To His Excellency , Sir Thomas Fairfax , Generall of the PARLIAMENTS Forces ; The humble Petition of the Officers and Souldiers of the Army under your Command . SHEWETH ,

THat ever since our first ingaging in this service , for preserving the power of this Kingdome in the hands of the Parliament ; we have in our severall places served them with all faithfulnesse . And although we have layn under many discouragements for want of pay , and other necessaries ; yet have we not disputed their commands , disobeyed their orders , nor disturbed them with Petitions ; nor have there any visible discontents appeared amongst us to the incouragement of their Enemies , and the impediment of their affaires ; but have with all chearfulnesse done Summer services in Winter seasons , improving the utmost of our abilities in the advancement of their service : And seeing God hath crowned our indeavours , with the end of our desires , ( viz. the dispersing of their publike Enemies , and reducing them to their obedience ) The King being now brought 〈◊〉 our Brethren the Scots satisfied , and departed the Kingdome ; all dangers seemingly blown over , & Peace in all their Quarters : We ( imboldned by their manifold promises , and Declarations , to protect and defend those that appeared , and acted in their service ) herewith humbly present to your Excellency , the annexed Representations of our desires ; which we humbly beseech your Excellency to recommend , or represent in our behalfe to the Parliament .

And your Petitioners shall ever Honour and Pray for your Excellency &c.

The humble Representation of the Desires of the Officers and Souldiers of the Army under the Command of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax , Presented first to his Excellency , to be by him represented to the Parliament .

1. FIrst , whereas the necessity and exigencie of the War , hath put us upon many actions , which the Law would not warrant , nor we have acted in a time of setled peace ; we humbly desire , that before our disbanding , a full and sufficient provision may be made by Ordinance of Parliament ( to which the Royall assent may be desired ) for our indempnity , and security in all such cases .

2. That Auditors or Commissioners may be speedily appointed and authorized , to repaire to the head quarter of this Army , to audite and state our accompts , as well for all former services as for our services in this Army ; and that before the disbanding of the Army , satisfaction may be given to the Petitioners for their arreares , that so the charge , trouble , and loss of time , which we must otherwise necessarily undergoe ; in attendance for the obtaining of them , may be prevented , we having had experience , that many have been reduced to miserable extreamities , even almost starved for want of reliefe , by their tedious attendance . And that no Officer may be charged with any thing in his accompt , that doth not particularly concern himselfe .

3. That those who have voluntarily served the Parliament in the late Warrs , may not hereafter be compelled by press or otherwise to serve as Souldiers out of this Kingdome . Nor those who have served as Horsemen , may be compelled by press to serve on Foot , in any future case .

4. That such in this Army as have lost their limbs , and the wives and Children of such as have been slain in the service , and such Officers or souldiers as have sustained losses or have been prejudiced in their estates , by adhering to the Parliament ; or in their persons by sickness or imprisonment under the Enemy , may have such allowances and satisfaction , as may be agreeable to Iustice and equity .

5. That till the Army be disbanded as aforesaid , some course may be taken for the supply thereof with moneys . whereby we may be enabled to discharge our quarters , that so we may not for necessary food be beholding to the Parliaments Enemies , burthensome to their friends , or oppressive to the country , whose preservation we have alwayes . indeavoured , and in whose happiness we should still rejoyce .

The Officers present at the Debates following .

Viz. Liuet Gen. Hamond . Commissary Ireton . Col Hamond . Col. Harley . Col. ●ngoldesby , Col. Whaley . Col. Fortescue . Col. Rich. Col. Butler . Col. Hewson . Col Lilburne . Col. Okey . Liuet Col. Jackson . Lieutenant Colonell Pride Liuet . Col Grimes . Major Fincher . Major Swallow , Major Huntington . Major Cowell . Major Ducket . Major Sedascue . Major Waade . Captain Brown . Captain Groves Capt. Lawrence . Capt. Jenkins . Capt Morgan . Capt Farre Captain Goff . Capt. Reynolds Capt. Nevill . Capt Pretty . Capt. Ohara . Capt Leigh . Capt Coleman . Capt. Young . Capt. cannon . capt . Wallington , capt Lieut , Audley . capt , Liut . Gladman . capt . Lagoe . Lieut Lloyde . Lieut Scottin . cor. Spencer . At the Convention of Officers before his Excellency Sir Tho. Fairfax at Saffron Walden , March 21 1646.

THe two Letters from the Committee of Lords and Commons for Irish affaires sitting at Derby-House , the one dated the 17. the other the 18. of March instant , and the severall votes of the House of Commons there inclosed , concerning the sending of seven Regiments of Foot and four Regiments of Horse out of this Army into Irel. for the service of that Kingdom , were read : Whereupon his Excellency , proposed , unto the O●ficers this Qestion ensuing : viz.

Quest. Whether they were willing , with those under their Commands to ingage for the service of Ireland in the number of Horse , Foot , and Dragoons , now proposed to be sent .

In order to which , after some debate the first Quaerie propounded amongst the Officers was .

1. Whether they were prepared , at present , to give a certain resolution to that Question ?

Resolved Negatively ( Nemine contradicente )

2 It was resolved and declared by all : That whether they shall finde cause to ingage themselves personally in that service or no , they shall in their severall places be ready to further and advance it amongst those under their respective commands .

Next there were severall things propounded by severall Officers wherein satisfaction was desired , before they could give their certain resolution to the maine Question ; which were these .

1. To know , what particular Regiments , Troops or Companies of this Army , are to be continued in service in this Kingdom .

2. To know under whose conduct and Command in chief , those that engage for Ireland are to goe .

3 What assurance there shall be of pay , and subsistance , to those that shall engage in this service for Ireland , during their continuance therein .

4. To have satisfaction in point of Arrears , and indempnity for the service in England .

Upon each of these , this Question was put to every Officer distinctly .

Quest. Whether is this a thing wherein you desire satisfaction before you can give a certain Resolution to ingage in the service proposed ?

Which question , upon the third and fourth Propositions was resolved affirmatively , ( Nemine contradicente ) .

Upon the second it was resolved affirmatively by all except Col. Harley , Coll. Fortescue , Col. Butler , Major Fincher , Lieut Colonell Iackson , Capt. Farre , and Capt Nevill ,

Upon the first it was resolved affirmatively by all , except the persons last mentioned , and col . Rich , Major Ducket , Capt. Ohara , Capt Audley , and captane Young .

Lastly , those that were affirmative to the desiring of satisfaction in the first Proposition . viz.

To know what particular Regiments , Troops , or companies of this Army are to be continued in service in this Kingdom ▪ did declare ,

That this was desired , partly to this end : That in giving the resolution to the main Question , none that are not designed to stay in England , may be with-held from engaging for Ireland by any secret expectation to be continued in England And partly to the end that those who shall engage the rather , upon confidence of having the company of such as doe agree with them in the same conditions , may not be deceived in that particular .

At a second Convention of Officers , at the desire of Sir William Waller , and the rest of the Commissioners at Saffron-Walden : His Excellency being present , Munday March 22. 1646. And the results following .

Present . Lieut. Gen. Hamond , Com. Gen. Ireton , Col. Hamond , col . Harley , col . Whaley , col . Rich , col Fortescu● , col . Lilburne , col . Okey , col . Hewson , Leiut . col . Pride , Leiut col . Grimes , Leiut col Jackson , Major Swallow , Major Huntington Major Cowell Major Sedascue , Major Waade , Capt. Brown , Capt. Groves , Cap Lawrence , Captaine Ienkins Captaine Morgan , Captaine Farre , Captaine Goffe , Capt Lagoe , Cap. Gladman Capt. Nevill , Capt. Pretty , Capt. Ohara , Capt. Leigh , Captaine Audley , capt. Coleman , capt. Cannon , capt. Wallington , capt: Young , Leiut Scottin , Leiutenant Lloyd .

At the desire of the commissioners , who now produced the Uotes of the house of Commons of the 16. of March , concerning the raising of 60000. l. per moneth towards the payment of the Forces in England and Ireland , the same were read unto the Officers , and after some debate , this question was proposed to every Officer distinctly .

Whether upon the Votes and resolutions of the House of Commons , now read , or any other consideration , do you finde cause to alter or recede from the third Quaere yesterd yesterday on , concerning assurance of pay , and subsistance ? It was resolved in the Negative by all , except , col . Harley , col . Fortescue , and capt . Young .

The same question being proposed concerning the fourth Article , viz. To have satisfaction in payment of Arrears , and indempnity , &c.

Resolved in the Negative by all , except capt . Young .

The like question being proposed , concerning the first quaerie , to know what particular Regiments , Troops , or companies of this Army are to be continued in service in this Kingdome .

It past likewise in the Negatives , all referring to the severall Votes upon the same , yesterday delivered .

There ▪ being severall Officers now present , who were not here yesterday at the debates , viz. capt . Rainsborow , capt. Persons , capt. Rawlins , capt. Musket , capt. Biscoe , capt. Wolfe , capt. Kirby .

The severall Votes of the House of Commons , concerning the sending seven Regiments of Foot , and of Horse into Ireland was read unto them , as also the Votes of the House , concerning the raising of 60000. l. per moneth , towards the maintenance of the forces in England and Ireland , the same question and quaeries thereupon , which were yesterday propounded , were now proposed to the ●●d last me●●●oned Officers severally , and each Officer by himselfe , declared his Vote to the first question , viz.

Whether they were now prepared to give their resolution ; Negative , and to all the rest affirmative .

Captaine Young coming in , declared , That he receded from these things , wherein yesterday he concurred to desire satisfaction , and resolves upon the main question , that he will ingage with as many of his Souldiers as he can get .

Captaine Denizon , capt. Bushell , capt. Cox , and capt . Pooley , of Colonell Fortescues Regiment , declare the same resolution with capt . Young .

A Letter from the Generall to Mr. SPEAKER . SIR ,

I Received your Letter dated the 27. of this instant , with an enclosed Order from the House of commons , for the making stop of the further proceed in a Petition , which the House was informed , was carrying on in the Army : In obedience to which , I sent out orders to the Officers of the Regiments quartering in these parts of the Kingdome , to meet at my quarters , that I might enquire into the whole matter , and take such course as might most effectually conduce unto the accomplishing your commands , where having communicated your letter and Orders to them , they did generally expresse a very deep sense of their unhappinesse , in being misunderstood in their clear intentions : which were no other then by way of Petition to represent unto me those inconveniencies , which would necessarily befal most of the Army after disbanding ; desiring , That as much , as I should judge fit , and seasonable , might be submissively made knowne to the House of commons , which otherwise ( your multiplicity of businesse intervening ) might not be remembred : Assuring me , that they would wholly acquiesce , in whatsoever I should judge reasonable to offer , or you to grant on their behalfe : I have also according to your commands sent up Leiutenant Generall Hamond , colonell Hamond , colonell Lilburne , Leiutenant colonell Pride , and Leiutenant col . Grimes , to attend the Houses pleasure : who I hope will give you ( as farre as they are acquainted therewith ) a full and candid account of the whole proceedings in this Petition . Sir , there is one clause in your Letter , concerning all the Regiments marching this way , which I do not understand , except it be meant by Sir Hardresse Wallers Regiment , which I have remanded away at the instance of Major Generall Skippon upon the grounds in his inclosed letter , and colonell Hammonds , and colonell Herbets , now upon their march from Chester , being dismist from that service . Sir I trust the Army will ever manifest their affections to the publike , by their constant perseverance in their accustomed obedience unto all your commands ; which shall be ever redily endeavoured , by :

Your most humble Servant , Tho. Fairfax . For the Honourable William Lenthall Esquier , Speaker of the Honourable House of Commons . Walden , March 30 , 1647.

To His Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax Knight , Generall of the Army raised by the Authority of both Houses of PARLIAMENT . The Humble Petition of the Officers of the severall Regiments lately drawn off Your Excellencys Army for the service of Ireland in the behal , of themselves and their Soldiers . SHEWETH ,

THat your Petitioners , formerly members of your Army , by your Excellencies countenance and encouragement did draw off and engage our selves and souldiers for the service of Ireland , and since that contrary to our expectation , and as we humbly conceive , your Excellencies knowledge , there hath been very high affronts offered unto us by some of your Excellencies Army that came into our quarters and by a pretended authority from your Excellency and a speciall order ●rom some of the cheif Commanders in your Excellencies Army , as they alledged , did at that time draw away many of our Souldiers , and have by false and scandalous suggestions and mis-informations endeauoured to seduce , corrupt and draw away many more , as doth appeare by the late losse of five companies , and the great discouragement of all the rest from that service , Which your Excellency endeavoured so much to promote , manifested by that never to be forgotten expression which then fell from you Excellency , that rather then the service of Irel. should be neglected or retarded ; you would willingly trayle a Pike your self . And whereas it is by some persons or Pamphlets spread abroad , declaring that we deserted the Army meerely on purpose to make a party to stand in opposition to the Army , and so to involve and ingage this Kingdom in another bloody warre : which our consciences tell us to the contrary ; and to give your Excellency and the world satisfaction , we call God the searcher of all hearts to witnesse for us , that such an intention never entered in , or came neare our thoughts , neither doe we know of any such inclination , or have had such intimation from any of our superiours , or from any others in the whole world .

We therefore make it our humble suit to your Excellency , that as we have all along served your Excellency in your just undertakings for the welfare of this Kingdome , with all integrity and fidelity , we may not now be looked upon as enemies but as well wishers to the peace of this Kingdome ; and now ready , if not obstructed with our lives & fortuns to endeavour the relief of bleeding Irel. And to that purpose we furthur beseech your Excel to give command that no interception be made or interruption given to any person or persons imployed to London or to on our affaires by any of your Excellencies Army , but that at all times free passage May be allowed to your Petitioners .

And as in duty bound we shall pray for your Excellencys happines &c ,

Wiliam Harbert col . John Melvin , Liuet Col. Richard Lunday Major . CAPTAINS , Nathaniell Short , Barthol Helbye , John Danklin , Charles Awbery , Thomas Morgan . Liuet . Wiliam Mathews Lieut. Tho. Vahan Walter Brough Wil Hodskins . Peter Winchester , Richard Onyon , Edward Loe , ENSIGNES . James Short . William East , William Hall , Thomas Robins . John Stamp . John Williams , Math. Maderson , Thomas Hodskins , Nich. Kempson , col . Christ . Packham , Lieut Col. Fran. Dormer Major . CAPT. Robert Fish , Alexand. Frye , Geo. Masters , Abraham Clerk , Francis Wels , Lindsey Sharples . Stephen coyne , John Bistill . LIEVT . Robert Dormer , Thomas Moone . Jarvis Murrey , George Hope , Timothy clare . ENSIGNES . Robert Chaffe , Andrew Finch , Robert Batts , Bryan Elton , John Mackellan , David Hollan , Robert cloake .

SIR ,

WHereas at the last meeting of the Officers of this Army at Saffron . Walden I declared in the presence of the Lords and Comors commissioners of Parliament , to all the Officers then present ; as also to such Officers as have since that time come to the Head-quarters , that they should make known to their severall Regiments the intention of the Parliament to send a considerable force of such of their Army that are willing to goe into Ireland for the reducing of that Kingdome , desiring them also to make known my desire to advance that service , and to prevent any hinderance thereof , and that if any Officers stand not disposed to engage in person in that imployment , yet that they would promote it in making known my desire and the Votes of both Houses , for the encouragment of such as should engage in that service ; I doe therefore desire you to publish thiis Letter together with the said votes , by reading the same unto your Regiment in expectation whereof I remain .

Walden , Aprill 18. 1648. Your Assured Friend , FAIRFAX :

THE APOLOGIE . Right noble and Faithfull Generall ,

WEE who have for these two yeares past bin by your Excellence conducted through many dangers and by providedence hitherto protected , who have often seen the devouring sword of a raging Enemy drawne forth against us , threatning destruction to us , & now see them vanquished , & our selves seemingly setled in peace and safety , are yet sensible of another more dangerous storm hanging over our Heads then ever the malice of our open enemies could have contained , or their fury caused to fall upon us ; which unlesse diverted , strike not only at our liberty , but our lives also ; To whom , next to our maker shall wee fly for shelter but to your Excellency the Patron & Protector ? From what secondary meanes shall we expect our Deliverance ; but from thy hand that hath so often bin ingaged with us , & from that heart that hath as often been tender over and carefull for our security ? can we suffer , and you not sympathize ? can we be proclaimed enemies , and your Excellency remain secure ? O dear Sir , let your wonted care for us be further demonstrated , cease not to speak for us , who together with

selfe and in obedience to your command have adventured all that is deare to us for the Kingdomes safety . Hath any thing been desired by us that hath not beene promised , or then we have just cause to expect ; if there hath , then both it and the Autho s thereof perish . but can the Parliament upon misinformation passe us for enemies ; and we not therein perceive our enemies design ; can we be satisfied with a complement , when our fellow Soldiers suffer at every Assize for acts meerely relating to the Warre ?

Is it not our lives we see ? For where shall we be secured , when the meere envie of a malicious person is sufficient to destroy us ? Were our enemies in the Field with their Swords in their hands , we should expect no more then a bare command , and a divine protection on our endeavours to free our selves , but 't is another and a farre worse enemy we have to deale with , who like Foxes lurke in their Dennes , and cannot be dealt withall , though discovered , being protected by those who are intrusted with the Government of the Kingdome . It is the griefe of our hearts , that we cannot desire our owne security without hazzard to your Excellency , if but in speaking in our owne behalfe . When shall we see Justice dispersed without partiality , or when shall the Weale of the publick be singly sought after and endeavoured ? Can this Irish Expedition be any thing else but a Designe to ruine and break this Army in pieces : Certainly reason tells us it can be nothing else ; otherwise why are not those who have been made instruments in our countries deliverance , againe thought worthy to be imployed ? or why are such , who for their miscarriages have been cast out of the Army , thought fit to be intrusted , and those Members of the Army ingaged and preferred to that Service , when they are for most part such , as had they considered their just demerrits , might rather have expected an ejection then employment : We are sensible , yea far more sensible of the bleeding condition of Ireland , crying aloud for a Brotherly assistance , then those forward undertakers in this present Designe manifest themselves to be , and shall willingly contribute the utmost of our abilities towards their reliefe , when we shall see this to be the onely thing sought after and endeavoured ; but wee are confident that your Excellencie cannot but perceive this plot is but a meere cloake for some who have lately tasted of Soveraignty ; and being lifted beyond their ordinary Spheare of servants , seek to become Masters , and degenerate into Tyrants ; wee are earnest therefore with your Excellencie , to use the utmost endeavour , that before any other or future Propositions be sent to us , our expectations may be satisfied , which if they are not , we conceive our selves and our friends as bad as destroyed .

And shall your Excellency , or any other faithfull servant to the State be appointed for the Service of Ireland , and accept of that imployment , we must of necessity , contrary to our desires , shew our selves averse to that service , until our desires be granted , the just Rights and liberties of the Subjects vindicated and maintained .

Then ( as God and our owne consciences beare us witnesse , ) we shall testifie to the Kingdome the integrity of our hearts to the service of Ireland , and our forward actions in that imployment shall demonstrate the sincerity of our expressions . Once more we are earnest with your Excellency for your assistance , without which we are like to be wholly ruined ; and having obtained it , may be enabled as in duty we are bound to expresse our selves , your Excellencies and the Kingdomes most faithfull and obedient Servants .

Edward Saxby , Tho. Moore . Commissioners for the Generalls Regiment Samuel Whiting , Will . Allin . Leivtenant Generalls Regiment , Anthony Nixon . Tho Shepherd . Com. Gen. Regiment , Wil. Iones , Iohn Casby , Colonell Fleetwoods Regiment . Nich. Lokier , Ioseph Foster , Colonell Rich his Regiment . H. Geathings , Edward Starre , Colonell Sheffields Regiment . Tho. Kendale , Iohn Thomas , Colonell Whaley his Regiment . Elias Box , Iohn Willowhy , Colonell Butler his Regiment .

28. Aprill . 1647.

A Second Apologie of all the private Souldiers in his Excellencies Sir Thomas Fairfax his Army to their Commission Officers . SIRS .

WEE your Souldiers who have served under your commands with all readinesse to free this our Native Land and Nation from all Tyrannie and Opressions whatsoever , and that by vertue and power derived from this present Parliament , given not only to his Excellencie Sir Thomas Fairfax , our now present Generall but likewise under all the late Generalls his predecessors , under whom wee , even the whole Souldery , have served both the State and you faithfully and diligently : By which meanes God hath been pleased to crowne us with Victorie , in dispersing our common adversaries , so that we hoped to put an end to all Tyranny and Oppressions , so that Justice and Equitie , according to the Law of this Land , should have been done to the People , and that the meanest subject should fully enjoy his Right , Libertie , and proprieties in all things : which the Parliament hath made known to all the world in divers of their Declarations , to which they have so often bound themselves to performe , by their Oahes , Vowes , Covenants , and Protestations . Upon this ground of hope , we have gone through all difficulties and dangers , that we might purchase to the people of this Land , with our selves , a plentifull crop and harvest of Libertie and Peace , but instead of it , to the great greif and sadding of our hearts , wee see that oppression is as great as ever , if not greater , yea , and that upon the cordiall freinds to the Parliament and us , and to the just Rights and Liberties of this Nation , that they with us are slighted , abused , beaten , and dragged to Jayles ; yea , to the utter ruine of their estates , and losse of their lives , yea the best and most candid intentions , and actions of theirs and ours grossely and foulely mis-construed , even to such a height as deserving no lesse then to be declared as troublers of , and enemies to the State and Kingdome , and such as have , and are now the enemies of the Parliament and Kingdome , are countenanced and honourrd , to be in places of greatest trust and are made Judges of them and us , for our lives and estates , yea , and in the great affairs of the Kingdome , sitting in the House of Commons , though still under Sequestration , they are made high Sheriffes , Mayors of severall Counties and Townes , Commi●sioners of Oyer and Terminer , as in Cumberland , and the countie of Durham &c.

From whence we beleeve springs all our miseries , and that so many of our fellow Souldiers , that have been disbanded , have been so rigorously dealt withall , as * * The high Sherife of Kent , a man that was in the first Rebellion against the Parliament , and by his meanes last Assize indicted a Colonel for taking of Horses , Ex●ter , At Northampton , Wa●wick , Alisbury , And this Assize at Salisbury . London condemned . All these will be proved , with many more instances . imprisoned , indicted , and hanged , for things done in time and place of Warre , and necessity of the Parliaments service required in their low condition , and without which , they could not have safely sat in the House of Parliament with their heads on : and the reason of all this we judge , is , because our very Enemies are made our Judges . Yea such is our condition , though we be oppressed , we may not cry : as it is too apparent , when of late we did in an humble and petitionary way seek to make knowne our grievances to our Generall ; such was our offence , as that we must presently without being heard , be declared Enemies to the State : though notwithstanding by these , our E●emies even such as have bin Cavaliers in Armes , have promered and framed divers Remonstrances , Petitions , and Representations , of dangerous consequence , to the Parliament and Kingdome , and that against their most reall and cordiall friends ; yet these have bin accepted , and great thanks returned them : which holds forth to us a cleare designe to enslave all the honest party of this Kingdome , and in them wee and you also :

Therefore , brave Commanders , the Lord put a spirit of courage into your hearts , that you may stand fast in your integrity , that you have manifested to us your Souldiers ; and we do declare to you , that if any of you shall not , he shall be marked with a brand of infamy for ever , as a Traytor to his Country , and an Enemy to his Army . Read , and consider ; was there ever such things done by a Parliament , to proclaime us Enemies to the State , as they have done about the late Petition ? the Lords and they could quickly agree to this , though they will be very tedious when any thing is offered that is for the good of the common-wealth , and to keep the hirelings * * As that of 26. moneths , the Horse are behind 13 , Moneths pay , and now to have but two Moneths pay : judge Heaven , and free people ; God be judge of this great evill . Wages , and not to give them that which they have so dearely bought with their blouds and lives , even his pay ; and not only so , but to leave them to the mercilesse malice of their wicked Enemies .

It is not better to dye lke men , then to be enslaved , and hanged like Dogs ? which must and will be yours and our portion , if not now looked unto , even before our disbanding : so you may plainly see by this , their malice is great , yea , against our most honoured Generall , as that in the Lords House they did more then whisper , he was a Delinquent : If they do so now , and that to him , what will they not doe , not only to him , but to you , if a course be not taken for our and your security , before wee be disbanded , wee leave to you to judge .

We have been quiet and peaceable in obeying all Orders and commands , yet now we have a just cause to tell you , if we be not relieved in these our grievances , wee shall be forced to that , which we pray God to divert , and keep your and our hearts upright : desiring you to present these things to the Generall , as our desires .

1. THat the honour of this Army may be vindicated , in every particular , especially about the late Petition , and reparations given , and justice done upon the fomenters . 2. That an Act of indempnity may be made for all things done in time and place of Warre . 3. That the Wives and children of those that have been slaine in the service , and maimed Souldiers , may be provided for . 4. Our Arreares under this Generall , to be paid us , our Arrears under other Generalls , to be audited and stated , and security given for the payment . 5. That we that have served the Parliament freely , may not be pressed out of the Kingdome . 6. That the Liberty of the Subject may be no longer inslaved , but that Iustice and Iudgement may be dealt to the meanest Subject of this Land , according to old Law .

Now unlesse all these our humble requests , be by you for us your Souldiers and your selves stood for to be granted , it had better we had never been born , or at least we had never beene in Armes , but that we had by the Sword been cut off from the misery we and you are like to undergoe : So we rest , in hopes of your faithfulnesse .

Your Souldiers .

A Copy of a Letter from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax , to the Right honourable , the Earl of Manchester . My Lord ,

YOur Lordships Letter of the 28 I received yesterday , with the Votes of both Houses inclosed therein . Before the receipt thereof , I had called the Officers unto a generall Councel of Warre , to advise concerning the better transaction of the businesse , and prevention of all inconveniences thereupon , and when they were in consultation , I communicated your Lordships letter , ( and the Votes therewith sent ) unto them . After much time spent in debate thereof , this inclosed was delivered unto me by the Officers , as the Result of the Councell of War ; which being of very great concernment , I held it my duty to hasten unto your Lordships . It is no small griefe of heart unto me , that there should be any dissatisfactions betwixt the Parliament and the Army , and that the late votes did not give satisfaction . I beseech God to direct your Lordships to proceed with wisdome , that things may be determined in love , and this poore Kingdome free from further distraction ; which is the earnest desire of

Your Lordships most humble servant . T. FAIRFAX . Bury May 30. 1647. For the Right Honourable the Earl of Manchester , Speaker of the House of Peers , pro tempore .

Mr. SPEAKER ,

HAving called the Officers of the Army to Saint Edmunds Bury ; I communicated unto them yesterday the Votes of both Houses , and a Letter of the House of Peeres sent therewith , concerning the disbanding of the Army ; After long consultation had thereof , this enclosed was delivered unto me , as the Result of the Councell of Warre ( where the Officers were very many and unanimous ) which being of importance , I held it my duty to hasten the same unto you , being much perplexed in my thoughts that dis-satisfactions betwixt the Parliament and the Army should rather increase , then lessen . I intreat you that there may be wayes of love and composure thought upon ; I shall doe my endeavours , though I am forc'd to yeeld to something out of order , to keep the Army from disorder , or worse inconveniences . I desire you to take some speedy resolution for the composing of things , whereby the Kingdome may be happy in a timely deliverance from further distraction : for the effecting whereof I could be content to be a sacrifice , as the last service you can have from .

Your most faithfull and humble servant , T. FAIRFAX . Burie May 30. 1647. For the Honourable William Lenthall , Esquire , Speaker of the Honourable House of Commons .

To his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax , Knight , Commander in Chiefe of the Parliaments Forces . The Opinion and humble Advise of the Councell of Warre , convened at Bury , Saterday 29. May. 1647. In relation to the votes of Parliament , communicated to us by your Excellency , and the desires of our advice thercon , Humbly Sheweth ,

1. THat upon the reports come to all quarters of the Army concerning the Votes and proceedings of the House , May 21. As also of those on Tuesday , May 25. we find the generallity of the Army [ as we are our selves ] much unsatisfied in the one , and something amazed and startled at the other , the first Votes ( of Friday ) coming much short of satisfaction as to the greivances of the Army , then reported to the House , and not taking any notice at all of some that were most materiall , and the latter ( of Tuesday ) importing a resolution suddenly to disband the Army by peace-meale , before equall satisfaction be given to the whole in any of the greivances , or so much as any consideration had of some others most materiall ; And also before any effectuall performance of that satisfaction which the Votes of Friday seemed to promise , as to some of the grievances , all which we shall be readie ( upon a little time given us ) to represent to your Excellency , more distinctly and in particular .

2. That the said distraction , and the jealousies occasioned upon the same proceedings , as we feare , and by some effects already appearing , do find , may unhappily produce dangerous disturbances and tumultuous actions amongst severall parts of the Army , as they now lie dispersed and remote from the Head-quarters , especially amongst those Regiments whose principall 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 .