it is high time for you to be in the country, as well for the raising of money, as that the lords lieutenants and deputy lieutenants may watch those seditious spirits which are at work to disturb the public peace; and therefore I am resolved to put an end to this session on Monday next come sevennight, before which time, I pray, let all things be made ready that I am to dispatch. I am not willing to complain you have dealt unkindly with me in a Bill I have now passed, in which you have manifested a greater distrust of me than I have deserved. I do not pretend to be without infirmities: but I have never broken my word with you; and, if I do not flatter myself, the nation never had less cause to complain of grievances, or the least injustice or oppression, than it hath had in these 7 years it hath pleased God to restore me to you. I would be used accordingly."

Notwithstanding this intimidating speech, the commons proceeded with the affairs before them; especially the Impeachment of lord Mordaunt, which had likewise given his majesty some offence. Serj. Maynard, sir R. Atkins, Mr. Wm. Prynne, &c. were appointed to manage the evidence at the hearing and on the 26th of Jan. read the Articles before the house of lords: but with dissatisfaction observed, that, during the reading of them, the lord Mordaunt was within the bar of the house. Of this the commons complained, and moved, That, according to former precedents in such proceedings, his Idp. might stand without the bar of the house.' And when one appeared as council for him, was beginning to plead in this matter, they thought fit to interrupt him, acquainting the peers, That his Idp. ought not to have any council assigned him to plead for him in matter of fact upon the Impeachment. This caused a conference, and, indeed, a difference between the two houses: The lords insisted upon their rights and privileges, and on the 4th of Feb. confirmed their Order for the lord Mordaunt's sitting within the bar at his trial, produced two precedents for it, and declared themselves ready for the trial the next morning. The commons upon this were still more dissatisfied, and desired a free conference; in which matters were carried so high, that the lords declared, That they desired this conference to preserve a right understanding between both houses; but insisted upon it, that they might deny a free conference with the commons, citing a precedent, 12th Jac. where a free conference was denied the commons in point of one imposition; and that in point of judicature (which the lords insisted on to be only in the king and themselves) they might deny the commons a free conference.

The Speaker's Speech to the King at the Progation.] Feb. 8. But all these disputes were ended this day by the appearance of the king in the house of peers, who sent for the commons in order to a prorogation. Their Speaker sir Edw. Turner, having several Bills ready, presented them with this following Speech to his majesty;

"May it please your most excellent majesty; Nothing conduceth more to the happiness of a nation than a right understanding between the prince and the people: and nothing more advanceth this correspondence than frequent meetings in common council. By the wisdom of our fore-fathers, the security of our lives, our liberties, and our properties, is lodged in our English parliaments; and so gracions have your majesty's predecessors been, that, for the satisfaction of their people, they have made several laws, some for Triennial, some for Annual parliaments. Your majesty, by their example, upon the humble suit of your lords and commons, hath in a former session of this parliament, passed an act for Triennial meetings in parliaments; but in this your maj. hath exceeded all your predecessors, that, as your happy Restoration was in a Convention of parliament, so of your own accord, for the public good, and as a demonstration of your extraordinary love to parliaments, you have vouchsafed, ever since your return, to converse with your people in parliament; this being the 6th year, and the 6th session, of this present parliament. The last time your maj. was pleased to speak to us, you commanded us to make ready all things you were to dispatch this session. In obedience thereunto, we have with all industry imaginable endeavoured so to prepare those matters that were before us, that your maj. and the whole nation may receive satisfaction in our dispatches.-First, it concerned us to keep our words with your majesty, in finishing that Supply which we promised you for the carrying on the war. In order whereunto, I do here present unto your maj. this Bill of 11 Months Assessment upon our lands, to take place in a post-charge after the additional royal aid now current is expired. This act, together with the Poll Bill lately passed, we conceive, will fully make up the 1,800,000l. we promised to your majesty.-We must for ever with humility acknowledge the justice of God, in punishing this whole nation by the late dreadful Conflagration of London. We know they were not the greatest sinners on whom the Tower of Syloe fell; and doubtless all our sins did contribute to the filling up that measure, which, being full, drew down the wrath of God upon that city. But it very much reviveth us to behold the miraculous blessing of God upon your majesty's endeavours for the preservation of that part of the city which is left: Et fas est resurgere monia Trojæ.' We hope God will direct your royal heart, and fortunate hand, in a few days, to lay a foundation stone in the rebuilding that royal city; the beauty and praise whereof shall fill the whole earth.-For the encouragement of this noble work, we have prepared several Bills: one, for the establishing a Judicatory, for the speedy determining all actions, and causes of action, that have or may arise between landlords and tenants, upon this sad accident. Though, I persuade myself, no Englishman would be exempted from making some offering

to carry on this pious undertaking, yet the exemplary charity of your majesty's 12 reverend Judges is fit with honour to be mentioned before your majesty: they are willing to spend all their sand that doth not run out in your majesty's immediate service, of dispensing justice in their several courts to your people, in hearing and determining those controversies that may arise upon old agreements, and making new rules between owners and tenants, for their mutual encouragement in this glorious action. We have likewise prepared a Bill for the Regularity of the new Buildings, that they may be raised with more conveniency, beauty, and security, than they had before. Some streets we have ordered to be opened and enlarged, and many obstructions to be removed; but all with your majesty's approbation. This we conceive cannot be done with justice, unless a compensation be given to those that shall be losers: we have therefore laid an Imposition of 12 pence upon every chalder, and 12 p. upon every ton of coals, that shall be brought into the port of London, for 10 years, the better to enable the lord mayor and aldermen to recompense those persons whose grounds shall be taken from them.-Rome was not built in a day; nor can we, in the close of this session, finish the rules for the dividing of Parishes, rebuilding of the churches, and the ornamental parts of the city. These things must rest that we intended, till another session. But we know your maj. in the mean time will take them into your princely consideration, and make it your care that the houses of God and your own royal chamber be decently and conveniently restored.-And now, great sir, having thus happily finished the business of this session, we beg your majesty's leave that we may return to our own homes, there to put in execution the good laws which you have made, and to defend our several countries against all designs to disturb the peace of the nation. And we beseech Almighty God, who hath bitherto wonderfully preserved your majesty's person, and made you glorious in all your achievements, still to prosper your forces both at sea and land, till he hath made your maj. an asylum for all your friends, and a terror to your enemies both at home and abroad.' The King's Speech at the Prorogation.] After passing the said Bills his majesty made the following Speech;

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My Lords and Gentlemen; I thank you for this other bill of Supply which you have given me; and I assure you, the money shall be laid out for the ends it is given. I hope we shall live to have bills of this nature in the old stile, with fewer provisos. I looked to have had somewhat offered to me concerning the Accompts of the Money that hath been already raised since the war; which since you have not done, I will take care (after so much noise) that the same be not stifled, but will issue out my commission in the manner I formerly promised the house of peers: and the commissioners shall have very much to answer,

if they do not discover all matters of fraud and cozenage.-The season of the year is very far spent, in which our enemies have got great advantages over us; but, by the grace of God, I will make all the preparations I can, and as fast as I can. And yet I must tell you, that if any good overtures be made for an honourable peace, I will not reject them; and I believe all sober men will be glad to see it brought to pass.-I shall now prorogue you till towards winter, that you may in your several places intend the peace and security of your several countries, were there are unquiet spirits enough working. And I do pray you, and I do expect it from you, that you will use your utmost endeavours to remove all those false imaginations in the hearts of the people, which the malice of ill men have industriously infused into them, of I know not what jealousies and grievances; for I must tell you again, and I am sure I am in the right, that the people had never so little cause to complain of oppression and grievances as they have had since my return to you. If the taxes and impositions are heavy upon them, you will put them in mind, that a war with such powerful enemies cannot be maintained without taxes: and I am sure that the money raised thereby comes not into my purse.-I shall add no more, but that I promise myself all good effects from your affections and wisdoms, where-ever you are. And I hope we shall meet again of one mind, for my honour, and the good of the kingdom. And now, my lord privy seal, do as I have directed you." Whereupon the Lord Privy Seal declared the parliament to be prorogued to the 10th of October.

Principal Occurrences during the Recess.] The following is a short account of the prin cipal Occurrences which took place during the recess. "Charles began to be sensible, that all the ends, for which the war had been undertaken, were likely to prove entirely abortive. The Dutch, even when single, had defended themselves with vigour, and were every day improving in their military skill and preparations. Though their trade had suffered extremely, their extensive credit enabled them to levy great sums; and while the seamen of England loudly complained for want of pay, the Dutch navy was regularly supplied with money and every thing requisite for its subsistence. As two powerful kings now supported them, every place, from the extremity of Norway to the coasts of Bayonne, was become hostile to the English. And Charles, neither fond of action, nor stimulated by any violent ambition, earnestly sought for means of restoring tranquillity to his people, disgusted with a war, which, being joined with the plague and fire, had proved so fruitless and destructive. The first advances towards an accommodation were made by England. When the king sent for the body of sir Wm. Berkeley, he insinuated to the states his desire of peace on reasonable terms; and their answer corresponded in the same amicable intentions.

Charles, however, to maintain the appearance of superiority, still insisted that the States should treat at London; and they agreed to make him this compliment so far as concerned themselves: but being engaged in alliance with two crowned heads, they could not, they said prevail with these to depart in that respect from their dignity. On a sudden, the king went so far on the other side as to offer the sending of ambassadors to the Hague; but this proposal, which seemed honourable to the Dutch, was meant only to divide and distract them, by affording the English an opportunity to carry on cabals with the disaffected party. The offer was therefore rejected; and conferences were secretly held in the queen-mother's apartments at Paris, where the pretensions of both parties were discussed. The Dutch made equitable proposals; either that all things should be restored to the same condition in which they stood before the war; or that both | parties should continue in possession of their present acquisitions. Charles accepted of the latter proposal; and almost every thing was adjusted, except the disputes with regard to the Isle of Polerone. This island lies in the East Indies, and was formerly valuable for its produce of spices. The English had been masters of it; but were dispossessed at the time when the violences were committed against them at Amboyna. Cromwel had stipulated to have it restored; and the Hollanders, having first entirely destroyed all the spice trees, maintained, that they had executed the treaty, but that the English had been anew expelled during the course of the war. Charles renewed his pretensions to this island; and as the reasons on both sides began to multiply, and seemed to require a long discussion, it was agreed to transfer the treaty to some other place; and Charles made choice of Breda Lord Hollis and Henry Coventry were the English ambassadors. They immediately desired, that a suspension of arms should be agreed to, till the several claims could be adjusted but this proposal, seemingly so natural, was rejected by the credit of de Wit. That penetrating and active minister, thoroughly acquainted with the characters of princes and the situation of affairs, had discovered an opportunity of striking a blow, which might at once restore to the Dutch the honour lost during the war, and severely revenge those injuries, which he ascribed to the wanton ambition and injustice of the English.-Whatever projects might have been formed by Charles for secreting the money granted him by parliament, he had hitherto failed in his intention. The expences of such vast armaments had exhausted all the supplies; and even a great debt was contracted to the seamen. The king therefore was resolved to save, as far as possible, the last supply of 1,800,000l. and to employ it for payment of his debts, as well those which had been occasioned by the war, as those which he had formerly contracted. He observed, that the Dutch had been with great

The

reluctance forced into the war, and that the events of it were not such as to inspire them with great desire of its continuance. French, he knew, had been engaged into hostilities by no other motive than that of supporting their ally; and were now more desirous than ever of putting an end to the quarrel, The differences between the parties were so inconsiderable, that the conclusion of peace appeared infallible; and nothing but forms, at least some vain points of honour, seemed to remain for the ambassadors at Breda to discuss. In this situation, Charles, moved by an illtimed frugality, remitted his preparations, and exposed England to one of the greatest affronts which it has ever received. Two small squadrons alone were equipped; and during a war with such potent and martial enemies, every thing was left almost in the same situation as in times of the most profound tranquillity.— De Wit protracted the negotiation at Breda. and hastened the naval preparations. The Dutch fleet appeared in the Thames under the command of de Ruyter, and threw the English into the utmost consternation. A chain had been drawn across the river Medway; some fortifications had been added to Sheerness and Upnore-castle: but all these precautions were unequal to the present necessity. Sheerness was soon taken; nor could it be saved by the valour of sir Edward Sprague, who defended it. Having the advantage of a spring tide and an easterly wind, the Dutch pressed on, and broke the chain, though fortified by some ships, which had been there sunk by orders of the duke of Albemarle, (10th June). They burned the three ships which lay to guard the chain, the Matthias, the Unity, and the Charles the fifth. After damaging several vessels, and possessing themselves of the hull of the royal Charles, which the English had burned, they advanced with six men of war and five fire-ships, as far as Upnore-castle, where they burned the Royal Oak, the Loyal London, and the Great James. Captain Douglas, who commanded on board the Royal Oak, perished in the flames, though he had an easy opportunity of escaping. Never was it known,' he said, that a Douglas had left his post without orders.' The Hollanders fell down the Medway without receiving any considerable damage; and it was apprehended, that they might next tide sail up the Thames, and extend their hostilities even to the bridge of London. Nine ships were sunk at Woolwich, four at Blackwall; platforms were raised in many places, furnished with artillery: the trained bands were called out; and every place was in a violent agitation. The Dutch sailed next to Portsmouth, where they made a fruitless attempt; they met with no better success at Plymouth: they insulted Harwich: they sailed again upon the Thames as far as Tilbury, where they were repulsed. The whole coast was in alarm; and had the French thought proper at this time to join the Dutch fleet, and to invade England, consequences the

most fatal might justly be apprehended. But Lewis had no intention to push the victory to such extremities. His interest required that a balance should be kept between the two maritime powers; not that an uncontrouled superiority should be given to either.-Great indignation prevailed among the English to see an enemy, whom they regarded as inferior, whom they had expected totally to subdue, and over whom they had gained many honourable advantages, now of a sudden ride undisputed masters of the ocean, burn their ships in their very harbours, fill every place with confusion, and strike a terror into the capital itself. But though the cause of all these disasters could be ascribed neither to bad fortune, to the misconduct of admirals, nor to the ill behaviour of seamen, but solely to the avarice, at least to the improvidence, of the government; no dangerous symptoms of discontent appeared, and no attempt for an insurrection was made by any of those numerous sectaries, who had been so openly branded for their rebellious principles, and who upon that supposition had been treated with such severity.In the present distress, two expedients were embraced an army of 12,000 men was suddenly levied and the parliament, though it lay under prorogation, was summoned to meet.*"

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SIXTH SESSION OF THE SECOND PARLIAMENT. July 25, 1667. His majesty having prorogued the parliament to the 10th of October, and being advised, that the weighty affairs of the kingdom might require a sooner day of their meeting; he therefore, by his proclamation, having summoned then to meet on this day; both houses met accordingly, when the commons were proceeding to business, the Speaker informed them, that his majesty had commanded him to let them know, that, conceiving the house might not be full at their first meeting, he had deferred his coming to acquaint them with what he had to say, till Monday next and that the house should adjourn till that day. "Whether, says Mr. Ralph, "the house was disgusted with this usage, or met in an ill humour from the ill situation of the public affairs, or wanted to make their own advantage of the public calamities, they did not obey his majesty's injunction, till they had first come to a Resolution nem. con. That his maj. be humbly desired, by such members as are his privy counsel,

* Hume, vol. vii. p. 427.

+ It being a current opinion, or rather an unquestioned certainty, that upon a prorogation a parliament cannot be convened before the day, though upon an adjournment it may; Mr. Prynne had been brought privately to the King to satisfy him, that upon an extraordinary occasion he might do it: and his judgment, which in all other cases he did enough undervalue, very much confirmed him in what he had a mind to." Lord Clarendon's Life, p. 423.

that when a peace is concluded, the newraised Forces be disbanded."

The King's Speech.] July 29. This day his majesty came to the house of peers and made a short Speech to both houses to this effect:

"He conceived, he could not give his houses of parliament a greater testimony of his affections to them, than by sending for them when he was in such straits as were superior to any other counsels; which now being over, he was confident, he could not better please them, than to dismiss them again to their several countries at such a time as this is. His maj. said, The Peace being now concluded, the Articles would be made public within a few days, which he supposed would seem reasonable to them, and all Christendom as much rejoice at the peace as they were disturbed by the war. His maj. further told his houses, That their own affairs now require their presence elsewhere; and he did hope they would use all industry and severity (for both were necessary) to reduce the people to a better temper than they have been in of late. His maj. further said, He wondered what one thing he had done since his coming into England, to persuade any sober person that he did intend to govern by a Standing Army; he said he was more an Englishman than so. He desired, for as much as concerned him, to preserve the laws; and if others will pay that due respect they owe to the laws, there would be no fear of any such thing. His maj. said, The last year he raised some troops, which he disbanded as soon as the season would permit ; and he was certain, he deferred raising forces long enough this year, in that he gave not one commission till the enemy was landed; and he was sure, that the persons now in commission are such as will be as desirous to be out of the employment as to continue in it. He further said, he would say no more, but that he hoped his two houses of parliament should meet here in Oct. next, and that they would then come with such inclinations as may restore the kingdom to as good a condition as it were ever in; and he did assure them he should not be wanting on his part."-The parliament was then prorogued to the 10th of October.

Principal Occurrences during the Recess― Fall of the lord Chancellor Clarendon.] "The signing of the Treaty at Breda," says Mr. Hume, "extricated the king from his present difficulties. The English ambassadors received orders to recede from those demands, which however frivolous in themselves, could not now be relinquished, without acknowledging a superiority in the enemy. Polerone remained with the Dutch; satisfaction for the ships Bonaventure and Good-hope, the pretended grounds of the quarrel, was no longer insisted on: Acadie was yielded to the French. The acquisition of New-York, a settlement so important by its situation, was the chief advantage

* Hume vol. vii. p. 431.