A full Vindication and ANSWER OF THE XI. Accused Members; 

VIZ. 

Denzill Holles, Esq  
Sir Philip Stapleton,  
Sir William Lewis,  
Sir John Clotworthy,  
Sir William Waller,  
Sir john Maynard K 'tis  
Major Gen. Massey,  
john Glynne Esq Recorder of London.  
Walter Long Esquire  
Col. Edward Harley,  
Anthony Nichols Esq     TO A late Printed Pamphlet entitled, A Particular Charge or Impeachment, in the Name of Sir Thomas Fairfax and the ARMY Under his Command; against the said Members, By his Appointment and the Council of WAR.  
LONDON▪ Printed in the Year▪ 1647▪   

A full Vindication & Answer of the accused Members of the House of Commons to the late printed Charge, etc.  
ALthough we be not ignorant of the illegallity and insufficiency of that which is printed and published, for our Charge, seeming unto us for the greatest part thereof, rather an arraignment of the Proceed of the House of Commons, as supposing them to be acted and c●rried on in a design, by the interest and prevalency of the persons charged; and that all the particulars mentioned in this Charge, should be by them committed and done in pursuance of that design; a thing so contrary to the nature and derogatory to the honour of a free Parliament, and of a dangerous consequence, to render all suspected and invalid, which this Parliament hath done or shall do; And that this Charge is brought in the name of an Army, and so is an accusation enforced by power, contrary to the Statute of ●1. H. 6. c. 1. and no Accuser appearing liable to satisfy the parties grieved for their damages and expenses, if the accusation prove false and untrue (as this most certainly is) against the tenor of 
* 13. E. 1. c. 13. 25. E. 3▪ c. 4. 27. E. 3. c. 18. 38. E. 3. c. 9 17. R. 2. c. 6. 15. H. 6. c. 4.  several Statutes made in that behalf: Nor is it unknown, that many indirect and unjustifiable ways have been practised in providing the materials of this Charge, by tampering with persons to become our accusers, setting general inquisition● upon som●●us, who have faithfully served our Country (most of us, for the space of near seven years in that House, and the rest of us the time of our being Members) to the wasting of our estates, prejudice of our healths, and many inconveniencies to our persons by much travel and labour, without those advantages by way of gift or otherwise, which some of our Accusers and divers others have had (for which we bear them no envy at all); Yet books have been searched; proceed at Committees viewed, the Kings and Digbies Cabinets and private Papers, (of which our Accusers had the maidenhead) searched for intelligence (yet not one syllable found ●gainst us in them;) Servants and Attendants examined to rake up matter against u● (an absolute breach of Privilege of Parliament, and not well consisting with the Liberty of the Subject; All this notwithstanding, which we might very well take exceptions at: and besides that we now lie under that great disadvantage which the Philosopher did, who disputed with the Emperor, who commanded thirty Legions, so as all his Arguments were too weak, nor could he make use of that strength of reason and truth which his cause did afford; yet we presuming upon our innocency and the justice of those who must judge us, but principally upon the goodness of the great God, who is the support & avenger of the oppressed, and hath protected, for several years, some of us, when we have been the object of malice and power, and marks set up to be shot at for destruction; (to which purpose our actions, speeches, our privatest converfations have been (as narrowly as could be) observed and inquired into, prisoners, discontented persons, friends and foes examined upon us, all manner of persons dealt with, that could be imagined willing to betray, and able to say any thing against us) yet God having preserved us, as he did David from the Bear and lion, which encouraged him, to promise himself likewise deliverance from the uncircumcised Philistin, though so much more mighty than he; in like manner trust for his assistance and protection at this time, and shall apply ourselves to the particulars insisted upon and not formerly cleared, and discharged upon a strict examination and debate in Parliament; and shall give (we doubt not) a satisfactory Account of our integrity and inn●●ency in them all, in order as they lie.  
THe first Article of the Charge (which concerns Mr. Holles singly) is partly of passages at Oxford about three years since, with which he cannot undertake to Charge his memory at this time, to give particular & positive answers thereunto: He faith's there is no new matter at all in this Charge, and that the whole business received a full and perfect disquisition in the House of Commons, in the month of July 1645. (now two years past,] when as near as he could remember, of all done and said by him concerning the particulars, then and now laid to his Charge, he gave an Account, together with another Gentleman (● very worthy Member of the House, and his fellow Commissioner at Oxford) who was then accused by the Lord Savil, to have joined with Mr. Holles in all the parts of this Charge; and the House was so fully satisfied of their good intentions in their Transaction of that business, that after a very long debate of several days, they ordered it upon the Question, the ●1. day of that July. That the matter of the report (which was this whole business now endeavoured to be revived in this Charge) should be totally and finally laid 〈◊〉▪ As for the particular Answers which he gave in the Vindication of his innocency, asserting the truth and discovering the malice and falsehood of his then accuser, the Lord Savill, he refers himself to the public Examinations, Proceed and Resolutions in the House and what was then and there delivered both by him and the other Gentleman together with him at that time, most falsely accused by the Lord Savill▪ who hath since so far bethought himself and testified a remorse for the injury he then did unto these two Gentlemen, that it is not very long since he sent a person of Honour, a Peer of the Realm, unto Mr▪ H●●●●s, assuring him, that when his Composition was ●nce made and perfected (for this was at the time that the Lo●● Savill was upon compounding for his Delinque●●●) he would then discover unto him (meaning to M. H●ll●s) how that whole business was laid against him, and who th●y were that laid it; which when he knew, he would see●● had no cause to be so angry with him; and therefore desired him not to be against him in setting the ●ine for his Composition; adding withal, he durst not discover ●t before, till he was out of their danger, (meaning those who had laid that design against Mr Holles) for if they had the least inkling of it, they would certainly r●ine him. This was the substance, and as near as can be remembered, the very words which were delivered unto Mr Holles by that Lord, in the name of the Lord Savil, and from him. But Mr▪ Holles was so far from being vindicative against those who had expressed so much malice against him and endeavoured his 〈◊〉; as he wholly put it out of his thoughts; never so much as sending to the L. Savil after his Composition ●as passed; in the making whereof he did him no differvice at all, as in truth scorning it.  
Another clause in the first Article, is concerning a Letter sent from the Earl of Linsey unto Mr▪ Holles, containing (as is laid in the Charge) some secret design: This was likewise examined in the House, and by M. Holles himself first discovered unto the House (contrary to what is in the printed Paper most falsely suggested;) and this done by him as soon as it came into his mind; for when he received it (which was very late one evening by a servant of the Lord Savils) he immediately after fell sick, which made him clean forget it, nor doth he know what became of the Paper, whether or no he burned it: the contents of it were only one line, a recommendation of the bearer the Lord Savil, the very words whereof were then fresh in his memory and by him repeated in the House, when that satisfaction was given, as there passed a V●te the 19 of July, 1645. That the receiving of that note in the manner Mr. Holles did, was no holding intelligence with the enemy. There is a third part of this first Article, of the Earl of Linseys' moving for a Pass for Mr. Holles to go to Oxford, and the Kings saying, he did him better service in the Parliament, than he co●ld do there: which as likewise by the Lord Savil informed to the Committee appointed for the examination of that business, and so reported to the House; which Mr. Holles then said, and doth still, that he knew nothing of, and was, and is most confident, that it is most false, for that he never signified any such desire to the Earl of Lindsey, or to any body else▪ nor ever had it in his thoughts.  
TO the second Article, which charges M. Holles and Sir Philip Stapleton jointly, with sending several messages to the Earl of Dorset, and Lord Digby; and Sir Philip Stapleton singly, to have sent one to the Earl of Dorset; and then both Mr. Hollis and Sir Philip Stapleton to have joined in drawing Propositions, and sending them privately to his Majesty; They both of them do say, for what concerns both, and Sir Philip Stapleton for what concerns himself (this being the only thing, in all the Charge that is singly objected against him) that the whole Article is false, and untrue, in all, and in every part of it.  
THe third Article lays a Charge on the eleven Members jointly, for meeting together at the Lady Carli●les Lodgings in Whitehall; and other places, with other disaffected persons: for holding correspondency with the Queen, to put conditions upon the Parliament, to bring in the King upon their own Terms; and do such other things in prosecution of their evil designs, as are in that Article mentioned. To all and every branch whereof, they do all jointly, and each of them severally give a full, positive, and absolute denial; and affirm, that the whole Charge of that Article is scandalous, and false, in matter and form. Most of them declare, that within the time there limited for those meetings to have been, and at no time before or since, they have at all been at her Ladyship's lodgings: o●ly Mr. Holles, Sir William Lewis, and Sir Philip Stapleton do acknowledge, that by her Ladyship's favour, they have many times waited upon her both at her own Lodgings in Whitehall, and elsewhere, yet never to any such inten● and purpose, as 〈◊〉 in the Article most falsely suggested, but only to pay unto her Ladyship that respect which is due unto her (a person of so great honour and desert) from them, and in truth from all others who are well wishers to the welfare of this Kingdom.  
And whereas it is said, that they had a great power upon the Treasure of this Kingdom, and thereby maintained the Queen's party, assured her a Pension, and undertook to do more for the King than the Army would do, (who it seems are now ambitious in outstripping all others in acting for his Majesty;) It is very well known, that these persons have not at all meddled in money businesses, have had least to do with disposing of the public Treasure, and therefore could not pleasure others with it; as least of all have they received any part of it for their private uses, some of them having declared themselves in the House, when the House was pleased to vote them considerable sums in recompense for their very great sufferings for the Commonwealth, 
☜  that they would receive nothing till the Public debts were paid: and none of them are the men that have grown great in these calamitous times, and been enriched upon the ruin of others, nor preferred themselves and their friends to higher fortunes than otherwise they could ever have aspired unto. Therefore there is neither truth, nor semblance of truth, that they should be guilty of engaging the Public Treasure and Stock, as the Article charges; nor would any have believed them if they had been so false and foolish as to have offered it. In conclusion they say, the whole charge in this Article is utterly false.  
THe Fourth Article, which chargeth Mr. Holles, Sir Philip Stapleton, Sir William Lewis, Sir john Clothworthy, Sir William Waller, and major-general Massey, to have within the space of three month's last passed invited the Scots, and other foreign forces to enter this Kingdom; is by them averred to be utterly false; as likewise that part of it which charges Mr. Holles, to have sent unto the Queen, to advise her to send the Prince into Scotland, to come into this Kingdom in the head of an Army; is by him declared to be most untrue, and a mere invention of malice against him. And in the last place, where it chargeth the Eleven Members, to have listed, or caused to be listed divers Commanders and Soldiers, without am●●rity of Parliament, and to have encouraged Reform●d● Officers and Soldiers to gather together tumultuously at Westminster, to affright and assault the Members of Parliament, there is nothing of truth in it; and reflects more upon their Accusers, then on them.  
TO the Fifth Article, which charges Mr. Holles, Sir Philip Stapleton, and Mr. Glyn, to have been obstructers of Petitions to the Parliament for redress of Public grievances; They say, that what hath been done by them or any of them in matters of Petitions, was done in the House of Commons, and only there; where they have upon occasion delivered their opinions concerning some seditious Petitions (which they suppose to be the Petitions intended by the Article;) And for what is said of Mr. Holles and Sir Philip stapleton's affronting some Petitioners attending a Committee, as Major Tuleday, and committing Nicholas Tew, without authority; They do say, that Tuleday and Tew affronted the Committee, that Tew endeavoured to raise a tumult in the Court of Requests, to the disturbance and danger of the Committee; whereupon the Committee thought fit, to restrain him untill-the next morning, when they would acquaint the House with it; That all both concerning him and Tuleday was reported unto the House, and both of them were by the House committed upon just reasons, and afterwards both of them discharged or bailed; the one, upon the Motion of Mr. Holles, and the other of Sir Philip Stapleton. And whereas it is said▪ that they were not permitted to speak for themselves; it is notoriously untrue; for Tuleday was heard at the Bar of the House of Commons, and Tew was heard at the Committee, as long as he would speak, until he refused to answer any more questions, saying, he was not bound to accuse himself. In the last place where Master Glyn▪ is charged, to have committed Tew to Newgate, for 〈◊〉 other cause, but for having a Petition about him, which was to be presented to the House: Master Glyn d●th answer, that being Recorder of London, and in the Commission of Peace, he knows it not to be a Crime to send such Persons to the Gaol, as be brought before him for misdemeanours; and may have Committed Tew, as he hath done many others; but he doth believe it to be a mistake in the Accusers, not remembering any such thing: and doth boldly affirm, that if he did Commit him, it was not for the cause laid down in the Article, but upon just grounds of Law.  
TO the Sixth Article, touching the imprisonment of Ensign Nichols by Sir William Waller, Sir John Clotworthy, and Major General Massey; they Answer, That they being by● Instructions of the 9th of April 1647. from the Committee at Derby House, for the affairs of Ireland, authorized to draw off from the rest of the Army, such as should accept of the Service of Ireland, and Quarter them in such places as they should think fit; upon the engagement of divers Officers of Colonel Lilburnes Regiment to go for Ireland, gave Orders to Lieutenant Colonel Kempson, to March with such Soldiers of that Regiment, as should engage for Ireland to Evesham: And the Soldiers so engaging separated from the Army; and on their March towards Evesham; they on the 24 of April 1647. at Saffron Walden, after the General's departure towards London, having received several informations, that Ensign Nichols, (Ensign to Captain Dormer, one of the Captains of the said Regiment) repaired into the Quarters of those Forces drawn off from the Army, in Order to the service of Ireland, there dissuading the Soldiers to go for Ireland, encouraging them mutinously to demand their pay of the said Captain Dormer; and then by falsehoods and cunning practices endeavouring to entice them back to the Army, undervaluing those that went for Ireland; and incensing them against the Propositions of Parliament for that Service: And also reading to the said Soldiers the Petition of the Army, after the same was then lately prohibited by both Houses of Parliament; and being certified that for those miscarriages the said Captain Dormer, had secured his person till further Order; The Lords and Commons who were Commissioners, did thereupon on the said 22 of April, give directions to Lieutenant Colonel Kempson to take Order, that the said Ensign Nichols should be sent up to London, with the first opportunity, to be disposed of by the Committee of Lords and Commons for the affairs of Ireland at Derby house, which was accordingly done; and upon the report of the business, the said Ensign was committed by Order of the House of Commons, and the persons that brought him rewarded for their service therein. In all which proceed they know of nothing done, but what their duty and Instructions (in relation to the Service of Ireland) required at their hands, being contrary neither to the Laws of the Land nor Articles of War; but conceive upon these informations, (ready to be produced and testified upon Oath) that the said Ensign according the Law Martial, for his said offences, deserved death, for endeavouring a mutiny as abovesaid. And therefore there is no cause for the Army to complain, in that the House was so merciful to him as to ●emit that punishment. Whereas it is charged, that the pockets of Ensign Nichols were searched and divers papers taken from him, and that he was sent a Prisoner to London from the Headquarters, without the Authority or privity of the General: They say, that no Order was given by them for searching his pockets, or taking away his papers, and believe no such thing was done; That he was secured by Captain Dormer, being found in the Quarters of those Forces that were drawn off for Ireland, actually endeavouring to put the Soldiers in a distemper, and to withdraw them from that Service; and he was sent from those Quarters (not the Headquarters, as is falsely suggested) to London; And for the privity or authority of the General, if he had been then present; they conceive their Authority from the Parliament on that behalf, was sufficient without the Generals; and as the case stood, They thought it not reasonable, to consult the Army in the matter of disturbing the Irish Service, when they had there found so little encouragement before.  
TO the Seventh, Sir William Waller, Sir John Clotworthy, and Colonel Harley, say; They are very sensible the particulars charged in the Seventh Article do specially relate to things said or done in the House of Commons, and so not liable to any Censure, having past the Approbation of that House, which hath already acquitted them by their Votes of the 25 of June, from all things done and spoken by them in the House, contained in this and the three ensuing Articles, and so ought not to have them recited in this Charge; yet to vindicate themselves from the Scandal of Design and Combination against the Army, they shall give this true Account of what induced them to endeavour the suppressing of that Petition; Sir William Waller, and Sir John Clotworthy, being Commissioners of Parliament with the Army for the Service of Ireland, and Colonel Harley being there to attend the same Service, March 22. 1646. at a Convention of Officers for the Service of Ireland at Walden, the Petition was produced, as the Petition of the Soldiers, to be approved by the Officers there; and was pressed with such eagerness, that an Officer of quality offering some reasons against it, was told, He deserved not to live in an Army. They taking notice of the subtle and violent managing of that Petition, pretended to be the Petition of the Soldiers, but in truth framed then (as they can prove) by some Officers at Walden, 
☜  at a time when the Parliament only proposed the Service of Ireland, and the Souldery had neither Disposition nor Cause to Patition; the Army (being well paid for several Months then past, specially the Foot consisting much of Recruits) had little cause to complain for pay; thereupon they represented this Information to the General, as that which required his care to suppress, timely.  
But after they returned to L●ndon, they received several Informations (of which they have good proof) that the Petition was Agitated in several Regiments and proposed by the Officers to their Soldiers: That some Officers threatened that those who did refuse to subscribe it should be cashiered; and Directions were given to return the subscriptions to some principal Officers at the Head Quarters. What passed in the House of Commons, they presume not to relate without the leave of the House: But by these particulars (which are ready to be attested by persons of worth) the Design of raising jealousies between the Parliament and Army, will really fix upon those who have fal●ly imposed it on the accused Members, to carry on their own Designs, which are since more visible.  
TO the Eighth Article, Whereas Colonel Harley is charged, That by Combination, he produced to this House a Letter which could not be made good; He affirms, He did acquaint the House with a Letter received as he was coming to the House, and sent to him from an Officer of worth in the Army, who was and is ready to justify the substance of the Letter to be most true; That Lieutenant 
a Since made a Colonel.  Colonel Pride drew Colonel Harley's Regiment to a Rendezvouz, read the Petition in the Head of his Company▪ and that the Petition was then subscribed by most of the Regiment, and that Lieutenant Col. Pride said 
b This is Liberty of Conscience so much professed and contested for by the Army. , such as would not subscribe the Petition, should be cashiered; That in this Colonel Harley did nothing but his Duty, and what the House of Commons approved by their public thanks to him, and another worthy (Member an Officer of the Army,) who produced another Letter concerning the same business. For that which is laid to Master Holles his Charge in this Article, concerning the drawing of that Declaration; ●e Answers, That it was done in the House, and the House did allow of, pass it, and afterwards sent it up to the House of Peeret, where it was likewise past. And that any should question it, being become and made the Act of both Houses (and so a Charge rather against them then himself) seems strange unto him, whose part in it was only to draw up that Declaration according to the sense of the House, in obedience to a general call upon him for it, being exceedingly pressed and urged to do it, when himself was very unwilling to take that task upon him.  
TO the Ninth Article, Wherein it is said, That Colonel Harley, Sir Jo. Clotworthy, Sir William Waller, and the said other persons did procure divers eminent and faithful Officers of the Army, viz. Lieutenant General Hamond, Colonel Lilborn, Lieutenant Colonel Pride, and others, to be sent for to appear at the bar of the House, against whom they could charge nothing at all; insomuch that the House thought fit immediately to discharge them.  
It is Answered, That the said Colonel Harley, Sir Jo. Clotworthy, and Sir William Waller, having been informed, that those who style themselves, such ominent and faithful persons of the Army, with some others, being very active in promoting the Petition mentioned in the former Articles, did in discharge of their duty, faithfully represent to the House what they had heard; and whilst the House was in consideration thereof, divers Letters were brought to several Members of the House, from several parts of the Kingdom, declaring the apprehension which many faithful Officers of the Army had taken up, if such a Petition should be permitted to go on; As particularly a Letter of the 28th of March la●t, directed to Colonel Ross●er an eminent Member of the Army, wherein it is desired by such as promoted this Petition; that the names of such Officers and Soldiers as subscribed the Petition, should be sent to Colonel Hamon●, Lieutenant General Hamond, Commissary General Ireton, Colonel Lilborn, Lieutenant Colonel Grimes, or any three of them.  
On the consideration of what was mentioned in this and other Letters, in confirmation of what was formerly presented by the Gentlemen Articled against; the House of Commons did send for several of the persons before mentioned: And as is conceived, had very good reason so to do.  
And whereas it is said, That a Committee was appointed to examine the truth or falsehood of them; If by the Truth or FALSEHOOD of them, is meant the Truth or Falsehood of the Persons, styled Divers eminent and faithful Officers of the Army; Then how could they be said to be immediately discharged, as such, against whom nothing could be charged or proved at all.  
The Gentlemen articled against do further say, that it is a very ill use, that is made of the Parliaments indulgence, not to proceed with such severity against those Persons convented before them (as aforesaid) as to affirm, that therefore, nothing can be said against them: The like ill use was formerly made of the Parliaments so fare condiscending to the desires of another Paper, said to come from the Army, concerning the Obliterating of the Declaration relating to the Petition, both which expressions might well in modesty and duty have been spared.  
And whereas this Article is stuffed with great swelling words of vanity, as though the Gent. charged by the Article, were pressed to produce their proofs and evidence, before the Committee (if they had any) It is answered, That the Persons brought up to the Bar, were by their own confession in this Article immediately discharged. What need then was there, or to what purpose was it, to bring any such Proofs against them, when 〈◊〉 the clemency of the House discharged them?  
In a word, It is most demonstrable, it was the Parliaments indulgence, not the innocency to several, if not all, of those who were questioned, which brought them o●f from Punishment; And it were to be wished (in regard of these and their subsequent proceed) that some proportion of Meekness and Ingenuity towards the Houses, did accompany so much professed integrity, as is vaunted of, by the framers of this Article and Phamphlet.  
TO the 10. Article which charges Mr▪ halis, Sir Philip Stapleton Sir Wil Lewis, Sir Wil Waller, Sir john Glen●●●●●; and Major Gen. Massy to have been instruments in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the relief of Ireland, and then relates some passages of 〈…〉 the House (which could not be discovered to the Army by way but Members contrary to their Oath and dutyn an high violation of the Houses Privileges,) they say; that they have faithfully, cordially, and industriously at all times, and upon all occasions, to the best of their understandings promoted the service of that poor bleeding Kingdom; That they did desire supplies might have gone in an entire Body out of the Army, and that as speedily as possibly could be, so as some of them took the boldness to move, that Sir Tho. Fairfax might have been sent thither▪ which not succeeding, yet the House resolving, eight Regiments of Foot, four of Horse, and one of Dragoones should be sent out of the Army; they, as zealously as they could, endeavoured the putting of it in execution, and attended the , to which it was referred constantly▪ and diligently▪ And they doubt not but the great God, [who will not be mocked] will Judge them according to their deserts who have obstructed it, by discount 〈◊〉 and of fronting them who offered to embrace that service at the convention of Officers, March 22. 1646. By 
* See a Vindication of 167 Officers that are come off from the Army, and the Printed Petition of the Officers to Sir Thomas Fairfax.  Cashiering, assaulting, and turning out of their quarters such as declared their readiness for that service, under the ignominious notion of the Army; and as men untrue to the Common interest of the Soldiers, & by a positive Declaration, that whatsoever faithful Commander should be appointed for the service of Ireland, they must show themselves averse to that service as is expressed in a letter of the Agitators to Lieutenant General Cromwell: Dated April 10. 1647. And in truth▪ Col. Robert hamond's high and unreasonable Propositions concerning the present service of Ireland, viz. That the time of his employment, and those of this Army going with him in this service, exceed not two or three months at the Furthest; That the forces going over with him be not obliged to any whatsoever, more than the possessing or defending of 〈◊〉, That Col. Hammond [himself] may have the comm●nd of the Garrison of Dublin and all the▪ forces in it during the said 〈◊〉 That shipping be ready in the Harbour of Dublin victual●● 〈◊〉 Parliaments charge with sufficient Conv●●, 14 day●● before 〈◊〉 expiration of the said Term to transport the said forces back again for England: etc. And that upon other terms then th●se 〈◊〉 doubts the number would not be considerable that would go 〈◊〉 for that space) clearly demonstrates his and the Armies strange averseness to Ireland's relief; and that all they aimed at, was 〈◊〉 to possess themselves of Dublin for the present, for what 〈◊〉 themselves, and their proceed since can best discover.  
The Informations which they gave into the House concerning the engagement of divers Officers both of Horse and Foot for the relief of Ireland, they avow to be true, but extremely misrepresented in this Article. For whereas it is falsely suggested, th●t 〈◊〉 informed the House that by their procurement there were fifty Companies of Foot, and ten Troops of Horse of the Army 〈◊〉 for that service upon the terms propounded by the Parliament. The truth is, that divers Officers of Horse, relating to so many Troops, and some of the Officers of about 50. Companies of foot were by subscription, Personal promise, or assurance fro● 〈◊〉 really and truly engaged, as may appear by the report ma●e 〈◊〉 the House▪ unto which they refer themselves. But afterwards many were drawn off again by the Artifice of those who (though they pretended Ireland's relief) have their ends rather upon 〈◊〉 Confusion of England then the relief of Ireland▪ as their proceed manifest.  
Concerning the subscriptions of Col. Butler, Leiutenant Col. jackeson, Major Gooday, and others for that service, supposed to be procured in delusion of the Parliament, to misled it into a 〈◊〉 imagination of a strength out of the Army, which had nothing 〈◊〉 reality in it, in regard those Officers did then declare th●●r ●●●willingnesse to go into Ireland upon any Terms whatsoever; 〈◊〉 we conceive that Declaration from the Officers bearing 〈◊〉 the 22. of March will sufficiently clear both from any dishonourable combination; wherein it will appear that they ●●●ged themselves no further, then either to engage in their own Persons or to improve their Interests in their respective 〈◊〉 for, that service; which last Obligation they have made goo● 〈◊〉 m●n of Honour.  
As for those Officers of Col. Butlers and Sir 〈◊〉 waller's Regiments, their names might be given in by those who knew or might justly suppose that their Inclinations led them to embrace that service, if their Friends were mistaken in them or their minds si●ce altered, we know not what Crime can be imputed to any.  
Lieutenant Col. Farrington was never presented by them to the House as a Lieutenant Colonel of the Army, and engaging for himself and his Regiment for Ireland, but only as a Gentleman that had formerly held the quality of Lieutenant Colonel, and yet did retain a very great and deserved interest in that Regiment, and with whom they conceived the Regiment would be very willing to engage.  
TO the 11th. Which charges Sir Phil. Stapleton Mr Hollis, Sir john Clotworthy, Sir Wil Lewes, Major General massy, Sir William Waller, and Mr Glyn, with commanding part of three Regiments, advanced for Ireland from Bromsgrave in Worcestershire, back to Reading, with an evil intent to dra● forces togeher for a new War, and this being done upon the Sabbath Day: They answer, that out of their Zeal to promote the service for Ireland, they met at all times, when they were summoned at Derby-House, where the Council ●a●e early and ●ate, and sometimes on the Sabbath day, being in truth a work of the greatest p●ety and mercy, which certainly was not for their ease, and they hope rather of merit, then to be reputed a crime: That that 〈◊〉 was transacted at a full Committee, (whither upon the Sabbath day or no they know not,) but they know, and affirm, that the reason why those Regiments were ordered to come to Reading, was only, that money might be sent to them for their pay▪ The Officers representing to the Committee the great necessities of the soldiers, and that where they were then 〈…〉 they did not know how to convey it ●hither with ●a●ety, in regard it must pass through the quarters of the army, who had 〈◊〉 great displeasure to those fo●ces which were drawn off for Ireland▪ and the Committee was the rather induced to it, because they knew the money which was sent to 〈◊〉 for 〈…〉 Regiment there quartered▪ when 〈…〉 is ordered to be brought back, 〈◊〉 violently 〈◊〉 away by the Soldiers from those entrusted with that service▪ and the Committee feared some such attempt for the intercepting of this money, which occasioned that calling back to Reading, and not an● such design, as is most falsely & maliciously in the Article suggested.  
TO the 12th, Wherein Sir Io. Clotworthy is said, to have converted several great sums of money to his own particular use in the years 1642. 1643, 1644, and since, which by several. Orders of Parliament and of the Irish Committee were designed for the relief of Ireland:  
First▪ He answereth, That he never received any money from the beginning of the War until this day for the relief of juland in General, but only for the particular charge he hath in that Kingdom, wherewith he was honoured in the beginning of the War by a special order of Parliament.  
And for the particular sums in that Article suggested to be received by him in money, He saith, that he never received any such money, and was so fare from making any particular use of such either money or Provisions as were designed for supporting the Soldiers under his care, to their prejudice in the least, degre● that he hath dispursed above three thousand pounds out of his own purse, and by his credit, for their support and relief more than was received.  
He further saith that for the sum of 280 l in the Article mentioned, by an account delivered to the Committee of Accounts in june 1644. he was so fare from intending the least prejudice either to the State here, or that Kingdom of Ireland (amongst other sums) he charged himself with the said 280 l for 20. Butts of Sack, which he should have received from one Whitscot; who falling therein, the said Sir john converted the credit of the Ordinance for the said 280 l into clothes for his Soldiers, as upon full examination and debate several years since had thereof before the Committee of Accounts may appear: And by the said Account he is likewise charged with 300. l. in the Article mentioned for 120. pair of Pistols the most whereof he exchanged [by order] out of the stoares of his Kingdom, for firelocks, which he sent over to the Soldiers of this Regiment, and the remainder of the said Pistols were delivered to his Troop, and he never converted any of the said Pistols to his own use, though he conceives he might have done, having given allowance for them on his Account; And for the money for the said Pistols, as no part thereof ever came to his hands, so he conceives the same is yet due and unPaid to one Abraham Vandenbe●●d, who provided the said Pistols on the credit of the St●te.  
For the sum of 700 l. for 2000 swords, he knoweth nothing thereof, nor ever received any such sum, but acknowledgeth that he is charged by his said account with 175. l. for his part of 2000 swords, which as the former sum of 280 li. hath been laid out with much more of his own, for the service of the state; So as the said Sir john Clotworthy having prevented the informers by his account long since given in, and there remaining so great a sum disbursed by him, over and above what he hath received, had he detained any part towards his own dis●ursements [which he conceives he might justly have done,] yet could it not have been charged against him for so heinous a crime, and that in prosecution of the design in the general charge mentioned, a● is impertinently laid down in the said Article.  
And for the other divers sinn●es of money suggested in general to have been received from time to ●ime by the said Sir john for the use of Ireland, which are alleged, not to be imployedge by the several orders was directed and intended; when he knows the particulars, he hopes to give a satisfactory answer therein; and wishes that some few of his many accusers may be able to give ●s just an attempt for the many summ●● they have received in relition to their employments, as he hath done, and is ready to do for these few sums directed for his and his soldiers support in that hard war of Ireland.  
And whereas by this article it is suggested, that the said Sir john Clotworthy hath within two year's last passed received several sums of money, Arms and other provisions for a Troop of Horse which he pretended he had raised in Ireland.  
He saith, that he never pretended to have raised any such Troop; though he may with some confidence affirm, he hath to his great charge these 5. years passed maintained a Troop of horse which was formerly under the command of Captain Vp●on, 〈◊〉 and after his death conferred on him, which Troop he hath 〈…〉 cruised since his command thereof, being about five year's space, during which time there was never received from the State in money above 7. week's pay with some little provisions of clothes and Arms, which he duly returned to 〈◊〉 said Troop, with some addition of his own, for their better support in service, judging it a most abominable act, to retain any thing at all, (especially of so little) designed for 〈◊〉 necessitous soldiers.  
And whereas by the latter part of the Article it is most 〈◊〉 lously suggested, that the said Sir john, Clotworthy for money and other rewards, hath preferred Io. Davis and William Summer, and others to be entrusted with the Irish affairs, who have kept correspondency with the Enemy; and defrauded the state of other gr●e sums of money; and that he hath been privy to, and a sharer is such thei● actions;  
He saith: that the said charge is most false and untrue in all the parts thereof wherein he is concerned; and for the said William● Summer, he saith he never preferred him to be entrusted with any of the Irish affairs, nor knoweth of any employment he ever 〈◊〉 in that way [it being notoriously known he never had suc● employment] since the Rebellion of Ireland began, so as he was not in any capacity to defraud the State.  
The said Sir john Clotworthy further saith, that john Dave● hath been contracted withal for great proportions of victu●, Arms, and Clothes for Ireland as a Merchant, wherein the Committee of both Kingdoms and the Committee for the affairs of Ireland (the consent of the houses first had) have dealt with him after others refused such contracts as he then accepted and 〈◊〉 performed, to most of which the said Sir john was not pri●●, and no participant at all with the said john Davis in any of the particulars contracted for, as is now and hath been formerly 〈◊〉 printed pampalets falsely suggested, But that the said john Daubs was ever trusted with the affairs of Ireland other then as a Merchan [whereby he had the opportunity in performance of his contracts with the State to lay out his own money by 〈…〉 and get it again as he can, whereof there may be now some doubt] the said Sir john Clotworthy is totally ignorant.  
TO the 13. Wherein (among other things) secret intelligence to have been held with the Lord of Ormond by Cipher, is laid to the charge of the said Sir Io. Clotworthy, his answer is that he, together with Sir Tho. Wharton, Sir Robert King, Sir Rob. Meredith and Richard Salway Esquire, or any three of them, being appointed Commissioners [but not jointly as is pretended] to treat with the Lord of Ormond for the delivery of the Sword, the city of Dublin etc. After four day's treaty according to their Instructions, [the treaty not taking effect] the Commissioners resolved That three of them should go for Belfast, and two of them come to London, And whilst the Commissioners were in preparation for their departure, upon several just and warrantable occasions, they repaired jointly and severally to the Lord of Ormond, who seemed to be much troubled, that the treaty took no effect. professing the only cause thereof to be, the want of the King's assent, which he said he hoped to gain, desiring to have it so presented to the Parlia & that he might acquaint the Parliament and the Commissioners then going for Be●fast with the Kings Answer, and lest letters should be intercepted by the Rebels, there was a Cipher agreed on, which was known to several of the Commissioners when it was delivered, and of which the said Sir john minded the other Commissioners at Belfast after their arrival there, and before any thing was written by the same from the Lo. of Or●mond; And about a fortnight afterwards, the Lord of Ormond by the means of one Captain Ward, conveyed a little open paper in cipher directed to the said Sir john Clotworthy, who assoon as he received it, did communicate the same to the rest of the Commissioners, which being discyphered, there was thereby intimated, That he was more than hopeful they should shortly bear from him to their content; To which the Commissioners returned an answer, That they should be glad to bear of the content he was hopeful to give. With all which, and the other transactions of tha● affair, the Committee of Der●y-House were made acquainted, and reported the same to both houses before Sir john Clotworthy came out of Ireland; And the Houses having approved of the carriage and endeavours of the Commissioners upon the whole transaction of the business, have long since so far owned them there 〈…〉 they have given thanks unto them for the same.  
This being the only particular wherein the said Sir john Clotworthy is by this article charged to have held intelligence with the Lord of Ormond, and that being by the advice of the rest of the Commissioners in manner as aforesaid, and for so good an end, as the giving his Lordship an opportunity of new application to the Parliament for rendering to them the City of Dublin, and the other garrisons under his command, which hath since that 〈◊〉 taken effect accordingly, to the exceeding great advantage and strengthening this Kingdom's interest in Ireland; the said Sir john Clotworthy leaves it to the judgement of all equal minded men whether or no, there be any just cause to exhibit such a th●● against him for the same, especially by an Army pretending such good affections to Ireland's welfare.  
For the other part of the said Article, concerning the said 〈◊〉 John Clotwortheys holding intelligence with the Lord Digby▪ He directly denieth any such thing, as being utterly false and untrue. For he never saw the said Lord Digby these many year, 〈◊〉 one night accidentally, when [being last at Dublin with the other Commissioners afore said] he was sent to the Castle of Dub●●● by the said Commissioners, concerning an Officer of Colo●● Moores, that had received an Injury by some persons; that related to the Lord of Ormond: at which time the said Lord Digby came into the room where he was, but he had no discourse 〈◊〉 him, in private, nor at all, other then common talk (several person● being present.] Neither hath the said Sir john Clotworthy 〈◊〉 the said Lord Digby deserted the Parliament ever exchanged letter, Message, or word with him, directly or indirectly, otherwise▪ or at any other time, then is hereby declared.  
And whereas by this Article it is charged, that in Order to 〈◊〉 secret intelligence (of which he admires a whole 〈…〉 England should have such certain and public Notice, as to 〈◊〉 it a positive charge & undertake to prove it upon oath, were it●●●cret as they charge it,) as the Article all ●geth to have hi● hold by 〈◊〉 said Sir Io. Clotworthy with the said Lo. Digby the Lo of 〈◊〉 and the said Lord Digby, ●●tely employed 〈◊〉 S●●gsby, who [as the article saith] pretends a design about the Prince to c●me into this Kingdom; the said Sir john Clotworthy utterly denieth to have had any thought of any such design, or any knowledge of the said Slingsby or of his coming into the kingdom, until he heard that one Slingsby [whom he yet knoweth not] had been examined before the Committee at Derby house. And the said Sir john presumeth, he hath to the said Committee confessed who employed him, and to whom he was employed here.  
TO the 14. which charges Sir john Clotworthy, Mr. Hills and Sir Philip Stapleton, with obstructing Articles exhibited against the Lord Inchequin, calling back the Lord Lisle from the government of Ireland, causing the command of the forces in that Kingdom to be committed to the Lord Inchequin, he writing a letter to his Lordship, upon the receipt whereof he should express, he had direction to put out all those who favoured Independents, They do say they were so far from keeping off proceeding, upon those articles, that they furthered it all they could, and several times moved it in the House: desirous to have all cleared concerning the Lord Inchequin; whom as they believed to be a man of honour and fidelity, so, if upon examination of his actions he appeared to be other, they were resolved to declare their sense of him accordingly. As for what concerns the Lord Lisle, they say, his Lordship's time expiring, which was but for one year, either for him or any else to continue in that command, the Parliament was pleased to dispose of the affairs of Ireland in an other way; in the agitation whereof in the House, they went according to their judgements and consciences, without respecting any person living. For the Command of the forces of that Kingdom (which as to the Lord Inchequin can only be understood of Ma●ster) they do not know that ever any thing was here done in it at all, there having been no occasion for it, as to their knowledge. And as for the Letter mentioned to have been written by them, 〈◊〉 any of them, or from some other person by their or all of their direction; they say, as it is altogether uncertain and illegal, so it is a mere fiction (for they never did any such thing,) and tends to draw the Odi●● of Independents upon them; to whose advancement, both in Ixeland and elsewhere they fear they may prove obstructive▪ as this Article clearly insinuates.  
TO the 15. Sir Wil Lewes and Mr. Glyn, say, that the Order o● the 13 of April in the Article mentioned (if there were any such) relates to them only as Members of the , for whom they intent not to answer: but in truth there was no such order: it was only a report, not an order, and intended only for the county of Caermarthen, how ever it came to pass the words were general: and that was done in order to be reported to the house, and accordingly was reported, and after repealed by the Committee as they were informed. And as for the publishing and sending thereof unto every Committee in Wales, they know nothing thereof, neither was it done by their or either of their directions or consents.  
To the 16. Article, Sir William Lewes denyeth his protecting any Delinquents in South-Wales, as is untruly aleadged.  
And as for the Earl of Carbery, he did no more than move in the house of Commons, to make good what Major General L●●●horn had promised and pressed for on his behalf, by his letters to the Speaker, and Committee of both Kingdoms▪ representing the advantages that came to the parliament by his conformity and 〈◊〉 it would further their service to oblige him.  
For Mr. Carve of Glammorgan & Mr. Herbert of Breck●●●●shire after their long imprisonment, they being upon their Compositions at Goldsmith's Hall, he did but move the ascertaining of their Fines according to the rules prescribed to the 〈◊〉 there, having observed, that delays brought a prejudice both to the Parliament and the party's 〈◊〉, by abusing the one in their authority, the other in their estates. And for Mr. Herber●, after his sight of some high Articles drawn up against him by Mr. Rumsey, he never spoke in his behalf, & he yet continues a prisoner in Ely House. For Mr. Morgan of Bre●kno●kshire, he is one the said Sir William hath ever used with no more than a civility suitable to their being countrymen, and of many year's acquaintance, which he believes no good man can look on as an offence. For Mr. Gwyn & Mr. Lewes of ●adno●shire, ● of the Committee in that county, and those that by Major General 〈◊〉 certificate and Colonel Birth his public testimony, had furthered the reducing of that county, he did but publicly move in the house, that some disputes concerning them, and some differences between them and others of the Committee for that county, might be referred to the Committee for Gloucester 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 Row; which he did out of his desire to serve the Parliament by keeping peace in those remote parts, and for no ends at all of his own.  
And further faith, he was never so much as present at any debate concerning the sequestration of any other person whatever in either of the forementioned Counties, save these aboven named; nor ever so much as motioned to any Member of either: House, [Committee man, o● other,] either the remitting or  compounding with any, upon any Terms not warrantable by the rules prescribed; or their compounding with any that were incapable thereof; nor did ever animate or encourage any 〈◊〉 this unhappy difference to continue their fidelity to the King's cause, promising them, th●● if they would engage their Frien●● with the King for him, he and his would be their Friends in the Parliament, (as is untruly fur●●shed) looking upon that kind of conditioning, as a thing below the thoughts of a Gentleman.  
What the Delinquents in those parts say of him, or how they 〈◊〉 upon him, or how they or any others look upon those that ●rge him, or what shall be his or their lot at his Majest●●s coming to London, he is ignorant of; but hopes, that a 〈…〉 will discover both 〈◊〉 and them in their 〈…〉, and 〈◊〉 every man's return may be according to the singleness and integrity of his affections to the public peace and welfare of the Kingdom.  
And farther he saith, that there being an order for the nomination of Justices of the Peace for the County of Brecknock, he humbly named Mr Roger Vaughan [now high sheriff of that County] to be added to the Committee formerly named by the House, Mr. Meredith Lowis, Master George Parrey, and Mr. Edward William●, as the fittest persons he knew of to supply the necessity there was of justice in that county: and although he cannot say that when the King's forces had a power in those parts, but that many of them may have done that which is not justifiable, yet for his Brother Master Thomas Lewes who was formerly one of the Committee, he is confident, his innocency is equal with any man's in that County, and his sufferings as great as any of double his fortune inhabiting there; he having been carried prisoner by Sir William Vaughan's command to Ludlow Castle with one Master Hugh Williams, where they continued till he laid down eightscore pounds for their enlargement; And he can confidently affirm, that no man is left out of Commission, that any honest man can pretend either by his estate, or affections to the Parliament to deserve to be therein employed: and he could hearty wish, that he or they that give information on this article, would have advised, who else should have been recommended for Committee-men or Justices. And for Master Edward William● being made solicitor, his Commission was delivered upon certificate from three of the four Gentlemen who are the only persons, resident in the County, of those that are named for the Committee there: and he believes he hath been so careful in his duty, that neither corruption nor remissness can be justly charged or proved against him.  
And the said Sir William saith, that his son was chosen Burgess for the Burrow of Brecknock by the unanimous assent of the Burgesses, who adjudged him a fit person to serve for them▪ and his fitness for that place he desires may be determined of, by th●se amongst whom he hath the honour to sit, who have seen his demeanour, and are the only proper Judges thereof: but that he kept the writ eight months in his Custody in order thereto, is most untrue. For at his being in Brecknockshire in July 1646. having carried the writ down with him, and finding at Ragland that Worcester was then but upon delivery to the Parliament, and that the Commissioners of peace for that County were those that continued in their authority by their old Commission, thought it then no fit time for a public meeting in that Town upon such an occasion, lest some ill consequence might have followed thereon, and thereupon at his return acquainted Master Prideanx, one of the then Commissioners for the great Seal, therewith, and with his approbation returned the writ to Master Scoble the Register, in whose custody it continued, till he again called for it some five weeks before the election.  
TO the 17th. Article, the said Sir Wil Lewes acknowledgeth that by the ever Honourable, the Earl of Essex his Commission, and the approbation of both Houses of Parliament, he was in the beginning of these troubles made Governor of Portsmouth, though not only without his desire but against it, as it is well● known to Sir john Evelyn, of Wilt●● a Mer●ber of the Honourable House of Commons. That during his service there, he received much of the public Treasure, for which he gave such an Account, as that he had his discharge from the Committee for Accounts, bearing date the 15th. day of March, 1644. And the said Committee coming to the House of Commons with their Certificates of that Account and others, did there publicly attest it, to be both just and fr●●gall: whereupon the house was so favourable, as to vote on the 3. of April. 1645. their approbation of his Account so presented unto them: and to Order, that the Committee of the Revenue should with their soon and best conveniency pay vote him the sum of 415. l 16. s 8. d. part of what remained d●● unto him upon his said Account, as appeared by the Certificate above mentioned: which evidently disproves that part of the charge, which doth most unjustly accuse him for not accounting, of which he believes his greatest Accusers are far more guilty than himself, since he never heard any Certificate made to the house of their accounts.  
And whereas he is likewise Charged, while he was Governor there frequently to have held correspondency and intelligence with the King's party about the delivery up of the said Garrison: some such aspersions having been very undeservedly raised on him, during his Command there: the Commit of Lords and Commons for the safety, were pleased to write to him to some up to London, by their letter dated the 8 of June 1643. where the said Sir William pressing by his importunity the said Committee and Earl of Essex, that they would Examine what ever could be alleged against him, to punish him if faulty, and right him if injured; upon the Earl of Essex his letter to the said Committee after a full Examination of the business the Committee by their letter gave his Lord ship this account following.  
May it please your Excellency  
WE have examined and debated the business concerning Sir William Lewes as your Lordship did desire, and out of all those jealousies and allegations, which have been offered against him, there amounts NOTHING (as we can gather) which can derogate from his honour, or the public confidence reposed in him in his command at Portsmouth; This account we render to your Excellency, aswell to answer that which hath been referred to us by your Excellency's Letter, as that which is required from us by Sir William Lewis his innocency: this being the state of this business, it is left in the hands of your Excellency to repair this worthy Gentleman in what manner you shall please: And so we take our leave and rest.  
Westminster 29. july. 1643. Your Excellencies very affectionate friends and humble Servants subscribed. Bedford Pembroke, & Mountgemery, B. Denbigh, W. Say & Seal, Io. Pym, and others.  
The which letter being carried to his Excellency, after his perusal thereof, he wished the said Sir Wil Lewes to repair again to Portsmouth and to take care thereof; but he having vindicated his Innocency, and to manifest how little he regarded either places of honour or gain (which others aspire to) desired to be excused, and quitted the employment.  
Why or upon what grounds the said Sir William (with divers other persons, who faithfully served the Parliament) was left out of the Proclamation mentioned, he knoweth not (being up ways privy to their counsels,) nor what his Majesty was pleased to say of him; but this he knoweth, and it's generally known to that part of Hampshire where he lived, that about October 1643. there was plundered from him by the King's party to the value of between two and three thousand pounds: mean; whereof his lands being unstocked; he made not threepences of it in three years. For his estate in Brecknockshire, which by the Charge is allowed to be worth about 600. l. per annum, it was not held worth sequestering in those parts, in regard of the taxes laid upon it: and during the time of the troubles he made little profit of his estate there or elsewhere. And as it is no argument, that some Malignants in arms against the Parliament did hold correspondency with them, because their estates in some places have not been yet sequestered, through negligence of the officers, or want of evidence; so he presumes, it can be no proof of his, complying with the King or his party, in the judgement of any indifferent person or of his Accusers [who now profess their correspondency with his Majesty without the houses privity] in their late printed 
* Of Inly. 8 1647.  letters to both Houses, because he was not sequestered upon the same, or any such like occasion for aught he knowe● the case (he believes) of some other well-affected Members.  
As for concerning Col. Price his estate, upon the sad complaint of Mrs Price of her necessities, he wrote a letter to the Committee, only to allow unto her the 5th. part of her husband's estate, according to the Ordinance of Parliament in that behalf, and to restore her wearing apparel which had been taken from her, (an extremity he had not heard of before used to any other, which he hops his accusers) who now desire justice for and indulgence towards delinquents, which they charge as a crime in others] cannot dislike But for the letting of Colonel Prices estate, he did not intermeddle, therein, but believes the tenant that rends it at 50. l. per annum pay a full value for to the state, considering it is charged with annuities of 120 l. per annum, issuing out of it; his Wives fift part, and all taxes and contributions.  
And the said Master Glyn, as to the charge of this Article, whereby he is charged to procure several persons that have been Commissioners of Array in North-Wales, to be named in Commissions of Peace, and other Places of greater trust and command: He saith, the Article gives not any instance of any such person that he hath procured to be named a Justice of Peace, or any other Place of trust or command, except Col. Glyn (his Brother) made Governor of the Town and Castle of Carnarvan: And for the said Col. Glyn, he avers, he was never any Col. in the King's Army, but constantly declared his affection to the Parliament, and for that cause he was in the beginning of the troubles, besieged in his own house, with Canon planted against it, where he was taken prisoner, his Arms seized upon, himself charged with treason, and intended to be proceeded against at Shrewsbury, had not some persons interposed and procured his enlargement, upon security, that he should not bear Arms for the Parliament; and as he hath suffered for his affection to the Parliament, so he hath advantageously acted for them, by inviting Major-Gen. Mitton to come into North-Wales, joining his forces with the said Major-Gen. and relieving the Parliaments Forces with money, by reason whereof, the County and Castle of Carnarvan was reduced to the Parliaments obedience, of whose eminent services, the house of Commons took special notice, in a letter written unto him; and for recompense of his sufferings for the Parliament, and the great service done for them, he was made Governor of Carnarvan, for the safety of those parts, and encouragement of the well-affected there.  
To the eighteenth Article, 
18.  Whereby Master Glyn is charged to have taken rewards of several persons for service done them in the house, and in particular 100 li paid unto his Wife by the Drovers of Wales, for service done them: he saith, that the same is a false and a slanderous charge, and for the 100 li supposed to be given to his Wife (who is dead and cannot answer for herself) the same is untrue: for Master Glyn lent those poor men 100 li out of his own Money, to find them Bread, which was afterwards repaid him, when they procured money upon the credit of the Excise, as will be justified by many persons of quality; besides which, there was no other 100 li that came to his Wife's Hands.  
To the nineteenth Article, 
19  Master Glyn answers;  
First, concerning Delinquents, that the charge is general, and therefore he can make no particular answer, but generally not guilty.  
Secondly, concerning the putting out of the Militia, that he was no way concerned in it; they were presented by the Common-counsel, and chosen there when he was not present, and afterwards approved by both Houses: and he cannot take upon him to give reasons to justify the acts of both Houses, or the Common-counsel, who are only impeached by this charge; and must plead not guilty of intermeddling with putting in or putting out.  
To the twentieth Article, 
20.  where it is laid, That Sir Philip Stapleton, Master Holles, and Sir William Lewis, have by their power and countenance obstructed justice in the cause between Alderman Langham and Captain Limery, and that of John Gunter.  
They answer, That Master Hollis and Sir Philip Stapleton being one afternoon in the Court of Request, heard that the House of Peers were then to fit, which made them go to see what the occasion was, and coming into the Lobby, found there the Earl of Rutland, who told them, their House met about a great Business betwixt Langham and Limery; and some discourse passed concerning it, when Master Hollis and Sir Philip Stapleton said, They understood that the merits of the cause was not at all in question, only the entertaining of it upon an appeal, which they concelved was the common justice of the Kingdom, and not to be denied to any. Which having said, they went away; nor was it done in secret, but spoken publicly, and in the hearing of some of the Counsel for Limery: And they do utterly deny the speaking of any such words as are alleged to be said by them; for they were so fare from engaging their interest in it, as they do not to this day know what the Lords did upon it: And Sir William Lewis, doth absolutely deny his being there present as all, when any such conference was with the Earl of Rutland: and cannot but observe, there should be that significancy attributed to h●s presence and gesture, as thereby to discover his thoughts and inclinations, especially when he was not there in person. And as for the cause instanced concerning John Gu●er, he conceives it to be a suit depending in Chancery betwixt the Father and Son, both nearly relating unto him, but no further proceeded in then to Bill and Answer, that he knows of; and what influence his countenance could have so early days in the beginning of a suit, let all the world judge.  
To the one and twentieth Article, 
21.  which concerns Master Nichols only, he saith,  
That although his election was voted to be void by the Committee of Privileges (whose mere votes exclude no Member from sitting in the house) where no Witnesses were heard on his behalf, yet conceives his Election good, and hopes it will be thought so by the House, when they h●ar a true state of the cause. And whereas they object, it hath laid four yeer● unreported: Master Nichols appeals unto the House, and that worthy Gentlemen in whose hand that report lay (being never prosecuted by his Competitor) whether he hath not endeavoured to have that report made, and the business determined, and still continues his humble request to the House for the speedy determining of the same.  
To the second clause Mr Nichols answers, That he never used any threats, menaces or indirect practices, for the bringing in of any Members, either out of Cornwall, or any other County in the West: And it is well known, that those worthy Gentlemen there elected, and now excepted against, were fairly and duly chosen by their own interest and public demerits; and their unbyased integrity is such, that they detest the maintaining of a Faction, or carrying on of any design other than the common good.  
To the third clause of that Article, Master Nichols saith, That he continues in an Office of Master of the A●●nory in the Tower, wherein he hath faithfully served the State for their advantage, and that since the Selfdenying Ordinance passed the Houses, he never received any penny of his F●e from the Committee of Revenue, but confesseth to have received a rent of thirty four pounds a year, or thereabouts, and a Fine for two houses, which he is to be ●●●●able for to the Parliament: And it is well known, that Master Nichols lost a fare better Office both for profit and esteem, than this (the Customers place of Plymouth and of all the Ports in the County of Cornwall) for his fidelity to the Parliament, and hath received no reparation for the same, as divers others have had for their lost Offices. Besides, he hath been employed in many long and chargeable Journeys, and hath expended divers great sums of money in them (which he hath borrowed of his friends) and hath yet had no satisfaction from the Parliament, in consideration thereof, as some of his Accusers have had for meaner services.  
To the two and twentieth, 
22.  Master nichols saith, That neither himself, nor any other for him, ever took any penny, directly or indirectly, for any thing done in Parliament, or in any of their Committees (wherein he hath had the honour to serve them in the same) of greatest trust. And whereas he is charged, to bring Sir William Vuedall into the House upon his coming from York, for the sum of One hundred and fifty pounds; it is altogether false and scandalous. Upon Sir William Vuedalls return from York, he came into the House, sat there without any question, and sometime after had leave to retire himself into the Country; and at his return to London (near two years after) the dispute grew about his admittance into the House, and he was admitted into it upon a solemn and serious debate, without the motion or procurement of Master nichols; which admission, if undue, is a charge against the whole House, not Master nicols. True it is, that when Sir William Vuedall was at York and Treasurer of the Army there, Master nichols having an Assignment made him by his brother Captain Humphrey nicols, to receive an Arrear due to him for his Service in the North, that he writ to Sir William Vuedall to send him that money, whereupon Sir William Vuedall when he came to London, sent him a sum of money as an Arrear due to his brother, but whether so much as is specified in the Article, he knows not, by reason his papers and accounts of that business are not in Town.  
As for Master nicols receiving of rewards, he challenges all his Accusers (many of them having had occasion to use his poor Service) and all others▪ to prove him guilty of receiving the least reward for any thing done by him in discharging of his public trust.  
And whereas it is charged, That he discovered a design for the searching of Greenwich House; He saith, That about midnight in August (as he takes it) 1642, there came an Officer with some Soldiers to his lodging, and brought with them a Warrant for him to sign for the searching of Greenwich House, which Warrant he figned; and by the same Officer he sent three lines written in an open paper to a Noble Lady, who lodged in the House, that she should not be frighted with the coming of Soldiers in such an unseasonable hour; which Lady was no servant of the Queens, but one that had given a clear demonstration of her affection to the Public, by a large voluntary contribution upon the Propositions of Money and Plate. So that he hopes this will not be thought a fault to send an open paper to a person of that quality, for such purpose, by the same Officer that was to put the design in execution.  
As to the three, 
23, 24, 25.  four, and five and twentieth Articles, which waste themselves in a scandal touching Master Long alone (for to a printed imputation of cowardice, covetousness, and treachery, where no particular person appear● to avouch the truth or give satisfaction for the falsehood of such an Assertion, no better name can be given) he yet to give the world a taste of what truth they may expect in the rest, returns unto these three this Answer:  
That howbeit his education had not much acquainted him with Military employments before the late unhappy Wars, (which he thinketh to be the case of many, who now reckon well of their abilities in that profession) yet through the invitation of his Excellency the late Lord General, Earl of Essex, and the Committee of the safety of the Kingdom, who thought it of some importance at that time to interest persons of estate and relations (though not bred Soldiers) in that employment, he did accept the command of a Troop of Horse under his Excellency, the greatest part whereof were raised by himself and his friends; and in the Head of that Troop he charged at Edge-hill, in the Regiment then under the command of Sir William Bel●ore, which was the first that broke into the Enemy; in which charge he lost his horse, and being left dismounted, did yet with his single pistol in his hand give quarter to several of the Enemies, and was then by Captain Harecourt (Quarter master of his Troop) remounted, continued out the Service of that day and the next, and was one of the last Troops that brought away the A●●munition; a thing happily not known to them who gave the information for this Article, seeing it was the ill●hap of some Commanders that day to make an overhasty retreat, and of some others (of no little Eminency now) never to come there, (much less to charge) though they quartered very near the Field.  
When the unexpected skirmish at Brainford happened, his Troop (as the greatest part of the Army besides) was dispersed, but so soon as he could get it together, he went ●hither and stayed there till the business was at an end; shortly after, his Troop being to march towards Bristol, where some of his fellow Captains (whose experience he thought as little as his own) receiving sudden and great Commands, he declined that Service under them, and intended to return to his other in the House of Commons: but some disaffections and backwardness to contribute to the public Service appearing in some persons of quality in the County of Essex, he was by Commission from his Excellency the Earl of Essex commanded thither, and author●ed with other Gentlemen of that and the Counties of Herrford and Bedford, to raise Horse, Arms, etc. upon such as had not contributed, etc. Touching which employment (without drawing the particulars into a long Discourse) he saith, that he acted nothing without the concurrence of two Gentlemen● at the least of his fellow Commissioners: and thereof and of what had been raised by them for the public Service under that Authority, he (long before any Committee of Accounts settled) did publish▪ the particulars in print, and thereof did, immediately 〈◊〉 that Committee settled, give and pass an Account upon Oath▪ which course had others taken (who are greater Accountancy than he) there would happily have been less room for thi● Accusation: The plundering and oppression in the Article mentioned, he ●eckons as odious, as it is an ●●true suggestion.  
As for Master T●omas Manwood in the Article mentioned, he much doubteth whether there be any such man residing in the County of Essex; sure he is that no protection from the then Lord General his Excellency, was disrespected by him; and upon the ●●st enquiry Master Long can make, the person intended by Master Thomas Manwood, is no way eminent for his good affection, and what was done towards him was well warranted by the Commission under which Master Long and those other Gentlemen of that Country were employed, and nothing by countenance of that Authority was converted to Master Longs private advantage: and so little hath the humour of covetousness (with which the printed Articles charge him) prevailed, that there will be nothing found in his Accounts to be demanded for his Colonels pay; an Omission of which he dares undertake to excuse them that are most willing to accuse him.  
The Damages sustained by Master Long (not pretended, 
24.  but real) mentioned in the four and twentieth Article (to be the inducement of that favour conferred upon him by the Chancery. Office) were under● considerations, and together with his four year's imprisonment and sufferance for his public service in former Parliaments, weighed by the wisdom of that House, and his capability to execute that place (usually discharged by able Deputies, as now it is) determined by that judgement which he dares not, and thinks no men, or company of men, without those Walls, aught to dispute; and therefore to that quarrel (more against both houses than himself) he thinks himself bound to give, and believes no wise honest English men will expect, or well receive any other answer. This only he saith, that neither the eminency nor profit of 
¶ Some of them in the same Court as M. Speker, and his Son, M● Smith & M. Love.  the Office can surely be the cause, that it only of all the Offices and Benefits accepted from the Parliament, by other Members, should be now subject to observation, and made a matter of charge.  
In answer to the five & twentieth (and perhaps for the weight of it, 
25.  the last Article in that printed paper) he saith, That if any man hath (which is not known to him) seriously or in scorn, used that scurrilous phrase of Parliament-Di●●er towards him, by reason of his more than ordinary diligence, in persuading and pressing his Fellow-Members of the honourable House of Commons (according to their trust and duty) to remain in that house or return to it, when any thing hath been in debate, which in his apprehension and conscience required their judgement, wisdom and suffrage there; he is contented to own the Fact, and leave the abuse to the author: any unlawful carriage in that particular without the house, he doth deny; his demeanour within those Walls, in that or aught else, no man without them ought to question or control, or he to give account of. And for a close, he saith, that these his Accusers who have against reason and justice, driven so many Members out of the house at once, deserve the name of 
¶ And Parliament-Riders.  Parliament-Drivers, much more than he who desired only to continue Members within the house, according to his own and their Duty.   

The Conclusion.  
UPon the whole matter we do say, that it is our Misfortune, not our Misdoing, that we stand in this manner accused: Power may seize upon us and destroy us, but not Justice; we mean, the Justice of Man, for, and in respect of these pretended Crimes; not the Justice of God, which we tremble at, and submit unto, and see it reach unto us for our sins this Cup of persecution and affliction by the hands of men, the men of the world, who are themselves but the hand of God to correct his children for their good; their good in the end, though for the present it be grievous unto them, and befalls them many times occasionally and in the eye of men where they think themselves to be least deserving it, to make them examine themselves, and inquire where man cannot come, into their own hearts, to find out the true cause which hath provoked their God to afflict them, and so come to the knowledge of those evils and repent of them, which otherwise would have lain undiscovered and like a sleeping Serpent awaken afterwards to do them a greater mischief; which is at the present our case, and we trust God will give us the grace to make this use of it. For certainly upon the strictest scrutiny of our consciences, and enquiry into our past actions and intentions, we cannot find we have deserved this return from any that can pretend themselves, to be wellwishers to the Parliament and to the Peace of the Kingdom; We can speak it for a truth, We are of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel; We never sought great things for our self; We have mourned for the desolations of this Kingdom (of three Kingdoms;) We ha●e endeavoured our utmost according to our several Talents, as it hath pleased God to enable us in our several places and callings, as Members of the Parliament, as Members of the Commonwealth, to do all the good we could, to procure a settlement in Church and State, We have desired a Peace, We have laboured for Peace, and willingly have never done the least thing to keep it off; We have all of us taken the Covenant, we dare not say we have kept it to Godward so well as we should, but we will say, no man can lay the breach of any part of it, as to the King, Parliament, or Kingdom, to our Charge, nor we hope ever shall: Nothing in this World, that we have more hearty desired, then to see a happy and firm Reconciliation between the King and his People, him in his Throne, them in their Liberties, both of them encompassed with Righteousness and Peace, and glorying in the Parliament, as the foundation of both their happinesses.  
Yet how we are aspersed and misrepresented, let the World judge, by several Pamphlets and Papers concerning us, and by this printed Charge: We dare appeal even to the Consciences of our Accusers, if they would speak out: Perhaps with some it is in truth our Crime, that they know us to be so as we are; perhaps we stand in the way and prevent some destructive designs: therefore we must be removed; and that we may so be, we must be represented to be Hinderers of Peace, Obstructers of Justice, Invaders of the Liberty and Freedom of the Subject, Abusers and Misleaders of the Parliament; In sum, Whatsoever is amiss in the Kingdom, we are made the Cause, and must bear the blame of it.  
Christianos ad ignem, What public Calamity soever befell in the time of the Primitive Persecutions, the poor Christians were said to be the Cause, and must be the expiatory Sacrifice.  
But let men say what they will, Eliab was never the more the Troubler of Israel, because he was so called.  
We will say with Job, Our Witness is in Heaven, and our Record is on high; This is our Comfort and our Confidence: We shall be acquit before the Tribunal of Heaven; and we trust in the Divine Protection to have our Deliverance and Justification even here upon Earth by the Judgement of man, that is by the Justice of the Parliament, notwithstanding the malice of all our Enemies.  
Denzill Hollis, Phil. Stapleton, William Lewis, John Clotworthy, William Waller, John Maynard, Edw. massy, John Glyn, Walter Long, Edw. Harley, and Anth. Nchol, Members of the Honourable House of Commons.  
FINIS.