A DECLARATION Of the Three Deputy-Governors of the Isle of WIGHT, To his Excellency the Lord FAIRFAX, concerning the taking of His majesty's PERSON into safe Custody: WITH A Letter from the House of Commons to Col. General Lambert, Now Commander in Chief at the Leaguer before PONTEFRACT.  
As also, His excellency's DECLARATION, to avoid interruption in the Excise Office.  
Published by Authority.  
London, Printed for R. Smith●rst, 1643.   

A Declaration of the three Deputy Governors of the Isle of WIGHT.  
YEsterday there came into this Isle, some Officers of the Army, Viz. Lieu. Col. Cobbet, and Cap Merry-man, with Instructions from the general and council of war directed to themselves, and the Commander in chief here, forthwith to secure the person of the King in▪ Carisbrook Castle, as before the Treaty, until they should receive resolution from the Houses, upon their late Remonstrance; And they understanding that the management of the affairs of this Island, was by Col. Hammond committed to ourselves, or any two of us, they acquainted us with their instructions; desiring our concurrence with them, that so the present work intended by them, might with less difficulty be accomplished; while we were in debate of these things, there came in a Messenger from the general with an Order under his hand and Seal, directed to the Gentlemen; commanding them immediately to take the person of the King into their charge and to remove him from thence into Hurst Castle, requiring us by name, with all other Officers and soldiers in the I'll, to be aidingand assisting to them therein: two of us, Viz. Major Rolph, and Cap. Hawes, upon sight of that Order, declared ourselves obliged, not to disobey the general's Commands, but conceive ourselves bound to yield obedience thereunto by our Commissions, the other of us Viz. Cap. Boreman declared his judgement, that his duty lay immediately to the governor, who had instructed him, contrary to whose Instructions and Commission, he could not act, neither was he of himself in a capacity to oppose them in that service. Cap. Hawes being dissatisfied in the action, manifested his unwillingness to join in it, and his resolution, neither directly nor indirectly to oppose it. But these Gentlemen with the concurrence of the Army forces here and the assistance of a fresh Troop of Horse, and one Company of Foot (which landed in the night) in pursuance of their commands, very civilly made their addresses to the King (according to another Order from the general, for his usage with all civility, and due respect unto his person) between 5 & 6 a clock this morning (by some of the Gentlemen, who by the Parliament were appointed to attend him) acquainting His Majesty with those Orders and instructions, they had in charge from his Excellency the Lord general concerning him, who presently and quietly consenting thereunto, set forward in his Coach, from Newport at 8 of the clock this morning▪ towards Hurst Castle, with Mr. Harrington, Coll. Harbot, and Cap. Mildmay, and other of his servants to attend him. Now we do assure you that in the whole transaction of this great affair, there neither was nor is the least disturbance in this Isle; his Majesty is safely arrived at Hurst Castle. Thus we have with all clearness and faithfulness given you a full and impartial account of these late proceedings here, having so done we subscribe ourselves.  
Your humble Servants▪ Maj. Rolph, Cap. Boreman, & Cap. Hawes.   

To colonel general Lambert.  
SIR,  
WE have often considered the great services & wants of that Brigade under your command now (as we are in formed) at Pontefract, which have likewise been often presented to us by the Lieutenant general: And although our care and endeavours, have been for your supply; yet such hath been the difficulties and impediments in getting in of Money, that we could not (till now) attain any considerable sum to return unto you. For that purpose we have now assigned a Months pay to your two Regiments of Horse, Col. Brights Regiment, and the five loose Companies of Foot, which we understand are appointed for the managing of the Siege against Pontefract, as you will perceive by the Warrants enclosed, we have desired the Treasurers at wars to return this moneys by way of Exchange, and we hope it will come timely for your supply: Sir we shall be always ready to contribute our best assistance for your encouragement and supply (according to our powers) in the service you are now upon, To which we desire God to give a blessing.   

Gentlemen,  
WHereas upon this present eight o●December, a party of horse and foot came to the Excise Office in Broadstreet, which perhaps will occasion some to think the Army came thither with a purpose to interrupt any more levying of the Excise. These are to assure them, That the said Forces came thither by a mistake, and that there was not any Intentions, to give Interruption unto the due Levying of the Excise, or to seize upon any money in cash; and that you may proceed as formerly according to those Ordinances and Orders of Parliament, which you have received concerning the same, and that no molestation or hindrance shall be given by the Army. I remain  
Your very assured Friend FAIRFAX.  
For my worthy Friends the Commissioners of the Excise and New-Impost.  
FINIS.