t the
general declare, otherwise than by his actions, that he had adopted
the king's interests; and nothing but necessity extorted at last the
confession from him. His silence in the commencement of his enterprise
ought to be no objection to his sincerity; since he maintained the same
reserve at a time when, consistent with common sense, he could have
entertained no other purpose.[*] [27]

* See note AA, at the end of the volume.

There was one Morrice, a gentleman of Devonshire, of a sedentary,
studious disposition, nearly related to Monk, and one who had always
maintained the strictest intimacy with him. With this friend alone did
Monk deliberate concerning that great enterprise which he had projected.
Sir John Granville, who had a commission from the king, applied to
Morrice for access to the general; but received for answer, that the
general desired him to communicate his business to Morrice. Granville,
though importunately urged, twice refused to deliver his message to any
but Monk himself; and this cautious politician, finding him now a person
whose secrecy could be safely trusted, admitted him to his presence,
and opened to him his whole intentions. Still he scrupled to commit
any thing to writing: he delivered only a verbal message by Granville
assuring the king of his services, giving advice for his conduct, and
exhorting him instantly to leave the Spanish territories, and retire
into Holland. He was apprehensive lest Spain might detain him as a
pledge for the recovery of Dunkirk and Jamaica. Charles followed these
directions, and very narrowly escaped to Breda. Had he protracted his
journey a few hours, he had certainly, under pretence of honor and
respect, been arrested by the Spaniards.[*]

Lockhart, who was governor of Dunkirk, and nowise averse to the king's
service, was applied to on this occasion. The state of England was
set before him, the certainty of the restoration represented, and the
prospect of great favor displayed, if he would anticipate the vows of
the kingdom, and receive the king into his fortress. Lockhart still
replied, that his commission was derived from an English parliament, and
he would not open his gates but in obedience to the same authority.[**]
This scruple, though in the present emergence it approaches towards
superstition, it is difficult for us entirely to condemn.

* Lansdowne, Clarendon.

** Burnet.

The elections for the new parliament went every where