Parlement

1640 — pp. [2], 55. Signatures: A^(4)(-A1) B-G^(4) H2. There are two settings of this same edition known (no priority as to first issue, and many copies contain mixed formes). This setting has the title page with a small version of the royal arms; and on the verso a large, full page, engraved version; and the last line of D4v begins: as ever'. **Short contemporary Ms. note on title: 'This p'lament began Apr. 16, 1640 & was dissolved May 5 folowing.' Small 4to. 190 mm. Later blue boards binding; leather title strip lettered in gilt. Clean and attractive copy. Charles I (1600-1649), King of Great Britain and Ireland. In his early disputes, arguments, and battles with the Scots, tried a new tool. He resolved to call an English parliament, and to ask for means to enable him to make war effectually upon Scotland. The discovery of an attempt made by the Scottish leaders to open negotiations with the king of France led him to hope that the national English feeling would be touched. In the meanwhile the English privy councillors offered him a loan which would enable him at least to gather an army without parliamentary aid. The Short parliament of 1640 was opened by the King on 13 April with a few words indicative of the gravity of the situation, the task of more fully setting forth the royal wishes and intentions being devolved upon the Lord Keeper (Baron Finch). Under Pym's leadership the Parliament showed itself disposed to ask for redress of grievances as a condition of a grant of supply, and it subsequently refused to give money unless peace were made with the Scots. On 5 May Charles dissolved parliament by means of this Declaration. Getting money by irregular means, he proceeded to push on the war, and formed an Irish army to join the mutinous and un-warlike Royal army. Terrified and exasperated Englishmen, believed that this army would be used in England to crush their liberties. The Scots knew that the opinion in England was in their favour, and they had already entered into communication with the parliamentary leaders. On 20 Aug. they crossed the Tweed, defeated part of the royal army at Newburn on the 28th, and soon afterwards occupied Newcastle and Durham. Charles's money was by this time almost exhausted, and he was obliged to summon the English peers to meet him in a great council at York, as there was no time to get together a full parliament. The great council met on 24 Sept. It at once insisted on opening negotiations with the Scots, and sent some of its members to London to obtain a loan to support the army during the progress of the treaty. Charles had now agreed to summon another parliament, and the negotiations opened at Ripon were adjourned to London. Possibly written by John Finch, Baron Finch of Fordwich (1584-1660), Speaker of the House of Commons and Lord Keeper. STC (2nd ed.) 9262; Thomason, E.203[1]; Lincoln's Inn. Catalogue of Pamphlets, 1506-1700. The attractive First Edition of a scarce and important pamphlet. KING CHARLES I DISSOLVES THE "SHORT PARLIAMENT". **PRICE JUST REDUCED! STC 2