A MANIFESTO OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF SCOTLAND: Delivered in to the Honourable Houses of Parliament the 24. of May, 1645.  

Published by Authority.   
LONDON: Printed by John Field for Ralph Smith, june 4. 1645.   

The PREFACE.  
CHristian Reader, If thou be a lover of the Cause of God, and of thy Country, in perusing this paper presented to the honourable Houses of Parliament by the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland; I hope thou shalt receive satisfaction against any aspersions that the Emissaries of Satan, and the disturbers of our peace have vented against the sincerity, candour and integrity of the proceedings of that Army in the North: What God hath joined, let no man separate: Take notice that jealousies breed discontent; A chased Wife hath an uncomfortable life with a jealous Husband; Satan is a busy Bishop, and he wants not his Emissaries( even like Angels of light, but hollow-hearted within) to divide Brethren. My wishes to the God of Peace and Truth is, That he would purge our councils, Armies, Camps, City and Country of all Achans, Ahitophels, Hamans, Tobia's, Sanballats, and such vermin; and then he will go out with our Armies: and that there were none amongst us that make a Trade of this unnatural War, nor none amongst us that study to whisper and make Divisions betwixt the two Kingdoms, nor red a Letter of some particular error of some particular person in that Army with a multiplying-Glasse, and so divulge it in City and Country, yea and it may be never complained on in the place, where( if true) might have had justice there. Let not us prove unthankful to God nor them, for the good they have done: Let us not have needless fears, to suspect any evil they will or may do, till there be just cause: and if any, without just cause, have a needless suspicion, and vent it to make Divisions, and dishonour the true God, let it be to that man according to his faith. Let us consider their condition, and both think and speak the best; for if the godliest and best modeled Army in Christendom were every six moneths put to one moneths pay in money, and five upon Billet, I believe there would be as much clamour there, as there is now amongst them: And remember him who said, A Kingdom divided cannot stand. And let not the Britains now be in the condition that Caesar found them in, who gave them this Character, Dum singuli pugnant omnes de vincuntur: But let both Nations join hearts and hands together, Pro aris & focis, against the Enemies of both. God will be seen in the Mount, and they that study nothing so much, as to sow Divisions and hatred amongst Brethren( for so we are) Let them be divided in jacob, and scattered in Israel; and let all the lovers of God and the Truth say AMEN.   

From the Scots Commissioners in London, May 24. 1645.  
HAving seen an Order of the House of Commons, desiring an account of what hath passed at the Committee of both Kingdoms, concerning the Advance of the Scottish Army Southward: After the perusal of the Letters, and Intelligence sent to, and received from the Scottish Army, we thought it a necessary duty for us to represent these particulars to the Honourable Houses of Parliament, for the better stating of this business, and preventing all misunderstandings.  
That such Orders of both or either House concerning the Scottish Army, as have been Communicated to us, cannot come within this account.  
That such as have been Communicated to us, have received particular Answers, with which these are to be compared.  
That the Scottish Army, out of their zeal to the common Cause, and the Safety, Peace and security of this Kingdom, notwithstanding the large promises and offers made unto them, and great threatenings of the Enemy, and the low condition of Affairs here at that time, left their own habitations, which they possessed in quietness, and in the sharp storms of a Winter season, came into this Kingdom, to meet with a strong and potent Army, who was possessed of all the Garrisons, strengths, and Towns in that Country; in opposing whereof, they continued in the fields night and day, with much wants, and without cover, skirmishing and fighting with the Enemy for divers moneths, and afterwards pursued him to York, where by Gods blessing with the Assistance of the Parliaments forces, Prince Ruperts Army, with the remainder of Newcastles, were wholly Reduced and brought to ruin.  
That after the Reducing of York the Scots Army was willing and ready to march South or North, as should be found most for the Advantage of the public; and at the desire of the Commissioners of both Houses, marched North-ward.  
That having, by Gods blessing, after a difficult Siege by storm Reduced Newcastle, they sent some of their forces to block up carlisle, and were necessitated to sand others into Scotland, for opposing the Barbarous Irish Rebels, assisted with some of our unnatural Countrymen, all occasioned by, and for our engaging in this Kingdom.  
That being constrained all the Winter to live upon Quarter, being so far in Arrear of their Pay, and receiving so little, and so rarely in Money( a good part of the Moneths Pay promised after the battle of Long-Marston, not being paid to this hour) it could not be imagined they could be in a condition to march, without one Moneths Pay at least, some Clothes and Ammunition.  
That though this Moneths Pay was promised the fourth of january, yet it was not shipped from hence for near three months after about the end of March, and about a fortnight after that, received at the Town of Newcastle in the month of April, and in this interval of three moneths nothing paid them, notwithstanding an Ordinance be past for ascertaining the constant pay monthly.  
That in the interim they testified their willingness, in sending parties to Scarborough for taking in of that Town; towards Pontefract upon the alarms given by Langdale, and afterwards by sending 2000. Commanded Foot, and 1500. horse under Command of Lieutenant general L●sly, who marched in ten dayes, without taking one daies rest 140. miles for assisting Sir William Brereton, and was so forward therein, that they prevented the desire of the Committees of both Kingdoms here, as may appear by their two several Letters, both dated March 17.  
Within two dayes after the receipt of the first Money, arms and Ammunition( not staying upon the receipt of the remainder thereof, which arrived not there till the 12. of this instant) the general gave Orders for drawing all the Forces in Northumberland toward Newcastle, and bishopric of Durham.  
That in the mean while, by the instigation of some il-affected persons, seconded by Letters from Musgrave and others in carlisle( the Copies whereof have been shewed to the Committee here) an Insurrection was made in Westmerland and Cumberland against the Scots, the which could not, but interrupt for some time their Proceeding.  
That the distemper being with all possible diligence and moderation composed, they were forced for liberating the Country of Free-quarter, to give the third part of the months pay to maintain their forces about carlisle. Orders were issued for the whole Army to meet at Ferribrigs the 26. of April: And timous notice given to my Lord Fairfax and the Committee at york to cause furnish victual and provisions at Rippon; and before 200. li. worth of provisions were furnished the whole Army was advanced to Rippon, notwithstanding the great discouragement they had from the disaffection of the Country people behind them.  
That having no money to buy provisions, & Free-quarter being denied to them by the Country there; having also received divers Advertisements, that it was the enemies resolution to apply their greatest strength Northward; and not knowing what assistance they might expect from the Parliaments forces, they dispatched a Message hither for resolution in these particulars, and upon the eighth of this instant, we delivered a Paper to the Committee of both Kingdoms; for that effect to be presented to the Honourable Houses of Parliament.  
That the Lord general receiving upon the 12. of this instant a Letter from both houses( for it came no sooner to his hands) desiring his advance Southward, upon the 13. his Lordship and the general Officers met at Knaresborough with the English Commissioners, and there made offer to march Southward within 24. hours: They undertaking to furnish the Army with eight or ten dayes provisions, and some draft, for Artillery and Ammunition, which was absolutely necessary for them, being much weaker in horse then the Enemy, in whose power it would be to cut off all provisions from them; and by their Letters of the 14. sent to us they assure us of their full resolution to march Southward upon some grounds of hope, given them by Letters from York concerning the furnishing these provisions and Carriages, of which it appears since they were disappointed.  
That the Orders of both Houses for the Countreys affording them free Billet, passed upon the 10. of May, without any answer to the rest of their desires, and was sent away upon the 11. of the instant.  
That concerning the assistance to be sent to them, the Committee of both Kingdoms here having received Intelligence of the Kings marching from Oxford to Worcester, and advertisement of his design to make the North the seat of the War this Summer, did fall upon the consideration, what forces were necessary to be sent Northward for prosecution of the enemy; In which debate we continued from the eight of this instant, to the 13. without coming to any determination. And therefore could give no assurance to the Army before that time.  
By reasoning, and voicing, we urged the equal and active prosecution of the Kings Army by the forces of both Kingdoms on every hand, as the readiest means( by striking thereat as the root of our evils) to put a speedy end to the War.  
And showing the sensible advantages the King had by protracting the War, and the great danger to both Kingdoms by reason of the intolerable burdens that did lye upon the people, and in many other respects. And therefore did advice to leave the blocking up of Oxford to some Brigade of the Army joined with the Forces of the Garrisons, and what force could be obtained from the City of London, which we conceived sufficient for that work, while the Armies of both Kingdoms might not hinder the increase of the enemies forces, but by Gods blessing drive them to some corner, or by fighting bring them to to ruin.  
After two or three dayes debate a Letter was sent from the Committee to the Earl of leaven, giving him notice, that the Enemy was marched toward Worcester; and that mayor General Brown or Lieutenant Gen. cronwell with Forces from hence was marching after them attending their motions, and desiring his advance Southward: When the general received the Letter, at the same time there came to him another from Sir Will. Brereton, showing that the K●ng w●s coming towards his qu●rters, and desiring him to come to Cheshire: And wit●in one hour another from my Lord Fairfax giving notice of the Kings marching towards Newarke, where he was to be within two dayes, and desiring him to advance that way: Whereupon b●ing uncerta●n what resolu●ion to take he went to York, and agreed with my Lord Fairfax upon a Rendezvous for his Lordships forces, and these under Command of Lieut. general Lesly, as also for a Rendezvous for the Derbishire and o●her forces.  
It being written to the Earl of leaven, that the Forces with Lieutenant Gen. cronwell, and mayor general Brown were upon their march after the King, and attending his motions; In all our debates we did take it for granted, that these forces were to be sent Northward: But upon our showing, that we conceived for divers reasons, it would not be for the good of the service that Lieut. general cronwell should command these forces, who were to correspond with the Scottish Army; and both to join if there should be a necessary occasion; and that in many respects it were more expedien●, that Sir Thomas Fairfax should command them, with whom the Scotish Army had held good correspondence formerly, and under whose command all the Northern Forces would have joined willingly and cheerfully. It was put to the Question, and resolved by the Committee of both Houses by the Plurality of one Vote, and we all dissenting, That Sir Thomas Fairfax should stay in the West, and so not command these forces in●o the North. And afterward it was resolved by them, that onely 2000. Horse and 500. dragoons should be sent to the Scotish Army under the command of colonel Vermuiden: And that the remainder of the Forces with mayor Gen. Brown and Lieutenant General cronwell should return to Bletchington & those parts far contrary to our intention and earnest desire. Vpon the 13. that ninght a Letter was drawn to the Earl of leaven, acquainting him with this resolu●ion, and desiring his advance to Darbishire, but the Letter not being signed till the next day, it could not be sent by the Post and therefore was delayed till the 14. at night.  
This Letter coming to the Earl of leaven, upon Saturday last the 17. late at night, he called together the general Officers, and being the first Advertisement he had to come to Darbyshire he returned the Answer of the 18. presented to the Houses. At the same time he had. Advertisement from Sir William Brereton and others, that upon Tuesday the 14. the Enemy was about Bridgnorth; and upon Thursday about Newport, 15. m●les d●stant from Namptwitch: and Sir William Brereton expressed in h●s Letter, of the 17. to the Committee of both Kingdoms here, wherein he also sheweth, that he had sent the same Intelligence to the Earl of leaven, which upon very good reasons( as we conceive) made him alter his resolution of marching direct South: For before the Scotch Army could Advance the length of Derbyshire, the Kings Army might march from Newport to the midst of Lancashire, and so have left the Scotch Army upon his Rear, and holding the Advantage of four or five dayes match( being strong in Horse) might quickly raise the Siege at carlisle, get all the dis●ffected in the North to join with him, cut off the Regiment of Foot now coming from Scotland, and disturb all the South of that Kingdom, as by several intercepted Letters of the late Earl of Montr●ss●, doth appear to be the Enemies design, to which no experienced soldier would ever consent; and we believe, no other being upon the place, could in reason have advised them to do, though they may have other thoughts here at a distance, where matters are not represented to them with all the circumstance: And therefore by the Treaty between the Kingdoms, it was agreed that that Army should be ordered and directed by a Committee of both Kingdoms upon the place.  
It would be considered also, that Sir William Brereton, once resolved as may appear by his Letter to the Committee of both Kingdoms here, to put all his Foot into Garrisons, and to detain, not only his own Horse, but the 1000. Horse belonging to my Lord Fairfax, for the security of the Garrisons of this Association And he also proposeth, that he may have the Stafford and Derbyshire ●… o●se to join with him.  
The Committee of Derby hath written a Letter to this Committee, that all the Forces they can spare, are employed for defence of Nottingham, and the Neighbouring Garrisons. And the Committee of Lincoln, who is to sand no Assistance, unless the Newark Forces join with the King, writes that Col: Fleetwoods Regiment being called away by Order from Sir Thomas Fairfax; they are disabled to sand any Assistance to the Scotish Army. All which being made known to the Earl of leaven,( as we understand by private Letters to some of our number) hearing also that no Army was to come from the South, did apprehended that the party of 2500. Horse and Dragoons might be hindered from conjunction with them, by the interposition of the Enemy, who together with the Newark Horse, was reported to be about 6000. strong, he was further confirmed in his resolution.  
And when all circumstances shall be duly pondered, we are confident that it will be found, the Scottish Army did lie more conveniently in order to the Assistance of both Lancash●re and Yorkshire, then in any other place whereunto( the premises considered) they could have timously Advanced; for if the King come into Lancashire, there is no way by which they can march with Ordnance, but by Skipton, the way Prince Rupert came the last year to York: And if they should have Advanced further, it is true, they had been more ready to defend Yorkshire, but the King being so far advanced North-ward, they must have returned back to go by the way of Skipton, in case the King should fall into Lancashire, which is most probable to be his design. And we hope it will be far from the thoughts of any in the Honourable Houses of Parliament to apprehended the former stay, to proceed from any unwillingness to Advance the public service; especially when they consider what diligence is used by that Army to inform themselves truly by what way the Enemy bends his course; and so soon as they understand it, will with all cheerfulness and speed march to oppose him.  
We desire also it may be considered, that after several Orders sent to Lieutenant general cronwell, and mayor general Brown, for dispatching to the Scottish Army that party of 2000. Horse, and 500. Dragoons, in case the Enemy marched North-ward: This Answer was returned, that they understood not, whither by the Kings marching North-ward, the Committee meant the Kings marching to Chester, since it was not direct North, but North-West; during the time of this deliberation, and the party attending their money before their march, the King hath Advanced near Chester, and we know not yet how far that party hath Advanced Northward.  
Whereas it is by some objected, that a part of the 30000. pound sent to the Army, was sent to Scotland, it is a mistake, for there was no part of that sum sent to Scotland, neither from hence nor from the Army, for it was wholly employed for the use of the Army, and 9000. pound thereof was sent to the forces before carlisle, the Country having denied them of all manner of Provisions without ready money: But as to the remaining ten thousand pound, granted toward the payment of the Arreres of the Army, brought in by the Earl of calendar( to supply the want of money here) we were content to accept of bills of Exchange for 5000. pound to be paid at edinburgh to the Treasurer of the Army, who paid the same to the Earl of calendar; divers Regiments whereof were then employed in Scotland against the Rebels, and which was the first money they received from the Parliament of England, after 7. or 8. moneths service performed by them in this Kingdom: The remainder of the 10000. pound, was paid part by Bills of exchange at Newcastle, and part in money sent thither. And if this course had not been taken, the common souldiers had been frustrate thereof a month after it was promised.  
And as the Honourable Houses of Parliament are pleased to be at the pains to see an account of what was done concerning the march of the Army; wherein we hope upon full information from the Letters, they will be satisfied: So do we earnestly entreat them to consider what is done for their maintenance, That whilst this Army in the South is paid in ready money every fortnight, and so the Country eased, and their affections gained by paying what they take from them; The Army in the North is not paid once in five or six Moneths. And although quarter be allowed to the souldiers on billet; yet they cannot subsist or be content without some money, nor can quarters without money give satisfaction to the Officers; and the taking of free quarter doth overburden and disaffect the Country, where ever the Army travels, make the Country become enemies rather then friends, necessitates a remissness in Discipline against the souldiers, and disables them from that service which otherwise might justly be expected from them.  
It is therefore our earnest desire, that the Honourable Houses of Parliament would in their wisdom take special care how the means appointed for entertainment of that Army by the late Ordinance which is not as yet so much as Assessed in the City of London, and the several Countries may become effectual for procuring money to them. And that no suggestion of our Common Enemies, nor industry of such as would raise and foment iealousy, betwixt the two Kingdoms, may so far prevail, as to misconstrue the actions, and faithful endeavours of that Army, discourage them in their undertakings, or which may any ways breed a misunderstanding betwxit the two Kingdoms, or lessen that Amity and Unity which under God is the greatest strength of both, as the infringement thereof, and our division would be the greatest rejoicing and advantage of our Enemy.  
May, 24. 1645. By Command of the Commissioners for the Kingdom of Scotland. John CHEESLY.  
HAving by many several intelligences, which are again confirmed by a Letter from Sir William Brereton, of the 19. May, received certain notice that the Kings design is, after relief of Chester to go into Lancashire, where, by the accession of Papists & malignants( which abound in those parts) he may increase his strength till he grow to a numerous Army, and is from thence to sand a f●ying Army of Horse and dragoons to break into Scotland, regain all the Northern parts, and so return into the Associated Counties, we cannot be so far wanting to the trust reposed in us, and to the care we have of the safety of these Kingdoms, as not to renew our most earnest desires that the Army under the Command of Sir Thomas Fairfax, whereunto all the Parliaments Armies are reduced, and who were designed to be the field Army, by the Authority of the Honourable Houses of Parliament be forthwith ordained to march in prosecution of the Kings army, and not lie down before a strength, and beleaguer a Town( which may be effected with a small party) when the Enemy with a strong Army is marching in the field, and give them opportunity to grow to such a strength as may make them master of the field, run over spoil and subdue all the Countries where they come, and destroy the Kingdom, and with the loss of this Summers service, exhaust the treasure of the Kingdom; spin out these unnatural Wars to a great length, which can neither destroy the enemy, nor settle the kingdom Whereas we conceive the only probable mans to put a speedy and happy end to these unnatural Wars, is, that the armies and forces of the Parliaments of both Kingdoms in the South and North may by their joint Forces and councils speedily and actively pursue the enemy, and force them either to fight or fly, or move his Majesty( by granting the lawful and necessary desires of both Kingdoms) to establish Religion with a well grounded Peace; and upon the other parts to suffer the whole strength and violence of the enemy to fall upon any one of the two Kingdoms, or their Armies, is the ready way, not only to destroy both; but also to suffer the work and cause of the Lord, which is more precious then both, to perish in our hands.  
May 24. 1645. By the Command of the Commissioners for The Parliament of Scotland. JOHN CHEESLY.  
FINIS.