The humble REPRESENTATION AND PETITION OF THE OFFICERS of the ARMY, TO THE PARLIAMENT of the Commonwealth of England. Presented to them Wednesday the 5th of October, 1659. by Maj. General Disbrow, accompanied with the Field-Officers of the Army, and subscribed by above two hundred and thirty Commission-Officers in and about London.  
Together with the Parliaments Answer thereunto.  

Wednesday, Octob. 5. 1659.  
ORdered by the General Council of the Officers of the Army of this Commonwealth, That this Representation and Petition be forthwith printed and published.  
Tho: Sandford, Secretary.   
LONDON, Printed by Henry Hills dwelling in Aldersgate Street next door to the Peacock. 1659.   

The humble REPRESENTATION AND PETITION OF THE Officers of the Army, To the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England,  
Shows,  
THat having had by Your order some late Votes of Parliament communicated to us by Lieutenant General Fleetwood, our Commander in chief, occasioned by a Debate in Parliament, upon the Petition and Proposals of the Officers, under the Command of the Lord Lambert in the late Northern expedition; We have inquired diligently into our hearts and ways, with reference thereunto; and finding nothing amongst us but faithfulness and integrity to the Parliament and this Commonwealth, we cannot but be sensible that there hath not wanted some persons, who have endeavoured to beget misunderstanding between the Parliament and Army: and to that end have represented our Actions and Intentions so, as it is taken for granted there hath been irregularity amongst us, at which we fear you have taken offence. Whereas we are persuaded, that if there had not been an anticipation, it would have appeared to all unprejudiced Spirits, that neither we, (who for the generality of us, were utterly ignorant of that whereat the offence is taken) nor our faithful brethren of the Northern Brigade, who Signed the said Petition and Proposals, did Design or Intent any thing tending to the interruption of the Parliament, the prejudice of the Peace of this Commonwealth, or any other by, or sinister respect, not becoming the Trust reposed in us. Wherefore being sensible of the evil Use that persons abroad may make from the least apprehensions of Difference between the Parliament and Army, and that we may as much as in us lies, remove all occasions of Surmise, justify our own innocency before you, and frustrate the expectations of any, who by blowing up the Coals of Dissension, hope to warm themselves thereby:  
We have thought it our duty to present our naked thoughts to You, and hope You will find so much of integrity and approved faithfulness in us, for the welfare of this Commonwealth, as may continue a firm confidence of us, and engage Your zeal against all such as shall go about to reproach Your faithful Army, or any Member thereof for the future: especially considering that the Peace of these Nations, next under God, depends so much upon a Cordial and Affectionate Agreement and Union of the Parliament and Army, and an uninterrupted good understanding of each other, and therefore we do humbly and plainly declare,  
1 That notwithstanding what any persons may suggest or say to the contrary, we are not for, but against the setting up of any Single Person whatsoever in Supreme Authority: and for a demonstration hereof, we may appeal to Your own judgements upon our late Actings; wherein, since our Declaration of the sixth of May last, we have with all industry and faithfulness, endeavoured to render ourselves serviceable to you and this Commonwealth, and have cheerfully observed your commands; some of us with our lives in our hands in your late service, wherein to our great encouragement the Lord hath once more appeared to own You and Your Army, & the good old Cause for which we have contended. And, at the late return of this Parliament to the discharge of their remaining trust, We did with simplicity and plainness in Our Humble Petition and Address presented to you, manifest Our hearts and desires, and that with much unanimity and fullness of consent, which we apprehended was well accepted by you.  
2 That we have not since changed our principles, (leading to a well regulated Commonwealth, wherein the Liberties of the people thereof, both spiritual and civil, may be sully secured, and persons of known integrity, piety, and ability, employed in places of trust and concernment) but resolve by the assistance of God to remain constant to them. And make it our humble prayer to God, that he would incline your hearts effectually to prosecute the same; and make you instrumental in bringing forth such a foundation of Government, whereby all the good people of these Nations may rationally expect that such Liberties and Rights shall be preserved to them and their posterities. And we can truly say that it is in our hearts earnestly, to desire that God would crown you with the honour of making these Nations happy by such a settlement, as may not be liable at every change of Governors to have the peace thereof disturbed, by introducing new Governments.  
3 Whereas a Petition and Proposals were lately drawn up by the Officers of the Brigade that (under the Command of Major General Lambert) hazarded themselves in your service with good success, whereby through the blessing of God upon them and others of your faithful friends and servants, the peace of this Commonwealth is still continued; And the said Petition was sent up to some Officers here, to be presented to the Lord Fleetwood, which hath been by some interpreted to evil and sinister ends, and from thence suggestions derived, as if there were intentions to violate the Parliament, to set up a single person, or another General, in order thereunto; We do sincerely profess (what ever the designs of any persons may be to promote such causeless jealousies) We have had no other than faithfulness and candour in our hearts and actions towards the Parliament, nor do we apprehend (with submission we speak it) any reason or cause of offence to be conceived against Your faithful servants, who lately gave so ample proof of their fidelity and courage.  
4 We cannot but esteem ourselves unhappy to have been so misrepresented to the Parliament, as should occasion such a public admonition upon record; And considering what evil use may be made of these things by the public Enemy, and to the end they may be disappointed of their hopes, and all such persons discouraged as shall go about for the future, to promote jealousies, or by misinformation to beget divisions betwixt the Parliament and their faithful servants the Army, and that a good understanding may be preserved between them, We humbly pray,  
I. That the Officers of the Army, and particularly those who have reason to bear the marks of your favour for their faithfulness in the late Northern expedition, may stand right in your opinion and have your countenance.  
II. That whatsoever person or persons shall for the future groundlessly and causelessly inform the House against your Servants, thereby creating jealousies, and casting scandalous imputations upon them, may be brought to examination, justice, and condign punishment.  
III. That it being an undoubted Right of the people to have a Liberty in a peaceable and submissive way, to petition the Supreme Authority, which liberty hath been by yourselves asserted, allowed, and approved of, we cannot but also assert the said Liberty, and humbly conceive that your faithful Servants of the Army have no way forfeited their Rights as Freemen: And that therefore they hope it will be no offence for them to submit their humble desires to the Parliament. And we hope and pray you will not discourage them from so doing.  
iv That you would be pleased to take into your serious consideration the necessitous condition of the poor Soldiers of your Armies, and that all possible care may be taken for their timely supply, their wants being such as earnestly call for it; And that some speedy and effectual course may be taken to provide for the maimed Soldiers, and the poor Widows and Orphans of such as have been slain in your Service, that the blessing of the desolate may be upon you.  
V That such who have freely offered themselves in the several Counties and Cities of these Nations, to own and stand by you and your Cause in the late Insurrection, with the hazard of all that is dear unto them, may have your encouragement, and be employed in places of Trust and Command.  
VI That (it being a thing granted by all, that without the due execution of martial Discipline, the peace, union, and good government of an Army cannot be preserved) the discipline of the Army may be preserved inviolable, and in particular that no Officer or Soldier of your Armies may be Cashiered or dismissed from their places without a due proceeding at a Court Martial, or by his own consent, except in Cases of Reducements or Disbandings.  
VII. That it being judged necessary by the Parliament for the keeping of the Army under such a Conduct as may render the same serviceable to the Commonwealth, to appoint a Committee of Nomination, for the proposing of Officers to the Parliament for their Approbation, we humbly pray, that no Officers may be brought into the Army but such as shall first come under the consideration of the said Committee, and be by them presented.  
VIII. The office of the Commander in chief of the Army being of so great concernment to the peace of this Commonwealth, and his Commission at present (as we conceive) expiring within a few months, we humbly pray, that the consideration of that matter may come before you, and some such effectual course taken therein, as may prevent our fears, and the hazard of leaving the Army to confusion.  
IX. And that you would retain a good opinion of your Army, and, against all discouragements whatsoever, proceed in the carrying on of that good work entrusted in your hands for the glory of God and advantage of these Nations. In the prosecution whereof through the help of our God we shall be found (notwithstanding all endeavours to the contrary) faithful to you and this Commonwealth.   

Wednesday Octob. 5. 1659.  
ORdered by the Parliament, That the Petition and Representation of the Army, and the particulars thereof be taken into consideration on Saturday next.   

The Officers being called in again, M. Speaker, by the direction of the House, gave them this Answer.   

Gentlemen,  
THe Parliament hath read your Representation and Petition, and taking notice of the good expressions of your affections and faithfulness to this Parliament and Commonwealth which are therein, have commanded me to return you the thanks of this House, and in their Name I give you thanks accordingly. I am likewise commanded to let you know, that the Parliament hath already taken into consideration the relief of the poor Widows, Orphans, and maimed Soldiers, to whom Pensions have been formerly allowed, and a way for satisfaction of the Arrears due to the Officers and Soldiers, and shall endeavour to bring the same to a speedy effect. The other matters of your Petition are appointed to be taken into consideration on Saturday next.  
Thomas St Nicholas Cler. of the Parliament.