THE King's answer TO the Propositions for Peace, as was pretended in the club-mens' petition to his majesty. With the copy of a Letter from Sir LEWIS DIVES, and another from colonel Butler governor of Wareham sent to them, and read in their Quatrers. Also a copy of Articles and Directions, and divers other passages of their proceedings and intentions, and a List of their chief Leaders names, and which of them are taken, and who not. With other papers brought by our Scouts from the Army. Commanded to be printed, and is published according to Order. royal blazon or coat of arms Imprinted at London by R. A. and I. C. 1645. CAROLUS REX: HIs majesty being himself so deeply afflicted with the miseries and calamities brought upon all his poor subjects in general by this unnatural war, doth not at all wonder, that the grievous and more particular sufferings of the Inhabitants of the county of Dorset should urge them to seek ease and relief, though by ways less regular; and being entirely persuaded, that their intentions in their late assembly, and in their present address to his majesty, are full of duty and loyalty to his person and government, is so far from reprehending them, that he is very glad to find so many of his loyal subjects united in a joint and hearty sense of the public. And that by this particular application of themselves to his majesty, they have afforded him the means to inform them more particularly of the Justice of his cause, and his sincere and constant desires and endeavours for peace, than appears by their professed neutrality they have hitherto been: which that he might the better do, and that there may thereby be wrought a perfect union and conjunction between his majesty, and those who profess to be so sincerely affected with the same pious desires of the public good, his majesty will very speedily send unto the Petitionees, or unto such as they shall depute within the said county, persons fully instructed in the course of all his majesty's former proceedings, and of his present resolutions. And in the mean time, as an instance of his gracious intentions towards the Petitioners, he is pleased to give these particular answers to their several desires. To the first, that whensoever propositions of peace shall be made unto his majesty by those at Westminster, his ears shall be always open unto them and not only ready to receive them, but even to seek and solicit for them, when ever he can probably judge that they will not reject his overture, whereof the Petitioners need make no doubt, his majesty having neglected no occasion to invite them to a treaty of peace, the blessing thereof was never more to be implored of almighty God, nor to be more industriously endeavoured by all good men, than at this time, when without it (as the Petitioners well observe) this kingdom is likely to be made the prey of a foreign Nation, the Scots being at this present advanced with an Army so far into the heart of the kingdom, as already even to threaten the Western parts. And his majesty doth further promise in the word of a King, that if a treaty may be procured, he will seek no other conditions of peace, than those mentioned by the Petitioners, viz The glory of God, in the maintenance of the true Reformed Protestant Religion, the just and inseparable right of the crown, the just power and privileges of Parliament, and the lawful rights and liberties of the Subject, and all these under none of these ambiguous terms whereby the contaarie party have deluded and misled so many of his good Subjects, pretending they fight for the same, making the known laws of the Land (which cannot deceive) the measure of each particular. To the second his majesty doth promise, that if a treaty may be procured, he will earnestly desire a cessation of arms, as he did in the last at Uxbridge, though to his great grief not consented unto by the other party, to the end that a treaty tending to peace may not proceed blood: And his majesty's desire is, that the book of the said treaty at Uxbridge to be read to the Petitioners for their satisfaction in this point, and manifestation of his desire of peace. To the third, that in case for the sins of the Nation, the obstinacy of the other party cannot be overcome; but that his majesty and his People must yet be further scourged by God's afflicting hand of war, that his majesty is so deeply sensible of his Supplicants, and all his other good Subjects sufferings, by contributions, taxes, free quarter and plunder, that whatsoever can be done on his majesty's part in the three first, by all the moderation that can possibly be used, unto the latter by the severest justice shall be carefully and effectually endeavoured: As for the point of trusting in the Petitioners hands such of his Forts and Garrisons as shall be thought necessary to be continued, his majesty makes no doubt, but if peace may not be procured, it shall so evidently appear unto the Petitioners, who have been the authors, and are the Contrivers of their miseries, that they will prove the heartiest Champions of their Kings, their own, and God's cause; and consequently, be as fit persons as any his majesty can choose, with what near best concerns his safety, and their protection: but for this particular, as after for the future maintaining of the said Garrisons, his majesty will by those whom he shall employ unto the Petitioners, advise with them of the time, and manner how his service may be done, must be their satisfaction. To the last, that a chief calamity of war, is the silencing of the laws, and if it were possible to uphold their due and currant execution, the Sword could no longer: but as far forth as it is possible, that military affairs can be governed by legal inflictions on offenders, his majesty is very desirous to give the Petitioners all imaginable satisfaction; but being a matter of such intricacy, the particular ways and method of it must be ripened by further debate. As for the point of leave for His Majesties misled Subjects, to lay down arms, and to return to their habitations, there to live unquestioned and unmolested, it is that whereunto his majesty hath already many times given more than a permission, that is a special invitation by several gracious Proclamations, which for the Petitioners satisfaction, he shall very willingly renew; as for the other part which concerns those at present engaged in His majesty's service, and those under restraint, His majesty is too confident of the Petitioners affection to him and his kingdom's safety, to believe while his enemies are so strong, and daily forcing every man to take up arms against him, and whilst a foreign Nation is in the bowels of this kingdom ready to devour it, that they would wish him one man less in his Army, or one man more at liberty to join with them; as for all such persons as are absent from their home, and not engaged, in His majesty's service, it shall be very accountable to His majesty, that they return to their homes to tend the service and quiet of their country, according to the Petitioners desires, and for all Acts of Parliament, and laws unrepealed, in what concerns the civil Government in particular, for assizes, Sessions, and the like, the Petitioners undertaken the protection of His majesty's Ministers of Justice, His majesty will i●●ue his Commands unto them all respectively, to perform their constant duties to the established laws. At the Court at Ragland Castle the 8th day of July, 1645. By His majesty's special direction and Command. George Digby. The Declaration concerning the Petition of the Club-men, and the Kings answer thereunto. Whereas His majesty seems to be deeply afflicted with the miserable calamities of his people, and knows how to remedy it; What is the sum of that expression? An unnatural war it is indeed, but fair words will not hide an ill cause; Are not these ways irregular, when Jesuits, Popish Priests, Papists, and out-lawd persons are protected from justice? all good men are very sensible of the public calamity herein. 1. You may take notice that in this Answer, there is no notice taken of the Lords and Commons at Westminster, to be a Parliament, though the King by Letters sent by Rupert to them gives them that appellation. 2. For these things seemingly vowed to be sought for, how unlike is it, to what is indeed laboured for? Is God's glory sought, in throwing down the kingdom of Jesus Christ? and making war against his Members? Is the true Protestant Religion sought? by advancing Papists, Jesuits, and Popish Priests? and we hope none will deny but that if the crown of any Prince, shall stand in opposition to the Crown and Power of Jesus Christ, we are to follow the lamb wheresoever he goes, though persecuted; where is the privileges of Parliament if not so much as acknowledged, but hunted after, reviled, and with force of arms withstood? and Delinquents, Jesuits, and breakers of the Laws protected from their power, and where is the Liberties of the Subject, if tyrannised over, persecuted and plundered, as daily they are under the King's Forces? 3. Which party have misled his majesty's Subjects, may easily appear with the well-affected in all parts of England, and Scotland, Ireland are very sensible of, notwithstanding any pretences of the Papists and their juggling party whatsoever. There is much difference ●etween one party of the Club-men, and another; but the first grounds of raising them is from a jesuitical plot of the enemy, under a pretence of petitioning for peace (which all men desire) to be raised in a violent way to rise as one man against the Parliament, the great ones amongst them that carried on the business, let not the people know what their design was; who intended before Taunton was relieved, to have risen on the Rear of our Army, (but blessed be God) they were hindered; and now at last they had order from the King, to lie still till Sir Thomas Fairfax was marched to Exeter, and then to rise, Rnpert being promised to come with some thousands of horse from Banbury to join with them to raise the siege at Sherborn, and relieve those parts; and then to fall in Sir Th. Fairfaxe's Rear. For this purpose divers of them sat in council in Shaftsbury, who were taken and brought prisoners to Sherborne. A List of the Countrey-Gentlemen called the Leaders of the Club-men for Wilts, Dorset, and Somerset, brought Prisoners to Sherborne on the Lord's day August 3. 1645. taken at Shaftsbury, Mr. Hollis a younger brother out of means, who is one of the Commanders in chief, a kind of general unto them. Mr. Joliffe of Blackmore another younger brother, who is lieutenant-general to them, a notable great stlckler for them. Mr. Young, Advocate to them, whose habitation was at Manson in Blackmore, and was of old a Star-Chamber Clerk. Captain John Carew, the great Grand Jury man that lived at Everith. Captain Edward Davis of Lamhead. Capt. Thomas Bennet of Pithouse. Capt. William Blunt, a notable Cavalier. Capt. Richard Craddock, the malignant Merchant of Blanford. John Saintlo, a Gentleman of Wilt-shire, a notable Agent for the King. Richard Burbidge, son to Burbidge the attorney in Sturminster. William Smith, sometimes under-sheriff for Wilt-shire. Thomas Jervis, the same that was wont to go up and down to sell cloth from place to place. John Lovell of Sommersetshire, a notable stickler against godly men. John Eastwood of Dunhead in Wilt-shire. Francis Craddock of Blackmore. John Pope of Marnhill, a man of a very good estate, but a notable Malignant. Thomas Rose of Chisgrave, a man also of a fair estate, but malignant. John Bennet, brother to captain Bennet of Pithouse. Nicholas Bingham of Hensridge; it is pity any of that family are Malignants. Francis Abbot, son to Jeremy Abbot of Horsington. Robert Hollis of Dorsetshire. William Filloll, a Gentleman of a good estate, that lived in marvel, but avery violent Malignant. Charles Studley of Langhton by Blanford. John May of Melbury, a notable Rogue. John Phill of Lidlinch a grazier, who rise in hope to recruit his grounds by plunder. Laurence Hide a malignant Priest, Mr. Hides son of Hatch. Sarnuel Forman, the Curate of Gillingham. William Laning, a young malignant Priest that lived at Cerne. Mr. Rock, a desperate malignant Person, that was borne at Buttle, and chaplain to Banfield at Chafield. Mr. Willams a malignant Priest. Mr. Henry Hayward, Henry Gouge, John Every, Edward Boone, Thomas Roes, Robert Squier, Thomas marvel, Richard Alborne, Charles Simms, Robert Sapist, Thomas Brooke, John King, Edmond Clerke, Martin Marble, Thomas Bunce, William Sanders, John Corbet, Robert Fry, William Ford, Matthew Martin, and Henry Goodwin. All which are notoriously known to be dangerous Malignants, besides divers others which were taken next day by lieutenant-general Cromwell, in an old Roman Work on Hambleton-Hill, where he routed 2500. of them that were gathered in a Body, and killed some 12. and took almost 300. prisoners, and almost all their arms and Colours, the rest fled home. Besides these, there is remaining still amongst the Clum-men divers great Malignants. Capt. George Moor of Winborn. Capt. William Whiteing of Spetsbury. Capt. Henry Burley of Beer Regis. George Sexton of Beer Regis, a man of a great estate but a desperate rogue and violent against the Parliament and good men. Robert Arnall of Cheslebourn another desperate Agent. Raughly Radford of devilish, and more devilish Malignant. The great ones that were the ringleaders that are taken, are to be brought up to London, and may be made examples. But there are many silly people have been misled by them, that will now (it is hoped) be laid, and in divers parts the Club-men are firm for the Porliament, and laugh at the folly of the rest. Now for further satisfaction, here followeth the copy of two Letters, one finn Sir Lewis Dives of the King party, and the other from colonel Butler the governor of Warcham, of the Parliaments party, both to the Club-men. A copy of Sir Lewis Dives Letters to the Club men. Gentlemen and Friends, THat I have not hitherto required any accounts of former Assemblies; the reason is, because I deemed your professed desires and resolutions tending to the preservation of the true reformed Protestant Religion established by law, and of yourselves from Plunder, and such like unlawful violence; no way derogatory to His majesty's service, wherein I am throughout this county entrusted: but rather such as the same trust bi●●des me, and you shall ever find me most ready to assist you in. But perceiving of late a backwardness in some of your parts of the county, and a denial from others in the payments of Contribution after the late moderate proportion; which in consideration of the present poverty of the country hath been by me required of them; and by withholding whereof, His majesty's service must necessarily fail, it being the only means His majesty hath left him to supply his Forces here, and by the Gentlemen and Freeholders agreed and promised to be paid unto him, and never promised or agreed to be paid to those that are in rebel on against him, His majesty's one Revenues, customs and Rents being for the most part seized, and against all the rules of Law taken and disposed of by the rebels, for payment of those that serve them in this unnatural war. I am therefore forced to put you to the question, whether it be your general resolution over and above your published resolutions to deny His majesty these necessary supplies, to the end I may consider what course to steer; and withal, out of my care of your safety and preservation, which may otherways be endangered, to admonish you that you be not seduced to must or rely on those who have brought this Even and destruction on you; remember by what degrees they have effected it, how they first Fortified several towns in this County, then disarmed you; then sent out Tickets and Papers, requiring upon pain of Plundering great sums of money, to the full yearly value of your Estates, from all Gentlemen, Freeholders, and Yeomen of any ability, and forced the payment thereof by Imprisonment of their persons, and Plundering of their goods, they not only required, but where they have power, have enforced the twentieth part of your Estates, and the 5th part of your yearly Revenue, besides the Contribution, and yet not contented herewith; have fired the houses of divers Gentlemen of this county, where no garrison or force did oppose them▪ Remember how they have banished your Orthodox, and loyal clergy; consider how they have Plundered almost all men of quality in this county, from some 2000 sheap at a time, from others more, from others 1500, from some 1000, 40 for Oxen from another, to the undoing of many, both Gentlemen and Farmours; the particulars whereof are so infinite and many, and the parties who have suffered these losses so well known to yourselves, that I forbear to make any farther mention thereof. Also that after all these sufferings, how they set an Excise upon your Bread and Meat you eat, in all places where they have power; and which is worst of all, they have abused our Churches by making flables thereof, and by robbing and defacing the same, and now abolished the commonprayer and liturgy of the Church so long publicly used amongst us, and confirmed by Law; and instead thereof, have introduced so many religions as men shall fancy of themselves. Remember how we and our ancestors have happy lived under the government of many godly and pious kings and Queens, and see where we have not suffered more in 3 years under them. And lastly, think upon it seriously, whither ever you can or probably may expect such happy days again, if you join not with the King and His Forces, to advance His Throne and regal dignity, who hath so often sought and desired your peace and safety, I remain Tyranny of these men who now usurp regal authority unto themselves, then one 200 years before, under the Government of those Religious Kings and Queens. Gent. your very affectionate friend jews Dives. In answer to this Letter, there shall need to be said no more, only to refer the Reader to Colonel Butler's Letter following, which is the true copy of that which he sent to the Club-men. Gentlemen and Neighbours, YOu have had many meetings, but few salutations from me, not that I love you less than other governors: but that I knew not how to shape a discourse to you, till I saw which way you did incline. I have seen some of your Articles, and find you pretend chiefly to stand up in your own defence, and the preservation of that little which is left to maintain and preserve you and yours. If that only be your intent, I know not how, or why it should be withstood by any one that loves his country; but than I would wish you would manifest it, by your yielding no assistance to the adverse party, and we will endeavour to require none from you; otherwise we must look on you as not what you profess your own friend only, but our professed enemy. Put us in a way by your assistance to get the King's party to quit their holds, and we I assure you, will speedily relinquish our land Garrisons. If your intentions are according to your expressions, than I desire you would manifest it; First, by your prohibiting Papists, and such as are notorious enemies to the Parliament. Secondly, by warily declining the counsel and the wily practices of some eminent men now in arms against us, who plot and contrive to abuse and seduce your honest and innocent intentions. Thirdly, we entreat you likewise not to suffer scandalous nor drunken ministers to have any great power with you, nor influence upon you, because we know such are our professed enemies; for they know the Parliament intends to call them to a stric●● account. Fourthly, we shall desire that you may give us no 〈◊〉 cause of exception, that no man that is known to have been our enemies, may be neither a clerk or Reader, or any other kind of officer among you. Fiftly, that our Letters be read, and our messengers safely returned as well as any others. Sixthly, that our soldiers and Troopers may have free egress and regress amongst you, that if they behave themselves amiss, and fall into your hands, you would acquaint us with their offences that we might punish them. These things if you will perform, we shall wish you well, and that you may be prosperous to the end you pretend to undertake it for▪ otherwise whatsoever your pretences are, we know that you are abused by those that are our enemies, and that would make you so too; and we desire to know, how can you be Parliaments enemies? Is it because they endeavour with the hazard of their lives to preserve your Liberties▪ when the tyranny and oppression of the Court was at highest: or is it because they Vow and Covenant to extirpate Popery, Schism 〈…〉 Errors, and Superstition. Why will you plead for Baal, will you●o to keep up that which God hath promised, and he will have down; or is it because you fear we will take away the King's crown and dignity. Look upon the Parliaments Declarations to the contrary, sent to all Princes and States. Look upon our solemn Vow and Covenant to the contrary, and do not think us a people greedy of perjury, and of hatred and infamy from all posterity; or is it because we endeavour for Reformation in Church and State. I desire you to consider, whether it be not 〈…〉 e to endeavour to be better, when God is punishing us because we are so bad. Whether the Reformation aimed at, will not make us walk more pleasing before God, and make us more conformable to all other reformed Protestant Churches, who have long looked and prayed for such a Reformation amongst us; whither this be not to thwart and oppose what God will have brought to pass. If you cannot apprehend the great necessities of it, yet I advise you at least to stand still, and not to lift up your hand against it; for if it be of God, it will stand, if it be not of him, it will fall of itself to the ground. Take heed then good Neighbours and fellow Protestants, of joining and associating your 〈◊〉 with bloody Papists and Irish rebels, lest you partake of their 〈…〉 ments, for God will shortly bring them to an account of all the innocent blood shed here and in Ireland. Take heed of setting yourselves against them, that earnestly pray and endeavour for the true good of your souls, bodies, and estates; and the Lord give you a right understauding in all things, and guide you into those ways and counsels which will most conduce to his glory, and your true good. Pardon me for being so tedious, I have not troubled you often, I should be glad to hear from you what your resolutions are, and shall rest Warham June 30. 1645. Your truly well-wishing friend and Neighbour Robert Butler. 4. For His majesty's promise of a Cessation of arms, and nomination of a Treaty, the late printed Letters between the King and Queen, it is hoped have given full satisfaction to every rational man; and yet (such is the Parliaments desire of Peace, if it may be, that) the Lords and Commons have both agreed to send Propositions to the King for Peace, and that without any Treaty; but forthwith by Bill to require a positive answer: to which if it shall please His Majesty to give his royal Assent, an end will be of the Wars, and the kingdom settled in peace, and he received with joy, and honoured with the love and loyalty of all his Subjects. 5. The reading of the malignant book printed at Oxford about the Treaty, hath giv●n little satisfaction to reasonable men, who will without doubt be fully satisfied in the Declartion, which the Parliament are putting out concerning the same. 6. What faithful Protestant can be so blinded, as not to understand, and in his conscience confess, that the sins of the King's Army are exceeding great, both in drinking, swearying, whoring, robbing, plundering, killing, and idolatry, and all manner of wickedness and barbarous cruelties daily exercised in all parts where they come. And what redress is here promised for the relief of His majesty's Subjects herein. To the third, you may see the answer is, that Taxes and freequarter shall be done with moderation, and severe justice is promised for plunder; but should that be fulfilled, the King would soon hang up all his soldiers. 7. For the trusting of any to keep the Garrisons for the King, it is notoriously known, that the Queen must approve of them, and none but Papists must be entrusted there with; is it not so in all parts of the King's quarters. 8. For the want of justice, the kingdom is very sensible, that that very thing hath been a great cause of these Wars; which Papists, Jesuits, and Delinquents were the fomenters of, to be a Protection for them from the power of the Parliament. Now because the very Club-men themselves are sufficiently sensible how they have suffered under the King's forces, therefore they have framed directions for the security of their estates, the Copies whereof follow. The desires and Resolutions of the Inhabitants of Dorset. WE the miserable inhabitants of the said county, being too too deeply touched with the apprehension and sense of our past and present sufferings (occasioned only by these civil and unnatural wars within this kingdom.) and finding by sad experience, that by means thereof the true worship of almighty God and our religion are almost forgotten, and that our ancient laws and liberties, are altogether swallowed up in the arbitrary power of the sword; and foreseeing that famine and utter Desolation will immediately fall upon us, our wives and children, (Unless God of his in finit mercy shall look upon our true humiliation be graciously pleased, speedily to put a period to these sad distractions, are unanimously resolved to join in Petitioning His majesty and the two Houses of Parliament for a happy peace and accommodatin of the present differences, without future effusion of Christian blood; without which accommodation we cannot expect the enjoyment either of our Religion, Liberties, or proprieties: mean while, that we whose names are under written, Resolve, and do here Declare. 1. To defend and maintain with our lives and fortunes the true reformed Protestant Religion. 2. To join with and assist one another in the mutual defence of our laws, liberties, and properties, against all plunderers, & all other unlawful violence whatsoever. 3. We do faithfully promise each to other, that the damage or loss which in the execution hereof shall happen to any one, be accounted as the loss of the generality, and that reparation be made to such party or parties by the whole County; and in case of loss of life, provision be made for his wife and children, by the County. 4. To declare all such unworthy of the general assistance, as shall refuse, or delay to join with us in the prosecution of these our just intentions. Some directions for present behaviour made and agreed on at a meeting of the Inhabitants of the Counties of Dorset and Wilts, at Gorhead corner, the 28th of May, 1645. Whereas by the Articles of our Association, we challenge unto ourselves no other freedom for the present from the burden of the wars, then to preserve ourselves from plder, and all other unlawful violence. It is therefore advised by the generality, that until such time as we receive answer to our petitions from his majesty and the two Houses of parliament. 1. Every town, Tything-parish, great Hamlet, make present choice of three or more or the ablest men for wisdom, Valour, and estate, Inhabitants in the same, unto whom at all times they may repair for assistance and direction. 2. That the Constable, Tything-man, or other officer of the Tawne, Tything-parish, or liberty, in pursuance of the Statute in that case provided, set a constant watch of two at the least every night, and they well Armed, and if need so require, by day also; and the number of the watchmen to be increased, according to the discreation of the said chosen able men, and the said officers. 3. That the watchmen be charged not to stop, 〈◊〉, or examine any soldier on his march, nor any other passenger that passeth peaceably; but if they be friendly spoken unto by the passenger, to return a friendly answer, to encourage him in his peaceable behaviour. 4. That the watchmen keep walking in their precincts, in as much secrecy as conveniently they may, in avoid a hidden surprisal; and as soon as they or either of them descry any Vlolence to any person, house, or goods, if they are not of sufficient strength themselves to suppress or stop the said Violence; then one of them presently repairing unto one or more of the said chosen able men, by his or their advice, to raise the parish, tithing town, or Hamlet into arms, to assist the distressed, and the other watchman withal speed to repair to the next neighbouring watch, or watches, if need so requires; and there in like manner raising the men into armos, to bring presently with him to relieve the distressed half of the men there armed, the other half to remain ready armed in their own precincts to protect the same, and to apprehend the plunderers in their Retreat. 5. That all such as pretend themselves to be soldiers, and are taken plundering, or doing any other unlawful Violence, be presently disarmed, and after examination, having confessed unto which Army they do belong, to be safely Guarded, together, with sufficient witness to prove the offence; from tithing tithing, until they be brought to the next Garrison belonging unto the said Army, and there to be delivered unto the commander in chief, with tender of the witnesses to prove the crime; but in case they say they belong to an Army that doth quarter near the place where the offence was committed, then in like manner to convey them to the commander in chief of the said Army. 6. That they avoid false alarms, no men rise into Arms but such as are so nominated by the watchmen, unless they see apparent Violence; or in case the watch be defective or surprised, they be called by a very probable out cry. 7. That all men furnish themselves with as much, and good arms, Weapons, and Ammunition as they can procure; and the Rich out of a good conscience to relieve the poor herein, as also in their labours of watching and other assistance in some proportionable measure. 8. That the contribution money, and all provision and necessary maintenance for the Armies, if it be demanded by a lawful warrant directed to the Officer of the place; be not denied, but every man as he is able in some reasonable proportion forthwith to contribute; and for those that are truly unable, certificate of their inability to be made by the said officer, with the advice of the said chosen able men of the place, unto their commander in chief, from whom the warrant issued, with petition for respite and mitigation of the proportion by the said warrant required, until they shall be better enabled. 9 If quarter be demanded according to order martial, the soldier to be friendly entertained, behaving himself fairly in his quarters; but if they plunder or offer any other violence, then to be restrained and delivered up unto his commander in chief to be by him corrected. If any inconvenience shall be found to ensue on the observation of these directions, it is desired to be made known at the next general meeting that it may be amended. FINIS.