appointed upon the commons taking up armeâ— against the Array men there procured himself to be commander 〈◊〉 cheife over them upon his promise to be faithfull to them and then presently without any compulsion but voluntarily joyned with the enemy and took the Oath for the Earle of Newcastle and did send sundry to prison for the Parliaments cause And since he was 〈◊〉 commander in chief conveighed away one Ducket a Papist and a great Delinquent which Mr. Barwis would take no notice of though acquainted therewith 10. That severall propositions and grievances were presented by some Gentlemen and others to the Parliament Commissioners but were not allowed or regarded wherby others were and are discouraged further to complain a copy of which is hereunto annexed 11. That heavier and greater burdens and taxes are laid upon the Commons now by the Committees then were under the enemy and such as the County is not able to beare yet few or none of the Delinquents estates Sequestred 12. That if the Militia be not better setled these t â—â—o Counties will be easily reduced back under the enemy upon the Scots removing thence 13. That if more faithfull honest and able men be not chozen for Committees and Sequestrators the County will be ruined or lost most of the Sequestrators imbecilled and private men yea the Delinquents friends wholly inriched thereby 14. That if there should be two commanders in chief in these countyes it would much hinder the Service besides the charge incident to the same for these were allwaies in the time of Queene Elizabeth under one and so while the enemy had power over them Therfore some honest and able man should be chosen for that place who may be added to the Commissioners for both Kingdoms 15. That the chief of the commissioners of Array in these countyes be eyther imprisoned or confined in or to some remote place which will much conduce to the furtherance of the service and better setling of the peace there Their Tenants being thus freed from the feare and op ression of their wicked Landlords most of the commons there holding their estates in Taintright 16. That the grievances and desires formerly presented to the commissioners of both Kingdoms a copy whereof is hereunto annexed may be taken in consideration and wherefore the same were not regarded neyther answered unto by the said Cammissioners 17. That the castles and strenghts in these countyes be committed to non but honestand apporved men 18. That care be taken that Stewardyes Barliweeks and clerkships of Stewardyes and such like offices be put into the hands of honest and able men 19 That Mr. Richard Barwis is brother in law to some of the greatest Delinquents there cozen germaine â—o or otherwise nearely allyed to most of the notorious Delinquents of both Countyes and laboured to put all command there upon his and their friends or themselves so as without good assistance these countyes will not be well setled without removing such persons from publique imployment which are not found fit to be trusted and to place such other in their roomes with such power and authority as shall conduce to the publique service and to settle a course that the Militia may be put in execution and that there may be appointed sit Deputy Liestenants and one more sit to command in chief over the forces of those County es that they may be alwaies in a readinesse for the defence of themselves and assistance of their neighbours upon all emergent occations 20 That the said Ricard Barwis at his being at Sunderland had intercourse by letters with the chief Malignats in Cumberland espetially with Baronet Graham Baronet Musgrave Baronet Curwen and Sir Wilfride Lawson as appeareth by the confession of Thomas Watson Mr. Barwis his letter caryeâ— 21. That the said Sir Richard Graham and others the Delinquents there procured the lands and goods of the said Mr. Barwis to be protected wherewith Prince Rupert being made acquainted at his being in Lancashire allowed the same and so Mr. Barwis his wife did quietly without molestation or plundering enjoy the same till the Scots comming thither not any other standing for the Parliament having the like favour or freedome in these parts 22 That the said Thomas Watson confessed to Mr. Osmotherley that the said Mr. Barwis was the hinderer of the Scots not taking in Cumberland and Westmerland upon their first comming in and after and that the said Mr. Barwis tould the same unto him which hath been great losse and damage to the State and benefit of advantage to the Enemy 23 That the King since the Scots last comming into England hath had about seven thousand men sent forth upon his service whereof two thousand to Hartlepoole the rest to Prince Rupert for Yorke beside great summes of moneyes being raised there for the Kings use 24 That twenty thousand pounds per annum may be easily raised out of the Bishops Deane and chapter Papists and Delinquents estates in their lands rents fines and tythes if honest and able men be eâ—trusted therewith whereby the poor commont may be disburdened of many great taxes wherewith they are oppressed and through which they begin to be dis-affected all which this Honourable House is desired to take into consideration Representations and Considerations offered to the Commissioners for the Parliament of England by some of the sufferers and late banished men in Cumberland for the Parliaments cause FIrst it is desired that none be admitted to be of any Committee or have any command that have either subscribed the Petition to the King at Yorke or have joyned in assistance with the Commissioners of Array by forcing others or have taken upon them any command or Office under the Earle of Newcastle against the Parliament or have persecuted any standing for the common cause 2 That the chiefe of the Commissioners of Array of such the Gentry as have been urgers of the new Oath against the Parliament upon the Commons for better securing the countrey may be apprehended and detained in hold as is done in other places without which the country cannot well he secured 3 That already the Committee for this county hath chosen or assented to Commander for chiefe Sir Wilfride Lawson Knight who before together with Baronet Curwen injuriously betrayed the trust reposed in them by the country and joyned with the Enemy And now hath admitted of and given command to many Officers and Commanders formerly commanding under the Earle of New-castle and other wicked and vaine men to the great discouragement and griefe of the well affected and the said Sir Wilfride is allyed and in confederacy with the greatest Malignants of this county in which said Sir Wilfride the commons cannot confide 4 That such of the commissioners of Array or other the Justices of the peace as have sent any to Carlile prison for the Parliaments cause may be attached and kept in hold for securing the said prisoners untill they be released 5 That Sir Richard
Graham and the late Sheriffe procured the commons of Westmerland by Sir Philip Musgrave and Sir John Lowther to subdue and plunder all such as stood for the Parliament in this country by whom Mr. John Barwis and Mr. John Osmotherley with many others were plundered and banished and great cruelty exercised by them and the rest of the Malignant Gentry 6 That some of the Committee now appointed have assisted the Enemy in their wicked designes some of them have dependance upon the Enemy others of them much feared to connive at the Enemies doings and to favour them 7 For that few of the Committee have not as yet and as we feare well dare not represent unto you the Malignants doings and practises we humbly desire some faithfull and honest men of Lancashire or else-where bee desired and admitted to joyne with the Committees of those Counties for the good of the State safety of these Counties and the better discovery of Malignants wicked practises 8 That in the meane time none of the favourers or friends of Sir Richard Graham and the late Sheriffe against whom many just and great complaints will be brought may be admitted to be of any committees 9 That forthwith some good course may bee taken for the discovery and punishment of the malignant wicked and scandalous Ministry of the county which have been and will be the greatest fomentors and abettors of the commons and gentry against the Parliament That present course be taken for the securing of Whithaven Parton and Workington over against Ireland the same being Havens 11 These and other the grievances of our country we are humbly bold to represent to your Honours grave consideration and wisdomes and shall be ready to approve our doings in the premisses as your Honours shall direct for the furtherance of the peace of this country and justice to be done upon offenders In testimony whereof we have subscribed our names These Propositions and Articles were delivered to the Parliament Commissioners at Penreth in Cumberland the foure and twentieth day of the ninth moneth called September 1644. by mee John Musgrave for and in the name and by the direction of the Subscribers But the same were sleighted and dis-regarded by Master Barwis and Sir William Ermyne though much desired by Master Robert Fenwick one of the commissioners to be taken into consideration Persons desired to be removed from being of the Committy in Cumberland William Briscoe Esquire William Penington Esq Thomas Lamplough Gent. Myles Halton and all the other Delinquents Persons desired to be removed from being Sequestratours in Cumberland Sir Wilfride Lawson Knight William Briscoe Esquare William Lawson Gent. Peter Mawson Nicholas Mawson Iohn Stodders and all other Delinquents Reasons for their removall Sir Wilfride Lawson See Artic 9. William Briscoe a Delinquent and tooke the Oath imposed by the commissioners of Array Thomas Lamplough a Delinquent and tooke the Oath against the Parliament Myles Halton an Officer and Tenant to the Earle of Arundell one that never did not dare oppose the Delinquents and voluntarily joyned and contributed to the Enemie Peter Mawson and Nicholas Mawson his brother voluntarily contributed to the Enemie and such as have not nor dare oppose nor displease Sir Iohn Lowther and Sir Philip Musgrave Master Pennington 〈◊〉 Sheriffe contrary to the Ordinance of Parliament detaines the Ship-money in his bands being not paid into the Exchequer Persons desired to be removed from command and office of warre in Cumberland Sir Wilfride Lawson Knight the Commander in chiefe Lieutenant colonell Offeere Captaine Musgrave Captaine Stoddert Captaine Story Iohn Hodgson Governour of Brough Barony And all other Delinquents Reasons for their removall Sir Wilfride Lawson for the reasons above said See Artic. 9. Lieutenant colonell Orfeere a notorious Delinquent and formerly a captaine under the Earle of New-castle Captain Musgrave a Delinquent formerly a captaine under Sir Richard Graham Captain Stoddert a Delinquent formerly an Officer under the Earle of New-castle Captaine Story a Papist was first a Lieutenant to Sir Francis Howard then joyned himselfe to Master Osmotherley who was for the Parliament and after deserted Master Osmotherley and joyned with the Enemy And as he confesseth hath slaine foure men of the Parliaments party he became a Lieutenant to Sir Henry Fletcher a colonell for the King but upon the Earles retreat backe out of Scotland upon Hodgsons promise to procure him a place came into Scotland from whence at his pleasure hee went over into England to the Enemy and was familier with the Enemies captaines and officers neither he nor the said Iohn Hodgson were plundered till the Scots comming into Cumberland one Patrison a Lieutenant to captaine Carleton was taken but by the said Story conveighed away into Scotland and so got into Carlile again◠to the Enemy wherewith Master Barwis was acquainted but Story never questioned Iohn Hodgson a man of very meane estate an Ale house-keeper who procured Brough Barony first to submit and contribute to the Enemie voluntarily after his going into Scotland had daily recourse and tooke liberty to go into England to the Enemie See Artic. 5 6. Persons desired to be removed from all Offices Sir Iohn Lowther Knight-Baronet Edward Robinson and all other Delinquents Reasons Sir Iohn Lowther a notorious Delinquent one of the chief Commssioners of Array both in Cumberland and Westmerland with the first Petitioned the King at York and tendred his service and was the contriver of that Petition he was colonel over a Regiment and Governour of Kendall for the King Sir Iohn Lowther pressed one Cleasby for a soldier for saying he would not fight for Papists who after fled but being taken again the said Sir Iohn Lowther caused him to be put in close prison where he is yet and hath indured great misery for these 10 moneths yet is the said Sir Iohn Lowther againe put in command for the Parliament upon the letter of Mr. Barwis as is said The said Sir Iohn Lowther committed to prison one David Browne a Scotsman where he lay in Carlile in great misery a long time and till the Scots comming unto Cumberland Sir Iohn Lowther did take him for an Jntelligencer for the Parliament but was not When by some of the House of Commons it was moved to have Sir Iohn Lowther put in command for the Parliament Mr. Blackston acquaited the House that he had these Articles in his hands and desired he might not be put in Command where upon Sir Iohn Lowther was put by Edward Robinson a notorious wicked man of evill fame formerly borne out by Sir Richard Graham one who hath done much hurt and got much by plundring an officer under the Earle of New-castle and since under Str Philip Musgrave but now to the countries grief imployed by Mr. Barwis about Sequestrations yet Mr. Barwis would not heare any complaint against him To the Right Honourable the Knights Citizens and Burgesses assembled in the Commons House of Parliament The humble Petition of
and Westmerland and hath published the said Articles with other writings two or three severall dayes in one Church saying That those which will deny subscribing to the same should be no more troubled 2 That the servants of the said Mr. Richard Barwis with one William Capt Col. Lawsons Tenant and a Quarter-master doth goe up and downe the country parswading threatning and desiring such as subscribed the said Articles to deny the same in all or in part 3 That the said parties so imployed finding of such that subscribed doe inquire after others of the same name and procureth them to disclaime subscription and subscribe to what they desire as John Wilkinson of the Gilbank for Iohn Wilkinson of Loeswater and Thomas Symm of the New-towne for Thomas Symm of Ederside and Thomas Chambers of Hartlow for Thomas Chambers of old Bawbrey and so others 4 That the foresaid Cape being thus imployed did come into a house where Edward Smith servant to Mr Osmotherley was and begun to examine and question the said Edward about subscription to the said Articles but the said Edward refusing to make answer he not shewing any Authority for his so examining the said Cape did there-upon say he would commit the said Edward by Authority he had and so laid hands upon him but the said Edward making an escape the said Cape did command some men to fellow and he himselfe laid waite for him and sought houses where he suspected the said Edward to be 5 That with the said Cape there was one Robert Chambers and one Iohn Iackson a Quartermaster which gave the said Edward Smith reprochfull speeches the said Chambers wishing that the said Smith had been Smoothered in his Mothers belly and said if he could get him at the Abbey he would kill the said Edward and Iackson the Quarter-master said the said Edward was a seducing fellow in drawing some to subscribe the Articles and the said Edward had cost the Lopp of Holme twenty-score pounds in being an instrument to Mr. Osmotherley now a soliciter for the said Articles to raise the Holme in Armes for the Parliament Colonell Hodleston an enemy comming against the same 6 That the said Cape said if he could get the said Edward he would take a leg or an arme from him the said Cape did also send word to Mr. Osmotherley that he should not keepe the said Edward Smith for a servant Witnesse Edward Smith Thomas Grave John Satterthraithe This information written with Edward Smiths owne hand was by him sent and delivered unto mee about the 12. 4. mon. called April 1645. John Musgrave The complaint of Iohn Robinson of Mosser and Francis Smith of Egermond against the Committee of Cumberland SHeweth that the above named persons who have suffered fining plundring banishing and imprisonment for the cause of the Parliament having their dwelling houses door and windowes broken and violently robbed cruelly bearen and blooded also being mocked and called theeves murtherers and much more and all disaffected persons to the Parliament whereupon wee made complaint three severall daies unto the said Committee and could have no redresse not so much as our witnesses examined but wee our selves threatned with punishment by the said Committee and after this our sufferings under great Malignants without cause or offence committed by us thus wee were made a prey unto the will of Malignants by reason of injustice and for our labouring for Justice wee are exposed to further and greater misery The Complaint of Margaret Robinson of Pardsay Widdow Against Sir Wilfride Lawson Colonell for Cumberland Sheweth THat the above named Widdow Robinson being plundred by Francis Story Captaine under the command of the said Colonell Lawson of some certaine goods to the valew of about seven pound where-upon I made complaint to the said Colonell Lawson five several times by which I was put to great trouble and charges neare halfe of the former losses to the great rejoycing of many Malignants to know me who stood still desirous to see our Country possessed by the Parliaments forces and the Enemy therein supprest to suffer so much by them and not to enjoy the benefit of Justice by the said Commanders though voluntarily I promised halfe of the same to the publique purse yet for all this could not get any satisfaction This complaint was sent to me in 2. Mon 1645. John Musgrave To the Knights and Burgesses Assembled in the Commons House of Parliament The Humble Petition of a well affected party in Westmerland and Cumberland for Mr. Musgraves Liberty THe great care this Honourable House hath had of this distressed Kingdome together with the distressed condition of these two Counties of Westmerland and Comberland maketh us again to be humble suiters unto this Honorable House that as it hath pleased this Honourable House to establish a grand Committee for accompts for this whole Kingdome impowring them to nominate a sub Committee for accompts in severall parts of the same to act according to the Ordinances of this Honourable House made in that behalfe which grand Committee having appointed within these two Counties and there-upon hath ministred the Oath expressed in the Ordinance unto Mr. John Osmotherley and Mr. John Musgrave two whom they had appointed for execution of the same Persons of approved fidelity in this grand Cause and intrusted by a well-affected party of the said Counties to present the great grievances of the same by Petition and Articles to this House for which wee returne hankes unto this Honourable House as also unto the said grand Committee of accompts but since it hath pleased the all Directer so to appoint that the said Mr. John Osmotherley being to returne into his Countrey having the carriage of the said Commission and Ordinance had the same taken from him in his Journey being likwise robbed as of the said Commission and Ordinance so of his horse money and other thinges And the said Mr. John Musgrave being by a Committee of this Honourable House imprisoned whereby these distressed Counties groning under the great oppression of Commanders and Committees doth find themselves no way cased but continually more burthened without great care of this Honourable will tend to the destruction of those Counties Your Petitioners humbly pray this Honourable House that in porsuance of your former care that the said Commission with Ordinances may be againe sent downe to these two Counties And that Mr. John Musgrave who cannot be touched with the least reproch of infidelity to this Honourable House and the Common-weale as wee are confident may be inlarged and inabled together with Mr. Osmotherley and others to act in the said Committee as they have taken the said Oath and that the said Petition and Articles exhibited to this Honourable House by the said Mr. Iohn Osmotherley and Mr. Iohn Musgrave for these oppressed Counties may be put to triall and that men knowne to be of publique spirits may be put in the said Committee of accompts And your Petitioners shall pray This
it should be thought the Parliament should seeme to justifie or connive at these their lawlesse practises and oppressions vvh ch vve are ready in a legall vvay to make good according to our charge by forbearance and sufferance of them For it is a maxime in Law Qui non prohibit quod prohibere potest assentire videtur He that suffereth and hindreth not that vvhich he may let is conceived and said in Law to assent Let no such blot lye upon that Honourable House let not the potency of our adversaries overthrow the justnesse of our cause neglect us no more lest besides the blame and out-cries for justice you bring ruine upon us and your selves by leaving us open to the Irish vvhich may the sooner invite Ormond to invade us vvith his Popish and revolted Forces having such an easie entrance if the same be not prevented As you tender the good and quiet of the State timely provide for this and have respect to our poore Countrey let all Delinquents Traytors and men dis-affected all such as are tainted vvith covetousnesse or cowardize be removed out of all authorities and the same put in the hands of confiding men fearing God and hating covetousnesse and all basenesse such as vvould not be in the vvorst of times carried away or corrupted through feare or losse of goods or hope of preferment to joyne vvith or submit unto the Enemy or act in a nâ—vtrality vvhich is holden for detestable Neglect of those parts may prove of dangerous consequence There and not vvell else-where in the North may the Irish land at their pleasure and daily are expected there from thence Digby by connivance of some of our English Commanders there as is conceived had free and ready passage into the I le of Man and so for Ireland from thence the Earle of Antrim had like passage and way into Ireland with the Royall Commissions for Cessation of Armes there which produced such sad effects in the Kingdome Monnesse made his way for Scotland twice that way to the great losse of that Kingdom he invaded Scotland and took Dumfrece hence the Earle of Newcastle had his first rise of his popish Army in the North and daily supplyes of men and moneyes till the reducement thereof by the Scottish Horse hence since the reducement the Enemy in Dublin and the I le of Mâ—n â—had Cole and Victuals Here the whole Gentry are Malignants Delinquents Papists Popish or â—â—se Temporizers Here not ten of the Gentry in boâ—h these Counties nay I dare say not so many have proved Cordiall to the S ate but have submitted themselves or acted to and with the Enemy Here the Gentry have revolted since the reducement thereof more then once or twice Here Will and Oppression raignes more then in any Country now subjected to the State so long as the powers and authorities resides in the hands of such Neutrals Temporiâ—zrs Selfe-seekers Traytors and Delinquents as now it is the Enemy though peace for the present were concluded and setled yet might upon new and after discontents of a sudden endanger the losse of the whole North by the help of that popish faction in those parts who have got in their hands the chiefe places of trust and command there though you had no care nor regard of us yet for your owne good prevent this mischiefe the which done may produce though little considered the fruit which may prove to bee a well grounded peace to the whole Kingdome Though neglect of us could be no prejudice to the publique which will be of no small concernment as I have already shown yet the redresse of our Countries grievances in common equity ought not to be so lightly passed over all which hitherto but all in vain for fourteen months together have been pressed on but by one Committee or other still frustrated and in Justice you cannot deny us audience and an equall triall either at the Common-Law or in full Parliament as in your wisdomes shall seeme best for the publique and our particular good for that the Law is our common birth-right which we may without offence J hope and do challenge and claime the benefit thereof and therefore we have no cause to doubt or be fearfull in putting our selves forth considering how that generall rule in Law is still in force Quod curiâ regis non debet deficere conquerentibus in justitia adhibenda That the Kings Court should never be taâ—â—ing to such as complaine in the doing of Justice And of Courts Judâ—â—iall we acknowledge the Parliament Supream which ever hath been and I hope still will be the great and faithfull up-holder of the Common-Law and of the rights and priviledges of all the loyall and true hearted Free-borne of the Kingdome I pray you good Sir peruse these papers and Copies of Letters the Originals I have all except two which Master Blaxston hath to whom they were sent and delivered withall I would entreat you to present this my Petition to the House of Commons Mr. Speaker hath seene it and saith he will speake to it I could not prosse him further in respect he had formerly presented one for mee which was referred to the former Committee but by Mr. Lâ—ste who is the Chaire-man suppressed and I could never heare more of it the ground of this my Petition I hope you will let me understand what you will do here concerning the whole matter by this bearer Master Hobkins the Warden of the Fleet which hath showne me kindnesse in his readinesse to do me this favour if by your meanes and the Justice of the House I may obtaine my liberty and our Countries cause put in a way of triall without further procrastination I shall not be unthankfull but ever rest Yours to serve and honour you JOHN MUSGRAVE From Fleet Prison this 25. of the twelfth moneth 1645. Errata PAge 1. line â— for Northumberland Read Westmerland p. 2. l. 13. for Sequestrators r. Sequestrations l. 24. for â—â—tentright r. renantright p 3 l. 10. for of r. and r. 20. shillings p. 12. l. 23. for brethrens r. burthens p 14 l. 28. for 106. r. 10. shillings p. 16. l. 24. for lop r. Lordship p 18. l. 2. for hankes r. thankes l. 31 for warrer and warre p. 19. l. 1. for prime r. privy l. 22. for bluthwet r. Blaithwaite p. 21. l. 23. for might r. must p. 24. l 9. for mountaines r. mountainous l. 10. for 1000 r. 10000. l 11. for house r. hause l. 14. for slavesmore r. stainemore l. 19. for brethen r. beaten p. 34. l. 15. for against r. against them p. 37. l. 45. for delâ—nquish r. relinquish p 38. l. 34. for caroches r. coaches p. 39. l. 23. for put r. put us To the Right Honourable the Commons in Parliament Assembled The humble Petition of John Musgrave Gentleman Prisoner in the Fleet. Humbly sheweth THaâ— your Petitioner was halfe a yeare imprisoned by the Iustices of Peace and Commissioners of Array in Cumberland for
refusing to submit to their usurped authority was after driven into Exile and all his meanes possessed by them untill the reducement of Cumberland to the obedience of Parliament Which his sufferings this Honourable House referred to the Northerne Committee whereof Sir Thomas Wâ—herington is Chairman That your Petitioner was sent to this Honourable House by sundry of the well affected of Cumberland and Westmoreland with a Petition and Articles against Sir Wilfrid Lawson end others of the Commanders and Committees being such as were Delinquents so declared Traytors yet â—ut in Authority by Mr. Richard Barwis contrary to his oath and trust That your Petitioner is still ready to prosecute and make good the charge if he may have his liberty he having been imprisoned now 10 months upon an untrue report made to this Honourable House by Mr. Lâ—â—â—e That your Petitioner his wife and children by the cruelty and losse sustained by the enemy were much impoverished and wasted and now by your Petitioners long imprisonment deprived of all meanes of outward subsistance and left in a petishing condition so as without his liberty and some just Reparations for his former losses he is in danger to sâ—arâ—e and famish and he destroyed in your prison and his wife and poore children in the meane time exposed to all manner of miserie And all this for no other cause but for your Petitioners discouery and complaining of the oppressions and treacherie of yours and the Kingdomes enemies Your Petitioner therefore humbly prayeth that Sir Thomas Withrington be required to make the report agreed on a yeer since by Vote of the Committee for your Petitioners reparations whereby provision may be made for your Petitioner lively-hood That this Honourable House would be pleased to take into their consideration the miserable and sad condition of your Petitioner his wife and 6. children to grâ—nt him his libeâ—ty and not to suffer him any longer to languish and be destroyed by your long imprisonment of him which both law and nature obhorreth whilst the knowne and professed enemies of this Kingdome and distroyers of their country are allowed to live at liberty and injoy their wealth gotten by spoile and rapine without any accompt making for the wrongs done to your Petitioner and others his suffering oppressed country men And your Petitioner shall ever pray Iohn Musgrave 1. September 1646. The PREAMBLE To all the Free-borne people of England BRethren and Fellow-Commoners God and the world knowes that the wel affected party or this Kingdome discerned by their voluntary bid to the Parliament shaving tried all possible faire â—â—ans as much as any People for number power of any Kingdome or Nation ever did by Praiers Assistance Concurâ—ence Attendance Petitions Oblations Informations and Discoveries as well of Treasons as of utter desolations and perceiving themselves now at last to be in a faâ—◠〈◊〉 condition both in number and power their Lives and states yea and precious time also being so far spent 〈◊〉 were at the first and like to loose all and scarely to have or leave so much as their Lives Lawes or liberties for a prey And seeing by manifold examples of grieveous expâ—â—rience that neither Petitions can be easily accepted justice truly administred the Presses equally opened the cryes of the poor heard the teares of the oppressed considered the sighes of the Perisoners regarded the miseries of the widdow and Fatherlesse pittyed nor scarcely any that are in distresse relieved but Lawes any way wrested most of our freedomes restrained Ordinances Protestations Oathes and Covenants slighted the hearts of all Estates King Parliament Priest and People obâ—ured the wicked for the mâ—st port absolved the just often times condemned and most of all in Authority perjuâ—ed not â—thers to take but neverthelesse by persecuting those who make Conscience to 〈◊〉 it even because they will not breake it In deep sad serious and lamentable conâ—â—deration of all these grievous proceedings and as much by feeling the smart as â—â—ring seeing or â—nowing the verety thereof chiefly the Opressions taxations Insurrections Rebellions Persecutions Violences Robberies Sequestrations and Comâ—â—stions I with my poore one Talent in stead of him that hath Ten out of a dutiâ—â—ull and coâ—sciencious loâ—e tender and pâ—tifull respect to my Nation now in this her great defection and apparent desolation chiefly for the remnant thereof who mourn in secret both for her great abominations sins desolations and their owne particuler transgressions and who doubtlesse are marked to escape the furie of Gods fearfull indignation Have used my best endeavours hâ—re both to shew the maladies and remedies of this sick swouning bleeding and dying Nation that if God hath not ordaâ—ned it like Babell to sudden inevitable and utter distruction it may yet be cured and a remnant reserved according to the Lords usuall dealing in all his visitations remembring his tender compassions and mercy even in the midst of his fearfull judgments and severity that in despight of Sathan and all his instruments they may doe juâ—â—â—ce and judgement and praise him in sincerity FINIS
sundry wel affected Gentlemen and other persons in the Counties of Cumberland and Westmerland WHo most Humbly pray this honourable House to take into your serious consideratiâ—ns these Articles annexed to provide a speedy remedy while the Scots forces remaine in these quarters lest the same fall again into the bondage of the Array and that if it seem good unto this Honourable House to send a faithful commander unto the counties to command in chief over both for that the one cannot be kept without the other and that the Counties may be eased of their great oppression and taxes in maintaining souldiers by allowing the Sequestrations as well of lands as goods for the maintenance of forces against Ireland to which they lie open and for the service of the Parliament and Countries And that faithfull and honest men theâ— have suffered for the Parliament may be put in office and that none be admitted to be in office or be of any Committee that are by the ordinance of this Honourable House judged Delinquents Westmerland Articles FIrst that in the counties of Cumberland Westmerland through the evill government of commanders and committees the commons are so oppressed that in their affections they are quite fallen from the Parliament who heretofore stood well affected to the same and are now ready to embrace nay much desire to see any opposite forces 2 That such as beare office and command are many or most of them Delinquents as the principal commander Sir Wilfride Lawson a commissioner of Array and many of chose forces that entred the South of Scotland called the Black-band under the command of Marquesse Mountrosse are received and have command under the said Sir Wilfride Lawson 3 That the said commanders doe take and raise great summes of moneyes of Delinquents to free them from publique service and do put on and off souldiers for money through which and their oppressions mutinies are raised the countries endangered anâ— the Parliaments service diverted 4 That the commanders exact moneyes by way of loane and enforceth the country groning under other great taxes and burthens thereunto 5 That great sums of moneyes are raised of the said counties under pretence of the publique service which upon strict examination would be found to remain in the hand of Officers and Committees or Delinquents protected 6 That divers of the Committees are noted Delinquents who shewed great forâ—ardnesse against the Parliaments service some have borne Armes and joyned in Acts of Association and taken oathes against the Parliament 7 That such as have suffred imprisonment and banished for the cause of Parliament â—aue bin plundered by the same commanders are not countenanced but threatned and â—â—â—â—ed by them and their persecutors countenanced and have some of them command 8 That the Commissioners of Array and other dis-affected and notorious Delinquents are protected both in their persons and estates go armed up and down the counâ—â—y upon the best horse of the country suffered to keep Armes and Amunition in their â—â—â—uses send and go at their pleasure out of the country to the Kings forces or any way 〈◊〉 up mutinies publiquely and openly shew their malignancy both by word deed 9 That divers of the Enemies Scouts and souldiers have been taken prisoners sallyâ—â—g out of Carlile by the Forces of Sir Wilfride Lawson which he had made Commanâ—ers under him and suffered prisoners to lye in irons in Carlile for the Parliaments â—â—â—se without reliefe 10 That the said Sir Wilfride Lawson did before-time under pretence to stand for 〈◊〉 Parliament break a well affected party that stood for the Parliament and with the â—â—â—stance of Sir Patricius Curwen brought the Counties under the bondage of the â—â—ray working that by fraud which the Commissioners of array could not do by force 〈◊〉 leaving the country to the plunder he with the said Patricius fled to the Enemy â—here they took the Oath for the Earle of New-castle 11 That certain Commanders were set to keep the Havens over against Ireland who â—â—re Commanders on the other side 12 That small or little is made of the Sequestration by reason of the favour shewed â—elinquents many of which have had time to conveigh away their goods and the rest 〈◊〉 sequestred or at small rates and the Committees refuse to take information and â—â—â—â—overy of Delinquents and their estates and to sequester them 13. That the Committee for Sequestrations nor any Officer for Sequestrations have taken the oath injoyned by ordinance of Parliament nor any prisement made by Oath 14. That the standing Committees have given over to set taxes or seasements for forces or soldiers in the said Countyes or undertake any collections or payment of the same but suffer officers and commanders to set sesments and to leavy the same at their pleasure whereby great oppresion and plunders doe insue rapes and murthers nay open rising in armes and slaughters both of commons and soldiers Cumberland Articles FIrst that the counties of Cumberland and Westmerland through the evill government of commanders and Committees the commons are so oppressed that in their affections they are quite fallen from the Parliament who heretofore flood well affected and are ready now to imbrace nay doe much desire to see any opposite forces 2. That such as beare any office or command are for the most part Delinquents and many those forces that entred the south of Scotland called the black band under the command of Marquesse Mountrose are received and have command 3. That the said commanders doe take and rayse great summes of money of Delinquents to free them from all publique service doe put on and off soldiers for money whereby mutinies are raised the counties indangered and the Parliament service diverted 4. That the commanders exact and rayse money by way of loane and inforceth the country groning under other great taxes and oppressions there unto and put the country to unnecessary charges by raising more forces then needfull or they have commission to doe 5. That great summes of money are raised of the said countyes under pretence of the publique service which upon strict examinations there will be much found to remaine in the hands of commanders and committees or Delinquents protected 6. That divers of the committee are noted Delinquents most of them have been forward against the Parliament some borne armes and taken the oath for the Earle oâ— New-castle 7. That such as have suffered imprisonments and banished for the cause of the Parliament have been plundred by the said commanders and are no waies countenanceâ— but threatned and hated by them and their persecuters countenanced and have command 8. That the commissioners of Array and other dis-affected Gentlemen and notorious Delinquents are protected both in their persons and estates goe armed up aâ—â—â—owne the country upon the best horse of the country and at liberty goe to the King forces and send letters and openly and publiquely shew their malignancy both 〈◊〉 word and deed 9. That divers
of the enemies have been taken prisoners sallying out of Carliâ—â— which are made commanders againe under our commanders and yet prisoners suffereâ— to lye in irons in Carlile for the Parliaments cause above one whole yeare and 〈◊〉 in aâ—ged 10. That some of the commanders doe give protection unto Delinquents and Scoâ—tish Papists which did betray the towne of Dumfreâ—e into the hands of those called the Black-band as Marquesse Mountrose and that company the same are protected which in Scotland were proclaimed Traitors these have free liberty to goe amongst 〈◊〉 to see the state of our country and to give the enemy intelligence whereby great dâ—â—ger may ensue if not in due time prevented 11 That some of the chief commanders did before time under pretence to be for the Parliament breake and divide a certaine wel affected party that stood for the Parliament and with their assistance the Country was brought under the bondage of the Array working that by fraud which the rest of the Commissioners of Array could not doe by force who leaving the Country to the plunder fled to the enemy where they tooke the oath for the Earle of New-castle and made in that service Commissioners of Array and cruelly persecured those that were well affectted to the Parliament by imprisonment 12 That divers of the Delinquents are suffered to keep their armes 13 That small or little profit is like to be made of the Sequestrations by reason of the favour showne to the Delinquents many of which have had time to convey away their personall goods and the rest eyther not sequestred or at small rates valued or suffered to sell their goods after Sequestration 14 The said Committees for sequestrations or any officer for sequestrations have not taken the oath injoyned by Ordinance of Parliament upon them nor any presentment made by oath save such as is done by deâ—â—â—quent Justices 15 That malignant scandalus and deâ—â—â—â—â—ent Ministers and such as are non-preaching and maintainers of superstition and have been great urgers and abettors of the gentry and commons against the Parliament and such as cast aspersions upon the wel-affected pressing the booke of common-prayer are borne out and counteâ—â—anced Some informations delivered by the Scottish Commissioners to both Houses of Parliament given to them by the two Commissioners of the wel affected of Westmerland and Cumberland sent hither to present Articles to the Honourable House of Commons THat many of the Commanders and members of the Committees who were in actuall Rebellion against the Parliament under the Earle of New-castle and did take the oath prescribed by him are still continued in their former châ—arge and imploiment That generally the gentry of those Counties are Papists Malignants and very disaffected to the Parliament That very little of the Sequestrations of Westmerland and Cumberland have been uplifted many of those to whom it is entrusted to put the Ordinances of Parliament in execution being themselves Delinquents That some of the Committee for Cumberland being desired to sequester the estates of Delinquents said they wished there were no Sequestrations at all and that they had warrant from the Commissioners of Parliament not to Sequester That if the Sequestrations had been duly up-lifted they would have maintained the Scottish forces that quartred in those two Counties and the Country no waies hoâ—â—â—â—â—n burthened That the reason of the Scottish forces imposing asseafements upon the Counties did proceed from the Malignity of the Committees who either refused or neglected their duty in assessing the Countrey and uplifting thereof and yet under hand stirred up the Commons to withstand the Scots taking up assessements That Sir Wilfride Lawson brother in law to Master Richard Barwis a member of the House of Commons and one of the Committee of both Kingdomes with the Scottish Army is a knowne Malignant was actually in Rebellion under the Earle of New-castle against the Parliament and continued in Armes till those Counties were reduced to the obedience of the Parliament and yet notwithstanding is now intrusted with the Command in chief of the Parliaments forces in those Counties and is also made High Sheriffe of Cumberland and one of the grand Committee for the Northerne Assosiation That Sir Wilfride Lawson with the assisstance of John Barwis Uncle to Master Barwis the Commissioner and William Briscoe cousin to Master Barwis have without consent of the rest of the Committee levied great summes of moneyes upon the Country distrained their goods and committed their persons to prison who refused it and have also raised great summes of money under pretence for the publique service which they doe still deraine in their owne hands That when the country people complained of Sir Wilfride Lawsons souldiers and condescended both upon the names of the persons and the goods neither the persons were punished nor the goods restored That Sir Wilfride Lawsons men had pay from the Country and yet tooke free quarter and stole horses whereof they would make no restitution That Colonell Cholmeley having desired Sir Wilfride Lawson to cause his soldiers to discharge their quarters with money they received as he did in his Divition Sir Wilfride Lawson wrote a bitter railing letter against him whereof Colo. Cholmeley sent the originall to the Commissioners of Parliament That Sir Wilfride Lawson did formerly and of late protect divers Papists and others declared Traytors by the Estates of Scotland That Sir Wilfride Lawson Major Thomas Barwis kinsman to Mr. Richard Barwis the commissioner and others his officers conveighed in victuals to the enemy in Carlile That the enemy falyed out strong and frequently upon the Scots and colonell Cholmeleys Quarters but kept faire correspondence with Sir Wilfride Lawsons Quarters That when they came out upon Sir Wilfride Lawsons Quarters sometimes the souldiers wanted powder and when they had powder they were discharged upon paine of death to shoot against the enemy though the enemy was much inferior in number That Thomas Barwis Major to Sir Wilfride Lawson when any of his owne souldiers were taken prisoners had them released at his pleasure and also released other souldiers that were taken prisoners for money That they are fully perswaded that the Towne of Carlile had been long since taken but for the correspondence and supplies given to the enemy by Sir Wilfride Lawsons forces and iâ— all probability those partes had been againe put under the Enemies power and the well affected in at had condition as formerly if the See as forces had been with drawne from Carlile That many of those forces that entred the South of Scotland called the Black band under the command of the late Earle of Mountrose are received and have command under the said Sir Wilfride Lawson That Thomas Lamplough was in Armes and actuall Rebellion against the Parliament and tooke the Oath prescribed by the Earle of New castle That the said Thomas Lamplough brother in law to Mr. Barwis the Commissioners is a savourer of Malignants and procured the releasement of
robbed and taken from me my historie and Law bookes Bible and writings if by Gods help I had not by strong hand prevailed against the Warden of the Fleet refusing to joyne with them in any such wicked act though they imperiously commanded him to assist them which he rather did because he saw me willing to give way to their search even to my very shirt in obedience to their warrant Sir I carnestly intreat you to take into your serious consideration what evill may ensue to the State and what reproach and evill report it will bring upon that Honourable House in denying us justice and suffering the Enemy thus to insult over us and how by thus slighting your friends yee both strengthen the hands of your adversaries and weaken your selves However God will not be mocked who is righteous in all his wayes will revenge the quarrell of his Saints to whom formalities and bare professions are alwaies hatefull without real tie and sinceritie therfore whatsoever things are true whatsoever things are honest whatsoever things are just whatsoever things are pure whatsoever things are lovely whatsoever things are of good report iâ— ther be any vertue and if there be any praise think on these things and then doubtlesse God will prosper you which is the earnest desire of him who is Yours in all due respects John Musgrave Fleet prison the 4th of the 3d Moneth 1646. Another Letter to Sir Arthur Haslerig Sir I Hope by my former letter which I sent you that you are satisfied of my integrity and end in applying my selfe to the Scottish Commissioners for the preferring my Countries cause to the House of Commons And for after time I desire you not to be so credulous and forward as to condemne or mis report any espcially such who have so dearely undergone and approved themselves by so many hazards for the publique as I have done and shall be ready upon all occasions when the same shall conduce to the good of the Common-wealth Upon the bare report or suggestion or rather Clandestine recrimination of the adversary It troubles me not a little after so many perils and sufferings undergone that not only I here but likewise your faithfull friends in the Country are cast into prison for no other fault wherewith they can be charged but for their good affection and readinesse to doe you service whil'st the common Enemyes and Traitors to the State are set and doe rule over us contrary to all Law and justice I expect from you as you are intrusted for the publique and so consequenly engaged to preserve the right of every free-man of this Kingdome chiefly such as have suffered with and for you that without any further begging or puttings of that forth with you present my petition to the House of Commons which I formerly sent you that it be your care not to suffer me any longer to languish in prison nor the Militia with us nor any other commands and offices be any longer continued in the hands of Traitors and Delinquents against whom we have already petitioned and articled and that they be such is well knowne to some of your members and officers of the House of Commons that just ce may no longer be denied us being the expected fruit of all our troubles other ingagements and for which and no other end you sit there and we have foughten otherwise if you faile us herein wee have just cause to complaine of you and you will discover your selves to be such as have set up and make your selves great by the casting downe and ruining them who have chosen you and have adventured their lives and forsaken all for your sakes which if you doe it will prove in you the height of ingratitude but I hope better things from you and could wish that I may have no cause hereafter further to doubt of your reallity and faithfulnesse in the due performance of your great Oath whereby you have bound your selfe to preserve and uphold the just liberties of the subject which are dayly so much encroached upon and to assist us to your utmost endevours to bring to condigne punishment the enemies and Traitors to our Country and in so doing I shall subscribe my selfe Yours as I am the Common-wealths Servant JOHN MVSGRAVE From Fleet prison the first moneth of my Captivity for my Countries cause and freedom Sir WEE of the Church at Broughton in Cumberland are all well at present though in a marvellous suffering condition from our adversaries the Lord hath been and is pleased to adde unto his Church dayly Wee need not to desire your assistance for our liberty for wee are confident of your unwearied endevours therein Wee are glad to heare of your courage for your Country you have our Praiers for the effecting of what the Lord hath determined for us and wee believe that the Lord Christ who hath begun this good work in you will perfect it and bring downe the enemies of his truth wee desire you to go on be not discouraged strengthen your selfe and then prosper with the remembrance of our loves we remain your loving brethren Mungo Rothero John Bowman John Robinson In the behalfe of the Church at Broughton The 21. day 4. Mon. 1646. Worthy Kind Coz. Rigby I Humbly thank you for your favour and good will in my businesse shewed to my Sister whom I not being able my selfe got to go to seeke relief for me in the high Court of Parliament having been my selfe and my Father in whom I also sufferextreamly and seldom the like heard of opprest by one of their intrusted Servants being as I think made by the Parliament a Deputy Lieutenant of our Country a Committe man Lieutenant Colonell in effect Colonell all which I take it Mr. Holcraft profest himselfe to be and made use of these powers to the ruine of my Father my selfe and his family as farre as in him lay I am not acquainted with the Lawes of the Kingdome in that point but I am sure by the Law of God he ought to suffer death for violently with the Parliaments Troops under him stealing and carrying a way my Nephew my Fathers apparent Heire to my Nephews extreame grief and terrer and all ours for my felfe I have often heard of Magna Charta for which and Religion I have freely ventred all I have so that when wee sent in the begining of these times all the little plate wee had I durst not in conscience keep back so much as the handle of my Fanne and ever since wee have to the utmost of our power shewed our loves and service to the Parliament and knowing and feeling the state of the kingdome doe not now or at any time petition for payments or rewards but being free-borne subjects I humbly petition for the benefit of that great Charter and of the good Acts made by this honourable Parliament especially that of the eigth of this Kings Raigne as I heare intuled an Act for the taking away of
think they may do what they wil no complaint is heard against them you know they took eight and twenty beasts from me bought in your presence without a law but their own wills Whereupon their Order came out what power more Arbitrary Nicholas Mawson the great Adversary of your mothers and one that doth what he will is now comming to London he is the great receiver of all the summes of moneys both for the Scots and the Committees and yet is he of the Committee of Accompts you say nothing of that businesse to me whereof I wonder I hope you received our Petition by Henry Dalton surely if the Grand Committee be suffered to name such a Committee who are all unlesse two in either County for meere fashion the one John Thwaits of Apleby one who never flood for the Parliament but for the Enemy they are all accomptable nay they had the setting receiving and disbursing of all moneyes and are the principall men to be accomptable You sent me a Petition to subscribe but you may easily thinke that if the things be never so just yet will none now subscribe from our hands you have brought us so farre in disgrace with all who looke upon the outward face of things and not at the right end Farewell Westmerland Richard Crakanthrop Written about 4. 4. Mon. 1646. and received the twelfth of the same moneth John Musgrave A Letter from my Mother DEare sonne the great distresse I here suffer by the means of Master Vaux is unsupportable I cannot obtain from him any of the Quarterly ten pound which he is to pay me as you know and there is now an hundred pound behind for bee hath paid me none since the Earle of New-castles Forces came into these parts pretending me to be while they bare the sway for the Parliament and therefore kept my Rent backe and since the County was subdued by the Scots he hath got such favour of the Committee that they would not afford me any thing that I could get of him I heartily desire and authorize you to present this my Petition to the Parliament who I hope will take it into consideration and grant some reliefe sutable to my estate and meanes which he hath got by me being two hundred pound per Annum he having then though a Gentleman no estate at all So with my prayers to Almighty God to inable us to go through the vale of misery to the glory of his Name and comfort of his people which shall be the daily prayers of Your distressed Mother Isabel Vaux Catteden the fifteenth of April 1646. To her sonne Jo. M. The Copy of a Letter sent out of Westmerland to a worthy aged Citizen of London SIR THe great troubles that the poor people of God in the County of Cumberland are in and the knowledge that I perceive you have of the same by Master Musgrave our brother of whom as I understand so ne who otherwise faithfull but herein mis-informed have complained unto you I thought it my part to certifie you of the constant fidelity of our brother Musgrave and of the hard condition of the poore Church of God in Cumberland the cause of our great griefe God who worketh as he will when he will and of whom he will hath in that barren County of Religion chosen unto himselfe a people that to the glory of his Name are in Church fellowship and I may say a more faithfull people is not to be found in this kingdome none more desirous to know and practise the truth yet poore in wordly estate and of meane degree which doth wide open the mouth of adversaries and make them more odious to the world especially the Committee Now they having a good affection to the Parliament made complaint by articles exhibited by their agents Mr. John Osmotherley and Mr. Musgrave of the Committee and others of which wee have got no expected answere enough to affright us and others from watching over our Counties and the publique weals good but this wee purchased even envy for which doing this poore Church of God is so threatned â—â—en to be rained but he that planted I hope will defend About the first of this month the Committee and Colonell Lawson desired the said people to give them a meeting and they would bring some Ministers to give them satisfaction as they pretended but the truth was to entrap them for they brought a Priest one Linger who was come out of Ireland and was reported to them to be there of the Prelates faction and a persecuter of the contrary party he mightily reviled the poore harmlesse people who was not admitted to dispute but was examined accused and arraigned and two of them committed by Colonell Lawson and the Committee to close prison the rest so threatned to deterre others and to make them come to their assemblies The ground of their Mittimus was that they should have said in private to a friend that this Linger had persecuted in Ireland as they had heard yet Linger himself fearing to have them committed upon this desired their liberty to whom Colonell Lawson answered that they were not committed for that but for publique businesse his meaning as was plaine was their petitioning the Parliament against him and his fellowes The Committee sore examined them of their covenant and other things about their Church and order and writ what they would intending to send the same to Mr. Barwis a member of the House of Commons to informe the House against them It is to be feared that they will certifie much untruths against them to make them contemptible and to procure some order to restraine their meetings or liberty Now I desire of you that if you heare of any strange thing informed against them not to beleeve it but rather to perswade the contrary for no foraigne nor strange thing doe they maintaine but our owne grounds and that you labour in their behalf I humbly pray that things may be examined before they be condemned surely you shall doe God good service for many are looking to the truth and assemble with them and if trouble fall upon them may be hindred in their progresse this Church hath increased to neare forty persons and forty more separated not yet admitted and in that Counâ—â—y which makes the Committee so to starme against them Sir I perceive you have acquaineance with some people that think well of Mr. Barwis I pray you certifie them hereof and how much the Gospell is hindred by his friends and such as have imployment by his meanes Yet I must tell you the men are againe at liberty how long wee know not for they are sore threatned and all or the most of them are Independants that did article and petition I doubt not but you will carry the businesse judiceously for the glory of God and the peace of his people the thing above all things I most desire and shall ever rest your brother in the Lord Jesus Richard Crakanthrop
Westmerland 27. 1. Moneth 1646. Sir I humbly thank you and your people for your kindesse to our brother Musgrave and I desire of you to have a good esteeme what ever be said to the contrary for his fidellity will aloud preclaime it selfe to the world to the trouble no doubt of oppressors The Copy of a letter sent by Master Isaac Autrobus Minister of Egrement in Cumberland to Mr. William Ben Minister at Lambeth upon the 27. of the first moneth 1646. Deare Sir THe burthen of the ministrie as you partly know for I did discover my minde unto you lyeth heavy upon me you see the Lord hath revealed the unlawfulnesse of our calling to the eye of the world and now that wee are upon changâ—ing it were good that wee should learne the right and infallible way to Zion for then the Lord hath promised a blessing and life for ever more I would doe as much as the most of our Cumberland ministers but I have in my eye that which they want I desire you to be a meanes to helpe me to acquire meanes for my livelyhood I have written to Master Burroughs for his help herein and to your selfe but I feare all have miscarried I was indebted before the times of tryall but these have added to my load Twice was I pluÌ„dred by Sir Chri. Lowther John Senhouse before the Parliaments forces came here but the Lord Digby his forces swept all away It cost me for the ParliameÌ„ts service this last yeare a huÌ„dred pounds which I think cordially well bestowed I have complained to our Committee for some relief for the losses I suffered by the Enemy but no help from them Wee have now in Cumberland very cruell times The present government here by our Majestrates seemes to be matter of policie rather then of justice as one kinsman goes out of office on the Kings side another comes in for the Parliament and so the match is made up againe the oppressors are only chaÌ„ged but the oppression continues justice falls in the streets corruption prevailes those few that be reall for the Parliament are quite discouraged so that the Cavaliers carryes it stil the honest religious men about Broughton are beat and imprisoned c. so that I feare our misery in Cumberland is but beginning If the Parliament would doe that for us which they have done in other Counties wee might yet enjoy happinesse viz. send downe Magistrates that have no kinted here then its like there would not be so much partiality You may be a good instrument for your Country if the Lord move your heart you shall Sir I desire you to consider of these rude lines and to lend me your helping hand You have done good to me and your Country Go on and the Lord the al-director prosper you with the tender of my thankfulnesse and loving affections to your selfe I remaine Yours in the surest bond Isaac Autrobus Egrement 27 of 1. Moneth 1646. The Coppy of a Letter written to one of the House of Commons Sir I am bold to be trouble some unto you in acquainting you with the cause ground of my sufferings which are largely set forth in my letters and petitions published to the view of the world what is mine I am ready to owne Other things of the publishers or printers I owne not yet as I doe not justifie them in their doings so I will not condemne them for truth is still truth by whomsoever it is spoken The severall charges the Scotish papers with my reasons for not answering without deliberation and advice are in the hands of Mr. Lisle and the coppy of such other things as are in my hands I have sent you I am still ready to answer such interrogatories as shall be propouded to me agreeable to Law but I cannot consent to betray the trust which my Country reposeth in me neither give way to prove my charge I have already avowed with my partner untill the parties accused have answered yet if the same be referted over to the common law as I have proved in my letter to Sir Arther Haslerig it ought to be I am ready to prosecute and make good the same or else to suffer profalso â—â—more It is strange that I cannot have the parties accused brought to answer nor delivered up to the law when as daylie the Committee of Examinations commits and then puts them to answer in criminall causes before any charge be brought in against them as I my self was committed and so brought before that Committee I desire to know the Houses pleasure whether I may have the benefit of the law and be admitted to proceed in prosecuting my Countries cause if not then I desire I may have my liberty with satisfaction and reparation for my losses from Mr. Lisle for my imprisonment which I have vndergon upon his untrue report What the state and condition our Country is in you will better understand by these papers here enclosed and by this our Counties petition to the House which I desire you to present or returne to me againe The not redressing of our Countries grievances makes their adversaries insult over them and they are now under far more heavy pressures then formerly they were under the Kings partie our neighbour Countries are very little better as I am given to understand in Bishoprick Sir George Vane a notorious delinquent and a professed enemy to the state is now made high Sheriffe by an Ordinance of Parliament and so the posse Comitatus committed to a traitor to the great griefe of the well affected party there Yorkshire is in no better condition as appeareth also by their petition How those things answers the Parliaments underâ—akings promises oathes and protestations I leave it to your selves to judge The revolting Welsh may be a caution to you to commit such high commands and trust to any that have formerly joyned with the Enemy Sir I pray you as you tender the good of the State such as feare God let these things be timely amended and let these Achans and troublers of our State be brught forth and taken out of the way and deliver us from our oppressours and as wee have never been unfaithfull to you so you shall not find us unthankfull My liberty is very deare unto me yet little comfort should I have in it unlesse our Countrie be likewise freed from Tyrants and oppressors I understand there is an Order for my freedome upon bayle I desire either to come forth a freeman and justified or else I am willing still to continue prisoner till the House bring me forth unto triall Only I desire that the House would take some care for my provision and maintenance and that I may not be given up into the hands of spoylers as I was of late for two of the Sergeants men of your House under pretence of a warrant from the Committee of examinations to search my lodging for books intituled Another word to the wise would have
the Star-chamber where they say no free-born may be put out of their franchize or free-hold except they be fore-judged by the course of Law which I never was and they that shall so doe shall forfiet 500 pounds to the party greived All the Law I ever heard of from Master Holcraft was by his Captaine Jeffery Holcraft his troopers being the Parliaments forces to shew their pistols weapons to my Tenants telling them that that was their Commission wherby they would force the payment of my rents to them which they did and so clearely has put me out of my Franchize and my free-holds I am not able to go to law with Master Holcraft but humbly beseecheth this High Court of Parliament to doe me justice upon their wicked servants and according to their Act they will be pleased to Order Master Holcrfat to pay me 500 pounds In all which I desire you to be my just and favourable friend I have one suite more unto you that is I humbly beseech you as you love our Lord Jesus Christ and know wee shall all appeare before him be a friend to Master John Musgrave now a prisoner as I heare and if he hath done no wickednesse against the knowne lawes of the Land Be a meanes that the servants of Christ may not in these times languish in prisons pitty the just causes of his poor servants praying God to sanctifie and strengthen you and that great House whereof you are a member to his glory the comfort of his poote people and your and their exerlasting fame and praise I shall be Your loving Cozen to serve you Eliz. Worsley York 1. Jan. 1645. For my respected loving Cosin Alexander Rigby Esquire member of the High Court of Parliament this present To the right Worshipfull Committee for King and Parliament in the County of Cumberland The Humble Petition of the Inhabitants of the Lordship of Milham Humbly Sheweth THat whereas the said Inhabitants have in all things expressed their willingnesse in obeying and observing all Ordinances of Parliament and Orders from the right Worshipfull Committee and commands of all others in Authority Are now by the great and manifold pressures taxes lone-monies free quarters not nominating many other grievances so impoverished that they are constrayned to present some of their perticular grievances unto this right worshipfull Committee and to declare in part what vast charges the said Inhabitants have been put to viz. paid in assessements to Colonell Lawson and his Officers 1300. pounds and to maintaine the siedge against Milham Castle 100 pounds In lone moneies to the said Col. 128 pounds besides all their taxes to the Scots and the free quarter and other losses which may parralell if not exceed the totall of all the rest The Inhabitants have pald 200 pounds and above for the maintenance of the Garison of Milham Castle Likewise the said Inhabitants further shew that wheras they received a warrant for the levying of 45 pounds which your poor petitioners could not with that expedition for the want of the same but one night and a day your petitioners were enforced to double the said summe of 45 pounds and 10 pounds more And whereas some of the Inhabitants did also petition unto this Worshipfull Committee at Penreth that the abatement of 30 pounds out of 80 pounds then demanded which the Commissioners granted and the Colonell in their presence consented unto neverthelesse your petitioners were constrayned to pay the totall And although they have been put to all this charges yet the said Lordship being charged with 90. souldiers horse and foot for the service of Carlile Yet the said Souldiers got little or no pay at all Moreover Liutenant Radeliffe did send out a warrant the seventeenth of this instant July under his own hand to cause the Assessors and Constables come before him at Boutle and there shewed a warrant from his Colonell for the levying of 299 pounds 5 shillings 9 pence by what surther order or for what use your poore petitioners know not And the said Radeliffe quartred his troopers upon the Assessors till they have taxed the same May it please therefore this worshipfull committee to take into your grave considâ—ation the just complaints of these your oppressed petitioners and that you would vouchsafe to grant that your petitioners may have redresse for thâ—ar lone moncies and that the 55 pounds doubled for a dayes deferring may be repayed and also that the souldiers may have so much pay as they have served for and by us payed but not by them recreved â—nd that the 30 pounds consented unto to be allowed out of the 80. pounds may be restored and also that the summes now by Radeliffe demanded may be cleared and the said Radeliffe and his souldiers may be called out of the said Lordship And your petitoners according to equity rectifyed they not being ableo therwise to subsist but must delinquish the Totall And Your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray This petition was delivered to Cumberland Committee â—hat we not reliyed any waies thereupon The Post-script written by a well wisher to all those whom God hath indued with a publique spirit consisting of fidelity magnanimity ability and constancy to stand either for Spirituall or Temporall freedomes or to suffer for the first or second Table of Gods Law against all the oppositions temptations and insinuations of the mighty innumerous strong and deceitfull enemies of these sinfull sad and dangerous dayes IF thou be judicious and impartiall who hast read the variety of matters in this little volume and in two former of the same Authour namely A Word and another Word to the wise I doubt not but as the wise man did reduce all the works and vanities which he had seen and observed under the Sunne to this period or totall summe even to feare God and keep his Commandements these being the whole duties of man so thou hast or mights have observed the good and evill p ractices of men in their severall inclinations and dispositions which according to the two wayes whereinto they enter after they passe the gate of death may be reduced to two sorts For though God in all his outward mercies be alike good and gracious to all equally and indifferently yet wee see by daily experience that the Sun shining and the raine falling on divers objects or subjects make diversity of effects the one mollifying the wax and hardning the clay and the other though it be very acceptable manured ground and thereby the ground made more excellent and fruitfull yet it is alwayes rejected of stones and had channell so that they still remaine barren and fruitlesse The one sort of men may be justly called godly true and honest in that they endevour in their speeches and actions to follow the pathes of worthie Patrons and publique spirited men upon divine record as Moses Paul and Mordecay who did not regard themselves so much for their private affaires as the publique and generall