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
being duly setled we shall be as ready also to assure unto the King his just Rights and authority as any that pretend it never so much for the better upholding of an ill cause and the countenance of tumultuous violence against the Parliament the which our honest just and necessary undertakings as we are resolved to pursue with the utmost hazzard of our lives and fortunes so wee doubt not but we shall find Gods accustomed goodnesse and assistance with as therein till wee have brought them to a good and happy conclusion for this poore distracted and languishing Kingdome A REMONSTRANCE From his Excellency S ir THO FAIRFAX And the Army under his Command WHen by the blessing of God upon the endeavours of this Army and other forces of the Parliament the adverse forces and Garrisons within this Kingdome were dissipated and reduced a present quiet and freedome of Trade and all Commerce and businesse restored to all parts of the Kingdome and an hopefull way made for setling of a sound lasting Peace on good termes for the Interest of the Kingdome instead of the hoped fruit of our labours and hazzards and of the Kingdomes vast expence in the dispensing of Justice and Righteousnesse and the setling and upholding of common Right and freedome to the Subjects of this Nation we found immediately the crosse-workings of a strong and prevalent Partie in the Parliament and Kingdome who walking under the maske of the Parliaments friends but being in truth men of corrupt and private ends and Interests different from and destructive to the reall and common Interest of the Kingdome made use of their power to obstruct and pervert Justice to injure oppresse and crush the peaceable and well-affected people of the Kingdome to abridge and overthrow all just freedome and libertie and drive on designes to set up a Party and faction in the Parliament and Kingdome and by the advantage of a perpetuall Parliament to domineere over and inslave the Kingdome to posteritie And for that end to make such a Peace with the King if any as without any just provision for the common and true Interest of the people and the securitie thereof for future would serve onely to make up and establish their own greatnesse and the affected domination of themselves and their Partie over all others To all which ends as before this Parliament the ignominious names of Puritan and Non-conformist and the specious pretences for setling of Order Decencie and Uniformity in Religion were made use of to the prejudice trouble and suppressing of all that appeared either for the Truth and power of Religion or for the Rights and Liberties of the Kingdome and towards the advancing at once both of an Ecclesiasticall and Civill tyranny So this generation of men in the application of the Parliaments Power succeeding the former in the exercise of the Kings have made use of the odious names of Brownists Anabaptists Independents Hereticks Schismaticks or Sectariâ—s of one sort or other to blast such men in whom the Truth and power of Religion or a just sense of the common Interest of the Kingdome hath appeared and have held forth the pretences of Reformation and Uniformity to colour and countenance their Designes of setting up their owne irreligious or pharisaicall domineering faction to the oppression of all other people And herein they have had a great advantage to further their aforesaid Designes by reason of the jealousies which many Conscientious men of the Presbyterian Judgement have enterrained concerning this Army and concerning divers other eminent and worthy Instruments of the Kingdomes good who being in places of publick trust and power were supposed to be of the Independent way In pursuance of their aforesaid designeâ— they endeavoured and by their power and influence upon the Parliament and the advantage of such pretences as aforesaid very much prevailed to put out of all places of power or publick trust the most sobâ—â— and coâ—sciencious men and such as had approved themselves faithfull to the publick interest throughout all the late troubles and to put in debauched and dissolute men or such as would for advantage serve their prevate interests and for that end in cases where they could not otherwise prevaile procured such Garrisons to be slighted and such powers to be recalled though more necessary to have been continued which they found in the hands of persons of the former sort and such to be continued though lesse necessary as they found in the hands of the later And the better to strengthen themselves in their designes closing with a very poâ—â—â—â—ul party in the Citie of London they first with much activitie endeavoured and prevailed to new modell the Common-Councell and forme the same to their own party and then stirred them up to Petition amongst other things concurrent to their ends for the alteration of the City Militia who by their continuall violent and pressing Importunitie at the Parliaments doores wrung from the Parliament an Ordinance for that purpose whereby they procured the power of that Militia the speciall influence whereof upon the Citie and Kingdome and upon the Parliament it selfe being the onely guard they had for their safe sitting is evident to all men to be taken out of those hands in which it had been continued without out prejudice and with great and known security and advantage both co the Parliament City and Kingdome throughout the late troubles and this without any exception either then or since made against them and to be put into the hands of such others as were at best of doubtfull affections to the interest of the Parliament and Kingdome but indeed men given up and ingaged to the private interests and designes of the said factious party as hath since too evidently appeared and as in the late Declaration of the Army concerning the grounds of our advance towards London is more fully remonstrated And finding this Army not for their turnes they made it their maine worke to dis-band or breake it in pieces even before the reliefe of Ireland were provided for or the peace of this Kingdome setled And though all this went under the pretence of easing the present burthenâ— of the Kingdome yet at the same time they designed and went about to put the Kingdome to the expence and trouble of raising and forming a new force under pretence as for the service of Ireland but evidently designed and so framed as to serve their own ends and purposes aforesaid in England And being many of them filled and acted with personall envy and others with malignity of principles and interests against this Army and the worke of God by it It would not serve their turne to breake or dis-band it but it must be with all possible dishonour injury oppression and provocation that they could put upon it And it was too evident that their endeavour was not onely to put it off without the honour or satisfaction due to it for the service it had done but to
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
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
Officers by neglecting or diserting their Soldiers in their necessary concernments or just grievances have disobliged their Souldiers and lost their interest with them in so much as such Officers are in some sort forced to with draw from their charges and can scarce with safety come at them and to prevent the inconveniences or ill consequences which such disturbed or tumultuous actings might produce either to the contryes where the Army quarters or to the Kingdome We humbly advise your Excellency without delay to draw the Army or at least those parts thereof that are not fixt to certain Quarters upon particular duty unto a closer posture of Quarters so as each Regiment Troop and Company may lye under the veiw and over sight of their respective Officers that are left with them and all of them under a nearer view of and correspondency with the Head-quarter which may thus have a readier influence upon all for the better preserving of good Order and prevention of inconveniences and in such posture for the Countryes ease to remove and shift the whole Quarter once a week at least till upon further satisfaction the Army may be quietly and orderly disbanded 3. That upon the same dissatisfaction and jealousies we find an extream earnestnesse and violent propensity among the souldiers to a generall Rendezvouz and we verily beleive that the first attempt to disband any one Regiment before equall satisfaction to all and assurance against those things they have cause to fear will occasion them all to draw together and Rendezvouz of themselves as it were upon an Alarm And to prevent the inconveniences or ill consequences both to these Countries and the Kingdome of any such tumultuous or confused drawing to a Rendezvouz without order we humbly advise your Excellency without delay after the contracting of quarters to order a generall Rendezvouz for those parts of the Army whose quarters shall be so contracted And this we advise and desire the rather because of the scandalous suggestions of some importing importing as if the late discontents appearing in the Army and the representations of grievances from the Army were not really in or from the body of the Souldiery but a meere delusion or appearance made by the contrivance and artifice of some factious Officers or other Persons in the Army the truth and falshood whereof as also the true temper and disposition of the Army your Excellency and all other may most clearly discover by such a Generall Rendezvouz without the delay or troubl of going to every Regiment a part as they now lye the Army may more certainly understand what they may expect from the Parliament and both Parliament and Kingdome what to judge and trust to concerning the Army and to that purpose at such a Rendezvouz we shall we hope through the grace of God discharge our duties to the Parliament and Kingdom as well as to your Excellency and the Army and demonstrate that the good and quiet of the Kingdome is much dearer to us then any particular concernment of our own These two last things we humbly advise and desire may be done without delay or that otherwise we may be held acquitted from all inconveniences that may ensue in our severall charges 4. Since besides the dissatisfaction to the Army hitherto in the points of grievances and the defect of assurance as to several of these things promised for our satisfaction and besides the jealousies occasioned upon the Votes of Tuesday last and all the ill consequences which may follow in proceeding thereupon That course of disbanding the Army by peece-meale before the satisfaction intended be performed equally to the whole seemes something strange and unusuall not practised in disbanding of other Armies as Major Gen. Massies Brigade the Scots Army c or used that we have heard of by any States towards any Army that was ever accounted faithfull We humbly desire your Excellency by an effectual Letter to move the Parliament for this as that which we humbly offer and do beg at them both for their owne honor in relation to what future Armies they may have occasion to imploy for the reputation of your Excellency and this Army as well as for its better satisfaction and as they tender the good and assured quiet of this Kingdome or the effectuall reliefe and saving of Ireland that they would be pleased to resume the consideration of things voted on Tuesday last and to suspend any present proceeding thereupon as also to resume the grievances of the Army together with the things proposed in the conclusion of the Narrative from the Officers and to give satisfaction or at least some resolution to each of them and that they would not think it fit to put that temptation those jealousies and that dishonour upon the Army as to take it disbarded in scattered peieces before satisfaction be equally given to the whole Whereas what we here desire your Excellency to move may be said if admitted into consideration to tend to delay the reliefe of Ireland 1. We find most clearly that the great hopes suggested to the Parliament of the supply of that svrvice in that way at present intended will prove as to any further expectation out of this Army but vaine and delusive as the loud noyse of so many powerfull Officers with 50. Companies of Foot and ten of Horse so long since ingaged for that service have already proved and if herein our judgment be not credited we have yet discharged our duty to the Parliament and both Kingdomes in declaring it 2. We cannot but for our owne and the Armies further discharge and clearing declare That if the Parliament had not been abused by many of those they have employed and intrusted for the promotion of that service and had not bin by such mens false informations or misrepresentations concerning the Army or otherwise diverted from the consideration of or from giving reasonable satisfaction to the Army in these things proposed by the generality of the Officers at the first meeting at Walden in March last in order to that service and had not by like mischievous practises of such incendiaries been since then moved and drawn to such things and in such a series and succession as have conduced to multiply discontents disobligations and provocations upon the Army we say had it not been for such persons and such things we are confident might have had if they had pleased an Army entire and ready formed under their old Officers and conduct to have engaged for that service having found a just consideration for the services past and assurance of pay and subsistence in that to come Saterday the 29. of May 1647. At A Councell of Warre held at St. Edmunds Bury there were present Commissary Gen. Ireton Col. Whaley Col. Rich. Col. Sir Hardresse VValler Col. Hughson Col. Okyes Col. Lilburne Leiut Col. Jackson Leiut Col. Pride Lieut. Col. Read Lieut. col Salmon Lieut. col Jubs Major Disborow Major Read Major Huntington Major Tomlinson
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
Army from al such scandals to cleare our Principles in relation thereunto and in the mean time we do disavow disclaim al purposes or designs in our late or present proceedings to advance or insist upon any such interest neither would we if we might and could advance or set up any other particular party or interest in the Kingdome though imagined never so much our owne but shall much rather as farre as may be within our spheare or power study to promote such an establishment of common and equall right and freedome to the whole as all might equally pertake of but those that do by denying the same to others or otherwise render themselves incapable thereof An humble Representation of the Dissatisfaction of the Army in relation to the late Resolutions for so suddain Disbanding shewing the particulars of their former grievances wherein they did remaine unsatisfied and the Reasons thereof Unanimously agreed upon and subscribed by the Officers and Souldiers of the severall Regiments at the Rendezvous neer Now-Market on Friday and Saturday June 4. and 5. Presented to the Generall to be by him humbly represented to the Parliament WHereas upon the Report made to the House of Commons on Friday May 21. concerning the grievances of the Army that House was pleased to passe severall Votes seeming to tend towards the satisfaction of the Army in some particulars and on the Tuesday following May 25. to passe divers Resolutions upon a Report from the Committee at Derby-House concerning the disbanding of the Foot of this Army each Regiment apart at severall times and places We humbly declare that the said Votes of Friday do come farre short of satisfaction as to the said grievances or to the desires proposed by the Officers in the conclusion of their Narrative And that the latter Votes of Tuesday importing a resolution to disband the Army in part before equall satisfaction be given to the whole in the greivances or so much as any consideration had of some others that are most materiall and also before any effectuall performances of that satisfaction with the Votes of Friday seemed to promise as to some of the Greivances we cannot but be much unsatisfyed and troubled at it as in the particulars following it may appeare we have cause 1. The proportion of but Eight weeks Arrears to be paid at disbanding as it is unreasonably short of what is most due and what we conceive may be paid or might easily have been provided since the Parliament hath so long had the whole Kingdome cleared all trading and commerce opened vast summes of money brought in upon Delinquents Compositions and otherwise and great foundations of security in their hands besides those formerly ingaged for the Scots And as it is but a mean reward for all our labours hardships and hazards in the Kingdoms cause and a very slender supply to carry us to our homes in a condition sutable to the Parliaments honour and our successe and much lesse to enable those that have left good trades or other wayes of livelihood and suffered much in their trades or stocks by so doing to set up again in their former callings and conditions so it is but little if any thing more then what hath been due to us since that time that we first went about to have petitioned for our Arrears and so not to be accounted in satisfaction towards former Arrears which the Petition was meant for 2. In the Orders given for the stating of our Accounts giving Debertures for our Arrears by the Committee of the Army we find no consideration or regard had of our Arrears incurred in former Army or services which to the most of us are much greater then those under the New-Model intended to be stated by the Committee for the Army as the Narrative of the Officers printed by mistake under the name of their Declaration did intimate before 3. We cannot but consider that whatever the Officers expectances upon Debentures may prove the private Souldiers may well make little account of whatever part of his Arrears he receives not before disbanding as the Reasons expresse in the Narrative do shew And whereas we hear of some instruction past man Ordinance for stating of Arrears we understand that they direct 3. s. a week to be abated to Foot-Souldiers for Quarter which being 6 â— or 8 d per diem above the rate they should have paid for themselves if they had timely had Pay wherewithall It seems very hard the poore Souldier should allow interest for the forbearance of his own due The like disproportion we find in the abatements to Serjeants of Foot for their Quarters in the abatement for Quarters to Officers of Horse and Dragoons we find one third part of the whole Pay to them due both for themselves and their Horses is to be defalked though the full pay for their Horses is not allowed in the Account unlesse they make it appeare by Musters that they kept their full numbers and the third part of their full pay amounting to the halfe or near the halfe of their present pay seems an unreasonable allowance for Quarters especially in the case of Captains and Field-Officers We find also no provision made for private Souldiers of Horse or Foot or any Officers in Commission or not in Commission in relation to any Quarters discharged by them but all such are left absolutely to abate the respective Rates for Quarters during their whole time whether they have paid Quarters for any part of the time or no whereas we know assuredly and can make appeare that all of them during their service in this Army and most of them in their service in the former Armyes have really discharged their Quarters for a very great part of the time and many of them for more time then by the proportion of pay received they were bound to have done having without respects to that many times paid freely as farre as their money would hold out partly out of desire not to be burthensome at all to the Countrey as farre as they could and partly upon expectation grounded on the many promises and often renewed of constant pay for time to come that mony would come in time to pay them up and reimburse them their full pay againe without defalcation for Quarters we find is also provided that no Trooper is capable of allowance or debenture for Arrears unlesse he deliver in such Horse and Armes with which he hath served or a Certificate what such Horse and Armes did not appertaine to the State or else was lost in actuall service which extends to the totall taking away from them those Horse and Armes of the Sâ—ates which they have used and preserved in the Service contrary to the favour allowed and never that we knew of denied in the disbanding of any other Army and if that being but a matter of favour the horse-men in this service be thought unworthy of it and must upon account for their Arrears rebate for such
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
satisfaction therein we have also given a Coppy thereof to your Commissioners to be herewith sent unto you Wee should not desire this or any thing else of that nature were wee not perswaded that what we desire is seasonable and for yours and the Kingdomes good and quiet And we should willingly have been silent as to this but considering the just jealousies which lye against some persons now authorized in the exercise of that power amongst you and those attempts which have been made by some who would have engaged your City to a Warre had not your Lordships and the Court of Aldermen and Common-Counsâ—ll by your wisedome prevented it by getting those Votes which were passed by the Militia made Null Wee cannot in a case of this importance but deale freely with you in desiring your concurrence with ours to the Parliament that the Militia may be changed into those hands out of which it was taken of whose care and fidelity to the Publicke there hath been so long and large experience as few ages have parallel'd And if the interest we have so long fought for be still the same let it not seeme strange that we desire both of the Parliament and Citâ— that those may be in places of such a Trust who have given the best proofe of their courage and constancy in prosecation of the same Having thus farre declared our selves with all freedom and clearnesse to you as we doe not dobut of your good acceptance of our intention therein so we desire your forwardnesse in a worke so much tending to mutuall confidence and to prevent the designes of any who would be glad to put obstructions in the way to a happy conclusion and envy nothing more then the continuance of a right understanding betweene you and us By the appointment of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Councell of Warre Signed John Rushworth Secr. Reading July 19. 1647. A further Proposall from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and the Counsell of Warre of the Army under his Command WHereas divers persons really affected to the weale and peace of this Kingdome many whereof have engaged their estates and lives with the Parliament in the late warre are now imprisoned indicted and otherwise very grievously vexed and many others lyable to the like trouble by force or pretence of severall Statutes especially intended against those who repaire not to some Church or Chappell to heare the Book of Common-prayer or against those who are Popish Recusants and by their not going to Church might be discovered and against those who should hold any Conventicles of meetings to plot and conspire some mischiefe to the State Now forasmuch as the Parliament hath declared against the Booke of Common-prayer and that the said Act against the Conventicles was not intended against people meeting only for Religious Exercises We therefore desire That all persons proceeded against upon the Statutes of 35. Eliz. 3. Jacobi or upon any other Statutes or Acts whatsoever of the same Tenour with the premises may be forth-with discharged from their imprisonments indictments or any other molestation whatsoever by vertue of the fore-mentioned Statutes unlesse such persons shall be proved either Popish Recusants that by some other way then by their not comming to Church or to have in such private meetings as aforesaid some perjurious designe conspiracy and practice against the State And for a more effectuall course herein We desire that the Parliament would be pleased to give Orders accordingly to all the Judges of Assizes for this next Circuit throughout the Kingdome of England and Dominion of Wales as part of their Instructions to acquit all persons suffering as aforesaid by vertue or under pretence of the said Statutes otherwise then as before excepted to give the whole matter so in charge that all Justices of the Peace whom else the same shall concerne may not henceforth attempt to bring the like trouble upon any other of the well-affected people of this Kingdome under the like pretence as they will answer the contrary at their perill Redding July 21. 1647. By the appointment of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax and his Councell of Warre Signed John Rushworth Secr. My Lords and Gentlemen WEe received this inclosed paper the last night from the hands of a very well-affected Citizen it was delivered him by an Officer of the City Militia who being invited to meet some Citizens at Skinners Hall upon Wednesday last with divers others to signe the same and offering to dispute against the matter of it to shew how dangerous and illegall it was was silenc't and told that it was not to be disputed but to be signed and joyned in there being divers Citizens and others at the same place for that purpose which when he understood he tooke this printed copy away with him By the contents of which when you read it you will easily pereeive what it tends to and how desperate and dangerous it is to the hazard of the whole Kingdome and to frustrate all those endeavours of the Parliament the Army and Kingdome for an happy settlement and likewise to precipitate all into a new and bloudy Warre we cannot therefore but acquaint you that we looke on this as a businesse set on foote by the malice of some desperate minded men this being their last Engine for the putting all into confusion when they could not accomplish their wicked ends by other means To this have all secret listings tended and wee wish that the needlesse and superfluous liâ—ing of Auxiliaries and connivance at the continuance of the Reformadoes about the Cities of London and Westminster have not had the same aime and by this wee hope it will appeare that our jealousies and feares of some such desperate designe to be hatched in and about the City considering the temper of men there have not bin groundless nor our desires to draw neer the City of London with the army to disappoint and break all such plots and to free the Parliament from the violence of them have not been without just cause and wee desire all indifferent different men to judge whether our with-drawing from the Citie in obedience to the Parliaments command was for their the Kingdoms security or not we wonder that divers men did calumniate that our marching so near the City and put so bad Representations upon it as that it tended to force the Parliament or to plunder the City seeing our doing so was to break that black design which now begins to shew it selfe in its colours whereas indeed our consciences witness with us that our aimes were clear and honest tending to restore the Parliament into its just liberty which was much abated in the eyes of all the Kingdome and no doubt by the Authors and contrivers of this new Covenant and engagement some whereof have been so farre from assisting to put the Reformadoes and other dangerous persons out of the Lines that now they are called to joyn in this conspiracy
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
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