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A. D. 1659-60.

Defeated by Sir Anthony and

his friends.

Clarges to acquaint Sir Anthony with what had been concluded that night. He commended her prudence for making the discovery, as it might save her husband and family; for Monk, he said, had not quickness enough for such an undertaking, and must certainly be ruined in the attempt.53

Sir Anthony immediately sent for those members of the council of state, who he knew would not favour the proceedings of Sir Arthur Haslerigge, to meet by eight o'clock at the council chamber at Whitehall.

At this meeting, Sir Anthony told the general he must be sensible that every trial which had been made of new forms and methods of government, instead of providing a settlement or security for the people, produced only tyranny and oppression; that it was impossible for England

53 This lady is called some very hard names in the Thurloe papers, and these have been lately put prominently forward by an author who seems to have imbibed a most unreasonable degree of dislike both for her and her husband. It is not at all impossible but these tales are mere scandal; but, if true, why rake up her early errors to influence our judgment upon her subsequent conduct? Was there no womanly merit in refusing the prospect of a crown, because the struggle for it must compromise her husband's safety?

to be a free nation under the government of an army and the power of the sword; that the fluctuations and revolutions must be endless unless the ancient laws and constitution of the kingdom were restored, which could not be effected but by restoring the king; and that, since there must be a single person, he who had the best right to it was fittest to be on the throne. Sir Anthony also told Monk, that though many persons might think themselves in danger by the restoration, it would be his fault if there should be any sufferers; for he might bring in the king upon such terms and conditions as would make every man safe, himself great, and the nation happy. In this Sir Anthony said they expected he should assist them, and engage upon his honour that nothing should divert him from it. Monk, apprehensive that his designs were discovered, and being encompassed by a set of men with whom, at that time, he was unable to contend, made no scruple to give them any assurances; and, as a proof of the sincerity of his intentions, he consented to change several commissions in the army."

54 This account of one of the most important intrigues in our history is probably taken from Stringer's MS.: it agrees in every

A. D. 1659-60.

A. D. 1659-60.

Commis

Sir Anthony made immediate use of this concession; for, being well acquainted with the

sions in the characters of most of the officers, he drew up

army chan

ged, an establishment of the army,* which reduced

*The rough drafts of this establishment of the army and navy, in his own hand-writing,

are among his papers, in the possession of the present Earl of Shaftesbury.

material circumstance with that given by Mr. Locke, who doubtless derived his information from the earl himself. After speaking of the private understanding which had taken place between Monk and the French ambassador, and the manner in which it had been discovered to Sir Anthony by Mrs. Monk' Mr. Locke describes the scene in the council-chamber, thus:

Upon this notice, Sir Anthony caused the council of state, whereof he was one, to be summoned; and when they were met, he desired the clerks might withdraw, he having matter of great importance to communicate to them. The doors of the council-chamber being locked, and the keys laid upon the table, he began to charge Monk, not in a direct and open accusation, but in obscure intimations and doubtful expressions, giving ground of suspicion that he was playing false with them and not doing as he promised. This he did so skilfully and intelligibly to Monk that he perceived he was discovered, and therefore in his answer to him fumbled and seemed out of order, so that the rest of the council perceived there was something in it, though they knew not what the matter was; and the general at last averring that what had been suggested was upon groundless suspicions, and that he was true to his principles and stood firm to what he had professed to them, and had no secret designs that ought to disturb them, and that he was ready to give them all manner of satisfaction: whereupon Sir A. Ashley closing with him and making a further

six regiments of foot and one of horse, and made a reduction in all the garrison companies not regimented. By this, several officers were removed, and others, who could be trusted, were

use of what he had said than he intended, for he meant no more than so far as to get away from them upon this assurance which he gave them: but Sir A. Ashley told him that if he was sincere in what he said, he might presently remove all scruples if he would take away their commissions from such and such officers in his army, and give them to those whom he named, and that presently and before he went out of the room. Monk was in himself no quick man; he was guilty alone among a company of men who he knew not what they would do with him, for they all struck in with Sir A. Ashley, and plainly perceived that Monk had designed some foul play. In these straits, being thus close pressed and knowing not how else to extricate himself, he consented to what was proposed; and so immediately before he stirred, a great part of the commissions of his officers were changed; and Sir Edward Harley among the rest, who was a member of the council and there present, was made governor of Dunkirk in the room of Sir William Lockhart, and was sent away immediately to take possession of it; by which means the army ceased to be at Monk's devotion, and was put into hands that would not serve him in the design he had undertaken. The French ambassador, who had the night before sent away an express to Mazarine, positively to assure him that things went here as he desired, and that Monk was fixed by him in his resolution to take on himself the government, was not a little astonished the next day to find things taking another turn. And indeed this so much disgraced him in the French court, that he was presently called home, and soon after broke his heart."

A. D. 1659-60.

A.D. 1659-60.

and in the navy.

put in their places. As he chiefly influenced the council of state, who owed their being to him, they readily approved of it; and Monk could not dissent without renewing their jealousy.

Sir Anthony settled, likewise, with great assiduity, the establishment of the navy, the list of ships, and the several captains, with whose characters he was well acquainted. This he sent to his friend, Admiral Montague, (afterwards Earl of Sandwich,) for his approbation; who returned him the following answer:

"SIR,

"This evening I have received your commands concerning an establishment for the navy, which I shall obey as soon as possibly I can. I suppose it will necessarily require Monday's and Tuesday's time to inform myself and consider about it, after which you shall receive a further account from

"Sir,

"Your most humble servant,

"Swiftsure, off Greenhive,

"March 24, 1659-60."

"E. MONTAGUE.

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