at length entirely brought under the subjection of the commonwealth of England. affairs; so that as yet that kingdom cannot be thought sufficiently prepared for his majesty's reception. But his majesty hopes, and doubts not, that there will be in a short time a right understanding and perfect union between all his majesty's subjects of that his kingdom, and a due submission and obedience from them to his majesty for his majesty is resolved (and had never the least intention or purpose to the contrary) to preserve and maintain the government of church and state there as it is establish'd by the laws in that kingdom, without any alteration or violation on his part; so that there can be no difference between his majesty and his subjects of that his kingdom, except they shall endeavour and press his majesty to alter the laws and government of his other kingdoms, which as it would be very unreasonable for his majesty to desire without their own consents, so without such their consents it is not in his just power to do, if he should join and consent with his subjects of Scotland to that purpose; and therefore (he is confident) when they have thoroughly weighed and consider'd what is good for his majesty and themselves, they will acquiesce with the enjoying the laws and priviledges of that kingdom, without desiring to infringe or impose upon those of their brethren and neighbours. And if any persons have endeavoured to make impressions on your lordships, that the king hath or had any other intention or desires with reference to his subjects of Scotland, than what we have now expressed to your lordships, his ma jesty desires you to give no credit to them, and assures you you shall always find him constant to these reso Charles was in Jersey when his hopes of lutions, and especially that all ways and means which may tend to the advancement and propagation of the protestant religion shall be so heartily embraced by his majesty, that the world shall have cause to believe him worthy of his title of Defender of the Faith, which he values as his greatest attribute. "This being the true condition of his majesty's two kingdoms of England and Scotland, and it being necessary for his majesty to give life to the afflicted state of his affairs by his own activity and vigour, your lordships clearly discern that his other kingdom of Ireland is for the present fittest to receive his majesty's person; and thither he intends with all convenient speed to transport himself, being thereunto earnestly advised, and with great importunity invited, by the kingdom of Ireland, and by the marquis of Ormonde his majesty's lieutenant there; by whose great wisdom a peace is there concluded, and thereby the king at this time possess'd entirely of three parts of four of that his large and faithful kingdom, and of the command of good armies and a good fleet to be joined to his navy: and he hath reason to believe that Dublin and the few other places (who have submitted to the rebellious power in England) either are upon the knowledge of that odious paracide returned to their allegiance, or will be suddenly reduced; so that the affairs of that kingdom being settled (which we hope will be in a short time) the king will be ready to go from thence into Scotland, when his presence there shall be requisite. His majesty holds it most agreeable to the good affection he hath and shall always bear to this state, and to the sense he hath of the obligations he hath received from it, before his going from hence, to propose or desire 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 hist 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. 2 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 (before 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 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 mea sure, 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 |