WHEREAS

THe House is credibly inform'd , that some ill-affected persons within the County of Kent are now endeavouring to disperse rumors to the scandall of Parliament , and to censure the proceedings against the promoters of the late dangerous Petition ; and they have plotted for this purpose to meet at the Assizes , the further to extend their malicious designes ; It is therfore thought fit , and Ordered by the said House , That Sir Edward Hales , Sir Henry Hayman , Sir Edward Partherich , Sir Tho : Peyton , Sir Thomas Walsingham , Sir Hen : Vane , senior and junior , Sir Francis Barnham , Sir Peter Wroth , Sir Norton Knatchbull , Sir Humphrey Tufton , Sir Edw . Boyse , Mr. Brown , Mr. Skynner , Mr. Lee , Sir Edward Masters , and Mr. John Nut , shall forthwith go down unto the said Assizes , and use all dilligence to prevent such inconvenience , or any further Attempt that shall be offered to the prejudice of Parliament , and by all lawfull wayes and means to preserve the said County , not onely in peace amongst themselves , but in a right understanding of the proceedings of Parliament .

H. Elsynge , Cler . Parl . D. Com .

INSTRVCTIONS to the Committee .

YOu shall acquaint the Justices of Peace at the Bench , with the Contents of this Order , and let them know that our Houses tender care , and affection to the peace of this County , and the Kingdom ; They have sent down , with Order and Instructions to use all lawfull means to preserve the said County , not onely in peace amongst themselves , but also in a right understanding of the proceedings of Parliament , and do not doubt of their proceedings to comply with the House therein .

It is desired , according to the Instructions of the House of Commons , That you will give your best aid and assistance to this Committee , in performance of the Commands of the House , expressed in their Order herewith delivered .

That to thls end this Committee may be seated at the Bench sutably to their Authority and Trust they represent , and to be ready to perform the commands of the House as occasion shall require .

The Answer of the Justices of Peace .

THat the first demand being grounded ( as we conceive ) upon mis-informations , and in it , a great aspersion laid upon this County , we not knowing any such endeavours as are expressed , it being as we hope , like to continue in secure peace , His Majesties Justices having their authority of the Great Seal of England , dare not in the execution of it , joyn with any .

That being demanded , this Committee may sit upon the Bench for the performing the commands of the House of Commons unknown to us , they do not know what place may be so sutable to the authority and Trust they represent , nor that we have power to place any on the Bench , not sent thither by the like authority we sit here .

Instructions from the County of Kent , to Mr. Augustine Skynner . WHEREAS

A Committe from the House of Commons is now sent down to the Assizes upon a credible Information ( as they say ) that something should be done at this Assize to the disturbance of the peace of this County ; We the Commons of Kent require you Master Augustine Skynner , as our servant , to certifie to that honorable House , that you found the country in full peace , and that there was no ground for any such Information ; and that you desire in our names to know the particular of that Information ( which it seems you are ignorant of ) and the Informer , that this County may have full reparations in honour against so scandalous an aspersion cast upon them ; and that the Informer , of what quality soever , may receive condigne punishment .

And that the House of Commons may understand our desires , not onely to preserve the peace of this County ( which by Gods blessing , and the help of the good and known Laws of this Kingdom , we are confident we shall maintain ) but also of the whole Kingdom , being now in so great a distraction , that every man stands at a maze to see what the event is like to be , and well weighing what a great fire a small spark may kindle , abhorring and detesting the thought of a Civil War : we forthwith require you to offer our humble advice , as faithfull and loyall Subjects to His Majestie , and good Patriots , and lovers of our Country , for setling the distractions of these times , one principall , means to effect it , we conceive will be to give His Majestie full satisfaction in His just desires in these four particulars , viz. ) In presently leaving the Town of Hull in the same state it was before Sir John Hothams entrance into it , and delivering His Majestie His own Magazine . Secondly , in laying aside the Militia : untill a good Law may be framed , wherein care may be taken , as well for the Liberty of the Subject , as the defence of the Kingdom . That the Parliament may be adjourn'd to an indifferect place , where His sacred Person , and all the Lords and Members of the House of Commons may meet , and treat with honour , safety and freedom . Fourthly , that His Majesties Navie may be immediately restored to Him .