The Humble PETITION OF Many Officers lately drawn from the Army for the service of IRELAND, In the behalf of themselves, and their Soldiers, TO HIS EXCELLENCY Sir Thomas Fairfax Knight, Captain General of the Army raised by Authority of both Houses of PARLIAMENT. Showing the Reasons why, and how they were drawn off. With a Vindication of themselves against the scandals raised by some of his Excellency's Army since their drawing off. Also, a Letter annexed from the General to the several Regiments inducing them to engage in that Honourable and just war. July 8th LONDON, Printed by E. Griffin. 1647. TO HIS EXCELLENCY Sir Thomas Fairfax Knight, General of the Army raised by the Authority of both Houses of PARLIAMENT, The humble Petition of the Officers of the several Regiments lately drawn off Your Excellency's Army for the service of Ireland: in the behalf of themselves and their Soldiers. Shows, THat your Petitioners formerly members of your Army, by your Excellency's countenance and encouragement did draw off and engage ourselves and soldiers for the service of Ireland; and since that contrary to our expectation, and as we humbly conceive, your Excellency's knowledge, there hath been very high affronts offered unto us by some of your Excellency's Army that came into our quarters, and by a pretended authority from your Excellency, and a special order from some of the chief Commanders in your Excellency's Army, as they alleged, did ●t that time draw away many of our Soldiers, and have by false and scandalous suggestions and misinformation endeavoured to seduce, corrupt, and draw away many more, as doth appear by the late loss of five Companies, and the great discouragement of all the rest from that service, which your Excellency endeavoured so much to promote, manifested by that never to be forgotten expression which then fell from your Excellency; That rather than the service of Ireland should be neglected or retarded, you would willingly trail a Pike yourself: And whereas it is by some persons or pamphlets spread abroad, declaring that we deserted the Army merely on purpose to make a party to stand in opposition to the Army, and so to involve and engage this Kingdom in another bloody war: which our consciences tell us to the contrary; and to give your Excellency and the world satisfaction, we call God the searcher of ●●l hearts to witness for us, that such a 〈…〉 never entered in, or came near outwrought neither do we know of any such inclination 〈◊〉 have had such intimation from any of our superiors, or from any others in the whole world. We therefore make it our humble suit to your Excellency, That as we have all along served your Excellency in your just undertake for the welfare of this Kingdom, with all integrity and fidelity, we may not now be looked upon as enemies, but as well wishers to the peace of this Kingdom; and now ready, if not obstructed, with our lives and fortunes to endeavour the relief of bleeding Ireland. And to that purpose we further beseech your Excellency to give command that no interception be made, or interruption given to any person or persons employed to London or to the Parliament upon our affairs, by any of your Excellency's Army, but that at all times free passage may be allowed to your Petitioners, And as in duty bound we shall pray for your Excellency's happiness, etc. William Harbert, Colonel. John Melvin, Lieut-col. Richard Lundy, Major. Captains. Nathaniel Short Barthol. Helbye John Dunklin Charles Awbury Thomas Morgan Wil Mathews, Cap. Lieut. Lieut. Thomas Vahan Walter Brough Wil Hodskins Peter Winchester Richard Onion Edward Lo Ensigns. James Short William East William Hall Thomas Robins John Stamp John William's Math. Maderson Thomas Hodskins Nich. Kempson, Col. Christ. Packham, Lieut. col. Fran. Dormer, Major. Capt. Robert Fish Alexand. Frye Geo. Masters Abrah. Clerk Francis Wels Lindsey Sbarples Stephen Coin John Bissill Lieut. Robert Dormer Thomas Moon Jarvis Marry George Hope Timothy Clare Ensigns. Robert Chaff Andrew Fine● Robert Batts Bryan Elton John Mackellan David Hollan Robert Cloak SIR, WHereas at the last meeting of the Officers of this Army at Saffron Walden I declared in the presence of the Lords and Commons Commissioners of Parliament to all the Officers then present; as also to such Officers as have since that time come to the Headquarters, that they should make known to their several Regiments the intention of the Parliament to send a considerable force of such of their Army that are willing to go into Ireland for the reducing of that Kingdom, desiring them also to make known my desire to advance that service, and to prevent any hindrance thereof; and that if any Officers stand not disposed to engage in person in that employment, yet that they should promote it, in making known my desire and the Votes of both Houses, for the encouragement of such as should engage in that service: I do therefore desire you to publish this Letter, together with the said Votes, by reading the same unto your Regiment. In expectation whereof I remain Walden, April 18. 1648. Your assured friend, FAIRFAX. FINIS.