THat we the Presbyterians of the Church and Kingdom of Scotland , being by a long continued Tract of Violence and Oppression upon us in our Lives , Liberties , Fortunes and Consciences , and without all hope of Remedy ; and being cut off from all Access of Petitioning , and that by an Act of Parliament , of pouring forth our just Grievances and Complaints . And our Lives being made so bitter by cruel Bondage , as that Death seemed more eligible than Life ( the Causes whereof we have partly mentioned in our Declarations ) and being by unavoidable Necessity driven into the Field in Arms , in our own Innocent Self-defence ; and now looking on it as a most favourable Providence , that your Grace is come amongst us , at such a time ( of whose Princely Clemency and natural Goodness , and Aversion from shedding Christian Blood , we have so savoury a Request we accept with all Thankfulness to God of this Opportunity ) to lay before your Grace our sad Grievances , and humble Request ; All which we know will be mis-represented to your Grace , by such as have studiously , yet without any just ground , except in the Matters of our God , been the Principal Actors of our sad and Deplorable Sufferings .

May it therefore please your Grace to grant liberty under safe Conduct to some of our number to address themselves to your Grace , to lay open our hearts in this matter , that some speedy and effectual Redress , may be by your Graces favour and authority made to the establishing of the Nations Peace . In doing whereof your Grace will do that which is most acceptable to the Lord , commendable Preventor of all Miseries and Ruines that threaten this poor Land . Yea and we doubt not shall bring upon you the Blessing of many Thousands Men , Women and Children , though not with us , yet sincere Lovers of us , sympathizing with us , and favourers of our Religious Cause , That the good Lord may incline your Graces heart to this , is the humble Request .