Wednesday 25 April.
THis day the Parl. received a Letter from the Princess, or daughter of the late
King, now with the E. of Northumberland, desiring she might go to her sister
the Princesse of Orange: this was deny'd, and it was after some debate agreed;
that she and the D. of Gloveafter should go to Sir Edw. Harringtons in Rutland,
who is to have the care of them, and 3000.l. per annum for their maintenance.
The House considered of a new stamp for Coyn, and agreed there be a Crossa
upon one side, and round, the common wealth of England; on the other side, the
Arms of England and Ireland, and round; God with us.
This Evening some dispute arose amongst the Souldiery in Bishops gate Street,
who fell to high speeches, some saying they would not march a foot without money,
others declaring a great willingnesse to obey the Orders of his Excellency
insomuch that Gen. Fairfax, and Lieut. Gen. crumwell, were necessitated to make
their appearance, who soon brought them to obedience, and forced some of col.
Whales man to march from the City.
The Sentence being denounced against col. Payer, as aforesaid, he was
acquainted with the hour designed for his execution, who upon the delivery
of that dreadfull message, seemed to give favourable construction
in reference to his submission thereunto, declaring. That he had
but one life to lose, and in sacrificing of it is this World, bee hoped to have
a blessed and joyfull restauration thereof in the world to came, desiring God
to forgive them, who were the causers of it, and that for his part bee freely
forgave them, being in peace with all men; He was very penitent, to his
last hour, and uttered many condoling speeches, in relation to the bleeding
and dying condition of this poor, distressed & languishing Nation,
desiring that his death might close up the breach of the people, and that
his bloud might be the last that should issue forth in streams within the
Bowels of this Common-wealth. And (according to the Sentence denounced
against him) he was upon the 25 of this instant Aprill guarded
from White-Hall in a Coach, to the place of execution, as aforesaid, by
Col. Hewsons Regiment of Foot, where he made a short speech to the
people, saying, That he desired the prayers of all good people for his present
wading thought the vaile of misery; that he was willing to sacrifice his
life; that He freely forgave all men; that he ever acted for the liberty and
freedom of the subject; that he was an unfeigned and cordial lover of the
peace of England; that he died a true protestant according to the Discipline
of the Church of England, and that he desired a speedy period might
be put to the prese[unr] distractions between prince & people, &c. Having orded
his speech, he went to prayers, and immediatly rising up again, called
the men designed for his execution to him, which were six in number,
and giving them the sign when they should fire, which was by holding
up both hands, they observed his motion; who after some few expressions
to his friends about him, embraced a preparative, st[unr]pt off his dublet,