English, as was easily made out by their several habits. A Fame held a laurel over his insulting head; the word, God with us. March 25th.... The Protector Oliver, now affecting king- March, 1657 ship, is petition'd to take the title on him by all his new-made sycophant lords, etc., but dares not for feare of the fanatics, not thoroughly purg'd out of his rebel army. . . . Oct. 22nd. Saw the superb funeral of the Protector. He October, 1658 was carried from Somerset House in a velvet bed of state drawn by six horses, housed with the same; the pall held by his new lords; Oliver lying in effigy in royal robes, and crowned with a crown, sceptre, and globe, like a king. The pendants and guidons were carried by the officers of the army; the imperial banners, achievements, etc., by the heralds in their coats; a rich caparisoned horse, embroidered all over with gold; a knight of honour armed cap-a-pie, and after all, his guards, soldiers, and innumerable mourners. In this equipage they proceeded to Westminster; but it was the joyfulest funeral I ever saw, for there were none that cried but dogs, which the soldiers hooted away with a barbarous noise, drinking and taking tobacco in the streets as they went. . . . 3rd February. Kept the fast. General Monk came now to February, 1660 London out of Scotland; but no man knew what he would do or declare, yet he was met on his way by the gentlemen of all the counties which he passed, with petitions that he would recall the old long-interrupted parliament and settle the nation in some order, being at this time in most prodigious confusion and under no government, everybody expecting what would be next and what he would do. . . 10th. Now were the gates of the city broken down by General Monk; which exceedingly exasperated the city, the soldiers marching up and down as triumphing over it, and all the old army of the fanatics put out of their posts, and sent out of town. 11th. A signal day. Monk, perceiving how infamous and wretched a pack of knaves would have still usurped the supreme power, and having intelligence that they intended to take away his commission, repenting of what he had done to the city, where he and his forces were quartered, marches to Whitehall, dissipates the nest of robbers, and convenes the old parliament; the Rump Parliament (so called as retaining some few rotten members of the other) being dissolved; and for joy whereof were many thousands of rumps roasted publicly in the streets at the bonfires this night, with ringing of bells and universal jubilee. This was the first good omen. Recognition 3rd May. Came the most happy tidings of his Majesty's of Charles II gracious declaration and applications to the parliament, general, and people, and their dutiful acceptance and acknowledgment, after a most bloody and unreasonable rebellion of near twenty years. Praised be for ever the Lord of heaven, who only doeth wondrous things, because his mercy endureth for ever. 8th May. This day was his Majesty proclaimed in London. CHAPTER XVI RESTORATION AND REVOLUTION, 1660-1689 I. THE RESTORATION SETTLEMENT The conditions on which Charles II returned are shown by the declaration which he sent to England from Holland, where he was in exile. Declaration Charles, by the grace of God, king of England, Scotland, 308. The France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, etc. To all our of Breda loving subjects, of what degree or quality soever, greeting. If the general distraction and confusion which is spread over the whole kingdom doth not awaken all men to a desire and longing that those wounds which have so many years together been kept bleeding may be bound up, all we can say will be to no purpose; however, after this long silence, we have thought it our duty to declare how much we desire to contribute thereunto; and that as we can never give over the hope in good time to obtain the possession of that right which God and nature hath made our due, so we do make it our daily suit to the divine providence that he will, in compassion to us and our subjects, after so long misery and sufferings, remit and put us into a quiet and peaceable possession of that our right, with as little blood and damage to our people as is possible. Nor do we desire more to enjoy what is ours, than that all our subjects may enjoy what by law is theirs, by a full and entire administration of justice throughout the land, and by extending our mercy where it is wanted and deserved. (1660) offenses against the And to the end that the fear of punishment may not engage Pardon for any, conscious to themselves of what is past, to a perseverance in guilt for the future, by opposing the quiet and happiness of late king their country, in the restoration of king, peers, and people to Freedom of religious worship their just, ancient, and fundamental rights, we do, by these presents, declare, that we do grant a free and general pardon, which we are ready, upon demand, to pass under our great seal of England, to all our subjects, of what degree or quality soever, who, within forty days after the publishing hereof, shall lay hold upon this our grace and favor, and shall, by any public act, declare their doing so, and that they return to the loyalty and obedience of good subjects; excepting only such persons as shall hereafter be excepted by parliament, those only to be excepted. Let all our subjects, how faulty soever, rely upon the word of a king, solemnly given by this present declaration, that no crime whatsoever, committed against us or our royal father before the publication of this, shall ever rise in judgment, or be brought in question against any of them, to the least endamagement of them, either in their lives, liberties, or estates, or (as far forth as lies in our power) so much as to the prejudice of their reputations, by any reproach or term of distinction from the rest of our best subjects; we desiring and ordaining that henceforth all notes of discord, separation, and difference of parties be utterly abolished among all our subjects, whom we invite and conjure to a perfect union among themselves, under our protection, for the resettlement of our just rights and theirs in a free parliament, by which, upon the word of a king, we will be advised. And because the passion and uncharitableness of the times have produced several opinions in religion, by which men are engaged in parties and animosities against each other (which when they shall hereafter unite in a freedom of conversation, will be composed or better understood), we do declare a liberty to tender consciences, and that no man shall be disquieted or called in question for differences of opinion in matter of religion which do not disturb the peace of the kingdom; and that we shall be ready to consent to such an act of parliament as, upon mature deliberation, shall be offered to us, for the full granting that indulgence. And because, in the continued distractions of so many years and so many and great revolutions, many grants and purchases land to be settled by parliament of estates have been made to and by many officers, soldiers, Titles to and others, who are now possessed of the same, and who may be liable to actions at law upon several titles, we are likewise willing that all such differences, and all things relating to such grants, sales, and purchases, shall be determined in parliament, which can best provide for the just satisfaction of all men who are concerned. soldiers pro vided for And we do further declare, that we will be ready to consent Payment of to any act or acts of parliament to the purposes aforesaid, and for the full satisfaction of all arrears due to the officers and soldiers of the army under the command of General Monk; and that they shall be received into our service upon as good pay and conditions as they now enjoy. Given under our sign manual and privy signet, at The spirit in which these offers were received by the change-wearied parliament is shown by the following extracts from the records of the two Houses. Declaration Whitehall, Tuesday. The House of Lords being informed 309. Recepthat Sir John Grenville attended at the door with a letter from tion of the his Majesty, the earl of Manchester, speaker to the House of of Breda by Lords, went down near the clock to receive it of him. The parliament letter with a declaration inclosed was read in the House, and (May 1, thanks ordered to be given to Sir John Grenville for bringing the gracious letter. The House resolved that they do own and declare that according to the ancient and fundamental laws of this kingdom, the government is and ought to be by king, Lords, and Commons. That the Lords having a deep sense of the miseries and distractions that the kingdom hath been involved in since the violent attempts to dissolve the established government, do desire that some way may be considered how to make up these breaches; and to obtain the king's return again to his people. 1660) Resolved, unanimously, That a committee be appointed to In the House prepare an answer to his Majesty's letter, expressing the great of Commons |