Lord-Keeper, refusing to put the great seal to the King's proclamation against the persons accused, did also make tender of his charge, but howsoever remains still with it; and thus, Sir, you see to what height of distempers things are come. The public voice runs much against Bristol and his son, as great instruments of these misunderstandings. In the meantime they are united in the Houses, and the accord between the Upper House and Commons grows daily more easy; so that it is hoped some good and moderate resolutions will be taken for the procuring his Majesty's return with his contentment (which I pray God may be), for otherwise there can be expected nothing but confusion. * * * * * "I understand even now that the King is remained this day at Windsor, and it is hoped will not go further; the French Ambassador having been there, and offering to interpose for an accommodation between his Majesty and the Parliament, in the King his master's name, whence it is hoped may ensue some good effect. This day divers Lords are going to Court with a message from the Houses. I had almost forgotten to tell you of a new Secretary of State made last Saturday, to wit, the Lord Falkland, and he hath the Diet."[284] From Windsor, Charles went to York, which now became a focus of political and ecclesiastical activity and intrigue. Declarations, manifestoes, and commands were issued by royal authority from the North to be contradicted and disobeyed by such members of the two Houses as continued at their posts in the South.[285] The Puritan patriots flocked to St. Stephen's with petitions complaining of Popish malignants, Irish rebels, and other hindrances to reform; while Royalist Churchmen as eagerly besieged the King's presence chamber in the ancient archiepiscopal city with addresses lamenting the disorders of the times, and praying for the support of old-fashioned loyalty, with Prayer Book, Cathedrals, and Bishops. [Sidenote: _Attempts at Mediation._] Attempts to mediate between the two contending powers were made in vain: for no mediator existed possessing such a character for impartiality as was needful to reconcile, or even mitigate the quarrel. Louis XIII. of France offered his services, but his relationship to Henrietta Maria, and his being a Popish and absolute monarch, disqualified him for the office of peace-maker. [Sidenote: 1642.]