THE PARLIAMENTS ANSWER, To the ARMY'S PROPOSALS,  
OR, A true extract of the jurnalls in Parliament, so far as they relate unto the Petition and Proposals of the Army, and present distempers.  
LONDON, Printed by John Redmayne, 1659.   

The Parliaments Answer, to the Armies Proposals.  

Thursday 22. of September.  
LIeutenant General Fleetwood having acquainted the Parliament with the effect of an Address intended to be made to them by some of the Army: They ordered that Colonel Ashfield, Colonel Cobbet, and Lieutenant Colonel Duckenfield be, and are hereby required forthwith this afternoon to bring to the Parliament the Original Paper or address in their or one of their hands, intended by some of the Army to be presented to the Parliament, and that the Copy thereof in the hands of the Lieutenant General Fleetwood be also brought to the House this afternoon; And thereupon Ordered that Lieutenant General Fleetwood do give the said Colonel Ashfield, Colonel Cobbet, and Lieutenant Colonel Duckenfield notice of the said Order.   

Thursday 22. September Afternoon.  
The House received in pursuance of their Order made in the forenoon, A Letter signed by many persons of the Army, and directed to Colonel Ashfield, Colonel Cobbet, and Lieutenant Colonel Duckenfield, by whose hands, or any one or two of them, they desired the enclosed Paper with the Letter might be presented to the Lord Fleetwood, and afterwards unto the general Council of Officers, which enclosed Paper was entitled, To the Supreme Authority of these Nations: The Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, The humble Petition and Proposals of the Officers under the command of the right Honourable the Lord Lambert in the late Northern Expedition: after a debate thereupon until 7 of the clock that Evening; They ordered, that the further debate hereof be adjourned until to morrow morning, and that it be the first business nothing to Intervene.   

Friday 23. September.  
The House according to former Order resumed the debate upon the Petition and Proposals, yesterday adjourned: And Resolved, That this House doth declare, that to have any more general Officers in the Army then are already settled by the Parliament, is needless, chargeable, and dangerous to the Commonwealth.  
Ordered, that Lieutenant General Fleetwood do communicate this Vote unto the Officers of the Army, which being accordingly presented, the officers had several meetings, and at last concluded upon a Petition and Representation. In the interim, the House passed the following Resolves, unto which they do ●e●er in their answer to the said Proposals.   

Tuesday 4. Oct●ber  
Resolved, that the Arrears due unto the Officers and Soldiers of the Army, and also of the Militia Troops shall be paid out of the Moiety of such moneys as shall be raised by the sale or composition of the Delinquents sequestered, and to be sequestered upon the late Insurrection, and out of one Moiety of the money to be raised by the sale of Forests and Chases, excepting new Forest, and the Forest of Dean, and excepting such timber and trees as shall be thought fit to be reserved and made use of for the service of the Commonwealth And that the other moiety of the money to be raised by the said Delinquents Estates, shall go to the use of the Navy: And that the other moiety of the Fotrests, except as aforesaid shall go to the payment and satisfaction of the debts due upon the Publick-Faith, and that the best way and means be speedily taken for rendering this Vote effectual.  

The following Resolves concerning the maimed soldiers, and orphans which passed the 1 September. untò which those which passed the 5. of October have relation.  
Resolved, that two months pay be forthwith provided and paid unto the maimed soldiers and widows at the Savoy, and Ely house, and that the Council of State do see that one fortnight's pay be paid accordingly: and that the Commit of Inspections do consider how the residue may be forthwith paid.  
Ordered, that the trusties and Contractors at Worcester house do consult with the Commissioners for maimed soldiers, who are sitting to be continued, and how they are to be provided for. Ordered that the said trusties be enjoined to give an account hereof to the house before the 19 of September 1659.  
Resolved, that no one be Pensioners who have married second husbands, since the death of the first, who were wounded or slain in the service of the Parliament, and that none be continued Pensioners, but such as are disabled from working by their wounds in the service of the Common wealth.  
Orderd, that the childre of maimed soldiers as are fit, shall be put Apprentices.  
Resolved, that such widows of soldiers as have been slain in the service of the Parliament, as are able to work and have no children, shall be continued no longer as Pensioners.    

Wednesday. 5. October  
Upon report from the trusties at Worcester house touching the maimed soldiers. etc.  
Resolved, that the power of the said trusties in Reference to the maimed Soldiers, etc. be, and is hereby continued for three months longer, and that it be referred to Lieutenant General Fleetwood to confer with the said trusties and such others as he shall think fit, and to take care that such of the maimed soldiers, as the said trusties shall from time to time nominate, be disposed in Garrisons for ease of the Public charge of the Commonwealth.  
Resolved, that the trusties at Worcester house have power to dispose of such others of the maimed soldiers, at the Savoy and Ely house (as are not fit to be placed in Garrisons) in such other Hospitals of this Commonwealth, (whereby they may be comfortably provided for) as they shall think fittest, for the further ease of the public charge: And that they confer with the Governors of the Hospital under the dispose of the Corporation for the poor, about the placing and settling of the Orphans in the Savoy and Ely house, and take care for the settling of them accordingly.  
Resolved, that such moneys as come next in upon discovery to the Committee for Inspections, shall be disposed of towards the payment of the 6. week's pay to be ordered to the maimed soldiers and widows at the Savoy and Ely house.  
The House being informed that some Officers of the Army were at the door, they were called in, and Major General Dishrow in the name of the rest, said as followeth. Mr. Speaker I am ordered by the general Council of the Army, with the rest of these Gentlemen to wait upon you, to present unto you there humble Representation and Petition; and they humbly desire you would accept it, as that which proceeds from the hearts of those who desire nothing more than that the Lord would strengthen your hearts, in carrying on that good work of settling these Nations, upon the foundation of a free Commonwealth, where by the Religious and Civil Liberties of the good people thereof may be preserved and secured: they being withdrawn the Petition was read, which followeth.  

The humble Representation and Petition of the Officers of the Army, to the Parliament of the Common wealth of England. Presented to them Wednesday the 5th. of October, 1659. by Major General Disbrow: together with the Parliaments Answer thereunto.  
Shows,  
THat having had by Your order some late Votes of Parliament communicated to us by Lieutenant General Fleetwood, our Commander in chief, occasioned by a Debate in Parliament, upon the Petition and Proposals of the Officers, under the Command of the Lord Lambert in the late Northern expedition; We have inquired diligently into our hearts and ways, with reference thereunto; and finding nothing amongst us but faithfulness and integrity to the Parliament and this Commonwealth; we cannot but be sensible that there hath not wanted some persons, who have endeavoured to beget misunderstanding between the Parliament and Army: and to that end have presented our Actions and Intentions so, as it is taken for granted there hath been irregularity amongst us, at which we fear you have taken offence. Whereas we are persuaded, that if there had not been an anticipation, it would have appeared to all unprejudiced Spirits, that neither we, (who for the generality of us, were utterly ignorant of that whereat the offence is taken) nor our faithful brethren of the Northern Brigade, who signed the said Petition and Proposals, did design or intent any thing tending to the interruption of the Parliament, the prejudice of the peace of this Commonwealth, or any other by, or sinister respect, not becoming the Trust reposed in us. Wherefore being sensible of the evil Use, that persons abroad may make from the least apprehensions of Difference between the Parliament and Army, and that we may as much as in us lie, remove all occasions of Surmise, justify our own innocency before you, and frustrate the expectations of any, who by blowing up the Coals of Dissension, hope to warm themselves thereby.  
We have thought it our duty to present our naked thoughts to you, and hope you will find so much of integrity and approved faithfulness in us, for the welfare of this Commonwealth, as may continue a firm confidence of us, and engage your zeal against all such as shall go about to reproach your faithful Army, or any Member thereof for the future: especially considering that the Peace of these Nations, next under God, depends so much upon a Cordial and Affectionate Agreement and Union of the Parliament and Army, and an uninterrupted good understanding of each other, and therefore we do humbly and plainly declare.  
1. That notwithstanding what any persons may suggest or say to the contrary, we are not for, but against the setting up of any single Person whatsoever in Supreme Authority; and for a demonstration hereof, we may appeal to your own judgements upon our late Actings: wherein, since our Declaration of the sixth of May last, we have withal industry and faithfulness, endeavoured to render ourselves serviceable to you and this Commonwealth, and have cheerfully observed your commands; some of us with our lives in our hands in your late service, whereinto our great encouragement the Lord hath once more appeared to own you and your Army, and the good old Cause for which we hàve contended. And at the late return of this Parliament to the discharge of their remaining trust, We did with simplicity and plainness in our Humble Petition and Address presented to you, manifest our hearts and desires, and that with much unanimity and fullness of consent, which we apprehended was well accepted by you.  
2. That we have not since changed our principles, (leading to a well-regulated Commonwealth, wherein the Liberties of the people thereof, both spiritual and civil, may be fully secured, and persons of known integrity, piety and ability, employed in places of trust and concernment) but resolve by the assistance of God to remain constant to them. And make it our humble prayer to God, that he would incline your hearts effectually to prosecute the same; and make you instrumental in bringing forth such a foundation of Government, whereby all the good people of these Nations may rationally expect that such Liberties and Rights shall be preserved to them and their posterities. And we can truly say that it is in our hearts earnestly, to desire that God would crown you with the honour of making these Nations happy by such a settlement, as may not be liable at every change of Governors to have the peace thereof disturbed by introducing new Governments.  
3. Whereas a Petition and Proposals were lately drawn up by the Officers of the Brigade that (under the command of Major General Lambert) hazarded themselves in your service with good success, whereby through the blessing of God upon them and others of your faithful friends and servants, the peace of this Commonwealth is still continued; And the said Petition was sent up to some Officers here, to be presented to the Lord Fleetwood, which hath been by some interpreted to evil and sinister ends, and from thence suggestions derived, as if there were intentions to violate the Parliament, to set up a single person or another General. In order thereunto; We do sincerely profess (what ever the designs of any persons may be to promote such causeless jealousies) we have had no other than faithfulness and candour in our hearts and actions towards the Parliament, nor do we apprehend (with submission we speak it) any reason or cause of offence to be conceived against your faithful servants, who lately gave so ample proof of their fidelity and courage.  
4. We cannot but esteem ourselves unhappy to have been so misrepresented to the Parliament, as should occasion such a public admonition upon record; And considering what evil use may be made of these things by the public Enemy, and to the end they may be disappointed of their hopes, and all such persons discouraged as shall go about for the future, to promote jealousies, or by misinformation to beget divisions betwixt the Parliament and their faithful servants the Army, and that a good understanding may be preserved between them, We humbly pray,  
I. That the Officers of the Army, and particularly those who have reason to bear the marks of your favour for their faithfulness in the late Northern Expedition, may stand right in your opinion, and have your countenance.  
II. That whatsoever person or persons shall for the future groundlessly and causelessly inform the House against your Servants, thereby creating jealousies, and casting scandalous imputations upon them, may be brought to examination, justice, and condign punishment.  
III. That it being an undoubted right of the people to have a Liberty in a peaceable and submissive way, to petition the Supreme Authority, which liberty hath been by yourselves asserted, allowed, and approved of, we cannot but also assert the said liberty, and humbly conceive that your faithful Servants of the Army have no way forfeited their Rights as Free men: and that therefore they hope it will be no offence for them to submit their humble desires to the Parliament. And we hope and pray you will not discourage them for so doing.  
iv That you would be pleased to take into your serious consideration the necessitous condition of the poor Soldiers of your Armies and that all possible care may be taken for their timely supply, their wants being such as earnestly call for it; and that some speedy and effectual course may be taken to provide for the maimed soldiers and he poor widows and orphans, of such as have been slain in your service, that the blessing of the desolate may be upon you.  
V That such who have freely offered themselves in the several Counties and cities of these Nations, to own and stand by you and your Cause in the late Insurrection, with the hazard of all which is dear unto them, may have your encouragement, and be employed in places of trust and command.  
VI That (it being a thing granted by all, that without due execution of Martial Discipline, the peace, union, and good government of an Army cannot be preserved) the discipline of the Army may be preserved inviolable, and in particular, that no Officer, or Soldier of your Army may be cashiered or dismissed from their places, without a due proceeding at a Court-Martial, or by his own consent, except in cases of Reducement, or Disbandings.  
VII. That it being judged necessary by the Parliament for the keeping of the Army under such a conduct as may render the same serviceable to the Commonwealth, to appoint a Committee of Nomination, for the proposing of Officers to the Parliament for their approbation, we humbly pray, that no Officers may be brought into the Army but such as shall first come under the consideration of the said Committee, and be by them presented.  
VIII. The Office of the Commander in chief of the Army being of so great concernment to the peace of this Commonwealth, and his Commission at present (as we conceive) expiring within a few months, we humbly pray, that the consideration of that matter may come before you, and some such effectual course taken therein, as may prevent our fears, and the hazard of leaving the Army to confusion.  
IX. And that you would retain a good opinion of your Army, and against all discouragements whatsoever, proceed in the carrying on of that good work entrusted in your hands for the glory of God, and advantage of these Nations. In the prosecution whereof through the help of our God we shall be found (notwithstanding all endeavours to the contrary) faithful to you and this Commonwealth.   
After which the Officers being called in again, Mr. Speaker by order of the House gave them this answer: Gentlemen, the Parliament have read your Representation and Petition, and taking notice of the good expressions of your affections, and faithfulness to this Parliament and Commonwealth, which are there in, have commanded me to return you the thanks of the House, and in their names I give you thanks accordingly: I am likewise commanded to let you know that the Parliament have already taken into consideration the relief of the poor Widows, Orphans and maimed Soldiers, to whom pensions have been formerly allowed, and have also settled away for satisfaction of the Arrears due to the Officers and Soldiers, and shall endeavour to bring the same to speedy effect, the other matters of your Petition are appointed to be taken into consideration on Saturday next.   

Monday 10. of October.  
This day the House took into consideration the Humble Representation and Petition of the Officers of the Army, and Resolved, That this House do now proceed in the particular Proposals of the Humble Petition and Representation of the Officers of the Army, as followeth:  
1. Proposal was read as followeth:  
THat the Officers of the Army, and particularly those who have reason to bear the marks of your favour, for their faithfulness in the late Northern Expedition, may stand right in your opinion, and have your Countenance.  
Resolved, That this be the answer to the first Proposal: That the Officers of the Army have received, and shall from time to time receive marks of the favour of this Parliament, and countenance answerable to their merit and faithfulness.   

Monday in the afternoon.  
2. Proposal was read as followeth:  
THat whatsoever person or persons shall for the future groundlessly, and causelessly inform the House against your Servants, thereby creating jealousies, and casting scandalous impucations upon them, may be brought to examination, justice, and condign punishment.  
Resolved, That this be the Answer to the second Proposal: That it is the duty of all persons, especially of the Members of Parliament, to inform the House of any thing, which in their apprehension may concern the Public safety; And it is the undoubted right of the Parliament to receive, and debate those informations, and to resolve what they think fit thereupon; Ordered that a Committee sit to morrow at seven of the clock, upon the 3d. Proposal.   

Tuesday 11. October.  
3. Proposal.  
THis day the Committee appointed to prepare an answer to the third Proposal, made their report to the House, which was read: That it being an undoubted Right of the people, to have a Liberty in a peaceable and submissive way, to Petition the Supreme Authority, which Liberty have been by yourselves asserted, allowed, and approved of, we cannot but also assert the said Liberty, and humbly conceive that your faithful Servants of the Army have no way forfeited their rights as free men: And that therefore they hope it will be no offence for them to submit their humble desires to the Parliament, and we hope and pray you will not discourage them for so doing.  
Resolved, That this be the Answer to the third Proposal: The Parliament declareth, that every Member of the Army as Freemen of England, have right of Petitioning the Parliament: But with all thinks fit to let them know, that the Petitioners ought to be very careful, both in the manner, and in the matter which they desire: That the way of Promoting and presenting the same may be peaceable, and the things Petitioned for, not tending to the disturbance of the Commonwealth, nor to the dishonour of the Parliament; And that it is the duty of Petitioners to submit their desires to the Parliament, and acquiess in the judgement thereof.   

Tuesday in the afternoon.  
4. Proposal was read as followeth:  
THat you would be pleased to take into your serious consideration, the necessitous condition of the poor Soldiers of your Armies, that all possible care may be taken for their timely supply, their wants being such as earnestly call for it: And that some speedy and effectual course may be taken to provide for the maimed Soldiers, and the poor Widows and Orphans, of such as have been slain in your service, that the blessing of the desolate may be upon you.  
Resolved, That two months pay be forthwith paid to the Officers and Soldiers of the Army in England, out of the six months' Assessment of 35000 l. p. month, now due, and that the Council of State do give order that the same be paid accordingly: Resolved, that two months pay be also forthwith paid to the Officers and Soldiers, in Scotland and Ireland; and that the Council of State do give order for the Payment thereof accordingly:  
Ordered, That the former Votes for making provisions for Officers and Soldiers, and wounded and maimed Soldiers, be also part of the Answer to this fourth Proposal:  
Ordered, That the Council of State do take care that the moneys formerly ordered to be paid, to the use of the wounded and maimed Soldiers, Widows and Orphans at Ely-house and the Savoy, be forthwith paid unto the old Officers there, and that they pay it according to the regelation made by the trusties and Contractors at Worcesterhouse.  
Ordered, that it be referred to a Committee to bring in a Bill for saving, to such Apprentices as have served the Parliament in the late War, their time, and to compel their Masters to grant them their Freedom, as if they had been in their Master's service, during the time they were in the Parliaments service.  
5. Proposal was read as followeth:  
THat such who have freely offered themselves in the several Counties and Cities of these Nations, to own and stand by you and your cause in the late insurrection, with the hazard of all which is dear unto them, may have your encouragement, and be employed in places of trust and command.  
Resolved, That this be the Answer to the fifth Proposal: That such persons as have been faithful & active for the Parliament in the late Insurrection, the Parliament will take care to give them all due encouragement as occasion shall be offered.  
Ordered, That this debate be adjourned until to morrow morning the first business, nothing to entervene, the House also passed the Act against raising of moneys upon the People without their consent in Parliament, which is as followeth:  

An Act against the raising of Moneys upon the People, without their consent in Parliament.  
BE it Enacted by this present Parliament, and by the Authority thereof, and it is hereby Enacted, That all Orders, Ordinances and Acts made by any single Person and his council, or by both or either of them, or otherwise, or by any Assembly or Convention, pretending to have Authority of Parliament, from and after the Nineteenth day of April, 1653. and before the seventh of May, 1659. and which have not been or shall not be enacted, allowed, confirmed by this present Parliament, be and are hereby declared, deemed, taken and adjudged to be of no force or effect, from and after the said seventh of May, 1659.  
And be it further Enacted, That no person or persons shall after the eleventh of October, 1659. Assess, Levy, Collect, Gather or receive any Custom, Impost, Excise, Assessment, Contribution, Tax, Tallage, or any sum or sums of Money, or other Imposition whatsoever upon the people of this Commonwealth, without their consent in Parliament, or as by Law might have been done before the third of November, 1640.  
And be it further Enacted and Declared, that every person offending contrary to this Act, shall be and is hereby adjudged to be guilty of high Treason, and shall forfeit and suffer as in case of high Treason.  
Provided, that this Act, or any thing herein contained, shall not be construed or taken to make void or impeach one Act made this Parliament the twelfth of July, 1659. Entitled, An Act of Indemnity and Free Pardon; nor any Article or Clause therein contained,  
Provided also, That nothing in this Act extend to interrupt the possession of any Soldier or adventurer, or any Purchaser, their Heirs or Assigns, in possession of any Lands or Hereditaments in Ireland, or of any Purchaser of any Lands or Hereditaments within this Commonwealth, unless where this Parliament hath taken, or shall take further or other order therein,  
Tho. St. Nicholas, Clerk of the Parliament.    

Wednesday 12. October.  
The House reassumed the debate upon the Proposals, the sixth being read, and also a Letter dated at White-Hall October the 5th. 1659. signed by divers Officers of the Army, directed for Colonel John Okey, and a paper in print Entitled, The humble Representation & Petition of the Officers of the Army to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England presented to them October the 5th. by Major general Disbrow accompanied with the field Officers of the Army, and subscribed by two hundred and thirty Commission-officers in and about London, together with the Parliaments answer thereunto:  
Resolved, that the several Commissions of these several persons, Colonel John Lambert, Colonel John Desbrow, Colonel James Berry, Colonel Thomas Kelsey, Colonel Richard Ashfield, Coll. Ralph Cobbet, Colonel William Packer, Colonel Robert Barrow, and Major Richard Creed; who have subscribed the said Letter, shall be, and are hereby made void and null, and they and every of them, be, and are hereby discharged from all Military employment:  
Resolved, that the Army shall be governed by Commissioners:  
Resolved that the number of Commissioners be seven:  
Whereupon a Bill was drawn up, impowering several persons therein named Commissioners for the government of the Army, which after thrice reading, upon the question passed as followeth:  

An Act appointing Commissioners for the Government of the Army.  
BE it Enacted by this present Parliament and the Authority thereof, and it is hereby Enacted, That one Act made this Parliament, Entitled, An Act connstituting Charles Fleetwood Esq Lieutenant General and Commander in chief of the Forces, raised and to be raised by Authority of Parliament within England and Scotland, and a●l Powers and Authorities thereby given, be and are hereby repealed and made void, and that the Army and forces in England and Scotland of this Commonwealth, shall for the Future be governed by Commissioners in the place and stead of a Lieutenant General, and that Lieutenant General Charles Fleetwood, Lieutenant Gen. Edmond Ludlow, Gen. Georg Monk, Sir Arth. Hesilrigg Col. Herbert Morley, Col. Valentine Walton, Colonel Robert Overton, be and are hereby appointed Commissioners to execute all and singular the Powers and Authorities incident or belonging to the Office of the Lieutenant General of the Army of this Commonwealth in England and Scotland, in as large and ample manner as in and by the said recited Act was granted & expressed, and that they or any three or more of them shall and may execute the said office and Powers from the 11 day of October 1659. unto the 12 day of February 1659. any Act or Commission whatsoever made or granted to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding. And that all Officers and Soldiers of the Army, and other persons concerned are hereby required to yield their obedience to the said Commissioners accordingly. And the said Commissioners are to obey and observe such Orders and Directions, as they or any three or more of them shall from time to time receive from the Parliament or Council of State appointed, or which shall be appointed by Authority of Parliament.   

After which the House passed the following Resolves.  
Resolved. That it be referred to the Commissioners for commanding the Army, to bring in the names of the next superior Officers in every of the Regiments late of Col. John Lambert, Col. John Disbrowe, Col. James Berry, Col. Tho. Kelsey, Col. Rich. Ashfield, Col. Ralph Cobbet, Col. William Packer, Col. Robert Barrow and Major Rich. Creed, and present them to the Parliament to morrow morning.  
Resolved that Col. Dixwell be Lieutenant of Dover Castle, and that his Commission be brought in to morrow morning:  
Referred to a Commit to consider of an answer to be given to the 6, 7.8. proposals of the Officers of the Army, and report it to the House.  
Ordered, that the Commissioners for the management of the Army be and are hereby enjoined forthwith to meet and give order that the Forces may be disposed of as may be for the peace of the Commonwealth, and safety of the Parliament.  
Thus gentle Reader hast thou from the first Beginning the whole progress of our present Distempers without any Observations thereupon, leaving all to thy serious Consideration; Begging that thou also wouldst petition the merciful Father to put some period to the Distractions of poor England.    
FINIS.