Anno 1641.

1 A Great plot to bring the Engliſh Army in the North againſt the Par­liament, and to advance this deſigne, the Deputy of Ireland attempted his eſcape out of the Tower, promiſing Sir William Balfoure 20000. l. and to marrie his ſon to his daughter: but Sir Williams loyalty appeared above trecherie. The chief Actors in this deſigne were Sir John Suck­ling, Captain Chidley, and Col. Goring, who ſhould be Lievtenant-Generall, (in­deavouring to get Portſmouth into their hands) and the Earl of Newcaſtle ſhould have met them with 1000. horſe; and to further this deſigne, the Biſhops profered to maintain 1000. horſe.

2 Another wicked deſigne was to make the Scots Army n•w•e•s, by many wicked ſuggeſtions: but this deſigne prevailed not.

3 The breaking forth of the rebellion in Ireland, which had beene all loſt in a mo­ment, had not the Lo•d miraculouſly deli­vered Dublin but the evening before, by a Meſſengers eſcape, who was rewarded by the Pa•liament. And here note, that after this Rebellion had beene broke forth foure moneths, to the loſſe of many thouſand Proteſtants lives, yet but 14 Proclamati­ons muſt be printed to proclaime them Re­bells, with S cretary Nicholas his hand for the Printers diſcharge.

4 The L. Cottingtons being made high Conſtable of the Tower, who did not a little trouble the City, by planting Ord­nance againſt it, but by their care this was fruſtra•e.

5 Cottington being diſplaced by the importunity of the Parliament to His Ma­jeſty, (one as bad as he, a priſoner in New­gate not long before, fitter for Newgate then the Tower) Col. Lunsford, who with great difficul••by the City & Parliament, importuning His Majeſty, was at laſt diſ­placed likewi•e.

6 Sir Iohn Byron was put in by His Ma­jeſty, who was ſomthing better then the former, yet this cruſed ſuſpition in the per­ſon, and therefore the City petitioned, that he might be removed alſo.

7 In November a divelliſh plot to have murdered many of the Nobility, with the Members of the Houſe of Commons, and ſome Members of the upper Houſe; many of the Papiſts conſpired to ſet upon ſome of the ſtrong holds in Cheſhire, Lancaſhire and the parts adjacent, the plot being ſo contrived, that at the ſame time the City of London ſhould have been ſurprized, and all the Proteſtants throats cut: the maine plotter of this deſigne was the Earle of Worceſter, who was to ſupply them with Forces, and two Jeſuites, Father Andrews and Father Iones, who were apprehended according to an Order of Parliament, that all thoſe that ſhould diſcover any Popiſh Prieſts or Jeſuites, and cauſe them to be apprehended, ſhould be rewarded by the Parliament. Subſcribed,

Novemb. 15 Io. Brown Cler. Parliament.

8 The Popiſh Lords and Prelates fitting in Parliament interrupting Parliamentary proceedings, being petitioned againſt, the Petitioners were affronted by Col. Lunſ­ford in Weſtminſter Hall, being aſſiſted by Ruffianl•e Courtiers from White-Hall.

9 The Biſhops petition the King to proteſt againſt the Parliaments proceed­ings, but the Parliament voted 12 Biſhops guilty of high Treaſon, for endeavouring to ſubvert the fundamentall Lawes of the Kingdome, ten of which wer committed.

10 The taxing and demanding of the five Members by the King, coming in an hoſtile way to the Parliament, and accuſing them of high treaſon. J•n. 4.

11 The Malignants petition againſt the Militia of London, Binion a Silkman being the chief, but another Petition being fra­med againſt the former, the former was cenſured to be burnt by the common hang­man, Binion fined 3000 l. and two yeares impriſonment for his inſolency.

12 Malignant ſpirits diſcover them­ſelves in a Kentiſh Petition framed by Sir Edward Deering, who for publiſhing that and other things, was caſt out of the Houſe, impriſoned in the Tower, his booke burnt, and the Petitioners returned with much diſgrace.

13 The King and Prince depart from London, attended by divers Cavaliers to York, who in a hoſtile way go to demand Hull, which cauſed the Parliament to put the Militia in execution in moſt parts of the Kingdome.

Anno 1642.

14 A trecherous conſpiracie of the Archbiſhop of Yorke againſt the Parlia­ment, in providing 150 armes, with many piſtolls, muskets and ammunition for mili­tary affaires, intending to riaſe a party, but his deſigne was fruſtrate.

15 A dangerous plot againſt the City of York, whereby it ſhould have been be­trayed, by cauſing of an inſurrection, to the amazement of the Governour; the rude Apprentices running in the ſtreets, and throwing up their hats, crying, For the King, for the King; and then in the mid­deſt of the night following, the Watch hearing a cry, Horſe, Horſe, Armes, Armes.

16 A plot againſt Sir Iohn Hotham (in the time of his fidelity) and the inhabitants of Hull, the deſigne being to fire the houſes next the Fort, and thereby overcome the town, which they did performe, but were prevented.

17 The Cavaliers plots againſt the Par­liament, and ſharing out the city in ſeverall pro­portions beforehand, which confirmed the relation from Roterdam, which was to this effect: that divers gentlemen and others in Roterdam reſol­ved to come for England, whereupon two ſhips were provided with guns of 12 foot long, which ſhot bullets of 44. pound waight, the furthering of this deſigne was the pawning the Jewels, in which M. Webſter a Merchant in Amſterdam was a great aſſiſtant. P. Rupert proved a buyer to carie horſe for England and Iacob Lightfoot a Mer­chant brought 15000 waight of powder for England; and for their encouragement Iermyn ſent to Roterdam 40000. gilders to be delivered to P. Rupert, P. Maurice, L. Devinant, L. Digby, Oneale, Hide, and divers others.

18 Sir Richard Gurney L. Mayor of London proclaiming the Commiſſion of Array in affront to the Parliament, is impriſoned for the ſame.

19 A bloudy plot attempted againſt Sir Tho­mas Fairfax Sir W. Brereton, Sir Tho. Middleton Sir William Fairfax, Col. Aſhton, Col. Mitton, Col. Moore, and divers more Officers in the Par­liaments Army in falſe accuſations laid againſt them before the Judges at the Aſſizes at Cheſter, where they were arraigned of high treaſon for ta­king up armes for the Parliament, the Kings At­turney was proſecutor, and the Jury making oath againſt them in Court, but God delivered them out of their hands, and ſome of them lie in hold for the ſame fact.

20 The Catholike cauſe is advanced, and many Papiſts that would take the Oath of Allegiance and Supremacie, are the greateſt in the Kings fa­vour, and have power from him to exerciſe their Religion.

21 The fifting of the Scots, what they would do for the Catholike cauſe, to further which de­ſigne a Letter was f•amed from the King to the privy Councel of Scotland, who returned anſwer, they deſired the King to return to his Parliament, and they would do their utmoſt indeavour for the good of this Kingdome.

22 Another deſigne by caſting aſperſions on the Parliament, concerning vaſt ſums of money to be pu•loyned from the publike, and beſtowed on private perſons, as 10000 l. to the E. of Hol­land, 6000 to M. Pym, and other perſons in places of publike truſt.

23 The E. of Northumberland (being Admi­rall of the Seas) is diſp•ced by the King, and Sir Iohn Penington plac•d in his roome, upon this the Parliament made the E. of Warwick Admirall, but the King demanded of his Honour to deliver up his place to Sir Io. Penington on pain of high treaſon, but this honourable Patriot with the ad­vice of Parliament faithfully proſecutes his duty.

24 Divers Letters intercepted by the Earle of Warwicke, one to Capt. Slingsby deſiring him (ra­ther then to diſcover the deſigne) to die a Martyr in His Majeſties cauſe.

25 Beck with a P•piſt, with his confederates, would have fired Holl in foure places, and then the Kings Forces were to aſſault the town, the ſigns to bee given to thoſe that would have fi•ed the town was when they ſaw fire on Beverl•Min­ſter, but this was timely diſcovered by an Officer of the town, who was ſollicited by Beckwith for to act the ſame.

26 Neutrality plotted in Yorkſhire, to ſtand neither for King nor Parliament, whereby many honourable perſons had ben betraid, had not the Parliament declared againſt them.

27 A ſhip laden with ammunition (ſent by the Q een) was taken at Yarmouth by Captaine Iohnſon, with 400 barrells of powder, 10 piece of Ordnance, 50 Commanders, many ſouldiers with Letters, one eſpecially from the Queen concerning the deſigne.

28 In the middeſt of October a plot was in­vented to blow up the L. Generals Magazine by a Scotch man, one David Alexander, under Sir Iohn Meldrum, he confeſt he was to have 500 l. that Sir Iohn Culpepper had given him 10 l. and the reſt he was to have from a great perſon, whom he refuſed to name.

29 This was that Alexander who was for­merly ſet on by Sir Iohn Hinderſon to kill Sir Iohn Hinderſon (for a ſum of money) to kill Sir Iohn Hotham, Alexander ſaid, it was the work of a butcher, and not of a ſouldier.

30 The deſigne of Sir Faithleſſe Forteſcues re­volt at Edge-hil, who ran away to the King with his whole troupe, and immediately charged on the Parliaments Forces.

31 A baſe plot acted at Brainford under a pre­tence of a Treaty for peace, Prince Rebell, think­ing to archieve his deſigne (our Forces being un­provided) to march to London; but let the re­ward of trechery, and the valour of London Ap­prentices never be forgotten.

32 A plot contrived by the Kings party, for electing of new high Sheriffs, the moſt of them being either Papiſts or Commiſſioners of Array, or Deliquents, but the Parliament declared by the Lawes of the Kingdome, that they were not law­fully deputed to their places, and by vote diſabled them.

33 A deſigne at Oxford to proceed againſt the Parliaments Officers and Souldiers as Traytors, uſing them worſe then the Turks would have done, whereupon the Parliament declared the ſame Lawes here againſt them, which by Gods mercy prevented the ſame.

34 Sir W. Waller having entred Chicheſter, a train of powder was laid from his lodging to part of the magazine, but by diligent ſearch prevented.

Anno 1643.

35 A deſigne againſt the City of London, by ſome malignants in and about the ſame, preferring a Petition to His Majeſty at Oxford from two Aldermen and 4 Commoners, to returne to the City, in reply to which the King ſent his meſſen­ger Capt. Herne, and a ſpeciall Common-hall was called, Herne read his meſſage, and but one man appeared of the Malignant party, the reſt crying out, they would live & die with the Parliament.

36 A Letter (by the procurement of the City malignants) dated Jan. 17. to the Citizens of London, ordered that all ſorts ſhould heare it at ſeverall Halls, but the Letter being found of dan­gerous conſequence, was not ſuffered to be read.

37 A conſpiracie to betray Briſtol to P. Rupert the manner thus: Rupert with 4000 horſe and 2000 foot were to be ready on Durdan Downes, directed by Robert Yeoman, Iohn Butcher, and their aſſiſtants, Butcher ordered a company of rude fellowes to be about the gates to let in the enemy, and to give notice by the tolling of a bell, when they were ready; the conſpirators & their abettors were diſtinguiſhed from the reſt by a white riban in their hats, uſing the word Charles, but this being diſcovered not above two houres before the time of action by a poore boy, Ruperts deſigne was fruſtrate.

38 A villan of the Lord Roberts his Regiment who fled to the enemy was hired to blow up the L. Generals magazine, and confeſt that he was to have 5. l. for doing it, but was only hanged for it.

39 London aſſayed to be betrayed, by petition­ing for peace, to ſurprize the City and to let in the Kings Army, 4000 were to be within 15 miles the ſame night the plot was to bee acted. The a­ctors were ſome members of both Houſes, others of the Court and City, Criſpe, Royden, Brown and Binion, were to hold correſpondency with both Armies, the Commiſſion of Array was to be put in execution, and 17 Citizens to be of a Councell of war to execute martiall law, Royden and Chal­lenor to be the chief, Waller and Tomkins were great actors, their deſigne was to ſeize upon the magazine, they wearing white ribans, their meet­ing place was to be at Black-heath, the parties to be ſeized on were the L. Say, L. Wharton, M. Pym, M. Strode, the L. Mayor, the Committee for the Militia, and divers others ſpecified in their Com­miſſion. M. Hern, M. Hamden, and the Lady Au­be•y brought the Commiſſion. This plot was (by Gods providence) brought to light, and the two chiefeſt Actors Tomkins and Challenor were exe­cuted.

40 Hull indeavoured to be betraid by Sir Iohn Hotham, Capt. Hotham, and Sir Edward Roads, this was diſcovered by M. Ripley, who ſurprized the Block-houſes, caſtle, and all the Commanders, the maine Guard, and all the Ordnance, and ſent preſently to apprehend Sir Iohn, who eſcaped out of the town, but was purſued and apprehended; Sir Edward Roads and Cap. Hotham were alſo ta­ken, and Sir Iohn and his ſon executed.

41 A plot to betray Lincoln by two Captains belonging to Hull, who attempted to let in Forces for the Qoeen, who let in about 60. but the City being informed of the plot, ſeized on theſe two Commanders, and at 12 a clock at night thought to ſeize on the magazine, they were diſcovered by a Canoneer, who diſcharged at them, the towne roſe and put them all to the ſword, except the two Commanders, Cap. Aliſon, Capt. VVilliam­ſon, and ſome other of quality.

42 The rewd women about London petition for a peace, who came in an abuſive way to the Houſe of Parliament, affronting them with ill language ſwearing that they would have a peace, there was amongſt them 500. whores as is con­ceived, but ſome of the women came ſhort home, and ſome diſ figured, one of them without a noſe.

43 The Queens deſigne to perſwade the King to come for London, but was fruſtrate. He takes his way for Gloceſter, but they being all true, it was no gaine for them to go thither.

44 Kentiſh malignants oppoſe the proceed­ings of Parliament, 2000 and more of them gathe­red together being led by Sir Edward Bathurſt, capt. Stansby, and M. Leigh, 200 of them attemp­ted to ſeize on Dartford magazine, but a troupe of horſe prevented that deſigne, and by Col. Browne they were quelled at Tunbridge, where many of them were ſlain and taken priſoners. Sir Michael Liveſay oppoſeth the rebells at Yawlding, enters the town, and takes a conſiderable prize.

45 Canterbury and Feve•ſham malignants be­gin to fortifie themſelves, but the well -•ff•cted of Canterbury raiſed 3 or 400 Dragoons and appea­ſed them. Sir Edward Hal•s and his grand-ſoun•were chiefe ſticklers in this deſigne. The chiefe ringleaders of this commotion were impriſ•ned in the Tower and other priſons.

46 Oxfordian Achitophels plot to preven•traiding and commerce with, and to hinder vitals from London, thinking to ſtarve it, but the Coun­trey know that Londons pay was better then Oxfords plots, and chooſe rather to imbrace the pay, then ro reſerve it for an Oxford priſe.

47 A plot hatcht at Oxford intended to have it perfected at London, is petitioned againſt, that the Lords would not give eare to anie ſuch pre­tended peace.

48 Sir Alexander Caries endeavouring to be­tray Plymouth, diſcovered, and he executed.

49 Four Proclamations ſent to the Lord May­or of London the firſt to alter the monethly Faſt, the ſecond to make all Iriſh money current in England, the third to command all Counties to accept of thoſe high-Sheriffs that were choſen at Oxford, the fourth to diſanull the taking of the ſolemne Oath and Covenant, the Lord Mayor ſent the Meſſenger to the Parliament, who gave him his juſt reward.

50 A deſigne againſt the Citie, the Kings en­deavour to break into the Aſſ•ciation, to attain this Sir Ralph Hopton is deſired to advance to Wincheſter and Chicheſter, and ſo forward to Kent: but this deſign was fruſtrate alſo.

51 Malignants next plot was for Scotland, the Queen Regent of France ſent into Scotland to perſwade the Scots from coming into England, but they vowed they would maintain the true re­ligion and the Power of Parliament to the loſſe of their lives.

52 The King ſends two Letters into Scotland to prevent their coming, the firſt was againſt the Scots Proclamation for all to be in readineſſe, the ſecond was againſt the Covenant, deſiring them not to aid the Parliament of England, which he ſaid were in Rebellion againſt him.

53 The King ſends into Ireland for thoſe to come to aid him, who came and landed at Briſtol, the King pretending they fought for him and the Parliament, and would have forced an oath on them, they ſeeing the contrarie, refuſed and came to Colonell Maſſey.

54 A Declaration printed at Oxford for the Iriſh Ceſſation for a year, to further this deſigne in England, which hath been acted in Ireland.

55 Gl•c•ſter aſſaved by plots by popiſh Winter who ſhould have ſurprized the town of Glo­ceſter, by the helpe of the trayterous partie in the town, which the watchfull Governour hearing, prevented it.

56 A plot to convey away the Kings children, but Letters being intercepted they were ſecured and the ſervants about them removed.

57 A•other pl•t to betray N•ttingham-Ca­ſtle, and many circumſtances uſed to corrupt Colonell Hutchiſon, who was offered by Decres 10000. l. if hee would procure the ſame, but fideli•ie ſcorned treachery.

58 Prince Ruperts indeavour to betray Bri­ſtoll the ſecond time, but prevented.

59 The Earl of Crafords proffers to Captaine Sidenham to betray Poole, but this brave Captain ſcorned his proffers.

60 The Earl of Crafords plot to betray Aliſ­bury in bringing a written copie with large prof­fers ſigned wi•h C. R. but was denyed to his great ſhame.

61 The Proteſtant R•ligion, plotted againſt in moſt parts of Chriſtendome, Holland and Den­mark have raiſed contributions to maintaine that curſed crew againſt the Parliament.

62 Another divilliſh deſign to divide the Par­liament and Cite by Col. Reed a Rebel of Ireland and Sir B•z•ll Brooke, and Vilet a Gold-ſmith and Ril•y a B•d-maker, Scout-Maſter-General, for the Citie of London, but the plott being diſ­cove••d, Reed writ a Letter with a Superſcription To the man in the moone, who came to Oxford and acqu•inted the King with the deſigne, he de­ſiring to adviſe with him, with the aſſiſtance of the Q•een, Lord Digby, Dutcheſſe of Bucking­ham, wife to that rebellious E. of Antrim, with whom a way to ſend Propoſitions was conſide­red, a Letter is ſent with manie l•ving expreſſions to the Lord Mayor and Alderman, calling them his loving Subj•cts; His Majeſtye ſent two Sig­nets as a New-years Guift to theſe Plotters, but Gods providence now appears by private intelli­gence, Rily is apprehended and examined, Sir Ba­z•ll Bro•k being ſent for confeſſed all ſudde•l•, after Vilet was apprehended, who had the Kings Letter about him, are confeſſed all: theſe three were committed cloſe priſoners in the Tower, and Vilet was to be tried as a ſpy.

63 A wicked plot endeavoured by the inſtiga­tion of the E. •f Briſtoll, and Serjeant-Major O­gell, to betray the Citie of London, by cauſing a diviſion between the Presbyterians and Indepen­dents, M. Goodwin and M. Nye are tampered with to further their deſigne, who ſpeedily diſcovered the ſame to the Houſe, the manner as followeth. Propoſitions were drawne up that they would grant Toleration, and divers Letters ſent to thoſe Miniſters promiſing them preferment: but this plot failed alſo.

64 Indeavors to betray Windſor Caſtle, bu•the Governour ſcorned the baſe treachery of ſuch curſed Courtiers.

65 In Jan. another plot to betray Alis­bury by M•jo•Ogl•, he promiſing the Go­vernour 1000 l. for his reward, whereof the Governour received 100 l. preſent and a brave horſe and ſword, with a ſafe con­duct under the Kings owne hand; but the faithfull Governour diſcovered the ſame and he was rewarded according to his tre­chery.

66 In Jan. Nottingham towne and ca­ſtle is once again indeavoured to be betray­ed, but the faithfull Governour Col. Hut­cheſon ſcorned their trecherous deſigne.

67 In Jan. a trecherous deſigne to be­tray Southampton by the L. Hopton, and two Lords more, who offered 1000 l. and His Majeſties pardon under the great Seal, but the worthy Governour denied to con­deſcend to their baſe trecherous demand.

68 In F•bruary, A ſad exploit per­formed by Biſhop Vſher, that in after ages may be a warning to ſuch unfaithfull Meſ­ſengers, who joyning all to take the per­nitious oath at Oxford, wiſhing that all thoſe that would not take it, might die in priſon; whereupon many were perſwa­ded to take it, ſome ſince being much per­plexed in minde concerning it, and ſome dying in that condition.

69 In February, Another deſigne was to prevent the Scottiſh march, Rupert that Rebell to meet them with twelve ſhips of Iriſh Rebells, but was prevented by Captain Swanley.

70 In the ſame moneth a third deſigne againſt Nottingham caſtle; divers horſes la­den with ſacks, and about 30 Cavaliers in womens apparell, and others like poore countrey-men, as if they had been going to Nottingham market, but they being diſco­vered, were all taken priſone s, and more that were coming to aſſiſt them in that de­ſigne.

71 In March, a Divelliſh plot to betray Weymouth and Melcombe Regis to Sir Lewis Dives, the manner thus; that the gates were to be ſet open to let in Sir Lew­is Div••, and the〈…〉to ſur­prize the Forts, which was done, and the townſmen were to aſſiſt them, and th••they might the better bee knowne,〈◊〉word was Crab Church, and the ſigne was a handkerchiefe about their armes, but the plot being diſcovered, and God giving courage to the Souldiers, they were beaten out, and the chief Conſpirators executed.

72 Gloceſter is again attempted to be betraid by Edward Stanford a Papiſt, Eſ­quire, labouring with a Captain belonging to Col. Maſſey profering him 5000 l. and whereof he received 200 l. in hand, but he diſcovered the deſigne.

73 A plot in Scotland by the Marqueſſe Huntley, L. Montroſſe, and the Earle of Craford, by a ſad inſurrection to force the Scots our of England: but the noble Earle of Argile and the Earl of Calendar went with a ſtrong party to repell them, & took all their ordnance, arms, and ammunition.

74 Sunderland delivered from a plot in­tended by the Mayor of Newcaſtle, but diſ­covered by the Seamen on the river, who planted two pieces of Ordnance, and be­took themſelves to their Armes, for which ſervice the Houſe ordered them 200. l.

75 A bloudy exploit in Cornwall in­tended againſt Major Gen. Skippon, to have put all to the ſword, and having taken 30. put 28 to the ſword, whereupon the Ma­jor declared hee would live and die with them before they ſhould ſuffer under ſuch bloudy rebells.

76 Plots attempted againſt the towne and caſtle of Stafford, but prevented by Sir W. Brereton.

77 D•ver attempted to be betraid, but by Gods mercy prevented.

Anno 1645.

78 Abbington aſſayed to be betraid by Digby, who•ff•red Major Generall Brown 10000 l. but he ſcorned his trecherous pro­•er, and Digby was repulſed with great diſgrace.

79 Alesbury ſhould likewiſe have been betrayed, but by Gods mercy prevented.

80 Reading indeavoured to be betraid, but prevented by the mercy of God.

81 Plymouth in danger to be betraid into the hands of mercileſſe enemies, but by the faithfull Governour prevented.

82 Lime was in great danger to be be­traid, but the faithfull Governour Captain Lemon diſc•v•red the deſigne, who was profered 1000. l. to yeeld it to the Kings ſervice, which town the King valued as his Crowne.

83 Buckinghamſhire Malignants dan­gerous petition preſented to the Commiſ­ſioners at Vxbridge, on purpoſe to diſſolve the Treaty.

84 A curſed deſigne to draw the hearts of the people from the Parliament, per­ſwading them that the Parliament ſought to inſlave them, whereupon the Parliament put forth a Declaration to the contrary, which did not a little content them.

85 The Kings deſigne for Yorke pre­vented by Major-Generall Poyntz, the King near Doncaſter makes Proclamation for all to come in unto him, but they know­ing his ſervice, would not obey his com­mand.

86 The peace with the Iriſh Rebels.