A DECLARATION BY THE King's majesty Concerning His majesty's going away from Hampton-Court: written by His own hand, and left upon the Table in His majesty's bedchamber. Dated at Hampton-Court, Novem. 11. 1647. Presented to the Parliament, by the Lord Montague, and read in both Houses of Parl: Friday Nov. 12. 1647. WITH His majesty's Propositions for satisfying of the Presbyterians and Independents, the Army, and all his majesty's Subjects of England and Scotland. FOr the Speaker of the Lords pro tempore, to be communicated to the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of England, at Westminster, & the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland, and to all my other Subjects of what degree or calling whatsoever. Charles REX. CR Dieu ET MON DROIT HONI SOIT x MAL Y PENSE royal blazon or coat of arms London, Printed by Robert Ibbitson in Smithfield, 1647. A DECLARATION BY THE King's majesty. Concerning His going away from Hampton Court. Hampton Court the 11 of Novemb. 1647. LIberty being that which in all times hath been, but especially now, is the common theme, and desire of all men. Common reason shows that Kings less than any should endure captivity, and yet I call God and the world to witness, with what patience I have endured a tedious restraint, which so long as I had any hopes that this sort of my sufferings might conduce to the Peace of my kingdom, or the hindering of more effusion of blood; I did willingly undergo: But now finding by too certain proofs, that this my continued patience would not only turn to my personal ruin, but likewise be of much more prejudice than furtherance to the public good: I thought I was bound, as well by natural as political obligations to seek my safety; by retiring myself for some time from the public view, both of my friends and enemies. And I appeal to all indifferent men, to judge if I have not just cause to free myself from the hands of those who change their principles with their condition; and who are not ashamed openly to intend the destruction of the Nobility, by taking away their negative voice, and with whom the levellers doctrine is rather countenanced then punished. And as for their intentions to my person, their changing and putting more strict guards upon me, with the dischaging most of all those servants of mine, who formerly they willingly admitted to wait upon me, doth sufficiently declare: Nor would I have this my retirement misinterpreted, for I shall earnestly and incessantly endeavour the settling of a safe and well-grounded peace, where ever I am, or shall be; And that (as much as may be) without the effusion of more Christian blood, for which how many times have I desired, pressed to be heard, and yet no ear given to me. And can any reasonable men think that (according to the ordinary course of affairs) there can be a settled peace without it; or that God will bless those who refuse to hear their own King, surely not? Nay I must further add, That (besides what concerns myself) unless all other chief interests have not only an hearing, but likewise just satisfaction given unto them, (to wit the Presbyterians, Independents, Army, those who have adhered to me, even the Scots) I say there cannot (I speak not of miracles, it being of my opinion, a sinful presumption, in such cases to expect or trust to them) be a safe or lasting peace Now as I cannot deny but that my personal security is the urgent cause of this my retirement, so I take God to witness that the public peace is no less before mine eyes; And I can find no better way to express this my profession (I know not what a wiser man may do) then by desiring and urging, that all chief interests may be heard, to the end each may have just satisfaction, As for example; The Army: for the rest (though necessary yet I suppose are not difficult to content) ought (in my judgement) to enjoy the liberty of their Consciences have an Act of Oblivion, or indemnity (which should extend to all the rest of my Subjects) And that all their arrears should be speedily and duly paid, which I will undertake to do, so I may be heard, And that I be not hindered from using such lawful and honest means, as I shall choose. To conclude, let me be heard with freedom, honour, and safety, and I shall (instantly) break through this cloud of retirement, and show myself really to be Pater Patriae. CHARLES REX. For the Speaker of the Lords, pro tempore, to be communicated to the Lords and Commons in the Parliament of England at Westminster, and the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland: And to all my other Subjects of what degree or calling whatsoever. CHARLES REX. Dated at Hampton Court, the 11. of Novem. 1647. FINIS. Novemb. 12. 1647. Imprimatur G. M.