All the officers in his army of whom he entertained any suspicion, he immediately cashiered; Cobbet, who had been sent by the committee of safety, under pretence of communicating their resolutions to Monk, but really with a view of debauching his army, he committed to custody: he drew together the several scattered regiments: he summoned an assembly somewhat resembling a convention of states; and having communicated to them his resolution of marching into England, he received a seasonable, though no great supply of money.
Hearing that Lambert was advancing northward with his army, Monk sent Cloberry and two other commissioners to London, with large professions of his inclination to peace, and with offers of terms for an accommodation.

His chief aim was to gain time, and relax the preparations of his enemies.

The committee of safety fell into the snare.

A treaty was signed by Monk's commissioners; but he refused to ratify it, and complained that they had exceeded their powers.

He desired, however, to enter into a new negotiation at Newcastle.