THE Loyal Indigent OFFICER. BEING A Brief Description of the Truly Loyal Commissioned Officers, which hath faithfully served his late Majesty, of ever Blessed Memory, and his Majesty that now is.  
WITH A Discovery how to be known from the number of the pretended Commissioned Officers, which formerly hath appeared, and hath participated of his Majesty's Gracious Gifts, and Favours, and not contented, secretly contrived for more.  
Written by Charles Hammond. One of the Truly Loyal Indigent Officers.  
Presented to the Kings most Excellent Majesty.  
London, Printed by E.C. for the truly Loyal Party   

TO THE High and Mighty Monarch, Charles the II. King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith.  
Dread Sovereign,  
TRue Loyalty hath emboldened me to present this Subject to your Majesty, not out of any Sinester Ends of mine own, but in the behalf of the truly Loyal Commissioned Officers; them that can declare and prove themselves so: and the Causes of all their Wants, Sufferings, and Indigencies, since your happy Restauration: We must confess your Majesty and Parliament hath been bountiful unto us: But the Sinester self-ends and Covetousness, of some that hath had the Managing of your Gracious Favours, hath left us still Indigent Officers; and hath enriched themselves by our Ruins. All that we humbly beg of your Majesty, is for the King of King's sake, and for your Blessed Father's sake, one of the best of Kings; that you would be so gragiously pleased, as to afford that small time as to peruse this Book, or Refer it to some that may give your Majesty an Account of it. Here is nothing but Truth in it, though it be decked in a mean Habit of poor Language, being more Soldier than Scholar.  
Thirty five Years we have served and suffered for your Royal Father, of ever Blessed Memory, and your Sacred Majesty, above half the Age of most of us. Twenty Years before your happy Restauration, we spent our Youths, our Bloods, and what Estates we had, in Imprisonment, and Bondage, in the time of Rebellion, and after the Murder and Marthirdom 〈◊〉 your Blessed Father; and now almost fifteen Years since your happy Restauration (in Indigency and much want many of us) we hope your Majesty after so long a time, will something provide for us, that we may not want Food and Raiment in our Old Age We have been forced to make Fasting days, whilst those hath made Feasting days; which hath Converted your Majesty's Bounties and Favours to their one use, that was ordered to be justly and honestly deal withal by them, for the Relief of some of us. Some of these having received double favours from your Majesty, and not satisfied, are always contriving for more: We hope your Majesty hath some left for us at last who can prove our Loyalty, Service and Deserts, equal with some of theirs if not out Balance them, and out Sufferings much more. We have no ●●dy under God to make our necessities and grievances known to, but our Gracious Majesty. It was formerly a Proverb, That a Friend in court, was better than a Penny in Purse; But now no Penny in Purse, ●●w Friends in Court: We may wan●er with our good Service and desert ●here we will, we shall scarce find ●mployment or Preferment, for an Indigent Officer; unless he can bring Angels with him to open their mouths, ●nd make them speak Cheerfully: Pray pardon me gracious Sovereign, out of the abundance of the Heart ●he Mouth speaketh) If I have been ●oo bold in my Expressions, I hope your Majesty will think it more my Ignorance, than Presumption.  
May it please your Majesty, I have ●ere in this small Treatise, drawn out ●he truly Loyal Commissioned Officers; what they have been, what they now are, and how to be known; which truly qualified, are not many now to be provided for. I have cleared the Aspersions laid upon them to your Majesty. Likewise the causes of their Indigency formerly, and lately, by the pretended Loyal Officers: Which I hope your Majesty will take it into your Princely Consideration, to provide some subsistence, that we may live and end our days with some Comfort and Content after our Troubles, and so long Sufferings, that we may pray for your Majesty's long Life, Happy Reign, and prosperity in this Life, and a Crown of Glory in the World to come: which shall be the Prayers of your ever Loyal Subject and Soldier; to the utmost of my Strength and Power; as I am in Duty bound,  
Charles Hammond.   

MAy it please your Majesty there is a List ready to present, when our Majesty pleases to Command it, of most of the truly Loyal Commissioned Officers, that are here about the Cities of London and Westminster, and not provided for: Which Officers will make themselves out truly qualified, according as this Book expresses: and desire to be tried by an inspection or Examined by whom your Majesty shall appoint: That it may be clearly made known they are such as deserves your Majesty's Favours from those that are secretly contriving to purchase some Benefits or Rewards from your Majesty; and acted by some that are no such men, nor never had the Commands as they go by: Which we hope your Majesty will be so Graciously pleased, That when God shall put it in your Majesty's Breast to provide for us, as we hope he speedily will; that all such may be provided for, that are as they pretend to be; which at the most, cannot be two hundred, less it may be, when truly examined, as they desire to be; which as then can be no Complaints, neither by the Loyal Commissioned Officers, nor the pretended Officers having been clearly made out what they have been, the great necessity of many of the Loyal Party, hath emboldened us to Press your gracious Majesty so much as we have done, which we are bound to pray the Lord will Bless and Prosper you in all your Counsels, and Actions.   

THE EPISTLE TO THE READER.  
I Know not into whose hands this small Book may come into by chance, I shall be censured hardly by some for speaking the truth, (I value it not) I fear God and honour the King, before whom I am commanded to speak the truth: I must confess all Truths at all times ought not to be spoke; I have more (if commanded by Authority) to utter, till than I wave it: If I have offended his Majesty (to whom I have dedicated these Papers) by my blunt or too bold Expressions here, I humbly beg his Pardon, which my Loyalty and faithful service I hope shall procure; being never guilty of presumptuous Actions to displease his Majesty; I may procure Enemies I confess, but none that truly fears God and honours the King: such whose unjust self ended and Covetous Actions hath Robbed the spital (as I may say) and having enough themselves, snatcheth the Bread from those mouths it was given to, that their Tables may be furnished the better, though some are ready to starve the whilst: Such as these may be my Enemies for declaring the truth; if thou art one of these that Reads this Book or a Friend, to any such, tell them I am too old to fear, and and to great a Sufferer to flatter. But if these Papers, or myself lights into the hands of any such Magistrates (under his Majesty) as Jethro propounded to Moses (to Govern the People) Men fearing God and hating Govetousness: I hope I shall deserve no frowns from them, if I have no favours. Can you afford but so much time or patience to read these two Sheets of Paper, censure of it or me what you please, I Write it not for self ends, benefit, nor Honour; I wish I had but as much Skill to handle my Pen as a Scholar, as I have as a Soldier (according to the Command I had) I nor others should not be so much slighted by Gown men, as we are now by some Sword men, (being Old) Age is looked upon in a Pulpit or in the Courts of judicature, according to their Learning and deserts. How Old Soldiers are lo●kt upon now according to their deserts, I leave it to the Young Soldiers to judge: All that we have to comfort ourselves now (many of us) is a good Conscience, and that we have served our King Loyally and faithfully, and hope for a Reward; if not here, we hope hereafter.  
All that I have to say to the more, Reader, I wish thee as well as thou wishest the Prosperity of his Majesty, and the Peace of the Kingdom, and all his Loyal Subjects, that serves him faithfully and honestly. So far I remain thine to the utmost of my Power,  
Charles Hammond.   

THE TRULY LOYAL Indigent OFFICER.  
AN honourable Title; It was given us by Act of Parliament, not by any way of derision, but out of pity; considering our Condition. They little thought we should retain our Indigency so long. The Gift his Majesty and Parliament gave us, 60000 l. Men of understanding did judge it to be a Princely and Noble Gift: besides his Majesty was graciously pleased to add to it the Office Money, which by most men's Judgements (that had understanding in the Offices) if honestly Taxed and Gathered, would amount to as much more at least. Sixscore thousand pound! (a Sum of Money) had it been rightly distributed according to the intention of the Act of Parliament, (that was) to the Truly Loyal Indigent Officers, It would a raised them considerable Sums to Employed them, or purchased Places, as those that were our Enemies have done. But the Report of this Money to be given, so Alarmed the Counterfeit Officers, that they conceited, and created themselves Officers, Grooms, Servingmen, and Pedees' to Colonels, and Field-Officers, made nothing of getting Certificates to Certify them Leiutenants, Cornets, Ensigns, Sergeants, Corporals, Sentenells, and private Troopers to make themselves Ensigns, Cornets, and Quarter-masters: then there was your Paper Officers (as I may call them) that could come up and lie at little Charges here in London; one Aturney would serve to lie here for the Letters of Aturney of two or three Shires of such Officers: they would venture their Names and Certificates with them at half Snips, or as much in the Pound according as they could agree for: most of them knowing it was all clear gains, if they got any. In conmming up to Clam it themselves, They knew here were them that would know their faces, if ever they showed them with credit in his Majesty's Army: but they thought they were not Act proof if they came within shot of the Truly Loyal Officers; therefore they would Pickeer at a distance a far off, and their Aturnyes to stand the danger. I will not say but some of them may be Right, and the owners truly qualified: but I believe not the third part according to the Act of Parliament, for after the Act came out there was them that made a good living by Creating, and persuading many to be Captains and Officers both in City and Country; it is too tedious to Relate the Cheats that was in that List of Officers: to my knowledge (that was in the Western Army, and in one Regiment from the first to the last) a Drum put in for Lieutenant, a Captain (when examined) did not know his Lieutenat Colonel. Eleven Ensigns to the Regiment that I belonged too, and near but Ten Colours flying at first: Two Quartermasters to that Regiment of Foot, and no such Men known by the Colonel, nor myself, (that continued to the last in it) and many Officers we never knew, dead men that were consumed in their Graves long before this Act came out; their Names appeared here by Conjurations of some or other to Cheat Real Indigent Officers. These Letters of Aturney-Marchants gained well enough to keep themselves from Indigency, some they never paid, and thought it no deceit to deceive the deceivers, the honestes of them (if there were any) took such Fees of their Client's, they will scarce be trusted with any business of Consequence by any honest Party since, it is the belief of many honest Gentlemen that the unlawful Letters of Aturney that were paid, made paid, and unpaid, hath juggled away as much money as would satisfy most of the Indigent Officers that are left: there was another sort of pretended Officers put in for a share of this Money! that never had Men, nor Commissions neither, many of them; It was an easy matter towards the latter end of the Wars to gain a Commission to Raise a Regiment, his Majesty trusting them on their own words (with little knowledge of them, may be, upon their great promises) these Colonels presently made their Captains, and other Officers, and so Rides up and down the Country to Raise Men and Horses upon the Country's Charge, living upon Free-quarters, and gathering Contribution; never giving account to Field Army, nor Garrison, nor never troubling them, till forced by the Enemy to make their Retreat, and so sleep in a whole skin; these making more Enemies (rather then helping to destroy them) by their Plundering, and Cowardly Actions, which turned the hearts of many that wished his Majesty, and Arms well at first: These, and such like, made up this Number of 5400. and odd Commissioned Officers; Enough for Three Camp-Royals of Horse and Foot (besides those that had Estates, Employments, and Commands (that did not put in) which was a shame to our English Nation, to have a Kingdom Conquered, and such a Pious Prince Murdered before his own Palace (for want of an Army) the number of Officers sufficient enough to Conduct a hundred thousand Foot, and Forty thousand Horse; such an Army of Politic Generas, Courageous Commanders, and well Disciplined and Resolved Soldiers, need not have feared to a Marched to the Walls of Constantinople, and make an honourable Retreat, if not Conquered the Great Turk (had we not lost the hearts of the truly Ancient Britain's) but what should I talk of so many Officers, when there were not by the Judgement of those that knew this List, not fifteen hundred that were truly qualified, according to the Act of Parliament; yet all these Officers past Muster in the List and Book, and past inspection for all that ever could be justly proved against them. Thus have I made it appear, what a number of Money hath been paid, and made paid most of it, to an unknown number of men, so according as it was ordered, this 60000 l pound, and that Office Money that was paid, would amount to but 40 days pay to them that did receive it, and two Years before we could get it; so as it was given for a help for some subsistence for us, it made us more Indigent than we were; for it cast many of us in Prison, Running more in Debt then the Money would pay.  
What here I have declared, I know there is many Gentlemen are sensible of the truth of it. His Majesty likewise was Graciously pleased, after this to grant a Patten for six Years, to those Commissioned Officers that were here about the City, that had no Employments, nor Subsistance of a Livelihood, till his Majesty could make a more ample and lasting Provision for them; as is more fully expressed in the Letter Patten, there was trusties Chosen (thirteen, I must confess) by some of us, but we could very well a spared half of them, for they have shuffled and Cut so with the party (which is two hundred and odd) that they have gained but a very little by their dealing: There is no body can tell their gains, (nor they cannot say themselves, they are loser's) in a matter of fourteen or fifteen Months after the setting up of the Lotteryes, there was account given (I know not whether it was upon Oath, for I heard of none they took, but the Oath of secrecy amongst themselves; which one of their own party Confessed, when he was asked how the business went by one of us) they having the managing and Letting of all Lotteryes, for that time, the Plate Lottery at Charing Cross, where his Majesty and the Royal Family was pleased to honour it; not only with their Persons, but likewise with their Purses: There was plentiful throwing into that Lottery, according to the drawing out. And likewise, they had the benefit of many Plate Lotteryes, in divers places that Year; and the letting and setting of the other Lotteryes that brought in handsome Sums of Money; besides the Royal Oak Lottery, which was more considerable than all the rest: Now after your necessary and unnecessary Charges was deducted, it was brought to Eleven days Pay a piece to the party; which was but a very small sum, as I shall make it appear at last, there was a greater Sum of Money left for you thirteen, then for all the rest of the Party besides: Each one of you allowed yourselves more than you allowed a whole Regiment of Officers, (Quarter-masters excepted) you would let none of them come in for a share; intending to quarter us yourselves with a quarter part of the Royal Oak, and judged it enough for us by your Bench of thirteen, your Chairman Judge, and a full Jury (if you all sat) to take his part: But now so much of the time being gone, and so little profit appeared, The party began to murmur, then to show your good intentions you had for the benefit of the party, you were contented the City and Country should be divided in Lots amongst us, who had the drawing of them I know not: but the City of London must be your share, (with some others that you chose) which was more responsable than all the Countries could be; for all the rest of the Party not bearing the Charges of any that should go to manage them, according as you had and did manage it; and had it not been for the Royal Oak (which you did strive to keep all for yourselves too) most of the Party had had nothing of all the Lotteries ever since; at last you did allow us the fourth part of that; but we must believe your honest words, (I hope you did not misreckon yourselves) we cannot judge it to be an even account, it comes so just to two days and a quarter a piece each Officer, twice a Year paid; them that keeps those Lotteries for you, keeps a very good Correspondency; they know we are so poor, a little gain will please us, so they bring us in not loser's: Ten days pay and three Quarters we have had since, who you have been pleased to pay, which doth amout to a Labourers hire formerly a penny a day one Officer with another, it will not pay for their Lodging, let them shift for Meat, Drink, and clothes, how they can. Now (our trusties) thinking we were not content with this small Salary we had from them (as well they might) nor they satisfied for the pains and care they took for us, shuffled a third part of us off, that are left alive: the pattern being ne'er out, having Friends and Money to boot, hath got the Royal Oak for themselves (which they thought the fourth part was enough for all of us before) and left the rest of the Lotteryes to some other Officers which his Majesty hath been pleased to give them to. I wish them happiness in the enjoyment of them, and may prove to their expectations; but our trusties are sure of the Wheat, whatsoever the rest proves. I am sure there's none of them can say, they are Indigent Officers now, whatsoever some of them could before they were chosen trusties.  
But the number that chose them were not many more than their selves, and if to choose again, would scarce give their Votes for half of you now, in a smaller business of trust. I am so Charitable to think if some of the trusties had sat at the Helm in your steed, that did, they would a steered a better course of Conscience, than you that sat twice a Week, and your Wills a Law, having the Purse in your hand. Out of Conscience I tell you this, for dealing so unconscienceably by me and others, granting Power, and Authority, and receiving Rend, promising to vindicate men, and make them stand Trials, to their utter Ruin, and will not be at a penny charge; yet allowing yourselves such Salleryes and Interest, 'tis a shame here to relate, (which will be proved) by the Plate Lotteries, which two of you took upon you to Manage, in the behalf of a party; where their Lot fell in the Country: One of these persons hath jumped (since his name was in the Printed Book, amongst the 5000. Indigent Officers) from a Cornet to a Captain, and never headed Troop nor Company since, whatsoever he did before; nor I believe will never be Chronicled for his Acts of Piety, Charity, or Valour.  
To carry on his Designs as the party knows by experinnce; since he hath had the handling of the business, it is his Policy to trust none of the Party with any business of our own, where he hath had the managing of it, neither in the Plate Lotteries, or Royal Oak, but give good Salaries to others, which would a been a good Relief for some of us; that I believe was as able and as honest as any were imploed, and would a given a good Satisfaction of your integrity to those that were mistrustful of you; but you thought they were not fit for your Secrecy, and therefore not fit for your Service: But some of you (say we) are a discontented People, and never Satisfied what is done for us: Let all men that hath any Conscience, or Christian Reason in them, Judge, after I have as near as I can, cast up how much you have been pleased to allow us, since you have been our Stewards; whether we have not had more Reason to complain than give you thanks for your pains and care you have taken for us this six Years: The first payment we had a 11 days pay from you, out of all the Lotteries, and 10 days & 3 quarters pay since out of the Royal Oak; which makes not 22 days pay in all, cast up for the time, it amounts to about six pence a day, between a Colonel of Horse, and a Colonel of Foot; other Field-Officers, on with another, not Twopences a day: A Captain of Horse and Foot, Three halfpences a day, three pence between them. Leiutenant Ensigns, and Cornets, about a halfpenny a day, one Officer with another, not twopences a day to maintain them. I would have you reason with them, how they have spent and consumed it, and not benefitted themselves by it as you have done, but murmur at your actions: The Servants that you have employed for the managing of our business, that you were entrusted for, hath made their Saleryes many days better than a Regiment of Officers pay, hath been a day (and good keeping by you besides) I hope you have gained this six Years sufficient enough by us; what we have gained by you, I have made it appear, I hope when it is known how we have been dealt withal, since his Majesty's Restauration, as this Book relates part, we cannot be blamed formaking our Grievances so much known, and have had so little done for us yet, and long of such as have had the managing of our business.  
I hope you will give an Account what Moneys you have left in your Treasury, of those that are dead since, and either pay it to the Widows, Children, or to them that Relieved them (when you would not) Unless they would Administer, and so it may be undo themselves, for that little you would do for them. If you have not the Curses of the Widows and Fatherless, I am afraid you have the Prayers of very few; if you have done for us as you would be done to yourselves you have done like Loyal Subjects, and good Christians; and I wish your prosperity according, the same I wish to myself: Give loser's leave to speak the Truth, and not all neither, till occasion serves. If I have drawn you out here with my Pen, it is not to the Life, for I have shadowed you; and it is well known to some of you yourselves and to others; for the present I shall leave you, as you have left us: If we be thrown out of your Favours, which I am apt to believe you had never none for us (unless it were for your own ends) We hope we shall not be thrown out of his Majesty's favour, nor none that truly loves those that faithfully served him; as I shall make it appear who they are, and how to be known, from those that takes the Names and Titles, of Loyal Commissioned Officers.  
There is your Truly Loyal Commissioned Officer and your Truly Loyal Indigent Officer. Two Titles, but one Subject; different in habits, but all one in Hearts: Some it may be hath some Livelihood, Credit, Subsistence, some Friends, in hopes of something to be done for them. Others may have Employments during pleasure (not Life) subject to be turned out, because of their Age; but others again as I know hath neither, so indigent, and their wants so great, they are ashamed to make it known; Men fit, deserving Men to be trusted in honest Employments, and as able to perform, which I believe his Majesty knows not off: And there are them that knows those things, but being provided for themselves, grows forgetful of their Fellow-Sufferers: The pretended Loyal Commission Officers, hath been the cause of those things, and the Aspersions that hath been laid upon us besides: The Truly Loyal Commissioned Officer, is he that can make himself out so, according to the Title and Command he had formerly: Having a Real Command of Men answerable, and able to perform the Duty of a Soldier; according to that Command; that served his Prince for Loyalty, not Lucre; that feared neither the Complaints of the Soldiers, nor the Countries to rise against him, for abusing, or wronging of them, that served and suffered till the last, without deserting; that never was a shame to his King, nor the cause he undertook by his deboist living or behaviour, that strove as much to serve God, as he did to honour and serve his King. These are brave Principles (you will say) to be found in Commanders, and Soldiers: Such as never wished his Majesty nor his Armies well: say, there were very few then, and appears as few now, but it is well known to them that were in the Armies of either side that there were many such in all parts of his Majesty's Armies; there is many lies now in the Earth, whose Memories will never die on Earth: Some died in the Field of Honour; others Murdered for their Loyalty. I will name none, but let Truth and Equity Judge; and then their Actions in all parts where they were known, will sound their Fame to those that are now living, and strives to imitate them, which is no disgrace to a Soldier to be Religious as well as Valorous; some of those men (I mean) though not declared here, had been brought up in other parts beyond the Sea; before they had occasion to show their Valour and knowledge here in his Majesty's Service, and were not ashamed to own they were Commanded, before they came to Command, and knew what belonged to a Soldier from a Sentinel, to a General, and of good Birth; which if now living, would not despise Age and Poverty, in Old deserving Soldiers, (and Officers formerly) as some do; and looked upon as such pitiful fellows, that deserves more disgrace or shame to be thrown upon them, for their Loyalty and good Service, than either Charity or Equity, to be done for them; as for Example, Two that are now in good Offices (which I shall not name) and are employed about business that lies in dispute, concerning the Loyal Indigent Officers; one of them was pleased to say, What a stir there was about a Company of Idle Fellows; let them go to Work for 3 pence a day: The other spoke more inveterate words, which (I shall wave relating here) I know not what they have been, nor what their parents were (though now got in good Employments) such words they spoke, savours more of the Seed of Rebellion than Loyalty; and like to have good proceedings from such Agents, if they could bear sway: How such men ought to be honoured with preferment, I leave it to all honourable Gentlemen, that belongs to the Courts of England to Judge of it; they have neither Law nor Gospel of their side to defend themselves, to belch out that hatred they have in their hearts against Soldiers, and Gentlemen that had Estates, and could a lived well without Working, (being never bred to it) before Rebellion got the upperhand. Solomon the wisest King that ever was, 
2 Chron. 8.9.  held such as were Men of War to be more Honourable then to be employed in Servile Work, such as he Employed Strangers in, and the People of the Land.  
When the Soldier asked John Baptist what they should do, he did not abhor them but admonished them: Do violence to no Man, neither Accuse any falsey, 
Luke 3.14.  and be content with your Wages. As allowing the Calling, but reforming the Abusers.  
Blame me not to Declare to the World how much True Loyalty is looked upon in Indigency? Not only by them that were our Enemies? but likewise those that hath professed themselves our Friends, and such as hath served his Majesty faithfully (it may be too) only got the start of us; being preferred, or provided for; have they but good clothes and Money in their pockets, they will either shun ye, or look on one side, and take no notice of you, or give you a Compliment, with your servant Sir, scorn you for your clothes sake, fearing you should disgrace them, or put them to charge with your company; being puffed in heart, as much as in habit; forgetting what you were, having forgot themselves, not minding what shifts they nor we have been Put too in the time of Rebellion, leaving our own Country, and Habitations; taking any honest Courses to live in Remote Places, where they knew not what we had been, rather than desert the Cause we Fought for, or make shipwreck of our Conscience and Loyalty, either to Serve or adheer to our Enemies. There were some to my knowledge, might a had Preferment, and the same Commands under them, when they were in Prison, at the latter end of the Wars, if they would a took up Arms under them. The Skill of a Pilot is best known in a Tempest: the worth of a Soldier in the day of Battle; 
Queen Eli.  and the true Principles of a Christian, in the times of Persecution. It was the words of Her that was a Cherisher of such, and knew the worths of them. Such as hath endured the brunts of all these in their Youths, and prime Age, ought not to be disdained now they are Old.  
Jesus the Son of Sirach in Ecclesiasticus, the 26. Chap. the 28 ver. he saith, There was two things that grieved his Heart, To see a Man of War suffer Poverty; and Men of Understanding not set by. Though it be in the Apocraphy, it is not to be despised by any that hath any Christian Charity in them: I hope this Book will light into the hands of some that are such as the Son of Sirach was; that will grieve that our poverty hath lasted so long and will be Instruments to move his Majesty in our behalves; that some speedy course may be thought on, for those that are left alive, that we may not be made a scoff on by such as are our Enemies in their hearts to us for our Loyalty, and deride us to our Faces, as much as they durst for our Indigency; the Aspersions that hath been laid upon our Party, I believe hath been the causes that we have been so long not provided for; Saying we are a Discontented People, and will not be satified for what is done for us; Delighting in Swearing, and Drinking: Domineering what they have been, and what Command they had, (when proved to the contrary.) I must confess 'tis this sort of Idle, Vapouring, Counterfeit-Officers, hath made us all fare alike; and it is those that makes such a number, his Majesty knows not who to provide for.  
This raiseth the discontent that is amongst us: takes upon them the Titles of Colonels, that cannot prove they had a real Command of a Troop or Company; and if put to the Trial, know not how to Decipline either. It is as strange to hear of a Lieutenant Colonel now amongst us, as it was to hear of a Lieutenant beyond Sea, that went over after the Wars was done here, (some Majors) Captains indeed good store: That Title is so common, that if you can get but a good Suit of clothes, and Money in your Pocket, you shall Raise a Company, shall adopt you Captain in the first Tavern you come to; and Seal your Commission with a hundred Damnme's: And in a Week or Fortnight Ranting with you, conceit yourself you are a Real Captain indeed; when an Indigent Captain is ashamed to own himself what he hath been in his Deplorable Garb and Countenance. He that was a Real Officer, will take it as a Jeer to be Coxt with Titles of higher Honour than what he hath been. I know some (and others besides myself) that owns themselves to be Colonels, Majors, and Captains, that if come to the Test, cannot prove themselves any such men formerly, if they prove themselves any thing at all: Yet some of these hath took upon them to inspect others, and would not be inspected themselves by those that knew them. These may say we are discontented People, if we be with them we can show very good Reasons for it. I must confess these are those that hath been the cause that such Odiams hath been cast upon us, by their Deboistness, Swearing, Domineering, and Drinking: Some that hath vapoured more with their words, than ever they did with their Swords formerly in the Army: Telling what Fights they have been in, and what Acts they have done (when none to contradict them) binding it with horrid Oaths.  
Some hold themselves no Soldiers, till they can Gracelesly, (as a Grace to them) thunder out Bloody Oaths; Common Swearing maketh one apt to forswear himself, which is a fearful sin, not left unrevenged of God; in great persons the abuse of God's Name by horrible Swearing, 
Zach. 5.3.  and Dam'd Oaths, the Lord tells us, A Curse remains upon them, and threatens to Cut them off: 'Tis a horrid Sin, (too much used) some out of Passion, and some out of Custom, makes nothing of it in their Drinking: Which Sin had made us odious in the sight of God and Man. 'Tis that which has been cast upon the King's Party formerly, though hated by many Officers, and as strictly reproved and punished by them in their Soldiers. Well may a Soldier plead Privilege to it, when he sees his Officers makes a Custom of it: How can Parents Correct their Children for those sins which they may say, they learned of them. I wish it were not so much used amongst the Loyal Party as it is: They say, Oppression will make a Wise Man mad; we have had Oppression enough by our Enemies, and abused sufficiently, by our pretended Friends. I count it not wisdom to abuse God in Swearing, and Cursing of them, in thinking to Revenge ourselves thereby: For matter of Deboystness, and Drinking, which is laid upon the Party. For my part I know there hath been them that hath walked from Morning till Night, and could scarce meet with a Breakfast, or Morning's Draught; though they have met with them that could a Relieved them with both, (some of our trusties) nor lend them a shilling if they had asked them, though they know how to pay themselves, unless you would sell your Lot or Part to them; then they would find Money: as wants hath made many done of late, having neither Employments, Trades, nor Credit; having wearied all our Friends, and Relations, with promises, hoping we shall have some ways provided for us, to satisfy them, and Relieve us: There are many of us I believe if they had it, would not see one another want. Many times we meet and are glad we can make ourselves merry with Melancholy and hopes together, more than our Purses are able to do in Drink! We that had little or nothing left, when his Majesty was returned, cannot have that plenty now, as to waste it in superfluities of Meat and Drink: We have made hard shifts for Food and Raiment, and been content with little Drink: But it is none but a never contented Party that says we are a discontented Party, and would have nothing done for none but themselves, unless they have a part in it, that will cast Aspersions upon those they thinks will declare the Truth against them; thinking that by that favour they have got, to throw all out of favour but themselves; and those that can flatter with them for fear, or self-ends. I hope those that can appear before his Majesty, or whom he shall appoint, and make themselves clearly out, That they have been Truly Loyal Commissioned Officers, and such as they declare themselves to be in the List, Faithful Subjects to his Majesty, from the first to the last; and no such persons of Carriage nor Behaviour, as some are pleased to Render them: But such, as when Examined, shall be found as deserving Men (according to their Commands they had) as those that hath been pleased to Report us such persons, because of our Poverty, and nothing done for us; than it will be found it is more their Malice, and Covetousness, than any Religion, or fear of God they have in them; as shall appear between their Actions and ours, e'er long, when the Truth is made known to those that may have the hearing of it: which is the cause I have Writ this Book. First, To acknowledge what his Majesty's Care and Love hath been for us, in providing as we thought, a subsistence for us, if it had been managed according to the intentions of the Act of Parliament, for the performing of it. Secondly, To make it appear we are no such discontented persons, but content, If not abused. Thirdly, How much hath been done for us, and how little it hath come to; and long of those that hath been entrusted in the Managing of it. And Lastly, If his Majesty be Graciously pleased to do any thing for us, we desire to make it known we are such Men as we Report ourselves to be, Truly Loyal Commissioned Officers, having had Real Commands according to our Titles; very Indigent many of us, and not provided for; which we shall leave it to God and his Majesty, to look upon us according to our Loyalty, and Sufferings: Knowing none will be offended, that Truly Fears GOD, and Honours the KING.  
FINIS.