to tast of subjection as well as rule and may so be inclined to consider of other mens cases as what may come to be their owne This we speak of in relation to the House of Commons as being entrusted on the peoples behalfe for their interest in that great and supreame power of the Common-wealth viz. the Legislative power with the power of finall judgement which being in its owne nature so arbitrary and in a manner unlimited unlesse in point of time is most unfit and dangerous as to the peoples interest to be fixt in the persons of the same men during life or their owne pleasures Neither by the originall Constitution of this State was it or ought it to continue so nor does it where ever it is and continues so render that State any better then a meere Tyranny or the people subjected to it any better then Vassals But in all States where there is any face of common freedome and particularly in this State of England as is most evident both by many positive Lawes and ancient constant custome the people have a right to new and successive Elections unto that great and supreme trust at certaine periods of time which is so essentiall and fundamentall to their freedome as it is cannot or ought not to be denied them or with-held from them and without which the House of Commons is of very little concernment to the interest of the Commons of England Yet in this we would not be mis-understood in the least to blame those Worthies of both Houses whose zeale to vindicate the Liberties of this Nation did procure that Act for continuance of this Parliament whereby it was secured from being dissolved at the Kings pleasure as former Parliaments had been or reduced to such a certainty as might enable them the better to assert and vindicate the Liberties of this Nation immediatly before so highly invaded and then also so much endangered And these we take to be the principall ends and grounds for which in that exigency of time and affaires it was procured and to which we acknowledge it hath happily been made use of but we cannot thinke it was by those Worthies intended or ought to be made use of to the perpetuating of thai supreme trust and power in the persons of any during their owne pleasures or to the debarring of the people from their right of Elections totally new when those dangers or exigencies were past and the affaires and safety of the Common-wealth would admit of such a change Having thus cleared our Grounds and Intentions as we hope from all scruples and misunderstandings in what followes we shall proceed further to propose what we humbly desire for the setling and securing of our owne and the Kingdomes Rights and Liberties through the blessing of God to posterity and therefore upon all the Grounds premised we further humbly desire as followeth 3. That some determinate period of time may be set for the continuance of this and future Parliaments beyond which none shall continue and upon which new Writs may of course issue out and new Electionâ— successively take place according to the intent of the Bill for Tricaniall Parliaments And herein we would not be misunderstood to desire a present or suddaine dissolution of this Parliament but only as is exprest before that some certaine period may be set for the determining of it so as it may not remaine as now continuable for ever or during the pleasure of the present Members And we should desire that the Period to be now set for ending this Parliament may be such as may give sufficient time for provision of what is wanting and necessary to be passed in point of just Reformation and for further securing the Rights and Liberties and setling the peace of the Kingdome In Order to which we further humbly offer 4. That secure provisions may be made for the continuance of future Parliaments so as they may not be adjournable or dissolveable at the Kings pleasure or any other wayes then by their owne consent during their respective periods but at those periods each Parliaments to determine of course as before This we desire may be now provided for if it may be so as to put it out of all dispute for future though we thinke of right it ought not to have been otherwise before And this a firme foundation being laid in the authority and constitution of Parliaments for the hopes at least of common and equall right and freedome to our selves and all the free-born people of this Land we shall for our parts freely and chearfully commit our stock or share of Interest in this Kingdome into this common bottome of Parliaments and though it may for our particulars go ill with us in one Voyage yet we shall thus hope if right be with us to fare better in another These things we desire may be provided for by Bill or Ordinance of Parliament to which the Royall assent may be desired when his Majesty in these things and what else shall be proposed by the Parliament necessary for securing the Rights and Liberties of the people and for setling the Militia and peace of the Kingdome shall have given his concurrence to put them past dispute We shall then desire that the Rights of his Majestie and his Posterity may be considered of and setled in all things so farre as may consist with the Right and Freedome of the Subject and with the security of the same for future 5. We desire that the right and freedome of the People to represent to the Parliament by way of humble Petition their grievances in such things as cannot otherwise be remedied then by Parliament may be cleared and vindicated that all such grievances of the people may be freely received and admitted into consideration and put into an eqâ—itable and speedy way to be heard examinâ—d and redressed I if they appeare reall and that in such things for which men have remedy by lâ—w they may be freely left to the benefit of law and the regulated course of Justice without interruption or check from the Parliament except in case of things done upon the exigency of Warre or for the service and benefit of the Parliament and Kingdome in relation to the Warre or otherwise in due pursuance and execution of Ordinances or Orders of Parliament More particularly under this head we cannot but desire that all such as are imprisoned for any pretended misdemeanor may be put into a speedy way for a just hearing and triall and such as shall appeare to have been unjustly and unduly imprisoned may with their liberty have some reasonable reparation according to their sufferings and the demerit of their oppressors 6. That the large powers given to the Committees or Deputy Lieutenants during the late times of warre and distraction may be speedily taken into consideration That such of these powers as appeare not necessary to be continued may be taken away and such of them as are necessary
we suppose the Gentlemen themselves from the same grounds that induced them to offer this will still forbeare to offer the contrary till the matters concerning them be heard and determined or to make any new interruption or disturbance to the proceeding upon or settlement of the generall affaires of the Kingdome So we hope and shall confidently expect that the wisedome and justice of the House will not admit any thing to the contrary or leave it to an hazard thereof but will use sufficient care and caution against such things and for the bringing of those Members to tryall when the House shall judge it more seasonable and safe as before exprest By the appointment of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and his Councell of War Signed John Rushworth Secr. Vxbridge June 27. 1647. WHereas without Order from the Generall or the Councell of War Nicholas Cowley Commissary Generall of provisions hath issued out Warrants to some Hundreds within lesse then a mile of London to bring provisions from thence into the Army which he pretended to be Randezvouzed between London and Vxbridge Whereas there was no such thing ordered by the Generall or his Councell of War It is therefore this day ordered by the Generall and his Councel of warre that the said Commissary Cowley shall stand committed and he is thereby committed to the Marshall from whence he is not to be discharged untill he hath given satisfaction to the Commissioners for the City of London residing at Vxbridge By the appointment of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Councell of War Signed John Rushworth Secr. Vxbridge Junii 27. The Kings Majesties most gracious Letter to his Son his Highnesse James Duke of York written with his Majesties own hand read in both Houses of Parliament C. R. IAmes I am in hope that you may be permitted with your Brother and Sister to come to some place betwixt this and London where I may see you To this end therefore I command you to aske leave of the two Houses to make a journey if it may be for a night or two But rather then not to see you I will be content that yee come to some convenient place to dine and go back at night And foreseeing the feare of your being brought within the power of the Army as I am may be objected to hinder this my desire I have full assurance from Sir Thomas Fairfax and the chiefe Officers that there will be no interruption or impediment made by them for your returne how and when you please So God blesse you Your loving Father Charles Rex Casam July 4. 1647. Two Letters from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax One to both Houses of Parliament giving an accompt of what Transactions and Proceedings have been betwixt the Kings Majesty and the Army since his coming into their Quarters With some farther Proposals in relation to his Majesty and the speedy settlement of the Peace of the Kingdom c. Master Speaker I Was sent unto by the King on Friday last to desire the Parliament to give way to Him to see his children and that they might for that purpose be sent to Him If I may be bold humbly to offer my Opinion I thinke the allowance of such a thing may be without the least prejudice to the Kingdome and yet gain more upon his Majestie then denying it and if it be in the prayers of every good man that his heart may be gained the performance of such civilities to him is very surable to those Desires and will heare well with all men who if they can imagine it to be their own case cannot but be sorry if His Majesties naturall affections to His Children in so small a thing should not be complyed with and if any question should be concerning the assurance of their returne I shall ingage for their return within what time the Parliament shall limit Upon this occasion give me leave I beseech you to take notice of some reports spread abroad as if my selfe and the Officers of the Army were upon some under-hand Contract or Bargaine with the King and from thence occasion is taken to slander our Integrities and endeavour a misunderstanding betwixt the Parliament and their Army the fidelity of which to the Parliament and Kingdome and their affection to it are the great objects of many mens Envies because they see nothing so likely to settle Right and Freedome with Truth and Peace to us and Posterity and to hinder their Designs against the same as an Harmony or good accord between the Parliament and Army which is the joy of good men and it shall be our study to preserve against all Designes and Designers to the contrary To prevent therefore all misunderstandings of that kinde I thought fit with all clearnesse to declare unto you That we have done nothing nor shall do any thing which we desire to hide from you or the world or shall not avow to the faces of our greatest Adversaries Our Desires concerning a just consideration and settlement of the Kings Rights His Majesty first giving His concurrence to settle and secure the Rights and Liberties of the Kingdome We have already publickely declared in our Representation and Remonstrance Since the first of those Papers sent to the Parliament there have been severall Officers of the Army upon severall occasions sent to His Majesty the first to present to Him a Copy of the Representation and after that some others to tender Him a copy of the Remonstrance upon both which the Officers sent were appointed to clear the sence and intention of any thing in either Paper whereupon His Majesty might make any question Since then there have also been some Officers at severall times sent to His Majesty about His remove from Hatfield to disswade if possibly from Windsor or any place so near London to some place of further distance answerable to what we had desired of the Parliament In all which addresses to his Majesty we care not who knowes what hath been said or done for as we have nothing to bargaine for or to ask either from His Majesty or the Parliament for advantage to our selves or any particular party or interest of our own so in all those Addresses to His Majesty we have utterly disclaimed and disavowed any such thing or any Overtures or Thoughts tending that way but the only intent and effect of those our Addresses hath been to desire and endeavor His Majesties free concurrence with the Parliament for establishing and securing the common Rights and Liberties and setling the peace of the Kingdome And to assure Him That the publick being so provided for with such His Majesties concurrence it is fully agreeable to all our Principles and should be our desires and indeavour That with and in such setling of the Publick the Rights of His Majesties Royall Family should be also provided for so as a lasting Peace and Agreement might be setled in this Nation And that as we had publickly
Treaty in consideration whereof we have made it our care constantly to tend at the appointed times of meeting and to presse all dispatch therein And we canot but take notice that the proceedings on your part have been and are very slow and that little or nothing hath been done in the Treaty since our entrance thereupon and therefore in discharge of our Duty and the Trust reposed in us we do very earnestly desire that the Treaty may be effectually proceeded on with all expedition and the times for meeting punctually kept there being nothing that shall be wanting in us according to the power given us to further a work of so great importance and which may perfect a right understanding betwixt the Parliament and the Army By the appointment of the Commissioners residing with the Army Reading July 7. 1647. An Answer of the Commissioners of the Army to the Paper of the Commissioners of Parliament about a speedy proceeding BY the last Paper delivered in unto us from your Lordships at Reading July 7. we perceive you find that the Expectation of the Parliament and Kingdome is great upon the speedy progresse and happy issue of this Treaty We answer that we do really apprehend the same things with you neither can we but witnesse that you have constantly attended the appointed times of meeting and prest dispatch therein Neverthelesse we cannot but be very sensible that you seem to reflect upon us further then there is just cause in your taking notice that the proceedings herein should be slow and dilatory on our part as if we should not seem to desire and labour the quick and speedy settlement o the affaires of the Kingdome in a safe and well-grounded Peace as cordially as any persons whatsoever We shall therefore desire you to remember with what forwardnesse we have in the first place presented to you those things which we did in our hearts conceive necessary in order to a Treaty and without which being granted we could not with safety to the Kingdome and satisfaction to our selves proceed in Treaty and further prest you to present them to the Parliament with speed that a quick dispatch might be had therein as being in our thoughts the chiefest and surest way to prevent the engaging this Kingdome in a second War when contrary to our expectation we have found little effectually done in relation to our Desires in those things most concerning the safety and peace of the Kingdome To the end therefore wee may acquit our selves from being guilty of the delay you mention and that it may appeare to all men where the stick is of not proceeding in the Treaty to a settlement of the Peace of the Kingdome so much thirsted after by us all we thought fit to reminde you of these following proposals which we have formerly insisted upon and to which satisfaction is not given I. That there is nothing done with effect notwithstanding the Votes of the House to the dispersing of the Reformado Officers who continue in and about London ready to head Forces to the apparent hazzard of a new Warre II. That notwithstanding the Votes of the House for the speedy sending into Ireland or disbanding those forces which have left the Army and their speciall Order to the Committee at Derby House to take speedy care therein yet they are still continued in bodies in and about London and as we heare are daily listing more Forces pretending the service of Ireland III. That notwithstanding the Votes of the House of the tenth of June and those since of the fifth of July for the present purging of the House yet divers persons comprised in these Votes continue still to sit there So long as we remain unsatisfied in the two first of these particulars we cannot be secured from those doubts we have expressed of the danger of a new Warre especially if it be considered that the end of inviting so many Reformado Officers to London was to lay a foundation of a new Warre and was principally carried on by the designe of some of those Members of the house of Commons we have impeached And likewise that divers of the Officers and Souldiers which left this Army were procured by promises of pay and other ingagements which were likewise designed by the same persons aforementioned if possibly they might thereby have broken this Army And for the last what comfortable effect may we expect of a Treaty so long as the Parliament the supreme Judicatory of the Kingdome is coustituted of some that are men of interests contrary to the common good thereof from whom we can expect nothing but banding and designing to obstruct and frustrate all proceedings contrary to their interest though never so essentiall to the happy settlement of the Kingdome and if a seasonable remedy be not given herein we despaire of any good to the Kingdome by way of Treaty Signed By the appointment of the Commissioners of the Army W. Clerk Secre. Reading 7. July 1647. A PARTICVLAR CHARGE OR IMPEACHMENT In the Name of his Excellency Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX And the Army under his Command against Denzill Holles Esquier Sir Philip Stapleton Sir William Lewis Sir John Clothworthy Sir William Waller Sir John Maynard Knights Major Generall Massie John Glynne Esquire Recorder of London Walter Long Esquire Colonel Edward Harley and Anthony Nicoll Esquire Members of the Honorable House of Commons WHereas on the fifteenth day of June last the Heads of a Charge were delivered in the name of the said Army unto the Commissioners of Parliament to bee sent up to the Parliament against the Persons above named Now in prosecution and maintenance thereof and according to the power thereby preserved It is in the Name of the said Army more particularly charged against the said persons as followeth 1. That the said Mr. Denzill Holles during the late Warre in prosecution of the evill designes expressed in the generall Heads or Articles formerly exhibited contrary to the trust reposed in him contrary to his Oath taken in June 1643. and contrary to the Ordinance of Parliament dated in October 1643. hath assisted the King in the late unnaturall Warre and held correspondency and intelligence with the Enemy against the Parliament in manner following viz. He the said Mr Holies being one of the speciall Commissioners for the Parliament to present Propositions of both Houses to the King at Oxford did privately and contrary to his instructions at severall times make his addresses unto the Kings party the â—â—â—â—en in Armes against the Parliament namely unto the Earle of Lyndsey the Earle of Southampton the Lord Savill and others and did secretly plot and advise them against the Parliament and did intimate unto them or one of them that the said Propositions then sent unto his Majesty by the Parliament were unreasonable And the said M. Holles being demanded what Answer he would advise the King to make to the Propositions he the said M. Holles did advise that the King should demand a
no more he the said Sir John Clotworthy contrary to the speciall trust reposed in him held secret intelligence with the said Earle of Ormond by Cypher or Character without the consent or knowledge of those others in commission with him and many weeks after the time so limited was expired and about the same time hee the said Sir John Clotworthy held secret intelligence with George Lord Digby then in Ireland beyond the time prefixed and without the consent of the said other Commissioners and in order thereunto the said Ormond and Digby lately imployed one Slingsby to come into this Kingdome about a designe concerning the Prince as he pretendeth 14. That the said Sir John Clotworthy Mr. Holles Sir Philip Stapleton by combination with the rest of the Members before named in further prosecution of the designes before mentioned well knowing that the Lord Lyle late President of Ireland was both faithfull and vigilant while he was trusted in the same Kingdome and had now this last spring made provisions ready to march into the field that the Lord Baron of Brohill Generall of the Parliaments Horse in Munster Col. Sir Arthur Loftus persons of honour and reputation of great fortunes in the said Kingdome lately came purposely into this Kingdome to exhibite and did exhibit many Articles of high treason against the Lord Inchiquin for betraying the Parliaments Army to the enemy as formerly he had done yet by the great power and violent interposition of the said Sir Clotworthy Mr. Holles Sir Philip Stapleton by the practice and combination aforesaid the said Articles have been obstructed and the businesse not suffered to come to a hearing and the said Lord Lisle hastily called out of Ireland and the power and command of the Parliaments forces in that Kingdome committed to the said Lord Inchiquin to the losse of this summers service and the expence of much treasure to make new preparations and whereas the said Lord Lisle being so suddenly called from thence as aforesaid did designe and depute Sir Hardres VValler Knight Major General of the forces there a man of known integrity and courage both for his service in England and Ireland and of considerable Fortunes there to take care of the said Lord Lisles Forces till the pleasure of the Parliament may be further known but the said Lord Inchequin upon the receite of a Letter from the said Sir John Clotworthy Mr. Holles and Sir Philip Stapleton or one of them or from some other person by their or one of their direction privity or procurement did expresse that hee had order or direction from London that no man that favoured the Independents under which name the said Lord of Inchequin hath comprehended all men that have shewed themselves opposite to Tyranny and Arbitrary government should have any trust or command there Nay although they were of another judgement yet if they would not prosecute the Independents they should not bee imployed there or words to that effect And under colour thereof the said Sir Hardres Waller and all others that had their Commissions from the said Lord Lisle while hee commanded were displaced to the discouragement of those and other faithfull persons to the Parliament and to the great dis-service and hazard of the losse of that Kingdome 15. That whereas a Committee of the House of Commons hath been lately appointed by the Parliament to consider of Propositions for the settling and preservation of Wales whereof the said Sir William Lewes and Mr. Glyn were and are Members and to report the same to the House They the said Sir William Lewes and Master Glyn with others of the said Committee did on the thirtieth day of April now last past without any authority of Parliament before any report made to the Houses of their owne accord in stead of settling and preserving Wales order that all Committees for Sequestrations should forbeare all proceedings of Sequestrations against all or any the Inhabitants of Wales And although some few persons were upon generall heads excepted yet by vertue of that illegall Order all the Commissioners of peace Commissioners of Association though never so active in pressing men and raising money for Forces against the Parliament all the Commissioners of Array that did or should at any time come in and submit to the Parliament or their Commanders in cheife all that had born armes against the Parliament unlesse they were Governours or other Officers of Warre that held some Towne Castle or Fort against the Parliament all disaffected and scandalous Miniâ—ters though in their Sermons they usually reviled and scandalized the Parliament and their proceedings calling them Rebels and Traitours and not onely incensing the people against the Parliament but usually taking up Armes and leading their Parishioners in armes upon any Alaram against the Parliament and many other desperate Delinquents have been and still are taken off and freed from sequestration and the said Order was sent to every severall Committee in Wales in severall Letters from the said Committee contrary to severall Orders and Ordinances of Parliament and contrary to the Rules of justice and equity which should impartially be administred as well in Wales as in other places of this Kingdome whereby the ill-affected Gentry and Ministery of that Country are growne so high insolent that honest men dare scare live amongst them so as that which was intended by the Parliament to settle and preserve Wales is by the practice of the said Sir William Lewes and Master Glyn perverted to the danger and destruction of it 16. That the said Sir William Lewis and Master Glyn have further ingratiated themselves with the Delinquents of Wales and prepared them for their said designes in manner following viz. hee the said Sir William Lewis hath within two yeares last past countenanced and protected many of the most notorious and dangerous Delinquents within the severall Countries of Southwales namely the Lord of Carbery and others in Carmarthinshire Master Crane and others in Glamorganshire Master Morgan late Knight of the shire Master John Herbert and others in Bâ—ecknockshire Master Gwin Master Lewis and divers others in Radnoâ—shire by freeing some of them altogether from compositions though sequestred by labouring divers Members of the House and of Committees to be favourable in compounding with others and to admitt of such to their compositions as were uncapable thereof And the said Sir William Lewis hath animated and incouraged some of the said persons to continue their fidelity unto the Kings cause promising them That if they would be friends with the King for him hee and his would be their friends in the Parliament in so much as his friends the Delinquents in those parts have lately looked upon him as a rising man when the King shall come to London which hath lately been their constant boasting And the said Sir William Lewis hath within two yeares last past caused divers that had been Commissioners for the King and had prest men and raised
space prepared and ordered a considerable force no lesse then 4000. horse and foot as Sir Thomas Temple employed from the Parliament about that businesse to us can testifie for a present reliefe thereunto But the restlessâ— and treacherous malice of the enemies to our and the Kingdomes peace taking their supposed advantage of our distance and dispersed posture which their faire pretences of peaceable intentions had induced us into first they did without all colour of authority contrive and set on foot in the City and many of them entred into a mischievous and desperate now and ingagement tending to the subversion of the freedome of Parliament and the liberties of this Nation to the frustrating of those just and publick ends for which so much bloud and treasure hath been spilt and spent in the late Warres and to the raising of a new Warre against the Parliament and their Army which said ingagement both Houses of Parliament did by their Declaration of the 23. of July adjudge and declare to be high Treason in all that should promote or abet the same and within a few dayes after to wit on Monday July 26. there was a Petition brought to the Parliament by the Sheriffes and some Aldermen and Common-Councell-men in the name of the City of London for the recalling of the said Ordinance of the 23. of July concerning the Militia and the returning of the Militia into those hands in which it was put by the Ordinance of the 4. of May which Petition was immediately followed and backed with a tumultuous confluence of Apprentices and other dissolute and desperate persons who committed most horrid and unheard of violence upon both Houser inforcing them to recall both the said Declaration of the three and twentieth day of July concerning the said engagement and also the said Ordinance of the same date concerning the Militia and compelling the Speaker of the House of Commons to resume the Chaire after the House was adjourned and the House to passe such further Votes concerning the Kings present coming to London c. as the said Rioters did please neither the Guard from the City that then attended the Houses nor the Lord Mayor Sheriffes or any Authority in the City though sent to for that purpose taking any course to suppresse the said tumult or relieve the Parliament against that violence though it was continued for the space of eight or ten houres And the Houses having next day adjourned till Friday July 30. There were printed Tickets fixed upon posts in and about the City the day before inviting the same persons to the like confluence at Westminster against the House next meeting all which hath been more fully and more assuredly made known by the Declaration of the Speaker of the House of Commons concerning the same By this meanes the Speakers of both Houses together with most of the Lords and a very great number of the most faithfull and unquestioned Members of the House of Commons were driven away so as they could not with safety attend their service in Parliament nor with freedome discharge their trust to the Kingdome therein but were forced to fly to their Army for safety so as there was not nor could then be and free meeting or legall proceeding of a Parliament Notwithstanding which divers Members of both Houses who by the carriage and sequell of the businesse will appeare to be of the same party and confederacy with the aforesaid Enemies to our and the Kingdomes peace and with the Authors and Actors both of the said treasonable ingagement and the tumoltuous force upon the Parliament Taking this opportunitie of time to carry on their designes when very few were left but of their owne party did continue to meet in the usuall places in Westminster And having under pretence of a necessity for continuing the Parliament by adjournement they drawn in some few well-minded Members to sit with them out of a scruple least the Parliament should fall for want of adjournement took upon them the name of both Houses of Parliament And having on Friday July 30. chosen a new Speaker did proceed to Vote and Act as a Parliament and adjourned from time to time But of what party and confederacy the most of them were and to what ends and interests they acted will appeare by what they did whereof we shall for present give a taste in some particulars hoping that shortly the whole Journall of their proceedings may be made publick First the said Members of the House of Commons conveening as aforesaid immediately Voted and called in as to the service of the House the Eleven impeached Members And also those who upon former Votes of the House were suspended or under Question to be put out for Delinquency and had put in their cases with this pretended House of Commons thus composed and foure or five Lords of the same Modell for an house of Peares they proceed to set up a Committee for safety whereof almost all of the said impeached Members were apart this Committee they appointed to joine with that same pretended Committee of the City Militia whose power was obtained only by the tumultuous force and violence aforesaid To these Committees the most or many of their proceedings referre and by divers pretended Votes Orders and Ordinances procured in the name of one or both Houses of Parliament large powers were given to these two Committees for raising of Forces appointing chiefe Commanders and other Officers and other vast unlimited and unusuall powers were given them all tending to the raising and levying of a new Warre within this Kingdome upon which many forces both of Horse and Foot were actually levyed and other preparations of Warre made all which that they were intended and designed in Justification prosecution and maintenance of the aforesaid treasonable engagement and of the said force and violence done to the parliament or of the very same ends and interests and to oppose and hinder the restitution of the Houses of Parliament to their honour and freedome and the advance of this their Army for that purpose being then upon a March Besides the consideration of the persons into whose hands these powers were committed It is abundantly evident many other wayes but especially by that Declanation of the Lord-Mayor Aldermen and Common-councell of London which was first by that pretended Committee of safety ordered and then by the pretended Houses without reading a word of it approved to be published in the Parish Churches with an exhortation to the people to take up Armes in maintenance of the ends therein expressed which though the pretence were for the defence of the King Parliament and City then alledged to be in great danger when as indeed none were in danger but only the Authors Actors and Abettors of the traiterouâ— practises aforesaid yet the true ends thereof appeare clearely to be the same with the said treasonable ingagement and tumult against the Parliament all of them concentring as in other things so
shall hereafter intrude themselves to sit in Parliament before they shall have given satisfaction to the respective Houses wherefore they are concerning the grounds of their said sitting at Westminster during the absence of the said Speakers shal have acquitted themselves by sufficient evidence That they did not procure or give their consent unto any of those pretended Votes Orders or Ordinances tending to the raising and levying of a war as is before declared or for the Kings comming forth-with to London we cannot any longer suffer the same but shall doe that right to the Speakers and Members of both Houses who were driven away to us and to our selves with them all whom the said other Members have endeavoured in an hostile manner most unjustly to destroy and also to the Kingdome which they endeavoured to embroyle in a new War as to take some speedy and effectuall course whereby to restrain them from being their owne â—urs and the Kingdomes Judges in those things wherein they have made themselves parties by this meanes to make way that both they and others that are guilty of and parties to the afore-said treasonable and destructive practises and proceedings against the freedome of Parliament and peace of the Kingdome may be brought to condigne punishment and that at the judgment of a free Parliament consisting duely and properly of such Members of both Houses respectively who stand cleare from such apparant and treasonable breach of their trust as is before expressed By the appointment of his Excellency and the Generall Councell of his Army Signed John Rushworth Secr. At the head quarters at Kingston upon Thames Aug. 18. 1647. A Declaration from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax concerning the Excise WHereas it hath pleased the Right Honourable the Lords and Commons in Parliament assembled in and by their Declaration of the 28. of August last concerning the Excise to appoint me to order and enjoyne all Colonels Captaines Officers and Souldiers under my command upon application made to them or any of them speedily to suppresse all tumults ryots and unlawfull assemblies which shall be attempted or acted in opposition against the Commissioners of Excise their Sub-commissioners Collectors or Officers in execution of the Ordinances of Parliament for the Excise and to apprehend all such ryoters and tumultuous persons that they may be proceeded against according to law In pursuance wherof I doe hereby require all Colonels Captaines Officers and Souldiers under my command upon application from time to time of the said Commissioners of the Excise their sub-commissioners collectors or officers unto them or any of them to be ayding and assisting as well in preventing of such tumults and ryots as in the suppressing thereof Given under my hand and seale the fourth day of Septemb. 1647. Tho Fairfax A Letter from Hampton-Court containing the substance of His Majesties most Gracious Answer to the Propositions presented to him from both Kingdomes Right Honourable THe Commissioners of both Kingdomes came hither on Tuesday nighâ— last September 7. instant delivered a Letter to the rest of the Commissioners whom they found here with His Majesty from both Houses of Parliament that the said Propositions should be presented to the King that night and that the Scots Commissioners would be there to joyn with them to present them to his Majesty They also shewed the instructions from the Houses to their fellow-Commissioners which were to present them that night and to certifie His Majesty that they were to expect a positive Answer thereunto within six days The Scâ—ts Commissioners were also here ready to joyne with our in presenting them to His Majesty About five of the clock that night they all came to the King The Prince Elector had been there but was returned to Richmond His Majesties children were also there who had dined with His Majesty that day and the Countesse of Northumberland with them and they were then with his Majesty being not at that time returned to Sion House And Mr. Maxvill was then come to the Court who is Chamberlain to his Majesty The Commissioners acquainted his Majesty with their Message from both Kingdomes and desired audience which his Majesty granted and presently met them in one of the chambers where His Majesty was with his Children and there the Propositions were presented and read and his Majesty told them that hee would give them an Answer as soone as he could Then the King with-drew for some time so that His Majesty went late to Supper that night The Commissioners wrotâ— letters to the Houses to acquaint them what was done and what his Majesty said and desired that they might all returne to the Parliament when his Majesty gave them a dispatch Wednesday Septemb. 8. instant the King was up early in the morning being very desirous to dispatch the Commissioners with all possible speed his Majesty walked forth a little before Dinner and so a little againe in the after-noone to refresh himselfe Divers came from London and elsewhere and some obtained leave to kisse his Majesties hand Thursday Sept. 9. His Majesty called for the Commissioners and gave an Answer to them which is to this effect That His Majesty takes notice of these Propositions to be very little differing from the former presented to him at Newcastle to which his Majesty returned Answer when he came to Holdenby That his Majesty conceives they cannot but take notice of the Proposalls of the Army which all rationall men cannot but confesse are much more reasonable and tending to a firme and setled Peace And therefore his Majesty desires that Commissioners from the Parliament and Commissioners from the Army may be sâ—nâ— to His Majesty to treat with him upon the Proposalls from the Army that a firm Peace may be setled This Thursday the 9. instant the Earl of Pâ—mbrooke and Major Generall Browne returned with his Majesties Answer betâ—mes in the morning for it was toolate before they could return over night by reason of some things which were to be done by the Commissioners that night The Letter is directed to the Earl of Manchester Speaker of the House of Peers pro tempore to be communicated to both Houses of Parliament the like to the Scots Commissioners His Majesty is very confident that his Answer will give much satisfaction and His Majesty doth exceedingly approve of the proceedings of the Army Dated at Hampton-Court Sept. 9. 1647. Twelve Proposalls from His Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Councell of his Armie which His Majesty seemes better to approve of then any thing which hath hitherto been presented to Him 1. AN Act to be passed to take away all coersive power authority and jurisdiction of Bishops and all other Ecclesiasticall Officers whatsoever extending to any civill penalties upon any and to repeal all Laws whereby the civill Magistracy hath been or is bound upon any Ecclesiasticall censure to proceed exofficio unto any civill penalties against any persons so censured 2. That there be a repeale of
sword We therefore the said Generall Councell to testifie how far our hearts and minds are from any design of setting up the power of the sword above or against the fundamentall authority and government of the Kingdome And our readinesse to maintaine and uphold the said authority Have by a free Vote in the said Councell no man contradicting judged the said Member To be expelled the said Councell Which we hereby thought fit to publish as a cleare manifestation of our dislike and disavowing such principles or purposes Putney Septemb. 9. 1647. By the appointment of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Generall Councell of his Army Signed John Rushworth Secretary His Majesties Message in Answer to the Propositions presented to him at Hampton-court Sept. 7. 1647. by the Earls of Pembrook and Lauderdale Sir Charls Erskin siâ— John Holland sir John Cooke sir James Harrington Mr. Richard Brown Mr. Hugh Kenedy and Mr. Robert Barkley In the names of the Parliament of England and in behalfe of the Kingdome of Scotland Charles Rex HIs Majesty cannot choose but be passionately sensible as hee believes all his good Subjects are of the late great distractions and still languishing and unsetâ—ed State of this Kingdom and he calls God to witnesse and is willing to give testimony to all the world of his readinesse to contribute His utmost endeavours for restoring it to a happy and flourishing condition His Majesty having perused the Propositions now brought to Him finds them the same in effect which were offered to him at Newcastle To some of which as Hee could not then consent without violation of His conscience and honour so neither can he agree to others now conceiving them in many respects more disagreeable to the present condition of affaires then when they were formerly presented to Him as being destructive to the main and principall interests of the Army and of all those whose affections concur with them And His Majesty having seen the Proposals of the Army to the Commissioners from His two houses residing with them with them to be treated on in order to the clearing and securing the Rights and Liberties of the Kingdom and the setling a just and lasting peace To which Proposalls as he conceives His two Houses not to be strangers so he believes they will think with him that they much more conduce to the satisfaction of all interests and may be a fitter foundation for a lasting peace then the Propositions which at this time are tendred unto Him Hee therefore propounds as the best way in his judgment in order to peace that His two Houses would instantly take into consideration those Proposalls upon which there may be a personall Treaty with His Majesty and upon such other Propositions as His Majesty shall make hoping that the said Proposalls may be so moderated in the said Treaty as to render them the more capable of his Majesties full concessions wherein He resolves to give full satisfaction unto his people for whatsoever shal concern the setling of the Protestant profession with liberty to tender consciences the securing of the Laws Liberties and properties of all His Subjects and the just priviledges of Parliament for the future And likewise by His present deportment in this Treaty He will make the world clearly judg of His intentions in matter of future government In which Treaty His Majesty wil be well pleased if it bee thought fit that Commissioners from the Army whose Proposals are may likewise be admitted His Majestie therefore conjures his two houses of Parliament by the duty they owe to God and His Majesty their King and by the bowels of compassion they have to their fellow-Subjects both for reliefe of their present sufferings and to prevent future miseries that they will forthwith accept of His Majesties offer whereby the joyfull news of peace may be restored to this distressed Kingdome And for what concerns the Kingdom of Scotland mentioned in the Propositions His Majesty will very willingly treat upon those particulars with the Scotch Commissioners and doubts not but to give reasonable satisfafaction to that His Kingdome Given at Hampton-Court Sept. 9. 1647. For the Speaker of the Lords House pro tempore to be communicated to both Houses of the Parliament of England and the Commissioners of the Kingdom of Scotland Master Speaker THe sad condition and sufferings of divers well-affected to your affaires in the Kingdom is very grievous particularly the cases of James Simbal Francis Wade Robert White and Roger Crab as they are presented unto me which hath induced me to present the inclosed paper to your consideration wherein you may see the manner nature and pretences of their sufferings as presented and withall the exorbitancies of some in places of Judicature towards such who in the worst of times exprest much affection and reality to your proceedings And I humbly desire you to move the House to take their condition into consideration if they be committed meerly for speaking words against the King in time of War which thing I in no sort approve of yet it would doe well if the men might have some enlargement so as they may not perish by a languishing imprisonment such cruell usage as some of them suffer especially considering the offences for which they suffer were but in expresse of zeale for your Cause and that upon apparent provocation from such as I am informed as were your professed enemies With all due submission to you I desire their speedy enlargement and freedome of their Estate Your humble Servant Tho Fairfax Putney Sept. 12. 1647. For the Honourable Will Lenthall Esq Speaker of the Honourable House of Commons The particular cases of severall prisoners returned in the Kalender to the County Gaol at the White Lyon in Southwark the last Assizes held at Darking for the County of Surrey Represented by his Excellency to the Parliament IAmes Simball Deputy Keeper of Winchester house lying sicke hearing a Cavallier there a prisoner then say That the Parliament were Rebells and Traytors and that if the King came to London with his Army hee would make the Parliament a poore Parliament and Exemplary for their Rebellion by chopping off their heads at the doore The said Cavallier neer two years after boasting of a designe intended against the Parliament and being questioned for the same by the said Simball out of malice did accuse him for speaking against the King in these words viz. That he the said Simball hoped to see the Kings head upon the Tower blocke When indeed the said words were spoken in Answer to those above mentioned upon these conditions That if the King had any such intention then he the said Simball hoped as afore-said and thus much the said Cavalier himselfe did confesse but afterwards denyed Now the said Simball being indicted without any cognizance taken of these circumstances stands convicted by the only testamony of the said Cavallier ever since the Assizes held in March last and adjudged
on whom the Houses have depended in that particular there is little or nothing hitherto effected therein and especially considering the delayes made by the Lord Major Aldermen and Common-councell of the City of London in the advancing of that summe which the Houses have demanded of them upon the security of their Arrears so long since due from the City to this Army and for that tax whereupon all or most other places have long since paid in their proportions We are inforced to make this present addresse to the Houses in relation thereunto 1. Wee cannot but consider the notorious readinesse of that Court to the advancing of far greater sums for the raising of a new War and prosecution of the late mischievous practices and designs against the Parliament and Army And that as their precipitate forwardnesse therein was the occasion of the Armies comming into these parts so their backwardnesse to the raising or advancing of the money now required for the service of the Parliament and supply of the Army hath been and is the occasion of the Armies continuance here And therefore wee cannot but offer it as what we humbly conceive most just and reasonable That for what time their default or delays have occasioned and shall further occasion the Armies stay hereabouts so much as to the burthen oppression of these parts the charge thereof should some way be laid upon them and their adherents in and about the City together with those persons from whom the said Arreares are due and those in whose default it lyes that they have hitherto been either not assessed or not collected And for that purpose that at least in case the summ required for so long time as the payment thereof shall be further delayed Next forasmuch as the Lord Major Aldermen and Common-Councell may perhaps conceive themselves not so much obliged either to execute the authority given them by the Parliament for levying of money upon others or to advance it themselves by way of loan in behalf of others until it can belevied as they would be to provide what should justly be charged upon themselves Wee therefore humbly offer at least in case the sum required upon the Arreares be not paid in by the time limited 2. That the Houses would be pleased speedily to consider of the delinquency of that Court and Councell in those things that were lately done by them as a Court and set such Fine upon them for the same as shall be agreeable to justice which money being chargeable so properly upon themselves we presume they will not have the like excuse not to provide Lastly since it is most evident that for the speedy bringing in of the money required upon the arrears there wants not in the said Major Aldermen and Common-Councell either authority to levy it or ability to advance it by way of Loan til it can be levied nor doe the persons from whence the arrears are due want ability to pay them but the only fault and defect lies in the want of will to the thing both in the one and in the other and want of power in the hands of willing men to enforce it without which wee see little hopes that it will in any tolerable time be effected We therefore offer 3. That in case the money be not brought in by the time limited the Parliament would be pleased to give leave and power to the Generall with the advice and directions of the Committee for the Army for the levying of the said arrears together with such penalties and fine as the Houses shall find cause to impose as afore-said or at least the penalties allowed by the Ordinances for that tax for the Armie and then 〈◊〉 the money be not speedily brought in for the Parliament to dispose of let us bear the blame And all these things we desire the rather because we have grounds both of reason and evidence from the speeches of many in the City to believe that in this long with-holding of money the designs and hopes of the Parliament and our enemies are to raise the Army into distempers and the Countrey about into a flame whereby at least to hinder and interrupt all proceedings to the execution of Parliamentary justice or settlement of the Kingdome and to expose the Parliament again into tumultuous violence of all which the danger is very evident and imminent if not speedily prevented by some such vigorous and effectuall remedies as afore-said By the appointment of his Excellency Sir Tho Fairfax and the Generall Councell of his Army Signed John Rushworth Secretary Putney Septemb. 16. 1647. A Representation from his Excellency Sir Tho Fairfax and the Generall Councell of the Army Expressing the Desires of the Army in relation to themselves as Souldiers in which they desire satisfaction before disbanding Tendred to the Right Honourable the Commissioners o◠Parliament residing with the Army Sept. 21. to be by them represented to the Parl. Right Honourable IN our Representation or Declaration sent from St. Albans wee did expresse in generall terms what we desired for the setling and securing of the Rights Liberties Peace and Safety of the Kingdom and since then as the Distractions and interruptions we have met withall would admit Wee have proceeded to prepare and have lately delived to your Lordships in particular Proposall In pursuance of these generall Desires and in order to the same Ends having in these set forth what our Desires are in the things which concerns us as members of the Common-wealth and in common with all others we shall now desire your Lordships to remind the Parliament of our humble Desires in these things which concerne us as Souldiers and of our dissatisfaction in relation thereunto which remained upon us when some Regiments of the Army are voted to be disbanded For which purpose we have now prepared and doe herewith tender to your Lordships our particular desires in pursuance of our former papers published before our comming to St. Albans in order to the satisfaction and security of the Army other the Parliaments forces in point of Arrears and other things that concern us as Souldiers Which we desire may be humbly represented to the Parliament to be taken into a speedy consideration as may be a matter of the first Article concerning the present stating of Accounts and giving Debentures for Arrears to bee speedily put in execution or set in a way of dispatch and the rest of them to be agreed upon and provided for and included in any setling of a Peace which we shall heartily pray for By the appointment of His Excellency Sir Tho Fairfax and the generall Councel of the Army Signed John Rushworth Secr. Putney Septemb. 21. 1647. Putney Septemb. 21. 1647. FIrst That a Committee or Commissioners be appointed by the Parliament to come down and abide at the Head-quarters of the Army with full power and authority to Audite and State the Accounts thereof and to give Debentures at well for the pay respited
1647. To His Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax Knight Generall of the Army raised by the Authority of both Houses of PARLIAMENT The Humble Petition of the Officers of the severall Regiments lately drawn off Your Excellencys Army for the service of Ireland in the behal of themselves and their Soldiers SHEWETH THat your Petitioners formerly members of your Army by your Excellencies countenance and encouragement did draw off and engage our selves and souldiers for the service of Ireland and since that contrary to our expectation and as we humbly conceive your Excellencies knowledge there hath been very high affronts offered unto us by some of your Excellencies Army that came into our quarters and by a pretended authority from your Excellency and a speciall order â—rom some of the cheif Commanders in your Excellencies Army as they alledged did at that time draw away many of our Souldiers and have by false and scandalous suggestions and mis-informations endeauoured to seduce corrupt and draw away many more as doth appeare by the late losse of five companies and the great discouragement of all the rest from that service Which your Excellency endeavoured so much to promote manifested by that never to be forgotten expression which then fell from you Excellency that rather then the service of Irel. should be neglected or retarded you would willingly trayle a Pike your self And whereas it is by some persons or Pamphlets spread abroad declaring that we deserted the Army meerely on purpose to make a party to stand in opposition to the Army and so to involve and ingage this Kingdom in another bloody warre which our consciences tell us to the contrary and to give your Excellency and the world satisfaction we call God the searcher of all hearts to witnesse for us that such an intention never entered in or came neare our thoughts neither doe we know of any such inclination or have had such intimation from any of our superiours or from any others in the whole world We therefore make it our humble suit to your Excellency that as we have all along served your Excellency in your just undertakings for the welfare of this Kingdome with all integrity and fidelity we may not now be looked upon as enemies but as well wishers to the peace of this Kingdome and now ready if not obstructed with our lives fortuns to endeavour the relief of bleeding Irel. And to that purpose we furthur beseech your Excel to give command that no interception be made or interruption given to any person or persons imployed to London or to on our affaires by any of your Excellencies Army but that at all times free passage May be allowed to your Petitioners And as in duty bound we shall pray for your Excellencys happines c Wiliam Harbert col John Melvin Liuet Col. Richard Lunday Major CAPTAINS Nathaniell Short Barthol Helbye John Danklin Charles Awbery Thomas Morgan Liuet Wiliam Mathews Lieut. Tho. Vahan Walter Brough Wil Hodskins Peter Winchester Richard Onyon Edward Loe ENSIGNES James Short William East William Hall Thomas Robins John Stamp John Williams Math. Maderson Thomas Hodskins Nich. Kempson col Christ Packham Lieut Col. Fran. Dormer Major CAPT. Robert Fish Alexand. Frye Geo. Masters Abraham Clerk Francis Wels Lindsey Sharples Stephen coyne John Bistill LIEVT Robert Dormer Thomas Moone Jarvis Murrey George Hope Timothy clare ENSIGNES Robert Chaffe Andrew Finch Robert Batts Bryan Elton John Mackellan David Hollan Robert cloake SIR VVHereas at the last meeting of the Officers of this Army at Saffron Walden I declared in the presence of the Lords and Comors commissioners of Parliament to all the Officers then present as also to such Officers as have since that time come to the Head-quarters that they should make known to their severall Regiments the intention of the Parliament to send a considerable force of such of their Army that are willing to goe into Ireland for the reducing of that Kingdome desiring them also to make known my desire to advance that service and to prevent any hinderance thereof and that if any Officers stand not disposed to engage in person in that imployment yet that they would promote it in making known my desire and the Votes of both Houses for the encouragment of such as should engage in that service I doe therefore desire you to publish thiis Letter together with the said votes by reading the same unto your Regiment in expectation whereof I remain Walden Aprill 18. 1648. Your Assured Friend FAIRFAX THE APOLOGIE Right noble and Faithfull Generall VVEE who have for these two yeares past bin by your Excellence conducted through many dangers and by providedence hitherto protected who have often seen the devouring sword of a raging Enemy drawne forth against us threatning destruction to us now see them vanquished our selves seemingly setled in peace and safety are yet sensible of another more dangerous storm hanging over our Heads then ever the malice of our open enemies could have contained or their fury caused to fall upon us which unlesse diverted strike not only at our liberty but our lives also To whom next to our maker shall wee fly for shelter but to your Excellency the Patron Protector From what secondary meanes shall we expect our Deliverance but from thy hand that hath so often bin ingaged with us from that heart that hath as often been tender over and carefull for our security can we suffer and you not sympathize can we be proclaimed enemies and your Excellency remain secure O dear Sir let your wonted care for us be further demonstrated cease not to speak for us who together with selfe and in obedience to your command have adventured all that is deare to us for the Kingdomes safety Hath any thing been desired by us that hath not beene promised or then we have just cause to expect if there hath then both it and the Autho s thereof perish but can the Parliament upon misinformation passe us for enemies and we not therein perceive our enemies design can we be satisfied with a complement when our fellow Soldiers suffer at every Assize for acts meerely relating to the Warre Is it not our lives we see For where shall we be secured when the meere envie of a malicious person is sufficient to destroy us Were our enemies in the Field with their Swords in their hands we should expect no more then a bare command and a divine protection on our endeavours to free our selves but 't is another and a farre worse enemy we have to deale with who like Foxes lurke in their Dennes and cannot be dealt withall though discovered being protected by those who are intrusted with the Government of the Kingdome It is the griefe of our hearts that we cannot desire our owne security without hazzard to your Excellency if but in speaking in our owne behalfe When shall we see Justice dispersed without partiality or when shall the Weale of the publick be singly sought after and
endeavoured Can this Irish Expedition be any thing else but a Designe to ruine and break this Army in pieces Certainly reason tells us it can be nothing else otherwise why are not those who have been made instruments in our countries deliverance againe thought worthy to be imployed or why are such who for their miscarriages have been cast out of the Army thought fit to be intrusted and those Members of the Army ingaged and preferred to that Service when they are for most part such as had they considered their just demerrits might rather have expected an ejection then employment We are sensible yea far more sensible of the bleeding condition of Ireland crying aloud for a Brotherly assistance then those forward undertakers in this present Designe manifest themselves to be and shall willingly contribute the utmost of our abilities towards their reliefe when we shall see this to be the onely thing sought after and endeavoured but wee are confident that your Excellencie cannot but perceive this plot is but a meere cloake for some who have lately tasted of Soveraignty and being lifted beyond their ordinary Spheare of servants seek to become Masters and degenerate into Tyrants wee are earnest therefore with your Excellencie to use the utmost endeavour that before any other or future Propositions be sent to us our expectations may be satisfied which if they are not we conceive our selves and our friends as bad as destroyed And shall your Excellency or any other faithfull servant to the State be appointed for the Service of Ireland and accept of that imployment we must of necessity contrary to our desires shew our selves averse to that service until our desires be granted the just Rights and liberties of the Subjects vindicated and maintained Then as God and our owne consciences beare us witnesse we shall testifie to the Kingdome the integrity of our hearts to the service of Ireland and our forward actions in that imployment shall demonstrate the sincerity of our expressions Once more we are earnest with your Excellency for your assistance without which we are like to be wholly ruined and having obtained it may be enabled as in duty we are bound to expresse our selves your Excellencies and the Kingdomes most faithfull and obedient Servants Edward Saxby Tho. Moore Commissioners for the Generalls Regiment Samuel Whiting Will. Allin Leivtenant Generalls Regiment Anthony Nixon Tho Shepherd Com. Gen. Regiment Wil. Iones Iohn Casby Colonell Fleetwoods Regiment Nich. Lokier Ioseph Foster Colonell Rich his Regiment H. Geathings Edward Starre Colonell Sheffields Regiment Tho. Kendale Iohn Thomas Colonell Whaley his Regiment Elias Box Iohn Willowhy Colonell Butler his Regiment 28. Aprill 1647. A Second Apologie of all the private Souldiers in his Excellencies Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army to their Commission Officers SIRS VVEE your Souldiers who have served under your commands with all readinesse to free this our Native Land and Nation from all Tyrannie and Opressions whatsoever and that by vertue and power derived from this present Parliament given not only to his Excellencie Sir Thomas Fairfax our now present Generall but likewise under all the late Generalls his predecessors under whom wee even the whole Souldery have served both the State and you faithfully and diligently By which meanes God hath been pleased to crowne us with Victorie in dispersing our common adversaries so that we hoped to put an end to all Tyranny and Oppressions so that Justice and Equitie according to the Law of this Land should have been done to the People and that the meanest subject should fully enjoy his Right Libertie and proprieties in all things which the Parliament hath made known to all the world in divers of their Declarations to which they have so often bound themselves to performe by their Oahes Vowes Covenants and Protestations Upon this ground of hope we have gone through all difficulties and dangers that we might purchase to the people of this Land with our selves a plentifull crop and harvest of Libertie and Peace but instead of it to the great greif and sadding of our hearts wee see that oppression is as great as ever if not greater yea and that upon the cordiall freinds to the Parliament and us and to the just Rights and Liberties of this Nation that they with us are slighted abused beaten and dragged to Jayles yea to the utter ruine of their estates and losse of their lives yea the best and most candid intentions and actions of theirs and ours grossely and foulely mis-construed even to such a height as deserving no lesse then to be declared as troublers of and enemies to the State and Kingdome and such as have and are now the enemies of the Parliament and Kingdome are countenanced and honourrd to be in places of greatest trust and are made Judges of them and us for our lives and estates yea and in the great affairs of the Kingdome sitting in the House of Commons though still under Sequestration they are made high Sheriffes Mayors of severall Counties and Townes Commiâ—sioners of Oyer and Terminer as in Cumberland and the countie of Durham c. From whence we beleeve springs all our miseries and that so many of our fellow Souldiers that have been disbanded have been so rigorously dealt withall as * The high Sherife of Kent a man that was in the first Rebellion against the Parliament and by his meanes last Assize indicted a Colonel for taking of Horses Exâ—ter At Northampton Waâ—wick Alisbury And this Assize at Salisbury London condemned All these will be proved with many more instances imprisoned indicted and hanged for things done in time and place of Warre and necessity of the Parliaments service required in their low condition and without which they could not have safely sat in the House of Parliament with their heads on and the reason of all this we judge is because our very Enemies are made our Judges Yea such is our condition though we be oppressed we may not cry as it is too apparent when of late we did in an humble and petitionary way seek to make knowne our grievances to our Generall such was our offence as that we must presently without being heard be declared Enemies to the State though notwithstanding by these our Eâ—emies even such as have bin Cavaliers in Armes have promered and framed divers Remonstrances Petitions and Representations of dangerous consequence to the Parliament and Kingdome and that against their most reall and cordiall friends yet these have bin accepted and great thanks returned them which holds forth to us a cleare designe to enslave all the honest party of this Kingdome and in them wee and you also Therefore brave Commanders the Lord put a spirit of courage into your hearts that you may stand fast in your integrity that you have manifested to us your Souldiers and we do declare to you that if any of you shall not he shall be marked with a brand of infamy for ever as a Traytor to his Country and an
Enemy to his Army Read and consider was there ever such things done by a Parliament to proclaime us Enemies to the State as they have done about the late Petition the Lords and they could quickly agree to this though they will be very tedious when any thing is offered that is for the good of the common-wealth and to keep the hirelings * As that of 26. moneths the Horse are behind 13 Moneths pay and now to have but two Moneths pay judge Heaven and free people God be judge of this great evill Wages and not to give them that which they have so dearely bought with their blouds and lives even his pay and not only so but to leave them to the mercilesse malice of their wicked Enemies It is not better to dye lke men then to be enslaved and hanged like Dogs which must and wll be yours and our portion if not now looked unto even before our disbanding so you may plainly see by this their malice is great yea against our most honoured Generall as that in the Lords House they did more then whisper he was a Delinquent If they do so now and that to him what will they not doe not only to him but to you if a course be not taken for our and your security before wee be disbanded wee leave to you to judge We have been quiet and peaceable in obeying all Orders and commands yet now we have a just cause to tell you if we be not relieved in these our grievances wee shall be forced to that which we pray God to divert and keep your and our hearts upright desiring you to present these things to the Generall as our desires 1. THat the honour of this Army may be vindicated in every particular especially about the late Petition and reparations given and justice done upon the fomenters 2. That an Act of indempnity may be made for all things done in time and place of Warre 3. That the Wives and children of those that have been slaine in the service and maimed Souldiers may be provided for 4. Our Arreares under this Generall to be paid us our Arrears under other Generalls to be audited and stated and security given for the payment 5. That we that have served the Parliament freely may not be pressed out of the Kingdome 6. That the Liberty of the Subject may be no longer inslaved but that Iustice and Iudgement may be dealt to the meanest Subject of this Land according to old Law Now unlesse all these our humble requests be by you for us your Souldiers and your selves stood for to be granted it had better we had never been born or at least we had never beene in Armes but that we had by the Sword been cut off from the misery we and you are like to undergoe So we rest in hopes of your faithfulnesse Your Souldiers A Copy of a Letter from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax to the Right honourable the Earl of Manchester My Lord YOur Lordships Letter of the 28 I received yesterday with the Votes of both Houses inclosed therein Before the receipt thereof I had called the Officers unto a generall Councel of Warre to advise concerning the better transaction of the businesse and prevention of all inconveniences thereupon and when they were in consultation I communicated your Lordships letter and the Votes therewith sent unto them After much time spent in debate thereof this inclosed was delivered unto me by the Officers as the Result of the Councell of War which being of very great concernment I held it my duty to hasten unto your Lordships It is no small griefe of heart unto me that there should be any dissatisfactions betwixt the Parliament and the Army and that the late votes did not give satisfaction I beseech God to direct your Lordships to proceed with wisdome that things may be determined in love and this poore Kingdome free from further distraction which is the earnest desire of Your Lordships most humble servant T. FAIRFAX Bury May 30. 1647. For the Right Honourable the Earl of Manchester Speaker of the House of Peers pro tempore Mr. SPEAKER HAving called the Officers of the Army to Saint Edmunds Bury I communicated unto them yesterday the Votes of both Houses and a Letter of the House of Peeres sent therewith concerning the disbanding of the Army After long consultation had thereof this enclosed was delivered unto me as the Result of the Councell of Warre where the Officers were very many and unanimous which being of importance I held it my duty to hasten the same unto you being much perplexed in my thoughts that dis-satisfactions betwixt the Parliament and the Army should rather increase then lessen I intreat you that there may be wayes of love and composure thought upon I shall doe my endeavours though I am forc'd to yeeld to something out of order to keep the Army from disorder or worse inconveniences I desire you to take some speedy resolution for the composing of things whereby the Kingdome may be happy in a timely deliverance from further distraction for the effecting whereof I could be content to be a sacrifice as the last service you can have from Your most faithfull and humble servant T. FAIRFAX Burie May 30. 1647. For the Honourable William Lenthall Esquire Speaker of the Honourable House of Commons To his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax Knight Commander in Chiefe of the Parliaments Forces The Opinion and humble Advise of the Councell of Warre convened at Bury Saterday 29. May. 1647. In relation to the votes of Parliament communicated to us by your Excellency and the desires of our advice thercon Humbly Sheweth 1. THat upon the reports come to all quarters of the Army concerning the Votes and proceedings of the House May 21. As also of those on Tuesday May 25. we find the generallity of the Army as we are our selves much unsatisfied in the one and something amazed and startled at the other the first Votes of Friday coming much short of satisfaction as to the greivances of the Army then reported to the House and not taking any notice at all of some that were most materiall and the latter of Tuesday importing a resolution suddenly to disband the Army by peace-meale before equall satisfaction be given to the whole in any of the greivances or so much as any consideration had of some others most materiall And also before any effectuall performance of that satisfaction which the Votes of Friday seemed to promise as to some of the grievances all which we shall be readie upon a little time given us to represent to your Excellency more distinctly and in particular 2. That the said distraction and the jealousies occasioned upon the same proceedings as we feare and by some effects already appearing do find may unhappily produce dangerous disturbances and tumultuous actions amongst severall parts of the Army as they now lie dispersed and remote from the Head-quarters especially amongst those Regiments whose principall
Major Swallow Major Horton Major Gooday Major Smith Major Cowel Major VVade Captaine Jenkin Capt. Lilburne Capt. Pretty Capt. Morgan Capt. Grove Capt. Cannon Capt. Pitchford Capt. Dale Capt. Husbands Capt. Hawes Capt. Bethel Capt. Coleman Capt. Laton Capt. White Capt. Highfield Capt. Rainborow Capt. Let. Capt. Rolph Capt. Spooner Capt. Orpin Capt. Clark Capt. Hoddin Capt. Stodder Capt. Ask. Capt. Holmes Capt. Tolhurst Capt. Gougff Capt. Grigson Capt. Lago Capt. Davies Capt. Toppington Capt. Brafield Capt. Lieut. Kirby Capt. L. Wallington Capt. L. Audley Capt. L. Hewes Capt. L. Knight Capt. L. Arnop Lieut. Scotten Lieut. Cowell Lieut. Sheers Lieut. Ensor Lieut. Barton L. Hooker L. Miller L. VVhite L. Heydon L. Phillips L. VVheeler L. Singleton L. Gough L. Morgan L. Topping L. Erwood L. Hawes L. Aztell L. Baber Corner Moore C. Southwood C. Baker C. Iennings C. Bush C. VVarren C. Green C. Essex Ensigne Pearth E. VVright E. Gregory E. Camfield E. Rawlins E. Nicholds Quarter-Master Savage Q. VVarren Q. Hunt Q. Samer Q Master Arther To his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax Knight Captain Generall of the forces raysed by the Authority of PARLIAMENT The humble Petition of the Souldiers of the Army presented to his Excellency at a Councel of Warre held at St Edmonds Bury on Saturday 29 May 1647. Humbly Sheweth THat we your Petitioners considering the late Orders for disbanding the Army without redressing our grievances vindicating the Army or calling to accompt such persons who have been intenders contrivers and promoters of our destruction which being but reasonable we humbly conceive we may justly expect should not be denyed before disbanding us apart one Regiment from another contrary to the examples of other Armies disbanding in this Kingdome which posture renders us suspicious to the Kingdome to whom for some of our Accompts though humble and Iust we have already been declared enemies and to whom for ought we know for the rest of our doing may be presented with the same constructions We your Petitioners humbly beseech your Excellencie you would be pleased to appoint a Rendezvouz speedily for the Army also to use your utmost endeavours it be not disbanded before our sad and pressing greivances be heard and fully redressed which if not done before disbanding we humbly conceive we shall be enforced upon many inconveniences which will of necessitie arise when fwe though unwilling shall be necessitated for avoyding of destruction like to all on the whole Army if not prevented to doe such things our selves which if your Excellency out of your wisdome and prudence shall prevent by granting our just desires in a way of Order we shall abundantly rejoyce in it and be with cheerfulnesse enabled by it to subcribe our selves Your Excellencies and the Kingdomes innocent and faithfull servants whose names are hereunto annexed being Agitators in behalf of the severall Regiments Edward Saxby Edward Taylor Agitators of the Generalls Regiment of Horse William Allen. Sam. Whiting Liuetenant Generalls Regiment Tho. Shepherd Anth. Nixon Commisary Generals Regiment Edward Twig Tho. Iones Colonell Fleetwoods Regiment Thomas Kendall William Young Colonell Whaleyes Regiment Edward Starre Edward Geathings Colonell Sheffields Regiment Iohn Willoughby Tobias Box. Col. butlers Regiment Tho. Browne Barthol Wedlock Colonell Sir Robert Pyes Regiment George Steuson Richard Salter Colonell Graves his Regiment Nicholas Lockyer Iohn Braman Col. Riche Regiment Edward Vaughan Iohn Newson Of the Generalls Regment of Foot Robert Mason Henry Anderson Colonell Wallers Regiment Nicholas Andrews Ralph Prentice Colonell Harlowes Regiment Herbert Feild Tho. Walston Colonell Lilburnes Regiment Edward Garn Daniell Hinksman Colonell Hewsons Regiment VVilliam Baker Colonell Lamberts Regiment To the right honourable Field-Martiall Generall Skippon Lieut. Gen Cromwel Commissary Generall Ireton and Collonel Fleetwood HAving received at the last convention of the Officers of the Army at Walden your commands and directions to our Regiaments First for publishing the Votes of the House of Commons for the satisfaction of the Army in point of Arreares and Indemnity And secondly for a faithfull diligent and impartiall enquiry into the present temper and disposition of the Army In which having accordingly with diligence endevoured to answer your expectation in what you have enjoyned us we doe to the best of our understandings represent unto you That we finde both Officers and Souldiers at present quiet and free from any visible distemper Neverthelesse are sensible of many pressing grievances which they having orderly and quietly made known unto us we humbly in their and our behalves represent unto you as followeth 1 That whereas it pleased the honourable Houses of Parliament having received information of a dangerous petition in the Army to declare and immediatly publish in print to the Kingdome That that Petition which indeed was but onely intended to be presented to the Generall with submission to his approbation did tend to put the Army into distemper and mutiny to obstruct the reliefe of Ireland and put conditions upon the Parliament and declaring the Petitioners if they shall continue in their distempered condition and goe on in promoting and advancing that Petition and shall be lookt upon and proceeded against as enemies to the State and disturbers of the publick peace Which said information misrepresenting our intentions hath caused that heavy charge which remains upon record as a Memorandum of infamy upon us to posterity we cannot chuse but with sadnesse of spirit be deeply sensible that so humble and innocent an addresse intended to the Generall could beget so strange an interpretation the substance of those things which we intended to sue for therein being no other then what the Parliament promised and frequently confirmed unto by their Declarations 2 That whereas those persons who have by the foresaid Information attempted to our great prejudice to beget mis-understandings betwixt the Parliament and their Army by their surreptitious obtaining and misrepresenting our intention in the said Petition and by divulging abroad scandalous Letters from unknowne hands the Authours whereof are concealed and not brought forth to make judiciall proofes of those things laid to our charge which wee cannot but look upon as a just cause of grief that the suggesters of such things seemed to prevaile so farre as to gaine encouragement and we who are innocent remaine unjustified in the eyes of the Kingdome 4 That divers Officers of the Army of publick and knowne integrity have been sent for to the Parliament some whereof at this present attended there and have had no tryall nor any thing considerable that we know of layd to their charge And more particularly That Ensigne Nichols a member of this Army hath been illegally imprisoned by Capt. Dormer a late Officer of this Army but now engaged for Ireland his Pockets search't and his Papers taken from him contrary to the Lawes of the Kingdome or Discipline of war and since by order of the Commissioners sent from Derby-House to treat with the Army about the reliefe of Ireland was sent to London
without the Generals privity where he is still kept Prisoner at great expences and not brought to tryall which president may equally extend to any or all in the Army Which said particular bearing with it the face of delay and protraction we cannot but looke upon as a just cause of trouble unto us 4 That whereas we understand that the Parliament hath voted asudden disbanding of the ARMY not having made a sufficient provision for the auditing of our Arrears and stating of our accounts so fully as we may not be liable to future charges concerning them our owne reason and the experience of others doth make us sensible how difficult chargeable and uncerrain the oftaining thereof will be after we are disbanded and dispersed to our severall homes 5 That no provision hath been made for the payment of our dearly earned wages to the expence of our blood and often hazard of our lives saving a Vote of six weeks pay upon disbanding Now at the consummation of our work which is so small that it will inevitably expose us especially the private Souldiers to great extremity being searse sufficient to maintain many of them in their journey to their own homes 6 That nothing as yet hath been perfected for our future security for things done as Souldiers in relation to the warre which the exigency thereof and difficulties therein hath compelled us unto the want whereof we cannot chuse but be very sensible of when we consider the many sad examples of bitter and rigorous prosecutions at Law against Souldiers for acts done in order to the promotion of the Kingdomes service 7 That we stand in feare especially the private Souldiers of being impressed or inforced to serve as Souldiers out of the Kingdome many having spent themselves freely and voluntarily in the publicke service forsaking their trades and friends and livelihoods to which many desire to returne again for their better future subsistance 8 That whereas divers of us especially the private Souldiers who were Apprentices in London or other parts of the Kingdome have voluntarily engaged themselves in this service being incouraged thereunto by the Parliaments Declarations shewing that the time they should so spend in the prosecution thereof should be as effectuall in order to their Freedome as if they had remainened with their severall respective Masters Notwithstanding which many have refused to give us freedome who may justly claim it by the aforesaid Declarations for that purpose 9 That many Souldiers who have lâ—st their lives Widowes their Husbands and Children their Parents in this service and thereby are reduced to great poverty even to beggery are not sufficiently provided for a future livelihood 10 That whereas divers persons both privately and publickly laboured by evill aspersions and false calumnies to render us odious to the Kingdom thereby seeking to alienate their affections from us in order to which they have published many Bookes viz. Ma. Edwards his Gangraena and divers others of that nature and also very lately a report divulged abroad that wee had petitioned his Majesty inviting him to come to the head of the Army and that we would restore him to his Crowne Throne and Dignity A person of eminence averred before a very great and publik convention in the Citie of London that he saw a Copy of that Petition which was delivered to his Majesty And that the Army was no longer a New Modell but had 4000. Cavaliers in it that hee comming from the Fountaines head perceived that the King and Cavaliers have their single and whole dependency upon this Army And others privaâ—ly suggesting the same by dispersing severall copies of the said pretended Petition the severall particulars whereof wee protest against as most false and are most confident that it proceeded not from any probable ground which might argue such an intention in us but singly from the malice of our enemies 11 That notwithstanding the great care of the Committee and Treasurers for the Army and the cheerfull readinesse of the most Counties in paying their Assesments as these where we now quarter generally affirme neverthelesse through want of pay the private Souldiers are necessitated to take free quarter for the present which is very irksome to be so burdensame to the kingdome Having thus according to your commands as fully as we are able accounted unto you what is the true genuine sense of the Army and not their imaginary but reall grievances which inevitably fall upon us except the Parliament in their wisdomes take some effectuall course to prevent them and as we if the time allowed to us by you would permit we could clearly demonstrate unto you we therefore assume the boldnesse to desire you to be sensible with us of what we have offered unto you and to present unto the Parliament the particulars aforesaid in such humble way and manner as you conceive most effectuall to the accomplishment of our future quiet and wel-being That you will doe us right if in case any of our actions be mis-represented to the Parliament That you will do us right if in case any of our actions be mis-represented to the Parliament That you will as farre as justly you câ—â— cover 〈◊〉 weaknesse if any thing of that nature hath slipt us in the transaction of this to weighty and considerable an importance that the integrity of our hearts is not hid from you and which we doubt not but will clearly appeare notwithstanding the malice or secret workings of any person whatsoever seeking to asperse us when our proceedings herein shall be throughly inquired into And if any thing expressed herein may appeare or be understood otherwise by the Honourable Houses of Parliament we desire you will declare the minde and sense of us all which is that we have endevoured to our utmost in all our expressions to avoid things which might offend or in the least manner intrench upon the honour and authority of the Parliament for which we have adventured all we have in this world that is deare unto us But if any reflection may seem to touch upon some particulars our intentions are no other then towards those who have abused the Parliament Kingdome and a faithfull Army A list of the severall respective Officers interested herein Collonells Robert Hammond Jo. Lambert Rich. Engolesby Ed. Whaley Jo. Okey Jo. Hewson Nath. Rich. Lieutenan-Collonels Isaac Ewer Mark Grime Tho. Pride Edw. Salmon Tho. Reade Jo. Jubbs Majors Tho. Smith Wroth Rogers Io. Wade Dan. Axtell Io. Desborough Ad. Scroop Geo. Sedacive Ro. Huntington Thomas Horton Ro Swallow Will. Cowel Captaines Iohn Reynolds Tho. Disney Io. Pitchford I. Carter Hen. Binfield Sam. Grames Dan. Dale Io. Grove Wâ—lliam Rainborough Walter Bethel Tho. Ireton Will. Colâ—man Will Evanson Aâ—ariah Husbands Sam. Gardiner Ben. Burgesse Will. Stâ—eetham Io. Ienkin Hen Pritty Rich. Zanchy Hen. Cannon Tho. Pennifather Io. Spooner Io. Gladman Cap. Lieuten Will. Reade Ro. Kerby Cap. Lieut. Rich. Aske Tobias Bridges Io. Clarke Edm. Rolse Ioseph Blisset Oriell Smith
Rich. Hodden Ro. Gibbon Hen. Davis Lewis Awdeley Cap. Lieut. Io. Wallington Cap. Lieut. Edw. Orpin Ro. Anderson Tho. Haws Cap Lieu. Giles Sanders Rich. Sanders Io. Shrimpton Cap. Lieut. Francis-Allen Io. Grime Ia. Iermin Tho. Price Fra. Hawes Will. Arnop Cap. Lieu. Mat. Cadwell Io. Biscoe Sam. Rose Wil. Weare Cap. Lieu. Ro. Read Io. Toppenden Alex. Brafield Wil. Goffe Tho. Patsons George Gregson Roger Alsop Io. Salkeild Waldoffe Lagoe Io. Mason Hen. Lilburn Abra. Holmes Ier. Iolchurse Amos Stoddar Lieutenants Griffith Lloyde Edw. Scotton Tho. Sheares Nâ—t Wight Ben. Gifford Sampson Toogood Hen. Johnson Ioh. Merriman Hen. Martin Edm. Ch llenden George Ensor George Elsemore Tho. Aldridge Io. Peck Io. Frank Gelm Taylor Stephen White Io. Barrow Rich. Kemp Rich. Mosse Ralph Parker Martin Iubbs Tho. Ellis Phil. Price Jo. Hawes Io. Clark Ro. Taylor Io. Friend Rich. Tompson Io. Savage Tho. Camberlain Geor. Smith Ralph Galo Nat. Chasse Ralph Wilson Io. Watson Io. Filkins Lewis Noreot William Farley Brian Smith Alex Davis Ro. Lewis Io. Toppen Hugh Ienkin Io. Nichola Edward Dornay Io. Miller Ia. Clark Edw. Farmer Tho. Day Randol Warner Wil-Giuge Wil. Skelley Ethel Morgan Adrian Arwood Ienken Bevon George Ienkin Wil. Hill Io. Ward Tho. Barker Ed. Singleton Io. Friend Rich. Tompson Tho. Cossinghurst And. Edwards Sam Axtel Fran. Wheeler Io. Petter Cornets Wil. Barrington Io. Fox Rich. Southwood Tho. Barkley Edm. Winstanly Wil. Whittington Io. Sabberton George Ioyce Chry. Kember Io. Corde Geor. Tracy Wil. Beuck Io. Clark Wil. Leadbrook Pet. Wallis Sam. Packer Hen. Mills Io. Southwood Ja. Wilson Io. Spencer Rich. Webb Cha. Whitehead Abel Warren Anth. Lacon Wil. Lurna Sam. Boalley Ensignes Cha. Bolton Rob. Smith Geo. Clark Willi. Iones Ier. Hand Sam. Bince Ro. Beldea Tho. Rawlins Ier. Camfield Tho. Newman Evan Iones Hen. Cedwath Fardinando Green Geor. Neckthey Francis Farmer Hen. Williams Tho. Lewis Rich. Bourn Will. Ioyce Wil. Galhampton Rob. Banning VVil. Everard Io. Mason VVil. Cooper Downhalt Gregory Abinam Spooner Wil. Beard Sam. Chase Edw. Evans Io. Bishop Fra. Litler Wil. Disney Io. VVard Rich Essex Tho. Chambers Io. Bret Abel VVarren Quartermasters Wil. Williams Io. Goodwir Cales Leigh Wil. Miller George Sanders Rich. Slaynor Ed. Warren Tho. Savage Nath. Chedis Philip Ramsey Tho. Stewars Io. Ads Ro. Agard Io. Kennet Hen. Ward Io Due Tho. Ward Phil. Ioanes Rich. Hunt A Letter from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax sent to both Houses of Parliament concerning the Kings being brought from Holdenby towards the Army Mr. Speaker BY my last of Friday the 4 instant I gave you account of what I understood from Holmby concerning the undertaking of some Souldiers on Wednesday last to secure the King from being secretly conveyed away and that Col. Graves being thereupon secretly slipt away I had sent Col. Whaley with his Regiment to attend the Commissioners and take charge of the Guards there On Saturday morning being at a Randezvouze beyond Newmarket and advancing the Army this way in order to quarter about Cambridge I received advertisement That the Souldiers of Holmby had upon Friday morning with his Majesties consent brought him away from thence together with your Commissioners That they lay at Hinchingbrook near Huntingdon on Friday night and would be at Newmarket that day The ground of this remove was alledged to be an apprehension in the Souldiers of some Forces gathering towards that place suddenly to fal upon them forâ—e the Kâ—out of their hands to withstand which they thought they might bâ—â—â—o weak having then no notice of Col. Whaleys comming with his Regiament upon this immediately I sent after Col. Whaley to advertise him thereof with order to direct his course towards Huntingdon and where ere he met his Majesty and the Commissioners to desire that they would come on no further this way but rather to return and suffer him to guard them back And to prevent any danger imaginable therein I sent off from the Rendezvouz two Regiments of Horse more to march after Col. Whaley towards Huntingdon and so on towards Holdenby to be assistant to him in the Guards about his Majesty iâ— it should be found needfull And thus I held on the motion of the rest of the Army this way Towards Evening a fâ—â—t the Quarters of the Army were assigned and taken up hereabouts and the Regiments marching off towards their severall Quarters I understood from Collonel Whaley that meeting the King and your Commissioners upon their way from Huntington towards New-market about foure miles short of Cambridge they had forborn to come on any further but his Majesty being not willing to return back for Holdenby they had taken up his Quarter for present at Sir John Cuts his house at Childerley being the next house of any conveniency to the place where we met them Hereupon I sent thither Sir Hardres Waller and. Col. Lambert to informe the Commissioners of my comming to Cambridge and the Armies quartering hereabouts and to desire that they would think of returning back with his Majesty to Holdenby and because there might bee many inconveniencies in delay that they would not make any stay where they were but remove back that way next morning though it were the Lords day the Commissioners refused to act or meddle any otherwise in disposing the King then by their Answer to me whereof I have sent you a Copy here inclosed you see And his Majesty declares himselfe very unwilling to goe back to Holdenby I have thus given you a true and faithfull account how his Majesty came to the place where he is and how the Quarters of the Army have fallen out to be so neare him What ever by the concurrence of events to make it thus may be suspected of designe therein This is the exact truth of the businesse and I can clearly professe as in the presence of God for my self and dare be confident of the same for all the Officers about me and body of the Army that this remove of his Majesty from Holdeâ— by was without any designe knowledge or privity thereof on our parts and a thing altogether unexpected to us untill the notice of it came upon the Randezvouz as before neither the Randezvouz or comming hither to quarter with the Army from any purpose or with any expectation to be so neere His Majesty as it happens But the effect is so farre meerly providentiall and to us accidentall but the case being as it is your Commissioners refusing to intermeddle as before and the King to goe back I have placed and shall continue about his Majesty such a Guard of trusty men and under such command Collonell Whaley being chiefe in the charge as I may be responsall for to the Parliament and Kingdome so farre as can reasonably be expected from me by the blessing of God to secure his Majesties person from danger and prevent any attempts of such as may designe by that advantage of his Person the best to raise any new Warre in this Kingdome And truely
in a representation of their common grievances and the Officers except as before did agree upon a Narrative accompt of the grounds rise and growth of the discontents in the Army and their proceedings in relation thereunto with an overture of the best expedients to remove or satisfie the same both which were presented to the same Members of the House and by them reported to the House and whereas the Parliament having thereupon voted and ordered some particulars only towards satisfaction of our grievances hath since proceeded to certaine resolutions of suddaine disbanding the Army by pieces which resolutions being taken and to be executed before full or equall satisfaction given to the whole Army in any of the grievances before effectuall performance of that satisfaction in part which the preceding Votes seemed to promise as to some of the grievances and before any consideration at all of some others most materiall as by the result of a generall Counsel of Warre on Saturday May 29. was in general declared and is now more fully demonstrated in particular by a representation thereupon agreed unto by us we all cannot but looke upon the same resolutions of disbanding us in such manner as proceeding from the same malicious and mischieâ—â—â—â— Principles and inâ—â—ntions and from the like indirect Practises of the same Persons abusing the Parliament and is as the former proceedings against us before mentioned did and not without carnall and bloudy purposts for some of them have not stuck to declare or intimate after the body of the Army should be disbanded or the souldiers divided from their Officers then to question proceed against and execute their malicious intentions upon all such particular Officers and souldiers in the Army as had appeared to act in the Premises in the behalfe of the Army and whereas upon a late Petition to the Generall from the Agitants in behalfe of the â—â—uldiers groâ—â—dâ—d upon the preceding consider aâ—â—â—â—â— relating to the same resolutions of disbanding the same generall Counsell of warre to prevent the danger and inconveniences of those disturbings or tumultuous actings or conâ—â—â—ences which the dissatisfaction and Jealousie thereupon also grounded were like fuddainely to have produced in the Army to advise the Generall first to contract the Quarters of the Army and then to draw the same to an orderly Randezvous for satisfaction of all and that his Excellencie would immediately send up to move and desire the Parliament to suspend any present proceeding upon the said Resolution of disbanding to resume the Consideration of the grievances and desires sent up from the Army and not to disband it in pieces before just and equall satisfaction given to the whole And where 's some of the Regiments appointed for disbanding upon notice thereof withdrawing themselves from the Quarters adjacent to the appointed Randezvous and drawing towards the Head Quarters and the contracting their Quarters according to the said advice of the Counsell of Warre Wee the Officers and Souldiers of severall Regiments hereafter named are now met at a generall Randezvous and the Regiments appointed as aforesaid to be disbanded have not appeared not can appear but are resolved not to appear at the severall and respective Randezvous appointed as aforesaid for their disbanding and divers other things hath been done by severall other parties or Members of the Army necessarily relating to the good and concernment of the whole in these affaires Now for as much as we know not how far the malice Injustice and Tiranical Principles of our enemies that have already prevailed so farre to abuse the Parliament and the Army as is afore mentioned in the past proceedings against the Army may further prevaile to the danger and prejudice of our selves or any Officers or Souldiers of the Army or other persons that have appeared to act any thing in behalfe of the Army or how far the same may further prevaile to the danger or prejudice of the Kingdome in raising a new warre or otherwise Therefore for the better prevention of all such dangers prejudices or other inconveniences that may ensue and withall for better satisfaction to the Parliament and Kingdome concerning our desires of conferring to the Authority of the one and providing the good and quiet of the other in the present affairs of disbanding and for a more assured way whereby that affaites may come to a certaine issue to which purpose we herein humbly implore the present and continued assistance of God the Righteous Judge of all we the officers and soudliers of the Army subscribing hereunto do hereby declare agree and promise to and with each other and to and with the Parliament and Kingdome as followeth 1. That wee shall chearfully and readily disband when thereunto required by the Parliament or else shall many of us be willing if desired to ingage in further services either in England or Ireland having first such satisfaction to the Army in relation to our Grievances and desires heretofore presented and such security That we of our selves when disbanded and in the condition of private men or other the free-borne people of England to whom the consequence of our Case doth equally extend shall not remaine subject to the like oppression in jury or abuse as in the Premisses hath been attempeed and put upon us while an Army by the same mens continuance in the same credit power especially if as our Judges who have in these past proceedings against the Army so far prevailed to abuse the Parliament and us and to endanger the Kingdom and also such security that we our selves or any Member of this Army or others who have appeared to act any thing in behalfe of the Army in relation to the premises before recited shall not after disbanding be any way questioned prosecuted troubled or prejudiced for any thing so acted or for the entring into or necessary prosecution of this necessary agreement we say having first such satisfaction and security in these things as shall be agreed unto by a Counsell to consist of those generall Officers of the Army who have concurred with the Army in the Premises with two Commission Officers and two Souldiers to be chosen for each Regiment who have concurred and shall concurre with us in the Premises and in this agreement And by the major part of such of them who shal meet in Counsell for that purpose when they shall be thereunto called by the Generall 2. That without such satisfaction and security as aforesaid we shall not willingly disband nor divide nor suffer our selves to be disbanded or divided And whereas we find many strange things suggested or suspected to our great prejudice concerning dangerous Principles interests and designes in this Army as to the overthrow of Magistracy the suppression or hindering of Presbytery the establishment of Independent government or upholding of a generall licentiousnesse in Religion under pretence of Liberty of Conscience and many such things we shall very shortly tender to the Parliament a Vindication of the
may be put into a regulated way and left to aâ— little Arbitrarinesse as the nature and necessity of the things wherein they are conversant will beare 7. We could wish that the Kingdome might both be righted and pubbickly satisfied in point of accounts for the vast summes that have beene levied and paid as also in divers other things wherin the Common-wealth may be conceived to have beene wronged or abused But we are loath to presse any thing that may tend to lengthen out further disputes or contestations but rather such as may tend to a speedy and generall composure and quieting of mens minds in order to Peace for which purpose we further propose 8. That publick Iustice being first satisfied by some few examples to posterity out of the worst of excepted persons and other Delinquents having past their Compositions some course may be taken by a generall Act of Oblivion or otherwise whereby the seeds of future Warre or fewds either to the present age or posterity may the better be taken away by easing that sence of present and satisfying those feares of future Ruine or Vndoing to persons or families which may drive men into any desparate wayes for selfe-preservation or remedy and by taking away the private remembrances and distinction of parties as farre as may stand with safety to the rights and liberties we have hitherto fought for There are besides these many particular things which we could wish to be done and some to be undone all in order still to the same ends of common right freedome peace and safety But these proposals aforegoing being the principall things we bottome and insist upon we shall as we have said before for our parts acquiesce for other particulars in the Wisedome and Iustice of Parliaments And whereas it hath been suggested or suspected that in our late or present proceedings our design is to overthrow Presbytery or hinder the settlement thereof and to have the Independent governement set up we do clearly disclaime and disavow any such designe We onely desire that according to the Declarations promising a provision for tender consciences there may some effectuall course be taken according to the intent thereof and that such who upon conscientious grounds may differ from the established formes may not for that be debarred from the common Rights Liberties or Benefits belonging equally to all as men and Members of the Common-wealth while they live soberly honestly and inoffensively towards others and peacefully and faithfully towards the State We have thus freely and clearely declared the depth and bottome of our hearts and desires in order to the Rights Liberties and peace of the Kingdome wherein we appeale to all men whether we seek any thing of advantage to our selves or any particular party whatever to the prejudice of the whole and whether the things we wish and seek do not equally concerne and conduce to the good of others in common with our selves according to the sincerity of our desires and intentions wherein as we have already found the concurrent sence of the People in divers Counties by their Petitions to the Generall expressing their deepe representment of these things and pressing us to stand for the Interest of the Kingdome therein so we shall wish and expect to find the unanimous concurrence of all others who are equally concerned with us in these things and wish well to the publick And so trusting in the mercy and goodnesse of God to passe by and helpe any failings or infirmities of ours in the carriage or proceedings hereupon we shall humbly cast our selves and the businesse upon his good pleasure depending only on his presence and blessing for an happy issue to the peace and good of this poore Kingdome in the accomplishment whereof we desire and hope that God will make you blessed instruments June 14. 1647. By the appointment of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax with the Officers and Souldiery of his Army Signed John Rushworth Secretary A Charge delivered in the name of the Army under the Command of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax Unto the Commissioners of Parliament with the Army at S. Albans June 14. 1647. and by them sent up to the Parliament against severall Members of the Honorable House of Commons Also a Paper delivered to the said Commissioners of Parliament June 15. from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Army under his Command of some farther humble Proposals and Desires to the Honorable Houses of PARLIAMENT Denzil Hollis Esquire Sir Philip Stapleton Sir William Lewis Sir Iohn Clotworthy Sir William Waller Sir Iohn Maynard Knights Major General Massey Mr. Glyn Recorder of London Colonel Walter Long Colonel Edward Harley and Anthony Nichol Esquire Members of the House of Commons joyntly or severally as followeth FIrst That contrary to the trust reposed in them the persons above named Members of the House of Commons have joyntly or severally invaded infringed or indeavoured to overthrow the Rights and Liberties of the Subjects of this Nation in Arbitrary violent or oppressive wayes and in this case where no pretence was or could be of the Exigence of War or other necessity which might justifie or excuse the same and they have likewise endeavoured by indirect and corrupt practises to delay and obstruct Justice to the great damage and prejudice of divers of the poor Commoners of England petitioning for the same 2. That this Army being untill the middle of March last in a quiet and orderly condition and posture free from any colour or appearance of distemper or disorder or from offence to any and ready upon reasonable satisfaction in their necessary dues for service past either quietly to have disbanded or else to have engaged in the service of Ireland The persons above named have jointly or severally indeavored by false informations misrepresentations or scandalous suggestions against the Army to beget misunderstandings prejudices or jealousies in the Parliament against their Army and by deluding surprizing or otherwise abusing the Parliament to engage the Authority of Parliament to such proceedings as to put insufferable injuries abuses and provocations upon the Army whereby to provoke and put the Army into a distemper and to disoblige and discourage the same from any further ingagement in the Parliament service By all which and other the like particulars and proceedings of theirs the Peace of this Kingdome hath been eminently endangered and the relief of Ireland retarded 3. That whereas the Parliament might otherwise have had out of this Army an intire force and answerable to their proportion designed to have engaged for Ireland as aforesaid under their old officers and conduct the persons above named for advancement of their owne ends faction and designe to the prejudice of the Publike have joyntly or severally under pretence of the service of Ireland endeavoured by such evill practises as before to break and pull this Army in peeces to the weakning of the power and indangering of the safety of the Parliament and Kingdome and
have likewise endeavoured to put the Parliament and Kingdome to the trouble hazard delay and vast expence of raising a new force for that sereice 4. That with the breaking of this Army as aforesaid they have in the like manner endeavoured under the pretence of the service of Ireland to raise a new force as before to advance and carry on desparate designes of their owne in England to the prejudice of the Parliament and Publicke and in pursuance of the same have endeavored to divert the forces ingaged as for Ireland and unto such their purpose as aforesaid here in England and have in like manner endeavored to have gained a power from the Parliament for themselves or some of them of diverting and misimploying those forces aforesaid and to raise new forces under pretence to guard the Parliament and not having obtained that have in like manner endeavoured privately to list and engage Officers and Souldiers or procure them to be listed and engaged without Authority of Parliament for the raising of and imbroiling this Kingdome in a new and bloody War and to interrupt and hinder the setling and securing the Rights Liberties and peace of the Kingdome and for the setling upholding and protecting of themselves and their accomplices in their unjust oppressive and Factious designes and proceedings 5. That they have jointly or severally invited encouraged abetted or countenanced divers Reformadoes and other officers and Souldiers tumultuously and violently to gather together at Westminster to affright and assault the Members of Parliament in passage to and from the House to offer violence to the House it selfe and by such violence outrages and threats to awe and inforce the Parliament The severall Heads of Charge the Army will by such Solicitors as they shall appoint when the House of Commons shall admit thereof make good in particulars each Head against some of the persons and some one Head or more against each of the persons and shall shortly give in the severall particulars against each person respectively which shall be made good by proofs the Army desiring to save and reserve to themselves the liberty of exhibiting any farther Charge against all or any of the said persons A Paper delivered to the Right Honorable Commissioners of Parliament now with the Army at S. Albans June 15. 1647. From his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Army vnder his Command Shewing I. THat in pursuance of the Representation delivered in we have prepared the Heads of a Charge against divers persons Members of the House of Commons to whom many passages in the said Representation do relate which we have delivered in to be speeded to the Parliament and shall when the Parliament shall have admitted thereof appoint fit persons to our and the Kingdomes behalfs to prosecute and make good the same II. That if the Parliament shall be pleased to admit these things into Debate and Consideration at the desire of the Army in behalf of themselves and the Kingdome and to proceed thereupon for a generall satisfaction therein we shall then desire 1. That the persons impeached in the said Charge may be forthwith suspended from sitting in the House without which we cannot reasonably expect such a proceeding upon any the things we have proposed as may probably bring the same to an happy or timely issue to the Kingdom or our selves or as may prevent the present Designes and practises so imminently indangering the Peace of this Nation if those same persons who have notoriously appeared most active in all the late proceedings to the prejudice and provocation of the Army and hazarding thus farre the Peace of the Kingdom shall continue in the same power Judges of those things relating to the Armies satisfaction and peace of the Kingdom 2. That there may be at least a months pay immediately sent down to the Army for a present supply out of which the Army shall pay fourteen dayes quarter for time to come and the other Fourteen dayes pay shall be accompted as part of Arrears And to this we must desire a present Resolution to be with us on Thursday next by noon at farthest 3. That if the Officers and Souldiers of the Army who have engaged for Ireland or those who have deserted the Army and come to London have since then received more then a Moneths pay there may be so much more money sent downe to the Army above the Moneths pay aforementioned as make up that Moneths pay to the Army equall to what such Officers and Souldiers have so received at London or elsewhere 4. That no Officers or Souldiers who have deserted the Army shall have any more paid them as for Arrears until the rest of the Army shall first be satisfied in point of their Arrears 5. Whereas there have been severall designs and Endeavours without Authority from the Parliament to raise and list new Forces within this Kingdome to draw together the Forces engaged for Ireland and march them towards London and other secret practices to engage the Kingdom in a second War We further desire that during the Debates and Transaction of this businesse betwixt the Parliament and the Army the Parliament would not suffer any new Forces to be raised within this Kingdome or any Forces to be invited or admitted out of any other Kingdome to this or any thing else to be done that may carry the face of a new War or of preparations thereunto which may endanger or interrupt the present proceeding to the settlement of the Liberties and peace of this Kingdom 6. That the Parliament would be pleased without delay to put the things contained in our severall Representations and Papers already given in into a speedy way of resolution and dispatch The present posture and condition of the Kingdome and Army As also of his Majestie himselfe not admitting delays By the appointment of his Excellency Sir Tho. Fairfax and Souldiers of the Army under his Command Signed by me John Rushworth S. Albans June 17. 1647. Severall Letters sent from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Officers of the Army To the Right Honorable the Lord Major Aldermen and Commons of the City of London in Common-Councell assembled With their Answer to the said Letters Right Honorable WE received yours of the Eighteenth of this instant whereof though all passages were not so answerable to our expectation as we hoped yet we apprehend the same good affection in you towards this Army as was expressed in your former Letter And that not onely from the assurance of the worthy Gentlemen your Commissioners againe sent to us but also from that information we have received of your extraordinary endeavours to procure money for the Army To prevent further raising or listing of Souldiers and to procure those already Listed to bee disbanded some persons of your Militia onely having been active for the raising of them without your privity As likewise from that Letter fill'd with respect which you prepared and intended to us and being sent to
the Parliament was obstructed by some persons who labouring to imbroyle the Kingdome in a new Warre would not have the Forces already raised to be disbanded who excepted against your discovery to the House That some persons onely of the Militia had joyned in the raising of the new Forces who also would prevent a right understanding between your City and this Army knowing a firme correspondence betweene them would make the Designes of all such men hopelesse And though our taking notice of these things seemes not regular yet being so publickly done we thought fit to mind you of them Now although we have confidence of the reall and cleare intentions of your Lordship the Aldermen and the Commons of your City to promote the peace of this Kingdome and the just desires of this Army Also to prevent all tendencles to a new War or any further blood and therefore hold our selves obliged to yeeld all possible complyance to what you desire of us yet adding to the former grounds the many informations which daily come to us of the continued underhand workings of some Persons still to list men that divers Agents are sent into severall parts of the Kingdome to levie forces and Worcester the place appointed for a generall Randezvouz whither the Forces designed for Ireland that were part of this Army are by some of the Committee at Derby house ordered to March and severall of those Companies who went out from us for the service of Ireland having it intimated to them and by divers carriages perceiving they were intended a foundation for a new Army and a new Warre they so much abhorred the thoughts of it as both the Officers and Souldiers of divers Companies are of late entirely returned to us Likewise that no meanes is left unattempted to bring in Forces from Ireland France and Scotland against the Peace of this poore Kingdome We upon the whole matter offer to yours and all mens Considerations whether with yours ours or the publick Safety we can remove further backeward untill upon yours and our joint endeavours with the Parliament those things of immediate and pressing necessitie be provided for which we desired in our Paper last given in to the Parliaments Commissioners in order to the better proceeding upon the Heads of the Representation and Charge with more hopes of safety and of a timely and happy issue to our selves and the Kingdome viz. That the persons impeached by us may not continue in power and capacity to obstruct due proceedings against themselves And for their owne escape from justice to threaten ruine to the whole Nation That all forces lately raised or listed in or about the City may be forthwith discharged except the usuall number of Trained Bands and Auxiliaries and that all endeavours publickly or privately to raise any further forces may cease and be supprest And that the same measure may be allowed to this Army in paying them up to the same foot of accompt as is already given to those who have deserted the same And for the things exprest in our Representation though of weighty importance yet because they will require time they shall be no occasion to impede our remove and in the meane time both by Proclamation from his Excellency and all other wayes we shall deavour That the accustomed supplies to your City may be freely sent up To conclude we say from our hearts That as our especiall ends are the glory of God and the good of this whole Land so our endeavours shall be to prosecute the same without prejudice to the being or well-being of Parliament in generall the maintenance whereof we value above our owne lives or as we have formerly said of this Parliament in particular but altogether in order to the good and peace of this Nation and with a most tender regard to your City to which we professe we shall by all actions make good all engagements tending to the security thereof in what way your selves shall desire consisting with the good of the whole Kingdome you making good your mutuall correspondency with us not doing any thing to our prejudice in the prosecution of our just desires and endeavours St. Albans June 21. 1647. WE heare even now since the writing of this Letter that yesterday divers of the Reformadoes came againe in a threatning manner to Westminster the House of Commons then sitting to the great affrightment and terror of divers faithfull Members then present and to discouragement of others from their attendance there so that we cannot but perceive that the freedome of this Parliament is no better then that those Members who shall according to their consciences endeavour to prevent a second War and act contrary to their wayes who for their owne preservation intend it they must doe it with the hazzard of their lives which indeed is a thing so destructive to Parliaments and Freedome that we conceive our selves in duty bound to endeavour to the utmost to procure redresse therein June 22. 1647. By the appointment of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Councell of War Jo. Rushworth Secretary For the right Honorable the Lord Major Aldermen and Common-Councell of the City of London My Lord and Gent. WE have in al things dealt clearly and plainly with you and hope we shall continue still to doe so As soon as the worthy Aldermen and the other two Gentlemen your Commissioners came the last night to us we acquainted them with our purpose to draw the Head quarter to Vxbridge that so we might contract our Quarters which have hitherto lien scattered at which place we hope to receive that which will be satisfaction to the whole Kingdome and will remove obstructions out of the way of Justice wherein if right were done we should let you and all the world see that we would be so farre from pressing neer your City of London it should be indifferent to us to march not onely to the distance already prescribed but to any part of the Kingdome we should be commanded to by the Parliament we have asked nothing hitherto but right in the things that are known as if they were proved an hundred times before them from whom we have sought them which if granted would not only be a Iustice to the Army but would let the Kingdome see the Fountain in a way to be cleared without which nothing of force or power would be a security to any man We wish the name of priviledges may not lie in the ballance with the safety of a Kingdome and the reality of doing justice which as we have said too often we cannot expect whilst the persons we have accused are the Kingdomes and our Iudges A little delay will endanger the putting the Kingdome into bloud notwithstanding what hath been said if it be considered that in Wales besides under-hand workings in your City and other places men are raised and that in no small numbers And are not those men in the Parliament who have continued faithfull to
the common interest from the beginning of the Parliament to this very day still awed by the concourse of Reformado Officers and others to their doores Expence of time will be their advantage only who intend to bring evill purposes to passe we have written this to you for your satisfaction that so nothing may be done without giving you a perfect account of our intentions and ends And still to continue our assurance to you that should necessity bring us neerer to the City our former faith given you shall be observed inviolably there being nothing more next the good of the Kingdome in our thoughts and desires then the prosperitie of your City By the appointment of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Counsell of Warre Signed Jo. Rushworth Barkehamstead June 25. 1647. For his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax Knight Generall of the Forces raised by the Parliament and his Honorable Councell of Warre May it please your Excellency and the honorable Councel of War WE the Major Alder. and CoÌ„mons in Common-Councel assembled having received yours to us of the 21. and 22. and your Excellencies to our Committee of the 23. instant with a Copy of a Remonstrance directed to the Parliament did send three of that number yesterday to acquaint you with our resolutions thereupon since which we have caused Copies of those Letters to be presented to both Houses desiring their direction concerning the residing of some of that Committee continually with you in the head Quarter and that according to our former requests the Reformadoes and other Officers and Souldiers raised for the service of the Parliament might be required forthwith to repaire into their severall Counties there to receive such satisfaction as is or shall be appointed by Parliament and that if any Souldiers be listed upon the Votes of the Committee of Lords and Commons and Committee of the Militia that they may be forthwith discharged Whereupon severall Votes were made unto which we desire to be referred We have also taken those Letters with another received from those we sent yesterday and a Copie of a Letter dated the 24. instant delivered to the Commissioners of Parliament and yours of the 25. instant into further consideration thereby observing the constancie of your expressions to doe nothing in prejudice either of the Parliament or the City and of your purpose by Proclamation and otherwise to endeavour that the accustomed supplies of this City may be freely sent up all which we do with all due thankfulnesse acknowledge and to preserve a right understanding with you we have appointed the said Committee or six of them at the least continually to reside in your head Quarter and do intend to make it our request to the Parliament that whoever have or shall endeavour to raise any forces to ingage this Kingdome in a new War may be discovered and prevented therein and that you may receive satisfaction equall to those that have left the Army so soone as it is possible for the Parliament to performe the same relying upon the assurance you have given us that your speciall ends are the glory of God the good of this whole land and the safety of Parliament and City To conclude the neer approach of your Army to this City causeth us once more to desire you to take it into your most serious consideration for albeit you doe not come to offer any violence to us yet we have and shall suffer very much in our trade and price of Victuals by reason thereof which we hope you will be so sensible of as to prevent it in the future by removing further off and by taking such a course that we may receive no further prejudice either in the one or the other which is our earnest desire and that in your indeavors to save the Kingdome from ruine you doe not overthrow the fundamentall constitution of Parliament which is essentiall to the well-being thereof By command of the Major Aldermen and Commons of the City of London in Common-Councell assembled Michel London 25. June 1647. To the Right honorable the Lord Major Aldermen and Common-Councell of the City of London IT was last night resolved by the Generall and Councell of War for present not to Advance any of the Army neerer London but whereas the Foot being all quartered then at Watford Vxbridge and Colebrooks were very troublesome and burthensome to those places It was only Ordered that the Quarters of the Foot should be inlarged for the ease of those places whereupon by a mistake of that Resolution in the setting out of quarters some Regiments had quarters assigned for inlargement at places lying much forwarder towards London as farre as Harrow on the Hill Hayes Cranford Harlington Bedfont Feltham and Hanworth This morning so soone as this was understood by the Generall and the Officers there were Orders immediately sent out to stop the Regiments and now none quartered nearer London then Watford Rislip Ikeham Hellindon Cowley Drayton Hamsworth Stanwell and Stanes which make a line about fifteen or sixteen miles distance from London And to avoid any disquieting to the Parliament or City upon future apprehensions His Excellency and his Officers do promise That there shall be no further Advance either of the Army or any quarters of it any nearer to London without timely notice thereof and of the Reasons of it to the Parliament and City By the appointment of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Councell of Warre John Rushworth Uxbridge June 26. 1647. An humble Remonstrance from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Army under his Command concerning the present State of affairs in relation to themselves and and the â—â—â—gdom with their desires and present Resolutions thereupon Presented to the Commissioners at S. Albans June 23. 1647. to be by them humbly presented to the Parliament Present his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax LIeutenant General Cromwel Lieut. Gen. Hamond Com. Gen. Ireton Sir Hardresse Waller Col. Lambert Col. Rich. Col. Lilburn Col. Okey Col. Hewson Col. Scroope Col. Harrison Col. Tomlinson Col. Horton Col. Pride Quarter Master Gen. Grosvenor Scout Mr. Gen. Watson Adjutant Gen. Deane Lieutenant Col. Jubbs Lieut. Col. Cobbet Lieut. Col. Ewers Lieut. Col. Salman Lieut. Col. Goffe Major Barton Major Rogers Major Sanders Capt. Cannon Capt. Husbands Capt. Disney The Remonstrance of the Army was this day read and after debate thereof by the Councell of War was agreed unto and afterwards by direction of the Generall and Councell of Warre was delivered unto the Commissioners of Parliament residing at St. Albans by the hands of Sir Hardresse Waller Col. Rich and Col. Tomlinson OUr Desires as Souldiers in behalfe of our selves and other Souldiers that have faithfully served the Parliament in this Kingdome as also our remaining dissatisfactions in relation thereunto may be clearly collected out of our severall Papers that have formerly been presented to the Parliament concerning the same to which particulars we have not yet received any further
satisfaction 2. In our last Representation it may appeare what our Desires are aâ— Members of the Common-wealth in behalfe of our selves and all others for the clearing setling and securing of the Rights Liberties and peace of the Kingdome for the Iustnesse Reasonablenesse Necessity and Common concernement whereof unto all we dare appeale to the whole Kingdome and to the World yet we have hitherto received no Answer thereunto nor can we heare of any consideration taken thereupon to put the thingâ—â—â—ntained therein into any way of resolution or dispatch 3. We have since in pursuance of the first and second head of our desires in the said representation delivered in a charge against divers persons Members of the House of Commons for divers designes and Practises to the abuse and dishonour of the Parliament the insufferable injury of the Army the infringement of the Rights and Liberties both of Souldiers and Subjects the breach or hazzard of the peace of this Kingdome and the hinderance of the reliefe of Ireland 4. Upon which though the maine things charged with the mischievous effects and further dangerous consequences of them as also the constant and continued activity of all or most of the persons charged in relation to those things for the most part are sufficiâ—ntly known espâ—cially to the Parliament it selfe yet we find neither any thing done upon what is so knowne nor any way resolved on or admitted by the Parliament for the examination or discovery of what may be lesse knowne But rather as if neither the things charged nor the present sad effects nor future ill consequences thereof were at all considerable the whole businesse seems to be slightly past over or set aside Lastly we did with these deliver in another paper whereof here is a Copy annexed containing divers just and necessary things which we did desire might be provided for and done for the better proceeding in the Premisses with more safety to our selves and the Kingdome and with more assurance or hopes of a timely and happy issue To which things desired which we suppose all men reasonable will thinke just and necessary we have yet received no Answer or resolution nor can find any consideration at all had of them save that a Moneths pay is sent downe to the Army whilst those that have deserted the Army receive at London much more and that some Votes have been passed for the annulling the Committee pretended for safety about listing of men and drawing of Forces together which Votes we find rendred but vaine and delusive by the continued under-hand practises of those whom we have charged and their accomplices in listing and ingaging men for a new Warre and by a later dayes Votes not admitting that the Forces so listed or ingaged should by publick Order be dismist or discharged which with other things we cannot but attribute chiefly to the prevalent influence of the same persons Now whereas we find that our first desire in the Paper last mentioned for present suspending the persons impeached from sitting in the House is judged by some to be against the course and priviledge of Parliament or of ill consequence in the president of it the charge being but general and no particular proofes as yet produced to render the proceedings Legall we cannot but remind the Parliament First That as the most and maine things charged with the sad effects and consequences of them so the constant and continued activity of all or most of the persons charged in relation thereunto in misinforming deluding abusing or supprising the House and otherwise are sufficiently knowne to the Parliament it selfe so as the House might upon their own past and present cognizance of the same most justly proceed to suspend them as in many other cases upon farre lesse occasions which never could have produced such sad effects to the Kingdome they have done many other of their Members meerly for words spoken of things moved in the House alledged to be but against Order or Custome of the House and this without any tryall proofe or charge but meerly upon the Houses owne cognizance of the things as we could instance in many cases since this Parliament began Secondly Whereas many of the things to which the Charge relates are things spoken moved or done in the House so as yet we have no clear way opened particularly to charge or mention them or to produce proofâ— to them without some pretence against us of breach of priviledge and therefore though we think no priviledge ought to protect wicked men in doing wrong to particulate or mischiefe to the publiqâ—e yet we have been hitherto so tender of Parliament priviledges as that we have onely remonstrated the evill of such things done and supposing the House to have beene as we did and doe beleeve and if way were open without breach of priviledge should not doubt to prove it was some wayes misinformed deluded surprized or otherwise abused in these things by evil Members we have frequently in former papers before the Charge put the Parliament upon it who without colour of breach of priviludge might doe it to finde out and discover who they were that had so abused them and to disingage the honour of Parliament from the evill practises and designes of such Insendiaries Now since the same difficulties or prejudices lye yet in our way as to the particular charging or proofe of such things against Members And the Parliament though so often put upon it in our former Papers yet through the powerfull interest of the persons guilty hath not taken any cognizance what Members or others have so abused them to draw the Parliament to such dishonour and inconveniences we cannot but againe more fully and clearely assert as we have in former Papers and shall more particularly if need be remonstrate that divers things lately done and passed from the Parliament against this Army as particularly the Order for suppressing the Petition that high Declaration against it and against all that should proceed in it putting the faithfull servants of the Parliament and Kingdome out of the protection of the Law and exposing them as enemies to the State c. to the forfeiture of Estates Liberties Life and all but for going about in an humble peaceable and inoffensive way to desire what was undeniably their doe and dearly earned and many other such like proceedings both against the Army and others do carry with them such a face of injustice oppression arbitrarinesse and tyranny as we thinke is not to be paralleld in any former proceedings of the most Arbitrary Courts against any private men but have brought insufferable dishonour upon the Parliament which we are and others ought to be deeply sensible of hath tended to disoblige all men especially Souldiers from the same to destroy all just freedome either of Souldiers or Subjects and hath conduced to all other the sad effects and worle consequences expressed in the Charge and gives us and others cause to conclude that those
worthies who have formerly acted and carried on things in Parliament for Publick good Right and freedome are now awed or over-borne by a prevailing party of men of other private interests crept in and that neither we nor any other can reasonably expect right freedome or safety as private men or to have things acted in Parliament for publick good while the same persons continue there in the same power to abuse the name and authority of Parliament to serve and prosecute their private interests and passions and under the priviledges of Parliament to shelter themselves under the worst of evils or mischiefes they can doe though to the ruine of the Kingdome We are in this case forc'd to our great grief of heart thus plainly to assert the present evill and mischeif together with the future worse consequences of the things lately done even in the Parliament it selfe which are too evident and visible to all And so in their proper colours to lay the same at the Parliaments doores untill the Parliament shall be pleased either of themselves to take notice and ridde the House of those who have any way misinformed deluded surprised or otherwise abused the Parliament to the passing such foule things there or shall open to us and others some way how we may regularly and without the scandall of breaking priviledges come to charge and prosecute those particular persons that in truth have so abused the Parliament as well as our selves even for those misinformations and other evill and indirect practises or proceedings in Parliament whereby they have so abused the same as in our said Charge and former papers is set forth And here if we may we should humbly offer to consideration whether it were not a necessary expedient for prevention or remedy of such evils in future that in things so clearly destructive to the common Rights and Liberties of the people and the safety of the Kingdome there should be a liberty for dissenting Members in the House of Commons as it is allowed in the House of Peeres to enter their dissent and thereby to acquit themselves from guilt and blame of what evill may ensue that so the Kingdome may regularly come to know who they are that performe their trust faithfully and who not And this provision for the future as also our desires for remedy in the present cases as it were clearly good and necessary in the respects premised so we think the same may well be without future prejudice or discouragement in any other respects to succeeding Members of Parliament Providing alwayes that no man shall be questioned or censured for any thing said or done in Parliament any further then to exclusion from that trust which is all that in the present case we should desire upon any such grounds And that future liberty of entring dissents we do not here propose as a thing we any way insist on to the prejudice of Parliament priviledges we only offer it to consideration and that from good wishes to the priviledges of Parliament to render them more lasting by being lesse nocent And indeed whoever most adores or tenders those priviledges will best expresse his zeale towards them in taking care they be not abused or extended to private wrong or publike mischeif For wee clearly finde and all wise men may see it that Parliament priviledges as well as Royall-prerogative may be perverted and abused to the destruction of those greater ends for whose protection and preservation they were admitted or intended viz. the Rights Liberties of the people and safety of the whole and in case they be so the abuse evill or danger of them is no lesse to be contended against and a remedy theâ—â—of no lesse to be endeavored then of the other And whereas the injustice in that particular of the Declaration against the Army for the just and innocent Petition may seeme to have beene recompensed in the late expunging thereof out of the Journall books We confesse it had been so in great measure as to the particular or present injury done to the Army therein and we cannot but acknowledge therefore the justice that lies in those Votes for expunging thereof and for our owne or the Armies particular reparation we should neither wish more nor scarce have insisted on so much to any dishonour of Parliaments in future and we should rather have been satisfied with the Parliaments declaring how and by whom they have been misinformed surprised or otherwise abused in the framing proposal or passing thereof as it was but as to that particular or any other of that nature we say as followeth 1. We never did nor doe value or regard our owne injury or reparation in any comparison to the consequence of the one to the prejudice of the other or to the future security of common right and freedome in this Nation And accordingly we doe not account any reparation considerable that extends but to our selves in the present case and does not in some sort secure our selves and all others from danger of the same or worse injuries or oppressions as private men from the wils and passions of the same persons that have offered and acted such things against us while an Army 2. We cannot but imagine and consider according to generall report how the expunging of that Declaration was carried and obtained and upon what grounds and intentions it was given way to but had those that procured it been all for expunging it and that freely yet how can we expect better but that the same men who at one time carried such a Declaration and another time expung'd it may the next day obtaine the like or worse upon any occasion wherein it may serve their private ends or interests if they continue in the same power and sway and be let passe in deluding and surprising the Parliament as they have done in the past particulars 3. The apparent dishonour and prejudice brought upon the Parliament in having such a Declaration so passed as they should soone after without any alteration in the pretended ground of it find cause for shame of the world to expunge we thinke should engage those Members that love Parliaments in point of honour to find out and discover how and by whom the Parliament had been abused or otherwise brought into such an inconveniency And the Parliament may in this see the temper as by-standers doe the prevalence of those Members that abused the Parliament in that Declaration who will and can make the authority of Parliament still lie under the dishonour of it in a bare expunging or retracting rather then to admit any consideration to acquit the authority of Parliament that would tend to six the blame on those particular Members that had deserted it And this certainly will be admitted and done rather then to slight it over in a bare expunging were not some men more tender of and more swayed with such considerations and consequences as may tend to the prejudice of persons then such as
sequestred the House 5 That those that have deserted the Army may be instantly discharged and dispersed and receive no more of their Arrears till the Army be first satisfied 6 That both Parliament and City may be speedily and effectually freed from those multitudes of Reformadoes and Souldiers before mentioned that flock together about London by a speedy dispatch and discharging of them from the City 7 That all such listings or raising of new forces or drawing together of any before mentioned and all preparations towards a new warte may be effectually declared against and suppressed as also all invitations or indeavours to draw in forraigne forces 8 That the present perplexed affaires of the Kingdome and those concerning the Army as also all the things desired in our late representation in behalfe of the Kingdome may be put into some speedy way of settlement and composure St. Albans June 23. 1647. By the appointment of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Councell of Warre John Rushworth Secretary A Manifesto from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Army under his command c. With seven Propositions for the present Peace and settlement of the Kingdom which being granted they assure the Parliament to draw back June 27. WHereas the Right Honourable Commissioners of Parliament have desired to know from us what things we do desire to be granted before our drawing back the Quarters of the Army to a further distance from London upon the granting whereof we will ingage to draw back We do in answer thereunto humbly propose these particulars following as what are of present necessity to us and we do desire at present to be granted in order to the Armies and Kingdoms present safety in the further debate transaction and settlement of those other things contained in our former representations and Papers which will require and may admit more time Upon the granting of which things we shall willingly draw back as is desired to have those other mattere debated and transacted at a further distance with deliberation answerable to the nature and weight of them I. That the Parliament would be pleased to recall the Declaration inviting men to desert the army and promising their arrears in ease they do so and to declare for future that whoever shall desert their Cullors or charges in the army without the Generals particular licence and discharge shall not have any of their Arrears paid them II. That the army may be paid up equally to those that have deserted it This we desire may be immediately granted or resolved before we draw back and to be performed at least to the private Souldiers fully and in part to the Officers with all speed convenient III. That those that have deserted the army may be instantly discharged and dispersed and receive no more of their arrears till the army may be first satisfied IV. That both Parliament and City may be speedily and effectually freed from the multitude of reformadoes and other Souldiers before mentioned that flock together in or about London by a speedy dispatch and discharging of them from the City V. That all such listings and raisings of new forces or drawing together of any as in our Remonstrance and all our Papers are exprest and all preparations towards a new warre may be effectually declared against and supprest as also all invitations and indeavours to draw in forraigne forces either from Scotland or other forraigne parts IV. That the continuation of the army in the pay of the State for some competent time while the matter in debate relating both to the army and Kingdome may be concluded and sitled be at present ordered and declared for before our drawing back and the some with all speed to be effectually put into one established may that the army may be inabled to pay Quarters for the ease of the Countrey where it must lie and the Souldiery the better kept from abuse to the Countrey and reduced to that good order and discipline which hath formerly been happily kept in this arâ—y though of late through want of pay and other just discontents which the latâ— provocations put upon them unhappily interrupted VII That during the same space the Parliament would resolve not to propose any Place for his Majesties residence nearer to London then they will allow the Quarters of the army to be NOw for our former desire of present suspending the impeached Members from sitting in the House 1. Whereas we understand the House hath voted that it doth not appeare that any thing hath been said or done by them within the House touching any matter contained in the Papers from the Army for which the House can in Justice suspend them though if way were given and opened without breach of Priviledge for us to charge them with and for others to be examined freely to testifie unto such things we should not doubt to make such proceedings and Practises of theirs in the House to appeare for which according to former Presidents they justly might and ought to be suspended yet we are so render of Parliament Priviledges as that we shall at present for beare to reply or presse further upon that point for the houses proceedings therein upon their owne cognizance 2. Whereas the house of Commons hath voted that by the Lawes of the Land no Judgement can be given to suspend those Members from sitting in the House upon the Papers presented by the Army before particulars produced and proofes made though we thinke good reasons may be given and presidents found to the contrary even in the Proceedings of this Parliament as in the case of the Earle of Strafford the Arch-bishop of Canterbury the L. Keeper Finch and others Yet we do declare that we have both particulars and proofes against them ready to produce but considering that the proceedings thereupon will probably take up much time and the present unsetled affaires of the Kingdome in relation to those greater matters proposed by us do require a speedy consideration We shal be willing that those greater and more generall matters of the Kingdome be first considered of and setled before the Cesure of those Members be determined and therefore because they mâ—â—â— apprehend it some prejudice to them to have their particular charges given in and lye upon them so long undetermined we shall be willing to forbear the giving in of the particulars against them till they may without interruption to the generall affairs be immediately proceeded upon but if the house do thinke fit the particulars against them be first delivered in we shall be ready to do it 3. Whereas we understand that the Members charged have desired leave from the houses to withdraw themselves We cannot but take notice of the modesty thereof so farre as that we are contented therewith for the present more quiet proceeding to sâ—ule the perplexed affairs of the Kingdome which without any private animosities against persons is our greatest end in what we do only we declare that as
Kingdome in an head of an Army And did send a speciall Messenger to her for such ends and purposes And the said Mr. Holles Sir Philip Stapleton Sir William Lewis Sir John Clotworthy Sir William Waller Sir John Maynard Mr. Glin Major generall Massey Mr. Long Colonel Edward Harley and Anthony Nicholls have under-hand of their owne accord without authority of Parliament listed or caused or procured to be listed divers Commanders and Souldiers endevouring thereby to leavy and raise a new Warre in this Kingdome to protect themselves in their unjust oppressions and factions designes and have at severall times within the space of two Monethes last past invited incouraged abetted and councelled multitudes of reformado-Officers and Souldiers and other rude persons tumultuously and violently to gather together at Westminster to affright and assault the members of Parliament in their passage to and from the house to offer violence to the house it selfe locking the doore thereof upon them and so imprisoning them and by such violences out rages and threates to awe and enforce the Parliament 5. That the said Mr. Holles Sir Philip Stapleton and M. Glyn have been and are obstructers and prejudgers of severall Petitions to the Parliament for redresse of publique grievances And the said Mr. Holles and Sir Philip Stapleton in the Moneth of May last past did abuse and affront divers Petitioners who in a peaceable manner then attended the Committee whereof Colonel Lee was Chaireman not onely reviling and reproaching them but violently haling and boisterously assaulted them and offered to draw their Swords upon Major Tuleday and others of the said Petitioners and without any power or authority committed Nicholas Tew one of the said Petitioners And soone afterwards by the procurement of the said Mr. Holles and Sir Philip Stapleton and upon their misinformation to the House the said Major Tuleday and Nicholas Tew were imprisoned not being permitted to speake for themselves And the said Mr. Glyn about three Moneths since caused the said Nicholas Tew to be imprisoned in Newgate and to be detained a long time there for no other cause but for having a Petition about him which was to be presented to the House 6. That the said Sir John Clotworthy Sir William Waller and Major generall Massey have lately in prosecution of the said designes in the said general Heads mentioned against the Lawes of this Realme and Rules and Articles of Warre made by the Parliament by an Arbitrary Power imprisoned some Members of the Army without any authority particularly Ensign Nichols whose pockets they without authority caused to be searched and severall papers to be taken from him contrary to the liberty of every Subject and caused him to be sent a prisoner from the Head-quarters to London without the authority or privity of the general or the chiefe Officers of the Army commanding in his absence 7. That in or about the Moneth of Marth last there being a Petition intended from the Officers Souldiers of the Army to their General for such things only as were justly due unto them and concerning them meerly as Souldiers the said Sir William Waller Sir John Clotworthy and Colonel Edward Harley a Member of the Army having gotten into their hands a Copy of the said Petition by combination with the other Members above mentioned and with an intent to abuse the Parliament into prejudices and jealousies against the proceedings of the Army concerning the said Petition they well knowing that the said Army stood in their way and hindred them from bringing to passe the designes in the said general Charges expressed did untruly and maliciously informe the House That the said Petition was contrived and promoted to debauch and disoblige the Army from the Parliament and that it was managed and carried on by divers principal Officers in the Army that Orders were given out for reading of it in every Regiment and whosoever would not subcribe it should be put out of their Musters and cashiered the Army and by those and other aggravations did represent it to the House as a Designe against the Parliament further adding That some Regiments which were remote were sent for to joyne with the rest of the Army for that purpose by which misinformations they the said Members did the same day procure a peremptory Order to the Generall to suppresse the said Petition 8. That some few dayes after Colonel Edward Harley by the combination aforesaid and in pursuance of the same Designes did procure to the House a Letter supposed to be written from within the Quarters of the Army to him the said Colonel Harley by a person not named whereby it was informed that Colonel Harley's Lieutenant Colonel had drawn his Râ—giment to a Rendevouz and had caused the said petition to be read at the head of it and that he threatned to cashier and put out of the Musters all that would not subscribe it and that the designe of the Army therein was to enslave the Parliament and King if the Parliament proceeded not to some high Resolutions or to that effect as by the said Letter relation being thereunto had may appeare And although the substance of the said Letter was most untrue and no Author thereof appeared nor could be produced although a Committee was appointed for examination thereof and it was much pressed the Author should be discovered yet the said Colonel Harley Sir John Clotworthy and Sir William Waller did so avow the reality of the said Letter and that the contents thereof would be made good as that thereby and by other false Suggestions of theirs against the Army they procured the House upon a long Debate which held till about Eight of the clock at night to Order That a Committee of five Members whereof the said Mr. Holles was one should prepare a Declaration to be brought into the House the next morning signifying the Houses dislike of the proceedings of the Army upon that Petition as by the said ORDER dated the _____ day of _____ last may appeare Upon which settling of the said businesse for that night most of the Members departed as conceiving nothing would be done thereupon till the next day and that then they might have a free Debate concerning the same but the House still continuing to sit upon dispatch of some Letters formely Ordered the said Mr. Holles by the same combination and in farther prosecution of the said evill Designes having of himselfe without the Committee prepared a Declaration against the Petition is selfe contrary to the intention and direction of the said Order and contrary to the Rules of Justice and usual course of Parliament did the same night about Ten of the clock on purpose to surprise the House present the same Declaration to the House whereby the said Petitioners were without being heard declared Enemies to the State and Obstructers of the relief of Ireland if they still persisted therein as by the same Declaration relation being thereunto had may appeare and did procure
it to be then pass'd accordingly to the great dishonour of the Parliament and their proceedings to the insufferable injury the just provocations discouragement and discontent of the Army to the trouble and danger of the whole Kingdome to the hindring of the reliefe of Ireland and other the evill consequences in the said general Charges expressed 9. That by the same the like false informations Suggestions the said Colonel Harley then still a Member of the Army Sir John Clotworthy Sir VVilliam VValler and the said other persons did shortly after the said Declaration so made as aforesaid procure divers eminent and faithfull Officers of the Army namely Lieutenant General Hamond Colonel Hamond Col. Lilburn Lieut. Col. Pride and others to be sent for from their charges in the Army to appeare at the Bar of the House to make answer in relation to the said Petition against whom when they came thither they could charge or prove nothing at all insomuch as the House thought fit immediately to discharge them And whereas there was a Committee appointed to examine and consider of the truth or falshood of them and the said Members informing were appointed to produce their Proofs and Evidence to the same before the Committee though they have since then been often urged called upon and demanded to produce their Proofs and Evidence thereto if they had any and have been plainly told That if they did not proceed effectually to doe it they should be accounted the Authors and Devisers of the said falshood and reparation would accordingly be demanded against them yet they have not to this day produced any Proofs or Evidence to any of the said Informations or Suggestions whereby the Parliament and the Army were so much abused as before is declared nor could they or any of them be hitherto perswaded to give into the said Committee any Charge against the said Officers of the Army which they have then or since procured to be sent for as aforesaid but have held divers of them in a long and chargeable attendance upon the House without any thing laid to their charge until the House was pleased to discharge them 10. That the said Mr. Holles Sir Philip Stapleton Sir William Lewis Sir William Walleâ— Sir John Clotworthy and Major Generall Massey in further pursuance of the Designes mentioned in the generall Heads charged against them have been great instruments in the obstructing the reliefe of Ireland And within the space of two moneths last past did untruly informe the House That by their procurement there were Fifty Companies of Foot and Ten Troopes of Horse of this Army ingaged for Ireland upon the termes and under the conduct then by the Parliament propounded and the more to delude the Parliament therein they or some of them by the combination aforesaid did procure divers Officers then in this Army namely Colonell Butler Lieutenant Colonell Jackson Major Goodday _____ and others to give in their Names as Litting themselves for Ireland on the said termes and conduct propounded when as those Officers did at the same time declare themselves as unwilling thereunto and resolved not to goe serve in Ireland on any termes whatsoever they the said Members underhand assuring them That though they made use of their Names yet they should not goe for the service They have likewise untruly informed the House and given in the Names of many considerable Officers of this Army namely Captaine Pennyfather and Captaine Burges of Colonels Butlers Regiment Captaine Clarke and foure or more Comâ— Officers of Sir Hardres Wallers Regiment and others as having beene subscribed for Ireland who did not so ingage or subscribe nor give any consent thereunto but did then and have ever since utterly disavowed and denyed the same And about the same time they also reported to the House the Name and offer of Lieu. Col. Farrington of this Army and ingaging for himselfe and his Regiment for Ireland whereas the said Farrington had beene cashiered the Army a yeere and a halfe before by which and other their false informations and reports of that nature the Parliament was abused and misled into a conceit confidence of a strength out of the Army then supposed to be engaged and ready for Ireland on their owne termes whereas in truth the same was but a meere delusion and which was so contrived on purpose to occasion a slighting and neglecting of the Army as supposing no further use for them 11. Whereas part of three Regiments of Foot viz. Colonel Harberts Colonel Kemps and Colonel Grays were by order of the House advanced towards the reliefe of Ireland as same as Bromsgrave in the County of Worcester the said Sir Phillip Stapleton Mr. Holles Sir John Clotworthy Sir William Lewis and Major Generall Massey Sir William Waller and Mr. Glyn by combination aforesaid did of their owne accord without the knowledge or direction of the House on the sixt day of Iune last being Sabboth day without summoning a Committee command those forces back againe as farre as Reading with an evill intent to draw forces together to beget a new warre in England 12. That the said Sir John Clotworthy in prosecution of the designes in the said generall charges expressed hath in the year 1642 1643 1644. and since converted severall great summes of money which by severall Orders of Parliament and of the Irish Committee were designed for the reliefe of Ireland to his owne particular use namely the summe of 280. li. which by Order of both Houses dated the eleventh of February 1642. was to be paid for 20. Buts of Sack for Ireland 700. li. which the same day was also Ordered for two thousand swords 300. li. which by Order of the said Irish Committee dated the fifth of Aprill 1643. was designed for 120. paire of Pistols and divers other summes of money upon severall other Orders which he the said Sir John Clotworthy from time to time received for the use and reliefe of Ireland but were not imployed to the uses by the said Orders intended and directed but to his the said Sir John Clotworthies owne private use as aforesaid and that he hath within two yeares last past received severall summes of money Armes and other provisions for a troop of horse which he pretended he had raised in Ireland when as he had not nor did raise or furnish any such Troope as he pretended and that hee the said Sir John Clotworthy for money and other rewards hath preferred John Davis and VVilliam Sommers and others to bee intrusted with the Irish affairs who have kept correspondency with the Enemy and have defrauded the State of other great summes of money and hee hath been privy to and a sharer in such their actions 13. That about November last past the said Sir John Clotworthy being by the Parliament sent a Commissioner with others into Ireland who all had a joynt power and authority to treat with the Earle of Ormond for the space of foure dayes and
Members more out of Cornwall on purpose to carry on the designes and practises before mentioned and to make a faction in the said House And notwithstanding the selfe-denying Ordinance hee the said Mr. Nicholls doth still hold a place in the Tower formerly conferred upon him by the House and receiveth the profits thereof to his owne use 22. That the said Mr. Nicholls hath since his sitting in the House as aforesaid taken rewards for his service done there namely whereas Sir William Vvedall Knight for deserting the Parliament and going to Yorke with the King was suspended the House He the said Mr. Nicholls for the sum of one hundred pounds or an hundred fifty pounds paid unto him or to his use by the said Sir William Vvedall or some for him did by misinformations to the House procure the said sir William Vvedall to be re-admitted a Member of the said House And the said Mr. Nicholls while he was a Member of the Committee for safety he others of the said Committee having issued forth a warrant for searching Greenwich house he the said Master Nichols did under-hand acquaint one of the Queens Officers therewith and thereby prevented the Designe of the said Committee to great disservice of the Parliament and Kingdome 23. That the said Mr. Long at the beginning of the late Wars not having courage sufficient to performe his duty in Militia affairs did out of covetousnesse or other unworthy end procure a command of a Troope of horse under his Excellency the late Lord Generall the Earle of Essex but when ever his said Troope came upon any service he the said Master Long out of feare or treachery unworthily absented himselfe and never was seene or known to charge the Enemy in person though his Troope often engaged namely at the Battail of Edge-hill when he saw there were like to be blows he the said Mr. Long left the field and never charged before his Troop and at the Battail or fight at Brainford though his troop were there yet he staid at London till the danger was past and fighting done And when his Troop was sent into the West he took no other notice of it but to receive his pay and in the meane while he repaired into the County of Essex and procured a commission to be a Colonel of Horse and in stead of fighting against the Parliaments enemies he betooke himselfe to plunder and oppresse the Parliaments friends there and contrary to Order and without any authority or exigencies of Warre compelling him thereunto enforced great sums of money and many Horses and other provisions from the country namely from Mr. Thomas Manwood a man well affected who had the Generalls protections and whose horses were taken from his plow and others to the great losses and oppression of the people and to the great dishonour of the Parliament whose service he neverthelesse neglected and hath not hither to given an accompt of the great sums of money and other things that he so exacted of the countrey as afore-said 24. That the said Master Long afterwards upon pretence of some losses sustained by the enemy and some great service he had done for the State did procure of the House a great office in the Chancery namely to be the chiefe Register of that Court wherein his skill was little and whereof he was and still is altogether uncapable and although for a time upon the selfe-denying Ordinance he was displaced yet upon the motion or by the power and meanes of the said Master Hollis he hath obtained the same office againe to the great prejudice of skilfull Clerkes that have beene bred up in the said Court to the disservice of the common-wealth and the dishonour of the House 25. That the said Master Long on purpose to drive on the designes in the said severall charges expressed hath for the space of two yeares last past usually pressed and urged severall members to give their votes such wayes as he pleased and to that end and purpose doth constantly place himselfe neare the doore of the House that when any debate is concerning any designe wherein his party is engaged he the said Master Long hath used much tampering and violence to such of his owne party as would goe out of the House and hath perswaded them to continue there for their Votes and he the said Mr. Long in case any such have gone out of the House hath been very inquisitive where they might be found that so he may goe for them when the businesse in debate comes neer to be put to the Vote and if they come not according to his expectation doth ordinarily and speedily run out of the House himselfe to call them drive them in again that he hath been commonly called by those that are without the House and have taken notice of his actions the Parliament Driver whereby the freedome of the Members is taken from them the manner of Parliaments proceedings much scandalized and many times evill and dangerous designes drove on in a faction by Votes to the great prejudice of the Common-wealth All which matters and things the said Army shall and will be ready in convenient time to make good by proofe upon Oath as this Honourable House shall direct And for that by reason of the straitnesse of time and other more weighty affaires of the Army they could not so fully finish and accomplish the said Articles therefore the said Army still reserves further liberty to adde other Articles against the said Members or any of them at any time before their Tryall as occasion shall serve BY the appointment of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Counsell of Warre Signed John Rushworth Secr. Mr. Speaker HAving this day received papers from the Northern Forces under Col. Gen. Pointz his command with some other papers from Col. Thornhaghs Regiment which is already marcht up to Buckingham wherein they expresse their resolutions to associate themselves with this Armie for the more speedy and happy effecting of a true lasting and wel grounded Peace to the King Parliament and Kingdome and in order to that have delayed obedience to the command of many of their Officers who for some reasons best known to themselves have refused to joyne with them in their just desires and have also as formerly now againe petitioned mee to exempt them from further obedience to any other command then what may conduce for the obtaining of the just desires and establishment of the peace of the Kingdome as in the inclosed papers is more fully exprest and further desiring to march up speedily to the Army All which being of so great concernment to the Kingdome and not well admitting delay thought fit to represent unto you with speed their severall Papers and Desires that I might receive your pleasure concerning the things they desire your commands for their present disposall to the end they may be better kept in Discipline and obedience and such disorders prevented as by reason
of their want of Officers they may be subject to run unto and likewise to continue them in the North lest by their motion to the Army they myght draw a greater concourse and burthen of Souldiers Quarters upon these parts then they will be well able to beare and thereby the disaffected in those parts during their absence may take that advantage to make insurrections or any disturbance of the peace there For the prevention whereof and disposition of the whole as well in order to the peace of this Kingdome as speedy reliefe of Ireland I shall humbly make bold to offer my opinion that since there are many severall distinct and through these late distractions disjoynted Forces within this Kingdome which were sufficient together with this Army being united and well mannaged both to preserve the peace of this Kingdom and give present reliefe to Ireland without putting this Kingdome to the charge of raising new Forces at present for that service That the Parliament would speedily put all the Forces under one and the same Command Discipline and equall establishment for future pay maintenance which being done it would give much encouragement to some of the Forces that may be spared out of all the Forces mentioned from England to go more cheerfully into Ireland and if with this there were some present course taken to provide for Arrears for such Forces as might be spared for Ireland there might in probability be an effectuall reliefe sent over into Ireland before this Summer be quite spent All which I humbly tender to your consideration and desire your speedy Answer that no time may be lost in so good and necessary a work both for the quiet of this Kingdom and relief of Ireland wherein none shall be more ready to expresse their forwardnesse then Your most humble servant T. FAIRFAX Reading July 16. 1647. These severall ensuing particulars being considered debated and resolved upon at a Generall Councell of Warre his Excellency being present wee the Commissioners of the Army were appointed in the name and behalfe of them to present the same to your Lordships and the Commissioners to be tendred with all speed to the Parliament which wee accordingly offer and desire your speedy care therein That so an Answer accarding to the desire and expectation of the Army may be speedily returned to these Particulars 1. THat there be an effectuall Declaration forthwith published to the whole Kingdome against the inviting bringing or comming in of any forraine Forces under any pretence whatsoever 2. That the Army may be paid up equall with the Desertors thereof according to the late Votes of Parliament And that the Army may forth with be put into a constant course of pay that they may not be so burdensome and oppressive to the Countrey for the more speedy performance whereof Wee desire that the House of Peers would be pleased to concurre with the desires of the House of Commons so often proposed to them for the reviving of the Committee for the Army that so the Assessements and great summes in Arrears both in the City and elsewhere may be by their indeavour collected for the speedy and necessary supply of the Army and also that the Treasurers and the Committee of Weavers-Hall may be speedily called to accompt in what manner and by what Warrant the two hundred and thirty thousand pounds lately intrusted in their hands have been in so short a time consumed 3. That the Militia of the City of London and the Committee of the same may consist of such persons and speedily be returned into those hands who formerly during the worst of times have therein given large Testimonies of their fidelity to the Parliament and Kingdome which besides the reall security will be to the Parliament and Kingdome in preventing of dangers repreparing towards a new Warre would conduce so much to the remooving of jealousies and give such a ground of confidence to the army as that wee might the better dispose it to larger Quarters in severall parts for the ease of the Countrey By the appointment of the Commisisioners for the Army William Clarke Reading 18. July 1647. According to and in pursuance of the particular mentioned under the fifth Head of the Representation of the Army we doe earnestly desire THat all persons imprisoned in England or Dominion of Wales not for Delinquency in relation to the late Warre but for other pretended misdemeanors and whose imprisonment is not by the Regulated Course of law but by Order from either Houses of Parliament or of Committees flowing from them may be put into a speedy Regular and equitable way of tryall or if the necessitie of setling the generall affaires of the Kingdome admit not their present tryall then they may have present liberty upon reasonable security for their appearance at a certaine day to answer what shall be charged against them in a legall way And that when they should be tryed if they appeare wrongfully or unduly imprisoned they may have reparation according to their sufferings In particular wee desire this may be done in behalfe of Lieutenant Colonel John Lilbourne Mr. Musgrave Mr. Overton and others in their condition imprisoned in and about London By the Appointment of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and his Councell of Warre Signed John Rushworth Reading July 18. 1647. A Letter to the Lord Major Court of Aldermen and Common-Counsell of the City of LONDON My Lord and Gentlemen IN the carying on of the great businesse of the Kingdome towards a generall and happy settlement it hath been a fixed principle with us to make it our first endeavour with the Parliament that all things which threaten an engagement of the Kingdom in a second Warr might be removed before we could have a confident expectation of a good issue upon a Treaty with their Commissioners which course of ours although it might have some appearance of delay yet by men that are zealous of the Kingdomes good we hope no endeavour will be judged â—â—â—ecessary that may secure the Kingdome from the danger of any new imbroylements Wee are now come thus farr that the most materiall particulars which we have in preparation to propose for the generall settlement of the affaires of the Kingdome have bin communicated to the Parliaments Commissioners and we hope they are satisfied that they containe in them things tending to a generall good and to lay an hopefull Foundation for common Right and Freedome to the people of this Land for future and for a lasting peace amongst us But before we can securely intend and without interruption apply our selves unto the proceedings and dispatch of the Treaty there upon wee have delivered into the hands of their Commissioners the Paper which consists of three particulars in the last whereof which is the Militia of the City you being most immediately concerned to the end you may see we would aske nothing which relates to you without giving you a just account thereof and all possible
we intreat you to give the Parliament a full representation of these things which that you may do we have sent you the Papers together with such informations as may give them an oportunity to discover the bottom of this business we were marching from London when wee received this information in obedience to the Parliament and to give the City more content and to stop the mouths of slanderers But if such Designs so destructive to the Parliament the work in hand be suffered to goe on or that the Parliament be interrupted in the freedom of their debates and proceedings as we hear within these few daies they were by those that are invited to partake in this confederacy We beg it of the Parliament as they tender their own safety the peace of the Kingdom and preventing of a second Warre as they would not have the Kingdome lose the fruit and benefit of all the bloud and treasure that hath been spent in this cause that they would not suffer their freedome and liberty to be endangered by such designs as these they having an Army which by the blessing of God in spight of all that theirs and the Kingdomes enemies can do will stand and fall with them and be found faithfull and obedient to them in all things and as ready to relieve Ireland when the Peace and rights of this Kingdome are setled We write not this to desire the Parliament to invite us to march up to them wee care not how great a a distance we are from London if it be the Parliaments pleasure and consists with their security and the breaking of those combinations which are hatcht in the bowels of the City wee are hastening our Proposalls which are for the generall settlement and which we are confident will satisfie all that love truth and peace but wee see plainly wee need more to intend security then have cause to expect to bring things to an happy issue by Treaty while such designs are on foote Wee pray you therefore that the Parliament would speedily and throughly enquire into and break these designes wherein as in all things else we shall be ready to serve them as they shall judge it needfull and when they shall command us By the appointment of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and his Councell of Warre Signed John Rushworth Secr. Alisbury July 23. 1647. BY a printed paper come to our hands this day a Copie whereof you receive herewith we still find and clearly and evidently perceive that some evill spirits within the City of London maliciously dis-affected to the peace of this Kingdom doe secretly and wickedly endeavour to bring about that mischief upon the Kingdom which we have so much feared and by all our severall addresses unto you sought to prevent which indeed are of that dangerous consequence as we can expect no other issue from then the unavoydable engaging the Kingdom in a second Warre if not timely and effectually prevented by your wisedome and diligence Wee must further observe unto you that whatsoever designes intended in the fore-said paper is contrary to the authority of Parliament and indirect opposition to the proceedings of the army which the two Houses have owned as theirs and approved of their fidelity by committing the forces of the Kingdome of England Dominion of Wales and Islands of Garnsey and Jersey under the Generalls care and command and therefore cannot be effected but by force of armes against the Parliament and their Armies which in probability may involve the whole Kingdome in bloud but must necessarily begin within your own bowels and draw the Seate and misery of war upon you and your City Also we desire you would consider whether wee have not just cause to suspect that an evill party lurkes within the City ready to distemper it and the whole Kingdom upon every occasion and whether it be probable such persons desire a happy close between the King and the Parliament at least such as will be for the Kingdoms good when they take upon them the boldnesse to make new offers to his Majesty with solemne engagements to make good the same during the time that this Parl. had given us leave to make tender of and treate with their Commissioners about those things which tend to a general settlement And therfore we cannot but desire that you would take a speedy course timely to suppresse this great evill and to prevent all of this nature for the future and by making some of those examples who have been active to carry on this businesse wee have not had time to enquire into particulars but shall give you only one instance of a meeting at Skinners Hall concerning this businesse where some persons have been very active the names of some of whom we have given to your Commissioners and also the names of other Citizens who will testifie their carriage there Lastly we cannot but desire you to concur with us in our desires to the Parliament to put the Militia into the hands of those that had it before without which wee can have no assurance that the City will be free from designs of this nature nor can we expect to see a happy Close By the appointment of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and his Councell of Warre Signed John Rushworth Alisbury July 23. 1647. To the Right Honourable the Lord Major the right Worshipfull the Aldermen and Commons of the City of London in the Common or Guild-hall of the City of London assembled The humble Petition of the Citizens Commanders Officers and Souldiers of the Trained Bands and Auxiliaties the young men and Apprentices of the Cities of London and Westminster Sea-Commanders Sea-men and Watermen together with with divers other Commanders Officers and Souldiers within the Line of Communication and Parishes mentioned in the Weekely Bill of Mortality SHEWETH THat your Petitioners taking into serious consideration how Religion his Majesties Honour safety the priviledges of Parliament liberties of the Subjects are at present greatly endangered and like to be destroyed and also sadly weighing with our selves what meanes might likely prove the most effectuall to procure a firme and lasting Peace without a further effusion of Christian English bloud have therefore entred into a solemne engagement which is hereunto annexed and do humbly and earnestly desire that this whole City may joyne together by all lawfull and possible meanes as one man in hearty endeavours for his Majesties present comming up to his two Houses of Parliament with Honour safety and freedome and that without the neerer approach of the Army there to confirme such things as he hath granted in his Message of the twelfth of May last in answer to the Propositions of both Kingdomes and that by a Personall Treaty with His two Houses of Parliament and the Commissioners of the Kingdome of Scotland such things as yet are in difference may be speedily setled and a firme and lasting Peace established All which we desire may be presented to both
houses of Parliament from this honourable Assembly And we shall pray A solemne engagement of the Citizens Commanders Officers and Souldiers of the Trained bands Auxiliaries the young men and Prentices of the Cities of London Westminster Sea Commanders Sea-men Watermen together with divers others the Commanders Officers and souldiers within the lines of Communication and Parishes mentioned in the Weekly Bill of Mortality WHereas we have entered into a solemne League and Covenant for Reformation and defence of Religion the honour and happiness of the King and the peace safety of the 3. Kingdoms of England Scotland and Ireland all which we do iminently perceive not only to be endangered but ready to be destroyed we do therefore in pursuance of our said Covenant oath of Allegiance oath of every Free-man of the Cities of London and Westminster and protestation solemnly ingage our selves vow unto Almighty God that we will to the utmost of our power cordially endeavour that His Majesty may speedily come to his 2. Houses of Parliament with Honour safety and freedom and that without the neerer aproach of the Army there to confirm such things as he hath granted in his Message of the 12. of May last in answer to the Propositions of both Kingdoms that by a Personall Treaty with his 2. Houses of Parliament and the Commissioners of the Kingdom of Scotland such things as yet are in difference may be speedily setled a firm lasting peace established for the effecting hereof we do protest and reobliege our selves as in the presence of God the searcher of all hearts with our lives and fortunes to indeavour what in us lie to preserve and defend His Majesties Royall Person and authority the priviledges of Parliament and liberty of the Subject in their full and constant freedom the Cities of London and Westminster lines of Communication and Parishes mentioned in the weekly Bill of Mortality and all others that shall adhere with us to the said Covenant and oath of Allegiance oath of every Free-man of London and Westminster and Protestation Nor shall we by any meanes admit suffer or endure any neutrality in this common cause of God the King and Kingdome as we do expect the blessing of Almighty God whose help we crave and wholly devolve our selves upon in this our undertaking I. Doe hereby require the chiefe Officer present with every Troope and Company to make strict enquiry what Cavalliers have been listed entertained in their Troopes or Companies since the Muster preceeding the last Muster And that all such chiefe Officers shall presently upon such enquiry as before put forth of their Troopes or Companies of such Cavalliers as they shall find in their Troopes or companies from such Musters as before And before they receive any pay upon this last Muster they shall expunge all such Cavalliers out of their Muster Rolls as they shall have put out of their Troops or Companies And if it shall hereafter appear that any chiefe Officer present with their Troop or Company shall neglect is put forth or cashiere such Cavalliers in manner as before or receive any for the time to come upon proofe thereof made he shall be lyable to a Councell of War and be accordingly proceeded against Given under my Hand the 21. of July 1647. Tho Fairfax For the Commissioners of Parliament residing with the Army My Lords and Gentlemen HAving resolved upon this inclosed dispatch from the City of London I thought it my part to give you an account of it and to give you all assurance that my heart is deeply affected with the late carriages toward the Parliament And how-ever others have neglected their duty towards them for their security and defence yet as God shall enable me it shall be my great businesse to improve all that is in my hand for the preserving of them and in them the interest of this Nation And what construction soever some formerly may have put upon the proceedings of this Army I trust the Lord will by his good hand lead us into such good actions as shal witnesse our end answerable to all our professions to wit for the good of the Kingdom and thereinto be an effectuall saving to great authority of the Kingdome in the Parliament I rest Your most assured friend Tho. Fairfax Bedford July 29. 1647. To the Right Honourable the Lord Major Aldermen and Common Councell of the City of London My Lord and Gentlemen YOu may please to remember the forward complyance of this Army with your desires to remove to this distance and that upon the assurance you gave them of your concurrence with their declared desires for the setling the liberty and peace of this Kingdom against which you never yet offered us one exception or any ground of dissent as also of your great tendernesse and resolution to secure the Parliament and their Priviledges from any violence or attempt the chiefe reason given us of your late listing of new forces and wherein we did most acquiesce That upon this confidence we had disposed the Army into severall parts of the Kingdom for the ease of the whole to above 100. miles distance we had given up our selves to the effecting of such proposalls as might tend to the comfortable settlement of this poor Kingdom and we were in a hopefull way for the speedy reliefe of Ireland We cannot then but be deepely sensible of the unparalled violation acted upon the Parliament upon Monday last by a rude multitude from your City because therein the guards sent from the City did not only neglect their duty for the security of the Parliament from such violence and the whole Citie to yeild any reliefe to the houses in that extreamity but I am assured from eye ear-witnesses that divers of the Common-councell gave great encouragement to it which doth not only gain-say your former professions but does violence to those many obligations that by your Charter Protestation and sundry other wayes lye upon you to protect the Parliament For my part I cannot but look on your selves who are in authority as accountable to the Kingdome for your present interruptions of that hopefull way of Peace and settlement things were in for this Nation and of relieving Ireland occasioned by the late Treasonable and destructive engagement Especially the lately prodigious and horrid force done upon the Parliament tending to dissolve all government upon which score we and the whole Kingdom shall have cause to put every thing of the like nature that may happen to the Parliament or to any who are friends to them and this Armie except by your wisedom care and industry the chiefe acters in the Premisses may be detected secured and given up to the procuring of justice for the same and the best endeavours used to prevent the like for the future And so I rest Your most assured friend to serve you Tho. Fairfax Bedford 29. July 1647. A Declaration of William Lenthall Esquire Speaker of the
Honourable House of Commons ALthough it may happily be contrary to the expectation of some that I attend not the service of the House of Commons at this time as I have constantly done for almost 7. years last past yet can it not be reasonably expected by any that well consider the violence offered to both Houses of Parliament and to my selfe in particular on Monday last insomuch that I can safely take it upon my conscience and so I doubt not may all the Members of both Houses also they sate in continuall feare of their lives and by terrour thereof were compelled to passe such Votes as it pleased an unruly multitude to force upon them which as I did then openly declare in the House so I cannot but believe that they are all void and null being extorted by force and violence and in that manner that they were and I cannot any longer dispence with my selfe to be an instrument in passing such Votes or to give any colour or shadow of Parliamentary authority unto them which are not the Votes of the representative body of the Kingdom but of a tumultuous multitude as those must needs be accompted that seemed to passe the House on Monday last which shall passe hereafter untill better provision be made for the safe and free sitting of the Houses of Parliament there being no effectuall course taken by the City since the last adjournment of the Houses to prevent the like tumults for the future no nor so much as a Declaration from them to shew their dislike thereof but on the contrary it is generally voyced in the Town that there will be a far greater confluence of Apprentices Reformadoes and others on Friday at the Parliament doors and particularly notice was given to me that after they had made the House vote what they pleased they would destroy me I had likewise information given mee that there would be a great number of Apprentices of a contrary Opinion affections to the other about the Parliament doors on Friday mornings which I fore-saw must of necessity cause a great combustion and in probability occasion much bloud-shed the preventing of which mischiefs together with the considerations afore-said have weighed more with mee then any thing which may concern my particular and espâ—cially having served the House faithfully and diligently for the space of very neere seven years in a true and Parliamentary way of proceedings that I might not now be made a servant to such a multitude to transfer upon them the colour of Parliamentary authority therewithall to abuse and deceive the mindes and to destroy the lives liberties and estates of the people of this Kingdom And having taken a solemn Protestation and Covenant in my place and calling to maintain the priviledges of Parliament the rights and liberties of the Subjects I could not now satifie my selfe but by absenting my selfe at this time rather then by my presence to give any shadow or countenance of the authority of Parliament to such apparent violations thereof neither can the omission of a circumstance or some foâ—mality in the adjournment of the House when through force and violence it cannot meet and sit in any sort as a Parliament be any prejudice to the future meeting and proceedings thereof when it may meet and sit again as a free Parliament it being well known that nothing can dissolve this Parliament but an Act of Parliament When a company of Apprentices Reformadoes and others shall call the Ordinances of Parliament pretended Ordinances shall lock the doors of the houses upon them shall sweare not to let them out till they had passed what they pleased concerning the Militia of London and other things though the Houses had immediately before voted otherwise shall threaten the Houses in case they did not instantly satisfie their demands shall knock whoot and hollow continually at the Parliament doore that the Members could not be heard to speak or debate and after that the House of Commons had passed a Vote concerning the Militia of London and that the Speaker by the Vote had judged the major part to be for the Negative shall not suffer the House to be divided but in a threatning way require those that gave their votes against them to come out to them if they would when after the House was adjourned they shall by main force thrust backe the Speaker again into the House and force the Members in their presence and sight divers of them thrusting into the House to vote what they demanded when they shall justly pull and hale the Speaker all the way hee went down to his Coach and force him to avoid their violence to betake himselfe to the next coach he could get into for refuge when they shall breath forth bloudy threats against the Members as they came out of the House and since against me in particular at the next meeting of the House as I am credibly informed when there is no appearance but that they will continue to doe as formerly they have done or far worse on Friday I could not in discharge of my Trust Protestation and Covenant sit in the Chaire of the House of Commons whilst it shall be in such a condition but so soon as it may sit again in freedom and safety I shall be ready to attend the service thereof but till then as I have upon the fore-mentioned grounds fully satisfied my own conscience so I doubt not but I shall give the whole Kingdom whose interest is most concerned in it ample satisfrction in the necessity of my absence William Lenthall Speaker For his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and his Councell of WARRE Right Honourable BY those of our Committee which came from you this day we understand your Excellencies your Honorable Councell of War their expectation to be possessed of all Forts from Giles fort and that to be one down unto the River side by six of the clock this Evening And we take notice for what reasons your Excellency is led to insist thereupon For our parts that we may manifest how ready wee are to comply with all things which may beget a good understanding wee have readily consented therunto as far as the cognizance thereof belongs to this court have given directions accordingly to the Committee of the Militia for drawing off all Forces and Ordnance unto which work they do now instantly apply themselves and we are confident your Excellency will finde performance acordingly The Committee of Militia will also give order for quitting such Forts on Southwark side as are not as yet in possession of your Forces And now next unto Almighty God we doe rely upon your Excellencies honourable word for our safety and to be protected from all violence of the Souldiery Michel 4. August 1647. For the Right Honourable the Lord Major Aldermen and Common-Councell of the City of London My Lord and Gentlemen I Am very glad to find so ready a complyance in answer to my last desire
Parliament extraordinary provided it meet above seventie dayes before the next Bienniall day and be dissolved at least sixtie dayes before the same so as the course of Bienniall-elections may never bee interrupted 4. That this Parliament and each succeeding Bienniall-Parliament at or before adjournment or dissolution thereof may appoint Committees to continue during the intervall for such purposes as are in any of these Proposalls referr'd to such Committees 5. That the Elections of the Commons for succeeding Parliaments may be distributed to all Counties or other parts or divisions of the Kingdome according to some rule of equality or proportion so as all Counties may have a number of Parliament Members allowed to their choice proportionable to therespective Rates they beare in the common charges and burthens of the Kingdome according to some other rule of equallity or proportion to render the House of Commons as neere as may be an equall Representative of the whole and in order thereunto that a present consideration be had to take off the Elections of Burgesses for poore decayed or inconsiderable Townes and to give some present addition to the number of Parliament-Members for great Counties that have now lesse then their due proportion to bring all at present as neere as may be to such a rule of proportion as aforesaid 6. That effectuall provision be made for future freedome of Elections and certainty of due returnes 7. That the House of Commons alone have the power from time to time to set downe further orders and rules for the ends expressed in the two last preceding Articles so as to reduce the Elections of Members for that House to more and more perfection of equality in the distribution freedome in the Election order in the proceeding thereto and certainty in the Returnes which orders and rules in that case to be as Lawes 8. That there be a liberty for entering dissents in the House of Commons with provision that no Member be censurable for ought said or voted in the House further then to exclusion from that trust and that onely by the judgement of the House it selfe 9. That the judiciall power or power of small Judgement in the Lords and Commons and their power of Exposition and Application of Law without further appeale may be cleared And that no Officer of Justice Minister of State or other person adjudged by them may be capable of Protection or pardon from the King without their advice and consent 10. That the Right and libertie of the Commons of England may be cleared and vindicated as to a due Exemption from any Judgement Triall or other proceeding against them by the House of Peeres without the concurring Judgement of the House of Commons As also from any other judgement sentence or proceeding against them other then by their equalls or according to the Law of the Land 11. The same Act to provide that grand Jury-men may be chosen by and for severall parts or divisions of each County respectively in some equall way and not remaine as now at the discretion of an under-Sheriffe to be put on or off And that such Grand Jury-men for their respective Counties may at each Assize present the names of persons to be made Justices of Peace from time to time as the Countrey hath need for any to be added to the Commission and at the summer Assize to present the names of three persons out of whom the King may prick one to be Sheriffe for the next yeare II. For the future security to Parliaments and the Militia in generall in order thereunto that is be provided by Act of Parliament 1. That the power of the Militia by Sea and Land during the space of ten yeares next ensuing shall be ordered and disposed by the Lords and Commons Assembled and to be Assembled in the Parliament or Parliaments of England or by such persons as they shall nominate and appoint for that purpose from time to time during the said space 2. That the said power shall not be ordered disposed or exercised by the Kings Majesty that now is or by any person or persons by any Authority derived from him during the said space or at any time hereafter by his said Majesty without the advice and consent of the said Lords and Commons or of such Committees or Councell in the intervals of Parliament 〈◊〉 they shall appoint 3. That during the some spâ—â—ce of ten yeares the said Lords and Commons may by Bill or Ordinance raise and dispose of what moneys and for what Forces they shall from time to time finde necessary â—s also for payment of the publick debts and damages and for all other the publick uses of the Kingdome 4. And to the end the temporâ—â—y security intended by the three particulars last precedent may be the better assured it may therefore be provided That no Subjects that have been in Hostility against the Parliament in the late warre shall be capable of bearing any Office of power â—s publick trust in the Common-wealth during the space of five yeares without consent of Parliament or of the Councell of State or to sit as Members or assistants of either House of Parliament untill the second-â—ituniall Parliament be past III. For the present forme of disposing the Militia in order to the peace and safety of this Kingdome and the service of Ireland 1. That there be Commissioners for the Admiralty with a Vice-Admirall and Rereâ— Admirall now to be agreed on with power for the forming regulating appointing of Officers and providing for the Navy and for ordering the same to and in the ordinary service of the Kingdome And that there be a sufficient provision and establishment for pay and maintenance thereof 2. That there be a Generall for command of the Land Forces that are to be in pay both in England Ireland and Wales both for Field and Garrison 3. That there be Commissioners in the severall Counties for the standing Militia of the respective Counties consisting of Trained Bands and Auxiliaries not in pay with power for the proportioning forming regulating training and disciplining of them 4. That there be a Councell of State with power to superintend and direct the severall and particular powers of the Militia last mentioned for the peace and safety of this Kingdome and of Ireland 5. That the same Councell may have power as the Kings privy Councell for and in all forraigne negotiations provided That the making of warre or peace with any other Kingdome or State shall not be without the advice and consent of Parliament 6. That the said power of the Councell of State be put into the hands of trusty and able persons now to be agreed on and the same persons to continue in that power si bene se gesserint for a certain Terme not exceeding seven yeares 7. That there be a sufficient establishment now provided for the salary Forces both in England and Ireland the establishment to continue untill two Moneths after the meeting of
the first Bienniall Parliament IV. That an Act be passed for disposing the great Offices for ten years by the Lords and Commons in Parliament or by such Committees as they shall appoint for that purpose in the intervalls with submission to the approbation of the next Parliament and after ten yeares they to nominate three and the King out of that number to appoint one for the succession upon any vacancy V. That an Act be passed for restraining of any Peers made since the 21. day of May 1642. or to be hereafter made from having any power to sit or Vote in Parliament without consent of both Houses VI. That an act be passed for recalling and making voyd all Declarations and other proceedings against the Parliament or against any that have acted by or under their authority in the late Warre or in relation to it And that the Ordinances for indempnity may be conffirmed VII That an Act be be passed for making voyd all Grants c. under the Great-Seale that was conveyed away from the Parliament since the time it was so conveyed away except as in the Parliaments Propositions and for making those valid that have been or shall be passed under the Great-Seale made by the authority of both Houses of Parliament VIII That an Act be passed for confirmation of the Treaties betweene the two Kingdomes of England and Scotland and for appointing Conservators of the peace betwixt them IX That the Ordinance for taking away the Court of Wards and Liveries be confirmed by Act of Parliament Provided his Majesties Revenue be not damnified therein nor those that last held Offices in the same left without reparation some other way X. An Act to declare void the Cessation of Ireland c. and to leave the prosecution of that Warre to the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of England XI An Act to be passed to take away all coercive power authority and jurisdiction of Bishops and all other Ecclesiasticall Officers whatsoever extending to any civill penalties upon any and to repeale all Laws whereby the Civill Magistracy hath been or is bound upon any Ecclesiasticall censure to proceed ex officio unto any civill penalties against any persons so censured XII That there be a Repeale of all Acts or Clauses in any Act enjoyning the use of the Booke of Common-Prayer and imposing any penalties for neglect thereof as also of all Acts or Clauses in any Act imposing any penaltie for not comming to Church or for meetings elsewhere for Prayer or other religious duties excercises or Ordinances And some other provision to be made for discovering of Papists and Popish Recusants and for disabling of them and of all Jesultes or Priests from disturbing the State XIII That the taking of the Covenant be not inforced upon any nor any penalties imposed upon the Refusers whereby men might be constrained to take it against their judgements or consciences but all Orders or Ordinances tending to that purpose to be repealed XIV That the things here before proposed being provided for setling and securing the Rights Liberties Peace and safety of the Kingdome his Majesties person his Queen and Royall issue may be restored to a condition of safety Honour and freedome in this Nation without diminution to their personall Rights or further limitation to the exercise of the Regall power then according to the particulars aforegoing XV. For the matter of Compositions 1. That a lesser number out of the persons excepted in the two first qualifications not exceeding five for the English being nominated particularly by the Parliament who together with the persons in the Irish Rebellion included in the third qualification may be reserved to the further judgement of the Parliament as they shall finde cause All other excepted persons may be remitted from the exception and admitted to Composition 2. That the rates for all future Compositions may be lessened and limitted not to exceed the severall proportions hereafter exprest respectively That is to say 1. For all persons formerly excepted not above a third part 2. For the late Members of Parliament under the first branch of the fourth qualification in the Propositions a fourth part 3. For other Members of Parliament in the second and third branches of the same qualification a sixth part 4. For the persons nominated in the said fourth qualification and those included in the tenth qualification and eight part 5. For all others included in the sixth qualification a tenth part And that reall debts either upon record or proved by witnesses be considered and abated in the valuation of their estates in all the cases aforesaid 3. That those who shall hereafter come to compound may not have the Covenant put upon them as a condition without which they may not compound but in case they shall not willingly take it they may passe their Compositions without it 4. That the persons and estates of all English not worth two hundered pounds in Lands or Goods be at liberty and discharged And that the Kings meniall Servants that nere tooke up Armes but onely attended his person according to their Offices may be freed from Composition or to pay at most but the proportion of one yeares Revenue or a twentieth part 5. That in Order to the making and perfecting of Compositions at the rates aforesaid the Rents Revenues and other Duties and Profits of all sequestred Estates whatsoever except the Estates of such persons who shall bee continued under exception as before be from hence forth suspended and detained in the hands of the respective tenant occupants and others from whom they are due for the space of six moneths following 6. That the Faith of the Army or other foroes of the Parliament given in Articles upon surrenders to any of the Kings party may be fully made good and where any breach thereof shall appeare to have been made full reparation and satisfaction may be given to the parties injured and the persons offending being found out may be comeplled thereto XVI That there may be a generall Act of Oblivion to extend unto all except the persons to be continued in exception as before to absolve from all Trespasses Misdemeanours c. done in prosecution of the Warre and from all trouble or prejudice for or concerning the same after their compositions past and to restore them to all priviledges c. belonging to other Subjects provided as in the fourth particular under the second generall Head affore-going concerning security And whereas their have been of late strong indeavours and practises of a factious and desperate party to imbroyle this Kingdome in a new War and for that purpose to enduce the King the Queene and Prince to declare for the said party and also to excite and stirre up all those of the Kings late party to appeare and engage for the same which attempts and designes many of the Kings party out of their desires to avoid further misery to the Kingdome have contributed their indeavours to prevent as
nigh two hundred miles for the more ease of all parts and that wee might give the better satisfaction to the Kingdome And being in this secure way and labouring after the suddain settlement of the Kingdome we had even brought to perfection the particular Proposals included in the generals of our first Representation to be sent to the Parliament for a finall conclusion of all our troubles And also had made good progresse towards the present reliefe of distressed Ireland by assigning a competent force both of horse and foot forthwith to have advanced for that service But the Kingdomes and our Enemies being most vigilant and active to prevent and frustrate those good intentions and endeavours of ours that they might carry on their former evill designes and under-hand practises and also preserve themselves from the hand of justice they have endeavoured to cast the Kingdome into a new and bloudy warre And for that end have procured the under-hand-listing of severall Reformadoes and others have contrived promoted and caused to be entred into by severall persons a wicked and treasonable combination as is sufficiently manifested by a Declaration passed thereupon by both Houses of Parliament the 23. of July last for the prevention of the disturbances that were like to ensue thereupon from which kinde of disorders the Citie had been well preserved during the space of almost foure yeares whilest the Militia was in the hands of the old Commissioners whereby it appeares there was cause for the Army to intreat the Parliament that the Militia might be returned into the hands it was in before as also for divers other good Reasons 1. The old Commissioners of the Militia that have been since left out were not onely persons with out all exception having been formerly chosen and approved by the Parliament and Citie but also men of whom the City Parliament and Kingdome have had above foure yeares experience in the faithfull discharge of their trust men that ever from the beginning in the worst of times and in the occasions of greatest difficultie had faithfully and constantly ingaged for and with the Parliament in this cause Mâ—n that were alwayes most desirous of a Peace but of a safe and well grounded one and that had alwaies testified a great care to prevent all occasions of embroyling the Kingdome in a new Warre Now that on a suddain this trust which they had so faithfully discharged so long should be taken out of their hands and put into the hands of others some whereof at the best have been very coole in the service of the Parliament at the beginning of this Warre That this should be pressed and in a manner forced upon the Parliament with such importunitie from the Common-Councell that some out of every Ward should be assigned to sollicite the Members of the House of Commons every day as they went in and out at the House with professions that they would never leave the doore of the House till they were satisfied in their desires That they would not be contented with the Militia of the City of London onely unlesse they might have power also over that of the Suburbs and and out parts and all this before the peace of the Kingdome was setled or the Propositions sent to the King for that purpose These things ministred great cause of suspition that this alteration of the Militia was in order to a designe and to make the tearmes of the Peace and agreement with the King on which the security of the whole Kingdome and their posterity is to be bottomed more sutable to the private bargainings and undertakings of some men then to the publique welfare of the whole Kingdome in its security and prosperity for the present and in future times But this designe discovered it selfe more cleerely by such things as accompanied the pursuit of this alteration of the Militia and ensued upon the obtaining thereof At the same time that the alteration of the Militia of London was set on foot the same persons with as much earnestness pressed for the disbanding of this Army before any thing was setled for the security and liberty of the Kingdome At the same time the Common-Councell was new modulized and a Lord Mayor chosen that might suite with the present designe in hand At the said time under colour of differences in some circumstances of Church-Government it was earnestly endeavoured that such as had been constantly true and most faithfull to the interest of the Kingdome should be disabled to have any imployment in Church or Common-wealth either in England or Ireland and without any such colour or pretence divers persons were left out of the Common-Councell and Militia of eminent deserts and fidelity and others brought into their roomes that had either testified an ill affection or little affection to the Parliament and their cause and such as seeking to withdraw themselves from all imployment in the beginning of this Warre now at the winding up thereof are ambitious to thrust themselves into imployment with a designe as may justly be suspected to frustrate and overthrow in the close of all the fruit and effect of all the cost and bloud that hath been spent and spilt in this cause and after that with difficulty and not without reluctancy in the Houses of Parliament they had obtained the power of the Militia in the Citie of London and also in the out parts for the space of one yeare Many Officers and under Officers in the Trained Bands of known trust and fidelity were displaced and others of more doubtfull affections placed in their roomes little care was taken of the honour of the Parliament which was continuâ—lly trampled under-foot and their authority affronted by every rabble of Women Apprentices Reformadoes and Souldiers which latter sort of persons were thereby so incouraged to rise higher and higher in their tumultuous carriages against the House till at length it is risen to that height of barbarous and monstrous violence against the Parliament that they might set themselves on worke and the Kingdome on fire againe And now at length the designe appeares open faced and though the Militia be made as the principall ground of the quarrell yet by the late vowes and engagements set on foote before any alteration of the Militia and the pressing so much the Message of the 12. of May and the Kings comming to London to confirme the same shew that the Militia is desired but in order to that designe and to force the Parliament being wholly in their power to such Termes of peace as they pleased 2. In the next place when the interest of the Common Councell in their change of the Militia shall be claimed as the Birth-right of the City of London which they never had any colour to pretend to saving by the indulgency of the Parliament unto them since this Parliament in respect of the great use they have had of them and the many good services they have received from them It is time for
all the Kingdome to look to their Birth-rights if such a claime shall be held up against both the Houses of Parliament That upon no occasion whatsoever nor in no time of danger and distraction whatsoever they may appoint those that shall have the power of the Militia of London without the consent of the Councell especially when as the Houses shall sit under their power The late Example may evidence to all the World who shall be Masters of the Parliaments freedome and Resolutions And common reason will teach every man who shall be Masters of the Birth-rights of the whole Kingdome when there shall be no Army on foots when they have the confidence to dispute for the Mastery notwithstanding such an Army as this to checke and ballance them in behalfe of the Kingdome and Parliament 3. Lastly The Army discerning how intimate some of the new Militia were with some of the 11. accused Members how forward they were to comply and act with them in their endeavours to raise a new Warre how they made 18. or 19. Votes in order thereunto together with them in one night All which the Common-Councell and Parliament disliked and revoked how notwithstanding afterwards they secretly promoted their Designes by private Listings which now appeare to have been still working under ground The Army wee say observing this and having nothing more in their thoughts and desires then to settle a speedy safe and well-grounded peace and to prevent a new Warre found it necessary to desire That the Militia might be put into the hands wherein it was formerly who had approoved themselves both to the Army Parliament and Kingdome to be sober-minded men and not given to any practise whereby a new Warre might be kindled To the intent that the Army being secured by that meanes from that danger might with the more confidence retire further from the City enlarge their Quarter for the greater ease of the Kingdome and intend wholly the setling of a sure peace in this Kingdome and a speedy and effectuall reliefe of Ireland which was almost brought to a period and nothing in the sight of man could have hindred but this cursed practice of violence upon the Parliament under pretence of the Militia which according to our desire being restored againe into the hands of the old Commissioners by an Ordinance of both Houses dated the 21. of July in pursuance of the aforesaid treasonable combination severall Petitions were presented to the Common-Councell of the City of LONDON in the name of the Apprentices and others importing their Desires that the Militia of the City might continue in the hands of the former Commissioners according to the Ordinance of the 4. of May last Whereupon Monday July the six and twentieth the Common-Councell of the City presents their Petitions to both Houses for changeing the Militia wherein the House of Lords refuse to alter their resolutions the House of Commons answered they would take it into consideration the next morning Notwithstanding which the City and Kingdome cannot be ignorant with what rage and insolency the tumult of Apprentices the same day forced both Houses They blockt up their doores swearing they would keepe them in till they had passed what Votes they pleased they threatened the Houses if they granted not their desires knocking hooping and hallowing so at the Parliament-doores that many times the Members could not be heard to speake or debate not suffering the House of Commons to divide for determining such Questions as were put crying out That those that gave their Votes against them should be sent out to them very often and loudly saying Agree agree dispatch wee 'l wait no longer and in this outragious manner they continued at the House doore above eight houres together the City-Guards there present nor the City relieving them by reason whereof the House was forced to Vote what that rude multitude would demand and then adjourned the House till the next morning After which the House rising the Speaker and many Members going out of the House they forc'd them back againe into the House Many of the Apprentices pressing in with them where they stood with their hats on their heads and compelled the Speaker to take the Chaire and the House to Vote in their presence what they pleased committing many other insolencies as is published by the Speaker of the House of Commons in his Declararation and is too well known by all then present And during the time of this execrable violence done by the said Apprentices Westminster-Hall and the Pallace-yard was sild with Reformadoes and other ill-affected persons designed to back them After this the Houses being adjourned till Friday following upon the Thursday the Apprentices printed and posted a paper in severall places of the Citie requiring all their fellowes to be early at the Parliament the next morning for that they intended to adjourne by seven of the clock and that for a moneth Thus the Speakers with many of the Members of both Houses were driven away from the Parliament This in briefe being the true state of things as they have broke forth within these few dayes which are so contrary to all those pretences of Peace and detestation of a new Warre of late so frequently held forth on all sides all men may observe to what maturity the long projected Designe of some men of whom are those that are impeached by us is now brought and may be traced in the severall steps thereof as it hath tended to the enslaving this Kingdome and the destruction of all such well-affected people who would not comply with them therein so as by what now is come to light the justnesse of that cause this Army had engaged themselves in and the great and wonderfull mercy of God in continuing them together we assure our selves doth now clearly appeare to all meâ—â— eyes and apprehensions and will every day more and more be acknowledged even by those that have heretofore made a question of it And if when this Kingdome hath spent so much of its bloud and treaure hath past through such un heard of dangers and overcome such difficulties so many yeares together All that they must now hope for and rest in must only be what the King grants in his Messege of the 12 of May last And if this must be imposed upon mens judgements and consciences by an oath and now entred into in a tumultuous and unlawfull way and by outrage maintained in despâ—ght and contempt of the Parliament If rather then this shâ—uld not be accomplished the Parliament it selse must be violated and forced into the hands of such of the Members thereof as have secretly abetted and fomented those practises to that end That these hidden counsels and works of darknesse might when they come to their full biâ—th have the image of highest authority in the face of them the better to gaine credit thereunto secure the Authors of them from punishment For the evidence of all which wee
refer our selves to the particulars in our Charge against the 11. Members compared with those passages of late broke forth before rehearst unto which wee shall now onely adde and leave it to the consideration of all wise and good men with what artifice and boldnesse these Members have serv'd themselves of those horrid â—umulâ—s and violences of their own creating instead of shewing their detestation of them againe to intrude themselves into the publique managing of affaires and Inevitably to embroyle the Kingdome in a new war which their own revenge and the compassing of their former plots and designes makes them so greedily thirst after If these things we say must be the end and up-shot of all what then remaines to this poore Kingdome and all true hearted Englishmen but to joyne together as one man with their counsels estates and lives in this way as our last refuge under God which he by his wise and gracious providence hath provided and reserved by keeping up this Army even to a Miracle so to prevent the aforesaid evils and to procure to this dying Kingdome yet a setled peace and happinesse if it be his blessed will These things being seriously considered by us wee have thought fit in the name of the Army to declaâ—â— that all such Members of either House of Parliament as are already with the Army for the security of their persons and for the ends aforesaid are forced to absent themselves from Westminster that wee shall hold and esteeme them as persons in whom the publick trust of the Kingdome is still remaining though they cannot for the present sit as a Parliament with freedome and safety at Westminster and by whose advice counsels we desire to govern our selves in in the managing these weighty affaires and to that end we invite them to make repaire to this Army to joyne with us in this great cause wee being resolved and doe hereby faithfully oblige our selves to stand by them therein and to live and die with them against all Opposition whatsoever and in partticular wee doe hold our selves bound to owne that honourable act of the Speaker of the House of Commons who upon the grounds he himselfe expressed in his Declaration sent unto us hath actually withdrawn himselfe and hereupon we doe further ingage to use our utmost and speedy endeavours that he and those Members of either House that are thus inforced away from their attendance at Westminster may with freedome and security sit there and againe discharge their trust as a free and a legall Parliament and in the meanâ— time wee doe declare against that late choice of a new Speaker by some Gentlemen at Westminster as contrary to all right Reason Law and Custome and wee professe our selves to be most clearly satisfied in all our judgements and are also confident the Kingdome will herein concurre with us that as things now stand there is no free nor legall Parliament sitting being through the aforesaid violence at present suspended And that the Orders Votes or Resolutions forced from the Houses on Munday the 26. of July last as also all such as shall passe in this Assembly of some few Lords and Gentlemen at Westminster under what pretence and colour soever are void and null and ought not to be submitted unto by the free-borne Subjects of England And that we may prevent that slavery designed upon us and the Nation that the Kingdome may be restored to a happy State of a visible Government now eclipsed and darkened wee hold our selves bound by our duty to God and the Kingdome to bring to condigne punishment the Authors and Promoters of that unparalleld violence done to the Parliament and in that to all the free-borne Subjects of England that are or hereafter shall be and therefore we are resolved to march up towards London where we doe expect that the well-affected people of that City will deliver up unto us or otherwise put into safe Custody so as they may be reserved to a legall Triall the eleven impeached Members that have againe thrust themselves into the management of publick affaires by this wicked designe And that all others will give us such assistance therein that the Members of both Houses may receive due incouragement to returne to Westminster there to sit with all freedome and so to performe their trust as shall conduce to the settlement of this distracted Kingdome and to inflict such punishments upon these late Offenders as shall deterre any for the future to make the like attempt Our lives have not been deare unto us for the publick good and being now resolved by the assistance of God to bring these delinquents to their deserved punishments as that then which there cannot be any thing of more publick concernment to the Kingdome wee trust if it shall come to that our bloud shall not be accounted too deare a price for the accomplishment of it And if any in the City will ingage themselves against us to protect these Persons and so put the Kingdome againe into a new and miserable Warre The bloud must be laid to the account of such persons as the Authors thereof And lastly Because it is the maine Engine of ours and the Kingdomes enemies to render us odious by possessing the minds of men that we gape onely after the plunder of this great and wealthy City as the experience of the contrary carriage in all Townes that wee have taken yeeldeth unto us a Testimony beyond the example of any Army so wee doe from our hearts declare that wee abhorre the thoughts thereof and wee doubt not but the world shall see our actions answerable to our professions and that we shall not cause any man to suffer but by his own default and that God will manifest we have only in our eyes that Justice may have a free course the Parliament a free sitting and voting and a full vindication of the late violence done to them And as for the City of Westminster the Borough of Southwarke the Hamlets and the rest of the Suburbs and out-parts as wee are informed that they are not so ready to engage themselves in a new warre as some would have them so wee are sensible of the hard condition that they are brought into even by them that claime a Right against both Houses of Parliament a strange claim against a Parliament though more reasonable against others not to be subjected to a Militia without their own consent and yet will not be contented unlesse they may have others subjected unto them and lay what burthens they please upon them without allowing them any part of vote or consent with them In which points of common Right and Equity wee shall not be wanting in a due way to assist them for the obtaining of their just desires and immunities it being our chiefe aim to settle Peace with Truth and Righteousnesse throughout the Kingdome that none may be oppressed in his just freedome and Liberties much lesse the Parliament it selfe which things
dis-band it on such termes as to subject and expose all and even the most faithfull servants of the Parliament and Kingdome both in the Army and elsewhere unto oppression and undoing or to the mercy of their own and such other mens malicious and envenomed spirits which could promise no better for the more full and particular Demonstration of all which wee referre all knowing men to the practices and proceedings against this Army unto the times by their procurement appointed for the dis-banding of it in severall parts without just and equall satisfaction which have been in part remonstrated in papers sent from this Army and published before our coming up to St Albans Upon consideration of all this and upon the resolution which their own abuses and provocations put upon the Army had raised in the whole body of it not to dis-band without further satisfaction and security from the like abuses in future Wee did in our Representation or Declaration sent from St Albans expresse in generall what things wee desired besides our concernments as Souldiers to see done or provided for before our dis-banding for the peace of the Kingdome and a securing the common rights and liberties thereof which wee were called out to defend and vindicate and had so long sought for And having therewithall impeached severall Members of the house of Commons for their unjust practises and designes to such purposes as are before expressed and for indeavoring in prosecution thereof to ingage this Kingdome in a new warre wee added some further desires for the prevention of that mischiefe of a new warre to the Kingdome and for our own present securitie from immediate ruine while those other things might be treated on or considered And upon the granting of some of them in part and hopes given of some others though we could not obtaine the rest and especially not that which we held most just equall and necessarie viz. The positive suspension of those impeached members from sitting in the House as Judges in their own cause and from their power in Committees whereby they had th' advantage to raise warre against us and to make new disturbances in the Kingdome yet the said impeached Members pretending to withdraw themselves from the Parliament untill their causes should be heard and tryed and the House giving consent thereto Wee out of our tendernesse to Parliament Privilidges and our earnest desires to yeeld all observance to the Parliament and satisfaction to the Citie who pretended a full concurrence with us in our declared desires for settling the peace and liberties of the Kingdome did at the Parliaments command and the Cities request withdraw the Army to the desired distance from London and dispersed it further to severall parts of the Kingdome for the ease of the Countrey and proceeded in a peaceable and regular way to prepare prosecute more particular Charges against the said Impeached members which within a few dayes after wee accordingly sent up to the House And the said Impeached Members having put in a delatorie answer thereto with a plea and demurre to divers particulars therein pretended that to avoyd any disturbance or interruption to the present proceedings for settling the publicke affaires by the interposall of their private cause they desired leave and passes to travell for some Monthes which accordingly the Speaker of the House of Commons was ordered or authorized to give them and wee presuming on the Houses caution for their forth-comming to be tryed when the affaires of the Kingdome were settled which upon their first motion of withdrawing wee had insisted on did not gainesay And thereupon we proceeded in a quiet and hopefull way to prepar more particular proposalls in persuance of our former generall desires for the present setling of the peace of the Kingdome to be tendred to the Commissioners of Parliament residing with the Army for that purpose But finding that while wee were thus peaceably proceeding the said impeached members notwithstanding their pretended desires to travell did continue in and about London very active and busie to raise warre or make disturbances in the Kingdome and that the Committee of the Militia there did comply with them therein by daily listing of men and other preparations towards warre and sheltring to that end yea and entertaining into service those same Reformadoes who by Ordinance of Parliament were by them to have been put out of the Lines of Communication and finding continuall jealousies and disturbances to our said proceedings bred in the Army by the daily reports and alarms thereof from the Citie wee made a particular addresse to the Parliament for the restoring of the Citie Militia into those hands in which it was before the Ordinance of the fourth of May last For the reasonablenesse of our desires wherein supposing that we had such cause to insist on some removall of that power out of the hands in which it was then put as here before is partly exprest and in our late Declaration is more fully set forth wee dare confidently appeale to all men not engaged or prejudiced against us whether for the present safety and quiet of the City upon such a change and to prevent those dangers or disturbances to or in the City which the want of a Militia during the intervall betwixt the ceasing of one and new forming of another might give occasion and advantage unto especially in such a juncture of affaires there could be any other way so expedient as to render that change but an immediate reverting into those hands in which it was so lately before who would make up a Militia ready formed to succeed immediately in place of the other without any considerable intermission or delay and whether at a time when jealousies and distrusts were both so rife and hurtfull as they might occasion no lesse distraction or interruption to any quiet settlement or proceedings thereunto then reall attempt of mischiefe would there could be any proposall more reasonable or hopefull to beget a confidence and acquiescence as to that point both in the Parliament Citie and Army then to have that power restored for the present into those hands of whose fidelity to the common interest we had all found so ample and unquestioned proofe throughout the most dangerous times upon our addresse therefore to the Parliament for that purpose the Army being at such distanâ—â— as aforesaid both Houses were pleased on the 23. of July last to passe an Ordinance for returning of the Militia into those hands and repeâ—ling the Ordinance of the 4. of May by which it had been changed as before hereupon hoping all would quietly succeed to a settlement in this Kingdome wee went on securely to finish our Proposalls for that purpose the heads whereof have been since published withdrew the head quarter to a further distance dispersed the Army to larger Quarters for more ease to the Countrey and upon a recommendation of the businesse of Ireland from the Parliament wee had in lesse then a weekes
especially in this viz. To have the King brought up to London without delay or any nearer upproach of the Army And to all these the succeeding Votes of the pretended Houses for the same thing did speedily eccho the same note Concerning which matter not to examine the alteration of the case since both Houses and both Kingdomes also of England and Scotland resolved that it was not safe the King should come to London untill he had given satisfaction and secutity to his people in relation to those publick ends for which so much bloud and treasure had been spent we shall only say thus much to those mens intentions and designes in the businesse That had the King come up to London as they have so oft desired and attempted it is apparent they intended and would have made use of it rather to lay the stronger foundations of a new Warre upon the ruines of that publick interest contended for in the former and of all those that had with most candor clearenesse and simplicity of heart appeared and acted for the same then any way to settle thereby a safe and well-grounded peace And since they could not rationally expect so easie an obtaining of the Kings person to London upon such a pretended Vote or Declaration of their desire thereof it is as evident that they could intend nothing thereby but a more plausible pretence and foundation of quarrell against this Army whereby to ingage or incline to their assistance the Kings party and such others who might be catcht with the apprehension thereof as a speedy way to Peace the thing so generally longed for and by such assistance gained the better to ruine this Army and those faithfull Members of Parliament who were retired to it For our parts we shall rejoice as much as any to see the King brought back to his Parliament and that not so much in place as in affection and agreement on such sound termes and grounds as may render both Him and the Kingdome safe quiet and happy and shall be as ready as any to bring his Majesty to London when his being there may be likely to produce not greater disturbances but a Peace indeed And that such as may not with the shipwrack of publick interest be shaped and moulded only to the private advantages of a particular party or faction But bottomed cheifly on grounds of common and publick welfare and security And if without regard to these considerations we would have brought his Majesty with us to London in our late advance thither which our enimies could not hinder or prejudice us in we had no cause to doubt but as to men we might have had all the advantages which our adversaries promised to themselves thereby added to the strength and interest of the Army and have inverted the disadvantages upon them that they intended against us thereby so as his Majesties so much desired to come to London might have been much to their prejudice and our advantage and security if we had regarded only our owne particulars But as at present our consciences beare cleare witnesses to our selves so we hope God will in the issue make it cleare to others that we have not minded nor been acting our owne workes or interests but the Kingdomes and every honest mans in it Mean while to return to our purpose we thinke it is sufficiently cleared that the proceedings of those members or the major part of them that continued to sit at Westminster during the absence of the Speakers the powers by them given the forces thereupon levied and other preparations of Warre thereupon made were all designed and driven on in prosecution and maintenance of the said treasonable ingagement and of the force done upon the Parliament or for the same ends and interest with them and to oppose the advance of this Army towards London for restitution of the Parliament to honour and freedome and indeed to raise a new warre in the Kingdome against the Parliament and their Army for the destruction thereof And the same may yet further appear by this that those very Appentices Reformadoes and others about the City who were the cheife actors in the said ingagement and tumult were afterwards most trusted and imployed and most active in their preparations for War By what we have here said and what hath been declared and published from us and from the Speakers and aforesaid Members of both Houses and by the whole series of our owne and our enemies actions and carriages compared together it may appeare how tender we have been not only of the authority and just Priviledges of Parliament and of the safety peace and welfare both of the Kingdome and the City but even towards those our enemies themselves seeking only things necessary for the common good of the whole and that if possible without ruine or hurt to any and yet how maliciously and unworthily we have that while been dealt withall by those our enemies and by a factious and powerfull party especially in Parliament and City combining with them And what cleare cause we have had both for all that we have formerly desired or done in prevention of our owne ruine and the Kingdomes disturbance and also what just grounds for our late advance to London The good service whereof especially in restoring the Parliament into a condition of safety honour and freedome thereby hath been without any seeking of ours acknowledged by both Houses with thankes to us and publick thankesgiving to the Almighty for it And a further trust hath been thereupon committed to the Generall for taking care with his Army to safe-guard the Parliament The Houses being thus restored to a condition of present safety honor and freedome Two things seem clearly remaining to be done which our owne and most mens expectations are most set upon viz. First to vindicate the honour freedome and safety of Parliament from the like affronts or violences in future and the Army and Kingdome from danger of the like disturbances whilst things shall be in a debate or treaty for a settlement and then to proceed unto a speedy settlement of the peace of the Kingdome The latter of these is first in our intentions being nearest to the ultimate end And we shal earnestly desire in order therunto the proposals of the Army whereof the heads are published may be speedily considered and brought to a resolution But considering that the debates of them may take up some time ere they be agreed on all hands and the framing of them into Bils and perfecting of the same will require much more Something must first be done in the former for a present security to the Parliament from like affronts or violence and to the Army and Kingdome from the like disturbances to the peace thereof by any farther advantage which the time like to be spent in the setling of peace may afford to our watchfull restlesse and we doubt implacable enemies First therefore to those ends unlesse it should be
thought fit to secure the Parliament by keeping the whole body of the Army or so great a part thereof to remain continually in and about London as might be sure to over-power any future tumults or force that may arise out of the City and ease of the parts adjacent nor the safety of the Kingdome in respect of the present posture of affaires will admit It is absolutely necessary that there be speedy and exemplary justice done upon at least the cheif authors or abettors of the said treasonable engagement and of the said force done to the Parliament and upon the chief actors in maintenance and prosecution thereof whereby men may be deterred from the like in future And this is also as necessary to the security of the Army and peace of the Kingdome since it is apparent by all that hath been said and by infinite other evidences too many to recount That both the said ingagement and the force done to the Parliament and the power of the City militia thereby gained and the succeeding votes and orders of the pretended Houses but indeed of that faction that are our professed enemies in maintenance and prosecution thereof and the Forces thereupon levied put under the command of Major Gen. Massey and others our professed adversaries were all designed and directed to the ruine and destruction of this Army and the raising of a new war against us in this Kingdome And having had such experience of their restlesse malice and cruell intentions towards us notwithstanding our tendernesse and lenity towards them and of their treacherous dealing so soon as they thought they had the advantage notwithstanding all their semblances of compliance to a composure what reason is there to expect but that if by our patience and delays they apprehend in future the like or other advantage they will break out againe into the like or worse attempts of violence and war if all escape with impunity for these But as to this point of security by exemplary justice in an ordinary way we see our hopes almost frustrated whilst though our desires and resolutions to that purpose exprest in our late Declaration of the grounds of our advance towards London were then seconded with the declared approbation and concurrent resolutions of the Speakers and Members of both Houses that were driven away to the Army and with their ingagement to live and die with us therein And though in pursuance thereof the Right Honourable House of Peers have since their restitution began and proceeded to declare null and void all that was done in the name of both Houses while they lay under the power of that tumultuous violence and to give their more authentick approbation to our said Declaration made in behalfe of the said Speakers and Members while they were with the Army and in behalfe of the honour and freedome of the Parliament and to give their like approbation to the concurrent Declaration and Engagement of the said Speakers and Members made to us while they were with us yet the House of Commons have not only concurred with the Lords in any of those things but rather seem to have cast them aside and upon the Question concerning those very Votes of July 26. to which the Houses were by the said violence inforced whether they should be declared null and void it was carried in the Negative that the Question should not be put in by the consequences whereof which are many wayes very sad to this poor Kingdome and more then we can recount and by all subsequent proceedings in that House in relation to the whole businesse we clearly find that the Members of that House who after the violence done to it and during the absence of the Speaker and the other Members thereby driven away proceeding in the name of that House as aforesaid procured the pretended powers and did make the pretended Votes Orders and Ordinances aforementioned and many of them were chiefe actors thereupon for the levying of warre in prosecution and maintenance of the aforesaid treasonable Engagement and force done to the Parliament and for the opposing resisting and destroying of this the Parliaments Army in its advance to London for the restitution of the Parliament to its honour and freedome being conscious of their owne guilt and danger thereby yet presuming on their interest in the House and the patience and lenity of this Army do continue to intrude themselves to sit and Vote there and by their present interest in the House do use their utmost eudeavours and very much prevaile to obstruct and avoid the bringing of any to justice who have acted under their pretended authority knowing it to be their owne case and concernement in point of impunity as well as conducency to their faction and interest And for that cause they labour as for life to uphold the things past and done and the authorities given by them and their faction in their and the Apprentices pretended Parliament yea even those very Votes and authorities wrested from the Parliament by that palpable force of July 26. to be good and valid till they be repealed as if past in a free and legall Parliament In which point and all Questions touching upon it we find they presume upon and are strengthened by the concurrence of divers other Members who having perhaps with harmelesse intentions continued to sit with them during the speakers absence as aforesaid though they consented not to any of their mischievous Votes Orders or Treasonable proceedings aforementioned may yet feare themselves to be involved in the same case and danger by having sate with them and thus by the concurrence of these two partyes in the House as to that point and the interest which both these partyes have with others in the House especially upon a matter of saving one another and by the partiall respects of some others in the House for the saving of their friends out of the House who have acted under the authority and for the evill ends aforementioned we find an absolute obstruction to the bringing to justice or questioning of any who have acted in the late levying of warre against us and against the Vindication of the Parliaments freedome or in the said Treasonable ingagements yea or in abetment of the tumultuous violence upon the Parliament it selfe neither can we find or heare of any one person brought to justice or question for my of those things but all seem to be either justifyed or at least protected from Iustice by the power and prevalence of those Members in Parliament who are many of them as we can make appeare equally guilty of and others in some kind obnoxious for the same things and thus not only our just expectations of Vindication to the Parliament and security to our selves and the Kingdome from the like treasonable and turbulent practises in future by Exemplar justice for what hath been so done are frustrated but even the safety and immunitie of the Speakers and those faithfull Members of both
Houses that were driven away by the violence aforesaid and the immunitie of the Army in advancing to London to bring them back and restore the Parliament to its honour and freedome which have been acknowledged with publick Thankesgiving to God for it as aforesaid is subjected and exposed to question wherein theirs and ours and the Kingdoms enemies obtrude themselves to be the Iudges for if those pretended Votes Orders and Ordinances whereby werre was levied against them and us were then good and valid though they should now he repealed yet we with the Speakers and those Members aforesaid in opposing of them while they were of force must needs remaine transgressors still and yet God and we are thanked for it what a Mock is this to God and man but to returne to the more serious consideration of our case in relation to the securitie of the Parliament Kingdome and our selves against the like turbulent and treasonable practises in future since by the means aforesaid no securitie by exemplary justice can at present be had to deterre any from the like we wish all men to consider what straights we are in this case put upon That which is the maine worke of the Kingdome and which we most earnestly thirst for and attend upon viz. the setling of a peace and consideration of our Proposals in Order thereunto will aske time to bring it to an issue and that done the relieving or remedying of the pressing grievances of the Kingdome will take up and require the sitting of the Parliament for some further time though upon the setling of a peace a period be set for the certaine ending of it Now for the body of this Army or so great apart of it as may serve to over-power any future tumults or force that may arise in or from the City to continue hereabouts so long the condition of the Countrey hereabouts and the nceessities of the City in point of provision cannot well beare it and we doubt Forraign forces that are already upon the wing and turbulent Spirits that in severall parts of the Kingdome are beginning insurrections if we continue fixed here will have such opportunity and take such encouragement there-from as that they may ere long necessarily call us off should we now or hereafter while the Parliament sits draw off the Army from about the City without exemplary justice upon some would not the same or more dangerous tumults and violences probably returne upon the Parliament and the like or worse practices of raising a new war be revived with more advantage to our enemies more danger to us and the Kingdome and lesse hopes of appeasing it so easily and happily as the former while the same violent and factious spirits both in the Parliament and elsewhere shall continue in the same power and opportunities as formerly and both they and all others shall have before their eyes the encouragement of that impunity and protection yea rather that Justification which they have hitherto found from within the Parliament it selfe in the past practises aforementioned though as grossely treasonable as any they can hereafter run into should we or any others for the obtaining of exemplary justice upon some proceed to impeach any for their past treasonable practices what hopes of justice or of a timely dispatch therein can we have while such a prevailing party of men interessed and concerned in the same things shall in the House of Commons continue to be judges thereof or at least be ready to avow and justifie the offendors therein as having acted under their pretended authority In this straight therefore though we ever have been and shall be most tender of all just priviledges of Parliament yet finding the root of these and other difficulties to the Parliament Kingdom our selves to lie in this viz. That those Members of the House of Commons who during the forced absence of the Speakers of both Houses continuing to sit â—nâ— act as a Parliament did procure and consent to the pretended Votes Orders and Ordinances afore-mentioned for levying of war and that as is before demonstrated in direct prosecution or maintenance of the forâ—-said treasonable Engagâ—-ment and the violence done to the Parliament and for the opposing resisting and destroying of this the Parliaments Army in its advance towards London to returne the Speakers and Members of both Houses which were driven away and the Houses themselves to their honour and freedome and who are thereby and by their late owning and avowing of the same and many of them as we can prove by acting personally the said treasonable practises become pâ—râ—ies to the same doe yet take the boldnesse to sit and Vote in Parliament especially in the House of Commons Wee say finding the main roote of our difficulties and dangers to â—ye in this First we appeale to all men whether it be just or tolerable that any priviledge of Parliament should contrary to the Law of nature make a man judge in his owne case and concernment and wee wish those Members themselves to consider if we had come to engagement with the Forces raised by vertue of their pretended Votes and Ordinances and that thousands had been shine and we had made our way by the sword whether they would then have expected to have sate as Judges upon us therein and we are sure it is no thanks to them that it hath beene otherwise and had wee found those Members in Armes against us and subdued and taken them whether had they not beene in the condition of prisoners of Warre and if so then having put Armes into the hands of others against us and still maintaining it whether can they in strict justice challenge any better condition from us but that contrariwise we should suffer either that those whom by the course of Warre which they had chose to engage in against us wee might justly make our prisoners should in a course of Law become our Masters and Commanders or that those who the other day did in an hostile manner endeavour to have beene our Executioners should now we have by force broke their prepa ations against us become our Judges we suppose no reasonable man nor themselves when they well consiâ—er it can expect from us Upon all these Considerations of the justnesse of the Cause and the necessity of the thing for the safety of the Parliament Kingdome and this Army having no other way left timely to remedy the difficulties we are put upon or prevent the growing dangers of future violence unto the Parliament and disturbances to the Kingdome or to secure the Parliament in a quiet proceeding to settle the peace of the Kingdome And in such case the safety of the people being the Supream Law we doe protest and declare That if any of those Members who during the absence of the Speakers and the rest of the Members of both Houses forced away by the tumultuous violence aforesaid did sit and Vote in the pretended Houses then continuing at VVestminster
with Francis Wade and Robert White by Serjeant Creswell to forfeit their whole estates and remaine prisoners during the Kings pleasure Francis Wade being urged to drinke the Kings health denyed it saying that King James said That the King which ruled not according to his Lawes is no longer a King but a Tyrant and that the King had put the Parliament out of his protection and in them the whole Kingdom Therefore no King Robert White having been a souldier in the Parliaments service was demanded upon his return what he would have done to the King had he met him in the head of his Army answered he would as soone have killed him as another man Roger Crabb for comparing the King to the golden Calfe which the Israelites worshipped or words to that purpose stands convicted by Justice Bacon since July 1646. and fined at an hundred marks to lye in Gaole till payment James Simball being at this instant a prisoner and in Irons at the said Gaole was indicted by one Wimball formerly a Cavallier sonne in law and partner to Richardson Keeper and Bailiffe of the prison called the Clinke now under sequestration and they keepers for the State the said Symbals goods being within their liberty as aforesaid have seized and made stay thereof as being confiscated to the King The said Richardson and Windball commencing suites in their owne Court for that the said Symbals brother defending part of the said goods in right of himelfe having formerly lent them to the said James his brother Francis Wade Robert White and Roger Crab are return'd as prisoners in the Kalender to the White Lion by Justice Bacon who fined Mr. Devinish late Keeper of the said County Gaole threescore pounds for suffering the said prisoners to have some liberty In Crabs case the Jury brought him guilty of the words spoken by him but they were neither seditious scandalous nor pernitious Justice Bacon used much Argument to perswade the Jury to finde the judgement they having formerly twice returned him And caused the said Jury to be locked up all night without meate drinke fire or candle untill they had returned him as he stood indicted The Explanation or Declarations of the sence of His Excellency and the generall Councell of the Army upon severall particulars in the Proposalls afore-going in answer to certain Queries thereupon made by the Commissioners of Parliament residing with the Army agreed upon at the generall Councel held at Putney on Thursday Septem 16. 1647. 1. Vpon the first generall Head TO the Quere concerning the time of commencement of the yeare within which a period to this Parliament is desired The explanation was thought fit to be suspended untill it should appear what expedition will be made in the settlement of the things proposed 2. Vpon the first particular under the first generall Head To the Quere Whether not rather Trienniall Parliaments and the act for that purpose to be continued with supplementall additions according to the effect of the particulars contained under this generall Head Resolved That as to the circumstance of time we are satisfied with either Bienniall or Trienniall Parliaments provided that in case Triennialls be prefer'd there be a proportionable addition to the time for the certainety of their sitting to viz. to be at least for six or eight monthes 3. Vpon the second particular under the first generall Head To the Quere concerning the prejudice of laying a limitation upon Parliaments not to sit past 240. dayes Resolved That that limitation is to be understood with this exceptions viz. unlesse any Parliament shall find it necessary for the safety of the Kingdome to sit longer but still with this proviso That each Parliament shall dissolve of course at least 80. dayes before the next Bienniall or Trienniall if not otherwise dissolved sooner so as that course of new Elections may never be interrupted 4. Vpon the eighth particular under the first generall Head To the Quere concerning the prejudice to Parliament freedom which this particular might induce Resolved That the liberty of entring dissents is not desired but in case where the major vote may bee to the destruction or prejudice of the Common Right or liberty of the Subject 5. Vpon the first particular under the second generall head viz. concerning the Militia To the Quere concerning what 's ment by the power of the Militia Resolved That by these words the power of the Militia is meant the power of raising arming c. according to the expressions used in the Proposition of both Kingdoms concerning the Militia 6. Vpon the third particular under the same Head To the Quere concerning the expressing of that power of raising disposing moneys by both Houses Resolved That we are well satisfied in the expressions thereof used in the Propositions of both Kingdoms concerning that matter 7. Vpon the fourth generall Head To the Quere what great Officers are meant Resolved The same that are named in the Proposition of both Kingdoms together with the office of High Admiral or Commissioners for the Admiall 8. Vpon the fourteenth Head concerning the King To the first Quere concerning the extent of these words without diminution to their personall rights Resolved That those words were not intended to extend to any part of the Revenues that have come or shall become due before the settlement so as to invalid or question any disposure thereof made by the Houses of Parliament or by authority derived from them To the second Quere upon the same head concerning the extent of these word without further limimitation to the exercise of the Royall power Res That these words are intended only as exclusive to any farther new limitations not to any that have been made heretofore by the Laws of the Land Putney 16. Septemb. 1647. By the appointment of His Excellency Sir Tho Fairfax and the generall Councell of the Army A Declaration from His Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and the generall Councell of the Army held at Putney on Thursday Sept. 11. 1647. THe extream wants of the Souldiery both of the Army and other Forces and Garrisons that have concurred with us as also the sufferings of the Countries in respect of free Quarter and the necessities of the Kingdome for a speedy supply of money in relation to the disbanding of superfluous forces the sending over of others for the reliefe of Ireland and for the supplying of those Forces that are there already so as to prevent the danger of those distempers lately raised amongst them are such as we are and have been very sensible of and exceedingly pressed with the consideration of them Yet the care the Houses have so many wayes exprest for providing a present supply of monies in relation to all these affaires have made us hitherto silent as to that point in expectation to have found ere this time an answerable effect thereof in actuall supplies But finding that notwithstanding all their care yet through the neglect or delay of those
wherein satisfaction was desired before they could give their certain resolution to the maine Question which were these 1. To know what particular Regiments Troops or Companies of this Army are to be continued in service in this Kingdom 2. To know under whose conduct and Command in chief those that engage for Ireland are to goe 3 What assurance there shall be of pay and subsistance to those that shall engage in this service for Ireland during their continuance therein 4. To have satisfaction in point of Arrears and indempnity for the service in England Upon each of these this Question was put to every Officer distinctly Quest Whether is this a thing wherein you desire satisfaction before you can give a certain Resolution to ingage in the service proposed Which question upon the third and fourth Propositions was resolved affirmatively Nemine contradicente Upon the second it was resolved affirmatively by all except Col. Harley Coll. Fortescue Col. Butler Major Fincher Lieut Colonell Iackson Capt. Farre and Capt Nevill Upon the first it was resolved affirmatively by all except the persons last mentioned and col Rich Major Ducket Capt. Ohara Capt Audley and captane Young Lastly those that were affirmative to the desiring of satisfaction in the first Proposition viz. To know what particular Regiments Troops or companies of this Army are to be continued in service in this Kingdom did declare That this was desired partly to this end That in giving the resolution to the main Question none that are not designed to stay in England may be with-held from engaging for Ireland by any secret expectation to be continued in England And partly to the end that those who shall engage the rather upon confidence of having the company of such as doe agree with them in the same conditions may not be deceived in that particular At a second Convention of Officers at the desire of Sir William Waller and the rest of the Commissioners at Saffron-Walden His Excellency being present Munday March 22. 1646. And the results following Present Lieut. Gen. Hamond Com. Gen. Ireton Col. Hamond col Harley col Whaley col Rich col Fortescuâ— col Lilburne col Okey col Hewson Leiut col Pride Leiut col Grimes Leiut col Jackson Major Swallow Major Huntington Major Cowell Major Sedascue Major Waade Capt. Brown Capt. Groves Cap Lawrence Captaine Ienkins Captaine Morgan Captaine Farre Captaine Goffe Capt Lagoe Cap. Gladman Capt. Nevill Capt. Pretty Capt. Ohara Capt. Leigh Captaine Audley capt Coleman capt Cannon capt Wallington capt Young Leiut Scottin Leiutenant Lloyd At the desire of the commissioners who now produced the Uotes of the house of Commons of the 16. of March concerning the raising of 60000. l. per moneth towards the payment of the Forces in England and Ireland the same were read unto the Officers and after some debate this question was proposed to every Officer distinctly Whether upon the Votes and resolutions of the House of Commons now read or any other consideration do you finde cause to alter or recede from the third Quaere yesterd y resolved on concerning assurance of pay and subsistance It was resolved in the Negative by all except col Harley col Fortescue and capt Young The same question being proposed concerning the fourth Article viz. To have satisfaction in payment of Arrears and indempnity c. Resolved in the Negative by all except capt Young The like question being proposed concerning the first quaerie to know what particular Regiments Troops or companies of this Army are to be continued in service in this Kingdome It past likewise in the Negatives all referring to the severall Votes upon the same yesterday delivered There being severall Officers now present who were not here yesterday at the debates viz. capt Rainsborow capt Persons capt Rawlins capt Musket capt Biscoe capt Wolfe capt Kirby The severall Votes of the House of Commons concerning the sending seven Regiments of Foot and of Horse into Ireland was read unto them as also the Votes of the House concerning the raising of 60000. l. per moneth towards the maintenance of the forces in England and Ireland the same question and quaeries thereupon which were yesterday propounded were now proposed to the â—â—d last meâ—â—â—oned Officers severally and each Officer by himselfe declared his Vote to the first question viz. Whether they were now prepared to give their resolution Negative and to all the rest affirmative Captaine Young coming in declared That he receded from these things wherein yesterday he concurred to desire satisfaction and resolves upon the main question that he will ingage with as many of his Souldiers as he can get Captaine Denizon capt Bushell capt Cox and capt Pooley of Colonell Fortescues Regiment declare the same resolution with capt Young A Letter from the Generall to Mr. SPEAKER SIR I Received your Letter dated the 27. of this instant with an enclosed Order from the House of commons for the making stop of the further proceed in a Petition which the House was informed was carrying on in the Army In obedience to which I sent out orders to the Officers of the Regiments quartering in these parts of the Kingdome to meet at my quarters that I might enquire into the whole matter and take such course as might most effectually conduce unto the accomplishing your commands where having communicated your letter and Orders to them they did generally expresse a very deep sense of their unhappinesse in being misunderstood in their clear intentions which were no other then by way of Petition to represent unto me those inconveniencies which would necessarily befal most of the Army after disbanding desiring That as much as I should judge fit and seasonable might be submissively made knowne to the House of commons which otherwise your multiplicity of businesse intervening might not be remembred Assuring me that they would wholly acquiesce in whatsoever I should judge reasonable to offer or you to grant on their behalfe I have also according to your commands sent up Leiutenant Generall Hamond colonell Hamond colonell Lilburne Leiutenant colonell Pride and Leiutenant col Grimes to attend the Houses pleasure who I hope will give you as farre as they are acquainted therewith a full and candid account of the whole proceedings in this Petition Sir there is one clause in your Letter concerning all the Regiments marching this way which I do not understand except it be meant by Sir Hardresse Wallers Regiment which I have remanded away at the instance of Major Generall Skippon upon the grounds in his inclosed letter and colonell Hammonds and colonell Herbets now upon their march from Chester being dismist from that service Sir I trust the Army will ever manifest their affections to the publike by their constant perseverance in their accustomed obedience unto all your commands which shall be ever redily endeavoured by Your most humble Servant Tho. Fairfax For the Honourable William Lenthall Esquier Speaker of the Honourable House of Commons Walden March 30