The Lord marquess of Argyle's SPEECH TO A Grand Committee OF Both Houses of Parliament, The 25th of this instant JUNE, 1646. Together with some Papers of the Commissioners for the Kingdom of Scotland, Wherein they do give their consent to the sending of the Propositions of Peace to His Majesty, And desire their Armies to be supplied, and the Accounts between the Kingdoms to be perfected, To the end all ARMIES may be disbanded, &c. ALSO His majesty's Letter to the marquess of Ormond, discharging all further Treaty with the Irish Rebels. And a Letter from General Major Monro concerning the state of Affairs in IRELAND.  
Published by AUTHORITY.  
LONDON: Printed for Laurence Chapman. June 27. 1646.   

The Lord marquess of Argyle his Speech to a Grand Committee of both Houses, June 25. 1646.  
My Lords and Gentlemen,  
THough I have had the honour to be named by the Kingdom of Scotland in all the Commissions which had relation to this Kingdom since the beginning of this War; yet I had never the happiness to be with Your Lordships till now, wherein I reverence God's Providence; that he hath brought me hither at such an opportunity, when I may boldly say, it is in the power of the two Kingdoms, yea, I may say in Your lordship's power, to make us both happy, if You make good use of this occasion, by settling Religion, the Peace and Union of these Kingdoms. The work of Reformation in these Kingdoms is so great a work, as no Age nor History can parallel since Christ's days; for no one Nation had ever such a Reformation set forth unto them, much less three Kingdoms: So that this Generation may truly think themselves happy if they can be Instrumental in it. And as the work is very great, so it cannot be expected but it must have great and powerful Enemies, not only flesh and blood which hate to be Reformed but Principalities and Powers, the Rulers of the darkness of this world, and Spiritual wickednesses in high places. As the dangers are great, we must look the better to our duties; and the best way to perform these, is to keep us by the Rules which are to be found in our National Covenant, principally the Word of God; and in its own place, the Example of the best Reformed Churches. And in our way we must beware of some rocks, which are temptations both upon the right & left hand, so that we must hold the middle path. Upon the one part we would take heed not to settle lawless Liberty in Religion, whereby in stead of Uniformity, we should set up a thousand Heresies & Schisms, which is directly contrary and destructive to our Covenant. Upon the other part we are to look that we persecute not Piety & Peaceable men, who cannot through scruple of Conscience come up in all things to the common Rule: But that they may have such a forbearance as may be according to the Word of God, may consist with the Covenant, and not be destructive to the Rule itself, nor to the Peace of the Church and Kingdom; wherein I will insist no further, either to wrong Your lordship's patience or judgements, who, I doubt not, will be very careful to do every thing according to our Covenant.  
As to the other point, concerning the Peace and Union of the Kingdoms, I know it is that which all profess they desire; I hope it is that all do aim at: Sure I am, it is that which all men ought to study and endeavour. And I think it not amiss to remember Your Lordships of some former experiences as an Argument to move us to be wise for the future. If the Kingdom of England in the 1640. year of God then sitting in Parliament, had concurred as they were desired against the Kingdom of Scotland, No question we had been brought to many difficulties, which blessed be God, was by the Wisdom of the honourable Houses prevented. So likewise when this Kingdom was in difficulties, if the Kingdom of Scotland had not willingly, yea cheerfully sacrificed their Peace to concur with this Kingdom, Your Lordships all know what might have been the danger. Therefore let us hold fast that Union which is so happily established betwixt us; And let nothing make us again two, who are so many ways one; All of one Language in one Island, all under one King, one in Religion, yea one in Covenant, so that in effect we differ in nothing, but in the name (& so do Brethren) which I wish were also removed, that we might be altogether one, if the two Kingdoms shall think fit: For I dare say, not the greatest Kingdom in the Earth can prejudice both, so much as one of them may do the other.  
I will forbear at this time to speak of the many Jealousies I hear are suggested, for as I do not love them, so I delight not to mention them: Only one I cannot forbear to speak of, as if the Kingdom of Scotland were too much affected with the King's Interest. I will not deny but the Kingdom of Scotland, by reason of the reign of many Kings His Progenitors over them, hath a natural affection to His Majesty, whereby they wish he may be rather Reformed then Ruined: Yet experience may tell, that personal regard to Him hath never made them forget that common Rule, The Safety of the People is the Supreme Law: So likewise their love to Monarchy makes them very desirous that it may be rather regulated, then destroyed, which I hope I need not to mention further to Your Lordships, who I trust, are of the same mind.  
I know likewise there are many Jealousies and unjust Aspersions cast upon the Scotish Armies in England and Ireland: I can (if it were needful) presently produce heads of a Declaration intended by the Army in England for vindicating themselves from such Injuries, and showing the clearness of their Resolutions and Integrity, both in the Cause, and towards this Kingdom, wherein their undertakings and coming in at such a season of the year, their hard sufferings and constant endeavours since, may be sufficient testimonies. Therefore I am the more bold to desire Your Lordships, That so long as they stay in England (which I wish may be for a short time) they may be supplied with some moneys, and their quarters enlarged, lest their lying in too narrowquarters, make the burden in supportable to that exhausted corner of the country where they now remain, and so beget outcries against them, when they are not-enabled to discharge their quarters, as other Armies within the Kingdom.  
As for the Army in Ireland, I have been an eye witness to their sufferings, and so may speak of it likewise upon certain knowledge, that never men have suffered greater hardships, who might have been provided; for they have lived many times upon a few Beans measured out to them by number, and never had any other drink but water; And when they were in some better condition, they had but an Irish Peck of rough Oats for a whole week; And now at their best condition when they are quartered upon the country (which is able to entertain them only for a very short time) they have only an Irish Peck of oatmeal, or a shilling in the ten days both for meat and drink. Therefore, according to the many desires given in to the honourable Houses for that end, I humbly entreat that Your Lordships will take care to provide for them, so long as it is thought fit they remain in that Kingdom.  
For a renewed testimony of our earnest desires to comply with the honourable Houses for settling the Peace of these Kingdoms, so much longed for, We do return unto Your Lordships the Propositions of Peace (which we received on Tuesday last) with our consent thereunto, wishing they may be hasted to His Majesty, who hath so often called for them. And I likewise offer to Your Lordships the copy of His majesty's Letter to my L: Ormond, discharging him from any further meddling in any Treaty with the Rebels in Ireland, I hope in order to His Majesties further condescending to the settling of that Proposition concerning Ireland, and the rest of the Propositions now to be sent unto Him. Another Paper there is which concerns the supplying of the Scotish Armies in England and Ireland, and the perfecting of the accounts between the Kingdoms, together with a Letter from Gen: Major Monro, to the Committee of Estates of the Kingdom of Scotland, concerning the: state of affairs in Ireland. All which, when Your Lordships have considered, I trust ye will take such course therein, as may satisfy our just desires, may put an end to our present troubles, and settle these Kingdoms in a happy Peace.   

The Paper wherein the Commissioners for the Kingdom of Scotland consent to the Propositions of PEACE.  
IT is above a twelve month sithence we did earnestly press the sending of Propositions to the King for a safe and well grounded Peace. In answer whereunto, the honourable Houses were pleased to acquaint us, That they had resolved Propositions should be sent to His Majesty, but did intend to make some alterations, in the former Propositions, and after eight or nine months' deliberation we received from the honourable Houses some of those Propositions: And though we did find therein very material Additions, Alterations and Omissions, which for their great importance, and the interest of the Kingdom of Scotland therein, might very well have required the delay of an Answer until the Estates of that Kingdom had been consulted; yet so unwilling were we to retard the means of Peace, that in a fortnight's time we returned an Answer upon the whole Propositions; And the Houses of Parliament not resting satisfied therewith, in less than ten days we prepared a further Answer, wherein we did very much comply with the Desires of the honourable Houses, especially in the matter of the settling of the Militia of England & Ireland, and in other things did show our readiness to hear or propose such Expedients as might determine our Differences: So that in a whole years' time the Propositions have not remained in our hands the space of four weeks (which we only mention to clear our proceedings from mistakes & aspersions) And the Househaving now after two months further deliberation delivered unto us upon the 23. of this instant June, all the Propositions they intend to send to the King at this time; We do without any delay return such an Answer & Resolution thereupon, as will be to the present and future Generations one undeniable Testimony (besides many others) of the Integrity & faithfulness of the Kingdom of Scotland in their Solemn League and Covenant, of their love to Peace, and earnest desire to satisfy their Brethren of England, in those things which concern the good and Government of this Kingdom: Being further Resolved, touching the Kingdom of Scotland, That as nothing of single or sole concernment to that Nation did engage them in this War, so nothing of that nature shall continue the same. Although these Propositions now to be sent, do much differ from the Propositions formerly agreed upon by the Parliaments of both Kingdoms, and the most material Additions, Omissions and Alterations, are in such particulars as concern the joint Interest & mutual Confidence & Conjunction of both Kingdoms, which were, as we conceive, much better provided for, and strengthened by the former Propositions then by these; although the particular Propositions presented by us concerning the Kingdom of Scotland, are not yet agreed unto by the houses of Parliament, as was offered in their Paper of the 10. of April; although divers Propositions of joint concernment be now superseded, and the sending of them delayed to a more convenient time, as is expressed in the Votes of both Houses the 26. of March; and although (which is to us more than all the rest) those Ordinances of Parliament, unto which the fifth and sixth Propositions do relate (and were therefore composed unto us upon our desire to see what the Houses had already agreed upon concerning Religion) do not contain the establishment of such a Reformation of Religion, and Uniformity as was expected and was the chief end of our Engagement in this War. And as all these Ordinances put together come short of what we wished, so there are some particulars which we conceive to be inconsistent with the Word of God, and the Example of the best Reformed Churches, and therefore cannot in our consciences consent unto them; which particulars were expressed to both Houses in the Remonstrance of the Commissioners of the Church of Scotland, of the date March 26. 1646. Yet nevertheless, we do so earnestly desire, and so highly value the easing of the heavy pressures under which both Kingdoms groan, and the bringing of this bloody lasting War to a speedy and happy end; considering withal, that not only the Book of commonprayer, and the Prelatical Government are abolished, and a common Directory of Worship established in both Kingdoms, but that likewise the Ordinances aforementioned do contain divers parts of a positive Reformation & Uniformity in Church-Government, unto which we formerly gave our consent in our Answer upon the whole Propositions of Peace of the 20. of April, and for so happy beginnings, and so good a foundation laid for the future, we heartily thank God, and do acknowledge the Zeal, Piety, and Wisdom of the honourable Houses therein, remembering also, that these Ordinances do not contain the whole Model of Church-Government, and that the Houses have been pleased to express, [That it cannot be expected, that a perfect Rule in every particular should be settled all at once, but that there will be need of Supplements and Additions, and happily of Alterations in some things, as experience shall bring to light the necessity thereof.  
Upon these considerations, as we do cheerfully consent to many material parts of these propositions, so we resolve to make no let, but to give way to the sending of such other particulars therein contained, with which we are unsatisfied in the matter, for the reasons formerly represented to both Houses, of which some still stand in force; though others of them be taken away by the new expedients. It being always understood, that our not dissenting from, nor opposing of the sending of the propositions, as they now stand, shall be no prejudice nor impediment to all, or any one of the Articles of the solemn League and Covenant, especially to the first Articles, concerning the preservation of the reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland, in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government, against our common Enemies; the Reformation of Religion, in the Kingdom of England and Ireland, in doctrine, worship, discipline and government, according to the word of God, and example of the best reformed Churches, and the bringing of the Churches of God in the three Kingdoms to the nearest conjunction and uniformity in Religion, confession of Faith form of Church, government, directory for worship, and Catechising, which things both Kingdoms are by Covenant obliged sincerely and really to endeavour, and that not for a time, but constantly; so that neither of the Kingdoms can be loosed or acquitted from the most strict and solemn obligation of their continued and constant endeavouring these good ends, so far as any of them is not yet obtained: It being also understood, that our concurrence to the sending of the propositions, shall be without prejudice to any agreement or Treaty between the Kingdoms, and shall not infringe any engagement made to the Kingdom of Scotland, nor be any hind●rance to our insisting upon the other propositions already made known to the Houses: and it being understood that it is not our Judgement, that every particular and circumstance of these propositions is of so great importance to these kingdoms, as Peace and war should depend thereupon. Upon these grounds (which we make known only for clearing our consciences and for discharging ourselves in the trust, put upon us, without the least thought, of retarding the so much longed for Peace) we condescend and agree that the propositions as they are now resolved upon be in the name of both Kingdoms presented to the King, whose heart we beseech the Lord wholly to incline to the counsels of Truth and Peace.  
25. June, 1646. By the command of the Commissioners, for the Kingdom of Scotland. John Cheisley   

Another Paper, wherein the Commissioners for the kingdom of Scotland desire their Armies in England and Ireland to be supplied, the Accounts to be perfected, and all Armies disbanded, &c.  
HAving so often represented by Papers, and now by word to the Honourable Houses, the extreme necessities of our Armies in England and Ireland, We shall not trouble them with unnecessary repetition, but only mention those desires which require their very speedy consideration.  
1 We desire, that for easing the country of their great pressures, and preventing many dangerous inconveniences, the quarters of the Scottish Army in the North of this kingdom may be enlarged, and a considrable supply of money dispatched unto them.  
2 That money, Provisions, and ammunition may be sent to the Scottish army in Ireland, and the same care taken in providing for them as for other forces employed in that kingdom.  
3 That the 5000 arms long since promised, and in an Ordinance of both Houses of the 26 of August 1645, referred to the care of the Committee sitting at Haberdashers-hall, may be speedily provided; and that the honourable Houses will be pleased to grant power to that Committee, to contract and make payment as well as to treat for furnishing of these arms, by reason of which defect in the Ordinance, the sending of these arms hath been hitherto retarded.  
4 That to prevent the further invasion of the kingdom of Scotland by the Irish Rebels, ships may be presently sent to attend the coasts betwixt Scotland and Ireland, and the Commanders of these ships authorised with such instructions as are agreeable to the Treaties between the kingdoms.  
5 That the Honourable Houses will be pleased to send Commissioners to join with the Committee of Estates, residing with the Scottish Army, who may be witnesses as of their other proceedings, so of their earnest desires and real endeavours with the King, for giving speedy and full satisfaction to both Kingdoms. And it is also our earnest request, that these Commissioners may have power to Treat and agree with the Committee of Estates, concerning the stating of the accounts, and settling any differences that may arise thereupon. And further to Treat and agree upon Overtures, estimated Mediums, or expedients for the speedy settling therereof (which we are confident may be done in a very few days) and either finally to conclude them, or represent them to both Houses; whereby withal possible expedition upon the settling of the Propositions and accounts, such course may be taken as all arms may be disbanded, the Kingdoms eased of their heavy pressures and insupportable burdens, that so all things being settled in a brotherly way, we and our posterity may after so unhappy and troublesome a War, enjoy a quiet and blessed Peace.  
25. June, 1646. By Command of the Commissioners, for the Kingdom of Scotland. John Cheisly.   

His majesty's Letter to the marquess of Ormond.  
CHARLES R.  
RIght trusty, &c. Having long with much grief looked upon the sad condition our kingdom of Ireland hath been in these divers years through the wicked and desperate Rebellion there, and the bloody effects have ensued thereupon; for the settling whereof we would have wholly applied ourselves, if the difference betwixt Us and Our Subjects here had not diver●●d and withdrawn Us; and not having been able by force (for that respect) to reduce them, we were necessitated for the present safety of Our Protestant Subjects there, to give you power and authority to treat with them, upon such pious, honourable, and safe grounds as the good of that Our kingdom did then require. But for many reasons too long for a Letter, We think fit to require you to proceed no further in Treaty with the Rebels, nor to engage us upon any conditions with them after sight hereof. And having formerly found such real proofs of your ready obedience to our commands, We doubt not of your care in this, wherein Our service and the good of Our Protestant Subjects in Ireland, is so much concerned:  
From Newcastle the 11 of June 1646.   

Right honourable,  
IT being my duty to represent unto your honours the condition of affairs here touching our Army, and these of the British Army, who were engaged with us in the service being extraordinarily scarce of provisions, and hearing from all parts that the Irish had no considerable Army on foot, for preservation of our quarters it was resolved by joint advice to make to the fields with a month's provision, for to purchase victuals or cattle from the enemy; So that we entered our march the second of June being effective under arms 3400 fooot, and eleven troops of horse with six fielding pieces, And colonel Monro was to join with us at Glashloch with three troops of horse, and 240 Musqueriers, Auchinbreck being left at home for defence of the quarters; the Marquis Regiment being landed from Scotland two days before, could not be gotten in readiness to join with us. It was also condescended on by the English Commissioners and me, that the Laggan forces should march unto Connaght immedately to keep the enemy busied there, who were ordained to keep correspondency with us on all occasions; having parted with our Commissioners the second night of our march near Drummore. The fourth in the morning, I commanded forth a party of horse being 72, commanded horsemen led by the Lieutenant of my troop Daniel Monro, who had direction to cross the blackwater at Benburg to scour the fields, and to certify colonel Monro of my Rendezvouz place at Glasloch June the 5. whereby the way at Armagh the party unexpectedly foregathered with the enemies fore troop, and took a prisoner of theirs, who gave intelligence that the enemy's Army were marching that morning from Glasloch to quarter at Benburg andCharlemount, which intercepted my party from going to colonel Monro, the prisoner being sent to meet me, after examination certified us the enemy's Army were effective above 5000 foot, and twelve troops of horse provided with a fortnight's victuals. Being thus informed I presently broke up our night leaguer and marched six miles further to Hamiltons hand four miles from Armagh, and sent for our party to retire upon the Army, being impossible for them to get through to colonel Monro. Friday the fifth by four of the clock in the morning I marched to Armagh in view of the Enemy, thinking the nearer our Army was to theirs, to hinder them from sending any strength to fall upon colonel Monro, his way lying directly towards the enemy's quarters. And having viewed the enemy's Army in a posture to defend the passage at Benburg, which being hard for us to force the passage, by reason of the straightness of the pass, the enemy being master of the Bridge and of the Ford, very advantageous for him; presently I convened the Officers of the Army to consult what was best for us to undertake, whereby joint advice it was resolved to march with the Army in the enemies view to Kinnard to cross the Water there, And so to draw the enemy from his advantage, and from colonel Monro his party being but weak, which being effectuated we were betwixt the enemy and his victuals, having gained the pass at Kinnard without dispute and had he enemy betwixt us and our party, and our baggage secured in our rear; All our Army foot and horse did earnestly cover fighting, which was impossible for me to gainstand without being reproached of Cowardice; And therefore having provided ourselves for battle, And that orderly, with resolution, we advanced towards the enemy about six a Clock at night, and beat in their commanded men and fore troops to their Army, where they stood ready in battle to receive us. Lieutenant colonel Cuningham, with 500 commanded men cleared the passage for our horsemen to advance who were commanded then in absence of colonel Moure by the Lord Viscount of Ardes; The Army followed up after the fielding pieces, and drew up in battle forth against the enemy, who had possessed themselves with the advantageous ground, where their foot were covered with scrogs and Bushes; the service begun hot on both sides continued from six a clock at night till after sun set. The enemy could not get charged on our left or right Wing having the blackwater on the right hand and a marish bog on the left wing, and we being drawn up in the plain, having our pieces before us and our horsemen behind our reserve, and it being impossible for the enemy to charge us but in our van, our horsemen could receive them marching up, and charging through the intervals, betwixt the brigades of foot, About sun set I perceived the enemy making ready for a general assault, first with his foot and his horse coming up behind his foot to second them, I had given order to a squadron of our horse to break through them before they should advance to our foot, that squadron of horse consisting for the most part of Irish riders, although under the English command, did not charge but retreated disorderly through our foot, making the enemy's horse for to follow them at least one squadron, notwithstanding thereof our foot stood to it, and received the enemy's batalions body to body with push of pike, till at last our second squadron of horse charged: the enemy's horse and fell pell mell amongst our foot, who being carried in disorder, had no way of retreat but to wade the Blackwater where it was scarce fordable, and by that means and the darkness of the night many of our foot escaped with the loss of some few Officers, six field pieces, and some colours, so that by all appearance the Irish under the Lesnegarvey horsemen had a purpose to betray the Army by their running away; leaving the foot to be cut down, who were also deserted by the rest of the horse after retiring from their last charge, the enemy falling on our baggage, the baggage horses being all gone, the enemy loved the spoil better than to prosecute the victory. So that we lost off the foot at the nearest conjecture five or six hundred, and twenty Officers were taken prisoners the Lord of Ardes being one, we lost also many arms by reason the soldiers had above 50 miles to retire. And notwithstanding of all our losses, the enemy as yet (praised be God) hath not attempted to prosecute his victory within our quarters, and Col. Monro with his party miraculously retreated home from the enemy who viewed them, without the loss of a man. And now we are making up out forces again, having not lost of our horsemen above thirty, and one Cornet who was killed; we are both scarce of arms and victuals, and for aught I can understand, the Lord of Hosts had a controversy with us to rub shame on our faces, as on other armies, till once we shall be humbled; for a greater confidence did I never see in any Army than was amongst us, and we behoved to taste of bitterness as well as others of both nations; but praised be God being now humbled before God, we increase in courage and resolution so according to your interest in us and in the poor inhabitants in this Province, use some speedy means to supply us. Thus recommending your Lordships and all your weighty affairs to the protection of the almighty, I humbly take my leave.  
Cariek-fergus the 11th of June. ROBERT MONRO.  
About the same time a party of our countrymen in Connaght encountered with a commanded party of Prestons' Army, where the enemy lost five hundred men, besides twenty Officers that were taken prisoners, whereof general Major Taaff was the special, with whom and such others as I have prisoners of theirs, we intend to relieve the Lord Ardes and other of our friends.  
FINIS.