Cassell's History of England, Vol. 3 (of 8) From the Great Rebellion to the Fall of Marlborough.
CHAPTER III.
END OF THE REIGN OF CHARLES I.
Differences between the Presbyterians and Independents--The King at Holmby--Attempt to Disband the Army--Consequent Petitions to Parliament--The Adjutators--Meeting at Newmarket--Seizure of the King--Advance of the Army on London--Stubbornness of the Presbyterians--The Army Marches through London--Its Proposals to Charles--Their Rejection--The King throws away his best Chances--The Levellers--Cromwell's Efforts on behalf of Charles--Renewed Intrigues of Charles--Flight to Carisbrooke--Attempts to Rescue the King--Charles Treats with the Scots--Consequent Reaction in his Favour--Battle of Preston and Suppression of the Insurrection--Cromwell at Edinburgh--The Prince of Wales in Command of the Fleet--Negotiations at Newport--Growing Impatience of the Army--Petitions for the King's Trial--Charles's Blindness and Duplicity--He is Removed to Hurst Castle--Pride's Purge--Supremacy of the Independents--The Whiggamores--Hugh Peters' Sermon in St. Margaret's, Westminster--Ordinance for the King's Trial--Trial and Execution of Charles I. 59