better fortifred in Europe than this, the chief Head-places of [unr]
rest Engineers, having had a hand in the contribing of the Forts and
Scences, and drawing out the Line. The Lord Lieu. cannot lay siege against
it; unlesse with his whole Army on both sides of the water, the sudden and
[unr] carrying of this place with faciliate the whole Work; but if this prove
difficult, the rest is like to come off as hard. The Governour chose rather to
have Irish than English for his Garrison, who tendered a protestation to
them, in the name of Charles the II, and declared his resolution to live
and die with them in this second soveraigns quarrell, for the recovery of
Monarchy, and purchasing of Liberty. &c. The like Oath is taken by all
Officers and souldiers throughout the Army, wherein they solemnly protest
and declare to be true to their declared Soveraign, and the rest of their
Royall of Spring, and to endeavour their restauration to all their Rights,
Titles, Honours and Dignities, notwithstanding any opposition whatsoever
to the contrary notwithstanding.
Tuesday Sept. 11.
This day the Commons sitting, they insisted upon some debate touching the Coal-business,
and ordered that the Excize or Impost of 4.sh. a Chaldron be forthwith
nul'd and taken off. This is an excellent work for the poor, to inable them to keep better
fires in the Winter.
A great debate was this day before a Committee and notwithstanding all that could
be said, why there should be brewed stronger Beer of Ale then ten shillings a Barrell,
Malt being at five shillings p. r Bushell, it's resolved, the business is good to bring all
within that price, and forward the Act must go. There's care for drinke.
The Parl. considering that the time is expired for doubling upon Deans and Chapters
Lands, and that many do desire to double according to the former Act and Order,
but cou'd not so soon be accomplished. The Parliament therefore have have continued it
for those in and abont London to double untill Ocb. 10. and for all other parts, untill
Novemb. 10. next eusuing, and upon the Petitions of severall persons the Parliament
have this day admitted them to compound as others.
This day 8 souldiers rode, the Wooden horse in the Palace yard at Westminster, with
Deer skins on their back & a paper on their breasts, wherein was written, For stealing
and endeavouring to steal Venison.
Certain intelligence were brought to the House, that all those fethers which were
caryed
with the Ayr up and down Oxford, were fallen in one place or other, and by the
rare stratagem of Cap. Wag staff with 12 men, all the Agitators were surprized as they
sate in Councel; upon which the allarum was given, and the whole Souldiery of the
Town submitted, being in all about 800.
The House understanding that certain Agents from London were apprehended, who
had blown up the minds of these poor soules into thoughts of being Restorers of their
Country to freedom, and to settle the Nation better then ever it yet was; these are to be
called to an account, and proceeded against, and a Declaration to go forth to undeceive
the People. The House had also in consideration that Book wherin the Apprentices are
invited into the way with the Levellers. There's no great cause of fear of that which