going to Ireland were thus disappointed.→

that any league formerly entered into between his father of blessed memory, or any other of his predecessors and this state, may be renewed; which for his majesty's part he is very willing and desirous to do, and shall always constantly and inviolably observe the same: and if any larger concessions shall be desired from his majesty which may advance the prosperity of this state, than have been heretofore granted by his predecessors, as soon as his majesty shall be acquainted with such desires, he will manifest how much he values their affection and alliance. And his majesty desires, upon this communication of his counsels and purposes to the lords the States General, that he may receive their lordships advice and assistance for the better transporting himself into Ireland with honour and security; and whatsoever assistance they shall give him thereunto, his majesty will always acknowledge as the most seasonable testimony of their affection; and as soon as he shall be informed of their willingness to gratify him herein, his majesty will make such other particular propositions by your lordships to them concerning Ireland and his other important affairs, as he doubts not will be for the advantage and benefit of this state, as well as for his majesty's present conveniency." Lord Clarendon has given the substance of this memorial, but has falsified it very materially; as will be evident to every one who will give himself the trouble to turn to the page referred to in the margin. Sir Edward Nicolas, in a letter to Ormonde, dated, Havre de Grace, Ap. 19, 1649, N. S. says, "I received this day a copy

* Ormonde's State Papers, by Carte, vol. I. p. 260. 8vo. Lond. 1739. b Clarendon, vol. V. p. 297.

But to shew his resolution of maintaining

of a memorial delivered by his majesty's command to the States Deputies at the Hague, which I here enclosed send to your excellency; that by it you may perceive, that a principal reason why his majesty hasteneth so soon into Ireland is, that his majesty hath been thereunto advised, and with importunity invited by that kingdom and by your excellency. I know you invited the prince thither, but now (being king) it seems to me very demonstrable by the articles, that that great change hath so much altered the case, as I much apprehend his majesty's presence in Ireland (be- fore it is better settled, or at least that your excellency be master of Dublin) will be very inconvenient, if not prejudicial to his affairs there, by rendring the Irish catholicks unreasonably importunate, if not mutinous, to get the king (as soon as he shall arrive in Ireland) to call a parliament there in the absence of the greatest part of the protestants, and to settle on them all the churches and benefices now in their hands". The king continued in his resolution to go for Ireland; —but what through indolence and indigence, what through divisions in his council and quarrels among. his adherents, he delayed it so long, that Cromwell had reduced the chief places of strength in that kingdom to the obedience of the commonwealth, and rendered it vain for his majesty to think any more of it, or hope for assistance from it. The knowledge of Charles's disposition towards Ireland made impressions, we may well believe, to his disadvantage. In a letter, written by the Scots to his majesty, whilst he was in Jersey, we find the following expressions: "As we are

* Ormonde's Papers, vol. I. p. 258.

a "

his claim to the English throne, he caused

much grieved to consider the many great inconveniences which accompany your majesty's irresolution; so are we much more afflicted to think of the sad effects that may ensue, in case your majesty should be induced to believe, that it can be safe for your majesty to trust your person or affairs to the papists in Ireland; who, for their enmity to the reformed religion, and cruel murder of many thousand protestants in that kingdom, are long since become detestable to all your majesty's subjects, who either fear God, honour your majesty, or wish well to the peace of these kingdoms." This description of the papists in Ireland is far enough from being too severe. They had massacred the protestants: they had formed a general council to carry on the war; and had put themselves, in a good measure, under the direction of the Pope's nuntio: nor were they to be prevailed with to submit to the royal authority, but by pardon and indemnity; by repeal of the best laws for the security of the protestant religion; by giving them a right to arm, and power to claim authority in parliament, in the army, and in the several departments of civil affairs; and were disposed to improve every advantage they possessed, How surprising then, that his majesty should be inclined towards these people, and disposed to trust to them for his security and restoration to his other kingdoms? We may well judge he was pleased with the terms they had gotten, and doubted not of being served by them without reserve. For people of a cruel, barbarous, and inhuman disposition, are fittest to bring about the

Ormonde's Papers, vol. I. p. 325. between Ormonde and the Irish, 1648.

See the Articles of Peace

1

a declaration to be issued, in which, in high terms, he asserted his rights ", and vowed revenge on those concerned in the death of his father. That he might be in

designs of princes who like not the trammels of laws; nor will such scruple to domineer, to insult, to lord it over their fellow-subjects in the manner they think most acceptable to their masters. Charles might moreover possibly think, that the great obligations they had to his family, would attach them most firmly to his person and government.

12 He caused a declaration to be issued, in which he asserted his rights.] This declaration is addressed to all his loving subjects of England, and dominions of Wales; and is said to have been published with the advice of his privy council.

It begins with taking notice " of the murder of his father; and then declares that he is firmly resolved, by the assistance of Almighty God, though he perished alone in the enterprize, to be a severe avenger of his innocent blood.-And we shall therein," continues he, "by all ways and means possible, endeavour to pursue and bring to their due punishment those bloody traitors, who were either actors or contrivers of that unparallel'd and inhuman murder. And since it hath pleased God so to dispose, as by such an untimely martyrdom to deprive us of so good a father, and England of so gracious a king, we do further declare, that by his death, the crown of England, with all priviledges, rights, and preheminences belonging thereto, is, by a clear and undoubted right of succession, justly and lineally descended upon us, as next and immediate heir and successor thereunto, without any condition

some condition of executing his purposes, he transported himself to Breda, where he treated with the commissioners of Scotland, and, submitting to terms, embarked for

or limitation; without any intermission or claim; without any ceremony or solemnity whatsoever and that by virtue thereof, we are now in right lawfully seiz'd of the said crown, and ought, by the laws of God and that nation, to enjoy a royal power there, as well in church as commonwealth; to govern the people of that kingdom according to the antient and known laws; to maintain them in peace and justice; and to protect and defend them from the oppression of any usurped power whatsoever. And the people of that nation, by the like laws, owe unto us, and ought reciprocally to pay, duty and obedience, as unto their leige lord and sovereign. This royal right of ours is grounded upon so clear a title, is settled by such fundamental laws, confirmed by so many oaths of allegiance in all ages, is supported by such a long continued succession of our royal progenitors, and by such a constant submission of all the people, that the same can admit of no dispute: no act of our predecessors can debar us of it; no power on earth can justly take it from us; and by the undoubted laws of that nation, to oppose us, either in the claim or exercise thereof, is a treason of the highest degree "."

After this, many kind words are bestowed on the body of the English nation; the usurped powers are described in the most odious terms; pardon is offered to all, except such as voted or acted in the murder of

* Parliamentary Hist. vol. XIX. p. 220.