cupation than to fill all the jails
with their open or secret enemies. Designs were even entertained of
transporting the loyal families to Barbadoes, Jamaica, and the other
colonies, lest they should propagate in England children of the same
malignant affections with themselves.

This success hastened the ruin of the parliament. Lambert, at the
head of a body of troops, was no less dangerous to them than Booth. A
thousand pounds, which they sent him to buy a jewel, were employed by
him in liberalities to his officers. At his instigation, they drew up a
petition, and transmitted it to Fleetwood, a weak man, and an honest,
if sincerity in folly deserve that honorable name. The import of this
petition was, that Fleetwood should be made commander-in-chief,
Lambert major-general, Desborow lieutenant-general of the horse, Monk
major-general of the foot. To which a demand was added, that no officer
should be dismissed from his command but by a court martial.

The parliament, alarmed at the danger, immediately cashiered Lambert,
Desborow, Berry, Clarke, Barrow, Kelsey, Cobbet. Sir Arthur Hazelrig
proposed the impeachment of Lambert for high treason. Fleetwood's
commission was vacated, and the command of the army was vested in seven
persons, of whom that general was one. The parliament voted, that they
would have no more general officers. And they declared it high treason
to levy any money without consent of parliament.

But these votes were feeble weapons in opposition to the swords of the
soldiery. Lambert drew some troops together, in order to decide the
controversy. Okey, who was leading his regiment to the assistance of
the parliament, was deserted by them. Morley and Moss brought their
regiments into Palace-yard, resolute to oppose the violence of Lambert.
But that artful general knew an easy way of disappointing them. He
placed his soldiers in the streets which led to Westminster Hall. When
the speaker came in his coach, he ordered the horses to be turned, and
very civilly conducted him home. The other members were in like manner
intercepted. And the two regiments in Palace-yard, observing that they
were exposed to derision, peaceably retired to their quarters. A little
before this bold enterprise, a solemn fast had been kept by the army;
and it is remarked, that this ceremony was the usual prelude to every
signal violence which they committed.

The officers found themselves again invested with supreme authority, of
w