HIS majesty's LETTER FOR The Speaker of the Lords pro tempore, to be Communicated unto 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, Condition, or calling whatsoever.  
Hampton Court 11 November 1647.  
LIberty being that which in all times hath been, but especially now is the Condition, the aim, and desire of all men, condition, reason shows that Kings less than any should endure Captivity, yet I call God to witness with what patience i have endured a tedious restraint, which so long as i had any hopes that this sort of my suffering might conduce to the peace of my kingdoms, or the hindering of more effusion of blood I did willingly undergo; But now finding by two 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 a shamed openly to intend the destruction of the Nobility, by taking away their negative voice, and with whom the Levelers 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 discharging most of all those servants of mine, who formerly they willingly admitted to wait upon me, do sufficiently declare. Nor would I have this my retirement misinterpreted for, I shall earnestly and uncessantly endeavour the settling of a safe and well-grounded peace wherever 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 the Head, and yet no ear given to me: and can any reasonable man 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 no, Nay i must further add that (besides what concerns myself) unless all other cheise interests have not only a hearing but likewise just satisfaction given unto them, (to wit the Presbyterians, independents, army, those who have adheared to me, and even the SCOTS) I say there cannot (I speak not of miracles, it being in my opinion a sinful presumption in such cases to expect or trust to them) be a safe and 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 my 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 Jnterests 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 consent) ought (in my Judgement) to enjoy the liberty of their consciences, and have an act of Oblivion, or indemnity (which should extend to the rest of all 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 tha● 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 ready to be pater patre:  
CHARLES R:   

London Printed for Matthew Walbancke, 1647.