THE EARL OF STAMFORDS' RESOLUTION.  
Expressed in his faithful execution of the trust imposed upon him concerning the Militia of Leicester-shire.  
Who notwithstanding he was often opposed, yet did not desist, but did proceed in the performance of his trust.  
And also did certify his faith and fidelity to the HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT.  
With a most remarkable passage concerning the besieging of Hull, and how Sir John Hotham hath let out the waters three miles about the Town for the defence thereof.  

Joh. Brown Cler. Par.  
Hen. Elsing Cler. Par. D. Com.   
London, Printed for A. Coe, 1642.   

THE EARL OF STAMFORDS' RESOLUTION. Expressed in his faithful execution of the trust imposed upon him concerning the Militia of Leicester-shire.  
HOw terrible a thing private dissension is, and of what great danger and consequence, even to the ruin of whole Kingdoms; civil wars have been the fearful and lamentable example of ancient times, may give us warning, for fear lest we being led on by the same spirit, become as miserable as they were, and are like them, made the subjects of future contempts and scorn. Nothing doth more enervate and weaken the strength and sinews of a Commonwealth, than division; nothing doth more assist them for opposition against foreign invasions, than unity and concord within themselves, The consideration of the former state of this land with what it now is, is most lamentable: who can without tears consider that this Nation, which not many years since was the pride and glory of all Europe, the admirations and terrors of other Countries, should now become so despicable, that now even those who durst not name this Nation without a trembling heart and reverence, now dare to make of us a despicable proverb, and the contemptible object of their ordinary discourse? And all this misery hath taken possession of us only by the ill counsels of the malignant party, who by their evil and wicked suggestions, still animating his Majesty to believe what they only advise to the ruin of his Majesty's Kingdom, have wrought this mischief which now hangs over our heads threatening destruction, unless by the mercy of God there be some speedy means taken for prevention thereof; and among all the difference wherewith this Kingdom hath been distracted none hath more troubled the peace thereof, then that concerning the Militia, it being of itself indeed a consideration of most great weight and consequence. The Houses of Parliament have been very careful, in these dangerous and pernicious times so to dispose of and settle the Militia of this Kingdom, that the invasion of any foreign Nation which may be attempted, being induced by the apprehension of an opportunity, by reason of our own dissensions, and the designs of the malignant party, which daily wait an occasion to set on foot their hatched mischief, may be prevented, the King and Country from both those assaults secured, and the subjects remain in peace and tranquillity; yet notwithstanding all the faithful care and industry of the House of Parliament to settle and secure the Magazine of this Kingdom, they have found in all their resolutions many and strong oppositions, for they whom they have thought worthy of so great a trust, have in the execution of their trust found very strange and violent opposition, and their best endeavours, which have laboured for the public benefit, have been very much misconstrued, whereby if it might be, they would have been discouraged from the prosecution of so good a work, which did tend to and aim at the benefit and security of the whole Kingdom.  
The Earl of Stamford was by the House of Parliament elected and chose Lieutenant for Leicester; and it was thought fit, by the wisdom of the same House, that the Militia, and training up of the Train Bands, should be at his power and command: he went down to take possession of the Magazine of that County, and also to execute and perform that trust which the Parliament had conferred on him; but his proceed were oposed in their veryinfancy, & his care was countermanded by a company of Cavaliers, who did endeavour by all means possible to hinder the Earl in the performance of what the house of Parliament did expect from him; yet notwithstanding these oppositions the Earl doth proceed, and doth labour by his wisdom and gravity to suppress the Actors and their insolency, to take away the causers of those insurrections, and tumults. He is very constant and vigilant of the charge imposed upon him, and as he thought it did befit him: He sent to the House the condition of the Country as it then stood in, together with his own Resolution. That he went on with the Militia, notwithstanding he had received some opposition by one Master Henry H●stings, son to the Earl of Huntingdon, who brought the King's Proclamation, and Commission of Array, by virtue whereof he mustered up an hundred horse, a hundred and twenty Musketeers, and fourscore Pikes, and said that he had power by that Proclamation and Commission to muster up the Train Bands.  

A true Relation of the care and fidelity of Sir john Hotham concerning the trust which he is put into in the Town of Hull by the honourable Court of Parliament, how he hath fortified it for the defence thereof.  
THe care and fidelity of Sir john Hotham, exprel said in the execution of his trust imposed upon, concerning the Town of Hull, is manifest unto all; who hath now so fortified that Town that there is no force to be apprehended of any taking of it. He hath et in the water three miles round the said Town, which water runs in a Current two foot deep at the least, so that without a great hazard and dangers of the attempters, there is no approach to be made near the Town: Yet notwithstanding this provided defence, there are daily many aslaults made against the said Town, for by the assistance of some of the Malignant party, there are now great forces drawing down to the said Town, and three, field pieces, with which they do intent, for all the defence provided, to batter down the said Town, and so to gain admittance. There are drums daily beat thereabouts for the raising of Volunteers, by reason that the Train Bands in most places refuse to come in, and so great the difference is thereabouts, that there is a continual and daily expectation of war, so that the whole Country is in a continual perplexity. These times, God knows, are very dangerous, which God of his infinite mercy amend and settle; and grant that the King and Parliament may be united in a most inseparable unity in affection's, that so both their Counsels being unanimously united, to the glory of God, this Kingdom may flourish, and peace and prosperity be established within the wall● of this our Zion.   

That if in case of necessity, if his Majesty shall deny his assent, the Ordinance agreed on by bo●h Houses of Parliament, doth oblige the People, dnd o●ght to be obeyed, being warranted by the Fundamental Laws of the Kingdom.  
Both Houses of Parliament hath took into their serious considetation the Occasion and Reason why the Members of the said Houses should absent themselves upon their summoning in, Whereupon they hath drawn up a Charge against them, and are resolved that they shall pay 100 l a man, and to be examined by the Committee before the next sitting.   


john Brown Cler Parl.  
Hen Elsing Cler▪ Parl D Com.     
FINIS.