●HE HUMBLE PETITION OF THE Common Council Of the City of LONDON; Presented to the High Court of PARLIAMENT On Saturday the 24 of September, 1659.  
LONDON, Printed for john Clark, at Mercer's Chapel in Cheapside. 1659.   

To the Supreme AUTHORITY Of the NATION, The PARLIAMENT Of the Commonwealth of ENGLAND. The humble Petition of the Common Council of the City of London  
Sheweth  
THat this City hath taken notice of a Vote of your Honours of the second of this Instant September, Importing your pleasures; that john Ireton the present Lord Mayor of this City, do continue and execute the office of Lord Major of London for the year ensuing, recommending it to the City of London, to see the same done accordingly; Touching which your Petitioners do not at this time apply to your Honours out of any exception to the Honourable person therein mentioned, but in tenderness to our Ancient Charters, Customs and Privileges, (a breach upon which would exceedingly hazard, if not totally destroy the peace, good order and happiness of the most ancient and well-governed City (we had almost said) in the world: but surely (we may say) in this Nation, when as the Multitude of Inhabitants in and about it is Considered.  
Our Government stands upon two strong supports, The laudable Customs of it (time out of mind) and several very ancient Charters which have been Confirmed by sundry Acts of Parliament; and in them these are Essential; That the Mayors of the City aforesaid, be Chosen by the Citizens of the same City; That the Mayor of the said City remain not in his office above one year together: And that the Supreme power of the Nation may be fully satisfied in our Choice, we are to present him there for approbation, which we cheerfully submit to, and assure ourselves that amongst those several very worthy persons whom God in his good providence hath given us in succession, there may be Chosen such a fit person for the year ensuing, as will be serviceable to the peace and safety of the City and Nation, and acceptable to your Honours.  
In the Consideration whereof, we make this our petition, persuading ourselves, that no Alteration willbe made by your Honours, in our so Ancient good and peaceable Customs and Charters: Especially, when we call to mind the long peace and Happiness this great and populous City hath enjoyed under this Government; And that the disturbance of it though but in the minds of men, may prove dangerous thereunto; As also the great love and correspondence that this Election hath maintained in all times between the Mayor and Citizens.  
But when we look into the records of Parliament, & our own Courts, What acknowledgements, promises, & Engagements this City hath received from your Honours, we might well abhor our own disingenuity, if we should fear a breach of our Charters, or Custom●s, or any Mark of hardship or displeasure from your Honours: for we find the 13. of january 1643. Both Houses dstinctly make great acknowledgements to the City, with assurance never to desert it, but to make it their greatest Care to watch all opportunities to advance the honour and happiness of the City, which under God hath been the principal means of preserving the Parliament. The 6. of May 1644. A Committee from both Houses signify their sense of the City's readiness to assist the Parliament upon all occasions, and that therefore the Parliament is likewise ready to express their gratitude to the City, in the most Essential manner & way they can find out. And therefore being about to make Propositions to the King in behalf of both Kingdoms, they offer it to the Common Council to think of some Propositions to be prepared in behalf of the City, for the honour safety and good of it, and that the Parliament will present them to his Majesty.  
Accordingly the City prepared Propositions, of which one was for Confirmation of all the Charters granted to this City; and of all Liberties, Customs, and Privileges; notwithstanding Non-user, Misuser or Abuser: That they shall not be drawn out of the Liberties to war without their own consent.  
The 18. of May 1644. The Commons acknowledge it an especial Blessing of Almighty God, that their Endeavours have been so well understood, and accepted by this famous City; without whose Constant affections and assistance they could not have brought their great work to the hopeful Condition, wherein by the mercy of God it then stood.  
That the City have demonstrated their adherence to the House of Commons by Action in times of greatest difficulty, and have therein spent their dearest blood, and vast sums of Treasure; omitting no possible supplies of purse or person.  
That they (the Commons) will never forget the great encouragement they then received (by a Petition) from the City.  
And in return for their great affections, the House of Commons do declare, They will in a most peculiar manner be mindful of the merit of the City, which upon all occasions they shall acknowledge, and will endeavour for to requite.  
The fruits of all which, we do persuade ourselves, Can never be wanting to this City whiles your Honours that made them, have power in your hands to make them good. And we hope the Common Enemy both to you and us, shall never have Cause to rejoice in this, that our City should want the benefits of your Engagements to us in the days of your and our straits, Much less, lose any of our former Privileges by your hands in the days of Peace.  
And therefore in a deep sense of the Cities Concernment therein, and the duty Incumbent on us, and all Freemen of this City by virtue of our Oaths, we do most humbly pray, that your Honours would lay no restraint upon the people's free Election of our Mayor; And that our ancient Charters, Customs, Rights, and Privileges in this and all other things may be Continued to us.  
And we shall ever pray, etc.