the same time designe to cut the Throat of it, and peradventure of them his
own Commissioners, and of the publick Peace, and all that are concerned
therein.
But there is one Circumstance more which is considerable; and that is, that
the persons who delivered this pretended Letter to the Common Council,
did not themselves receive it from-General Monck, nor doe they say that he
sent it to them; but Atkin with his hand delivered it, and being asked from
whom he received; he faith, he had it from Colonel Markham, and this
Colonel cannot or will not give any good Account by what means it came to
his hands. They have been both examined, and are now under consinement.
This week also some discovery hath been made, that certain dangerous persons
lurking in and about London, on purposed to create disturbance, have had
the bold cunning to contrive Commissions, Warrants, and other Papers, and
issued them forth into City and Countrey, to engage a party in the name of,
and under pretence of Authority from the late Council of State, thereby maliciously
abusing those honorable persons who were Members of that Council,
that their names should be taken to give countenance to such designs, which
(should they take effect) would unavoidably bring destruction upon those old
Patriots, and this renowned City, with the Army, and all Friends that have
engaged in the Publick Cause against that common enemy, who onely wants
such an opportunity as his Agents are now preparing for him; whose projects
are laid now, not downright Gavalier, but in several forms and disguises, as if
they were of the number of such discontented parties as have formerly been in
friendship with us.
Believe it, the Cavalier works now with our own Tools, and like a Mole
under ground.
From Plimouth, Nov. 22.
Captain Clay is come in here with the Saphire Frigat. When he was abroad
he took an ostend Man of War which had eight Guns mounted, and 106 Men
and Boys.
From New Castle, November 21.
My Lord Lambert hath thought necessary for the perfecting of the Peace,
to send Major Cambridge, Captain Lloyd, and Captain Wallington, to attend
upon General Monck with a Letter. Tomorrow, divers Officers more will
be in Town, and then there will be a further consulting about such things as
may advance this Treaty upon just and safe grounds.
Officers come daily from that party, and about twenty of Colonel Fairfaxes
Regiment are even now come to town, who inform, that General Monck
had a meeting with divers of the Noblemen of Scotland in the Parliament
house at Edenburgh, and three things he proposed to them,
First, that be babing received a call from God and
man to march into England, for resetling the Parliament,
they would, during his absence, (which would not
be long) preserve the Peace of that Nation.
Secondly, that if any troubles should arise, then
would assist him in the suppressing thereof.
Thirdly, that then would raise him come Money.
To the first they replied, That they could not engage to preserve the peace
of the Country, wanting Arms, and in not condition to do it, but should not
withstanding endeavor it.