THE ARTICLES AND CHARGE OF THE ARMY, EXHIBITED In Parliament against the King's Majesty, the Prince of Wales, and the Duke of York; Read in both Houses yesterday, Novemb. 21. 1648. AND Their Declaration and Resolution (sent to the Citizens of London) showing the manner how they will dispose of the Crown of England. WITH Their Proposals touching the declaring of their Highness' incapable of any government or trust whatsoever, and to stand exiled, and be banished for ever as Enemies and Traitors. And to die without mercy, if ever after taken, in case they come not in at the hour set down and prefixed. And the General's Declaration touching the King. AGreed upon by the General Council of the Army; and commanded to be printed and published. 22 nouemb. Signed T. FAIRFAX. London, Printed for C.W. near the Royal Exchange, 1648. A DECLARATION FROM THE ARMY Agreed upon by his Excellency, and the General Council of the Army. WHereas through the blessing of God upon the endeavours and actions of the Army they are become Conquerors and Subduers of the Enemies of peace and freedom, and therefore conceive themselves bound in conscience and judgement to preserve this Nation from future slavery, and to bring all Offenders to condign punishment. The Charge and Proposals of the Army. 1 That the capital and grand Authors of our troubles, the person of the King may be speedily brought to Justice, for the Treason, blood, and mischief he is already guilty of. 2 That a timely and peremptory day may be set for the Prince of Wales, and the Duke of York to come in, and render themselves, by which time if they do not, that then they may be immediately declared incapable of any government or trust whatsonever, and to stand exiled for ever, as enemies and traitors, to die without mercy, if ever after taken. And if they or either of them, renders themselves within the said time, that then the Prince for his capital delinquency (being in appearance next to his Fathers) and himself and the Duke to be proceeded against in Justice, or remitted according as they shall give satisfaction. But however that the Estate and Revenue of the Crown may be sequestered, and all the matter of costly pomp suspended for a good number of years, while the desolations and spoils of the poor people may be repaired for ease of the people's contributions, 3 That Justice be executed on a competent number of his chief Instruments that are in the power of the Parl. so that their exemption from pardon may not be a mockery of Justice in the face of God & Man. 4. That the rest of the Delinquents (English) may upon rendition of themselves to Justice, have mercy extended to them for their lives, and fines set upon them with moderation, and those that have compounded, to be freed from Suits, Arrests, etc. Now after Justice thus done upon the forementioned particulars, we propound further for settling of the peace of the Kingdoms, viz. 1 That a speedy period may be put to this Parl. and teat the power thereof may again return to the people, by, and whom it was first constituted, and provision for future, Annual or Biennial, upon grounds of common right freedom, and safety. 2 That no Delinquents may elect or be elected, at least for some time, and that there may be a certainty of their sitting, meeting, and ending. 3 That it be declared, that as to the whole interest of the Commons of England; they are the supreme power, for the making, clearing, or repealing Laws; for making War or Peace, and for final judgement in civil things without further appeal; and that all the Commons of England, and all Officers of Justice, and Ministers of State, shall for the outward man, and outward things be concluded thereby; provided, these things be reserved from, and not entrusted in the said Representatives. 1 The questioning or censuring of any man, for any thing said or done, in relation to the late wars, but such cases as before mentioned. 2 The rendering up, or giving, or taking away of any of the Foundations of Right, Liberty, and safety to the People, contained in a settlement and agreement; which to be above Law, and to be signed unto by the People. That no King; or other public Officer be hereafter admitted, without subscribing to this settlement. SIR, HIs Majesty (on Friday last) at a Conference with his Council, declared his great averseness, for the abolishing of Episcopacy, and declaring against the negotiation of Ireland. It is supposed, that His Majesty hath many scruples against the Army as appears by his Declaration on Saturday last, (occasioned by a Rumour of the Armies seizing on his Royal person, and taking him into custody, till assurance be given for their future provisions, and safety, intimating that his heart was possessed with many fears and instancing his dream of divers passages appearing visible, touching the proceed of the Army, and that he had a great suspicion of their proceed and actions, desiring the Lords to protect his sacred Person and to direct and gutde them in the ways of faith and righteousness. And in the close of their disputation, his Majesty further declared he would endeavour to give all possible satisfaction to the Army in all things by them desired (as far as he could dispense withal in honour and conscience) and therefore desired that his condegressions, and overturnes in the Treaty, should be forthwith expedited, to the Commanders in chief of each Regiments, to be published at the head thereof, and dispersed throughout the several Counties. Newport Novemb. 19 1648. A Message from his Maj. loyal subjects, in the Kingdom of Scotland to his liege people in the Kingdom of England. Right Honourable, As we are very sensible of the benefit and advantage afforded to this Kingdom, against the enemies to the peace and happiness of both Nations, by the coming hither of the Force under the command of Lieutenant General Cromwell, and Maj. General Lambart, so we hold it fitting when the condition of our affairs and posture of our Forces have now permitted their return, to render them them this deserved testimony, and to acknowledge that the deportment of the General Officers, under Officers and soldiers in their coming into this Kingdom, during their abode amodgst us, and in their return to England hath been so fair and civil and with so much tenderness to avoid all causes of offence, and to preserve a right understanding, betwixt the Kingdoms, that we trust by their carriage the Malignant and disaffected shall be much convinced and disappointed, and the amity of both Kingdoms strengthened and confirmed which we shall likewise on our part inviolably study to prescribe, and to witness ihat we are: Your very affectionate friends and humble servants, London Canc. Edinburgh, 7. Novem. 1648. Signed in the name, and by command of the Committee of Estates. A Message from the army, Right Honourable, THe Agents of the Army are drawing up the Representation of the respective Regiments to present to his Excellency, wherein they Declare their unanimous Resolutions for the putting of a final end and period to all differences whatsoever now in dispute between his Majesty and the parliament, and that a peace be suddenly concluded of, and his Majesty re-invested, provided that assurance may be given for future safety and liberties, both to the Army and Kingdom. The General's Declaration. Mr. Speaker, The General Council of Officers at their late meeting here have unanimously aagreed upon a Remonstrance, to be presented to you and in regard it concerns matters of highest and present importance to yourself, to Us and the whole Kingdom; I do, at the desire of the Officers, and in the behalf of them, and myself most earnestly entreat that it may have a present reading, and the things propounded therein may be timely considered. Your most humble servant, T. FAIRFAX. St. Alban 21. Novemb. 1648. FINIS.