Se Defendendo. A SHIELD, and SHAFT, against DETRACTION.  Opposed, and drawn, by Capt. GEORGE whither, by Occasion of Scandalous Rumours, touching his deserting of Farnham-Castle; and some other malicious Aspersions. 
red; for, this Private Cause, if, rightly, tried,  
The public Wrongs hath, partly, typifi'd:  
And, for himself, if You will hear Him, now,  
Perhaps, ere long, he'l say as much, for You.  
IT was my hope, that, ere this, I should have had occasions, and encouragements, to salute you with my VOX PACIFICA, mentioned in my CAMPO-MVSAE; that Preparation might have been made for that Way of Peace, which we, yet, know not. But, most men have such by-ways, to walk in, such private paths, of their own; and make so many cross passages, that, the right Tract, to a blessed Peace, will not, yet, be found; nor, the news of it, much regarded. self-love, self-conceit, human Policy, carnal Dependencies, Private Interests, partial Respects, wilfulness, covetousness, Ambition, Malice, hypocrisy, Infidelity, Impiety, and unmercifulness,( a strong Malignant Party) have made such loud noises, and such mad confusions, among us, that, the still-voice of PACIFICATION, tending to the Peace desired by all good men, cannot possibly be heard, or uttered, with any profitable success. And, though the hour were at hand, which brought Evidences, of Qualifications, making us capable of Good-Tidings; and had filled me, also, with notions, urging their Publication: yet, having my Repute, lately, sullied, by scandalous Rumours, it would be comely, and convenient, I should purge myself of those mis-imputations, before I presented them to the public; because, few regard that which is brought them, by an unworthy, or suspected Messenger.  
It is, now, above 30 years, since I first began to suffer for my good affection to the public welfare: and I have been, hitherto, by Gods mercy, so happy therein, that neither mischief, nor Detractions, have much harmed me, though I had so many powerful, and malicious Adversaries, that, for well-doing, if I escaped undoing, I ever thought myself highly favoured. This long experience( and a belief, that, No mans evil, but his own, can much damnify, or disparaged him) enabled my patience to pass over many losses, and indignities, as if unperceived: whereby the present Inconveniences became the less; and, my future advantages, the more. And, for that cause, I smothered many wrongs, which others, seldom, pretermit, with so little show of discontent: And, I could have been well pleased, that it might have stood with my Reputation, to have spared this Defence.  
But, the honour of a Commander, is not, so merely, his own, that the loss or preservation thereof concerns himself, onely; otherwhile the republic, and the effectual execution of his Calling, may be much advantaged, or disadvantaged, thereby. The disparagement of a captain, encourageth his enemies, dishearteneth his own souldiers, and, many ways, disableth his performance of due services: And, my particular repute, ought not, onely, to be precious to me, in those respects; but in regard, also, of such reproofs of evil, or encouragements to virtue, as already are, and may, hereafter, be published to the world: and which may be made less profitable to the Readers, when the credit, worth, or sincerity of their author is much traduced.  
Compelled, therefore, by that duty, which, in Justice, and Charity, I owe to myself, and my country, I make tender( to whomsoever it, shall concern, or may content) of a Vindication of my Courage and Fidelity in the public Service, which hath been disparaged by malicious aspersions, long whispered in secret, and now lately brought openly to my, knowledge. I have, heretofore, heard ambiguous words, cast forth, and observed Fleers, and scornful Aspects, making me, justly, jealous, that some scandalous report was raised, and entertained of me; and thereof, also, have seen symptoms among some of my Honourable Friends, and by whose, undeserved, neglect of my necessities, and faithful services, I might be assured, that ill tongues had influences upon me: yet, having no certainty thereof, I thought it more discretion to be silent, then to answer Voices in the Clouds; and so, be thought, perhaps, to labour a Defence for that, whereof no man had accused me.  
I have, now, assurances of what I suspected. And, that you, to whom this Vindication shall come; may know, I thrust not myself impertinently hereupon; I will acquaint you with what is rumoured, and how I am( as it were) challenged hereunto; that, you may the better judge, how reasonably I am obliged to this Defence: and that they, upon whom I shall cast off the blame, which is imputed mine, may hold me excused, if I leave them to bear their own burden. For, though I know it was by the unfaithfulness, negligence, or, at least, the ignorance, of some body, that the public safety was violated, in the desertion of Farnham-Castle; and whereby, likewise, I have greatly suffered, both in Estate, and Reputation: yet, I will urge nothing in spleen, nor by way of Recrimination, so, as if anothers faultiness could make me guiltless; nor take upon me to condemn any one; but, onely declare so much, as( I think) may sufficiently clear me, of what is famed against me, and give some hints for the public Security.  
That which is reported, to my disparagement, touching Farnham Castle, was lately signified unto me, from a Gentleman of Quality, by a Letter, in these words.  
WOrthy Captain,  
I have red most of your Works, wherein you express much zeal to this Cause of God's; and, I believe( though it be a dissembling Age) that your words and thoughts are the same. I pray pardon my boldness, if I acquaint you with a Report which flies abroad in the County of Surrey, and likewise in London, which is, that you, being governor of Farnham Castle, should desert it, shamefully. It is expressed in grosser Language, which I forbear; for manner sake. As a friend, I could wish you to vindicate your Reputation. Thus with my respects remembered unto you, I rest,  
Your loving friend, J. M.  
Since the receipt of this Letter, I have heard from others, that the same scandal hath been reported in Hampshire, Surrey and London, above a year past, and expressed with such jeers, and scorns, that it made them unwilling to inform me thereof, lest I should be more afflicted, then advantaged thereby: For which tenderness of their, I but a little thank them.  
For, though I neither vapour, roar, plunder, or imprecate my own damnation, so valiantly, as many other Captains: yet, I am as sensible of my Reputation, as becomes a Christian soldier; and shall find, I hope, spirit enough to bear, without base dejection, whatsoever God shall permit me to be exercised withall, and to make it appear also; that I failed, neither in Courage, Discretion, or faithfulness, in execution of the Trust reposed in me at Farnham, or in any other Command. Whereof, that you may the better judge, I offer to consideration, both my Commission, and my proceedings thereupon. This, following, is a true copy of my Commission.  

The Committee of the Lords and Commons, for the safety of the kingdom, to captain George whither.  
BY Virtue of an Ordinance of Lords and Commons in Parliament, authorizing us, we do constitute and appoint you captain and Commander of Farnham Castle in the County of Surrey, and of such Foot as shall be put into your hands by Sir Richard Onslow Knight, and Nicolas Stoughton Esquire, for the defence of the King, Parliament, and kingdom. Which said Castle, and Foot, you shall, by virtue of this Commission, receive into your Charge and Custody; commanding you also, hereby, to attend with, and bring unto the said Castle, that Troupe of Horse which is already raised in the said County, whereof you are captain, or as many of them as the said Sir Richard Onslow, and Nicolas Stoughton, shall think convenient for the said Service, for the best safeguard of that place, as occasion shall be from time to time offered. These are therefore to will and require you, to make your present repair to the said Castle, and take the same, together with the said Foot and Horse, into your Charge and Command, and diligently to command, govern, exercise, and order the said Castle, and Forces, with all faithfulness and care. And also to command, govern, rule and exercise all inferior Officers and Souldiers, both Horse and Foot, committed, or to be committed to you, as aforesaid: commanding them, and every of them to obey you as their captain and Commander for the Service aforesaid: And you likewise to obey, and follow such Orders and Directions, as you shall from time to time receive, from us, His Excellency the earl of Essex, or the said Sir Richard Onslow, and Nicolas Stoughton, according to the Discipline of war.  
Given this 14. of October. 1642. Northumberland. Holland. bullingbrook. Gray & work. Ed. Howard. Gilbert Gerard. Antho. nicol. Jo. Pym.   
According to this Commission, I repaired, immediately, to the said Castle( which, for many years before, had no inhabitants, but daws and crows.) And, if I had been vouchsafed the respects due to a soldier, having( as shall hereafter appear) discharged the trust reposed in me, and no way merited less regard, I should have obtained, again, the same command, or somewhat equal thereto, rather then have been sent out of the County, as I was, disrespectively, and disgracefully, in the tail of a Regiment; which I would have disdained, had not the present necessities of the public, been more prevalent with me, then my private content. As soon as I came to the Castle, I diligently viewed the place, observing of what consequence it was: and took into serious consideration, such particulars, as I judged pertinent, to the well-governing, and safe-keeping thereof. The very first day( for delay hath been our greatest mischief) perceiving the water might be soon cut off, I prepared for sinking a Well, without which a garrison could not have there subsisted. Within three daies, I fitted up Stabling for my Horses, of which there was none within the Walls, and without which, the malignancy of the townsmen( being, for the most part, Tenants, or Creatures of the Bishops) might have betrayed my cavalry, when I should have most needed them: And, in short time, I would have cleared the Ditches, and all the grounds, round about the Castle, of whatsoever might have made the place less defensible, or sheltered an enemies approaches. I had contrived a Draw-Bridge, a Sally-Port, Plat-formes, Palisadoes, Counterscarfes, with all other reasonable Provisions, in my judgement, necessary for securing my charge; and forthwith,( as I can make proof) requested of those, by whom I was to be ordered, an Engineer, Ordnance, and what else was pertinent to the work.  
But, I was fain to be active in imagination, only, which is more properly exercised about fortifying of Castles in the air, then upon the Land. There is a thrift lately practised, much like the saving of a half-penny worth of tar by the loss of a hog, jeered in an English Proverb; and this way of saving, hath, in my observation, more then treble the expenses of this war: For, when Propositions are made tending to the prevention, both of future expenses, and apparent dangers; it frequently happens, that, till the peril is begun, or the remedy too late, some seeming good husbands, for the public,( and otherwhile Malignants, under that pretence) delay their execution, to avoid cost; and so undo us, to save charges. This epidemical folly frustrated my intentions at Farnham, and hath occasioned the loss, or wast, of above 100000 pounds; beside the shedding of blood, and other mischiefs, hazards and inconveniences, most of which might probably have been prevented, by the timely disbursement of small fummes.  
For, I had neither Men, Money, Ordnance, Spades, fasting-days, arms, nor any other Ammunition; save only, about two squadrons of a Troope half armed; a few irresolute volunteers, of my own procuring, by entreaty; sixty muskets, and some Powder, Match, and Bullets: Nor had I means, or authority, to make such Provisions, as I knew neeedfull: which appears by the forerecited Commission, limiting my Government, and Command, to be altogether ordered by the discretion of others, and subjecting me to wait absolutely upon their pleasure, for Forces, or Supplies, and to be regulated, from time to time, according to their Orders, whatsoever neglect or extremity should happen; which was, in effect, an imprisoning of me in the Castle.  
nevertheless, I knew myself inexcusable, if I did not my utmost endeavour to secure the place. Therefore, seeing two or three daies passed, and neither men or Provisions coming or preparing for me,( and perceiving also, that I had almost wearied out my Officers, Troopers, and those few well-affected townsmen, whom I had procured to help guard the Walls) I put those in remembrance of my necessities, whom it concerned, to provide for me, as will appear by those Letters, yet in my custody, which they returned, in answer of my demands, with promises of timely accommodation. I dispatched Messengers also among my kindred, and acquaintance, in Hampshire, to mediate for some compliance from those parts, in regard, as well of their neighbourhood, as, of the comfort and security which that Castle might have been to the well-affected therein; and my motion succeeded so well, that I was immediately visited by the Captaines, or the Lievtenanes, of the four Traine-Bands nearest thereunto; and by them, was cheerfully promised, that as soon as they saw me furnished with Ordnance, and other things likely to enable me to be a saveguard unto them, I should, in all extremities, have their best aid, upon short warning.  
I then doubled my Messages, and made a personal visit, to entreat for what was necessary to enable the discharge of my duty: yet till the time of my removal, I never obtained toward the payment of Souldiers, buying Swords, sinking the Well, and for other necessary works and disbursements, any more then 50. l. and so many men only, as together with my Threequarter-Troop,( as then it was) would almost have made a Guard for one night, provided I kept no reserves for relief, for Scouts, or other necessary services: And, then, the small number of Auxiliaries, which I had, being drawn thither, merely upon entreaty, and finding nothing there prepared for their sustenance, or defence, departed always within a day, or two, and left me to get other where I could. Insomuch, that, every night, I was fain to do the service of inferior Officers, in teaching new comers to manage their arms, and how to behave themselves upon the watch; who, usually, also, before they were perfect, gave me leave to instruct others, and went away, publishing the ridiculous feebleness of the Garrison, to our further weakening, and my secret vexation. For I durst not seem, openly, to understand our contemptible condition, least I should have quiter discouraged all about me and have given occasion to the Malignants of that place,( who were four fold more then the Well-affected) to work our disadvantage thereby.  
But, do what I could, they knew so much of our wants; saw me so neglected, and their insolent behaviours to be so connived at, that, as I have since heard, they became impudent in their derisions: had many secret meetings and consultations, concerning the bringing of the Rebels in upon us; acquainting them daily,( they being but 15. miles distant) with whatever they knew to our disadvantage. And, how I could have been any way reasonably active, for prevention of their malice, I understood not, unless I might have had better accommodations within the Castle, to secure it, whilst I marched out with my Troope.  
doubtless, if any thing, more then the mere providence, and mercy of God, kept the enemy from attempting the Castle, whilst I was therein, it was only this, that their opinion, I had more wit, then to undertake a place so miserable accommodated, made them incredulous of what they were informed; how else could I have remained unassaulted? how could I have possibly kept the Souldiers close to their duty within those Walls, which afforded neither means of safety, nor lodging, nor victuals for their entertainment? how toilsome was it for me, they being necessitated to go forth, to recollect and keep them together, when their service was needful? how unsafe was it, to have them, day and night, mingled and conversing among their secret adversaries,( more then doubling their number) especially, suspecting probably, as I did, that most of the neighbouring Villages( as well as the town) were at best, neuter, if not ill-willers, to our Cause? For, I seriously protest,( take it as they will) I, then knew neither one captain, nor above two Officers of the Trained Bands, or above six Gentlemen,( to my now remembrance) in all the four hundreds of Surrey next Farnbam, of whom I did not rather expect mischief, then willing aid, in that service. And how rightly I guessed, partly appeared, by what followed, upon my removal; and may, perhaps, more fully appear hereafter, if Gods mercy, and good heed, prevent not. But,  
All my Conjectures are as vainly  told,  
As were Cassandra's Prophesies of old,  
These inconveniences, made me careful and watchful, but not hopeless; therefore, I still projected how to remedy, as many of them as I could, by supplying, some of our most extreme necessities, and concealing the rest, whilst they might be hidden, and so kept my Souldiers in expectation of supplies, before it was too late. I myself continued not the mean time in an idle attendance, for what I wanted. But, having at my leisure considered fully, what advantages might happen to those parts, to the Garrison at Portsmouth, to the city of London, and to the whole republic, by the obstruction of that passage: weighing also what security, and addition of power I might bee hopeful of, by being timely enabled to make that Castle a safe Retreating-place, and by having a competent number of dragoons annexed unto my Troop, to fetch in provisions, suppress our enemies, and encourage our friends, in those quarters, of Surrey, Sussex, and Hamp-shire, I signified to an honourable person, whom I thought it might concern, the considerablenes of the Place, the speedy necessity of securing the same, and what else I conceived helpful to the like end, which it seems were then supposed, but the needless impertinencies of a captain, more officious then was cause.  
For, instead of that full, and speedy Accommodation expected, contrary to my hope( almost to my amazement) and to my great sorrow, for those mischiefs and inconveniences, which I foresaw would shortly follow, I was called from the said Castle soon after, and by Order commanded to march immediately with my Troupe to London, and to leave the Castle in custody with one of my Officers. The said Order,( which I keep for my discharge) I actually obeied; but, I confess, with much unwillingness, and with some indignation: because, the very same day, in which my Troupe left the Castle, there was an appearance, near guildford, of about a thousand men, whereof one third, with some of those arms and Horse( of which the Rebels, a while after, plundered the West division of Surrey) being sent into Farnham, while I was there, might, in probability, have prevented, not onely, the untimely death of that honourable Patriot, colonel Fane, and other disasters; but, perhaps, also, enabled me, ere this, to have performed some eminent services, as well as other.  
Or, had I been vouchsafed a Commission, whereby I might, at least, in extremities, have been some way active, according to my discretion, I doubt not, but, by Gods assistance, I had found means to keep myself, both in possession of the Castle, and of my lost estate, to this day; and, with far less charge, and grievance, to the country, then hath since happened. For, knowing,( or how I might have known) in what degree of good, or ill affection to the Parliament, the generality, and most considerable men, in particular, stood in those parts, of Surrey, and Hampshire, I could have then contrived means, so to have levied, both men, and ammunition, for the present necessity, in such manner, as no man should, afterward, have justly complained: and, by warily proportioning Power, persuasion, Force and gentleness, speedily have gathered that strength, which might have attracted more and more, till I had been able to command a sufficient Guard.  
But, this Honour, and Trust, is too often conferred for private fancies and respects; else I was every way as considerable, by giving public Testimonies, of being to be confided in, as many other of larger Fortunes; and as likely to have understood, how discreetly to have proceeded, as most other of those unexperienced souldiers, who have been lately employed. But, soft, By the mighty King  
The little City, is not str●ightned, yet,  
Enough, to show, it needs, the poore-mans Wit.  
Having, according to Order, as is aforesaid, brought my Troupe to London( where I attended further Commands) I thought myself not wholly discharged from the Castle; neither did my care of the public safety, permit me to be negligent of the same. I repaired, therefore, to the Committee, from whom I had my Commission, and acquainted them with the defects of the garrison there, and with such consequences, also, as, I thought, would follow the neglect thereof, by reason of the nearness of Prince Ruperts Forces; which they taking into serious consideration,( and, as it seemed, not before knowing how I was neglected) resolved to sand me speedily back to Faruhaw, with provisions for the securing of the said Castle; and to that end gave me a Warrant for Artillery out of the Tower, which I got ready the same day.  
But, hearing at the Tower that the Traitors, calling themselves the Kings Forces, had entred Surrey, I returned to the said Committee for a more sufficient Convoy, purposing to gather up victuals, and such other needful stores as the country afforded, in my march thitherward: Having then in my own House,( about four miles short of the Castle) above 1000. weight of chief, nigh 800. weight of Butter, many quarters of Wheat and malt, six or seven Flogs-heads of beer and Cider, Bacon, Beef, and other necessaries. Also in my Grounds, nigh 300 fat Sheep, above 60. fat Beasts, and almost as many fat hogs, which I resolved to take along with me by the way. All which, with much good household stuff, Teems, cattle, corn, Hay, and other things, I was soon after robbed of by the enemy, to my damage, in losses and real hindrances,( though Malignants impudently have averred otherwise) above two thousand pounds.  
When I came back to the said Committee, to the purpose aforesaid, they  told me they were sending to countermand my Warrant for Ordnance, &c. In regard they heard, the Forces aforesaid were entred Surrey. Whereat, being much grieved, I requested that the Demiculverins, might be exchanged for Drakes, which( though less serviceable in the Castle) I could better manage upon the way; and offered( with confidence I should safely have done it) to adventure my life with them to Farnham. And, I think my proffer had been accepted, if other news of the enemies nearer approaches had not been brought in, at that instant: But, thereupon my motion was peremptority rejected.  
I then besought them, that I might march away with my Troope onely, to take my hazard among my neighbours, by whom I was armed for the protection, of their habitations: And, considering I knew the By-passages of the country; had the Castle at that time in the possession of my Officers, for a retreating place; about 30. of my Neighbours also, there, expecting my coming; the provisions aforementioned, in my House, so near the Castle, and hopes that some honest men, would suddenly have joined themselves to me, for their own and the Countries preservation; I thought the adventure not so desperate as it seemed, perhaps to others. And, doubtless my presence would have prevailed with some Newtralls, to have procured me, at least, private aid; and kept many Malignants from being openly active to the encouragement of others against the Parliament.  
Whatever the event would have been, I verily believed, God would by these or other means, have wrought some deliverance by my hand. Yea, I have yet the same confidence. For, I should almost have scorned to have desired the aid of above two squadrons of my Troop, to have scattered that despicable Rout, where with sheriff Denham, Captain Hudson, Master Tichborne, Brewer Brodnoxe, and other such like Leaders of the same county, first robbed my House, and afterward seized the said Castle, and victualled the same with my stores, as I purposed to have done.  
But, seeing it was not conceived by my Superiors, convenient to permit me to march to Farnham, as I desired: I then humbly offered to consideration, what should be determined concerning the foresaid Castle, the small Magazine there left, and my Officers, who had still the custody of those Walls: Whereupon, it was resolved( it being impossible, in that streight to provide better) that they should immediately quit the place, and bring away their Ammunition, if they could. To which purpose, an Order was forthwith sent away, and, I, thereby fully discharged of my Trust.  
nevertheless, so far was I from shamefully deserting the Castle, as it is maliciously rumoured, that, the thought and care of it would not out of my heart, though I was, untimely, oured from thence; but, I had many sad musings concerning the faid place, and those whom I left there engaged; which musings were not without some good effect. For, having considered their danger, as well in respect of the Malignant townsmen, as of the approaching army; and, that if those my Souldiers, or the Parliament Ammunition, should have, there, miscarried,( though without my fault) it might have redounded to my disparagement; I resolved to fetch them off in person, whom I had personally brought on. And, therefore, the evening of the same day, in which the forementioned Order, was sent to call them from the Castle, I took my Horse, all alone,( having no other Horse swift enough to bear me company) and posted to Farnham, to see a due execution of the said Order.  
By the way,( it being late in the night) I called at my own House, whither news came, about half an hour before, that some of the Enemies forces, being at Hartly-Rowe, about four miles from Farnham, were expected to visit the Castle that night, or early the next morning; and that Farnham men would neither permit my Souldiers, to have meat for their Suppers, or Teams to carry away their Ammunition. Whereupon, I commanded my Servants to follow me with two of my own wagons, and to drive through the little park on the backside of the Castle, to avoid surprisal by the Townsmen; which, being speedily performed, we, by that means, orderly, and not shamefully, quitted the Castle, marching with our Ammunition baulk through the town, in a posture ready to receive an enemy; to the vexation of the Malignants, who, as I heard, snarl'd and barked at us, when we were out of sight. This service prevented the loss of our Ammunition, and a greater loss, in disappointing the enemy thereof. And, this service I performed, uncommanded, unheeded, and without recompense for my Teems, which carried the Magazine to kingston, whilst they might have been employed in saving my own goods, whereof I preserved but one Load. Soon after the remainder of my estate was plundered, by the Malignants of the same county, who were nevertheless, afterward, more favoured then I, by some, who pretend fairly for the Parliament,  
This being the truth, what could I have done more to witness my courage, willingness, diligence and faithfulness, to be without blame? and how great is their impudence who can report I either kept or left the Castle otherwise then became a soldier? The country thereabout, generally knows, I had neither Ordnance, nor Horse, nor foot, nor Works, nor Walls, not victuals enough to have held the Castle against an enemy two daies, or to have withstood a sharp assault half an hour: I saw no preparation made for me by others, or any authority granted me to provide for myself: Yea, I saw my proffered council and Service neglected, and myself likely to be disgraced,( as hath since happened:) And, yet, so far was I from an untimely or undue desertion, of the Castle; or from being any way negligent of the public advantage, that( when I was absolutely discharged from the same, and Order sent away to dissolve the Garrison) I personally, and unrequired, went, all alone, as is aforesaid, in the night, above 30. miles, to fetch off my Officers and Souldiers; even that night, in which I heard the enemy was, there expected; and, brought also means with me, to my own loss, for the safeguard of that Ammunition, which had been else lost unto the public.  
Thus have you the true story of my short Government in Farnham Castle, with the right cause, and manner of my relinquishing the same; which, J hope, will sufficiently acquit me from a base or unworthy desertion thereof in this Relation, J had occasions to have amplified some things, to my credit in other particulars: But, I forbear it, least I may thereby more disadvantage others, then benefit myself, whose desire is, that, every mans oversights, who errs not willfullie, should bee, charitably covered; though my best words and actions are not so favourablie construed, but often wrested to my disprofit, or disgrace.  
I had here ended; But being now upon my Guard, and perceiving other malicious arrows, whizzing about mine ears, from the Bow of Detraction, I will neither lay down my Buckler, nor unbend my bow, till I have gathered up one of those poisoned shafts, and shot it out of the way; least my friends may stumble at it,  
There, flies a rumour, that by an Order obtained from the Honourable House of Commons, I have recovered more then double my losses, out of the Estates of Malignants, plundered by me in Kent, Surrey, and elsewhere; and that my Troopers, also, have much enriched themselves by plunder, under my command: Yea, this false report hath reached the ears of some Parliament Men, my Noble Friends, to my disadvantage: For, words to this purpose were objected unto me immediately before our expedition to Gloucester, by Master Pym, in his Excellencies Quarters at uxbridge, who, perhaps took notice thereof: For, it was openly spoken in his presence, by re●son of a motion, which I then made unto him, touching 1300. l. then, and yet due to me by Warrant, and many hundred pounds more, of which I despair not. I believe that Honourable Patriot, lived and died assured of my innocency, by that satisfaction which I gave him: and, because others also may be satisfied thereof, I will here briefly deliver, for my justification, that which shall be sufficient to prevail for me with reasonable men; and, that, which no malice shall be able to disprove.  
I confess, with all humble thankfulness, that the Honourable House of Commons vouchsafed me an Order to repair my losses, out, of the goods and Estates of my Plunderers, or of such as were in arms against the Parliament; which, had I employed for my private reparation, without other due respects, I might ere this time, have recruited my Estate: But, I taking it as a great and extraordinary favour to be entrusted with so free and full an Order, thought myself the more bound, to proceed moderately and honestly in the execution thereof; and therefore, did not politicly and greedily, seek to gather up my losses thereby, as they would have done who are distrust full of the Publique-Faith, or of the justness or prosperous success of our Cause. It was not, by reason I was ignorant what Souldiers did, for their private advantage, nor was it for that I knew not what insolences are connived at in times of hostility; nor because I understood not, what use I might have made of my Troop by that Order, to my private profit: But, I so proceeded, because I had more care of the public, then of my private Estate; because, I desired not, in so mischievous a time, to be troubled with more then I had need of, and, because I believed, as I yet believe,( though some have endeavoured to make it voided) that in the conclusion, or when I shall have more need of it, the Parliament will make good unto me, what was intended by that Order.  
Yet, by my faire and moderate proceedings( other men seeming not so true to the Principles they made show of, as I was to mine) I have been exercised with many wants, neglects and injuries, unexpected, which I might have prevented, by mixing a little more of the wisdom of this Generation, with my simplicity. For, my Plunderers were either so beggarlie, or had so engaged, or conveyed their Estates; and, my attendance on the public Service, so employed me therein; that, whatsoever is murmured, all that I have reaped, by the foresaid Order, to ward the reparation of my losses,( as may appear by the particulars, and Affidavit made) amounts not unto so much as the bare interest of my damages; reasonable charges deducted. So, I have yet, nothing toward the principal, and that, also, which I seized, was in my extreme necessity, to preserve my Family from want; or, to relieve them, who had no livelihood, but what they had put into my hands.  
That, likewise, which I took, I seized not with rigour, or without compassion, though it were from my Enemies; and, it wanted so much of being many thousand pounds worth, that it hath not amounted to hundreds; as will appear upon examination of these particulars. In Kent I seized, by the said Order, in one place, to the value of about 60. l. In Middlesex a parcel of goods of the same value. In Surrey, two parcels of goods and money, arising to about 50. pound. Beside, some part of the Goods and Estates of Captain Andrewes; and Master John Denham, and Master Tichborne, two of my Plunderers of which, I have yet received no profit at all.  
For, the said estates in Lands( late Denhams and Tichbornes) being in Mortgage, and that of Captain Andrewes, being now without Tenants, and formerly made unprofitable by the wranglings and poverty of such as occupied the Lands; and, great payments issuing likewise out of it, for the public use; I have disbursed more to make profit of these last, then I yet received, and perhaps, that which I have expended, may be all quiter lost, by reason it lieth so near the Enemies Quarters: And, the Goods which were Master Denhams, are by an Order of some Sequestrators, taken out of my hands, and put into the possession of his Wife, who,( as do many other Delinquents) finds much more favour, then I,( who have been ever faithful to the State.  
For, when my wife, and children, had been cruelly driven out of their habitation, and robbed of all they had, by her husband, and his confederates, enemies to the Parliament( And, when, by virtue of the fore-mentioned Order, I justly entred upon the house of the said Denham, purposing to harbour my said wife and children therein) Mistris Denham, having long before deserted the house, and left there, onely some tables, with such like householdstuff:( though her husband sought, and, yet, seeks the destruction of the kingdom) was, upon ●al●e suggestions, put again, by Order, into postession of that house: because, as her charitable Patron alleged, shee was, forsooth, a Gentlewoman, big with child, and had a fancy to the place. By which means, I, who had lost all my estate, and adventured my life, for the public, was slighted, in favour of an enemy thereof; yea, in favour of the same enemy, that plundered me; and my adversaries wife preferred, not for her necessity, but to please her fancy; whilst my wife, being( though not so gracious among Lords) as good a Gentlewoman as she, being, then, great with child, also, and nearer her time,( and having for the present, neither harbour, nor other necessary succours for herself and her children) was compelled to get a habitation, not where she fancied, but, where she could.  
Such was the justice, such was the mercy, which I found, amongst some Committees, pretending for the Parliament; on whom( because, I know, their practise, is dishonourable, to the Parliament, and not agreeable to the noble, just, and charitable intentions of that high Court) I will distinguish them, from the true Patriots, by this brief Character. They are persons, easily inclined to propound, and apt to entertain, without scruple, what may disadvantage the public; and very punctual in examining, and exceeding cautious, in assenting, to Propositions, commodious thereunto. Their chiefest activeness, in all Committees, is, as much as they can, in favour of Delinquents; and, as much as they dare, in mischieving, or discountenancing, the well-affected. Malignants and royalists usually speak very respectively of them; and, in their Families, both men and women, frequently speak maliciously of the truest Patriots, and of the Parliament. And lastly, some carriages of theirs, have rendered them, so generally, suspected, that, wheresoever all these marks are found together( without some great evidence of a change) I will expect a mischief, rather then a favour, or a good turn; and so may the Commonwealth. By these, the Parliament is most perplexed; by these, our desired union, and Peace, is delayed; and, by these, I have suffered more wrongs, and affronts, then I will here complain of. For,  
He is unwise, who( wronged) complains on all:  
And, he's a fool, who, nothing, answer shall.  
By these means, I am yet so far short, of taking larger recompense then is due to me, by the foresaid Order, or by any other course; that, I have not yet received any part of my principal loss; nor wherewithal to maintain my family, much longer, if the Parliament( whereof I nothing doubt) be not more merciful to me, then some particular men.  
For a further vindication of my self, and of my Troupers( from that calumny, wherewith we are unjustly charged) Be it known to all, unto whom this apology shall come; that, if any man can charge me for seizing ought, by the foresaid Order, which I have not here confessed; or, if it be justly averred, that, in any place where I quartered, I have taken Horse, or arms, without Authority; or disposed of what I seized, for my private commodity; or, that I have taken, directly, or indirectly, to the value of a penny, to favour any person; or injured any one, to the same value, since I was first armed for the public; or, that I received( save by the hands of the Treasurers, or Collecters, of the Counties where I was employed, by Order, to make seizures) either Horse, Arms, Plate, or Money( except some Horse, and a few Arms, for completing my Troupe, according to my Commission: and such horse, as I can make appear, by discharge, to be delivered to recruit other troops) or, if any can, in like manner, affirm, that, with my privity, then, or afterward, any Officer, or Trouper, of mine, compelled Free-quarter; or took ought violently, or fraudulently, from any man, for which I caused not a double value to be returned: or, if any man can say, I exacted free-Quarter for myself, so much as one night; or took it by way of courtesy, above three times; I do, hereby, promise, and oblige myself, to restore, in recompense thereof, tenfold, upon demand; not doubting, but challenge of satisfaction would soon be made, if any wrong hath been so done, I having made this public offer, and being so well known, as I am. And, I do the rather make this publication, because, I hear, some others have plundered, in the name of my Troupe.  
I could, yet, further, justify myself, from other scandals, and objections, and, thereby, put many to a harder task, in making their vindications, then I have had with this. But, my credit, with good men, is not so little, as that I need apologize against every malicious scandal: And, as for the rest, it is my honour, and shall be my advantage, that they hate, slight and traduce me. For my conclusion, therefore, I will only let fly this Shaft; and will draw it to the head, light where it will.  
Whosoever hath reported, that I have either committed, or omitted, any thing, through negligence, faithlesnesse, or want of courage; or, that I have otherwise behaved myself, then became a soldier, in the ordering, keeping or quitting of Farnham Castle, or in any public service or duty, since I took arms in defence of the King, Parliament, and kingdom; and shall not call me to an account for it, either before a council of war, or where else it may beseem me to take notice thereof, and make answer for myself; That man( unl●sse he shall hearty repent the scandal) is, thereby, injurious, as well to the public, as to me: and( as most of my detractors, and Oppressors, have hitherto proved) is a fool, a COWARD, or, a VILLAIN, or ALL.  
When I have spoken, despites to sports, are turned:  
When I am silent, my proud Foes, are scorned.  
Farewell.