THe Lords and Commons assembled in the Parliament of England doe observe that the same Councels now predominate at Oxford , which have contrived and effected the destruction of Ireland by Fire and Sword , doe further labour to bring the like desolation upon this Kingdome , and in pursuance thereof have dared to publish this unparalleld Paper in the forme of a Proclamation , threatning destruction by Fire and Sword , under the Title of preserving the Country ; The Lords and Commons doe thereupon declare , that they will use their hearty endeavours , with the hazard of their lives and fortunes to prevent these miseries , whereof they are most sensible , and have taken Order that considerable Forces shall speedily advance for the defence and protection of the people , wherein they desire the assistance of their Countreymen , and humbly pray to God for his blessing .

WHereas by Our Proclamation of the 29. of March now last past , We invited Our loving Subjects of the Counties of Oxford and Berks , and other Counties adjacent , who are owners of Corne and Graine , and other Victuals , in a greater proportion then is necessary for their owne private Families , that for their owne benefit to secure the same against the sudden incursion and violence of the Rebels , and for the better furnishing of Our Garrison at Oxford , against a time of need , they should speedily bring the same into this City , and there store it up in such places as themselves should provide , or as We in Our care by Our Commissioners , to whom they are to resort , have there provided for them , where the owners thereof by themselves , or such as they should nominate and trust should keepe the same , and from thence as the true owners thereof should issue the same , to furnish the Markets from time to time for their best advantage . Since which time Wee finde that the Inhabitants of these places not being so sensible of their owne good as We expected they would have beene , have beene very negligent in applying themselves to Our desires , but doe expose themselves , and that part of their Estates to that danger which may fall upon them , Wee know not how soone ; Wee therefore , by the advice of the Lords and Gentlemen , Members of the two Houses of Parliament now assembled at Oxford , doe admonish all Our loving Subjects whom it may concerne , That within five dayes now next ensuing at the furthest , for such as live within seven miles from this Towne , and for such as dwell further off within eight dayes after the date hereof , they bring or cause to be brought into this City of Oxford , all such Corne of all sorts , ready threshed , or in the Straw , and all such other Victuals , serving for the food of Men or Horse , which they can spare , here to be stored up by themselves , or sold at , and for reasonable prices , for ready Money . And also that they bring in hither all such Hay and Straw as they have , and may spare here to bee sold to Us , and to the Nobility and Gentry here residing for ready Money at reasonable prices . And We , by the advice aforesaid , doe further let them know , and doe hereby declare , That if they faile herein , upon what pretence soever , We shall esteeme them as persons disaffected to Us and to Our Service , and as the course of Warre and the necessity thereof requireth , upon the approach of the Rebels , who are Enemies to Us and them , Wee must and will by Our owne Souldiers fetch so much thereof away , as We can , for the provision of Our owne Army , and the rest consume and destroy by Fire , rather then suffer the same to fall as a prey into their hands , who will thereby be the more enabled to annoy Us and Our good Subjects . Of all which We expect a strict performance , and will require a severe account . And all Horses , Carts , and Carriages which are imployed for this service , shall have free passage in their going and coming , and not be taken for any other service .