prejudicial to himself: and thereupon, hath given way to the beating of Drums
for Volunteers for the King of great Brittain, (as they call him) and making
Proclamation, That all Gentlemen Souldiers, as well Seamen, as others, that are
willing to serve in the present expedition under his Majesty, Shall receive present entarainment.
The like is reported to be done in Spain and France. And without
doubt, the Prince would soon have a very considerable Army of men, had
he money sufficient to carry on so great a work: And those English which are
here attending on his service, are so much impoverished by reason they have no
profit, and a long time of expence, that they would as willingly remove hence
to another place with the Prince, as the Country are unwilling to be burthened
with them. Some news from England, as if you understand the Princes design
to be certainly for Ireland, a thing which indeed, some about him, have urged:
but the more moderate party advise him to another course: viz. to continue
for a time in Normandy, or some of the Isles which are for him, between France
and England; and if he be able to continue a Navy at Sea, he will lye ready for
such prizes as are taken. It will also (say they) give less distaste to such as incline
to his party in England, or Scotland. This is said in particular, to be the
advice of Major Gen: Massey and others, who have lately received Commissions
from his Highnesse, and declare their sincere affection to his Majesties service.
The base murdering of Doctor Doreslaw is not well resented by many,
One of those that did it, said, as the stab was given, Thus dyes one of the Kings
tryers.
Certain Letter were read in the House, from the Admirals of the Navy,
wherein an account is given of certain late services at Sea, and of seven Vessels
(none of the greatest) taken by the Parl. ships; but these are not laden like the
Marchants ships which came from the Indies.
Die Mart is 8. May, 1649.
ORdered by the Commons assembled en Parl. That the Lord Mayor, and Common
councell of the City of London and the Committee of Arrears be required forthwith
to pay into the Treasurers at Guild - Hall, the sum of 27400.l. out of the arreares
due from the said City to the Army; to the end the committee of the army may issue out
their Warrants to the said Treasures for payment of the said sum of 27400.l. in Weavers
Hall to be issued out for satisfaction of the sums lent upon publike faith according
to former order.
H, Scubel, Cler. Parl.
This day four Companies of Col. Prides Reg. marcht into the Tower, and as
they went in, some of them said, Now look to't John Lilburn. The same night
came strickt Orders to the Lieutenant of the Tower, to keep him close prisoner,
and not to let him have the use of pen, Ink, or paper.
Thursday May 10.
MUch News came this day of those that are called Levellers & their drawing
together in several places; some at Banbury under col. Thompson; some
about Oxford with Mr. Everard, and others; but that which is most of all the Declarations
of several Reg. of the Army, viz. Maj. Gen. Skippons, Commissary Gen,
Iretons, Col. Scrosps, and Col. Harrisons. They say, that they do associate and ingage
together as English men, with Swords in their hands, to redeem themselves and
the Land of their Nativity. And upon this Engagement (in behalf of the Comonwealth)