Full Vindication and Answer of the 11 Accused Members, Answer

Full Vindication and Answer of the 11 Accused Members · Answer

A full Vindication and ANSWER OF THE XI. Accuſed Members;

VIZ.

Denzill Holles, Eſq

Sir Philip Stapleton,

Sir William Lewis,

Sir John Clotworthy,

Sir William Waller,

Sir Iohn Maynard K^ts

Major Gen. Maſsey,

Iohn Glynne Eſq Recorder of London.

Walter Long Eſquire

Col. Edward Harley,

Anthony Nichols Eſq

TO A late Printed Pamphlet intituled, A Particular Charge or Impeachment, in the Name of Sir Thomas Fairfax and the ARMY Under his Command; againſt the ſaid Members, By his Appointment and the Councel of WAR.

LONDON▪ Printed in the Year▪ 1647▪

p. 3A ful Vindication & Anſwer of the accuſed Members of the Houſ of Commons to the late printed Charge, &c.

ALthough we be not ignorant of the illegallity and inſufficiency of that which is printed and publiſhed, for our Charge, ſeeming unto us for the greateſt part therof, rather an arraignment of the Proceedings of the Houſe of Commons, as ſuppoſing them to be acted and c…rried on in a deſign, by the intereſt and prevalency of the perſons charged; and that all the particulars mentioned in this Charge, ſhould be by them committed and done in purſuance of that deſign; a thing ſo contrary to the nature and derogatory to the honor of a free Parliament, and of a dangerous conſequence, to render all ſuſpected and invalid, which this Parliament hath done or ſhal do; And that this Charge is brought in the name of an Army, and ſo is an …ccuſation enforc'd by power, contrary to the Statute of …1. H. 6. c. 1. and no Accuſer appearing liable to ſatisfie the parties grieved for their dammages and expences, if the accuſation prove falſe and untrue (as this moſt certainly is) againſt the tenor of**13. E. 1. c. 13. 25. E. 3▪ c. 4. 27. E. 3. c. 18. 38. E. 3. c. 9. 17. R. 2. c. 6. 15. H. 6. c. 4. ſeveral Statutes made in that behalf: Nor is it unknown, that many indirect and unjuſtifiable ways have been practiced in providing the materials of this Charge, by tampering with perſons to become our accuſers, ſetting general inquiſition… upon ſom…us, who have …aithfully ſerved our p. 4Country (moſt of us, for the ſpace of neer ſeven years in that Houſe, and the reſt of us the time of our being Members) to the waſting of our eſtates, prejudice of our healths, and many inconveniencies to our perſons by much travel and labour, without thoſe advantages by way of gift or otherwiſe, which ſome of our Accuſers and divers others have had (for which we bear them no envy at all); Yet books have been ſearched; proceedings at Committees viewed, the Kings and Digby's Cabinets and private Papers, (of which our Accuſers had the maidenhead) ſearched for intelligence (yet not one ſyllable found …gainſt us in them;) Servants and Attendants examined to rake up matter againſt u… (an abſolute breach of Priviledg of Parliament, and not well conſiſting with the Liberty of the Subject; Al this notwithſtanding, which we might very well take exceptions at: and beſides that we now lie under that great diſadvantage which the Philoſopher did, who diſputed with the Emperor, who commanded thirty Legions, ſo as all his Arguments were too weak, nor could he make uſe of that ſtrength of reaſon and truth which his cauſe did afford; yet we preſuming upon our innocency and the juſtice of thoſe who muſt judg us, but principally upon the goodnes of the great God, who is the ſupport & avenger of the oppreſsed, and hath protected, for ſeveral years, ſome of us, when we have been the object of malice and power, and marks ſet up to be ſhot at for destruction; (to which purpoſe our actions, ſpeeches, our privateſt converfations have been (as narrowly as could be) obſerved and inquired into, priſoners, diſcontented perſons, friends and foes examined upon us, all manner of perſons dealt with, that could be imagined willing to betray, and able to ſay any thing againſt us) yet p. 5God having preſerved us, as he did David from the Bear and lion, which encouraged him, to promiſe himſelf likewiſe deliverance from the uncircumciſed Philistin, though ſo much more mighty then he; in like manner truſt for his aſſiſtance and protection at this time, and ſhal apply our ſelves to the particulars inſiſted upon and not formerly cleared, and diſcharged upon a ſtrict examination and debate in Parliament; and ſhal give (we doubt not) a ſatisfactory Account of our integrity and inn…ency in them all, in order as they lie.

THe firſt Article of the Charge (which concerns 1Mr. Holles ſingly) is partly of paſſages at Oxford about three years ſince, with which he cannot undertake to Charge his memory at this time, to give particular & poſitive anſwers thereunto: He faith… there is no new matter at all in this Charge, and that the whole buſineſs received a ful and perfect diſquiſition in the Houſe of Commons, in the monethmonth of July 1645. (now two years paſt,] when as neer as he could remember, of all done and ſaid by him concerning the particulars, then and now laid to his Charge, he gave an Account, together with another Gentleman (… very worthy Member of the Houſe, and his fellow Commiſſioner at Oxford) who was then accuſed by the Lord Savil, to have joyned with Mr. Holles in all the parts of this Charge; and the Houſe was ſo fully ſatisfied of their good intentions in their Tranſaction of that buſineſs, that after a very long debate of ſeveral days, they ordered it upon the Queſtion, the …1. day of that July. That the matter of the report (which was this whole buſineſs now endeavour'd to be revived p. 6in this Charge) ſhould be totally and finally laid … ▪ As for the particular Anſwers which he gave in the Vindication of his innocency, aſſerting the truth and diſcovering the malice and falſhood of his then accuſer, the Lord Savill, he refers himſelf to the publick Examinations, Proceedings and Reſolutions in the Houſe and what was then and there delivered both by him and the other Gentleman together with him at that time, moſt falſly accuſed by the Lord Savill▪ who hath ſince ſo far bethought himſelf and teſtified a remorſe for the injury he then did unto theſe two Gentlemen, that it is not very long ſince he ſent a perſon of Honor, a Peer of the Realm, unto Mr▪ H…s, aſſuring him, that when his Compoſition was …nce made and perfected (for this was at the time that the Lo… Savill was upon compounding for his Delinque…) he would then diſcover unto him (meaning to M. H…ll…s) how that whole buſineſs was laid againſt him, and who th…y were that laid it; which when he knew, he would ſee… had no cauſe to be ſo angry with him; and therefore deſired him not to be againſt him in ſetting the …ine for his Compoſition; adding withall, he durſt not diſcover …t before, till he was out of their danger, (meaning thoſe who had laid that deſign againſt Mr Holles) for if they had the leaſt inckling of it, they would certainly r…ine him. This was the ſubſtance, and as neer as can be remembred, the very words which were delivered unto Mr Holles by that Lord, in the name of the Lord Savil, and from him. But Mr▪ Holles was ſo far from being vindicative againſt thoſe who had expreſſed ſo much malice againſt him and endeavored his …; as he wholy put it out of his thoughts; never ſo much as ſending to the L. Savil after his Compoſition …as p. 7paſt; in the making whereof he did him no differvice at all, as in truth ſcorning it.

Another clauſe in the first Article, is concerning a Letter ſent from the Earl of Linſey unto Mr▪ Holles, containing (as is layd in the Charge) ſome ſecret deſign: This was likewiſe examined in the Houſe, and by M. Holles himſelf firſt diſcovered unto the Houſe (contrary to what is in the printed Paper moſt falſly ſuggeſted;) and this done by him as ſoon as it came into his mind; for when he received it (which was very late one evening by a ſervant of the Lord Savils) he immediately after fel ſick, which made him clean forget it, nor doth he know what became of the Paper, whether or no he burnt it: the contents of it were only one line, a recommendation of the bearer the Lord Savil, the very words whereof were then freſh in his memory and by him repeated in the Houſe, when that ſatisfaction was given, as there paſſed a V…te the 19. of July, 1645. That the receiving of that note in the manner Mr. Holles did, was no holding intelligence with the enemy. There is a third part of this firſt Article, of the Earl of Linſeys moving for a Paſs for Mr. Holles to go to Oxford, and the Kings ſaying, he did him better ſervice in the Parliament, then he co…ld do there: which as likewiſe by the Lord Savil enformed to the Committee appointed for the examination of that buſineſs, and ſo reported to the Houſe; which Mr. Holles then ſaid, and doth ſtil, that he knew nothing of, and was, and is moſt confident, that it is moſt falſe, for that he never ſignified any ſuch deſire to the Earl of Lindſey, or to any body elſe▪ nor ever had it in his thoughts.

p. 82TO the ſecond Article, which charges M. Holles and Sir Philip Stapleton joyntly, with ſending ſeveral meſsages to the Earl of Dorſet, and Lord Digby; and Sir Philip Stapleton ſingly, to have ſent one to the Earl of Dorſet; and then both Mr. Hollis and Sir Philip Stapleton to have joyned in drawing Propoſitions, and ſending them privately to his Majeſty; They both of them do ſay, for what concerns both, and Sir Philip Stapleton for what concerns himſelf (this being the only thing, in all the Charge that is ſingly objected againſt him) that the whole Article is falſe, and untrue, in all, and in every part of it.

3THe third Article lays a Charge on the eleven Members joyntly, for meeting together at the Lady Carli…les Lodgings in White-hall; and other places, with other diſaffected perſons: for holding correſpondency with the Queen, to put conditions upon the Parliament, to bring in the King upon their own Terms; and do ſuch other things in proſecution of their evil deſigns, as are in that Article mentioned. To all and every branch whereof, they do all joyntly, and each of them ſeverally give a ful, poſitive, and abſolute denyal; and affirm, that the whole Charge of that Article is ſcandalous, and falſe, in matter and form. Moſt of them declare, that within the time there limited for thoſe meetings to have bin, and at no time before or ſince, they have at all bin at her Ladiſhips lodgings: o…ly Mr. Holles, Sir William Lewis, and Sir Philip Stapleton do acknowledg, that by her Ladiſhips favour, they have many times waited upon her both at her own Lodgings in Whitehall, and elſewhere, yet never to any ſuch inten… and purpoſe, as … in the Article moſt falſly ſuggeſted, but only to pay unto her Ladiſhip that reſpect which is due unto her (a perſon of ſo great honor and deſert) from them, and in truth from all others who are wel wiſhers to the welfare of this Kingdom.

p. 9And whereas it is ſaid, that they had a great power upon the Treaſure of this Kingdome, and thereby maintained the Queenes party, aſſured her a Penſion, and undertook to doe more for the King then the Army would doe, (who it ſeems are now ambitious in outſtripping all others in acting for his Majeſty;) It is very well known, that theſe perſons have not at all medled in money buſineſſes, have had leaſt to doe with diſpoſing of the publike Treaſure, and therefore could not pleaſure others with it; as leaſt of all have they received any part of it for their private uſes, ſome of them having declared themſelves in the Houſe, when the Houſe was pleaſed to vote them conſiderable ſummes in recompence for their very great ſufferings for the Common-wealth,☜ that they would receive nothing till the Publike debts were paid: and none of them are the men that have growne great in theſe calamitous times, and been enriched upon the ruine of others, nor preferred themſelves and their friends to higher fortunes then otherwiſe they could ever have aſpired unto. Therefore there is neither truth, nor ſemblance of truth, that they ſhould be guilty of engaging the Publike Treaſure and Stock, as the Article charges; nor would any have believed them if they had been ſo falſe and fooliſh as to have offered it. In concluſion they ſay, the whole charge in this Article is utterly falſe.

THe Fourth Article, which chargeth Mr. Holles, Sir 4Philip Stapleton, Sir William Lewis, Sir Iohn Clothworthy, Sir William Waller, and Major-Generall Maſſey, to have within the ſpace of three moneths laſt paſt invited the Scots, and other forraine forces to enter this Kingdome; is by them averred to be utterly falſe; as likewiſe that part of it which charges Mr. Holles, to have ſent unto the Queene, to adviſe her to ſend the Prince into Scotland, to come into this Kingdome in the head of an Army; is by him declared to be moſt untrue, and a meere invention of malice againſt him. And in the laſt place, where it p. 10chargeth the Eleven Members, to have liſted, or cauſed to be liſted divers Commanders and Souldiers, without am… rity of Parliament, and to have encouraged Reform…d… Officers and Souldiers to gather together tumult…ouſly at Weſtminſter, to affright and aſſault the Members of Parliament, there is nothing of truth in it; and reflects more upon their Accuſers, then on them.

5TO the Fifth Article, which charges Mr. Holles, Sir Philip Stapleton, and Mr. Glyn, to have bin obſtructers of Petitions to the Parliament for redreſſe of Publike grievances; They ſay, that what hath been done by them or any of them in matters of Petitions, was done in the Houſe of Commons, and onelyonly there; where they have upon occaſion delivered their opinions concerning ſome ſeditio…s Petitions (which they ſuppoſe to be the Petitions intended by the Article;) And for what is ſaid of Mr. Holles and Sir Philip Stapletons affronting ſome Petitioners attending a Committee, as Major Tuleday, and committing Nicholas Tew, without authority; They doe ſay, that Tuleday and Tew affronted the Commitee, that Tew endeavored to raiſe a tumult in the Court of Requeſts, to the diſturbance and danger of the Committee; whereupon the Committee thought fit, to reſtraine him untill-the next morning, when they would acquaint the Houſe with it; That all both concerning him and Tuleday was reported unto the Houſe, and both of them were by the Houſe committed upon juſt reaſons, and afterwards both of them diſcharged or bayled; the one, upon the Motion of Mr. Holles, and the other of Sir Philip Stapleton. And wheras it is ſaid▪ that they were not permitted to ſpeake for themſelves; it is notoriouſly untrue; for Tuleday was heard at the Barre of the Houſe of Commons, and Tew was heard at the Committee, as long as he would ſpeak, untill he refuſed to anſwer any more queſtions, ſaying, he was not bound to accuſe himſelfe. In the laſt place where Maſter Glyn▪ is charged, to have committed Tew to Newgate, p. 11for … other cauſe, but for having a Petition about him, which was to be preſented to the Houſe: Maſter Glyn d…th anſwer, that being Recorder of London, and in the Commiſſion of Peace, he knowes it not to be a Crime to ſend ſuch Perſons to the Gaole, as be brought before him for miſdemeanours; and may have Committed Tew, as he hath done many others; but he doth believe it to be a miſtake in the Accuſers, not remembring any ſuch thing: and doth boldly affirme, that if he did Commit him, it was not for the cauſe laid downe in the Article, but upon juſt grounds of Law.

TO the Sixth Article, touching the impriſonment of 6Enſign Nichols by Sir William Waller, Sir John Clotworthy, and Major Generall Maſſey; they Anſwer, That they being by… Inſtructions of the 9th of Aprill 1647. from the Committee at Darby Houſe, for the affaires of Ireland, authorized to draw off from the reſt of the Army, ſuch as ſhould accept of the Service of Ireland, and Quarter them in ſuch places as they ſhould think fit; upon the engagement of divers Officers of Colonell Lilburnes Regiment to goe for Ireland, gave Orders to Lievtenant Colonell Kempſon, to March with ſuch Souldiers of that Regiment, as ſhould engage for Ireland to Eveſham: And the Souldiers ſo engaging ſeparated from the Army; and on their March towards Eveſham; they on the 24 of Aprill 1647. at Saffron Walden, after the Generalls departure towards London, having received ſeverall informations, that Enſign Nichols, (Enſigne to Captaine Dormer, one of the Captaines of the ſaid Regiment) repaired into the Quarters of thoſe Forces drawne off from the Army, in Order to the ſervice of Ireland, there diſſwading the Souldiers to goe for Ireland, encouraging them mutinouſly to demand their pay of the ſaid Captaine Dormer; and then by falſhoods and cunning practiſes endeavouring to entiſe them back to the Army, undervaluing p. 12thoſe that went for Ireland; and incenſing them againſt the Propoſitions of Parliament for that Service: And alſo reading to the ſaid Souldiers the Petition of the Army, after the ſame was then lately prohibited by both Houſes of Parliament; and being certified that for thoſe miſcarriages the ſaid Captain Dormer, had ſecured his perſon till further Order; The Lords and Commons who were Commiſſioners, did thereupon on the ſaid 22 of April, give directions to Lievtenant Colonell Kempſon to take Order, that the ſaid Enſigne Nichols ſhould be ſent up to London, with the firſt opportunity, to bee diſpoſed of by the Committee of Lords and Commons for the affaires of Ireland at Darby houſe, which was accordingly done; and upon the report of the buſineſſe, the ſaid Enſign was committed by Order of the Houſe of Commons, and the perſons that brought him rewarded for their ſervice therein. In all which proceedings they know of nothing done, but what their duty and Inſtructions (in relation to the Service of Ireland) required at their hands, being contrary neither to the Lawes of the Land nor Articles of Warre; but conceive upon theſe informations, (ready to be produced and teſtified upon Oath) that the ſaid Enſign according the Law Marſhall, for his ſaid offences, deſerved death, for endeavouring a muteny as aboveſaid. And therefore there is no cauſe for the Army to complaine, in that the Houſe was ſo mercifull to him as to …emit that puniſhment. Whereas it is charged, that the pockets of Enſign Nichols were ſearched and divers papers taken from him, and that he was ſent a Priſoner to London from the Head-quarters, without the Authority or privity of the Generall: They ſay, that no Order was given by them for ſearching his pockets, or taking away his papers, and believe no ſuch thing was done; That he was ſecured by Captaine Dormer, being found in the Quarters of thoſe Forces that were drawn off for Ireland, actually endeavou…ing to put the Souldiers in a diſtemper, and to withdraw them from that Service; and he was ſent from p. 13thoſe Quarters (not the Head-Quarters, as is falſly ſuggeſted) to London; And for the privity or authority of the Generall, if he had been then preſent; they conceive their Authority from the Parliament on that behalfe, was ſufficient without the Generalls; and as the caſe ſtood, They thought it not reaſonable, to conſult the Army in the matter of diſturbing the Iriſh Service, when they had there found ſo little encouragement before.

TO the Seventh, Sir William Waller, Sir John Clotworthy, 7and Colonell Harley, ſay; They are very ſenſible the particulars charged in the Seventh Article doe ſpecially relate to things ſaid or done in the Houſe of Commons, and ſo not liable to any Cenſure, having paſt the Approbation of that Houſe, which hath already acquitted them by their Votes of the 25 of June, from all things done and ſpoken by them in the Houſe, contained in this and the three enſuing Articles, and ſo ought not to have them recited in this Charge; yet to vindicate themſelves from the Scandall of Deſign and Combination againſt the Army, they ſhall give this true Account of what induced them to endeavour the ſuppreſſing of that Petition; Sir William Waller, and Sir John Clotworthy, being Commiſſioners of Parliament with the Army for the Service of Ireland, and Colonell Harley being there to attend the ſame Service, March 22. 1646. at a Convention of Officers for the Service of Ireland at Walden, the Petition was produced, as the Petition of the Souldiers, to be approved by the Officers there; and was preſſed with ſuch eagerneſſe, that an Officer of quality offering ſome reaſons againſt it, was told, He deſerved not to live in an Army. They taking notice of the ſubtile and violent managing of that Petition, pretended to be the Petition of the Souldiers, but in truth framed then (as they can prove) by ſome Officers at Walden, ☜at a time when the Parliament only propoſed the Service of Ireland, and the Souldery had neither Diſpoſition nor Cauſe to Patition; the Army (being well paid for ſeverall Moneths then paſt, ſpecially the Foot conſiſting much of Recruits) p. 14had little cauſe to complaine for pay; thereupon they repreſented this Information to the Generall, as that which required his care to ſuppreſſe, timely.

But after they returned to L…ndon, they received ſeverall Informations (of which they have good proofe) that the Petition was Agitated in ſeverall Regiments and propoſed by the Officers to their Souldiers: That ſome Officers threatned that thoſe who did refuſe to ſubſcribe it ſhould be caſhiered; and Directions were given to return the ſubſcriptions to ſome principall Officers at the Head Quarters. What paſſed in the Houſe of Commons, they preſume not to relate without the leave of the Houſe: But by theſe particulars (which are ready to be atteſted by perſons of worth) the Deſign of raiſing jealouſies between the Parliament and Army, will really fix upon thoſe who have fal…ly impoſed it on the accuſed Members, to carry on their own Deſigns, which are ſince more viſible.

8TO the Eighth Article, Whereas Colonell Harley is charged, That by Combination, hee produced to this Houſe a Letter which could not be made good; He affirms, He did acquaint the Houſe with a Letter received as he was comming to the Houſe, and ſent to him from an Officer of worth in the Army, who was and is ready to juſtifie the ſubſtance of the Letter to be most true; That LievtenantaaSince made a Colonell. Colonell Pride drew Colonell Harley's Regiment to a Rendevouz, read the Petition in the Head of his Company▪ and that the Petition was then ſubſcribed by moſt of the Regiment, and that Lievtenant Col. Pride ſaidbbThis is Liberty of Conſcience ſo much profeſſed and conteſted for by the Army., ſuch as would not ſubſcribe the Petition, ſhould be caſhierd; That in this Colonell Harley did nothing but his Duty, and what the Houſe of Commons approved by their publick thanks to him, and another worthy (Member an Officer of the Army,) who produced another Letter concerning the ſame buſineſſe. For that which is laid to Maſter Holles his Charge in this Article, concerning the drawing of that Declaration; …e Anſwers, That it was done in the Houſe, and the Houſe did allow of, paſſe it, and afterwards ſent it up to the Houſe p. 15of Peeret, where it was likewiſe paſt. And that any ſhould queſtion it, being become and made the Act of both Houſes (and ſo a Charge rather againſt them then himſelfe) ſeemes ſtrange unto him, whoſe part in it was only to draw up that Declaration according to the ſenſe of the Houſe, in obedience to a generall call upon him for it, being exceedingly preſt and urged to doe it, when himſelf was very unwilling to take that task upon him.

TO the Ninth Article, Wherein it is ſaid, That Colonell 9Harley, Sir Jo. Clotworthy, Sir William Waller, and the ſaid other perſons did procure divers eminent and faithfull Officers of the Army, viz. Lievtenant Generall Hamond, Colonell Lilborn, Lievtenant Colonell Pride, and others, to be ſent for to appeare at the barre of the Houſe, againſt whom they could charge nothing at all; inſomuch that the Houſe thought fit immediately to diſcharge them.

It is Anſwered, That the ſaid Colonell Harley, Sir Jo. Clotworthy, and Sir William Waller, having been informed, that thoſe who ſtile themſelves, ſuch ominent and faithfull perſons of the Army, with ſome others, being very active in promoting the Petition mentioned in the former Articles, did in diſcharge of their duty, faithfully repreſent to the Houſe what they had heard; and whilſt the Houſe was in conſideration thereof, divers Letters were brought to ſeverall Members of the Houſe, from ſeverall parts of the Kingdome, declaring the apprehenſion which many faithfull Officers of the Army had taken up, if ſuch a Petition ſhould be permitted to goe on; As particularly a Letter of the 28th of March la…t, directed to Colonell Roſſ…er an eminent Member of the Army, wherein it is deſired by ſuch as promoted this Petition; that the names of ſuch Officers and Souldiers as ſubſcribed the Petition, ſhould be ſent to Colonell Hamon…, Lievtenant Generall Hamond, Commiſſary Generall Ireton, Colonell Lilborn, Lievtenant Colonell Grimes, or any three of them.

On the conſideration of what was mentioned in this p. 16and other Letters, in confirmation of what was formerly preſented by the Gentlemen Articled against; the Houſe of Commons did ſend for ſeverall of the perſons before mentioned: And as is conceived, had very good reaſon ſo to do.

And whereas it is ſaid, That a Committee was appointed to examine the truth or falſhood of them; If by the Truth or FALSHOOD of them, is meant the Truth or Falſehood of the Perſons, ſtiled Divers eminent and faithfull Officers of the Army; Then how could they be ſaid to be imediately diſcharged, as ſuch, againſt whom nothing could be charged or proved at all.

The Gentlemen articled againſt do further ſay, that it is a very ill uſe, that is made of the Parliaments indulgence, not to proceed with ſuch ſeverity againſt thoſe Perſons convented before them (as aforeſaid) as to affirme, that therefore, nothing can be ſaid againſt them: The like ill uſe was formerly made of the Parliaments ſo farre condiſcending to the deſires of another Paper, ſaid to come from the Army, concerning the Obliterating of the Declaration relating to the Petition, both which expreſſions might well in modeſty and duty have beene ſpared.

And whereas this Article is ſtuffed with great ſwelling words of vanity, as though the Gent. charged by the Article, were preſſed to produce their proofes and evidence, before the Committee (if they had any) It is anſwered, That the Perſons brought up to the Barre, were by their own confeſſion in this Article immediately diſcharged. What need then was there, or to what purpoſe was it, to bring any ſuch Proofes againſt them, when … the clemency of the Houſe diſcharged them?

In a word, It is moſt demonſtrable, it was the Parliaments indulgence, not the innocency to ſeverall, if not all, of thoſe who were queſtioned, which brought them o…f from Puniſhment; And it were to be wiſhed (in regard of theſe and their ſubſequent proceedings) that ſome proportion of Meeknes and Ingenuity towards the Houſes, did accompany ſo much profeſſed integrity, as is va…nted of, by the framers of this Article and Phamphlet.

p. 17TO the 10. Article which charges Mr▪ Hallis, Sir Philip Stapleton Sir Wil. Lewis, Sir Wil. Waller, Sir Iohn Glen…; and Major Gen. Maſsie to have been inſtruments in … the reliefe of Ireland, and then relates ſome paſſages of … the Houſe (which could not be diſcovered to the Army by way but Members contrar… to their Oath and dutyn an high violation of the Houſes Priviledges,) they ſay; that they have faithfully, cordially, and induſtriouſly at all times, and upon all occaſions, to the beſt of their underſtandings promoted the ſervice of that poore bleeding Kingdome; That they did deſire ſupplyes might have gone in an intire Body out of the Army, and that as ſpeedily as poſſibly could be, ſo as ſome of them took the boldneſſe to move, that Sir Tho. Fairfax might have beene ſent thither▪ which not ſucceeding, yet the Houſe reſolving, eight Regiments of Foot, foure of Horſe, and one of Dragoones ſhould be ſent out of the Army; they, as zealouſly as they could, endeavoured the putting of it in execution, and attended the Committe, to which it was referred conſtantly▪ and diligently▪ And they doubt not but the great God, [who will not be mocked] will Judge them according to their deſerts who have obſtructed it, by diſcount … and of fronting them who offered to imbrace that ſervice at the convention of Officers, March 22. 1646. By**See a Vindication of 167 Officers that are come off from the Army, and the Printed Petition of the Officers to Sir Thomas Fairfax. Caſhiering, aſſaulting, and turning out of their quarters ſuch as declared their readineſſe for that ſervice, under the ignominious notion of the Army; and as men untrue to the Common intereſt of the Souldiers, & by a poſitive Declaration, that whatſoever faithful Commander ſhould be appointed for the ſervice of Ireland, they muſt ſhew themſelves averſe to that ſervice as is expreſſed in a letter of the Agitators to Leiutenant Generall Cromwell: Dated Aprill 10. 1647. And in truth▪ Col. Robert Hamonds high and unreaſonable Propoſitions concerning the preſent ſervice of Ireland, viz. That the time of his imployment, and thoſe of this Army going with him in this ſervice, exceed not two or three moneths at the Furtheſt; That the forces going over with him be not obliged to any whatſoever, more then the poſſeſſing or defending of …, That Col. Hammond [himſelf] may have the comm…nd of the Garriſon of Dublin and all the▪ forces in it during the ſaid … p. 18That ſhipping be ready in the Harbour of Dublin victual… … Parliaments charge with ſufficient Conv…, 14 day… before … …xpiration of the ſaid Terme to tranſport the ſaid forces back againe for England: &c. And that upon other termes then th…ſe … doubts the number would not be conſiderable that would go … for that ſpace) clearly demonſtrates his and the Armies ſ…range averſneſſe to Irelands reliefe; and that all they aymed at, was … to poſſeſſe themſelve… of Dublin for the preſent, for what … themſelves, and their proceedings ſince can beſt diſcover.

The Informations which they gave into the Houſe concerning the ingagement of divers Officers both of Horſe and Foot for the reliefe of Ireland, they avow to be true, but extreamly miſrepreſented in this Article. For whereas it is falſely ſuggeſted, th…t … informed the Houſe that by their procurement there were fiftie Companies of Foot, and ten Troopes of Horſe of the Army … for that ſervice upon the …earmes propounded by the Parliament. The truth is, that divers Officers of Horſe, relating to ſo many Troopes, and ſome of the Officers of about 50. Companies of foot were by ſubſcription, Perſonall promiſe, or aſſurance fro… … really and truly ingaged, as may appeare by the report ma…e … the Houſe▪ unto which they referre themſelves. But afterwards many were drawne off againe by the Artifice of thoſe who (though they pretended Irelands reliefe) have their ends rather upon … Confuſion of England then the reliefe of Ireland▪ as their proceedings manifeſt.

Concerning the ſubſcriptions of Col. Butler, Leiutenant Col. Iackeſon, Major Gooday, and others for that ſervice, ſuppoſed to be procured in deluſion of the Parliament, to miſlead it into a … imagination of a ſtrength out of the Army, which had nothing … reality in it, in regard thoſe Officers did then declare th…r …willingneſſe to go into Ireland upon any Tearms whatſoever; … we conceive that Declaration from the Officers bearing … the 22. of March will ſufficiently cleare both from any diſhonourable combination; wherein it will appeare that they … ged themſelves no further, then either to ingage in their owne Perſons or to improve their Intereſts in their reſpective … for, that ſervice; which laſt Obligation they have made goo… … m…n of Honour.

p. 19As for thoſe Officers of Col. Butlers and Sir … Wallers Regiments, their names might be given in by thoſe who knew or might juſtly ſuppoſe that their Inclinations led them to …mbrace that ſervice, if their Friends were miſtaken in them or their minds ſi…ce altered, we know not what Crime can be imp…ted to any.

Lieutenant Col. Farrington was never preſented by them to the Houſe as a Lieutenant Colonell of the Army, and ingaging for himſelfe and his Regiment for Ireland, but only as a Gentleman that had formerly held the quality of Lieutenant Colonell, and yet did retaine a very great and deſerved intereſt in that Regiment, and with whom they conceived the Regiment would be very willing to ingage.

TO the 11th. Which charges Sir Phil. Stapleton Mr Hollis, Sir Iohn Clotworthy, Sir Wil. Lewes, Major Generall Maſſie, Sir William Waller, and Mr Glyn, with commanding part of three Regiments, advanced for Ireland from Bromſgrave in Worceſterſhire, back to Reading, with an evill intent to dra… forces togeher for a new Warre, and this being done upon the Sabbath Day: They anſwer, that out of their Zea…e to promote the ſervice for Ireland, they met at all times, when they were ſummoned at Derby-Houſe, where the Councell …a…e early and …ate, and ſometimes on the Sabbath day, being in truth a worke of the greateſt p…ety and mercy, which certainly was not for their eaſe, and they hope rather of merit, then to be reputed a crime: That that … was tranſacted at a full Committee, (whither upon the Sabbath day or no they know not,) but they know, and affirme, that the reaſon why thoſe Regiments were ordered to come to Reading, was onelyonly, that money might be ſent to them for their pay▪ The Officers repreſenting to the Committee the great neceſſities of the ſouldiers, and that where they were then … they did not know how to convey it …hither with …a…ety, in regard it muſt paſſe through the quarters of the army, who had … great diſpleaſure to thoſe fo…ces which were drawen off for Ireland▪ and the Committee was the rather induced to it, becauſe they knew the money which was ſent to … for … Regiment there quartered▪ when … is ordered to be brought back, … violently … away p. 14duplicate page p. 15duplicate page p. 16duplicate page p. 17duplicate page p. 18duplicate page p. 19duplicate page p. 20by the Souldiers from thoſe entruſted with that ſervice▪ and the Committee feared ſome ſuch attempt for the intercepting of this money, which occaſioned that calling back to Reading, and not an… ſuch deſign, as is moſt falſely & maliciouſly in the Article ſuggeſted.

TO the 12th, Wherein Sir Io. Clotworthy is ſaid, to have converted ſeverall great ſummes of money to his owne particuler uſe in the years 1642. 1643, 1644, and ſince, which by ſeverall. Orders of Parliament and of the Iriſh Committee were deſigned for the reliefe of Ireland:

Firſt▪ He anſwereth, That he never received any money from the beginning of the Warre untill this day for the reliefe of Iuland in Generall, but only for the particular charge he hath in that Kingdome, wherewith he was honoured in the beginning of the Warre by a ſpeciall order of Parliament.

And for the particular ſummes in that Article ſuggeſted to be received by him in money, He ſaith, that he never received any ſuch money, and was ſo farre from making any particular uſe of ſuch either money or Proviſions as were deſigned for ſupporting the Souldiers under his care, to their prejudice in the leaſt, degre… that he hath dispurſed above three thouſand pounds out of his owne purſe, and by his credit, for their ſupport and reliefe more then was received.

He further ſaith that for the ſumme of 280 .l. in the Article mentioned, by an accompt delivered to the Committee of Accompts in Iune 1644. he was ſo farre from intending the leaſt prejudice either to the State here, or that Kingdom of Ireland (amongſt other ſummes) he charged himſelfe with the ſaid 280 .l. for 20. Butts of Sack, which he ſhould have received from one Whitſcot; who falling therein, the ſaid Sir Iohn converted the credit of the Ordinance for the ſaid 280 .l. into clothes for his Souldiers, as upon full examination and debate ſeverall yeares ſince had thereof before the Committee of Accounts may appeare: And by the ſaid Accompt he is likewiſe charged with 300. l. in the Article mentioned for 120. paire of Piſtols the moſt whereof he exchanged [by order] out of the ſtoares of his Kingdome, for fire-locks, which he ſent over to the Souldiers of this Regiment, and the remainder of the ſaid Piſtolls were delivered to his Troope, and he never converted p. 21any of the ſaid Piſtolls to his owne uſe, though he conceives he might have done, having given allowance for them on his Accompt; And for the money for the ſaid Piſtolls, as no part thereof ever came to his hands, ſo he conceives the ſame is yet due and unPaid to one Abraham Vandenbe…d, who provided the ſaid Piſtolls on the credit of the St…te.

For the ſum of 700 l. for 2000. ſwords, he knoweth nothing thereof, nor ever received any ſuch ſumme, but acknowledgeth that he is charged by his ſaid accompt with 175. l. for his part of 2000. ſwords, which as the former ſumme of 280 li. hath been layd out with much more of his own, for the ſervice of the ſtate; So as the ſaid Sir Iohn Clotworthy having prevented the informers by his accompt long ſince given in, and there remaining ſo great a ſum disburſed by him, over and above what he hath received, had he deteyned any part towards his own diſ…urſements [which he conceives he might juſtly have done,] yet could it not have been charged againſt him for ſo heyn…s a crime, and that in proſecution of the deſigne in the generall charge mentioned, a… is impertinently layd downe in the ſaid Article.

And for the other divers ſinn…es of money ſuggeſted in general to have bin received from time to …ime by the ſaid Sir Iohn for the uſe of Ireland, which are alleadged, not to be imployedge by the ſeveral orders was directed and intended; when he knowes the particulars, he hopes to give a ſatisfactory anſwer therein; and wiſhes that ſome few of his many accuſers may be able to give …s juſt an attempt for the many ſumm… they have received in relition to their imployments, as he hath done, and is ready to doe for theſe few ſummes directed for his and his ſouldiers ſupport in that hard war of Ireland.

And whereas by this article it is ſuggeſted, that the ſaid Sir Iohn Clotworthy hath within two yeares laſt paſt received ſeverall ſums of money, Armes and other proviſions for a Troop of Horſe which he pretended he had raiſed in Ireland.

He ſaith, that he never pretended to have raiſed any ſuch Troop; though he may with ſome confidence affirm, he hath to his great charge theſe 5. yeares paſt maintained a Troop of horſe which was formerly under the command of Captain Vp…on, … and p. 22after his death conferred on him, which Troop he hath … cruiſed ſince his command thereof, being about five yeares ſpace, during which time there was never received from the State in money above 7. weekes pay with ſome little proviſions of clothes and Armes, which he duely returned to … ſaid Troope, with ſome addition of his owne, for their better ſupport in ſervice, judging it a moſt abhominable act, to retaine any thing at all, (eſpecially of ſo little) deſigned for … neceſſi…ous ſouldiers.

And whereas by the latter part of the Article it is moſt … louſly ſuggeſted, that the ſaid Sir Iohn, Clotworthy for money and other rewardes, hath preferred Io. Davis and William Sommers, and others to be entruſted with the Iriſh affaires, who have kept correſpondency with the Enemy; and defrauded the ſtate of other gr…e ſums of money; and that he hath been privy to, and a ſharer is ſuch thei… actions;

He ſaith: that the ſaid charge is moſt falſe and untrue in all the parts thereof wherein he is concerned; and for the ſaid William… Sommers, he ſaith he never preferred him to be intruſted with any of the Iriſh affaires, nor knoweth of any imployment he ever … in that way [it being notoriouſly knowne he never had ſuc… imployment] ſince the Rebellion of Ireland began, ſo as he was not in any capacity to defraud the State.

The ſayd Sir Iohn Clotworthy further ſaith, that Iohn Dave… hath been contracted withall for great proportions of victu…, Armes, and Clothes for Ireland as a Merchant, wherein the Committee of both Kingdomes and the Committee for the affaires of Ireland (the conſent of the houſes firſt had) have dealt with him after others refuſed ſuch contracts as he then accepted and … performed, to moſt of which the ſaid Sir Iohn was not pri…, and no participant at all with the ſaid Iohn Davis in any of the particulars contracted for, as is now and hath been formerly … printed pampalets falſly ſuggeſted, But that the ſaid Iohn Dav…s was ever truſted with the affaires of Ireland other then as a Merchan [whereby he had the opportunity in performance of his contracts with the State to lay out his own money by … and get it againe as he can, whereof there may be now ſome p. 23doubt] the ſaid Sir Iohn Clotworthy is totally ignorant.

TO the 13. Wherein (among other things) ſecret intelligence to have been held with the Lord of Ormond by Cipher, is layd to the charge of the ſaid Sir Io. Clotworthy, his anſwer is that he, together with Sir Tho. Wharton, Sir Robert King, Sir Rob. Meredith and Richard Salway Eſquire, or any three of them, being appointed Commiſſioners [but not joyntly as is pretended] to treat with the Lord of Ormond for the delivery of the Sword, the city of Dublin &c. After four daies treaty according to their Inſtructions, [the treaty not taking effect] the Commiſſioners reſolved That three of them ſhould goe for Belfaſt, and two of them come to London, And whileſt the Commiſſioners were in preparation for their departure, upon ſeverall juſt and warrantable occaſions, they repaired joyntly and ſeverally to the Lord of Ormond, who ſeemed to be much troubled, that the treaty took no effect. profeſſing the only cauſe thereof to be, the want of the Kings aſſent, which he ſaid he hoped to gain, deſiring to have it ſo preſented to the Parlia & that he might acquaint the Parliament and the Commiſsioners then going for Be…faſt with the Kings Anſwer, and leſt letters ſhould be intercepted by the Rebels, there was a Cipher agreed on, which was known to ſeverall of the Commiſsioners when it was delivered, and of which the ſaid Sir Iohn minded the other Commiſsioners at Belfaſt after their arrivall there, and before any thing was written by the ſame from the Lo. of Or…mond; And about a fortnight afterwards, the Lord of Ormond by the meanes of one Captain Ward, conveyed a little open paper in cypher directed to the ſaid Sir Iohn Clotworthy, who aſſoon as he received it, did communicate the ſame to the reſt of the Commiſſioners, which being diſcyphered, there was thereby intimated, That he was more then hopefull they ſhould ſhortly beare from him to their content; To which the Commiſsioners returned an anſwer, That they ſhould be glad to beare of the content he was hopefull to give. With all which, and the other tranſactions of tha… affair, the Committee of Der…y-Houſe were made acquainted, and reported the ſame to both houſes before Sir Iohn Clotworthy came out of Ireland; And the Houſes having approved of the carriage and endeavours of the Commiſsioners upon the whole tranſaction p. 24of the buſines, have long ſince ſo far owned them there … they have given thankes unto them for the ſame.

This being the only particular wherein the ſaid Sir Iohn Clotworthy is by this article charged to have held intelligence with the Lord of Ormond, and that being by the advice of the reſt of the Commiſſioners in manner as aforeſaid, and for ſo good an end, as the giving his Lordſhip an opportunity of new application to the Parliament for rendring to them the City of Dublin, and the other garriſons under his command, which hath ſince that … taken effect accordingly, to the exceeding great advantage and ſtrengthning this Kingdoms intereſt in Ireland; the ſaid Sir Iohn Clotworthy leaves it to the judgment of all equall minded men whether or no, there be any juſt cauſe to exhibit ſuch a th… againſt him for the ſame, eſpecially by an Army pretending ſuch good affections to Irelands welfare.

For the other part of the ſaid Article, concerning the ſaid … John Clotwortheys holding intelligence with the Lord Digby▪ He directly denieth any ſuch thing, as being utterly falſe and untrue. For he never ſaw the ſaid Lord Digby theſe many yeare, … one night accidentally, when [being laſt at Dublin with the other Commiſſioners afore ſaid] he was ſent to the Caſtle of Dub… by the ſaid Commiſſioners, concerning an Officer of Colo… Moores, that had received an Injury by ſome perſons; that rel… ted to the Lord of Ormond: at which time the ſaid Lord Digby came into the roome where he was, but he had no diſcourſe … him, in private, nor at all, other then common talk (ſeverall perſon… being preſent.] Neither hath the ſaid Sir Iohn Clotworthy … the ſaid Lord Digby deſerted the Parliament ever exchanged letter, Meſſage, or word with him, directly or indirectly, otherwiſe▪ or at any other time, then is hereby declared.

And whereas by this Article it is charged, that in Order to … ſecret intelligence (of which he admires a whole … England ſhould have ſuch certain and publique Notice, as to … it a poſitive charg & undertake to prove it upon oath, were it…cret as they charg it,) as the Article all …geth to have hi… hold by … ſaid Sir Io. Clotworthy with the ſaid Lo. Digby the Lo of … p. 25and the ſaid Lord Digby, …tely imployed … S…gsby, who [as the article ſaith] pretends a deſigne about the Prince to c…me into this Kingdome; the ſaid Sir Iohn Clotworthy utterly denieth to have had any thought of any ſuch deſigne, or any knowledg of the ſaid Slingsby or of his comeing into the kingdome, until he heard that one Slingsby [whom he yet knoweth not] had been examined before the Committee at Derby houſe. And the ſaid Sir Iohn preſumeth, he hath to the ſaid Committee confeſſed who imployed him, and to whom he was imployed here.

TO the 14. which charges Sir Iohn Clotworthy, Mr. H…lles and Sir Philip Stapleton, with obſtructing Articles exhibited againſt the Lord Inchequin, calling back the Lord Liſle from the government of Ireland, cauſing the command of the forces in that Kingdom to be committed to the Lord Inchequin, he writing a letter to his Lordſhip, upon the receipt whereof he ſhould expreſs, he had direction to put out all thoſe who favoured Independents, They doe ſay they were ſo farr from keeping off proceeding, upon thoſe articles, that they furthered it all they could, and ſeveral times moved it in the Houſe: deſirous to hauehave all cleared concerning the Lord Inchequin; whom as they beleeved to be a man of honour and fidelity, ſo, if upon examination of his actions he appeared to be other, they were reſolved to declare their ſenſe of him accordingly. As for what concernes the Lord Liſle, they ſay, his Lordſhips time expiring, which was but for one yeare, either for him or any elſe to continue in that command, the Parliament was pleaſed to diſpoſe of the affaires of Ireland in an other way; in the agitation whereof in the Houſe, they went according to their Iudgments and conſciences, without reſpecting any perſon living. For the Command of the forces of that Kingdome (which as to the Lord Inchequin can onelyonly be underſtood of Ma…ſter) they doe not know that ever any thing was here done in it at all, there having been no occaſion for it, as to their knowledg. And as for the Letter mentioned to have been written by them, … any of them, p. 26or from ſome other perſon by their or all of their direction; they ſay, as it is altogether uncertain and illegall, ſo it is a meere fiction (for they never did any ſuch thing,) and tends to draw the Odi… of Independents upon them; to whoſe advancement, both in Ixeland and elſewhere they feare they may prove obſtructive▪ as this Article clearly inſinuates.

TO the 15. Sir Wil. Lewes and Mr. Glyn, ſay, that the Order o… the 13 of Aprill in the Article mentioned (if there were any ſuch) relates to them only as Members of the Committe, for whom they intend not to anſwer: but in truth there was no ſuch order: it was only a report, not an order, and intended only for the county of Caermarthen, how ever it came to paſs the words were general: and that was done in order to be reported to the houſe, and accordingly was reported, and after repealed by the Committee as they were informed. And as for the publiſhing and ſending thereof unto every Committee in Wales, they know nothing thereof, neither was it done by their or either of their directions or conſents.

To the 16. Article, Sir William Lewes denyeth his protecting any Delinquents in South-Wales, as is untruely aleadged.

And as for the Earl of Carbery, he did no more then move in the houſe of Commons, to make good what Major Generall L… horn had promiſed and preſſed for on his behalfe, by his letters to the Speaker, and Committee of both Kingdomes▪ repreſenting the advantages that came to the parliament by his conformity and … it would further their ſervice to oblige him.

For Mr. Carve of Glammorgan & Mr. Herbert of Breck… ſhire after their long impriſonment, they being upon their Compoſitions at Goldſmiths Hall, he did but move the aſcertaining of their Fines according to the rules preſcribed to the … there, having obſerved, that delayes brought a prejudice both to the Parliament and the parties …, by abuſing the one in p. 27their authority, the other in their eſtates. And for Mr. Herber…, after his ſight of ſome high Articles drawn up againſt him by Mr. Rumſey, he never ſpake in his behalfe, & he yet continues a priſoner in Ely Houſe. For Mr. Morgan of Bre…kno…kſhire, he is one the ſaid Sir William hath ever uſed with no more then a civillity ſutable to their being countrymen, and of many yeares acquaintance, which he beleives no good man can looke on as an offence. For Mr. Gwyn & Mr. Lewes of …adno…ſhire, … of the Committee in that county, and thoſe that by Major Generall … cert…ficate and Colonell Birth his publique teſtimony, had furthered the reducing of that county, he did but publiquely move in the houſe, that ſome diſputes concerning them, and ſome differences between them and others of the Committee for that county, might be referred to the Committee for Glouceſter … in … Row; which he did out of his deſire to ſerve the Parliament by keeping peace in thoſe remote parts, and for no ends at all of his own.

And further faith, he was never ſo much as preſent at any debate concerning the ſequeſtration of any other perſon whatever in either of the forementioned Counties, ſave theſe above… named; nor ever ſo much as motioned to any Member of either: Houſe, [Committee man, o… other,] either the remitting or favorable compounding with any, upon any Termes not warrantable by the rules preſcribed; or their compounding with any that were incapable thereof; nor did ever animate or incourage any … this unhappy difference to continue their fidelity to the Kings cauſe, promiſing them, th… if they would ingage their Frien… with the King for him, he and his would be their Friends in the Parliament, (as is untruly fur…ſhed) looking upon that kind of conditioning, as a thing below the thoughts of a Gentleman.

What the Delinquents in thoſe parts ſay of him, or how they … upon him, or how they or any others looke upon thoſe that …rge him, or what ſhall be his or their lot at his Majeſt…s coming to London, he is ignorant of; but hopes, that a … will diſcover both … and them in their …, and … p. 28every mans returne may be according to the ſingleneſſe and i… grity of his affections to the publike peace and welfare of the Kingdome.

And farther he ſaith, that there being an order for the nomination of Juſtices of the Peace for the County of Brecknock, he humbly named Mr Roger Vaughan [now high ſheriffe of that County] to be added to the Committee formerly named by the Houſe, Mr. Meredith Lowis, Maſter George Parrey, and Mr. Edward William…, as the fitteſt perſons he knew of to ſupply the neceſſitie there was of juſtice in that county: and although he cannot ſay that when the Kings forces had a power in thoſe parts, but that many of them may have done that which is not juſtifiable, yet for his Brother Maſter Thomas Lewes who was formerly one of the Committee, he is confident, his innocency is equall with any mans in that County, and his ſufferings as great as any of double his fortune inhabiting there; he having been carried priſoner by Sir William Vaughans command to Ludlow Caſtle with one Maſter Hugh Williams, where they continued till he layde down eightſcore pounds for their inlargement; And he can confidently affirme, that no man is left out of Commiſſion, that any honeſt man can pretend either by his eſtate, or affections to the Parliament to deſerve to be therein imployed: and he could heartily wiſh, that he or they that give information on this article, would have adviſed, who elſe ſhould have bin recommended for Committee-men or Juſtices. And for Maſter Edward William… being made …ollicitor, his Commiſſion was delivered upon certificate from three of the foure Gentlemen who are the only perſons, reſident in the County, of thoſe that are named for the Committee there: and he beleeves he hath been ſo carefull in his duty, that neither corruption nor remiſſ…es can be juſtly charged or proved againſt him.

And the ſaid Sir William ſaith, that his ſonne was choſen Burgeſs for the Burrough of Brecknock by the unanimous aſſent of the Burgeſſes, who adjudged him a fit perſon to ſerve for them▪ and his fitne… for that place he deſires may be determined of, by th…ſe p. 29amongſt whom he hath the honour to ſit, who have ſeen his demeanour, and are the only proper Judges thereof: but that he kept the writ eight moneths in his Cuſtody in order thereto, is moſt untrue. For at his being in Brecknock-Shire in July 1646. having carried the writ down with him, and finding at Ragland that Worceſter was then but upon delivery to the Parliament, and that the Commiſſioners of peace for that County were thoſe that contin…ed in their authority by their old Commiſſion, thought it then no fit time for a publique meeting in that Town upon ſuch an occaſion, leſt ſome ill conſequence might have followed thereon, and thereupon at his returne acquainted Maſter Prideanx, one of the then Commiſſioners for the great Seale, therewith, and with his approbation returned the writ to Maſter Scoble the Regiſter, in whoſe cuſtody it continued, till he againe called for it ſome five weekes before the election.

TO the 17th. Article, the ſaid Sir Wil. Lewes acknowledgeth that by the ever Honourable, the Earl of Eſſex his Commiſſion, and the approbation of both Houſes of Parliament, he was in the beginning of theſe troubles made Governour of Portſmouth, though not only without his deſire but againſt it, as it is well… known to Sir Iohn Evelyn, of Wilt… a Mer… ber of the Honourable Houſe of Commons. That during his ſervice there, he received much of the publike Treaſure, for which he gave ſuch an Account, as that he had his diſcharge from the Committee for Accounts, bearing date the 15th. day of March, 1644. And the ſaid Committee comming to the Houſe of Commons with their Certificates of that Account and others, did there publikely atteſt it, to be both juſt and fr… gall: whereupon the houſe was ſo favourable, as to vote on the 3. of April. 1645. their approbation of his Account ſo preſented unto them: and to Order, that the Committee of the Revenue p. 30ſhould with their ſooneſt and beſt conveniency pay vote him the ſumme of 415. l 16. s 8. d. part of what remained d… unto him upon his ſaid Account, as appeared by the Certificate above mentioned: which evidently diſproves that part of the charge, which doth moſt vnjuſtly accuſe him for not accounting, of which he beleeves his greateſt Accuſers are far more guilty then himſelf, ſince he never heard any Certificate made to the houſe of their account….

And wheras he is likewiſe Charged, while he was Governor there frequently to have held correſpondency and intelligence with the Kings party about the delivery up of the ſayd Garriſon: ſome ſuch aſperſions having been very undeſervedly rayſed on him, during his Command there: the Committe of Lords and Commons for the ſafety, were pleaſed to write to him to ſome up to London, by their letter dated the 8 of June 1643. where the ſaid Sir William preſſing by his importunity the ſaid Committee and Earle of Eſſex, that they would Examine what ever could be alleadged againſt him, to puniſh him if faulty, and right him if injured; upon the Earle of Eſſex his letter to the ſaid Committee after a full Examination of the buſineſſe the Committee by their letter gave his Lord ſhip this accompt following.

May it pleaſe your Excellency

VVE have examined and debated the buſines concerning Sir William Lewes as your Lordſhip did deſire, and out of all thoſe jealouſies and allegations, which have been offered againſt him, there amounts NOTHING (as we can gather) which can derogate from his honor, or the publique confidence repoſed in him in his command at Portſmouth; This account we render to your Excellencie, p. 31aſwell to anſwer that which hath been referred to us by your Excellencies Letter, as that which is required from us by Sir William Lewis his innocency: this being the ſtate of this buſines, it is left in the hands of your Excellency to repaire this worthy Gentleman in what manner you ſhall pleaſe: And ſo wee take our leave and reſt.

Weſtminſter 29. Iuly. 1643. Your Excellencies very affectionate friends and humble Servants ſubſcribed. Bedford Pembrooke, & Mountgemery, B. Denbigh, W. Say & Seale, Io. Pym, and others.

The which letter being carried to his Excellency, after his peruſall thereof, he wiſhed the ſaid Sir Wil. Lewes to repaire again to Portſmouth and to take care thereof; but he having vindicated his Innocency, and to manifeſt how little he regarded either places of honour or gaine (which others aſpire to) deſired to be excuſed, and quitted the imployment.

Why or upon what grounds the ſaid Sir William (with divers other perſons, who faithfully ſerved the Parliament) was left out of the Proclamation mentioned, he knoweth not (being up wayes privy to their councels,) nor what his Majeſty was pleaſed to ſay of him; but this he knoweth, and its generally knowne to that part of Hampſhire where he lived, that about October 1643. there was plundered from him by the Kings party to the value of between two and three thouſand pounds: p. 32meane; whereof his lands being unſtocked; he made not threepence of it in three yeares. For his eſtate in Brecknock-ſhire, which by the Charge is allowed to be worth about 600. l. per annum, it was not held worth ſequeſtring in thoſe parts, in regard of the taxes laid upon it: and during the time of the troubles he made little profit of his eſtate there or elſewhere. And as it is no argument, that ſome Malignants in armes againſt the Parliament did hold correſpondency with them, becauſe their eſtates in ſome places have not been yet ſequeſtred, through negligence of the officers, or want of evidence; ſo he preſumes, it can be no proofe of his, complying with the King or his party, in the Iudgement of any indifferent perſon or of his Accuſe…s [who now profeſſe their correſpondency with his Majeſty without the houſes privity] in their late printed **Of Inly. 8 1647.letters to both Houſes, becauſe he was not ſequeſtred upon the ſame, or any ſuch like occaſion for ought he knowe… the caſe (he beleeves) of ſome other wel-affected Members.

As for concerning Col. Price his eſtate, upon the ſad complaint of Mrs Price of her neceſſities, he wrote a letter to the Committee, only to allow unto her the 5th. part of her huſbands eſtate, according to the Ordinance of Parliament in that behalfe, and to reſtore her wearing apparrel which had bin taken from her, (an extremity he had not heard of before uſed to any other, which he hops his accuſers) who now deſire iuſtice for and indulgence towards delinquents, which they charge as a crime in others] cannot diſlike But for the letting of Colonell Prices eſtate, he did not intermedle, therein, but beleeves the tenant that rents it at 50. l. per annum paye a full value for to the ſtate, conſidering it is charged with annuities of 120 l. per annum, iſſuing out of it; his Wives fift part, and all taxes and contributions.

p. 33And the ſaid Maſter Glyn, as to the charge of this Article, whereby he is charged to procure ſeverall perſons that have been Commiſſioners of Array in North-Wales, to be named in Commiſſions of Peace, and other Places of greater truſt and command: He ſaith, the Article gives not any inſtance of any ſuch perſon that he hath procured to be named a Justice of Peace, or any other Place of truſt or command, except Col. Glyn (his Brother) made Governour of the Town and Caſtle of Carnarvon: And for the ſaid Col. Glyn, he avers, he was never any Col. in the King's Army, but conſtantly declared his affection to the Parliament, and for that cauſe he was in the beginning of the troubles, beſieged in his own houſe, with Canon planted againſt it, where he was taken priſoner, his Armes ſeized upon, himſelf charged with treaſon, and intended to be proceeded againſt at Shrewsbury, had not ſome perſons interpoſed and procured his enlargement, upon ſecurity, that he ſhould not beare Armes for the Parliament; and as he hath ſuffered for his affection to the Parliament, ſo he hath advantagiouſly acted for them, by inviting Major-Gen. Mitton to come into North-Wales, joyning his forces with the ſaid Major-Gen. and relieving the Parliaments Forces with mony, by reaſon whereof, the County and Caſtle of Carnarvon was reduced to the Parliaments obedience, of whoſe eminent ſervices, the houſe of Commons took ſpeciall notice, in a letter written unto him; and for recompence of his ſufferings for the Parliament, and the great ſervice done for them, he was made Governour of Carnarvon, for the ſafety of thoſe parts, and encouragement of the wel-affected there.

To the eighteenth Article,18. Whereby Maſter Glyn is charged to have taken rewards of ſeverall perſons for ſervice done them in the houſe, and in particular 100^li paid unto his Wife by the Drovers of Wales, for ſervice done them: he ſaith, that the ſame is a falſe and a ſlanderous charge, and for the 100^li ſuppoſed to be given to his Wife (who is dead and cannot anſwer for her ſelfe) the ſame is untrue: for Maſter Glyn lent thoſe poor men 100^li out of his owne Money, to find them Bread, which was afterwards repaid him, when they procured money upon the credit of the Exciſe, as will be juſtified by many perſons of quality; beſides which, there was no other 100^li that came to his Wives Hands.

p. 34To the nineteenth Article,19. Maſter Glyn anſwers;

Firſt, concerning Delinquents, that the charge is generall, and therefore he can make no particular anſwer, but generally not guilty.

Secondly, concerning the putting out of the Militia, that he was no way concerned in it; they were preſented by the Common-Counſell, and choſen there when he was not preſent, and afterwards approved by both Houſes: and he cannot take upon him to give reaſons to juſtifie the acts of both Houſes, or the Common-Counſell, who are onelyonly impeached by this charge; and muſt plead not guilty of intermedling with putting in or putting out.

To the twentieth Article, 20.where it is laid, That Sir Philip Stapleton, Master Holles, and Sir William Lewis, have by their power and countenance obſtructed juſtice in the cauſe between Alderma… Langham and Captaine Limery, and that of John Gunter.

They anſwer, That Maſter Hollis and Sir Philip Stapleton being one afternoon in the Court of Requeſt, heard that the Houſe of Peers were then to fit, which made them go to ſee what the occaſion was, and comming into the Lobby, found there the Earle of Rutland, who told them, their Houſe met about a great Buſineſſe betwixt Langham and Limery; and ſome diſcourſe paſſed concerning it, when Maſter Hollis and Sir Philip Stapleton ſaid, They underſtood that the merits of the cauſe was not at all in queſtion, onelyonly the entertaining of it upon an appeale, which they concelved was the common juſtice of the Kingdome, and not to be denied to any. Which having ſaid, they went away; nor was it done in ſecret, but ſpoken publickly, and in the hearing of ſome of the Counſell for Limery: And they doe utterly deny the ſpeaking of any ſuch words as are alledged to be ſaid by them; for they were ſo farre from engaging their intereſt in it, as they doe not to this day know what the Lords did upon it: And Sir William Lewis, doth abſolutely deny his being there preſent as all, when any ſuch conference was with the Earle of Rutland: and cannot but obſerve, there ſhould be that ſignificancy attributed to h…s preſence and geſture, as thereby to diſcover his thoughts and inclinations, eſpecially when he was not there in perſon. p. 35And as for the cauſe inſtanced concerning John Gu…er, he conceives it to be a ſuit depending in Chancery betwixt the Father and Sonne, both neerly relating unto him, but no further proceeded in then to Bill and Anſwer, that he knowes of; and what influence his countenance could have ſo early dayes in the beginning of a ſuit, let all the world judge.

To the one and twentieth Article,21. which concernes Maſter Nichols onelyonly, he ſaith,

That although his election was voted to be voyd by the Committee of Priviledges (whoſe meer votes exclude no Member from ſitting in the houſe) where no Witneſſes were heard on his behalfe, yet conceives his Election good, and hopes it will be thought ſo by the Houſe, when they h…ar a true ſtate of the cauſe. And whereas they object, it hath layne four yeer… unreported: Maſter Nichols appeals unto the Houſe, and that worthy Gentlemen in whoſe hand that report lay (being never proſecuted by his Competitor) whether he hath not endeavoured to have that report made, and the buſineſſe determined, and ſtill continues his humble requeſt to the Houſe for the ſpeedy determining of the ſame.

To the ſecond clauſe Mr Nichols anſwers, That he never uſed any threats, menaces or indirect practiſes, for the bringing in of any Members, either out of Cornwall, or any other County in the Weſt: And it is well knowne, that thoſe worthy Gentlemen there elected, and now excepted againſt, were fairly and duly choſen by their owne intereſt and publique demerits; and their unbyaſed integrity is ſuch, that they deteſt the maintaining of a Faction, or carrying on of any deſign other then the common good.

To the third clauſe of that Article, Maſter Nichols ſaith, That he continues in an Office of Master of the A…nory in the Tower, wherein he hath faithfully ſerved the State for their advantage, and that ſince the Selfdenying Ordinance paſſed the Houſes, he never received any penny of his F…e from the Committee of Revenue, but confeſſeth to have received a rent of thirty four pounds a yeer, or thereabouts, and a Fine for two houſes, which he is to be …able for to the Parliament: And it is p. 36well knowne, that Maſter Nichols loſt a farre better Office both for profit and eſteem, then this (the Customers place of Plymouth and of all the Ports in the County of Cornwal) for his fidelity to the Parliament, and hath received no reparation for the ſame, as divers others have had for their loſt Offices. Beſides, he hath been imployed in many long and chargeable Journeys, and hath expended divers great ſummes of money in them (which he hath borrowed of his friends) and hath yet had no ſatisfaction from the Parliament, in conſideration thereof, as ſome of his Accuſers have had for meaner ſervices.

To the two and twentieth,22. Maſter Nicholls ſaith, That neither himſelf, nor any other for him, ever took any penny, directly or indirectly, for any thing done in Parliament, or in any of their Committees (wherein he hath had the honour to ſerve them in the ſame) of greateſt truſt. And whereas he is charged, to bring Sir William Vuedall into the Houſe upon his coming from York, for the ſum of One hundred and fifty pounds; it is altogether falſe and ſcandalous. Upon Sir William Vuedalls return from York, he came into the Houſe, ſat there without any queſtion, and ſometime after had leave to retire himſelf into the Countrey; and at his return to London (neer two yeers after) the diſpute grew about his admittance into the Houſe, and he was admitted into it upon a ſolemn and ſerious debate, without the motion or procurement of Maſter Nicholls; which admiſſion, if undue, is a charge againſt the whole Houſe, not Maſter Nicolls. True it is, that when Sir William Vuedall was at York and Treaſurer of the Army there, Maſter Nicholls having an Aſſignment made him by his brother Captain Humphrey Nicolls, to receive an Arrear due to him for his Service in the North, that he writ to Sir William Vuedall to ſend him that money, whereupon Sir William Vuedall when he came to London, ſent him a ſum of money as an Arrear due to his brother, but whether ſo much as is ſpecified in the Article, he knows not, by reaſon his papers and accounts of that buſineſſe are not in Town.

As for Maſter Nicolls receiving of rewards, he challenges all his Accuſers (many of them having had occaſion to uſe his poor Service) and all others▪ to prove him guilty of receiving p. 37the leaſt reward for any thing done by him in diſcharging of his publike truſt.

And whereas it is charged, That he diſcovered a deſign for the ſearching of Greenwich Houſe; He ſaith, That about midnight in Auguſt (as he takes it) 1642, there came an Officer with ſome Souldiers to his lodging, and brought with them a Warrant for him to ſign for the ſearching of Greenwich Houſe, which Warrant he figned; and by the ſame Officer he ſent three lines written in an open paper to a Noble Lady, who lodged in the Houſe, that ſhe ſhould not be frighted with the coming of Souldiers in ſuch an unſeaſonable hour; which Lady was no ſervant of the Queens, but one that had given a cleer demonſtration of her affection to the Publike, by a large voluntary contribution upon the Propoſitions of Money and Plate. So that he hopes this will not be thought a fault to ſend an open paper to a perſon of that quality, for ſuch purpoſe, by the ſame Officer that was to put the deſign in execution.

As to the three,23, 24, 25. four, and five and twentieth Articles, which waſte themſelves in a ſcandal touching Maſter Long alone (for to a printed imputation of cowardize, covetouſneſſe, and treachery, where no particular perſon appear… to avouch the truth or give ſatisfaction for the falſhood of ſuch an Aſſertion, no better name can be given) he yet to give the world a taſte of what truth they may expect in the reſt, returns unto theſe three this Anſwer:

That howbeit his education had not much acquainted him with Military emploiments before the late unhappy Wars, (which he thinketh to be the caſe of many, who now reckon well of their abilities in that profeſſion) yet through the invitation of his Excellency the late Lord Generall, Earl of Eſſex, and the Committee of the ſafety of the Kingdom, who thought it of ſome importance at that time to intereſt perſons of eſtate and relations (though not bred Souldiers) in that emploiment, he did accept the command of a Troop of Horſe under his Excellency, the greateſt part whereof were raiſed by himſelf and his friends; and in the Head of that Troop he charged at Edge-hill, in the Regiment then under the command of Sir William Bel…ore, p. 38which was the firſt that brake into the Enemy; in which charge he loſt his horſe, and being left diſmounted, did yet with his ſingle piſtoll in his hand give quarter to ſeverall of the Enemies, and was then by Captain Harecourt (Quarter maſter of his Troop) remounted, continued out the Service of that day and the next, and was one of the laſt Troops that brought away the A…munition; a thing happily not known to them who gave the information for this Article, ſeeing it was the ill…hap of ſome Commanders that day to make an over-haſty retreat, and of ſome others (of no little Eminency now) never to come there, (much leſſe to charge) though they quartered very neer the Field.

When the unexpected skirmiſh at Brainford happened, his Troop (as the greateſt part of the Army beſides) was diſperſed, but ſo ſoon as he could get it together, he went …hither and ſtayed there till the buſineſſe was at an end; ſhortly after, his Troop being to march towards Briſtoll, where ſome of his fellow Captains (whoſe experience he thought as little as his own) receiving ſudden and great Commands, he declined that Service under them, and intended to return to his other in the Houſe of Commons: but ſome diſaffections and backwardneſſe to contribute to the publike Service appearing in ſome perſons of quality in the County of Eſſex, he was by Commiſſion from his Excellency the Earl of Eſſex commanded thither, and author…ed with other Gentlemen of that and the Counties of Herrford and Bedford, to raiſe Horſe, Arms, &c. upon ſuch as had not contributed, &c. Touching which emploiment (without drawing the particulars into a long Diſcourſe) he ſaith, that he acted nothing without the concurrence of two Gentlemen… at the leaſt of his fellow Commiſſioners: and therof and of what had been raiſed by them for the publike Service under that Authority, he (long before any Committee of Accompts ſetled) did publiſh▪ the particulars in print, and thereof did, immediately … that Committee ſetled, give and paſſe an Accompt upon Oath▪ which courſe had others taken (who are greater Accountan… then hee) there would happily have been leſſe room for thi… Accuſation: The plundering and oppreſſion in the Article p. 39mentioned, he …eckons as odious, as it is an …true ſuggeſtion.

As for Maſter T…omas Manwood in the Article mentioned, he much doubteth whether there be any ſuch man reſiding in the County of Eſſex; ſure he is that no protection from the then Lord Generall his Excellency, was diſreſpected by him; and upon the …ſt enquiry Maſter Long can make, the perſon intended by Maſter Thomas Manwood, is no way eminent for his good affection, and what was done towards him was well warranted by the Commiſſion under which Maſter Long and thoſe other Gentlemen of that Countrey were employed, and nothing by countenance of that Authority was converted to Maſter Longs private advantage: and ſo little hath the humour of covetouſneſſe (with which the printed Articles charge him) prevailed, that there will be nothing found in his Accompts to be demanded for his Colonells pay; an Omiſſion of which he dares undertake to excuſe them that are moſt willing to accuſe him.

The Damages ſuſtained by Maſter Long (not pretended,24. but reall) mentioned in the four and twentieth Article (to be the inducement of that favour conferred upon him by the Chancery. Office) were under… conſiderations, and together with his four yeers impriſonment and ſufferance for his publick ſervice in former Parliaments, waighed by the wiſdome of that Houſe, and his capability to execute that place (uſually diſcharged by able Deputies, as now it is) determined by that judgement which he dares not, and thinks no men, or company of men, without thoſe Wals, ought to diſpute; and therefore to that quarrell (more againſt both houſes then himſelfe) he thinks himſelfe bound to give, and beleeves no wiſe honeſt Engliſh men will expect, or well receive any other anſwer. This onelyonly he ſaith, that neither the eminency nor profit of¶¶Some of thē in the ſam Court as M. Speker, and his Son, M… Smith & M. Love. the Office can ſurely be the cauſe, that it onelyonly of all the Offices and Benefits accepted from the Parliament, by other Members, ſhould be now ſubject to obſervation, and made a matter of charge.

In anſwer to the five & twentieth (and perhaps for the weight of it,25. the laſt Article in that printed paper) he ſaith, That if any man hath (which is not knowne to him) ſeriouſly or in ſcorne, uſed that ſ…urrilous phraſe of Parliament-Di…er towards p. 40him, by reaſon of his more then ordinary diligence, in perſwading and preſſing his Fellow-Members of the honourable Houſe of Commons (according to their truſt and duty) to remaine in that houſe or returne to it, when any thing hath been in debate, which in his apprehenſion and conſcience required their judgment, wiſdome and ſuffrage there; he is contented to owne the Fact, and leave the abuſe to the author: any unlawfull carriage in that particular without the houſe, he doth deny; his demeanour within thoſe Wals, in that or ought elſe, no man without them ought to queſtion or controll, or he to give accompt of. And for a cloſe, he ſaith, that theſe his Accuſers who have againſt reaſon and juſtice, driven ſo many Members out of the houſe at once, deſerve the name of ¶¶And Parliament-Riders.Parliament-Drivers, much more then he who defired onelyonly to continue Members within the houſe, according to his own and their Dutie.