THE EARL OF strafford's LETTER TO HIS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY, DATED FROM THE TOWER, 4. May, 1641.  
Anno Domini 1641.   

The Earl of strafford's Letter, to the Kings most Excellent Majesty, dated from the Tower, the 4. May, 1641.  
May it please your sacred Majesty,  
IT hath been my greatest grief in all these troubles, to be taken as a person which should endeavour to represent and set things amiss between your Majesty and your people; and to give Counsels tending to the disquiet of the three Kingdoms.  
Most true it is, that this mine own private condition considered, it had been a great madness, since through your gracious favour I was so provided, as not to expect in any kind to mend my fortune, or please my mind more, then by resting where your bounteous hands had placed me.  
Nay, it is most mightily mistaken, for unto your Majesty it is well known, my poor, and humble advises concluded still in this, That your Majesty and your people could never be happy, till there were a right understanding betwixt you and them: no other means to effect, and settle this happiness, but by the Council, and assent of the Parliament; or to prevent the growing evils upon this State but by entirely putting yourself in the last resort, upon the loyalty, and good affections of your English Subjects.  
Yet such is my misfortune, this truth findeth little credit, the contrary seemeth generally to be believed, and myself reputed, as some thing of separation between you, and your people; under a heavier censure than which I am persuaded no Gentleman can suffer.  
Now, I understand the minds of men are more incensed against me, notwithstanding your Majesty hath declared, that in your Princely opinion, I am not guilty of treason, nor are you satisfied in your conscience to pass the Bill.  
This bringeth me into a very great straight, there is before me the ruin of my Children, and Family, hitherto untouched, in all the branches of it with any foul crimes. Here is before me the many ills, which may befall your sacred Person, and the whole Kingdom, should yourself, and Parliament part less satisfied one with the other, then is necessary for the preservation both of King and people. Here are before me the things most valued, most feared, by mortal man, Life, or Death.  
To say Sir, that there hath not been a strife in me, were to make me less man, than God knoweth, mine infirmities give me. And to call a destruction upon myself, and young Children, where the intentions of my heart (at least have been innocent of this great offence) may be believed, will find no easy content from flesh and blood.  
But with much sadness, I am come to a resolution, of that which I take to be best becoming me, to look upon that which is most principal in itself, which doubtless is the prosperity of your sacred person, and the common wealth, infinitely before any private man's interest.  
And therefore in few words, as I put myself wholly upon the honour, and justice of my Peers so clearly, as to beseech your Majesty might please to have spared that declaration of yours on Saturday last, and entirely to have left me to their Lordships; so now, to set your Majesty's conscience at liberty, I do most humbly beseech your Majesty, in prevention of mistakes which may happen, by your refusal, to pass this B●ll; And by this means remove (praised be God) I cannot say, this accursed (but I confess) this unfortunate thing forth of the way, towards that blessed agreement, which God I trust, shall ever establish between you and your subjects.  
Sir, my consent shall more acquit you herein to God, than all the world can do besides. To a willing man there is no injury done. And as by God's grace, I forgive all the world with a calmness and meekness of infinite Contentment to my dislodging soul; So Sir, to you can I give the life of this world, with all the cheerfulness imaginable; in the just acknowledgement of your exceeding favours. And only beg that in your goodness, you would vouchsafe to cast your gracious regard upon my poor Son, and his three Sisters, less, or more, and no otherwise, than as their (in present) unfortunate Father, may hereafter appear more or less guilty of this death.  
God long preserve your Majesty. Your Majesty's most faithful, and humble Subject, and Servant, STRAFFORD.  
Tower, 4 May, 1641.