Marshall, that committee have met severall times, severall examinations taken, and
some progresse made for tryall of them.
Colonell Molsworth pleads that he did nothing contrary to the rules of war, and
that he was never intrusted by the Parliament, or any under them, so that by the
Court marshall he is like to be Freed, as to the charge, only to be a Prisoner of war.
Laugborne, Poyer, and others plead that they stood at first onely upon their Arrears,
I shall hereafter give you some particulars when they are brought before
the Court Marshall.
Letters from Wales say, that four small Vessels are taken by an Irish Frigot
with thirty oars, that were laden with Coals and Lime, and such like lading,
which the carried into Ireland.
From the West, letters say, that there was a great fight between some of Prince
Charles his Fleet from Scilly, and eight Merchants ships (that about 26. ships
have passed the Lands end with very great difficulty; That the Princes ships lying
sculking about Scilly, when they see ships passe too hard for them to deale
with; they stir not out, and if they be worsted they can retire at pleasure, and so have lately taken foure Merchants ships at severall times.)
That of the 8. Ships (which came from Spain) three of them were close beset
by a party of the said Ships from Scilly (the Princes ships be those before named,
the ships from spaine, are the Culpeper, and two more) they fought stoutly with
the Princes ships, and repulsed them, and were in a good way to have got safe
from them; but a supply of more ships came after from Scilly and overpowred
them, so that being much shattered, they were taken by the Enemy.
The Letters say, that in one of these ships, there was in Dollars, Wedges,
Plate, and Other Silver, to the value of about 40000 li. Besides other Merchandize;
and in the other two, plate, monies, silver, and other Merchandize to the
value of above 20000 li. in one, and 15000 li. in the other.
From Scotland Letters say, That Propositions from the Parliament of Scotland
to Prince Charles were sent by the Earle of Cassiles, Brady and seoferies, &c. To offer
him, That if he will take the Covenant, and banish Montrosse, come onely with
a 100 persons of his party, and passe such Act as they will present to him, they
will receive him, and proclaime him King, and raise an Army for his defence,
and enthrone him in England.
That the Parliament of Scotland, if he refuse, have resolved to joyne with the
English against him. Marquesse Huntly hath been tryed, condemned of high
Treason and a day appointed for beheading of him.
From France Letters say, That the Nobility in Paris are still resolute and oppose
the King more high; new Propositions added, the Commons say they will
not agree, except there be a peace with Spaine, and all those Taxes taken off that
were levied for maintaining of those Forces. The Queen argues, That it is
more honourable to conclude a peace first at home, and then Treat with forreigne
Nations, and not before. But there is little likelihood of agreement.
Some of the English Cavaliers have been with Cardinall Mazarine to Offer
him an Army of English, and that if he can get leave to raise men in England to
be transported form thence into France, such as have served for the King of England,
they will countenance them, and be their Commanders.
This day the Councel of the Army met at White Hall, The matter conteined in