Several PROPOSALS OR HUMBLE PROPOSITIONS Delivered in to the Commissioners of Parliament residing with THE ARMY.  
Resolved upon at a general council of war of the Army under the command of his Excellency Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX, held at Reading, July 17. 1647.  
WITH A Letter to the Lord Maior, Aldermen, and Common council concerning the disposal of the MILITIA of LONDON,  
By the appointment of his Excellency Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX and his council of war.  
Signed by JOHN RUSHWORTH, Sec.  
OXFORD, Printed by J. H. and H. H. and published for the satisfaction of the kingdom, 1647.   

Several PROPOSALS Delivered in to the Commissioners of Parliament residing with the Army.  
THese several ensuing Particulars being considered, debated, and resolved upon at a general council of war, (his Excellency being present) we the Commissioners of the Army were appointed in (the name and behalf of them) to present the same to your Lordships and the Commissioners, to be tendered with all speed to the Parliament; which we accordingly offer, and desire your speedy care therein, that so an Answer (according to the desire and expectation of the Army) may be speedily returned to these Particulars.  
1. That there be an effectual Declaration forthwith published to the whole kingdom, against the inviting, & bringing in of any foreign Forces, under any pretence whatsoever.  
2. That the Army may be paid up equal with the dissertors thereof, according to the late Votes of Parliament; And that the Army may forthwith be put into a constant course of pay, that they may not be burdensome and oppressive to the Country: for the more speedy performance whereof, we desire, that the House of peers would be pleased to concur with the desires of the House of Commons (so often proposed to them) for the reviving of the Committee for the Army; that so the Assessments and great sums in arrears both in the City, and elsewhere, may be by their endeavour collected for the speedy and necessary supply of the Army: And also, that the Treasurers and the Committee at weaver's Hall, may be speedily called to an account, in what manner, and by what warrant, the two hundred and thirty thousand pounds lately entrusted in their hands, have been in so short▪ time consumed.  
3. That the Militia of the city of London, and the Committee for the same, may consist of such Persons, and speedily be returned into those hands who formerly during the worst of times have therein given large testimony of their fidelity to the Parliament and kingdom; which besides the real security it will be to the Parliament and kingdom, in preventing of dangers, and preparations toward another war; would conduce so much to the removing of jealousies, and give such a ground of confidence to the Army, as that we might the better dispose it to larger Quarters in several parts, for the ease of the Country.  
According to, and in pursuance of the Particulars mentioned under the fifth Head of the Representation of the Army, we do earnestly desire.  
4. That all persons imprisoned in England, or Dominion of Wales, (not for Delinquency in relation to the late war, but for other pretended misdemeanours) whose imprisonment is not by the regulated course of Law, but by Order from either House of Parliament, or of Committees flowing from them; may be put into a speedy, regular, and epuitable way of trial: or (if the necessity of settling the general affairs of the kingdom admit not their present trial,) that then they may have present liberty upon reasonable security for their appearance at a certain day to answer what shall be charged against them in a legal way. And that when they shall be tried, if they appear wrongfully or unduly imprisoned; they may have reparation according to their sufferings. In particular we desire this may be done in behalf of lieutenant colonel John Lilburne, M. Musgrave, M. Overton, and others in their condition imprisoned in and about London.  
By the appointment of his Excellency Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX. Reading July 19 1647. John Rushworth, Secretary.   

A LETTER sent from his Excellency Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX, and the council of war; to the Lord Maior, Aldermen, and common-council of the City of London.  
My Lord, and Gentlemen,  
IN the carrying on of the great business of the kingdom towards a general and happy settlement; it hath been a fixed principle with us to make it our first endeavour with the Parliament; that all things tending to the engagement of the kingdom in a second war might be removed, before we could have a confidence to expect a good issue upon a Treaty with their Commissioners: which course of ours, although it might have some appearance of delay, yet by men, that are zealous of the kingdom's good (we hope no endeavour will be judged unnecessary, that may secure the kingdom from the danger of a new embroilment.  
We are now come thus far; that the most material particulars which we have in preparation to propose for the general settlement of the affairs of the kingdom, have been communicated to the Parliaments Commissioners, and we hope they are satisfied that they contain in them things tending to a general good, and to lay an hopeful foundation for a common Right and freedom to the People of this Land in future, and for a lasting peace amongst us.  
But before we can securely intend, and without interruption apply ourselves unto the proceeding and dispatch of the Treaty thereupon; we have addressed some humble desires to the Parliament, which we have delivered into the hands of their Commissioners.  
The paper consists of three particulars, the last whereof (which is the Militia of the City) you being most immediately concerned, to the end you may see, we would ask nothing which relates to you, without giving you a just account thereof, and all possible satisfaction therein, we have also given a Copy thereof to your Commissioners to be herewith sent unto you.  
We should not desire this or any thing else of that nature, were we not persuaded that what we desire is seasonable and necessary for yours and the kingdoms good and quiet, and we should willingly have been silent (as to this) but considering the just jealousies which lie against some persons now authorized in the exercise of that power amongst you, and those attempts which have been made by some who would have engaged your City to a war, had not your Lordship and the court of Aldermen and Common counsel by your wisdom prevented it, by getting those Votes which were passed by the Militia, made null; we cannot in a case of this importance but deal freely with you in desiring your concurrence with ours to the Parliaments, that the Militia may be changed into those hands out of which it was taken, of whose care and fidelity to the public there hath been so long and large experience, as few ages have paralleled. And if the interest we have so long fought for be still the same. let it not seem strange, that we desire both of the Parliament and City, that those may be in places of such a trust who have given the best proof of their courage and constancy in prosecution of the same.  
Having thus far declared ourselves withal freedom and clearness to you, as we do not doubt of your good acceptance of our intentions therein, so we desire your forwardness in a work, so much tending to mutual confidence, and to prevent the designs of any who would be glad to put obstructions in the way to an happy conclusion, and envy nothing more than the continuance of a right understanding between you and us.  
Reading July 19 1647. By the appointment of his Excellency Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX. and his counsel of war. John Rushworth.