Personall Treaty with the two Houses of Parliament at Westminster and the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland upon all matters which may conduce to the restoring of Peace and happinesse to these miserably distracted Kingdomes And to begin with the three Heads which were Treated on at Vxbridge And for the better clearing of His Majesties earnest and sincere Intentions of putting an end to these unnaturall Distractions knowing that point of security may prove the greatest obstacle to this most blessed Worke His Majesty therefore Declares That He is willing to commit the great Trust of the Militia of this Kingdome for such time and with such Powers as are exprest in the Paper delivered by His Majesties Commissioners at Vxbridge the 6th of February last to these Persons following viz. The Lord Privy Seale the Duke of Richmond the Marquesse of Hertford the Marquesse of Dorchester the Earle of Dâ—rsâ—t Lord Chamberlaine the Earle of Northumberland the Earle of Essex Earle of Southampton Earle of Pembroke Earle of Salisbury Earle of Manchester Earle of Warwick Earle of Denbigh Earle of Chichester Lord Say Lord Seymour Lord Lucas Lord Lexington M. Denzill Hoâ—is M. Pierrepoint M. Henry Bellasis M. Richard Spencer Sir Thomas Fairfax M. John Ashburnham Sir Gervas Clifton Sir Henry Vane junior M. Roberâ— Wallop M. Thomas Chichely M. Oliver Cromwell and M. Philip Skippon supposing that these are Persons against whom there can be no just exception But if this doth not satisfie then His Majesty offers to name the 〈…〉 and leave the other to the election of the two 〈…〉 or at Westminster with the Powers and Limâ—â—◠〈◊〉 before mentioned Thus His Majesty calls God 〈◊〉 the World to witnesse of His sincere Intentions and 〈◊〉 Endeavours for the composing and setling of these â—â—â—â—ble Distractions which He doubts not but by the blessing of God will soon be put to a happy â—onclusion if this His Majesties offer be accepted Otherwise He leaves all the World to Iudge who are the Continuers of this unnaturall Warre And therefore He once more Conjures you by all the Bonds of Duty you owe to God and your King to have so great a Compassion on the bleeding and miserable Estate of your Country That you joyne your most serious and hearty Endeavours with His Majesty to put a happy and speedy end to these present Miseries Given at the Court at OXFORD the 26 of December 1645. For the Speaker of the House of Peers pro tempore To be Communicated to the two Houses of Parliament at Westminster and the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland The day after His MAJESTY had sent this Third Message Sir Peter Killâ—grew brought an Answer to His MAJESTIES two former of the 5 and 15 of December whoever heares this Answer will beleeve it might have been afforded sooner May it please your Majesty THE Lords and Commons Assembled in the Parliament of England at Westminster have received your Letters of the 5th and 15th of this instant December and having together with the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland taken the same into their serious consideration doe humbly returne this Answer They have in all their Actions manifested to Your Majesty and the World their sincere and earnest desires that a safe and well grounded Peace might be setâ—ed in Your three Kingdomes and for the obtain … 〈…〉 … essing shall ever pray to God and use their utmost 〈…〉 and beseech Your Majesty to beleive that their not sending a more speedy Ans … hath not proceeded from any intention to retard the meane◠〈…〉 putting an end to these present Calamities by a happy Peace 〈…〉 been occasioned by the Considerations and Debates necessary in a businesse of so great importance wherein both Kingdoms are so much concerned As to Your Majesties desire of a safe Conduct for the comming hether of the Duke of Richmond the Earle of Southampton Iohn Ashburnham and leffery Palmer Esquires with Propositions to be the foundation of a happy and well grounded Peace They finding that former Treaties have been made use of for other ends under the pretence of Peace and have proved delatory and unsuccessefull cannot give way to a safe Conduct according to Your Majesties desire But both Houses of the Parliament of England having now under their Consideration Propositions and Bills for the setling of a safe and well grounded Peace which are speedily to be communicated to the Commissioners of the Kingdome of Scotland doe resolve after mutuall agreement of both Kingdomes to present them with all speed to Your Majesty Westminster the 25. Decemb. 1645. Gray of Warke Speakeâ— of the House of Peers pro 〈◊〉 William Lenthall Speaker of the House of Commons This Deniall to say no worse was brought to His MAIESTY December 27. and within two dayes Sir Peter Killegrew was dismissed with this Gracious Answer CHARLES R. ALthough the Message sent by 〈◊〉 Peter Killegrew may justly require 〈◊〉 expostâ—â—â—◠〈…〉 His Majestie laies that â—â—â—le as noâ— so 〈…〉 Endeavours leaving 〈◊〉 World â—o judge 〈…〉 Proposition for a Personall â—â—â—â—â—ty oâ— the 〈…〉 of a safe Conduct for Persons to beâ—◠〈…〉 â—â—â—ly 〈…〉 of a reall Intention to Peace 〈…〉 all 〈…〉 upon His former Message of the 26 〈…〉 December 〈…〉 upon His repaire to Westminâ—â—er 〈…〉 â—oubts not but so to joyne His Endeavours with His two Houses of Parliament as to give just satisfaction not only concerning the businesse of Ireland but also for the setling of a way for the payment of the Publique Debts as well to the Scots and to the City of London as others And as already He hath shewne a faire way for the setling of the Militia so He shall carefully Endeavour in all other Particulars that none shall have cause to complain for want of security wherby just Iealousies may arise to hinder the continuance of the desired Peace And certainly this Proposition of a Personall Treaty could never have entred into His Majesties Thoughts if He had not resolv'd to make apparent to all the world that the Publique good and Peace of this Kingdome is farre dearer to Him then the respect of any particular Interest Wherefore none can oppose this Motion without a manifest demonstration that he particularly envies His Majesty should be the cheife 〈◊〉 in so blessed a Worke besides the declaring him 〈…〉 opposer of the happy Peace of these Nations To conâ—â—â—ide whosoever will not be ashamed that His faire and specious Protestations should be brought to a true and publique Test and those who have a reall sence and do truly commiserate the miseries of their bleeding Countrie let them speedily and chearfully embrace His Majesties Proposition for His Personall Treaty at Westminster which by the blessing of God will undoubtedly to these now distracted Kingdomes â—estorâ— the happinesse of a long wisht for and lasting Peace Giâ—â—n at the Court at Oxford the 19th day of December 1645. For the Speaker of the House of Pâ—â—res pro tempore to 〈◊〉 C
A COLLECTION OF HIS MAIESTIES MOST GRACIOUS MESSAGES FOR PEACE Sent to the Two Houses of Parliament at Westminster since the 5. of Decemb 1645. With His MAjESTIâ—â— last Message Jan. 15. and the Answer of 〈…〉 … ses to His two former Messages of the 〈…〉 of Decemb. CHARLES R. OVr Pleasure and Command is That these Messages with their Answers be forthwith published in all Churches and Chappell 's within Our Dominions OXFORD Printed by Leonard Lichfield Printer to the Vniversity 1645. A COLLECTION OF His MAjESTIES most Gracious Messages for Peace sent to the two Houses of Parliament at Westminster since the 5. of Decemb. 1645. CHARLES R. HIS Majesty being deeply â—â—â—ble of the Continuation of this bloudy 〈◊〉 naturall Warre cannot think Himselfe discharg'd of the Duty He owes to God or the affection and regard Hee hath to the preservation of His People without the constant application of His â—â—â—est endeavouâ—â— to find some expedient for the speedy ending of these unhappy Distractions if that may be doth 〈◊〉 desire That a safe Conduct may be forthwith sear 〈◊〉 Duke of Richmond the Earle of Southampton 〈…〉 and Jeffery Palmer Esquires and their 〈◊〉 to with Coaches Horses and other Accommodations for their Journey to Westminster during their stay there and require when they shall think fit Whom His Majesty intends to send to the Lords and Commons Assembled in the Parliament of England at Westminster and the Coâ—â—issioners of the Parliament of Scotland furnished with â—uch Propositions as His Majesty is confident will 〈◊〉 the Foundation of a happy and well grounded Peace Given at the Court at Oxford the fifth of December 1645. For the Speaker of the House of Peeres pro tempore This Gracious Message came to Westminster December the sixth where he that brought it was detained five dayes and at last sent back without any Answer at all to His MAJESTY only these few words were written to Sir Thomas Glemham Governour of Oxford SIR WE have received your Letter of the 5th of this instant December with His Majesties inclosed and have sent back your Trumpet by Command of both Houses who will with all convenient speed returne an answer to His Majesty and rest Your loving Friends Grey of Wark Speaker of the House of Peeres Pro Tempore William Lenthall Speaker of the House of Commons For Sir Thomas Glemham Governour of Oxford This was all after so many dayes expectation which is indeed neither Answer nor Excuse being only a Concession of nothing at present and an intimation that for fâ—â—â—â— when themselves judg'd it convenient they would grant or deny Notwithstanding all manner of difficulties and pretences His MAJESTIES to testifie His unwearied desires for Peace presently sent 〈…〉 Message CHARLES R. HIS Majesty cannot but extreamly wonder that after so many expressions on your part of a deep and seeming sence of the miseries of this afflicted Kingdom and of the dangers incident to His Person during the continuance of this unnaturall War your many great and so often repeated Protestations that the raising of these Armes hath been only for the necessary defence of Gods true Religion His Majesties Honour Safety and Prosperity the Peace comfort and security of His People you should delay a safe Conduct to the persons mentioned in His Majesties Message of the fifth of this instant December which are to be sent unto you with Propositions for a well grounded Peace A thing so far from having been denied at any time by His Maiesty whensoever you have desired the same that he beleives it hath been seldom if ever practised among the most avowed professed enemies much lesse from Subiects to their King But His Maiesty is resolved that no discouragements whatsoever shall make Him faile of His part in doing His uttermost endeavours to put an end to these Calamities which if not in time prevented must prove the ruine of this unhappy Nation And therefore doth once againe desire that a safe conduct may be forthwith sent for those persons expressed in His former Message doth therefore Co … you as you will answer to Almighty God in that day when he shall make inquisition for all the Bloud that hath and may yet be spilt in this unnaturall Warre as you tender the preservation and establishment of the true Religion by all the Bonds of Duty and Allegiance to your King or compassion to your bleeding and unhappy Country and of Charity to your selves that you dispose your hearts to a true sence and … ploy all your faculties in a more seriouâ— endeavour together with His Majesty to set a speedy and to these … sting Divisions and then He shall not doubt but that God 〈…〉 give the blessing of Peace to this distr … 〈…〉 Given at the Court at Oxford the 15. of December 1645. For the Speaker of the House of Peers â—â—â—o tempore Above Twenty dayes passed which was more then they allowed for the whole Treaty at Vxbridge and yet no Answer came to either of these former Messages His MAJESTY observing such strange delayes against any whomsoever He should send with Propositions though Persons of most unblemish'd Honour and Integrity Resolved to remove all Clouds and Excuses by repairing Personally to London and therefore sent this following Message CHARLES R. NOtwithstanding the strange and unexpected delayes which can be precedented by no former times to His Majesties two former Messages His Majesty will lay aside all Expostulations as rather serving to loose time then to contribute any remedy to the evills which for the present doe afflict this distracted Kingdome Therefore without farther Preamble His Majesty thinkes it most necessary to send these Propositions this way which He intended to doe by the Persons mentioned in His former Messages though He well knowes the great disadvantage which Overtures of this kind have by the want of being accompanied by well instructed Messengers His Majesty conceiving that the former Treaties have hitherto proved ineffectuall chiefly for want of Power in those Persons that Treated as likewise because those from whom their Power was derived not possibly having the particular informations of every severall debate could not give so cleare a Iudgement as was requisite in so important a businesse If therefore His Majesty may have the engagement of the two Houses of Parliament at Westminster the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland the Major Aldermen Common-Councell and Militia of London at the chiefe Commanders in Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army as also of those in the Scots Army for His Majesties free and safe Comming to and abode in London or Westminster with such of His Servants now attending Him and their Followers not exceeding in all the number of 300 for the space of forty dayes and after the said time for His free and safe repaire to any of His Garrisons of Oxford Worcester or Newarke which His Majesty shall nominate at any time before His going from London or Westminster His Majesty propounds to have a
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ted to the two Houses of 〈…〉 Westminster and the 〈◊〉 of the Parliament of Scotâ—â—â—d But neither this nor the former Message of December 26. 〈◊〉 â—ouchsafed the least notice for full three weeks though Theirs ha◠〈◊〉 Answer in lesse then three doyes All good men wondring at so strange detention of the Messenger at London His MAIESTY sent another with this His fifth Message CHARLES R. BUt that these are times wherein nothing is strange it were a thing much to be marvailed at what should cause this unparalell'd long detention of His Majesties Trumpet sent with His Gracious Message of the 26th of December last Peace being the only Subject of it and His Majesties Personall Treaty the meanes proposed for it And it were almost as great a wonder that His Mâ—â—â—â—â—â—â—uld be so long from inquiring after it if that the â—â—â—â—ely expectation thereof had not in some measure â—â—â—â—â—fied His Impatience But least His Majesty by â—is long silence should condemne himselfe of Carelesnesse in that which so â—â—ich concernes the good of all His People He thinkes it high time to inquire after His said Trumpeter For since all men who pretend any goodnesse must desire Peace and that all men know Tâ—â—â—â—ies to be the best and most Christian way to procure it and theâ—e being as little question that His Majesties 〈…〉 it is the likeliest way to bring it to 〈…〉 He Judges there must be some strangâ—◠〈…〉 Accidents which â—â—â—â—eth this most 〈…〉 Wherefore His Mâ—â—â—â—â—â—arnestly 〈◊〉 to have a speedy Account of Hiâ—â—â—mer Message â—â—â—â—ubject whereof is Peace 〈◊〉 meanes His Personall Presence at Westminster where the Government of the Church being setled as it was in the times of the happy and glorious Reignes of Queene Elizabeth and King Iames with full Liberty for the ease of their Consciences who will not communicate in that Service established by Law and likewise for the free and publique use of the Directory prescribed and by Command of the two Houses of Parliament now practised in some parts of the City of London to such as shall desire to use the same and all Forces being agreed to be Disbanded His Majesty will then forthwith as He hath in His Message of the 29th of December last already offered joyne with His two Houses of Parliament in setling some way for the payment of the Publique Debts to His Scots Subjects the City of London and others And His Majesty having proposed a faire way for the setling of the Militia which now by this long delay seemes not to be thought sufficient Security His Majesty to show how really He will imploy Himselfe at His Comming to Westminster for making this a lasting Peace and taking away all Jealousies how groundlesse soever will endeavour upon debate with His two Houses so to dispose of it as likewise of the Businesse of Ireland as may give to them and both Kingdomes just satisfaction Not doubting also but to give good Contentment to His two Houses of Parliament in the choice of the Lord Admirall the Officers of State and others if His 〈…〉 by their ready Inclinations to Peace shall 〈…〉 encouragement thereunto Thus His Majesty … ng taken occasion by His just Impatience so to explaine His Intentions that no Man can doubt of a happy Issue to this succeeding Treaty If now there shall be so much as a delay of the same He calls God and the World to witnesse who they are that not only hinder but Reject this Kingdomes future happinesse It being so much the stranger that His Majesties comming to Westminster which was first the greatest pretence for taking up Armes should be so much as delayed much lesse not accepted or refused But His Majesty hopes that God will no longer suffer the malice of Wicked men to hinder the Peace of this too much afflicted Kingdom Given at the Court at Oxford the 15th of January 1645. For the Speaker of the House of Peers pro tempore To be Communicated to the two Houses of Parliament at Westminster and the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland After this sent and on its way to Westminster As 〈◊〉 returned His MAjESTIES former Trumpet with an Answer to His Messages of the 26th and 29th of December 〈◊〉 long expected but it seems 't will aske time to fraâ—â—â—â—â—ch an Answer as never had Precedent and till now came â—ot from Subjects to any King in the World May it please Your Majesty Wâ—â—â—E Your 〈…〉 Loâ—all Subjects of both â—ingdomes 〈◊〉 â—â—â—ectived Your Letters of 〈◊〉 the 26 and 29 of December last unto which â—â—â—â—mbly returne this Answer That there hath been no delay on our parts but what was necessary in a businesse of so great consequence as is expressed in our former Letter to Your Majesty Concerning the Personall Treaty desired by Your Majesty There having been so much innocent Bloud of Your good Subjects shed in this Warre by Your Majesties Commands and Commissions Irish Rebels brought over into both Kingdomes and endeavours to bring over more into both of them as also Forces from Forreign parts Your Majesty being in Armes in these parts and the Prince in the head of an Army in the West divers Townes made Garrisons and kept in hostility by Your Majesty against the Parliament of England There being also Forâ—â—â—â— Scotland against that Parliament and Kingdome by Your Majesties Commission The Warre in Ireland fomented and prolonged by Your Majesty whereby the three Kingdomes are brought neare to utter ruine and destruction We conceive That untill Satisfaction and security be first given to both Your Kingdomes Your Majesties comming hither cannot be convenient nor by 〈◊〉 assented unto Neither can we apprehend it a meanes conducing to Peace That Your Majesty should come to Your Parliament for a few dayes with any thoughts of leaving it especially with intentions of returning to hostility against it And are doe observe That Your Majesty desire 〈◊〉 â—â—gagement not only of the Parliaments but of the Lord 〈◊〉 Aldermen Common-Councell and Miliâ—â—◠〈…〉 of London the chiefe Commanders of Sir Thomâ—◠〈◊〉 his Army and those of the Scots Army which 〈◊〉 against the Privileâ—â—â—s and honour of the Parliaments those being joyned with them who are subject and subordinate to their authority That which Your Majesty against the freedome of the Parliaments inforces in both Your Letters with many earnest expressions as if in no other way then that propounded by Your Majesty the Peace of Your Kingdomes could be established Your Majesty may please to remember That in our last Letter we did Declare That Propositions from both Kingdomes were speedily to be sent to Your Majesty which We conceive to be the only way for the attaining a happy and well grounded Peace and Your Majesties Assent unto those Propositions will be an effectuall meanes for giving satisfaction and security to Your Kingdomes will assure a firme Vnion between the two Kingdoms as much desired by each for other as for themselves And settle Religion and secure thâ—◠〈◊〉 the Kingdom of Scotland whereof neither is so much as mentioned in Your Majesties Letters And in proceeding according to these just and necessary grounds for the putting an end to the bleeding Calamities of these Nations Your Majesty may have the Glory to be a Principall Instrument in so happy a Worke and we however misinterpreted shall approve our selves to God and the world to be reall and sincere in sâ—â—king a safe and well grounded Peace Westminster 13. Jan. 1645. 〈…〉 the name and 〈…〉 â—â—â—rant of the Comâ—â—◠〈…〉 to for the Parâ—â—â—ment of Scotland BALMERINOTH Grey of Warke Speaker of the House of Peers pro tempore William Lenthall Speaker of the Hâ—â—â—â— of Commons For Your MAjESTY This and no more is all they Answer'd to His MAjESTIES Five Messages and six weeks Expectation Such as are not drencht so deep in bloud as to abhorre all Peace would chearfully embrace His MAjESTIES Proposition for a Personall Treaty 'T is the very expedient Themselves propos'd in all their Messages Declarations and Speeches But now they renounce it forasmuch as they find His MAjESTY in hostility and Prince CHARLES in the Head of an Army in the West a strange consequence That because 't is now Warre therefore it shall never be Peace Though 't is as notorious who was first in Armes as who first began to Plunder What they here intend by demanding of His Majesty Satisfaction for 〈…〉 no modest Christian but trembles to understand And 't is as strange that His Majesty in desiring the joynt Engagement of the City of London for His Security at Westminster should violate the Priviledges of Parliament Remember what forc'd His Majesty from White-Hall those Tumults They pretended received no influence from any Vote of Theirs And for like assurance from Sir Thomas Fairfax's Army His Majesty askeâ— no more then Him … offer'd to the Earle of Essex in Cornwall in a Letter sign'd by all the chiefe Officerâ— of His Majesties Army 〈◊〉 sure they 'l grant as much at His Majesties command as 〈◊〉 Thomas Fairfax's Officers or the Citizens of London can 〈…〉 This is manifest that His Majesty hath 〈…〉 in the World to heale His bleeding 〈…〉 Westminster they 'l not grant so much as a 〈…〉 should either Send Peace or 〈…〉 spend forty dayes in sending two Denyalls FINIS