TWO LETTERS FROM Vice-Admiral John Lawson, AND The Commanders of the Fleet, to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common-Councilmen of the City of London, Dated the 13th of December, 1659. from the downs; The Other the 21 Instant from Gravesend.  
James in the downs, the 13 of December, 1659. 
 Right Honourable,  
HAving heard of those great Distractions and Divisions amongst the good People of our Nation by the late Breach betwixt the Parliament, and English Army, and the Army under Gen. Monok and the great disturbance in the City and Countries, and the said Desolation that is likely to ensue, if not by God's Mercy speedily prevented by amicable Composure of these unhappy Differences. We have been necessitated, according to our judgement and Consciences, to declare to the World, That we apprehend the only visible means of healing our Breaches, and settling Us again in Peace, is, That there might be all Christian ways and means used to reconcile the Differences betwixt the Parliament (interrupted the 13th of October last), and the Officers of the English Army; which we earnestly entreat your Lordship, with your Honourable Brethren, the Aldermen and Common Council, to use your utmost for the procuring and accomplishing of; and that the Force, that's now put upon the Parliament, may be taken off, that they may return with Freedom to the Exercise of their Trusts: But if it cannot be done by Christian and friendly means, We are resolved, according to our Declaration enclosed, (through the Lord's assistance) to use our utmost endeavour for the Removal of that Force; in which we earnestly desire your Assistance and which We doubt not but will be to the Glory of God, and the reviving the decayed Trade of your City in particular, and the Nation in general, which is the Desire of  
Your Lordship's most humble Servant.  
James, of Gravesend 21, December, 1659. 
 Right Honourable,  
THe above written is a copy of our former out of the downs, and since our arrival Here, having not received any Answer; We fear it came not to your Hand so timely as We In●ended: We have therefore sent the Bearers, Captain Richard Haddock, and Captain Mark Harrison, to give You the state of Affairs with Us, and to acquaint You, That We are Resolved through the Lord'ds assistance to stand to our Declaration, and with our utmost to Endeavour the Re-establishment of the Parliament, Interrupted the 13th of October, 1659. To the Exercise of their Trust; and We hope and doubt not, but We shall find the Concurrence and Assistance in our Resolution, and, That You will discourage all designs of Charles Stuart, and His Adherents, or the Convening together of any Assembly in the Name, or under the specious pretence, of a Free Parliament, according to the Desires of some, which unavoidably must advance Charles Stuart His Interest; and Endanger the ruin of the Cause, and Interest of Christ and his People, That hath cost so much Blood and Treasure, and also the Destruction of the Renowned City, and the Liberties of all good People, Civil and Religious: In confidence of Your Compliance herein, We shall give all Assistance for the Advancement of the Trade, Freedom and Safety of the City in Particular, and the Nation in General: Your Answer unto This is Desired by  
My Lord, Your very Humble Servants. 

John Lawson, Vice-Admiral, Commander of the James.  
George Dakins, Captain of the Bristol.  
Philip Holland, Capt. of the Assurance.  
Francis Allen, Capt. of the Advice.  
Nathaniel Brown, Capt. of the Taunton.  
Thomas Penrose, Capt. of the Maidstone.  
Richard Rooth, Capt. of the Dartmouth.  
Thomas large, Capt. of the lark.  
Richard Newberry, Capt. of the Portland.  
Willowby Hannam, Cap●. of the Kent.  
Henry Fenn, Capt. of the Hampshire.  
Samuel Higginson, Cap●. of the Selbe.  
Anthony Artchy, C●pt. of the Forciter.  
Michael Natton, Capt● of the Norwich.  
Thomas Traford, Lie●t. of the Worcester.  
Captain Thomas Bowry, Captain of the—  
Francis Park, Capt. of the Centurion.  
Richard Haddock, Capt. of the Dragon.  
Mark Harrison, Capt. of the Elias.  
John Coppin, Capt. of the Langport.  
Edward Nixon, Capt. of the pearl.  
John Bowry, Capt. of the Drake.  
Godfrey Reade, Capt. of the—    
To the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of the City of London, also to be Communicated to the Aldermen and Common Council.   

LONDON, Printed by John Streater, MDCLIX.