THE SPEECHES OF THE Lord General Fairfax, And the Officers of the ARMY TO The Diggers at St. George's Hill in SURRY, and the Diggers several ANSWERS and REPLIES thereunto.  
ALSO, The manner of Proclaiming the Act against the Kingly Office by the Lord Mayor, and eight Aldermen at the Royal EXCHANGE, LONDON.  
WITH Divers Letters concerning the Prince to the Queen Together with the proceed of Prince Rupert, the Earl of Osmond, and the Lord Inchiquin in Ireland,  
A Fight at Sea, and a fuller relation of the Earl of Montrosse his design for Scotland.  
London Printed for R.W. MDCXLIX.   


The Committee at Goldsmith's Hall made report of some obstruction 〈◊〉 find in perfecting the compositions of many Delinquents: whereupon the 〈◊〉 passed several Votes, viz.  
1 That the Clerks of the House shall search and peruse the Journal Books of both Houses, touching such fines as have been immediately imposed upon any person by both or either House, 2 That the same be forthwith certified and transmitted to the Committee at Goldsmiths Hall. 3 That all persons as have 〈◊〉 the 20 day of March, 1642 entered upon, or shall hereafter enter upon or posset themselves of the estate of any Delinquent, by virtue of any extent, morgag, for feiture, or otherwise, shall pay into the Treasury at Goldsmith's hall such sum● sums of money as the said Delinquents should or ought to have paid for so much of his estate, as any such person hath so entered upon & possessed, according to the respective rules prescribed by authority of Parl. and upon payment of the fine for the Delinquent, the Creditor shall enjoy the estate, as well till the ●ne be ●●paid him, as till his own debt be fully satisfied. 4 That if any Delinquent shall submit to his composition and join in security for the same to any person, for so much as the fine of such Delinquents shall amount to, That then every such Delinquent shall be repostest and restored unto his estate, upon full satisfaction g●●● to such persons, according to his former debt and present disbursement to 〈◊〉 Commonwealth. And in case such Delinquents shall not join, that then such estate after the said debt and fine satisfied, shall be confiscated, and revert to the Commonwealth. 5 That in case any person having such an extent, or being 〈◊〉 possessed of any Delinquents estate, shall not before the 1 day of Aug. next deliver in a particular thereof to the Commis● a● Goldsmith's Hall, and pay in and 〈◊〉 the fine and composition, That then the estate shallbe forthwith seized and lustred to the use of the Common wealth, etc.  
We have certain intelligence by an express sent of purpose from the Nor● that upon Tuesday last at Balvenic, upon Spey side, by a party of a hundred 〈◊〉 twenty horse, commanded by Lieut. Gen. Lesly to attend these fields under 〈◊〉 conduct of Col. Ker, Lieut. Col. Hacket, Lieu●. Col. Strachen, the Lord hath des●ted the most considerable part if not all the strength of the Rebels in the Nor● to the number of twelve hundred taken prisoners, and amongst those, the no● L. Rae with his most considerable officers, and many considerable Gentlemen and Officers of the name of Mickinny. Upon this surprisal and overthrow M●aleto●, Gourdon, and the rest, fled further North, and sent to David Les●●● for Treaty, which was hearkened to.  
Oxford May 20. This morning as the General was going to Church, 〈◊〉 Moody brought a Letter from Col. Reynolds, who was sent in pursuit of Thomson, wherein was signified that Major Butler being sent with a select party of 〈◊〉 to fall into Thomsons quarters, he being gone from Northampton to a town 〈◊〉 Wellinborough, towards Rutla●dshire, where all his party were surprised, but Th●●son escaped into a Wood, of which having intelligence we pursued him, beset 〈◊〉 Wood and sent a party into the Wood where they found him well mounted, 〈◊〉 being alone, yet rid up to our par●y, and desperately shot a ●ornet, and 〈◊〉 another, and retreated to his Bush, receiving two shots; when they began 〈◊〉 to draw near unto him he charged again his pistol, and received another shot 〈◊〉 retreated; the third time he came up (for he said he scorned to take 〈…〉 Major Butler's Corporal had Col. Reynold his carbine, which being charged with seven Bullets gave Thompson his death's wound.  
The Lieutenant of the Oxfordshire Troop who joined with Thompson is likewise taken who it seemeth seized on the Magazine at Northampton, and the Excize money, and with 13 men kept the town in awe.  
Tuesday. May 22 Letter's out of Holland certify, That the Scots Commis. are gone towards their own Country, they very sadly took their leave of their declared King, praying, that God would turn his heart, and incline his spirit to hearken to good Council. He bade them return to their duty, or else he should meet with them another time. The Lord Montrosse is hastening also for Scotland, with many Officers and Gentlemen, to whom comes such Forces, as Germany, Denmark, and Sweden do send by way of assistance; it is said they will in all amount to 1000 Horse, and 4000 Foot, and Montrosse is made Gen. for the North of Scotland; the Royal English boast much at the coming thither of 7000 Arms from Sweden, and expect great news from Ireland: the Prince is going for France.  
Ordered that the Committee of the Army take care for dispietsing amongst the several Reg. of the Army the Acts of Parl. for taking off f●ee quarter to the end the Soldiers may take notice thereof, and not be burdensome to the country.  
Ordered that the Council of State do take care, that the sequestered Timber of Tinmouth and Carlisle, be employed towards the supply and fortifying of those Garrisons. Mr. Milling●on was ordered to bring in an Act impowring committees to oaths in several cases, and particularly, that the committee at Haberdashers have power to give an oath to Witnesses.  
There is come forth in Print a paper; called, The Levellers Design discovered, said to be written by Henry Den, an Actor in this Tragedy, the effect whereof, take thus:  
The first and great occasion of this unexpected Mutiny, was this: Our Regiments, with some others, were by Lot designed for the service of Ireland. The service we granted both very honourable, and also necessary, for the prevention of War, and ●e●●ing of peace in this Nation: Yet did we believe that there stood between us and Ireland, an engagement made by the Army, at that famous Rendezvouz at Triplo Heath, June 5. 1647 binding us neither to suffer dividing nor disbanding of this Army: until such satisfaction were given, as to that engagement required: It was thought essentially conducing to the satisfaction of the Army, to the reconciliation of disterenco●, to the procuring of Nationall freedom, and to the relief of Ireland: To require such a Council, to be set up again in the Army, consisting of two Commission Officers and two Agirators, chosen by every Reg. of Horse or Foot together with the concurring general Officers. In this we were berry bold (I do not say wise) propounding to his Excellency this condition, to be performed before we could submit unto his Excellency's order: this performed, we were contented to refer ourselves to the ce●sure of this Council. That which gave us boldness herein, and that which beguiled us, was this: That we did not conceive how the engagement, could possibly admit of a dispensation.  
Such a Council being by that engagement appointed, as a Representative of the Army, ought (as we did then believe) to be still continued, unless we would prove perfidious Covenant-breakers. I could not (I confess) untie this knot: but herein I was entangled and ensnared; and therefore, for that present, thought my self bound in duty to God and men, to prosecute this engagement: 〈◊〉 was (many being of the same mind) that 12 Troops of Horse were drawn together and looking upon superior Commanders, as tyrannical Covenant breaks, we marched contrary to his Excellencies expresses, being heightened with the zeal of the performance of our Engagement. And touching this thing we were further persuaded that it did hold forth such strength of reaso●, that the greatest part of the Army would suddenly have joined with us: and this was the cause why I joined with that party dividing from the Army, notwithstanding th●● appeared less safety and greater hazard: & I believe this ●ord drew on many ●●nest hearted men, who did conscientiously seek to make good that engagement. But that the snare may be broken, and no more be entangled, I shall declare what satisfaction I have received, that so I may give the same satisfaction unto others.  
Such a Council indeed, the engagement required, and such a Council was constituted in the Army, acting, and transacting of matters pertaining to the discipline of the Army. And so long was this Council continued, until the inconveniencies thereof was so far manifest; that most of the Regiments of Horse and foot did petition his Excellency to send back the several Agitators unto their respective Regiments, until he should be pleased to resummon them: professing a willingness in themselves, to submit unto his Excellency with his Council of War, according to the pristine discipline of the Army. His Excellency having received these Petitions did not immediately send back the Agitators (as requested) But having first summoned a Council, and communicated the Petitions unto them; it was by them concluded, that according to the Petitions of the several Regiments, the Council of Agitators should be dissolved, until his Ezcellency should see cause to resummon them. Now this being so, his Excellency cannot be charged was th●●●lation of that engagement, neither doth there remain any obligation on his Excellency to have continued or revived any such Council, much loss 〈◊〉 warrantable in the Soldiery of the Army; to assume that power to themselves, seeing they suffered a dissolution by the same power, by which they had their first constitution.  
And her complaint exasperating the minds of some, is, that one tyrant is 〈◊〉 down, & another set up in his room I confess this complaint were of great weight if it were true. But truly I suppose this ariseth from the want of discerning true Government from tyranny, I 〈◊〉 the difference between the one and the other, and I desire other men may discern it. A tyrant makes his will the law, the other makes the law his will.  
Another thing that hath much disturbed the minds of men, and filled 〈◊〉 with discontent is the slow motion of the Parliament, as to the taking away of oppressions, and easing the grievances of the people. In answer to this, we are 〈◊〉 consider the Parliament before, and after t●e Armies entrance into London. 〈◊〉 to the former consideration, before the Army's entrance into London, I am so 〈◊〉 from admiring their slow motion, that it is a wonder to me that they moved at all any other way then backward: And I do admire the great providence of God, who withheld them from turning all things upside down, while the House was filled with so many men of corrupt interests. As to the Parl. in the second consideration, since the Armies approach to London, we have cause to bless God that they have done so many things for us, which our eyes have seen, and what is not yet done, is in promise already performed unto us; with assurance, of such celerity, as matr●rs of so great weight will possibly admit.  
And for answer unto this complaint, there needeth not any to a patiented spirit, and the impatient are not capable of an answer.  
In conclusion of this I shall declare my thoughts, that although some men do not cease to cast dust in the faces of Parl and Council of the army, yet hath not that cloud been thick to hinder the appearance of those beams of Justice, Mercy, Pity, Clemency, Moderation, which shine forth in them, which have drawn me to so reverend an esteem of both as I cannot conveniently see: forth, lest I should incur suspicion of falling from one extreme into another.  
Wednesday. THe Parliament took into consideration these ensuing Resolves, concerning Delinquents, and voted as followeth: Resolved upon the question by the Commons assembled in Parl. That the Reports of all such fines as have not passed either House, shall be forthwith drawn up and presented to the commissioners mentioned in the Act, entitled, an Act prescribing certain times to Delinquents for perfecting their compositions, for their approbation in order to a final discharge. Resolved, etc. That the said Reports shall be made to the Commissioners in order of time, as they were set and not otherwise. Resolved, etc. That such Reports being made, and the fines allowed and confirmed by the said Commis● a final discharge shall issue forth to every such compounder, according to the authority and directions expressed in the said Act: And if any Compounder shall not pay in his whole Fine within 6 weeks after his Composition shall be allowed and confirmed as aforesaid, that then he shall incur the penalties expresed in the aforesaid Act. Resolved, etc. That the Cases of all Delinquents compounders, who have petitioned for mitigation of their compositions, and all such whose Reports are not yet made to this House, and are ordered to be specially reported, except all such as are secluded by the vote made the 19 of May, 1649 shall be and are hereby referred unto the commis. at Goldsmith's hall, to hear and determine all the said cases, the said commis. proceeding therein according to therules for composition given them by the House, and according to such articles as the compounders hath just right unto, the said Articles being allowed and confirmed by both or either House of Parliament.  
H. Scobel, ●ler. Parl.   

An Act declaring and constituting the people of England to be a Commonwealth and free State  
BE it declared and enacted by this present Parl. and by the authority of the same, that the people of England and of all the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging are and shall be, and are hereby constituted, made, and established to be a Commonwealth and free State: and shall from henceforth be governed as a Common wealth and free State, by the supreme authority of this nation, the representatives of the people in Parl. and by such as they shall appoint and constitute as officers and Ministers under them for the good of the people, and that without any Kng or house of Lords.  
Hen. Scobel. Cler, Parl.   

The Head Quarters of the Army this night at Odiam, his Excellency ad●●ceth to morrow to Portsmouth, to prevent the jealousies that the Levelling party intent to make a head there.  
Thursday, May 24.  
THe Lord Gen. moved by a Letter to the House, that a Lecture for exposition of the Holy Scriptures, may be erected at Oxford, This business was referred to the Committee for Oxford to consider of maintenance, and able Orthodox Divines to be Lecturers.  
Ordered that it be referred to the Council of State, to take care for the repairing and fortifying of the Castles in Kent, of Sandowne, Walmer, and Deal.  
Many other particular businesses were debated this day, viz. The ease of poor Widows and Orphans, the further debate referred till Saturday next. 2. The condition of Reformadoes and other Soldiers who want their arrears. 3. For such as desired to double their sums of Money lent upon the security of Deans and Chapters Lands. 4. Ordered that an Act be brought in for Deligates to determine matters concerning Marriage. 5. It was Ordered the tuition of the late King's Children, should be committed to the Countess of Leicester, and three thousand pound out of the Revenue allowed for their maintenane.  
Friday, May 25.  
THe House passed the Act for settling the Militia of the Hamlets of the Tower of London, which is as followeth.  
BE it enacted by the Commons in Parliament assembled, That Major Gen. Skippon, Col: Francis West, Lieut of the Tower of London; Thomas Hubb●tt, Solomon Sm●th, Maurice Thompson, Hillary Mempris and George Cooper Esq Col. john Venus, Col. Francis Zachary, Col William Willoughby, Col. john White, Lieut. Col. Wil: ●evet, Michael Sa●some Gent. Capt. john King capt. ●leftblank; Manur●● Capt. john Taylor, Capt. Henry West. Capt. Robert Hackwell, Capt. Robe●t D●nul●● Mr. Cook of Stepn●y; Mr. Wil Pennoyer, Mr. George Wilmore, Mr. Edward Au●y Mr. john Hazel, Mr. Richard Tyler, Mr. john Hoxton, Mr. Robert Crowtry. Mr. Fulk Wormlayton Mr. Thomas Hall, Mr. Osmond Coppin. Mr. Tho. Fawson. Mr. Tho. Nash, Mr. Richard Loton, Mr. Abraham Jesso●, Mr. Francis Reynoldson. Mr. Anthony Grace. Mr. Abraham Clark. and Mr. John Beck Gent. are hereby made and constituted a Committee; and that they, or any five or more of them, shall have power and are hereby authorized, to act, settle and order the Militia, with in the Hamblers of the Tower of London, and by their warrants or other wise, to reqire the assistance of all Constables, Headboroughs, and other inhabitants whatsoever, and for the refusing of their or any of their assistance therein, to 〈◊〉 prison their persons, as they shall see cause. And be it further ordained and enacted, that the said committee, or any five or more of them, shall have power to assemble and call together all the inhabitants within the said Hamble●s, and them to charge with Horse or foot arms, according to the respective abilities and capacities as occasion shall serve. And it is further ordained, that the said committee, or any five or more of them, shall hereby have full power and authority to assemble, muster, array, and weapon, or cause to be assembled, mustered, arrayed and weaponed, all such horse and foot forces, within the said Hamlets, and to form them into companies. Troops and Regiments; and to make, nominate and appoint Colonels Lieut. col. Majors, Captains, and all ●ther Officers of war & to grant commissions unto them, authorising them respectively to train, muster, and discipline according to order of war, the said Horse and foot forces; and to lead, conduct and employ them for the suppression of all Rebellions, insurrections, Tumults or invasions. that may happen within the said Hamblets from time to time; and further to authorise them with the said forces, to oppose, seize, secure, disarm, kill or slay, all such persons as shall cause or make any rumults, insurrections or invasions, or levy any force against authority of Parliament and to lead and conduct them out of the said Hamblets for the purpose aforesaid, if by Parl. they shall be thereunto ordered or required. And it is further enacted and ordained, That the said committee, or any five or more of them shall have hereby full power and authority to impose a fine, not exceeding forty shillings, on every person that shall be charged to find or serve on horse, and twenty shillings on every foot Soldier, for every day that they shall make default of their aforesaid service, and to levy the same respective fines by distress, and for nonpayment thereof, or want of sufficient distress, to imprison their persons by the space af●en days, and not longer, for every such default: And also, that the said Committee, or any five or more of them, shall hereby have full power and authority to disarm all Papists, Delinquents, and Dis-affected persons, and all such as shall raise, or endeavour to raise any Tumults, Insurrections or Invasions, and to secure and imprison their persons if they see cause; and to put the Arms of Papists, and Delinquents, into the hands of such well-affected persons as they shall think fit to serve with the said Arms, and to cause them to pay to such as shall so serve with their Arms, such reasonable salary as they shall think fit, not exceeding two shillings the day and night's duty, and for default of payment thereof, to levy the same by distress, or to imprison their persons as aforesaid.   

THe Lord Major of London having received the Order of the House before mentioned, for proclaiming the Act for making null the Kingly Office, His Lordship issued forth precepts to every Alderman of the respective Wards, to this effect:  
BY virtue of an Order of Parliament, for proclaiming the Act against the Kingly Office in the City of London; These are to require you personally to meet and make your appearance at Guildhall London, to morrow in the forenoon, at the hour of ten of the clock precisely, as you will answer the contrary at your peril. Dated the 22 of May, 1649.  
BY THE MAYOR.   

This day about the time, and at the place aforesaid, the Lord Major and seven Aldermen met, and had some debate of the business: some desired a full Court, and were unwilling to engage further than the rest of their Brethren: Others were unsatisfied without an Act authorising them to do it. So that at last, the business was referred till another day, and a Committee chosen to satisfy the House concerning the same.  
As his Excellency the Lord General came from 〈◊〉 to 〈…〉 he went to view the diggers at St. Geo: Hill in Surry, with 〈…〉 and attendants, where they found about 12. of them hard at work 〈…〉 ●●ongst them one Wistanley was the chief Speaker to whom 〈…〉 Questions were propounded by the Officers, and the Lord 〈…〉 made a short speech by way of admonition to them, and this 〈…〉 lie returned sober answers, though they gave little satisfaction (〈◊〉 at all) in regard of the strangeness of the action. It was urged 〈◊〉 Commons were as justly due to the Lords as any other Lands. 〈◊〉 answered that these were Crown Lands, where they digged and 〈◊〉 the King that possessed them by the Norman Conquest being dead, 〈…〉 were returned again to the Common people of England, who 〈◊〉 improve them if they would take the pains, that for those 〈◊〉 would come dig with them, they should have the benefit equal 〈◊〉 them, and eat of their bread but they would not force any, applying 〈◊〉 to the Golden rule, to do to others as we would be done unto, some officers wished they had no further plot in what they did, and that no 〈◊〉 was intended then what they did pretend.  
As to the barrenness of the ground, which was objected 〈◊〉 a discouragement, the diggers answered, they would 〈◊〉 their endeavours, and leave the success to God, who 〈◊〉 promised to make the barren ground fruitful. They carry them 〈◊〉 very civilly and fairly in the country, and have the report of sobe● nest men: some Barley is already come up, and other fruits form●● but was pulled up by some of the envious Inhabitants thereabout, 〈◊〉 are now so far convinced as to promise not to injury them for 〈◊〉ture: the ground will probably in a short time yield them some 〈◊〉 of their labours, how contemptible soever they do yet appear to be.  
The Act against the Kingly office was this day proclaimed by 〈◊〉 Lord Mayor and eight Aldermen of the City of London at the 〈◊〉 Exchange: they went on Horseback in great State, with the City 〈◊〉 carried before them.   
FINIS