included. They represent that this present way of proceeding
against him leaves a deep impression on them, and sits heavy on all
their spirits, in regard of the great miseries that are like to insue upon
the Kingdomes.
The Declaration with foure other papers from the Kingdome of
Scotland was this day also presented by the Scots Commissioners to
my Lord Generall, who having read the Declaration, seemed to be
inclinable thereunto, and gave the Commissioners an assurance that
he would acquaint the chiefe Officers of the Army with it. The House
of Commons also returned Answer, that they would take the said
Papers and the Declaration into their Consideration.
Tuesday January. 23.
HIs Majestie came againe into Westminster Hall, The Soliciter
Gen said my Lord President, Now it's the third time the Prisoner
at the Barre hath been brought hither, against whom I have formerly
exhibited a Charge of high Treason, on the behalf of the people,
of England, he hath heard it read, and hath had the greatest grace
and favour that ever any Court shewed to any Prisoner, his crime being
the highest Treason that ever was committed on the Theater of
England, he hath not yet answered, but hath disputed the Authority
and jurisdiction of the Court upon his severall dayes of appearing, I
doe therefore againe desire on the people of Englands behalf, and [unr]
the innocent blood that he hath spilt that cryes, for speedy justice and
judgement against him, for by the Law of the Land if any prisoner
charg'd of any crime shall not put in an issuable plea, but question the
jurisdiction of the Court instead of answering, the Court may take in
proconfesse, and proceed to judgement, upon the matter of the Prisoners
Charge, my Lord, being so perspicuous, I need not produce any
witnesses, but if the Court shall desire it, I am on the people of Englangs
behalfe, ready to produce divers witnesse to make good the
Charge, and therefore I doe againe desire speedy judgement against
the prisoner at the Barre.
The King, Sir I stand for my people of England, their liberties and
fredomes, I never heard of this Court before, nor ought I to answer
till I doe know the legality of the Court, nor ought you to use me your
King so, I cannot acknowledge you a Court, nor know I any Law
whereby you can call me to account. I was in a Treaty in the Isle of
Wight, where I had publique faith of my Kingdome, where I
had almost granted all that was desired.