Titles, they seem more ready to sacrifice Gods true Religion,
and the Interest of the poor People here, as the price
of their ambition. It will and must be said so, and this
People will at length understand if, if their Lords do neglect
those great Advantages, which you in England have
offer'd them by this Treaty. Which God bring to a good
issue, if not yet concluded.
What to think of it here, we cannot tell; for, great Preparations
are going on here still. Much rejoicing here is at
the Highlanders in Scotland, and much Talk about them.
Its said that some Supplies of Arms and Ammunition have
bin let go from hence, or that they shall go. If true, its no
good sign; nor can I tell what to think of the great preparations
in hand in this Country against Spring, no less than
30 new Frigats now laid on the Stocks to be added to the
former 30 already built. The whole Navy of old and new
together, will be (they say) above 100 sail: besides, they
will labor to hold up their Reputation in the Levant, by
Lording it that way this next Summer: for, young Tromp
is to go out of hand with 12 men of War to the Streight,
and they have their eyes every way, both at home and
abroad, which activity portends more than ordinary Resolutions
for Action.
Westminster December 16.
The late Parliament having upon, their distribution delivered
up the power which they received from his Excellency
at their first sitting by a writing under their. Hands
and Seals: his Excellency thereupon called a Councel of
Officers, and advised with other persons of Interest in the
Nation, how this great burthen of governing England,
Scotland and Ireland, with the Armies therein, and Navy
at Sea, should be born, and by whom; who after, several
dayes seeing of God, and advising therein, It was
resolved that a Councel of godly able and discreet persons
should be named, consisting of 21. And that his Excellence
should be chosen Lord Protector of the three Nations.
In pursuance hereof, several persons of eminency
and worth, are already made choice of to be said Councel, which
are not fit to be mensioned in this time. And this his Excellency