TO THE PARLIAMENT OF THE commonwealth of England, &c.  
The Humble Petition and Representation of divers well-affected of the County of South-hampton.  
THAT having seriously considered the wonderful Providences of God in the Revolutions of late years, we cannot but greatly rejoice in his goodness, who hath so miraculously delivered us, and broke the yoke of our Oppressors. We still remember how victoriously he went forth with this Parliaments Forces by Sea and Land, destroying the powers of our former enemies at home and abroad. We also thankfully acknowledge his gracious Providence in defeating and strangely disappointing the Counsels of others of late, who treading in the steps of our former Oppressors made many of us fear our latter end would be worse than our beginning. But the Almighty turned their Counsels into foolishness, and hath in Peace restored the Power and Authority of the Nation to the People, whose undoubted right it is: and you their Representatives to the place from whence you have been by force and injustice thus long restrained; since which time our Calamities have been numerous and insupportable, our brethren's blood streaming in several parts of the world, our Liberties scornfully trodden underfoot, our Treasures expended on Instruments of our slavery at home, and abroad in personal quarrels▪ our Old Enemies encouraged, profaneness increased, the whole Nation oppressed and impoverished and all this to set up an Interest contrary and destructive to that of the Nation, and raise a party that hath skined the people to clothe themselves. But our God having now restored our liberties, so that henceforth we hope through God's blessing, the Power and Peace, the Treasure and Trade of the Nation, the Lives and Consciences, Liberties and Estates of the people thereof shall never again be disposed of by, or sacrificed to the lust and ambition of a particular Person or Family, or any other Usurpers of Power over the People: But that by you and the people's successive equal Representatives in their general Courses, all the concernments of the Nation shall be freely debated and determined without any Check or Obstruction from a distinct and contrary Interest; And that Religion may flourish the Gospel, with the Ordinances, Ministers and sober Professors thereof may be maintained and encouraged, the Freedom, Rights and privileges of the People and their Representatives may be ever kept sacred and inviolable, the Law equally administered, and Courts of Justice freed from Corruption. And in order to the security of the People and yourselves, whilst these great works and the settlement of the Government of the commonwealth is upon you, that the Militia and strength of the People may be speedily put into a due form under the Power and Command of those persons of interest who have showed their faithfulness and integrity to the commonwealth without any defection: So shall our enemies be ashamed, and all their attempts like his that built Jericho, when God had destroyed it: and the Generations to come shall bless God for their liberties (Buried by others, but) revived by you in making us a Happy Free-state: for the attainment whereof, we together with our prayers faithfully and freely promise to stand by you to the uttermost hazard of the lives and fortunes of us.   

Thursday, May 26. 1659.  
THE House being informed that some Gentlemen of Hampshire were at the door, they were called in, and being come to the Bar, Mr. Tulse on the behalf of himself and the rest presented an humble Petition, and prayed that the same might be read, which was entitled The humble Petition and Representation of divers of the well affected of the County of South-hampton: And after the Petitioners were withdrawn, was read; and afterwards the Petitioners were again called in, and Mr. Speaker gave them this Answer.  
Gentlemen, The House hath read your Petition, and found therein many sober and discreet expressions of your affections, and tenderness of the good and welfare of the Nation, and will take the Particulars in the Petition, into their consideration in due time. And for your good expressions and affections, they have commanded me to give you their thanks: and I do give you the thanks of this House accordingly.  
Thomas St. Nicholas, Clerk of the Parliament.   

London, Printed by R. W. for Francis Titan, at the three Daggers in Fleetstreet. 1659.