to his excellency the lord general monck. the humble address of the members of parliament (in behalf of the people) interrupted and forceably secluded by cromwell and his confederates, . proceedings. - - . england and wales. parliament. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing t b). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing t b estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) to his excellency the lord general monck. the humble address of the members of parliament (in behalf of the people) interrupted and forceably secluded by cromwell and his confederates, . proceedings. - - . england and wales. parliament. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . sheet ([ ] p.) printed for t.p., london : [ ] dated at end: february . . [i.e. ]. reproduction of the original in the harvard university library. eng cromwell, oliver, - -- early works to . great britain -- history -- puritan revolution, - -- early works to . great britain -- politics and government -- - -- early works to . a r (wing t b). civilwar no to his excellency the lord general monck· the humble address of the members of parliament (in behalf of the people) interrupted and forceabl england and wales. parliament a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - spi global rekeyed and resubmitted - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion to his excellency the lord general monck . the humble address of the members of parliament ( in behalf of the people ) interrupted and forceably secluded by cromwell and his confederates , . my lord , we hope it is not unknown unto your excellency , neither unto these nations for whom we served as members in that parliament interupted by oliver cromwell , and his confederates in the year . that it was by them forceably done , that we might not in a parliamentary way discharge our consciences and trust reposed in us by the people , whereby the nations would through the blessings of god have been setled . and upon those concessions from his majesty at the isle of whites treaty , which we found to be a sufficient ground , we did resolve , after some further treaty , to conclude a peace , and thereby prevent the efusion of more christian blood , secure the people from further calamities , and preserve their rights and freedome intire from any insolent or arbitrary powers whatsoever : but being hitherto by violence kept out , and sometimes imprisoned , we cannot possibly act : therefore we desire your excellency to remove that force which thus obstructs the peoples rights and our freedome in parliament , by which you will certainly open a door to the future safety and tranquility of these kingdomes , and we can further assure your lordship , that in this the people will rest satisfied , otherwise we can never expect a lasting peace ; for when they are limited and tyed to such qualifications , as we understand are intended in their elections , it signifies the same with what they already have , and do now so grievously complain and petition against ; from hence we have seriously considered the evils and great troubles growing upon us , and unless we can prevail with your excellency-unto whom we make this our humble address in their behalf , that we may be admitted according to those addresses of the gentry of devon , and other parts , the nation is unavoidably in a lost condition , as a short time will discover : all which we leave to your lordships consideration , and as we expect this liberty from you , we are resolved to lessen the present burthens of the people , by taking off all taxes , excise , oppressions and grievances whatsoever . february . . london , printed for t.p. a collection of several letters and declarations, sent by general monck unto the lord lambert, the lord fleetwood, and the rest of the general council of officers in the army ... albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing a ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a collection of several letters and declarations, sent by general monck unto the lord lambert, the lord fleetwood, and the rest of the general council of officers in the army ... albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . [ ], , [ ], [i.e. ] p. [s.n.], london : . "several letters from the lord generall monck" has special t.p. reproduction of original in thomason collection, british library. eng great britain -- history -- commonwealth and protectorate, - -- sources. a r (wing a ). civilwar no a collection of several letters and declarations, sent by general monck unto the lord lambert, the lord fleetwood, and the rest of the gener albemarle, george monck, duke of c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a collection of several letters and declarations , sent by general monck unto the lord lambert , the lord fleetwood , and the rest of the general council of officers in the army . as also , unto that part of the parliament , called the rump . the committee of safety , so called . the lord mayor and common council of the city of london . the congregated churches in and about london . london , printed in the year , . a letter from general monck to king charles . may it pl̄ease your majesty . seeing it hath pleased god out of his gracious will and pleasure , to cause me to cast my eye upon this common-wealth of england , my native country , ( and your three kingdomes ; ) and viewing there , to behold the sad and lamentable condition , that now , and for many years past , it hath been intangled in ; which as reason and conscience together perswades me , is occasioned chiefly for want of its ancient and ever customed way of government , ( to wir ) a king and parliament , which hath been unsetled altogether amongst us , ever since the unhappy death of your majesties late father our king ; by reason whereof , our ancient and accustomed wholesome laws both of church and state , are most strangely torn and massacred ; and all through the self-seeking ends of some certain persons , which at present i judge not fit herein to be communicated , who having gotten the power of the sword in their hands , thought for ever to rule and reign over their opposers ; ( i think in spight of god or man : ) but of late some of those ( i hope i may truly bless the name of the lord for it , ) who were the chief rulers of those unhappy differences between our king , and his three poor distracted kingdomes , are taken out of this world ; insomuch , that the power of those remaining , is much weakened ; but yet they will ( i perceive ) seek to tread in the felf same steps of them that have gone before them , as seeking only to set up their own interest , although to the utter ruine of the nation . studying how of littleness to become great , hating the name of a king , but would joyfully imbrace the power thereof , ( yea , i may say , they seek far more power , than ever our late king did take upon him , ) and all this done under the zealous pretence of saintship and religion ; the form or manner whereof ▪ is plainly manifested by their tollerating and setting up of strange sects of rel●gion , as anabaptists , quakers , and such like , seeking utterly to destroy and pull down , our antient orthodox divines , unless timely prevented . i question not but your majesty is very well knowing of the power , which for some few years past , i have had in governing the english army here in scotland ; which power , when i had once obtained , i did resolve , as much as in me lay , to keep , until a fit time and opportunity should offer it self , that i might imploy it for the glory of god , and the good of your majesty , whose faithful subject i humbly acknowledge my self to be . now so it is , may it please your majesty ▪ i plainly seeing , and with a sad heart beholding the threatning hand of the lords severe judgements stretched forth against these three kingdoms , which forthwith must , and will inevitably fall heavy upon us , ( for ought as can be imagined , to the utter ruin both of king and subjects ) unless suddenly prevented by our humble submission to the lord , and an unfeigned repentance of our former miscarriages . may it also please your majesty to give me leave to acquaint you , that i humbly conceive , i had never a better opportunity of doing my country service , ( in freeing them from their egyptian bondage , as i may term it , ) and in restoring the crown to the right owner thereof ; which if possible to be done , shall be done with as much care , safety , and diligence , as god shall enable me , and that with as little wrong as may be either to king or subjects ; which work when it is perfected , i hope will tend to the settlement of our ancient protestant religion : in tender consideration of all which premises , i most humbly beg that high favour of your majesty , that you will be graciously pleased , to permit me to make these proposals following . first , whether your majesty will be pleased , to accept of the real endeavours of me your unworthy subject and servant to be imployed in being a means in helping your majesty to a quiet and safe possession of three kingdoms ; which have ( with violence ) been so long time withheld from you ? if yea , then , will your majesty be pleased , to consent to a treaty to be had between your majesty , and a free parliament , which shall be lawfully elected and chosen by the country , whose care i hope will be for the choosing of such honest , godly , and religious men , as had no hand in the death of our late king , or since his death , have ( by any unlawful means whatsoever ▪ ) enjoyed any of his lands , tenements , or rents , or the lands , tenements , and rents , of the late deans and chapters , or any of your late sequestred subjects , or which since his death have appeared violent in their acting against kingship , and consequently against your majesty , our lawful king : not in the least that i have any malice or evil will against such persons , but for that my conscience tells me , that so long , as self-interessed persons are suffered to sit in parliament , there is little good to be expected , either for king or kingdome ; for it is a hard thing for men to act against their own selves , to the loss of their lands and livings ; which they suppose they have so honestly gained . if your majesty will be pleased to consent to such a treaty , and that thereupon it may be agreed upon , that your majesty shall be restored to your three kingdoms ; which i question not , but will be the event of such a treaty : then i humbly beg , that your maj. would be pleased to think fit to declare what mercy and pitty , you are pleased shall be shewn to all those that have been the chief of your enemies , ( whose blood in severity of justice , might deservedly be spilt , ) upon their humble submission to your majesty , and their promise of future obedience ; for i hope you will judge , that the onely way to joyn the hearts of the people of your three kingdoms , to pray for your happy success in all things ; and not only so , but it will undoubtedly encourage them all to venter their lives against all your opposers , if any shall contest : and also that your majesty would be pleased , to declare out of your gracious goodness , what satisfaction shall be made to the poor common souldiery throughout your three kingdomes , who have been forced to take up arms , although against your majesty , for meer necessity to keep them and their families from starving , who indeed are much behind in their pay ; which will be utterly lost and undone , unless your majesty take compassion upon them ; which if you are pleased so to do , i question not but you will find as much humility and submission from them , as can be expected ; and for the future it will ingage them to be as ready to serve your majesty , as they were to serve your enemies for the time past : and moreover , i conceive it will be a great incouragment to them , to joyn with me in this design . i shall trouble your majesty with little more at present ; but to let you know , that my hopes are , that you would be pleased , to have that confidence in me , as not to credit any rumours or reports , that may seemingly contradict what i have herein proposed ; for as for that , i would have your majesty to be confident , that i shall not value neither the ill will , or yet look upon the favour of any , who shall yet appear in opposition to a thing that i have so really purposed , so long as god and my conscience perswades me , that in so doing i shall accomplish a good work both for his glory , and my countries good : and yet i think fit to carry as fair a correspondency as i can , with those that have taken upon them the authority in england : to that end , i have thoughts of going to london very suddenly , that i may see their actings , and order things there somewhat for my advantage ; i humbly beg your majesties speedy answer touching these proposals : so with all submissiveness , i crave your majesties favour , in giving me leave to subscribe my self , your majesties for ever faithful and loyal subject , george monck . edenborough decem. . . several letters from the lord generall monck , commander in chief of the forces in scotland , and one of the commissioners by act of parliament for the government of this common-wealth , viz. to mr. speaker , to the lord fleetwood . to the lord lambert . printed , anno . to the speaker . right honourable , having received notice , that there was a force put upon the parliament on the twelfth of this instant , i have sent this messenger to your lordship , to know whether that force doth continue ; for i am resolved by the grace and assistance of god , as a true english-man , to stand to and assert the liberty and authority of parliament ; and the army here , ( praised be god ) is very couragious and unanimous , and i doubt not but to give a good accompt of this action to you. i have , according to your act of the th instant , being constituted a commissioner for the government of the army , put out such persons as would not act according to your commission : i do call god to witness , that the asserting of a common-wealth is the only intent of my heart , and i desire , if possibl e , to avoid the shedding of blood , and therefore entreat you , that there may be a good understanding between parliament and army ; but if they will not obey your commands , i will not desert you , according to my duty and promise . which is all at present from your humble and faithful servant ; george monck . edinburgh octob. . . to the lord fleetvvood . right honourable , i have sent this messenger to your lordship , to let you know that we have received notice , that a part of the army have put force upon the parliament , which they so lately called together , and owned with the greatest i estimonies of obedience and repentance for their former apostacy from them ; i hope your lordship will not abet an action of such a dangerous and destructive consequence ; i know that you love the liberty and peace of england so well , that you will use your best care , that attempts of this nature be suppressed . i do therefore humbly intreat you , that the parliament may be speedily restored to that freedom , which they enjoyed on the th of this instant , otherwise i am resolved , by the assistance of god , with this army under my command , to declare for them , and to prosecute this just cause to the last drop of my blood ; i bless the lord , that the officers here are very unanimons : and for such , whose hearts fail them , orwhich will not act according to their commissions from the parliament , i having authority as one of the seven commissioners appointed by act of parliament , do constitute such as are chearful for this good old cause ▪ till the parliaments pleasure be further known ; and i do plainly assure your lordship , that i was never better satisfied in the sustict ▪ of any engagement than in this : you cannot but remember that god hath already shewed himself glorious in it , and determined the quarrel on this side , against arbitrary power of raising money without the peoples consent first had , and the management of the militia by any other then the parliament . i desire your lordship not to be deluded by the specious pretences of a●y ambitious person what●oever ▪ a●d do not bri●g all the blood that will be shed upon your own head ; my lord consi●er how you will answer to the dreadful god for the ruine of three nations , for to serve a lust or to gratifie a passion : for my particular , i am ashamed of these confusions and changes that we have ma●e that we are now become a scorn an● a reproach to our very friends , and designed to ruine by all ▪ our neighbours . i take god to witnesse , that i have no further ends then the establishing of parliamentary authority , and those good laws that our ancestors have purchased with so much blood , the setling the nations in a free common-wealth , and the defence of godliness and godly men , though of different judgment ; and i take my self so far obliged , being in the parliaments service , to stand , though alone , in this quarrell , and i doubt not but your lordship , having the fear of god in your heart will carefully consider of this matter : which is all at present from your excellencies humble servant , george monck . edinb. octob. . . to the lord lambert . right honourable , having notice , that a part of the army under the parliaments command , have , contrary to their duty , put force upon them ; i have therefore sent this messenger to your lordship , to intreat you to be an instrument of peace and good understanding between parliament and army : for , if they shall continue this force , i am resolved with the assistance of god , and that part of the army under my command , to stand by them , and assert their lawful authority . for sir , the nation of england will not endure any arbitrary power neither will any true english-man in the army , so that such a design will be ruinous and destructive ; therefore i do earnestly intreat you , that we may not be a scorne to all the world , and a pre● to our enemies , that the parliament may be speedily restored to their freedom which they enjoyed on the th of this instant . which is all at present from your lordships humble servant , george monck . a letter of the officers of the army in scotland , under the commander in chief there , to the officers of the army in england . dear brethren and friends , this is , of all the dayes of trouble god hath brought upon us , the saddest that ever our eyes saw in these poor nations ; we have had to do often with the common enemy , but never before engaged against our friends , the very thoughts of which is a wound ▪ deeper in our spirits than the sword can make in our bowels . above all things therefore it is our earnest prayer , and shall be our endeavour , to reconcile the differences in that which to our consciences seemes the most equitable and just medium for us ●o agree in , namely , to intreat you ( as we have interposed with the superiour officers of the army ) to labour a due understanding between your selves and the parliament , the necessity and equity of which request we cannot but believe you must subscribe to , if you seriously consider a few proposals . . whether the asserting of a free parliament , duly qualified , of faithfull men to god , and his people in these nations , to be the supream legislative authority of these nations , was not the good old cause we fought for , as that onely which vindicated in spirituals our consciences from imposition upon them , contrary to the liberty of the subjects of jesus christ , and our persons , and estates , and posterity in civils , from the usurpations of the late king upon the liberties and ancient rights of the free-born people of england . . whether it be not the only vindication of your late laying aside the son and successor of our old general , because you did verily believe , as you have protested to the world , that the government of any single person might in time , ruine the aforementioned libertyes , purchased by our blood , and the vast treasures of this commonwealth ; monarchy , however bounded , necessarily requiring uniformity as to religion , and prerogative as to civil , both which must needs be oppressive and destructive to our consciences and rights . . whether , when you set up again this famous old parliament , you did not believe in your conscinces that it was a return to the good old cause , from which you had apostatized , and the best expedient to heal the sad breaches of this poor common-wealth ▪ which the lusts of men have made ; witness your declaration presented by the lord lambert , and the rest ( the sixth of may ) to the speaker , as the representee of the house . . whether , this parliament hath ever yet endangered or disowned you , or the nation in these great ends ( which can only acquit all the bloodshed from murther ) your liberties as englishmen and your priviledges as christians , but rather have given security for both , in such votes as they had time to pass , by such promises as they are too honest to forget , and by a progress large enough , considering the confusions and difficultyes they found the government in , by our setting up the things , of which we are now ashamed . . whether , if your consciences be better informed , it can satisfie ours , or any christian consciences in the nation , to act according to your particular apprehensions , when we see them cross so much the plain rule of the word ; which , as it requires obedience to all authority , so , much more to that which is asserted and setled upon the surest foundation of the peoples rights , and to which you are so solemnly engaged by protestations , as in the presence of god , who will not hold them guiltless that takes his name in vaine . . whether , if upon this occasion of our dissentings , the common enemy should arise with a stronger party , and make use of our divisions to yoak us in bondage worse than ever : that their little finger should be heavier than the loyns of those preceded them , the people of these nations would not have sad cause to leave at your doors the blood of those innocents they must sacrifice to their cruelty , considering especially that the redemption of these old usurpations , must be by the heads of gods people , and bring worse upon us , the blood of saints , whose death is precious in the sight of the lord . we beg you therefore , to lay to heart the premi●●es , and believe we are n en of such consciences , as cannot close with this action and acquiesce in it , but would cordially desire , that god may humble us for the evil of our wayes , that in making peace with him , we may unite in love to each other : and we shall also assure you , that though the present emergency hath made our commander in chief , to put some of the officers from their commands , whose actings have not been such as might promise they can cordially joyn in this business , yet he hath continued to them their sallaries out of the contingencies of the army , till the parliaments pleasure be further known : and we shall also assure you , that whatever endeavours may be for the setling of this parliament again in a free capacity to act for us in these nations , we shall be as ready as you to bear a testimony against them suitable to our station , if they should violate the so often promised and engaged for liberties of these nations , whether spiritual or civil , there being a witness against them in their late votes , that the representative of the people , is entrusted not for the ruine , but the safety of the commonwealth . linlithgow , octob. . . signed in the name , and by the appointment of the officers of the army in scotland . william clarke , secretary . to the right honourable the lord fleetwood , to be communicated to the officers of the army in and about london . a second letter to the lord fleetvvood . sir , vve think fit to acquaint you , that the lord has so prosper'd our endeavours here , that my lord general monck and the officers have accepted of our overtures of mediation , and they have appointed col. wilkes , lieutenant col. clobery , and major knight , to repair to london commissioners , to treat with the like number of officers there for a firm peace and unity amongst the forces of both nations ; for which we doubt not but the prayers of all good men will be poured forth to the throne of grace . we have prevailed with my lord general to dispatch order this night to his remotest quarters , that they advance not further southwards during this treaty , and we desire you will do the like , that none of yours may march more northward then they are ; and truly for as much as we can perceive , none of these forces had so hastily marched out of scotland , if yours had not gathered this way . in a few dayes we shall see you , and in the mean time desire you to believe we are , sir , your affectionate servants , thomas clarges , thomas talbot . dalkieth this th of novemb. . general moncks last letter to his excellency the lord fleetwood . my lord , after i had answered the letter your lordship did me the favour to send me by col. talbot , i received another from your lordship , of the th of october , wherein your lordship is pleased to express much of your lordships affection and friendship to me , for which i shall ever acknowledge my self engaged to you ; but truly i must assure your lordship , no personal discouragements ( although i have had my share of them ) have induced me to the justification i make of the parliaments authority , but the tie of duty to which i am in my conscience obliged , and i shall be heartily sorry , if your lordship makes any other interpretation of it , for your lordship knows my command has been offered often up to those that had power to place it better : we are all i bless the lord , very unanimous here , and i am confident when the gentlemen we send from hence have given your lordship a true understanding of our actions , you will not have so severe an opinion of them , as you seem to have in your late letters : the persons names are , col. wilkes , lieut. col. clobery , and major knight , all well known to your lordship , to whom i beseech your lordship to give credit , in what they shall propose from the army here , and i beseech you to believe , i am still with a sincere heart , my lord , your lordships very humble servant , george monck . a letter sent by general monck to vice admiral goodson , to be communicated to the rest of the officers of the fleet , in answer to a letter with some proposals lately sent to him from them . dear country-men and commanders , i am glad that you have not forgotten your old friend , and that by this occasion , i have such advantage to hear of your hearty affections to me , and kind remembrance of me , and that you have such a deep sence of the divisions amongst us , and the miserable consequence thereof ; but i am very much sadded that you have entertained such mistakes and misapprehensions of our proceedings . these enclosed papers will fully satisfie you , that we have just grounds of dissatisfaction , and that we cannot comply with such violent and unwarrantable undertakings , both against our reason as men , and against our consciences as christians , that you and we should take our commissions and pay from the parliament , and yet to violate their authority , after such solemn assurances of obedience and faithfulness , contrary to the expressed word of god , and our own late addresses . i hope i am so well known to some of you , that i am none of those that seek great things to my self , or delight in the shedding the blood of english men , much lesse of christian brethren , but to preserve the name of god from blasphemy and reproach , which our actings ( i wish i could not call them treache●ousness and perfidiousness have occasioned ; whereby jesus christ and his truth have been evil spoken of , which makes our very lives bitter to us , and to assert the integrity and honour of this army , which is very dear to me , i have been forced with the parliaments army under my command , ( though with much grief of heart ) to beat our testimony against the late violence of the army ; and the reasons thereof you will find in our printed papers , and our endeavours to perswade them in england to remove that force which they have put upon the parliament . as to your proposals , i beseech you seriously to consider and lay to heart these following answers . . to the first , you are pleased to intimate the joy of the cavaliers that they see us stand to our declaration , but i believe , that this violent interruption of the parliament was the greatest courtesie to gratefie that family and interest that could be imagined in the world , ( and i could wish it were not designed ) . i should be very sad to strengthen the hands of the wicked , but let me assure you , this ariseth from the slanders and calumnies which men cast upon us in england , as if we that assert the authority of those that brought the late king to the block , are for introducing that family , which i take god to witness , we in our very thoughts abhor , and shall spend our blood in opposition to any single person whatsoe ver. . you are pleased to compare our present differences to that of the israelites , with the two tribes of reuben , gad , and halfe the tribe of manasses ) and i earnestly pray that there may be the same issue , for if they will restore these persons to their lawfull authority , which have been established by many successes , and for the difference of which they so lately hazarded to blood we shall quietly sit down and wait upon the providences of god in our places and stations , and to this end we have sent commissioners into england men faithfull and approved . what you are pleased to instance concerning my satisfaction in the year . when this parliament was interrupted formerly , i shall answer you to that , it was never in my conscience to go out of gods way under the pretence of doing gods work , and you know the variety of times doth much vary the nature of affaires , and what might then patiently be submitted unto , we being engaged with a forraign enemy in a bloody war , cannot be drawn into a president at this time ; after our repentance and assurance of loyalty and constancy ; you may be pleased to remember that the consequence of the former interruptions was the introduction of a single person , and a manifest breach of all our promises and engagements , so that if god blessed me with success , then i do much more through mercy expect it now , when i put all to hazzard for the glory of god and the good of his people . . i do acknowledge that the army hath been in the hand of god and instruments of good to these nations , yet if they shall apostate from the cause of god and his people in exposing them to arbitrary power , and the wills of men , in taking upon them to abollish lawes , raise money without consent of the people , destroy ministery and property , and force parliaments , i cannot but witness against such proceedings as unwarrantable not suited to any rule either from god or man . . i have taken care by garrisons in this country , and assurance from the whole body of the nation , that they will not own the interest of charles stewart . , and that they will preserve the peace of the commonwealth in obedience to the parliament ; so that if that part of the army in england will set up a distinct interest in the nation , in deserting that cause that hath been so precious to us , and cost so much blood and treasure for to establish their own interest and greatness . i do declare in the presence of the great god i cannot own you , nor ioyn with them ; now having opened my heart to you and as you know my plainness and sincerity , that i am none of those that dare assert any thing against my conscience , from that experience ye have had of me , i heartily begg your belief and credit , that i shall keep in the way of duty , and endeavour to do the lords work in my generation , and shall not own any corrupt interest whatsoever , and do desire of god his blessing according to my integrity in this undertaking , having this good testimony in my own spirit , that i have nothing but publick and righteous ends upon my heart , and by all these respects and kindnesses that i have received from you , i desire you will joyn with us in your desires that this parliament may be restored to the excution of their duties and trust , with freedome and honour ; i have no more but my hearty love and service to you all , desiring god to bless you all , and make you happy instruments for the good these nations in your severall places which shall be alwayes the prayer of dear friends . your humble servant and fellow souldier , g. m. edenburgh , novemb. . . to the right honourable vice admiral goodson , to be communicated to the rest of the officers of the fleet , in answer to the letter that was sent to me from them . a letter of general george moncks , dated at leicester ianuary , and directed unto mr. rolle to be communicated unto the rest of the gentry of devon : occasioned by a late letter from the gentry of devon dated at exceter ianuary , and sent by mr. bampfield to the speaker ; to be communicated unto the parliament . read in parliament jan. . most honoured and dear friends , meeting with a paper dated at exon the instant , directed to william lenthal esq speaker of the parliament , and subscribed by divers of my friends and relations , purporting the recalling the members secluded . as the best expedient for establishing these nations upon a foundation of lasting peace . i have taken the boldness from my relation to some of you as allyed , and my affectionate respects to all of you as dear friends and countrey-men , to represent to your consideration my present apprehensions of the state of affairs here , in order to all our better satisfactions ; wherein i humbly crave your leave of freedom without prejudice . before these unhappy wars the government of these nations was monarchical in church and state : these wars have given birth and growth to several interests both in church and state heretofore not known ; though now upon many accounts very considerable , as the presbyterian , independent , anabaptist and sectaries of all sorts as to ecclesiasticks ; and the purchasers of the kings , queens , princes , bishops , deans and chapters , and all other forfeited estates ; and all those engaged in these wars against the king as to civils . these interests again are so interwoven by purchases and intermarriages , and thereby forfeited ; as i think upon rational grounds it may be taken for granted ; that no government can be either good , peaceful or lasting to these nations , that doth not rationally include and comprehend the security and preservrtion of all the foresaid interests both civil and spiritual ; i mean so far as by the word of god they are warranted to be protected and preserved . if this be so , then that government under which we formerly were both in state and church , viz. monarchy cannot possibly be admitted for the future in these nations , because its support is taken away , and because its exclusive of all the former interests both civil and spiritual , all of them being incompatible with monarchical vniformity in church and state thus expired . that government then that is most able to comprehend and protect all interests as aforesaid must needs be republique . wherefore to me it 's no small doubt , if upon the premises to admit of the members secluded . were not to obstruct our peace and continue our war , rather than establish the one , and end the other ; in that very many of those members assert the monarchical interest , together with the abolition of all laws made since their seclusion ; which i fear upon accompt of self-preservation both of life and estate as well as spiritual liberty , will immediatly involve all these nations in most horrid and bloody war afresh ; the very apprehensions whereof , i confess , i do infinitely dread , and submit the dangerous consequence thereof to your prudent considerations , and the rather , seeing the army also will never endure it . having thus briefly laid before you the present condition of affairs , let me now intreat you to consider whither it were not better to desist from that paper , and submit to the proceedings of this parliament , who have resolved to fill up their house , determin their sitting , and prepare a way for future successions of parliament ; by which means being full , and thereby comprehending the whole interest of these nations , they may through god's mercy , and all our patiences , establish such a government in the way of a common-wealth , as may be comprehensive of all interests both spirituall and civil , to the glory of god , and the weale and peace of the whole . but if by your impatiencies they be obstructed , our peace will be so much the longer a stranger to us ; and we thereby a prey to our selves , and all forreign enemies . wherefore humbly pressing these upon your serious considerations with all the friendly and affectionate respects and service to you all , i remain dearest friends , your very humble and affectionate servant , george monck . leicester , . jan. . for the honoured robert rolles esq to be communicated to the gentlemen of devonshire , who signed the late letter to the speaker of the parliament of the common-wealth of england . a letter from the officers at whitehal to the officers under general monck in scotland . dear brethen and fellow souldiers , we most heartily wish grace and truth to be multiplied unto you , through the knowledge of god , and of jesus our lord ; and also we desire the god and father of all grace , to add to your faith , vertue ; & to vertue , knowledg ; and to knowledge , temperance ; and to temperance , godliness ; and to godliness , brotherly kindness ; and to brotherly kindness , charity . dear brethren , we cannot but be deeply affected and afflicted in our own spirits , to consider of your dissatisfaction with us upon mistaken grounds . you have known us this many years to be your faithful brethren , that durst do nothing that is sinful ; and we may affirm with plainness , honesty and simplicity of heart , we have done nothing in the late revolution , but that which the providence of the most wise god prepared to our hands , and led us unto , without so much as one half hours time to design or resolve to take that course we were necessitated unto ; since which most of such persons that were not clear in the present and sudden action , have made their acknowledment of their full satisfaction , and we are mutually reconciled , and they are received and tendered by us as affectionate brethren : and for a more full narrative of the providential grounds , and gradual steps that led us to that work , yet ( with aking hearts ) and as an answer to your queries , signed in your name by william clerk , secretary , bearing date the . instant , we refer you to a book , intituled , the armies plea , and also , the armies declaration , relation thereunto being had , we hope will give you satisfaction . loving brethren , what have we done that you are offended ? we are not conscious that any thing is acted by us upon the publick theater , but that which we judge is acceptable to god ▪ and what we have done hath proceeded from uprightness of heart , and for the glory of god , the good of his intrest , cause , and people in these nations : nothing less than these worthy ends could have caused us to adventure our all , that is dear to us for your and their sakes ; and after such a hazard , our brethren to look shy upon us , yea such , with whom we have lived , and conversed together , prayed , fought , and jeoparded our lives together , and witnesses together of the glory of the most high god . in the high places of the field ; yea , we that are of one society , of one family and houshold , that none hitherto ( through the grace of god could dis-unite us ) now to be at a distance with us , is the greatest wound to us , which is unexpressable : if it had been from our enemies , we could have born it ; oh but , they are the wounds of the house of our friends . and all this arising without dealing brotherly with us , and without so much as sending to know the providential grounds that led us to these undertakings ; and likewise your and our unhappiness hath been possibly by mis-informations received by those who have corresponded with the principal occasioners of this breach ; however we are censured by you , we shall , we hope , carry christianly and brotherly towards you , and exercise our selves in the doctrine of our saviour , if any be overtaken in a fault , restore such a one in the spirit of meekness , knowing also , we are subject to like temptations : and we ought to pitty and pray for one another , and forgive one another , even as god for christs sake hath forgiven us ; we hope the fear of god will guide you , so that you may do nothing to grieve him and his little flock , and rejoyce the common enemy abroad and at home , nor give them advantages to make a prey of these poor nations : what can you propound to your selves ? if you are for good things , so are we ; if for a free-state and common-wealth , so are we ; if against a single person , so are we ; if for reformation , so are we ; if for godliness , and the nations to be exalted in righteousness , so are we ; why do we differ in the form and way to it ? oh , dear friends if you should precipitately engage i●to a war , and should conquer your brethren , would not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be a conquest over your selves , and all the 〈◊〉 people of the land ? and if they are gone , certainly ( if you retain your old principles ) you would not desire to live long 〈…〉 . 〈…〉 brethren , we commend unto you that place of 〈◊〉 , josh. . , . we shall with our bended knees implore the god of heaven , and king of saints , to guide you , and perswade you ▪ as holy noah said in another case , gen. . . god shall perswade japhet to dwell in the tents of shim . finally , brethren farewel , be of good comfort , let us be of one mind , live in peace , and the god of love and peace shall be with you and us : we remain , your most affectionate brethren , and fellow-souldiers . . dear friends , we hope to hear in your answer to this , that all our dear friends now in bonds , are at liberty , and that the lord hath satisfied your hearts to acquiesce in his present dispensations , so as we may not expose each other to further inconveniency a return of the general & officers in scotland , to the aforesaid letter of the officers at whitehall . dear brethren , and fellow souldiers in the lord , in the name of our lord jesus christ , we return you our most hearty wishes and prayers , that grace , and truth , and peace also might be multiplied unto you : and that to your faith , and your vertue , and your knowledge , and your temperance , and your godliness , and your brotherly kindness , and your charity , might be added , patience , and meekness , and humility , and self-denial . great are the thoughts of our hearts , for the divisions in reuben , and we are ( as you express it ) deeply affected and afflicted in our own spirits , when we consider what cause we have to be dissatisfied with you , our dear brethren ; you , with whom we have lived and conversed together ; with whom we have prayed and fought and jeoparded our lives together ; with whom we have taken sweet counsel , and walked together in the house of god as friends : but we cannot conceal from you that our affection and affliction of spirit is much increased by the letter you sent us by captain deane , and by the books you referred us to in that letter . we had before some small ( indeed our onely ) hopes that there might be some mistake between us ; but alas ! we cannot but now think ( since we find you have no more to say for your selves ) that our fears were but too true & the causes of our dissatisfaction at your present actings but too just : we shall deal with you with that plainness and freedom , and sincerity that becometh brethren , for so we think it becometh us , to fulfil all righteousness : and so we think it expedient both for you and us , that we may the sooner come to a right understanding one of another . we could not be satisfied that there was any such need of more general officers ( the first occasion of this unhappy difference ) as that the parliament should be pressed to it so unseasonably , and so just a jealousie created in them that there was a design to set up a single person ( of which they had but so late , and so sad experience ) and we could not but think it sufficient for the security of the good interest , that the army was united under one head , the parliament . we were less satisfied , that after you declared your satisfaction and acquiescence in the votes of the house , you should endeavour by a new way to wrest the power out of their own hands , and to prosecute the same designe ; this making the army a corporation in a manner independent from the civil power , and creating to it an interest , distinct from that of the peoples , by whom they hitherto have , and still must live , and for whom they are by their engagements and duties bound to dye : and that after you knew the parliament had in effect disapproved your petition , you should still endeavour to get more hands to it , which neither the parliament , not we our selves could look upon any otherwise , then as a design to force the parliament to grant what they had already in effect disapproved , if not to do that which you say was done , at less then half an hours warning . but then that after the sad experience of so many confusions & tossings , which these poor nations had already felt by such actings as these , after the unhappy ( & since acknowledged unlawful ) former interruption of that ( by your selves called ) famous long parliament , after the confusions and distractions of that little one of your own , and not of the peoples choosing ; after the occasion by them given to some of setting up , and the necessity imposed on us of accepting a single person , contrary to our former engagements , and to our interests ; after our late renewed engagement , and our solemn and serious expressions of repentance , that you should so soon return to your former sin , and for the apparent interest of nine or ten persons ( who how pretious soever , yet cannot be worth the blood that may be shed in this quarrel ) to put a new force upon the parliament , and to destroy all lawful authority in the three nations , and to put them out of hopes of ever having any for the future , but what shall be at your disposals ; and to do these things in the name of the whole army , thereby usurping a power over your brethren , to which you have no right , and involving us in the same guilt with yours in the same actings , against which we are bound to protest before god and man : this is that which lieth the sorest upon our spirits ; this is that which wounds us deepest . this is that which must of necessity make the three nations slaves to the army the armies of scotland and ireland , slaves to that of england , and that of england to nine or ten persons , and perhaps in short time those nine or ten , to one single one . the best effect it can have must be that which you so much complain of in the armies plea , page . that all the pious and good people of this nation shall not enjoy a peaceable and quiet life in all godliness and hodesty , but onely some part of them . we cannot but in the name of the lord tell you , that these actings make us stink in the nostrils of the good people , and cause the name of god to be evil spoken of , and his enemies to rejoice . and yet you say , behold , what we have done ? and tell us in many , but very general terms , what good things you are for : we likewise are for good things as well as you ; we are for a free-state and commonwealth as well as you ; we are against a single person as well as you ; we are for reformation as well as you : we are as well as you for godliness and the nations to be exalted in righteousness ; if so be that you be indeed for these things which you pretend ▪ and that we differ not in the end as well as in the way to it ! but how can you be for good things , as long as you do that which is evil ? how can you be for a free state and common-wealth , if for the interest of nine or ten persons you dissolve parliaments ? to what purpose is it to be against a single person , if you be for nine or ten ; or for reformation , if you return so soon to former sins ? or , how can godliness or righteousness be exalted , by violent and unwarrantable means ? brethren , our daily prayer to god is , that we may not be necessitated to war with you ; but if we be , we must tell you that we do not precipitate our selves , or run rashly or inconsiderately into it ; we have had time , sadly and seriously to consider the whole matter , and we must deal plainly with you , and tell you , that what you pretend , you had not half an hours time to deliberate about , we have expected from you some weeks ; we could not but take notice that the occasion both of calling and interrupting this parliament , was , the making of general officers . how little desire we have of making a conquest over you , he knows who knows how little joy we should take in it ; if there were not something in the quarrel that is dearer to us than our lives , we should never undertake it . and now brethren , as yet dear and precious in our eyes , we beseech you for the mercies of jesus christ to lay these things to heart , and as we have done with , josh. . . . so to reflect seriously upon josh. . verse . and once more to take the shame to your selves , and to repent with a repentance not to be repented of . consider whose blood is to be shedd on both sides , what cause it is that lies at stake , who they are that are like to reap the benefit of our contentions : suffer not self or interest , nor desire of the things of this world , to intangle you again in the same snare , out of which you have so lately escaped ▪ lay not up your treasure in this world ▪ but seek first the kingdom of heaven ; do not evil , because you think good may come of it . finally brethren , stand fast in that liberty wherein christ hath made you free , and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage . the grace of our lord jesus christ be with you , amen . edinburgh , your most affectionate and afflicted brethren , and fellow-souldiers . post-script . dear brethren , vve intreat you not put so hard a name upon the necessary and short restraint of our brethren , as bonds ; we still own them and use them as brethren ; their pay is still continued to them , and the restraint put upon them , for their and your , and our security , and the security of all gods people , we hope will be very short , shorter than either you or we can expect : and take it not ill , we acted any thing without first sending to you , we acted nothing but what was necessary to our present safety , and we immediately sent our letters to you , which if they came not to your hand , it is not our faults : we have lately sent commissioners , men faithful and approved , whom we hope you will treat as brethren . for the right honourable the lord fleetwood , and the rest of the officers of that part of the army at london . the letter of the lord mayor , aldermen , and common council of the city of london ; to his excellency , the lord general monck . right honourable , vve dare not enter upon the answer to the merits of your excellencies letter of the th of november , which came to our hands the d of the same ( which was the first and onely that came to us ) without prefacing our hearty , and thankful admiring and acknowledging the transcendent mercy of god , in putting into your heart those pious and noble resolutions , to appear at such an exigent to be the glorious instrument in his hand , both to assert and vindicate the greatest interest , both civil and religious of these nations . and next , that your singular humility of spirit , and affection to this city , in communicating to us so early , those your just resolves , and inviting us to share in the honour of assisting , to the obtaining of those great and glorious ends , in which the happiness of these nations in general , and of the city , as a corporation , consists . in all which our spirits were both enlightned & warmed by a spark from your zeal , and actuated by god to a present activity in our sphere and capacity , in compliance with your excellencies advice , as we trust the whole world that hath seen our actings since the receipt of your letter , can bear us witness , and that we hope may be our sufficient plea for pardon for our not returning a more timely answer to your excellencies said letter . but we desire your excellency to believe , that was principally retarded by suspition cast on the authentiqueness of it , by those who had the confidence on that score to imprison the deliverers , and by the interposition of the forces here , and led out against your excellency , who lay in the passage to you. but now ( may it please your excellency ) seeing it hath pleased god in some measure to remove those obstructions , we presume by this to assert in vvriting , what vve hope all our actings , since the receipt of your excellencies advice , have evidenced . that vve have cordially concurred with your excellency , in disowing the authour of that force who interrupted the parliament , and ravish'd the birth-right of these nations , by daring to null and make void acts of parliament : and vve think , have contributed somewhat by gods blessing on our counsels , and actings , to the preventing of the sad consequences of that exorbitant presumption . how fully and entirely vve comply with your excellency , in asserting the authority and freedom of parliaments , and the just rights and liberties of the people , a national ministry , for the enlightning of the ignorant , and suppressing of atheism , vve humbly refer your excellency to our enclosed declaration , and do seriously assure your excellency , that vve shall ( by gods assistance ) persist faithfully and vigorously in this good cause : and praying god to preserve your excellency , and those noble commanders with you , in these your just , honourable , and christian undertakings , shall remain , your excellencies most affectionate and faithful friends and servants , the mayor , aldermen , and commons of the city of london in common-council assembled . in their names , and by their order , sadler . guildhall , london , decemb , . . this letter is conveighed by the sword-bearer of london , by the several directions of the lord mayor , aldermen , and court of common-council . the letter of his excellency , the lord gen. monck , in answer to the former letter . my lord , i received a letter from your lordship , and the rest of the common-council , of the th of december , and do humbly thank you for that great esteem which you are pleased to put upon our poor endeaours of the parliaments army under my command , far trancending our merits and services . as to those ends which we then declared for , i bless the lord i acted conscience , and i hope we were found in the way of duty , and are resolved by the grace of god to adhere to them , having found such wonderful blessings following us in these our just and honest undertakings . as your prudent counsels and couragious actings , were the great means under god of restoring this parliament to its just and lawful authority , so of the safety and welfare of the nations , for which i do for my self and the rest of the officers here , return my very hearty thanks , and we shall have ever cause to bless the lord for this great mercy , in putting into your hearts such righteous and honourable resolutions , to appear at such a time , when our liberties and properties , and all that is dear unto us , even the ordinances of our blessed saviour , were in such hazard . indeed , it was much in our hopes , that such a glorious city , that had redeemed themselves from slavery at the price of so much blood and treasure , and had been the great instruments in the hand of god , for the carrying on the work of reformation , and bringing three nations out of the captivity of tyranny and arbitrary government , could ever consent to such illegal and unjust proceedings . as we do acknowledge your great activity in promoting those great ends which we lately represented to you , so we do heartily thank you for the honour and encouragement , which you have been pleased in this your letter to give to the parliaments army here ; for our selves , we having nothing to seek ( we bless the lord ) in all this affair , but to endeavour the safety and settlement of these nations in general , and of the famous city in particular . we received your enclosed declaration , and do chearfully joyn with you therein . and i do promise you for the army under my command , that they are resolved ( by the assistance of god ) to stand by and maintain this present parliament , as it sate on october . from whom we received our commissions ; and do hope , that you that have been so eminently instrumental in their restoring , will heartily concur with us therein ; and shall to the utmost of our power defend the freedom of successive parliaments , and the liberties spiritual and civil of the people in these nations , and shall encourage in our stations , the godly and learned ministers , and shall continue faithful in this good cause , that the nations may be stablished in a free common-wealth , and the army kept in due obedience to the civil authority . and as we have experienced the great affection of your city in such a day of darkness and great tryal , so we shall ever study to the utmost , to express our services for you , and shall not think our lives too precious to hazard for your welfare . i think to wait upon you shortly , and shall reserve those further acknowledgments to that opportunity , and remain , your lordships very humble servant , george monck . new-castle jan. . . a letter sent from general monck ; superscribed , to the right honourable william lenthall , esquire , speaker to the right honourable the parliament of england . to be communicated to the rest of the members of parliament at london . right honourable , i received yours of the d . instant , and desire to return to our good god hearty thanks , that he hath been pleased to own and appear for his people in such glorious instances of mercy and deliverance . i bless the lord , i never doubted of his presence and success in this undertaking , being so righteous a cause ; and had long since put it to gods determination , but upon advertisements from friends in england , that if i could continue here without engaging till the first of january , the work would be done without blood . i cannot but admire upon what intelligence you should be perswaded of a second treaty : indeed i was inforced to make use of such an overture , to remove the commissioners from london , whom i cannot but blame for receding from their instructions ; but i hope they will give you a satisfactory account of their proceedings . yet i acknowledge that i could not but resent their carriage , having secured one of them for betraying the private instructions ; of which i doubt not but you have been fully informed . my last answer to the lord lambert , who sent several messengers to invite me to a second treaty , was , that i could not treat without authority from the commissioners for the government of the army , and to that end desired a pass for the same messengers to go to portsmouth to receive their commands and instructions ; who was returned back with this answer from lambert and the council of officers , that they could not consent thereunto : and since that , i have not heard from them . i have your army ( i bless god ) upon the river tweed , within three hours ready to be drawn together , and they are very chearful and unanimous , willing to endure any hardship for your service . the last night capt. campbelt came express from ireland , giving a full account of their affection to the parliament , and of the late transactions there ; that they had seized dublin castle , and secured jones and others , with a declaration to stand by and own your authority : for which ( on this instant ) we kept a day of thansgiving . they writ also to the irish brigade in england , which i dispatched to them . six hardress waller gives me an account , that all the forces and garrisons in ireland had declared for you . this is such a mercy , that i hope the lord will make us sensible of , and careful to improve . they required my opinion as to managing of the affairs of the army , which in such an urgent necessity i presumed to give . i have disposed of most of the vacant commands in scotland to very honest men , who are ready to dye for your service , or to disband at your command . and before your letter came to hand , i had disposed of col. saunders and major bartons commands the lord lamberts forces pressing upon me . i could not leave my vacant places unsupplied ; but i know that ( this work prospering ) you will have opportunity enough to gratifie them : capt. izods place is reserved for him according to your pleasure . i humbly thank the members of the council for that great honour that they were pleased to conferr upon me , and hope you never shall find but such an absolute obedience from me to your commands , that i shall be more ready to return that commission then to receive it . i believe that you never doubted of my persevering in those good principles i declared for , and that i should comfortably ( if the lord had pleased to frown upon us ) have suffered in this most righteous undertaking . i have made ready to march , but am unwilling to hazzard your justice and authority upon a fight , when it may be done with more security . i shall attend your further command , and desire the lord to bless your forces and counsels , and to restore you in your just authority ; which is both the prayer and endeavour of sir , your most humble and faithful servant george monck . caldstream , . december , . post-script . i thought fit to acquaint you , that my lord warreston hath endeavoured to stir up the people of this nation as much as he could against your interest . col. lyscot having been very faithful and active for the parliament in this undertaking , i entreat your lordships to be mindful of him for a regiment of horse . i have given him the command of a foot-regiment , but he was alwayes of horse , and is a very honest and stout gentleman , and fit to command a regiment of horse . i have sent your lordships the copies of my last letters , and of the officers here , to my lord lambert , and the officers of nen castle ; and also to the commissioners of parliament at portsmouth , that you may be acquainted with our transactions . major knight has col. saunders regiment , and capt. prime is major . i entreat you to communicate this to the rest of the worthy members of parliament with you . george monck . a letter sent by his excellency the lord general monck , to the congregated churches in and about london . honoured and dear friends , i received yours ; and am very sensible of your kindness ; which you have expressed to the army in scotland , in sending down such honourable and reverend persons , so long and tedious a journey , whom we have received with thankfulness and great joy , as your messengers of the churches , and ministers of christ ; and have taken notice of this office of l ve , and of your care of these three nations . i do promise for my trust , and the rest of the officers here , that your intrest , liberty , and encouragement , shall be very dear to us ; and we shall cake this as a renewed obligation ; to assert to the uttermost , what we have already declared for the churches of jesus christ . i doubt not , but you have received satisfaction of our inclination to a peace●b●e accommodation , and do hope that some difficulties being united , we shall obtain a fair composure . i do assure you , that the great things which have been upon my heart to secure and provide for , are our liberties and freedoms , as we ●re the subjects and servants of jesus christ , which are conveyed to us in the covenant of grace , assured in the promises , purchased for us by the blood of our saviour , and given as his great legacy to his churches and people ; in comparison of what , we esteem all other things as dung and dross , but as they have relation to , and dependance upon this most noble end : the other are our laws and rights as men , which must have their esteem in the second place , and for which many members of the churches hath been eminent instruments , to labour in sweat and blood for these eighteen years last past , and our ancestors many hundred years before ; the substance of which may be reduced to parliamentary government ; and the people consenting to the laws by which they are to be governed , that this priviledge of your nations , may be so bounded , that the churches may have both security and encouragement , is my great desire , and of those with me . so that i hope you will own these just things , and give us that assistance , which becometh the churches of christ , in pursuance of this work ; and we do assure you , that we shall comply as far as possible , with respect had to your security , and safety of these nations , and the preservation of our ancient birth-rights , and liberties ; and we shall pray that we may be kept from going out of gods way , under pretence of doing gods work . i do in the name of the whole army , and for my self , give you all our affectionate thanks for this your work of love , and though we are not able to make such returns , as are in our hearts and desires to do ; yet we shall endeavour by all means and wayes , to express our care and love to the churches ; and shall leave the reward to him , who is the god of peace and truth , in special assured a blessing to the peace-makers : and conclude with the words of david , sam. . . blessed be the lord god of israel , and blessed be your advice , and blessed be you all . now the lord be a wall of fire ronnd about you , and let his presence be in his churches , and they filled with his glory . i have no more , but to intreat your prayers for an happy issue to these unhappy differences ; which is the prayer of him , who is , reverend sirs , and dear friends , your very affectionate friend and servant , george monck . edinburgh , nov. . . for my reverend friends , dr. owen , mr. hook , mr. greenhil ; to be communicated to the churches in and about london . the lord generall monck his speech delivered by him in the parliament on munday , feb. . . mr. speaker ; amongst the many mercies of god to these poor nations , your peaceable restauration is not the least : it is his work alone , and to him belongs the glory of it : and i esteem it as a great effect of his goodness to me , that he was pleased to make me amongst many worthier in your service , some way instrumental in it . i did nothing but my duty , and do not deserve to receive so great honour and respect as you are pleased to give me at this time , and place ; which i shall ever acknowledge as an high mark of your favour to me . sir , i shall not now trouble you with large narratives , onely give me leave to acquaint you , that as i marcht from scotland hither , i observed the people in most counties in great and earnest expectations of settlement ; and they made severall applications to me , with numerous subscriptions : the chiefest heads of their desires , were , for a free and full parliament , and that you would determine your sitting ; a gospel ministry , incouragement of learning and universities , and for admittance of the members secluded before . without any previous oath or engagement . to which i commonly answered , that you are now in a free parliament ; and if there be any force remaining upon you , i would endeavour to remove it ; and that you had voted to fill up your house , and then you would be a full parliament also ; and that you had already determined your sitting : and for the ministry , their maintenance , the laws and universities , you had largely declared in your last declaration ; and i was confident you would adhere to it : but as for those gentlemen secluded in the year . i told them you had given judgment in it ; and all people ought to acquiesce in that judgment : but to admit any members to sit in parliament without a previous oath or engagement to secure the government in being , it was never yet done in england . and although i said it not then , i must say with pardon to you , that the less oaths and engagements are imposed , ( with respect had to the security of the common cause ) your settlement will be the sooner attained to . i am the more particular in these matters , to let you see how gratefull your present consultations about these things , will be to the people . i know all the sober gentry will heartily close with you , if they may be tenderly and gently used ; and i am sure you will so use them , as knowing it to be our common concern , to expatiate , and not narrow our interest ; and to be carefull neither the cavalier nor phanatique party have yet a share in your civil or military power ; of the last of whose impatience to government , you have had so severe experience . i should say something of ireland and scoland : indeed ireland is in an ill condition , and made worse by your sudden interruption , which pretended the passing an act for the settlement of the estates of adventures and souldiers there , which i heard you intended to have done in a few days ; and i presume it will be quickly done , being so necessary at this time ; when the wants of the common-wealth call for supplyes , and people will unwillingly pay taxes for those estates of which they have no legal assurance . i need not tell you how much your favour was abused in the nomination of your officers of your army there ; their malice hath been sufficiently manifested : i dare affirm that those now that have declared for you , will continue faithfull , and thereby evince that as well there , as here , it is the sober interest that must establish your dominion . as for scotland , i must say the people of that nation deserve much to be cherished ; and i believe your late declaration will much glad their spirits ; for nothing was more dreadfull to them , then a fear to be over-run with phanatique notions . i humbly recommend them to your affection and esteem , and desire the intended act of union may be prosecuted , and their takes made proportionable to those in england , for which i am engaged by promise to be an humble suitor to you . and truly , sir , i must ask leave to entreat you to make a speedy provision for their civil government , of which they have been destitute near a year , to the ruine of many families : and except commissioners for management of the government , and judges to sit in courts of judicature , be spedily appointed , that coutry will be very miserable . i directed mr. gumble lately to present to you some names , both of commissioners and judges : but by reason of your great affairs , he was not required to deliver them in writing to you ; but i now humbly present them to your consideration . a letter of his excellency the lord gen. monck , to the speaker of the parliament from guild-hall , london . right honourable , in obedience to the commands received from the council last night , i marched with your forces into the city this morning , and have secured all the persons except two , ordered to be secured , which two were not to be found : the posts and chains i have given order to be taken away , but have hitherto forborn the taking down of the gates and portcullises , because it will in all likelihood exasperate the city ; and i have good ground of hopes from them that they will levie the assess ; they desiring onely first to meet in common-council , which they intend to do to morrow morning . it seems probable to me , that they will yield obedience to your commands , and be brought to a friendly compliance with you ; for which reason i have suspended the execution of your commands touching the gates and portcullises , till i know your further pleasure therein , which i desire i may by this bearer : i shall onely desire that ( so your commands may be answered with due obedience ) such tenderness may be used towards them , as may gain their affections : they desired the restauration of those members of their common-council that are secured ; which desires of theirs i shall only commend to your grave consideration , to do therein as you shall think most expedient ; and , in attendance upon your further commands , remain your most humble and obedient servant . george monck . guild-hall , feb. . . to the right honourable william lenthal , speaker to the parliament of the common-wealth of england at westminster . postscript . i shall become an humble suiter to you , that you will be pleased to hasten your qualifications , that the writs may be sent out ; i can assure you it will tend much to the peace of the country , and satisfie many honest men . thursday afternoon , feb. . this letter from general george monck from guild-hall , london , of the th of february , . was read . resolved upon the question by the parliament , that the answer to this letter be , to send general monck the resolve of the parliament , that the gates of the city of london , and the portcullises thereof be forthwith destroyed ; and that he be ordered to put the said vote in execution accordingly , and that mr. scot and mr. pury do go to general monck and acquaint him with these votes . tho. st. nicholas , clerk to the parliament . thursday , february . . resolved upon the question by the parliament , that the gates of the city of london , and the portcullises thereof be forthwith destroyed ; and that the commissioners for the army do take order that the same be done accordingly . tho. st. nicholas , clerk to the parliament . a letter from his excellencie the lord general monck , and the officers under his command , to the parliament ; in the name of themselves , and the souldiers under them : dated the . of february , . with the parliaments answer thereunto . mr. speaker , vve cannot but with thankfulness acknowledge the wonderful goodness of god to you , in your return to the discharge of your remaining trust ; and your forces under our commands ( after some difficulties ) in bringing of us by a tedious march in such safety to this place , to wait upon you in asserting the freedoms of our native countrey : and being here ( as we have to our utmost hazard and power been instrumental in your return ) so we shall be still ready to pursue your commands so far as possibly we may . to evidence which , we have observed and executed your late orders in relation to the chains , posts , and gates of the city : which was some hing grievous to us , and to the officers and souldiers under out commands ; and that because we do not remember any such thing that was acted upon this city in all these wars ; and we fear that many sober people are much grieved at it & apprehend farther force to be offered to them , while they seem principally to desire the speedy filling up of the house , which you have declared for , as well as we have express'd our just desires of : and are apt to doubt , left what we have done may be so far from answering the expected end , as that it may encrease the discomposure of mens spirits in the nation . upon this occasion , it comes fresh into our minds , that when by the treachery of some officers of the army you were interrupted : we declared to the world , that the ground of our undertaking was not only your return to your trust , but also the vindication of the liberties of the people , and the preservation of the right of our countrey , the protection and encouragement of the godly and faithfull therein , as the establishment of the peace of these nations . which declarations ma●e before the lord , angels , and men , in the day of our extremity , we ( as we expect the blessing of the lord upon our future undertakings ) cannot but still own , and stand by . we find that the asserting of the just liberties of the people , is that which the generality of the nation is much in expectation of ; and that many sober people ( together with our selves ) are under fears , left this great price that god hath put into your and our hands , ( as your servants ) should not be improved , but that we shall run in confusion again . therefore we humbly crave leave to present before you some grounds of our fears : we are affraid that the late wonderfull and unparallell'd deliverance , is not so publickly and solemnly acknowledged as it might be , that the lord ( who wrought so stupendiously ) may have the glory of all : we are troubled that some as yet do sit in the house , who are impeached of treason : we cannot but observe that divers members of your house , ( who contrary to their trust , acted in that illegal and tirannical committee of safety ) are not actually disabled from sitting there : notwithstanding colonel lambert hath onely the vote of indemnity to secure him from as high crimes as have been committed in this nation , and is not obedient to your orders , yet he seemeth to be winked at . we understand that sir . henry vane upon bare pretence is permitted to stay about the city , to the great dissatisfaction of your best friends ; that there are dangerous consultations , and that of those who had a chief hand in your late interruption , and the hazzarding of the whole nations , contrary to our expectation . we find continued in the army some persons of dangerous principles , and such who were active enough in the late defection . though we are far from wishing the ruine of any , yet we could desire that your signal indulgence to late notorious offenders , did meet with that candid reception from them , as to be so much the more ingenuous in their professed . repentance : but we observe that many of them do seek to justifie themselves , and are not without their agents in print to palliate their foul enormities ; which maketh us yet to suspect that we are in some danger of returning into the late distempers that you and the nation are but newly delivered from . we are not ignorant , that there are those who lately struck at the root of english parliaments in practice and design , thereby have inflamed the nation , and given great advantage to the common enemy , yet they are not without a strange confidence to precipitate men into a belief , that they are not only persons against the one , and for the other . with grief of heart we do remember and would lament over the too palpable breach of engagements in this nation ; therefore we should think it a duty rather to mourn over the same , then to promote any new oath to be taken at this time : yet we perceive that there is a design to provoke the parliament to enforce an oath upon the nation , and to take notice , that amongst others there are some who are most forward to promote the said design , who have made the least ( if any ) conscience in keeping engagements already taken . here we must not silence our deep resentment of a bold petition , and of dangerous consequence , which was lately presented to you , the consequence whereof ( if you should answer their desires ) would be to exclude many of the most conscientious and sober sort of men from serving under you in civil and military imployments , who have and would prove themselves most faithfull , and a doore would be opened in design to retrive the interest of those who have ( by the just hand of our gracious god ) made themselves so apparently obnoxious . moreover ( which is not the least part of the venome of that petition ) we clearly see the same spirit which of late would have pull'd away the by-you-declared-just maintenance from ministers , would now provoke you by an oath to endanger the forcing away of many of the most godly from their maintenance . in urging our fears from the premises that concerns some of different principles from us , we would not be thought to ( as we do not ) design any thing that may incurre the censure of unjust rigidity . we freely profess our desires ▪ that tenderness of conscience may have its full just liberty , but we cannot in judgement account ▪ that tenderness of conscience which will not scruple at treachery it self , or any unrighteousness to carrey on corrupt designes . having presented you with our fears , we shall adde our resolutions , that by the help of god we shall stand by you in the pursuance of what we have declared for ; and therefore do make this humble request to you : we could desire , that whilst you sit , your utmost endeavours may be to manifest your affectionate desires for the publick good of these nations ; our further desire is , that those regiments underyour consideration ( whose officers are not ) may be spedily pass'd . and in regard we find that the grand cause of the present heats and dissatisfactions in the nation is , because they are not fully represented in parliament , and seeing no other probable expedient whereby to keep the nation in peace , then by filling up your number ; we must therefore make this our main desire , upon which we cannot but insist , that you would proceed to issue forth writts in order to elections : for the better effecting whereof we entreat , that you would conclude upon due and full qualifications , that not only those who have been actually in arms against the parliament may be excluded , but also such who in the late wars betwixt king and parliament , have declared their dis-affection to the parliament : and because the distracted condition of this nation is at this hour so evident and pressing , we are constrained for the just maintenance of your authority , and the satisfaction of all true english men , earnestly to desire , that all the writs may be issued forth by friday next , returnable at the usuall and legall time ; for we think it convenient to acquaint you , that to pacific the minds of this great city , in the prosecution of your late command , the chief of us did give an assurance thereof . and we must not forget to remember you , that the time hastens wherein you have declared your intended dissolution ; which the people and our selves desire you would be punctual in . hereby the suspition of your perpetuation will be taken away , and the people will have assurance that they shall have a succession of parliaments of their own election ; which is the undoubted right of the english nation . you have promised and declared no less : both the people and your armies do live in the hope and expectation of it . that we may the better wait for your full and free concurrence to these just desires on the nations behalf : upon mature deliberation we have thought it our duty as to continue the usual guards for the safety of your fitting , so for the present to draw the rest of the forces under command into the city , that we may have the better opportunity to compofe spirits and beget a good understanding in that great city , formerly renowned for their resolute adhering to parliamentary authority , and we hope that the same spirit will be found still to breath amongst the best , most considerable and interessed persons there . this action of ours , as we hope it will receive your favourable interpretation , so we do believe it will ( through the blessing of god ) be of good use for the present peace , and future settlement of these nations . these are our thoughts which we communicate to you , in the names of our selves , and the officers and souldiers under our commands , we are your honours most humble servants , george monck colonels . tho. randers . leon . litcot . io. clobery . io. hublethorne . tho. read . ra. knight , dan. redman . ethelbert morgan , lieut. col. nathaniel barton , major . majors . tho. johnson . ier. smith . tho. pryme . fra. nichols . pet. banister . white-hall feb. . . saturday , feb. . upon the reading of the letter the house resolved , that the thanks of this house be given unto general monck for his faithfull service in securing the city , and that as to filling up of the house , the parliament were upon the qualifications before the receipt of the said letter : and the same will be dispatch'd in due time . the speech and declaration of his excellency the lord generall monck , delivered at whitehall upon tuesday the february , . ordered by his excellency the lord general , that this speech and declaration be forthwith printed and published . william clarck , secretary . gentlemen , you are not i hope , ignorant , what care and endeavours have been used , and means essayed , for healing the broaches of our divisions amongst our selves , and that in order thereunto divers conferences have been procured between you , though to small effect ; yet having at length received fuller satisfaction from these worthy gentlemen that were secluded then formerly ; i was bold to put you all to the trouble of this meeting , that i might open my self to you all even with more freedome then formerly : but least i might be mis-apprehended or mistaken , as of late it besell me , i have committed to writing the heads of what i intended to discourse to you , and desire it may be read openly to you all . the declaration of his excellencie the lord general monck . delivered at vvhite hall upon tuesday the of feb. . gentlemen , it appears unto me , by what i have heard from you and the whole nation , that the peace and happy settlement of these bleeding nations , next under god , lyeth in your hands . and when i consider that wisdom , piety , and self denial , which i have reason to be confident , lodgeth in you , and how great a share of the nations sufferings will fall upon you , in case the lord deny us now a settlement , i am in very good hopes there will be found in you all , such melting bowels towards these poor nations , and towards one another , that you will become healers and makers up of all its woful breaches . and that such an opportunity may clearly appear to be in your hands , i thought good to assure you , and that in the presence of god , that i have nothing before my eyes but gods glory , and the settlement of these nations , upon common-wealth foundations . in pursuit whereof i shall think nothing to dear ; and for my own particular i shall throw my self down at your feet , to be any thing or nothing in order to these great ends . as to the way of future settlement , far be it from me to impose any thing , i desire you may be in perfect freedom ; onely give me leave to mind you , that the old foundations are by gods providence so broken , that in the eye of reason , they cannot be restored , but upon the ruines of the people of these nations , that have engaged for their rights in defence of the parliament , and the great and main ends of the covenant for uaiting and making the lords name one in the three nations : and also the liberty of the peoples representatives in parliament will be certainly lost , for if the people finde , that after so long and bloody a war , against the king for break ng in upon their l●berties , yet at last he must be taken in again , it will be out of question , and is most manifest , he may for the future govern by his will , dispose of parliaments , and parliament-men as he pleaseth , and yet the people will never more rise for their assistance . and as to the interests of this famous city ( which hath been in all ages the bulwork of parliaments , and unto whom i am for their great affection so deeply engaged ) certainly it must lie in a commonwealth ; that government onely , being capable to make them ( through the lords blessing ) the metropolis and bank of trade for all christendom , whereunto god and nature hath fitted them above all others . and as to a government in the church , the want whereof hath been no small cause of these nations distractions ; it is most manifest , that if it be monarchicall in the state , the church must follow , and prelacy must be brought in , which these nations i know cannot bear , and against which they have so solemnly sworn . and indeed moderate not rigid presbyterian government , with a sufficient liberty for consciences truly tender , appears at present to be the most indifferent and acceptable way to the churches settlement . the main thing that seems to lye in the way , is the interest of the lords , even of those lords who have shewed themselves noble indeed , by joyning with the people ; and in defence of those just rights , have adventured their dearest blood and large estates . to that i shall onely say , that though the state of these nations be such , as cannot bear their sitting in a distinct house , yet certainly , the wisdom of parliament will find out such hereditary marks of honour for them , as may make them more noble in after ages . gentlemen , upon the whole matter the best result that i can make at present for the peace of these nations will be in my opinion , that you forthwith sit together in parliament : in order , . to the setling the conduct of armies of the three nations in that manner , as they may be serviceable to the peace and safty of them , and not to its own and the nations ruine , by faction and division . . to the providing sufficient maintenance for them ; that is for the forces by land , and for the navy by sea , and all their arrears of both , and other contingencies of the government . . to the appointing a council of state with authority to settle the civil government and judicatories in scotland and ireland , and to take care for the issuing forthe writs , for the summoning of a parliament of these three nations united , to meet at westminster the . day of april next , with such qualifications as may secure the publick cause we are all ingaged in , and according to such distributions as were used in the year , . which parliament , so called , may meet and act in freedom , for the more full establishing of this common-wealth , without a king , single person , or house of lords . . to a legal dissolution of this parliament to make way for succession of parliaments , and in order to these good ends , the guards will not onely willingly admit you , but faithfully both my self , and every the officers under my command , and ( i believe ) the o ficers and souldiers of the three nations will spend their blood for you and successive parliaments . if your conjunction be directed to this end , you may part honourably , having made a fair step to the settlement of these nations , by making a way for successive parliaments . but i must needs say , that if any different councels should be taken ( which i have no reason to fear : ) these nations would presently be thrown back into force and violence , and all hopes of this much desired establishment buried in disorder which the lord in his great mercy i hope will prevent . and so god speed you well together , and unite your hearts for the preservation of peace and settlement of these nations to his own glory and yours , and all our comforts . a letter from his excellency the lord general monck , and the officers under his command ; to the parliament , in the name of themselves and the souldiers under them . mr. speaker , we cannot but with thankfulnesse acknowledge the wonderful goodnesse of god to you in your return to the discharge of your remaining trust ; to our selves , and your forces under our commands , ( after some difficulties ) in bringing of us , by a tedious march , in such safty to this place , to wait upon you in asserting the freedoms of our native country : and being here ( as wee have to our utmost hazard and power been instrumental in your return , so ) we shall be 〈◊〉 ready to pursue your commands so far as possibly we may . to evidence which , we have observed and executed your late orders in relation to the chains , posts , and gates of the city , which was something grievous to us , and to the officers and souldiers under our commands ; and that because we do not remember any such thing was acted upon this city in all these wars ; and we fear that many sober people are much grieved at it , and apprehend further force to be offered to them , while they seem principally to desire the speedy filling up of the house , which you have declared for , aswell as we have exprest our just desires of , and are apt to doubt , lest , what we have done may be so far from answering the expected end , as that it may increase the discomposure of mens spirits in the nation . upon this occasion , it comes fresh into our minds , that when by the trechery of some officers of the army you were interrupted , we declared to the world that the ground of our undertaking was not onely your return to your trust , but also , the vindication of the liberties of the people , and the preservation of the rights of our country , and protection and encouragement of the godly and faithful therein , as the establishment of the peace of these nations . which declarations made before the lord , angels and men , in the day of our extreamity , we ( as we expect the blessing of the lord upon our future undertakings ▪ ) cannot but still own , and stand by . we find that the asserting of the just liberties of the people , is that which the generality of the nation is much in expectation of ; and that many sober people ( together with our selves ) are under fears lest this great price that god hath put into your and our hands , ( as your servants ) should not be improved , but that we shall run in confusion again . therefore we humbly crave leave to present before you some grounds of our fears : we are afraid that the late wonderful and unparalel'd deliverance , is not so publickly and solemnly acknowledged as it might be , that the lord ( who wrought so stupendiously ) may have the glory of all : we are troubled that some as yet do sit in the house , who are impeached of treason : we cannot but observe that divers members of your house , ( who contrary to their trust , acted in that illegal and tyrannical committee of safety ) are not actually disabled from sitting there : notwithstanding colonel lambert hath onely the vote of indemnity to secure him from as high crimes as have been committed in this nation , and is not obedient to your orders , yet he seemeth to be winked at . we understand that sir henry vane upon bare pretence is permitted to stay about the city , to the great dissatisfaction of your best friends ; that there are dangerous consultations , and that of those who had a chief hand in your late interruption , and the hazarding of the whole nations , contrary to our expectation . we find continued in the army some persons of dangerous principles , and such who were active enough in the late defection . though we are far from wishing the ruine of any , yet we could desire that your signal indulgence to late notorious offenders , did meet with that candid reception from them , as to be so much the more ingenuous in their professed repentance : but we observe that many of them do seek to justifie themselves , and are not without their agents in print to palliate their soul enormities ; which maketh us yet to suspect that we are in some danger of returning to the late distempers that you and the nation are but newly delivered from . we are not ignorant , that there are those who lately struck at the root of english parliaments in practice and design , thereby have inflamed the nation , and given great advantage to the common enemy , yet they are not without a strange confidence to precipitate men into a belief , that they are the onely persons against the one , and for the other . with grief of heart we do remember and would lament over the too palpable breach of engagements in this nation ; therefore we should think it a duty rather to mourn over the same , then to promote any new oath to be taken at this time . yet we perceive that there is a designe to provoke the parliament to enforce an oath upon the nation , and do take notice , that amongst others ▪ there are some who are most forward to promote the said design , who have made the least ( if any ) conscience in keeping engagements already taken . here we must not silence our first resentment of a bold petition , and of dangerous consequence , which was lately presented to you , the consequence whereof ( if you should answer their desires ) would be to exclude many of the most conscientious and sober sort of men from serving under you in civil and military imployments , who have and will prove themselves most faithful ; and a door would be opened in designe to retrive the inter●st of those who have ( by the just hand of our gracious god ) made themselves to apparently obnoxious . moreover ( which is not the least part of the venome of that petition ) we clearly see the same spirit , which of late would have pull'd away the by you declared just maintenance from ministers , would now provoke you by an oath to endanger the forcing away of many of the most godly from their maintenance . in urging our fears from the premises that concerns some of different principles from us , we would not be thought to ( as we do not ) design any thing that may incur the censure of unjust rigidity . we freely professe our desires , that tendern●sse of conscience may have its full just liberty , but we cannot in judgment count that tendernesse of conscience which will not scruple at treachery it self , or any unrighteousnesse to carry on corrupt designes . having presented you with our fears , we shall adde our resolution , that by the help of god we shall stand by you in the pursuance of what we have declared for : and therefore do make this humble request to you. we could desire , that whilst you sit , your utmost endeavours may be to manifest your affectionate desires for the publick good of these nations ; our further desires is , that those regiments under your consideration ( whose officers who are not ) may be speedily passed . and in regard we find that the grand cause of the present heats and dis-satisfactions in the nation is , because they are not fully represented in parliament , and seeing no other probable expedient whereby to keep the nation in peace , then by filling up your number ; we must therefore make this our main desire , upon which we cannot but insi●t , that you would proceed to issue forth writs in order to erections : for the better effecting whereof we entreat , that you would conclude upon due and full qualifications , that not onely those who have been actually in arms against the parliament may be excluded ▪ but also such who in the late wars betwixt king and parliament have declared their disaffection to the parliament : and because the distracted condition of this n●tion is at this hour so evident and pressing , we are constrained for the just maintenance of your authority and the satisfaction of all true english-men , earnestly to desire , that all the writs may be issued forth by friday next , returnable at the usual and legal time , for we think it convenient to acquaint you , that to pacific the minds of this great city , in the prosecution of your late commands , the chief of us did give an assurance thereof . and we must not forget to rememeber you , that the time hastens wherein you have declared your intended dissolution , which the people and our selves desire you would be punctual in . hereby the suspition of your perpetuation will be taken away , and the people will have assurance that they shall have a succession of parliaments of their own election ; which is the undoubted right of the english nation : you have promised and declared no lesse : both the people and your armies do live in the hope and expectation of it . that we may the better wait for your full and free concurrence to these just desires on the nations behalf , upon mature deliberation , we have thought it our duty as to continue the usual guards for the safety of your sitting , so for the present to draw the rest of the forces under our command into the city , that we may have the better opportunity to compose spirits , and beget a good understanding in that great city , formerly renowned for their resolute adhering to the parliamentary authority , and we hope that the same spirit will be found still to breath amongst the best , most considerable and and interessed persons there . this action of ours , as we hope it will receive your favourable interpretation , so we do believe it will ( through the blessing of god ) be of good use for the present peace , acd future settlement of these nations . these are our thoughts which we communicate to you , in the names of our selves , and the officers and soulders under our commands , we are , your honours most humble servants george monck . colonels . tho. sanders . leon litcot . jo. clobery . jo. hubblethorne . tho. read . ra. knight . dan. redman ethelbert morgan , lieut. col. nathaniel barton , major . majors . tho johnson . jer. smith . phil. pryme . fra. nichols . peter banister white hall , feb. . . a letter from the lord general monck , and the officers here , to the several and respective regiments , and other forces in england scotland and ireland . dear brethren and fellow-souldiers , you cannot be ignorant of the many endeavours , and earnest desires of many good men in these nations , to bring us to a settlement ; which it hath pleased god to dis-appoint unto this day , and leave us as a broken and divided people , ready to run into blood and confusion : which that we might prevent so great calamities impending , after our earnest seeking god for his direction and assistance , we find no expedient so likely , for the satisfaction of the good people , and the quiet and welfare of this common-w●●l●h , as the re-admission of the secluded members , in order to a legal dissolution of this parliament by their own free consents ; and to issue writs for a future full representative of the whole common-wealth of england , scotland and ireland , under such qualifications , as may secure our cause , ●o convene on the twentieth of april next at westminster , for the establishing this common wealth upon the foundations of justice and true freedom . and to take away all just jealousies from you , we do assure you , that we shall joyn with you in the maintenance of those ends , expressed in the enclosed 〈◊〉 and do expect your chearful concurrence with us . and we desire to take god to witnesse , that we have no inten ions or purposes to return to our old bondage : but since the providence of god hath made us free at the cost of so much blood , we hope we shall never be found so unfaithful to god and his people , as to lose so glorious a cause . but we do resolve with the assistance of god , to adhere to you in the continuing of our dear purchased liberties both spiritual and civil . the reason of o●r proceedings in this manner may seem strange : but if you duly consider the necessities of our affairs , and the present state of things , you will certainly conclude nothing so safe to secure publick interest , and to engage the nations peaceably to submit to a free state ; most of these members having given us full assurance , that their session in parliament shall not be longer than absolute necessity will require , to the putting the government into successive parliaments ; they not being free so to act by the old writs , as when they shall be called upon a common-wealth account ; and its the opinion of the truest friends to a free state , that it cannot be consistent with the perpetual sitting of these members , being contrary to the nature of such a government . and as we are confident the present parliament now sitting , will not repeal any of the acts , ordinances , or orders of this parliament , for sales of publick disposition of lands ; so we shall in our station observe , and cause to be observed , all other acts and ordinances of this parliament whatsoever ; and humbly interpose with the next succeeding parliament , not only to passe a further act of confirmation of all such sales and dispositions of lands , here & in scotland but also of all the distributions and dispositions of lands and houses in ireland , to the souldiery , adventurers , or any other persons , made by or in pursuance of any of the acts , ordinances , or orders of this present parliament , or any pretended parliamentary authority . and we entreat you to send up an officer , to give to the lord general monck an account of your acquiescence with us herein . and if any dis-affected persons shall hereby take occasion to make disturbance of the peace of the common wealth either in favour of charles stuart , or any other pretended authority , we desire you to secure them , till the pleasure of the parliament or council of state be known in that behalf : you shall speedly receive encouragement & supplies of monies : and indeed , it was not the least motive to induce us to this way of composure of affairs , that we might facilitate the raising of monies for the subsistance of the army and navy ; which would not otherwise have been done ( if at all ) but with effusion of blood . we have nothing more at this time , but to assure you that we shall ever remain , dear brethren and fellow-soldiers , your very affectionte friends , george monck . cols r. knight john clobery tho. read jo. hubblethorne leonard litcot tho. sanders william eyre rich. mosse william farley arthur evelin john streater jo. butler . quart. ma. gen. l. cols ethelbert morgan james mutlow james emerson joseph witter dennis pepper . majs . james dennis rich wagstaff th. johnson fra. nichols jer. smith nath. barton tho. higgs john clark capts. w. goodwin hen. ogle white hall feb. . . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a e- that was his speech at the re-admitting the secluded members . a letter of his excellencie the lord general monck, to the speaker of the parl. from guild-hall, london albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) a letter of his excellencie the lord general monck, to the speaker of the parl. from guild-hall, london albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . england and wales. parliament. sheet ([ ] p.) printed by john macock, in the year . [i.e. ] london : dated: guildhall feb . . includes two parliamentary responses, both dated: thursday, february . . enquiring whether he shall destroy the gates and portcullises of the city of london. annotation on thomason copy: "feb: ." reproduction of the original in the british library. eng london (england) -- history -- th century -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no a letter of his excellencie the lord general monck, to the speaker of the parl. from guild-hall, london. albemarle, george monck, duke of a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - john pas sampled and proofread - john pas text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a letter of his excellencie the lord general monck , to the speaker of the parl. from guild-hall , london . right honourable , in obedience to the commands received from the council last night , i marched with your forces into the city this morning , and have secured all the persons except two , ordered to be secured , which two were not to be found : the posts and chaines i have given order to be taken away , but have hitherto forborn the taking down of the gates and portcullises , because it will in all likelihood exasperate the city ; and i have good ground of hopes from them , that they will levy the assess ; they desiring onely first to meet in common-council , which they intend to do to morrow morning . it seems probable to me , that they will yeild obedience to your commands , and be brought to a friendly complyance with you ; for which reason i have suspended the execution of your commands touching the gates and portcullises , till i know your further pleasure therein , which i desire i may by this bearer ; i shall onely desire , that ( so your commands may be answered with due obedience ) such tenderness may be used towards them , as may gain their affections ; they desired the restauration of those members of their common-council that are secured , which desires of theirs i shall onely commend to your grave consideration , to do therein as you shall think most expedient , and , in attendance upon your further commands , remain guildhall feb . . your most humble and obedient servant . george monck . to the right honourable william lenthal , speaker to the parliament of the common-wealth of england at westminster . postscript . i shall become an humble suiter to you , that you will be pleased to hasten your qualifications , that the writs may be sent out ; i can assure you it will tend much to the peace of the country , and satisfie many honest men . thursday afternoon , january . . this letter from general george monck from guild-hall , london , of the th of february , , was read . resolved , upon the question by the parliament , that the answer to this letter be , to send general monck the resolve of the parliament , that the gates of the city of london , and the portcullises thereof be forthwith destroyed ; and that he be ordered to put the said vote in execution accordingly , and that m. scot and m. pury do go to general monck and acquaint him with these votes . tho. st. nicholas , clerk to the parliament . thursday , february . . resolved upon the question by the parliament , that the gates of the city of london , and the portcullises thereof be forthwith destroyed , and that the commissioners for the army do take order that the same be done accordingly . tho. st. nicholas , clerk to the parliament . london , printed by john macock , in the year . a declaration of general monck touching the king of scots, and his proclamation published by sound of trumpet, at the head of each regiment, upon his marching with nine thousand horse and foot for berwick : with the engagement taken, and subscribed by the scottish lords, knights, and gentlemen, and the warrants and commissions, sent from sir arthur haslerigg, and the rest of the parliaments commissioners at portsmouth, to the high sheriffs of the western counties. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing a ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a declaration of general monck touching the king of scots, and his proclamation published by sound of trumpet, at the head of each regiment, upon his marching with nine thousand horse and foot for berwick : with the engagement taken, and subscribed by the scottish lords, knights, and gentlemen, and the warrants and commissions, sent from sir arthur haslerigg, and the rest of the parliaments commissioners at portsmouth, to the high sheriffs of the western counties. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . charles ii, king of england, - . p. printed for nathaniel bradley, london : . reproduction of original in huntington library. eng great britain -- history -- puritan revolution, - . a r (wing a ). civilwar no a declaration of general monck touching the king of scots; and his proclamation, published by sound of trumpet, at the head of each regiment albemarle, george monck, duke of c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a declaration of general monck touching the king of scots ; and his proclamation , published by sound of trumpet , at the head of each regiment ; upon his marching with nine thousand horse and foot for berwick . with the engagement taken , and subscribed by the scottish lords , knights , and gentlemen ; and the warrants and commissions , sent from sir arthur haslerigg , and the rest of the parliamen●s commissioners at portsmouth , to the high-sheriffs of the western counties . london , printed for nathaniel bradley , . a proclamation from general monck ; published at the head of each respective regiment , both of horse and foot , upon their advance towards england . vpon the advance of general monck with his army towards berwick proclamation was made at the head of each respective regiment , both of horse and foot , for all persons whatsoever , either officers and souldiers , that could not freely , willingly , or consciously , engage with him , in this present expedition , to lay down their arms , and depart the army ; and that for his own part , he had a deep sense of this great and national affair , having just grounds of dissatisfaction , and that he could not comply with any , who should refuse , or seem dubious , to stand or adhere to a warrantable concurrence : his undertakings being such , that the candour of his heart bore him testimony and evidence of the justness of his cause ; and that he ought not to violate the authority of parliaments , whose legislative power and freedom ▪ every individual member were bound to assert and maintain , after such solemn assurances of faithfulness and obedience ; and to assert the honour and integrity of such noble patriots , who for many years had undergone a labyrinth of troubles , and stood even in the very gap and gulph of the ruines , desolations , and miseries , that for many yeaars threatned these distracted , divided , and bleeding nations . proclamation being thus made by sound of trumpet , the army drew off in a regimental way from hadington towards berwick , where general monck caused a declaration to be published , intimating ▪ the integrity of his heart , and the sincerity of his cau e ; that he held a detestation of that horrid impiety , to raise himself by the ruine of others , that he was none of tho e that sought great things to himself : that he was forced with the parliaments army under his command , to bear testimony against the violence of those , who shall endeavour an absolute extirpation of the peoples rights and priviledges , and that he is resolved to use the utmost of his endeavours , to remove the late force put upon the parliament members : that no means shall be left by him unassayed , for preservation of the peace of the commonwealth , in obedience to the parliament ; taking god to witness , the integrity of his present design and intentions , and that he abhors the very thoughts of introducing any arbitrary power , being resolved to spend his blood in opposition to any single person whatsoever : that he doubts not but the justness of his cause will crown his endeavours , being resolved to leave the successe to the most high , and to hazard all for the glory of god , and the good of his people . upon his departure from edenbrough , an engagement was tender'd to the assembly of lords and gentlemen , which they subscribed ; assuring him , in the name of themselves , and the whole nation , that they will not own the interest of charles stuart , but endeavour the preservation of the peace of their country , against all attempts whatsoever . having thus setled the country in a posture of defence , orders were issued forth for the army to march towards the borders ; which the lord lambert understanding , immediately gave order for the advance of his forces ; so that both armies being upon motion , several regiments of horse and foot are matched into northumberland ; and 't is reported , that general monck is advanced over berwick bridge , and that some engagement hath hapned , and a small party of horse routed : but this being various , we shall not blot paper with any such circumstances : considering , that the interests of several persons do ballance the scales according to their affections : however , thus much is ascertain'd , that the army under the conduct of general monck consists of about nine thousand horse and foot , and that the lord lambert is neer upon eleven thousand . by the last express from portsmouth , on saturday last , it is certified , that a party of horse came as far as gosper , and faced the town , but afterwards wheeled off at a further distance . seven troops are also marched from petersfield towards chichester , and some commotions are feared about exceter . the foot that marched from london was met on saturday last between lookhup and petersfield , and intended to arrive before portsmouth the th instant . which place is said to be supplyed with great store of provision and ammunition , having above threescore pieces of ordnance . col. morley , and the rest of the members of the old parliament , having consulted the publick affairs in general , and setled that garrison , dispatched ( as we hear ) sundry letters to the governours of several castles and garrisons , inciting them to a return of their former duty , and to alienate their affections from the army . but how it is rescented , the relations are various , and the several reports as dubious : for some report the isle and castle of portland to be in safe hands , and that cowes and hurst castle in the isle of wight have undergone some tamperings : as also carisbrook castle : what further shall accrue , upon these national transactions , we shall endeavour to make obvious , by our next : humbly imploring , that the signal manifestations of gods most gracious presence , may enlighten the sons of men in these dark and gloomy times , and to work our deliverance from the inevitable ruine and mischiefs , which are now aggravated by our manifold divisions . upon the arrive of this suddain change and alteration , in so considerable a garrison as portsmouth , it was ordered , that a considerable body of horse and foot should be forthwith sent down into the western parts , to reduce that garrison , or block it up : and accordingly the lord disbrow was made choice of , as commander in chief for that expedition , who advanced with several troops of horse from westminster , and on tuesday night last colonel hewsons regiment of foot began their march from the city of london , and five companies of colonel gibbons regiment from the borough of southwark who were met on friday last above twenty miles on their way towards portsmouth , the horse being in the van , who are somewhat impeded in their march , by the present season , and inclemency of the weather . notwithstanning , willing they are , to embrace all timely opportunities , for the obviating all dangerous and pernitious designs and enterprises , that may any wayes prove obnoxious and destructive to the publike peace and welfare of these nations : in order whereunto , all possible care is taken , for the way-laying , stopping , and guarding the several avenues and passes , porting and leading to the town , that so the reducing of it may prove the more facile , and the work expedited , which otherwi●e may introduce various contingencies & mutations , the spirits of the people being exceeding inclinable therunto : occ sioned by the deplorable revolutions , and a general decay of trade , as doth exceed the greatest of presidents in former times . sir arthur hasilrigg , colonel morley , and colonel walton , have issued forth warrants , for the raising of forces in the western counties , according to the power given them by act of parliament for the commanding of the army . the forces sent from london are arrived in those parts , and have faced the town ; but there is li●tle hopes ( as yet ) of attiquing the place . the garrison is re-inforced with additional supplies , and many of the gentry are joyned with them ; but colonel norton ( we hear ) declines engaging . there is free access into the town by sea , and the frigats which lay in the harbour have been coasting up and down , and have brought in some supplies . they were lately at faymouth , and from thence went towards plymouth , but are since returned . the commissions issued forth for raising of the countreyes , have been sent to divers gentlemen in those parts ; but we do not hear of the embodying of any forces , since the dispiersing of those in sussex . finis . the particulars of all the late bloody fight at sea on thursday and friday last. with a list of the losse on both sides from the beginning to the end. the horrid designe of van trump to murther the english. and an account of the whole fight: signified by a letter from both the generals at sea, to his excellency the lord generall cromwell june . . appointed to be printed by speciall order. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason e _ ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing p thomason e _ estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; :e [ ]) the particulars of all the late bloody fight at sea on thursday and friday last. with a list of the losse on both sides from the beginning to the end. the horrid designe of van trump to murther the english. and an account of the whole fight: signified by a letter from both the generals at sea, to his excellency the lord generall cromwell june . . appointed to be printed by speciall order. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . blake, robert, - . [ ], , [ ] p. printed for r. ibbitson dwelling in smith-field neer hosier lane., london, : . "a letter from the generals at sea" signed on a v: geo. monk. rob. blake. reproduction of the original in the british library. eng tromp, cornelis, - -- early works to . naval battles -- england -- early works to . great britain -- history -- commonwealth and protectorate, - -- early works to . a r (thomason e _ ). civilwar no the particulars of all the late bloody fight at sea on thursday and friday last.: with a list of the losse on both sides from the beginning albemarle, george monck, duke of a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the particulars of all the late bloody fight at sea on thursday and friday last . with a list of the losse on both sides from the beginning to the end . the horrid designe of van trump to murther the english . and an account of the whole fight : signified by a letter from both the generals at sea , to his excellency the lord generall cromwell . june . . appointed to be printed by speciall order . london , printed for r. ibbitson dwelling in smithfield neer hosier lane . . a letter from the fleet . sir , wee have still large experience , that gods time is best in all the issues of his designs for his people ; though ( for so wee hear ) van trump , and some of the chief , after taking the sacrament , had vowed to kill and slay the english to his uttermost , and spare none ; blessed be god the vvar is now brought to their own doores , and we are still pursuing them , and doubt not but al holland is before this in a strong alarme : there are many ships of war taken , and many men slain , and above a thousand prisoners taken of the dutch , and our fleet still pursuing their victory , the particulars at large you wil shortly have , which can be given now but brokenly . off of ostend june . a letter from the generals at sea . may it please your excellency , your lordships of the second instant , with the inclosed intelligence , we this day received , and according to your excellencies apprehensions thereon , wee have ingaged the dutch fleet , a breife account of the first days action we have already sent unto your lordship . the next day being the third instant , we did what wee could to re-ingage them , and having the wind ( which was but little ) about noon wee came within shot , after foure houres dispute with them , or thereabouts , they indeavoured what they could to get away from us ; but having then a pretty fresh gale of wind , we pressed so hard upon them , that we sunke and took many of them ( as by the inclosed list , ) and doe suppose we should have destroyed most of them , but that it grew darke , and being off of ostend amongst the sands we durst not bee too bold , especially with the great ships , so that it was thought fit wee should anchor all night , which we accordingly did about ten of the clock . this morning some of our ships descried the enemy againe afar off , steering towards the willings , whereupon a councell of war being called , it was resolved , wee should forthwith set sail with the whole fleet towards the willings , so far as with safety we may , and so to range along the coast till we come to the texel ( the better to improve the present victory the lord hath given unto us ) unlesse we shall see cause to divert our course . we shal not further trouble your lordship , but subscribe our selves , your excellencies most humble servants geo. monk . rob. blake . from aboard the resolution at sea off of ostend-lenages north east june . . for his excellency the lord generall cromwel , these . a briefe account of the success of the fleet against the dutch on thursday june , . dutch vice adm. ship blown up . . dutch men of war taken one of their vice admirals slaine . of the dutch slaine . of the dutch taken prisoners . of the english . gen. dean slaine . english more slain never an english ship lost a list of the particulars of the losse on both sides on friday . june . dutch captaines taken prisoners , prisoners more . dutchmen of war taken whereof two vice admirals and one rear admirall , a great quantity of ammunition taken . two hoyes that releeved them with fresh water , taken . six dutch men of warre sunk . two dutch men of war blown up . one dutch man of warre sunke by those blown up . neere a thousand dutch said to be lost in this fight . the whole losse of the english . one captain of the english slain . slaine wounded not one english ship lost . finis . the speech and declaration of his excellency the lord generall monck delivered at white-hall upon tuesday the . of february . to the members of parliament at their meeting there, before the re-admission of the formerly secluded members into the parliament house. ordered by his excellency the lord generall that this speech and declaration be forthwith printed and published. will: clark secretary. entred in the stationers hall according to order. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason e _ ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a thomason e _ estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; :e [ ]) the speech and declaration of his excellency the lord generall monck delivered at white-hall upon tuesday the . of february . to the members of parliament at their meeting there, before the re-admission of the formerly secluded members into the parliament house. ordered by his excellency the lord generall that this speech and declaration be forthwith printed and published. will: clark secretary. entred in the stationers hall according to order. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . england and wales. parliament. [ ], p. printed by s. griffin, for john playford at his shop in the temple near the church, london : [i.e. ] annotation on thomason copy: "feb: .". reproduction of the original in the british library. eng great britain -- politics and government -- - -- early works to . a r (thomason e _ ). civilwar no the speech and declaration of his excellency the lord generall monck: delivered at white-hall upon tuesday the . of february . to the albemarle, george monck, duke of a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - robyn anspach sampled and proofread - robyn anspach text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the speech and declaration of his excellency the lord generall monck delivered at white-hall upon tuesday the . of february . to the members of parliament at their meeting there , before the re-admission of the formerly secluded members into the parliament house . ordered by his excellency the lord generall that this speech and declaration be forthwith printed and published . will : clark secretary . entred in the stationers hall according to order . london , printed by s. griffin , for john playford at his shop in the temple near the church . . the speech of his excellencie the lord general monck , deliver'd to the members of parliament met at white-hall on tuesday the . of febr. . gentlemen , you are not i hope , ignorant , what care and endeavours have been used , and means essayed , for healing the breaches of our divisions amongst our selves , and that in order thereunto divers conferences have been procured between you , though to small effect ; yet having at length received fuller satisfaction from these worthy gentlemen that were secluded then formerly ; i was bold to put you all to the trouble of this meeting , that i might open my selfe to you all , even with more freedome then formerly : but least i might be misapprehended or mistaken , as of late it befell me , i have committed to writing the heads of what i intended to discourse to you , and desire it may be read openly to you all . the declaration of his excellency the lord generall monck . delivered at white-hall , upon tuesday the . of february . gentlemen it appears unto me , by what i have heard from you and the whole nation , that the peace and happy settlement of these bleeding nations , next under god , lyeth in your hands . and when i consider that wisdom , piety , and self denial , which i have reason to be confident , lodgeth in you , and how great a share of the nations sufferings will fall upon you , in case the lord deny us now a settlement , i am in very good hopes there will be found in you all , such melting bowels towards these poor nations , and towards one another , that you will become healers and makers up of all its woeful breaches . and that such an opportunity may clearly appear to be in your hands , i thought good to assure you , and that in the presence of god , that i have nothing before my eyes but gods glory , and the settlement of these nations , upon common-wealth foundations . in pursuit whereof i shall think nothing too dear ; and for my own particular i shall throw my self down at your feet to be any thing or nothing in order to these great ends . as to the way of future settlement , far be it from me to impose any thing , i desire you may be in perfect freedom ; onely give me leave to mind you , that the old foundations are by gods providence so broken , that in the eye of reason , they cannot be restored but upon the ruines of the people of these naons , that have engaged for their rights , in defence of the parliament , and the great and main ends of the covenant , for uniting and making the lords name one in the three nations : and also the liberty of the peoples representatives in parliament will be certainly lost ; for if the people find , that after so long and bloody a war against the king for breaking in upon their liberties , yet at last he must be taken in again , it will be out of question , and is most manifest , he may for the future govern by his will , dispose of parliaments and parliament men as he pleaseth , and yet the people will never more rise for their assistance . and as to the interests of this famous city ( which hath been in all ages the bulwork of parliaments , and unto whom i am for their great affection so deeply engaged ) certainly it must lie in a common-wealth ; that government onely , being capable to make them ( through the lords blessing ) the metropolis and bank of trade for all christendom , whereunto god and nature hath fitted them above all others . and as to a government in the church , the want whereof hath been no small cause of these nations distractions ; it is most manifest , that if it be monarchicall in the state , the church must follow , and prelacy must be brought in , which these nations i know cannot bear , and against which they have so solemnly sworn . and indeed moderate not rigid presbyterian government , with a sufficient liberty for consciences truly tender , appears at present to be the most indifferent and acceptable way to the churches settlement . the main thing that seems to lye in the way , is the interest of the lords , even of those lords who have shewed themselves noble indeed , by joining with the people ; and in defence of those just rights , have adventured their dearest bloud and large estates . to that i shall only say , that though the state of these nations be such , as cannot bear their sitting in a distinct house ; yet certainly , the wisdom of parliament will finde out such hereditary marks of honour for them , as may make them more noble in after ages . gentlemen , upon the whole matter , the best result that i can make at present for the peace of these nations , will be in my opinion , that you forthwith go to sit together in parliament : in order , . to the setling the conduct of the armies of the three nations in that manner , as they may be serviceable to the peace and safety of them , and not to its own and the nations ruine , by faction and division . . to the providing sufficient maintenance for them ; that is , for the forces by land , and for the navie by sea , and all their arrears of both , and other contingencies of the government . . to the appointing a council of state with authoritie , to settle the civil government and judicatories in scotland and ireland , and to take care , for the issuing of writs , for the summoning a parliament of these nations united , to meet at westminster the day of april next , with such qualifications as may secure secure the publick cause we are all engaged in , and according to such distributions , as were used in the year . which parliament so called , may meet and act in freedom , for the more full establishing of this common-wealth , without a king , single person , or house of lords . . to a legal dissolution of this parliament to make way for succession of parliaments . and in order to these good ends , the guards will not only willingly admit you , but faithfully both my self , and every the officers under my command , and ( i believe ) the officers and souldiers of the three nations will spend their blood for you and successive parliaments . if your conjunction be directed to this end , you may part honourably , having made a fair step to the settlement of these nations , by making a way for successive parliaments . but i must needs say , that if any different councels should be taken ( which i have no reason to fear ; ) these nations would presently be thrown back into force and violence , and all hopes of this much desired establishment buried in disorder , which the lord in his great mercy i hope will prevent . and so god speed you well together , and unite your hearts for the preservation of peace and settlement of these nations to his own glory and yours and all our comforts . finis . observations upon military & political affairs written by the most honourable george, duke of albemarle, &c. ... albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : - (eebo-tcp phase ). a wing a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) observations upon military & political affairs written by the most honourable george, duke of albemarle, &c. ... albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . heath, john, th cent. [ ], , [ ] p. : ill. printed by a.c. for henry mortlocke ... and james collins ..., london : . "to the most sacred majesty of charles ii" signed: john heath. errata: p. [ ] at beginning. reproduction of original in harvard university libraries. created by converting tcp files to tei p using tcp tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between and available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the , texts created during phase of the project have been released into the public domain as of january . anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. % (or pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf- unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p , characters represented either as utf- unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng military art and science -- early works to . - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - olivia bottum sampled and proofread - olivia bottum text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion observations upon military & political affairs . written by the most honourable george duke of albemarle , &c. published by authority . london , printed by a. c. for henry mortlocke , at the white-hart in westminster-hall , and iames collins , at the kings arms in ludgate-street , . to the most sacred majesty of charles the ii. by the grace of god king of great britain , france , and ireland , &c. dread sovereign , this book humbly addresseth it self unto your royal patronage , upon accompt both of the work , and the author . mines of gold and silver bear a value , which appropriates them to the crown , wheresoever they be found . here is a treatise of warfare and state-policy , brought ex umbra in solem ; and bearing a special reference to your sovereign majesty , from whom both the sword , and the gown derive their lawful power and authority . the great instrument of your majesty's most memorable restauration fitly appeareth author of this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . wherein he hath left his important observations , for preparing others after him to serve your majesty domi militiaeque . singular success following long exercise in martial offices advanced this person : that it may reasonably be doubted of him , fortiorne an felicior esset . valour and sufferance he is pleased to call the two chief parts of a souldier . both these signally concurring in himself , were wrought up at length to that just composition , imperator bonus , idemque robustus miles . neither may i omit , that in fighting he came nearest the way of the antient romans , presso gradu , ac stabili pugna cominus rem gerere . and when he had leasure from arms , his pen was busied in compiling this platform of military conduct , being a collection of his reading and experience together . it was written five and twenty years since , and sent from the author then prisoner in the tower , unto the lord viscount lisle . so that it will admit almost the same epilogue , that ammianus marcellinus makes to his history , haec ut miles quondam — pro virium explicavi mensura , &c. after the duke of albemarle's decease , i had the honour to be publisher of his manuscript , conferr'd upon me by the favour of my lord lisle . in whose hands it hath been faithfully preserved , as a true picture of the author drawn by himself : whereof let me only say , ex pede herculem . and so i leave him inter ingentes bellorum animas . god almighty multiply his manifold blessings upon your majesty's royal person , family , and government , unto the attaining of all happiness ; which is the fervent prayer of your sacred majesties most humble , loyal , and obedient subject , john heath . errata . page . line . dele the , p. . l. . for sl . r. slit , p. . l. . r. set down , p. . l. . r. carthrages , p. . l. ● . dele kt. kt. ● . . l. . for possessed r. passed , p. . & . for circumvolation r. circumvallation , toties quoties . p. . l. . after with them , make a period . observations upon military & political affairs . chap. i. some observations concerning a souldiers profession and his duty . the profession of a souldier is allowed to be lawful by the word of god ; and so famous and honourable amongst men , that emperours and kings do account it a great honour to be of the profession , and to have experience in it ; and next under god , the profession of a souldier doth rule or over rule the greatest part of the world. he that chooseth the profession of a souldier , ought to know withal , honour must be his greatest wages , and his enemy his surest pay-master . there are two things that cause men to be desirous of this profession ; the first is , emulation of honour ; the next is , the hopes they have by licence to do evil. as the aims of the first are virtuous , so will they do good service : the other by strict discipline , may be brought to do good service , and to be obedient souldiers ; but if that discipline be neglected , then they prove the ruine of an army . let a souldiers resolution be never so great , and his courage invincible in the day of battel , yet if he faint under the burthen of such tediousness as usually attendeth upon warlike designments , he is no way fit for enterprise : because the two chief parts of a souldier are valour and sufferance ; and there is as much honour gained by suffering wants patiently in the war , as by fighting valiantly ; and as great atchievements effected by the one , as by the other . it is no virtue , but a weakness of the mind , not to be able to endure want a little while : and yet it is an easier matter to find men that will offer themselves willingly to death , than such as will endure labour with patience . the greatest virtue which is required in a souldier is obedience , as a thing wherein the force of all discipline consisteth . a souldier must be always ready to confront extremity of danger , with extremity of valour , and overtop fury with an higher resolution . a souldier should always respect courses of honour , and the publick good , above his own safety : and ought to fear nothing but god and dishonour . let every souldier arm his mind with hopes , and put on courage : whatsoever disaster falleth , let not his heart sink . the passage of providence lieth through many crooked ways . a despairing heart , is the true prophet of approaching evil . chap. ii. some observations upon war , which is the profession of a souldier . peace , fulness , pride , and war , are the four fellies , which being let into one another ; make the wheel , that the times turn on ; and after a long scene of peace , war ever entreth the stage . the causes of all wars may be reduced to six heads ; ambition , avarice , religion , revenge , providence , and desence . war , the profession of a souldier , is that of all others , which as it conferreth most honour upon a man who therein acquitteth himself well ; so it draweth the greatest infamy upon him who demeaneth himself ill . for one fault committed can never be repaired , and one hour causeth the loss of that reputation , which hath been thirty years acquiring . in matter of war , there is such a medly , and interlacing of material circumstances with the body of the action , that commonly one business begetteth another . no science , or faculty whatsoever in multitude of parts may any way be comparable to the art military ; wherein every small , and unrespected circumstance quite altereth the nature of the action , and amongst the variable events of war , many unexpected occasions arise , which give present victory to him that is ready to take it : and many strange chances so alter the course of things , that no foresight can discern what may happen . war beginneth when one party listeth , but it endeth when the adverse party pleaseth . war is in the same nature with offences , necesse est ut veniant , they must be , but they are mightily in fault that cause them . yet in those wars whose ends are to defend your own possessions , or to recover them being lost , or where necessity striketh up her hard alarms , or wronged religion beateth her zealous marches , go on and prosper . chap. iii. some observations of an offensive vvar , and conquering of countries . an offensive war will keep you from civil war at home , and make you feared of your enemies , and beloved of your friends , and keepeth your gentry , and commons from laziness , and all sorts of luxury . but here you must note , to entertain a forein war , is not good to be observed , but by such kingdoms and states that are able to go thorough with their designs they undertake . because as a foreign war is necessary for rich and potent kingdoms and states ; so it is hurtful to petty kingdoms and states : for being too weak to gain by it , they will in the end , but lose their design , their honours , and monies , and impoverish themselves , and increase their enemies . it is not for kings and states to undertake a troublesome and dangerous war upon an humour , or any other slender motion : but diligently weighing the circumstances thereof , and measuring the peril and hazard with the good consequents , to inform their judgments of the action , and so try whether the benefit would answer their labour . they ought likewise to be well informed of the greatness and riches of the countrey , the quality and strength of the people , their use of war , and the opportunity of their havens . and he that maketh an offensive war , must so proceed therewith , that he be sure to keep what he getteth , and to enrich , not impoverish his own countrey . for he that doth increase his dominions , and yet groweth not in strength , must needs go to wrack . now those grow not strong who grow poor in the wars , although they prove victorious : because their conquests do cost them more than they get by them . this errour many run into by not knowing how to limit their hopes ; and so grounded on their own vast conceits , without weighing their strength , they are utterly ruined . for conquests , not having power answerable to their greatness , invite new conquerours to the ruine of the old . that prince who putteth himself upon an offensive war , ought to be master of his enemy in shiping , purse , and men ; or at least in shipping and purse : or else he must see some garboils in the state which he assaileth . and he ought to be called thither by a party ; otherwise it would be a rash enterprise . if you make any attempt upon any forein countrey , the first thing you ought to do , is to take some sea. town that hath a convenient harbour , and that lieth nearest the greatest city in that countrey , in which you make your war. this town you ought to secure and harbour very well with good works : and take care that it be very well victualled , before you advance further into the countrey with your army . so this town will serve to keep your provisions for your magazines : and being well provided of victual , will serve upon occasion to make good your retreat . for having once gotten possession of a sea. town , and having well fortified and victualled the same , you have one foot on land , and the other on sea. having fortified a place for your magazine , and your retreat , advance with your army unto the chief city in the countrey . by which means you will soon force your enemy to battel ; and if you win the battel , and follow your victory close , you may gain the chief city of the countrey , either by composition , or assault , if it be not fortified ; or before your enemy be able to relieve it , you may be able to starve it . but in case you do not prevail to be master of the chief city , either by composition , or assault ; then ought you strongly to intrench two thousand foot , and five hundred horse in a quarter : and so fortifying one quarter after another with your army , until you have intrenched so many several quarters , as you think may be sufficient to keep the city from provisions . and then , if you think fit , you may run lines from one quarter to another . and having strongly intrenched that part of your army that is quartered about the city , draw the rest of your army into a body , and intrench them in some place near the town , where you think it most convenient to meet with any enemy , that may come to the relief of it . you ought likewise to use the best means you can for intelligence , and continually to send out parties of horse several ways , that when any enemy approacheth near you , you may be in a readiness to fight with him . if you come to be master of the chief city of a kingdom , or country , i account that kingdom , or country more then half won . the surest way to keep that country you conquer in obedience to you , will be to oppress them as little as may be ( especially at first ) either in their purses , consciences , or laws . he that obtaineth a kingdom with the rupture of his faith , hath gained the glory of a conquest , but lost the honour of a conquerour . but you ought to disarm them , and take pledges of them for their obedience , the which must be kept in your own country . you ought also to employ in your garrisons all the gun-smiths , and all the salt-petre-men that you find in the country you have conquered ; and to take into your hands all the powder and brimstone you find ; and destroy all the powder-mills that are out of your own garrisons . when it shall happen that you are to conquer a country that doth afford covert , and protection to an enemy , who is more malicious than valorous , and through the fastness of the place refuseth to shew himself , unless it be upon advantages ; the war doubtless is likely to prove tedious , and the victory less honourable . in such cases there is no other way , than so to harrass and waste the country , that the enemy may be famished out of his holds , and brought to subjection by scarcity , and necessity : which is a means so powerful as well to supplant the greatest strengths , as to meet with subterfuges and delays , that of it self it subdueth all opposition , and needeth no other help for atchieving of victory . it is much better for a prince to invade an enemy in his own country , than to attend him at home in his own kingdom ; if so be that he hath competent forces to give him hopes of doing good upon his enemy . for the seat of war is always miserable . chap. iv. some observations upon a defensive vvar. the best way to prevent any attempts of any foreign enemy , is to be able and ready to resist their designs ; and the best way to do that , is to have a good rich publick treasure before-hand , and your people continually well trained up in martial discipline . when you foresee that an enemy is resolved to set upon your country to conquer it , and if your enemy be so much master of you at sea , that you fear the shutting up of your havens by his shipping , then ought you to provide your magazines extraordinarily well with ammunition , arms , and salt , and great store of brimstone , salt-petre , and salt-petre-men , and to have powder-mills in all your chief towns in the beginning of a defensive war , if you meet with a powerful enemy , and foresee that the war is likely to last long , then it will be wisdom in you to entertain some forein nation : but you must be careful to entertain none of those nations who serve in your enemies army , unless they be such as are of a contrary religion to your enemy ; to the end that you may spare your own nation as much as may be : provided always you have mony to pay them punctually ; otherwise they may prove dangerous to you . and i would wish you by no means to keep them longer than you have mony to pay them : for if you do , you will find they will prove more your enemies than your friends . likewise you must be careful to entertain no more strangers , than you are well able to master ; and that you garrison them not in any of your sea-towns , or forts , or where your chief magazines are . and in what towns you do garrison your strangers in the winter , where you place one company of strangers in a garrison , you ought to place two of your own nation . it is a very dangerous thing to entertain a forein friend to gain your own country : but there is no danger in entertaining a forein friend to help to keep your country , so long as you have mony to pay them . you may with good fortresses , and a good army so tye up your enemy in hindring him from victuals , and by intrenching always so near him , that you may now and then fall upon some of his quarters , and so hinder him from making any siege of importance . and when a conquerour advanceth not forward , he recoileth . but here you must note , that such places as you fortifie are to be well fortified , well manned , and well provided of all necessaries , and that you do not fortifie any place , which will require many men for the defence of it in a siege . if you be assailed by a power altogether disproportionable to your forces , and are in this case forced to leave some part of your country to the enemy , then you ought to burn all the victual which you cannot contain wiehin your fortresses , and also all the towns and villages which you cannot guard . for it is better to preserve your self in a ruined country , than to keep it for your enemy . it is a maxim , that no publick good can be without some prejudice to some particular men : so a prince cannot dis-entangle himself from a perilous enterprise , if he will please every man : and the greatest and most usual faults which we commit in matters of state , and war , proceed from suffering our selves to be carried away with this complacency , whereof we repent when there is no remedy left . a kingdom or state , though they have received many overthrows , should never cowardly yield themselves up to be slaves to their enemies , but endeavour to look fortune again in the face , and to be ready to overcome or lose more gloriously , or get honourable terms of agreement . because by yielding they can hope for nothing but the saving of their lives , and it will be in their enemies hands to deprive them of that at their pleasures : and peace is more grievous to men in subjection , than the war is to them that enjoy their liberties ; and they are hopeful in their arms , who have no other hope but in their arms. a just cause is good defence against a strong enemy . chap. v. some observations for those that undertake a vvar. a sovereign prince is more capable to make great and ready conquests than a commonwealth , and especially if he goeth in person into the field . for never any prince hath founded a great empire , but by making war in person : nor hath lost any , but when he made war by his lieutenants . those that undertake a war , ought to make their levies according to the war which they undertake ; carefully foreseeing that they undertake no offensive war , but such as they be able to go through with their purses and their honours : and if their purses will bear it , to make their wars great and short . it is an excellent property of a good and wise prince to use war , as he doth physick , carefully , unwillingly , and seasonably ; either to prevent approaching dangers , or to correct a present mischief , or to recover a former loss . he that declineth physick till he is accosted with the danger , or weakened with the disease , is bold too long , and wise too late . that peace is too precise , that limiteth the justness of a war to a sword drawn , or a blow given . the next thing they who undertake a war ought to observe , is secresie and expedition in their designs : it is a perilous weakness in a state to be slow of resolution in the time of war : such affairs attend not time . let the wise statesman therefore abhor delays , and resolve rather what to do than what to say . slow deliberations are symptoms either of faint spirits , or weak forces , or false hearts . in war more than any other profession the command ought to be single . for though you have many armies in the field , yet ought you to appoint one general to have the absolute command over the rest of your generals . and there ought to be a special care in making choice of an able general . for an able general will make choice of good officers , and such as are fit for vvar : but a general that is not experienced in the wars , if he meet with good commanders , it is by hazard . this advantage also you will find by having an experienced and well reputed man to your general , that the officers and souldiers of your army will fight with much the more resolution , and confidence of victory ; and your enemy will fight with the less resolution and hopes of victory . for good officers will make good souldiers , and good souldiers are as necessary to a vvar as good store of gold. and therefore those that undertake a vvar , must not always measure their power by their treasure , but they must put the goodness of their souldiers in the balance with their treasure . before you undertake a vvar , cast an impartial eye upon the cause . if it be just , prepare your army , and let them all know they fight for god. this addeth fire to the spirit of a souldier , to be assured that he shall either prosper in a fair vvar , or perish in a just cause . you must be most vigilant and careful to have all your magazines doubly provided , that if any disaster befal your armies , you may soon supply them again . he that would be in vvar victorious , must be in peace laborious . you must likewise be very punctual in sending supplies of mony , men , and all other necessaries to your army . for the want of any one supply many times coming too late proveth the loss of the whole design ; and in no profession the loss of time proveth so dangerous as in martial affairs . you must not be apt to judge of your generals actions according to the event , but according to reason ; and not to lay the fault of your armies ill success upon your general , when it lieth in your selves , either for want of necessaries , or timely supplies , or by bridling the authority of your general too much . besides , if a general be never so wise , and diligent , he cannot foresee every thing that may break , and cross all that which he had purposed . for it is a piece of divine power to direct a path free from the crookedness which might lead the straight way to happy ends : and it were as great a madness to believe that a man were able to give directions to meet with all chances , as to think no foresight can prevent any casualty . if you intend to have a well-commanded army , you must pay them punctually , and then your general can with justice punish them severely . you must foresee that your frontier towns be well fortified , well manned , and well victualled before your army taketh the field . you ought not to neglect rewarding those , that do you eminent service ; for by it you bind them to be faithful to you , and you encourage them to do the like service upon another occasion , and encourage others to be ambitious of the same honour . you must likewise be careful that the honour of such as have done brave actions and great services be not diminished nor blemished . because the most generous spirits ( which will easily excuse all want of other recompence for their services ) will never endure this , to be robbed of the honour due to their brave actions , and will sooner stomach such a want of due honour , than any other thing whatsoever ; whereupon very often great mischiefs have followed . you must not be too confident in the arm of flesh , and in your victories ; give not too much honour to your armies , and too little praise to god. use all the lawful means you can for the executing of your designs , and by your prayers recommend he success to god , and the good conduct of your general the senate of the romans reserved nothing else to themselves , but a power to make new wars , and to confirm peace : every thing else they referred to the arbitrement , and power of the consul . notwithstanding that there were in the senate men exceedingly well experienced in the wars ; yet forasmuch as they were not upon the place , and therefore ignorant of very many particulars , which were needful for them to know that will advise well , and by interposing their counsels they would have committed many errors : for this cause they suffered the consul to do all of himself , and that the glory thereof should be entirely his ; the love of which they thought would provoke and encourage him to do well . it is a great vanity and indiscretion in a prince , or state in matter of war to undertake many enterprizes at once . it is better for two weak kingdoms rather to compound with an enemy to some loss , than seek for satisfaction by the sword ; lest while they two weaken themselves by mutual blows , a third decide the controversie to both their ruines . when the frog and the mouse could not take up the quarrel , the kite was umpire . you ought to be careful you have no officer in chief that is covetous , or given to pillaging . for such men are good to no body , but themselves and the enemy ; and are most commonly easily corrupted with mony . such men ought by no means to be made governours of towns. no prince or state ought to doubt but that they may be able to make good souldiers , when they want not men . for if they have many men , and want souldiers , they should rather complain of their own sloth , and small wisdom , than of the peoples cowardize . chap. vi. some observations , and considerations to be observed , and thought on by a general , that taketh upon him the command of an army . he that undertaketh the command of an army ought seriously to consider the hazards of this charge , and the difficulties , and examine his own abilities well before he adventureth on it : because if he groweth rich , he is traduced ; if he fail , or prove unfortunate , he is calumniated , scandalized : and if the whole success answereth not their opinions who imploy him , they will repine , although the fault most often is caused by their own neglect , or wilfulness , or by curbing the authority of their chief commander too much . and people are always apt to judge of their generals actions rather by the event than reason . so that it is a very hard thing for a man to take the command of an army upon him , and to keep his reputation unto the end . therefore no general ought to undertake any design timorously , or rashly ; but such actions as he foreseeth by his wisdom , and experience , that his master , or masters purse , or purses , and his own abilities be sufficient to go through with victory and honour . the first thing that a general ought to do , is to desire god to assist him in all his councils and actions , and to beseech him to give him and his souldiers courage in the day of battel : for it is he who maketh our enemies flee before us . it is he setteth up kings , and kingdoms , and pulleth them down at his pleasure . a general of an army must make it his principal aim to begin well : and then not to omit any thing for the preserving of what he hath gotten . he ought to be provident in taking care for mony , men , arms , victuals , ammunition , a good train of artillery , with all things necessary belonging to it ; cloaths , shoes , stockings , and shirts : he must foresee and provide that none of all these things fail him in the execution of his designs . and he must be careful to make choice of knowing , and valiant officers for his army . for you may observe in all the roman wars , that they conquered more nations by their expert knowledge in martial affairs , than they did either by their number or valour . it hath been the manner of all famous generals to bring their souldiers to perfection by exercise . a general ought carefully to observe these three things in his martial discipline , to recompence commendable actions , to punish the bad , and constantly to use the exact exercise of military discipline . he must never suffer his souldiers in any place to be idle , especially when the army is brought together in a body : for if he employ them not in that which is good , they will busie themselves in that which is naught . it is the height of a provident commander not only to keep his own designs undiscoverable to his enemy , but likewise to be studious in discovering his . he that can best do the one , and nearest guess at the other , 〈◊〉 the next step to a conquerour : but he that failed in both , must either ascribe his overthrow to his own folly , or his victory to the hand of fortune . he that is a chief commander ought to know that if he will be secure in war , he must be watchful and valiant : and that expedition and secresie crowneth all warlike exploits with success and glory : and that the opportunity of time is the mother of all worthy exploits . in the course of war a general shall meet with some occasions , wherein he is not only to contend with men , but with chances and things , which are to be overcome with less difficulty , than an enemy , and are more dangerous , as hunger , discontents , and labour . things well and happily atchieved do get the commander great good-will from the souldier , and things ill carried as much hatred . wherefore a general should always prefer courses of security before those of hazzard , and trust fortune no farther , than necessity constraineth him . caesar thought it not best to tempt the waywardness of fortune , when by other means he might obtain his desires : and a wise general should always rather follow reason than fortune . war is not capable of a second error ; one fault being enough to ruine an army : and therefore a general ought to be careful even of possibilities , accounting always that which may happen , to be as certain as any thing which he doth most expect . a generals counsels should not pass approbation through his own judgment alone , neither should they be communicated to more than is needful , neither are they to be hastned forwards with passion , but ought oft to be maturated with staid deliberation . likewise he is to take special care that no humorous respect do hinder that resolution which true judgment approveth . for oftentimes it falleth out that either particular profit , delightful pleasures , desire of revenge , or some other unseasonable affection doth so intangle them in their proceedings , as they never attain to the main drift of the action : and this is called stumbling by the way . a general must be careful not to measure the humour of his poor , needy , and undisciplined souldiers by the garb of his own ambitious thoughts ; and so lay such projects of difficulty as were very unsuitable in the particularity of occurrences , to that which his souldiers were fit to execute : neither should he be so prodigal of his souldiers blood , as though men were made only to fill ditches , and to be the woful executioners of his rashness . of all victories a general should think that best , which is least stained with blood. it is requisite in a general to mingle love with the severity of his discipline . they that cannot be induced to serve for love , will never be forced to love for fear : because love openeth the heart , fear shutteth it ; that encourageth , this compelleth : and victory meeteth encouragement , but flieth compulsion . if thou art called to the dignity of a commander , dignifie thy place by thy commands : and that thou mayest be the more perfect in commanding others , practise upon thy self . a chief commander ought to know that that command is best , and most sure , when the souldier rejoyceth in his obedience . what souldiers earn with the hazard of their lives , if not enjoyed , prophesieth an overthrow to the next battel . a general shall rule much , if reason rule him . a general ought to use his best endeavours , to buy good success with extraordinary labour . for industry commandeth fortune , saith caesar. and there is no doubt but diligence , and laboursome industry by circumspect and heedful carriage seldom fail , either by hap or cunning , to make good that part , wherein the main point of the matter dependeth . and where the lions skin will not serve his turn , there let him take part of the foxes to piece it out . it is a dangerous thing for a general to make himself chief in perswading a prince , or state to any weighty and important resolution , so that the counsel thereof be wholly imputed to him , which belongs to many . for inasmuch as men judge of things by their events , of all the evils that rise thereupon , the blame will be wholly laid upon him as author : and if good come of it , he is commended for it ; but the reward cometh much short of the loss which is hazarded . the sultan selimus , termed the great turk , having made preparation ( as some report ) for the conquest of syria , and egypt , was encouraged by one of his bashaws , who was then upon the confines of persia , to undertake rather an expedition against the sophy : by whose counsel the sultan was perswaded , and went to that enterprize with an exceeding great army . but coming into a very vast country , where a great part of it is desert , and very few rivers , and finding there those difficulties which long since had ruined many roman armies , was so distressed , that he lost most of his army by famine and plague . wherefore ( however in the war he was vanquisher ) he caused the bashaw , author of that counsel , to be put to death . chap. vii . some observations what is the fittest strength for armies to be of ; and what proportion of horse and foot , dragooners , and pioners , there ought to be in an army . and likewise shewing the proportion of pikemen , and musqueteers , according to the service that they shall be most imployed upon . an army of thirty or forty thousand men trained , well disciplined , carefully conducted , and still recruited upon all occasions , may destroy an army four times as great . because great armies for want of victuals oftentimes destroy themselves . and an army of thirty or forty thousand may fight with an army three or four times as big , and beat them ; provided that by the advantage of their ground they avoid being surrounded : and the disorder and confusion that commonly is in a great army , will likewise be apt to break them . where your service lieth in campagnia , the proportion of your army ought to be two footmen to one horseman , besides your dragooners . but where the service of your army shall be most in sieges , there you ought to have three footmen unto one horseman ; and sometimes four footmen to one horseman , besides your dragoons ; provided your enemy be not able to over-master you in horse . but for your body of foot , when your service shall chiefly consist in the campagnia , then you ought to have as many pikemen as musqueteers amongst your foot , besides your dragooners . but where your service lieth most in sieges , there you ought to have in your body of foot besides your dragoons two musqueteers to one pikeman : and to every eight hundred horse you ought to have an hundred and fifty dragooners . and always to an army of twenty thousand , or thirty thousand men , you ought to have a thousand pioners ; whereof an hundred ought to have horses , as a necessary part of the army upon a march , a retreat , drawing off cannon in a battel , and at sieges . i do not mean that these pioners shall be entertained to make the souldiers lazy : for each souldier ought to know what belongeth to his labour for his ordinary pay , that is , to pass upon his duty punctually , and willingly , namely to march , watch , fight , and intrench himself , and to be ready to endure with obedience and patience , labour , hunger , cold , and heat . chap. viii . some observations concerning the arming of an army , and how each souldier ought to be armed . one of the greatest advantages that i know which can be taken in war by a chief commander , is to endeavour to have his army better armed than his enemies army , both with offensive arms , and defensive arms. arms are the security of your own souldiers , the terror of the enemy , and the assured ordinary means of victory . and this is certain , that the most warlike nations , and most victorious , have always sought to get advantage of their enemies by advantage of arms. the end of arms is either to assault , or defend ; and hence are arms divided into two kinds , offensive and defensive . offensive arms are to do execution upon your enemy ; and defensive arms raise the spirits , stirre up desire to fight , make the souldier bold , and chearful to perils . and whereas the defensive arms of horse-men and pike-men are much slighted by some in these times , i would have such to know , that souldiers ought to go into the field to conquer , and not to be killed . and i would have our young gallants to take notice , that men wear not arms because they are afraid of danger , but because they would not fear it . and i am confident , that one army well armed with defensive arms , may very well expect without any great difficulty to win twenty battels one after another of armies equal in strength , equally conducted , and fighting upon equal advantage of ground , but not armed with defensive arms. so much advantage do i suppose to be between armies that are armed , and armies that are not armed with defensive arms. i will now shew you how horsemen , footmen , and dragooners ought to be armed with offensive and defensive arms. an horsemans offensive arms are these . a carbine , or a musquet-barrel of the length of a carbine-barrel , well stockt with a snapance : the which i hold to be much better then a carbine for service . also a case of pistols , and a good stiff long tuck , and a belt. an horsemans defensive arms are , an head-piece with three small iron bars to defend the face , back , and breast ; all three pistol-proof : a gauntlet for his left hand , or a good long buff glove . a girdle of double buff about eight inches broad , which is to be worn under the skirts of his doublet , and to be hooked unto his doublet , and made so that it may be fastned together before . if you find buff to be scarce and dear , you may make those girdles of buff before spoken of with bull hides , or good oxes hides , dressed like buff. the furniture that belongeth to an horsemans horse is as followeth . he ought to have a very good horse , and a good pad-saddle made , so that it may very well carry a case of pistols , three good girts , a pair of good stirrups , and stirrup-leathers ; with a crupper , and a fore-pattern : also a good bitt , rains , and head-stall , with a good leathern halter . i have omitted here to speak any thing of the armour of a good cuirassier , because there are not many countries that do afford horses fit for the service of cuirassiers : but where horses are to be had fit for that service , there a general ought to have two thousand of them in his army . the offensive arms of a musqueteer are these . a musquet and rest , and a good stiff tuck not very long , a belt , a pair of bandaliers ; but you must be careful that the charges be not made too big , which is a great and common fault now adays . also every musqueteer ought to have a scourer to make clean his musquet : for he must be very careful in keeping his musquet clean , or else it will be very apt to break upon service , by means of which neglect i have known many souldiers spoiled . the defensive arms of a musqueteer is a good courage . but in case you have more musqueteers than you have pikes , so many musqueteers as you have more than pikemen in your army ought to have swine-feathers with heads of rests fastned to them . my reason for it is this , your pikemen will be able with ease to shelter from the violence of the horse so many musqueteers as they are in number : and these musqueteers which have the swine-feathers being imployed by themselves , will be able likewise to defend themselves from the horse , with the help of their swine-feathers . the offensive arms of a pike-man are these . a good long pike of eighteen foot in length with a small steel head , and a good stiff tuck not very long , with a belt : for if you arm your men with swords , half the swords you have in your army amongst your common men , will upon the first march you make be broken with cutting of boughs . the defensive arms of a pike-man are these . an head-piece with back and breast ; a buff girdle of double buff eight inches broad , the which is to be worn under the skirts of his doublet instead of taces . the same buff girdle is to be hooked up to his doublet , and to be fastned before . a good long buff glove for the left hand . i am well assured that a girdle of buff will be much safer , and much more serviceable , and easier for a pike-man to wear than taces . the offensive arms of a dragoon are these . a musquet , or a good snapance to a musquet barrel ; the which i hold much better for dragoon-service , being upon occasion they may be able to make use of their snapances on horseback , and upon any service in the night they may go undiscovered . he must have also a belt to hang his musquet in , with a pair of bandaliers , and a good long tuck , with a belt. and all your dragoons ought to have swine-feathers . of a dragoon horse and furniture . he ought to have a good ordinary horse , sl . saddle , snaffle , rains , stirrups , and stirrup-leathers , an halter , and two girts . there are some other necessaries that souldiers ought to be furnished withal ; the which i do think fit to be spoken of in this place , and they are these . each two foot-souldiers ought to have a little hatchet between them for the cutting of wood for firing , and wood for hutting : also each two dragoons ought to have an hatchet between them for the aforesaid purpose . each souldier ought to have a knap-sack , each company of foot , and dragoons to have a powder-bag . chap. ix . a list of the chief officers that belong to an army , and what strength each regiment ought to have of horse , foot , and dragoons . a general , a marshal of the field , a lieutenant general of the horse , a general of the ordnance , or master of the ordnance ; a serjeant-major-general of the horse ; a serjeant-major-general of the foot : colonels of brigades both of horse and foot : the treasurer of the army ; colonels of regiments both of horse and foot ; a lieutenant general of the ordnance ; serjeant majors of brigades both of horse and foot ; a commissary general of the victuals ; lieutenant-colonels of regiments of foot ; serjeant-majors of regiments both of horse and foot ; a quarter-master general of the foot ; a quarter-master general of the horse ; an engineer general ; a scout-master general ; a waggon-master-general ; captains both of horse and foot ; and corporals of the field . the marshal of the field receiveth orders from the general ; the major-general of the horse , and the major-general of the foot receive their orders from the marshal of the field ; the serjeant-majors of the brigades from their serjeant-major-general ; the serjeant-majors of regiments from the serjeant-major of their brigade ; the quarter-masters of horse-troops , and the serjeants of foot companies receive their orders from the serjeant-majors of their regiments ; the quarter-masters of horse-troops , and serjeants of foot companies give the word , and such orders as they do receive from the serjeant-majors of their regiment to all the officers of their companies : the quarter-master of the artillery , and the quarter-master of the victuals receive their orders from the marshal of the field , the marshal of the field speaking with the serjeant-major-general of the horse , and the serjeant-major general of the foot , the quarter-master of the artillery , and the quarter-master of the victuals , so giveth orders to all the army . all orders and commands ought to be given in writing , if there be time for the same . thus much more i do think fit to add in this place , that my opinion is , each troop of horse ought to be an hundred in strength , besides officers , and each troop ought to have two quarter-masters . each foot company in my opinion should be an hundred and fifty strong , besides officers , and each company ought to have six serjeants . each regiment of horse in my opinion ought to be eight hundred in strength , besides officers ; and so many regiments of horse as there is in an army , so many troops of dragooners there ought to be of an hundred and fifty in strength , besides officers , and each troop of dragooners ought to have six serjeants . each regiment of foot ought to be a thousand five hundred in strength , besides officers . each regiment of dragooners must be in strength according unto the number of the regiments of horse that there is in an army . chap. x. some observations shewing how necessary it is to have souldiers well disciplined , and well exercised before they are brought to fight . it cannot be denied but warlike discipline , and good fortune were the raisers of the roman empire . and it is not length of life , or number of years that teacheth the art of war , but continual discipline , and meditation of arms , till a man hath with care and diligence imployed his study and labour therein . for upon the foundation of practice is grounded the frame of sound and perfect skill . plutarch speaketh this of the victory which the thebans had against the lacedemonians ; the thebans till that day had no reputation for valour , but afterward by exercise , and use of arms under epaminondas and pelopidas became the bravest souldiers in greece : not unlike was the saying of pyrrhus to his muster-master , choose you , said he , good bodies , and i will make them good souldiers . this sheweth how necessary discipline , and exercise is for the making of good souldiers . chap. xi . some observations concerning a train of artillery , and him that commandeth it . the general of the ordnance ought to be a man generally experienced in all parts of martial discipline , especially in all parts of the mathematicks , and in gunnery . it is a place of great honour , and much trouble , and requireth much experience , and a great deal of care , and foresight for executing the place well . the general of the ordnance ought to choose an able man to be a lieutenant of the ordnance , and to take care that the chief engineer be an able man , and also the inferiour engineers . the master gunner ought to be a very able man , and the inferiour gunners very good . the general of the ordnance must likewise foresee that there be a skilful fire-work-master ; and that he be not only skilful , but valiant , and able to put his skill in execution . likewise there ought to be provided good battery-masters , and works basis's . to setd own every particular thing , and the officers that belong to a train of artillery , would require the labour of writing a book by it self . wherefore i will but touch on some particular things , and places , and leave the rest to the care of the general of the ordnance , to make choice of such officers as a train of artillery requireth , and he will have need of ; and to provide for every thing in particular , according unto the designs that he shall take in hand . the general of the ordnance ought to give special order to his master-gunner , that such guns as he maketh choice of for his train , be diligently tried by him , whether they be true boared , or whether they have their full metal : and that all the field-pieces that are made choice of for the train be ten or twelve foot long . the which you will find to be of great advantage in fighting a battel with your enemy , whose field-pieces are not so long . all your pieces of battery ought to have block-carriages , besides their other carriages ; and to each piece of battery two thick planks three inches thick , and sixteen or eighteen inches broad , and fourteen foot in length . the which planks may be easily carried upon your spare carriages : and these planks will be always ready at hand , and save planking of your batteries . you ought to have the powder for your cannon to be made up into carthrages for all your cannon ; and this way you will find less dangerous , and much quicker for service , than the charging of them with ladles . the waggons that carry your powder , ought to be planked with thin planks on the sides , and over at top . then you may have locks set on them , and keep them locked ; by which means a rogue will not be able easily to fire your powder upon a march. it were very fit the lieutenant of the ordnance , the commissary of the victuals , and the master of the fireworks should have companies of fire-locks , or snapances of an hundred and fifty apiece ; the which companies will serve to guard the train upon a march , and at night in their quarters , and free the army from that duty , and be very serviceable upon divers other occasions . cannon is a great clog to an army upon a march , but an army which hath none , can do no great service : and therefore in these times the artillery is an essential part of an army . it is very fit a general of the ordnance should have belonging to his train some certain number of boats , or punts with carriages to carry them on , for to make a bridge over unpassable rivers . chap. xii . some observations , and preparations to be observed by a general in field-service : also concerning intelligences and spies . as soon as a general can get provisions for his horse , it will be most advantageous for him to have all things in a readiness to take the field . for if he take the field before his enemy , he preventeth the enemy of his designs . a general ought to be careful before he taketh the field with his army , that he provide for the punctual supplying of his army with mony , ammunition , victuals , arms , men , shoes , stockings , shirts : and seeing it is impossible for an army upon a march to carry with them sufficient of all these necessaries ; therefore a general ought carefully to foresee , as he advanceth any way with his army , that his magazines for his army be always so near him , and so well stored with such things as he shall have occasion to use , that his designs fail not for want of any of the aforesaid things . and he must be careful that his enemy be never able to cut off his provisions at any time , or his retreat . a general or chief commander ought to see that he doth not ruine his army upon disadvantages , either by engaging them unadvisedly in battels , or by assaulting towns , and breaches rashly , or by long sieges , or long winter services , without good probability , and assurance in the judgment of men to prevail . and he must take care always to joyn judgment with valour in all his actions . a general ought carefully to lay hold on such occasions as offer themselves to defeat his enemy ; and judiciously observe to know when to fight , and when not . a good commander ought wholly to avoid doing any thing , which being but of small moment may only produce evil effects in his army . for to begin a skirmish , or a combate , wherein the whole forces are not imployed , and yet the whole fortune is there laid to stake , is a thing savouring too much of rashness : and yet i hold it fit that wise and experienced commanders when they meet with a new enemy that is of reputation , before they come to joyn ▪ battel , should cause their souldiers to make trial of them by some light skirmishes ; to the end , that beginning to know them , and to have to deal with them , they may be rid of that terror which the report and reputation of these men have put them in . and this part in a general is of exceeding great importance ; for these small experiences made by the souldiers will cause them to cast off that terror , which by means of the enemies reputation had possessed them . thus livy saith , that valerius corvinus was sent by the romans to make some small skirmishes with the samnites , that a new war , and a new enemy might not affright them : but a good commander must be very careful that nothing arise , which upon any accident may take away the courage , and hearts of his souldiers . now that which may be of force to take away their courage , is to begin with loss . and therefore a commander should be very careful how he engageth any of his troops in small skirmishes ; and that he send no parties out of his army upon any occasion , without taking care that they be commanded by good commanders : and that the officers that command such parties have order not to engage themselves with the enemy , unless they have some certain hopes of victory . nor ought he to undertake to guard any passages , where he cannot bring his whole army together . nor should he keep any towns , unless it be those , upon loss whereof his utter ruine followeth . and those that he guardeth , he should take such care both for their defences , and also with his army , that when-ever the enemy hath any design to assail them , he may make use of all his forces to the rescue of them . if you have any certain hopes of starving your enemy , or putting him to a retreat for want of provisions , your securest way then will be not to fight with him , especially if your enemy be of equal strength with you , or stronger than you are . if a commander in chief discovereth his enemies foot to be lodged in their night quarters in a campagnia with their carriages , it were good then to charge them in the night with so many horse , as you shall think fit in several places ; and leave part of your horse and dragoons to make good their retreat upon occasion . if it falleth so out that your horse cannot totally rout your enemies foot , let them have order to fire their ammunition , and so retreat . it is very fit a general should often command his horse and dragoons to fall upon his enemies outermost horse-quarters . the which is one of the readiest , easiest , and securest ways that i know of to break an enemies army . a general is not so much blamed for making trial of an ill-digested project , as he will be for the obstinate continuing in the same . therefore the speediest leaving of any such enterprise doth excuse the rashness , which might be imputed to the beginning . difficulties of extremity are never better cleared , than by adventurous and desperate undertaking . and hence groweth the difference between true valour , and fool-hardy rashness , being but one and the same thing , if they were not distinguished by the subject , wherein they are shewed . for to run headlong into strange adventures upon no just occasion , were to shew more levity , than discretion : and again , to use the like boldness in cases of extremity , deserveth the opinion of vertuous endeavours . a general should always be careful so soon as he cometh out of the field to visit his frontier towns , and take with him some of his best commanders , and some of his choice engineers , and to see what fortifications his frontier towns want , and to give order for the repairing of such wants : and likewise to take care that the magazines be furnished with a years provision , and that he give especial command to the governours of his frontier towns to be careful by their vigilance and good itnelligence to prevent sudden surprises , and valiantly to defend their towns , and providently to dispose of their provisions in case they should be besieged . concerning spies you must be always suspitious of them ; because as it is a dangerous task for him that undertaketh , so it is also for him that imployeth them : and that spies may not agree to give false advice , they should be examined severally , that by the agreement or disagreement of their advices , you may judge whether they be good : and by the verification of those which speak true or false , you shall know who betrayeth you , or doth you true service . but this is not all , to beware of your own spies ; you must also take heed of those of the enemy , which you must pre-suppose you have in your camp for this reason , besides the secresie which must be used in all enterprises , it is good to give a charge by publishing ( in a still way ) that you have a quite contrary design to that which you purpose to put in execution ; that so these spies may report it to the enemy . but the most effectual means to be well served by these kind of men , is to be very liberal to them ; for they are faithful to those who give them most . a general must take care that he have continually spies in the enemies army , to know when his enemy moveth , and what condition his enemies army is in ; and he ought to have in every frontier town of his enemy some correspondence with some town-dweller , or souldier of the garrison , that by them he may understand from time to time what condition his enemies garrisons are in . and if the enemy draweth any forces to an head at any of his frontier towns , let the aforesaid people give the governour of your next garrisons notice of it . you ought to know that intelligence is the most powerful means to undertake brave designs , and to avoid great ruines : and it is the chiefest foundation upon which all generals do ground their actions . a general that commandeth an army , and seeth that for want of mony he cannot keep them long together , is unwise if he ventureth not his fortune before his army falleth asunder : for by delaying he certainly loseth ; whereas hazarding he might overcome . another thing there is yet much to be accounted of , which is , that a man ought ( even in his losing ) seek to gain glory by being overcome by force , than by any other inconvenience . the principal heads of war for field-service , are the art of marching , incamping , imbatteling , and to know the ways how to procure good intelligence , and providently and skilfully to get provisions fit for his army , and his designs , and not to ground his foundations upon vain imagination . in matter of war the motions ought to be quick , where the least moment of time oft carrieth the whole business . it is necessary in war oftentimes to change counsels according to the variety of the accidents . in execution of designs of war , good judgment ought to ground them , and diligent expedition put them into act on for the least fault or stay that a man commiteth may give leasure , and occasion for the enemy to provide , that all the plots , and counsels how good soever shall serve to no purpose . chap. xiii . what strength divisions of horse ought to be from four thousand to ten thousand , when they are to march in an army , and when they are to fight a battel ; or if foot be to fight on the flanks of each division of horse , or when they come to be embattelled to fight on the flanks of an army . that small divisions both of horse and foot are much better than great divisions for service either in campagnia , or within enclosures ; because they are not so apt to fall into disorder , and are much more ready to be commanded upon all occasions . an army which is imbattelled in small divisions of horse and foot , is not so easily routed as that army which is imbattelled in great divisions . and small divisions are much more ready than great divisions : for besides seconding one another , and wheeling upon all occasions , they will likewise out-front an army which is imbattelled in great divisions : the which is one of the greatest advantages that can be taken in the imbattelling of an army . also small divisions of horse and foot are much readier for service , where you cannot imbattel them according to the rules of art , by the nature of the place , or within inclosures , or where the brevity of the time will not give you leave . to conclude , an army that is imbattelled in small divisions is much more troublesome for an enemy to deal withal , than an army that is imbattelled in great divisions . it is most convenient , and ready to have your divisions of horse and foot , to march at the same strength , or some ten or twelve men more in a division , than you intend to fight them in a battel : by this means your army will be much readier , and sooner imbattelled upon all occasions . if you fight your horse in a day of battel on the flanks of your body of foot ( which is the usual way of placing the horse : ) and if you intend to skirmish in the day of battel with a small division of foot on each flank of each division of horse ( which i hold to be the best and strongest way of imbattelling your wings of horse ) provide always that your musqueteers in each division of foot , that are to skirmish on the flanks of each division of horse in a day of battel , be so ordered that they may be sheltred by pikes from the force of the enemies horse . and in what order the two divisions of foot shall fight in a day of battel on the flanks of each division of horse , so as to have the musqueteers sheltered by the pikes from the force of the enemies horse , shall be demonstrated unto you in the following figures . if your strength of horse be four thousand , and if they be to fight on the flanks of a body of foot , and each division of horse to have a division of foot fighting on each flank , then each division of horse ought to be forty in front , and three deep ; and so the strength of each division of horse will be an hundred and twenty . if your strength of horse be five thousand , then each division of horse ought to be an hundred and fifty strong , fifty in front , and three deep . if your strength of horse be six thousand , or ten thousand , then ought you to have an hundred and eighty in a division , sixty in front , and three deep . and of this strength ( as is aforesaid ) ought your divisions of horse to be . if you intend to fight foot on the flanks of each division of horse in a battel , the divisions of foot that shall fight on each flank of each division of horse , shall be in strength twelve files of pikes , and twelve files of musqueteers , which in all make a body , or a division of an hundred forty four men . and on the flanks of each division of horse , when you come to imbattel them to fight , you must place a division of foot of an hundred forty four men , half pikes and half musqueteers . the order how the divisions of horse and foot shall march together when they come near an enemy , and how they shall imbattel , and skirmish , shall be demonstrated in the following figures . the divisions of foot before spoken of , will serve to fight on the flanks of any division of horse of what strength you please to have them . in the first place , for your better understanding of this new way of discipline ( the which i am well assured you will find very serviceable and advantageous against an enemy , if you make use of it ) i will demonstrate unto you in the following figure , in what order a division of horse , and two divisions of foot shall stand ready to march , to be imbattelled when occasion shall serve . the which order must be observed by all the rest of the divisions . by this means you may understand how all the rest of the divisions of horse and foot that are to fight on the flanks of an army in a day of battel may be ordered for a march , and to be in readiness to be imbattelled , when an army cometh near the enemy . these figures following lettered with a b c d e f g , shew you the order of the divisions of horse and foot ( i mean those divisions of horse and foot that are to be imbattelled together in a day of battel on the flanks of the body of foot ) to be ready to march when occasion shall serve , or to be imbattelled . and this order which shall be here set down for this one division of horse figured with the letter a in the following figure , and the two divisions of foot figured with the letters b c d e f g , the same order ought to be observed after the same manner for a march when you come near an enemy . by this means your army will be much the sooner imbattelled upon any occasion , and always in a readiness to receive your enemy : if so be your divisions of horse and foot , when they march , be of the same strength as you desire to have them when they are imbattelled to fight , and that you march your divisions of horse and foot by brigades as you do intend to fight them . the figure before , figured with the letter a , standeth for a division of horse ; the order that they are in , in rank and file , is their order . the figures figured with b c d e f g , are small divisions of foot , the which shall be at large demonstrated in this following observation : the order that they stand at in rank and file , is their order , viz. three foot in file , and six in rank . the distance of ground between the divisions of musqueeteers d f and the division of horse a , is thirty paces , three feet to the pace . and this distance of ground of thirty paces between the two divisions of musqueeters d f , and the division of horse marked with the letter a ought to be when the divisions of horse and foot are imbattelled to fight . the distance of ground between the division of musqueteers , and the divisions of pikes is twelve footmen . which are pikes , and which are musqueteers this following demonstration will declare unto you . the figure before , figured with the letter a , is a division of horse of threescore in front , and three deep ; and in the strength of the division is an hundred and eighty horse . the figure with six files , and six ranks of small pricks figured with the letter c , is a division of musqueteers , in strength six and thirty , each small prick standing for a musqueteer . the figure figured with the letter b with cross strokes , is a division of pikes of twelve files and six deep . the strength of the division is seventy two pikemen , and each stroke standing in way of a rank standeth for a rank of pikes being twelve in rank ; and each stroke standing in way of a file is to be accounted for a file six deep . the figure figured with the letter d is a division of ▪ musqueteers of the same strength that the figure c is . the figures figured with the letters e f g , are the same that b c d , and the little small strokes in the front , reer , and flanks of the divisions of horse and foot stand for officers . when these two divisions of foot , and one of horse are to march away by small sub-divisions , as the way will give leave ; then the right-hand division of foot figured with b c d is first to march away : next , the division of horse signified by the letter a , then the left-hand division of foot figured with the letters e f g is to follow the division of horse figured with the letter a. you are to appoint to every division of horse two divisions of foot , like as you see in this former figure of a b c d e f g , if your foot will hold out to do it . if you have not so many as to do it , you ought not to fail to flank each division of horse in the van-guard of your army with two divisions of foot , as is set down in the former figure . and each musqueteer of those divisions of foot which are to be imbattelled on the flanks of each division of horse ought to have , when they come to encounter with the enemy , two pair of bandaliers , or a pair of bandaliers , and a dozen of charrages in each musqueteers pocket . likewise each musqueteer ought to have twelve spare botlets besides his bandaliers furnished with powder and bullet : and each two divisions of foot ought to have a powder-bag full of powder carried along with them . all the divisions of horse and foot that are to be imbattelled together on the flanks of your army in a day of battel , for the wings of your battel being divided into brigades , are to march after this order as is here set down for the marching of this one division of horse , and two of foot when you are near an enemy and marching towards him . this way of fighting foot amongst horse is much the stronger way of imbattelling an army in my judgment then any other that i have either seen or read of : and hereafter in a fit place i shall shew sufficient reason for to prove it so to be . the following figure marked with the letters hiklmno , shall shew you in what manner the musqueteers in the two divisions of foot that are imbattelled on the flanks of each division of horse , as you see them in the foregoing figure marked with the letters abcdefg , how , i say , the aforesaid musqueteers shall be drawn into a fit order to give fire on the enemies horse or foot upon any occasion . the words of command that you are to give to the musqueteers to bring them into the order of the following figures klno , from the order of the foregoing figures cdfg , are these words of command which follow . command the two first ranks of the two divisions of musqueteers marked with the letters c and d to march forwards till the two last ranks of the aforesaid two ranks of both the divisions be twelve foot beyond the front of the pikes , then command them to stand ; then command the two ranks of musqueteers that belong to the division of musqueteers marked with the letter c , to turn to their left hands , and the two ranks of musqueteers marked with the letter d , to turn to their right hands : then command these four ranks of musqueteers , the which are now files , to march forwards till they meet . then command those musqueteers which before did turn to their right hands , to turn to their left hands , and those musqueteers which did turn to their left hands , to turn to their right hands , and file even with the pikes . then command the two last ranks of musqueteers of the two divisions of musqueteers marked with the letters cd , to turn to their right hands about , and march forward , till the two reer ranks of both the divisions be twelve feet beyond the reer rank of pikes in the division of pikes marked with the letter b. then command the four ranks of musqueteers to stand , commanding the two ranks of musqueteers that belong to the division of musqueteers marked with the letter c , to turn to their right hands , and the two ranks of musqueteers marked with the letter d , to turn to their left hands . then command the four ranks of musqueteers , which are now files , to march forwards , and meet in the reer of the pikes . then command those musqueteers which did before turn to their right hands , to turn to their right hands again , and those musqueteers which did turn to their left hands , to turn to their left hands again , and file even with the pikes . then command the two middlemost ranks of musqueteers , which are left of both the divisions of musqueteers marked with the letters c and d to march forward , and front even with the musqueteers in the front of the pikes . then command the division of horse marked with the letter h to close their ranks and files to their close order : and the division of pikes marked with the letter b , and the two ranks of musqueteers , which are now in the reer of the pikes , to close their ranks and files to their close order . the same words of command and order must be observed by the two divisions of musqueteers marked with the letters gf , as is here set down , and observed by the two divisions of musqueteers c and d. and these words of command which are here set down , will bring the former figure marked with the letters abcdefg , into the form and order of this following figure marked with the letters hiklmnopqrs . by the words of command which are before set down , the musqueteers in the former figure marked with the letters abcdefg are brought into this order and form , as you see them in the figure marked with the letters hiklmnopqrs . now what order this figure marked with the foregoing letters is in , i will here declare unto you . the division of horse marked with the letter h is threescore in front , and three deep , who are now at their close order in rank and file , the which is a foot and half in file , and six in rank . likewise the two divisions of pikes marked with the letters i and o on the flanks , and the four ranks of musqueteers in the reer of the pikes marked with the letters l and q are at their close order in rank and file , the which is one foot and an half in file , and three in rank . also the three ranks of musqueteers marked with the letters mknrps are at their order in rank and file ; the which is three foot in file , and six in rank . these twelve ranks of musqueteers , which are in the front stand ready to advance with the rest of the horse and foot against an enemy , and to be commanded to make ready , and give fire on the enemies horse or foot , as occasion shall serve , as you see them in the figures marked with the letters m k n r p s. when these twelve ranks of musqueteers which are in the front , are commanded to give fire upon the enemy , you must command them to do it in this manner : command the twelve ranks of musqueteers marked with the letters m k n r p s to make ready : being ready , command them to present , the which you must command them to do after this manner . let the first six ranks of musqueteers before spoken of present , kneeling upon their right knees ; then let the six last ranks of the former twelve ranks of musqueteers move up close to the first six ranks of musqueteers which are presenting and kneeling on their right knees . then command all the musqueteers in the six last ranks to step forward with their right legs within the in-side of their leaders right legs , and step forward with their left legs close up to their leaders left legs without-side of their leaders left legs , presenting their musquet over their leaders heads in the first ranks . the twelve ranks of musqueteers marked with the letters m k n r p s being thus presented as is here set down , command them to give fire together ; and when they have given fire , command them to advance easily with the rest of the foot and horse , and make ready again , and give fire after the same manner again , as is before spoken of , and so often as you please . the four ranks of musqueteers , which are in the reer of the two divisions of pikes marked with the letters l and q will serve , if any of your musqueteers in the front shall be hurt or slain . now i have shewed you how the musqueteers in the divisions of foot , which are to fight on the flanks of each division of horse in a day of battel , are to give fire on the enemies horse . i will now shew you in the next figure marked with the figures of , how the musqueteers shall be sheltered by the pikes from the enemies horse , when they shall charge the divisions of foot , which are on the flanks of each division of horse . but first i will set down the way how you shall bring the musqueteers in the former figure marked with the letters m n r s to the order as you shall see them in this following figure marked with the figures . you must command the two ranks of musqueteers , six in front , and two deep on the right hand division of foot marked with the letter m , to turn to their left hands , and command an officer to lead them down on the right hand flank of the division of pikes marked with the letter i , keeping one foot and an half distance from the right hand file of the aforesaid division of pikes , until he bring the two men that were the left hand men of the two ranks of musqueteers marked with the letter m , even with the bringers up of the right hand file of the division of pikes marked with the letter i. then command them to turn to their right hands about , and close their ranks and files to their close order . after that , command the two ranks of musqueteers six in front , and two deep on the left hand of the aforesaid division of pikes marked with the letter n , command , i say , those two ranks of musqueteers to turn to their right hands , and command an officer to lead them down on the left hand , on the left hand flank of the division of pikes marked with the letter i , keeping one foot and an half distance from the left hand file of the division of pikes marked with the letter i , until he bringeth the two men that were the right hand men of the two ranks of musqueteers marked with the letter n even with the bringers up of the left hand file of the division of pikes marked with the letter i. then command the two files of musqueteers ( the which were before ranks ) which you have drawn down on the left hand flank of the division of pikes marked with the letter i , to turn to their right hands about : then command them to close their ranks and files to their close order . the same order must be observed with the four ranks of musqueteers , six in front and two deep , marked with the letters r and s on the right and left hand of the left hand division of pikes marked with the letter o , as is here before set down for the four ranks of musqueteers marked with the letters m and n. then command the four ranks of musqueteers marked with the letters k and p to close their ranks and files to their close order . and these words of command before set down will bring the former figure marked with the letters i k l m n o p q r s to the order of this figure marked with the figures of . by these words of command before set down , you see the musqueteers marked with the letters m n r s p k in the figure before this former figure , are now brought into this order , as you see them in this figure before marked with the figures of under shelter of the pikes : the musqueteers and pikes being at their close order standing in a readiness to receive a charge from horse , and the pikes to shelter the musqueteers every way upon occasion from the force of the horse . the figure marked with the figure , is a division of horse , threescore in front and three deep , being at their close order . the way how the musqueteers shall be sheltred by the pikes from horse , i will here declare unto you : command the two right hand files , and the two left hand files of the division of pikes marked with the figure ( the which division of pikes is twelve files of pikes , and six deep ) to charge to their right , and left hands : the two right hand files to the right hand , and the two left hand files of pikes to the left hand over the shoulders of the musqueteers on the right and left hand marked with the figures and : commanding these four files of musqueteers marked with the aforesaid two figures to turn to their right and left hands . when the two right hand files , and the two left hand files of pikes of the figure marked with the figure , are commanded to charge to the right and left hands , then command the other eight files of pikes of the figure , which have not as yet charged their pikes , i say , command the three first ranks of those eight files to charge their pikes to the front over the shoulders of the musqueteers marked with the figure . then command the three last ranks of pikes of the eight files of pikes to charge to the reer over the shoulders of the two ranks of musqueteers marked with the figure . and these two ranks of musqueteers in the reer marked with the figure must observe to turn to their right hands about , when the pikes are commanded to charge to the reer . the same order and words of command , the which are here set down for the right hand division of foot , marked with the figures must be observed by the officers of the left hand division of foot , marked with the figures . the musqueteers which are placed without-side of the pikes marked with the figures must stand ready with their matches , cocks , and pans guarded , and ready to give fire either by one rank at a time , or two ranks , as the officers shall see occasion to command them , which must be done after this manner : if you command only the outermost ranks to give fire , then must you command them to present kneeling on their right knees , and command them to level so low , that they shoot at the horse legs , and by that means they will shoot clear under the tops of your pikes being charged . if you please to command two ranks of musqueteers to give fire at one time , the musqueteers being ready to present command your pikemen to port their pikes : then command all your musqueteers to present , the first rank of musqueteers kneeling on their right knees , the second rank of musqueteers must move up close to the first rank of musqueteers , every musqueteer in the second rank stepping forward with his right leg within the inside of their leaders right legs , and step forwards with their left legs close up by their leaders left legs without-side of their leaders left legs , and so present their musquets over their leaders heads . after the musqueteers in the first rank have thus presented , command them to give fire ; then may you , if occasion serve , command your pikemen to charge their pikes again , and your musqueteers to make ready again . but here some may object , that if any one of these two divisions of foot marked with the figures should be charged by horse several ways at once , then the four corners of the division of foot will be ill defended , by reason that the two outermost files of pikes to the right and left hand are charging to their right and left hands ; so by this means they conceive the four corners of the division of foot will be left naked for want of pikes to defend them . to prevent this objection , the captains , lieutenants , and serjeants ought to be placed on the four corners of a division of foot with the musqueteers , as you see them in this foregoing figure , marked with the figure . for you must understand , that each little long stroke at the corners of the division of foot standeth for an officer . now all the captains that command the foot on the flanks of each division of horse in a day of battel ought to have pikes , and the lieutenants and serjeants ought to have partizans and halberts of eleven foot in length . in this service against the horse , are two chief things that the commanders of the foot who command any foot amongst the horse in a day of battel ought to give their souldiers a strict charge to observe : the first is , that the musqueteers when they are to give fire should always take aim at the horses legs . the second observation is , that your pikemen charge their pikes against the horses , and not against the horsemen , when the foot are charged by horse , and that your pikemen charge not their pikes , until the enemies horses are come within forty paces of your foot. if you fight foot among your horse on the flank of your army , as you see them placed in these two figures before marked with the letters hiklmnopqrs , and the figures . then you must observe when your enemies horse come to charge your horse , or the foot on the flanks of your division of horse , that your divisions of horse move not from the two divisions of foot on their flanks ( unless your enemies horse be put to the retreat ) but to keep an even front , with the two divisions of foot on their flanks , and receive their enemies charge , keeping the aforesaid order . but in case your enemies horse rout any one of the divisions of foot on the flanks of any one division of horse , then the commander of the division of horse , that is to march between two divisions of foot , must be in a readiness to charge the enemies horse that hath routed his foot , either with part of his division of horse , or the whole , as he seeth occasion , or as he may with convenience . that your intention of fighting foot amongst the horse may not be discovered by your enemy , who hath not been used to the like discipline ; or at least that he may not know the way and order that you intend to fight your foot in , let your divisions of foot , which are to fight on the flanks of your horse in a day of battel , as you see them in the two former figures : let , i say , the two divisions of foot which belong to each division of horse , march in the reer of the divisions of horse , as you see them in the foregoing figure , till they come within musquet-shot of their enemies horse : then draw up the two divisions of foot , the one on the one flank of a division of horse , and the other on the other flank of the same division of horse in the same order as you see them in this foregoing figure . chap. xiv . vvhat strength each division of horse ought to be from three thousand to ten thousand , to fight on the flanks of a body of foot in a day of battel , if you will have no foot to fight amongst the horse . if your strength of horse be three thousand , and if they be to fight on the flanks of a body of foot in a day of battel without foot to fight amongst them , then each division of horse ought to be thirty in front , three deep , and ninety in a division . if your strength of horse be four thousand , then the strength of each division of horse ought to be an hundred and twenty , forty in front , and three deep . if your strength of horse be five thousand , then each division of horse ought to be an hundred and fifty strong , fifty in front , and three deep . if your strength of horse be six thousand , or seven thousand , then they ought to be an hundred and eighty in a division , sixty in front , and three deep . if your strength of horse be eight thousand , nine thousand , or ten thousand , then ought each division of horse to be an hundred in front , and three deep , and three hundred in a division . your divisions of horse from ninety to an hundred and eighty ( if you have no foot to fight amongst your horse ) ought to charge their enemies horse after this manner . each division of horse from ninety to an hundred and eighty in strength ought to be sub-divided into three subdivisions , as is here set down , and shall be declared unto you by this following figure , marked with the letters a b c. the three sub-divisions of horse marked with the letters a b c are a division of horse of ninety , sub-divided into three equal sub-divisions , being thirty in a division , ten in front , and three deep . the distance of ground between the subdivision marked with the letter a , and the subdivision marked with the letter b , is twenty paces , three feet to the pace . the like distance of ground is between the sub-divisions of horse marked with the letters b and c : the little strokes that stand in the fronts , flanks , and reer of the three sub-divisions , stand for officers . now when the van-guard of your horse cometh within fifty paces of the enemies horse , let the two sub divisions of horse marked with the letters a and c advance towards their enemies division of horse upon an easie trot : and the officers of the two divisions of horse must be careful that they charge all together the division of the enemies horse which they meet with . and when the two sub-divisions on the right and left hand marked with the letters a and c do advance towards their enemy to charge them , then let the middle sub-division of horse marked with the letter b follow after easily upon a walking pace . and when the officer in chief that commandeth the middle sub-division of horse marked with the letter d , seeth the other two sub-divisions of horses marked with the letters a and c to be mingled with the enemy ; then let him command his sub-division of horse to advance upon a round trot , and charge his enemy . the same order must be observed by all the divisions of horses that are but ninety in strength , when they come to charge an enemy . and the divisions of horse from ninety to an hundred and eighty in strength must observe the same order in charging their enemy , as is here set down in this division of horse of ninety , marked with the letters a b c , if no divisions of foot be to fight amongst the horse . if you be eight thousand , nine thousand , or ten thousand strong in horse , then each division of horse , when you come to fight in battel , ought to be three hundred in strength : and each division of horse ought to be sub-divided into five equal sub-divisions , as you see them in this following figure marked with the letters d e f g h. in these five sub-divisions of horse marked with the letters d e f g h , there are sixty horses in each sub-division , twenty in front , and three deep . so that the five sub-divisions marked with the letters d e f g h are a division of horse of three hundred in strength , sub-divided into five equal parts , and being at their close order in rank and file : and the little small strokes that you see in the flank , reer , and front , stand for officers . the distance of ground that is left between the sub-divisions marked with the letters d and e is twenty paces , three feet to the pace . and the distance of ground between the sub-divisions of horse marked with the letters e and f is twenty paces . the same distance of ground is between the sub-divisions of horse marked with the letters f and g , and g and h. if you intend to have your divisions of horse to be three hundred in strength , my opinion is , that each division of horse ought to be sub-divided into five equal parts , as you see them in this figure marked with the letters d e f g h. for these reasons a division of horse for three hundred in strength being divided into five equal parts , as you see them in this foregoing figure , will take up much more ground in front , than a division of horse that is but three hundred in strength , and not sub-divided . now it is one of the chiefest advantages that can be taken in a day of battel , by your divisions of horse to out-front your enemies divisions of horse . besides , a division of horse of three hundred in strength being sub-divided , as is before set down , will be better commanded , and not so subject to fall into a disorder upon any occasion , as a division of horse of three hundred in strength , all in a body . moreover , you may charge an enemy three several ways with a division of horse of three hundred in strength , being sub-divided as you see them in this foregoing figure ; whereas you can charge an enemy but one way with a division of horse of three hundred in strength , being all in one body . the first of the three ways to charge your enemy with a division of horse of three hundred in strength , and sub-divided , is in this manner ; when a division of horse thus sub-divided into five equal parts cometh within forty paces of your enemies division of horse which they are to charge ; then let the two sub-divisions of horse marked with the letters d and h advance , and charge their enemies division of horse on the flanks ; and then let the other three sub-divisions of horse marked with the letters e f g advance , and charge their enemy in the front of their division at the same time . the second way is this , when you come within forty paces of your enemies division of horse , then command the three sub-divisions of horse marked with the letters d ● h , to advance upon a trot , and charge their enemy : then command the other two sub-divisions marked with the letters e and g to follow upon an easie pace , until they see that the three sub-divisions marked with the letters d f h be mingled with their enemy . then let the two sub-divisions marked with the letters e and g have order to advance upon a good round trot , and charge their enemy . the third way of charging your enemy , is , to command the five sub-divisions of horse marked the letters d e f g h to charge the enemy together in an even front . and i account either of these three ways better to charge a division of the enemies horse to rout them , than to charge a division of the enemies horse with a division of three hundred horse in one body together , without being sub-divided . chap. xv. by the following figures are declared what strength each division of foot ought to be to fight a battel , and encounter with foot : and the order that must be observed for doing the same ; and how they shall easily , and readily be in order to defend themselves against the charge of any horse . for field-service you must observe to have as many pikes as musqueteers amongst your foot ; and each division of foot ought to be two hundred eighty eight in strength , half pikemen , and half musqueteers ; and you must rank your men but six deep : so that in the division of two hundred eighty eight men , there will be four and twenty files of pikes , and four and twenty files of musqueteers , six deep . the order that they must be drawn into , to be in readiness to fight with foot , and to defend themselves against horse , shall be declared unto you by the following figures . but in the first place i will shew you the order that these four and twenty files of pikes , and four and twenty files of musqueteers must be drawn into ▪ the first order that the aforesaid two hundred eighty eight men must be drawn into , is , as you shall see them in this following figure , marked with the figures ; and the distance that they are at in rank and file is their order . the figure marked with the figure is a division of pikes of four and twenty files , six deep . the six ranks of small pricks marked with the figure are a division of musqueteers consisting of twelve files , six deep : and the like are six ranks of pricks on the left hand of the division of pikes figured with the figure . now the way that you must observe to bring these four and twenty files of pikes , and four and twenty files of musqueteers into the order , as you see them in the following figure marked with the letters a b c , is by these words of command . command the three first ranks of musqueteers of the two divisions of musqueteers marked with the figures and to march forward , till the last ranks of musqueteers of both the divisions of musqueteers have marched twelve feet beyond the first ranks of pikes . then command them to stand , and cause the three ranks of musqueteers at the left hand to turn to their right hands , and the three ranks of musqueteers on the right hand to turn to their left hands . then command them to march forward , and joyn together before the division marked with the letter a. then command the musqueteers , which before you commanded to turn to their left hands , now to turn to their right hands ; and those musqueteers that you commanded before to turn to their right hands , command them to turn to their left hands . then file the musqueteers that you have brought before the front of the pikes , even with the files of pikes . then command the other six ranks of musqueteers on the right and left hand of the division of pikes to advance forwards , and front with the musqueteers , which are in the front of the pikes , leaving eighteen foot distance between the divisions of musqueteers , marked with the letters c and b , and b and d , as you see them in this following figure , marked with the letters a b c d ; and the distance that they are at in rank and file is their order . the figure marked with the letter a is a division of pikes consisting of four and twenty files , six deep . the three ranks of small pricks marked with the letter b are four and twenty files of musqueteers , three deep . the three ranks of small pricks marked with the letter c , are twelve files of musqueteers , three deep : the like are the three ranks of musqueteers marked with the letter d. and the musqueteers standing in this order as you see them in this foregoing figure , marked with the letters b c d are now in a readiness to give fire on an enemy . now the way that the musqueteers must observe in firing on their enemy is thus : command both your pikemen and musqueteers to shoulder their arms , and march together in the same order as you see them in the foregoing figure , marked with the letters a b c d , commanding the three divisions of musqueteers , marked with the letters b c d to make ready ; and when the musqueteers are all ready , command the two first ranks of musqueteers in the aforesaid three divisions of musqueteers to present . the three first ranks of the three divisions of musqueteers marked with the letters c b d must present kneeling upon their right knees . the second ranks of the aforesaid divisions of musqueteers must march up close to the three first ranks of musqueteers which are presenting on their right knees ; every musqueteer in the second rank stepping forwards with their right legs within the in side of their leaders right legs , and then step forwards with their left legs close up to their leaders left legs , without-side of their legs , and present their musquets over their leaders heads in their first ranks . and after the two first ranks of musqueteers of the three divisions of musqueteers marked with the letters c b d have thus presented , command them to give fire together and when these musqueteers before spoken of have fired , let the three first ranks of the three divisions of musqueteers marked with the letters c b d remain kneeling on their right knees . then command the second ranks of the three divisions of musqueteers to kneel upon their right knees , as close to their leaders right knees as they can . then command the last ranks of the three divisions of musqueteers marked with the letters c b d to march up to their leaders , stepping with their right legs within side of their leaders right knees , and step forwards with their left legs without side their leaders left legs , and present their musquets over their leaders heads , and then command them to give fire . after the last rank of the three divisions of musqueteers marked with the letters c b d have fired , command the two first ranks of musqueteers of the aforesaid three divisions of musqueteers which are kneeling , to stand up ; commanding your division of musqueteers marked with the letter a , and the three divisions of musqueteers marked with the letters c b d to march on easily , and make ready again , and when they are ready , let them give fire in the same order as they did before . this order of marching and giving fire must be observed by all the other divisions of foot , that are to fight in the body of an army . or if you approve not of the way of musqueteers firing , as is here set down , you may subdivide them after the old manner , and so command them to give fire . the order that this division of foot marked with the letters a b c d must observe to defend themselves , against horse is after this manner , as you shall see them placed in the next figure , marked with the figures ▪ and the way to bring the three divisions of musqueteers , and one of pikes marked with the letters a b c d to the order of the figure following , marked with the figures is done after this manner . you must command the last rank of musqueteers , of the division of musqueteers marked with the letter b , to turn to their right hands ; then command an officer to draw them away on one side of the right hand file of the pikes , and draw them in between the third and fourth ranks of pikes marked with the letter a. then command your pikemen to advance their pikes , and close their files , and ranks to their close order . then command the division of pikes to advance forward , till they come within three feet of the last rank of musqueteers which are in the front of the pikes . then command the two last ranks of the division of musqueteers marked with the letter c , to turn to their left hands . then command the two last ranks of the divisions of musqueteers marked with the letter d to turn to their right hands . then command two officers to lead these four files of musqueteers ( which were before four ranks ) into the reer of the pikes marked with the letter a ; the which four files are there to meet and joyn together in the reer of the pikes . then command those musqueteers which did before turn to their left hands , to turn to their right hands ; and those musqueteers which before turned to their right hands , to turn to their left hands . then command the first rank of musqueteers , which is only left of the division of musqueteers marked with the letter c , to turn to their left hands . then command an officer to lead them down close on the out-side of the right hand file of the pikes ; and when the officer hath brought the leader of the file of musqueteers right against the bringer up of the right hand file of pikes , command the file of musqueteers to stand . then command the half file of that file of musqueteers to double his front to the left hand . then command those two files of musqueteers to turn to their right hands about . then command the first rank which is left of the division of musqueteers marked with the letter d , to turn to their right hands , commanding an officer to lead them down close on the out-side of the left hand file of the pikes : and when the officer hath brought the leader of the file of musqueteers right against the bringer up of the left hand file of the pikes , command the file of musqueteers to stand . then command the half file of that file of musqueteers to double his front to the right hand . then command those two files of musqueteers to turn to their right hands about . then command the musqueteers which have not as yet closed their ranks and files , to close their ranks and files to their close order , and file and rank even with the pikes . this which is here set down is the readiest , and easiest way to bring the former figure marked with the letters a b c d unto the order of this figure following , marked with the figures . and this division of foot is now in a readiness to withstand the charge of any horse . the figure marked with the figure , is a division of pikes , consisting of four and twenty files , and three deep . the figure marked with the figure , is a division of pikes of the like number that the figure is . the two ranks of small pricks in the front of the pikes , figured with the figure , are two ranks of musqueteers , having four and twenty in a rank . the two ranks of small pricks in the reer of the pikes marked with the figure , are two ranks of musqueteers , having four and twenty in a rank . the two files of pricks on the right hand of the division of pikes , marked with the figure , are two files of musqueteers , six deep : and the like are the two files of pricks on the left hand of the division of pikes , marked with the figure . the little strokes at the corner of the division of foot , marked with the figure , stand for officers . and the rank of small pricks between the two divisions of pikes marked with the figures and , are one rank of musqueteers consisting of four and twenty musqueteers in number . you see in this figure marked with the figures , the musqueteers standing under the shelter of the pikes , the pikes and the musqueteers being all at their close order , and in a readiness to receive a charge from horse ; and the pikes sheltering the musqueteers every way upon occasion from the force of the horse . now the way how these musqueteers and pikemen shall defend themselves against horse , i will here declare unto you . if you perceive your enemies horse to divide themselves into four parts to charge any one division of foot which is placed in this manner as you see them in this foregoing figure : then command the two right hand files of pikes , and the two left hand files of pikes of the six ranks of pikes marked with the figures and , to charge to their right and left hands over the shoulders of the musqueteers on the right and left hand , marked with the figures and . command also the four files of musqueteers , marked with the aforesaid two figures , to turn to their right and left hands . when the two right hand files of pikes are commanded to charge to their right and left hands , then command the other twenty files of pikes in the first three ranks of pikes , marked with the figure , to charge to the front over the shoulders of the musqueteers , marked with the figure . then command the twenty files of pikes marked with the figure to charge to the reer over the shoulders of the two ranks of musqueteers in the reer marked with the figure . and the aforesaid musqueteers must observe to turn to their right hands about , when the pikes are commanded to charge to the reer . the musqueteers which are placed without-side of the pikes , marked with the figures and , must stand ready with their matches , cock , and pans guarded , and to be ready to give fire either by one rank at a time , or two ranks , as the officers shall see occasion to command them ; the which must be done after this manner . if you command only the outermost ranks of musqueteers to give fire , then must you command them to present kneeling on their right knees , and command them to level so low with their musquets , that they may shoot at the horses legs ; by that means they will shoot clear under the tops of your pikes being charged . if you please to command two ranks of musqueteers to give fire at one time , then as soon as the musqueteers are ready to present , command your pikemen to port their pikes : then command all the musqueteers without-side of the pikes to present , where the first ranks of musqueteers are to kneel on their right knees ; then the second tanks of musqueteers must move up close to the first ranks of musqueteers , every musqueteer in the second ranks stepping forwards with their right legs within the in-side of their leaders right legs ; then they must step forwards with their left legs close up by their leaders left legs , without-side of their leaders legs , and present their musquets over their leaders heads in the first rank . when the musqueteers have thus presented , command them to give fire . and if horse charge a division of foot which stand in the same order that this division of horse doth , marked with the figures , you must command your pikemen to charge again , and be careful to place the captains , lieutenants , and serjeants of the division on the four corners of the division , as you see them in the foregoing figure marked with the figure . chap. xvi . some observations concerning the marching of an army . you must be careful before you march with your army into the field , to see your souldiers well cloathed , well armed , and well disciplined ; and that you be stored with shooes and stockings for the march , and also with ammunition , bread , and mony. if you be not careful of this , you will soon bring your army to ruine . you must also have a great care of those souldiers which fall sick , or are hurt , upon a march ; for this alone will not only encourage souldiers to undergo any danger , or labour , but by it you will win their affections so , that they will never forsake you . you ought to know the nature of the country , the quality of the ways , the compendiousness of turning , the nature of hills , and the course of rivers , through which you are to march . and the best way to know these things is by good guides , and good maps : for he that leadeth an army by an unknown and undiscovered way , and marching blindfold upon uncertain adventures , is subject to many casualties , and disadvantages : let every commander therefore perswade himself that good discoverers are as the eye of an army , and serve for lights in the darkness of ignorance , to direct the resolutions of good providence , and to make the path of safety so manifest , that he need not stumble upon casualties : for that which a general should chiefly observe upon a march , is first safety , and next convenience . if you march into a country which is hard to enter , and which hath but few passages , whereby to enter into it , you must force one ; and before you go farther , you must there fortifie , as well to assure your way for your necessaries , as for your retreat . for a general must be careful never to march into any such place , where his enemy may be able to cut off his provisions , or his retreat . it is most convenient and ready to have your divisions of horse and foot to march at the same strength , or some ten or twelve men more in a division , than you intend to fight them ; by which means your army will be much more ready upon any occasion to be imbattelled : and your officers and souldiers being used to march with their divisions in the same strength and order as you intend to fight them , will not be so apt to be in a disorder , as that army that doth not use to march with their divisions of horse and foot at the same strength as they intend to fight them . your regiments of horse and foot ought to be divided into brigades , your foot into three brigades , and your horse into six brigades , if you be twelve regiments of horse strong , or above . it is most necessary to use your brigades , and your divisions of horse and foot to march in battalia when time and ground will give leave ; for otherwise you will not be able to march three hundred paces in the view of an enemy with your brigades imbattelled , but your divisions of horse and foot will be apt to lose their distances , and by consequence will be most apt to fall into a confusion . you must be careful to be furnished at the least at every quarter with three guides : if you be to march in the night , you ought to have six . before you set forwards , your guides must be agreed upon the way which they will take : there must also be a captain of the guides , a man of spirit , and vigilance , and one that may take care to get guides from place to place . you must be careful to carry with you the maps of the country , through which you are to march . the best way to keep your men from straggling upon a march , when they pretend to go out of their ranks and files to drink , or to ease themselves , is this ; let them have command to leave their pikes or musquets with their camerades ; and the lieutenant and serjeant ought to see this order observed . you ought upon a march to send out some parties of horse or foot , according as the situation of the country , and the strength of the enemy requireth , in the van-guard and flanks of your army , to discover and search for ambushments , and parties of the enemy , which will be always apt to attend upon an army for booties . when you come to march with your army through any woody country , then you ought to have loose wings of musqueteers to march on the flanks of your army , some musquet-shot off from the body of your foot , to keep small , or great parties from firing on your main body . and in such places you ought to have a special care that your baggage be well guarded on the flanks ; and that your scout-master and spies do bring you intelligence daily . it is most necessary when you march , to make an halt once in a day for the ease of your souldiers , and relief and ease of your carriage-horses , in some convenient place where is both horse-meat and water . it is very fit you give orders to your pioners to make you three ways on each side of your carriage way , that is , six ways besides your carriage-way , or as many as conveniently the ground and places through which you are to march with your army will give way . so by this means the one half of your army may march on one side of your carriages , and the other half on the other side of your carriages . by marching in this order your train will be the shorter , and a less guard will serve to guard the reer of your waggons , by reason the main body of your army will be so near the reer of your waggons . and also your army will march much the nearer together , whereby you will the sooner draw them into order to fight upon any occasion . likewise you will be able to march safer and farther in a day , than you can when your army marcheth but in one or two ways . if it fall out so that you must be constrained to march with your army and baggage in one high-way , or over one bridge , the conductor that hath the conducting of the van-guard of your train , ought to know upon such an occasion what regiment his train of artillery is to follow ; and that he have a special care not to march into any narrow passage before those troops he is to follow . if you have any occasion to send out any parties to provide provisions for your army against night , you ought to give order unto those officers to keep their souldiers from stragling ; for such oversights do many times bring great inconvenncies to an army . therefore officers ought not at any time to suffer their souldiers to straggle , nor slacken the severity of military discipline , though they believe themselves far from an enemy , and in great security . for souldiers are commonly least secure when they think themselves most secure . security is commonly the fore-runner of misery . in marching with an army to fight with your enemy , you ought to carry with you as much bread , cheese , or cattel and salt as you may conveniently ; for it is impossible that souldiers should find bread to be bought every where : and if it be possible to be done with safety , lie with your army between your enemy and his provisions , being better furnished with provisions than your enemy : for lying near your enemy with safety , and without fighting , will in the end surely discourage your enemies souldiers by their necessities , or force them to fight upon disadvantages , or at last put them to a retreat : and then the victory is more then half won , if any of these things happen unto your enemy . an army may be divided into four parts , namely , the cavalry , the infantry , the artillery , and the victuals . if you march with cannon , and suffer an enemy to approach too near you without intrenching , it is impossible for you to avoid fighting or losing your cannon . therefore a general ought to know how to make use of it at his advantage , and avoid the inconveniences of it by his foresight , either by intrenching , or retreating in time , if he hath no mind to hazard a battel . there is nothing that bringeth so much disorder to an army upon the march as the baggage : and therefore it is highly necessary to reduce it to the smallest proportion that may be : and the waggon-master-general ought to make a review of it every morning when the army marcheth , for otherwise it will daily increase . your marshal-general ought not to suffer many women , or boys to march with an army , whereby sickness and famine get into the army . if your army be of any great strength , then may you march with it in two parts , each part about two or three miles distant from the other ▪ if you have no enemy near you that is able to affront you . and if you can march in this order with safety , you will march much the farther in a day , and your souldiers will be much better provided for at night . if you are to march with an army into a country where you think the inhabitants will flie before you , then ought you to carry hand-mills , and baking-pans along with you , that each company upon occasion may be able to grind their own corn , and provide themselves bread. it is very fit and necessary , if you have any occasion to pass over any rivers that are not fordable , in your march , to carry with you boats or punts to make a bridge of . it is most necessary likewise to carry with you caltrops into the field , the which are very convenient at times to be thrown in places , as either into fords or narrow passages , where horses are to pass to spoil them : and they are of especial use in a night upon a retreat , to be thrown into narrow passages , or by day into dirty or watry passages . those caltrops that are made for fords , must be made somewhat more weighty than those that are made for other passages , that the water may not be able to carry them away . chap. xvii . some observations for the quartering of an army at night upon a march , and for the setting out of their guards to secure their quarters . you ought to give a strict charge to the quarter-master-general of the foot , to have a special care ( if it be possible ) to quarter your infantry upon a march , and your train of artillery in places that are naturally , or casually well fortified , as with inclosures , or in places compassed with rivers , or moors ; and where there may be provisions for your carriage-horses , or where provisions may conveniently be brought in by the country-people for them . this way of quartering your army must be carefully observed , if any enemy of strength be near you that may be able to do you any affront upon any of your quarters . if any enemy of strength be near you , you ought to quarter your army as near together as possibly you can ; but by all means if it be possible , avoid quartering your infantry in the campagnia . the time of lodging an army is a dangerous time to be assaulted in , because the army is then tired , and every man ( desirous to be lodged ) hastneth to the quarter in disorder , which is a thing hard to avoid : and therefore the general and the officers ought to have a special care to avoid this danger . the which i conceive to be done best this way . those horse and dragoons that you send before for a guard with the quarter-master-general , and his attendants for the providing of quarters , as soon as those troops shall come to the place where the army shall quarter , they ought to send out small parties , and scouts several ways to discover , and to search for ambushments ; and the remainder of the horse and dragoons ought to keep guards in some convenient places about the quarters till night : and such foot souldiers as you send before to preserve the foot quarters from being pillaged , ought to be two out of every company , a pikeman , and a musqueteer ; and a serjeant out of each regiment to command them : and two lieutenants and a captain out of the three brigades of foot , to command all the men that are appointed to preserve the foot quarters from being pillaged by their camerades . these souldiers and officers ought to have their orders over night for the same , that they may be in a readiness in the morning to march with the pioners as a guard for them : for the aforesaid souldiers may most conveniently do these two services under one . the carriages that belong to the horse officers ( especially the carriages for such officers as shall be lodged in out-quarters with the foot carriages ) the marshal of the field , the general of the artillery , the treasurer of the army , the commissary of the victuals , the quarter-master-general , the secretary of the council of war , the provost-general ; all these ought to be lodged within the general quarter . the marshal of the field , the major-generals of the horse and foot , and the majors of the brigades both of horse and foot , ought to go before to the quarters to view the most convenient places for guards for the security of their quarters . the serjeant major of the regiments both of horse and foot that are assured to have out-watches at night , ought to go somewhat before their regiments to know of the major of the brigade where the places are that the companies of their regiments should guard that night , with their orders for the same . then the serjeant-majors of these regiments , that are to have the out-watches for the night , knowing what guards the companies of the regiments should have that night , and having received all their orders for the same , ought to meet their regiments before they come to the quarters , that they may conduct the companies of their regiments that are to watch at night , the nearest way to their guards ; seeing it is a great trouble for companies that are tired , to remove from their regiments to their guards , having laid down their arms , and setled themselves for rest . after the marshal of the field , or the major-general of the foot , or both , have had a special care of securing the quarters of the infantry from all danger of any sudden surprises , by placing good guards in convenient places ; then if the infantry be quartered all together , the general or the marshal of the field , or the serjeant-major-general of the infantry , one of them ought to go every night one round or two : besides , there ought to be appointed a colonel to go the grand round every night , and he ought not to fail to go two rounds . and in my opinion it is fitter for all grand rounds , or any other rounds , to give the word , than to receive it . but if it falleth out so , that you quarter your brigades of foot one from another , then the major-general of the foot must trust to the care and judgment of the colonels and majors of the brigades for the setting out of their guards , and going the rounds , unless it be that brigade with which he lodgeth himself . the major-general ought always in such a case to give order to the colonels of the brigades , that they appoint an officer of the field for the grand round , and that he fail not to go two rounds at the least : there must be likewise appointed a captain of the watch to every regiment that lieth within the quarters , to see that the corporals and sentries at each colours keep good watch ; and that the souldiers of each company of his regiment within the quarter keep good order , and that the souldiers within his quarters make no fires in any places , where they may endanger the firing of the quarters . i will now say something concerning the quartering of the horse , which you ought always to quarter without-side of the foot. the horse-quarters ought to be as near together as conveniently you may lay them , that upon all occasions they may be able to assist one the other upon any sudden falling on their quarters in the night . and that you may quarter your horse the nearer together , you may by sending out parties of horse before , cause the country people to bring in provisions both for your horse-men , and their horses into the chief villages or towns where you are to quarter your horse ; the which the country people will most willingly do , rather than to be troubled with the quartering of any horsemen ; and by this means your troops will lodge much the safer . it is one of the hardest things that i do know that belongs to horse-service , for a commander of horse judiciously to order his horse guards for the securing of his quarters at night . and the best way for doing the same , as i conceive , is this , you ought to lodge in your outermost quarters of horse which lie next your enemy . and before you draw your horse into their quarters , you ought to set out your guards , and send out of your guards some small parties several ways ; and when those that you have sent out are returned , you ought to send out more , to discover any parties of your enemies , and to search for ambushments . your dragooners that are quartered in your out-quarters of horse , ought to guard the high-ways that come into your quarters . and against such guards of the dragoons as you keep upon the high-ways , you ought to barricado your high-ways up with something or other that may not easily be removed ; and let the pioners make you another way for the relief of your guards from your quarters . and therefore i hold it most convenient to have an hundred pioners to be horsed , which always should be lodged in the outermost horse-quarters next the enemy , for the stopping up of some passages , and for the making of others that may be unknown to the enemy : likewise upon the ways which are made by the pioners you ought to have a guard of dragooners : and all your dragooners ought to have swine-feathers , the which the dragooners ought to stick up without side of the avenues ; and in the avenues that the pioners have made for the relief of the out guards of horse . one guard is not sufficient to give the alarm at that distance , whereby you may have leisure to put your self in order to fight : wherefore you ought always to have half your horsemen to watch on horse-back one half of the night , and the other the other half of the night : and when the one half of your horsemen watcheth , the other half of your horsemen must be saddled , and the officers and horsemen be in their cloaths . your innermost horse-quarters ( which lie safer than your outermost horse-quarters ) when the one half of your horsemen watcheth , the other half may be unsaddled ; but your officers and horsemen must not lie out of their cloaths . and the officers in each quarter ought to have order upon any alarm , that as soon as they are drawn in arms they should make all the haste they can to assist their camerades that are assaulted in their quarters ; and that an officer in chief in each quarter go two or three rounds in a night . and this order of watching ought to be observed in your horse-quarters , if you lie within twenty miles of any garrison of your enemy that is able to affront any of your quarters . the general of an army ought always upon a march to give out two words at night , the one for a watch-word , and the other for a field-word . the officers ought to receive both , but the souldiers only the field-word ; the which ought not to be given to the souldiers , unless there be an alarm . towns and villages that lie in a champaign country are most fit for horse-quarters : the towns and villages that lie in an inclosed country are most fit for foot-quarters . chap. xviii . some certain observations to be kept in the fighting of battels , and some directions for the imbattelling of an army . we may observe two especial ends which the great commanders of the world have ever striven to atchieve , victory , and over mastering their enemies . the latter by cunning , and wisely carrying of a matter before it come to trial by blows : the former by forceable means , and fighting a battel : the one proceeding from wisdom , and the better faculties of the soul ; the other depending upon the strength and abilities of the body . the latter end is principally to be embraced , as the safest course in these uncertain and casual events . for that which resteth upon corporal strength , and maketh execution the way to a conclusion , is full of hazard , and little certainty . and yet of all the actions of war , the most glorious and most important is to know how to give battel : for the art of imbattelling an army hath always been esteemed the chiefest point of skill in a general ( for skill and practice do more towards the victory than multitude ) seeing the gaining of one or two battels acquireth , or subverteth whole empires , kingdoms , or countrys : and therefore a general of an army ought to know all the advantages which may be taken in a day of battel ; and how to prepare against disadvantages which may happen . concerning both which i will here give you my opinion . advantages bring hope of victory , and hope conceiveth such spirits as usually follow when the thing which is hoped for is effected ; whereby the courage becometh hardy , and resolute in victory ; and where the souldiers fear no overthrow , they are more than half conquerours . so on the other side , disadvantages and danger breed fear , and fear so checketh valour , and controuleth the spirits , that vertue and honour give place to distrust , and yield up their interest to such directors as can afford nothing but diffidence and irresolutions . it is most necessary for a general in the first place to approve his cause , and settle an opinion of right in the minds of his officers and souldiers : the which can be no way better done , than by the chaplains of an army . also a general ought to speak to the colonels of his army to encourage their officers with a desire to fight with the enemy ; and all the officers to do the like to their souldiers . and the better to raise the common souldiers spirits , let their officers tell them that their general doth promise them , if they will fight courageously with their enemy , and do get the day , that they shall have , besides the pillage of the field , twelve-pence apiece to drink , to refresh their spirits when the business is done . the which i am confident will make the common men fight better , than the best oration in the world . it is very fit a general should use his best endeavour to understand the strength of his enemies horse and foot , and how they are armed both with offensive and defensive arms , and what proportion of pikes they have to their musqueteers . also he must endeavour to know by name and place the chief officers of his enemies army , and their abilities in martial affairs ; by the which means he may guess where the chief commanders do command in a day of battel : so he may easily know how to place his army best for his own advantage . this if carefully observed will be of very great use . you ought to know that novelties , and unexpected adventures are very successful in battels , and in all martial designs . a general must be careful never to hazard a battel with his enemy , when he findeth him imbattelled in a ground of advantage , although he do out-number him much with men : the safest way then will be to fight with him by famine : for although a generals fortune should be generally subject to his will , yet by his wisdom he should rather follow reason than fortune in such cases . a general ought to be careful when an enemy approacheth near him , to send out some two or three knowing officers with a good strong party of horse and dragooners to make good the horsemens retreat upon occasion ) whereby to discover the enemies strength , and order of his march : and that they take notice of what advantages may be taken of the ground which lieth between them . and the party that is sent ought to have order , if it be possible to take some stragglers , that the general may the better understand the strength , and condition of his enemies army . if you intend to give battel , you must have regard to these principal things that follow : you must never suffer your self to be forced to fight against your will ; and never to fight your souldiers when their spirits are either dismayed , or cast down . if you resolve to fight with your enemy , then you ought to choose a place for the battel fit for the quality , and number of your souldiers . for if you fear to be inclosed by a great number , you ought to shelter your flanks , or at least one of them , by the nature of the place , as by a river , wood , or some other thing equivalent : if you be weak in your cavalry , you must avoid the plains , or fight with foot amongst your horse , as is shewed in the three next battels : if you be strong in horse , you must avoid strait passages , or inclosed places . you ought to know that directions are the life of action , and the sinews and strength of martial discipline ; and therefore you must give punctual orders to your marshal of the field , and your major-generals , and colonels of the brigades both of horse and foot before they begin to fight : and your orders ought to be written , if you have time : for after the battel is once begun , is is impossible for a general to give orders , more than in that part where he is present at the same time . that you may know how to place your divisions of horse and foot at their true distances , you ought to allow unto every horseman in the front of the divisions of the van-guard , and battel six foot of ground in breadth ; and to every foot souldier in the divisions in the van-guard , and battel you ought to allow five foot. also you must observe , that between every two divisions of horse and foot in the van-guard of your army to allow an hundred paces of ground in breadth , three feet to the pace : besides what you allow for the division in the battel , which is for the reserve . you ought likewise to allow between the vanguard of your horse-troops an hundred paces ; and between the van-guard of your foot an hundred and fifty paces , three feet to the pace . this order must be observed both in placing the divisions of horse and foot , and the van-guards , battel , and reer-guard of your army ; that the formost troops being put to recoil , may not fall upon those which should come up to relieve them , nor the battel upon the reer . you must always be careful to place the best regiments either of horse or foot on the wings of your army . the officers that lead the divisions in the vanguard of a battel ought to have special care to see that the divisions both of horse and foot keep their distances ; but especially the officers that lead the divisions in the van-guard of your army on the flanks of your horse or foot , they must be extraordinarily careful that they close not with their divisions in upon the main body . i know no one thing that officers care is more required about , in fighting a battel , than to see that such divisions as they command keep their distances : for let a man consider how hard a thing it is for an army that is imbattelled in a campagnia to march a mile together without losing their order . and questionless it is much harder for an army to march a mile together in the face of an enemy , and the van-guard of the army continually skirmishing to keep their distances : and unless the officers of an army are punctual in observing their orders of keeping their distances in marching , it is impossible but some part of your army , if not the whole , will be in a confusion before the battel be half fought . it is seldom or never seen that two armies that are of any equal strength , and that use one kind of discipline , being imbattelled one against the other , but the one army out-fronteth the other upon one of the wings , and the other army out-fronteth the other upon the contrary wing , when both armies come to encounter . therefore you ought to give punctual orders , before the battel beginneth , to those chief commanders that command on the outermost flanks of the van-guards of the horse , that in case either of the wings of horse doth out-front his enemies wing of horse , they should advance easily , keeping their order with that wing of horse which they command ( as soon as their cannon begin to play , and not before ) and charge that wing of horse which they do out-front . command also those divisions of horse that out-flank your enemies horse on the flanks , when they come within a near distance of your enemies troops , to wheel with their divisions so , that they may be able to charge the wing of their enemies horse on the flank , at the same time when the rest of the horse chargeth them in the front. and in case you do out-front your enemies army on both flanks , either by the advantage of the number of your men , or by the well-ordering of them , then both your wings of horse must observe the aforesaid order . here you must note , that if you fight foot among your horse , your foot must advance with your horse , and your horse by no means to advance before your foot , until your enemies horse be put to flight . but if it falleth out so ( as most commonly it doth ) that the one army be out-flanked upon one wing , and the same army doth out flank the other army on the other wing : if it fortune so , that you be out-flanked in one of your wings of horse , then ought the general to give an especial order to the officers , that that wing of horse which is out-flanked do not advance from the main body of the foot , but keep an even front with the foot , until their enemies horse come up close to them to charge them . and in the mean time so soon as the officers of either of your wings of horse discover that they shall be out-flanked , they ought to have order to draw up on the outermost flank of that wing of horse that is out-flanked , the reer-guard of horse of the same wing of horse with all the expedition that may be . for i am confident it is far less dangerous to want a reer-guard in a wing of horse , than to be out-flanked by his enemies horse . likewise those officers that do perceive they shall be out-flanked by the enemies horse , ought to have order that if any of their divisions of horse ( which doth most often fall out , when they are out-flanked by the enemies wing of horse ) do front against the enemies foot , and not against their horse , that then they shall draw all those divisions of horse on the outermost flanks of the same wing of horse . but in the imbattelling of two armies , if it prove so that your armies are equally fronted ( the which seldom or never doth happen ) then if you have one wing of horse that are more confident in their valour and resolution , than you are of the other , let that wing of horse charge first ( for as many hands make light work , so the best hands make surest work : ) and the other wing of horse keep in even front with the main body of foot , until the enemies horse come up to charge them . you ought to use your best judgment , and skill to charge your enemy first in that place where you are surest to overcome him : for so favourable are mens judgments to that which is already happened , that the sequel of every action dependeth for the most part upon the beginning . if it fortune so , that either of your wings of horse do put to flight either of your enemies wings of horse , then ought the chief commander of that wing of horse to have order upon the flight of his enemies wing of horse , to send but three divisions of horse after them ; the which three divisions of horse ought to have their orders before-hand for the same , and their directions what to do . one of the three divisions of horse that is appointed to follow the routed wing of the enemies horse , should be commanded to be sub-divided into small sub-divisions when they are to follow the execution , about fifteen horsemen in a division ; and the other two divisions of horse ought to follow after in order ; and keeping their men together without being sub-divided , that they may make good the retreat of the other division of horse , which is upon the execution of those horse of the enemy which are fled : and all the three divisions of horse ought to have order not to follow the enemy above a mile , and then to return to the army again , with all the expedition that they may . and all your other horse that have put the enemies wing of horse to flight , ought to charge the enemies foot with as much speed as they can . having spoken of some advantages that may be taken by the horse on the flanks of an army in a day of battel ( the which are the chiefest advantages in winning of a battel ) and how they are to prepare against disadvantages that may happen : i will now speak something concerning some advantages , and some disadvantages that may happen in foot service in a day of battel . and first of the advantages that may be taken by foot in a day of battel ; the greatest advantage that can be made use of , is by ordering the musqueteers so , that they may be able readily to skirmish with foot , and to be suddenly put in order upon any occasion to be sheltered by the pikes from the enemies horse . each division of foot that fight in the body of your army ( if you intend to use this kind of discipline which is set down in this book ) ought to be in strength two hundred eighty eight men , half pikes , and half musqueteers . and each division of foot that is to fight amongst your horse , ought to be an hundred forty four men in strength , half pikes and half musqueteers . the way how to order these divisions of foot in a day of battel is shewn you in these three following battels . by this way of ordering your foot , the success of a battel will not wholly rely upon the success of the horse , as it doth now adays , as we do order our infantry . your foot being ordered this way as is before spoken of , the success of a battel will lie more upon the success of the foot , then upon the horse . and i account them ( being thus ordered as is here set down , and as you shall see them in these three following battels ) a more firm body to trust to for victory , than the horse . the horse likewise by fighting of foot among them become a firmer body , than by fighting horse alone . and such as shall make trial of this way of imbattelling their troops , shall find it very advantageous unto them in fighting a battel , and no hinderance at all , but a great furtherance to the horse-service . if your field-pieces be of ten or twelve foot in length , and having their full metal , and if you meet with an enemy whose field-pieces are not so long , you will find that you have by it a great advantage of your enemy . the advantage is this , when you come with your army and artillery within shot of your enemies body of foot , your artillery being placed in the van-guard of your army , command your army to stand , and your cannoneers to play with your artillery upon the enemy . if your enemies field-pieces be no longer than are usually carried into the field , you will be able to shoot upon your enemies body of foot , a quarter of a mile before your enemies artillery will be able to shoot at your body of foot with any certainty . the which will prove a great advantage to those that shall make use of it , to be able to out-shoot your enemy a quarter of a mile with your artillery ; and your enemy to recover that disadvantage must be constrained to march a quarter of a mile in battalia with his army before he can bring his artillery to shoot to any purpose at your army ; the which will prove ( if you have good cannoneers ) a great dis-heartening , if not a total overthrow to your enemy . all the musqueteers that march in the van-guard of an army in a day of battel ought to have two pair of bandaliers furnished with powder and bullet ; and in case you have no bandaliers , let there be provided for each musqueteer in the van-guard of the army twelve carthrages , which they ought to carry in their right-hand pockets , and twelve bullets apiece in their pockets besides : and each company to carry with them , for the re-furnishing their musqueteers upon occasion , a powder-bag full of powder . thus ought the musqueteers in the van-guard of an army to be furnished : all the rest of the musqueteers ought to have their bandaliers furnished with powder , and bullet ; and each musqueteer ought to have twelve bullets apiece in their pockets ; and each company must carry with them a powder-bag full of powder . it is very fit likewise that you have in each company six good fouling-pieces , of such a length as a souldier may well be able to take aim , and to shoot off at ease ; twelve of them being placed in a day of battel , when you bring a division of foot to skirmish with an enemy on the flanks of a division of foot ; six fowling-pieces on the one flank of a division of foot , and six on the other flank , as you shall see them placed in these three battels following . those souldiers that carry the fowling-pieces , ought to have command when they come within distance of shot of that division of the enemy that they are to encounter with , that they shoot not at any , but at the officers of that division . likewise you ought to have on the flanks of each division of pikes , a souldier with hand-granadoes , that if you bring your men to push of pike , they are to fire the granadoes , and to throw them in amongst the enemies pikemen ; which will prove a great advantage , if they be boldly and well thrown . unto every division of foot in the battail of your army you ought to have two divisions of horse , of forty in a division , ten in front , and four deep on each flank of each division of foot in the battail of your army , as you shall see them in these three following battels . these divisions of horse will be always in a readiness to charge the enemies foot at all times when the general shall think fit . if you out-flank your enemies foot with your foot , either on the one flank , or both the flanks , let so many of your divisions of foot as do out-flank your enemies foot , be drawn up on the enemies flank , and give fire on them : and the officers in chief that command on the flanks of the van-guard of the foot , ought to have particular orders for the same , in case any such thing should happen : and likewise they are to have a special order for the keeping of their true distances in their advance towards an enemy . if you perceive you have more pikemen in your army than your enemy , or if your pikemen be better armed with defensive arms , or with longer pikes , and that you have no advantage of him in your artillery , nor the enemy in the ground upon which you are to advance ; then make what orderly hast you can , ( continually skirmishing with your enemy with the van-guard of your foot ) to bring your men to push of pike with your enemy . when you have done that , you must give order to the officers in chief that command the battel of your army , that they be careful to advance so with the battel to front with the van-guard of the enemy , some little while before your men come to push of pike , that at that time you may bring as many men to fight as you can . the disadvantages that may happen to the foot in a day of battel are these . the greatest is to be beaten by the horse , either on the one flank , or both flanks : and therefore the foot officers ought to imbattel their foot so , that they may be able to shelter their musqueteers by their pikes from the charge of any horse . the way how it may be done is shewed plainly in the three next battels . another disadvantage is to be out-flanked by your enemies foot ; to prevent which , your chief officers that command on the flanks of the foot ought to have order , that as soon as they perceive they are or shall be out-flanked upon one , or both the flanks , they should draw up the reer-guard of their foot unto one , or both flanks of the van-guard of their foot , as they shall see cause . another disadvantage that the foot may have is to be out-shot by the enemies artillery : in case it falleth out so , then , when you once come within shot of your enemies artillery , your horse ought to have order to advance as orderly , and speedily as they may , until they come to encounter with the enemies horse . if you fight with foot amongst your horse , your horse and your foot must advance together . likewise you must advance with your foot and artillery as orderly and speedily as may be , until you come within shot of your enemy with your artillery , without shooting either with your cannon or musquets . if you understand that your enemy hath more pikemen in his army than you have , or his pikemen better armed with defensive arms , or their pikes to be longer than yours ; then ought you to avoid , as much as you can , the bringing of your souldiers to push of pike . in case the musqueteers in the van guard of your foot do come to want powder , or your divisions of foot in the van-guard of your army have lost so many men , that they need relief from their reserves in the battel ; then let the officers in the van-guard of the foot have special command not to retreat with the van-guard of foot by no means , but to advance skirmishing easily towards the enemy , until their reserves be marched by them . then let their officers command them to stand , and see that their bandaliers be furnished with powder , and bullet , and set them in order with as much expedition as may be ; and then let them march up within an hundred and fifty paces of the reer-guard of foot , and to be in a readiness to second them upon any occasion . a general ought to give particular orders to all the officers in chief of his army before the battel begins , in writing , if he have time , that the officers in chief may know how to command their souldiers to make use of all the advantages , that he conceiveth may happen unto them in a day of battel : that upon any neglect of his officers for not making use of any such opportunities , the excuse of not having order for the same may be taken away . likewise it should be written in their orders how they ought to prevent any disadvantages that a general conceiveth may befal them . the which will not only prevent excuses , but according to the old saying , he that is forewarned is fore-armed . set upon your enemy when he is affrighted and distracted ; for there is nothing then to be expected of your enemy but despair and confusion . a general must be careful to give a very strict order to his officers , and souldiers , that not a man of them offer to pillage before the field be clear of the enemy ; and that such officers as do suffer their souldiers to pillage before the field be clear of the enemy , shall suffer for the same as the souldiers for pillaging . before the battel begins , you ought to give out a field-word both to your officers and souldiers ; and besides your word , that your souldiers and officers may the better be able to know one the other , being mixt with the enemy : they ought to wear something or other about them to be known from the enemy . after the winning of a battel , a general should follow his victory with all the expedition that he may , either by keeping his enemy from gathering an head again , or presently falling upon some countries or towns , where he thinks he may do his enemy the most hurt : for the yieldings after a victory , if well prosecuted , are better than the victory it self : because when people are in suspence , and great fear , and confusion , as it happeneth in sudden things , it is a singular time to obtain victories , or some honourable composition . the fruit of victory consisteth in the well using of it , which whosoever doth not , incurreth an infamy so much the greater , than not to know how to overcome , by how much it is a greater fault to be deceived by the things that are in a mans power , than by those that depend upon fortune . likewise a general is to take care for recruiting of his army upon all occasions , but especially after a battel . although those things which are here before set down seem easie to understand , and very easie to practise ; yet are they so often neglected by commanders in chief , either in neglecting to make use of advantages , or not giving out punctual orders before a battel for the aforesaid things , or through the neglect of such as should put their directions in execution , that one or more of the aforesaid neglects are always the loss of battels . and the loss of two or three battels proveth the loss of countries and kingdoms . he that desireth either that a city defend it self obstinately , or that an army in the field fight it out resolutely , must try his wits to make an impression in the breasts of them that are to fight , that such a necessity lieth upon them . and it much helpeth an army towards the winning of a battel , to make them confident that in any case they cannot doubt of victory . the things that give them this confidence , are , that they be well armed , and well ordered . for when valour is accompanied with good order , and good discipline , it makes good use of the fury in such manner , and at such times , that no difficulty abateth it , nor ever quaileth the courage : because those good orders re-inforce the spirit , and the fury , both being still maintained by the hope of overcoming , which never faileth while good orders and good discipline hold firm . you ought not to despise , and think too meanly of your enemy ; for that will not only beget negligence in your own army , but care and diligence in your enemies army . and it is most sure , the valour of a few may surmount the number of many : and if you be broken by your enemy that you despise , you double your own disgrace by your rash and indiscreet arrogance . but to speak of chances , and to touch some particularities , thereby to shew evidently the weakness of mans wit , and power , and the casualty of warlike attempts : let a man consider by how many accidents the mightiest armies are many times dispersed , and dissipated , and the greatest enterprises overthrown . as sometimes by the death of one man ; sometimes by the dissention of officers , or souldiers ; sometimes by tempests , or unseasonable weather : sometimes again by plagues , or diseases in the camp : otherwhiles by sudden fears that fall upon the souldiers without cause ; sometimes ( as guicciardine noteth ) by a commandment either not well understood , or ill executed , by a little temerity of disorder , by some vain word or speech of the meanest souldier : and lastly ( saith he ) by infinite changes which happen at unawares , unpossible to be foreseen and prevented by the wit or counsel of any man. which sheweth that no humane wit is able of it self sufficiently to govern an army , and that god reserveth to himself the success of battels , and disposeth of victories at his pleasure . chap. xix . some certain observations concerning the retreat of an army . to know how to make an honourable retreat , is one of the principal points of military art , and worthiest the knowledge of a general , to be able upon occasion to make a safe and sure retreat : for those that can do nothing else can easily put themselves into a war , but to return home again in safety is that which concerneth the honour of a leader . when a general intendeth to retreat with his army , he must be careful that ( if it be possible ) his retreat be not through any places , but such as his pioners may be able to make him , where three or four may march in breast , besides the way for the carriages : for there is no greater danger of receiving a defeat than when a retreat is made at a narrow passage . but if you be forced to make a retreat through a narrow passage , there is no better way to prevent danger , than to raise some works near this passage in the most advantageous places you can find . if you retreat in the night with your army , and have pass'd any narrow passage with your troops , it were very good for you to give command that some caltraps be thrown into those narrow passages to spoil your enemies horse , if they follow your troops ; and if you retreat in the day-time with your army , the aforesaid caltraps will be very useful to be thrown into dirty and watry passages . a retreat in view of the enemy is the most dangerous action that can be undertaken by any commander . and therefore it is held in the opinion of most commanders better to retreat in the night , than in the day : because it is very dangerous to pursue an army in the night ; and if he that retreateth be careful to lay his ambushes well , he may sooner do a mischief to his enemy than his enemy to him . likewise it is better to retreat with part of an army , than with the whole ; and it is best to march as far at first as possibly you may , to the end you might have some advantage of space before the enemy that followeth you : for so the enemy durst not follow you with small troops , and with great forces they will never be able to reach you ; besides the scarcity and want of victuals that they will find by following you , will much discourage them some commanders now adays , whose skill reacheth not so far as to know the abc in the art military , that is to say , the use of their arms , they think it a blemish to their honours to make a private retreat in the night . but this is that that i will say of such gallants , presumption and ignorance are two bad counsellors in war. chap. xx. some observations concerning the stopping of an army upon passages either over rivers , or difficult and mountainous places . in the first place i will speak something of stopping the passage of an army upon a river , if your army be to pass a river that is not passable , but upon two or three places , without making a bridge : i conceive this to be the best way . upon the chiefest passage over the river there you ought to attend your enemy with all your forces , if you may find there sufficient provisions for your army to subsist . and upon the other two fords , or passable places , if they may be commanded each of them by one sconce , i think it convenient then for you to give order for the raising of two sconces , and to see them well furnished with cannon , men , ammunition , and victuals . but here you must note , if your enemy do bring with him punts , or boats for to make a bridge , or if he be able to procure boats out of the country for the aforesaid purpose , then i conceive the raising of the sconces is a needless labour : therefore then the best way will be to march with your whole army on the one side of the river , as your enemy marcheth on the other ( if the country in your march be able to afford you provisions for your army ) and so to fight with your enemy as he passeth the river ; or after your enemy hath possessed the river , if you think you have forces sufficient to encounter him . i hold it a most dangerous , and un-souldier-like action for any commander to divide his forces for the keeping of passages against an army , whether it be upon a river , or any other strait and difficult passages : for you ought not to put all your fortune in danger , and not all your forces : to do so is a manifest folly . he is never thought a good gamester that would hazard his whole rest upon less than the strength of his whole game . my reasons for it are these : if your enemy forceth one of those passages that you endeavour to keep , or find out some other passage that is not guarded , you will find much trouble and pains before you can draw your forces together . and very likely the enemy may prevent you from doing it , either by forcing you to fight before your forces are come to you , or by keeping you from joyning your forces together again . and when it cometh to pass that your forces must leave the passage which they are to guard , or lose it by some occasion , there is a fear and terror stricken into the hearts of the people and souldiers which trusted in that place ; that being unable to make experience of their valour , you lose , or are in danger to lose your enterprise . thus it came to pass at the coming of the french into italy in the year one thousand five hundred and fifteen , in the time of francis the first , king of france , where it manifestly appeared to what pass it came to hold difficult places ill to be kept , and to stop passages , as you may see in guicciard . lib. . for the reasons aforesaid the romans never held nor guarded the passages against hannibal , but rather would that their armies should fight in open places where they might overcome him than to send them to the mountains to be consumed with cold , or other discommodities of those places . chap. xxi . some certain observations touching the profitableness of intrenching , and some directions for the same . the intrenchment incloseth your army as a walled city , from whence you may march privately with such designs , leaving your baggage in safety . the intrenchment hindereth the enemy from constraining you to fight , unless when you please . the intrenchment causeth you to take strong cities in the face of a more puissant army than your own . briefly , the intrenchment is less subject to infection , than the villages are . in effect , an army intrenched and hutted , will rather subsist three months in health in a camp ( in the summer-time ) than a fortnight in the best villages . one of the most necessary parts of war is to know how well to incamp , and intrench . when you come to besiege a town before which you intend to intrench your army , you ought to place your line of circumvolation so near the town , that you may be able to quarter your army within it safely from your enemies shot ; allowing an hundred and fifty foot for an alarm-place between the breast work and the front of the quarters . the trench without your breast-work must be twelve foot in breadth , and six foot in depth , and three foot in breadth at the bottom . and the earth that cometh out of the trench will raise you a breast-work , or rampier of twelve foot in breadth at the bottom , six foot in height , and three foot in breadth at the top , with one foot bank . upon your line of circumvolation at the distance of every two hundred paces , you ought to have a spur upon your line to flank it . and before the quarters of every regiment upon your line of circumvolation you must leave a small avenue , that one single man and no more may be able to pass through at a time . you must likewise have in your line of circumvolation four great avenues for carriages to pass through : and upon the great avenues you must set up turn-pikes , and without every turn-pike there must be an half-moon . here note , your army must be divided into as many quarters as you intend to have approaches against the town . and you must raise some batteries close within the line of circumvolation , there where you think the most advantageous places may be for the same , for the annoying of any enemy that may come to trouble you . if you suppose your enemy may come so strong as to attempt the forcing of your quarters , then ought the trench of your line of circumvolation to be in breadth sixteen foot , and in depth eight , and in breadth at bottom six foot . you ought likewise to have some out-works , both half-moons , and horn-works , within musquet-shot of your rampier or breast-work . and if there be any hills somewhat above musquet-shot off from your line of circumvolation , that may be advantageous to your enemy for the planting of his ordnance to play upon your breast-work , or any part of your quarters , you ought upon such an hill to raise a sconce . thus you ought to observe and do , if you intend to fortifie your leaguer strongly for to prevent a powerful army from forcing your quarters . if you have a desire upon any occasion to intrench your army in the field for their better safety , your best way then will be to draw your army into as little a compass of ground as you may with convenience . for the less compass your rampier is , the easier it will be to defend : and if you have any occasion to send out any part , or parts of your army upon any design , those which are left , the less compass of ground they have to desend , the better they will be able to do it . the sod or turf which you are to face your intrenchment withal , if you are likely to have any winter-siege , or any long siege , must be four or five inches long , or thereabouts , and in length fourteen or fifteen inches diminished inwards . chap. xxii . some certain observations about the taking of towns and strong places . there are seven ways to win castles , strong holds , and fortified towns. first , by treachery . secondly , by surprise , as by petarring the ports , and by assaults . thirdly , by approaches , batteries , and assaults . fourthly , by approaches , mining , batteries , and assaults . fifthly , by intrenching , approaches , mining , battery , and assaults . sixthly , by composition . seventhly , by starving . philip of macedon esteemed no place strong , where his ass loaden with gold might enter . for the attempting , or taking of towns by surprise is very commendable in officers , and sometimes very successful where the officers have good intelligence , and carry their business secretly , carefully , orderly , and valiantly . and there is no adventure for surprising a place more safe in war , than that which is farthest from suspicion of being undertaken : and by such sudden designs one may gain that in one hour , the which may not be gotten any other way under a years service of an army , or two . in the besieging of all towns a commander must be careful that his enemy be not able to cut off his victual , or his retreat ; and that he besiege no town but such as he is able to cut off all relief from the besieged . a commander in chief ought likewise to be careful how he adventureth upon winter-sieges , and long winter-services , or long sieges at any time , unless the consequence of the place requireth it , and that he be sure to take it in the end . long sieges ruine armies , empty the purse , and most commonly it falleth out so , that it hindreth armies from better imployments ; and after a long siege , though things fall out according to a commanders desire , he will have little reason to brag of his victory , when he vieweth his expences , his time , and his army . the malice of a great army is broken , and the force of it spent in a great siege . hannibal entring into italy with his army to make war upon the romans , would not be drawn to besiege any of their towns : all his war was to weaken them in force and reputation , knowing that when he was absolute master of the field , it would not be long e're the walled cities would open their gates , without expecting any engineer or battery . if a general besiegeth any town in which his intelligence , or his opinion hath deceived him so much , that he hath little hope of taking it , the speedy leaving off any such enterprise doth excuse the rashness which might be imputed to the beginning : and a chief commander is not so much blamed for making trial of an ill-digested project , as he is for the obstinate continuing in the same : and if he refuseth to be led by reason in such a case , as being the best means to guide him to convenient ends , he is commonly constrained by the commanding warrant of necessity to undergo the same thing upon harder conditions . it is most difficult to accomplish the design of a siege , especially of any in land town , so long as you have a good army incamped near you , or likely to attend you speedily , the which army will be able to cut off your victuals , or constrain you to fight , unless you have two bodies of armies , that so with the one you may hold your enemy in play , and with the other you may actuate without impeachment : or , unless you be master at sea of your enemy , and then you may besiege any sea town of your enemy with one army , without any hazard at all , if you can have time to intrench your self strongly , before your enemy be able to inforce you to fight . the surest , safest , and speediest way of taking any town , if it requireth above three weeks siege , and if your enemy be able to bring any force to put relief into it , or to force you to fight , is , by intrenching your self before them . and when you are intrenched before a town , where your enemies hopes in making you to quit it do consist in nothing else , but in cutting off your victuals , you ought to have that foresight to bring with you , or cause to be brought into your leaguer out of the country so much victuals as you judge to be necessary to serve your turn for the taking of the town . this way you may take a town with one army , though your enemy speedily attendeth you with another army . if you make a siege with a small army , with an intent to starve a strong garrison , you must fortifie your quarters one after another with the whole body of your army ; and then if you think fit you may run lines from one quarter to another . every commander knoweth that mans flesh is the best fortification that belongs to a town ; and where a town is well manned , the best way of taking it is by starving ; and when a town is weakly manned , the best way of taking it is by battery and assaults , or by approaches , mining , battery , and assaults . one thing more i could advise a commander in chief to be careful of , and that is , not to assault any town , or place without great probability of obtaining that which he desireth ; and never to assault a town , but when he may assault it at divers places at once . there is nothing so suddenly ruineth armies as assaults when they miscarry . for a general is certain to have his best men killed and spoiled upon such designs , and the rest so much discouraged , that it would prove very dangerous unto an army if they should suddenly after it fight . mines , where you may come to make them , are much better than batteries for the taking of towns or castles : because they always prove much more dangerous , and terrible to an enemy by means of their sudden , and unexpected operations : and all sudden and unexpected actions are very successful in all martial affairs . a commander cannot take any place of strength with any certainty or safety , without the use both of batteries and mines . a chief commander when he marcheth to besiege a town , ought to carry with him as much mony , ammunition , victuals , and all other necessaries , as is possible to be carried for the siege : and those necessaries that he cannot carry with him , he must be careful to furnish himself withal with as much expedition as may be , for fear his enemy may find out some way that he doth not think of to prevent him of his necessaries , or at least cause them to be brought to him with much danger and trouble . the first thing you are to do when you are marching towards a town to besiege it , is to send the most of your horse and dragooners , and with them likewise near as many musqueteers as you send horse , about three or four days before the body of your army ; that you may thereby keep all supplies from coming to the town : and command your horsemen to take up the musqueteers now and then behind them upon the march , that they may be able to make the more expedition . you ought also to send along with the horse your quarter-master general , and some two or three of your chief engineers , that they may , by that time your army cometh up , have pricked out the line of circumvolation , and the quarters for your army ; and to view how many approaches you may conveniently make towards the town : for so many approaches as you make , so many quarters ought you to divide your army into . after your engineers , and quarter master-general have pricked out the line of circumvolation , and the quarters , then so soon as your army cometh to the quarters , draw them into their quarters , and command them to hut with all the expedition they can . likewise the line of circumvolation ought to be divided into as many parts as there are quarters , according to the strength of the regiments in each quarter . then the quarter-masters of the regiments of foot ought to divide the ground equally amongst their regiments ; and each quarter-master of a regiment is to measure out to each company of his regiment their ground : and the officers are presently to set the souldiers their work , for the raising of the line of circumvolation . and the souldiers ought to know when occasion requireth them to intrench themselves , that it doth as properly belong to their duty to intrench themselves , as to stand centry , or to carry their arms. as soon as the earth is out of the ditch for the raising of your rampier , then may you begin your approaches . and you must always be careful to break ground at the first , as near the town as possibly you may with convenience : and that you may break ground the nearer , and your men be the more bold , set your pioners and some others to work as you come to your quarters , for the making of great store of cannon-baskets , which may serve you in good stead for this use : at the beginning of every night set them up before those which are to break ground ; and on each hand of those cannon-baskets which you set up before the souldiers that are to break ground , you ought to set some cannon-baskets for the safeguard of the guards . your approaches ought always to be well flanked with redoubts and batteries . if a general come before a town , where is but a weak garrison , and many out-works to the town more than the garrison is well able to defend , it will be good then for a general to attempt taking of some of the out-works ; and if he take any , he ought to begin his approaches from thence . the best time to assault the out-works will be in the night . through all dry motes you are to approach the rampier of a town by galleries under ground , under the dry mote of the town . and through all wet motes you are to approach to the rampier of a town by galleries above ground . but in running your gallery under a dry mote you must have a care that it be not discovered to the enemy by carrying the earth out of your gallery . the next thing you must have a care of , is , that you do inform your self rightly , before you begin your gallery , of what depth the mote is , that you may begin to make your gallery so far back , as to be sure to run your gallery under the bottom of your enemies mote . for if your enemy once discovereth against what part of the wall you are running your gallery , it is ten to one but your enemy may prevent you , either by hindering you from advancing your gallery to the rampier , or by rubbing your mines . when you have advanced your galleries to the rampier , let those that are appointed to assault the breaches , and the ports , have souldiers appointed to throw hand-granadoes , and to fall on with them : and give order to those that are appointed to assault the breaches , and scale the walls , that as soon as they are gotten within the wall , or rampier of the town with a reasonable number of men , they march unto that port that is next them , and open it to let in the foot , and horse that do there attend . and for this purpose there ought to be some souldiers appointed to carry fit instruments for the breaking open the gates of a town . when a port is opened , let the officers have order presently to repair to the market place with their souldiers for clearing of the enemy from that place . and you ought to command the officers and souldiers that no man offer to pillage upon pain of death , until all the enemy within the town that carry arms be either killed or disarmed . besides the word you give to your souldiers , to know one the other by , you should command them to wear something about them that they may know one the other from the enemy . if your officers when they assault a town do find the town to be cut off by the enemy by raising any works within the rampier , or wall of the town , then a chief commander should give orders to the officers appointed for the assault , that in case they find any such thing , then they should do their best to plant themselves with their souldiers on the top of the rampier only ; which must be done by help of the engineers work-basis , and pioners , who must be appointed to be in a readiness with saccots in their hands , when they shall be called upon to fortifie any place that the souldiers may possess themselves of , if occasion require . the like order must be observed in assaulting of out-works , as is here set down in this last observation concerning the assaulting of a town . you ought likewise to have in a readiness ovens to heat cannon-bullets red-hot upon all such batteries whereby you can conveniently come to shoot them into the town . likewise your mortar-pieces must be so conveniently placed , that you may shoot mortar-granadoes into the town , and wait a little to see the effect of your fire-bullets , and granadoes . here note , that you must not shoot any fire-bullets , nor mortar-granadoes into the town , until one , half hour before you begin to assault : for if you do use the fire-bullets , and mortar-granadoes before the aforesaid time , you will teach your enemy to find out a way to prevent you for doing any mischief with them at your assault : and likewise your enemy being used to them , the fear of the danger of them will by use be taken away , 〈…〉 upon your assault . 〈…〉 and your men drawn out , and 〈…〉 for the assault of the breaches , and your ordnance playing with fire-bullets , and your mortar-pieces with their granadoes , then spring your mines , and give a general assault . one thing more i think fit to add to this discourse . there are two ways for blocking up of an haven , or a river . the first is , you must make of iron a thing in form of a frisrutter ; the beams through which the cross-bars go must be twelve foot in length , and the cross-bars that go through the beam must be of that length , that when one of these iron frisrutters is set down into an haven , or river , the cross-bars of the iron frisrutter must be of that length as to reach upon an high-water within six foot of the top of the water . this is one of the best inventions that i know for the blocking up of an haven , or river . there is no way that i know to remove these frisrutters out of an haven or river , which is blockt up with them , and having so many of these frisrutters made in a readiness before-hand as will block up an haven or river upon which you have a design , and having all other necessaries in a readiness for the letting of those frisrutters down into the haven , or river , you may block up an haven or river in four and twenty hours time . there is another way of blocking up an haven or river , by throwing great stones into them , and leaving small passages for the water to pass through . by this invention the king of france won rochel . chap. xxiii . some directions for the removing of an army that is intrenched before a town . if an enemy be intrenched before a town , it most often proveth hard to remove him , if he hath men enough to defend his line of circumvolation , and keep his approaches . the most usual ways to remove an enemy which is intrenched before a town , are these four . the first is , to attempt the cutting off your enemies provisions from him . the second is , if your enemy hath by over-sight left some hills near the town without his line of circumvolation unfortified : and if the hills be so , that ordnance being planted upon them , they will command the ground between them and the town ; then you may by possessing your self of these hills force your way to the town either by a forceable assault under the shelter of your cannon , or by approaches : or if any hills lie so that you may command the ground close within your enemies line of circumvolation , planting ordnance on them , that your men may under succour of your ordnance be able to force your enemies line of circumvolation ; then you may beat him off his line of circumvolation , and so force his quarter . the third way is to march into some of your enemies countries . the fourth and last way is to besiege some of his chief towns , that you have certain intelligence do want either men , victual , or ammunition . such horses as he intendeth to keep in his garrison in a siege . if a garrison lieth so , that it cannot easily be relieved with ammunition , then the governour ought to have a powder-mill in his town ; and in his magazine good store of brimstone , and one that is skilful in making of powder , and another that hath skill in making match : and he must be careful to sow at a fit time of the year a competent quantity of hemp-seed for the making of match . if the corn-mills about a town lie so , that the enemy may be able to spoil , and destroy them , then the governour ought to see his town furnished with hand-mills . he must also have a special care that his walls be out of danger of scaling ; the gates of his town not subject to be petarred . now the best way to prevent petarring the ports , is to have draw-bridges , and half-moons , without the ports , and port-cullices at the ports , and turn-pikes upon the high-ways right against your half-moons . the ways for the rounds ought to be easie , and convenient ; the sentinels well set : the guards very exact ; and the companies that are to watch should always draw lots for their guards . and if you suspect any officers , or souldiers for betraying your town ( as in civil wars souldiers are apt to do , or when they are ill paid ) then must you order your guards after this manner . let your companies that watch draw lots , for their guards upon the parrado place every night : when they have drawn lots for their guards , let those companies whose lot falleth to watch at the ports be ordered after this manner . that company whose lot falleth to watch at a port , let the one half of that company watch at the port that is appointed them by lot , and the other half at one of the half-moons at one of the other ports next adjoyning . and all the companies that are to watch at the ports are to be ordered in the like manner . now here you must note , that if a governour will have his town secured from sudden surprises , he must have always without the ports of his town half-moons , and turn-pikes upon the high-ways right against the half-moons , and port-cullices at his ports . the gentlemen that are to watch at each port-cullis ought to be four , which must be drawn , and relieved from the main-guard . these gentlemen ought to be lock'd up in the place where the port-cullices stand , until they be relieved : and the captain of the main-guard ought always to keep the key . all the other companies appointed for the watch , are to watch according unto their lots . all means must be used to hinder intelligences , and treacheries ; the guards doubled always upon market-days , and fair-days : and upon any alarm those souldiers that have not the guard ought to repair with their arms speedily to their colours ; and from thence the companies are to make all the haste possible to attain to the place that is appointed them to defend upon any alarm . thus much every company that hath not the watch ought to know , and have order for the same before-hand . if you mistrust the fidelity of the towns-men , you ought to keep a good main-guard upon the market-place , and small guards at all the cross-streets , and then make it death for any townsman to come out of his house upon any alarm . and if the towns-men have any meeting together at any time without the governours consent , they ought to be imprisoned . the like must be observed if they are found out of their houses after nine of the clock at night . likewise if you mistrust the fidelity of the towns-men , it is very necessary that there be a work raised against the rampier of the town , the which must face the town , and command part of it , and one of the ports . in this work you ought to build places for to keep your magazine in . and at the entrance of this work without the port of the aforesaid work , there ought to be a draw-bridge and a port cullis ; and the draw-bridge ought never to be down , or let down but at relief time . the ports of your town ought to be shut at sun-setting , and to be opened a little after sun-rising . before you open your ports in a morning , you ought to send out small parties to search all the suspicious places about the town for ambushes . after these parties are returned , finding no danger , you may open your ports , and set out your day-guards for the security of your cattel : and then the towns-men may drive forth their cattel . you ought likewise to have a trumpeter to watch continually on the highest steeple in your town , to give you notice of the approach of any enemy by day , or of any alarm , or fire by night . a governour of a town should be careful always to have parties abroad , that he may the better secure his own quarters , and trouble the enemy . and especial care must be taken for getting constant intelligence from the next frontier towns of his enemy . a governour of a town ought to see that he have as many out-works raised about his town as is necessary , and not more ; and that all his out-works be commanded by the rampier of the town . if the consequence of the town requireth it , and if a governour may by raising a sconce or two secure his town , and the relief of it the better , it were very fit to do it . but he must have a care that the sconces which he raiseth for the security of the town be raised in such convenient places , that an enemy when he cometh to besiege the town , may not be able to plant himself between the sconces and the town . in the fortifying of a town if the governour lay many elms , or oak-trees , in the bulwarks which he raiseth about the town , he will find it a good prevention to hinder the enemy from mining his bulwarks : and likewise it doth strengthen his bulwarks very much against batteries . if a governour of a town hath certain intelligence that he shall be besieged , and findeth that he hath not horse meat sufficient for the horse that are in the garrison answerable to the rest of his provisions in the town ; and in case he hath not time to provide more , then the governour ought to send away so many of his horse as he hath not meat sufficient for to hold out with the rest of his provisions , or such as he supposeth he shall not have occasion to use , unto one of the next towns that belong to his party . likewise if a governour of a town find that he hath more out-works than his souldiers are well able to defend , it will be safest for him then to slight those out-works that he thinketh he shall have less occasion to use . a governour must be careful of using his best endeavours and skill valiantly to defend his out-works . for next mans flesh , out-works are the best strength that belongeth to a town . and upon all occasions he must be careful to cut off the out-works of the town ; and the town , as often as the enemy shall inforce him to it . the greatest part of the cannon of the town ought to be planted against the enemies approaches ; and the governour ought to give command that they play upon his enemies approaches as often as his ammunition will give leave . a governour should be careful to sally no oftner with strong parties than necessity requireth , or the advantages that the enemy by his carelesness , or boldness shall give him occasion . at the beginning of every night you ought to make sallies with small parties upon the enemies workmen that do then approach , and break ground , and now and then to sally with a strong party . at the beginning of the night you ought to make some fires so near the enemies approaches as you can conveniently , that you may be able to see by the light of the fire where your enemies break ground , that so you may the better hinder them by shooting at them with the more certainty . for which occasion your town ought to be the better provided of wood , and pitch-barrels . and there must be care taken to lay some souldiers with fowling-pieces or fire-locks , behind little small breast works not far from the fires , to spoil those that may come to put out the fires . if a governour of a town be sure he hath more powder than is answerable to the rest of his provisions ( the which he ought always to have ) then may a governour undermine his enemies corps de guards , when they are advanced very near unto his out-works . and always when he springeth a mine , he ought to sally strong on his enemies trenches , and to command those officers , if it be possible , to nail the enemies ordnances ; and for that purpose some souldiers ought to be appointed to carry fit instruments with them . and whensoever you sally strong on your enemy , you must likewise have in a readiness some spademen to slight such of the enemies works as your souldiers shall possess themselves of also you must have a care to appoint many souldiers for the throwing in of hand-granadoes into your enemies corps de guards ; the which will be a special means to help your souldiers for the beating your enemy out of their corps de guards . if your town be fortified with a dry mote , and if your town be well manned , it is much stronger then a wet mote : and as soon as you see upon what parts of the town your enemy doth make his approaches , then dig a trench in the bottom of your dry mote , so far as you see your enemies approaches are in breadth against your town , about eight or ten foot in breadth , and so deep , until you come either to water or rock . but if you are fain to dig deep before you find either , then make a gallery under ground under the bottom of your dry mote , so far as your enemies approaches go . for which purpose your town ought to be furnished with good store of timber . and if you observe the aforesaid directions , it will be impossible for your enemy to run his galleries to the rampier of the town without being discovered : and then you may easily prevent him from doing you any hurt , either by his galleries , or his mines . if your town be fortified with a wet mote , then the best and strongest fortifications that belong to a wet mote is a false bray of some twenty foot in breadth ; and when you perceive where your enemy will make over his gallery to your rampier , then must you plant two of the best pieces of cannon that you have in your false bray just against the mouth of your enemies galleries ; the which two pieces must be sunk so deep , that they may play almost level with the water : by this means you will be able to do your enemy the more mischief , and secure your ordnance the better from your enemy . for the more security of your ordnance and cannoneers from your enemies batteries , you ought to raise the traverses close to your cannons cross your false bray . in desending the out-works of a town that is fortified with a wet mote , there must be a special care , and resolution shewed : for the out works being once lost , you can sally no more on your enemy . i will conclude with this advice to all governours that are to defend a besieged town , that they have a special care of these three things . the first is , that from the beginning to the end of a siege , their care be such , that their garrisons spend no more victuals daily , than necessity requireth . the second thing is , that they do not vainly waste their men , ammunition , and firing , but that they do so order the expence of these things , that they may be able to hold out with their victuals : for many governours do either cowardly , or ignorantly make a waste of the aforesaid things , that they may give over towns the sooner to their enemy , and that , as they conceive with honour enough ; whereas their own cowardliness hath brought them to want necessaries for the defence of their towns , more than the pressing service of their enemies . but if such governours had their deserts , they ought to die for such carelesness and cowardliness . the third and last thing is , that they carefully defend their out-works , and their town with all the skill , judgment , and valour that they and their garrisons can afford ; and that they so order their sallies , and the cutting off their out-works and towns , that their garrisons and towns may be able to hold out so long as the provisions of the town shall last . one thing more i think fit to adde in this place , a way to break a bome , or a bridge that shall be made over a river for hindering provisions from coming to the town that is besieged . take a great ship , and let it be made with mason-work within in the manner of a vaulted cave , and upon the hatches lay mill-stones , and other stones of great weight , and within lay many barrels of powder in the vault . by means of the danger you will hardly get any man to conduct it ; therefore you must tye a great beam at the end of the ship to make it keep a straight course in the midst of the stream ; and when you have a fair wind , lay your train and set it going . if the corn you keep in store for your garrison be now and then dusted , it will keep good in a garner seven years ; but if your corn by chance grow musty , then make bisket of it ; for then it will make as good bisket as the best corn in the world . chap. xxv . some observations concerning fortifications . touching the art it self in respect of the matter , and the manner , it is a member of architecture ; but the end is military : for to fortifie is nothing else but to raise works answerable to necessity , and the occurrences of war. neither is it the end of fortification to make a place impregnable , or impossible to be taken ; for so it were ars artium . but to reduce it to a strong defence : concerning which art , seeing there are so many books written , i will here set down only thus much in brief of it , that in fortifications you must observe five principal things , namely , that the line of defence be within musquet-shot ; that the flanked angle do not exceed ninety degrees , nor be less than sixty : that the gorge of the bulwark be not too narrow : that the flank be as great as may be : that all out-works ( if it be possible ) must be commanded by the body of the fortifications . chap. xxvi . some observations of mines . concerning mines thus much i may say without prejudice to that art , that the chiefest things to be respected are these ; first the true distance to a designed place ; which is best gotten by instruments , and help of geometry , where other marks of certainty are wanting . secondly , the direction of the mine , that you may not erre in your course , which the compass affordeth . thirdly , the strengthening of the mine with timber-work , if need requireth ; and stopping of your mine well , and laying your train well . lastly , the counter-mining , and cross meeting : all which parts have very many circumstances , and require a larger discourse than may be thought pertinent for this place : and being at large discoursed of by many several men , i will omit to speak any further of it here : only thus much more , that i hold mines much better than batteries , where you may come to make use of them with any expedition , because of their sudden and unexpected operations . chap. xxvii . some observations for the keeping of conquered countries . a conquerour ought to know that an imperfect victory is the seed of a new war. if thou hast made a conquest with thy sword , think not to maintain it with thy scepter ; neither conceive that new favours can cancel old injuries . no conquerour sitteth secure upon his new-gotten throne , so long as they subsist in power that were dispossessed of their possessions by his conquest . if thou hast conquered a land , whose laws and language differ not from thine , change not their laws and taxes ; and so the two kingdoms will in a short time incorporate , and make one body . but if the laws and language differ , it is difficult to maintain thy conquest ; which that thou mayest the more easily do , observe three things : first , to live there in person ( or rather send colonies ) secondly , to assist the weak inhabitants , and weaken the mighty . thirdly , to admit no powerful foreigner to reside there . remember lewis the xiii . of france , how suddenly he took millan , and how soon he lost it . here you must note , if you conquer a free people , to assure your conquest you must do these two things ; first , to take away the desire of revolting from those whom you have conquered . to do this , you must not take away ( at least during the life of those who have lived so ) their hopes of recovering their liberties by their good obedience , either to them or their children : and therefore you must always begin by a fair way , and establish a condition for them whom you have conquered , which may be sure both for their life , their wives , and their goods . there is another means , whereof the antients made a profitable use , and is now wholly left , the which i have spoken of before , and do marvellously approve of , which is to establish colonies , and to transport the people from one country to another . the conquered people will have much the better of it by their change ; for they shall enjoy such liberties as the people do amongst whom they live ; whereas in their own country they will be kept so much under , that they can hope for nothing but their lives . and the conquerour by this means will be much the more assured of keeping the people in obedience . chap. xxviii . some directions for the preventing of civil wars . a kingdom , or state , in preventing civil war ought to observe these four principal things . the first is , that a kingdom or state ought to have fortresses , but good ones , and few in number , and none within the heart of the country . and you ought not to perpetuate any government , neither to families , nor yet for life . the second thing is ( if it be possible to be done without the endangering of a kingdom or state ) that there be but one religion in a kingdom or state. the third is ; that kingdom or state that will live secure from civil wars must be provident to compass a rich publick treasure ; that when a kingdom or state come to be over-populous , they may be able to imploy their people in plantations , or in a foreign war. but the principal and able remedy against civil war is to entertain a foreign war. this chaseth away idleness , setteth all on work ; and particularly this giveth satisfaction to ambitious and stirring spirits ; it banisheth luxury , maketh your people warlike , and maintaineth you in such reputation amongst your neighbours , that you are the arbitrator of all their differences . but this maxim is not good to be observed except by such kingdoms , and states that are able to go through with the designs they undertake . for as i find it necessary to rich and potent kingdoms and states ; so i find it hurtful to petty kingdoms and states ; because being too weak to gain by it , they will in the end but lose their honours , and moneys , and impoverish themselves , and increase their enemies . the fourth and last thing is , whereas the poorer and meaner people , that have no interest in the common-weal , but the use of breath , these are always dangerous to the peace of a kingdom , and having nothing to lose , willingly embrace all means of innovation , in hope of gaining something by other mens ruine : there are these three means left for a state to ease it self of this sort of people , either to imploy them abroad in plantations , or in a war , or to interess them in the quiet of the common-weal by learning them such trades and occupations as may give them a taste of the sweetness of peace , and the benefit of a civil life . chap. xxix . some observations shewing how necessary it is for england , or any other state , or kingdom , providently to prepare a rich publick treasure before-hand , either for the defence of themselves , or offending their enemies . and how necessary it is to train up their people to martial affairs . let us first consider what danger a country , prince , or state is in , that is not so provident to provide a rich publick treasure before-hand , either for a defensive war , or an offensive war : for in the wars you must upon all occasions , have your hands in your purses : and having not a rich publick treasure before-hand , no kingdom , or state , is able to make an offensive war , to gain countries , or honour , unless they be drawn into a country by a party . nor is such a kingdom or state well able to defend it self in a defensive war. for if an enemy landeth in a country , the obedience which at other times is willingly given to princes , or states , is greatly weakned at such times , and all necessary means to maintain a war , is hardly drawn from the subject ; and the common people will be easily drawn to change masters , when their oppression shall be more frequent from their friends , than their enemies : and such great oppressions at such a time upon the commons ( which of necessity there must be , when a rich treasure is not providently provided before-hand ) will prove very dangerous to any kingdom or state in a defensive war. therefore that kingdom or state that will live securely from an enemy , must have a special care to provide a rich publick treasure before-hand against unusual , and extraordinary casualties , which are not to be removed but by speedy and effectual remedies . and no expedition can be made to avoid the dangers and ruine of a kingdom or state , either in an offensive , or a defensive war , without a rich publick treasure provided before-hand . and it is an easie thing for governours of a kingdom or state to raise a rich publick treasure out of the extravagant expences of the people , without giving any discontent at all ; as having an excise upon all the beer , ale , and wine that is sold in all ale-houses , and taverns in a kingdom or state , and likewise upon all the tobacco that is brought into a kingdom or state , and upon all kinds of laces , cards , and dice . now to conclude , and speak something how necessary it is for a kingdom , or state to train up their people to the use of arms. such kingdoms where the men are trained up in academies of vertuous actuality , do always keep their honours at an high price , affording at all times men of absolute and compleat carriage , both for designment and performance . i account a rich publick treasure providently provided before hand , and a people well trained in martial affairs , to be two of the only pillars ( next under god ) that will preserve a kingdom or state from ruine and danger . chap. xxx . that reading , and discourse are requisite to make a souldier perfect in the art military , how great soever his knowledge may be , which long experience and much practice of arms hath gained . men have two ways to come by wisdom , either by their own harms , or other mens miscasualties : and wise men are wont to say ( not by chance , nor without reason ) that he who will see what shall be , let him consider what hath been : for all things in the world at all times have their very counterpane with the times of old . but here i would have a prudent souldier note , that it is a matter very dangerous to follow wholly the examples of another , if a man in general or in particular have not the same reason , the same wit , and the same fortune . for albeit humane actions seem to be so joyned and coupled together , that that which now is present and hath been , ought to be again : yet notwithstanding the accidents which are so different , and diverse , that no man whosoever he be ( except very prudent ) can always govern himself in matters present by the example of that which is past . i take the office of a chief commander to be a subject capable of the greatest wisdom that may be apprehended by natural means , being to manage a multitude of disagreeing minds , as a fit instrument to execute a design of much consequence , and great expectation , and to qualifie both their apprehensions and affections according to the accidents which rise in the course of his directions ; besides the true judgment which he ought to have of such circumstances as are most important to a fortunate end ; wherein our providence can not have enough either from learning or experience , to prevent disadvantages , or to take hold of opportunities . and therefore that souldier that is only trained up in the school of practice , and taught his rudiments under a few years experience , which serveth to interpret no other author but it self , nor can prove his maxims but by his own authority ; my opinion is , his meer practical knowledge cannot make him a perfect souldier , nor fit to be a general . experience joyned with reading and discourse , do feast the mind with much variety , and choice of matter , or entertain it with novelties incident to expeditions , and use of arms. and therefore it is not only experience , and practice which maketh a souldier worthy of his name ; but the knowledge of the manifold accidents which rise from the variety of humane actions is best , and most speedily learned by reading history : for upon the variety of chances that you shall meet withal in history , you meditate on the effects of other mens adventures , that their harms may be your warnings , and their happy proceedings your fortunate directions in the art military . these examples which are taken from history , are but a plain kind of principles , on which the mind worketh to her best advantage , and useth reason with such dexterity , that of inequalities she concludeth an equality , and of dissimilitudes most sweet resemblances ; and so she worketh her own perfection by discourse , and in time groweth so absolute in knowledge , that her sufficiency needeth no further directions . it is most requisite likewise for a commander to look into the diversity of orders for imbattelling , and to weigh the nature thereof , that he may with knowledge apply them to the quality of any occasion . finis . the contents of the chapters . chap. i. some observations concerning a souldiers profession and his duty . page chap. ii. some observations upon war , which is the profession of a souldier . chap. iii. some observations of an offensive war , and conquering of countries . chap. iv. some observations upon a defensive war. chap. v. some observations for those that undertake a vvar. chap. vi. some observations , and considerations to be observed , and thought on by a general , that taketh upon him the command of an army . chap. vii . some observations , what is the fittest strength for armies to be of , and what proportion of horse and foot , dragooners , and pioners there ought to be in an army . and likewise shewing the proportion of pikemen , and musqueteers , according to the service that they shall be most imployed upon . chap. viii . some observations concerning the arming of an army , and how each souldier ought to be armed . an horsemans offensive arms. an horsemans defensive arms. ibid. the furniture that belongeth to an horsemans horse . the offensive arms of a musqueteer . ib. the defensive arms of a musqueteer is a good courage . the offensive arms of a pikeman . ib. the defensive arms of a pikeman . the offensive arms of a dragoon . ib. a dragoon horse and furniture . chap. ix . a list of the chief officers that belong to an army , and what strength each regiment ought to have of horse , foot , and dragoons . chap. x. some observations shewing how necessary it is to have souldiers well disciplined , and well exercised before they are brought to fight . chap. xi . some observations concerning a train of artillery , and him that commandeth it . chap. xii . some observations and preparations to be observed by a general in field-service : also concerning intelligences and spies . chap. xiii . what strength divisions of horse ought to be from four thousand to ten thousand , when they are to march in an army , and when they are to fight a battel ; or if foot be to fight on the flanks of each division of horse , or when they come to be embattelled to fight on the flanks of an army . that small divisions both of horse and foot are much better than great divisions for service either in campagnia , or within enclosures ; because they are not so apt to fall into disorder , and are much more ready to be commanded upon all occasions . chap. xiv . vvhat strength each division of horse ought to be from three thousand to ten thousand , to fight on the flanks of a body of foot in a day of battel , if you will have no foot to fight amongst the horse . chap. xv. by the following figures are declared what strength each division of foot ought to be to fight a battel , and encounter with foot : and the order that must be observed for doing the same ; and how they shall easily , and readily be in order to defend themselves against the charge of any horse . chap. xvi . some observations concerning the marching of an army . chap. xvii . some observations for the quartering of an army at night upon a march , and for the setting out of their guards to secure their quarters . chap. xviii . some certain observations to be kept in the fighting of battels , and some directions for the imbattelling of an army . chap. xix . some certain observations concerning the retreat of an army . chap. xx. some observations concerning the stopping of an army upon passages either over rivers , or difficult and mountainous places . chap. xxi . some certain observations touching the profitableness of intrenching , and some directions for the same . chap. xxii . some certain observations about the taking of towns and strong places . chap. xxiii . some directions for the removing of an army that is intrenched before a town . chap. xxiv . some directions and observations to be observed and followed by a governour of a frontier town , for the furnishing of it with necessary provisions against a siege , and for the defence of it in a siege . chap. xxv . some observations concerning fortifications . chap. xxvi . some observations of mines . chap. xxvii . some observations for the keeping of conquered countries . chap. xxviii . some directions for the preventing of civil wars . chap. xxix . some observations shewing how necessary it is for england , or any other state , or kingdom , providently to prepare a rich publick treasure before-hand , either for the defence of themselves , or offending their enemies . and how necessary it is to train up their people to martial affairs . chap. xxx . that reading , and discourse are requisite to make a souldier perfect in the art military , how great soever his knowledge may be , which long experience and much practice of arms hath gained . finis . a letter sent from general monck. dated at caldstreame dec. . . superscribed to the right honorable william lenthall esquire, speaker to the right honorable the parliament of england, to be communicated to the rest of the members of parliament at london. read in parliament jan. . ordered by the parliament that this letter be forthwith printed and published. thomas st nicolas clerk of the parliament. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason e _ ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a thomason e _ estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; :e [ ]) a letter sent from general monck. dated at caldstreame dec. . . superscribed to the right honorable william lenthall esquire, speaker to the right honorable the parliament of england, to be communicated to the rest of the members of parliament at london. read in parliament jan. . ordered by the parliament that this letter be forthwith printed and published. thomas st nicolas clerk of the parliament. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . england and wales. parliament. [ ], p. printed by john streater and john macock, printers to the parliament, london : [i.e. ] annotation on thomason copy: "jan. .". reproduction of the original in the british library. eng great britain -- history -- commonwealth and protectorate, - -- early works to . a r (thomason e _ ). civilwar no a letter sent from general monck. dated at caldstreame dec. . . superscribed to the right honorable william lenthall esquire, speaker albemarle, george monck, duke of c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a letter sent from general monck . dated at caldstreame dec. . . superscribed to the right honorable william lenthall esquire , speaker to the right honorable the parliament of england , to be communicated to the rest of the members of parliament at london . read in parliament jan. . ordered by the parliament that this letter be forthwith printed and published . thomas st nicolas clerk of the parliament . london , printed by john streater and john macock , printers to the parliament . . a letter sent from general monck to the speaker , &c. right honorable , i received yours of the d instant , and desire to return to our good god hearty thanks , that hee hath bin pleas●d to owne and appeare for his people in such glorious instances of mercy and deliverance . i blesse the lord , i never doubted of his presence and success in this undertaking , being so righteous a cause ; and had long since put into gods determination , but upon advertisements from friends in england , that if i could continue here without engaging till the first of january , the work would be done without blood . i cannot but admire upon what intelligence you should be perswaded of a second treaty : indeed i was inforced to make use of such an overture , to remove the commissioners from london , whom i cannot but blame for receding from their instructions ; but i hope they will give you a satisfactory account of their proceedings . yet i acknowledge that i could not but resent their carriage , having secured one of them for betraying the private instructions ; of which i doubt not but you have bin fully informed . my last answer to the lord lambert , who sent several messengers to invite mee to a second treaty , was , t hat i could not treat without authority from the commissioners for the government of the army , and to that end desired a passe for the same messengers to go to portsmouth to receive their commands and instructions ; who was returned back with this answer from lambert and the councel of officers , that they could not consent thereunto : and since that , i have not heard from them . i have your army ( i blesse god ) upon the river tweed , within three houres ready to be drawn together , and they are very cheerfull and unanimous , willing to endure any hardship for your service . the last night capt. campbelt came express from ireland , giving a full account of their affection to the parliament , and of the late transactions there ; that they had seized dublin castle , and secured jones and others , with a declaration to stand by and own your authority : for which ( on this instant ) wee kept a day of thanksgiving . they writ also to the irish brigade in england , which i dispatched to them . sir hardresse waller gives mee an account , that all the forces and garrisons in ireland had declared for you . this is such a mercy , that i hope the lord will make us sensible of , and careful to improve . they required my opinion , as to managing of the affairs of the army , which in such an urgent necessity i presumed to give . i have disposed of most of the vacant commands in scotland to very honest men , who are ready to die for your service , or to disband at your command . and before your letter came to hand , i had disposed of col. saunders and major bartons commands , the lord lamb●rts forces pressing upon mee . i could not leave my vacant places unsupplied ; but i know that ( this work prospering ) you will have opportunities enough to gratifie them : capt. izods place is reserved for him according to your pleasure . i humbly thank the members of the councel for that great honour that they were pleased to conferr upon me , and hope you never shall finde but such an absolute obedience from mee to your commands , that i shall be more ready to return that commission then receive it . i believe that you never doubted of my persevering in those good principles i declared for , and that i should comfortably ( if the lord had pleased to frown upon us ) have suffered in this most righteous undertaking . i have made ready to march , but am unwilling to hazzard your justice and authority upon a fight , when it may be done with more security . i shall attend your further command , and desire the lord to blesse your forces and counsels , and to restore you in your just authority ; which is both the prayer and endeavour of sir , your most humble and faithfull servant george monck . caldstreame . december . i thought fit to acquaint you , that my lord warreston hath endeavoured to stirr up the people of this nation as much as hee could against your interest . col. lyscot having been very faithfull and active for the parliament in this undertaking , i entreat your lordships to be mindefull of him for a regiment of horse . i have given him the command of a foot-regiment , but hee was alwaies of horse , and is a very honest and stout gentleman , and fit to command a regiment of horse . i have sent your lordships the copies of my late letters , and of the officers here , to my lord lambert , and the officers at newcastle ; and also to the commissioners of parliament at portsmouth , that you may be acquainted with out transactions . major knight has col. saunders regiment , and capt. prime is major . i entreat you to communicate this to the rest of the worthy members of parliament with you . george monck . a letter agreed unto, and subscribed by the gentlemen, ministers, freeholders and seamen of the county of suffolk, presented to his excellency, the lord generall monck this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing l a). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing l a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a letter agreed unto, and subscribed by the gentlemen, ministers, freeholders and seamen of the county of suffolk, presented to his excellency, the lord generall monck albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . felton, henry, sir, th cent. brook, robert, th cent. bloys, william, th cent. sheet ([ ] p.) printed for thomas dring, london : . broadside. caption title. "this letter was delivered at st. albans, jan. , , by sir henry felton, barronet, robert brook, and william bloys, esquires." reproduction of original in huntington library. eng suffolk (england) -- history. broadsides -- england -- london -- th century a r (wing l a). civilwar no a letter agreed unto, and subscribed by, the gentlemen, ministers, freeholders and seamen of the county of suffolk· presented to his excelle [no entry] a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a letter agreed unto , and subscribed by , the gentlemen , ministers , freeholders and seamen of the county of suffolk . presented to his excellency , the lord generall monck . may it please your excellency , that our own hearts may not accuse us of a negligence and supinenesse , unbecomming those distempers we languish under , 't is our desire , that this application , humbly and affectionately tendered , may be received , as the effect of a just and serious resentment . to us , at this distance , the god of heaven seems to prompt you to do nobly , by depositing in your hands a full and happy opportunity , such as conspires to promote those ends , which are worthy and generous . your lordship will need no other incitements , than the publick concern , and contriving an abiding ornament to your name . it must needs be tedious , to see government reeling from one species , from one hand to another . we apprehend it much in your power to fix it . are our sacred or civill liberties dear to us ? they sollicite a restitution to their legall boundaries . let your lordship cast your eyes upon a nation , impoverished , disfigured , bleeding under an intestine sword : let its agonies , its miseries , its ruines , implore your assistance . to our sense , the onely redresse , under god , lies in a free and full parliament , whereunto our ancestors recours'd in resembling exigencies . and lest your lordship should suspect these to be our own solitary thoughts , we are not ashamed to acknowledge , that the presentments of severall grand-juries , and the desires of the sea-men in this county , urged this addresse ; which shall be pursued with all due testimonies of a cordiall adhesion to your lordship in order thereunto . this letter was delivered at st. albans , jan. . . by sir henry felton barronet , robert brook , and william bloys esquires . london , printed for thomas dring . . the commonwealth of england having used all means of tendernesse and affection towards the people of this nation, by receiving them (after a chargeable and bloody war) into union with england ... albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing a ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the commonwealth of england having used all means of tendernesse and affection towards the people of this nation, by receiving them (after a chargeable and bloody war) into union with england ... albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . broadside. s.n., [leith : ] title from first two lines of the text. at head of title: by the commander in chief of all the forces in scotland. "given under my hand at dalkeith, this . day of may, . george monck." place and date of publication suggested by wing. reproduction of original in the bodleian library. eng scotland -- history -- - . great britain -- history -- commonwealth and protectorate, - . a r (wing a ). civilwar no the commonwealth of england having used all means of tendernesse and affection towards the people of this nation, by receiving them (after a albemarle, george monck, duke of b the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion by the commander in chief of all the forces in scotland . the commonwealth of england having used all means of tendernesse and affection towards the people of this nation , by receiving them ( after a chargeable and bloody war ) into union with england , and investing them with all the liberties and priviledges thereof ( purchased at the expence of so much blood and treasure ) and by daily protecting them with their army and navy , at a great charge ( of which this nation under-goeth no more than their equall proportion with england ) against their enemies both abroad and at home , whereby all of them might enjoy the fruits and benefits of peace ; yet diverse lewd persons , broken in their fortunes , and dissolute in their lives , are run into rebellion , who being assisted and connived at by their parents , brethren , tuitors , masters , and people among whom they live , who secretly conceal them in their houses in the day time , and in the night suffer them to rob and plunder the countrey , whereby the peaceable people of this nation are many of them ruined , and the rest disturbed , so that they cannot live in peace . and to the end that no peaceable means might be left unattempted , for the prevention thereof , i , by vertue of the authority to me given by his highnesse and his council , do declare , that all such persons that are now in rebellion , ( except such as are excepted in the acts of grace ) who shall within twenty dayes after the publication hereof , come in , and submit him or themselves , to the governor of the next english garrison , and give good security for his or their future peaceable living , shall be , and is hereby in his and their persons , freely pardoned , for any offence , spoil or plunders committed by him or them in this present rebell on , ( the killing of any person in cold blood onely excepted . ) and i do declare , that if any parents , brethren , or tuitors , who have assisted or connived at any their sons , brothers , or pupils , now in rebellion , as aforesaid , shall within twenty dayes after publication hereof , cause their said sons , brothers , or pupils , to render themselves , and give security , as aforesaid , that then the said parents , brethren and tuitors , who have so offended , are hereby freely pardoned ; but if otherwise , then the said parents , brethren , and tuitors , who have so offended , shall be imprisoned during the time the said persons do remain in rebellion . and in regard diverse persons who are now in ●ebellion , and who have lived remote from their friends , but could not probably break out into rebellion , without the knowledge or consent of some of the inhabitants of that parish or presbytery where he or they last lived , before their breaking forth ; i do therefore hereby declare ; that if the said parish or presbytery where he or they last lived , procure the said person or persons so broken forth , to render him or themselves , within twenty dayes after publication hereof , and give security , as aforesaid , that then the said parish or presbytery so offending , is hereby pardoned ; but if otherwise , i do hereby impose upon the said parish and presbytery , two shillings six pence a-day for each horse-man , and ten pence a-day for each foot-man , so broken into rebellion , over and above their ordinary sess , out of the said parish or presbytery , which the governor of the next english garrison is hereby authorized to levie and receive monthly , during the time the said persons shall so continue in rebellion . and i do likewise hereby impower all the good people of this nation , to apprehend all such person and persons as are , or hereafter shall break out into rebellion , or attempt so to do , and safely to deliver him or them to the governor of the next english garrison ; and in case of resistance , to take such weapons as they can get , and to fight the said person or persons ; and if they shall kill any of the said persons so resisting , they shall not be questioned for the same , but ( on the contrary ) shall receive as a reward of their good service , all such moneys , goods , horses , and cloaths , as the said rebellious persons are then possessed of , besides full satisfaction for their pains and travell therein . and in regard this present rebellion hath been principally contrived , fomented , and is now obstinatly maintained by major generall middleton , the earl of athol , the earl of seaforth , viscount kenmure , and major generall dayell ; i do hereby therefore declare , that what person or persons soever of this nation , ( except such as are before excepted ) shall kill any of the said principall contrivers , or shall deliver any of them prisoner , to any governor of any english garrison , the said person or persons so killing , or bringing prisoner , as aforesaid , shall not only be pardoned for any thing he or they have acted in this late rebellion , but also shall receive as a reward of his good service , the sum of two hundred pounds sterling for every person so kill'd or brought prisoner , as aforesaid . and lastly , for the encouragement of all peaceable and well-affected people , both english and scots , i do also hereby declare , that what damage shall be done to their persons , goods or geer , for their good affection to the publick , the same shall be again repaired out of the estates of such as have done the damage , or out of the estates of the friends and harbourers of such wrong-doers , or out of the parish , presbytery , or shire where the wrong is done , in case they do not apprehend the said offendors , or give the english forces such timely notice thereof , that the said offendors may be apprehended by them . and i do hereby require all provosts , bailiffs , and chief officers of head-burghs , in their severall burghs , to cause these presents to be duly published and posted up , according to the usuall form , and to certifie their doings therein to me , in writing , under his or their hands . given under my hand at dalkeith , this . day of may , . george monck . general monck's last letter to his excellency the lord fleetwood declaring his resolution to send col. wilkes, lieut. col. clobery, major knight, by way of treaty, in order to a happy union between the two armies of england and scotland : with two other letters from persons of honour, signifying great hopes of peace, and a prohibition of either armies proceeding any further in their march. last letter to his excellency the lord fleetwood albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing a ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) general monck's last letter to his excellency the lord fleetwood declaring his resolution to send col. wilkes, lieut. col. clobery, major knight, by way of treaty, in order to a happy union between the two armies of england and scotland : with two other letters from persons of honour, signifying great hopes of peace, and a prohibition of either armies proceeding any further in their march. last letter to his excellency the lord fleetwood albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . clarges, thomas, sir, d. . talbot, thomas, th cent. pearson, john, of newcastle. [ ] p. printed for francis smith, and are to be sold at his shop ..., london : . monck's letter is dated from edinburgh, november, . the second letter is signed: thomas clarges [&] thomas talbot, dalkeith this th of novemb. ; the third letter is signed: john pearson, newcastle, nov. , . "published by his excellencies special command" reproduction of original in bodleian library. eng great britain -- history -- commonwealth and protectorate, - . a r (wing a ). civilwar no general monck's last letter to his excellency the lord fleetwood. declaring his resolution to send col. wilkes, lieut. col. clobery, major k albemarle, george monck, duke of c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - tcp staff (michigan) sampled and proofread - tcp staff (michigan) text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion general monck's last letter to his excellency the lord fleetwood . declaring his resolution to send col. wilkes , lieut. col. clobery , major knight , by way of treaty , in order to a happy union between the two armies of england and scotland . with two other letters from persons of honour , signifying great hopes of peace , and a prohibition of either armies proceeding any further in their march . published by his excellencies special command . london , printed for francis smith , and are to be sold at his shop , at the elelphant and castle near temple-barre , . general moncks last letter to his excellency the lord fleetwood . my lord , after i had answered the letter , your lordship did me the favour to send me by col. talbot , i received another from your lordship , of the th of october , wherein your lordship is pleased to express much of your lordships affection and friendship to me , for which i shall ever acknowledge my self engaged to you ; but truly i must assure your lordship , no personal discouragements ( although i have had my share of them ) have induced me to the iustification i make of the parliaments authority , but the tie of duty to which i am in my conscience obliged , and i shall be heartily sorry , if your lordship makes any other interpretation of it , for your lordship knows my command has been offered often up to those that had power to place it better : we are all i bless the lord , very unanimous here , and i am confident when the gentlemen we send from hence have given your lordship a true understanding of our actions , you will not have so severe an opinion of them , as you seem to have in your late letters : the persons names are , col. wilkes , lieut. col. clobery , and major knight , all well known to your lordship , to whom i beseech your lordship to give credit , in what they shall propose from the army here , and i beseech you to believe , i am still with a sincere heart , edinb. nov. . . my lord , your lordships very humble servant . george monck . a second letter to the lord fleetwood . sir , vve think sit to acquaint you , that the lord has so prosper'd our endeavours here , that my lord general monck and the officers have accepted of our overtures of mediation , and they have appointed colonel wilkes , lieutenant colonel clobery , and major knight , to repaire to london commissioners , to treat with the like number of officers there for a firme peace and unity amongst the forces of both nations , for which we doubt not but the prayers of all good men will be poured forth to the throne of grace . we have prevailed with my lord general , to dispatch order this night to his remotest quarters , that they advance not further south-wards during this treaty , and we desire you will do the like , that none of yours may march more northward then they are ; and truly for as much as we can perceive , none of these forces had so hastily marched out of scotland , if yours had not gathered this way . in a few dayes we shall see you , and in the mean time desire you to believe we are , dalkeish this th . of novemb. . sir , your affectionate : servants , thomas clarges . thomas talbot . a third letter to the lord fleetwood . may it please your excellency , i have for some dayes forborne writing , because what came to my hand , was fully communicated to you by colonel lilburn ; your excellencies , of the th past , as also that of the first instant , came safe to hand , and what was commanded , shall be faithfully obeyed according to my weak ability . your forces in these partes are now , blessed be god , in good condition , and well resolved ; colonel lilburn , i know hath acquainted you with general monck's letter , about his sending up wilkes , clobery , & knight , for an accommodation : northumberland fails him , and his souldiers ( as all our intelligence faith ) fails him , and it s no wonder if their hearts fail them , when they are carryed forth by no better principles , then the iustice of such a cause will afford , i am perswaded your excelency knows , what manner of person you have to deal with , and i doubt not but the intercepted letters sent you from northallerton , will direct your thought to look west , as well as north ; if those gentlemen that are coming to you , insist upon the bringing in again of those gentlemen to westmin●●●● , your friends hear both of the army and country ; think it will be little better then to insist upon the bringing in of — — but we cannot doubt in the least , but that god will guide you only to such a condescension as may secure the cause and add somewhat to the comfortable being of your friends , who have suffered for their adherence to you in this great day of tryal : i shall continue hear until i see some probability of being more serviceable in another place ; that the lord may direct your wayes , and strengthen you for his work , is the prayer of , newcastle , nov. . . your excellencies most obedient and faithful se●●●●● iohn pearson finis . a letter from the lord general monck and the officers here to the several and respective regiments and other forces in england, scotland, and ireland. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing a ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a letter from the lord general monck and the officers here to the several and respective regiments and other forces in england, scotland, and ireland. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . broadside. printed by john macock, london : . signed: george monck. reproduction of original in harvard university library. eng great britain -- history -- commonwealth and protectorate, - . a r (wing a ). civilwar no a letter from the lord general monck, and the officers here, to the several and respective regiments, and other forces in england, scotland albemarle, george monck, duke of a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a letter from the lord general monck , and the officers here , to the several and respective regiments , and other forces in england , scotland and ireland . dear brethren and fellow-souldiers , you cannot be ignorant of the many endeavours , and earnest desires of many good men in these nations , to bring us to a settlement ; which it hath pleased god to dis-appoint unto this day , and leave us as a broken and divided people , ready to run into blood and confusion : which that we might prevent so great calamities impending , after our earnest seeking god for his direction and assistance , we finde no expedient so likely , for the satisfaction of the good people , and the quiet and welfare of this commonwealth , as the re-admission of the secluded members , in order to a legal dissolution of this parliament by their own free consents ; and to issue writs for a future full representative of the whole commonwealth of england , scotland and ireland , under such qualifications as may secure our cause , to convene on the twentieth of april next at westminster , for the establishing of this commonwealth upon the foundations of justice and true freedom . and to take away all just jealousies from you , we do assure you , that we shall joyn with you in the maintenance of those ends expressed in the enclosed ; and do expect your cheerful concurrence with us : and we desire to take god to witness , that we have no intentions or purposes to return to our old bondage ; but since the providence of god hath made us free at the cost of so much blood , we hope we shall never be found so unfaithful to god and his people , as to lose so glorious a cause : but we do resolve with the assistance of god , to adhere to you in the continuing of our dear-purchased liberties , both spiritual and civil . the reason of our proceedings in this manner , may seem strange : but if you duely consider the necessities of our affairs , and the present state of things , you will certainly conclude nothing so safe to secure publick interest , and to engage the nations peaceably to submit to a free-state ; most of these members having given us full assurance , that their session in parliament shall not be longer than absolute necessity will require , to the putting the government into successive parliaments ; they not being free so to act by the old writs , as when they shall be called upon a commonwealth-account ; and it 's the opinion of the truest friends to a free state , that it cannot be consistent with the perpetual sitting of these members , being contrary to the nature of such a government . and as we are confident the present parliament now sitting , will not repeal any of the acts , ordinances , or orders of this parliament , for sales , or publick disposition of lands ; so we shall in our station observe , and cause to be observed , all other acts and ordinances of this parliament whatsoever ; and humbly interpose with the next succeeding parliament , not onely to pass a farther act of confirmation of all such sales and dispositions of lands , here and in scotland , but also of all the distributions and dispositions of lands and houses in ireland , to the souldiery , adventurers , or any other persons , made by or in pursuance of any of the acts , ordinances , or orders of this present parliament , or any pretended parliamentary authority . and we entreat you to send up an officer , to give to the lord general monck an account of your acquiescence with us herein . and if any dis-affected persons shall hereby take occasion to make disturbance of the peace of the commonwealth , either in favour of charles stuart , or any other pretended authority , we desire you to secure them , till the pleasure of the parliament or council of state be known in that behalf . you shall speedily receive encouragement and supplies of monies : and indeed , it was not the least motive to induce us to this way of composure of affairs , that we might facilitate the raising of monies for the subsistence of the army and navy ; which would not otherwise have been done ( if at all ) but with effusion of blood . we have nothing more at this time , but to assure you that we shall ever remain , dear brethren and fellow-souldiers , your very affectionate friends . george monck . cols r. knight john clobery tho. read john hubblethorne leonard litcot tho. sanders william eyre rich. mosse william farley arthur evelin john streater . john butler . quarter-mr-gen . lieut. cols . ethelhert morgan james mutlow james emerson joseph witter dennis pepper . majs . james dennis rich. waggstaffe tho. johnson fra. nichols jer. smith nath. barton tho higgs john clark capts w. goodwin hen. ogle . white-hall , feb. . . london , printed by john macock . . a letter sent by general monck to vice admiral goodson to be communicated to the rest of the officers of the fleet, in answer to a letter with some proposals lately sent to him from them. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) a letter sent by general monck to vice admiral goodson to be communicated to the rest of the officers of the fleet, in answer to a letter with some proposals lately sent to him from them. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . goodsonn, william. sheet ([ ] p.) printed by john johnson, london : [ ] dated and signed at end: edenburgh, novemb. . . g.m. (i.e., george monck, duke of albemarle). annotation on thomason copy: "xber [i.e. december] ". reproductions of the originals in the british library (thomason tracts) and the harvard university library (early english books). eng albemarle, george monck, -- duke of, - . great britain -- politics and government -- - -- early works to . great britain -- history, naval -- th century -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no a letter sent by general monck to vice admiral goodson to be communicated to the rest of the officers of the fleet, in answer to a letter wi albemarle, george monck, duke of a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a letter sent by general monck to vice admiral goodson to be communicated to the rest of the officers of the fleet , in answer to a letter with some proposals lately sent to him from them . dear countrey-men and comrades , i am glad that you have not forgotten your old friend , and that by this occasion , i have such advantage to hear of your hearty affections to me , and kind remembrance of me , and that you have such a deep sense of the divisions amongst us , and the miserable consequence thereof ; but i am very much faded that you have entertained such mistakes and misapprehensions of of our proceedings . these enclosed papers will fully certefie you , that we have just grounds of dissatisfaction , and that we cannot comply with such violent and unwarrantable undertakings , both against our reason as men , and against our consciences as christians , that you and we should take our commissions and pay from the parliament and yet to violate their authority , after such solemn assurances of obedience and faithfulness , contrary to the expressed word of god , and our own late addresses , i hope i am so well known to some of you , that i am none of those that seek great things to my self , or delight in the sheding the bloud of english men , much lesse of christian brethren , but to preserve the name of god from blasphemy and reproach , which our actings ( i wish i could not call them ) treacherousness and perfidiousness have occasioned ; whereby jesus christ and his truth have been evil spoken of , which makes our very lives bitter to us , and to assert the integrity and honour of this army , which is very dear to me , i have been forced with the parliaments army under my command , ( though with much grief of heart ) to bear our testimony against the late violence of the army ; and the reasons thereof you will find in our printed papers , & our endeavours to perswade them in england to remove that force which they have put upon the parliament . as to your proposals , i beseech you seriously to consider and lay to heart these following answers . . to the first , you are pleased to intimate the joy of the cavaliers that they see us stand to our declaration , but i believe , that this violent interruption of the parliament was the greatest courtesie to gratifie that family and interest that could be imagined in the world , ( and i could wish it were not designed ) . i should be very sad to strengthen and hands of of the wicked , but let me assure you , this ariseth from the slanders and calumnies which men cast upon us in england , as if we that assert the authority of those that brought the late king to the block , are for introducing that family , which i take god to witnesse , we in our very thoughts abhorr , and shall spend our blood in opposition to any single person whatsoever . . you are pleased to compaire our present differences to that of the israelites , with the two tribes of reuben , gad , and half the tribe of manasses ) and i earnestly pray that there may be the same issue , for if they will restore these persons to their lawfull authority which have been established by many successes , and for the difference of which they so lately hazarded to blood , we shall quietly sit down and waite upon the providences of god in our places and stations , and to this end we have sent commissioners into england , men faithfull and approved , what you are pleased to instance concerning my satisfaction in the year . when this parliament was interrupted formerly , i shall answer you to that , it was never in my conscience to go out of gods way under the pretence of doing gods work , and you know the variety of times doth much vary the nature of affaires , and what might then patiently be submitted unto , we being engaged with a forraine enemy in a bloody warre cannot be drawn into a president at this time ; after our repentance and assurance of loyalty and constancy ; you may be pleased to remember that the consequence of the former interruptions was the introduction of a single person , and a manifest breach of all our promises and engagements , so that if god blessed me with success , then i do much more through mercy expect it now , when i put all to hazard for the glory of god and the good of his people . . i do acknowledge that the army hath been in the hand of god and instruments of good to these nations , yet if they shall apostate from the cause of god and his people in exposing them to arbitrary power , and the wills of men , in taking upon them to abollish lawes , raise money without consent of the people , destroy ministery and property , and force parliaments , i cannot but witness against such proceedings as unwarrantable not suted to any rule either from god or man . . i have taken care by garrisons in this country , and assurance from the whole body of the nation , that they will not own the interest of charls stewart , and that they will preserve the peace of the commonwealth in obedience to the parliament ; so that if that part of the army in england will set up a distinct interest in the nation , in deserting that cause that hath been so precious to us , and cost so much blood and treasure for to establish their own interest and greatness . i do declare in the presence of the great god i cannot own you , nor joyne with them ; now having opened my heart to you , and as you know my plainness and sincerety , that i am none of those that dare assert any thing against my conscience , from that experience ye have had of me , i heartily begg your belief and credit , that i shall keep in the way of duty and endeavour to do the lords work in my generation , and shall not own any corrupt interest whatsoever , and do desire of god his blessing according to my integrity in this undertaking , having this good testimony in my own spirit , that i have nothing but publick and righteous ends upon my heart , and by all these respects and kindnesses that i have received from you , i desire you will joyne with us in your desires that this parliament may be restored to the execution of their duties and trust , with freedome and honour ; i have no more but my hearty love and service to you all , desiring god to bless you all , and make you happy instruments for the good of these nations in your severall places which shall be alwayes the prayer of dear friends . edenburgh , novemb. . . your humble servant and fellow soldier , g. m. to the right honourable vice admiral goodson , to be communicated to the rest of the officers of the fleet , in answer to the letter that was sent to me from them . london printed by john johnson . a letter from the lord general monck, and the officers here, to the several and respective regiments, and other forces in england, scotland and ireland. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a a thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) a letter from the lord general monck, and the officers here, to the several and respective regiments, and other forces in england, scotland and ireland. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . england and wales. army. sheet ([ ] p.) printed by john macock, london : . signed: george monck [and others]. desiring the army's adherence to the plan of dissolving the rump and electing a free parliament. annotation on thomason copy: "feb: . ." reproductions of the originals in the harvard university library (early english books), and the british library (thomason tracts). eng england and wales. -- parliament -- early works to . great britain -- politics and government -- - -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no a letter from the lord general monck, and the officers here, to the several and respective regiments, and other forces in england, scotland albemarle, george monck, duke of a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - john pas sampled and proofread - john pas text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a letter from the lord general monck , and the officers here , to the several and respective regiments , and other forces in england , scotland and ireland . dear brethren and fellow-souldiers , you cannot be ignorant of the many endeavours , and earnest desires of many good men in these nations , to bring us to a settlement ; which it hath pleased god to dis-appoint unto this day , and leave us as a broken and divided people , ready to run into blood and confusion : which that we might prevent so great calamities impending , after our earnest seeking god for his direction and assistance , we finde no expedient so likely , for the satisfaction of the good people , and the quiet and welfare of this commonwealth , as the re-admission of the secluded members , in order to a legal dissolution on of this parliament by their own free consents ; and to issue writs for a future full representative of the whole commonwealth of england , scotland and ireland , under such qualifications as may secure our cause , to convene on the twentieth of april next at westminster , for the establishing of this commonwealth upon the foundations of justice and true freedom . and to take away all just jealousies from you , we do assure you , that we shall joyn with you in the maintenance of those ends expressed in the enclosed ; and do expect your cheerful concurrence with us : and we desire to take god to witness , that we have no intentions or purposes to return to our old bondage ; but since the providence of god hath made us free at the cost of so much blood , we hope we shall never be found so unfaithful to god and his people , as to lose so glorious a cause : but we do resolve with the assistance of god , to adhere to you in the continuing of our dear-purchased liberties , both spiritual and civil . the reason of our proceedings in this manner , may seem strange : but if you duely consider the necessities of our affairs , and the present state of things , you will certainly conclude nothing so safe to secure publick interest , and to engage the nations peaceably to submit to a free-state ; most of these members having given us full assurance , that their session in parliament shall not be longer than absolute necessity-will require , to the putting the government into successive parliaments ; they not being free so to act by the old writs , as when they shall be called upon a commonwealth-account ; and it 's the opinion of the truest friends to a free state , that it cannot be consistent with the perpetual sitting of these members , being contrary to the nature of such a government . and as we are confident the present parliament now sitting , will not repeal any of the acts , ordinances , or orders of this parliament , for sales , or publick disposition of lands ; so we shall in our station observe , and cause to be observed , all other acts and ordinances of this parliament whatsoever ; and humbly interpose with the next succeeding parliament , not onely to pass a farther act of confirmation of all such sales and dispositions of lands , here and in scotland , but also of all the distributions and dispositions of lands and houses in ireland , to the souldiery , adventurers , or any other persons , made by or in pursuance of any of the acts , ordinances , or orders of this present parliament , or any pretended parliamentary authority . and we entreat you to send up an officer , to give to the lord general monck an account of your acquiescence with us herein . and if any dis-affected persons shall hereby take occasion to make disturbance of the peace of the commonwealth , either in favour of charles stuart , or any other pretended authority , we desire you to secure them , till the pleasure of the parliament or council of state be known in that behalf . you shall speedily receive encouragement and supplies of monies : and indeed , it was not the least motive to induce us to this way of composure of affairs , that we might facilitate the raising of monies for the subsistence of the army and navy ; which would not otherwise have been done ( if at all ) but with effusion of blood . we have nothing more at this time , but to assure you that we shall ever remain , white-hall , feb. . . dear brethren and fellow-souldiers , your very affectionate friends . george monck . cols r. knight john clobery tho. read john hubblethorne leonard litcot tho. sanders william eyre rich. mosse william farley arthur evelin john streater . john butler . quarter-mr-gen . lieut. cols . ethelbert morgan james mutlow james emerson joseph witter dennis pepper . majs . james dennis rich. waggstaffe tho. johnson fra. nichols jer. smith nath. barton tho higgs john clark capts w. goodwin hen. ogle . london , printed by john macock . . to his excellency the lord general monck the unanimous representation of the apprentices and young men inhabiting in the city of london. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing t thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) to his excellency the lord general monck the unanimous representation of the apprentices and young men inhabiting in the city of london. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . sheet ([ ] p.) printed by tho. ratcliffe, london : anno dom. . [i.e. ] dated at end: this was delivered to his excellency at st. albans, thursday, febr. . . by persons elected for that purpose, and had a very cheerful reception. annotation on thomason copy: "feb: ." reproduction of the original in the british library. eng england and wales. -- parliament -- early works to . great britain -- politics and government -- - -- early works to . london (england) -- history -- th century -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no to his excellency the lord general monck. the unanimous representation of the apprentices and young men inhabiting in the city of london. albemarle, george monck, duke of c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - elspeth healey sampled and proofread - elspeth healey text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion to his excellency the lord general monck . the unanimous representation of the apprentices and young men inhabiting in the city of london . humbly sheweth , that the glory of our nation , and the greatest comfort of our lives in our civil interests , consists in the priviledges and liberties to which we were born , and which are the undoubted inheritance of all the free people of england , among which the grand and essential priviledge which discriminates free men from slaves , is the interest which every man hath in the legislative power of the nation , by their representatives assembled in parliament : without which , however we may flatter our selves , or be flatter'd by others , we are truly no better then vassals govern'd by the will and pleasure of those who have no relation to us or our common interest . now how much this dear priviledge of the people hath been assaulted by the open violence of some , and secret artifice of others , and to what a deplorable condition we are brought at this present period , when heavy taxes are imposing upon mens estates , and new laws upon our persons without any consent of the people had in a free parliament , and how generally through the said distractions in government trading is decayed , and how much we are likely to suffer therby in our times and places , we cannot but remonstrate to your excellency , constrain'd through the sense of our present sufferings and apprehensions of greater to implore your assistance , most humbly beseeching your excellency by that ancient love you have born to your native countrey , zeal to our liberties , by that great renowne you have lately gain'd in opposing the cruel rageing of the sword by the common cries of the people , and by the hopes and chearful expectation of all england now fixt upon you ; and , lastly , by your own personal concern in the same common cause as a free-born english man , that you would please to use those great advantages divine providence hath now put into your hands to the securing your native countrey from those dangerous usurpations , and preserving us in those liberties to which we were borne . that no tax may be imposed , nor new law made , nor old abolisht but with the consents of the people had by their representatives in parliament , freely to be chosen without terrour or limitations , and freely to sit without any oath or engagement previous to their entrance , without which special liberties the parliament cannot in any construction be esteemed the free assembly of the people ; and by your excellency's asserting of those our undoubted rights in your present advantages , you will certainly by the blessing of god , and unanimous concurrence of the people accomplish our ends , and will thereby gaine the hearts and hands of the whole nation , and the city in particular , and purchase to your self a name that shall make every true english man call you blessed , and posterity shall hereafter delight to recount the famous acts of their worthy patriot . this was delivered to his excellency at st. albans , thursday , febr. . . by persons elected for that purpose , and had a very cheerful reception . london , printed by tho. ratcliffe , anno dom ▪ . a letter from his excellencie the lord general monck, and the officers under his command, to the parliament, in the name of themselves and the souldiers under them albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing a ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a letter from his excellencie the lord general monck, and the officers under his command, to the parliament, in the name of themselves and the souldiers under them albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . [ ], p. printed by john macock, london : . reproduction of original in bodleian library. eng great britain -- politics and government -- - . a r (wing a ). civilwar no a letter from his excellencie the lord general monck, and the officers under his command, to the parliament; in the name of themselves, and england and wales. army b the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the b category of texts with fewer than defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a letter from his excellencie the lord general monck , ●nd the officers under his command , to the parliament ; the name of themselves , and the souldiers under them . london : printed by john macock . . a letter of his excellency and his officers , &c. mr. speaker , we cannot but with thankfulness acknowledge the wonderful goodness of god to you , in your return to the discharge of your remaining trust ; and to our selves , and your forces under our commands , ( after some difficulties ) in bringing of us , by a tedious march , in such safety to this place , to wait upon you in asserting the freedoms of our native country : and being here , ( as we have to our utmost hazard and power been instrumental in your return , so ) we shall be still ready to pursue your commands so far as possibly we may . to evidence which , we have observed and executed your late orders in relation to the chains , posts , and gates of the city ; which was something grievous to us , and to the officers and the souldiers under our commands ; and that because we do not remember any such thing was acted upon this city in all these wars ; and we fear that many sober people are much grieved at it , and apprehend further force to be offered to them , while they seem principally to desire the speedy filling up of the house , which you have declared for , as well as we have express'd our just desires of ; and are apt to doubt , lest , what we have done , may be so far from answering the expected end , as that it may encrease the discomposure of mens spirits in the nation . upon this occasion , it comes fresh into our minds , that when by the treachery of some officers of the army you were interrupted , we declared to the world , that the ground of our undertaking was not onely your return to your trust , but also , the vindication of the liberties of the people , and the preservation of the rights of our country , the protection and encouragement of the godly and faithful therein , as the establishment of the peace of these nations . which declarations made before the lord , angels and men , in the day of our extremity , we ( as we expect the blessing of the lord upon our future undertakings ) cannot but still own , and stand by . we finde that the asserting of the just liberties of the people , is that which the generality of the nation is much in expectation of ; and that many sober people ( together with our selves ) are under fears lest this great price that god hath put into your and our hands , ( as your servants ) should not be improved , but that we shall run in confusion again . therefore we humbly crave leave to present before you , some grounds of our fears : we are affraid that the late wonderful and unparallell'd deliverance , is not so publickly and solemnly acknowledged as it might be , that the lord ( who wrought so stupendiously ) may have the glory of all : we are troubled that some as yet do sit in the house , who are impeached of treason : we cannot but observe that divers members of your house , ( who contrary to their trust , acted in that illegal and tyrannical committee of safety ) are not actually disabled from sitting there : notwithstanding colonel lambert hath onely the vote of indempnity to secure him from as high crimes as have been committed in this nation , and is not obedient to your orders , yet he seemeth to be winked at . we understand that sir henry vane upon bare pretence is permitted to stay about the city , to the great dissatisfaction of your best friends ; that there are dangerous consultations , and that of those who had a chief hand in your late interruption , and the hazarding of the whole nations , contrary to our expectation . vve find continued in the army some persons of dangerous principles , and such who were active enough in the late defection . though we are far from wishing the ruine of any , yet we could desire that your signal indulgence to late notorious offenders , did meet with that candid reception from them , as to be so much the more ingenuous in their professed repentance : but we observe that many of them do seek to justifie themselves , and are not without their agents in print to palliate their foul enormities ; which maketh us yet to suspect that we are in some danger of returning into the late distempers that you and the nation are but newly delivered from . we are not ignorant , that there are those who lately struck at the root of english parliaments in practise and design , thereby have inflamed the nation , and given great advantage to the common enemy , yet they are not without a strange confidence to precipitate men into a belief , that they are the only persons against the one , and for the other . with grief of heart we do remember and would lament over the too palpable breach of engagements in this nation ; therefore we should think it a duty rather to mourn over the same , than to promote any new oath to be taken at this time : yet we perceive that there is a design to provoke the parliament to enforce an oath upon the nation , and do take notice , that amongst others , there are some who are most forward to promote the said design , who have made the least ( if any ) conscience in keeping engagements already taken . here we must not silence our deep resentment of a bold petition , and of dangerous consequence , which was lately presented to you , the consequence whereof ( if you should answer their desires ) would be to exclude many of the most conscientious and sober sort of men from serving under you in civil and military imployments , who have and would prove themselves most faithful ; and a door would be opened in design to retrive the interest of those who have ( by the just hand of our gracious god ) made themselves so apparently obnoxious . moreover ( which is not the least part of the venome of that petition ) we clearly see the same spirit , which of late would have pull'd away the by-you-declared-just maintenance from ministers , would now provoke you by an oath to endanger the forcing away of many of the most godly from their maintenance . in urging our fears from the premises that concerns some of different principles from us , we would not be thought to ( as we do not ) design any thing that may incur the censure of unjust rigidity . we freely profess our desires , that tenderness of conscience may have its full just liberty , but we cannot in judgment , account that tenderness of conscience which will not scruple at treachery it self ; or any unrighteousness to carry on corrupt designs . having presented you with our fears , we shall adde our resolution , that by the help of god we shall stand by you in the pursuance of what we have declared for : and therefore do make this humble request to you : we could desire , that whilst you sit , your utmost endeavours may be to manifest your affectionate desires for the publick good of these nations ; our further desire is , that those regiments under your consideration ( whose officers are not ) may be speedily pass'd . and in regard we find that the grand cause of the present heats and dis-satisfactions in the nation is , because they are not fully represented in parliament , and seeing no other probable expedient whereby to keep the nation in peace , then by filling up your number ; we must therefore make this our main desire , upon which we cannot but insist , that you would proceed to issue forth writts in order to elections : for the better effecting whereof we entreat , that you would conclude upon due and full qualifications , that not only those who have been actually in arms against the parliament may be excluded , but also such who in the late wars betwixt king and parliament have declared their dis-affection to the parliament : and because the distracted condition of this nation is at this hour so evident and pressing , we are constrained for the just maintenance of your authority and the satisfaction of all true english men , earnestly to desire , that all the writts may be issued forth by friday next , returnable at the usual and legal time ; for we think it convenient to acquaint you , that to pacifie the minds of this great city , in the prosecution of your late commands , the chief of us did give an assurance thereof . and we must not forget to remember you , that the time hastens wherein you have declared your intended dissolution , which the people and our selves desire you would be punctual in . hereby the suspition of your perpetuation will be taken away , and the people will have assurance that they shall have a succession of parliaments of their own election ; which is the undoubted right of the english nation : you have promised and declared no less : both the people and your armies do live in the hope and expectation of it . that we may the better wait for your full and free concurrence to these just desires on the nations behalf , upon mature deliberation , we have thought it our duty as to continue the usual guards for the safety of your sitting , so for the present to draw the rest of the forces under our command into the city , that we may have the better opportunity to compose spirits , & beget a good understanding in that great city , formerly renowned for their resolute adhering to parliamentary authority , and we hope that the same spirit will be found still to breath amongst the best , most considerable , and interessed persons there . this action of ours , as we hope it will receive your favourable interpretation , so we do believe it will ( through the blessing of god ) be of good use for the present peace , and future settlement of these nations . these are our thoughts which we communicate to you , in the names of our selves , and the officers and souldiers under our commands , we are , white-hal , feb. . . your honours most humble servants , george monck . colonels . tho. sanders . tho. read . l'eon . litcot . ra. knight . jo. clobery . dan. redman . jo. hublethorne . ethelbert morgan , lieut. coll. majors . nathaniel barton , major . tho. johnson . jer. smith . phil. pryme . fran. nichols . peter banister . an extract out of a letter from a gentleman of quality, wherein this addresse was sent up to be printed h. c. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing c ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing c estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) an extract out of a letter from a gentleman of quality, wherein this addresse was sent up to be printed h. c. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . benson, colonel. sheet ([ ] p.) s.n.], [england : . "the addresse of the county of northampton to his excellency the lord generall monck" follows the letter. signed: h.c. "presented to his excellency the five and twentieth of january, by colonel benson, the high-sheriffe ..." reproduction of original in huntington library. eng albemarle, george monck, -- duke of, - . great britain -- history -- commonwealth and protectorate, - -- sources. broadsides -- england -- london -- th century a r (wing c ). civilwar no an extract out of a letter from a gentleman of quality, wherein this addresse was sent up to be printed. h. c a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - emma (leeson) huber sampled and proofread - emma (leeson) huber text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion an extract out of a letter from a gentleman of quality , wherein this addresse was sent up to be printed . sir , i send you inclosed the addresse of this county , just as it is desired to be printed , to avoyd surreptitious copies , which i leave to your care to be done , with all speed possible ; and that we may have some copies sent down by this bearer my servant . i suppose the sale of it will abundantly pay the printing . and it had so good a reception , that i would not for any money we had been neglectfull in it . the parliament commissioners were mightily displeased with it , and the city commissioners as well satisfied ; unto whom there has been given a copy of our addresse , and a letter also sent to the common-council . my lord generall being advised aforehand by — not to receive any addresse , told him , he would consider : but when the gentlemen came , he received it ; and not opening the paper , told them , he understood the scope of it was to have the parliament filled , which he had intelligence the parliament would consent to , and so hoped their desires would be answered . he told us ; he would endeavour to have the parliament filled , and sit without interruption , gave thanks to the gentlemen of the county , for their kindnesse , and took notice how great obligation he had to the gentlemen of the north ; and said , he would support both the ministers and gentry . some presents of venison and wine were very acceptable to him : as likewise the appearance of the gentry , who met him with about horse . i wish that as many persons of quality as can , would meet and wait on him at barnet , where his generall rendezvouze will be on monday next : and if you hear of any surprize that may be offered from the army at london , and sectaries , it will be very acceptable to give him notice of such designs and motions : though indeed the generall is cautious enough both of his person and his army ; for when one of the parliaments commissioners pressed him to come to london with one regiment of horse , he replyed , he understood he was obnoxious to a great envy , and the anabaptisticall party was numerous about the town ; and judged it absolutely unsafe to goe without his army ; which consisteth of foot , and horse , all well appointed . i am confident , he will maintain whatsoever the house will do when it is filled up ; and i believe will be against the pressing an engagement . i am sir , your humble servant , h. c. northampton , ian. . . the addresse of the county of northampton , to his excellency the lord generall monck . we the gentlemen , ministers , free-holders , and others of the county of northampton , humbly conceiving that the first force put upon the parliament , hath been an encouragement to open the way to all the rest , and finding that your excellency under god hath been the principal means for repairing of the last interruption , are the more encouraged ( having the presence of your excellency now among us ) to desire your assistance in the procuring these our just desires , as a visible means of a happy peace , and settlement of these nations . whereas every free-born subject of england is supposed to be present in parliament , by the knights or burgesses of the place where he liveth , and thereby is presumed to consent to all things that passe in parliament : so it is now , that there is not one knight for all the counties in wales , nor for divers counties of england , and some of them the largest in england , as that of york-shire , and for this county , and the burroughs but two of nine . i. therefore we desire , that all vacant places may be supplyed , whether they became vacant by death or seclusion , and that those that were secluded by force in the year . may sit again : and that no previous oath or engagement may be put upon any that is chosen by his countrey , to sit and vote freely in parliament . ii. that no free-born subject of england may have any taxes levyed upon him without his consent in parliament . iii. that the fundamentall lawes of england , the priviledges of parliament , the liberty of the subject , the propriety of goods , may be asserted and defended according to the first declarations of the parliament , when they undertook the warre . iv. that the true protestant religion may be professed and defended , all heresies and schisms discountenanced and suppressed ; a lawfull succession of godly and able ministers , continued , and encouraged , and the two universities , and all colledges in both of them , preserved and countenanced . v. that all the souldiery that will acquiesce in the judgment of a free and full parliament , in the promoting and setling a happy peace upon these foundations , may have their arrears paid ; and as many of them as the parliament shall think necessary , may be continued in the publick service : and that as many of them as have been purchasers of lands from the parliament , may either enjoy their bargains , or their money paid back with interest , and some considerable advantage over and above , as the parliament shall judge may be more expedient to the good of the nation . this addresse was presented to his excellency the five and twentieth of ianuary , by colonel benson the high-sheriffe , attended by forty or fifty of the principal gentlemen of the county , and subscribed by above ten thousand hands annexed thereunto , and three times as many more whose names there wanted time to engrosse . a letter from gen. monck in scotland, to the commissioners of parliament in ireland, touching his present actings for the commander in chief of the forces in ireland, to be communicated to the rest of the officers of the army there. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) a letter from gen. monck in scotland, to the commissioners of parliament in ireland, touching his present actings for the commander in chief of the forces in ireland, to be communicated to the rest of the officers of the army there. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . sheet ([ ] p.) printed at dublin by special order: and re-printed at london, for nath. brook, at the angel in cornhil, [london] : [ ] signed at end: george monk. publication date fom wing. annotation on thomason copy: "xber [i.e., december] ". reproduction of the original in the british library. eng england and wales. -- army -- early works to . great britain -- politics and government -- - -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no a letter from gen. monck in scotland, to the commissioners of parliament in ireland, touching his present actings. for the commander in chie albemarle, george monck, duke of a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - john pas sampled and proofread - john pas text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a letter from gen. monck in scotland , to the commissioners of parliament in ireland , touching his present actings . for the commander in chief of the forces in ireland , to be communicated to the rest of the officers of the army there . sir , having received yours of the th of this instant , signed by your self and some others : you are pleased to signifie your apprehensions of our undertakings , and your hopes that we have received from our brethren in england such satisfaction as we may acquiesce in , in their late actings . i have sent to you by this gentleman these enclosed papers , wherein you will fully be informed of our endeavours and pains , to keep a right understanding with our friends and fellow souldiers : but we sincerely profess to you , that we cannot be convinced of any such necessity or sence of duty , that could engage them in actions so violent and unwarrantable , contrary to such late and solemn engagements : indeed it makes our hearts mourn in secret , to confider what the issue of this dangerous and rash change of the government may be : but we hope we shall be found in the way of duty , and shall walk according to gods word , in that we have borne our testimony according to our consciences against that which is evil ; and we humbly desire you to lay to heart the great dishonour that will lye upon the holy name of god , by our inconstancy and ( i wish i could not say ) treachery . are we not an army that have the highest engagements upon us ? never such a professing generation for god! yet to make no conscience of obedience to those god sets over us ; nay , such whose authority hath been witnessed to , by almighty god , in many successes ; and for restoring of which we were , but the other day rejoycing and praising god ; and for the asserting whose just authority , our brethren in england so lately hazarded to bloud , from whom we have all received commissions and encouragement : and this to be done without half an hours deliberation ! we tremble to consider of it , and that a few persons , and of them some unknown to us , to be intrusted with the power of abolishing laws , raising moneys , chusing general officers , creating new models of government , making peace and war ; and this derived from the officers of a few regiments quartered in england ; and our consent to all this , authoritatively required . we cannot but witness against such proceedings , as must needs make us a scorn to our enemies , a shame to our friends , and odious to all the people of god in the world . is this the good old cause , the defence of the parliaments priviledges , to dissolve them with the greatest contempt ? are the peoples rights now secured , when their consciences , estates and persons , are abandoned to the will and pleasure of nine or ten persons ? are the churches of jesus christ like to be protected , when the encouragement of the ministry of the churches is to be removed ? now we beseech you , in the bowels of the lord jesus , to lay to heart these things , and consider whether our jealousies and fears be not real . and we declare in plainness and singleness of heart , ( as in the presence of god ) with you , that our brethren in england , are very dear to us in the lord ; that it wounds us deeper to consider these actings , then the wounds we have received from our enemies ; for then we could have borne them . we bless the lord that you are so sensible of the hazard and bloud that may follow . so we beg of you to remember what bloud hath been shed , and who will answer for it , if we be worse then those god cast out before us . we bless god that we need no umbrage , for our actions ; but testifie before god and man , that we will not admit any single person whatsoever , nor house of lords ; that we desire successive parliaments , and councils of state established by authority of parliament for the government of these nations ; and that there may be a legal foundation and succession . we desire you our brethren in ireland , to joyn with us , in your desires to the army in england , that this parliament may be restored , and put a legal period to their sitting ; and settle such expedients as may be for the securing of these nations , against the common enemy . and we shall take this as a renewed engagement of your brotherly love and kindness to us . and having no further to trouble you , but to let you know , that i am , honoured sir , your humble servant , george monk . this messenger after some time being in this city , carried himself very indiscreetly , so that i thought fit to confine him to his chamber ; which i hope you will not take ill . printed at dublin by special order : and re-printed at london , for nath. brook , at the angel in cornhil . the declaration and speech of his excellency the lord generall monck to the right honourable the lord mayor, aldermen and common-councel of the city of london, on saturday night at guild-hall with his excellencies letter to the parliament and the resolves and answer of the hovse. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing a ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the declaration and speech of his excellency the lord generall monck to the right honourable the lord mayor, aldermen and common-councel of the city of london, on saturday night at guild-hall with his excellencies letter to the parliament and the resolves and answer of the hovse. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . p. printed for g. adreda, london : [ ] reproduction of original in huntington library. eng great britain -- history -- charles ii, - -- sources. a r (wing a ). civilwar no the declaration and speech of his excellency the lord generall monck, to the right honourable the lord mayor, aldermen, and common-councel o [no entry] d the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the d category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the declaration and speech of his excellency the lord generall monck , to the right honourable the lord mayor , aldermen , and common-councel of the city of london . on saturday night last at guild-hall . with his excellencies letter to the parlament , and the resolves and answer of the hovse . london , printed for g. horton . a remonstrance of the citizens of london , touching liberty and freedom . at a common-council held at guild-hall london , the th of this instant , a petitionary remonstrance was presented to the right honourable the lord maior , aldermen , and commons of the citizens of london , in common council assembled ; wherein they thankfully acknowledged the just and prudent resolution of that honorable councel , expressed in their declaration of the of december last past ; and withall humbly remonstrating , that no power or persons whatsoever , might impose any law or tax upon any of those citizens , with whose general concernment that court was intrusted , untill the authority thereof be derived from their representatives in parliament . by which means , they doubted not , next under god , to have their languishing trades revived , and their hearts and purses together inlarged to a chearful and liberall contribution towards their lawful government and protection , according to magna charta and the petition of right . upon the presenting whereof , it was put to the vote , whether they should prosecute those lawful means that may lead to the attainment of a free parliament , &c. but the lord maior dissenting , the resolve and sense of the court , was transmitted to the council of state : whereupon the lord general monck was ordered to march into the city with his army , for reducing of the citizens to the obedience of the parliament ; in order whereunto , the several regiments both of horse and foot took their respective stations throughout this great metropolis , strong guards being placed at all the gates and posterns ; and the streets planted with souldiers , continuing in their arms , and sometimes upon motion , for many hours together : at which time , divers aldermen and common-council were seised and committed to custody , their names being as followeth : alderman vincent , alderman bludworth , col. bromfield , lieut. col. jackson , major cox , major chamberlain , m● . ern 〈…〉 , mr. foord , mr. spencer , mr. penning . this being done , his excellency sent a letter to the parliament , dated from guild-hall london ; which being read , the resolve of the house was , resolved , that the answer to this lett●● is to send unto generall monck the resolves of the parliament , that the gates of the city of london , and the perculisses be destroyed ▪ and that he be ordered to put the said vote in execution accordingly . resolved , that the present common-council of the city of london elected for this year be discontinued and be and are hereby declared to be null and void , and that the lord mayor have notice thereof . ordered , that it be referred to a committee to bring in a bill for the choice of another common-council with such qualifications as the parliament shall think fit , with order to méet at of the clock in the speakers chamber on friday morning . the house having received a report from the council of state of some resolutions taken by the council in the city of london , resolved , that the parliament doth approve of what the council of state hath done in ordering that the commissioners for government of the army , do appoint forces to be and continue in the city of london , for preserving the peace thereof and of the commonwealth and for reducing of the city to the obedience of the parliament . resolved , that the parliament doth approve of what the councill of state have done , in ordering that the commissioners for the army do take order that the posts and chains of the city of london be taken away . resolved , that the gates of the city of london , and the percullisses thereof be forthwith destroyed . resolved , that the commissioners for government of the army be and are hereby impowred to apprehend and seise any of the nine late officers , who were ordered by the parliament to leave the town , who have not obeyed the former o●der in going to the places appointed for them ; or any other dangerous persons who have been in arms against the parliament and commonwealth . resolved , that the parliament doth approve of what the council of state and commissioners of the army have done in seising and apprehending of mr. vincent merchant , in bishopsgate stréet , and mr. thomas brown grocer in wood-stréet . d●niel spencer in friday-stréet lawrenc● bromfield in tower-stréet , major chamberlain , and richard ford in séething-lane , major cox at the swan in dowgate , mr. bludworth mr fenning in fan-church street , and lieutenant collonel jackson . the commissioners of the army being to continue the government thereof , care is taken to preserve the peace of the city , in these sad and deplorable times : and the house have read the bill for setling the militia of the city of london , and the liberties thereof the first time , and referred it to the council of state to present names of commissioners for the militia of london . in pursuance of the aforenamed resolves and orders , most of the posts and chains about london were pulled down , the city gates broke and cut a pieces , and the percullisses taken down and destroyed : which being done effectually at cripple-gate , bishops gate , and ald-gate , where many thousands sad objects with no small terrour beheld these unexpected ruines , the souldiers afterwards went to aldersgat● , newgate , and some other places ; but the work did not prove so feasible , for they being both of an extraordinary and impregnable strength , proved the more difficult ; so that a longer time was required : however , they dismounted the gates from off the hinges , and with iron wedges and great hammers , rent and tore a pieces part of the percullisses . an account whereof being given to his excellency the lord general at guild-hall , about four of the clock in the afternoon he marched from thence to white-hall ; and , in the evening , the councel being sate , his excellency ascended the stairs , representing to their lordships , an account of his transactions amongst the citizens , in obedience to the resolves and authority of that honourable council , for the pulling up of the posts & chains , and destroying of the gates and percullisses . which by them was well resented , and hearty thanks from the members returned . after all which , the guards of horse and foot being placed , and the city constables with their several watches set , betwixt eleven and twelve of the clock on friday night , a considerable company of foot ( commanded by the captain of the round-guard ) came to newgate , where the said captain would have dismissed the constable and his watch ; but they refused it , saying , they must obey the ancient orders and customs of the city , and could not depart their duty without orders from the lord mayor . the captain replyed , that since they were to make a garrison of the city , there ought to be no other watch or guards kept , but what should consist of their own military force ; and that they had not been nine years out of their native countrey , but they had sufficient experience , how to manage the publique affairs of a nation , in defence of civil and christian liberty against all restless spirits whatsoever : but upon the importancy of constable , the captain wheeled off with his men , and peaceably marched them through the gate , towards the gate , without any further dispute or opposition . finis . postscript . the lord general monck having on saturday last communicated a letter to the parliament ; wherein he was pleased to remind them the time of their fitting and the peoples expectation ( according to the prefixed time ) of their dissolution : as also , of the unsafe and pernitious proceedings of certain members , reflecting upon col. lambert , and sir henry vane , as well as upon the continuance of some members in the house impeached for treason ; his excellency was pleased to retire into the city , accompanied by ●●●ers officers and gentlemen , and two troops of horse , the rest of the army being drawn up in moor-fields , where they continued during his conference with the lord mayor , which continued for some hours ; but about in the evening , his excellency , with his lordship , went to guild-hall , where divers alderman and common-council were assembled ; and ascending the stairs , the voice of the people was for a free parliament ; the general declared , that he doubted not but to do them all good desiring them to be patient . and being accompanied into the court by alderman robinson , and some other persons of quality , his excellency declared his further resolutions , that he was resolved to live and die with them ; and that he would stand by them in the defence and preservation of their just rights and priviledges with the hazard of life and fortunes , and that to the last drop of bloud he would ●id and assist them in all lawful ways for recovery of their antient and fundamental proprieties , liberties and freedoms , and that there should be a lawful constitution and free election , onely with this qualification ( without any oath or engagement ) none to be excepted , but such as have bin in actual arms for the late king against the parliament , and that writs should issue forth against may next . upon which , great was the acclamations of the people , who cryed out , godbless our deliverer , god bless our deliverer ; proclaiming a free parliament by the ringing of bells and the multitude of fires , the like hath not been seen the●e many years . this being done , his excellency went to the bull-head in cheapside ; and on the lords day in the forenoon , went to pauls to hear a sermon , where he was mutually embraced , with praise and triumph , by a numerous concourse of many thousands . finis . a declaration of the commander in chief of the forces in scotland, and of the officers of the army under his command, in vindication of the liberties of the people, and the priviledges of parliament. scotland. army. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription b of text r in the english short title catalog (wing a ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo b wing a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. b ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a declaration of the commander in chief of the forces in scotland, and of the officers of the army under his command, in vindication of the liberties of the people, and the priviledges of parliament. scotland. army. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . sheet ([ ] p.) printed by christopher higgins ..., edinburgh : . caption title. initial letter. text in black letter. signed at foot: signed in the name and by the consent of the commander in chief and the officers of the army in scotland. william clarke, secretary. imperfect: creased, with slight loss of text. reproduction of original in: national library of scotland. eng scotland -- army -- history -- sources. scotland -- history -- - -- early works to . great britain -- history -- commonwealth and protectorate, - -- early works to . broadsides -- scotland -- th century. b r (wing a ). civilwar no a declaration of the commander in chief of the forces in scotland, and of the officers of the army under his command, in vindication of the scotland. army a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - megan marion sampled and proofread - megan marion text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a declaration of the commander in chief of the forces in scotland , and of the officers of the army under his command , in vindication of the liberties of the people , and the priviledges of parliament . having , to the great grief of our hearts , been informed of a most unhappy difference lately fallen out betwixt the parliament and some officers of the army at london , which hath occasioned the displacing of sundry of the said officers ; and also the interruption of the members of parliament in the discharge of their duty , we therefore , having earnestly besought the lord to direct us in this great and weighty affair , wherein the liberty and peace of these nations , and the interest of the godly and faithfull therein is so nearly concerned , do finde it our duty to declare , and we do hereby declare , that we shall use our christian endeavours to the utmost for the begetting of a right understanding and reconciliation betwixt the parliament and the said officers of the army . and we do also declare , that we shall , through the strength of god , assert and maintain the freedom and priviledges of the present parliament , the so often , and lately acknowledged supream authority of these nations , and not suffer the members thereof to be illegally interrupted or molested in the discharge of their duties ; and we do solemnly avow to all the world , that our only intention in doing this , is to preserve the rights of our country , and to protect and encourage all the godly and faithfull therein , according to our declaration to the churches , lately emitted and published ; and likewise to establish the peace of these nations , and the government of a free-state or commonwealth , to which we stand obliged by several vows and engagements , made before god and many witnesses : and as we have within us the testimony of sincere hearts and unbyassed consciences to encourage us in these our vndertakings , so we doubt not of the concurrent assistance of all the unprejudiced faithfull in the land , for whose sakes principally we are drawn forth to this engagement . and we therefore invite all our brethren of the army , and of the militia , and all others that professe love to god and his people , and to their own and their posterities liberties , to come and give us their chearful aid in this work , whereunto the lord hath called us , lest they be made a prey to the lusts of men , and then bewail the losse of this opportunity which god hath put into their hands . linlithgow , octob. . . signed in the name and by the consent of the commander in chief and the officers of the army in scotland . william clarke , secretary . edinbvrgh , printed by christopher higgins , in harts close , over against the trone church , . a letter to his excellency the lord general monck this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason . [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing s thomason . [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) a letter to his excellency the lord general monck albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . sheet ([ ] p.) [s.n.], london : printed in the year. . [i.e. ] signed: your servant and honorer t.s. complaining of the proceedings of the rump. annotation on thomason copy: "feb. ." reproduction of the original in the british library. eng england and wales. -- parliament -- early works to . great britain -- politics and government -- - -- early works to . a r (thomason . [ ]). civilwar no a letter to his excellency the lord general monck. albemarle, george monck, duke of a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - pip willcox sampled and proofread - pip willcox text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a letter to his excellency the lord general monck . my lord , amongst the throng of persons that crowd to tell their grievances , and to beg your relief , as an english-man i cannot be unconcern'd , nor you in justice refuse to hear me : i do not intend to trouble you with a long series of the unhappy war , your own experience in that is able to inform you ; but onely to give you some little accompt faithfully of what hath happen'd since lambert's last interrupting that which so daringly assumes the name of a parliament , with more impudence than justice , with more madness than merit : when lambert had by violence forc'd the members from sitting in the house , and as indiscreetly left them at liberty , you were then the onely person who might visibly restore them , then they look'd upon you as their redeemer , which you really were . having now once more by your favour gras'pd a power which they believ'd they should not out-live , to secure themselves as well from you as others , they commanded you up , and under a pretence of taking you into an administration of affairs with them , in stead of a general which you were in the north , and his excellency , they made you a single commissioner , the last of foure ; and lest that number , whereof three were a quorum , should not ballance you , they added another ; so that you must be over-awed in vote , and submit to those who never yet durst openly make you their enemy , and are unfit to be your friends . when they saw ( with eyes full of malice and jealousie ) how your whole march was but one entire triumph , and that all persons , of all conditions , ages , and sexes , met you , either to unbosome themselves and tell their miseries , and pray your help ; or , give you the acclamations due to a blood-less victory ; they now thought you too great and too good to live , and were preparing your herse and cypress , while you brought them the olive-branch of peace : first , to try you , they offered you an oath , which i think no sober conscientious person will take , it being in effect but to bind up the hand of providence , and to set ones face against that power , which ( for ought we know ) may intend us for our good , or punishment , what we so much fear ; and to either we ought quietly to submit . this not taking , they endevoured , first to render you odious , that they might more easily destroy you , and send you unpityed to your grave and scorn'd , robbing you first of that which should have sweetly preserv'd your name to posterity , your honour : to effect this , they commanded you to go with your army into the city , and there to imprison their members , break down their gates , port-cullises , chains and posts , and whatsoever look'd like a fence for that freedome hath so long been theirs ; what an angry and sad face you saw the city wear for that action , you know : nor would their malice to your fame have ended here , for you were to assist at the horrid murthering of some citizens and common-council men , whom they intended to hang at their own dores , in terror to the rest ; when this was done , you were to disarm them , and to level their walls to the ground , and to have found in their ruines your own : for , when by these accursed actions they had fix'd an odium upon you , then were you to fall a sacrifice to their ambition , whom nothing can satisfie but the tyranny over three nations at once , and from a deliverer become a victim : your prudence wisely foresaw this , and finding how odious they endevoured to make you , and how closely they had contriv'd your ruine , you put a stop to their horrid designes , and by countenancing the city in their equitable desires , have rais'd in all such an admiration , and for your self so great a stock of glory , as you cannot , but by some strange act of indiscretion , forfeit or lose ; you cannot but take notice to what a strange height of joy that good action rais'd every sober person , and if you wanted inclinations in your own soul to do us good , you might be lighted to them by those fires which were kindled for your triumph that night , and would ( had you gone on ) in all probability , have prov'd your funeral pile , few days after . you have fairly began our deliverance , leave it not here , for your safety and our good are so link'd together and alli'd , that neither can fall singly : you have by an act of honour and justice exasperated a party against you , whose principles are damnable , whose spirits are implacable ; by the one they pretend and believe , by a strange kind of saintship , a title to all our lives and fortunes , and that they were by grace born our heirs ; by the other they have in them so great a thirst after revenge , like italians , they kill with a smile ; and however they may for safety seem friends , are never to be atton'd ; how hardly they forget and pardon injuries , the late northern expedition will manifest ; for when the officers of lambert's army by an early defection and submission thought to preserve their places , though the first did their business without a blow strook , yet not one of forty was continued in his command ; and if they urge their mercy to lambert , 't is not their clemency but necessity , hoping by his interest among the fanatiques , to ballance , or countermand and check your power : nor is there any thing so sacred that can bind them , they having violated all covenants and oaths , and it is to be beleiv'd , press others to do the like , that they may make others as hateful and abominable as themselves ; in this imitating their master the devil , who is watchful and industrious for our damnation , for envy and company : besides , my lord , you have provok'd them , by fixing upon them a character in your speech , which the whole body of our language cannot equal , and they can never forgive or forget , for it will live as long as the name of rump , that spawn'd them . having thus deservedly made them your enemies , it is too late to make them your friends , nor can they expect it ; and unless you will be so imprudent as to cast off the love and protection of all sober persons , and betake your self to a villanous , accursed , hated , deformed monster of confusion , which your self have condemned and branded with an eternal mark of infamy , you cannot own or act with them , or for them : you gave them a fair time to perform your just desires , which they have slighted , and forfeited your protection ; if you stand by them any longer , you put your hand to your owne destruction , to farther it ; and your delay , which is all they ask , is but the basis of your ruine ; you may see by their favourable censure of lambert what they intend ; and you know who were last week in consultation , and what party he was to head : your ignorance cannot , your courage will not , let not your irresolution destroy you and the three nations ; on you depends their hopes , frustrate them not , lest you fall with them , and suffer not this insulting dragons taile of tyranny to oppress us longer ; you have a glorious opportunity put by providence into your hands to make your self great and safe , beloved of good men , and terrible to the bad , lose it not by delaying ; that ( when your name is read in the number of those deliverers whom fame and truth have faithfully committed to posterity ) you may be remembred with joy and honour in after generations : but , if on the contrary , your patient but dangerous expecting from these tyrants a settlement , make you lose the glory of so brave an action , you will assuredly fall with our hopes , unpityed , accursed , and with your own , conclude the three nations tragoedy . your servant and honorer t. s. london , printed in the year . . a letter to general monk, expressing the sense of many thousands of the well affected people of england. old parliamenters, and old puritanes to the magnanimous and truly excellent generall monk. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing l thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) a letter to general monk, expressing the sense of many thousands of the well affected people of england. old parliamenters, and old puritanes to the magnanimous and truly excellent generall monk. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . sheet ([ ] p.) s.n., [london : ] signed at dated at end: the commons of england. january . . imprint from wing. annotation on thomason copy: "feb: . ". reproduction of the original in the british library. eng england and wales. -- parliament -- early works to . great britain -- politics and government -- - -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no a letter to general monk, expressing the sense of many thousands of the well affected people of england. old parliamenters, and old puritane albemarle, george monck, duke of c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - pip willcox sampled and proofread - pip willcox text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a letter to general monk , expressing the sense of many thousands of the well affected people of england . old parliamenters , and old puritanes . to the magnanimous and truly excellent generall monk . noble sir , god hath made you the instrument of conveighing one of the greatest blessings to this nation that hath been bestowed upon it in these latter days ; even of rescuing our laws , liberties , estates , ministers , religion , all that is dear to us out of the hands of men , who being in their first constitution our servants , had by craft and treachery made themselves lords over us , and designed to sacrifice all these to their own ambition . but the most wise and righteous god , who raised you as a deliverer to this poor nation , hath caused them to fall before you without stroke striking , filling their hearts with fear , and their faces with contempt and shame , for which his wonderful mercy , as thanks are rendred to god by many on your behalf , so doubt not honoured sir , but many prayers are daily poured out before the lord for you , that he would direct your steps in his ways , so evenly and unerringly , that that deliverance which is so happily begun may be perfected by your hand . your excellency , ( for that title your merit gives you whether men do or no ) cannot be ignorant that great persons ( as your self is ) in great actions ( such as this in which you are now imbarqued ) are attended with great temptations , which though your own deep wisdome and much experience be sufficiently able both to discern and decline ; yet will it not we hope be offensive to your excellency to hear what the vox copuli is concerning the temptations that lie before you . first , some think there is now lying before you a sore temptation of making your self great , and to take the supream power and government of these nations into your own hands , and make your self a protector , a king , or what you please , and it is verily thought you might do it with a far more universal acceptance then oliver did ; and it is feared there may be some who may secretly whisper such counsels to you : but surely sir , it is hoped and believed you are so much a souldier , a gentleman , a christian , as that you despise and abhor the thought of any such thing , having declared the contrary as you have done . they that know you say you have too brave a spirit , to purchase the personating of a king with so much guilt and infamy as oliver did , who after he had played rex upon the theatre of the world , for a few years hated of some , scorned by others , flattered by a few , went off with reproach and hissing , and his memorial is perished with him ; who had he had so much honesty in him as a heathen , would instead of his pompous funerals ( yet unpaid for ) have contented himself with a plain tomb-stone with this inscription {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} {non-roman} , &c. look upon me and learn not to be treacherous , false , ambitious . so recent an example of gods revenging wrath , should cast a damp upon the pride and ambition of men , but we see it did not : witness fleetwood and lambert , who not thinking themselves high enough till they were got into phaetons ( that is cromwells ) chariot , had certainly set this whole kingdom on a flame , if god by your hand had not cast them down as suddenly and strangely as if they had been thunder stricken . but your excellency is of another spirit , even like that noble earl , that said he had rather make a king then be a king . in which respect we fear not much your being overcome by this temptation . that therefore which others fear , and fear more is your being tempted to close with this piece of the parliament now sitting at westminster , and to assist and aid them in their setting up of that which they call the common-wealth of england , though by all that ever we poor plebeians could see or understand of it , it is but the setting up of themselves ; and that which makes us something fear you here is , that in many of your declarations which you have emitted , you have expresly and in terminis declared for this parliament as it was sitting in octob. . and for the establishment of government by a common-wealth . these things make us fear ; but when we consider that these declarations were made by you when you were in scotland , or in the remotest parts of england , where you neither did nor could know the sense of the english nation ; we hope that now god hath brought you among us , where you may hear the sighs and groans of your brethren , and from our own mouthes understand what we groan under , and what we groan after , god may put other thoughts , and other resolutions into your heart then what you have yet published or declared to the world . give us therefore leave to declare and remonstrate to you that a great part , yea , the greatest part of the godly people and ministers in england , who adhered to the parliament in all their contest against the king from . to . never did own , nor never can prevail upon their consciences to own those men that now sit at westminster for the parliament of england , since they contrary to all equity and reason , contrary to their trust and duty , contrary to their covenants and protestations , suffered so considerable a part of their members to be by the army plucked from them . nay , not onely suffered it , but we fear some of them contrived it , and all of them now since their last meeting abetted it . resolving upon a solemn vote next day after their solemn fast , that these members were duly excluded : a thing so contrary to the light of common reason , that every man is ready to blush at the reading of it ; is this the fast that god hath chosen ? is this to loose the bands of wickednesse , and to let the oppressed go free ? nor , secondly , can we ( if this were not ) look upon that handful of men sitting at westminster as men to be trusted with the lives and liberties of the nation , and least of all with religion . some of them being persons of notorious loosenesse and debauchedness , others desperate atheists , despisers of the word and ordinances . the most of them , ( whether out of carnal policy , or what other principle god knows ) friends to all sects , errors , and heresies , even to popery it self ; witness their repealing penal statutes made against popish recusants before their breaking up in . and their vote passed in the speakers chamber before the last breaking up in . wherby they gave papists equal protection with the most pure and orthodox of protestants , we hope your excellency when you are informed of these things , will not think it strange that neither city nor countrey can cheerfully accept these men for englands parliament , we hope your self having expressed so much zeal for the true orthodox protestant religion , and for the ministers and ordinances of christ , will not now give them up to the mercy of these men . we have done with the parliament , may it please your excellency to give us leave to expresse our selves concerning the other particular , the changing of the government of the nation into a common-wealth . first , we call to remembrance that saying of the holy ghost , prov. . . remove not the ancient land-mark which thy fathers have set . our forefathers according to the wisdom given them of god , had very equally and justly bounded both the kings power and the subjects liberty . the late king he went about to remove the ancient land-mark of the peoples liberty , and this hath been the overthrow of him and his family unto this day . let the people now take heed of removing the other landmark , least the lord see it , and it displease , and he lay their liberty as low in the dust as he hath done the kings authority . extrema non durant , there is also another text that not a little troubles us when we think upon these changes , and that is prov. . . my son , fear god and the king , and meddle not with them that are given unto change ; for their calamity shall rise suddenly , and who knoweth the ruine of them both . sir , you have merited so well at our hands that we cannot but be very unwilling you should be involved in that calamity which we are very confident will again suddenly overtake these members given to change . secondly , we call to remembrance how in the beginning of the quarrel between the king and parliament . the king did lay to their charge that they had a design to alter the ancient governments of the nation , and to let a flood of errours and heresies into the church , and that thereupon he was forced to take up armes for his own defence , and the defence of religion ; and now if these men do indeed alter the government , as they intend to do ; and do set open a door to all errors and heresies , as they have begun to do ; do they not thereby justifie the king before god and men ( for whoever yet questioned but that it was lawful for a king to defend religion , and his just authority against those that seek to subvert them ) and do they not hereby bring upon themselves the guilt of all the blood that hath been shed in england , and we are very loath you should share with them in that guilt . thirdly , we call to remembrance that the parliament both in their answers to the forementioned declarations of the kings ; and in all their declarations both to this and neighbour nations , scotland , holland , &c. did in the most solemn manner that could be disclaime this altering of the government , and looked upon it as the greatest slander that could be raised against them , and therefore they cannot alter it without falsifying their word to forrain states and princes , and incurring the note of false and perfidious men . the very suspition of which crime we are perswaded your noble soul abhors . fourthly , we call to remembrance the many solemn vowes and covenants whereby the parliament bound themselves and us to maintain the government as it was then established ; and therefore they cannot alter it without incurring the guilt of perjury or covenant-breaking , which god never suffers to pass unpunished , no not among the heathens . fifthly , we consider the blood and treasure that this attempt hath put england , scotland and ireland to already . the blood that cromwel shed in scotland ; and the blood that cromwel shed in ireland ( after your excellency had ended the first war with the popish rebels ) in what quarrel was it spilt , but in the quarrel of this idea , this fairie common-wealth ( which we often hear the name of , but could never yet see . ) that vast treasure that hath been expended now for these eleven years in the maintaining of an army here in england ( necessary for nothing but for the cudeling of people into a complyance with every prevailing power ) whom may we thank for it but the modellers of our common-wealth . sixtly , we cannot but fear that the altering our government into a common-wealth , will be so far from ending that it will but perpetuate our miseries from generation to generation ; for so speak as christians , the foundation of this intended common-wealth hath been laid in so much treachery , perjury , blood , and there is such a cry of the fatherless , widow and oppressed goes up before the lord against it , as it can never be blest to england ; and to speak as men , the masters of this new common-wealth know there is such a spreading family of the stuarts , and their interest is so spread and rooted in this nation and among neighbour nations , protestants as well as papists , that let them make never so many votes , engagements , oaths of abjurations , they will never dare to trust their infant common-wealth , as themselves call it , without an army royal to back it . and so the nation must be at the charge of maintaining continually an army of fifty or sixty thousand men , to please the humours , and maintain the grandeur of fourty or fifty men that are ( forsooth ) the common-wealths representative of england , for more there are not that are sticklers for this new device . for this , seventhly , we complain of as a very great grievance and oppression that so inconsiderable a number of men should assume to themselves the sole legislative power , and impose oaths and new formes of government upon the free-both people of this nation , not onely without their consent , but contrary to the known judgement and conscience of the people of the nation . for , eighthly , this themselves know , and we will not hide it from your excellencie , that if it were put to the scrutiny , whether the people of this nation would be governed after the forme of a common-wealth or no , there is scarce one man of . but would give his vote in the negative , except papists , quakers , anabaptists , and other sectaries , or those who under the specious pretence of a common-wealth , seek their own private wealth , and have built their nests upon the publick ruines . and into the secrets of these men we hope your soul will never enter . and that this aversenesse to a common-wealth may not be judged will and stubbornness in us to all the former reasons . . let us adde this ( in the ninth place ) that this device of changing the government of england into a common-wealth , it is a pure popish jesuitical device to alter and overthrow the true protestant religion in england , witness father parsons his memorials for reformation printed at sevill , an. . campanella in his monarchia hispanica , and cardinal richilieu in his instructions . these things make this alteration of government not only suspected but formidable to these that love the true religion , as we doubt not but your excellency doth . and such cannot but with grief observe , that under these men that are the contrivers of our common-wealth religion , hath suffered more detriment then it did in a leven years before . . lastly , we cannot but observe how god from heaven hath apparently fought against this idol of their brain . these men said in the pride of their hearts ( in one of their declarations as soon as they had cut off the kings head ) that they would speedily set up in the nation a better government then ever was under any , even the best of kings . ( surely they might have excepted david , or josia , or hezekiah ) but see how god hath befooled them from that day to this ( which is now eleven years ) they have not been able so much as to lay their foundation . sometimes god divides their tongues , and puts all in a confusion and disorder , as in the building of rabel ; sometimes he scatters them , so in . so again in . this is the lords doing . lord when thy hand is lifted up , they will not see , but they shall see , if they be not more blind then balaam , he when the angel of the lord had stopt his way twice , the third time desisted : twice god hath stopt these men in their eager pursuits of a common-wealth , let them desist in time if they will not , yet we dare not say a confederacy to them , least we should be found desertors of our covenant , self-condemned and fighters against god . and therefore we do humbly pray , that your excellencie ( according to the opportunity and authority wherewith god hath betrusted you ) would interpose effectually with that part of the parliament now sitting at westminster , that their secluded members may be re-admitted , and vacant places may be filled up , then shall we chearfully own them as the parliament of england , and humbly acquiesse in their declared judgements . and in so doing you shall make us happy , your self honourable to the memory of all after ages ; and oblige us , and our posterity after us to be your lordships most humble servants , the commons of england , january . . the voice of the people for a king shewing the only way for the future settlement and peace of england, humbly presented to his excellency the lord general monck / by arise evans. evans, arise, b. . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing e ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing e estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) the voice of the people for a king shewing the only way for the future settlement and peace of england, humbly presented to his excellency the lord general monck / by arise evans. evans, arise, b. . albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . [ ], p. printed for the author, london : . reproduction of original in the harvard university library. eng great britain -- politics and government -- - . a r (wing e ). civilwar no the voice of the people for a king shewing the only way for the future settlement and peace of england, humbly presented to his excellency t evans, arise d the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the d category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the voice of the people for a king , shewing the only way for the future settlement and peace of england . humbly presented to his excellency the lord general monck . by arise evans . when there was no king in israel , every one did what was right in his own eyes , judg. . . london , printed for the author , . to his excellency the lord general george moncke . my lord , i shall not wrap my self in a cloud of high eloquence , or be able to show your merits , i hope you are he that god hath raised , to make england again happy , yea , more happy then ever it was , which now is in a sad condition , under many miseries ; her once glorious church and kingdome , that shined in prosperity in the sight of all the world , troden under foot , parliaments-priviledges violated , the peoples liberties detained , their goods being spent through long paying excise , assesments , and such new devises to pole them , which never was known in england before , trading utterly gone , the one part of the nation being imployed to destroy and eat up the other ; and of late no visible authority ; and men kept under and kill'd for offering to shew their agrievances , and yet no visible hope of redemption , but of that which under god appears in you . many have promised well , and god gaue them golden opportunities to make themselves and the nation glorious ; but their self-ends deceived them , and they fell into contempt , because their minds was not fixed on just things to the glory of god and good of the whole nation . for the nation now are not ignorant as they were in the beginning of these times ; before they fell like adam , but having tasted of such a fruit as shewed them their nakedness , they are become wise , knowing wherein their happiness lies , ond are ready to say with israel , sam. . . notwithstanding all the perswasions of self-interest against it : nay , but there shall be a king over us ; and to speak of samuel's case , self-interest is such a thing , that not only samuel was blinded by it , but the angels also that fell : ▪ for might not samuel have seen that god promised abraham that kings ▪ should come out of him , and to jacob that kings should come out of him also , gen. . . gen. . . and that moses had said , that israel might have a king , deuter ▪ . . and how the people did what was right in their own eyes , slighting the law of god because there was no king in israel to minister justice , judg. . . and that they did then as bad as the sodamites , judg. ● , , , , , , , , , , , . i say might not samuel have known these things . i sure ; but it made against his interests for he was for a government by judges , therein lay his and his sons interest ; but israel will have a king for all samuels pleading against it , and the lord perswades samuel to barken to the people in it , so that the lord is also for a king , and a king they have for all that samuel could do ; and they lived more happy under their kings , and served god more truely then ever they did under their judges ; saul cloathed them in scarlet , and put gold upon their apparel ; and david did more , but solomon made silver at plenty as stones ; gideon the best of there judges got gold from them and made an idol of it ; and the people left the lord and iwent a whoring after it , iudg. . . but king asa upon the repetition of the judges evill times by oded the prophet and his comparing it to the time present , israel then was fallen from god , i say asa tooke courage from odeds words and put down the idols ; and he gathered judah and benjamin , and most of israel ▪ came to him and agreed with king asa , that whosoever would not seek the lord and serve him , he should be put to death , chron. . now i say it appeareth by this that kingship is best for the nations souls and bodies ; therefore god and the people will have a king ; let samuel do what he can , he shall not be able to binder it . samuel a glorious prophet saith to the people , that a king was not good for them , and useth many arguments to perswade them against kingship ; and in the conclusion saith your king will so oppresse you , that you shall cry out in that day , because of your king , and the lord will not bear you in that day ; what a strong motive is this from a prophet , yet the people will say nay , but there shall be a king over us , sam . , . what is the reason they are so wilful ? it is because they knew that samuel said all this for his own ends ▪ that his children might have the preheminence over them , and they knew that his sons were sinful , judges taking bribes and perverted judgement , sam. . . , . therefore they would not trust them with their warlike affairs for they had smarted of late days in the like case ▪ when the wicked sons of eli did rule , which lost their own lives , and the ark of god , and thirty thousand men in the field , sam. . , . sam. . and now they must go to war , for nahash king of the amonites came against them , and would not receive them to be his servants except they would suffer him to thrust out the right eye of every one of them , & lay it for a reproach upon all israel , sam ▪ . , . and samuel was old , his sons were wicked , they must needs have a king to lead them out against this proud nahash ; and you see king saul under god ordered it so that nahash lost the day , and saul was victour , but yet after this samuel was displeased with the people , and bids them tell him wherein he had wronged them , and tells them a story of the excellency of their former judges , and that they had highly sinned in asking a king , and threatneth them to the purpose ; but for all that they were for king-ship , saying to samuel who is he that saith saul shall not reign , bring him forth that we may put him to death , sam. ▪ . sam. . then seeing that samuel is angry with saul that be could not please him at all , and whatsoever saul did he found fault with it ; and he laid snares for him about the sacrifice , though indeed it seems samuel was in the fault , for he came not according to his promise ; yet he came as soon as saul had sacrificed , and then he tells him that he had broke the commandement , and that god would have another to be king , sam. . after that samuel send saul against amalek : and commanded him to do such a thing that saul could not do , and then he pronounceth judgement against saul and came no more at him , sam. . but went and anointed david to be king of israel , sam. . and after samuel died , his ghost rose from the earth to discourage saul , by telling him of his death , and of his sons death , sam. . , . here we see what power self-interest hath ever good men ; therefore he that can deny himself is higher then an angel , for lucifer fell through ambition , and that a witch had power to raise samuel is a great dishonour to him , & a terrour to me ; and showeth that self-interest is to be abhorred ; eli was free from it for he submited to the sentence of god , when it put a period to his time of prosperity , tam . . and i will now speak touching english men ; there is a book come forth , intituled , the lord general fleetwood's answer to the humble representation of col. morley , and some other late officers of the army : if he wrote it , he is a self-denying man indeed and , sheweth in that book the only way for englands happiness : he that observes the series of gods providence , may be assured that this stump-parliament which was just seven years under the band of ironsword and brass-canon ; that is , from april . . to april ▪ . i say , we may be assured that this parliament will grow to be full , consisting of king , lords and commons , as it was at first ; and then more excellent glory shall be added to it , by their setting up of christ's kingdom ; for surely the lord's decree shall stand , let self-interest-men doe what they can , god and the people shall bring it to passe ; for nebuchadnezzar's vision shall be fulfilled again , dan. ● . for he was but a type of king charls ; and this parliament promised him according to dan. . . that they should add to his majesties glory , and so they shall keep their promise and oaths made to him : god will have the first oath performed , rev. . . later oaths for self-interest shall not prevail against it therefore i say to your lordship and to the parliament , remember your vows to be true to the king , esdras . . pay your vows , ecclesiast . . . i looked upon your going to scotland as a mighty providence for the welfare of the nations ; and indeed the fulfilling of what i said should come to pass in that time ▪ for god worketh by hid wisedom so that men cannot see it when it is done , no nor for a long time after ; but when there eyes are opened by a more shining of the work , then shall they see in what time it was done . my lord , the people came before you , they dare not speak out as yet ; they have been so curbd , but you may know their mind by their miseries , i beseech you pitty them that their souls may blesse you ; else england will be distroyed ; for some old prophesies saith , that if england loose its opportunity it shall be invaded with three mighty armies raised and supplyed by all christendome ; one shall appear in the south with the queen and a great favourite of our army , another in the north under the king , and duke of york ▪ the third in ireland under henry duke of gloucester ; and before these three armies meet , english men will be so few , that the daughter shall say to the mother , o mother ! i have seen a man to day ; and london with all the towns in england will be destroyed , therefore i say again , pitty poor england , & that god may blesse you the more ; oh pitty poor decayed men that are daily cast into prisons for debs , by their cruel creditors , where they are speyled , being unable to pay , or live there , the parliament were about to take some course to help them before now ; oh move them to do it speedily ; you will have the prayers of many poor distressed souls , which in the day of battail will be a greater defence for you then your army ; ( david , psal. . . . ) so wishing your excellency all happinesse , i hoping to be in your lordships judgement a faithful servant to the publick . and your lordships servant in particular , arise evans . from the kings play-house in black-fryers , london , jan . . gentlemen , my last book printed may . sheweth you the kingdom of christ in part ; but now through christ's assistance , i shall shew you further ; and to give you a hint of what is contained in the said book , called a rule from heaven . first , ye have page . to pag. . the introduction , wherein is shewed the descent of our nation ; the noble actions of our predecessors , with their sufferings at several times for their sin ; and a view of our ancient prophesies that foretels the trouble and sufferings of our king , nobles , and royal party , with a promise of great glory to them at last , and an assurance of peace for ever . secondly , from page . to pag. . ye have the kingdom of christ shewed ; though indeed not so fully and so clear as i had done , if time had permitted : for when the combustion was among us , by the armies throwing down one government to set up another , it was in my mind suddenly afore they run into errour , and to prevent it , to shew them a better government then they knew before , even a government of christ's own institution ; and therefore i hastned and was brief , having not time enough to clear the matter . thirdly , page . ye have a threatning of our army , if that they would not suddenly stand up for this good old cause ( namely the kingdom of christ ) and set it up ; else as stout as they were , they should fall and come to nothing ; and their parliament you know , sought divers wayes their ruine since that time ; and they have been divided ; so that now they had need look upon my words , lest they repent too late , as their parliament did once , yea twice now , and knew not how to help it . fourthly , ( page . and page . ) ye have a speech to the long parliament , to tell them that notwithstanding their endeavour to set up themselves , their general should dissolve them ; and i bad them beware of jehu ; ( for so i called him : ) and though they us'd all their craft against him ; yet i said he should prevail : and i told them that the army had a design they knew not of ; and shewed them that they had no way to make themselves happy , but speedily while they had time , to make their peace with charls stuart ; and i gave them a vision i had . to assure them , if they sought it , they might have had peace ; as you see all along , if you read to the end of the said book ; i say you may discern ( if you read from page . to page . of that book ) how far those words of my penning have been fulfilled upon the army and parliament . thus ye have the contents of the said book . now it is true , that it displeaseth some of the kings party : the reason is , because they did not fully understand it ; and it is left dark in some points , because i had not time to open it . 〈◊〉 cannot abide to hear of any to be in power above 〈◊〉 king . it is true , there is none above the kin● namely charles the first . we read that israel had two kings at one time , and the weaker was above the stronger ; so that the stronger obeyed the weaker : which thing was a type of christ's kingdome ; for king david being old and weak , caused solomon to be made king long before he died : and king solomon sat on the throne , but he obeyed king david all the time : ( and is it not so with the pope and the emperor ? ) here was two kings at one time , the father and the son ; yet no striving as you see chro. . & chron. . but christs intention is that king charls which suffered shall not only reign in his seed according as our former kings did , but shall also reign above his seed , he being raised in name , spirit , and power to reign as chief , having a perfect body prepared and chosen of god for him : that personally from time to time hereafter he might be above our kings to controule them ( instead of a high constable of england ) and to be a king of kings for ever to keep the peace between the king and people . the gods of the gentiles to gratifie their worshippers would fain have done such a thing ; that is , to immortalize them and make them to have a name and power on earth for ever ; so that from iulius cesar all the emperours were called cesars for a long time ; and so the pharao's and others had such promise of their gods ▪ but alas , none of their gods were able to do it ; their gods knew such a thing was to 〈◊〉 but they knew not the way to do it , it is the 〈◊〉 of heaven , earth , and sea , even jesus christ 〈◊〉 do it , and none else . again the royal party cannot abide to hear of a poor almes-man to be king , and that he should have but two hundred a year , they thinking i would have young king charls stuart to have no more , and therein is their great mistake , for i would have young charls and his seed after him to have all that belongs to the crown ; and that he which personates old king charls should have but two hundred a year ; the reasons why he should be first a poor man , and after his installment should have no more means , is because old king charls was made poor in this world before he suffered , and most rich in faith ; having no money save a bare allowance to subsist , though he was the supream lord . therefore he that personates him ( in whom he is to live again ) must be like unto him in graces and outward state , having but smal allowance yet enough to live : for i believe old king charls was never better satisfied in this world , then he was when god took from him his temporal pomp and glory , and gave him a view by contemplation of his immortal glory in the world to come , so that i say , such a body fitted and chosen of god , and made so as he himself was made at last , is most meet for him , and is most profitable for the king his son and for the nation , to stand in the gap and stop the bloody issue , a disease that england is too much subject too . the want of this government of christ ( for so i call it in my book ) brought this kingdome many times into desolation , for when the court grew corrupt yet so insolent and prove that it thought none could or durst controul it ; then starts up one great popular earl or other that watcheth for an opportunity and under the notion of a high constable of england he heads the people , and wars against the court , so that the cure proved alwaies worse then the disease , because it was done by the sword : and as christ saith , matth. . . they that take the sword shall perish with the sword ; therefore in christs kingdome every one must observe his rule : there must be a law for the kings to walk by , as well as for the people ; and they that are weakest , lowest , and least in the worlds account ( luke . . james . ▪ cor. . . ) hath christ chosen to be the supream judges thereof , yea to personate old king charls and to be over the kings of the world as ye have it more at large set out in the abovesaid book called a rule from heaven . and there must be in christs kingdome a perfect law made for all occasion , and according to the gospel , a law that needeth not to be altered every foot , but it must be such a law as nothing shall be added to it , or taken from it ; that every one may know his rule and the punishment of his errour , and the said law must be truly and speedily executed upon the offenders , else it profiteth nothing , for so long as our law is imperfect , and that our parliaments are alwaies making and nulling laws , we shall never be quiet or come to rest according to gods promise which saith , heb. . . there is a rest for the people of god , and the lord is well pleased for his righteousnesse lands and states in rich mens hands , and they could not deny it ? but told them in a bravado they would spend in law thousands before they should get it : and the poor knowing aforehand the course of the law was content to loose their right , and it was wisdome in them so to do ; seeing their going to law will not relieve them , being sure it will make their condition worse ; what a sad thing is it for men to live under such a law , let all good just reasonable men judge , such doings are not to be in christs kingdome . again a man steals a horse , and by the laws of england he must die for it ; what reason is for that ? is a mans life for whom christ died of less value with you , then a horse or some wordly lomber which perisheth with the using ; and weighs such as set their hearts upon them down to hell ; i must tell you and that from the word of god , that all the thieves that have been put to death for only thieving ( except they were men stealers ) have been murthered , and that their blood lyeth heavily upon this nation ; and specially upon the royal family as one of the greatest cause of gods wrath against them ; i remember that one told me five and twenty years ago , that a thief being to be executed , desired before his death to have psalm . . sung , which begun thus , judge and revenge my cause o lord ; but the minister no doubt knowing that by gods law , exo. . , , , , that he ought not to have died for his theft , would not suffer him to sing that psalm ; yet alas , how sore hath god judged the thieves cause upon this nation , and specially the king and nobles , it is too evidently written in ▪ characters of blood ; and verily it is right that god should do it , for it is a great contempt against god and his law , for men to attempt and to leave gods law , and to make a bloody law for thieves , contrary to gods law ; seeing they have the law of god extant to judge thieves , what is it ? but that men would have themselves seen to be wiser then god . the law of god ( exod. . , , , . ) in the case of theft , proves that the looser , shall be no looser by by a thief , but that in case he find him with the goods in his hands ; the thief must restore it at least double , and if he hath not to pay , he is presently to be sold for his theft . but by the laws of england , a man may put a poor man into prison upon suspition , and keep him in to his undoing a quarter of a year for nothing , and the poor man can have no reliefe by law , for the wrong done to him in such a case ; again , if a man take a great thief that stole much from him and put him in prison , he shall get nothing at last but his life , a sad recompence to become a murderer , to loose his soul after his goods ; and though the true man and thief this suffer , the receivers , thieve-takers , jaylors , and the whore-houses get by it , and the prisons ; and whore-houses the nurseries of thieves , to increase and multiply them exceedingly ; now if the law of god were put in execution there would not be so many thieves . eor god saith fxod : . , , : he that smiteth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death , and he that stealeth a man and selleth him , or if he be found in his hand he shall surely be put to death , & he that curseth or revileth his father or mother shall surely be put to death ; for all wickedness floweth from disobedience to parents ; and a wicked father commonly gives good councel to his son , and will rejoyce to see him doe well : it is naturally so with all men , good or bad ; but in london and other great towns , the most part of children are very rebellious , especially poor mens children are disobedient , running away from their parents , because they see nothing but hunger at home , and that charity is cold : then the thieves takes them up , and feeds them with good victuals , telling them , that if they will forsake their parents and follow them , they will teach them a trade to get good chear ; and they will make them swear , that they will forsake their parents , and not work but steal for their living , and not confess it : and when they have tried them a while , if they find that a child hath any principle of grace remaining , so that they dare not trust him , then will they make use of him and force him upon some great design , and after sell him away to sea , lest being taken , he should confess all : in these cases , thieves are men-stealers , and by the law of god they ought to die for it ; and the children also that abuse their parents by smiting and reviling them , ought to die for it . therefore if you would have the wicked rooted out of the land , you must destroy the foresaid menstealing-thieves , and be charitable to the poor , by helping them to bring up their children in the fear of god ; and those that continue stubborn , rebelling and abusing their parents , must be made examples , that the rest may fear : and for the rest of the thieves make them to restore , according to exod. . , , , . and if they have not to satisfie the owners , let them be sold away to the merchants for their theft , and shipt suddenly whether they will or no ; for a thief hath lost his liberty to choose , and by the law of god ought to be sold away for a slave : and if they were so punished , it would terrifie and restrain them more then hanging ; for a thief will rather chuse to die , then be so bound to work ; it 's their nature to be so minded always . all the thieves may be divided into three sorts : first , the covetous thief , that hath enough , yet will steal to encrease his riches ; he is worthy to make a five-fold restitution . ly , there is a thief that will not work , but makes a trade of stealing , yet lays up little or nothing ; make him restore double : or in case he hath not to doe it , he must be sold . thirdly , there is a thief that is not able to work , or that would work and can get none , nor any relief , is forced to steal or starve ; i know no reason why he should suffer , but that ye should say to him , as juda said to tamar , gen. . . thou hast been more righteous then we , because thou wast not relieved thou didst steal ; and you ought to make restitution for him , and put him in a way to live that his soul may blesse you . and put no thieves in prison , but as soon as they are taken , judge them ; and so clear the innocent , and make the guilty to restore , or sell him away to sea speedily : and this every justice of the peace may doe immediately ; for the lord saith , isa. . . that the people are spoiled in prison-houses ; there they learn all villany , and are made ten times worse then they were when they came in ; for judgement must be spedily executed because delays encourageth men to do evil , eccles. . . and you see ( lev. . , , , . , . num. . , , , , . ) israel at first put none in prison , but those offenders they had not a law in readiness ; e to judge them ; and as soon as god by moses gave them a precept for it , it was immediately executed . now to conclude ; if you severely ( according to god's law , exod. . , , . ) punish disobedient children and men-stealers , it will produce these three effects following . first , it will make parents careful and diligent to save their children by bringing them up always in fear , and not cocker them up in wantonness , and suffer them to be bold and impudent with them ; but to fear and reverence them , lest they should come to suffer for it . secondly , it would make children tremble and give respect to their parents , when they see the law thus executed upon disobedient children . thirdly , it will make such as draw children away from their obedience to their parents , to tremble ( least they should come under the verge of men-stealers ) when they see how seveerly men-stealers are punished with death . another great defect in the english law , is this , a man commits an offence , and not onely he , but also his innocent children must suffer for it ; when as god to the contrary , ( saith ezek. . . ) that the son shall not bear the iniquity of his father ; for example , sir george booth and the cheshire gentry is supposed to have committed treason , but to be sure if their statebe sequestred ( as many was upon the like score ) their innocent families are robbed , fot is it not sufficient , that if they have committed a crime that they only in their own person suffer for it , and not to have their innocent families ruinated also by it . in king james his time , when i was a boy , a neighbour of ours being then the constable , made bold to steal some sheep ▪ and kill them to spare his own , yet though he was constable who thought by vertue of his office to carry it out unquestionable , he was brought in for a thief , all his goods taken for the king ; his innocent children turn'd out to beg their bread , and the owners of the sheep , had nothing except a share of the curse from the poor children . but see how god since by way of retaliation met with king james and his seed for such things , they also were turned out of all to seek their bread ▪ if king james had maintained the law of god , the thief might have made restitution to the owner of the sheep , and left him enough for his children ; and the kings seed been blessed , and not come to such dishonour and want as they did since that time ; though men regard not god nor his law , yet they may behold his works here , and be sure of his truth , that saith vengance is mine i will repay , rom. ● . . and now to speak something in the matter of tiths , which many are offended at , and willingly would pay none . first i need not prove it lawful to take tyth , for we see it was paid before the law , gen. . . and all along under the law , none can deny it ; and after the law our saviour christ , mat. . . luk. . . presseth the payment of tyth as a duty that ought to be done . therefore since the church of christ came to any maturity and power to command tythes hath been paid all along to this our time . but now in my judgement tything is not rightly done ; for in the beginning abraham had got a good booty , gen. . . and he paid tythes of it once and no more , heb. . . jacob also having then nothing but his staff , gen. . . voweth to god , saying , of all that thou givest me , i will surely give the tenth unto thee ▪ it is not meant to tyth all he hath every year , but to tyth all his stock once , and then to tyth all the increase of his stock yearly ; but if his stock do not increase but decrease , or is at a stand , between both , there is no more tythes to be required of such an one ; for saith he , of all that thou givest me , i will surely give the tenth unto thee . and therefore moses saith , deut. . . thou shalt truely tyth all the increase of thy seed ; and st. paul saith , cor : . . let every one of you lay by him in store , as god hath prospered him ; that is , every one of the church of corinth , truely must lay in store , ( against st. paul came ) the tenth of his increase , and no more ; for he that groweth poor ought to have a share of the tyth , rather then pay it as you see , deut. . , . but our teachers will have the tenth from a man , whether he prospereth or not prospereth , whether he increase or decrease so long as he hath any thing , they will have the tenth until at last drawing him dry year by year ; they take all from him under the notion of tyths and send him a begging and to state the case aright ; suppose i were now a rich man entring into my affairs in the world , and being worth a thousand pound , i give a hundred of it to the minister for his tyth ; and i take a farm of a hundred pound a year , and i lay out all the rest of my money to stock that land , i keeping a great family and paying my rent can hardly keep my stock whole , till the years end ; what reason hath any minister to come to me any more for tyths ? i paid once and my state is not encreased ; why should i give the tenth of my corn or of my sheep to him , since i do not encrease ; because the land is not mine ? ought he not rather and more equal get the tenth part of the rent from the landlord ? for if he forceth tyth from me year by year , i not thriving , he will in time get all my stock ; and how is that just in the minister , who should teach men to be just in their dealing one towards another ? again ' , there is a tradesman that takes a great house , and lives at a high rate , only upon his credit , and at the years end making his account , is more in debt then he is worth by half ; yet this man goes on in his way , and must pay the minister more then his neighbour that is in a thriving way and worth thousands : yea , there are some that lodgeth in such poor mens houses that are worth thousands a year in lands ▪ who besides in the way of merchandise get sometime a thousand a year clear gain ; and why do not the ministers get tyth of such men ? therefore i say the true way of tything is this ; for every young man to observe , when he beginneth to be for himself , he that hath a portion to begin the world , let him give the tenth part thereof to god , that is for the minister and the poor ; and if it please god to bless him and he encrease in wealth , let him make his account once a year , & as god is pleased to add to his stock ( whether by wares or merchandise , or cattle , or by the death of friends , or any way else whatsoever , ) let him tyth the addition or encrease of his stock year by year so long as he liveth upon earth : and he that hath nothing at first , if god send him an estate , let him doe the like ; and that is his way to get more of god . as for example , a man at the beginning is worth a hundred pound , he pays ten pound tyth ; next year he is worth two hundred pound , he pays eleven pound tyth ; the third year , he is worth four hundred pound , he pays twenty one pound two shillings tyth ; the fourth year his stock doth not encrease a peny , then he pays no tyth ; for why ? he gave the tenth of all he had already : but the fifth year his stock encreaseth two hundred pounds , then he payeth twenty pound tyth ; and so forward payes the tenth of his encrease yearly , according as he truly valueth his estate ; for he must doe it between god and himself ; and this men should doe , not by constraint , but voluntary in obedience to god that requireth it ; and in hope that he will not only pour riches upon them , but will also rebuke the devourer , who is ready ( if god permit him ) to take all creature comforts from them , as once he did from job , malac. . , , , , , , job . from verse the . to the end ; so much of tythes . touching the ministers of our time , the prophet isaiah hits them home , for their greedinesse after their tyth , and their ignorance in tything , as also in other things belonging to these times ; and therefore he sets up a ministery of eunuchs , isa. . , . in the house of the lord ; because saith he , all these ministers devour : and lest they should loose their tyth , they will wink at all faults , and consent to any sin in governours , & that makes the holy prophet to brand them saying , isa. ● . . , . all ye beasts of the field come to devour ye all the beasts in the forrest : his watchmen are blind , they are all ignorant ; they are all dumb dogs , they cannot bark : sleeping , lying down , loving to slumber ; yea , they are greedy dogs which can never have enough ; and they are shepherds that cannot understand : they all look to their own way , every one for his gain ( or tyths ) from his quarter . origen one of the most famous ancient fathers of the church , for this cause would have none to be ministers but ennuches , and he himself would , and had his privy members taken from him upon that account ; yet the church then did not approve of his judgement in that point ; what arguments or reasons he used for it at that time , i know not ; i am sure there is , much more might now be spoken in it : for beside scripture & reason , time and woful experience doth evince it ; so that we may confesse it to be an impregnable truth . for scripture you see our saviour christ in his time would have eunuches to be his ministers , if men could receive it upon that account , mat. . . for if none were admitted or esteemed to be a minister of the word and sacrament , but such as enter in at such strait gate , luk. . . i beleive we should not have had such heaps or swarms of teachers , or preachers as we had of late , tim. . . but should have had a pure sort of preacher , that had rather die then turn ; as ministers have done in these times ; for we believe in reason , that he which hath laid away his privy members from him for the truth sake , is most likest if need require to lay down his life , for the truth sake ; for that qualification worketh a glorious change in nature , so that i may say , if it were possible to gold lucifer the grand divel , it would bring to the true obedience of god , to have a saving faith and to become a holy angel again . as for example , behold the difference between the ox and the bull , the ox is meek , gentle , and quiet , the bull hot , furious , and quarrelsome , sometime for no cause but his humour , he roareth and teareth the ground with his feet and hornes , and if there be stacks of wheat , or cocks of hay or any such thing nigh him , he will spend his fury in scattering them about ; and think it is his glory that nothing can stand before him , & so is the stone horse , bore , ram , cock , or any stoned creature , proud , furious , and of a quarrelsome nature , but being gelded they become of a clean contrary nature , so that i say as i said before , gelding is so virtual , that it would change the devil in nature ; and make him a holy angel ▪ as good as he was when he was created ▪ here you see a man may argue much for eunuches ministers ▪ from the different nature of beasts , and bring many reasons bac'kt with scripture to maintain it ▪ for david in the person of christ saith , psal. . many bulls have compassed me , he doth not tearm them ( priests , mat. . , . oxen for the ox knoweth his owner , esa. . . and those priests had they been eunuches should have known christ ; therefore their stony proud hearts was their ruine and destruction ; and now i will shew you what time hath manifested in this point . first it is clear that the apostles in their time allowed priests to marry , yet with some restriction , for whereas then laymen might have two or three wives , the priest must have but one , and after as the church grew & was stablished in power , the priests striving one with another for means , and preferment sets all in a bloody war ; then the parish priest turn as ours do now ; turn this way or that way , any way to keep their means because of their wives and children after the wars is ended ; the church seeing the cause of their misery to be the married priest , and that such would soon let the church sink , rather then suffer the least to save it ; made a decree that no married men should be priests , and the church had rest a thousand years . then hus , luther , calvin , with many more covetous stone priests doth quarrel , and will have wives contrary to their vows , & divide christendom putting it into a bloody war ; making a great rent in the church , ( which had they been eunuches , they would not have done it ) & we english take part with them , and excluding the old romish church , set up a church of our own moulding with married priests ; and no sooner was it ●et up , but some of our priests having not preserment , and means enough to satisfie their greedy minds , under pretence of shewing a more holy way , quarrels with the church ; so that all those priests whose greedy bellies are not satisfied get together , consults , ( and being called puritans , ) resolve to preach against the decent ceremonies of the church , taking any sleight occasion to quarrel , and holding forth any whimsie , that would work upon the people , and stirring them up for their own advantage ; and this they did in a more cunning way then can be declared , until they brought it to a bloody cruel war , and overthrew the church by force of tumults that knew not what they did ; in assisting a few members to overthrow the legality of the whole parliament in . the said priests then preaching , that oaths was not obligary , damn themselves and the whole nation in perjury , murders , and theft , beyond all heathenish infidels , that they now stink in the sight of all nations ; thus they preaching rebellion get upmost : yet being not the ministers of christ , none would obey them , neither could they settle any thing , but were forced to come down again , to say any thing to keep in , and turn like weather-cocks , or base slaves to the several humors of their several governours and masters ; so that if the divel would come , they would deny god , and preach him for a piece of bread or the tyth ; and their wives and children is the main cause of this evil : for if the priests were single , they would not be so greedy and covetous ; and they would stand to the death for the church , as we see the priests of rome doe : but the romish entrance to the ministry , is too broad a way , which was and is the cause that their church is subject to miscarry , as i shewed before . but some men will say , why then did ▪ paul , tim. . . give toleration for priests to marry ? i answer , because of the hardness of mens hearts did he then suffer priests to marry ; for if he had said none shall be priests but eunuchs ; or that he had said , priests shall not be married to women , but live a single life , the church then being in its infancy , should have fallen for want of ministers ; for who then would have been a minister upon that account ? alas ! you see how the disciples fall away from christ for a less occasion , john . . but from the beginning of the creation it was not so ; for god had ordained eunuches to be his ministers ; and when those orders of eunuchs , called the sons of god , gen. . . broke their order , and would no more part with their privy members , but take wives and are become worldings like other lay-men ; for whom it is lawful so to doe . then evil encreased so , that god repents that he had made man , and drown'd the whole world , except noah , a righteous person that foresaw it , and was saved by obeying gods command , gen. . and the prophet isaiah understanding this , invites the order of eunuches to the house of god again to be his ministers , isa. . , . and christ himself also doth invite them , matth. . . and that in matth. . , , . luke . , , , . it was not because the lay-men did marry , and give in marriage , eat , drink , plant , build , which things are for lay-men to doe ; but for ministers , it is unlawful and destructive for themselves and nation , to build , plant , and to exceed in eating and drinking , or to be worldly given ; for why ? they ought to be true eunuches only for god's service , as the oxe is , which minds not to propagate his own seed , but his masters seed . now the protestant priest will say , i have the scripture for my warrant to marry ; saith the romish priest , i am sure thy marrying will be thy ruin : thou hadst best come to me again : saith origen the the eunuch priest , ye are both in the way to damnation ; for your gates is wide , but enter in at the strait gate as i did ; take your unruly member away from you , and then you come into me : i am sure we shall not have too many priests , and we shall be peaceable , we shall care only for god & his church , we shall leaven the world with our meekness which we nor they could not obtain , while we had stones to move us to a cholerick nature ; we shall be as useful for to feed mens souls as the oxen is for their bodies . and you shall find that the strivings and quarrels of their priests have been the cause of all the civil wars in the world ; for the priests war will at length prove a national quarrel : and the reason why the priests quarrel , is , because there is too many of them ; every one of them will be a priest for lucres sake , and he that is truly called of god will not refuse it : if he cannot have it without he came in as aforesaid , it 's the only way to try their calling whether it be of god : or not of god and god saith , that he will give priests after his own mind ; and those must be eunuches . kings found eunuches to be the most fittest for their presence and service as you may read in the scripture , and yet in forraign countries kings have them ; and what a glorious fine godly man was that eunuch of great authority under candace queen of the ethiopians who as he was riding in his chariot was reading the scripture : and how sweet was his nature , that as soon as philip showeth to him jesus christ , he presently believeth and is baptized , act. . from v. . to the end , but contrarily , how stubborn against christ the priests were , you see through out the gospel , and what mischief then and all along they did to their nation ; one levite priest for his wife or whores sake , ( for she was but his concubine ) sets all israel to fight one against the other ; that it was gods mercy to them , they were not all consumed that bout , judg. . let this suffice now for this matter . now to conclude , . the general ( as i said before ) being a single person must give us a law ; and he must frame it by scripture rule , and so the people of roome gave advice , when the king of england ( after his conversion ) sent to the pope to know by what law he should govern , the pope answered him , saying you have the old and new testament make you a law agreable to that . . the general must be one that knoweth all the cases in the nation usually tryed by law ; for moses was learned in all the wisdome of the egyptians , act. . . he knew all their laws and controversies , and so doth the master of the rolls ; our general know all the controversies of this nation , that is the man to give law . there must be a king to execute the said law , else it will do no good , for notwithstanding the israelites had a good law , they did not regard it ; when there was no king in israel every one did what was right in his own eyes , judg. . . and if you read from hence judg. . to the end of that book , you shall see what evil they did ; ye , as bad as sodom , judg. . , , , , , , . and what wars was among them for it , judg. . and the reason is because they had no king , and the said reason is cited three times to shew us the reason and truth of it , judg. . , . and . . and . therefore it was time for israel to ask a king ; and i speak it with reverence , when the people asked a king , it touched samuels self interest , and he looked upon it as a great affront ; therefore he is displeased ( because the people now would cast him out to have a king in his place ) and speaks bitter things to the people ; yet you see the peoples case was good , for his sons who were made judges , ( whom he thought should reign ) carried themselves base , took bribes , and perverted judgement , and the lord justifies the people and bids him hear them ; and the lord by arguments perswadeth samuel to be patient and not lay it so to heart ; yet self interest is so sweet , that the good prophet for all that , labours to perswade the people not to have a king , until they were at last so resolute , that they refuse to hear samuel , and said , nay , but there shall be a king over us . finis . three letters from the lord general monck, commander in chief of the forces in scotland and one of the commissioners by act of parliament for the government of the army of this commonwealth viz. to mr. speaker, to the lord fleetwood, to the lord lambert. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing a ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) three letters from the lord general monck, commander in chief of the forces in scotland and one of the commissioners by act of parliament for the government of the army of this commonwealth viz. to mr. speaker, to the lord fleetwood, to the lord lambert. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . [ ] p. printed by christopher higgins, edinburgh : . reproduction of original in the bodleian library. contains letters to the speaker of parliament, to lord fleetwood, and to lord lambert, all dated october , . eng england and wales. -- army -- history -- th century. a r (wing a ). civilwar no three letters from the lord general monck, commander in chief of the forces in scotland, and one of the commissioners by act of parliament f albemarle, george monck, duke of d the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the d category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - judith siefring sampled and proofread - judith siefring text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion three letters from the lord general monck , commander in chief of the forces in scotland , and one of the commissioners by act of parliament for the government of the army of this commonwealth . viz. to mr. speaker , to the lord fleetwood , to the lord lambert . edinburgh , printed by christopher higgins , in harts close , over against the trone church , anno dom. . to the speaker . right honourable , having received notice , that there was a force put upon the parliament on the twelfth of this instant , i have sent this messenger to your lordship , to know whether that force ; doth continue ; for i am resolved by the grace and assistance of god , as a true english-man , to stand to and assert the liberty and authority of parliament ; and the army here ( praised be god ) is very couragious and unanimous , and i doubt not but to give a good accompt of this action to you. i have , according to your act of the th . instant , being constituted a commissioner for the government of the army , put out such persons as would not act according to your commission : i do call god to witness , that the asserting of a commonwealth is the only intent of my heart , and i desire , if posible , to avoid the shedding of blood , and therefore intreat you , that there may be a good understanding between parliament and army ; but if they will not obey your commands , i will not desert you , according to my duty and promise . which is all at present from your humble and faithful servant , george monck . edinburgh , octob. . . to the lord fleet wood . right honourable , i have sent this messenger to your lordship , to let you know that we have received notice , that a part of the army have put force upon the parliament , which they so lately called together , and owned with the greatest testimonies of obedience and repentance for their former apostacie from them ; i hope your lordship will not abet an action of such a dangerous and destructive consequence ; i know that you love the liberty and peace of england so well , that you will use your best care , that attempts of this nature be suppressed . i do therefore humbly intreat you that the parliament may be speedily restored to that freedom , which they enjoyed on the eleventh of this instant , otherwise i am resolved , by the assistance of god , with this army under my command to declare for them , and to prosecute this just cause to the last drop of my bloud ; i blesse the lord , that the officers here are very unanimous : and for such , whose hearts fail them , or which will not act according to their commissions from the parliament , i having authority as one of the seven commissioners appointed by act of parliament , do constitute such as chearfull for this good old cause , till the parliaments pleasure be further known ; and i do plainly assure your lordship , that i was never better satisfied in the justice of any 〈…〉 gagement than in this : you cannot but 〈…〉 that god hath already shewed 〈…〉 glorious in it , and determined the 〈…〉 this side , against arbitrary power of ●●●●ing money without the peoples consent first had , and the management of the militia by any other then the parliament . i desire your lordship not to be deluded by the specious pretences of any ambitions persons whatsoever , and do not bring all the bloud that will be shed upon your own head ; my lord , consider how you will answer to the dreadful god for the ruine of three nations , for to serve a lust , or to gratifie a passion : for my particular , i am ashamed of these confusions and changes that we have made , that we are now become a scorn and a reproach to our very friends , and designed to ruine by all our neighbours . i take god to witnesse , that i have no further ends then the establishing of parliamentary authority , and those good lawes that our ancestors have purchased with so much bloud , the setling the nations in a free commonwealth , and the defence of godlinesse and godly men , though of different iudgement ; and i take my self so far obliged , being in the parliaments service , to stand , though alone , in this quarrell , and doubt not but your lordship , having the fear of god in your heart , will carefully consider of this matter : which is all at present from your excellencies humble servant , george monck . edinb. octob. . . to the lord lambert . right honourable , having notice , that a part of the army under the parliaments command , have , contrary to their duty , put force upon them ; i have therefore sent this messenger to your lordship , to intreat you to be an instrument of peace and a good understanding between parliament and army : for , if they shall continue this force , i am resolved , with the assistance of god , and that part of the army under my command , to stand by them , and assert their lawful authority . for , sir , the nation of england will not endure any arbitrary power , neither will any true english-man in the army , so that such a design will be ruinous and destructive ; therefore i do earnestly intreat you , that we may not be a scorn to all the world , and a prey to our enemies , that the parliament may be speedily restored to their freedom which they enjoyed on the . of this instant . which is all at present from your lordships humble servant , george monck . edinburgh , octob. . . two letters from the fleet at sea, touching the late fight: the one written by generall monck to the commissioners of the admiralty sitting at whitehall. the other by capt bourn, captain of the resolution to his wife. in which fight generall deane is killed by a great shot, and a dutch admirall blown up, and , or , of their ships sunk. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason e _ ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a thomason e _ estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; :e [ ]) two letters from the fleet at sea, touching the late fight: the one written by generall monck to the commissioners of the admiralty sitting at whitehall. the other by capt bourn, captain of the resolution to his wife. in which fight generall deane is killed by a great shot, and a dutch admirall blown up, and , or , of their ships sunk. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . bourn, john, captain. p. printed by tho. newcomb, dwelling in thamestreet, over against baynards-castle, london, : mdcliii. [ ] reproduction of the original in the british library. eng anglo-dutch war, - -- early works to . naval battles -- early works to . great britain -- history, naval -- stuarts, - -- early works to . netherlands -- history, naval -- early works to . a r (thomason e _ ). civilwar no two letters from the fleet at sea, touching the late fight:: the one written by generall monck to the commissioners of the admiralty sittin albemarle, george monck, duke of a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion two letters from the fleet at sea , touching the late fight : the one written by generall monck to the commissioners of the admiralty sitting at whitehall . the other by capt bovrn , captain of the resolution to his wife . in which fight generall deane is killed by a great shot , and a dutch admirall blown up , and , or , of their ships sunk . london , printed by tho. newcomb , dwelling in thamestreet , over against baynards-castle , mdcliii . two letters from the fleet at sea , touching the late fight . gentlemen , yesterday morning being at anchor some miles without the south-head of the gober , early in the morning we discryed the dutch fleet , about two leagues to the leeward . we made sail towards them , and between eleven and twelve at noon we were engaged ; and for three hours the dispute was very sharp on both sides ; which continued from three till six in the evening ; at which time the enemy bore away right before the winde , and little more was done ; onely the frigats gave chace so long as there was any light to distinguish one from another . one of the dutch admirals was blown up , and three or four sunk , as we are informed . we cannot hear that any of our own ships was lost in this engagement , blessed be the lord . we are at this time again very fair by them , and shall endeavour our utmost to engage them as soon as we can . it hath pleased the lord to take away general dean in the fight , an honest and faithful servant of the commonwealth . he was slain by a great shot . in this engagement we have spent the greatest part of our powder and shot ; and therefore i earnestly desire you vvill take care that a considerable proportion may be suddenly provided for us and sent , vvith such victuals and waterships as are yet behinde what ships are making ready in the river , may as soon as can be sent . this is the best account can be given at present . your most affectionate friend and servant geo. moncke . from aboard the resolution , leagues from the northforeland bearing west of us , june . . at in the morning . col : bourns letter to his wife . dear heart , our engagement was yesterday . about two of the clock in the afternoon . this time , at ten of the clock in the morning , we are in pursuit of dutch , who , if they will stay , i hope we shall by gods providence make an end of the war . and i hope we shall engage the enemy within an hour and less . from aboard the resolution , leagues off the northforeland , the of june , . about east , and east by south . our master , and lieutenant , and all the other officers are well , but general dean was taken off by a great shot . your loving husband john bourn . finis . a letter from the lord lambert and other officers to general monck, inviting the officers under his command to subscribe the representation and petition presented to the parliament the day before. with a modest and christian answer thereunto by general monck, (deserving perpetuall honour) importing their refusall to joyne in that design, as being a breach of trust, and of danger to the common-wealth. lambert, john, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason e _ ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing l thomason e _ estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; :e [ ]) a letter from the lord lambert and other officers to general monck, inviting the officers under his command to subscribe the representation and petition presented to the parliament the day before. with a modest and christian answer thereunto by general monck, (deserving perpetuall honour) importing their refusall to joyne in that design, as being a breach of trust, and of danger to the common-wealth. lambert, john, - . albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . , [ ] p. [s.n.], london : printed, an. dom. . annotation on thomason copy: " ber [i.e. october]. ". reproduction of the original in the british library. eng england and wales. -- army -- early works to . great britain -- politics and government -- - -- early works to . a r (thomason e _ ). civilwar no a letter from the lord lambert and other officers to general monck, inviting the officers under his command to subscribe the representation lambert, john c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a letter from the lord lambert and other officers to general monck , inviting the officers under his command to subscribe the representation and petition presented to the parliament the day before . with a modest and christian answer thereunto by general monck , ( deserving perpetuall honour ) importing their refusall to joyne in that design , as being a breach of trust , and of danger to the common-wealth . london , printed , an. dom ▪ . a letter from the lord lambert , and other officers , to general monck , inviting the officers under his command , to subscribe the representation and petition , presented to the parliament the day before . right honourable , we do by command from the general council of officers of the army , now in london , transmit the inclosed to you , being a true copie of the representation and petition , which was this day by them humbly presented to the parliament , and the votes of the house passed thereupon ; and are further to signifie their desires , that the same may be communicated to all commissioned officers of that part of the army under your command , : and that the subscriptions of all may be taken , to the representation and petition , that are free to sign the same ; which being so signed , it is desired , you will be pleased to cause them to be close sealed up , and returned to thomas sandford , esq secretary to his excellency the lord fleetwood , who is to give an account thereof . as we have thus fulfilled the general councils pleasure , we are well assured you wil be pleased to comply with their requests , which is all at present from white-hall , . octob. . your humble servants , lambert . john disborowe . william packer . john mason . richard creed . robert barrow . for the right honourable general monck at dalkeith , scotland . general monck's answer to the foregoing letter , directed as followeth , for the right honourable , the lord lambert , to be communicated to the council of officers . right honourable , i received a letter directed from your self and others , of the th of this instant , with the inclosed papers , in pursuance of an order of the general council of officers , as you are pleased to intimate : i must humbly begg your excuse , that i am not able to satisfie your commands in that particular . indeed our force is very small , and our enemie very great ; and i shall be unwilling to set any thing on foot , that may breed jealousie amongst us ; and finding many officers decline the signing all papers of that nature , and rather propense to declare their testimonie to the parliaments authority , and their absolute adherence thereunto , i have thought it my duty to suspend the execution of your desires , least it may make a breach of affections amongst us . and i further humbly offer to your thoughts , that the petition having been already presented , and in part answered by the parliament , our concurrence therein cannot be any ways advantageous . i shall not interpose mine own judgement concerning it , but do earnestly desire that matters of such great waight may not be imposed upon us , who are not present at the debates , nor privie to the councils by which your resolutions may be governed and led to such actions . i shall not further trouble you , but only represent to your thoughts the great necessity we have to labour for unity , in this day of our fears . i shall not need to tell you , that mis-understandings between the parliament and army are the great hopes of our adversaries , and there is no other way to gratifie their designs . i bless the lord for those evidences that i see , of a peaceable spirit , in your address . i do , and i shall always endeavour , and pray , that god would not break the staff of our beauty , or staff of bands , that he would make all good men ( though of different judgements ) one in his hand , that we may arrive at that blessed settlement , for which we have expended so much blood and treasure : and as i have always endeavoured to express my obedience , in acquiescing in the wisedome of those that god placeth over me , so i shall continue and ever be , dalkeith , . octob. . your lorpps . very humble servant , george monck . for the right honourable , the lord lambert , to be communicated to the council of officers . a letter from divers of the gentry of the county of lincolne to his excellency the lord general monck. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing l thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) a letter from divers of the gentry of the county of lincolne to his excellency the lord general monck. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . sheet ([ ] p.) printed for richard lowndes at the white lion in st. paul's church-yard, london : . [i.e. ] with a declaration desiring a free parliament. the letter is dated febr. ; both letter and declaration were presented to him on feb. [i.e. ]. annotation on thomason copy: "feb: ." reproduction of the original in the british library. eng england and wales. -- parliament -- early works to . great britain -- politics and government -- - -- early works to . lincoln (england) -- history -- th century -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no a letter from divers of the gentry of the county of lincolne: to his excellency the lord general monck. albemarle, george monck, duke of a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a letter from divers of the gentry of the country of lincolne : to his excellency the lord general monck . may it please your excellency , wee being strangers to your-person , and failing of the honour to see you in your march south-ward ; when wee might have communicated our thoughts and desires more freely unto you ; are now enforced to represent them in this inclosed declaration , craving your best ayd and assistance for the effecting of what is therein comprised , ( being our just birth-rights ) the defence whereof will be to gods glory , your excellencies great honour , and the peace and happiness of these distressed nations : which is the onely endevour and desire of lincolne febr. . your excellencies most humble servants . the declaration of the gentry , ministers and freeholders of the county and city of lincolne . wee the gentry , ministers , and freeholders of the county and city of lincolne ; being truly sensible of our miseries and grievances , namely , the sad consequents of an intestine war ; the fears of invations from abroad at this time of our distractions and divisions both in church and state ; the violent alterations of government ; the heavy impositions of unheard-of taxes : all which have of late years ruined one trade , and impoverished the whole nation ; and are all occasioned by reason of the many violations and breaches made upon our known established laws , and fundamental liberties : do therefore humbly propose and declare , ( having first met and consulted ) as other counties have done , that the onely remedy for our said grievances will be found in a free full parliament , speedily to be called and assembled ; to sit according to our said known established laws , wherein the votes of all free people of this nation may be included ; since that such onely can have a legal capacity to enact laws and statutes , that may equally bind all the free people of england : and therefore , if any persons ( how ever impowered ) not having the authority of such a parliament , shall take upon them to lay impositions upon the free people of this common-wealth ; or to prescribe , or enjoyn any limitations , restrictions , or qualifications whatsoever , ( not formerly agreed upon in full parliament ; ) wee do declare our selves not oblieged hereto , as being destructive to the true freedome and undoubted priviledges of parliament . [ this letter and the declaration therein inclosed , ( subscribed by thousands of hands ) were presented to his excellency the lord gen. monck , by sir michael armyn baronet , coll. edward rosseter , and john hatcher esq on thursday the th . of february , . ] london , printed for richard lowndes at the white lion in st. paul's church-yard . . a true relation of the late great sea fight as it was sent in a letter to his excellency the lord general cromvvell, from gen. blake and gen. monck. wherein is a list of what dutch ships were taken and sunk, with the number of prisoners. likewise the number of what men were slain and wounded on our side. blake, robert, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason e _ ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing b thomason e _ estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; :e [ ]) a true relation of the late great sea fight as it was sent in a letter to his excellency the lord general cromvvell, from gen. blake and gen. monck. wherein is a list of what dutch ships were taken and sunk, with the number of prisoners. likewise the number of what men were slain and wounded on our side. blake, robert, - . albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . [ ], p. printed by henry hills, and are to [sic] sold at his house in py-corner, and by thomas brewster at the three bibles in pauls church-yard, london, : . annotation on thomason copy: "june th". reproduction of the original in the british library. wing has "to be sold" in imprint. eng anglo-dutch war, - -- early works to . naval battles -- england -- early works to . a r (thomason e _ ). civilwar no a true relation of the late great sea fight: as it was sent in a letter to his excellency the lord general cromvvell, from gen. blake and g blake, robert a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images - robyn anspach sampled and proofread - robyn anspach text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a true relation of the late great sea fight as it was sent in a letter to his excellency the lord general cromvvell , from gen. blake and gen. monck . wherein is a list of what dutch ships were taken and sunk , with the number of prisoners . likewise the number of what men were slain and wounded on our side . london , printed by henry hills , and are to sold at his house in py-corner , and by thomas brewster at the three bibles in pauls church-yard , . for his excellency the lord generall cromwell . may it please your excellency , your lordships of the second instant , with the inclosed intelligence , we this day received , and , according to your excellencies apprehensions thereon , we have engaged with the dutch fleet ; a brief accompt of the first daies action we have already sent unto your lordship ; the next day , being the third instant , we did what we could to re-ingage them , and having the wind ( which was but little ) about noon we came within shot ; after four houres dispute with them , or thereabouts , they endeavoured what they could to get away from us ; but having then a pretty fresh gale of wind , we pressed so hard upon them , that we sunk and took many of them , as appears by the inclosed list , and do suppose we should have destroyed most of them , but that it grew dark , and being off of ostend among the sands , we durst not be to bold , especially with the great ships ; so that it was thought fit we should anchor all night , which we accordingly did about ten of the clock . this morning some of our ships descryed the enemy again a farre off , steering toward the willings ; whereupon a councell of war being called , it was resolved we should forthwith set fail with the whole fleet towards the vvillings , so farre as with safety we might , and so to range along the coast till we came to the texell ( the better to improve the present victory the lord hath given unto us ) unlesse we shall see cause to divert our course . vve shall not further trouble your lordship , but subscribe our selves from on board the resolution at sea off of ostend north east , june . . your excellencies most humble servants , robert blake , george monck . a list of the dutch ships taken and sunk , with the number of prisoners ; likewise the number of men slain , and wounded in our own fleet , viz. on thursday . four or five dutch ships sunk . on friday . dutch prisoners . whereof six captains . dutch ships taken , . sunk , six . water hoys taken , two . dutch ships blownup amongst their own fleet , two . sunk by that disaster , one . men slain in our own fleet , . whereof one captain . wounded , . not one ship lost on our part . finis . to the reverend and honourable, the vice-chancelour and the body of the convocation in the university of oxford albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing a a). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a a estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) to the reverend and honourable, the vice-chancelour and the body of the convocation in the university of oxford albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . sheet ([ ] p.) s.n., [oxford? : ] signed: g. monke. imprint from wing. to solicit the votes of convocation to elect william lenthall a university burgess. reproduction of the original in the bodleian library. eng lenthall, william, - -- early works to . university of oxford -- history -- early works to . a r (wing a a). civilwar no to the reverend and honourable, the vice-chancelour and the body of the convocation in the university of oxford. albemarle, george monck, duke of a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - john pas sampled and proofread - john pas text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion to the reverend and honourable , the vice-chancelour and the body of the convocation in the university of oxford . honovr'd sirs , though i am confident i need not to refresh my former desires for the election of the master of the rolls for one of the university burgesses in the insuing parliament , yet understanding the severe opposition against him , i must needs take leave to tell you , that i had never desired that favour either for my selfe or any other , had i not apprehended you as ready to grant it , as i was free and cheerefull to aske it : and i have reason yet to believe , that i could not so much mistake those worthy persons , that gave me a tender herein , as to imagine a greater favour to my selfe , then they or you intended mee . gentlemen , it is really the desire of my heart , to be an instrument in the hand of god , to doe good in my best services , both to your selves , and the whole nation , and had i known any person more able and ready to assist in that great work , i had certainly with the same freedome proposed him : but you must give me leave to say , it was not favour but choyce , and that in order to the best ends , that fixt and determined my thoughts upon that worthy person ; and therefore notwithstanding his modesty , and selfe-deniall herein to mee , i take the freedome still to insist upon my first desires ; your condescention whereunto will oblige him to continue his regards to you and the whole church , and much gratify gentlemen your very humble servant g. monke . the declaration of the county of oxon to his excellency the lord general monck. we the gentlemen, ministers, free-holders, and others of the county of oxon, having a long time groaned under heavy burthens, do now hereby declare the resentments we have of our grievances, and our just desires as the most visible means of a happy peace and settlement of these nations. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing d thomason .f. [ ] estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) the declaration of the county of oxon to his excellency the lord general monck. we the gentlemen, ministers, free-holders, and others of the county of oxon, having a long time groaned under heavy burthens, do now hereby declare the resentments we have of our grievances, and our just desires as the most visible means of a happy peace and settlement of these nations. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . sheet ([ ] p.) printed for john starkey, at the miter, near the middle temple-gate in fleetstreet, london : . praying for a free parliament. annotation on thomason copy: "feb. . ". reproduction of the original in the british library. eng england and wales. -- parliament -- early works to . great britain -- politics and government -- - -- early works to . oxfordshire (england) -- history -- th century -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no the declaration of the county of oxon to his excellency the lord general monck. we the gentlemen, ministers, free-holders, and others of the albemarle, george monck, duke of a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion the declaration of the county of oxon to his excellency the lord general monck . we the gentlemen , ministers , free-holders , and others of the county of oxon , having a long time groaned under heavy burthens , do now hereby declare the resentments we have of our grievances , and our just desires as the most visible means of a happy peace and settlement of these nations . whereas every free-born subject of england is supposed to be present in parliament , by the knights or burgesses of the place of his residence ; and thereby is presumed to consent to all things that passe in parliament ; it now so hapning , that many counties are wholly left out , either by death or seclusion . i. we therefore desire , that all places vacant by death , may be supplyed , and those that were secluded in , may be re-admitted , that thereby we may be taken into the share of government by our representatives , we having at this time but one of nine , and him a burgess , taken up with the publick concern of the chair , from minding our particular grievances . ii. that no unusual previous oath may be put upon any that is to sit in parliament . iii. that no tax may be put upon us without our free consent in parliament . iv. that the fundamental laws of the land , the priviledges of parliament , the liberty of the subject , the property of goods , may be asserted and defended , according to the first declaration of parliament when they undertook the war . v. that the true protestant religion may be professed and defended , a lawful succession of godly and able ministers continued and encouraged , and the two universities , and all colledges in or belonging to either of them , preserved and countenanced . these our just rights we lay claime to , as free-born english-men , and resolve to assert . this declaration was signed by above five thousand considerable inhabitants of the said county , and delivered to gen. monk , on munday febr. . at his quarters at the glass-house in broad-street london , by the lord falkland , sir anthony cope , mr. james fiennes , captain william cope , henry jones , edward hungerford esqrs. , and other persons of quality . london , printed for john starkey , at the miter , near the middle temple-gate in fleetstreet , . a letter to the lord general monck in answer to his excellencies letter unto the gentry of devon which also relates to the secluded members, grievances of the citizens of london, sir george booth, and nations in generall. c. e. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing e ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing e estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a letter to the lord general monck in answer to his excellencies letter unto the gentry of devon which also relates to the secluded members, grievances of the citizens of london, sir george booth, and nations in generall. c. e. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . sheet ([ ] p.) s.n., [s.l. : ] signed: c.e. date of publication from wing. eng delamer, george booth, -- baron, - . great britain -- politics and government -- - -- sources. broadsides -- england -- th century. a r (wing e ). civilwar no a letter to the lord general monck in answer to his excellencies letter unto the gentry of devon; which also relates to the secluded members c. e a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - celeste ng sampled and proofread - celeste ng text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a letter to the lord general monck in answer to his excellencies letter unto the gentry of devon ; which also relates to the secluded members , grievances of the citizens of london , sir george booth , and nations in generall . may it please your excellency , having perused yours of the . of january from leycester , unto the gentry of devon , i finde an expostulation or reasoning of the case in reference to our present distractions , and extream grievances of the people , then and every where remonstrated unto you , therefore , my lord , since you have wisdome to discover the several interests which you then mention to be interwoven both in church , state , &c. it will also be as considerable to consider that those persons are but few in respect to the whole , and they are onely those who now obstruct our peace , and cause the nations thus to complaine ; so that to make any conclusion with your excellency , that those are rational or satisfactory grounds ( under favour ) cannot be admitted since it opposes the peoples freedom , their ancient rights , and that which is of more concernment , even the scriptures which ( without yea and nay ) are the revealed will of god , for that the government apparently declares it self to be built upon , or by the blood and ruines ( not to name all our consciences tells us ) of our brethren , countrey-men and friends , and is upheld by persons whose interests at this day in temporals denies them any thoughts of christ and his laws , which is restitution and severe repentance , and who certainly , although for a few dayes of momentary joy they are seemingly by successeful errours allowed of , cannot long deface this state , and once glorious church of god , by which further i must tell your lordship , and all must confesse , that those foundations thus built upon are altogether sandy and fallacious , and all those who seek and endeavour to be builders in that babel by the fiercenesse of the wrath of god shall be destroyed even in the imaginations of their own hearts . and now , my lord , i am come to that particular where the people and the secluded members , as i humbly conceive , are denyed a right upon a supposition of necessity , and as to that the answer is easily reduced to this , who or what brought us or them to this necessity , was it not former crimes ? if so then , my lord , all necessities are lawful if not so , and that they dread not punishments or losse of worldly interests for some deviations and crying sins , why do they not acquiesse in this , that the power is in the people , as they for their own ends somtimes did declare ( those members being twice the major part , and thrown out by cromwel and his adherents , these men then countenancing and contriving the same which your lordship knows hath abundantly returned upon them to the great destruction and hazard of these nations , therefore my lord , i would to god i might be the prophet to forewarn you of the violence and oppression which is in their hands , that you might be kept from so sinful compliances , for to defend a few discontents in self interest onely is obstinancy almost beyond parallel : and therefore , my lord , since noble actions do always attend a generous mind . it is my greatest hopes , and not onely mine , but the expections and longings for of these nations ( since the prise is put into your hands , ) that you should now be the happy instrument of their redemption , by such conditions as may secure all persons so concerned , or else what meanes all those addresses made unto your selfe from the city of london , tumults and importunate desires for a free parliament of the nations in general , whose burthens are unsufferable to uphold the envious ambition of some few , and cannot but be grievous as clamourous in your eares . but , my lord , there are yet some considerable observations and remembrances to be laid before you ; was it not their sinne in that place of naboths vineyard that kill'd ? and was it not the aggravation that they also took possession ? is not rebellion as the sinne of witchcraft ? is it not our saviours expresse command , give unto caesar that which is caesars ? and is not this the royal law ? do as you would that others should do unto you ; innumerable are the texts , and readings in history that might be here inserted , which doubtlesse , my lord , you will recollect to your eternal honour , and the everlasting peace and settlement of these afflicted nations , whose perjuries in breaking allegiances , vowes and covenants , both with god and man , and lead thereunto by their various governours , even as if we had been in trouble until we were double damn'd in sinning , and causing others to finne is matter of amazement . in a word , to conclude your excellencies trouble , be pleased to let this maxime remain with you , that government which once becomes a by-word to the people is not durable , this is so , we have tried all formes and models , and this is yet the judgement upon us , that we strive against his providence , and will not be healed : how many who had commands almost equal with your's , have outlived the days they might have been renowned , who by countenancing factions and crying sins afterwards fell into tribulation and great scorn , being tormented by their own confederates : and this , my lord , is the portion and fate of all such who put their trust in man , taking indirect meanes to attaine glorious ends , as they pretended , and this perpetuates our thraldome and miseries , my lord , it is therefore my hearts desire , that you may imploy the talent god hath now put into your hands to these purposes , which will for ever make you famous and precious in the sight of god and good men ; and sure i am , it will abundantly illustrate that joy which you may gain in that immortalitie and glorious life to come , in the intrim you cannot but find the secret overflowings in your own breast , the streames of which the people pray may never be diverted by thousands per annum ; and this , my lord , with the present condition of that noble gentleman , sir george booth and others , who are now under great sufferings for asserting their countreys right , and freedome of parliaments , which is the sense and perfect desires of these nations , is humbly offered unto you as becometh your excellencies most humble and faithful servant , c. e. a vindication of the commander in chief in scotland and the officers under his command in vindication of the liberties of the people and priviledges of parliament. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing a ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a vindication of the commander in chief in scotland and the officers under his command in vindication of the liberties of the people and priviledges of parliament. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . broadside. printed by christopher higgens : [s.n.], edinburgh : at london, re-printed . reproduction of original in the huntington library. eng england and wales. -- parliament. england and wales. -- army. great britain -- history -- commonwealth and protectorate, - -- sources. a r (wing a ). civilwar no a declaration of the commander in chief in scotland, and the officers under his command, in vindication of the liberties of the people, and albemarle, george monck, duke of a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - megan marion sampled and proofread - megan marion text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a declaration of the commander in chief in scotland , and the officers under his command , in vindication of the liberties of the people , and priviledges of parliament . having to the great grief of our hearts , by information of a most unhappy difference fallen out between the parliament and some officers of the army at london , which hath occasioned the displacing of sundry officers : and also the interrupting of the members of parliament in the discharge of their duty . wee therefore , having earnestly besought the lord to direct us in this great and weighty affair , wherein the liberty , and peace of these nations , and the interest of the godly and faithfull therein is so nearly concerned , do find it our duty to declare , and do hereby declate , that we shall use our christian endeavours to the utmost , for the begetting a right understanding and reconciliation between the parliament and the said officers of the said army . and we do also declare , that we shall through the strength of god assert and maintain the freedom and priviledge of the present parliament , that was so often and lately acknowledged , the supream authority of the nations , and not suffer the members thereof to be illegally interrupted , or molested in the discharge of their duties . and we do solemnly vow to all the world , that our only intention in doing this , is to preserve the rights of our countrey , and to protect and encourage all the godly and faithfull therein , according to our declaration to the churches lately emitted and published : and likewise to establish the peace or these nations , and the government of a free state or common-wealth , to which we stand obliged by several vowes and engagements made before god and many witnesses . and as we have within us the testimony of sincere hearts , and unbyased consciences to encourage us in these undertaking : so we doubt not of the concurrent assistance of all the unprejudiced faithful in the land ; for whose sakes principally we are drawn forth to this engagement . and we therefore invite all our brethren of the army , and of the militia , and of all others that professe love to god , and to his people , and to their own , and their posterities liberty , to come and give us their chearful ayd in this work whereunto the lord hath called us , lest they be made a prey to the lusts of men , and then bewaile the losse of this opportunity which god hath put into their hands . signed in the name , and by consent of the commander in chief , and the officers of the army in scotland , vvilliam clark , secretary . edenburgh , printed by christopher higgens in harts-close over against the trone church , and re-printed at london for general satisfaction , . a declaration of the generals at sea, and the captains under their command concerning the late dissolution of the parliament; and their resolution thereupon. as it was sent to vice-admirall penn, to be communicated to the commanders and officers of the ships under his command. this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason .f. [ ]). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing d a thomason .f. [ ] estc r estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; : f [ ]) a declaration of the generals at sea, and the captains under their command concerning the late dissolution of the parliament; and their resolution thereupon. as it was sent to vice-admirall penn, to be communicated to the commanders and officers of the ships under his command. albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . deane, richard, - . sheet ([ ] p.) printed by tho. newcomb, dwelling in thamestreet over against baynards-castle, london : [ ] imprint date from wing. on the news of the dissolution of this parliament, the generals and commanders came to the conclusion to devote themselves solely to the defence of the country from united provinces or other enemies. blake on shore 'for the better recovery of his health'. this sent to penn. dated april and signed at end by richard deane and george monck, generals, and by a large number of captains -- cf. steele. annotation on thomason copy: "aprill . ". reproduction of the original in the british library. eng blake, robert, - -- early works to . penn, william, -- sir, - -- early works to . great britain -- history, naval -- th century -- early works to . a r (thomason .f. [ ]). civilwar no a declaration of the generals at sea, and the captains under their command, concerning the late dissolution of the parliament; and their res albemarle, george monck, duke of a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images - mona logarbo sampled and proofread - mona logarbo text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a declaration of the generals at sea , and the captains under their command , concerning the late dissolution of the parliament ; and their resolution thereupon . as it was sent to vice-admirall penn , to be communicated to the commanders and officers of the ships under his command . gentlemen , there being certain intelligence come to our hands of the great change within our nation , viz. the dissolution of this parliament . we the general commanders and officers here present with this part of the fleet , have had a very serious consideration therof , as also what was our duty , and incombent upon us in such a juncture of time , and find it set upon our spirits that we were called and intrusted by this nation for defence of the same against the enemies thereof at sea , whether the people of the vnited provinces , or others : and we are resolved in the strength of god unanimously to prosecute the same according to the trust reposed in us ; and have thought good to signifie the same unto you , desiring you will take the effectuallest course you can for the strengthening and incouraging one another in this work ; and doubt not but the lord who hath done great and wonderfull things for his people that have trusted in him , will also be found among us his poor unworthy servants , if we continue firm and constant in our duties , walking before him in faith , humility and dependance , not seeking our selves , but his glory ; which that we may all do , is the desire and prayers of from on board the resolution at the spithead , april , . your very affectionate friends and brethren , captains . richard deane , tho. crosby . saith hawly . lionel lane . tho. arkinstall . jo. jefferson . giles shelly . rob. sanders . edw. blagg . rob. graves . will. limbrey . rich. stayner . george moncke . fran. parke , ja. peacocke , andr. rand , geo. dakins , nich. foster , jer. smith , ben. grimston ; john hayward , anth. earning , will . pyle , john edwin , generals . will. haddocke , tho. thorowgood , will goodson , fran. bundidge , robert clarke , john seaman , eustace smith , tho. hare , nich. lucas , jonath . hide , will . morcock . this is a true copy of the originall sent to vice-admirall penn , to be communicated to the commanders and officers of the ships under his command . ex : john poortmans cler' . generall blake is ashore , for the better recovery of his health . vice-admirall penn is come into the downs ; we have there at present above . sail of gallant ships ; where it is expected that generall deane , and generall moncke will be with him very suddenly ; and then away upon action . london , printed by tho. newcomb , dwelling in thamestreet over against baynards-castle . king charles ii. his declaration to all his loving subjects of the kingdom of england. dated from his court at breda in holland, the / of april . and read in parliament, may, . . together with his majesties letter of the same date, to his excellence the lord general monck, to be communicated to the lord president of the council of state, and to the officers of the army under his command. charles ii, king of england, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription b of text r in the english short title catalog (wing c ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo b wing c estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. b ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) king charles ii. his declaration to all his loving subjects of the kingdom of england. dated from his court at breda in holland, the / of april . and read in parliament, may, . . together with his majesties letter of the same date, to his excellence the lord general monck, to be communicated to the lord president of the council of state, and to the officers of the army under his command. charles ii, king of england, - . albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . sheet ([ ] p.) re-printed by christopher higgins in harts close, over against the trone-church, edinburgh : . caption title. royal arms at head of text; initial letters. includes two communications from charles ii in exile: the first, a general declaration to his subjects; the second, a letter to general george monck. text of declaration in black letter. reproduction of the original in the national library of scotland. eng great britain -- politics and government -- - -- early works to . great britain -- history -- restoration, - -- early works to . broadsides -- scotland -- th century. b r (wing c ). civilwar no king charles ii. his declaration to all his loving subjects of the kingdom of england. dated from the his court at breda in holland, the / england and wales. sovereign a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - paul schaffner sampled and proofread - paul schaffner text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion royal blazon or coat of arms c r honi soit qvi mal y pense king charles ii. his declaration to all his loving subjects of the kingdom of england . dated from his court at breda in holland , the / of april . and read in parliament , may , . . together with his majesties letter of the same date , to his excellence the lord general monck , to be communicated to the lord president of the council of state , and to the officers of the army under his command . charles by the grace of god king of england , scotland , france and ireland , defender of the faith , to all our loving subjects of what degrée or quality soever , gréeting . if the general distraction and confusion which is spread over the whole kingdom , doth not awaken all men to a desire and longing that these wounds which have so many years together been kept bleeding , may be bound up , all we can say will be to no purpose ; however , after this long silence , we have thought it our duty , to declare how much we desire to contribute therunto : and that as we can never give over hope in good time to obtain the possession of that right which god and nature hath made our due , so we do make it our daily suit to the divine providence , that he will in compassion to vs and our subjects ( after so long misery and sufferings ) remit us and put us into a quiet and peaceable possession of that our right , with as little blood and damage to our people , as is possible ; nor do we desire more to enjoy what is ours , than that all our subjects may enjoy what by law is theirs , by a full and entire administration of iustice throughout the land , and by extending our mercy where it is wanting and deserved . and to the end that the fear of punishment may not engage any conscious to themselves of what is past , to a perseverance in guilt for the future , by opposing the quiet and happinesse of their country , in the restoration both of king , peers and people , to their just ancient and fundamental rights : we do by these presents declare , that we do grant a full and generall pardon , which we are ready to pass under our great seal of england , to all our subjects of what degree or quality soever , who within fourty dayes after the publication hereof shall lay hold upon this our grace and favour , and shall by any publick act declare their doing so ; and that they return to the loyalty and obedience of good subjects , excepting only such persons as shall hereafter be excepted by parliament , those only excepted . let our subjects how faulty soever , relye upon the word of a king , solemnly given by this present declaration , that no crime what soever committed against us or our royal father before the publication of this , shall ever rise in judgment , or be brought in question against any of them , to the least indamagment , either in their lives , liberties or estates , or ( as far forth lies in our power ) so much as to the prejudice of their reputations , by any reproach or term of distinction from the rest of our best subjects . we desiring and ordaining , that hence forward all notes of discord , separation and difference of parties , be utterly abolished among all our subjects , whom we invite and conjure to a perfect vnion among themselves under our protection , for the resettlement of our just rights and theirs in a free parliament ; by which upon the word of a king we will be advised . and because the passion and uncharitablnesse of the times have produced several opinions in religion , by which men are engaged in parties and animosities against each other , which when they shall hereafter unite in a freedom of conversation will be composed or better understood : we do declare a liberty to tender consciences , and that no man shall be disquieted or called in question for differences of opinion in matters of religion , which do not disturb the peace of the kingdom ; and that we shall be ready to consent to such an act of parliament , as upon mature deliberation shall be offered to us for the full granting that indulgence : and because in the continued distractions of so many years , and so many great revolutions , many grants and purchases of estates have béen made to and by many officers and soldiers , and others , who are now possessed of the same , and who may be liable to actions at law upon several titles , we are likewise willing that all such differences , & all things relating to such grants , sales and purchases shall be determined in parliament , which can best provide for the just satisfaction of all men who are concerned . and we , do further declare , that we will be ready to consent to any act or acts of parliament to the purposes aforesaid , and for the full satisfaction of all arrears due to the officers and souldiers of the army , under the command of general monck : and that they shall be received into our service upon as good pay and conditions as they now enjoy . given under our sign manuel and privy signet at our court at breda this fourtéenth day of april , . in the twelveth year of our reign . received the first of may , . charles r. trusty and wel-beloved , we greet you well : it cannot be believed but that we have been , are , and ever must be , as solicitous as we can , by all endeavours , to improve the affections of our good subjects at home , and to procure the assistance of our friends and allyes abroad , for the recovery of that right , which by the laws of god and man , is unquestionable ; and of which we have been so long dis-possessed by such force , and with those circumstances , as we do not desire to agravate by any sharp expressions , but rather wish , that the memory of what is passed , may be buried to the world . that we have more endeavoured to prepare , and to improve the affections of our subjects at home , for our restoration , then to procure assistance from abroad , to invade either of our kingdoms , is as manifest to the world : and we cannot give a better evidence that we are still of the same minde , then in this conjuncture , when common reason must satisfie all men , that we cannot be without assistance from abroad , we choose rather to send to you , who have it in your own power , to prevent that ruine and desolation which a war would bring upon the nation , and to make the whole kingdom owe the peace , happiness , security and glory it shall enjoy , to your vertue ; and to acknowledge that your armies have complyed with their obligations , for which they were first raised , for the preservation of the protestant religion , the honour and dignity of the king , the priviledges of parliament , the liberty and property of the subject , and the fundamental laws of the land ; and that you have vindicated that trust , which others most perfidiously abused and betrayed : how much we desire and resolve to contribute to those good ends , will appear to you by our enclosed declaration , which we desire you to cause to be published for the information and satisfaction of all good subjects , who do not desire a further effusion of precious christian blood , but to have their peace and security founded upon that which can only support it ; an unity of affections amongst our selves , an equal administration of justice to men , restoring parliaments to a ful capacity of providing for all that is amiss , and the laws of the land to their due veneration . you have been your selves witnesses of so many revolutions , and have had so much experience , how far any power and authority that is onely assumed by passion and appetite , and not supported by justice , is from providing for the happinesse and peace of the people , or from receiving any obedience from them without which no government can provide for them , that you may very reasonably believe , that god hath not been well pleased with the attempts that have been made , since he hath usually encreased the confusion , by giving all the successe that hath been desired , and brought that to passe without effect , which the designers have proposed , as the best means to settle and compose the nation ; and therefore we cannot but hope and believe , that you will concur with us in the remedy we have applyed , which , to humane understanding , is only proper for the ills we all groan under ; and that you will make your selves the blessed instruments to bring this blessing of peace and reconciliation upon king and people , it being the usual method in which divine providence delighteth it self , to use and sanctifie those very means which ill men design , for the satisfaction of private and particualr ends and ambition , and other wicked purposes , to wholsome and publick ends , and to establish that good which is most contrary to the designers ; which is the greatest manifestation of gods peculiar kindness to a nation , that can be given in this world . how far we resolve to preserve your interests , and reward your services , we refer to our declaration ; and we hope god will inspire you to perform your duty to us , and to your native country , whose happiness cannot be separated from each other . wee have entrusted our welbeloved servant , sir iohn greenvile , one of the gentlemen of our bed-chamber , to deliver this unto you , and to give us an accompt of your reception of it , and to desire you in our name , that it may be published . and so we bid you farewell . given at our court at breda , this / of april , . in the twelfth year of our reign . received the first of may , . to our trusty and welbeloved general monck , to be by him communicated to the president and council of state , and to the officers of the armies under his command . edinbvrgh , re-printed by christopher higgins in harts close over against the trone-church , . a letter of general george monck's, dated at leicester ian. and directed unto mr. rolle to be communicated unto the rest of the gentry of devon: occasioned by a late letter from the gentry of devon dated at execter ian. and sent by mr. bampfield to the speaker to be communicated unto the parliament. read in parliament ian. . albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (thomason e _ ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page images. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a thomason e _ estc r this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (thomason tracts ; :e [ ]) a letter of general george monck's, dated at leicester ian. and directed unto mr. rolle to be communicated unto the rest of the gentry of devon: occasioned by a late letter from the gentry of devon dated at execter ian. and sent by mr. bampfield to the speaker to be communicated unto the parliament. read in parliament ian. . albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . , [ ] p. printed by iohn redmayn in lovels court in pater noster row, london : . signed on p. : george monck. annotation on thomason copy: "jan: . "; the imprint date has been crossed out. reproduction of the original in the british library. eng great britain -- politics and government -- - -- early works to . great britain -- history -- commonwealth and protectorate, - -- early works to . a r (thomason e _ ). civilwar no a letter of general george monck's, dated at leicester ian. and directed unto mr. rolle to be communicated unto the rest of the gentry of albemarle, george monck, duke of a this text has no known defects that were recorded as gap elements at the time of transcription. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - pip willcox sampled and proofread - spi global rekeyed and resubmitted - john pas sampled and proofread - john pas text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a letter of general george monck's , dated at leicester ian. and directed unto mr. rolle to be communicated unto the rest of the gentry of devon : occasioned by a late letter from the gentry of devon dated at exceter ian. and sent by mr. bampfield to the speaker to be communicated unto the parliament . read in parliament ian. . london , printed by iohn redmayn in levels court in pater noster row . . most honoured and dear friends , meeting with a paper dated at exon the instant , directed to w. lenthal esq speaker of the parliament , and subscribed by divers of my friends and relations , purporting the recalling the members secluded , as the best expedient for establishing these nations upon a foundation of lasting peace . i have taken the boldnesse from my relation to some of you as allyed , and my affectionate respects to all of you as dear friends and countreymen , to represent to your consideration my present apprehensions of the state of affairs here , in order to all our better satisfactions ; wherein i humbly crave your leave of freedome without prejudice . before these unhappy wars the government of these nations was monarchical in church and state : these wars have given birth and growth to several interests both in church and state heretofore not known , though now upon many accounts very considerable , as the presbyterian , independant , anabaptist and sectaries of all sorts as to ecclesiasticks , and the purchasers of the kings , queens , princes , bishops , deans and chapters , and all other forfeited estates , and all those engaged in these wars against the king as to civils . these interests again are so interwoven by purchases and inter-marriages , & thereby forfeited ; as i think upon rational grounds it may be taken for granted , that no goverment can be either good , peacefull or lasting to these nations , that doth not rationally include and comprehend the security and preservation of all the foresaid interests both civil and spiritual , i mean so far as by the word of god they are warranted to be protected & preserved . if this be so , then that government under which we formerly were both in state and church , viz. monarchy , cannot possibly be admitted for the future in these nations , because it's support is taken away , and because it 's exclusive of all the former interests both civil and spiritual , all of them being incompatible with monarchical vniformity in church and state thus expired . that government then that is most able to comprehend and protect all interests as aforesaid must needs be republique . wherefore to me it 's no small doubt , if upon the premises to admit of the members secluded , were not to obstruct our peace and continue our war , rather than establish the one , and end the other ; in that very many of those members assert the monarchical interest , together with the abolition of all lawes made since their seclusion , which i fear upon accompt of self-preservation both of life and estate as well as spiritual liberty , will immediately involve all these nations in most horrid and bloudy war afresh ; the very apprehensions whereof , i confess , i do infinitely dread , and submit the dangerous consequence thereof to your prudent considerations , and the rather , seeing the army also will never endure it . having thus briefly laid before you the present condition of affairs , let me now intreat you to consider whither it were not better to desist from that paper , and submit to the proceedings of this parliament , who have resolved to fill up their house , determin their sitting , & prepare a way for future successions of parliament ; by which means being full , & thereby comprehending the whole interest of these nations , they may through gods mercy & all our patiences establish such a government in the way of a common-wealth as may be comprehensive of all interests both spiritual and civil , to the glory of god and the weale and peace of the whole . but if by your impatiencies they be obstructed , our peace will be so much the longer a stranger to us , and we thereby a prey to ourselves and all forreign enemies . wherefore humbly pressing these upon your serious considerations with all the friendly and affectionate respects and service to you all , i remain dearest friends your very humble and affectionate servant , george monck . leicester , . ian. . for the honoured robert rolles esq to be communica-to the gentlemen of devonshire , who signed the late letter to the speaker of the part of the commonwealth of england . a letter from the lord general monck and the officers here, to the several and respective regiments and other forces in england, scotland, and ireland albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . this text is an enriched version of the tcp digital transcription a of text r in the english short title catalog (wing a ). textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. the text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with morphadorner. the annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. this text has not been fully proofread approx. kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from -bit group-iv tiff page image. earlyprint project evanston,il, notre dame, in, st. louis, mo a wing a estc r ocm this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons . universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase , no. a ) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set ) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, - ; : ) a letter from the lord general monck and the officers here, to the several and respective regiments and other forces in england, scotland, and ireland albemarle, george monck, duke of, - . sheet ([ ] p.) printed for john macock, london : . broadside. "whitehall, feb. . ." reproduction of original in bodleian library. eng great britain -- politics and government -- - . broadsides -- england -- london -- th century a r (wing a ). civilwar no a letter from the lord general monck and the officers here, to the several and respective regiments and other forces in england, scotland, a albemarle, george monck, duke of c the rate of defects per , words puts this text in the c category of texts with between and defects per , words. - tcp assigned for keying and markup - spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images - john pas sampled and proofread - john pas text and markup reviewed and edited - pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a letter from the lord general monck and the officers here , to the several and respective regiments and other forces in england , scotland , and ireland . dear brethren and fellow-souldiers , you cannot be ignorant of the many endeavours and earnest desires of many good men in these nations , to bring us to a settlement , which it hath pleased god to disappoint unto this day , and leave us as a broken and divided people , ready to run into blood and confusion ; which that we might prevent so great calamities impending , after our earnest seeking god for his direction and assistance , we finde no expedient so likely for the satisfaction of the good people , and the quiet and welfare of this commonwealth , as the re-admission of the secluded members , in order to a legal dissolution of this parliament by their own free consents , and to issue writs for a future full representative of the whole commonwealth of england , scotland , and ireland , under such qualifications as may secure our cause , to convene on the twentieth day of april next at westminster , for the establishing of this commonwealth upon the foundations of justice and true freedom , and to take away all just jealousies from you , we do assure you , that we shall joyn with you in the maintenance of those ends expressed in the enclosed , and do expect your cheerful concurrence with us ; and we desire to take god to witness , that we have no intentions or purposes , to return to our old bondage ; but since the providence of god hath made us free at the cost of so much blood , we hope we shall never be found so unfaithful to god and his people , as to lose so glorious a cause ; but we do resolve with the assistance of god , to adhere to you in the continuing of our dear purchased liberties , both spiritual and civil . the reason of our proceedings in this manner may seem strange , but if 〈◊〉 duely consider the necessities of our affairs , and the present state of things , you will certainly conclude nothing so safe to secure publick interest , and to engage the nations peaceably to submit to a free-state ; most of these members having given us full assurance , that their session in parliament shall not be longer than absolute necessity will require , to the putting the government into successive parliaments , they not being free so to act by the old writts , as when they shall be called upon a common-wealth account , and it 's the opinion of the truest friends to a free state , that it cannot be consistent with the perpetual sitting of these members , being contrary to the nature of such a government . and as we are confident the present parliament now sitting , will not repeal any of the acts , ordinances , or orders of this parliament , for sales , or publique disposition of lands ; so we shall in our station observe , and cause to be observed , all other acts and ordinances of this parliament , whatsoever , and humbly interpose with the next succeding parliament , not only to pass a farther act of confirmation , of all such sales and dispositions of lands , here and in scotland , but also of all the distributions , and dispositions of lands and houses in ireland , to the souldiery , adventurers , or any other persons , made by or in pursuance of any of the acts , ordinances , or orders of this present parliament , or any pretended parliamentary authority . and we intreat you to send up an officer , to give to the l. gen. monck an account of your acquiescence with us herein : and if any dis-affected persons shall hereby take occasion to make disturbance of the peace of the common-wealth , either in favour of charles stuart , or any other pretended authority , we desire you to secure them , till the pleasure of the parliament or council of state be known in that behalf . you shall speedily receive encouragement and supplies of moneys , and indeed it was not the least motive to induce us to this way of composure of affairs , that we might facilitate the raising of moneys for the subsistence of the army and navy , which would not otherwise have been done ( if at all ) bu● with effusion of blood . we have nothing more at this time , but to assure you that we shall ever remain , whitehall , feb , . . dear brethren and fellow-souldiers , your very affectionate friends . london , printed by , john macock . .