HIS EXCELLENCY SIR THOMAS FAIRFAXES Protestation, in the name of himself, and the rest of the Army. THE DECLARATION Of the Commaltee of Soldiers, Their Answer to the Scots Declaration, And the Resolutions of the army Concerning the City of LONDON. printer's or publisher's device London Printed by B. A. 1647 NEWS FROM THE ARMY SIR, YOurs dated June 11, came safe to my hands for which I give you many thanks, and for what hath since my lhst been collected by me, is briefly thus, That we have left the King ut his house at Newmarket, where Col. whaley commands the Guard still. We are now come hither to St. Alban's the Gen. Excellency, Lieutenant Gen. Hammond, Col. Hammond, Commissary Gen. jerton, Col. Rainsborough, Col. Sir Hardreds' Waller, Col. Rich, Col. Lilburne, Col. Pride, Col. Howson, and the rest, Also F. Mar. Gen. Skippon, Liv. Gen. Crumwell and the rest of the Commissioners are come with us, we have a very gallant army, & do not decrease, besides many that have left us would feign be admitted again but come not. We had some of the Scots Declarations brought hither which have much encouraged the soldiers, especially that last passage, wherein they assigned the Parliament at the conference of both houses, that if there were need, (it being upon some speeches against the army) that they would join above man. But I find that the soldiers take things very well from the City, in that they will join with those who would promote war against them. And it hath (as I here) been disputed amongst the soldiers very much, what course to take for the poor of the City of London, in case the Armies lying near raise the prizes of provisions, the result of which was that if they have but some moneys sent them to pay the Army's quarters, they will retreat further from the City, & it is the open way (so far as I perceive) that upon a motion from the City, the Parliament will not deny it them. we hear that it is much questioned in the City of London what the Army will do upon them in relation to their Estates whether they shall be free from plunder, & also whether they will admit a free trade, if the Country to which the Soldiers have resolved, that the City of London going on in this loving way, and not opposing them, they will do them no prejudice. The soldiers are resolved that not one pennyworth of goods or money, shall be prejudiced by them, not only that in their shops or houses, but what soever shall be carried in to the Country, or be sent up from the Country, between them and those they deal withal, not any jote thereof shall be prejudiced, and if any moneys be sent them to enable them to pay quarters they will remove further off from London. We hear of some Aldermen, and Common-council men coming to the Army from the City, they are much expected again, they a●● come to us, you shall here further from Your humble servant R. CORBET St. Alban's, june the 13. 1647. His Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax his Protestation, in the name of himself, and the rest of the Commanders in chief. 1. WE have said before, and profess it now, we desire no alteration of the Civil Government. 2. We desire not to interrupt the settling of Presbyterial Government. 3. Nor do we seek to open a way to licentious liberty, under pretence of obtaining ease for tender Consciences. T. FAIRFAX. The Desires of the Army. I. Their desire is, to preserve and not to spoil, and to that end, are determined both Officers and Soldiers, horse and foot, not in the least, to be accounted the wicked of men, and destroyers, but preservers of that remnant and talon which God hath bestowed upon those, who serve him in truth and sincerity. II. That although they are now near approaching towards your vast and populous City, yet it is no ways prejudicial to the State, but for the preservation and security of those privileges, for which divers poor soldiers have lost their lives for the maintenance of the same. III. That if there be an answer returned somewhat suitable to their desires, and their reasonable requests granted, they shall proceed no further, but retreat to any convenient place, which shall be thought fit and convenient. iv That, their desire is, that they may receive a fair & suitable Answer to their Requests, (professing that their intentions are real, and not in the least, prejudicial, either to State or Commonwealth, but for the advantage of the public good.) And that the Citizens of London with whom they have so often hazarded 〈◊〉 lives withal against the Common Enemy of the Kingdom, may not in any ways stand in opposition against them, but really and unanimously knit their hearts in one link, against all opposers and disturbers of the public Weal of England, in which troublesome disasters, both the Citizens of London and the renowned Prentices (of the said City) in the Army, have waded through many difficulties. V And lastly, 〈◊〉 is the earnest desire of the whole Army, that all things may be composed in love, and that all possible means may be used, for a safe and well-grounded peace, that so his Majesty's Honour and Prerogative may be maintained, the Privileges and Being of Parliament preserved, and the peace and welfare of the Kingdom defended, against all Opposers, and Disturbers whatsoever. These Desires and Demands were subscribed by divers of the chief Officers in the Army. FINIS.