TO Our worthy friend Mr. John Musgrave, Prisoner (in the FLEET) for standing for the equity of the Laws, and the just Liberties and Privileges of the freeborn People of ENGLAND.  
WE cannot but take into consideration, your unjust and illegal imprisonment, by those who would be counted just, and are chosen and sworn to maintain the Laws of the Land; but violate the same. It is not unknown to us, the great pains which you have taken in a legal way, for redress of your Country's grievances, and how faithfully you kept that trust, delegated unto you by the well-affected of the Country in general, for your Country's good; but now it appears their legs are cut off, and they made lame, you being most unjustly, and ungratefully imprisoned, contrary to the laws of the Land (and that by those who were chosen and set up by the people, to defend and maintain the laws in their splendour and purity) which being more fully made known unto us, and receiving more light, by these following Letters and Petitions coming to our hands, we thought it a very undiscreet and unworthy thing not to impart them unto our friends, and to the view of our Countrymen, As a word to the Wise, or seasonable advertisements to all the freeborn people of England; that they may seriously consider whether these heavy oppressions, by imprisonment from the Parliament, inflicted upon their choice and cordial friends, who stand for the public good, do in the least conduce to the Parliaments honour, or good of the Commonwealth, or is likely in the least, to reconcile these unhappy differences; for the putting an end to which, so much money hath been gathered, and so much blood spilt, and so many lives lost, and so many families ruinated, and Countries wasted? Or, whether this way which is taken to stop the current of justice, under pretence of doing justice, and imprisoning of just persons for complaining upon, and witnessing against unjust Judges, and illegal treasonous proceed, be not the speediest way to breed more divisions and increase the Wars, to the utter desolations of the Kingdoms.   

The Copy of the Commitment, 25. Octob. 1645.  

Upon M. Lisles report from the Committee, to which the Informations given in by Mr. john Musgrave, and Mr. Osmotherley, against Mr. Barvis a Member of this House, was referred, Mr. Musgrave refused to answer such Interrogatories as were propounded unto him by the Committee, upon the Direction and Order of this House.  
Resolved, etc.  
That Mr. john Musgrave be forthwith committed prisoner to the Fleet for his contemptuous refusing to answer to such Interrogatories as were propounded unto him by the Committee upon the directions of this House, and that a Warrant do issue under M. Speakers hand for the Commitment of him prisoner to the Fleet accordingly.  
Hen. Elsing Cler. Parl. D. Com.   

By virtue of an Order of the House of Commons, dated 25. Octob. 1645 These are to will and require you forthwith upon the receipt hereof, you apprehend the body of Mr. John Musgrave, and him safely deliver unto the Warden of the Fleet, there to be kept prisoner for his contempt to the said House, until the said House take further order therein. And the said Warden of the Fleet is hereby required to receive into his custody; the said John Musgrave to be kept prisoner accordingly: for which, this shall be your warrant, dated 27. Octob. 1645.  
WILLIAM LENTHALL, Speaker.   

To the Sergeant at Arms, attending the House of Commons, or his Deputy. And to the Warden of the Fleet, or his Deputy.  
I do appoint George Bragg, Gentleman, to be my lawful Deputy to execute this Warrant, dated 27. Octob. 1645.  
Edward Berkhead, Sergeant at Arms.    

The Copy of a Letter written by Colonel Cholmley, who is one of the Committee for Cumberland, which was sent up by the two Commissioners, Mr. john Musgrave, and Mr. john Osmotherly, to Mr. john Blaxton, a Member of the House of Commons.  
MUCH HONOURED SIR.  
YOur former known virtues and graces, invites me now to crave your favour and best assistance in the behalf of the good Cause we have in hand: I have perused some Articles, and a Petition, to the Honourable House of Parliament, I am satisfied in Conscience (Sir) they be true, and without the Lord be pleased to make way for redressing of these poor Countries, they will be lost. Sir, the Lord who hath been pleased to make you a happy Instrument for the good of his Church, and People, I doubt not, but will guide and direct you in this, that myself & many others, will bless God for you, in doing good to a People in so great miseries: I cannot but give you thanks for good already received by your care, which I leave to the further relation of these Gentleman, I will engage my life for their fidelity: thus beseeching the Lord to bless you in all your proceed, I shall ever be  
Yours to serve you, THOMAS CHOLMLEY. Graistock Castle, 22. Apr. 1645.   

The Copy of a Letter of Mr. Richard Crakanthrop, a Westmoreland Gentleman of good worth and credit, and a great Sufferer for the Parliaments Cause; which Letter was sent to Mr. Blaxton aforesaid, and sent by the same Commissioners before specified.  
SIR,  
NoT without cause we are at this time troublesome unto you, and desire your aid to help our distressed condition which appears by these Articles to be distressed enough, and truly I am so well with the Government of these Countries under the Parliament, that I could rather wish myself again in prison for the Parliament; then behold these great oppressions: never was good intentions so wronged by bad Governors, as here under the Parliament; for civil men not looking on the cause, but judging by the external appearance, could not but say, the Government under the Array was much better; and unless the Honourable House employ men of Conscience in Office that hate covetousness, this Cause for all this will perish, or the Kingdom: These parts are ready to ruin one another, by reason of distractions through want of Government: the Committees have given over to set any Cessement for the forces, Scots or English amongst us, but suffer Commanders to cease and levy the same, which causeth nothing but plunders, blood and slaughters, yet do not show themselves, but encourage the Commons underneath to withstand the Scots by open war, and to pay no Taxes to them, leaving the country to the Scots to set their own Cessements, and encourage them, then to withstand by the sword: It is true, the Scots do much wrong in the country, in the raising of their pay; but the fault is the Committees, that taketh not the Country under protection, but give them over to the Scots, both to set and raise their own pay: For who could expect, but that soldiers seeking their pay up and down a Country will do spoil? Now it is said, their Commission is only to set Taxes, and see them paid; which if true, than they have neglected their whole Commiission, for they set none. Sir, I hearty desire your furtherance for a good Commander, that may be confided in, I could wish Mr. Rigby; for these Counties are more considerable, than they are held: the Commissioners of Array sent nine Colonels and their Companies to the Earl of Newcastle from hence, and if they had been men of courage, the Scots could not have taken these Countries with those Forces: Besides, the Irish may land forces at two Havens here in Cumberland, if they be not carefully kept: if which be kept, the Mountains do so environ the Counties, that save some strait ways which is easy to keep, the Enemy cannot enter, but sure with no flying Army, and if well manned with no Army; I am made unuseful for any service, being through long imprisonment impoverished, besides that which was left, I could not keep: the Scots took one horse, and the Colonel that commands in the Country for the Parliament another, while I was in Prison, but that I had another in the Parliaments service with a man in Yorkshire which came home, I had had none to have rid on: Sir, if our business in Mr. Musgraves, and my particular can go on, I humbly pray your aid, and though I cannot promise satisfaction yet be assured, I shall always remain  
Yours to the uttermost of my power, Richard Crakanthrop. From little Strickland in Westmoreland, the 23. of 4. Mon. 1645.   

The Copy of a Letter written by Lieutenant-Colonel Bellingham of Westmoreland, sent unto London to Mr. john Musgrave and Mr. john Osmotherly.  
SIRS,  
I Here send you enclosed a Letter, to Sir Ralph Ashton; it is concerning the business you have in hand for your Country: I have seen your Articles exhibited to the House, and intent within few days to add thereunto: this is therefore to entreat you to take Sir Ralph and Sir Thomas widdrington's advice and counsel in this same for your better proceed, I have writ to Sir Ralph Ashton. that you shall give him a perfect account of the business you have in hand; thus not doubting of your care herein, whose greatest care is to finish this good Work begun, and will always subscribe himself to be  
Your real and constant friend, James Bellingham. From Carlisle this 10. of Septemb. 1645.   

The Copy of a Letter, sent to Mr. Speaker of the House of Commons; and read publicly in the House, with this following PETITION.  
Right Honourable;  
THE present calamity, and the sad condition of my poor country, now subjected to the cruelty of a barbarous and merciless enemy, and my present bonds, whereby I am restrained of my liberty, being now prisoner in the Fleet; for a supposed contempt against the Honourable House of Commons, necessitateth me at this time in these straits, to implore your favourable assistance and help for the regaining my liberty, whereby I may be the better enabled to prosecute the cause of my country, wherewith I am entrusted, and to whom I am to give an account of all my proceed therein. I am very sorry I have in so long a time effected so little, and fallen so fare short of my country's expectation; and it is no small grief unto me to lie here under the displeasure of the House of Commons, whose Honour I have ever laboured to vindicate against all opposition, and for whose cause I have cheerfully undergone the loss of my whole Estale, and outward supportance, living in exile for two years; and most part of that time in a strange Country, and foreign Kingdom: though I had large offers made unto me if I would have joined with the Enemy, which my heart abhorred to consent unto; yet are there such Instruments in my Country, who have not only acted treason, but by Oath have likewise conspired together, not only to destroy this Honourable Parliament, but all such as did adhere unto it: These I say are preferred to the highest Dignities, and places of Trust, and Command in our Country, even contrary to the very letter of you rown Ordinance, Papists Traitor's and Delinquents, countenanced and protected in their Persons and Estates, which is the ground of our complaint, and charge against Mr. Barwis, and I verily believe the occasion of the Enemies drawing thither; and calling their friends out of Jreland, they well knowing what friends they might expect there, as the case then stood, all which I discovered the last winter, but was disregarded, which if timously had been taken into consideration; much evil that since hath fallen upon our poor Country, had been prevented, and a foreign Enemy had had small hopes and less means to have invaded us; I humbly desire that you will be pleased to present this my Petition here enclosed to the Honourable House of Commons. I desire nothing but justice according to the equity and merit of my cause, and I doubt not, but if I may be heard, to clear myself of the supposed contempt laid to my charge, for which I stand Committed, and if I have transgressed against any known law, I desire I may be brought to my trial at law for the same; and I earnestly request you, that you would do my Country that favour,) which in justice cannot be denied, (that we may have liberty to prosecute our charge against Mr. BARWIS and certain perjured Traitors, and conspirators of whom we complain, who have been the greatest Instruments of all our Country's miseries through their cowardice, baseness, and treachery: If we make not our charge good, we shall not refuse to subject ourselves to such punishment, as by the Rigour of the Law may be inflicted upon us, which we humbly desire may be put in a way of trial, and I shall ever endeavour to approve myself thankful unto you, and a faithful Servant to my Country.  
JOHN MUSGRAVE. From the Fleet this 28. Octo. 1645.   

A Copy of the Petition, which was publicly read in the House of Commons.  
To the Right Honourable, the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses, in the Commons House of Parliament assembled. The humble Petition of John Musgrave, prisoner in the Fleet.  
Shows,  
THat your Petitioner was in the beginning of these troubles, six months imprisoned by the Justices of the Peace in Cumberland (most of them being Commissioners of Array) and was after by a Writ of Habeas Corpus, removed from Carlisle Goal, and thereupon obtained his liberty; But afterwards, for maintaining the privilege of Parliament, and refusing to submit to the Commission of Array, was forced to fly his Country, and live in exile for two years, until the Country was reduced to the Parliaments obedience: In all that time, the enemy was possessed of your Petitioners whole estate, yet Mr. Barwis a Member of this Honourable House, was protected in his Estate by the Enemy.  
That upon the reducement of Cumberland, by the means of the said M. Barwis, Sir Wilfride Lawson, Knight, his brother in law, was made Commander in chief there, and all, or the most of the Delinquents and Papists, protected in their persons and estates, to the great grief of the well-affected: whereupon your Petitioner, with others, presented their grievances (a Copy whereof is hereunto annexed) unto the said M. Barwis; and how the said Sir Wilfride Lawson had betrayed the Country into the Enemy's hand, and how he had acted upon the Commission of Array; all which, the said Mr. Barwis slighted, and hath ever since endeavoured to continue the said Sir Wilfride Lawson in his power, and (as is conceived) by Mr. Barwis means, made high Sheriff of Cumberland, which is contrary to several Ordinances of Parliament, he being uncapable of any such office, by reason of the treason he hath acted against the State; and since, by the said Sir Wilfride Lawsons' oppressions, the Country is made disaffected, and the Enemy (as is conceived) encouraged to possess themselves of that Country, to the undoing of many thousands, and hazard of losing the whole North, if not timely prevented.  
That about a year since, your Petitioner, by petition and articles, did set forth the miscarriages of the said M. Barwis, and the unsettled condition of his Country, which he delivered to a Member of the House of Commons, and acquainted divers others with the same; but wearied with attendance, repaired home to his Country after 13. week's attendance.  
That after divers of the well-affected, of Cumberland and Westmoreland of good credit, did solicit your Petitioner, and Mr. Osmotherly, to prosecute a further charge against the said Sir Wilfride Lawson, and the Commanders and Committees of the said several Counties, which they undertook for the good of their Country, and upon their coming hither, the same was referred by the House of Commons to a Committee; whereof Mr. Lisle is Chairman:  
That the said Mr. Lisle before the Committee had further order, then to receive the several informations and Charges to be given by your Petitioner, and the said Mr. Osmotherley, would have examined your Petitioner, and gave way to Mr. Barwis likewise to ask us questions before he would except our several Charges; and upon our refusal, to answer; having received our papers of Informations, moved the House to have power to commit us, if we refused to be examined.  
That upon further order of the House of Commons to the said Committee, to enable them to ask us questions; upon examining, the said M. Barwis was admitted to be present to ask us what questions he would; though not any of our friends, nor ourselves together, were admitted to be present: whereupon your Petitioner desired to have the questions in writing to consider of for matter of Law, but it could not be obtained by your Petitioner; whereupon your Petitioner desired Mr. Barwis might answer the Charge given against him, and your Petitioner would be ready to prosecute the same according to Law.  
That though this honourable House hath passed several Ordinances against Delinquents, for disabling them to be of any Committee; yet the said Mr. Barwis being desired by your Petitioner, never as yet informed the Parliament, how the said Sir Wilfride Lawson, with divers others of the Committee were Delinquents, yet continued in their Authorities, which is contrary to the Trust reposed in him by the Country, and his Oath taken in Parliament.  
That your Petitioner hath attended six months and more, and yet hath not got his Countries Cause put in a way of trial.  
That upon report of the said Mr. Lisle, your Petitioner upon his pretended refusal to be examined, was committed to the Fleet by the Honourable House of Commons, for a supposed contempt. Since Mr. Osmotherley his fellow Commissioner for the county, was arrested by one john Fisher, merely for vexation, upon an Action of 250. l. and is now prisoner in Woodstreet Counter, though the said john ●isher well knew.  
That the said Mr. Osmotherley was sent to the Parliament by the Country, and was, and aught to have been protected and privileged from all Arrests of that nature, while he is so employed by his Country to the Parliament: As others were, and are still privileged in the like case.  
That your Petitioner, with the said Mr. Osmotherley, are still ready to make their Charge good against the said M. Barwis, and the others complained of, if they may be admitted to proceed, and have the Witnesses to be produced, examined upon Oath in open Court, and not privately.  
Your Petitioner humbly prayeth, that he may be admitted to the Bar to answer for himself, and he doubteth not, but to clear himself of the contempt laid to his charge, That he with his fellow Commissioner may be set at liberty, and admitted to proceed in the prosecution of their Country's cause: That the said Sir Wilfride Lawson, and all such as are in Authority, either in Committee, or other Command there, they being traitors to the State, may be removed out of all Authority, according to your former Ordinances. That their persons may be secured; to the end, they may be brought to condign punishment for their offences, and such further course taken for freeing the said Counties of the Enemy, and securing the same for the future time; as to your Honour's Wisdoms shall seem meet.  
And your Petitioner shall as in duty bound, pray, etc.   

The Copy of another letter from Lieutenant Colonel Bellingham, to Mr. John Musgrave, and Mr. Joh. Osmotherly, received by Mr. Musgrave, since he came into Prison.  
GENTLEMEN,  
I Have seen a Letter which you sent to Mr. Crakanthrop; in which Letter you declare yourselves to be much beholding to my Colonel and myself, and are glad to see us so well affected: In confirmance of which, I do here really and freely confess to be a humble and loyal servant to my Country, and the States of this Kingdom; but most especially to find out such that pretend one thing and doth another: I mean such as be for their own particular ends: for the Lord he knows, too many, we have at this day remaining in Westmoreland and Cumberland; but I make no doubt, but you in time, will rectify most, if not all such abuses, I here send you enclosed a petition which was preferred to the Committee of War at York, which Petition the whole County will manage if occasion be. I pray you let me hear from you, now and than how the business goes with you, I think it were not amiss, if you seek for the better settlement of this County: for God he knows, we are daily and hourly in danger of the Irish: Thus not doubting of your care herein, I remain  
Sirs, Your assured and faithful friend, to do you service. JA. BELLINGHAM. From Carlisle, this 2. of Novem. 1645.   

The Copy of another Petition of Mr. john Musgraves.  
To the Right Honourable, the Knights, citizens and Burgesses in the Commons House of Parliament assembled. The humble Petition of john Musgrave Gentieman, now prisoner in the Fleet.  
Humbly showeth,  
THat your Petitioner, together with one Mr. Osmotherley in April last, were sent by sundry of the well-affected of Cumberland and Westmoreland, to present their grievances to this honourable House, thereby setting forth the treasons, plots, & oppressions of some now in high Authority there, which by this honourable House was referred to a Committee, whereof M. Lisle is Chairman, who would have examined your Petitioner, yet refused to give him any time to advise for his answer, to the great obstruction of justice. & 
(a) Rotul. Parl. 1 M. 4 Num. 1.16. jacob. the Lord Carew case. Cook. 2. part. inst. on Mag. chart. ●. 29 〈◊〉 25. E 3. 〈◊〉 4. ●8. E. 3. c. 3 ●7 E. 3. c. ●8. ●2. Ed. 3. ●. 3. 〈◊〉 E. 3. c. 9 〈◊〉 4. E. 3 c. 〈◊〉 4, Cook Inst. 〈◊〉 par upon ●●agn. Ch. 〈◊〉 26. & 29,  which the Law alloweth, in Cases of Treasons, Felonies, etc.  
That upon the report of the said Mr. Lisle, of your Petitioners pretended refusal to be examined; your Petitioner, though (b) he was not in that case compellable to auswer, was the 28. of Octob. last, committed to the Fleet, by an Order of this House for a supposed contempt: neither as yet hath the said Committee taken your Petitioners Cause into consideration, the same being again referred unto them upon a Petition and Letter presented to this honourable House by Mr. Speaker, the 8. of Novem. last, And the said Mr. Lisle hath ever since absented himself of purpose (as your Petitioner conceiveth) to retard your Petitioners proceed; whereby justice is much delayed, to the dishonour of this high and honourable Court of Parliament; & (c) which, tendeth to the destruction of your Petitioner by imprisonment, being exhausted, and brought to great straits by his former, long, and fruitless attendance upon the said Committee, besides the great grief and discouragements which the well-affected of his Country have received thereby, doubting what things will come unto, being thus long delayed and put off.  
Your Petitioner humbly prayeth (in regard he is ready to prosecute his ●arge sec. legem terrae, if he may have his liberty, and the benefit of the law, which your Petitioner holdeth to be his 
(d) 9 H. 3. c. 29. 5 E. 3. c. 4. 37. Ed. 3. c. 18. Cook par. 2. Instit. Marl. peramb. c. 1.  birthright and best inheritance; the same being that golden Rule and Meet-wand to measure out eternally Justice to rich and poor alike) that Justice may be done to your Petioner, according to the great Charter of this Kingdom, it being the chief-Pillar & Supporter of the Fabric of this Commonwealth, confirmed by 
(e) Status. Abolish. Star-ch. 17. Caroli.  This, and so many 
(f) 34. E. 1. c. 4. Petition Right, 3. Caroli.  Parliaments preserved hereunto, by the effusion of so much English 
(g) Parl. Protest. 5. Maii, 1645  blood: to the conservance & defence whereof, this honou●ble Parliament hath tied Us and yourselves by so many Bonds and Commants▪ Oaths and Protestations, as your Petitioner hopeth you will invio●bly uphold still the same; And not suffer your Petitioner to be any longer subjected to the 
(h) Co●k Inst par. 2. Magn. Ch. c 29.  dilatory and partial trial by discretion of any Committee, but may have Justice administered to him by that precious and ordinary trial, per legem terrae.  
john Musgrave, 6. Decemb. 1645.   

The Copy of a Letter written to Sir Thomas Withrington, one of the Burgesses for Berwick, from Mr. john Musgrave, prisoner in the Fleet.  
SIR,  
I Expected ere this to have heard of your report to have been made to the House, upon the vote passed for Mr. (Crakanthrope and myself for the great losses that we have sustained by the Enemy, the justices of the peace, and Com. of Array in Cumberland, and Westmoreland; I here attended the last Winter, 13. Weeks before I could get the Petition presented to the House, six months upon the Commit I waited, before I could get any vote passed upon the Petition, since the vote of the Committee was made, which you are to report unto the House, it is now nigh four months; yet nothing done, which makes me much fear that little good is intended us; and that we shall be made more miserable in seeking the recovery of what we have lost, then in losing the same, undergo more hardship and be brought to greater straits by waiting on you, then by lying in the Enemy's Prisons for you. You know the differing of justice; in law is holden for denial of justice. The Parliament put us to an oath to maintain the lawful liberty of the Subject, the Enemy because I would not join with them in the breach of it, and in betraying my Country forced me into Exile, and seized on that little Estate I had; now again upon the report of Mr. Lisle after his many differring and puting off even to the hazard of the loss of our Country, and if Sir john Browne (as is well known) with his Scottish forces (upon Cumberland forces deserting him) by his valour had not prevented it, the Enemy by some of our seeming friends who joyn● with them, had without any great difficulty, no opposition being made by Colonel Lawson, effected their designs in that Country of my pretended refusal to answer which I did not, but only desired the Interrogatories to advise of before I answered for matter of Law, which contrary to Law he refused 〈◊〉 grant me, though earnestly desired, all which may fully appear by my answer and reasons given for not answering then to the Interrogatories before the Committee (and taken in writing by Mr. Lisle himself, before the same Committee, and some other members of the House, and which was then read unto me) am I again cast into prison, and condemned thereunto unheard, and 〈◊〉 greatest fault (if any be) in this case is my lawful maintenance of our Common Freedoms & my doubting, and desire to be resolved before I should act that which seemed to me then, and now I know to be not agreeable to Law; and here I lie in prison for this, while traitors, and the grand Enemies to the State, and by this means suffered to walk London streets, even they of whom I complaine● for which I cannot but blame Mr. Lisle, being thus injuried by him, and my Country almost undone, for as Sir Edward Cook well observeth, it is the greatest Injustice, when the Innocent is oppressed under colour of justice; whereby he ought to be protected: I am persuaded that if that honourable House by whom I was committed were truly acquainted with my suffering condition, and knew the ground thereof, they would not suffer me to lie in prison one day day longer; and if they rightly understood the unsettled state of our Country▪ and what harm the neglect thereof hath been to both the Kingdoms (this and Scotland) and what advantage to the enemy, and also what further evil may ensue thereupon; I believe we had not been so slighted as we have been, neither our Countrymen had had such just cause to have complained of delay and neglect as they by their letters to me sent daily do, neither had the adversary, I suppose, been so born out. As long as honest men are thus slighted, neglected, and kept under, their just complaints thus delayed and suppressed, while traitors, Papists and Delinquents be thus countenanced and protected, as those of whom we complain have been and still are; while the greatest places of trust and command are conferred on, and continued in the hands of traitors, and the grand enemies of the State, as hath been and now is with us, and still they are kept up in their authorities; while the Parliaments and the Kingdom's faithful friends and servants are thus molested, oppressed, and shut up in prisons for their good affection, forwardness, and willingness to serve the State and their Country) how can we expect the restauration of our ancient and long lost liberties? how can we look for an end of these our troubles? while things are thus carried o●, little peace can be hoped for to this poor and distressed Kingdom. Let us 〈◊〉 more cherish the Serpent in our bosom, which having got strength will again wound us, if not destroy us: I could wish that these troublers and enemies of our State against whom only I inform, and with whom I only contend, may no longer be suffered to escape, but may be brought to condign punishment, according to the Law, and merit of their offences, lest by others faults the Parliament should suffer in their credit, lest that it should be thought the Parliament were offended with us for seeking justice, and pressing forward our Country's just complaints and grievances, lest it should be thought the Parliament should seem to justify (or connive) at these their lawless practices & oppressions (which we are ready in a legal way to make good according to our charge) by forbearance and sufferance of them For it is a maxim in Law, Qui non prohiber quod prohibere potest, assentire videtur; [he that suffereth & hindereth not that which he may let, is conceived and said in Law to assent.] Let no such blot lie upon that honourable House; let not the potency of our adversaries over throw the justness of our cause, neglect us no more, lest (besides the blame and outcries for justice) you bring ruin upon us and yourselves, by leaving us open to the Irish, which may the sooner invite Ormond to invade us with his Popish and revolted Forces, having such an easy entrance, if the same be not prevented. As you tended the good and quiet of the State, timely provide for this, and have respect to our poor Country; let all delinquents, traitors, and men disaffected, all such as are tainted with covetousness, or cowardice, be removed out of all authorities, and the same put in the hands of confiding men, fearing God and hating covetousness, and all baseness, such as would not be in the worst of times carried away, or corrupted through fear, or loss of goods, or hope of preferment, to join with or submit unto the Enemy, or act in a neutrality, which is holden for detestable: Neglect of those parts may prove of dangerous consequence; There, 
The Ports Whitchurch & Workington in Cumberland, open to Ire●and.  and not well elsewhere in the North, may the Irish, and at their pleasure; and daily are expected there, from thence Digby by conveyance of some of our English Commanders there (as is conceived) had free and ready passage into the I'll of Man, and so for Ireland; from thence the Earl of Antrim had like passage, and way into Ireland, with the Royal Commissions for Cessation of Arms there, which produced such sad effects in that Kingdom: Montrosse made his way for Scotland twice that way, to the great loss of that Kingdom, he invaded Scotland and took Dumfreeze; hence the Earl of Newcastle had his first rise of his popish Army in the North, and daily supply of Men and moneys till the reducement thereof by the Scottish Horse, thence since the reducement the Enemy in Dublin and the I'll of man, had Cole and Victuals, Here the whole Gentry are Malignants, Delinquents, Papists, Popish, or base Temporizers; Here not ten of the Gentry in both these Counties, ●ay I dare say not so many, have proved Cordial to the State, but have submitted themselves, or acted to and with the Enemy; Here the Gentry have revolted since the reducement thereof, more than once or twice. Here will and oppression, reign: more than in any Country now subjected to the state, so long as the powers and authorities resides in the hands of such Newtrals, Temporisers, Selfe-seekers, Traitors and Delinquents, as now it is, the Enemy (though peace for the present were concluded and settled) yet might upon new and after discontents of a sudden, endanger the loss of the whole North, by the help of that popish faction in those parts, who have got in their hands the chief places of trust and command there, though you had no care nor regard of us, yet for your own good, prevent this mischief, the which done may produce (though little considered) the fruit which may prove to be a well grounded peace to the whole Kingdom; Though neglect of us, could be no prejudice to the public, which will be of no small concernment (as I have already shown) yet the redress of our Country's greevances in common equity ought not to be so lightly passed over, all which hitherto. (but all in vain, for fourteen months together) have been pressed on, but by one Committee or other still frustrated; and in justice you cannot deny us audience, and an equal trial either at the common Law, or in full Parliament as to your wisdoms shall seem best for the public, and our particular good, for that the Law is our common birthright; which we may without offence (I hope) and do challenge and claim the benefit thereof, and therefore we have no cause to doubt or be fearful in putting ourselves forth, considering how that general rule in Law, is still in force: Quod curiâ regis non debet deficere conquerentibus in justitia adhibenda; That the King's Court should never be failing (to such as complain) in the doing of Justice. And of Courts judicial, we acknowledge the Parliament supreme, which ever hath been, and I hope still will be the great and faithful upholder of the common Law, and of the rights and privileges of all the loyal and true hearted freeborn of this Kingdom; I pray you good Sir, peruse these papers, and Copies of Letters, the Originals I have all, except two, which Mr. Blaxston hath, to whom they were sent and deliverea; withal, I would entreat you to present this my Petition to the House of Commons, Mr. Speaker hath seen it, and saith he will speak to it, I could not press him further in respect he had formerly presented one for me: which was referred to the former Committee, but by Mr. Lisle (who is the Chair man) suppressed, and I could never hear more of it, the ground of this my Petition; I hope you will let me understand what you will do here concerning the whole matter, by this bearer Mr. Hobkins (the Warden of the Fleet) which hath shown me kindness, in his readiness to do me this favour, if by your means and the justice of the House I may obtain my liberty, and our country's cause put in a way of trial without further procrastination; I shall not be unthankful, but ever rest.  
From Fleet Prison this 25 of the 12. month, 1645. Yours to serve and honour you, JOHN MUSGRAVE.   

The Copy of another Letter, written by Mr. Musgrave, to Sir Thomas Withrington; Burges for the Town of Barwick, and a Member of the House of Commons.  
SIR,  
THis day I received my Petition back again with your direction, and advice for altering the same, and how you would present it to the Committee for Petitions, for your advice I thank you, yet I cannot decline my former Petition, nor can I consent, neither hold I it fit to alter it, in respect that I have sent the Copy of it into the Country, to inform them how things be, as also for that I hold it convenient to discover Mr. Lisles unequal deal both before and since my Petition presented to the House by Mr. Speaker; seeing he is not ashamed to do us such wrong: I am not afraid to complain, and make it known, lest by silence I should not only lose myself, but like wise undo my Country, and the Parliament suffer in both, as touching presenting it to the Committee for Petitions, they have (I conceive) not power to receive it without special order from the House, it having refer once to so many Members of the House, to wit so many of the former Committee, as joined with Mr. Lisle, in making up that report. For my refusing to answer, under which I suffer; you know the first charge against Mr. Barwis, though committed by the House to the Northern Committee whereof you are Chairman, yet upon your report it was ordered by the House to be delivered back in regard it concerned a Member of the House, and was not read upon Commitment, which you returned back to me accordingly, & upon an after order it was referred to another Committee, whereof Mr. Lisle is Chairman; therefore I cannot expect any fruit to accrue by so doing, only to the House have I appealed, before whom already my cause dependeth; who, if they refuse to bear me for myself and my Country, it is impossible for them either to understand our right, or be able to do us justice, conisder I pray you my former Letter of the 25. of this instant month, and let us have no cause to complain, if I have offended let me be brought to judgement, if no evil be found in me why am I cast into bond? if for my service, and fidelity to the State, a Prison must be my Portion▪ I cannot but say 'tis a bad reward, I have purchased for my labour; but I am nothing dejected, but am willing to undergo more for my Country, and am resolved to abide the worst of extremities, rather than do any act which may dishonour me or my Family, or unbeseeming the Trust committed unto me.  
Sir, If you will put up to the Honourable House of Commons this my Petition, I doubt not but my innocency will plead for me, and the justness and considerableness of the cause will procure me audience; and then I fear not but truth shall prevail in judgement, for which we have hitherto contended. I desire once more to know your further pleasure, and mind herein; And if you will do our Country this service in presenting my Petition, it will be not only to your honour, but (will oblige them unto you, and) I shall ever remain to be  
From Fleet-prison, the 29. of the 12. Month. Yours to do you service; JOHN MUSGRAVE.   

To his loving Friend Mr. JOHN MUSGRAVE, in the Fleet; These.  
BELOVED,  
I Received a Letter from you the first of this Month, I am not a little troubled to hear the strange occurrents of this present evil age, and am very sensible thereof; but to hear of your trouble in such a cause doth much perplex me: that while we go about to our great trouble and charge, to do the Kingdom and Parliament service, to have our Agents imprisoned, I think no age could parallel such things; it cannot be but there remaineth a terrible judgement to this Nation, which in all probability is not fare off: There was nothing ever persuaded me that the sword shall be short sheathed, than the expectation I had of the Justice of the House of Parliament; for I thought, that though the genrrall corruption of manners, in this Nation, did much provoke the Almighty, yet the Piety, Justice, and Zeal of that House, would mitigate his Ire; but he that doth all things, will turn all to the glory of his Name, & peace of his people, so often promised by His mouth. I have writ many Letters every Week or 14. days at longest, for this is the 18. Letter at least, in all things of good consequence:  
For that you say of Colonel Lawson, Mr. Darley and Mr. Blakeston are deluded with false rumours, for Colonel Lawson never (of all his carriages) behaved himself worse, upon so fair an advantage to have done the Kingdom service; of his carriage all men cry out, even his own soldiers: Upon the coming in of the Enemy into Cumberland, he and Sir Patr. Carwen was in consultation, Carwen came to Penreth, left his house bravely furnished for the Enemy; Lawson made a show of gathering the Country, and sent to Sir John Brown to desire his assistance, who willingly agreed to join with him; yet was Sir John Brown desired to join with a Partee of his own countrymen, and so keep out an Enemy, rather than suffer him to enter: So he sent Colonel Lawson 100 Horse, desiring him to make his best resistance, and that himself would make haste with the rest of his horse for his defence. But Lawson not desirous to fight, suffered the Enemy quietly to pass without ever skirmishing with him, to the great grief of Sir John Brown as you may well perceive, who had refused to join with his own countrymen to join with Lawson: But seeing it so, he desired Colonel Lawson to keep the water at Bounds, if in case the Enemy retreated, and he would after him into Scotland, which he did at the same tide, and fell upon the Enemy upon Anon Sands with 300. horse only, the Enemy being thought to be 1600. yet had he good success, slew divers, and so discouraged the rest, that they made a retreat back to Bounds, from whence Colonel Lawson was gone, and had withdrawn his forces 5. miles from Bounds; So the Enemy returning, found a Company of Dragoons of Colonel Cholmleys sent thither, thinking to find there Colonel Lawson and his Companies, so they took most of the Dragoons, their Horses and Arms: Yet it is considerable, the Enemy went over the Water on the 4. day of the Week at night, and returned the 6. yet had Lawson in that short time called away his forces. This Relation I had from Sir John Brown himself, and find it seconded by all men, no man but condemning Colonel Lawson, no not his own friends. Lawson had here such an opportunity to have done his Country and the Kingdom service, as never a fit was offered to any; Sir John Brown had given them no rest, they were so wearied through want of sleep, that very many were taken by the Country people, and it was easy enough for Lawson, if he had had any mind to have taken Digby, Langdale, and many others, who were forced to take a Boat and go to the Isle of Man. Sir John Brown told me, he would have a Council of War to pass on Lawson for this carriage: And if Sir John Brown had not repaired what was amiss, he might himself have been questioned. Thus much for Colonel Lawsons' carriage: Remember me to Mr. Osmotherley, present my best respects to Colonel L. and to all the Brethren to whom I am known, my troubles are great for you, but the Lord that delivered us when we were surrounded with adversaries, will deliver you. The Brethren in Cumberland greet you, and purpose to send shortly to you. The God of Peace give Peace unto his Church, and grant you patience.  
Westmerl. the 6. of the 12. Month. Farewell. Your Brother in the Lord Jesus; RICH. CRAKANTHROP.   

Die Sabbati, 8. Novembr. 1645.  
MR. Speaker acquainted the House, That he had received a Letter from one John Musgrave a prisover in the Fleet, with a Petition enclosed: The Letter was of 28. Octob. 1645. and was read, and likewise the Petition, and was concerning Mr. Richard Barwis, a Member of the House, and others employed in the service of the Parliament; And it is thereupon Ordered, this Letter, Petition, and Papers, be referred to the Committee to whom the Papers formerly brought in from the Scots Commissioners, and from the said. Musgrave, and Osmotherley, were referred; who are to take the same into consideration; And also a printed Pamphlet, entitled, England's Birthright, and to report their opinions thereupon to the House.  
Hen. Elsing, Cler. Parl. D. Com.   

The Publishers to the Reader.  
COurteous Reader, Thou mayest for thine own information in thy Liberty (as thou art a Freeman of England) read a late published Book, called England's Birthright: And Lieutenant Colonel Lilbornes' late Book, called Innocency and Truth justified; being an Answer to Mr. William Prinnes Book, called the Liar confounded; but chief, weigh seriously his discourse against the Merchant Adventurers and their Monopoly, which gins in that Book Page 46. and continueth to Page. 62.  
And if thou be a Christian, and tenderest the good of thy native Country, or hast an affection to the second Table of God's Law, the standing for which Master JOHN MUSGRAVE is now imprisoned; take notice of these premises, and if thou doubt of the truth of any thing therein, thou mayest repair to that Gentleman, who is able enough to make good what he hath said; yea, and to show ten times more than what is here related. He is a worthy Christian, and not so desirous of his liberty, as he is for the prosecution of his Country's cause, in which he is so faithful and courageous for the weal, freedom, and safety thereof; and is no wise a betrayer of the trust reposed in him, which (as we know by woeful experience) too many are, so that he is a sufferer merely for well doing, and the cause is Gods, for which he suffereth. For GOD is the God of the second Table of his Law, as well as of the first; and except men keep the second, how can they keep the first? If a man loveth not his neighbour, how can he love God? Stand therefore for the second Table of God's Law, and encourage those that do; else thy religion is but vain, and so will not avail thee before that God, who (when necessity requireth) saith, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice.  
A WORD TO THE WISE, is sufficient.  
FINIS.