partly for my royal mother's and your absence, and partly for the disturbances of this kingdom. I could wish and daily pray that there might be a conjunct and perfect uniting between my father's majesty and his Parliament, that there might be a perfect concordance with them in the subject to the removal of the grievances of the country, and the renewing of our decayed joys. For, during their variance betwixt them, this kingdom must of necessity lie under most palpable danger through fear of foreign or domestic enemies, they having now the lamps of the all-discerning Parliament darkened, through the inconvenience of the many combustions now on foot. As for the militia of the kingdom, it is not yet determined upon nor settled, which of itself is one of the principal fortitudes wherewith this kingdom is adorned. Ireland was never in more danger than now of late, there being many towns in the province of Asper taken by the rebels, others endangered. But the last intelligence presented us with better news, wherein we understand of a fatal overthrow given the rebels' party, to their loss of ten thousand men; wherein O'Neal was supposed to be taken prisoner, Colonel Brunslow, and divers other of their officers likewise following him in his sad misfortune. Dear sister, we are, as much as we may, merry; and more than we would, sad, in respect we cannot alter the present distempers of these turbulent times. My father's resolution is now for York, where he intends to reside to see the event or sequel to these bad inprospitious beginnings; whither you may direct your letter. Thus much desiring your comfortable answer to these my sad lines, I rest Your loving brother, CHARLES P. Royston, March 9, 1642. Charles I. to the Earl of Newcastle.1 Newcastle, This is to tell you that this rebellion is grown to that height, that I must not look what opinion men are who at the time [are] willing and able to serve me. Therefore, I do not only permit, but command you to make use of all my loving subjects' services, without examining their consciences, (more than their loyalty to me) as you shall find most to conduce to the upholding of my just regal power. So I rest Your most assured faithful friend, CHARLES R. Shrewsbury, 23rd September, 1642. Charles I. to the Earl of Newcastle; with thanks, and announcing the sending of money to him.3 Newcastle, Your endeavours are so really faithful and lucky in my service, that though I pretend not to thank you in words, yet I cannot but tell you of (though I can 1 MS. Harl., 6988, art. 69. This note is a striking evidence of the king's extreme anxiety to increase his forces at this critical period. 2 MS. Harl., 6988, art. 71. not all) the sense I have of them, when, as now, I have time and opportunity for it. This bearer will tell you of the defeat the rebels have gotten, which referring to him, I will tell you of four thousand pounds I have sent you, for which do not too much thank me, for it may be, you should not have had it if I had known how it might have been speedily and safely conveyed hither, yet I think very well employed. That I have designed of you is to make what haste you can to come to join your forces with mine, for I suppose and hope that my wife will be come to you before you can be ready to march. I write this, that ye may be ready when she comes, or if (as it is possible) she should take another course, you might make haste without her; the certainty of which (I mean my wife's journey) you will know within few days or hours after the return of this bearer. This is all for this time. So I rest Your most assured, constant friend, Oxford, November 2, 1642. CHARLES R. Charles I. to the Marquis of Hamilton.2 Hamilton, Though the trust of this bearer needs not a credential letter, yet the civility of a friend cannot but, under his hand as well as by word of mouth, express his kindness and resentment of courtesies, which of late hath been such, that you have given me just cause to give 1 Referring to the battle of Edge-Hill, which had taken place in the previous month. 2 MS. Harl., 841. you better thanks than I will offer at in words. I shall not neglect the lazy use of so trusty a bearer, by referring to him not only the estate of my affairs here, but likewise in what way you will be of most use to me. Yet I cannot but tell you, I have set up my rest upon the justice of my cause; being resolved that no extremity or misfortune shall make me yield; for I will either be a glorious king or a patient martyr; and as yet not being the first, nor at this present apprehending the latter, I think it now no unfit time to express this unto you. my resolution One thing more, (which but for the messenger were too much to trust to paper) the failing to one friend 1 hath indeed gone very near me. Wherefore, I am re solved that no consideration whatever shall ever make me do the like. Upon this ground, I am certain that God hath either so totally forgiven me, that he will still bless this good cause in my hands, or that my punishment shall be in this world, which, without performing what I have resolved, I cannot flatter myself will end here. This accustomed freedom will, I am confident, add cheerfulness to your honest resolutions, seeing besides generosity (to which I pretend a little) my conscience will make me stick to my friends; assuring you I have none if I am not Your most assured, constant friend, Oxford, 2nd December, 1642. CHARLES R.2 1 The Earl of Strafford. See p. 329. 2 Headed by Burnet, p. 203, "An extraordinary letter of the king's." He adds the following note:-"This excellent letter will both show what Charles I. to the Earl of Newcastle.1 Newcastle, The services I have received from you hath been so eminent, and is likely to have so great an influence upon all my affairs, that I need tell you that I shall never forget it, but always look upon you as a principal instrument in keeping the crown upon my head. The business of Yorkshire I account almost done,2 only I put you in mind to make yourself master (according as formerly but briefly I have written to you) of all the arms there, to ask them from the trained bands by several divisions to desire them from the rest of my well affected subjects, and to take them from the ill-affected, especially Leeds and Halifax. I have no greater need than of arms, nor means to supply myself than from you, and therefore I recommend to you the getting as many as you can from all the parts you may, and even from Newcastle, (whither pious resentments his majesty carried along with him in the greatest perplexities of his affairs, and discover how he did not think that the marquis had either neglected or abused his trust. Lanerick acted with more briskness, and spoke more home and roundly than his brother, which preserved him in a high degree from the jealousies which the smoothness of his carriage brought upon him. Now the pulpits were not idle, for the ministers began again to work on the people, for the defence of the good cause now in hazard, which was echoed back with the applause of the vulgar." IMS. Harl., 6988, art. 74. 2 One of the counties that stood nearly neuter at this period. Parties were pretty equally divided in that part of the country, and they agreed on both sides to suspend hostilities, and aid in attempting to put an end to the civil war by which the country was beginning to be distracted. The queen, assisted by Newcastle, shortly afterwards succeeded in raising a diversion to the royal cause of no ordinary importance. VOL. II. |