To the Right Honourable the Supreme Authority of the Commonwealth of England in PARLIAMENT assembled. The humble Petition of divers Freeholders' and others Inhabitants in the County of Hartford.  
SHOWETHS,  
THat we have been filled with an holy admiration at, and rejoicing in the special hand of God for good (we hope) towards us and the whole land in this late fignall providence towards you, in restoring you with honour and freedom to the exercise of the supreme Authority of this Commonwealth; in the management whereof how the Lord of hosts owned and eminently appeared for you, by a continued series of miraculous salvations both by land and sea, to the refreshing the hearts of your friends, and astonishment and amazement of your adversaries at home and abroad, far and near, as it will (we trust) be fresh in your remembrance as an incitement and encouragement to follow God fully, and wholly to put your confidence in him, in a vigorous and faithful discharge of the trust reposed in you, so we find it is indellibly written in our hearts as a foundation of faith and hope, that he that hath begun the good work of settlement by you, will also honour you as instruments to perfect and complete it, that England's Commonwealth may be the Tyrants and Oppressor's terror, the enslaved and oppressed's succour and shelter, throughout the Nations of the earth. And whereas some of us were hereupon drawn forth in our spirits immediately upon your returning to your places to expedite an Early address unto you, principally to manifest our cordial affections to you, and our faithful perseverance in adhering to the Good old Cause, to the encouraging our hearts, and strengthening our hands in God, against the flood of opposition in all malignant and maligning enemies, both old and new: purposely omitting the presentation of our grievances or desires relating thereunto in the Crisis of public affairs, which being now by the good providence of God somewhat over, and matters referring to the security of the being of our liberty, and your just authority, in some measure provided for, which only we then desired, and now thankfully acknowledge your care therein. We hope it will not be judged impertinent or unseasonable to spread before you the thoughts of our hearts concerning some most material things which we humbly conceive are necessary (at least) to our well-being, which are as followeth:  
1. That timely provision may be made for the settling and establishing a Commonwealth's constitution, upon principles and rules of common justice, universal freedom, reciprocal consistency, and necessary dependency of interest between the Governors and governed, that the government may not through any failer therein degenerate either into Monarchy or Anarchy. And that a Committee may be appointed to receive such proposals from any persons who shall offer to them any light therein.  
2. That care may be taken that the conduct and command of the Army may be so settled as may be consistent with the nature and interest of a Commonwealth.  
3. That a speedy and through inspection be made into the laws, that such which are burdensome or oppressive to the people, whether of a religious or civil nature, may be repealed, and that the administration, as to its dilatoriness, and chargableness, may be effectually regulated; or rather that a new model of the Laws, consistent with a Commonwealth's interest may be made and established, that that which is ordained to be the people's hedge and fence may not become their snare, and instrument of ruin.  
4. That consideration may be had of the present way of the Nations Ministeries maintenance by Tithes, which is offensive to many tender consciences, oppressive to the Husband man, whose livelihood depends upon tillage, tends to divide between Ministers and people, and renders their labours for the most part abortive and unprofitable, and that redress may be afforded therein.  
5. That as you thought fit to take away all Wardships as a badge of the Norman yoke, to the great ease of persons of great estates (though they much increased the public treasure) so you would take some effectual course for the alteration of arbitrary Copy hold tenors, as a great mark of tyranny, that the poor tenants thereof may not be left to the mercy of the Lords of such Manors, whilst great men are made free; but may all have a proportionable taste, in their capacities, of the benefit of a Commonwealths freedom.  
6. That the payment of the public Faith debts may be no longer delayed, to the dishonour of the Nation, and the undoing many poor zealous friends, who lent beyond their abilities, and now want bread.  
7. That all debts contracted by private persons for private uses, may not be paid out of the public treasury.  
8. And lastly, that the same persons may not always continue in the exercise of the legislative power, but that all may come to taste of subjection as well as rule; and in order thereto that in convenient time provision may be made for the succession of equal Representatives, with such due qualifications of the Electors and Elected, as may consist with the interest of the Commonwealth.  
And your Petitioners shall pray, etc.   

This Petition was presented on Tuesday june 21, by Sir Henry Blount Knight, accompanied with divers Gentlemen, Freeholders' of the County aforesaid. At the delivery whereof the said Sir Henry among other words used these following expressions: That our subscriptions had been much more numerous, but that care was taken to make use of no more hands then of those persons who are eminently affected to your government and a Common wealth. And the Petitioners being commanded to withdraw, after reading of the Petition, and some debate upon the same, they were called into the House again, and received this answer from the Speaker: Gentlemen, Your Petition hath been read, and every part thereof, wherein the House have observed many expressions of very good affections, and they believe of good intentions also, and hath commanded me to give you thanks for the same: and I do give you the thanks of the House accordingly.   

London, Printed for Tho. Brewster, at the three Bibles at the West end of Paul's. 1659.