between the two houfts,, prorogued the par-
liament for fifteen months.
The fuccefles of the allies had Jjeen . -^ , ^
considerable during the. laft campaign,
yet the Spaniards and Imperialists well knew that
France was not fufficiently humbled, nor willing t«
fubmit to the terms they were defirous of impofing
upon.
H
R
II.
495
upon her. Accordingly no progrefs was made in
the conferences at Nimeguen. The Spanifh towns,
ill fortified and ftill worfe defended, made but
very feeble oppofition to Lewis, who, by laying up
magazines during the winter, was enabled to take
the field early in the fpring, before the neceflary
quantity of forage could be found in the open
country. In the month of April he laid fiege to
Conde\ and, after four days, took it by ftorm.
Having fent the duke of Orleans to befiege Bou-
chaine, a fmall but important fortrefs, he pofted
himfelf fo advantageoufly with his main army, as to
hinder the confederates from relieving the place,
except by fighting with the greateft difadvantage.
In fpite of all the difficulties of the feafon, and
the want of provifions, the prince of Orange came
in fight of the French army ; but his induftry ferved
no other purpofe than to render him a fpectator of
the furrcnder of Bouchaine. Both armies ftood in
a\vc of each other, and were equally unwilling to
hazard an action which might be attended with the
rnoft important confequences. Lewis, though not
deficient in pcrfonal courage, was very little enter-
prizing in the field ; and being refolved to reft con-
tented v,-ith the advantages he had acquired, he left
the command of his army to marftial Schomberg,
a '.d retired himfelf to Verfailles. He was no fooncr
< : o; dr-ted than the prince of Orange laid fiege to
Mieflriclit; but meeting with an obftinate re-
filii-.cc, he was obliged, on the approach of Schom-
bcrcr, to raife the liege. Though the prince wa^
Incapable of yielding to adverfity, or bending un-
der m sfortunes, yet he began toforefee, that by the
negligence and errors of his allies, the war in
Flanders muft neceflarily have a very unfortunate
iffue. On the Upper Rhine, Phillipfburgh was
taken by the Imperialifts : in Pomerania, the
Swedes were fo unfuccefsful againft the Danes and
Brandenburgers, that they feemed to be lofing
apace all thofe pofleflions, which, by valour and
good fortune, they had acquired in" Germany.
Near the end of the campaign, the congrcfs at
Nimeguen was pretty full, and the plenipoten-
tiaries of the emperor and Spain, at laft appeared.
The dutch had threatened, if they delayed any
longer, they would proceed to a feparate treaty with
France. In the conferences and negotiations, the
difpofitions of the different parties became every
day more apparent. The States-general, loaded
with debts, and harrafled with taxes, were delirous
of putting a period to a war, in which, befides
the inconveniencies attending all leagues, the weak-
nefs of the Spaniards, the divifions and delays of
the Germans, prognofticated nothing but difgrace
and misfortunes. Commerce languifhed ; and,
what gave them ftill greater anxiety, the trade of
England, by reafon of her neutrality, flouriftied
extremely, and they were apprehenfive, that ad-
vantages once loft, would never be thoroughly
regained. They had themfelves no farther motives
for continuing 'the war, than to procure a good
frontier to Flanders. Gratitude to their allies,
however, ftill induced them to try, whether another
campaign might procure a peace, which muft
give general fatisfaction. The prince of Orange,
urged by motives of honour, ambition, and ani-
molity againft France, endeavoured to keep the
States fteady to this refolution. The Spaniards
were diftracted between the parties of the queen-
regent and Don John, natural brother to their
young fovereign. Though unable of themfelves
to defend Flanders, they were determined not to
conclude a peace which would leave that country
cxpofed to every aflault or inroad ; and while they
iriade the molt magnificent promifes to the States,
their real truft was in the protection of England.
They faw that if England was once fubdued by
France, the Hollanders, expofcd to fo terrible a
power, muft fall into dependence, and endeavour,
i
by fubmiffion, to ward off that deft ruction, to
which a war, in the very heart of the ftatc, muft
neceflarily expofe them. They were perfuaded
that Lewis, fenfible how much greater advantages
he might reap from the alliance, than from the
fubjection of the republic, which muft fcatter the
people, and deprcfs, if not annihilate its com-
merce, would be contented with very moderate
conditions, and turn his arms againft his other
neighbours. They therefore thought it impoffible
but the Englifti parliament, forcfeeing thefe ob-
vious confequences, muft, at laft, force the king
to take part in the affairs of the continent, in
which their interefts were fo deeply concerned ;
they even trufted that Charles himfelf, from the
approach of fo great a danger, muft open his eyes,
and facrifice the favour of France, to the fafety of
his own kingdoms, Charles, however, found him-
felf fo entangled in fuch oppofite motives and en-
gagements, that he was totally embarrafled ; he
wanted patience to weigh and unravel the former,
and refolution to break the latter. On one hand,
he always regarded his alliance with France as
a fure refource in cafe of any commotions among
his own fubjects; and whatever fchemes he had
formed for enlarging his authority, or altering the
religion, it was from that nation alone he could
expect afliftance. He dreaded left the parliament
Ihould treat him as they had formerly done his
father : and after they had engaged him in a war
on the continent, Ihould take advantage of his
neceflities, and make him purchafe his fupplies by
facrificing his prerogatives, and abandoning his
minifters. On the other hand, the cries of his
people and parliament, feconded by Danby, Ar-
lington, and moft of his minifters, incited him to
take part with the allies, and correct the unequal
balance of power in Europe.
On the meeting of parliament . T-J X677l
the fifteenth of February, the king
profeffed his readinefs to give all poflible fecurity
and fupport to the proteftant religion, and the
liberties and properties of his fubjects. He made
the cuftomary declaration of his neceflities ; and
begged, and was granted, a fupply for the navy.
Their proceedings feemed likely to be interrupted
by a declaration againft the legality of their meet-
ing. By a ftatute of Edward III. it was enacted,
that parliaments mould be fummoned once a year,
or oftener, as occafion ihould require. The laft
prorogation had been more than a year ; and being
therefore confidered as illegal, it was fuppofed
to be -equal to a diflblution. This objection had
fo much weight, that Shaftefbury, Wharton,
Buckingham, and Salifbury, zealoufly contended
in the houfe of peers that the parliament was il-
legal, and that of confequence there could be
no validity in its proceedings. In confequence of
this refractory behaviour, they were committed to
the Tower during the plcafure of the king. Buck-
ingham, Salifbury, and Wharton, making fome
conceflions, they were reftored to liberty ; but
Shaftefbury, being ambitious of popularity, had
recourfe to the law for redrefs. Being condemned
by the judges, he faw no probability of obtaining
his freedom, but by making proper conceflions ;
to which he at length fubmitted, after being a
year imprifoned. The commons were careful that
the fum of five hundred and eighty thoufand
pounds, which they had lately granted, mould be
applied to its proper purpofe. In order to gratify
the king, they voted a continuation of the addi-
tional excife for the fpace of three years ; and
there was now every appearance of -a perfect una-
nimity between the king and the parliament. In
the fpring, the king of France inverted Valen-
ciennes, which, in a few days, he fubdued by
aflault. He then inverted Cambray and St. Omers.
The prince of Orange collected an army, and
marched
496
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
marched to the relief of the latter place; and the
duke of Orleans and marihal Luxemburgh were
detached to oppofc him. By an artful manoeuvre
of the marfhal, the prince was furprized and de-
feated; and both Cambray and St. Omers were
in a Ihort time conquered. Thefe important
events engrafted the attention of parliament, who,
alarmed at the rapid progrefs of the arms of
Fiance, prcfented an addrefs to the king, reprc-
fenting the danger that threatened the kingdom,
znd folidting that he would purfuc meafures for
the fecurity of his own dominions, and the Spanifh
Netherlands. In his reply to this addrefs, Charles
complained of their having infringed upon his
prerogative, by infilling on his engaging in alliance
M-ith any power whatever; and he prorogued the par-
liament to the loth of July.
The earl of Danby was prevailed upon by Sir
William Temple, to propofe a matrimonial alliance
between the prince of Orange and the princefs
Mary, eldcft daughter to the duke of York. By
the cxprefs order of the king, Mary and her fiftcr
Anne, had been educated according to the prin-
ciples of the protcftant religion; and the profpeet
of the match appeared to be perfectly agreeable
to the princefs. Upon the conclufion of the cam-=.
paign, the prince obtained permiflion to depart for
England, and on his arrival he demanded Mary
in marriage : but the duke of York, who was
averfe to the propofed alliance, treated him with
great difrefpect. But the king cxpreffed himfclf
defirous of concluding terms of pacification pre-
vious to his confenting to the marriage. The
prince objected to this, declaring that he would
not treat of peace till after the folemnization of the
nuptials. The king rinding him refolute in his
purpofe, acceded thereto ; and the marriage arti-
cles were immediately drawn, according to which
it was ftipulated, that the portion of the princefs
fliould be forty thoufand pounds. The marriage
\vas folemnized on the fourth of November ; and
on this occafion there were great rejoicings among
all ranks of people. Both Charles and the prince
now directed their attention to the accomplifliment
of the propofed plan of pacification. It was agreed,
that the king of France mould reftore all he had
obtained from the emperor and the duke of Lor-
raine ; that there fliould be a mutual reflitution
between France and Holland ; and that Spain
Ihould be re-eftablifhcd in the pofleffion of the
Netherlands, formerly annexed to the fovereignty
of that kingdom. Charles undertook to prevail
upon the French monarch to agree to thefe con-
ditions; and the prince engaged to obtain the
concurrence of the States-general. Having re-
ceived the ftrongeft ami ranees from Charles that
he would not abandon this plan, the prince, ac-
companied by his bride, embarked for Holland.
M. dc Duras, afterwards carl of Fcvermam, made
a notification of the above agreement to the king
of France; who, though averfe to the terms of
accommodation, received the intelligence with ap-
parent indifference. He obfcrved, however, that
England had power to command a peace ; but
that he coniidcred it extremely fevere upon him
to be compelled to furrender thofe poftclfions in
Flanders, in fortifying which he had expended
large fums ; he hoped, therefore, that a few towns
would not create a difagreement between the king
nf England and himfelf; and he concluded with
faying, he would inftruct his ambaffadors at London
to treat on the fubjecl. The king now fet on foot
a negotiation of a very different nature, in which,
notwithstanding all the remonllrances of parlia-
ment, he engaged not to declare in favour of the
lilies. Two hundred thoufand pounds a year,
during the continuance of the war, were de-
BumJed by the Englifh amb; iTidors at Paris ; but,
in lieu thereof, Charles, at the inftance of the
French minifter at London, confcntcd to accept of
two millions of livres.
The parliament meeting in January, . „
the king informed them that he had ' 7**
concluded an alliance with the Dutch; and at the
fame time obferved, that unlefs an army of thirty
thoufand men was maintained, and ninety fhips
of war were kept in commiffion, the nation could
not be deemed to be in a ftate of fecurity. After
mentioning the marriage of his niece with the prince
of Orange, he requeued a fupply proportioned to
the exigencies of government. But the parlia-
ment, not fatisficd with the conduct of Charles,
petitioned, that he would not engage in any treaty
with France, till that kingdom fliould be reduced
to a fituation equal to that in which fhe was
when the peace of the Pyrenees was concluded ;
informing him, that when he mould be pleafed
to communicate to them the nature of his alliances,
they would enable him to fupport hoftilities with
vigour, or to conclude peace on honourable and
advantageous terms. In the interim, the king of
France reduced Ghent and Ypres, \vhich fo alarmed
the ftates of Holland, that they determined to con-
clude a feparate peace. Availing himfelf of the
advantages he had gained over England, Lcwii
infilled upon terms very different from thofe
which he had before accepted as the ground of a
pacification.
Charles lent his chancellor to rcqueft the advice
of the two houfes of parliament, as to the meafures
that would he moll eligible for him to purfue.
The commons ftrongly recommended him to de-
clare war againft France, and voted that the al-
liance with Holland had no considerable tendency
towards the national fafcty. They afterwards re-
querted, that he would pay more than his cufto-
mary attention to their add reffes, and that he
would remove the duke of Lauderdale from his
councils. The king pretended to be aftonifhcd at
this procedure of parliament, and refufed at that
time to give any anfwer to their requell. At the
fame time, orders were iffucd for collecting an
army of thirty thoufand men ; and the recruiters
were fo fuccefsful, that the troops were railed in
fix weeks. The duke of Monmouth, with an
army of three thoufand men, was fent to Oftend ;
fome regiments in the fervice of France were re-
called ; a powerful fleet was equipped with all
poflible expedition; and every neceffary meafure
was taken for commencing hoftilities againd Trance.
Through the agency of their ambafladors at the
court of England, the States-general averred, that
if Charles would immediately declare war ag-.iin(l
France, they would violate their treaty with, and
act vigoroufly againft that power. Charles replied,
that iince the States had declared thcmfelves ready
to comply with the conditions prefcribed by the
court of France, and Lewis had propofed to pur-
chafe a peace, he conceived that he fhould be
juftifiable in accepting the gratuity. He even
requeiled Sir William Temple to treat \\ith the
French ambaflador on this fubject ; but he de-
clined taking any part in a negotiation of fo fcan-
dalous a nature. Other perfons, however, were
foon found, who engaged in this bufmefs without
reluctance, and the fum v.as agreed on. After
this, the French minifter informed his majefty, the
money would not be paid but on the condition of
his binding himfelf in a feeret article, that the
forces in his three kingdoms fhould not exceed
eight thoufand men. Hereupon the king • ex-
claimed, "Cod's h'lh! docs my brother of France
think to ferve me thus ? Are all his promifes to
make me ablblute mailer of my fubjects conic
to this? Or does he think it a thing to be done
\vith eight thoufand men ?" Charles had it at
this
C H A R L E
II.
497
this time in his power to have been the umpire
of the kings of Europe, if he had poflefled
the ambition of being fo, or had entertained
any idea of carrying plans of importance into
execution.
The parliament met in May, and Charles ac-
quainted the houfes, that the French king had
offered a truce till the twenty-fecond of July,
and faid it would be highly imprudent to difband
the troops till after the expiration of that term ;
but the commons voted, that all the troops levied
iince September fhould be difcharged. In June
the kin^- ; : old his parliament, that France, Spain,
and Holland, were on the point of concluding a
peace, and therefore it would be neceflary to keep
a powerful fleet at fea. He begged an augmen-
tation of three hundred thoufand pounds to his
revenue, fifty thoufand pounds of which to be
annually appropriated to the fupport of the fleet
and artillary : he likewife defired the houfe to
conficler, that his honour was engaged for the
payment of the fortune of the princefs of Orange,
the half of which was due, and had been de-
manded by the prince. The commons refufed to
comply with the king's requeft for the increafe
of his revenue, but granted fix thoufand pounds
for paying what was due to the army, that it might
betlifbanded, as there was no profpect of its being
advantageoufly employed againft France. On the
fifteenth of July an act was palled, decreeing, that
in future the dead fhould be buried in woollen ; a
law wifely intended for the benefit of that manu-
facture. This being done, the parliament was
prorogued. By this time all differences were ac-
commodated between France and Spain, and an
almoft general peace reigned through Europe.
A very extraordinary affair at this time engaged
the attention of the whole kingdom. One Kirby,
at the inftigation of Dr. Ifrael Tongue, a clergy-
man of London, on the twelfth of Auguft, ap-
proaching his majefty in St. James's-park, faid to
him, " Sir, keep within your company; your
enemies have a defign upon your life." The
king defired Kirby to bring Tongue to him at
eight o'clock that evening. He was accordingly
introduced to his majefty, with a bundle of papers
relating to this conspiracy, and referred to lord-
treafurer Danby. He faid, that the papers were
thruft under his door without his knowledge : but
imagined, tfcat it was done by a perfon who had
often entertained him with ftories of the like
nature. The improbability of the ftory induced
his majefty to look upon the whole as a fiftion,
and he requefted that it might be kept a fecret, in
fear of the confequences it might produce among
his fubjecls. In order to clear the jefuits from all
fuipicion of being concerned in this affair, the
duke of York in lifted on a proper enquiry being
made before the privy-counfel. Kirby and Tongue
were now fent for, the latter of whom declared,
that he received his intelligence^from one Titus
Dates, who had been bred a clergyman of the
church of England, had afterwards embraced the
catholic religion, lived fome time in the Englifti
feminary at St. Omers, had been fent from thence
on an errand to Spain, had finally abjured the
Homifh faith, and lately arrived in his native
country. The fubftance of Oates's evidence, as
delivered before the council, was, " That he had
been employed by feveral jefuits to carry letters
to father Suima, an Trim jefuit at Madrid ; that in
the courfe of his journey thither, he had broke
open letters, and difcovered a defign of exciting a
rebellion in Scotland ; that he faw feveral Englim
itudents at Valladolid, who were obliged by the
jcfuits of the college to renounce their allegiance
to the king of Great-Britain; that one of them,
in a fermon to the {indents, preiumed to affirm,
• No. 47.
that Charles Stuart was not a lawful king, nor the
ton of Charles the Firft, but of a black Scotch-
man; that upon his return to England, where he
made farther difcoveries, he was fent to St. Omers,
with other letters to the fame purport as the
former-, that in April he came over from St.
Omers with feveral ,efuits, to afiift ;t the grand
confult which was held by about fifty jefuits at the
White-horfc tavern in the Strand, where they
figned an agreement to kill the king; that in
June following he became privy to the treaty with
Wakeman, the queen's phyfician, to poifon, and
Grove and Pickering to {hoot his majefty; thathd
heard a Jefuit aflert in a fermon, " that protcftant
and other heretical princes 'were, ipfo fafto, de-
pofed ; and that it was as lawful to deliroy them
as Oliver Cromwell, or any oth«tr ufurper." This
affair appeared of fuch importance to the council^
that they re-examined Tongue and Gates, and
employed the latter to feize the perfons and papers
of the fuppofed confpirators ; the council likewife
fat twice a week to obtain all the evidence poffible.
In confequence of Oates's depofition, Sir George
Wakeman, Edward Coleman, fecretary to the duke
of York, with eight priefts and Jufuits, were taken
into cuftody, which induced the public in general
to believe, that the catholics were the contrivers
of the plot; and in this belief they were con-
firmed by a circumftance that happened but a few
days afterwards, and which is very curious in all
its particulars. Sir Edmundbury Godfrey, a Juftice
of the peace, who had taken Oates's depofition,
having been miffing for a few days, was found
murdered in a ditch between Pancras and Hamp-
ftead. The coroner's jury fat on the body, and
gave in a verdidl of " Wilful murder by perfons
unknown." The king immediately offered a
reward of five hundred pounds, with a free pardon,
to any one who would difcover the murderers.
In the mean time the houfe of peers informed the
commons of what they had learnt reflecting
the plot, and both houfes fat till night on feveral
days to examine evidence. Gates they recom-
mended to the king; afligned him a fjuard for:
the protection of his perfon ; and accommodated
him with a penfion of twelve hundred pounds.
Immediately a bill was brought into the houfe of
commons, to expel all popifh, recufants from the
kingdom; and after Gates had been examined
feveral hours before both houfes, they voted,
" That the lords and commons are of opinion
that there hath been, and ftill is, a damnable and
hellifti plot, contrived and carried on by popifh
recufants, for affaffinating and murdering the king,
for fubverting the government, and rooting out
and deftroying the proteftant religion." Many
perfons againft whom Oates had fworn, were now
apprehended by order of the houfe of commons;
and among the reft, the lords Povvis, Stafford,
Arundel of Wardour, Petre, and Bellafis, were
committed to the Tower, on a charge of high
treafon. William Bedloe being examined to prove
the exiftence of the plot, fwore, that two Jefuits,
named Walfh and le Phaire, who, he faid, were
concerned in the murder of Godfrey, had told
him the names of the noblemen who had taken up
arms, and of preparations that were making in
Flanders and Spain. He averred, that all the
catholics of diftinction were apprized of the plot,
and ready to concur in carrying it into exe-
cution; and that " himfelf being well ac-
quainted with all the public and private roads
in England and Wales, was appointed to cany
inftructions and intelligence from one army to
the other."
The depofitions of Qates being in fome degree
confirmed, the public difTatisfactioa arofe to iuch
a height, that the king was undtr a neceffity of
6 K ifTuing
493
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
iffuing a proclamation, directing that popifh recu-
fants fhoulcl not go to a greater diftance than five
miles from their own houfes: at the fame time
another proclamation was publiflied, " Offering
a reward to any one who fliould difcover or appre-
hend a Romifh prieft or jefuft;" and the king
gave his affect to the bill for disqualifying papifts
from fitting in parliament. Coleman, the duke of
York's fecretary, having been executed on the
evidence of Gates and Bedloe, the other parties
were foon afterwards brought to trial. In De-
cember, two priefts, named Ireland and Pickering,
with Grove, a lay-brother, Whitebread, provin-
cial of the jefuits, with Fenwick, a member of
the fame fociety, were brought to trial at the Old
Bailey, when the two latter were difmifTed for the
prefent in defect of evidence, and the others tried,
convicted, hanged, drawn and quartered.
_ A catholic, named Miles Prance,
l 19' having been taken into cuftody on
fufpicion of having been concerned in the murder
of Sir Edmundbury Godfrey, was carried before
the committee of the houfe of lords, to whom he
made the moft folemn declaration of his inno-
cence ; but Bedloe affirming that he was one of
the men he faw in Somerfet-gardens with the
the dead body, he was immediately conveyed to
Newgate, and confined in the condemned hole.
Being carried before the earl of Shaftefbury, he
difcovered feme particulars, and promifed to make
a more full confeflion, if he could be aflured of
obtaining a free pardon. What he aiked being
promifed to him, he was examined before the king
and council, and acknowledged that Godfrey was
murdered in Somerfet-houfe by the procurement
of two Irifh priefts, named Gerard and Kelly,
Robert Green, cufhion-keeper to the queen's
chapel, and other perfons. The following con-
feffion was afterwards made by Prance to Dr.
Lloyd, reflecting the manner in which the murder
was committed. He faid that Hill, Gerard, Kelly,
himfelf, and fome others, refolved to murder Sir
Edmundbury Godfrey, as a bitter perfecutor of the
catholics, and an enemy to the queen's fervants.
That on the nth of October, about nine in the
evening, as he was returning home by the water-
gate of Somerfet-houfe, Kelly and Berry, another
of the accomplices, feigned a quarrel ; and Hill,
after much importunity, prevailed on Godfrey, as
being a jullice of the peace, to interpofe his au-
thority; but he no fooner entered the gate, than
Gerard, throwing a handkerchief about his neck,
twifted it tight, and with the afliftance of the other
parties, immediately ftrangled him. He farther
affirmed, that they conveyed the body to the
houfe of Dr. Godden, where it lay two nights,
and was then removed to another apartment, whe,re
it was feen by Bedloe. At length they determined
to convey it into the fields, with the rings on the
.fingers, and the money in the pockets, and to
thruft the fword through it, that it might be
fuppofed he had murdered himfelf. They ac-
cordingly carried the body in a fedan towards
Soho- fields, where Hill waited with a horfe, upon
which it was mounted before him, and that they
left it in a ditch near Primrofe-hill. A trial fol-
lowed this depofition, and Green, Hill, and Berry,
were convicted, though feveral of the witncfles
materially contradicted each other; and it reimias
to this day a doubt, whether the parties were guilty
of the crime for which they fufiered. The duke of
York now retired to Brufl'cls with the princefs, in
confequence of a written order which the king
fent him.
On the meeting of parliament, the king was
earncftly ddiroxis that Sir Thomas Meers might be
elected Ipeaker; but the houfe rc-chofe Seymour,
whom the kinsj refufed to approve, and com-
manded that the commons fliould make a new
choice. This produced a violent conteft; the
commons infilling that the king's approbation was
matter of mere form; and the king maintaining,
that, as he had the power of rejecting, he was not
obliged to affign any reafon for fo doing. At
length the affair was compromifed by the election
of Mr. Gregory, a gentleman of the law, to whom
the king made no objection.' Articles of im-
peachment were now prepared againft lord Danby;
and Tongue, Gates, Bedloe, and Everard (a new
witnefs) were fummoned to the bar of the
houfe, to give evidence reflecting the plot. A
vote pafled, " That an horrible eonfpiracy had
been contrived and carried on for aflaflinating the
king, deftroying the proteftant religion, and fub-
verting the government." In this vote the peers
concurred with . the commons, and a day was ap-
pointed for public fading and humiliation. Charles
was urgent with the hotife of lords in favour of
the earl of Danby, who, he alledged, had voted in
obedience to the orders he had received ; but he
promifed that he would remove him from his
prefence, and deprive him of all his employments,
in order to give their lordfhips fatisfaction : but
the oppofition againft Danby was very violent,
notwithstanding theroyal interpoiition in his favour.
Lord Shaftfbury reviled the adminiitration in the
moft pointed terms, affirming, among other things,
that, . " In Engla'nd popery would firit enter, to
pave the way for flavery; but in Scotland flavery
had entered, and popery would follow." After
much debate a bill was pafled, to oblige Danby to
furrender within a certain day, on pain of being
proceeded againft by an act of attainder. The
earl was committed prifoner to the Tower, on his
furrender to the uflier of the black-rod. Affairs
being thus critically fituated, the king afked the
opinion of Sir William Temple, who advifed him
to admit into his council the leading men in the
oppofition: whereupon the earl of Eflex was
created lord-treafurer in the room of Danby ; lord
Sunderland; was made fecretary of Itate; lord
Halifax was fworn of the privy-council ; and thefe
noblemen, with Sir William Temple, were con-
fulted on all bufinefs of importance. Shaftefbury,
though prefident of the council, adhered to what
was called the country party, as the king did not
honour him with his confidence. The people in
general were greatly elevated, in the hope and
expectation that this change of men would m-
turally induce a change of meafures; but the
commons did not fee things in fo flattering a
light ; and notwithftanding the late alteration in
the miniftry, they pafled an unanimous vote, that
" The duke of York, being a catholic, and the
prefumptive heir to the crown, was the chief en-
couragement to the defigns and plots of the papifls
againft the king, and the proteftant religion."
An opinion now prevailed, that a bill would
be framed for excluding the duke of York from
the fucceffion ; and the king, in order to prevent
fuch a meafure, made fomc propofitions to par-
liament, importing, that " The death of a king,
if his fucccffbr was a catholic, fliould not diffblve
the parliament ; that during the whole coude of
his reign, he fhould not be allowed to confer cc-
clefiaftical benefices, or ipiritual offices, upon any
but pious and learned proteftants ; that no members
of the privy-council, or judges, fliould be ap-
pointed or displaced, but by the authority of par-
liament; that all juftices of the peace fliould be
proteftants ; and that with regard to the militia,
no lieutenant of a county fliould' be deprived of
his office, but by order of parliament." The
commons, dilTatislied with this offer, proceeded
with a bill to prevent the danger that might
arife from popery, as well in the reign of Charles,
as
H
as of his fucceflbr. They likewife ordered in a
bill, for vacating the feats of fuch members as
fhould accept of any employment under the crown.
Another bill was introduced, importing, that
" James, duke of York, Albany, and Ulfter,
mould be incapable of inheriting the crowns of
England, Scotland, and Ireland: that upon the
death or refignation of the king, the fovereignty of
thefe kingdoms mould devolve to the peribn next
in uicce/fion to the duke; that all acts of royalty
exercifetl by him mould be not only void, but
deemed treafonable ; that if he entered any of
thefe dominions, he mould be deemed guilty of
high treafori ; and that all who fupportebf his title,
mould be punifhed as rebels and traitors." A
majority of feventy-riine voices was id favour of
this important bill, which immediatejy pafled the
houfe of commons. The houfe then proceeded to
an enquiry as to the members who received penfions
from the court, eighteen of whom were difcovered.
The {landing army and the guards were voted to
be illegal ; and that great bulwark of Englim free-
dom,- the Habeas Corpus Act, was now brought
in, whereby it was enacted, that the judges, under
fevere penalties, mould grant writs, at the re-
quifition of prifoners, authorizing the gaolers to
produce them in court, and certify the caufe of
their imprifonment. The king, learning that the
commons intended to draw up a remonftrance
reflecting the redrefs of grievances, he prorogued
the parliament from the twenty-feventh of May
to the fourteenth of Auguft. Without the advice
of council, this parliament was afterwards dif-
folved, and writs were iffuecl for the election of
new members.
By the evidence of Gates, Dugdale, Prance,
and Bedloe, the jefuits, Whitebrcad, the provin-
cial, Harcourt, Gavan, and Turner, were con-
victed; but fentence was poftponed till after the
trial of Langhorn the lawyer, whom the fame
witnefles had accufed as a principal agent in the
confpiracy. Langhorn represented them as mif-
crcant informers, who had received pardon and
gratuities for betraying theirfellow-fubjects; urging,
therefore, that no credit ought to be given to their
teftimony. However, fentence of death was pro-
nounced agaiuft Langhorn, as well as the above-
mentioned jefuits ; and to the laft moment of their
lives, they all folemnly declared thcmfelves to be
innocent of the charges alledged againft them.
\Vhitebread in particular, renounced the maxim
believed by many of the jefuits, that it was lawful
todepofe and aflaffinate princes. On the eighteenth
of June, Sir George Wakcman, the queen's phyfi-
cian, was brought for trial before chief juftice
Scroggs. On his firft examination, Oates had
declared that, he knew nothing but from common
report againft Sir George ; but he now depofed
that he had feen a letter written by him to Afhby
the jefuit, advifing him to ufe a milk diet and the
waters at Bath, and intimating his approbation of
the confpiracy againft the king and government.
In his defence, Wakeman remarked on the in-
confiftency of the informer's allegations ; and by
the evidence of one of his own domeflics, and an
apothecary at Bath, he proved that he did not
write, but dictate the letter to Afliby, and pointed
out the abfurdity of prcfcribing together a milk
diet and the ufe of the Bath waters : the evidence
of Bedloe alfo being delivered with prevarication
and inconfiitency, Wakeman was acquitted, as
were two Benedictine monks tried at the fame time
on Timilar acciifations. On the trial of the above
perfons, the chief juftice conducted himfelf with a
degree of moderation that reflected great honour
upon his character -, but the witnefles, finding
their credit entirely ruined, accufed him of par-
tiality.
RLE
II.
499
Near the latter end of Auguft, Charles was at-
tacked by an intermitting fever, and fell fick at
Windfor. His life being thought in danger, all
ranks of men were feizcd with amazement, which
was encreafed by the apprehenfiona they entertained
Of his fucceflbr. It was feared, that the mal-
cdntents would immediately kindle a civil War ;
and either their fuccefs, their failure, or even the
balance and conteft of parties, feemed events
equally fatal. Eflcx, Halifax, and Sunderland
pel-funded the duchefs of Portfmouth to propofc
to the king to fend for his brother. The duke
haftened over ; but finding the king out of danger,
offered inftantly to return. The duke of Mon-
mouth, in an unguarded -tranfport, reproached the
king with concealing from him the invitation he
had given. Charles ordered him into banimment.
Monmouth, in haughty terms, refufed obedience.
But the next day the two clukes agreed, that in
order to prevent civil difcord, both mould retire
abroad. Monmouth fixed his refidence in Hol-
land, where he profeffed his attachment to the
prince of Orange. The duke of York returned
to BrurTcls ; and in a few months after came to
England, and then moved his court into Scotland.
At this time what has been called the Meal-Tub-
Plot, was contrived between oneDangerfield, and a.
woman named Collier. Dangerfield intimated,
that a plan was in agitation to depofe the king,
and introduce a new form of government ; and
upon this information he was fupplied with money,
in order to encourage him to detect the confpi-
rators. Having concealed fome papers of a fedi-
tious nature in the houfe of colonel Manfell, he
conducted fome officers of the cuftoms to the
dwelling, where he pretended that they would dif-
cover a large quantity of fmuggled goods. Upotl
the houfe being fearched, the feditious .papers
treacheroufly concealed there were found ; and
upon the matter being inveftigated in the council
it was concluded, that they were forged by Dan-
gerfield, who was ordered into cuftody; and the
houfe of his female accomplice, who practifed
midwifery for a livelihood, being fearched, the
written particulars of the whole confpiracy were
found concealed in a meal-tub. Upon his exami-
nation, Dangerfield acknowledged the forgery^
afFerting, at the fame time, that the plot was con-
trived by the earl of Caftlemain, the countcfs of
Powis, and the five lords confined in the Tower.'
The earl and the countefs were committed to the
Tower. The information and the confeflion were
utterly difbelieved by the people in general : but
the king countenanced the impofture. He was
now repc.itedly urged by the earls of Halifax and
Efiex, to aflemble the parliament ; but as he re-
fufed to yield to their folicitations, Effex religned
his treafurer's ftaff, which was given to Laurence
Hyde, who, with Sunderland and Goclolphin,
obtained a diftinguifhed place in the king's favour.
Lord RufTel relinquifhed his place at the council-
board ; Sir William Temple retired into the
country; and fome exprcflions ufed by Shaftefbury
being interpreted as infults to the king, he was
dilinifled the council, where he was lucceeded by
the earl of Radnor. Shaftefbury, cxafperated by
his removal, prevailed upon the duke of Mon-
mouth to return to England without the king's'
permiffion ; and accompanying him on a toi;r
through many parts of the kingdom, procured
addrerles from his friends and dependants, de-
mandino' a parliament to be immediately Con-
vened ; and fuch a fpirit of difcontent -did he
excite againft the government, that an infurrection
was apprehended.
The fefiion of the new parliament . -p. <Q
. . T * , , • A, ij. looO.
opened m January; when the king,
reprefenting to them that the ibite of Rational
aSair*
5°°
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
affairs indifpenfibly required an intermifiion, pro-
rogued them to the fifteenth of April. His ma-
jefty then informed the council, that he had com-
manded the duke of York to return to court; ob-
ferving, that he conceived his prefence to be ne-
ceflary at ajucture when matters were under con-
fideration, in which his intereft was materially con-
cerned. In February the prince arrived in Eng-
land, and the king received him in the moft affec-
tionate manner. The court-party now retorted upon
their antagonifts, by prefenting addrefTes to the
king, wherein they expreffed their abhorrence of
the licentious proceedings of thofe perfonswho had
prefumed to demand a parliament. Shaftefbury,
who was confidered as the leader of the country-
party, determined to exert his utmoft endeavours
to effect the deftruction of the duke of York, and
for this purpofe he ftrenuoufly fupperted the pre-
tenfions of the duke of Monmouth. He purfued
every poffible meafure to acquire popularity, and
caufed a report to be circulated, purporting, that a
marriage had been actually folemnized between the
king and Mrs. Waters, the duke of Monmouth's
mother. Hereupon the king difavowed in council,
his having been either married or contracted to any
but queen Catharine. The earl of Caftlemain and
Collier the midwife, were put on their trial, on the
charge of having been concerned in the meal-tub
plot ; but there being no evidence adduced to cri-
minate them, they were acquitted ; and the grand
jury rejected the bill of indictment againft the
countefs of Powis. Bedloe, the informer, died in
Auguft ; but a fhort time previous to his deceafe,
he- declared, that the queen and the duke of York
were the principals in the clefign of introducing
the popifh religion, and that the evidence he had
advanced againft the jefuits, was, in every particu-
lar, ftrictly authentic. The oppofition exerted
every effort to increafe their popularity ; and in this
they were fo daring, that the king, alarmed at their
prefumption, infilled, that his brother ihould re-
tire to Scotland, and there remain till the popular
tumults mould fubfide. His majefty having
affured the duke, that he would never abandon
his interefts, he, though reluctantly, acquiefced in
the royal command. When the parliament met,
Charles informed them, that he had concluded an
alliance with the court of Spain ; and pledged his
word, that he was heartily inclined to co-operate
with them in all reafonable meafures for fecuring the
proteftant religion againft the innovations of po-
pery j he exhorted them to purfue the enquiry into
the confpiracy ; requeftcd a fubfidy for the.fupport
of Tangier ; and reprefented a ftrict union between
the parliament and himfelf, as the moft certain
means of promoting the public welfare. The
commons now prefented an addrefs to his majefty,
requefting him to remove Sir George Jefferies,
recorder of London, and firft judge of Chefter, from
all public employments. The lords Huflel and
Capel enumerated the grievances of the nation, and
were feconded by a great number of members,
fome of whom fpoke of the duke of York in terms
of great feverity. The houfe at length renewed
the votes paffed againft him in a former parlia-
ment ; and lord Ruffel moved for the appointment
of a committee, to prepare a bill for excluding the
duke of York from the fucceffion. This bill pro-
duced violent debates among the commons.
Thofe who fpoke in favour of it were lord Ruffel,
Sir William Jones, Sir Francis Wiiinington, Sir
Henry Capel, Sir William Poulteney," colonel
Titus, Treby, Hampden, and Montague ; and it
was oppofed by Sir Leoline Jenkins, fecretary of
ftate ; Sir John Erneley, chancellor of the exche«
quer; Sir William Temple, Hyde, and Seymour.
It was contended by the former party, that the
king, lords, and commons, were inverted with
power to introduce alterations in any part of the
Englifh conftitution ; that the lineal fucceffion of
the throne had been legally fet afide ; that the ex-
pedient had been adopted when it had become in-
difpenfibly neceflary, in confequence of the duke's
zealous attachment to the popifh religion, the in-
timacy of his connections with catholic princes, and
his arbitrary difpofition, whereby the revival of
popery, the perfecution of the proteftants, and
numberlefs other dreadful calamities were to be ap-
prehended. It was argued by the other party,
that the right of fucceffion had never been abo-
lifhed but by abfolute tyranny, or fuccefsftil ufur-
pation ; that unlefs the nation unanimoufly con-
curred in defiring a change, violent convulfions in
the ftate muft enf'ue ; that a legiflature which de-
viates from the fundamental rules of the conftitu-
tion, fubverts the principles of authority on which,
even itfelf is founded ; and that lince it was known,
that the king would not tamely relinquifh his right
of fucceffion, it would be impolitic and dangerous
to drive him to extremity. The bill, however,
pafTed the commons by a confiderable majority :
but it had a very different reception in the upper
houfe, where the whole bench of bifhops, except
three, declared againft it as a dangerous innova-
tion ; and, after a warm debate, which was con-
tinued till eleven o'clock at night, it was rejected
by a majority of thirty-three. This fpirlted con-
duct of the lords, increafed the difguft of the com-
mons, who, when the king fent them a meflage,
requefting that they would ufe difpatch in the en-
quiry relating to the confpiracy, and proceed to the
trial of the lords confined in the Tower, replied,
that the delay was wholly occafioned by the per-
nicious councils of thofe perfons, who had per-
fuaded his majefly to diffolve the late, and pro-
rogue the prefent parliament. After this they pre-
fented a remonftrance to the king, mentioning the
danger to which hismajefty'spartiality tothepapifls
expofed the nation ; and infinuating, that he was
himfelf concerned in the confpiracy for ruining the
caufe of the proteftants.
The impeachment of the catholic lords in the
Tower was now revived ; and it was determined to
make lord vifcount Stafford the firft victim. The
clamour and outrage of the populace during the
trial were very violent. The prifoner, antient, in-
firm, and of a narrow capacity, made a better
defence than was expected either by his friends or
his enemies. He reprefented that during a courfe
of forty years, from the very commencement of the
civil wars, he had maintained his loyalty. With a
fimplicity more perfuafive than the greateft oratory,
he made proteftations of his innocence, and fre-
quently exprefled his furprife at the abfurdities,
contradictions, and audacity of his accufers ; yet,
notwithftanding the ftrength of the evidence pro-
duced in his defence, he was convicted of trealon,
upon the depofitions of thofe hirelings of a defpe-
rate party, Dugdale, Gates, and Tuberville. Hear-
ing the verdict pronounced, he exclaimed, " God'*
holy name be praifed." Being brought to the
fcaffbld on the twenty-ninth of December, in the
moft folemn manner he declared himfelf to be en-
tirely innocent; and there was fomethingfo pathetic
in the rcfignation of Uiis unfortunate nobleman,
that the populace exclaimed, " We believe you,
my lord ! God blefs you, my lord !" Even the exe-
cutioner was not proof againft a fympathizing for-
row : he performed his office with manifeft hefita-
tion and reluctance ; and he was obferved to trem-
ble when he held up the head, crying, " This is the
head of a traitor." Not a fign of aflent was ex-
prefled among the numerous fpectators. Thus
died the earl of Stafford, on the twenty-ninth of
December; and this was the laft blood fhect
on account of a popifh plot, which, whether
founded
G H A R
E
IL
5°'
founded in reality, or imagination, cannot be de-
cidod.
AD i68r The king, averfe to the bill of ex-
clufion, requefted of the commons
that they would take under ferious confideration,
more eligible methods for the fecurity of the pro-
teftant religion, and alfo the ftate of the nation. Pre-
vious to this a bill had pafled both houf es, for exempt-
ing proteftant nonconformifts from the penalties im-
poied by an act in the reign of queen Elizabeth: but
when the king came to the houfe of lords to give
the royal aflent, the bill had been concealed by the
clerk of the crown, in confequence of his majefty's
orders. The commons now refolved that the aft
of exclufion was the only fuflicient fecurity for the
king's life, the proteftant religion, and the fafcty of
the government ; that till the aft was palled, they
could not, without endangering the king's life, and
the eftabliflied religion, grant any further fupplies ;
which meafure, under the prefent circumftances,
would be to betray the confidence repofed in them
by their conftituents; that all thofe who had advifed
his majefty to refift the bill of exclufion, had given
pernicious council, and were enemies to their king
and country. A vote was alfo pafled, purporting,
that whoever fliould lend money, or promote loans
to his majefty, upon the cuftoms, cxcife, or any
other taxes, or accept or purchafe tallies, or anti-
cipations upon any of his majefty's revenues, mould
be liable to profecution, as an enemy to parliament.
Having heard that the king had determined, rather
than his brother mould fuftain any injury, to pro-
rogue the parliament, the houfe of commons voted,
that whoever fhould advife his majefly to prorogue
the parliament, fhould be deemed a traitor to the
crown of England, and a dependent upon, and a
promoter of the interefts of the court of France.
Kxafperated by thefe proceedings, Charles diflblved
the afTembly, and at the fame time convoked a new
parliament to meet at Oxford on the twenty-firft of
March. On the meeting of the parliament at Ox-
ford, the members appeared in arms, and were at-
tended by their friends and partizans, as if an im-
mediate rupture had been expected. A number of
horfemen furrounded the reprefentatives for Lon-
don, wearing ribbons infcribed, " No popery, no
flavery !" Charles complained of the proceedings
of the laft houfe of commons, and faid, that as he
did not mean to " exercife arbitrary power over
others, fb he would not fufFer it to be exercifed
over himfelf." He exprefled his wifhes, that mo-
deration would be fubftituted in the room of thofe
animofitics which had formerly prevailed, and that
the coolncfs of deliberation would mark their con-
dud. He faid, he was anxious, that all reafonable
fears reflecting the poflibility of a papift fucceeding
to the throne might be obviated, and declared his
rcadincfs to agree to any fcheme for vefting in
proteftant hands, the power of governing, during
the life of any king profefling popery. The com-
mons having re-elected their former fpeaker, gave
orders that their votes mould be daily printed,
that the public might be informed of their pro-
ceedings; after which they took the king's fpeech
into coniideration, and deliberated on the expe-
dients which his majefty had offered in lieu of the
bill of exclufion. It was propofed, that the duke
fhould be b.mifhcd during life, to the diftance of
five hundred miles from any part of the Britifh
dominions; that the government fhould be vefted
in a regent; that this oftice fliould be conferred
upon the princefs of Orange ; and in cafe of her
death, devolve to her fifter Anne; that fhould the
duke of York have a fon, educated in the proteftant
religion, the faicl regent fhould act during his mi-
nority; that though the kingdom fhould be go-
Tcrncd in the name of James II. no man fhould
take arms for him, or by virtue of his cominrffion,
No. 4.7.
on pain of capital punifhmcntj and that thofe
fliould incur the fame penalty, who fliould affirm
that the fimple title of king takes away all defects
mentioned in this act, or in any degree eludes the
obligation of it : that all officers civil and military,
fliould bind themfelves by oath to the obfervance
of this ftatute : that ads of the fame nature fliould
pafs in the parliaments of Scotland and Ireland ;
that if the duke of York fliould enter either of the
three kingdoms, he fliould be excluded, ipfofafiot
and the fovereignty devolve on the regent -, that all
papifts of any confideration fliould be baniflied by
name, and their children educated in the proteftant
religion. Thefe propofals were rejected by the
commons, by whom the bill of exclufion was re-
fumed ; and an order had been made for its being
read a fecond time, when the king unexpectedly
diflblved the parliament, and went to Windfor,
whence he haftened to London, where he publiflied
a proclamation, containing his reafons for dif-
folving the laft parliament, and that immediately
preceding.
Charles received addrefles from every part of the
kingdom, exprefllve of loyalty, and applaufive of
his conduct in diflblving the parliament. Thus
flattered, the king became more arbitrary in his
proceedings. He looked on the earl of Shaftefbury
as his greateft enemy, and caufed him to be fent
to the Tower on a charge of high treafon : feveral
other perfons who had diftinguifhed themfelves
againft the meafures of the court, were likewife
imprifoned. Titus Oates was difcharged from his
lodgings at Whitehall, by an order of council, and
endeavours were ufed to make the whole popifli
plot a matter of ridicule. A bill of indictment
againft Shaftefbury was preferred to the grand jury
of London, but it was thrown out, as the witnefles
examined were perfons of the moft infamous cha-
racters, aud fwore to circumflances altogether im-
probable. A draught of an aflbciation was found
among the earl's papers, but it was not of his
writing; nor could it be proved that he had com-
municated it to any perfon, or even fignified his
approbation of it. On the bill being thrown out
by the grand jury, bonfires were made, and there
were the greateft rejoicings throughout the city.
The court-party obtained a confiderable fhare of
influence in Scotland. In July, the duke of York,
as king's commiflioner, aflembled the parliament
of that kingdom ; and an aft was pafied, purport-
ing, that the crown of Scotland had, according to
the fundamental laws of the monarchy, regularly
defcended to the heir of blood, and that the efta-
bliflied mode of fuccefllon could not admit of any
alteration whatever. An aft was alfo pafled for
impofing a tcft-oath upon all perfons holding
public employments, whereby they were to ac-
knowledge the fupremacy of the king, renounce
the covenant, and efpoufe the doftrine of paflive
obedience. The oath being tendered to the earl of
Argyle, he faid he would adhere to it as far as it
was confiftent with itfelf, and the fafety of the
proteftant religion ; declaring at the fame time, that
he did not mean to bind himfelf up from endear
vouring, by fuch means as were confiftent with his
loyalty, and the dictates of his confcience, to effeft
fuch alterations as fliould promife to be advan-
tageous to the church or ftate. In confequence of
this declaration, he was committed to prifon, and
being brought to trial, was convicted of perjury,
and Sentenced to fuffer death. An order being
given for execution to be fufpended till the king's
further pleafure fliould be known, the earl effefted
an efcape, and took refuge under the protection of
the States General. The adherents of the duke
pretended, that he entertained no defign againft the
life of Argyle, but was only defirous of fupprefling
that exteniive hereditary jurifdiftion by which he
6 L maintained
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
maintained a dangerous authority in the Highlands.
The king having conquered all oppofition, the
duke repaired to London, and obtained fo great an
influence over his brother, that the government of
England, Scotland, and Ireland, was in effect,
under his direction.
In the beginning of the year the
A. D. i *2. ^^ made Bother voyage to Scot-
land, and the veflel in which he embarked, ftriking
on a land bank in the paffage was loft. The duke
faved himfelf in the long boat, with a few perfons,
whom he named for admittance. On this occafion
it is recorded to his eternal infamy, that he faved
fome obfcure priefts, and a number of favourite
dogs, while many perfons of diftinction were left to
perifh. Difgufted by the teft-oath, the impofition
of which was the caufe of very fevere oppreflion,
the people of Scotland refolved to retire to fome
other country, where they might enjoy that liberty
of confcience which was denied them at home. In
purfuance of this defign, they difpatched agents
to London to treat with the proprietor of Carolina,
on the fubject of their fettling in that colony.
The duke being apprized of their intention, found
means to conciliate the affections of the nobility
and clergy; and the latter wrote to the archbifhop
of Canterbury, highly extolling the equity and
mildnefs of the duke's adminiftration in general,
and in particular commending the pious zeal with
which he endeavoured to promote the intereft of
the church. The king having eftablifhed himfelf
in the poffeffion of abfolute power, refolved to
humble the prefbyterians, and had recourfe to the
moft unjuftifiable meafures for the accomplifliment
of his defign. The animofity that had long pre-
vailed between the two parties, was increafed to a
violent and rancorous hatred, the king declared
himfelf the head of a faction. The independency
of the city of London was ftill preferred ; and the
fheriff had fufficient influence over the grand jury,
to protect the prefbyterians refident in the metro-
polis from oppreflion. Charles contrived to at-
tach to his intereft Sir John Moor, the lord mayor
of London; and nominated two perfons for fheriffs,
who, he was confcious, would prove fubfervient to
the meafures of adminiftration; and a citizen of
equal pliancy was found to fucceed Moor, upon the
expiration of his mayoralty. So alarmed was the
earl of Shatefbury by thefe circumftances, that in
order to provide for his perfonal fafety, he preci-
pitately retreated to Holland, and after his arrival
in the dominions of the States General, he furvived
only a few days.
„ ,_ Charles apprehended a formidable
A.iJ.io 3. OppOfltion at the approaching election,
and that his meafures would be annually contefted
in London, and all the other corporations under
the influence of the prefbytery; he therefore fug-
gcfted means for eftablifhing defpotic fway over all
the corporations of the kingdom. The firft mea-
fure he adopted for this purpofe, was the ifl'uing a
writ of Sfyo warranty againft the city of London,
which prefcribed an enquiry into the validity of the
city charter, which he pretended had, in two in-
ftances, been forfeited. The firft was, their having
impofed a toll for defraying the expence of rebuild-
ing their markets ; the other, their having in a late
addrefs, reflected on the king and government.
The caufe being brought to trial in the court of
King's Bench, the council in behalf of the city
proved, that all corporations were inverted witli the
privilege of eftablifliing bye-laws ; that the people
had an unalienable right to petition the fovereign ;
that the addrefs contained no reflection upon the
king, though it conveyed a cenfure againft thofe
evil counfellors who had advifed him to prorogue
the parliament: and Hkewife infifted, that if the
niagiftrates were guilty of the facts alledged againft
II
them, they were liable to punifhment as individuals,
but that their delinquency could not be understood
by the court, as a ground for annihilating the cor-
poration. Cogent as thefe arguments were in fa-
vour of the city, thejudgcs who were entirely under
the influence of the miniftry, decreed, that the pri-
vileges of the city were forfeited, and that the char-
ter was now entirely at the difpofal of the king: but
it was determined, that this judgment fhould not
be entered upon record, till his majefty's pleafurc
fliould be known. A common council being fum-
moned, the majority agreed quietly to fubmit
to the fentence, before it mould be recorded ;
and an addrefs being prefented expreflive of their
acquiefcence, his majefty propofed to reftore the
charter on the following conditions: That no
mayor, or other officer of the corporation, mould
exercife his authority, until his election fliould be
confirmed under the king's fign manual; that if his
majefty fhould not approve of their choice of a
mayor and fheriffs, a new election fhould take
place ; and provided the fecond choice fhould
prove difagreeable to the king, he fliould have the
power of appointing perfons to fupply the vacant
places; that the mayor and court of aldermen fhould
be empowered to difplace any alderman, with the
approbation of the king; that fhould any alderman
be deemed. unqualiiied by the court of aldermen,
the ward fhould proceed to elect another officer in
his room ; and in cafe of the fecond not meeting the
approbation of the court, a third fhould be chofenby
the court itlelf ; and that thejuftices of the peace in
London, fliould act by virtue only of the king's com- i
million. Thefe rigorous terms being reported to
the common council, they were accepted, there be-
ing a majority of eighteen voices in their favour.
The fate of the city of London proved exceedingly
alarming to many other corporations, who,
furrendering up their charters to the king, were
under the neceflity of paying large fums for their
redemption.
The earl of Shaftefbury, previous to his departure
for Holland, had engaged the duke of Monmouth,
and the lords Ruffel and Grey, to take up arms in
order to oppofe the fticceflion of the duke of York,
upon the demife of king Charles, and with thefe
noblemen the earls of Eflex and Salifbury after-
wards aflbciated themfelves. The remaining
leaders of the confpirators were, the duke of Mon-
mouth, the earl of Eflex, the lords Ruflel and
Howard, Algernon Sidney, and John Hampden,
grandfon to the patriot of that name. Thefe per-
fons held a correfpondence with Argyle and the
mal-contents in Scotland, and perfevered in the
refolution of fomenting an infnrrection ; but it
fhould be obferved, that though engaged in one
caufe, they were actuated by different motives
Sidney entertained republican principles ; the viev
of Howard was to gratify his own ambition : E"
was defirous of introducing a republican govern-
ment ; Ruflel and Hampden were for excluding the
duke of York, and redrefling all public grievances!
and the duke of Monmouth afpired to the polTe"
fion of the fceptre of England. A fecond i'ubor
dinate confpiracy was formed by colonel llumftjj
lieutenant colonel Walcot, and others, who prc
pofed to aflaffinate the king on his return fror
Newmarket. A farm on the Newmarket road,
called the Rye-houfe, was in the poflcflion of one
of the confpirators named Rumbald; and hence
the confpiracy was denominated the " Rye-houfe
plot." It was agreed, that by overturning a cart
in the highway, adjacent to Kumbald's farm, the
king's coach would be flopped, and that his ma-
jefty fhould be fhot by fome of the cjnfpirators
concealed behind the hedges; and it was rurther
refolved, that while Rumfey fliould be employed
in making preparations for the murder, the king
<& //
G H A R L E
II.
guards fhould be attacked by a company of forty
horfemen, under the command of Walcot. While
the confpirators were engaged in the above deli-
berations, the palace in which the king refided at
Newmarket took fire ; in confequence of which,
his majefly fet out for London before the time ap-
pointed for his departure j and by that means, the
plan conftrucled for his deftruction was entirely
fruftrated. Keiling, who had been engaged in the
confpiracy, apprehending a profecution, on account
of his having arrefted the lord mayor, clifcovered
the particulars of the plot to the miniftry, under
the expectation of obtaining a pardon. Upon
learning that Keiling had betrayed them, colonel
Rumfey, and Weft, a lawyer, furrendered them-
felves as evidences for the crown, in the hope of
prefcrving their own lives. Warrants being iffued
for apprehending the confpirators, the duke of
Monmouth abfconded ; Grey was arrefted, but he
efcaped from the meflenger, who had him in
cuftody ; Ruffel was taken and committed to pri-
fon, and many others were alfo fecured ; but
Howard obtained a pardon by infamoufly betray-
ing his friends, the earl of EflTex, Sidney, and
Hampden, who were apprehended in confequence
of his information. By the evidence of Rumfey
and Weft, Walcot, Hone and Roufe, were tried
and convicted. They met their fate with com-
pofure and refignation, acknowledging the juftice
of their fentence. The fame evidences were pro-
duced againft lord Ruffel, whom, however, it was
evident, that they accufed with great reluctance.
Lord Howard depofed, that Ruflel was concerned
in the defign of creating an infurreclion ; but all
the witnefles concurred in giving teftimony, that he
was in no manner engaged in, or privy to, the plan
concerted for deftroying the king. Lord Ruflel
was highly efteemed by the people in general, and
his virtues and many amiable qualities, extorted
veneration even from his enemies. He had a fpiiit
too high, to permit him to difavow having been
concerned in the confpiracy : but the laws againft
treafon were {trained to produce his conviction.
After fentence had been pronounced upon him,
very powerful intereft was made in his behalf. His
antient father, the earl of Bedford, offered the
duchefs of Portfmoth an hundred thoufand
pounds, on condition of her procuring a pardon.
The unhappy culprit's wife, daughter -of the earl of
Southampton, threw herfelf at the feet of the king,
and in the moft pathetic manner, pleaded in behalf
of her hufband, urging the merits of her father in
behalf of her condemned confort. But Charles
dreaded the popularity Ruflel had acquired, and
the independent principles he entertained. He
had refufed to acknowledge that they had authority
to remit the barbarous part of the fentence pro-
nounced againft lord Stafford, and oppofed
him Ib vigoroufly in the late parliament, as to ex-
afperate him to a degree of the moft implacable
enmity.
Sentence was therefore pronounced againft
Ruflel, he was to fufFer on the gallows ; but the
king commanded that he fhould be beheaded, fay-
ing', " My lord Ruflel mail find that I am poflefled
of that prerogative which he thought fit to deny me
in the cafe of lord Stafford." Lord Cavendifli, who
had long lived in terms of the moft intiniate friend-
fliip with Ruffel, propofed to favour his tfl:ape, by
changing apparel with him, and fubmitting to all
the confcquences of remaining in prifon in his
room ; and the duke of Monmouth fent him a
meffage, declaring, that he would willingly fur-
render himf'elf, if there was the leaft reafon to
imagine that meafure would operate towards faving
his life. Thefe generous propofals Ruffel nobly
declined, obferving with the fortitude that peculiarly
marked his character, that he forefaw, and was fully
prepared to meet his fate. At his laft interview
with his lady, fo .careful was flic not to interrupt the
tranquillity he maintained, though the period of
his diflblution was fo nearly approaching, that file
refolutcly contended with the keen anguifh that
wrung her heart, and fo far fucceeded, as not to
flied a tear. Having parted with his lady, he ex-
claimed, " Now the bitterncfs of death is paffed ;"
and from that moment he betrayed no fymptom of
difcompofure. Immediately before being conducted
to the place of execution, he wound up his watch ;
faying, while his countenance indicated the moft
perfect tranquillity of mind, " I have now done
with time, and muft henceforth think only of
eternity." In order to render the triumph of the
court more confpicuous, the noble priloner was
conveyed through the city, and the fcaffold ereded
in Lincoln's-inn-fields. He was brought front
the Tower to the place of execution in a coach,
being attended by Tillotfon and Burnet, with whom
he joined in fervent prayer. As he paffed through
the ftreets, the populace lamented the fate of a
man, for whofe virtues they entertained thehigheft
.veneration. Having afcendcd the fcaffold, he pre-
fented to the fheriffs a paper, expreffive of his ab-
horrence of popery, and afferting, that he was en-
tirely innocent of any defign againft the life of the
king. Having fervently prayed, that the Almighty
would preferve his majefty and the proteftant re-
ligion, he laid his neck upon the block, and
fubmitted to the fatal ftroke with unftiaken forti-
tude.
The trial of Algernon Sidney, was followed by
that of Ruffel. The only evidence who appeared
in fupport of the profecution was lord Howard j
but fome manufcripts on the fubject of government,
found among his papers, were produced in court,
and thefe were affirmed to be as fubftantial evidence
as that of living witneffes. The papers were written
in defence of liberty, maintaining the original con-
tracl: upon which government was founded, and
from which all power was derived ; the lawful ncfs
of refifting all tyrannical and oppreffive meafures ;
and the maxim of preferring a republican to a mo-
narchical government. No proof was adduced of
the papers having been actually written by the
prifoner, or that he had expofed them to any per-
fon whatever ; nor did they contain a fingle cir-
cumftance of a treafonable nature. Lord Ruffel's
fate had been determined in two days, but Sidney
prolonged his trial three weeks. When Withers,
one of the judges, gave him the lie, he difregarded
it as an injury done only to himfelf ; but Jeffries
interrupting him, while he was urging a plea, he
cried out, " Then I appeal to God and the world ;
I am not heard ;" and refufed to defend himfelf
any longer. When fentence was paffed he made
this pathetic exclamation : " Then, O God ! O
God ! I befeech thee fanctify thefe fufferings to me,
and impute not my blood to my country, nor to
this city, through which I am to be carried to
death. Let no inquilition be made for it : but if
any mail be made, and the fhedding of innocent
blood muft be revenged, let the weight of it fall on
thofewho malicioully perfecute me forrighteoufnefs
fake." Jeffries, ftarting from his feat, exclaimed,
that the prifoner's reafon was effected ; but Sidney
calmly ftretched out his arm, and defired him to
feel if his pulfe did not beat at its ordinary rate.
This great man went to his death on the feventeenth
of December. He walked with a firm ftep ; afl-:ed
no friend to attend him ; and only borrowed two
of his brother's footmen to walk behind him. When
he had afcended the fcaflbld, being afked, if he
had any thing to fay to the people, he cried, " I
have made my peace with God, and have nothina
to fay to man." Then nfter a moment's pauie
added, " I am ready to die, and will give you no
furfju-r
5°4
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
farther trouble." Thefe were the only words he
uttered in public : but he left his laft thoughts be-
hind him, in writing, with his friends 5 whereinwere
laid down thofe great . and generous principles of
political fociety, which were afterwards made the
foundation of the revolution.
Hampden's life was probably faved by the un-
popularity which Sidney's trial brought upon go-
vernment. Howard being the only witnefs againft
him, he was tried for a mifdemeanor ; but was
fined in the exorbitant fum of forty thoufand
pounds. Sir Thomas Armftrong, who had made
his- efcape, had been out-lawed, but was feized
abroad, and brought to England before the ex-
piration allowed by law for a furrender. Jeffries
refufed a trial to Armftrong. He defired that his
Gounfel might be heard upon the plea of his right
to a trial. This requeft was refufed ; and on his
faying, that he only afked the common benefit of the
law, he was anfwered by Jeffries, " You fhall have
that indeed ; for by the Grace of God, you mail be
executed on Friday next : you mail have the full
benefit of the law."
A correfpondence was maintained between the
duke of Monmouth and Argyle, through whofe
means the duke hoped to be joined by the co-
venanters in Scotland. Argyle who was then refi-
dent in Holland, engaged to fupply tke covenanters
with arms, provided that Monmouth would furnifh
him with eight thoufand pounds. Bailie, of Jervif-
\vood, to whofe management this bufinefs was in a
great meafure intrufted, being apprehended among
feveral perfons concerned in the late confpiracy,
the miniftry, as they could not find evidence fuffi-
cient to convict him, infifted that he mould excul-
pate himfelf upon oath,of all fufpicion of having been
engaged in the Rye-houfe plot. He remonftrated
againlt this procedure as tyrannical and inhuman,
and refufed to anfwer interrogatories upon oath ;
in confcquence of which he was committed to pri-
ibn, and fined in a penalty of fix thoufand pounds.
Thinking the punifhment inflicted on Bailie not
fufliciently fevere, the duke of York direfted the
miniftry to fearch for effectual evidence againft
him ; and they had recourfe to the moft iniquitous
means for gratifying the enmity of the duke. The
earl of Tarras, who had himfelf been imprifoned
on account of the confpiracy, and Murray, of
Philiphaugh, were prevailed upon by threats and
promifes, to depofe upon oath, that Bailie had
tampered with them, evidently with a defign of
exciting an infurrection. On the falfe evidence of
thefe proftitute witnefles, the unhappy man was
convicted of treafon. Being already reduced to the
brink of the grave by illnels, which was increafed
by fevere treatment, the inhuman judge, appre-
hending that death would difappoint the duke of
his revenge, ordered Bailie to be executed imme-
diately after fentence had been pronounced againft
him ; and in his laft moments, he denied having
harboured any defign injurious to the king's fafety.
The king now exerted every effort in his power
to ingratiate the efteem of his fubjecls ; and con-
fcious that the fufpicion of his attachment to the
popifh religion was the principal caufe of his un-
popularity, he formed the refolution of propofing a
matrimonial alliance between his niece, the princefs
Anne, and prince George, fon of the king of Den-
mark.
The duke of York had fo greatly increafed his
power and reputation, that he was now become
terrible even to the miniftry : and the earl of Ha-
lifax determined to lefien his influence, by op-
poGng to it that of the duke of Monmouth. Hav-
ing- diflovered the retreat where Monmouth had
taken refuge, he prevailed upon him to write twice
to the king in a ftyle of humiliation; and thefe ad-
having revived his majefty's paternal affec-
tion, he permitted Monmouth to return to court,
and endeavoured to effect a reconciliation between"
him and the duke of York. The king alfo con-
vened an extraordinary council, purpofely to ac-
quaint the members of Monmouth's fincere repen-
tance ; and a paper declaratory of the reconciliation
was printed in the London Gazette. But finding
that he had incurred difgrace by his confeflion
Monmouth, immediately after he had obtained a
pardon, under the ufual formalities, denied that he
had made any conceffions whatever. This dupli-
city of conduct fo incenfed the king, that he ba-
nifhed the duke from court, and foon after com-
manded him to leave the kingdom. Retiring to
Holland, Monmouth experienced a cordial recep-
tion from the prince of Orange, and he fometime
afterwards held a correfpondence by letter with the
king his father : but this circumflance was kept
profoundly fecret from the duke of York.
Happy as the king feemed to be in . _.
appearance, he was far from being fo ]
in reality. Whether he found himfelf ftfaitened
for want of money, or dreaded the confequences
of his prefent unpopular meafures, it is hard to de-
termine.
Whatever was the caufe of the -.
king's uneafinefs, it is affirmed by fome l
writers, that he was meditating a change of go-
vernment, and had refolved to fend the duke of
York beyond fea ; to recall Monmouth ; to con-
voke a parliament j to difcard his unpopular mi-
nifters, and to throw himfelf entirely on the good
will and affection of his fubjeds. If he really en-
tertained this laudable defign, death anticipated it's
execution ; he was feized with a fudden fit, which
refembled an apoplexy, after which he languifhed
a few days, and he expired on the fixth day of Fe-
bruary, in the fifty-fifth year of his age and twenty-
fifth of his reign. During his illnefs, he received
the facrament according to the rites of the Romifh
church, and died in that communion. Two papers
written with his own hand, in defence of the ca-
tholic religion, were found in his clofet, and the
duke imprudently caufed them to be publifhed ;
which tended to ftigmatize the memory of his bro-
ther, and to convince the world of his own bigotry
and fuperftition.
Charles had no legitimate offspring, but he had
a great many children by feveral of his concubines.
By Mrs. Lucy Walters, he had James, duke of
Monmouth ; by Mrs. Killigrew, created vifcountefs
Shannon, Charlotte- Jemima-Henrietta-Maria j by
Mrs. Catherine Peg, Charles Fitz-Charles, earl of
Plymouth ; by Mrs. Barbara Villiers, created lady
Nonfuch, countefs of Southampton, and duchefs of
Cleveland, Charles Fitz-Roy, duke of Southamp-
ton, Henry Fitz-Roy, duke of Grufton, George
Fitz-Roy, duke of Northumberland, and three
daughters ; by Mrs. Eleanor Gwyn, Charles Beau-
clerk, duke of St. Albans, and James Beauclerk,
by Louifa de Querouaille (a native of France)
duchefs of Portlmouth, Charles Lenox, duke of
Richmond ; by Mrs. Mary Davis, Mary Tudor,
married to Francis lord Radcliffe, earl of Derwent-
water.
Trade and manufactures flouriflied more in this
reign, than in any other period of the Englifh mo-
narchy : the arts and fciences were cultivated with
good fuccefs. In the firft year, a few philofophers
procured a patent ; and having enlarged their
number, were called the Royal Society. This in-
ftitution began to foften the manners, by improving
the underftandin°;s of
men, though
without re-
ceiving any bounty from the fovercign. There
arofe alfo fome individuals of fuperior genius, who
drew on themfelves, and on their native country,
the attention of all Europe. Befides Wilkins,
Wren, Wallis, Barrow, and Ward, all eminent
mathe-
H A R L E S
II.
mathematicians ; Hook, an accurate obferver by
microfcopes ; and Sydenham, the reftorer of the
true practice of phyfic, there flourished. During
this period, a Boyle and a Newton, men, who had
with cautious, and therefore the moft fecure fteps,
purfued the only path that leads to true philofophy.
The air-pump, invented by Otto Guerick, was
improved by Boyle, who made many new and
curious experiments on the air, as well as on other
bodies. His chemiftry is much admired by all
who arc acquainted with that art ; and his hydrof-
tatics contain a mixture of rcafoning and inven-
tion, with many important experiments.
In Newton this ifland may boaft of having
produced the moft penetrating genius that ever
arofe for the ornament and inftruction of man-
kind. Cautious of admitting no principles but
fuch as were founded on experiments ; but refo-
lute to adopt every principle of that kind, how-
ever new or unufual ; from modefty, ignorant of
his fuperiority above the reft of mankind ; and
thence lefs careful of adapting his reafons to com-
mon apprehenfions ; more anxious to merit than
acquire fame, he was for thefe caufes long un-
known to the world : but his reputation at laft
broke out with a lurtre, which fcarce any writer,
during his own life time, had ever before at-
tained.
Tillotfon, Stillingfleet, Tennifon, Patrick, and
Lloyd, were mining lights in divinity. The
Belles Lettres were making daily advances to per-
feftion. Dryden filled the chief feat in poetry ;
but his writings are juftly cenfurable for that vein
of licentioufnefs which runs through the whole.
The depravity of the public tafte, and the preffing
neceflities of the writer, may indeed be pleaded
in excufe for thefe faults. His Ode on St. Ceci-
lia's day, (lands unrivalled in the Englifh lan-
guage. Wicherly in his comedies, and Otway in
his tragedies, have both great merit. The latter,
however, received fo little encouragement, that he
died almoft in want of the common neceffaries
of life. The love of literature in this period in-
fpired the breads even of the higheft perfonages.
The court itfelf became emulous of the bays.
The duke of Buckingham's rehearfal ftill ftands
diftrnguiflied in the rank of comic fatire. The
earl of Rochefter, vicious as his ideas were, pof-
fefled fo ftrange a power of pleafing, that while
we condemn his morals, we cannot help being
delighted with the mufic of his numbers. The
earls of Dorfet, Rofcommon, and Mulgrave, wrote
with eafe and fpirit, and with that pleafing negli-
gence peculiar to the gentleman. The marquis
of Halifax is juftly diftinguimed for his refined
genius, and had he not been a principal perfon in
the ftate, he would have claimed the firft rank in
literature ; but his afiiduous application to bufinefs
fpoiled the writer.
Sir William Temple is almoft the only author
who kept himfelf unpolluted by that inundation
of vice and licentioufnefs which deluged the na-
tion. The ftile of this writer, though extremely
negligent, and even mixed with foreign idioms,
is very agreeable and interefting. That mixture
of vanity which appears in his works, is rather an
advantage than a fault : for by that means we en-
ter into the character of the author, full of honour
and humanity, and believe ourfelves engaged in
converfation with a companion, rather than in the
pcrufal of a book.
Butler's Hudibras abounds with more ftrokes of
genuine wit, than any other compofition ; and it is
lurprifing how much erudition Butler has intro-
duced -with fo good a grace, into a work of
pleafantry and humour. The advantage which
the royal caufe received from this poem was pro-
digious. The king was highly plea fed with its
No. 47,
merit, carried it frequently in his pocket, and could
even repeat a great part of it ; yet he iuffered the
ingenious author, who was alfo a man of probity
and virtue, to live in obfcurity and die in want.
Fie ! Fie ! But it is well known the Stuart family
were never remarkable for either liberality or gra-
titude.
Charafler of Charles II.
This has been elaborately delineated by four
cotemporary writers, the duke of Buckingham,
the marquis of Halifax, bifliop Burnet, and Dr.
Wcllwood, by each of whom he is drawn in co-
lours moft expreffive of their particular principles
and prejudices. The duke has certainly difcovered
want of candour, in comparing Charles, with re-
fpecl to his deceit and cruelty, to the Roman em-
peror Tiberius ; and the other three are partial in
the oppofite extreme, by palliating his vices, ex-
aggerating his good qualities, and afcribing to him
virtues that he did not poffefs.
Charles was, in his perfon, tall and fwarthy,
having a countenance marked with ftrong, harfli
lineaments j and, in his manners, gay, fprightly,
polite, and affable. He was eafy of accefs, and an
agreeable companion. His love of raillery, which
was always tempered with good breeding, was
never offenfive ; and his propenfity to fatire was fo
checked by difcretion, that his friends were under
no apprehenfion of becoming the objects of it.
He was fond of laying afide the formalities of ftate,
and of playing the merry, and, at times, the pro-
fligate debauchee ; or, as Churchill with juft poig-
nancy obferves,
Another Charles fucceeded ; in the fchool
Of Trowel he had learn'd to play the fool ;
And like pert pupils with dull tutors fent,
To fhame their country on the continent ;
From love of England by long abfence wean'd,
From every court he every folly glean'd j
And was, fo clofe do evil habits cling,
'Till crown'd a beggar, and when crown'dnoking.
Confidered as a king, Charles had not a fingle
quality worthy of imitation. Ambitious of power,
yet cleftitute of refolution and perfeverance ; de-
firous of popularity, yet without the addrefs necef-
fary to conciliate the affections of his fubjects ; fuf-
ficiently penetrating, yetdifqualified,byan exceflive
love of eafe and luxurious pleafure, his ruling paf-
fions, from elaborate difquifitions of government,
and a ferious inveftigation of the maxims of policy.
Wholly addicted to fenfual gratifications, or un-
profitable diverfions, he would facrifice to them
the intereft and glory of his kingdoms, which
might fink or fwim, fo that he could but gratify
his darling inclinations. Hence, in his public
meafures, he acted either from the influence of
caprice, the impulfe of neceflity, or the fuggeftions
of mercenary and wicked minifters. Though he
embraced the popifh religion abroad, in hopes of
having the aid of the catholic princes towards his
reftoration, yet he was quite indifferent to all reli-
gions ; and it was equal to him whether popery or
proteftantifm were the eftablifhed religion, fo that
he might have an indulgence for his beloved plea-
fures. Though he had himfelf made a trifling
progrefs in mechanics and chemiftry, yet he was
fo befet by miftreffes and craving courtiers, that
he had neither money nor attention for literary
merit. He brought with him to England the eafy
manners of the French, with the fafhions of that
court, without its politenefs ; inftead of which
reigned wanton revelry, riot, and profanenefs.
He was a cold and uncomplaifant hufband, but
had no real regard for any one befides his children,
6 M his
506
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
his brother and his miftreffes. Indeed, he was
incapable of friendfhip ; ami never attached hin>
felf to any of his courtiers, minifters, or com-
panions with a fincere affection. He judged of
them, and of all his fubjects, from his own heart ;
and believed all mankind falfe, perfidious, and
interefted. Hence, when his fervants snd moil
intimate friends were attacked by the popular
party, he made no diflkulty of giving them up, and
of figning the warrant for their execution. With
all his appearance of good nature, he was often
cruel, frequently unjuft ; and when compliant, not
from principle, but becaufe his attention was di-
verted from examining into the merit of caufes.
The treatment of the duke of Argyle, the profe-
cution and execution of many innocent fufferers,
particularly of the great Ruffel, and of the noble
patriot Sidney, who faved his life ; his ordering
Gordon of Earlftone to be put to the torture when
under fentence of death, evince that he had no
regard to juftice, nor any of the generous, tender
feelings of humanity. His treatment of the Scots,
though he had fworn to obferve the covenant, and
of the nonconformifts in England, notwithftanding
his declaration at Breda, fnew that he was deftitute
of all fenfe of honour. He was not only negli-
gent of the intereft of the nation, cardefs of its
glory, lavifh of its treafurcs, and jealous of its li-
berties, but a gay and polite tyrant, who, while-
he feemed in fport, deprived his fubjects of their
moft invaluable privileges, and endeavoured to
render them a nation of f laves. Placed as he was
in the higheft fphere of life, for which he was alto-
gether unqualified, he drew upon himfelf the con-
tempt, not only of neighbouring potentates, buc
alfo of his own fubjefts. The author of Privilege,
a poem, furveyed this monarch in the fame light
we have done, wherein he lias thus juftly por-
trayed hinu
To realms long panting for the fweets of reft
The fun invited flew : the changing realm
Caught at a ftroke the vices of the helm ;
In pleaiures round the giddy fubjecls rove,
A land of licence, ridicule, and love ;
A dupe to folly, and to whims a Have,
Calm he receiv'd the joke he freely gave.
His feoff religion, glory was his hate,
Carelefs of right, and thoughtlefs of the ftate.
Foes were regarded, but his friends unknown,
Thofe very friends who raii'd him to the throne.
CHAP. II.
AMES
II.
The contradiction between his public declarations and public conduEl — Argyle and Monmouth, their defeat and
execution — Kirk and Jefferies , their horrid cruelties in the Wejl — High court of ecclejiqjllcal commij/ion — An
embaffy to Rome— The pope's nuncio arrives in England — Impryonment, trial, and acquittal of the bijhops—
Birth of a prince of Wales, Jlilcd afterwards the Pretender — The prince of Orange, his declaration — Sails for
England, but is driven back by ajiorm — Lands in England at Tor bay, on the fifth of November— -Is joined by
many of both parties, particularly by prince George and the princefe Anne — The king flies — Is feized at Fever-
jham — And afterwards retires into France — Inter-regnum — Prince andprincefs of Orange proclaimed king and
queen of England — Character of James If.
A
TAMES II. afcended the throne
< J of England without the leaft op-
poiition from the people. In order to allay all
ferments in the minds of his fubjecls, he thought
it moft prudent to affemble the privy council, and
to harangue them with a flattening fpeech, filled
with promifes which he never intended to perform.
Accordingly when the council aflembled, he told
them, after beftowing fome praifes on the memory
of his predeceflbr, that it was his determined
refolution to maintain the eftablifhed government
both in church and ftate : that, though he had
been reported to have imbibed very arbitrary prin-
ciples, he well knew that the laws of England
were abundantly fuflicient to render him as great a
monarch as he could wifh ; and he was determined
never to depart from them. He added, that as he
had many times ventured his life in the defence of
the nation, he would Mill go as far as any man
in fupport of its juft rights and privileges ; and
that he would exert his utmoft power and abilities
to maintain the balance of power in Europe, and
to free the nation from that ftate of dependence,
or rather vaflalage, in which it had for fome time
been held by its ambitious neighbours. A fpeech,
filled with fuch noble fentiments, was received
with general applaule both of the privy-council
and the nation in general. Addreffes come from
all quarters, full of duty, and many of them con-
ceived in terms of the moft fervile adulation.
Every one haftened to pay his duty to the new
monarch ; and James had reafon to think, that,
notwithftanding the violent efforts made by the
country party for his exclufion, no monarch in
Europe fat firmer on his throne than himfelf.
But the thinking part of the nation were not to
be impofed upon by fpecious affurances. It was
indeed a kind of infatuation to fuppofe, that he
really entertained the fentiments he profefled.
They had known him, while duke of York, to be
a bigot to the Romifh religion, and a zealous op-
pofer of the reformation : they had been often
witnefTes that his difpofition was mercilefs and
cruel ; and that he totally disregarded the liberties
of the people, and the eftablifhed form of govern-
ment. They knew he was the principal aclvifer
and promoter of all the unpopular and arbitrary
meafures purfued by his brother during the latter
part of his reign, and that he himfelf was the
fworn friend of Lewis the Fourteenth, whole am-
bition all Europe dreaded ; and, like that monarch,
a fworn enemy to all whom the Romifli church
ftiled heretics. It was not therefore reafonable to
fuppofe, that he would entirely alter his fentiments
when he came to the throne. James was fenfible,
penetrating and enterprizing ; but he was alfo
headftrong, violent and arbitrary, and his judgment
by no means clear.
Thefe fufpicions were too foon verified : for the
very firft Sunday after his acceflion, he went pub-
licly to hear maf's, with all the enfigns of royalty,
which the laws of the kingdom had declared to be
criminal. The duke of Norfolk, who earned the
fword of ftate, flopped at the door of the chapel:
the king pafling him, faid, " My lord, your
father would have gone farther." The duke
anfwered, " Your majefty's father would not have
gone fo far." About the fame time, James tent
Caryl to Rome, in order to make fubmiffions to
the pope, and to pave the way for a rc-admiffion
J A M E
II.
5C7
of England into the bofom of the catholic church.
Innocent the Eleventh, who then filled the papal
chair, very prudently advifed the kinj, not to be
too precipitate in his meafures, nor rafhly attempt
what repeated experience might convince him was
abfolutcly impracticable. The Spanim ambaflador
Ronquillo, knowing the tranquillity of England
abfolutely neceflary for the fuppoit of Spain, ufed
the freedom of making the fame remonftrances.
He obferved how bufy the priefts appeared at
court, and advifed the king not to liften with too
great facility to their dangerous councils. Is it
not cuftoinary in Spain," replied James, " For
the king to confult his confeflbr ?" " Yes," re-
turned the ambaflador, " And it is for that reafon
our affairs fucceed fo ill." However, notwith-
ftanding the king's prejudices, the principal offices
of the crown ftill continued in the pofleflion
of proteftants ; nor did he as yet think proper to
ihew much partiality to thofe of his own commu-
nion : but his refentment againft the witnelTcs for
the popifli plot, he did not think proper to conceal.
Titus Gates was tried for perjury on two indicl-
ments ; one for fwearing that he was prefent at a
confultation of jefuits in London, on the twenty-
fourth of April, 1679; another for fwearing that
father Ireland was in London between the eighth
of Auguft and the beginning of September in
the fame year. Being fully convicted, he was
fentenced to be fined a thoufand marks on each
indictment -, to be whipped on two different days
from Aldgate to Newgate, and from Newgate to
Tyburn ; to be imprifoned during life, and to
ftand on the pillory five times every year. He
made folemn appeals to heaven, and the ftrongeft
proteftations of the veracity of his teftimony :
though the whipping was fo cruel, that he fwooned
away feveral times, and it was evidently the defign
of the court to put him to death by that punifh-
ment, he was, however, enabled, by the care of
his friends, to recover ; and he lived till William
mounted the Englifti throne, when he was releafed
from his confinement, and a penfion of one hun-
dred pounds a year fettled on him.
The coronation of James was performed on the
thenty-third of April ; when the crown, not being
properly fitted to his head, tottered. Henry
Sidney, keeper of the robes, kept it from falling
off, faying with pleafantry, " This is not the firft
.time our family has fupported the crown." This
circumftance was remarked and much talked of.
James, whatever diflike he had to an Englifli
parliament, found it neceflary to fummon one.
On the nineteenth of May the king opened the
feffion with a fpeech from the throne, in which,
after folemnly repeating the promife he had made
before the privy-council of governing according
to the laws, and of preferring the proteftant re-
ligion, he plainly told them, he expected they
would fettle his revenue during his life, as they had
done that of his brother. " I might," faid he,
" ufe many arguments to inforce this demand ; the
benefit of trade ; the fupport of the navy ; the ne-
ceffities of the crown ; and the well-being of the
government itfclf, which I muft not fuffer to be
precarious. But I am confident that your own
confideration, and your fenfe of what is juft and
reafonable, will fufficiently fuggeft to you what-
ever on this occafion, might be enlarged upon.
There is, indeed, one popular argument, which
may be urged againft complying with my demand.
Men may think, that by feeding me from time to
time with fupplies, as they fee convenient, they
will better fecure frequent meetings of parliament:
but as this is the firft time I have fpoken to
you from the throne, I muft plainly tell you,
that fuch an expedient would be very improper
to employ with me : and that the beft way to
engage you to meet me often^ is always to ufe me
well."
rL he meaning of this fpeech was very evident ;
and had the country party formed the majority in
the lower houfe, his demands would certainly have
been rejecledi But they were now too weak to
ftem the torrent of pewer ; they wifely therefore
fubmitted to the times, and voted the king all he
defii ed. This gave James the higheft fatistaction,
and he began to hope for a peaceful and happy
reign. But this interval of tranquillity did not
laft long: the earl of Argyle, who had been
obliged to fly from Scotland during the late reign,
on an accufation of his having been concerned in
a fcheme formed by the duke of Monmouth for
exciting a rebellion in that kingdom, flattered him-
felf that the time was now come, when he might
fuccefsfully ftir up his countrymen againit James,
whom he confidered as the fole author of his dif-
grace and misfortunes. He imparted his defign to
Monmouth, who was then an exile alfo in Hol-
land ; and that prince immediately contented to
the project. They hired a few fhips of the Dutch,
and got together about two or three hundred of
the Englifh. exiles in Flanders, men of defperate
fortunes, and who had no means of retrieving their
affairs but by a change of government at home.
This was the Whole force the duke and earl had to
depend upon, except their hopes of being joined
by a formidable number of the whig party, in cafe
they could efiecT: a fuccefsful landing either in
England or Scotland. The earl of Argyle, at the
head of a fmall company, but with arms fufficient
for five thoufand men, failed from Holland in the
beginning of May, and made a defcent on the
coaft of Scotland. But he foon found himfelf
deceived in the hopes he had entertained of being
joined by a great number of his friends. He was,
indeed, fortunate enough to colled about two
thoufand men, chiefly belonging to his own clan
in the Highlands. But the government having
received advice of his intended enterprize, were
prepared for his reception. A confiderable body
of troops were fent againft him foon after his land-
ing j while he, by the help of his {hips, tranfported
his men from place to place, till two or three of
the king's fhips arrived in thofe parts, when he
was compelled to quit the fea-coafts and march
into the country, where he was inceflantly purfued
by the royal army. His followers, perceiving
that oppofition was in vain, abandoned their
matter, and he himfelf was foon after feized and
conveyed to Edinburgh, where he was publicly
executed. Rumbald, the contriver of the Rye-
houfe plot, and fome others who had fled from
juftice, and returned with Argyle, were alfo taken
and executed. The earl's father had fuffered the
like fate on a fimilar occafion.
Monmouth was not more fortunate in his at-
tempt. He failed from the Texel on the tv. enty-
fourth of May ; and after being detained for nine-
teen days by contrary \vinds, landed at Lime in
Dorfetfhire, with about eighty followers, but with
arms for a much greater number. Some of his
officers difperfed themfelves about the country in
order to prevail on the people to join them ; iu
which they fo far fucceedecl, that the duke's little
party was increafed to two thoufand men, moftly
from the adjacent countries. On his firft landing
he publifhed a manifefto, in which he explained
the caufe of his landing in England, the recovery
of his natural rights, aflerting the validity of the
late king's marriage with his mother, and to free
the nation from the defpotifm of the duke of York,
whom he accufed as the author of the dreadful
conflagration, by which the greater part of the city
of London was laid in aflies ; of the late popifh
plot for taking away the life of the king ; for fub-
vcrting
508 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
verting the proteftant religion ; of the murder of the
earl of Effex in the Tower, and of having poifoned
the king his brother. At the fame time he repre-
fented that his very religion incapacitated him from
fwayingthefceptreof England, which could never
hope for peace or fafety while a papift and a tyrant
fat upon the throne. This declaration produced
very little effect in the duke's favour: few perfons
of any diftinftion joined his ftandard, fo that his
army conlifted chiefly of a rude and undifciplined
rabble. With thcfe, however, he marched from
Lyme to Taunton, where he took upon him the
title of king. Here he met with fome reinforce-
ments, by which means his army amounted to
about fix thoufand men : but inftead of marching
directly to Briftol, the taking of which place would
have been of infinite fervice to his caufe, he wafted
his time in the ridiculous pageantry of his procla-
mation ; while the king employed himfelf in mak-
ing preparations to oppofe him. Six regiments of
Britifh troops were called over from Holland: the
army was confiderably augmented; and regular
forces, to the number of three thoufand men, were
difpatched under the command of Feverfham and
Churchill, in order to check the pvogrefs of the
rebels. Monmouth now perceived, that he muft
eiiher conquer or perifli. He therefore fet forward
to meet the king's forces, and hoped to find them
unprepared for an attack. But when he came
within fight of the royalifts, he found them drawn
up in excellent order at Sedgley-moor, near Bridge-
water. The battle began early the next morning,
•when Monmouth's horfe fled at the firft charge,
which circumftance was imputed either to the in-
experience, cowardice, or treachery of their com-
mander, lord Gray. The foot was not fo eafily
fubdued: they maintained their ground with amaz-
ing courage for fome time; but being expofed to a
moft terrible fire from the enemy's artillery, they
ai length gave way, after which a moft dreadful
flaughter enfued among them ; three hundred were
killed on the fpot, one thoufand in the purfuit, and
as ihany made prifoners. Monmouth had fled
about twenty miles from the field of battle, when
his horfe funk under him. He was then obliged to
purfuehis way on foot. Coming to a little cottage,
he changed cloaths with the peafant who occu-
pied it. In this difguife he continued his flight,
till unable to walk any farther, he laid himfelf
down in a ditch thick covered with fern. But a
party of the king's forces patting by the cottage
the next day, knew the duke's cloaths which the
countryman had on. They immediately obliged
the poor man to tell them which road the duke
had taken ; and after a ftrict fearch they found him in
his hiding place, from whence they conducted him
to London, where he was lodged in the Tower.
He now wrate to the king, humbly imploring his
pardon, and giving him the moft folemn affurances,
if he would gracioufly pleafe to overlook his former
errors, that he would endeavour by his future con-
duct to render himfelf worthy of fo great a favour.
James, finding fuch fymptoms of depreflion and
defpondency in the unhappy prifoner, admitted
him to his prefence, in hopes of extorting a dif-
•covery of his accomplices : but Monmouth would
not purchafe life at the price of fo much infamy.
He, therefore, refigned himfelf to his fate with a
ipirit becoming his rank and character. On the
fifteenth of July he was brought to the fcaffold,
attended by the tears of the multitude. He warned
the executioner not to fall into the error which he
had committed in beheading lluflel, where he was
obliged to redouble the blow. But this precaution
had not the dcfired effect, for it fo intimidated the
man, that lie could ftrike only a feeble blow on the
neck of Monmouth, who raifed his head from the
block, and looked him in the face, as if reproach-
ing him for his failure, he again laid down his '.
and the executioner ftruck him twice but without
effect. Throwing away the axe, he declared liiin-
felf incapable of firiifhingthe bloody oflicc. The
fhcriff, however, obliged him to renew the attempt^
and at two blows more the head was fevered from
the body. Thus fell James, duke of Monmouth,
whofe character in many refpects, was truly amia-
ble; he was brave, generous, and fincere; but too
open to flattery, and too Warmly addicted to plea-
furc ; he was the darling of the pc'oplc, the confe-
quence of which, added to the allurements of am-
bition, had engaged him in an enterprise for which
he was, of all men, the leaft qualified : and which,
in the end, coft him his life.
This victory obtained over Monmouth vas
profecuted with the moft unrelenting cruelty. Fc-
vcrfham hanged above twenty prifonera; and Jef-
feries, the lord chief juftice, was fent into the weft,
to try the unhappy perfons, who had beca con-
cerned in the late rafh, and ill-concerted rebellion.
Colonel Kirke, a foldier of fortune, who had long
fervedat Tangiers, and, from his intercourfe with
the Moors, had contracted a difpofition more in-
human than any known in Europe, attended him:
with a body of troops to keep the people in awe.
The bare recital of the barbarities committed by
thefe two fiends, in human fliape, muft fill every
reader with horror. They hanged up numbers of
perfons in the moft infulting manner, and many
without any form of trial. Kirke caufed thirty of
thcfe poor wretches to be executed at one time, in
the fight of himfelf and his officers, while they fan
at dinner. By way of experiment, he ordered one
man to be hung up three feveral times, queftioning
him at every interval, whether he repented of his
crime ; but the man obftinately afferting, that not-
withftanding all that had pafled, he would willingly
engage in the fame caufe, Kirke ordered him to be
hung in chains. One ftory told of him is memor-
able for the treachery, as well as the barbarity
which attended it. A young maid pleaded fo
ftrongly for the life of her brother, or, as fome fay,
her father, and flung herfelf at Kirk's feet, armed
with all the charms which beauty and innocence,
bathed in tears, could beftow upon her, that the
tyrant was inflamed with defire, though not foftened
into either love or clemency. He promifed to
grant her requeft, provided fhe, in return, would
be equally compliant to him. The maid yielded
to the conditions ; but after paffing the night with
him, the wanton favage fhewed her next morning,
from the window, her brother, the darling object
for whom me had facrificed her virtue, hivng on a
gibbet, which he had fecretly ordered to be there
erected for his execution. Rage, defpair, and in-
dignation took at once pofTeflion of her mind, and
deprived her for ever of her fenfes. All the inha-
bitants of the country, innocent as well as guilty,
were expofed to the ravages of this barbarian. The
foldiers were fuffercd to live at free quarters ; and
his own regiment, inftrucled by his example, and
encouraged by his exhortations, diftinguifhed them-
felves in a more particular manner, by their out-
rages. By way of pleafantry, he ufed to call them
his " lambs," an appellation long remembered in
the weft of England with horror. The unjuft judge
Jefferies, who had already given fpecimens of his
character, in many trials where he had prefided,
now fet out with the moft favage joy, to a whole
harveft of death and deftruction. He began at
Dorchefter; where thirty rebels being arraigned, he
exhorted them to fave him, by a free confeflion, the
trouble of trying them ; and when twenty were
found guilty, he ordered them, as an additional
punifhment for their difobedience, to be led imme-
diately to execution. Terrified by this example*
moft of the other prifoners pleaded guilty ; and no
lefs
J
M E
II.
lefsthan two hundred and ninety -two received fcn-
tence of death at Dorchefter, and eighty of them
were executed. The next ftage of his inhuman
cruelty was Exeter. Two hundred and forty-three
were there tried, and many of them condemned and
put to death. From Exeter he paffed to Taunton
and Wells, carrying terror and aftonifhment with
him. The juries were fo intimidated with his me-
naces, that they gave their verdicts with fo much
precipitation, that many innocent perfons were in-
volved with the guilty. So that upon the whole,
befides thofe butchered by the military commanders,
two hundred and fifty-one were computed to have
fallen by the hand of proftituted juftice. The whole
country was ftrewed with the heads and limbs of the
fufferers. Almoft every village beheld the carcafe of
fome wretched inhabitant ; and all the rigours of
cruelty were fully difplayed without the lead mix-
ture ef clemency. The moft remarkable trial was
that of the lady Lifle, widow of one of the regi-
cides, but herfelf a royalift, and now very old. She
was indicted for harbouring a prefbyterian minifter,
one of Monmouth's party ; though not one of the
parties mentioned in the proclamation. The jury
thrice refufed to find a verdict againft her, and were
as often fent back with reproaches by the inhuman
Jefferies ; fo that they were at laft obliged to bring
her in guilty. Thefe inftances of fe verity fo recom-
mended the lord chief juftice, that he was foon
after rewarded with the office of lord high chan-
cellor. Befides thefc inftances of favage cruelty
inflicted on the weftern rebels, a great many more
were exercifed in London, and different parts of
the kingdom, on the proteftant party ; under pre-
tence, either of their having been concerned in the
Rye-houfe plot, or of favouring Monmouth's .at-
tempt. Thefe mcafures were equally influenced by
revenge, and the favourite defign of eftablifhing po-
pery in thefe kingdoms. This fcheme had been
long fince formed by James while duke of York ;
but never openly attempted till now, when being
freed from Monmouth's rebellion, the king thought
himfelf capable of carrying it fpeedily into execu-
tion. He accordingly began in Ireland, where he
diffolved the privy-council, appointed a new one,
and took care that the majority of the members
fhould be papifts. The proteftants in that king-
dom were every where difarmed, while means were
found to keep on foot a ftanding army of catholics.
Colonel Talbot, afterwards earl of Tyrconnel, by
calhiering fuch officers and foldiers as he thought
proper, and filling their places with others, foon
modelled the army to the purpofes it was intended
to ferve. Paflivc obedience and non-reliftance were
inculcated as articles in the Englifh creed ; while the
foreign ftates were vying with each other in courting
the favour of a monarch, who confefTedly held in
his hands the balance of Europe.
Perfuaded he had no longer any eccafion for dif-
guiiing his fentiments or fuftering any reftraint in
his actions, James began to difcover his defigns in
a manner too plain to be miftaken. He opened
the feffion of parliament on the ninth ef November,
with a fpeech, in which, after congratulating them
on the happy fuppreffion of the late rebellion, he
obfcrved, that the great reinforcements the rebels
had received before they were quelled, had been
entirely owing to the want of a regular force to
difperfe them at the firft breaking out of the infur-
rection. He added, that the houfe muft be very
fenfible, that the militia was very infufficient for
the defence of the kingdom in fuch exigencies, and
therefore plainly told them, that he was deter-
mined to fupport the regular troops he had raifcd,
amounting to fifteen thoufand men, and demanded a
fupply for their maintenance. At the fame time,
he defired the parliament not to take exception at
his having admitted fome catholic officers into the
Mo. 48.
army, and difpenfed with the teft aft in their favour.
They are, continued he, well known, and .have
ferved me faithfully during the late commotions:
and I will deal plainly with you, that having re-
ceived the benefit of their fervices at a time of fo
much danger, I will neither expofe them to dif-
grace, nor myfelf to the want of them." This
complaifant, this fubmiffive parliament, ftill remem-
bered, that there was fuch a thing as liberty en-
tailed on the people of this happy land ; and that
they were the fworn confervators of that ineftimable
treafure in the behalf of the people. They would
have gone any decent lengths rather than come to
a rupture with the king, or incur his difpleafure :
but this open declaration on his part to govern
without the laws, and even to act repugnant to
them, roufed them from their lethargy ; and fome
who had been the warmeft oppofers of the exclufion
bill, began to be alarmed at the large ftrides the king
had made towards eftabliming arbitrary power.
The motion for an addrefs of thanks to the king
for his fpeech, met with great oppofition in the
houfe of lords ; and though it pafled by a fmall .
majority, the houfe refolved to take the fpeech into
farther confideration. But it was different in the
houfe of commons; for when lord Middleton, fe-
cretary of ftate, made a motion for thanking the
king for his fpeech from the throne, feveral of the
members refufed it; and a motion being made for
an addrefs to the king againft employing popifh
officers in the army, contrary to the known laws of
the land, it was carried in the affirmative, and the
addrefs was accordingly prefented ; at which his
majefty was highly offended. But before the addrefs
was prefented, the commons voted him a fupply of
feven hundred thoufand pounds. James, however,
fent them a {harp reprimand, for the liberty they
had taken in their addrefs; and abfolutely told
them that he was fixed in his refolution both with
regard to keeping up a ftanding army and employ-
ing catholic officers. Terrified by this haughty
mefTage, the commons confented to indemnify the
officers already employed ; and to pafs a new act
for qualifying a certain number whom the king
fhould name. But fo imperious was the king's
temper ; fo lofty the idea he had entertained of his
own authority, fo violent the fchemes fuggefted by
his own bigotry and that of his priefts, that without
any delay or waiting for any farther provocation, he
immediately prorogued the parliament, by which
he loft the fupplies voted by the commons. He
continued the parliament, by four more proroga-
tions, a year and a half longer; but having, in
vain, tried every experiment, to break the obfti-
nacy of the leading members, he diflolved that
affembly.
By this time almoft all places, civil . n
and military, were in poffeffion of the
catholics ; fo that the proteftants had little to hope,
and almoft every thing to fear; they even dreaded
a renewal of the antient mafTacres, and many per-
fons came to England, where they infpired their
fellow-fubjects with dreadful ideas of the expeded
outrages. James, impetuous and hafty, in viola-
tion of a ftatute, erected a new ecclefiaftical com-
miffion court, compofed of feven members, fecular
as well as clerical ; among the former were lord
chancellor JefFeries, and the earls of Rochefter and
Sunderland. Upon which he directed a circular
letter to be fent to the bifhops, to enjoin them to
direct the inferior clergy not to preach on. contro-
verted points; but this order was little regarded;
the divines of the church of England continued to
exert their talents to the utmoit advantage ; and
Tillotfon, Stillingfleet, Tennifon, Patrick^ Sharp,
and others, were greatly diftinguifhed by their
zealous defence of the proteftant caufe. The dii-
guft of the public was incrcafed by the king's en-.
6 N camping
5io THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
camping an army of fifteen thoufand men, under
the command of the earl of Feverfham, on Houn-
flow-heath ; and a chapel was erected in the camp,
where mafs was publickly faid daily ; a plain indica-
tion of the king's intention of making converts to
his faith. Sunderland facrificed his religion to his
intereft, though he would not publickly abjure the
doctrine of popery. The earl of Rochcfter agreed
to hold a conference with fbme of the Romifh
clergy, but he declared himfelf diffatisfied with
their arguments, and refufed to change his religion
He was deprived of the office of treafurer, which
was put in commiffion; but he was gratified with
a confiderable penfion. The privy-feal was now
taken from Clarendon, and delivered to lord Arun-
del. At this time the king meanly condefcended
to afk Kirkc to become a papift, when the latter
told him he was pre-engaged, having promifed the
emperor of Morocco, that " if ever he changed his
religion, he would turn MufTalman."
A , James now pretended to become
A. U. 1687. tyie frjencj of toleration, and the deter-
mined enemy of all kind of perfecution, though
there is not the leaft doubt but that his view was
to cftablifh popery on the ruins of the proteftant
religion. He afTumed the power of publifhing a
declaration of general indulgence, and of fufpend-
ing all thofe penal flatutes, whick required con-
formity in public worlhip. This afforded a tem-
porary fatisfaction to the difTenters, who thought
thcmfelves happy in an opportunity of worshipping
God according to the dictates of their own hearts,
though they had difcernrnent enough to fee that this
ha-ppinefs would be but of fhort continuance.
James to make himfelf appear as ridiculous abroad
as he already did at home, fent the earl of Caftle-
Kiiin to Rome, as his ambaffador extraordinary,
•' to make his lubmiffion to the pope, and to recon-
cile his three kingdoms to the holy fee, from
which they had unhappily fallen by herefy." But
the pope, who had more fenfe than James, feeing
the impracticability of h^s undertaking, and having
alfo a quarrel with the French king, who was in
clofe friendfhip with the king of England, re-
ceived the ambaflador with the moft mortifying
indifference. Whenever he was to have an au-
dience, the pope was feized with a fit of coughing,
fo that the earl's; fpeech was interrupted, and he
was obliged to retire ; and this happened fo fre-
quently, that Caftlemain faw the contempt with
which he was treated, and threatened to return,- in
anfwer to which the pope only fent him word, that
* fince he was difpofed to go, he would advife him
to fet out early in the morning, and reft at noon, be-
caufe it was dangerous travelling in that country in
the heat of the day." The only proof of cdmplaifancc
from his holinefs the king received, was that of
fending a nuncio into England, in return for the
embaffy ; to whom the king, fo little regard did he
pay to the laws, gave a folemn and public reception
at Windfor. The nuncio refided publicly in Lon-
don, during the remainder of this reign; and the
popifh clergy appeared at court in the habits of their
refpective orders.
The king having granted the Roman catholics
a large mare in the adminiftration of civil affairs,
now formed a defign of introducing them into the
church. A Benedictine monk, named Allen
Francis, was recommended, by the royal mandate,
to the univerfity of Cambridge, to be admitted to
the degree of mafter of arts, without taking the
oaths : but the univerfity refuting to admit him,
the vice-chancellor was deprived of his office, by
the ecclefiaftical commifTioners : but this had not
the defired effect ; for the univerfity chofe a perfon
to the office, of principles totally different from the
party nominated by the king. This attempt to
impofe a papift on the people of Cambridge failing,
the next was made on Oxford, where the prefident-
fhip of Magdalen- allege being vacant, the king
fent his mandate to the vice-prefidcnt and fcllous,
in favour of Anthony Farmer, a man of ill fame,'
who had promifed to declare himfelf a catholic.
The fellows of the college petitioned the king to
revoke the mandate ; but before an anfwer was re-
ceived, the day arrived on which, by their fiatuics,
they were bound to proceed to election; where-
upon they made choice of Dr. Hough, a man of
freat learning and unblcmifhed integrity. The
ing was incenfed by the above inftance of dif-
obedience to his command, and the vice-prefidi-nt
and fellows of the college were fummoned to ap-
pear in the ecclefiaftical court ; but they proved,
by the moft inconteftible evidence, that Farmer
was in no refpect qualified to fupply the vacant
office.
A mandate was therefore ifTued in favour of
Parker, lately advanced to the fee of Oxford, who
was of a character not lefs abandoned than the
other: but the fellows of the college abfolutdy
refufed to comply with this injunction. Kxafpe-
rated by their refradory behaviour, the kino- re-
paired to Oxford, and fummortcd the fellows to ap-
pear in his prefence, he reproached them with great
virulence for their prefumption' and arrogance, and
infifted that they mould elect the bifhop of Oxford,
threatening them that they fhould feel the effects of
his moft violent difplealure, in cafe of their per-
fevering to oppofe his command. His menaces
and requifitions being equally difregarded by the
collegians, the king returned to London, heartily
afhamed of having engaged in an expedition which
had been productive only of contempt to himfelf.
In revenge the ecclefiaftical ccmmiffioners expelled
the prefident, and all the fellows of the college ex*
cept two, who complied with his majefty's demand.
Parker was eftablifhed in pofleffion of the office,
and papifts only were admitted into the college.
This illegal and outrageous meafure was alone furrl-.
cient to convince the people of the arbitrary views
of the fovereign.
James employed one Stuart, who A V>
was the intimate friend of the pen- 1688.
fionary Fagel, to write to that counfellor, repre-
fenting that the mutual intereft of England and the
prince of Orange rendered an abolition of the teft
and penal laws neceflary. By the direction of the
prince, Fagel wrote in reply, fignifying that the
prince and princefs would readily agree to indulo-e
the catholics with liberty of conscience ; that they
ardently wifhed the proteftant diflentcrs to be
allowed the free exercife of their, religion ; but that
they could not fuppofe themfelvcs juftifiable in
confenting to the abolition of the teft and penal
laws, which had been enaclcd exprefsly for the
purpofe of protecting the proteftant religion from
innovation, by difqualifying catholics from fitting
in parliament, and holding offices of public truft.
A proclamation, announcing the pregnancy of
the queen, and appointing a day of folemn thankf-
giving on the occafion, diffipatcd the concern ex-
perienced by the Roman catholics in confequencc
of Fagel's reply. The ministerial emillhrics em-
ployed themfelves fo induflrioufiy, that congratu-
latory addrdTes were prefented to James from alf
parts of the kingdom, on occafion of the pregnancy
of his confort. The king appeared to be grearly
elated by the hope of having male iffue : and fet-
ting the prince of Orange at defiance, he difclaimcd
the correfpondence between Fagel and Stuart : per-
mitting the Algerine pirates to make captures of
the flapping belonging to Holland, recalled the
fix regiments in the fervrce of the States General,
augmented his naval force, and from his whole
conduct feemed defirous of engaging in a war with
Holland. And to manifeft his contempt for the
mal-
J
M E
II.
mal-contents, the king publifhed a declaration, grant-
ing liberty of conference to his fubjects; and to
this was fubjoined an order, that the bifliops fhould
caufe it to be read in all the churches within
their refpective diocefes. Hereupon the prelates
repaired to the palace at Lambeth, to confult the
primate on the fubject of the king's command.
The matter having been ferioufly deliberated, it
was unanimoufly refolved, that the clergy could
not, confiftent with their duty towards God and
their country, and the dictates of their conferences,
comply with the king's order reflecting the de-
claration. They, in confequcnce, in a petition to
his majefty, reprefentcd, that though they were ex-
tremely defirous of affording every legal fatisfaction
to the protefbant defTenters, yet, as the declaration
of indulgence was founded on an authority for-
• merly pronounced illegal by parliament, they could
not, without a breach of prudence, and a violation
of honour and confcience, confent t6 become ac-
ceflaries in diftributing it through the kingdom ;
and therefore they implored his majefty, to relieve
them from the neceflity of publickly reading the de-
claration. Hereupon the bifliops were fummoned
before the council, who refolved to proceed againft
them with the utmoft rigour. Being afked, if they
acknowledged the petition, the archbifliop of Canter-
bury faid, it was written with his own hand ; and
the other prelates confeffcd that they had figned it.
The chancellor afking them if they would give bail
to appear in the court of King's Bench, to anfwer
fuch accufations as might be exhibited againft
them, they refufed, urging, that their quality, as
peers of the realm, the interefts of the church, and
the oath by which they were bound, to oppofe all
innovations upon the eftablifhed religion, fecured
them from the neceffity tif compliance. Hereupon
the chancellor faid, that unlefs they would retract
their aflertions, and withdraw their petition, he
would commit them to the Tower. They declared,
in reply, that they were ready to go wherever his
majefty mould pleafe; but that fince they had acted
in ftrict obedience to the laws of the land, they
were not to be terrified by threats, which could
affect only the guilty. Upon this James ordered
the attorneys-general to profecute the bifliops, for
writing and publifhing a {editions libel againft
the government ; and an order was made for their
Commitment to the Tower,- whither it was deter-
mined that they fliould be conveyed by water, on
account of the alarm and tumult that prevailed in
the city. Being informed of the deftination of the
reverend prelates, immenfe multitudes of the peo-
ple repaired to the banks of the Thames, and as
rhe. venerable men patted, the populace fell e>h their
knees, and many of them even ran into the water,
fervently praying heaven to protect them from in-
jury, and exhorting them to fufter nobly in defence
of their religion. The pious and fubmiflive de-
portment of the biihops, increafed the veneration of
the people, whom they conjured to fear God, and
honour the king.
On the tenth of June the birth of a prince was
announced, to the extreme joy of the papifts • but
tiie proteftants did not believe the child, who
received the name of James, to be the iffue of the
queen. The matter has been the fubject of much
eontroverfy ; but the queftion ftill remains involved
in uncertainty, which indeed is not much to be re-
gretted, n'nce it is but a matter of mere curiofity;
for admitting the legitimacy of the child, it muft
be acknowledged, that a prince educated in, and
profeffing the Roman catholic religion, could not
be eligible to the fovcreigrity of this country. The
fevcn bifhops, who had been di-fcharg-ed from the
Tower on their own recognizances, were tried at
the bar of the King's Bench, for a libel againft the
king, as their petition was denominated. Wright
and Allibone, two of the judges, delivered their
opinion that it was a libel; while Holloway and
Powel, the other two, declared that it was not. The
Jury were feveral hours in deliberating on the ver-
dict, but at length they acquitted them. The ver-
dict of " not guilty," was no fooner heard, than
Weflminfter-hall refounded with the loudeft accla-
mations, and a general joy fpread throughout the
cities of London and Weftminfter, and thence
through every part of the kingdom, at this defeat
of the machinations of a tyrant. When, the news
reached the camp at Hounflow-heath, the foldiers
made loud rejoicings even in the hearing of the
king, who was at dinner in lord Feverfham's tent.
James inftantly fent an officer to enquire the caufe
of the exultation, who on his return told him, that
it was nothing but the foldiers rejoicing on the ac-
quittal of the bifliops ; to which the king faid,
; Call you that nothing ! but fo much the worfe for
them." This, added to fome other mortifications,
induced the king to doubt the fidelity of his foldiers,
which he determined to put to the proof, and this
proof was productive of ftill greater mortification,
" Beginning with lord Litchfield's regiment, he
ordered them to take their arms ; and commanded
fuch officers and foldiers as would not contribute to
the repeal of the penal laws and teft, to lay them
down; which they all did, except two captains, and
a few popifh foldiers ; at which he was fo aftonifhed,
that he ftood fpeechlefs for a while, and then bade
them take up their arms again, adding, with a
fullcn air, that he would not hereafter do than the
honour to afk their advice." This only ferved to
increafe that contempt which the army had already
conceived for the king; nor was the fleet better
difpofcd to fecond James's views than the army.
Vice admiral Strickland attempting to have mafs
faid on board his (hip, it occafioned fuch diftur-
bancc among the Bailors, that they were with diffu
culty reftramed from throwing the priefts over-
board.
Such a feries of arbitrary and violent meafures,
convinced the nation, that the king was fully
determined to fubvert the conftitution both in
dhurch and ftatej and all pcrfons, whether whigs or
tories feemed in earneft to think of fome method
of preferving their religion and liberties from utter
deftruction } for the birth of the prince of Wales,
(whether real or pretended) threatened a continu-
ation of popery and arbitrary power, even after the
death of the king. The eyes of the public, there-
fore, were naturally turned towards Holland, and
meafures were taken,, both by the clergy and laity,
for inviting over the prince of Orange, to head the
majority of the nation againft tfie king. Admiral
Hubert, who was beloved by the feamert, refigned.
his commifliorij and retired to the rfague, where he
allured the prince of a general diiTaffection in the
navy. This was confirmed by admiral Ruflel^
who paHed frequently between England and Hol-
land, and ferved to keep up a conftant correfpon-
dence between the prince and the Englifh pro-
teftants. Henry Sidney, brother to Algernon,
went over to the Hague, under pretext of going
to Spa for his health, and had frequent conferences
with the ftadtholder. Zuyleftien, who had been
fent over to congratulate the king on the birth of
his fon, brought back to thje prince a formal invi-
tation from moft of the great men in England. The
biftiop of London, the duke of Norfolk, the mar-
quis of Halifax, the earls of Dorfet, Devonfhire,
Nottingham, and Danby; the lords Lovelace, De-
lamere, Paulet, Eland, with many gentlemen of
great intereft, and a great number of fubftantial
citizens, joined in an application to the prince*
engaging with their lives and fortunes, to fupport
him in his endeavours to recover their civil and
religious liberties. Lord Mordaunt, who lived
3 at
5\2 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
.at the Hague, did every thing in his power to ad-
Vance this great defign. Lord Wharton, who was an
old man, forgetting his age and infirmities, paid a
vifit to the prince on this occafton ; and the earl of
Shrewsbury, who was a man of great popularity,
gave up the command of his regiment, and mort-
gaged his eftate for forty thoufand pounds, which
he offered to the prince of Orange, with the addi-
tional tender of his perfonal fervices.
Being thus encouraged and fupported, the prince
could not hefitate how to proceed. He began his
operations when the people were fo much incenfed
by the imprifonment of the bifhops ; and he (hewed
equal prudence and policy in conducting his pre-
parations : under various pretences he took care to
fit out a large fleer, and to levy a number of ad-
ditional troops. But fuch preparations could not
be long kept fecret; the French ambafTador ac-
quainted his mafter on what was palling, and he
gave James timely notice of his danger, and, as it
is afierted, offered him thirty thoufand men,
which he was weak enough to refufe. In the in-
terim James commiflioned his ambafiador in Hol-
land, to prefent a memorial to the States, to de-
mand the deftination of the extraordinary arma-
ment they had lately fitted out. The anfwer was,
" that they only imitated the king of England,
who had lately equipped a powerful fleet, and
afiembled a numerous army, witkout explaining his
intentions ;" and they defired to know the nature of
the alliance which had been formed with France
by the king of England. In confequence Of this
anfwer James ordered his fleet to be manned and
prepared for fea ; gave directions for railing recruits
for the army, and ordered feveral regiments from
Ireland. He likewife appointed lord Feverfham
general of the land forces, and entrufted the com-
mand of the navy to the earl of Dartmouth. Hav-
ing received intelligence from the Hague, that
there were great numbers of Englifh fubjecls at that
place, waiting to embark in the expedition with the
prince of Orange, James and his council were fo
alarmed with the news, that the king immediately
demanded the advice and affiftance of the bifhops
of Winchefter, Chichefler, Rochefter, Peterborough,
Ely, Bath and Wells. The prelates having con-
ferred with the archbifhop of Canterbury, they all
waited on the king, and delivered the refult of their
deliberations in ten articles of advice, to the fol-
lowing purport : " They counfelled his majefty to
put the government of the different counties into
the hands of perfons diftinguifhed by their birth,
and qualified by the laws of the land ; to abolifh
the ecclefiaftical court; to recall all the difpenfa-
tions, by virtue of which difqualified perfons had
been admitted into civil and ecclefiaftical employ-
ment ; to revoke all the licences, by which catholics
were permitted to open public fchools ; to defift
from all pretenfions to a difpenfing power ; or refer
it entirely to the decifion of parliament; to forbid
the feur apoftolic vicars to continue invading the
ecclefiaftical jurifdiclion, which belonged to the
Englifh church ; to fill up the vacant bifhoprics
•with men of learning and piety ; to reftore the
charters which had been taken from corpora-
tions ; to aflemble a free parliament ; and confent
that the bifhops mould offer fuch reafons as might
reconcile his majefty to the church of Eng-
land."
Terrified by his fituation, the king gave his af-
fent to all thefe propofals, and appeared thankful
for the advice given him; fo that ill his fchemes
for the eftablifhment of popery, feemed to be at
once fruftratcd. In dread of the fury of the people,
orders were given for (hutting up the popifh cha-
pels, and many prjcfts began to confult their own
lafety, by quitting the kingdom.
During thefe tranfacYions, the prince of Orange
4
applied himfelf, with the greatcft affiduity, to com-
plete his armament, and as foon as every thing was
finifhed, he publifhed a manifcfto, explaining the
true motives for his expedition. Copies of this de-
claration were fent over to England, and carefully
difperfed through every part of the natioa. He
folemnly difclaimed all thoughts of conqueft, or of
giving his father-in-law any difturbance in the en-
joyment of his fovereignty ; declaring that his fole
intention was nothing more than that of maintaining
the protcftant religion, the laws and liberties of
thefe kingdoms; which had been fo openly vio-
lated ; and the procuring a free and general parlia-
ment, which might at once fettle all the rights of
the fubjecT:, and the prerogatives of the crown, on a
firm and a permanent baiis. He added, that he
had undertaken this necefiary and difficult talk at
the invitation of many lords both ecclefiaftical and
civil, and by numbers of gentlemen and other fub-
jects of all ranks. The prince's meafures were fo
well concerted, that in three days, above four
hundred tranfports were hired, with artillery, arms,
ftores, horfes, and above fourteen thoufand land
forces. The Englifh nobility and gentry in Hol-
land embarked with William, together with count
NafTau, the count de Solmes, M. Bentinck, and
other perfons of rank. The van was led by ad-
miral Hubert, and the rear conducted by Evertfen.
The prince commanded in the center, carrying a
flag with Englifh colours, and the arms of the re-
public of Holland, furrounded with this motto,
" The proteftant religion, and the liberties of Eng-
land ; and under it, Je maintien dral : that is, " I
will maintain." Before the fleet had failed many
leagues, the wind (hifted to the weft, and blew a
hurricane, which continued two days and nights,
and difperfed the (hips, fo that it was a week before
they could meet at their appointed rendezvous.
They had fuftained very little damage ; but with a
view to lull James to fecurity, orders were given to
fill the Dutch Gazettes with exaggerated accounts
of their lofs, and declarations that the expedition
muft be poftponed till the fpring," In the mean
time the damage fuftained by the fcattered fleet was
fo inconfiderable, that the prince, putting to fea on
the firft of November, entered the channel on the
third, the Englifh fleet under lord Dartmouth lying
ftill, and letting the Dutch fleet pafs by. The
prince landed with his whole army on the fifth, at
Torbay, without oppofition ; and the troops were
difcmbarkcd at the village of Broxholmc. The
Dutch army marched immediately to : Exeter, and
there the prince's declaration was publifhed. But
the whole country had been fo terrified at the dreadful
executions which followed Monmouth's rebellion,
that no perfons of any confequence for feveral days
joined the prince. The bifhop of Exeter fled with
the utmoft precipitation to London, and carried to
court the firft intelligence of this invafion. The
king was fo pleafed with this inftance of zeal, that
he rewarded the prelate with the archbifhopric of
York, which had been long kept vacant, with an
intention of bcftowing it on fome catholic. The
firft perfon who joined the prince was major Bar-
rington, who was foon followed by the gentry of
the counties of Devon and Somerfet. Sir Edward
Seymore made propofals for an aflbciation, which
every one figned. By degrees, the earl of Abing-
don, Mr. Ruflel, fon to the earl of Bedford, Meffrs.
Wharton, Godfrey, and Howe, came to Exeter :
the whole kingdom was in commotion. Lord
Delamere took arms in Chefhire : the earl of Dauby
feized York ; the earl of Bath, governor of Ply-
mouth, declared for the prince : and the earl of De-
vonfliire made a like declaration in Derby. The no-
bility and gentry of Nottingham embraced the fame
caufe ; and every day difcovered fbme effect of that
univerfal combination, into which the kingdom
had
JAM
had entered againft the mcafures of James. Even
thofe who did not take the field againft him, were
able to embarras and confound his councils. A
petition for a free parliament was figned by twenty-
four bifhops and peers of the greateft diftinction,
and prcfented to the king •, who returned for anfwer,
that there was nothing he more earneftly defired
than a free parliament, and that the moment the
prince of Orange had quitted the kingdom, he
would grant their requcft with the greateft difpatch;
but could not think of fummoning that afiembly,
•while an enemy continued in the heart of the
kingdom, and could command fo many members
to be returned. But the moft alarming fymptom
•was, the difHifFeclion which, from the general fpirit
of the people, not from any particular reafon, had
crept into the army. The officers all feemed to
prefer the intereft of their country and of their
religion, before thofe principles which are efteemed
the moft facred ties by men of that profeffion.
Lord Colchefter, fon to the earl of Rivers, was
the firft officer who deferted to the prince ; but
he was followed only by a few of his troops. Lord
Lovelefs made a like effort, but was intercepted by
the militia under the duke of Beaufort, and taken
prifoner. Lord Cornbury, fon to the earl of Cla-
rendon, was more fuccefsful : he attempted to
carry over three regiments of cavalry, and actually
brought a very confiderable part of them to the
prince's quarters. Several officers of diftinclion
informed Feverfliam their general, that they could
not, in confcience, fight againft the prince of
Orange. Lord Churchill, afterwards the famous
duke of Marlborough, carried with him the duke
of Grafton, natural ion to the late king, colonel
Berkley, and fome troops of dragoons. This con-
duct was a fignal facrifice of every duty in private
life to the happinefs of his country.
James received this fatal news on his arrival at
Salilbury, the head-quarters of his army. There
remained none about his perfon in whom he could
confide. The whole army had difcovered fymp-
torns of difcontent, whence he concluded it to be
full of treachery ; and being deferted by thofe
whom he had moft favoured and obliged, he no
longer expected that others would hazard their
lives in his fervice. Diftracted and perplexed at
thefe alarming circumftances, he fuddenly took
the refolution of returning to London-, a meafure
which could have no other tendency than that of
betraying his fears, and provoking farther trea-
chery.
Andover was the firft ftage of his majefty's
retreat towards London ; and there prince George,
together with the young duke of Ormond ; Sir
George Hiiet, and feveral other perfons of diftinc-
tion, deferted him in. the night, and retired to
the camp of the prince o'f Orange. As foon as
•this news reached London, the princefs of Den-
mark, pretendin-g to dread the king's difpleafure,
withdrew herfelf, in company with the bifhop of
London and lady Churchill. She fled to Notting-
ham, where the earl of Dorfet received her with
the greatelt refpe<5t; and the gentry of the county
loon formed a troop for her protection.
The wretched king was no ways prepared for
this aftoniflung event. He burft into tears, when
the firft intelligence was conveyed to him. In this
incident, he doubtlefs forefaw the total expiration
cif-liis royal authority. But the nearer and more
Intimate concern of a parent feized his heart, when
•'he found himfelf utterly abandoned by a virtuoos
child, whom he had always regarded with the moft
tender affection. u God help me," cried he, in
the extremity of his agony, " my own children
Juvc forfaken me!" But fo great were the pre-
judices which then prevailed, that this wretched
father, who had been deferted by his favourite
No. 48,
II.
,513
child, was believed, on her difappearance, to have
put her to death ; a rumour that might have pro-
duced the moft fatal, confcquerices, had not the
truth been immediately difcovered : for the popu-
lace, and even theking's guards themfelves, feemed
determined to revenge the death of the princefs,
by a general maflacre of the priefts and catholics.
The prince of Orange advanced with his army to
Shcrborn, and thence to Salifbury, which he en-
tered in triumph, the king's forces having fome
days before retired to Reading. Surrounded with
diftrefs, and having no trufty friend, the king
aflembled all the proteftant peers in town, and
defired their advice. He particularly addrefled
lumfclf to the earl of Bedford in the following
manner: " My lord, you are a good man ; .have
great influence; and can do me fignal fervice."
" Alas !" replied the earl, " I am a feeble old
man, very incapable of performing any confider-
able fervice ; but I had a fon," added he, with a
figh, " who, if now alive, could ferveyour majefty
in a more effectual manner j" alluding to the lord
RufTel, who, towards the end of the late reign,
had fallen a facrifice to the vengeancce of the
king, then duke of York. James was fo thunder-
ftruck with this anfwer, that he remained, for
fome time, fpecchlefs •, but having recovered his
fpirits, it was propofed to call a free parliament,
and to fend commiffioners to treat with the prince.
This the king readily complied with, and the
lord chancellor was directed to iflue the necef-
fary writs for that purpofe. The catholics were
removed from the pofts and offices they held about
the court; Sir Edward Hales, a perfon of that
communion, and conftable of the Tower, was
removed from his poft, and fucceeded by Sir Bevel
Skelton. Father Peters, the king's confeflbr, fee- ,
ing the ftorm rife to fuch an alarming height, wife-
ly confultcd his own fafety by efcaping into France.
The marquis of Halifax, the earl of Northampton,
and the lord Godolphin, were fent to treat with
the prince, who delivered to them a paper con-
taining certain propofals. The chief articles were,
that a free parliament mould be called ; that all
papifts fliould be difarmed, and deprived of all the
offices they enjoyed; that all proclamations againft
himfelf mould be recalled ; that the command of
the Tower mould be put into the hands of the lord
mayor ; that if the king ihould think proper to
refide in London during the feffion of parliament,
the prince fhould alfo refide near the fame place,
with an equal number of guards ; or, that the king
and himfelf fliould refide at an equal diftance from
London ; that both armies fliould be removed thirty
miles from the city ; that no new forces fliould be
brought into the kingdom ; that Tilbury-fort fhould
be put into the hands of the city magiftrates ; that
till the parliament met, part of the revenue fliould
be appropriated to the maintenance of the prince's
army ; and, in order to prevent an invafion ,from
abroad, Portfmouth fliould be committed to the
care of fome perfon, equally agreeable to the king
and the prince. When thefe propofals were pre-
fented to James, he affe<5bed to think them as mo-
derate, or even more fo, than he could have ex-
pected in the prefent pofture of affairs ; but, in all
probability, his real fentihients were otherwife.
Finding himfelf attacked and purfued by one of
his fons-in-law, abandoned by the other, deferted
by his own daughters and bofom friends, and hated
by his fiibjects, he confidered his fortune as defpe-
rate. The queen, obferving the fury of the peo-
ple, and knowing how much flie was the object of
general abhorrence, was ftruck with the deepeft
terror, and began to apprehend a parliamentary
impeachment, from which, flie was told, the
queens of England were not exempted. The popifh
courtiers, and particularly the priefts, were defirous
6 O of
5*4
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
of carrying the king with them, whofe prefence
they knew would be fome rcfourcc and protection
to them in a foreign country, and whofe reiteration,
if it ever happened, would again remftate them in
power and authority. The general defection of
the proteftants, induced the king to confider the
catholics as the only fubjefts on whofe counfcl he
could rely ; while the fatal cataftrophc of his father
afforded them a plaufible reafon for making him
apprehenfive of a fimilar fate. Pmdencc gave
way to danger, and felf-prefervation became the
principal objedt of regard. In the mean time
the news which arrived from all quarters helped to
continue the panic into which the king was fallen,
and which his enemies endeavoured to improve to
their own advantage. Colonel Capel, deputy-
governor of Hull, made himfelf mafter of that
important fortrefs, and threw lord Langdale the
governor, into prifon, together with Lord Mont-
gomery, both of them catholics. The town of
Newcaftle received the lord Lumley, and declared i
for a free parliament. The duke of Norfolk, lord-
lieutenant of the county of that name, engaged the
(hire in the fame meafures. The prince's decla-
ration was read at Oxford by the duke of Ormond,
and was received with great applaufe by that loyal
univerfity, who, at the fame time, made an offer
of their plate to the prince. Every day fome
perfon of quality or diftindtion, and, among the
reft, the duke of Somerfet, went over to the
(enemy. A very violent declaration was difperfed
in the prince's name, but not with his participa-
tion ; in which every one was commanded to feize
and punifh all papifts, who, contrary to law, pre-
tended to carry arms, or exercife any ads of au-
thority.
While the prince was marching leifurely to Lon-
don, the tyng, on the twelfth of December difap-
pcared in the night-time, accompanied by Sir Ed-
ward Hales, a new convert, and haftened to a fhip
w-hich waited for him at the mouth of the river.
The king's difappearance was productive of con-
fternation and confufion, as all government feemed
to be fufpended. The citizens of London, however,
refolved to adhere to the prince of Orange, and
fent a deputation to him, with an addrefs craving
his protection, and intreating him to honour the.
city with his prefence.
By this temporary diffolution of government,
the populace were abfokite matters, and plundered,
burned, and demolimed all the Romifti chapels.
Jefferies the chancellor, who had difguifcd himfelf
in order to facilitate his efcapc, was feized by the
mob, and treated with fuch feverity that he died
little time afterwards. While every one
m a
imagined that the king had actually fled to the
continent, news arrived that he had been feized by
the populace at Fevermam, while he was making
his efcape in difguife; that he had been very ill
treated till he was known ; but the gentry had then
interpofed and fecurcd him from infult, though
they would by no means confent to his leaving the
kingdom. This intelligence threw all parties into
con?ufion. The prince fent orders to the king,
commanding him to approach no nearer than
Rochcfter ; but the meffage arrived too late. He
had already returned to London, where the popu-
lace, touched with companion for his unhappy fate,
and influenced by their own levity, had received
him with acclamations of joy. But while James
relidcd at Whitehall, little regard was fliewed him
by the nobility or any perfon of diftinerion. He
himfelf difcovcred not the leart fign of fpirit, nof
any intention of refuming the reins of govern-
ment, which he had relinquifhed. Nothing there-
fore remained for the ruling powers, but to confult
the moft proper means of difpofing of his perfon ;
and after fome deliberation it was refolved to pulh
him into that mcafure, which of himfelf he feemed
willing to embrace. The king having font lord
Feverfham on a meflage to the prince, de-firing a
conference for fettling the affairs of the nation, that
nobleman was arrefted unJer pretext of his wanting
a paflbrt ; the Dutch guards were ordered to take
poffeffion of Whitehall, where the king then re-
lided, and to turn out the Englifh ; and Halifax,
Shrewfbury, and Dclamere, were feiu by the prince
at midnight to acquaint the king, that it would be
proper for him to retire to Ham-houfe near Rich-
mond. He begged parmiflion, which he eaiily ob-
tained, to withdraw to Rochefler, a town near the
fea-coaft. Accordingly the next day he fet out
for that place, accompanied by the earls of Aylef-
bury, Litchfield, Arran, and Dumbarton, and at-
tended by a detachment of Dutch gaards. He
lingered a few days at Rochefter, and feemed to
wim that he might be invited to keep poffeffion of
the throne ; but finding that the whole nation con-
curred in abandoning him to his own councils, he
yielded to his melancholy fate; and being preffed
by private letters from his queen, privately embark-
ed in a frigate he had befpoke, and arrived at Am-
bleteufe in Picardy, from whence he repaired to St.
Germains.
I N T E R - R E G N U
JAMES, when he abdicated the throne by
quitting his kingdom, left a paper behind him,
containing his reafons for withdrawing a fecond
time ; wherein he obferved, that it would be ftrange
if the world mould blame his conduct, after
the prince of Orange had made the earl of Fever-
iham prifoner, whom he had fent to procure a
friendly conference, and commanding his own
guards to take poffeffion of Whitehall after eleven
at night, without acquainting him with it, and
even fending him an order, after he was in bed,
commanding him to leave the \ alacc. After fuch
conduct, he had very little to hope from a perfon
who had invaded his kingdom, and called the legi-
timacy of his fon in queftion. At the fame time-
he appealed to all that knew him, and even to the
prince himfelf, if they could believe him guilty of fo
unnatural a villainy. He added, that being born
free, he was defirous of prcferving his inde-
pendence, and for thai rcafon had again withdrawn
himfelf, though not for ever; for whenever the
nation fhould be convinced, that they had been
abufed and impofed upon by the fpecious pretences
of religion and proper.ty, he would be ready to aftift
them, and break . the chains forged by ambitious
men. In the mean time the prince of Orange had
arrived at Windsor, to fettle the affairs of the nation
with the lord«, by whom he was expected.
Notwithstanding the prince of ^ ^ 1680.
Orange had expelled from his throne
and kingdom a powerful prince, once fupportcd
by a formidable fleet, and a numerous nrmy ; ftiil
the more difficult talk remained, that of obtaining
for himfelf the crown, which his father-in-law had
abdicated. To this end he refolved to leave tfic
lords, who had affumed the powers of govern-
ment, to their own guidance and direction. About
ninety peers and bifhops drew up an addrefs,
wherein they dcfired the prince that he would be
pleated to take the administration into his hands;
manage
INTER-REGNUM.
manage the revenue ; fettle the affairs of Ireland ;
and purfue fuch other meafures as fliould appear
expedient for the public weal, till the eftates of the
kingdom fhould be convened. In a fecond ad-
drefs, they foliated the prince to iffue letters to
the cities, counties, and boroughs, directing to
elect members to reprefent them in parliament,
within the fpace of ten days from the date of thofe
letters. The lords alfo publiflied an order, com-
manding all papifts to depart ten miles from the
city of London, and to remove above five miles
from their places of refidence in the country. In
confcquence of a fummons to meet the prince of
Orange at St. James's, the members who had
ferved in parliament in the reign of Charles II. the
lord-mayor, aldermen, and common-council of
London, affembled there on the twenty fixth of
September, and adjourning to the houfe of com-
mons, thev, after the example of the lords, ad-
drefled prince William, requeuing that he would
appoint the convention to be held on the twenty-
fecond day of January, and in the mean time take
upon himfelf the adminiftration of government.
Thus was the prince fupported by all the legal
authority which could pofilbly be obtai'ncd at this
juncture. 1'hc fleet obeyed his commands. The,
army allowed him to new model them, without
murmur or oppofition. The city fupplied him with
a loan of two hundred thoufand pounds : in a
word, his adminillration was fubmitted to, as if he
had fuccecded in the moft regular manner to the
vacant throne ; and a profound tranquillity pre-
vailed throughout England, Scotland, and Ire-
land.
On the twcnty-fecond of January, when the
convention was affcmbled, the lords chofe the
larquis of Halifax their fpeaker, and the com-
lons Mr. Powle. A letter from the prince, ad-
dreflcd to both houfes, was read, purporting, that
now he had complied with their defires in re-
eftablifliing the peace and public fafcty of the
nation, it became their duty to exert their utmoft
efforts to feeure their religion, laws, and liberties,
upon a firm bails ; that the ftate of affairs in
Ireland required their immediate attention, as a
L-lay might prove injurious to their foreign con-
iccTiions ; and that he was perfuaded they were
irtily difpofed to affift the Dutch, who had ex-
jrcfTed fuch ardour for the prefervation of the
snftitution of England. Hereupon they jointly
Drefentcd an addrefs to the prince, acknowledging,
lat, under the Almighty, the nation was indebted
him for deliverance ; and that they entirely ap-
lioved of his adminiftration, which they requefted
ic would continue. They then appointed a day of
al thank fgiving for their late happy delivc-
ince, and ordered that a prayer fliould be read for
the prince of Orange in particular. After this,
the following memorable vote paffed in the houfe
if commons, " That king James II. having en-
feavoured to fubvert the conrtitution of the king-
'y.rt, by breaking the original contratft between
cing and people; and by the advice of the jefuits
ind other wicked perfons, having violated the
"mdamental laws, and withdrawn himfelf out of
the kingdom, hath abdicated the government, and
lat the throne is thereby become vacant." But
lis vote u-as warmly oppofed by the lords, among
vhom \vas a ftrong party in favour of a regency, at
the head of which was the earl of Nortingham.
After a very fpirited debate, the queftion was car-
ried tor inferting the word defcrtcd in the room of
abdicated, and to expunge the claufe rcfpecimg
the throne having become vacant. But at a con-*
fercncc held between the two houfes, the lords re-
linquilhed their amendments, and concurred in the
vote ot the commons.
In die whole roiirfc of thcfe tranfaclions, the
behaviour of prince William was highly merito-
rious, and difcovercd great moderation and mag-
nanimity. He entered into no intrigues with the
leaders of parties, but kept a profound filence.
At length he thought proper to exprefs, though in
a private manner, his fentiments. He called to-
gether Halifax, Danby, Shrcwfbury, and fome
others ; when he obferved, that having been in-
vited over to reftore their liberty, he had engaged
m this entcrprize, and, at laft, effected his pur-
pofc: that it belonged to the parliament, now
chofen *ith freedom, to concert meafures for the
public fettlcment, and he pretended not to inter-
pofe in their determinations ; that he had heard of
levcral fchemes propofed for eftabliflung the go-
vernment, fome having infifted on a regent; others
were for beftowing the crown on the princefs. It
was their concern alone to chufe that plan of ad-
miniftration, which was moft agreeable or ad-
vantageous ; that if they refolved in favour of a
regent, he had no objection ; he only thought it
incumbent on him to' inform them, that he was
determined not to be that regent, nor even engage
in any fcheme which he well knew would be at-
tended with infuperable difficulties: that no man
could have a deeper and jufter fenfe of the merits
of the princefs than himfelf; but he would rather
remain a private pcrfon, than enjoy a crown, which
muft depend on the will or the life of another ;
and that they muft remember, if they were in-
clined to purfue either of thefe plans of fettlement,
that it would be totally out of his power to allift
them in carrying it into execution. The princefs
Mary feconded thcfc reafons and views of her
hufband, who, among the many virtues fhe pof-
feffed, was a very fenfible and obedient wife. All
confiderations, therefore, were negleded, when flie
conceived they came in competition with what fhe
thought her duty to the prince. When Danby
and other friends wrote her an account of their
proceedings, fhe exprefled the greateft difpleaHire ;
and tranfmittcd their letters to her hufband, as a
facrifice to conjugal fidelity. The princefs Anne
alfo concurred with her in fentiment; and being
promifed an ample revenue, was contented to be
poftponed in her fucceffion to the crown. This
unanimity and acquiefcence with the determination
of the prince, put an end to the fchemes formed
by different parties; and the convention pafled a
bill, by which they fettled the crown on the prince
and princefs of Orange; the fole adminiftration to
remain in the prince. The princefs of Denmark
was to fucceed to the prince and princefs of
Orange; hcf pofterity to that of the princefs
Mary ; but before thofe of the prince by any other
wife.
Of fourteen children whom James II. had by
his two wives, Anne Hyde, daughter to the earl
of Clarendon, and Maria d'Efte, daughter to the
duke of Modena, three only furvived him; namely,
Mary, his eldeft daughter, born the thirtieth of
April, 1662, and married to William Henry of
Naifau, prince of Orange, afterwards king of
England ; Anne, his fecond daughter (both by his
lirft wife) born the fixth of February 1664, and
married to George, prince of Denmark, afterwards
queen of England. James Francis Edward, com-
monly known by the name of the Chevalier de St.
George, who refided at Rome, where he died in
the year 1766, aged fe verity eight. This fon was
by his fecond wife.
' We have already noticed moft of the great lu-
minaries which fhonc forth in the orbit of lite-
rature, even amidft the bigotry and ILcentioufnefs
which fecmed to threaten the nation vith inevi-
table dcftruction : but it might be thought a capital
overfight, were we to omit the name of Locke,- who
invefhgated the human mind, iiiiprov«d.the powers
of
516
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
of reafoning, by diftinguiming truth from error,
removed the clouds of fophiftry, and the idle
diftinctions in logic and metaphyfics: He ex-
plained alfo the nature and foundation of govern-
ment by unanfwerable arguments ; and in a fmall
rrcatife on toleration, this great Chriftian-philo-
fopher vindicated the rights of religious liberty
with greater clearness and precifion, than ever was
done by any author in this or any other country.
The ordinary revenue of Charles II. was about
one million two hundred thoufand pounds a year.
That of James II. was raifed by the parliament to
about one million eight hundred and fifty thoufand
pounds ; and his income of duke of York being
added, made the whole amount to two millions
a year. The national debt at the revolution
amounted to one million fifty-four thoufand, nine
hundred and twenty-five pounds. The encrcafe of
coinage during thefe two reigns was ten millions
two hundred and lixty-one thoufand pounds fterling.
The recovery or conqueft of New York and
the Jcrfeys, was a confiderable acccffion to the
ftrcngth and fecurity of the Englim colonies ; and
the fettlement of Penfylvania and Carolina, during
the reign of Charles II. without any affiftance from
the crown, extended the Englim empire in Ame-
rica. The profecution of the diflenters peopled
the colonies. According to Dr. Davenant, the
fhipping encreafed more than double during the
two preceding reigns.
Several manufactures were in this period eftablim-
ed in iron, brafs, paper, filk, and hats. The duke
of Buckingham introduced from Venice the manu-
facture of glafs and cryftal ; and prince Rupert, an
cncourager of ufeful arts, is faid to have been the
inventor of etching. One Brewer brought from
the Low Countries the art of dying woollen cloth.
In 1677, tne °'d law for burning heretics was re-
pealed, on account of the continual dread the
nation was under of the return of popery.
CharatfeS of James II.
This prince was of an active, violent, and vin-
dictive temper. Obftinacy and bigotry were the
ruling motives of his actions ; nay, fuch a thorough
bigot to popery was James, that he would ftick at
nothing to have it eftablifhed ; to which end he
laboured to extend the regal prerogative, and to
eftablim a defpotic government. Some good qua-
lities, it muit be acknowledged, he poffeffed ;
being remarkable for his frugality of public money,
his indultry, his application to naval affairs, and
his encouragement of trade ; but we cannot fay
much in praife of, or join in femimcnt with thole
who have extolled his fincerity ; for his whole
reign was a continued violation of his reiterated
promifcs of preferving inviolate the liberties and
religion, of his people. Thefe, in his lofty idea
of regal authority, had no right to liberty, but
what might be dependent on his fovereign will and
pleafure. Upon this fallacious prejudice he acted,
in defiance of the fundamental laws and conftitu-
tion of the realm; burft in funder all thofe ties
which unite fubjects to their fovereign. He con-
fined all power, encouragement, and favour to the
catholics ; and facrificed every confideration of
juftice and prudence to a falfe zeal. This hurried
him into meafures which rendered his government
intolerable to a free and generous people ; and
made it neceflary for them not to fubmit any-
longer to the yoke of an arbitrary tyrant, guided
folely by the violent councils of a popifh jefuitical
faction, and blindly adopting their flavifh fuper-
ftition. He alfo profecuted his defign with fuch
vehemence, as excited the fears of his free-born
fubjects, and made them unite in defence of every
thing moft dear and valuable. The refult was to
them a glorious revolution ; to him difgrace and
juft depofition. We fay a juft and legal depoii-
tion. If, indeed, the people were created only for
the advantage and the pleafure of kings ; if they
have a divine right to be tyrants, and fubjects are
appointed by heaven to be flaves, James had reafon
to complain ; and we may add, his people had
reafon to rejoice, that a' favourable opportunity
occurred for flopping him of the power of ren-
dering millions unhappy at his pleafure. But, on
the other hand, if people have a right to the
poffeflion of their own property, till they part with
it by their own confent, or by that of their repre-
fcntatives ; if they have a right to the bleflings of
civil arid religious liberty, and kings were only
appointed for the purpofe of defending them ; the
people of England had a right from nature, from
reafon, and the calls of duty, to expel a weak,
obftinate prince, who made it his bufinefs to deftroy
what he was bound to defend. By fuch conduct
he was rendered wholly incapable of difch'arging
the important truft of government ; and hence a
free people may learn, how dangerous it is to al-
low any prince infected with the Romilh fuperftition
to fill the throne of thefe kingdoms.
BOOK
XI.
From the revolution under William HI. to the accejjion of the houfe of Hanover,
CHAP.
WILLIAM
III.
I.
AND MARY
II.
The convention changed into a free parliament — William and Mary proclaimed king and queen of England — The
bill of rights — His attempts in favour of liberty — Procures for protejiant diffcntcrs an aft of toleration — Tbt
fiege of Londonderry — Naval fight of Bantry lay — Battle of Ktllicranky in Scotland — Many cf the clergy
refufe to take the oaths of allegiance, hence called Nonjtirors — The king dif appointed in his defign of procuring
an union between the church of England and the diffcnters — He fails with an army* to Ireland — The Englijb and
Dutch defeated — Battle of the Boyne — The earl of Marlborough' s expedition — Battle cf Aghrim — Limerick
taken — Ma/acre of Glenco — The viclory of La Hague — Battle of Stenkirk — Bemboiv Lombards St. Maloes —
Death of queen Mary — A plot to affajjinate king William — Death of the duke of GJoucefter— Succeeded by that of
the king— -Character of king William HI, and of his queen, Mary II.
A.D. 1689. WI^LIAM lllr afcended thC
throne in confequence of an
exprefs capitulation with the people. All eyes
were intent upon the choice he would make of his
miniftry; and for that reafon he was ernbarra£Ted.
To mix whigs and lories together, even fufpected
•j and
WILLIAM ..
'
RIGHTS,
Revolution William I
C / (
W I L
M
III.
5'7
and fufpe^mg, hating and hated by each other,
was full of difficulties. To truft his fervice to the
torics alone, many of whom feemcd averfe to his
title, appeared dangerous. To truft it to the
whi<Ts alone, \vas to declare himfelf the head of a
party ; and to give countenance to a fufpicion, that
he intended to govern by thofe who ha,d chiefly
railed him to the government. The fear of ap-
pearing; ungrateful prevailed ; he threw almoft all
the power into the hands of the whigs, lord Not-
tingham being alinoft the only one of the torics
who '.vas brought into adminiflration. He and
lord Shrevvfbury were appointed fecretaries of ftate.
The archbiihop of Canterbury was put upon the
1m of the privy-council, lefs from attention to
him than to his order. The privy-feal was reitorcd
to Halifax, and lord Danby was placed at the head
of the council-board, arrangements which pkafed
neither whigs nor tories. Danby, who wiihed for
his old ftaff of lord-treafurer, thought his ferviccs ill
requited ; and to make him reparation, he was
created marquis of Cacrmarthen. In order to
make room for fuch perfons as had real merit in
promoting the revolution, the treafury, the admi-
ralty, and even the chancery were put into com-
miftion. Burnet, who had been profcribed by the
late king, was made a bifhop ; Sir Patience Ward
was chofen one of the reprefentatives in parliament
for London ; and Pilkington, lord-mayor of that
city ; in which one had been pilloried, and the
other fined one hundred thoufand pounds for an
offence againft the duke of York. Military pre-
ferments were beftowed on lord Churchill, but they
were not fuited to his ambition ; and no notice was
taken of his lady, who continued as ufual in the
family of the princefs Anne. But though Notting-
ham, Shrewfbury, Halifax and Danby, appeared
oftenfible minifters, the king, in fecret, put his
real confidence in Mr. Sidney, and in Bentinck, a
native' of Holland, the firft of whom was created
lord Sidney, and the laft lord Portland. But what
gave univerfal fatisfaction, was the nomination of
the judges. Each privy-counfcllor was directed to
bring in a lift of twelve ; and from thefe lifts the
judges were felected.
The firft refolution taken in the new council,
was to convert the convention into a parliament,
that the new fetdement might be ftrengthened by a
legal fanction, which was fuppofed to be wanting,
as the aflembly had not been convoked by the
king's writ of fummons. The experiment of a
new election being thought too hazardous, it was
refolved in council that the king ftiould, by virtue
of his own authority, change the convention into a
parliament, by going to the houfe of peers with
the ufual ftate of a fovereign, and pronouncing a
fpeech from the throne to both houfes. This ex-
pedient was accordingly practiced. The king
aflured them, that he mould take the utmoft care
to retain their good opinion of his integrity; that
Holland was in fuch a fituation as required their
immediate aid ; that the pofture of affairs at home,
likewife demanded their ferious attention ; that a
good fettlcment was equally neccflary for the
eftablifhment of domeftic peace, and the fupport
of the proteftant intereft abroad ; that the affairs of
Ireland were too critically fituated to admit of the
leaft delay in their deliberations ; he therefore
begged they would be fpeedy and effectual in con-
certing fuch meafures as fliould be judged indif-
pcnfibly necefiary for the good of the nation.
The commons, on their return to their own houfc,
paffed a vote of thanks to his majefty, and made
an order that his fpeech fliould be taken into con-
fideration.
The, coronation oath having been altered and ex-
plained, the ceremony of the coronation was perform-
ed by the bifhop of London, officiating at the king's
No. 4.
defire in the room of the metropolitan, who was a
malcontent ; and the next day the commons in a.
body waited on the king and queen at Whitehall with
an addrefs of congratulation. William, in order to
conciliate the efteem of his new fubjects, fignified,
in a folemn meflage to the houfe of commons, his
readincfs to acquiefcc in any meafure they fhould
think proper to take for a new regulation, or total
fuppreffion of the hearth-money ; and this tax was
afterwards abolifhed. We muft here obferve, that
previous to their coronation on the thirteenth of
February, the prince and princefs of Orange being
feated on two large chairs in the Banqueting-houfe,
both houfes of the convention waited on them in a
body, when the clerk of the crown read, in the
names of the lords fpiritual and temporal, and the
commons aflembled at Weftminfter, the following
" declaration of their rights," known by the name
of
THE BILL OF RIGHTS.
I. That the pretended power of fufpending laws,
or the execution of laws, by royal authority, without
confent of parliament, is illegal.
II. That the pretended power of difpenfing with
laws, or the execution of laws, by legal authority,
as it hath been afTumed, or exercifed of late, is
illegal.
III. That the commiffion for erecting the late
court of commiffioners for ecclefiaftical caufes, and
all other commiffions and courts of like nature, are
illegal and pernicious.
IV. That levying money for the ufe of the
crown by pretence of prerogative, without grant
of parliament for a longer time, or in any other
manner than the fame is or fhall be granted, is
illegal.
V. That it is the right of the fubject to petition
the king ; and all commitments and profecutions for
fuch petitioning, are illegal.
VI. That the raifing or keeping a ftanding army
within the kingdom, in time of peace, unlefs it
be with the confent of parliament, is contrary to
law.
VII. That the fubjccts, who are proteftants, may
keep arms for their defence, fuitable to their condi-
tion, and as allowed by law.
VIII. That all elections of members of parliament
ought to be free.
IX. That the freedom^ of fpeech, or debates
in parliament, ought not to be impeached or
qucftioned in any court Y>r place out of parlia-
ment.
X. That exceffive bail ought not to be required,
nor exceffive fines impofed, nor cruel nor unufual
punifhrnents inflicted.
XL That jurors ought to be duly impannelled
and returned ; and jurors who pafs upon men,
in trials of high treafon, ought to be free-
holders.
XII. That all grants of fines and forfeitures of
particular perfons, before conviction, are illegal and
void.
XIII. And that, for the redrefs of all grievances,
and for the amending, ftrengthening, and preferv-
ing of the laws, parliaments ought frequently to be
held.
And they do claim, demand, and infifl upon, all
and fingular the premifes, as their undoubted rights
and liberties : and no declarations, judgments,
doings, or proceedings, to the prejudice of the
people in any of the faid premifes, ought, on any
account, to be drawn hereafter into confequence or
example.
After enumerating thefe articles, the declaration
concluded in the following manner : " Having
therefore an entire confidence, that his faid high-
6 P nefe
518 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
nefs the prince of Orange, will perfed a delive-
rance fo far advanced by him, and ftill preferve
them from a violation of their rights, which they
have here afierted, and from all other attempts
upon their religion, rights, and liberties, the lords
fpi ritual and temporal, and commons affembled at
Weftminfler, do refolve, that William and Mary,
prince and princefs of Orange, be declared king
and queen of England, France, and Ireland, and
all the dominions thereunto belonging; to hold
the crown and royal dignity of the faid kingdoms
and dominions to them the faid prince and princefs
during their lives, and the life of the furvivor of
them ; and that the fole and full exercife of the
royal power be only in, and executed by the faid
prince of Orange, in the names of the faid prince
and princefs during their joint lives ; and after their
deceafe, the faid crown and royal dignity of the faid
kingdoms to be to the iflue of the body of the faid
princefs ; and in default of fuch iflue, to the princefs
Anne of Denmark, and the heirs of her body; and
in default of fuch iflue, to the heirs of the body of
the faid prince of Orange."
As foon as this declaration was read, the ijiarquis
of Halifax, as fpeaker of the upper houfe, made a
folemn tender of the crown to their highnefles, in
the name of the peers and commons of England ;
and the offer was accepted in the moft obliging man-
ner by their highnefles.
After his coronation, the king received an ad-
drefs of thanks from the commons, couched in the
warmed cxpreflions of duty, gratitude, and af-
fection ; and declaring, that they would take fuch
meafures in fupport of his crown, as would con-
vince the world that he reigned in the hearts of his
fubjeds. The fum total of the money expended by
the States-general in William's expedition, amount-
ed to feven millions of gilders ; and .the com-
.mons granted fix hundred thoufand pounds for
the difcharge of this debt. The next object that
engaged their attention, was the fettlement of a
revenue for the fupport of government. Hereto-
fore there had been no diftindion of what was al-
lotted for the king's ufe, and what was affigned for
the fervice of the ftate, fo that the fovereign was
abfolute matter of the whole fupply. As the reve-
nue in the late reigns had been often embezzled
and mifapplicd, it was now refolved that a certain
fum mould be fet apart for the maintenance of the
king's houfhold, and the fupport of his dignity
(called at this time the civil lift) and that the reft
of the public money fliould be employed under the
infpection of parliament. Accordingly, fince this
period, the commons have appropriated the annual
fupplies to certain fpecified purpofes ; and an ac-
count of the application has conftantly been fubmit-
ted to the infpection of both houfes.
The tories had, through the communication of
Nottingham, made proffers of fervice to his ma-
jefty ; but complained at the fame time, that as
they were in danger of being profecuted, they could
not, without an act of indemnity, exert themfelves
in favour of the crown. The king, wrought on
by their remonftrances, fent a meflage to the houfe
by Mr. Hampden, recommending a bill of in-
demnity as the moft effectual means of putting an
end to all fcJurces of difcord. He defired it might
be drawn up with all convenient expedition, with
fuch exceptions only as fhould appear neceflary for
the maintenance of public juftice, the fafety of
himfelf and the queen, and the welfare of the
nation. But the whigs proceeded fo flow in the
bill, that it could not be brought to maturity before
the end of the feffion. It being now neceflary to
pafs an act for afcertaining the fucceflion of the
crown, a bill for this purpofc was brought into the
lower houfe, with a claufe difabling papifts from
fuccceding to the crown; to this the lords added,
3
J or fuch who fhould marry papifts," abfolving the
fubjed in that cafe from their allegiance. About
this time the princefs Anne brought forth a fon, who
was baptized by the name of William, and afterwards
created duke of Gloucefter.
William, w ho was equal to moft princes in poli-
tical abilities, well knew, that the moft effectual
way of preferving peace at home, - was to find his
new fubjcds employment abroad. The great
fcheme he had formed, when only Stadthokler, of
a confederacy againft France, began about this
time to take effect. He was ftrongly importuned
to join this -confederacy as king of England, and
found no great difficulty in perfuading the Englifli
to draw the fword againft their old enemies and
rivals. After the proper fteps for that purpofe were
taken, both houfes joined in a dutiful addrefs to
his majefty, defiring him to take fuch meafures as
would be fufficient to reduce the French king to
fuch a condition, as to render him incapable of dif-
turbing the peace of Europe, or prejudicing the
trade and profperity of England, afluring his majefty
that he might depend on his parliament for the
neceflary afliftance.
Thus requefted by both houfes of legiflature,
the'king declared war againft the French monarch
on the feventh of May. This declaration was drawn
up by the mafterly hand of Somers, afterwards
lord chancellor. Lewis was charged with having
unjuftly invaded the territories of the emperor,
and denounced war againft the allies of England,
in open violation of the treaties concluded under
the guarantee of the Englifli crown; of having
encroached on the fiftiery of Newfoundland ; in-
vaded the Caribbee Iflands ; forcibly feized the
provinces of New York and Hudfon's Bay : coun-
tenanced the feizure of Englifh ftiips by French
privateers; prohibited the importation of Englifli
manufactures ; difputed the right of the flag ; per-
fecuted many Englifli fubjects on pretence of reli-
gion, contrary to exprefs treaties and the law of
nations ; and fent an army into Ireland to fupport
the rebels in that kingdom. Ireland was far from
imitating the examples of England and Scotland,
in acknowledging William's title to the crown;
and it was more than two years "before that king-
dom was entirely reduced. The earl of Tyrcon-
nel, on the firft news of James's retreat from
England, fecured the moft important places in
Ireland of which he was governor; and joining
his natural hatred of the proteftants to what he
thought motives of policy and prudence, he treated
them in fo rigorous a manner, that they were forced
to retire to their brethren in the north, who feizing
on Kilmore, Coleraine, Inifkilling, and London-
derry, declared for William and Mary. Tyrcon-
nel, perceiving the ill effects of his cruelty, thought
proper to' temporize with William ; yet he conti-
nued to folicit James by letter, to tranfport himfelf
over to Ireland with a powerful body of troops;
afluring him that fuch a ftep would effectually
fecure his intercft in that kingdom ; whereas a
neglect or delay in following this advice, muft
entirely ruin his affairs. On receiving thefe letters,
James fent them to Lewis, and prefled him for hi»
afliftance. Neither the French monarch nor his
minifters had any great expeditions from this ex-
pedition : but as his honour was concerned in fup-
porting his unfortunate gueft, it was refolved to
furnifh him with five thoufand forces, under the
command of M. de Laufun. This army was em-
barked on board the fleet then lying at Breft, con-
fifting of fourteen fliips of the line, fix frigates,
three fire-fhips, and a proper number of tranfports.
Lewis alfo fupplied James with arms for forty
thoufand men, in order to equip his friends ins,
Ireland ; prefented him with a large fum of money j
fuperb equipages, plate, and every thing necelTary
for
WILLIAM
III.
for the camp and houfhold. At parting he em-
braced him with great affection, making ufe of this
remarkable expreffion: " Farewell brother! the
bed thing I can with you, is, that I may never fee
you more."
James failed from Breft on the fourteenth of
March, attended by the count d'Avaux, in quality
of ambaffador, and feveral other perfons of diftinc-
tion. After eight days fail, he arrived fafely at
Kingfale in Ireland, whence he repaired in a few
days to Cork; where he was received by the earl of
Tyrconnel, who had collected an army of thirty
thoufand foot, and eight thoufand horfe, for his
fervice. But adverfity had not yet taught James
wifdom and precaution : he acted with as little
prudence, as he could have done, had he no oppo-
fition to encounter ; and was fo far from endeavour-
ing to conciliate the affections of the proteftants,
which in common reafon and common policy he
ought t& have done, that he gave repeated prodfs
of°his thorough hatred, and frequently punifhed
them with death on the moft trifling occafions.
One of the magistrates of Cork was executed by his
orders, for having declared for the prince of
Orange. In fhort, inftead of endeavouring to win
over his adverfaries by mildnefs and popularity, he
only exafperated them the more, by his cruelty and
arrogance : and thus, by his own imprudent con-
duct effectually ruined his affairs, at the very time
when he flattered himfelf with their being in the
molt profperous fituation. Having refrefhed his
forces, he marched for Dublin, and entered the city
in triumph. He was met at the caftle gate by a
proceffion of popifh bifhops and priefts, in their
pontificals, bearing the hoft, before which he
kneeled down in public. He publifhed fome pro-
clamations, promifing protection to all his pro-
teflant fubjecb, who fhould preferve their loyalty :
but thefe placed fo little confidence in his promifes,
that they determined to (land in their own defence.
Soon after he publifhed another proclamation for
the meeting of the parliament, on the feventh of
May at Dublin ; created Tyrconnel a duke, and be-
Itowed the royal regiment on Dorrington, in the
room of the duke of Ormond.
His firfl expedition was againft Kilmore, where
the noble defence made by the proteftants fo exaf-
perated James, that he determined to ufe them with
the utmoft feverity ; and was warmly feconded in
this refolutkm by Tyrconnel, who feemed to thirft
for the blood of thefe poor unfortunate people.
Alarmed by this cruel ufage, and the report of a
general maflacre, intended to be perpetrated on all
the proteftants, they fhut themfelves up in London-
derry, the capital of the county of the fame name,
and fent immediately to England for affiftance.
Some arms and ammunition were accordingly fent
them, but no confiderable reinforcements till the
middle of April, when two regiments arrived at
Loughfoyle, under the command of the colonels
Cunningham and Richards. By this time James
had reached the neighbourhood of the town, at
the head of an army of twenty thoufand men ; but
he met with an oppofition little expected ; and
which was chiefly owing to the bravery and refolu-
tionofone man, aproteftant clergyman of Donagh-
more, who had raifed a regiment for the defence of
himfelf and his brethren. This clergyman gave
Lundy, the governor of Londonderry, the firft no-
tice of the approach of James. Lundy imme-
diately fummoned a council of war, at which Cun-
ningham and Richards, the two commanders lately
arrived from England aflilted, and who, either from
a diflike to the fervice they were fent upon, or igno-
rant of the fituation of the town and the difpofition
of the inhabitants, gave it as their opinion, that the
place was not tenable, that it would be imprudent
to land the. regiments ; and that the principal
officers fhould retire from the town, in order that
the inhabitants might obtain more favourable con-
ditions. A meflenger, in confequence of this
opinion, was difpatched to James, with propofals
for opening a negotiation; and lieutenant-general
Hamilton, who commanded in that prince's fervice,
undertook, that the army fhould not, during the
continuance of the treaty, advance nearer than four
miles of the city. Mr. Walker, the clergyman
already mentioned, had, in vain, ufed all his rhe-
toric to peffuade the governor to take the field,
and come to a general engagement. He was
deaf to all his arguments, and liftened only to his
own pufillanimous appr'ehenfions ; which were
greatly heightened, when he found that James, dif-
regarding the promife his general had made, was
advancing at the head of his troops to the town
walls. The inhabitants and fcldiers in the place,
were fo exafperated at the cowardice of their gover-
nor, and the two colonels, that they flew to arms,
and would have made their lives pay the forfeit of
their perfidy, ' had not the former kept himfelf con-
cealed in his' chamber, and the- other two found
means to efcape on board their {hips. In the mean
time major Baker, their deputy governor, fired
fo warmly from the walls upon James's troops,
that they were obliged to retreat to St. John's
town in forne diforder. Walker and Baker made
ufe of this refpite, to prefs Lundy to exert himfelf
as became a loyM fubject and a good foldier, and
to undertake the defence of the place : -but fuch was
the governor's cowardice or treachery, that he ab-
folutely'refufed to have any thing to do with the
government, and fbon after made his efcape in dif-
guife. He was, however, feized in Scotland, fertt
thence to London, together with Cunningham and
Richards, where they were all ignominioufly dif-
miffed from the fervice. The inhabitants now
unanimoufly agreed to beftow the government of
the place on Mr. Walker, and major Baker, who
immediately prepared for a vigorous defence ; de-
termining to bury themfelves under the ruins of
the place, rather than furrender to the enemy.
Accordingly they formed the citizens, amounting
to feven thoufand men, into different regiments,
taught them the proper management of arms, firing
of cannon, and all the other manoeuvres neceffary
for their own defence, or the annoyance of the
enemy. On the twentieth of April, James's army
opened the trenches, and their batteries began to
play on the town, which was but poorly fortified,
with only twenty pieces of cannon on the walls,
arid thofe wretchedly mounted. The befieged,
however, animated by the example and fpirited ha-
rangues of Mr. Walker, held out with aftonifhing
refolution, againft a force, far fuperior, employed
to reduce them. James being obliged to return
to Dublin, to meet the parliament he had convened,
left the command of the army to the marquis de
Rofane, one of the French generals, a man of more
than favage haughtinefs and cruelty of difpofition.
Incenfed with the oppofition he met with from an
handful of half flarved peafants, as he contemptu-
oufly called them, vented his rage in the moft in-
human manner, and informed the befieged, that
unlefs they inftantly fubmitted themfelves to their
lawful fovereign, he would not leave one ftone upon
another in the town, nor a fingle perfon alive to
carry the news of their deftruction. It is a mark of
true courage to look upon the threatcnings of arro-
gance and vanity with contempt. The governor
and garrifon anfwered his threats only by doubling
their refinance, though their provifions were now
all expended, and they were reduced to the dread-
ful neceffity of fupporting life by eating the flefh c f
horfes, dogs, cats, and every other kind of loath-
fome food. They, however, fupported their
courage, and a proclamation was publifhed, pro-
hibiting,
520
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
hibiting, under pain of death-, any perfon to talk of
furremdering. Perceiving that menaces had no
effect, th'e French general formed a defign for
forcing them to comply, which feemed to be rather
the dictates of a fiend than of a human being. He
fent detachments of his foldiers through the adja-
cent country, with orders to feize all the proteftants
they could find, without diftinction of age or fex,
ftrip them naked, and drive them in that condition,
under the walls of Londonderry. This order was
executed with a brutality equal to that of the giver
of it. Upwards of fourthoufand of thefe mifcrable
objects were thus expofed to the view of the be-
fieged ; who, from their ramparts, beheld, with an
horror not to be defcribed, the forlorn condition of
their fellow proteftants, many of whom were every
moment expiring with fatigue, cold, hunger and
the cruel ufage they 'had received from their bloody
perfecutors. This fight, however, had a very dif-
ferent effect upon the garrifon, from what Rofane
expected. They felt the deepeft companion for the
diftrefs of .their brethren; but their companion
was mingled with fuch indignation againft the
author of that infernal action, and fuch apprehen-
fions of what would be their own fate, if they fhould
fall into his power, that they unanimoufly deter-
mined to perifli rather than fubmit to fuch a bar-
barian. They now thought themfelves excufed
from obfcrving the ftrict rules of war, which had
been fo flagitioufly broken, by the enemy ; and ac-
cordingly erected a gibbet on their walls, and fent to
acquaint the French general, that unlefs he im-
irfediately fet at liberty the proteflants he had
driven under their ramparts, they would immedi-
ately hang up every prifoner they had taken in
their fallies during the fiege. Convinced by their
whole behaviour, that they would certainly carry
their threats into execution, Rofane ordered the
proteftants to be releafed, after they had been de-
tained three days, without tafting any kind of food.
Numbers of them perimed by famine and fatigue
in their return to their houfes, and many of thofe
who furvived, had the additional misfortune to find
their habitations and effects deftroyed, by the rov-
ing parties about the country ; fo that the greater
part of thofe unfortunate people fell victims to the
infernal malice of a popifh foe. It is reported that
James was requefted by the bifhop of Meath to
countermand this order, but without effect. At
this time the intrepid garrifon of Londonderry was
reduced from feven thoufand, to five thoufand fe-
ven hundred men ; and thefe were driven to fuch
extremity of diftrefs, that they began to talk of
preying upon one another. But before this dread-
ful refource for prolonging life was attempted, the
long wifhed for fuccour arrived. Major general
Kirk, who had rendered himfclf fo infamous in
England, during James's reign, and who had fincc
-abandoned his former mafter, and ferved under
king William, arrived in the Lough with a rein-
forcement of nine thoufand men ; and being or-
dered to relieve the garrifon at all events, he fent
three fliips up the river, laden with provifions,
under the protection of the Dartmouth frigate. But
the enemy, to prevent any fliips from failing up to
the town, had erected ftrong batteries on both fides
of the ftream, and thrown a ftrong boom acrofs the
channel. One of the (hips, however, taking the
opportunity of a ftrong gale of wind in her favour,
advanced with full fail, broke the enemy's boom,
and the other vefTels following her, they all an-
chored in fafety before the town. James now de-
fpaired of fuccecding in his cnterprize, and raifed
the liege that very night, aftex lofing near eight
thoufand men in this fruitlefs attempt. Kirk
landed at the town, and Walker, at the earncft re-
quell of the inhabitants, patted over to England, to
return their grateful thanks to their majefties for
2
their generous fuccour. He was received by the
king and queen with that honour and refpect, fo
juftly due to his diftinguifhed valour. The inha-
bitants of Inifkilling, on receiving intelligence that
Londonderry had denied entrance to the troops in
James's fervice, refolvcd not to admit any garrifon'
of his party: and having raifed a regiment of twelve
companies, they fliut their gates, and appointed
Guftavus Hamilton their governor. He was a
zealous proteftant, and an officer of known courage
and conduct. Having thus determined to oppofe
the popifh army of James, they proclaimed king
William and queen Mary. The lord Gilmoy, who
had declared for James, appeared before their watts
and fummoned them to furrender ; but was, by the
noble refiftance they made, obliged to raife the
fiege, which, on their refufal to capitulate, he had
undertaken. Nor was this the whole ; for the day
before Londonderry was relieved, the brave Inif-
killingcrs advanced, with their handful of men,
againft fix thoufand Irifli, and totally defeated them
at a place called Newton Butler; killing near three
thoufand of the enemy, with the lofs of only twenty
killed, and fifty wounded.
The Irifh parliament met at Dublin, purfuant to
James's proclamation; and was opened by that
prince with a fpeech from the throne. He firft
thanked them for their zeal and loyalty ; laviihed
the higheft encomiums on the humanity and ge-
nerofity of his good brother and ally, the king of
France, difplayed towards himfelf, his queen, and
his fon, in affording them an afylum, after being
expelled their lawful dominions, and in having now
enabled him to vifit one part of his realm in perfon.
He then declared his fixed refolution to grant to all
his fubjects, full liberty of confcience, which he
confidered as the only certain method of fecuring
their happinefs, as well as his own, looking upon
himfelf as the common parent of all his peopie.
He concluded with afluring both houfes of his
hearty concurrence with them, in enacting fuch
laws, as might tend to the tranquillity and fettle-
ment of his dominions. Every method having
been ufed to fill the houfe of lords with popifh
peers, fo that there were only feven or eight pro-
teftant lords fent to parliament; and hardly a mem-
ber of that religion among the commons ; it is not
at all furprizing to find that parliament openly pro-
feffed itfelf a flave to the king's pleafure. That
man was looked upon as factious or rebellioufly
inclined, who dared to move any thing after it had
been declared contrary to the king's pleafure. He
had therefore no fooner left the houfe, than the
commons came to a refolution of prefenting an ad-
drefs of thanks, and of defiring the count d'Avaux
to offer their moft grateful acknowledgements to
the French king, for the friendly affiftance he had
given to their fovercign. They next ordered a bill
to be brought into the houfe for recognizing James's
title, and to exprefs their abhorrence of the prince
of Orange's ufurpatisn, as well as of the difloyalty
and treafonable conduct of the Englifh. This ad-
drefs being prcfented to Jajjnes, he publifhed a de-
claration to all his loving fubjects in the kingdom
of England ; promifing that he would, for the fu-
ture, take no ftep without the concurrence and
confent of his parliament ; offering- a free pardon to
all who fhould abandon his enemies, and join him
in twenty-four days after this declaration was pub-
lifhed ; and charged all the blood that might be
fpilt in this conteft, upon thofe who* fhould perfe-
vere in rebellion. Had the people not been well
acquainted with the little dependence that ought
to be placed on his promifes, James now gave them
a convincing proof, that they were never intended
to be kept any longer than they anfwered his con-
venience ; for a bill of attainder was pafTed aguinft
all thofe who were abfent from the kingdom, and
refufed
WILL
refufed to acknowledge the authority of king James,
or held any correfpondence with the rebels ; or who
had any ways affifted the prince of Orange, fince
the firft of Auguft I aft. By this act no Ids than
three thoufand protdhints were attainted by name,
among whom were the two archbifhops, one duke,
fcvcnteen earls, feven countefles, as many bifhops,
eighteen barons, thirty-three baronets, fifty-one
knights, and eighty-three clergymen, all of whom
•were declared punifhable by death and forfeiture.
A bloody profcription which has not its parallel in
the records of the moft tyrannical government ;
efpecially when it is remembered that all the pro-
fcribed were excluded from all hopes of pardon,
and all benefit of appeal, unlcfs enrolled by the
king's order, before the firft day of the cnfuing
month of December. By another a<£t, Ireland was
declared independent of that of England.
William was not idle in his preparations for the
relief of his proteftant fubjects. He was informed
that another ftrong fleet, as a convoy to fome
tranfports laden with arms, ammunition, &c. was
foon to fail from France to Ireland ; and therefore
the king detached admiral Herbert from Spithead,
with twelve iliipsofthe line, one firefhip, and four
tenders, in order to intercept the enemy. The
Englifh admiral having for fome time been blown
about with contrary winds, reached at length the
Irifh coaft, and on the firft of May difcovered the
French Meet confining of no lefs than twenty-eight
{hips of the line, moft of them from fixty to feventy
guns, and five fire-fhips, lying at anchor in Bantry-
bay. The French admiral no fooner faw the
Englifli fleet, than he immediately gave orders for
getting under fail, and giving the enemy battle.
Herbert having for foine time endeavoured to gain
the weather gage of the French, and finding it im-
poifible to fucceed, thought it highly imprudent to
fight the enemy fo fuperior in force, while he la-
boured under fo particular a difadvantage. He
therefore ftood offtofca, and maintained a running
fight, till the evening began to approach, when the
enemy tacked about, and returned to Bantry-bay.
This trifling fkirmifli was by the French, re-
_jrcfented as a fignal victory, though with all their
fuperiority of ftrength, they neither took nor funk a
lingle vcfiel. William, however, was fo fatisfied
with the behaviour of his admiral on this occafion,
that when the latter returned to Portfinouth, his
majefty, in an excurfion he made thither, to haften
the naval preparations then carrying on at that port,
dined on board Herbert's fhip, and declared his in-
tention of creating him an earl in confidcration of his
fervices. At the fame time he conferred the honour
of knighthood on the captain Cloudefly Shovel, ano-
ther fca officer, who had ferved in this expedition,
and beftowcd a gratuity of ten (hillings on every
private failor. Yet with all the alliduity of the
king in haftening the naval and military prepara-
tions, James had been fix months in Ireland before
the army was embarked for that kingdom. 'At
length eighteen rcigments of foot, and five of dra-
goons being ready, together with a fuitable train of
artillery, they were embarked lor that kingdom,
under the command of the duke of Schomberg;
a:id on the thirteenth of Auguft, were landed near
Currick-Fergus. Their firft attempt was againft
Belfaft, which they took poffeilion of with very
little oppofition; the enemy retiring at Schomberg's
approach, to Carrick Fergus, which they deter-
mined to defend. But the intrepidity of the
Engliih was too powerful to be refilled for any
length of time ;• and accordingly the place was fur-
rendered in four days. This was followed by a
fcries of other fuccefles. Ewry, Dundalk, and
feveral other places, yielded at the firft fummons ;
and the general's progrefs would have been much
more rapid had not he been difappointed in re^eiv-
No. 49.
I A M
lit.
52 t
ing the remainder of his forces and train of ar-
tillery which he had left behind him in England.
James having ailembled his forces, advanced to-
wards Schomberg, who was encamped near D <
heda, and on the twenty-third of September arrived
within two miles of the Englifti entrenchments.
But the duke, finding his army every day dimu
nilhing by ficknefs, which had carried off many
brave officers, and great numbers of folders, while
the enemy who were at leaft double his number,
were m perfect health, and their troops much bcttei1
difciplined than his, prudently declined an engage-
ment: while James, not chufing to attack the
duke in his trenches, drew off his forces : and the
winter approaching both armies retired into winter
quarters.
Admiral Herbert, now created earl of Torrington,
having again failed for Ireland, with the combined
fleets of England and Holland, attempted to fur-
prize the city of Cork : but being deceived by
falfe intelligence, that James with his whole army
was encamped in the neighbourhood, he did not
think it prudent to land his forces ; and after con-
tinuing a fhort time on the coaft, returned to Eng-
land, and anchored in Torbay ; his men being very
iickly. There was indeed the greateft reafon to
afcribe this misfortune to the villainy ofthofe in-
trufted with the care of victualling the navy ; for
the Dutch feamert were in perfect health during the
whole cruife. The French, though they did not°dare
to fend out a fleet, did infinite damage to the Eng-
lifh trade, by their privaceers, which fwarmcd in the
channel ; and the Dartmouth fhip of war had the
misfortune to fall into their hands.
The Englifli parliament met on the nineteenth
of October, when the king explained the necerfity
of a prefent fupply to carry on the war; defired
they would be fpeedy in their determinations on
that fubjcct, as they would have the greateft in-
fluence on the princes and ftates concerned in the
alliance againft France, as a general meeting was
appointed to be held at the Hague in the month of
November. The houfes were then prorogued for
four days, when they again affembled ; and the
commons taking the king's fpeech into confidera-
tion, unanimoufly refolved to affift his majefty in
reducing Ireland, and joining his allies abroad, for
a vigorous profecution of the war againft France.
Accordingly they voted a fupply of two millions,
to be railed by a land-tax of three fhillings in
the pound, and additional duties upon coffee, tea,
and chocolate. Several motions with regard to
grievances having been made in the houfe of com-
mons, the marquis of Hallifax, who thought him-
felf particularly aimed at, determined to retire
from court, and quit the adminiftration. Accord-
ing he rcfigned the privy feal, reconciled himfelf
to the tories, and became the chief patron and
protector of that party : while the whigs laboured
to prevent their obtaining any preferment in the
ftate.
William formed a refolution of go- ^
ing over to Ireland in perfon to finim
the war. Accordingly he came to the houfe of
lords, on the feventeenth of January, declared his
intention, and prorogued the parliament till the
twenty-fecond of April ; but on the fixth of Fe-
bruary he diffolved it, and iffued writs for calling a
new one to meet on the twenty-fixth of March.
During this feffion of parliament, the bill of rights
already mentioned was paffed into a law ; together
with the act of fettlement. The revenue of the
princefs of Denmark was fettled, which had been
left unfinifhed the preceding feflion. On the
twentieth of March the new parliament met at
Weftminfter, and the king opened the feffion by a
fpeech from the throne, in which he gave them to
underftand that he ftill peifiited in his rd01ution of
6 Q_ going
1690.
522 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
going in perfon to Ireland ; defired they would
fettle his revenue on him as they had done on his-
predeceflbrs ; or at lead eftablHh it on a fund' »f
credit, on which he might raife the rrecefTaify fumsy
for firpplying his prefent occafions. He told them
he would fend them an act of grace, with fome few ex-
ceptions ; being defirous of taking from his fubjedts
eveiy fhadow of pretence of railing diflurbances
during his abfence. He advifcd them to avoid
diffentions ; recommended to their confideration an
union with Scotland ; and declared he friould leave
the adminiftration in the hands of the queen during
his abfence ; and therefore defined they would pro-
vide an act for that purpofe, if it was thought ne-
eeffary. The commons proceeded to fettle the re-
venue, and make it a fund of credit for the fupplics
that were ftrll wanting for the enfuing campaign.
They began with voting a fupply of one million
two hundred thoufand pounds, between that time
and Michaelmas, But William could not prevail
on them to fettle his revenue for life. The parlia-
ment being fenlible how defirous the king was to
fet out for Ireland> d'ifpatched the bufine.s before
them with the greateft facility ; and the royal affent
being given to feveral money bills, the act of in-
demnity, and- fome other acts of a fimilar nature,
together with a bill for inverting the queen with
the adminiftration of the government during the
king's abfence, his majefty put an end to the feffion
with a fhort fpeech from the throne.
Every thing being ready, the king embarked on
the fourth of June, at High-lake near Chefter, and
landed on the fourteenth at Canuck-Fergus* at-
tended by prince .George of Denmark,, the duke of
Ormond, the earls of Oxford, Scarborough and
Manchefter, and many other perfons of diftincliionc.
He repaired immediately to Belfaft, where he was
met by the duke of Schomberg,. the prince off Wir-
tefnberg, major general Kirke, and other principal
officers. On his arrival in Ireland the whole face
ef affairs was immediately changed.. The military
operations had been for fome time fufpended by
the addrcfs of the. duke of Scomberg,, who care-
fully avoided 'coming to an engagement with the
enemy, before his majefty '& arrival to- head his
troops in perfort. James, wearied with a- perpetual
Itate of uncertainty, fcemed defirous, to determine
his fate by one decifive action- William, was
equally M'iTling to put a finai period to all. conteft
for the crown of England. Thus determined, the
two rivals, with their whole forces, moved towards
each other, to decide at once the quarrel thai had
long divided the kingdom, and deftroyed fo many
of the innocent inhabitants. William, after re-
frefhing his troops a few days at Belfaft, marched
to Lifburn, where the duke of Schomberg had
fixed his head-quarters, and thence to Hilfborough,
ordering the whole army to encamp at Loughbrillen.
Here he reviewed his forces, and found they
amounted to thirty-fix thoufand effective men, well
armed, and equipped with every particular. In
the mean time, James committed the care of
guarding Dublin to a body of militia, under the
command of Lutterel, and joined his army, now
nearly equal to the Englifh in number, exclufive
of about fifteen thoufand men, left in different
crarrifons. Having advanced to the banks of the
river Boyne, he pitched his camp in a very ad-
vantageous fituation. His front was defended by
that deep and rapid river, a riling ground and deep
morafs ; fo that the Englifh could not attack him
without expoling themfelves to the moft imminent
danger. The Jacobite officers therefore were very
prelfing with James, not to venture an engage-
ment ; but rather reinforce his garrifons, withdraw
to the Shannon, and wait the event of the naval
preparations then making in France for attacking
the Englilh, and fending- fuccours to Ireland.
But James, determining to decide the conteft by *
general battle, rcfufed thefe falutary ccunfels, and
made the neceffary preparations fon a decifive en-
gagement. King William was equally prepared to1
receive him ; but thought proper, before, the battle
began, to- reconnoitre the fituation of the enemy.
Accordingly he advanced to the oppofite fide of
the rivsr, where, being fingled out by the eneiiYvy
they brought down two field pieces by a hollow
way, and planted them againft his perfcn. The
firft Ihot killed a man- and two hovfcs clofe by his
fide; and the fecond rebounding from the ground,,
grazed his right lliouldcr, and produced a confidcr-
able contufion. William did not betray the leaft
emotion on this occafion ; but after- caufin"' his
wound to be bound up, he remounted his horfe^
and kept on his former pace, only faying, " There
was no necefficy for the bullet ta come nearer."
This accident, however, though of no great mo-
ment in itfelf, occafioned fome eonfufion amop.tr
his majefty's attendants; which being olfervedby
the enemy, and they no longer feeing the king on
horfeback, concluded that their balls had effected
the intended pu.rpofe, and that William was killed.
They therefore gave a genera! fhout, which was
echoed through the camp. The news was even
fpread to Dublin, whence it was fent to Paris,
where, contrary to the cuflom of the French court,
the people were fuftered to exprefs their joy by-
bonfires and illuminations. When the (light wound
he had received was dreffed, the king returned to-
fliew hknfelf to his army, in order to quiet their
apprehenlions. About nine o'clock at night, WiU
liarn called a council of war, and declared his in-
tention of eroding the river, and giving battle to-
the enemy. Schomberg ftrongly oppofsd this mea-
fure ; but the king being absolutely determined,
his plan was adopted by the majority of the coun-
cil. Schomberg therefore acquiefced, and pro-
pofed that part of the army-, horfe and foot, mould
be fent that night to Slane-bridge in order to paf*
the Boync, and pod themfelves between the enemy
and the pafs at Duleck. This advice, which it"
purfucd mult have allured the Engliih of fuccefs,
was objected to, and over-ruled by the Dutch,
officers ; at which the duke was fo difgultcd that he
retired to his tent, whither the order of battle,
after being fettled in the council, was fent to him.
This he conlidcred as an additional affront : buc
the refpect he owed his fovercign, kept him from
complaining. He only faid, with fome marks of
difcontent, that it was die firft order of that kind
he had ever received. It was refolved, that next
morning lieutenant-general Douglas, with the right
wing of the infantry, and Munhardt, count Schcm-
berg, the duke's fon, fhould pafs the river at Slane-
bridge, in order to poll themfelves between the
enemy's camp and Drogheda ; while a body of foot
were to force a palTage over the ford at Old bridge.
A council ©f war was allb- called by James, where
it was propofed by lieutenant-general Hamilton, to
fend a ftrong party of dragoons to take poffeflion of
a ford, a little below the town of Drogheda, ther
fecuring of which was of the greateft importance.
James, however, by anobftinatc perverfenefs, would:
have only lixty dragoons on that fervice. The can-
nonade, which had continued pretty warmly ever
fince the two armies had come in fight of each other,
ceafed tewards the dole of the evening. William
rode through the whole army by torch light, and
retired to his tent, after having given the neceffary
orders for the proper difpofitions, and directed his
foldiers to wear green boughs in their hats during the
enfuing action, to diftinguilh them from thofe of
the enemy, who wore in theirs, pieces of \\ hite paper.
Near fix the next morning, teing the firft &i )••••,
general Douglas, with young Schombergk the far!
of Portland, and Overkirk, marched to Slane-
bridgc,,
Duke Sclioml^erov/v/;; ,>///// y.
WILLIAM
III.
Lauztm embarking with them, left the command
of the Irifh troops to the duke of Berwick, who
was foine time after fucceeded by Mr. St. Ruth.
Upon the arrival of Lauzun at Verftilles, he was
difgraced for having neglected to act in conjunction
with the Irifh troops. Tyrconnel, who had ac-
companied him in his voyage, applied to the court
of France for a fupply of officers, arms, ammu-
nition, cloaths, and accoutrements-, urging, that
if his requeft was complied with, the Irifh army
•would continue refolutely to fupport the caufe of
James. In the mean time, the Irifh troops formed
themfelves into parties of free-booters, and under
the denomination of Rapparees, committed great
devaftations in the country. Tims were the mi-
ferable people of Ireland harrafltd and diftrefled
in a manner that will fcarcely admit of defcrip-
tion.
When the parliament met on the fecond day of
October, his majefty's fpeech imported, that _ he
had exerted his iitmoft endeavours for reducing
the Irifh to obedience ; that his troops had highly
merited his approbation ; that much injury would
refult to the nation on account of the war not
having been profecuted \vith fufficient vigour ;
that the fupplics had not been adequate to the
unavoidable expences of the nation ; that without
unanimity in the councils of the kingdom, fuccefs
was not to be expected ; and that thefe important
fubjects M'ould be only difregarded by the enemies
of their king and country. The rumour of a
confpiracy among the Jacobites ; the late attempt
of the French to land on the coaft of England ;
the fingular intrepidity that the king had mani-
fefted in Ireland ; and the pufillanimity of James,
contributed to animate the refentment of the nation
againft the adherents to the abdicated monarch.
The houfes of parliament therefore prefented ad-
drefTes reflectively to the king and queen, ex-
tolling his bravery and prudence in war, and her
wifdom and fortitude in the adminiftration of
government, amidft all the dangers that prevailed
during the abience of her confort. The commons
voted a fupply of tour millions for the fupport of
the army and navy. On the fifteenth of January
the parliament was adjourned to the thirty firft of
Maich.
A -n s On the fixteenth the king, at-
•"•• •L'. IOOI. 111 .•
7 tended by a numerous retinue, em-
barked at Gravefend, and failed for Holland
under a convoy of twelve (hips of war, com-
manded by admiral Rooke. On the following day,
being informed by a fifherman that he was within
a league and a half of Goree, his majefty quitted
his yacht, and went into an open boat, being ac-
companied by the duke of Ormond and feveral
others of the nobility, with a defign of landing
immediately. However, they were unable to reach
the more ; and, night coming on, they loft fight
of the fleet. The Tea ran fo high, that his majefty
and all his attendants were feveral times covered
by the waves : for eighteen hours they were ex-
pofed to the inclemency of the contending elements,
and the danger of being taken by the enemy.
Upon hearing fome of the failors exprefs their ap-
prehenfions, his majefty exclaimed, " What, are
you afraid to die in my company ?" At day-break
the king landed upon the ifland of Goree ; and
having received fome refrefhment he returned to
the boat, and in the afternoon arrived in the neigh-
bourhood of Macflaiid-fluice. He was met at
Hounflar-dyk'e by a deputation of the States ; and
about fix in the evening he readied the Hague,
where he received the congratulations of the States-
general, the States of Holland, the council of ftate,
the colleges, and all the foreign minifters. At the
intercefiion of the magiftrates, the king made a
moft magnificent public entry ; and his arrival was
No. .
celebrated by illuminations, bonfires, and othef
demonftrations of joy. The confederates againA
the court of France having refolved upon holding
a folemn congrefs at the Hague, king William
attended that auguft aflembly ; to whom he n>
prefented the dangers to which the feveral princes
and ftates were expofed from the growing power
and exorbitant ambition of France ; he declared
that he would neither fpare his credit, his troops,
or his perf©n, in concurring with fuch meafures as
they mould deem expedient ; and ftrongly enforced
the neceffity of acting with vigour and difpatch ;
concluding with an aflurance that, in the fpring,
he would come at the head of his forces to fulfil
his engagements. The former delay in their
councils, and the jarring of their particular in-
terefts, had given great advantage to the common
enemy; but the addrefs of king William animated
them to a perfect unanimity of ientiment, and their
plan of operations was fpeedily concluded, accord-
ing to which two hundred and twenty-two thou-
fand men were to aft againft France the enfuing
campaign. Soon after the king embarked for Eng-
land, where he arrived in the month of April. He
next turned his attention to the intended campaign
in Ireland, the plan of operations for which being
adjufted, his majefty returned to Holland, and
prepared to take the field-
Luxemburgh acted with fuch caution, as to pre-
vent the allied army taking any advantage of him,
though their numbers were greatiy fuperior to his
own. The king, finding that he could not bring
the enemy to an engagement, gave the command
of the army to prince Waldeck ; and then returning
to the Hague embarked for England, where he
landed in October, by which time the war in
Ireland was almoft at an end, though the French
had juft fent the catholics a fupply of ammunition,
cloaths, and provifions, under the command of
M. St. Ruth, a bra.ve and experienced general.
On the other hand, general Ginckle, who com*
manded the Englifh forces, took the field, and in-
vefted the town of Ballymore, which was defended
by a thoufand men under colonel Bourke. The
batteries foon made a large breach in the wallo of a
place of no great ftrength, fo that nothing' re-
mained but to give a general afiault. But the gar-
rifon faved the Englifh that trouble, by fubmitting
at difcretion. Seven hundred and eighty men, be-
fides four field officers, and near three hundred of
the rapparees, or Irifh free-booters, were made
prifoners of war. Ginckle, after putting the place
in a pofture of defence, marched to BalJymore
pafs, where he was joined by the prince of Wir-
temberg. Thus reinforced, it was determined to
advance towards Athlone, a town fituated on the
other fide of the Shannon, and defended by .the
French and Irifh army, encamped in its neighbour-
hood. The Englifh town, fituated on this fide of
the river, was taken in two days : many of the
Irifh were flain in the attack ; and more of them
perifhed by falling into the river, in their hafty
retreat over the bridge to the Old town. Thus
pufhed on by fuccefs, batteries were erected againft
the Irifh town, and did fuch execution, that the
caftle and other ftrong places were foon reduced
to heaps of ruins. The garrifon, however, made
fo ftout a refiftance, that the Englifh general thought
proper to call a council of war, to confider whether
it was advifable to continue the attack, or abandon
the fiege. The duke of Wirtemberg, the generals
Mackay, Talmarfh, Ravigny, ar.d Tcttreau, de-
clared themfelves ftrongly for continuing the fiege ;
and propofed to pafs the Shannon in order to
attack the enemy, offering to conduct the attempt
in perfon. Their opinions prevailed, and a detach*
ment was fcnt to pafs the ftream, at a ford a little
below the town. The river was deep and rapid,
6R the
526
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
the bottom flippery and full of large ftones,
and the pafs defended by a. battery erefted for
that purpofe: but notwithftancling all thefe diffi-
culties, the Englifli troops, whofe courage and
intrepidity always increafe with dangers and diffi-
culties, regardlefs of every thing but glory, threw
themfelves into the Shannon, and pafled the river
through the thickeft of the enemy's fire. Having
reached the oppofite bank, they threw in their hand
grenades, and then difcharged fuch a volley of
finall fhot, that the enemy, unable to fuftain the
charge, abandoned their works. In the mean time,
a reinforcement was fent to this brave detachment,
and the Englifli, in lefs than an hour, made them-
felves mafters of the town, with the lofs of about
fifty men. The French general, from a propenfity
to that vanity and prefumption fo common to his
contrymen, treated the attempt of the Englifli to
force the paflage of the Shannon, with a contempt
that did little credit to that prudence and circum-
fpeclion for which he had been hitherto diftinguifli-
ed. In vain did Sarsfield, the Irifh general, prefs
him to fend fuccours to the town ; he laughed at
that officer's apprehenfions ; nor was he convinced,
till too late, that Englifh courage was equal to the
moft arduous enterprize. When they had taken
poflefiion of the town, St. Ruth ordered fome de-
tachments to march and drive the Englifli. from
their conqueft; but the thunder of the cannon
from the ramparts, which was now turned againft
the French, foon convinced him of his error, and
that his own fafety depended upon a precipitate de-
campment. Ginckle, as foon as the fortifications
of Athlone were repaired, marched in purfuit of
the French and Irifti army, which made a ftand
near Aghrim, a fmall town about ten miles from
Athlone. Here the French general encamped in
a very advantageous fituation ; and having, by
draughts from different garrifons, increafed his
army to twenty-five thoufand men, while the
Englifli, under general Ginckle, did not exceed
eighteen thoufand, refolved to hazard a general
engagement. Ginckle, notwithftanding his infe-
riority in numbers, refolved alfo to fight the enemy.
The morning for the attack proved fo foggy, that
it was obliged to be poftponed till noon, when the
Englifli crofled the river Sue, oppofite the enemy's
camp. The center of the French and Irifh was
pofted on a riling ground, uneven in many places,
and interfered with banks and ditches, lined with
infantry, and fecured in front by a large bog, al-
moft impaflable : their right was defended by en-
trenchments, and two Danifli forts ; and their left
by the caftle of Aghrim. When the Englifli had
effe&ed their landing, they marched up to the
edge of the great bog, and endeavoured to force
the only two places by which it was pafiable, in
order to gain the ground on the other fide. The
enemy made a very furious refiftance, and repulfed
the Englifli horfe feveral times; but at laft, the
troops on the right fucceeded in their attempt by
means of fome field pieces properly placed, and
excellently ferved. So much time, however, was
unavoidably fpent in thefe manoeuvres, that the
general was defirous of deferring the battle till
the next morning; but the confulion he obferved
in the enemy's camp, convinced him that fome-
thing extraordinary was in agitation, and made
him apprehenfive that they intended to retreat
dining the night. He therefore changed his opi-
nion, and ordered his troops to prepare for the
charge. At five in the evening, the Englifli at-
tacked the right wing of the Irifli, from whom
they met with fo warm a reception, that it required
the utmoft efforts of their courage and refolution
to make them give ground. The Irifli infantry
that lined the ditches, were well fupported by the
horfe pofted behind them, and maintained their
4
poft with the moft intrepid obftinacy; nor would
they ftir from one fide of the ditch, till the Englifli
prefcnted the muzzles of their pieces on the other ;
and even then, by their lines of communication,
they immediately took poft in the next ditch,
where they continued to make the fame refolute
defence. St. Ruth perceiving that his men were
in danger of being overpowered, immediately re-
inforced them from his center and left wing.
Mackey, perceiving this motion, inilantly ordered
two regiments to march round the bog, and fall on
the enemy's left wing, weakened by the late de-
tachments •, and, at the fame time, for the center
to advance through the middle of the bog, though
up to the wafte in mud and water. After gaining,
with unfpeakable difficulty, the other fide, they
found themfelves obliged to afcend a rugged hill,
interfered with ditches and hedges, lined with
mufqueteers, fuftained at proper diftances with
fquadrons of horfe; there the enemy made fuch a
refolute ftand, and fought with fuch perfeverance,
that they puflied the aflailants into the middle of
the bog; which St. Ruth perceiving, cried out in
a bravado, *' That he now had the Englifli at his
mercy, and would drive them back to the very
gates of Dublin." General Talmarfli haftened, at
this critical moment to their relief, with a frelh
body of forces, and gave orders for the broken
regiments to halt and face about, which orders
were immediately obeyed with unparalleled alacrity
and refolution. The Englifli now attacked in their
turn the Irifli, who had advanced upon them into
the middle of the bog, with fuch fury, that three
hundred of them were killed before they could
gain the firm land; and marching forward gained
the old fpot, from whence they had been precipi-
tately driven. In the interim, Ravigny's regiment of
French proteftanthorfe, and Sir John Lanier's, being
pofted on the right, moved to the left, and did die
utmoft fervice. The Englifli cavalry was likewife
expofed to a dreadful fire from the enemy's dra-
goons pofted under a cover, and obliged to prefs
through a very dangerous pafs ; but all thefe diffi-
culties were not fufficient to reprefs their ardour :
they furmounted every difficulty, and at laft lodged
themfelves in a dry ditch in the hotteft of the
enemy's fire from Aghrim caftle, and fome old
walls and houfes adjoining. At this time the
battle feemed doubtful ; but major-general Mackey,
having timely reinforced the left wing with a body
of horfe and dragoons, at laft turned the balance
in favour of the Englilh. Ravigny, who had
diftinguiflied himfelf by his diligence, courage,
and activity during the whole action, putting him-
felf at the head of his own regiment of horfe,
fcoured the fide of the bog, bearing down all
before him. St. Ruth perceiving the execution of'
this body of horfe, determined to attack Ravigny
in a hollow way, through which he knew he muifc
pafs in his return to fuftain the center. Ac-
cordingly, he ordered a brigade of his own horfe
from the right wing to march to the left; and
putting himfelf at their head, began to defcend the
hill towards the place which he faw the Englifli en-
deavouring to pafs. When he came near the fpot
where the hotteft part of the battle was fought, lie
was killed by a cannon ball. This incident de-
cided the fate of the day. The French and Irifh
were fo much difcouraged by the death of their
general, that Sarsfield, who was fecond in com-
mand, endeavoured, in vain, to recover them from
their diforder. Ravigny, obierving their confufion,
prefled boldly forward, and falling upon them
fword in hand, drove them, with very little refift-
ance, to the top of the hill, where they had at firft
pitched their camp: but their whole line giving
way at once, they threw down their arms, and
betook themfelves to flight. The Englifli purfued
them
WILLIAM
III.
527
them clofely for three miles, and made a moft
dreadful {laughter: but night coming on, attended
with a thick mifty rain, prevented the Englifh from
cutting off the fugitives from taking fhelter in an
advantageous poft between them and Loughbreak.
It was, however, computed, that no lefs than feven
thousand of the Irifh fell in the action ; while the
Englifh loft no more than fix hundred killed, and
nine hundred and fixty wounded. Ginckle having
allowed a few days for the refreftiment of his
troops, marched to Galway, one of the moft con-
fiderable places left in the hands of the Irifh ; and
immediately fummoned the lord Dillon, the go-
vernor, to furrender the place. He, at firft, re-
fufed to comply; but feeing part of the Englifh
army pafs the river, and feize a fort the Irifh were
rebuilding, he changed his refolution, and fur-
rendered "the place on advantageous terms; the gar-
rifon being fafely conducted to Limerick.
This laft refcource of the defpairing Irifh, was
inverted by general Ginckle on the twenty-fifth of
Auguft. The next day the Englifh made them-
felves matters of Ireton's and Cromwell's forts,
now called Mackey's and NafTau's, from their
being taken by thefe commanders. Two days
after, Caftle Connel, and Caftle Garrick, two fmall
forts ftanding on the Shannon a few miles below
the town, were taken, and the garrifons of both
made prisoners of war. Thefe forts being taken,
the batteries againft the town were opened, and the
attack carried on with the utmoft vigour till the
feventeenth of September. But the refiftance of
the enemy was fo obftinate, and the place fo well
fortified, that a council of war was held in the
Englifh camp, to confider whether it would not be
more eligible to pafs the river, and cut off the
enemy's forage and provifions, and turn the fiege
into a blockade, than to hazard the lives of fo
many brave men in fruitlefs attacks. The former
expedient was preferred, and fome fteps taken for
putting it in practice. This infpired the Irifh with
the moft flattering hopes, taking it for granted
from perceiving thefe motions in the Englifh camp,
that they were preparing to raife the fiege. But
thefe Battering appearances were of fhort duration ;
for on a fecond confultation of the Englifh, it was
refblved to prefs the fiege, and, at all events,
make themfelves maftersof the town. Accordingly,
the Englifh, on the night of the eighteenth, threw
a bridge over the river, about a mile above the
camp, and a ftrong party of horfe and foot were
fcnt over it. This fudclen movement ftruck the
enemy who guarded the oppofite fide of the river
with fuch a panic, that they threw down their arms
and fought their fafety in flight. On the twenty-
fecond, general Ginckle himfelf pafied the Shan-
non, at the head of a ftrong party of horfe, and
dragoons, ten battalions of foot, and fourteen
pieces of cannon; leaving Wirtemberg, Mackey,
and Talmarfh, to command the troops on the
hither fide of the Shannon. Thefe meafures being
taken, the fiege was prefled with redoubled vigour,
and the batteries played againft the town with great
fury. In a few days, the Englifh made themfelves
mafhrs of feveral out-forts, and made a lodgment
at the foot of Thomond bridge; the Irifh finding
themfelves cut off from all hopes of relief, deter-
mined to capitulate, which they according did
on the twenty-ninth of September. By thefe ar-
ticles, called the treaty of Limerick, the Irifh were
indemnified and reftored to the enjoyment of the
excrcife of their religion, which they pofiefled in
the reign of Charles II. They were admitted to
all the^piivilegcs of fubjects, on their taking the
oaths of allegiance, without being obliged to take
the oath of fupremacy; and not only the French,
but as many of the Irifh as chofe to go over to
France, had free liberty to follow their inclinations.
On the other hand, Limerick, and all other towns,
forts, and caftles, which yet remained in the hands
of the catholics, were to be delivered up within a
limited time. Accordingly, the place was put into
the hands of the Englifh on the fifth; the French
and many of the Irifh were fent away in tranfpoit
veffels ; while the remainder of the army in the
field fubmitted to be included in the amnefty. By
this train of fuccefies, Ireland was entirely fubjecled
to the crown of England, and a folid peace efta-
blifhed between the two kingdoms, which has fub-
fifted to the prefent time without the leaft inter-
ruption. On Ginckle's return to England, he was
received with the higheft applaufe, and, together
with all his general officers, elegantly entertained
by the city of London. The commons alfo, at the
meeting of parliament, prefented to the general,
as a token of the important fervices he' had per-
formed for the ftate, the thanks of their houfe.
Soon after his majefty created him earl of Athlone,
and baron of Aghrim, that he might convey to his
pofterity the honour of his glorious atdiievements.
At the fame time to enable him to fupport his new
dignities, he was prefented with lands in Ireland to
a very large amount.
A few days after the nineteenth of October, both
houfes of parliament met for the difpatch of
bufinefs. The feflion was opened by a fpeech from
the throne, wherein his majefty told the two houfes,
that he hoped the fuccefs his forces had met with
in Ireland, would be a great encouragement to
them to aflift them with frefh fupplies : he recom-
mended to them the neceflity of keeping a fit ong
fleet at fea, and an army of fixty- five thou-fand land
forces, that they might annoy the enemy in the
moft fenfible part ; adding, that they had now an.
opportunity of eftablifhing the future quiet and
profperity of the nation ; and which, if now loft,
might never more be recovered. Both houfes pre-
fented addrefles of congratulation to the king on
his happy return, and alfo on the fuccefs of his
arms in Ireland ; promifing to aflift him in carrying
on a vigorous war againft France, in order to pro-
cure an honourable peace for his own dominions,
and fecure his friends from the ambitious defigns
of the common oppreflbr. A proclamation was alfo
publifhed for a public thankfgiving on the twenty-
fixth of November. Addrefles were alfo prefented
to the queen, acknowledging her prudent care
in the adminiftration of affairs during the king's
abfence.
Notwithftanding all thefe expreffions of gratitude,
it foon appeared, that a ftrong party was formed
by the tories againft the government, who could
not approve of the maxims or conduct of the king.
They inveighed both in public and private againft
the folly and extravagance of keeping on foot a
ftanding army; they infifted that England ought
only to aflift the allies with a certain quota of
auxiliary troops ; and that the management of
affairs at fea, were chiefly to be regarded. To this
the advocates of the court replied, that without the
interpofition of England, the grand alliance would
never have taken place ; nor could a flop have been
put to the fpreading conquefts of Lewis, who would
foon have reduced both Flanders and Holland, and
confequently have deftroyed the commerce, and even
the liberties of England. The arguments againft
continental connections were fo well adapted to the
tafte of the public, that the prefent government
was, in general, greatly cenfured. Another caufe
of murmurs was the evident partiality the king
fhewed to the Dutch over the Englifh ; and it was
almoft univerfally aflerted, that the former were the
only perfons favoured and trufted, while the Englifh
were wholly overlooked. It muft, indeed, be con-
feflcd, that William took too little pains to remove
the general difguft which fpread itfelf among both
the-
528
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
the Englifh officers and nobility, or to gam the
affcftions of his Britifh fubjefts. He continued m
hisclofet the greater part of the day, with one or
two of his particular friends, who were his own
countrymen ; while the fullen filencc he generally
obferved when any of the Englifli nobility were
admitted to an audience, was nearly as difgufting
as an abfolute denial. The earl of Marlborough,
thinking his fervices were not fufliciently rewarded,
began to fpeak the language of difcontent. How-
ever the commons, on the ninth of November,
voted upwards of a million and a half for the feryice
of the navy and ordinance, and above two millions
for the land forces during the enfuing year; befides
the fupplies voted the preceding feflion for the civil
lift, and other contingencies ; fo that about five mil-
lions were raifed this year. The king, on the
twenty-fourth of December, came to the houfe of
peers, and gave the royal aflcnt to feveral ads ; after
which his majefty made a fpeech to both houfes,
thanking them for their refolution of fupporting
him; but preffed them to haften the remainder of
the fupplies, that the enemy might not take the
field before him, as they had done the laft campaign.
But this difpatch, fo greatly defired by the king,
was retarded by feveral incidental affairs which en-
gaged the attention of the houfe.
A -P. , The funds for the enfuing cam-
6921 paign being at length fettled, the
king came to the houfe of peers on the twenty-
fourth of February, and gave the royal affent to
the money, and feveral other bills, after which he
clofed the feflion with a fliort fpeech, wherein he
thanked his parliament for the zeal and attachment
they had fhewn to his government, and theliberality
and difpatch with which they had provided for the
necefllties of the ftate, and informed them of his
refolution of repairing fpeedily to the continent.
The moft remarkable tranfaftion which happened
during this feflion, was the difgrace of the earl of
Marlborough, whom the kingcaufed to be informed
by the fecretary of ftate, that having no farther oc-
cafion for his fervices, he muft refign all his com-
mifllons. His countefs was alfo forbid the court -,
and the princefs of Denmark was defired to difmifs
her from her family, which (he refufing to comply
with, it occafioned a quarrel between her and the
queen, foon after which her royal highnefs removed
from court to Sion-houfe, which flic borrowed of
the duke of Somerfet.
Lewis entered into a correfpondence with the
Jacobite party in England, by whofe afliftancc he
hoped to make an invafion on the coaft of Suflex.
With this view he drew together a great number of
tranfports, and a confiderable body of forces, both
which were in perfect readinefs before our court re-
ceived the leaft intimation of it. The fleet of
tranfports, which confifted of three hundred fail,
was amply provided with every thing neceflary for
the invafion. Count d'Etrces, with a fquadron of
twelve men of war, was to efcort the embarkation ;
while Tourville cruized in the channel with the
grand fleet, which was ready to put to fea, but de-
tained by contrary winds. Previous to thefe pre-
parations, James hadfent over colonel Parker, and
fomc other agents of his, to inform his friends in
England of his motions. Thefe perfons employed
themfelves, with theutmoft privacy, in inlifting men
m the counties of York and Lancafter, and the
bifhopric of Durham. In the mean time Mr. James
Fountaine, lieutenant-colonel to the lord Mont-
gomery, and colonel Holman, were forming two
regiments of horfe in London, who were to join
J;imes on his landing. But their violent zeal be-
trayed them ; for having, from fome flight caufe,
imagined that rear-admiral Carter was difaflected to
the government of king William, they opened the
whole fcheiue to him. lie was no fooncr poflcfled
of this important fecret, than he divulged it to the
queen and council, who ordered him to continue
the deception, which he did fo effectually, that the
credulous confpirators gave into the fnare, to tUe
deftrudion of their plot and fleet. They imme-
diately fent an exprefs to James, to acquaint him
with their having corrupted Carter ; and at the
fame time fent a lift of the fhips which compofed
the Englifh fleet, and defired that Lewis would fend
exprefs orders to Tourvrlle to attack them before
they could be joined by the Dutch fquadron from
Holland. The French king, elated with fuch fa-
vourable appearances, commanded Tourville to put
to fea, and fall upon the Englifli fleet, without
waiting for the fquadron under count d'Etrecs.
James now went to La Hogne on the coaft of Nor-
mandy, where he held himfelf in readinefs to em-
bark with his army. When queen Mary received
intelligence of thefe proceedings, fhe publifhcd a
proclamation, requiring all papifts to quit the cities
of London and Weftminfter ; afecond for aflimb'ino-
both houfes of parliament ; and a third for appre-
hending the earls of Scarfdale, Litchfield, New-
burgh, Middleton, and Dunmore ; the lords Griffin
and Forbes ; Sir John Fenwicke, Sir Theophilus
Oglethorpe, Sir Andrew Forrefter, and feveral
others, who were fuppofed to be in James's intereft ;
and on the fixth of May, the earls of Huntingdon
and Marlborough, with the lords Brudcnell and
Fanfhaw, were fent to the Tower ; and Mr. Edward
Ridley, Mr. Knevitt, Mr. Haftings, and Mr.
Robert Fergufon, to Newgate, on violent fufpicion
of high treafon in abetting and adhering to their
majefties enemies. Orders were fent to admiral
Ruflel, then lying at St. Helen's, to haften to fea ;
•and the queen in perfon reviewed the trained bands
of London and Weftminfter, amounting to about
ten thoufand men. Immediately on his arrival at
Holland, William had haftened the naval prepara-
tions there with unufual diligence, fo that the
Dutch fleet was foon ready to put to fea ; and thirty-
fix fail, under admiral Allemonde, joined our fleet
at St. Helen's about the middle of May, which was
foon after further reinforced by the fquadron under '
Sir Ralph Delaval from the Mediterranean, and ad-
miral Carter from the channel. . Admiral Ruflel im-
mediately weighed anchor, and fleered over to the
coaft of France. On the nineteenth of May, about
three o'clock in the morning, the fcouts to the weft-
ward of the fleet made the fignal for difcovering the
enemy. The admiral immediately gave orders for
forming the line of battle, which by eight was in
good order; the Dutch fquadron being in the van,
our red fquadron in the center, and the blue in the
rear. Tourville was aftonifhed at the fight of the
combined fquadrons, and might eafily have avoided
an engagement; but having received pofitive orders
to fight, he refolved to obey them at all events,
and bore down upon our fleet with great refolution.
About half an hour after eleven, Tourville, in a
firft rate fhip called the Rifing Sun, carrying one
hundred and four guns, brought to, and began the
fight with admiral Ruflel in lefs than mufket fhot.
In this pofture the French admiral continued about
an hour and a half, plying his guns very brifklyj
but then began to tow ofF in great difbrder, his
rigging, fails, and topfail-yard, being greatly da-
maged. The wind about noon fhifted to the north-
weft, fo that five of the enemy's blue fquadron
pofted themfelves two a-head and three a-ftern of
their admiral, where they continued a very brifkfire
till after three. The admiral, and his two feconds
captain Churchill and captain Aylmcr, had all thefe
fhips to contend with. About four, the fog became
fo thick, that the enemy could not be feen; and as
foon as it cleared up, the French admiral was dif-
covered towing away to the northward. Admiral
Ruflel immediately crowded fail after him, making
fignals
* ('M'/'Mf,',/
ri'/tsr/t Admiral Rook/w////#/' Freneli Admiral's Ship tyt//f</ -/Tie
'///» v///, f />//// T\velve
/ lafffeMeji of A^r,
o
o
w
fignals to the reft of the fleet to chafe. While this
parted between the admirals, Sir Cloudefley Shovel
had got to the windward of Tourville's fquadron,
and engaged them ; but the fog becoming thicker
than before, they were obliged to come to an an-
chor ; the weather foon after clearing up, the French
followed their flying admiral, while the Englifh
purfued them with all the fail they could fet. Soon
after the blue fquadron of the Englifh fell in again
with the enemy, engaged them about three
quarters of an hour ; when the latter, after lofing
four fhips, bore away for Conquet-road. In
this fliort action, admiral Carter was mortally
•wounded ; but on his leaving the deck, requefted
his lieutenant to fight the fhip, as long as me would
fwim.
The next day proved fo* dark and foggy, that it
was eight o'clock before the Englifh clifcovered the
enemy's fleet ; when a general chafe began, the
French crowding away to the weftward. About
four in the afternoon, both fleets came to art an-
chor near cape La Hogue.
The next morning the Englifh refumed the chace
with all the fuccefs they could defire. About
eleven, the French admiral ran the Rifing Sun
afhore, near Cherbourg, where fhe war- burnt, to-
gether with the Admirable, a fhip of one hundred
and two guns, the Conqucrant, of eighty, and three
others of lefler force, by Sir Ralph Dalaval.
Eighteen mips of the French fleet took flicker in
La Hogue ; where thirteen of them were burnt by
admiral Rooke, who, at the fame time deftroyed
a great many tranfports, loaded with ammunition •
amidft a terrible fire from their forts, and in fight
of king James's camp. In the mean time Sir
John Afhby, with the blue fquadron, and feveral
Dutch fhips purfued the reft of the French fleet,
which endeavoured to efcape through the race of
Alderney, among fuch rocks and fhoals, that the
Englifh could not venture to follow them without
the moft imminent danger of being dallied to
pieces. Befides the Riling Sun, of one hundred
and four guns, the French loft another fhip of one
hundred and two, one of ninety, two of eighty,
four of 76, four of fixty, and two of fifty guns.
Could Sir John Afhby have come up with that
part of the enemy's fleet which took fhelter in- St.
M;\lo's, it would, in a great meafure, have anni-
hilated the French power at fea. It muft, however,
be confidered as a very fignal victory, and has ac-
cordingly rendered the memories of the great men
who atchieved it, immortal. From this period to
the conclufion of the peace, the French did not any
more attempt to engage the Englifh at fea ; con-
tenting themfelves with diftrefling oUr trade with
their fmaller fhips and privateers.
Admiral Ruflel having ordered Sir Jbhn Afhby
to icour the French coaft as far as Havre de Grace,
returned to England to refit his fhips, none of
\vhich were loll in the late glorious engagement,
and fupply the fleet with provifions. The news of
the fleets being come to an anchor at Spithead no
foouer arrived in London, than the queen fent down
thirty thoufand pounds to be diftributed among
the failors, and gold medals for the officers, to ex-
prefs the fenfe fhe entertained of their courage
and fidelity. She alfo gave orders that the bodies
of admiral Carter and captain Haftings of the Sand-
wich, the only two officers of note who loft their
lives in the engagement, to be honourably interred
at the charge of the crown.
The parliament met on the fourth of November,
when the king in his fpeech to both houfes, thanked
them for their laft fupply, congratulated them on
the late victory obtained at fea, condoled with
them on the bad fuccefs of the laft campaign on the
continent ; and obferved, that the diligence of the
French in augmenting their forces, was fo remark- '
No. 50.
i A M in.
529
able, that it was abfolutely necefiary to have as
freat a force to bppofe therh. He intimated a de-
gh of making a defcent upon France, and de-
manded large fupplies for profscuting the war with
vigour.
Marlborough, and other noblemen, having
been committed to prifon,and admitted to bail by
the court of King's Bench, the peers declared their
refolution of aflerting their violated rights. The
judges were fummoned to attend the houfe, and
upon witneffes being examined, touching the evi-
dence againft the commitment of the lords, who
had been remanded to the Tower, a vehement de-
bate took place ; and the opinion of the judges
proving unfatisfactory, the matter was referred to a
Committee of the whole houfe, who paffed a refolu-
tion, purporting, that in purfuance of the Habeas
Corpus aft, it was the duty of the judges, on gaol
delivery, to difcharge the prifoner on bail, if com-
mitted for high treafon, unlefs it be made appear
upon oath, that there are two witneffes againft the
faid prifoner, who cannot be produced until the
fefiibns or goal delivery. A warm debate then
took place, as to the manner of reftoring the lords
to liberty -, and the controverfy being maintained
with great vehemence, the fears of the courtiers
dictated an expedient, which was productive of
the defired effect. The houfe being purpofely ad-
journed to the feventeenth day of the month, the
king releafed the noblemen from prifon ; and both
houfes were made acquainted with the late pro-
ceedings. After another fpirited debate, a formal
entry was made in the journals, purporting, that the
houle being informed of his majefty's having given
orders for the difcharge of the lords under bail in
the King's Bench, no further debate on the fubject
fhould take place. The refentment of the peers
being thus appeafed, they proceeded to the con-
fideration of his majefty's fpeech. Having palled
a bill for regulating trials in cafes of high treafon,
the commons prefented addreffes to the king and
queen, wherein they acknowledged the goodnefs of
the Almighty in reftoring the king to his people;
congratulated his majefty upon his happy delivery
from the machinations of his enemies, prbfefled and
fecret, and affurecl him, that they would, on all oc-
cafions, exert their utmoft endeavours in fupport
of his government. It was hence expected, that
the fupplies would be the next matter taken under
the confideration of parliament; but the houfe,
inftead of proceeding upon this bufinefs, infifted
uppn examining the treaties, public accounts, and
elHmates, that they might be better qualified to
aflift his majefty with their advice. Complaints
were likewife made, by fome members, refpecting
the partiality fhewn to foreign generals, and they
feverely animadverted on the mifconduct of count
Solmes, and his behaviour at the battle of Steen-
kirk. After warm altercations and debates, which
had more the appearance of rude obftinacy than
genuine patriotism, it was refolved, that a petition
fhould be prefented to the king, praying him to
appoint a native of England to the command of
the Englifh army, and to beftow fuch vacant com-
miffions as might happen among general officers,
only upofl Englifhmen. Two millions of money
were then voted to difcharge the fubfidies of the
electors of Hanover and Saxony, to defray the ex-
pences incurred by the continental war, and for the
fubfiftence of the land forces. With refpeft to the
above parliamentary complaints, the king anfwer-
ed in general terms, that whatever was amifs fhould
be remedied.
The king, on the fourteenth of , ^
March, put an end to the feffion, A< ' l69B-
during the courfe of which, lord Mohun was in-
dided and tried by his peers, as an accomplice in
the murder of Montford, a celebrated comedian;
6S the
53°
'THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
the marquis of Caermarthcn acting as lord fteward
upon this occafion. The judges having been con-
fulted, the peers proceeded to give their judgments
feriatim, and Mohun was acquitted by a great ma-
jority. Admiral Ruffel was now created treafurer
of the houfhold, but the command of the fleet was
vefted in the hands of Killigrew, Delaval, and
Shovel. William having vifited the fleet and for-
tifications of Portfmouth, giving inftructions for
annoying the enemy by fca and land, and left the
adminiftration in the hands of the queen, embarked
on the laft day of March near Gravefend, and ar-
rived in Holland on the third of April. Lewis had
by this time taken the field, attended by madame
de MaintenoD) and other minifters of pleafure; but
after having gratified his vanity, by reviewing his
army, he committed the command of his forces to
the duke of Luxemburg. This general, confcious
of his fuperiority over the confederate forces, and
knowing that William's army muft be greatly
weakened, refolved to attack the king in his camp,
or at leaft to fall upon his rear in his retreat. Ac-
cordingly he made a motion towards Liege, as if
he intended to inveft that place, pitching his camp
at Heidelfhaim, about feven leagues from that of
the confederates. On the twenty-ninth of July, he
began hi? march in four columns, and paffed the
Sare without oppofition. The king had left his
camp a few days before to relieve Huy, which the
French had inyefted. But on his march he was
informed that Huy had furrendered, and that the
van of the Englifh enemy's army was advancing to-
wards him. William, on this intelligence, changed
his march ; directing his rout to the neighbourhood
of Hefpen, near Landen, where he halted, to
procure more certain accounts of the intention of
the enemy. And being informed that the whole
French army was advancing againft him, he re-
folved to keep his ground, and immediately drew
up his forces in order of battle. But his difpofi-
tion was fo erroneous, that Luxemburg cried out
on obferving it, " Now I believe that Waldeck is
dead ;" alluding to that general's known fagacity
in chufing his ground for an engagement. Early
the next morning, the French appeared on the
high ground, and foon after defcended in good
order into the plain; though the cannon or the
allied army played on them very furioufly the
whole time. About eight they attacked the vil-
lages of Lare, and Neer-winden with great im-
petuofity. Luxemburgh and the princes of France,
at the head of the houfhold troops, carried the
latter village fword in hand two different times ;
but the inftant the mai flial turned another way, the
allies recovered it. At length, the French out-
numbering the confederates, preffed on with refift-
lefs fury, frefh men ftill fupplying the ranks that
were broken by the well-ferved artillery of the
king's camp. The battle now increafed and con-
tinued till near fun-fet, when Luxemburgh having
carried the village of Neer-winden a third time,
and the confederates being wearied out with the
heat of the day, the enemy with great difficulty and
lofs forced their camp with their horfe. William,
who through the whole day fignalized himfclf by
thegreateft efforts of courage, feeing all loft, and
fearing he fhould be furrounded by the French
troops, drew off his army, and retreated in as good
order as fo preffing a fituation would admit. The
enemy had little reafon to boaft of a victory fo
dearly obtained, having loft eight thoufand common
men, and two thoufand officers, either killed or
mortally wounded. On the fide of the allies
twelve thoufand men were killed, the duke of Or-
mond, after receiving feveral wounds, was taken
prifoner ; the count de Solmes had his leg {hot off
by a cannon ball, of which he died in a few hours ;
and they loft fixty pieces of cannon and nine mor-
4
tars. The French were fo much weakened by this
engagement, that they either were not able, or did
not think it prudent to purfue the confederates ;
while William having fent orders to the- duke of
Wirtemburgh to join him, and thedifpcrfed (bldiers
returning to their colours, the army was fo well
recruited, that in a few days the king again took
the field, and offered the enemy battle, which they
did not think proper to accept. Nothing re-
markable happened during the remainder of tins
campaign, except the reduction of Ch:uleroy,
which after fuftaining a fiegc of twenty-fix clays,
furrendered to the enemy on honourable terms.
The fame ill fortune attended the EngHfh by
fea this year, as the allies by land. About the
middle of May, the fleet affembled at St. Helen's,
and were foon after joined by the Dutch. It was
refolved that Sir George Rooke fhould convoy the
merchantfleet going to the Mediterranean, amount-
ing in all to above four hundred fail, belonging
to England, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Ham-
burgh and Flanders ; but fuch was the indolence
either of the admirals or the higher powers, that
this fleet did not fait till the beginning of June ;
when it was agreed that the combined fleets fliould
accompany the trading veffels fifty leagues to the
weftward of (Jfhant, where they were to leave Sir
George Rooke, with a fquadron of twenty-three
fhips of war, to proceed with them to their deftined
ports. The admirals, having received no intelli-
gence of the enemy's motions, refolved at random
to purfue a plan without confidering the event.
Admiral Rooke had no fooner arrived off Cape St.
Vincent, on the coaft of Portugal, than he diico-
vered the French fleet, under the command of the
counts de Tourville and d'Etrees, amounting to-
eighty fail. In this exigence, a council of war
being called, it was refolved that orders fhould be
fent to the fmall fhips that were near the land, and
therefore not likely to keep up with the fleet, to
endeavour in the night to flip into the neighbour-
ing ports of Faro, St. Lucar, or Cadiz, while the
admiral fhould ftand off to fea with an eafy fail, for
the protection of the reft. About fix in the even-
ing the French admiral came up with the leeward
and fternmoft fhips of the confederate fleet ; thefe
were Dutch men of war, commanded by the captains
Schrijverand Vander Poel, who findingit impoflible
to avoid an engagement, flood in for the .fhore,
and therefore drew the enemy after them, which
faved the reft of the fleet. The Dutch captains,
however, made a very obftinate defence, and for
five hours together bravely fought firft eleven, and
afterwards feven of the enemy's fhips ; till being
at length overpowered with' numbers, they were
obliged to fubmit. In the mean time admiral
Rooke flood off all night with a frefli gale, and
the next morning had the pleafure of feeing fifty-
four fhips of the convoy about him. At the fame
time he difcovered five fail of the enemy's fleet to
leeward, and one to windward ; the laft continued
to follow him all the next day. On the nineteenth,
the admiral made a fignal for the captains of the
men of war and merchant men to come onboard
his fliip, in order to procure an account of the con-
dition they were in, and concert proper meafures, for
their fccurity. The refult was, the admiral bore
away for the Madeiras, where he hoped to meet
with a part of his fcattered fleet, and haying fup-
plied himfelf with wood, water, and other neceflk-
ries, he fet fail for Ireland, and arrived on the third
of Auguft at Cork with about fifty fail, including
fhips of war and trading veflels. The trade of the
Englifh and Dutch fuftained a fevere lofs ; feven
large Smyrna fliips were taken, exclufive of four
which were burnt or funk at Gibraltar : and M.
Tourville and the count d'Etrees took two Dutch
men of war, burnt a rich pinnace and an EnglifH
w
man of war ; they alfo took twenty-nine merchant-
men, and deftroyed about fifty more. The value
of thefe fhips and their cargoes was computed at a
million fterling: but had the French admirals
exerted themfelves properly, the lofs to the confe-
derates muft have been four millions at leaft. The
French admiral flood away for Cadiz, in order to
make an attempt upon that place, but found it
impracticable. They then bombarded Gibraltar,
where the merchants funk their mips to prevent
their falling into the hands of the enemy. From
Gibraltar they entered the Streights, and proceeded
along the coaft of Spain; burnt feveral Englifh and
Dutch mips at Malaga and Alicant ; and returned
to Toulon about the latter end of September.
The trade of England had, for a confiderablc
time paft, fuffered very feverely from the privateers
of St. Male's. Never did one port fend out fo
great a number of thofe, or even acquire in fo
fhort a fpace of time, fo much wealth, without
engaging in any branch of commerce. The fea was
covered with their (hips from the Channel to the
Mediterranean ; and their very names were become
a terror to the merchants of London, Amfterdam,
and Cadiz. The repeated complaints of the fuf-
ferers by this depredatory war, fo alarmed the Eng-
lifh government, that a refolution was taken to
deftroy St. Malo's, the port of thefe formidable
enemies to the trade of the confederates. Purfnant
to this refolution, commodore Benbow, and captain
Philips a famous engineer, were appointed com-
manders of this expedition. Every thing being
ready, they put to fea, with a fquadron of twelve
men of war, four bomb-ketches and other veflels,
and arrived before St. Malo's on the fixteenth of
November. After bombarding the town for three
days, they took the advantage of a frefh gale of
wind, a ftrong tide, and very dark weather, on the
night of the nineteenth, when they fent in a firefhip
of a parti ular conftruction, with a defign to lay the
whole town inafhes. This would undoubtedly have
been the confequence, had not the effect been pre-
vented by an accident ; for when me had arrived
within pillol mot of the town where they intended
to have moored her, a fudden guft of wind drove
her upon a rock, where me continued immoveable.
At lair, the engineer who was on board perceiving
her fides beginning to open, and fearing me might
fink, fet fire to her. The explofion was fo terrible, as
to make the whole town like an earthquake. The
inhabitants were flruck with fuch confternation,
that a fmall body of troops might have taken the
place ; but the miniftry, by an effect of their ufual
inattention, occafioned, perhaps, fomewhat worfe,
had fent out this fquadron, without a fingle foldier
on board. Sir George Rooke's fquadron was by this
time arrived in England, and laid up : and with
Benbow's expedition ended the naval tranfactions
of this year ; as little to the honour of the Englifh
as any during the whole courfe of the war. This
continued feries 0f misfortunes, threw the whole
nation into confufion : every individual in the king-
dom exclaimed againft the miniftry, and even open-
ly accufed them or treachery to their country. The
weight of this accufation fell chiefly on the earls of
Nottingham, Killegrew, and Delaval; two of the
admirals, the marquis of Caermarthen, and the earl
of Rochefter, But whether they were or not guilty
of the charge is uncertain : they were at leaft known
to have been firmly attached to the late king, and
not'yet thoroughly reconciled to the prefent go-
vernment, though they poflefled fome of the moft
lucrayve and honourable pofts in the ftate. While
the Englifh were thus repining under their loffes,
the French were ftarving amidft their victories.
That kingdom laboured under a moft dreadful
famine, which fwept away many thoufands, and
reduced the whole nation to poverty and diftrefs.
I A M
III.
53*
In this alarming conjuncture, Lewis thought it. jn«
cumbent on him to free his country, if poflible,
from that definitive war, which his own unbound-
ed ambition had occafioaed. In order to this, he
attempted to make a feparate peace with fome of
the allies ; but as his demands were ftill fo exor*
bitant as to afford the confederates no profpect of
a juft and honourable peace, his offers were re* "
jedted. ,
William returned to England the latter end of
October ; when his firft care was that of filencing
the murmurs of his people, by making a thorough
change in his miniftry. The earl of Nottingham
was now laid alide, and his place fupplied by the
earl of Shrewfbury. The command of the fleet
was taken from the hands of the commiffioners,
and committed folely to the care of the intrepid
admiral Ruffel. In a word, the tory party were
obliged to make way for their antagonifts the
whigs ; thofe only who were known to be firm
friends to the revolution being continued in office.
Thefe meafures were chiefly owing to the repre-
fentations of the earl of Sunderland, who had ac-
quired a confiderable influence with his majefty,
and found means to perfuade him that the whigs
only were his true friends : while the tories, under
the mafk of pretended loyalty, were in their hearts,
devoted to the intereft of their late fovereign.
The parliament, on the feventeenth of November,
met at Weftminfter ; when the feffion was opened
by a fpeechfrom the throne, in which his majefty
took notice of feveral difadvantages the allies had
fuftained, and alfo of our own mifcarriages at fea.
The former, he obferved, were occafioned by the
fuperior number of. the enemy, in all places; and
with regard to the latter, he declared he would
make them the object of a particular and find en-
quiry; promifed to inflict the flricteft juftice on all
who mould, after a fair trial, appear to have been
wanting in their duty ; and alfo ufe his utmoft en-
deavours to appoint fuch perfons who mould, for
the future, conduct the naval affairs in the moft *
beneficial manner. He recommended to the par-
liament the increafing the Englifh forces both by
fea and land, the allies having 'taken the fame re-
folution ; and concluded with requefling the com-
mons to take fuch early refolutions, that their fup-
plies might be effectual, and the preparations in fuch
forwardnefs, as could not fail of infuring the fafety
and honour of the nation. The commons, in
anfwer to this fpeech,unanimouflyrefolved, "That
they would fupport their majeflies and their govern-
ment, and grant a fufficient fupply for a vigorous
profecution of the war." But before they pro-
ceeded on that fubject, they thought proper to
make a ftrict enquiry into the caufes that occafioned
the mifcarriages of the fleet laft fummer. This
enquiry took up a confiderable fpace of time.
Great exceptions were made againft the many
delays, by which the houfe fufpected a train was
laid to prevent the Smyrna fleet from failing out of
the Englifh harbours, till the French had fufficient
notice of the defign, in order to be ready to inter-
cept them. Our want of intelligence was much
complained of •, the inftructions which the admirals
who commanded the fleet had received from the
cabinet-council, were confidered as badly drawn
up, and worfe executed. The orders appeared
ambiguous and defective ; nor had the commanders
fhewed any zeal to do any thing more than fttictly
to obey them, which they had done with the moft
fcrupulous attention ; they had ufed no methods to
procure certain intelligence concerning the French
fleet, whether it was at fea, or ftili in Bred harbour.
Inftead of which, they had trufted to general and
uncertain reports, though a fleet of the utmoft
confequence to the nation was intruftcd to L'lett
care ; nor had they failed far enough with Rocke
to
53*
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
to fee him paft danger. To thefe charges they
anfwered ; but though their reafons were thought
far from being fufficient to juftify themeafures they
had purfued, yet, as they had obeyed their orders,
they could not be punifhed ; and accordingly a vote
paffed in their favour. On the twenty-fifth of No-
vember the commons proceeded to take into con-
fideration the eftimates and fupplies for the enfuing
year, when they voted five hundred thoufand pounds
to pay the arrears clue to the feamen; two millions
for the fervice of the fleet ; and two millions five
hundred thoufand pounds for the army, which it
wasrefolved to augment to the number of eighty-
three thoufandone hundred and eighty-one effective
men, officers included ; and there appearing a de-
ficiency of one hundred and eighteen thoufand
pounds in the late annuity aft, the fum was agreed
to be made good by enlarging the time for paying
in the fum of one million, intended to be raifed by
that acr, ; and towards raifing the money for the
maintenance of the fleet, it was agreed, that any
perfon might add a fecond life to that already
named in the annuity aft, upon paying in the ad-
ditional fum of thirty-five pounds per cent, and a
third life for the farther fum of twenty pounds.
n In the courfe of this year the
A. L). 1694. nation fuftamed another misfortune,
by the lofs of Sir Francis Wheeler, with a number
of fliips under his convoy. He had received in-
ftructions to efcort the merchant fliips bound to
Turky, Spain, and Italy ; to cruife thirty days in
a certain latitude for the protection of the home-
ward-bound Spanifh fleet; to leave part of his
fquadron at Cadiz, as convoy to the trade for
England; to proceed with the reft to the Mediter-
ranean-, to form a junction with the Spanifh fleet
on his return, and to acl in concert with them,
till he mould be joined by the fleet from Turky
and the Streights, which he was to convoy home.
In January, Sir Francis arrived at Cadiz, and leav-
ing admiral Hopfon there, he failed for the Medi-
terranean. While he was in the Bay of Bifcay, a
violent tempeft arofe, in which many of his fliips
were driven on more or funk ; the admiral's fhip
foundered, and all his crew, except two negroes,
perifhed. The remaining part of the fleet fuftained
fo much damage, that they were under the neceffity
of returning to Cadiz to be refitted ; and they were
in a fhort time, put into a condition that appeared
formidable to the enemy. On the twenty-fixth of
April the king came to the houfe of peers, and
after giving the royal aflent to the bills that were
ready, put an end to the feflion with a fliort fpeech
from the throne, in which he thanked thecommons
for the large fupplies they had given him ; and as
the pofture of affairs rendered his prefence neceflary
abroad, he recommended to both houfes to do every
thing in their power to preferve the public peace
during his abfcence. Affairs in England being
fettled, his majefty embarked for Holland on the
fixth of May •, and after a very fliort paffage
fafely reached the Brill, and immediately fet out for
the Hague, where, after prefiding at an affembly of
the States he repaired to Loo, continuing there till
the opening of the campaign. Lewis IV. had, in
order to relieve his fubje&s from the miferies they
fuffered, offered the Spaniards a feparate peace,
provided they would declare the duke of Anjou,
one of his grandfons, heir to their crown. But
thefe overtures being rejeded, Lewis propofed to
invade that kingdom by fea and land.
William having been previoufly informed of the
enemy's defign on Barcelona, refolved to fend a
ftrong fleet up the Mediterranean, at once to aflift
the Spaniards, and prevent the French fquadrons
from coming into the ocean. By an extraordinary
difpatch, Ruffel failed from St. Helen's on the third
of May with the combined fquadrons, confifting of
fifty-two Englifh, and forty-one Dutch fliips of the
line, befides frigates, firefliips, and other fmall
veffels. On his" arrival off Breft, he found, that
Tourville, with his fquadron, had already quitted
that harbour; and Ruffel determined to puifue him.
But being informed by the captain of a Swedilli
fliip, that there was a fleet of merchantmen lying
in a harbour near Conquet-bay, he detached captain
Pritchard in the Monmouth, with the Roebuck
and Refolution fire-fliips, to attempt the taking or
deftroying them. This fervice Pritchard perform-
ed fo effectually, that out of fifty-five fail, he burnt
or funk thirty-five, and drove the man of war
which was appointed to convoy them, on the
rocks, where ftie was loft. Admiral Ruffel not
having been able to find the Breft fleet, returned
to St. Helen's j but foon received orders to pro-
ceed to the Mediterranean with the principal part
of his fleet. On his arrival off the rock of Lifbon,
he was joined by rear-admiral Neville from Cadiz,
and the Dutch vice-admirals Callemberg and Evert-
zen, with fixteen fliips of the line. By this addi-
tional reinforcement, the fhips under his com-
mand amounted to fikty-thrcc. Ruffel now made
the beft of his way to Barcelona, in order to fave
that city, together with the whole province of Ca-
talonia, from falling into the hands of the enemy,
who had by this time blocked it up both by land
and fea. On his appearing before the_ town, the
French admirals, who were in no condition to with-
ftand fo powerful a fleet, returned with great pre-
cipitation into the harbour of Toulon, and Noailles
abandoned his cnterprize. Thus the Spanifh do- '
minions were freed from the danger that threaten-
ed them by this well-timed expedition, and the
French fleet blocked up clofely in the harbour of
Toulon; a circumftance that fufliciently confuted
their boafting affcrtions, of being in a condition to .
give laws to all the maritime powers of Europe.
The confederate army, commanded by the king
of England in perfon, took the field, and encamped
at Mont St. Andre. It confifted of thirty-one
thoufand horfe and dragoons, and fifty-one thoufand
foot, all veteran troops, belides a body of feven
thoufand men under count Thian, near Ghent. .
The French were not greatly inferior in numbers i J
but the dauphin of France, who commanded in
perfon, declared that he had orders not to ftir out
of his camp, while the allies continued in theirs;
fo that thefe two powerful armies continued in-
active, waitingto take fome advantage of each other
till near the end of the campaign, when William
attempted to pafs the Schelde and force the enemy
to a battle, but was pi-evented by an alrnoft incre-
dible march of the enemy, who thereby defeated
the defign formed by the allies of penetrating into
French '"Flanders. William having in vain, by
marches and counter-marches, endeavoured to
bring the French to an engagement, gave orders fot
befieging Huy, and the place was accordingly in-
vefted by count Tilly in the beginning of Septem-
ber ; and after a defence of ten days furrenderecl to
the allies, who put a ftrong garrifon in the place.
This conqueft fecured the bifhopric of Liege from
the incurfions of the French ; and the feafon for
putting an end to the campaign now advancing,
both armies retired into winter quarters. Soon,
after admiral Ruffel failed for the Mediterranean ;
the Lord Berkley, with thirty fail of men of war and
tranfports, having on board between fix and feven
thoufand foldiers under general Talmarfh, was or-
dered to make adcfcent at Camaret-bay near Breft,
in order to deftroy that harbour, or, at leaft, to
render it of fervice to the French.
The fleet having on board lord Berkley, general
Talmarfh,, the marquis of Caermarthen, lord Cutts,
and fevefal other experienced commanders, arrived
before this place on the feventh of June. It was
imme-
w
I
M
IIL
533
immediately reprefented to general Talmarfli by
feveral of the officers, what ditadvantages muft at-
tend an attempt upon a place fo well prepared for
annoyance as well as defence, and they warmly ad-
vifed him not to expofe himfelf or his men. But
Talrnaifli, firm in his resolution, told them, that
their advice came too late ; that the honour of the
Englifh nation was at flake, for which reafon he
muft, and would land. The marquis of Caernar-
von, with the utmoft intrepidity now flood in with
eight men of war, and came to an anchor very
near the Ihore, in order to cover the defcent of the
troops. He foon found his fliips expofcd to the
fire of feveral batteries, which till then they had not
difcovered. But he, not at all daunted by the
danger of his filiation, returned the fire of the
enemy very brilkly. Eight hundred men under
the command of Talmarfh, got fafe to fhore; but
they were no fooner landed, than the general found
the enterprize impracticable, and made a fignal to
retreat. This command came too late ; for it being
ebb tide, the boats ftuck faft upon the mud. The
men were now expofed to the fire from the batteries,
by which fix hundred of them were killed; and a
fquadron of the French coming down to the more,
obliged thofe that were left alive to lay down their
arms, and demand quarter. Talmarfli efcaped to a
boat, which brought him back to his fhip; but that
brave officer had received a wound in his thigh by a
ball, and died before he reached England. The
fiiips that covered the defcent were now in a terrible
fituation, having loft a great number of their men,
and had molt of their mafts and rigging cut in
pieces by the batteries ; notwithftanding which the
marquis, with infinite hazard and difficulty, brought
them all off, a Dutch frigate of thirty guns excepted,
which fell into the hands of the enemy. A council
of war was now called, wherein it was refolved to
return immediately to Spithead, at which place they
arrived on the fifteenth of June.
The campaign being now clofed, and William
having fetlted the affairs of the confederacy at the
Hague, embarked on the eighth of November at
Helvoetfluys, and the next day landed at Margate.
On the twelfth the parliament met, and the king
opened the feflion with a fpeech, wherein he ob-
ferved, that the defigns of the French had been dif-
appointed by fending a fleet into the Mediterranean,
and this year a flop had been put to the progrefs of
their arms ; and earneftly recommended the pro-
viding fupplies to profecute the war with vigour,
as the only effectual means to procure an honourable
peace. He reminded them, that the act for tonnage
and poundage, given for the civil lift, would expire
at Chriftmas ; and hoped they would continue that
revenue to the crown, and alfo take care for dif-
charging the debt for the tranfport mips employed
in the reduction of Ireland, which ftill remained
unpaid. Upon which the fupplies, which amounted
to near five millions, were granted this feffion with-
out oppofition. In order to raife this fum, the
land-tax of four milling's in the pound w.is conti-
nued; the fubfidy of tonnage and poundage re-
newed for five years; and certain rates and duties
were impofed upon marriages, births and burials,
bachelors and widows. An ad was pafTed for lay-
ing additional duties upon tea, coffee, and choco-
late, towards difcharging the debt for the transport
mips ; and another, impofing duties upon glafs
wares, ftone and earthen bottles, coals and culm.
Nor did the commons, while they were thus mew-
ing their loyalty to their fovereign, forget what they
looked upon as their own intereft and that of the
nation : the triennial bill was now again infilled on ;
and the king, unable to refift the repeated applica-
tions of his fubjects, or unwilling to ruffle a parlia-
ment that appeared in fuch a favourable difpofition,
No. 50.
gave the royal afient to this bill. It enacted, tha«:
a new parliament fhould be fummoned every third
year ; and that the prefent parliament mould ceafc
and determine before the firft day of January 1 696,
unlds their majefties fhould think proper to diffolve
it fooner. The people expreffcd great joy on
paffing this act: for they fondly imagined that the
door was now effectually fhut againft all thofe me-
thods of corruption, which had hitherto flowed
from long parliaments; but they foon found them-
felvcs deceived : the candidates had ftill the fame
ends to anfwer : minifters ftill had fome favourite
points to carry ; and as the time was now fo greatly
abridged, the latter were obliged to bid higher in
order to obtain a majority.
About this period, Dr. John Tillotfon, arch-
bifhop of Canterbury, was feized with a fit of the
dead palfy, in the chapel at Whitehall, and died
on the twenty-fecond of November, deeply re-
gretted by the king and queen, and by the nation
in general, who efteemed him as a prelate poffefled
of every amiable quality, and engaging virtue. A
folid judgment, a fincere piety, an univerfal phi-
lanthrophy, diftinguifhed his life, and ftrongly cha-
racterize his fermons, which notwithftanding the
obloquy of frantic enthufiafts, may juftly be con-
fidered as perfect models of facred compofition.
So generous and charitable had he been in a pott,
from which his predeceffor Bancroft had raifed an
eftate, that he died poor, and had not the king
forgiven his firft fruits, his creditors could not have
been indemnified. He was fucceeded in the archi-
epifcopal fee by Dr. Tenifon, bifhop of Lincoln,
who was indulged with the privilege of recom-
mending Dr. Gardner to the bifhopric from which
he had been tranflated.
The queen did not long furvive her favourite
prelate ; in about a month after his deceafe, flie was
feized with the fmall pox, and the fymptoms ap-
pearing dangerous, flie prepared herfelf for death
with great compofure. She fpent her time in ex-
ercifes of devotion; fhe received the facrament
with all the bifhops who were in attendance, and
expired on the twenty-eighth of December, in
the thirty-third year of her age, and in the fixth of
her reign .
The king was fo afflicted with her death, that
for feveral days after the melancholy event, he
could neither fee company, nor attend to the
bufinefs of the ftate. Her obfequies were per-
formed with great magnificence ; the body was
attended from Whitehall to Weftminfter-abbey, by
all the judges, ferjeants at law, the lord mayor, and
aldermen of the city of London, and both houfes
of parliament. The common council of London
alfo came to a refolution to erect her ftatue, with
that of the king, in the Royal Exchange. The
princefs Anne, hearing of the queen's indifpofition,
fent a lady of her bed-chamber, to beg the favour
to be admitted to her prefence ; but the requeft
was refufed on pretence, that the phyficians had
directed, that her majefty fhould be kept as quiet
as poffible. However, before her death, fhe &nt
a forgiving meffage to her fifter, and after her de-
ceafe, the earl of Sunderland effected a reconcilia-
tion between the king and the princefs, who vifited
him at Kenfington, where fhe was received with
uncommon civility. He affigned her St. James's
palace for her refidence, and as an additional mark
of his refpect, prefented her with the greater part of
the queen's jewels. But a mutual jealoufy, and
difguft fubfifted under thefe exterior appearances of
friendfhip and efteem. The king admitted her
into no fhare of bufinefs, nor did he order his mi-
nifters to attend her, or inform her of any public
tranfadtions.
Convinced that his majefty's intereft was ex-
6 T tremely
534
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
tremely weakened by the queen's death, both
houfes of parliament attended him with the follow-
ing addrefs:
" We your majefty's mofl dutiful and loyal fub-
jects, the lords fpiritual and temporal in parliament
aflembled, do with in expreflible grief, humbly
aflTure your majefty of the deep fenfe we have of (he
lofs your majefty and the whole kingdom doth
fuftain by the death of that excellent princefs, oar
late fovereign lady the queen; mofl humbly be-
feeching your majefty, that you would not indulge
your grief on this fad occafion, to the prejudice of
the health of your royal perfon, in whofe preferva-
tion, not only the welfare of your own fubjects
but all Europe is fo much concerned. We farther
beg leave, on this fad occafion, humbly to renew to
your majefty, the hearty and lincere affurances, of
our utmoft afliftance, againft all your enemies,
both at home and abroad, and of all other demon-
ftrations of duty and affection, that can poflibly be
paid by the moft faithful fubjects."
His majefty received this addrefs with the utmoft
pleafure, and returned them his fincere thanks for
their kind expreffions and affurances, efpecially
their tender concern for the great lofs he had
fuftaincd, which he affured them was beyond ex-
preffion.
The whole nation followed the example of
the two houfes, and confolatory addreffes were prc-
fented to his majefty from every part of the king-
dom.
Charafter 6f Mary It. queen of England.
This amiable queen in her perfon was tall and
well proportioned, with an oval vifage, lively eyes,
agreable features, a mild afpect, and a natural
majeftic mein, that commanded refpect, adorned
with an affable difpofition. Her apprehenfion was
clear, her memory retentive, her judgment folid;
equally formed to bear adverfity and profperity ;
and with the courage of the other fex, fhe poffeffed
all the foftnefs of her own. Her excellent goocl-
nefs in a uniform tenor of life, and her beneneient
actions, illuftrioufly vifible, afford a more effectual
amplification of her worth and praife, than the
moft lively and graceful colours of language can
impart. She was a zealous proteftant, and her
heart was fo firmly attached to the path of pure re-
ligion, that fhe was neither feduced nor terrified
from it, in a court deeply affected with fuperftition,
and ever watchful to propagate it. The clifpofal
of her in marriage to a prince of the proteftant re-
ligion, appears an act of divine providence, to
bring about the miraculous deliverance of this na-
tion from popery, and its conftant attendant,
flavery. In the public worfhip of God, and a re-
gular daily exercife of private devotion, this queen
was a bright example of unaffected piety. When
her refidence was at the Hague, a lady of quality
coming to the court, to pay her a vifit on a Sa-
turday in the afternoon, fiie was told, the princefs
was retired from all company, and kept a faft, in
preparation for receiving the facrament the next
day. The lady flaying till five o'clock, the
princefs came out, and contented herfelf with a
flender fupper, it being incongruous to conclude
a faft with a feaft. But her religion was not con-
fined to either the chapel or the clofet; it was in-
fluential on her practice. She was not fettered with
fuperftitious fcruples, but her clear judgment, and
free fpirit were for union of Chriftians in things
effential to Chriftianity. Her bofom was Jlike the
Pacific fea, that feldom fuffers or is difturbed by a
4
ftorm. She was fo exempt from the tyranny of the
angry paffions, that we may have iome conjecture
of the felicity of the ftate of unftained innocence,
of \yhich one ray was fo powerful. She was fo re-
mote from fenfual paffions, that nothing impure
duift approach her prefence. She was a ftrikin-T
pattern of conjugal affection, the will of herhufband
being the fole rule of her actions, redoubling his
comforts and dividing his cares. Her deportment
was becoming the dignity and dearnefs of the re-
lation. Of this the king gave teftimony by his
flowing tears after her death ; and by declaring,
that in all her converfation he difcovered no fault.
She had an excellent understanding that qualified
her for government. Of this her prefiding in
council, in times of danger, and preferring the
tranquillity of the kingdom, by her prudent and
active meafures, are convincing proofs. Her
charity, that celeftial grace, was like the fun, no-
thing within her circuit was hid from its refrefhing
heat. A lord propofed to her a very good work
that was chargeable: fhe ordered that a hundred
pounds mould be paid towards it. Some time in-
terpofing before the receipt of Che money, he waited:
upon the queen, and pleafantly told her, that in-
tereft was due for delay of payment; fhe ordered
that fifty pounds more mould be given, which was
done accordingly, yet her benevolence lies under
the imputation of two defects; her afcending the
throne of her father without any fceming compunc-
tion, and treating her filler as a ftrangcr. With
refpect to the firft, candour will fuggeft, thather con-
nection with her father, was far inferior to her con-
jugal and religious obligations ; with refpect to the
latter, it may be obfervedj in extenuation, that fa-
mily connections are of all others the moft delicate,
and are frequently influenced by fuch a variety of
minute and unknown circumftances, that an in-
different perfon cannot afcertain which party is
juftly cenfurable. As an inftance of her impartial
regard to merit of character, we mail cite her re-
ply to one of her courtiers, who happened to in-
veigh againft the feverity of hiftorians, who had
treated the memory of fome princefs with great ri-
gour: " that if thefe princes were fuch as hiftorians
reprefented them, they richly defervecl the treat-
ment they had received; and that thofe who trod
in their fteps, might naturally expect the fame fate;
for truth, though it might be for fome time fup-
preffed, would moft certainly in the end prevail.'*
Her redemption of time was the effect of a con-
fcientious principle. She confidered her glafs was
continually running, and all the particles of find
were to be accounted for. In her licknefs, patience
had its perfect work. She had no fearful appre-
h en fions about her future ftate; becaufe her care
had been to prepare for her latter end in the belt
time of her life. This mixed cordial drops in the
bitternefs of death: and when this king of terrors
drew near, among other things, me was heard to
fay, " I believe' I fliall now foon die, and I thank
God, I have from my youth learned a true doctrine,
that repentance is not to be put off to a death bed."
William, in the month of May, A n /: -
acquainted the peers with his in-
tention of proroguing the paliament till the
eighteenth of June; and fending for the com-
mons, the king clofed the feffion with the following
fpeech from the throne : " My lords and gentlemen,
I am come to give you thanks for the fupplies pro-
vided for carrying on the war, in which we are en-
gaged; and at the fame time, to conclude this
fefiion, which cannot be continued any longer,
without manifeft injury to the ends for which the
fupplies were given ; the feafon of the year render-
ing
W I L L I
ing it abfolutely necefTary for me to be abroad ; and
it could be wiflied our bufinefs at home would have
allowed me to have been there fooner. I will take
care to place the adminiftration of affairs, during
my abfence, in fach perfons, on whofe care and
fidelity I can entirely depend ; and I doubt not, my
lords and gentlemen, but every one of you, in
your feveral ftations, will be aflifting to them.
That is what I require of you; and that you will
be more than commonly diligent in preferving the
public peace." The lord keeper having pro-
rogued the parliament, the archbifhop of Canter-
bury and other perfons of high rank, were ap-
pointed to compofe a regency. In a few days
after, the king embarked at Gravefend, and re-
paired to the allied army in Flanders. The French
were obliged to aft on the defenfive during the
whole campaign, owing to the fuperior numbers of
the allies; and to add to their mortification, they
loft their commander, the duke of Luxemburg,
who was fucceeded by the marfhal Villeroy, and
Boufflers commanded under him. Confcious of
their own inferiority, they drew aline between Lys
and the Scheld, for fecuring their late conquefts ;
and made a difpofition for covering Dunkirk,
Tournay and Namur, which they apprehended
might be attacked by the allied army. In the
mean time the confederates formed two large armies
in the Netherlands, one of which was commanded
by the king in perfon, the other by the elector of
Bavaria, who had under him the duke of Holftein-
Ploen, the earl of Athlone, and many other officers
offkill and experience. By feveral well-concerted
movements, William havingdrawn the enemy to the
confines of Flanders, fuddenly gave orders, that forty
fquadrons from the elector of Bavaria's camp, mould
inveft Namur, which fervice was performed on the
third of July. This place was ftrong by art and na-
ture, before rt fell into thehands of the enemy ; fince
which it had received fuch additional fortifications,
that it was now fuppofed to be altogether impreg-
nable. On the eleventh of July the trenches were
opened, and on the following day the batteries be-
gan to play with incredible fury. Equal refolu-
tion feerned to infpire thofe who befieged, and thofe
•who refifted their attack. Lord Cults, and major-
general Ramfay, on the eighteenth, made an affault
on the advanced works of the enemy. Six Englifh
battalions, eight foreign regiments, and nine thou-
fand pioneers, fuftained them in this conteft, which
continued for two hours ; but at length the enemy
was repulfed, and driven to the gates of the town.
King William, a hero of the firft rank, was fo
tranfported with the magnanimous behaviour of the
Britifh troops, that laying his hand on the elector
of Bavaria's moulder, he exclaimed in an ecftacy of
joy, " See my brave Englifh/" On the twenty-
fcventh, the counterfcarp was attacked by the
Englifh and Scotch, under the command of Ram-
fay and Hamilton, when the befieged party made
an obftinate refiftance; but the befiegers, being
fuftained by the Dutch, made a lodgment on the
foremoft covered way, before the gate of St. Ni-
cholas, as alfo upon that part of the counter-guard.
The valour of the enemy, on this occafion, could
only be exceeded by that of the aflailants. Their
officers in particular, behaved with amazing refo-
lution. Mr. Godfrey, deputy governor of the
Bank of England, who came to the camp to confer
with his majefty about remitting money for the
payment of the army, was killed in the trenches,
together with feveral other perfons. On the
thirteenth of Auguft count Horn fummoned the be-
fieged to furrender, and informed count de Lamot,
that the garrifon could not expe<5t relief, as marfhal
Villeroy had retreated towards the Mehaign. No
immediate anfwer being given, the elector deter-
mine.1 to make a general affault. In this action two
A M
III.
535
thoufand men were killed or wounded ; the courage
of the elector of Bavaria was fignalized in a muft
extraordinary manner; he rode through the hotteft
of the energy's fire, encouraging the foldiers by
prefents x>f money, and the officers by promife of
preferment. The garrifon of Namur, now having
loft ail hopes of being relieved, count Guifcard
clefired to fpeak with the elector of Bavaria. His
highnefs complied with his requeft, and the go-
vernor offered to furrender the fort of Cohorn ;
but the elector replied, that if he intended to capi-
tulate, he might treat for the whole. Boufllers
being made acquainted with this anfwer, the capi-
tulation was figned before night.
Villeroy being informed that Namur had fur-
rendered, pafled the Satnbre near Charleroy, with
great precipitation, and retreated towards Mons,
having in his way reinforced the garrifon of Di-
mant. The French garrifon, on the fifth of Sep-
tember, marched out of the caftle,confifting of only
five thoufand five hundred and eighty-three men,
though its original number had been fifteen thou-
fand. Boufflers was arrefted in the name of the
king of England, by way of reprifal for the gar-
rifons of Dixmunde and Denfe, which had been
detained by the French king, in violation of the
cartel eftablifhed between the two nations ; but a
meflenger arriving from the court of France, pro-
mifing that the garrifon mould be reftored, Boufflers
was fet at liberty. King William now refigned the
whole command to the elector of Bavaria, and re-
tired to Loo with the higheft military character ;
foon after which the armies feparated, and the
campaign ended. During the fummer of this year,
the Englifh fleet was fo fuperior to that of the
enemy, that the fhips of war remained inactive in
their harbours-, however they fitted out a number
of privateers, which had great fuccefs in cruifing
againft our trading vefFels. They took feveral
merchant fhips bound from Barbadoes, and five
Eaft Indiamen, valued at a million of money.
William having adjufted with his allies the plan
of operations for the enfuing year, embarked for
England, where his people hailed him as a con-
queror, with the loudeft acclamations of joy. He
inftantly fummoned a council at Kenfington, in
which it was determined to convoke a new parlia-
ment.
Accordingly, on the eleventh of October a pro-
clamation was iffued for aflembling a new parlia-
ment on the twenty-fecond day of November,
which having met, the commons chofe PaulFoley,
Efq; for their fpeaker. While the people were
bufied in elections, the king was prevailed on to
conciliate the affections of his fubjects by a more
familiar and complacent behaviour. With this
view he honoured the diverfions of Newmarket
with his prefence, and there received a compli-
ment of congratulation from the univerfity of Cam-
bridge. Then he vifited, at their refpective feats,
the earls of Sunderland, Northampton, and Mon-
tague; the duke of Newcaftle, the lord Brooke,
and the duke of Shrewfbury ; and afterwards made
a public entry into Oxford, having been met at
fome diftance from the city by the duke of Ormond,
chancellor of the univerfity, the vice-chancellor,
the doctors, and the magiftrates, in their forma-
lities. He proceeded directly to the theatre, where
he was welcomed in an elegant Latin fpeech ; and
received from the chancellor, on his knees, the
ufual prefents of a large Englifh Bible, and Book
of Common-Prayer, with the cuts of the univerfity,
and a pair of gold fringed gloves. The conduits
ran with wine, and a magnificent banquet was pre-
pared; but the duke of Ormond having communi-
cated to his majefty an anonymous letter, import-
ing, that there was a defign to poifon him, he
departed immediately for Windfbr. The uni-
verfity,
536
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
verfity, however, inftead of refenting this abrupt
behaviour, chofe for one of their i cprefentatives in
parliament, Sir William Trumbul, fecretary of
ftate. .
Notwithftanding the two houfes prcfented ad-
dreffes to his majefty, offering to fupply him with
the neceflary fums for profecuting the war with
vigour ; yet the public were exceedingly difgufted
by a fyftem of politics, in the purfuit of which tke
nation had incurred a vaft expence of blood and
treafure, and they now complained loudly of the
enormous weight of taxes with which they were
burdened. The commons, either from principle,
or motives of refentment, refolved, that the king
ihould grant fome conceflions in favour of the
people in conficleration of the fupplies, -and there-
fore they introduced that long contefted bill for re-
gulating trials in cafes of high treafon and mif-
prifion of treafon ; and at fo critical a juncture,
the court party thought it imprudent to oppofe this
and other ads of popularity. They then proceeded
to an examination of the public accounts and efti-
mates; and for the fervice of the enfuing year,
voted a fupply of above five millions. The ftate
of the coin, which had been ihamefullydiminiihed
by the clippers, was the next fubject of confidera-
tion ; and a refolution paffcd in favour of a new
coinage.
AD 66 Lewis was, by this time, heartily
• l 9 • weary of the war, after having almoft
depopulated his country ; but before he put a final
period thereto, he refolved, in concert with the
Englifli Jacobites, to reftore, if poflible, James, his
good friend and ally,to the government of England.
On the eighteenth of February James fet out for
Calais, when the troops, artillery, and (lores, were
ordered to be put immediately on board the proper
veffels ; and the fcheme of an invafion, and the
defign of taking off the king, were publicly men-
tioned in France fo early as the beginning of this
month. The principal contrivers of the aflailina-
tion-plot, were the earl of Ayleibury, lord Mont-
? ornery, fon to the marquis of Powis, Sir John
enwick, captain Porter, captain Charnock, and
Sir John Friend. The duke of Berwick came pri-
vately to England, in order to haften the prepara-
tions of the confpirators, and to confirm them in
their refolution. He informed them, that James
was ready to make a defcent upon England at the
head of a large body of French troops, diftributecl
commiflions, and gave them inftructions for pro-
curing men, arms, and horfes, to join him on his
arrival. Upon his return to France, he found that
all neceflary meafures had been purfucd for the in-
tended expedition. James had repaired to Calais;
and monfieur Cabaret was advancing with a naval
force, which was to be joined by a considerable
number of tranfports then lying at Dunkirk. After
divers confultations, it was determined to attack
and murder the king in a lane between Brentford
and Turnham-Green, on his return from Rich-
mond, where he ufually hunted on Saturdays. But
on the day preceding that appointed for the perpe-
tration of the horrid deed, the particulars of the
plot were difcovered to brigadier Levifon by Pen-
dergi afs, an Irifh officer, whofe evidence was con-
firmed by captain Fiflier, captain Porter, and La
Rue, a Frenchman. At firft, the king difbelieved
the report of the confpiracy ; but finding it authen-
ticated by different witnefies, he admitted Pender-
gnifs into his prefence, and prevailed upon him to
deliver a lift of his accomplices. James, upon re-
ceiving intelligence of the failure of theafiaflination-
plot, and that admiral Ruflel was difpatched to the
coaft of France with a fleet confifling of a hundred
and fifty fail of the line, relinquifhed his defign of
invading England; and, difembarking with his
troops, returned to St. Germain's. Moft of the
confpirators being fecured, the king, after their
examination, in a fpeech to both houfes, commu-
nicated the nature of the confpiracy ag:iinft his life,
as well as the defign of a foreign invafion ; pro-,
fefled his reliance on their good \villand afFection ;
and hoped they would take fuch fteps for their
common fafety, as ihould appear to them moft ex-
pedient. That very evening the two houfes waited
upon him at Kenfington with an affectionate addrefs,
in which they expreffed their deteftation of the exe-
crable defign which had been formed againft his
facred perfon, of which they befought him to take
extraordinary care. They aflured him, they would
defend his life, and maintain his government, againfl
the late king James, and all other enemies ; and
declared, that in cafe his majefty ihould come to a
violent death, they would revenge it upon his ad-
verfaries and their adherents. The king was highly
pleafod with this warm acldrefs, and afliired them
in his turn, he would take all opportunities of re-
commending himfelf to the continuance of their
loyalty and affection. They next proceeded to
confider of ways and means for raiiing the fupplies.
A new bank was eftablifhed, commonly called the
Land-bank, becaufe founded upon land fecurities.
This fcheme, fuppofed to have been projected by
the famous doctor Chamberlain, was chiefly ma-
naged by Foley and Harley, and was generally be-
lieved to bea tory plan, intended to ruin the bank
of England. The company of thelatter petitioned
againft the bill, and were heard by their counfel;
but their representation had no effect, and the bill
having pafled both houfes, atlaft received the royal
affent. On the twenty-feventh of April the king
clofed the feffion with a fhort but gracious fpeech,
and the parliament was prorogued to the iixteenth
day of June. Before this period, many of the
confpirators were brought to condign pnnifliment,
upon the evidence of Pendergrafs, Porter, and
others.
The allied army refolved to make an immediate
retaliation upon the French, for their bafe defign.
upon the life of king William. Lewis had been fo
confident of the fuccefs of the expedition, that he
had even regulated his military operations in Flan-
ders upon that fuppofition, and had eftablifhed a
vaft magazine at Givet, with a view of ftriking fome
ftroke of importance early in the campaign, while
the allies fhould be weakened by the abfence of the
Britifh troops. Upon this magazine the confede-
rates determined to wreak their, vengeance; and
with this view, the earl of Athlone, and lieutenant-
general Coehorn, fet out from Namur with forty
fquadrons, thirty battalions, fifteen pieces of can-
non, and fix mortars. Athlone, with part of his
body, inverted Dinant; while Coehorn, with the
remainder, advanced to Givet. He forthwith began
to bombard the town, which in three hours was on
fire, and by four in the afternoon wholly deftroyed,
with the great magazine it contained. Then the
two generals joining their forces, returned to Namur
without interruption. The king having appointed
the fame regency as governed the kingdom during
his laft abfence, embarked at Margate on the feventh
of May, and arrived that fame evening at Orange-
Polder, from whence he repaired immediately to
the Hague. The French had taken the field early
in thefpring; but no enterprize of importance was
attempted in the courfe of this campaign. Lewis
was obliged to act on the defenfive Awhile the active
plans of William were defeated by want of money.
All the funds of this year proved defective; the
land-bank failed, without having produced any
other effect than that of injuring the credit of the
national bank by its oppofition. Lewis having cx-
haufted the wealth and patience of his fubjects,
began to be fenfible of his utter inability to con-
tinue the war, and therefore refolved to convert his
attention
WILLIAM
III.
537
attention towards effecting an immediate peace.
With this view he fent an ambaflador to the States-
general ; but the Dutch refufed to enter into any
conferences on the fubject, until they had obtained
the confent of king William and the allies. Lewis,
in order to expedite this negotiation, purfued offen-
five meafures in Catalonia, where his general, the
duke de Vendome, attacked and worfted the Spa-
niards in their camp near Oftalric, though the ac-
1 tion was not decifive ; for he was obliged to re-
treat, after having made vigorous efforts againft
their entrenchments.
Nothingof confequence had been lately atchieved
by fea ; the Englifh neverthclefs rode matters of
that element. In the month of June, lord Berkley
fet fail for Ufhant, in order to annoy the French
coaft. He pillaged and burned the villages on the
illands Guoy, Horeal, and Heydic ; made prize
of about twenty veflels ; bombarded St. Martin's
on the ifle of Khee ; and treated the town of
Olonne in the fame manner. Thefe enterprizes,
however inconliderable, kept the whole coaft of
France in perpetual alarm. Rear-admiral Bembow
was fent with a fmall fquadron. to block up Du Bart
in the harbour of Dunkirk ; but that bold adven-
turer found means to efcape in a fog, and failing
towards the Baltic, fell in -with the Dutch fleet,
under convoy of fix frigates. Thefe he took, to-
gether with half the trading veflels ; but falling in
with the outward-bound fleet, convoyed by thirteen
fhips of the line, he was obliged to burn four of
the frigates, turned two adrift, and part with all his
prizes but fifteen, which he carried into Dunkirk.
The king, being tired of an inactive campaign,
embarked for England on the fourth of October,
and on the fixth arrived at Margate, from whence
I he repaired immediately to Kenlington. The par-
' liament meeting on the twentieth of the fame
month, his majefty opened the feflion with a fpecch,
• in which he obferved, that propofals had been made
for a negotiation; but that the beft way of treating
with France would be fword in hand ; that he
hoped they would be expeditious in raifing fupplies
for the fevvicc of the enfuing year ; that the civil
lift could not be fupported without their affiftance;
that he flattered himfelf they would contrive fome
means for -the recovery of the national credit ; and
that unanimity and difpatch were now more than
ever ncceflary for the honour, fafety, and advantage
of the kingdom. The commons having taken this
fpeech into confideration, rcfolved, that they would
fupport his majefty's government, and effectually
affift him in the prolecution of the war. They
• likewife prefented a fpirited addrefs, in which they
declared, that, notwlthftanding the blood and
trcafure which had been already expended, they
\u)iild not be diverted from their refolution of ob-
taining by a war, a fa-fe and honourable peace ;
and that therefore they would continue to fupport
his majefty againft all his enemies both at home
and abroad. They then deliberated upon the efti-
mates, and granted above fix millions for the fur-
vice of the enfuing year. They pafled a bill for
remedying the ill ftate of the coin ; and another,
explaining an act of the preceding feflion, for lay-
ing duties on low wines, and fpirits of the firft ex-
traction. In order to raife the fupplies of the year,
they rcfolyecl to tax all pcrfons according to the
true value of their real and perfonal eftates, their
ftock upon land and in trade, or their income by
offices, penfions, and profefiions. A duty of one
penny per week for one year was levied upon all
perfons not receiving alms. Without fpccifying
any further particulars, it will be fuilicient to ob-
ierve, that in the general charge, the command did
not exempt one member of the common-wealth,
that could be fuppofed able to bear any part of the
burthen. The Bank of England having been of
No. 51.
fingular utility to the government, the parliament
refolved to fupport the credit of that inftitution.
It was accordingly agreed to ingraft upon the ca-
pital the fum of eight hundred thoufand pounds
by new fubfcriptions, at the rate of eight per cent,
intereft, to be paid by tallies and Bank notes. In
a few days, a million was fubfcribed and paid in
that manner : and from this time the credit of the
Bank recovered fo rapidly, that in a few weeks
their notes, that bore no intereft, were equal to
money, and their bills, that bore intereft, were
better.
Public credit being thus rcftorcd, and the bills
paffed for the fupplies of the enfuing year, the
attention of the parliament was next engaged by the
cafe of Sir John Fenwick, one of the confpirators
who had been apprehended at New Romney, while
he was making his efcape to France. He had,
when taken, written a letter to his lady by one
Webber who attended him ; but this man being
feized, the letter was found to contain fuch circum-
ftances as plainly proved him guilty. This affair
was now fubmitted to parliament ; and the com-
mons having deliberated on the whole matter,
brought in a bill of attainder againft him, which,
though not without a violent oppofition, was actually
carried through both houfes, and at l.ift received
the royal affent. This had no fooner paffed, than
Fenwick exerted his utrnoft efforts to procure a
reprieve from his majefty; but all his applications
proving ineffectual, he began to prepare him-felf
for his approaching fate. He was indulged with
the axe, in confideration of his rank and alliance
with thehoufe of Howard, and fuflered on Tower-
hill, with feeming compofure and refignr.tion.
He owned his loyalty to king James, and prayed
for his reftoration ; but mentioned with abhorrence
the defign upon the life of king William, which he
jirftly termed a moft villainous project. The king,
on the fixteenth day of April, clofcd the feflion with
a fpeech, in which he thanked the parliament for
the liberal fupplies they had granted him, and ex-
prefled his fatisfaclion with the meafures they had
taken for the retrieval of the public credit. About
this time the earl of Dorfet refigned the office of
lord-chamberlain, which he had enjoyed ever fmce
the revolution. He was fevere and poignant in his
writings; but humane and generous in his private
conduct. The earl of Sunderlancl fucceeded him
in office, and now pofiefled as much favour as ever
he had enjoyed in the former reign'.
William embarked on the twenty- . n , -
fixth day of April for Holland, in
order to be prefent at the negotiation for a general
peace. The plenipotentiaries met in congrefs on
the tenth day of February, and the conference was
opened by the French miniftcr Callieres, who in
his mafter's name agreed to the following prelimi-
naries -, that the treaties of Wcftphalia and Nimc-
gucn, fhould be the bafis of the prefent negotia-
tion ; that Strafburgh fliould be reftored to the
emperor, and Luxemburgh to the Spaniards, toge-
ther with Mons, Charleroy, and all the places, taken
by the French in Catalonia lincc the treaty of Nimc-
guen ; that Dinant fhould be ceded to the bifhop
of Liege, and all re-unions, fmce the treaty of
Nimeguen be made voicU that Lorraine fhouid be
reftored according to the conditions of that treaty;
and, that upon the conclufion of the peace, Lewis
fliould acknowledge the prince of Orange as king
of Great Britain, without reftriction, limitatioi}, or
referve. In the interim, the French king, fearing
that the houfe of Auftria would infiflon the treaty
of the Pyrenees, rcfolved to make his lafl efforts
in Flanders and Catalonia, and reduce the Spa-
niards to his own terms. The campaign was opened
with the fiege of Aeth, which furrendcred in a few
days. In Catalonia, the duke of Vendome invefled
6 U Barcelona,
538
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Barcelona, which after having been gallantly de-
fended for the fpace of nine weeks, fell into the
hands 'of the French; and the Spaniards, after the
lofs of this important place, became as eager for
peace, as they had been averfe to a negotiation.
But the claims of the powers were to numerous and
complicated, that the negotiation was protracted to
the twentieth day of September, when the articles
were fubfcribed by the Englifh, Dutch, Spanilh,
and French ambaffadors, notwithftanding the re-
rnonftrances of the Imperial, and other German
minifters, who ftill refufed to accept of the terms
which France had offered . The treaty between
England and France imported, that Lewis mould
not difturb or difquiet the king of Great Britain in
the pofleflion of his crown or government, nor
afllft his enemies, nor favour confpiracies againft
his perfon ; that king William mould pay a yearly
penfion to queen Mary D'Efte of fifty thoufand
pounds, which, during her refidence in England,
had been fettled as her jointure; that a free com-
merce mould be reftorcd between the two king-
doms; that commiflioners mould be appointed to
meet at London, to determine the pretenfions of
each crown to Hudfon's Bay, taken by the French
during the late peace, and retaken by the Englifh
in thecourfe of the war; and to fix the limits of
places to be reftored, as well as the proportion of
exchanges to be made; that in cafe of a frefh war,
fix months mould be allowed to the fubjectsof each
crown for removing their effects ; that the feparate
article of the treaty of Nimcguen, relating to the
principality of Orange, mould be fully executed ;
and that the ratifications fhould be exchanged in
three weeks from the day of figning. "William
having finifhed this important affair, returned to
England, and was received in London in a kind of
triumph, amidft the fhouts and acclamations of the
people.
The parliament meeting in December, he gave
them to underftand, that there was a confiderable
debt on account of the fleet and army, and that the
revenues of the crown had been anticipated ; he ex-
pi efTed his hope, that they would provide for him
during his life in fuch a manner, as would conduce
to his honour and their glory; he recommended
the maintenance of a confiderable fleet and Handing
army, as eflentially neceflary for the fafety of Eng-
land; and finally affined them, that, as he had
refcued their religion, laws, and liberties, when
they were in the extremeft danger; fo he mould
place the glory of his reign in preferving and leav-
ing them entire to lateft pofterity. The parliament,
after congratulating his majefty on the conclufion
of the peace, and afluring him they would be ever
ready to fupport his government, proceeded to con-
fider that part of his fpecch which related to the
maintenance of a {landing army, a practice to
which they were inveterately averfe, and there-
commendation of which from the throne, they could
by no means approve. This point was debated
with great vehemence; but at length the king,
finding all his remonftrances ineffectual, fubmitted
with his ufual prudence to this, as he had formerly
done to other difappointments, and affected to ac-
quiefce in a very confiderable reduction of the
army. To compenfate for this difagreeable cir-
cumftance, they voted a fupply of two hundred
and fifty thoufand pounds, to be diftributed amongft
fuch officers and fokliers as fhould be difbanded ;
and alfo granted the annual fum of feven hundred
thoufand pounds for the maintenance of the king's
houfhold, to be continued during his life. Of this
fum, one hundred thoufand pounds were intended
to enable his majefty to pay the jointure of queen
Mary D'Efte, and to maintain a court for the duke
of Gloucefter, now in the ninth year of his age ;
but it is affirmed by fome, that the jointure was
never paid, and that the king would not allow
more than fifteen thoufand pounds a year (o the
duke, to whom bifhop Burnet was appointed pre-
ceptor.
William Molyneux, a gentleman of . ~
Dublin, having publifhcd a pamphlet, A' D' l698-
in which he endeavoured to prove that Ireland was
independent of the parliament of England, a com-
mittee was appointed to enquire into the nature and
tendency of this performance. Upon the report of
the committe it was rcfolved, that the book was
of dangerous confequence, as it tended to leflen the
dependence of Ireland upon England, to the im-
perial crown of which it was unalterably ann xed.
They therefore prefentcd an addrefs to his majefty,
befeeching him to give effectual orders for pie-
venting any fuch encroachments for the future, as
well as the pernicious confequences of what was
paft, by punifhing and difcountenancing thofe who
had been guilty of fuch pernicious attempts. This
addrefs was gracioufly received, and the kingpro-
mifed to comply with their requcft About this
timeafociety for the reformation of manners, was
formed under the king's countenance and encou-
ragement. Confiderable collections were made for
maintaining clergymen to read prayers at certain
hours in places of public worfhip, and adminiftcr
the facrament every Sunday. On the third of July
the king prorogued the parliament, after having
thanked them in a fhort fpeech for the many tcfti-
monies of their favour he had received ; and in two
days after the prorogation it wasdillolvcd. In the
latter end of July king "William embarked for
Holland, on pietence of enjoying a recefs from
bufinefs ; but in reality to treat with the French
king, remote from the obfervation of thofe who
might have penetrated into the nature of his nego-
tiation. He had appointed a regency to govern
the kingdom in his abfence ; and as one of the
number, nominated the earl of Marlborough, who
had regained his favour, and been appointed go-
vernor to the duke of Gloucefter. His majefty at
his departure left fealed orders with the miniftry,
directing, that fixteen thoufand men fhonld be re-
tained in the fervice, notwithftanding the vote of
the commons, by which the ftanding army was li-
mited to ten thoufand. Healledgcd, that the ap-
prehenfion of frefh troubles, which might arife at
the death of his catholic majefty, induced him to
tranfgrefs this limitation, and hoped that the new
'parliament would be more favourable. His ene-
mies, however, availed themfelves of this opportu-
nity to depreciate his character by malicious infi-
nuations. Having afllftcd at the aflembly of the
States-general, and given audience to divers am-
bafiadors at the Hague, William repaired to his
palace at Loo, where he was vifited by count Tal-
lard the French minifter, who had inftiuctions to
negotiate the treaty concerning the Spanim fr.c-
ceflion. The earl of Portland, by his majefiy's
orders, had communicated to fecretary Vernon the
principal conditions that Lewis propofed ; he him-
felf wrote a letter to lord chancellor Somers, de-
firing his advice with regard to the propofitions,
and full power under the great feal, with blanks to
be filled up occafionally, that he might immediately
begin the treaty with count Tallard. The purport
of Portland's letter was imparted to the duke of
Shrewfbury and Mr. Montague, who confultcd
with the chancellor and fecretary upon the fubject ;
and the chancellor wrote a letter to the king, con-
taining the ifTue of their joint deliberation : but
before it reached his majefty, the iirft partition was
figned by the earl of Portland, and Sir Jofeph Wil
liamfon. Lewis, who had made a practice of fa-
crificing honour and conference to his pride and
ambition, forefaw that he fhould never be able to
accomplish his defigns upon Spain ; while William
was
WILLIAM
III.
53*
was left at liberty to form another confederacy
againft him. He therefore determined to amufe
him with a treaty, in which he mould feem to act
as umpire in the concerns of Europe. The plan
fucceeded ; the king of England lent a willing
ear to his propofals, and engaged in a fcheme
for difmembering a kingdom, in defpite of the
natives, and in violation of every law, human and
divine.
William, on the third day of December arrived
in England, where a new parliament had been
chofen and prorogued on account of his majefty's
abfence. Though the majority of members were
attached to the new eftablifliment, many of them
had imbibed fuch jealoufy of the court during the
former unpopular reign, that they feemed not to
have been much devoted to the perfon of their
fovercign; yet their choice of Sir Thomas Lyttleton
for their fpeaker, feemed to prefage a peaceable
feflion. On the tenth of December the two houfes
being convened, the king in his fptech obferved,
that the fafety, honour, and happinefs of the king-
dom, would in a great meafure depend on the
ftrength which they mould refolve to maintain by
fea and land. The members of the prefent parlia-
ment were fo provoked at the king's prefuming to
tranfgrcfs an act, to which he had given the royal
affent, that they inftantly refolved that all the forces
of England, in Engliftipay, exceeding feven thou-
ftnd men, mould be difbanded ; as alfo thofe in
Ireland, exceeding twelve thoufand; and that thofe
retained Ihould be natives of thefe kingdoms. As
this vote deprived the king not only of his Dutch
guards, to whom he was remarkably attached, but
likcwife the regiments of French refugees, who had
fcrved him with uncommon fidelity; he was fo
fenfibly affected with it, that he threatened to aban-
don the government, and had even compofed a
fpeech, which he intended to have delivered on the
occafton ; but was diverted from his purpofe by his
miniftry and confidents, and refolved to pafs the
by which he had been fo much offended. Ac-
cordingly, when it was ready for the royal aflcnt,
ie went to the houfe of peers, where, having fent
for the commons, he told them, that though he
nij;ht juflly complain of the harfli treatment in
seing deprived of his guards which had attended
him in all his fortunes; yet as he believed nothing
:ould be more fatal to the nation than any diftruft
jealoufy between him and his parliament, he
was come to pafs the bill according to their defire.
It the fame time, in difcharge of the truft repofed
in him, he declared it as his opinion, that the
nation was left too much expofed, and that it was
incumbent upon them to provide fuch a ftrength
as might be neceffary for the fafety of the king-
dom. They were fo mollified by this inftance of
condefccnfion, that they prefentcd an addrefs, in
•which they thanked him for this frefh mark of his
royal goodnefs, and folemnly allured him, that they
would defend his perfon and government at the
hazard of their lives and fortunes. Thcfe aflurances
induced him to make another effort in favour of
the Dutch guards, but it proved ineffectual; he
was obliged to acquiefce, and they were tranfported
to Holland.
Having thus effected a diffolution of the army,
the commons voted fifteen thoufand feamcn,and a
proportionable fleet for the fecuiity of the king-
dom; and granted one million four hundred and
eighty-four thoufand pounds for the fervices of the
year, to be railed by a tax of three {hillings in the
pound upon lands, perfonal eftate?, penfioners and
officers. But the members of this parliament feem
to have been actuated by a peevifh and malicious
fpirit, which nothing could fatisfy. The perfon
againft whom their refentmcnt was at prefent le-
velled, was the earl of Oxford, who now adtcd as
treafurcr to the navy, and one of the commiflloners
of the admiralty. The commons drew up ah ad-
drefs, complaining of fome important articles of
mifmanagement in the condudt of the navy; and
the earl was wife enough to avoid further profecu-
tion, by refigning his employments.
The king, on the fourth day of . p. ,
May, clofed the feffion with a fpeech; f
hinting diffatisfaction at their having negleded to
conficler fome points which he had recommended
to their attention; and the parliament was pro-
rogued to the firft of June. In a little time after
the prorogation the king appointed a regency, and
on the fecond of June embarked for Holland.
Here he enjoyed himfelf at Loo, where he was
vifited by the cluke of Zell, with whom he had
long intimately correfponded. During his refidence
in this place, the earl of Portland, and the grand,
penfionary of Holland, frequently conferred with
the French ambaffador count Tallard, upon the
fubjcct of the Spanifh fucceffion ; but no alteration
was at this time made in the late treaty of parti-
tion. His majefty, having fettled with the States-
general the number and ftrength of the Dutch fleet,
embarked for England on the fixteenth of Oftober,
and next day arrived at Margate, from whence he
immediately repaired to Kenfington. The parlia-
ment meeting about the middle of November, the
king, in his fpeech to both houfes, advifcd a further
provifion for the fafety of the kingdom by fea and
land, and the repair of mips and fortifications; ex-
horted the commons to make good the deficiencies
of the funds, difcharge the national debt, and pro-
vide the neceffary fupplies. He affured them of his
refolution to encourage virtue, and punifli vice;
and that he would decline no difficulties nor dangers
where the happinefs of his people might be con-
cerned. He then concluded with thcfe words :
" Since, therefore, our aims are only for the ge-
neral good, let us acl: with confidence in one
another, which will not fail, with the bleffing of
God, to make me a happy king, and you a great
and flourifhing people. But this parliament, in-
ftead of an addrefs of thanks, according to the
ufual cuftom, pi efented a remonftrance, importing,
that a jealoufy and difguft had been raifed of their
duty and affedion, and that they defired he would
{hew marks of high difpleafure towards all perfons
whohadprefumed to mifreprefent their proceedings,
and that if any fliould attempt to impofe upon him
by fuch calumnies, he would confider and treat
them as his moft inveterate enemies. The next
object which engaged the attention of the commons,
was an enquiry into the forfeited eftates in Ireland,
which the king had diftributed according to his
pleafure. The commiffioners appointed to examine
this affair, were Annefley, Hamilton, Trenchard,
Langford, the earl of Drogheda, Sir Francis Brew-
fter, and Sir Richard Leving. The firft four were
actuated by all the virulence of faction ; the other
three were fecretly guided by minifterial influence.
They began their enquiry in Ireland, and proceeded
with fuch feverity, as feemed to flow rather from
refentment to the court, than from a love of juftice
and abhorrence of corruption. They in particular
fcrutinized a grant of an eftate which the king had
made to Mrs. Villers, now countefs of Orkney, fo
as to expofe his majefty's partiality for that favou-
rite, and fubject him to an additional load of popu-
lar odium.
Having framed, finifhed, and paffed a bill of
refumption, the commons ordered an account of
the whole tranfaclion to be printed and publiffied
for their vindication; and refolved, that the pro-
curing or pafling exorbitant grants by any member
now of the privy-council, or by any other that had
been a privy-con nfellor, in this or.any former reign,
to 1 is own ufe and benefit, was a high ciime and
mifdemeanor.
54°
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
mifclemeanor. As the members of the lower houfe
•were apprehenfive that this bill would be ftrongly
oppofed by thofe of the upper, they tacked it to
the money bill ; fo that the one could not be re-
jected, without defeating the other. The lords pro-
pofed fome alterations; the commons refufcd to
give their confent, and ordered a lift of the privy-
council to be laid before them. They now ordered
their houfe to be cleared of ftrangers, and the doors
to be fluit, that no member might go forth; they
then took into confideration the report of the Irifli
forfeitures, with a lift of the privy-counfellors ;
and a motion was made to addrefs his majefty, to
remove lord chancellor Somers from his prefencc
and councils for ever. This was, however, carried
in the negative by a great majority. The king
coniidered this bill as an invafion of his preroga-
tive, an infult on his perfon, and an injury to his
friends and fervants, and at firft determined to
hazard the confequences of refilling the royal aflent ;
but was diverted from his purpole by the remon-
ftrances of thofe in whom he chiefly confided;
neverthelefs he could not diffemble his refentment;
he became morofc and pecvifli; and his enemies
laid hold of this circumftance, to brand his cha-
racter with the utmoft infamy. Though the motion
againft the chancellor had mifcarricd, the commons
refolved to addrefs his majefty, that no perfon, who
was not a native of his dominions, except his royal
highnefs prince George of Denmark, fliould be ad-
mitted into his majefty's councils in England or Ire-
land. This rcfolution was levelled againft the
eftates of Portland, Albemarle, and Galway ; but
before the addrcfTes could be prefented, the king
came to the houfe of peers,, and having paflld
liich bills as were ready for his aflent, the parlia-
ment was prorogued to the twenty-third day of
May.
. -p. The commons brought in a bill
A. JU. 17OO. c .1 rr r, i r i~ c
for the more effectual fupprefhon of
piracy, which pafled into a law; and underftanding
afterwards that Kicld, the pirate, was brought over
to.Englancl, prefented an addrefs to the king, defi-
ling that he might not be tried, difcharged, or par-
doned, till the next feftion of parliament; and his
majefty complied with their requeft. A bill was
alfo brought in, that no perfon born after the
twenty-fifth day of March next enfuing, being a
papift, fliould be capable of inheriting any title of
honour or eftate within the kingdom of England,
dominion of Wales, or town of Berwick upon
Tweed; and that no papift fliould be capable of
purchafing any lands or tenements, either in his
own, or in the name of any other perfon in truft for
him. This bill was vehemently oppofed in the
houfe of lords; notwithftanding which, it was
tinally^arricd by a great majority, and at laft re-
ceived the royal fanction ; but after all, it was defi-
cient in neceflary claufes to enforce execution, fo
that the law was very little regarded in the fequel.
William, in the beginning of July, embarked
for Holland, after having appointed a regency to
manage the government. On the twenty-ninth of
the fame month, the young duke of Glouceftcr,
the only remaining child of feventcen, whom the
princcfs Anne had borne, died of a malignant fever,
in the eleventh year of his age. His death was
much lamented by the gi cater part of the Englifli
nation, not only on account of his, promifing talents
and affable difpofi'tion, but a-lfo as it left the fuc-
ccfiion undetermined, and might create difputes of
fatal confequences to the nation. Indeed, the pre-
fcnt ftate of affairs in England afforded but an un-
comfortable profpect. The naiure of the partition-
treaty was no fooner known, than condemned by
Che moft intelligent pai.t of the nation. They firft
of all complained, that luch an important affiiir
fliould have been concluded without the advice of
parliament. They obferved, that the fcheme was
unjuft, and the execution of it hazardous. All
their exceptions were diffufcd by the malcontents,
fo that the whole kingdom echoed with murmurs
and clamours; while tfte tory faction began to
think in earneft of eftabliftihig the fucccffion of
the Englifli crown upon the pei fon of the pi ince of
Wales. Such was the fituation of affairs when the
king arrived in England ; and foon after he received
advkJ:, that the king of Spain was actually dead.
By his laft will, Charles had declared the duke of
i Anjou, fecond fon of the dauphin, fole heir of the
Spanifli monarchy. In cafe this prince fliould die
without ifl'ue, or inherit the crown of France, he
ordered that Spain fliould devolve to the duke of
Berry, in default of him and his children, to the
archduke Charles and his heirs ; and in failure of
them, to the duke of Savoy and his pofterity. It
remains to this- clay a doubt, whether this will was
Cgned by the king of Spain, or was only a forgery:
thus much is certain, that when the teftamcnt, real
or pretended, was notified to the French court, it
afforded a new fcene of hypocrify'and diffimula-
tion. The whole tranfaction had been conceited
and executed by the intrigues and policy of the
artful Lewis; and he was now determined to con-
clude the cheat, with the fame dexterity with w hich
it was begun. After the will was accepted, Lewis-
clofetted the duke of Anjou, to whom he faid, m
the prefence of the marquis de Rias, " Sir, the
king of Spain has made you a king. The grandees,
demand you; the people wifli for you; and I give
my confent. Remember only you are a prince ot
France. I recommend you to love your people j
to gain their affection by the lenity of your govern-
ment; and render yourfelf worthy of the throne
you aie about to afcend." The new monarch was
congratulated on his elevation by all the princes of
the blood; neverthelefs, the duke of Orleans and
his fon protefted againft the will, becaufe the arch-
duke was placed next in fuccefllon to the duke of
Berry, in bar of their right as defcendants of Anne
of Auftria. The emperor exclaimed loudly againft.
the will, as being more iniquitous than the treaty
of partition, and threatened to do himfelf juftice
by force of arms. The Spaniards, confcious of
their own inability to defend their dominions, re-
figned themfelves entirely to the protection of the
French monarch. William's real motive in affect-
ing an indifference, was to conceal his refentment
until he fliould have founded the opinions of other
powers in Europe, and feen how far he could rely
on his new miniftry. His chief favourite was the
earl of Kochefter, who had undertaken for the
tories, and was declared lord-lieutenant of Ireland.
Lord Godolphin was appointed firft commiffioner of
the treafury ; lord Tankerville keeper of the privy-
feal; and Sir Charles Hedges fecretary of ftatc:
but the management was entrufted to Mr. Robert
Harley, who had hitherto oppofed the meafures of
the court with equal ability and virulence. Thefe
new minifters, knowing they had intereft fufficient
to procure a majority, prevailed on the king to
diflblve the prefent parliament by proclamation,
and iflue writs to convene a new one, which was
accordingly done.
The new parliament meeting on . -p.
the fixth of February, according to
appointment, was prorogued to the tenth day of
the fame month, when Mr. Harley was chofen
fpcaker by a great majority. The conduct of this
parliament is ftrongly marked with faction and
prejudice, and difcovers a total - difregard to the
intereft of England, and the general liberties of
Europe. On the thirtieth of March, the king ac-
quainted the commons with the declaration of the
French monarch, " that he would grant no other
fecimty than a renewal of the peace of Ryfwick;"
fo
WILLIAM
III.
fo that the negotiation leaned to be at an end.
William alfo communicated two refolutions of the
States-general, requeuing that the ftipulated fuc-
cours might be immediately fent. D'Avaux, the
French ambaflador, employed every artifice to per-
fuade the States of the cordial kindnels of his
mafter towards them. But the Dutch had too
dearly experienced the French monarch's pretended
love to their republic, to be eafily perfuadcd of the
truth of his profefllons ; and therefore wifely exerted
themfelyes in providing for their own fecurity, by
reinforcing their garrifons, and foliciting fuccours
from foreign powers. At the fame time they wrote
a letter to king William, wherein they expreffcd the
moft fincere zeal for the intereft of England, and
earneflly preffed that the ftipulated number of troops
fliould be immediately fent to their aliiitance. Ac-
cordingly the three Scottifh regiments, which the
king had retained in his own pay, were directly
lent them from Scotland. The king communicated
the letter of the States-general to the houfe of
commons, who, having taken it into confideration,
came to the following refolution ; " That they
would effectually afiift his majefty to fupport his
allies in maintaining the liberties ef Europe, and
immediately provide the ftipulated fuccours for the
States-general." The adclrefs from the houfe of
peers on the fame occafion, was conceived in a
warm and affectionate manner.
His majefty was fo well pleafed with this difpofi-
tion in both houfes to fupport him in his views, that
he expreffed his fatisfaction in an anfwer he fent to
each houfe feparately. Notwithftanding thefe ap-
pearances of friendmip and union, the commons
were profecuting their favourite projedl of revenge
"againft their antagonifts. They had appointed a
committee to examine the journals of the houfe of
lords with regard to the partition-treaty, and to re-
port their proceedings to the houfe. Sir Edward
Seymour, a violent tory, was appointed chairman
of this committee ; and on his report the commons
voted, " That William, earl of Portland, by ne-
gotiating and concluding the treaty of partition,
which was deftruftive of the trade of this kingdom,
and dangerous to the peace of Europe, was guilty,
and mould be impeached of high crimes and mif-
demeanors." Purfuant to this refolution, Sir John
Levifon Gower was fent up to impeach the earl at
the bar of the houfe of lords, and at the fame time
to affure them, that the commons would, in due
time, exhibit articles againft him. They alfo re-
folved to impeach lord Somers, which he being in-
formed of, defired to be heard before that houfe.
This was granted, and he made a defence; wherein
he obferved, that he had only afted in compliance
with the king's commands, which it was certainly
his duty to do. After his lordfhip withdrew, the
houfe fell into a long and warm debate upon the
j uftification he had offered, when the tory party pre-
vailed, and a refolution paffed, " That John, lord
Somers, by advifing his majefty to conclude the
treaty of partition, was guilty of a high crime and
mifdemcanor." The commons then paffed votes to
the like effect againft the earl of Orford and lord
Halifax, and on the fifteenth of April a general
impeachment was brought up againft all three to
the houfe of lords. A few days after the impeach-
ment, they drew up an addrefs to the king, wherein
they requefted he would be pleafed to remove John
lord Somers, Edward earl of Orford, and Charles
lord Halifax, from his council and prefence for
ever; as alfo William earl of Portland, who had
tranfacted thefe treaties. The lords were highly
incenfed at this ftep of the commons, which they
confidered not only as an infult upon their tribunal,
but alfo a violation of common juftice ; and they
prefented a counter addrefs, wherein they entreated
the king not to pafs any cenfure on thofe lords,
No. <;i.
until they were tried upon the- impeachments the
commons had preferred againft them, The_latter,
fearing that they might fall into difgrace with the
nation for having preferred impeachments which,
they could not properly fupport, ufed every art to
delay the trials of thefe noblemen ; and when a day
was at laft appointed, they kid hold of fome frivo-
lous pretence to abfent themfelves from the trial, fo
that the four lords, having no profecutors to appear
againft them were acquitted, and the impeachments
difmiffed.
The whig party now omitted no endeavours to
villify and depreciate their adverfaries in the minds
of the people. They openly charged them with
being penfioners to the French king-, enemies to
the prefent government; and that all their views
and aftions tended to the reftoration of James and
his family. They tried to procure petitions from
London and the principal counties in England ; but
the county of Kent alone could be prevailed on to
fend up an addrefs. It contained the moft indecent
reflections on the houfe of commons, and was figned
by the deputy-lieutenant of the county, feveral
jutlices of the peace and others, and was boldly
delivered to the houfe by five gentlemen of the
county, who, upon being called in and queftioned
at the bar of the houfe, owned the petition and
their hands to it. The houfe then took it into
confideration, and voted it to be a fcandalous, in-
folent, and feditious libel, tending to deftroy the
conftitution of parliaments, and to fubvert the
eftablifhed government of thefe realms ; and or-
dered the five perfons who had prefented it to be
taken into cuftodyas promoters of the faid petition.
Their confinement added fuel to the flame which
had been blowaup among the people ; and foon
after a paper came out, entitled a memorial from
the gentlemen, freeholders, and inhabitants of the
county of in behalf of themfelves, and many
thoufands of the good people of England. Herein
they charged the commons with breach of faith in
not paying the public debts; with imprifoning
gentlemen who were none of their members j
blamed them for .voting the partition-treaty fatal ;
mentioned a new claufe of rights ; admoniflied the
commons to aft according to their duty; and con-
cluded thus: " For Englishmen are no more to be
flaves to parliaments than to kings."
On the twelfth of June his majefty came to the
houfe, and gave the royal affent to the acl. of fuc-
ceffion, intitled, an act for the farther limitation of
the crown, and better fecuring the rights and liber-
ties of the fubject. On this occafion he made a
fpeech, wherein he expreffed his warm acknow-
ledgments to both houfes, for the care they had
taken to eftablifh the fucceffion of the crown in thfe
proteftant line, and for their repeated affurances of
fupporting him in fuch alliances as fhould be for
the prefervation of the liberty of Europe, and the
fecurity of England and Holland. He then told
them that the feafon of the year required his pre-
fence abroad, and recommended difpatch in the
bufinefs before them. Notwithftanding the com-
mons were exceedingly chagrined by the remon-
ftrance lately prefented them, they thought it be-
neath their dignity to take notice of it in the
houfe-, but in order to guard againft its confe-
quences, they drew up an addrefs, M'herein' they r.e-
prefented to his majefty, " That feveral dif.uTected
and evil-minded perfons having gone about to raife
tumults in feveral parts of the kingdom, to difiurb
the public tranquillity, they therefore humbly be-
fought his majefty to provide for the public peace
and fecurity." They likcwife prefented an addrefs
in anfwerto theking's fpeech, wherein they thanked
him for having approved of their proceedings; de-
clared they would fupport him totheutmoft; and
delired him to engage in fuch new alliances with
6 X the
542
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
the emperor, and other ftates, as he fliould deem
neceffary for bridling the exorbitant power of
France, and maintaining the independency of
Europe. They next proceeded upon the bufinefs
of fupplies, and granted the fum of a million and
a half for the public expences. They voted thirty
thoufand feamen, and refolved that ten thoufancl
troops fliould be fent to the afliftance of the States-
general. They pafled a bill for taking away all
privilege of parliament in legal profecutions during
the intermediate prorogations ; and introduced
another for appointing cornmiflioners to examine
and ftate the public accounts. On the twenty-
fourth of June, after his majefty had given the royal
aflent to feveral acts, he clofed the fefllon with a
fpeech, wherein he returned both houfes thanks for
the great zeal they had expreffed for the public
fervice, and their ready compliance with what he
recommended to them at the opening of the parlia-
ment; and particularly thanked the commons for
the fupplies, and for the encouragement they had
given him to enter into alliances for the preferva-
tion of Europe,
Having given the command of the ten thoufand
auxiliaries, voted by the commons for the fervice of
the States-general, to the earl of Marlborough ;
placed the earl of Pembroke at the head of the
admiralty; appointed Sir George Rooke to com-
mand the fleet; fettled the regency, and other
matters relating to domeftic government, William
embarked for Holland on the firft of July. Imme-
diately on his arrival at the Hague, he aflifted at
an aflembly of the States-general, whom he ad-
clrefled in a moft affectionate fpeech. He now fpent
fome time in reviewing the frontier garrifons of the
States, and gave fuch orders as he judged neceflary
for the better defence and fecurity of the country.
When he returned to the Hague, he was informed
that the count d'Avaux, the French ambafiador,
had delivered a letter from Lewis to the States, ac-
companied with a memorial of his own, to notify
his being called home by his matter; and wherein
he obfervecl, " That the ties between their High
Mightinefles and the king of England were too
ftrict, and they had too well made known their
blind fubmiflion to thefentimentsofthat monarch;
and no doubt but that they had already taken a re-
folution to make the fame declaration to the moft
chriftian king's ambafiador." The States-general,
on the firft of Auguft, returned a very fpirited
anfwer to this memorial.
Every thing now feemed to tend to render a new
war between France and Holland inevitable. The
latter therefore exertedall their endeavours in making
preparations for their own defence; they repaired
their fortifications, augmented their army, and hired
auxiliaries from various quarters. The king of
Denmark engaged to furnifti three thoufand horfe,
one thoufand dragoons, and eight thoufand foot, in
confideration of receiving a fubfidy of three hun-
dred thoufand crowns a year during the war. The
emperor, who was the perfon moft affected by the
acceflion of the duke of Anjou to the crown of
Spain, aflembled an army, the command of which
he beftowed on prince Eugene, one of the greateft
and moft fortunate generals then in Europe.
William applied his principal attention in putting
his navy on the moft refpectable footing, fenfible
of the fatal confequences that flowed from the want
of this precaution at the beginning of the laft war.
Accordingly, by the latter end of July, the Englifh
had a fleet of forty-eight ftiips of the line, bcfides
frigates, firc-fhips, and fmall veflels, at Spithead,
ready for the fea, under the command of Sir George
Rooke. That admiral cruifmg up and down the
Channel, over-awed the French during the re-
mainder of the feafon. About the latter end of
Auguft, vice-admiral Bembow was fent with a ftrong
I
fquadron to the Weft Indies. The French fuf-
peeled that this fleet was deftined to the Mediter-
ranean; and in order to confirm them in this be-
lief, and cover its true defign, William formally
demanded a free ufe of> the Spahifli hai hours. The
demand was, however, civilly evaded, though the
French ihips had free admittance. The king now
projected the grand alliance between the emperor
Leopold, England and Holland, againft France,
for recovering the Spanifti monarchy to the houfe of
Auftria, and for the fecurity of England and Hol-
land, in point of commerce and navigation, and of
the houfe of Hanover's fucceflion to the crown of
Great Britain, and to procure a fufficient barrier for
the Dutch. This triple alliance was framed in the"
nature of propofals, upon \\hich France might
come in ; and accordingly it was communicated to
the French ambaflador, and on their being rejected,
it was determined to have recourfe to arms. The
death of that weak and unfortunate prince, James
the Second, which happened at this time, brought
affairs much fooner to a crifis than perhaps they
would otherwife have been. He was feized with a
vomiting of blood, and died at St. Germains on
the fixteenth of September, in the fixty-eighth year
of his age, and the thirteenth of his exile. On
this event it was confidered in the French council,
what fteps mould be taken with regard to his fon.
Lewis was inclined to give him the fame titles his
father had borne; but the miniftry advifed their
matter to remain paflive, and fuffer him to aflame
what title he pleafed. They enforced their advice
with fuch reafons of found policy, that Lewis re-
folved not to acknowledge the fon of James the
Second as king. The fame day, however, Mary
of Modena, widow to the deceafed king, went to
Madam de Maintenon's apartment, to fpeak to the
French king. She found him there; and with a
flood of tears, conjured him not to treat her fon,
herfelf, and the memory of a king he had pro-
tected, with fo much indignity as to refufe a title,
the only remains of their former greatnefs. She
obferved,that as her fon always received thehonours
of prince of Wales, he ought to be treated as king
after the death of his father; and that even William
himfelf could not complain of this, provided he
was left to enjoy the throne of which he had de-
prived him. She then obferved, that whether he
acknowledged the fon of James or not, the Englifli
would, neverthelefs, declare war againft France,
and that he would only feel the regret of having
facrificed the moft noble fentiments to a fruitlefs
precaution. The entreaties of the royal widow were
powerfully feconded by Madam de Maintenon.
Lewis refumed his former fentiments, and James's
fon was proclaimed king of England, Scotland,
and Ireland, by the title of James III. And this
title was likewife recognized by the king of Spain,
the duke of Savoy, and the pope.
William was no fooner informed of this tranf*
action, then he difpatched a courier to the king of
Sweden, as guarantee of the treaty of Ryfwick, to
complain of this manifeft violation of that treaty.
At the fame time he recalled his ambaflador, the
earl of Manchefter, from Paris, with orders to
return without taking leave; and M. Pouflin, the
French refident, was told to depart the kingdom.
Lewis, in a manifefto which he publii'hed and dif-
perfed throughout Europe, endeavoured to vindi-
cate his own conduct. He pretended to aflert, that
there was nothing in what he had done contrary to
the treaty of Ryfwick; affirming, that he did not
intend to aflift king James the Third, as he ftiled
the pretender, in recovering his crown during the
life of his prefent majefty king William. Having
concluded alliances with feveral foreign princes
againft France, particularly that with the emperor
and Holland, the king began to prepare for his
return
WILLIAM
III.
543
return to England, biit being detained in Holland,
partly by his bad (late of health, and partly in con-
certing meitfuiYS with the States for attacking the
French frontiers the next campaign, he did not
arrive till the fifth of November. The firft thing
which engaged his attention and that of the council
was, whether the prefent parliament fhould be dif-
Jblved and a new one called. After fome debate
it was carried for the latter meafure.
n On the thirteenth of December, the
parliament met, and the commons
having chofen Mr. Harley for their fpeaker, the
king opened the feflion with a moft gracious and
patriotic fpeech* In anfwer to which the two
houfea prefented feparate addrefles to his majefty,
which were moft gracioufly received by him, and
at the fame time he gave them affurances of the
great fatisfaction he conceived of their duty and
affection. Forty thoufand men were appointed for
the naval fervice, and thg like number for the land*
In order to raife his majefty a prefent fum of money
for thofe purpoleSj the commons refolved, that
whoever fliould advance or lend the fum of fix
hundred thoufand pounds for the fervice of the fleet,
and fifty thoufand pounds for the prefent fubfiftence
of the land forces, mould be repaid with intereft at
fix per cent, out of the firft aids. It was alfo
tinanimoufly refolved by both houfes, to prefent an
addrefs to his majefty, befeeching him to infert an
article in all his treaties of alliance, importing, that
no peace mould be made with France, until his ma-
jefty and the nauon had reparation for the great
indignity offered by the French king, in owning
and declaring the pretended prince of Wales, king
of England, Scotland, and Ireland. A bill for
attainting the pretended prince of Wales, was
brought into the houfe of commons, which being
carried up to the other houfe, patted with the ad-
ditional claufe of attainder againft the late king
James's queen ; but when the bill was fent back to
the commons, they excepted to the amendment, as
irregular, and propofed that the queen fhould be
attainted in a feparate bill ; to which the lords
affented. The commons then took into confidera-
tion the conduct of the Kentifh petitioners who
infulted the laft parliament ; when they refolved
that Thomas Colepepper, Efq; had promoted that
fcandalous and feditious petition in the houfe of
commons, commonly called the Kentifh petition^
containing groundless reflections on that houfe, for
which he mould be committed to Newgate, and
the attorney-general fhould pfofecute him for that
crime, and likewife for being guilty of corrupt,
fcandalous and indecent practices, in endeavouring
to procure himfelf elected burgefs for the town of
Maidftonc in Kent. But while the houfe was thus
maintaining its own dignity, care was taken that
the rights and privileges of the fubjects fhould not
be injured ; and for this purpofe it was refolved by
a confiderable majority, that it was the undoubted
right of the people of England, to petition or ad-
drefs the king for the calling, fitting, or diflfolving
of parliaments, and for the redrefiing of grievances ;
;md that every fubject under an accufation, either
by impeachment or otherwife, had a right to be
brought to a fpcecly trial.
The king before his return from Holland had
engaged in a negotiation with the prince of Heffe
d'Arnrftadt, who affured him, that if he would lay
fiege to and take Cadiz, the admiral of Caftile, and
ieveral other grandees of Spain, would declare for
the houfe of Auftria. The emperor and the Dutch
had determined upon the fiege of Keyferwaert,
which the elector of Cologne had delivered into the
hands of the Fi cnch. The elector of Hanover had
refolved to difarm the prince of Wolfenbuttle and
Saxegotha ; the king of the Romans and prince
Lewis of Baden undertook to inveft Landau, and
the emperor promifed to fend a powerful reinforce-
ment to prince Eugene in Savoy. William alfo
fuggefted a plan for effectually reducing the exor-
bitant power, and chaftizing the infolence of France.
Thus every thing feemed to be in train to humble
the pride of a treacherous enemy ; but his majefty
did not live to attempt this important enterprize j
yet, though his conftitution was greatly impaired*
he endeavoured to conceal the effects of his-malady^
and to recruit his ftrength by regular exercife. But
on the twenty-firft of February, as his majefty was
riding from Kenfington to Hampton court, lu's
horfe fell, by which accident his collar-bone was
broke. Being conveyed to Hampton court, the.
fracture was reduced by llonjat, his furgeon. Iii
the evening his majefty returned to his palace at
Kenfington, where he had no fooner arrived, than
it was found, that the motion of the Carriage had
caufed the ends of the fractured bone to feparate ;
but they were foon replaced under the inflection of
Bidloo, his phyfician. The king appeared to be in
a fair way of recovery, till the firft or March, when
fymptomsof an inflammation were difcovered on his
knee, which caufed great weaknefs, and exquifite
pain. On the following day the bill of attainder
againft the pretended prince of Wales, and a bill
enacting, that the folemn affirmation of the people
called quakers, fliould be accepted in the courts of
law and equity, inftead of an oath, received the
royal aflent by commiflion. On the feventh of this
month, the king's lamenefs was fo far abated, that
he was able to walk fome time in the gallery of his
palace at Kenfington ; but feating himfelf on a
couch, he fell afleep, and was feized, upon his
waking, with a fhivering fit, which was prefently
followed by a fever and diarrhoea, Sir Piichard
Blackmore, and other celebrated phyficians, at-
tended his majefty, but all their endeavours to
afford him relief proved ineffectual; On the eighth
he granted a commiflion for paffing the malt tax
bill, and the bill of abjuration; but he was fd
weak, as to be incapable of fubfcribing the com-
miflion, and therefore affixed to it a ftamp prepared
for the purpofe, in the prefence of the lord keeper,
and the clerks of parliament. During the inter-
vals of his fits, the king fent for fevcral noblemen,
and fpake to them about private affairs. Upon
the arrival of the earl of Albemarle, he was ad-
mitted into the royal prefence; His majefty faid
to him, with unufual coolnefs, " I draw towards
my end." In the evening he thanked Dr. Bidloof
for his tendernefs and care, fayingj " I am con-
vinced that you, and the other learned phyficians,
have done every thing that the art of man could
effect, forprocuring me relief; but finding all your
efforts muft prove fruitlefs, I fubmit to my fate
without reluctance." Early in the morning of the
tenth, his majefty had received the holy facrament
from the hands of Tennifon, archbifhop of Canter-
bury, and continued in prayer with that prelate and
Dr. Burnet, bifhop of Salifbury, till about eight
o'clock, when he was feized with the agonies of
death. The king thanked lord Overkirk for the
zeal and fidelity with which he had promoted his
interefts, during a feries of feveral years, and de-
livered the keys of his clofet and efcritoir to lord
Albemarle, telling that nobleman, he was worthy
to be intruded with them. The earl of Portland,
after whom his majefty had made repeated enqui-
ries, did not arrive till he had entirely loft his fa-
culty of fpeech, and therefore he could only exprefs
his friendfhip for that nobleman, by graiping his
hand, and ardently prefling it to his bofoiru Soon
after he expired in the arms of Mr. Sewel, one of
the pages of the back ftairs, who fupported him as
he fat in his bed. Thus died, on the tenth of
March, William III. in the fifty-fecond year of his
age, and the fourtcetfc of his reign. The lords
544 TH'E NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Lexington and Scarborough, who were then in
waiting, no fooner perceived that the king was
dead, than they ordered Ronjat to takeoff from his
left arm a black ribband, which bound next to his
(kin a gold locket, containing fome hair of thejate
queen/exprefling the tender regard he had for her
memory. The royal corpfe, after having been
opened and embalmed, lay in ftate at Kenfington ;
and on the twelfth of April was depofited in a vault
of Henry the Vllth's chapel, in Weftminfter abbey.
In the beginning of May, a will which he had in-
truded with monlieur Schuylemburg was opened
at the Hague ; in which it appeared, that he had
declared his coufin, the prince Frifon of Naffau,
ftadtholder of Frifland, his fole and univerfal heir,
and appointed the ftates general his executors. By
a codicil, he bequeathed the lordftiip of Breevert,
and a legacy of two hundred thoufand guilders to
the earl of Albemarle.
Char after of King William III*.
This prince was of a middle ftature, flender, and,
by reafon of an immature birth, of a delicate con-
ftitution ; being fubjecl:, from his infancy, to a
cough and afthma. He had an aquiline nofe, a
high forehead, fparkling eyes, and a grave, folemn
afpeft. But by the aids of temperance and exercife,
he underwent much fatigue both in the field and in
the cabinet. He was endowed with a retentive
memory and a folid judgment ; in confequence of
which his plans, though feldom remarkably fuccefs-
ful, were never ineffectual. He was temperate,
juft, fincere, religious, and a ftranger to violent
tranfports of paffion. He was very referved, fpoke
but little, and wanted in his manners that pleafing
addrefs, which among the admirers of Charles II.
atoned for a number of his vices. He likewife was a
ftranger to that king's infincerity ; and never ap-
peared delighted with thofe he defpifed. The
defects of literary icience were in him fupplied by
* The character of this prince (a too common practice
with former hiftorians) has been fet in quite oppofite
lights, fome having beftowed on him the moft exalted en-
comiums, and others the moft inveterate obloquy. In
fuch inftances, which too frequently and fhamefully
occur, it has been o;)r cenitant endeavour to perfevere in
the middle way. Having pledged ourfelves to give the
public both an impartial and complete hiftory of" England ;
we reft fatisfied with the full perfuafion of having punc-
tually hitherto fulfilled our engagements. We have been
fufficiently diffufe, and upon a candid comparative view
of our labours with fimilar works, whofe limits and fize
being too confined, contain not even half the whole
hiftory of England) we flatter ourfelves, our rea'ders will
find we have brought together all the remarkable tranf-
a£tions, memorable events, and fingular occurrences, into
a (Inking point Of view. At the fame time we can aver,
that fcarce a number has been published, that has not
contained either in the matter or the embellishments, much
•interefting information, which may with ftri£t truth be
natural fagacity; and there were a fimplicity, an
elevation, an utility, in all the actions of his life.
The laft treaty which William figned was the grand
alliance; the Ijft act of parliament that he palled,
was one which completed the fecurity of the
Hanover fucccffion ; and the laft meflage he fcnt to
parliament, while he was in a manner expiring, was
to recommend an union between two parts of the
iiland which had been long divided. In fortitude
and equanimity he rivalled the moft renowned he-
roes of antiquity. Being a predeftinarian, he be-
lieved every bullet had its commiffion ; yet in battle
his fpirit was conftantly retrained from acts of
rafhnefs, by a deliberate judgment, and a remark-
able prefence of mind. He was a zealous afil-rter
of the reformed religion, recommending a con-
formity thereto by his own exemplary conduct.
He maintained invariably a regard for the natural
rights and liberties of mankind as rational,
focial beings. Influenced by this benevolent prin-
ciple, he exerted the moft heroic efforts in the de-
liverance of our anceftors from the bondage of
flavery ; and commenced champion of the general
liberties of Europe, the caufe of reafon, of nature,
of God, and of man. That the Seven United Pro-
vinces did not lofe their liberty by the growing
power of France ; that this ifland did not fink into-
the moft abjed flavery j that the proteftant religion
was not abolifhed by law in every county in Europe,
appears under God, to be owing to him. To him
it was owing, that mankind now fee the fingular
fpectacle of a monarchy, in which the fovereign de-
rives a degree of greatnefs and fecurity from the
liberty of his people, which treafures and arms have
not been able to beftow upon other princes. In
few words, William III. was a happy inftrumcnt
in the hand of Providence,- a good man, an
illuftrious fovereign ; and will ever hold a place
among the greateft princes recorded in the annals
of time.
ftiled new and entertaining, and which is not to be found
in any work of the like kind hitherto published, or now
publishing, by thofe whofe only defign in oppofition, is to
anfwer pecuniary and felf-interefted purpofes. Hence by
much labour and afliduity, we have eftablifhed what was
our only ambition, an honeft reputation. We have no-
thing to fear from the unmeaning conditions and deluding
promifes of envious competitors. Let every one examine
and compare our pretenlions, and give merit, wherever
found, the preference. For our parts, regardlefs of the
paltry artifices of interefted perfons ; we mail continue to
hold the fcale of impartiality and accuracy with an equal
hand. We fhall neither lefTen our original plan of
Seventy Numbers, the extraordinary large ftze of our pages,
the fullnefs of printing, nor our endeavours to inform and
pleafe ; truth fhall ftill guide our pen, and an unmaken
integrity influence the whole of our public conduft, with
regard to the honourable completion of THIS REAL NEW,
COMPLETE, UNIVERSAL, AND AUTHENTIC HISTORY
OF ENGLAND.
CHAP.
II.
A N ' N E,
SECOND DAUGHTER OF JAMES n.
S be profecutes the ivar againjl France — The duke of Marlborough appointed commander in chief — Admiral Bembctv's
fatal engagement — Thefuccefs of the allies, and of the French in Italy — The archduke Charles arrives in England
— 'The queen's bounty to the clergy — The •victory of Blenheim — Gibr alter taken by admiral Rooke — A naval en-
gagement— The victory of Ramellies, and conquejl of almoft all the Spanijh Netherlands — The union of Scotland
•with England — Battle ofOudenarde — Li fie taken — Sardinia and Minorca conquered — Death of princ e George —
Tourney taken — Battle of Malplaquet — Duke of Marlborough undermined by the tories — Sacbeverel tried in
frejente of the queen — General Stanhope and his troops, after the battle of Saragoffa, made prifoners of 'war— •
The government wholly in the hands of the tories — Marlborough deprived of his po/l, which is given to Ormond
— Peace of Utrecht — Oxford removed from the treafury—^een Anne's death and character.
\ D. 170". ANNE, princefs of Denmark,
* XA. fucceeded to the throne by vir-
tue of an act of fetjlement made in the preceding
o
reign ; and was proclaimed queen on the tenth of
March, when in the thirty-eighth year of her age.
Her firft aft of fovereignty was to convene the privy
council,
A
N N
E.
545
council, to whom fhe declared her concern for the
lofs the nation had fuftained in the death of his late
majefty ; her regard for the religion and liberties
of her country ; her defire to maintain the fucceffion
in the proteftant line ; and the government in
church and ftate, as by law eftabliflied ; and laftly,
her fixed refolution to curb the infolence of France,
and purfue the intereft of England, together with
that of the confederates, for the fupport of the com-
mon caufe. As by an act pafled in the late reign
the parliament continued fitting, even after the
king's death, both houfes unanimouily voted an
addrefs of condolence and congratulation. The
lords and commons then affured her majefty, that
they firmly refolved to enable her to maintain her
alliances, and the fucceillon in the proteftant line,
and effectually fupport the credit of the nation.
On the eleventh of March, the queen went to the
houfe of peers, where, with the ufual folemnity, fhe
delivered her firft fpeech to parliament, in which
fhe expreffed her fatisfaftion at their unanimous
concurrence with her in opinion, that too much
could not be done to reduce the exorbitant power
of France ; and defired at the fame time, they would
confider of proper methods for forming an union
between England and Scotland. She declared it
would be her conftant endeavour to make the beft
return for their duty and affection ; and as flie knew
her heart to be entirely Englifh, flie could very fin-
cerely affure them, that there was aot any thing
they could expect or defire from her, which fhe
fliould not always be ready to do for the profperity
and happiness of England, and that they fliould
fiud her a religious oblerver of her word. Thefe
aflurances were highly pleafing to all parties ; and
addreffes were prefentecl by the clergy of London,
by the diffenters in and about that city, and by all
the cities, towns, and corporations of England.
In return, fhe declared her attachment to the
church ; promifed protection to the diffenters, and
received the compliments of all her fubjects with
an affability that engaged their affections.
The States having received the news of William's
death, immediately affembled : and for fome time
gazed at each other in filent aftonifhment. They
wept-, interchanged embraces,and vowed, that they
would acl: with unanimity, and expend their pre-
cious blood in defence of their country. Soon
fter penfionary Fagei imparted a letter which he
ad received from the earl of Marlborough, con-
taining aflurances in the queen's name, of union
and afliftance. But what chiefly revived the fpirits
of the Dutch, was the arrival of the earl of Marl-
borough, whom her majefty had appointed gene-
raliflimo and ambaffador extraordinary. The earl
fucceeded in every part of his negotiation, and
having concerted meafures for the enfuing cam-
paign, embarked for England on the third of April.
In the mean time the commons having voted the
queen the fame revenue for life, which had been
enjoyed by king William, fhe came to the parlia-
ment on the thirtieth of March, and generoufly in-
fftmed them, that fhe would give one hundred
thoufanci pounds for the public fervice. Her ma-
jefty was crowned on the twenty-third of April, and
about the fame time, the council ordered the
princefs Sophia to be publicly prayed for. On the
fourth of May war was declared againft France ;
and in this proclamation, the French king was
charged with having taken poffeffion of great part
of the Spanifli dominions ; with defigning to invade
the liberties of Europe •, and with having offered an
ipfult to the queen and her throne, by prefuming
to declare the pretended prince of Wales king of
England, Scotland, and Ireland. The defign of
thfe war was to reftore the balance of Europe, by
taking the Spanifli dominions out of the hands of
the French monarch, and placing the archduke
No. 51.
Charles, the fecond fon of the emperor Leopold-,
on the throne of Spain, whom the allies acknow-
ledged as king, in oppofitioh to the duke of Anjou.
This was the fcope of the grand alliance which
William had formed with the emperor and the
States General, and to which acceded the kings of.
Portugal and Pruffia, the duke of Savoy, Holland,
and other powers. After war was declared, the
queen appointed lord Godolphin high-treafurer,
prince George of Denmark, her royal confort, lord
high-admiral, and Sir George Rooke, vice-admiral
of England. On the fecond of July the parliament
was diflolved, as it muft have expired by the act fix
months after the death of the king. By this time
the campaign had been opened in Germany. The
confederates began with the fiege of Keyferfwaert,
a ftrong town on the Rhine, which the elector of
Cologne had put into the hands of the French, and
notwithftanding a vigorous defence, the place fur-
rendered about the beginning of June. In the
mean time theFrench prevailed in the Netherlands j
but the States having put their forces under the
command of the earl of Marlborough, he afiembled
the confederate troops about the beginning of July,
and marched againft the enemy, who retired before
him, till they had entirely abandoned Spanifli Guel-
derland. Not being able to bring them to an en-
gagement, the earl took Venlo on the twenty-fifth
of September, Ruremond on the fixth of October,
and Liege about the end of that month. In No-
vember the army breaking up, Marlborough re-
paired to Maeftricht, from whence he pi opofed to
return to the Hague by water. He accordingly
embarked in a large boat with twenty-five foldiers,
under the command of a lieutenant. But in the
night a French partizan, with thirty-five men from
Gueldres, lurking among the ruflies, in expectation
of prey, feizing the rope by which the boat was
drawn, hauled it afliore ; they then ruflied into the
Veflel, and fecured the foldiers before they could
put themfelves in a pofture of defence. Thus the
earl of Marlborough, with general Opdam, and
Gueldermalfen, one of the deputies of the States,
were taken prifoners. Thefe laft were happily
provided with pafiports. The earl had neglected
this precaution, and it appeared as if nothing could
fave him : but recolleding he had an old pafiport
for his brother, general Churchill, in his pocket, he,
with admirable prefence of mind, produced it as his
own ; and the French being in fuch eonfufion as to
neglect examining the date, were fatisfied with
rifling their baggage, and carrying off the guard as
prifoners. The governor of Venlo being informed
that Marlborough had been furprized, and conveyed
to Gueldres, immediately marched with his whole
garrifon to inveft that town. The fame imperfect
account being carried to Holland, the whole pro-
vince was filled with confternation ; and the States
immediately aflembling, refolved, that all their
forces fliould inftantly "march to Gueldres, to his
relief: but before thefe orders could be difpatched,
the earl, to the inexpreflible joy of the people, ar-
rived at the Hague.
The operations of the combined fleets did not
anfwer the expectations of the public. The late
king, juft before his death, had formed a defign of
reducing Cadiz, and the queen determined to
put this project in execution. The fleet confifted
of fifty fail of the line, commanded by Sir George
Rooke, and the duke of Ormond was appointed
general of the land forces. Toward the latter end
of June the fleet failed from St. Helen's, and on the
twelfth of Auguft anchored at the diftance of two
leagues from Cadiz. On the fifteenth the duke
of Ormond landed his troops in the bay <5f Bulls,
and repulfed a body of Spanifli infantry. He then
fummoned the governor of St. Catharine to fur-
render, and received for anfwer, that they were pre-
6 Y pared.
546
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
pared for his reception. A battery was now raifed
againft Montagorda fort, oppofhe to the Puntal ;
but the attempt mifcarried, and the troops were re-
imbarkcd. On his return to England, Rooke re-
ceived advice, that the galleons from the Welt
Indies had put into Vigo, under convoy of a French
fquadron. He therefore refolved to fail thither
and attack them. The paffage into the harbour
was well fecufed and defended. As the firft and
fccond rates of the combined fleet were too large to
enter, the admirals fhiftcd their flags to fmaller
fliips. To favour the attack Ormond landed with
twenty-five hundred men, and took by affault a
fort and platform of forty pieces of cannon, at the
entrance of the harbour. No fooncr was the Britifh
cnfign difplayed at the top of the forr, than the
fhips advanced to the attack. Vice-admiral Hop-
fon, in the Torbay, crowding all his fail, ran
directly againft the boom, which was broke by the
firft (hock ; and the whole fquadron entered the
harbour, through a terrible fire from the enemies
fhips and batteries. Thele laft however were
ftormed and taken by the grenadiers, who had been
landed. The French, after an obftinate refiftance,
finding themfelves unable to contend with fuch an
adverfary, refolved to fet fire to their galleons and
fliips of war, that they might not fall into the hands
of the victors. They accordingly burned and ran
afhore eight fhips, and as many advice boats ; but
ten fhips, and eleven galleons were taken. Though
they had fecured the beft part of their effects, be-
fore the combined fleets arrived, yet the value of
fourteen millions of pieces of eight, in plate and
rich commodities, were deftroyed in fix galleons
that perifhed ; but about half that value was
brought off by the conquerors ; fo that this victory
proved a dreadful ftroke to the enemy, and a valu-
able acquisition to the allies. Sir George Rooke,
being joined foon after by Sir Cloudeflcy Shovel,
left this officer to bring home the prizes, and deftroy
the fortifications, while' he returned in triumph to
England. But the Englifh were not fo fuccefsful
in America as in Europe. By the death of admiral
Bembow, England was deprived of one of the braveft
fea officers Ihe ever produced. This great man
having received information that M. de Caffe, with
a French fquadron was expected at Hifpaniola, re-
folved to go in queft of him. On the nineteenth
of Auguft he came up with the French fquadron,
confiding of ten fail, viz. four of fcventy guns, one
of forty, and the reft fmall frigates. Bembow had
only feven fhips with him, viz. the Breda of feventy
guns, the Defiance of fixty-four, the Ruby of fifty-
four, and the Pendennis, Greenwich, Windfor, and
Falmouth, of fifty each. The admiral in the Breda,
with the Falmouth and Ruby, began the attack,
but the other four fliips fell aftern, and fcarcc fired
a (hot ; notwithftanding which the admiral purfued
the enemy, and maintained a running fight for five
days, when one of the enemy's principal (hips ap-
peared quite difabled. But the French having by
this time difcovered that Bembow was not teconded
by the reft of his captains, came down furioufly
upon him, and in the height of the engagment, he
had the misfortune to have* his leg (nattered ro
pieces by a chain-fhot. Undaunted by this acci-
dent he ordered his cradle to be brought upon deck,
and ftill continued the fight, till the captains, who
had fo bafely deferted him, came on board, and
defircd him to defift, alledging the enemy was too
ftrong. The admiral, appreheniive from their
former conduct, that if he withftood their impor-
tunities they might go over to the French, returned
to Jamaica. Enraged at the bale behaviour of his
captains, he immediately iffued a commiflion to rear
admiral Whetftone, and other officers, to hold a court-
martial, and try them for cowardice. Hudibn of the
Pendennis, died before the trial; Kirby of the De-
fiance, and Wade of the Greenwich, U-ere convicted
and fcntenced to be fliot ; Conflable of the Windfor
was cafhiered and imprifoned ; Vincent df the Fal-
mouth, and Fogg, the admiral's own captain, were
convicted of having figned a paper, that they would
not fight on the prefent occalion ; but as they had be-
haved gallantly in the action, the court only inflicted
on them the punifliment of fufpeniion, noruas that
to take place till the lord high admiral's plcafure
fliould be known. Wade and Kirby were lent
home in the Briftol, and, upon their arrival at Ply-
mouth, fhot on board the fliip ; a dead warrant ibr
their immediate execution having lam there for
fome time. In the mean time admiral Bembow
was fo deeply affected by this mifcarriage, that he
became melancholy, and his grief having aug-
mented the fever,, occafioned by his wound, it foon
put a period to his life.
On the fccond of July, the queen iffued writs for
calling another parliament ; it met on the twentieth
of October, when the commons chofe Mr. Robert
Harley for their fpeaker. In an addrefs of thanks,
returned by the lords to the fpeech, they congratu-
lated her majcfty on the fuccefs of her arms under
the earl of Marlborough, in general terms, but
the commons were more particular, for in their ad-
drefs they caft feveral invidious reflections on the
late reign ; and among other things obfervcd, " that
the wonderful progrefs of her majefty'sarms, under
the earl of Marlborough, had fignally retrieved_the
ancient honour and glory of the Englifh nation."
The word retrieved, occafioned feveral w arm debates
in thehoufe, fome affirming, that it evidently imp'iad
a reflection on the memory of the late king, as if the
honour of the nation had been loft, or had greatly
fuffered in his reign, and the word maintained, was
propofed to be inierted in its room. But the tpries
who introduced and fupported the firft expreffion, '
gained their point, and upon a divifion, retrieved
was carried by a great majority. November the
twenty-firft, the queen fent a meffage to the houfe
of commons, by Mr. fecretary Hedges, informing
them, " that her majelty, confidering there was but
a very {lender provilion made for the prince her
hufband, if he mould fuxvive her ; and that flie w as
restrained from increafing the fame by the late act
of parliament, for fettling the revenue, thought it
neceffary to recommend the making a further pro-
vilion for the prince to their conlideration." In
confequence of this meffage the commons unani-
moufly refolved, " that the yearly fum of one hun-
dred thoufand pounds be fettled upon his royal
highnefs, in cafe he fliould furvive her majefty."
The earl of Marlborough now received the thanks
of both houfes for his lignal fervices ; and on the
fecond of December her majefty declared in the
committee of council, that (lie was fo fatisfied with
the eminent fervices of lord Marlborough to the
public and herfelf, both in the command of the
army, and the entire confidence he had fettled be-
tween her majefty and her allies, the States General,
that (he intended to create him a duke, and allo to
grant him a penfion of five thoufand pounds per
annum, upon the revenue of the poft-office, for the
fupport of his honour during her majefty 's life.
Commiffioners for (rating the public accounts
having, by order of the houfe of commons, ex-
amined thole of the earl of Ranclagh, pay-mafter of
the army, laid them before the hou(c, with their
own obtervationSj in which they bore very hard
upon the earl, and the commons, after a full hear-
ing of all parties, < ame to'feveral refolutions againft
that nobleman, who, to avoid any farther enquiries
into his management, religncd his place; but this
was not fufficient to appeafe the commons ; for they
expelled him their houfe, of which he was a mem-
ber, and even addrclled her majcfty to order the at-
torney general to profecute him, but the" queen <Jul
not
A
N
N
547
not think proper to comply with their requeft.
Violent animofities were produced between the two
houfes, by this enquiry; and the queer! being in-
formed thereof, fent a mefiage to the lords, defiring
they wduld difpatch the bufinefs iii which they were
engaged ; but the quarrel between the twd houfes
ftill continuing with a warmth that left little hopes
of an accommodation, her majefty refdlvcd to put
an end to the feffion as foon as pollible.
. ^ The queen informed the commons,
A. L>. 1703. that the Sutes Gcnerai ha(j puffed her
to augment her forces, as the only means to render
ineffectual the great and early preparations of the
enemy; The commons immediately refolved. that
ten thoufand men mould be hired as an augmenta-
tion of the forces to act in conjunction with the
allies; but at the fame time they intrcated her ma-
jefty to make it a point with the States General, that
they mould put an immediate flop to all commerce
and corrcfpondence with France and Spain ; and on
the twcnty-feventh of February, her maj fty came to
the houfe of peers, and gave the royal affent to
feveral ads ; after which the lord-keeper, by her
majefty's command, prorogued the parliament.
Marlborough having crofTed the fea about the
middle of April, immediately affembled the allied
army, and opened the campaign in Flanders with
the liege of Bonne, which place was attacked in
three different quarters at once. The garrifon made
a very vigorous defecce, but at laft, the fort having
been taken by affault, and the breaches being prac-
ticable, the marquis d'Alegre, the governor,
ordered a parley to be beat ; hoftages were imme-
diately exchanged, and two days after the garrifon
inarched out, and were fent to Luxemburgh. The
duke now advanced towards the French army with
an intent to give them battle; but upon his ap-
proach, Villeroy thought proper to retire within the
lines, having firft blown up the works about Ton-
geren. It was next refolved to attack the French
lines ; which fervice was effectually performed by
general Coehorn and baron Sparre, though not
without confiderable lofs in the attack. The duke
of Marlborough finding it impoflible to bring the
French to an engagement, fat down before Fluy, of
which he made himfelf matter in about ten days.
On the tenth of September, the confederates in-
veftcd Limburgh, which furrendered on the twenty-
eighth, and put an end to the campaign in Flanders.
On the thirtieth of October, the duke of Marl-
borough returned to England. The command of
the grand Heet was this year given to Sir Cloudelley
Shovel, Sir George Rooke being ill at Bath. It
confiftcd of thirty-five fhips of the line, and the
admiral had under him Sir Stafford Fairborne,
vice-admiral of the red ; Sir George Byng, rear-
admiral of the red; and Sir John Leake, vice-ad-
miral of the blue. While this Heet was at fea, in-
telligence was brought to the lord high-admiral's
council, that a considerable fleet of French mer-
chant fhips, with their convoy, were in Concalle
bay, on the coaft of Normandy. Orders were im-
mediately given to admiral Dilkes to fail in purfuit
of them, which he did on the twenty-fecond of
July, and executed his commiffion with fuch fuc-
cefs, that he took, burnt, and funk, upwards of
forty fail, three of which were equipped as men of
war.
Lewis was ftill able to make head againft the
united efforts of the grand alliance ; it was there-
fore refolved to weaken him by detaching from his
intcreft two of his principal allies. The project
' fucceeded ; and Lewis with amazement heard, that
the duke of Savoy was in actual treaty with the
emperor. He immediately fent orders to the duke
of Vendofme to feizc and difarm the troops of
Savoy, that were in his fervice, to the number of
twenty-two' thoufand men. The duke, by way of
4
reprifal, commanded feVeral French dfficers
were in Turin, and the French ambaffador himfelf,
to be put tuider drreft; This proceeding produced
a fecond order from Lewis to the duke of Ven-
dofme, rd invade Savoy immediately; In return^
the duke publilhed a manifeftd, fetting forth the
hecefllty and juftice of his proceedings, and fent
expreffcs to the confederated powers to folicit their
affiftancc againft the impending ftorm; The queen
affurcd him of her protection, and both (he and the
States fent ambaffadors to the court of Turin. In
the mean time the duke concluded a treaty with
the court of Vienna, who promifed him all that
France and Spain had refufed him, viz. Monferrat,
Mantua, Alexandria, Valencia, and the countries
between the Po and the Tanaro, with more money
than he received from France in fubfidies. The
money was to be furniftied by England, fdr the
emperor had fcarcely fufficient to pay his troops*
In return, the duke of Savoy acknowledged the
archduke Charles as king of Spain, and pre-
pared for the event. France had fcarce received
intelligence that me had loft this ally, but fhe alfo"
heard that Portugal had deferted her. Mr. Me-
thuen, our ambaffador at that court, had fpared no
pains to detach his moft Faithful majefty from his
unnatural connections with the grand mdnarcru
His arguments had their full weight with his Por-
tuguefe majefty, who was moreover allured by the
profpect of a match between the infanta his daughter
and the archduke Charles, to whom the emperor
and the king of the Romans, fliould transfer all
their pretenfions tx> the crown df Spain. A treaty
was ndw fet on foot and foon concluded at Lifbon,
between the emperor, the queen of Great Britain,
the king of Portugal, and the States General. In
this treaty it was ftipulated, that king Charles
fliould be conveyed to Portugal by a powerful fleet,
having on board twelve thoufand foldiers, with a
great fupply of arms and ammunition, and that
twenty-eight thoufand Portuguefe ihould be ready
to join him immediately at Lifbon. About the
middle of September king Charles fet out from
Vienna for Holland, and parting through the terri-
tories of the elector of Hanover, was met by that
prince, who complimented him on his acceffion.
At Dufleldorp he was vifited by the elector Palatine
and the duke of Marlborough, the latter of whom
made him compliments of congratulation in the
name of our queen. On the fecond of November
his majefty arrived at the Hague, where he repre-
fented to the States, that the province of Limburgh
belonged to him as king of Spain, and defired he
might have the civil government thereof; which
the States complying with, his majefty appointed
count Zinzendorf to take pofleffion of the town
and province of Limburgh in his name. Having
paid his vifit at the Hague, the archduke arrived
in England, where he was royally entertained by
the queen and prince George at Windfor, for three
days; and in the following year he failed with the
combined fleets for Portugal. The parliament
meeting on the ninth df November, the queen
dpened the feflidn with a fpeech, wherein ftie took
notice of the declaration by the duke of Savoy, and
the treaty of Portugal, as circumftances very ad-
vantageous to the allies. The treaty with Portugal
being now laid before the lower houfe, and duly
confidered, they voted forty thoufand men, including
five thoufand marines, for the fea fervice of the en-
fuing year ; the like number df land forces to act
in conjunction with the allies, befides the additional
ten thoufand ; and they refolved that the proportion
to be employed in Portugal ihould amount to eight
thoufand. For the maintenance of thefe arma-
ments, as well as for the difcharge of the fubfidies,
payable to her inajcfty's allies, they granted the fum
of three millions " eight hundred and eighty one
thoufand
548
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
thoufand fix pounds, fifteen fhillings. They likc-
\vife prefented an addrefs to the queen, in which
they affured her, that they would provide for the
fupport of fitch alliances as fhe had made of fhouid
make with the duke of Savoy.
September the twenty^fixth, about eleven o'clock
at night, there arofe the mod dreadful tempeit that
had ever been known in the memory of man, at-
tended with fuch flaflies of lightening and peals of
thunder as filled every mind with the utmoft terror
and confternatiort. The houfes in London fhook
from their foundations, and feveralof them falling,
overwhelmed the inhabitants in their ruins. The
Thames overflowed feveral ftreets, and rofe to a
confiderable height in Weftmirifter hxt!. London
bridge was almoft choaked up with the wretk of
veflels that were beat to pieces in the river. The
lofsfuftained by the capital alone was computed at
near two millions, and the city of Bfiftol fuffered to
the amount of two hundred thotifand pounds : but
the greateft lofs fell upon the navy, of which there
perimed no lefs than thirteen fhips, upwards of
fifteen hundred feamen were drowned, 'among whom
was Beaumont, rear admiral of the blue, who had
been employed all this year in obferving the Dun-
kirk fquadron i Thefe lofies, however, though they
affected us greatly at home, ferved in fome meafure
to raife our reputation abroad ; for orders were im-
mediately iffued for building a greater number of
(hips than deftroyed; and the queen, by gracious
bounties, gave fuch fpeedy relief to thofe feamen
who efcaped with their lives, and to the diftrefled
widows of fuch as were drowned, as gained her
lull pofleflion of the hearts and affections of her
jfubjects.
At this time Simon Frazer, lord Lovat, and two
other perfons, were fent over from St. Germains to
Scotland, with inftructions to learn theftrength and
fentiments of the clans, and endeavour to perfuade
ibme of the nobility and leading men to enter into
a defign the French had formed of reftoring the
pretender to the crown of that kingdom. Sir John
Maclean, who had lately come over from France to
England, had been apprehended at Folkftone in
Kent, from whence he was brought to London in
cuftody of the queen's meflengers. A perfon
named Keith was apprehended at the fame time, as
was Mr. Lindfey, who had been under fecretary to
king James and the pretender. James Boucher,
who had been aid de camp to the duke of Berwick,
was taken on the coaft of Suflex, coming over from
France. Such a number of rebels and outlaws
coming over at this time, tended to confirm the
truth of a confpiracy being in agitation, though
they made ufe of the fpecious pretence, that their
only defign was to live peaceably at home, under
her majefty's government for the future. But one
Fergufon, who had been concerned in almoft every
Jacobite plot, came in voluntarily and declared, that
Frazer had been employed by the duke of Queenf-
berry, to draw fome perfons whom that nobleman
had a diflike to, into a plot, but that there was in
reality no fuch thing in agitation. Thefe affurances,
however, gained little credit, and the houfe of
lords, taking thefe matters into confideration, re-
folved that a committoe fhould be appointed to ex-
amine into the particulars, and ordered that Sir
John Maclean and the other emifiaries, fhould be
taken into the cuftody of the black rod, and no per-
fon admitted to fpeak to them. This ftep greatly
offended her majefty, fhe thinking it too officious
an interpofition to take them out of the hands of
--hec meflengers, informed the lords, « that ftie
thought it would be inconvenient to change the
iJfriKthod of examination already begun, and, that fhe
would, in a fhort time, inform the houfe of the
wjiolc affair." 2
A. D. 1 704.
The lords, proceeded in their ex-
aminations of the Scottish plot; and
on the twenty-ninth of January, the earl of Not-
tingham acquainted them, that the queen had com-
manded him to lay before them the account, con-
taining all the papers hitherto discovered in relation
to that affair; but that there was one circumftance
that could not be propeily communicated without
running a rifk of preventing a difcovery of much
greater importance : but the lords not fatisfied with
this referve, prefented an addrefs, dcfiring that all
the papers, without diftinftion, might be fubmitted
to their inflection, in order to enable them to pe-
netrate to the bottom of this confpiracy before the
conelufion of the feffion. Upon this the queen, a
few days after, fent the papers fealed to the houfe j
and all the lords were fummoned to attend on the
eighth of February, that they might then be opened
and perufed. The houfe accordingly met, and
having finifhed the examinations, voted, that there
had been dangerous plots between fome perfons in
Scotland and the courts of France and St. Ger-
mains ; and that the encouragement for this plotting
arofe, from not fettling the fucceffion of the crown
in the houfe of Hanover; Thefe votes were figni-
fied to the queen in an addrefs, and the lords pro-
mifed, that when this fucceffion mould be once
fettled, they would endeavour to promote the union
of the two kingdoms upon juft and honourable
terms. Her majefty in the mean time performed
an act of generofity which greatly endeared her to
her fubjects, and was a convincing proof of the
great regard fhe had for religion, by conferring on
the poor clergy a more extenfive and magnificent
bounty than any of her predeceflbrs ever had done :
and which at this day amounts to above twenty
thoufand a year, and is ftill increafing. On the
twenty-feventh of February, her majefty fent a
meffage to the commons, importing, " that having
maturely confidered the mean and infignificant
maintenance appointed for the clergy : in various
parts of the kingdom, fhe had remitted the arrears
of the firft fruits and tenths, to the faid poor clergy:
that fhe would grant her whole revenue arifing out
of thi3 fund, as far as it fhould become free from
incumbrances, towards an augmentation of their
maintenance; and that if the houfe of commons
could difcover any method by which her good in-
tentions towards the clergy could be rendered more
effectual, it would be at once a great advantage to
the public, and very acceptable to herfelf." Hav-
ing received this meflage, the commons voTed an
addrefs to the queen, in which they exprefled their
thanks for her pious concern for increafing the
maintenance of the poor clergy out of her own re-
venue, and affured her majelty they would exert
their utmoft endeavours to render her intentions
more effectual; and a bill was brought in, for ena-
bling her majefty to grant in perpetuity the revenue
of the firft fruks and tenths, for the maintenance of
the poor clergy. At the fame time they repealed
the ftatute of Mortmain, fo far as it might be free
to all men, either by deed or their laft wills, to give
what they thought proper, towards the augmenta-
tion of benefices. This was cppofed with great
warmth by fome of the lords, who alledged, it
would be opening a door for the clergy to practifs
upon the weaknefs of dying men : but after a de-
bate of feveral hours, it was carried in the affirma-
tive by a great majority ; and foon after pafled into
a law.
The emperor's affairs were now in the moft de-
plorable fituation ; and the houfe of Auftrifc faw
itfelf on the brink of ruin, without a timely and
powerful afliftance. The elector of Bavaria was
mafter of Pafiau ; thirty thoufand French under the
command of marshal Marfin, who had fucceeded
Villars,
N N
E.
549
Villars, over-run the country on the other fide the
Danube; feveral flying parties werein Auftria:Vienna
itfclf was threatened on one fide by the French and
Bavarians, and on the other by prince Rogotfki, at
the head of the mutinous Hungarians, fighting for
their Jiberty, and aflifted with money by tne French
and Turks. In this forlorn condition, Leopold had
no other refource than that of imploring the
afiiftance of her Britannic majefty. He therefore,
about the beginning of April, ordered Wratiflaw,
the Imperial envoy at London, to prefent a me-
morial to the queen, difplaying the imminent dan-
ger that threatened Germany, and earneftly implor-
ing her relief. This memorial was ftrongly fup-
jiorted by the duke of Marlborough, who repre-
fented the abfolute necefllty of fpeedily fuccouring
the emperor. The queen, who was entirdy guided
by that general, returned a favourable anfwer to the
emperor's memorial; and the duke embarking for
Holland, arrived at the Hague,about the beginning
of May, where he had a conference with the States
General; and the Dutch readily agreed to fend
immediately a body of troops to the relief of the
emperor. Having obtained every thing he wifhed,
the duke purfued his rout into the heart of the em-
pire, and by forced marches, arrived on the banks
of the Danube near Donawert, oppofite to the Ba-
varian lines, where about eight thoufand French,
and as many Bavarians, lay intrenched. On the firft
of July the duke of Marlborough encamped with
his right at Amerdghem,and his left at Onderingen.
The elector of Bavaria immediately fent a detach-
ment of his beft troops to reinforce count d'Arco,
who was ported at Schellenburg, fituatcd on a rifing
ground on the Danube, where, for feveral days he
had been raifing intrenchments, it being a poft of
vaft importance. Marlborough, however, know-
ing that the works were not completed, refolved to
attempt driving the enemy from their pofts. Ac-
cordingly, on the fecond of July, he advanced, with
a detachment of fix hundred foot, thirty fquadrons
of Englifh and Dutch, and three battalions of
Englifh grenadiers, the reft of the army following
him with all imaginable diligence. By unavoidable
accidents it was near three in the afternoon before
the duke could pafs the river Werimitz, which runs
by Donawert, with the artillery. At length the
attack was begun with unparalleled courage by the
Englifh and Dutch ; the Imperialifts not being yet
arrived. The enemy made a moft vigorous defence,
but after an engagement of about an hour and an
half, in which time the Imperialifts came up, the
intrenchments were forced, and the allies made a
terrible flaughterof the enemy, who with the utmoft
precipitation ran towards Donawert and the Da-
nube, and upon being clofely purfued, the gi eateft
part followed the example of their generals, who
i warn ever that river. Our lofs amounted to about
fix thoufand men, among whom were many brave
officers. That of theenemy was computed at about
eight thoufand. We took lixteen pieces of cannon
and thirteen colours and ftandards. The day after
this action the army took poffefiion of Donawert;
the Bavarian garrifon quitted it upon their ap-
proach ; having firft broke down all the bridges,
but wanted time fo deftroy the ammunition and
provisions, purfuant to the orders they had re-
ceived.
The elector of Bavaria paffed the Danube, to pre-
vent the victors cutting off his retreat into his own
country. The confederates having crofled the river
on feveral bridges of pontoons, a detachment was
fent to take port in the country of the elector, who
had retired under the cannon of Augfburg. The
allies advanced within a league of that city, but
finding the enemy too fecurcly pofted, to be at-
tacked with any profpcct of fuccefs, they encamped
in mch a manner as to cut off all communication
between him and his dominions* Marlborough
No. 52.
now propofed very advantageous terms of peace to
the elector, on condition of his abandoning the
French, and his fubjects prefled him to comply,
rather than expofe his country to ruin and defola-
tion. A negotiation was therefore begun; but
when he appeared ready to fign the articles, hearing
that marfhal Tallard was marching with a great
body of forces to join him, he declared, that he
thought himfelf obliged in honour to continue firm
in his alliance. The allies exafpeiatecl at this dif-
appointment, ravaged Bavaria. The duke foon
after removing his camp, the elector of Bavaria
marched to Biberach, where he was joined by count
Tallard, and they pafling the Danube, encamped at
Blenheim. The duke of Marlborough and prince
Eugene having alfo joined their forces, marched up
to the enemy, whom they found advantageoufly
pofted on a hi!l near Hochftet. On the twelfth of
Auguft the confederate generals went out to take a
view of the enemy, and difcovered by their glafTes
that their whole army was in motion, the quarter-
mafters having marked out a camp from Blenheim
to Lutzingen. About four in the afternoon they
difcerned plainly the enemy's tents pitched, and that
they were very advantageoufly pofted ; their right,
being covered by the Danube, and the village of
Blenheim ; their left by a wood and the village of
Lutzingen; and their front by a rivulet, the banks
whereof were fteep and marfhy. The confederate
gencnils perceived the difficulties which would
attend an attack of the enemy in this fituation; but
they faw alfo the danger of being inactive in
their camp, till their forage might be confumed
and their provifions cxhaulted : they, therefore,
on the thirteenth advanced into the plain, and
ranged their forces in order of battle. All necefiary
difpofitions having been made, and orders commu-
nicated to general officers, the cannonading began
about nine in the morning, and continued on both
fides till one in the afternoon. The French and
Bavarians amounted to about fixty thoufand, with
one hundred pieces of cannon. On their right were
pofted the marfhal Tallard, and the French troops
he brought with him; and on the left the elector
with his Bavarians, and the French troops under
the command of marfhal Marfin. The number of
the confederates did not exceed fifty-five thoufand.
Their right was commanded by prince Eugene ;
their left by the lords Cutts, Orkney, and the ge-
nerals Churchill, Lumley, and Ingoldfby ; and the
duke of Marlborough as commanderin chief, took
his ftation in the centre. The action was begun at
noon by major general Wilkes, with a body of
Englifh and Heffians, who having with great diffi-
culty pafTecl a rivulet, attacked the village of Blen-
heim with great bravery ; but were repulfed after
three fucceffive attempts. Meanwhile the troops
in the centre and part of the right wing pafied the
rivulet in different places ; and formed on the other
fide without moleftation. They were, however, at
length, charged by the French horfe with fuch im-
petuofity, and fo terribly galled in flank by the
troops pofted at Blenheim, that they fell into dif-
order, and part of them repafled the river ; but a
reinforcement of dragoons coming up, the French
cavalry were, in their turn, broken, and driven to
the very hedges of the village of Blenheim. The
left wing of the confederates being now formed,
afcended the hill in a firm compact body, and
charged the enemy's horfe with fuch fury, that
though they rallied feveral times, they could not
ftand their ground, but fled with precipitation.
Tallard now ordered ten battalions to fill up the
intervals of his cavalry, which the duke obferving,
fent three battalions of the troops of Zell, to fup-
port his horfe. Neverthelefs the line was difor-
dered from the fire of the French infantry, and was
obliged to recoil } but advancing to the charge with
redoubled ardour, they routed the French cavalry,
6 Z whofe
55
o
THE NEW ANI>
COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
whofe battalions being thus deferted, were cut to
pieces. Tallard rallied the remains of his broken
cavalry behind fome tents that were ftill ftandmg;
but they being vigoroufly attacked in flank, were
totally routed. Part of them endeavoured to gain
a bridge they had thrown over the Danube between
Hochftct and Blenheim-, but were fo clofely pur-
fued, that thofe who efcaped the {laughter threw
themfclves into the river, where they were drowned.
Tallard, being furrounded, was taken prifoner, to-
gether with the marquis de Montperoux, three
major-generals, and many other officers of diftinc-
tion. While the left wing of the allies was thus
victorious, the centre, overpowered by numbers,
was repulfed; but the duke of M arlborough
brought up fome frefh fquadrons from the body-
referve, and obliged the enemy to retire. He had
no fooner defeated the right wing, than he pre-
pared to reinforce prince Eugene, when he Bunder-
flood his highnefs had no occafion for his afllftance,
he having put the enemy to flight. The rout now
became general in the French army; every one fled
with the greateft precipitation ; and fo extreme was
the terror and confufion, that officers and foldiers
ran headlong into the Danube. The confederates,
being now mailers of the field of battle, furrounded
the village of Blenheim, in which were ported
twenty-feven battalions, and twelve fquadrons.
Thefe, being cut off from, all communications with
the reft of the army, laid down their arms, and
furrendered prifoncrs of war. Such was the event
of the celebrated battle of Blenheim, or, as the
French call it, the battle of Hochftet; where the
Allies gained one of the moft glorious and complete
victories that was ever acquired in any war, or by
any general. The French and Bavarians left ten
thoufand dead on the field of battle; the greateft
part of thirty fquadrons of horfe and dragoons
perifhed in the Danube-, thirteen thoufand were
made prifoners; one hundred pieces of cannon were
taken, with twenty-four mortars ; one hundred
and twenty-nine colours; one hundred and feventy-
,one ftandards; feventeen pair of kettle-drums;
three thoufand fix hundred tents; thirty- four
coaches ; fifteen barrels, and eight calks filled with
filver, and three hundred loaded mules. Of the
allies, about four thoufand five hundred were flain,
and about eight thoufand wounded or taken. After
this memorable victory, Ulm, Landau, and Taer-
bach were taken, and all Bavaria fubmitted to the
conquerers. Count Tallard, and feveral other
officers were brought to England, and fent to
Nottingham, where they remained fome years.
The queen fettled the manor of Woodftock upon
the duke of Maryborough, where Blenheim-houfe
was erected for him at her majefty's expence, as a
monument of this glorious victory. The emperor
wrote him a letter Avith his own hand, expi effing
his obligations to him, and offering to create him a
prince of the empire. The duke, however, de-
clined that honour, till he had obtained the confent
of the queen, which being obtained, 'he was ad-
vanced to that high dignity, and Mildenheim was
beftowed upon him as his principality. He was,
indeed, never known by that title, the name of
1VI arlborough being the nobleft he could bear.
This campaign in Flanders was very barren of
events; but in Italy the French were greatly fupe-
rior to the duke of Savoy, who was obliged to con-
tinue on the defenfive, and fee Vendoiine reduce
Vercelle and Ivrea. Soon after the French made
themfelves matters of the valley of Aofta, whereby
thelduke'scommunication with Germany was entire-
ly cut off. On the fourteenth of October Vendofme
laid liege to Verrua, a flrong fortrefs fituated on the
other fide of the Po, between Cafal and Turin. This
place held out five months againft all the efforts of
the French general: the cfuke of Savoy having
poftcd his little army on the other fide of the Po,
at Crcfcentino, where he had a bridge of commu-
nication, by which he fupplied the place occafionally
withfrefhprovifions. But the communication bein"-
at length cut off, the duke retired to Chivas, and
Verrua fuiTcndered to the enemy. The duke of
Savoy complained greatly at being abandoned by
his allies on this occafion.
The arms of England were no lefs fuccefsful by
fea. Admiral Rookc, who was ordered to carry
Charles III. to Portugal, having landed that prince
at Lifbon, cruifed for fome time on the coaft, and
on the twenty-firft of May the fleet fleered for the
ifles of Hieres. In their paffage they faw the Breft
fquadron failing towards Toulon. Sir George im-
mediately gave chace ; but the French fhips had
greatly the advantage of his, being all clean, by
which means they got fufe into Toulon, and Sir
George proceeded to Lifbon in order to wait for a
reinforcement. On the fixteenth of June he was
joined by Sir Cloudefley Shovel with his fquadron,
and a council of war being called, it was refolved
to fteer up the Mediterranean in queft of the French
fleet ; and after cruifing for near a month without
being able to meet with it, a fecond council of war.
was held, wherein it was refolved to make a fudden.
attempt upon Gibraltar. The fleet arrived fafe in.
that bay, and about three o'clock in the afternoon,
one thoufand eight hundred Englifh and Dutch,
with the prince of Hcfle at their head, were landed
to the northward of the town. His highnefs had
no fooner fecured this poft, than he fent a fummong
to the governor to furrender the place; but he re-
turned for anfwer, " That he would defend it to
the laft extremity." Next day the admiral gave
the fignal for cannonading the town, which was per-
formed with fuch vigour, that fifteen thoufand Ihot
were expended infivehours. In themean time captain.
Whitaker was fent in with fome boats, and burnt a
French privateer of twelve guns in the Old Mole.
By this time the admiral, perceiving that the enemy
were driven from their fortifications at the fouth
Mole-head, by the fire from our fhips ; and confi-
dering that if he could poflefs himfelf of thefe
works the town muft unavoidably be taken, he or-
dered all the boats of the fleet to be manned and
armed, and gave the command of them to captain
Whitaker, with orders, if poffible, to make himfelf
mafler of thefe works; but while captain Whitakec
was preparing to execute thefe orders .captain Hicks
of the Yarmouth, and captain Jumper, who lay next
the Mole, pufhed on fliore in their pinnaces, and
fome other boats •, whereupon the Spaniards imme-
diately fprung a mine, which blew up all the fortifi-
cations upon the Mole, killed two lieutenants, with
about forty men, and wounded fixty . The feamen ,
however, kept pofleffion of the platform, till cap-
tain Whitaker and his men landed. They foon
made themfelves mafters. of the redoubt between
the Mole and the town, and turned the cannon they
found therein againft the enemy. The admiral
then fent a letter to the governor, and a meflageto
the prince of Hefle, defiling him to fend a pe-
remptory fummons, which his highnefs accordingly
did ; in coniequence of which on the twenty-fourth
in the morning, the governor capitulated, arid the
prince of Hefle took poffeffion of the place ; and
the fleet, having left as many men with that general
as could be fparecl, failed to Tetuan to take in.
wood, water, and provifions. This was no*fooner
accomplifhed than the admiral again put to fea,
and, on the eleventh of Auguft, got fight of the
French fleet, which he purfued with all the fail he
could make. On the thirteenth he came within
three leagues of them to the weftward of Caps
Malaga, where they brought to, formed their line,
and lay ready to receive him. Theipline confifted
of fifty-two fhips, and twenty-foup^gallies; they
were very ftrong in the center, and weaker in the
van and rear; to fupply which moft of the gallies
were
N
N
E.
551
were divided into thole quarters. Our line confided
of fifty-three fhips; Sir George Rooke, with the
rear-admirals Byng and Dilkes being in the center ;
Sir Cloudefley Shovel, and Sir John Lcake led the
van, and the Dutch formed the rear. The action
began about ten in the morning, when our van and
rear immediately prefled forward to a clofe engage-
ment, and foon obliged that part of the French
line with which they were engaged to give way ;
but the center of the French bore extremely hard
upon Rooke's divifion : the fight was, however,
maintained with great obftinacy till night, when the
French bore away to leeward with their difabled
fhips, towed by -heir gallies. The wind fhifting
in the night, the enemy got the weather-gage ; but
their fleet and our's lay by all the day within three
leagues of each other repairing their damages, and
at night they again made fail to the northward.
The two following days Sir George endeavoured
to renew the fight, but the French as carefully
evaded it ; and at laft, crowding all the fail they
pofiiblv could, actually ran away from the com-
bined fquadrons. Sir George failed to Gibraltar to
refit; and leaving a fquadron of eighteen mips
under Sir John Leake, fet fail for England, where
ie arrived in the month of September, when her
majefty was pleafed to confer the honour of knight-
hood on George Byng, and Thomas Dilkes, Efqrs.
and captain Jennings, commander of the St. George.
The reduction of Gibralter no fooner reached the
court of Spain, than Philip, the reigning king,
lent the marquis of Villadartas with an army to re-
take it. He accordingly inverted the place on the
twenty-fourth of October. During the fiege, which
lafted four months, the prince of Hefle gave every
proof of his great capacity as a general, in its de-
fence. The garrifon was fupplicd with men and
provifions from the fquadron under Sir John Leake;
but that admiral being obliged to fail to Lifbon for
frefh fuccours, M. de Pointis, the French admiral,
came out of Cadiz with thirteen men of war, and
blocked up Gibraltar on that fide next the fea,
whereby the town was reduced to the laft extremity :
but Sir John returning fooner than the enemy ex-
pected, furprized de ' Pointis, took three of his
fhips, and ran two others on fhore, which the
enemy burnt. The befiegers, having now loft the
beft part of their army by ficknefs and the fword,
thought proper to raife the fiege on the tenth of
March, leaving only a detachment of their forces
at fome diftance to block up the phce.
. The parliment met on the twenty-fourth of
October. The feflion was opened by a fpeech
from the throne, and both houfes waited on her
majefty the next day, with feparate addrelfes of
thanks. The lords congratulated her on the great
and glorious fuccefs of her arms under the com-
mand of the duke of Marlborough, without men-
tioning Sir George Rooke; but the commons con-
gratulated her majefty, " as well upon the victory
obtained by Sir George Rooke, as upon that ob-
tained by the duke of Marlborough." The houfe
then deliberated upon the different articles of the
national expence, and fhewed fuch zeal and appli-
cation in fupporting the war by neceffary fupplies,
that thofe requifite for maintaining both the army
and navy, were voted before the end of November j
and on the ninth of December the bills for the fame
received the royal affent, when the queen, in a
fhort fpeech, thanked the commons for their dif-
patch, which, fhe faid, fhe confidered as a fure
pledge of their affection.
.p. Doctor Delany, vice-chancellor of
A. i^i7°5- Oxford, accompanied by the principal
members of the univerfity, attended the queen with
an addrefs of congratulation upon the fuccefs of
her arms in Germany, under the admirable conduct
and invincible courage of the duke of Marlbo-
; and at fea, under that brave and faithful
admiral Sir George Rooke. The latter part of
this adcliefs gave umbrage to the queen, as it
feemed to raiie the admiral upon a level with the
general, \vhofe great victories had captivated her
admiration, and whofe wife had alienated her af-
fection from the toi ies ; her majefty, therefore, re-
turned a cool anivver to the addrefs ; and foon after
Sir George Rooke was difmifled from his command,
without the leaft reward for his long and faithful
fervices. He was fucceeded by Sir Cloudefley
Shovel, who was then declared rear-admiral of
England. The commons now took into confide-
ration the treaty which the duke of Marlborough
had concluded wjth the king of Pruflia, for taking
eight thoufand of his troops into Englifh pay, which
were to ferve in Savoy. They alfo took notice how
very deficient the allies were in furnifliing their re-
fpective quotas towards carrying on the war, as well
by fea as land; and befought her majefty to ufe her
intereft with them, that next year they might furnifh
their complete proportion, according to their re-
fpectivc treaties; to all which the queen returned
favourable anfwers; and, after giving the royal
affent to feveral bills fhe difiblved the parliament,
and a proclamation was iffued for calling another.
In the beginning of May count Gallas, envoy ex-
traordinary from the Imperial court, received advice
of the death of his mafter, the emperor Leopold
V. wh j was fucceeded by Jofeph, king of the
Romans, his eldeft fon. The envoy had alfo orders
to afure her majefty, that the new emperor would
not only obferve all the treaties concluded with his
predeceffor, but alfo do every thing in his power to
render thofe alliances more firm and lafting.
Marlborough, ever fince the battle of Blenheim,
had employee! his thoughts in forming a plan for
improving the advantage he had gained by that
action; and, after the moft mature deliberation,
none appeared fo rational as that of making an
imprefilon on the frontiers of France. Accordingly
the Mofelle was pitched upon as the fcene of action,
and large magazines were formed at Triers. As
forage was very fcarcein that part of the country,
and therefore impoffible for the allied army to fubfift
long between the Mofelle and the Saar, Marl-
borough fcnt repeated remoiiftranccs to quicken
the march of the Imperialifts: but neither his re-
monftrances, nor thofe of the deputies of the States,
had any effect.
In the mean time the French did not fail to pufh
their fuperiorityin the Netherlands. They inveftcd
Huy ; and carried on their attack with fuch vigour,
that in lefs than fourteen days the garrifon were
obliged to furrenclcr themfelves prifoners of war.
This difagreeable news no fooner reached the allied
army, than the deputies of the States reprefentecl
to the duke of Marlborough, " That it was im-
poflible to fubfift the army any longer in their
prefent fituation ; that the Germans^ by their de-
lays, had rendered the bcfieging Saar-Louis im-
practicable, and defeated the whole fcheme for a
campaign on the Mofelle; that it was to no pur-
pofe to continue in thefe parts, when their forces
might be better employed in the Netherlands in
flopping the progrefs of the enemy." The duke
was fufliciently pcrfuaded of the truth of thefe re-
prefentations; but being .willing to remain till the
laft extremity, he did not decamp till the feven-
teenth of June, when he found all his hopes of
penetrating .into the bowels of France, rendered
abortive. He therefore marched for the Nether-
lauds by the fhorteft way ; while the Imperial troops,
the Pruffians, and the Wirtcmburgers, mdVed
towards the Upper Rhine. The duke profecuted
his inarch with fuch expedition, that he faved
Liege ; the enemy having, on receiving advice of
his approach, fent back their artillery to Namur,
and retired with great precipitation to Tongeren.
On the other hand, the duke continuing his* rapid
march,
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Wiarch, retook Huy, and drove the enemy behind
their lines, which Marlborough revolved to force.
The French, confiding of near one hundred bat-
talions, and one hundred and forty-fix fquadrons,
were pofted behind their lines. The force of the
allies was nearly equal, their army confuting of
ninety-five battalions, and one hundred and fifty-
nine fquadrons. In order to divide the forces of
the enemy, it was refolved to make a falfe motion ;
and accordingly the army under M.d'Auverquerque
decamped from Vignamont at five in the morning,
and marched towards Burdine on the other fide of
the Mehaigne. At the fame time the duke made a
motion, as if he intended to fupport Auvei querque,
in attacking the lines near Meffeline, that being
the weakeft part. This feint was attended with the
defired fuccefs : the French fent off large detach-
ments tothofe parts where they expected thegreateft
danger; and confequently left thofe parts, on which
the duke had a real defign, in a very weak condi-
tion. Marlborough faw with pleafure the French
running into the fnare he had prepared for them ;
and the fame night marched at the head of his
army, which was joined by that of M. d'Auver-
querque, his army having repafled the Mehaigne ;
and the combined army proceeded with all poflible
expedition to fupport a detachment, fent to attack
the enemy'slines in the neighbourhood of Heylifhem.
The defign was fo fecret, and fo fuddenly carried
into execution, that the enemy had not the leaft
thought of it ; efpecially as this was the ftrongeft
part of their lines, and therefore lefsfufpected than
any other. The confederates pafled the lines with
very little oppofition ; but were afterwards attacked
by twenty-four fquadrons of Bavarian horfe, and
twenty battalions. This occafioned a lharp action,
but they were foon defeated and put to flight;
leaving their ftandards, colours, and artillery be-
hind them. The marquis d'Alegre, and the count
cle Home, lieutenant-generals, were taken pri-
foners, together with one major-general, two bri-
gadier-generals, and feventy-four other officers.
In the morning of the fame day, the army marched
to Tirlemont ; the French, in the mean time, de-
camping and breaking down their bridges with
fuch precipitation, as to leave near fifteen hundred
men on this fide, who were taken prifoners, toge-
ther with a battalion of Montlue in Tirlemont.
Nothing farther of moment happened in Flanders
during the^prefent campaign. The duke put his
army into winter-quarters; and after concerting
the operations of the next campaign with the em-
peror and the States-general, embarked for Eng-
land, and arrived at St. James's on the thirtieth of
December.
Not any events of importance were produced
during the campaign upon the Rhine; but the
naval operations of the allies were conducted with
equal fpjrk and fuccefs. The moft remarkable
achievement was the reduction of Barcelona by
the earl of Peterborough, and Sir Cloudefley Shovel,
.who, in the latter end of May, failed from St.
Helen's with the Englifli fleet, and on the twentieth
of June landed at Lifbon, where they were rein-
forced by Sir John Leake, and the Dutch admiral
Allemonde. On the twenty-fecond, they arrived
in the bay of Barcelona ; the troops difembarked
to the eaftward of the city, where they poffefled
themfelves of a ftrong camp, and were well re-
ceived by the country people. On the twenty-
eighth, king Charles landed amidft the acclama-
tions of an infinite multitude from the neighbour-
ing towns and villages, who threw themfelves at
his feet, exclaiming with tranfport, " Long live
the king." The inhabitants of Barcelona were
ftrongly attached to the houfe of Auftria, but were
over-awed by a garrifon of five thoufand men,
cojnmanded by the duke of Popoli, Vehfco, and
3
other officers, who had efpoufed the caufe of king
Philip. Notwithftanding thefe circumftances ren-
dered the attempt apparently hazardous, it was
propofed by the prince of Hefle d'Armftadt, who
ferved in this expedition as a volunteer, and ap-
proved by the earl of Peterborough, and Sir Clou-
defley Shovel. It was thought expedient to fur-
prize the caftle of Montjuic, to effect which the
necefiary preparations were made ; and at fix o'clock
in the evening a detachment of one thoufand men
was ordered to march by the way of Serria, and a
thoufand more followed at midnight to fupport
them if there fhould be occafion. The out-works
were carried by aflault, but with the lofs of the
gallant prince of Hefle, who wasfhot through the
head, and expired in a few moments. The earl
then bombarded the fort ; and a fhell happening,
to fall into the magazine of powder blew it up, to-
gether with the governor, and fome of the princi-
pal officers ; an accident which fo alarmed the gar-
rifonj that they furrendered without further refift-
ancei Poflefled of this important poft, the Englifh
general erected his batteries againft the town, and
the bomb-ketches fired with fuch execution, that
in a few days the governor capitulated, and on the
fourth of October, Charles entered in triumph.
All the other places in Catalonia, except Rofeas,
declared for him ; fo that the largeft and richeflr
province of Spain, was conquered by an army fcarce
double in number to the garrifon of Barcelona.
Charles wrote with his own hand a letter to queen
Anne, containing a circumftantial detail of his
nffairs, the warmeft expreffions of gratitude, and
the higheft encomiums on herfubjects, particularly
the earl of Peterborough. The feafon of the year
requiring the fleet to return home, king Charles
refolved to continue in Catalonia, for the encou-
ragement of the people of that province, together
with the earl of Peterborough, and the land forces,
as well as all the marines that could be fpared on
board the fleet. Admiral Shovel failed for England
leaving twenty-five fail of Englifh fhips, com-
manded by admiral Leakc, and fifteen fail of
Dutch, under the command of admiral Waflenaer,
to winter at Lifbon. He alfo left four Englifh
and two Dutch frigates at Barcelona, to attend king
Charles. The only misfortune which attended the
arms of England this year, was the capture of the
Baltic fleet, homeward bound, with their convoy
of three fhips of war, which were taken by the
Dunkirk fquadron, under the command of the
count de St. Paul, who was killed in the action.
When an account of this event was communicated
to the French king, he replied with a figh, " V'eYy
well ; I wifli the fhips were fafe again in any Englifh
port, provided the count could be reftored to life."
After the death of Dubart, this officer was reputed
the bed feaman in France.
The election of members for a new parliament,
now engaged wholly the attention of the Englifh j
and after a violent oppofition, a majority of whigs
was returned. The parliament meeting on the
twenty-firft of October, a warm conteft arofe about
the choice of a fpeaker. Mr. Bromley was propofed
by the tories, and Mr. John Smith by the whigs ;
the latter of whom was elected by a confiderable
majority. The queen, as ufual, made a fpeech ;
and both houfes prefented addrcfTes in the warmeft
terms of duty and affection. On the fixth of De-
cember was held that famous debate in the houfe
of lords, concerning the clanger of the church.
On that day the queen repaired to the houfe, in
order to hear the debates. They were opened by
the earl of Rochefter ; and the reafons he affigned
in fupport of his opinion, that the church was in
danger, were, the fecurity act in Scotland ; the ab-
fence of the heir to the crown ; and the parliament's
not paffing the occafional bill. He was anfwered
N
N
E.
553
by lord Halifax, who aflerted, that the fecurity act
being merely of a political nature, was foreign to
ecclefiaftjcal affairs, and was unavoidably pailcd to
prevent an immediate rebellion. He flighted the
fecond reafon as trivial ; and with refpect to the
third oblerved, that the matter had been fufficiently
canvaffed, and the houfe had given their opinion
of it already. The bifhop of London alledged,
that the church was in danger from the profane-
nefs, irreligion, and licentioufnefs of the times,
as well as the pernicious tendency of feveral fer-
mons which had been lately preached, in which re-
bellion was countenanced, and refiftance to the
iiigherpower encouraged. Burnet, bifhopof Sarum,
anfweredhim ; and affirmed, that extraordinary care
had been taken of late in promoting religion, erect-
ing fchools for the inftruction of youth, and giving
away books tp excite piety ; in which ufeful works,
one thoufand two hundred pounds had been ex-
pended the laft year. The archbifhop of York de-
clared, that he apprehended danger from the in-
creafe of DiiTenters, particularly from the many
academics they had erected ; to which lord Wharton
anfwered, by complaining of the fchools and femi-
naries held by nonjurors. The bifhop of Ely com-
plained of the heat and violence in the univerfities.
The bifliop of Lichfield alledged the abufivc lan-
guage ufed againft the bifhops. The bifliop of
Bath and Wells the invidious terms of high church
and low church. Lord Somers clofed the debates
by a healing fpeech. The queftion, whether the
church was in danger? being put, it was cairied
in the negative by a great majority. The houfe
then refolved, " That the church of England, as
by law eftabliflied, which was refcued from immi-
nent danger by king William III. of glorious
memory, is now, by God's bleffing, under the
aufpicious reign of her majefty, in a moft fafe and
flourifhing condition ; and that whoever went about
to infinuate to the contrary, was an enemy to the
queen, the church, and the kingdom." This vote
being communicated to the commons, and their
concurrence defired therein, it was carried in the
affirmative by a majority of forty voices; where-
upon both houfes joined in addreffes to the queen,
exhibiting the faid refolution, and defiring her ma-
jefty to make it public ; and a proclamation to this
end was publiflied.
AD 6 The credit of the <iu^ce of Marl~
'' borough was at this time very high ;
for the emperor having propofed a loan of five
hundred thoufand pounds on a branch of his reve-
nues in Silefia, the whole fum, by the intereft of
the duke, was immediately fubfcribed by the
merchants of London. Indeed, at this juncture,
public credit was in great repute; the kingdom
was blefled with plenty ; the forces were well paid,
notwithftanding the great quantity of coin exported
for the maintenance of the war, the paper cur-
rency fupplying the deficiency fo well, that few
murmuib were heard in the kingdom. All the
funds being eftablifhed, her majefty came to the
houfe of peers on the nineteenth of March, and
after giving the royal afient to fuch bills as were
ready, me made a fpeech to both houfes; after
which the parliament was prorogued till the firft of
May following. On the fixteenth, commiffioners
appointed for forming a union of England and
Scotland, met at the Cockpit, and their commifuons
being opened and read by their refpective fecre-
taries, namely, Mr. George Doddington for the
Englifh, and Sir David Nairn for the Scots, and
introductory fpeeches delivered by the lord-keeper
of England, and the lord-chancellor of ^Scotland,
it was agreed, that copies of the feveral commiilions
fhould be prepared and figned by the fccretaries,
and interchanged; after which the commiffioners
adjourned to the twenty-fecond of April, on which
'No. 5:.
| day they again aflembled, and the lord-keeper, \\
the names of the loixls-commiffioners for England,
delivered to the board four preliminary articles, the
fubftance of which was as follows: that all pro-
pofals made by either fide mould be in writing ;
and every point, when agreed, reduced into writing;
that no point, though agreed upon, mould be ob-
ligatory, till all matters mould be adjufted in fuch
a manner as would be proper to be laid before the
queen, and the parliament of each nation, for their
approbation ; that a committee fliould be appointed
from each commiffion, to revife the minutes which
might pafs, before they mould be inferted in the
books by the refpective fecretaries; and, that all
the proceedings during the treaty mould be kept
fecret. A federal union was propofed by the Scots,
in the nature of that fubfifting between the Dutch
united provinces, or the cantons of Switzerland ;
but the Englifh would hear of nothing lefs than an
incorporating union, fo as effectually to take from
any future Scotifh parliament, the power of repeal-
ing the articles of this treaty; and, on the twenty-
fourth of April, the lord-keeper of England pro-
pofed, " That the two kingdoms of England and
Scotland mould be for ever united into one nation,
by the name of Great-Britain ; that it fhould be
reprefented by one and the fame parliament; and
that the fucccffion to this monarchy, in failure of
heirs of her majefty's body, mould be fubject to
the limitations mentioned in an aft of parliament
made in England in the twelfth and thirteenth
years of the reign of the late king William III.
entitled, An act for the farther limitation of the
crown, &c.
To thefe preliminaries the commiffioners for
Scotland, agreed, with this piovifo only, " That
all the fubjects of the united kingdom of Great-
Britain, fliould have full freedom and intercourfe
of trade and navigation, to or from any part or
place within the faid united kingdoms, and plan-
tations thereunto belonging, and that there may
be a communication of all other privileges and
advantages which do or may belong to the fubjects
of either kingdom." To this the commiffioners of
England acquiefced, under fuch terms as, in the
further progrefs of this treaty, fliould be found for
the common advantage of both kingdoms. Thefe
general preliminaries being agreed upon, the com-
miffieners proceeded to particulars'; and at length
articles were ratified by both parliaments, though
not without great oppofition on the part of that of
Scotland. This celebrated treaty imported, that
England and Scotland fhould, from the firft of
May one thoufand feven hundred and feven, be
united into one kingdom, by the name of Great-
Britain; that the fucceffion mould be vefted in the
princefs Sophia and her heirs ; that all papifts, or
perfons that marry papifts, fliould be for ever ex-
cluded from inheriting the crown ; that the united
kingdom fliould be reprefented by one parliament ;
that all fubjects of Great-Britain fliould enjoy a
communication of rights, and all advantages, and
be under the fame reftrictions and regulations ;
that Scotland fliould be exempted from, the tempo-
rary duties on fome commodities ; that the fum of
three hundred ninety-eight thoufand and eighty-
five pounds ten {hillings, fliould be granted to the
Scots as an equivalent foV fuch part of the cuftoms
and excife., charged upon that kingdom in confe-
quence of the union, as fhould be applicable to
the payment of the debts of England, according to
the proportion which the cuftoms and excife of
Scotland bore to thofe of England ; that as the
revenue of Scotland might increafe, a further equi-
valent fhould be allowed for fuch proportion of the
faid increafe, as fliould be applicable to the, pay-
ment of the debts of England i that the fum to be
paid at prefent, as well as the money aiifing from
7 A the
554
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
the future equivalents, fhoukl be employed in re-
ducing the coin of Scotland to the ftandard and
value 'of the Englifh coin ; in paying off the capital
flock and intereft due to the proprietors ot the
African company, which fhouid be immediately
diffolved; in difcharging all the public debts of
the kingdom of Scotland ; and in promoting ma-
nufactures and fifheries, under the direction of
commiffioners appointed by her majefty, and ac-
countable to the parliament of Great Britain ; that
the laws concerning public right, policy, and civil
government, fhouid be the fame throughout the
kingdom ; but that no alteration mould be made
in laws which referred to private property, except
for evident utility of the fubjects within Scotland;
that the court of feflion, and all courts of judica-
ture in Scotland, mould remain as then conftitutccl
by the laws of that kingdom, with the fame autho-
rity and privileges before the union, fubject how-
ever to fuch regulations as mould be made by the
parliament of Great Britain ; that the rights and
privileges of the royal boroughs of Scotland,
fhouid remain entire after the union ; that Scot-
land fliould be reprefented in the parliament of
Great Britain by fixteen peers, and forty-five com-
moners, to be elected in fuch a manner as mould
be fettled by the prefent parliament of Scotland;
that all the peers in Scotland, and the fuccefibrs to
their honours and dignities, mould, from and after
the union be peers of Great Britain, and mould
have rank and precedency immediately after the
Englifh peers of the like orders and degrees, who
might be created after the union ; that they mould
be tried as peers of Great Britain, and enjoy all the
privileges of peers, as fully as enjoyed by the peers
of England, except the right and privilege of
fitting in the houfe of lords, and particularly the
right of fitting on the trials of peers; that the
crown, fceptre, and fword of flate, the records of
parliament and all other records, rolls, and re-
gifters whatfoever, fhouid remain as they were
within that part of the united kingdom called
Scotland ; and that all laws and ftatutes in either
kingdom, fo far as they might be inconfiftent with
the terms of thefe articles, fhouid ceafe, and be
declared void by the refpective parliaments of
the two kingdoms. Such was the fubftance of
that famous treaty*which was foon after concluded,
and which happily united the different parts of this
ifland under the fame monarchy.
The duke of Marlborough repaired to Holland
the latter end of April, and having conferred with
the States-general, affembled the allied army,
which amounted to feventy-four battalions of foot,
.and a hundred and twenty-three fquadrons of horfe
and dragoons, well fupplied with artillery and
pontoons. The court of France being informed
that the Danifh and Pruffian troops had not yet
joined the confederates, ordered the elector of Ba-
Varia, and the marfhal de Villei oy, to attack them
before the junction might be effected. In pur-
fuance of this order, they pofted themfelves at
Tirelemont, being much fuperior in number to the
allied army. About the beginning of May, the
duke of Bavaria, and the marfhal Villars decamped,
and pafling the Dyle, marched directly towards the
confederate army. The duke of Marlborough -was
feldom furprifed for want of intelligence; and no
fooner was he informed of this movement, than he
difpatctied an exprefs to the Dutch troops to join
him, who arrived within a league of his camp.
On Whitfunday, about four in the morning, the
duke of Marlborough advanced with the army in
.eight columns towards the village of Ramillies,
he being by this time joined by the Danes. The
jiext, day the French general perceiving the allies
fo near, took pofleflion of a ftrong camp, with the
village of Kamillies nearly in the center. The
confederate army was pofted near Folbz, with a
morafs in their front, and their left drawn up near
the village of Franqucine upon the Mchaigne,
where the duke alfo placed the DaniUi horfe, fore-
feeing the ftrcl's of the action would lay there.
The confederate army being drawn up in order of
battle, about three in the afternoon, four batta-
lions of the left wing began the attack ag?,inft the '
enemy's brigade of foot, which they drove from
their poft on the Mehaigne; while Monfieur
d'Auverquerque charged with the horfe of that
wing. The fuccefs was for feme time doubtful;
which the duke of Marlborough perceiving, fuf-
tainecl them with the body of'referve, and fome
fquadrons drawn from the right. The duke then
rallied fome of the broken fquadrons, in order that
they might renew the charge, when his horfe
falling, he was furroundcct by the enemy, and mult
have been killed or made prifoner, had not a body
of infantry came feafonably to his relief. On hi's
remounting, a cannon ball carried off the head of
colonel Brienfield, his gentleman of the horfe,
while he held his ftirrup. The duke now ordered
lieutenant-general Schultz to attack the village of
Kamillies with twelve battalions of foot, and twenty
pieces of cannon; while veklt-marfhal Ovcrkirk
on the left, ordered colonel Wertnuller, with four
battalions, and two pieces of cannon, to difloclge
the enemy's infantry from the hedges of the village
of Franqueine ; both which orders were fuccefsfully
executed. By this time the light of the enemy's
horfe being entirely defeated, the Dutch and Danifli
horfe of the left wing of the allied army fell upon
the right of the enemy's infantry, and cut in pieces
no lefs than twenty battalions, making themfelves
matters of their colours and cannon. The re-
mainder began to retreat in good order, under
cover of the cavalry of their left wing; but the
Englifh horfe having croffed the rivulet which di-
vided them from the enemy, fell upon them with
fuch impetuofity, that they abandoned their foot,
and were terribly flaughtered in the village of An-
derkirk. The French king's own regiment begged
for quarter, and delivered up their arms and colours
to the victors. The French now gave way on all
fides, their cavalry flying three different ways ; but
were fo clofely purfued, that veiy few efcaped.
The elector of Bavaria, and the marfhal de Ville-
roy, faved themfelves with the utmoft difficulty.
Several waggons belonging to the enemy's van-
guard breaking down in a narrow pafs, obftructed
the way fo much that the baggage and artillery
could not proceed ; nor could their troops defile in
order. The victorious horfe being informed of
this accident, preffed on them with fuch rapidity,
that great numbers threw down their arms and fub-
mitted. The purfuit was continued five leagues
from the field of battle, and lafted till two in the
morning. Never was a victory more complete.
The confederates took the enemy's baggage and
artillery, a very few pieces excepted ; about one
hundred and twenty colours and ftandards, fix
hundred officers, fix thoufand private foldiers, and
about eight thoufand were killed or wounded.
Among the flain, were prince Maximilian and prince
Montbafon. The lofs of the allies did not exceed
three thoufand men, including prince Lewis of
HefTe and M. Bentinck, who were both flaia
during the action. This victory was attended with
the immediate conqucft of almoft all the Spanifh
Netherlands; the cities of Lovainc, Mechlin,
Bruffels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges, fubmitted
without refinance, and acknowledged king Charles.
Oftend, though it had a ftrong garrifon, furr^n-
dered after a fiege of ten days. Menin, eftecmcd
the moft finifhed fortification in the Low Countries;
and though garrifoned by fix thoufand men, fub-
initted to the faipne fate. The garrifon of Dender-
moude
N
N
E,
555
monde furrendered themfeves prifoners of war;
and Aeth fubmittedon the fame conditions.
Barcelona about the lame time was blocked up
by tb" French fleet under the count of Touloufe,
while i'hilip beflcged it by land. The inhabitants,
animated by the prefence of king Charles, made a
vigorous defence ; but were io hard preffed, that
he was in danger of falling into the enemy's hands 5
but Sir John Leake failing to his relief, the French
admiral no fdoner received intelligence of his ap-
proach, than he retired with precipitation; and the
carl of Peterborough arriving with a body of troops,
Philip abandoned the fiege, and retired in great
difbrder, leaving behind his tents, with the fick
and wounded. On the fide of Portugal, the earl
of Galloway, with an army of twenty thoufand
men, undertook the fiege of Alcantara ; and in
three days the garrifon, confiding of four thoufand
men, were made prifoners of war. He afterwards
took feveral other places, and advanced even to
Madrid, which fubmitting to king Charles, he was
proclaimed there. But that prince loitering away
his time in Barcelona, his competitor recovered his
fpirits ; and his army, under the duke of Berwick,
received fuch reinforcements as enabled him to re-
turn to Madrid; upon which the allies were obliged
to retire from that city, with as much hafte as they
had marched thither.
In Italy, the allies were as fuccefsful as in
Flanders. The duke of Savoy h.id been reduced
to the utmoft extremity; and Turin, his capital,
had been befieged by the French. The city was
reduced to great diflrefs; moft of the ammunition
being fpent, and the French having made a lodg-
ment on the conterfcarp. In this dangerous fitua-
tion, the duke of Savoy and prince Eugene faw
themfelves under a neceflity of marching imme-
diately to the-defence of the place. Accordingly
they paffed the Doria on the fixth of September,
and encamped on its banks. The next morning at
break of clay, the army moved towards the enemy.
Never perhaps was a bolder march than the allied
army made on this occafion ; having a continual
fire to fultain from forty pieces of cannon, which
the enemy had pointed to gall them. The duke of
Orleans perceiving that all their efforts were not
fuflicient to flop the intrepidity with whichthe duke
and the prince marched towards him, propofed to
quit the intrenchments, and give them battle. He
was joined in this propofal by the greater part of
the general officers in the French army : but marfhal
Marfin producing a written order from Lewis, which
left every thing to his clecifion in cafe of an action;
and giving his opinion to remain in the lines, the
cluke of Orleans was forced to acquiefce. When
the confederate army came within half cannon fhot
)f the French line, they drew up in order of battle,
md began the attack with their artillery. On this
the '"hole army moved in a moment ; the infantry
marched up with their mufkets to the foot of the
intrenchments ; and prince Eugene putting himfelf
it the head of the left wing, began the charge,
/hich was made with fuch aftonifhing vigour and
ictivity, that in lefs than two hours he carried the
enemy's line. The fame was done by the duke of
Savoy in the center and on the right; fo that by
icon the ..'/ were matters of the French camp,
and the defeat of the army was become general.
The duke of Orleans behaved with great prefence
of mind, and received feveral wounds in the action.
Marflial Marfin was taken prifoner, after having
his thigh fhattered by a cannon ball, and died in a
few hours after under the amputation. The French
loft in the action near feven thoufand men, befides
three hundred officers, and about eight thoufand
private men taken prifoners ; two hundred and fifty
pieces of cannon, one hundred and eight mortars,
leveu thoufand ci^ht hundred bombs, thirty-two
thoufand hand grenades, forty-eight thoufand can-
non balls, four thoufand chefts of mulket balls*
eighty-fix barrels of gunpowder, all their tents and
baggage, five thoufand beads of burden, ten thou-
fand horfcs belonging to thirteen regiments of dra-
goons, and the mules of the commiffary, all iejl
into the hands of the victors. The mules were fo
richly laden, that this part only of the booty was
valued at near one hundred and thirty thoufand
pounds fterling. The lofs of the confederates did
not amount to three thoufand men, killed, wound-
ed, or difabled in the attack, exclufive of two thou-
fand of the garrifon of Turin, who had fallen
during the courfe of the fiege.
We muft not here omit relating an adtion, which
muft appear the more extraordinary, and entitle the
author of it to the greater praife, as his birth and
education were but mean, and confequently not
calculated to produce thofe ambitious views, to
which fo many daring and heroic aclions owe their
origin. During the above fiege, the enemy had
broke into one of the largeft fubterranean galleries
belonging to the citadel, and the French engineer
was rewarded with two hundred Louis d'ors for
making the difcovery. The French now concluded
they fhould make their way into the citadel by
means of this fee ret paffage, and accordingly pofted
two hundred grenadiers there. One Micha, a
Picdmontefe peafant, who fcrved as a pioneer, and
who, by his good natural parts and long practice,
had acquired inch a fkill in Ins profeilion as to be
made a corporal of that corps, was then working
near the fpot with about twenty men, in order to
complete a mine ; but hearing the French bufy over
his head in fecuring their poft in the gallery, he
immediately perceived that his work was become
ufelefs, and that the enemy was pofleffed of a poft
that would be of infinite advantage to them : at the
fame time he was convinced, that it would coft him
his life to prevent them, his mine having no
fauciflbn, by which he might fpring it with lefs
danger. There was, however, no time for deli-
beration, and he inftantly formed a fcheme that
would have done honour to the greateft hero. He
ordered his companions to withdraw out of the
mine, and to fire a mufket as a fignal when they
reached a place of fafety ; at the fame time re-<
quelling them to acquaint the duke, his mafter, that
Micha implored aflidance for kis wife and children*
His companions immediately retired ; and on this
intrepid pioneer's hearing their fignal, he fet fire to
the mine, and thus facrified his own life to the
fervice of his country. The two hundred French
grenadiers were blown up into the air, and the
i'ecret paffage on which the enemy had placed fuch
flattering hopes, was totally obliterated. His com-
panions faithfully delivered his meffage to the duke,
who not only provided for his widow and children,
but fettled a perpetual annuity of fix hundred livres
a year upon Micha's defcendants.
The duke of Savoy now entered his capital in
triumph; and the duke of Orleans, finding it im-
poflible to procure fubfiftence for his troops, retired
into Dauphiny.
Lewis was now humbled to fuch a degree as
might have excited even the companion of his
enemies. He employed the eleclor of Bavaria to
write letters, in his name to the duke of Marl-
borough, and the deputies of the States General,
containing propofals for opening a congrcfs. He
had already tampered with the Dutch, in a me-
morial, prefented by the marquis d'Alegre. He
offered to cede either Spain and the Weft Indies, or
Milan, Naples and Sicily to king Charles, to give
up a barrier for the Dutch in the Netherlands, and
to indemnify the duke of Savoy for the ravages
which had been committed in his dominions. The
powers that formed the confederacy were fired with
2 the
55
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
the ambition of making concmefts ; and England
in particular thought herfelf entitled to an indem-
nification for theimmenfe fums fhe had expended.
Animated by thefeconcurring confederations, queen
Anne and the States General rejected the offers of
France, declaring they would not enter into any ne-
gociations for a peace, but in concert with their
allies. The parliament met at Wcftminfter on the
fecond of December, where her majefty opened the
feffion with a fpeech from the throne. Both houfes
prefented an addrefs to the queen for her gracious
ipecch, and congratulated her on the glorious fuc-
cefs obtained by the duke of Marlborough; voting
at the fame time an addrefs of thanks to that ge-
neral, for his many eminent fervices to her majefty,
and the kingdom. They then immediately granted
the fupplies for the enfuing year, befides which
they voted fupplies for the equivalent granted by
England to the Scots, purfuant to the treaty of
union.
A. D. 1707. Her majefty, on the twenty-eighth
7 ' day of January, went to the houfe of
lords and pafled feveral public and private acts,
and then made a fpeech, acquainting them, that the
union being perfected by the parliament of Scot-
land, fhe had ordered the fame to be laid before
them, for their concurrence in it. She alfo inti-
mated, that Scotland being to have an equivalent
for what that kingdom is obliged to contribute to-
wards the debts of England ; fhe defirecl them to
make provifions for the payment thereof. In the
houfe of lords previous to the entering upon con-
federation of the articles of the union, a bill was
ordered to be brought in for the fecurity of the
church of England; an act for the fecuting
Prefbytery in Scotland, having pafled there be-
fore the articles of the union. The purport
was, that the aft of uniformity fliould be in force
for ever, that every king or queen hereafter, at
their coronation, fliould take an oath to preferve
the fettlementof the church, and the doctrine and
difcipline thereof; and that this aft fliould be held
a fundamental and efleritiai part of the union of the
two kingdoms.
The grand defign of the allies, for which every
thing elfe was neglected, except Naples, was the
fiege of Toulon. The latter end of June the duke
of Savoy, and prince Eugene, began their march
thither, with an army of between forty and fifty
thoufand men; Sir Cloudefley Shovel, with the
combined fleet and tranfports, having taken on
board their heavy cannon, with the provifions and
ammunition neceflary for the undertaking. On the
eleventh of July the army pafled the Var, with very
little opposition ; here the duke of Savoy made
a halt to refrefh his troops, and in order to be
joined by his cavalry, which was not yet arrived :
and to this delay the mifcarriage of that enterprise
has been attributed ; for the intention of the allies
to befiege Toulon being now no longer doubted,
the enemy drew their troops thither from all parts ;
and not only repaired and augmented the fortifica-
tions of the town, but perfectly covered it by a for-
tified camp, in which they had no lefs than forty
battalions. The confederate army being arrived
before the place, prince Eugene obferved the difpo-
fition of the enemy ; and finding he muft fight an
army intrenched in theourworks, and on the heights
that furrounded the place, and which were fur-
nifhed with an infinite number of guns, was for re-
treating forthwith. But the duke of Savoy was
pofitive in his opinion for carrying on the entt r-
pnze, and accordingly the neceflary difpofitions
•were made for attacking the hill of St. Catharine,
which the enemy had fortified ; and in this firft at-
tempt the allies were fuccefsful. They alfo at-
tacked and carried two fmall forts near the harbour ;
but by the iixtcenth of Auguft the enemy's forces
were fo increafed, that they ventured to attack their
camp and recovered the hill of St. Catharine. At
length the duke of Savoy, being convinced of the
impoflibility of taking Toulon; and receiving in-
telligence that the enemy had now fixty battalions
in their intrenchments, befides a numerous cavalry,
agreed to defift from the enterprize. However, by
way of retaliation for the ruin of his capital city of
Turin, he gave directions for the bombarding of
Toulon both by fea and land ; and both himfelf and
prince Eugene advanced to an eminence to behold
the dreadful blaze.
Sir Cloudefley Shovel, with fifteen fail of men of
war, fet fail for England ; and on the twenty-firft of
Oftober arrived in foundings ; but by miftake fleer-
ing a wrong courfe, his own fhip the Afibciation
ftruck upon the rocks of Scilly, wherein perifhed
himfelf and every foul on board. Such alfo was
the unhappy fate of the Eagle and Romney. The
Firebrand was dafhed in pieces on the rocks; but
the captain and twenty-four of his men faved them-
felves in his boat ; the Phoenix ran aground, but the
crew faved themfelves. Sir George Byng in the
Royal Anne, by Ikilful fteerage changed her courfe
in a moment, and faved the fhip when in the moft
imminent danger of ftriking. The admiral's body
being caft a-fhore was taken up by fome country
people, ftripped,and afterwards buried in the fands-,
but, upon enquiry, was found and brought into
Plymouth, from whence it was conveyed to Lon-
don, and interred in Wcftminfter-abbey; where her
majefty erected a monument for him at her own
expence. Sir Cloudefly was born of obfcure pa-
rentage in the county of Suffolk; but acquired re-
nown by his afliduity in his public, and integrity in
his private capacity.
Thus this fummer, while the allies feemed to
profper in every quarter, fortune feemed to favour
the enemy; for befides the mifcarriages already
recited, the earl of Galloway loft the battle of
Almanza in Spain, in which he too haftily engaged
againft a much fuperior force. Marfhal Villars
made himfelf mafter of the German lines at Bichl
and Stolhoffen, and would have proceeded farther,
had not the elector of Hanover, with the Imperial
forces, flopped his progrefs. In the Netherlands,
the duke of Marlborough was unable to bring the
French under the duke of Vendome to an engage-
ment; and both fides only preferved what they had
in pofleffion at the beginning of the campaign.
On the twenty-third day of Oftober, the firfl
parliament of Great Britain aflembled at Weftmin-
fter, when the queen, in a fpeech to both houfes,
mitigated the mifcarriages in Provence and Spain,
reprefenting the neceflity of making further efforts
againft the common enemy; and exhorting them to
be upon their guard againft thofe who endeavoured
to fow jealoufies in the commonwealth. The com-
mons, in their addrefs exprefled their continuance
of their former zeal and devotion towards her ma-
jefty's government ; but in the houfe of lords, the
earl of Wharton expatiated upon the fcarcity -of
money, the decay of trade, and the mifmanagement
of the navy. He was fecondcd by the lord Somers,
and the leaders of all the tory party, who propofect,
that previous to every meafure,they fhould confider
the ftate of the nation. The defign of Wharton
and Somci s, was to raife the earl of Orford once
more to the head of the admiralty ; and the tories
who did not perceive their drift, hoped in the
cotirfe of the enquiry to fix the blame of all mif-
management upon the whig minifters. A d»iy bc-
i ig fixed for this examination, the houfe received a
petition from the flieriffs and merchants of Lon-
don, complaining of great loflcs by fea, for want of
cruizers and convoys; and thefe complaints were
proved by witneffes. The commons made fomc
progrefs in an enquiry of the fame mture, and
brought
A
N
N
E.
$51
brought ^n a bill for the Better fecuring the trade
of the kingdom ; and at the fame time chearfully
granted thefupplies for the fervice of the enfuing
year. They alfo refolved, that there mould be but
one privy council in the kingdom of Great Britain,
that the militia of Scotland ftiould be put on the
fame footing with that of England •, that the powers
of the juftices of the peace mould be the fame
through the whole ifland; that the lords judiciary
in Scotland, mould go circuits twice a year, and
that the writs for electing Scottifli members to ferve
in the houfe of commons, mould be directed, and
returns made in the fame manner as practifed in
England. When the queen patted thefe bills, me
recommended an augmentation in the aids and
auxiliaries granted to the king of Spain and the
duke of Savoy. At the fame time, William Gregg,
a clerk in Mr. fecretary Harley's office, was com-
mitted to Newgate for high-treafon, in correfpond-
ing with the enemy, and on the nineteenth of
January, he was brought to his trial at the Old
Bailey, and confeffed the indictments. It was
fuppofed by many that the fecretary would have
been found to have had a {hare in that correfpon-
dence, but Gregg honourably acquitted him with
hislaft breath.
._ _ His royal highnefs, the lord high-
A. D. 1708. admiralj thought fit, the latter end of
January, to make thefe feveral promotions of fea
officers. Sir John Leake was nominated admiral
of the white fquadron, and admiral in chief of her
majefty's fleet} Sir George Byng admiral of the
blue ; Sir John Norris, vice-admiral of the white i
Sir John Jennings, vice-admiral of the red; lord
Durfley, vice-admiral of the blue; Sir Edward
Whitaker, rear-admiral of the red; and John Baker,
Efq ; rear-admiral of the white. Mr. Harley re-
figned his office of fecretary of ftate, and was fuc-
ceeded by the right honourable Henry Boyle,
chancellor of the exchequer ; Sir Thomas Manfell,
comptroller of the houfhold; Sir Simon Harcourt,
attorney-general, and Mr. St. John, fecretary of
war, alfo refigned their places. About this time
Lewis meditating revenge for the invafion of his
kingdom, and befieging a place of fuch confequence
to him as that of Toulon, determined to retaliate
the injury, and convince others of the diftraction
which an inroad produces. He was invited to
make the experiment by the general difcontent of
the Scots, occafioned by the union ; and which gave
the pretended prince of Wales reafon to believe he
mould not be an unwelcome gueft in that kingdom.
Lewis determined not to omit fo fair an opportu-
nity, and it was accordingly refolved to offer the
chevalier de St. George very powerful affiftance if
he would undertake to make England the feat of war.
This offer being readily embraced, a fleet of men
of war and tranfports was expeditioufly fitted out at
Dunkirk, and ten thoufand land forces, with many
officers, a great quantity of ammunition, artillery,
and arms, were embarked. Major general Cado-
gan, her majefty's envoy in Holland, gave im-
mediate notice of thofe preparations; and then
went to Bruflels, and concerted matters in fuch a
manner with M. d'Auverquerque, that ten bat-
talions of the Englifh forces in Flanders were im-
mediately drawn down to the coaft, ready to be
fent to England. At the fame time the EnglHh
admiralty ufed fuch diligence in fitting out a fleet,
that three and twenty fail of men of war, tinder the
command of Sir George Byng, and the lord Durfley,
appeared before Dunkirk on the twenty-feventh of
February, when the enemy thought it impoffible
for England to have any fleet at fea. On the ninth
of March the pretender arrived at Dunkirk : but
the fight of the Englifh fleet induced the French
admiral M. Fourbin, to fend to court for frefli in-
ftructions. But Lewis fcnt peremptory orders to
No. 53.
his admiral to venture out of the harboun Sir
George Byng being informed that the French had
left Dunkirk, immediately failed in purfuit of them,
and" at the lame time the forces were embarked at
Oftehd, and convoyed to England by admiral
Baker. Thefe forces, together with feveral regiments
of horfe, marched for Scotland with all expedition .
In the mean time Sir George Byng had, by his
vigilance, rendered thefe precautions unneceffary,
arriving at the Frith of Edinburgh almoft as foon
as the enemy, whereupon they took the advantage
of a land-breeze which fprung up in the night, and
bore away with all the fail they could poflibly carry.
As foon as the day appeared the combined fleet
gave chace, but were out-failed, and, except the
Salifbury, a man of war, formerly taken from the
Englifh, all the French {hips efcaped, and got back
to Dunkirk in a moil {nattered condition. Lord
Clermont, lord Griffin, Mr. Middleton a lieutenant
general, his aid-de-camp, a colonel, two lieutenant
colonels, five captains, and two lieutenants, French
officers ; fifteen Irifti officers, five companies of
French infantry, two hundred and fifty feamen, and
all the officers of the {hip, were taken prifoners in
the Salifbury. The lords Griffin and Clermont, with
moft of the other principal perfons, were fent up to
London, and committed to the Tower; as were alio
the duke of Hamilton, lord Belhaven, and feveral of
the Scottifli nobility and gentry, on fufpicion of car*
rying on acorrefpondence with the court of St. Gen-
mains; but moft of the latter werefoon after admitted
to bail. On the firft of April, the queen went to the
houfe and gave the royal aflent to feveral bills ;
after which flie prorogued the parliament ; and on
the fifteenth prorogued it by proclamation. At the
fame time new writs were iffued for calling another,
and a proclamation was publiflied, commanding all
the peers of North Britain to meet on the feven-
teenth of June, at Holyrood-houfe, in Edinburgh,
in order to elecl. fixteen peers to reprefent them in
the enfuing Britifh parliament, purfuant to the
twenty-fecond article of the treaty of union.
It having been agreed on at the Hague, that
prince Eugene, and the duke of Marlborough
{hould unite their forces, and a<5t jointly in the
Low Countries, during this campaign ; they took
the field the middle of May, and marched to the
general rendezvous, having left no other troops at
Ghent, and Bruges, than the county militia. Thefe
places on the appearance of a detachment of French
troops, furrendered to them without oppofition.
The enemy advanced as far as Dutch Flanders, and
laid the whole country under contribution. The
dukes of Burgundy and Berry, and the chevalier de
St. George, who this year took the field with the duke
of Vendome, finding their ftrength fo much fuperior
to the confederates, refolved upon the fiege of
Oudenarde, and accordingly inverted that place on
the ninth of July, which occafioned a battle two
days after. Marlborough, being apprized of the
enemies defign was immediately in motion, and
marched with amazing expedition to the relief of
that place. He had been joined by the elector of
Hanover in marching towards the Mofelle. At
the approach of the confederates, the French raifed
the fiege, and paffed the Scheld at Gavre ; which
the duke perceiving, and being determined to bring
them to a battle, detached general Cadogan in the
night with fixteen battalions and eight fquadrons,
to' take port on the other fide the Scheld, near
Oudenarde, and to lay bridges neceffary for the
paffage of the reft of the army, which began to
march about eight in the morning, and proceeded
with fuch expedition, that by two in the afternoon
the horfe had reached the bridges, and foon after
the whole army began to pafs : but the enemy per-
ceiving the defign of the allies, ftruck off to the
'I right towards Ghent. General Cadogan, however,
7 B fell
558
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGiA-NHEV -
fell upon feven battalions of foot, which the enemy
had thrown into the hedges, and into the village of
Heynim ; and being afterwards reinforced by the
foot, the attack was made with fo much vigour and
Fuccefs, that the enemy was foon driven out of the
village., and being clofely purfued, a whole brigade
threw down their arms and furrendered themfelves
priibners. The event of this fkirrqifh convinced
the duke of Burgundy that it would be impoffible
to avoid a battle: he therefore endeavoured to dif-
engage his troops from the hollow ways and defiles,
through which they were marching, in order to
bring them into the plain, where they might be
properly formed ; but the confederate generals were
too well acquainted with the art of war to give
them time to effect this purpofe. The allied army
•was immediately formed and advanced, in order of
battle to the charge. Hereupon the enemy faced
about and formed, but in great diforder. The
battle began about three in the afternoon, but could
not be deemed a general engagement till feven in
the evening, when the action became very furious
&nd doubtful on both fides, for the French being
continually reinforced, they continued the fight
with great vigour and refolution for fome time ; at
length the confederates drove the enemy from one
poft to another, till darknefs put an end to the
combat. The engagement was chiefly between the
infantry; while the horfe, who, by reafon of the
broken ground, could not aft, were detached to the
wings, and advanced fo far, that they attacked the
enemy in flank and rear, which throwing them into
the utmoft confufion, occafioned a general rout.
Part of them retired with the baggage and artillery
towards Deynfe and Ghent, and another part by the
road to Courtray. About niije in the morning
they reached Ghent, and marching through that
city, they encamped at Lovendegen on the canal.
In this action three thoufand of the French were
flain on the field of battle, two thoufand deferted,
and feven thoufand were taken prifoners, including a
great number of officers, together with ten pieces of
cannon, above a hundred ftandards and colours, and
four thoufand horfes, while the lofs of the allies did
not amount to two thoufand men. The electoral
prince of Hanover, in this engagement, charged at
the head of Bulan's dragoons with great intrepidity :
his horfe was mot under him, and colonel Lufky
killed by his fide.
After having levelled the French lines, on
the thirteenth of Auguft, the confederate forces
invefted Lifle. This was not only the ftrongeft
town in Flanders, but was provided with all ne-
ceflaries, and with ftores of ammunition, while
the garrifon was reinforced by twenty-one bat-
talions of the beft troops of France, commanded
by marfhal de Boufflers in perfon. Prince Eugene
commanded at the fiege, and the duke of Marl-
borough covered it with the reft of the army. The
dukes of Burgundy and Vendome being now joined
by the duke of Berwick, refolved, if poffible, to re-
lieve the place, and made feveral marches and
counter-marches for that purpofe. Maryborough
being apprized of their intention, marched out of
his lines to give them battle ; but the enemy de-
clined an engagement, and the allies returned to
their camp, which they fortified with an intrench-
ment. On the feven th of September, the befiegers
took the counterfcarp of Lifle by aflault, after an
obftinate conteft, in which they loft one thoufand
men. The French generals continued to hover
about the camp of the confederates, which they even
cannonaded. Marlborough again offered them
battle in vain. On the twenty-third of September
the tenaille was ftormed, and a lodgment made
along the covered way. On the twenty-third of
October the town furrendered, and marfhal de
Boufflers retired into the citadel with the remainder
of his garrifon; but oirthe tenth- of December th*e
citadel furrendered. What facilitated its reduction-
was the famous battle of Wynendale, fought by
major-general Webb, who, with fix thoufand men,,
guarded a convoy from Oftend. He was attacked,
by the count de la Motte with about twenty-two
thoufand ; when Webb, after a warm action, which
lafted two hours, obliged them to retire in the ut-
moft confufion, after leaving fix thoufand men
killed; but the lofs of the allies did not exceed nine
hundred and twelve officers and foldiers. After
this glorious victory Ghent and Bruges were re-
covered. The campaign in Catalonia was no lefs
fuccefsful. Sir John Leake took Cagliari, the
capital of Sardinia, upon which the whole ifland
fubmitted. Afterwards general Stanhope, with a
body of land forces, affifted by a fleet commancUd
by Sir John Leake, invefted Port Mahon, which in
three days capitulated; and the whole ifland of
Minorca fubmitted to the Englifh government.
While the arms of Great Britain were thus attended
with a train of fucceflive good fortune, the people
were afflicted with the lofs of prince George of
Denmark, who died of an afthma, on the twenty-
eighth day of October, in the fifty-fixth year of his
age. He was a prince pofieflecl of many amiable
and engaging qualities, but deilitute of great talents,
and little qualified for making a figure in the
world. He had always lived in great harmony
with the queen ; who during the whole courfe of
their marriage, and efpecially in his laft illnefs,
approved herfelf a pattern of conjugal fidelity and
tendernefs. The queen having confented to ani
act of grace, wherein all treafons were pardoned,
except fuch as were committed on the high feas ;
the lord chancellor, on the twenty-firft day of April,
made a fpeech, in her majefty's name, and thea
prorogued the parliament.
The French king was by this time . n
reduced to fuch aftate of humiliation,-
that he made overtures of peace, in- confequence
of which a treaty was begun at the Hague, and
forty preliminary articles were agreed upon; but as
by one of them king Philip was to quit the Spanifh
dominions, the French court refufed their confent ;
'and after having offered the duke of Marlborough
a large fum of money for his intereft in procuring
a peace, which he generoufly rejected, the treaty
came to nothing, and the confederates refolved to
open the campaign without further delay. Ac-
cordingly prince Eugene and the duke of Marl-
borough proceeded to Flanders, and towards the
end of June, the allied army encamped in the plain
of Lifle, to the number of one hundred and ten
thoufand fighting men. At the fame time the
marefchal Villars, accounted one of the moft for-
tunate generals in France, aflembled the French
forces on the plain of Lens, where he began to
throw up intrenchments. The confederate generals
having obferved his fituation, and finding they
could notattack him withoutincurring great danger,
refolved to inveft Tournay, the garrifon of which
Villars 4iad imprudently weakened. To conceal
their defign they made a motion towards Ypres,
and while the attention of the enemy was wholly
diverted to that quarter, they fuddenly laid fiege (tr
Tournay. The town itfclf was eafily taken ; but
the citadel was fo ftrong by nature and art, and
lieutenant de Surville the governor fuch an excel-
lent officer, that though he had only a weak gar-
rifon, he fuftained the fiege for the fpace of a month
with incredible valour. As the befiegers proceeded
by the method of fap ; their miners frequently met
with thofe of the enemy under ground, and fought
with bayonet and piftol. ,The volunteers on both
fides prcfented themfelves to thefe fubterraneous
combats, in the midft of mines and countermines
big with ruin and deftruction. Sometimes they
were
N
N
E.
were kindled by accident, and fometimes fprung
by dcfign ; fo that great numbers of thefe brave
men were ftifled below ; and above four hundred
of the confederates were blown up by one explo-
iion. The befiegers at length having effected a
breach, and made the neceffary difpofitions for a
general affault, the governor offered to furrender.
Articles were drawn up and tranfmitted to Ver-
failles; but Lewis refufed to ratify them, except
on condition that there mould be a fufpenfion of
arms in the Netherlands till the fifth of November.
This condition being rejected, hoftilities were re-
newed and profecuted with great ardour and ani-
mofity. Surville being now reduced to extremity,
defired to capitulate, and fent certain articles to the
duke of Marlborough; bu the received for anfwer,
that no terms were to be expected, and he muft
therefore furrender at difcretion. Soon after, the
provifions in the citadel being exhaufted, Surville
and his garrifon furrenclered themfelves prifoners of
war. Tourney being thus reduced, the confede-
rates paffed the Scheld with a refolution to inveft
the city of Mons.
On the ninth of September the allies came fo
near the enemy, thut the two armies cannonaded
each other. The French army, amounting to one
hundred and twenty thoufand men, were pofted
behind the woods of La Merte and Frainciere in
the neighbourhood of Malplaquet. The confede-
rates, nearly of the fame number, encamped with
the right towards Sart and Bleron, and the left on
the edge of Lagniere; the head-quarters being at
Blaregnies. The enemy, inftead of attacking the
allies, fortified their camp with triple intrench-
ments, infomuch that being naturally ftrong, it
now feemed inacceffible. But on the eleventh, the
confederates, favoured by a thickfog, erected bat-
teries in the center and on each wing, and the
weather clearing up, began the attack about eleven
o'clock with the utmoft fury. Eighty -fix battalions
on the right, commanded by general Shuylemburg,
the duke of Argyle, and other generals, and fup-
ported by two and twenty battalions under count
Lottum, attacked the left of the enemy with fuch
vigour, that in lefs than an hour they were driven
from their intrenchments into the woods of Sart
and Trainiere. The prince of Orange, with fix
and thirty Dutch battalions, advanced againft the
right of the enemy pofted in the wood of La
Merte, and covered with three intrenchments. Both
fides fought with the mod intrepid refolution : the
Dutch compelled the French to quit the firft in-
trenchments; but were repulfed from the fecond
with great flaughter. The prince of Orange re-
hewed the attack with great fury; and the enemy
at Lift feeing their lines forced, their left and center
giving way, and Villars, their general, dangeroufly
wounded, retreated towards Bavay, under the con-
duct of Boufflers. The confederates took forty
colours and ft andards, fixteen pieces of artillery,
and a great number of prifoners, but purchafed
the victory at the price of twenty thoufand of their
beft troops killed in the action. Lottum, general
Tottau, count Oxienftern, and the marquis of Tul-
fibardine, were killed. Prince Eugene was flightly
wounded on the head ; and lieutenant-general Webb
received a fhot in the groin. The princeof Orange
had two horfes fhot under him, but efcaped un-
hurt; as did likewife the duke of Argyle, though
feveral mufket balls penetrated through his cloaths,
hat, and perriwig. The French being thus drove
from the neighbourhood of Mons, the allies were
left at liberty to befiege that city, which capitulated
on the twenty-fixth of October, when both armies
retired into winter-quarters. On the Rhine, nothing
of importance happened, except one fharp action
between a detachment of the French army, and a
body of Germans, in which the latter were de-
feated> and afterwards obliged to rcpafs the river.
While the brave Marlborough was thus purfuing
his conquefts in Flanders, and fupporting the glory
of the Britifli arms, a party was fecretly forming
againft him at home, chiefly by Harley and St.
John. Harley had, by means of Mrs. Hill, after-
wards Mrs. Marfham, private accefs to the queen ;
and by her, and his own intrigues, gave her majefty
an ill opinion of the whigs, particularly of the
duke and cluchefs of Marlborough, in order to put
a flop to the progrefs of his glory, and to the hu-
miliation of France. Mrs. Marfham was related
to the duchefsj who had introduced her into the
queen's fervice ; and me, by Harley's inftructions,
fupplanted her benefactrefs. This paved the way
for Harley and his affociates to advance themfelves,
by undermining the brave Marlborough and his
friends.
On the fifteenth day of November, the parlia-
ment being affembled, Mr. Dolben,fon to the late
archbifhop of York, complained to the houfe of
commons, of two fermons preached and publiflied
by Dr. Henry Sacheverel, rector of St» Saviour's,
Southwark, as containing feveral dangerous pofi-
tions. Sacheverel was poffeffed of little genius or
learning, but much bigotry and intemperate zeal,
which he evinced in a flagrant degree againft the
diffenters. The complaint of Mr. Dolben was
fecondcd by Sir Peter King, and the fermons were
voted fcandalous and feditious libels; in purfuance
of which refolution, the doctor, and Henry Cle-
ments his publifher,were ordered to attend the bar
of the houfe. Accordingly on the fourteenth of
December, Sacheverel was brought to the bar,
where he acknowJedged himfelf the author of both
the fermons, and declared that he had received en-
couragement from the lord-mayor, to print that
intitled, " The perils of falfe brethren." The
lord-mayor denied that he had ever given fuch en-
couragement; upon which the commons ordered
Mr. Dolben to impeach the doctor at the bar of the
houfe of lords, in the name of all the commons of
England, appointed a committee to draw up articles
againft him, and commanded the uflier of the black
rod to take him into cuftody. On the feventeenth',
he petitioned the houfe that he might be admitted
to bail ; but this indulgence was refufed, and the
commons feemed determined to carry cm the pro-
fecution with the utmoft rigour.
This very extraordinary trial A n
lafted three weeks, during which all D> I7*°'
other bufinefs was fufpended-, and the queen her-
felf was every day pi efent, though in quality of a
private fpectator. The invectives contained in the
fermons againft the revolution, the toleration, the
union, the diffenters, and the adminiftration, Were
fo explicit,, and the doctor's acknowledgment of
himfelf as author fo frank, that there was no need
of further proof on that fubject. At laft, after
violent debates, Sacheverel was found guilty by a
majority of feventeen voices, and four and thirty
peers entered a proteft againft this decifion. He
was prohibited from preaching for the fpace of three
yeafs, and his two fermons Were ordered to be
burned by the hands of the common hangman, in
prefence of the lord-mayor and the two flieriffs of
London. The tories confidered the lenity of this
fentence as a victory obtained over the oppofite
party; and they celebrated their triumph with bon-
fires, illuminations, and other demonftrations of
joy. During thefe tranfactions, the French king
made frefh offers of peace; but thefe, like the
former, appear to have been only defigned to amuf6
and divide the allies. Meanwhile the confederates
did not retard the operations of the campaign ; for
the duke of Marlborough took Doway, Bethune*
St. Venant, and Aire.
In Spain, the horfe and dragoons in the army1 of
king
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
king Charles, commanded by general Stanhope
attacked the whole cavalry of the enemy at Almen-
nara. Stanhope charged in perfon, and with his
own hand flew general Amcflaga, who commanded
the guards of Philip. The Spanifh horfe were
routed, together with nine battalions that efcaped
by favour of the darknefs; and the main body of
the army retired to Leiida. General Staremberg
purfued them to Saragofla-, and an engagement
enfuing on the ninth of Auguft, the enemy were
totally defeated : five thoufand of their men were
killed, feven thoufand taken, with all their artil-
lery, and a great number of colours and ftandards.
King Charles entered Saragofla in triumph, and
then proceeded to Madrid ; but in a little time w;as
obliged to retire from thence, his rival becoming
fuperior by frefh reinforcements. After this, ge-
neral Stanhope, with eight Englifli battalions, and
as many fquadrons, being quartered in the little
town of Brihuega, was fuddenly furrounded by the
whole Spanifh army under the duke of Vendome,
and, after a fhort but vigorous refiftance, was
obliged to furrender himfelf and his troops prifoners
of war. This was followed by an obftinate battle
near Villaviciofa. Six thoufand of the enemy were
killed on the fpot; but the allies had fuffeced fo
feverely, that Staremberg, ordering his cannon to
be nailed up, marched to Saragofla, and from
thence retired into Catalonia.
In England, the tories began to execute the
fchemes they had formed for effecting the ruin of
the whig miniftry. A popular fpirit of averfion to
thofe who favoured the diflenters, had been excited
by SacheverePs trial. Addrefles were prefented to
her majefty from all parts, aflerting in the ftrongeft
terms, her hereditary right, and condemning all
refiftance as a rebellious doctrine, founded upon
antimonarchial and republican principles. The
queen began to exprefs her partiality to this party,
by mortifying the duke of Marlborough, whofe
intereft was not now even fufficient to prevent the
difmiflion of his fon-in-law, the earl of Sunder-
land, from the office of fecretary of ftate, in which
he was fucceeded by the lord Dartmouth ; and the
office of lord-chamberlain was transferred from the
duke of Kent, to the duke of Shrewfbury. On
the eighteenth of Auguft the earl of Godolphin
was deprived of his office, and the treafury put into
commiffion, under the direction of Mr. Harley,
appointed chancellor of the Exchequer, and under-
treafurer. The earl of Rochefter was made prefi-
dent of the council, in the room of lord Somers;
Henry St John, fecretary of ftate, inftead of Mr.
Boyle; the lord-chancellor having refigned the
great feal, it was put into commiflion, and after-
wards given to Sir Simon Harcourt ; the earl of
Wharton furrendered his commiflion of lord-lieute-
nant of Ireland, which the queen conferred on the
duke of Ormond; the earl of Orford retired from
the board of admiralty, and Mr. George Granville
was appointed fecretary of war, in the room of
Mr. Robert Walpole; the command of the forces
in Portugal wa,s conferred on the earl of Portmore ;
and' the duke of Hamilton appointed lord-lieutenant
of the county-palatine of Lancafter. In a word,
there was not one whig left in any office of ftate,
except the duke of Marlborough ; and even he
would have refigned his command, had not his
particular friends reprefented to him, that fuch a
itep could not fail of being prejudicial to the in-
tereft of his country. The whig parliament was
alfo diflblved ; and fuch precautions taken, as fuf-
ficiently influenced the electors in favour of the
other party. On the twenty-fifth of November the
new .parliament met, when Mr. Bromley was chofen
fpeaker without bppofition. The commons difco-
vered the fpirit by which they were actuated ; they
exhorted her majefty to difcountenance all fuch
principles and meafures as had lately threatened
her royal crown and dignity. Soon after, Mere-
dith, Macartney, and Honeywood, were deprived
of their regiments, becaufe, in their cups, they had
drank confufion to the enemies of the duke of
Marlborough.
The two houfes of parliament in . p.
an addrefs to the queen, declared l
that Mr. Harley's fidelity to her majefty, and zeal
for her fervice, had, in their opinion, drawn upon
him the hatred of all the abettors of popery and
faction. They intreated her to take all poflible
care of her facred perfon, and for that purpofe to
give directions for caufing all papifts to be removed
from the cities of London and Weftminfter. In
compliance with this requeft, a proclamation was
publifhed, ordering the laws to be ftriclly put in
execution again ft papifts. The earl of Rochefter
dying about this time, Harley became fole miniftcr,
was created baron of "Wigmore, and raifed to the
rank of earl, by the antient titles of Oxford and
Mortimer. He was foon after appointed lord-
treafurer, and had the fole direction of affairs.
About this time the emperor Jofep.h died of the
fmall-pox without male iflue, fo that king Charles's
immediate aim was to fucceed his brother on the
Imperial throne. At the fame time the houfe of
commons pafled a bill, for building fifty new
churches in the fuburbs of London and Weftmin-
fter, and allotted for this purpofe the duty upon
coals, which had been granted for the building of
St. Paul's, now finifhed.
The duke of Marlborough being continued in
the command of the army, fet out for Holland on
the eighteenth of February, the queen having
aflured him that the payment of the troops mould
be duly remitted. About the middle of April he
aflembled an army at Orchier, between Lifle and
Douay-, and marefchal Villars drew together the
French forces in the neighbourhood of Cambray
and Arras, and encamped behind the river Sanfet,
in fuch an advantageous poft, that it could not be
attacked without the moft imminent danger. The
duke therefore pafled the Scarpe, and pitched his
camp between Douay and Bouchain. His intention
was to reduce Bouchain, which was judged im-
practicable, inafmuch as it was fituated* in the
, middle of a morafs ftrongly fortified, defended by
a numerous garrifon, and in the neighbourhood of
an army fuperior to that of the allies, who were
likewife expofed to the excurfions of Valencienne
and Conde. Notwithftanding thefe difficulties, and
the difluafions of his particular friends, he refolved
to undertake the fiege; and accordingly, on the
tenth day of Auguft, the place was regularly in-
vefted. Marefchal Villars had taken every precau-
tion his fkill and experience could fuggeft, to
baffle the attempts of Marlborough : he had rein-
forced the garrifon with fix thoufand chofen men,
commanded by officers of approved courage and
ability ; he made feveral attempts to raife the fiege,
but they were rendered ineffectual by the fuperior
prudence and capacity of the Englifli general.
Perhaps a more difficult enterprize was never un-
dertaken than the fiege of Bouchain ; Marlborough
was obliged to caft up lines, erect forts, raife bat-
teries, throw bridges over a river, form a caufeway
through a deep morafs, and provide for the fecurity
of convoys againft a numerous army on one fide,
and the garrifons of Conde and Valenciennes on
the other. Such difficulties required all the ikill
and experience of a confummate general, and all
the valour and intrepidity of the confederate army,
who had perhaps never exhibited fuch amazing
proofs of courage upon any other occafion -, for in
twenty days after the trenches were opened, the
garrifon was obliged to furrender thcmfelves pri"
foners of war. This was the laft military atchieve-
ment
A
N
N
E.
56r
rnent of the immortal Marlborough ; who foon
after the taking of Bouchain returned to the Hague,
and arrived in England about the middle of No-
vember. Though the miniftry, and a great part
of the Englifh nation were, or affected to be, blind
to the merit of their accomplished general, the
allies laid not under the fame prejudices. They
frankly acknowledged, that their many valuable
acquisitions were in a great meafure owing to the
courage and conduit of that greatcft of generals,
whofe character they adored, and whofc memory
they ftill revere. During thefe transactions, prince
Eugene, at the head of the German forces, pro-
tedted the electors at Frankfort from the defigns of
the enemy, and Charles was unanimously elected
emperor.
A negotiation for peace had been carried on be-
tween the court of France and the new miniftry,
•who were determined at all events to put a period
to a war, which they were equally unwilling and
incapabk to continue. The earl of JerSey Sent a
private meffagc to the court of France, intimating
the queen's fmcere deiire of a peace ; and intreating
that Lewis would propofe to the Dutch a renewal ot
the conferences, in which cafe the ERglifh pleni-
potentiaries mould have fuch instructions, as would
render abortive ail the endeavours ot the States
General to prevent the conclufion of the treaty.
This meflage was extremely agreeable to the French
court, who returned a letter of compliment with
.afliiranccs of their king's pacific diSpofitiqn, though
he was averfe to a renewal of the conferences with
the States General. The ftates' of Holland were
greatly alarmed at this procedure, and fent over
Buys, as envoy-extraordinary, to intercede with the
queen, that She would alter her refolutions; but all
his endeavours had no effect ; me retained her re-
folutions ; and the carl of Strafford, ambaffador
in Holland, declared in the queen's name, that
any delay in the States to concur with her majefty,
would be confidered as an abfolute refufal. Inti-
midated by this declaration, they agreed to open
the general conferences at Utrecht on the firft of
• January, granted pailports to the French minifters ;
and the queen appointed Robinfon, biihop ofBriftol,
and the earl of Strafford, her plenipotentiaries at
the congrefs. The miniftry, confcious of the un-
popularity of their conduct, employed a nnmber of
mercenary writers to vindicate their meafures.
This produced a paper war between the whig and
tory parties ; and fuch a torrent of falfehood, fcur-
rility, and abufe, was poured forth on both fides,
as feemed to bid defiance to truth, decency, and
good manners. The miniftry, as is generally the
cafe, would not allow the fame liberty to their an-
tagonifts which they aflumed to thcmfelves. They
cauSed fourteen bookfellers, printers, and publiftiers,
to be apprehended and profecuted ; though at the
jequeft of the attorney-general, a man of fenfe and
candor, they were bound over on their recogni-
zances to the laft day of term. Some individuals
•of the tory party thcmfelves were difpleafed with
the preliminaries, and certain peers joined with the
whigs in remonllrating againit them. The court
being informed of this delign, prorogued the par-
liament to the feventh of December, hoping that
the arrival of the Scottish peers would be fufficient
to turn the balance in their favour. When the
parliament, according to prorogation, met, the
queen opened the feilion with a Speech, in which
ihe obServcd, that notwithstanding the arts of thofc
who delighted in war, both the place and time were
appointed for opening the treaty of a general peace ;
and that the States General had exprcfled their entire
confidence in her conduct.
• As foon as her majefty was retired, a motion
was made^in the houfe of lords for returning her
majefty thanks for her fpcech ; .and the earl of Not-
No. S3-
tingham propofed that a claufe mould be inferted
in the addrcis, " That no peace colild be faf'e or.
honourable to Great Britain or Europe, if Spain,
or the Weft Indies were allotted to any branch of
the houfe of Bourbon." This motion occafioned a
violent debate, in the courSe of which the earl of
AngleSey reprefented, the neccflity of eafing the
nation of the burthens incurred by an expenfive
war. The duke of Marlborough, at whom this
reflection was levelled, made a long fpcech in his
own vindication; he appealed to the queen, Who
was then in the houfe incognito, whether he did
not, on all occafions, inform her and her council
of all \he propofals offered by the enemy for a
peace, atyd had not defired instructions 'for his
conduct on that Subject? He declared upon his
conference, that he was defirous of a SaSe, honour-
able, and lahing peace ; and very far from enter-
taining any delign of prolonging the war for his
private emolument, as had been SalSely inSmuated
by his enemies. At laft, the queftion being re-
peated which the earl of Nottingham propofed, it
was carried in the affirmative by a majority of fix
voices. The fame claufe was propo'ed to be in-
ferted in the addrefs of the commons, but rejected
by a great majority. The commiSfioncrs for ex-
amining the public accounts, having difcovered
that the duke of Marlborough had received an
annual pcnfion of five or fix thoufand pounds from
the contractors for bread to the army, the queen de-
clared in council, that fhe thought proper to dif-
mifs him from all his employments, that the matter
might be ftrictly and impartially examined ; and
accordingly on the thirty-fiift of December, her
majefty lent his grace a letter written with her own
hand, Signifying her royal pleafure to refume all
the places with which fhe had entrufted him. This
difgrace of the duke of Marlborough, inftead of
weakening, ferved rather to ftrengthen the oppofition
in the upper houfe; and the miniftry being deter-
mined at all events to procure a- majority in that
affembly, perfuaded the queen to venture on a mea-
fure which no Englifti prince had ever before at-
tempted. This was the creating of i.o lefs than twelve
new peers ; a prollitution of honours which reflects
equal difgrace on the queen who bellowed them,
and thofe who received them.
Upon the difgrace of the duke . ^
of Marlborough, the duke of Or- ! J712'
mond 'was made commander in chief of her ma-
jelly's forces; the duke of Northumberland ap-
pointed captain of the fecond troop of horfc-
guards; the earl of Rivers mafter of the ordinance-
and ^the duke of Beaufort captain of the band of
penfioners, in the room of the duke of St. Albans-
brigadier Hill, brother to the lady Mamam, was
made lieutenant of the Tower, in the room of
lieutenant-general Cadogan; the duke of Somerfet
was removed from his poft as mafter of the horfe
and the countefs of Sunderland, and lady Riakon,'
two of the duke of Marlborough 's daughters re-
figned their places as ladies of the queen's bed-
chamber. On the fevcnteenth of January, her
majefty being greatly indifpofed, fent a meflage to
both houlcs, importing, that the plenipotentiaries-
were arrived at Utrecht, and employed in forming
meafures for procuring Satisfaction to all their allies -
that the terms of peace fhould be laid before the
parliament before they were finally concluded -
that, in the mean time, file was refolved to make
preparations for an early campaign, and therefore
hoped, that the commons would grant the neceflary
fupplies for that purpofc. They now proceeded to
take the affairs of the duke of Marlborough into
conhderation ; when after a long debate, it was
refolved by two hundred and Seventy voices aaainft
one hundred and Sixty five, " That the taking Se-
veral turns annually by the duke of Marlborough
7 C from
562
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
from the contractors, for furnifhing the bread and
bread-waggons for the army in the Low Countries,
was unwarrantable and illegal." It was.alfo rcfolved,
" That the two and a half per cent, deducted from
the foreign troops in her majefty's pay, was public
money, and ought to be accounted for; and that the
faid resolution fhould be laid before her majefty by
the whole houfe." This being accordingly done on
the twenty-fixth, the queen gave orders to her at-
torney-general, to profecute the duke for the money
he had fo deducted.
The beginning of April the duke of Ormond
went over to Holland, and, on the twenty-firft of
May, he, in concert with prince Eugene, affembled
the army between Douay and Marchiennes, which,
upon a review, was found to confift of two hundred
and ninety-five fquadrons, and one hundred and
forty-three battalions. With this force the two
generals marched towards the enemy; and pafling
the Schelde, encamped at Solemncs, and Neufville.
But prince Eugene propofing to attack the French
army under marfhall Villars, or to invert the town
of Quefnoy, the duke of Ormond, who had by this
time received frefh orders, from Mr. fecretary St.
John, gave the prince and the deputies of the States
to underftand, that her Britannic majefty, having a
profpect that the negotiations for peace would
prove fuccefsful, had given him orders not to act
offenfivcly againft the enemy. Surprized at this
declaration, the deputies of the States immediately
tranfmitted advice thereof to the Hague ; and the
Dutch plenipotentiaries at Utrecht received orders
to complain to the bifhop of Briflol, in the name of
their mafters, againft the orders which had been
given to the Englifh general. That prelate re-
turned for anfwer, " That he was inftructed to in-
timate to the States General, that as their high
mightinelTes had not thought proper to concur with
her majefty in the meafures flie had taken for procur-
ing a falutary peace, they ought not to be furprized
if (he now thought herfelf at liberty to procure that
convenience for herfelf." The plenipotentiaries of
the States then remonftrating, that fuch a ftep would
be contrary to all the alliances between the queen
and the States General ; the biftiop faid, his in-
structions further imported, " that, confidering the
conduct of the States towards her majefty, fhe
thought herfelf difengaged from all alliances and
engagements with their high mightineffes." The
States now wrote a letter to the queen, and ordered
their envoy at London to deliver it into her own
hand, affirming, that all the difference between her
Tiajefty and them was the difparity of fentiments ;
and if for fuch a caufe, confederates, united by the
ftrongeft ties, might quit their engagements, no en-
gagements could be relied on for the time to come."
The envoy prefented this letter to her majefty, and,
according to private orders he had received from
the States, copies of it were inferted in the public
papers, by which means it was difperfed throughout
the nation.
On the fifth of June her majefty went to the
houfe and communicated the plan of peace to her
parliament. As foon as the queen was retired, the
commons voted an addrefs of thanks and approba-
tion. But a violent debate enfued in the Houfe of
lords upon their taking the fpeech into confidera-
tion. The majority, however, agreed to an addrefs,
in which they thanked the queen for her great con-
defcenfion in communicating thefe conditions to
her parliament, and cxpreffed an entire fatisfaction
in her conduct. On the twenty-firft of June, the
queen put ;m end to the fcffion by a fpeech from the
throne.
During thefe tranfadtions, the trenches were
opened before Quefnoy, and the fiege carried on
with uncommon vigour, under cover of the duke
oi'Ormond's forces. But on the twenty-fourth of
i
June, the duk^ declared to prince Eugene, and the
deputies of the States attending the army, that he
had received orders from the queen his miftrefs to
publifh, within three days, a fufpenfion of arms
for two months between his army and that of the
French, and to make a detachment to take poflef-
fion of Dunkirk, which the king of France would
deliver up to the Englifti as a fecu'rity for the per-
formance of his promifcs. He alfo propofed th;it
the like fufpenfion of arms ftiould be publiflied in
the confederate army ; adding, that if they pcrfifted
in their operations againft Quefnoy, they muft take
care to oppofe the attempts of the enemy, as he
could no longer cover the fiege. The deputies
delired he would delay his march 'five days, that
they might have time to confult their principals.
Accordingly the duke waited till the twenty-eighth
of June, when he fent his adjutant with a written
order to the generals of the foreign troops in the
Britifh pay, to hold their forces in readinefs to
march ; but to his unfpeakable furprize, they all
refufed to obey his orders, four fquadrons and a
battalion of the troops of Holftein Gottorp, and a
regiment of dragoons of the troops of Liege ex-
cepted. As a reafon for this refufal, they alledged,
that being commanded to act againft the French,
they could not feparate from the confederacy with-
out exprefs directions from their mafters. On the
third of July, the town of Quefnoy furrendered, and
the garrifon being made prifoners of 'war were fent
to Holland.
After the departure of the Britifh forces, Villars
left his camp at Chateau Cambrefis, and having
divided his army into eight columns, he paffcd
the Schelde at Sourche and Neufville. As foon as
prince Eugene, who at this time had befiegcd Lan-
drecy, received intelligence of the enemy's motions,
he marched to Denain, viewed the intrenchments,
and reinforced a body commanded by lord Albe-
marle, with fix battalions. In the mean time the
enemy advanced, in one clofe column, very near the
works, then filed off, fcemingly to attack them
in front; and feveral feints were afterwards made
as if they intended to retreat ; but at laft they began
the attack with fo much fury, that, after one dif-
charge the intrenchrrient was abandoned. The
allies having made a vigorous but vain refiftance,
retired towards the bridge on .the Schelde; which
being broke by the weight of the baggage, the
greatcft part of thofe who attempted to pafs it
periflied in the river. The thirteen battalions who
defended the intrenchments, were all killed or taken
prifoners. Among the latter were lord Albemarle,
five princes of the houfe of Naflau, the prince of
Holftein Gottorp, the prince of Anhalt, and all the
officers of the detachment. The French found in
the camp twelve brafs cannon, a number of horfes
and a very confiderable booty. Villars immediately
inverted Marchiennes, where the principal ftores
of the allies were lodged. The place furrendered
upon the laft day of July, and the garrifon, con-
fifting of five thoufand men, were fent prifoners
to Vaknciennes. He then undertook the fiege
of Douay ; and prince Eugene, in order to pre-
vent his fucceeding in this attempt, raifcd the
fiege of Landrecy, and marched towards the enemy,
fully determined to give them battle. In this,
however, he was prevented by the States, who
thought it too hazardous an undertaking: and the
prince, had the mortification of feeing Douay fall
into the hands of the French : nor could he prevent
their retaking Quefnoy and Bouchain, though he
did every thing in the power of an able and ex-
perienced general to prevent it. While thefe mili-
tary tranfactions were going on, the Britifh minifters
at the congrefs, continued their inftances to the
Dutch, and other allies, to join in the fufpen-
fion of arms ; but they rejected the propofal, and
continued
A
N
N. E.
563
continued their preparations for profecuting the war
with vigour. But the Portuguefe who had hitherto
continued obfHnatcly to refufe their concurrence,
to the pacific meafures then carrying on, thought
proper now to agree to a ceiTation of arms ; and ac-
cordingly a treaty for that purpofe was figned at
Utrecht between their minifters and thofc of France
on the feventh of November, which terminated the
war on that fide. About the fame time the duke
of Argyle was lent from England to take poffeffion
of Port Mahon, and the ifland of Minorca, for her
Britannic majefty ; and the duke of Onnond having
put his troops into winter quarters, returned to
London.
Party difputes were now carried on in England,
with more acrimony than ever. The tories threw
out many fevere reflections againft the duke of
Marlborough, whom they reprefented as a perfon
that omitted no opportunity of fomenting the ani-
mofities between the two factions. Marlborough
therefore perceiving his enemies growing every day
more and more implacable, thought proper to re-
tire to the continent. He had already loft his
friend the earl of Godolphin, the late treafurer,
who died in September, and left behind him the
character of an able, faithful, and upright ftatef-
man.
The States of Holland ftill refufed to join in a
fufpenfion of arms.- Af laft the earl of Strafford
prefented a new plan of peace, in which the queen
promifed to infift, that the city of Tournny and
feveral other places, fhould be ceded to the States.
Their high mightineffes having confidered the new
plan, and fenfible of the circumftances to which
they had reduced themfelves by haughtily con-
temning all former propofitions made them by her
majefty, determined to fubmit themfelves to her
pleafure.
AT) „ On the nineteenth of January a new
' •*' treaty of barrier and fuccefllon was
figned at the Hague, and fent over to England to
be ratified. By this treaty the States engaged,
" to affift and defend the fucceffion of the crown of
Great Britain, according to the act of fettlement,
againft all oppofers :" and her majefty ftipulated and
agreed, " that the States fhould garrifon Furnes,
Fort Knocque, Ypres, Menin, the town and citadel
of Tournay, Mons, Charleroy, the town and caftle
of Namur, the caftle of Ghent, the forts La Perle,
Philip, and Damme : that fort Rodenhugfen near
Ghent fhould be deftroyed, and that the revenues
of thofe towns which had been taken from France,
over and above what was neceflary for the fupport
of the civil government, fhould belong to the
States, for the maintenance of their garrifons : that
a million of florins yearly, or an hundred thoufand
crowns every three months, mould be paid alfo to
the States, out of the cleareft and moft certain re-
venues of the Spanifh Low Countries, which the
late king Charles was in pofleffion of at the time of
his death, towards the expence of the other garri-
fons. That the Englifh and Dutch fleet fhould be
upon the fame foot in point of trade in the Nether-
lands. That England lhall affift the Dutch with
ten thoufand men, and twenty men of war, in cafe
they fhould be attacked : and the States fhould affift
the Englifh with fix thoufand men and twenty
men of war ; and if this fhould not be fufficient,
they fhall affift each other with their whole forces:"
This treaty feems to have had a confiderable in-
fluence upon the other powers; for even the em-
peror's plenipotentiaries talked in more moderate
rcrms ; and the plenipotentiaries of Great Britain
acted as mediators for the reft of the allies. On
the firft of March the inftruments relating to Cata-
lonia and Italy were executed, and on the fourth of
the fame month the dukes of Berry and Orleans re-
nounced their fight to the crown of Spain in the
parliament of Paris, to which renunciation the duke
of Shrewfbury and Mr. Prior, her Britannic ma-
jefty's minifters, and the duke d'OfTuna, minifter
from the court of Spain, were witnefTes. On the
twelfth of April the treaty of peace was figned at
Utrecht. The earl of Strafford and the bifhop of
Briftol were the firft who figned ; then the minifters
of the duke of" Savoy, who were followed by thofe
of the king of Portugal : then the plenipotentiaries
of the king of Pruffia ; and, laft of all, thofe of the
States General. When the bufinefs was completed,
the minifters withdrew, and immediately difpatched
expreffes to their refpeclive courts, notifying this
tranfaction.
By this treaty " the French king acknowledged
the proteftant fucceffion of the houfe of Hanover to
the crown of Great Britain, and engaged for himfelf,
his heirs and fuccefibrs, not to fuffer the pretender
to return into France, nor any way to fuccour or
affift him.
" That the crowns of France and Spain fhould
never be united under one head, and renunciations,
made on both fides in due form ; and that they
fhould never be united under any pretence what-
foever.
" That the trade between France and Spain
fhall be on the fame footing as in Charles II 's time.
" That the fortifications of Dunkirk fhould be
demolifhed, and the harbour filled up never to be
repaired. That the queen and kingdom fhould be
fully reftered to the bay and ftreights of Hudfon,
and fatisfaction made to that company for damages
fuftained.
" That the whole ifland of St. Chriftopher be
only hereafter poflcfTed by the Englifh, and alfo
Nova Scotia or Acadia, with the port now called
Annapolis Royal.
" That the ifland of Newfoundland mould be-
long of right wholly to Great Britain; the French
to have huts to dry their fifh, and liberty to fifh
from cape Bonavifta to the northern point of that
ifland, and fo down to the weftern fide as far as
Port Riche ; and they were to retain Cape Breton
and the other iflands in the mouth of the river Su
Laurence.
" The French in Canada not to moleft the five
nations of the Indians, fubject to Great Britain; and
England to do the fame by them.
" All letters of reprizal, marque, and counter-
marque, to be annulled.
" That juftice fhould be done to the Hamilton
family concerning the duchy of Chatteleraut ; to
the duke of Richmond, concerning fuch requefts
as he had to make in France; and to Charles
Douglas, concerning certain lands to be reclaimed
by him."
A treaty of navigation and commerce was at the
fame time concluded ; whereby a free trade was
eftablifhed according to the tariff of 1664, except
in a few commodities, which in 1699 were ^u^~
jected to new regulations. It was agreed that the
duties impofed upon the productions of France im-
ported into England fhould not exceed thofe laid
on the fame commodities from other countries ;
and that commiffioners fhould meet at London to
adjuft all matters relating to commerce. It was
likewife ftipulated, that the emperor fhould poflefs
the kingdom of Naples, and the duchy of Milan in
the Spanifh Netherlands : that the duke of Savoy
fhould enjoy Sicily with the title of king : that the
fame title with the ifland of Sardinia fhould be
given to the elector of Bavaria, to indemnify him
for the lofles he had fuftained : that the States Ge-
neral fhould rcftore Lifle and its dependencies ; and
that Namur, Charleroy, Luxemburgh, Ypres, and
Newport fhould be added to the other places they
already
564 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
already poflefled in Flanders: that the king of
Prulfia (hould have Upper Guelders in exchange for
Orange, and the other cftatcs belonging to that
family in Tranche Comte. The king of Portugal
declared himfelf fatisfied with the treaty, and, as
has already been obferved, the emperor was to give
his anfwer on the firft of July.
The parliament met on the ninth or April, when
the queen in her fpeech, informed both houfes, that
the treaty of peace was figned, and that in a few
days the ratifications would be exchanged: me ex-
prcffed her hopes that what fhe had done for the
proteftant fucceffion, and the perfect friendfhip that
fubfifted between her and the houfe of Hanover,
might convince fuch who wifhed well to both, and
had the quiet and fafety of their country at heart,
how vain all attempts were to divide them. Ad-
dreffes of thanks and congratulation were imme-
diately prefented by both houfes of parliament, and
their example was followed by the houfes of convo-
cation, and all the principal corporations in the
kingdom. The ratifications of the treaty being ex-
changed, on the fifty day of May the peace was pro-
claimed in the cities of London and Weftminfter,
with the ufual folemnities.
The treaty being laid before the parliament, after
feveral violent debates, it was approved, and a pub-
lic thankfgiving appointed, which was celebrated
with great folemnity ; and on the fixtcenth of July,
by her majefty's command, the lord chancellor pro-
rogued the parliament to the twenty-eighth of
Auguft, but it never fat more ; for on the eighth ot
Auguft, a proclamation was iffued for diffolving the
prefent parliament, and declaring her majefty's in-
tention of calling a new one. Accordingly, on the
eighteenth of the fame month, writs were iffued in
due form, and the new parliament appointed to meet
on the twelfth of November.
. , ' On the fecond of March the queen,
A. U. 1714. who ftju contjnue(i in a bad ftate of
health, was carried in a fedan to the houfe of lords,
when fhe made a fpeech to both houfes ; " I have
done, faid fhe, and mail continue to do my beft for
the good of my fubjects. ;Let it be your endea-
vour, as it (hall be mine, to unite our differences;
not by relaxing from the ftricteft adherence to our
conftitution in church and ftate, but by obferving
the laws yourfelves, and inforcing a due obedience
in others." The people were now greatly alarmed
by a total removal of the whigs from all employ-
ments civil and military, and their pofts filled by
proferTed tories, fome of whom were fuppofed to be
attached to the pretender. Thefe fteps threw the
whigs into a violent commotion, apprehending that
a defign was formed to fecure the pretender's fuc-
ceflion to the throne of Great Britain. Baron
Schutz, the Hanoverian refident, held fecret con-
fultations with the chiefs of the whig party, and
communicated their obfervations to the elector.
They alfo maintained a correfpondence with the
duke of Marlborough, and the health of the queen
being now fo much impaired, that every day was
believed to be the laft of her life, they concerted
meafures for oppofing all efforts that might be
made againft the proteftant fucceffion on the death
of her majefty ; and at the fame time they employed
all their arts to excite and encourage the fears and
jealoulies of the people. The houfe of lords re-
founded with debates on the danger that threatened
the proteftant fucceffion, and the archbifhop of
York, with the earl of Anglefey, joined the oppo-
(ition to the miniftry. The latter affirmed, that
the honour of his fovereign and the good of his
country were the only rules by which he regulated
his conduct ; and when truth and juftice bore wit-
nsfs to his actions, he {hould not be intimidated
from purfuing a wicked minifter from the queen's
clofet to the Tower, and from the Tower to the
fcaffold. About this time baron Schutz demanded
of the lord chancellor a writ for the electoral prince
of Hanover to fit in the houfe of peers as duke of
Cambridge. The chancellor anfvvered, that he
would immediately acquaint her majefty with this
requeft, but it required fomc coniideration to make
out writs for peers who did not refide in the king-
dom. The envoy replied, in a menacing tone, that
he doubted not but his lordfhip knew the nature of
his office, but, if the prince's abfence was the only
objection, he was refolved to come over, and in all
probability would be landed before the writ was
made out. The queen being informed of this
tranfaition, was fo offended with the baron for ap-
plying to the chancellor before he had fignified his
intention to her, that fhe forbad him the court;
wrote a letter to the princefs Sophia ; and another
to the electoral prince, complaining of his having
formed fuch a refolution without knowing her fen-
timents on the fubject ; and afluring him, that no-
thing could be more dangerous to the tranquillity
of her dominions, and the right of fuccefiion in his
line, and confequcntly more difagreeable to her,
than fuch a. proceeding at this juncture. Both
thefe letters were printed and publifhed in
England with a view to inform the friends of the
Hanoverian family, why the duke of Cambridge
had laid afide his defign of refiding in Great
Britain. This ftep the queen coniidered as a per-
fonal infult, and alfo as an attempt to prejudice her
in the opinions of her fubjects ; Ihe therefore ordered
the publifher to be taken into cultody. The princefs
Sophia did not long furvive this event, for on
the eighth of June fhe was feized with an apoplectic
fit, as fhe was walking in the gardens of Heren-
haufen, and died in the arms of the electoral
princeis, before any affiftance could be procured.
She was the fourth and youngeft daughter of Fre-
deric king of Bohemia, and Elizabeth his confort,
daughter of king James I. On the ninth of July the
queen put an end to the fcffion with a fpeech from
the throne ; and the parliament was prorogued to
the tenth of Auguft. The queen's conllitution was
now entirely deftroyed, the anxiety of her mind
having completed the ruin of her health. The
diffenfions among her minifters were arrived to
fuch a height, that, forgetting their duty to her, or
regard for their country, they feemed to meet in
council merely with a view of oppofing each other;
and to fuch an extravagant height did their ani-
molities arrive at laft, that it is believed a quarrel
which happened between the treafurer and lord
Bolingbroke, in her prefence, proved in fomc mea-
fure the caufe of her death ; for flie was heard to
declare, that flie .fhould never outlive it. In the
mean time lord Bolingbroke's art prevaileo and on
the twenty-feventh of July, the earl of Oxiord was
divefted of all his employments, and removed from
the treafury ; upon which he retired meditating
new projects for his future re-cftablifhment. His
fall was fo fudden, that no plan had been formed
for fupplying the vacancy occaiioned by his dif-
grace. The court was in the utmoft confufion, and
her anajefty being no longer able to fupport the
burden of government, funk into a Itate of infen-
(ibility, and thus found a refuge from her anxiety in
lethargic (lumbers. Every method was tried that
the art of healing could beftow, but in "vain. Her
dilbrder gained ground fo fall that her phyficians,
dcfpaired of her life. The privy-council aflcmbled,
when the dukes of Somerfet and Argyle, being in-
formed of the defperate ftate in which flic lay, en-
tered the council Chamber without having beca
fummoned. The members were furprized at their
appearance, but the duke of Shrewlbury thanking
them for their readinefs to give their afliiiance at
fuch
N N
E.
565
fuch a critical juncture, defired them to take their
places. Some of the lords now recommended the
duke of Shrewfbury as the fitteft perfon to fill the
important office of lord high treafurer, when this
opinion -was fignified to the queen, fhe exprefled
her approbation, and delivered into his hands the
Itaff, bidding him ufe it for the good of her people-
He would have refigned the lord chamberlain's
ftaff, but ihe defired him to keep them both : fo
that he was at one time pofieiTed of three of the
greateft pods in the kingdom, thofe of lord treafurer,
lord chamberlain, and lord -lieutenant of Ireland.
This advancement of Shrewfbury produced an en-
tire alteration in the face of affairs : it baffled the
defigns of Bolingbroke, extinguifhed the hopes of
the Jacobites, and revived the fpirits of all who
wifhed well to the proteftant fucceffion. The dukes
of Somerfet and Argyle propofed, that all privy-
counfellors, in and about London, mould be in-
vited to attend, without diftinction of party. The
motion was approved, and the lord Somers, wich
many other friends of the houfe of Hanover, re-
paired to Kenfington. Their firft confederation
was to provide for the fecurity of the kingdom.
Orders were difpatched to four regiments of horfe
and dragoons, quartered in remote counties, to
march up to the neighbourhood of London and
Weftmi niter. Seven of the ten Britifh battalions
in the Netherlands, were directed to embark at
Oftend for England ; an embargo was laid upon all
Trapping ; and directions were given for equipping
all the fhips of war, that were in a condition for im-
mediate fervice. Nor was the elector of Brunf-
wick forgot. A letter was fent to that prince,
acquainting him with the meafures that had been
taken, and requesting of him to repair, with all con-
venient fpeed, to Holland, where he mould be
attended by a British fquadron to convoy him to
England, in cafe of her majefty's death. At the
fame time inftructions were tranfmitted to the earl
of Strafford, to require the States General to pre-
pare for performing their guaranty of the proteftant
fucceffion. Meafures were likcwife taken to fecure
the fea-ports ; and over-awe the Jacobites in Scot-
land : the command of the fleet was beftowed upon
the earl of Berkeley ; and the heralds at arms were
kept in readinefs to proclaim the new king, as foon
as the throne mould become vacant.
While thefe necefTafy precautions were taken for
fecuring the fncceffion in the houfe of Hanover, the
queen, on the thirtieth of July appearing fomewhat
better, rofe from her bed about eight in the morning;
and walking a little about her chamber, caft her eyes
on the clock, and continued to gaze upon it for
feme time. One of her ladies in waiting begged to
know what fhe faw there more than ufual, to which
her majefty only anfwered, by turning her eyes upon
her with a dying look. Soon after fhe was feized
with a fit of an apoplexy; from which fhe was
fomewhat relieved by the affiftance of Di\ Mead.
She continued all night in a ftate of ftupefaction s
but gave fome figns of life between twelve and one
o'clockj and expired a little after feven in the
morning, on the firft of Auguft, in the fiftieth year
of her age, and the thirteenth of her reign. By
prince George of Denmark her majefty had fix
children : a daughter, ftill born, the twelfth of May,
1684. Lady Mary, born the fecond of June, i6$5,
and who died in February, 1690. Anne Sophia,
born May the twelfth, 1686, and died February
following. William, duke of Gloucefter, born July
the twenty-fourth, 1689, and died iri 1700. The
lady Mary, born in October, 1 690, but lived only
to be baptized. George, who alfo died foon after
he was born.
Character of queen Anne.
In her perfon this queen was of the middle fize,
and well proportioned. Her face was rather round
than oval, her hair of a dark brown, her features
regular, her complexion ruddy, her afpect rather
comely than majeftic, but her prefence -very en-
gaging. Her voice was clear and melodious, which
appeared particularly in the graceful delivery of her
fpeeches to parliament. Her capacity and learning
were not remarkable, but fhe was a virtuous, juft,
and pious princefs. In domeftic life fhe was a pat-
tern of conjugal fidelity and affection; in fbcial, fhe
approved herfelf a fincere friend, and munificent
patron. She was a tender mother, an indulgent mif-
trefs, a mild and merciful princefs. During her
reign, both the church and ftate experienced a pro-
fufion of royal bounty. While her fubjects laboured
under the burthen of an expenfive war, fhegeneroufly
aflifted them with a confiderable part of her revenue.
She applied the firft fruits and tenths, belonging to
the crown, to the maintenance of the poor clergy.
She promoted the defign of erecting churches ; and
gave every encouragement to charity fchools for the
education and fupport of indigent youth. Her poli-
tical character is fufficiently marked by the tranfac-
tions of her reign. The greateft part of this was
glorious ; and while her hufband, the prince of Den F
mark lived, the influence of his fteadinefs made it
fhine with diftinguifhed luftre^ T.he fame fplen-
dor might have continued to iu^lofe, had fhe nol
evinced the ftrongeft preoofleffions in favour of the
tories, whom fhe wa§ taught by her favourites to re-
gard as her true friends, yet who made an ill ufe of
her confidence, and, at her death, were reviving the"
perfecutions of former reigns, and throwing eveiy
thing into confufion. At the fame time this queen
imbibed molt incurable prejudices againft thewhigs,
whom fhe confidered as the avowed enemies both of
the church and monarchy. To thefe falfe notions
was owing her unhappy conduct in refigning herfelf
into the hands of the former party, during the laft
four years of her reign, whereby a moft fuccefsful
war was terminated by a moft inglorious peace.
Upon the whole, had this queen purfued, unin-
fluenced, her own good intentions, fhe might have
been ranked among the beft of fovereigns. In her
ended the line of Stuarts, whofe misfortunes and
mifconduct ftand recorded as awful leflbns of in-
ftruction to all their fucceflbrs.
No. 53,
BOOK
566
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
BOOK
XII.
THE HOUSE OF HANOVER, OR LINE OF BRUNSWICK.
From the accejjion of George /. to that of George III,
CHAP. I.
GEORGE
in England, and is proclaimed king— The tones difgraced and excluded entirely pom the royal favour —
impeachment of Bvlingbroke and Ormond, who leave the kingdom — The firjl rebellion in favour of the pretender —
Battles of Prejion and Dumblain — The pretender obliged to fly back to France — The earl of Oxford arraigned
and acquitted — The Quadruple alliance- — A viclory obtained o-ver the Spanijb fleet— >Vigo taken — South-feu jugnle
— Gilt -alter befieged-*The king vifits his German dominions — Is taken ill on the road to Linden — His death and
charaflar.
A. D.
EORGE I. elector of Brunfwick,
VJT a prince of the houfe of Hano-
ver, was indebted for his crown not to hereditary
right, but to the election of a free and brave people;
a title more honourable to a fovereign than all
the pride of royal anceftry, or the boafted claims
of conqueft. The right of this family to the throne
is founded on that liberty they were chofen to pre-
ferve ; on that liberty which is the undoubted right
of every fubject; and while the fovereign glories in
being its protector, his throne will be fixed on the
moft folid foundation. The death of the queen, in
a moment baffled all the expectations of the Ja-
cobites; and their confufion was completed by the
diligence and activity of the lords juftices, who had
been appointed exprefsly by act of parliament, to
^ ^dminifter the government till the arrival of the fuc-
ceflbr. Hence they found themfelves without any
!eader able to give confiftency to their defigns, and
force to their councils. Dr. Tennifon, archbifliop
of Canterbury, no foonar heard of the queen's
death, than he went to the privy council, and pro-
duced an inftrument, wherein the follow ing lords
had been nominated by his electoral highnefs to the
regency: the dukes of Shrewfbury, Somerfet,
Bolton, Devonshire, Kent, Argyle, Montrofe and
Roxborough; the earls of Pembroke, Anglefea,
Carlifle, Nottingham, Abingdon, Scarborough,
and Oxford; lord vifcount Townfend, lord Halli-
fax, and lord Cowper. Upon this orders were im-
mediately iffued for proclaiming king George in
England, Scotland, and Ireland; which was per-
formed the fame day in London and Weftminfter.
The regency then appointed the earl of Dorfet to fet
out for Hanover with the news of his majefty's ac-
celfionj and to attend him in his journey to En"1-
land. They fent the general officers in whom they
could confide to their refpective pofts; reinforced
the garrifon of Portfmouth; and appointed Mr.
Addifon theirfecretaFy,in the room of Bolingbroke,
who was obliged to ftand at the door of the council
chamber with his bag of papers, and underwent
various kinds of mortification. Every thing con-
tributed to fecure the fucceffion purfuant to act of
parliament ; and the duke of Marlborough's arrival
in England on the day of the queen's death, gave
real joy to all the friends of the proteftant fucceffion.
The parliament being continued after the queen's
demife, agreeable to an aft for that purpofe, met in
the afternoon of the day me died, though it was
Sunday j and four days after the lord chancellor, in
the name of the regents, made a fpeech to both
houfes, informing them what fteps they had taken
refpeding their new fovereign, whereupon both
houfes agreed to addrefles of condolence, and con-
gratulation ; promifing to fupport his undoubted
right to the crown, againft the Pretender, and all
other perfons whatfoever, and defiring the king's
fpeedy prefence among them. Thefe addrefles be-
ing prefented to hismajefty, he returned the follow-
ing anfwer to the lords, and a fimilar one to the
commons: " I take this firft opportunity to return
you my hearty thanks for your addrefs, and the
affurances you have given me therein. The zeal
and unanimity you have fhewn upon my accefllon
to the crown, are great encouragements to me, and
I mall always eftcem the continuance of them as one
of the greateft bleflings of my reign. No one can
be more truly fenfiblc than I am of the lofs fuf-
tained by the death of the late queen, \\ hofe ex-
traordinary piety and virtues fo much endeared her
to her people, and for whofe memory I mall always
have a particular regard. My beft endeavours
mall never be wanting to repair this lofs to na-
tion. I will make it my conftant care to preferve
your religion, laws, and liberties inviolable, and to
advance the honour and profperity of my kingdoms.
I am hastening to you according to your defire, fo
affectionately exprefled in your addrefs." On the
twenty-firft of Auguft the lords of the regency gave
the royal affent to the bill, " for the fupport of his
majefty's houfliold, and the dignity of the crown,"
and to fuch other bills as were ready ; the houfes
then adjourned to the twenty-fifth, when they were
further adjourned to the twenty-third of September,
by command of the king. On the twenty-fourth
of Auguft, the remains of the late queen were mag-
nificently interred in the chapel of Henry VII. in
the fanre vault with thofe of her late huibancl,
prince George of Denmark. Cji the twenty-eighth
Mr. Murray arrived from Hanover, wu'ii orders
for the council, particularly one for removing
vifcount Bolingbroke from his poft of fecretary of
ftate ; which was done on the thirty-firft, not with-
out fome marks of difpleafure ; the dukes of
Shrewfbury and Somerfet, and the lord Cowper,
three of the lords regents, taking the fcals from
him, and locking and fealing up all the doors of his
office.
On the fixteenth of September the king embarked
for England, and the next day arrived at the Hope.
On the eighteenth his majefty and the prince landed
at Greenwich in the evening, where the lords of
the regency, and the earl of Northumberland, cap-
tain of the life-guards received them . They walked
to the king's houfe in the park, attended by many
of the nobility, and immenfe crowds of rejoicing
fpectators ; and on the twentieth of the month, the
king made his public entry into London, with
great magnificence, more than two hundred coaches
of
////' //'/.// f/ //t<-r/( ?'//•!/• f'/ f'ftf/tt't't'f A f///c fyC&fWtMJ/'fl'K — f '/'f'ff'ff /r/f'ff ' Ifff/. I.I//// —
' / L -^ ' y '//
vr/, /t'/t , /tf/f>//t>t/*( /tt/, A. '/for/ /'n /fM /f'/f'/strt/H'i'f/t/tf't'Ct'/tf/H' // /7 ^/'. • /</< fi Oy.
/ / f < ' / / /
GEORGE
I.
567
of the nobility and gentry, each with fix horfes pre-
ceding the royal carriage. A total change was now
effected in the feveral departments of the {late. The
great feal was intrufted to lord Cowper, the privy-
leal to the earl of Wharton, and the government of
Ireland to the earl of Sunderland. Lord Townfend
and Mr. Stanhope were appointed fecretaries of
ftate; the duke of Marlborough was made gene-
raliffimo, and the duke of Devonshire fteward of
the king's houfhold ; Mr. Poulteney was appointed
fecretary at war, and Mr. Walpole pay-mafter to
the army and Chelfea hofpital ; the treafury and
admiralty were put into commiflion, a new privy-
council was appointed, and the prince royal was de-
clared prince of Wales. All the corporations and the
twp universities prefented addreffes of congratulation
to his majelly, who expreffed great fatisfaction upon
receiving thefe inftances of attachment to his per-
fon and government. He declared in council, that
he was determined to maintain the churches of
England and Scotland according to their eftablifli-
ment by law ; and this he conceived might be done,
without abridging the proteftant diffenters of the
indulgences they enjoyed under the toleration aft ;
and further faid, that he would exert his utmoft
endeavours, effectually tofecure the property of his
fubjects. In the beginning of October the princefs
of Wales, with her two daughters, the princeffes
Anne and Amelia, arrived in England; and on the
twentieth of the fame month, the king was crowned
vith great pomp and magnificence. Upon this
occafion, t litre were great demonftration of joy
throughout the kingdom; but the diffatisfaction of
the tories, on their being deprived of their places,
foon (hewed itfelf, by their reviving the clamour of
the church's danger, and great tumults were raifed
in different parts of the kingdom, where the cry
; Down with the whigs ! Sacheverel for ever!"
was,
Hence breaking of windows, and pulling down of
meeting houfes, were again practiced, as at the
beginning of Sacheverel's mobs. During thefe
commotions, the Pretender fent a printed manifefto
to the dukes of Shrewfbury, Marlborough, Argyle,
and many other noblemen. In a pamphlet written
by Dr. Poland, the abfurdity of the allegations con-
tained in the manifefto was clearly expofed. The
copies of the representation being delivered to the
fecretaries of ftate, his majefty refufed an audience
to the marquis de Lamberti, minifter from the duke
of Lorrain, being convinced that his mafter had
countenanced the above proceeding.
The new parliament met on the feventeenth
of March, wherein the king complained, that
fome men cliffaffected to his fucceflion, had repre-
fented his principles and the general tenor of his
conduct, in a manner highly injurious ; he ad-
verted to the perplexed ftate of public affairs,
the interruption of commerce, and the enormous
national debt: and expreffed an earneft hope, that
fuch perfons might be elected into parliament, as
had already approved themfelves zealoufly attached
to the proteftant religion, becaufe they would be
the moft likely to refcue the ftate from the em-
barraffmems in which it was then involved.
On the twenty-firft of March the
. ,.
'
king came to the houfe of peers, and
delivered to the chancellor a written addrefs to
both houfes, which was read to the following effect :
his majefty thanked his faithful fubjects for the zeal
they had manifcfted in defence of the proteftant
fucceflion : fome .conditions of the peace he ob-
ferved, were not fully executed, and that the whole
might, therefore, be confidered as precarious til! the
prefent treaties could be guarantied by clefenfive
alliances; he obferved, that the Pretender threatened
again to interrupt the tranquillity of his dominions;
that great part of the trade of the nation was already
rendered impracticable, and that if the evil was
not fpeedily repaired, the destruction of the navi-
gation and manufactures of England muft enfue ;
and that Since the ceffation of arms, a very great ad-
dition had been made to the public debts. He then
informed the commons, that the revenues formerly
granted were fo incumberedand alienated, that the
produce of the funds was not equal to the fupport
of the civil government; and that Since his people
were fo happy as to have a prince of Wales, an ex-
pence would be neceffarily incurred, to which the
nation had not been accuftomed for many years;
and thefe circumftances, his majefty hoped, would
be taken under the ferious consideration of his
faithful commons. He obfervccl, that this being
the firft feffion in his reign, all the ftates of Europe
impatiently waited for the refult of the parliamentary
deliberations; exhorted them not to permit party
contentions and animoSities,to divert their attention
from the common intereft of their country ; and
concluded with affuring them, that the civil and
religious conftitution of church and ftate, and the
happinefs and profperity of his people, Should be
the invariable rule of his government, and the prin-
cipal care of his whole life.
In the morning of the twenty-fecond of April,
was a total eclipfe of the fun, which had not hap-
pened in this kingdom for fome centuries. The
darknefs was for a Short time fo complete, that fe-
veral ftars appeared, and birds betook themfelves to
rooft. The eaStei n limb of the fun was no fooner
covered, than the total darknefs came on inftan-
taneouSly,as did the light in the fame manner re-
turn, when the moon left its weftern limb. Obfer-
vations were made on this extraordinary phasno-
.menon by Mr. Whifton, and other eminent aftro-
nomers.
Parliament had not fat long before they began to
call the late minifters of queen Anne to an account;
which fo alarmed lord Bolingbroke, who had taken
his feat in the houfe of peers, that he rode poft to
Dover, and embarked for Calais. A fecret com-
mittee was formed for considering the Several pa-
pers relating to the negotiations of peace, of which
Walpole was made chairman. On the report of
this committee being laid before the houfe, Boling-
broke and Oxford were impeached of high treafon,
and the earl of Straftbrd, one of the plenipotentaries
for the peace of Utrecht, of high crimes and mif-
demeanors. tt was thought Ormond's name be-
ing uSed as a Signal for mobs and riots, contributed,
to haften his impeachment ; " High church and
Ormond for ever !" being then as much the cry of
the Jacobites and tory-mobs, as High church and
Sacheverel had been before. It was, however, be-
lieved, that had he ftaid he would have found
favour ; but taking the advice of his tory friends,
he left the kingdom, and followed lord Bolingbroke
to France. Upon this they were both attainted of
high-treafon, and a bill paffed againft them. The
earl of Oxford, however, did not fly, but was com-
mitted to the cuftody of the black rod, and then to
the Tower. Mobs and tumults becoming now
more frequent, an act was paffed, declaring, that if
any perfons to the number of twelve, unlawfully
affembled, Should continue together one hour after
being required to cliS'perfe by a juftice of the peace,
or other oflicer, and hearing the proclamation
againft riots read in public, they Should be deemed
guilty of felony, without benefit of the clergy.
This, which is commonly called the riot act, is Still
in force.
The king having acquainted the parliament with
the defigns carried on in favour of the Pretender
abroad and at home, addreffes, expreffive of loyalty
and affection, were prefented by both houfes, the
common-council of London, and the counties and
corporations of England. The habeas corpus act
was fufpended by parliament for fix months. The
duke
568
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
duke of Powis, the carl of Jerfcy, the lords Lanf-
down and Dunbar, and other fufpicious perfons,
were apprehended ; the coafts were ftridly guarded,
and an exprefs fent to the States-general for dif-
patching their forces agreeable to their engage-
merit. The earl of Mar, who, at the deceafe of
queeri Anne, was fecretary of ftate for Scotland,
and was one df the firft who made profcflions of
loyalty to king George, expecting to be powerfully
reinforced from England, began to aft openly in
North Britain. But being difappointcd of the en-
couragement arid fupport that had been promifcd
him, he retired in difguft tO the place of his nati-
vity, and urged by ambition and refentment, re-
folved to take an adive part in the Pretender's in-
terefts. With filch unabating perfeverance did he
profecute his defign, that on the (ixth of September
the adventurer's ftandard was erected in Aberdeen,
Dundee, Perth, and feveral other towns ; and about
fix thoufand men appeared in arms, determined to
fupport his claim. A ftrong party of the rebels
made an attempt to furprize the caftle of Edin-
bur"h ; but by the prudence of colonel Stuart, go-
vernor of the fortrefs, they were repulfed with
confiderable lofs. About this time died Lewis XIV.
king of France ; and this event proved fo alarming
to the rebels, that great numbers of them were
deftrous Of poftponing all further meafures till the
Pretender (hould have landed in England ; but en-
couraged by the hope that an infurrection would be
fomented in their favour in England, it was de-
cided by a majority, that at all hazards the enter-
prize {hould be attempted. The dukes of Argyle
and Roxborough, the earl of Sunderland, the mar,
quiffes of Annandale and Tweedale, and feveral
other Scotifli noblemen, repaired to the north, in
order to colled: their vaflals, and exert their utmoft
intereft to oppofe the Pretender ; and the duke of
Argyle was appointed commander in chief of all
the3 forces in Scotland. The carl of Derwentwater
and Mr. Forfter, with about two hundred and fifty
more rebels, rendezvouzed at Plainfield, adjacent
to Rothbury, where in a fhort time they were
Coined by about thirty horfemen under lord Wid-
drington, and another party of horfemen from Scot-
land ; they proclaimed the Pretender at Warkworth,
Morpeth, and Hexham, with the ufual formalities ;
but upon the approach of general Carpenter, at the
head of feveral regiments of cavalry and infantry,
the enemy was thrown into fuch confternation, that
they debated whether it would be moft prudent to
maintain their ground, or avoid an engagement.
The former meafure was ftrongly recommended by
Mr. Mackintofti, who urged, that the longer the
battle was poftponed, the more formidable would
become the power they had to encounter ; but
Forfter, their general, and the other principal offi-
cers, were for deferring the battle till they mould
be joined by a ftrong body of horfe : and therefore
they marched to Longhoolm, Brampton, Penrith,
Appleby, Kendal, Kirby, Dounfdale, and Lan-
cafter, and in moft of thofe towns proclaimed the
Pretender in the ufual manner. They were now,
in their march towards Prefton, joined by about
fifteen hundred men from Lancafhire. Upon their
arrival at Prefton, they endeavoured to fortify them-
felves in the town, being apprized of the approach
of the king's forces under the command of general
Wills. Upon the arrival of the royalifts, the proper
difpofitioBS were made for fecuring the feveral ave-
nues to the town, and an attack was made in re-
gular form. At firft, the king's troops were greatly
annoyed by the enemy's fliot from the windows
and tops of houfes, and other buildings ; but the
royalifts having fet fire to the houfes at each end
of the town, and received a confiderable reinforce-
ment, the rebels were fo difpirhed, that they foli-
cited a ceflation of hoftilities, and prefently after
fubmitted at difcretion. The royalifts fuftaincd a
lofs of about a hundred and thirty men ; but the
number of flain on the part of the rebels, cannot
be afcertained.
It is remarkable, that on Sunday the thirteenth
of November, the very day when the rebels were
fubdued at Prefton, the duke of Argyle, with about
four thoufand men, engaged the rebel army under
the earl of Mar^ confiftmg of about nine thoufand,
at Shcriffmuir, or Sheriff-moor, near Dumblain,
about four miles from Sterling. Various accounts
are given of the battle, which was obftinate and
bloody ; arid both fides claimed the victory. It is,
however, certain, that the duke of Argyle, with the
right of his army, foon routed the left of the
enemy ; but while he was purfuing them two miles
with great flaughter, the right of the rebels de-
feated the left of the royal army j fo that general
Withami their commander, flying full fpeed to
Stirling, gave out that all was loft. The duke, on
his return from the purfuit of the rebels, with that
part of the army which had been victorious, in-
ftantly perceived his imprudence. Both armies con-
tinued to gaze at each other, neither of them
caring to engage ; and towards evening both fides
drew off. The earl of Mar retreated to Perth.
The earl of Hay, the duke of Argyle's brother,
was in the adtion ; he behaved with great intrepi-
dity, and was wounded in the arm and fide.
About eight hundred of the rebels were killed,
and many made prifoners, among whom were fe-
veral gentlemen. The caftle of Invernefs, which
had been in the poflefllon of Mar, was delivered
up by lord Lovat, who had hitherto appeared in
the intereft of the Pretender. The marquis of
Tullibardine left the earl to defend his own coun-
try ; and many of the clans feeing no likelihood of
their foon coming to a fecond engagement, returned
home. The Pretender had now the greateft reafon
to be convinced of the vanity of his expectations,
in imagining the whole country would rife in his
caufe, yet, though his affairs were defperate, he
was fo infatuated as to refolve to hazard his perfon
among his friends in Scotland. Faffing therefore
through France in difguifc, and embarking in a
fmall veflel at Dunkirk, he landed at Petcrhead on
the twenty-fecond of September, having in his
train the marquis of Tinmouth, fon of the duke
of Berwick, and five other gentlemen. Thence he
haftened to Fetterofle, where he was met by the earl
of Mar, and about thirty noblemen and gentle-
men.
The clofe of this year was remarkable for a very
fevere froft, which began towards the end of No-
vember, and continued till February ; when the
Thames, being frozen over, was covered with
booths. Two whole oxen were roafted upon it ;
and from the number of people who reforted thi-
ther, it refembled a fair.
On the ninth of January the Pre- \ r^ ,
tender marched to Perth, where he
reviewed the forces that had been raifed for his fer-
vice, and expreffed great fatisfaclion at the High-
land drefs, which he had never before feen. Thence
he proceeded to Scoon, where he publiflied feveral
proclamations, particularly one for a convention of
the ftates, and another for his coronation, and
aflumed other a6ts of royalty, which ended almoft
as foon as they commenced ; for towards the end
of the month, the duke of Argyle, afllfted by
lieutenant-general Cadogan, and other general offi-
cers who were fent down to him, and reinforced by
a good train of artillery, and the Dutch troops
lately landed, marched from Stirling to attack the
rebels at Perth, who no longer expected affiftance
from France ; upon his approach they abandoned
the place, and retired with the Pretender to Dundee,
and from thence to Montrofe; where, finding they
were
GEORGE
I.
569
were clofcly purfucd by the king's forces, on Fe-
bruary the fourteenth, the Pretender, with the earls
of Mar and Melfoit, the lord Drummond, and
fome other chiefs, found means to make their efcape
in a French fhip which lay there ; foon after which
the rebels difperfed,fome fubmitted,and fome were
taken prifoners.
The Pretender fteercd for the coaft of Norway,
in order to avoid the Englifh cruizers, and in five
days time landed at Gravelin ; and the chief of the
rebel prifoners being conducted to London, the
houfe of commons began to think of the moft ef-
fectual method of profecuting the offenders. They
firft expelled Mr. Forfter the houfe, and then im-
peached the earls of Derwentwater, Nithifdale,
Carnwath, and Wintoun, and the lords Widdring-
ton, Nairn, and Kenmuir. Thefe noblemen being
brought to the bar of the houfe of lords, heard the
articles of impeachment read on the tenth of Ja-
nuary, and were ordered to put in their anfwers on
the fixteenth. The impeachments being lodged,
the lower houfe ordered a bill to be brought in to
continue the fufpenfion of the Habeas Corpus act
fix months longer; then they prepared another to
attaint lord John Drurilmond, the earls of Mar and
Linlithgow, and the marquis of Tullibardine. All
the lords pleaded guilty except Widdrington, who
defired farther time to prepare for his defence ; and
the reft received fentence of death on the ninth of
FebruaYy.. Orders were iflued for the execution of
Derwentwater, Kenmuir, and Nithifdale ; but his
majcfty was pleafed to grant a refpite to the others
till the feventh of March. Nithifdale effected an
efcape in the apparel of a woman, his mother hav-
ing contrived to fupply him with the difguife. On
the twenty-fourth of February, Kenmuir and Der-
wentwater were beheaded upon Tower hill. The
earl of Wintoun was brought to trial, and being
found guilty, received fentence of death. Of the
remaining prifoners, a confiderable number were
found guilty, hanged, drawn, and quartered; and
among thefe was William Paul, a clergyman, who
in afpeech to the populace at the place of execu-
tion, declared himfelf " A fincere and true member
of the church of England, but not of the revolu-
tion, fchifmatical church, whofc bifhops had aban-
doned the king, and fhamefully given up their ec-
clefiaftical rights, by fubmitting to the unlawful,
invalid, lay deprivations authorized by the prince
of Orange;" yet it appears, that this man's fear of
death got the better of his refolution •, for he pre-
fented a petition, declaring his forrow for his
crime, and begged pardon of God, his king, and
his country.
The miniftry, apprehenfiv* that the approaching
general election might give too much power to the
Jacobites and tories, had recourfe to a very extra-
ordinary expedient to fruftrate their views. The
duke of Devonfhire reprefented to the houfe of
peers, " That triennial elections ferved to keep
up party divisions; to raife and foment feuds in
private families ; to produce ruinous expences, and
give occafion to the cabals and intrigues of foreign
princes ; that it became the wifdom of fuch an
auguft aflembly, to apply a remedy to an evil which
might be attended with the moft dangerous confe-
quences, efpecially in the prefent temper of the
nation, while the fpirit of rebellion ftill remained
unconquered, and feemed only to wait for a frefti
opportunity to difplayitfelf with more uncontrouled
» violence than ever; that as the election of a new
parliament, which by the triennial a<t was faft ap-
proaching, was the the moft favourable juncture the
Jacobites could expect, he thought it abfolutely
nccefTary to deprive them of that refource ; and
that for this purpofe he begged leave to propofe a
bill for enlarging the continuance of parliament,
and defired that the houfe would confent to its being
XT *-*
No. 54.
read. He WaS feconded by the earls of Dorfet
and Rockingham, the duke of Argyle, the lord
-Townferid, and other leaders of the whig party j
but the motion was oppofed by the tories, particu-
larly by the earls of Abingdon, Nottingham, and
Paulet," Many arguments were ufed on both fides
of the queftion, which at length being put, the bill
pafTed, and it obtained the royal afient. Soon
after, the claufe in the act of fettlement, by which
the fovereign was not to leave the kingdom without
confent of parliament was repealed ; and his ma-
jefty having conftituted the prince Of Wales guar-
dian of the realm during his abfence, fet out for
his German dominions on the feventh of July.
Though the rebellion was happily cruflied, the
fpirit of it ftill remained, and difcovered itfelf in
licentious mobs and tumults, in which the diforderly
multitude readily engaged. To ftem the torrent of
thofe riots, the whigs, and fuch who were well
affected to the Hanoverian fucceffion, began even
in the laft reign to form themfelves into clubst
which met at feveral public houfes in the city and
fuburbs, then called Mug-houfes, from the vefiels
ufed there. After his majefty's acceffion, thefe
clubs were not only kept up but encreafed. One
of the moft famous of the mug-houfes was the Roe-
buck in Cheapfide ; and that in Salifbury court
became fo from the following incident* The com-
pany there, upon fome occafion having given ex-
traordinary demonftrations of their loyalty, the ja-
cobite mob were fo enraged, that they attacked
the mug-houfe, which was kept by one Mr. Read,
and would have, demoliflied it, had not the com-
pany fent for a reinforcement from the mug-houfe
in Taviftock-ftreet. Upon their arrival, the mob
was put to flight; but on the twenty-third, one
Vaughan perfuaded the mob to attack the mug-
houfe again, in order to revenge their late affront.
They agreed, and followed him with loud huzzas
of high church and Ormond, and down with the
mug-houfes. Read ordered them to keep off, or
he would fire among them ; but they difregarding
him, he put his threats in execution, and killed
Vaughan on the fpot ; for which he was afterwards
tried and acquitted. The mob ftill continuing
their outrages, a party of the guards were fent for.
Five of the rioters were taken, who being tried and
found guilty, were hanged at the end of Salifbnry
court; and this put an end to thofe tumults, which
had for a confiderable time thrown the capital into
the utmoft confufion.
While his majefty was abroad, the * r\
triple alliance was figned between
Great Britain, France, and the United Provinces.
The king returned in January ; and foon after the
nation was alarmed with an intended invafion by-
Charles XII. of Sweden in favour of the Pretender,
which his majefty communicated to the council:
but Charles being foon after fhot by a cannon ball
before Frederick-ftiall, an end was put to all the
defigns of the Swedes againft England. In the
mean time, his majefty fent to demand of the com-
mons an extraordinary fupply, the better to enable
him to fecure his kingdoms againft the danger with
which they were threatened from Sweden ; and
after long and warm debates, two hundred and fifty
thoufand pounds were gran ted for this purpofe; but
it was carried only • by a majority of four voices*
On the conclufion of this debate, there was almoft
a total change in the miniftry. Mr. Stanhope was
raifed to the office of firft lord of the treafury, and
chancellor of the exchequer ; the earl of Sunder-
land and Mr. Addifon were appointed fecretaries
of ftate i the office of fecretary at war was given to
Mr. Craggs ; the earl of Berkeley was appointed
firft lord of the admiralty, on the refignation of
the earl of Orford ; the viceroyfhip of Ireland was
given to the duke of Bolton, whom the duke of
7 E Newcaftle
57°
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Newcaftle fuccceded in his office of tord-chamber-
lain. Proceedings had been already begun with
regard to a reduction of the national debt, which
was comprehended under the two heads of redeem-
able and irredeemable incumbrances. The firft had
been contracted with a redeemable intereft, and
thcfe the public had a right to discharge ; the others
confided of longer and fhorter annuities, granted
for a greater or lefs number of years, which could
not be altered without the confent of the pro-
prietors. Mr. Robert Walpole, when at the head
of the treafury, had projected a fcheme for leflening
the intereft, and paying the capital of thefe na^
tional debts. He propofed in the houfe of com-
mons to reduce the intereft of the redeemable
funds, and offer an alternative to the proprietors of
annuities. This plan had met with approbation ;
but when he refigned, forne alterations were made
which were difpleafing to him ; and when a debate
enfued, Mr. Stanhope and Mr. Walpole endea-
voured to criminate each other ; by which it feemed
evident, that they had praftifed the felling places
and reverfions. This difcovery, which one would
have imagined mould have caufed fuch an enquiry
as might have ended in the punifliment of both the
parties, had a veiy different effect ; the houfe feemed
anxious that the whole matter mould be buried in
oblivion; and the gentlemen " gave their word
and honour to the fpeaker, that their refentment
fliould be carried no farther."
The earl of Oxford having -been now confined
near two years in the Tower, a petition from him
was prefented to the houfe of lords, " praying that
his imprifonment might not be indefinite." The
tory lords afierted, that the impeachment was de-
termined, and all proceedings againft him endecf
by the prorogation of parliament ; but this being
put to the vote, was carried in the negative. Weft-
minfter hall being prepared for his trial, and the
lord-chancellor Cowper being appointed lord high-
fteward, the prifoner, on June the twenty-fourth,
was brought from the Tower by water, and con-
ducted to the bar; when Mr. Hampden, one of the
managers for the commons, recapitulated the charge
againft the earl in a long fpeech. Sir Jofeph Jekyll
was proceeding to make good the firft article; but
lord Harcourt having made a motion previous
thereto, ' that the commons be not permitted to
proceed, in order to make good the articles againft
the earl of Oxford for high crimes and mifdemea-
nors, till judgment be firft given upon the articles
for high treafon;' which after a long debate, was
carried in the affirmative ; there arofe upon this a
difference between the two houfes, the commons
being refolved to proceed in their own way, and
the lords as ftrenuoufly adhering to theirs. At laft,
in the beginning of July, the lords proceeded to
the trial ; and three proclamations were made for
the accufers of the earl of Oxford to appear, and
make good the articles of impeachment againft
him ; but nobody appearing, his lordfhip was, by
the unanimous advice of all the peers prefent, dif-
charged of the high crimes and mifdemeanors, as
well as of high-treafon. However, the commons
addreffed the king to except the earl of Oxford out
of the aft of grace, with which his majefty com-
plied. This aft being ready, the king went to the
houfe of peers, and having given his afient to fe-
vcral bills, clofed the fefiion with a fpeech, in
which, among other things, he exprefled his hope,
that thofe of his fubjefts who mould be reftored to
their liberty by the aft of grace, would make a
proper ufe of the indulgence for their own and the
public advantage. After fome difputes between
the northern powers, conferences were opened be-
tween the emperor, France, and Holland; in con-
fequence of which, before the clofe of the next
year, the famous quadruple alliance took place.
On the fecond of November, the princefs of
Wales was brought to-bed of a prince, who was
baptized on the twenty-eighth of the fame month,
by the name of George-William, and died foon
afterwards, the king and the duke of Newcaftle
being godfathers, and the duchefs of St. Albans
godmother. By fome circumftance -or other, after
the chriftening was over, his royal highnefs the
prince of Wales fell under his majefly's difpleafure,
infomuch that he was ordered to leave St. James's-
which he did, and went and refided at Leicefter
houfe, with the princefs his confort. The young
princefles, and the young prince, remained at St.
James's with his majefty; orders having been given
that her royal highnefs might come and fee them as
often as me would. The prince retired with the
princefs to a houfe belonging to the earl of
Grantham ; and notice was given to all peers,
peerefl'es, privy-counfellors and their wives, that if
" they vifited the prince and princefs, they fliould
forbear coming into his majefty's prefence." The
confequence was, that thofe who held offices under
the king or prince, were left to their choice; and
moft of the prince's fervants declined going to St.
James's.
When the king met his parliament in November,
he informed them, that fince the beginning of the
laft feffion, he had reduced his army to nearly the
half of its number at the commencement of the
former feflion. High debates arofe in the houfe of
commons, on the number of troops that ought to
be fupplied. Sir William Wyndam, Mr. Shippen,
and Mr. Walpole, contended that twelve thoufand
men were fuflicient ; while Mr. Craggs and others
were for voting fixteen thoufand. At this period
lord-chancellor Cowper, who had been promoted
to the dignity of an earl, refigned the great feal y
which after being put m cojnmifiion for fome time,
was given to lord Parker. The earl of Sunclerland
was appointed preficlent of the council, and firft
commifiioner of the treafury. The earl of Holder-
nefle was placed at the head of the board of trade.
The lord Stanhope and Mr. Craggs were appointed
fecretaries of ftate; and fliortly after the above
changes, the lords Stanhope and Caclogan were ad-
vanced to the peerage.
The Spanifh menarch Philip, con- AT-.
tinued his warlike pi eparations, and ' ' -1?.
equipped a formidable fleet, which early in the
month of July failed from Barcelona towards Italy,
but the deftination of this armament -was kept a.
profound fecret. On the other hand, the king of
England having fitted out a powerful fquadron,
the marquis de Monteleone, the Spanifh ambafla-
dor, prefented a memorial to the miniftry, import-
ing, that fo powerful an armament in a time of
peace, could not but give offence to the king his
mafter, and tend to difturb the harmony that fub-
fifted between the crowns of Spain and England.
In reply to this memorial, the Englifh monarch
obferved, that he did not wifli to conceal the defign,
with which he had fitted out a fleet; and declared,
that his intention was to fend a powerful fquadron
into the Mediterranean under the command of
admiral Byng, in order to protect the neutrality
of Italy. In the mean time, the negotiations of
theminifters of France and Spain, brought about
the quadruple alliance between Great-Britain,
France, the emperor, and die States-general. It
was ftipulated by this famous treaty, that the king,
of Spain mould reftore to the emperor, within two-
months after the ratification of the articles, the
kingdom of Sardinia, and relinquish, all claim to'
that iflancl, as well as the dominions of the em-
peror in Italy and the Netherlands; that he fhould '
confent to the emperor's being put in poflefllon^
of Sicily, and renounce all claim to the rcverlion;
of that kingdom in favour of the crown of Spain,^
. as
GEORGE
I.
57*
as fettled by the treaty of Utrecht ; conditionally,
however, of having Sardinia in exchange ; that the
emperor fhould for himfelf, his heirs and fucccffors,
abandon all pretenfions to any territories, of which,
by the treaty of Utrecht, the king of Spain was
acknowledged rightful poffeffor ; that he fhould re-
cognize Philip as lawful king of Spain and the
Indies ; that the duchies of Parma, Tufcany, and
Placentia, fliould be confidered as male fiefs of the
empire ; and that, in default of male heirs, they
fhould devolve to the queen of Spain's eldeft fon ;
but it was provided, that neither of the above
duchies fhould ever be poffeffed by a prince in
adtual poffeffion of the Spanifli crown ; and that
the king of Spain fhould not affume the guardian-
fhip of the prince, to whom the duchies were to
defcend ; that within two months after the ratifica-
tion of the treaty, the king of Sicily fhould reftore
that kingdom to the emperor; but that in return,
the emperor fhould give the king of Sicily poffeffioa
of the ifland of Sardinia, which he fliould enjoy
with the title of king, on condition that in default
of male heirs, the right of reverfion fliould be re-
ferved to the crown of Spain ; that the kings of
Spain and Sicily fhould be allowed three months to
determine, whether they would accede to the arti-
cles of the treaty ; but that if, in oppofition to the
general wifhes of Europe, they fhould continue re-
fractory, the mediating powers fhould unite their
ftrength to compel their fubmiflion ; that if any one
of the mediators fhould be attacked on account of
the fuccours lent to the emperor, the others fliould
declare war againft the affiilant, and not lay down
their arms till the emperor fliould be put inpofieffion
of Sicily, and firmly eftablifhed in the enjoyment
of his dominions in Italy •, that if the terms pro-
pofed by the allies fhould be accepted by either of
the kings, he fliould unite with the mediators in
order to enforce the compliance of the other ; and
to prove that juftice and the peace of Europe were
tht only objects of the prefent treaty, itwasex-
prefsly ftipulated, that as foon as the emperor fhould
be put in pofTeffion of Sicily, he fliould relinquifh
all pretenfion to Spain and the Indies, whether king
Philip acceded or not, inafmuch as the guarantee of
the mediatorial powers, would be, to his Imperial
majefty, a fecurity for Sicily, the Netherlands, and
the Italian dominions, equal to the renunciations
of the Spanifh monarch.
Intreaty and remonftrance having proved equally
ineffectual, the king of Great Britain refolved to
compel the Spanifh monarch to comply with the
conditions of the treaty. On the fourth of June
Sir George Byng failed from Spithead, with an ar-
mament confifting of twenty fliips of the line, two
fire-lhips, and two bomb-veffels. On the thirtieth
of the fame month he arrived at St. Vincent's.
Faffing by Gibraltar, he was joined by vice-admiral
Cornwall, with the Argyle and Charles galley. He
then failed for Minorca, and relieved the garrifon
of Port-Mahon. After this, he directed his courfe
towards Naples, where he arrived on the firft of
Anguft ; and the Neapolitans, who were under the
moft terrible apprehenfions of a Spanifh invafion,
hailed him as their deliverer. The admiral had an-
interview with count Daun, the viceroy, who treated
him in a moft honourable and refpectful manner,
and communicated to him the following very im-
portant intelligence: that a Spanifh army, amount-
ing to thirty thoufand men, under the command of
the marquis de Lede, had effected a landing in
Sicily, reduced Palermo and Melfina, and was then
employed in befieging the laft mentioned city ;
that unlefs -fpecdy relief was afforded, the Pied-
montefe garrifon would be under the neceffity of
flu-rendering ; that an alliance was negotiating be-
tween the emperor and the king of Sicily; and that
the latter had iblicited the afliftance of the Imperial
army, offering the citadel of Meflina for their re-
ception. Having received this information, Sir
George departed from Naples with all poffible ex-
pedition,' taking with him two thoufand German
troops, under the command of general Wetzel, as
a reinforcement to the citadel ; and on the ninth of
Auguft he arrived within fight of the Faro, off
Meffma.
The Spanifh fleet had failed from the harbour
of Meflina, on the day before the arrival of the
Englifh fquadron ; and Byng imagining they had
retired to Malta, proceeded towards Meflina, in
order to encourage and reinforce the garrifon in
the citadel ; but in doubling the Faro, he defcried
two Spanifh fcouts, and learnt from the people of
a felucca from the Calabrian fhore, that they had
feen the Spanifh fleet laying to in the order of
battle. Upon this the admiral detached general
Wetzel, with the German troops, to fteggio, under
the convoy of two men of war. Faffing through
the Faro, the admiral failed in purfuit of the Spanifh
fcouts; and before noon he defcried the main fleet,
conlifting of twenty-feven fail, exclufive of two
fire-fliips, four bomb-veffels, and feven gallies,
drawn up in line of battle. Don Antonio de Cafta-
neta had the chief command of the Spanifh fleet,
in which were the four rear-admirals, Mari, Chacon,
Guevara, and Cammock. Upon the appearance of
the Englifli fleet, the enemy flood away large, but
continued to prefervethe order of battle; and they
were purfued till evening. The next morning,
rear-admiral Mari, with fix men of war, the fire
and ftore-fhips, bomb-ketches and gallies, fcparated
from the main fleet, and fteered for the coaft'of
Sicily. Captain Walton, with fix mips, was dif-
patched in purfuit of Mari, with whom he foon
engaged. The Englifh admiral purfued the main
fleet, and the battle commenced about ten o'clock.
The Spaniards made a running fight -, and though
the admirals behaved with great refolution, they
were all taken except Cammock, who efcaped to
Malta with three fhips of war and three frigates.
In this action, captain Haddock, of the Grafton,
difplayed repeated inftances of good conduct and
bravery. His fhip being a remarkably quick failer,
he made it a point to attack the headmoft of the
enemy. When he had difabled one fhip, he left it
to be attacked by the Englifh that followed, and
then directed his force againft another headmoft
veffel in the enemy's line. Sir George received a
letter on the eighteenth from captain Walton, men-
tioning, that he had made capture of four Spanifh
men of war, a bomb-ketch, and a veflel laden with
arms, and that he had burnt four mips of war, a
bomb-veffel, and a fire-fhip. Notwithftanding this
defeat, the Spaniards continued to profecute the
fiege of Mefiina with fuch vigour, that on the
twenty-ninth of September the governor capitu-
lated, and the garrifon was tranfported to Syracufc
and Reggio. The emperor and the duke of Savoy
now concluded a treaty at Vienna, according to
which they were to form an army for the conqueft
of Sardinia in behalf of the duke, who engaged to
evacuate Sicily ; but it vvasr ftipulated that, until
his forces could be removed from that ifland, they
fliould act in conjunction with the German troops
againft the common enemy. The Englifh admiral
continued to affift the Imperial forces in Sicily,
during the greateft part of the winter, by clearing
the feas of the Spaniards, and preferving a com-
munication between the German troops and the
Calabrian fhore, from whence they were fupplied
with provifions. Having held a conference with
the viceroy of Naples, and the other Imperial
general, refpedting the operations of the enfbing
campaign. Sir George failed for Mahon in order
to refit his fhips, intending to take the fea early
in' the fpring. The admiral's fon remained at
Naples
572
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Naples to tranfact bufinefs with the viceroy, and
tranfmit to England accounts of all important
occurrences.
The parliament meeting on the -eleventh of De-
qember, earl Stanhope offered to the houfe of lords
a bill for ftrengthening the proteftant intereft, by
repealing the acts againft occafional conformity,
and the fchifm bills which had been enacted at the
.end of the laft reign. The tory lords were aftonifhed
at this motion, for which they were unprepared.
The archbifhop of Canterbury reprefen ted thofe
acts as the main bulwarks of the Englifli church,
and that it was needlefs to repeal them, fince they
had not been put in force: but Dr. Hoadly, bifhop
of Bangor, proved, that they were perfecuting laws ;
and that the arguments in j unification of them,
would fupport all the perfecutions maintained by
the heathens, and even the popifh inquifition. In
fhort, this bill after long debates, pafled both
houfes, and in the following year received the
royal aflent.
A TJ A plan for invading England was
17 l9' concerted by Alberoni; and the duke
of Ormond going to Madrid, had feveral con-
ferences with the Spanim minifter on this fubject.
In the mean time the Pretender quitted Rome, and
arrived at Madrid, where he was treated as king of
Great Britain. Ten fliips of war and feveral
tranfports, were prepared, and took on board fix
thoufand troops, and arms for twelve thoufandmen.
This fleet was commanded by the duke of Ormond,
who had the title of cap tain -general of the forces of
his moft Catholic majefty ; and was furnifhed with
a declaration in the name of that monarch, import-
ing, that, for many good reafons, he had fent part
of his land and fea forces into England and Scot-
land, to act as auxiliaries to king James: that what
had induced him to take this ftep, was the certain
intelligence he had received that many inhabitants
of the two kingdoms, notwithftanding their ftrong
inclination to acknowledge that prince for their
ibvereign, durfl not openly declare for him, be-
caufe they did not fee him fupported by any of the
iiatcs of Europe, that had either the will or power
to aflift him : that in order to remove this difficulty,
he had declared he was determined to exert his
utmoft endeavours for his reftoration to the throne
of a kingdom, which he faid belonged to him by
undoubted right : that he hoped Providence would
favour fo juft a caufe : but that the fear of ill fuccefs
anight not deter any perfon from openly efpoufing
his intereft, he promifed a fafe retreat in his do-
minions, to all fuch as, by their concern in this
affair, might be obliged to leave their native
country. Advice of this intended invafion being
tranfinitted from France to England, meafures were
taken to defeat the fcheme. The king ifiued a
proclamation, offering a reward for the apprehen-
fion of the duke of Ormond, or any gentleman em-
barked in the expedition. A ftrong fleet was fitted
out to oppofe the invafion ; two thoufand men were
demanded of the States General, and troops were
afiembled in the northern and weftern parts of the
kingdom. Parliament promifed to fupport the
king againft all his enemies, and aflured him, that
they would vote the neceflary fums for the payment
of an additional force by fea and land. The regent
of France offered twenty battalions; but thefe were
not accepted, as the Dutch had fent two thoufand
men, and fix battalions of Imperialifts were landed
from the Auftrian Netherlands. Tke duke of Or-
mond failed from Cadiz, but a violent ftorm dif-
perfing his fleet, the boafted expedition was fruf-
trated; yet two frigates from Port-paflage, with
the earls Marifchal and Seaforth, the marquis of
Tullibardine, feveral officers, with three hundred
Spaniards, and arms for two thoufand men, made
the coaft of Scotland, and took poffeffion of Dooan,
. ' r
where they were joined by about fixteen hundred
Highlanders. They were oppofed by a final] body
of forces from Invernefs, under the command of
general Wightman. They gained pofleffion of the
pafs at Glenfhiel ; but upon the approach of the
royalifts, they retired to the pafs at Strachell, where
they determined to defend themfelves. Being re-
peatedly attacked in the courfe of the day, and
driven from one eminence to another, they became
entirely hopelefs, and wholly difperfed in the night;
and on the following day, the Spaniards fin-rendered
themfelves as prifoners of war. The earls of
Marifchal and Seaforth, the marquis of TulHbar-
dine, ami fome other officers, retired to one of tiu
weftern ifles, where they impatiently waited for an
opportunity of efcaping to the continent.
In return for this infult, an expedition was un-
dertaken againft Spain, in which the lord Cobham,
with the land forces, and vice-admiral Mighels,
with the fleet, took Vigo, and Pont a-Vedre ; in
which places,_ they found fome brafs artillery, fmall
arms and military ftores, with which they returned
to England. The ill fuccefs of the Spaniards now
induced them to wifli for peace; and the king of
Spain was at laft contented to fign the Quadruple
alliance. The king having thus, with equal de-
liberation and vigour, ufed every precaution which
his fagacity could fuggeft, for fecuring himfelf in
the pofleffion of the crown, the parliament turned
to an object of great importance; that of fecuring
the dependency of the Irifh parliament upon that of
Great Britain. Maurice Annefley had appealed
from a decree of the houfe of peers in Ireland,- to
the houfe of lords in England ; and they having
reverfed the appeal, the Britifh peers ordered the
barons of the exchequer in Ireland to put Mr. An-
nefley in pofleffion of the lands he had loft by the
decree in that kingdom. This order the barons
obeyed : but the Irifli houfe of lords paffed a vote
againft them, for attempting to diminifh their juft
privileges, and ordered the barons to be taken un-
der the cuftody of the black rod. The houfe of
peers in England, on the other hand refolved, that
the barons of the exchequer in Ireland, had be-
haved with courage and fidelity, and a bill was pre-
pared, by which the Irilh houfe of "lords was de-
prived of the right of final jurifdiction. This was,
however, oppofed in both houfes. In the lower
houfe Mr. Pitt maintained, that it would increafe
the power of the Englifh peers, already too great,
and Mr. Hungerford proved, that the Irifh lords
had always exercifed their power of finally deciding
caufes. The duke of Leeds alfo exerted himfelf
againft the bill; but notwithftanding all oppofition,
it was carried by a great majority, and received the
royal aflent. About this time his majefty went to
Hanover, aad concluded a treaty of peace with
Ulrica, queen of Sweden, by which the duchies of
Bremen and Verden were ceded to the houfe of
Hanover for ever; and at the fame time the king
mediated a peace between Sweden, Denmark, Ruffia
and Poland. The Czar, however, rejected this me-
diation, fo anxious was he to purfue his fchemes of
conqueft. He fent a fleet, and landed fifteen
thoufand men in Sweden, who committed horrid
devaftations ; but Sir John Norris commanding
the Britifh fquadron in the Swedifh feas, the Czar
recalled his fleet, in fear of fatal confequences.
In November, John Matthews, a printer, was exe-
cuted at Tyburn, for printing and publifhing a
treafonable libel, entitled, Vox populi, -vox Dei, in
which the Pretender's right to the crown of thefe
realms was aflerted.
England now fuffered a fevere . -^
blow from the mean fpirit of avarice
and chichanery, with which all ranks of people
were affected by the South Sea fcheme, though juft
before France had been deluded by another which
nearly
GEORGE
I.
573
nearly refcmbled it ; where John Law, a .Scotch-
man, had erected the Miffiffippi company, which
at iii ft promifed the people immcnfe wealth, but
ended in their diftrefs and the ruin of many. The
South Sea fcheme in England was no lefs fatal. In
order to explain this in as concife a manner as
pofliblc, it muft be obferved, that the government,
ever iince the revolution, were conftrained to bor-
row money from different companies of merchants,
and among the reft from the South Sea company.
In 1716, government was indebted to them about
nine millions and a half, for which an intereft of
fix per cent, was paid. As this was not the only
company to which the government was debtor,
and paid large annual intereft, Sir Robert Walpole
formed the defign of leffening thefe national debts,
by giving the fevcral companies the alternative
either of accepting live per cent, for their money,
or of being paid their principal. The fevecal com-
panies chofe rather to accept of this diminifhed in-
tereft than of their capital ; and the South Sea
company having made up their debt to the govern-
ment ten millions, annually received, inftead of fix
hundred thoufand pounds,asufual,only five hundred
thoufando While things were in this fituation, Sir
John Blount, who had been bred a fcrivener, and
•was a man of great art, propofed to the miniftry, in
the name of the South Sea company to purchafe all
the debts of the different companies,and thus become
the principal creditor of the ftate, upon terms ex-
tremely advantageous to government. The par-
liament met, foon after the king returned from
Hanover, and they had not fat long, when the
South Sea company laid before them their pro-
jected plan. After much debate and conteft, it
•was determined in favour of the South Seafchemej
and their propofals were accepted on the firft of
February, 1719-20. An act afterwards palled both
houfes for that purpofe, which received the royal
affent in April following. However honeftly the
abovementioned fcheme might have been de'ligned
by fome, the execution of it was attended with
amazing and fatal confequences, to the enriching of
a few and the impoverifhing of thoufands; for it
became a mere bubble and decoy for artful and
cunning- men to catch the unwary, but covetous
adventurers. The infatuation was general, and
nothing was now minded but the bufinefs of ftock-
jobbing. Exchange-alley, where thefe affairs were
tranfacted, was in a continual hurry, where crowds
of all ranks and qualities daily reforted. The de-
fperate, who ventured firft, were generally gainers;
•whilft the wifer and more fedate, who came in later,
•were many of them great fufferers. Stock rofe
gradually to a prodigious height; to three hundred
and ten pounds for one hundred pounds, before the
bill had the royal affent, and in a few days to three
hundred and forty, then to four hundred, and be-
fore the end of May to five hundred. In Hunt,
what by the artifices of the managers, and the cre-
dulity of the people, through the eagernefs of in-
creafmg their fortunes, by the fecond of June it got
up to eight hundred and ninety, and continued
riftngand falling, till it amounted to above a thou-
fand. A fpirit of gambling thus prevailing in the
nation, many projects were fet on foot, fome whim-
fical enough, which were defervedly called bubbles,
and grew up from the corruption of the grand
bubble, or South Sea ftock. They were near one
hundred in number, and it was reckoned, that al-
moft a million and a half was won or loft in them.
During the greater part of thefe tranfactions, the
king was at Hanover. Such a number of opulent
families had been reduced, that public credit re-
ceived a fevere fhock: complaints and murmurings
were every where heard, fo that the whole nation
was in a ferment. -Repeated expreffes were fent to
the king, requesting his return ; in confequence of
No. 54.
which he abridged his ftay in Germany, and
arrived in England in November. On the meet-
ing of parliament, he acquainted the houfe with his
negociations on the continent; lamented that the
public credit at home had. been fo greatly injured
in his abfence, and intreatec! them, " to confidcr of
the molt effectual and fpeedy methods to reftore
and fecure the credit of the nation." Upon this art
enquiry was made into the fraudulent execution of
the South Sea act; and while this-, matter was in
agitation, Mr. Knight, treafurer of the company,
and Sir John Blount, who had been principally
concerned in the fcheme, quitted the kingdom.
In the end, the parliament applied to the relief of
the fufferers the eftates of the fub-governor, de-
puty-governor, directors, &c. only allowing each
fuch part as they thought proper ; and John Aifla-
bie, Efq ; chancellor of the exchequer, met with
the fame fate. They were alfo incapacitated from
fitting or voting in either houfe of parliament, or'
from holding any office or place of truft under his
majefty, his heirs or fucceffors. The aft againft
the directors received the royal affent on the
twenty-ninth of July, and on the tenth of Auguft
the king paffed the bill for reftoring the public
credit, and prorogued the parliament. The hand
Mr. Robert Walpole had in fettling this diftracted
affair, and reftoring the credit of the nation^
brought him into full favour again. He was made
chancellor of the exchequer, and firft commiflioner
of the treafury. About two years afterwards, he
was made knight of the Bathj and then of the
garter, and continued prime minifter to the end of
this reign and fifteen years after.
' A reconciliation between the royal family, was
now happily, effected, in confequence of which the
prince of Wales attended at St. James's, and held a
conference with the king, and on his return was
attended by a party of the yeomen of the guards,
and of the horfe-guards, after which the foot-guards'
began to do duty at Leicefter-houfe.
On the fifteenth of April the princefs . ^
of Wales was delivered of a fon, who
was baptized by the name of William Auguftus,
and was afterwards created duke of Cumberland,
whofe name will be long dear to Englifhmen. In
the laft feffion a bill had .been debated in the houfe
of lords, for the more effectual fuppreffing of blaf-
phemy and profanenefs. There was certainly
too much occafion for fuch a bill: but as it chiefly
tended to fet up a kind of inquifition on men's
confciences with regard to fome fpeculative points,
wherein Chriftians differ, it met with fuch a rational
oppofition that it came to nothing.
The king informed both houfes, \ -r^
that a confpiracy was Carrying on in ' • T722-
favour of the Pretender, which had threatened the
utmoft danger to his kingdoms: he therefore hoped,
that the members would exert them felves with more
than ordinary zeal and vigour ; for that a perfect
union among all who wifhed well to the prefent
eftabliftiment, was become abfolutely neceffary.
This fpeech was anfwered by addreffes, expreffivc '
of zeal and loyalty ; and a bill was brought in and
paffed, for the fufpenfion of the Habeas Corpus act
for a year. As a proof of the reality of the above-
mentioned confpiracy, the king fent to the houfe
of peers, the original and printed copy of a decla-
ration, dated at Lucca on the twentieth of Septem-
ber, and figned by the Pretender. In this paper
the Pretender who thought proper to affume the
title of king James, affected to talk of the late
violation of the freedom of elections; confpiracies
invented to give a colour to new oppreflions ; in-
famous informers ; and the ftate of the profcrip-
tion in which he fuppofed every honeft man to be, •
He then very gravely propofed, that if king George
would refign to him the throne of Great Britain,-
7 F --. he
574
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
he would in return, &eftow upon him the title of
king in his native dominions, and invite all other
ftates to confirm it. He Jikewife ipromifcd to fe-
cure the crown of England to king George, or his
defcendants, whenever it fhould come to them by
hereditary right. The lords came to a refolution,
that the above-mentioned declaration was a falfe,
fcandalous, and traiterous libel, and ordered it to
be burnt at the Royal Exchange, and in this refo-
lution the commons concurred ; and both houfes
joined in an addrefs, expreffive of their aftonifhment
at the infolence of the Pretender, and their re.idi-
nefs to fupport the king with their lives and for-
tunes. The commons now prepared a bill for
raifing one hundred thoufand pounds on the real
and perfonal eftates of Papifts, towards defraying
the expences incident on the late rebellion. The
friends of the Roman catholics oppofed this bill as
a fpecies of perfecution ; but it paffed both houfes,
and received the royal aflent ; as did likewife a bill
to oblige perfons refufing to take the oaths ap-
pointed for the fecurity of the king's perfon and
government, to regifter their names and real
eftates.
November the twenty- firft, Chriftopher Layer,
Efq; a counfellor of the Temple, was brought to
his trial in the court of King's Bench, and being
convicted of having enlifted men for the Pretender's
iervice, in order to ftir up a rebellion, received fen- "
tence of death. He was repeatedly reprieved, and
examined by a committee of the houfe of commons,
in expectation that he would have made a dif-
covery : but he was at length at executed at Tyburn,
and his head fixed on Temple-bar. Mr. Pulteney,
chairman of the committee of the houfe of com-
mons, reported, that, from the examination of
Layer and others, it had appeared, " that a defjgn
had been formed by perfons of figure and diftindtion
at home, for placing the Pretender on the throne :
that his firft intention was to have procured a body
of foreign troops, to invade the kingdom at the
time of the late elections ; but the confpirators be-
ing difappointed in this expectation, refolved to
make an attempt at the time when it was generally
believed the king intended to go to Hanover, by
the help of fuch officers and foldiers as could pafs
into England unobferved from abroad, under the
command of the late duke of Ormond, who was to
have landed in the river with a great quantity of
arms, provided in Spain for that purpofe ; at which
time the Tower was to have been feized : that this
fcheme being defeated by the vigorous meafures of
the government, they deferred their enterprize till
the breaking up of the camp ; and in the mean
time, employed their agents to corrupt and feduce
the officers and foldiers of the army ; that the late
duke of Ormond, the duke of Norfolk, the earl of
Orrery, the lords North and Grey, and the bifhop
of Rochefter, were concerned in this confpiracy :
that their agents were Chriftopher Layer and John
Plunket, (who travelled with him to Rome) Dennis
Kelley, George Kelly, and Thomas Carte, a non-
juring clergyman, Neynoe an Irifh prieft, and
others." The commons on the reading the report,
refolved, that " a deteftable and horrid confpiracy
had been formed and carried on by perfons of
diftinclion at home, and their agents and inftru-
ments, in conjunction with traitors abroad, for
raifing a rebellion, feizing the Tower and city of
London, laying violent hands on the perfon of his
moft facred majefty and the prince of Wales, and
to place a popifh Pretender on the throne, with a
view^to fubvert the eftablifhtnent: in church and
ftate." Hereupon the parliament parted bills, for
inflicting pains and penalties on bilhop Atterbury,
Kelley, and Plunket ; in confequence of which, the
firft was banifhed, and the two others imprifoned
for life* Neynoe was drowned in attempting to
make his efcape from the houfe of the k\ng's mef-
fefiger which was fituated on the banks of the
Thames. The fon of Sir Robert Wai pole wa$ now
created a peer, in confideration of the fervices of
his father; the bifhop of Rochefter was font to the
continent, and the king, having appointed a re-
gency, fet out for his dominions in Germany. The
king was accompanied by the lords Cartarct and
Townfend, fecretaries of ftate.
At this time Ireland was a little difturbed by an
incident which feems to have been mifunderftood
by the people of that kingdom. William Wood
had obtained a patent for furnifhing Ireland with'
copper coin, in which it was deficient. When this
money came to be circulated, a violent clamour was
raifed againft it. The parliament of that kingdom,
which met on the fifth day of September, refolved,
thattheimportingandutteringcopper half-pence and
farthings by virtue of Wood's patent, would be pre-,
judicial to the revenue, deftruclive of trade, and of
dangerous confequence to the rights of the fubjecl:
that the ftate of the nation had been mifreprefented,
in order to obtain the patent: that the half-pence
wanted weight -, that, even if the patent had been
complied with, there would have been a lofs to the
nation of a hundred and fifty per cent : and that
granting the power of coinage to a private perfon
had ever been highly prejudicial to the kingdom ;
and would, at all times, be of dangerous confe-
quence. Addrefles from both houfes were pre-
fented to the king on this fubject. This affair was
referred to the lords of the privy-council of Eng-
land, who declared, that, from the report of Sir
Ifaac Newton, and others of the mint, who had
made the aflay and trial of the half- pence, the con-
duft of the patentee was altogether unblameable ;
and that the terms of the patent had been exactly
fulfilled : that Wood's currency, in goodnefs, finenefs,
and value of metal exceeded all the copper money,
which had been coined for Ireland, in the reigns of
Charles II. James II. king William and queen
Mary : that his majefty's predeceflbrs had always
exercifed the undoubted prerogative of granting
patents for copper coinage in Ireland to private
perfons • that none of thofe patents had been
fo beneficial to the kingdom as this granted to
William Wood, who had not obtained it clandef-
tinely or in an unprecedented manner, but after a
reference to the attorney and folicitor-general, and
after Sir Ifaac Newton had been confulted in every
particular ; and finally that it appeared by a great
number of witneffes, that there was a real want of
fuch money in Ireland; which fliewed the neceffity
of granting a patent. Notwithstanding this cle-
cifion the clamour of the Irifli nation was induftri-
oufly kept up by papers, pamphlets, and lampoons
written by clean Swift and others ; but Wood having
voluntarily reduced his coinage from one hundred
thoufand to forty thoufand pounds, the noife was in
a great meafure filenced. The parliament of Ire-
land pafled an aft for accepting the affirmation of
quakers inftead of an oath: and granted three
hundred and forty thoufand pounds towards dif-
charging the national debt, which amounted to fix
hundred and fixty thoufand pounds.
On the tenth of October England A -p
loft a worthy nobleman in the death
of lord Cowper, who had twice difcharged the
office of lord chancellor, with equal judgment and
ability. This year was likewife remarkable for the
death of the duke of Orleans, regent of France,
who was carried off by an apoplexy, in the fiftieth
year of his age, after having nominated the duke of
Bourbon as prime minifter. King George imme-
diately received affurances of the good difpofition
of the French court, to cultivate and improve the
harmony fo happily eftablifhed between the two
nations.
On
GEORGE
I.
575
„ On the nineteenth day of Decem-
A. D. 1724. ker^ tjie king arrived in London; and
on the ninth of January the parliament was affem-
bled. His majefty, in his fpeech, congratulated
them on the fuccefs of their endeavours during the
laft feflion to promote the fafety, intereft, and ho-
nour of the kingdom. He recommended to the
commons the care of the public debts ; and ex-
prefled his fatisfaction at feeing the finking fund
improved and augmented, fo as to put the debt of
the nation into a method of being fpeedily and
gradually clifcharged. Addreffes of thanks having
been prefented by both houfes, the commons pro-
ceeded to confider the eftimates for the enfuing
year. They voted ten thoufand feamen; and the
majority, though not without violent oppofition,
agreed to maintain four thoufand1 additional troops,
which had been raifed in the courfe of the pre-
ceding fummer ; the whole number of effective men
amounting toeighteen thoufand two hundred fixty-
four. The expence was defrayed by a land-tax
of two (hillings in the pound, together with the
malt-tax. The nation having long and loudly
complained of the injuftice of protections granted
by foreign minifters, peers, and members of par-
liament, the commons refolved, that all protections
granted by members of that houfe fliould be de-
clared void, and immediately withdrawn •, that none
ihould be granted for the future; and that if any
member fhould prefume to contravene this order,
he fhould make fatisfaction to the party injured,
and be liable to the cenfure of the houfe. The
lords made a declaration to the fame purpofe, with
an exception of menial fervants, and thofe necef-
farily employed about the eftates of peers. The
public bufinefs being finifhed, the king clofed the
feflion with a fpeech on the twenty-fourth day of
April. The parliament affembling on the twelfth .
day of November, continued the former eftablifh-
ment of the land and fea forces, and readily granted
the neceffary fupplies. The chief object, which
engaged their attention during the feflion, was the
trial of the earl of Macclesfield, lord chancellor of
England. This nobleman, by conniving at certain
venal practices touching the fale of places, and the
money of fuitors depofited with the matters of
chancery, had incurred fuch a load ef odium, that
he found it neceffary to refign the great feal in the
beginning of January.
. -p. On the twentieth day of April a
'25* petition was prefented to the commons,
by the lord Finch, in behalf of Henry St. John,
late vifcount Bolingbroke, praying that the execu-
tion of the law might be fufpended with refpect to
his forfeitures, as a pardon had fufpended it with
refpecl: to his life. Mr. Walpole informed the
houfe, that feven years before, the petitioner had
made his humble fubmiffion to the king,with the moft
folemn affurances of fidelity and allegiance ; and
that from his fubfequent behaviour, he had proved
himfelf to be a proper object: of the royal mercy,
which had induced his majefty to confent to his
petitioning the houfe. The petition being read,
Mr. Walpole faid, he was perfectly fatisfied, that
the petitioner had made fufficient atonement for
his paft offences, and was therefore deferving the
interference of the houfe, to enable him to enjoy
his family inheritance; which, according to the
opinion of the moft learned in the law, he coulQ
not do, unlefs the king's pardon was followed by
an act of parliament for reftoring his eftates. After
this matter had been fully difcuffed, a bill was pre-
fented, and having paffed both houfes, it received
the royal affent in a few days.
Upon the deceafe of Lewis, the young king of
Spain, which happened a fhort time after his ad-
vancement to the throne, his father Philip re-
fumed the powers of government ; which, however,
4
he exercifed entirely under the influence of the
queen, who was a woman of an intriguing and am-
bitious temper. Such a ftrong averfion did Lewis
XV. of France conceive againft his confort, the in-
fanta of Spain, that he perfevered in a refolution
never to confummate his nuptials. The whole
kingdom of France being greatly alarmed with the
apprehenfion of a civil war, in cafe of the king dy-
ing without male iffue, he determined, with the
advice of his council, to fend her back to Madrid ;
whither fhe was accordingly conducted by the
marquis de Monteleone, and Patrick Lawlefs, agent
to the Pretender. The queen of Spain was fo ex-
afperated by the infult offered to her daughter, that
fhe difmiffed madamoifelle de Beaujolouis, one of
the daughters of the regent, who had been con-
tracted to her fon Don Carlos ; and farther to gra-
tify her refentment, fhe refolved, that the French
mould in future have no concerns in the affairs of
Spain. The congrefs of Cambray having proved
wholly ineffectual, the queen propofed to^ compro-
mife her differences with the emperor, under the
fole mediation of Great Britain. But the king of
England being fatisfied that the emperor was by no
means difpofed to abide by his determination, de-
clined the honour offered him by the queen of
Spain. Upon receiving this refufal, her Catholic
majefty propofed a private negociation to the court
of Vienna, which was readily accepted. Hereupon
the conferences were immediately opened; and
they were conducted under the, direction of the
baron de Ripperda, a native of Holland, who had
renounced proteftantifm, and engaged in the fer-
vice of Spain. A treaty of peace\vas figned at
Vienna on the thirteenth of April, whereby the em-
peror acknowledged Philip as king of Spain and the
Indies, and engaged not to difpute his right to
thofe poflefllons which had been fecured to him by
_ the treaty of Utrecht. By the fame treaty, Philip
relinquished all claim to the territories in Italy and
the Netherlands, which by the treaty of London,
concluded in 1722, had been adjudged to the em-
peror. Charles granted the in veftiture of the duke-
doms of Tufcany, Parma, and Placentia, to the
eldeft fon of the queen of Spain, in default of heirs
in the prefent poffefibrs, as male fiefs of the em-
peror. The Auftrian fucceflion was guarantied by
Spain, according to the pragmatic fanction, whereby
the dominions of that houfe were fettled on the
emperor's heirs of either fex, and declared to be a
perpetual, indivifible, and inseparable feoffment of
the primogeniture. No part of the above treaty
was calculated to excite the difpleafure of the
European powers : but the cafe was very different
with refpect to the treaty of commerce, by which
the Auftrian fubjects were entitled to advantages in
trade with Spain, from which all other nations were
excluded. Philip propofed to guaranty the Oftend
Eaft-India company, and to pay the emperor an
annual fubfidy of four millions of pieces of eight.
Different fums were remitted to Vienna, amounting
in the whole to one million fterling ; the Imperial
forces were augmented by a body of fixty thoufand
men, and other powers were invited to engage in
this alliance, but the court of Ruffia only complied.
Exclufive of thefe public engagements, there were
feveral articles of a private nature, and a much
more dangerous tendency, which proved highly
alarming to the court of England. By thefe private
articles, the contracting powers were faid to have
bound themfelves to procure to Spain the reftitu-
tion of Gibraltar and Port Mahon; to effect: a dou-
ble marriage between the two infants of Spain, and
the two archducheffes of Auftria; and to exert their
utmoft endeavours, for eftablifhing the Pretender
on the throne of England.
To render the defigns of the new allies abortive,
the EugHfh monarch fuggefted a defenlive treaty
between
57°
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
between England, France, and Pruflia ; and in the
following September, this alliance, which was to
continue for the fpace of fifteen years, was con-
eluded at Hanover.
In December, the order of the knights of the
Bath was revived; they were thirty-eight in num-
ber, including the fovereign. William Bateman
was created baron of Calmore in Ireland, and
vifcount Bateman ; and Sir Robert Walpole, one
of the revived knights of the Bath, was honoured
•with the order of the Garter.
The duke of Wharton having diflipated his for-
tune by an extravagant courfe of life, repaired to
the court of Vienna, from whence he proceeded to
Rome, and offered his fervices to the Pretender;
in confequence of which he received the order of
the garter, and the title of duke of Northumber-
land. He was difpatched by the Pretender with
credentials to the court of Madrid; and the king
of England being apprized of his arrival at the
court of Spain, fent a meflenger with a letter under
the great feal, commanding him, upon his alle-
giance, to return immediately to England. The
king's letter being delivered to him as he was riding
through the ftreets of Madrid in his carriage, he
vehemently exclaimed againft the meflenger, who
had prefumed to execute a fummons upon him
within fight of the palace of his moft catholic
majefty ; and he even threatened to prefent a me-
morial to the court of Spain, demanding juflice
againlt the meffenger for the indignity he had ofieied
him ; but Philip declared that he would not inter-
fere in this matter. In a fhort time after this, the
duke renounced tlie proteftant religion ; and hav-
ing efpoufed one of the ladies of the queen of
Spain's bed-chamber, he was appointed a colonel
in the Spanifh army.
AD ->(< The king fet out on his return for
'" England; embarked at Helvoetfluys
on the firft day of January; and after having en-
countered a moft furious ftorm, was landed with
great difficulty at Rye, from whence he proceeded
by land to London. The parliament being af-
fembled on the twentieth day of the fame month,
the king, in his fpeech to both houfes, informed
them, that the diftreffed condition of fome of their
proteftant brethren abroad, and the negotiations
and engagements contracted by fome foreign
powers, which feemed to have laid the founda-
tions of new troubles and difturbances in Europe,
and to threaten his fubjefts with the lofs of feveral
of the moft advantageous branches of their trade,
had obliged him to concert, with other powers,
fuch meafures as might give a check to the ambi-
tious view of thofe who were endeavouring to
render themfelves formidable, and put a flop to the
further progrefs of fuch dangerous defigns; that,
with this view, he had entered into a defenfive
alliance with the kings of France and Pruflia, to
which feveral other powers, and particularly the'
States-general, had been invited to accede; and he
had no reafon to doubt, but they would readily
give their concurrence : "that by thefe means, and
by their fupport and afliftance, he hoped he mould
be able, not only to fecure to his own fubjedts the
enjoyment of many valuable rights and privileges
long fince acquired for them by the moft folemn
treaties, but effectually to preferve the balance of
power in Europe, the only end of all his endea-
vours.
When the treaties of Vienna and Hanover were
taken into confideration by the houfe of commons,
Horatio Walpole opened the debate with a long
and ftudicd fpeech, in which he gave a detail of the
affairs of Europe fince the treaty of Utrecht. He
recapitulated the fubftance of the barrier treaty i
the convention for executing that treaty ; the de-
fenfive alliance with tke emperor; another with
the moft Chriftian king and the States-general ; a
fubfequent convention ; the quadruple alliance ; the
congrefs at Cambray ; the treaty of Vienna, and
that of Hanover; On the other hand, the mem-
bers in the oppo^tion alledged, that the treaty of
Hanover would engage the Britiih nation in a war
for the defence of the king's German dominions
contrary to an exprefs provifion made in the aft of
limitation. They were anfwered by Mr. Pelham
who moved for an addrcfs to his majefty, approving
the alliance he had concluded at Hanover, in order
to obviate and difappoint the dangerous views and
confequences of the treaty of peace between the
emperor and the king of Spain ; and promifing to
fupport him againft all infults and attacks that
fhould be made upon any of his territories, though
not belonging to the crown of Great Britain. The
addrefs was accordingly voted and prelented; and
fuch another was delivered by the houfe of lords in
a body.
A tax having been impofed on malt in Scotland,
the maltfters of Glafgow threatened the lives' of
the excifemcn, if they fliould prefume to enter their
houfcs ; in confequence of which, major-general
Wade, who then commanded the forces in Scot-
land, being applied to by the commiflioners, dif-
patched two companies of foot to Glafgow, under
the command of captain Bufhell. On their entrance
into the town, the mob pelted them with ftones,
and the captain was obliged to hire an alehoufe as
a guard-room, the populace having locked up
the regular guard-room, and- fecreted the key.
Towards midnight, the rabble broke into the houfe
of Mr. Campbell, member for the city, and either
carried off or deftroyed moft of the furniture. In
the afternoon of the following day (the captain
having in the mean time got poflc^fiion of the guard-
room) the mob re-affemblcd, and made head againft
the foldiers, exclaiming, " Drive the dogs out of
town, we will cut them to pieces." It was in vain
that the captain remonftrated with the enraged mul-
titude, and told them that his men muft fire, if they
did not defift. They continued to prefs forward in
tumultuous numbers, and wounded feveral of the
foldiers ; who at length fired over their heads, in
the hope to terrify them into fubmiflion. Still,
however, they perfifted in their attack on the
foldiers, whom they pelted with ftones, till they
were compelled to fire, and three or four perfons .
were killed, and feveral wounded. The populace,
now incenfecl, feized all the arms that could be
found in the town ; whereupon the captain, finding
refiftance vain, retreated to Dumbarton, towards
which he was puifued fix miles. General Wade
being informing of thefe proceedings, got together
a large body of troops, and, in coujundtion with
Duncan Forbes, the lerd-advocate, took pofleflion
of Glafgow, the magiftrates of which were fent
prifoners to Edinburgh, where they were tried by
the lords-jufticiary, and acquitted. Of the lower
ranks, feveral were punifhed by whipping, and four
tranfported. In March, the king fent a mcfiage
to the houfe of commons, requcfting their affiftance
" to difchargc the obligations he had already in-
curred, and to enter into fuch other engagements
as might be neceffary." This requifition, after
fome debate, was complied with, and the parlia-
ment was prorogued.
When the parliament of Great ~
Britain met on the feventeenth day I727>
of January, the king, in his fpeech to both houfes,
obfervcd, that, " If the preferving a due balance
of power in Europe ; if defending the poffeffions of
the crown of Great Britain, of infinite advantage
to her trade and commerce, againft dangerous and
unlawful encroachments; and if the prefent eftablifh-
ment, the religion, liberties, and properties of a
proteftaat people, were any longer confiderations
worthy
GEORGE
I.
577
worthy the care and attention of a Britifh parlia-
ment, he need fay no more to incite them to exert
their beft abilities in defence of them.'' Both
houfcs prefettted addrefles of thanks, replete with
approbation of the king's proceedings to defeat
the defigns of his enemies; and the commons voted
a land-tax bill of four Shillings in the pound, to
defray the expence of fupporting twenty thoufand
feamen, and twenty-fix thoufand three hundred aiid
eighty-three men for the land fcrvice. There were
high debates this feflion in the hdufe of lords, on
the letters and memorials which had pafied between
the minifters of Great Britain, France, and Spain,
and the papers reflecting the treaty of Hanover.
At length it was refolved, that the meafures his
majefty had judged it expedient to purfuc, were
both jtift and honourable, and highly neceflary for
defeating the dangerous defigns meditated in favour
of the Pretender; for preferving the dominions be-
longing to the crown of Great Britain by folemn
treaties; and for fecuring to his fubjects their moft
valuable rights and privileges 'of commerce, and
preferving the tranquillity of Europe. But feveral
of the peers protefted againft this refolution.
In the houfe of commons, the oppofition con-
fifted chiefly in making motions for addrefles on
various fubjects ; one of thefe was for a copy of a
memorial prelented to the king of Sweden by Mr.
Poyntz, and for the fecrct offenfive article between
the courts of Vienna and Madrid ; another was for
the declaration, letters, and engagements, refpect-
ing the rettitution of Gibraltar, for which the
court of Spain pretended a pofitive promife had
been given; a third was for copies of fuch me-
morials and reprefentations to his majefty, as had
induced him, in the courfe of the preceding year,
to fend a fquadron into the Baltic ; a fourth was
for an account of the diftribution of one hundred
and twenty-five thoufand pounds, charged in the
ftate of money granted for the fervice of the laft
year, in general terms, as iffucd out for other
engagements and expences, over and above fuch as
were fpecified. But thefe motions were negatived ;
and an addrefs of thanks to his majefty was voted
by a confiderable majority, in which the houfe
exprefled the moft perfect fatisfaction in the mea-
fures already purfued, and promifed to fupport his
majefty in fuch proceedings as he fhould deem
neceflary for the public good.
The king's fpeech was thefubj«ct of much cri-
ticifm, both at home, and in foreign countries.
Some expreffions therein were fo difpleafing to the
court of Vienna, that Mr. Palms, the Imperial
refident at London, was directed to prefent a fpi-
rited memorial to his majefty, and afterwards to
publifti it, as an appeal to the people from the
declarations of their fovereign from the throne.
In this infolent paper, the king was accufed of
having averred from the throne, as certain and in-
controvertible facts, divers mifreprefentations and
falfities. The memorial afferted, that the treaty
of Vienna was founded on the quadruple alliance,
and could net, therefore, reafonably give offence
to the king or people of England : that the treaty
of commerce was calculated to promote the mutual
advantage of both parties, agreeable to the laws of
nations, and that it could in no refpect operate to
the difadvantage of Great Britain ; that there was
no offenfive alliance concluded between the two
crowns ; and that the fuppofed article respecting
the Pretender, was an abfolute deception : and the
memorialift further faid, that the hoftilities com-
menced in the Weft Indies, and elfevvhere, againft
the king of Spain, in direct violation of the moft
folemn treaties, afforded that monarch a fufHcient
pretence for having laid fiege to Gibraltar; but
with regard to the infinuation, that his m after had
No. 55.
agreed to aflift in the fiege, it was wholly deftitute
of foundation, the emperor having no other en-
gagements with the court of Spain, than what was
fpecified in the treaty communicated to the king of
England. And the memorialift, in the name of the
emperor, demanded reparation for the injury the
honour of his Imperial majefty had fuftaincd by
fuch groundlefs imputations. This daring rcmon-
ftrance incenfed the people of England in the
higheft degree. Both houfes of parliament jointly
addreflcd his majefty, exprefling their indignation
at the conduct of the Imperial refident; and alluring
him, that this audacious manner of appealing to'
his people, was a proceeding that excited their ut-
moft abhorrence and indignation ; and the Imperial
refident was ordered immediately to quit the king-
dom. Virulent memorials and declarations were
prefented by the minifters of the emperor, and the
kings of Great Britain and France, to the diet of
the empire at Ratifbon ; and fuch fevcrc perfonali-
ties were thrown out by thefe potentates, that there
was but little reafon to expect a fpeedy accommo-
dation. To fortify himfelf againft the impending
ftorm, king George engaged in a more ftrict alliance
with the French monarch. He prevailed upon the
king of Sweden to accede to the treaty of Hanoverj
to fupply, as a party in that treaty, a body of five
thoufand men; to keep double that number of
troops in readinefs to act, in cafe of emergency,
in consideration of afubfidy of fifty thoufand pounds
for three years, to be remitted by equal inftallments
every fix months. He alfo negociated a new treaty
with the king of Denmark, who engaged to furnifh
twenty-four thoufand auxiliaries, in confideration.
of a fubfidy of three hundred and fifty thoufand rix-
dollars, for the {pace of four years, to be paid by
the king of France. He. made a convention with
the prince of Hefle-Caflel, who prdmifed to fupply
four thoufand cavalry, and double that number of
land forces, in confideration of immediately re-
ceiving from Great Britain feventy-five thoufand
pounds, for the purpofe of levying and equipping
thefe forces; and an additional fifty thoufand
pounds, in cafe their fervice ihould be requifitein
the field, exclufive of the ufual allowance for their
pay and maintenance; and while his majefty was
negotiating thefe treaties, he engaged four and
twenty thoufand feamen, and equipped a powerful
fleet for the Baltic.
A motion was made in the houfe of commons
by Mr. Scope, fecretary to the treafury, that a
claufe fhould be infertecl in the malt-tax bill, em-
powering his majefty to apply fuch fums as mould
be neceflary for defraying the expences incidental
to fuch engagements as had been made, or fhould
be made, previous to the twenty-fifth of the enfuing
December, for the purpofe of protecting and fe-
curing the trade and navigation of the kingdom,
and reftoring the public tranquillity. A violent
conteft was the refult of the above motion ; the
fupporters of which aflerted, that his majefty was
fo unwilling to involve the nation in any extraor-
dinary expence, that he had requefted no greater
fupplies in this feflion, than what he deemed abfo-
lutely neceflary for the fervice of the year; but
that, in the prefent fituation of public affairs, cir-
cumftances might occur to require an unforefeen
expence, for which no eftimates could be made,
becaufe fome of the treaties in which his majefty
had judged it prudent to engage, were not yet
completed ; that therefore it was the duty of par-
liament to enable him to anfvver fuch contingencies
as might arife; and more efpecially, as he had in
no inftance abufed the confidence which the houfe
had repofed in him on former occafions. On the
other hand it was contended, that to grant fupplies
without an eflimate, was contrary to the eftablifhed
7 G rules
578
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
rules of parliament; that the claufe propofed was
inconfiftent with that part of the bill, which forbad
" ifiuing the fupplies granted to any other purpofes
than thofe fpecified, and rendered ineffectual that
difpofal of the public money, which the wifclom of
all parliaments thought a neceflary fecurity againft
mifapplication ; that this embezzlement was the
more to be feared, as no provifion was made to
call any perfon to account for the money that mould
be difpofed of by virtue of this claufe; that the
parliament had already granted vaft fums, which
appeared fufficient to anfwer any occafions, as far
as their prefent views could extend ; and, if there
fhould happen any unexpected emergency which
might demand a farther fupply, it might be pro-
vided in the ufual manner, when neceffity required,"
£c. It was farther faid, that " the repofine a
confidence in the crown in the difpofition of fuch
immenfe furns of money, as, by the advice of pro-
fufe minifters may be fquandered away, might be
attended with great prejudice to the property of the
fubjecl:, and great danger to the conftitution."
Notwithftanding thefe and other arguments the
motion was carried, and the bill likewife pafied the
houfeof peers. On the following day Sir "William
Younge moved, that three hundred and feventy
thoufand pounds towards the fupply granted to the
king, fhould be raifed by loans on Exchequer bills,
to be charged to the furplus of the duties on coal
and culm, which was referved for the difpofal of
the parliament. This motion was oppofed by Sir
Jofeph Jekyll and Mr. Pultney, but was at length
earned without any confiderable oppofition. The
feffion was now clofed by the king, who thanked
his parliament for their zeal and liberality; and
informed them, that the count de las Torres, with
twenty thoufand men,prefled the fiege of Gibraltar.
At this time the place was well defended, and the
earl of Portmore, governor of that garrifon, failed
with a reinforcement, under convoy of a fleet
commanded by Sir Charles Wager. Five hundred
men likewife went from Minorca; and a plenty of
frefh provifions being fent from the coaft of Bar-
bary, the efforts of the befiegers were rendered in-
effectual j but though the fiege was fufpended upon
preliminary articles for a general pacification being
figned, it was not raifecl till fome time after the
king's death.
His majefly not having vifited his German domi-
nions for two years, declared in council his inten-
tion of embracing the prefent opportunity to enjoy
that pleafure. On the third of June the king fet
out for Hanover, and proceeding to Greenwich
embarked on board the Carolina yacht for Holland,
where he landed on the feventh. He lay at the
little town of Vaert, and two days after arrived,
between ten and eleven at night at Delden, to ap-
pearance in good health. Here he fupped heartily,
and eat part of a melon, which his ftomach feemed
not well to digeft; for fetting out the next morn-
ing, he had not travelled far before he was troubled
with gripings of the cholic; and, ordering the
coach to flop, complained that he had loft the ufe
of one of his hands. Being come to Linden, he
could not eat any thing at dinner; upon which it
was judged advifeable to open a vein, and he was
blooded, but without any good effecl:^ He was
advifed by his attendants to remain at Linden ; but
being anxious to reach his electoral dominions, his
majeily continued his journey, during which he feil
into a kind of lethargic dozing. About ten at
night the king arrived at the palace of his brother,
the bifhop of Ofnaburgh, where, his illnefs in-
creafmg, he expired about eleven o'clock the next
morning, on Sunday the eleventh of June, leaving
the crown of England, and his foreign dominions,
to his only fon the prince of Wales, This worthy
monarch afcended thethrone in the fifty-fourth year
of his age, endowed with every quality neceflary
for governing a great and powerful people. He
died in the iixty-eighth year of his age, and the
thirteenth of his reign. His majefty married Spphia
Dorothy, daughter and hcirefs of the duke of Zell,
of whom was born his only fon and^ fucceflbr
George II. and a daughter, mother of the prefent
king "of Prullia, who died in 1757. The king's
body was conveyed to Hanover, and interred there
among his anceftors.
The principal writers who flourished in this and
the preceding reign, were Swift, Steel, Addifon,
Bolingbrokc, and Trenc.'iard, in the political line.
Prior, Uowc, Garth, Addifon, Philips, Gay, Dry-
den, and Pope, as poets; Atterbnry, Clarke, and
Hoadley, as divines.
Cbarafter of George I.
This prince wasHn his perfon plain, in his ad-
drefs fimple; of a compofed and grave deport-
ment; but in his hours of relaxation, familiar,
and at times facetious. Before he afcended the
throne of Great Britain, he had juftly acquired the
character of a wife politician, a courageous, cir-
cumfpect general, a juft and merciful elector.
The eftablifliment of the electoral dignity in his
family was a work, which, though begun by his
father, was referved for him finally to accomplifh.
A large acceflion of territory fell to him by his fuc-
ceeding to the dukedom of Zell, by which he be-
came one of the greateft princes of Germany*
The duchies of Bremen and Verden, and the bifhop-
ric of Ofnaburgh, confiderably ftrengthened his
intereft in the empire, and gave an additional
weight to the proteftant caufe. He was, indeed,
almoft always attended with good fortune, which
was chiefly owing to his prudence and affiduity.
He afcended the throng of England with a mind
happily difpofed to govern his new fubjefts ac-
cording to the maxims of the Englifli conftitution,
and the genius of the people. This he ever made
the rule of his conduct; while he himfelf appeared
interefted in the liberty and happinefs of his fub-
jefts. Naturally inclined to juftice and equity,
though abfolute and defpotic in his hereditary do-
minions, he ruled with all the lenity and mode-
ration of a limited prince. He confidered civil
and religious liberty as the unalienable right of
mankind; and therefore he indulged it to a people,
who pleaded no other claim than *his known good-
nefs and humanity. Poflefled of thefe generous
fentimeats, though his acceflion to the throne en-
larged his fphere of action, it did not alter his plan
of conduct. This was uniformly and invariably
the fame, both before and after his advancement
to regal dignity. Lefs tenacious of his own prero-
gative than the rights and privileges of his fubjects,
as he never made any attacks upon the latter, no
encroachments were ever made upon the former.
The love and affeftion of his people, he confidered
as the firmeft fupport and fecurity of his throne*
Confcious that, under an arbitrary government,
the property of the fubjedt is not in more danger
than the life of the fovereign, he wifely rejected
the infidious advice of thofe, who endeavoured to
make their court to him by the profeflion of art
obedience which they could never practice, and
which has always proved fatal to fuch kings as have
put it to the trial. Thofe he regarded as his beft
friends, who honeftly acquainted him with the true
principles of the Britifh conftitution, and advifed
him to regulate his conduct according to its maxims.
To their councils he prudently liftened, and in-
variably adhered through the whole courfe of his
reign.
GEORGE
II.
579
reign. It has been find, that he did not diftiriguifh
himfelf by patronizing the arts and fciences; yet
he founded in the univerfities of Oxford and Cam-
bridge two profefibrfhips, one of modern hiftory,
and the other of modern languages. In a word,
he loved his people ; made their happinefs the rule
of his aftions ; and it may be affirmed, no prince
was eyer better qualified to fway a fcepter, nor did
any one ever exercife the virtues of a great and
good king with more diftinguifhed ability, or more
uninterrupted fuccefs.
CHAP. IT.
GEORGE
II.
Js proclaimed and crowned — Diftinftions of the court and country party — The fait tax revived — 'The excife fcbeme—
foreign affairs— A breach in the royal family — Death of queen Caroline — War declared againft Spain — Ports
Bel/a taken — War in Germany — Sir Robert Walpole made earl of Orford, and the miniftry changed— Progrefs of
the war — The engagement of Matthews and Lejlock with the combined fleet of France and Spain — Commodore
Anfon returns from his voyage round the world — Tbe Viflory foundered at fea — Marjhal de Bellei/le taken prifoner
— 'The Treaty of Drefden — Battle of Fontenoy — Cape Breton taken by the EngKJh — The fecond rebellion in favour
of the young Pretender — The allied army defeated at Roucour — An expedition to the coajl of Brittany — The treaty
of Aix-la-C.hapelle — Death of Frederick, prince of Wales — War declared againft France — Minorca taken by the
French — The aElion between admiral Byng and M. de la GalaJJionere — Progrefs of the war in Germany — The
duke of Cumberland obliged to retire before the French, who take pojfejjion of Hanover — 77;,? convention of Clojter
Sever, — A great naval victory over the French — Defcents upon the coaJtofFiar.ee — Senegal, Cape Breton, with
the ijland of St. John, taken from the French — Havre de Grace fet on f.re by admiral Rodney — De la Clue's
fquadron defeated by admiral llofcawen — The French fleet again defeated by Sir Edward Haw ke — Tbe ijland of
Guadeloupe, Quebec, and fever al other places taken from the French — Succefs of the Engiijbin the Eaji Indies — -
Death and character of George II.
A. D. 1727
GEORGE II. on
of June, when
the fourteenth
the deceafe of
the late king was notified in England, received the
privy-council, and many perfons of diftinction at
Leicefter hcufe, who drew up an inftrument for his
proclamation, and the ceremony was performed
the next morning at the ufual places. The fyflem
of politics eftablifhed in the preceding reign, was
firmly adhered to. His majefty declared in council,
that he was firmly refolved to maintain the religion,
laws, and liberties of the kingdom, and to adhere
to the alliances which his father had contracted,
and which had contributed in a great meafure to
reftore the tranquillity of Europe. Next day the
parliament met, in purfuance of the aft of the fourth
of queen Anne, but was prorogued by commiffion
to the twenty-feventh. At the opening of this
feffion, the king gave an early omen of that pater-
nal care, which he ever after exercifed for the wel-
fare of his people. After addrefles of condoleance
and congratulation were prefented by the commons,
Sir Robert Walpole moved, that as the annual al-
lowance of feven hundred thoufand pounds, fettled
on the late king, had annually fallen fhort of the
fums wanted ; and that as his majefty's expences
Xvcre likely to increafe, " the entire revenues of
the civil lift, producing about eight hundred and
thirty thoufand pounds, mould be fettled on his
majefty during life." This motion was ftrenuoufly
fcppofed by Mr. Shippen and other members, but
was at length agreed to, and a bill was ordered in
for the better fupport of his majefty's houfliold;
and the commons voted, that if the queen fhould
furvive him, fhe fhould be allowed the annual fum
bf one hundred thoufand pounds, with the lodge
and lands of Richmond old park: after which, in
a fevy days, the parliament was diffblved.
In the mean time, his majefty proceeded to fettle
liis miniftry, his council and his houfliold ; and
his manner of filling up the feveral places in thefe
feveral departments, plainly fhewed he was refolved
to give the preference to the friends of his family
and of public liberty. The duke of Newcaftle,
and the lord Townfend, were declared fecretaries of
fiate; Mr. Pelham, the duke's brother, was made
fecretary at war; the duke of Rutland was confti-
tuted chancellor of the duchy of Lancafter; Sir
Robert Walpole retained the offices of chancellor
of the Exchequer, and lirft lord of the treafury ;
and, by the union of thefe two great pofts in his
perfon, was confideied as prime-minifter of ftate.
The other lords of the treafury were Sir Charles
Turner, Sir George Oxenden, Mr. Doddingtori,
and Mr. Clayton. Lord Torrington was placed at
the h-,-ad of the board of admiralty, the other mem-
bers of which were, the lord Malpas, Sir John
Morris, Sir Charles Wager, Sir Thomas Littleton,
Mr. Cockburn, and Mr. Molyneux. The earl of
Chefterfield was nominated ambaffador to the States-
general ; and the lord Carteret obtained the place
of lord-lieutenant of Ireland. On the eleventh day
of October, the coronation of the king and queen
was performed at Weftminfter with the ufual folem-
nity : the bifhop of Oxford preached on the oc-
cafion, and the day was celebrated with the moft
extraordinary rejoicings in every part of thefe do-
minions.
The miniftry was at firft divided between lord
Townfend, the earl of Chefterfield, and Sir Robert
Walpole, the laft of whom foon engrofled the
greateft (hare of the adminiftration. The houfe of
commons, which in the preceding reign was diftin-
guifhed into whigs and tot ies, underwent another
change, and was divided into the court and coun-
try parties. The former favoured all the fchemes
of the miniftry, and the meafures of the crown :
they confidered foreign alliances as conducive to
internal fecurity ; and paid fubfidies to other princes
for their promifes of future afliftance. Of thefe Sir
Robert was the leader; and fuch members as he
could not convince by his eloquence, he under-
took to bring over to the court party by places and
penfions. The country party, who were averfe to
continental connections, complained that immenfe
fums were lavifhed on fubfidies that could never be
ufeful ; and that alliances were purchafed with
money, which fhould only be rewarded by a reci-
procation of good offices. As the court party ge-
nerally threatened the houfe of commons with ima-
ginary dangers to the ftate, the country party de-
claimed againft the encroachments of the preroga-
tive: but the complaints of neither were founded
in truth ; the kingdom was in no danger from
abroad ; nor was internal liberty in the leaft in-
58o
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF E'N GLAND.
fringed by the crown. While the court was partly
headed by Walpole, the leaders on the other fide
were Mr. Pultney, Sir William Wyndham, Mr.
Hungerford, and Mr. Shippen.
n Prince Frederick his majefty's eldeft
A.. U. 1728. fon^ wj,0 juci been reprefented by the
Jacobites, and other enemies of the houfe of Ha-
nover, as an ideot and a driveller, having arrived
England, was introduced into the privy-council,
in
and created prince of Wales. At his appearance
the (landers paffed upon him were filenced, his
abilities acknowledged, and his amiable qualities
loon engaged the affections of the people.
The new parliament met on the twenty-third of
January, when Arthur Onflow, Efq; was unani-
moufly chofen by the commons for their fpeaker.
His majefty opened the feffion with a fpeech ; and
both houfes prefented addreffes filled with ex-
preflions of loyalty and affection for his majefty.
The commons affured him they entirely approved
of his tranfactions, and promifed to fupport him in
all his undertakings ; and declared they would
chearfully grant whatever fuppliesfhould be wanted
for public fervice. During this feflion, the parlia-
ment were chiefly employed in examining copies
of feveral treaties and alliances which the king had
laid before them. They likewife made an attempt
to amend the ftatute of limitations, which in the
fequel, however, did not fucceed. They pafied the
mutiny bill, together with thofe relating to the
public fupplies, and fome others of a private nature.
Thefe having received the royal affcnt on the
twenty-eighth clay of May, his majefty clofed the
fefiion, having thanked the commons for the effec-
tual iupplies they had raifecl, and in particular for
having empowered him to borrow five hundred
thoufand pounds for the difcharge of wages due to
the feamen employed in the navy. Previous to the
clofe of this feflion, his majefty was pleafed to raife
the following gentlemen to the degree of barons of
this kingdom. Sir John Monfon, by the title of
lord Monfon, Sir Thomas Wentwoi th, by that of
lord Malton, Sir John Hobart, by that of lord
Hobart ; and Sir Thomas Coke, by that of lord
Lovel.
The parliament, which met on the
' r twenty-firft of January, was diftin-
guifhed by its being warmly employed in the caufe
of humanity. James Oglethorpe, a member of the
houfe of commons, paying a vifit to a friend, who
was a prifoner in the fleet, was convinced, that the
unhappy perfons confined there were treated with
the utmoft cruelty ; and laying the affair before the
houfe, many humane members concurred with him,
and promoted a motion for appointing a committee
to enquire into theftate of the prifons in this king-
dom; and this committee being appointed, Mr.
Oglethorpe was chofen chairman. The committee
began with vifiting the Fleet prifon in a body,
where they found Sir William Rich, bart. loaded
with irons, by order of Bambridge, the warden,
whom he had offended; they were filled with horror
at the difcovery of many other inhuman barbarities
committed by that ruffian ; and detected the moft
iniquitous fcenes of fraud, villainy, and extortion.
Upon makingtheir report to thehoufe,it wasrefolved,
that John Huggins, and Bambridge, the late and
prefent wardens, with feveral of their agents, fliould
be committed clofe prifoners to Newgate. An ad-
drefs was prefented to the king, defiring him to
direct his attorney general to profecute thefe per-
fons and their accomplices; and a bill was brought
in to difable Bambridge from executing the office
of warden, and another for the better regulating the
prifon of the Fleet. Huggins and Bambridge were
tried, not only for many" high crimes and mifde-
meanors, but for murder, yet were unexpectedly
acquitted. One Acton, clerk to the Marftulfea,
.
was alfo tried for murder and acquitted. The iffue
of this affair was, that the jails were put under
proper regulations ; and our unhappy fellow fub-
jects ftruggling under the prefiure of misfortunes,
delivered from the inhuman gripe of villians, who
had made a practice of adding mifery and extortion,
to the pain of imprifonment.
During thefe tranfactions the Spaniards continued
to commit great depredations on our (hips and fet-
tlementsin America, which exafperatcd the Englifh
to repel their infultss but the miniftry who were
entirely devoted to peace, urged, that as fomething
decifive muft fliortly happen, it was mofl eligible,
as the nation had waited fo long, to wait a little
longer, before it broke out into open hoftilities.
The Spaniards, about this time, having feized fome
of our (hips, engaged in a lawful trade, the indig-
nation of the public could net be any longer re-
ftrained. Petitions were delivered to the commons
by the merchants of London, Liverpool, and Briftol,
complaining of the interruption they had differed
in their trade for feveral years, from the depreda-'
tions of the Spaniards in the Weft Indies. The
houfe having confidered thefe petitions, prefented
an adclrefs to the king, requefting his majefty to ufe
his utmoft endeavours for preventing fuch depreda-
tions, procuring juft and reafonable fatisfaction,
and fecuring to his fubjects the free exercife of
commerce, &c. navigation jto and from the Brithh
colonies in America. His majefty affured them,
that nothing mould be wanting on his part to an-
fwer the dcfires and expectations of his people.
The complicated bufinefs of this feflion, being at
laft concluded, his majefty, on the fourteenth of
May, went to the houfe of peers, and put an end to
the feflion by a fpeech, wherein he fignified his in-
tention of vifiting his German dominions; and fet
out for Hanover on the twentieth day of the fame
month. At this time colonel Stanhope was created
earl of Harrington, and appointed fecretary of ftate
in the room of Lord Townfend, who refigned: the
duke of Dorfet fucceeded lord Carteret as lord
lieutenant of Ireland: and the earl of Waldegrave
was fent ambaflador to France, to congratulate
Lewis XV. on the birth of a dauphin.
The neg( tiations at Soifibns were, feemingly,
at a (land : but at length it was agreed to open con-
ferences at Seville between the plenipotentiaries
of England, France, and Spain. The earl of Har-
rington, who, previous to this had been appomted
ambaffador extraordinary to his Catholic majefty
had the management of this treaty on the part of
Great Britain, in conjunction with Mr. Keene, our
plenipotentiary at the court of Madrid. This
treaty was figned on the ninth of November, and
in the accefiion of the States General, which hap-
pened in the fame month, they were to furniftionly
four thoufand foot and one thoufand horfe ; and on
the part of the other allies, they were to guaranty
the abolifliing the Oftend Eaft India company; an.4
the Catholic king engaged that entire fatisfaction
(hall be given the Dutch for their grievances, as
well in the Weft Indies as in Europe, and to rc-
eftablim their commerce, agreeable to former
treaties ; and laftly to grant them all the com-
mercial privileges enjoyed by the nations molt fa-
voured.
On the third of January his majefty, A T\ I72O'
who had returned to England, from
his German dominions, the beginning of Septem»
ber, opened the feflion with a fpeech, in which he
informed the parliament, that he had concluded an
abfolute peace with Spain, and thereby prevented
the miferies and calamities infeparable from a war.
He affured them that the peace was agreeable to
the purport and intention of former treaties, and
calculated to render effectual the ftipulations of the
quadruple alliance: that fufficient provifion had
GEORGE
II.
been made for the indemnification and future fe-
curity of the trading intereft; and that he had given
orders for making an immediate reduction of his
land and fea forces. He then concluded with re-
commending to their confideration the ftate of
public credit, and the hafdflaips of poor artificers
and manufacturers. Both hoilfes having prefented
their addreffes of thanks and Congratulation to his
majefty, the lords took the treaty of peace into con-
fideration, and feveral fevere animadveriiohs were
paffed upon it by thofe iri the oppofition. Lord
Bathurft then moved for the following refolution,
" that the agreement in the treaty of Seville, to
effectuate the introduction of Spanifh troops into
Tufcany and Parma, is a manifeft violation of the
fifth article of the quadruple alliance, tends to in-
volve the nation in a dangerous and expenfive war,
and to deftroy the balance of Europe." Two other
motions were alfo made, the one to refolve, " that
Great Britain's right of fovereignty, dominion^
poffeffion, and claim to Gibraltar and Minorca, is
not afcertained by the treaty of Seville, fo as to
extinguim the claims and pretenfions fet up by the'
Spaniards, which were followed by art aftual fiege,
fince the ceffion of thofe valuable places by the
treaty of Utrecht." And the other, " that the fti-
pulations in the treaty of Seville, for repairing the
loffes of our merchants, are infufficient and pre-
carious." Thefe motions, however, all fharing a
fimilar fate ; for the queftion being put, it was
carried :|igainft them by a great majority. The
lords in favour of the miniitry now propofed to re-
folve, " that the treaty of peace concluded at Se-
ville, on the ninth of November laft, doth contain
all neceffary ftipulations for maintaining and fe-
curing the honour, dignity, rights, and poffeffions
of the crown ; and that all due care is taken therein
for the fupporc of the trade of the kingdom, and
for repairing the loffes fuffered by the merchants."
After long debates, the queftion being putj it was
refolved in the affirmative, upon which feveral
lords entered their protefts againft it, with their
reafons at large. A bill was brought into the houfe
of commons, to prohibit his majefty's fubjefts to'
lend any furri of money to arty foreign prince, ftate,
Or potentate, without licence firft obtained from his
majefty, under his privy-feal, or fome greater au-
thority. This, however, was not to extend to pro-
hibit any fubfcription to the public funds or trading
Companies of foreign kingdoms. This bill being
read a fecond time, Mr. Daniel Pulteney oppofed
it in very ftrong terms. Mr. Barnard pofitively
declared he would never confent to a bill, which he
deemed a violation of our fundamental laws, and a
grievous hard (hip on individuals. He then p'ro-
pofed an exception by which the prohibition fhould
be reftrifted to the emperor alone, without extend-
ing to other powers. But the bill, which was vin-
dicated by Sir Robert Walpole, Mr. Pelham, arid
Sir Philip Yorke, attorney-general, and fupported
by the whole weight of minifterial influence, not
only paffed through the houfe, but was afterwards
•naftcd into a law< Several afts in favour of the
fubjefts were paffed this feffion, among which were
the following : an aft for appropriating one million
of the furplufage arifing from the finking fund,
towards the difcharge of the national debt. An aft
for extinguifhing the duties upon fait. A third,
for the better regulation of juries } and a fourth,
for explaining and amending an aft made in the
laft feffion of parliament, entitled, " An aft for
the relief of debtors, with refpcft to the imprifon-
ment of their perfons." On the fifteenth of May,
his majefty went to the houfe of peers and put an
end to the feffion,
AD 17 2 1 The parliament met on the twenty-
firft of January. No motion pro-
duced fuch a warm eonteft, as that of Sir Robert
No. 55.
Walpcik's, that the duties upon fait, which about
two years ago had been abolifhed, fhould now be
revived, and granted for three years; though to
fweeten this propofal, he declared, that the land-tax
for the enfuing year, fhould be redtced to one
milling in the pound. All the members of the
country party were immediately in commotion.
They affirmed, that the revival of the tax would be
grinding the faces of the poor, in order to cafe a
few rich men of the landed intereft: but the prices
of all neceffaries being thus enhanced, the wages of
tradefmen and manufacturers mull be increafed :
they alledged, that the fait tax particularly affefled
the poor, who could not afford to eat frefh provi-
fions; yet the queftion being put, the minifter's mo-
tion was carried in the affirmative; however, before
the bill paffed feveral motions were made, and ad-
ditional claufes propofed by the members in the
oppofition : new debates were raifed nn every new
objection, and the courtiers were obliged to difpute
their ground by inches; but they at laft carried their
point, and the fait duty was revived. On the fix-
teehth of May, the feeret negotiation between the
courts of London and Vienna was perfected into a
treaty. It is obfervable that neither France nor
Spain were included in this treaty : the latter of
thefe powers, after much difficulty, was brought to
accede to it, but the court of France was fo far from
liftening to any felicitations on this fubjeft, that
its utmoft endeavours were exerted to prevent the
concurrence of Spain. It was even fuppofed that
their refentment had prompted them to an imme-
diate invafion of this kingdom ; a large body of
troops being affembled at Dunkirk. To prevent
any attempt of this nature from fucceeding, the
coafts of Kent were covered with regiments of
horfe ancl foot, who received orders to march thither
from all parts of the kingdom ;
On the thirteenth" of January the ,* TS
parliament met, when the king in his ' ' r?3 •
fpeech declared, that the general tranquillity of
Europe was now reftored and eftablifhed, and all
his expectations on that head fully anfwered.
In the laft feffion fome complaints had been
made to the houfe of commons againft the Chari-
table Corporatioiij which affair now became yery
ferious. This company was firft erefted in 1707,
and their profeft intention was to lend money at
legal intereft to the poor upon fmall pledges, and
to perfons of better rank, upon an indubitable fe-
curity of goods. At firft their capital was limited
to thirty thoufand pounds, but had been increafed
by licenfes from the crown to fixty thoufand. In
the month of October George Robinfon, efq; their
cafhier, and John Thompfbn, their warehoufe-
keeperj difappeared in one day. The proprietors.;
alarmed at this incident, held feveral general courts,,
and appointed a committee to examine the ftate of
their affairs, where it foon appeared that a moft vile
fcene of villainy and corruption had been carried on,
there being but thirty thoufand pounds left, to an-'
fwer a capital of fixty thoufand, the remainder
having been embezzled by means which could not
be difcovered. Hereupon the proprietors prefented
a petition to the houfe of commons, reprefenting,
that by the moft notorious breach of truft in fe-
veral perfons, to whom they had committed the
management of their affairs, the corporation had
been defrauded of the greateft part of their capital,
and many of the proprietors were reduced to abfo-
lute beggary; they therefore humbly prayed, that
as they were unable to deteft the combinations of
thofe who had ruined them, or to bring the delin-
quents to condign punifhment, without the aid
and afliftance of parliament,- that houfe would be.
pleafed to examine into the ftate of the corporation,
and the conduct of the managers, and give fuch
relief to the petitioners as the houfe fhould think
7 H prop«r.
582
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
proper. This petition was gracioufly received, and
a fecret committee appointed to proceed on the
enquiry. They foon difcovered a moft iniquitous
fccne of fraud, which had been acted by Robinfon
and Thompfon, in concert with fome of the direc-
tors, for embezzling the capital and cheating the
proprietors. Many perfons of rank and quality
were concerned in this infamous confpiracv ; fome
of the firft characters in the nation did not efcapc
fufpicion and ccnfure. Sir Robert Sutton and Sir
Archibald Grant, having had a confiderable mare
in tliofe fraudulent practices, were expelled the
houfe: and a bill was brought in to reftrain them,
and other delinquents, from leaving the kingdom,
or alienating their effects.
The parliament having granted the neceflary
Supplies, his majcfty, on the firft of June, gave the
royal affent to the bills that were ready, and in-
formed both houfes, that the States General had
acceded to the treaty of Vienna; that he had
determined to vidt his German dominions, and to
leave the queen regent in his abfence; after which
he put an end to the feflion, and in a few days after
fet out for Hanover. This year the king granted
his -perpetual charter, for erecting a fettlement at
Georgia, fituatcd to the fouthward of Carolina in
America; and accordingly Mr. Oglethorpe, the
principal perfon who firft fet this fcheme on foot,
embavked at Gravefend with a number of poor fa-
milies to plant that colony.
^ j) , , The laws that had been enacled for
''collecting the excife, feemed in many
inftances to encroach on the property and liberty of
the people. Thofe who had fuffered by thefc laws,
thought themfelves injured, and the number of
complainants increafed fo faft, that the clamour
againft excifcs was become alnnoft univerfal. Such
was the temper of the public when parliament met,
the king being returned from Hanover, and Mas
opened on the fixteenth of January. In this feflion
Sir Robert Walpole laid before the houfe his long-
projecled fcheme for a general excife. He began, by
takingnoticeofthearts which had been tifed to preju-
dice the people againft his plan before it was known.
He affirmed, that the clamours occafioned by thefe
prejudices owed their rife originally to fmugglers
and fraudulent dealers, who had enriched thcm-
ielves at the expence of the public ; and that thofe
had found ftrenuous fupporters in another fet of
men, fond of every opportunity to ftir up the peo-
ple to mutiny and fedition. He expatiated on the
frauds committed on that part of the revenue
arifing from the duties on tobacco; upon the hard-
fhipsto which the American planters were fubjected
by the heavy duties payable on the importation as
well as by the ill ufage they received from their
factors and correfpondents in England, who, from
being their fervants, were now become their mafters :
upon the injury done to the fair trader, and upon
the lofs fuftained by the public with refpect to the
revenue. He aflerted that the fcheme he was going
to propofe would remove all thefe inconvcniencies,
prevent innumerable frauds, perjuries, and falfe en-
tries, and add two or three hundred thoufand pounds
annually to the public revenue. He declared he had
no intention to promote a general excife, and en-
deavoured to obviate fome objections that might be
made to this plan, the nature of which he at length
explained. He propofed to join the laws of excife
to thofe of the cuftoms: that the farther fubfidy of
three farthings per pound charged upon imported
tobacco mould be ftill levied as formerly at the
Cuftom-houfe, and payable to his majelty's civil
lift: that then the tobacco fhould be lodged in
\varehoufes to be appointed for that purpofe'by the
commiflloners of extife : that the commiffioner of
each warehoufe, appointed likewife by the com-
miflloners, mould have one lock and key, and the
3
merchant importer another; and that the tobacco
mould be thus fecured until the merchant found
vent for it, either by exportation or home confump- '
tien : that the part defigned for exportation mould
be weighed at the cuftom-houfe, difcharged of the
three farthings per pound at its firft importation,
and then exported without farther trouble: that
the portion deftined for home confumption mould,
in the prefcnceof the warehoufe keeper, be delivered
to the purchafer, upon his paying the inland duty
of four- pence per pound ro a proper officer ap-
pointed to receive it ; by which means the merchant
would be eafed of the inconvenience of paying, the
duty on importation, or of granting bonds, and
finding fecurity for the payment before he had
found a market for die commodity; that all penal-
ties and forfeitures, fo far as they formerly belonged
to the crown, fhould for the future be applied' to
the ufe of the public: that appeals in this, as well
as in all other cafes relating to the excife, fhould be
heard and determined by two or three of the judges,
to be named by his majefty; and in the country,
by the judge of excife upon the next circuit, who
ftiould hear and determine fuch appeals in the moft
i'ummary manner without the formality of proceed-
ings in the court of law or equity. This was the
fubftance of the famous excife fcheme, the pro-
pofing of which occafioned a violent debate, which
was managed and maintained by the moft able
fpeakers on both fides the queftion. The motion
vyas at length, however, carried by a majority of
lixty-onc voices. Several reiblutions were founded
on the propofal; and to thefc the houfe agreed,
though net without a fecond violent conteft. Thefe
refblutions produced a bill, againft which petitions
were preferred by the lord mayor, aldermen, and
common-council of London, as likewife by the
towns of Coventry and Nottingham. A motion
was made that council mould be heard for the city;
but it was rejected by the majority, and the petition
was ordered to lay upon the table till the fecond
reading of the bill. The whole nation was alarmed,
and clamoured loudly againit the excife bill.
The populace crouding around Weftminfter-hall,
blocked up all the avenues to the houfe of com-
mons, infulting the perfons of thofe members who
had voted for the miniftry on this occafion, and Sir
Robert began to be in fear of his life : he thought
proper, therefore, to drop the defign, by moving,
that the fecond reading of the bill, which was to
have been on the eleventh of April, might be poft-
ponded till the twelfth of June. This motion, after
ibme debates, being agreed to, the houfe unani-
moufly refolved to enquire into the frauds and
abufes of the cuftoms; and a committee of twenty-
one perfons was chofen by ballot for this purpofe.
The mifcarriage of the bill was celebrated with
public rejoicings in London and Weftminfter, and
the miniftry burned in effigy by the populace.
On the thirteenth of June his majefty went to the
houfe, and put an end to the feffion, after an act
had been pafled for granting eighty thoufand pounds
to the princefs royal on her marriage with the
prince of Orange. On the feventh of November
his highnels arrived at Greenwich, and proceeded in
one of the king's barges to the Tower, from whence
he went to Somerfet houfe. An act was pafled
for fettling five thoufand pounds per annum on the
printcis for life; and on the fourteenth of March,
in the following year, her marriage with his ferene
highnefs was celebrated with great magnificence;
and in about a month after, they fet fail for Hol-
land.
The vacancy which now happened in the throne
of Poland, involved Europe in frefli troubles.
About the beginning of February Auguftus died at
Warfaw, which event threw the neighbouring
powers into great commotion.- Staniflaus, whofe
daughter
GEORGE
II.
583
daughter
elector
the French king had married, and the
of Saxony, Ion to the late king, declared
thcmfelves candidates tor the Polifh throne. The
former was fupported by Lewis XV. while the em-
peror, the czarina, and the king of Pruflia efpoufed
the intereft of the latter. The Imperial and Ruffian
troops encamped on the frontiers of Poland, and
the king of France ordered the duke of Berwick
to aflemble an army on the Rhine, in order to enter
Germany in cafe the Imperial forces made any at-
tempt to' difturb the election at Warfaw. On the
twenty fifth of June the diet was opened with the
nfual ceremonies, and Staniilaus, being unamimoufly
chofen king, appeared in the electoral field, where
he was received with the loudeft acclamations.
The Saxon party, however, foon increafed to ten
thoufand men, protefted againft the election, and
joined the Ruffian army. Staniflaus, finding him-
felf unable to oppofe fuch powerful antagoniits, re-
tired to Dantzick, attended by the primate and
French ambaflador; and foon after the elector of
Saxony was proclaimed king of Poland by the
bjfhop of Cracow, under the name of Auguftus III.
Several changes happened about this time. The
earl of Cheftcrfield, diigufted at the conduct of the
minifter, refigned his place of fteward of his ma-
jefty's houfehold. The duke of Montrofe relin-
quifhed his office of lord privy-leal of Scotland; as
did lord Clinton, one of the lords of his majeity's
bedchamber. The duke of Bolton and lord Cob-
ham, were deprived of their pofts in the army. Mr.
Tulbot, folicitor-general, was constituted lord high
chancellor of Great Britain, and created baron
Talbot of Hcnfoll. Sir Philip Yorke, attorney-
general, was advanced to the office of lord chief
juftice of the court of King's Bench, and honoured
with a peerage by the title of* lord Hardwick ; the
"ace of folicitor-general was beftowed on Mr.
uclky Rider, and that of attorney-general on Mr.
John Willes. This year many perfons of diftin-
guifhed rank paid the great debt of nature: George
By'ng, lord vifcount Torrington, died on the feven-
teenth of January, and was fucceeded, as firft
lord of the admiralty, by Sir Charles Wager : on
the twenty-fecond of the fame month died the earl
of Pembroke; on the nineteenth of March lord Ray-
mond, lord chief juftice of the King's Bench; on
the feventh of May the earl of Cholmoricleley; and
in October, Henrietta, the young duchefs of Marl-
borough; by which that title devolved to her filter's
fon, the earl of Stuiderland; and about the fame
time the duchefs of Ormond departed this life.
A D 1*77 ^e Parnament meeting on the fe-
7-34- venteenth day of January, the king,
in his fp.-ech to both houfes, told them, that
though he u-as no way concerned in the war, which
had broke out in Europe, except by the good offices
he had employed among the contending powers, he
could not remain an idle fpectator of the prefent
events, or be indifferent about the .confequences of
a war undertaken and fupported by fuch a powerful
confederacy. He faid, he had thought proper to take
time to examine the fads alledged on both fides, and
to wait the refult of the councils of thofe powers,
which were even more immediately interefted in
the confequences of the rupture. He declared he
Vr'ould concert with his allies, more particularly
ith the States General of the United Provinces,
fuch meafures asfhould be thought mod advifeable
for their common fafety, and for reftoring the peace
of Europe; that he flvmld order the eftimates to be
laid before them, of fuch fervices as demanded their
prefent and immediate care: that the augmentation,
which would be propofed for the fea-fervice, would
be very conliderable; but he was confident, they
would think it reufonable and neceflary : that he
muft particularly recommend to their care the debt
of the navy; which had every year been laid before
them; but from the prefent circumftances of the
times, he believed, they would be perfuaded, that
it now required fome provifion to be made for it-,
a thing that could not well be longer poftponed,
without manifeft detriment to the public fervice:
that, as thefe extraordinary charges and expences
were unavoidable, he made no doubt but they would
effectually raifc the fupplies neceflary for defraying
them, with that readinefs and difpatch, and with
that juft regard to the true interefts of his people,
which this parliament had hitherto fhewn upon all
occafions: that he hoped they would proceed in all
their deliberations withfuch temper and unanimity,
and fuch expedition in the public bufi'nefs, as might
give him the fooner an opportunity of taking the
lenfe of a new parliament : that he flattered himfelf
his prefent resolutions would meet with their
hearty concurrence and approbation; and, what-
ever refolutiona might be thrown 'out againft the
conduct of the government, he was confident a little
time would effectually remove all groundlefs jea-
louiies, and make it appear, that Great Britain
ought always to act that part, which the honour and
intereft of the nation called upon it to undertake.
On the fixteenth of April his majcfty went to the
houfe of peers, and having given his affent to fuch
bills as were ready, took leave of this parliament
with the warmcft acknowledgments of their zeal,
duty and affection. The parliament was then pro-
rogued, afterwards diffolved,and another convoked
by the fame proclamation.
During thefe tranfactions at home the war was
carried on with great vigour abroad, by the con-
federate powers againft the emperor. In the mean
time the French army -on the Rhine, commanded
by mai'fhal Belleiilc, befieged and took Traerbach,
while the duke of Berwick, at the head of fixty
thoufand men, inverted Philipfburgh, where in
vifiting the trenches, he was killed by a cannon
ball; and the command devolved on the marquis
d'Asfeldt, who carried on the operations of the fiege
wih equal vigour and capacity. Prince Eugene
did every thing his great military talents could
fuggeft, to relieve the befieged ; but finding it im-
poffible to fucceed, general Watgenau, the governor
capitulated, after having made a noble defence,
and obtained the moft honourable conditions. Eu-
gene retired to Heidelberg, and the campaign ended
in October.
In the month of November an edict was pub-
lifhed in Paris, which commanded all the Britifli
fubjects in France not actually in employment,
from the age of eighteen to fifty, either to quit the
kingdom in fifteen days, or enlift in fome of the
Irifh regiments on pain of being fent to the gallies.
This edict, which was executed with the utmoft
rigour, filled the prifons of Paris with the fubjects
of England, who were denied all communication
with their friends, and muft have periihed by cold
and hunger, had they not been relieved by the cha-
rity of the Janfenifts. A fpirited memorial from
our court, on this occafion, was delivered by lord
Waldegrave, the Englifh atnbaffadorto the French
council, who thought proper to excufe themfelves
by alledging, they only meant to execute their edict
againft Britifli and It ifh vagabonds, and fuch as had
no vifible means of fubfiftence.
At this period the affairs of Europe . ^
were in a very critical fituation. The
emperor complained loudly of the tame and pacific
conduct of the Englifh court, which, from the
treaties fubfifting between them, he expected would
have efpoufed his caufe. His Britannic majefty,
however, gave the world an inftance about this
time, that it was not from any perfonal diflike to
the emperor, that he took no part in his affairs, re-
lative to the war now carrying on ; for having re-
ceived certain advice, that the French had formed
a ftrong
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
a ftrorig party at the Ottoman court, who were
labouring to perfuade the divan to declare war
againft his Irirperfa! majefty, fent orders imme-
diately, in conjunction with the States General, to
their refpeftive mmifteFS aft that court, to ufe their
utmoft endeavours- to counteract the French in their
defign : and thefe rnmifters laboured f6 effectually,
that the grand fi-g'nior was pcrfuaded to lay afide all
thoughts of attacking the emperor. Nor was it in
this inftance only, that Che Englrfh court acted as a
mediator, rn order to fn-afntain the balance of power,
which was now in the utmoft danger. A rni-fun-
dcrftanding had lately arifen between the Courts of
Spain and Portugal, occafioned by affronts mu-
tually offered to their ambafladors at each eourt.
This affair could not be amicably compfomifed;
and the king of Spain began to make preparations
f'or a war with Portugal ; which fo alarmed his fnoft
Faithful majefty, that he inftantly made very pref-
iing applications to the Britifh court, for protection
againft the defigns of his enemies. The king of
Portugal was readily promifcd affiftance; and it
was refolved, by a timely and powerful relief, to
fender the defigns of the Spaniards abortive. Ac-
cordingly in the month of May, Sir John Norris,
with twenty -eight fliips of the line, was difpatehed
to the river Tagus ; where he was received by the
inhabitants of Lifbon, as their guardian and de-
liverer.
The belligerent powers on the continent, now
became heartily tired of the war, though neither
cared to own their fentiments. Conferences for a
peace had, for fome time been carried on at the
Hagtre, under the mediation of his Britannic ma-
jefty and the States General; notwithftanding the
latter had renewed, for another year, their treaty of
neutrality with France* Couriers were continually
paffing and repaffing between London and Ver-
failles-, arid though theking of Great Britain could
not claim the merit of having abfolutely completed
the defired work of peace^ yet he undoubtedly
fmoothed the way to it by the plans he propofed.
But the two courts of Verfailles and Vienna, the
two belligerent powers, difgufted by Certain pro-
ceedings in the congrefs, affembled to confider of
thefe plans, fell upon a more effectual method of
terminating their differences: an armifticc was pro-
pofed by the emperor, and agreed to by the Court
of France, which foon after terminated by certain
preliminary articles, by which France agreed to re-
iiore to the empire all the places {he- had taken
from it during the courfe of the late war. It was
alfo ftipulated that the emperor fliould poffefs, the
Mantuan, Parma, Placentia, and the Milanefe.
Don Carlos was to beacknowledged king of Naples
and Sicily ; John Francis, duke of Lorraine, was
declared grand duke of Tufcany, after the death of
the reigning prince ; when the duchy of Lorraine
was to be annexed to the crown of France. Sta-
niflaus was to renounce the crown of Poland, which
he had twice obtained. He was, however, alk>wed
to retain the title of king, and to be indemnified for
hisloffes. Cardinal de Fleury, the French minifter,
who was at firft fatisficd that Staniflaus fhould be
put in poffeffionof the diftrift of Bar, which was to be
given him by the duke of Lorraine, with a reverfion
to the crown of France •, nor was Lorraine to be
ceded, till the prefect duke was in full poffeffion of
Tufcany : but the cardinal afterwards demanded the
whole duchy of Lorraine, on the fame conditions
ns that of Bar, and ealily obtained it, at the expence
of an annual penfion of about fixteen thoufand
pounds, granted to duke Francis, till he mould be
poffefled of Tufcany. By this treaty Lorraine was
for ever annexed to the crown of France, after hav-
ing been many times attempted without fuccefs; a
king of Poland was tranfplanted to Lorraine : tlie
lecond fon of the king of Spain was removed to
Naples : and the duke of Lorraine, by this arrange-
ment, became foon after grand duke of Tufcany.
Leghorn was to be declared a free port : France
undertook to guaranty the Pragmatic Sanction ; and
England, Holland, PortttgaT, Vienna, Spain and
Sardinia were to fupport the prefcnt convention.
The act of James 1. agaJnft eon- * T\ ^
juration and witchcraft, was repealed ~, ' J 5
and the famous aft for laying a duty rfpon the re-
tailers of fpirituous liquors, eommott'ly called the
gin aft, was, after long and warm- debates; paffed
into a law. In this fefliori was alfo paffed the
Mortmain aft, the Smuggling aft} and one for
building a bridge acrofs the Thames at Weftmin-
fter. " On the fevcnteenth of April, his royal high-
nfefs Frederick prince of Wales, was married to her
fercfle highncfs Augufta, princefs of Saxe Gotha.
This event was followed by extraordinary rejoic-
ings, and congratulations from both houfcs of par-
liament, the city of London and the twouniverfities.
Bat the moft remarkable event that diftinguiflied
this year, happened at Edinburgh, where John Por-
teous who commanded the guard of that city, was,
while attending the execution of a fmuggler, fo far
provoked by the inceffant infuks of the populace,
as to order his men, without ufing the previous
formalities of the law, to fire with fhot, among the
crowd; by which inconfiderate action feveral rnno-
cent perfons were killed. Porteous was indicted for
murder, eonvifted, and received fentence of death ;'
but her majefty as guardian of the kingdom, his1
majefty being now returned to Hanover, thought
proper to grant him a reprieve. This lenity was fo
highly refented by the common people, that they
determined to execute the fentence themfelves, on
the very day the judges had fixed for that purpofe.
Accordingly abowt ten o'clock at night, they affem-
bled in different bodies, locked the gates of the
city to prevent the admiflion of the troops quartered1
in the fuburbs, fnrprized and difarmed the town
guard, broke open the prifon, dragged Porteous
from thence to the place of execution, and leaving
him hanging by the neck on a dyer's pole, quietly
difperfed to their refpeftive habitations. In the
courfe of this year died at Vienna, in the feventy-
fourth year of his age, the celebrated prince Eu-
gene, leaving behind him the character of an in-
vincible hero, and confummate politician. Count
Staremberg, who ranked next after the prince in
military reputation, did not long furvive. Lord
chancellor Talbot, univerfally admired forhis worth,
probity, and acquired accompHmments, paid about
the fame time, the great debt of nature ; and was
fueceeded in his important office of chancellor, by-
lord Hardwick.
The murder of Porteons having A £> i73~.
been concerted and carried into exe- '
cution,with remarkable prudence and moderation,
it was fufpefted that fome of the leading citizens of
Edinburgh had been concerned in that audaciou s
riot; efpecially as a reward of two hundred pounds
offered by proclamation, for the difcovery of any
perfon who had afted in that tragedy, had not
brought one man to juftice. A bill was therefore
brought in to the houfe of lords to difable Alexander
Wilfon, efq; lord provoft of Edinburgh, from en-
joying any office or place, in the magiitracy of that
city, or elfewhere in the dominions of Great Bri-
tain ; for imprifoning the faid Alexander Wilfon ;
for abolifhing the guard of Edinburgh, and for
taking away the gates of the nether bow port, fo as
to open a communication between the city and the
fuburbs, where the king's troops are quartered
Some amendments and mitigations being jnade to
this bill, it paffed both houfes and received the
royal affent. Another bill was paffed this feffion t(
limit the number of play-houfes ; to fubjeft all
writings intended for the ftage to the infpeftion of
fLimittvn dclm .
CAROLINE
Queen ^George II.
Shir* m ScZiiile,
< >5fe ffaf,, Primeis of lirniuleiiburgh Anlpnch ...Married /V George II. (t,>6//c Prince
/ ' / '
Wales, J7&4 Died ofa Afortification tn/Aer Bowels « . •Vm'- ?" 20.
/ • /
fff'&f inmed /y/ lleniy //^VIl.C bapel Wellniiuiler. — — .
/
G E O R G E
II.
'the lord chamberlain; and to compel the authors
to take out a licenfe for every production, before
the piece could be publicly acted. About this
time arofe unhappily an open breach in the royal
family. The princefs of Wales had advanced to
the very laft month of her pregnancy, before either
the king or queen knew any thing of her fituation.
She was conveyed from Hampton-court to St.
James's palace, when it was apprehended her l.i-
bour pains were approaching, and was delivered of
a princefs in about two hours after her arrival. His
majefty, on being informed of this event, fent a
meffage to the prince, expreiling his high difplea-
fure at his inconfiderate conduct, as an indignity
offered both to himfelf and the queen. The prince
implored his majefly's pardon, and begged the me-
diation of the queen; the princefs alfo joined her
intre.ities; but all was ineffectual. His majefty
gave the prince to underftand, that till he fhould
withdraw his confidence from thofe, by whofe infti-
gation and advice he was directed and encouraged
in his unwarrantable behaviour to himfelf and the
queen, and returned to his duty, he mould not re-
fide in the palace ; and added, that it was ex-
pected he mould leave St. James's, with all his
. family, as foon as it could be done without preju-
dice or inconvenience to the princefs. Accordingly
the prince, in obedience to this order, retired to
Kew, and made frefh efforts to be again reftored to
his majefty's favour; but without effect. He was
not even admitted into the prefence of the queen
his mother, to exprefs his duty to her in her laft
moments; to implore her forgivcnefs, and receive
her bleffing.
Wilhelmina Carolina, queen confort, died on
the twentieth of November of a mortification in
her bowels, in the fifty -fifth year of her age. She
was regretted as a princefs endowed with uncommon
abilities, pofleffed of many amiable qualifications,
and a pattern of conjugal fidelity. Her remains
were interred, with great folemnity, on the feven-
teenth of December, in a new vault in Henry the
Seventh's chapel.
A deputation of the merchants waited on his
majefty at Hampton court with a petition, com-
plaining of the depredations of the Spaniards, and
requefting fatisfaction for the lofles they had fuf-
tained. His majefty returned a moft gracious
anfwer to this petition, and the fecretary of ftate
fent orders to Mr. Keene at Madrid, to repeat his
inflances at the court of Spain for their relief. In
the mean time a committee of the privy-council fat
at Whitehall, to receive proofs of the lofles which
the merchants hadfuffered. The French alfo about
this time gave the miniftvy no fmall umbrage, by
their eager attempts to engrofs the whole commerce
of the different quarters of the globe. On the
north continent; of America, they affiduoufly pur-
fued the plan of Lewis XIV. for forming a chain
of forts and fettlements from the mouth of the
Miffiffippi up to the province of Canada, in order
' to cut off the Englifh fettlements from having any
commerce with the vaft Indian countries to the
weftward, and, in time, to obtain poffeffion of them
all. In order to this they ftrongly fortified the
ifland of Cape Breton, fituated near the mouth of
the river St. Lawrence,
In Africa, they had monopolized the gum trade
near the river Senegal •, they had aifo encroached
on the Englifh fettlements on the river Gambia,
and greatly extended their flave-trade on that coaft,
for the encouragement of their Weft Indian fugar-
iflands, which now ftvrnifhed amazing quantities of
fugar, rum, indigo, cotton, ginger, and other com-
modities produced in that country. They had alfo
planted a confiderable colony on the coaft of Guiana,
near Surinam in South America; encroaching on
No. 55.
the territories both of the Dutch and Spaniards iti
that country.
Thus fituated were the affairs °f A T-J I7,g
Europe, when his majefty opened the
feflion of parliament on the twenty- fourth of Ja-
nuary. His fpeech was remarkably fhort, and con-
cluded with recommending the difpatch of public
bufmefs with prudence and unanimity. Eachhoufc
presented a warm addrcfs of condoleance on the
queen's death, with which, the king appeared to be
deeply affected. The depredations of the Spaniards
ftiil continued, fo that the Englifh merchants were
exafperated beyond all farther patience. His ma-
jefty had referred the examination of the merchants
to a committee of the privy-council; and the for- '
mer endeavoured to make good their allegations.
Their caufe was at once both fpeciousand popular;
the public warmly efpoufed their quarrel; they were
ftrongly fupported by the minority in both houfes,
who were determined to force the miniftry into a
war with Spain.
The lords were no lefs bufy than the commons
in enquiring into this fubject, and in their refolu-
tions went far beyond them; for they not only
afferted our undoubted right to navigate in the
American feas, " but alfo to carry all forts of
goods, merchandize, or effects, from any one part
of his majefty's dominions to another; and that no
goods being fo carried, are, by any treaty fubfifting
between the crowns of Great Britain and Spain, to
be deemed or taken as contraband or prohibited
goods; and that the fearching fuch mips on the
open feas, under pretence of their carrying contra-
band or prohibited goods, is a violation and in-
fraction of the treaties fubfifting between the two
crowns."
Bufinefs being concluded, the king, on the
twentieth of May, put an end to the feflion with a
fpeech, wherein he obferved, " that, agreeable to
what had appeared to be the concurrent opinion
of both houfes of parliament, he had given orders
to repeat, in the ftrongeft and moft preffing man-
ner, his inftances at the court of Spain, for ob-
taining fatisfaction for the many injuries and loffes
fuftained by his trading fubjecta in Arrttrica, and
for effectually fecuring their rights for thefuturej
and he hoped from the juftice and equity of the
catholic king, to procure and eftablifh a free and
uninterrupted exercife of trade between the fubjects
of the two crowns, agreeable to treaties and the
law of nations."
In the mean time, a fpirit of riot and confufion
difcovered itfelf among the lower clafs of people
in different parts of the kingdom, during the courfe
of this year. The moft dangerous of thefe tumults
happened in the weft of England, where a number
of journeymen weavers rofe in a riotou^ manner,
and committed the moft terrible outrages on the
properties and pei fons of feveral mafters in that
branch of trade, from a perfuafion that they had
ufcd them ill. At length the affair grew fo ferious,
that the government was obliged to quarter bodies
of troops in feveral of the borough and market-
towns, to prevent the fedition from fpreading.
Nor was the metropolis itfelf free from tumults
and diforders: a moft dangerous itfult was com-
mitted upon juftice by a party of failors at Wap-
ping, who cut down from the gibbet and brought
to life one Buchanan, who had been condemned
for murder; and notwithftanding the atrocious,
nature of the crime, and the danger of the example,
the offenders were fo highly favoured by the public,
that not one of them could ever be difcovered.'
The feflion of parliament was A -^
opened on the firft of February,
when the king informed both houfes in his fpeech,
that he had concluded a convention with the kin
7 I
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
of Spain, who had obliged himfelf to make re-
paration to his fubjccls for their lofles, by certain
ftipulatcd payments; that plenipotentiaries were ap-
pointed for regulating the grievances and abufes
which had hitherto interrupted the commerce of
Great Britain in the American feas; and for fettling
all matters in difpute in fuch a manner, as forth*
future to prevent and remove all new caufes of
complaint. This convention alarmed thcmerchants
and traders of Great Britain, filled the people with
indignation, and raifed a general outcry againft the
mini'fter., The eyes of the whole kingdom were
now turned upon the houfe of commons. The
two contending parties fummoned their whole
ftrength for the approaching difpute; and on the
day appointed for coniidering the convention, four
hundred members had taken their feats by eight in
the morning. Several days were employed in
reading papers : at length, Horatio Walpole having
launched out in praife of the convention, moved
for an addrefs of approbation to his majefty. The
houfe, upon adivifion, agreed to the addrefs; but
when a motion was made for its being recommitted,
the two parties renewed the engagement with re-
doubled eagernefs and impetuofity. Sir William
Wyndham and Mr. Pulteney, poured all the thun-
der of their eloquence againft the infolence of
Spain, and the conceffions of the Britifh miniflry.
Sir Robert Walpole exerted all his fortitude and
dexterity in defence of himfelf and his meafures ;
and the queftion being put, the refolutions of the
addrefs were carried by a fmall majority. To fuch
a degree of mutual animofity were both fides in-
flamed, that the moft eminent members of the mi-
nority left the houfe, and returned no more to it
during that feflion. In the houfe of lords, the dif-
pute was maintained with equal warmth, but ended
alfo in the defeat of thofe who ftigmatized the
treaty; and the houfe agreed to thank his majefty
for his gracious condefcenfion in laying the con-
vention before them ; and acknowledged his great
prudence in bringing the demands of his fubjefts
for their paft loffes to a final adjuftmcnt. At the
head of thofe who voted againft the adclrefs, was
the prince of Wales; and his example was followed
by fix dukes, twenty-two earls, four vifcounts,
eighteen barons, four bifhops, and fixteen proxies ;
and a fpirited proteft was entered and fubfcribed
by thirty-nine peers. But notwithstanding the par-
liamentary fanction the convention had received,
the rumour of a war with Spain began to revive.
For the Spanifh monarch not only fuffered the four
months to elapfe, during which interval he was to
pay the ftipulated fum of ninety-five thouiaad
pounds, but ordered feizures.to be made of the
fhips and merchandize of the Bi itifh fubjects in his
dominions wherever they could be found ; and even
commanded all the Britim fubjecb to leave his
territories in a fhorter time than was allowed by
treaty. Thefe proceeding!) put a flop to the con-
ferences carried on with that crown, and Mr. Keene
prefented a fpirited declaration to the court of
Madrid. This was followed with an order of
council, dated July the tenth, for granting letters
of marque and reprifols to our merchants. A re-
folution was alfo formed for endeavouring to pre-
clude the Spaniards from the refources of their
riches in the Weft Indies and the South Seas.
Admiral Vernon was fent to the Weft Indies to take
upon himfelf the command of thefquadron in thofe
feas, and to deftroy the trade and fettlements of
the Spaniards. Vernon had rendered himfelf re-
markable in the houfe of commons by condemning
the meafures of the miniftry ; and in a debate on
the Spanifh depredations he happened to affirm,
that Porto Bello, a ftrong port on the Spanifh main,
might be eafily taken; and even offered to under-
take the reduction of it with fix flu'ps only. The
minifter, defirous of removing fo troublefomc a
cenforfrom the houfe, fent him to the Weft Indies,
that he might have an opportunity of executing the
fchcme he had undertaken. A declaration of war
againft Spain was publifhed on the twenty-third of
Odober, in which his majefty charges the king of
Spain with breaking the convention lately con-
cluded, by not paying withinthe time appointed
the ftipulated fum admitted to be due to the fub-
j eels of Great Britain ; and on the fifteenth of No-
vember the parliament met at Weftminfter, when
the feffion was opened by a fpeech from the throne,
in which his majefty informed both houfes, that he
had augmented his forces both by fea and land.
The committee of fupplies, upon . ~
the fourteenth of the fame month, I74°-
refolved to grant his majefty two hundred thoufand
pounds on account of carrying on the war, and
nine thoufand five hundred for fervices that year,
not provided for by parliament ; which was agreed
to -by the houfe. A million was alfo granted out
of the finking fund, and two hundred thoufand
pounds for the ordinary of the navy. The king
having by a mefTage figniiied his intention of giving
the princefs Mary in marriage to prince Frederick
of Hefle, and exprefled his hopes, that the com-
mons would enable him to give him a fuitable por-
tion with his daughter, they unanimoufly agreed to
grant forty thoufand pounds for that purpofe; they
alfo prefented an addrefs of thanks to his majefty
for having communicated this intended marriage to
the houfe. On the twenty-ninth of April his ma-
jefty put an end to the feffion, after thanking the
commons for the'liberal fupplies they had granted j
recommended unity and concord to both houfes ; •
and exprefled his .hopes, that the preparations he
was making for carrrying on the war in the moft
vigorous and effectual manner, would be crowned
with fuccefs equal to the juftice of his caufe. This
feffion being concluded, his majefty appointed a
regency, and fet out for Hanover in the beginning
of May. During thefe tranfaclions, a fhip "arrived
from the Weft Indies, difpatched by admiral Vernon,
with an account of his having taken Porto Bello
with fix fhips only, and demolifhed all the fortifi-
cations. This event filled the whole nation with
joy ; and both houfes of parliament joined in a
congratulary addrefs on the fuccefs of his majefty's
arms.
Admiral Haddock continued cruizing during the
whole fummer in the Mediterranean, and had, for
fome time actually blocked up the mouth of that
part of the harbour of Cadiz, where the Spanifh
fleet was then lying; which induced admiral Pin-
tado, who commanded another fquadroa, to make
a feint of attacking the ifland of Minorca. The
Englifh admiral was deceived ; he left hi$ ftation in,
order to relieve that iiland ; and the Cadiz fleet,
confifting of nine men of war and two frigates
efcaped, and joined another fquadron at Ferrol.
But the detention of the treafuresfrom New Spain,
kept this combined fleet in that port, till the
French thought proper to declare their real inten-
tions, by fending a Itrong fquadron from Breft and
Toulon under the command of themarquisd'Antin,
to Martinico, one of their Weft Indian fettlements,
with fecret orders, not only to acl: offenfively againft
the Britifh fubjecls, but alfo to confult meafures for
attacking Jamaica; and at the fame time declaring,
that France could no longer behold, with an eye of
indifference, the enterprizes which the Englifh na-
tion had formed in America, nor fuffer them to
make any new eftablifhments in that country. Mi-
niftry were furprized at this unexpected behaviour
from France, while the nation called loudly for
profecuting the war with the utmoft vigour,-in order
to convince that court that we were not to be inti-
midated by their infolent threats.
In
GEORGE
II.
587
In the month of September a fmall fquadron was
fitted out under the command of commodore
Anfon, confiding of five fhips of war ; the Cen-
turion, the commodore's own fliip, of fixty guns
and four hundred men ; the Gloucefter and Severn,
of fifty guns and three hundred men each; the
Pearl, of forty guns and two hundred and fifty
men; and the Wager, of twenty-eight guns and
one hundred and fixty men ; befides the Trial floop,
of eight guns and one hundred men, and two
victualling fhips. The commodore's orders were to
fail to the South feas, in order to attack the enemy's
colonies, and co-operate occafionally with admiral
Vei non, acrofs the ifthmus of Darien. The fqua-
dron did not arrive at Madeira till the twenty-
fifth of October, where^they watered, and took in
refrefhments of feveral kinds. On the fourth of
November, Anfon iffaed orders to the captains, ap-
pointed their rendezvous, in cafe of feparation, at
the ifland of St. Catharine's on the coaft of Brazil
in South America; and the fame day the fquadron
weighing anchor, fleered their c.ourfe for St. Catha-
rine's, where they arrived on the twenty-firft of
December, having in their paflage loft a great num-
ber of their men by the intemperature of the warm
climates. The commodore made all poffible dif-
patch for Cape Horn, but was detained by un-
avoidable accidents till the eighteenth of January,
when the fquadron. after burying many of their
men, and ficknefs ftill increaling, left the ifland,
and failed to port St. Julian, on the coaft of Pata-
gcmia.
Admiral Vernon having equipped his fquadron,
and made every necefiary preparation which the na-
ture of the fervice required, failed from Port Royal
the latter end of February, on board the Stafford,
accompanied by the Princefs Louifa, Windfor,
Norwich, Falmouth, and Greenwich men of war,
and a proportionable number of firefhips, bombs,
and tenders, with a defign to bombard Carthagena,
and afterwards to annoy the Spaniards in Fort Cha-
gre, which lays a little to the fouth-weft of Porto
Bello. After fome difficulty he anchored in the
bay of Phiya Granda before Carthagena, and be-
gan a brifk bombardment againft the town, which
did confiderable damage to fome of the principal
edifices. But not having ftrength fuflicient to make
himfelf mafter of the place, he thought proper to
return to Porto Bello, from whence lie frequently
detached cruizers to lie off Fort Chagre, and in a
•little time failed in order to attack it in perfon,
•which he did on the twenty-third of March, and
obliged the garrifon to furrender.
This year was rendered remarkable by the death
of three crowned heads: the king of Prnffia, who
was fucceeded by his eldeft fon Frederic, the reign-
ing king of that realm; Charles VI. emperor of
Germany, who expired at Vienna on the ninth day
of October, and was fucceeded in his hereditary
dominions by his eldeft daughter Maria Therefa,
married to the grand duke of Tufcany ; and the
emprefs of Ruffia, who by her will appointed prince
Iv;m, fon of duke Anthony Ulric of Brunfwic-
Lunenburgh-Bevern, and the princefs Ann of
Mcckl en burgh, her fucceflbrs. She, by the fame
will, named the duke of Courland regent of the
empire, and guardian of the young czar, though
his own parents were living. The regent, however,
was foon turned out, and the. czar's mother fuc-
ceeded him in that truft till her fon was finally de-
pofed, and the princefs Elizabeth placed on the
throne of the Ruffias. In England, the beginning
of this year was diftinguilhed by a moft intenfe
froft which began on Chriftmas day, and continued
till the latter end of February. The Thames was
frozen over, and a multitude of people dwelled on
it in tents. A great number of booths were erecled
for the entertainment of the populace. A kind of
fair was kept, and an ox roafted whole upon the
ice. The navigation bung entirely flopped, the
watermen and fifliermcu were deprived of the means
of fubliftence; and a ftop was put to many kinds of
manufactures. The price of all forts of provifions
rofe to a great height; even water was fold in the
ftreets of London; and the poor could neither ob-
tain food, or fupply themfelves withcoah or other
fuel, which advanced in proportion to the feverity
and continuance of the froft. In this feafon o'f
diftrefs, many unhappy families muft have perifhed
by cold and hunger, had not thofe in eafy circtim-
ftances been infpired with a remarkable f'pirit of
compaflion and humanity. The ftreets werecrouded
with beggars, who were relieved with a liberal
hand; and, to the honour of the Englifh nation,
uncommon pains were taken to difcover and_relieve
thole ftill more unhappy objects, who, from mo-
tives of falfe pride, or ingenuous fhame, ftrove to
conceal their mifcries. The folitary habitations of
the widow, the fatnerlefs, and the unfortunate,
were vifited by thofe who felt for the woes of their
fellow-creatures; and tofuch who refufed to receive
a portion of public charity, the ncceflaru s of life
were privately conveyed, in a manner that could
leaftfhock their delicacy.
In the beginning cf April his ma- . -^
jefty went to the houfe of peers, and *
made the cuftomary fpcech ; and on the twenty-
fifth, the king clofed the feffion, when .he warmly
expreffed his entire fatisfaclion of the conduct of
his parliament. His majefty, after appointing a
regency, fet out for his German dominions about
the middle of May. Having collected his fleet,
Sir Chaloner Ogle failed for Jamaica. His arriviri
reanimated admiral Vernon, who now faw himfelf
at the head of a more formidable fleet and army
than had ever before been feen in thofe feas, with
full power to act as opportunity fhould offer.
Vernon had for fome time meditated an attack on
Carthagena, a very ftrong city fituated on the
Spanifh main, and now determined to carry the
defign into execution. His plan, however, was no
fecret to the Spaniards, who had omitted nothing
to put the city in the beft pofture of defence.
Admiral de Torres, and Don Bias de Lezo, a fea
officer of- great experience and reputation, had al-
ready reached Carthagena with the Ferrol fquadron,
and reinforced the garrifon, which now amounted
to above four thoufand men. As foon as the ad-
miral had received an account of the fortifications,
&c. he directed Sir Chaloner Ogle to proceed with
his whole divifion of fliips, confiding of four of
eighty, fix of fixty, and one of fifty guns, befides
frigates and bomb veflels, to demolifh the forts and
batteries, and to fcour all the country, fo ns to fe-
ctire a defccnt for the land forces. Sir Chaloner
performed the fervice he was entrufted with, in a
very fatisfactory manner ; while general Wentworth
landed his forces on Tierra Bomba ifland, near
Bocca Chica caftle. They immediately ercdled a
battery; and having, with the afliftance of the
fleet, made a practical breach in the wall, they
took the caftle by ftorm on the twenty-fourth of
February. About the fame time, the Spanifh fliips
that lay athwart the harbour's mouth, \vere either
taken or deftroyed, the paflage was opened, and
admiral Vernon, with the whole fleet, entered the
harbour, and attacked Caftillo Grande, which the
enemy likevvife abandoned to the Englifh. The
forces that were landed on Tierra Bomba were re-
embarked, and fat on fliore again within a mile of
the city. This unexpected fuccefs fo greatly elated
both the admiral and general, that the Spence floop
of war was dif-patched to England with fetters to the
fecretary of ftate, promifing nothing lefs than the
total reduction of die city of Carthagena. But
they fliould have remembered, that the greateft
difficulty
588
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
difficulty ftill remained, the taking of fort St.
Lazaro, which muft be done before they could
attack the city. And what was ftill of more con-
fequence, a mifunderftanding had by this time
arifen between the admiral and the general; and
which foon grew to fuch a height, that it impeded
every operation for the advantage of their country.
They had their feparate parties, and behaved
towards each other with the coldeft referve. The
admiral accufed the general of inactivity, by which
the enemy had time fufficient to finifh the fortifica-
tions they had begun at the foot of the hill on which
fort St. Lazaro itood. The general at the fame
time accufed the admiral of his dilatory proceed-
ings with regard to the landing - of the tents,
ftores, and artillery of the army. In fhort, both
had committed miftakes ; and inftead of endeavour-
ing to repair them, employed their whole atten-
tion to mortify each other. At laft, Wentworth
refolved to do' fomething, at leaft in appearance,
and accordingly made preparations for attacking
fort St. Lazaro on the eighth of March; but in-
ftead of beginning the attack in the night as he
ought to have done, he waited till break of day.
The guides alfb who were provided to conduct the
troops, were killed in the march; many of the fol-
diers miftook their way, and advanced to the
ftrongeft part of the fortifications, which they
could not have mounted, had there been no enemy
to oppofe them. But notwithftandingall thefe diffi-
culties, the Englifh troops behaved with fuch intre-
pidity as was really aftonifhing: twelve hundred
inen, under the command of general Guife, paraded
on the ftrand, where they formed, and began the
attack with the utmoft fury, amidft an inceffant
fhower of bullets from the artillery and fmall arms
of the Spaniards. Colonel Grant, who commanded
the grenadiers, was mortally wounded ; the fcaling
ladders were found too fhort ; and the officers were
confufed for want of proper directions: The fol-
diers, however, maintained their ground forfeveral
' hours With the moft heroic refolution, till they were
drawn off by the general's orders, with the lofs of
fix hundred men of the flower of the army. All
hopes of taking the city of Carthagcna now vanifhed
like a dream: the troops fickened in fo furprizing
a manner, that no lefs than three thoufand four
hundred and forty-five men perifhed in the fpace of
two days, among whom were many of the principal
officers. It was therefore determined in a council
of war to return immediately to Jamaica. Ac-
cordingly, after entirely dcmolifhing all the fortifi-
cations the fleet fet fail, and arrived at Jamaica on
the nineteenth of May. Thus ended an expedition
that had alarmed all Europe, coft the Englifh na-
tion an immenfe fum, and filled the minds of the
people with the moft fanguine expectations. But
whenever leaders, inftead of aflifting each other,
x form feparate interefts and cabals, difappointment
and difgrace will always be the natural confequences.
In the month of July the fleet, which, as well as
the land forces were greatly reduced, many of the
mips being rendered unferviceable, failed again
from Jamaica, in order to attack the city of St.
Jago de Cuba, and anchored in Walthenham-bay,
about twelve leagues to the windward of St. Jago.
Here" they had the pieafure of finding themfelves
in one of the moft fpacious and fafe harbours in the
world ; the air perfectly pure and healthy, and their
ihips fecure from all hurricanes. The admiral,
pleafed with this delightful bay, gave it the name
of Cumberland harbour. Here the troops were
landed, but continued totally inactive in their
camp till the month of November; when general
Wentworth abfolutely declaring that he would not
march to attack St. Jago, the" foldiers were again
embarked and carried back to Jamaica. In the
month of October the king returned to England,
A. D. 1742.
and he like-
and on the firft of December opened the feflion o
parliament with a fpeech from the throne. It foon
appeared how greatly the miniftcr's party was
weakened, and that Sir Robert was on the brink or"
ruin. The caufes of popular difcontent, added to
many other complaints which had long been re-
peated againft the minifter, and which were exag-
gerated by his enemies with unwearied induftry,
rendered him at length univerfally odious.
Sir Robert well knew that the
majority of a fingle vote would be
fuflkient to fend him to the Tower
wife knew, that his fafety could only befecured by
dividing the oppofition. He however determined;
previoufly to try his ftrength in the houfe of com-
mons, with regard to the difputed election of Chip-;
penham in Wiltfhire; but had the mortification to
find a majority of one voice againft him. Irritated
at this proceeding, he declared he would never
more fit in that houfe; and accordingly the next
day the king adjourned the parliament to the
eighteenth of the next month. During the interval,
Sir Robert was created earl of Orford, and refigned
his employments. He had now occafion for all his
art, to ward off the blow that threatened his de-
ftrudion. He had recourfe to the plan he had
already formed, of transferring the popular odium
from himfelf to his adverfaries. In order to this,
a coalition was propofcd between the difcontented
whigs, and thofe of the fame denomination who
acted under the miniftry. Some were gratified
with titles and places-, and afTurances given to all,
that a new fyftem in the management of affairs
would be adopted according to the plan they them-
felves mould propofe. Nor was there any thing
required of them from the court, but that of fuffer-
ing the earl of Orford to efcape with impunity.
Mr. Sandys was appointed one of the lords of the
treafury, and chancellor of the exchequer ; lord
Harrington was dignified with the title of earl,
and declared prefident of the council; lord Carteret
was made fecretary of ftate; and the earl of Wil-
mington firft lord of the treafury ; the marquis of
Tweedale was appointed fecretary of ftate for Scot-
land; Mr. Pulteney was fworn a' member of the
privy-council, and afterwards created earl of Bath;
the earl of Winchefter was placed at the head of
the admiralty, in the room of Sir Charles Wager;
and the earl of Stair appointed field-marfhal of all
his majefty's forces, and ambaflador extraordinary
to the States-general.
The firft happy effect of this change in the mi-
niftry, was a reconciliation between the king and
the prince of Wales, who now waited on his majefly
at St. James's, attended by a great concourfe of
nobility, and other perfons of diftinction : he was
received in a very gracious manner, and a guard
was immediately appointed to attend his royal
highnefs at Carleton houfe. On the eighteenth of
February the parliament met at Weftminfter pur-
fuant to their adjournment; when the petitions that
had been prefented by the merchants of London,
Briftol, Liverpool, Glafgow, and many other trad-
ing towns in the kingdom, complaining of the
lofles they had fuftained by the bad conduct of the
war, were taken into confideration ; and a number
of fmall men of war were appointed to cruize in
the channel, and along the enemy's coafts, to fe-
cure the merchant mips from the infults of the Spa-
nifh privateers.
The late change in the miniftry had induced the
people to hope, that the great aflembly of the na-
tion would have become once more the feat of
union and harmony : but alas ! thefe hopes were
quickly blafted ; and it appeared to plainly, that
thofe who had declaimed the loudeft for the liber-
ties of their country, had been folely actuated by
the moft fordid views of felf-intereft. The mem-
bers
GEORGE
ir.
58$.
bers that compofed the long oppofitiort Were now
divided; thofe who were in power being joined by
fome of the late minifters, and having gained over
others who oppofed them, obtained a vifible afcen-
dancy in the parliament; many of the leading
tories were neglected by the miniftry; the rage of
party again began to kindle, and another formida-
ble oppofition foon appeared. Whigs and tories
were blended together in fuch confufion from fome
of them being in, and others out of place, that it
was difficult to make any diftinction. Every clafs
of men expected that the earl of Orford would be
called to a very ftrict account for the alarming mea-
fures purfued during his adminiftration : but they
were entirely difappointed. The new miniftry never
intended any thing more, than to expofe the mif-
conduct of the earl of Orford. This being done,
they defigned to protect him from all dangers that
might naturally be expected to remit from the open
and declared vengeance of an enraged and unthink-
ing multitude. They however pufhed their en-
quiry fo far, as to render it evident that he had
been concerned in many flagrant acts of fraud and
corruption in influencing elections; and by making
ufe of the wealth, power, and places of the crown,
to introduce a criminal dependency in parliament,
and confequently, to fap the very foundation of the
Englifh conftitution. It appeared, that during the
laft ten years of his adminiftration, no lefs than
one million, four hundred and fifty-three thoufand,
four hundred pounds of the public money had
pafled through his hands for fecret fervices ; that
above fifty thoufand pounds of this fum had been
paid to hireling writers ; and that, on the very day
preceding his refignation, he had figned orders on
the revenues of the civil lift for above thirty thou-
fand pounds.
The miniftry, in order to footh the refentments
of the people, and, if poflible, to conciliate their
affections, pafled a bill for excluding certain offi-
cers from their feats in the houfe of commons.
Another bill was pafled for encouraging the linen
•manufacture; and a third to prevent the marriage
of lunatics. They voted forty thoufand feamen,
and fixty-two thoufand five hundred landmen, for
the fervice of the current year: they provided for
the fubfidies paid to Denmark and Hefle-Cafiel;
they granted the fum of five hundred thoufand
pounds; and voted to fend fixteeii thoufand three
hundred and four effective men to the afliftance of
the queen of Hungary. The grants for this year
amounted to five millions, feven hundred, twenty-
three thoufand and thirty-fix pounds, for the raifing
of which the committee of fupplies provided a
land-tax of four {hillings in the pound; the malt-
tax-, one million from the finking fund; granted
annuities upon it for eight hundred thoufand
pounds; and procured a loan of one million fix
hundred thoufand pounds from the Bank. The
total produce of this amounted to fix millions ; fo
that there remained a furplus of three hundred
feventy-fix thoufand four hundred and fixty-three
pounds. Miniftry, from the behaviour of the
French commander to admiral Haddock with re-
gard to his attacking the Spanifh fquadron, deter-
mined to keep no farther meafures with France.
In the mean time admiral Haddock, partly from
the fatigues of the fervice, and partly from anxiety
tif mind occafioned by the numerous difappoint-
ments he had met with, found his conftitution fo
much impaired, that he refigned the command of
the fleet in the Mediterranean to commodore
Leftock, who lately arrived from the Weft Indies,
and was fent up the Streights with ten fail of men
of war, to reinforce admiral Haddock, and oppofe
the united fleets of France, and Spain. Leftock
Ufed his utmoft diligence in fitting his fleet for fea;
and on the twelfth "of April failed for Port Mahon,
No. 56.
with a fquntfron of twenty- eight men of war, .anct.
foon after appeared before Toulon, which filled the
inhabitants with the .utmoft confirmation; the
whole acijacent country v/as alarmed by fires, bea-
cons, £c. But they foon found their fears had no
foundation, the commodore having no intention of
moleding them. The united . fquadrons Were in-
deed greatly luperior to that, of England; the
French, under admiral de Court, confifted of five
fhips of feventy, feven of fixty, two of fifty, two
of thirty and two of twenty guns; and the Spanifh
fquadron, commanded by Don Navarro, of one
fhip of one hundred and fourteen guns, four 6'f fe-
venty, fix of fixty, and five of fifty ; in all, thirty-
fix men of war. Commodore Leftock, therefore,
after obferving their fituation, proceeded to Antibes
on the coaft of Italy.' On the change of the mi-
niftry, Leftock was promoted to the rank. of rear-
admiral of the white; but it being determined to
attempt fome bold enterprise iri the Mediterranean
during the courfe of the fbmmer, the fupreme con-
cern of the fleet was beftowed upon Thomas Mat-
thews, Efq; vice-admiral of the red, who was at
the fame time inverted with the character of ani-
baffador-extraordinary to the king of Sardinia,
and the other princes and ftates of Italy. Matthews
left England in the month of April, and in his
paflage took feveral French and Spanifh merchant
fhips, and at length fafely joined rear-admiral
Leftock in the harbour of Villa Franca. Soon after
admiral Matthews's arriva"! in the Mediterranean,,
he detached captain Norris, iri the Kingfton of
fifty guns, and the Duke fire-fhip, to burn five
Spanilh gallies which had taken fheltei- in the bay
of St. T'ropez, a French port in the Mediterranean i
this order was effectually executed. But nO action
of the admiral's proved fo agreeable to the people
of England, as that of fending commodore Martin'
with a fquadron of fhips and bomb-veffcls to Naples*
to demand from the king of the Two Sicilies a
promife in writing, to withdraw his troops from
acting in conjunction with thofe of Spain, andalfo
not to give them for the future any kind of aflift-
ance. If this demand fliould be refufed, Martiii
had orders to bombard the city of Naples. Th£
confternation of the Neapolitans was incredible^
and however his Sicilian majefty might diflikethis
infult upon his dignity, his private refentment was
obliged to fubmit to the intereft of the ftate, which
was in no condition to defend itfelf. Accordingly,
afcer feveral meflages between the commodore. and
the duke de Montealegre, the Sicilian minifter, the
latter, in his matter's name, gave a written promife
that his troops fhould be immediately withdrawn
out of Lombardy, and that he would not in any
manner whatfoever aid or aflift thofe of Spain any
more during the prefent war in Italy. This pro-
mife was inftantly performed; the Neapolitan
troops were forthwith recalled ; by which means the
Spanifh army was fo confiderably weakened, that
they were incapable of performing any action of
importance during the remaining part of the cam-
paign. By this bold, but fuccefsful ftcp of the
Britifh admiral, the queen of Hungary was faved
from apparent deftruction, Soon after this expedi-
tion to Naples, admiral Matthews, purfuing the
fpirited meafures he had fo happily began, di£
patched the fame embafiy to St. Remo, a fea-port
town belonging to the Genoefe, with orders to
deftroy fome confiderable magazines which the
Spaniards had collected. This fervice alfo the
commodore effectually performed -, and in the be-
ginning of September re-joined the vice-admiral,
who now took up his ftation in Hiefes bay, Where
his fhips lay in an excellent road, and commanded
every vefl'el that might attempt to enier into, or
come out of, the harbour of Toulon. The Britifh
fleet being now joined by admiral Rowley, was
7 K rather
59°
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
rather fuperior to the united fquadrons ,of Fiance
and Spain : the latter therefore kept clofe in the
harbour of Toulon.
In America every thing feemed to go backward,
owing chiefly to the difl'entions between the admiral
and general. In the latter end of the preceding
year,1 they had received a reinforcement from Eng-
land; upon the arrival of which a council of war
was held, to concert in what manner the fliips and
forces might be moft effectually employed for the
advantage of the nation, and the annoyance of the
enemy : when it was pi opofed by the oflicers of the
army to undertake an expedition againft Panama,
by which a body of three hundred men, with five
hundred negroes, and four hundred mufquetos,
•were to be landed at Porto-Bello, and from thence
to march over the Ifthmus of Darien to the faid
town of Panama. This fcheme being approved by
Sir Chaloner Ogle and Mr. Vernon, Mr. Lowther
'•was fent aboard the Triton flOop to the coaft of
Porto-Bello, in the character of a trader, with orders
to obtain all the intelligence he coujcl ; and in the
mean time the admiral got the fquadron in readi-
nefs; but the larfd-cfficers were fo dilatory in their
motions, that it was the latter end of March before
the fleet arrived at Porto-Bello. It confifted of
eight fail of the line, with three fire-fhips, two
hofpital fliips, and about forty tranfports, having on
board three thoufand land-forces, and five hundred
negroes raifed by governor Trelawney, who at-
tended this expedition in the rank of a colonel.
Admiral Vernon entered the harbour of Porto-
Bello without the leaft oppofition ; for the governor
no fooner faw the Englifh fleet {landing in for the
harbour, than he quitted the town with the utmoft
precipitation, being attended in his flight by three
companies of Spanrfh foldiers. Moft of the inha-
bitants were preparing to follow, but the admiral
immediately difpatched an officer with an interpre-
ter, to defire the , natives would lay afide their ap-
prehenfions, and continue peaceably in their poffef-
fions, promifing them the fulleft protection in their
lives and properties. Encouraged by this meflage,
a deputation from the magiftrates was fent on board
the admiral, acknowledging his humanity, and
readily putting themfelves under his protection.
Lieutenant Lowther being returned, gave it as his
opinion, that the defign againft Panama could not
at that time be attempted with any hopes of fuccefs,
on account of the rainy feafon of the year, and the
ficknefs which, in cdn'fequence thereof, prevailed
among the troops. This was adopted by all the
land-officers, the general not excepted; and as they
were greatly fuperior in number to the fea-oftkers,
their opinions were always decifive. At length a
general council of war w^s held on board the Boyne,
•wherein it was agreed to wood and water the {hips
and return to Jamaica. General Wentworth, how-
ever, fent a paper to the admiral, containing the
reafons of the land oflicers for laying afide the pro-
jected attempt againft Panama. Nothing could
exceed the vexation of admiral Vernon at finding
this expedition likely to conclude fo inglorioufly.
He was convinced that two thoufand men would
have been more than fufficient for the taking of
Panama } and it is certain that the governor of that
place defpaired of its prefervation.
The fleet having returned from Porto-Bello, no-
thing material was tranfacted in the Weft Indies
either'by Vernon or Wentworth, except the taking
pofleffion of, and fettling the fmall ifland of Rattan,
in the bay of Honduras. On the twenty-third of
September, captain Fowke arrived at Port-Royal
in Jamaica, with orders for the above officers to re-
turn to England; the vice-admiral to leave the
command of the fleet to Sir Chaloner Ogle, and the
general to fupply it with what number of foldiers
fliould be demanded, to be under that admiral's
3
command, thegovtrnment being now fully fenfible
of the difadvantages attending a command divided
between the land and fea oflicers. On the fixteenth
of November, the parliament being affembled, his
majefty acquainted the houfe of commons in parti-
cular, " that he had ordered the proper eftimates for
thefervice of the enfuing year to be laid before them,
and alfo the account of the expence of thofe parti-
cular feivices which he had already mentioned, and
which they would find to have been concerted in as
frugal a manner as the nature of them would admit.
He faid, he was perfuaded that they would readily
grant him fuch fupplies as fhould be found neceflaiy
for the fecurity and Welfare of the nation, requifite
for the fupport of the common caufe, and adequate
to the emergency." After fcjme oppofition, raifed
by the difgufted members, addreffes were prefented
to his majefty by both houfes, expreffing their ap-
probation of the meafures he had taken in fupport
of the queen of Hungary, and the reftoration of the
balance of power in Europe. About this period a
treaty of mutual defence and guarantee between his-
majefty and the king of Pruffia, was figned at
Whitehall.
The new miniftry, towards the clofe A n
of the laft feffion, had contracted for £
fixteen thoufand/ Hanoverians to be taken into
Britifh pay, withqut the concurrence of parliament,
whofe approbation was expected when they aflem-
bled again : but on a motion made in the houfe of
commons to refolve, that the fum of two hundred
and fixty-five thoufand one hundred and ninety-one
pounds fix {hillings and two-pence farthing, fhould
be granted to his majefty for defraying the charges
of the aforefaid troops, it was oppofed with great
vehemence: long and violent debates enfued, the
refult of which were, however, that this meafurewas
approved by a majority in both houfes, and the mo-
ney granted. The total of the grants, this feffion,
amounted to five millions three hundred and four-
teen thoufand one hundred pounds for the fervice
of the current year, and five hundred ninety-eight
thoufand three hundred and eighty-two pounds for
a deficiency in the fupplies granted for the preced-
ing year, which together amount to the fum of five
millions nine hundred and twelve thoufand four
hundred and eighty-two pounds. The committee
of ways and means fettled the fum of fix millions
fivehundredandfixty-two thoufandfour hundred and
ninety-two pounds to anfwer the fupplies; which was
an exceeding of fix hundred and fifty thoufand and
ten pounds. To raife this fum the land-tax at four
{hillings in the pound, was computed to furnifti t\vo
million ; the malt-tax feyen hundred and fifty thou-
fand; one million was taken from the finking-fund;
one million was to be borrowed at three per cent,
and eight hundred thoufand pounds to be raifed by
a lottery ; five huridred and eighteen thoufand fix
hundred pounds were to be borrowed by a loan on
' the excife bills, and four hundred eighty-one thou-
fand four hundred pounds, being the deficiencies on
the pot-duty ; befides twelve thoufand four hundred
and ninetytwo pounds overplus in the exchequer.
On the tventy-firft of April, his majefty went to the
houfe ; where after giving the royal affent to feveral
acts, he made a fpcech to both houfes, wherein he
obierved, " that, to the end that the Britifh nation
and the common caufe might reap the moft bene-
iicial fruits from the vigorous refolutions of this
parliament, he had, at the requisition of the queen
of Hungary, ordered his army, in conjunction with
the Auftrian troops, to pafs the Rhine, as auxiliaries
to her Hungarian majefty, to oppofe any dangerous
meafures that might affect the balance and liberties
of Europe, or hinder the re-eflablifhment of public
tranquility upon juft and folid foundations." The,
lord chancellor then, by his majefty's order, pro-
rogued the parliament j and the king, immediately
after,
GEORGE
II.
591
after, fet out for Germany, attended by his royal
highnefs the duke of Cumberland, and feveral other
perfons of dift inction, in order to head his troops in
perfon.
The troops which had been affembled by the
king of great Britain in the Netherlands, under the
command of the earl of Stair,began their march for
' the Rhine, and in May they encamped near Hoech,
on the river Mayne. Their intention was to join
the Auftrian forces under prince Charles of Lor-
raine : and the French king, in order to prevent
this junction, ordered marfhal Noailles to affemble
fixty thoufandmeh on the Mayne. After fecuring
the towns of Spire, Worms, and Oppenheim, the
marfhal paffed the Rhine in the beginning of June,
and pofted himfelf on the eaft fide of that river,
above Frankfort. The earl of Stair advanced to-
wards him, and encamped at Kilenbach, between
the river Mayne and the foreft of d'Armftadt ; from
•which place he made a motion to Afchaffenburgh,
with an intention to fecure the navigation of the
Upper Mayne ; but the enemy, who lay on the other
fide of that river, had taken pofleffion of the pofts
above, in fuch a manner as to intercept all fupplies.
At the fame time they found means to cut offthe com-
munication by water between Frankfort and the con-
federates. On the ninth of June, when his Britannic
majefty arrived at the camp, he had the mortifica-
tion to find his army, which conlifted of forty thou-
fand men, in danger of being ftarved; but having
received intelligence that twelve thoufand Hano-
verians and Heflians had reached Hanau, he deter-
mined to march thither in order to join thofe forces,
and procure provisions for his army. Accordingly,
on the twenty-fixth he decamped, but had hardly
quitted Afchaffenburgh before it was feized by the
French, and after marching about three leagues, he
perceived the enemy to the number of thirty thou-
fand, had pafled the river, and were drawn up in
order of battle at the village of Dettingen, to dif-
pute his paffage. He now found himfelf in a very
dangerous fituation ; the enemy at Afchaffenburgh
prevented' his retreat ; his troops were confined in a
narrow plain, bounded on the right by hills and
woods, and flanked on the left by the river Mayne,
on the'oppofite fide of which the French had creeled
batteries to annoy the allies in their march -, a con-
iiderable part of the French army was, at the fame
time, drawn up at the end of a narrow pafs, having
the village of Dettingen on the right, a wood on
the left, and a morafs in the center. Thus hemmed
in on every fide, the confederates muft either have
fought at a great difadvantage, or furrendered
themfelves prifoners of war, had not the duke de
Grammont, who commanded under his uncle the
marfhal Noailles, actuated by a fpirit of impatience,
palled the defile, upon which a battle immediately
enfued. The French horfe charged with great im-
petuofity,and threw fomeof the Britifh regiments of
cavalry in to diforder; but theinfantry of the allies be-
haved with fuch intrepidity and deliberation, as foon
determined the fortune of the day. The French were
obliged to retreat and pafs the Mayne with great pre-
cipitation, after lofing about five thoufand men,
killed, wounded, or taken prifoners. Had the allies
, purfued their advantage without giving the enemy
time to recoA'er from their confufion, a total over-
throw would, in all probability, have been the con-
fequcnce. This mcafure was adually propofed by
the earl of Stair, but his advice was over-ruled.
The confederates loft in this action near three
thoufand men. The generals Clayton and Monroy
were killed; the duke of Cumberland was fhot
through the calf of the leg; the earl of Albemarle,
general Hufke, and leveral officers of diftinction
were wounded: the king himfelf expofed his perfon
to a very fevere fire of cannon and mufketry, for,
during the whole engagement, he rede up and down
the flanks, encouraging his troops to fight for the
honour of England. Toward the latter end of
October, the king of Great Britain returned to
Hanover, and the army feparated ; the troops in the
Britifh pay inarched back to the Netherlands, and
the reft took the rout to their refpective countries.
In the month of September, a treaty was concluded
at Worms, between his Britannic majefty, the king
of Sardinia, and the queen of Hungary.
Admiral Matthews continued all this time at the
ifles of Hieres, to prevent the French and Spanifh
fleets from coming out of Toulon, which it was
fuppofed they would foon attempt; and Sir Cha-
loner Ogle, who was left in, America on the return
of Vernon and Wentworth to England, was deterred
from perfonally attempting any material enterprize,
becaufe the Spanifh fquadron,under admiral de Tor-
res, and which was much fuperior to his own, ftill
continued at the Havannah. In the beginning of this
year, however, Ke determined on an attack againft
the Spaniards, which might hot too greatly weaken
his fleet. Accordingly he ordered captain Knowles
of the Suffolk, a feventy gun fhip, to take under
him the Burford of feventy guns, the AfTiftance,
Norwich and Advice of fifty, and the Scarborough
of twenty, with three floops, and to proceed to
Antigua, where he was to be joined by the Eltham
of forty guns and the Lively of twenty. With this
fquadron he was to make an attempt upon la Gueira
and Porto Cavallo, on the Oaracao coaft ; but the
governor of Caracao, having received intelligence
of this expedition, erected new batteries,augmented
the garrifons with a numerous body of Indians,
Mulattoes and Negroes; and prevailed on the Dutch
governor of Curacoa, an ifland of the Leffer An-
tilles, to fupply him with a confiderable quantity of
ammunition ; fo that when Knowles made an attack
upon the place, he met with fuch a warm reception,
that he was obliged to abandon the enterprize, and
failed immediately for the ifland of Curacoa, in
order to repair the damage he had fuftained. One
lieutenant and ninety-two men were killed, and
three hundred and eighty wounded. The Spaniards,
however, had no great caufe of exultation, as their
town and fortifications were almoft deftroyed, be-
fides the lofs of feven hundred men. Commodore
Knowles had no fooner refitted his fquadron than
he put to fea with a refolution to make an at-
tempt upon Porto Cavallo, off which place he came
to au anchor on the fifteenth of April: when
taking a view of the fituation of the Spaniards, Jie
difcerned twelve of their fmalleft mips, and three
gallies, hauled up to the head of the harbour out of
gun fhot, and two large ones, one of fixty, the other
of forty guns, moored clofe over to the other fhore,
there not being depth of water fufficient for them to
go up the harbour. A fhip was like wife laid acrofs
the charmel ready to be funk, if an entrance fhould
be attempted, a chain being fixed from the caftle to
her ftern, and another from her head to the main-
where the Spaniards had lately erected three fafcir,
batteries, which extended a confiderable length ; anc.
on thelowpoint,called PuntaBrava, were two other
fafcine batteries, one of twelve guns, the other of
feven : but the commodore perceiving they were ill-
defigned and might eafily be flanked, refolvedon the
attempt. Accordingly the next morning two fhips
were ordered to cannonade, and foon filenced both
thofe batteries. In the evening the forces were
landed under the command of Major Lucas; but
being feized with a fudden panic they fell into the
greateft confufion, and retreated with precipitation
to their fhips. A general confultation of officers
was new held, when it appearing that moft of the
fhips had fpent the chief part of their ammunition,
were all terribly fluttered in their mafts and ; igging,
and quite unable to renew the attack, the commo-
dore abandoned the enterprize, and having made
an
59*
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
an exchange of prifoners with the governor of Porto
Cavallo, he returned to Jamaica.
The parliament met on the firft of December,
when an addrefs, befeeching his majefty to difcon-
tinue the Hanoverian troops in the pay of Great
Britain, was moved for by lord Sandwich, but the
inotion was rejected ; as was another made by Mr.
Grenville for an addrefs, requefting his majefty that
he fhould not engage the Britifti nation any farther
in the war on the continent without the concurrence
of the States General, on certain ftipulated propor-
tions of force and expence, as in the late war.
A D 1744 Cardinal de Tencin, who had fuc-
'' ceeded Fleury as prime-minifter of
France, was perfuaded that a defcent on England
might be attended with fuccefs, and place the che-
valier cle St. George on the Britifli throne: but
fhould it naifcarry, it would at leaft embarrafs his
Britannic majefty, who was the chief fupport of the
houfe of Auftria and all its allies. Preparations
were therefore made for carrying the fcheme into
execution : count Saxe was appointed commander
in chief; and the troops for this expedition, which
amounted to fifteen thoufand men, began their
march to Picardy, while a great number of vefiels
were affembled for their embarkation at Dunkirk,
Calais and Boulogne. It was determined they
fhould land in Kent, under convoy of a ftrong fqua-
dron equipped at Breft,and commanded by"M. de
Roquefeiiille. Thefe preparations were fuperin-
tended by Charles Edward, the Pretender's eldeft
fon, who, in the month of December, had pafled
through Italy, in the difguife of a Spanifh courier,
embarked at Final, and landed at Antibes, from
whence he purfued his journey to Paris, and was
indulged with a private audience of the French king.
On the twenty-fixth of January, M. de Roquefeuille
failed from Breft, directing his courfe up theEnglifli
channel with twenty mips of the line. On the
fifteenth of February, the king fent a meflage to
both houfes of parliament, intimating the arrival
of the Pretender's fon in France, the preparations
at Dunkirk, and the appearance of a French fleet
in the Englim channel. In anfwer to this, both
houfes joined in an addrefs, declaring their indig-
nation and abhorrence of the defign formed in fa-
vour of a popifli Pretender; and afluring his ma-
jefty, that they would wich the warmeft zeal and
unanimity, take fuch meafures as would enable him
to fruftrate and defeat fo defperate and infolent an
attempt. Addreffes of the fame kind were pre-
fentecl by the city of London, both univerfities, the
principal towns of Great Britain, the clergy, the
diflenting minifters, thequakers, and almoft all the
corporations and communities in the kingdom.
The fix thoufand auxiliaries which the States Gene-
ral were by treaty obliged to furnifh on fuch occa-
fions were now demanded and granted with great
alacrity and expedition. Orders were alfo fent to
bring over fix thoufand of the Britifli troops from
Anders, in cafe the invafion fliould actually take
vv^ce. The habeas corpus aft was fufpended for
fix months. Several perfons of diftinction were
apprehended on fufpicion of treafonable practices.
A proclamation was iffued for putting the laws in
execution againft papifts and nonjurors, who were
commanded to retire ten miles from London ; and
in fhort every precaution was taken that had any
tendency to preferve the tranquillity of the public.
The French carried on their preparations with
great diligence and expedition ; feven thoufand men
were adually embarked, and M. de Roquefeuille,
after detaching M. de Barreil with five fliips to
haften the embarkation at Dunkirk, failed up the
channel as far as Dungenefs, where he came to an
anchor. On the twenty-fourth of February, he
perceived the Britifli fleet, under Sir John Morris,
coming round the South Foreland from the Downs ;
II
and, though the wind was againft him, by the help
of the tide, gaining way very fift. Intimidated at
the fuperiority of his enemy, Roquefeuille called a
council of war, in which it was determined to avoid
an engagement, weigh anchor at fun-fet^ and make
the beft retreat they could to their own coafts. In
the mean time, the tide being fpent, the Englilh
admiral was obliged to anchor two leagues to lee-
ward of the enemy. A few hours after, a ftrong
gale of wind fpringing up at north-eaft, the French
fliips got under fail, but the wind increafing every
minute, foon became a ftorm that hurried them
down the channel at the rate of ten miles an hour.
This ftorm, which in all probability faved their
fleet from deftruction, utterly difconcerted the de-
fign of invading England. Many of their tranf-
ports were driven on fhore and dafhecl to pieces,
and the reft fo damaged that a very conficlerable
time was neceflary to repair them. This difap-
pointment fo exafperated the court of France, that
the Britifli reiident at Paris was given te underftand,
that a declaration of war would immediately enrue,
and accordingly, on the twentieth of March, this
was actually publifhed, acd on the thirty-firft of the
fame month, a fimilar declaration was made by us
againft France, amidft the acclamations of the
people.
The Dutch, who upon fuch an event were to
fupplv us with twenty fliips of war did vouchfafe to
fend five or fix, which being of no fervice, might
as well have continued at1 home. The elector of
Saxony, and the landgrave of Hefle, refufed their
ftipulated fuccours till we had an army formed in
Hanover, fufEcient to protect them. The Ruffians
alledged it was too late in the year to give us that
affiftance we had a right to demand. The king of
Prufliainfifted that we were the aggreflbrs,and there-
fore would fend us no fuccours. France, likewife,
in the beginning of April, declared war againft the
queen of Hungary, who, in May, returned a like
declaration againft that nation.
Upon the third of April his majefty went to the
houfe of peers, and made a fpeech to his parliament;
to which both houfes returned the moft affectionate
and loyal addrefles, promifing effectually to ftand,
by and aflift his majefty in profecuting the war
againft France with the greateft Vigour, and to
furnifli whateverexpences fliould be found neceflary
for the fame, as became a free and grateful people
in defence of their liberties. On' the fifteenth of
May, his majefty put an end to the feflion.
An engagement, during thefe tranfactions, hap-
pened in the Mediterranean between our fleet under
the command of Matthews, and the combined,
fquadrons of Fiance and Spain, which he had fo
Ic^ig blocked up in the harbour of Toulon.- On
the ninth of February they were perceived {landing
out of the road to the number of thirty-four fail.
The Englifh admiral immediately weighed from
Hieres bay, and on the eleventh part of the fleet
were engaged. Matthews in the Namur, and cap-
tain Cornwall in the Marlborough, bore down to-
gether upon Don Navarro, the Spanifh admiral,
and the Ifabella, and about half an hour paft one
the action began. Captain Forbes in the Norfolk,
bore down and engaged the Conftant ; while rear-
admiral Rowley, fingled out M. de Court, who com-
manded the French fquadron. A few more of the
Englifh captains followed the example of their
admiral ; but vice-admiral Leftock, with his whole
divifion, remained at a great diftance a-ftern ; and
feveral captains who were under the eye of Mat-
thews, behaved in fuch a manner as reflected dif-
grace on their country. A conftant fire was, how-
ever, maintained by the Namur and Marlborough,
and the Norfolk obliged the Conftant, after an en-
gagement of three quarters of an hour, to bear
away out of the line fo difabled, that flie never re-
ti rned
GEORGE
II.
593
turned to the attack. The Spanifli admiral's (hip,
the Real, was now fo fliatterecl that fhe lay like a
wreck upon the water. Matthews therefore ferit
the Ann galley fire-fhip to deftroy her, but this ex-
pedient mifcarried: for the fhip ordered to cover
the Ann galley did not obey the fignal, fo that the
captain was expofed to the whole fire of the enemy;
notwithstanding which he continued to advance till
he found his fhip on the point of finking. Per-
ceiving his definition inevitable he determined at
Icaft to revenge himfelf in the hour of his death,
and hoping he fliould yet be able to get along fide
of the Spanifh admiral and blow her up along with
himfelf, fet fire to the train ; but it was too late, his
vefTel was on fire in an inftant, and blew up within
a few yards of the Real, whofe deck was covered
with the wreck, hut without receiving any damage
from this dreadful explofion. A Spanifh launch,
however, fliared the fate of the Ann galley. She
had been manned with fifty failors to prevent the
fire-fhip from running on board the Real, and
arriving clofe under her ftern at the inftant me
blew up, perimcd in the conflagration. The Podea,
a large Spanifh fhip, ftruck to captain Hawke, who
fent a lieutenant to take pofieflion of her: fhe was
afterwards retaken by the French fquadron, but
found fo difabled that they deferted her, and fhe
was, next day, burnt by order of admiral Matthews.
Night now put an end to the aftion, and the ad-
miral found his own fhip fb much damaged that he
removed his flag to another. The combined fleet
took this opportunity of towing all their fhattered
fhips before the wind, and making the beft of their
way from the Britifh fleet, who loft fight of them
about ten o'clock, and there being but little wind
Matthews brought to, that Leftock and the flern-
moft fhips might get up to him. Next day the
enemy appeared to leeward, and the admiral gave
chace till night. They were obferved again on the
thirteenth at a confiderable diftance, and our fleet
purfued them till evening. On the morning of the
fourteenth a great number of the fhips of the com-
bined fleets were feen diftinftly from the maft head,
and a frefh gale fpringing up, Leftock gave chace to,
and had coniiderably gained on them by noon; but
juft as he cameup with them, Matthews threw out a
fignal to leave off chace, and afterwards bore away
for Port Mahon to refit ; while the enemy continuing
their courfe towards the coaft of Spain, M. de
Court with his divifion anchored in the road of
Alicant, and Don Navarro failed into the harbour
of Carthagena. When the Englifh fleet reached
the illand of Minorca, Matthews fufpended Leftock,
accufcd him of having mifbehaved in the battle off
Toulon, and fent him prifoner to England. Thefe
two officers had long entertained a violent reft-nt-
ment againft each other, and to gratify this paffion,
Leftock betrayed the intereft of his country. He
might certainly have come up time enough to engage,
and, in all probability, by his affiftance the com-
bined fleets of France and Spain would have been in
a great mcafuredeftroyed. On the other hand Mat-
thews facrificecl his duty to his refentment by calling
Leftock from the chace of the enemy when they ap-
peared difabled,and when, had they been vigoroufly
attacked, they muft have fallen an eafy prey to the
Englifh. It is no wonder that a mifcarriage of fuch
importance fliould be thought a fubjecl: worthy the
moft ftricl enquiry. The community had fuffered
from the perfonal animofity of individuals, and
therefore the reprefentatives of that community
undertook to punifh thofe who had betrayed their
country. In an addrefs to the throne, the com-
mons defired that a court-martial might be ap-
pointed to try the delinquents; for by this time
Leftock had in his turn accufed Matthews, who
had rcfigned his command to Rowley, and returned
to England, and all the captains in his divifion that
No. 56.
had mifbehaved in the day of battle. This court-
martial was conftituted and proceeded to trial.
Several commanders of fhips were cafhiered ; vice-
admiral Leftock was honourably acquitted, and
admiral Matthews rendered incapable of ferving for
the future in his majefty's fervice. It was publicly
known that Leftock kept aloof, and that Matthews
rufhcd into the hotteft part of the engagement, yet
the former triumphed on his trial, and the latter
narrowly efcaped the fentenceof death for cowardice
and mifconducl:. On the eleventh of May a treaty
of alliance and union was concluded at Frankfort
bet ween his Imperial majefty, the king of Pruftla, the
elector Palatine and theking of Sweden, as landgrave
of Hefte : by which they agreed, " To employ their
good offices either to perfuade or compel the queen
of Hungary to recognize the emperor's title, to re-
ftorehis hereditary Bavarian dominions, and to give
up the archives of the empire, which were in her
pofleffion."
The French had afTemblecl an army of one hun-
dred and twenty thoufand men in the Netherlands,
provided with a very formidable train of artillery,
under the command of marfhal Saxe. In the
month of May the allied forces, confifting of twenty
thoufand active men, aflembled in the neighbour-
hood of Bruflels, whence they marched to Oude-
narde, and placed themfelves behind the Schelde,
not being able to meet the French in the field.
Saxe made himfelf mafter of Menirr, Ypres, Fort
Knocque, and Furnes ; Coigni and Seckendorf, at
the head of a ftrong body of troops, were advan-
tageoufly pofted for the defence of Alface. Prince
Charles of Lorrain, however, found means to pafs
the Rhine, and obliged the French and Bavarian
generals to retire in order to cover Strafburgh;
while the Auftrians took Haguenau and Saverne,
fecured the pafles of Lorrain, and laid all the
contry of Lower Alface under contribution. The
French king immediately ordered a detachment of
thirty thoufand men from his army in Flanders to
reinforce that under the command of the marfhal de
Coigni. Lewis himfelf fet out for the Rhine, in
order to check the progrefs of the enemy, but was
feized by a fevere diftemper at Metz in Lorrain.
Prince Charles purfued his conqueft with great ra-
pidity, and would, in all probability, have rendered
the fchemes of France in regard to the Netherlands
abortive, had not the king of Pruflia, at the head
of a numerous army, entered the electorate of
Saxony, penetrated into Bohemia, and made him-
felf mafter of Prague. This irruption obliged the
queen of Hungary to recal prince Charles from
Alface : accordingly he pafied the Rhine in the face
of the French army, marched to the Danube, laid
the Upper Palatinate under contribution, and
joined the troops in Bohemia under the command
of Borthinny and Merotitz. He was foon after re-
inforced by twenty thoufand Saxon troops, which
rendered the combined army fuperior to that of his
Pruffian majefty, who now abandoned all his con-
quefts in Bohemia, and retired with precipitation
into Silefia. The retreat of prince Charles left the
French at liberty to pafs the Rhine, which they did
at Fort Louis, and inverted the ftrong and impor-
tant city of Friburgh, defended by general Dam-
nicz, at the head of nine thoufand veterans. On
the eleventh of October the French king arrived in
the camp, and after a fiege of forty-five days, the
garrifon was obliged to furrender, the place being
firft reduced to a heap of ruins, and above fifteen
thoufand of the befiegers killed. But the generals
who commanded the allied forces defpifed each
other. Wade, the Englifh commander, was vain
and weak, and the duke d'Aremberg was proud and
rapacious, and deftitute both of talents and fenti*
timent: fo that after having made a general forage
without moleftation, they retired to their former
7 L camp
594
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
camp at the Schelde, and foon after into winter
quarters; their example being followed by count
Saxe.
Commodore Anfon, in the month of June, re-
turned to England, having been abfent three years
and nine months, during which time he had fur-
rounded the whole terraqueous globe. It has been
already obferved that he failed for the South Sea,
in order to diftrefs the Spanifh fettlcments of Chili
and Peru. It was the thirtieth of November before
he weathered Cape Home, after furmounting moft
terrible difficulties, and lofing fight of the Pearl,
and Severn, two of his largeft fhips ; they having
been unable to weather Cape Horn, returned to
Europe. The commodore's whole ftrength was
now reduced to a couple of fhattered half-manned
cruizers, and a floop fo far difabled that in many
climates they would not have ventured out to fea.
Upon doubling the Cape his little fquadron was
again mattered and difperfed by a violent tempeft,
and one half of the men perifhed aboard by an in-
veterate fcurvy. The commodore's fhip being fe-
parated from the reft, put into the ifland of Juan
Fernandez on the ninth of June, where he was
afterwards joined by the Tryal floop, and the Glou-
eefter, three of his own mips being yet miffing.
The Anna Pink came in about the middle of Au-
gutt, and the commodore fent the Tryal floop to
Mafia Fuera, about twenty -two leagues to the weft
of Juan Fernandez, in queft of the miffing ihips,
but without fuccefs. The Wager, a twenty gun
fhip, commanded by captain Cheap, had come with
the commodore into the South Seas, but had been
feparated from him in one of thofe dreadful ftorms
the fquadron had encountered,and was unfortunately
wrecked on the ifland of Socoro, but the crew,
amounting to one hundred, were all faved : they,
however, imagining that all fubordination was at an
end when the veflel perifhed, began to mutiny, and
having confined the captain, and converted the
long-boat into a fchooner, eighty of them fet fail for
Rio Grande on the coaft of Brazil, where, after
their number had been more, than one half
diminiflied by ficknefs, they at laft arrived in the
month of January, 1742. Captain Cheap, with the
fmall number who remained behind, found means
to be conveyed to Chiloi, from thence to Valparaifo,
and afterwards to St. Jago, the capital of Chili.
Here they remained above a year, till at length a
cartel being fettled between the two nations, they
were permitted to return to their own country.
There now remained with the commodore, the
Centurion, the Gloucefter, the Tryal floop and the
Anna Pink, which latter was loaded with provifions.
With thefe he put to fea on the eighth of Septem-
ber, and took feveral confiderable prizes near the
ifland of Fernandez; but having foon after ad-
vanced towards the equator, he ventured to attack
the city of Paita, where he had learned from fome
of the prifoners on board his prizes, that a large
fum of money was at that very time lodged in the
cuftom-houfe belonging to the Spanifh merchants,
and intended to be fhipped on board a veflel then
in that port: in executing this bold and hazardous
enterprize, he neither made ufe of his fliips, nor of
the land forces on board them, but fent fifty-eight
of his own feamen, commanded by Mr. Brett, his
lieutenant. Thefe were ordered into boats, and,
taking the advantage of the night, landed unper-
ceived. On entering the town the failors fet up a
loud fhout, which infpired the inhabitants with fuch
terror and confufion, that, together with their go-
vernor, they abandoned the place with the utmoft
precipitation, imagining a confiderable army was in
purfuit of them ; after which the failors carried off
the treafures which they found in the cuftom-houfe
and private dwellings without moleftation. The
commodore then ordered the town to be fet on fire,
which was foon ckftroyed. The lofs which the
Spaniards fuftained, was much greater than the ad-
vantage the Englifti made, for it amounted to about
a million and a half of dollars, but the booty of the
Englifh did not exceed forty thoufand pounds.
Anfon now prepared to fail with all expedition to
the foutherri parts of California or to the adjacent
coaft of Mexico, there to cruife for the .Manilla
galleon, which he knew was then at fea, bound
for the port of Acapulco. It was then about the
middle of November, and the galleon did not
ufually arrive at Acapulco till the end of Ja»
nuary. By crofs winds and bad weather it was
the nineteenth of February, i742,befbretheEn«lifh
fquadron arrived off that place, when they received
the difagreeable intelligence that the Manilla fhip
had anchored in that harbour on the ninth day of
January; that fhe had converted her ca^ go into
money, and was to have failed again on the four-
teenth of March, but that upon a fquadron having
been difcovered by the Spaniards, the governor or."
Acapulco had countermanded'her departure for that
year. The commodore had now a moft dreary
profpec\ ; the rainy feafon approached, and he had
nothing left but to crofs the Pacific ocean to the
river Canton in China. The Tryal floop was
grown fo leaky, that ihe was no longer able to
fwim, and was therefore fcuttled and fqnk, as were
the prizes which had been taken, and the crews
were put on board the Centurion and Gloucefter.
With thefe two only remaining fliips, the Anna
Pink having been diicharged and fent home, the
commodore ftretched away for the river Canton,
which he was in hopes of reaching in about two
months, but the winds continued againft him, and
to add to his diftrefs, the Gloucefter fprung a leak,
w hich obliged him to take her crew on board the
Centurion and burn her. The commodore's fhip
w as now the only one left of his whole fquadron,
and fhe was in a moft mattered condition. Incre-
dible were the miferies and hardihips he and his
people fuffered from the leakinefs of the veflel, and
the fcorbutic diforder which raged amongft them
with the moft alarming violence. At laft, towards
the end of Auguft, they made one of the Marian or
Ladrone iflands, called Tinian, which at that time
was quite uninhabited, and to this place the whole
crew owed their prefervation. It was the middle
of October before the commodore was in a condi-
tion to put to fea again, and on the twelfth of No-
vember he arrived in Macao, where his fhip was re-
fitted, and the Chipefe furntfhed him with provi-
fions and ftores to enable him to proceed to Eng-
land. Having taken on board fome Lafcars and
Dutch failors, whom he thought might be ufeful
to him, he failed on the fifteenth of April, with a
full determination to go in fearch of the Manilla
fhip or fliips, which he had reafon to believe were,
at this feaibn of the year, returning from Acapulco,
By the laft of May the Centurion arrived off Cape
Efpiiitu Santo, on the ifland of Sammal, in the direct
track of the Manilla fhip; and upon the twentieth
of June, the fo much defired object was defcried.
This fhip, called the Noftra Senhora de Cabadonga,
was mounted with forty guns, and the treafure with
other effedts on board amounted to three hundred
and thirteen thoufand pounds fterling. The Cen-
turion, though mounting fixty guns, had but two
hundred and twcnty-feven men on board. An en-
gagement, however, enfued, in which the refolution
and fkill of the Englifli overbalanced all the fu-
periority of the Spaniards ; and the galleon, after
having fixty-feven men killed and eighty-four
wounded, ftruck. The Centurion had only two
men killed, and one lieutenant and fixteen hands
wounded. The commodore returned with his rich
prize to Canton, when after having refitted his fhip,
and fupplied himfelf with fuch neceflaries as he
wanted,
GEORGE
II.
595
wanted, he prepared to return to his native coun-
try ; hut before his departure from Canton he fold
the hulk of the galleon to the merchants of Macao.
On the eleventh of March he arrived at the Cape
of Good Hope ; and, by favour of a fog, having
unknown to himfelf run through a fleet of French
fhips, he, as we have already obferved, arrived
fafe at Spithead in the month of June.
In April, Sir Charles Hardy failed with a fqua-
dron of eleven mips of the line, and one bomb-
ketch, having under his convoy a confiderable
number of veflels laden with ftores and provifions
for the fleet in the Mediterranean. Sir Charles
conducted his convoy fafe to Lifbon, where he was
detained a-confidei able time by a fquadron of four-
teen fail of 'the line and fix frigates, commanded
by M. Hochambault, and fent from Breft to cruize
off the rock of Lifbon, and intercept Sir Charles
if he offered to put to fea. The Britifh miniftry
no fooner received intelligence of this, than they
ordered Sir John Balchen, who commanded a large
fleet at Spithead, to fail with the firft favourable
wind, and proceed in queft of the Breft fquadron.
Before thefe orders could be put into execution,
Sir John was reinforced by a Dutch fquadron of
twenty men of war, commanded by admiral Bac-
chereft, which their high mightinefles had at length
confented to fend, agreeable to the treaty of 1697.
On the feventh of Auguft the combined fleets
failed from Spithead, confifting of twenty-one fail
of the line, and on the ninth of September arrived
off the rock of Lifbon. M. Rochambault, finding
this combined fleet fo much fuperior to him in force,
thought proper to quit hisftation, leaving Sir Charles
Hardy at liberty to proceed according to his deftina-
tion,and Sir John Balchen failed again for England ;
but, on the third of October, he was overtaken in the
Bay of Bifcay by a violent ftorm of wind, in which
his own fhip, the Victory, of one hundred and ten
guns, was loft on the rocks of Alderney, com-
monly called the Cafkets, and this brave com-
mander, with all his officers, volunteers, and crew,
amounting to eleven hundred picked Teamen, pe-
riflied. The reft of the fleet with great difficulty
efcaped the fury of the ftorm, and got fafe to Spit-
head. On the fourth of October, the marfhal duke
de Belleifle, and his brother, halting in their way
to Berlin, at a village in the foreft of Hartz, de-
pendent on the elector of Hanover, they were ap-
prehended by the bailiff of the place, and brought
to England. They refided at Windfor till the fol-
lowing year, when being allo\ved the benefit of a
cartel, they were releafed.
Near the clofe of this year, another revolution
happened in the Britifh cabinet. Lord Carteret,
\vho was now, in confequence of his mother's death,
carl of Granville, finding it impofiible to withftand
an oppofition formed againft him in parliament,
wifely avoided the impending ftorm, by a volun-
tary refignation of his employments. The earl of
Harrington fucceeded him as fecretary of ftate.
The duke of Bedford was appointed firft lord of
the admiralty, and the earl of Chefterfield lord-
lieutenant of Ireland. The lords Gower and Cob-
ham were re-eftablifhed in the offices they had re-
figned. Mr. Littleton was made a commiffioner
of the treafui y. Sir John Hynde Cotton accepted
of a place at court ; and Sir John Phillips had a
feat at the board of trade and plantations.
A y-. Harmony now fubfifted in both
4->% houfes-, and during this whole feflion,
which began on the twenty-eighth of November,
there wasfcarcely a divifion heard of; and nothing
was wanting on the part of the new miniftry to
convince his majefty, that they were determined
to carry on the war with vigour. New levies for
land and fea were ordered, and the commons voted,
fix millions and a half for thefervice of the current
year, to be raifed by the land, the malt, and fait
taxes, the finking fund, and an additional duty on
foreign wines. The king acquainted the parlia-
ment, " That he had concluded a treaty of qua-
druple alliance, in conjunction with the queen of
Hungary and the States-general; and that the
emprefs of Ruffia, the republic of Poland, and all
the other powers of Europe, fhould be invited to
accede to this treaty, which was to continue after
the war was concluded." March the twelfth, his
royal highnefs the duke of Cumberland was ap-
pointed captain-general and commander in chief of
all his majefty's forces ; and in the fame month
died Robert, earl of Orford, late prime minifter,
after having enjoyed for a very fhort time a penfion
of four thouf and pounds per annum from the crown*
in confederation of his pafl fervjces. This minifter,
though he had long directed the application of the
public treafure, was not remarkable for his riches ;
he was of a liberal difpoficion, and had fuch a
number of rapacious dependents to gratify, that
very little was left for himfelf. May the fecond,
the king went to the houfe of peers, and concluded
the feflion with a gracious fpeech from the throne,
acquainting the two houfes with his intention of
leaving the kingdom for a fhort time ; he then no- •
minated a regency to adminifter the affairs of go-
vernment during his abfence, and the next day em-
barked on board the Caroline yacht for Holland.
On the twelfth he landed at Helvoetfluys, and from
thence proceeded directly for Hanover,-
By the death of the emperor Charles VII. the
face of affairs on the continent were entirely
changed. The grand duke of Tufcany, eonfort to
the queen of Hungary, declared himfelf candidate
for the Imperial throne; but his election was warmly
oppofed by the French king and his allies. A
powerful army was aflfembled by the French in the
neighbourhood of Frankfort, in order to influence
the election} but the Auftrian army, commanded
by the grand duke in perfon, marching thither from
the Danube, the prince of Conti was obliged to
repafs the Rhine at Nordlingen. On the fecond of
September the grand duke was, by a majority of
voices, declared king of the Romans, and emperor
of Germany at Franckfort. Meanwhile the king
of Pruffia, after having made himfelf matter of the
capital of Saxony, concluded a treaty at Drefden,
under the mediation of his Britannic majefty. By
this convention, the king of Pruffia retained all the
contributions he had levied in Saxony, and the
elector engaged to pay him a million of German
crowns at the next fair of Leipfic: he, and the
elector palatine agreed, to acknowledge the grand
duke emperor of Germany, and evacuate the Saxon
territories. This treaty reftorcd the peace of Ger-
many, and the king of Poland was left in the quiet
poffeifion of his hereditary dominions,
France could not prevent the elevation of the
grand duke to the Imperial throne; but Lewis re-
folved to humble the houfe of Atiftria, by making
a conqueft of the Netherlands. Accordingly 4
prodigious army was aflembled there, under the
aufpices of count Saxe; and his moft Chriftiau
majefty, with the dauphin, arriving in the camp,
they inverted the ftrong town of Tournay on the
thirtieth of April, The garrifon confifted of eight
thoufand Dutch, commanded by the old baron
Dorth, who made a vigorous defence. The duke
of Cumberland aflembled the allied army, and
afTumed the chief command, being affifted by the
advice of count Konigfegg, general of the Auftrians,
and the prince of Waldeck, commander of the
Dutch forces. Their army was greatly inferior to
the enemy, notwithftanding which they refolvedto
march to the relief of Tournay. Accordingly
they advanced to Leufe, and on the twenty-eighth
of April took poft at Maulbre, in fight of the
French
596
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND;
French army, which was encamped on an emi-
nence, and extended from the village of Antoine to
a large wood beyond Vazon, having Fontenoy in
their front. Next day was employed by the allies
in driving the enemy from fome out-pofts, and
clearing the defiles through which they were obliged
to advance to the attack"; while the French com-
pleted their batteries, and made the moft formi-
dable preparations for their reception. On the
thirtieth of April, about two o'clock in the morn-
ing, the duke of Cumberland began the attack; a
briflc cannonade enfued, and about nine both armies
were engaged. The Britifh infantry drove the
French beyond their lines; but the left wing of
the allies failing in the attack on the village of Fon-
tenoy, and the cavalry forbearing to advance on
the flanks, they meafured back their ground in
fome diforder, occafioned by the prodigious fire of
the French batteries. They rallied, however, and
returning to the charge with redoubled ardor, re-
pulfed the enemy to their camp with great flaughter;
but being wholly unfnpported by the other wing,
and expofecl both in front and flank to a dreadful
fire, which did great execution, about three in the
afternoon the duke was obliged to make the ne-
ceflary difpofitions for a retreat, which was effected
in tolerable order. The battle was fought with
great obftinacy, and the {laughter on both fides
was very great. The allies loft about twelve
thoufand men, among whom were many officers,
lieutenant-general Campbel, and major-general
Ponfonby being two of them. The victory coft
the French almoft an equal number of lives; and
although the attack was judged rafh and precipi-
tate, the Britifh and Hanoverian troops fought with
fuch intrepidity and perfeverance, that, if they had
been properly fupported by the Dutch forces, and
their flanks covered by the cavalry, the French, in
all prebability, muft have abandoned the fiege.
The duke of Cumberland left his fick and wounded
to the humanity of the victors; and retiring to
Aeth, encamped in an advantageous fituation at
LefTines. The garrifon of Tournay, though now
deprived of all hope of relief, maintained the place
to the twenty-firft of June, w hen the governor ob-
tained an honourable capitulation. The duke of
Cumberland apprehending the enemy had a defign
upon Ghent, lent a detachment of four thoufand
men to reinforce the garrifon of that city ; but they
fell into an ambufcadc at Pas-du-mele, when above
•one thoufand of them were killed or taken pri-
foners. That very night Ghent was furpriaed by a
detachment of the French army. The conquerors
next invefted Oftend, which, though defended by
an Englifli garrifon, and open to the fea, was, after
a fhort fiege, furrendered by capitulation on the
fourteenth of Auguft. Dendermonde, Oudenarde,
Newport, and Aeth, fhared the fame fate, vvhile
the allied army lay intrenched beyond the canal of
Antwerp : and the French king having fubdued
the greateft part of the Auftiian Netherlands, re-
turned to Paris, which he entered in triumph. On
the twelfth of Oftober, his royal highnefs the duke
of Cumberland returned to England, and foon
after the combined forces took up their winter-
quarters in Bruflels, Antwerp, and Mechlin.
Many fignal fervices were performed by our
navy in the courfe of this year. Admiral Rowley,
who fucceeded Matthews as commander of the
fleet in the Mediterranean, carried on his opera-
tions with great fpirit and fuccefs. He bombarded
SaVona, Genoa, Final, St. Remo, and Baftia, the
capital of Corfica; took feveral Spanifh mips, but
could not prevent the galleons from arriving fafe
at Corunna. In the Eaft Indies, commodore Barnet
took feveral French mips richly laden ; and com-
modore Townfhend cruifing near Mai tinico, made
himfelf mafter of thirty merchant fliips, under
convoy of four men of war, two of which were
deftroyeci. Several valuable prizes weiealfo taken
by our privateers ; but what crowned the fuccefs of
this year was the conqueft of Louifburgh, a town
fituated on the ifland of Cape Breton, fortified at a
prodigious expence, and frequently termed the
Dunkirk of North America; a place of the greatefl
importance to France, being the center and defence
of their fifhery. The plan for taking this fortrefs
is faid to have been laid by Mr. Auchmuty, judge-
advocate of the court of admiralty in New England.
It was recommended by their general aflembly to
our miniftry here at home, and approved of by his
majefty,who fent instructions to commodore Warren
to fail to Bofton, and affift the forcer, of New
England in this expedition. Mr. Peppernel, a
merchant of Pifcataway, of very extenfive influence
in that country, but utterly unacquainted with mi-
litary operations, was placed at the head of the
American army, which confiftcd of fix thoufand
men. Commodore Warren arrived at Canfo. with
ten fliips of war, in the month of April, and the
troops being embarked, in a few days after his ar-
rival on board tranfports provided for that purpofe,
the whole fleet failed for the ifland of Cape Breton,
where they landed without oppofition. The enemy
foon abandoned their grand battery, by which the
fuccefs of the enterprize was greatly facilitated.
The commodore fo effectually blocked up the place
by fea, that no fuccours could be introduced ;
while the American forces, aflifted by eight hundred
marines, carried on the. approaches by land; and
on the feventeenth of Jun«, the town being confi-
derably damaged by the bombs and bullets of the
befiegers, the governor, defpairing of relief, thought
proper to capitulate, by which Louifburgh, and
the whole ifland of Cape Breton, were furrendered
to his Britannic majefty. The garrifon and inha-
bitants engaged not to bear arms againft Great
Britain or Jier allies for twelve months; and being
embarked in fourteen cartel fhips, they were con-
veyed to Rochfort in France. A few days after the
furrender of Louifburgh, two French fliips from
the Eaft Indies, and a third from Peru, failed
hither for protection, and were taken by the Eng-
lifli fquadron.
We are now come to that period of time, when
a new fcene engaged the earneft attention, and
patriotic exertions of the whole nation, the rife
and progrefs of a fecond rebellion, projected in
France, under pretence of fijpporting the claims
of a young Pretender; but, in reality, fet on foot
with no other view, chan that of throwing the na-
tion into confufion by a political diver/ion, of
which the French intended to take a proper ad-
vantage. It is our defign to give a faithful nar-
ration of fads ; marking, at the fame time, each
memorable event with proper date and circum-
ftances. We fliall here purfue our ufual afliduity
in the feleftion of choice materials, and fliall pre-
fent our readers with a new fuccinct account of
this rebellion, with all its melancholy tranfaftions,
not to be found in any ether hiftory of this coun-
try. It is our peculiar pride, we hope a com-
mendable quality in our favour, that we have not
followed the example of our predeceflbrs and com-
petitors, by flaviflily walking over the fame ground.
This we fcorn. Others, who have divefted them-
felvesof fhame and remorfe, and who have neither
character nor reputation to lofe, may meanly en-
deavour (though without fuccefs) to imitate part
of our plan, and fome of our embellifhments, with
a view of depriving our publifher of thofe fmall
emoluments, which, ws flatter ourfelves,~a difcern-
ing public will pronounce a well earned, honeft,
and juft reward of our induftrious labours; but we
alfo Icorn fuch a conduct, which certainly muft be
detefted
GEORGE
II.
597
detefted by a generous and difcerning public. We
reft upon the juftice of that public to decide upon
our claim of fuperiority in every refpecl: ; nor mould
we have touched upon this delicate fubjccl:, but
that we think it our incumbent duty to prevent
their being impofed on, by what they will foon find
to be, a fliamelefs deception and impofition.—
But to proceed with our Hiftory.
Charles, the eldeft fon of the Chevalier cle St.
George, encouraged by the zealous partizans of
his houfe in England, and flattered by France with
a promife of powerful fuccours, refolved to make
one more effort for attending the throne of thefe
kingdoms. It was known in the fummer of this
year, that preparations were privately making for
an expedition into Scotland, a principal officer in
the French navy having raifed a company of one
hundred men, under pretence for the Eaft-India
Company's fervice, which were ftiled Grafting de
Mer, and were handfomely clothed in blue faced
with red. They were put on board a fmall frigate,
carrying eighteen guns; and every tiling being now
ready, the young Pretender came privately from
the houfe of the duke de Fitz- James to port La-
zare in Brittany, where, on the fourteenth of June,
he embarked with about fifty Scots and Irilh, ac-
companied by the marquis of Tullibardine, Sir
Thomas Sheridan, and a few other Scotch adven-
turers, with a view of failing round Ireland, and
to land in the north-weft of Scotland. . This frigate
of the Pretender's was joined off Belleifle by the
Elizabeth, a French {hip of war of lixty guns,
taken from us by the French, and now extremely
well manned for this fervice. In their paflage, me
fell in with a fleet of Englifh merchantmen, under
convoy of three men of war, one of which, the
Lion, commanded by the gallant captain Brett,
engaged the Elizabeth for nine hours ; but the
frigate bore away, and continued her intended
voyage. The Elizabeth, when night came on,
made the beft of her way, and returned to Breft
' quite difabled, having had her captain and fixty-
four men killed, and one hundred and thirty dan-
geroufly wounded. She had on board a large fum
of money, and arms for feveral thoufand men,
which were, no doubt, to be landed with the Pre-
tender for the ufe of his adherents. As to the
frigate, flie continued her courfe •, and having
cruized for fome days between the weftern iflands
of Bara and Uyft, at laft flood in for the coaft of
Lochabar, where, between the iflands of Mull and
Skie, the young chevalier, with his fellow adven-
turers landed, on the twenty-third of July. He
went firft to the houfe of Mr. Macdonald Kenlock
Moidant, where he remained for fome time before
he ventured to fliew himfelf in public.
About the middle of Auguft, being joined by
the Camerons of Lochiel, the Macdonals of Glen-
gary, the Stuarts of Appin, and others of the
clans, to the number of between fifteen hundred
and tv\tp thoufand men, he refolved to fet up his
ftandard. This was accordingly done, and the
motto he made choice of was Tandem Triumphant,
" At length Triumphant." About the middle of
Auguft he appeared with his forces, in the neigh-
bourhood of Fort William, and about this time
publifhed feveral of his father's manifeftos, among
which one was dated in 1743, which plainly fhewed
that an invafion was then intended, another in this
year, declaring his fon regent, and a third con-
taining large promifes to the people of Scotland.
Soon after, two companies of St. Glair's regiment
fell in with the rebels, whom they were fent to re-
connoitre, and were moft of them taken prifoners,
as captain Sweatnam of Guy's regiment was pre-
fently after, but he was releafed upon his parole;
and it was from this gentleman that the firft diftinci
No. 57.
accounts were obtained of the force, difpofition,
and defign of the rebels, who began then to think
therhfelves ftrong enough to march fouthward, which
they veryfpeedily prepared to do.
Lieutenant-general Sir John Cope, knight of the
Bath, at this time commander in chief of the king's
forces in Scotland, drew together the troops then
in that kingdom, armed the militia, and took fuch
other precautions as he thought fecjuifite; and at
length judged it expedient to march northward in
order to find out the enemy, fuppofing that they
would either wait for him at the Chain, which isthe
name ufualiy given to the great road crofs the ifland
from Inverness to Fort William, or endeavour to
meet and fight him in his paflage; but they did
neither ; for while the general made a long and
fatiguing march to Invernefs, the rebels gave him
the flip, and inftead of marching through the pafs
of Corryerroch, they took the way over the moun-
tains; and the firft news heard of, them was, that
they had taken pofleflion of Perth on the fourth of
September, and on the fifth the Pretender was pub-
licly proclaimed there. It was now known that
feveral perfons of diftinction had declared for,, and
were in arms toafllft the chevalier, particularly the
perfon called duke of Perth, chief of the noble
family of Drummond, and fon to the earl of Perth,
chancellor of Scotland, who followed the fortunes
of the late king James, and was by him created a
duke in France ; the marquis of Tullibardine, now
ftiling himfelf duke of Athol, eldeft fon to the late
duke, but attainted for the fliare he had in the laft
rebellion ; lord George Murray, his brother, and
feveral others ; by which their numbers fo much
increafed, that on the eleventh they began their
march towards the Forth, which river they pafied
at the Frews by fording it on the thirteenth, and
feemed to direft their rout towards Glafgow, which
city the young chevalier fummoned ; but receiving
no anfwer, they on the fourteenth diverted their
march eaftward towards Edinburgh,
In the mean time Sir John Cope marched with
all poflible expedition from Invernefs to Aberdeen,
where he embarked his men, and on the fixteenth
of September entered the harbour of Dumbar,
where the next day the men landed, and on the
eighteenth the artillery. They were fcarce well
aftiore, before they had advice of the city of Edin-
burgh being in the hands of the rebels; but ge-
neral Gueft had retired into the caftle with a fmall
number of regular troops, the Bank, and moft of
the public offices, having been removed into that
fortrefs before. Brigadier Fowke, with Gardiner's
and Hamilton's dragoons, having joined Sir John
Cope's army, they, on the nineteenth, marched
from Dumbar, and encamped at night on the weft
fide of Haddington ; the next morning early they
continued their march, and in the evening reached
Prefton Pans, the highlanders appearing on the
high grounds to the fouth of them, fo that they
were very near each other, and fome firing pafled
during the night.
It is not eafy to fay with certainty, of what
number of men each arr y confifted ; the regiments
that Sir John Cope had with him were colonel Gar-
diner, and major-general Hamilton's dragoons,
lieutenant general Guife's, colonel Lee's, colonel
Murray's, colonel Lafcelles's, and the earl of Lou-
don's regiments of foot ; but of thefe there was
only one complete. As for the rebels, the largeft
number mentioned in any of our accounts was five
thoufand, but they owned themfelves no more than
three thoufand ; and it is agreed, that not above
one half of thefe engaged. They attacked the
king's troops about three in the morning ; and the
dragoons breaking on the firft fire, left the foot ex-
pofed to the highlanders, by whom, after a fhort
difpute, they were defeated, a confiderable number
7 M killed,
598
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
killed, and the beft part of the reft made prifoners,
the few field-pieces they had with them being like-
wife taken. The earls of Loudon and Hume hav-
ing rallied the dragoons, retired with them to Lau-
der, and from thence the next day to Berwick;
brigadier Fowke, and colonel Lafcelles came back
to Dumbar, and Sir John Cope went to Berwick.
This is, by fome, called the battle of Prefton Pans;
by others, the battle of Seaton, from two little
towns near which it was fought; but it is more
properly ftiled the battle of Glaidefmuir, fince that
was the field of battle, being a wide barren heath,
about feven miles eaft from Edinburgh.
A lift of the officers killed and wounded.
Colonel Gardiner's dragoons: colonel Gardiner,
killed ; lieutenant-colonel Whitney, wounded.
Hamilton's dragoons: lieutenant-colonel Wright,
wounded ; major Bowles, wounded. Lafcelles's
foot : captain Steuart, killed; enfign Beli, much
wounded. Murray's: captain Leiflie, flightly
wounded; enfign Haldane, dangeroufly wounded.
Guife's : captain Pointz, dangeroufly wounded ;
Captain Holwell, killed. Leigh's : captain Bromer,
killed ; captain Rogers, killed ; lieutenant-colonel
Whiteford, flightly wounded.
After this engagement, the rebels continued at
Dicldifton and Muflelburgh on the twenty-fecond
and twenty-third, and did not return to Edinburgh
till the twenty- fourth. On the twenty-ninth in the
evening, they began to take their meafures for
cutting off all communication between the caftle
of Edinburgh and the town; which, confidering
that they wanted heavy artillery, and indeed all
other requifites for a fiege, was a very needlefs and
ftrange attempt, and ferved only to expofe thein-
felves to confiderable lofs, as appeared by the
event. On the firft of October they opened their
trenches on the caftle hill, a little below the re-
fervoir, and by four in the afternoon they aban-
doned their works. The city of Glafgow being
fummoned a fecond time, and fifteen thoufand
pounds being demanded by way of contribution,
they were conftrained to compound the matter for
five thoufand guineas, which were immediately
paid. On the feventh, the rebels demanded half a
crown in the pound from the landlords of houfes
in Edinburgh, under pain of military execution.
About the middle of this month they were joined
by confiderable reinforcements, under the command
of feveral perfons of diftinftion, particularly old
Gordon of Glenbucket, Forbes lord Pitfligo, the
earl of Kilmarnock, and others. They likewife re-
ceived from abroad confiderable fupplies of ammu-
nition, military ftores, fmall arms, and fome field-
pieces. There was alfo one Mr. Boyer came over
in one of thefe veflels from France, as an agent,
whom they were pleafed to dignify with the title of
ambaffador.
In the mean time, his majefty had been pleafed
to declare field-marfhal Wade commander in chief
of the ai;my which was inteaded for the north. Our
forces foon began to move that way, and the Dutch
tfoops were landed at Newcaftle, as alfo part of the
Britifli forces that were recalled from Flanders,
under the command of the earl of Albemarle.
The Tryal floop likewife brought into Briftol a
Spanifh fhip, on board of which were two thoufand
five hundred fufils with bayonets, and one hundred
barrels of gunpowder, feven chefts of money, &c.
dciigned for the fervice of the rebels. By this time
likewife the militia in the northern counties were
raifed, and aflbciations and voluntary contributions
let on foot in moft parts of the kingdom. In the
county of York, particularly, through the timely
vigilance and zeal of the arcwbifhop, affifted by the
nobility and gentry,four new regiments were raifed,
cloathed, and difciplined, at the expence of the
county. There was likewife a confiderable body of
gentlemen volunteers on horfeback, who ferved at
their own expence, put in motion under the com-
mand of major-general Oglethorpe, ftiled the Royal
Hunters. In Scotland, the lord-prefident of the
court of fcflion, Duncan Forbes, Efq; diftinguiftied
himfelf by his zeal and activity in diftributing com-
rhiflions for railing feveral independent companies
in the north, which were to be put under the com-
mand of the right honourable the earl of Loudon;
fo that by the end of the month, there was an army
of fourteen thoufand men formed in the north of
England, and a very confiderable body raifed in
the north of Scotland, for the fecurity of Invernefs,
Fort William, and other garrifons there; which
military preparations, joined to the loyal fpirit
which fliewed itfelf in all parts of the nation, and
more particularly at London, very probably dif-
appointed the defigns of the difaffected, hindered
many from joining the rebels, and even drew off
fome who had gone to Edinburgh with that refolu-
tion.
On the firft of November the young chevalier
came to the camp at Dalkeith, and caufed the noble
palace there belonging to his grace the duke of
Buccleugh, and which is reputed one of the fineft
houfes in Scotland, to be prepared for his recep-
tion, and there he fixed his head-quarters. On the
fifth, their forces began their march fouthwai ds in
three columns. At this time the duke of Perth (as
he ftiled himfelf) had the title of general; lord
George Murray had the poft of lieutenant-general ;
lord Elcho, who is eldeft fon to the earl of Wemys,
commanded thofe that were about the perfon of the
young Pretender, and were ftiled his life-guards ;
the earl of Kilmarnock, an elderly man, and cor-
pulent in his perfon, afted as colonel of huflars ;
and lord Pitfligo had the command of the Angus
horfe. At the head of his councils was Sir Thomas
Sheridan, an Irifli gentleman of a middle age, and
reputed a man of capacity ; colonel Sullivan, who
had been a little while in the French fervice, and
was fomewhat of an engineer; general Macdonald,
an Irifh officer, who was his aid-de-camp ; Mr.
Kelly, who was fo long in the Tower on the affair
of the late bifhop of Rochefter; ana Mr. Murray
of Broughton, who afted all along as his fecretary.
The rebel chiefs continuing firm in their firft refo-
lution, began to pafs the Tweed on the fixth, and
the fame day their advanced guards entered Eng-
land.
On the eighth they came to Langton, and on
the ninth they appeared on a moor two miles from
the city of Carlifle. The place in all probability
might have made a defence ; but the threats of the
rebels had fuch an eflecl:, that the white flag was
hung out, and the town capitulated on the fifteenth,
and the caftle too was given up; but the governor
took care to withdraw as difliking the terms, and
perfifted in his firft opinion, that the place might
have been defended. Thus this city fell into the
hands of the rebels, who immediately caufed the
Pretender to be proclaimed, and put a garrifon into
the caftle under the command of the duke of Perth,
who was declared governor of Carlifle, and fo con-
tinued all the time the rebels were in England.
As foon as marfhal Wade had intelligence at
Newcaftle of the rout which the rebels had tak*n,
he refolved, notwithftanding the fevcrity of the
feafon, to march from thence to the relief of Car-
lifle; and accordingly on the fixteenth the army
began to move for that purpofe; but having intel-
ligence that Carlifle had furrendcrcd, he refolved
to march back to Newcaftle; but the weather con-
tinuing bad, and the roads being become in a
manner impaffable, he did not arrive there with the
army till the twenty-fecond ; and even then, the
forces under his command were fo exceflively
fatigued, that if it had not been for the great
care
G E O R G E
II.
599
care taken of them by the people of Newcaftle, who
fhewed the utmoft zeal and affection in providing
them quarters, they muft have been in a great mca-
fure ruined by their fatiguing march.
This invafion of the rebels having thrown all the
northern and vfcftern parts of the kingdom mtc
great confufion, directions were given for forming
another army in Lancafhire. The city of Lhefter
was alfc put into a condition of defence, i
prifmg mort fpace of time, by the care and dil
eence of the right honourable the earl of
mondeley. At Liverpool likewife, all neceffary
precautions were taken, and the inhabitants <
that town mewed the greateft fpirit and refolut.on.
The rebels did not continue long at
They were at Wiggan and Lee on the tvvcnty-
feiehth, and in the afternoon of the fame day an
advanced party entered Manchester, where they
beo-an to beat up for volunteers, but With much lels
fuccefi than they expected ; no one of any rank or
diftinaion came in, which, without doubt, was a
CTeat difappointment, for they had flattered them-
fclvcs with the hopes of a confiderable ihfurrechon
in their favour. On the twenty-ninth the main
body of their army moved towards Manchefter, and
about ten in the morning their horfe entered the
town, and the bellman was fent about to require all
fuch 'as had any public money in their hands to
brino- it in. About two in the afternoon the young
Pretender, at the head of a confiderable body of
picked Highlanders, and in their drefs, marched into
Manchefter and was proclaimed. In the evening
the bellman was again lent about to order the town
to be illuminated, and at night the rear of their
army arrived ; but though they had demanded
quarters for ten thoufand men, it was judged they
never had in JManchefter above half that number.
It is very remarkable, that in their whole progrefs
no difcoveries could be made of the routs they in-
tended to take, becaufe they were never given out
above an hour before their march began ; and
neither officers nor foldiers knew over night where
they were to go, or what fervice they were to per-
form the next morning : which fccrefy in all pro-
bability preferved them from deftruchon.
The duke of Cumberland's army was now forming
in Staffordmire : for upon the approach of the re-
bels it was refolved, that his royal highnefs Ihould
be fent down to command the forces in that part
of the kingdom ; and accordingly he ar lived at
Litchfield on the twenty- eighth of November, his
troops being at that time cantoned with a line of
cavalry in the front, from Tamworth to Stafford,
making a very fine appearance, and well furnifhed
with artillery and whatever elfe was requifite for the
fervice As to the force of which his army con-
fifted we can only fay that the following was looked
upon' at that time as the molt authentic account
that could be procured : feven thoufand five hun-
dred veteran foldiers, three thoufand new raifed
foldiers one thoufand four hundred veteran horfe,
and ei<>ht hundred new raifed horfe, amounting m
all to Twelve thoufand feven hundred men.
On the firft of December, the young Chevalier,
With the main body of his army and all his artillery
entered Macclesfield ; and on the fourth in the
morning, Derby, with near five hundred horfe, and
about two thoufand foot. In the evening the reft
of their forces, their artillery, and their baggage
arrived there likewife ; but with all the precaution
poffible, to hinder any exaft account from being
taken of their numbers, which was a point they la-
boured with the utmoft diligence during their whole
march. On their firft coming into Derby it was
indeed both from the meafures they took, and from
the behaviour of their chiefs, that they were ftill
difnofed to march on. In the evening, however,
they held feveral councils of war, in which the de-
putes among their chiefs rofe fo high that they
coulcl not be concealed ; yet they agreed upon no-
thing that night, except levying the public money*
which they did with •unufual circumftances of
terror and violence. The next day they continued
at Dei by, and about noon another great council
was held in the prefence of the young Pretender,
in which, it was afterwards known, a final refolution
was taken of returning back into Scotland. Not-
withstanding' all the artifices ufed to prevent it,
there was a very true and curious calculation made
of their numbers during the time they ftaid at
Derby ; which was the more eafy, becaufe they re-
mained there longer, and were more regularly
quartered than in any other place during their whole
march ; it was made by the principal inhabitants of
the town in all its parifhes, and that it might be the
more exact; it Was taken both the firft night and
the fecond, fo that the fmall difference between
thofe calculations plainly mows how much they may
be depended on, fince it is impoffible that any con-
fiderable miftake mould have happened therein,
coniidering how near they approach each other.
Firft night.
1,590
2,979
Parimes. Second night,
St. Warburg's 1,641.
All Saints 3,027.
St. Peter's 1,00 1.
St. Michael's 724-
St. Alcmund's 755'
7,008. 7,148-
N. B. Women and boys excluded.
It was during their ftay at Derby that the rebels
firft began to mew that kind of fpirit, which appeared
afterwards fo plainly, and the effects of which made
fuch deep impreffions on the mind* of the people,
as are not eafily to be worn out. For having been
informed during their ftay here, that a fubfcription.
had been fet on foot in that town for the king's
fervice a little before their arrival, and that the
money was paying in, they found means to procure
a copy of this fubfcription roll, and when they were
thought to have quitted the place, fent back a party
to levy fuch fums as were mentioned in that roll,
under pain of military execution. They were very
affiduous in providing themfelves with cloaths,
ftockings, fhoes, and other neceffaries, while at
Derby,'and it cannot be believed that fuchcuftomers
would pay the full value for all they had, fo that
the difference between their price and the juft price
of the commodities, and manufactures they took,
might be confidered as a fecond contribution.
They alfo endeavoured to levy men here, beat up
publicly for that purpofe, but with very little fuc-
cefs, fince there were not above three who lifted in
the town, and thofe of the very lowed of the people
in point of morals as well as condition, which
ihews how low their credit was brought, and might
pofiibly be amongft the reafons which altogether
determined them to delay their retreat no longer.
His royal highnefs the duke of Cumberland, at
the head of ticking's forces, encamped on the fixth
on Meriden Comrflon, between Coles-hill and Co-
ventry. In the mean time his excellency fielcl-
marfhal Wade, had marched the army under his
command to Wetherby, where he encamped on the
fifth ; and the fame day orders were given for the
horfe and dragoons to proceed to Doncafter, whither
the foot were to follow them. Thefe difpofitions
afforded fuflicient reafon for the rebels to retreat.
Yet in North Britain the flame of rebellion began
again to fpread itfelf, by the afliftance of the
trench ; for lord John Drummond having landed
with about five hundred men at Aberdeen, Peter-
head and Montrofe, he was very foon joined by that
body
600 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
in
ted
body which lord Lewis Gordon had been raifin
the North, as well as by other of the diflaffe
elans, fuch as the Mackenzies, the Mackintofhes,
the Farquharfons, and the Frazers, to the number
of between two and three thoufand men ; with
which forces he drew down 'towards Perth about
the time the young Pretender was at Derby.
The rebels having executed their purpofe ef
raifm<* money on the town of Derby, they returned
to their refolution of endeavouring to retire by the
fame road they came into Scotland : and accordingly
marched on the fixth of December to Afliburn, from
whence they moved the next day to Leek, deftroy-
ing in their pafTage whatever they judged might be
of ufe to the king's forces that were in purfuit of
them, and mewing a warm fpirit of refentment for
the difappointments they had met with. They
carried with them a train of artillery, confifting of
fifteen fmall pieces of cannon and one mortar.
On the eighth in the evening their van-guard
reached Manchefter, and the next morning the
young Chevalier and the main of his forces came
thither, where they were not received as they had
been before, but on the contrary, the town's people,
or at leaft the mob, gave them fome pretty viable
marks of their diflikc, which was punifhed imme-
diately by an order, or precept in the name of the
Chevalier, and figned and fealed by Mr. Murray his
fecretary, directed to the conftables and collector of
the land-tax for the towns of Manchefter and Sal-
ford ; requiring them to collect and levy, by the
next day at noon, the fum of two thoufand five
hundred pounds, to be paid to the faid Mr. Mur-
ray, with a promife of repayment, however, when
the country fhould be fettled under his government.
On the tenth they continued their march by Pen-
dleton Pole, towards Leigh and Wiggan, which laft
place they reached on the eleventh, and pufhed on
from thence to Prefton, the next day ; being ex-
tremely apprehenfive of finding themfelves fur-
rounded in that neighbourhood. On the thirteenth
in the morning they quitted Prefton, and continued
their rout to Lancafter ; and on the fourteenth they
moved from thence to Kendal, which they entered
about ten in the morning, and where they met with
a bad reception, for the town's people fired upon
their huflars, killed one, and took two prifoners.
Their van-guard continued their march from thence
to Shap in their way to Penrith ; but feeing the
beacons on every fide lighted, and being informed
that it was done to raife the country, and that the
people were difpofed to fall upon them on every
fide, they thought proper to return to Kendal,
which they accordingly did about two in the morn-
ing. On the fifteenth the Pretender with all his
forces arrived there, and began to march from
thence for Penrith on the fixteenth by break of clay ;
lord George Murray, commanding the rear-guard,
as ke had done during the whole march. They in-
tended to have reached Penrith that night, but find-
ing it impracticable, they thought fit to halt at
Shap, where we mall leave them for the prefent,
that we may the better give the reader an account
of the motions of the king's forces, in order to
overtake them*
His excellency field-marfhal Wade having re-
ceived certain intelligence of the proceedings of the
rebels, and of the fituation of his majefty's forces
under the command of his royal highnets, held on
the eighth of December a great council of war at
Ferry-bridge, to confider of the moft effectual
means for cutting oft the Highlanders in their re-
treat ; and in this council of war it was refolved, to
march directly by Wakefield and Hallifax into Lan-
cafhire, as the moft likely way of intercepting the
rebels. But arriving at Wakefield on the tenth,
and having advice that the main body of the rebels
were at Manchefter, and their van-guard moving
4
from thence towards Prefton, his excellency finding
that it was now impoflible to come up with them,
judged it unneceflkry to fatigue the forces by hard
marches ; and therefore 'detaching major general
Oglethorpe on the eleventh, with the cavalry under
his command, he began his march with' the reft of
his forces for Newcaftle. On the thirteenth a great
body of the horfe and dragoons that were under
major general Oglethorpe arrived at Prefton, hav-
ingmarched a hundred milesin three days, ovcrfnow
and ice, which was a noble tcftimony of zeal and
fpirit efpecially in the new raifed forces. His royal
highnefs arrived about one at the fame place, and
immediately gave his orders for continuing the
purfuit of the rebels with the utmoft diligence. On
the fourteenth, accordingly general Oglethorpe ad-
vanced towards Lancafter, which place the duke
reached on the fixteenth; general Oglethorpe con-
tinuing his purfuit at the heels of the rebels. On
the feventeenth the major general was at Shap, and
his royal highnefs entered Kendal, having now more
hopes of coming up with the enemy than at any
time during the march, and the difpofitions which
were made by the duke for this purpofe, were fuch
as mewed the utmoft penetration and military ca-
pacity.
On Wednefday, the eighteenth of December, in
the evening, part of the cavalry with his royal high-
nefs came up with the rebels, after ten hours march,
a little beyond Lowther-hnll, which they had
quitted on the approach of the king's forces, and
threw themfelves into the village of Clifton, about
three miles from Penrith ; where they had great ad-
vantages from the fituation of the place, and from
fome decayed broken walls. His royal highnefs,
however, caufed the village to be immediately at-
tacked, by the firft forces that came up, which were
the king's own regiment of dragoons, and part of
the duke of Kingfton's horfe, who behaved ex-
tremely well upon this occafion; and in an hour's
time drove them out of the place, though a veiy
ftrong and defenfible port. The lofs of the enemy
could not be certainly known, becaufe it was quite
dark before the affair was over. There were forty
of the king's foldiers killed and wounded, and
amongft them four officers, viz. colonel Honey-
wood, captain Eaft, cornet Owen and cornet Hamil-
ton. On the fide of the rebels, there was one
captain Hamilton taken prifoner, who was much
wounded. It was fo dark and the country fo co-
vered that it was impoflible to purfue them with
any probability of fuccefs that night ; and the next
morning about feventy of the rebels were made
prifoners ; nothing but the quicknefs of their re-
treat having faved the reft and that too with great
difficulty.
While their rear-guard was engaged with the
king's forces at Clifton, the main body of the re-
bels were at Penrith, and fo apprehenfive of being
overtaken, that at ten o'clock at night they ordered
their artillery and baggage to advance towards Car-
lifle ; and on the nineteenth, in the morning, they
entered that city, exceffively fatigued and in much
confufion. The rebels did not continue long there,
but contented themfelves with putting a fort of
garrifon into the place, compofed of between four
and five hundred men, moft of them being thofc
that had joined them in England, and which they
had formed into a corps, under the title of the
Manchefter regiment. The main body of their
army continued their march towards Scotland,
palling the river Elk, though very high, which colt
many of them their lives: and on the twentieth and
twenty-firft, they again entered North Britain,
leaving thofe they had thrown into Carlifle to fhift
for thcmlelves as well as they could, and without
any hopes of fuccour. Thefe pretended at firft that
they would make an obftinatc defence j and having
mott
G
E O R
E
II.
60 1
moft of their artillery with them, they mounted
them on the walls, took poileffion of the cafUe, and
carried into it all the provifions they could find,
leaving the inhabitants little or none t» fuftain
«hem ; fo' that they were in the utmoit dirtrefs,
being able to draw no relief from the adjacent
country, becaufe the people were fenfible that what-
ever they fent them, would be taken from them by
the rebels. They did not however continue long
in this deplorable condition, being relieved from it
by the fpeedy arrival of the king's forces, who foon
put an end to the difpute, and reftorcd the people
of Carlifle to the king's protection. On the twenty-
firft, about four in the morning, the whole army
marched in four columns towards Carlifle, which was
already inverted, and in the evening they arrived
before that city, and took up their quarters in the
villages round it. Field marflial Wade, having
intelligence of what had patted at Clifton, detached
a considerable body of foot to join the duke's army,
and gave fuch other orders as were requifite for haf-
tening thither the artillery and ammunition that were
wanting for carrying on the fiegc. On the twenty-
fixth, part of the cannon expected from Whitehaven,
arrived, and the utmoft diligence being ufcd, they
began on the twenty-eighth to play with fix eighteen
pounders upon the place. In the night of the
twenty-ninth they raifed a new battery of three
pieces of cannon that- began to play in the morning,
upon which the rebels hung out a white flag, and
offered to capitulate ; but his royal highnefs would
grant them no other terms than thefe, " that they
Ihould not be put to the fword but referved for his
majefty's pleafure;" to which, about three in the
afternoon, on the thirtieth, one John Hamilton,
who ftiled hjmfelf governor of Carlifle, agreed, and
brigadier Bligh immediately took polteflion of the
town with a detachment of four nundred guards,
feven hundred foot, and one hundred and twenty
horfe. The rebel officers yielded themfelves pn-
foners immediately, and their men retired into the
cathedral without arms, where they had a guard fet
over them, till his royal highnefs fhould otherwife
difpofe of them. Such was the iflue of this wild
undertaking, and fo foon were thofe who pretended
to defend the place to the laft extremity, reduced to
furrender it and themfelves prifoners at difcretion.
A lift of the rebel officers, 8cc. taken at Carlifle,
Englifti: One colonel, five captains, five lieute-
nants, feven enfigns, one adjutant, and ninety-
three non-commillioned officers, private men, &c,
Scotch : The governor, one furgeon, fix captains,
feven lieutenants, three enfigns, and two -hundred
and fifty- fix non-commiflioned officers, private
men, &c. Befides French : Three officers, one
fcrjeant, four private men. In all three hundred
and ninety-four. Artillery : Brafs one and a half
pounders with fix carriages, brafs octagon with one
carriage, brafs four pounders with three carriages,
four brafs cohorns, and two royals. In all fixteen.
As lord John Drummond, lord Lewis Gordon,
and the reft of the rebel chiefs in Scotland were all
this time labouring with great diligence, as well as
much violence, to draw together a considerable
force in order to join the Pretender on his return
into that country ; the king's loyal fubjects there
fliev.-ed the greateft zeal and fpirit, in exerting their
utmoft force in order to oppofc them. The city of
Glafgow particularly diftinguiihed itfelf on this oc-
cafion, by levying fifteen companies of fixty men
each at their own expence, and having completed
them by the beginning of the month of December,
they marched from thence under the command of
the right honourable the earl of Hume, for Stirling.
The city of Edinburgh alfo having received his
rnajefty's licence for that purpofe, raifed one thoufand
men /or the king's fervice ; and the earl of Loudon
with the forces under his command, marching from
No. $7,
Invernefs, obliged a body of the rebels to raife the
blockade of Fort Auguftus, which they had formed
under the command of the fon of lord Lovat ; and at
the fame time the Maclcods and Monroes fcoured
all the north of the rebel parties as far as to within
twelve miles of Aberdeen. Such were the tranf.
action* in South and in North Britain to the clofc
of this year, when the rebels having been obliged
to fly out of England, began again to gather ftrength
in the weft of Scotland and to refume their defign
of attacking Stirling caftle. Having palled the river
Efke, they divided into two bodies ; the lefTer,
confifting of about two thoufand men, marched on
the twentieth of December to Ecclefecan, and from
thence the next day to Moffat. The larger body
of about four thoufand proceeded to Annan, near
the fea-fide, and on the twenty-firft marched to
Dumfries, where they continued all the next day,
and about eight in the morning on the twenty,
third, they moved northwards. At Dumfries they
demanded two thoufand pounds immediately, and
though this was remonftrated againft, as a thing not
only hard, but impracticable, yet it was peremptorily
inlitted on, and at laft eleven hundred was accepted
in ready money, and two gentlemen were taken away
as hoftages for the other nine hundred. On the
twenty-third they halted at Drumlanerig, and thence
continued their march to Glafgow, at which city
they arrived on the twenty-fifth. In the mean
time, the northern rebels were moving towards
Perth under lord John Drummond, lord Lewis
Gordon, and fome other of their chiefs. This body
had fome artillery, ammunition, and money with
them, which had been landed from on board fome
Spanifh privateers, and brought from the weft coafl
to Perth, which they fortified for a place of arms j
fitting out an armed floop there, as they did the
Hazard which they had taken, a.nd a ftout privateer
at Montrofe.
It is not at all furprifing that the » n ,
behaviour of the rebels at Glafgow A" U' *W'
fhould be rather worfe than in other places. They
found themfelves in a very rich city, abounding in
whatever they wanted, and therefore they considered
it as a magazine, and began to furnifli themfelvc$
immediately with broad-cloth, Tartan, linen, fhoe»
and ftockings, to the amount often thoufand pounds
fterling; fo that by this means the Pretender in a
manner new cloathed his army, which proved 3
great means of keeping them together, otherwife,
in all probability, the greater part of them would
have difperfed, On the third of January, having
finifhed their bufinefs at Gla(gow, and gleaned up
what they could, it was judged high time to remove,
and accordingly they marched that day to Kilfyth.
The next day they proceeded to Banockbourne, and
on the fifth, having now the beft part of their forces
together, they fummoned the caflle and town of
Stirling to furrender. General Blakeney anfwered,
that he would defend the place to the la.ft extremity,
and as he had lived he was determined to die a ma.n
of honour. The town, which is indeed of no ftrength,
after fome time fpent in treaty, furrendered, and
the rebels entered it upon the eighth, when ha.v,
ing again fummoned the caftle to as little purpofe
as before, they took a final refolution of befieging it
in form with what artillery they had, and accordingly
prepared to put that refolution in execution.
His majerty having thought fit to appoint lieu-
tenant general Hawley commander in chief of his
forces in North Britain, and major general Hufke
to command under him, the troops that were to
form the army in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh
marched thither with fo much expedition, and what-
ever was rcquifite for their ufe, or could contribute to
facilitate their motions, was fo readily fupplied to
them on their rout, that by the tenth it was judged
expedient to difpofe things for advancing towards
7 N the
602
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
the relief of Stirling caftle ; not that this fortrefs,
which from its fituation is of fome importance, was
in any danger, for in truth, the rebels were but
bungling engineers, but becaufe it would have given
fome reputation to their arms, in cafe they had con-
tinued this fiege for any time without interruption.
Things being thus difpofed, the field artillery or-
dered out, and all the neceffary precautions taken,
it was refolved to begin the operations by detach-
ing part of the forces under major general Hufke, to
diflodge the earl of Kilmarnock from Falkirk,
where he lay with moft of the cavalry belonging to
the rebel army. On the thirteenth, accordingly,
the forces appointed for this fervice began to
move towards Linlithgow, which they entered in
the evening at the very inftant the earl of Kilmar-
nock was marching in on the fide next Falkirk with
fome of his people ; but having early intelligence of
the general's purpofe and nearnefs, he retired with
' fome precipitation. After general Hufke had taken
port at Linlithgow, lord Kilmarnock thought pro-
per to decamp the next day from Falkirk, and to
retire to the main body of the rebel army before
Stirling. On the fixteenth, general Huike, with
the forces under his command, and the remains of
Gardiner's and Hamilton's dragoons, took pofTef-
fion of Falkirk, and were followed thither foon after
by general Hawley, and the reft of the army.
Lieutenant general Hawley having confidered the
fituation of affairs, and the feveral accounts he had
received, refolved to defer attacking the rebels un-
til the next day, as well in regard to the foulnefs of
the weather, as becaufe he was defirous of obtaining
fuch intelligence as might enable him to make the
moft advantageous difpofitions for acting againft
them with his cavalry and artillery.
Some dragoons that had been lent to reconnoitre,
returned about noon with intelligence, that the re-
bels were actually in motion, in order to attack the
king's forces, and by one they were feen in two
columns, about tjwo miles diftance, endeavouring
to gain fome rjfing grounds near the moor of Fal-
kirk. Upon this the king's forces got under
arms, and formed as foon as the fmall time they
had would allow, and immediately marched to gain
the ground which the rebels were endeavouring to
reach on the left of their camp. This, though the
ground was above a mile diftant, they performed,
but were fcarce in porTeflion of it, before the enemy
came down in order of battle, out-ftretching the
king's forces in fuch a manner, that the left of one
army was oppolite the center of the other. The
king's army being once formed, advanced in good
order, the dragoons on the left, and the foot in two
lines. As foon as they came within a hundred
yards of the enemy, the dragoons were ordered to
fall on fword in hand, and the two lines of infantry
to advance. They began to move in purfuance of
thefe directions, but before they could put them in
execution, the rebels made a very fmart fire, which
threw the dragoons into fome diforder, and they the
foot, who made only one irregular fire, Barrel's and
Ligoniers battalions only excepted, who were pre-
fently rallied by brigadier Cholmondeley, attacked
afterwards by the rebels, whom they rcpulfed, and
at length drove them fairly out of the field. In the
mean time, major-general Hufke, with wonderful
prudence and prefence of mind, drew together and
Jbrmed a body of foot in the rear of thefe two regi-
ments, whicli the rebels feeing, did not venture to
renew the attack. General Mordaunt taking ad-
vantage of this delay, rallied and formed the reft of
the troops, in which the officers, who in general be-
haved well, affifted.
There were feveral unforefeen and indeed in-
evitable accidents that contributed greatly to, or
rather might be faid to have been the fole occafion
of the rebels gaining r1 -i- - ' -age; in the firft
! 'here V! ,,nd confufion in
forming the king's troops, which was fucceeded by
another unlucky accident. Some of the battalions
fired without orders, which occafioned a great con-
fufion among the dragoons. But the great mif-
fortune of all was, that juft as the army began to
move, there came on a violent ftorm of wind and
rain, which hindered the men from feeing before
them; and many of their firelocks were fo wet, that
it is thought fcarce a fifth part of them were of
ufe ; add to this, that they had no ufe at all of their
artillery, for the weather having been for two days
very wet, and there being a ftecp hill to climb, their
could not get up time enough to do any fervice in the
action ; and the commander of the' train having quitted
it, moft of the people who belonged to the horfes,
rode away with them ; fo that when the troops re-
tired to their camp, they found it extremely hard
to carry off their cannon. This difficulty, how-
ever, very plainly proves that they were left matters
of the field, for the grenadiers of Barrel's regiment
brought off one piece of cannon, and the horfes
that were picked up at the town of Falkirk, drew
away three more, which fhews they had time
enough, and were not at all molefted by the rebels;
fo far from it that it was once refolved to remain in
the camp, and brigadier Mordaunt had orders to
take poft there; but the rain was fo heavy, the
tents fo exceffively wet, and fo much of the am-
munition fpoiled, that it was judged altogether in-
expedient to expofe the men to the inclemency of
the weather, and therefore it was at tad determined
to march them back to Linlithgow, purely to put
them under cover.
The rebels returned to Stirling on the i8th in
the afternoon ; and as it was vifible that lieutenant
general Hawley 's defign of relieving that fortrels
was difappointed, they had a mind to try what effect
another fummons would have; but general Blakeney
was ftill in the fame tone, and contented himfelf
with repeating what he had before told them, that
he had always been looked upon as a man of honour,
and they fhould find he would die fo.
On the return of the king's army to Edinburgh,
a very ftrict enquiry was made into the lofs fuftained
by the late action, which appeared to be, officers
excepted, very fmall. What was moft regretted was
the death of Sir Robert Monroe, bart. colonel of a
regiment of foot, who died of his wounds in the
hands of the rebels ; and his brother, Dr. Monroe,
an eminent man in his profeflion, and who attended
him to the field, merely out of fraternal affection.
There was no account of the killed and wounded
publifhed by authority, probably becaufe it was
found difficult to collect fuch an account, as many
of the foldiers who were fuppofed either to have
been flain or taken prifoners, came dropping in
afterwards for feveral days. The officers, in ge-
neral, diftinguifhed themfelves extremely, and fome
very particularly, fuch as brigadier general Chol-
mondeley, who was dangeroully wounded, and con-
tracted a palfey, from the cold he caught in the
field. Major general Huike, by his great vigilance
and prefence of mind Ihewn on this occafion, ac-
quired the higheft reputation ; and brigadier Mor-
daunt was allowed to have done all that could be
expected from the moft knowing and ailive officer;
nay, even in the battalions where the men did nor
behave fo well as might have been expected, their
officers (hewed tbemfelves to great advantage, and
gave glorious examples of intrepidity, though they
were but ill copied. It happened very luckily,
that as this action proved fatal to fo many officers,
it proved as fortunate to a great many others ; for
the rebels having fent moft of the officers that were
taken prifoners at Prefton Pans to Glam'es, Couper,
and L'.flie, when they were drawing together their
forces about Stirling, the loyal inhabitants of Dun-
dee, and other places, formed a deligu of re feu ing
them, and conducting them back to Edinburgh,
which
O R G E
II.
603
which they executed with great fpirit and diligence,
and they arrived at that city on the nineteenth, the
very next day after the army returned thither from
Linlithgow.
When the news of this battle reached London,
it made it neceflary to provide for the immediate
extinction of fo dangerous a flame, by fending
down a fufficient number of forces, not only to
render the army in Scotland more formidable than
before, but to increafe its ftrength to fuch a degree,
as to free the nation from any apprehenfions of its
confequences, in cafe the enemy fhould grow more
numerous, or the French and Spaniards perfift in
their defign of attempting an invafion for their
fupport in any part of his majefty's dominions. It
was with this view, that a refolution was taken of
embarking the HefTian troops in Britifh pay, then
in the neighbourhood of Antwerp, for Scotland ;
and it was alfo thought convenient, that to reftore
the fpirit of the foldiers, to extinguifh all animofi-
ties, and encourage the well-affected in North-
Britain, his royal highnefs the duke mould imme-
diately go down thither. On the thirtieth, in the
morning, to the great furprize and joy of the army,
his royal highnefs the duke of Cumberland arrived
at Edinburgh, after a journey amazingly expedi-
tious, confidering the rigour of the feafon. He
was received with all the teftimonics of loyalty and
affection that could poffibly be exprefled, the army
looking upon his prefence as a fure omen of victory,
and all ranks and degrees of people being delighted
at beholding a prince with whofe reputation they
were fo well acquainted, and from whom they had
juft reafon to expect being reftored to the peaceable
pofleffion of thofe bleflings, which, under the mild
government of the king his father, they had, till
the breaking out of this rebellion, conftantly en-
joyed. The fight of the duke banifhed all remem-
brance of the late untoward accident; and the
troops mewed uncommon ardour to be led, bad as
the weather was, into the field again.
The very next day his royal highnefs reviewed
the forces, and marched them in two columns,
confifting of fourteen battalions, the Argylefhire
men, together with Cobham's and Mark Kcr's
dragoon's, in purfuit of the rebels. The next
morning his royal highnefs made the neceflary dif-
pofitions for profecuting his march, at which time
all the officers and foldiers exprefled the greateft
eagernefs and alacrity imaginable. The march was
hardly begun, before advice was brought that the
rebels, inftead of preparing for an engagement,
were actually repafling the Forth with all the dili-
gence imaginable ; and what gave credit to this,
was their advanced guards retiring every where with
the utmoft precipitation. This news was foon after
put out of difpute, by the noife they heard of two
great reports like the blowing up of magazines ;
upon which brigadier Mordaunt was detached with
the Argylefhire men and the dragoons to harrafs the
rebels in their retreat. The brigadier, with the
troops under his command, arrived at Stirling late
that evening, where they found the rebels had
abandoned their camp, with all their artillery, and
had blown up a great magazine they had of powder
and ball in the church of St. Ninian, and that with
fo little care or difcretion, that feveral of the
country people were buried in the ruins. They
likcwife left behind them all the wounded men they
had made prifoners in the late action, and about
twenty of their own fick men ; but it was fo late
when the king's forces arrived, that it was judged
needlefs to continue the purfuit.
On the fecond of February, about one in the
afternoon, his royal highnefs entered Stirling, and
received the compliments of general Blakeney, and
the officers of his garrifon, on that memorable oc-
cafion ; and at the fame time, his royal highnefs
was plcafed to teftify his entire fatisfaction, with re-
fpect to the gallant defence the general had made,
by which a place of fo much importance had been
preferved, and the defigns of the enemy defeated.
In the mean time, the rebels v.crc occupied in
making all the difpatch in their power, that they
might be entirely out of reach before Stirling
bridge could be repaired for the pafTage of the
army. Part of them took the road by Tay bridge,
towards the hills, the reft confuting of lord Lewis
Gordon's men, the remains of the French; thofe
commanded by lord Ogilvie, and the few horfe they
had, got into Perth the very night that brigadier
Mordaunt arrived at Stirling ; and though they had
taken a great deal of pains in throwing up feveral
works for the fecuriry of that place, yet they began
to abandon it, and to continue their march north-
wards the next morning; lord John Drummond,
with the remains of the Scotch and Iriih that came
from France, made the beft of their way towards
Montrofe, and on the third of February the town
of Perth was totally evacuated. They left behind
them there thirteen pieces of iron cannon, eight
and twelve pounders, nailed up, and threw a vaft
quantity of ammunition into the river, together
with fourteen fwivel guns that had been taken out
of the Hazard floop ; and fet at liberty the failors
that had been 'confined there from the time that
veflel was taken; but they thought fit to carry-
captain Hill, who commanded her, along with
them, and fome few other prifoners of the better
fort.
On the fourth, by fix in the morning, the bridge
of Stirling was repaired, fo that the army pafled
over it, and the'advanced guard, confifting of the
Argyleftiire highlanders and the dragoons, marched
that night as far as Grief; but the foot were can-
toned in and about Dumblain, where the duke took
up his quarters that evening, and the next day the
advanced guards took pofieflion of Perth. Scarce
any hiftbry can fhew a more illuftrious inftance of
the effects of a general's reputation than this before
us, fince in the fpace of a fingle week, his royal
highnefs quitted the court of the king his father,
put himfelf at the head of the forces in Scotland,
and faw the enemy flying with precipitation before
him. To endeavour to heighten this event by any
ftrains of compliment or panegyric, would be to
obfcure it ; the bare recital of the matter of fact is
the nobleft eulogium.
His royal highnefs the duke of Cumberland
gave orders for the army to march by different
roads (but in fuch bodies as prevented all danger
of furprize) to Aberdeen, where he propofed to fix
his head-quarters, to raife magazines, and -to re-
ceive fuch fuccours and fupplies as from time e to
time might be requifite by fea from the fouth. As
the Heflian troops were now in Scotland, his royal
highnefs took care to difpofe of them and fome
other bodies of Englifh troops at Perth, Dunkeld,
the caftle of Blair, caftle of Menzies, and other
places, by which he effectually fecured the paflage
into the lowlands, and put it out of the power of
the rebels to return that way into the fouth. Ge-
neral Campbell, with the Argylefhire men, under-
took the fecurity of Fort William, a place at that
time of infinite importance, as it fecured another
paflage through the weft of Scotland, by which the
rebels might again have made their way into
England. Thefe precautions taken, his royal high-
nefs fet out in perfon for Aberdeen, where he ar-
rived on the twenty-eighth of February. The ne-
ceflary difpofitions having been made for continuing
the operations of the war, it was judged expedient
to make fome examples of fuch as had mifbehaved,
for the better fupport of difcipline, at a time -when
it was fo neceflary for the fecurity and reputation of
the army; a court-martial was accordingly held at
Montrofe, by which an officer in the artillery, who
had deferted the train in the action at Falldrk, was
I condemned
6o4 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
condemned to have his fword broke over his head
by the provoft, his fafli thrown on the ground, and
himfelf turned out of the army, which was exe-
cuted accordingly at the head of the artillery. A
lieutenant of Fleming's regiment was broke for dif-
obcying orders, forfeiting his word, and prevari-
cating before the court-martial, in relation to
plundering the houfe of Mr. Oliphant of Gafk, at
that time with the rebels, fo little colour there was
for the reports fpread that plundering was con-
nived at, if not allowed ; though nothing could be
more incompatible with the discipline of a regular
army, as well as the conftitution of the country that
army was employed to defend.
The rebels, in profecution of their defigns,
made it their firft care to become matters of Inver-
nefs, a town of pretty confiderable tiaJe on the
eaft fide of the highlands, with a good port, and a
fmall fortrefs, fometimes called the caftle of Inver-
nefs, but more properly Fort George, to defend it.
The earl of Loudon was then there, with a body of
about fifteen hundred men, moft of them haftily
faifed for the fervice of the government, with whom,
upon the approach of the rebels to within a very
fmall diftance of the place, he marched out in
order to act offenfively ; but finding that impracti-
cable, and that the enemy were much ftronger than
lie expected, he judged it proper to retreat, which
he did on the twentieth of February without the
lofs of a man, leaving two independent companies
under the command of major Grant in Fort George,
with orders to defend it to the laft extremity. But
it fcems thcfe orders were but indifferently obeyed,
for the place was foon after furrendered to the
rebels ; upon which the Chevalier removed his
quarters thither, having with him about four thou-
fand men. They next attacked Fort Auguftus, a
very fmall place, and only important by its fituation
between Invernefs and Fort William, in which
there was a very fmall garrifon of no more than
three companies of Guife's regiment, under the
command of major Wentworth; fo that it was
fpeedily reduced, and as fpeedily demolished, which
was the fame fate that Fort George had met with.
As they were ftill incommoded by the neighbour-
hood of the earl of Loudon, who lay at their
back, with only the Frith of Murray between
them, the duke of Perth, the earl of Cromarty,
and fome of the reft of their chief commanders,
rcfolved to attempt the furprizing that earl by the
help of boats, which they drew together on their
fide of the water ; and taking the advantage of a fog,
executed their fcheme fo effectually, that falling
upon the king's forces under the earl's command
unexpectedly, they cut off fome, made a few offi-
cers prifoners, and obliged lord Loudon to retire
•with the rell out of Sutherland. But though thefe
little advantages ferved to make a noife, and to
keep up the fpirits of their party, yet they did them
little real fervice ; and their money beginning to
run fliort, and fupplies, both at home and abroad
failing their expectations, caufed great divifions
amongft them.
On the lixtecnth of March, having intelligence
that Roy Stcuart, with about one thoufand foot,
and iixty huflars, were at Strathbogie, his royal
highncfs ordered major-general Bland to drive
them from thence, and at the fame time ordered
brigadier-general Mardaunt, with four battalions,
and as many pieces of cannon, to march and fup-
port the major-general, if there fhould be occafion.
On the feventeenth, the major-general advanced to
Strathbogie, and was almoft within light of the
place, before the rebels had any notice of his ap-
proach ; which alarmed them to fuch a degree, that
they quitted their poft, and retired with great pre-
cipitation towards Keith; and though the evening
was wet and hazy, yet the volunteers under the
marquis of Granby, colonel Conway, and captain
Halden, continued the purfuit till it \vas almoft:
dark. But this fuccefs was attended with fome
little check: for general Bland having detached a
captain of highlanders with feventy of his men,
and thirty of Kingfton's horfe, with orders to clear,
that place, and then rejoin the army, they, con-
trary to his directions, ventured to quarter there
that night, which gave the rebels an opportunity of
furprizing them ; for returning from Fochabers,
whither they had retired, they furrounded the vil-
lage of Keith in the night, entered it at both ends,
attacked the Campbelh who were quartered in the
church-yard, and after an obfHnate refiftance cue
moft of them to pieces ; but the cornet who com-
manded Kingfton's horfe, retired with fome of thofe
under his command ; which accident made the
troops more careful, fo that nothing of that kind
happened for the future. Indeed, the difpofition
his royal highnefs immediately made, put all at-
tempts of that fort out of the enemy's power, the
royal army being divided into three cantonments,
in the following manner, viz. the whole firft line,
confifting of fix battalions, the duke of Kingfton's
horfe, and Cobham's dragoons, lay at Strathbogie,
within twelve miles of theSpey, under the command
of the earl of Albemarle, and major-general Bland.
The referve*, confifting of three battalions and four
pieces of cannon, under the command of brigadier,
general Mordaunt, were at Old Meldrum, halfway
between Strathbogie and Aberdeen ; and the whole
fecond line, confifting of the fix remaining batta-
lions, and lord Mark Ker's regiment of dragoons,
remained at Aberdeen.
The rebels being very well apprized of the great
importance of Fort William, the taking of which
would have made them mafters of the whole extent
of country from eaft to weft, and from fea to fea,
and would betides have opened them a palfage into
Argylefhire and the weft of Scotland, refolved to
leave nothing unattempted that might contribute
to the reduction of this fortrefs; and therefore
ordered brigadier Stapleton, with a large body of
their beft men, moft of their engineers, and.as good
a train as they could furnifli, that way in the be-
ginning of March ; and on the fecond or third of
that month, about one thoufand men arrived at
Glenavis, which is within two miles of Fort Wil-
liam, and about this time they took a boat be-
longing to the Baltimore floop, which was employed
in the fervice of the garrifon. But captain Afkew
of the Serpent floop, detaching his own boat with
another belonging to the Baltimore, and a third
belonging to the garrifon of Fort William, with
about feventy men in them, forced the rebels from
the Narrows of Carron where they were ported,
and made themfelves mafters of all their boats.
This was on the fourth of March, and was a very
effectual and well-timed fervice: but notwithftand-
ing this check, the rebels perfifted in their defign
of attacking this fortrefs, and with very great
labour and difficulty brought up their artillery,
and made the nccefiary difpofitions for that pur-
pofe.
On the third of April the rebels fuddenly raifed
their fiegc, deferted their batteries, and with great
precipitation marched for Invernefs ; upon which
captain Scot detached a party of the garrifon, which
fecured eight pieces of cannon and feven mortars,
the enemy had left behind them.
The reafon of this fudden and hafty retreat of
the rebels from before this fortrefs, was the neceflity
the young Pretender was under of drawing together
all his forces in the neighbourhood of Invernefs,
upon the approach of the king's army. But before
we come to treat of the meafures taken by them
after this junction, it is rcquifite that we fliould
give fome account of another misfortune \\hich
4 bcfcl
GEORGE
II.
• 605
befel them, which was no lefs fatal in its confe-
quences than the difappoihtment of their defign
againft Fort William. We have already obfervecl,
that they were in great diftrels for money and other
necefiaries, and waited impatiently for a fupply
from France} which they hopeo, notwithftanding
the mifcarriage of fo many fin all veffels that had
been fent them, would foon arrive on board the
Hazard floop, to which they had given the name
qf the Prince Charles fnow, and which they had
intelligence was at fea with a confiderable quantity
of gold on board, and a good number of expe-
rienced officers and engineers, who were very much
wanted. On the twenty-fifth of March, this long-
looked-for vefiel arrived in Tongue bay, into which
fhe was followed by his majefly's fhip the Sheernefs,
commanded by captain Obrien, who immediately
attacked her. In the engagement, the Hazard
floop had a great many men killed, and many more
wounded; fo that not being able to maintain the
fight, fhe ran afliore on the {hallows where the
Sheernefs could not follow her, and there me
landed her men and money. The place on which
fhe ran on fhore (after being chafed fifty-fix
leagues) was in the lord Rea's country j and it
happened, there was then at his 1 rdfhip's houfe
his fon captain Mackay, Sir Henry Monro, lord
Charles Gordon, captain Macleod, and about eighty
men of lord London's regiment, that had retired
thither when the rebels attacked them by boats, as
has been before related. Thefe gentlemen having
animated thefoldierj to attack, notwithftanding the
fnperioi ity of numbers, thofe who landed from the
Prince Charles fnow, obtained, after a fhort difpute,
a complete victory, only three or four being killed
on the fide of the rebels, and with little or no lofs
on their fide. Be (ides five chefls of money, and a
confiderable quantity of "arms, they took a hundred
and fifty-fix officers, foldiers, and failors ptifoners,
with whom they embarked on -board the Sheernefs
man of war, and failed directly for Aberdeen, toge-
ther with another prize captain Obrien had taken
in the Orkneys. The money, befides one cheft
that was miffing, and what had been taken out of
another that was broke, amounted to twelve thou-
fand and five hundred guineas; and amongft the
prifonei s there were forty experienced officers, who
had been long either in the French or the Spanifh
fervice.
At the fame time that the rebels employed fo
confiderable a part of their forces in attacking Fort
William, they fent another body under the com-
mand of lord George Murray, to make a like at-
tempt upon the caftle of Blair, the principal feat of
his grace the duke of Athol, but a place of no
great force, and in which there was only a finall
garrifon under the command of Sir Andrew Agne w;
which fiege, or rather blockade, they raifed with
the fame hurry and precipitation on the approach
of * the earl of Crawford, as they did that of Fort
William, upon the very fame day, and from the
fame motives ; fo that we have run through all
their operations in as clear and as fuccinct a manner
as poflible, and have {hewn, how all their feveral
bodies were drawn off in order to join the young
chevalier, and to enable him to make a ftand at In-
vernefs. We ftiall now therefore return to the
king's forces under the command of his royal
highnefs the duke, which we left properly difpoled
to march as foon as the feafon and roads would
permit, to put an end to this unnatural rebellion
by one general anddecifiveactipn.
The troops, notwithflanding the feverity of the
winter and the fatigues they had endured by
making a double campaign, were in the beginning
of April fo well refrdhed, and in fijch excellent
order, that they were every way fit for fervice; and
f b far from apprehending any thing from th^j impe-
#0.57,
tuofity of the highlanders, Or the advantage
had in lying behind a very deep and rapid river,
that they {hewed the greateft eagernefs to enter upon
action; which though his highnefs encouraged,
and took every mealbre poffible for keepingup this
ardour in his army, yet he acted with great delibe-
ration, and did not move till the weather was fettled,
and there was no danger that the cavaliy fhould
fuffer for want of forage. At length they moved
on the eighth from Aberdeen, and encamped on
the eleventh at Cullcn, where lord Alb:maiie joined
them, and the whole army was affcmbled ; and
next day marched to the Spey, and paflecl it with
no other lofs than of one dragoon and four women,
who were all drowned through hurry and indifcre-
tion. Major-general Hulke was detached in the
morning with iifteen companies of grenadiers, the
Highlanders, and all the cavalry, and two pieces
of cannon, and his royal highnefs went with them,
himfelf. On their firfi appearance, the rebels re-
.tired from the fide of the Spey towards Elgin;
whereupon the duke of Kingfton's horfe imme-
diately forded over, fuftained by the grenadiers
and Highlanders^ but the rebels were all got out of
their reach before they could pafs. The foot waded
over as faft as they arrived; and though the water
came up to their middles, they went on with great
chearfulnefs. The rebels appeared to be between
two and three thoufand-, but they did not make
any opposition, -either while the king's troops were
paffing, or when part of them had pafied and were
on the other fide the Spey; for which conduct of
theirs it feems very difficult to affign any reafon,
unlefs it were that their officers, being fenfible that
the artillery of the king's troops would fecure their
pailage, they were unwilling to run the rifk ef dif-
piriting their men by an unfuccefsful attempt of
that kind -, and therefore chofe not to difpute the
paflage of the Spey, but to deceive their men into
an opinion that they {hould be well enough able, to
deal with them when they had pafled.
The king's army marched on to Elginand Forres,
and from thence to Nairn, where they halted on the
fifteenth, and where the rebels thought to have fur-
prized them ; but the vigilance and ftrict difciplinc
his royal highnefs maintained, abfolutely difap-
pointed them ; notwithftanding which they fet fire
to and deftroycd Fort Auguftus, called in all their
parties, and prepared for a general engagement,
which followed the next day. We have had feverat
accounts of this great and decifive action; but the
cleared and molt diftinct, as well as the moft au-
thentic, is that clifpatched by his royal highnefs,
dated from Inverneis, April the eighteenth, and to
which therefore we think itbeft to adhere.
" We gave our men a day's, halt at Nairn, and
on the fixteenth marched between four and five, in
four columns. The three lines of foot (reckoning ,
the referve for one) were broken into three from
the right, which made three columns equal, and
each of five battalions. The artillery and baggage
followed the fii It column on the right, and the
cavalry made the fourth column on the left.
" After we had marche ! about eight miles, our
advanced guards, compofed of about forty of
Kingfton's and the Highlanders, led on by the
quartermafter-general, perceived the rebels atfome
diftance making a motion towards us on the left,
upon which we immediately formed; but finding
the rebels ftill were a good way from us, and that
the whole body did not come forward, we put our-
felves again upon our march in our former pofture, ,„
and continued it to within a mile of them, where
we again formed in the fame order as before.'
After reconnoitring their fituation, we found them,
pofted behind fome old walls and huts in a line
with Culloden houfe. As we thought our right
entirely fecure, general Hawley and general Bland
7 O weat
6o6
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
wentto the left with the two regiments of dragoons,
to endeavour to fall upon the right flank of the
rebels, and Kingfton's • horfe were ordered to the
referve. The ten pieces of cannon were difpofed
two in each of the intervals of the firft line, and all
our Highlanders (except about one hundred and
forty, which were upon the left with general Haw-
ley, and who behaved extremely well.) were left to
guard the baggage.
"When we advanced within five hundred yards of
the rebels, we found the morafs upon our right was
ended, which left our right flank quite uncovered
to them. His royal highnefs thereupon imme-
diately ordered Kingfton's horfe from the referve,
and a little fquadron of about fixty of Cobham's,
which had been patroling to cover our flank, and
Pultney's regiment was ordered from the referve to
the right of the royals.
" We fpent about half an hour after that, trying
which mould gain the flank of the other; and his
royal highnefs having fent lord Bury forward within
one hundred yards of the rebels, to reconnoitre
fomewhat that appeared like a battery to us, they
thereupon began firing their cannon, which was
extremely ill ferved and ill pointed. Our's imme-
diately anfwered them, which began their confufion.
They then came running on in their wild manner;
and upon the right, where his royal highnefs had
placed himfelf, imagining the greateft pufh would
be there, they came down three ieveral times within
a. hundred yards of our men, firing their piftols,
and brandifliing their fwords. But the royals and
•Pultney's hardly took their firelocks from their
fhoulders; fo that after thofe faint attempts they
made off", and the little fquadron on our right were
lent to puifuethem. General Hawley had, by the
help of our Highlanders, beat down, two little ftone
Avails, and came in upon the right flank of their
line.
M As tHeir whole firft line came down to attack
at once, their right fomewhat outflanked Barrel's
regiment, which was our left, and the greateft part
of the little lofs we fuftained was there. But Bligh's
and Sempil's giving a fire upon thofe who had out-
flanked Barrel's, foon repulfed them; and Barrel's
regiment, and the left of Munro's fairly beat them
with their bayonets; there was fcarce a foldicr or
officer of Barrel's, or in that part of Monro's which
engaged, who did not kill one or two mcu each
with their bayonets and fpontoons.
" The cavalry, which had charged from their
right and left, met in the center, except two fqua-
drons of dragoons, which we miffed, and they were
gone in purfuit of the runaways. Lord Ancram
was ordered to purfue with the horfe, as far as he
could', and did it with fo good effect, that a
very confiderable number were killed in the pur-
fuit.
" As we were on our march to Invernefs, and
were near arrived there, major-general Bland fcnt
the annexed papers, which he received from the
French officers and foldiers, furrendering thcmfclves
prifoners to his royal highnefs. Major-general
Bland had alfo made great (laughter, and took about
fifty French officers and foldiers prifoners, in his
purfuit. By the beft calculation that can be made,
rt is thought tihe rebels loft two thoufand men upon
the field of battle, and in the purfuit."
"We have omitted the lifts annexed to this ac-
count, as well for the fake of keeping within
bounds, as becaufe they could not be very exact at
that time, but were afterwards much enlarged. All
the French officers on the feventeenth ligned a
writing, acknowledging themfelves prifoners of
war to his Britannick majefty, and promifing fo to
remain upon their parole of honour. Amongft
Xvhich were brigadier Stapleton, the marquis de
CuiHes, whom the Highlanders called the French
ambafiador, lord Lewis Drummond, and about
fifty more. The lofs on the fide of the king's
army was very inconfiderable; the only perfons of
note killed were lord Robert Kerr, captain in
Barrel's regiment, captain Groflet of Price's, cap-
tain John Campbell of London's, and captain
Colin Campbell of the militia; befides thefe, fifty
private men killed, and two hundred and fifty
wounded.
The number of all the perfons taken in this
fignal victory, were two hundred and twenty-two
French, and three hundred and twenty -fix rebels;
all their artillery and ammunition, with other mili-
tary ftores, and twelve colours, likewife fell into
the hands of the viftors. The earl of Kilmarnock
was taken in the aclion ; lord Balmerino, at firft
reported to be killed, was taken foon after ; and
four ladies that had been very active in the rebel-
lion, were likewiib fcized at Invernefs, viz. lady
Ogilvie, lady Kinloch, lady Gordon, and lady
Mackintosh, Immediately after the battle, briga-
dier Mordaunt was detached with the volunteers to
the number of nine hundred into the Frazer's
country, in order to reduce all who fliould be found
in arms there; and with the like view other detach-
ments were made into other difaflefted parts of the
country, which put it entirely out of the power of
the rebels to affemble afterwards in any body ca-
pable of difturbing the peace of the country, being
reduced to the neceflity of feparating into fmali
parties, in order to fhift the better for' themfelves'.
About the fame time that the T/hole forces of the
rebels were thus vanquifhed at the battle of Cul-
lodcn, the earl of Cromartie, his elded fon, a great
many officers of diftinction, and about one hundred,
and fifty private men, were furprized in the north,
by a very fmall party of his majcfty's loyal fubjecls,
who fent them prifoners on board his majefty's
floop the Hound, captain Dove, from Sutherland
to Invernefs, where they arrived about the time his
royal highnefs made his fecond difpatch.
Thus the flame of this rebellion, which after
being fmothered for a time in Scotland, broke out
at laft with fuch force as to fpread itfelf into Eng-
land, and not without reafon alarmed the inhabi-
tants of this metropolis, was in a fhort fpace totally
cxtinguifhed by him who gave the firft check to its
force ; and who perhaps alone was capable of per-
forming this fervice to his country, his father, and
his king. From his royal highnefs's courage,
which he difplayed in fo diftinguifhccl a manner,
together with his prudence, and the exalted love he
bore to his country, it feems that Providence partial*
larly made ufe of him as its moft proper inftrument in
performing this work. He it was who revived the
fpiritsof the people by the magnanimity of his own
behaviour. He, without feverity, rcftored difciplinc
in the army. He prudently delayed at Aberdeen
till the troops recovered their fatigue, and the
feafon opened a road to victory. He waited with
patience, chofe with difcretion, and moft happily
and glorioufly improved that opportunity which
blafted the hopes of the rebels, and has fecured to
us the prefent pofleffion and future profpect of the
wifbft and beft-framed conftitution Europe can
boaft. His royal highnefs continued in the north
fome time, to give proper orders for fecuring the
tranquillity of the country; Having received the
fubmiffion of almoft all the clans and chieftains he
at length returned to London, which he entered
amidft the acclamations of the people. As to the
vanquifhed adventurer, he efcaped from the field of
battle, forded the river Nefs, and with a few horfe
retired to Aird, where he held a conference with
fome of his adherents ; but finding his affairs defpc-
rate, he defired each of them to confuit his own
fafety ; after which He affumed various difguifes,
wandering from place to place among the moun-
tains
G E O R G E
II.
607
tarns and weOern iflands for four months, during
which he underwent an amazing feries of dangers,
hardfhips and rniferies : at laft two fhips, fent on
purpofe from France to the coaft, took him and
about thirty of his followers on board, and in the
' middle of Auguft landed him at Refcourt, near
Morlaix in Britany. Adclrefles were now prefented
from all quarters to his majefty, felicitating him
upon the fuccefs of his arms. The two houfes of
parliament having fet the example : they alfo voted
their thanks to his royal highnefs for his great and
eminent fervices, and the commons, foon after,
fettled twenty-five thoufand pounds per annum on
him and his male iffue. At the fame time it was
refolved by government, to make examples of fome
of thofe who had involved their country in fuch ca-
lamity and confufion, the number, however, as few
as poflible. An aft was paffed for attainting the
earls of Kilmarnock and Cromartic ; and the lords
Balmeiino and Lovat were tried and found guilty.
•Cromartie was afterwards pardoned as to life, but all
his eftates were confifcatecl. On the eighteenth of
Auguft, Kilmarnock and Balmerino were executed
x>n Tower-hill. The former died with marks of
penitence and contrition ; but the latterviewed the
implements of death with the mod carelefs air, and
feemcd to glory in his fuffeiings. Lovat was not
beheaded till the fpring of the fucceeding year.
Courts were opened in different parts of the king-
dom for the trial of the rebels of inferior rank, fifty
of whom were condemned and executed, fomewere
pardoned, and the greater number were tranfported
to the phntations. In November following Mr.
Ratcliff, the titular earl of Derwentwater, who had
been taken in a fliip bound to Scotland, was ar-
raigned on a former fentence paffed againft him in
the year 1716. He refufed to acknowledge the
authority of the court, and pleaded, that he was a
fubjcft of France, honoured with a commiflion in
the fervice of his moft Chriftian nnjefty. The
identity of his perfon being proved, a rule was
made for his execution : and on the eighth day of
December he fuffered decapitation with great fe-
renity and compofure.
During the time England was engaged in crufh-
ing the rebellion at home, the French king and
count Saxe took the field in the. latter end of April,
at the head of one hundred and twenty thoufand
men, and advanced towards the allies, who, to
the number of forty-four thoufand, Were intrenched
behind the Demer, under the conduct of the
Auftrian general Bathiani, who retired before them,
and took poll in the neighbourhood of Brecla, the
rapital of Dutch Brabant. Saxe immediately in-
v-cfted Antwerp, which in a few days fin-rendered,
lie then fat down before the ftrong town of Mons
in Hannav.lt, with an irrcfiftible trajn of artillery,
an immcnfb quantity of bombs and warlike imple-
ments, and carried on his approaches with fuch im-
petuofity, that notwithstanding a very vigorous de-
fence, the garrifon was obliged to capitulate on the
twenty-feventh of June, being about twenty-eight
clays after the place had been inverted. St. Guiflain
and Charleroy met with the fate of Mons and Ant-
werp; io that by the middle of July, Lewis was
abfolutc marter of Flanders, Brabant, and Hainault.
The command of the confederate army at Ter-
heydc, was HOW aflumed by prince Charles of Lor-
rain, it being reinforced by fome of the Heffian
troops and a frefli body of Auftrians under count
Palfi, amounted to eighty-feven thoufand men, in-
cluding the Dutch forces commanded by prince
Waldcck. Suppofmg the next ftorm would fall
•upon Namur, thefe generals marched towards that
place, and on the eighteenth of July poftecl then-
troops in an advantageous fituation,in fight of the
French army, which was encamped at Gemblours.
Here they remained till the eighth of Auguft, when
a detachment of the enemy, commanded by count
Lowendahl, took pofleflion of Huy, where they
found a large magazine belonging to the confede-
rates, whofe communication with Maeftricht was
entirely cut off. This obliged prince Charles to
abandon Namur to its own ftrength, and quitting
his advantageous poft, he retired on the north fide
of the Made. Namur was immediately inverted
with thirty-five thoufand French, under the count
de Clermont, who caufed the trenches to be opened
on the fecond of September, and the garrifon, cori-
fifting of feven thoufand Auftrians, defended them-
felveswith great refolution ; but the fiege was car-
ried on with fuch vigour, that on the twenty-third
they were obliged to fubmit, the town being re-
duced to a heap of ruins. Mean while the allied
army lay encamped at Maeftricht, where they were
joined by Sir John Ligonier with fome Britim and
Bavarian battalions. Prince Charles now refolved
to give the enemy battle ; for which purpofe he
palfed the Maefe on the thirteenth of September,
and advanced towards them, but he found marflial
Saxe who had been informed of his defign, fo ad-
vantageoufly pofted at Tongres, that he thought
proper to march back to Maeftricht. On the
twenty-fixth his rear was attacked in their retreat
over the Jaar by the enemy, who were repulfed.
But count Saxe being reinforced by the body of
troops under Clermont, determined to bring the
confederates to an engagement. On the thirtieth
he pailed the Jaar, while the allies, perceiving his
intention, took poffeffion of the villages of Liers,
Warem, and Roucoux, drew up their forces in
order of battle, and made preparations for giving
him a warm reception. The enemy on the firft of
October advanced in three columns ; and a terrible
cannonading began about noon, which lafted till
two o'clock. Prince Waldeck, who commanded
the left wing, was then attacked with great fury ;
and, after a brave defence, overpowered by numbers.
The villages were affaulted in columns, and as one
brigade was repulfed another fucceeded : fo that the
allies were obliged to abandon thofe pofts, and re-
treat towards Maeftricht, with the lofs of five thou-
fand men, and thirty pieces of artillery. This
action terminated the campaign in the Netherlands.
The allies pafling the Maefe took up their winter-
quarters in the duchies of Limburgh and Luxem-
burgh ; while the French cantoned their troops in
the places which they had newly conquered. In
the month of July, this year, died Philip, king of.
Spain, and Chriftian VI. king of Denmark. The
former was fucceeded by his eldeft fon Ferdinand;
and the latter by his fon Frederic V. who had
married the princefs Louifa, youngeft daughter to
king George II.
A powerful fleet having been fitted out at Spit-
head, confifting of fixteen large fhips, and eight fri-
gates, befides bomb ketches, tranfports, and ftore
fhips, the miniftry, unwilling that this expenfive
armament mould be wholly ufelefs to the nation,
difpatched it under the command of admiral Lef-
tock to the coaft of Britany, with orders for making
himfelf mafterof Port 1' Orient, which place was the
repofitory of all the ft ores and fhips belonging to
the French Eaft India company. Six battalions,
with a detachment of matroffes and bombardiers
were embarked in thirty tranfports, under the com-
mand of lieutenant general Sinclair. On the four-
teenth of September, the whole failed from Ply-
mouth and fteered diredtly for the coaft of Britany,
which they made on the feventeenth; but the en-
terprise was rendered impracticable by delay. The
ramparts were mounted with cannon from thefliips
in the harbour; additional works were raifed; the
garrifon was reinforced with feveral bodies of re-
gular troops, and great numbers were affembling
from different parts, fo that the Britifh forces were
in
6o8
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
in danger of being furrounded in an enemy's coun-
try. However, they eredted a fmall battery againft
the town, which they fet on fire in feveral places,
with their bombs and red hot bullets, and repulfed
a detachment) from the garrifon, which had made a
fally to deftroy their works. But finding their
cannon produced no effed upon their fortifications
they defpaired of fuccefs, and the feafon of the year
rendering it dangerous for the fhips to continue on
the coaft\ general Sinclair, after burying two pieces
of iron cannon, retreated to the fea fide, and em-
barked with a very inconfiderable lofs. In the be-
ginning of October the fleet failed to Quiberon bay,
where they deftroyed a Spanifh man of war, took
poffdlion of a fort on the peninfula, and reduced
the trifling iflands of Hovat and Heydie, after which
they returned to England.
November the eighteenth, the parliament met.
Affectionate addreffes were prefented by both
houfes ; and when the commons came to confider
the iupplyj they voted four hundred and thirty-three
thoufand pounds to the emprefs queen of Hungary,
and three hundred thoufand to the king of Sar-
dinia : they granted four hundred and ten thoufand
pounds for eighteen thoufand Hanoverians, and
one hundred fixty one thoufand fix hundred and
feven pounds for fix thoufand Heflians: they con-
tinued the fubfidies to the electors of Cologne,
Mentz, and Bavaria; and gave five hundred thou-
fand pounds to enable his majerty to carry on the
war with advantage. So that the whole of the fup-
ply this year amounted to nine millions four hun-
dred and twenty-five thoufand, two hundred and
fifty-four pounds. This was raifed by a land-tax
-of four fhillings in the pound, by transferable an
nuities, at an intereft of four, and a premium of ten
per cent, and by new duties on houfes and windows,
on coaches and wheel carriages.
AT\ _ The allied powers determined to
"'4'* aflemble a powerful army in the Ne-
therlands. His royal highnefs the duke of Cum-
berland, had fet out for Holland about the begin-
ning of December, to concert with marfhal Ba-
thiani the plan of operations for the enfuing cam-
paign, in which he was to act as commander in
chief of the confederate forces. In the latter end
of March lie took the field, and fixed his head
quarters at the village of Filberg : the prince of
Waldeck, with the Dutch troops, were pofted at
Breda, and marfhal Bathiani near Venlo. The
allied army confifted of one hundred and twenty
thoufand men, but through the inexcufable negli-
gence of the Dutch and Auftrians, they had neither
forage^ nor provifions, which obliged them, not-
withftanding their early appearance in the field to
continue inactive for fix weeks. About this time a
treaty was figned between his Britannic majefty and
the emprefs of Ruflia, whereby, in confideration of
an annual fubfidy of three hundred thoufand
pounds, flie engaged to keep on foot, during the
war, upon the frontiers of Livonia, a body of fifty
thoufand foot, and forty or fifty gallies upon the
coaft of that province, to act in fuch a manner as
his Britannic majefty fhould require in aflifting of
his allies.
The States General, fenfible of the danger to
which their dilatory proceedings had expofed them,
were now willing to act vigoroufly, in concert with
Great Britain, in profccuting the war, but previous
to their fully exerting themfelves, they infifted upon
the diflblution of the fitting parliament of Great
Britain, of which, from the various complexions it
had worn, they had no very good opinion. In
confequence of this their declaration the parliament
was diflblved, and writs were ifl'ued for fummoning
a new one.
The confederates had formed a defign for re-
taking Antwerp : but this city was fo effectually
covered by the grand army of the enemy, and fo
well fortified and garrifoncd, that they foon found
the enter-prize impracticable. His royal highnefs
then refolved to take poft between the Great and
Little Nethes, by which he covered Bergen-op-
Zoom and Maefti icht. About the latter end of*
May the French king arrived at Bruffels, and Saxe
then determined to undertake the fiegeof M;ieftricht.
For this purpofe he advanced towards Louvain,
and the confederates perceiving his intention, put
their army into motion likewife, to take poft be-
tween that town and the enemy. On the twentieth
of July, the allies took pofleffion of their ground,
and drew up in order of battle, with their right at
Beilen, and their left extending to Wiile, within a
mile of Maeftricht, having in the front of their left
wing, the village of Luffeldt, in which they ported
feveral battalions of Britifh infantry. The enemy had
taken poffeffion of the heights of Hcrdecren immedi-
ately above the allies ; and both armies cannonaded
each other till the evening. The next morning the
enemy's inf.mtry marched down the hill in one co-
lumn and attacked the village of Laffeldt, which
was defended with great obltinacy. The aflailants
fuffered terribly in their approach from the cannon
of the confederates, and they met with fiich a wairn
reception from the Britifh mufketry that they could
not ftand it ; but when thefe were broke and dif-
perfed, fiefh brigades fucceeded with aftonifliing
pei feverence. The allies were driven out of the
village ; yet being fuftained by three regiments, they
mealured back their ground, and repulfed the ene-
my with great flaughter. Saxe, however, continued
pouring in other battalions, and, the confederates
being thus overpowered by numbers, the French
regained and maintained their footing in thevillage,
after it had been three times loft and carried. At
noon the duke of Cumberland ordered the whole
left wing to advance againft the enemy, whofe in-
fantry gave way : prince Waldeck then led up the
center ; and marfhal Bathiani made a motion with
the right towards Herdeeren, to anoy the flanks of
the enemy. Victory now feemed ready to declare
for the confederates, when the fortune of the day
took a fudden turn ; occafioned by the cowardly be-
haviour of fome Dutch fquadrons, who perceiving
the infantry before them was hard prefled by the
French, inftead of fiTpporting them, turned their
backs, and flying at full gallop, overthrew five bat-
talions of infantiy belonging to the confederates
corps de referve. The enemy's cavalry taking
advantage of this confufion rufhed among the
fcattered troops, whom they trampled under foot,
and penetrated through and divided the lines of the
combined army. His royal highnefs had endea-
voured, but in vain, to rally the Dutch cavalry, and
it was with difficulty he rejoined the left wing. In
all probability the defeat would have been total,
had not Sir John Ligonier, at the head of three
Britifh regiments of dragoons and a few fquadrons
of Imperial horfe, charged the whole line of the
French cavalry with fuch intrepidity and fuccefa
that he put a ftop to their career, and enabled the
duke to eft'ecT: an orderly retreat to Maeftricht. Sir
John himfelf was taken prifoner, but the regiments
he commanded retired in excellent order. The
allies did not fuftain much damage in the purfuit,
and even brought off all their artillery, fixteen
pieces of cannon excepted. The lofs did not ex-
ceed fix thoufand men killed and taken: thefe were
chiefly Englifh, Heflians and Hanoverians, they
having in a manner oppofed the whole French
army, the lhare of the Dutch and Auftrians in the
engagement, as well as their lofs, being too inconfi-
derable to be mentioned. The enemy purchafed this
victory with the lofs of upwards of ten thoufand of
their beft troops, a number of ftandards, and feveral
pair of colours, with feven hundred prifoners taken,
among
GEORGE
II.
609
among whom \v, ; fixty officers, fome of them per-
fons ot diftinction.
The French army continued in the neighbour-
hood of Tongres; and marfhal Saxe having amufed
theconfederates with marches and countermarches,
at length detached count Lowendahl, with thirty-
fix thoufand men to befiege Bergen-op-'/oom, the
ftrongeft fortification of Dutch Brabant, and hitherto
deemed impregnable. From the fixteenth of July
to the fifteenth of September, the fiege produced an
nnintermitting fcene of horror and dellruction : de-
fperate fallies were made- and mines fprung with
the moft terrible effects :r the works began to be
fhattered, the town was laid in afhes, the trenches
were filled with the bodies of the (lain ; nothing was
fecn but fire and fmoak; nothing heanl but one in-
ceflant roar of bombs and cannon. The damage,
however, fell chiefly on the befiegers, who were
flain in heaps, while the garrifon (uttered very little,
and could be occalionally relieved -or reinforced
from the lines. Rut fome inconfiderable breaches
being made in one ravelin and two baftions, Lowen-
dahl refolved to ftorm them : thefe Oonftrom
thought invincible, and, on that fuppofition, pre-
fnmed that the enemy would not attempt an afTault:
but the French general having regulated his difpo-
fitions, about four o'clock in the morning, of the
fixteenth of September, thcfignal was given frtr the
aflault. A prodigious quantity of bombs being
caft into the ravelin, the French troops threw
themfelves into the fofle, mounted the breaches,
forced open a fally-port, and entered the place
almoft without oppofition ; for they had time to ex-
tend themfelves along the curtains and form in
order of battle, before the garrifon 'could be afiem-
bled. The reduction of this important fortrefs
was followed by the furrender of all thofe in the
neighbourhood, by which means the victors became
mafters of the whole navigation of the Schelde.
As foon as Lewis was informed of Lowendahl's
fuccefs, he promoted him to the rank of marflial of
France. He likewife appointed count Saxe go-
vernor of the conquered Netherlands; after which
ne returned in triumph to Verfailles; and in a little
time both armies retired into winter quarters, "when
hisroyal highnefs the duke of Cumberland em barked
for England, where he arrived on the thirteenth of
November.
Ati expensive armament was fitted out this year
by the French kintr, Lewis being refolved to renew
his efforts again'ft the Britifh fettltments in North
America and the Eaft Indies. Accordingly two
fquadrons were fitted out at Breft: that deftined to
act in America was commanded by de la Jonquiere,
and the other by M. de St. George. The Englifh
miniftry being informed of thefe meafures deter-
mined to friiftrate them, by intercepting both fqua-
drons, which were to fail at the fame time. Vice
admiral Anfon and rear admiral Warren were or-
dered oOt with a powerful fleet to cruize off Cape Fi-
nifterre. On the third of May they fell in with the
French fquadrons, confirming of fix large men of
war the lame number of frigates, and four armed
veil*;;, which had been equipped by their Eaft India
company, having under their convoy thirty mer-
chant mips richly laden. The enemy's fhips of
war immediately drew up in line of battle, while
the merchantmen under the protection of the fix
frigates, continued their courfr with all the fail they
Could carry. The Britifh fleet was by this time
formed, and the engagement began with great fury;
but the enemy was loon compelled to ftrike their
colours. The lofs on both fides was nearly equal.
Immediately after the battle three fhips were dif-
patched in purfuit of the merchantmen, and their
convoy, nine fail of which were taken. Our fleet
then returned with their prizes in triumph to Spit-
head . A confiderable fum was found in bullion,
No. sS.
on board the French merchant fhips, which was
conveyed to London in waggons, amidft the ac-
clamations of the populace. By this victory we
not only put a flop to the defignsof France againft
our pofleflions in North America and the Eaft In-
dies, but likewife diftrefled them by having up-
wards of four thoufand of their beft failors locked
up in our prifons. Soon after this transaction ad-
miral Anfon was created a peer, and admiral War-
ren honoured with the order of the Bath. About
the middle of June, commodore Fox, with fix fliips
of war, cruizing off Cape Ortugal in Galicia fell in
with a fleet of homeward bound St. Domingo men,
confillingof one hundred and feventy fail, under
the convoy of four large fhips of war, commanded
by commodore de la Motte. On difcovering the
Britifli fquadron, La Motte abandoned his con^y,
forty-fix fail of which fell into our hands, having
on board one thoufand four hundred and twenty-
eight failors, together with a very valuable cargo of
fugar, indigo, cotton, &c.
In the beginning of Auguft, rear admiral Hawke
failed from Plymouth, with fourteen fhips of the
line, to intercept a fleet of French merchant! {hips
bound for the Weft Indies; and after cruifing for
fome time upon the coaft of Britany, about eight in
the morning of the fourteenth of October, being
then in the latitude of Belleifle, he faw a great num-
ber of fhips, which proved to be the fleet he was in
queft of, under convoy of nine fliips of the line,
befides frigates commanded byM. dePEftanduaire.
As foon as the French commodore could diftinctly
make the Britifli fquadron, he ordered one of his
great fliips and a frigate to proceed with the mer-
chantmen, while he formed the line of battle and
waited the attack. At eleven in the forenoon, ad-
miral Hawke difplayed the fignal to chace, and in
about half an hour both fleets engaged. The battle
lafted till night, when all the French fquadron ex-
cept the Intrepide and Tenant, had ftruck to the
Englifli flag. Thele two fliips efcaped in the dark,
and returned to Breft in a very {battered condition.
The lofs of the enemy amounted to eight hundred
men, while that of the Englifli did not exceed two
hundred. Admiral Hawke conducted his prizes to
England, and foon after his arrival was created a
knight of the Bath.
The belligerent powers now began to think
ferioufly of peace. Notwithstanding the rapid con-
quefts France had made, flie drooped in the midft
of her triumphs; her trade being in a manner de-
ftroyed by a war with the Dutch j Auftria faw her
finances almoft exhaufted, her armies ill fupplied,
and moft of her provinces laid wafte. Spain, who
carried on the war with equal inactivity and ill
fuccefs, and found the evils it had intended Great
Britain were all fallen onherfelf,begantoadoptmore
moderate meafures. England, which of all the
contending powers, had fuftained by far the greateft
expence, was not able to carry on another campaign
without loading the people with taxes, and the
Dutch, who were much fonder of negociating than
fighting, ardently wiflied to fee their barrier freed
from the French yoke, and themfelves delivered
from friends, who under the pretence of protecting
them, laid wafte their moft fruitful provinces, and
flopped the fources of their commerce. When the
new parliament met on the tenth of November, the
commons having again chofen Arthur Onflow efq;
for their fpeaker, his majefty opened the feffion with
a fpeech, wherein he gave them to underfland,
that a congrefs would fpeedily be opened at Aix-la-
Chapelle, to concert the means for obtaining a ge-
neral pacification; and obferved, that nothing
would more conduce to the fuccefs of the nego-
tiation than the vigour and unanimity of their pro-
ceedings.
, p -The
6io
THK NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
The allies encamped in the neigh-
A. 1). 1748. bourjlooci of Ruremonde, to the num-
ber of one hundred and ten thoufand men. Mar-
fhal Saxe had received pofitive orders from the
French king to form the fiege of Maeftricht, and,
accordingly, on the third of April he invefted that
city. The garrifon confided of Imperial and Dutch
troops, under the command of the baron d'Alva,
who defended the place with great fpii it and refo-
lution; but the befiegers, though annoyed with
frequent fallies, determined to furmount all oppo-
fition, and therefore carried on their approaches
with aftonifhing bravery and i efolution. After a
furious aflault, in which every inch of ground was
difputed, they effected a lodgement in the covered
way; and the fate of Maeftricht began to be doubt-
ful, when a courier arrived there from the duke of
Cumberland, with advice that the preliminary arti-
cles of peace hud been figned at Aix-la-Chapelle on
the nineteeth of April, upon which all hoftilities were
fufpended ; and on the thirteenth of May, the king
put an end to the feffion, after having in his fpeech
acquainted both houfes, the preliminaries of a peace
were actually figned at Aix-la-Chapelle; and that
the bafis of this accommodation, was a general re-
ftitution of all the conquefts which had been made
during the war. On the feventh of October, the
definitive treaty of peace was figned at Aix-la-
Chapelle, by which all the former treaties, from
that of Weftphalia to the laft concluded at London
and Vienna, were exprefsly confirmed.
. yx The bufinefs of the feflion being
'4"' brought to a conclufion, on the thir-
teenth of June, his majefty put an end to it by a
fpeech, in which he told them, That the term's and
conditions of the definitive treaty of Aix-la-Cha-
pelle had been carried into execution by the feveral
contracting parties with great punctuality and good
faith, fo far as the time and diftance of the places
would admit. He exprefled his fatisfaction at fee-
ing the public credit in fo flourifhing a condition,
at the end of an expenfive, though necefiary war,
and then having returned them thanks for their
fupplies, and recommended unanimity among them,
he prorogued the parliament.
The earl of Halifax, at this time firft lord of
trade and plantations, formed a fcheme, in which
he was affifted by many perfons of diftinction, for
the fettlement of anew colony in Nova Scotia, in
order to extend the power of Great Britain in that
large track of country, diffufe the benefits of popu-
lation and agriculture, and improve the fifhery of
that cxtenfive coaft. This excellent and patriotic
fcheinc met with the fuccefs it deferved; for his
majefty having been pleafed to honour it with his
royal approbation ; the lords of trade and planta- .
tion, gave notice in the Gazette, and other public
papers, on the feventh of March, that proper en-
couragement" would be given to fuch of the officers
and private men lately difmifled his majefty's land
nnd fea fervice, as were willing to accept of grants
of laud, and to fettle with, or without their families
in the province of Nova Scotia. In confeqeunce
of this advertifcment, by the beginning of May,
BO lefs than three thoufand feven hundred and fifty
perfons, with their families had engaged themfelves
to go to this new fettlement, and fix their habita-
tions there. The honourable Edward Cornwallis
was appointed governor of this infant colony, and
accordingly accompanied the fettlers thither. The
whole fleet, after a pleafant voyage, arrived fafely
at Nova Scotia, and anchored on the twenty-firfl
of June, in the bay of Chebucto, fituatcd in the
center of the fouthern part of the province; Anna-
polis being on the fouth, and Canfo on the north.
Soon after their arrival a town was planned out at
the head of Chebufto harbour, and foon finifhed ;
when it was divided into lots, and called Hallifax.
It foon wore a plcafing afpect; and is now in a very
flourifhing condition. During the courfe of this
year, died Charles Seymour, the great and magni-
ficent duke of Somcrfet ; the humane and generous
John duke of Montague ; field-mat fhal, Richard,
Temple, vifcount Cobham ; John Lindfey, the
brave eat 1 of Crawford ; Sir John N orris, admiral of
England; and Sir Watkin Williams VVynn.
On the fixteenth of November the parliament
met at Weftminfter, and the commons voted one
hundred eighty-three thoufand two hundred and
thirty-two pounds, for making good the engage-
ments into which his rfVajefty had entered; one
million, forty-five thoufand, five hundred and
ninety pounds, towards difcharging the national
debt; four hundred and fixty-three thoufand and
fifty-two pounds, for fupplying clefidenccs; two
hundred forty-nine thoufand, nine hundred and
thirty pounds, for defraying extraordinary ex-
pences; one hundred twenty-two thoufand two
hundred forty-fix pounds, for reimburfing the inha-
bitantsof North America, the money they had ex-
pended in making preparations for an expedition
againft Canada, and for fupporting the colony of
Nova Scotia; thirty-fix thoufand, four hundred and
feventy-fix pounds, towards maintaining the above
colonifts during twelve-months j and two millions,
one hundred and ninety-nine thoufand, eight hun-
dred and fifty-five pounds, for the fervices of the
enfuing year: the whole fupply amounted to up-
wards of four millions. The number of land forces
were, fixed at eighteen thoufand eight hundred and
fixty-feven men ; and the number of .marines at
fifteen thoufand.
His majefty, on the twelfth of April, . ^
repaired to the houfe of peers, and,
after thanking the commons for the fupplies they
had granted, and the attention they had fhewn to
the good of the public, prorogued the parliament ;
and foon after fet out for his German dominions.
About two months before this prorogation, the in-
habitants of the metropolis were thrown in&o the
utmoft confternation by two fliocks of an earth-
quake: the firft happened on the eighth of Fe-
bruary, between twelve and one at noon, and was
felt throughout the cities of London and Weft-
minfter, and the parts adjacent; fome chimnies
were thrown down, and the waters, in feveral place*
were agitated in a very extraordinary manner; the
fecond on the eighth of March, at half after five
in the morning. The latter was far more fevere
than the former, though providentially no lives
were loft. It Was attended with a hollow ruftling
noife, refembling that of wind. In fome places the
fhock was fo violent that the people left their beds
and houfes and ran into the ftreets almoft naked.
For fome time before the Iheck happened, a con-
tinual, confufed lightening, which darted with great
ftrength and very low, was obferved. The fliock
was felt in feveral parts of Eflex, Surry, and Kent,
as well as in Middlefex, fo that the panic became
univerfal in all the four counties ; and was ftill
farther incrcafed by the ridiculous prediction of a
wild enthufiaftical foldier, who boldly prophefied
that a third fliock would happen in the night be-
tween the feventh and eighth of April, and lay the
whole cities of London and Weftminfter in ruins.
Though this prognostication fecms, when viewed
in the eye of reafon, too ridiculous to merit the
leaft attention, yet it produced the moft aftonifhing
effect on the credulous and already terrified vulgar.
Multitudes of the inhabitants abandoned their
houfes and retired into the country ; and in the
evening of the feventh of April, the fields adjacent
to the metropolis were crouded with people, who
waited there during the whole night in the moft
alarming fituation, till the light of the morning put
an end to their appreherjions, by convincing them
that
G E O R G E
611
that the prophecy they had been weak enough to
credit, had no other bafis than that of falfehood.
A no lefs extraordinary event happened at the
feffions at the Old Bailey. The .putrefied air ad-_
hering to the cloaths of the malefactors, fpread a
peftilential fever among the audience. The lord-
mayor of London, one alderman, two of the judges,
ieveral lawyers, and the greater part of the jury loft
their lives by this peftilential vapour. This melan-
choly cataftropheoccaiioned orders to be given for
thoroughly cleanfing the jail of Newgate, and
erecting a ventilator on the leads, in order to ex-
tract the foul air out of the prifon, and catife a
circulation of frefli, to prevent, if poflible, the
like accident for the future.
His majefty being returned from
-A. 1). 175 1. j^ Qerman dominions, opened, on
the feventeeth of January, the feflion of parlia-
ment, with a fpeech ; when the .fupplies demanded
by the minittry, amounted to nearly five millions ;
feveral of the motions were oppofed, with the ut-
moft force of argument by Mr. Pitt, Sir George
Lytcleton, and Mr. Grenville; but the force of num-
bers prevailed, and the miniftry carried every thing
they propofed. On the twentieth of March, about
ten at night, the nation fuftered a fevere lofs by the
ciea-th of Frederick prince of Wales, in the forty-
fixth year of his age. His royal highnef's had
catched cold in his garden at Kew, about three
weeks before ; and having neglected it, his diforder
increaltd by his coming very warm from the houfe
of peers in his chair, with the windows open. This
brought on a pleurify, which his phyficians were
far from thinking mortal ; and proper applications
.heittg made, hewas thought in a fair way of recovery,
till the very hour before his death ; when a large
abfceib upon the lungs, which had long been gather-
ing, was fuppofed to burft, and to have been the im-
mediate caufe of his death. This amiable prince had
carefully ftndicd the conftitution and intereftof Great
Britain, with the fpirh of the laws of England. He
was at great pains to acquire a tafte in the fine arts,
efpeciafly thofe in which the Ensilifh excelled, and
was a generous patron of feveral eminent poets, and
other writers of merit. He was a pattern of con-
jugal tendernefs, and was ufed to tell thofe he was
moft intimate with, that he thought it the greateft
happinefs of his life, that his princefs was every
thing he could wifh, and that he believed he fliould
have loved her, had me been of the humbleft fta-
tion. Towards the latter part of his life, he had
applied with great afliduity to the ftudy of com-
merce, "and embraced every opportunity of pa-
tronizing the plans formed for its advantage. He
left five fons and three daughters ; and at the time
of his death his princefs was far advanced in her
pregnancy. The remains of his royal highnefs
were, on the thirteenth of April depofited, with
great pomp and ceremony, in a vault, in Henry the
ieventh's chapel, Weftminfter-abbey. On the
twentietli letters pafled the great feal for creating
the prince's eldcft fon, George William, his prefent
majefty, prince of Wales, and earl of Chefter, and
on the twenty-fecond of May, his majefty gave the
royal affent to a bill for providing for the admi-
niftration of the government, in cafe it mould de-
fcend to any of the children of his late royal high-
nefs, while under eighteen years of age. This year
was alfo fatal to the prince of Orange, who had
married the princefs royal of England, and died in
the forty-firtt year of his age ; and about the fame
time Louifa, the king's youngeft daughter, and
queen of Denmark, expired at Copenhagen, in the
tucnty-feventh year of her age. Among the acts
palled this fefiion, was one for altering the ftile,
and regulating the commencement of the year.
By this ftatute" the year was to commence from the
tint of January, and eleven days were dropped, to
I bring the year nearer the true, courfe of the fun.
On the twenty-fifth of June the king prorogued
both houfes to the thirteenth of Auguft ; and on the
fourteenth of November the parliament was again
opened at Wcftminfter.
The commons after having pre- . ^
fented very affectionate addrefles to
the king, proceeded to fettle the fupplies ; the whole
amounting to near four millions fterling. On the
twenty-fixthof March his majefty went to the houfe
of peers, and, after having given his aflent to ninety-
five public and private bills, put an end to this
feffion of parliament : upon which the king fct out
for Hanover, in order to concert the moft proper
meafures for executing the great fcheme he had
formed, for electing the archduke Jofeph king of
the Romans. In the mean time, his Pruflian ma-
jefty difcontinued the payment of the Silefian loan,
with which he had charged himfelf, by an article in
the treaty of Breflaw. He alfo publiflied a paper in
juftification of his conduct; but every article of the
charge being clearly and fully confuted, hisPruffian
majefty withdrew his claim, and iffued orders for con-
tinuing the payment of the loan as before. In North
America, the French had been for fome timelabour?
ing to acquire large tracts of land belonging to the
Englifh ; while their Indians committed the moft
inhuman barbarities on our out-fettlers ; and to effect
their ambitious projects, they fent nine thoufand fol-
diers with their wives and children to Canada. In
the Eaft Indies a war was carried on between the
French and Englifli companies. Colonel Clive,
an officer in the fervice of the latter, had obliged
the French to retire from before Arcot ; and had
gained many other confiderable advantages over the
enemy. This year was fo barren of events at home,
that not one happened deferving of notice : the
affairs of the parliament, with regard to their grant-
ing the yearly fupplies, conftitute the main bufmefs
of this period.
His majefty having returned from . -^ |
his German dominions, opened the
parliament on the fecond of January. The com-
mons proceeded immediately to confider the fup-
plies, which, by the oeconomy of the minifters,
amounted to very little more than two millions;
and on the feventeenth of June, the bufinefs that
lay before them being finifhecl, the king put an end
to the feflion. Several unpopular acts were pafled by
this parliament, particularly an act to permit perfons
profefling the Jewifli religion, to be naturalized.
A petition from the lord mayor, aldermen and com-
mon council, exprefied their apprehenfions, that
fliould the bill pafs into a law, it would greatly tend
to the dishonour of religion, endanger our excellent
conftitution, and be highly prejudicial to the intereft
and trade of the kingdom in general. Several
other petitions, both for and againft the bill, were
prefented ; and a fpirit of animofity againft the Jews
was fpread throughout the whole nation, notwith-
ftanding which the bill pafled ; but it was repealed
the enfuing feffion. In this feflion alfo a bill pafleu
to prevent clandeftine marriages ; by which ftatute
it was enacted, that no minors fliould be fuflered to
contract marriage without the confent of their pa-
rents, or guardians ; that the banns of marriage
fliould be regularly publifhed three fucceflive Sun-
days in the church of the parifli where both parties
refided, for one month at leaft before the ceremony :
that the marriage folemnizcd without this previous
publication, ora licence obtained from the bifliop's
court, fliould be void ; and the perfon who folemnized
it, fhould be tranfported for feven years. This act
was then, and by many, is now thought to be re-
plete with confequences injurious to iociety ; hav-
ing a tendency to impede that ardour which impels
numbers to marry, and to clog a ceremony of in-
finite advantage to the nation, with procraftination,
and
612 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
and delay. Among thefe and other ads, was like-
wife one for purchasing the famous collection of jSir
Hans Sloane, who now paid the debt of nature.
That celebrated naturalift and antiquarian directed,
by his laft will, that his whole mufeum fhould be
offered to the parliament for the ufe of the public,
on condition of their paying to his executors the
fum of twenty thoufand pounds. The offer en-
gaged the attention of the whole kingdom ; and
when it was made in form to the houfe of commons,
they readily embraced it-, they accordingly pre-
pared a bill for making thepurchafe-, together with
the Harleian collection of manufcripts, now alfo
offered by the duchefs of Portland. In order to
increafe ftill more, thefe treafures of literature, it
was likewife rcfolved to join with them the famous
Cottonian library, and to provide a proper place for
them, together with the king's collection of books,
which had long lain expofed to the injuries of the
weather, in the old dormitory at Weftminlter.
Thefe refutations being taken, a bill was paflcd for
completing fo noble a purpofe : governors and
truftees were appointed, and Montague-houfe, one
of the moft magnificent edifices in the kingdom,
was purchafed for a repofitory of thefe famous col-
tections.
The French in Canada had, as we have already
obferved, during the courfe of the laft year, pro-
cured a ftrong reinforcement from Europe. This
additional itrength flattered them with the pleafmg
hopes of being able to engage the Englifh to ad-
vantage, and they accordingly made the neceflary
preparations for taking the field early in the fpring.
They were not ignorant that the Englifli were
building forts and raifing plantations on the banks
of the Ohio, which they confidered as too near their
own fettlements to be difregarded, and therefore
determined to oppofe them in their fcheme for
cftablifliing a colony in that country. Accordingly
the French pretended they had a prior right to thele
lands, and therefore erefted forts of their own, on the
fame banks of that river. The Englifh were now
convinced that vigorous meafures were the only re-
fource they could adopt for any hopes of fuccefs,
and the colonies accordingly determined to oppofe
the enemy to the utmoft of their power. Thefe
tranfaftions took up the greater part of the current
year ; the refult of them will be hereafter related.
Nor did the French confine their ambitious defigns
to America ; they were alfo extended t@ the Eatt
Indies, where they had omitted nothing in their
power, to embroil the Englifti with the nabobs, or
vice-roys of the great Mogul, in different parts of
the peninfula on this fide the Ganges. But the
French army being defeated infeveral engagements,
it was at laft agreed, that the two companies fhould
reciprocally reftore the territories taken by the
troops of either fince the commencement of thefe
difputes, except certain diftricts retained for the
convenience of their trade j that the nabobs ad-
vanced by the influence of either party mould be
acknowledged by both, and that, for the future,
neither fhould interfere in any differences that might
happen between any of the Indian princes. On
the fifteenth of November the parliament aflembled
at Weftminfter, and the feflion was opened by his
majefty, who, in his fpeech from the throne ob-
ferved, that the public tranquillity and the ftate of
Europe, remained on the fame footing, as at the
clofe of the laft feflion ; and that they might be
afiured of his fteadinefs in purfuing the moft effec-
tual meafures for preferving to his people the blef-
fings of peace. When the commons were returned
to their houfe, a motion was made for an addrefs to
his majefty ; but it did not pafs without feveral fe-
vere animadverfions on the inconfiftency between
this fpeech and the real fituation of affairs in Eu-
rope ; nor did the French efcape without many
fpirited declarations againft their perfidious conduct
both in America and Alia.
This year an incident of an inconfiderable kind
was in its confluences, carried to fuch a height, as
to endanger the peace of the public. Elizabeth
Canning, a young woman, declared, that on new-
year's dayfhewas met, when going home at night,
by two men, under Bedlam-wall, in Moorjields ;
that they pulled off her cap, gown, and apron,
gagged her, and threatened to cut her throat if fhe
made the leaft noife. That thefe men hurried her
along on foot, when, about four in the morning,
they came to the houfe of mother Wells, near En-
field Wafli, where a woman cut off her ftays, and
forced her into a room. Here this girl, by her
own account, lived for a whole month, on no
other futtenance than about the quantity of a
quartern loaf, in ftale crufts, and a jug of water ;
and all this feverity was practifed to induce her to
turn proftitute. She, however, at length, found
means to break through a window that had been
boarded up, almoft naked ; and, notwithftanding
her long faft, ran home to London, in the night
of the twenty-ninth of January. Improbable as
this ftory is, it had fuch an effect upon the paflions of
the people, that large fubfcriptions were inftantly
fet on foot for the ufe of the girl, and for bring-
ing the delinquents to juftice. By Canning's de-
fcription, the houfe was found out ; warrants were
iffued for apprehending the miftrefs, the maid, and
one Mary Squires, an old gipiey, whom Can-
ning charged with robbing her of her ftays. The
miftrefs who did not appear to be guilty of the
felony, was fentcnced by the court as a common
bawd. The maid, whofe name was Hall, being
intimidated by the juftice who examined her, turned
evidence for Canning, and the gipiey was indicted
and tried for a felony. Upon her trial fhe bi ought
the ftrongeft proofs of her being at Abbotfbury, in
Dorfetfhii e, the very night the felony was faid to
be committed ; and many contradictions on Can-
ning's part, and that of her friends, appeared in the
courfe of the trial. But the prepoffefHon of the
people ran fo high againft the gipfey, that flic was
found guilty, death. Sir Crifpe Gafcoyne, the then
lord mayor, and fome Bother gentlemen interefted
themfelves in her favour. A great number of affi-
davits from perfons of unqueltionable credit were
fent up, proving the alibi of Squires ; and applica-
tions were made to the throne for mercy. The king
referred the affair to the attorney and folicitor-ge-
neral, who having examined the evidence on each
fide, made their report to the king and council in
her favour, and his majefty was pleafed to pardon,
her. The people were now divided into two parties,
each of which were men of fenfe and humanity.
Subfcriptions were advertifed, and immediately
raifed for profecuting the Abbotfbury men, upon
whofe evidence the pardon had been granted. On
the other hand the gentlemen who had engaged
againft Canning, were refblved upon the punifhment
of one whom they thought to be an impoftor. Bills
of perjury were preferred on both fides. After a
full and impartial trial, the Abbotfbury men were
acquitted; and Canning abfconcling, warrants were
iffued for apprehending her. In die beginning of
the following year fhe fuirendered to take her trial,
which was carried on to an extraordinary length.
The mob, inflamed, infulted Sir Crifpe Gafcoyne,
and on his coming out of the fefiion-houfe, he was
obliged to draw his fword in his defence. The
jury brought in their verdict, " guilty of perjury,
but not wilful and corrupt." This d'iftinction be-
ing objected to by the court, they, at laft, with great
difficulty, brought her in guilty ; and Ihe was fen-
tenced to be tranfported to one of the Engiifh co-
lonies in America. The zeal of her numerous
friends did not end here. They gave her recom-
mendations
G E O R G £
II.
613
mendations to pcrfons of fortune in New England;
and me had :\ fervant hired to attend her in the
voyage. After all that has been advanced by each
party, an impenetrable cloud of diilkulties has in-
volved in obfcurity this intricate affair, which even
time itfelf, the revealer of truth, has not yet dif-
pelled.
n On the fixth of April his ma-
A' U< X754- jcfty} after giving the royal affent to
feveral bills which hadpaffecl bothhoufes, prorogued
the parliament; and foon after it was diffolved by
proclamation, and writs iffued for calling a new
one. The right honourable Henry Pelham, chan-
cellor of the exchequer, died in the beginning of
March, and was fincerely regretted by his majefty
and the nation in general. On his death, the duke
of Newcaule was placed at the head of the treafury,
and was fucceeded in his psft of fecretary of ftate
by Sir Thomas Robinfon ; Mr. Legge was ap-
pointed chancellor of the exchequer; Sir George
Lyttleton cofferer, and the earl of Hilfborough
comptroller of the houfliold; Mr. George Gren-
ville, brother to earl Temple, was appointed
treafurer of the navy ; and Mr. Charles Townfhend
a lord of the Admiralty, in the room of lord Bar-
rington, removed to the poft of mafter of the ward-
robe} lord Hardwicke, the chancellor, was created
an carl; and the place of lord-chief-juftice of the
King's-bench, vacant by the death of Sir William
X,ee, was conferred on Sir Dudley Rider, who was
fucceeded in his poft of attorney-general by Mr.
Murray. The new parliament met at Wcftminfter
on the tenth of May, and the feffion opened by
the duke of Cumberland, and fome other noble-
men, acting by commiffion from the king. This
Ihort feflion continued only to the fifth of June,
when it was clofed, and the parliament prorogued
to the eighth of Auguft, and afterwards to the
month ot November.
The miniftry, alarmed at the progrefs of the
French in America, and convinced from the evafive
anfwers they received from that court that nothing
could be effected by negotiation, fent peremptory
orders to the governors of the American colonies
to repel force by force, and drive the French from
their fettlements on the Ohio, provided they re-
fufed to retire in a peaceable manner. Thefe
meafures being taken, colonel Waflvington was de-
tached to the banks of the Ohio at the head of four
thoufand men. On his arrival he threw up fome
works, and erected a kind of occafional fort, in
hopes of being able to defend himfelf till he fhould
be joined by a reinforcement from New York.
But in this he was miftaken, a fmall party of the
French being fent to demand the furrender of the
fort, which they pretended was built on their lands ;
but Wafhington took the whole detachment pri-
foners. This fo provoked de Villar, governor of
Canada, that he marched to the attack; which
"Waihington, who laboured under many difadvan-
tages, fuftained for a considerable time ; but being
overpowered by numbers, he furrendered the fort
rpon capitulation, and marched towards the fron-
tiers of Virginia. In the mean time the Indians,
\vho paid no regard to the treaty, harraffed the
F.nglifh in their retreat, plundered their baggage,
and maffacred every individual that fell into their
hands. This tranfaction rendered a rupture be-
tween the two nations inevitable ; nor were either
wanting in their preparations for obtaining the
defired fuccefs. Two regiments were ordered to
be levied in America, under the command ©f Sir
William Pepperel, and governor Shirley.
On the fourteenth of November the Britim par-
liament met at Weftminfter, when his majefty
opened the feflion with a fpeech from the throne,
wherein nothing was mentioned of an approaching
rupture ; but being perfuaded that the king was de-
No. 58.
termincd to humble the infolence of the French
court, both houfes of parliament prefentecl very
dutiful and loyal addrefies, well knowing that
nothing could be more agreeable to the nation,
nor any expence too great, for humbling the pride
of that infidious people.
Sir Thomas Robinfon, fecretary of ; pj I7-c.
ftate, came to the parliament houfe
on the twenty-fecond of March with a meffage
from the king, importing, " That his majefty
finding it requifite, from the prefent fituation of
affairs, to augment his forces by fea and land, and
to take fuch other meafures as may beft tend to
prcferve the general peace of Europe, and to fe-
cure the j uft rights and poffeflions of his crown in
America, as well as to repel any attempts whatT
ever which may be formed againft his majefty and;
his kingdoms, doubts not but that his faithful
parliament will enable him to make fuch augmen-
tations in his forces by fea and land, as the emer-
gency of affairs in this critical juncture may re-
quire." Upon which, both hoiifes prefented loyal
addreffes, exprefiing the utmoft zeal and affection
for his majefty's perfon and government. Nor were
thefe mere compliments ; the commons immediately
, voted a million for enabling his majefty to augment
his forces. This alacrity in parliament to affift his
majefty, caufed fuch remarkable difpatch in every
part of the marine, that by the middle of April
there was a very powerful fleet at Spithead well
manned, and ready to put to fea; and admiral
Bofcawen, with ten mips of the line and fix frigates j
having fix thoufand land forces on board, failed to
obferve the motions of the French. Thefe were
reinforced by admiral Holborne, with fix fhips of
the line and one frigate.
The French fleet, commanded by Mr. Macna-
mara, an Irifh officer, failed from Breft on the
fixth of May, directing their courfe towards the
gulph of St. Lawrence; but as foon as they ar-
rived in a certain latitude, Macnamara returned to
Breft with nine of the capital mips, leaving the reft
of their fquadron to continue their courfe under
M. Bois de la Mothe, and M. de Salvert. On the
tenth of June, two of the French fleet, the Alcide
and Lys, both of fixty-four guns, though the latter
had only twenty- two mounted, fell in with the
Dunkirk and the Defiance off the banks of New-
foundland, in a very thick fog. On their firft ap-
pearance, captain Howe in the Dunkirk coming
clofe along fide of the Alcide, ordered her to
ftrike, and come into the Englifti fleet. The
French captain afked if it was peace or war? but
not receiving a fatisfactory anfwer, he repeated the
queftion, adding, he fhould obey no orders but
thofe of his own admiral. Captain Howe, ob-
ferving a great number of land officers on the
quarter-deck, generoufly defired them to withdraw,
as it was not their duty to defend the fliip. This
being done, he poured in a broadfide; and the two
mips being yard-arm and yard-arm, his mot did
dreadful execution. Howe continued his fire with
fuch alacrity, that the French officers foon found it
impoflible to keep the men to their quarters, and
therefore ftruck their colours in lefs than three
quarters of an hour. In the mean time the Lys
ftruck to the Defiance-, but the Dauphin Royale,
another French {hip that was juft in fight at the
beginning of the engagement, efcaped by means
of the fog. In thefe fliips were fix hundred foldiers
with their officers, and fifty thoufand crowns. This
action was not the only event that was favourable
to Great Britain. An expedition had, by his majefty's
command, been concerted between general Law-
rence and governor Shirley, againft the French in
Nova Scotia ; and was now carried into execution
by the afliftance of two thoufand of the New
England troops. The important fort of Beaufe-
7 C^ jour,
6i4
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
jour> now Cumberland fort, furrendered to lieute-
nant-colonel Monckton by capitulation, on the fix-
teenth of June, after four days bombardment ;
and the next day a fmall fort on the river Gafpe-
reau, followed the example. In the latter was the
enemy's principal magazineforfupplyingtheFrench
foldiers and Indians with provifions and ftores. By
this fuccefs, colonel Monckton was enabled to dif-
arm fifteen thoufand rebel neutrals, confiding of
Acadians and Indians.
In January, commodore Keppel failed from Ire-
land with a confiderable fleet of men of war and
tranfports, having on board a body of land forces,
under the command of general Braddock, and
landed the whole corps fafely at Virginia in the
month of April. Soon after their arrival a council
was held by the general, at which the governor of
that province, and feveral of the neighbouring
colonies, aflifted. After feveral debates it was
agreed, that in order to preferve Ofwego, and re-
duce theFrench fort at Niagara, Shirley's and Pep-
perel's regiments fliould march to the lake Onta-
rio: general Braddock undertook the reduction of
Fort du Quefne, a French fortrefs on the river Mo-
nongahela : and general Johnfon, at the head of
the provincial troops, mould inveft Crown Point,
aftrong fortrefs on the banks of Lake Champlin.
Braddock, at the head of two thoufand men,
crofled the Allegany mountains on the twelfth of
June, and continued his march towards the enemy,
but met with many difficulties in his route : he was
detained for fome time at Willis's Creek, and
greatly diftrefied for want of provifions and forage,
the Virginians not having provided either, nor were
there any baggage waggons to be procured in the
province. He was, indeed, promifed one hundred
and fifty waggons, and three hundred horfes, toge-
ther with a large fupply of forage and provifions,
to be furnifhed from the back fettlements of Pen-
fylvania ; but after a tedious and anxious expecta-
tion of thefe fuccours, only fifty waggons, and one
hundred horfes, arrived. In the mean time, Sir
John Sinclair advanced towards Fort du Quefne, to
reconnoitre the fortrefs and adjacent ground. In
this view, he remarked a fmall eminence within
cannon fhot of the fort, which was built of wood,
and garrifoned with a thoufand men. This difco-
very he imparted to the general, and it was pro-
pofed to erect a battery on the eminence, and fet
the fort on fire with red-hot balls.
Braddock, for want of lupplies, continued at
Willis's Creek in the utmoft perplexity: but was
foon relieved from his fears, and immediately began
his march towards the enemy. On his arrival in
the Little Meadows, he found it neceflary to leave
behind him the greater part of his baggage wag-
gons, &c. under the care of colonel Dunbar, with
a detachment of eight hundred men. His corps
now confifted of twelve hundred men, and by
this expedient he was enabled to proceed with
much greater" expedition, and accordingly en-
camped within ten miles of Fort du Quefne on the
eighth of July. The French garrifon quitted the
fort ; and having chofe a very advantageous fpot of
ground, about fix miles fouth therefrom, they en-
trenched themfelves in a very mafterly manner,
having a thick wood on each fide of them, ex-
tending along the route which they knew muft be
taken by the Englifh general. When Braddock
left his camp in the Little Meadows, he continued
his march, without even endeavouring to procure
the leaft intelligence of the fituation and difpofition
of the enemy, or to reconnoitre the roads and
thickets, though his army was almoft encompafled
by the latter. Having advanced within three miles
of the enemy's entrenchments, theFrench left their
lines, placing their irregulars in the front, with
three hundred regulars behind to fupport them.
The greater part of the Indians were pofted-in the
wood, where they effectually concealed themfelves
behind the trees and bufhes. About noon, Brad-
dock appeared with his troops, and was imme-
diately faluted by a general difcharge upon his
front, and all along his left flank: upon this, the
Englifh general gave orders to pufh forwards, as
the enemy were in fight, though not within mufket-
fhot ; and foon after the attack was begun. The
war-whoop was now given by the Indians, who riling
from their ambufh in the thickets, flanked the
Englifh in vollies; among whom they did incre-
dible execution. Difmayed at being cxpofed to
three different fires, the vanguard, after making
one general fire on the enemy, retreated in the ut-
moft confufion, and threw colonel Dunbar's regi-
ment, which was behind them, into great diforder.
They were, however, rallied by their officers, many
of whom were killed as they were ufing their en-
deavours to induce them to return to the charge,
but in vain ; they obftinately refufed to attack the
enemy. In the mean time the general, who exerted
himfelf in a very remarkable manner, after having
five horfes killed under him, was mortally wounded.
On his dropping from his horfe, both regiments
fled in the utmoft terror, diforder, and precipita-
tion, deferting their officers, who, though alone,
kept their ground, till only five out of fixty re-
mained, the reft being either killed or wounded.
The provincials, however, who compofed the rear,
flood firm, and continued the engagement, on very
unequal terms, for near three hours, when they
were obliged to retire. - But to this noble ftand the
fafety of the regulars was principally owing. Seven
hundred of the Englifh fell in the engagement,
with the greater part of the officers. ''Colonel
Dunbar, after collecting the remains of the army
at Fort Cumberland, retired to the frontiers of
Penfylvania,and the troops were afterwards fent to
Albany in New York. Meanwhile, governor Shir-
ley and genera! Johnfon were employed in their
refpective undertakings. Johnfon had long refided
on the Mohawk river, and was greatly beloved both
by the inhabitants and the native Indians, for his
faithful and humane behaviour towards them.
About the latter end of Auguft he encamped in
a ftrong fituation to wait for his batteaux, in order
to proceed to Ticonderago, at the other end of
Lake George, and from thence to Crown Point.
Whilft in this fituation, fome Indian fcouts brought
him advice, that two thoufand of the enemy, under
the command of the baron de Dielkau, were on
their march to attack Fort Edward. Hereupon it
was determined in a council of war, to fend one
thoufand men, with a number of Indians, in order
to intercept the enemy in their return. Accord-
ingly, on the eighth of September, this detach-
ment began their march under the command of
colonel Williams. They foon met the enemy, who
had refolved to furprize general Johnfon 's camp,
previous to their attack on Fort Edward. Williams
and his party were obliged to retreat back to their
camp, and the general immediately made the beft
difpofition he was able for the reception of the
enemy, who prefently appeared in fight, and halted
about one hundred and fifty yards from the camp.
Their regular troops began the attack in the center,
the Indians and Canadians in their fervice being
placed on our flanks. Their fire did no execution,
while ours foon difperfed the favages, who fled into
the adjacent woods for ihelter. The engagement
then became general, and the French jt.-gulars kept
their ground, till the inceflant fire from our artillery
put them into fome diforder, which our troops per-
ceiving, immediately jumped over the breaft-work,
and attacked them on all fides. Between feven and
eight hundred were killed, thirty taken prifoners,
among whom was the baron Diefkau, and the reft
fled
E O R G
E
II.
615
fled with the utmolt precipitation. In this engage-
ment, the colonels Williams and Titcomb, major
Afhley, fix captains, and many fubalterns were
killed ; and general Johnfon and major Nichols
were wounded. The former recovered in a fhort
time, and the plan for attacking Crown Point was
formed ; but from want of provifion, or fome other
caufe, this attempt was deferred till the next year,
and the whole army returned to Albany. The
brave conduft of general Johnfon met with its juft
reward -, for his majefty was pleafed to create him
a baronet, and the parliament made him a prefent
of five thoufand pounds.
The expedition which governor Shirley had un-
dertaken againft Niagara, was not carried into
execution this year ; and that oflicer, having left
colonel Mercer with a garrifon of feven hundred
men at Ofwego, returned with the greateft part of
the troops under his command to Albany, where a
quarrel arofe between him and Sir William John-
fbn, which arrived to fuch a height, that his ma-
jefty thought proper to interpofe, and Shirley re-
ceived orders to return to England and anfwer for
his con dud. In the month of September it was
refolved in council, that the lords of the admiralty
Ihould iflue orders, authorizing the captains and
commanders in the royal navy to feize and bring
into port all forts of French {hips, whether men of
war or merchantmen. Previous to this, feveral
new (hips were built, and others repaired ; and
thefe maritime preparations were carried on with
fuch diligence and alacrity, that before the end of
the year our navy confifted of one flap of an hun-
dred and ten guns, five of an hundred guns each,
thirteen of ninety, eight of eighty, five of feventy-
four, twenty-nine of feven ty, four of fixty-fix,
one of fixty-four, thirty-three of fixty, three of
fifty-four, twenty-eight of fifty, four of forty-
four, thirty-five of forty, and forty-two of twenty;
four floops of war of fourteen guns each, two of
fixteen, eleven of fourteen, thirteen of twelve, and
one of ten; befides a great number of bomb-
ketches, fire-fliips, and tenders. The miniftry
alfo had fent, in the preceding year, rear-admiral
Watfon,and rear-admiral Pocock, with a fquadron
of capital fhips, having Aldercorn's regiment on
board, to the Eaft Indies, in order to fupport our
interefts there; and on the twenty-fixth of De-
cember 1754, articles of a provincial treaty, and
articles and flipulations of a truce were figned
between governor Saunders and M.Godehew; foon
after which the latter of thefe gentlemen was re-
called home, and M. de Leyrit appointed to fucceed
him, whofe conduct foon convinced the Englifh,
that the tranquillity which they hoped would have
been permanent, was founded on an uncertain
ban's. They were not miftaken ; for early in the
year it was found, that the French were endeavour-
ing, though in direct contravention of the pro-
vifional treaty, to make themfelves matters of all
Decan. At the fame time they alfo took pofleffion
of Golconda, and fent affiftance to the Polygor of
Vellour, then in aftual rebellion againft his fove-
reign Mahomed Ally Khan, our ally.
Admiral Watfon, with the fleet under his com-
mand, failed to reduce Tullagee Angria, a piratical
prince in the neighbourhood of Bombay, whofe
chief refidence was at Geriah. His city was well
fortified, and he was now become formidable to all
the trading mips of Europe. The pirate himfelf
had quitted his capital; but his wife and family
were ftill there, under the protection of his brother-
in-law, whom he had left governor of the place.
As foon as the admiral came before the town, he
fent a mcflage to the governor commanding him
to furrender ; but he haughtily anfvvered, that he
would defend the place to the Lift extremity. This
demand was a fecond time refufed, and the fhips
began once more to batter the place with redoubled
vigour. About one o'clock the magazine of the
fort blew up, and at four the garrifon hoifted a
white flag for a capitulation; but the parley that
enfued proving abortive, the bombardment began
afrefh, and continued till after five, when the white
flag was again difplayed, and the governor fub-
mitted to the terms impofed by the Englifh. The
flag of Angria was ftruck; and two captains from
Clive's army, at the head of a detachment, took
pofleffion of the fort, and immediately hoifted the
Britifh colours. They found in the place two hun-
dred pieces of cannon, fix brafs mortars, a large
quantity of ammunition, befides money and efle(fts1
amounting to one hundred and thirty thoufand
pounds. But this lofs, however fatal it might
prove to Angria, was not the greateft ; his whole
fleet, confifting of eight grabs, one fhip finifhed,
two upon the flocks, and a great number of gulli-
vots were totally deftroyed. Among a great num*
ber of prifoners were Angria's wife, children, and
mother, towards whom the admiral behaved in the
moft humane manner. During thefe tranfadtions
in India, his majefty returned from his German
dominions, and reached his palace at Kenfington
on the fifteenth of September. On the thirteenth
of November he opened the feflion of parliament
with a fpeech from the throne; and a few days
after, Sir Thomas Hobinfon, fecretary of ftate,
thought proper to refign the feals, which his ma-
jefty delivered to Mr. Fox. Mr. Legge alfo, about
the fame time, from a difguft at the meafures
purfued with foreign princes, refigned his poft as
chancellor of the exchequer, which was conferred
on Sir George Lyttleton, and the poft of fecretary
at war was given to lord Barrington ; while Mr.
Pitt was difmifled from his employment, and the
earl of Darlington and Mr. Hay, were appointed
joint pay-mafters general in his ftead; the' privy-
leal was given to earl Gower; and the duke, of
Marlborough made general of the ordnance.
War, though not yet formally, . ^ ,
as now onenlv declared so-ain-ft *75*"
was now
openly declared againft
France ; for the commons, in adjufting the fupplies
for this year, had voted fifty thoufand feamen, in-
cluding nine thoufand one hundred and thirty-eight
marines, together with two millions fix hundred
thoufand pounds for their maintenance. Early in
the fpring, advice was received that the French
were employed in equipping a formidable fquadron
of fhips at Breft: recourfe was therefore had to
the landgrave of Hefle for fuccours, who readily
granted them; which, together with twelve batta-
lions of Hanoverians, arrived in England in the
month of April. In the mean time the French
landed a body of troops in the ifland of Minorca;
and the Britifh miniftry detached a fmall fquadron
of ten fhips of the line to the Mediterranean, under
the command of admiral Byng. He reached
Gibraltar on the fecond of May, where he found
captain Edgecumbe, with the princefs Louifa and
a floop. Here Byng learned that the French fleet,
commanded by M. Galiflbniere, confifting of thir-
teen fhips of the line, and a numerous fleet of
tranfports, having fifteen thoufand land forces on
board, had failed on the tenth of April from Tou-
lon, and made a defcent on the ifland of Minorca.
Strengthened by captain Edgecumbe, and rein-
forced from the garrifon of Gibraltar, Byng failed
for Minorca on the eighth of May. Captain
Harvey in the Phoenix, joined the admiral off the
ifland of Majorca. Soon after they faw the Englifh
colours flying on the caftle of St. Philip, and fe-
veral bomb-batteries playing upon the works from
various parts of the enemy's camp. The admiral
continued his courfe in order to affift or relieve the
caftle, till he perceived the French fleet at a conli-
derable diftance to the fouth-eaft. Early the next
morning
6i6
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
morning both fleets were formed ready for the at-
tack; and about two o'clock admiral Byng threw
out a fignal to bear away two points from the wind,
and engage the enemy. But the diftance from the
French fleet was fo great, that rear-admiral Weft,
finding it impoflible to comply with both orders,
bore away with his divifion feven points from the
wind, and clofmg with the enemy, attacked them
with fuch impetuofity, that the fhips which oppofed
him were foon driven out of the line ; had he been
properly fuftained by the van, the Britifh fleet
would, in all probability, have gained a complete
viciory. But the other divifion not bearing down,
and the enemy's center keeping their ftation, Weft
could not purfue hisad vantage without running the
rifk of being feparated from the reft of the fleet.
At the beginning of the engagement, the Intrepid,
one of the Englifh fleet, was fo difabled, that fhe
fell on board the next Ihip, which for fome time
retarded the engagement. The French admiral,
in the mean time, who perceived he was not able
to engage in a clofe fight with the Englifh, took
the advantage of joining his van, which had been
defeated, and of edging away with a flowing fail.
Byng gave chace to the enemy ; but his {hips being
foul, and thofe of the French clean, he could not
come up with them ; and the next morning not
one of the whole fleet could be feen. Three of
the Englifli {hips were fo damaged in their mafts,
that they coulcl not, with any fafety, keep the fea ;
many of the failors were ill, nor was there one fliip
that could be converted into an hofpital for the re-
ception of the fick and wounded. It was therefore
determined, in a council of war, to return to
Gibraltar. The news of this engagement threw
the whole Britifli nation into a violent ferment ; and
the miniftry immediately fent Sir Edward Hawke
and admiral Saunders to fuperfecle Byng and Weft,
in their commands of the Mediterranean fquadron.
The latter met with a very gracious reception from
his majefty; but the former was committed a clofe
prifoner, to an apartment in Greenwich hofpital.
The Englifli garrifon, notwithftanding this dif-
appointment of relief, ftill defended Fort St. Philip,
though the French prefled them on every fide with
the utmoft vigour. Numbers, however, at laft
prevailed, and the caftle was delivered up to the
French on the feventh of July. Not many days
after the furrender of St. Philip's, admiral Hawke's
fleet, augmented with five {hips of the line, ap-
peared off the ifland of Minorca. But the French
fquadron was returned to Toulon, and Sir Edward
had the mortification to fee the French colours
flying on St. Philip's caftle. The Englifli admiral,
thus difappointed in not meeting with Galiflbniere,
blocked up the port of Toulon ; and after fcouring
the Mediterranean, and infulting the enemy's coafts,
he returned with the homeward-bound merchant-
men to Gibraltar, and about the latter end of the
year failed for England, where war had been de-
clared againft France, and great preparations made
for carrying it on with the utmoft vigour.
General Abercrombie, who fucceeded general
Shirley, aflembled the Britifli forces at Albany in
the month of June ; they confifted of two regi-
ments who had ferved under Braddock; two batta-
lions raifed in America; two regiments lately fent
from England ; four independent companies from
New York; the Jerfey regiment; four companies
levied in North Carolina ; and a body of provin-
cial forces raifed by the government of New Eng-
land.
Colonel Bradftreet, at the head of a convoy of
provisions and ftores for the garrifon of Ofwego,
on his arrival at Albany, informed general Aber-
crombie, that he had received certain intelligence
from the prifoners, that a large body of the enemy
was encamped on the eaftern fide of the Lake On-
Itario, provided with artillery, and all other neceffa-
ries for befieging the Fort of Ofwego. In confe-
quence of this information, Abercrombie ordered a
regiment of regulars, under the command of ge-
neral Webb, to march to the relief of that gar-
rifon ; but before he fet out, the earl of Loudon,
who had been appointed commander in chief of all
the forces in America, arrived at Albany ; and al-
though he approved of every meafure which general
Abercrombie had taken, yet, fuch was the obfti-
nacy of the people of New England, New York,
and other provinces, who infifted that the army they
had raifed fliould, previous to all other operations,
be employed in the reduction of Crown Point, that
it was the twelfth of Axiguft before they would give
their confent to general Webb's march. On his
arrival at the carrying-place between the Mohawk's
river and Wood's-creek, he received the difagree-
able news of Ofwego's being taken, and the gar-
rifon made prifoners of war : therefore, after having
rendered Wood's-creek impaflable to canoes, by
felling trees, and throwing them into the ftream,
Mr. Webb returned to Albany, where lord Lou-
don, finding the feafon was too far advanced to
admit of any important enterprise againft the ene-
my, caufed barracks to be built for his forces;
after which he provided the forts of Edward and
William Henry with numerous garrifons.
In the Eaft Indies, major Lawrence had obtained
feveral advantages over the enemy, and profecuted
his fuccefs with fuch vigour, that, in all probabi-
lity, a {hort time would have put a period to the
war, had not the progrefs of his arms been inter-
rupted by the taking of Calcutta by Surajah Dowlay
viceroy of Bengal, who having been irritated by
fome tranfaftions of the company levied a nume-
rous army, and marching to Calcutta invefted the
place, which was then in no pofture of defence.
Mr. Drake, the governor, who was a quaker, left
the defence of it to Mr. Holwell, his fecond in
command, and accompanied by the ladies and
principal perfons in the fettlement, embarked on
board a fliip in the river, having taken with them
their moft valuable effects, and the books of the
company. Mr. Holwell, with the afliftance of a
few gallant officers, and a very weak garrifon, re-
pulfed feveral attacks of the enemy with uncommon
courage and refolution ; but being overpowered by
numbers he was obliged to fubmit, having firft
obtained a promife from Surajah, that no injury
fliould be done to any one of the garrifon. This
promife, however, was very little regarded ; for the
gauifon and inhabitants, confiding of one hundred
and forty-fix perfons of both fexes, were all driven
into a place called the Black-hole, being a room of
about eighteen feet fquare. Here they were con-
fined during the whole night, and deprived of the
frefli air, by which means no more than twenty-
three furvived, the reft having periflied in the m-
moft agony: among thofe who elcaped fuffbcation
was Mr. Holwell, who, with his companions, was
fent prifoners to Muxadabad.
Our loflcs and difgraces both in the Mediter-
ranean and North America, occafioncd great mur-
murings at home among all ranks of people, who
imagined they faw great mifmanagement as well in
the directive as in the executive part of govern-
ment. In the month of November, therefore, his
majefty thought proper to make the following al-
terations in the miniftry; the duke of Devonfliire
was appointed firft commiffioner of the treafury, in
the room of the duke of Newcaftle ; the right ho-
nourable Bilfon Legge was made chancellor of the
exchequer, in the place of Sir George Lyttieton ;
earl Temple was appointed firft lord of the admi-
ralty; the right honourable George Grenville was
made treafurer of the navy; lord chancellor Hard-
wicke having refigned the feals, they were put into
commiflion ;
GEORGE
IL
617
commifiion; and Mr. Pitt was appointed one of
the f'ecretaries of ftate in the room of Mr. Fox.
The dread of an invafion being now perfectly fub-
fided, and Hanover thought in more danger than
Great Britain, orders were iflued for fending home
the Hefiian and Hanoverian troop.?.
The parliament met on the fecond of December;
and addrefles having been prefented by both houfes,
the committee of fuppiy, and of ways and means,
were appointed, who proceeded to confider the
public eftimates, when it was relblved to augment
the land-forces from thirty-five thoufand, to forty-
nine thoufand feven hundred and forty- nihe effective
men, including four thoufand and eight invalids.
The feamen were fettled at fifty-five thoufand men,
including eleven thoufand four hundred and nine-
teen marines, with a fuilicient proviilon for their
maintenance. They aHb enable;! Ins majefty to
perform his agreement with, and provide for, his
Heffian and Hanoverian forces; beiides which they
granted ample fums for garrifons, for the ordnance,
for levying new regiments, for forming and main-
taining an army of obfervation in Germany, and
fulfilling his majefty's engagements with the king of
Pruffia; for the fupport of the Britifh forts on the
coaft of Africa; for the relief of South Carolina
and Virginia; the fupport of Nova Scotia and
Georgia; for enabling the Eafl-India Company to
keep 'a military force in their fettlements ; and for
feveral other ufes and contingencies; which fupplies,
in the whole, amounted to eight millions three
hundred and fifty thoufand, three hundred and
twenty-five pounds.
f. ~ The parliament . having enquired
• • J757- jn(;0 the lofs of Minorca, a court-
martial was appointed for the trial of admiral John
Byng; which, after examining witnefles for the
crown and prifoner, came to feveral refolutions,
importing on the whole their opinion, that admiral
Byng, during the engagement between the Englifh
and French fleets, did not do his utmoft endea-
vours to take, feize, and deftroy the fliips of the
French king, which it was his duty to have en-
gaged, nor to a/lift fuch of his majefty's fliips as
•were engaged, which it was his duty to have aflifted ;
and that he did not exert his utmoft power for the
relief of St. Philip's caftle. They therefore una-
nimoufly agreed, that he fell under part of the
twelfth article of an act of parliament ; and as that
article prefcribed death, without any alternative left
to the difcretion of the court, adjudged the faid
admiral to be fhot to death, at fuch a time, and on
b^ard fuch a fhip, as the lords ccmmifiloners of
the admiralty fhould pleafe to direct. But as it
appeared by the evidence of the officers who were
near the admiral's perfon, that no backwardnefs
v/as difcernible in him during the action, nor any
mark of fear or confufion, either in his counte-
nance or in his behaviour, but that he delivered his
'orders coolly and diftinctly, without feeming in-
fluence of intimidity •, and as they had reafon, from
other circumftances, to believe, that his mifconduct
did not arife from cowardice or difaffection, they
unanimouUy and earneftly recommended him aa a
proper object of mercy. His majefty, in confe-
cjuence of the rcprefentation made by the lords of
the admiralty, referred the fentence to the confide-
ration of the twelve judges, who unanimoufly
averred its legality. This report being tranfmittcd
from the privy-council to the admiralty, their lord-
fliips iffiicd a warrant for executing the fentence of
death, which was accordingly done on the four-
teenth of March on board the Monarque, a third
rate fhip of war, thqn at anchor in Portfmouth
harbour.
. Though the people were pleafcd with the pro-
motion of Mr. Pitt and Mr. Legge, upon whofe
virtues and abilities they had the moft perfect re-
No. ,59.
Hance, the old junto found them very unfit for
their pnrpofes. Thefe patriot minifters could nei-
ther be perfuacled, cajoled, nor intimidated into
meafures, which they thought repugnant to the
true intereft of their country. They oppofed,
both in council and parliament, every thing whkh
they deemed inconfiftent with the honour of the
crown, and prejudicial to the rights of the people.
They nobly maintained, even in office, their inde-
pendency and candour; and greatly evinced, that
he is the beft minifter to the fovereign, who acts
with the greateft probity to the fubject. Thofe
who immediately furrounded the throne, were fup-
pofed to have concealed from, or mifreprefented,
the characters of thefe faithful fervants, to their
royal matter; and to have declared, that with fuch
colleagues it would be impoffible to conduct the
machine of ftate. Thefe fuggeftions, frequently
repeated, produced the defired effect; and on the
ninth of April, Mr. Pitt, by his majefty's com-
mand, refigned the feals as fccretary of ftate, and
Mr. Lcgge,' the office of chancellor of the
exchequer. The board of admiralty was changed,
and feveral other removals made in different parts
of the adminiftration. Nothing could tend more
to perpetuate the memory of thefe difcarded pa-
triots, than the honours conferred on them by the
people in general. The whole nation feemed to
rife up as one man in vindication of their inte-
grity; every tongue declared their praife; and a
great number of refpectable cities and corporations
prelented them the freedom of their refpective fo-
cieties, inclofed in golden boxes, as teftimonies o£
their peculiar veneration. The people conceived
the moft violent antipathy againft thofe, who, by
their inficlious representations had banifhed from
the councils of their fovereign, and the fervice of
their country, gentlemen, who were fo well qua-
lified to direct the one, and promote the other,
A great number of addrefles, dutifully and loyally
exprefted, folicited the king to reftore M. Pitt
and Mr. Lcgge to their former employments*
Accordingly, his majefty was pleafed to re-deliver
the feals to the former on the ninth of June, and
in five days the latter was rcftored to his former
office. Sir Robert Henley was made lord-keeper
of the great-feal ; and the cuftody of the privy -fcal
was committed to the earl Temple. The duke of
Newcaftle, Mr. Legge, Mr. -Nugent, lord Dun-
cannort, and Mr. Grenville, were , appointed com-
miflioners of the exchequer; lord Anfon, the ad-
mirals Bofcawen and Forbes, Dr. Hay, Mr. Weft,
Mr. Hunter, and Mr. Elliot, were phced at -the
board of Admiralty ; Mr. Fox was made receiver
and pay-mafter of all his majefty's land forces;
and the earl of Thomond treafurer of his majefty'a
houfhold.
At this time the 'king of Pruffia, who had con-
quered the electorate of Saxony, found himfelf op-
pofed by the forces of the emprefs queen of Hungary,
thofe of the czarina, and the whole power of France.
The latter had taken pofleffionof the duchy of Cleves,
and the county of Mark, belonging to his Pruffian,
majefty, in the neighbourhood of the Low Countries.
The rendezvous of the French army was appointed
at Neufs, in the electorate of Cologne, where, be-
fore the firft of April, a large body was actually
aflembled under the prince de Soubize. To guard
againft the ftorm with which Hanover now feemed
threatened, orders were fent to recruit the troops of
that electorate; and to furnifh the magazines with,
all things neccfiary for fifty thoufand men. His
royal highnefs the duke of Cumberland was ap-
pointed commander in chief of thefe forces, which.
were to be railed in Germany. Accordingly in the
beginning of April he fet out for Hanover, and ar-
rived there on the fixteenth of the fame month.
Before he joined the army it had been reinforced by
7 11 three
6i8
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
three Pruffian regiments, and now confuted of
thirty-feven battalions and thirty-four fquadrons.
The duke, immediately on his arrival, removed the
Camp to a convenient fpot of ground between
Bielefeldt and Hervorden; and took pofleflion of
the caftle of Retberg, where he fixed his head-
quarters. Having received advice on the thirteenth
of June, that the enemy had caufecl a large body of
troops to file off on his right to Burghotte, he
caufed the allied army to march that evening to-
wards Hervorden. The next day he encamped at
Cofeldt, and finding the intention of the enemy was
either to oblige him to come to an engagement, or
to repafs the Wefer; he chofe the latter, and en-
camped in a very advantageous fituation, having
that river in front, and his right and left covered
with eminences and marmes. On the eleventh of
July the French army alfo paffed the Wefer; it not
being in the power of the allies to prevent them;
and having laid part of the electorate of Hanover
under contribution, they pofted themfelves on the
heights, oppofite the duke of Cumberland's camp ;
who immediately changed his fituation, and drew
up his army on an eminence between the Wefer and
the wood, having the river Hamelen on his right, and
the wood on his left, and the village of Haftenbeck
in his front. A battery of twelve pounders and
howitzers, was erected in the wood, and on the left
of it, major general Schulenbourg was pofted with
the hunters, and two battalions of grenadiers. In
the morning of the twenty-fifth of July, the French
advanced in columns, and began a very fevere can-
nonade, which continued the wholeday, but nothing
more was done. The allied army received orders
to lay on their arms all night. His royal highnefs
then caufed the battery at the end.of the wood to be
repaired, and reinforced by four more battalions of
grenadiers, under the command of major-general
Hardenburgh. A battery was alfo erected behind
the village of Haftenbeck, and every precaution
taken to give the enemy a warm reception. Be-
tween five and fix in the morning the French began
a very fmart cannonading upon the battery behind
the village, which was defended by the Hcflian in-
fantry and cavalry with great fteadinefs and refolu-
tion. About eight the firing of the fmall arms be-
gan on the left of the allies, and the French feemed
to gain ground; upon which his royal highnefs de-
tached the colonels Darkenhaufen and Bradenbach,
with three Hanoverian battalions and fix fquadrons
round the wood by Aftbrde, who towards the clofe
of the day drove feveral fquadrons of the enemy
back to their army. At length the grenadiers in
the wood, apprehenfive of being furrounded by the
enemy, thought it prudent to retire nearer the left of
the allied army, by which unfortunate motion the
French got pofleffion of that battery without oppo-
fition. The hereditary prince of Brunfwic imme-
diately put himfelf at the head of a battalion of
Wolfenbuttle guards, and another of Hanoverians,
who, animated by the courage of their leader, with
their bayonets fixed, repulfed a much fuperior force
of the enemy, and retook the battery. But the
French being by this time in poflefllon of a height
which commanded and flanked both the lines of
the infantry and the battery of the allies, which at-
tack they could fupport under cover of a hill, and
his royal highnefs finding he could not diflodge
them without expofing his troops greatly, he ordered
a retreat to Hamelen, which was effected without
the leaft moleftation on the part of the enemy. The
loft of the allies in this engagement was five hun-
dred and forty-feven killed and miffing, and nine
hundred and feven wounded ; while that of the
French, according to their own account, amounted
to upwards of two thoufand men. His royal highnefs
having left a fmall detachment at Hamelen for its
defence, continued his march, and encamped in the
neighbourhood of Hoya, in order to cover Bremen
and Verden, and to preferve a communication with
Stade, to which place the archives and moft valua-
ble effects of Hanover had been removed. The
French foon reduced Hamelen, and during their
flay there, M. d'Etrees received orders from his
court to refign his poft of commander in chief of
the French forces to the cluke de Richlieu ; who, on
his arrival at the camp, detached the duke de
Chevreufe to take poflefllon of Hanover, with the
title of governor of that city. Finding all oppc-
fition would be vain, the inhabitants fubmitted to
the enemy, and the Hanoverian garrifon, after
being diiarmed was left at liberty to go where they
pleafed. Richlieu himfelf, at the head of his army
followed the duke of Cumberland ftep by ftep, as
far as the Aller, where many fldrmifhes happened
between the two armies. That of the duke, how-
ever, though in a ftrong fituation, was by far too
weak to think of holding out againft the numerous
forces of the French, which in a manner furrounded
the allies; and had made themfelves matters of a
little fort at the mouth of the river Zwinga, whereby
they cut off the duke's communication with the
Elbe. In this difagreeable fituation his royal high-
nefs was in a manner compelled to come to feme
fort of terms with the enemy; and the king of
Denmark having offered his mediation, it was ac-
cepted by the commanders in chief of both armies,
and on the eighth of September, the duke of Cum-
berland figned the convention of Clofler Seven, by
which thirty-eight thoufand Hanoverians laid down
their arms, and were difperfed into different quar-
ters of cantonment. His royal highnefs having
thought proper to refign the command of the elec-
toral army, it was conferred on prince Ferdinand of
Brunfwic, who, about the latter end of November,
put the troops in motion. On the fourth of De-
cember, they overcook a body of two thoufand men,
which formed the enemy's rear; thefe they attacked
and totally routed. On the fourteenth of the fame
month, another action happened upon the Aller,
between a body of feven or eight thoufand Hano-
verians, under general Raftrow, and one of about
ten thoufand French, in which the former remained
mailers of the field. Thefe advantages animated
the Hanoverians, and ftruck fuch a panic into the
enemy, that they were almoft incapable of refiftance,
fo that the former recovered pofieflion of Lunen-
burgh, Zell, and all that part of the Brunfwic do-
minions next to Pruffia. The enemy, however,
had committed the moft terrible outrages in every
place ; the fuburbs of Zell were reduced to aflies,
and, by the orders of Richlieu, the orphan houfe
was fet on fire, and many of the poor innocents
perifhed in the flames. The feverity of the weather
prevented prince Ferdinand from perfuing his ad-
vantage : he therefore marched to Ultzan and
Lunenburgh, where his army was put into winter
quarters.
After the new miniftry had been fettled, a defcent
upon the coaft of France was refolved on, in order
to deftroy the enemy's Clipping, which were to
carry fuccours to America, and draw part of the
French forces from Germany, to the defence of
their own coaft. A powerful fleet was accordingly
fitted out with great expedition, and ten regiments
were marched to the Ifle of Wight. The naval
armament, confiding of fixteen Ihips of the line,
befides frigates, fire -Ihips, bomb-ketches, and tranf-
ports, were put under the command of Sir Edward
Hawke. Sir John Mordaunt was placed at the
head of the land-forces, and both ftrictly enjoined
to act with the utmoft unanimity. On the eighth
of September, this powerful fleet failed from Spit-
head ; and on the twentieth of the fame month made
the ifle of Oleron, from whence they proceeded to
Bafque-road. On the twenty-third, the van of the
fleet,
E O R
E
II.
619
fleet, led by captain Howe in the Magnanirhe,
flood towards the Ifle of Aix, fituated in the mouth
of the river Charente, leading up to Rochfort. The
fortifications of this ifland were but half finifhed,
being mounted with only thirty cannon and mor-
tars, and the garrifon confided of fix hundred men.
After ah engagement which lafted about an hour,
the fort fin-rendered, and fome forces were landed to
take pofieffion of the ifland and demolish the forti-
fications This conquelt, though inconfiderable in
itfelf, greatly elated the forces, as it promifed them
future fuccefs, but inftead of improving this ad-
vantage, the commanders fpent feveral days in
councils of war, and founding the coaft, which hav-
ing alarmed the enemy, they took fuch precautions,
as rendered every other attempt of our fleet abor-
tive; upon which it was refolved to return to Eng-
Jand. Thus finiOied an expedition which had coft
the nation near a million of money, thrown the in-
habitants of the French coaft into the utmoft con-
fufion, and attracted the notice of all Europe. Sir
John Mordaunt was tiied by a court-martial for not
performing his orders, and diimifled from his ma-
jefiy's fervice.
In America affairs wore but a gloomy afpect this
year. The enemy remained mafters of all the lakes,
which gave them an opportunity of gaining moft of
the Indians over to their fide. By the lofs of
Ofwego, the whole country of the five nations was
abandoned to the mercy of the French; and by the
imprudent demolition of the forts we poffefled at
the Great Carrying-place, a free paffage was opened
to our fettlements on the German flats and along
the Mohawk's river, which, before the end of the
campaign, the enemy deftroyed with fire and fword.
The fcheme for an attempt on Crown Point was
now hid afi.de, as was alfo an expedition to Louif-
burgh.
The departure of lord Loudon gave the French
general an opportunity of improving the fuccefTes
of the former campaign. He reduced Fort Wil-
liam Henry, the garrifon of which, nowithftanding
the articles of capitulation, were cruelly ufed by the
favages, and many of them murdered in a moft
Shocking manner. The enemy demolifhed the fort,
carried off the effects, provifions and artillery, to-
gether with the veflels on the lake, and then re-
turned to Montreal, without making further at-
tempts on the frontiers of the Britifh colonies.
Admiral Holbourn being freed from the care of
tranfports, failed foe Louifburgh, with fifteen fhips
of the line, four frigates and a fire-fhip. On the
twentieth of Auguft they appeared before that har-
bour, and perceived the French admiral make the
fignal to unmoor; upon which Mr. Holbourn, who
was greatly inferior in ftrength to the enemy, not
chufing to hazard an engagement, returned to Ha-
lifax. But having been reinforced with four fhips
of the line, he, in the middle of September, again
proceeded to Louifburgh, with intention, ifpoflible,
to draw the enemy to an engagement. La Mothe
was, however, too prudent to hazard a battle, the
lofs of which muft have expofed all the French
colonies to the attempts of the Englifh. Here the
Britifh fquadron continued cruizing till the twenty-
fifth, when they were overtaken by a terrible ftorm.
When the hurricane began the fleet was about forty
leagues diftant from Louifburgh, but, in twelve
hours, were driven within two miles of the rocks
and breakers on the coaft of that ifland: juft at that
inftant the wind providentially fhifted, and faved
the whole fquadron, except the Tilbury, which
was loft upon the rocks, and about half her crew
perifhed. Eleven fhips were difmafted, others
threw their guns overboard, and the whole re-
turned to England in a very fluttered condition,
But in the Eaft Indies the fcene changed greatly
•in our favour j for thene the bravery of admiral
Watfon and colonel Clive re-eftablifhed the mili-
tary honour of the Englifh. That admiral failed
from Madrafs with no more than three fhips of the
line; and arrived at the port of Balafore in the
kingdom of Bengal, where ftrengthening himfelf
with all the troops he could draw together, he en-
tered the Ganges; and after a fhort refiftance, made
himfelf mafter of thefort of Bufbudgia, which opened
a paffage to the foot of Calcutta, the late principal
fettlement of the company in Bengal, and the fcene
of the deplorable fufferings of fo many of our un-
fortunate countrymen. Animated with revenge at
the fight of this place, our fhips and land forces at-
tacked it with fuch fpirit, that the Indians furren-
dered it before night ; and a few days after, Hughly,
fituated higher up the Ganges, was reduced with as
little difficulty. The nabob finding the feeble re-
fiftance made by forts defended by Indians, ad-
vanced with an army of ten thoufand horfe and
twelve thoufand foot. Infinitely inferior as our
troops were in number, Clive did not hefitate to
attack the nabob's army; and though he did not
entirely rout them, yet the flaughter he made
among them was fo great, and he had fo much the
advantage in the field, that the nabob was glad to
agree to a peace, by which the Englifh Ealt India
company was reftored to all its antient privileges:
an immunity was granted them from all taxes, and
reftitution promifed for all that they had fuflered by
the taking of Calcutta. The admiral and colonel
having fettled the company's officers in the pofief-
fion of their eftablifhments, turned their arms
againft the French. They refolved to attack
Chandenagore, a place of confiderable ftrength,
fituated at a diftance from Calcutta, higher up the
river, and the principal fettlement of the French in
that part of India. In this expedition, colonel Clive
commanded feven hundred Europeans, and fixteen
hundred black foldiers, while Watfon and Pocock
commanded a fquadron of fhips which confifted
only of the Kent, the Tyger, and Saliibury. The
French prepared to receive them, by finking fe-
veral large veflels both above and below the fort;
but the admirals, by carefully founding, found a
fafe paflage, and made fo fevere a fire upon the fort,
in which they were feconded by colonel Clive's bat-
teries on fhore, that the place capitulated in lefs
than three hours. .Here five hundred Europeans
and feven hundred blacks, furrendered themfelves
prifoners of war; one hundred and eighty-three
pieces of cannon were found in the place, befides
a confiderable value in money and goods.
The nabob from the time of his figning the above
treaty, fhewed himfelf little inclined to adhere to
the ftipulations made; and though he was not
fparing in his promifes, he always deferred the per-
formance upon fuch frivolous pretences, as evidently
fhewed his ill defigns. The Englifh commanders
refolved to take no notice of his proceedings, till
they had broken the power of the French in this
province; and having accomplifhed it, by the
taking of Chandenagore, they deliberated whether
they ought not to commit hoftilities againft him;
and an incident happening, which promifed to en-
fure their fuccefs, they refolved to attempt it. The
nabob, Surajah Doula, who had the laft year takenCal-
cutta, had treated his own fubjeds with the fame per-
fidy which he had formerly fhewn, and ftill conti-
nued to diftrefs the Englifh; hence moft of his gene-
rals were difcontented, and fome of them entered into
a confpiracy againft him. At the head of this con-
fpiracy was Jaffier Ali Cawn, one of his principal
officers, a man of great power and influence. Their
clefigns were no fooner ripened, than they commu-
nicated them to the Englifh government at Cal-
cutta, clefiring their aflitlance. The gentlemen
there did not long hefitate with what party they
fhould fide; they concluded a treaty with Jaffier
AU
6ab
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
All Cawn, and the other confpirators; in confe-
quence of which the Englifh troops immediately
took the field under colonel Olive. The admiral
undertook to garrifon the fort of Chandenagorc
with his feamen; and a detachment of fifty men
with then officers, were .added to the land forces, to
ferve as gunners; while a twenty gun fhip Was fta-
tioned above Hughly, in order to preferve a com-
munication between colonel Clive and the admiral.
Thefe preliminary meafures being taken, they ad-
vanced up the river, and in a few days brought the
nabob's army, of about twenty thoufand men, ex-
clufive of thole who favoured the confpirators, to
an ac"tion which was decifive in favour of the
Englifh; when the nabob feeing himfelf ruined by
the" freachery of his oflicers, and the cowardice of
his troops, fled with the few who remained faithful.
Jaftier Ali Cawn now declared himfelf openly ; and
entering Muxadavad, the capital of the province,
with an army of his friends and victorious allies,
was placed, by colonel Clive on the antient feat of
the nabobs, and received the homage of all ranks of
pe >ple as Suba of Bengal, Bahar, and Orixa. Soon
after, the deppfed nabob was made prifbner, and
pat to death in his prifon by him who now fat on
his throne. Thus this great revolution was accom-
plifhed within about thirteen days, and the govern-
ment of ,a vaft kingdom was transferred to . an
ufurper ; a kingdom, which yielded in its diraenlions
to few in Europe, and to none in the fertility of its
foil, the number of its inhabitants^ and therichncis
of its commerce. By this revolution the territories
of the Englifh Eaft. India company were enlarged,
and upwards of two millions fterling were to be
paid them as an indemnification to the fuflerers,
by the taking of Calcutta. The new elevated na-
bob gave alfo about fix hundred thoufand pounds,
fterling, as a gratuity to the feamen and troops.
However, the joy of 'the Englifh was not a little
damped by the death of admiral W,.ticn, who, on
the fixteenth of Auguft, loft his life by the unwhol-
fomenefs of the climate.
The parliament, on the firft: of December, met
at Weftminfter. AddrefTcs of thanks having been
prefented by both houfes, the commons proceeded
tofettiethe fupply; the whole of which amounted
to ten millions four hundred eighty-fix thoufand
four hundred and fifty-feven pounds. The bufinefs
of this feffion was not finifhed till the firft of June,
in the following year, when, his majefty being in-
difpofed, an end was put to it by the lords com-
iniffioners.
P. In the month of February, admiral
;H' Bpfcawen failed with a fleet for St.
Helens, deftined to act againft the enemy in North
America. Sir Edward Hawke alfo directed his
courfe, with another fquadron, to the Bay of Bifcay,
in order to intercept any fupplies from France, de-
figned for cape Breton or Canada. On the twenty-
eighth of March, admiral Ofborne, cruizing off
Carthagena on the coaft of Spain, fell >n with a
fquadron of the enemy, commanded by the marquis
du Qucfne, coniifting of the four following fhips :
the Foudroyant of eighty guns; the Orphee of fixty
four ; the Oriilarame of fifty j and the Pleiade a fri-
gate of twenty-four, in their paffage from Toulon
to reinforce M. de la Clue, who had for fome time
been blocked up by admiral Ofborne in the harbour
of Carthagena. The enemy no fooner perceived the
Britifh fquadron than they difperfed, and fleered
different courfes, upon which the Englifh admiral
detached fevcral mips in purfuit of each, while he
himfelf, with the principal part of his fleet, flood
into the bay of Carthagena, to watch the motions of
the French fquadron in that port. Captain Storr,
in the Revenge, came up with the Orphee, about
feycn in the evening, and took her: The Mon-
njouth, captain Gai'Uiiaer, engaged the Foudroyant,
and obliged her to ftiike. The Oriflamme was
driven on Chore under the caftle of Aiglais, and the
Pleiade frigate made her efcape. Sir Edward
Hawke, in the beginning of April, diicovcred a
French fleet at anchor off the ifle of Aix, coniifting
of five fhips of the line, fix frigates, and" forty trani-
ports, having on board three thoufand troops, and
a large quantity of ftores and provifions, for their
Settlements in North America. As foon as they
faw the Englifh. admiral advancing, they flipped
their cables, and fled with the utmoft precipitation.
Some of them efcaped, but the far greater number
ran into fhallow water, where they could not be pur-
fued, and by throwing their guns, ftores, and bailaft
overboard, got into the river Charente; but their
loading was loft and the end of their equipment
totally defeated. Another covoy of merchant
fhips, under the protection of three frigates, had, a
few days before, been chafed by Sir Edward Hawke
into the harbour of St. Martin's on the ifle of Rhe;
and -a third confHting of twelve fail, under convoy
of a frigate and armed veffel, was encountered at
fca by one Britifh fhip of the line, and two fire
fliips, which took the frigate and armed vcfl'cl ; and
two of the convoy afterwards met with the fame
fate. A terrible accident befel.the Prince George
of eighty guns, commanded by rear-admiral Bro-
derick, in" his paflage to the Mediterranean. On
the thirtieth day of April, between one and two in
the afternoon, a dreadful fire broke out in the fore
part of the fhip, and raged with fuch violence, that
notwithftanding all the efTorts of the officers and
men for fevcral hours, the flames increafed; and
the fhip being confumed to the water-edge, funk
about fix o'clock in the evening. "When all endea-
vours proved ineffectual, and no hopes of preferving
the fhip remained, the barge was hoifted out for the
prefervation of the admiral, who accordingly en-
tered it; but all cliltinction being now forgot, the
failors rufhed into it in fuch crowds, that in a few
moments it ovcrfet. The admiral, who forefaw
what muft be the confequence, had ftripped off his
cloathes, and committed himfelf to the mercy of the
waves. In this fituation he remained a full hour,
when he was taken up by a boat belonging to a
merchant fhip, befides the admiral, the captain,
four lieutenants, thepurfer, thechaplain, themaft§r,
two lieutenants of marines, the boatfwain, three
paffengers, fourteen petty officers, and about three
hundred men were faved, while the reft, amount-
ing to five hundred, perifhed,
Schemes for a defcent on the coaft of France
were now again renewed. Two powerful fquadrons,
the one confiding of eleven large fhips, commanded
by lord Anfon and Sir Edward Hawke, and the
other compofed of four fhips of the line, two fire-
fhips, two bombs, twenty tenders, ten ftore-fhips,
and one hundred tranfports, was put under the di-
reclion of commodore Howe. On board the latter
was embarked a body of troops, co'nfifting of fix-
teen regiments, nine troops of light horfe, and fix
thoufand marines, under the command of the duke
of Marlborough. The two fleets failed, in the begin-
ning of June, from St. Helens for the coaft of Bre-
tagne. The fquadron commanded by lord Anfon
ftanding to the weftuard, and. the other fleering
right athwart the channel. On the fourth about
five in the afternoon, being entirely becalmed, they
came to an anchor within three miles of St. Malo;
the next morning they weighed before it was clay,
and flood along the coaft till they opened the bay
of Cancalle, where they intended to difcmbark the
forces. About eight in the morningthecommodore
made a fignat for the fhips with the grenadiers on
board to make fail, and about four in the afternoon
the whole fleet came to an anchor; four frigates ex-
cepted, which were ordered1 to continue their courfe
towards a battery that might impede the landing of
the
GEORGE
IL
62i
the forces. Ten companies of grenadiers, under
the command of general Moftyn, were immediately
put into flat-bottomed boats, and las foon as the
frigates had filenced the battery, they landed with-
out any oppofition. Lord Down, at the head of
twenty men, was ordered to march through a very
narrow pafs up to the village, where they were met
by the marquis de Landal, intendant of the coaft,
and one of his fervants. Lord Down inftantly
called to him, and aflured him, that if he would
furrender he had nothing to fear; but this he
foolifhly refufed to do, upon which he, together
with his fcrvant, and horfes were fhot dead on the
fpot. After taking pofleffion of the village of Can-
calle, the grenadiers lay on their arms all night.
The next day the difembarkation was entirely com-
pleted, and the whole encamped : the head quarters
being fixed at Cancalle. The day following, as
foon as it was light, the whole army except the third
brigade, ftruck their tents, and began to march in
two columns. The firft, confiding of the brigade of
the guards, two battalions of grenadiers, and the
firft brigade, commanded by lord George Sackville
inarched from the left, till they fell into the great
road leading to St. Malo. The fecond column
confiding of the fecond and fourth brigades, com-
manded by the earl of Ancram, marched alfo from
the left through a country wholly enclofed, and the
road fo remarkably narrow, that two hundred pio-
neers, who marched at the head of the divifion were
frequently obliged to continue their route in fingle
files. At the fame time the fields on each fide the
road fo intercepted their view, that they often could
not fee more than forty yards beyond their flanks.
The inhabitants of the villages had deferted their
houfes,and ftripped them of every thing they could
remove, fo that the country appeared a mere defart
to the foldiers. This march was conduced with
great order and without beat of drum: but though
the diftance was no more than fix miles, they did
not reach their ground till it was late in the even-
ing. St. Malo was now reconnoitred by the general
officers, and a camp marked out about a mile from
the city. Parties of horfe were immediately de-
tached to different parts of the country, to fcour
the road, and make good difcoveries. One of thefe
detachments perceived a large bafon behind the
town, into which all the (hipping belonging to the
place were collected, and concealed from the fight
of the Englifh fleet by a prodigious ftorehoufe,
built in the form of a rotunda, near the rope-walk.
Marlborough, on being informed of this difcovery,
detached all the cavalry, with a foot foldier mount-
ed behind each of the horfemen, furnifhed with
hand-grenades, matches, &c. Thefe, concealed
by the night, pafled under the enemy's cannon on
the walls to the harbour, where they found a large
fleet, confifting of men of war, privateers, and
merchantmen. Fire was immediately fet to the
neareft ihips, and alfo the magazines of pitch, tar,
ropes, &c. all which, in the fpace of a few hours,
became fuch a dreadful fcene of conflagration, that
even imagination itfelf is unable to paint. The
fhips were all faft aground, and fo clofe together
that it was impofllble for any of them to efcape.
Two men of war, one of fifty, the other of thirty
guns, thirty-three privateers, from thirty to eighteen
guns each, and above feventy fail of merchant mips
were by this conflagration, reduced to aflies, toge-
ther with an amazing quantity of naval ftores. The
conflagration continued during the whole night;
and the next morning foraging parties were de-
tached from the camp, the army having landed
with only two days provifions. While encamped
near St. Malo, one of the battalions of the guards
marched under the command of general" Caefar, to
the town of Doll, fituated about twelve miles up
the country, where they were politely entertained
No. 59.
by the magiftrates; and as their delign was nothing
more than to reconnoitre the country, they con-
tinued one night in the town without committing
the leaft aft of hoftility, and in the morning re-
turned to their camp. A party of the light horfe
advancing ftill farther, fell in with the vedets of a
French camp, two of whom, after a long chafe, they
took, and brought them prifoners to the Englifll
army. By this time it was evident that the town of
St. Malo was too well fortified to hope for fuccefs,
all thoughts of attacking it were therefore laid afide;
and the general having received repeated advices,
that the French were bufily employed in affembling
forces to attack his camp, he returned to Cancalle,
where commodore Howe had made fuch a maflerly
difpofition of the boats and tranfports, that the re-
embarkation of the troops was performed with fur-
prizing eafe and expedition. The foldiers, while
they continued in the enemy's country, were re-
ftrained from committing the leaft outrage, by the
fevereft difcipline ; and all the houfes which the in-
habitants had abandoned were left untouched.
When the troops were all embarked the fleet left
Cancalle bay, and after encounterirtg the fury of
a tempeftuous fea for near a fortnight, came to an
anchor near Cherburgh ; and on the firft of July,
arrived in the road of St. Helens ; the foldiers were
landed on the Ifle of Wight, and a confiderable
part of them fen t, under the command of the duke
of Marlborough and lord George Sackville, to re-
inforce the allied army in Germany. The fleet failed
from St. Helens on the firft of Auguft; and iftef a
tedious paflage, anchored before Cherburgh. The
enemy had for fome time expected the Englifh
would foon attack this place: nor had they been
idle during the interval. They had thrown up an
intrenchment, extending near four miles along the
coaft from the fort de Ecourdeville, fituated about
two miles to the weft of Cherburgh, and fortified it
with feveral batteries at proper diftances. Behind
this intrenchment, a body of horfe and infantry
appeared, drefled in red and blue uniform. But as
they did not advance to the open beach, the landing
of the Englifh forces was attended with little dan*
ger. A bomb ketch was fent to anchor near the
town, and throw a few fhells into the place, as a
feint to amufe the enemy, with regard to the fpot,
where they intended to land, which was near a
league to the weftward of Querqueville, the wefter-
moft fort in the bay. The other bomb ketches be-
ing pofted along thefhore, confiderably galled the
intrenchment by not only throwing fliells, in the
ufual manner, but alfo by loading the mortars with
great quantities of balls, which were thrown to a
very confiderable diftance, and, by fcattering as
they flew, did an infinite deal of mifchief. While
thefe veflels kept up an inceflant fire on the
trenches, the grenadiers and guards were landed
without oppofition, and formed immediately on the
beach, having a natural breaftwork in their front.
The enemy advanced upon them in good order
from the left, where the ground was interfered with
hedges. On perceiving the approach of the enemy,
the Britifh troops marched towards them, and a
ftraggling fire began ; but the French declined the
engagement, and took pofleflion of a hill, whence
they difcharged a few random fhot on the Englifh,
advanced pofts, and took advantage of the night to
retire. General Blythe, who now commanded the
Britifli forces, encamped at the village of Erville,
and the next morning marched towards Cherburgh.
An advanced party took pofleffion of Querqueville,
which the enemy had abandoned, together with the
lines and batteries along the more. When the
Englifh reached Cherburgh, they found the place
entirely deferted by the enertfy, the gates were open,
and they entered it without the leaft oppofition,
while the inhabitants received them "with great
7 S civility.
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
civility. The famous bafon, harbour, and fluice
of Cherburg being deftroyed, on the fixteenth of
Auguft the forces marched down to the beach, and
were re-embarked at Fort Galet, without the leaft
difturbance from the enemy. The next day the
fleet fet fail for the coaft of England, and anchored
in the road of Weymouth, under the high land of
Portland. Two days after it again weighed and
flood to the fouthward, but was obliged by contrary
winds to return to the fame ftation. The fecond
effort, however, was more effectual ; and fleering to
the French coaft, they arrived in the bay of St.
Lunaire, two leagues to the weftward of St. Malo,
upon which place it was determined to make another
attempt. The floops and ketches being pofted
along fhore to cover the landing, the troops were
difembarked on an open beach, and a fmall party
detached to the harbour of St. Briac, above the
town of St. Malo, where they deftroyed about fifteen
fmall veffels: but St. Malo itfelf being carefully
reconnoitred, appeared to be impregnable either
by the land forces or fhipping, which obliged the
defign agaiuft it to be laid afide. The general un-
willing to re-embark without attempting fome ftep
for the farther annoyance of the enemy, refolved to
penetrate into the country, regulating his motions,
however, by thofe of the fleet, which, by this time,
had quitted the bay of St. Lunaire, where it could
not ride in fafety, and anchored in the bay of St.
Cas, about three leagues to the weftward. On the
eighth of September the army began its march to
St. Guildo, which they reached in the evening, and
the next day continuing their rout, they encamped
in the open ground, about three miles from the bay
of St. Cas, which was immediately reconnoitred for
re-embarkation, the general having received certain
intelligence that the duke d'Aiguillon had advanced
from Breft to Lambale, within fix miles of the
Englifh camp, at the head of twelve regular bat-
talions, fix fquadrons, two regiments of militia,
eight mortars and ten pieces of cannon. Had our
troops decamped in the night in filence, they might
poflibly have reached the beach before the enemy
had received the leaft notice of their defign: but
inftead of this cautious method of proceeding, on
the eleventh, at two in the morning, the generale
was beat, and the army began to march in one
column, confifting of fix thoufand, five hundred
men, fo difpofed, as to be capable of forming be-
fore an attack could be made. In the mean time,
the Brilliant, Rofe, Active, Pallas, and Tartar fri-
gates, flood into the bay of St. Cas, to cover the.
re-embarkation of the troops, who were drawn up
near a wind-mill, on a hill, about three quarters of
.a mile from the, beach. At nine in the morning
the army began to march down to the boats, which
lay ready to receive them. By eleven, two thirds
of the army with the light horfe and artillery, being
on board, a body of the enemy's horfe appeared on
the hill, and a little afterwards a much larger one
of infantry, occupying the ground round the wind-
mill. Upon a motion made by the French to de-
fcend, the bomb-ketches began to play upon them
with great fuccefs. The firft fhcll fell upon a body
of horfe, which rendered them fo ungovernable,
that the men were obliged to difmount. Several
alfo fell among the enemy's infantry. At half after
eleven, the French opened a battery of fix pieces of
cannon, near the wind mill, from which they main-
tained a clofe fire on the troops while embarking.
At twelve the enemy opened a battery of cohorns,
behind the hedge, on the right of the mill ; but the
fhips and ketches kept fo inceffant a fire upon it,
that they threw only two fhells among the troops,
which did fome damage. They then filed off a fe-
cond time to the left, and got pofleffion of the village
of St. Cas; upon which the grenadiers of the whole
army, amounting to eleven hundred men, with four
companies of guards, under general Drury, drew up
on the beach to cover the battalions while embarking.
In the mean time, the enemy, to avoid the fire of
the mips, left the village, and endeavoured to get
pofleffion of a hollow way, which entirely covered
them. This they accomplifhed, but when they be-
gan to defcencl, the grenadiers formed into two divi-
fion s, and marched to the attack. The bay of St.
Cas was covered by an intrenchment, which the
enemy had thrown up to prevent or oppofe the dif-
embarkation ; and on the out-fide of this work there
was a range of fand hills, extending along the fhore,
which would have ferved as a cover to the enemy,
from whence they might have annoyed the troops
in re-embarking; a propofal was therefore made to
the general, that the forces mould be taken on
board from an open beach on the left, between St.
Cas and Guildo; but this was rejected. The in-
trenchment would have been of great ufe to the
grenadiers, had not general Drury, by fome miftake,
inftead of waiting behind the dyke for the enemy,
marched the divifion over it, and attacked the ene-
my, who were ready prepared on the other fide.
Indeed he twice repelled them; but the continual
fuccours pouring do\\ n from the hollow way,
brought them back to the charge ; and then they
repelled general Drury in his turn. He was now
convinced of his error \ for the fecond divifion could
not get over the breaft-work time enough to fuc-
cour the firft, which was entirely broken, and with
great difficulty got back. The enemy having now
got pofleffion of the dyke, kept a continual fire
upon the grenadiers, and the general feeing that a
retreat was the only remedy, ordered the whole
body immediately to wheel to the right, and make
to the boats as faft as poffible. Some embarked,
but a battery which the French had erected on the
middle of the hill, played fo furioufly, that many
of the boats were beat to pieces. The enemy fee-
ing no retreat left to the grenadiers, mounted the
dyke, and by a great fuperiority of numbers,
drove thofe that remained into the fea, where the
greatefl part of them were cut to pieces or
drowned. During the laft attack, the fire from the
fhips was rendered ineffectual, becaufe the Englifh
would have fuffered equally with the French, Ge-
neral Drury was fliot in the breaft, but by the help
of a grenadier, he ftripped off his cloaths, and
plunged into the water, where he perifhed. Sir
John Armitage, a volunteer, was killed on a rock
to which he had fwam. The whole lofs, including
the flain, and thofe taken prifoners, amounted to
about a thoufand men.
Miniftry had for fome time determined to attack
the French fettlements on the coaft of Africa, and
the defign was this year carried into execution. The
plan was concerted by Mr. Gumming, a quaker, a
man of acute penetration, and happy invention.
This- perfon, who as a private merchant, had made
a voyage to this part of the coaft of Africa, ob-
ferved the extenfive trade carried on by the French,
and even contracted a perfonal acquaintance with
Amir, the Moorifh king of Legibelli; in whofe
dominions the moft important branches of trade are
carried on. The French, befides other articles of
commerce, were in pofleflion of the whole trade of
gum-fenega, a great quantity of which is ufed in the
manufactures of Great Britain, and which could only
be procured at an exorbitant price from the Dutch,
who had taken care to purchafe the whole from the
French. A fmall fquadron was now equipped for
this expedition, under the command of captain
Marfh, having on board a body of marines, com-
manded by major Mafon, with a detatchment of
artillery, ten pieces of cannon, eight mortars, and a
confiderablc quantity of warlike ftores and ammu-
nition. Captain Walker was appointed engineer,
and Mr. Gumming was concerned as principal
director
E O R G E
II.
623
director and promoter of the expedition. In the
beginning of March this little armament failed, and
in their paflage touched at the ifland of Teneriffe;
and, while the fliips were taking in their wine and
water, Mr. Gumming proceeded in the Swan Sloop to
Portenderrick, charged with a letter of credence to
his old friend the king of that country. But on his
arrival he had the mortification to find this prince
engaged in a new war with a neighbouring nation,
and at that time headed his army at a very confidera-
ble diftance from his capital. One of the chiefs, how-
ever difpatched a meffenger to the king, with advice
of Mr Cumming's arrival and defign; declaring at
the fame time, that he would ufe the utmoft expe-
dition in aflembling three hundred warriors to join
the Englifli troops, adding, that he was perfuaded
the king would fend a detachment from his army
to reinforce them. Captain Marfh, with the reft of
the armament, had by this time arrived at Porten-
derrick, and without waiting for the Indian forces,
•which were not yet ready, they failed again on the
twenty-fecond of April, and the next day, at four in
the afternoon, difcovered the French flag flying
upon fort Louis. Captain Marfh having taken a
large Dutch fhip richly laden with gums, which lay
without the bar, came to an anchor in Senegal road,
at the mouth of the river ; where he perceived the
enemy had ported feveral armed (loops to defend
the paflage of the bar, which is extremely dange-
rous. The captain, however, immediately prepared
for landing. All the boats of the fleet were em-
ployed to carry the ftores into the fmall craft, not-
withftanding the enemy's veflels kept firing on
them. As foori as every thing was ready, and the
channel difcovered, the fliips weighed anchor; and
at that inftant the wind, which generally blows
down the river, veering about, captain Miller, in
the London bufs feized the opportunity, and pafling
the bar with a full fail, call anchor on the infide,
where he lay all night expofed to the whole fire of
the enemy. Next morning he was joined by the
other fmall veflels, upon which a regular engage-
ment enfaed, and was warmly fupported on both
fides. At laft the bufies and one of the fmall
veflels running a-ground immediately bulged, and
were filled with water. This misfortune obliged
the troops they contained to take to their boats, and
with great difficulty they reached the fliore, where
they formed in a body, and were foon after joined
by their companions from the other veflels; fo that
the whole now amounted to three hundred and
ninety marines, befides the detachment of artillery.
' Expeding to be attacked by the natives who lined
the fliore at fome diftance, as if refolved to oppofe
the defcent, they threw up an intrenchment, and
began to difembark the ftores, great part of which
lay under water. While they were thus employed
the negroes came down in great numbers, and fub-
mitted to them : and on the following day they were
reinforced by three hundred and fifty feamen, who
paired the bar in floops with their enfigns and co-
lours flying. They intended to make an imme-
diate attack on Fort Louis, but this defign was pre-
vented by the arrival of two French deputies at the
intrenchment, with propofals from the governor for
a capitulation. The Englifh forces began their
march for Fort Louis, accompanied by a number
of long boats, in which the artillery and ftores had
been embarked. On feeing them advance, the
French immediately ftruck their flag, and major
Mafon took pofleilion of the caftle, where he found
ninety-two pieces of cannon, with a very confider-
able quantity of treafure and merchandize. The
corporation and burghers of the town of Senegal
readily fubmitted and fwore allegiance to the king
of Great Britain: the neighbouring princes, at-
tended by numerous retinues, vifited the commander,
and concluded treaties with the Engliih nation;
and the king of Portenderrick, or Legibelli, feht an
ambaflador from his camp to major Mafon, with
compliments of congratulation and aflurances of
friendfhip.
The miniftry being fenfible that the Englifli fet-
dements on the cooft of Africa could never be fe-
cure while the French kept pofleilion of Goree, they
fitted out a fquadron, the command of which was
given to commodore Keppel, confifting of four
mips of the line, feveral frigates, two bomb ketches,
and fome tranfports, having on board feven hundred
regular troops, commanded by colonel Worge. On
the eleventh of November this armament failed
from Cork in Ireland, and, after a dangerous paflage,
they arrived at Goree the latter end of December;
when the commodore immediately made a difpo-
fition for attacking the ifland. A fhell being fired
from one of the bomb-ketches, which was the fignal
for the engagement t , begin, the great fliips poured
in their broadfides without intermiflion, and their
fire was returned with equal vivacity from all the
batteries of the ifland. At length the cannonading
from the fliips became fo fevere and terrible, that
the French ibldiers fled from their quarters, in fpite
of all the efforts of the governor, who endeavoured
to keep them to their duty-, which obliged him to
ftrike his colours, and furrender at difcretion ; upon
which the commodore fent a detachment of marines
on fliore, who difarmed the garrifon, and hoifted
the Britifh flag upon the caftle of St. Michael. Two
trading veflels which happened to be at anchor in
the road, likewife fell into the hands of the Englifh,
with ftores, money, and merchandize, to the value
of twenty thoufand pounds. This important con-
queft coft the victors only one hundred men killed
and wounded. Commodore Keppel having left a
garrifon at Goree, and reinforced that of Senegal,
returned home with his fquadron.
During thele tranfa&ions, events of much greater
confequence happened in America ; where, exclufive
of the fleet and marines, the government had aflem-
bled about fifty thoufand men, including twenty-
two thoufand regular troops. Lord Loudon
having returned to England, the chief command
devolved on major-general Abercrombie: but as
the objefts of operation were various, the forces
were divided into three feparate bodies, under three
diftincl: commanders. Twelve thoufand were def-
tined for an attempt on Cape Breton, under the
command of major-general Amherft. The general
himfelf referved near fixteen thoufand for the re-
duction of Crown Point; and eight thoufand, un-
der brigadier-general Forbes, were allotted for the
conqueft of Fort du Quefne. On the twenty-eighth
of May, major-general Amherft embarked his
troops at Halifax in Nova Scotia, and failed for
Louifburgh with the Englifli fquadron, command-
ed by admiral Bofcawen, the whole fleet confifting
of one hundred and fifty-feven fail. On the fecond
of June they came to an anchor in Gabarus bay,
about feven miles to the weftward of Louifburgh.
Our troops amidft innumerable difficulties made
good their landing; after which the fiege was
carried on with fuch vigour and refolution, that the
French governor finding it impofllble to withftand
the fury of the aflault, thought proper to capitulate
on the twenty-feventh of July, by which he, and the
garrifon, became prifoners of war. Major Far-
quhar, with three companies of grenadiers, imme-
diately took poflefllon of the weftern gatej and
brigadier Whitmore was fent into the town, to fee
the garrifon lay down their arms, and to poft the
neceflary guards on the ramparts, and at the doors
of the magazines. In this town the viftors found
two hundred and twenty-one pieces of cannon, and
eighteen mortars, together with a very large quan-
tity of ftores and ammunition. The merchants and
inhabitants were fent to France in Englifh fhips:
but
624
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
but the garrifon, fea-officers, marines, and mariners,
amounting in all to five thoufand fix hundred and
thirty-feven prifoners, were tranfported to England.
This important conqueft was obtained with the lofs
of four hundred men only, the wounded included.
The enemy's fhips, which were in the harbour at
the time our troops arrived there, were all either
burnt or taken, two frigates excepted, which on the
day of the difembarkation foiled from thence un-
difcovered. All things being properly fettled at
Cape Breton, feveral mips were detached, with a
body of troops uuder the command of lieutenant-
colonel lord Hollo, to take poffeflion of the ifland of
St. John, a fmall but fertile place in the gulph of
St. Laurence. The inhabitants, amounting to four
theufand one hundred, made no oppofition, but
readily delivered up their arms. Lord Hollo then
repaired to the governor's quarters, where he found
feveral fcalps of Englifhmen, whom the favages had
butchered, in confequence of the encouragement
given them for fuch inhuman proceedings by their
French patrons and allies.
The forces under the immediate command of
general Abercrombie, coniifting of about feven
thoufand regular troops, and ten thoufand provin-
cials, embarked in the beginning of July, at the
mouth of Lake George, on board batteaux and
whale boats, with provifion, artillery and ammuni-
tion; feveral pieces of artillery being mounted on
rafts to cover the propofed landing, which was
effected the next day without oppofition. The
general's fcheme was to inveft Ticonderoga, a fort
fituated on a point of land between Lake George
and a narrow gut communicating with Lake Cham-
plin. Three fides of this fortification were fur-
rounded with water, and nature had fecured the
front by a morafs. The troops being landed, were
immediately formed into three columns, and began
their march towards the advanced guard of the
enemy, confuting of one battalion, encamped be-
hind a breaft-work of logs, which on the approach
of the Englifh, they abandoned with great pre-
cipitation. The rout from this breaft-work to the
fort lay through a thick wood, which would admit
of no regular paffage: and the guides proving ex-
tremely ignorant, our forces were bewildered, and
the columns thrown into the utmoft diforder. A
French detachment alfo met with the fame embar-
raffment, and falling in with lord Howe, at the head
of one of the Britifh columns, an engagement en-
fued, wherein the enemy were totally defeated. But
this trifling advantage was dearly purchafed by the
lofs of lord Howe, who fell in the beginning of the
action, univerfally lamented, being a young noble-
man of approved courage and moft promifmg ta-
lents. The troops were now fo much fatigued and
difordered, that general Abercrombie thought it
advifeable to return to the landing place, which they
reached about eight in the morning. The general
having made his approaches, and feveral unfuccefsful
attempts, was convinced that a retreat was neceffary
to prevent a total overthrow. Having, therefore,
re-embarked the troops, he returned to lake George,
from whence he had taken his departure. He now
detached lieutenant-colonel Bradftreet with a body
of three thoufand men, to execute a plan that officer
had formed againft Fort Frontinac, fituated on the
north fide of the river St. Lawrence, juft where it
takes its rife from the Lake Ontario. Having ad-
vanced with his detachment to the fide of this lake,
he embarked in fome floops and batteaux provided
for the purpofe, and landed within a mile of Fort
Frontinac, the garrifon of which, confiding of one
hundred and ten men, with a feu Indians, imme-
diately furrendered prifoners of war. Bradftreet
then made himfelf mafter of all the enemy's fhipping
on the lake, amounting to nine armed vcffels, fome
of which carried eighteen guns. After defti oying
the fortifications, the colonel returned to Ofwego,
with the veffels, artillery, ftores, ammunition and
merchandize. It has been already obferved, that
eight thoufand men, under brigadier-general Forbes
were appointed for the reduction of Fort du Quefne.
That general began his march on the thirteenth of
June, from Philadelphia for the river Ohio. The
difficulties and fatigues he met with were aftonifh-
ing: but he furmounted them all, and, at length
arrived at Ray's town, at the diftance of ninety
miles from fort du CHiefne, from whence he de-
tached colonel Grant, at the head of eight hundred
men, to reconnoitre the fort and its out-works. On
his approach the enemy fent out a large body of
forces to meet him. An engagement enfued, which
the Englifh maintained with their ufual courage for
three hours ; but at length being overpowered by
numbers, they were obliged to retreat with the lofs
of three hundred men killed or taken; among the
latter were major Grant, and nineteen officers. Far
from being difpirited by this misfortune, brigadier
Forbes immediately advanced with his whole army,
refolved to make himfelf mafter of the fort or perifli
in the attempt. But before his arrival the French
had thought proper to abandon the place, and re-
tire down the river Ohio, to their fettlements on the
Miffiffippi. On the twenty-fifth of November the
Englifh entered the fort, and after repairing the for-
tifications, which the enemy had difmantled, he
changed its name from Fort du Oriefne to Pitf-
burg; after which he concluded a treaty of friend-
fhip and alliance with the Indian tribes, and then
returned to Philadelphia.
Nothing material occurred in the Weft-Indies,
except the protection of our commerce, and two
gallant actions performed by captain Tyrrel, who
in the Buckingham affifted by the Cambridge, de-
molifhed a fmall fort in Grand Ana bay, in the
ifland of Martinico, and took four privateers, three
of which were deftroyed, and one converted into a
tender. But what moft redounds to the honour of
captain Tyrrel, is the following inftance of hu-
manity. When the fort was demolifhed, the men
flufhed with victory, warmly folicited leave to
deftroy a village fituated near it, but their valiant
commander replied, " Gentlemen, it is beneath us
to render a number of poor people miferable, by
deftroying their habitations; brave Englifhmen
fcorn to diftrefs even their enemies, when not in,
arms againft them." This fpeech had the defired
effect on the brave tars, and faved the habitations
of the poor and innocent villagers. A few months
after being detached in the Buckingham on a
cruize, he fell in with the Weazel floop, commanded
by lieutenant Bowles, between the iflands of Mont-
ferrat and Guadaloupe ; and foon after difcovered,
a fleet of nineteen fail under the convoy of a French
man of war called the Floriffant, and two frigates.
The brave Tyrrel, undifmayed by their ftrength and
number, immediately gave chace with all the fail
he could carry. The enemy were prepared to re-
ceive him ; but after a fhort engagement became in-
timidated by his brifk fire, with which he foon dif-
abled the two frigates, and preffed hard on the
Floriffant, which now made fail in order to efcape;
but Tyrrel prevented her defign by getting within
piftol fliot, and pouring into her a whole broadfide,
which did great execution. Both fides now became
defperate, and captain Terryl received a wound in,
his face, and loft three fingers of his right hand,
which obliged him to leave the command of his
fhip to Mr. Marfhal his firft lieutenant, who con-
tinued the action with great bravery until he loft his
life : the charge then descended to the fecond lieu-
tenant, who behaved with equal intrepidity, and
maintained a moft defperate engagement. At
length the fire of the Floriffant ceafed, and con-
fufion, terror, and uproar prevailed among her
officers
GEORGE
II.
officers and men, till fhe ftruck her colours. At
this time the fea r.an fo high, and the Buckingham
was in fo fhattered a condition, that they could not
immediately board the enemy, which being per-
ceived by the commander, he fpread all the Jail he
could, and. made his efcape. But though the
gallant Tyrrel was difappointed of his prixe, the
action will always be remembered with honour.
The Buckingham had twenty men killed and
wounded; but the Floriffant had above one hun-
dred and eighty killed, and three hundred wounded;
flie was alfo fo greatly difabled in her hull, that it
was with the utmoft difficulty they kept her above
water till they reached Martinico.
The war in the Eaft Indies was carried on with
vigour, though not always with fuccefs. Vice-
admiral Pocock being joined by commodore
Stephens in Madrafs Road with the reinforcements
from England, failed on the twenty-feventh of
March with the Yarmouth, Elizabeth, Tyger, Wey-
mouth, Cumberland, Newcaftle, Salifbury, Queen-
borough, and Protestor ftorefhip, in order to get to
windward of St. David's, to intercept the French
fquadron, which he had reafon to expect. On the
twenty-ninth in the morning he faw feven mips in
St. David's Road getting under fail, and two
cruizing in the offing, and immediately gave
chace. The feven fliips flood off under their top-
fails, and being joined by the two fhips in the
offing, formed the line of battle a-head. The ene-
my began to fire upon the Englifh as they were
going down; but the admiral did not make the
fignal to engage, till he was within half a mulket
ftot of the Zodiaque, which was about three
o'clock. A few minutes after, perceiving his mips
•were not clofe enough to the enemy, he made the
fignal for a clofer engagement, which was imme-
diately complied with by the fhips in the van. At
half an hour paft four, obferving the rear of the
French line had drawn up pretty clofe to the Zo-
diaque, the admiral made the Cumberland, New-
caftle, and Weymouth, fignals to make up and
engage clofe. Soon after M. d'Ache broke the
line, and put before the wind ; his fecond a-ftern,
which kept on the Yarmouth's quarter moft part of
the action, then came up along fide, gave his fire,
and bore away. The other two mips in the rear
came up in like manner, and then bore away; and
a few minutes after obferving the enemy's van to
bear away alfo, the admiral hauled down the fignal
for the line, and made the fignal for a general
chace. At fix, obferving the enemy join two fhips
about four miles to leeward, and at the fame time
hauling their wind to the weftward, and feemingto
form the line a-head; and the Yarmouth's mafts,
yards, fails, and rigging, as well as the Elizabeth's,
Tyger's, and Salifbury's, being fo much damaged
as to prevent their keeping up with the fhips that
were in the rear during the engagement, who had
received but little damage; and night approach-
ing, the admiral followed the enemy as well as he
could, ftanding to the S. W. in order, if pofilble,
to keep to windward of them, in hopes of being
able to engage them next mortiing; but as they
fhewed no lights, nor made any night fignals that
could be obferved, he did not fee them in the night
nor next morning; and therefore concluding they
had weathered him in the night by being able to
cany more fail, he continued his endeavours to
work up after them until fix in the morning of the
firftofMay, when finding he loft ground confi-
derably, he came to an anchor about three leagues
northward of Madrafs, and fent an officer to the
chief of that fettlement for intelligence, who in-
formed him, that the Bien-Aime of feventy-four
guns had received fo msch damage in the action,
that they were obliged to run her on more a little
to the fouthward ot Alernparve, where thePVcnch
No. 60.
fquadron was at anchor. The admiral had not
any certain account of the enemy's lofs; but ac-
cording to the reports of the Dutch, and feveral
French officers, they had fix hundred men killed in
the action, and many more wounded. The lofs on
our part was only twenty-nine killed, and eighty-
nine wounded. The action was about feven league;?
W. by N. of Alemparve. The admiral obferved,
that commodore Stephens, the captains Latham
and Somerfet who were in the van, and alfo c.iptaiii
Kempenfelt, the commodore's captain, behaved as
became gallant officers; and that captain Harrifon's
behaviour, as well as that of all the officers and
men belonging to the • Yarmouth, gave him fenfible
fatisfaction ; and that had the captains in the rear
done their duty as well, he mould have commanded
them with great pleafure : but their manner of act-
ing in the engagement appeared fo faulty, that on
his return to Madrafs he ordered a coui t-martial to
afiemble, and enquire into their conduct. In con-
fequence of this, captain Nicholas Vincent was fen-
tenced to be difmifled from the command of the
Weymouth; captain George Legge of the New-
caftle, to be cafhiered from his majefty's fervice ;
and captain William Brereton of the Cumberland,
to lofc one year's rank as a poft captain.
Pocock, having repaired the moft material da-
mages of his fhips, put to fea the tenth of May,
with an intent to get up to Fort St. David, but
was not able to effect it. He got fight of Pondi-'
cherry on the thirtieth; and the next morning the
French fquadron, which had been the\e ever fince
the fifth, flood out of the road and got away, not-
withltanding the admiral's utmoft endeavours to
come up with them. On the fixth of June, upon
receiving an account that Fort 7St. David had
furrendered to the French, -he judged it prudent to
return immediately to Madrafs to refrefh his fqua-
dron. The admiral failed again on the twenty-
fifth of July in queft of the enemy, and on the
twenty-feventh in the evening got within three
leagues of Pondicherry Road, where he perceived
their fquadron at anchor, confiftingof eight fail of
the line and a frigate. They got under fail the
next morning, and ftood to the fouthward. The
admiral made the fignal to chace, and endeavoured
to weather them, as the moft probable means of
bringing them to action^ which however he was
not able to accomplifti till the third of Auguft,
when taking the advantage of the fea breeze he
got the weather-gage, and brought on the engage-
ment about one o'clock. M. d'Ache' fet his fore-
fail, and bore away in about ten minutes, his fqua-
dron following his example, and continuing a
running fight in a very irregular manner till three
o'clock. The admiral then made the fignal for a
general chace; upon which the French cut away
their boats, and made all the fail they could ; he
purfued them till it was dark, when they efcaped
by out-failinghim, and got into Pondicherry Road.
The admiral anchored with his fquadron the fame
evening off Carrical, a French fettlement. The
lofs of men in this action was only thirty-one
killed, and one hundred and fixteen wounded;
among the latter were commodore Stephens, and
captain Martin. The behaviour of the officers
and men in general on this occafion, was entirely
to the admiral's fatisfaction. The French fquadron
continued in Pondicherry Road until the third of
September, when they failed for the iflands to clean
and refit, two of their fhips being in a very bad
condition, and the others confiderably damaged.
By the beft accounts, their lofs in this laft
amounted to five hundred and forty killed and
wounded.
We pafs on to exhibit a fummary view of the
operations performed by the allied army during
this campaign on the continent of Europe, where
7 T the
626 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
the war was profecuted with the utmoft virulence.
A farmer of the revenue arrived at Hanover from
Paris about the clofe of laft year, in order to re-
ceive the revenues of that electorate, together with
thofe of all other countries, as fhould be reduced
by the armies of the mo ft Chriftian king. At the
fame time a decree was publifliecl at Paris, by
which it appeared that the court of Verfailles had
determined the government and fyftem of the electo-
rate, contrary to an exprefs article of the capitula-
tion granted to the city of Hanover, when it fur-
rendered. The French, therefore, had no right to
complain of the infraction of articles, as they them-
felves had fet the example. The landgrave of
Heffe Caffel, alarmed at thefe proceedings, foli-
cited a treaty with the French king, whereby the
former was enjoined not to act directly or indirectly
againft his mofl Chriftian majefty; and the latter to
afford him the moft fpeedy and effectual fuccours,
if his eftates mould be attacked in confequence of
this treaty. Nor was the landgrave of Heffe Caffel
the only prince alarmed by the progrefs of the
French arms. The duke of Brunfwic, though now
nearly connected with his Britannic majefty, in
order to detach himfelf from the defperate fortune
of Hanover, concluded a treaty with the courts of
Vienna and Verfailles, ten days after the former
convention was figned.
About the middle of February, prince Ferdi-
nand, being joined by a body of Pruffian horfe
under the command of the prince of Holftein-
Gottorp, the whole army was put in motion, and
advanced to the country of Bremen. The enemy
were foon diflodged from Rottenburg, Otterfburg,
and Verden ; they alfo abandoned the city of
Bremen on the approach of the Hanoverian army,
who took poffeffion of it without oppofition. In
the mean time the duke de Richlieu had been re-
called, and the count de Qermont now com-
manded the French forces. The appointment of
this general was at once agreeable to the army, and
the fubjects of Hanover, Richlieu having treated
them with great inhumanity. The count, per-
ceiving that it would be impoflible for him with
the wretched remnant of the French army, to op-
pofe prince Ferdinand in the field with fuccefs, or
even maintain the footing his predecefibr had gained,
retreated as the allies advanced with fuch precipi-
tation, as frequently to leave his fick, and the
greater part of his baggage and artillery behind.
The inhabitants of Hanover, perceiving the French
were not able to face the allies, were convinced
they muft foon abandon their city, and dreaded the
abufes and cruelties they had reafon to fear would
be practifed on that occafion. But they were hap-
pily difappointed by the ingenuous behaviour of
their governor, the duke of Randan, who not
only kept the foldiers within the bounds of the
moft rigid difcipline, "but even ordered the large
magazine of proviiions to be fold at a low rate,
after diftributing a confiderable quantity to the
poor. An inftance of humanity more honorary to
that nobleman, than titles of dignity, or laurels of
victory. The French army now retired to Hame-
len, leaving a confiderable detachment under count
Chabot at Hoya, a ftrong fort upon the Wefer,
and a place of fo much importance, that prince
Ferdinand determined to drive the enemy from it.
The hereditary prince of Brunfwic was appointed
for this fcrvice, with four battalions of foot, and a
detachment of light horfe. The prince, pleafed
with an opportunity of difplaying his military
talents, undertook the expedition with alacrity.
He had a broad and deep river to pafs, and no
means of tranfporting his men but a fingle float;
and even this was foon rendered ufelefs by a ftrong
wind, which arpfe about the time that one half of
his troops had puffed over. By this accident, all
communication was cut off between the prince and
a large part of his detachment; while the- party he
was going to tliflodge, was fuperior to his whole
force. Thus embarraffed, the prince formed and
executed a plan, worthy the moft renowned of
•warriors: he determined not to fpend any time in
bringing over the reft of his troops, but to pufh oil
with fuch refolution as could not fail of intimi-
dating the enemy, and giving him an opportunity
of attacking them with fuccefs, notwithstanding
the fmall number of his forces. Accordingly, the
detachment was in motion before five in the morn-
ing, and marched with the utmoft expedition di-
rectly to Hoya. When they were only a mile and a
half diftant from the place, another accident had
nearly defeated the fuccefs of the enterprise. The
detachment fired, by miftake, upon four of the
enemy's dragoons, who were patrolling in the neigh-
bourhood of the place. The fire was caught from
man to man, till at length it became general, and
could not fail of alarming the enemy. An intrepid
refolution was now the only refource, and was ac-
cordingly affumed. They marched with the utmoft
expedition to the town, and attacked the enemy at
the bridge; a fierce fire enfued, without any appa-
rent advantage refulting to either party ; and the
ground was fo uneven, that the prince could not
bring up his whole detachment. Senfible of this
difficulty, he formed the defign of attacking the
enemy in the rear •, but to carry this fcheme into
execution, it was neceffary to make a circuit about
the town. Every thing fucceeded to his. wifli: the
attack was made with fixed bayonets, and a terrible
Daughter enfued. The French abandoned the
bridge, and fled in confufion; and the prince,
having diflodged the enemy, rejoined the other
part of his detachment. The count de Chabot
threw himfelf, with two battalions, into the caftle,
and determined to defend the place to the laft ex-
tremity, but foon after capitulated, by which his
garrifon marched out with all the honours of war;
but their cannon, ftores^ and ammunition, were
furrendered to the victor. The prince had about
an hundred men killed and wounded, but took fix
hundred and feventeen prifoners. By this action a
place of the utmoft importance, and which opened
a paffage over the Wefer, was fecured to the Hano-
verian army. This was the firft exploit of the
hereditary prince, whofe military conduct after-
wards ihone with diftinguifhed luftre.
The hereditary prince now inverted Minden,
which was defended by a garrifon of four thoufand
men, who in nine days furrendered themfelvcs
prifoners of war. About the fame time, feveral
Ikirmiihes happened between the advanced parties
of the Hanoverian and French armies, but always
to the advantage of the former. The latter, fur-
rounded with difficulties and diftrefs, marched
towards the Rhine in three columns. Prince Fer-
dinand finding it impracticable to attack the French
camp, found means to turn their left flank towards
the convent of Campe, which obliged the enemy
to quit a very advantageous poft, and retire to Nys,
a little higher up the river, whence the count cle
Clermont detached a confiderable corps, under the
command of the count de St. Germain, to take poft
at Creveldt, fituated in a plain between his army
and the camp of the allies, which fronted the town
of Meurs. Prince Ferdinand having made a dif-
pofition for attacking the enemy, and carefully re-
connoitred the fituation of their camp, afligned
the command of his \vhole left wing, confifting of
eighteen battalions, and twenty- eight fquadrons, to
lieutenant-general Sporcken; the conduct of the
right wing, compofed of fixtecn battalions, and
fourteen fquadrons, was conferred on the hereditary
prince and major-general Wagenheim; the fqua-
drons, with the addition of two regiments of
PruflUn
G E O R
Pruffian dragoons, were under the immediate di-
rection of the prince of Holftein, while the here-
ditary prince commanded the infantry. The light
troops, confiding of five fquadrons of Heffians,
were divided between the prince of Holftein and
general Sporcken. Major Buckner's fqnadron, to-
gether with Scheither's corps, were ordered to
obferve the flank of the enemy's right, and were
accordingly pofted in the village of Pandendeike •,
and a battalion of the troops of Wolfenbuttle was
left in the town of Hulfte, to cover the rear of the
army. The intention of prince Ferdinand was to
attack the left flank of the enemy; but the woods
and ditches that interfered this part of the country,
rendered the execution extremely difficult. How-
ever, he continued his march at the head of the
grenadiers to the valley ot Anrath, where he fell
in with an advanced party of the French, who, after
a few difcharges of mufquetry retired to the camp,
and gave the alarm. About one in the afternoon,
the aclion began with a fevere cannonading on the
part of prince Ferdinand, which, though well fup-
ported,did not drive the French from their cover;
he therefore determined to diflodge them by a clofe
attack of the infantry. The hereditary prince ac-
cordingly advanced with the whole front, and an
obftinate action enfued. In the mean time, the
cavalry on the right attempted in vain to penetrate
through the wood on the other fide, where the
enemy had raifed two batteries, which were fuftained
by forty fquadrons of horfe. Tn this manner the
action continued till five in the afternoon, when
the grenadiers collecting all their ftrength, forced
the intrenchments in the wood, which were lined
with the French infantry. Thefe giving way, they
abandoned the wood in the utmoft dilorder ; but
the purfuit was checked by the conduct and refo-
lution of the enemy's cavalry, which maintained
their ground, and covered the foot in their retreat
to Nuys, notwithstanding a dreadful fire from the
artillery of the allies, and the vigorous attacks of
the Hanoverian horfe, who had by this time found
means to regain the plain. The fuccefs of the day
was in a great meafure owing to the artillery on the
left and in the center, which did great execution,
while prince Ferdinand profecuted his attack on the
other quarter. In this action, feven thoufancl of
the French troops were killed, wounded, and taken
prifonersj and feveral ftandards, colours, and pieces
of cannon fell into the hands of the allies, who loft
about fifteen hundred men. Soon after the count
de Clermont refigned his command, which was
conferred on M. de Contades, and the army was
confiderably reinforced. This general threatened
to attack prince Ferdinand in his turn, and made
fome motions in confequencc of this refolution ;
but was prevented in his purfuit by the little river
Erff, behind which the prince refolved to continue
quiet, till he fhould be joined by the body of Bri-
tifli troops under the command of the duke of Marl-
borough, the firft divifion of which hadjuft landed
at Embden.
M. de Chevert, one of the ableft commanders
in the French army, formed a plan, which, if it
had fucceeded, nuift have greatly embarreffed the
Situation of prince Ferdinand. Chevert had pro-
jected a fcheme for dillodging baron Imhoff, who
was pofted on tjhe right of "the Rhine ; burning
the bridge at Rhees, making himfclf mafter of the
magazine, and preventing the junction of the
Britifh and Hanoverian forces. To execute this
plan, he united feveral detachments from thegar-
rifon of Wefel to a conliderable corps, originally
intended for the fiege of Duffeldorp. Mis whole
force amounted to twelve thoufand men ; while the
troops under Imhoffdid not exceed three thoufand.
As foon as the Hanoverian general was apprized of
the defign of Chevert, lie did all that could be done
i
E
II.
627
to defeat it. Perfuaded that the fwell of the river
had rendered it inipofliblc for him to receive any
affiftance from prince Ferdinand, and that he had
nothing to rely on but his own genius, and the
valour of his troops, he refolved to quit his poft,
and meet the enemy. Obferving that the French
were paffing through very difficult ground, he did
not lofe a moment in beginning the action. He
ordered a fmall party, pofted in a little coppice, to
fall upon the enemy's left, which he perceived to
be uncovered ; and appointed the fire of this party
as a fignal for all the reft to advance, and begin the
attack with fixed bayonets. The French being at-
tacked in fo vigorous and unexpected a manner,
fell into confufion, and in lefs than half an hour
fled from the field of battle, leaving eleven pieces
of cannon, and all -their baggage, to the Hano-
verians, who took three hundred and fifty-four
prifoners, and drove them under the cannon of
Wefel. This fignal advantage obtained over fo
great a fuperiority, was not more bravely obtained
than wifely improved. Imhoff, having taken pro-
per meafures for procuring his magazine, quitted
his poft at Meer; and being reinforced by feveral
parties who had paffed the river in boats, he march-
ed with the utmolt expedition towards the route of
the Englifh forces, and happily effected a junction,
which had hitherto been attended with fo many
difficulties. Prince Ferdinand now retired into
Weilphalia, and fixed his head-quarters at Mun-
fter; while Contades encamped near Ham upon the
Lippe, and extended his troops in fuch a manner,
as to command the whole courfe of the Rhine on
both fides. The campaign was fo far advanced be-
fore the Biitifh troops joined the army, that they
had no opportunity of fignalizingthemfelves in the
field. The effects of a long and tedious march,
however, were fcverely felt" by them in general,
and proved fatal to their commander, the duke
of Marlborough, who died of a dyfenterv at
Munfter. '
The time of prorogation being expired, the
feffion of parliament was opened by commiffion on
the twenty-third of November, his majerty being
indifpofed. The miniftry refolved to profecute
the war in every quarter with the utmoft vigour;
and the houfe of commons, feconding their defire
of reducing the enemy to reafon, voted the fum
of twelve millions, feven hundred, fixty-one thou-
fand, three hundred and ten pounds, nineteen fliil-
lings and five-pence.
All the French ports were filled . „
with preparations for invading the X759-
Britifh diminions : men of war, tranfports, and
flat-bottomed boats, were prepared with the greateft
diligence; and nothing lefs than a triple embarka-
tion now filled the mouths of the French. But the
Englifh were not now to be intimidated ; they
fmiled at the vain boafts of the enemy, and ridi-
culed a pretended invafion, threatened by a people
incapable of defending their own coafts. M. de
Thurot was appointed to command one of thefe
embarkations; and he accordingly found means of
failing from Dunkirk with a fmall fquadron of {hips
and feveral tranfports, directing his courfe towards
Scotland. This commander, from the mafter of a
merchant fhip, became the captain of a privateer,
and, in that capacity, greatly annoyed the Englifh
commerce; and difplayed fo many acoomplifh-
ments, both with regard to courage and conduct,
that he was chofen to command this fquadron.
But the principal embarkation for invading Eng-
land, was to be made at Havre de Grace3, and
other ports of Normandy, in flat-bottomed boats.
While the third embarkation, intended againft Ire-
land, was to be made at Vannes, in lower Brittany,
where a very confiderable body of troops were
affembled, under the command of the duke
d'Aquillon,
6a8
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
d'Aguillon, governor of that province. M. de
Conflans was appointed commander of the fleet
then fitting out at Breft for covering the embarka-
tion. Such was the plan formed by the French for
invading the Britifh territories. But all thefe
pleafing ideas they had formed, with regard to the
fuccefs of thefe embarkations, were foon diflipated
by the meafiires taken by the Englifh. Commodore
Boys, with his fquaclron, was ftationed before Dun-
kirk ; while admiral Hawke, with a ftrong fqua-
dron, blocked up the French fleet in Breft, and a
fmaller fquadron, under the command of captain
Duff, cruized off the port of Vannes. Nor were
the preparations at Havre forgotten: admiral
Rodney, with afmall fquadron of mips and bombs,
failed for that port, in order to prevent the flat-
bottomed boats from failing, and even to bombard
the town. On thefecond of July, Rodney arrived
before Havre, and anchored in the great road.
The neceffary difpofitions for the bombardment
being made, the bomb-ketches placed themfelves
in the narrow channel of the ftream leading to
Honfleur. About feven in the evening the bom-
bardment began, and continued fifty-two hours
without the leaftintermirfion,and with fuch fuccefs,
that the town was feveral times on fire, and the
magazine of ftores, collected for the ufe of the
army intended for invading England, burnt with
theutmoft fury for fix hours, notwithftanding the
continual efforts of above four hundred men to
flop the violence of the flames. This bombard-
ment threw the inhabitants into the utmoft confter-
nation; they abandoned the town, and fought for
fafety in the adjacent country. The troops, in the
mean time, were continually employed in throwing
up intrenchments, and erecting batteries, in order
to defend themfelves againft the Englifh, mould
they attempt to land on the coaft. But they had
no forces on board for that purpofe, nor indeed
was there occafion for any; they had done enough
to convince the enemy that their fcheme was ridi-
culous, and that before they attempted an embar-
kation, it was neceffary to colled a fleet fuflicient
to defeat every attempt that might be made by the
Englifh to prevent it.
Admiral Bofcawen continued cruizing off Toulon,
to watch the motions of a fleet then fitting out
there, under the command of M. de la Clue. He
often flood in near the fnore, difplaying the Englifli
flag, by way of defiance, hoping, by that means,
to provoke M. dela Clue to leave the harbour, and
venture a fair engagement on the open fea. But
in this he was miilaken ; the Frenchman was too
well acquainted with the courage and conduct of
Bofcawen, to rifk his fleet againft the efforts of fo
experienced and intrepid a commander. Bofcawen
therefore detached three men of war of the line, to
burn tv\ o fhips lying in the mouth of the harbour.
Accordingly they advanced with the utmoft refolu-
tion, and were warmly received by feveral batteries
erected near the fhore, and which they had not till
then perceived. They attempted to deftroy two
fmall forts, and cannonaded them for fome time
with the utmoft fury; till finding them too ftrong,
they endeavoured to return, but were prevented by
the wind fubfiding into a calm; and were at lafl,
with great difficulty, towed off in a very fhattered
condition. This obliged the admiral to return to
Gibraltar to refit his fleet; and M. de la Clue
feized the opportunity of failing from Toulon,
hoping to pafs the Strcights mouth unobferved by
the Englifli.
'i he Gibraltar being ordered to hover between
Eflapona and Ceuta Point on the coaft of Barbary,
to give notice in cafe the enemy fliould attempt to
fail, about eight in the morning of thefeventecnth
of Auguft (he difplayed a ngnal, that fourteen fail
appeared on the Barbary coaft, to the eaftward of
2
Ceuta. In confcqucnceof this, admiral Bofcawen
got under fail with all poffible expedition, and at
day-break the next morning, he defcried fevcii large
fhips lying to. The Knglifh fleet, confiding of
fourteen fail of the line and two fire-fhips, flood
after the enemy, and came up with them "about
noon ; but the wind dying away, the battle did not
begin till after two o'clock; nor was admiral Bof-
cawen able to get up to the Ocean, M. de la Clue's
fliip, till about four, when the action was fupported
on both fides with great fury. In about half an.
hour the mizen-maft, and both top-fail-yards of the
Namur were fliot away, in confequence of which
the admiral hoifted his flag on board the Newark;
after which the Ocean flood away with all the fail
flie could crowd. Prefently after, the Centaur, of
feventy-four guns, ftruck on a rock; and the
Englifli purfued the flying enemy till morning,
when only four fail were to be difcoverecl, and they
were Handing in for the land. The Englifh were
now at a diftance of more than three miles from the
enemy, and not more than five leagues from the
fhore. About noon, the Ocean ran among the
breakers, as did the Redoubtable a fhort time after,
and the utmoft endeavours were ufed for landing
the men from both fhips; but the fea being ex-
ceedingly rough, this proved a talk of great difficulty
and danger. The Temeraire and the Modefte,
anchored as near the fhore as they could be brought
with fafety. The Englifh admiral flood in as near
the fhore as prudence would permit, and he dif-
patched the Intrepid and America to deftroy the
Ocean ; the former, by coming to an anchor,
could not get in, but the latter performed the fer-
vice with little difficulty ; for, upon throwing into
her a broad-fide the Ocean ftruck, and fhe was im-
mediately taken poffeflion of by the conquerors.
About half an hour before the Ocean ftruck, M.
de la Clue, who had one leg broke and the other
wounded, was put on fhore; but M. le compte de
Came, her captain, and many other officers, were
made prifoners. No probability appearing of get-
ting the Ocean off, fhe was fet on fire. Captain
Bentley of the Warfpight, was ordered againft the
Temeraire, carrying feventy-four guns; and he was
fortunate enough to bring her off with very little
damage. In the mean time, admiral Broderick,
with his divifion, burnt the Redoubtable, which
had been bulged and deferted by the crew; and he
brught off the Modefte, of fixty-four guns, which
had fuftained but little damage. In this action the
Englifh had fifty-fix men killed, and one hundred
and ninety- fix wounded : but the lofs of the enemy
was much more confiderable; for in his letter to
the French ambaffador at Lifbon, M. de la Clue
acknowledged, that one hundred men were killed,
and feventy dangeroufly wounded, on board the
Ocean. But the mofl important injury the French
fuftained, was in the lofs of four capital fhips, two
of which were deftroyed, and the others brought in
triumph to England. Captain Bentley was fent with
advices to the admiralty, of the victory of the
Englifh fleet over that of France; and he expe-
perienced a moft gracious reception from his ma-
jefty, who was pleaied to confer upon him the honour
of knighthood, as a reward for his bravery during
the engagement.
Notwithftanding the projected invafion of Great
Britain was retarded by the defeat of M. de la
Chic, the preparations for the enterprize were ftill
continued. Thurot was ordered to avail himfelf of
the firft opportunity of failing from Dunkirk, and
to proceed round the northern coaft of Scotland,
in order to alarm the coaft of Ireland, and make a
cliveriion from that part where Conflans was tsdif-
embark his troops. A great number o f fhips of
war and tranfports were aflembled at Brcft, having
on board a train of artillery, with accoutrements
- • for
O R G E
II.
629
ior the cavalry, which was intended to be mounted
n Ireland. Abody of French troops, including
the Irifh brigade, were in readincfs to embark;
and the young Pretender remained in the neighbour-
hood of Vannes incognito, with a view of giving
countenance to a revolt in Great Britain. To
fruftratethefedefigns,SirEdwardHawke,withafleet
of twenty-three capital fliips, blocked up the harbour
ofBreft; while a fmall fquadron, commanded by
captain Duff, continued cruizing along the coaftof
France, from Port 1'Orient in- Bretagne, to the
point of St. Giles in Poictou ; and thefe operations
entirely defeated the defign of invading England.
In November the Englifh fleet, under the com-
mand of Sir Edward Hawke, Sir Charles Hardy,
and admiral Young, was driven from the coafl of
France by ftrefs of weather, and on the ninth day
anchored at Torbay. Immediately upon receiving
intelligence of the Englifh fleet being driven from
their ftation, the French admiral failed from Breft
with twenty-one fail of the line, in order to deftroy
the fquadron commanded by captain Duff, before
the larger fleet could return from the coaft of
England. Sir Edward had no fooner received in-
telligence of the departure of the French fleet, than
he put to fea, with a defign of deftroying them;
and in the mean time orders were iffued by govern-
ment far defending all thofe parts of the coaft
that were expofed to a defcent; and all the {hips of
war that were in a condition of going to fea, were
ordered to fail with all poflible expedition. The
troops quartered along the coafts of Kent and
Eflex were put in motion; and the miniftry pur-
fued every meafure for defeating the defigns of the
enemy, that found policy could dictate, and true
patriotifm infpire. In the mean time admiral
Hawke directed his courfe forQuiberon Bay, where
he fufpe&ed the French fleet would rendezvous:
but he was driven by a bard gale to the weftward,
where he was joined by two of his majefty's fri-
gates, named the Coventry and Maidftone; thefe
veflels the admiral ordered to keep a-head of the
fquadron, one on the ftarboard, and the other on
the larboard-bow. In the morning of the twentieth
of November, the Maidftone made a fignal that {he
defcried a fleet; and thereupon the admiral dif-
playecl a fignal for forming the line a-breaft, in
order to colled all his fliips together; and about
ten o'clock the (hips defcried by the Maidftone
were found to be the French fquadron, failing in
chace of the fquadron under captain Duff; but
upon feeing the Englifh fleet, they made off with
all the fail they could croud; and captain Duff,
with ibme difficulty, effected a junction with Sir
Edward, who difplayed a fignal for feven of his
fhips which were neareft to the enemy to chace,
and endeavour to detain them till a reinforcement
fhould arrive ; and in order to fave as much time
as poffible, the admiral ordered the reft of the fleet
to ufe the utmoft expedition in forming a line a-
head. About half an hour after two o'clock the
engagement began in the neighbourhood of Belle-
ifle, by the van of the Englifh attacking the rear
of the French. The purfuit, however, was not
flopped; but having poured a broadfide into the
fternmoft of the French fhips, they continued their
Courfe towards the van, leaving the rear to the fhips
that followed. In paffing through the rear in the
Royal George of one hundred and ten guns, ad-
miral Hawke referved his fire, and ordered the
mafter to put him along-fide the French admiral,
who commanded on board the Soleil Royal, carry-
ing eighty guns, and twelve hundred men. The
pilot, remonftrating on the danger of. running
upon a fhoal, the gallant Hawke faid, " You
have done your duty in pointing out the danger,
now you are to act in obedience to my order;
therefore lay me along-fide the French admiral."
No. 60.
The mafter immediately complied; and the brave
veteran foon faw the Royal George range up with,
the Soleil Royal. The danger of Connans being
obferved, a large fhip, called the Thefee, ran in.
between the two admirals, and received the fire
intended for the Soleil Royal; but this fpirited
manoeuvre proved fatal to her; for the fea rufhing
in at the lower-deck ports, fhe went to the bottom
in a fhort time. Though the weather was ex-
ceedingly tempeftuous, feveral of the fhips on both
fides maintained the conteft with great fury, and for
fome time it was doubtful in whofe favour the battle
would terminate; but at laft vidtory declared in
favour of the Englifh. About four in the after-
noon the Formidable ftruck her colours; and the
Superb met with the fame fate as the Thefee. The
Hero ftruck, and came to an anchor; but the fea
was fo violently agitated, that no boats could go
on board her. Prefently after, the retreat of the
French, covered by the obfcurity of the evening,
put an end to the conteft. This was a circumftance
exceedingly unfortunate to England, as one more
hour of day-light would, in all probability, have
enabled admiral Hawke to have obtained a com-
plete victory.
Darknefs coming on apace, and the ftorm con-
tinuing to increafe, with a view to prevent his fhips
from running on the unknown fhoals and iflands,
the admiral made a fignal for coming to an anchor
on the weft fide of the fmall ifland Dumet, where
the fhips remained the whole night in a moft dan-
gerous fituation, being continually alarmed by the
firing of guns of diftrefs, and uncertain whether
they were fignals proceeding from their own fhips
or thofe of the enemy. Under cover of the night,
the Soleil Royal came to an anchor in the midft of
the Englifh fleet : but upon the appearance of the
dawn, M. de Conflans ordered her cable to be cut,
and fhe drove afhore to the weftward of Croizei
and this event was no fooner perceived by the
Englifh admiral, than he made a fignal for the
Eflex to flip her cable, and purfue the flying enemy.
In performing this fervice, the Effex unfortunately
ran on a faijd bank called Lefour, where another of
the Englifh fleet, named the Refolufcion, was already
aground. Notwithftanding they received every af-
fiftance that it was in the power of the reft of the
fleet to afford, both thefe fhips were irrecoverably
loft. All the men, and the greateft part of the
ftores were faved ; and left the wrecks fhould fall
into the hands of the enemy, they were fet on fire.
The Soleil Royal lay beating on the fhore; but fhe
was fet fire to by the French, upon their perceiving
that the Portland, Chatham, and Vengeance, were
approaching to deftroy her. When they faw the
Soleil Royal in flames, the three men of war re-
turned and deftroyed the Hero, which was alfo a-
ground; and another large French fhip, named
the jHfte, perifhed in the river Loire.
Perceiving feven fhips of the line riding at an-
chor between Point Penva and the river Vilaine,
the Englifh admiral made a fignal, on the morning
of the twenty-third, to weigh, in preparation for
attacking them ; but the ftorm increafed to fuch
violence, that he was under the neceffity of remain-
ing at anchor, and of ftriking top-gallant inafts.
In the interim the French fhips threw their guns
and ftores overboard, and the weather being lefs
tempeftuous under the land, took advantage of the
flood to pafs the bar at the mouth of the river
Vilaine, where they lay within half a mile of the
entrance, defended by fome occasional batteries
erected on the fhore, and by two large frigates,
moored acrofs the mouth of the harbour. In this
engagement, only one lieutenant and thirty-nine
men were killed, and about two hundred wounded ;
a trifling lofs, when put in competition with the
amazing victory obtained; by which the projected
7 U invafion,
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
invafion, that had fo long alarmed the apprehenfions
of Great Britain was rendered abortive, and a
finifhing blow given to the naval power of France.
Sir Edward continued cruizing off the coaft of
Bretagne for a confiderable time after he had de-
feated Conflans, .taking particular care to block up
the mouth of the river Vilaine, that the French
mips might not come out and join the mattered
remains of their fquadron, which had found means
to reach Rochfort. At lail the Englifli admiral
\vas recalled home, and gratified by his fovereign
with a confiderable penfion, for the courage and
conduct he had fo often and fo eminently diiplayed
in the fcrvice of his country.
A fcheme having been projected for improving
the fuccefs of our arms in North America, by car-
rying them up the river St. Lawrence, and attacking
Quebec, the capital of Canada, a fleet deftined for
this important undertaking, failed from St. Helen's
on the twelfth of November in the preceding year,
under the command of captain Hughes, confifting
of eight fail of the line, one frigate, four bomb-
ketches, and a fleet of tranfports, having on board
fix regiments of infantry, and a detachment of ar-
tillery, befides eight hundred marines diflributed
among the mips of war; the whole force being
under the command of major-general Hopfon,
afllftcd by major-general Barrington, the colonels
Armiger and Haldane, and the lieutenant-colonels
Trapand and Clavering, acting in the capacity of
brigadiers. After a voyage of feven weeks and
three days the fleet arrived at Barbadoes, and an-
chored in Carlifle bay, where they joined commo-
dore Moore, who had received orders to aflume
the command of the united fquadrons, amounting
to ten mips of the line, befides frigates and bomb-
ketches. Having fpent fome time in fupplying
the fleet with wood and water, and taking in a
number of negroes to afliftin drawing the artillery,
they failed from Carlifle bay on the thirteenth of
January; but by this time the troops, unaccuftomed
to a hot climate, were confiderably weakened and
reduced by fevers, diarrhoeas, the fcurvy, and the
fmall pox, which laft diforder had unfortunately
broke out on board the tranfports. Next morning
the fquadron came within fight of Martinico, the
place of its deflination-, and on the fifteenth day
of the month, entered the great bay of Port Royal.
The general found that he mould meet with
much greater obftruftion from the nature of the
ground, than from the ftrength of the enemy; the
whole country being interfered with a number of
gullies, inclofed by fteep and alrnoft perpendicu-
lar precipices, which rendered it extremely diffi-
cult for the troops to advance, and abfolutely im-
poflible for them to tranfport their artillery: he
therefore informed the commodore that he could
not maintain his ground, unlefs the fquadron would
fupply him with heavy canaon, landed near the
town of Port Royal, or aflift him in attacking the
citadel by fea, while he mould make his approaches
by land : but both thefe expedients were deemed
impracticable; the attempt upon Port Royal was
given up: and the troops being recalled from their
advanced pofts, were re-imbarked without molefta-
tion. A council of war being held, it was re-
iblved to make an attack upon St. Pierre; and the
ileet proceeding to that part of the ifland, entered
the bay on the nineteenth, when the commodore
told the gcpcral, that he could undoubtedly reduce
the ifland; but as the fhips might be difabled in an
attack, fo as not to be in a condition to proceed
immediately on any otheivmaterial fervice ; and as
the reduction of the ifland of Guadaloupe would
be of great benefit to the fugar colonies, he thought
it would be mod advifeable for them to conduct
the armament to that ifland. The general having
agreed to this propofal, they immediately ftcered '
for Guadaloupe, which lies about thirty leagues to
the wefhvard of Martinico.
The Britifli fquadron being arrived at Bafle-
terre, the chief engineer reconnoitered the town,
and pronounced it abfolutely impregnable to Clip-
ping; notwithftanding which, the commodore re-
folved to attack it early next morning. At nine,
the engagement was begun by captain Trelawney,
in the Lyon, and the reft of the fhips continuina-
to draw up abreaft of the citadel and batteries, the
action foon became general, and was maintained
with equal vivacity on both fides for feveral hours.
About five in the afternoon the fire of the citadel
was exhaufted; and at feven, all the batteries were
filenced. Four bomb-ketches were then anchored
near the fhore, and began to ply the town with
fliells and carcafes; fo that in a little time the
houfes were in flames, the magazines of gunpowder
blew up, and about ten at night the whole place
was involved in one general conflagration. Next
day part of the troops took poflefilon of an ad-
vantageous p6ft on an eminence, and part entered
the town, which ftill continued burning with great
violence. At day-break the enemy, to the number
of two thoufand, appeared about four miles from
the town, and began to throw up intrenchments
near a houfe where the governor had fixed his head-
quarters, declaring he would maintain this poft to
the laft extremity. Finding it would be impoflible
to conquer the inhabitants on the fide of Guada-
loupe, the general refolved to make an attempt on
Grand-terre, in confequence of which the great
mips were fent round to that place, and on the
thirteenth of February attacked Fort Louis. After
a fevere cannonading, which lafted fix hours, a
body of marines, and one of highlanders, were
landed, who, fword in hand, drove the enemy from
their intrenchments, took poflefllon of the fort,-
and hoifted the Britifli colours. General Barrington
now fucceeded to the chief command, in the place
of general Hopfon, who died at Bafleterre a few
days after Fort Louis was taken, and he deter-
mined to profecute the entire reduction of the
ifland with the utmoft vigour and difpatch. This,
however, he was not able to effect till the firft of
May, on \vhich day the inhabitants, thinking it in
vain to hold out any longer, furrendered the whole
ifland of Guadaloupe by capitulation. A fortunate
circumftance for the Englifh forces: for the agree-
ment was but juft figned, when a meflenger ar-
rived to inform the natives, that M. de Beauhar-
nois, general of the French iflands, had landed at
St. Ann with a reinforcement from Martinico,
under convoy of a fquadron commanded by M.
de Bompart, who no fooner heard that the capitu-
lation was figned, than he reimbarked his troops
with all poffible expedition, and failed back to
Martinico. The iflands of Defeada, Los Santos,
and Marigalante were now fummoned to furrender,
and they accordingly fubmitted upon the fame
terms as were granted to Guadaloupe. General
Barrington having made the tour of Guadaloupe,
ordered that the fortifications which he thought
neceflary to be maintained, fhould be immediately
repaired. He then finifhed every thing requifite
for the fupport of the ifland, and fettled the affairs
relating to the inhabitants ; after which he fent the
highlanders, with a body draughted out of other
regiments to North America, under convoy; gar-
rifoned the principal towns of the ifland, and left
the chief command to colonel Crump. Colonel
Melville was appointed governor of the citadel at
Baflaterre, and the command at Grand-terre was
given to colonel Delgarno. Three regiments were
afligned as a guard for the whole ifland, and the
other three were embarked for England. In the
latter end of June, general Barrington himfelf
went on board the Roebuck, and with the tran£
ports,
G E O R G E
II.
631
ports, under convoy of a fmall fquadron, fet fail
for Great Britain, while commodore Moore, .with
the greater part of the fleet, directed his courfc to
Antigua.
During the above tran factions in the Weft Indies,
the moft dreadful devaftations and ravages of war
raged in North America. The infidious arts of the
French had prevailed upon moft of the Indian
nations to revolt, and inftigatcd the ravages to
commit the moft horrid barbarities upon the iub-
jects of England. In confequence of thcfe pro-
ceedings, the miniftry deemed it prudent to fet on
foot a treaty at Eafton, about ninety miles from
Philadelphia, where a peace was negociatcd be-
tween Great Britain and fifteen Indian nations. A
junction being formed between the Indians and thcir
old friends and allies the Englifh, every meafure
was purfued for reducing the French fettlemcnts in
Canada, and terminating a war in that part of the
world, where innocent people of both fexes, and all
ages and conditions, had been long expofed to the
moft excruciating tortures that could be inflicted
upon them by brutal ferocity. To effect this
great purpofe, it was refolved to divide the forces
in North America, and make feveral attacks at
the fame time; that by employing the attention
of the enemy in different quarters, the reduction
of the whole country of Canada might be effected
in the courfe of one campaign. In purfuance of
the above defign, three different expeditions were
concerted in fuch a manner, as to affift and promote
the fuccefs of each other. Without any opposition
from the enemy, general Amherft, whofe feparate
army was firft in motion, paffed Lake George.
Upon the arrival of the Englifh army in the neigh-
bourhood of Ticonderoga,, which the enemy at firft
feemed difpofed to defend, the neceflary prepara-
tions, were made for belieging that important for-
trefs; but the enemy, after having in fome mea-
fure difmantled the fortifications, abandoned the
fort, and retreated towards Quebec, in the neigh'
bourhood of which lay the center of all the great
military operations. General Amherft, immediate-
ly after the departure of the enemy, took pofTeffion
of the important fortrefs of Ticonderoga, and having
appointed a ftrong garrifon for the defence of the
place, he ordered the neceflary repairs to be made
to the fortifications. On the firft of Auguft, one
of the fcouting parties brought intelligence, that
the French had abandoned the fort of Crown
Point ; and hereupon, a body of rangers was dif-
patched to take pofleffion of the place; and in the
mean time the general embarked with the reft of
the army, and on the fourth landed at the fort,
where the rangers were already encamped. Hav-
ing thus obtained pofleflion of the moft important
fort in that part of the country, he determined im-
mediately to erect a new fort, in order to fccure the
Britifh territories in that quarter, and prevent the
incurfions of fcalping parties, who had already
committed upon the Englifh innumerable barba-
rities, too mocking for dcfcription. Soon after,
general Amherft received intelligenceof the ftrength
of the enemy, who had retreated to an ifland
fituated near the north extremity of Lake Cham-
plain ; upon which he ordered captain Loring to
life the utmoft expedition in building a floop of
fixtcen guns, and a radeau of eighty-four feet in
length, capable of carrying fix pieces of large
cannon, being determined to have the fuperiority
on the lake. Thefeveffels being built and manned
the general embarked, and made feveral attempts
to attack the enemy ; but the winter coming on,
he deemed the accomplifhment of his defign a
matter of impoflibility, and returned to the bay.
Having landed his troops, he marched towards
Crown Point, where he arrived on the twenty-firft
of October. His attention was now wholly en-
grofleJ in erecting the new fortrcfs at Crown Point J
in opening roads of communication with Ticon-
deroga; and in forming fuch, difpofitions for the
winter quarters of his troops, as were neceflary
for fecuring the back colonies from the inroads of
the foe.
General Prideaux being reinforced by a confider-
able body of Indians, commanded by Sir William
Johnfon, advanced without oppofition to the camp
at Niagara. General Prideaux inverted the French
fortreis about "the middle of July ; but after carry-
ing on his approaches for fome days with great
vigour, he was^ while vifiting the trenches, un-
fortunately killed by the burfting of a cohorn.
General Amherft being informed of this difafter,
he fent brigadier-general G^ge from Ticonderoga,
to fucceed the deceafed Prideaux in command. In
the interim, the command of the army devolved
upon Sir William Johnfon, who carried on the plan
of his predeceflbr with great fuccefs.' The French,
being alarmed by the apprehenfion of lofing a place
of fo much importance, were exceedingly induf-
trious in collecting a body of regular troops,
amounting to twelve hundred men; and thefe, to-
gether with a large body of Indians, were fent,
under the command of M. d'Aubry, to reinforce
the garrifon of Niagara. Sir .William Johnfon was
no fooner apprized of this, than he made the rie-
ceflary difpofitions for intercepting them in their
march. About eight in the morning, the French
came in fight of the adverfe army, which was
drawn up in order of battle. Upon perceiving the
enemy, the Indians advanced to fpeak to their
countrymen, who ferved under M. d'Aubry ; but
the latter declining a conference, founded the war-
whoop, and began the battle with great fury. The
Britifli troops gave the enemy a very warm recep-
tion ; and the Indians attacked their flanks, and
galled them fo fevercly, that in about half an hour
their whole army was routed ; the French general,
and many of his officers were flain, as were a great
number of the fugitives in endeavouring to efcape
through the woods. The Englifh general now fent
major Hervey to the commander of the fort, with
a lift of the feventeen officers who had been made
prifoners, and to exhort him to furrender, while
the ferocity of the Indians could be restrained ;
adding, that he would be allowed the liberty of
fending fome pcrfon to view the officer:?, and there-
by fatisfy himfelf with regard to the fact. . An
officer was accordingly difpatched from the fortrcfs j
and he was permitted to converfe with M. d'Aubry
and the other prifoners. On his return, the com-
mander agreed to furrender, and in a few hours the
capitulation was ratified. The garrifon were per1-
rnitted to march out with all the honours of war,
in order to embark in veflels on the lake, and be
conveyed to New York in the moft expeditious
manner. At their own requeft, all the women
were fent to Montreal; and the fick and wounded,
who could not bear the fatigue of travelling, were
treated with the utmoft tendernefs.
Signal advantages refulted to the Englifh colo-
nies in' North America, from the reduction of
Crown Point and Niagara ; but the conqueft of
Quebec was a matter of much greater importance,
and the expedition againft this place was attended
with much greater danger. The fleet deftined for
this important expedition, failed from England,
about the middle of February, under the command
of the admirals Saunders and Holmes, who had
afforded repeated proofs of their courage and mill*
tary fkill. On the twenty-firft, they arrived within
fight of Cape Breton ; but the harbour being frozen
over, they bore away for Halifax in Nova Scotja.
It was deemed expedient to detach admiral Durell,
with a fmall fquadron, to the river St. Lawrence,
with orders to penetrate as far as the Ifle de Coudres,
ia
632
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
in order to intercept any fupplies that might be
fent from France for Quebec. In the interim,
admiral Saunders arrived at Louifburgh; and the
troops being embarked on board the tranfports, he
purfued every neceffary meafure for executing his
plan of operations upon the river St. Lawrence.
The land forces were commanded by major-
general Wolfe, aflifted by the brigadiers Monckton,
Townfhend, and Murray. Near the latter end of
June, the troops were landed on the ifle of Or-
leans, fituated a little below Quebec. The general
publifhed a manifefto, importing that the king of
Great Britain, his matter, for equitable caufes, had
equipped an armament, for the purpofe of reducing
the moft confiderable of the French fettlements in
America; that he intended not to offer any acts of
hoftility to the induftrious peafants, their families,
or the minifters of their religion ; but that he would
maintain them in their temporal pofleffions, as well
as in the exercife of their religion, provided they
would not intereft themfelves in the difpute between
the kings of France and England. Notwithftand-
ing the liberality of fentiment on which this ma-
nirefto was founded, it failed of producing the
defired effect; for the Canadians could repofe no
reliance on the faith of a nation, which their priefts
had reprefented as treacherous, heretical, and im-
placably cruel. Their prejudices and bigotry in-
duced them to reject the offers of the Englifli ge-
neral, and to expofe themfelves to deftruction, by
joining the fcalpin'g parties of Indians, who at-
tacked the Englifli flraggling parties, and put them
to death with circumftances of horrid cruelty.
Shocked and exafperated by thefe inhuman tranf-
actions, the generous Wolfe difpatched a letter to
the French general, complaining of the frequent
enormities committed, as wholly repugnant to the
rules of war obferved by civilized people, difho-
nourable to the French nation, and difgraceful to
humanity ; and faying, that if the Canadians and
Indians were not reftrained from fuch horrid pro-
ceedings, he fliould be under the difagreeable ne-
ceffity of retaliating upon the perfons of fuch pri-
foners as then were, or might afterwards become,
fubject to his power. Notwithftanding the above
remonftrance, they ftill perfifted in their infernal
practices ; and general Wolfe judged it prudent to
connive at fome irregularities committed by his
own people, in order that what could not be effected
by lenient methods, might be accomplifhed by in-
timidation. M. de Montcalm, the French general,
had taken the field at the head of fiveVegular
regiments, and formed his encampment in a very
advantageous fituation. The city of Quebec was
ftrongly fortified, well fupplied with provifions and
ammunition, and defended by a ftrong garrifon.
General Wolfe, upon receiving intelligence that a
detachment of the enemy, with a train of artillery,
had taken poft at Point Levi on the fouth fhore,
oppofite the city of Quebec, he refolved to diflodge
them before they mould have time to intrench
themfelves. He difpatched general Monckton, at
the head of four battalions, and in the night thefe
troops pafled the river; and the following morning,
after fkirmiftung with fome of the enemy's irregu-
lars, compelled them to abandon that poft, of which
the Englifli took immediate pofieflion.
M. de Montcalm was now convinced of his error,
in not fortifying Point Levi; and forefeeing the
effect of the battery raifed by the Englifli, he de-
tached fixteen hundred men acrofs the river to
deftroy the works, which were not yet completed;
but this attempt proved unfuccefsful. Upon their
landing the detachment fell into diforder, fired
upon each other, and retreated in confufion, before
the Englifti could come up to fhare in the action.
The battery was now finifhed, and the cannon was
' employed with fuch fuccefs, that in a fliort time
the upper town received confiderable damage, and
the lower one was entirely demolifhed.
The fleet, all this time, was expoied to the moft
imminent danger. The troops were no fooner
landed on the ifland of Orleans, than the wind in-
creafed to a furious ftorm, which blew- with fuch
violence, that many of the tranfports ran foul of
each other, and were difabled ; a number of boats
and fmall craft foundered, and feveral large fhips
loft their anchors. The enemy, fuppofing this
ftorm muft have produced great confufion among
the Britifli fquadron, refolved to take advantage of
it; for which purpofe they prepared feven fire mips,
and at midnight fent them cbwn from Quebec
among the tranfports. This fcheme, however, was
entirely defeated by the vigilance of the Englifli
admiral, and the courage of the failors, who un-
dauntedly boarded the fire-fliips, and towed them
faft on fhore with incredible expedition, where they
lay burning to the water's edge, without having
done the leaft part of that execution for which they
were defigned. A fecond attempt of that kind
was foon after made, anil with as little fuccefs as
the former. The works for the fecurity of the
hofpital, and the ftores on the ifland of Orleans,
being now completed, the Britifli forces eroded the
north channel in boats, and landing under the
cover of two floops, encamped on the fide of the
river Montmorenci, which feparated them from
the left of the enemy. Next morning a company
of rangers, pofted in a wood to cover fome work-
men, were attacked by-the French Indians and put
to flight; but our neareft troops advancing, the
Indians were, in their turn, repulfed with" great
lofs. General Wolfe now thought it would be
moft advifeable to defer attacking the French army
till he had furveyed the river St. Lawrence above
Quebec, where he hoped to find a place more
favourable for a defcent. Having made the admiral
acquainted with his defign, two men of war, two
armed floops, and feveral tranfports with troops on
board were fent up the river, and they pafled the
city without receiving any damage. The general
himfelf being on board of this little armament,
carefully furveyed the banks on the fide of the
enemy, which the nature of the ground rendered
extremely difficult; and thefe difficulties were far-
ther increafed, by the works which the French ge-
neral had caufed to be thrown up. Thus difap-
pointed in his expectation, the general returned to
Montmorenci.
A continual fucceflion of care, watchfulnefs, and
fatigue, produced a fever and dyfentery, by which
this truly great man was for fome time rendered in-
capable of performing his duty. ?Iis mind, how-
ever, was not in a ftate of inactivity, for during
the whole time of his confinement he held conful-
tations with his officers for the public utility.
They agreed in opinion, that any farther attempts
at Montmorenci would be of no effect, and that
their principal operations ought to be carried on
above the town, in order, if poflible, to draw the
enemy to an engagement. In confequence of this
refolution, as foon as the general was fomewhat
recovered, the troops quitted their camp at Mont-
morenci, and, with the artillery, were re-imbarked,
and 4anded at Point Levi. They then pafled up
the river in tranfports, while admiral Holmes made
a movement with his fhips, to amufe the enemy
pofted on the north fhore. The weather being
extremely bad, and the tranfports very much
crowded, the general ordered half of the men to
be landed on the fouth fhore for refrefliment. The
plan of operations was now entirely changed, there
appearing no poffibility of attacking the enemy above
the town. A fcheme was formed and prefented
by the three brigadiers, for conveying the troops
farther down in boats, and landing them in the
night
E
R
E
II.
633
* light vithin a league of Cape Diamond, in hopes"
of attending the heights of Abraham, which rife
abruptly V it h a fteep afcent from the banks of the
river, that they might take poffeffion of the ground
on the back of the city, in which place the fortifi-
cations were but indifferent. Hazardous as this
undertaking was, Wolfe refolved to attempt it; ac-
cordingly the time was fixed, and the neceflary pre-
parations made. Admiral Holmes, with his fqua-
dron, was ordered to move about three leagues
farther up the river than the place appointed for
the difembarkation, in order to amufe M. de Bou-
gainville, whom Montcalm had detached to attend
the motions of this fquadron ; but as foon as night
came on he was to return down the river, that he
might be ready to protect the landing of the forces.
On the twelfth of September, about one in the
morning, the firft embarkation, confuting of four
complete regiments of light infantry, commanded
by colonel Howe, a detachment of highlanders,
and the American grenadiers, was made in flat-
bottomed boats, under the immediate command
of the brigadiers Monckton and Murray, though
general Wolfe accompanied them, and was one of
the iii-it who landed. They then fell down with
the fide to the intended place of difembirkation,
rowing clole to the north more, in order to find it
the more eaiily ; but by the rapidity of the tide,
and the darknds of the night, the boats overfhot
the mark, and the troops landed a little below the
place intended. This was no fooner accomplifhed,
than the boats were fent back for a fecond em-
barkation, which was fuperintcnded by brigadier
Townfend. In the mean time, colonel Howe,
with the light infantry and highLnders, afcended
the precipices with amazing courage and activity-,
and in their way tlillodged a captain's guard, which
defended a pats, by which alone the reft of the
troops could reach the fummit. The whole army
then' mounted without moleftation, and the general
drew them up in order as they arrived. The
French general, M. de Montcalm, was no fooner
informed that the Englifh had gained the heights
of Abraham, than he refolved to give them battle;
andr having collected his whole force from the fide
of Beaupoi t, immediately fet forward on his march.
General Wolfe perceived them croffing the river St.
Charles, upon which he began to form his own line,
which conlifted of fix battalions and the Louifburgh
grenadiers ; the right commanded by brigadier
Monckton, and the left by brigadier Murray.
Colonel Howe, with his light infantry, was ported
in the rear of the left. The manner in which
Montcalm advanced, plainly {hewed that his defign
was to flank the left of the Englifh; and accord-
ingly brigadier Townfend was fent thither with
ttic regiment, of Amhcrft, which he formed, pre-
fenting a double front to the enemy. He was after-
wards reinforced by two battalions; and the referve
confuted of one regiment, drawn up in eight fub-
ilivifions, with large intervals. About nine in the
morning, the enemy advanced to the charge with
great order and rciolution, though their fire was
both irregular and ineffectual. The Englifli re-
ferved all their fhot till the French approached
within forty yards of their line, when they poured
in a violent dilcharge, and continued the fire with
fuch fpiiit and activity, as could not fail of doing
terrible execution. The general had fixed himfelt
where the attack was moft warm; and funding
confpicuous in the very front of the line, he was
aimed at by the enemy's markfmen, and received a
£h<>t in the wrift, which did not, however, oblige
him to (juit the field; for wrapping his handker-
chief about it, he continued to give his orders
without the leaft emotion, and advanced at the
head (if the grenadiers with their bayonets fixed,
when another ball unfortunately entered the brealt
No. 61.
of this young hero, who fell at the moment when
victory was crowning all his labours with fuccefs v
for at this very inftant every regiment of the Britifh
army fcemed to exert itfelf for the honour of its
own peculiar character. While the right pufhed on
with their bayonets, brigadier Murray advanced
brilkly with the troops under his command, and
foon broke the center of the enemy ; the high-
landers then di awing their broadfwords, fell in
among them with irreliltible fury, and drove them
with great flaughter into the town and works they
had raifed at the bridge over the river St. Charles.
The command now devolved on brigadier Town-
fhend, who haftened to the center; and finding
the troops diibi dered by the purfuit, formed them
again with great expedition. This tafk was fcarce
accomplished, when M. de Bougainville, with a
body of two thoufand frefli men, appeared in the
rear of the Euglifli. He had begun his march
from Cape Rouse, as foon as he had received in-
telligence that the Britifh troops had gained the
heights of Abraham; but could not arrive time
enough to have any fhare in the action. Two
battalions, with two pieces of artillery, were im-
mediately ordered to advance againft him, who at
their approach retired among woods and fwamps,
where general Townfhend did not think it prudent
to follow them. M. de Montcalm was mortally
wounded in the battle, and taken to Quebec,
where he died. His fecond in command was left
wounded on the field, and next day expired on
board an Englifh fhip, to which he had been con-
veyed-, about one thoufand of the enemy were
made prifoners, including a great number of offi-
and about five hundred were flain on the
cers,
field of battle. The remains of their army, after
they had reinforced the garrifon of Quebec, retired
to Port au Tremble, from whence they proceeded
to faquesQuar tiers, where they remained intrenched,
till the feverity of the weather compelled them to
make the belt of their way to Trois Rivieres and
Montreal. '
The Englifh, in this memorable action, had only
fifty men killed, and about five hundred wounded.
But the death of general Wolfe was a national lofs,
as he might be j.uftly placed among the greateft
generals of the age. When the fatal ball which
put a period to his life firft ftruck his breaft, he was
carried to a {"mail diftance in the rear, where,
fupported by an Englifh grenadier, and- a parti-
cular friend, he received the welcome news by his
fervant who had long attended him, that the French
were defeated, and even feeking their fafety by a
precipitate flight. Rouzed by this chearing infor-
mation, the young hero, though then in the ago-
nies of death, opened his eyes, replying with a
trembling accent, " Then I die contented," and
expired immediately. This gallant youth feemed
formed by nature, for reaching the fummit of mi-
litary greatnefs ; and by the moft affiduous appli-
cation had fo greatly improved the talents he had
received, that he may be confidered as the wonder
of his age. Nor was he the leaft deficient in the
focial virtues of life; he fought for deferving ob-
jects, and relieved their wants. Firm and fincere
in his friendfhips, gentle and conciliating in his
manners; a friend tojultice, and a warm champion
for the honour and liberties of his country, he was
beloved and eftcemcd by every man of virtue,
probity, and honour. Perhaps it will be unnccef-
fary to add, that he died univerfally lamented.
This glorious battle was fought on the twelfth
of September; and on the eighteenth, the enemy
perceiving that the communication between the
town and the army was cut oft, and that the Englifh
fleet and troops were preparing for a vigorous
fiege, furrendered Quebec upon very advantageous
'I terms ; by which they were allowed the free exercife
7 X of
634
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
of their religion, and the poflefiion of their civil
rights, till a general peace fhould determine their
future condition. A garrifon of five thoufand men
under general Murray, was put into the place;
and the fleet foon after failed for England, where
the news of this important conqueft of the capital
of Canada, was received with extraordinary marks
of joy by all ranks of people; at the fame time
that the death of the brave general Wolfe fpread a
univerfal concern through the nation.
The Britifli arms were not lefs fuccefsful in the
Eaft Indies, than on the other fide the Atlantic.
Colonel Ford, who had the command of the troops
in Bengal, obtained a complete victory near Mu-
fulipatam, over M. Conflans, the French com-
mander, and entered the place in a triumphant
manner. At the fame time colonel Maitland was
detached from Bombay with fifteen hundred fea-
poys, and nine hundred European troops, to inveft
the town and caftle of Surat j which places he at-
tacked with fo much vigour that they both fur-
rendered, on condition that the inhabitants mould
be allowed to fecure their property. In the mean
time, the Englifh and French commanders warmly
contended for fuperiority at fea. On the ninth of
September, vice- admit alPocock defcried the French
fleet, and at fix o'clock the following morning a
fpirited engagement commenced, which was conti-
nued till four in the afternoon, when the rear of
the French gave way ; and this example was foon
followed by the van. The Englim having fuftained
very conficlerable damage in their mafts and rigging,
were not in a condition to purfue. Captain
Mitchie, who commanded the Newcaftle, captain
Gore of the marines, five inferior officers, and up-
wards of three hundred fore-maft men were flain ;
and the Captains Somerfet and Brereton,with about
two hundred and fifty men, were wounded. The
French, in order that their fhips might undergo
neceflary repairs, directed their courfe towards the
ifland of Mauritius, leaving the Englifh matters of
the Indian coafl; and this fuperiority was confirmed
by the arrival of four fhips of the line, commanded
by rear-admiral Cornifh, who, on the eighteenth of
October, joined admiral Pocock at Madras.
The only profefled enemies with whom the Englim
had to contend in this quarter, were the French ;
but the Dutch, inftigated by envy and avarice,
and countenanced by the governor of Batavia,
feized feveral fmall veflels, on pretence of reta-
liating affronts offered to them by the fubjects of
Great Britain. In a fhort time after, the Calcutta
Eaft Indiaman, commanded by captain Wilfon,
failed down the river, the Dutch commodore fig-
nified to him, that he would fire upon him if he
attempted to pafs. Not being in a condition to
oppofe the Dutch commander, captain Wilfon
returned to Calcutta, where two other Indiamen
were laying at -anchor, and reported his adventure
to colonel Clive. Hereupon the colonel ordered
the three fhips to prepare for offering battle to the
Dutch commodore; and having each taken on
board two additional twelve pounders, they fell
down the river, and on their approach the Dutch
drew up in a line of battle. Three of the Dutch
fhips carried thirty-fix guns each ; the fame number
carried twenty-nine; and the other nineteen. The
Duke of Dorfet being neareft the enemy, captain
Wilfon, who afted as commodore, fired a gun as a
fignal for her to begin the engagement, and fhe
immediately came to an anchor clofe to the enemy.
A dead calm unfortunately coming on, the Duke of
Dorfet was, for a confiderable time, expofed to the
whole fire of the enemy ; but a breeze fpringing
up, the Hardwick and Calcutta advanced to her
afiiftance, and a fmart contefl was for fome time
maintained. Two of the Dutch fhips at length
flipped their cables and bore away, and a third
was driven on more. The Dutch commodore
being thus weakened, his remaining four fliips
ftruck to captain Wilfon. In this fharp conteft th6
Englifh had not a fingle man flain ; a circumftance
the more remarkable, as the Duke of Dorfet was
almoft torn to pieces, about ninety fhot having
penetrated her hull. Having taken pofleflion of
the prizes, captain Wilfon fcnt the prifoners to
Calcutta to be difpofed of by colonel Clive. The
Englifh were alfo fuccefsful on the coaft of Coro-
mandel. Colonel Coote inverted and reduced the
Fort of Wandewafh, and defeated the French army
under the command of general Lally. The atchieve-
ments performed by colonel Coote during a lono-
and laborious campaign, were productive of great
advantages to his country, and proportionable ho-
nour to himfelf.
We fhall now leave the eaftern quarter of the
globe, to take a furvcy of the fcene of war on the
continent of Europe. The apprehenfion of the
fpeedy death of the king of Spain, had very mate-
rially affedted the political fyftem in general. Yield-
ing to the force of conjugal affection, this fovereign
had, fince the deceafe of his confort, indulged a
melancholy, which operated fo powerfully upen
him-, that the inevitable confequence was expected
to be his fpeedy diflblution, or a total extinction of
the rational faculties. The next in fucceflion to the
crown of Spain was Don Carlos, king of Naples ;
and it had been ftipulated by the treaty of Aix-la-
Chapelle, that the duchies of Parma, Guftalla, and
Placcntia, fhould be reftored to the houfe of
Auftria. The affairs of England and France were
connected with the general fyftem, yet partly diftincl
and independent. France perceived from the in-
creafing power of the Englifh in America, and the
feeble condition of her own navy, that all farther
attempts in that quarter of the world muft ne-
ceflarily fail, and that her efforts were therefore to
be made in Europe, with two objects principally in
view, the recovery of Hanover, and the invafion
of England. In the firft of thefe projects they
could not reafonably promife themfelves any very
capital advantage, even in cafe of every pofllble
fuccefs; and with regard to thefeconcl, the threats
of a defcent had ferved to increafe the internal
ftrength of Great Britain, without producing the
leaft apprehenfion or alarm in the kingdom ; and at
this time the meafures of the Englifh miniftry, and
the mode of profecuting the war were fo popular,
that the utmoft harmony prevailed among people of
all ranks and conditions. Ferdinand, who ftill
commanded the allied army, had been now
ftrengthened by reinforcements from England, and
recruits from different parts of Germany. He had
already concerted a plan of operations for the en-
fuing campaign, the principal object of which was,
the extirpation of the enemy from Frankfort, before
the reinforcements which they expected could ar-
rive. Having refolved to undertake this enter-
prize, he collected all his forces in the neighbour-
hood of Fulda ; and on the tenth of April, he
began his march at the head of an army amounting
to forty thoufand men. On the thirteenth he came
in fight of the enemy, whom he found ftrongly en-
camped about the village of Bergen, between
Frankfort and Hanau. The duke of Broglio, the
genera! of the French army, who was efteemed one
of the beft officers in the fervice, upon gaining in-
telligence of the defign of prince Ferdinand, took
poflcflion of this poft on the twelfth, the right of
his army being at Bergen, and his center and flanks
fo fecured, that the allies could only attack them
by the village. But notwithftanding the advanta-
geous fituation of the enemy, prince Ferdinand
refolved to give them battle, and made the neceffary
difpofitions for that purpofe. After being repulfed
in three feveral attacks, he made a newdifpofition,
and
GEORGE
II.
nnd brought up his artillery, by means of which
he feverely cannonaded the village, and damaged
feveral parts of the French lines. But the fituation
of the enemy was fuch, as to fecure them from
very eflential injury; they were, however, fo
effectually amufed by the artful difpofition of prince
Ferdinand, that inftead of taking meafures for
harrafling him in his retreat, they were only" foli-
citous to maintain their fituation, and to prepare
for repelling another attack.
The allies now began to experience the ill con-
fequences of the mifcarriage at Bergen. In the
neighbourhoods of Dufleldofp anj Crevelt, the
French obtained plenty of provifiom, while a great
dearth of all kinds of neceffaries prevailed in th^
allied army, that part of the country which :..ey
occupied being already exhaufted, and their fupplies
being conveyed from a great diftance. The article
of forage alone was attended with an expence fo
enormous as to alarm the Britifh miniftry, who
judged it prudent to appoint ah infpedor, to pre-
vent all kinds of frauds and extortions in future.
The French army being encamped at Stadburg, the
duke de Broglio, who commanded, the right wing,
advanced from Caflelinto the territories of Hanover,
where he took poflefiion of Gottingcn without op-
pofition; and as jhe enemy advanced, prince Fer-
dinand was under the neceflity of retiring ; but he
left ftrong garrifons in Lipftadt, Retherg, and
Minden. Yet fo rapid was the progrefs of the
French arms, that there appeared every reafon to
believe they would be attended with fuccefs. Prince
Ferdinand, however, kept himfelf unmoved, and
fteadily attentive to che profecution of his defigns.
After taking Minden, the body of the French army
poftecl themfelves in the neighbourhood of that city,
to which the right of their forces extended ; their
left was protected by a very lleep hill, an extenfive
morafs was in their front, and their rear was covered
by a rivulet. The allied army advanced to Peter-
fhagen, where they pitched their camp in a very
advantageous fituation. An immediate engage-
ment now appeared to be the only event which
could difappoint the French in their intention of
eftablifhing their winter-quarters in the electorate
of Hanover; and the allies, could not attack them
in the camp they at prefent occupied, with any
profpect of advantage. In this critical fituation of
affairs, prince Ferdinand difplayed fuch quick pe-
netration, fteady fortitude, and undaunted valour,
as proved him to be qualified for the moft im-
portant military enterprizes. On the twenty-ninth
of July he marched from his camp on the Wefer,
towards a village at a confiderable diftance. on the
right, named Hillen, at the head of the greater
part of his army. On the preceding day lie dif-
patched the hereditary prince, with fix thoufand
men, to make a compafs towards the left flank of
the enemy, and to poft himfelf in fuch a manner,
as to cut off the communication of their convoys
from Paderborn. He had alfo left, on the hanks
of the Wefer, a body of troops, under the corn-
man of general Wangenheim, extending to the
town of Thornhaufen, where they were intrenched,
and fupported by a confiderable traia of artillery.
Thefe motions being obferved by the generals of
the adverfe army, they fummoned a council of war,
and the remit of their deliberations was to purfue
meafures which precipitated them into the In are
prepared for them. They imagined that the allied
army was divided and disjointed, and therefore re-
folved not to neglect fo favourable an opportunity
for attacking general Wangenheim, who they knew
was at the head of only 'a fmall body of forces,
and fuppofed to be at too great a diftance from the
main body of the army to receive any relief.
Broglio was to lead the attack, by falling upon the
body of troops laying near the river. The duke j
advanced in full confidence of fuccefs; but he had
no fooner gained an eminence which lay along &$#
front, than he was ftruck with the utmoft aftonifh-
ment ; for, inftead of a few- pofts weakly guarded,
he beheld the whole army of the allies drawn vip in
moft excellent order, and extending from the banks
of the Wefer to the morafs, directly in the front of
the French camp. The motions of the enemy were
for a time entirely flopped by this unexpected dif-
covery ; they were hemmed in between1 the allies,
the morafs, arid the river; and from this difagree-
able fituation, they found no poffibility of receding.
An obftinate engagement enuied. The weight of
the battle was, in a great meafure, fuftained by the
Englifh infantry, and fome corps of Hanoverians,
v ho, with a degree of intrepidity that has never
been exceeded, flood the reiterated charges of the
feveral bodies of the enemy's cavalry, which they
at length completely routed. Two brigades of foot
attempted to fupport the French horfe, but they
foon fled before the Englifli infantry. The regi-
ments under Waldegrave and Kingfley,diftinguifhed
themfelves on this occafion in a very honourable
manner. The enemy's cavalry, which compofed
their center, being entirely defeated ; and their right
wing, which had attacked Wangenheim, unable to
main tain" the' coilteft, a retreat evidently appeared
to be their defign. At this very critical juncture,
prince Ferdinand clifpatched orders to lord George
Sackville, who commanded the whole Britim, and
feveral brigades of German cavalry, to advance.
But lord George urged, that his orders were not
fuiiiciently explicit, and defired an explanation :
the delay confequent hereori, deprived the Britifh
cavalry of an opportunity of fharing in the glory
of the action, and at the fame time Enabled the
enemy to retreat with fome regularity, favoured by
thecircumftances of being in pofleffion of Minden,
and under the command of fo brave and prudent a
general as the duke de Broglio. Though the
French loft the honour of the day, and were dif-
appoirited in their expectations', their lofles and
difgraccs were not irreparable, nor coukf the battle
of Minden be deemed decifive; nor would the iflue
of this encounter have proved fo favourable to the
Englifli, had not prince Ferdinand detached the
hereditary prince in the manner above recited. At
five in the morning of that memorable day, the
young hero attacked a large body of French forces
commanded by the duke de Brifac; and thefe
troops he entirely defeated, and compelled to fly to
Minden for refuge. This event enfured fuccefs to
the allies, over an enemy of great fuperiority in
point of numbers. All the paflages through which
the French could receive either reinforcements or
provifions, were taken pofleffion of by the allies ;
and therefore the enemy was under the neceffity of
abandoning their ftrong pofts. They fled through
Minden, and pafling the Wefer, advanced to the
caftward of that river. Thus they retreated, under
a variety of difagreeable circumftances, and loft
every advantage they had acquired during the pre-
ceding part of the campaign. The lots of the
allies in this action did not exceed two thoufand
men ; but the enemy had about feven thoufand
killed, wounded, and taken prifoncrs. The Englifh
troops, who acquired the grcatcft fhare of glory,
fuftained the greateft lofs, twelve hundred of them
being among the number of killed arid wounded.
The day following that on which the battle was
fought, prince Ferdinand paid due honours to thofe
gallant corps of both Englifli and Hanoverians,
having iflued immediate orders for returning his
thanks to fuch regiments and officers, as had diftin-
guifhed themfelves in the action: but thefe orders
contained fomeexpreffions, which fecmed to convey
a very feverc reflection on the commander in chief
of the Britifh forces; the confequence of which
wns,
636
THF/N-EW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
was, that in a few days after the battle his lord- j
fhif> refigned his command, and returned home,
where, in a fhort time, he was deprived of all his
military employments., and declared incapable of
ferving his majefty in any military character; a
fentence, to a man of honour, worfe than death it-
felf. He was fucceeded in his command by the
marquis of Granby.
The brave prince Ferdinand having fupplied
Minden with a fulficient garrifbn, proceeded to
Hervonden; and the hereditary prince croffcd the
Wefer at, .Hameljn in order to purfue the enemy,
who kept retreating before him, while he feizc4
every opportunity of attacking their rear, took the
greateft part of their baggage, and drove them from
every place they occupied in Weltphalia. The
allied army. in the mean time, advanced by regular
marches; and prince Ferdinand having fecured
Caflel, the garrifon of which had furrendered to
the hereditary prince, detached general Imhoffwith
a body of troops to reduce the city of Munfter,
which he accordingly began to batter with great
fury-, but M. d'Aunentieres advanced to its relief,
and obliged general Imhoffto abandon the fiege;
who being, foon after reinforced, marched back to
Munfter, and obliged the French commander to
retreat in his turn: but the fiege of this important
place was not regularly undertaken till November,
when it was formally inverted, and the operations
carried on with iiich vigour, that, in a few, da) s,
the city furrendered on capitulation. After this,
prince Ferdinand proceeded with the army to
Neidar- Weimar, and there fixed his camp; while
Contades remained at GieiTen, on the fouth fide of
the river Lahne, where he was joined by the marflial
d'Eurecs. Contades and Brogliohad mutually ac-
cufed each other of mifconduct ; but the latter
feemed to gain credit at the court of Verfailles,
and in a little time he aiTumed the command of the
French army; while Contades, d'Eilre'es, with fe-
veral other general officers who were fenior to
Broglio, received orders to return to Paiis. In
the mean time the duke of Wirtemberg having
occupied the town of Fulda, the hereditary prince
refolved to beat up his quarters. In confequencc
of this refolution, on the twenty-eighth of No-
vember he began his march from Marpurg, at the
head of a feltct body of forces, and on the thirtieth,
about one in the morning, arrived before Fulda.
The troops of Wirtemberg, who were detached
about in fmall parties, retired haftily into the town,
whither they were folio wed by the hereditary prince,
who purfued them to the other fide of it, where
four battalions were routed and taken ; while the
duke himielf, with the reft of his forces, filed off
on the other fide of Fulda, and the prince advanced
to Rupertenrade, fituatccl on the right of the French
army. This motion obliged the duke de Broglio
to relinquifh Giefien, and retire to Friedberg, where
he fixed his head-quarters. The allied army imme-
diately took poffeffion of his camp at Kleinlinnes
and Heuchelem, where they began to make pre-
parations for the fiege of Giefien; but the feverity
of thefeafon rendered the defign abortive; prince
Ferdinand therefore thought proper to detach the
hereditary prince at the head of twelve thoufand
men to the afiiftance of the king of Prufiia, who
fuffered greatly this campaign by the Auftrian and
Ruflian armies. The allied army being thus
weakened, Broglio thought it a favourable oppor-
tunity for attacking them to advantage. Accord-
ingly, on the twenty-fifth of December, he ad-
vanced towards their camp, but found them fo
well difpofed to receive him, that he thought proper
to abandon his enterprize, and return to his former
quarters. The allies then quitted Kleinlinnes and
proceeded to Cofdorf, where they were cantoned
till the beginning of January, when they fell back
as far as Marpurg, where prince Ferdinand efta-
bliflied his head quarters.
Having thus given a particular detail of the ope-
rations of this campaign, as far as they relate to us,
we (hall return to our domeftic concerns. The
parliament, on the fourteenth of November, met
at Weftminfter, when the feflion was opened by
commiflion, and the lord-keeper made a fpeech to
both houfes, recapitulating our uncommon fucceffes
in every part of the globe this campaign, and, in
his majefty's name, congratulated the ^parliament
thereon. Addrefies from both houfes being pi'e-
fented, the commons proceeded to fettle the fupply,
which this year amounted to fixtecn millions one
hundred thirty thoufand, five hundred and fixty-
one pounds, nine failings and eight-pence. On
the eleventh of January in this year, died the
princefs-dowagcr of Orange and Naffau,govei nante
of the United Provinces, and deleft daughter of
his Britannic majefty, who was informed of this
melancholy event by a letter from th.: ftatcs-general,
wherein they condoled with him on the irreparable
Ipfs which he, as well as they had fuflaiiicd; and
allured him they would employ all their care and
attention in fecuring and. defending the rights and
intcrcfb of the young ftadtholder, and the princefs
his fitter, whom they confidered as children of the
republic. The d_-ath of this amiable princefs was
foon followed by that of the princefs Elizabeth
Caroline, fecbnd daughter of his royal highnefs
Frederic, prince of Wales, who departed this life
at Kew, in the nineteenth year of her age.
In January, M. de Thurot, after ,. ,^ ,
having alarmed the coafts" of England *
and Scotland, arrived on the coaft of Ireland, and
threw that kingdom into great confirmation. On
the twenty-fidt of February he made a defcent at
Carrickfcrgus with fix hundred men ; and no'twith-
Itanding the fpiritcd defence of colonel Jennings,
whofc iokliers were raw and unclifciplined, got
poffefiion of the town and caftle; but the country
crouding in from all parts to oppofe.their invaders,
Thurot haftily embarked, and near the Ifle of Man
was met by 'captain Elliot of th.e ./Eolus, captain
Logic of the i ulla's, and captain Clements of the
Brilliant, who, after a fmart engagement, in which
Thurot' was 'flaih, took his little fquadron, the
Belleifle of forty-four guns, La Blond of thirty-
two guns, and the Terpfichore of twenty-fix guns,
at the expcnce of about forty men killed and
• wounded; but the lofs of the French exceeded
three hundred. Early1 this year, the Ramilies, a
'fmefecond rate, was wrecked on the Bolt head
near Plymouth, in her return with admiral Bof-
cawen from Cjuiberon Bay ; and all her officers and
men, amounting to feven hundred, perifhed, a
midfhipmah and twenty-five marines only being
favecl. On the twenty-fecond of May the parlia-
ment continued fitting, wjien a great dumber of
bills were paffecl into faws by eommiflion, after
which the lord-keeper elofed the'felTmn.
In North America, the Cherokee Indians on the
back of Carolina, being inftigated by the French,
broke the peace with the Englifh, having plun-
dered, maffacred, and fcarped many Britilh fubjecls.
Upon this, Mr. Lyttleton, governor of South Ca-
rolina, raifed a body of forces, and marched into
their country, with fuch fpiiit and refdution, that
they being intimidated fued for peace ; and a new
treaty was agreed upon, in which it was ftipulated,
that fatisfaciion mould be made for the damages
fuftained by the Englifh, and that the delinquents
ihould be puniihed. But no fooner was the gover-
nor returned, than the Indians attempted to fur-
prize Fort George, and butchered all the Englifli
traders in their country ; after which, they mafiacrcd
forty of the defcncelefs inhabitants of the back
fettlements. Upon this, general Amherft detached
colonel
E O R
II.
637
colonel Montgomery with a body of twelve hun-
dred men to chaftize the Cherokees, who marching
into their country deftroyed every village and houie
in the lower nation, put a great number to death,
and brought oft' forty women and children pri-
foners to Fort George. They afterwards made an
irruption into their "middle fettlements, deftroying
all before them with fire and fword. The Indians,
in revenge, attacked Fort Loudun, and after grant-
ing a capitulation, maflacred the greateft part of
the garrifon in their march to Carolina. While
our arms were thus employed in the fouthern parts
of America, M. de Levis, with twelve thoufand
men, refolved to attempt the recovery of Quebec ;
and approaching that city, general Murray, on the
twenty-eighth of April, marched out againft him
with about three thoufand men. A warm engage-
ment enfued, in which the Englifh left a thoufand
men killed and wounded; and being overpowered
by numbers, retreated into the city. Levis laid
fiege thereto, and the governor with his garrifon
made a vigorous defence. But at this time lord
Colville, with a fleet from Halifax, arriving in the
river St. Lawrence, deftroyed and took the French
veflels that attended their army; on which Levis
inftantly raifed the fiege, leaving behind him all
his artillery, with a great part of his ammunition
and baggage. Vaudreuil, the French governor of
Canada, after Levis had been compelled to raife
the fiege, fixed his head-quarters at Montreal, and
there collected the whole regular force that re-
mained in Canada. Brigadier-general Murray had
orders to advance towards Montreal, with all the
troops which could be fpared from the garrifon of
Quebec. Colonel Haviland failed thither from
Crown Point ; and Amherft, with an army of about
ten thoufand men, proceeded by the way of Lake
Ontario, into the river St. Lawrence. At length,
after a fatiguing voyage of two months and feven-
teen days, they reached Montreal almoft at the
fame time ; when Vaudreuil, feeing himfelf entirely
inclofed by three armies, furrendered the garrifon
of Montreal and all Canada on the eighth of Sep-
tember, on condition that the inhabitants fhould
enjoy their religion and effects ; and that thofe of
the French, who mould chufe to return to France,
mould be tranfported thither. Thus was the con-
queft of Canada completed to the great honour of
the Britifh arms; and that vaft country reduced to
the obedience of the king of England. In the
courfe of this fummer, captain Byron, with three
of his majefty's (hips, deftroyed a French fettle-
ment in the bay of Chaleur. He there took three
frigates', and nineteen fmaller veflels, and burned
the town of Chaleur. Nothing now remained to
be done in North America, but the demolition of
the fortifications of Louifbourg on the ifland of
Cape Breton ; for which purpofe fome able engi-
neers had been difpatched from England. By-
means of mines artfully difpofed, the fortifications
were reduced to a heap of rubbifh, the glacis was
levelled, and the ditches were filled. All the artil-
lery, aiumunition, and implements of War, were
tranfported to Halifax; but the barracks- were re-
paired, fo as to accommodate three hundred men
occafionally ; and the hofpital, with the private
houfes, were left (landing.
In the Eaft Indies, the Britifh arms were alfo
fnccefsful. After the reduction of Arcot, the gar-
rifons of Permacoil and Allumparva furrendered
themfelves prifoners of war in the beginning of
May. The important fettlement of Carical was re-
duced by the fea and land forces commanded by
rear-admiral Cornifh and major Monfon, and the
French garrifons made prifoners of war. Colonel
Coote having defeated the French general Lally in
the field, and fubdued feveral of the enemy's fettle-
inents on the coaft of Coromandel, at length {hut
No. 6t.
them up within the walls of Pondicherry, which
was well fortified; and defended by a numerous
garrifon. Five fliips of the line, commanded by
captain Haldane, blocked it up by fea, while
colonel Coote carried on the fiege by land, which
was delayed for ibme time by the exceflive rains ;
but on the eighth of December, four batteries
which colonel Coote had erected were all opened
at midnight, and though placed at a confiderable
diftance, they did great execution. The garrifon
defended the town with aftonifliing refolution till
about the middle of January, when all the inhabi-
tants, being in danger of perifhing by hunger, the
principal of the Jefuits, accompanied by two civi-
lians, came out, and offered terms of capitulation,
which conduct the governor was far from approving
of; for he fent out at the fame time a pap^r full of
invectives againft the Englifli, for the breach of
treaties relative to India :
adding,
that thefe
breaches rendered him incapable of propofing any
conditions. It may therefore be faid, that he
rather fuffered the Englifh forces to take poflefllon
of the place, than that he furrendered it; as he
refufed to capitulate, the propofals of the inhabi-
tants were little regarded; and the city of Pondi-
cherry, with a garrifon of about fourteen hundred
European foldiers, a vaft quantity of military ftores,
and great riches, were given up at difcretion to the
conqueror.
In Germany, this year, the enemy's corps, under
M. Broglio, confifted of near one hundred thou-
fand effective men ; befides thirty thoufand, drawn,
out of their quarters in Dufleldorp, Cleves, Cologn,
and Wefel ; which being completed by draughts
fcom France, formed a feparate army on the Rhine,
under the count de St. Germain. At the opening
of this campaign, we had in Germany twelve regi-
ments of heavy, and one of light horfe ; and
twelve regiments, with two highland battalions of
foot, the whole amounting to about twenty-two
thoufand men ; but in the courfe of the fummer
they were further reinforced to near twenty-five
thoufand. The allied fell very fliort of the French
army in numbers, but they exceeded it in quality
of the troops ; thofe newly arrived from England
were frefh, but not undifciplined ; and the old,
though harrafied, were accuftomed to victory. The
campaign was opened very late ; for the allied army
did not march from their cantonments till the fifth
of May.
Prince Ferdinand having received advice that
the count de St. Germain was in motion, began his
march from Ziegenheim, and on the ninth of July
reached the heights of Brunau, in the neighbour-
hood of Wildurgen ; while the hereditary prince,
at the head of the advanced corps, reinforced with
fome battalions and fquadrons under major-general
Griffin, was fent forwards to Saxenhaufen, whither
the army followed the next morning. The heredi-
tary prince continuing to advance, founcJ .he enemy
already formed at Corbach ; but fuppofing their
whole force did not exceed ten thoufand infantry
and feventeen fquadrons, he refolved to give them
battle. Accordingly he attacked them, and the
action became very warm and obftinate; but the
fuperiority of the enemy rendered all the efforts of
the prince ineffectual, and prince Ferdinand was
at too great a diftance to affift him. He therefore
made the proper difpofitions for a retreat, which
proved a very difficult talk ; for fome bodies of the
German troops, both horfe and foot, fell into great
confufion, which the enemy perceiving, pufhed
forward upon them with irreliftible fury, and in all
probability, the whole infantry of the allies would
have been cut off, had not the hereditary prince
put himfelf at the head of Bland's and Howard's
regiments of dragoons*, and charged the enemy with
fuch impetuofity as foon flopped their career, and
7 Y enabkd
THE NEW AND -COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
648
enabled the allies to make an undifturbecl retreat
to Saxenhaufcn. In this engagement the heredi-
tary prince was wounded; about five hundred men
were killed, and fifteen pieces of cannon taken.
On the fixteenth of July prince Ferdinand at-
tacked the enemy near the village of Exdorff, and,
after a warm difpute, victory declared for the allies.
Five battalions of the enemy, including the com-
mander in chief, and the prince of Anhalt Cothen,
were taken, with fix pieces of cannon, and all their
arms, baggage, and artillery. All this time the
duke de Broglio remained encamped on the heights
of Corbach, during which, fome detachments he
had fent for that purpofe reduced the caftles of
Marpurg and •Dillemburg, the garrifons of both
thefe places being obliged to furrender themfelves
prifoners of war. About this period, feveral ft
the French generals threw up their commiffions in
difguft •, among thefe was the count de St. Ger-
main, who was fucceeded by the chevalier de Muy.
On the thirteenth of July the troops were again
put in motion -, and both armies having patted the
Dymel, prince Ferdinand refolved to give the
French corps under; M. de Muy battle. The
proper difpofitions were, accordingly made ; and
almoft at the fame inftant the enemy were attacked
both in flank and in rear with equal fuccefs; and
unable to withftand the fury of the Britiih cavalry
they betook themfelves to flight, leaving about
fifteen hundred men killed or wounded m the field
of battle, with ten pieces of cannon; and the fame
number were taken prifoners. On the evening of
the battle, the marquis of Granby, with twelve
battalions and ten fquadrons, received orders 'to
pafs the river in purfuit of the enemy; but they
had retired to Wolflhagen, and the marquis en-
camped at Wilda, about four, miles from War-
bourgh, .the heights of which were, occupied by
the enemy's grand army. Prince Ferdinand, by
this vi6tory, was enabled to maintain his commu-
nication with Weftphalia, and prevent the enemy
from approaching Hanover; but at the lame time
he was obliged to facrifice the country of Caflel ;
for prince Xavier of Saxony, at the head of a de-
tached body, advanced towards that city, which he
made himfelf. matter of; he then reduced Munden,
Gottingen, and Elmbeck, in the electorate of
Hanover-, and it was not long before the garrifon
of Ziegenheim, confiding of feven. hundred men,
*vere obliged, after a vigorous refiftance, to fur-
render themfelves prifoners of war. In the mean
time prince Ferdinand employed himfelf in fecuring
pofts and panes,' in order to retard the progrefs of
the enemy, and in fending detachments to harrafs
and furprize their advanced parties, which fervice
was performed with the greateft fuccefs.
The prince now perceived, that whilft the
enemy's communication with the Rhine, and with
Frankfort on the Maine, continued open, it would
be to very little purpofe to attempt any thing either
for the relief of Gottingen or Caflel, He had,
indeed, checked their progrefs into Hanover; but
while they continued in fo advanced a pofitjon, it
was evidently impoflible to prevent their making
very ruinous inroads into that country. He did
not think it prudent to force them to a battle; fo
that the only refource left, was to make frequent
md ftrong detachments into the fouthern parts of
I Idle and Wetteravia, and thus render the enemy's
communication with the Rhine and Maine, from
whence they drew the greatett part of their fupplies
of all kinds, precarious. In the month of Sep-
tember the hereditary prince quitted the grand
army of the allies, and with twenty battalions and
ten fquadrons having traverfed Wettphalia, he ap-
peared on the Lower Rhine, marching by Scherm-
bech and Dufleldorp. On the twenty-ninth he fent
a large detachment over the river at Hocroot, which
furprized part of the p anizan Fifcher's corps afc
Rhynberg, and fcoured the country. Some other
parties crofllng at Rees and Einerick, the next day
took pofleflion of fome redoubts which the French
had raifed along the banks of the river; and here
they found a fufficient number of boats to tranfport
the reft of the forces. The prince then advanced
to Cleves, the garrifon of which he obliged to fur-
render prifoners of war on the third of October.
In the mean time the French, being informed of
his motions, detached M. de Caftres after him,
with thirty battalions and thirty-eight fquadrons,
and on the fourteenth of October they arrived at
Rhynberg, where the prince's light troops were
potted. "Thefe they immediately attacked, and
compelled them, to retreat, notwithftanding all the
efforts of the prince who commanded in perfon.
Leaving five battalions at Rhynberg, the enemy
proceeded .by the left, and encamped behind the
convent of Campen, where de Caftres intended to
wait for fome reinforcements then on their march.
But the hereditary prince refolved to attack his
camp that very night; and having left four batta-
lions and five fquadrons under general Bock, with
orders to obferve Rhynberg, and attack that pott
irt cafe his attempt fhould prove fucccfsful, he
began his march at ten in the evening. Before the
allied forces could reach the enemy's camp, they
were under the neceflity of overpowering Fifcher's
corps of irregulars. This fervice occafioncd fome
firing, the noife of which alarmed the French
army: upon which their commander formed them
with amazing expedition, and potted them in a
wood, where^they were inftantly attacked, and at
firft obliged to give ground ; but they foon reco-
vered their ranks, andfuftained an unceafing fire
of mufquetry from five in the morning till nine at
night, when the hereditary prince thought proper
to retreat. His lofs on this occafion amounted to
fixteen hundred choice men, killed, wounded, and
taken prifoners; and the chief of thefe were troops
of Great Britain. Several Englifh officers were
dangeroufly wounded, and thofe of lord Downe,
an amiable young nobleman, proved mortal. By
this time the Rhine was fo exceedingly fwelled by
the rains, and the banks of it were overflowed in
fuch a manner, that it was judged neceflary to re-
pair and move the bridge, which had been thrown
over the river lower down. This work was ac-
cordingly performed in the prefence of the enemy;
and the prince palling over without moleftation,
proceeded to Brynen, where he fixed his head-
quarters. Here he received advice that a body_ of
the enemy intended to furprize him ; upon which
he called in his advanced pofts, and made prepa-
rations for giving them a warm reception,
abandoned the tents that were in front of his camp,
and potted his infantry in ambufcade behind thofe
that were in the rear: at the fame time he ordered
fome regiments of horfe and huflars to take a
compafs, and fall upon the back of the enemy.
The defired fuccefs attended this ftratagem; for
the French detachment thinking the allies had
adually abandoned their camp, broke all order,
and began to pillage the tents. The infantry then
fallied 'from their places of concealment, and fell
upon them with irrefiftible fury; the artillery
opened, and the cavalry charged them in flank ;
and of twelve hundred of the enemy who marched
from Wefel, fcarce two hundred cfcaped. During
thefe tranfactions, the duke de Broglio endeavoured
to take advantage of the allied army on the other
fide the Wefer, while it was thus weakened by the
abfence of the troops under the hereditary prince;
but lie found it impoflible to furprize prince Ferdi-
nand, and he was too ftrongly fituated to be at*
tacked with any profpe.ct of fuccefs. He there-
fore employed himfelf in wafting the country by
detachments.
GEORGE
II.
639
. Prince Ferdinand then withdrew into
..tcr-quarcers, leaving the enemy in full poffeffion
of Hefle, and the whole country eaftward of
the Wefer to the frontiers of the electorate of
Hanover.
We muft not omit recording here a remarkable
tranfa&ion which happened m England, during
the courfe of this year. Laurence, earl Ferrers,
a nobleman of a moft violent fpirit, and who, in
the opinion of all who knew him had given
evident proofs of infanity, at laft committed a pre-
meditated murder on Mr. Johnfon, his fteward.
Lord Ferrers had fome time before married a very
amiable lady, but behaved to her in fo brutal a
manner, that application was made to the houfe of
peers, and a reparation was effected by aft of par-
liament. In confequence of this ftatute truftees
were appointed, and Johnfon was to receive the
revenues of the earl's eftate. This act of parlia-
ment exafperated him to the higheft degree; and
fufpecting Johnfon to have joined with the reft of
his family in a confpiracy againft: his intereft, he
hid a plan for his deftrudion. Accordingly he fent
for him to his houfe, under pretence of confulting
with him on bufmefs of importance. Johnfon,
fufpecting nothing of mifcluef from the earl, readily
obeyed his command, and was received with great
appearance of friendfhip and complaifance. But
foon after, the earl fliot the unfortunate victim witK
a piftol he had before loacled for that very purpofe.
A deliberate defign of this horrid nature alarmed
the whole nation, and the people, with one voice,
cried aloud for juftice. Nor did they implore in
vain. He was tried before the houfe of peers,
found guilty, and, on the fifth of May hanged at
Tyburn, purfuant to his fentence.
In England, great murmurs were now raifed
againft the commander of the allied army, as if,
upon all occafions, he had wantonly expofed the
lives of the Britifh foldiers, in order to preferve
thofe of .the -Germans ; but the Englifh always
defired the poft of honour, and with equal fpirit
purchafed it more cheaply than on the whole might
have been expected ; for the only actions in which
they fuffered any thing worthy of notice, were thofe
of Warburg and Campen; and it has been afferted,
that the whole Englifh army, which amounted to
twenty-five thoufand men, loft, during the whole
campaign, only two hundred and fixty-five killed
in battle, and eight hundred and feventy wounded.
While the minds of the people were agitated by
thefe reflexions, and began to exclaim againft
bcin«- burthened with new loads of taxes for con-
quefts they could neither preferve nor enjoy, their
thoughts took a different turn, by the fudden death
of the king at his palace in Kenfington, on the
twenty-fifth of October, in the feventy-feventh year
of his age, and the thirty-third of his reign. He
had rifen at his ufual hour, drank his chocolate,
and obferved to his page, that the weather being
fine, he intended to walk' in the gardens. In a few
minutes after he had fignificd his intention, and
being alone in his chamber, his majefty was heard
to fall on the floor. The noife of his fall brought
in feveral attendants, who lifted him on the bed,
where, in a faint voice, he defired that Amelia
might be fent for; but before her arrival the king
expired. The immediate caufe of his death is faid
to have been a rupture of the right ventricle of his
heart, which occafioned an inftantaneous ftoppage
of the whole circulation; an unexpected ftroke
from the king of terrors, which filled the hearts of
all his ftibjects with unfeigned forrovv. An event
of this kind is never preceded with any apparent
illnefs; fo that it is no wonder his majeily had en-
joyed for fome time an uncommon degree of ftrength
and health confidering his advanced age; and what
is no lefs extraordinary, he never more perfectly
pofleffed the love of his fubjccts than in the laft
years of his life.
The family of George II. are, Frederic, his
eldeft fon, prince of Wales, and earl of Chefter,
father to his prefent majefty ; who married the
twenty-fevcnth of April, 1736, Augufta, only fur-
viving daughter of Frederic II. duke of Saxe
Gotha, and died the twentieth of March, O. S.
1750-1, in the forty -fixth year of his age.
William Auguftus, duke' of Cumberland, K. G.
and K. B. born the fifteenth of April, 1721, and
died, univerfally lamented by the Englifh nation,
the thirty-firft of October, 1765.
Anne, princefs royal of England, born Novem-
ber the fecond, 1709, married to the late prince of
Orange, March the twenty-fifth, 1734, and mother
to the prefent ftadtholder. Died 1759.
Amelia Sophia Eleonora, born June the fixteenth,
171 1, and enjoying at this time the blefling of an
honourable old age.
Elizabeth Caroline, who died unmarried in 1758.
Mary, fourth daughter, born March the fix-
teenth, 1723, married the hereditary prince of
Hefle Caffel, May the feventeenth, 1740, and died
1771.
Louifa Anne, late queen of Denmark, and
mother of the prefent king, born in 1724, and died
December the eighth, 1751.
The family of his royal highnefs Frederic, prince
of Wales, are, Augufta, married to the hereditary
prince of Brunfwic, 1764, born O. S. thirty-firft
July, 1737.
George William Frederic, his prefent majefty,
born the twenty-fourth of May, 1738, O. S.
Edward Auguftus, duke of York, and fecond
fon, bom the fourteenth of March, 1738-9, died
at Monaco in Italy, on the feventh of September,
1767.
Elizabeth Caroline, fecond daughter, born the
thirtieth of December, 1740, died September the
fourth, 1759.
William Henry, duke of Gloucefter and Edin-
burgh, &c. K. G. and third fon, born the four-
teenth of November, O. S. 1743, and now
living.
Henry Frederic, duke of Cumberland,- &c.
K. G. fourth fon, born the twenty-feventh of
October, O. S. 1745, and now living.
Louifa Anne, third daughter, who died 1768.
Frederic William, the youngeft fon, born the
thirteenth of May, 1750, died on the twenty-ninth
of December, 1765, aged flxteen.
Caroline .Matilda, fourth daughter, married to
Chriftian VII. king of Denmark, but was divorced
1772; born the eleventh of July, 1751, and.
m
died at Zell, May the eleventh, 1775.
The following family are excluded from the fuc-
ceffion to the crown of Great Britain, by act of
parliament.
James Stuart, chevalier de St. George, pretended
fon of James II. born June the twenty-firft, 1688,
O. S. married September the third, 17 19, to Maria
Clementina Sobiefki of Poland ; widower, January
the eighteenth, I731)-
Charles Edward Lewis Philip-Cafimir, his eldefl
fon, born at Rome, December the thirty-firft,
1720.
Henry Benedict Maria Clement, his fecond fort,
born March the fixth., 1725, created a cardinal in.
1747, and bifhop of Corinth, 1758.
During this period, there was a confiderable
increafc in the agriculture, commerce, and manu-
factures of the nation, which daily improved under
its internal tranquillity, and the wife regulations of
parliament : but the national debt was alfo im-
.menfely increafed by the rage of wafteful war, ift
which England had fo confiderable a fhare, and
acquired fiich glory.
640
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Among the poets of this reign were Acklifon,
who alfo as a profe writer, deierves the higheft
regard. Sir Richard Steel, Mr. Addifon's friend
and admirer, diftinguifhed himfelf by his comedies;
and his other works have great merit. Dean Swift,
the antagonift of both Addifon and Steel, defcribed
nature in all its deformities, and delighted 10 clifplay
his poetic genius on filthy images, and fubjects
which others would have thought beneath their
notice. His profe writings, which are pretty nu-
merous, are fevere and farcaftic ; but his ftile con-
cife and nervous. Prior diftinguifhed himfelf by
an eafy elegance. Rowe and Parnel, as poets, had
great merit. Gay acquired an equal reputation for
his fables and paftorals. Pope had obtained a feat
in the temple of the Mufes by his harmonious verfi-
fication, and the correclnefs of his numbers ; and
Dr. Young, by his folemn thoughts, exprefled with
amazing energy in his night pieces.
In this reign, our philofophy was adopted by all
in every parrTof Europe who would reafon for them-
felves; and the learned of other nations turned to
the Englifh writers for inftrudtion. Church prefer-
ments were beftowed on men of abilities ; bigotry
loft ground ; and fentiments of benevolence more
generally prevailed than in any former period.
The wealthy mewed their humanity and pity for
the diftrefles of their fellow creatures. Infirmaries
were founded in feveral parts of the kingdom, and
many of them in the capital, for the relief of thofe
afflicted with any of the difeafes and calamities to
which the human frame is fubje<5t. The deferted
infant was in this reign firft received into an hofpital
founded for its education and fupport ; an afylum
was raifed to receive young friendlefs females, and
another for repenting proftitutes. Poor married
women had foundations eftablifhed for their relief
in the time of their greateft difficulty, diftrefs, and
danger ; thofe in the fame circumftances, with the
additional pangs of guilt, have alfo a receptacle,
in which they may be delivered and fupported
during their lying in, without the leaft expence.
In this reign were likewife erected hofpitals for thofe
under the finall-pox, who were formerly fent to
peft houfes, and treated as if they had the plague;
and an hofpital was now erefted for inoculating the
young who never had this formidable difeafe, in
order to prevent the fatal efie&s which commonly
attend its being caught in riper age. In this reign
was likewife formed the marine fociety for increafing
our mariners, by clearing the ftreets of vagabond
boys, and men deftitute of the means of procuring
an honeft fupport: thus making thofe contribute
to the public good, who were in danger of fubfift-
ing by plunder, and who would probably have ter-
minated their wretched lives with ignominy.
Charafter of king George II.
This wife and good prince was not diftinguifhed
by very dining abilities ; but his virtues afford
fufficient matter for juft panegyric. If his natural
genius was not of the firft water, his general con-
du<Et evinces the folidity and extent of his judg-
ment. If his temper was rather warm and impe-
tuous, it never hurried him into meafuresfubveriive
of his own true interefts, or thofe of his people, to
which he inflexibly adhered. He was plain and
direct in his intentions ; true to his word ; fteady
in his favour,and protection to hisfervants, whom
he never willingly changed ; and thofe who imme-
diately attended on his perfon, grew old with him,
or died in their places. In his early part of life he
diftinguifhed himfelf by his bravery, and was pre-
fent as a volunteer under the great duke of Marl-
borough at the battle of Oudenarde, in which he
put himfelf at the head of a fquadron of Hanove-
rian horfe, fword in hand, and fighting with the
greateft intrepidity, had his horfe killed under him.
He alfo {hewed his perfon al courage at the battle of
Dettingen. His domeftic happinefs was, for many
years, complete. He lived with his queen in a fe-
licity feldom experienced in the more humble walk
of private life. His fubjects, except in the time of
the rebellion, enjoyed a long interval of domeftic
tranquillity. Peace extended her wings over this
happy ifle} commerce flourifhed in a very remark-
able manner; and riches were continually flowing
into the ports" of the Britifh empire; agriculture
and manufactures were daily improving, affifted by
the wife regulations of the parliament, which
greatly contributed to make thefe noble acquifi-
tions. Having baffled the machinations of his
enemies to fubvert the government, through the
wifdom of his councils, the affection of his people,
and the bravery of his fon, he had the happinefs to
fee the clamours of party in a great meafure ex-
tinguifhed; he fawhis fubjeds contented at home,
and acquiring abroad the greateft military glory ;
and he had the lingular felicity of having a prime
minifter who entered into all his views, and who
was at the fame time the favourite of the people.
He was well acquainted with the fyftem of Ger-
many, and was, during his whole reign, -a zealous
afiertor of the liberties of his native country : nor
was he lefs acquainted with the true interefts of the
feveral princes of Europe v and always oppofed to
the utmoft of his abilities, every attempt that tended
to make the balance of power. Defirous not only
of keeping, but alfo of enlarging the acquifitions
of his father, he had recourfe to ceconomy ; by
which he was enabled to maintain a confiderable
body of troops in Hanover. He furvived feveral
of his children ; and died at that period of time,
when the tenter of his arms, the power of his
kingdoms, and the wife meafures of his govern-
ment, were all raifed to the higheft point of prof-
perity and renown. He has been cenfured as
being too fond of money; and in fome trivial
matters, this cenfure does not appear to be entirely
without foundation ; but it never fhewed itfelf in
one rapacious ad, or influenced his conduft on any
important occafion ; fo that at his death his private
wealth was far inferior to what was expected. He
fhewed a remarkable affection alfo for his native
country : but when the interefts of England and
Hanover were feparated, and the war broke out in
which Hanover muft fufFer much, and could hope
for no advantage, he did not hefitate to expofe his
German dominions to almoft inevitable ruin,' rather
than to abate of the juft claims of the Englifh in
America. He was ever more attentive to the
intereft of his fubjects, than that of his own ; ma-
nifefting at the fame time a uniform regard to the
laws of this country, which he never violated ; nor
did he, in a fingle inftance, attempt to demolifh
the barriers of liberty, or to incroach on one privi-
lege of his people. None of his predeceflbi s on
the throne of England lived to fo great an agei
few of them enjoyed fo long and glorious a
reign.
BOOK
'GEEAT SEA1L-
)
Mary I.
xv// ///^ Orio'iuallinprefsions.
dflin .
„ Eldeft Son
Created Prince c
//„.
/> ,'
on./ Frederick ///.' IVincc ./Wales, fa uw Bom ////., 1™ /738
/ Wales. /7J/ _ .Succeeded /^ Graiul lather, Oeorc.r' II. /^//V,> //V/^
/^/// Married Cliarlolle SotJiia.Princefs //"".Vlocklonbunji Slrelitz,
„,„/ both /.v^ Citwneil < /////.v///./; :",' '."'/?f>/. ^__
GEORGE III.
641
BOOK XIII.
From the accefjion of George III. to the time of/be general peace between tbe contending pnwcrs of Great Britain,
France, Spain, and America, concluded and ratified A. D. 1783,- to which it isfuppofed Holland, an unnatural
confederate with the enemies of Great Britain, will accede.
CHAP. I.
E O R G E
III.
Afcends the throne under very favourable circwnjlances— His firflfpeech, which gives great fatisfafiion to the whole
nation-^-Continuation of the war in Germany — Military tran/aflions in the Eaft and Weft Indies — A remarkable
naval engagement — Belleife taken by the EngliJJj—HojJile declarations of Spain — Mr. Pitt's political feat intents
on this occa/ion <n'er-riiled by the minijlry and council ; in confequence of which he rejigns bis poft of ' ferret ary of
ftate, and the direction of public meafures — The marriage and coronation of the king and queen — War declared
againjl Spain— Mar It nico, and its dependent ijlands, taken from the French — Havannab and the Manillas from
the Spaniards — Affairs on the continent — The -war in Germany continued — -A definitive treaty of peace concluded
and ratified between Great Britain, France, and Spain, on the tenth of February, 1763 ; to which on the fame
day, Portugal acceded — The cyder tax — Proceedings againjl John Wilkes, Efq; -An inftance of Englijh benefi-
cence in the affair of the Palatines^ — Occurrences in the Eaft Indies, and in North America.
. D (. f^ EORGE III. who, at the
A. .170. \^jf tjme of njs acccffion was in
the twenty-third year of his age, afccnded the
throne of his anceftors under the moft promifing
circumftances. The lords of the council, as foon
as the death of the late king was notified, affemblcd
at Charlton houfe, and iffued orders for proclaim-
ing his majefiy, which was accordingly done at the
ufual places, and with the accuftomed ceremonies.
While the council was fitting, his majefty arrived
from Kew, and addreffed them in the following
terms: " the lofs the nation and I have fuftained
by the death of the king, my grandfather, would
have been fcverely felt at any time ; but coming at
fo critical a juncture, and fo unexpected, it is by
many circumftances augmented ; and the weight
now falling upon me is much increafed : I feel my
own infufficiency to fupport it as I wifli; but ani-
mated by the tendered affection for this my native
country, and depending on the advice, experience,
and abilities of your lordfhips, the fupport and
affiftance of every honeft man, I enter with chear-
fulnefs into this arduous fituation; and fhall make
it the bufinefs of my life to promote, in every
thing, the glory aad happinefs of thefe kingdoms ;
to preferve and ftrengthen the conftitution both in
church and ftate : and as I mount the throne in the
midft of an expenfive, but juft and necefiary war,
I fhall endeavour to profecute it in a manner the
moft likely to bring aboutan honourable and lafting
peace, in concert with my allies."
His majefty then took and figned the oath re-
lating to the fccurity of the church of Scotland,
and fubfcribed two inftruments thereof; one of
which was tranfmitted to the court of feflion, to be
recorded in the books of Sedenmt, and afterwards
lodged in the public regifter of Scotland ; the
other remained among the records of the council.
Both houfes of parliament were now affembled, in
order to fwear in the members, \\hofe oaths of al-
legiance were difiolvcd by the death of the late
king. The duke of Rutland being conftitutcd
high-fteward, fworc in all the commons ; and the
lord-keeper adminiftcred the oaths to the peers.
Thefe acts of government were followed by ad-
drcfles of condoleancc and congratulation, filled
with the warmeft profefilons of duty and attach-
ment, and prefentcd to his majefty from moft parts
of the kingdom. The two houfes of parliament
icd the way. The magiftrates, merchants, clergy,
diHenfers, &c. followed their example. Perhaps
ib great a number of addrxffes \\erf never before
No. 62.
fent on any limilar occafion. The clergy of London
and Weftminfter, with the archbiftiop of Canter-
bury at their head, waited on his majefty with
their compliments on his acceffion to the throne;
and were followed by the two univerfities, and
mofl of the bodies politic and corporate in the
three kingdoms. In a word, the whole people
feemed to vie with each other in expreffions of
loyalty and affection to their new fovereign, who
increafed the pleafing idea they had formed of h,im,
by the condescending and affable manner in which
he received them. On the tenth of November in
the evening, the body of the late king was re-
moved from Kenlington to the prince's chamber,
where it lay in ftatc till next day, when it was in-
terred with great funeral pomp in the chapel of
Henry VII. the duke of Cumberland appearing in
the character of chief mourner. On the eighteenth
the parliament afTembled to tranfact bufinefs ; when
his majefty, after being conduced to the houfe of
peers amidft the univerfal acclamations of his
people, opened the feilion with the following fpeech
from the throne :
" My lords and gentlemen,
" The juft concern which I have felt in my own
breaft, on the fudden death of the late king my
royal grandfather, makes me not doubt but you
muft all have been deeply affected with fo fevere
a lofs. The prefent critical and difficult con-
juncture has made this lofs the more fenlible, as
he was the great fupport of that fyftem, by which
alone the liberties of Europe, and the weight and
influence of thefe kingdoms can be prefcrvcd, and
give life to meafures conducive to thofe important
ends.
" I need not tell you the addition of weight
which immediately falls upon me, in being called
to the government of this free and powerful country
at fuch a time, and under fuch circumftances.
My confolation is in the uprightnefs of my own
intentions, your faithful and united afiiftance, and
the blcTfing of heaven upon our joint endeavours,
which I devoutly implore.
" Born and educated in this country, I glory in
the name of Briton; and the peculiar happinefs
of my life will everconfift in promoting the welfare
of a people, whofe loyalty and warm affection to
me 1 confider as the greateft and moft permanent
fecurity of my throne ; and I doubt not but their
fteadincfs in thofe principles will equal the firmnefs
of my invariable refolutions to adhere to and
flren;rthen this excellent conftitution in church
-Z and
642
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
and ftate, and to maintain the toleration inviolable.
The civil and the religious rights of my loving
fubjects are equally dear to me with the mod va-
luable prerogatives of my crown ; and as the fureft
foundation of the whole, and the bed means to
draw down the divine favour on my reign, it is my
fixed purpofe to countenance and encourage the
practice of true religion and virtue.
" I reflect with plcafure on the fuccefles with
which the Britifh arms have been profpered this
lad fummer. The total reduction of the vaft
province of Canada, with the city of Montreal,
is of the moft intercding confequence, and mud
be as heavy a blow to my enemies, as it is a con-
queft glorious to us; the more glorious becaufe
effected without effufion of blood, and with that
humanity which makes an amiable part of the cha-
racter of this nation.
" Our advantages gained in the Eaft Indies have
been fignal, and mud greatly diminifli the drength
and trade of France in thofe parts, as well as pro-
cure the moft folid benefits to the commerce and
wealth of my fubjects.
" In Germany, where the whole French force
has been employed, the combined army, under
the wife and able conduct of my general, prince
Ferdinand of Brunfwic, has not only ftopt their
progrefs, but has gained advantages over them,
notwithstanding their boafted fuperiority, and their
not having, hitherto come to a general engage-
ment.
" My good brother and ally the king of Prufiia,
although furrounded with numerous armies of ene-
mies, has, with a magnanimity and perfeverance
almoft beyond example, not only withftood their
various attacks, but obtained very confiderable vic-
tories over them.
" Of thefe events I (hall fay no more at this
time, becaufe the nature of the war in thofe
parts has kept the campaign there ftill depend-
ing.
" As my navy is the principal article of our
naval ftrength, it gives me much fatisfaction to
receive it in fuch good condition ; whilft the fleet
of France is weakened to fuch a degree, that the
fmall remains of it have continued blocked up by
my (hips in their own ports : at the fame time
the French trade is reduced to the Ibweft ebb ;
and with joy of heart I fee the commerce of my
kingdoms, that great fource of our riches, and
fixed object: of my never failing care and protection,
fiourifhing to an extent unknown in any former
war.
" The valour and intrepidity of my officers and
forces, both at fea and land, have been diftin-
guiftied fo much to the glory of the nation, that
I mould be wanting in juftice to them if I did
not acknowledge it. This is a merit which I
fliall conftantly encourage and reward; and I
take this occafion to declare, that the zealous
and ufeful fervice of the militia, in the pre-
fent arduous conjuncture, is very acceptable to
me.
" In this ftate I have found things at my acceflion
to the throne of my anceftors : happy in viewing
the profperous part of it; happier ftill ftiould I
have been, had I found my kingdoms, whofe tvue
interefts I have entirely at heart, in full peace ; but
iince the ambition, injurious encroachments, and
dangerous defigns of my enemies, rendered the war
both juft and necefiary, and the generous overture
made laft winter towards a congrefs for a pacifi-
cation, has not yet produced any fuitable return, I
am determined, with your chearful and powerful
afliftance, to profecute this war with vigour, in
order to that defirable object, a fafe anjd honour-
able peace. For this purpofe it is abfolutely in-
cumbent upon us to be early prepared ; and I rely
upon your zeal and hearty concurrence to fupport
the king of Pruflia, and the reft of my allies, and
to make ample provifion for carrying on the war,
as the only means to bring our enemies to equitable
terms of accommodation."
" Gentlemen of thehoufe of commons,
" The greateft uneafinefs which I feel at this
time, is in confidering the uncommon burthens
necelFarily brought upon my faithful fubjects. I
dcfire only fuch fupplies as fhall be requifite to
profecute the war with advantage; be adequate to
the neceflary fervices ; and that they may be pro-
vided for in the moft fure and effectual manner.
You may depend upon the faithful and punctual
application of what (hall be granted. I have
ordered the proper eftimates for the enfuing year to
be laid before you; and alfo an account of the ex-
traordinary expences which, from the nature of the
different and remote operations, have been un-
avoidably incurred.
It is with peculiar reluctance that I am obliged to
mention any thing which perfonally regards myfelf.
But as the grant of the greateft part of the civil lift
revenues is now determined, I truft in your duty
and affection to me, to make the proper provifion
for fupporting my civil government with honour
and dignity. On my part you may be affured of a
regular and becoming ceconomy."
" My lords and gentlemen,
" The eyes of all Europe are upon you. From
your refolutions the proteftant intereft hopes for
protection, as well as all our friends for the prefer-
vation of their independency ; and our enemies fear
the final difappointment of their ambitious and de-
dructive views. Let thefe hopes and fears be con-
firmed and augmented by the vigour and difpatch
of our proceedings.
" In this expectation I am the more encouraged
by a pleafing circumftance, which I look upon as
one of the moft aufpicious omens of my reign:
that happy extinction of divifions, and that union
and good harmony which continue to prevail
amongft my fubjects, afford me the moft agreeable
profpect. The natural difpofition and wimof my
heart are to cement and promote them; and I
promife myfelf that nothing will arifeonyour part
to interrupt or difturb a fituation fo eflential to the
true and lading felicity of this great people."
It is impoflible to exprefs the fatisfaction and joy
with which this fpeech was received by the people :
not the lead murmur of difcontent was heard; but
every one endeavoured to exceed each other, in ex-
preflions of zeal and affection for his majefty. The
fpeech was printed in an ornamental manner, framed
and glazed; and was with pleafure hung upas a
piece of ornamental furniture throughout the king-
dom.
Both houfes prefented on this occafion the moft
dutiful and loyal addrefles; and the commons, as a
proof of their affection, granted the fum of eight
hundred thoufand pounds to defray the expences of
the civil lift. They then proceeded to grant the.
fupplies for the fervice of the current year, the
whole of which amounted to upwards of nineteen .
millions.
The parliament, on their meeting . —. ..
after the holidays, agreeable to an- ' ' l' \
tient cuftom upon a king's acceflion, pafled an act
of grace in favour of infolvent debtors, who, in
confequence of giving up all their effects, were to
be difcharged by the judices at the quarter-feffion.
No act was ever paffedat a more feafonablc juncture;
for the prifons were filled with poor unfortunate
creatures, whofe wives and children were darving.
This act, however, had in it a claufe, attended with
fuch confequences, that it was found neceflary to
repeal it. It was imagined that every creditor
might compel a debtor to give up his effects, and
if
GEORGE
III.
643
if he concealed any of them to the amount of
twenty pounds, he was to fuffer death as a felon.
This claufe was laid hold of by many of the lower
forts of tradefmen, who, in order to cheat their
creditors, got one of their own relations to compel
them to account ; fo that a door was opened for
perjury, and many perfons were deprived of their
property under the proftituted authority of an act
of parliament. Indeed, theabufe became fo glaring,
that the city of London prefented a petition to
have it repealed ; but it did not take place till the
meeting of the new parliament. In the beginning
of March the king fent a menage to both houfes,
importing, that as nothing could contribute more
towards promoting the interefts of the people than
that of rendering the judges independent, fo he
defired they would grant him leave to advance their
falaries, and that they mould hold their places by
patent for life ; for by the acl: of fettlement at the
Revolution, they were to expire within fix months
after the death of the king. In confequence of
this menage, the fabrics of the nine puifne judges
in England were advanced from fifteen hundred to
two thoufand pounds, and the three chiefs in pro-
portion. In Scotland, the lord-prefident, inftead
of one thoufand pounds a year, was allowed thirteen
hundred ; the lords of feffion feven hundred pounds,
inftead of five hundred; and the lords judiciary
one thoufand pounds, inftead of five hundred.
Mr. Onflow, who had fo long filled the fpeaker's
chair with equal candour and capacity, having
iignified his intention to retire from bufinefs, in
confequence of age, infirmities, and other motives
of a private nature, the commons determined to
beftow upon him fome fignal marks of their efteem
and regard. They accordingly refolved that the
thanks of the houfe mould be given to Mr.
Speaker, for his conftant and unwearied attendance
in the chair, during the courfe of above thirty-
three years, in five fuccefltve parliaments; for the
unfhaken integrity, and fteady impartiality of his
conduct there ; and for the indefatigable pains he
had, with uncommon abilities, conftantly taken to
promote the honour and dignity of parliament,
and to preferve inviolable the rights and privileges
of the commons of Great Britain. At the fame
time the houfe refolved to prefent an addrefs to
the king, humbly to befeech his majefty, that he
would be gracioufly pleafed to beftow fome fignal
mark of his royal favour upon the right honourable
Arthur Onflow, Efq. This application was very
agreeable to the king's own generous difpofition.
He exprefled a proper fenfe of the fpeaker's great
fervices and unblemiftied character; and that gentle-
mm was gratified with an annual penfion of three
thoufand pounds, payable out of his majefty's
treafureat the Exchequer, for his own life and that
of his fon. All the public bufiaefs being dif-
patched, the king repaired to the houfe of lords on
the nineteenth day of March, and having figned
fuch bills as were ready, clofed the feflion with a
fpeech from the throne. Soon after which the par-
liament was difiblved, and writs were ifTued for a
new one to be chofen. We mail now take a view
of what palled between the contending armies on
the continent.
Soon after the commencement of this year the
French king's ambaffador at the court of Stock-
holm del ivered a declaration to the Swedifti monarch,
importing, that the moft Chriftian king, moved by
the calamities of war, fo widely diffufed, and fo
feverely felt in different parts of the world, thought
it his indifpenfible duty to declare, that his huma-
nity in general, and his regard to his own fubjects
in particular, prompted him to cxprefs his defire
that his allies would concur with him in reftoring
the tranquillity of Europe; that in adjufting the
differences between France and England, he would
abundantly {hew his moderation, whenever Great
Britain fhould be inclined to acquiefce in reafonable
terms; that common humanity required his allies
to concert with him a plan of pacification, and he
hoped every member of the alliance would labour
to ftrengthen, if pofliblei the bands of amity with
which they were connected ; that, in the mean
time, an accumulation of diftrefs among his un-
happy fubjects; an additional depopulation of
countries; a diforder in the finances of feveral
powers ; and the greateft doubt whether an ad-
vantageous peace could be made in Germany, in-
duced him to declare, that as the war had confi-
derably diminimed his refources,he was conftrained
to leffen his fuhfidies, and even to give notice, that
fhould the war continue, he could no longer pro-
mife an exact compliance with the letter of his en-
gagement. In confequence of this declaration, four
others were made by the courts of Peterfburgh,
Vienna, Sweden, and Poland, which were figned
at Paris on the twenty-fifth of March, and delivered
at London on the thirty-firft of the fame month.
The counter declaration of Great Britain and Pruffia
appeared on the third of April; and a congrefs
was appointed to be held at Augfburgh, as the moft
proper fituation for the powers at war: yet, pro-
mifing as thefe feeming difpofitions for peace ap-
peared, the war in Germany was continued with
great fpirit.
In the beginning of February prince Ferdinand
affembled his army, and began his march towards
Caffel, on the eleventh day of that month, in four
columns. The command of the vanguard being
affigned to the marquis of Granby, he advanced to
Kerkberg and Metze. In the mean time the here-
ditary prince having received intelligence that the
French garrifon of Fritzlar was not prepared for a
defence, he marched thither with a few battalions,
in hopes of carrying the place by a fudden affault
with mufquetry only ; but he met with fuch a warm
reception, that he was obliged to wait for the arri-
val of fome artillery, which was made ufe of with
fuch fuccefsj that the governor of the place was
compelled to capitulate on honourable terms. In
the interim, general Briedenback took pofleflion of
a large magazine at Rothenfal, and made an unfuc-
cefsful attempt upon Marpurg, in which he loft his
life; but this place was afterwards abandoned by
the French at the approach of the marquis of
Granby, who took poffeffion of it. It was now
refolved to reduce Ziegenheim and Caftel before
the duke de Broglio fhould receive his reinforce-
ments ; and thefe two places were accordingly in-
verted. The allied army was cantoned in two lines,
with the right extending to Lahne, and the left
ftretched towards Fulda; while prince Ferdinand
fixed his head-quarters at Schwienfberg. Having
left a garrifon at Marpurg, lord Granby marched
into the neighbourhood ofLohr. Another body,
under general Hardenberg, advanced to Kircham,
where the detachment employed at the fiege of
Caflel proceeded very flowly in their operations,
and received fome fevere rebuffs from fallies made
by the garrifon. By this time the duke de Broglio
was joined by all the detachments he expected from
the Lower Rhine, and advanced towards the army
of the allies, which at this time was unable to meet
him in the field. On the twenty-firft day of March,
the detachment under the hereditary prince was, in
its march from Heinbach, encountered by a nu-
merous body of the enemy, near the village of
Stangerode, in the neighbourhood of Grunberg,
The attack was made by the enemy's dragoons, the
very firft mock of which broke the whole foot of
the allies, confifting of nine regiments of Hanove-
rians, Hcdians, and Brunfwickers. Two thoufand
were either killed or taken, together with eighteen
pair of colours, and twelve pieces of artillery.
After
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
After this blow, the allied army could no longer
think of making head againft the French, or of
maintaining their ground in Hefl>. They broke
lip the blockade of Zcigenheim, and foon after
raifed the fiege of Caflel, after the trenches had
been opened twenty-feven days. They now eva-
cuated the whole country of Heffe, retiring behind
the Dymel, and falling back nearly to the quarters
they poflcfled before this attempt. The enemy was
now once more in pofleflion of the whole land-
graviate of Hefle Caflel ; they were alfo matters of
Munden and Gottingen in Hanover, and at liberty
to penetrate into the heart of that electorate. The
fituation of the allies appeared the more dangerous,
as the prince de Soubife, at the head of a fecond
French army, was encamped on the Lower Rhine.
About the middle of May, the hereditary prince of
Brunfwic, at the head of a feparate body, advanced
to Nettolen, in the neighbourhood of Munfter, to
watch the motions of this army. Soubife had by
this time formed three different camps at Duflel-
dorp, Burich, and Rees, though part of his forces
Hill continued in cantonment. The army of the
duke dc Broglio, having, about the latter end of
June, crofTed theDymel.diflodged general Sporckcn
from hispofton the left of that river, with the lofs
of eighteen hundred men taken prifoners, nineteen
pieces of cannon, four hundred horfes, and two
hundred waggons. The French next took pofleflion
of Warburg, Padebo'rn, and Dringlebroen, and on
the fecond of July compelled prince Ferdinand to
pafs the Lippe. Thefe fuccefles, however, were
balanced by the atchievcments of fmall parties of
the allies, who, at different times were difpatched
to harrafs them in their motions, and cut off their
convoys of provifion.
General Luckner, on the thirteenth of July in
the morning, advanced with his detachment to
Salme, where the count de Chabot was ported with
' a ftrong body of horfe and foot, which he 'attacked
with fuch fury, that they were forced to repafs the
Lippe in hafte, having loft about two hundred men,
and as many horfes in their retreat. Other parties
intercepted the French eonvoys in the neighbour-
hood of Caflel, and did fuch confiderable damage
to the enemy, that they refblved to unite their
armies and give battle to prince Ferdinand. At
Hohenovcr, the camp of the allies was formed.
The right wing, at the extremity of which the he-
reditary prince was ported, extended as far as the
village de Buderich, and this was guarded by a de-
tachment. The body of the army occupied the
heights of Wambeln, and the prince of Anhalt
polTefled the ground between the Illcngen and
Ilohenover. The marquis of Granby maintained
his pofition on the heights of Kirck-Denckern,
lieutenant-general Wiltgeneau advancing from the
heath of Untrup, marched by his right in order to
reach the village of Kirck-Denckern; the avenues
and ports on the little rivers Arte and Sultzbah, were
defended by the piquets of the army.
On the fifteenth of July, the army of Soubife
having ftruck their tents, advanced on the left of
the allies, and diflodged the advanced port of lord
Granby, againft whofc corps theirchief efforts were
directed. Prince Ferdinand now commanded the
marquis of Granby to maintain his ground to the
laft extremity. Wutnau was ordered to make a
motion to the left, to block up the high road from
Lipftadt to Ham, and act in concert with the mar-
quis, whofe right was likewife fuftained by the left
of the body commanded by the prince of Anhalt,
and this general's own right extended to the Aftc,
above Kirck-Denckern. Lir utenant-general Con-
svay replaced the prince of Anhalt, between Illen-
gen and Hohenovcr. The hereditary prince ordered
lieutenant-general Bofe to fecure the heights of
Wambeln, leaving count Kilmanficgge on the fide
of Buderich. The greatcft part of the artillery was
placed on the' front of the left. General Sporcken,
who encamped with-a feparate body at Hortxfeld,
was ordered to detach fix fquadrons and as many
battalions over the Lippej to fupport M. Wutnau,
and to co-operate with the reft as he fhould judge
mort effectual for the advantage of the whole. In
the evening, the enemy made a furious attack on
lord Granby 's port, which was fuftained with the
moft intrepid bravery and refolution till the arrival
of Wutnau, who advancing on his left, and charg-
ing them in flank, obliged them to retire into the
woods with precipitation. The prifoncrs having in-
formed prince Ferdinand, that marfhal Broglio had
decamped from Erwite by -break of day, in order
to join Soubife, and give battle to the allies, con-
cluded that the ftrongeft efforts would be made upon
his left, and formed his difpofitions accordingly.
General Howard was ordered to bring up the bri-
gade of infantry, commanded by lord Frederick
Cavendift), and the cavalry of lord Pembroke!
Colonel Grevendorff was detached with two batta-
lions to barricade and fortify the village of Kirck-
Denckern, and to be there, in cafe of necefTity,
fuppoited by general Howard. At three in the
morning the whole French army advanced again to
the attack on the fide where Wutgenau was ported,
and a terrible fire of cannon and mufquetry was
maintained on both fides for five hours, during
which the enemy was not able to gain one inch of
ground. About nine, prince Ferdinand received
advice that Broglio'sdefign was to cannonade lord
Granby 's camp, from an oppofite eminence; he
therefore ordered immediately a body of troops to
anticipate this operation, by making a vigorous
charge. Accordingly they advanced with the greateft
intrepidity, and attacked the enemy with fo much
fury, that the French were foon obliged to give
way, and abandon the field. Their left, however,
rtill maintained a fevere cannonade on the fide where
the hereditary prince commanded; but were no
fooner informed of their defeat on the right, than
they defifted from the attack, and retreated in good
order. They were purfued as far as Hiltrup, about
a league from the field of battle, and would in all
probability have fuffered a total defeat, 'had the na-
ture of the ground permitted the artillery to act;
but this being impofllble, the French fuflained very
little lofs. They had, however, about five thou-
fand men killed and taken prifoners in this attack,
fome colours, and'a few pieces of artillery. Prince
Ferdinand's lofs did not exceed five hundred men.
This action did immortal honour to the com-
mander in the difpofition, and to the bravery and
intrepidity of the troops in the execution. It was,
however, far from being decifivc ; the French, not-
withftanding the confiderable lofs they had fuftained,
were ftill fuperior in number. After this defeat,
the mifunderftanding between the two French ge-
nerals revived, and the army was agafri divided.
Broglio, with hi?, divilion, marched towards Caflel,
and Soubife retreated to Dortmund, and crofled
the Roer, in order to fecure a great number of
barges then paffing down the Rhine with provifions
for his army. He did not, however, take this ftep,
before he had fent off two large detachments to re-
inforce Broglio. Nor did he continue any longer
on the other fide of the Rocr, than was neceflary
to receive his provifions, when he repafled both that
river and the Lippe, advancing as far as Dulmen.
In the mean time Broglio penetrated ftill farther
into the electorate of Hanover, took pofleflion of
Kefter, and fortified the place. Upon this, prince
Ferdinand retired to Dumolt, and called in moft of
his detachments. The French general encamped
near him on the heights of Neim, and feveral Ikir-
mirties happened between the two armies, in one of
whichprince Henry, brothertothehercditary prince,
was
GEORGE
III.
645
was mortally wounded. In the mean time, general
Luckner gained a confiderable advantage at Caflel.
He attacked and routed a large body of the enemy,
took many priibncrs, and a number of horfes. Nor
were the French idle. Broglio, h.iving crofled the
Wefer with his whole army, prince Ferdinand made
a forced march, pafied the Dymel, and advanced to
Caflel. Broglio perceiving that he could not now
advance to the city of Hanover, without bringing
on a general engagement with the allied army,
thought proper to retreat. The French being thus
retired, prince Ferdinand proceeded to Paderborn,
and eftablifhed his head-quarters at Buhne. On
this movement of the allies, Broglio thought proper
to crofs the Wefer, and encamped at Eimbeck,
where he laid the whole country under contribution.
Soubife in the mean time having erected his ovens
at Dorften, and garrifoned the place with one batta-
lion, the hereditary prince found means to attack
and reduce the town. The garrifon were made pri-
fone-rs; the ovens demolifhed ; and large quantities
of provifions deftroyed. This fuccefs obliged Sou-
bife to retreat to the -other fide of the Lippc. But
he foon after repaired that river, and advanced again
to Coesfelt, ravaging, with his detachments, all the
northern parts of Weftphalia.
Near the end of September, a detachment from
the army of Soubife, under the command of the
count de Conflans, advanced to the gates of Emb-
den, which was garrifoned by two companies of
EngUfh invalids, who obtained an honourable capi-
tulation, and embarked for Bremen. The French
did not, however, continue long in the town; they
laid the neighbouring country under contribution,
and immediately evacuated the place. But the
country people flying to arms, and finking the pon-
toons on which the enemy had pafled the river, it
was fome time before the detachment could return
to their camp. Another party of the army entered
the city of Ofnabrug, and pillaged the place, the
inhabitants not being in a condition to pay the
enormous contributions demanded by the enemy.
A third party made an attempt upon Bremen •, but
the inhabitants joining the garrifon, the French were
obliged to retire with the utmoft precipitation. All
this time Broglio lay inactive in his camp at Eim-
beck, without attempting any thing of importance:
nor was he at all difturbeci till the beginning of
November, \vhen prince Ferdinand formed a plan
for attacking him unexpectedly, before he could call
in his detachments. In order to this, he ordered
the hereditary prince and general Luckner, rein-
forced by the garrifon of Wolfenbuttle, to advance
from their rcfpcctivc polls, fo as to be in the neigh-
bourhood of Eimbeck by a certain hour on the fifth
of November. He commanded the marquis of
Graoby to force the French poft at Cappelnhagen
on the fourth ; to proceed next day to Wickenfen,
and block up a defile in that neighbourhood, on the
road from Efcherfliaufen to Eimbeck. He fent ge-
neral llarclenberg with a detachment to pafs the
Wefer at Badenwerder, that he might, at the ap-
pointed time, take polleilion of a defile at Amelunx-
lotn, on the other road from Efchermaufen to
F.imbeck. On the fourth, he himfelf, with the main
body of his army, crofled the river near Haftenbeck,
mcl advanced towards Eimbeck. When he ap-
proached Wickenfen, he found part of his orders
already executed, the road being occupied by a
ftiong body of Britifh grenadiers and highlanders;
for the marquis of Granby had bravely forced the
enemy's poft at Cappelnhagen, and, by the hour ap-
pointed, blocked up the defile. In the mean time,
M. de Chabot finding he was intercepted, imme-
diately retreated towards Efchermaufen, and ftruck
into the other road to Eimbeck, which general Har-
ienbcrg had been ordered to fecure: but unfortu-
nately for that ofiicer, fome of his pontoons were
No. 62.
overturned, and this accident retarded him fo long,
that he did not arrive at the place appointed till
feven in the morning; by which time Chabot had
pafled the defile on his way to Eimbeck, and by
noon reached that place without farther interrup-
tion. Notwithstanding this difappointment, prince
Ferdinand advanced towards the French camp,
which he found too ftrong to be attacked with any
probability of fuccefs. He then refolved to turn -
their flanks, as if he defigned to cut off their com-
munication with Gottingen; a motion which, he
was well affured, would either bring Broglio to an
engagement on equal terms, or oblige him to re-
treat. He chofe the latter; and on the ninth the
whole French army retired. After this, no tranf-
adion of confequence happened in Germany. The
duke de Broglio quartered his forces in and about
Caflel ; while thofe of Soubife were diftributecl at
Dufleldorp, and along the Lower .Rhine. The allies
fixed their quarters at Hilderfliam, Munfter, Ha-
melen , and Eimbeck. The Britifli cavalry wintered
in Eaft Friefland, and the infantry in the bifliopric
of Ofnabrug.
This year feveral fucceftful exploits were per-
formed in the Eaft and Weft Indies. After the re-
duction of Pondicherry, an armament was equipped
againft the French fettlement of Mahie, fituated on
the coaft of Malabar, about thirty miles to the
northward of Tillicherry. A body of forces for
this expedition was embarked at Bombay, under the
command of major Hector Monro, who acted with
fuch fpirit, that in the beginning of February, M.
Loner, the French governor at Mahie, was obliged
to furrender the place with all its dependencies.
But the French oflicers in the Eaft Indies had exerted
themfelves with fo much induftry, as to intereft in
their caufe a prince of the Mogul empire, named
Shah Zadda, who, at the head of eighty thoufand
men, took the field againft the forces of the Eaft
India company, commanded by major John Carnack,
and reinforced by the fuba of Bengal. This army
confuted of five hundred Europeans, two thoufand
five hundred feapoys, and twenty thoufand black
troops, with twelve pieces of cannon. Both armies
advanced to the neighbourhood of Guya, where, oa
the fifteenth of January, the Mogul's troops were
routed in a pitched battle. All their artillery was
taken, together with part of their baggage, and a
number of French oflicers. About this time a re-
volution happened in favour of Mir Cofllm AH
Kawn, who was placed on the throne of Bengal in
the room of his father-in-law Jaflier Ali Kawn, raifed
to that dignity by lord Clive, and now depofed for
his cruelty and mal-adminiftration. This change,
however, did not affect the intereft of the Englifli
Eaft India company ; on the contrary, the new nabob
confirmed and enlarged their privileges.
The ifland of Dominique, in the Weft Indies,
which the French had fettled and fortified, was, in
the month of June, attacked by a party of Englifli
forces under the command of lord Hollo, and aflifted
by commodore Sir James Douglas, with four mips
of the line. At firft, the inhabitants would have
fubmitted ; but M. de Longprie, the governor,
ftirred them up to hold out, under pretence that
fome fhips would foon arrive to their afliftance.
Lord Rollo, finding him obftinate, landed with a
party of grenadiers, commanded by colonel Mel-
ville, and drove the enemy from their advanced
pods ; after which they proceeded to the head-quar-
ters of the governor, whom they took prifoner, with
all his officers. Next day the magiftrates, and in-
deed all the inhabitants of the ifland, except the fol-
diers, took the oaths to our government. The forts
that had been damaged were repaired, and every
thing fettled in a proper manner; after which, lord
Rollo and Sir James Douglas fet fail for the ifland-
of Guadaloupe.
8 A In
646
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
In the courfe of this year the Englifli navy was
remarkably fuccefsful ; feveral engagements hap-
pened in different parts of the feas, and many of
the enemy's fliips were taken. But the following is
juftly efteemed one of the moft remarkable and gal-
Jant actions which diftinguifhed this war, and fully
evinced the vaft fuperiority poflefled by the Englifli
navy over that of France. On the tenth of Augtift,
captain Faulkner of the Bellona, a fhip of the line,
and the Brilliant, a frigate of thirty guns, failed
from the river Tagus for England, having on board
a confidei able fum of money for the merchants of
London. On the thirteenth in the afternoon, being
then off Vigo, they defcried three fail of ftiips
(landing in for the land, one of the line of battle,
and two frigates. As foon as they perceived captain
Faulkner, they bore down upon him, till within the
diftance of feven miles, when they took both the
Bellona and frigate for two decked fhips, and not
chufing to ftancf an engagement, they fuddenly wore
round, filled all their fails, and crouded away.
Captain Faulkner being by this time convinced of
their fize, and from the intelligence he had received,
conjecturing that the large flap was the Courageux,
as it actually proved to be, he hoifted all the fail he
could carry, and gave chace till fun-fet, when one
of the French frigates hauling out in the offing, he
threw out a fignal for the Brilliant to purfue in that
direction, which order was immediately obeyed.
They did not lofe fight of the enemy all night ; but
at fun-rife had gained only two miles upon them in
a chace of fourteen hours, fo that the French com-
modore might (till have avoided an engagement had
he thought proper; but he no longer declined the
action ; for by this time he plainly perceived that
one of the Englifh mips was a f< igate, and the Bel-
lona, at that diftance, appeared to him much
fmaller than (he really was. He now hoifted a
red enfign on the mizen fhrouds, as a fignal for his
two frigates to clofe with, and engage the Brilliant;
at the fame time he hauled down his ftudding fails,
wore round, andftood for the Bellona under his top-
fails, while captain Faulkner advanced towards him
•with an eafy fail, and ordered his quarters to be
manned. The two fliips were equal in burthen, in
number of guns, and in weight of metal. The
crew of the Courageux amounted to feven hundred
men, commanded by M. clu Guy Lambert. The
Bellona's complement confifted of five hundred and
fifty men ;• all the officers were perfons of known
merit; and theccmmander had, on feveral occafions,
diftinguifhed himfelf by his bravery and conduct.
The fire on both fides was fufpended till they were
within mufquetfhot of each other, when the engage-
ment began with a terribledifchargeof fire arms and
artillery. In lefs than nine minutes all the Bellona's
braces, bowlings, mrouds and rigging, were cut and
fluttered by thefhot, and the mizzen-maft fell over
the ftern, with all the men on the round-top, who
neverthelefs faved their lives by clambering into the
port -holes of the gun-room. Apprehenfive that the
enemy might feize this opportunity of efcaping, cap-
tainFaulkner gave orders to board them immediately;
but this attempt was foon rendered impracticable by
the poiition of. the two fliips. The Courageux was
now fallen athwart the bows of the Bellona, in which
fituation flie muft have raked the latter fore and aft
with great execution. The haul yards, and moft of,
the other ropes by which the Bellona could be work-
ed, were already mot away. Captain Faulkner, how-
ever, with the afliftance of his matter, made ufe of
the ftudding-fails with fuch fuccefs, as to wear the
fhip quite round, and fall upon the oppofite quarter
of the Courageux. The officers and men now flew
to the guns on that fide of the fhip oppofed to the
enemy, from whence they poured in a moft dreadful
difcharge, and maintained it without intermiflion ov
abatement. Every fliot took place. The fides of
the Courageux were terribly fhattcred, and her decks
ftrewed with carnage. The enemy fuftained this
fire for about twenty minutes,- when the cnfi<m was
hauled down, and the engagement ceafed ; but in a
fhort time after a fhot was fired from the lower tier
of the Courageux-, upon which the Britifli feamen
ran to theirquarters, and, without waitingfor orders,
poured in two broadfides upon the enemy, who now
called out for quarter, which was granted them.
The Bellona fuffered greatly in her rigging, but
very little in the hull ; and her number of'killcd
and wounded did not exceed forty. The cafe was
very different with the Courageux. Nothing was
left ftanding but her foremaft and bo wfprit;" large
breaches were made in her fides •, her decks were
torn up in feveral parts; many of her guns were
dilmounted ; and her quarters were filled with
mangled bodies of the dying and the dead. Above
two hundred and twenty were killed outright-, and
half that number were brought afhore wounded, at
Lifbon, to which place the prize was conducted.
This fuccefs of- the Bellona, was in a great meafure
owing to the brave conduct of captain Logic, who
finding it would be impoffiblc for him to acquire
any thing but laurels from two (hips, the leaft of
which was equal in ftrength to the frigate he com-
manded, he refolved to amufe them in fuch a man-
ner, as to prevent either from affiiling the Coura-
genx. Accordingly he began the attack on the
Malicieufe ; but the other coming up immediately,
he ftood their whole fire all the time the great fhips
were engaged, and near an hour after flie had ftruck
her colours ; when they both thought proper to feek
for fafcty in flight, having fuffered confiderable da-
mage in their marts and rigging.
The miniftry were this year determined to attempt
the reduction of Belleifle. It contained one fmall
city called Le Palais ; had three counti y towns, one
hundred and three villages, and about five thpufand
inhabitants. A fquadron was accordingly equipped
under the command of commodore Keppel, confid-
ing of ten fhips of the line, feveral frigates, two
fire-fhips, and two bomb-ketches, befides tranfports.
The troops deftined for this expedition amounted
to ten battalions, under the command of major-
general Hodgfon, affifted by major-general Craw-
fiwrd, with proper engineers, fome troops of light
horfe, and a detachment of artillery. On the twenty-
ninth of March the whole armament failed from
Spithead ; and on the feventh of April came to an
anchor in Belleifle road. The firft attempt mif-
carried; which was attended with the lofs of major
Pure el, captain Ofborne, feveral other officers, and
near five hundred men. It was fome time before
the weather would permit a fecond to be made; but •
when it did, the prince of Orange man of war
failed round the ifland in order to furvey the coaft,
and difcover, if poffible, fome other place more
favourable for a defcent; but the whole feemed to
be fecured in fuch a manner by rocks and batteries,
as precluded all accefs. Far from being difcouraged
by thefe difficulties, the commanders only thought
of the moft proper methods to remove them ; and
at length fixed on the following, which met with all
the fuccefs they could wifh. On the twenty-fecond
in the morning the troops were difpofed in the flat-
bottomed boats, and rowed to different parts of the
ifl.ind, as if they intended to land in feveral places;
by which means the attention of the enemy was fo
diftractcd, that they knew not where to expect the
defcent, and were obliged to divide their forces at
random. In the mean time, brigadier Lambert
pitched upon the rocky point of Lomaria, where
captain Paterfon, at the head of Beauclerk's grena-
diers, and captain Murray with a detachment of
marines, climbed the precipice with amazing intre-
pidity, and fuftained the fire of a ilrong body of
the enemy, till they were fupported by the reft
of
E O R G E
III.
647
of the troops, \vho now landed very faft, when the
French were obliged to abandon their batteries.
But this advantage was not gained without lofs.
About forty men were killed, and many more
wounded, among whom were colonel Mackenzie,
and the captains Murray ami Paterfon.
The French governor, finding that the Englifh
troops were diiembarked to the number of eight
thoufand men, recalled all his detachments to Palais,
and prepared for a vigorous defence. On the
twenty-third of April the Englifh troops were
formed in columns, and began their march towards
the capital. On the fecond of May the bciiegers
broke ground; but next night the garrifon made a
fally, and attacked the trenches with fuch vigour,
that the piquets on the left were put into diforcler.
Major-general Crawford, who commanded the
trenches, rallied the troops, and endeavoured, by
his own example, to animate them ; but on this
occafion they did not act with their ufual fpirit ;
fome hundreds were killed, and the major-general,
with his two aids du camp, fell into the hands of
the enemy. The engineers giving it as their opi-
nion that the works could not be properly advanced
till the enemy's redoubts fhould be taken, the ge-
neral made the proper difpofitions for the attack,
which began on the thirteenth at day-break. A ter-
rible fire from four pieces of cannon, and above
thirty cohorns, was poured into the redoubt on the
ri'yht of the enemy's flank; after which a detach-
ment of marines, fupported by part of London's
regiment, advanced to the parapet, drove the French
from the works, and, after a very obftinate difpute,
took pofleflion of the place. The other five re-
doubts were all reduced in the fame manner, and
great {laughter was made of the enemy, who with-
drew into the citadel ; and fuch was the ardour of
the aflailants, that they entered the ftreets of Palais
with the fugitives', a great number of whom were
made prifoners, and took pofleflion of the town, in
•which they found the French hofpital, and fome
Englifh prifoners who had been taken in different
fallies. Every endeavour was now exerted for the
reduction of the citadel, and by the end of May a
breach was made, which by the feventh of June be-
came practicable, when M. de St. Croix, the go-
vernor, being apprehenfive of a general affault, de-
manded a capitulation. This being granted him
on the mott honourable terms, the articles were im-
mediately figned and executed, and Beauclerk's
grenadiers took pofleflion of the citadel.
While the war was thus raging in almoft every
quarter of the world, the congrefs already men-
tioned at Augfburg was intended to be opened for a
general peace; but the Englifh miniftry finding in
the mean time that no faith could be placed in the
proceedings of the French ; and at the fame time
the Spanifh arnbaflador prefenting a very unfeafon-
able, and even unprecedented interpofition of Spain,
the intention was rendered abortive-, and the in-
tended congrefs at Augfburg never took place.
The Spanifh ambaffador was called upon to difavow
fo ftrange a proceeding ; but he returned a verbal,
and was foon after authorized by his court to return
a written anlwer, in which he openly avowed and
juftified the ttep taken by the French agent, as en-
tirely agreeable to the fentiments of his matter.
He declared, that the kings of France and Spain
\vere united, not only by the ties of blood, but by
a mutual intercft. He applauded the humanity and
greatnefs of mind, which his moft Chriflian majefty
demonftrated in the propofition that was complained
of. He infifted much on the lincere defire of peace,
fhc only motive which influenced the conduct of the
two monarchs ; and he haughtily added, " That if
his matter had been governed by any other prin-
ciples, his catholic majefty, giving full fcope to his
greatnefs, would have fpoken for himfclf, and as
became his dignity." It appeared from the whole
of this paper, that the court of Spain was regularly
apprized of every ftep that was taken in the nego-
tiation; that her judgment was appealed to upon
every point, and her authority called in aid to force
the acceptance of the terms offered by France ; that
thaie was a perfect union of affections, interefts,
and councils between thofe two courts; and the mi-
nifter of the former, fo far from denying or pal-
liating this conduct, feemed to glory in it.
Mr. Pitt, from thefe circumftances, was fully fa-
tisfieJ the intentions of Spain were by no means
equivocal, and that this partiality, which they
ftrongiy avowed, not only by declarations but by
facts, would drive them into all the meafures of
France. That a war on that account was abfolutely
inevitable ; and if, for the prefent moment, the
Spaniards had rather have delayed their declaration
of war, than laid afide their hoftile intentions, it
was in order to llrike the blow at their own time,
and with the greater effect ; that therefore their rea-
fons for delaying to act, were the very motives
which ought to induce us to aft with the utmoft
fpeed and vigour ; that we ought to confider the
evafions of that court as a refufal of fatisfaction,
and that refufal as a declaration of war; that we
ought from prudence, as well as from fpirit, to fe-
cure to ourfelves thefirft blow ; and to be practically
convinced, that the early and effective meafures
which had fo large a (hare in reducing France to the
dependence upon Spa n, would alfo be the fitteft for
deterring or difabling Spain from affording any pro-
tection to France ; that to <;any on this war with
vigour, it was only neceffary to continue our pre-
fent efforts ; no new armament would be neceflary ;
and that, if any war could provide its own refources,
it mutt, be a war with Spain ; that their flota had
not yet arrived, and that the taking of it would at
once difable their hands and ftrengthen ours. This
procedure, ib fuited to the dignity of the nation,
and the infults it had received, would be a leflbn to
Spain, and to every other power, how they prefumed
to dictate in our affairs, and to intermeddle with a
menacing mediation, and an officioufnefs as infi-
dious as it was audacious ; and that we would allow
our enemies, whether fee-ret or declared, no time to
think and recollect themfelves.
It is neceflary here to obferve, in juftification of
the conduct of this great ftatefman, that he had re-
ceived private intelligence of a fecret alliance hav-
ing been formed between France and Spain ; for the
lalt mentioned power had actually entered into a fa-
mily compact with France, by which both nations
engaged to carry on the war in conjunction. Hence
it was that the Englifh fecretary propofed in the
privy-council to anticipate the defigns of Spain, by
an immediate declaration of war againft that power}
but they were determined to act with more delibe-
ration, and defired a certainty of an offence before
they demanded a reparation ; alleclging, that Spain
had yet given no proofs of her holtile intentions ;
and that the Englifh minifter at the court of Ma-
drid, ftill continued to afiuie them of her pacific
dilpofition. Fired with indignation at this oppofi-
tion of fentiment, Mr. Pitt declared, " That this
was the time for humbling the whole houfe of
Bourbon •, that if this opportunity was let flip, it
might never be recovered ; and if he could not pre-
vail in this inftance, he was refolved it mould be the
laft time of his fitting in that council. He thanked
the miniftcrs of the Lite king for their fupport ; faid
he was himfelf culled to the miniftry by the voice
of the people, to whom he confidered himfelf ac-
countable for' his. conduct ; and that he would no
longer remain in a fituation which made him re*-
fponfible for meafures he was no longer allowed to
guide." On the divifion, Mr. Pitt and lord Temple
were the only voices in favour of the immediate
declaration
648 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
declaration of war againft the Spaniards; upon
which, having declared their reafons in writing,
they refigned their employments.
When Mr. Pitt refigned, the king received him
with an eafy firmnefs, without defiring him to re-
fume his oilice; but exprefled his concern for the
lofs of fo able a fervant, and made him an unli-
mited offer of any rewards in the power of the
crown to beftow; at the fame time obferving, that
he mould have found himfelf under the greateft
difficulty how to have acted, had the council con-
curred as fully in fupporting the meafure propofed
by Mr. Pitt, as they had done in rejecting it. Mr.
Pitt, fenfibly touched at his majefty's generous con-
defcenfion, anfwered, " I confefs, Sir, I had but
too much reafon to expect your majefty's difplea-
fure. I did not come prepared for this exceeding
goodnefs. Pardon me, Sir,— it overpowers, it op-
preffes me." He then burft into tears. The
next day the king fettled on him a penfion of three
thoufand pounds a year for life, and the life of his
fon ; his lady being, at the fame time,' created a
peerefs in her own right : a penfion well beftowed -,
nobility honourably acquired, and juftly merited.
The gazette immediately gave notice to the public .
of all thefe tranfactions ; which were followed by a
letter from our ambaffador in Spain, containing an
account of the pacific language of that court, and
of the ftrong aflurances they gave of a defire to ac-
'commodate all differences in an amicable manner.
This was intended by the miniftry to oppofe that
torrent of popular rage, which it was apprehended
would proceed from Mr. Pitt's refignation ; and it
for fome time perfectly anfwered their purpofe.
It may be affirmed with the utmoft truth and im-
partiality, that no man was ever better fitted than
Mr. Pitt, to be the prime minifter in a great and
powerful nation. He was called to the m'iniiiry by
the voice of the people; and, what is more rare,
he held it with their approbation; and under him,
for the firft time, adminiftration and popularity were .
united. Under him, Great Britain carried on the
moft important war in which fhe was ever engaged,
\\ ith greater fplendour, and with more fuccefs than
flie had ever enjoyed at the head of the moft power-
ful alliance. He never fuffered the enemy to
breathe, but overwhelmed them with reiterated
blows, and kept up the alarm in every quarter. If
one of his expeditions were not fo well calculated
or fo fuccefsfully executed, amends were made by a
fecond, and by a third. The fpirit of the nation
was not fuffered for a moment to fubfide; and the
French, daunted by the multitude and celerity of
his enterprizes, feemed to have almoft loft all power
of refiftance. In fliort, he revived the military ge-
nius of the people, fupported ably our allies, ex-
tended our trade, raifed our reputation, and aug-
mented our dominions.
In the month of July, the members of the privy-
council being affembled, his majefty acquainted
them, " That, having nothing fo much at heart as
to procure the welfare and happinefs of his people:
and to render the fame ftable arid permanent to pofte-
nty, he had, ever fince his acceffion to the throne,
turned his thoughts towards the choice of a princefs
for his confort ; and now with great fatisfaction ac-
quainted them, that, after the fulled information,
and mature deliberation, he had come to a refolu-
tion to demand in marriage the princefs Charlotte
Mecklenburgh Strelitz; a princefs diftinquifhed
Aere-7 ^ninent virtue and amiable endowment,
whole illuftnous line had conftantly mewn the firmed
tor the proteftant religion, and a particular at-
tachment to his family ; that he had judged proper
to communicate to them thefe intentions, in order
that they might be fully apprized of a matter fo
highly important to him and to his kingdoms, and
which he perfuaded himfelf would be moft accept-
3
able to all his loving fubj eels." This declaration
was fo agi-eeable to the council, that they unani-
mouJy requefted it might be made public for the
latisfaction of the nation in general. The earl of
Harcourt was appointed ambaflador plenipotentiary
) the court of Mecklenburgh Strelitz to demand
ie princefs, and fign the contract of marriage; and
the royal yachts were prepared, under convoy of a
Iquadron commanded by lord Anfon, to convey the
future queen to England. The ducheflcs of An-
caftcr and Hamilton, together with the countefs of
J'-liingham, wereappointed ladies of the bedchamber,
n order to attend her from the court of Mecklen-
burgh to that of England. On the feventeenth of
Auguil, the princefs, accompanied by the rcignin?
duke, her brother, fet out for Mirow. Next day
flie arrived at Perleberg. From thence flie conti-
nued her journey by Leutzen to Gourde, and on the
twenty-fecond reached Stade, under a general dif-
oiarge of cannon, and public joy was exprefled by
every poffible demonftration •, on the twenty-third,
ihe embarked in the yacht at Cuxhaven, where fhe
was faluted by the Britifh fquadron appointed for
her convoy. After a tedious voyage of ten days,
the princefs landed on the feventh of September in
the afternoon at Harwich. She advanced with her
attendants by the way of Colchefter to Witham, and
lodged at a houfe belonging to the earl of Abercorn.
When arrived at the garden gate of St. James's
palace, flie was handed out of her coach by the duke
Devonfhire, in quality of lord-chamberlain.
the gate flie was received by the' duke of York,
whom fhe took for his majefty; and in the garden,
s amiable princefs was met by the king'himfclf
with the greateft marks of affection, and welcomed
to Lngland by the loudeft and moft general accla-
mations of the people, who flocked "in crouds to
meet and welcome their new queen. The nuptial
ceremony was performed on the eighth, the fame
evening of her arrival, in the chapel royal, which
was, on this occafion, very magnificently decorated.
All the great officers of ftate, the nobility, peers
and peerefies, and the foreign miniftcrs, as well as
the royal family, were prefent at the fervice. Ad-
es, containing expreflions of real joy and fince-
nty on this aufpicious event, flowed from every part
of the Britiih dominions.
The ceremony of the nuptials was foon fucceeded
by that of the coronation, on the twenty-fecond.
Weftminfter hall was prepared for the royal banquet,
by removing the courts of judicature, boarding the
floor, erecting canopies, and building three rows of
galleries for the accommodation of fpectators. A
platform was laid between the hall and Weftminfter
abbey, where the king is crowned. All the houfes
and ftreets within fight of the proceflion were faced
and crouded with benches and fcaflblding, which
extended on both fides within the abbey from the
weftern entrance almoft up to the choir. Thefe oc-
cafipnal erections were furprifingly calculated for fe-
curity and convenience; but when they were occu-
pied by above two hundred thoufand people of both
fexes, arrayed in gay apparel, they filled the mind
with an aftonifhing idea of the wealth and populouf-
nefs of Great Britain, and almoft outvied the pro-
ceflion, notwithftanding the incredible profufion of
jewels and finery, and all the other circumftanccs of
pomp by which it was diftinguiflied. The principal
objects, however, ftill maintained their importance
in the eyes and bofoms of all the fpectators, who
could not, without the moft lively emotions of ad-
miration and joy, behold the royal pair. This ce-
remony was followed with the anniverfary pageants
that celebrate the election of a new lord-mayor in
the city of London. As the kings and queens of
Great Britain are always entertained at Guildhall by
the magiftrate who happens to be chofen in the year
of the coronation, extraordinary preparations were
made
-H-H.1I..11..H.H..H-H-11-U..11..H..H-H-H-H..U-11..H-H-11..1.-U-11..H-H-11.
HAEXQTTE,
ueen of Gr eatBritaiiLfrc
•/•?, •</> /<•/
V-j^; •
E O R G
III.
made for the reception of their majefties: who,
with a great number of the nobility, honoured the
banquet.
When the new parliament met, on the third of
November, the king, being feated bh the throne,
commanded the attendance of the commons ; to
whom he fignified his pleafure, by the mouth of the
lord-chancellor, that they fhould return to their
houfe, and chufe a new fpeaker. Accordingly their
unanimous choice fell upon Sir John Cull, a gen-
tleman Of extenfive knowledge and diftinguifhed
probity. His majcfty, repairing again to the houfe
of peers on the fixth, approved of the fpeaker, and
harangued the parliament as follows :
" My lords and gentlemen,
** At the opening of the firrt parliament, fum-
inoned and elected under my authority, 1 with
pleafure take notice of an event, which has made
me completely happy, and given univerfal joy to
my loving fubjects.. My marriage with a princefs,
eminently diftinguiflied by every virtue, and amiable
endowment, whilft it affords me all poffible db-
meftic comfort, cannot but highly contribute to
the happinefs of my kingdoms; which has been,
and always fhall be, my firft object, in every action
of my life.
" It has been my earneft wifh that this firft period
of my reign might be marked with another felicity ;
the reftoringof the bleffings of peace to my pe pie,
and putting an end to the calamities or war, under
which fo great a part of Europe fuffers. But though
overtures were made to me, and my good brother
and ally the king of Pruffia, by the feveral bellige-
rant powers, in order to a general pacification, for
which purpofe a congrefs was appointed; and pro
pofitions were made to me by France, for a parti-
cular peace with that crown, which were followed
by an actual negotiation ; yet that congrefs hath not
hitherto taken place, and the negotiation with
France is entirely broken oft.
" The fincerity of my difpofition to effectuate
this good work has been m^nifeUed in the progrefs
of it ; and I have the confolation to reflect, that the
continuance of the war, and the farther effufion of
Chriftian blood, to which it was the defire of my
heart to put a ftop, cannot with juftice be imputed
to me.
" Our military operations have been in no degree
fufpended or delayed ; and it has pleafed God to
grant us farther important fucceffes, by the con-
quefts of the iflands of Belleifle and Dominico ;
and by the reduction of Pondicherry, which hath in
a manner annihilated the French power in the Eaft
Indies. In other parts, where the enemy's numbers
were greatly fuperior, their principal defigns and
projects have been generally difappointed, by a
conduct which does the higheft honour to the dif-
tinguiihed capacity of my general prince Ferdinand
of Brunfwick, and by the valour of my troops.
The magnanimity and ability of the king of Pruffia
have eminently appeared in refifting fuch numerous
armies, and furrnounting fuch great difficulties.
" In this fituation, I am glad to have an oppor-
tunity ,ef receiving the trueft information of the
fenfe of my people, by a new choice of their repre-
ientatives. I arn fully perfuaded you will agree
v ith me in opinion, that the Heady exertion of our
moft vigorous efforts, in every part where the enemy
may ftili be attacked with advantage, is the only
means that can be productive of fuch a peace, as
may with reafbn be expected from our fucceffes.
It is, therefore, my fixed refolution, with your con-
currence and fupport, to carry on the war, in the
moft effectual manner, for the intereft and advantage
ef my kingdoms ; and to maintain, to the utmoft of
my power, the good faith and honour of my crown,
by adhering firmly to the engagements entered into
with my allies. In this I will perfevere, until my
No. 63.
enemies, moved by their own lofTes and diftrefles,
and touched with the mifeHes of fo many nations,
(hall yield to the equitable conditions of an honour-
able peace; in which cafe, as well as in the profecu-
tion of the war, I do affure you, no confederation
whatever mail make me depart from the true in-
tefefts of thefe my kingdoms, and the honour and
dignity of my crown."
" Gentlemen of the houfe of commons,
" I am heartily forry, that the neceffity of large
iupplies appears fo clearly from what has already
been mentioned. The proper eftimates for the fer-
vices of the enfuing year mall be laid before you ;
and I defire you to grant me fuch fupplies as may
enable me to profecute the war with vigour, and as
your welfare and fecurity, in the prefent critical
juncture, require, that we may happily put the laft
hand to this great work. Whatfoever you give fhall
be faithfully applied.
" I dare fay your affectionate regard for me and
the queen makes you go before me in what I ani
next to mention ; the making an adequate and ho-
nourable provifion for her fupport, in cafe me fhould
furvive me. This is what not only her royal dignity,
but her own merit calls for, and I earneftly recom-
mend it to your confideration.
" My lords and gentlemen,
" I have fuch confidence in the zeal and good
affections of this parliament, that I think it quite
fuperfluous to ufe any exhortations to excite you to
a right conduct. I will only add, that there never
was a fituation in which unanimity, firmnefs, and
difpatch, were more neceffary for the fafety, honour,
and true intcreft of Great Britain."
Each houfe prefented to his majefty a moft loyal
and affectionate addrefs, in which they affured him
he might rely on their exerting themielves, in the
moft effectual manner, to maintain the dignity of
his crown, and oblige the enemy to accept of an
honourable peace ; that they would make fuch am-
ple and honourable provifion for his illuftrious con-
fort, as might enable her to fupport her royal dig*
nity with proper luftre, in cafe me fhould furvive
his majefty: and that his faithful commons would
grant fupplies adequate to the feveral fervices that
his majefty's -wifdom fhould think neceffary. " That,
fenfible of the difficult crifis in which they were
affembled, they were determined to concur with the
greateft firmneis and unanimity, in whatever might
contribute to the public welfare, might tend to de-
feat the views and expectations of their enemies,
and convince the world, that there are no diffi-
culties which his majefty's wifdom and perfeverance,
with the afliftance of his parliament, could not fur-
mount."
After having prefented their addrefs, thecommons
1 proceeded to fettle the fupplies, which amounted to
j eighteen millions two hundred twenty-nine thoufand
one hundred thirty -five pounds eighteen fhillings
j and eleven pence half-penny. But they had hardly
fettled this important meafure, when advice arrived
from the earl of Briftol, his majefty's ambaffadorat
Madrid, importing, that having demanded a cate-
gorical declaration with refpect to the part his ma*
jefty intended to aft in the difpntes between the
courts of London and Verfailles, he had received at
firft a very evafive and unfatisfactory anfwer. He
added, that on repeating his remonftrance, he was
anfwered, that the Spanifh monarch had already
taken his meafures in concert with the court of
Verfailles, and that war was that moment declared
againft Great Britain ; and therefore, that he might
retire home, and when he thought proper.
On the fourth of January, war was . „
declared againft Spain, with the ufual A' D' 176z<
ceremonies. On the nineteenth, the king went to
the houfe of peers, and delivered a fpeech to both
houfes; in which he obferved, that he had affured
SB his
650
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
his parliament of his fincere difpofition to put an
end to the calamities of war, and to reftore the pub-
lic tranquillity on folicl and lafting foundations, that
no impartial perfon either at home or abroad could
fufpect him of unneceffarily kindling a new war in
Europe. But notvvithftanding this he acquainted
them, "Thatfince their recefs, he had found himfelf
indifpenfibly obliged to declare war againft Spain.
He obferved, that his own conduct, iince his ac-
cefliori to the throne, as well as that of the late king
his grandfather, had been fo full of good-will and
&iendfhip, fo averfe to the laying hold of feveral
jufl grounds of complaint, which might have been
alledged, and fo attentive to the advantage of the
Catholic king and his family, that it was matter of
the greateft furprize to find that engagements had,
in this conjuncture, been entered into between that
crown and France j and a treaty made to unite all the
branches of the houfe of Bourbon in the moft ambi-
tiousand dangerous defigns againftthe commerce and
independency of the reft of Europe, and particularly
of thefe kingdoms. He expreffecl his reliance on
the divine bleffing, on the juftice of his caufe, on
the zealous and powerful affiftance of his faithful
fubjecls, and the concurrence of his allies, who muft
find themfelves involved in the pernicious and ex-
tenfive projects of his enemies. He added, that he
left thefe confiderations with his parliament, full of
the jufleft confidence, that the honour of his crown,
and the interefts of his kingdoms were fafe in their
hands. Immediately both houfes took this fpeech
into confideration, and each prefenttd an addrefs,
affuring his majefty, that they would afford him the
moft conftant and adequate fupport. After which,
the public bufinefs being finifhed, on the fourth of
June, the king went to the houfe of peers, and put
an end to the feffion with a fpeech from the throne,
in which he expreffed the higheft approbation of
zeal, unanimity and difpatch, which had fo fignally
appeared in the courfe of their proceedings.
Among the acts which pafled this feffion was one
which gave great offence, as being burthenfome to
the people, efpecially the induftrious and laborious
part of the nation. This was an additional duty of
,three {hillings for every barrel of beer, exclufive of
the duties of excife, to be paid by the brewer; and
as porter in the city, and ale in the country, were
efteemed neceffary for the fupport of thofe engaged
in laborious employments, a tax which occafioned
porter to be railed from three-pence to three-pence
half-penny a pot, was confidered as a heavy impofi-
tion on one of the neceffaries of life.
Not any events had fo great an effect in pro-
ducing the peace which followed, as the fuccefs of
the Britifh arms in the Weft Indies. The late
minifter, before his refignation of the feals, had de-
termined to employ a very confiderable part of the
Britifh forces againft theFrench colonies in the Weft
Indies. Nor was this refolution merely fpeculative;
a ftrong fquadron was fitted out, and failed from
Spithead in the month of October in the preceding
year. This armament had under their convoy a
number of tranfports with four battalions from
Belleifle, to join at Barbadoes a ftrong body of
forces from North America, together with fome
regiments and volunteers from Guadaloupe and
the Leeward Iflands, and proceed in concert with
the fleet already on that ftation, and make a con-
queft of Martinico, which, Iince the attempt of ge-
neral Hopfon, had been ftrengthened with new for-
tifications, and a ftrong body of troops. The
armament from North America and England, under
the command of major-general Monckton, and
rear-admiral Rodney, amounting to eighteen bat-
talions, and as many {hips of the line, befides
frigates, bombs, and fire-mips, having rendezvoufed
at Barbadoes, failed from thence on the fifth of
January, and on the eighth the fleet and tranfports
3
anchored in St. Ann's bay, in the eaftern part of
Martinico, the men of war having firft filenced
fome batteries which the enemy had creeled on that
part of the coaft. In the courfe of this fervice, the
Raifonable, a fliip of the line, was, by the ignorance
of the pilot, run upon a reef of rocks, from whence
me could not be got off; but the men were happily
faved, together with her ftores and artillery. The
general not thinking this a proper place for difem-
barking, detached two brigades under the command
of the brigadiers Haldimand and Grant, to the bay
of Petite Anfe, where a battery was cannonaded,
and taken, by the feamen and marines. Thefe bri-
gades were foon followed by the whole army, and
the reft of the fquadron ; when fome other batteries
being filenced, general Monckton, with the forces,
landed on the fixteenth, in the neighbourhood of
the Cas des Navires, and having received a rein-
forcement of two battalions of marines from the
fquadron, he determined to befiege the town of
Fort Royal.
On the twenty.fourth of June, early in the morn-
ing, brigadier Grant, at the head of the grenadiers,
fuflained by lord Rollo's brigade, attacked the ad-
vanced pofts of the enemy under the brilk fire of
the batteries ; while brigadier Rufane, with his
brigade^ reinforced by the marines, marched up on
the right to attack the redoubts that were raifed
along the fliore; and the light infantry under
colonel Scot, fupported by the brigade of Walfh,
advanced on the left of a plantation, in order, if
poffible, to turn the enemy; in which attempt they
fucceeded, and by nine in the morning were in
poffeffion of the Morne Tortuefon, and all the re-
doubts and batteries with which it was fortified.
The enemy retired in confufion to the town of
Fort Royal, and to the Morne Gamier, which be-
ing more high and inacceffible than the other, was
deemed impregnable. During the conteft for the
poffeffion of Tortuefon, brigadier Haldimand, at
the head of his brigade, with two battalions of
Highlanders, and a corps of light infantry, under
major Leland, were ordered to pafs the ravine fome
way to the left, and turn a body of the enemy
potted on the oppofite heights, hoping, by that me-
thod to divide their forces ; but the country being
difficult of accefs, it was late before this paffage was
effected. In the mean time, thegeneral, perceiving
the enemy giving way on all fides, ordered colonel
Scot's light infantry, with Walfli's brigade, and a
divifion of the grenadiers, to advance on the left to
a plantation, from whence they drove the enemy,
and then took poffeffion of an advantageous poft
oppofite to the Morne Gamier. Next day bat-
teries were begun to be erected againft the citadel
of Fort Royal, but in the execution of this work
our troops were greatly harraffed by the enemy*s
fire from Morne Gamier; and on the twenty-
feventh, about four in the afternoon, they made a
furious attack, w ith the greateft part of their forces,
on the pofts defended by the light infantry and
brigadier Haldimand; but met with fo warm a
reception, that they foon retired in diforder. Such
was the ardour of the Englifh troops, that they
paffed the ravine with the fugitives, feized their
batteries and took poffeffion of the ground, being
fuftained by the brigade of Walfh, and the grena-
diers under Grant, who, at the beginning of the at-
tack, marched up to their affiftance. Major Le-
land, with his light infantry, finding no refiftance
on the left, advanced to the redoubt, which was
abandoned, and the brigadiers Walfh, Grant, and
Haldimand, moved up in order to fuppprt him^
thus by nine at night the Britifh troops were in
poffeffion of this ftrong poft. Next day the go-
vernor perceiving the Englifh employed in erecting
batteries on the different heights which commanded
the citadel, ordered the chamacle to be beat, and
furren-
GEORGE
III.
651
fill-rendered by capitulation. On the fourth ot
February, the gate was delivered up to the victors,
and next morning the garrifon, amounting to eight
hundred men, marched out with all the honours of
war. Immediately after the reduction of Fort
Royal, deputations were fent from different parts of
the ifland, requefting a capitulation : but M. de la
Touche, the governor-general, retired with his
forces to St. Pierre, which he propofed to defend to
the laft extremity. On the feventh, Pidgeon ifland,
•which was ftrongly fortified, and efteemedoneof the
beft defences of the harbour; furrendered at the firft
fummons. This conqueft was obtained at the fmall
expence of about four hundred men, including a
few officers, killed and wounded in the different
attacks; but the lofs of the enemy was very con-
fiderable. General Monckton was juft (etting out
for the reduction of St. Pierre, when two deputies
arrived from M. de la Touche, with proposals of
capitulation for the whole ifland , which being agreed
to, on the fourteenth the terms were fettled, and
the capitulation figncd. On the fixteenth the
Englifh commander took pofTcffion of St. Pierre,
and all the pofts in that neighbourhood ; while the
French governor-general with M. Rouille, the
lieutenant-governor, the ftaff officers, and about
three hundred and twenty grenadiers, were em-
barked on board fome tranf'ports, and conveyed to
France. The furrender of Martimco was followed
by that of its dependent iflands, by which means
the Englifh were the fole pofieflbrs of all the Ca-
ribbees. The Britifh miniltry now fent a fleet
againft the Havannah, the center of the Spanifh
commerce, and at this time fo llrongly defended,
that the taking of it was reckoned an impofllbility,
a thought this very feldom conceived by the Britifh
forces. Nineteen mips of the line, with, many
fmaller veflels, were fitted out, under the command
of Admiral Pocock; and about ten thoufand land
forces, commanded by the earl of Albemarle. At
firft the admiral intended to have landed on the
fouth fide of the ifland of Cuba, where it was fup-
pofed he might fall in with the Spanifh galleons;
but that opinion was over-ruled in a council of war,
and the fleet continued on a courfeof feven hundred
miles, in a very dangerous fea. On the ninth of
June, they came within fight of St. Jago, on the
eaftern extremity of the ifland of Cuba. St. Jago
is the capital of Cuba; but although the courts
of Juftice are held there, yet the Havannah is the
feat of commerce, and, confequently, of the ut-
moft importance. From St. Jago the fleet con-
tinued their voyage to the Havannah; but when
they arrived there, they found they had more diffi-
culties to encounter than they had as yet imagined.
The paflage to the harbour is extremely narrow,
and above half a mile in length, at the end of which
is a large bafon, where a thoufand fhips may ride
in Cafety. On one fide of the narrow paflage is the
Moro Caftle, a (hong fort built for the defence of
-the place, and to pi-event any fliips from coming in
but fuch as have paflports. To the weftward of the
harbour ftands the town, ftrongly fortified with a
parapet, redoubts and baftions ; the whole being fur-
rounded by a ditch, and cannon placed in proper
divifions.
The admiral, in order to divert the attention of
- the enemy, bore away, with a large part of the fleet,
to the weftward, where he made as if he would have
landed; while commodore Keppel and captain Her-
vey landed the forces on the eaft of the harbour,
without the lofs of a man, although the Spaniards
had a conlidcrablc fleet then lying at anchor, which
might have done them great damage. The earl of
Albemarle divided the army into eight brigades;
one of which, under the command of general
Elliot, was ordered to march up the country, in
order to prevent any fupplies being fent to the town,
and to cover the fiege in the rear. General Keppel
and colonel Howe were ordered to make a diverfion
on the weft of the town ; while the earl of Albe-
marle, with the main body of the forces, attacked
the Moro Caftle, that being the grand object in
view becaufe he defended the entrance to the har-
bour. The difficulties they had to encounter were
innumerable. There was no frefh water to be had ;
and as the men were obliged to cut their way
through woods, and drag the cannon along with
them, fo many of them died on the fpot through the
heat of theclimate, and thefatigues they underwent
in the fervice of their country. But courage and
perfcverance overcame all difficulties ; for batteries
were erected in the night on the rifing grounds, to
cover the approaches, and make way for the reduc-
tion of the place. To do juftice to the Spaniards,
it muft be acknowledged that they defended the
place with great bravery, and for fome time, the
fire was, in a manner, equal on both fides. On the
twenty-ninth of June, in the evening, they made a
fally ; but although they acted with great courage
and refolution, they were obliged to retreat, with
the lofs of above three hundred men. All the
batteries being now opened, the admiral ordered
the Cambridge, the Dragon, and the Marlborough,
to fail up to the fort, under the command of captain
Hervey ; and then a moft dreadful firing began.
The Spanifh artillery was well conducted, and it
appeared that the beft officers under their govern-
ment were at this time at the Havannah. As the
Moro callle was fituated on a high rock, the fliips
could not, after feven hours firing, make the leaft
impreffions on it. In the attempt the Englifh loft
one hundred and thirty men, which is not to be
wondered at when we confider, that, befides the
Moro caftle, they had another battery playing upon
them from an oppofite fort, which galled them ex-
ceflivcly ; fo that they were obliged to retire, other-
wife they would have been deftroyed. Among
thofe killed in this hazardous attempt, was captain
Gooftrey, a bravaofficer, who had on many former
occafions, given the moft fignal proofs of his
courage; but duty, and the love of glory were the
fole objects he had in view. When the Englifh
men of war were gone to rejoin the fleet, the
Spaniards turned their attention to the eaftern part
of the fort, and refolved to hold out to the laft ex-
tremity; fo that the Englifh officers found the re-
duction of the place would be a work of time. In-
deed, an unforefeen accident happened at this time,
which tended, in a great meafure, to retard their
operation s, namely , the reduction of a battery, which
took fire by the explofion of a mortar. Sicknefs like-
wife rendered many of the men incapable of acting,
and the few who remained in health were fatigued
beyond defcription. Add to this the want of frefh
provifions, the heat of the climate, and the infup-
portable fatigue which both officers and men under-
went, by which many gave themfelves up to defpair,
and funk under the load of their mifery : but at
this time they received a very feafonable fupply;
for a fleet arrived from New York, and another
from Jamaica, having on board a large quantity of
provifions, which gave new life and fpirits both to
the army and navy.
The governor of the Havannah, fenfible that the
Englifh would make themfelves mafters of the Moro
calUe, unlefs he could fend frefh reinforcements to
it, ordered one thoufand two hundred men to be
put on board the boats in the harbour, and to land
and attack the Englifli. Accordingly, thefe men
landed, and attacked our forces in three different
places, but with io little fuccefs, that upwards of
four hundred were left dead on the fpot ; fome were
drowned, and the reft with much difficulty faved
themfelves, by getting into their boats. On the
thirtieth of July, the miners blew up a part of the
wall,
652 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
wall, by which a breach was made; and although it
was (mail, yet the engineers were of opinion that
the army might attack it. The Englifh troops now
mounted the breach in fuch good order, that the
enemy became intimidated, after above four hun-
dred of theitl had been killed, among whom was the
marquis de Gonfales, the fecond in command, a
brave officer, who had exerted himfelf to the utmolt
during the liege, and died animating the foldiers to
defend the place. The fame fate attended Don
Lewis de Velafco, the commander in chief, who dif-
daining to afk quarter, collected as many men as yet
remained, and making a ftand with them, received
a mortal wound, and died in the bed of honour.
The Englim being now in pofleflion of the fort,
which had coft the lives of many brave men, during
a fiege of fourteen days, turned the cannon againft
the town. Several batteries were, at the fame time,
erefted on the rifing grounds ; and the earl of Albc-
marle being willing to fave as many lives as poffi-
ble, fent a meffage to the governor, defiling him to
furrender, as it would be in vain to hold out any
longer; but the governor, though he returned a
polite anfwer to the earl, yet refufed to comply, de-
claring that he would hold it out to the laft ex-
tremity. In confequence of this the firing imme-
diately began on both fides; but in a little more
than lix hours all the artillery belonging to the
enemy were filenced, and the north baftion of the
city was almoft difabled. This reduced the Spa-
niard to reafon ; and accordingly about two in the
afternoon, white flags were displayed all round the
place, and in a fhort time a flag of truce arrived at
the head quarters with propofals for a capitulation.
The terms, however, which the Spanifti governor
thought proper to tranfmit, were not granted : he de-
manded that the fhips in the harbour mould be fent
to Spain, and that the harbour mould be declared
neutral. Thefe appeared rather the demands of a
conqueror than a fallen enemy ; chey were, there-
fore refufed, and hoftilities were ordered to be re-
newed. This produced the defired effect; the
enemy thought proper to recede from theirdemands
and to treat upon very different terms ; fo that a
capitulation was figned on the thirteenth of Auguft,
by which the inhabitants were fecured in the enjoy-
ment of their own laws and religion, as well as in
their private property; and next day the Englim
took pofleffion of this important conqueft. The
Spanifh garrifon which was reduced to about feven
hundred men, including officers, was permitted to
march out with the honours of war; and it was
ftipulated that they and the failors fhould be con-
veyed to Old Spain. About five hundred of the
Britifh troops, including fifteen officers, were killed,
or died of their wounds, during the progrefs of this
fiege, and about feven hundred, among whom were
nine officers, were carried off by ficknefs. The
conquerors found in the place great quantities of
artillery, fmall arms, ammunition, and warlike
ftores. Twelve mips of the line, two upon the
flocks, and feveral trading vefiels likewife fell into
the hands of the Englifh. But befides thefe cap-
tures they acquired to the amount of about three
millions fterling in filver, tobacco and valuable
merchandize, collected on his catholic majefty's
account; which at once rendered the enemy's loi's
irreparable, and indemnified the Britifh nation for
the expence of this expedition, which was carried
into execution with the utmoft alacrity, and afforded
many inftances of true courage and capacity.
Nor was this conqueft the only inftance in which
the arms of Great Britain triumphed over thofe of
Spain. A fcheme had been projected by the miniftry
for making a defcent on the ifland of Manilla in the
Eaft Indies: where is the port from whence two
large mips are annually fent acrofs the vaft Pacific
Ocean to the port of Acapulco, one of the fea -ports
of Mexico, laden with fpices, fluffs, jewels, and
other rich merchandize of India. An attempt was
to be made on this ifland by part of the fquadron
of vice-admiral Cornifh, and the troops deftined for
the expedition were to be under the command of
brigadier-general Draper. The beginning of Au-
guft, admiral Cornifh failed in two divifmns, and
on the nineteenth arrived at Malacca, where the
fleet was watered, and a large quantity of rattans
collected for making gabions. On the twenty-
third of September they anchored in the bay of
Manilla, where the enemy were but ill prepared for
a defence, and greatly alarmed at this unexpected
vifit. The governor was the archbifhop, who
afiumes the title of captain-general of the Philippine
iflands: but the garrifon confifting of eight hun-
dred men, was commanded by the marquis de Villa
Medina, who now reinforced it with a body of
ten thoufand Indians, from the province of Pam-
panga-, but thefe were undifciplined, and formed
rather a rude rabble of people, than an army. The
admiral was fortunate enough to find a convenient
place for landing the troops, about two miles to the
fbuthward of the city of Manilla; and immediately
made the proper difpofitions for that purpofe. The
three frigates, Argo, Sea-horfe and Seaford, were
ftationed very near the fhore, to cover the defcent,
three divifions of the forces were put on board the
boats of the fleet, conducted by the captains Parker,
Kempenfeldt, and Brereton of the navy, and foon
landed at the church and village of Malata. This
was the time for the enemy to have rendered the
attempt abortive, and they accordingly aflembled
in great numbers to oppofe the defcent ; but the
covering frigates kept fuch a continual fire of can-
non and fmall arms, that they foon difperfed and
fought their fafety in a precipitate flight ; fo that
the troops were difembarked without the lofs of a
fingle man. Next day the general took pofleffion
of the Polverifta, a fmall fort deferted by the enemy,
and which now proved an excellent place of arms
for covering the landing of the ftores and artillery.
The curate's houfe was made the head quarters,
and guarded by the feventy-ninth regiment. The
church of the Hermita was occupied by colonel
Monfon, with an advanced party of two hundred
men. The marines were left at the Malata, in the
neighbourhood of Polvorifta, to fecure the com-
munication with the fleet, and protect the ftores and
artillery. In the mean time a body of men ap-
proached within an hundred yards of the town, and
poflefled themfelves of the church of St. Jago,
which they maintained, notwithftanding it was ex-
pofed to the continual fire of the enemy. The ad-
miral, on the twenty-fixth, landed a battalion of
feamen, who were pofted between the head quarters
and marines. Nor were the Spaniards idle on this
occafion. They were determined, if pofllble, to
prevent the deftruftion of their city; and, accord-
ingly, four hundred of their troops, under the com-
mand of the chevalier Fayette, with two field pieces,
marched up on the right of the Englim advanced
poft, the flank of which they began to cannonade;
but colonel Monfon, at the head of the piquets,
and a fmall reinforcement of marines, attacked
them with fo much fury, that they retreated with
the grcatcft precipitation, leaving one of their field
pieces behind them.
A coufiderable breach having been made in the
wall, it was hoped the garrifon would demand a ca-
pitulation ; but finding they nvide no propositions of
that nature, the Englim general refolved to ftorm
the town. Accordingly, on the fixth of October,
at four in the morning, the troops allotted for this
fervice marched off from their quarters in fmall
bodies, to avoid fufpicion, and while they were affem-
bling, a clofe fire was maintained in order to clear
thofe places where the enemy might be lodged or
intrenched,-
E O
III.
653
intrenched. Every thing bei^n readinefs for the
adult, lieutenant Ruffel, at thpad of fixty volun-
teers, fuftained by the grenfcrs, led the way;
The engineers, pioneers, an diner workmen fol-
lowed in order to clear and w^ the breach; and
after them the remainder of the(ny was conducted
in proper order. As foon as thftiilants mounted
the breach, the enemy fled in tr
and the troops entered the to
difficulty, the only oppofitic
tmoft confufion,
with very little
of confequence
which they met with beingj-om a hundred
Spaniards, who, with fome Indij, were ported at
the royal guard-houfe, and, utt their refufal to
fubmit, were all cut to pieces) The governor,
with the principal magiftrates, thdrew into the
citadel, but that being, foon ^r, entirely de-
molifhed, they were obliged to Jrender prisoners
of war. The Spanifh officers, ^giving their pa-
role of honour, were enlarged, $ all the Indians
difmiffed in fafety. This import conqueft coft
the Englifli only one hundred men,cludingofficers.
By the capitulation it was agrees that the town
and port of Cavite, with the iflsfls and forts de-
pending upon Manilla, were to bdelivered up to
his Britannic majefty, and four niions of dollars
paid as a ranfom for the city .of Jmilla, and the
effects of the inhabitants, who, in rqirn, were to be
protected in their religion and pvate property.
Admiral Cornifli, during the fieg^ having inter-
cepted fome letters to the Spanifh gcernor, inform-
ing him, that the galleon, St. Phillipa, was arrived
from Acapulco at Cajayagan, he detmined to fend
in queft of her. Accordingly the Inther man of
war, and Argo frigate, commanded y the captains
Parker and King, were detached q this fei vice ;
and on the thirtieth of October, beintaff the ifland
of Capul, they clifcerned a fail, finding to the
northward. Unfortunately the Pant^r was drove
by the current among the Narangoesjand obliged
to come to an anchor, but captain Kig in the fri-
gate continuing the chace, came up withnd engaged
her for near two hours, during whichhis rigging
fuffered confiderable damage, and ob^ed him to
give over the attack till it could be rpaired. In
the mean time the Panther got under fai again, and
in her turn engaged the enemy, who fion furren-
dered; but when captain Parker came t» take pof-
feffion, he was furprized to find, that in^ead of the
St. Phillipina, his prize proved the Sanflffima Tri-
nidada, which had departed from Manilla for Aca-
pulco on the firft of Auguft ; but neeting with a
hard gale of wind, wherein me was difmafted, had
been obliged to put back and refit. The merchan-
dize on board the fliip was valuec at one million
and a half of dollars, and the whole cargo fuppofed
to be worth double that fum. We may here add,
the Hermione, a Spanifh regifter fhb, bound from
Lima to Cadiz, laden with treafurfi and valuable
effects to th.e amount of one million Sterling, which
was taken in the month of May, by two Englilh
frigates, on a cruife off cape St. Vincent, and
brought from Gibraltar to England, Several cap-
tures were alfo made in the Weft Indies during the
month of November, among which were a French
fhip, mounted with twenty pieces of cinnon, taken by
captain Ruthven, commander of the Terpfichore;
and the Oifeau, another French frigate of twenty
guns, taken by captain Tonyn, in his majefty's
ihip the Brune, about feven leagues from Cartha-
gena. Nor were the cruizers of Great Britain lefs
active,orlefs fuccefsful in the American feas. Captain
Qurry, of the Acteon, took, about the beginning of
April, a large Spanifh regifter fhip, laden with artil-
lery, flores and ammunition ; and bound to Lagueira.
A fleet of twenty-five French merchant fliips, laden
with fugar, coffee, and indigo, failed from Cape
1'Yancois for Europe, under convoy of four frigates,
in the month of September} but, during their
No. 63.
paffage, five of them were taken by a fleet of priva-
teers, belonging to New York and Jamaica. Nor
did the reft efcape; commodore Keppel fell in the
next day with the remaining part, took the whole
fleet, together with their convoy, and fent them to
Port Royal.
Let us now return to the continent, where the
war was flill carried on with the utmoft vigour. A
joint memorial was prefented by the French and
Spanifh ambaffadors at the court of Lifbon, to the
Portuguefe miniflry, importing, that the fii ft mea-
fure planned by the kings of France and Spain was
to engage his Portuguefe majefty in their offenfive
and defenflve alliance, and to join his forces with
theirs: that they expected his moft Faithful majefty
would not hefltate a moment to acquiefce in fo
reafonable a requeft, when he confidered what he
owed to himfelf, to his kingdom, and to his fubjects,
who more feverely felt the yoke which Great Britain
had laid upon them, than thofe of any other nation,
and which fhe was defirous of extending over all
thofe who had any poflefiions in the new world :
that it would be unjuft for France and Spain alone
to fupport a war, and faciifice their fubjects for an
object in which Portugal was equally interefted with
themfelves: that in order to this, the ambaflador of
Spain, and the minifter plenipotentiary of France
defired his moft Faithful majefty to renounce the
neutrality, and declare himfelf united in the prefent
war againfttheEnglifh, with the kings of France and
Spain : that this declaration was made by thofe two
monarchs as being agreed and concerted between
them: that his Catholic majefty had alfo inftructed
his ambaflador to obfei ve, that it was the brother
of the queen, wife to his moft Faithful majetty, a
true friend, a moderate, and quiet neighbour, who
had made this propofal to him, and who, confider-
ing the intereft of his Portuguefe majefty as his own,
wifhed to unite the one with the other, fo that either
in peace or war, Spain and Portugal might be con-
fidered as belonging to one matter. To this extra-
ordinary memorial, the two minifters added, That
they were commanded by their refpective courts, to
demand in four days a cetegorical anfwer, and that
any delay beyond that period would be confidered
as a negative.
But though the fituation of Portugal was at
this time truly alarming, yet the firmnefs of the
king was fuch as muft tranfmit his name with the
moft diftinguifhed advantage to pofterity. He
anfwered this infulting propofition with a moderate
but intrepid refolution. He obferved, that the ties,
which equally united him to Great Britain, and the
crowns of France and Spain, rendered him a proper
mediator to them all, and confequently improper
for him to declare himfelf an enemy to either: that
his alliance with England was ancient, and confe-
quently incapable of giving offence at this juncture:
that it was merely defenfive, confequently innocent :
that the late calamities of Portugal had abfolutely
difabled her from taking part in any offenfive war,
into which neither the love his moft Faithful ma-
jefty bore his fubjects, as a father, nor the duty by
which he was bound to them as a king, could f uffcr
him to plunge them.
This anfwer was far from Satisfying the princes
of the Bourbon confederacy. They denied that the
alliance with England was either purely defenfive,
or purely innocent : and to other affertions added,
that if the king of Portugal did not comply with
their rcquifition, the Spanifh troops which were
already marched to the frontiers, ihould enter his
country, feize his forts, and flmt them up; and
that no choice was therefore left to his majefty, but
that of receiving them as friends, or treating them
as enemies.
However, this extraordinary treatment could
neither divert the king from the firmnefs of his re-
3 C fojution,
654
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY ENGLAND.
folution, nor provoke him to depart from the mo-
deration of his language. He declared he would
keep his treaties with England inviolate; and that
if their troops fhould enter his dominions, he would,
in defence of his neutrality, repulfe them with all
his forces, joined by thofe of his allies; and con-
cluded with this noble refolution, " That it would
affect him lefs though reduced to the laft extremity,
of which the great Judge was the fole arbiter, to let
the laft tile of his palace fall, and to fee his faithful
fubjects fpill the iaft drop of their blood, than to
facrifice, together with the honour of his crown, all
that Portugal held moft dear ; and to fubmit, by
luch extraordinary means, to become an unheard-of
example to all pacific powers, who would no longer
be able to enjoy the benefit of neutrality, whenever
a war mould be kindled between other powers with
which the former were connected by defensive trea-
ties." On receiving this final refolution, the am-
balladors of the two crowns demanded paffports,
which being granted them, they fet out for their re-
fpective courts ; and France and Spain, in the month
oF June, publifhed a joint declaration of war againft
Portugal. In the mean time about eight thoufand
troops, with large fupplies of {lores and ammuni-
tion, and a fine train of artillery, arrived in Portu-
gal from England. The command of the Portu-
guefe army had fome time before been conferred
upon count de la Lippe Buckebourg, an officer of
great abilities, and who, during the whole courfe of
the war, had directed the Britifh. artillery in Ger-
many. The Englifh forces were conducted by lord
Tyravvley and the earl of Loudon, affifted by feveral
officers of great experience. Thefe forces had not
been long in Portugal, before lord Tyrawley, dif-
gufted at the behaviour of the court of Lifbon, de-
fired to be recalled; his requeft was granted, and
the earl of Loudon fucceeded to the chief command.
But the progrefs of the Sp^hiih army in Portugal
was very flow, and the military enterprizes very
trifling ; and when the feafon was far advanced the
rain fell in torrents, the roads were deftroyed, and
the country, in many places, rendered impaffable.
The Spaniards, therefore, who had not fecured any
advanced poft where they could maintain themfelves
during the winter ; deftitute of magazines for their
fuppoi t, and their convoys continually cut off by
the enemy, were obliged to retreat into their own
country.
In Germany the greateft efforts were made.
General Luckner, a noted Hanoverian partizan,
and who had made feveral fuccefsful invafions into
the country pofleffed by the enemy, obtained a con-
iiderable advantage over the marquis de Lortange,
who had marched out of Gottingen at the head of
eighteen hundred horfe and two thoufand infantry,
to intercept Luckner. But the latter falling unex-
pectedly on the marquis, forced him to retire with
great lofs and precipitation to Gottingen. About
the fame time a party of French irregulars were
made prifoncrs at Eichffeld by major Wingerode,
commander of the Heflian huflars, The caftle of
Roer was befieged by the hereditary prince of Brunf-
wic. In the month of April, he fet out at the head
of A ftrong detachment and a train of artillery, in
order to carry his clefign into execution. His bat-
teries had fcarce began to play before the fort was
let on fire. Every method was purfued by M. de
Murct, who commanded in the caftle, to flop the
progrefs of the flames ; but finding all kis endea-
vours ineffectual, he was obliged, with his whole
garrifon of two hundred and thirty men to leap
over the walls, and furrender at difcretion.
When the French generals Soubife and d'Etrees
arrived at Frankfort, near the latter end of April,
they immediately applied themfelves to afiemble
their forces on the banks of the Wefer ; while the
prince of Conde commanded a feparate army en-
camped at DulTelcp on the Lower Rhine. The
main body of thallied army, commanded by
prince Ferdinand, .s polled behind the Dymel, to
make head againfle two marfhals, while the he-
reditary prince, aie head of a confiderable corps,
was encamped in 'bifhopric of Munfter, to watch
the motions of Cde. Prince Xavier of Saxony
had taken poft, :h a corps de referve, between
the river Werra d the town of Gottingen ; and
general Lucknencamped near Eimbeck on the
Leine, to obfcrvhat prince's motions. On the
twenty-fourth olme prince Ferdinand made the
proper difpofitiofor attacking the French camp,
iituated betweenraebenftein and Meinbrexen. In
order to executthis plan with fuccefs, general
Luckner left his up in the morning of the twenty-
third, croffed tl Wefer in the evening, and by
three o'clock tlnext morning arrived between
Mariendorff andndenhaufen. Geneial Sporcken
paffed the Dymet Sielem about four in the morn-
ing, at the heaof twelve Hanoverian battalions,
and part of the valry of the left wing, in order to
fall upon the emiy's flank, while Luckner attacked
them in the reai Prince Ferdinand paffed the river
about the fameme, at the head of twelve Britifh
battalions, eleti of the Brunfwic troops, eight
regiments of Haans, the Englifli cavalry, and part
of the German jrfc of the left wing. On his gain-
ing the bank c the oppofite fide, he drew up his
forces in orderf battle, behind the ponds of Kalfe.
The vanguardm the right was compofed of the
chafleurs, of ti Englifh and German infantry com-
manded by lor Frederick Cavendifli, andTreytag's
Hanoverian clffeurs, who had orders to occupy the
mountain of Jmgeflberg, while the left confuted of
the piquets ofhe army. The body of referve, con-
ducted by thenarquis of Granby, croffed the Dymel
at Warburg, md marched to an eminence oppofite
to Furftenw.de, in order to fall upon the left wing
of the enem. All thefe preparations were made
with fuch jugment, activity, and good order, that
the French ^ere attacked with the utrnoft impe-
tuofity in frnt, flank, and rear, before they knew
any thing o/the approach of the allied army. Ter-
rified at thisvigorous and unexpected affault, a very
precipitate etreat was the immediate confequence,
and would probably have ended in a total defeat of
the whole irmy, had not M. de Stainville, at the
head of a choito body of troops, confifting of the
grenadiers of France, the royal grenadiers, the regi-
ment of jflquitiine, and fome other forces which
conllitutedthefinveroftheFrench infantry, thrown,
himfclf into the woods of Willemftahlj where he
made a noble ftand, and effectually covered the re-
treat of the French marfhals, who retired in the
utmoft confufiot under the cannon of Cail'el. Stain-
ville was attacked by lord Granby with his ufual
impetuoiity, aid the whole body, except two bat-
talions, either killed or taken. Two thoufand five
hundred and fifty of the enemy, including one hun-
dred and fixty-two ofiicers, were made prifoners :
fome ftandards md colours were alfo taken ; while
the whole lofs of the allied army did not exceed
three hundred men. Colonel Townfhend was the
only officer of diftinction who loft his life in the
action.
The French marfhals having withdrawn to their
camp at Mel fun gen, in order to maintain their com-
munication with Franckfort, and facilitate theirjunc-
tion with the prince of Conde, who had received or-
ders to advance from the Lower Rhine, prince Fer-
dinand refolvcd to attack them. Accordingly, on
the twenty-fifth of July he crofTed the Eder, and
joined the marquis of Granby on the heights of Fal-
kenberg; after which he reconnoitered the enemy's
fituation, when he found there was no probability of
engaging them with fuccefs.; and having contented
s with cannonading their camp, he re-
croUed
E O R
E
III.
655
croffed the Eder, leaving the marquis of Granby on
the heights of Falkenberg. The French now eroded
theFulda, and retired to Cartel, having left a body
of troops under M. de Guerchy oppofite to the camp
they abandoned : at the fame time the marquis of
Granby took pofleflion of Melfungen, by which
means the enemy's communication with Franckfort
was once more cut off. Immediately after, a body
of their dragoons advancing towards Huthenburn
under M. de Stainville, fell into an ambufcade at
Morfchen, .and were entirely routed. This was fol-
lowed by the lofs of Gottingen, which place they
relinquifned after having defti oyed the fortifications.
On the fixteenth of July the prince of Condc began
his march from Coeffeldt, and parted the Lippe at
Halderen. He was followed by the hereditary
prince, at the head of a ftrong detachment from the
allied ai'my, who having received intelligence that
a large body of the enemy were on their march to
mdet the prince of Conde, he determined to attack
him before their arrival. In the beginning of this
action, the French were drove from the heights into
the plain ; but while the allies were eagerly purfuing
their advantage, the main army of the enemy arrived.
Such a powerful reinforcement could not fail of turn-
ing the balance in their favour. The allies were
totally defeated, having loft about three thoufand
men. This misfortune was greatly increafed by a
wound which the hereditary prince received from a
mufquet ball in his hip-bone, by which, for a con-
iiderable time, his life was in the moll imminent
danger.
In the neighbourhood of the allies was the caflle
of Ameneburg, which they had furnifhed with a gar-
rifon coniifting of feven hundred men, under the
command of captain Crufe. This fortrefs the enemy
determined to take; but, in order to conceal their
real intention, attacked a poft of the allies called
Brucker Mulk, which defended the paffage of a
bridge over the Ohme. This poft was defended by
a detachment of two hundred men, the greater part
of whom were ported in a fmall redoubt, which they
had erected to defend them againft the random mot
of the enemy. The attack on this pod was made
by the French with mufquetry and cannon, by a de1-
tachment placed on an eminence, a little beyond the
bridge. This attack brought on a mod violent
cannonade on both fides; while a warm difpute
with fmallarms was maintained between the French
and Hanoverians, who defended the redoubt. The
latter having expended all their ammunition, and
fuffered a confiderable lofs from the conftant fire of
the enemy, general Waldegrave was detached, with
the firft battalion of guards, to relieve the Hanove-
rians'. In the mean time, prince Ferdinand ob-
ferving that the enemy were continually throwing
in frelh troops, and increafing the number of cannon
that played continually on the allies, thought proper
to reinforce his artillery with fix pieces of heavy
cannon, and three howitzers from the army-, and
ordered four Heflian regiments to advance, in order
to fuftain thofe who were Co warmly engaged. A
terrible fire both of fmall arms and artillery was
now maintained for fifteen hours, both fides fighting
with the moft determined rcfolution, though neither
made the leaft attempt to pals the bridge. At length
the darknefs put an end to the action, in which
eleven hundred men of the enemy, and fix hundred
of the allies, wt-re killed. Prince Ferdinand after
this action inverted Cartel; and notwithstanding all
the activity and refolution of a numerous garrifon,
commanded by the baron de Diefbach, the opera-
tions were carried on with fuch remarkable vigour,
that the city was taken on the tenth of October by
capitulation. This was the lart action between the
French and the allies in Germany.
Great Britain at this time was much difpofed to
peace. Victories were become familiar to us, and
made but a flight impreffion. The marks of public
joy, on confiderable conquers, were become much
colder, than thofe fhewn at the beginning of tbfe
war upon very trivial advantages. liefides, as art
alteration in the fyftem of the Britifh miniftry had
begun the war, another alteration, by the refigna-
tion of Mr. Pitt, naturally put an end to it. The
duke of Newcaftle, firft lord of the treafufy, from
his early zeal in favour of the houfe of Hanover,-
and the liberal ufe he had made of his fortune, had
h>ng been confidered as the head of the whigs: but
neither his age, nor his Ctuation in the former rei >n^
had allowed him an opportunity of cultivating an
intereil with the prefent king; whence he did not
now poffcfs the royal confidence. On the other
hand, the earl of Bute had enjoyed an employment
neat- his perfon when he, was prince of Wales, and
had obtained an uncommon mare of his efteerm
This laft nobleman therefore, after the removal of
Ml-. Pittj was made fecretary of ftate; and fooii
afterthedukeof Newcaftle, thinkinghimlclf obliged
to refign, the earl of Bute was appointed firft com-
miflioner of the treafury. This rcfignation was fol-
lowed by that of fevcral others, dirtinguifhed by
their rank and influence. His majefty, with a view
of abolifhing party diftinctions, and extending the
royal favour equally to all his fubjccts, now chofe
many perfbns from thofe families which had been
the moil ftedfaft friends of the Steuarts, and had^
ever laice the revolution, oppofcd the meafures of.
government. The whigs, irritated at the chanocs
by which they loft their places, cxprcffed their re-
fentment in the moft public manner, and endea-
voured by riotous proccilions of different kinds of
mobs, to excite the people to efpcnife their caufe.
A violent ferment fucceeded, in which his majefty
loft great part of that popularity to which his firft
fpeech juftly entitled him; thefaireft characters were
traduced and infulted by party violence; and the'
moft bitter animofity was inf'ufed into the minds of
ignorant unthinking people againft the Scots.
While the nation was thus diftrafted, the conduct
of the war became difficult, its continuance unfafe,
and its fupplies uncertain ; and its being impoflible
for thofe in the adminiftration to behold without
anxiety, that the chiefs of the monied intereft were
connected with the principal perfbns in oppofition^
their defire of a peace became cordial and fincere.
It is faid, the firft overtures were made under the
mediation of his Sardinian majefty. The duke of
Bedford was fent to Verfailles, to negotiate on the
part of England ; the duke de Nivernois came to
London on that of France} and foon after the great
outlines of a treaty wereadjufted, and preliminaries
figned. In confequence of whichj on the twenty-
fifth of November, his majefty opened the fefliort
of parliament with a fpeech from the throne, in
which he obferved, that the war with Spain, and the
attack of his ally^ the king of Portugal, having
greatly affected the commerce of his fubjects, mul-
tiplied the objects of his military oper.itions, and
added to the heavy burthens of his people, he had
willingly embraced an occafion that offered of re-
newing the negotiation for peace^ He informed
them, that the preliminary articles were actually
figned •, that by the conditions in which all parties
had acquiefced, an immenfe territory was added to
the empire of Great Britain, and a folid foundation
laid for the increafe of commerce; that care had
been taken to remove alloccadonsof futuredifputes;
that the king of Portugal v.as fee u red in all his do-
minions; and that all the territories of his German
allies were evacuated by the troops of France. He
lamented that a great number of his fubjects had
been loft in different parts of the world ; a confide
ration which reinforced the other reafons he had to
engage in the negotiation ; and that he had hahcned
the conclufion of it, to prevent the uccertity of
"making
656
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
making preparations for another campaign. He
defired the commons to confider of fuch methods,
in the fettlement of the new acquifitions, as mould
moft effectually tend to the fecurity of thofe coun-
tries, and to the improvement of the Britifh trade
and navigation. He recommended to their care
and attention his gallant fubjects by whom thofe
acquifitions were made. He obferved, that union
at home was peculiarly necefiary to lay the founda-
tion of that ceconomy which they owed to them-
felves and their pofterity, and which alone could re-
lieve the nation from the heavy burthens entailed
upon it by the neceffities of a long and expenfive
war.
To this gracious fpeech both houfes were eager to
prefent addrefles, containing general compliments of
congratulation on the approach of peace, as well as
upon the birth of the prince of Wales. The next
day a ceflation of arms was proclaimed ; and orders
were iflued for opening again all the channels of
communication with France and Spain. However,
the preliminaries of the peace underwent a very fe-
vere examination by the oppofition, but were at
length approved of by a great majority in both
houfes ; and each prefented an adclrefs to the king
on the occafion, in which they declared, " That
they owed the utmoft gratitude to his majefty for
the re-eftablifhment of the public tranquillity upon
terms of honour to the crown, and of advantage to
the people."
» -TN , The definitive treaty of peace
' l^ 3- being figned at Paris on the tenth
of February, and thence tranfmitted to England,
it was laid before the parliament; of which the fol-
lowing is an exact copy.
Jn the Name of the moft Holy and Undivided Trinity,
Father, Son, and Holy Ghoji. So be it.
BE it known to all thofe to whom it fhall, or
may, in any manner, belong.
" It has pleafed the Molt High to diffufe the
fpirit of union and concord among the princes,
whofe divifions had fpread troubles in the four parts
of the world, and to infpire them with the inclina-
tion to caufe the comforts of peace to fucceed to the
misfortunes of a long and bloody war, which having
arifen between England' and France, during the
reign of the moft ferene and moft potent prince,
George the Second, by the Grace of God, king of
Great Britain, of glorious memory, continued under
the reign of the moft ferene and moft potent prince,
George the Thiid, fucceflbr, and, in its progrefs,
communicated itfelf to Spain and Portugal: con-
fequently, the moft ferene and moft potent prince,
George the Third, by the Grace of God, King of
Great Britain, France, and Ireland, Duke of Brunf-
wick and Lunenburg, Arch-Treafurer and Elector
of the Holy Roman Empire ; the moft ferene and
moft potent prince, Lewis the Fifteenth, by the
Grace of God, the moft Chriftian King ; and the
moft ferene and moft potent prince, Charles the
Third, by the Grace of God, King of Spain and
of the Indies, after having laid the foundations of
peace in the preliminaries, figned at Fontainbleau
the third of November laft; and the moft ferene
and moft potent prince, Don Jofeph the Firft, by
the Grace of God, King of Portugal and of the
Algarves, after having acceded thereto, determined
to complete, without delay, this great and important
\vork. For this purpofc the high contracting parties
have named and appointed their refpective ambafla-
tlprs extraordinary and minifters plenipotentiary,
viz. his Sacred Majefty the King of Great Britain,
the moft iiluftrious and moft excellent lord John
Duke and Earl of Bedford, Marquis of Taviftock,
&c. his Minifter of State, Lieutenant General of
.his Armies, Keeper of his Privy Seal, Knight of
2
the Moft Noble Order of the Garter, and his Am-
bafiador Extraordinary and Minifter Plenipotentiary
to his Moft Chriftian Majefty : his Sacred Majefty
the Moft Chriftian King, the moft iiluftrious and
moft excellent lord Ccefar Gabriel de Choifeul,
Duke of Praflin, Peer of France, Knight of his
Orders, Lieutenant General of his Armies, and of
the Province of Brittany, Counfellor of all his
Councils, and Minifter and Secretary of State, and
of his Commands and Finances : his Sacred Majefty
the Catholick King, the moft iiluftrious and moft
excellent lord, Don Jerome Grimaldi, Marquis de
Gfimaldi, Knight of the Moft Chriftian King's
Orders, Gentleman of his Catholick Majefty's Bed
Chamber in employment, and his Ambaflador Ex-
traordinary to his Moft Chriftian Majefty: his Sacred
Majefty the Moft Faithful King, the moft iiluftrious
and moft excellent lord, Martin dc Mello andCaftro,
Knight profefled of the Order of Chrift, of his Moft
Faithful Majefty's Council, and his Ambaflador
and Minifter Plenipotentiary to his Moft Chriftian
Majefty.
" Who, after having duly communicated to
each other their full powers, in good form, have
agreed upon the articles, the tenor of which is as
follows :
" Art. I. There mail be a chriftian, univerfal,
and perpetual peace, as well by fea as by land,
and a fincere and conftant friendfliip (hall be re-,
eftabliflied between their Britannick, Moft Chriftian,
Catholick, and Moft Faithful Majefties, and between
their heirs and fucccflbrs, kingdoms, dominions,
provinces, countries, vaflals, and fubjects, of what
quality or condition foever they be, without excep-
tions of places, or of perfons; fo that the high con-
tracting parties fliall give the greateft attention to
maintain between themfelves and their faid domi-
nions and fubjects, this reciprocal friendfliip and
correfpondence, without permitting on either fide
any kind of hoftilities, by fea or by land, to be
committed from henceforth, for any caufe, or under
any pretence, whatfoever ; and every thing {hall be
carefully avoided, which might hereafter prejudice
the union happily re-eftabliflied, applying them-
felves, on the contrary, on every occafion, to pro-
cure for each other whatever may contribute to their
mutual glory, interefts, and advantages, without
giving any affiftance or protection, directly or indi-
rectly, to thofe who would caufe any prejudice to
either of the high contracting parties: there fhall
be a general oblivion of every thing that may have
been done or committed, before or fince the com-
mencement of the war, which is juft ended.
" Art. II. The treaties of Weftphalia of 1648 ;
thofe of Madrid between the two crowns of Great
Britain and Spain of 1667, and 1670 ; the treaties
of peace of Nimeguen of 1678, and 1679; of
Ryfwick of 1697 ; thofe of peace and of commerce
of Utrecht of 1 7 1 3 ; that of Baden of 1714; that
of the triple alliance of the Hague of 17 17 ; that of
the quadruple alliance of London of 1718; the
treaty of peace of Vienna of 1738 ; the definitive
treaty of Aix la-Chapelle of 1748; and that of
Madrid, between the crown of Great Britain and
Spain, of 1750 ; as well as the treaties between the
crowns of Spain and Portugal, of the thirteenth of
February, 1668; of the fixth of February, 1715;
and of the twelfth of February, 17.16 ; and that of
the eleventh of April, 1713 ; between France and
Portugal with the guarantees of GreatBritain; ferve
as a bafis and foundation to the peace, and the pre-
fent treaty : and for this purpofe they are all re-
newed and confirmed in the beft formx as well as all
the treaties in general, which fubfifted between the
high contracting parties before the war, as if they
were inferted here word for word; fo that they are
to be exactly obferved, for the future, in their whole
tenor, and rcligioufly executed on all fides, in all
their
E O R
E
III.
657
their points, which ftiall not be derogated from by
the prefent treaty, notwithftanding all that may
have been ftipulated to the contrary by any of the
high contracting parties; and all the faid parties
declare, that they will not fuffer any privilege,
favour, or indulgence to fubfiit, contrary to the
treaties above confirmed, except what fliall have
been agreed and ftipulated by the prefent treaty.
" Art. III. All the prifoners made on all iides,
as well by land as by fea, and the hoftages carried
away, or given during the war, and to this day,
fliall be reftorecl, without ranfom, fix weeks at latert,
to be computed from the day of the exchange of the
ratifications of the prefent treaty, each crown re*
fpeclively paying the advances which fliall have been
made for the fubfiftence and maintenance of their
prifoners, bythefovereign of the country where they
fliall have been detained, according to the attefted
receipts andeftimates, and other authentic vouchers,
which fliall be furnifhed on one fide and the other :
and fecurities fliall be reciprocally given for the pay-
ment of the debts which the prifoners fliall have
contracted in the countries where they have been
detained, until their entire liberty. And all the
fliipsof war and merchant-vefiels, which fliall have
been taken fince the expiration of the terms agreed
upon for the ceflation of hoftilities by fea, fliall be
likewife reftored bona fide, with all their crews and
cargoes : and the execution of this article fliall be
proceeded upon immediately after the exchange of
the ratifications of this treaty.
" Art. IV. His Moft Chriftian Majefty re-
nounces all pretenfions which he has heretofore
formed, or might form, to Nova Scotia, or Acadia
in all its parts ; and guaranties the whole oi it, and
with it all its dependencies, to the King of Great
Britain : moreover, his Moft Chriftian Majefty cedes
and guaranties to his faid Britannic Majefty, in full
right, Canada, with all its dependencies, as well as
the ifland of Cape Breton, and all the other iflands
and coafts in the gulph and river St. Laurence, and
in general, every thing that depends on the faid
countries, lands, iflands, and coafts, with the fove-
reignty, property, poffeflion, and all rights acquired
by treaty or otherwife, which the molt Chriftian
King, and the crown of France have had till now,
over the faid countries, iflands, lands, places, coafts,
and their inhabitants; fo that the moft ChriUian
King cedes and makes over the whole to the faid
King, and to the crown of Great Britain, and that
in the moft ample manner and form, without re-
ftriction, and without any liberty to depart from the
faid ceffion and guarantee, under any pretence, or to
difturb Great Britain in the pofiefikms above men-
tioned. His Britannic Majefty, on his fide, agrees
to grant the liberty of the catholic religion to the
inhabitants of Canada : he will, confequently, give
the moft precife and moft effectual orders, that his
new Roman catholic fubjects mayprofefs theworfliip
of their religion, according to the rites of the Ro-
mifh church, as far as the laws of Great Britain
permit. His Britannic Majefty further agrees, that
the French inhabitants, or others who had been fub-
jefts of the moft Chriftian King in Canada, may
retire, with all fafety and freedom, wherever they
fliall think proper, and may fell their eftates, pro-
vided it be to the fubjects of his Britannic Majefty,
and bring away their effects, as well as their perfons,
without being reftrained in their emigration, under
any pretence whatfoever, except that of debts, or of
criminal profecutions : the term limited for this
emigration fliall be fixed to the fpace of eighteen
months, to be computed from the day of the ex-
change of the ratification of the prefent treaty.
" Art. V. The fubjects of France fliall have the
liberty of fifliing and drying on a part of the coafts
of the ifland of Newfoundland, fuch as it is fpecified
in the Xlllth article of the treaty of Utrecht j which
No. 64.
articleis renewed and confirmed by the prefent treaty
(except what relates to the ifland of Cape Breton,
as well as to the other iflands and coafts in themouth
and in the gulph of St. Laurence): and his Britan-
nic Majefty confents to leave to the fubjeds of the
moft Chriftian King, the liberty of fifliing in the
gulph of St. Laurence, on condition that the fub-
jefts of Fi ance do not exercife the faid fifliery, but
at the diftance of three leagues from all the coafts
belonging fo Great Britain, as well thofe of the con-
tinent, as thofe of the iflands fituated in the faid
gulph of St. Laurence. And as to what relates to
the fifliery on the coafts of the ifland of Cape Breton
out of the faid gulph, the fubje&s of the moft Chrif-
tian King fliall not be permitted to exercife the faid
fifliery, but at the diftance of fifteen leagues from
the coafts of the ifland of Cape Breton ; and the
fifliery on the coafts of Nova Scotia, or Acadia, and
every where elfe out of the faid gulph, fhall remain
on the foot of former treaties.
" Art. VI. The King of Great Britain cedes the
iflands of St. Pierre and Miquelon, in full right,
to his Moft Chriftian Majefty, to ferve as flicker to
the French fiflieimen: and his faid Moft Chriftian
Majefty engages not to fortify the faid iflands ; to
erect no buildings upon them, but merely for the
convenience of the fifliery ; and to keep upon them
a guard of fifty men only for the police.
*" Art. VII. In order to re-eftablifli peace on
folid and durable foundations, and to remove for
ever all fubjeft of difpute with regard to the limits
of the Britifli and French territories on the conti-
nent of America; it is agreed, that for the future,
the confines between the dominions of his Britannic
Majefty, and thofe of his moft Chriftian Majefty in
that part of the world, fhall be fixed irrevocably by-
aline drawn along the middle of the river Mifllflippi,
from itsfource to the river Iberville, and from thence,
by a line drawn along the middle of this river, and
the lakes Maurepas and Pontchartrain to the fea ;
and for this purpofe the Moft Chriftian King cedes
in full right, and guaranties to his Britannic Ma-
jefly the river arid port of the Mobile, and every
thing which he poflefles, or ought to poffefs, on the
left fide of the river Miffifllppi, except the town of
New Orleans, and the ifland in which it is fituated,
which fliall remain to France ; provided that the
navigation of the river Miffiflippi, fliall be equally
free, as well to the fubjects of Great Britain as to
thofe of France, in its whole breadth and length,
from its fource to the fea, and exprefsly that part
which is between the faid ifland of New Orleans,
and the right bank of that river, as well as the
paflage both in and out of its mouth. It is farther
ftipulated, that the veflels belonging to the fubjc&s
of either nation fliall not be flopped, vifited, or fub-
jectecl to the payment of any duty whatfoever. The
ftipulations inferted in the IVth article, in favour of
the inhabitants of Canada, fliall alfo take place with
regard to the inhabitants of the countries ceded by
this article.
" Art. VIII. The King of Great Britain fliall
reftore to France, the iflands of Guadaloupe, of
Marie Galante, of Defirade, of Martinico, and of
Belleifle ; and the fortreffes of thefe iflands fliall be
reftored in the fame condition they were in, when
they were conquered by the Britifli arms ; provided
that his Britannic Majefty's fubjecls who fliall have
fettled in the faid iflands, or thofe who fliall have
any commercial affairs to fettle there, or in the other
places reftored to France by the prefent treaty, fliall
have liberty to fell their lands and their eftates, to
fettle their affairs, to recover their debts, and to
bring away their effects, as well as their perfons, pn
board veflels which they fliall be permitted to fend
to the faid iflands, and other places reftored as
above, and which fliall ferve for this ufe only, with-
out being reftrained on account of their rdi^ion,
8 D
or
658
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
or under any other pretence whatfoever, except that
of debts, or of criminal profecutions: and for this
purpofe the term of eighteen months is allowed to
his Britannic Majefty's fubjefts, to be computed
from the day of the exchange of the ratifications of
the prefcnt treaty : but as the liberty granted to his
'Britannic Majefty's fubjefts, to bring away their
perfons and their effects in veflels of their nation,
may be liable to abufes, if precautions were not
taken to prevent them; it has been exprefsly agreed
between his Britannic Majettyand his Moft Chriftian
Majefty, that the number of Englifti veflels, which
{hall have leave to go to the faid iflands and places
reftored to France mail be limited, as well as the
number of tons of each one ; that they {hall go in
ballaft ; fhall fet fail at a fixed time; and mall make
one voyage only, all the effects belonging to the
Englifli being to be embarked at the fame time. It
has been further agreed, that his Moft Chrtfian
Majetty mall caufe the neceflary paflports to be
given to the faid veflels ; that, for the greater fecu-
rity, it fliall be allowed to place two French clerks,
or guards, in each of the faid veflels, which mall be
vifited in the landing places and ports of the faid
iflands and places reftored to France, and that the
merchandize which mail be found therein {hall be
confifcated.
" Art. IX. The Moft Chriftian King cedes and
guaranties to his Britannic Majefty, in full right,
the iflands of Grenada, and of the Grenadines, with
the fame ftipulations in favour of the inhabitants of
this colony, inferted in the IVth article for thofe of
Canada: and the partition of the iflands called
Neutral, is agreed and fixed, fo that thofe of St.
Vincent, Dominica, and Tobago, mall remain in
full right to Great Britain, and that of St. Lucia
fhall be delivered to France, to enjoy the fame like-
wife in full right; and the high contraftirig parties
guaranty the partition foftipulated.
3 " Art. X. His Britannic Majefty fliall reftore
to France the ifland of Goree in the condition it
was in when conquered: and his Moft Chriftian
Majefty cedes in full right, and guaranties to the
King of Great Britain, the river Senegal, with the
forts and factories of St. Lewis, Podor, aud Galam ;
and with all the rights and dependencies of the faid
river Senegal.
" Art. XI. In the Eaft Indies, Great Britain
fliall reftore to France, in the condition they are
now in, the different factories which that crown
poflefled, as weH on the coaft of Coromandel and
Orixa, as on that of Malabar, as alfo in Bengal, at
the beginning of the year 1749. And his Moft
Chriftian Majefty renounces all pretenfions to the
acquifition which he had made on the coaft of Co-
romandel and Orixa, fince the faid beginning of
the year 1749. His Moft Chriftian Majefty ftiall
reftore on his fide, all that he may have conquered
from Great Britain in the Eaft Indies during the
yrefent war; and will exprefsly caufe Nattal and Ta-
panoully in the ifland of Sumatra, to be reftored ;
he engages further not to ereft fortifications, or to
keep troops, in any part of the dominions of the
fubah of Bengal. And in order to preferve future
peace on the coaft of Coromandel and Orixa, the
Englifli and French fliall acknowledge Mahomet
Ally Khan for lawful Nabob of the Carnatick, and
Salabat Jing for lawful Subah of the Decan; and
both parties fliall renounce all demands and preten-
fions of fatisfaaion, with which they might charge
each other, or their Indian allies, for their depreda-
tions or pillage committed on the one fide or on the
other, during the war.
" Art. XII. The ifland of Minorca fliall be
reftored to his Britannic Majefty, as well as Fort
St. Philip, in the fame condition they were in when
conquered by the arms of the Moft Chriftian King ;
and with the artillery which was there, when the
faid ifland and the faid fort were taken.
" Art. XII!. The town and port of Dunkirk
fliall be put into the ftate fixed by the laft treaty of
Aix-la-Chapelle, and by former treaties. The cu-
nette fhall be deftroyed immediately after the ex-
change of the ratifications of the prefent treaty, as
well as the forts and batteries which defend the en-
trance on the fide of the fea ; and provifion fliall be
made, at the fame time, for the wholfomenefs of
the air, and for the health of the inhabitants, by
fome other means, to the fatisfaction of the King
of Great Britain.
" Art. XIV. France fliall reftore all the coun-
tries belonging to the electorate of Hanover, to the
Landgrave of Hefle, to the Duke of Brunfwic,
and to the count of La Lippe Buckebourg, which
are or fliall be occupied by his Moft Chriftian Ma-
jefty's arms : the fortrefles of thefe different coun-
tries fliall be reftored in the fame condition they
were in when conquered by the French arms; and
the pieces of artillery, which fliall have been carried
elfewhere, fliall be replaced by the fame number, of
the fame bore, weight, and metal.
" Art. XV. In cafe the ftipulations contained
in the XHIth article of the preliminaries, fliould
not be completed at the time of the fignature cf the
prefent treaty, as well with regard to the evacuations
to be made by the armies of France of the fortreffes
of Cleves, Wefel, Guelders, and of all the coun-
tries belonging to the King of Pruflia, as with re-
gard to the evacuations to be made by the Britifh
and French armies of the countries which they oc-
cupy in Weftphalia, Lower Saxony, on the L~wer
Rhine, Upper Rhine, and in all the empire, and to
the retreat of the troops into the dominions of their
refpective fovereigns: their Britannic and Moft
Chriftian Majefties promife to proceed, bona fide,
with all the difpatch the cafe will permit of, to the
faid evacuations, the entire completion whereof they
ftipulated before the fifteenth of March next, or
fooner if it can be done : and their Britannic and
Meft Chriftian Majefties further engage and promife
to each other, not to furnifti any fuccours, of any
kind, to their refpedtive allies who fhall continue
engaged in the war in Germany.
" Art. XVI. The decifion of the prizes made
in time of peace, by the fubjects of Great Britain
on the Spaniards, fliall be referred to tne courts of
juftice of the admiralty of Great Britain, conform-
ably to the rules eftablifhed among all nations, fo
that the validity of the faid prizes between the
Britifti and Spanifli nations, mail be decided and
judged according to the law of nations, and ac-
cording to treaties in the courts of juftice of the
nation who fliall have niade the capture.
" Art. XVII. His Britannic Majefty fliall caufe
to be demoliflied, all the fortifications which his
fubjects fliall have erected in the Bay of Honduras,
and other places of the territory of Spain in that
part of the world, four months after the ratification
of the prefent treaty: and his Catholic Majefty fliall
not permit his Britannic Majefty's fubjecls, or their
workmen, to be difturbed or molefted under any
pretence whatfoever in the faid places, in their oc-
cupation of cutting, loading, and carrying away
logwood ; and for this purpofe they may build with-
out hindrance, and occupy without interruption, the
houfes and magazines which are neceflary for them,
for their families and for their effects : and his Ca-
tholic Majefty aflures to them, by this article, the
full enjoyment of thofe advantages and powers on
the Spanifli coafts and territorities as above ftipu-
lated, immediately after the ratification of the pre-
fent treaty.
" Art. XVIII. His Catholic Majefty defifts, as
well for himfclf as for his fucceffors, from all pre-
• • tendons
w
( /('
Portrait ariJjfo'w'f/ts/ LiUcnefs VlIisRoyal Hio-liriefs
o
' ^ Ilrir A])pav(jnt /<> //« Cr< >\vu «r Great Britain. Src. ^>-
/,./ ,x, •Br.-nitiliil lM!i.T.-l\M,(,-:,///Tlii>\V(,|-k /r/n.-/nr///,:,, ,n>\m </,,/,,/!>/,,'/,• )//<////'> ,/U', It //s;r/t.< ir,,/,//,,
GEORGE
III.
659
renfions which he may have formed in favour of
:he Guipufcoans, and other his fubjects, to the right
)f fifhing in the neighbourhood of the ifland of
Newfoundland.
" Art. XIX. The King of Great Britain fhall
•eftore to Spain all the territory which he has con-
juered in the ifland of Cuba, with the fortrefs of
he Havanna ; and this fortrefs, as well as all the
>tler fortreffes of the faid ifland, fhall be reftored
n the fame condition they were in when conquered
>yhis Britannic Majefty's arms; provided that his
Britannic Majefty's fubjects who (hall have fettled
n the faid ifland, reftored to Spain by the prefent
reaty, or thofe who fhall have any commercial
ffairs to fettle there, fhall have liberty to fell their
inds and their eftates, to fettle their affairs, to re-
\>ver their debts; and to bring away their effects as
til as, their perfons, on board veffels which they
fill be permitted to fend to the faid ifland i eltored
< above, and which fhall ferve for that ufe only,
ithout being reftrained on account of their reli-
m, or under any pretence whatfoever, except that
debts, or of criminal profecution : and for this
rpofe the term of eighteen months is allowed to ,
Britannic Majefty's fubjects, to be computed
)m the day of the exchange of the ratifications of
: prefent treaty : but as the liberty granted to his
itannic Majefty's fubjects, to bring away their
-fons and their effects, in veffels of their nation,
y be liable to abufes, if precautions are not taken
; prevent them; it has been exprefsly agreed be-
een his Britannic Majefty and his Catholic Ma-
ty, that the number of Englifh veflels, which
ijll have leave to go to the faid ifland reftored to
S|in, fhall be limited, as well as the number of
' tcs oteach one; that they fhall go in ballaft ; fhall
fefaiht a fixed time: and fhall make one voyage
ory ; 11 the effects belonging to the Englifh being
tcbe eibarked at the fame time: It has been fur-
thr ageed, that his Catholic majefty fhall caufe the
nccflay paffports to be given to the fliid veflels ;
th,t, fc the greater fecurity, it fhall be allowed to
plxe tx> Spanifh clerks, or guards, in each of the
fail vetls, which fhall be vifited in the landing
places, nd ports of the faid ifland reftored to Spain,
anl th: the merchandize, which fhall be found
thcreinmall be confifcated.
* Ai. XX. In confequence of the reftitution
ftipulatd in the preceding article, his Catholic
majeftycedes and guaranties, in full right, to his
Bntamc Majefty, Florida, with Fort St. Auguftin,
and th bay of Penfacola, as well as all that Spain
poffeffe.on the continent of North America, to the
eaft or t the fouth-eaft of the river Miffiffippi, and,
in gemal, every thing that depends on the faid
countrii and lands, with the fovereignty, property,
poffeffio, and all .rights acquired by treaties, or
otherwb, which the Catholic King, and the crown
ofSpairhavehad, till now, over the faid countries,
lands, jiaces, and other inhabitants; fo that the
Catholi King cedes and makes over the whole to
the faidCing, and to the crown of Great Britain,
and tha in the moft ample manner and form. His
Britannc Majefty agrees, on his fide, to grant to
the inhiritants of the countries above ceded, the
liberty }f the Catholic religion : he will confe-
quentlygive the moft exprefs and the moft effec-
tual oners that his new Roman Catholic fubjects
may pnfefs the worfhip of their religion, according
to the rtes of the Romifh church, as far as the laws
of Grea; Britain permit: his Britannic Majefty
farther igrees, that the Spanifh inhabitants, or
others vho had been fubjects of the Catholic King
in the fad countries, may retire, with all fafety and
freedom, wherever they think proper; and may fell
their eftates, provided it be to his Britannic Ma-
jefty's fubjects, and bring away their effects, as well
ay their perfons without being reftrained in their
I >
emigration, under any pretence whatfoever, except
that of debts or of criminal profecutions ; the term
limited for this emigration being fixed to the fpace
of eighteen months, to be computed from the day of
the exchange of the ratifications of the prefent
treaty. It is moreover ftipulated, that his Catholic
Majefty fhall have power to caufe all the effects that
may belong to him to be brought away, whether it
be artillery, or other things. "
" Art. XXI. The French and Spanifh troops
fhall evacuate all the territories, lands, towns,
places, and caftles, of his moft Faithful majefty in
Europe, without any referve, which fhall have been
conquered by the armies of France and Spain, and
fhall reftore them in the fame condition they were
in when conquered, with the fame artillery, and
ammunition, which were found there: and with re-
gard to the Portuguefe colonies in America, Africa,
or in the Eaft Indies, if any change fhall have hap-
pened there, all things fhall be reftored on the fame
footing they were in, and conformably to the pre-
ceding treaties, which fubfifted between the courts of
France, Spain, and Portugal, before the prefent war.
" Art. XXII. All the papers, letters, docu-
ments, and archives, which were found in the coun-
tries, territories, toVns, and places, that are reftored,
and thofe belonging to the countries ceded, fhall
be refpectivelv and bona fide, delivered, or f urnifhcd
at the fame time, if poffible, that poffefficn is taken,
or, atlateft, four months after the exchange of the
ratifications of the prefent treaty, in whatever places
the faid papers or documents may be found.
" Art. XXIII. All the countries and territories,
which may have been conquered, in whatfoever part
of the world, by the arms of their Britannic ud
moft Faithful majefties, as well as by thofe o( their
moft Chriftian and Catholic majefties, wh;ch <ue
not concluded in the prefent treaty, either under
the title of celTions, or under the title of reftitution,
fhall be reftored without difficulty, and without re-
quiring any compenfation.
^ " Art. XXIV. As it is neceffary to affign a
fixed epoch for the reft itutions, and the evacuations,
to be made by each of the high contracting parties;
it is agreed, that the Britifh and French troops fhall
complete, before the fifteenth of March next, all
that fhall remain to be executed of the Xllth and
Xlllth articles of the preliminaries, figned the
third day of November laft, with regard to the
evacuation to be made in the empire, or elfewhere.
The ifland of Belleifle fhall be evacuated fix
weeks after the exchange of the ratifications of
the prefent treaty, or fooner, if it can be done.
Guadaloupe, Defirade, Marie Galante, Martinico,
and St. Lucia, three months after the exchange of
the ratifications of the prefent treaty, or fooner if it
can be done. Great Britain fhall likewife at the
end of three months after the exchange of the ra-
tifications of the prefent treaty, or fooner, if it can
be done, enter into pofleffion of the river and port
of the Mobile, and of all that is to form the limits
of the territory of Great Britain, on the fide of the
river Miffiffippi, as they are fpecified in the Vllth
article. The ifland of Goree fhall be evacuated by
Great Britain, three months after the exchange of
the ratifications of the prefent treaty ; and the ifland
of Minorca, by France, at the fame epoch, or
fboner, if it can be done: and according to the con-
ditions of theVIth article, France fhall likewife
enter into poffefiion of the iflands of St. Peter and
Miquelon, at the end of three months after the ex-
change of the ratifications of the prefent treaty.
The factories in the Eaft Indies fhall be reflored fix
months after the exchange of the ratifications of the
prefent treaty, or fooner, if it can be done. The
fortrefs of the Havanna, with all that has been con-
quered in the ifland of Cuba, fhall be reftored three
months after ilic exchange of the ratifications of the
prefent
666
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY or ENGLAND.
prefent treaty, or fooner, if it can be done: and, at
the fame time, Great Britain fliall enter into pof-
fefiion of the country ceded by Spain, according to
the XXth article. All the places and countries of
his moft Faithful majefty in Europe, fliall be re-
ftored immediately after the exchange of the rati-
fications of the prefent treaty ; and the Portiiguefe
colonies, which may have been conquered, mail be
reftored in the fpace of three months in the Weft
Indies, and of fix months in the Eaft Indies, after the
exchange of the ratifications of the prefent treaty,
or fooner, if it can be done. All the fortrefles, the
reftitution whereof is ftipulated above, fliall be re-
ftored with the artillery and ammunition which
were found there at the time of the Conqueft. In
confequence whereof, the neceflary orders fliall be
fent by each of the high contracting parties, with
reciprocal paflports for the (hips that fhall carry
them, immediately after the exchange of the ratifi-
cations of the prefent treaty.
" Art. XXV. His Britannic majefty, as Elector
of Brunfwic Lunenburg, as well for himfelf, as for
his heirs and fucceflbrs, and all the dominions and
pofleflions of his faid majefty in Germany, are in-
cluded and guarantied by the prefent treaty of
peace.
" Art. XXVI. Their Sacred Britannic, moft
Chriftian, Catholic, and moft Faithful majefties,
promife to obferve, lincerely and bona fide, all the
articles contained and fettled in the prefent treaty ;
and they will not fuffer the fame to be infringed,
directly nor indirectly, by their refpective fubjects;
and the faid high contracting parties, generally and
reciprocally, guaranty to each other all the ftipula-
tions of the prefent treaty.
" Art. XXVII. The folemn ratifications of the
prefent treaty, expedited in good and due form,
fliall be exchanged in this city of Paris between the
high contracting parties, in the fpace of a month, or
fooner, ifpofllble, to be computed from the day of
the fignature of the prefent treaty.
" In witnefs whereof, we, the underwritten, their
ambafiadors extraordinary, and minifters plenipo-
tentiary, have figned with our hand, in their name,
and in virtue of our full powers, the prefent defini-
tive treaty, and have caufed the feal of our arms to
be put thereto."
Done at Paris, the tenth of February, 1763.
(L. S.) BEDFORD, C. P. S.
(L. S.) CHO1SEUL, Due DE PRASLIN.
(L. S.) EL MARQ.. DE GRIMALDI,
This treaty, which feemed chiefly intended for
the fecurity of our northern colonies in America,
gave great offence. On the one hand it was
afierted, that as we had at a great expence of blood
and treafure, reduced the French nation to a ftate
of beggary, fo we ought, in order to keep them
humble, to have retained all the conquefts to our-
felves; for by fo doing, their commerce being effec-
tually ruined, they would not have been able for
many years to give us the leaft difturbance. On
the other hand, it was urged, by fuch as were
friends to the peace, that the advantage to Britain
was very great, and that we had not only regained the
ifland of Minorca, but that we had acquired the moft
extenfive territories in North America and the Weft
Indies, which, if cultivated in a proper manner,
would turn out to the advantage of the mother-
country. The parliament were no lefs divided in
their opinions than the nation in general. The
treaty, like the preliminaries, occafioned very vio-
lent debates in both houfes, but was at length ap-
proved of by a great majority. The fpirit of the
minority was not, however, cxhaufted in this at-
tempt. They fell upon the miniftry in the moft
critical juncture, and puflied their arguments with
the utmoft force when the fupplies came to be de-
bated in the lower houfe. Several circumftancci
favoured their dcfign. The miniftry fenfiblc id
what ftate the minds of the people now were, del
termined to impofe as few new taxes as the public
fervice could poflibly admit. Accordingly the f;ip-
plies were to be raifed, firft, by taking two million]
out of the finking fund ; fecondly, by ftriking one
million eight hundred thoufand pounds in exche-
quer bills : thirdly, by borrowing two million eight
hundred thoufand pounds on annuities; and laftr),
by two lotteries, for three hundred and fifty thov-
fahd pounds each. To pay the intereft on the
loans, which, in the whole, amounted to fev*
million, three hundred thoufand pounds, an ai-
ditional duty of eight pounds per ton was laid upa
all wines of the growth of France, and four poun>
per ton Tipon all other wines. Thus far the whe
fcheme was wholly unexceptionable; but anode
duty was added, which put the nation into a r-
ment, viz. four fhillings per hogfliead upon cy<r,
to be paid by the maker, collected by the ofiics,
and fubjected to all the laws of excife. Oppofitn
vehemently objected to this plan. They firft :-
tacked the new taxation, upon which almoft e
wholefchemeoffupplywasfounded. In direct con.-
diftion to the advocates of the miniftry, they mi-
tamed that the nation was far from being exhauft :
that there were refources for carrying on thewat
leaft two years longer, and much more towasj
clearing off incumbrances on the peace: that asi-
dividunls abounded in wealth, and as the public is
loaded with fo immenfe a debt, it was, in fuchr-
cumflances, the dictates of the wifeft and mo/h-
larged policy to add as much as poflible, bj bd
and liberal grants, to the income of the natirti ;as
the fund of payment would then be enlarge!, id
ceconomy would have fomething to operateupn :
that, in any other method, the practice of frgaty
was mean and fordid, and the effect would cetaily*
prove trifling: that it might ftarve many ufefil pats
of public fervice, but muft ever be found afrix>-
lous and fallacious refource towards the difchrg<of
the public debt. To the lottery loan they ojeded
the enormous profit which was allowed to te fib-
fcribers, exceeding that of former occafions, ithmt
any alterations in the ftate of public credi; tvo
lotteries for the firft time, eftablilhed in or, year,
without any urgent neceflity ; and the incicmcnt
which muft thence arife to the pernicious uritof
gaming, which cannot be too muchdifcounteianced
in every ftate governed by wifdom, and a frier re-
gard to the morals of the people. As to thedoney
that was to be taken from the finking funi, they
obferved, that fcarce any neceflity could, n our
fituation, be pleaded in favour of a pervdion of
this fund from its original purpofes to the urrent
fervices ; that the appearance of tendernefsror the
people in this fcheme was entirely deceitful, is they
were exonerated for a time, only to be buthencd
more heavily hereafter, and that their prefnt cafe
muft infallibly caufe their future \veaknefsj As to
the tax on cyder, they urged, that with regad to its
object, it was both partial and oppreffive; *ith re-
gard to the manner of collecting it, dangenus and
unconftitutional : that it lays the whole budien of
expences incurred in the general defence of the
kingdom, and in defence of the national conmerce,
on a few particular counties, which in eveiy other
article of the public eharge contribute atleat their
full mare: theyftated the difproportion of his tax
to the natural original value of the comnodity :
that it was oppreffive both to farmers and land-
holders : to the latter in diminution of ther rents,
operating more feverely than the land-tax: to the
former, becaufe if they compounded, it would be in
effect a heavy capitation, if they did not, it would
be a fubjection to new, unknown, and perplexed
laws : they obferved, that when new orders of men,
by
O R
,E
III.
66 £
by fituation and profeffion, diftindt from traders, arc
rendered objects of the excife laws, the precedent is
formidable not to commerce only, but to more im-
portant objects; and had a fatal tendency, which
they trembled to think on: they alfo lamented, that
things were come to that melancholy pafs, that, be-,
fides what might be dreaded for the future, the
houfes of all orders of people, peers, gentlemen,
freeholders and farmers, were rendered liable to be
entered and fearched at pleafure.
To thefe arguments, the friends of adminiftration
obferved ; That to aim at increafing the national
income by any further taxes, than the moft extreme
neceility demanded, was a wild project ; that every
tax proved a difcoura^ement to trade, becaufe, in its
coufequences, it enhanced, more or lefs, in foreign
markets, the price of our manufactures, which muft
always in time of peace, depend for their vent prin-
cipally on their cheapnefs ; and that this muft be the
cafe let the peace be made upon what terms they
would : that every tax alfo, in order to be effectual,
naturally implied fome reftraint upon liberty i that
nothing demoiiftrated more fully the folidity of
thefe principles, than the oppofition then made to
the duty of cyder and perry, a moft moderate and
equitable impofition; and that of all men it ill be-
came thofe who fpoke fo ftrongly of continuing and
enlarging the charge of the nation, to object to one
of the leaft diftreffing refources which could be
found for the public. They infifted that nothing
could be lefs founded on reafon than the charge,
«' That this tax was unequal, and lay heavy upon
fome particular counties," it being well known that
it did not even bring them on a par with the charge
on thofe counties where the people drink beer. In
fuch counties all private, as well as public con-
fumption, is charged in the malt-tax, which the
charge on cyder is by no means equal to, befides its
having exemptions in favour of the poor, which are
not indulged in the malt-tax ; fo that the cyder
counties ought to be rather thankful for their lortg
immunity, than complain that they are at laft
obliged to contribute rather lefs than their propor-
tion towards the fupport of the national burthens.
The queftion being put, it was carried in the affir-
mative by a very contiderable majority. In the upper
4ioufe alfo the bill was ftrongly oppofed ; but after
ja fmart debate the nliniftry carried their point, and
the bill received the royal aflent.
•On the twenty-fecond of March peace was pro*
•claimed in London at the ufual places, and with the
accuftomed folemnities; and on the nineteenth of
April the king went to the houfe of peers, and
having given the tuyal aflent to feveral bills, he
prorogued the parliament with a fpeech from the
throne, in which he exprefled his thanks for the
zeal. and difpatch they had manifefted in their pro-
ceedings: he told them, that having ordered the
preliminary articles to be laid before them, he had
received the higheft fatisfaction at their grateful ex-
preffions of entire approbation : he acquainted them
with his firm refolution to form his government on
a plan of ftrict ceconomy: aflurcd the commons,
that they might depend on the utmoft frugality be-
ing obferved in the difpofition of the fupplies they
had granted ; and when the account of the money
arifing from the fale of fuch prizes, as were vefted
in the crown, fhould be clofed, it was his intention
to direct, that the produce fhould be applied to the
public fervice ; and concluded with declaring, that
his future attention fhould be directed to the exten-
fion of the commerce of his fubjects, the improve-
ment of the advantages they had obtained, and the
increafe of the public revenue.
While thefe affairs engaged the attention of par-
liament, the nation was filled with the grcateft dif-
cpntent; and a number of virulent pamphlets were
circulated throughout the kingdom, in which no
No. 64.
character was fpared ; and neither party was fred
from that particular fpecies of intemperance of
which they aceufcd each other. 4n the midft of
this contention, to the aftonifhmcnt of all, the. earl
of Bute, the principal jperfon againft whom the re-
fentment of the populace \vas directed, refigned his
pod of firft lord of the trcafury : yet that nobleman
was fuppofecl ftill to guide the helm of government,
and the moft invidious reflections were thrown outj,
accompanied with the moft gr.ofs infults from
riotous mobs. Thefe popular tumults were kept
up by many periodical publications, particularly by
one called the North-Briton j in which not only the
earl of Bute was loaded with abufe, but the whole
nation of the Scotsj on his account, were treated
with a feverity, which the impartiality of our hiftory
obliges to acknowledge, as both unjuft and inhu-
man. While things were in this fituation, a rule
for an information was granted by the court of
King's Bench againft the author, printers, andpub-
lifhers of a periodical paper, called the North-Briton}
Number forty-five; which contained a fevere com-
mentary on the king's fpeech at the clofe of the
feffion of parliament on the nineteenth of April:
John Wilkes, Efq. member of parliament for
Aylefbury in Buckinghamfhire, was the gentleman
pitched on as the fuppofed author of this per-
formance. A warrant was therefore iilued by the
fecretary of ftate for taking Mr. Wilkes, together
with the printer and publifher into cuftody. Ac-
cordingly, on the evening of the twenty-ninth of
April, the meflengers went to Mr. Wilkes's houfe
for that purpofe. On their entrance he excepted
to the generality of the warrant, as his name was not
mentioned in it', and threatened the firft who fhould
offer violence to his perfon in his own houfe, at that
unfeafonable hour of the night, upon any pretended
verbal order which they might, or might not, have
received for that purpofe. Upon this the meflen-
gers thought proper to retire, and defer the execu-
tion of the warrant till next morning, when they
took him into cuftody, and carried him before the
feCretaries of ftate for examination. Immediately
after this event a motion was made in the court of
Common- Pleas, then fitting in Weftminfter-hallj
for a Habeas Corpus, which was granted, though
by reafori of the ProthonOtary's office not being
open, it could not be fued out till four o'clock in
the afternoon. In the mean time feveral gentlemen
applied for admittance to him-, which was refufcd*
upon pretence of an order from the fecretaries of
ftate, which order, notwithftanding many felicita-
tions to that purpofe, was never produced 5 and
though it was well known that the court of Com-
mon-Pleas had granted an Habeas Corpus, and
Philip Carteret Webb, Efq< was aflured of the fact*
Mr. Wilkes was committed to the Tower, where
many of his friends were alfo denied admittance to
him. May the third, he was brought to the bar of
the court of Common-Pleas, where he addrefled
himfelf to the judges on the illegality and hardfhips
of his commitment, in a very bold and animated
fpeech. The cafe was then learnedly argued by
eminent lawyers on both fides; but the court, after
making a polite excufe to Mr. Wilkes for the de-
lay, (requiring farther time to confider of the affair)
he was remanded to the Tower till the fixth of May,
with orders that his friends and lawyers fhould have
free accefs to him. In the mean time orders were
given that Mr. Wilkes fhould no longer continue
colonel of the militia for the county of Buckingham.
At the time appointed, Mr, Wilkes was again
brought to Weftminfter-hall, when, after another
fphitcd addrefs to the court, and many learned
arguments on both fides, the lord chief juftice Pratt
proceeded to give his opinion on the three follow-
ing points, viz. The legality of Mr. Wilkes's com-
mitment ; the neccffity for a fpecification of thofe
8 E particular
662
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
particular paffages in number forty-five of the
North Briton, which had been deemed a libel; and
his privilege as a member of parliament. Thefe
points were difcufled by his lordfhip in a manner,
which will redound to his honour to the lateft
pofterity : and his opinion having defervedly met
with the approbation of the whole -court, Mr.
Wilkes was difcharged. Before, however, he had
quitted the court, a gentleman of eminence in the
law ftood tip, and informed the lord chief-juftice,
that he had juft received a note from the attorney
and folicitor-general, to defire his lordfhip would
detain Mr. Wilkes till their arrival, as they had
fomething to offer againft his plea of privilege.
This requeft, however, was not complied with; and
Mr. Wilkes took his leave of the court with the
following fpecch:
" My lords,
" Great as my joy muft naturally be at the de-
cifion which this court, with a true fpirit of liberty,
has been pleafed to make concerning the unwar-
rantable leisure of my perfon, and all the other
confequential grievances, allow me to aflure you
that I feel it far iefs fenfibly on my own account,
than I do for the public. The fufterings of an in-
dividual are a trifling object, when compared with
the whole; and I fhould blufti to feel for myfelf in
comparifon with confiderations of a nature fo tran-
icendently fuperior.
" I will not trouble you with my poor thanks.
Thanks are due to you from the whole Ehglifh na-
tion, and from all the fubjects of the En-lifh crown.
They will be paid you, together with every teftimony
of zeal and affection to the learned ferjeant, who
has fo ably and conftitutionally pleaded my caufe,
and in mine, with pleafure I fay it, the caufe of
liberty. Every teftimony of my gratitude is juftly
due to you, and I take my leave of this court with
a veneration and refpect, Which no time can ob-
literate, nor the molt grateful heart fufficiently ex-
prcfs."
After Mr. Wilkes was releafed from the Tower,
he caufed a printing-prefs to be fet up, under his
own direction, at his houfe in Great George-ftreet,
Weftminfter, where he advertifed the proceedings
of the aclminiftration, with all the original papers ;
and the North-Briton was re-publifhed. In the
mean time an information was tiled againft him in
the court of King's Bench, at his majcfty's fuit, as
being author of the North Briton, number forty-five;
and on the meeting of the parliament a meflagevwas
fent to the houfe of commons with the information
his majefty had received, that John Wflkes, Efq. a
member of that houfe, was the author of a moft
ieditious and dangerous libel. The examinations
and proofs of thefaid libel, together with the mea-
fures that had been taken thereon, were alf'o laid
before the houfe; in confequence of which the
North-Briton, number forty-five, w^as adjudged a
falfe, fcandalous, and feditious libel, and was
ordered to be burnt by the hands of the common
hangman. On the third of December, the day ap-
pointed for this fentence to be put in execution, a
great mob aflembled at the Royal Exchange, who
infulted the fheriffs in a very grofs manner, and one
of them received a flight wound in the fray, which
obliged him to quit the place. The North-Briton,
however, was partly confumed, by means of a
lighted link, but fomc fcraps of it were carried ofl'
in triumph by the mob, who, in the evening, dif-
played them at Temple-Bar, where a bonfire was
made, and the greateft rejoicings exhibited on the
occafion. Mr. Wilkes now commenced an action
againft Robert Wood, Efq. under fecretary of ftate,
for feizing his papers. '1 he caufe was tried on the
fixth of December before lord chief juftice Pratt,
and a fpecial jury ; when, at-fCr a hearing of near
fifteen-hours, many arguments on both fides, and a
3
molt mafterly, pathetic, and eloquent charge given
by his lordfhip, the jury gave a verdict for the
plaintiff with one thoufand pounds damages, and
full cofts of fuit. Previous to this, a complaint had
been exhibited againft Mr. Wilkes, in the houfe of
lords, for affixing the name of a member of that
houfe to a book entitled, "An EfTay on Woman -,"
which blafphemous book was -publicly produced,
to the utter confufion and eternal difgrace of every
perfon concerned in it: but Mr. Wil'kcs could not
prefer his anfwer, being at that time indifpofed, in
confequence of a wound he had received in a duel
with Samuel Martin, Efq. late fecretary of the
treaftiry, who thinking himfelf grofsly infulted in
thu North Britain, and, by"what had paflcd, pre-
fuming Mr. Wilkes was the author of that abufe,
he fent him a challenge, which being readily ac-
cepted by Mr. Wilkes, he unfortunately received a
dangerous wound in the belly; of which he fent
immediate notice to the houfe of commons, who
thereupon gave him time for his appearance, and
afterward*; on the report of his phyliciim and fur-
geon,enlargedit: butatlength,' beginning to fufpecl
iomc collulion between him 2nd them, on the fix-
teenth of December, they ordered Dr. Hebe, den
and Mr. Hawkins to attend him, in order to ob-
ferve the progrefs of his cure, and make a report of
the fame to the houfe. This being made known to
Mr. Wilkes by his phyfician, he fent cards to the
two gentlemen appointed to attend him, expreffing
his juft fenfe of the kind care of the houfe for his
fpeedy recovery, but at the fame time intimated his
perfect reliance on the gentleman to whom he had
committed his cafe, and afTuredthem, that though
he did not wilh to fee them at prefent, he was im-
patieiit for an opportunity of mewing the juftregard
he would ever pay to diftinguimcd merit. It is
uncertain whether the attention of the houfe had
any happy effcft on Mr. Wilkes's health, but he
recovered fo faft, that on the twenty-fourth of De-
cember he fet out for France on a vifit to his
daughter, who was at this time very ill at Paris, and
where for the prefent we fhall leave him to attend
to the tranfactions of the enfuing year.
The hereditary prince of Brunfwic n
Lunenburgh, having failed from Hel- J7o4.
voet-fluys, on board his majefty 's yacht thcPrincefs
Augufta, on the tenth of January, landed at Har-
wich in the morning of the fourteenth ; and arrived
at night at Someriet-houfe. On the evening of
the fixteenth, the ceremony of the marriage of her
royal highnefs the princefs Augufta, eldeft filter
to his. jnajefty, with his molt ferene highnefs the
hereditary prince of Brunfwic Lunenburgh, was
performed in the great council-chamber, by his
grace the archbifliop of Canterbury, in prefencc of
a great number of peers, peeiefles, and foreign mi-
nilters. After the folemnization of the nuptials,
their ferene, and royal highneiles, repaired to Lei-
cefter-houfe, where was prepared an el-gant enter-
tainment; at which were prefent their majefties, the
princefs dowager, princes William and Henry, and
the reft of the soyal family.
The hereditary prince, whofe military atchieve-
menrs had gained him renown, now acquired the
affection of the Englifh nation, by a peculiar aifa-
bility and generality. During his Ihort ftay he
vifited the Royal Society, the iSritifh Mufeum, St.
Paul's cathedral, the Tower, \Vcftminfter-abbey,
and other remarkable placet,; al!o the duke of
Cumberland, Mr. Pitt, the duke of Newcaftle, and
many others of the nobility and gentry; bein^
commonly attended by the marquis of Granby.
The commons, on the twentieth of January, ex-
pelled Mr. Wilkes, for a contempt of their autho-
rity, and publifhing the North-Briton, it being ad-
judged an infamous libel, and ifl'ued out a writ o£
elcdtion for Aylelbury in his room; and ia the
month
GEORGE
III.
663
month of February his trial came on in the court of
King's Bench, before lord chief juftice Mansfield,
tor reprinting and publidiing the North Briton,
number forty-five, at his own houfe-, of which pub-
lication he was found guilty ; as he was afterwards
- of printing and publifhing the " EflTay on Woman."
A letter received from Mr. Wilkes was then pub-
liflied, together with a certificate, figned by one of
the French king's phyficians, and a iurgeon of
eminence, which was attefted by t\vo notaries, ar.d
the earl of Hertford, our ambaflador at the court
of France, wherein it appeared that he was fo bad
with his wound as not to have been able, during
the month of January, to return to England. April
the eighteenth, his majefty went to the houfe of
peers, and having given the royal aflent to feveral
bills, clofed the feilion with a fpeech from die
throne.
In the month of Auguft a circumftance happened
that gave manifeft proof of the wonted humanity
and beneficence of the inhabitants of London. One
colonel Stumpel, an officious German foldicr of
fortune, pretending authority from the Britifii mi-
niftry, engaged about fix hundred proteftant Wurtz-
burgers and Palatines to emigrate from their own
country, by a promife of fettling them in the iilands
of St. John and le Croix in America. After they
had been (hipped for England, the contractor, find-
ing himfelf unable to fulfil his engagements, aban-
doned them, and they arrived at the,port of Lon-
doe in the moft imminent danger of perifliing for
want. Thofe who were able to pay their pafl.igc
were permitted to come on fhore, and they im-
mediately afterwards retired to the fields adjoin-
ing to Whitechapcl, where they continued forhe
days in the moft wretched ftate, not having the
leaft fhelter to prefcrve them from the incle-
mency of the weather; while thofe who remained
on board the fliip were nearly in as deftitute a fitu-
ation. The only relief thefe poor deluded people
received for fome days was what could be gathered
from the different Germ.m churches and chapels
about London ; but this was far from being fuffi-
cient to relieve fo great a number. At length,
however, Mr. Wachfel, minifter of the German
Lutheran church in Ayliffe-ftreet, Goodman's fields,
laid their cafe before the public in the news-papers
of the laft day of Auguft; and in fo true and atf'ecl-
ing a manner was it related, that it immediately at-
tracted the attention not only of the great, but
alfo of royalty itfelf. Before eleven o'clock on
the lame day one hundred tents were fent them
from the Tower, by order of his majefty j the
paflage of thofe who were detained in the fliip was
defrayed, and three hundred pounds were fent for
their immediate fupport. Subscriptions were
opened, and prodigious fums of money gathered for
their relief. Phyficians, furgeons, and midwives
offered their fervice for the fick, and thofe in travail,
for the latter of whom proper apartments were
hired. Thus delivered from the direful diftrefs in
which they had been placed, Mr. Wachfel, who
with feveral other benefactors, had formed thcm-
felves into a committee for the management of the
fubfcriptions, waited on the king, to know his
pleafure reflecting their future difpofal. His ma-
jefty communicating his intention of eftablifliing
them in Sfluth Carolina, ordered one hundred
and fifty ftand of arms to be delivered to them
for their defence, and contracts to be immediately
made for proper -veflels to convey them to that
colony. When every thing was prepared for their
embarkation, their camp was broke up, and they
went on board finging hymns of thankfgiving in
praife of their benefactors, whofe beneficence had
been fo extenfive, that the committee were not only
enabled to furnifh them with every neccflary while
on board, but even to make fome provifion for them'
after their landing in America.
Having thus recorded the principal domeflic oc-
currences of this year, we fhall now take a view of
fome material tranfaftions that happened on the
continent. At the. commencement of the year, the
Eaft India Company received advice, that the dif-
putes between their fervants and the reigning nabob,
Coffim Aly Kawn, had been productive of fuch
animofuies and jealoufies on the part of the latter,
that it was judged highly neceflary to ufe every
means to allay them : and for this purpofe Meflrs.
Amyatt and Hay, two gentlemen of the council
were deputed to wait upon the nabob with inftruc-
tions to endeavour to adjuft the differences in an
amicable manner. Accordingly, beino- arrived at
Mongheer, the place of his refidence° they held
many conferences with him, in which he always
mewed a great averfion to an accommodation upon
the terms offered him ; and, about this time, a fup-
ply of five hundred arms going to Patna, was ftopt
by his Officers. Other acts of hoftility were likewife
committed, by which affairs were brought to fuch
an extremity, that a war with Coflim Aly was un-
avoidable. Mcflrs. Amyatt and Hay were recalled,
and the former of thofe gentlemen having received
the ufual paffports fet out for Calcutta, accompanied
by,Mcflrs. Amphlett, Wollafton, and Hutchinfon;
the lieutenants Jones, Gordon, and Cooper, and Dr.
Cro. ke; Meflrs. May and Guifton being left with
the nabob as hoftages. While the boats were
palfmg the city of Moorfliedabad, they were at-
tacked by a number of troops, aflcmbled on both
fides the river for that purpofe, and fome of the
gentlemen in the boats being flain, Mr. Amyatt
immediately landed with a few fcapoys, whom he
forbad to fire. He then endeavoured to make the
enemy underftand that he was furnifhed with the
nabob's paflports, and had no defign of committing
hollilkies; but the Moorifh horfe advancing, fome
of the feapoys inadvertently fired, and, in the con-
fufion which enfuccl, Mr. Amyatt, with moft of his
finall party, were killed. Upon this Mr. Ellis, and
the other gentlemen in council at Patna, agreed,
with -the approbation of captain Corftairs, to attack
the city of Moorfliedabad. This refolution was
executed \vith theutmoftfuccefs, on the twenty-fifth
of June, and captain Corftairs, with his party, were
in poileflion of the city for four hours, the Mooriih
governor and his people having fled as far as Futwa.
Here, however, he came to a refolution of return-
ing and making an effort to regain the city, in
which he fucceeded but too well, for moft of the
feapoys and Europeans .being engaged in plunder-
ing the place, they were noc prepared to receive
him, and confequently eafily difpoflefled of it.
Hereupon they retired into the factory, but the men
were fo difpirited, and the feapoys defertecl in fuch
numbers, that it was found impoflible to make any
ftand there; upon which a refolution was taken to
proceed to Sujah Dowlah's country. Accordingly,
they crofled the river on the twenty-fixth in the
evening, and met with no obftrudion till they
palled Churpa; when on the thirtieth, they were at-
tacked by the Phoufdar, with about two thoufand
men, whom they eafily routed ; but he being joined
that evening by near five hundred feapoys from
Bugepore, who brought fix field pieces with them,
he again attacked the Europeans, who, quitting
their ranks at the fiiil onfct, were entirely defeated.
Fifty of them were killed, among whom was captain
Corftairs. Mr. Ellis and the reft were all made
prifoners. From thefe and other acts of hoftility
committed by Coflim Aly, in feveral of the Com-
pany's fettlements, it was determined to declare war
againft him, and to reftore Mcer Jafticr, the former
n:ibob, (who had been depofedj'to the fubahfhip;
obliging
664
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
obliging him firft to enter into a treaty, which was
folemnly figned and fealed at Fort William, on the
tenth of July, 1763, and a few days after Meer
Jaffier fet out to join the army under major Adams,
then on its march towards Moorfhedabad. On die
nineteenth of July the firft action happened oppofite
to Cutwa on the Coffimbuzar fide of the river. The
preceding night major Adams had croffed with the
army, and in the morning came up with a -large
body of the enemy's troops, who were ftrongly
ported in order to oppofe his paffage to the city.
Thefe he attacked, and, after a fhort refiftance,
routed them. At the fame time a detached party,
under captain Long, poffeffed themfelves of the fort
of Cutwa, on the other fide of the river, together
with all the enemy's artillery. Major Adams now
purfued his march to Moorfhedabad, which place
he entered on the twenty-fourth, at night, with very
little oppofition ; and here the army halted for fome
days, during which Meer Jaffier was proclaimed in
proper form. On the twenty-eighth of July the
army was again put in motion, and on the fecond
of Auguft they arrived near a place called Sooty, at
the head of the Cofiimbuzar river. At this place,
a numerous army of the enemy's beft troops, with
artillery, occupied a very advantageous port. Major
Adams immediately attacked them, and for four
hours they made a refolute defence, but then, being
thrown into confufion, they were eafily defeated.
In this engagement the lofs of the Englifh confifted
of fix officers, and forty Europeans ; together with
two hundred and ninety-two feapoys and black
cavalry, killed and wounded. Twenty-three pieces
of cannon, and about one hundred and fifty boats,
laden with military and other ftores, were taken.
Major Adams, immediately after this battle ad-
vanced with the army near to Rajamant ; about
three or four miles from which place the enemy had
thrown up a ftrong entrenchment from the hills to
the river. This the major was refolved to attack,
and every thing being ready for the affault by the
fifth of September, it was carried on with fuch vi-
gour, that in a fhort time the enemy were obliged
to abandon the entrenchment to the conquerors.
By this victory the province of Bengal was entirely
fecured to the Englifh ; and the letters which
brought thefe accounts expreffed their hopes, that
by th~is action the fate of the war would be entirely
decided.
About this time advices were received from North
America, by which it appeared that the military
operations in that quarter had been carried on with
great vigour; but that Sir William Johnfon had at
laft brought the Seneca nation to conceffipns highly
advantageous to the fubjects of Great Britain, and
that they had entered into a treaty of peace, friend-
Jhip, and alliance, with the Englifh, which was
reciprocally figned in congrefs held for that purpofe
at Niagara.
The forces commanded by the colonels Brad-
ftreet and Bouquet met with the fame fucccfs as
thofe under Sir William Johnfon. The Delawares
and Shawanefe had refufed to meet Sir William at
the congrefs of Niagara, but now, intimidated
by the march of fuch a number of troops towards
their country, they met colonel Bradftreet at Prefque
Iflc, and in the moft fubmiflive manner, fued for
peace, which was granted them on the following
conditions :
1 . That all prifoners in their hands mould be
delivered to colonel Bradftreet at Sandulky in
twenty-five days.
2. That they fhall renounce all claim to the ports
and forts the Englifh now have in their country,
and that the latter mall be left at liberty to erect as
many as they fhall judge proper to fecure their
trade > and that the Indians fhall cede to them for
ever, as much land as a cannon fliot can fly over,
on which they may raife provifions.
3. That if any Indian hereafter kill an Englifh-
man, he mail be delivered up by his nation, and
tried by the Englifh laws, only to have half the jury
of Indians : and if any one of the nations renew the
war, the reft fhall join to bring them to reafon.
4. That fix of the deputies fhall remain with
colonel Bradftreet as hoftagcs, and the other four
with an Englifh officer, and one Indian in the
Englifh inteicft fhould proceed immediately to ac-
quaint the dependent nations with thefe terms of
peace, and forward the collecting of the prifoners to
be ready at the day appointed.
The Delawares and Shawanefe, finding thefe were
the only terms which colonel Bradftreet u ould grant
them, they were agreed to and folemnly ratified :
but it was not long before thefe favages again re-
volted, and renewed their outrages with aggravated
infolence. In confequence of this perfidy, major-
general Gage, commander in chief of his majeily's
forces in thofe parts, determined to penetrate into
the heart of their country. Accordingly, the re-
gular and provincial troops under colonel Bouquet,
having been joined by a large body of volunteers
from Virginia, Maryland, and Penfylvania, in the
beginning of October marched from Fort Pitt, and
about the fifteenth arrived at Tufcarowas. The
fight of the troops in their country threw the
favages into the utmoft confternation, they hav-
ing depended on their woods for protection, and
had frequently boafted that their fituation fecured
them from the attacks of our army. Not choofing
to come to an engagement they had again recourfe
to negotiation, and received for anfwer, that they
might have peace, but every prifoner in their pof-
feflion muft firft be delivered up, upon which they
brought up about twenty, and promifed to deliver
the reft ; but as their promifes were not regarded,
they engaged to fend the whole on the firft of No-
vember, to a fort about two hundred and fifty miles
from Fort Pitt, the center of the Delaware towns,
and near to the moft confiderable fettlement of the
Shawanefe. Colonel Bouquet being determined
not to lofe fight of them, moved his camp to that
place, and foon obliged the Delawares, together
with fome broken tribes, to bring in all their pri-
foners, even to children bought of white women.
They were then told that they muft appoint depu-
ties to go to Sir William Johnfon, in order to re-
ceive fuch terms as he might think proper to impofe
upon them, which the nations muft agree to ratify -,
and they were obliged to leave a number of their
chiefs in the hands of the Englifh, as a fecurity for
the performance of this agreement. All the na-
tions readily agreed to the above terms, except the
Shawanefe, who did not approve of the conditions,
and were particularly averfe to the giving of
hoftages: but finding their obftinacy would only
bring on their deftruction, they at laft confented,
gave up forty principal chiefs as hoftages, and ap-
pointed their deputies to go to Sir William Johnfon,
in the fame manner as the reft. The number of
prifoners delivered up by thefe favages exceeded
three hundred, and it was expected that the Englifh
parties would bring in near one hundred more from
their different towns.
During thefe tranfactions various accounts were
received from the Bay of Honduras, complaining
that our logwood cutters there had not only been
difturbed in their bufmefs, but fuddenly ordered to
remove from their ufual places of fettlement, on
pretence of their having nothing to prove that they
were fubjects of his Britannic majefty ; and granting
they were, that they had roved too freely about the
country, gathering the fruits of it as if it belonged
to them. In confequence of thefe proceedings, a
remon-
GEORGE
III.
665
remonftrance was prefented to the court of Madrid
by ourambafiador there ; and on thetvventy-fevcnth
of September a meffenger arrived in London, with
a duplicate of the orders which were immediately
difpatched to Don Felix Raming de Eftenoz, go-
vernor of Jucatan. From the tenor of thefe it ap-
peared, that his catholic majefty difapproved of the
proceedings of the faid governor, with refpeft to
the fubjefts of the king of Great Britain in the Bay
of Honduras; that he expreffed his defire of giving
his majefty the greateft proofs of his friendfhip, and
of preferving peace with theBritilh; that he had
commanded the faid governor to re-eftablifh the faid
Britim logwood cutters in the feveral places from
which they had been obliged to retire, and to ac-
quaint them, that they might return to their occu-
pation of cutting logwood, without being difturbed
tinder any pretence whatfoever.
Being now near entering upon an hiftorical period,
over which pofterity, in all probability, will flied
many tears, it may not be amifs to mention here,
though a little out of the due order of time, a me-
lancholy event, which greatly affected the whole
nation. The duke of Cumberland, in the follow-
ing year, had recommended a new miniftry. He
conitantly affifted them with his advice, influence,
and authority, and there is every reafon to believe,
th?.t his patriotifm would have greatly added to their
ftrength ; but in the evening of the thirty-firit of
October,, when his royal highnef?, after coming that
day from Windfor, was preparing to aflift at one of
the councils frequently held at his own houfe, to
put matters in a way of being more fpcedily dil-
patched by the privy-council, at eight o'clock, juit
as the duke of Newcaftle and the lord chancellor
came to council, he was fuddenly feized with a fit
of fhivering; and faying, " It is all over," funk
fenfelefs into the arms of the earl of Albemarle,
and expired. The nation were extremely concerned
at their lofs, and teftified their unfeigned forrow by
a moil remarkable general mourning.
In the courfe of our hiftory we have been parti-
cular in characterizing perfons, whofe virtues have
rendered them refpectable, or vices odious in the
public eye ; it would not only be ingratitude to our
patron, but injuftice to mankind, to pafs over in
filence the many qualities of an illuftrious prince^
which at once rendered him the delight and orna-
ment of human nature. A review ,of his life will
afibrd a molt fhining example of patriotifm, valour,
juftice, friendftiip, fincerity, and humanity. In-
flexibly attached to the intereft of his country, he
braved every danger, nor indulged a thought of life
when called on his fovereign's duty. Patriotic from
principle, he gave fandion to wife and conftitu-
tion,il meafuresj nor feared to difcoontenance the
fchemes of oppreflion, ambition, and avarice.
Confcientioufly juft, he rewarded merit irrefpective
of rank, nor fufferecl the dignified minion to efcape
his refentment. Refined in his friendfhip, he
fweetened life by a judicious felection of worthy
men to partake at his hofpitable board, and amufe
his leifure hours with an unreferved affability of
converfe. Inviolably fmcere, he never promift-d
without deliberation, or themotl punctual perform-
ance of his engagements. Above all, fympathe-
tically humane, and extenfively generous, his heart
never failed to feel, nor his hand to relieve, the!
diftrefTes of his fellow creatures of every age, fex,
and condition. Nay, he fought opportunities .fci'
doing good, and ftiidied plans for the employment
of the poor. With thefe virtues to preponderate, his
foibles may be eafily configned to oblivion, efpe->
daily when it is remembered, that to err is. the lot
of humanity. If feme, from prejudice, may deem
our defcription exaggerated, we prefume others"
from juftice will allow it but adequate, nor refrain
a tributary tear at the lofs of fo eminent a complex
of royalty, of birth and dignity of foul, which
alone conititute human excellence. This character
of the duke is contained in the following culogium
beftowed on him by the houfe of lords.
" The many eminent, public and private vir*
tues, the extent of capacity, and the magnanimity
of mind-, the affection for his majefty 's perfon,
and the eminent fervices performed for his country,
which diftinguifhed this great and excellent prince*
have made an impreflion never to be erafcd from
the minds of a grateful people." On the ninth of
December the corpfe of his royal highnefs was
privately interred in king Henry Vllth's chapel at
Weftminfter.
CHAP. It.
is majefty opens the fejjion of parliament with a fpeech from the throne — Situation of affairs in the Eojl Indies — •
Di/iurbansss in America on account of the Jlamp-atl — ConduEl of the srener.il ajjembhes, and the fubordinate exe-
cutive powers on this event — Conjequtntes refulting from their proceedings~-His majejly affembles the parliament
fooner than had been intended — -His fpeech to both houfes — Petitions from moft of the trading towns and boroughs
in the kingdom-— Warm debates in parliament on the right of taxation with refpect to America-^The flamp-afl
repealed — A change in the miniftry — The ftate of the Eaji India Company made afubjefl of parliamentary enquiry
—The abolition of the order ofjefits, and the banijhment of the fociety of jefuits in mojt parts of Europe — Mr.
Wilkes declared an outlaw, returns to England; and is ehtted a member of parliament for the county of Middle*
fex — Tranfaclions that happened on the continent — Violent cotnmotiom tn American—The minijtry changed, and
lord North made chancellor of the Exchequer The ftibjefi if- American affairs continued, and that relating to
Mr. Wilkes — Petitions and remortftrances prefented to the throne againjl the new adminijtration, and relative to
the Middlefex eleflion — Another change in the minijiry — Lord North appointed firjl lord of the treafury — Refolvei
•of parliament upon the Middlefex election, and the Jlate of the colonies in America — Violent tumults at Bofton- — •
The affair of Falkland1 s iflands~A declaration delivered to our court from Majferano, the SpaniJ!} ambajjador* — •
The lord mayor ahd alderman Oliver fetit to the Tower — Proceedings of parliament — Foreign ajfairs.
T T I S majefty on the tenth of
A. 0.1765. J January went to the houfe of
peers, and opened the fellion of parliament with a
fpeech, wherein he informed them, " That the
marriage of his fift-er, the princefs Carolina Matilda
with the king of Denmark, would be folenulixcd
as foon as their refpeclive ages might permit; that
the courts of France and Spain had given frefli
aflurances of their pacific difpoiitions; that he relied
on their wifdom and firmnefs in promoting obe-
No. 6.
dience to the laws, and refpecl to the legiflative
authority of this kingdom ; and his majefty trailed
that they would proceed with temper, unanimity,
and difpatch." To this fpeech both houfes pre-
fented the moft affectionate addreffes; and on the
feventh of February, the houfe of commons agreed
to no lefs than fifty- five refolutions, formed by the
committee of fupplies, for impoiing much the fame
ftamp-dutics upon the Americans, as are payable
here in England ; and the faid reibluCions being
8 F fcrmcd
666
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND..
formed into a bill, received the royal afTent on the
twenty-fecond of March. On the twenty-fourth of
April the king, who had been indifpofed, again re-
paired to the houfe of peers, and having figned fuch
bills as were ready, made a fpeech from the throne,
in which his majefty earneftly recommended to their
ferious deliberation, the making fuch provifion as
would be neceflary, in cafe any of his children
fhould fucceed to the throne before they had re-
fpeftively attained the age of eighteen years. In
conformity to his majefty's requeft, a regency-bill
•was ordered to be brought into the houfe of lords,
where it was pafled, and fent to the commons.
But here it met with fome oppofition. However,
an amendment having been made which was ap-
proved of by the lords, on the fifteenth of May it
received the royal aflent. By this aft the king was
empowered to appoint the queen, with the princes
of the blood, and all the great officers of the ftate
jointly, regents during the minority of the prince
of Wales; and that his majefty fhould be further
allowed to add to the number of regents fuch per-
fons as he thought proper, whofe names mould be
left, in cafe of "his death, fealed up in a deed, to
be opened by the privy-council. This affair being
thus concluded, his majefty, on the twenty-fifth of
May, prorogued the parliament by commimon,
being fo indifpofed as to be unable to attend in
perfon.
After thefe parliamentary tranfaftions, an account
arrived of the fuccefs of his majefty's arms, in con-
junction with the company's troops, in the Eaft
Indies, a complete victory having been obtained
Over the king and vizier of Hindoftan, by major
Heftor Monro. The Indians had fix thoufand men
flain on the field of battle, and loft one hundred
and thirty pieces of cannon, befides military ftores
of different kinds, with all their tents ready pitched.
Thelofs of the victors was comparatively finall, for
theyhad only thirty- twoEuropeans, and two hundred
and thirty-ninelndianskilled;fifty-feven Europeans,
and four hundred and feventy-three Indianswound-
ed. Such was the fituation of affairs in the Eaft
Indies, when major Monro was recalled; and Sir
Robert Fletcher, an officer brought up in the com-
pany's fervice, was appointed to command in his
room. He took the field as foon as he arrived;
and marched about one hundred and fifty miles up
theGanges, when he attacked feveral of the enemy's
forts, and made the garrifona prifoners of war.
By letters received from North Carolina, infor-
mation was given that many outrages had been
committed in that country by a fet of lawlefs
banditti, who had murdered fome Cherokees in al-
liance with the Englifh, The fame accounts like-
ivife contained a moft affecting narrative of the ar-
rival of the prifoners at the Euglifh camp, after the
defeat of the Ohio Indians by the forces under the
command of general Bouquet. This fcene exhi-
bited a view of fathers and mothers recognizing
and clafping their once loft babes ; hufbands hang-
ing round the necks of their newly recovered wives;
fifters and brothers unexpectedly meeting together
after a long feparation, fcarce able to fpeak the
fame language. The following paragraph, from
the fpeech of the Shawancfe Chief on delivering up
his prifoners, is a ftrong proof of their tendernefs
and affeftion for the captives, whom they had pre-
ferved.
" Fathers (faicl he to the Englifh) we have
brought your flefh and blood to you ; they have
been all united to us by adoption; and although
we now deliver them, we will always look upon
. them as our relations, whenever the great Spirit is
pleafed that we may vifit them. We have taken as
much care of them as if they were our own flefh
and blood. They are now become unacquainted
with your cuftoms and manners, and therefore we
requeft you will ufe them tenderly and kindly,
which will induce them to live contentedly with
you."
We now are entering upon that affecting period
of the Englifh hiftory, which has been attended by
the moft unhappy, we may fay too, the moft dif-
graceful and humiliating confequences. In Ame-
rica, great difturbances arofe on account of the
ftamp-aft. The firft intelligence that arrived there
of fuch a bill being in agitation, threw an univerfal
melancholy on the countenances of the people ; but
when it was known that the bill had pafled both
houfes, and received the royal aflent, they were fired
with indignation, and nothing but confufion took
place throughout moft of the provinces. When the
news arrived at Bofton, the fhips in the harbour
hung out their colours half malt high, in token of
the deepeft mourning; the bells were rung muffled;
copies of the aft were printed, with a death's head
to it. in the place where it is ufual to fix the ftamps,
and cried publicly about the ftreets by the name of
" The folly of England, and ruin of America."
Eflays foon followed, not only againft the expe-
diency, but even the equity of it, in feveral news-
papers, one of which bore the fignificant title of
" The Conftitutional Courant, containing matters
interefting to liberty, and no ways repugnant to
loyalty, printed by Andrew Marvel, at the fign of
the Bribe Refufed, on Conftitution hill, North
America." The head -piece to this paper was a
fnake cut in pieces, with the initial letters of the
names of the feveral colonies, from New England
to South Carolina, affixed to each piece, and above
them the words " Join or die." To thefe were
added caricatures, pafquinades, puns, bon-mots,
and fuch fayings, fuited to the occafion, as by being
fhort could be moft eafily circulated and retained ;
at the fame time that, by being extremely expreffive,
they carried with them the weight of a great many
arguments. The two chief articles urged in thefe
news-paper efTays were, firft, that the perfon afting
under this ftatute, had it in his power to bring an
aftion, the caufe of which had arifen at one extre-
mity of the North American colonies, and extended
itfelf to the other, at almoft two thoufand miles
diftance, without the traders being entitled to reco-
ver damages, in cafe the judge certified that there
was any probable caufe for the profecution: The
fecond was, the judge having an intereft in giving
a decree in favour of the party fuing for the penal-
ties of the aft, on being allowed, by way of com-
miffion, a very large fhare in thefe penalties.
By the time the printed aft reached the colonies,
the populace were every where exafperated againft
it to fuch a degree, as to fhew it the moft public
marks of contempt. In feveral places it was burnt,
together with the effigies of thofe who were fup-
pofed to have voted for, or otherwife had any hand
in favour of it. At the fame time it was agreed,
at the meetings of thofe in higher rank, that thanks!
fhould be given to general Conway and colonel
Bane', two gentlemen whom they confidered as the
moft ftrenuous oppofers of it in the Britifh houfe of
commons; that their fpeeches againft it, and their
piftures, fhould be requefted. The piftures to be
hung up in their places of meeting, and their
fpeeches to be inferted in the books deftined to re-
cord all their principal tranfaftions. The news of
this difcontent having reached England, feveral
matters of fhips refufed to take any ftamps on board
for the colonies ; and it foon appeared that their
precaution was well founded ; for fuch as ventured
to take them had fufficient caufe to repent it on their
an ival at their deftined ports, where, to fave their
veflels from fire, and their perfons from the gallows,
they were moft of them obliged to furrender their
execrated cargoes into the hands of the enraged
multitude, which they treated in the fame ignomi-
nious
E O R
E
III.
667
nious manner they had done the aft; the other
veffels were obliged to take flicker under fuch of
the king's fhips as happened to be at hand to. protect
them. But thofe gentlemen who went from England
•with commiffions to aft as diftributors of the ftamps,
met with ftill worfe treatment. Many of thein were
made to renounce, now and for ever, publicly and
upon oath, all manner of concern in them: others
thought it moil prudent to return from whence they
came ; whilft fome, who were fufpeftcd of obfti-
nately perfifling in endeavouring to enfhve their
country, as it was termed, or of having fpoke too
freely concerning the behaviour of the people on
this occaflon, had their houfes burnt down, and
their moft valuable effects plundered or deftroyed.
Even thofe who, without their fulicitation or know-
ledge had been named, were obliged, in virtue of
the offices they already filled, to fuperintend the
diftribution of the damped paper, were treated in
the fame manner; and the populace havingfufpected
one of writing to England in difrefpeftful terms
concerning their proceedings, furrounded his houfe,
and notwithftanding the moft earned intreaties,
obliged him to deliver up the copies of his letters,
and thereby turn evidence again ft himfelf. Even
Ihips bringing ftamped mercantile or cuftom-houfe
papers, merely in their own defence, from fuch of
the colonies as had thought proper to fubmit to the
ftamp aft, were forced to part with them to be (hick
up in derifion in coffee houfes and taverns, and pub-
licly committed to the flames. By degrees, many
of the better fort joined the populace in thofe tu-
mults ; and one of them fet the aft openly at defi-
ance, by advertifing under his hand, that thofe whofe
bufmefs it was to enforce it, might fave themfelves
the trouble of calling upon him for that purpofe -,
for that he was refolved to pay no taxes but what
•was laid by his reprefentatives. The provincial
affemblies themfelves declined giving the governors
any advice concerning their behaviour on this cri-
tical occafion ; and though they difavowed thefe
riotous proceedings, and bid rewards for appre-
hending the rioters, yet they could not be brought
to condemn them farther than decency required ;
and abfolutely refufed, when exhorted to it by the
governors, to make any compenfation to the injured
parties ; much lefs could they be brought to
flrengthen the hands of the executive power, fo far
as to prevent any future commotions ; which as le-
velled entirely at the ftamp-aft, and as having no
particular leaders, whofe ignorance and brutality
might be attended with worfe confequences than
what they wifhed to avoid, they did not think
proper to confider as objefts of military reftraint.
This behaviour of the general afiemblies was openly
approved, if not encouraged, by aflemblies of the
freeholders and principal inhabitants of fome places,
who directed their reprefentatives not to agree to
any fteps for the protection of ftamped papers, Or
ftamp officers, though they owned there had been
already fome tumults and diforder relating to them ;
and likewife cautioned them againft all unconftitu-
tional draughts on the public treafury. The general
affemblies went ftill further; for inftead of barely
•conniving at the people's afferting their indepen-
dence by tumultuous afts, they proceeded to avow
it themfelves ; and at the fame time considering,
that unanimity is the chief fource of ftrength, they
eftablifhed committees tocorrefpondwith each other
concerning the general affairs of the whole, and
-even appointed deputies from thefe committees to
meet in a congrefs at New York. But fuch har-
mony already prevailed in the fentiments of the ge-
neral afTemblies of the feveral provinces, that the
deputies, when met, had little more to do than 'con*
gratulate each other upon it, and put their hands
to one general declaration of their rights, an'd the
grievances they laboured under, and to one general
petition expreffive thereof, to the king, lords, anl
commons, of the mother country. In a fliort time*
the fubordinate executive powers began to join- the
legiflative. The juftices of, the peace for the dill lift
of Weftmoreland in Virginia gave public notice,
under .then; hands, that they lud declined acting in
that capacity ; becaufc, in confequence of their ju-
dicial oath, they were liable to become ihRrumentat
in the deftructipn of their country's moft effential
rights and liberties. Their example was followed
by the gentlemen of the law, who refolved rather
to give up their* b'ufinefsj than carry it on with
ftamped papers.
When the aft took place, which was on the firft
of November, not a fhect of ftamped paper was td
be had throughout the feveral colonies of New
England, New York, New Jerfcy, Penfylvmm,
Virginia, Maryland, or the two Carolinas, except
a imall parcel, which the governor of New York,
terrified by the threats of the enraged populace,
had furrendered into the hahds of the corporation
of that place, on condition of their not being
deftroyed; fo that all bufmefs which could not be
legally carried on without ftamps, was at once put
to a ftand, except that of news printing, which the
printers fhll continued, pleading in excufe, that if?
they did not, the populace would ferve them as they
had done the ftamp-mullers themfelves. The courts
of juftice wereclofed, and the ports fhut up. Even
in thofe colonies where ftamps were to be had^
people of the beft fortune fubmitted to be afked in
church, rather than take out licences for private
marriages. The effects of this damnation foon
began to be fo feverely felt, that the inhabitants
found it neceffary to hit upon fome expedient by
which they might elude the aft. Accordingly, one
of them fent a thin piece of bark to the printers at
Bofton, on which he had written, " That it being
neither paper, parchment, or vellum, he would be
glad to know, if inftruments written on fuch fluff
might not be valid, though not ftamped ; in which
cafe he was ready to fupply, with good writing bark,
all thofe whofe confciences were bound by the late
aft." At laft, the governors of fome of the pro-
vinces, though bound by the aft to fwear to fee it
obferved, under the fevereft penalties, imagining
the total ftoppage of all public bufincfs of fuch bad
confequence to the community, as to render lawful
the non-compliance with any injunctions laid on
them, or even the breach of any oath taken by theni
in confequence of injunctions, merely for the fake
of that community, thought proper to difpenfe with
the ufe of ftamps, grounding their difpcnfation on
the abfolute impoffibility of procuring any; and
accordingly granted certificates of that impoffibility
to all outward-bound veflels, to protect them frbni
the penalties of the aft in other parts of his rna-
jefty's dominions.
On this occafion, the lieutenant-governor 6f
South Carolina was one of thofe who refufed to ac-
quiefce in the tranfafting of any public bufinefs
without ftamps -, in confequence of which the com-
mons houfe of affembly took the following method
with him. They prefented an addrefs to him,
wherein they defired to be informed, if the ftamp-"
aft had been tranfmitted to him by the fecretaries of
ftate, the lords of trade, or through any other au-
thentic channel ; and, on his anfwering that he had
received it firft from the attorney-general of the
•province, on that gentleman's arrival from England^
and lince from Mr. Boone, the governor of the
province, they replied, that neither of thefe ways
of receiving any aft was fuch a notification thereof,
as to oblige him to enforce the execution of it ; as
the governor, while out of the province, or the
attorney- general, even while in it, could not, at
leaft with regard to this communication, be confi-
dered in any other light than private gentlemen.
668
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
At the fame time they put him in mind, that there
were feveral inftances of the province having fuffered
peculiar and very great hardfhips, and for no fmall
length of time, even from the accidental detention
or mifcarriage of governmental informations, enough
to prove, that certain forms were abfolutely neceflary
in all matters of government, efpecially fuch as re-
lated to the authenticity of new laws of fuch im-
menfe confequence. Thefe arguments, however,
feemed to make little or no impreflion on the go-
vernor or his council. The merchants of all thofe
colonies which ventured openly to oppofe the aft,
now entered into the moft folemn engagements with
each other, not only not to order any more goods
from Great Britain, let the confequences be what
they would, and recall the orders they had already
given, if not obeyed by the firft of January 1766,
but even not to difpofe of any Britifh goods fent
them on commiflion, that were not {hipped before
that day ; or, if they confented to any relaxation
from thefe engagements, it was not to take place
till the ftamp-act, and even the fugar and paper
money acts were repealed. The people of Philadel-
phia alfo refolved, though not unanimoufly, that till
fuch repeal, no lawyer mould put in fuit a demand
for money owing by a relident in America to one in
England ; nor any perfon in America, however in-
debted in England, make any remittances there.
Thefe refolutions were adopted by the retailers, who
unanimoufly agreed not to buy or fell any Britifli
goods fhipped contrary to them. But Ireland re-
ceived material benefit from thefe proceedings, as
what goods the colonies could not poflibly do with-
out, they took from that country in exchange for
their hemp-feed and flax-feed, of which they fent
yearly very large quantities. In the mean time they
omitted no methods to free themfelves even from
this dependence. A fociety of arts, manufactures,
and commerce, on the plan of the London fociety,
was inftituted at New York, and markets opened
for the fale of home-made goods ; by which it foon
appeared, that neither the natives, nor the manu-
facturers, whom the natives had for fome time paft
been inviting from Great Britain by very large en-
couragements, had been idle. Linens, woollens,
the coarfer but moft ufeful kinds of iron ware, malt-
fpirits, paper-hangings, &c. were produced to the
fociety, and greatly apprevcd ; and when brought
to market, every body appeared defirous of pur-
chafing them. At the fame time, left the new
woollen manufactures mould come fliort of mate-
rials, moft of the inhabitants came to a refolution
not to eat any Iamb; and to extend the influence of
their refolution to thofe who did not join them in it,
not to deal with any butcher that mould kill or ex-
pofe any lamb to iale. In fliort, the fpirit of in-
duftry and frugality, took place of the fpirit of idle-
nefs and profufenefs. The moft fubftantial and even
fafhionable people \vercthefirftinfettingthe exam pie
to their countrymen, by contenting themfelves with
home-fpun or old cloaths, rather than make ufe of
any thing Britifh ; and fuch were the efforts of all
ranks, and fo prudent their meafures, that many
now began to be convinced of what they had till
then thought impoflible, that the colonies would
foon beabletofupply themfelves with every neceflary
x)f life.
In confequence of the diftracted ftate of America,
his majefty thought proper to aflemble the parlia-
ment fooner than had been intended. Accordingly,
on the feventeenth of December he went to the
houfe of peers, and opened the feflion with the fol-
lowing fpcech from the throne:
" My lords and gentlemen,
" The prefent general ftate of tranquillity in Eu-
Vope, gave me hopes that it would not have been
neceflary to aflemble my .parliament -fodner than is
ufual in times of peace: but as matters of impor-
tance have lately occurred in fome of my colonies
in America, which will demand the moft ferious
attention of parliament, and as further informations
ai'e daily expected from different parts of that
country, of which I fhall order the fulleft accounts
to be prepared for your conficleration ; I have
thought fit to call you now together, in order that
the opportunity may be thereby given, to ifiue the
neceflary writs on the many vacancies that have
happened in the houfe of commons fince the laft
feflion, fo that the parliament may be full, to pro-
ceed immediately, after the ufual recefs, on the
confideration of fuch weighty matters as will then
come before you."
This year the citizens of London evinced a noble
and difmterefted regard for genuine merit, by elect-
ing Mr. Alderman Janfleh to the oflice of chamber-
lain of this city. This gentleman having reduced
his circumftances by his connections with feveral
public fpirited plans, had for fome years paft lived
in obfcurity, and abridged himfclf of every fuper-
fluity, gradually to compenfate the lofs of his ere- •
ditors. Such was his modefty, that he was not
without much diiliculty prevailed upon to offer him-
felf a candidate for the vacant poft ; but merit over-
came every obftacle, and his grateful fellow-citizens .
exulted in an opportunity or publicly honouring a
truly good and honeft man.
On the fourteenth of January his . -p.
majefty went to the houfe of peers,
and being feated on his throne, addrefled both
houfes as follows :
" My lords and gentlemen,
" When I met you lair, I acquainted you, that
matters of importance had happened in America,
which would demand the moft ferious attention of
parliament.
" That no information which could ferve to direct
your deliberations in fo interefting a concern might
be wanting, I have ordered all the papers that give
any light into the origin, the progrds, or the ten-
dency of the difturbances which have of late pre-
vailed in fome of the northern colonies, to be im-
mediately laid before you.
" No time has been loft, on the firft advice of
thefe difturbances, to iflue orders to the governors
of my provinces, and to the commanders of my
forces in America, for the exertion of all the powers
of government, in the fuppreffion of riots and
tumults, and in the effectual fupport of lawful au-
thority.
" Whatever remains to be done on this occafion,
I commit to your wifdom ; not doubting but your
zeal for the honour of my crown, your attention
to the juft rights and authority of the Britifh legifla-
ture, and your affection and concern for the welfare
and profperity of all my people, will guide you to
fuch found and prudent refolutions, as may tend at
once to preferve thofe conftitutional rights over the
colonies, and to reftore to them that harmony and
tranquillity, which have lately been interrupted by
riots and diforders of the moft dangerous nature.
" If any alterations fhould be wanting in the
commercial oeconomy of the plantations, which
rqay tend to enlarge and fecure the mutual and
beneficial intercourfe of my kingdoms and colonies,
they will deferve your moft ferious confideration.
In effectuating purpofes fo worthy of your wifdom
and public fpirit, you may depend upon my moft
hearty concurrence and fupport. The prefent happy
tranquillity fubfifting in Europe, will enable you to
purfue fuch objects of your interior policy with a
more uninterrupted attention.
" Gentlemen of the houfe of commons,
" I have ordered the proper eftimates for the
current fervke of the year to be laid before you.
Such
GEORGE' III.
669
Such fupplies as you may grant fhall be duly applied
with the utmoft fidelity, and mall be difpenfcd with
the ftricteft ceconomy.
" My lords and gentlemen,
" I earneftly recommend to you to proceed in
your deliberations with temper and unanimity.
The time requires, and I doubt not but your own
inclinations will lead you to thofe falutary difpofi-
tions. I have nothing at heart but the allertion of
legal authority, the prefervation of the liberties of
all my fubjects, the equity and good, order of my
government, and the concord and profpeiity of all
parts of my dominions."
This fpeech was followed with petitions by the
merchants of London, Briftol, Lancafter, Liver-
pool, Hull, Glafgow, and in fhort, from moft of
the trading and manufacturing towns and boroughs
in the kingdom, wherein they fet forth the great
decay of their trade, owing to the new laws and
regulations made for America: the vaft quantity of
our manufactures (befides thofe articles imported
from abroad, which were purchafed either with our
own manufactures, or with the produce of our co-
lonies) which the American trade formerly took;off
our hands; by all which many thoufand manu-
facturers,' feamen, and labourers, had been em-
ployed, to the very great and increafing benefit of
the nation. That in return for thefe exports, the
petitioners had received from the colonies, rice,
indigo, tobacco, naval ftores, oil, whale-fins, furs,
and lately pot-afh, with other ftaple commodities;
befides a large balance in remittances by bills of
exchange and bullien, obtained by the colonifts for
> articles of their produce, not required for the Britifh
market, and therefore exported to other places :
that from the nature of this trade, confuting of
Bfitifh manufactures exported, and of the import
of raw materials from America, many of them ufed
in our manufactures, and all of them tending to
leflen our dependence on neighbouring ftates, it
mufl be deemed of the higheft importance in the
commercial fyftem of this nation: that this com-
merce, fo beneficial to the ftate, and fo neceflary
far the fupport of multitudes, then lay under fuch
difficulties and difcouragements, that nothing lefs
than its utter ruin was apprehended, without the
immediate interpofition of parliament: that the
^colonies were then indebted to the merchants of
Great Britain, to the amount of feveral millions
fteriing; and that, when, preffed for payment, they
appeal to paft experience in proof of their willing-
nefs j but declare it is not in their power at prefent
to make good their engagements, alledging, that
the taxes and reftrictions laid upon them, and the
extension of the jurifdiction of the vice-admiralty
courts, eftablifhed by fome late acts of parliament,
particularly by an aft of parliament patted in the
fourth year of his prefent majefty, for granting
certain duties in the Britifh colonies and plantations
in America; and by an act pafied in the fifth year
of his majefty, for granting and applying certain
flamp-duties, &c. in the faid colonies, &c. with
feveral regulations and reftraints, which, if founded
in acts of parliament for defined purpofes, they re-
prefent to have been extended in fuch a manner as
to difturb legal commerce, and harrafs the fail-
trader, and to have fo far interrupted the ufual and
former moft ufeful branches of their commerce, re-
ftrained the fale of their produce, thrown the ftate
of the feveral provinces into confufion,and brought
on fo great a number of actual bankruptcies, that
the former opportunities and means of remittances
and payments were utterly loft and taken from
them. That the petitioners were, by thefe unhappy
events, reduced to the neceffity of applying to the
houfe, in order tofecure themfelves and their. fami-
lies from impending ruin; to prevent a multitude
of manufacturers from becoming a burden to the
No. 65.
community, or elfe feeking their bread in other
countries, to the ii retrievable lofs of the kingdom :
and to preferve the ftrength of this nation entire, its
commerce flourifhing, the revenues increafing, our
navigation, the bulwark of the kingdom, in a ftate
of growth and extenfion; and the colonies from
inclination, duty, and intercft, firmly attached to
the mother-country. Such kind of petitions from
every part of the kingdom, replete with a number
of interefting facts, fluted and attefted by many
people, whole lives having been entirely devoted to
trade, muft naturally be eftcemcd competent judges
of a fubject which they had fo long and fo cloiely
attended to, could not fail of having great weight
with the houfe, as had alfo a petition which arrived
at this time from the agent for the ifland of Jamaica,
fetting forth the ill confcqucnces that had attended
a ftamp-tax which the affembly of that ifland had
impofed, and which was fuflered to expire, it having
been found unequal and burdenfome in a very high
degree; and he gave it as his opinion, that the pre-
fent law for a ftamp-duty in the colonies would be
attended with the fame, if not greater inconve-
nieucics. Petitions were likewife received from the
agents for Virginia and Georgia, fetting forth their
inability to pay the {lamp-duty ; yet the party, who
had refolved on the fupport of the ftamp-act, at all
events, could not be prevailed on, either by the
arguments or the facts contained in the petitions,
to remit the Icall of their ardour. Such petitions
they renrcfentcd as the effect of minifterial artifice j
and obferved, that fuppofing the dillrefs of trade,
for a due exertion of the authority of parliament,
was as real and as great as it was reprefented, yet it
\\ere better to fubmit to this temporary inconve-
nience, than, by 3. repeal of the act, to hazard the
total lofs of the juft fuperiority of Great Britain
over her colonies.
On the other hand, they who contended for the
repeal, were divided in their opinion as to the right
of taxation; the more numerous body, amono-
whom were the miniftry, infifted that the fegifla-
ture of Great Britain had an undoubted right to
tax the coloaies ; bpt acknowledged the inexpe-
diency of the prefent tax, as ill adapted to the
condition of the colonies, and built upon principles
ruinous to the trade of Great Britain. Thofe who
denied the right of taxation were not fo numerous ;
but they coniifted of fome of the molt diftinguifhed
and popular characters in the kingdom.
This affair was attended to by the houfe with the
_ moft unwearied application ;. yet the nature of their
enquiries, the number of petitions they received,
and the multitude of papers and witnefles they had
to examine, occafioned a delay which could not be
remedied ; during this there were continual debates,
and the oppofition made the moft ftrenuous efforts
for enforcing the fl amp-act, and by every means to
prevent the repeal. In the courle of this debate
two quedions arofe, upon which the whole turned.
T3)e fir ft was, whether the legiflature of Great
Britain had a right of taxation over the colonies, or
not ? The fecond was confined to the expediency
or inexpediency of the -late laws.
The gentlemen who oppofed the right of taxation,
produced many learned authorities from Locke, Scl-
den, Harrington, and PufFendorf, mewing, " That
the very foundation and ultimate point m view of
all government, is the good of fociety." They
likewife urged, that by going up to Magna Charta,
and referring to the feveral writs upon record, iflued
out for the purpofe of raifing taxes for the crown,
and for fending reprefentatives to parliament, as
well as from the bill of rights, it appears, through-
out the whole hiftory of our conftitution, that no
Britifh fubject can be taxed, but per commimem con-
fenfum parliament'^ that is to fay, of himfelf or his
own reprcfentative; and this is that firft and general
8 G right,
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
right, as Britifh fubjects, with which the firft in-
habitants of the colonies emigrated; for the right
does not depend upon their charters : the charters
were but ths exterior modelling of the conftitution
of the colonies: but the great interior fundamental
of their conftitution is this general right of a Britifh
fubject, which is the very firft principle of liberty, —
No man fhall be taxed, but by himfelf or his rcpre-
fentative. That the counties palatine of Cheltcr,
Durham, and Lancafter, were not taxed but in their
own aflemblies or parliaments; till at different pe-
riods in our hiftory they were melted into our pre-
fent form of parliamentary reprefentation. That
the body of the clergy, till very late, taxed them-
felves, and granted the king benevolences. That
the Marches of Wales had a right of taxing them-
felves till they fent members to parliament, and
from this circumftance has continued the ftyle of
the king's proclamations, and of our acts of parlia-
ment to this day, although unneceflarily, to name
efpecially the principality of Wales, and the town
of Monmouth and Berwick. That many people
carry the idea of a parliament too far, infuppofing
it can do every thing; which is not true, and if it
were, it is riot right conftitutionally : for then there
might be an arbitrary power in a parliament as well
as in any one man. There are many things a par-
liament cannot do. It cannot make itfelf executive,
nor difpofe of offices that belong to the crown. It
cannot take any man's property, even that of the
meaneft cottager, as in the cafe of inclofures, with-
out his being heard. The lords cannot reject a
money bill from the commons, nor the commons
erect themfelves into a court of juftice. The par-
liament could not tax the clergy, till fiuh time as
' they were reprefented in parliament. Nor can the
parliament of England tax Ireland.
The charters of the colonies, which are derived
from prerogatives, and are in fact only fo many
grants from the crown, are not the only right the
colonies have to being reprefented before they are
taxed. They, 'as Britifh fubiects, take up then-
rights and liberties from a hither 'origin than their
charters only. They take them up from the fame
origin and fountain, from whence they flow to all
Englifhmen, from Magna Charta, and the natural
right of the fubject. By that rule of right, the
charters of the colonies, like all other crown-grants,
are to be reftricted and interpreted, for the benefit,
not the prejudice of the fubjects. Had the firft in-
habitants of the colonies renounced all connection
with their mother country, they might have re-
nounced their original rights; but when they emi-
grated under the authority of the crown, and the
national fanction, they went out from hence, 4t the
hazard of their lives and fortunes, with all the" firft
great privileges of Englifhmen on their backs: but
at the fame time they were not, and could not be
bound by penal laws of this country, from the
feverity of which they fled, to climates remote from
tjje heavy hand of power, and which they hoped to
find more friendly to their principles of civil and
religious liberty. It is upon this ground, that it has
been univerfally received as law, that no acts of
parliament made" here, and particularly thofe which
enact any penalty, are binding upon the colonies,
unlefs they are fpecially named. The inhabitants of
the colonies once removed from the domeftic legifla-
tiouof the mother country, are no more dependent
upon it in the general fyftem, than the Ifle of Man
is, or than, in the feudal fyftem of Europe, many
Subordinate principalities are dependent on the jurif-
diction of the feigneur fuzerain, or lord paramount;
but owing only to a limited obedience. By what has
been faid it is not meant to affect the cafe of any ex-
ternal duties laid upon their ports, or of any reftric-
tions which by the act of navigation, or other acts
are laid upon their commerce ; for they are in the
fame cafe, as all other colonies belonging to the
reft of the maritime powers in Europe; who have
fhut up their colonies from all intercourfe with
j foreign countries in the very firft eftablifhment.
What is fpoken of are internal taxes, to be levied
6n the body of the people; and that, before they
can be liable to thefe internal taxes, they muft
firft be reprefcntcd.
The debates being clofed, and the queftion put,
the power of the legiflature of Great Britain over
her colonies; in all Cafes whatfoevcr, and without
any diftinction in regard to taxation, was confirmed
and afcertaincd, without a divifion.
The grand committee who had pafled the refolu-
tions, on which the foregoing queftion was debated,
had allb pafled another for the total repeal of the
ftamp-act; and two bills were accordingly brought
in to anfwer thefc purpofes. By the .bill itfelf, all
votes, refolutions, or orders, which had been pafled
by any of the general aflemblies in America, by
which they aflumcd to themfelves the folc and' ex-
clnfive -right of taxing his majefty's fubjects in the
colonies, were annulled,, and declared contrary to
law, clcrogatoi y to the legiflative authority of parli-
ment, and inconfiftent with their dependency upon
the crown.
Oppoiition, far from being difpirited, gained new
vigour, and frill refifted the repeal in every part of
its progrefs. But on the queftion being put, not-
withftanding this, the bill pafled by a majority of
one hundred and eight, and was carried up to the
lords by above two hundred members of the houfe
of commons. The eclat, however, with which it
was introduced did not prevent its meeting with a
ftrong oppoiition in the upper houfe, a proteft was
entered againft it at the f'econd reading by thirty-
three lords, and at the third by twenty-eight, not-
withftanding which it was carried by a majority of
thirty-four; and on the eighteenth of March re-
ceived the royal affent. Upon this the American
merchants made a moft numerous appearance to
exprefs their joy and gratitude: the fhips in the
river difplayed their colours: feveral houfes in the
city were illuminated: and every proper method
was taken to demonftrate the juft fenfe that was en-
tertained of his majefty's goodnefs, and the wifdom
of parliament, in conciliating the minds of the peo-
ple on this critical occafion. The national bufinefs
thus finifhed, his majefty, on the fixteenth of June,
went to the houfe of peers, and put an end to the
feflion with a fpeech from the throne; and foon after
the rifing of the parliament his majefty thought
proper to make the following changes in the mi-
niltry: His grace the duke of Grafton was appointed
firft lord of the treafury in the room of the marquii
of Rockingham ; the earl of Shelburne fucceeded
the duke of Richmond as fccretary of ftate; lord
Camden was created lord high chancellor in the
place of the earl of Northington, as was the ho-
nourable Charles Townfhend chancellor of the ex-
chequer., in the room of the right honourable-
William Dowdefwell; and the right honourable
William Pitt, who fome days before had been
created vifcount Pynfent and earl of Chatham, was
made lord privy-feal.
At this time the exceeding high price of provi-
fions, caufed the poor to rife in feveral parts of thg
kingdom; when they deftroyed the flour mills,
feized on corn, and other neceflaries of life, xvhich
they fold at a moderate price, and delivered the
money to the owners. In fome places they were
much more violent ; for inftead of taking the above
method of fupplying their wants, they ripped open
thefacks, and fcattered the corn about, feized butter,
cheefe, and bacon, in the fhops, which they threw
into the ftreets, and behaved in the moft outrageous
manner' to the proprietors of the goods they thus
demolifhed, In order to prevent the dreadful con-
fequences
O R G
E
III.
671
fequences that were likely to enfue on this account,
a proclamation was published on the eleventh of
September for putting in execution the laws againft
foreftalling, regrating and engroffing of corn. And
on the twenty-third of the fame month two other
proclamations were publiflied : by the firft of which
an embargo was la!d on all veflels laden, or to be
laden, with wheat or flour for exportation, till the
fourteenth of November ; and the other prohibited
the diftilling of fpirits from wheat.
On the eighteenth of November the parliament
affembled, when his majefty repaired to the houfe,
and opened the feffion with a fpeech from the
throna. As the miniftry had been recently changed,
great oppofition was made to every thing propofed
by adminiftration; however, it was agreed upon,
by a great majority in both houfes, that addreflcs of
thanks mould be presented to his majefty, in anhver
to his fpeech, which being done they adjourned till
after the holidays.
AT*.* Violent difputes, in the courfe of
' l^ ^ 'the preceding year, had happened be-
tween the proprietors of Eaft India ftock, and the
directors; occafioned by the former fuppofmg, that
an increafe of dividend mould be made, adequate to
the great opulence of the company at this time-,
owing to their amazing fuccefs in the Fall Indies.
This the directors ftrenuoufly oppofed, and in a
little time the news-papers became the common
Held for the difcuffion of India affairs, by which
means every thing relative to them was publicly
known. Soon after it was rumoured that the go-
vernment intended to interfere, in fome manner, in
the difpolition of the company's affairs. At firft
this report obtained but little credit, till, a few days
before the meeting of the general court at Michael-
mas, a meffage was actually received by the directors,
from the miniftry, informing them, " Th.it as the
affairs of the Eaft India company had been men-
tioned in parliament laft feffion, it was very proba-
ble they might be taken into confideration again;
therefore, from the regard they had to the welfare
of the company, and that they might have time to
prepare their papers for that occafion, they informed
them, that the parliament <vould meet fome time in
November." Accordingly, in the beginnicg of
this feffion, a committee was appointed to examine
into the ftate and condition of the company, and
fome time after it was ordered, that copies of the
company's charters, their treaties with, and grants
from, the country powers ; together with their
letters and correfpondence to and from their fervants
in India-, the ftate of their revenues in Bengal, Ba-
har, Orixa, and other places, fhould all be laid be-
fore the houfe: alfo an account of all expences in-
curred by government on the company's account,
whether in the naval, military, or whatever other
departments. An order was then given for print-
ing the Eaft India papers-, upon which the court of
directors prefented a petition, {hewing the gre.it in-
jury it would be to the company, and the many ill
confequences that would propablyattend the printing
the private correfpondence between them and their
fervants. In coniequence of this petition, a motion
being made to difcharge the order, a debate enfued ;
but it was at laft agreed, that the private correfpon-
dence mould not be printed. The difputes were
carried on with great warmth by both parties, and
the refult was, that the company mould, during the
fpace of two years enfuing, pay a certain fum *:o the
government ; and that no dividend of their ftock
ihould be made without the confent of a general
court of proprietors. June the twenty-fourth his
majefty went to the houfe of peers, and, after fign-
ing fuch bills as were ready, prorogued the parlia-
ment.
On the continent of Europe, this year, an event
took place little expedcd, and which furprized moft
people. It is well known that Italy, once the feat
of learning, has been for many ages the mother and
nude of luperftition. For fome time popery had
been lofing ground in thofe countries where it is by
law eftabliflied, and ibcrcafing where it was pro-
hibited, owing to the difgrace into which the Jefuitj
had brought themfelves. That focicty had been
eflablifhed about two hundred years, and in that
time had riien to fuch fame, that they became ob"
jects of jealoufy, and even rcfentmcnt to the other
orders. It is true, they were become fo affluent,
that even princes might have looked upon them as
dangerous rivals; but that was not the folc caufe of
their ruin. It had been a conftant practice with
princes, and other great men, to make them their
confeflbrs ; ard it is well known, that he who acls
the part of a confeffor to a prince, may, with pro-
priety, be ccnfidered as his prime miniftcr. All
iecrets had been ti lifted with them, and as fome of
them were, at the fame time, confeffors to thofe in
oppofite interefts, jealoufics took place ; and the
king of Portugal having been attacked in his car-
riage, in confequence of a plan laid by thefc fathers,
reiolved to bani/h them out of his dominions*
This happened feveral years before the period we
are now treating of, and Spain followed the cxam^
pie of Portugal, by baniftung them out of all their
dominions, whether in Europe or America. They
found an afylum in Italy, for ibme timej but during
*thc former part of this year they were banilhed from
Naples and Parma, and all their eftates confifcatcd-.
Under various characters, fuch as thofe of tutors,
clerks, furgeons, &:c. many of them have fettled in
proteftant countries: but it is to be hoped, that pa-
rents anil guardians will take care to prevent youth
from being fccluced by them.
The attention of the people in Europe was this
year particularly directed .to Coriieii, an ifland irt
the Mediterranean, almoft adjoining to the ifland
of Sardinia. It is extremely fertile and populous,
and fome centuries ago had been given by the pope
to the republic of Pil'a ; but the Genoeie took it*
and for many years treated the inhabitants in the
moft arbitrary and cruel manner. The ipirit of
liberty, however, was not extinct, it wanted only the
breath of a hero to kindle it ; and fuch a one was
found in the perfon of the famous Paoli, a native of
the ifland, but had travelled into other countries,
where he had learned the art of war. The prit*
dence and valour of that hero will be tranfmitted to
the latett ages, but overpowered by numbers, he was
obliged to abandon the ifland.
November the twenty-fourth, his majefty went to
the houfe of peers, and opened the feilion with a
fpeech from the throne, in which he told the mem-
bers that he had aflembled them at fo early a period,
that they might have time to deliberate with fteadi^
nets and judgment; and in particular he recom-
mended to them the ftate of the nation with refpecl
to the price of provifions.
The bufmefs of this feffion (in the A ^
i- r > • i i ii l A. H, 1 / Oo»
couile or which one hundred and
twelve public and private bills received the royal
aflent) being brought to a conclufion, on the tenth
of March his majefty went to the houfe of peers,
.and in a moft gracious fpeech returned thanks to
the parliament for the many fignal proofs they had
given him of their affectionate attachment to his
perfoT], family, and government: and concluded
with the following words :
" rtt the approaching cleftion of reprefentatives,
I doubt not but my people will give me rrelh proofs
of their attachment to the true intereft of their
country; which I (hall ever receive as the moft ac-
ceptable mark of their affection to inc. The wel-
fare of ail my fubjects is my firft object. Nothing
therefore has ever given me more real concern, tha;i
to fee any of them in any part of roy dominions,
attemptin-j
i
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
attempting to loofen thofe bonds of conftitutional
iiibordination, fo eflcntial to the welfare of the
whole, but it is with much fatisfaction that I now
ice them returning to a more juft fcnfe of what their
own intcreft, no lefs than their duty, inclifpenfably
requires of them; and thereby giving me the prof-
peel: of continuing to reign over an happy, becaufe
an united people. The parliament was then pro-
rogued to the hft day of the month ; but on the
twelfth of April it was diflblved by proclamation.
It has already been obferved, that Mr. Wilkes
had retired to France. By his long refidcnce there,
and not appearing to the indictments laid againft
him, he was declared an outlaw. Previous, how-
ever to the general election he returned to England,
and to the great aftoniftiment of the public, declared
himfelf a candidate to reprefcnt the city of London
in parliament; but loft his election. He then
offered himfelf for the county of Middlefex, and on
the twenty-eighth of March was elected by a pro-
digious majority. On, the twentieth of the fame
month he had furrendered himfelf to the court of
King's-Bench, and on the twenty-feventh was com-
mitted to the King's-Bench prifon. Some time
after, his trial came on in that court, and being
found guilty, the following fentence was pronounced
on him: " That for the republication of the North
Briton, number forty-five, he mould pay a fine of
five hundred pounds, and be imprifoned ten calen-
dar months: and for publifhing the Effay on Wo-
man, that he mould likewife pay a fine of five
hundred pounds, and be imprifoned twelve calendar
months, to be computed from the expiration of the
term of the former imprifonment; and that he after-
wards find fecunty for his good behaviour for feven
years, himfelf to be bound in the fum of one thpu-
i'and pounds, and two fureties in five hundred
pounds each." At this time the general election
^yas carried on with great heat, and violent contefts
enfucci in' many parts of the nation. Nor did the
diiordcrs, which this occafion gave rife to, fubfide
with it. A general murmuring and diffatisfaction
prevailed among the lower clafs of people, partly
occasioned by the high piice of provilions, and
partly from other caufes. The riotous aflemblies
of the weavern, coal-heavers, and failors, kept the
capital and its environs in continual alarm. From
fome unknown caufe, juft at this time, when it was
moft wanted, the civil power feemed to lofe its
force and energy, and too frequently give occafion
for the dangerous interpofition of a military force in
its fupport: the unhappy effects of which are ftill
recent in the minds of the greater part of the prefent
age. Of all the disturbances that drew the public
attention at this time, the moft fatal was that which
happened in St. George's Fields on the tenth of
May, and which evinced the rafli violence exercifed
againft the people on account of their attachment
to Mr. Wilkes, then a prifoner in the King's Bench.
The particulars of this remarkable affair were as
follow: The parliament being to affemble on that
day, great numbers of people aflembled about the
prif'on, in expectation that Mr. Wilkes would, on
lliat account, obtain his liberty, and intending to
conduct him to the houfe of commons. Finding
thcmfelves difappointed, they grew tumultuous, and
a j'.irty of the third regiment of guards was fent for.
'I he riot was greatly increafed by a paper that had
been (luck againft the wall of the prifon, which was
forcibly taken down by one of the juttices for the
Borough. The populace infifted on having^this
paper, which the juftice not regarding, the tumult
became exceeding violent; the drums beat to arms,
and the riot act was read, during which great quan-
tities of ftones and bricks were thrown by the po-
pulace. William Allen, a young man, fon of Mr.
Allen, keeper of the Horfe-lhoe Inn, in Blackman-
iheet,Southwark, being purfued along with others.
was unfortunately fingled out, followed by three fol-
diers, and mot dead. Thefe meafures not having
any tendency to difperfe the mob, an additional
number of the guards was fent for, as alfo a party
of horfe-grenadiers ; but the people growing ftill
more numerous, they were fired upon by the fol-
dier_s, when five were killed on the fpot, and about
fifteen wounded. Among the latter were two wo-
men, one of whom afterwards died in St. Thomas's
hofpital. The day following an inquifition was taken,
by the coroner forSurry on the above William Allen,
when the jury gave their verdict, that Donald Mac-
hine was guilty of wilful murder, and Donald Mac-
laury and Alexander Murray (the laft of whom
was commanding officer) were aiding and abetting
therein. This inqueft was held at the houfe of Mr.
Allen; and it appeared, on examination, that the
deceafed was only a fpectator, and, on feeing fome
perfons run, he ran alfo, but was unhappily
miftaken, and followed by the foldiers into a cow-
houfe, where he was fliot. Machury and Murray
were admitted to bail, but Machine was committed
to prifon for the murder. He was afterwards tried
at the Surry aflizes at Guildford, and acquitted.
Two other inquifitions were taken in the Borough,
on perfons killed by the foldiers in this riot; one
on the body of Mary Jeffs, who having a balket
with oranges, was ffiot in removing them ; the
other, on one William Bridgman, who was (hot on
the top of a hay-cart, as he was looking at the fray
at a diftance ; on both thefe inquifitions the jury
brought in their verdict, Chance Medley. On the
tenth of May, the members of the new parliament
were fwornin and took their feats in the houfe: and
the following day the commons, having re-chofen
Sir John Cult for their fpeaker, prefented him to
the lords tommiffioners for their approbation, who
were plcafcd in his majefty's name to approve their
choice. After which the lord chancellor opened the
feflion. Upon this a joint addrefs was prefented
by the lords and commons to his majefty, befeech-
ing him to exert his authority for quelling the dif-
orders and tumults which prevailed to fo alarming
a degree; at the fame time affuring his majefty,
that nothing fliould be wanting on their parts
which might enable him to maintain the public au-
thority, and carry the laws into due execution ; and
foon after an end was put to this fhort feflion.
On the eleventh of Auguft the king of Denmark
arrived at St. James's, to vifit his royal brother-in-
law, our fovereign. He was attended by moft of
his great-officers of ftate, and the utmoft refpeft was
paid to him by all ranks of people. In the begin-
ning of October he left England; and much about
the fame time the following changes happened in
the miniftry. The earl of Briftol fucceeded lord
Chatham as lord privy-feal. Lord Weymouth was
appointed fecretary of ftate for the fouthern depart |
ment, in the room of lord Shelburne; and the earl
of ^ochfort fucceeded lord Weymouth in the
northern department.
Let us now fee what material tranfaftions hap-
pened on the continent. In the month of Auguft
the French concluded a treaty with the republic of
Genoa, of a very extraordinary nature, and fuch as
ought to have been oppofcd by all the maritime
ftates in Europe.
Great difturbances happened in America, on ao
count of fome duties having been laid on glafs, fait,
and other commodities imported from England. It
was thought that the repeal of the ftamp act would
have given fome fatisf'action to thefe people, but
they ftill infilled that it was their inherent privilege
to tax themfelves. The inhabitants of Bofton met
in a large body, and entered into feveral refolutions
not to import any goods of a fuperfluous nature,
but to attend to the (tricteft ccconomy, both in drefs
and furniture.. A fubfcription was opened for the
encourage..
E O R
E
III.
673
encouragement of their own manufactures, and the
eftablifhment of new ones. This was done to elude
the payment of the duties upon fuch articles as
fhould be lent from England; and, at the fame
time, an affociation of gentlemen from all the old
colonies was formed, in order to propofe the moft
likely means to be ufed in preventing Englifli adts
of parliament from being put in force there, or in
any other of the American provinces, or the Weft
Indies. The freeholders, and, in general, all the
inhabitants of Maflachufet's Bay, had placed the
greateft confidence in their reprefentatives, and
there was a continual conteft between them and
their governor. The earl of Shelbume had fent
over a letter to the governor, complaining of thefe
abufes, and it was read in the open aflembly of the
reprefentatives. This occasioned moft violent de-
bates ; and fome of the members went fo far as to
declare, that the governor had mifreprefentcd their
conducl: to the miniftry. They denied the charges
in the letter, and wrote to the earl of Shelburne on
the fubjecb, vindicating themfelves, and throwing
the whole blame on the governor. At the fame
time, the merchants of Bofton ordered their agent
to reprefent to the lords of the treafury, that unlefs
thefe duties, which had occafioned fo much mifchief,
were taken off, the trade of the province would be
deftroyed, as they feeined to them contrary to the
fpirit of the conrtitution, and inconfiftent with their
charter. Their reprefentations occafioned the efta-
blifhment of a new officer, who was to act as fecre-
tary of ftate for the colonies in America -, and the
firft peribn made choice of was the earl of Hillf-
borough, at that time firft lord of trade. The firft
thing done by his lordfhip, was to fend circular
letters to the governors of the provinces, informing
them, that his majefty was highly difpleafecl at the
conduct of the people, as it was apt to create con-
fufion, and throw every thing into the utmoft dif-
order. He faid, that their conducl: in oppofing the
legiflative power of Great Britain was little better
than an act of open rebellion ; for, by giving en-
couragement to fuch practices, the government
would be overturned, and no regard paid to the
laws. He concluded by recommending to them
to prcferve the public peace, by puniming all clif-
orders of an evil tendency ; but as to mere oppo-
fition in words, or in fcandalous libels, they were to
treat them with contempt.
Governor Barnard had diffolved the aflembly of
reprefentatives, and new ones being chofen, it was
inlifted on by him, that they mould make a public
act to difapprove of the conducl: of the late aflem-
bly. They defired to fee a copy of the governor's
inftructions, which was granted them, and, to their
furprize, they found, that in cafe they refufed to
comply, they were to be diffolved, and an account
of their conduct fent to England, in order to be laid
before the next fefllons of parliament. This fet the
whole nation in a flame ; and when the bill was
brought in to pafs a cenfure on the conduct of the
laft aflembly, ninety- two voted againft it and no
more than feventeen for it. The reft of the co-
lonies took the alarm, and followed their example;
while combinations were formed almoft everywhere
not to take any goods from England, except fuch
as were abfolutely neceflary. The difcontents
among the people of Bofton now broke out into
open violence : for a fhip having landed a cargo of
wine, and taken on board another of oil, without
paying any regard to the new laws by which the
new cuftoms were to be regulated, the officers made
a fignal to the Romney man of war, who fent her
boats-, and having cut down the marts of the trad-
ing veflel, hawled her along-fide of the king's fliip.
This was fo fevei ely refented by the populace, that
they rofe in great numbers, demoliflied the houfes
of the cuftom-houfe officers, and laying hold of the
No. 66.
commiffioner's boat, dragged it on fhore, and then
fet it on fire. During thefe tumults in the town,
the governor diflblved the aflembly; but that had
not the defired effect, for the disturbances increafed
every day, fo that two regiments were fent over
from Ireland to fupport the civil power. Their
place of rendezvous was to be at Hallifax, in Nova
Scotia; and no fooner had the people of Bofton re-
ceived news that they were landed at that place,
than they met, and chofe a prefident among them-
felves, who was deputed to wait on the governor
to know for what reafon, or with what view, his
majefty 's forces were to be fent among them. They
defired, at the fame time, that a general aflembly
might be fummoned to meet ; but he refufed to give
them any fatisfactory anfwer, and only told them*
that it was their duty to break up their tumultuous
meetings, and fubmit quietly to the Jaws. He
added, that as they feemed ignorant of the offence
they had committed, he inuft freely tell them, that
unlefs they fubmitted to the government, he mould
be obliged to treat them as rebels. From this
time he refufed to receive any meffages from them ;
upon which they fent a long detail of their griev-
ances to London, in order to be laid before the
miniftry. In the mean time, the tranfports, with
the two regiments, and a train of artillery, arrived
from Hallifax, and were quartered in the houfes of
thetownfmen; but as the military laws did not extend
to America, any farther than providing barracks for
them, it was ordered by the governor that they
fhould have barrack provifions, fo as to be as little
bin then fome to the people as poflible. This part
of the governor's conducl: gave general fatisfaftion
to fuch of the people as were moderate in their
femiments; but notwithftanding, a great majority
were ftill difcontented. They could not behold,
without jealoufy, an armed force quartered among
them in time of peace; for, with refped to their late
combinations, they confidered them as efforts to
maintain their freedom.
At the beginning of this year, things began to
affume a new form in the Eaft Indies ; and it was
even feared that a revolution would take place
much to the difadvantage of the Englifh Eaft India
company, whofe ftock was now advanced to a fur-
prizing height. Hyder Ally, a perfon who had
ferved fome time as a common foldier, having re-
ceived fome affront from his officers, left the army,
and raifed a chofen band of followers, with a view
of driving the Englifh cut of all their fettlements in
that part of the world.
Towards the clofeof this year, the war was carried
on with great violence in Corfica: for although the
French had landed there with a numerous army,
the brave iflanders difputed the ground with them
inch by inch. Paoli, who ftill hoped for afliftance
from England, as well as from fome of the Euro-
pean powers, called an aflembly of the Corfican
chiefs, and afked their opinion concerning the moft
proper methods to be ufed in the profecution of the
war. He laid before them all the papers which the
French h.id caufcd to be diftributed throughout the
ifland; but no fooner did the chiefs perceive that
they were looked upon as vaflals to the crown of
France, than they tore them into a thoufand pieces.
Adjoining to Corfica are fome frnall iflands; and as
the harbours of them are fafe and commodious, fo
the Corfican privateers prevented, in a great mea-
fure, the enemy from receiving fuch fupplies as had
been fent them from France. This induced the
French, in the month of November, to embark a
confiderable body of forces on board thirteen tranf-
ports, in order to attack thefe fmall iflands. Their
firft attack was made on the ifland of Pietra; but
although they made good their landing, they were
repulfed with great lofs by a few Corficans, who
animated by the love of liberty, fought like lions.
8 H From
6/4
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
From thence the French proceeded to Ifola Boffa,
another ifland, where the Corficans were driven from
their pofts; but no fooner had they recollected
themfelves, and recovered from their firft furprize,
than they faced about, and not only recovered the
pofts they had loft, but drove the enemy, with great
{Laughter back to their {hips. Above nine hundred
of the French were killed in this fruitlefs expe-
dition, and their general began to defpair of ever
taking the illand. But we muft now return to
Britain.
In the mean while feveral changes took place in
the Englifh miniftry, by the death of Mr. Townf-
hend, chancellor of the exchequer, a gentleman of
great natural parts, univerfal erudition, and a per-
fect knowledge of the conftitution. In confequence
of this lord North was made chancellor of the ex-
chequer, Mr. Thomas Townfhend paymafter of the
forces, earl Gower prefidcnt of the council, lord
Weymouth, one of the fecretaries of ftate, and Mr.
Rigby was appointed one of the vice-treafurers of
Ireland.
On the twenty-fourth of November, the pirlia-
ment met, when his majefty went to the houfe, and
opened the feffion with a fpeech from the throne, in
which he obferved, that it would have given him
great fatisfaction could he have aflured them that
all the other powers of Europe had been as careful
as himfelf to avoid taking any ftep that might en-
danger the general tranquillity: that he had re-
ceived repeated affurances of their pacific difpofi-
tions towards this country ; which mould not, how-
ever, divert his conftant refolution, ftedfaftly to
attend to the general interefts of Europe. He then
took notice of the conduct of the Americans, and
obferved, that the capital of one of the colonies was
in an actual ftate of difobedience, having proceeded
to meafures fubverfive of the conftitution, and at-
tended with circumftances that manifefted a difpo-
fition to throw off their dependence on Great
Britain ; but that he did not doubt, with their aflift-
ance and concurrence, of being able to defeat the
mifchievous defigns of thofe turbulent and feditious
perfons, who, under falfe pretences, had too fuccefs-
fully deluded numbers of his fubjects in America;
and whofe practices, if fuffered to prevail, could not
fail to produce the moft fatal confequences to his
colonies immediately, and in the end to ali the do-
minions of his crown. And laftly, he recommended
a fpirit of harmony among themfelves, as a conduct
that would be attended with the moft falutary con-
fequences both abroad and at home. The only
material thing the parliament did previous to their
breaking up for the holidays was, to bring in a bill
to prevent the exportation of corn for a limited
time, which, after long debates in both houfeti,
paffed into an act, to the great fatisfaction of the
poor in general.
A T> A petition was prefented, figned by
>' Mr. Danforth, prefident of the council
at Bofton, praying that the revenue acts might be
repealed. The petition was penned in the moft
modeft manner, with a promife, that if thefe acls
were repealed, the people would make an ample
compenfatkm by taxing themfelves. Great debates
arofc in both houfcs concerning the petition, thofe
of the antiminifterial party making ufe of the fame
arguments which had been urged in the debate con-
cerning the ftamp-act. The lords agreed to ad-
drefs his majefty on the American affairs; and their
refolution being adhered to by the commons, be-
came the joint act of both. By thcfe refolutions it
was declared, that all the acts made in the different
colonies, which tended towards throwing off the
fovcreignty of the Britifli parliament, were illegal,
wnconftitutional, and derogatory to the crown and
dignity of his majefty. It was farther refolved, that
the to\vn of Bofton was in a ftate of the utmoft dif-
crdcr and confufion, difturbed by riots and tumults
of a dangerous nature, in which the officers of the
revenue had been obftructed in the difcharge of
their duty, and their lives endangered : that neither
the council of the province, nor the ordinary ma-
giftrates, had exerted their authority for fupprefiing
thefe riots and tumults ; and that the execution of
the laws would be rendered abortive, without the
afh'ftance of a military force to fupport the civil
power, and protect the oflicers of the cuftoms: that
the refolutions of the town meetings in Bofton were
unconftitutional, and calculated^ to excite fedition
and infurrection againft the government. It was
alfo agreed to by both houfes, that all thofe who
had written circular letters to the other colonies,
were guilty of a high indignity to the crown, and
that they had committed a daring infult on the
legiflative power of Great Britain. In the end, hi*
majefty was delired to iflue a fpccial commiffion, to
enquire into the caufes of thefe difbrders, according
to the ftatute goth of Henry VIII. The debates on
this occafion, with refpect to his majefty granting
writs of Habeas Corpus, to bring over the perfons
concerned in the riots, to be tried in England by
virtue of fpecial commifllons, was ftrongly and
learnedly oppofcd in both houfes.
The arguments made ufe of by thofe who oppofed
adminiftration, were very rational and confident with
the fpirit of our moft excellent conftitution; and the
miniftry were fo fenfible of the error they had com-
mitted, that they became weak and languid in their
anfwcrs. They' referred back to the repeal of the
ftamp-act, and imputed all the troubles which had
happened in America to the ill-judged lenity fliewa
on that occafion: that nothing but the vigorous ufe
of coercive authority could ever reduce them to obe-
dience, and convince them of the neceflity of their
dependence on the mother country : that unlcfe this
meafure was adopted, the moft flagrant acts of trea-
fon and rebellion, with all other public crimes,
might be committed with impunity : that fuch
crimes had been already committed, and being at-
tended with feveral circumftances of an aggravated
nature, the perpetrators were not objects of com-
paffion : that, with refpect to there being nocolonies
in America when the act of Henry VIII. was made,
it did not in the leaft apply to the argument in
hand, for the act was made for the trial of all his
majefty's fubjects who fhould happen to commit
crimes in any part of the world. For example;
fuppofing a fhip being at anchor near an ifland not
belonging to Britain, and two perfons going on
more, fight, and one of them is killed; then by the
above act, a fpecial commifiion is granted by the
king for the trial of the offender, in whatever coun-
try fie pleafes. They concluded by taking notice,
that the revival of the act was not to promote
punifhment, but to preferve peace; and that the
colonifts, feeing the vigorous meafures which the
government intended to purfue, might be brought
back to a fenfe of their duty. Such were the hopes
of adminiftration at that time ; but experience, as
will appear in the fequel, has convinced us, that
they were wrong in their conjectures, and in all
their meafures.
During thefe debates in parliament, Mr. Wilkes
publifhcd a letter, written by lord Barrington, fecre-
tary at war, to the juftices of the county of Surry,
to which he prefixed an introduction that gavegveafc
offence to the houfe of lords, who voted it, " an
infolent, fcandalous and feditious libel, tending to
inflame and ftir up the minds of his majefty's fubjecls
to fedition, and to a total fubverfion of all good order
and legal government." The lords then complained
to the commons, who con firmed the vote of thepeers,
expelled Mr. Wilkes their houfe, and ordered a new
writ to be iffued for the county of Middlefex: Mr.
Wilke-J was, however, unanimoufly re-chofen, and
again
GEORGE
III.
675
again expelled by the commons, who at the fame
time declared him incapable of being a member of
that houfe. On the thirteenth of April a new
election for the county of Middlefex came on at
Brentford. The candidates were, Mr. Wilkes, Mr.
Luttrell, Mr. Serjeant Whhaker, and Mr. Roach,
when Mr. Wilkes had a majority of eight hundred
and forty-feven votes ; notwithftanding which he
was rejected by the houfe of commons, and Mr.
Luttrell declared duly elected. No public meafure,
fince the acceflion of the prefent royal family, had
excited fo general an alarm, or caufed fo univerfal
a difcontent as the prefent, nor was ever oppofed
with more firmnefs, or debated with greater ability.
At the fame time a great number of maftcrly
writings were publifhed, fo that the affair was
thoroughly difcufled both within doors and with-
out.
On the ninth of May his majefty went to the
houfe of peers, and put an end to the feffion with a
fpeech from the throne: and, on the twenty-fourth
of May, the freeholders of Middlefex, who thought
themfelves particularly injured by the decifion of the
houfe of commons in favour of Mr. Luttrell, pre-
fented the following petition to his majefty:
" Moft gracious fovereign,
" We, your majefty's dutiful and loyal fubjecls,
the freeholders of the county of Middleiex, beg
leave, with all affectionate fubmiflion and humility,
to throw ourfelves at your royal feet, and humbly
to implore your paternal attention to thofegrievanccs
of which this county and the whole nation com-
plain, and thofe fearful apprehenfions with which
the whole Britifh empire is moft juftly alarmed.
" With great grief and forrow, we have long
beheld the endeavours of certain evil-minded perfons,
who attempt to infufe into your royal mind, notions
and opinions of the' moft dangerous and pernicious
tendency, and who promote and counfcl fuch mea-
fures, as cannot fail to deftroy that harmony and
confidence, which mould ever fubfift between a
juft and virtuous prince, and a free and loyal
people.
" For this difaffected purpofe, they have intro-
duced into every part of the adminiftration of our
happy, legal conftitution, a certain unlimited and
indefinite difcretionary power; to prevent which is
the fole aim of all our laws, and was the fole caufe
of all thofe difturbances and revolutions which for-
merly diffracted this unhappy country; for our an-
ceftors, by their own fatal experience well knew,
that in a ftate where difcretion begins, law, liberty,
and fafety end. Under the pretence of this difcre-
tion, or, as it was formerly, and has been lately
called, law of ftate, we have feen
*' Englifh fubjects, and even a member of the
Britifh legislature, arrefted by virtue of a general-
warrant, iffued by a fecretary of ftate, contrary to
the law of the land —
" Their houfes rifled and plundered, their papers
feizcd, and ufed as evidence upon trial —
" Their bodies committed to clofe imprifon-
ment-
" The Habeas Corpus eluded —
" Trial by jury difcountenanced, and the firft
law-officer of the crown publicly insinuating, that
juries are not to be trufted —
" Printers punifhed by the miniftry in the fu-
preme court without a trial by their equals, wkhout
any trial at all —
" The remedy of the law for falfe imprifonment,
barred and defeated —
" The plaintiff and his attorney, for their appeal
to the law of the land, punifhed by expences and
imprifonment, and made, by forced engagements,
to defift from their legal claim —
*' A writing determined to be a libel by a court
where it was not cognizable in the firft inftance ;
contrary to hw, becaufe all appeal is thereby cut
off, and inferior courts and juries influenced by fuch
pre-dcterminations —
" A perfon condemned in the faid court, as the
author of the fuppofed libel, unheard, without de-
fence or trial —
" Unjuft treatment of petitions, by felecling
only fuch parts as might be wreftcd to criminate the
petitioner, and refufing to hear thofe which might
procure him rcdrefs—
" The thanks of one branch of the legiflature
prnpofcd by a minifter to be given to an acknow-
ledged offender for his offence, with the declared in-
tention of fcrecning him from law —
" Attachments wrcfted from their original intent
of removing obftructions to the proceedings of law,
to punifh, by fentence of arbitrary fine and impri-
fonment, without trial or appeal, fuppofed offences
committed out of court —
" Perpetual imprifonment of an Englifhman,
without trial, conviction, or fenteoce, by the fame
mode of attachment, wherein the fame perfon is at
once party, accufer, judge, and jury —
" Inftead of the antient and legal civil police,
the military introduced at every opportunity, un-
neceffarily and unlawfully patroling the ttieets, to
the alarm and terror of the inhabitants —
'< The lives of many of your majefty''s innocent
fubjects dcftroyed by military execution —
" Such military execution folemnly adjudged to
be legal —
" Murder abetted, encouraged, and rewarded —
" The civil magiftracy rendered contemptible
by the appointment of improper and incapable
perfons—
" The civil magiftrates tampered with by admi-
niftration, and neglecting and refufing to difcharge
their duty- —
" Mobs and riots hired and raifecl by the mi-
niftry, in order to juftify and recommend their own
illegal proceedings, and to prejudice your majefty's
mind by falfe infinuations againft the loyalty of
your majefty's fubjecls —
" The freedom of election violated by corrupt
and undue influence, by unpunifhed violence and
murder —
" The juft verdicts of juries, and the opinion
of the judges, over-ruled by falfe reprefentations
to your majefty ; and the determinations of the law
fet alide, by new, unprecedented, and dangerous
means ; thereby leaving the guilty without reftraint,
the injured without redrefs, and the lives of your
majefty's fubjecls at the mercy of every ruffian pro-
tected by adminiftration —
" Obfolete and vexatious claims of the crown fet
on foot for partial and election purpofes
" Partial attacks on the liberty of the prefs ;
the moft daring and pernicious libels againft the
conftitution, and againft the liberty of the fubject,
being allowed to pals unnoticed, whilft the uVhteft
libel againft a minifter is punifhed with the utmoft
rigour —
" Wicked attempts to increafe and eftablifh a
ftanding army, by endeavouring to vcftin the crown
an unlimited power over the militia ; which, fhould
they fucceed, muft, fooner or later, fubvert the
conftitution, by augmenting the power of admini-
ftration in proportion to their delinquency —
" Repeated endeavours to diminifli the impor-
tance of members of parliament individually, in
order to render them more dependent on admini-
ftration collectively. Even threats have been em-
ployed by minifters to fupprefs the freedom of
debate; and the wrath of parliament denounced
againft meafures authorized by the law of the
land—
" Refolutions of one branch of the legiflature,
fet up as the law of the land, being-a dired ufur-
patioa
676
THE NEW ANP COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
pation of the rights of the two other branches, and
therefore a manifcft infringement of the conftitu-
" Public money fhamefully fquandered and un-
accounted for, and all enquiry into the caufe of
arrears in the civil lift, prevented by the miniftry —
" Enquiry into a pay-mailer's public accounts
flopped in the exchequer, though the fums un-
accounted for by that pay-mafter amounted to above
forty millions fterling —
" Public loans perverted to private minifterial
purpofes—
" Prostitution of public honours and rewards to
men, who can neither plead public virtue nor fer-
V1CCS-
" Irreligion and immorality, fo eminently dif-
countenanced by your majefty's royal example, en-
couraged by adminiftration both by example and
precept—
" The fame difcretion has been extended, by the
fame evil counfellors, to your majefty's dominions
in America, and has produced to our fuffering
fellow-fubjects in that part of the world, grievances
and apprehenfions fimilar to thofc of which we com-
plain at home.
" Moft gracious fovereign,
" Such are the grievances and apprehenfions
which have long difcontented and difturbed the
greateft and beft part of your majefty's loyal fub-
jefts. Unwilling, however, to interrupt your royal
repofe, though ready to lay down our lives and
fortunes-foryour majefty's fervice, and for the con-
flitution, as by laweftablifhed, we have waited pa-
tiently, expecting a conftitutional remedy by the
means of our own reprefentatives : but our legal
and free choice having been repeatedly rejected,
and the right of election now finally taken from us,
by the unprecedented feating of a candidate who
was never chofen by the county, and who, even to
become a candidate, was obliged fraudulently to
vacate his feat in parliament, under the pretence of
an infignificant place, invited thereto by the prior
declaration of a minifter, that whoever oppofecl our
choice, though but with four votes, mould be de-
clared member for the county. We fee ourfelves,
by this laft act, deprived even of the franchifes of
Engliftimen, reduced to the moft abject ftate of
flavery, and left without hopes or means of redrefs
but from your majefty or God.
" Deign then, moft gracious fovereign, to liften
to the prayer of the moft faithful of your majefty's
fubjects; and to banim from your royal favour,
truft, and confidence, for ever, thofe evil and per-
niciouscounfellors,who have endeavoured to alienate
the affection of your majefty's moft fincere and du-
tiful fubjects, and whofe fuggeftions tend to deprive
your peopla of their deareft and moft eflential rights,
and who have traiteroufly dared to depart from the
fpirit and letter of thofe laws which have fccured
the crown of thefe realms to the houfe of Brunfwic,
in which we make our moft earneft prayers to God,
that it may continue untarnifhed to the lateft pof-
terity."
The city of London, and moft of the counties
in England, followed the example of Middlefex,
and piefented petitions and remonftrances to the
throne; but the only anfwer they all received was,
that his majefty would abide by, and not do any
thing without the confent of his parliament.
,, The parliament met on the ninth of
A. I). 1770. januai-y. ancj, in his majefty's fpeech,
not the leaft notice was taken of the petitions and
temonftrafccesfrom the different counties relative to
the Middlefex election. The chief things princi-
pally pointed out were, the diftracted ftate ot Ame-
rica, and the diftemper which had broke out among
the horned cattle. The former was, in the ftrongeft
terms, recomnjiended to their ierious attention, as a
thing of the utmoft importance to the dignity of
government. The other was mentioned as a moft
dreadful calamity to the nation in general ; and it
was recommended to every one to exert themfelvcs
in endeavouring to put a ibop to the infection, DC-
forc it mould fpread any farther.
This fpeech was fevercly handled by the public in
general, who thought that nothing mould have
been fo much touched on as the petitions and re-
monftrances. Ridicule was circulated with trrezt
freedom ; efpecially as the exiftence of the diftemper
among the horned cattle was not believed to be of
fo univcrfal a nature as had been insinuated and
reprefented. Some very remarkable changes now
took place in the miniftry. The feals were taken
from lord Camden, and the honourable Charles
York was created chancellor in his room, but he
died within three clays afterwards •, and then the
chancery was put into commiffion, the feals being
delivered to baron Smythe, and thejutt ices Bathurft.
and Afton. The marquis of Granby refigiied all
his places, except the royal regiment of blues, and
was fucceeded as mailer of the'ordnance by general
Conway. The duke of Beaufort refigned the place
of mafter of the hone to the queen ; the earl of
Hflntingclon his place of groom of the ftole; and
the duke of Manchefter, with the earl of Coventry,
their places of lords of the bedchamber. Sir John
Cuft, fpeaker of the houfe of commons, refigned
at the fame time, owing to his infirm ftate of
health ; and Sir Fletcher Norton, a gentleman who
had made a very dirtinguifhed figure at the bar,
was chofen in his ftead. The duke of Grafton alfo
refigned the place of firft lord of the treafury, and
was fucceeded by lord North, chancellor of the
exchequer.
The .firft fubject of parliamentary enquiry, was
the validity of the Middlefex election ; but after
warm debates it was held, by a confiderable majo-
rity, that no court of law was to meddle with any
of their rules and orders. This meafurc aftcnifhed
the whole nation; and many perfons began to look
upon the houfe of commons as a ftanding council
for the crown. Nor was this important fubject agi-
tated with lefs heat in the houfe of lords. The earl
of Chatham, with lord Camden, and many other
peers, oppofed it with great ftrength of argument,
and produced proofs from many of our law books,
and parliamentary journals, that no fuch ftep had
ever been taken, not even in the moft defpotic
reigns. But notwithftanding the force of thefe
arguments, minifterial intereft prevailed j and the
proceedings of the houfe of commons, in the
affair of the Middlefex election, were all juft and
equitable.
A motion was then made to bring in a bill to
difqualify certain officers of therevenues from voting
for members of parliament: this motion was rx--
jected by a very great majority. The popular party
next deiired, that all the papers, containing a lift
of the expences of government, mould be laid be-
fore them. It was faid, in fupport of the motion,
that the civil-lift revenue, if mifapplied, inftead of
maintaining the dignity of the crown, ferved only
to befiege it with paraiites ; and in the place of pro-
moting arts and induftry, to fubvert the liberties of
the people.
To this and other arguments it was anfwercd
by thofe who flood up for the miniftry, that if an
application had been now made for an additional
fum to make good any deficiency in the civil-lift
eftablifhment, an enquiry into the caufes of it would
be natural and juftifiable ; and it would be but
reafonable that the miniftry, in fuch a circumftance,
fhould give the utmoft fatisfaction to the people;
nay, that it was even their duty to do fo, and fhew
the reafons why the provifion already made was not
fuflicient; but till fuch a requifition was made, it
would
GEORGE
III.
677
would be improper and very difrefpectful to the
crown, to fcrutinize into the manner in which the
money for the fupport of the royal family had been
expended. It was urged farther, that a certain fum
of money was allowed annually for the fupport of
the civil-lift; and while the expcncesdo not exceed
that fum, there can be no reaibn for making any
enquiry. They concluded by taking notice, that
as the civil-lift was the property of the crown, his
majefty had a right to difpofe of it in whatever
manner he pleafed. Atlaft, the motion being put,
it was rejected by a great majority. This being
thus difpofed of, the next thing was to take into
confidcration the ftate of the colonies in America.
A petition had been prefented by the merchants
trading to North America, fetting forth the great
hardfhips they laboured under in confequence of an
act, by which a duty had been laid on fome trifling
articles exported from Great Britain ; and this had
fo much enraged the people, that they refufed to
purchafe the goods, after they had been fent there
at a confiderable expence. This affair being of a
very ferious nature, the houfe took it into confide-
ration, and repealed every part of it, except what
related to fea, which was ftill continued. The de-
bates concerning this bill were managed with great
force of argument on both fides, for the popular
party fought a repeal of the whole; while the mi-
niftry infifted that the Americans, inftead of de-
ferving any fuch indulgence, ought to have had
more i'evcre laws binding upon them. After this,
another bill u as brought into the houfe of commons
by Mr. George Grenville, one of the leading men
in the oppofition, for regulating the proceedings on
controverted elections; a bill equally jufl and po-
pular, and in which all the fubjects of Great Britain
were more or lefs concerned. While the houfe of
commons were engaged on this fubject, the city of
London met in their common-hall, and agreed upon
another petition, addrefs, and remonftrance, for re-
ctrefs of grievances in the affair of the Middlefex
election. In this addrefs it was exprefsly declared,
that the houfe of commons had acted in the moft
vmconftitutional manner, and therefore they prayed
that they might be diffolvecl, that they might be
left at liberty to make a free choice. In anfwcr to
this his majefty told them, that he had never
done any thing but by the advice and confent of
his parliament, and therefore he could not comply
•with their requeft.
Violent difputcs arofe in parliament on this affair,
and many opprobrious expreffions were made ufe of
on both fides. It was laid, that the citizens of
London were the fupport of the government on
every occafion; that it had been the cuftom, time
immemorial, toconfult them on the moft important
matters; to which the miniftry anfwered, that no
affront had been offered to the citizens of London,
nor any thing denied them, except fuch as was, in
its own nature, improper to be granted. Towards
the clofe of this feffion of parliament, feveral pro-
pofals were made in the houfe of lords relative to
the ftate of affairs in America, which were chiefly
fupported by the duke of Richmond. Miniftry
'were now perplexed to the utmoft ; they faw no
other method left, but that of adjourning the de-
bate till a future day, well knowing that the parlia-
ment would be prorogued. On the nineteenth of
May his majedy went to the houfe of peers, and
doled the feffion with a fpeech from the throne, in
which he applauded both houfcs for the zeal they
had fhewn in fupporting the jntercft and honour of
the nation. He allured them that he mould, on all
Occafions, feek the happinefs of his people; and
that it mould be the fole object of his care, to watch
over their interefts. He concluded, by recom-
mending to them the prcfervation of public peace,
and the difcoun tenanting of tumultuous meetings
No. 66,
of the people, which, if encouraged, muft end in
general confufion.
After the rifing of the parliament, advices were
received from America of a violent tumult that had
happened at Bofton, occalioned by a quarrel- be-
tween the foldiers, and the journeymen and ap-
prentices belonging to the rope-makers, in which
the former unfortunately fired among the latter,
whereby fome were killed, and others wounded.
Different accounts of this traidaction were fent to
Knglancl; but one from captain Prefton, .who hap-
pened that day to be captain of the guard, fcems
to be the molt authentic. He obferved,-that it was
matter of too great notoriety to need proofs, that
the arrival of his majefty's troops in Bofton \vas ex-
tremely obnoxious to its inhabitants. That the
people ever ufed all means in their power to weaken
the regiments, and to bring them into contempt;
by promoting defertions, and by grofly and falfly
propagating untruths concerning them. That on
the arrival of the fixty-fourth and fixty-fifth regi-
ments, their ardour feemingly began to abate ; but
that the fame fpirit revived immediately on its being
known that thofe regiments were ordered for Hali-
fax. That after their .embarkation, one of their
juftices, from the feat of jullice, declared, " That
the foldiers muft now take care of thcrnfelves, nor
truft too much to their arms, for they were but an
handful." That this alarming declaration was fuc-
ceeded by feveral difputes, between the towns-
people and foldiers of both regiments; and that on
the fecond of March two foldiers of the twenty-
ninth going through a rope-walk, belonging to Mr.
Gray, the rope-maker infultingly afked them, if
they would empty a vault. That this had, unfortu-
nately, the defired effect-, by provoking the foldiers;
blows enfued, and both parties fuffered greatly in
the fray. That the hatred of the inhabitants towards
the troops had now arrived to fuch an height, that
the fifth and fixth of March were privately agreed
on for a general engagement ; in confequence of
which, feveral of the militia came from the country
armed, to join their friends, threatening to deftroy
•any who mould oppofe them. That on the fifth;
about eight o'clock at night,' two foldiers were at-
tacked and beat. That about nine, fome of the
guard informed him (captain Prefton) that the in-
habitants were affembling to attack th'e troops :, that
the bells were ringing as a fignal, and not for fire;
and that they intended to fire the beacon, in order to
bring in the diftant people of the country. That
aipon this intelligence, being captain of the clay, he
immediately repaired to the main guard, and in his
"way faw the people in great commotion. That foon
after, about an hundred paffed him, and went
towards the cuftom houfe, where the king's money
was lodged, furrounded the centinel polled there,
and with clubs and other weapons threatened td
execute their vengeance on him. That he (captain
Prefton) fearing their plundering the king's cheft,
fent a non-commiflloned officer and twelve men to
protect both the centinel and the king's money, and
followed himfclf to prevent diforder. That the fol-
tlicrs rufhed through the people, and by charging
their bayonets in a half circle, kept them at a diftance.
That the mob then increafed greatly, and were very
outrageous, ftriking bludgeons againft each other;
and calling out, " Come out you rafcais, you
bloody backs, you lobfter fcoundrels ; fire if yoil
dare ; fire and be damned ; we know you dare
not-," with much more fuch opprobrious language.
1 hat they then advanced to the points of the
bayonets, ftruck fome of them, and even the muz-
zles of the pieces, and feemed to be endeavouring
to clofe with the foldiers. That fome well behaved
perfons then afkcd him (captain Prefton) if he in-
tended to fire? That he anfwered, no; but while
he was fpcaking, a foldier having received a feyere
8 I blow
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
blow with a flick, inftantly fired; That he imme-
diately reprimanded him ; and while he was thus
engaged, received a moil violent blow on his own
arm. That a general attack was then made on the
men by heavy clubs and fnow balls ; and fome per-
fons from behind cried out, " Damn your bloods,
why don't you fire?" That inflantly three or four
of the foldiers fired, one after another, and direftly
after, three more in the fame confufion and hurry.
That the mob then ran away, except three unhappy
men, who inftantly expired, in which number was
Mr. Gray, at whofe rope-walk the prior quarrel
took place. That one more was fince dead; three
were dangeroufly, and four nightly wounded. That
on his (captain Preflon's) afking the foldiers why
they fired without orders ? they faid, they heard
the word " Fire," and fuppofed it came from
him.
Captain Prefton concludes his account in the
following words : " On the examination before
the juftices, they have fworn that I ufed the word
Fire; and fo bitter and inveterate are the mal-
contents againft the officers and troops, that I am,
though perfectly innocent, under moft unhappy cir- I
cumftances, having nothing in reafon to expecl: but
the lofs of life in a very ignominious manner, with-
out the interpofition of his majefty's goodnefs."
This gentleman was, fome time after, tried at
Bofton, and honourably acquitted.
An affair of a very fingular and fufpicious nature,
now engaged the attention of the public. About
four o'clock in the morning of the twenty-feventh
of July, a moft dreadful fire was difcovered to have
broke out in the great dock-yard at Portfmouth.
Jt burnt with the moft rapid fury; and communi-
cating itfelf with the hemp-houfe and other offices,
confurned every thing before it. Whether this was
an accident, or the work of fome vile wretch or in-
cendiary, has not yet been difcovered, and perhaps
never will. Some impoftors, indeed, pretended to
have been concerned in it, particularly one Dudley,
•who fince that time has been tranfported for per-
jury ; and the other, whofe name was Britain, has
been fince executed for forgery. The moft remark-
able circumftance attending this fatal affair was,
the fire was difcovered in five different places at
once, which gave ftrong fufpicions that more than
one perfon muft have been concerned ; for acci-
dental fires generally breakout in one place only.
In the courfe of this year the wretched inhabi-
tants of Corfica felt all the feverity of a French
defpotic government. Many of them ftill rcfufed
to fubmit ; and fuch of them as were taken were
inftantly put to death. Some of them were tranf-
ported to France, but this was litde more than
ihifting the fcene ; for as in Corfica they beheld the
ruin of their country, fo in France they faw a whole
nation of people ruined. But here their fufferings
did not end ; for fuch as were brought to France,
after a journey of fix hundred miles on foot from
Marfeilles to Breft, were put on board feveral veffels,
and fenc as flaves to the Weft-Indies.
This year a war was likely to have broke out be-
tween Great Britain and Spain. The governor of
Buenos Ayres had obliged the fmall force ftationed
at Falkland's iflands, to leave them, and return to
England. All the conditions the Spanifti commo-
dore would grant, were, that the Englifh mould im-
mediately, or as foon as poffible, not exceeding
forty days, remove from the fettlement; and what
{lores they left behind them, mould be produced as
foon as orders for that purpofe arrived from Spain.
This was one of the greateft infults, perhaps, that
had ever been offered to the Britifh flag; but the
Englifh, who had not ftrength fufficient to defend
themfelves, were obliged to comply, and in Sep-
tember arrived at Portfmouth. Such a flagrant ad
of hoftility, which it was imagined would have
4
caufed an immediate rupture with Spain, fwelled the
tide of domeftic inquietudes, which now ran high
againft the miniftry, with whofe conduft the people
in general were d'iffatisfied. Prefs-warrants had
been iflued for raifmg icamen •, but the legality of
them was in feveral places called in queftion. In
the city of London, Mr. Crofby, the lord-mayor,
refufed to back the prefs-warrants; Mr. Aldermaa
Wilkes difcharged a man who had been impreffedj
and although the opinion of council was taken OH
this important fubjedl, yet, among the more fenfible
and judicious, the practice itfelf was looked tipou
as inconfiftent with the nature of the Britifh confti-
tution. Such as were averfe to a war, or dreaded
the confequences of it, looked back with refentment
to the laft peace, and to thofe who had advifed the
making of it. AH the arguments made ufe of in
defence of it were treated with the utmoft contempt;
and the whole was confidered as a meafure which,
in its confequences, muft for ever dimonour the
Britifh nation. Indeed, many fober perfons, whofe
minds were free from paflion or prejudice, and who,
judging of the difputes between the rival nations
only by the fame equitable and difinterefted prin-
ciples which fhould at all times take place between
private perfons, had not, at that time, in general,
difapprovecl of the conditions of peace, could not
now refrain from the utmoft indignation, at behold-
ing the flagrant infult we had received from an
enemy we had fo lately in our power to chaftize,
and from thinking that thofe who faid, that the
fruits of one of the moft glorious and fuccefsful
wars mentioned in hiftory, had been bartered away
for an inglorious and infecure peace, had but too
much reafon on their fide ; and therefore there was
no wonder that the people fhould find fault with the
meafures of-adminiflration. In this ftate of anxiety,
doubt, and expectation, all people longed, in the
moft eager manner, for the meeting of parliament.
No change had taken place in adminiftration during
the recefs; and as lord North had fuccefsfully wea-
thered all the ftorms of the winter, fupported by a
prodigious majority in both houfes, he feemed now
to be as fecurely fixed in his feat at the head of the
treafury, as the precarious circumftances of the
times would admit of. The ftate of the different
parties in opposition had not hitherto fuffered any
material change. The death of Mr. Grcnville,
which happened in the beginning of November,
having left that party to which he belonged without
a leader, fome of the moft fanguine in oppofition,
went over to the court. The party that adhered to
the marquis of Rockingham, and who were called
the Whig paaty, ftill adhered to their former prin-
ciples ; and fuch as were attached to the earl of
Chatham, earl Temple, and the earl of Shelburne,
confifting of a mixture of whigs and tories, gene-
rally coincided with the Rockingham party.
On the thirteenth of November the parliament
met, and the fefllon was opened by his majefty with
a fpeech from the throne, in which he told them,
that the Spanifli governor of Buenos Ayres had acted
in fuch a manner, as was inconfiftent with the ho-
nour of Great Britain, and demanded the utmoft
fatisfaction ; that, under thefe circumftances, an
immediate demand had been made for proper fatis-
faftion, in confequence of the injury received ; that
the neceffary preparations had been made, without
lofs of time, in order to be enabled to obtain
juftice, in cafe the requisition to the court of Spain
fhould fail in procuring it. An affurance was given
that thefe preparations fhould not be dilcontinued,
until proper reparation had been made ; and that
fuflicient proofs fhould be given, that all other
powers on the continent difapprovecl of fuch pro-
ceedings. He faid, he had called them together fo
early, that they might be ready to affift him with
the beft of their advice, and provide for the honour
and
E O R
E
III.
679
and fecurity of the nation. With refpect to the
colonies in America, it was obferved, that many of
the factious people had defifted from thofe combi-
nations into which they had inadvertently entered,
and which had been attended with many fatal confe-
qucncesto their peaceable fellow fubjeas; that the
people of Bofton, and in general the inhabitants of
the province of Maffachufett's Bay, could not yet
be brought into a proper ftate of obedience, but
continued in carrying on the fame violent and un-
warrantable practices as before. He added, that the
eftimates for the prefent year would naturally exceed
the former ; and that it would be neither confulting
the inclinations nor the interefts of his people, if
they mould decline any expence that flioukl feem
neceffary towards promoting the national honour:
that as to foreign meafures, no doubt was held that
there could be any other conteft, than who mould
appear moft forward in fuppoit of the common
caufe, in upholding the reputation, and promoting
the profperity of the kingdom. He concluded by
telling them, that the crown had no intereft fepa-
rate from that of the people ; that they were all
members of the fame body ; and, confident with
the order of nature and the laws of fociety, they
muft ftand or fall together.
In the addrefles that were prefented by both
houfes, the moft unreferved affurances were given,
that every degree of requifite fupport fhould be
chearfully granted. The moft unreferved confi-
dence was placed in his majefty; and the commons
concluded by a declaration, that if any hopes had
been conceived, or it mould have been any where
furmifed that there were any fuch differences fubfift-
ing among the people, as could, in the leaft degree,
abate the ardour of their affectionate attachment to
his majefty, or prevent their joining, as one man,
in maintaining unfullied the luftre of the crown,
and preferving undiminimed the rights of the peo-
ple, they would, by their proceedings, convince
the world how falfe and fcandalous all fuch furmifes
were ; and make it manifeft that, whenever they
•were called upon in the caufe of their king and
country, there would be but one heart and one voice
among them. However, notwithftanding thefe ad-
drefles were carried by a great majority, there arofe
confidenvble debates upon them ; and it was aflerted,
in pofitive terms, that the conduct of our miniftry
had neither been honeft in the defign, nor able in
the execution; they had loft the confidence of the
people, and yet imagined they wouid fupport them •,
that they had threatened the colonies with unrelent-
ing feverity, in purfuit of an unconftitutional mea-
fure, and yet fuppofed that we fhall fuffer nothing
from an alienation of their affection ; that Ireland
was ruled with a rod of iron, and yet they conftantly
declared that they were not making ftrides towards
arbitrary power. Laftly, that with refpect to the
defigns of our enemies, they had been totally blind
and improvident, and yet that we were in no danger.
After the addrefs had been prefented, the duke
of Richmond in the houfe of lords, and Mr.Dowdef-
well in that of the commons, both made mo-
tions, that all the papers which had been fent to the
-miniftry fliould be produced, but this the miniftry
would by no means comply with; and the queftion
being put, the motion was rejected by a grea1-. ma-
jority. Many people blamed the miniftry for their
conduct in this affair; for they thought, that as
parliament alone could grant the neceflary fupplies,
fo they ought to have had the perufal ©f all the
papers relating to the controverfy ; and it is an
eftablifhed principle, that the man who acts from
motives of integrity, need never be either afraid or
afhamcd to have his conduct enquired into.
Soon after the rifing of parliament, another ad-
drefs, remonftrance, and petition, was prefented by
the city of London; in which, after profeffions of
the greateft loyalty and affection, they deplored the
fevere cenfure caftupon them by the anfwer to their
former remonftrance ; execrated the malignant and
pernicious advice which had fuggefted it ; renewed
their application in the ftrongeft terms, for the dif-
folution of the prefent, and the calling a new par-*
liament ; expatiated on the fecret machinations,
and infidious attempts of evil counfellors ; and uv
lifted ftrongly on the indifpenfible right of the fub-
ject being reprefented by a full, free parliament.
His majefty faid, that he could give them no other
anfwer than he had done before. On which Mr.
Beckford, the father of the city, who at that time
was lord-mayor, with an honeft boldnefs and free-
dom peculiar to himfelf, made an immediate and
fpiritcd reply, which he concluded in the following
words: " That whoever had dared already, or
mould hereafter endeavour, by falfe infinuations and
fuggeftions, to alienate his majefty's affections from
his loyal fubjects in general, and the city of London
in particular, and to withdraw his confidence and
regard from his people, was an enemy to his ma-
jefty's perfon and family, and a betrayer -of our
happy conftitution, as it was eftabliihed at the glo-
rious and neceffary revolution." This fpeech was
highly applauded by the citizens; nor did the death
of Mr. Beckford prevent another addrefs, whiqh was
the third prefented by the city this year.
The following declaration, on the . -p.
twenty-fecond of January, was deli-
vered by prince Maflerano, ambaflador extraordi-
nary from his catholic majefiy to our court.
" His Britannic majefty having complained of
the violence which was committed on the tenth of
June 1770, at the aland commonly called the Great
Malouine, and by the Englifh Falkland's Ifland, in
obliging, by force, the commander and fubjects o*
his Britannic majefty to evacuate the port by them
called Egmont, a ftep offenfive to the honour of
his crown ; the princede Maflerano, ambaflador ex-
traordinary of his catholic majefty, has received
orders to declare, and declares, that his catholic
majefty, confidering the defire with which he is ani-
mated for peace, and for the maintenance of good
harmony with his Britannic majefty ; and reflecting
that this event might interrupt it ; has feen with
difpleafure this expedition tending to difturb it,
and in the perfuafion in which he is, of the recipro-
city of fentiments of his Britannic majefty, and of
its being far from his intention to authorize any
thing that might difturb the good underftanding be-
tween the two courts, his catholic majefty does dif-
avow the faid violent enterprize ; and in confe-
quence, the prince de Mafferano declares, that his
catholic majefty engages to give immediate orders,
that all things mail be reftored in the Great Ma-
louine, at the port called Egmont, precifcly in the
ftate in which they were before the tenth of June,
1770. For which purpofe his catholic majefty will
give orders to one of his officers, to deliver up to
the officer authorized by his Britannic majefty, the
port and fort called Egmont, with all the artillery,
ttores, and effects of his Britannic majefty and his
fubjects, which were at that place the day above-
mentioned, agreeable to the inventory which has
been made of them.
" The prince de Mafferano declares, at the fame
time, in the name of the king his mafter, that the
engagement of his faid catholic majefty, to reflore
to his Britannic majefty the pofleflion of the port
and fort called Egmont, cannot, nor ought, in any
wife, to affect the queftion of the prior right of fo-
vereignty of the Malouine iflands, otherwife called
Falkland's iflands."
" In witnefs whereof, Sec."
(L. S.) Signed le prince de Mafferano.
The earl of Rochfort fignilied the acceptance of
this declaration in the following terms:
" His
68o
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
" His catholic majefty having authorized the
prince de Mafferano, his ambafTador extraordinary,
to offer in his majefty's name to the king of Great
Britain, a fatisfaclion for the injury done to his
Britannic majefty, by difpo fie fling him of the port
and fort of Port Egmont-, and the faid ambaffador
having this day figned a declaration, which he has
juft delivered to me, expreffing therein that his ca-
tholic majefty, being defirous to reftore the good
harmony and friendfhip which before fubfifted be-
tween the two crowns, does difavow the expedition
again ft Port Egmont, in which force lias been ufed
againft his Britannic majefty's poffeffions, com-
mander, and fubjects; and does alfo engage, that
all things mall be immediately reftored to the precife
fituation in which they flood before the tenth of
June, 1770. And that his catholic majefty fhall
give orders, in confcquence, to one of his officers,
to deliver up to the oflicer authorized by his Bri-
tannic majefty, the port and fort of Port Egmont,
as alfo all his Britannic majefty's artillery, ftores,
and effects, as well as thofe of his fubjecls, ac-
'cording to the inventory which lias been made of
them. And the faid ambaffador having moreover
'engaged, in his catholic majefty's name, that what
is contained in the faid declaration mail be carried
4nto effecl by his faid catholic majefty ; and that du-
plicates of his catholic majefty's orders to his of-
ficers, fliall be delivered into the hands of one of
his Britannic majefty's principal fecretaries of ftate,
within fix weeks. His faid Britannic majefty, in
order to fliew the fame friendly difpofitions on his
part, has authorized me to declare, that he will
look upon the declaration of prince de Mafferano,
together with the full performance of the faid en-
gagement on the part of his catholic majefty, as a
fatisfaction for the injury done to the crown of
Great Britain. In witnefs whereof, &c."
(L. S.) Signed Rochfort.
Copies of this tranfadlion were immediately laid
before both houfes of parliament, and it was then
moved in the commons, that all the papers relating
to the convention mould be laid before the houfe,
which was complied with, except in one inftance,
that of keeping .back fuch papers as contained the
Spanifli claims to Falkland's iflands. This oc-
cafioned a warm debate; but the miniftry fcreened
themfelves under pretence that all the offices had
been fearchecl, but no more papers could be found.
It was then propofed to prefent an addrefs of thanks
to his majefty for ordering the papers to be laid be-
fore them ; but this was objected to by the minority,
who denied that all the papers had been laid before
them. Warm debates enfued in both houfes ; but
the minifterial party prevailed, and the addrefs was
prefented without any amendment whatever.
The fpeeches faid to have been made in the houfe
of commons, had for a confiderable time been pub-
limed by fome bookfellers, who being cited before
the houfe, refufed to appear; upon which a procla-
mation was publifhed, with a reward for apprehend-
ing them. This produced the intended effecl:.
j. Wheble, one of thefo perfons, was apprehended
arid taken before John Wilkes, Efq. the fitting al-
derman at Guildhall ; but he finding that the perfon
who had apprehended Mr. Wheble had no accufa-
tion againft him, and only apprehended him on the
authority of the proclamation; and at the fame time
Mr. Wheble declaring that the apprehended had
forcibly detained him, and brought him there, the
alderman immediately clifcharged him, and bound
him over to profecutc his accufer. Mr. Miller,
printer of a public paper, was likewife taken into
cuftody by a mefftnger from the houfe of commons;
\vlip, on his refuling to go with him, took him by
the arm ; upon which a conftable was fent for, and
Mr. Miller gave him charge of the meffengcr for
aflaulting him in his own houfe; whereupon he was
1
carried to the manfion-houfe, and a hearing came
on before the lord-mayor, and alderman Wilkes and
Oliver. In the mean time the feijcant at arms being
informed of this tranfaction, came to demand the
bodies of the meffenger and of Mr. Miller ; upon
which the lord-mayor afked the meffenger, if he
had applied to a rmgiftrate to back the warrant, or
to any peace oflicer of the city to afllft him j and oft
his replying in the negative, his lordfhip declared,
that no power had a right to feize a citizen of Lon-
don, without an order from him or fome other ma-
giftratc; and that he was of opinion, the feizing of
Miller and the warrant were both illegal ; he there-
fore declared Miller to be at liberty, and proceeded
to examine witneffes to prove the affault of the
meffenger, which being done, his lordfhip afked
the latter if he would give bail. This he at firft re-
fufed to do; but his commitment being actually
made out, he thought proper to comply, when hini-
felf was bound in forty pounds, and two fureties in
twenty pounds, for his appearance at the next fcffions
at Guildhall.
The houfe of commons was moved with indig-
nation at thefe proceedings, and moft of the gcntfe-
mcn in the minority joined in aflerting the privi-
leges of 'the houfe; but pbferved, that thefe were
not proper times to engage the honour of that houfe
in a difpute with the city of London. The lord-
mayor was ordered to attend the houfe the next day,
when that magiftratejuftified his conduct by his oath,
of office, which obliged him to preferve the fran-
chifes of the citizens from any procefs of law being
ferved, but by their own officers. It was then
moved and carried, that the lord-mayor's clerk
fhould. attend with the book of minutes ; and he
being brought to the houfe, was obliged to erafe
the cognifance out of the book ; and a refolution
was paffed, that there fliould be no farther proceed-
ings at law. The lord-mayor, who had been fum-
moned to attend, at length appeared in his place;
when he produced the charter, and copies of the
oath adminiftered to the city magiftrates; and al-
ledged, that he could not have acted otherwife than,
he did, without having violated his oath and his
duty; that he had acted in defence of the laws of
his country, which were manifeftly invaded, and
that he fhould always glory in having done it. To
this it was anfwered, that the privileges and practice
of parliament had at all times been invariably the
fame; that the only queftion now was an exemption
claimed by the city of London, through a charter
derived from the crown; that the crown could con-
vey no powers through that charter which were not -
inherent in itfelf, and that it had no power over the
privileges of that houfe. That their privileges were
a check upon the other branches of the legiflature;
that confequently their caufe was the caufe of li-
berty, and of the people at large ; and if the power
of the commons were weakened, the fecurity of li-
berty were equally fo. It was therefore moved, that
the difcharging of Miller from the cuftody of the
meffenger was a breach of privilege, as was alfo the
apprehending of the meffenger of the houfe for exe*
cuting their warrant, under pretence of an affault;
and it was likewife a breach of privilege to hold
their meffenger to bail for doing his duty. They
then proceeded againft Mr. Oliver, who was alfo a
member, and who, as well as Mr. Brafs Crofby, the
lord-mayor, had been refufed counfel; and Mr.
Oliver anfwcring, that he avowed and gloried ia
the fa<5t laid to his charge, it was moved, that he
mould be fent to the Tower. Great heats arofe
upon this queftion, and the fevereft cenfures were
thrown out; while above thirty gentlemen quitted
the houfe in a body.^ Several attempts were made
to bring Mr. Oliver to fubmifuon, but he continued
inflexible ; and the queftion for his being fent to the
Tower was carried. Two days after Mr. Olivei's
com-
GEORGE
III.
68 r
commitment, the lord mayor attended at the houfe
to receive his fentence; the crowd was prodigious,
and great irregularities were committed ; while the
iheriff, attended by the Wetlminfter juftices, and
an army of conftables, were infuflicient to preferve
order. It was moved, that in confideration of the
lord mayor's ill ftate of health, he fhould be taken
into the cuftocly of the feijeant at arms; but he re-
fufed all favour, and was therefore ordered to the
Tower. The populace took his horfes from the
coach and drew it to Temple-bar ; when having
conceived fome fufpicion of the deputy-ferjeant at
arms, who attended him, they fliut the gate; but at
the earneft defire of the lord mayor, they were re-
ftrained from intended violence, and proceeded to
the manfion-houfe, from whence his lordlhip after-
wards was conveyed to the Tower; where he con-
tinued with Mr. C)liver, till the prorogation of par-
liament, which happened on the eighth of May,
when his majefty put an end to the fefiion, in the
ufual manner, with a moft gracious fpeech from the
throne. On the twenty-third of July, the aldermen
in their fcarlet gowns, with the common council,
proceeded to the Tower, to conduct the lord mayor
and alderman Oliver to the manfion houfe in the
ilate coach. There were fifty-three carriages in the
train; and the artillery company, in their uniforms,
graced the proceffion. The lord mayor and Mr.
Oliver no fboner appeared at the Tower-gate, than
they were faluted by twenty-one pieces of cannon
belonging to the artillery company, and were re-
ceived by the people with the loudeft acclamations
of joy, which were continued all the way to the
manfion-houfe. At night the city was grandly illu-
minated, and the licentious populace broke the
•windows of fuch houfes as had not lights. Soon
after Mr. Wilkes and Mr. Bull were chofen fheriffs
for the city of London and county of Middlefex.
Moft part of the citizens of London were ex-
afperated in the higheft degree againft parliament,
on account of their late proceedings; and nothing
was left undone to- fliew their refentment, A com-
mittee was even appointed to carry on a profecu-
tion againft the fpeaker of the houfe of commons,
for the commitment of their magiftrates; and the
moft eminent counfel were confulted upon that oc-
cafion : but it was found that no action could be
brought upon that fubject. Recourfe was there-
fore again had to the hopelefs refort of another ad-
drefs, remonftrance, and petition to the throne; in
which, after the other complaints, the imprifonment
of the magiftrates, and the erafing a judicial record,
in order to flop the courfe of jultice were not for-
gotten. His majefty, in his anfwer, declared his
readinefs to redrefs any real grievances, and that the
city of London would always find him difpofed to
lilten to any of their well founded complaints-, but
exprefled his concern to fee a part of his fubjects
ftill fo far milled and deluded, as to renew in fuch
reprehenfible terms, a requeft with which he had
repeatedly declared he could not comply.
Having thus, in a full manner, given a detail of
domeftic tranfactions, we fliall take a tranfient view
of affairs on the continent, not herein copying the
example of fome of our predeeefibrs, who, in order
to fpin out the thread of hiftorical narration, and to
fwell thefize of their work, from pecuniary motives,
have been very liberal in a dry amplification of
matters which are not immediately connected with
the hiftory of England. War between the Turks
and Ruffians was carried on with great vigour, and
attended with cruel devastations. The Ruflians
were in general victors; but their conquefts were
not obtained without great lofs of men, as well
by ficknefs, as the fword. The kingdom of Poland
•was deluged with blood from one extremity to the
other: the confederates became more and more in-
veterate againft each other, and yet the fertility of
No. 67.
the foil furnifhed the means of fubfiftence. Indeed,
it may be juftly faid, that the Ruffian ambaffador
was the fovereign of Poland : all orders were iffued
from him, though they were fanctified by the name
of the king.
In France a remarkable revolution, in its inter-
nal government, took place. That faithful body
of men the parliament of Paris, had long defended
the liberties of their fellow fubjects. The king
having fent for the members to the palace, ordered
them to regifter fome edicts : this they abfolutely
refufed, and returning to the parliament houfe, en-
tered into a bond to ftand by each other in doing
juftice, although the confequence fhould be death.
A body of dragoons furrounded the parliament
houfe, and forced the clerks to regifter the edicts;
upon which the parliament proteftecl, and deputed
their prefident to wait on the king. The anfwer
they received was, that next day they fhould be all
fent into banifhment. This took place, and thofe
venerable guardians of the laws were fent to different
villages, at a great diftance from their friends and
families. Several of the other parliaments in the
provinces refigned their offices in honour of that of
Paris.
In the courfe of the following year, a revolution
was effected in Sweden without bloodfhed, tumult,
or the leaft oppofition. The new form of govern-
ment, eflablifhed by the king, confifted of fifty-
feven articles, but they may be all comprized in the
following : That the king fhall, for the future,
chufe the fenate, or, in other words, he fhould ap-
point to that office fuch as he approved of: that he
fhall affemble the ftates when he pleafes, and like^-
wife when he pleafes, diffolve their meeting, fo as
they have fat at one time full three months : that the
taxes fhall be granted by the ftates ; but if not
granted within three months after their meeting,
then the old ones fhall be levied. In cafe of any
fudden exigence, fuch as the fear of invafion, the
king fhall impofe taxes till fuch time as the ftates
can be called together: that when the ftates are
affembled, they are not to deliberate on any thing
but what the king fhall caufe to be laid before
them : that the king fhall have full power to dUpofe
of the army and navy in whatever manner he
pleafes, and likewife to give away all places, either
in the civil or military departments. When thefe
articles were read, the king flood up, and afked th»
ftates, Whether they would give their oath to ob-
ferve the form of government ? As they knew it was
in vain to difpute, they all confented with one voice;
after which they were immediately fworn in the
king's prefence, and the fpeakers of each order
figned a bond in the name of the reft. The great
work being thufr finally accomplifhed, the king flood
up, and told them, that it was neceffary they fhould
return thanks to God for bringing about fo happy
an event, without the effufion of human blood ; and
then taking a book out pf his pocket, the whole
affembly joined with him in finging Te Deum, ac-
cording to the cuftom of the Lutherans. They
were then permitted to kifs his hand ; after which
the king departed, and the ftates feparated, without
knowing whether they were ever to meet again.
About the fame time that the above remarkable
revolution took place in Sweden, another of a very
fingular nature happened in Denmark; where the
two counts, Struenfee and Brandt were accufed ; the
firft of having embezzled from the king's coffers a
large fum, amounting to one hundred and twenty-
five thoufand pounds fterling; of having iffued many
orders from the cabinet without the king's know-
ledge; of having been guilty of criminal converfa*
tion with the queen ; of having fecreted from the
king feveral letters fent to his majefty, &c. Count
Brandt was accufed of having been privy to Stru-
em'ee's criminal converfation, and all his other
8 K
CflEOSij,
682 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
crimes, without divulging them. In confequence
of thefe accusations, a tiibunal was appointed for
the trial of the queen, and the two counts, at which
the latter were lentenced to lofe their heads, and the
queen to banifhinent. The two counts, were exe-
cuted on the twenty-eighth of April; and the
queen, after having her two 'children taken from
her, was permitted, by the interceffion of her royal
brother the king of Great Britain, to retire toZell,
in his majcfty's German electorate dominions, where
{he languifhed for fome time, and then died with
grief.
Having thus noticed the moft material foreign
tranfactions, let us now return to affairs at home,
where, during the recefs of parliament, an event
took place, which furprizcd the whole nation, and
made way for an act, the next feflions, of a moft ex-
traordinary nature. The event alluded to was no
other than the marriage of his royal highnefs the
duke of Cumberland with Mrs. Horton, a widow
lady, and daughter to lord Irnham, of the kingdom
of Ireland. This ftep of the duke's gave great
offence at court, efpccially as it had been openly ac-
knowledged by the parties, and not concealed in
the fame manner as the marriage of the duke of
Gloucester with the countefs dowager of Walde-
grave.
n On the twenty-firft of January the
A. U. I772-pariiament metj ancj the feffion was
opened by his majefty with, a fpeech from the
throne ; in which he expreffed much fatisfaction,
that neither the foreign nor domeftic ftate of affairs
required their more early attendance: that, now
they were affembled, they would, no doubt, attend
to the intereftsof the nation, and regulate its inter-
nal policy, as well as its foreign commerce. They
were likewife informed that the king of Spain had
given up Fort Egmont, and that we were on the
beft terms with that court. He concluded, with
recommending to them, to keep the navy on the
moft refpectable footing, to be ready in cafe of any
necefllty for the future. To this fpeech addreffes
were prefented in the ufual form ; after which the
public bufinefs was opened, by making proper en-
quiries into the ftate of the navy ; and the miniftry
propofed, that twenty-five thoufand men mould be
voted for the fervice of the current yean
Two of our greateft naval commanders ftrongly
qppofed the motion, and condemned the then pre-
fent arrangement of the fleet. They obferved that
the force already in the Eaft Indies was either too
great, or too little: '-that if the appearances of a
permanent peace, as held out in the fpeech, were to
be relied on, it was too great, and, in cafe of war, it
was infufiicient: that the fame objections lay to the
arrangement at Jamaica, where the fquadron con-
lifted only of about four fhips, and was altogether
unable to protect it, fuppofing any danger of an
attack. Many fevere farcafms were levelled at the
miniftry for the futility of their conduct, becaufe
they accompanied a fpeech which breathed nothing
but fentiments of peace, with all the actual prepa-
ration for war. At laft, the queftion having been
put, the motion was carried as ufual, and the mi-
niftry reigned triumpha-nt. The houfe next took
into confideration a petition for leave, to bring in a
bill to excufe fome of the clergy from fubfcribing
to the thirty-nine articles of religion. The motion
was rejected by a great majority, and not without
fome fevere ftrictures on tne conduct of thofe by
whom it had been promoted. But of all the bufinefs
tranfacted during this feffions, none was confidered
of fuch importance, as that of a meffage fent by
his majefty to the houfe of lords. In this meflage
it was observed, that his majefty being defirous,
from paternal affection to his own family, an anxious
concern for the future welfare of his people, and
the honour and dignity of his crown, that the right
of approving all marriages in the royal family, as a
matter of public concern, had always belonged to
the princes of this realm j he therefore recommended
to both houfes to take it into their ferious confide-
ration, whether it may not be wife and expedient to
fupply the defects of the laws now in being, and,
by fome new provifion, more effectually guard the
defcendants of his late majefty, except fuch as were
already married to foreign princes, from marrying
without the approbation or' his majelly, his heirs a- d
fucceflbrs, firft had and obtained. In confequence
of this meflage, a bill was brought into the houfe of
lords, which fully anfvvered all the purpofes in-
tended. This bill was oppofed, with great ftrength
of argument, by fome of the moft refpectable peers
in the nation. All the judges were fent for to give
their opinion, which was, that the marriages of the
intermediate branches of the royal family muft be
approved of by the king, but how far that power
extended over collateral branches, they could not
fay. At laft the motion was carried, though not
till fourteen lords entered a proteft againft it, as
being inconfiftent with the law of nature. In the
houfe of commons, the bill met with a much ftrongcr
repuMe; and thofe in oppofition boldly declared,
that it had been brought in at a time when moft of
the gentlemen of the law, whofe opinions would
have been of great fervice, were gone on the circuits.
But, notwit-hftanding all the ftrength of argument,
it paffed, and foon after received the royal aifent.
This matter being adjufted, the attention of the
parliament was directed to the affairs of the Eaft
India company, which at this time were in a very
perplexed fituatioh. On the thirtieth of March,
the deputy-chairman of the company moved the
houfe for leave to bring in a bill for the better re-
gulation of the fervants belonging to the company
in India. The grand object in view was, to reflrain
the governor's council ; and, indeed, all the fervants
belonging to the company from carrying on any
fort of trade, and to give the directors of the com-
pany a fovereign power over their own fervants.
The motion was carried, and this led to an enquiry
into the ftate of affairs in India. All the papers be-
longing to the company were ordered to be laid
before a felect committee of the houfe, and from
the perufal of them, many important difcoveries
were made. Indeed, it was found, that the mode
of government in India was, in every refpect, arbi-
trary, unconftitutional, and no way fit for preferv-
ing the rights of the people, or adminiftering juftice
to individuals. The committee, finding the bufinefs
encreafing faft, and the feafon far advanced, clefired
leave to continue fitting during the recefs of par-
liament, or, atleaft, till fuch time as they could go
through with the intended enquiry. In the mean
time, the ill temper which had unaccountably taken
place between the two houfes the preceding fefllon,
ftill continued during the prefent ; and, except in,
tranfmitting of bills from the one to the other,
there was no more communication between them,
than if they had been the jealous councils of two
rival ftates. On the ninth of June his majefty went,
in ufual ftate, to the upper houfe, and clofed the
feflion.
On the twenty fixth of November the feffion was
again opened by his majefty, with a fpeech from the
throne; in which he informed the members, that
his reafon for calling them fo foon was, to take into
their confideration fome things of the utmoft im-
portance. He defired them to take into their im-
mediate confideration thediftreffed condition of the
Eaft India company. He took notice, that he had
the ftrongeft affurances from the powers on the con-
tinent, of their difpofition to peace ; and he con-
cluded by recommending to them the moft pruden-t
methods that could be made ufe of, in order to re-
duce the price of provifions, as the diftrcfles of the
poor
G E O R
III.
683
poor \\ ere not imaginary but real ; and that nothing
would give him greater pleafure, than to hear that
thofe diftrefles were alleviated.
The firft thing of importance which came under
the consideration of the houfe of commons, was the
prefent ftate of the navy, and this occafioned very
warm debates. Certainly nothing could be more
reafonable, than to lay before the people a ftate of
the public affairs, efpecially fuch as concerned the
marine, that they might be fatisfied whether their
money had been laid out in promoting the purpofes
for which it had been given : but, notwithftanding
the force of thofe arguments urged by oppofition,
no fopner was the queftion put, than it was carried
for the miniftry by a great majority, and the fup-
plies were granted. After this bufineis a motion
was made to enquire into the nature of thofe caufes
which occafioned the fcarcity of provifions : but
nothing was done that could be of any real fervice
to the public. A fecret committee having been ap-
pointed to enquire into the ftate of the Eaft India
company's affairs, it was found by their report, that
the affairs of the company were both complexed and
very much diftieffed. At laft the motion was
carried in the ufual manner ; and fupervifors were
appointed for the Eaft Indies, to make a proper en-
quiry into all the abufes complained of, and to rec-
tify them as far as lay in their power.
CHAP. lit.
' \
Proceedings of parliament continued— State of the American tblonies—Gwcfninent Yefohes to reduce them to a ftate
of obedience to the mother-country — The fupreme authority of the Britijh legijlature over the Americans ajjcrted—
The Bofton Port bill — Another bill faffed for retraining the trade of New England, and the fjheries of that
colony — The king's troops attacked at Lexington — The battle on Bunker s-hill — The burning of Charles-town — •
Other jkirmi/hes and engagements between the regulars and provincials-^-General Howe is compelled to evacuate
the toivn of Bofton — An unfua cfsful attempt on Charles-tffwn in South Carolina — The Independency of the Ame-
rican colonies declared — Battle of the White-plains- General Lee taken prifoner — The engagement of Brandy wine
— Several jkirmijhes in other parts of America — The furrender of general Burgoyne's army — A remarkable naval
engagement — / he ijland of St. Lucia takm — The engagement of captain Pear/on with Paul Jones — Fort Omoa
taken — Other naval engagements — The defertwn of Arnold, and the unfortunate end of young major Andrec —
The rioters of London — iVar carried on with -various fuccefs in America — Surrender of "the Britijb army under
earl Cornwallis — The engagement between the gallant Rodney and count de GfaJJe — Captain lord Robert Manners
mortally wounded — General Elliott's brave defence of Gibraltar — Preliminary articles of a general peace figned.
A.D.
NOTwithftanding the fate of the
diffenters bill, againft fubfcrib-
ing to the thirty- nine articles, another with fimilar
principles was, with fome additions, brought into
the houfe of commons in the beginning of this year,
but it met with the fame fate as that of the preced-
ing year, it being carried, in all its ftages, in the one
houfe by a great majority, and rejected chiefly by
the influence of the bifhops in the other. A motion
was likewife made, for a committee of the whole
houfe to confider of the fubfcription to the thirty-
nine articles, required of perfons in theuniverfities.
This petition was fomewhat different from that pre-
fented laft year. But though the motion was well
fupported, and produced a very confiderable debate,
it was rejected by a great majority. After the
holidays parliament took into confideration the acts
refpedting the prefervation of the game. Nothing,
however, was done on this fubjecl:. The miniftry
promoted the bill in order to acquire fome ftiare of
popularity, and the patriots oppofed it, merely for
the fake of oppofition. About fifty years ago, at
the inftance of baron Thompfon, the city of London
fet the example of difcharging every prifoner with-
out fees as foon as he was acquitted by the jury.
This generofity of the citizens of London was not,
however, imitated by thofe who lived in more
diftant counties. Inftances were produced of fome
poor men having laid a whole year in goal, becaufe
they could not pay their fees. To remedy an evil
of fo glaring a nature, a bill was brought in to
oblige every county to make good the deficiences
incurred to the gaolers for keeping the prifoners : in
confequence of which the prifoner may now go from
the bar to his family, without being called in
queftion, or detained for any fees whatever; his im-
prifonment being confidered as a great puniftiment,
after his innocence has been proved. The parlia-
mentary bufinefs being finifhed, on the firft of July
his majefty went to the houfe of peers, .and after
having figned fuch bills as were ready, prorogued
the parliament.
On the twenty-fecond of June, a fliort time be-
fore the clofe of this feflion, the king made an ex-
curfion to Portfmouth, in order to infpeft the ftate
of the dock-yard, and to review the fleet affembled
at Spithead. He was pleafed to exprefs thehigheft
approbation of the good order and difcipline of his
fleet, the excellent condition of the dock-yard,
arfenals, and garrifon, and the regularity with which
every thing was conducted ; and fhewed the utmoft
fatisfaction of thofe demonftrations of loyalty and
affection, with which he was received by all ranks
of people. His majefty fet out, on his return from
the commiffioner's houfe, on the twenty-fixth of
June, about feven o'clock in the morning, and
arrived at Kew, in perfect health, about two in the
afternoon. Previous to his departure the king was
pleafed to order the following fums to be diftri-
butedi *
To the artificers, workmen, and labourers of the
dock-yard, victualling-office, and gun-wharf, one
thou.fand five hundred pounds.
To the companies of the Barfleur and Augufta
Yatch, and the crew of his majefty's barge, three
hundred and fifty pounds.
To the poor of Portfmouth and Gofport two
hundred and fifty pounds. His majefty was alfo
pleafed to make fome other fmall gratuities, and to
releafe the prisoners confined in Portfmouth gaol.
On Thurfday, the thirteenth of . y-.
January, his majefty went to the houfe ' * X774»
of peers, in the ufual ftate, and opened the feflion
of parliament with a fpeech, in which he allured
them of the pacific difpofition of foreign powers,
and recommended the profecution of meafures more
immediately refpecting the prefervation and ad-
vancement of the revenue and commerce of the
kingdom. He defiredin a particular manner their
attention to the ftate of the gold coin ; and con-
cluded with declaring, that they could propofe no
meafure, to advance, or iecure the happinels of hip
people, in which they might not always depend on
his moft hearty concurrence. When the commons
returned to their houfe, ftrong debates enfued upon
the words of the addrefs which fliould be prefented
to h;s majefty; but the queftion being put to the
vote, it was carried by a great majority in favour
of
684
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
of the miniftry. Mr. Bullcr moved, that twenty
thoufand feamen, including four thdufand three
Iiundred and fifty-fear marines were neceffary for
the fervice of the prefent year ; and that a fum, not
exceeding four pounds a man per manth, mould be
granted for the fervice of the royal navy; both which
motions, after a warm debate, were agreed to. But the
grand objed government had in view, was to reduce
the colonies to a ftate of obedience, and convince
them of the necefltty they were under of being fubjecl:
to the mother-country. At Bofton in America, in
the month of December, a number of refolute men,
(dreffed like Mohawks or Indians) in lefs than four
hours, emptied into the fea every cheft of tea on board
three fhips, commanded by the captains Hall, Bruce,
and Coflin, amounting to three hundred and forty-
two chefts, withcrut the leaft damage done to the
fliips, or any other property. This was the fate of
the firft of thofe mips employed by the India com-
pany, that reached their cleftined port. The other
governors wifely agreed to fuffer the tea to be car-
ried back from whence it came : for the perfons to
whom it was consigned refufed to take it ; and as
no one had ordered it, no one was obliged to hazard
his own perfonal fafety in taking upon himfelf to
be the owner of it. In feveral of the provinces
this tea was termed the fetters forged for the people
by Great Britain; and at a public meeting of the
inhabitants of Philadelphia, it was refolved, that the
difpofal of their own property is the inherent right
of freemen : that there can be no property in that
which another can take from them without their
confent: that the claim of parliament to tax Ame-
rica, is, in other words, a claim of right to levy con-
tributions on them at pleafure: that the duty im-
pofed by parliament upon tea landed in America,
is a tax on the Americans, or levying con-
tributions without their confent ; and that the refo-
lution entered into by the Eaft India company, to
fend out their tea to America, fubjecl: to duties on
its being landed there, was an open attempt to in-
force a minifterial plan, and a violent attack upon
the liberties of America.
When the minds of men are greatly agitated, it
is impoflible to prevent their running into violent
extremes; which were, however, confidered by the
court of England, as fuch audacious infults on the
iupremacy of parliament, that his majefty fent a
meffage to the houfe of commons, defiring them to
enable him to take fuch meafures as would be moft
likely to put an immediate flop to the prefent dif-
orders, and to fecure the dependence of the colonies
upon the crown and parliament of Great Britain.
This meffage produced a bill, which was prefented
to the houfe by lord North, for the immediate re-
moval of the officers of the cuftoms from the town
of Bofton, in the province of Maffachufet's bay ; to
quarter a military force on the people ; and for dif-
continuing the landing, and difcharging the lading
and fhipping of goods in that port, till his majefty
was fatisfied that no interruption would be made to
collecting the duties, and till full fatisfaction mould
be made to the Eaft India company, for the tea
which had been deftroyed. This bill for {hutting
up the port and harbour of Bollon, having paffed
the houfe, lord North prefented another for regu-
lating the government of the province of Maffa-
chufet's bay, which occafioned a very warm debate,
particularly with refpeft to a part of the bill, which
propoied that offenders mould be removed for trial
to other colonies •, or if government thought, that
jullice could not be had there, they mould be
brought to Great Britain.
Many important points were difcuffed during this
fcftion of parliament, and feveral afts were paffed.
in which number were included one for the better
regulation of the gold coin, and another relative to
the, naturalizing foreigners. An important queftion
4
was alfo decided in the houfe of peers, againft the
exclufive common-law right of authors, and their
afligns, to their works. But one bill produced an
univerfal difcontent among the people. It was en-
titled, '* An aft for the future government of Que-
bec." The principal claufes that gave offence were
two j by the firft the Romim clergy were to have the
exercile of their religion, as eftablifhed by the firft
of queen Elizabeth; and might enjoy and receive
the aceuftomed dues and rights from perfons pro-
fefling the Romifh religion. By the fecond claufe,
all controverfies relative to property and civil rights
were to be determined by the Canada laws then in
being, or fuch a:; might be afterwards enacted by
the governor, lieutenant-governor, and legiflative
council. The city of London in a petition againft
it, declared, that they apprehended it to be entirely
fubverfive of the Britifh conftitution. The parlia-
mentary bufinefs being finifhed, on the twenty-fe-
cond of June his majefty went to the houfe of peers,
and after having figned fuch bills as were ready,
clofed the fefllon.
On the fecond of June the harbour of Bofton was
fliut up againft all veffels bound to America ; and
fome days after, none were allowed to depart thence.
In July the Boftonians with firmnefs and cool-
nefs formed afolemn league and covenant, that they
would not import or export any thing from Great
Britain ; nor have any connexion or trade with any
one fo doing, till all their rights and charters mould
be reitored to them again. To prevent fuch con-
ventions, meetings, and affemblies, general Gage
iffued out a proclamation exprefsly forbidding them.
He likewif* diffolved an affembly of the province
of Salem ; but they unanimoufly i ifing, declared
they would not be diffolved ; that they were come
there on the bufinefs of the public, and that they
were determined to pafs fuch votes as were for the
good of the province : they then locked the door*
of the town-hall, and obliged the general to comply
with their refolutions. Several other colonies fol-
lowed their example, and a general Congrefs was
eftablimed, to which deputies from the feveral pro-
vinces were invited. A very alarming tranfa&ion
alfo took place, which was, the feizure of Fort
William in New Hampfliire, by the provincial mi-
litia, in which they found one hundred and fix
barrels of gunpowder, feveral cannon, fhot, and
fmall arms. On the feconcj of September general
Gage thought proper to demand of colonel Brattle,
the provincial ammunition and ftores under his
care, which were delivered up to him ; and at the
fame time he fent two companies of foldiers up the
river by night, who feized a large magazine of
pow der, a part of which was private property. Soon
after the general ordered four twenty-four pounders,,
and eight nine pounders, to be placed againft the forti-
fications of Bofton ; he alfo caufed trenches to be dug
round the town, and Bofton-neck, the only avenue
by land into the town, to be fortified, andaregiment
placed there for its fecurity. Againft this ftep the
Boftonians, in a petition, ftrongly remonftrated^ and
about the fame time, the Ne\v York met chants all
refufed to let general Gage have any of their fhips
to fetch the troops from Quebec. Such was the-
fituation of affairs at Bofton, when the Englifh par-
lianrent was diffolved by proclamation, and the
writs for calling a new one were made returnable
on the twenty-ninth of November. Accordingly,
on that day, his majefty went to the houfe of peers,
and being in his royal robes feated on the throne,
commanded the attendance of the commons in the
houfe of peers ; who being come, the king, by his
chancellor, fignified his pleafure that they mould
return and chufe a fpeaker, to be prefented next
day for his majefty's approbation. They returned
accordingly, and unanimoufly chofe Sir Fletcher
Norton. Next day his majefty went .again in the
ufuai
GEORGE
III.
685
ufual ftate to the houfe 6f peers, and having ap-
proved of the commons choice of a fpeaker, opened
the feffion with a fpeech from the throne ; to which
both houfes prefented very affectionate addrefles ;
to each of which his majefty was pleafed to return a
moft gracious anfwer.
Tins being the firft feffion of a new parliament,
the fwearing in of the members and other trifling
matters incident on fuch occafions, engaged their
attention for fome days. This over, they pro-
ceeded to bufinefs, which was begun by the houfe
refolving itfelf into a committee of fupply to his
majefty ; when feveral refolutions were agreed to ;
after which his majefty adjourned the parliament to
the nineteenth of January.
A j-v When the parliament met, purfuailt
I77-5- to tj,.ejr Adjournment, lord North pre-
fented to the houfe, by his majeity's command,
feveral bundles of American papers; and as foon as
the clerk had finimed reading their titles, a motion
was made that they mould lie on the table for in-
fpection, and that a future day mould be appointed
for the whole houfe to go into a committee to con-
fider of- the fame; which, after fome debates, was
agreed to.
In the mean time petitions were prefented to the
houfe from the merchants of London, Glafgow,
Briftol, Liverpool, and other places, complaining
of the great decay of trade, occasioned by the un-
happy differences between Great Britain and her
colonies. The corporation of Loadon alfo pre-
fented an addrefs, remonftrance and petition to the
king; in which they complained of the meafures
that had been purfued, and were ftill purfuing,
againft their fellow fubjccts in America ; and
earneftly befeeched his majefty to difcharge thofe
minifters from his councils who had been the means
of promoting them, as the firft itep towards a full
redrefs of the grievances fo univerfally complained
of by the people. To th:s addrefs and petition his
majefty was pleafed to return the following anfwer :
" It is with the utmoft aftonifhment that I find any
of my fubjecls capable of encouraging the rebellious
difpofition which unhappily exifts in fome of my
colonies in North America. Having entire con-
fidence in the wifdom of my parliament, the great
council of the nation, I will fteadily purfue thofe
mcafnres which they have recommended for the flip-
port of the conftitutional rights of Great Britain,
and the protection of the commercial interefts of my
kingdom." While petitions were prefenting to the
commons from the principal corporations in Eng-
land, lord Chatham, that real patriotic nobleman,
bi ought in a bill for reconciling the prefent
differences between Great Britain and America.
Thisalfometwith greatoppofition; and thequeftion
being put, it was rejected by a confiderable ma-
jority.
The papers relative to America were now taken
into confideration in the lower houfe. Among
them were two official letters from lord Dartmouth
to general Gage, and the general's letter to his
lordfhip. The former contained ftrains of firmnefs
and coercion, which it-was plain, the general was
not by any means able to realize with the force he
had under his command. The language of the
latter varied according to the different circumftances
and occafions that prefented themfelves. Two
matters were, however, very evident, that the rage
and difcontents were greatly augmented on account
of the laft American acts paffed by the parliament ;
and that they were working up into a kind of
phrenzy by the gradual augmentation of the troops,
and by the works and defences raifed on Bofton-
neck. He drew, in fome places, the moft lament-
able picture of the ftate of that province, deftitute
at once of all legiflative authority ; of a council, of
courts of juftice, ofmagiftracy; and represented the
No. 67.
whole as one fcene of anarchy and confufion.
When the houfe went into a committee to examine
the American papers, lord North began the bufiuefs
with a view of the whole rnafs of information laid
before the committee, difcriminated the difpolitiori
of the refpeclive colonies, and particularly directed at
fuch as he thought were in a ftate of actual rebellion;
His lordfhip then pointed out the meafures intended
to be purfued ; and concluded by propofmg a
conference with the houfe of lords, that a joint ad-
drefs might be carried up to the thronej " To re-
turn thanks to his majetty for communicating to the
houfe the American papers, and that he would be
pleafed to take fuch meafures as might be fuitahle
to his wifdom for enforcing the laws againft Ame-
rica ; and promifirig to fupport him, in a full and
vigorous exertion of the fame, with their lives and
fortunes." The meafures intended to be taken were
mentioned generally, and faid to be thefe: " That
a fleet of fourteen frigates be fent to join the mips
at Bofton, by which all the ports of New England
were to be blocked up; that teilthoufand troops,-
including Prefton's regiment of light horfe, be fent
to Bofton, to keep the New Englanders in order;
and that an addition of twothoufandfeamenmorebe
afked to man the fleet to Bofton, and to fupply the
naval efhblilhment at home." This motion for the
addrefs met, with gr.eatoppofition; but the queftion
being at length put it was carried by a confiderable
majority.
When therefolutionof the committee for prefent-
ing the addrefs was reported to the houfe, the
fpeakcr was proceeding to put the queftion to agree
with the report; but was interrupted by lord John
Cavendifh, who moved that the confideration of
the American papers mould be re-committed. He
was feconded by lord Irnham, who, after having in
a long fpeech agitated the queftion on the ground
propofed by adminiftration, in a conftitutional as
well as in a political light, concluded with aflerting
that it appeared, in both thofe views, formidable
and deftructive ; and that it became absolutely ne-
ceffary to retract the uncoaftitutiorral and impolitic
fteps which adminiftration had hitherto taken.
Several other fpeakers, among whom Mr. Wilkes
particularly diftinguiflied himfelf, expatiated largely
on the juttnefs and propriety of the noble lord's
motion, when at length the queftion being put, the
numbers were— for the motion one hundred and
five, againft it two hundred and eighty-eight. An
addrefs was then drawn up, and agreed to without a
divifion; and after a conference with the lords, it
was refolyed that the addrefs fliould be jointly pre-
fented by both houfes to the king; which was ac-
cordingly done on the ninth of February ; when his
majelly returned the following anfwer:.
" My lords and gentlemen,
" I thank you for this very dutiful and loyal
addrefs, and for the iblemn aflurances you give me
of your fupport in maintaining the juft rights of my
crown, and of the two houfes of parliament, and you
may depend on my taking the moft effectual mea-
fures for enforcing due obedience to the authority
of the fupreme legiflature." The day after the
addrefs was prefented, lord North read, in his place,
a meflage from his majefty, as follows :
" His majefty being determined, in confequence
of the addrefs of both houfes of parliament, to taks
the moft fpeedy and effectual meafures for fupport-
ing the juft rights of the crown and the two houfes
of parliament, thinks proper to acquaint this houfe,
that fome addition to his forces by fea and land will
be neceffary for that purpofe, and does not doubt
but his faithful commons, on whofe zeal and affec-
tion he entirely relies, will enable him to make fuch
an augmentation to his forces, as on the prefent oc-
cafion fhall be thought proper." This meflage was
referred to the conlicleration of the committee of
8 L
686
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY bi? ENGLAND.
fupply ; after which the houfe refolved itfelf into a
committee of the whole houfe on the American pa-
pers, when a motion was made by lord North, " that
the chairman be directed to move the houfe, that leave
be given to bring in a bill to reftrain the trade and
cornmerceoftheprovincesofMaffachufet'sBay,New
Hampfhire, Connecticut, Providence, and lihode-
jfland colonies in North America, to Great Britain,
Ireland and the Weft Indies; and to prohibit fuch
provinces and colonies from carrying on any fifhery
on the banks of Newfoundland, or other parts
therein mentioned, under certain conditions, and
for a time to be limited." This motion was pro-
ductive of great debates, which continued forfeveral
hours; when the queftion being put, it was carried
by a very confiderable majority ; and a bill was
ordered to be brought in purfuant thereto. A pe-
tition was now prefented from the corporation of
London, againft the bill depending in the houfe, for
reftraining the trade of New England, and the
filheries of that colony on the banks of Newfound-
land. This petition reprefentecl the bill as being
unjuft, cruel, partial, and oppreffive ; injurious to
the trade of Great Britain, and tending to increafe
the wealth and ftrength of her rivals and enemies.
They prefented another petition, of the like nature,
to the houfe of lords; as did alfo the American mer-
chants ; and another to the king. But all thefe feli-
citations proved abortive; for the bill paffed both
houfes, and on the thirtieth of March received the
royal aflent. On the thirteenth of April his majefty
again went to the houfe of peers, and, among other
bills, gave the royal aflent to «' A bill to reftrain
the trade and commerce of the colonies of New
Jerfey, Pennfylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and
South Carolina, to any part of Great Britain, Ire-
land, and the Weft India iflands."
After the paffing of thefe ads the generals Bur-
goyne, Clinton and Howe, were fent to take on
them the command of the troops deftined for en-
deavouring to bring the Americans to obedience;
for which expedition they embarked on board the
Cerberus man of war on the twenty-firft of April.
The national bufinefs being now finifhed, on the
twenty-fixth of May his majefty went to the houfe
of peers, and after figning fuch bills as were ready,
prorogued the parliament.
In America the flame of independency began
to rife high, the breach of difcord was widened,
confufion gained ground upon order, and both pri-
vate and public calamities were multiplied. At length
recourfe was had to the ultimam rationem popuhrum
tt regum ; and the deftructive fword was drawn to
decide the conteft of liberty and power: which
happened on the nineteenth of April, a memorable
Wednefday. General Gage, the then commander of
the Englim troops, having received intelligence of
a large quantity of military ftores being collected at
Concord, for fupplying a body of the mal-contents,
detached on the eighteenth at night, the grenadiers
of his army, and the light infantry, in order to de-
ftroy the faid ftores. The next morning eight com-
panies of the fourth, thefamenumber of the twenty-
third, and forty-ninth, and fome marines, marched
under the command of lord Percy, to fupport the
other detachment.
Lieutenant colonel Smith finding, after he had
advanced fome miles of his march, that the country
had been alarmed by the firing of guns and ringing
of bells, difpatched fix companies of light infantry,
in order to fecure two bridges on different roads
beyond Concord, who, upon their arrival at Lex-
ifcgton, found a body of the country people drawn
Up under arms on a green, clofc to the road; and
upon the king's troops marching up to them, in
order to enquire the reafon of their being fo affem-
bled, they went off in great confufion ; and feveral
guns were fired upoji the king's troops from behind
a ftone wall, and alfo from the mceting-houCe, and
other houfes, by winch one man was wounded, and
major Pitcairne's hoi fe £hot in two places. In con-,
fcquence of this attack of the rebels, the troops re-
turned the fire, and killed feveral of them ; after
which the detachment marched on to Concord,
without any tiling further happening, where they
effected the purpofe for which they werefent. Whilit
this was performing, great numbers of the rebels
aflembled in many parts, and a confiderable body
of them attacked the light infantry pofted at one of
the bridges, on which an action enfued, and fome
few were killed and wounded. On the return of the
troops from Concord, they were very much annoyed,
and had feveral men killed and wounded, by the
rebels firing from behind walls, ditches, trees, and
other ambuflies ; but the brigade, under the com-
mand of lord Picrcy, having joined them at Lexing-
ton, with two pieces of cannon, the rebels were
for a while difperfed ; but as foon as the troops re-
fumed their march, they began again to fire upon
them from behind ftone walls and houfes, and kept
up in that manner a fcattering fire during the whole
of their march of fifteen miles ; by which means
feveral were killed and wounded ; and fuch was the
cruelty and barbarity of the rebels, that they fcalped,
and cut off the ears of fome of the wounded men,
who fell into their hands. In this firft engagement,
ojie lieutenant, one ferjeant, one drummer, and
fixty-two privates were killed ; and two lieutenant-
colonels, two captains, nine lieutenants, two enfigns,
feven ferjeants, one drummer, and one hundred and
fifty-feven rank and file were wounded.
There is an old adage, Audi alteram fartem^
" hear the other party;" and that our readers may
have both fides of the queftion, in order to form a
right judgment, we mail here lay before them, *i»
account of the above action, as publifhed in the
Effex Gazette, printed at Salem in New England j
dated April the twenty- fifth.
" Laft Wednefday, the nineteenth of April, the
troops of his Britannic majefty commenced hoftilities
upon the people of this province.. The parti-
culars relative to this interefting event, by which
we are involved in all the horrors of a civil war, we
have endeavoured to collect, as well as the prefenc
confufed ftate of affairs will admit.
" On Tuefday evening a detachment from the
army, confuting, it is faid, of eight or nine hundred
men, commanded by lieutenant-colonel Smith, em-
barked at the bottom of the common in Bofton, on
board a number of boats, and landed at Phipps's
farm, a little way up Charles river, from whence
they proceeded with filence and expedition, on uheir
way to Concord, about eighteen miles from Bofton.
The people were foon alarmed, and began to
affemble, in feveral towns, before day-light, in
order to watch the motion of the troops. At Lex-
ington, fix rniles below Concord, a company cf
militia, of about one hundred men, muftered near
the meeting houfe; the troops came in fight of them
juft before fun-rife ; and running within a few rods
of them, the commanding officer accofted the mi-
litia in words to this effect: — ' Difperfe you rebels,
d — n you, throw down your arms and difperfe :'
upon which the troops huzza'd, and immediately
one or two officers difcharged their piftols, which
was inftantaneoufly followed by the firing of four
or five of the foldiers, and then there feemed to be
a general difcharge from the whole body: eight of
our men were killed and nine wounded. In a few
minutes after this action, the enemy renewed their
march for Concord ; at which place they deftroyed
feveral carriages, carriage wheels, and about twenty-
barrels of flour, all belonging to the province.
Here about one hundred and fifty men going to-
wards a bridge, of which the enemy were in poffef-
fion, the latter fired, and killed two of our men,
who
E O R G
E
III.
687
who then returned the fire, and obliged the enemy
to retreat back to Lexington, where they met lord
Piercy, with a large reinforcement, and two pieces
of cannon. The enemy now having a body of
about eighteen hundred men, made a halt, picked
up many of their dead, and took care of their
wounded. At Menotomy, a few of our men at-
tacked a party of twelve of the enemy (carrying
ftores and provifions to the troops) killed one of
them, wounded feveral, made the reft prifoners,
and took pofieflion of all their arms, ftores, pio-
vifions, &c. without any lofs on our fide. '1 he
enemy having halted one or two hours at Lexington,
found it necefTary to make a fecond retreat, carry-
ing with them many of their dead and wounded,
who they put into chaifes and on horfes that they
found ftanding in the road. They continued their
retreat from Lexington to Charles Town with great
precipitation ; and notwithftanding their field-pieces,
our people continued thepurfuit, firing at them till
they got to Charles Town Neck (which they reached
a little after funfet) over which the enemy patted,
proceeded up Bunker's Hill, and foon afterwards
went into the town, under the protection of the
Somerfet man of war of fixty-fonr guns.
*' In Lexington, the enemy fet fire to Deacon
Jofeph Loring's houfe and barn, Mrs. Mulliken's
lioufe and mop, and Mr. Jofhua Bond's houfe and
fliop, which were all confumed. They alfo fet fire
to feveral other houfes, but our people extinguifhed
the flames. They pillaged almoft every houfe they
pafled by, breaking and deftroying doors, windows,
glafies, &c. and carrying off cloathing, and other
valuable effects. It appeared to be their defign to
burn and deftroy all before them ; and nothing but
our vigorous purfuit prevented their purpofes from
being put into execution. But the barbarity exer-
cifed upon the bodies of our unfortunate brethren
who fell, is almoft incredible : not content with
ihooting down the unarmed, aged, and infirm,
they difregarded the cries of the wounded, killing
them without mercy, and mangling their bodies in
the moft mocking manner.
" We have the pleafure to fay, that, notwithftand-
ing the higheft provocations given by the enemy,
not one inftance of cruelty, that we have heard of,
was committed by our victorious militia.
" The confirmation of the people of Charles
Town, when our enemies were entering the town, is
inexpremble; the troops, however, behaved tolerably
civil, and the people have fince nearly all left the
town.
" We had thirty-nine killed, nineteen wounded,
and two miffing."
The provincials now invefted the town of Bofton ;
and the people of New York, hearing of the action
at Lexington, and the affair of Concord, rofe in a
tumultuous manner, entered the town-houfe, feized
many ftands of arms, appropriated to their own ufe
the cargoes of two mips laden with military ftores
for general Gage, and then marched to their aflift-
ance ; whofe forces not only continued to block up
the town of Bofton, but began to raife batteries on
the heights of the peninfula of Charles Town, in
order to cannonade his majefty's troops. This
brought on an action at Bunker's Hill.
On the feventeenth of July, the Britifti garrifon
in Bofton were alarmed at break of day, by a firing
from the Lively fhip of war, which blocked up
Marblehead harbour. Soon afterwards advice was
received, that the rebels had broke ground, and
were raifing a battery on the heights of the penin-
fula of Charles Town. Preparations were inftantly
made by general Gage, for landing a body of men,
under the command of major general Howe, and
brigadier-general Pigot, who embarked with great
expedition, and landed on the peninfula without
oppofition, under the protection of fome fliips of
war, by whole fire the rebels were kept within their
works.
The troops, as foon as landed, were formed; the
light infantry ^ ported on the right, and the grena-
diers upon their left. The fifth and thirty-eighth bat-
talions drew up in the rear of thofe corps, arid the
forty-third and fifty-fecond battalions made a third
line. ^Ihe rebels upon the heights were perceived
to be in great force, and ftrongly potted. A re-
doubt, thrown up on the iixteenth at night, widi
otlier works full of men, defended with cannon,
and a large body pofted in the houfes in Charles
Town, covered their right flank ; and their center
and left were covered by a breaft-work, part of it
cannon-proof, which reached from the left of the"
redoubt to the Myftick, or Medford river. This
appearance of ftrength, and the large columns of
the rebels feen pouring in to their afliftance, occa-
fioned an application For mor« troops, confuting of
fome companies of light infantry and grenadiers,
the forty-fevertth battalion, and the firft battalion of
marines; the whole, when in conjunction, making
above two thoufand men.
Thcfe troops advanced, formed in two lines, and
the attack began by a fliarp cannonade, the lines
advancing ilowly, and frequently halting, to give
time for the artillery fo fire. The light infantry-
were directed to force the left point of the breaft-
work, to take the rebel line in flank, and the grena-
diers to attack in front, fuppoi ted by the fifth and
fifty-fecond battalions. Thefe orders were executed
with perfevcrance, under a heavy fire from the vaft
numbers of the rebels; and notwithftanding various
impediments, before the troops could reach the
works, and though the left under brigadier-general
Pigot was engaged alfo with the rebels at Charles
Town, which place, at a critical moment, was fet
on fire, the brigadier purfued his point, and carried
the redoubt. The rebels were then forced from
other ftrong-holds, and purfued till they were drove
clear off the peninfula, leaving five pieces of cannon
behind them.
In this bloody engagement, maintained with great
bravery and obftinacy on both fides, the lofs of the
provincials in killed and wounded was very confider-
able. Of the Britifh troops, according to the re-
turn of general Gage, two hundred and twenty-fix
were killed, and eight hundred and twenty-eight
were wounded, many of the latter dying foon after;
others, by the lofs of limbs, rendered for ever after*
incapable of fervice ; and more than a proportion-
able number of officers were included in both lifts*
It may not be amifs, for information, to obferve,
that Charles Town, burnt by the Britifli forces in a
moft unfortunate critical moment, was much more
populous than Cambridge, the capital of the coun-
ty, and exceeded it much in trade, being fituated
on a peninfula between Myftick and Charles rivers,
and parted from Bofton only by the latter. The
town was fo large, as to take up all the fpace be-
tween the two rivers ; it was beautified with a hand-
fome large church, a market-place by the river fide,
and two long ftreets leading down to it. A thouland
veffcls cleared from thefe towns only.
At this time general Carleton was indefatigable
in putting the province of Canada .into a proper
ftate of defence ; and the earl of Dunmore, go-
vernor of Virginia, having thought proper to take
refuge on board a fhip of war, harrafled the coaft,
and made frequent delcents upoa the laft mentioned'
province ; laying wafte the country, carrying off, or
fpiking up a great number of cannons, deftroying
vaft quantities of military ftores belonging to the
provincials, &c. &c. But on the other (ide, Fort
St. John furrendered to the provincial forces on the
third of November, and the garrifon became pri-
foners.
On the eighteenth of the fame month, the re-
gulars
688
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
gulars and provincials had a hot engagement near
Savannah in Georgia, in which the latter \vere de-
feated ; and on the thii ty-firft of December the
provincial general Montgomery, who had for feme
time laidficge to the city of Quebec, attempted to
take it by ftorm.
The general, finding his cannon too light to cfTl-ct
a breach, and that the enemy would not hearken to
terms of capitulation, formed a defign of carrying
the to\Vn by efcalade. In this he was encouraged
by the extenfivcnefs of the works, and the wcaknels
of the garrifon. When every thing was prepared,
whilq he was waiting the opportunity of a mow
irorm to carry his defign into execution, fevcral men
deferted to the enemy. His plan at firft was to
have attacked the upper and lower towns at the fame
time, depending principally for fuccefs againft the
upper town : but difcovering, from the motions of
the enemy, that they were apprized of his defign,
he altered his plan ; and, having divided his little
army into four detachments, ordered two feints to
be made againft the upper town, one by colonel
Livingfton, at the head of the Canadians, againft
St. John's Gate -, the other by captain Brown, at the
head of a fmall detachment, againft Cape Diamond,
referving tp himfelf and one Arnold, the two prin-
cipal attacks againft the lower town.
At five o'clock, the hour appointed foi> the
attack, the general, at the head of the New Yoik
troops, advanced againft the lower town at Aunce
cle Mere. Being obliged to take a circuit, thefignal
for the attack was given, and the garrifon alarmed
before he reached the place ; however, prefling on,
he paffed the firft barrier, and was juil opening to
attempt the fecond, when by the firft fire from the
enemy he was unfortunately killed, together with
his aid de camp, captain John M'Pherfon, captain
Cheefeman, and two or three more. This fo dil-'
pirited the men, that colonel Campbell, on whom
the command devolved, found himfelf under the
difagi eeable ncceflity of drawing them off.
In the mean while one Arnold, at the head of
about three hundred and fifty of thofe brave troops
(who with unparalleled fatigue had penetrated Ca-
nada, under his command) and captain Lamb's
company of artillery, had pafled through St. Roques,
and approached near a two gun battery without be-
ing discovered. This he attacked; and tl;ough it
was well defended for about an hour, carried it with
the lofs of a number 'of men. In this attack,
Arnold had the misfortune to have his leg fplintered
by a mot, and was obliged to be carried to the
hofpital. After gaining the battery, his detachment
pafTed on to a fecond barrier, which they took pof-
feffion of. • By this time the enemy, relieved from
the other attacks by our troops being drawn off,
directed their whole force againft this detachment ;
and a party fallying out from Palace Gate, attacked
them in the rear.
Thefe brave men fuftained the force of the whole
garrifon for three hours ; but finding themfelves
hemmed in, and no hopes of relief, they were
obliged to yield to numbers, and the advantageous
lituadon the garrifon had over them.
The lofs of the provincials, in killed and
•wounded, amounted to about fixty, and three
hundred taken prifoners, who were treated by ge-
neral Carleton with great humanity. Among the
fl.iin were captain Kendricks, lieutenantHumphreys
of the riflemen, and lieutenant Cooper. After this
repulfe, the remains of the defeated army retired
about three miles from Quebec, where they poftcd
themfelvcsadvantageoully, and waited for reinforce-
ments ; but no ieconcl attack was made. Evciy
pofiible cliir.inction.was fliewn by the brave Carleton
to the corpfe of general Montgomery, who was in-
terred in Quebec on the fecond of January.
In confequence of the refolutions of the livery
laft Midfummer day at Guildhall, on Wednefday,
June the twenty-eighth, the fheriffs Plomer and
Mart waited on his majefty at St. James's, in con-
fequence of-his appointment at Kew. Mr. Sheriff
Plomer addrefied his majefty in the following
\vords :
" May it pleafe your majefty,
" We are ordered by the lord-mayor, aldermen,
and livery of the city of London, in common-hall
affembled, to wait upon your majefty, humbly to
know your majefty's royal will and plcafure, when
your majefty will be plcafed to receive, upon the
throne, their humble addrefs, remonftrance, and
petition." '
His majefty replied,
" You will pleaie to take notice, that I will
receive their addrefs, remonftrance, and petition,
on I'Yiday next (to-morrow) at the levee."
Mr. Sheriff Plomer then faid, " Yoilr majefly
will permit us to inform you, that the livery, in
common-hall affembled, have refolved -not to pre-
fent their addrefs, remonilrance, and petition, un-
lelsyour majelty ihall be plcafed to receive it fitting
on the throne."
The king anfwered,
" I am tvcr ready to receive addreffes and peti-
tions, but I am the judge where."
On the fifth of July, the flieriffs waited again on
his .majefty at St. James's, whom Air. "" Sheriff
Plomer addreffed in the following words:
" May it pleafe your majefty,
" We are ordered by the mayor, aldermen, and
liveiy of the city of London, in common-hall af-
fembled, to wait upon your majefty., humbly to de-
liver into your majefty's hands, in their name, the
refolutions agreed to in common-hall on the twenty-
fourth of June laft, and of the fourth inftant."
Mr. Sheriff Plomer then delivered a copy of the
following refolutions into the king's own hand,
which he received without faying a word.
The following is a copy of thole refolutions:
Refolved, That the king is bound to hear the
petitions of his people, it being the undoubted right
of the 1'ubject to be heard; and not a matter of
grace and favour.
Refolved, That his majefty's anfwer is a direct
denial of the right of this court to have their peti-
tions heard.
Refolved, That fuch denial renders the right of
petitioning the throne, recognized and eiiabliflied
by the Revolution, of no effect.
Refolved, That whoever advifed his majefty, di-
rectly or indirectly, to refufe hearing the humble
addrefs, remonflrance, and petition of -this court,
on the throne, is equally an enemy to the happinefs
and fecurity of the king, and to the peace and li-
berties of the people.
Then follows a refolution, That inftructions be
given to their repiefentatives in parliament, which
conclude thus — You are further inftructed, gentle-
men, to move for an impeachment of the authors
and advifers of thofe meafures ; that by bringing
them to public juflic-e, evil counfellors may be re-
moved from before the king, his throne may be
eftablifhed, the rights of the people be vindicated,
and the whole empire reftored to the enjoyment of
peace, liberty, and fafety.
The parliament met purfuant to . ^ w ,
their adjournment ; and in the courie ' "l^"' '
of the fcffion, the attention of the upper aflembly
was engaged by the trial of the duchefs of Kingfton,
\vho was acculed of bigamy, in having married the
duke of Kingtton, while her firft hufband, the ho
nourable Mr. Harvey (carl of Briftol) was living.
The tri.il laftcd five clays; at the dole of which,
the prifoncT being- called to the bar, was informed
by the lord high-fteward, that the lords had pro-
nounced her to It guilty. In confequence of this
flie
GEORGE
III.
6.8'g
me claimed her privilege of peerage, which oc-
cafioned the lords to adjourn to the chamber of
parliament to debate on the matter. On their re-
turn, the prifoner was again called to the bar ; and
the lord high-fteward pronounced it to be the fenfe
of the houfe, " That the duchefs fhould be allowed
the privilege me claimed." She was, therefore, as
a peerefs, fubject to no kind of corporal punifhment.
and was difcharged on paying her fees.
Nothing material pafled in the lower houfe, ex-
cept what is ufaally called opening the budget,
among the contents of which were the following
new taxes. On four-wheel carriages a tax ot
twenty millings, which lord North computed would
amount to feventeen thoufand pounds per annum;
on ftage-coaches, at five pounds each, amounting
to two thoufand pounds; on deeds, or all writings
to be ftamped, at one milling a (tamp, amounting
to thirty thoufand pounds; on news-papers one
half-penny per ftamp, eighteen thoufjnd pounds
per annum •, fix-pence a pack on cards, and two
und fix-pence on dice. Thefe different fums, he
did, would amount tofeventy-two thoufand pounds,
which would have a furplus of eight thoufand
pounds to go to the credit of the iinking-fund.
As foon as ^his lordfhip had fat down, governor
Jolmftone rofe, and animadverted upon feveral
parts of the minifter's fpcech. This produced a
warm debate, which continued till half pail eight
o'clock, when the feveral refolutions being put,
they pafled in the affirmative without a divifion.
The parliamentary bufinefs being finiflied, on the
twenty-third of May his majefty went to the houfe
of peers, and having figned fuch bills as were
ready, clofed the feflion.
Hoftilities were now carried on in America with
great vehemence. General Gage having been re-
called, the command in chief devolved on general
Howe, who foon after iffued a proclamation, by
which fuch of the inhabitants as attempted to quit
the town without licence were condemned to mili-
tary execution, if detected and taken, and if they
efcaped, to be proceeded againft as traitors, by the
forfeiture of their effects ; and by a fecond, fuch as
obtained permiffion to quit the town were reftrained,
by fevere penalties, from carrying more than a
fmall fpecified fum of money with them. He alfo
enjoined the figning and entering into an affbcia-
tion, by which the remaining inhabitants offered
their perfons for the defence of the town ; and fuch
of them as he approved of were to be armed,
formed into companies, and inftructed in military
exercifesand difcipline, the remainder being obliged
to pay their quotas in money towards the common
defence. Thefe proclamations, co-operating with
the violent meafures of the Englifh minifhy, and
their coercive acts of parliament, infpired the people
of New England with an enthufiaftic fury, and they
foon compelled general Howe to evacuate Bofton.
On the fecond of March, the provincials began to
bombard the town from a place called Phipps'sFarm,
and on the third they opened a twenty-four pound
battery in Dorchefter Neck, which annoyed the
army exceedingly. On the fifth, general Howe
embarked fix regiments to attack this battery; but
a ftrong eafterly wind preventing the men of war
from covering and fupportingthem, it was thought
advifeable to'clelift. The next day he renewed the
attempt, but found the work fo ftrong, that he re-
turned without effecting any thing. In the mean
time the provincials had thrown near an hundred
bombs into the town, and fired with confiderable
execution from their battery. General Howe, there-
fore, got feme of the felect men to go out to ge-
neral Wafhington, to inform him, that if the firing
continued, hemuftfet fire to the town to cover his
retreat. Two of the felect men returned; and
having communed with general Howe, went back,
No. 68.
and the tiling immediately ceafed. ,The general
then began his embarkation. The refugee inhabi-
tants went firft, not being fuffered to' carry any
thing but necelfaries. The 'mortars and heavy ar-
tillery could not be embarked ; thefe therefore they
endeavoured to burlt, by charging them full with
powder, and firing it off; but this did not anfwer
their \\iflies. They attempted allo to deftroy all the
fmall arms belonging to the town. While this
work was going on, a deferter from the provincial
camp informed general Howe on the tenth, that ge-
neral Wellington was preparing for a general ftoi'm.
tJpon tiiis intelligence, the general and .ill the
troops immediately embarked, leaving the artillery,
ftores, &c. damaged only, as the hurry and con-
fufion would permit.
It now -appeared by the movements of the pro-
vincial army, that they were taking ttations upon
Hog and Noddles iflands, and preparing to attack
Caftle- William. It they had liiccecdcd in this, they
would have had the command of Bofton harbour,
and deftroy ed the fleet. General Howe therefore
difmantled, and blew up Caftle- William, and then
on the fcventeenth fell down with the whole fleet
into Nantafhet Road. The terms of agreement be-
tween the two generals werefecret; but it was fup.-
poled that nothing mould have been deftroyed, and
.that, this breach of the convention determined the
provincials to ftorm the town. A fliort time after
thefe events, general Howe nude good his lahdjng
and capture of New York.
In June, a battle was fought in Canada between
the regulars under general Carleton, and a body of
American troops commanded by major-general
Thompfon, when the latter was defeated, and the
major taken prifoner. Numbers were killed and
wounded, and about two hundred taken prifoners.
In the fame month an attempt was made on Charles
Town, South Carolina, by Sir Peter Parker, at the
head of a fleet of (hips of war, with a body of
land forces- but the enterprise was, after an obfti-
nate engagement, without luccefs. On the fourth
of July the INDEPENDENCY of the UNITED COLO-
NIES of AMERICA was ordered to be declared by
Congrefs throughout the different provinces'.
Richard, vifcount Howe, and his brother Wil-
'liam, general of his majefty's forces in America,
having been appointed commiflloners for reftoring
peace to his majeny's colonies and plantations in
North America, on the nineteenth of September
they publifhcd a conciliatory declaration, add reflect
to the provincials, which was far from having the
wifheci-for effect, the Americans being at this time
adverle to every mode offered by government; and
inftances occurred daily of their determination to
prefcrve themfclves independent. After this, many
fkirmifhes happened between the king's troops and
the provincials; but nothing dccifive till the latter
end of October, when the latter were defeated in
an action, which, from the place where it was
fought, was termed the battle'of the White Plains.
In the difpatchcs from general Howe, dated No-
vember the thirtieth, information was given of the
taking of Fort Wafhington and Fort Lee, by the
Britifli forces, together with a great variety of mi-
litary ftores, and many prifoners. The following
i:; the return of officers and privates killed, wounded
and miffing, belonging to the army under general
Howe, in the feveral fkirmifhes and actions from
the feventeenth of September, to the fixteenth of
November. Officers three hundred and four ; ftaff
ditto twenty-five; privates four thoufand one hun-
dred and one. Total four thoufand four hundred
and thirty.
In December, Rhode Ifland was taken by ge"!
nerul Clinton; about the fame time lord Cornwall's
took pofiefllon of Eaft Jerfey, and general Lee was
taken prifoner by a patyole of Britifh dragoons,
8 M com-
690
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
commanded by lieutenant-colonel (now lord) Har-
court. His lordfliip having penetrated the country
upon a reconnoitring party with about twelve light
dragoons, and chancing to meet a countryman on
the road, entered upon examination of him, and
found he was charged with a letter to general
Wafliington, and that the wafer with which the
letter was fealed was ftill wet; the fignature being
that of Mr. Lee, the colonel clefired the country-
man to conduct him to that gentleman, which he
complied with. The countryman was accordingly
mounted behind one of the dragoons, and a party
galloped to the houfe where Lee was: the guard
fired upon the dragoons, by which one private man
was killed, and a cornet wounded ; a bullet pafled
through colonel Harcourt's helmet, but did not do
him the leaft injury. Lee was fummoned to fur-
render, which he complied with, delivered up his
fword, and in the moft earneft manner interceded
for his life, defiling to come in under the procla-
mation. This, of courfe, could not be complied
with ; and he was carried to the head-quarters, and
lodged on board one of his majefty's mips. He was
afterwards exchanged for fome of the king's officers,
who had been taken prifoners by the provincials.
On the laft day of October the parliament met,
when his majefty opened the feffion with a fpeech
from the throne, in which the king gave them to
underftand, that they muft, at all events, prepare
for another campaign ; nor did his majefty doubt,
but that his faithful commons -would readily and
chearfully grant him fuch fupplies, as the mainte-
nance of the honour of his crown, the vindication
of the juft rights of parliament, and the public
welfare, mould be found to require.
The firft bufinefs entered on was, the confide-
ration of ttfe fupplies •, when a motion was made,
that forty-five thoufand feamen, including ten
thoufand one hundred and twenty-nine marines, be
employed for the fervice of the enfuing year. This
motion produced fome debates, but was at length
carried by a great majority. At the fame time a
refolution pafled, for allowing four pounds per man
per month for the maintenance and wages of every
leaman. The committee of ways and means, after
a motion made for the purpofe, refolved, that the
land-tax for 1777 mould be four {hillings in the
pound.
On the fecond of November a proclamation was
iflued by his majefty, for a general faft to be kept
throughout England on the thirteenth of December
following. It was alfo appointed to be held on the
fame day in Ireland, and on the twelfth in Scot-
land.
Previous to the holidays, the money granted by
parliament for defraying the expences of the navy,
including the ordinary at four hundred thoufand
and five pounds; and the building and repairing
of fhips, which was voted at four hundred and
fixty-five thoufand five hundred pounds, amounted
to no lefs than three millions, two hundred and five
thoufand five hundred and five pounds, exclufive
of four thoufand pounds voted afterwards to Green-
wich hofpital, and a million granted towards the
difcharge of the navy debt. The fupplies being fo
far granted, and no public bufinefs of any moment
in the way, an early and long recefs took place, the
houfe adjourning on the fecond of December to the
twenty-firft of January following.
This year was terminated with an event, which
for fome time caufed great fufpicion and confufion.
At the admiralty office, advice was received by ex-
prefs, that a fire had broke out in the rope-houfe of
his majefty's yard at Portfmouth, about half an hour
after four o'clock on Saturday afternoon, which
burned with great violence, and confumed the fame,
except the outer walls; but it was happily prevented
from extending to any other buildings, and was at
length totally extinguifhed. How this accident,
and another of the like nature at Briftol happened,
was for fome time a myliery ; but at length it was
difcovered, that they took place by the machina-
tions of a wretched enthufiaft and incendiary, fince
well known by the appellation of John the Painter,
but whofe real name was Aitken. When taken up
and under examination, he refufcd anfwering any
queftions, and otherwife behaved in a very darin<*
and refolute manner. However, there appearing
fufficient reafon to fuppofe him the guilty perfon,
he was committed to Winchefler jail. While there,
he was circumvented by means of another painter,
who being either an American, or having lived oa
thatcontinent, through which Aitken had travelled,
found means thereby, pretending at the fame time
to fympathize in his misfortunes, and to hold prin-
ciples fnnilar to his own, to obtain his confidence in
prifon ; until at length, being inftructed and afliited
for the purpofe, he fulfilled his intent, by drawing
from him the whole hiftory of his crimes. Upon
his trial at Wincheiter, notwithflanding the fhock
which the appearance and evidence of his pretended
friend muft have given, he behaveJ with the fame
boldnefs and addrefs which he had hitherto mani-
fefted; made a good defence, fhrewd obfervations
on the nature of the evidence, and the acknowledged
bafenefs of the witnefs, and received fentence of
death with the moft perfect indifference. He fent
for one of the principal naval officers of Portfmouth,
either going to, or at the place of execution, to
whom he acknowledged his crime, and alfo gave
fome cautions with refpeci to the future prefervation
of the royal yards from fimilar dangers. This cri-
minal was tried at Winchefter on theiixthof March,
1777, and from the heinoufnefs of his crime (of
which he was found guilty) was executed at the
Dock-gate, Portfmouth, on the tenth of the fame
month.
On January the twenty-firft, the A -p.
parliament met purfuant to adjourn-"
ment, and immediately proceeded on the bufinefs of
the nation. The firft thing that engaged particular
notice was, a bill brought into the lower houfe for
I granting commiffions, or letters of marque and re-
prifal, as they ;ire ufually called, to the owners or
captains of private merchant mips, authorifmg them
to take and make prize of all veflels, with their
effects, belonging to any of the inhabitants of the
thirteen fpecified revolted American colonies. This
bill pafled the commons without the leaft oppofi-
tion ; nor did it produce much debate among the
lords, with whom it only underwent the trifling al-
teration, of inferting the words " letters of com-
miflion," in the place of " letters of marque," the
latter being thought only applicable to rcprifals on
a foreign enemy. On the fame day this bill palled
the lords, a motion was made in the houfe of com-
mons, for leave to bringin a billtoenable hismajeily
tofecureanddetain perfons charged with or fufpected
of the crime of high-treafon committed in America,
or on the high feas, or the crime of piracy. The
bill being admitted, was, after great debates, read
the firft time ; and a motion being made for the
fecond reading, it \vas carried by a great majority.
It occafioned much murmuring among the people;
and during the fhort time it was in agitation, a pe-
tition againft it was prefented to the commons from
the city of London. At the very next meeting of
the members, the bill petitioned againft was read
the third time and pafled. It met with more op-
pofition in the upper than the lower houfe ; but
after the third reading, the queftion being put, it
was carried without further debate, and on the third
of March received the royal aflent. The next thing
which engaged the attention of the commons was a
meilage from Jris majefty^ intimating his defire,
that his faithful commons would enable him to dii~-
clurge
E O R G E
III.
69*
charge the debts incurred by the expences of his
houfhold, and at the fame time make fome further
provifion for the fupport of the honour and dignity
of his crown.
On the day appointed for taking this matter into
confideration, the houfe went into a committee of
fupply; and, after fome debates, came to the fol-
lowing refolutions :
Refolved, that it is the opinion of this committee,
that the fum of 618,240!. 95. be granted to his ma-
jefty, to difcharge the arrears and debts due and
owing on account of the civil lift on the 5th of
January, 1777.
Refolved, that it is the opinion of this committee,
that the fum of ioo,oool. per annum be granted to
his majefty, over and above the yearly fum of
8oo,oool. granted by an acl: made in the firft year
of his reign.
When thefe refolutions were reported from the
committee of fupply to the whole houfe, the firft
was agreed to without any oppofiiion; but the fe-
cond produced debates that continued for feveral
hours, at the clofe of which, however, it was agreed
to by a great majority. In confequence of thefe
refolutions a bill was immediately framed, which
foon paired both houfes ; and on the 7th of May
received the royal a/Tent. No other material matter
occurred during the remainder of this feffion. The
national bufinefs being therefore finifhed, on the
6th of June his majefty went to the houfe of peers,
and after figning fuch bills as were ready, prorogued
the parliament.
Let us now return to America, where the war was
ftill profecuted with the utmoft vigour. Several
fldrmiflies happened in the beginning of this year
in the Jerfeys, with various fuccefs. On the 2 gd
and 24th of March, a great quantity of proviiions,
ftores, &c. with barracks and ftore-houfes belong-
ing to the provincials, were deftroyed by the_king's
troops at Peek's Hill, upon the North River. The
cniizers belonging to lord Howe and commodore
Hotham's fleet, continued to take many prizes. In
Connecticut, on the 27th of April, the king's troops
deftroyed a great quantity of (lores at Danbury.
General Burgoyne, with the northern army, pro-
ceeded toTiconderago and Fort Independence, which
he took pofleffion of on the 6th of July ; and found
in them great quantities of ftores and provisions, be-
fides what he deftroyed at Skenefborough. Soon
after this he took pofleffion of Fort Edward, which
the provincials abandoned ; and then proceeded to
Saratoga, where they were ftrongly poftecl.
On the 1 1 th of September the troops under the
command of general Howe had an engagement with
the provincials on the heights of Brandy-wine, in
which many were killed and wounded on both fides,
and 400 provincials taken prifoners. On the 25th
the army marched in two columns to German Town ;
and lord Cornwallis, with the Britifh grenadiers,
and two battalions of Heffian grenadiers, took pof-
feffion of Philadelphia the next morning.
On the 3d of October, the enemy having received
a reinforcement of 1500 men from Peek's Hill, 1000
from Virginia, and prefumingupon the army being
much weakened by the detachments to Philadelphia
and Jerfey, thought it a favourable time for them
to rifk an action. They accordingly marched at
fix o'clock in the evening of the 3d, from their camp
near Skippach Creek, about 1 6 miles from German
Town. This village forms one continued ftreet
for two miles, which the line of encampment, in
the polition the army then occupied, crofied at right
angles, near a mile from the head of it, where the
fecond battalion of light infantry and the 4©th re
giwent werepofted.
At three o'clock in the morning of the fourth,
the patroles difcovered the enemy's approach; and
upon the communication of this intelligence, the
army was immediately ordered under arms. Sooii
after the break of day, the enemy began their at-
tack upon the fecond light infantry, which they
fuftained for a confiderable time, fupported by the
fortieth regiment; but at length, being overpowered
by increaung numbers, thelight infantry, and a part
of the fortieth retired into the village, when lieu-
tenant-colonel Mufgrave, with fix companies of the
latter corps, threw himfelf into a large ftone houfe
in the face of the enemy, which, though furround-
ed by a brigade, and attacked by four pieces of
cannon, he moft gallantly defended, until major-
general Grey, at the head of three battalions of the
third brigade, turning his front to the village, and
brigadier-general Agnew, who covered major gene-
ral Grey's left with the fourth brigade, by a vigo-
rous attack repulfed the enemy, that had penetrated
into the upper part of the village, which was done
with great flaughter ; the fifth and fifty-fifth regi-
ments from the right, engaging them at the fame
time on the other fide of the village, completed the
defeat of the enemy in this quarter.
Major-general Grant, who was upon the right,
moved up the forty-ninth regiment with four pieces
of cannon to the left of the fourth regiment, about
the time major-general Grey had forced the enemy
in the village ; and then advancing with the right
wing, the enemy's left gave way, and was purfued
through a ftrong country between four and five
miles. The enemy retired near twenty miles by
feveral roads to Perkiomy Creek, and encamped
upon Skippach Creek, about eighteen miles diftant.
They faved all their cannon by withdrawing them
early in the day.
On the 1 6th of October the provincials, under
the command of general Gates, having furrounded
general Burgoyne's army at Saratoga, the latter
thought proper to enter into articles of capitulation ;
by which himfelf and his troops, after laying down
their arms, were to have a free pafiage to Great
Britain.
The parliament aflembled on the twentieth of
November, when his majefty opened the feffion in
the umal form. The fupplies being granted, and
feveral bills ready, among which was one for fuf*
pending the Habeas Corpus, his majefty, on the
tenth of December, adjourned the parliament.
Both houfes re-aflembled on the 23d . n R
of January; and on the 6thof February A* ' I?78
the houfe was full, to hear Mr. Burke's motion.
The honourable member began with an awful fo-
lemnity to prepare their minds, and incline them to
adopt his fentiments, and join him in his endeavours
to make the houfe as fenfible as he was, of the many
barbarities which he- faid had been committed during
the war in America. Adminiftration, lord Dun-
more, and general Burgoyne, were placed upon the
carpet ; and the fhare they had in the barbarities
complained of, held up to view. The whole fpeech,
though it Lifted three hours, was no more than a
preface to his motion. When he thought he had
laid fufficient for his purpofe, he moved, that copies
of the treaties entered into with the Indians, Ihould
be laid before the houfe.
The oppofite fide vindicated the Indians from the
reflections thrown on them. The facts urged as
proofs of the un tameable and ungovernable rage of
the Indians, it was faid were by much exaggerated ;
owed a great deal of their horror to the fancy of the
orator; and, fuch as they were, ought to be deemed
the ads of a few lawlefs banditti of their body, who
equally difclaimed obedience to our commanders
and their own ; and not to be attributed to the
nation, who, to the knowledge of many members
of the houfe, had often acled with a degree of hu-
manity which might make* even Chriftians blufli.
The freeing the negroes by lord Dunmore, was
juftified on the ground of neceffity ; it was im-
poffible
692,
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
poflible to raife men otherwife to recover our juft
rights ; every private confideration fhould give way
to promote the public good. The debate was warm,
interefting, and lafted near feven hours. The quef-
tion being put, the motion was rejected by a ma-
jority of eighty-fix ; the numbers for it one hun-
dred and thirty-feven, againft it two hundred and
twenty-three.
On the nineteenth of February lord North pre-
fented to the houfe, a bill to enable his majefty tx>
appoint commiflioners to treat, confent, and agree
on the means of quieting the diforders fubfifting in
certain of the colonies, plantations, and provinces
of America : alfo a bill for declaring the intention
of the parliament of Great Britain, concerning the
exercife of the right of impofing taxes on the colo-
nies. Another bill of a conciliatory nature was
Jikewife pafled. But the apparent intent of thefe
bills, feemed in fome meafure defeated by the recent
treaty of amity and commerce, entered into between
the Americans and the court of France.
On the twenty-fecond of March, the French
having laid an embargo on all fhipping in their
ports, and having previoufly fitted out a large fleet,
it was thought neceflary to call out the militia of
England and encamp them, in order to oppofe any
defigned invafion ; and on March the twenty-
feventh an order was -ifluecl for detaining in the
ports of England all French mips. On the thir-
teenth of April commiflioners were appointed to go
with conciliatory terms to America ; and on the
fixteenth of the fame month, a proper provifion
•was made for the younger branches of the royal
family.
Tuefday, April the feventh, the houfe of lords
went into a committee of enquiry, purfuant to no-
tice given by his grace the duke of Richmond on a
former day, when lord Chatham rofe, in the courfe
of the enquiry, and after lamenting that his bodily
infirmities had fo long, and at fo important a crifis,
prevented his attendance on the duties of parlia-
ment, he declared that he had made an effort, al-
inoft beyond the powers of his conftitution, to come
down to the houfe on that day, to exprefs his indig-
dation at the pufillanimous idea of giving up the
dependence of America, through the apprehenfions
of a war with France. He mould think himfelf
guilty of the deepeft treachery, if he could ever
fubfcribe to American independence. He fpoke in
a, kind of enthufiaftic rapture of the paft glories of
the houfe of Brunfwic ; and afked, who was the
man that would dare to give up any part of its do-
minions? Who would dare to difinherit the prince
of Wales, the bifhop of Ofnaburgh, and all the
fair hopes of that beloved family of proteftant
princes, descended from the body of the revered
princefs Sophia ? His lordfhip cut his fpeech fhoi t
from extreme weaknefs, when the duke of Rich-
mond again rofe ; and when his grace came near
the end of his reply, lord Chatham's great foul
feemed agitated with fome big thought ; and after
the duke had fat down, his lordfhip attempted to
rife; but his feelings proved too ftrong for his de-
bilitated conftitution, and fuddenly preffing his hand
on his flomach, he fell into a convulfive fit. The
whole houfe was in the greateft alarm poffible ; the
bar cleared ; the windows thrown open ; but to no
effect. Very fortunately, Dr. Brocklefby happened
to be below the bar of the houfe of lords to hear
the debates when his lordfhip dropt, who imme-
diately flew to his relief, and exerted all his hu-
manity and (kill for the recovery of fo illuftrious a
character. His endeavours foon prevailed, and his
lordfliip recovered his fenfes : but on the arrival of
Dr. Addington (his lordfhip's family phyfician)
both the medical gentlemen thought it neceflary to
have his lordfhip no further removed than to Mr.
Strutt's (the clerk of the houfe of lords) left the
motion of a carriage might again affecl his foil-its.
As foon as his lordfhip had been taken out of the
houfe, the cluke of Richmond faid, fuch an event
muft have deranged their minds too much to pro-
ceed on the debate ; he would therefore fubmit it
to them to adjourn the motion. This meeting their
lordfhip's concurrence, the houfe adjourned to next
clay.
To the great regret of the nation, on the twelfth
of May, our great ftatefm an, the earl of Chatham,
departed this life, at his feat at Hayes, in Kent.
He had ferved his country with fidelity and fuccefs;
and the fplcndor of its achievements departed with
him. This great ornament of human nature, and
glory of the Englifh nation, the right honourable
William Pitt, was earl of Chatham, vifcount Pitt
of Burton Pynfent in Somerfetfhire, F. R. S. and
prime minitter of this kingdom. He took the hclrt
of ftate at a very critical and dangerous crifis ; anr;
by his great abilities refcued this nation from tl
perilous fituation in which he found it, and carrifccl
its reputation to a high pitch of glory. His lord-
fhip was created a peer by, the above titles, the
thirtieth of July, 1766. He married lady Hcfter,
fifter to earl Temple, who was created baronefs of
Chatham, the fourteenth of December, 1761. His
title devolved on hiseldeft fon, John, lord vifcount
Pitt, born the twenty-eighth of October, 1756.
The citizens of London, ever grateful to real pa-
triots, have eredted, in their Guildhall, a new ceno-
taph to the memory of the earl of Chatham ; and
the Britifh nation honoured his merit by a public
funeral, and a public monument among her illu-
ftrious characters in Weftminfter abby. The noble
earl was born November the fifteenth, 1708.
On the twenty-eighth, the royal aflent was giveri
to a bill for the relief of the Roman catholics; and
about the fame time an embargo was laid on all
foreign veffels in the ports of England. On the
fecond of June his majefty went in ftate to the
houfe of peers ; when having given his aflent to
feveral bills, particularly one for fettling an annuity
on the defendants of the late earl of Chatham, he
prorogued the parliament.
Admiral Keppel having failed with a fleet, not
fuflicient in point of force, for the purpofe of at-"
tacking the French, returned to England for re-
inforcement, which having obtained, he again put
to lea. On July the twenty-feventh the two grand
fleets met, and came to an engagement ofFUfhant ;
theiflue of which (in confequence of an accufation
laid by Sir Hugh Pallifer, vice-admiral, againft the
chief commander) produced great diflentions. The
engagement was reprefented in fuch a light by Sir
Hugh Pallifer, as to ftigmatize the reputation of
the admiral j Mr. Keppel, however, vindicated his
character in parliament on the fecond of December ;
notwithftanding which, Sir Hugh Pallifer exhibited
his charges againft him on the feventeeth of the
fame month at the admiralty. The bill for his trial
on land received the royal aflent on the twenty-
fourth enfuing-; his trial accordingly began on the
feventh of January, 1779, and ended on the firft of
February, when he was unanimoufly acquitted with
the greateft honour, andtheproftcu'ion pronounced
to be malicious. On his acquittal the moft general
demonftrations of joy took place, and the greateft
illuminations, perhaps ever known, cnfued in moft
of the cities, 'towns, &c. throughout the kingdom.
Helikewife received the united thanks of the houfe
of lords, houfe of commons, the lord-mayor and
common-council of the city of London (who pre-
fented him with the freedom of the city in a box'
made of heart of oak, and richly ornamented with
gold) and of many other cities, towns, corpora-
tions, &c.
On the eighteenth of June, general Clinton eva-
cuated Philadelphia. He was attacked on his
march
Hamilton
TTiarn&n jat
ST LUCIA ^ ^ WE ST INDIE S W^/Pofsefsion tffy ADMIRAL BARRINGTON
'
Mondeur de Micond attd f/te Inhabitants /mrr'tty Capitulated (4f- 3C.e/~/er<>tn/><>r,
//re sfa «frr COUNT D' KSTAIGN /er f/fc Ifland
GEORGE
III.
693
march by the provincials, whofe object appeared to
be the gaining pofleffion of the Britifh baggage :
but in this they were difappointed, and every where
repulfed, by means of the judicious manner in
which general Clinton had difpofcd his troops. After
this event the earl of Carlifle, Mr. Eden, and go-
vernor Johnftone, were font as commiflioners from
Great Britain, to treat of a pacification Avith Ame-
rica, but did not meet with that fuccefs that every
true lover of both countries could wifti. About
the fame time the iflands of St. Pierre and Mique-
lon were taken from the French, by admiral Mon-
tague's fleet ; in oppofition to which, the ifland of
Dominica was captured by an armament of French
and Americans from Martinico.
On the eleventh of December, admiral Barring-
ton, (who fucceeded lord Howe in the command of
the Britifh fleet) and a body of forces under general
Grant, feised on the ifland of St. Lucia, one of the
Antilles belonging to the French. It was after-
wards attempted to be retaken by count d'Eftaing,
but he was repulfed both by fea and land, and was
obliged to leave the ifland much difconcerted. On
the fotitth of January the enfuing year, Georgia
furrendered to a detachment of Britifh troops, and
many inhabitants of that colony and of the Caro-
linas came in and joined the royalifts.
n A defperate engagement was fought
A. L». i779-on the fixth of July, between the
Englifh, commanded by admiral Barrington, and
the French by count d'Eftaing, in which the French
claimed the victory. The EngUfli commander was
wounded, and loft near two hundred men ; but
no fhrps were taken on either fide. M. d'Eftaing,
being afterwards joined by a body of Americans
under general Lincoln, made an attack on the
Britifh lines at Savannah, but was repulfed with
great flaughter, and himfelf wounded ; foon after
which the French abandoned the American coafts.
The combined fleets of France and Spain took
their departure from Plymouth, on the eighteenth
of Auguft, without attempting any hoftilities, ex-
cept in the attack of the Ardent man of war, captain
Foteler, who defended himfelf heroically againft two
frigates, and three feventy-four of the enemy, for
near three hours, but was at laft obliged to ftrike to
this unequal force, after having every yard, and her
main-maft fhot away. The fleet of the enemy, con-
fiding of fixty fail of the line, twenty frigates, and
transports, made their appearance on the morning
of the fourteenth, and in a few hours arrived off
Caufand-bay, where they lay to, in two grand di-
vifions, for four days, till their departure. As foon
as it was high-water on Wednefday evening, count
d'Orvillifrrs' fhip fired a gun to leeward, which was
returned by that of count d'Arce, the Spanifh ad-
miral, on which the two divisions tacked immediate-
ly, and flood to the fouthward. On Thurfday morn-
ing they were barely difcernable, with the beftglafies,
fleering the fame courfe, and by noon were totally
out of fight. The confirmation occafioned by the firft
appearance of this vaft naval armament was certainly
great, the inhabitants flying with what valuable
effects they could get together, fb that the town was
prefently left to thofe only who meant gallantly to
defend it ; and to the credit of the country, the place
of the female and infirm fugitives was more than
doubly fupplied by the able volunteers who flocked
in from all parts. The garrifon, which confiiled of
four thoufand effective men, were under arms night
and clay, as were the officers and artificers of the
dock, about two thoufand more; and, from the ge-
neral difpofition, they would have defended the
place to the laft extremity. The vigliance and
fpirit of the officers foon got the better of the firft
momentary panic, and not a man was to be fouud
within twenty miles of the place that did not arm
himfelf, and bravely refolve to fhed his blood in
No. 68. «
defence of his country. The warmed encomiums
are due to lord Shuldham, who commanded at that
port, and the reft of the officers, naval as well as mili^
tary, whofe activity and zeal ferved to raife a glo-
rious animation that pervaded the whole country.
The Serapis frigate, and Countefs of Scarborough
armed fhip, having the fleet from the Baltic under
their convoy, were attacked, between Flamborough
head, and Scarborough, by Paul Jones's fquadron,
when, after a fevere engagement, in which the Sera-
pis loft her main-maft, bowfprit, and mizen top-
maft, and was otherwife much mattered, as was alfb
the Countefs of Scarborough, and they were both
taken. Themerchantfhipsw ere feparated during the
action, part of which had taken fhelter on the coaft
near Scarborough, and two were arrived at Hull.
In captain Pearfon's letter to thelords commiflioners
of the admiralty, he gives the following account of
this obftinate engagement. " We at length dropt
along fide of each other, head and ftern, when the
fluke of our fpare anchor hooking his quarter, we
became fo clofe fore and aft, that the muzzles of
our guns touched each others fides. In this po-
fition we engaged from half paft eight till half pad
ten, during which time, from the great quantity and
variety of combulHble matter which they threw in
upon our decks, chains, and in fhort into every
part of the fhip, we were on fire ten or twelve
times in different places, and it was with the
greateft difficulty and exertion imaginable, at times,
that we were able to get it extinguifhed. At the
fame time the largeft of the two frigates kept failing
round us the whole action, and raking us fore and
aft, by which means fhe killed or wounded almoft
every man on the quarter and main decks. About
half paft nine, either from a hand grenade being
thrown at one of our lower-deck ports, or from fome
other accident, a cartridge of powder was fet on
fire, the flames of which running from cartridge to
cartridge all the way aft, blew up the whole of the
people and officers that were quartered abaft the
main-maft, from which unfortunate circumftance
all thofe guns were rendered ufelefs for the re-
mainder of the action, and I fear the greateft part
of the people will lofe their lives. At ten o'clock
they called for quarters from the fhip along-fide,
and faid they had ftruck. Hearing this, I called
upon the captain to know if they had ftruck, or if
he afked for quarters ; but no anfwer being made,
after repeatingmy words two or three times, I called
for the boarders, and ordered them to board, which
they did ; but the moment they were on board her,
they difcovered a fuperior number lying under
cover with pikes in their hands ready to receive
them, on which our people retreated inftantly into
our own fhip, and returned to their guns again- till
half paft ten, when the frigate coming acrofs our
ftern, and pouring her broadfide into us again,
without our being able to bring a gun- to bear on
her, I found it in vain, and, in fhort, impracticable,
from the fituation we were in, to ftand out any
longer with the leaft profpect of fuccefs ; I therefore
ftruck (our main-malt at the fame time went by the
board). The firft lieutenant and myfelf were im-
mediately efcorted into the fhip along-fide, when we
found her to be an American fhip of war, called the
Bon Homme Richard, of forty guns and three hun-
dred and feventy-five men, commanded by captain
Paul Jones; the other frigate which engaged us, to
be the Alliance, of forty guns and three hundred
men ; and the third frigate which engaged and too'k
the Countefs of Scarborough after two hours action,
to be the Pallas, a French frigate of thirty-two guns
and two hundred and feventy-five men; the Ven-
geance, an armed brig of twelve guns and feventy
men, all in Congrefs fervice, and under the com-
mand of Paul Jones." This action of our gallant
commander happened on the twenty-fifth of Sep-
8 N tember.
694
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
tember. It occafioned a fpirited memorial from
the Englifh court, to the States of Holland, which
was foon after followed by open acts of hoftility.
In the month of October another bloody engage-
ment took place between the Quebec frigate, which
was blown up in an action with a French forty gun
fhip, about fourteen leagues S. W. of Ufhant; of
which the following narrative is given by Mr.
James George, lieutenant of the Rambler cutter,
the Quebec's confort. " Wednefday, the fixth in-
ftant, at day-break, we difcovered three fail to Ice-
ward. Captain Farmer made the fignal for the
Rambler to come under his ftern, which I obeyed ;
he then afked me what I thought of them ; I told
him a fliip, a cutter, and a Dutch hoy ; he replied,
he would go down and fee what they were, and
ordered me to keep clofe to him. At half part
eight we plainly perceived two of them to be a
large French frigate, and a cutter. At ten the
Quebec, being within point blank mot of the
enemy, hoifted her colours, and returned their fire,
ftill edging down to come to a clofer engagement,
till Ihe was along-fide the French frigate. Imme-
diately I hoifted my colours, and flood in between
the French frigate and the cutter, with an intent to
bring her to a clofe engagement, which I effected
at eleven o'clock. I found her force to be fixteen
fix pounders, and full of men. We continued to
engage her, clofe along-fide, till within afew minutes
of two o'clock, when me fet all the fail fhe could
croud, and bore from us, we not having had the
luck to carry away any thing material ; and the
Rambler having her garf mot away, her top-mail
{hot through, the top-fail haliyards, and moft of her
ftanding and running rigging gone, and the main-
fail rendered nnferviceable, was incapable of fol-
lowing her with, any hopes of coming up with her;
at the fame time feeing both the frigates difmafted,
and the Quebec take fire, I endeavoured to get as
near the Quebec as poflible, in hopes of laving
fome of her men ; but there being little wind,
and a large (well, found I could aflift her no other
way but by hoifting out our boats, which I effected,
and fent the matter and five men armed in her, who
picked up one matter's mate, two young midfhip-
nien, and fourteen more of the Quebec's people, the
enemy's frigate at the fame time firing at the boat.
As the Rambler was at a conliderable diftance, to
leeward of the Quebec, I thought it would be in
vain to fend a fecond time.
** I want words fufficient to clefcribe the noble
and gallant manner of captain Farmer's engaging
the enemy for upwards of three hours and an half
that he lay along-fide the frigate, which carried
twenty-eight eighteen pounders on her main-deck,
and twelve guns on her quarter-deck and forecaftle.
The Quebec continued burning very fiercely, with
her colours flying, till fix o'clock, when flie blew
up." Thirteen of the brave crew were taken from
the YI eck by a Pruffian veflel, who put them into
a Topfham pilot-boat ; thefc with the few above-
mentioned were all who were faved ; the remainder
periflied either by the fire or water, among whom
was the intrepid captain Farmer, defervedly, and to
this day, lamented both by his friends and country.
The engagement began about nine o'clock in the
morning, yard-arm and yard-arm, and lafted till
two, when the Frenchman ceafed firing.
On the twenty- fourth of October the officers and
ganiion of Omoa, furrendered that fort to the
honourable captain John LuttfeU, of his majefty's
fhip the Charon, and William Dalrymple, Efq;
commander of the land forces. The officers, fol-
diers, and feamcn, exerted tHemfelves upon every
point of duty in a diftinguifhed manner : but of the
various proofs of an undaunted and elevated mind,
during the efcalade, we mutt, not omit that of a
brave Britifh tar, which amazed the Spaniards, and
them a very high idea of Englifh valour : not
contented with one cutlafs, he had fcrambled up
the walls with two ; and meeting a Spajiifh officer
without arms, who had been roufed out of his fleep,
had the generofity not to take any advantage, but>
prefenting him one of his cutlafles told him, ' You
are now on a footing with me.' — The orders were
not to fparc while they refitted, but to grant quar-
ters to all who requetted it. Only two Spaniards
were wounded by the bayonet in refitting, nor
was any perfon pillaged or plundered.
A fignal victory was obtained on the . -p.
fixtcenth of January, by admiral Rod- I78o<
ncy, over the Spanifh fleet, commanded by Don
Juan Langara, off Cape St. Vincent's ; by means of
Which the fortrefs of Gibraltar, then beficged by the
Spaniards, and the people in great diftreis for svant
of provifions, were happily relieved. In this action
the Spanifh admiral and feven fhips, the greatefl
part of his fquadron, were either taken or deiiroyed.
On the eleventh of May Charles Town furrendered
to Sir Henry Clinton ; in which were taken fevei-al
officers, a commodore, ten continental regiments,
and three battalions of artillery, with a great num-
ber of American and French feamen ; in all fix
thoufand men in arms, belides feveral armed fhips,
and four hundred pieces of cannon. On the feven-
teenth, a very fmart engagement took place be-
tween the Englifli fleet, commanded by admiral
Hodney, and the French under M. de Guichen,
near Martinico. It latted for fome time, and in
the end proved unfavourable to the French, though
no (hips were taken on either fide.
On the fixteenth of Auguft a victory was obtained
over the American army under general Gates, by
the Britifli army under lord Cornwallis. The lots,
of the Americans was about nine hundred flain,
among whom was brigadier-general Gregory ; and
about one thoufand were taken prifoners. Soon
after this action lieutenant-colonel Tarleton defeat-
ed general Sumpter's army, which was greatly fu-
perior to his own, taking two pieces of cannon,
and about three hundred prifoners.
In November general Arnold (one of the chief
commanders of the American forces) deferted that
fervice ; whofe defection occafioned the melancholy
cataftrophe of major Andree', adjutant-general of
the Britiih army, commanded by Sir Henry Clin-
ton. Arnold, before he efcaped, had, with major
Andree, conceited a plan for furprizing the Ame-
rican army. This fchemc, however, Vailed, and
Andree, being taken as a fpy, was, by order of ge-
neral Wafhington, executed. It is aflerted that the
officers who formed the council of war that con-
demned him, wept when his fentence was pro-
nounced. Univerfally beloved and efteemed, he
was only twenty-feven years old when he died ; and
though he had ferved but eight years, his merit
promifed to raife him foon to the higheft honours.
And befides his military talents, he was remarkable
for a well cultivated genius, and had diftinguifhed
himfelf by many agreeable fugitive pieces, la
fhort, every thing feemed to confpire to render his
melancholy end more affecting ftill.
On the twenty-firft of December was publifhed,
in a Gazette extraordinary, his majefty's manifefto,
wherein feveral ftriking allegations were'abiy fur*,
ported, tending to prove, that the States, particu-
larly Am ft erdam, had, in various inftances, been
guilty of an infraction of the law of nations, and a
flagrant violation of public faith. In confequence
of which the king had ordered his ambaflador to
withdraw from the Hague ; and was determined to
purfue fuch vigorous meafures as the occafion fully
juftified, his own dignity, and the interefts of bis
people required.
'This year teemed "with clifturbances at home ofa
very, fingular nature j which took their rife from an
t averfiosi
E O' R G E
III.
•averfion to a relaxation of the penal laws againft
papifts. AfTociations were formed for defending
the proteftant religion from the incroachments oi
popery ; and of one of thofe a§bmb'lies, called the
Proteftant Affbciation, lord George Gordon was
invited to become the prcfident, and with this in-
vitation he complied. A petition' was framed, and
Cgned by the aflbciatoi s, complaining of the late
aft for repealing the fcverities of an act of the loth
and nth of William III. and this petition lord
George Gordon undertook to prefent to the houfe
of commons. An advertifement was' published,
with the fignature of lord George, inviting the
members of the afibciation to meet in St. George's
Fields, on Friday the fecond of June, in order to
attend the prefentation of their petition to the houfe
of commons. Inpurfuanceof this advertifement be-
tween thirty and forty thoufand people ailembled at
the time appointed, and accompanied lord George
to the houfe. On their arrival there, lord George
moved for leave to prefent the petition, but it be-
ing agreed to poftpone it till another day, the mul-
titude were fo irritated, that they immediately
divided themfelvcs into parties, fome going to the
Romifh chapel in Duke-ftreet, Lincoln's-inn-fields,
andothers to that in Warwick-ftreet, Golden-fquare,
both which buildings they in a great meafure de-
znolHhed in a very fhort time. This was the com-
mencement of the deftruclion which afterwards took
place. The people became more and more out-
rageous, nor had the pacific meafures taken by
feveral of the magistrates the leaft effect. On the
Sunday afternoon they deftroyed the chapel near
Moorfields, together with feveral houfes in the neigh-
bourhood belonging to Roman catholics. The
appearance of the rabble was much more formidable
and alarming on the Monday. The chapel in
Virginia-lane, Wapping, and Nightingale-lane,
Eaft Smtthfield, were deftroyed by different parties,
as were alfo feveral houfes belonging to people in
very reputable ctrcumftances.
On Tuefday all the military in London were
ordered upon duty at both houfes of parliament, St.
James's, the Tower, &c. But notwithftanding thefe
precautions, the fury of the rioters continued to in-
creafe. They that day deftroyed feveral houfes be-
longing to Roman catholics, and in the evening a
party of them appeared before Newgate, and de-
manded an immediate releafe of all the prifoners.
Mr. Akerman (the mafter of the prifon) declared
himfclf refolved to do his duty, upon which they
broke the windows of hisdweiling-houfe, and pro-
ceeded to batter the doors with pickaxes and fledge
hammers; and climbing by means of ladders, the
walls of the building, they entered at the windows,
threw Mr. Akerman's furniture into the ftreet, and
committed them to the flames. In confequenceof
thefe excefles, all the prifoners amounting to about
three hundred, were releafed, among whom were four
under fentcnce of death, and ordered for execution
on the following Thurfday.— Having done this they
fell on the prifon itfelf, which, though the ftrongell
in England, and lately erected at an immenfe ex-
pence, they foon demoliflied, leaving nothing more
ftanding than the bare walls. The fame night
another party fet'fire to the houfe of lord Mansfield
in Bloomibury-fquare,which was entirely confumed,
together with a collection of pictures of great value,
and many of the fcarceft manufcripts in the poffef-
iion of any private perfon in the world ; befides all,
his lordfliip's notes on great law cafes, and the con-
ftitution of England. The military arrived in
Bloomlbury, but not till the mifchievous intentions
of the rabble had taken effect. However, they were
under the neceflity of firing in their own defence,
and fix men and a woman were killed, and many
others wounded. The fame night they deftroyed
the houfe of juftice Cox, in Great (^ueen-ftreet, and
that of Sir John Fielding in Bow-ftreer. They alfo
fct all the prifoners in New Prifon, Clerkenweil, -at
liberty. On Wedncfday they deftroyed the King's
Bench and Fleet prifons, fetting all the debtors at
liberty ; and to ftich lengths did they go that they
threatened to dellroy the Bank, and other public
buildings. It mm- became neccflary to give the
military difcretionary powers. For the protection
of the Bank, guards were placed before that build-
ing, as alfo within the Royal Exchange, St. Paul's
Church-yard, and feveral of the public courts; and
almoft every place tenable as a fortification, became
a receptacle for armed troops. Two houfes, one at
the bottom, and the other about the middle of Hoi-
born, belonging to Mr. Langdale, an eminent dif-
tiller, were let fire to, and entirely confumed, as
were the dwellings of many other individuals pro-
feffing the Roman catholic faith.
The rioters made two attacks upon the Bank^
and one upon the Pay-office. The importance of
thefe places rendered it neccflary to fhew but little
lenity -, and many perfons were killed and wounded
by the foldiery. Two men and a chimney*
fweeper's apprentice were mot in the Fleet-market ;
and three men were mot dead upon B^lack Friars-
bridge, the toll-houfes of which were deftroyed.
Numbers alfo fell facrifices to inebriation, particu-
larly at the diftilleries of Mr. Langdale, from
whofe veffels the liquor ran down the ftreets in fuch
quantities, that it was taken up in pails, and helcf
up to the mouths of the intoxicated multitude;
many of whom actually killed themfelves by ex-
cefiive drinking of non-rectified fpirits, and were
either burnt to death, or buried in the ruins, from
which about twenty of thefe miferable wretches
were dragged out, feveral of whom were quite dead,.
Some difturbances likewife happened in the Bo-
rough, where feveral individuals fuffered confide-'
rably in their property; but by the interpofition of
the military the rioters were foon difperfed.
Great numbers of thefe deluded people were
taken up, and afterwards, by a fpecial commiflion
granted for that purpofe, tried for their lives, a ge«
neral view of which is as follows :
In London and Middlefex.
Tried
Found guilty
Refpited
Executed
Acquitted
In Southwark.
Tried
Found guilty
Refpitecl
Executed
Acquitted
34
'4
20
53
5°
24
17
7
26
>
In the week wherein thefe difturbances happenec?
lord George Gordon (who was confidered as the in-
ftigator of them) was taken into cuftpdy, and, after
a long examination before the privy-council, was
committed to the Tower. On the fifth of February
following, 1781, he was tried irf the court of King's
Bench, Weitminller, for high-trcafon, and levying
war, infbrreclion and rebellion, againft the king,
by aflembling a great number of armed perfons on
the fecond of June in the preceding year, and dif-
turbing the peace, Sec. The trial lafted from half
paft eight on Monday morning, till five o'clock'the
next morning, when the jury declared his lordfhip
Not Guilty.
On the fixth of January, about two . ^
in the morning, the French made a ' ' T
defcent on the illandof Jerfey, but in their attempt-
ing to land, four of their tranfport veflels were
wrecked
696
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
wrecked upon the rocks, and upwards of two hun-
dred men perifhed. Thofe, however, who did land
made their way into the moft interior part of the
ifland, where they met with a warm repulfe from
the ^garrifon, great numbers of them being killed,
many^taken prifoners, and the reft obliged to fave
themfefves by a precipitate retreat.
In the beginning of the month of February ad-
miral Rodney, commander of the Britifh fleet in the
"Weft Indies, in conjunction with general Vaughan,
commander of the land forces, poflefled themfelves
of the Ifland of St. Euftatius, belonging to the
Dutch, which furrendered at difcretion ; but up-
wards of twenty ftiips, laden with property captured
there, were taken by the French fleet in their paffage
home. They likewife made themfelves m afters of
theiflandsof St. Martin, Saba and St. Bartholomew,
belonging to the French, together with the two
valuable Dutch colonies of Demerary and Eflequibo,
both fituated on the Spanifh main.
In .America, throughout the month of March,
little was done with refpect to bringing the war to a
period ; though in moft of the actions the Britifh
forces came off victors, and found means to take
and deftroy great quantities of ordnance, ammuni-
tion, ftores, &c. in Virginia. They likewife de-
feated general Green's army at Guildford, on the
fifteenth of the fame month, after a (harp engage-
ment, in which feveral Englifh officers of rank, and a
great number of privates, were killed and wounded.
The Britifh troops having for fome time had pofleffion
of Camden, lord Rawdon, with colonel Wefton's
detachment being near it, and clofely purfued by
the American general Green, after the battle of
Guildford, wherein the Britifh troops proved vic-
torious, fetfire to that beautiful town, and reduced
it to aflies, after which he retired for fafety to within
a fmall diftance of Charles-Town.
On the fixteenth of April commodore Johnftone's
fleet, with a number of India (hips under convoy,
was attacked by the French fleet under M. de Suf-
frein off the ifland of St. Jago, which was attended
with great lofs and damage on both fides. Some of
the India mips were taken by the French, but they
not being able to retain the whole, feveral efcaped,
and rejoining the Englifh fleet, arrived fafe in Eng-
land. In June, the ifland of Tobago in the Weft
Indies was taken from the Englifh by a body of
land forces, commanded by the French governor of
St. Vincent's, under cover of a large fleet of fliips
of war, commanded by M. de Graffe.
Admiral Hyde Parker, on the fixth of Auguft
fell in with theDutchfquadron, with a large convoy
on the Dogger-bank. The latter had eighc fhips
of the line, and the former feven. The engagement
was very hot for fome time, and great damage was
ik>ne on -both fides; but at length the Dutch
thought proper to bear away for the Texel, and the
Englifh were too much difabled to follow them.
One of the Dutch men of war of feventy-four guns
was funk, and the whole crew perifhed.
In the month of September, colonel Tarleton was
defeated at Gloucefter by the Sieur de Choify, after
which the allied armies of France and America
marched againft the Britifh forces commanded by
lord Cornwallis. The intrenchments were opened
in two attacks, above and below York River, in the
night between the fixth and feventh of October, and
different engagements took place till the feven-
teenth, when lord Cornwallis finding the enemy too
powerful, was obliged to capitulate, and he, with
his whole army were made prifoners of war. There
were found in the pofts cjf York and Gloucefter fix
thoufand regular troops, twenty-two pair of colours,
one thoufand five hundred feamen, one hundred and
fixty pieces of cannon of different calibres, of which
feventy-five were brafs ; eight mortars; about forty
(hips, one of them of fifty guns, which was burnt.
Twenty tranfports were funk, in which number was
theGuadaloupe, a frigate of twenty-four guns.
In February the conjunctive forces n
of France and Sr*in laid fiege to Mi- A< ' '2>
norca. The honourable general Murray, governor
of the place, oppofed them for feveral days with
great refolution, but his troops were fo difabled,
by a fcorbutic diforder prevailing among them,
that they were at length obliged to fubmit to the
fup"erior power of the enemy. General Murray
propofed articles of capitulation to the conquerors,
which being agreed to, he furrendered the fort of
St. Philip to his Catholic majefty, and then, with
his troops, left it with all the honours of war.
About the fame time advice was received of the
capture of theiflandsof St. Chriftopher and Nevis in
the Weft Indies by the French, under the command
of the marquis de Bouille. Major-general Shirley,
governor of the place, held out, with the moll dif-
tingtiifhed refolution, for a conliderable time; but
at length, finding the enemy too powerful, was
obliged to fubmit, and, after a fiege of above five
weeks, compelled to furrender to the French arms
upon terms of capitulation.
The furrender of two armies attended by the
fineft train of artillery which ever entered the field,
alarmed the whole nation: the cabinet began to
talk in a more moderate ftrain ; minifters lowered
their tone, and in the parliament, afiembled in Lift
November, feveral of the leading members ap-
peared deeply affected with our fucceffive difgraces
and lofies. In the houfe of commons, it was in-
filled, that no cit cumftances except a fpeedy change
of minifterial meafures, and the return of peace,
could fave the nation from irretrievable calamity.
Mr. Duncombe aflerted that the elective body of
the people beheld the idea of profecuting the Ame-
rican war with indignation and concern. On the
twenty-fecond of February in this year, general
Conway made a motion correfponding with the
above fentiments, which was loft by a majority of
one only, the numbers for it being one hundred and
ninety-three, againft it one hundred and ninety-
four : and on the twenty-feventh the fame right
honourable member made his fecond motion againft
any further profecution of an offenfive war againft
America, upon which the attorney-general moved,
" that the debate be adjourned for a fortnight."
A divifion took place and the minifter was left in a
minority. After which the main queftion was put
and carried. General Conway then moved, " that
an humble addrefs be prefented to his majefty there-
upon." This motion was carried without a divi-
fion. In confequence of this addrefs, the following
arrangement of a new miniftry, extremely gratefui
to the people, was fettled. Marquis of Rocking-
ham, firft lord of the treafury. Lord Shelburne,
and the honourable Charles Fox, fecretai ies of ftate.
Lord Camden, prefident of the council. Lord
John C avendifh, chancellor of the exchequer.
Admiral Keppel, firft lord of the admiralty j and
the duke of Richmond, maiter-general of thq
ordnance, &c. In May Mr. Wilkes moved, that
the relolution declaring his being expelled that
houfe, and incapable of ferving as a member of
parliament, be expunged from the journals of the
houfe. Mr. Wilkes, after many annual defeats,
triumphed at laft; for a divifion taking place, there
appeared for expunging the refolutioa oue hundred
and fifteen, againft it forty-feven.
In the courfe of this month the public were
alarmed by the death of the marquis of Rocking-
ham, the refignarion of Mr. Fox, and other mem-
bers of the new cabinet. To pave the way for ad-
vances to a general peace, lord Shelburne was ap-
pointed to the office of firft lord of the treafury j
and in his fpeech in the houfe of lords he declared,
that nothing was farther from his intention than to
renew
ffrt/nlf/i'/t ,/,•//// . f/',iff,n;/ .<:///<•
) /• • / ' /
< '/fa '///WAY//V//-V/ ARTICLES /-/PEArE /v///vvv/ rireat Britain Jt-Franre ////J ( ireat Britain ///^/!
§\<g^rt/ IsfotM^fa
't'// /•/,,,>/,/',•„,„•<•,'.: //,„//, —7/ /„]'•/,,,,,•)<> RATIFIED /-/<
f / .
''/
Jfaniiltvn
/; / /J1 /
( // <fi(>rf'/f(.
iral COUNTDe GRAS $&€&ve**na //;> Sword/^ADMIRAL^^/LpUT),
;seiitiitiotL^/ /^///Memorable Event //M// /,> ?//'<•// ////•/ ////f///<v • /'ct'A' (>/-/f/s<> XYAY/ 7
/>/ //, ANVsf Tn.lios
Hamill,,,./,?,.
9i^^^M^^^V^KMHBHM^^^^^^^^BHH^H^HM^^M^^^K^H-HT9P>^iKMME-*9^^1^^BMHHBMH"^S*aiR^SSS">'w'v*BnlHH^»HH^HW^H=>'— ~'*>~I" J
v ' v / ' / / ^ \ / ' / 7 ' / i " ' i / . r^
i£fXOWsW*t&/(t'ln4m'wn}ttMvmMffW/i//tMtt&f'/w //////////'////v 'Hrfhavr/ JiHwiainT'wjifltivtv
j//~~ f ° ' '>*,' // ix -/0
^ GallaiLt ^///^ -Rio"tIitHrai.X)APTAI^LORDR()BERTMA"N^i^SMORTALLYA\l) TINNED,
w /Wff/ //,- RESOLUTION, /// ///- (Hoi-ious\rirtoT^^//^//^y/^w7 ///- Freuck Fleet,
y / / , y , •'
\\VH
GEORGE
I [I.
697
renew the war in America. The fword was fheathed
never to be drawn there again.
On the twelfth of April, a moft obftinate engage-
ment commenced between the Englifh Meet under
the command of Sir George Brydges Rodney, and
the French fleet commanded by the count dc Grafle,
in the Weft-Indies. The battle lafted with unre-
mitting fury from fevert o'clock in the morning till
half-paft fix in the evening, when victory declared
in favour of the Britifh flag. The Ville de Paris,
a fhipof one hundred and ten guns, commanded
by count de Grafle, with four others of the line,
were captured, and another of the line funk in the
action. The Casfar, one of thofe taken, was blown
up, and the whole crew, among whom were fifty
Englifh feamen, perifhed. The engagement was
fuftained with the greater!: refolution on both fides.
The day after the battle, the remainder of the
French fleet difperfed; but being purfued by a
fquadron under the command of Sir Samuel Hood,
two others of their line of battle fhips and two
frigates were taken ; by which the formidable power
they had in the Weft Indies was greatly reduced,
and their defign of poflefllng themfelves of the
ifland of Jamaica (which they had long concerted)
totally fruftrated. Sir George Rodney, for his gal-
lant behaviour, received the public thanks of the
Britifh fenate ; and was farther honoured, by being
afterwards created a peer of the realm. But this
glorious victory was not obtained without the lo'fs
of many brave officers and feamen, two hundred
and thirty having been killed, and feven hundred
and fifty-nine wounded; among whom, every lover
of his country will drop a tear to the memory of
the right honourable lord Robert Manners, who
was, while fighting with the moft undaunted intre-
pidity, fhot in different parts of his body, and at
laft wounded mortally, on board the Refolution.
The following anecdote has been related of the
French admiral, Count de Grafle, faid to be au-
thentic.
An Englifh officer being fent to Martinico in a
cartel, was introduced to the Count on board the
Ville de Paris. After fome converfation on the
bufinefs he went upon, the Count, in a gafconading
manner, defired the officer to give his compliments
to Sir George Rodney, and tell him, that he would
be off Dominica on the ninth of April, and would
be glad to meet Sir George. After the action of
the twelfth, when the Count was brought a prifoner
on board one of our fhips, the fame officer was
there, and complimented him in the following man-
ner: " I am very happy to fee you, and allure you
Monf. le Compte, that you are a gentlemen of the
greateft punctuality I know."
By letters from Madrafs received in May, it ap-
peared, that a defperate battle had taken place be-
tween the Britifh forces under the command of Sir
Eyre Coote, and thole under Hyder Alley, in which
the former proved victorious. About the fame time
difpatches were received from Sir Edward Hughes,
dated Trincomale-bay, January the fifteenth, 1782.
the fubftance of which was, that on the twenty-firft
of October the company's troops, under the com-
mand of Sir Hector Monro, appeared at Nagore on
the fea-coaft, in order to co-operate with his majefty's
fleet in the reduction of Negapatam. On the tenth
of May the enemy thought proper to demand a ca-
pitulation, which was granted ; and being figncd
on the twelfth, the town and citadel were then de-
livered up. By other advices it alfo appeared, that
lord Macartney, governor of Madrafs, had poflefled
himfelf of all the Dutch fettlements on the coaft of
Coromandel, and that the Dutch had totally loft
footing on that fide the continent of India.
In Auguft,amoft melancholy accident happened
at Spithead. His majefty's fhip, the Royal George,
of one hundred guns, having in her laft cruize
No. 69.
fprung a leak, it was refolvedj in order to fave
time, to heave her down at Spithead, and there
repair the damage. Accordingly, the bufinefs was
begun early in the morning of the twenty-ninth,
and the fhip was foon got to a proper fituatiort for
difcovering the leak; but in order to caulk the
feam properly, fhe was ordered to be thrown down
another ftreak. This was accordingly done, and
the bufinefs went on with facility till about twelve
o'clock, when the fhip, by a fudden gitft 6f wind
fell on one fide, and the lower deck ports being
open, fhe filled in about eight minutes, and went
to the bottom. It was fuppofed that not lefs than
nine hundred people perifhed by this accident,
among whom was admiral Kempenfelt, one of the
braveft commanders in the Britifh navy.
The month of September was rendered memo-
rable by the defence and prefervation of the im-
portant garrifon and fortrefs of Gibraltar; where
thofe gallant and humane commanders, general
Elliot and captain Curtis, withftood and defeated
the combined efforts of France and Spain. On
the twelfth, the combined fleet of France and Spain,
confifting of thirty-eight fail of the line, arrived in
the Bay ; fix fail of the line were there before. On
the thirteenth, at eight in the morning, the ten
battering fhips, lying at the head of the Bay, under
the command of admiral Moreno, began to get
under fail, in order to come againft the garrifon.
At ten, the gun-boats, or floating-batteries, were
ftationed as near the fortrefs as poffible, covered by
the combined fleet. All things being ready, a ge-
neral attack began, and the heavy pieces from the
gun-boats weredifcharged with great rapidity. But
the delign of this grand project (on which their
hopes of fuccefs were principally built) was foon
rendered abortive. The brave general Elliot had
caufed furnaces to be made, in which, having heated
the balls till they were red-hot, they were in that
ftate fired againft the enemy. This produced the
total deftrudion of the gun-boats ; for the balls
entering their fides fet them on fire, and the whole
blew up one after another, except three, which were
burnt to the water's edge. Thus was this grand
fcheme totally fruftrated, by the diftinguifhed cou-
rage and military prowefs of the Britifh com-
mander.
The fcene was dreadful beyond conception ; num-
bers of men crying from amidft the flames ,- fome
on pieces of wood in the water; others appearing
in the fhips, where the fire had made but little
progrefs; all exprefllng, by fpeech and gefture, the
deepeft diftrefs, and all imploring affiftance ; the
whole forming a fpectacle of horror noteafily to be
defcribed. Every exertion was made by the brave
captain Curtis to fave them ; though a large holtf
was beat in the bottom of his boat, his cockfwain
killed, one of his gun-boats funk, and another da-r
maged by the falling of pieces of timber, when one
of the battering fhips blew up: however, this heroic
officer, early in the morning of the fourteenth, hu-
manely faved three hundred and fifty-feveri of the
perifhing befiegers from impending death. The
lofs in the brigade of feamen on the thirteenth and
fourteenth, confidcring the nature of the attack
was very inconfiderable, only one man having been
killed, and five wounded; a ftriking inftance of
divine protection, extended to his creatures, when
employed in good actions.
State of the combined force of the enemy in the
Bay of Gibraltar, at the time of the attack of the
ten battering fhips, on the thirteenth of September.
Spanifh fhips of the line — - — 30
French ditto, ditto —
Spanifh fhips from fifty to fixty guns
Battering fhips — — —
Floating battery — — _
Bomb-ketches • — — —
H
3
10
i
I
8 O
Bcfides
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Befides frigates, xebecks, many fmaller cruizers, a
great number of gun and mortar-boats, and a mul-
titude of other boats.
A lift of theSpanifh battering (hips burnt before
Gibraltar on the fourteenth of September.
Paftora, the admiral
Paula Prima —
Talk Piedra —
El Rofario —
San Chriftoval —
Principe Carlos —
Paula Secunda —
San Juan —
Santa Anna
Los Dolores —
Guns in referve
Total of guns — — 212
The proportion of men on board them was thirty-
fix for each of the guns in ufe, exclufive of officers,
and marines for working the {hips.
. After this overthrow, the combined fleet conti-
nued in the Bay, in order to prevent fuccours being
carried into the garrifon. But in this they were
alfo difappointed. LordHowe had been difpatched
with a number of tranfports, laden with provifions
and all kinds of ammunition, and fupported by a
fleet of thirty-five mips of the line. He appeared
before the Bay on the tenth of Oclober, when the
combined fleets of France and Spain, which were
riding at fingle anchor, flipped their cables to en-
gage him ; but a violent ftorm arifing, which con-
tinued for three days, prevented their defign. One
French fhip of feventy-four guns was entirely loft;
the St. Michael, a Spanifh feventy-four, was driven
onfhore, and taken by the garrifon: and another
Spanifh (hip of one hundred and ten guns was fo
damaged, as to be rendered totally unfit for farther
fervice. Lord Howe took advantage of the Bay
being clear, and fending in the principal part of
his tranfports, entirely anfwered the defign of his
expedition, and the main purport of his in-
ftructions.
On Sunday morning, November the twenty-
fifth, Mr. T. Townfend, one of his majefty's prin-
cipal fecretaries of ftate, tranfmitted a letter to the
directors of the Bank, wherein he informed them,
" That the negotiations carrying on at Paris were
brought fo far to a point, as to promife a decifive
concluiion, either for peace or war, before the
meeting of parliament, which on that account would
be prorogued from the twenty-fixth, to Thurfday
the fifth of December." The lord mayor likewife
received a letter of the fame purport; and on the
third of December his lordfliip was informed from
the fame quarter,that provifional articles werefigned
at Paris on the thirtieth of November, between his
majefty's commiflioners of the united ftates of Ame-
rica, to be infertcd and conftitute a treaty of peace,
when peace mould be concluded between Great
Britain and France.
We fhall clofe the tranfactions of this year with
a remarkable domeftic occurrence, a dreadful cala-
mity which happened at Mr. Woodmafon's houfc
in Leadcnhall ftreet, Friday, January the eigh-
teenth.
Mr. W. was gone with feveral friends to fee the
company in the ball-room at St. James's. Mrs.
W. was at home with three maids and two young
men belonging to the bufinefs. His clerks and
footmen out. At half paft ten, Mrs. W. with the
nurfery-maid, vifitedall the children, to fee they
were fafe, which flie did every night. Five of
them fiept in the nurfery over her bed-chamber, in
the front of the houfe; the other two flept over
them. They were all in the moft profound fleep
but the elder, w hbm me kifled, and talked with a
little. She then went to her room, and defircd her
own maid to bring her fome water to wafli her feet
in the adjoining bed-chamber; Mrs. W. went into
her chamber, undrefled herfelf all but her under-
petticoat, and put on her bed-gown. She then
went to wafii her feet, ordered her maid to go and
get her a ruih-light ready, and carry to her room,
which was done. She then fcnt her down ,for a
tumbler of water, which the brought up, and went
into the room with it, where, in five or fix minutes,
ftie gave a moft violent (hriek, and cried out Fire!
Mrs. W. ran out to her, faw her bed in flames,
and called to her to fave '-er children. The maid
in her fright ran down ftairs, Mrs. W. following,
calling to her and the reft of the maids to come to
her affiftance ; no anfwer was given, nor any one
came. She went down therefore (neither the maid
or Mrs. W. had prefence of mind to fhut the
chamber-door) and found no one in the kitchen.
She ran to the dining-room window, which ftie
opened, and called out, Fire! People from the
ftreet defired her to come and open the door, and
they would affift her. She, poor woman, ran down
ftairs, without fhoes or (lockings, and with great
difficulty opened the ftreet door to all who entered.
She cried out, her children! her children! fave her
children ! they promifed to take care of them.
She loft her fenfes, and was carried over to Mr.
Munt's, where (lie remained fome time in agonies
not to be defcribed, till fhe was-affured all her
children were fafe. She was then taken up ftairs.
A neighbour ran to St, James's for Mr. W. Upon
his reaching Mr. Munt's, all cried out to him that
his children were fafe! He found his wife in the
greateft agonies; he enquired after his children;
by the anfwers given he was, from his own reafon,
convinced the children were deftroyed. His feel-
ings and fuflerings are better imagined than de-
fcribed.
On the people opening the door, they ran up for
the children, but found the flames rufhing fo violent
from the chamber-door, and the fmoak fo thick,
that no one dared to venture up. The little inno-
/ents were all burned : and thus the happieft of
couples rendered the moft miferable !
Monday the eldeft daughter of Mr. Woodmafon
was dug out of the ruins; as was likewife a young
lad, who proves to be an apprentice to a perfon in
Bunhill-row.
Wednefday, January the twenty-fifth, were in-
terred in the vault under St. Peter's church, Corn-
hill, the remains of Mr, Woodmafon's feven chil.
dren, taken out of the ruins ; three were put into
one coffin ; the other four were taken up fo entire
they had a coffin for each. Likewife were interred
in the fame vault, Mr. Noble's fon, breeches-
maker, next door to Mr. Woodmafon's, and a
young man, a watch-maker, whofe bodies were
taken out of the ruins.
The earl of Grantham, on the ^ D 1781
twenty-fourth of January, rofe up in
the houfe of lords, and acquainted their lordfhips,
that preliminary articles of peace between Great
Britain and France, and between Great Britain and
Spain, were figned at Verfailles, and that the fame
would be ready to be laid on their lordfhip's table
the beginning of the enfuing week; upon which
the houfe adjourned to Monday the twenty-feventh,
having no bufinefs before them. On the twenty-
fifth, Mr. Ogg, one of the king's meflengers, ar-
rived at lord Grantham's office, his majefty's prin-
cipal fccretary of ftate for foreign affairs, with the
preliminary articles of peace, of which the follow-
ing are accurate and faithful copies:
PHE-
GEORGE
III.
6 99
PRELIMINARIES
- Signed at Paris an tbe twentieth in ft ant, between Great
Britain and France, and between Great Britain anct
Spain: and alfo, the
ARTICLES of the PROVISIONAL TREATY,
Entered .into by Great Britain with the United States of
North America.
Transition of the Preliminary Articles of Peace, be-
tween his Britannic Maje'fty and the Moji Cbrif.ian
Kin%: figned *l Vcrfailles the twentieth of January,
1783-'
In the Name of the Mod Holy Trinity.
THE King of Great Britain, and the Moft
Chriftian King, equally animated with a defirc of
putting an and to the calamities of a deftructive war,
and of re-eftablifhingunionand good unclcrftanding
between them, as ncceffary for the good of man-
kind in general, as for that of their pefpective king-
doms, ftates, and fubjects, have named for this
purpofe, viz. on the part of his Britannic Majefty,
Mr. Alleyne Fitzherbet, Minifter Plenipotentiary
of his faid Majefty the King of Great Britain; and
on the part of his Moft Chriftian Majefty, Charles
Gravier Comte de Vergennes, Councillor in all his
Councils, Commander of his Orders, Councillor of
State, Minifter and Secretary of State, and of the
Commands and Finances of his faid Majerty for the
Department of Foreign Affairs; who, after having
duly communicated to each other their full powers
in good form, have agreed on the following Preli-
minary Articles:
I. As foon as the preliminaries fliall be figned
and ratified, fincere friendfhip (hall be re-eftablifhed
between his Britannic Majefty and his Moft Chriftian
Majefty, their kingdoms, ftates, and fubjects, by
fea and by land, in all parts of the world : orders
fhall be fent to the armies and fquadrons, as well
as to the fubjects of the two powers, to flop all
hoftilities, and to live in the moft perfect union,
forgetting what is paffed, of which their fovereigns
give them the order and example ; and for the exe-
cution of this article, fea-pafles fhall be given on
each fide foe the fliips which fhall be difpatched to
carry the news of it to the poffeflions of the faid
powers.
II. His Majefty the King of Great Britain fhall
preferve in full right the ifiand of Newfoundland,
and the adjacent iflands, in the fame manner as the
whole was ceded to him by the thirteenth article of
the treaty of Utrecht, fave the exceptions which
fhall be Stipulated by the fifth article oftheprefent
treaty.
III. His Moft Chriftian Majefty, in order to pre-
vent quarrels which have hitherto arifen between the
two nations of England and France, renounces the
right of fifhing, which belongs to him by virtue of
the faid article of the treaty of Utrecht, from Cape
Bonavifta to Cape St. John, iituated on the eaftern
conft of Newfoundland, in about fifty degrees of
north latitude ; whereby the French fifhcry fhall
commence at the faid Cape St. John, fhall go round
by the north, and going down the wcftern coaft of
the ifiand of Newfoundland, fhall have for boundary
the place called Cape Raye, fituated in forty-feven
degrees, fifty minutes latitude.
IV. The French fifhermen fhall enjoy the fifhery
nffigncd them by the foregoing article, as they have
a right to enjoy it by virtue of the treaty of Utrecht.
V. His Britannic Majefty will cede, in full right
to his Moft Chriftian Majefty, the illands of St.
Pierre and Miquelon.
VI. With regard to the right of fifliing in the
gulph of St. Lawrence, the French fhall continue to
enjoy it conformably to the fifth article of the treaty
of Paris.
VII. The King of Great Britain fliall reftore to
France the ifiand of St; Lucia, and fliall cede and
guaranty to her, that of Tobago^
^ VIII. The Moft Chriftian'King fhall reftore to
Great Britain the iflands of Grenada, and the Gre-
nadines, St. Vincent's, Dominica, St. Chriftopher's,
Nevis, and Montfcrrat • and the forrreffes of thole
iflands conquered by the arms of Great Britain, and
by thofe of France, (hall be reftored in the fame
condition in which they were when the conqueft of
them was made ; provided t.hat the term of eighteen
months, to be computed from the time of the rati-
fication of the definitive treaty, fliall be granted to
the refpective fubjedts of trie crowns of Great
Britain and France, who may have fettled in the
faid iflands, and in other places which fhall be re-
ftored by the definitive treaty, to fell their eftates,
recover their debts, and to tranfport their effects,
and retire without being reftrained 01^ account of
their religion, or any other whatever, except in cafes
of debt, or of criminil profccutions.
IX. The King of Great Britain fhall cede and
guaranty in full right to his Moft Chriftian Majefty,
the river of Senegal, and its dependencies, with the
forts of St. Louis, Podor, Galam, Arguin, and Por-
tcndie: His Britannic Majefty fliall reftore likewife
the ifiand of Goree, which fhall be given up in the
condition in which it was when the Britifli arms
took pofTeffion of it.
X. The Moft Chriftian King fliall, on his fide,
guaranty to his Majefty the King of Great Britain,
thepoffeffionofFoit James,and of the riverGambiu.
XI. In order to prevent all difcuffion in that
part of the world, the two courts fliall agree, eithet1
by the definitive treaty, or by a feparate act, upori
the boundaries to be fixed to their refpedtive poffef-
fions. The gum trade fliall be carried on in future,
as the Englifh and French nations carried it on be-
fore the year 1755.
XII. In regard to the reft of thecoafts of Africaj
the fubjects of both powers fliall continue to fre-
quent them, according to the cuftom which has pre-
vailed hitherto.
XIII. The King of Great Britain fliall reftore to
his Moft Chriftian Majefty all the eftablifhmcnts
which belonged to him at the commencement of
the prefent war on the coaft of Orixa and in Bengal,
with liberty to furround Chandenagore with a ditch
for draining the waters: and his Britannic Majefty
engages to take fuch meafiires as may be in his
power for fecuring to the fubjects of France in that
part of India, as alfo on the coafts of Orixa^ Corb-
rnandel, and Malabar, a fafe, free, and independent
trade, fuch as was carried on by the late French Eaft
India Company, whether it be carried on by therh
as individuals, or as a company.
XIV. Pondicherry, as well asKnrical, fliall like-
wife be reftored and guarantied to France ; and his
Britannic Majefty fliall procure to ferveasa depen-
dency round Pondicherry, the two diftricts of Vala-
nour and Bahour; and as a dependency round Ka-
rical, the four contiguous Magaris.
XV. France fliall again enter into poffcffion of
Mahe, and of the Comptoir at Sufat : and the
French fliall carry on commerce in this part of Indhij
conformably to the principles laid down in the
thirteenth article of this treaty.
XVI. In cafe France has allies in India, th«y
fhall be invited, as well thofe of Great Britain, to
accede to the prefent pacification; and for that pur-
pofe, a term of four months, to be computed from
the day on which the propofal fliall be made to
them, fhall be allowed them to make their decifionj
an i in cafe of refufal on their part, their Britannic
and Moft Chriftian Majefties agree not to give them
any atfiftance, directly or indirectly, againft the
Britilhor French poffefhons, or againft thepofTdTions
of their refpective allies ; and their fuid Majefties
fliall
7 bo
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND;
mail offer them their good offices towards a mutual
accommodation.
XVII. The King of Great Britain, defirous of
giving his Moft Chriftian Majefty a fincere proof of
reconciliation and friendfhip, and of contributing to
the folidity of the peace which is on the point of
being re-eftabliftied, will confent to the abrogation
and fuppreffion of all the articles, relative to Dun-
kirk, from the treaty of peace concluded at Utrecht
in 1713, inclufively, to this time.
XVIII. By the definitive treaty, all thofe which
have exifted till now between the two high con-
tracting parties, and which mail not have been de-
rogated from either by the faid treaty, or by the
prefent preliminary treaty, fliall be renewed and
confirmed ; and the two courts mail name com-
miffioners to enquire into the ftate of commerce
between the two nations, in order to agree upon
new arrangements of trade, on the footing of re-
ciprocity and mutual convenience. The faid two
courts Ihall together amicably fix a competent term
for the duration of that bufinefs.
XIX. All the countries and territories which may
have been or which may be conquered in any part
of the world whatfover, by the arms of his Britannic
Majefty, or by thofe of his Moft Chriftian Majefty,
and which are not included in the prefent articles,
mail be reftored without difficulty, and without re-
quiring compenfation.
XX. As it is neceflary to affign a fixed epocha
for the reftitutions and the evacuations to be made
by each of the high contracting parties, it is agreed,
that the King of Great Britain mail caufe to be eva-
cutaed the iflands of St. Pierre and Miquelon, three
months after the ratification of the definitive treaty,
or fooner if it can be done; St. Lucia, in the Weft
Indies, and Goree in Africa, three months after the
ratification of the definitve treaty, or fooner, if it
can be done. The King of Great Britain fhall, in
like manner, at the end of three months, after the
ratification of the definitive treaty, or fooner, if it
can be done, enter again into pofleffion of the iflands
of Grenada, the Grenadines, St. Vincent, Dominica,
St. Chriftopher's, Nevis, and Monferrat.
France (hall be put into the pofleffion of the
towns and comptoirs which are reftored to her in
the Eaft Indies, and of the territories which are
procured for her, to ferve as dependencies round
Pondicherry and round Karical, fix months after the
ratification of the definitive treaty, or fooner, if it
can be done.
France fhall, at the end of the fame term of fix
months, reftore the towns and territories which her
arms may have taken from the Englifh or their
allies, in the Eaft Indies.
In confequence whereof, the neceflary orders fhall
be fentby each of the high contracting parties, with
reciprocal paflports for the fhips which fhall carry
them, immediately after the ratification of the de-
finitive treaty.
XXI. The prifoners made refpectively by the
arms of his Britannic Majefty and his Moft
Chriftian Majefty, by land and by fea, fhall be
reftored reciprocally and bona fide, immediately
after the ratification of the definitive treaty, with-
out ranfom, and on paying the debts they may
have contracted during their captivity ; and each
crown fhall refpectively reimburfe the fums which
fhall have been advanced for the fubfiftence and
maintenance of their prifoners, by the fovereign of
the country where they fhall have been detained,
according to the receipts and attefted accounts, and
other authentic titles, which fhall be produced on
each fide.
XXII.. In order to prevent all caufes of com-
plaint and difpute, which may arifc on account of
prizes which may be made at fea after the figning of
thefc preliminary articles, it is reciprocally agreed,
4 '
that the veffels and effects which may be taken in
the Channel, and in the North Seas, after the fpace
of twelve days, to be computed from the ratification
of the prefent preliminary articles, fliall be reftored
on each fide.
That the terms fhall be one month from the
Channel, and the North Seas, as far ,as the Canary
Iflands, inclufively, whether in the Ocean or in the
Mediterranean. Two months from the faid Canary
Iflands, as far as the Equinoctial line, or Equator.
And laftly, five months in all other parts of the
world, without any exception, or any other more
particular defcription of time and place.
XXIII. The ratifications of the prefent prelimi*
nary articles fhall be expedited in good and due
form, and exchanged in the fpace of one month, or
fooner, if it can be done, to be computed from the
day of the fignature of the prefent articles.
In witnefs whereof, we the under-written Miniftcrs
Plenipotentiary of his Britannic Majefty, and
his Moft Chriftian Majefty, by virtue of our
refpective full powers, have figned the prefent
preliminary articles, and have caufed the feal
of our arms to be put thereto.
Done at Verfailles, the twentieth day of January,
1783-
ALLEYNE FITZ-HERBERT. (L. S.)
GRAVIER DE VERGENNES. (L. S.)
Tranjlation of the Preliminary Articles of Peace t be-
tween his Britannic Majefty and the Moft Catholic
King: figned At Verfailles the twentieth of January
1783.
IN the Name of the Moft Holy Trinity.
The King of Great Britain, and the King of Spain,
equally animated with a defire of putting an end to
the calamities of a deftructive war, and of re-efta-
blifhing union and good underftanding between
them, as neceflary for the good of mankind in
general, as for that of their refpective kingdoms,
ftates, and fubjects, have named for this purpofe, viz.
on the part of his Majefty the King of Great Britain,
Mr. Alleyne Fitzherbet, Minifter Plenipotentiary
ofhis faid Majefty: and on the part of his faid Majefty,
the King of Spain, Don Peter Paul Abarea de Bolea
Ximenes d'Urnea, &c. Count of Aranda, and Caftel
Florido, Marquis of Torres, of Vilnan and Rupit,
Vifcount of Ruedo and Yoch, Baron of the Baronies
of Gavin Seitano, Clamofa, Eripol, Trazmoz, La
Mata de Caftil-Viego, Antillon, La Almolda, Cortis,
Jorva, St. Genis, Robovillet, Oreau, and St. Colme
de Fames, Lord of the Tenance and Honor of AJ-
calaten, the valley of Rodellar, the caftles and towns
of Maella, Mofones, Tiurana de Villaplana, Tardel
and Viladran, &c. Rico, Hombre in Aragon by
birth, Grandee of Spain of the firft clafs, Knight of
the Order of the Golden Fleece, and that of the
Holy Ghoft, Gentleman of the King's Bedchamber
in employment, Captain General of his armies, and
his Ambaffador to his Moft Chriftian Majefty; who,
after having duly communicated to each other their
full powers in good form, have agreed on the fol-
lowing Preliminary Articles:
Article L As foon as the preliminaries fhall be
figned and ratified, fincere friendfhip fliall be re-
eftablifhed between his Britannic Majefty and his
Catholic Majefty, their kingdoms, ftates, and fub-
jects, by fea and by land, in all parts of the world.
Orders Ihall be fent to the armies and fquadrons, as
well as to the fubjects of the two powers, to ftop all
hoftilities, and to live in the moft perfect union,
forgetting what haspaffed, of which their Sovereigns
give them the order and example. And for the
execution of this article, fea-pafles fliall be given on
each fide foK the fhips w hich fhall be difpatched to
carry the news of it to the poffeffions of the faid
powers.
II. H;s
GEORGE
in.
70 r
.II. His Catholic Majefty fhall keep the ifland of
Minorca,
III. His Britannic Majcfly fhall cede to his Ca-
tholic Majefty Eaft Florida, and his Catholic Majefty
{hall keep Weft Florida, provided that the term of
eighteen months, to be computed from the time of
the ratification of the definitive treaty, fhall be
granted to the fubjects of his Britannic Majefty,
who are fettled as well in the ifland of Minorca, as
in the two Floridas, to fell their eftates, recover
their debts, and to tranfport their effects as well as
their perfons, without being reftrained on account
of their religion, or under any other pretence what-
foever, except that of debts and criminal profecu-
tions. And his Britannic Majefty fhall have power
to caufe all the effects that may belong to him in
Eaft Florida, whether artillery or others, to be car-
ried away.
IV. His Catholic Majefty fhall not for the future
fuffer the fubjects of his Britannic Majefty, or their
workmen, to be difturbed or molefted, under any
pretence whatfoever, in their occupation of cutting,
loading, and carrying away logwood, in a diftrict
of which the boundaries fhall be fixed ; and for this
purpofe they may build without hinderance, and oc-
cupy without interruption, thehoufesand magazines
flecefiary for them, for their families, and for their
effects, in a place to be agreed upon either in the
definitive treaty, or within fix months after the ex-
change of the ratifications; and his faid Catholic
Majefty allures to them by this article, the entire
enjoyment of what is above ftipulated, provided that
thefe rtipulations fhall not be confidered as dero-
gatory in any refpect from the rights of his fove-
reignty.
V. His Catholic Majefty mail reftore to Great
Britain the iflands of Providence and the Bahamas,
without exception, in the fame condition in which
they were when conquered by the arms of the King
of Spain.
VI. All the countries and territories which may
have been or may be conquered in any part of the
world whatfoever, by the arms of his Britannic Ma-
jefty, or by thofe of his Catholic Majefty, and which
arc not included in the prefent articles, fhall be re-
ftored without difficulty, a ;d without requiring
compenfation.
VII. By the definitive treaty, all thofe which
have exifted till now between the two high con-
tracting parties, and which fhall not be derogated
from either by the faid treaty, or by the prefent Pre-
liminary Treaty, fhall be renewed and confirmed; and
the two courts fhall name commiflioners to enquire
into the ftate of commerce between the two nations,
in order to agree upon new arrangements of trade,
on the footing of reciprocity and mutual conve-
nience; and the two faid courts fhall together
amicably fix a competent term for the duration of
that bufinefs.
VIII. As it is neceflary to affign a fixed epocha
for the reftitutions and evacuations to be made by
each of the high contracting parties, it is agreed,
that the King of Great Britain, fhall caufe Eaft Flo-
rida to be evacuated three months after the ratifi-
cation of the definitive treaty, or fooner if it can
be done.
The King of Great Britain fhall likcwife enter
again into pofTeffion of the Bahama iflands, without
exception, in the fpace of three months after the
ratification of the definitive treaty.
In confequence whereof, the neceflary orders fhall
be fentby each of the high contracting parties, with
reciprocal paflports for the fhips which fhall carry
them immediately after the ratification of the de-
finitive treaty.
IX. The prifoners^made refpectively by the arms
of his Britannic Majefty and his Catholic Majefty,
by fea, and by land, mall, immediately after the ra-
No. 69.
tificatibri of the definitive treaty, be reciprocally,
and bona fide, reftored without ranfom, .and on
paying the debts they may have contracted during
their captivity ; and each crown fhall refpectively re-
imburfe the fums which fhall have been advanced
for the fubfiftenceand maintenance of theirprifoners,
by the Sovereign of the country where they fhall
have been detained, according to the receipts and
attefted accounts, and other authentic titles, which
fhall be produced on each fide.
X. In order to prevent all caufes of complaint
and difputes which may arifc on account of prizes
which may be made at fea after the figning of thefe
Preliminary Articles, it is reciprocally agreed, that
the fhips and effects which may be taken in the
Channel or in the North Seas, after the fpace of
twelve days, to be computed from the ratification of
the prefent Preliminary Articles, fhall be reftored
on each fide.
That the terms fhall be one month from the
Channel, and the North Seas, as far as the Canary
Iflands, inclufively, whether in the Ocean or in the
Mediterranean. Two months from the faid Canary
Iflands, as far as the Equinoctial line, or Equator.
And~laftly, five months in all other parts of the
world, without exception, or other more particular
defcription of time and place.
XI. The ratification of the prefent Preliminary
Articles fhall be expedited in due and good form,
and exchanged in the fpace of one month, or fooner,
if it can be done, to be computed from the day of
the fignature of the prefent articles.
In witnefs whereof, we the under-written Minifters
Plenipotentiary of his Britannic Majefty, and of
his Catholic Majefty, by virtue of our refpective
powers, have agreed upon and figned thefe
Preliminary Articles, and have caufed the feal
of our arms to be put thereto.
Done at Verfailles, the twentieth of January,
1783-
ALLEYNE FITZ-HERBERT* (L. S.)
LE COMPTE D'ARANDA. (L. S.)
ARTICLES agreed upon, by and between Richard
Ofwald, Efq: the Commiffioner of his Britannic Ma-
je.fty* for treating of peace 'with the Commiffioners of
the United States of America, in behalf of his faid
Majefty on the one part ; and John Adams, Benjamin
Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens, four of the
Commiffioners of the faid fiates, for treating of peace
with the Commiffioner of his faid Majejly, on their
behalf, on the other part ;
To be inferted in, and to conftitute the treaty of peace,
propofed to be concluded bet-ween the Crown of Great
Britain, and the faid United States : but which treaty
is not to be concluded until terms of a peace Jhall be
agreed upon between Great Britain and France^ and
his Britannic Majejly Jball be ready to cenchtde fucb
treaty accordingly.
Whereas reciprocal advantages and mutual con-
venience are found by experience to form the only
permanent foundation of peace and friendfhip be-
tween ftates; it is agreed to form the articles of the
propofed treaty on fuch principles of liberal equity
and reciprocity, as that partial advantages (thofe
feeds of difcord) being excluded, fuch a beneficial
and fatisfactory intercourfe between the two coun-
tries may be ettablifhed, as to promife and fccureto
both perpetual peace and harmony.
Art. I. His Britannic Majefty acknowledges the
faid United States, viz. New Hampfhire, Mafla-
chufets Bay, Rhode Ifland and Providence Planta-
tions, Connecticut, New York, New Jerfey, Penn-
fylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North
Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, to be free,
fovereign, and Independent States ; that he treats
8 P with
7o2 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OK ENGLAND.
with them as fuch; and for himfelf, his heirs and
fucceflbrs, relinquifhes all claim to the govern-
ment, propriety, and territorial rights of the fame,
and every part thereof: and that all difputes which
might arife in future, on the fubjed of the bounda-
ries of the faid United States, may be prevented,
it is hereby agreed and declared, that the following
are and (hall be their boundaries, viz.
II. From the north-weft angle of Nova Scotia,
viz. that angle which is formed by a line drawn due
north from the fource of St. Croix river to the
Highlands, along the faid Highlands which divide
thofe rivers that empty themfelves into the river St.
Lawrence, from thofe which fall into the Atlantic
Ocean, to the north-wefternmoft head of Connecti-
cut river; thence down along the middle of that
river, to the forty-fifth degree of north latitude;
from thence, by a line due weft on faid latitude,
until it ftrikes the river Iroquois, or Cataraquy;
thence along the middle of faid river into Lake
Ontario, through the middle of faid lake, until it
ftrikes the communication by water between that
lake and Lake Erie; thence along the middle of
faid communication into Lake Erie, through the
middle of the faid lake, until it arrives at the water
communication between that lake and Lake Huron ;
thence along the middle of faid water communica-
tion, to the Lake Huron; thence through the
middle of faid lake to the water communication
between that lake and Lake Superior; thence
through Lake Superior, northward of the ifles
Royal and Phelippeaux, to the Long Lake; thence
through the middle of faid Long Lake, and the
water communication between it and the Lake of
the Woods, to the faid Lake of the Woods; thence
through the faid Lake to the moft north-weftern
point thereof, and from thence, on a due weft
courfe, to the river Miffiffippi; thence by a line to
be drawn along the middle of the faid river
Mifliflippi, until it fhall interfed the northernmoft
part of the thirty-firft degree of north latitude ;
fouth, by a line to be drawn due eaft from the de-
termination of the line laft mentioned, in the lati-
tude of thirty-one degrees north of the Equator, to
the middle of the river Apalachicola, or Catahouche;
thence along the middle thereof, to its junction
with the Flint river ; thence ftraight to the head of
St. Mary's river, and thence down along the middle
of St. Mary's river to the Atlantic ocean ; eaft, by
a line to be drawn along the middle of the river St.
Croix, from its mouth in the bay of Fundy to its
fource, and from its fource directly north, to the
aforefaid Highlands which divide the rivers that fall
into the Atlantic ocean from thofe which fall into
the river St. Lawrence, comprehending all iflands
within twenty leagues of any part of the fhores of
the United States, and lying between lines to be
drawn due eaft from the points where the aforefaid
boundaries between Nova Scotia on the one part,
and Eaft Florida on the other, fhall refpedively
touch the bay of Fundy, and the Atlantic ocean ;
exceptingfuch iflands as nowr are, or heretofore may
have been, within the limits of the faid province of
Nova Scotia.
III. It is agreed, that the people of the United
States fhall continue to enjoy, unmolefted, the right
to take fifh, of every kind, on the Grand Bank,
and on all the other banks of Newfoundland; alfo
in the Gulph of St. Lawrence, and at all other
places in the fea, where the inhabitants of both
countries ufed at any time heretofore to fifh ; and
alfo, that the inhabitants of the United States fhall
have liberty to take fifh, of every kind, on fuch part
of the coaft of Newfoundland as Britifh fifhermcn
lhall ufe (but not to dry or cure the fame on that
ifland;) and alfo on the coafts, bays, and creeks, of
ajl other of his Britannic Majefty's dominions in
America; and that the American fifhermen fhall
have liberty to dry and cure fifh in any of the un-
fettled bays, harbours, and creeks, of Nova Scotia,
Magdalen iflands, and Labrador, fo long as the fame
fhall remain unfettled ; but fo foon as the fame, or
either of them, fhall be fettled, it fhall not be lawful
for thefaid fifhermen to dry or curefilhatfuch fettle-
ment, without a previous agreement for thatpurpofe
with the inhabitants, proprietors, or poflefibrs of
the ground.
IV. It is agreed, that creditors on either fide fhall
meet with no lawful impediment to the recovery of
the full value, in fterling money, of all bona fide
debts heretofore contracted.
V. It is agreed, that the Congrefs fhall earneftly
recommend it to the Lcgiflatures of the refpective
States, to provide for the reftitution of all eftates,
rights, and properties, which have been confifcated,
belonging to real Britifh fubjeds, and alfo of the
eftates, rights, and properties, of perfons refident in
diftrids in the pofTeffion of his Majefty's arms, and
who have not borne arms againft the faid United
States; and that perfons of any other defcription fliall
have free liberty to go to any part or parts of any of
the Thirteen United States, and therein to remain
twelve months unmolefted in their endeavours to ob-
tain the reftitution of fuch of their eftates, rights,
and properties, as may have been confifcated ; and
that Congrefs fhall alfo earneftly recommend to the
feveral States, a reconfideration and revifion of all
ads or laws regarding the premifcs, fo as to render
the faid laws or ads 'perfedly confident, not only
with juftice and equity, but with thatfpirit of con-
ciliation, which, on the return of the bleflings of
peace mould univerfally prevail; and that Congrefs
fhall alfo earneftly recommend to the feveral States,
that the eftates, rights, and properties, of fuch laft
mentioned perfons fhall be reftored to them, they
refunding to any perfons who may be now in pofTef-
fion, the bona fide price (where any has been given)
which fuch perfons may have paid on purchafing
any of the faid lands or properties fince the con-
fifcation.
And it is agreed, that all perfons who have
any intereft in confifcated lands, either by debts,
marriage fettlements, or otherwise, fhall meet with
no lawful impediment in the profecution of their
juft rights.
VI. That there fhall be no future confiscations
made, nor any profecution commenced againft any
perfon or perfons, for or by reafon of the part which
he or they may have taken in the prefent war; and
that no perfon fhall, on thataccount, fuffer any future
lofs or damage, either in his perfon, liberty, or pro-
perty; and that thofe who may be in confinement on
fuch charges, at the time of the ratification of the
treaty in America, fhall be immediately fet at liberty,
and theprofecutions focommenccd be difcontinued.
VII. There fliall be a firm and perpetual peace
between his Britannic Majefty and the faid States,
and between the fubjeds of the one and the citizens
of the other; wherefore, all hoftilities both by fea
and land, fhall then immediately ceafe; all prifoners
on both iides fhall be fet at liberty ; and his Britan-
nic Majefty fhall, with all convenient fpeed, and
without caufing any deftrudion, or carrying away
any negroes, or other property of the American in-
habitants, withdraw all his armies, garrifons, and
fleets from the faid United States, and from every
port, place, and harbour within the fame, leaving
in all fortifications the American artillery that mav
be therein ; and fhall alfo order and caufeall archives,
record deeds, and papers, belonging to any of the
faid States, or their citizens, which, in the courfe ot
the war may have fallen into the hands of his officers,
to be forthwith reftored and delivered to the proper
States and perfons to whom they belong.
VIII. The navigation of the MiflMippi, from its
fource to the ocean, fhall for ever remain free and
2 open
GEORGE
III.
7°3
open to the fubjeds of Great Britain, and the citi-
zens of the United States.
IX. In cafe it fhould fo happen, that any place
or territory belonging to Great Britain, or to the
United States, fhould be conquered by the arms of
either, from the other, before the arrival of thefe
articles in America, it is agreed that the fame fliall
be reftored without difficulty, and without requiring
any cdmpenfation.
t)orie at Paris the thirtieth day of November, in
the year 1782;
RICHARD OSWALD.
JOHN AoAMs, B. FRANKLIN,
JOHN JAY, HENRY LAURENS,
Witncfs, CALEB WHITEFORD, Britifh Secretary.
W. T. FRANKLIN, American Sec.
In the houfe of lords, on the fcventeehth of Fe-
bruary, the grand debate on the peace commenced.
The preliminary articles having been read by the
clerk, the earl of Pembroke moved for an addrefs
of thanks to be prefented to his majefty, for his
condefcenfion in ordering the fame to be laid before
that houfe, to exprefs their fatisfadion, and to allure
his majefty, that they would encourage and promote
every exertion of his fubjeds of Great Britain and
Ireland, in the cultivation and improvement of
thofe rcfources, which muft tend to the certain im-
provement of public ftrength. The queftion being
put and carried, a committee was appointed to draw
up the addrefs, which was ordered to be prefented
by the whole houfe. To this his majefty returned
the following anfwer. " My lords, I receive with
pleafure this dutiful addrefs, and have great fatis-
fadion in obferving, that the preliminary and pro-
vifional articles appear to you, as they do to me,
to afford a reafonable profped of fuch a peace, as
will relieve my people from any burthens, beyond
what the expences of the war have rendered un-
avoidable, and, if properly improved, will enfure
the national profperity. Thefe are always objects
next my heart; and every meafure which has the
tendency to promote them, cannot but be accept-
able to me. It is my firm purpofe to execute every
article of the treaties on my part with that good
faith, which has ever diftinguifhed the condud of
this nation. I concur with you moft entirely on the
juft expedation you entertain of the like attention
in North America to the ftipulations in favour of
the unfortunate fufferers by the war; which are
founded in humanity and juftice, and now recog-
nized by public engagement. I do not entertain a
doubt that this and every other article in the trea-
ties depending will be finally fettled, and performed
by the other powers with that fpiritof liberality and
juftice which becomes them."
When the fame fubjed came upon the carpet in
the houfe of commons, it was produdive of very
warm debates, in which Mr. T. Pitt, lord John
Cavendifh, lord North, Mr. Fox, Mr. Burke, Mr.
Lee, took different fides of the queftion, in favour
of and againft the peace. Mr. Sheridan, in his
fpeech, defended lord North's having that day
joined Mr. Fox, on grounds of fair reafoning and
confiftency. After having for a time canvafled,
twifted, weighed, attacked and defended, feveral of
the articles of the peace, Mr. Chancellor Pitt moved
an addrefs to his majefty, thanking him for laying
the preliminary articles before the houfe, and allu-
ring him that they moft heartily approved them.
This motion was feconded by Mr. Wilberforce.
But lord North, after a long, laboured fpeech,
moved an amendment, — " That, whatever may be
the fentimcnts of his majefty's faithful commons,
in the refult of their inveftigation of the terms of
the pacification, they beg leave to aflure his ma-
jefty of their firm and unalterable refolution to ad-
here inviolably to the feveral articles for which the
public faith is pledged, and to maintain the bleflings
of peace, fo necefTary to his majefty's fubjcds, and
to the general" happinefs of mankind." Mr. Rigby
affigned his reafons for voting for the addrefs as ori-
ginally moved, and Mr. Adam fupported lord
North's amendment with great ingenuity; but upon
the queftion being put for the original motion, and
for the amendment, there appeared to be
Ayes, fo'r the amendment - - -224
Noes, againft it ------ 208
Majority againft the miniftry - - 16
While lord North was fpeaking, a dog, who had
found his way into the houfe began to bark, and,
fet all the members in a roar. His lord (hip joined
heartily in the laugh; and when the houfe was re-
ftored to order, he threw it again into a fecond fit
of laughter, by jocofcly addreffing the chair,
" Sir, I was interrupted by a New Speaker, but as
his argument is concluded, I will refume mine."
On the twenty-firft of February the grand debate
was renewed, when lord John Cavendifh, having
opened the bufinefs of the day, read to the houfe
the five following propofi tions : — Firft, That in
confideration of the public faith, which ought to
be preferved inviolate, this houfe will fupport his
majefty in rendering firm and permanent the peace
to be concluded definitively, in confequence of the
provifional treaty, and preliminary articles, which
have been laid before the houfe. — Second, That
this houfe will, in concurrence with his majefty's-
paternal regard for his people, employ its bcft en-
deavours to improve the bleflings of peace to the
advantage of his crown and fubjeds. — Third, That
his majefty, in acknowledging the independence of
the united ftates of America, by virtue of the
powers vefted in him by the ad of the laft feffion
of parliament, to enable his majefty to conclude a
peace or truce with certain colonies in North
America, has aded as the circumftances of affairs
indifpenlibly required, and in conformity to the
fenfe of parliament — Fourth, That the conceffions
made to the adverfaries of Great Britain, by the
faid provifional treaty and preliminary articles, are
greater than they were entitled to, either from the
adual fituation of their refpedive pofleffions, or
from their comparative ftrength. — Fifth, That this
houfe do feel the regard due from this nation to
every defcription of men, who with the rilk of their
lives, and the facrifice of their property, have
diftinguifhed their loyaUyj and been confpicuous
for their fidelity during a long and calamitous war;
and to aflure his majefty, that they lhall take every
proper method to relieve them which the ftate of
the circumftances of this country will permit. It
was agreed by the houfe to put each motion fepa-
rately; and the firft and fecond refolutions were
put, and carried Nemine Contradicente. In
courfe of the debate on the third propofition,
commodore Johnfon, in order to prevent future
minions of the crown from drawing down the re-
cognition of American independence, as a prece-
dent in fupport of an unbounded and unconftitu-
tional prerogative of the fovereign, moved, that
after the word " America," the following infertion
mould be made, " By virtue of the powers vefted
in him by the ad of the laft feffion of parliament,
to enable his majefty to conclude a peace or truce
with certain colonies in North America/' This
motion was agreed to, and the third refolution,
thus amended pafled without oppofition : but the
principles of the fourth met with a very different
reception. Mr. Fox contended, that the prelimi-
naries and provifional treaty were inadequate to the
relative lituation of this kingdom with France and
Spain. The chancellor of the Exchequer met Mr.
Fo*
^ , ,_,- ___ ---_!_.-.--•*-• ' '
5704 THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
Fox on this ground. He took a vaft range of
lerious argument, fevere retort, and pointed ridi-
cule; defending the miniftefs, his colleagues, and
the peace they had made, in a fpeech of two hours
and a half in length, \vhich arrefted the attention,
and excited the admiration of every perfon in the
houfe. At half-paft three o'clock in the morning
the fpeaker put the queftion, and on a divifion there
were
Ayes *_------- 207
Noes ---------i 96
Majority againft the minifter - - 17
Miniftry having been thus a fecond time out-
voted, previous to which lord North and Mr. Fox
had formed a coalition; for thefe reafons, all par-
ties expected a new arrangement in administration
would take place. The houfe of commons, there-
fore, after the above debate, adjourned to Monday
the twenty-fourth; and on Tuefday the twenty-
fifth, adjourned again to Friday the twenty-eighth.
On Tuefday, March the eighteenth, Mr. Coke of
Norfolk gave notice in the houfe, that if aminiftry
was not formed by the twenty-firft, he fhould move
an addrefs to the king on that fubjedt. Monday,
the twenty-fourth, came, and no adminiftration;
in confequence of which Mr. Coke made his in-
tended motion. This being carried, the houfe pre-
fented an humble addrefs, praying, that his ma-
jefty would condefcend to form an adminiftration
intitled to the confidence of his people, and fuch a
one as might have a tendency to put an end to the
unfortunate divifions and dirtractions of this coun-
try, On Wednefday, March the twcnty-fixth,
lord Ludlow reported to the houfe the king's
anfwer, " That it was his earneft defire to do every
thing in his power to comply with the wifhes ex-
prefled by his faithful commons." At length,
after an inter-regnum (a name adopted by the houfe
for the fpace of time in which there was no admi-
niflration) of near fix weeks, the new minifters
were announced on the fecond of April. In the
new arrangement, vifcount Stormont was appointed
prefident of the privy-council, the earl of Carlifle
keeper of the privy-fcal, the duke of Portland firft
ford of the trcafury, lord vifcount Keppel firft lord
of the admiralty, and, to the great aftonimment of
the honeft part of the nation, and all its true pa-
triots, lord North was coupled with the right ho-
nourable Charles James Fox, who were made prin-
cipal fecretaries of ftate. Mr. Pitt having on the
thirty-firft of March refigned his poft of chancellor
of the Exchequer, lord Jbhn Cavendifh was ap-
pointed to the fame. Lord Thurlow alfo refigned
the feals, as lord chancellor, and they were put
into commiflion, at the head of which ftood lord
Lough borough.
During the courfe of this feffion, feveral im-
portant bills w*ere introduced into both houfes,
and canvafled by the moft eminent fpeakers. A
bill for fecuring Ireland the exckifive right of judi-
cature and legiflature, was proceeded upon with
great caution, delicacy, andperfeverance. Another,
for the provifional eftabliftiment and regulation of
trade and commerce, between the fubjects of Great
Britain and the united ftates of America. Refolu-
tions in favour of the American corps, and of the
loyalifts. Mr. Burke's civil lift bill. Reports on
the Eaft India company's petition. Cu Horn -houfe
ill. The mutiny bill. Prince of Wales's efta-
blifhment, and fome others, which occafioned long
and violent debates, wherein the abilities and public
Ipint of the fpeakers on each fide of the queftion,
•were fully difplayed.
Bydifpatchcs from India, an account was re-
ceived of a rebellion in Benares, during which a
province that paid annually to government three
hundred thoufand pounds a year, was loft and reco-
vered in the fpace of five weeks. Intelligence alfo
arrived at the Eaft India houfe of the operations
againft Hyder Ally, on the Malabar coaft, whereby
the nabob was defeated by colonel Mackleod, and
obliged to make feveral retreats with precipitation.
At this time a treaty of peace with the Marattas
was expected would be ratified. In the mean while
no lefs than four engagements happened between
Sir Edward Hughes's fleet and that of M. Suffrein's ;
but by reafon of ftormy weather, and other cafual-
ties, not one of them proved to be deciiive. The
third action indeed was fo much in favour of the
French, as to afford M. Suffrein an opportunity of
making a defcent on Trincomale, which he obliged
to furrender upon fummoris, and propofed articles
of capitulation.
In America, fince the notification of peace in
that country, the fate of the loyalifts has been fc-
vere to an extreme. Of thofe who relinquifhed
their fortunes to fight for their king, numbers have
been obliged to exchange a warm ibuthern clime
for the cold region of the north, by emigrating to
Nova Scotia; and many who, trufting to the mercy
of a relentlefs enemy, returned to their families
and refpective homes, have, with the utmoft inhu-
manity, been treated as murderers and felons, with
the rigour of immediate execution, without trial,
or perpetual banimment. In the New Jcrfey jour-
nal, a paper addrefled to friends, countrymen,-
whigs,and fellow- citizens, thus concludes:
Now, know all men, whereas information is
given that many of thefe horrid wretches above
defcribed (whom Great Britian aukwardly enough
ftiakes off, with an infulting recommendation to
the mercy of the people they have been violently
endeavouring to deftroy for more than feven years)
intend to ftay in this country, and return to this
country again after the Britifti are gone; in order
to give timely notice to all fuch parricides, and to
give them a chance to preferve their unworthy-
lives, and to influence them to go to their maftcrs
whom they have ferved, we, the fubfcribers, citi-
zens of the ftate of New Jerfey, do folemnly cove-
nant for our country, for its peace and fafety, and
we pledge our faith and our facred honours to one
another, that we will, with our lives and fortunes,
fupport one another, in endeavouring to have fuit-
able laws made (if the prefent are infufficient) for
the punifhment of all fuch perfons above defcribed,
who may dare to return into this ftate, who have
acted directly or indirectly, in word or deed, in
favour of the enemy, to the injury of the good
citizens of this ftatc, or to the injury of any of the
citizens of the United States ; that we will be vigi-
lant to fee that the faid laws be perfectly and vigo-
roufly executed. We have too many of thofe mur-
dering, bafe, and falfe-hearted tories in our country
already. We will not willingly and knowingly
admit a finglc individual more.
For thefe ufeful and important purpofes, and
that we may not breathe in the fame air, and be
(hocked with the fight of thofe monfters of huma-
nity, and to prevent the machinations of fuch mif-
creants in future, and to be a terror to all the bafe
among us who dare lifp a word in favour of fuch
murderers, felons, and their abettors, we foicmnlv
unite, affociate, and hind ourfelves, by all the ti.s
of patriotifm and facred virtue, that we will honefily
endeavour that the above meafures fhall be ftrrctly
and fully effected.
In a word, we are fully determined to hang, ac-
cording to the law of this ftate, every fuch in-
fernal being, without benefit of clergy.
As witnefs our hands this twenty-feventh day of
March, A. D. 1783, and in the feventh year of our
glorious independency and triumphant liberty.
But, to the honour of Englifti humanity, the
Britiih parliament has taken the cafe of thele un-
4 fortunate
G E O II G E
III..
7°5
fortunate fufferers under their feriousconfideration •,
a coniiderable fum has been voted fordieir prefect
fupport ; and commiflioners are appointed to en-
quire particularly into their fuflerings, that a fettled
provifion may be fixed for them by parliament.
This year the elements, particularly at fea, feemcd
as it were in league againft us, with the combined
powers by land. Beiides the lofs of that fine fliip
the Ville de Paris, or City of Paris, one of lord
Rodney's prizes, and the Royal George, of which
we have given an account, his majefty's fhip the
Centaur foundered at fea. Captain Inglefield's
affecting narrative contains the whole account of
the different ftorms, and the diftrefs of the fliip
from the firft gale of wind, as alfo his marvellous
efcape with his pinnace-crew. The officers and
men faved, who arrived at Fayal, were, captain
Inglefield, Mr. Thomas Rainy, mafter, Mr. Ro-
bert Bayles, midfliipman, Mr. James Clarke, fur-
geon'smate, Timothy Sullivan, captain's coxfwain,
John Gregory, quarter-mafter, Charles M'Carty,
Charles Flinn, Gallohar, Theodore Hut-
chins, Thomas Stevenfon, feamen. Thomas Mat-
thews, quarter-mafter, died in the boat the day
before they faw land.
To thefe we may with propriety fubjoin thofe tu-
mults by land, which are always to be expe&ed at
the conclufion of a peace. At Portfmouth, New-
caftle-under-line, Whitby, Banbury, Plymouth,
Wakefield, and in the ifland of Guernfey, riots and
mutinies broke forth, which proceeded to moft
daring lengths. In Ireland, at Dublin, April the
third, three or four hundred of the laft recruited
men in the garrifon laid down their arms, infilling
on their difcharge, as the war was over, their time
of enliftment being confined to that period. It
was alfo faid, that general Burgoyne harangued the
men, and among other things told them, that from
the diftr acted ftate at prefent of the Englifli coun-
cils, it was not certain whether peace was abfolutely
fixed, and gave them his honour, that as foon as
matters were finally determined, they mould enjoy
the full conditions of their enliftment. Which
aflurance happily reftored order among the garri-
fon. Differences alfo commenced at Kilkenny, be-
tween the Leinfter fencibles and the town's people,
which arofe to an alarming height before they fub-
fided. Nor was even Scotland free from diftur-
bances.
On the third of February the fhip Bedford,
captain Moores, belonging to the Maffachufets,
arrived in the Downs, pafled Gravefend the fourth,
and was reported at the Cuftom-houfe the fixth.
She was not allowed regular entry, until fome con-
fultalions had taken place between the commiflioners
of the cuftoms and the lords of council, on account
of the many acts of parliament yet in force againft
the rebels in America. She lay at Horfley-down,
a-little beknv the Tower, and was the firft which
difplayed the Thirteen Stripes of America in any
Britifh port.
The king having created a new order, called the
moft illuftrious order of St. Patrick, the inftallation
of the knights was appointed to be at Dublin caftle,
March the twenty-feventh.
Nor have general Elliot and admiral Rodney
been forgotten in the •diftribution of royal favours,
the latter having been made a lord, and the former,
on the third of April, was inverted with the red
ribband at Gibraltar. And as a further proof of
national regard, it was unanimoufly refolved in the
houfe of lords, " That this houfe do highly ap-
prove of, and acknowledge the fervices of the offi-
cers, foldiers, and failors, lately employed in the
defence of Gibraltar." The commons alfo voted
them their thanks ; and have fince pafTed a pcnfion
bill, beftowjng upon admiral lord Rodney, and his
two fucceffois, in conlideration of his eminent fer-
No. 70.
vices, two thoufand, pounds a year; and upon:Sir
George Auguftus Elliot, and his fon, for the for-
mer's unparalleled defence, of Gibraltar, fifteen
hundred pounds a year. We may here . obferve,
the fame parliament, winch in feveral paft fcffions
have been remarkably liberal in their pecuniary
grants, agreed to no Icfs a fum than fifty-five
thouftnd pounds, to enable his majefty to difcharge
the debts of his civ.l lift. At the fame time, the
infolvent debtors hill, introduced and fupported by
the earl of ElHngham, was thrown out.
. In the year 1775, a year which Britain will have
too much caufe to remember, the national debt
amounted to onehundred and twenty-nine millions,
eight hundred and fixty thoufand and eighteen
pounds. In January, 1783, this debt was found to
be augmented to no lefs a fum than two hundred
and fifteen millions, feven hundred and feventeen
thoufand, fcven hundred and nine pounds-, the in-
tereft,with theexpenceof management of which, was
feven millions, five hundred and thirteen thoufand,
eight hundred and fifty-two pounds, nine millings.
To the above fum is to be added, thirty-fix mil-
lions, eight hundred fixty-feven thoufand, two hun-
dred and twenty-feven pounds, of debt not funded
nor provided for in January 1783; fo that the whole
debt, funded and unfunded at this period, amounted
to two hundred and fifty-two millions, five hundred
and eighty- four thoufand, nine hundred and eighty-
fix pounds, requiring for intereft and management
nine millions, eight thoufand, nine hundred and
thirty-one pounds. Of the above debt, one hun-
dred and fifteen millions, fix hundred and fifty-four
thoufand, nine hundred and fourteen pounds, has
been contracted from January 1776, to January
1783.
_ Tuefday, July the fifteenth, the royal afTent was
given to ten bills. by commifiion ; and the parlia-
mentary bufinefs being finifhed, on the feventecnth
his majefty went with the ufual ftate to the houfe
of peers. Three bills were then paifed with the
royal aflent, after which his majefty made a moft,
gracious fpeech from the throne, and prorogued
the parliament to the ninth of Sr ptember.
The court-martial on the trial of General Mur-
ray met, at the clofe of the month of February,
at the Horfc Guards, to receive thedecifion of the
court, after its revilion by his majefty. Both Ge-
neral Murray, and Sir William Draper who had ex-
hibited the charges againft him, being prefent, the
Judge Advocate proceeded to read the decifion,
which was, " that twenty-feven of the charges
were frivolous and groundlcfs." Of the remain-
ing two the court had found the prifoner guilty,
and fentenced him to receive fuch reprehenfion as
his majefty might think proper, which his ma-
jefty had been pleafed to remit. The Judge Advo-
cate then informed Sir William Draper, that it was
the pleafure of the court that he mould be required
to make an apology to General Murray for having
inftitutecl the prefent trial againft him. Sir William
acquicfced, and apologized accordingly. When the
like requifition was made of General Murray to Sir
William, for having wounded his feelings as a fol-
dier, by his conduct to him during his command at
Minorca, General Murray vehemently and peremp-
torily refufed acquiefcence, declaring that he was
the protector of his own honour, and would leave
that of every other man to his own vindication.
He was, therefore, put under arreft •, but on a
meeting of the court-martial a few days after, the
affair was accommodated, by changing a word in
the propofed apology, and the matter terminated
in fuch a manner as to leave no poffible gfound for
apprehcnfion that any future confequence would
take place between the two generals.
On the 2 sd of May articles were agree4 upon
between Mr. Ofwald. .his Britannic majefty's com-
8 O mrffiener
706
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
miffioner, and the commiflloners of the United
States of America.
Sir Roger Curtis, who had fo eminently diftm-
fruifhed himfelf for his valour as an officer during
the fiege of Gibraltar by the combined armaments
of France and Spain, renewed, on the i6th of
June, as deputed from our court, the treaty of
peace which had fubfifted between Great Britain
and the emperor of Morocco.
On the ad of September preliminary articles of
peace, between his majefty the king of Great Bri-
tain and their High MightinelFes the States Gene-
ral of the United Provinces of Holland, were
figned at Paris by the plenipotentiaries of the re-
fpeclive powers; as was, on the 3d, the definitive
treaty with France, Spain, and America : and on
the 6th of the following month, by virtue of his
majefty's royal warrant, peace was proclaimed be-
tween. Great Britain, France and Spain, at the
ufual places, and with the accuftomed ceremonies.
On the nth of November the feffion of parlia-
ment was opened by a fpeech from his majefty to
both houfes. When his majefty had retired from
the houfe, his royal highnefs the prince of Wales,
who had been previoufly introduced with the ufual
ceremonies, and taken his chair on the right hand
of the throne, took the oaths of allegiance and fu-
premacy, and made and fubfcribed the declaration,
and alfo took and fubfcribed the oaths of abjura-
tion.
On the 1 8th of November Mr. Secretary Fox,
purfuant to previous notice, brought forward his
motion reflecting the future regulation of the
Englifh fettlements in the Eaft Indies. After a va-
riety of arguments on both fides the queftion, the
houfe divided on a motion for adjournment, which
was carried in the negative by a majority of 109
voices. The queftion, that the bill be committed,
was then carried without a divifion, and it was or-
dered to be committed for the ift of December. On
that day the principal opponents, Mr. Pitt and Mr.
Fox, again difplayed their eloquence, and went
over much the fame ground as upon the former
occafion : at length, however, the bill was again
committed by a majority of 114. But this meafure
of adminiftration met with a very different fate in
the houfe of lords, where, after feme debates, the
motion for the commitment of the bill was loft by
a majority of 19.
Late on Thurfday night, the i8th, a fpecial mef-
fenger announced to lord North and Mr. Fox, that
his majefty had no further occafion for their fervices.
At the fame time they were commanded to fend
the feals by the under fecrecaries, as a perfonal in-
terview would be difagreeable. The next day the
right honourable William Pitt was appointed firft
lord of the treafury and chancellor of the Exche-
quer; earl Gower, prefident of the council; and
earl Temple, fecretary of ftate : the latter imme-
diately wrote letters of difmiffion to the remaining
members of the cabinet, the confequence of which
•was, a general and almoft unexampled refignation
of their adherents.
The houft adjourned to Monday the 2 id, when
Mr. Grenville rofe and announced the refignation
of his noble relation, earl Temple, who, he faid,
had taken this ftep in order that he might not be
fuppofed to flicker himfelf under the cover of au-
thority againft any charge that might be brought
againft him, but that he might meet it fairly and
openly in his private capacity. Mr. Fox hinted at
fome other reafon for the refignation ; but the flight
converfe on this fubjeft gave way to a more impor-
tant concern, the pafllngof the land-tax bill, with
cii cumftances of candour and good temper, that
did honour to both fides of the^houfe.
This great object being fettled, an addrefs to his
majefty was moved againft the apprehended diflb-
lution of pailiamcnt. Lord North's fpeech upon
this occafioa was very fingular, not only as it was his
firft profefled defence of a celebrated coalition, but
as it threw a light on fome important circumfiancc s
in the government of this country, efpecially that
influence in the ftate which the great ariftocratical
parties have been long known to poflefs.
At length the queftion being put, that the houfe
agree to the motion for the addrefs, it was carried
with fo great a ftrength of fhew, that the friends
of the new miniftry did not think proper to try the
queftion by a decifion. When the addrefs was pre-
fented to his majeiiy, he was pleafed to return a
moft gracious anfwer, and to aflure the houfe, that
he fliould not interrupt their meeting by any exer-
cife of his prerogative, either of prorogation or dif-
folution. It was then finally agreed to by the houfe
to adjourn to the izth of January enfuirig.
Notwithftanding there appeared at firft fo much
difficulty in forming a cabinet, an arrangement of
miniftry was completed in a few days. The duke
of Rutland was appointed lord privy feal -, the mar-
quis of Caermarthen and lord Sydney, principal fe-
cretaries of ftate; and lord Thurlow, lord high
chancellor.
The houfe of commons met purfuant. -p.
to adjournment on the i2th of January, ' I7B4-
when debates were maintained by the contending
parties with the ufual zeal and fpirit. After a
divifion of the houfe on the rjrderof the day, upon
which there appeared a majority of 39 againft the
minifter, the houfe went into a committee on the
ftate of the nation.
On the 23d Mr. Chancellor Pitt moved, that the
India bill laid by him before the houfe, be read a
fecond time and committed. The houfe divided on
the fecond reading, when there appeared againft
the bill a majority of eight.
The bill being thus rejected, Mr. Fox moved
for leave to bring in a bill for the better regula-
tion and government of our affairs in the Eaft
Indies; the two principal objects of which were,
the rendering the fyftem for the government of
India permanent by authority of parliament; and
the fixing the government at home. The other
fyftem as fecondary, might be modelled to meet
the inclinations and opinions of the country. He
then called upon the minifter to declare explicitly
whether the houfe was to rely on the promife made
iff anfwer to their late addrefs. No anfwer from
the minifter. He was called upon again and again ;
but remained filent. At length, as if urged by the
pointed feverity of fome remarks, he declared that
he would not condefcend to anfweHnterrogatories
which he did not think gentlemen entitled to put to
him, and concluded with affigning his reafons in an
high and elevated ftile of expreffion.
The 1 6th of January the lord-mayor, attended
by a great number of the aldermen, went from
Guildhall to St. James's, and prefenfced an addrefs
to his majefty, exprefling the fati'sfaction they
felt at the difmiflion of his majefty's late minifters,
and their earneft aflurances of maintaining their
zeal and loyalty inviolate. An addrefs of the like
nature was alfo prefented by the merchants of
London.
On the 29111, the houfe of commons met pur-
fuant to adjournment; and on the 2oth of February
Mr. Fox moved for an addrefs to the king, which
being alfo carried, was prepared and reported as
follows :
To THE KING'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY.
" We your majefty's moft faithful commons, im-
prefled with the moft dutiful fenfe of your majefty's
paternal regard for the welfare of your people, ap-
proach your throne to exprefs our reliance on your
majefty's paternal wifdom, that your majeity will
4 take
GEORGE
III.
7°7
take fuch meafiires, by removing1 any obftacle td
forming fuch an adminiftration as the houle has de-
clared to be requifite in the prefent critical and ar-
duous fituation of affairs, as may tend to give effect
to the willies of your faithful commons, which have
already been moft humbly reprefcnted to your
majefty."
This addrefs being prefented on the 25th to his
majefty, he was pleafed to reply in words to the
following purport :
" That he felt the peculiar neceffity of a ftrong,
united, and extended adminiftration, and fuch as
might poflefs the confidence of the puolic. That
his endeavours to compofe the prefent diftractions
by an union of the ableft men upon a fair and equal
footing had very recently been ufed, but without
fuccefs : that until fuch an adminirtration could be
formed as his faithful commons deliredj he could
notice how it could conduce to the public good to
remove his prefenr from all the fituations of execu-
tive government ; more efpecially as no charge had
been fpecified againft any one of them, and as the
reprefentations of large and refpe>ttable bodies of
his fubjects had exprelfed a fatisfaction in the late
change which he had thought proper to make in
his councils."
When the king's anfwer was read, Mr. Fox rofe,
and faid, he would not then enter into the conii-
deration of it, but would barely remark, that it ap-
peared to him to be final on the part of his majelty,
and therefore the houfe could not well take more
than one Hep farther ; and as this proceeding on
the part of the houfe ought to be final alfo, there
ought to be due time for gentlemen to turn the
fubject in their minds, what that meafure mould
be. He then moved that his majefty's anfwer be
taken into confederation on Monday the 8th of
March, which was agreed to without any debate.
Accordingly on that day Mr. Fox, after fome exor-
dium, moved a variety of refolutions, tending on
the whole to teftify the furprize and affliction of the
houfe on receiving the anfwer which his majefty's
mimfters had advifed ; to affure his majefty that the
houfe neither had difputed, nor meant in any in-
ftance to difpute, much lefs to deny his majefty's
undoubted prerogative of appointing to the execu-
tive offices of ftate fuch perfons as to his majefty's
wifdom might feem meet ; at the fame time a^ain
fubmitting to his majefty's royal wifdom, that no
adminiftration, however legally appointed, can ferve
his majefty and the public with effect, which does
not enjoy the confidence of that houfe. But the op-
ponents of adminiftration in this mftance loft con-
liderable ground, having, on a diviiion on Mr. Fox's
motion, the majority only of an unit.
On the loth, lord Hinchinbroke informed the
houfe, that their reprefentation had been laid before
his majefty., and gracioufly received.
On the 25th, his majefty went to the houfe of
peers, and having given the royal aflent to feveral
bills then ready, made the following fpeech from
the throne :
" My Lords and Gentlemen,
" On a full confidcration of the prefent fituation
of affairs, and of the extraordinary circumftances
which have produced it, I am induced to put an
end to this feffion of parliament : I feel it a duty,
which I owe to the conftitution and to the country
in fuch a fituation, to recur as fpeedily as poffible
to the fenfeof my people, by calling a new parlia-
ment.
" I truft that this meafure will tend to obviate
Che mifchiefs arifingfrom the unhappy divifions and
diffractions which have lately fubfifted ; and that
the various important objects -which will require
conlideration . may be afterwards proceeded upon
with lefs interruption and with happier effect.
". I can have no "other object, but to preferve'the
No, 70.
true principles of our free and happy conftitution,
and to employ the powers entrufted to me by law^,
for the only end for which they were given, the
good of my people.'*
To the general joy 'of all who had the. love of
their country at heart, the ratification on the part
of the American congrefs- of the definitive treaty:
between Great Britan and America arrived on the
9th of April.
The new parliament met on the i6th of May^
when the commons re-chofe Mr. Cornwall their
fpeaker, and on the i9th his majefty went in the
ufual ftate to the upper houfe, and opened the fef-
fion with a moft gracious fpeech from the throne.
The definitive treaty with Holland was figned at
Paris on the soth, and in the beginning of July
proclamation of peace between Great Britain and
the United Provinces, and alfo with the United
States of America, was read by the City Common
Crier at the Royal Exchange, and other public
places of the metropolis ; and a day of thankf-
giving was appointed for the 29th- on that memo-
rable occafion.
Advices were foon after received of the peace
being figned between the Eaft India Company and
Tijjpoo Saib, an event that was followed by the
royal affent being given to Mr. Pitt's Eaft India
regulating bill, and the prorogation of the par-r
liameht.
On the 15th of January, being the A -r\ «8
day appointed for the commence-
ment of the fecond feflion of the prefent parliament,
his majefty opened the fame with a fpeech, pur-
porting his defire of their attention to the adjuft-
ment of fuch points in the commercial intercourfe
between Great Britain and Ireland as were not then
finally arranged, on fuch a fyftem as might bed
enfure the general profperity of his dominions $
and his information, notwithftanding any appear-
ance of differences on the continent, of having re-
ceived from all foreign powers the ftrongeft allur-
ances of their good difpofition towards this coun-
try ; together with his hearty concurrence in every
meafure that could tend to alleviate the national
burthen, fecure the principles of the conftitution.
and promote the welfare of his people. After fome
altercation, or rather converfation, a motion for
an addrefs to his majefty on the occafion was carried
in both houfes nem. con.
On the 3d of February three great points were
fubmitted by the minifter to the confideration of
the commons this feflion, viz. an arrangement of
our commercial intercourfe with Ireland ; a reform,
in the reprefentation of parliament ; and the ftate
of the national finances. Thefe feveral fubjects
met with general approbation, and were fet apart
for future difcuflion.
The fame day Mr. Fitzpatrick prefented a peti-
tion from certain of the electors of Weftminftcr,
which being read, ftated, in the moft forcible lan-
guage, the then unrepresented ftate of their city ;
that without any crime being proved, or even al-
ledged, they were, in fact, disfranchifed ; and
that, contrary to every principle of the conftitution,
without being reprefented, they were taxed. The
novelty and illegality of the fcrutiny between the
Rt. Hon. Charles Fox and Sir Cecil Wray (the two
contending candidates) were placed in a ft ri king
point of view, without adverting to their refpective
merits. The petition concluded with praying that
the houfe would grant redrefs, by compelling the
high-bailiff to give a return. It was ordered to lie
on the table.
On the 8th the high-bailiff attended the houfe
purfuant to order, when, on one of the members
defiring to know what fteps had been taken in the
fcrutiny in confequence of the refolution of the
houfe of the 8th oi June laft, he related the whole
8R »f
708
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
of the bufinefs from the commencement of the
poll ; and declared, amongft other things, that,
according to the rate at which the fcrutiny pro-
ceeded, it would, if continued, laft upwards of two
years.
The further confideration of the lubjea being
poftponed to the next day, it was obferved by the
member who fpoke particularly on it the preced-
ing day, that the queftion before the houfe was one
of the moft important that could be agitated in
parliament. It involved the confutation., for it
comprehended the prerogative of the crow n and
the rights ot the people. After fomc ftrictures on
the conduct, of the high-bailiff, he faid,. that from
the circumflances which had tranfpired in the courfe
of the fcrutiny, the high-bailiff had avowed, that
his mind was fatisfied he ihould be able to make a
confcientious return whenever he ihould be autho-
rifed by the houfe to put a period to the fcrutiny.
On this confideration the fame member contended,
that it was incumbent on the houfe to order the
high-bailiff to make a return.
After fome objections to thefe alTertions, he
made the following motion : " That it appears to
"this houfe that T. Corbett, high-bailiff of the
" city of Weftminfter, did receive from the fheriff
" of Middlefex a precept to return two fit and
« able citizens to ferve in parliament for the city
** of Weftminfter, returnable on the I7th day of
" May laft, and that he be ordered forthwith to
" make a return of the faid precept."
This motion was feconded, but being oppofed
and an amendment propofed, a long debate en-
fued, and, on a divifion, there appeared a majo-
rity of 39 in favour of the amendment, on. the
lide of the minifter, as was the cafe on feveral fu-
ture occafions, till the 3d of March,, when Mr.
Sawbridge, after ftating the lituation of the fcru-
tiny, and the variety of inconveniences that at-
tended the continuation of it, moved, " That the
" high-bailiff pf the city of Weftminfter, by vir-
" tue of a precept directed to him by the fheriff of
tf Middlefex for electing two citizens to ferve ia
" parliament, having finiftied his poll on the I7th
" day of May, the day previous, to the return of
" the writ, be forthwith ordered to make his re-
" turn."
The Chancellor of the Exchequer In reply faid,
there were no new grounds to argue on, and he
ihould therefore move, " that the houfe do ad-
" journ." After fome little altercation, the cry of
" queftion" vociferated from all parts of the houfe,
which produced a divifion, when there appeared a
majority of 38 againft the minifter. The original
motion was then carried without a divifion.
On the oth, the order of the day being read " for
" taking into confideration an adjourned queftion
" for the rescinding the refolution of the houfe of
" the 8th of June laft relative to the Weftminfter
" Scrutiny," the point was feverally difculTed by
able fpeakers on both fides, and particularly by Mr.
Fox, who made a very long fpeech, in which he
anfwered the objections of feveral members, and
contended for the queftion, but without effect,
there being a majority of 105 againft it. The high-
bailiff was ordered, by the houfe, to make his re-
turn ; and Mr. Fox, on a fubfequent divifion, was
declared duly elected for the city of Weftminfter.
The next point of importance agitated in the
lower houfe, was, the great queftion of a reform in
the reprefentation of the people, brought not as
heretofore by a member of the oppofition, but by
" the minifter of the crown." The fubject was in-
troduced by Mr. Chancellor Pitt, in a very eloquent
fpeech to one of the fullcft houfes that had ever been
known.
The purport of Mr. Pitt's propofition was, that
of transferring from certain boroughs the power
of election to counties and towns of greater con-
fcquence, not by compulfory means, but fo as to
make it an act of their own direction.
After ftating the general principle and particular
objects of his plan of reform, and enforcing his
motion with a variety of arguments, he moved,
" that leave be given to bring in a bill to amend
" the reprefentation."
Lord North, as upon former occafions, repro-
bated the motion as a direct attack upon the Bri-
tiih constitution,; a conftituiion the work of infinite
wifdom, the fource of many bleffings, much hap-
pinefs, and much glory. His lordlhip concluded
his fpeech with an emphatic wifh that the friends of
that conftitution would feel as one man, and roufe
at the danger it would be put in. if the motion was
carried, and therefore hoped' they would have the
triumph of carrying it in the negative.
Mr. Fox declared he was for the principle of the
bill fpecifically confidered, namely, that of in-
creafing the number of members chofen by free-
holders in proportion to the reprefentatives of bo-
roughs. The only point he faid in which he prin-
cipally differed from the right honourable mover
was, that the prefent parliament ihould not be af-
fected by the reform. He declared he Ihould give
his cordial fupport to the reform ; but begged not
to be underftood as going farther, and concluded,
with alluring the houfe, that he would enter his
proteft againft the majority of electors at boroughs-
felling the minority.
Lord Frederic Campbell and another member, the
warm friends of the minifter, likewife fpoke againft
the motion ; and after a few words from Mr. Pitt
in reply, the houfe divided, when the numbers ap-
peared as follow :
Noes - - - 248
Ayes - - - 174
Majority againft the reform 74
On the 7th of March, in a committee on the fup-
ply, the houfe came to the following refolutions :
" That 940,000!. be granted to his Majefty, for
" defraying the expences of buildings, rebuildings,
" and repairs of fhips, for 1785."
" That 675,307!. be granted for the ordinary of
" the navy for 1785. The faid refolutions to be
" reported on Monday."
Mr. Huffey remarked, that, having compared the
eftimates now to be provided for with the eftimates
at the clofe of the former war, he found a very ma-
terial difference.. If the navy was fo considerably
increafed as the difference between the two efti-
mates appeared to be (411,000!. at the former
period, 940,000!. now), then he was willing to give
his fupport to the motion, but he believed it was
not.
Mr. Brett, in reply, faid, there were 160 fail
of fhips more now than at the clofe of the war in
1764; but another reafon for the great increafe
was, that, at the period alluded to, there were no
marines ; at prefent there are. The motion was
agreed to.
On the i3th of April, the houfe refolved itfelf
into a committee on the petition from the fuftiart
manufacturers of Manchefter, &c. againft the ex-
cife duty on fuftians. The witneffes this day ex-
amined were chiefly intended to invalidate the
teftimony of thofe who had before been adduced
in fupport of the allegations of the petition.
Among them were officers of Excife, who fpoke
chiefly to the arts of evafion practifed by the
manufacturers, and to the means ufed to fecure
the revenue.
A Mr. Faulkner was called to the bar ; and
feveral queftions being alked him reflecting the
Manchefter trade, a debate took place, in which
Mr. Pitt, Mr. Dundas, Lord North, Mr. Eden,
and
G
O R G E
III;
and others, took part, Whether he did not think
the evidence given by Mr. Walker was in a great
meafure influenced by the tax laid on their fultian
manufacture? And a fpinted altercation enfuing,
the queftion was fo qualified, that Mr. Faulkner
in reply faidt that although Mr. Walker was un-
doubtedly deeply concerned and interefted in the
fuftian manufacture, yet he did not think him ca-
pable of giving a falfe teftimony on that account.
An unmterefting debate took place about the
priority of hearing other petitions which were re-
ferred to the commitccc ; and the night being far
fpent, it was agreed to refer the further examina-
tions till Friday, when the houfe accordingly re-
folved itfelf into a committee, and proceeded to
hear counfel on the feveral petitions.
The 4th of May the Chancellor of the Exchequer
opened what is commonly called the budget. He
ftated without any formal preface the national ex-
penditure for the current year, under the following
heads :
Naval difburfements - - £2>55°>3°7
• Army - 2,286,263
Ordnance - 392>8SS
Deficiencies - 1,612,908
Exchequer bills unfunded - 2,500,000
Somerfet Houfe - - 25,000
Britilh Mufeum - - 3>oo°
Mifcellaneous Services - 35>695
Arrears of duty of the Leeward Iflands 359,836
All thefe together, he calculated to amount to a
fum of 9,737,868!. ; of this, lieobferved, there was
already provided 6,184,117!. fo that there remain-
ed 3.5S3.7511- r u XT
He then adverted to the fituation of the Navy
debt, and ftated tne amount of our naval bills to be
9,505,808!. as calculated with intereft up to the
fth of July 1785 ; and the ordnance debt to Mid-
fummer next at 504,349!. in all 1,010,157!. which
he propofed to fund ; and to prefer the 5 per. cent,
flock rather than the 3 per. cent, for that purpofe,
although he admitted there would be an additional
intereft of about 30,000!. to pay annually. He
ftated, that the whole intereft to be provided would
amount to 413^000!. for the payment of which he
propofed, i ft, an augmentation of the tax on male
fervants ; 2dly, a tax on female fervants ; 3dly, a
tax on retail (hops ; as a compenfation for this tax,
he propofed, he faid, to move for the repeal of
licences granted to hawkers ; 4thly, a tax on
gloves; 5thly, a 5!. licence on pawnbrokers; 6thly,
an additional half-penny per mile on poft horfes ;
and laftly, a regulation on the conveyance of fait
coaft-wife. All thefe together he calculated to
amount to 422,000!. which, he faid, was about
ooool. more than wanted in order to make good
deficiences. He then made a recapitulation of his
taxes thus :
Men fervants j£35>o°°
Women ditto - 140,000
Retail Shops - - 120,000
Gloves - - 50,000
Pawn-brokers 15,000
Poft Horfes 50,000
Salt - 12,000
Total, 422,000
With this increafe of revenue, together with the
old, he would be able to pay the intereft of the
loan of a million from the Bank, to make good the
deficiency that would be occafioned by the repeal
of fome of the taxes ; to provide for the funding
of the navy bills ; and for railing a finking fund of
a million, v.hich mould annually be applied to the
gradual diminution of the national debt. In con-
clufion, he moved firft the loan of a million from
the Bank.
On the loth of this month the report of the
Budget from the committee of ways and means
was brought up> and read. The debate that en-
fued was rather witty and farcaftical, than folid
argumentation.
On the 22d of June, in this year, the toll, which
had been paid at Blackfriars Bridge, from its' being
firrt opened, was taken off".
On July 7, in a committee, to confide'r of the ad
relating to the fale of medicines; and to fubjedt all
medicines, drugs; oils, eflences; &c. &c. folfl nn
packets, boxes, phials; or other inclofures, in any
manner whatever; whether fold by apothecaries,
furgeons, or any other perfons, to the refpedlive
duties in the former act; it was refolved, that
every perfon in Great Britain vending the above
drugs Ihould take out a licence ; thole withi.i • he
bills of mortality 203. in the country 53. annually.
On the 2d of Auguft, Mr. Pitt brought in his
bill for the eftablifhment of a commercial arrange-
ment between Great-Britain and Ireland, which
was read a firft time, and ordered to be printed ;
after which the Houfe adjourned to Thurfday the
27th of October; upon which day the parliament
was prorogued to the firft of December.
His Majefty on the 24th of January . ,^
went in the ufual ftate to the houfe of : U' I/786i
peers, and opened the third feflion of the prefent par-
liament. Both houfes prefented an addrels of thanks
to his majeftv; which were graciouily received.
On April the nth lord Cornwallis was appointed
governor general and commander in chief of Ben-
gal ; as was, on the I2th, Sir Guy Carleton, com-
mander in chief of Quebec, Nova Scotia, &C;
On the 9th of July his Royal Highnefs the princfc
of Wales, in confequence of being difappointed
of obtaining an addition to his revenue this feflion,
by parliament, dropt his eftablifhment, and ap-
pointed four gentlemen to arrange his affairs, and
appropriate the greater part of his income to the
payment of his debts.
His majefty j on the nth, went to the houfe of
peers, and prorogued the parliament with a fpeech
from the throne.
On the 2d of Auguft an attempt was made by
one Margaret Nicholfon, on the life of his majefty»
as he was alighting from his carriage at the gate
of St. James's palace. This woman had been ob-
ferved to wait the king's arrival for fome time, and»
previous to the appearance of the carriage, had taken
her ftation between two women that were unknown
to her. On the fight of the carriage, fhe begged
with fome earneftnefs, that they would not impede
her from delivering a memorial to his majefty. As
the king was alighting, ihe puttied forward, and
prefented a paper, which his majefty received with
great condefcenfion. At that inftant fhe ftruck a
concealed knife at the king's breaft, which his
majefty happily avoided, by bowing as he received
the paper. As (he was making a fecond thruft,
one of the yeomen caught her arm •, and, at the
fame inftant, one of the king's footmen wrenched
the knife out of her hand. His majefty, with
amazing temper and fortitude, exclaimed, " /
have received no injury ! Do not hurt the woman .•
the poor creature appears infane." — The woman
was immediately taken into cuftody, and, upon,
examination, appeared to be infane : in confe-
quence of which fhe was afterwards fent to the
hofpital of Bethlehem, to be taken proper care of.
Sept. 19, a plan was fet on foot for eftablifhing
a colony in New Holland, for the convenience of
tranfporting convicts thither, and with a future view
of improving the foil, and cultivating the manners
of the natives. And in the courfe of the fame
month a commercial treaty with France was Iigne4
at Verfailles by Mr. Eden and Monfieur Vergennes.
as minifters plenipotentiary for their rcfpedive
kings.
Both
710
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTQRY OF ENGLAND.
A. D. 1707-
Both houfcs of parliament having
e^ on tne 2^d of January, purfuant
to their prorogation, his majcfty then delivered a
fpecch from the throne, in which he informed them,
that having concluded a treaty of navigation and
commerce with the moll Chriftian King, he re-
commended it to them to take fuch meafures as
they Ihould judge proper for carrying it into effect,
alluring them, at the fame time, that, to promote
a beneficial intercourfe between the refpective fub-
jed:s, and add permanence to the blefli:igs of peace,
fhould be the grand object of all his negotiations
with foreign powers. He further recommended
to them to take fuch meafures as might appear ne-
ceiTary for carrying into execution a plan formed
by his direction, for the tranfportation of convicts:
and allured them of his reliance on the continuance
of their exertions to improve the national refources,
and promote the welfare of his people. His ma-
jelly, in confequence, was waited on with an ad-
drels from both houfes.
In the lower houfe Mr. Sheridan, on the 7th of
February, brought forward an important charge
againft Mr. Haftings, Jate governor general o'f
Bengal. He difplayed, in his fpeech, moil allo-
niihtng powers of elocution,: iilfomuch that he
fixed the attention of the whole houfe, and con-
cluded with a motion that Warren- Haftings be
impeached. The chancellor of the exchequer, after
a fpeech that did him rrtuch honour, gave his vote
for the motion, declaring that the national cha--
racler, he was convinced; had been debafed and
degraded j and it was only by this acl of national
juftice it could be reftored to its wonted brilliancy,
acquired by. its facred attachments to- honour, juf-
tice, and humanity, Mr. Sheridan's motion was
carried by a majority of 107. The rhinifter carried
his motions with refpecT: to the commercial treaty,
by a considerable majority. The feveral articles
of impeachment having, by order of the houfe of
commons, been taken by Mr. Burke to the upper
houfe, their lordfhips proceeded in due form there-
upon on the 1 1 li of May. Having held ibrrie de-
bates on different points, Mr. Haftings was ad-
piitted to bail ; and, purfuant to the tenor of a pe-
t;t;:>:i, allowed a copy of the charge, and had
counlcl aligned him for his defence.
May the jothhis majefty went in the ufual Hate
to the houfe of peers, and put an end to the felTion
of parliament, by a moll gracious fpeech from the
, throne.
The miniftry, foon after the recefs, were engaged
In attending to difputes which fubMed in the Re-
public of the United Provinces of Holland. The
mule-contents there were become highly refractory
and turbulent, and had treated the royal confort
.of his ferenc highnefs the Stadtholder, lifter to the
king of PruiTia, with the greateil indignity. As
the lituation of thofe ftates became, by rapid de-
grees, more critical and alarming, and feemed
likely, in its conlequence,* to affect the fecurity
and intereft of the Britilh dominions, every method
was taken, on the part of his. Britannic majefty,
to efiedt the reftoration bf tranquillity, and the
maintenance of lawful government among them.
To this end a memorial was prelented on the
1 4th of Augufl, by Sir James Harris, envoy ex-
traordinary from his Britannic majefty to the States
General, reprefen ting the extreme inquietude with
which the king his matter beheld the continuation
or their diffenllons ; exprcflmg his ardent de-lire
ot feeing peace re-cfhblilhed ; and aflliring them,
that, it it Ihould he found neceflary to recur to a
foreign mediation, and to invite his rnajefty, every
effort fhould be exerted on his part ro bring the ne-
to a happy, iblid, and permanent "iiiiie.
, .
s majefty alfo trfpugfctt it neccffary to explain his
intention of counteracting all forcible interference
4
on the part of France in the internal affairs of the
• Republic : and as rhe king of Prulfia had taken
meafures to enforce his demand of fat is faction' for?
the infult 6ffered to the princcfs of Orange, and
the party which had ufurped the government of
Holland, had applied to the French king lor affift1-
ance, and that monarch had notified to his Bfitun-
nic majefty his intention of granting their requeft,
immediate orders wvere given for augmenting thft
Bntiin forces' both by fea and land, which orders
were executed with incredible alacrity.
In the mean time, the rapid fuccefs of the Pruf-
lian troops, under the conduct of the duke of BruniL
wick, at once bbramed the reparation derrianded
by cheir fovcreign, and enabled f.he provinces to-
deliver themfelvcs from the oppreftiofi! under tvhich
: they laboured*, a*s weii as to re-efbtblilh their raw-
i ful government; infomuch tfrat all fubjecls of
contell being thus removed, An explanation1 took
place between the courts of London arid Vcrfailles,,
and declarations were exchanged by their refpec-
tive minifters, by~which it was mutually agre'e'd to
I1 difarm, and to place their naval ellablifhrncnt
on the fame footing as in the beginning of this ye'ar.
I A convention was alfo agreed to between the fdme
courts, explanatory of the ijth article of the laft,
' treaty of peace, and calculated to prevent jealoufies
and difputes between cheir refpedlive fubjeils in
the Halt-Indies.
The parliament met for the difpatch of bufinefs
November the 27th, when his 'Majefty, inhisfpetch
from the throne, tookoccafion to rhention the alarm-
ing events that had lately taken place in Holland,
and the meafures adopted by the Britilh cabinet,
in confequence of the fame, according to the tcnoc
of what we have related. The motions for addreft
were carried nem. con. in both houfes. Dr. Watioh,
bilhop of Llandaff, a prelate of diftinguilhed learn-
ing and ability, reminded the upper houfe, Upon
this pccalion, of the fcntiments he had delivered
in the laft feffioh, namely, " That an alliance with
Holland was an objecl of the firft magnitude to this
country ; and the moment that France could detach
the republic from fuch an alliance, fo as to tranf-
fer her marine, arid add it to her own, fuch an
event would put an end to the hiftory of Britain,
as a great and 'powerful nation."
On the 17th of January Lord George , ^\ ^o<>
Gordon, having been found guilty, m*
the month of June foregoing, in the court of King's
Bench, of publifhing t\vo libels, one againft the
queen of France, and the other againft the criminal
jurifprudence of this country, was fentenced tt>
three years imprifohrrient inNexvgate, then to pay
a fine of 500!. and find fecurity for his good beha-
viour for fourteen years.
Prince Chairles Lewis Cafimir Stuart died at
Rome the 21 ft of this month. Since the death of
his father in 1765, he had'affumed to himfelf the
title of king of England ; but was commonly
known on the continent by the 'name of the Che-
valier de St. George, and in England by trMt of
the young Pretender. He was juft 67 years and
two months x>ld on the day of his death. This
perfon \vas grandfon to James II. whofe fon was re-
cognized, by feveral courts of Europe, as king of
England, immediately after the death of his father.
As fuch he received kingly honours, had his pa-
lace and his guards, and enjoyed the privilege al-
lowed by the Pope to catholic kings, of befto\ving
a cenain number of cardinal hats. But his fon,
'prince Charles, who lately died, did not enjoy
thofe honours. He \vas, indeed, called pritlce of
Wales, during the life :of riis iathcr ; but, after
that event, he no longer bore that title ; nor would
the Catholic courts ftyle him king. To a natural
daughter, whom, by his pretended royal power,
'he lately created ehsefcefs of Albany, he has be-
queathed
G E O R
queathed all his property he had in the French
funds, which was very coniidcrable. To his bro-
ther, the cardinal, he bequeathed his empty pre-
tcnfions to the crown of England.
On the loth of February, the city of London,
in concurrence with many refpectable couhties,
cities, and towns of the kingdom, preiented a pe-
tition to the Houfe of Commons, praying that the
houfe would take into their moft ferious confide-
ration that part of the traffic, carried on by this
country to the coaft of Africa, for procuring flaves
for the cultivation of our iflands in the Weft In-
dies, and humbly recommending to them to make
fuch regulations in it, as in their great wifdom and
humanity fhould feem meet. And on the fame
day Sir Elijah Impey, againft whom an impeach-
ment, conlifting of fix articles, had been brought
forward, by a member of the lower houfe near four
months before, was, agreeable to his petition, per-
mitted to be heard in his defence. Having, in
the courfe of a few days, gone through three of the
charges, he exprelFed a with that the houfe would
come to a decifion on the firft charge before he
proceeded on his defence ; the further confidera-
tion of the bufmefs was therefore poftponed.
In confequence of a motion for impeachment
made by Mr. Sheridan in the . lower houfe, and
carried by a great majority, the trial of Warren
Mailings, Efq; preceded by the ufual folemnities,
commenced "on the I3th before the lords at Weft-
minfter-hall.
Mr. Pitt having obferved, previous to his mo-
tion in the houfe, on the ifth, " That leave be
gj'ven to bring in a bill for removing any doubt
jefpedting the power of the commifiloners for the
affairs of India, to direcl: the expence of raifmg,
tranfporting, and maintaining"fuch troops as may
be judged neceffary for the fecurity of the Britiih
territories and poffeffions in the Eaft Indies, to be
defrayed out of the revenues arifing frem the faid
territories and poffeffions," that as feveral learned
gentlemen had been confulted upon the conftruc-
tion of the act of 1784, and had differed in their
opinions, he thought a declaratory 'act necefiary,
in order to obviate every doubt. The motion,
after feme oppofition from Mr. Fox, was agreed
to ; and, on the i2th of March, the declaratory
bill, notwithftanding much oppofition, was car-
ried through both houfes by large majorities. A
protcft, however, by fifteen members of the upper
houfe, was entered againft it.
In the following month, a patriotic member in the
lower houfe, moved, "That it is highly injurious to
the fervice, and unjuft to fet a fide, from promo-
tions to flags, meritorious officers, and officers not
precluded by the orders of "his majefty in council.'*
The motion, however, after ftrenuous exertions in
its Support, was negatived.
On the 9th of May the houfe proceeded, pur-
fuant to a former rcfolution, to the final coniide-
ration of the firft charge againft Sir Elijah Impey.
This charge fet forth, that Sir Elijah Impey, as
chief juftice of the fupreme court of Calcutta, in
1774, had officially, in divers inftances, become
the inflrument of Warren Haftings, at that time
governor general of Bengal, in the unprincipled
attack on the life of Maha Rajah Nunducomar.
Sir Gilbert Elliot, who brought forward the im-
peachment, having enlarged upon feveral circum-
Itanccs, relative to that charge, and finding him-
Jfelf much exhauiled, begged the indulgence of the
houfe till that day week, which was granted. Sir
Gilbert accordingly, at the time ftaced, refumed
the fubjecl, and, after adducing feveral arguments
in fupport of his allegations, moved that Sir Elijah
Impey, for his conduct in this affair, was guilty of
high crimes and mifdcmeanors. A debate enfued
upon this motion, in the courfe of which feveral
gentlemen difplayed their elocution in fupport of
No. 70.
E
III.
711
their refpective opinions. Mr. Pitt was decidedly
againft the motion. After fome previous obferva-
tion, he infifted that Sir Elijah had acted under the
authority of an act of parliament, which he had not
violated in any one inftancc. The motion was -ne-
gatived by a majority of eighteen voices.
A provifional treaty of defenfive alliance was
figned, on the 1 8th of June, between the minifters
plenipotentiary of their majefties, the kings of
Great Britain and Pruffia ; and on the nth of the
following month a period was put to the feffiou
of parliament.
The centenary of the revolution in 1688, was
obferved, on the 5th of November, by many focie-
ties in the metropolis, and other parts of the king-
dom, not only with feftivity, but devotion and
thankfgiving. At the moft refpe&able of thefe
focieties, a noble earl, who preiided on the occa-
fion, moved, that application be made to parlia-
ment, to obferve the future anniverfary of the i6th
of December, as a day of folemn thankfgiving, it
being on that day the Bill of Rights was paffed.
It was agreed to ; and at another fociety, a very
confiderable fubfcription was raifed towards eredt-
ing a column in Runnemede, in commemoration
of that glorious event.
On the 2Oth the two houfes of parliament met;
but his majefty not being prefent in the houfe of
peers, by reafon of the fevere indifpofmon, under
which he unhappily laboured, and no comrnjifion
having ifTued, either for holding, or for a further
prorogation of the parliament; both houfes agreed
unanimoufly to adjourn to the 4th of December ;
when both houfes met, purfuant to adjournment.
The main bufinefs related to the examination of
his majeity's phyficians, which had taken place
the preceding day, before the privy council, and
motions refpeiting the famei were unanimoufly
carried, in both houfes, which then adjourned.
On the 8th of the fame month the Marquis of
Stafford, in the houfe of peers, rofe in the abfeiice
of earl Camden, lord prefident of the council, and
after fubmitting a variety of confideratioas to their
lordfhips, which were approved by feme, and dif-
approved by others, fucceffively moved for the ap-
pointment of a felect committee, to examine the
phyficians ; that the committee confift of twenty-
one lords; and that each peer deliver in to the
clerk a lift of twenty-one lords, figned by his name,
the next fitting of the houfe. Thcfe three motions
were agreed to mmme dijjentiente. And in the houfe
of commons, the chancellor of the exchequer
moved for the appointment of a committee of
twenty one, for the fame purpofe ; which being
agreed to, the chancellor's nomination was unanL-
mo u fly approved of.
The examination of the feven phyficians by the
felcct committee was, on the loth, laid before the
commons, when it appeared, that they all agreed
in the main objecfls of inquiry. In confequence
of thefe proceedings, a grand queftion was liarted
in the houfe of commons, between two grear- par-
liamentary leaders, the right honourable William
Pitt, and the right honourable Charles James Fox,
concerning the right of fupplying the deficiency
of the royal authority, during the incapacity of his
majefty, confirmed by the unanimous opinion of
his phyficians, on their examination by the feleift
committee appointed for that purpofe. Mr. Pitt,
after adverting to the melancholy circumftance fo
generally lamented, moved, that a committee be
appointed to fearch for precedents of proceeding,
in cafe of the interruption or fufpenfion of the ex-
ecutive government from the infancy, ficknefs,
infirmity, or other incapacity of the fovereign.
Mr. Fox combated the neceflity of appointing this
committee, and afferted, that the heir-apparent, if
of full age and capacity, had as natural and indif-
putable a claim to the full exercife of the execu-
8 S tjivc
THE NEW AND
COMPLETE HISTORY of ENGLAND.
tive power, during the continuance of the incapa-
city of the fovereign, as in cafe of his natural de-
rnife, and thence inferred that alt further delay was
improper. Mr. Pitt declared, that the aflertion of
his opponent, refpectihg the claim of the heir ap-
parent, w*s little lefs than trcaion, and averred on
the contrary,- that in cafe of fuch incapacity, he
had n6 more right to the exercife of the executive
power than any other fubjedt; and that it belonged
to the two remaining branches of the legislature
alone in behalf of the people, to make fuch provi-
fions for fupplying the temporary deficiency, as
they might think moft proper to preferve unim-
paired the intereft of the fovereign and the fafety
and welfare of the nation. After fome further al-
tercation, in which Mr. Burke took a part, Mr.
Pitt's motion Mas put and carried, and a committee
was accordingly appointed.
On the 1 6th, the houfe of commons, in confe-
quence of a motion" carried on the 12th, having re-
folved itfelf into a committee of the whole houfe,
to confider the ftate of the nation, the chancellor
Of the Exchequer, after a" long introductory fpeech,
which difplayed great ability, proceeded to move
-'the three following refolutions :
I. " Refolved, That it is the opinion of this
committee, that his majefty is prevented, by his
prelent indifpofition, from coming to his parlia-
ment, and from attending to public bufinefs j and
that the public exercife of the royal authority is
thereby for the preferrt interrupted.
II. " That it is the right and duty of the lords
fpiritual, and temporal, and commons, of Great
Britain, now aflembled ; and la-wfully, fully, and
freely reprefenting all the eftates of the people of
Great Britain ; to provide the means of fupplying
the defect of the perfonal exercife of the royal au-
thority, arifmg from his majefty's faid indifpofition,
in fuch manner, as the exigence of the cafe may
feem to require.
III. " That for this purpofe, and for maintain-
ing entire the conftitutional authority of the king,
it is neceflary that the faid lords fpiritual and tem-
poral, and commons, of Great Britain, ihould de-
termine on the means, whereby the royal affent
may be given in parliament, to fuch bills as may
be pafled by the two houfes of parliament, refpect-
ing the exercife of the powers and authorities of the
crown, in the name, and on the behalf of the king,
during the continuance of his majefty's prefent in-
difpofition."
The firft refolution was carried unanimoufiy ;
and fome amendments being propofed to be made
to the fecond and third, the three refolutions were
communicated tq the lords, for their concurrence.
On the 29th the lords took the three refolutions
of the commons into confideration, when the firft
pafled nan. diff. To the fecond lord Rawdon mov-
ed, by way of amendment, " That an humble ad-
drefs be prefented to his Royal Highnefsthe Prince
of Wales, to take upon him the adminiftration of
the civil and military government of the kingdom,
during the continuance of his majefty's prefent in-
difpofition, and no longer. This produced a long
debate, which terminated in a divifion, contents,
66, non-contents, 99. Majority againft the amend-
ment, 33. The refolutions were then agreed to,
and the houfe adjourned. A proteft, however, was
entered by 48 peers againft the refolutions.
A. D. 1780 ^n £^e 2d °* January> tne clerk of
' the houfe of commons announced the
death of the late fpeaker, the Rt. Hon. Wolfran
Cornwall, and being directed to adjourn to the
jth, the election of a fpeaker came on that day,
when the Rt. Hon. William Wyndham Grenville
v.as propofed by the friends of adminiftration, and
Sir Gilbert Elliot, Bart, by the oppoiition. The
former was chofen by a majority of feventy-one ;
after this, a meffage was received from the lords,
deiiring a conference, which being acceded to, the
commons were informed,, that their lordlhips had
agreed to the three refolutions already dated, with-
out any alteration.
On the 6th a re-examination of the king's phy-
ficians was propofed and carried, on a motion made
by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, rcftricting it
ro a felect committee of the houfe, in oppoiition to
Mr. Sheridan's amendment, that they be re-exa-
mined at the bar of the houfe. This re-cxarmna-
tion took up fo many days, 'that the report of the
ielect committee could not be brought up till the
i3th; and on the i6th the chancellor of the ex-
chequer, after various arguments for the different,
refolutions he had to propofe, proceeded to ftate
them in the following form :
I. " That it is the opinion of this committee,
that for the purpofe of providing. for the exercife
of the king's royal authority during the continuance
of his majefty's illnefs, in fuch manner, and to fach
extent, as the prefent circumftances of the urgent
concerns of the nation appear to require ; it is ex-
pedient that his royal highnefs the prince of Wales,
being refident within the realm, fhall be empow-
ered to exercife and adminifter the royal authority
according to the laws and conftitution of Great Bri-
tain, in the name, and on the behalf of his majefty,
under the ftyle and title of REGENT of thekinerdom,
J O *
and to ufe, execute, and perform, in the name,
and on the behalf of his majefty, all authorities,
prerogatives; ails of government, and adminiftra-
tion of the fame, which belong to the king of this
realm to ufe, execute, and perform, according to
the law thereof, fubject to fuch limitations and ex-
ceptions as (hall be provided.
II. " That the prince regent fhould not confer
peerages but on perfons of the royal ifl'ue, and thofe
of full age.
III. " That he ftiould not grunt offices, penfions,
nor falaries for life, or in reverfion.
IV. " That the real and perfonal property of his
majefty ihould be fecured, and not be conndercd as
appertaining to, or under the controul of the prince
regent.
V. " Thar it is the opinion of this committee,
that the care and cuftody of the king's perfon.
fhould be committed to the queen's moft excellent
Majefty ; that her majefty fhall have power to re-
move and appoint, from time to time, all perfons
belonging to the different departments of his ma-
jefty's houihold during the continuance of his ma-
jefty's illnefs, and no longer; and that for the
better enabling her majefty to perform this duty,
it is expedient that a council ihall be appointed to
advife with her majefty, on all matters relative to
the faid truft, who ihall alfo be impowcred to exa-
mine upon oath, at fuch times as they fhall think
fit, the phyficians who have attended, or may in
future attend his majefty, touching the ftate of his_
majefty's health."
All the refolutions were at length agreed to, but
not without great altercation, beiore either of them
was carried; and before the lords could commu-
nicate their concurrence to the commons, a pro-
teft, by upwards of fifty peers, was entered on their
journals.
However, on the 23d, the lords took into con-
fideration the report from the committee, ap-
pointed to confider the refolutions of the commons,
delivered at the late conference ; and the report be-
ing read by the clerk, it was moved, to agree with
the committee in the fame, which (upon the quef-
tion) was ordered accord'ngly.
On the 2yth Mr. Pitt moved, in the lower houfe,
that the purport of the faid refolutions fhould be
communicated to her Majefty, and his Royal High-
nefs the Prince of Wales, which was agreed to,
and
O R G
III.
7*3
and the motions oj-dered to be communicated to
the lords, whofe concurrence being alfo commu-
nicated to the commons, on the jcxh the joint
committee waited on the Prince of Wales, with
the refolutions of both houfes of parliament, to
which his royal highnefs replied in terms that did
honour to his humanity, liberality, and patriotifm.
The fame day the committee waited on the queen,
and received from her Majefty an anfwer, expref-
live of the fatislaction and pleafure the derived from
the meafures they had adopted in the prcfent fitua-
tion of affairs.
On the 3 1 ft the anfwers of the two royal perfo-
nages being reported to the lords, lord Camden
role, and after ftating a variety of reafons for hav-
ing recourfe to the great feal, in the prefent incom-
plete flate of the legiflature, he faid, that two re-
lolutions would be found neceflary to be adopted.
The firft was, to cftablim a commilfion to open and
hold the parliament in due form ; the fecond would
follow up the firft at a convenient time, for the
purpofe of impowering the royal aflent to be given,
in his majefty's name, to the bill of regency, by
he fame, or by another commiflion. His lordfhip
concluded by moving, " That it is expedient and
jieceflary, letters patent, under the great feal of
Great Britain, be impowered to be iffued by the
authority of the two houfes of parliament, in the
tenor and form following:" Here followed an
exact tranfcript of the writ ufually iflued under
the lign manual, impowering certain commiflioners
to open and hold the king's parliaments at Weft-
minfter. The commiffioners nominated by the
prefent letters patent were, the prince of Wales,
the duke of York, the dukes of Cumberland and
Glouceft'er, the archbifhop of Canterbury, the lord
chancellor, the lords president and privy feal, the
two fecretaries of ftate, lord Chatham, lord Wey-
mouth, and fomc other of the officers of ftate.
But at the defire of the prince of Wales, and the
dukes of York, Cumberland, and Gloucefter, their
names were omitted in the commiffion.
On the 3d of February the parliament being
opened, the two houfes were deemed competent to
ail their cuftomary functions ; and, accordingly,
In the houfe of commons, the ufual ftanding orders,
at the commencement of a fefiion, were now read
for the firft time, and agreed to ; and the chancellor
of the exchequer moved for leave to bring in a bill,
" to provide for the care of his majefty's royal per-
fon, and for the adminiftration of the royal autho-
rity during his majefty's illnefs ;" which was ac-
cordingly ordered to be prepared and brought in.
The confideration of the regency bill was refumcd
from time to time, in both houfes of parliament,
till the loth of March, when the lords commif-
lioners fent a meflage to the commons, to defire
their attendance in the houfe of peers, and an-
nounced to them, by his majefty's command, his
happy recovery from his late indifpofition, and
consequent capacity for attending to the public
affairs of his kingdom, together with his warmeft
acknowledgments for their late proofs of attach-
,ment to his pcrfon and government ; to which
were added fome informations of a political na-
ture. On the occalion, London, Wcftminfter,
and the country round for feveral miles, were fu-
perbly illuminated, and univerfal joy was mani-
fefted by all ranks of people. The regency bill
was consequently fet afide by the lords as ufelefs.
Mr. Fox, on the 2d of April, made a motion for
the repeal of the {hop-tax. He fpoke upon this,
as upon every other occafion, with the utmoft
energy ; fubftantiated his arguments, by referring
to matters of fact, and upon the whole, evinced
its partiality, and confequent oppreflion. The
chancellor of the exchequer, after fome previous
remarks, evidently of a popular tendency, declared
he mould not oppofe the repeal, but on the con-
trary give it his fupport. The queftion being put,
it was carried unanimoufly ; and the repeal took
place on the i9th of May following.
On the 8th the earl of Saliibury, lord chamber-
lain, iignified to the houfe his majefty's appoint-
ment of the obfervation of the 23d as a day of pub-
lic thankfgiving to Almighty God for the removal
from- his majefty the late illnefs with which he
had been afflicted, and his majefty's intention, for
the greater folemnity of that day, of going to St.
Paul's cathedral, to return thanks to Almighty
God for the great mercy that had been extended
to him. Accordingly on the day appointed, their
majefties, attended by the whole royal family, the
houfes of lords and commons, and a moft fuperb re-
tinue, went to St. Paul's in ftate, amidft the joyful
acclamations of the populace, who demonftrated
their loyalty and affection by every poffible token,
and particularly on the following evening, by the
moft univerfal and fplendid illuminations ever
known.
On the 1 2th of May Mr. Wilberforce, for the
firft time, brought to difcuffion the important fub-
ject of the flave trade.
On the 9th of June, his majefty went to the
houfe of peers, the firft time fince his happy reco-
very, in order to fignify to the commons, at the
bar of that houfe, his royal approbation of Henry
Addington, Efq. to be their fpeaker, who had been
elecled in the room of Mr. Grenville, appointed a
fecretary of ftate : and on the 23d, a petition was
prefented from the city of London, complaining of
a propofed plan of fubjecling tobacco to the laws
of excife, and praying to be heard by counfel againft
the provifions contained in the bill brought into
the houfe, refpe&ing tobacco. The petition was
read, and the prayer of it granted.
Both houfes of parliament were prorogued by
commiflion, on the nthofAuguft, after a fpeech
from the lord chancellor, purporting the acquief-
cence and approbation of his majefty with refpe6t
to the general proceedings during the courfe of the
fefllon.
On the 2 1 ft of January his majefty * ^
went to the houfe of peers, and open- * I79°-
ed the feflions with a fpeech, in which he expreffed
his concern for the continuance of the war on the
continent, and the events of which it had been
productive.
On the 5th of February Sir John Miller moved,
that the clerks of the different cities and market
towns of Great Britain, do tranfmit a copy of their
ftandards of weights and meafures to the clerk of
the houfe of commons, with fpecifications of fuch
articles as are fold by weight and meafure. This
was agreed to.
February the 9th the difcuftlon of the ordnance
eftimates came on, when Mr. Pulteney ftated a va-
riety of objections to the greatnefs of the peace
eftabliftiment. In reply to what he urged on this
head, Mr. Grenville obferved, that oeconomy was
not to be promoted by keeping up lefs eftablHh-
mcnts than were wife and neceilary ; it. would be a
moft miferable oeconomy, indeed, that lowered
the eftabliftiment to fuch a degree, as ihould hold
out a temptation to an attack, by which the coun-
try might be brought into fuch afituation, that in
the fliort fpace of one month might be fwept away
the favings of twenty years.
Mr. Burke faid, he was an enemy to all abfolute
power, whether in the monarch, in an ariftocracy,
or in a democracy ; he revered our well-poifed and
well-mingled conftitution, and deprecated the fpe-
culations of the French : they had proved them-
felves fine architects ; they had deftroyed in two
months what ages would not reftore ; in that ftiort
time they had madly pulled down their monarchy,
their
THE NEW AND COMPLETE HISTORY CF ENGLAND.
their church, their laws, their army, their com-
merce, their conttitution. They had a delpcrate
democracy, formed of defpcrate men— They had
an army without a head — \vithout difcipline— their
generals with halters round their necks — their af-
fembly forced to fubmit to the dictates of the army,
and the whole empire in one general fcene of anar-
chy and confufion.
Mr. Sheridan rofe, and in the ftrongeft terms
reprobated the fpeech of the right hon. gentleman
(Mr. Burke) ; he condemned his alluiions to
France as ftriclly contrary to the fentiments that
ought to be held by an Englifhman. The right
hon. gentleman had that day proved himfelf to be
a fupporter of defpotifm, and a libeller of men ex-
erting themfelves in the caufc of freedom. He
considered the French revolution as a glorious
ftruggle, and \vifhed them every fuccefs.
The chancellor of the exchequer highly compli-
mented the right hon. gentleman (Mr. Burke) for
the true principles he had laid down of our happy
conftitution ; the ground of which he pledged
himfelf, with that gentleman, to exert himfelt to
maintain facred and inviolate, and to refill all at-
tempts to injure, under what mafk foever they
might be made. However he had difagreed with
the right hon. gentleman on former points, he felt
for the principles he had that day advanced, the
utmoft gratitude and reverence, arid declared that
to the lateft pofterity the country ought gratefully
to revere his name. The refolutions were then
read a fecond time, and agreed to.
On the 2d of March, the important confidera-
tion of a repeal of the Corporation and Teft Acts
came on in the houfe of commons, upon the mo-
tion of Mr. Fox, who in a fpeech of conliderable'
length expatiated on the hardihips the Diffenters
were fubject to, from the reftrictions impofed on
them by thofe acts : he allo comrafted the different
principles of perfecution and toleration ; fpokc
highly in favour of the loyal and peaceable difpo-
fition of that refpectable body of people ; and,
towards theconclufion of his fpeech, entered fhort-
ly on the origin of the Corporation and Teft Acts,
which were paffed immediately after the' heat of
the civil wars ; the Corporation, to prevent the
admiffion of fuch DifTenters who were confidered
to be anti-monarchical ; and the Teft againft the
Roman catholics.
The chancellor of the exchequer exprefTed his
ftrong oppofition to the motion now fubmitted to
the houfe : he confeffed his approbation of the
right honourable gentleman's arguments againft
perfecution, and for toleration, but could not ad-
mit the definition of that word as given by the
right honourable gentleman.
Mr. Beaufoy fupported the motion : he contend-
ed, that the Diffenters were treated with unparal-
leled injuftice, and that as they had ever proved
themfelves to be good citizens, they ought to par-
ticipate in every privilege, enjoyed by their fellow
citizens.
Mr. Martin fpoke in favour of the repeal ; but,
in compliance with the inftructions of his con-
ftituents, gave his vote contrary to his own opinion.
Mr. Powis argued forcibly againft the repeal,
and hoped he might never live to fee thofe acts
deftroycd, for, whenever they were, it would be
productive of anarchy and perfecution.
Mr. Burke made a long fpeech, declarative of
his fentiments againft the repeal. He perfectly
coincided with the arguments of the chancellor of
the exchequer, and obferved, that the turn of af-
fairs in France proved the danger of any fort of
innovation or alteration in the laws of the land ;
the Teft A<*1 had been impofed for the wifcft pur-
pofes, and its good effects were now experienced.
Mr. Fox at length clofed the debate with a review
of all that had been faid on it. He (-onfcffcd the
candour and ability which Mr. Pitt had obferved in
his reply, and explained a few remarks in which he
had miiconceived him. He faid, he was forry again
to differ from his friend Mr. Burke, on fuch a great
conliitutional queftion; for he had imbibed from his
converfation and talents almoft all the information
of which he was rnafter At three o'clock the
houfe divided, Ayes 105, Noes 294 — Majority i 89
againft the repeal.
On the 1 6th of April, Mr. Burke prefcntcd a
petition from Briftol againft the tobacco bill ; and
on the motion of Mr. Sheridan, the houfe refqlved
itfelf into a committee to coniidcr of the feveral
petitions that had been prefcntcd againft that bill,
which, :,e faid, conlifted of two parts, the export
tra.'e, and the home manufacturers.
Mr. Pitt defended the principle of the bill ; and
concluded a very difficult and intricate fpeech with
an obfervation tending to convince the committee
of the fmall danger there was that the traders
Ihouid be driven out of the country in confequence
of the act, as it was his opinion, that the mcreafe
of the revenue was the greatelt proof of their
profperity.
From the obfervations which had fallen, Mr.
Sheridan begged leave to withdraw his former mo-
tion, and to move for a total repeal of the Tobacco
Excife Act. And at a quarter before three the houfe
divided ; when the numbers were, for the repeal,
147 ; againft it, 191 ; majority, 44.
April 19, in a committee of ways and means,
Mr. Pitt informed the houfe, that he hoped to lay
before them a iimple and intelligible ftatement of
the finances of the country, fuch as he trufted would
preclude the poffibility of much doubt or difpute
upon the fubject, and give univerfal fatisfaction.
According to which, among other calculations, the
average revenue of tae laft three years, ending on
the 9th of January, 1790, amounted 10^13,123,000
Land and malt 2,750,000
15,873,060
The average^ of the laft three years, ending on the
5th of April, exceeded this fum, and amounted to
^13,246,000
Land and malt - 2,750,000
This he faid was the ftate of the
annual revenue 15,996,000
Since the year 1785, they had paid with the loan of
one million, by the help of extraordinary aids, va-
rious extraordinary expences for putting the navy
on its proper eftablifhment. They had fatisfied ex-
traordinanes of the army and ordnance j they had
paid large fums to the American loyalifts, as alfo
the debts of his Royal Highnefs the Prince of Wales.
They had paid, lince the year 1 7 85, above fix millions
on thefe accounts. With refpect to the national
debt, he faid 5,184,000!. of 3 per cent, annuities
had actually been taken from the burdens of the
people.
The feveral refolutions having pafTed the com-
mittee, were ordered to be received on the 2Oth.
May 9. A merlage was brought from his majefty,
relative to the veffcls captured at Nootka Sound ;
which on the following day was taken into confi-
deration, and an addrefs thereupon agreed to.
May 10. Leave was given to bring in a bill for
altering the fentence for burning women attainted
and convicted of certain crimes, and fubftituting
other punifhments in lieu thereof.
June the 8th, the bill for prohibiting the ex-
portation, and encouraging the importation of corn,
till the 28th day of February 1791, was read the
third time, and pafTed.
June the loth, his majefty, by a fpeech from the
throne, put an end to the feflion, which completed
the fixteenth parliament of Great-Britain.
i
I
N
t 7°9
D
E
X
To BARNARD'S NEW, AUTHENTIC, AND COMPLETE HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
A.
ABBOTSBURYmen, acquitted on a
charge of perjury, 612.
Aft, or' indemnity, 483. of union with Scot-
land, 553. triennial, repealed, 569. Sep-
tennial one, ibid, of grace, 642.
Adrian, the emperor arrives in Britain, 26.
Agricola, his prudent meafures, and military
exploits, while governor of Britain, 24.
Alliance, the triple, 488. the grand, 542.
the triple, 545. ditto, 569. the quadruple,
570.
Alfred the Great, the reign and character of
this hero, 42.
Anglia, Eaft, hiftory of that kingdom, 36.
Anne, of Cleves, married to Henry VIII. 290.
Anne, queen, her reign, death, and charac-
ter, j44—-565._
Andree, major, his untimely end, 694.
Anfelm, archbifhop of Canterbury, defends
the rights of the church, 65.
Armada, invincible, its deftrudion, 362,
364-
Arundel, earl of, executed, 208.
Arthur, John's elder brother, executed, 1 1 1.
Arts, their progrefs in the reign of Richard I.
109. of Edward III. 195. of Richard II.
213. of Henry VI. 245:. of Edward IV. 252.
of Henry VII. 268. of Henry VIII. 298.
of Mary L 327. of Elizabeth, 375. of James
I. 396. in the proteftorfhip of Oliver Crom-
\vel, 479.
Aflaffination, of the duke of Burgundy, 228.
of Caraufius, 27. intended one of Q._ Eli-
zabeth, 355.
Affociation of fome of th& officers of Charles
I. 454-
Athenian, his reign, 44.
Auguftine, or AulHn, St. his reception in
Britain, 39.
Auguftus and Tiberius, their conduft towards
• the Britons, 17.
B.
Babbington's plot, 357.
Bacon, chancellor, his fall, 389.
Bambridge and Huggins committed to New-
gate, 1 80.
Barons, the Norman, civil war between them
and K. John, 1 1 5. invite over Lewis to de-
fend their rights, 121. A confederacy of
them, 128. take Henry III. and his fon
prifoners, 144. befiege Scarborough and
execute Gavefton, 166.
Battle, firft, of the Britons with Caefar, 13.
with the Roman?, 15. another ditto, 16.
between Plautius and Caraftacus, 18.
between Galgacus and Agricola, 25.
with the Scots, 76. between Stephen
and the earl of Gloucefter, 77. of Lin-
coln, 125. Lewes, 14;. Evelham, 146.
Bannock-burn, 166. Halidown-hill,
176. Crefly, 181. Near Auberoche,
183. between the Scots and Englifti, ibid,
of Pointers, 187. of Ratcat-bridge, 204.
fecond, of Halidown-hill, 215. of
Shrewsbury, 216. Agincourt, 225. near
Veineuil, 232. St. Albans, 241. Bore-
heath, 24.2. Northampton, ibid. Wake-
field, ibid, between Taunton and Saxton,
244. Hexam, 245. Barnet-heath 249.
Tewkibury, 250. Bofworth, 257. Stoke,
near Newark, 261. Black-heath, 265.
Flouden, 273. Pinkey, 306. St. Quin-
tin, 326. Edge-hill, 448. Newbury,
452. Marfton-moor, 453. Nafeby, 456.
Dunbar, 468. Worcefter, ibid, the
Bo; nc, 522. Aghrim, 526. Landen or
Hefpen, 530. near Donawert, 549. of
Blenheim, ibid, in which the French lines
are forced by the duke of Marlborough,
552. of Ramillies, 554. of Onuenarde,
55'. Malp'aquet, 559. near Denain, 562.
of Prefton and Dumblain, ;68. Dettin-
gen, 591. Fontenoy, 5^6. Culloden, 605.
Rcucoux, 607. Lafieldr, 608. between
"general Johnfon and baron Defkau, 614.
of Haftenbeck, 618. between colonel
Clive and the nabob, Surajah Doula, 619.
of Creveldt, 626. between Imhoff and
M. De Chcvert, 627. near Fort Niagara,
No. 70.
between Sir William Johnfon and M. De
Aubrey, 631. between general Wolfe
and M. de Montcalm before Quebec, 653.
of Minden, 635. Lexington, 687.
Bunker's-hill, ibid. Brandy Wine, 691.
between Sir Eyre Coote and Hyder Ally,
697.
Bath, knights of, revived, 576.
Beaton, cardinal, afiaflinated, 305.
Becket, Thomas, 84. an accouut of him, 85.
His oppofition to Henry II. 86. His pious
frauds, 88. his infolence, 89. His ob-
ftinacy, &c. 90. His pride, &c. 91. the
caufe and inftruments of his murder, ibid.
Henry II. does penance at his tomb> 94.
his fhrine deftroyed, 289.
Bedford, duke of, and regent of France, his
death, 257.
Bembow, admiral, his death, 546.
Bill of Rights, 517.
Byng, Sir G. relieves Minorca, 571.
Bifhops, reftored to their feats in parliament,
483. feven.imprifoned, tried, and acquitted,
511.
Blake his death and character, 472.
Blockade of Barcelona, 555. of the remains of
the French fleet in the river Vilane, 630.
Blood, his enterprizes, 490.
Boadicea, her heroic conduct particularly de-
fcribed, 23.
Bocher, Joa'n, burnt for herefy by bifiiop
Cranmer, 309.
Bolingbroke impeached, 567. a bill in hit
favour, 574.
Boleyn, Anne, beheaded, 288.
Bombardment of Carthagena, 5 47. St.Maloes,
531. St. Martin's, 537. Angria's capital,
615. Havre de Grace, bv admiral Rodney,
628.
Bonner, his perfecution of the proteftants, and
horrid cruelties, 323.
Bofton, refolution of its inhabitants not to
import Britifh manufactures, 672. their at-
tack on captain Prefton, 677. harbour ihut
up, 684.
Bothwel, earl of, favourite of Mary Q^ of
Scotland, 343.
Braddock, general, his unfuccefsful expedition
and death, 614.
Britain, its derivation and origin, 6. by whom
peopled, ibid, lift of its ancient diftiicls,
7. its ftate when invaded by the Romans,
12. and while under their dominion, 29.
Britons, their character, 7. perfons and man-
ner of living, 8. commerce, pclicy, and
religion, 9. their diftreffed fituation, 28.
their ftate under the Romans defcribed, 29.
have recourfe to the Saxons, who fubdue
them and England, 3j.
Bruce, Robert, a competitor for the crown of
Scotland, 153. thffyounger ftands forth in
defence of Scotland?' 761.
Brunfwick, line of, 566. nereditary prince of,
626. Ferdinand, prince of, commands the
allied army, 618.
Buckingham, duke of, his death, 256.
favourite of Charles I. ftabbed by Felton,
414.
Burgh, Hubert de, bravely defends Dover
callle, 122.
Burleigh, lord, his death and character,
368.
Byng, his expedition to the Mediterranean,
615.
C.
Cabal, (the) their pernicious counfels, 489.
Cade, Jack, head of an infurreclion, 239.
Caligula, his pretended invafion of England,
>7-
Calcutta, retaken by colonel Clive, 619.
Canute, his reign, death and character, 50.
Canning, Elizabeth, hercafe, 612.
Caraftacus commands the Britifh forces, 18.
defeated by Plautiu;, ibid, taken prifoner,
and exhibited a public fpeftacle at Rome,
21.
Caraufius lands in Britain, 27.
Carr, Robert, favourite of James I. 348.
Cartifmandun, her infr.mcus conduct, :I.
Carolina, Q^ herdrsth, c8r.
B R
Caffivellauhus, his military tranfaftions and
death, ic.
Cateiby contrives the gunpowder-plot, 380.
Cecil, minifter to Q^ Elizabeth, 345. Sir
Robert, 777.
Centaur, lofsofthe, 705.
Ca?far, his reafons for invading Britain, 12,
returns to Gaul, 16. his death,1 17.
Cerriic, founder of the Weft Saxons, 33.
Charles, 1. his reign, death, and character,
399— 4' 6. II. his forlorn ftate, 467. takes
the covenant in Scotland and enters Eng-
land, 468. his reiteration, 479. his reign,
death, and character, 482 — 506.
Charles Town burnt, 687.
Charitable corporation, 581. Charitable in«
ftitutions, 640.
Charters, of Henry I. 6P. Magna Charta,
116. of the city of London, and others,
furrendered to Charles I. 502. American,
debates on them in parliament, 670.
Chriftianity, its introduction into Britain, 29.
Churchill, afterwards duke of Marlboroughj
joins the prince of Orange, 513.
Civil lift, its debts difcharged, 691.
Clarence, George duke of, his death, 251.
Clarendon, earl of, his fall and banifhmenr,
487.
Claudius arrives in Britain, 18. his campaign,
and departure, 19.
Clergy, difputes of Henry I. with them, f 9.
ditto between them and Stephen, 76. op-
pofed by Henry II. 85. quarrels of John with
them, 1 13. their persecution of the Lollards,
. and death of lord Cobham, 223.
Colonies, American, commencement of dif-
turbances, and caufe of the fame, 665, 666,
673, the power of Great Britain over them
. declared, 670. hoflilities commenced by
. them, 67 j.
Commerce, its progrefs in England, 122,
374. 396» 479' S°4> 5'6, 639.
Common-wealih,eftablifhcd in England, 466.
Confederacy of Edwin and Morcar, 59. the
barons, 128, '140, 160. the nobles, 202.
Conquefls, the whole of John's foreign do-
minions united to the crown of France,
112. of Gibraltar, 550. Louilburgh, 596.
the Ifle of Aix, 619. Senegal and Goree,
6.'3. Cape Breton, ibid. Fort Pitfburgh,
624. Guadaloupe, 630. Ticonderoga,
631. Crown Point, ibid. Fort Niagara,,
ibid. Quebec, 633. Surat, 634. Mon-
treal and all Canada, 637. Pondicherry,
ibid. Belleifle, 646. Martinicoand all the
Caiibbees, 650. the Havannah, 65 1. 'the
Manillas, 65.2. See Surrender.
Confpiracies of the Norman barons, 60, 63;
215—219. of the duke of Norfolk, 345*
Babington, againft Charles II. 357. of
Titus Gates, 497. in favour of the duke of
Monmouth, 502. ditto of the Pretender,
548. ditto, ditto, 573.
Conrtantine the Great, arrives in Britain,
and divides the ifland into four govern-
ments, 28.
Conftitutions cf Clarendon, 87.
Conftitution of England abolished, 466.
Convention concluded with the king cf Spain
586. of Clofter Seven, 6 8.
Coronation of Richard III. 255. James II,
507. William and Mary, 517. and nuptials
of George III. 6^8.
Corftca, its flate, 671, 673, 678.
Cornwallis, lord, furrender of his army, 696.
Cranmer, the reformer, memoirs of his life
327- (
CrefTy, battle of, 181.
Ciida, founder of the kingdom of Mercia, 36,
Cromwell, earl of Eflex and the reformer,
memoirs of his life, 299. Oliver, when
firft diftinguifhed, 416. his proteaorihip,
death and charafter, 466 — 475. rejeits
the crown, 472. Richard, proclaime.'
and acknowledged protedor, 476.
his government, difpofuion and family'
476—479.
Crufades, account of, 65.
Cumberland, duke of, born, c-^j. his death
, 665.
Cuftorr.s
7IO
Cuftoms and manners of the age in different
reigns, 109, 123, 185, 193, 3Z7« 374»
396, 640.
D.
Danes, their defcents and eftablifhments in
England, 40—50. hiftory of their kings,
50.
Danby, earl of, impeached, 498.
Darnley, Henry lord, account of, 341.
Declaration of prince Maflereno the Spamfh
ambaflador, 679. earl of Rochfort's an-
fwer thereto, 498.
Defeat of the Englifh near St. Cas, and ge-
neral Drury killed, 622. of the Irifli near
Newton Butler, 520.
Denmark, prince George of, appointed lord
high-admiral, 545.
Depofition of Richard II. 211.
Defcents, on the coafts of France, 532. on
the ifland of Jerfey, 537, 695. on the
coall of Britany, 607. of France, 618,
620, 621, 622.
Devaftations and barbarities of the Indians,
allies of France, 6$\, 636.
Difcord, civil, in England, 123.
Discoveries in England, 213, 169, 327,374,
396.» 5°5> S'6-
Diviticus lands with his forces in Britain, 7.
Domes-day book, 61.
Drake, Sir Francis, 352.
Druids, a full account of them, 9. their
tenets and character, n. their refidence
deftroyed, and an end put to their fuper-
ftition, 22.
Dunkirk fold to the French, 484.
Dunftan, his brutal conduit, 45.
Dutch enter the Thames and Medway with
their fleet, 487.
E.
Earthquake in England, 610.
Baft India company taken into confideration by
parliament, 671.
Eclipfe of the fun, a remarkable one in
England, 567.
Edgar, his reign, 45.
Edmund I. aflaffmated by Leolf, 44. II. his
reign and death, 49.
Edred, ditto, 45.
Edric, the traitor, account of, 50.
Edward, the Elder, his reign, 43. the Mar-
tyr, ditto, 47. the Confeflbr, ditto, 53.
Edward I. his reign, death and character,
150 — 163. II. ditto, 164 — 171. III. ditto
171 — 194. IV. 244 — 252. V. andhisbro-
ther Richard ordered to the Tower, 253.
conjectures on their fuppofed murder, 255.
VI. his reign, death, and character, 303.
the Black Prince, why fo called, 184. his
military exploits, heroifm, death and ami-
able character, 182 — 192. prince, fou of
Margaret of Anjou, murdered, 250.
Edwy, his reign, 45.
Egbert, firft Saxon king of all England, his
reign, 40.
Elliot, general, and lord Rodney rewarded,
706.
Ella, founds the kingdom of the South
Saxons, 33.
Eleanor, queen, 104.
Elfrida, an account of, 46-.
Elgiva, cruelly treated, and murdered by or-
der of Odo, 45.
Elizabeth, Q._ her glorious reign, death and
character, 337—377.
Emigration of the Belgie and other nations, 7.
England, its derivation, 6. Commencement
of its hiftory, ibid. Preliminary remarks
on, ibid.
Erkenwin founds the kingdom of the Eaft
Saxons, 34.
Effex, or Eaft Saxons, hiftory of that king-
dom, ibid, earl of, his difgrace, infurrec-
lion and execution, 370, 371.
F.thelbald and Ethelbert, their reigns, 41.
Kthelred I. his reign, ibid. II. ditto, 47.
Ethelwolf, ditto, 40.
Europe, ftate of, in the reign of Henry VII.
261.
Exchequer, mut up, 491.
Exclufion bill, 501.
Execution of Waltheof, 60. Varus, gover-
nor of Meaux, 229. Perkin and War-
wick, 266. Epfom and Dudley, 270.
the Maid of Kent, 286. Anne Boleyn,
288. the countefs of Salifbury, 291.
Lady Rochford, 292. Wyat, 322. earl
of Surrey, 297. Babington and Ballard,
357. King Charles I. 464. Don Pan-
taleon the Spanim ambaffador, 4,7
Vennor, a fifth monarchy man, 483. Vane,
4.84. Bailie, 504. Langhorn and the
I
N
D
E
X.
five jefuits, 498 — 503. Sir John Fen.
wick, 537. the rebels in 1715, 569.
C. Layer, Efq; 5 74- captain Porteus by
the populace in Edinburgh, 584. the
rebels in 1745, 607. Admiral Byng, 617.
Laurence earl of Ferrers, 639. John the
Painter, 690,
Expedition againft Cherburg, 6?i. St.
Maloes, ibid. Czfar's firft, u. his
fecond, 15. of John into Scotland, Ire-
land and Wales, 113. Sir Francis Drake
and Sir John Norris into Portugal, 365.
Sir Walter Raleigh to Guinea, 366. a
fecond ditto to ditto, 387. againft Cadiz,
546. Panama, 590. of general Braddock,
in which he is killed, 614. of the hereditary
prince, his firft military exploit, 626.
againft Quebec, 632.
F.
Fairfax, Sir Thomas, his military aftions, 453.
Falkland's iflands, ftate of that affair, 678.
Family of George II. 639. Frederic prince
of Wales, ibid, the Pretender, fon of
James IL ibid.
Favourites, of Edward II. Gavelton, and the
two Spencers, 165. Mortimer, his death,
171 — 174. of Richard JI. Robert de
Vere, and Michael de la Pole, 201.
James I. dukes of Somerfet and Bucking-
ham, 384 — 386.
Felton ftabs the duke of Buckingham, 414.
Ferdinand, prince, his military a&iuns, 6 19.
Fire on board the prince George, by which
flie was dcllroycd, 620. in the dock-yard
of Portfmouth, 678. in the rope-yard of
ditto, 690. at Mr. Woodmafon's houfe,
698. of London, in 1665, 486.
Fleet-prifon vifitcd by a committee of the
houfe of commons, 580.
Foreign affairs, 305, 347, 583, 634, 681,
701.
France, the claim of Edward HI. to that
crown, 177. king of, taken prifoner, 188.
G.
Gage, general, his public conduit while at
Bofton, 684.
Gardiner, biftiop, oppofes the reformation,
304. his zeal for the catholic religion,
323-
Garter, inftitution of that order, 185.
Gauls effeft a fettlement in Britain, 6.
Gavefton, Piers, account of, 165.
George I. his reign, death, and character,
566 — 579. II. ditto, 579 — 640.111. ditto,
641 — 706.
Ghent, or Gaunt, John of, zio.
Gloucefter. earl of, his death and character,
79. duke of, jnurdered, 107. duke of, his
death, 238.
Godwin, earl of Kent, 53.
Godfrey, Sir Edmundbury, found murdered,
497-
Gray, lady Jane, proclaimed qu,een, 319.
beheaded, with her hulband, lord Guilford
Dudley, 322.
Great Britain, a view of, 6. geographical
account of, ibid, its rank and reputa-
tion, 5.
Giegory, pope, the reception ofhismiflion-
aries by the Saxons, 38.
Grey, Elizabeth, 24.6.
Gunpowder-plot, account of, 380.
H.
Hampden, his trial, on account of fliip-
money, 431.
Hanover, houfe of, 566.
Hardicanute, his reign, 52.
Harold I. ditto, 51. II. ditto, 5-.
Haftings, battle of, 56. and Rivers behead-
ed, 254.
Hengift founds the kingdom of Kent, 33.
Henry I. his reign, death and chara&er, 67.
— 74. II. ditto, 82 — 99. III. ditto,
123—150. IV. ditto, 214— -222. prince
of Walfcs, his diffolute life, 219. hi*
repentance, and amiable conduit to-
wards his father, 221. V. his reforma-
tion and prudent meafures, 22?. his
reign, death, and character, 222—231.
VI. his reign, death, and character, 231
—250. Vlf. ditto, 259 — 169. VIII. ditto,
269—303.
Heptarchy, the Saxon, hiftory of, 32 — 40.
fucceflion of its kings, and revolution of
each particular kingdom, 33.
Hiftory of England commences, 6. conclud-
ed, 708.
Howe, general, his conduct in America, 689.
Hufs, John, the reformer, Jife of, 334.
Hurricane in 1703, 548. the Tilbury loft,
619.
I.
James, fon of the king of Scotland, detained
in England by Henry IV. 218. I. firft
king of Great Britain, his reign, death,
and character, 377— 39g. II. the reign
of, to his abdication of the throne, 506 —
544. his family, 515. his character, ji6.
lands in Ireland, returns to France, and
dies at St. Germain's, 519 — 542.
Ida, founder of the Kingdom of Northumber-
land, 35.
Janfen, aldermaa, elected chamberlain of the
city, 668.
Jeffries, judge, his cruelties in the weft, 508.
Jefuits, the expulfion and banifhment of
them into moft parts of Europe, 671.
Inauguration of Cromwel, 470.
Independency of the United Colonies of Ame-
rica declared, 689.
Infurrediion, headed by Wat Tyler and Jack
Straw, 197. of the v.ornift» men, 204.
in the reign of George III. "670. in Ame-
rica, 684. See Rebellion.
Invafion of the Romans, 12. '
Inventions (fee Difcoverie?) 213.
John, his reign, death and character, uo —
123-
Ireland conquered, 92, 0.3. civilized by James
I. 384. reduced to obedience by Cromwel,
469. difturbances therein on account of
Wood's half-pence, 574.
Interregnum under Oliver and Richard
Cromwel, 466. after James II. had abdi-
cated the throne, 515.
In troduftion to the hiftory, 5.
Interview between Henry VIII. and Francis I.
276.
K.
Kent, hiftory of that kingdom, 33*
King of France taken prifoner, 188.
Kirk, colonel, his cruelties, 508.
Knox, John, the Scotilh reformer, 339.
CM
Lanfranc, archbifhop of Canterbury, obtains
the crown for William Rufus, 62.
Lancafter, raifes an army, and fecures the
perfon of Richard II. 210. line of, that
filled the Englifli throne, 214."
Langton, cardinal, archbifhop of Canterbury,
113.
Latimer, bifhop, life of, 331.
Laud, archbiftiop, hiscondudl inecclefiaftical
affairs, 401: impeached and beheaded, 431.
Laws, remarkable ones pafl'ed in England,
r '93» 555-
Lee, general, taken prifoner, 689.
League and covenant in Scotland, 423. in
Bofton, 684.
Lewis, eldeft fon of the French monarch,
enters London, 122.
Literature, its progrefs, 29, 81, 122, 193,
213, 252, 268, 298, 375, 396, 479, 505,
515, 578, 640.
Lollards, one burnt, 219. a perfecution of
them, 223.
London, city of, deftroyed by fire, 486. a writ
of Quo Warranto iffued againft ditto, 502.
fpirited refolutions of, 688.
Louifbourg, its fortifications deftroyed, 637.
Loyalifts, their hard fate, 705.
M.
Manners, lord Robert, his death, 697.
Margaret of Anjou, her prefence of mind when
efcaping to France, after the battle of
Hexam, 245. her Imprifonment, 250.
Marlborough, duke of, his expedition in Ire-
land, 524. his difgrace, 528. his military
actions, 545—561. with general Opdam,
taken prifoners, ([45. refolves of parliament
againft him, 562. retires to the continent,
563.
Martyrs, proteftant, in the reign of Q._ Mary,
their fufferings and fortitude, 323—327.
Mary I. her reign, death, and character,
3I8---J27. Q^ of Scots, hiftory of, 338—
359. II. her reign, death, and charadtr,
517—534-
Maud, the emprefs, 77.
Margaret, Q^of Edward VI. 245.
Maffacre of the Jews, 100. Paris, 349. the
Englilh at Amboyna, 394. the proteftant*
in Ireland, 436.
Memorial, of the emperor of Germany, 549.
Mercia, hiftory of that kingdom, 36.
Middlefex election in 1769, 674. lift of
grievances and petition, 675.
Miller, the printer, his cafe, 680.
Miniftry changed in the reign of George If,
617.' George III. 618, 670, 674, 676,
696, 704.
Monk, afterwards earl of Albemarle, his
policy
I
N
D
E
X.
711
policy and meafures, for the reftoration of
Charles II. 477—479.
Monmouth, duke of, his defeat and- execution,
508.
Monuments of Q^ Elizabeth and Mary
Stuart, Q.. of Scotland, a defcription of
them, 397.,
Mortality of themalefaftors in Newgate, and
its dreadful effe&s at the feffion houfe in the
Old Bailey, 6n.
Mortimer, favourite of Ifabella, the Q., of
Edward II. 169.
Montfort, countefs of, her bravery, 181.
Montgomery, his death, 688.
Mug-houfes attacked by the lories, 569.
N.
Negotiation opened with Aimery for the fur-
render of Calais, 184.
New Foreft depopulated, 60.
Norfolk, duke of, beheaded, 348.
Normans invade England, 55. their line
from William I. to the death of K. Stephen,
57—82.
Northumberland-, hiftory of that kingdom, 35.
duke of, ruins the duke of Somerfet, 312.
his public conduft, 318.
O.
Gates, Titos, an- account of his pretended
popilh plot, 497. his fevere fentence,
507.
Occurrences, remarkable, in England, in dif-
ferent reigns, 109, izj, 171, 244, 268,
298,3*7. 374. 395.479»S'6« S67» S68»
587, 616, 611, 705.
Oliver, alderman, and the lord mayor fent to
the Tower, 680.
Onflow, Efq; refign* the chair of the houfe of
commbns, 642.
Orange, prince of, married to Mary,
princefs royal of England, 496. invited
to England, $it> his manifefto, 512.
lands in England, ibid, is joined by
prince George, the princefs Anne, Sec.
-513. the crown fettled on him and Mary,
5'5-
Orleans, maid of, her military exploits, death
and character, 254 — 236.
Ormond impeached, 567.
Oftorius Scapula puts the Britons to flight, 1 8.
Overbury, Sir Thomas, murdered, 385.
Owen of Gleudour, his misfortunes and death,
515 — 519.
Oxford, earl, his trial and acquittal, $70.
P.
Palatines, inflance of Englilh beneficence in
their cafe, 663.
Palatinate, lofs of, 391.
Pandolph, the pope's legate, king John's ho-
mage to him for all England, 115.
Paoli, abandons Corfica, 671.
Parr, Catherine, account of, 294, 297.
Parliament its origin, 145. hiftory of the,
140, i^g, 172, 178— itfo, IJ!}, 195, 202,
211, 212 214, 220, 231, 239, 248, 259,
264, 267, 2SJ---294, 308, 313, 321,
32>. 338» 34*. 347. 3S4» 36<5, 37*. 37«
— 3^2, 38:;, 389, 393. hiftory of, in the
reigns of Charles I. 399, 4oi-—4O4, 409
.-416, 427, 429, 430—440, 445— 44g,
45'' 454. 455. 459—46'. 466— 473.
476—479. 4*3. 489— 501' S°7. 5°9>
515. William III. 517, 518, 521, 525,
527, 529, 531—543- Qi Anne and
George I. 545— 548. 55'. 556» 559
—561, 564, 567, 569, 572—577.
George II. 579 — 590, 592, 607 — 614,
617, 620, 627, 636. George III. 641,
649, 660, 668—672, 674 — 689, 682 —
686, 689 — 692,696, 703, 704, 706 — 708.
Patrick, St. order of, 706.
Paulinus Suetonius commands in Britain, 22.
Peace, between the Britons and Romans, 16.
with the Indians, and a remarkable fpeech
of one of their chiefs, 641)., 646. between
Great Britain, France, Spain, and America,
in 178?, 696. See Treaty.
Pt-rkin Warbeck and Lambert Simnel, an
account of, 260 — 266.
Perfecutions by the Proteftants, 308. by
the Papifts in the reign of Mary I. 320
— 327.
Petition of Rights, 411. of London rejected,
and the king's anfwer, 677. from ditto, and
alderman Beckford's addrefs to the king,
679. from ditto, 681, 685.
Phoenicians trade to Britain, j*
Pi&s land In Britain, their inroads, 29, 30.
Pitt, Mr. his fentiments in council over-
ruled, 647. refigns his poft of fecretary
of ftate, 648. his character, ibid,
created vifcount Pynfent, and earl of
Chatham, 687. death of this great ftatefman,
692.
Plague in 1349, 585. in 1351, 190. in 1391,
205. in 166;, 485.
Plantagenet, the houfe of, 82.
Plautius lands in Britain, 18.
Plot, againft Cromwel, 473. popifh, 397.
Ry'e-houfe, 502.
Pole, cardinal, arrives in England, 323.
Pope Adrian's bull, 92. John's difpute
with him and its confequences, 113—115.
his nuncio arrives in England in the reign
of James II. 510.
Portugal, king of, his honourable firmnefs,
653.
Porto-Bello taken by admiral Vernon, 586.
Portfmouth, an excurfion of George lit. to
that place, 683.
Pretenders to the crown of England, 260,
542.
Preface to the Public, 3.
Prefbyterians and Independents, 459, 488.
Pritchard, captain, burns the enemy's fleet
in Cadiz, 532.
Protector, the earl of Hertford, 303.
Prynne, William, his fevere fentence, 440.
Puritans, how treated by James I. 378.
O.
Quakers, a particular account of that religious
(e&, 480 — 482.
R.
Raleigh, his fecond expedition to Guiana, and
fatal end, 387.
Randani, duke of, his generous behaviour
while the French were in poffeffion of Han-
over, 626.
Rapparees in Ireland, 525.
Ravages near Paris by Edward III. 1 84.
Rebellion, under Perkin VVarbeck, 264 — 266.
in Ireland, 351. ditto, 369. in Scotland,
1639, 424. ditto, 1715, 567. ditto, 1745.
596.
Reformation, hiftory of, 275, 282, 285,
287 — 291, 2y6, 299, 304, 387, 307 —
311, 315, 310, 337—346, 346. 35'. 355.
378.
Regency in the reign of Edward VI. 303.
Remarks, preliminary to the hiftory, 6.
Repulfe of Charles I. at Hull, 4(6. of the
Engliih near St. Maloes, 622.
Reftoration of the Englifh government and
church, 483.
Revolutions, 170, 211, 243,248, 513, 258,
684.
Richard I. his reign, death, and character,
ipc — no. II. • ditto, 194 — 213. III.
his defigns upon the crown, and the
means he made ufe of to obtain it, 252 —
.255-
Richmond, earl of, invited to England, 256.
Rivers, earl, and Haftings beheaded, 254.
Riots, in the reign of Richard I. 107. Q^
Anne, 559. George I. 567. George III.
66 1. in America upon landing the tea,
684. in St. George's fields, and death of
young Allen, 672. in Bofton, 673. ditto,
and attack of captain Prefton, 677. in
London, 1783, 695, 705.
Rook, Sir George, burns and deftroys the
French galleons in the harbour of Vigo,
546.
Romans, invade Britain, 12. the final end of
their power and dominion, 29.
Rofes, diiHndion of white and red in the reign
of Edward IV. 244.
Royal George loft, 697.
RufTel, lord, beheaded, 503.
S.
Sacheverel, Dr. Henry, his trial, 559.
Sackville, lord George, his difgrace, and fen •
tence, 635, 636.
Sawtre, the firft burned forherefy in England,
214.
Saxons, their arrival in Britain, inroads, con-
queft, and divifion of the ifland ; their line
reftored, king's, government, introduction
to Chrilliauuy, and ecclefiaftical hiftory,
3°— 3Z> 38> 53-
Scotland, claim of fuperiority in that kingdom
revived, 305. epifcopacy abolifhed therein,
412 — 426.
Scots, their inroads into Britain, 30. their
ravages in England, 76. treatment of
Charles I. 458. ditto, 461. proceed-
ings againft them in the reign of Charles II.
483.
Sea-fights, the French fleet attacked by the
earl of Salisbury, 115., a remarkable
one near the, harbour of Sluys, 179. the
Spanifh fleet attacked by the earl of
Arundel, and 6ne hundred and twenty-fix
fhips taken, 203. between admira*
Blake and Van Tromp, 4/0, Sir George
Afcue and De Ruyter, ibid. Blake and
Van Tromp, ibid, ditto, 470. between
Blake and Don Diagues, 572. the duke
of York and admiral Opdam, 485. a
remarkable one between the Englifh and
Dutch, 484. ditto, 491. ditto, 492.
off Bantry Bay, 521. between the French
and the combined fleets of Holland and
England, 524, off la Hogue, between
Tourville and Ruffe!, 5.8. between the
Englifh, Dutch, and French fleets, 530.
admiral Bembow and M. de Caffe, 546.
admiral Rooke and the French fleet, 551.
Sir G. Byng and M. Fourbin, 557. of
Matthews and Leftock with the combined
fleet of France and Spain, 589 — 593.
between vice admiral Anfon and two
French fquadrons, 609. commodore Fox
takes a fleet of St. Domingo men^ ibid,
between admiral Hawke and M. de
PEftanduaire, ibid, the Dunkirk and
Alcide, 612. admiral Byng and Galif-
fionere, 616. feveral French men of war
taken by admiral Ofborne and Sir Edward
Hawke, 620. between the Buckingham
and Floriflant, 624. M. d' Arche and
admiral Pocock, 625. ditto, ibid, ad-
miral Bofcawen and M. de la Clue, 628^
admiral Ha«vke and M. Conflans, 629.
in the Eaft Indies, 634. ditto between
the Englifh and Dutch, ibid. M. Thurot
and captain Elliot, 636. the two grand
fleets on the twenty-feventh of July, 692.
admiral Barrington and count d'Eftaing,
693. captain Pearfon and Paul Jones,
ibid, the Quebec frigate, and a French
forty-gun fhip, 694. admiral Rodney
and Don Juan Languara, 694. admiral
Parker and a Dutch fquadron, 696. Sir
George B. Rodney, and count de Grafle,
697. in the Eaft Indies, 704.
Seymour, lord, is beheaded, 308.
Ship-money made a general tax, 440.
Ship-wreck of admiral Wheler's fhip and
others, 532. of Sir Cloudefly Shovel's
fhip the AfTociation, wherein he and all
his crew perifhed, 556. of the Ramilies,
636.
Shore, Jane, her hard fate, 253.
Sidney, Algernon, beheaded, 503.
Siege of the city of Mans, 66. Winchefter
caftle, 78. Berwick, 176. Tournay,
180. Angouleme, 183. Calais, 184.
Orleans, 233. Calais, and its furrender
in the reign of Q^Mary, 326. Rochelle,
408. Reading, 449. Briftol, 450.
Gloucefter, 451. Londonderry, 519.
Limeric, 524. Cork, ibid. Kinfale,
ibid. Athlone, 525. Namur, jie..
Turin, and the noble condud of Micha, a
pioneer, 555. Toulon, 556. Lifle, 558.
Tournay, ibid. Bouchain, 560. Quefnoy,
561. Gibraltar, 578. Calcutta, 616.
Quebec, 688. Gibraltar, bravely defended
by general Elliot, 697.
Sigifmond, the emperor, his reception in
England, 227.
Simnel Lambert and Perkin, their pretenfions
to the crown, 260.
Somerfet, the proteftor, his honours and
power, 307. is fent to the Tower, 310.
beheaded, 212. his character, 313. duke
of, his rife, 384. his condemnation and
that of his couutefs for the murder of Over-
bury, 386.
Sophia, princefs, her death, 564.
South Sea juggle, 572.
Spanifh armada, 362.
Stafford beheaded, 500.
Stanhope with his troops made prifoners of
war, 560.
Stanley, Sir William, tried and executed,
264.
Star-chamber, proceedings therein, 440.
voted contrary to law, 435.
Stephen, his reign, death, and character,
74—82.
Storm, Newcaftle taken by, 454. at Madrafs,
705.
Strafford, earl of, executed, 433 — 435.
Stratagem, military one, of Owen's in Wales*
83.
Surrender of Sens to Henry V. 229, Mean*1,
230. Dunkirk to Cromwel, 473. .Fort
St. John to the Provincials, 687. Forts
Wafhin^ton, Lee, and Rhode Iflandj 089.
Dominica, 693. Port Omoa, 694. St.
Euftatius, 696. of the army under lord
Cornwallis, ibid. Minorca, ibid. Ne-
4 gapatam,
I
N
D
X.
gapatam, 697. St. Lucia, ^69 3. See Siege
and CorKjueft.
Sutflx, hillqry of that kingdom, 3J.
Sweating ucknefs in England, 259.
T.
Tax, called dane gelt, 59. on malt oppoled
in Scoiland, 576. on ale and porter, 650.
on cyder, 660. right of taxing America de-
bated in parliament, 669.
Taxes in 1783, 706.
Tempeft in 1703,. 5 48.
Theodofius commands in Britain, 28.
Thirteen itripes in the river, 706.
Thurot, captain, annoys the Engliih com-
merce, 627.
Tories in the reign of Q^ Anne effeft the ruin
of the Whig miniftry, 560. their defigns
.baffled by the fudden advancement of
Shrevvfbury, 565. entirely excluded from
the royil favour, 566.
Torrington, admiral, deprived of his com-
mand, and fent prifoner to the Tower,
;?4.
Treafon, Gregg, clerk in fecretary Harley's
cflice, cor.vided of, 557.
Treaty, concluded with France by Edward III.
19% of Oxbridge, 456. Breda, 487. Aix-
la-Chapelle, 488. Nimeguen, 497. Lime-
rick, 527. Partition, 537. Alliance, 547.
of the union of Scotland with England,
553. Barrier and fucceffion, 563. Utrecht,
ibid. Aix-la-ChapelJe, 610. of Paris in
1763, 660. See Peace.
Trial of the duchefs of Kingfton, 688. ad-
miral Keppel, 692. lord George Gordon,
695.
Tyrone, his rebellion in Ireland, 369.
Tyrrel, his gallant aftions and humanity, 624.
u.
Uffa, founder of Eaft Angl'a, 36.
Union of England with Scotland, 553.
Ufurpation of Henry, duke of Lancailer, 214.
RichardlH. zi;2. Oliver Cromwel, 470.
Vefpafian with Hautius carry on the war in
Britain, 19.
Viftory founders at fea, 595,
Villiers, George, his rife, and created duke
of Buckingham, 386. his public conduft,
392. proceedings of parliament againft
him, 401. refolves to command the fleet,
intended for the relief of Rochelle, and re-
pair to Portfmouth, 413. i« ftabbed by
Felton, 414.
Voyage round the world by Sir Francis Drake,
352. by Thomas Cavendifh, 362. of com-
modore Anfon, 587. of ditto round the
world, 594.
W.
Wales, fubjefted to the crown of England,
152. prince of, and fon of James I. his
journey to Madrid, 392. prince of, and
fon of James I. ftiled afterward the Pre-
tender, his birth, 511. prince of, and fon
of George III. born, 656.
Walpole, Sir Robert, when, and how brought
into favour, 573. his fcheme in favour of a
general excife, 582. created earl of Orford,
588.
War, with France, 61. holy, or crufades,
6j. civil, in the reign of Henry 111. 143.
with Scotland, and conqueft of that king-
dom by Richard I. 158 — 162. civil, in
England, 241. with Scotland, 278.
commencement of the civil wir in the
reign of Charles I. 440. with ihe Dutch,
469. a fecond with the Dutch, 491.
with France, 518. in Germany, its progrefs,
618. _with Spain, 649. with the American
colonies, 677, 686.
Warrant, death, of Charles I. a true copy of
the fame, 4/13.
Warwick, earl of, flain at the battle of
Barnct-heath, 24^. made earl of Nor-
thumberland, and ruins the duke of Somer-
fct, 312.
Weflex, hiftory of, 33.
Wharton, duke of, renounces his religion in
Spain, 576.
Whebie, bookfeller, his cafe, 680.
WicklifFe, the reformer, memoirs of his life
315.
Wideville, Elizabeth, Edward IV. captivated
with her beauty, marries her, 246.
William, duke of Normandy, 55. invades Eng-
land, 56. I. his reign, death, andcharaaer,
57— 62. II. ditto, 62—67. <°n of Henry I.
his death, 72. III. his reign, death, and
character, 516 — 544.
Wilkes, John, proceedings againft, 661—
6^3, 672, 674, 696.
Wifhart burnt for herefy, 305.
Wolfe, general, thegallant behaviour and death
of that young Britifh hero, 632.
Wolfey, cardinal, his conduft, fall, 'death, and
characler, 274 — 285.
Wyat, his infurre&ion, 322.
Y.
York, duke of, his preterifions to the crown,
239. houfe of, and its conteft with that
of Lancafter continued, 244. and Lan-
cafter, union of thofe two houfes, 250.
duke of, and fon of Charles II. avows
openly his attachment to the church of
Rome, 490.
To the P U B , L I C.
TH E great and incrca/ing Sale of this UNIVERSALLY APPROVED WORK, in confequence of its being fuperior in Merit to any other
Work of the kind whatever, and the continued Recommendations of the Subfcribtrs to their Friends and Arquaintance) having occafioned
a ftefh Impreffion of the beginning Numbers on new Types, &c. the-Public are hereby refpeftfuJly informed, that PerJbns may now begin
with Number I. and be fupplied with One or more Numbers at a Time, price only Sixpence each, including the elegant Copper-Plates.
Thofe Perfons wlio are inclined to purchafe BARNARD's NEW, IMPARTIAL and COMPLETE HISTORY of ENGLAND, complete at
once, may be fnpplied with it, handfomely bound in Calf and Lettered, Price only zl. 2s.
DIRECTIONS to the BOOK-BINDER for placing the Elegant Copper-Plates in
B A R N A R D's New and Complete HISTORY of ENGLAND.
8
656
256
57
j.nPHE FRONTIS 1ECE to face the Title
L pagt
tour engravings, being portraits and drelTet
af per onages and fovereigns in England,
prior to the Norman conqueft. Hate I. to face
Portrait of the Prince of ^ ales
z rl he diflblution of the long parliament by order
of Oliver Cromwel 470
3 Edward V. and the Juke of York his brother,
fmothered in the Tower
William I. called the Conqueror
4 Four engravings, being portraits and drefles of
remarkable perfonages and kings, with their
coats of arms, prior to the Norman conqueft.
Plate II. 12
5 The celebrated battle of Agintourt 126
6 The glorious defeat of the invincible Spanilh
Armada - 362
Edward III. - 171
7 The unfortunate death of major Andre 694
8 The feizing of Cuy Fawkes 381
King John - - no
5 Fourengravings, being portraits and drefles of
the kings of England, with their coats of arms,
prior to the Norman conqucft. (Lite 111. 41
jo The Bill of Rights ratified by William and
Mary - - 517
11 'Two engravings being portraits of an Americafi
general, and an American rifleman 6S6
A new collection of Engliih coins from Egbert
to Hardit-anute - c^
12 Edward the Black Prince conducing the king of
France, his prifonej through London 189
1 3 Four engravings, being portraits and drefles of
the kings ot England, with their coats of arms,
prior to the Norman conquer!. Plate IV.
1^ The manner of burying the dead, during the
plague, in the reign of Charles II.
"Queen Anne - .
The execution of king Charles I.
page | No. . page No.
23 The aflaflination of CarauGus . 27
Oliver Cromwel - - 466
24 Various weapons and implements of war, now
depofited in the Tower - 7
25 Attack on Bunker's Hill with the burning of
Charles Town - - 687
26 Four engravings, being portraits and drefies of
the kings qf England, with their arms, prior
to the Norman conqueft. Plate VII. 55
27 Four engravings, being celebrated female
portraits - 396
Henry VII I. . 5 269
44
485
c^
464
690
15
16 The American general Lee taken prifoner, by
lit-utenj. it colonel llarcourt -
1.7 Four en;raTinjs, being portraits and drefles of
the kings of England, with their coats of
arms, prior to the Norman conijueft. Plate V. 45
t8 Alfred the Great dividing his lart loaf with a
poor pilgiim . 48
19 The manner of beheading the rebel lords on
Tower Hill - 607
20 The famous battle of the Royne in Ireland jii
IT The engagement of captain i canon with Paul
Jones 693
The Great Seals of England from William the
Conqueror to Edward II. 164
• 2 Four engravings, being portrait* and drefles of
the kings of England, with their coats of
afiTis> prior to the Nonrun*or.«uelt. I'Ute VI. 49
28 Julius Agricola introducing the Roman arts and
fciences into England 24
29 Manner of burning the martyrs in the reign of
Queen Mary - - 324
30 Queen Elizabeth - - 337
Four engravings, being various habits and cha-
racters at different periods - 374
31 The famous battle of Crefly 181
3* American colonies declared independent of the
king of England - 689
33 Battle off Cape La Hogue . 528
34 James II. - 506
A new collection of EngliHi coins from Edward
the Confefibr to Richard 1 1. — 194
35 King John ligning Magna Charta » 116
36 The departure of the emperor Adrian from
Rome - 26
Anne Boleyn - - 288
37 Rioters of London firing the New Goal of
Newgate - 695
38 Battle of Haftings . 56
39 Edward the Black rrince.relatinjtheparticulars
of the battle of Poidliers to his wife Joan, the
Fair Maid ol Kent
192
40 Lady Elizabeth Grey petitioning Edward IV.
to reftore her lands - 246
Great Seals of England from Edward III. to
Edward VI. 171
41 A part of LDndon, as it appeared during the
dreadful fire in 1666 . 486
42 Reprefentation of remarkable weapons and im-
plements of war in early times - 363
43 Edward the Martyr (tabbed by order of his ftep-
mother Elfrida
44 F.dward V.
Mary I.
45 Henry V. declaring Ins refolutiou of difcarding
47
252
3,8
hi. loofe companions - - 222
46 Henry VII. 259
T he Great Seals of England from Mary 1. to
George III. . . 641
47 Baltic of Colloden in Scotland - 601;
48 Charlotte, Queen of Great Britain . 648
Margaret Queen of Henry VI. and her fon
protected by a robber - - 245
49 The preliminary articles of peace, between
Great Britain and France, &c. finned in
1783
Edward prince of Wales, commonly Called the
Black Prince
50 Whole meet map of England, &c. -
Englifh coins from Henry IV. to George
Alfred rebuked by the neat herd's wife
51 Count De Grafle delivering his fword to admiral
Rodney - _
52 G. A. Elliot the gallant defender and preferrer
of Gibraltar
George 1 . .
53 Lord Robert Manners mortally wounded
54 Canute the Great, commanding the fea to re-
tire --.
Charles I. ...
55 The furrender of earl Cornwallis and his whole
army in North America
56 The accidental death of William II.
Henry V.
57 Henry VI.
58 St. Lucia uken ky admiral Barringtoa
Mary Queea 6f Scots
59 Mary II. . .
Edward VI.
60 A Britifli failor at the attack of Fort Omoa,
offering his fword to an unarmed Spanilh
officer . -
Edward I. . .
6 1 Charles II.
James !...._
62 Henry HI. ...
Edward II.
63 The Englifh (during the reign of Edward the
Elder) defeating the Danifli army
King Stephen .
64"- George III. ...
Richard III.
65 Caroline Queen of George II. «
A new map of Scotland
66 Henry II.
A nsw map of Ireland
67 Richard 1 1.
George II. ...
68 Henry I.
Emblematical reprefentation of lady Ruflel's
grief for the death of lord Ruflel
69 Henry IV. ...
Edward IV. „
70 Richard,!. -
\Vimam'lII. . ...
William 11.
p»g:
214
697
566
J697
399
69S
62
222
360
s«s
3°J
150
481
377
I2J
164
41
171
8a
469
194
579
67
214
*«* The Lift of Subfrnbers and Catalogue of New Book; tobs pliccdnttheend,
• •
DA
30
B37
1790
Barnard, Edward
The new, impartial and
complete history of England
PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE
CARDS OR SLIPS FROM THIS POCKET
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LIBRARY
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11