1678

Summary

January the 10th (1677[/8]). The Lord Ossery went into Holland to look after his Regiment which he hath there, Nothing is Discoursed on here but a Warr with France, and our entering into Confederation with the Emperour the Spaniard, and the Dutch, It is now said the French King is marching towards Flanders.

January the 14th ([16]77[/8]). It's said the Highlanders are to Randesvouz at Sterling the 24th of this Instant, and soe to march into the west, where they say most dessenters live, There is a Proclamation prohibiting any subjects, Noblemen or others coming out of that Kingdome (Tradesmen Excepted) upon any account whatsoever, There is a Great Army Raised there its said Consisting of 10 or 15000 men and one Raised allready here it is supposed Consisting of a great Number. His Majesty That hee may give the fuller sattisfaction to the Address of this House, haveing Great things to Impart to it which are not yet ripe doth Adjourne the Parliament till January 28th 1677[/8]. The French Fleet Consisting of 18 men of Warr with 7 or 8 Fire ships and Tenders &c haveing 10000 men a board have taken Gorea in Africa from the Dutch and 300 prisoners, and are Gone thence into the West Indies its supposed they will attempt Tobago, Which if they doe they will take it also from the Dutch, The French in Sicily have taken 6 Ships of Ours laden with Corne Oil, some say it is noe Breach of peace to take victualls, and that noe doubt the French King will pay them for it, It's said the French hath given the Algerines leave to bring any [P61] Prise they take in these parts into any port of theirs, and to make Sale of them there, These Algerines are now in warr with us have of late taken many of our ships and damnified many more.