ey fixed an assessment for the support of the fleet and army:
and having passed these votes for the present composure of the kingdom,
they dissolved themselves, and issued writs for the immediate assembling
of a new parliament. This last measure had been previously concerted
with the general, who knew that all men, however different in
affections, expectations, and designs, united in their detestation of
the long parliament.

A council of state was established, consisting of men of character and
moderation; most of whom, during the civil wars, had made a great figure
among the Presbyterians. The militia of the kingdom was put into such
hands as would promote order and settlement. These, conjoined with
Monk's army, which lay united at London, were esteemed a sufficient
check on the more numerous, though dispersed army, of whose inclinations
there was still much reason to be diffident Monk, however, was every day
removing the more obnoxious officers, and bringing the troops to a state
of discipline and obedience.

Overton, governor of Hull, had declared his resolution to keep
possession of that fortress till the coming of King Jesus, but when
Alured produced the authority of parliament for his delivering the place
to Colonel Fairfax, he thought proper to comply.

Montague, who commanded the fleet in the Baltic, had entered into the
conspiracy with Sir George Booth; and pretending want of provisions, had
sailed from the Sound towards the coast of England, with an intention
of supporting that insurrection of the royalists. On his arrival,
he received the news of Booth's defeat, and the total failure of the
enterprise. The great difficulties to which the parliament was then
reduced, allowed them no leisure to examine strictly the reasons
which he gave for quitting his station; and they allowed him to retire
peaceably to his country house. The council of state now conferred on
him, in conjunction with Monk, the command of the fleet; and secured
the naval, as well as military force, in hands favorable to the public
settlement.

Notwithstanding all these steps which were taking towards the
reestablishment of monarchy, Monk still maintained the appearance of
zeal for a commonwealth, and hitherto allowed no canal of correspondence
between himself and the king to be opened. To call a free parliament,
and to restore the royal family, were visibly, in the present
disposition of the kingdom, one and the same measure: yet would no