Page 25 - Hampdens Monument Unveiled

themselves. While thus awaiting, with study and patient
observation the time when the active service of a real patriot
might benefit his country, his domestic happiness received a
severe blow by the death of his wife, Aug 20, 1634.

Ship Money

In the same autumn the scheme of raising a revenue by ship -
money was devised. Confined in the first instance to seaport
towns it proved so profitable that the levy was soon extended
to inland places. In 1636, the charge was laid, by order of
council, upon all counties, cities, and corporate towns, and
the sheriffs were required, in case of refusal or delay, to
proceed by distress. Here Hampden resolved to make a stand. The
sum demanded of him was thirty-one shillings and sixpence; but
the very smallness of the sum served to show that his
opposition was directed against the principle of the exaction,
and rested on no ground of personal inconvenience or individual
injustice. Proceedings being instituted in the Exchequer for
recovery of the money the case was solemnly argued before the
twelve judges who severally delivered their opinions, and by a
majority of eight to four, determined in favour of the crown.
''But the judgement," says Lord Clarendon, "infinitely more
advanced him, Mr. Hampden, than the service for which it was
given. He was rather of reputation in his own country, than of
public discourse, or fame in the kingdom, before the business
of ship-money : but then he grew the argument of all tongues,
every man inquiring who or what he was, that durst, at his own
charge, support the liberty and property of the country, as he
thought, from being made a prey to the court. His carriage,
throughout this agitation, was with that rare temper and
modesty that they who watched him narrowly to find some
advantage against his person, to make him less resolute in his
cause, were compelled to give him a just testimony."

Star Chamber & Monopolies

These measures, which placed at the king's disposal the
property, were accompanied by equally stringent attacks on the
liberties of the country. Tutored by the lofty spirit of
Wentworth, Charles resolved, and seemed likely to succeed to
rule independently of Parliaments : and in the sycophancy of
the judges, and the unlimited and illegal severities of the
courts of the Star-Chamber and High Commission, he had ample
means of suppressing murmur, and punishing the refractory. We
need not dwell upon the state to which the country was reduced,
during the eleven years which elapsed without the meeting of a
Parliament: so unpromising did it appear, that even the most
resolute of that party comprehended by the Royalists under the
general name of Puritans, meditated a withdrawal from the
tyranny which they had almost ceased to hope to restrain. Even
this, however was denied to them by the infatuated jealousy of
popular principles entertained by the king and his advisors,