Second attempt on La Rochelle.
Sir Henry Palmer to Secretary Nicholas, from on board the “Garland,” before La Rochelle, under the Earl of Denbigh:--"In this letter Sir Henry states that what was here given out to be feasible they find directly impossible. On the approach of the English Fleet, the French retreated under their ordnance. The palisadoes across the river described. The Council of War determined that they should put out to sea, and spend their victual abroad. Lord Denbigh cruising between Ushant and Scilly. The writer between Portsmouth and Cape La Hogue. No man but looked back upon the poor town but with eyes of pity, though not able to help them."--Vol. ciii., No. 50, May 8, 1628.
Letter from the Earl of Denbigh to the same.--"Men have ever been the censure of the world who are unsuccessful from public employments. Misinformation has been the cause of this misfortune. They found Rochelle so blocked up, that in eight days’ stay they never heard from them. The palisado is so strengthened with two floats of ships, both within and without, moored and fastened together from their ports to half-mast high, that, lying in shoal water, it is impossible to be forced."--Vol. ciii., No. 57, dated May 9, at sea.
Various letters seem to clear Lord Denbigh of cowardice in turning back. See letters from Rowland Woodward to Francis Windebank. "The report is, that Lord Denbigh was overruled by Ned Clarke, that would not hazard the Fleet. The King was never seen to be so much moved, saying, ‘if the ships had been lost, he had timber enough to build more.’"--Vol. civ., No. 47.
In a letter from Sir Henry Hungate to William, Earl of Denbigh, it is stated, "the King’s pleasure is that not a single man should go ashore."--Vol. civ., No. 69.
Respecting the “Remonstrance.”
"Message on Wednesday from the King, that he would not yield to any alteration in his answer, but would close the Session on the 11th inst. The house proceeded with the Remonstrance, until another message, which absolutely forbade them to do so. Scene which ensued:--Most part of the house fell a-weeping. Sir Robert Philips could not speak for weeping. Others blamed those that wept, and said they had swords to cut the throats of the King’s enemies.
"That afternoon the King and the Lords were in council from two to eight on the question whether the Parliament should be dissolved. The negative was resolved on. On the following morning the Speaker explained away his message, and the house proceeded with the Remonstrance. The King agreed thereunto, and came that afternoon, gave the customary royal assent, adding other observations which are repeated. It is impossible to express with what joy this was heard, nor what joy it causes in the city, where they are making bonfires at every door, such as was never seen but upon his Majesty’s return from Spain."--Letter from Sir Francis Nethersole[Nethersole] to the Queen of Bohemia, vol. cvi., No. 55, dated June 5. The Strand.
"Sends a copy of the Remonstrance of the Commons. It was presented to the King on Tuesday last. The Duke was present in the Banqueting-house at the time, and on his Majesty rising from his chair, kneeled down, with a purpose, it was conceived, to have besought his Majesty to say something. But the King, saying only ‘No,’ took him up with his hand, which the Duke kissed, and so his Majesty retired. This was all that passed at the time, and all that is like to come of the Remonstrance. His Majesty’s favour to the Duke is no way diminished, but the ill-will of the people is like to be much increased."--The same to the same, vol. cvii., No. 78, June 19. The Strand.
Death of Buckingham.