A PAPER DELIVERED Into the Lords' House BY THE Earl of ESSEX LORD general, At the offering up of his COMMISSION:  
Published by Authority.  
LONDON, Printed for Thomas Hewer.  
1645.   

A Paper delivered into the Lord's House by the Earl ESSEX, Lord general, at the offering up of his Commission.  
HAving received this great Charge in obedience to the commands of both Houses, and taken their Sword into my hand, I can with confidence say, that I have for this now (almost) three years, faithfully served you, and I hope without loss of my Honour to self, or prejudice to the public, supported therein by the goodness of God, and the fidelity and courage of a great many gallant men, both Officers and soldiers. But I will neither trouble you nor myself, by repeating either the difficulties, or danger, we have overcomed, or the service that I have done you.  
I see by the now coming up of these Ordinances, that it is the desire of the House of Commons, that my Commission may be vacated, and it hath been no particular respect to myself, (whatever is whispered to the contrary) that hath made me thus long omit to declare my readiness thereto, it being not unknown to divers men of Honour, that I had resolved it, after the action of Gloucester, but that some importunities (pressed on me with arguments of public advantage, and that by those of unquestionable affection) overruled me therein; I now do it, and return my Commission into those hands that gave it me, wishing it may prove as good an expedient to the present distempers as some will have it believed, which I shall pray for with as hearty a zeal as any can desire my doing this, which I now do.  
I think it not immodest that I entreat both Houses, that those Officers of mine, which are now laid by, might have their debentures audited, some considerable part of their arrears paid them, for their support, and the remainder secured them by the public-faith; and that those of them that remain questioned, may be brought to some speedy trial, whereby they may receive either the punishment or justification that is due to them; under which notion I remember only three, of whom I must testify, that they frankly and courageously have adventured their lives, and lost their blood for the public, and that with continued fidelity, for aught ever I could observe.  
My Lords, I know that jealousies cannot be avoided, in the unhappy condition of our present affairs, yet wisdom and charity should put such restraints thereunto, as not to allow it, to become destructive. I hope that this advice from me is not unseasonable, wishing myself and my friends may (amongst others) participate the benefit thereof, this proceeding from my affection to the Parliament, the prosperity whereof I shall ever wish from my heart, what return soever it brings me, I being no single example in that kind, of that fortune I now undergo.  
FINIS.