THE Desires, and Resolutions OF THE CLUBMEN OF THE COUNTIES OF Dorset and Wilts.  
WITH The Articles of their Covenant, and certain Directions for the present behaviour, made, and agreed on at a Meeting of the Inhabitants (of the said Counties) at Gorehedge-corner, May, 25. 1645.  
AND Read at Badburie in Dorsetshire, by Mr. YOUNG a Lawyer; where there were present near 4000 armed, with Clubs, Swords, Bills, Pitchforks, and other several weapons, etc.  
Published according to Order.  
LONDON, Printed by THO. FORCET, 1645.   

The Desires and Resolutions of the CLUBMEN, of the Counties of Dorset and Wilts.  
We the miserable Inhabitants of the said Counties being too too deeply touched with the apprehension, and sense of our past, and present sufferings, occasioned only by these Civil, and unnatural Wars within this Kingdom: And finding by sad experience, that by means thereof, the true worship of Almighty God, and our Religion are almost forgotten, and that our ancient Laws, and Liberties, contrary to the great Charter of England, and the Petition of Right, are altogether swallowed up in the Arbitrary power of the Sword. And foreseeing that Destruction; F●mine, and utter Desolation will inevitably fall upon us, our wives, and children (unless God of his infinite mercy shall upon our true humiliation be graciously pleased to impose a period to these sad distractions) are unanimously resolved, wherein we desire the concurrence of all the Garrisons of this County to join in Petitioning His Majesty, and the two Houses of Parliament for an happy Peace, and accommodation of the present differences, without further effusion of Christian blood. Without which accommodation, we cannot expect the enjoyment of our Religion, Liberties, or properties. And lest any false aspersion of endeavouring, or desiring to introduce Popery, or Arbitrary government should be cast on all, or any of us, we do all with one heart & mind, profess before God, and the world, ourselves enemies to both. And that we aim at nothing herein, save only the glory of God, and the good of the Church and State. And for that purpose we do here declare, that we really intent to the utmost hazard of our lives, and fortunes.  

First, To maintain, and defend the true reformed Protestant Religion, and the Inheritance of the Crown.  
Secondly, To join with, and assist one another in the mutual defence of our Liberties, and Properties against all Plunderers, and all other unlawful violence whatsoever.  
Thirdly, We do hereby resolve, and faithfully promise each to other, that if any person or persons whatsoever, who shall concur with, and assist us in these our Resolutions, happen to suffer in his person or estate in the execution of the premises, that shall be accounted as the suffering of the generality, and reparation shall be made to the party suffering, according to his damages; and in case loss of life, provision shall be made for his wife and children, and that at the countries' charge.  
Fourthly, We do hereby declare all such unworthy of our assistance, as shall refuse to join with us in the prosecution of these our Just intentions    

Certain Directions for present behaviour, made, and agreed on at a meeting of the Inhabitants of Dorset, and Wilts at Gore-hedge-corner. May 25. 1645.  
WHEREAS by the Articles of our Association, we challenge unto ourselves not other freedom for the present from the burden of wars, then to preserve ourselves from Plunder, and all other unlawful violence: It is therefore advised by the generality, that until such time as we receive answer to our Petitions from His Majesty, and the Houses of Parliament. First,  

1 That every Town, Tything, and Parish, and great Hamlet, make present choice of Three, or more, of the ablest men for wisdom, valour, and estate, inhabitants of the same, unto whom at all times they may repair for assistance, and direction.  
2 That the Constables, Tythingmen, or any other Officers of the Town, Tything, Parish or Liberty, in pursuance of the Statute in that case provided, set a constant watch of two men, at the least, every night well armed, and by day also if need require: And the number of the Watch men to be increased according to the direction of the said able men, and Officers.  
3 That the Watchmen be charged not to stop or examine any Soldier in his march, nor any other Passenger that passeth peaceably, but if they be friendly spoken unto by the Passenger, to return a friendly answer to him again, to encourage him in his peaceable behaviour.  
4 That the Watchmen keep walking in their Precincts, in as much secrecy as conveniently they may, to avoid a sudden surprisal; and as soon as they, or either of them descry any violence offered to any person, house or goods, (if they are not of sufficient strength themselves to suppress or stop the said violence) than one of them presently repairing to one or more of the said able men, by his or their advice, to raise the Parish, Town, or Hamlet into Arms to assist the distressed, and the other Watchman with all speed to repair to the next neighbouring Watch or Watches, if need so require, and there in like manner raising the same into Arms. To bring presently with him half of the men there Armed to relieve the distressed, the other half to remain there ready Armed in their own Precincts, to protect the same, and apprehend the Plunderers in their retreat.  
5 That all such as pretend themselves to be Soldiers, and are taken Plundering, or doing any other unlawful violence, be presently dis-armed, and after examination, (having confessed unto which Army he doth belong) to be safely guarded thither, (together with sufficient witness to prove the offence) from Tithing to Tithing, until they be brought to the next Garrison belonging to the said Army, and there to be delivered unto the Commander in Chief, with tender of witnesses to prove the crime. But in case they say, they belong to an Army which doth Quarter near the place where the offence was commited, then in the like manner, to convey them to the Commander in chief of the said Army.  
6 That to avoid false Alarms, no men rise into Arms, but such as are so summoned by the Watchmen, unless they see apparent violence, or in case the watchmen be defective, or surprised, or to be called by a very probable out cry.  
7 That all men furnish themselves with as much, and good Arms, Weapons. and Ammunition, as they can procure, and the rich out of a good conscience to relieve the poor herein, as also in their labours of Watching, and other assistance, in some proportionable measure.  
8 That the Contribution-money, and all provision, and necessary maintenance for the Armies, if it be demanded by a lawful Warrant, directed to the Officer of the place, be not denied, but every man as he is able, in some reasonable proportion forthwith to contribute; and for those that are truly unable, certificate of their inability to be made by the said Officer, with advice of the said chosen able men of the place, unto their Commander in Chief, from whom the Warrant issued, with Petition for respite, and mitigation of the proportion of the said Warrant required, until they shall be better enabled.  
9 If Quarter be demanded according to Order Marshal, the Soldier to be friendly entertained, behaving himself fairly in his Quarters. But if they Plunder, or offer any other violence, then to be restrained, and delivered unto his Commander in chief to be by him corrected.    

If any inconvenience shall be found to ensue on the observation of these Directions. It is desired to be made known at the next general Rendezvous, that upon consultation had, it may be amended.  
Vera Copia.   
FINIS.