No. 53.

Journal 26 fo. 75b.

Trustie and welbeloved we greit you hartelly well beinge informed of youre great forduartnes in that iuste and honorable action of proclaminge ws youre Souverane lord and King immediatlye after the deceas oure late darrest Sister the quene, wherin yo^u have gevin a singulare good proufe of your ancient fidelitie, a reputation hereditarie to that oure Citie of Lundon, beinge the Chamber of oure Imperiall crowne and ever free from all shedowes of tumultous and onlawful courses wee could not omitt w^th all the speid possible wee might to give you hereby a teast of oure thankfull mynde for the same and withall assurance that yo^u cannot crave anie thing of ws fitt for the mentenance of yow all in generall and everie one of yow in particulare but it shalbe moast willingly performed by avs whose speciall care shall ever be to provide for the continewance and incresse of your present happines desiringe yow in the meane tyme to goe constantly forduart in doinge all and whatsumer things yow shall find necessary or expedient for the good goverment of oure said Citye in execution of Justice as yow have bene in wse to doe in oure said darrest Sisters tyme, till oure pleasure be knowen unto yow in the contrare This not douting but ye will doe as ye may be fully assured of oure gratious favour towards yow in the hieghest degrie, we bid you hartely farewell Halyrudhous the 28 of Marche 1603.

No. 54.

Id., fo. 76.

To the most high & mighty Prince our most dread & gracious Soveraigne Lord King James y^e First King of England, Scotland, France & Ireland.

Most mighty prince & our most dread & gracious Soveraigne Wee cannot expresse the great comfort and exceeding ioy conceived here for this great blessing of Almighty God in preserving yo^r sacred Ma^tie for this yo^r right and yo^r right for y^u and y^u for us yo^r Liege people of this yo^r Realme w^ch is increased & redoubled by the perfect union and concurrence of all yo^r Ma^ties faithful subjects throughout yo^r Realme especially of this yo^r Highnes City in harty love & loyall affeccÕn towards yo^r Highnes a Prince so famous and renowned through the world for yo^r great wisdome piety iustice Magnanimity & other great & princely vertues whereby our selves and all other yo^r Loyall Subjects of this your Land are made assured of y^e continuance and increase of that happy peace holy religion & other great & infinite blessings of Almighty God, which wee have enjoyed soe many yeares by the happy governm^t of o^r late gracious and glorious Queene of famous memory.

What thancks sufficient can wee render to Almighty God for this his mercy and unspeakable goodnes towards this Land whoe hath thus tempered o^r great sorrow w^th a great^r comfort & repaired this o^r great losse of a Mother with the advantage of a greater gain in the succession of yo^r Highnes as a Father which is accompanied w^th the union of both Kingdoms to the great Strengthening of yo^r Highnes and noe lesse terror of y^e Enemies (if any be) of yo^r Highnes person & estate.

Touching o^r selves to whom the Charge & preservacÕn of this yo^r Chamber and principall City is comitted as wee have endeavored with all o^r powers to advance yo^r Highnes most iust clayme and rightfull title to the Succession of this yo^r Kingdome soe o^r future care & indeavour shall extend it selfe to y^e very uttermost of our witts & power to preserve y^e same w^th all humble duty & circumspeccÕn for yo^r Highnes use ag^t all power & opposicÕn both of this Land (if any happen as God forfend) and the whole world. For assurance of w^ch o^r Loyalty & devoted loves towards yo^r Highnes Wee have sent unto y^u o^r speciall Messenger to witt o^r Secretary & Remembrancer Mr. Doctor Fletcher a man (wee heare) non unknowne unto yo^r Highnes As alsoe to returne unto us the SignificacÕn of yo^r Highnes pleasure and direccÕn in such matters as shall conduce to the well ordering of this yo^r Chamber W^ch wee humbly pray Almighty God & intreate yo^r Highnes for yo^r owne and yo^r peoples sake may be accelerate w^th all safety and due caucÕn of yo^r person to the publique ioy both of o^r selves and yo^r whole Realme From London this xxix^th of March 1603.

• Robert Lee Maior
• John Hart
• John Spencer
• Stephen Slaney
• Henry Billingsly
• Stephen Soame
• John Garrard
• Jo: Croke Recorder
• Tho: Bennett
• Tho: Lowe
• W^m Glover
• W^m Romeney
• Leonard Halliday
• John Watts
• Rich. Goddard
• Henry Rowe
• Edw. Holmden
• John More
• Robt. Hampton
• Roger Larke
• Humf. Weld
• Tho: Cambell
• W^m Craven
• Henry Anderson
• James Pemberton
• Jo: Swinarton, Sherriffe

No. 55.

Journal 26, fo. 80.

JAMES R.

Right trustie and welbeloved wee greet you well Althoughe before the Comeynge of yo^r Lettres and this gentleman sente unto us wee had w^th greate Contentment by Comon reporte understood of your forwardnes in Joyninge w^th y^e nobillitie of this our Realme in the publishinge of oure righte to the succession of this Crowne. Yet weare wee not a little gladd to finde y^e same confirmed by soe honeste and diutifull a testimonie thereof under yo^r owne handes and by y^e speeche of a persone of soe greate truste w^th you and chieflie that you are not lead into this devosion onlie by the undoubted belief of oure righte, but alsoe for y^e assurance you have of oure zeale to y^e preservacÕn of Religion for that wee have alwaies accompted those accÕns that aryse oute of religious groundes to be the beste founded. And as wee doubte not but that in that poynte we shall give you and y^e reste of o^r people satisfaction. Soe maie you be assured that in all other thinges, wherein wee shall understande that anie breache or wronge hath bene done to y^e liberties and priviledges of that o^r Cittie wee wilbe readie to restore whatsoever shalbe justelie expected of us as we have more at lardge spoken to this gentleman and will by oure actes when wee shalbe amongest you make knowne to yo^r selves esteeminge yo^u worthie to be helde in noe lesse accompte of us then you have byne to anie of o^r progenitors whoe esteemed you moste. Given under o^r Signet at o^r Towne of Newcastle y^e xj^th daie of Aprill 1603 in y^e firste yeare of o^r raigne of England.

No. 56.

Transcripts, &c., Irish Government (Public Record Office), Vol. I, fo. 500.

After o^r very harty comendacÕns to yo^r Lp. we have written unto yo^ur Lp. and the Counsell there a letter wherein we have in generall recommended certaine cittizens appointed by the Citty of London to view the Derrye and Colrane and the cuntrie between them; And in this have thought it expedient to declare o^r minde somewhat more particulerly, because we shoulde be sorry that any endeavo^r or informacÕn should be lacking that might either satisfie or encourage them For when we consider how slowly this busines hath yet gon forward since it was first intended, how fit & able the Citty is for a work of y^t importaunce, of what good use their example wilbe to draw on others and lastly what reputacÕn it will give both abroad and at home to y^e action y^t is like really to be effected we are moved to recommend them the more earnestly unto yo^r Lp. to take order that all occasions of discouragement may be prevented which som indiscreete persons may unprovidently suggest, if choice be not made of such to conduct and accompany them, who for their experience and understanding shalbe able both by discourse and reason to controule whatsoever any man shall reporte, either out of ignorance or mallice, and to give the undertako^rs satisfaccÕn when they shalbe mistaken or not well informed of any particuler. For which purpose the conductors must have care to lead them by the best waies and to lodge them in their travaile, where if it be possible, they may have English entertainement in Englishmens howses. And howsoever we have had the opportunitye heere to lay the first hand upon this offer, and to make the project unto the Cittie thereby to drawe them on to entertaine the same for an entraunce into the business yet that it may be both begun and well followed we send the same here inclosed and must leave it to your lordship to perfect. Wherein we thinck it fit. That those y^t be sent in their company be so well prepared before hand to confirme and strengthen every part thereof by demonstracÕn as they may plainely apprehend & conceive the comodities to be of good use and profit; on the other side, that matters of distast as feare of the Irish, of the souldiers, cess and such like be not so much as named, seeing you knowe that discipline and order will easilie secure them. And if there be any thing conteyned in the Project, whether it be the Fishing, the Admiralty or any other particuler w^ch may serve for a motyve to enduce them; Although yo^r lordship or any other have interest therein yet you shall make no doubt but his Ma^ty will have such consideracÕn thereof that no man shalbe a looser in y^t w^ch he shall parte w^th for the furtheraunce of this service. And thus not doubting of yo^r L^ps discreete carriadge of this busines y^t cannot besides your generall dutie but be glad in your owne particuler to have so good neighbo^rs to yo^r plantacÕn we byd yo^r Lp. very hartely Farewell. From Whitehall the third of August 1609.

No. 57.

Journal 39, fo. 167.

My Lord,

The greate necessetie of supplyinge the Kinges Army and providinge for the Northen Counties without which the peace of the Kingdome wilbe much endangered is such that the Howse of Commons is inforced to thinke upon a more present way of raysinge moneyes then can bee effected in the Course of Subsidies. Whereupon they have directed mee to pray your Lorpp. to call a Co~mon Hall with as much speede as conveniently you may and to comend to the Cittizens of London the Loane of £60000 by such as shall freely and willingly contribute thereunto. Which they intende not as any burthen unto them, but as an occasion of further expressinge of theire good affeccÕns to the publiq. Whereof they have soe often had experience and they will soe provide that the Su~me now desired to bee lent shalbe truly repaide out of the Subsedies w^th interest for the time it shalbe forborne wherein not doubtinge of yo^r Lopp^s Care in the best way you may to further this request for y^e Co~mon safetie of the Kingdome and to receyve an answer as speedily as the bussines will permitte, ffrom my house in Covent Garden this instant 15^th of Januarij 1640.

I rest Your Lopp^s. verie loveinge ffreind
W^m Lenthall, Speaker.

No. 58.

Id. ibid.

My Lord,

The present necessity requiringe the su~me of £60000 for the good of the Kingdome to be advanced sooner then by way of subsidies it can be levied as hath bin formerly signified vnto yo^r Lo^rpp. by Ald~ran Pennington. The house hath commaunded me this day againe to intimate unto you their desire that w^th the help of such Citizens as are willing to lend particuler sumes you will take such Course that £60000 may presently be paid into the Chamber of London that soe it may be disposed of as the house shall direct. Wherein not doubting of yo^r Lo^rpps care I rest from my house in the Coven garden the sixth of ffebruary 1640.

Yo^r Lo^rpps very loving freind
W^m Lenthall, Speaker.

No. 59.

Journal 39, fo. 180.

My very good Lord and Gentlemen,

I have formerly by my lres directed by order of the house of Co~mons vnto yo^r Lo^rpp signified their desire to borrow of the City sixty thousand pounds for the presente supply of the Kings Army and releif of the Northern partes conceived to tend principally to the gen'all safety of the whole kingdome.

We could not but take notice of the forwardnes of the Citty to comply and albeit there hath bin some protraccÕn, yet we now expect the expression of it in a speedie payment. I am therefore required by the house of Commons to desire yo^r Lo^pp forthw^th to call a Comon Hall, and in that to signifie unto them our desires, Their former ingagement by promise and the expectacÕn of the present performance the urgent and instant necessity of the Kingdome admitting of no delay w^thout great hazard of insueing danger to us all w^ch we desire may be prevented.

We have taken care for the secure payment of this £60000 by the bill of subsidies already passed whereof I thought it fitt to Certifie yo^r Lorpp resting

Yo^r Loving faithfull friend to serve you
W^m Lenthall, Speaker
from my house at Charing
Crosse 19 ffebruarij 1640.

No. 60.

Journal 40, fo. 38.

My lord and gentlemen I receaved so great expressions of affeccÕn both to y^e cause, and to myselfe from y^e cittye of London at my departure from you, that I cannot dispaire but to obtayne any suite from you that shalbee an advantage to y^e Comon wealth Upon a true judgment of y^e condicÕn of our affaires and of that of y^e enemye, I am confident that wee may bringe this business to a quick and happy conclusion God doth blesse us w^th so good successe dailey & the other parte by their plundring and burninge of townes and houses grow so odious, that they grow weaker wee stronger everywhere. Yet are wee in one great straight, and such a one as if it bee not speedily remedyed, may quash all our hopes, and endanger that peace, and libertie which wee so much strive for. Our treasure w^ch must maintayne y^e army grows neere an ende, and yo^u well know our army consists of such as cannot bee kept one day togeather w^thout pay, what a ruine it would bringe uppon us all if a disbandinge should happen I leave to your judgments. My desire unto yo^u is that yo^u would supply us w^th the speedy loane of one hundred thousand pounds which I am confident would w^th Gods blessinge bringe these unhappy distraccÕns to an ende quickly. Vour citty hath hitherto had y^e honor (next to God) to bee the chiefest safetye of the Kingdome and Parlyament. This will render yo^u to all posterity the ffinishers of this great worke. If any thinge of particuler love or respect to mee may bee any argument herein I shall take it for y^e greatest honor that hath befalne mee and will oblige myselfe to acknowledge it by the utmost and most faithfull indeavors of your ffaithfull ffriend Essex. From the rendezvous att Northampton 13^o Sept. 1642.

No. 61.

Journal 40, fo. 41b.

My lord and gentlemen. Havinge a due regarde both to the publique trust and to the good and wellfare of the cittye of London I have made choice of Serjeant Major Skippon to bee Serjeant Major Generall of the army under my comaund beinge well assured of his fidellÏtye and abillity to discharge that trust. And yet knowinge of what concernement his present imployment in y^e citty may be I have thought fitt to give your Lor^pp and yo^u gentlemen notice hereof w^th this assurance that in this choice I have had a speciall regard as to the publique so particulerly to the securetye of the cittye of London. And that in it I do not intende wholy to deprive yo^u of him but so as his service may be rendered usefull both to this armye and to your cittye whose good and wellfare I shall carefully provide for y^e uttmost of my power and do rest your ffaithfull ffriend Essex. From my quarter at Hammersmith this 16th day of November 1642.

No. 62.

Journal 40, fo. 52.

That a small fort conteyning one bulwark and halfe and a battery in the reare of the flanck be made at Gravell lane end. A horne worke w^th two flanckers be placed at Whitechapell windmills. One redoubt w^th two flanckers betwixt Whitechapell church and Shoreditch. Two redoubts with flanckers neere Shoreditch church w^th a battery. At the windmill in Islington way, a battery and brestwork round about. A small redoubt neere Islington pound. A battery and brestwork on the hill neere Clarkenwell towards Hampstead way. Two batteries and a brestworke at Southampton house. One redoubt w^th two flanckers by S^t Giles in the Feilds, another small work neere the turning. A quadrant forte w^th fower halfe bulwarks crosse Tyborne high way at the second turning that goeth towards Westminster. At Hide parke corner a large forte w^th flanckers on all sides. At the corner of the lord Gorings brick wall next the fields a redoubt and a battery where the court of Guard now is at the lower end of the lord Gorings wall, the brestwork to be made forwarder. In Tuttle feilds a battery brestworke, and the ditches to be scowred. That at the end of every street w^ch is left open to enter into the suburbs of this citty defenceable brestworkes be made or there already erected repayred w^th turnepikes muskett proof, and that all the passages into the suburbs on the northside the river except five viz^t. The way from St. James towards Charing Crosse, the upper end of Saint Giles in Holborne, the further end of St. John Street towards Islington Shoreditch church and Whitechappell be stopped up. That the courtes of guard and the rayles or barrs at the utmost partes of the freedome be made defensible and turnepikes placed there in lieu of the chaynes all muskett proof. And that all the shedds and buildings that joyne to the outside of the wall be taken downe. And that all the bulwarkes be fitted at the gates and walls soe that the flanckes of the wall and streets before the gates may be cleared and that the gates and bulwarks be furnished with ordnance.

No. 63.

Journal 40, fo. 132.

When we were in suche distresse by a close seige, that our freindes held our condicÕn desperate, and our enimies did assure themselves of prevailing over us; by Gods providence we had reasonable releif from your famous and ever renowned citie w^ch doth now embolden us to present unto you our present estate, which is in breife. That our heartes w^th the heartes of the country in generall are surrounded w^th feare and greife for the removall of Collonell Massey from us, whose endeavors amongst us God hath soe wonderfullie prospered. Wee represented our sadd sense thereof and our reasons in particuler by peticÕn to the hono^ble houses of parliament, but such meanes was used by some for the accomplishment of their owne ends therein that our peticÕn was not read in the howses. So that wee are like to be deprived of him, and thereby much distraccÕn, if not confusion sorely threatned to us and this countrey, thereby to the encouragement of the enimy and discouragement of o^r friends. Therefore we doe humbly apply ourselves unto you desiring you to interpose for us to the Parliament for his contynuance w^th us. Wherein you will not only doe us a singuler favour, but we are confident much further the publique service thereby, and which shalbe most gratefully acknowledged by

Your humble Servants
Luke Nurse Maior
[and seven others.]
Gloucester 29 of May 1645.

No. 64.

Journal 40, fo. 144b.

The greate zeale you have ever manifested for the good of the kingdome, and the forwardnes you shewed to contribute your assistance to us upon all occacÕns doth imbolden us at this tyme of our extremity to beseech you to stretch out yo^r helping hand to us you know we have bin long beseiged, and we have often moved the Parliam^t, the Committee of the West, and the Generall for releif, and all this summer it hath bin promised, but o^r hopes are hitherto frustrate. We have therefore sent the peticÕn (whereof the enclosed is a copie) to Sir John Young and Mr. Waddon Burgesses for this towne, and indeed this is the last and only visible meanes that unde God is left us. We beseech you that you wilbe pleased to second our peticÕn by your owne desires in our behalf. And wee shall not cease to pray for the contynuance of yo^r peace and encrease of all other blessings and rest

Yo^r most humble servants
Justinian Pearde Maior
[and four others.]
Plymouth at the Committee
for Goverm^t,
5 Sept. 1645.

No. 65.

Id., fo. 187.

Most humbly acknowledging the speciall grace and favour of yo^r ma^tie in condescending soe particulerly to communicate unto this city yo^r royall and pious resolucons to comply w^th your Houses of Parliament for setling of truth and peace in this distracted kingdome signified by yo^r late gratious lettre of the 19^th of May last to the representative body thereof. In w^ch as the pet^rs cannot but see the speciall hand of Almighty God soe they must and doe from the bottome of their hearts blesse his holy name that at length he hath opened such a dore of hope by enclyning your ma^ties heart to looke downe upon the affliccÕns of yo^r people and from thence take comfort to themselves that he will confirme and increase those good resolucons in yo^r ma^tie.

As for this city the pet^rs esteeme it their duty now againe as they have formerly done to declare unto yo^r royall mat^ie and the whole world, that, according to their ProtestacÕn and Covenant they have alwayes, and doe still reteyne the same loyall thoughts towards yo^r ma^tie as ever and as becometh subiects to doe from which they shall never recede.

And as next unto the good guidance of Almighty God they doe humbly comitt and submitt the meanes and maner of their future peace and happines unto yo^r ma^ts great and faithfull Councell the two Houses of Parliament.

So they shall contynue their instant prayers to the Throne of all Grace to dispose yo^r ma^ties royall heart to comply with such proposicÕns as from them shalbe represented unto yo^r ma^ty for the settlement of true religion and peace in all yo^r kingdomes and the mainteynance of the union betweene the two nations. And then the pet^rs shall not doubt but yo^r ma^tie (w^ch is their earnest prayer) will with honor and joy returne unto this yo^r antient city, and that yo^r throne shall in yo^r royall selfe and your posterity be established in all yo^r kingdomes to the great honour of yo^r mat^ie and to the comfort of all yo^r good subiects amongst whome the peticÕn^rs shall alwayes strive to approve themselves inferiour to none in loyalty and obedience.

And as in dutie bound shall pray &c.

No. 66.

Journal 40, fo. 222.

Being informed that divers souldiers are daily listed under offic^rs, in and about the cities of London and Westm^r, and parts thereto adiacent, besids the trayned bands and usuall auxiliaries. We strongly apprehend that (notwithstanding all your desires and labour of peace) the kingdome is like to be precipitate by some persons into a new warr. Therefore (before we can answere that part of yo^r cities lettre to remove to 30 miles distance from London) we desire the citie would use their indeavo^rs, to prevent all such listings, and therein deale soe effectually as that nothing be for future done towards such listinge or raising any forces, and those already raised may be forthwith discharged. But if this cannot be done, we shalbe forced by an unwilling necessitie to apply our indeavo^rs to breake all designes of that kinde. And therein we hope to receive the concurrance of yo^r citie, professing, we have nothing else in our eye, but yo^rs our owne, and this poore kingdomes good and quiett.

Hereof we desire to here speedily from you, but so from time to tyme, as oft as may be, which we shall owne as a seale of that reciprocall love, w^ch the cities lettre purports to this army, and shall on our part be most earnestly endeavoured to be maynteyned.

June 14^th 1647.

No. 67.

Journal 40, fo. 222b.

We are very glad our lettre from Royston of the tenth of this instant June had soe good a recepcÕn w^th you: whereof you have given us assurance by yo^r lettre of the twelfth of this instant,[852] and by those worthy aldermen and others the members of yo^r citie whome you sent unto us, to whose hands we yesterday returned such answere (to that part of yo^r lettre for our removal to thirty miles distant from London) as the present exigence of affaires could possibly admitt. To w^ch we add this sincere assurance that soe soone as we shall receive the next resolucÕn from the Parliament in relacÕn to the proceedings upon the papers nowe given in unto them (whereof likewise yo^r comissioners have received a coppie from us). We shall then imediately give you such further answere and satisfaccÕn to that particuler, as the nature of those results will permitt, w^th respect only had to the necessary prosecution of those pressing concernements of the kingdome, comprized in those papers (whereunto) (for) the iustnes and reasonablenes of our desires, and their consistance w^th the true honour, iust power and priviledges of parliament, the liberty of the subiect and safety of yo^r citie and kingdome we do referr you.

As to yo^r desire (expressed in the instruccÕns to yo^r comissioners) of o^r care for the safetie of his ma^ties person, while amongst us. We had upon his first comeing into our quarters assigned, and have since contynued in attendance about his ma^ty, a guard of two regim^ts of horse, of as faithfull men, and under as trustie a commaund as this army doth affoard, neyther shall our future care be wantinge in any further provision necessary for the safetie of his royall person. And nowe we cannott but take notice, as of the past, most free and forward ingagem^ts of yo^r famous citie in the same cause, w^ch we are now desiring to see a period to, and accomplishment of, soe of yo^r contynued readines to close w^th us in our iust and necessary desires to the same ends: as alsoe of yo^r present professed averssenesse to ingage in any thing that may tend to any further warr or distraccÕn in this kingdome. For all w^ch we cannott but returne (after our praises to God) thankes to you and yo^r citty. And we assure you that the sence thereof hath a deep impression in our spiritts to find (as we doe hitherto) the hand of God working all mens hearts to go cleere, and unanimous concurrence w^th our owne, in our desires for the present setling and securing the rights liberties and peace of the kingdome, beyond w^ch we have noe aymes or ends of our owne.

St. Albans June 15^th 1647.

No. 68.

Journal 40, fo. 224b.

Yo^r answere of the 14^th and lettre dated the 15^th of this instant June, w^th copies of the papers given into the Parliam^t we the maior aldermen and commons in common councell assembled have received and perused, and by our committee we have ben further informed of them, and of yo^r many seasonable expressions of the reallity of yo^r intencÕns to promote the peace and welfare of the Parliam^t and kingdome, and in particuler of this city, w^ch how acceptable it is to us will best appeare by our proceedings thereupon.

We take it very kindely that though you were informed divers souldiers were daily listed under offic^rs in and about the Cities of London and Westm^r and parts thereto adiacent, besides the trayned bands and usuall auxiliaries, yet you conceived (and that most truly) it was w^thout the privity or consent of this Court, and did not suspect the sincerity of our heartes in what by o^r last was represented unto you, wherein for yo^r further satisfaccÕn be pleased to take notice that since the returne of our comittee from St. Albans, yo^r said answere and lettre and a narrative of the severall passages twixt you and our committee, and yo^r desire that the citie should use their indeavo^r to prevent all such listings and therein deale soe effectually, as that nothing be for the future done towards such listings or raising any forces, and that those already raised might be forthw^th discharged: and the resolucÕn of this court, and the Committee of the Militia of this city and parts adiacent upon the whole being all by our direccÕn made knowne to both Houses of Parliam^t they were pleased to make severall votes thereupon; whereunto (as to those thinges) we desire to be referred.

By all which we hope the great desire of this court and citie to cherish a right understanding and keep a good correspondence twixt yo^r Excellencie yo^r Councell of Warr, Armie and this Citie will evidently appeare, and shortly draw from you a more full answere satisfaccÕn and assurance, that your army shall noe way preiudice the Parliament (whose power and priviledges are the principall meanes to preserve the liberties of the subiects of this kingdom) nor this Citie (who have lost soe much blood and spent soe much treasure in defence thereof) and in order thereunto that it shalbe forthwith removed to, and contynued at a further distance from London.

London 18 of June 1647.

No. 69.

Journal 40, fo. 225b.

Wee received yo^rs of the eighteenth of this instant, whereof though all passages were not soe answearable to our expectacÕn as wee hoped yet we apprehend the same good affeccÕn in you towards this armie as was expressed in yo^r former letter. And that not onelie from the assureance of the worthy gentlemen, (yo^r comissioners) againe sent to us, But alsoe from that informacÕn we have received of yo^r extraordinarie indeavo^rs, to procure monie for the armie; To prevent further raysinge or listinge of souldiers and to procure those alreadie listed to be disbanded, (some persons of yo^r militia onelie, haveinge bin active for the raysinge of them without yo^r privitie). As likewise from that letter (fild with respecte) which you prepared and intended to us, And beinge sent to the Parliament was obstructed by some persons, who (labouringe to imbroyle the kingdome in a new warre) would not have the fforces alreadie raised to be disbanded who excepted against yo^r discoverie to the House, That some persons onelie of the militia had ioyned in the raysinge of the new forces, who alsoe would prevent a right understandinge betweene yo^r cittie, and this armie, knowinge a firme corrospondence betweene them would make the designes of all such men hopeles, And though our takinge notice of these thinges seemes not regular, yet beinge soe publiquelie done, we thought fitt to mind you of them.

Now although wee have confidence of the reall and cleare intentions of yo^r lor^pp and ald~ren, and the commons of yo^r cittie to promote the peace of this kingdome, and the iust desires of this armie, alsoe to prevent all tendencies to a new warre, or anie further blood, and therefore hold our selves obliged to yeeld all possible compliance to what you desire of us, yet addinge to the former grounds the manie informacÕns which daylie come to us of the continued underhand workings of some persons still to list men, that divers agents are sent into severall parts of the kingdome to leavie forces and Worcester the place appointed for a generall randezvouz, whither the fforces designed for Ireland (that were parte of this armie) are by some of the committee at Darbie House[853] ordered to march: And severall of those companies who went out from us for the service of Ireland, havinge it intimated to them, and by divers carriages perceiveinge they were intended a foundacÕn for a new armie and a new warre, they so much abhorred the thoughts of it as both the officers and souldiers of divers companies are of late entirelie returned to us: likewise that noe meanes is lefte unattempted to bringe in fforces from Ireland, France and Scotland against the peace of this poore kingdome.

Wee (upon the whole matter) offer to yours, and all mens consideracÕns, whether with yo^rs ours or the publique safetie we can remove further backward, untill upon yo^r and our ioynt indeavo^rs with the Parliament, those things of imediate and pressinge necessitie be provided for, which wee desired in our paper last given in to the Parliam^ts Comissioners in order to the better proceedinge upon the heads of the RepresentacÕn and Charge, with more hopes of safetie, and of a timelie and happie issue to our selves, and the kingdome (viz^t.) That the persons impeached by us may not continue in power and capacitie to obstructe due proceedings against themselves; And for their owne escape from justice to threaten ruine to the whole nation.

That all fforces latelie raised or listed in or aboute the cittie may be forthwith discharged except the usuall nomber of trained bands and auxiliaries and that all endeavo^rs publiquely or privatlie to rayse anie further forces may cease and be supprest.

And that the same measure maybe allowed to this armie in payinge them upp to the same ffoote of accompte as is alreadie given to those who have diserted the same.

And for the things exprest in our Representation though of weightie importance yet because they will require time they shalbe noe occasion to impead our remove, and in the meantime both by ProclamacÕn from his Excellencie and all other waves wee shall indeavo^r, that the accustomed supplies to yo^r cittie may be freelie sent up.

To conclude, wee say from o^r hearts that as oure espetiall ends are the glorie of God, and the good of this whole land, soe our indeavo^rs shalbe to prosecute the same without preiudice to the beinge or welbeinge of Parliaments in generall, (the mayntenance whereof wee value above our owne lives) or (as wee have formerlie said) of this Parliament in particular, but altogeather in order to the good and peace of this nation, and with a most tender regard to yo^r cittie to which wee professe we shall by all actions make good all ingagements tending to the securitie thereof in what way yo^rselves shall desire consistinge with the good of the whole kingdome you makeinge good your mutuall correspondencie with us not doeing anie thinge to our preiudice in the prosecucÕn of our iust desires, and endeavo^rs.

St. Albans June 21, 1647.

Wee heare (even now) since the writinge of this letter, that (yesterday) divers of the Reformadoes came againe (in a threatninge manner) to Westm^r the house of Commons then sittinge to the greate affrightment and terror of divers faithfull members then present, and to discouragement of others from their attendance there, soe that we cannot but perceive, that the freedome of this Parliament is noe better then that those members who shall accordinge to their consciences endeavo^r to prevent a second warre, and acte contrarie to their wayes, who, (for their own preservacÕn) intend it they must do it with the hazard of their lives: which indeed is a thinge soe destructive to Parliamen^ts and freedome that we conceive our selves in dutie bound, to endeavo^r to the utmost to procure redresse therein.

June 22^th 1647.

No. 70.

Letter from the City to Fairfax in reply to recent letters and informing him that Commissioners had been despatched to remain with the army at head-quarters. Dated 25 June, 1647.

Journal 40, fo. 229b.

We the maior aldermen and commons in common councell assembled having received yo^rs to us of the 21^th and 22^th and yo^r excellencies to our committee of the 23^th instant w^th a coppie of a Remonstrance directed to the Parliam^t, did send three of that nomber yesterday to acquaint you w^th our resolucons thereupon, since w^ch we have caused coppies of those lettres to be presented to both Houses, desiring their direccÕn concerning the resideing of some of that committee continually w^th you in the head quarter, and that according to yo^r former requests the Reformadoes and other offic^rs and souldiers raised for the service of the Parliam^t might be required forthwith to repaire into their severall counties there to receive such satisfaccÕn as is or shalbe appointed by Parliament, and that if any souldiers be listed uppon the votes of the committee of Lords and Commons, and committee of the militia that they may be forthw^th discharged whereupon severall votes were made, unto which we desire to be referred.

We have also taken those lettres w^th another received from those we sent yesterday and copie of a lettre dated the 24^th instant delivered to the Comm^rs of Parliam^t, and yo^rs of the 25^th instant into further consideracÕn thereby observing the constancie of yo^r expressions to doe nothing in preiudice either of the Parliam^t or the citie, and of your purpose by proclamacÕn and otherwise to indeavour that the accustomed supplies of this citie may be freely sent upp. All which we do with due thankfulnes acknowledge, And to performe a right understanding with you we have appointed the said committee, or six of them at the least continually to reside in yo^r Head quarter, and do intend to make it our further request to the Parliam^t that whoever have or shall endeavour to raise any forces to ingage this kingdome in a new warr, may be discovered and prevented therein, and that you may receive satisfaccÕn equall to those that have left the armie, soe soon as it is possible for the Parliam^t to performe the same, believing upon the assurance you have given us that yo^r speciall ends are the glory of God the good of this whole land, and the safety of Parliam^t and citie. To conclude the neare approach of yo^r armie to this citie causeth us once more to desire you to take it into yo^r most serious consideracÕn, for albeit you do not come to offer any violence to us, yet wee have and shall suffer very much in our trade and price of victualls by reason thereof, w^ch we hope you wilbe so sencible of as to prevent it in the future by removing further of, and by takeing such a course that we may receive no further preiudice either in thone or thother, w^ch is our earnest desires, and that in yo^r indeavo^rs to save the kingdome from ruine, you doe not overthrow the fundamentall constitucÕn of Parliam^t w^ch is essentiall to the well being thereof.

London 25 June 1647.

No. 71.

Journal 40, fo. 230.

Wee have in all things dealt cleerly and plainely w^th you, and hope wee shall still continue to doe so. As soone as the worthy alderman and the other two gent^s yo^r co~m^rs came the last night to us, we acquainted them w^th our purpose to draw the head quarter to Uxbridg That soe we might contract our quarters w^ch have hitherto lyen scattered. At which place we hope to receive that w^ch wilbe satisfaccÕn to the kingdome and will remove obstruccÕns out of the way of justice, wherein if right were done, wee should let you and all the world see that we would be soe farr from pressing neere yo^r citie of London, it should be indifferent to us to march not only to the distance already prescribed, but to any part of the kingdome we should be commanded to by the Parliament. Wee have asked nothinge hitherto but right in the things that are knowne, as if they were proved an hundred times before them from whome wee have sought them, w^ch if graunted would not only be a justice to the armie, but would lett the kingdome see the ffountayne in a way to be cleered without w^ch nothing of force or power would be a securitie to any man. We wish the name of priviledges may not be in the ballance w^th the safetie of a kingdome, and the reality of doing justice, w^ch as we have said too often, we cannot expect whilest the persons we had accused are the kingdomes and our judges. A little delay will indanger the putting the kingdome into blood, notwithstanding what hath bin said, if it be considered that in Wales (besides underhand workings in yo^r citie) and other places men are raised and that in noe small nombres. And are not those men in the Parliam^t who have contynued faithfull to the principles of common interest from the beginning of the Parliam^t to this very day still awed by the concourse of Reformadoe offic^rs and others to their doores. Expence of time will be their advantage only who intend to bring evill purposes to passe. We have written this to you for yo^r satisfaccÕn that soe nothinge may be done without giving you a perfect account of our intencÕns and ends. And still to contynue our assurance to you, that should necessity bring us neerer to the citty our former faith given you shall be observed inviolably, there being nothing more (next the good of the kingdome) in our thoughts and desires than the prosperitie of yo^r citty.

Barkhamsteed June 25 1647.

No. 72.

Journal 40, fo. 234.

My Lord and Gentlemen

To the end we may contynue a right understanding betweene you and us all along in the manadgm^t of this great busines, w^th the Parliam^t (the happie proceeding whereof so much concernes the safety and peace of this Kingdome.) We have given yo^r Commission^rs this day, the copie of a paper w^ch we presented to the Commissioners of Parliam^t residing w^th us. Wherein we take notice of the true reasons of the slowe progresse in the Treaty, and declare where the stoppe remains. And to the end that nothing be wanting in us w^ch might work towards the speedy settlem^t of the quiett of this Kingdome, wee have humbly offered what we conceive will most effectually tend to remove those incombrances and lettes, w^ch stand betwixt us, and this universall good to the Kingdome; and till that be done, it cannot be expected that we should procure the peace of this nation by a Treatie, but rather give occacÕn and opportunity thereby to others to ingage us in a second warr, w^ch must necessarily hazard the ruine of this Kingdome, as also ascertayne the destruccÕn of Ireland, the relief whereof we should most effectually apply unto, were the affaires of England, but once put into a hopefull way. It is a sound and substantiall settlement of the whole we desire, in a generall safe and well grounded peace, and the establish^mt of such lawes, as might duly and readily render to every man their iust rights and liberties: And for obteyning of theis, not only our intencÕns have lead us, but we thinke that all the blood, treasure, and labour spent in this warr was for the accomplishm^t of theis very things, w^ch are of that concernem^t both to our selfs and posterity, that neither we nor they cane live comfortably without them. And thereof we hope yo^r selfes will have the same sence, and therefore improve your interest for the obtayning of our iust desires in the proposalls now sent to the Parliam^t, w^ch being graunted, and we secured from the danger of a warr, we shall proceed w^th cheerfulness to the Treaty; and doubt not in a short time to see a happy conclusion to the satifaccÕn of all honest mens expectacÕns: And that in all our undertakeings we shalbe found men of truith, fully and singly answering the things we have held forth to the Kingdome in our severall declaracÕns and papers, without bye or base respects to any private ends or interests whatsoever.

July 8th 1647 Readinge.

No. 73.

Journal 40, fo. 242b.

Our Committee being all returned from the Army contrary to o^r expectacÕn we are yet well satisfied therew^th, because, that it was at your request. They have communicated unto us severall papers from you dated on and betweene the 17^th and 23^th present, by one whereof, being a lettre to this Court, we take notice of the sence the army hath of a printed paper w^ch had come to their hands out of the Citie, and have perused the same, but in regard the originall hath not bin yet presented to this Court, it is not thought fitt to declare our sence thereupon, but we esteeme it our duty to rest in that w^ch both Houses of Parliam^t have resolved, upon consideracÕn of this paper, w^ch we conceave also wilbe sufficient to stopp the further proceeding thereof. But truly we cannot conceale from yo^r Ex^cie that (forasmuch as we can collect) this paper was occasioned from intelligence w^ch came from the army, that there was some intencÕn there, to move the Parliament for the change of the Militia of this Citie, and we doubt not but you have heard what great distemper the alteracÕn w^ch the Parliam^t made of our Militia upon yo^r desire did lately produce in this Citie, w^ch being now againe upon our humble peticÕn put into the same hands it was, at the tyme the mocÕn came from you, we hope all things are well appeased and setled. And we are confident it cannot be offensive unto the armie, if we desire them not to intermeddle w^th any the Liberties or Priviledges of this Citie or interpose in the point of our Militia, but that wee may enioy that trust quietly w^ch wee shall assure you we shall take care shalbe managed to no other end but for the Parliam^ts and our owne defence, and shall give no iust provocacÕn to any person whatsoever. We shall conclude w^th this profession that we shall alwayes detest all occasions of a new warr, and we are not conscious to ourselves, that any thing that hath passed in this business can deserve the expressions of yo^r lettre, as if it were probable to involve the whole Kingdome in bloud, or that it must necessarily begin within our bowells or draw the seat and misery of warr upon us and our Citie. For all other thinges we referr you to our Committees.

London 28 July 1647.

No. 74.

Journal 40, fo. 267.

Att this common Councell Mr. Aldran Fowkes and Mr. Aldran Gibbs (by direccons of the comitte of the milicia for London) did make a large relacÕn of the greate tumult insurreccÕn and mutinie which happened in this Citty on the last Lords day and on Monday last by many evill disposed persons w^ch first began on the Lords day in the afternoone in the Countie of Middlesex. Where they seazed the colours of one of the trayned bands of the said countie who were there imployed for the suppressing of such persons as did prophane the Lords day And being dispersed by some of the genÃlls forces did gather togeather within the citty of London and Lib~ties thereof And in a riotous manner did breake open divers houses and magazens of armes and amunicÕn and tooke away armes plate money and other things And did seaze vpon the drums of the trayned bands of this Citty which were beating to raise their companies and armed themselves and beate vp drums and putt themselves in a warlike posture And seazed vpon the gates chaynes and watches of the Citty and then marched to the Lord Maiors house and there assaulted the Lord maio^r sheriffs comitte of the milicia of London and other magestrates of the same And did shoote into the Lord maiors house beat backe his guard killed one of them wounded divers others and seazed and tooke away a peece of ordinance from thence with which they did afterwards slay and wound divers persons and comitted many other outrages All which matters being largely debated and many particulars insisted vpon both for the discovery and punishment of the said outrages and misdemeanours and alsoe for the preventing of the Like for tyme to come It was at the last concluded and agreed by this common Councell as followeth, ffirst this common Councell do generally conceive that this Citty was in great danger by Reason of the said outrages and misdemeanours And that if the same had not bine soe tymely prevented and stayed the whole citty would have benn exposed to the fury and rage of the said malefactors And this comon Councell doth declare that the same misdemeanor and outrage was an horrid and detestable Acte tending to the destruccÕn of the Citty and that they do disavow the same and with an vtter detestacÕn doe declare their dislike therof And this common Councell doe appoint the comitte of the milicia of London to make the same knowne to the honÃble houses of Parliament And alsoe to make an humble request vnto them that an order may be issued forth from them to the sevÃll ministers of this citty and the places adiacent that they may be directed to give publique thankes to Almighty God the author of this greate and wonderfull delivÃnce from that eminent danger wherein this Citty and parts adiacent were involved And further the said comittee was appointed by this court to apply themselves to the honÃble houses of Parliament for the obteyning of a speciall Comission of Oyer and Terminer for the trying and punishing of all the malefactors that had a hand in this detestable accÕn according to the knowne Lawes of this land And this court with thankfull harts doe acknowledge the instruments (vnder God) by w^ch they obteyned this delivÃnce to be by the forces raised and continewed by the Parliament vnder the command of his excellency the Lord GenÃll Fairefax And to manifest the same this common Councell doe alsoe order that the said comitte of the millitia in the name of the Citty as a thing agreed vpon by an vnamious Consent shall returne their harty thankes to his excellency for his speedy and seasonable aide afforded the Citty in this their greate straight and danger And this court with a genÃll consent doe well approve of the endeavours of the said comitte of the milicia for London for the raising of the forces of the Citty And in their procuring of the said Ayde and helpe from his excellency in this extreamity and what els they have doun for the appeasing and suppressing of the said tumults And this courte doe give thankes to the said comitte of the millicia for their care and paines taken by them taken vpon this sadd occasion And they doe appointe Mr. Adran Fowkes to declare the same their thankes to such of the said comitte as are not of this Court And this Court doth alsoe with all thankfulnes acknowledge the paines and care of the right honÃble the Lord Maior and the right Worshiplull the Sheriffs of the Citty therin And this court doe genÃlly declare that it is the duty of every Citizen of this Citty by himselfe & all that doe belong vnto him or is vnder his comand to be ready vpon all occasions to be ayding and assisting vnto the Lord Maior and the rest of the magistrates of this Citty for the suppressing of all tumults and disorders within the same And the sevÃll persons now present att this comon councell by the holding vp of their hands have promised that for the tyme to come they will vse their vtmost endeavours and be ready vpon all occasions to doe the same.

Vpon the late sadd occasion which happened by reason of the tumult and insurreccÕn that was within this Citty and places adjacent this courte entred into consideracÕn of some meanes to be vsed and prepared to prevent and suppres the Like for the future And to that purpose it was propounded that the number of 100 horses might be in readinesse within this Citty furnished with all things fitting for service to be drawe forth vpon any occasion by the Comand of ... for the tyme being for the suppressing of any tumult or other disorder as occasion should require And after some debate had thervpon it was genÃlly conceived that the proposicÕn was fitt to be entertained And to that purpose itt was thought fitt and soe ordered by the courte that the Comitte of the milicia for London shall consider how the said horses shalbe raised and the charge therof And how they shalbe kepte maintained and disposed of for the service of the Citty And of all other matters and circumstances concerning the same And to report to the next common councell in writing their opinions therin That soe this courte vpon their report may doe thervpon what they they shall think fitt and may be best for the good and saftie of this Citty.

No. 75.

Journal 40, fo. 275.

I received yours and understand by severall gentlemen of the millitia of London how much you are desired and importuned to accepte of the comand of the forces in and aboute the cittie of London. I must needs say I cannot but be sorrey to parte with one who hath upon all occasions doun such good service for the Parliament and Kingdome. But my private respects ought to give place unto the publique And since it is so generally desired by the cittie and severall millitia, I cannot but be glad they have made soe good a choice and hope it will tend to the furtherance of union and good agream^t for the advantage of the Parliament, Cittie and Kingdome. The consequences whereof I apprehend to be such that I cannot but denie my selfe and frely leave you to your selfe and doe disingage you from any tye to my selfe or the army under my comand in case you accepte of the aforesaid comand in the cittie Wishing you much hapiness in your undertakings I remayne &c.

Windsor 10^th May,
1648.

No. 76.

Journal 40, fo. 314.

A common councell beinge lawfully summoned to meete at eight of the clocke in the morneinge upon the day above written, Wee commoners of the citty of London members of the said courte in obedience to the said summons and for discharge of the trust reposed in us made our appearance att the vsuall place of meetinge for the saide courte about the time appointed. Aboute eleaven of the clocke the Lord Maio^r accompanied onely with two of the Aldermen tooke the chayre Wee then desireinge the lord mayo^r that the acts of the last courte might be reade accordinge to the vsuall course of the saide courte and for the further confirmacÕn of the said acts could not obteyne the same (though earnestly desired) for above an howres space after which some members of the said courte (being parte of a committee formerly chosen by the said courte) tendered a peticÕn therevnto to bee reade, and considered of which peticÕn (beinge the same now presented to this hono^ble House) was drawne vpp by them in referrence to an order of the said courte and received the approbacÕn of the majo^r parte of the quorum of that comittee and though itt was often and earnestly prest for a long time by the majo^r parte of the courte that it might be reade to receive the sence of the courte, yett the Lord Maio^r wholly refused to suffer the same or that the question should be putt whether it should be reade yea or noe After the fruitelesse expence of many howres another question beinge drawne vpp the majo^r parte of the courte required itt to be putt, to be putt [sic] to be decided according to the right and custome of the courte and beinge denyed therein declared how vnjust and of what a destructive nature to the beinge of the courte such a denyall would bee yet notwithstandinge the Lord Maio^r with the two Aldermen departed and lefte the courte sittinge to the greate greife and generall dissatisfaccÕn of the same Beinge thus deprived of our ordinary assistance for our proceedings, wee did then require and command the Common Serjeant and Towne Clarke officers of the said courte to stay in the courte and putt the question both which they contemptuously refused and lefte the courte sittinge likewise Wherevpon in discharge of our trust and in our tender care of the common good of Citty and Kingdome Wee did stay and remaine a courte wherein was thrice reade debated and voted (nemine contradicente) the peticÕn hereunto annexed to be as this day presented to this hono^ble Howse.

Havinge given this hono^ble Howse this breife, but true, narrative of parte of our sufferings for eight howres at least In the breadth (as wee conceive) of our vndoubted rights & priviledges and conceiveinge the like obstruccÕns would render our meetings in councell altogether fruitlesse for publiq benefitte and service for the future Wee are forced to appeale vnto this hono^ble Howse for such consideracÕns hereof and direccons herein, as may make the commons of London in common councell assembled vsefull to the ends for which they were chosen.

No. 77.

Repertory 60, fo. 213.

My Lord and Gentlemen.

In pursuance of an Order of Parliament wee desire you forthwith to give order that y^e two Statues that Stand at y^e west end of Paules above y^e worke borne up by y^e Columnes sett upp to represent King James and the late King may forthwith bee throwne downe. Alsoe y^t y^e head of that Statue at y^e Exchainge sett there to represent y^e late King be broaken off, and y^e Septer broaken out of his hand And this inscripcon put upp by it Exit Tyrannus Regum ultimus Anno Libertatis AngliÆ restitutÆ primo Annoque Domini 1648 Januarij 30º And yow are alsoe to take care that y^e inscripcon under those Statues at Paules be cutt out of y^e stones and that this be doune before Saturday the tenth of August next and y^t y^e Councell bee then certified of your proceedings therein.

Signed in y^e name and by order
of y^e Councell of State appointed
by Authority of Parliament
Jo: Bradshawe P'sid^t.
Whitehall
31 July 1650.

No. 78.

Id., fo. 220b.

My Lord and Gentlemen

By a lre from y^e Councell beareing Date y^e 31^th of July last order was given for y^e throwing downe of the two Statues at ye west end of Paules & likewise for y^e takeing of y^e head & Septer out of y^e hand of y^t w^ch stood at y^e Exchainge in Lond w^ch according to y^e desire of the Councell Wee understand is put into ExecucÕn. Since which the Councell haveing taken y^t matter into further consideracÕn they have thought fit to order that that y^e whole of what is remayneing of y^e Statue of y^e late Kinge at y^e Exchainge be taken downe and that y^e InscripcÕn which was ordered to be placed neere unto it be now written in y^e place wher y^e said Statue did stand.

Signed in y^e name & by ord^r of
y^r Councell of State appoynted
by Authoritye of Parliam^t
Jo: Bradshawe
Prsid^t.
Whitehall 14^th
of August 1650.

No. 79.

Journal 41, fo. 90b.

The Councell of State have considered that there are severall great guns belonging to the Citie of London which are now remayning at Leadenhall, and severall other partes of the Cittie, and for the better secureinge thereof have thought fitt that the L^t of the Tower should draw them in thither on Tuesday next, wherein yo^r Lordship is desired to give yo^r assistance, and to cause the same to be delivered accordingly takeinge a receipt from the officers of the Ordnance by an inventory indented conteyning the numbers and quallities. And the Councell doth hereby declare, and give yo^r Lordship assurance that this is not at all intended as a disrespect to the Citty, or in prejudice to their interest in the said guns, but in order to their safeguard, and to be returned back to the Citty when they shall have occasion for them and desire them.

Whitehall 19^th November 1653.

No. 80.

Id., fo. 170b.

Sheweth

That the peticoners are deepely sensible of the manie mercies & signall providences that these three nations have received from Almightie God in subduing his and their Enemyes in the times of our late warres, in which it pleased our wise and Gratious God to vse your highnes as the most speciall & eminent Instrument in his hand as chosen out and fitted by him for those great & subsequent workes by which his name mightbe Glorifyed, the three Nations & in speciall his owne people therein protected and preserved from their enemies att home & abroad. And not only soe, but the Continued goodnes of god hath followed vs in soe much that after a sharpe & bloody warre seuÃll yeares together, for some yeares last past those cloudes have bine brooken, and the Sun of peace hath shined vppon vs with a great measure of hope putt into our harts of a happie lasting & well grounded forme of goverment, according to the peticÕn and advice of the late Parliam^t consented to by your highnes for which wee doe as in duty bound blesse the Lord and desire a long and happie continuance of the same. But yet your peticoners taking notice from your Hignes late gracious speech to them that the old restles enemy is reviving his almost dead hopes of prevailing to execute his wrath and malice against god your highnes & the good & peacefull people of the three Nations, partly from the discontents of a Brain sicke party at home and especially from the aides of the popish inveterate enemy abroad and have laid designes to themselves hopefull, by insurreccons from within and invasions from without vs to raise newe troubles & kindle the flames of warre againe amongst vs, by which to change our Government & therein ruine the three Nations. The premisses considered the peticoners do professe vnto all both frinds and Enemyes. That we shall vppon our antient principales of love & fidelitie to God your Highnes & the good people in the three nations with all readines oppose this enemy to the vtmost with our lives & fortunes.

And ever pray &c.

No. 81.

Remembrancia ix, 8.

My Lord & Gentlemen,

By a copy of a vote of Common Councill held y^e 4^th of September present (w^ch was left at my house) I find my selfe declared to bee an Ald~ran of London, & invited to y^e execucÕn of that place. The knowledge of my vnfitness for y^t imploym^t by reason of my great age of 77 yeares, & those infirmities y^t accompany it, did soon put me upon y^e resolucÕn of getting my discharge from it. But y^e death of my eldest sonn's wife & child, did overwhelme me as well as him w^th that greife, w^ch permitted not my goeing abroad untill the last Thursday, when I hoped to have found at Guildhall a full court of Ald~ren. But those expectacÕns failing me, I forbore y^e declaring my IntencÕns & desires then. And being this day upon my retreat into the Country for the necessary refreshm^t of my selfe & sonn I thought it my duty to acquaint yo^r Lord^p: & this Court w^th my Condicon & most earnest Request. I have now beene laid aside about 12 yeares; The Rump Parliam^t haveing first imprisoned me in y^e Tower (y^e 24^th of 7^ber 1647), cheifly (as was conceived) to prevent my being chosen Lord Mayor the MichÃs following, where I remain'd vntill the 6th of the next June, when I was enlarged w^th out so much as PeticÕning. But afterwards to satisfye y^e AmbicÕn of some that had a mind to bee in our seats, S^r John Gayre, Ald~ran Adams, my selfe & Bro^r Bunce, by a resolve of that Remain of a House of Commons that presumed to sitt as a Parliam^t, were disenabled & discharged from being Ald~ren, & others chosen in our steds. Notw^thstanding w^ch displeasure of those who usurped the Government & my being out of their sight, in y^e Country, y^e Citty retained those kind remembrances of me & my sufferings as to choose me 2^ce one of their Burgesses, in those ConvencÕns, w^ch wee called then Parliam^ts w^ch as they are argum^ts that I enjoyed their favour, so they are Reasons that I take not ill w^t this Court, or y^e Common Councill complyed in ag^t my Right, out of a feare of those who had made themselves Masters of the Three Kingdomes as well as this Citty: And that sense of my duty w^ch made me accept of serving this Citty (where God hath blest me) when called to it, & continue in that service whilst permitted, would now alsoe command my returne to the executing of my place, as an Ald~ran, upon that InvitacÕn I have recd, did not my finding and dayly discovering my disabilityes perswade me that you in Justice ought not to require, what I out of Conscience ought not to accept, ffor, both my age hath a legall excuse from the troubles of Magistracy, & yo^r affaires need that presentness of parts, w^ch a life so much worne out as mine is, cannot afford. I doubt not but I might have obteyned my discharge elswhere, but because yo^r Lord^p & this Court, are those to whome y^e memb^rs of it especially are to betake themselves I thought it unbecoming me so farr to despair of yo^r Justice & ffavour, as to look for it in any other place. Wherefore, I make it my importunate request to your Lord^p & this Hon^ble Court, that I may be discharged, for ever, from being an Ald~ran, & part of that tyme that yet remaines of my life shall be spent in pray^rs for the happiness & flourishing of this Renowned Citty And when I shall have yo^r dismission into y^t privacy, wherein I may vndisturbedly prepare for the other & better world I am hasting into, I shall not cease to be a fervent Lover of that place, wherein I have received so manyfold mercyes from y^e Divine goodness, nor to bee my Lord and Gentlemen, yo^r affeccÕnate ffreind and humble servant.

Crosby House the 18^th Septem^br 1660.

No. 82.

Original Letter.

Being informed by the Master of his Ma^ties Game of Beares and Bulls and of others that very well remember that the Company of Butchers did formerly cause all their Offall in Eastcheape and Newgate Markett to bee conveyed by the Beadle of their Company vnto two Barrow Houses conveniently placed on the Riverside to receave the same for the provision and feeding of his Ma^ties Game of Beares And that that Custome hath beene interrupted in the late Troubles when the Beares were killed. And that his Ma^ties Game being now againe by the order of the King and Councill removed to the usuall place on the Bank side at the very great charges of the Master of the Game I shall therefore earnestly recommend it to your Lo^PP and the rest of my very good freiends the Court of Aldermen and desire you to give such order to the Master and Wardens of the Company of Butchers that their offall may bee duely conveyed to the aforesaid houses as formerly it was for the feeding of his Ma^ties said Game which the under officers at present are forced to provide by extraordinary and very chargeable meanes soe not doubting of your Care herein I rest

Your humble Servant
(Signed) Manchester.
Court at Whitehall
Septemb: 1664
Michaelmas day

No. 83.

Journal 50, fo. 83b.

To the Kings most Excellent Ma^tie

The humble Addresse of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Commons of the City of London in Common Councell assembled Sheweth.

That wee your most Loyall and dutifull subjects haveing with astonishment received y^e discovery of a most traterous and horrid Conspiracy of diverse ill affected and desperate persons to compasse y^e death and destruccÕn of your Royall person and of your Dearest Brother James Duke of Yorke, and that to effect y^e same theis have held Severall Treasonable ConsultacÕns to Levy men and to make an InsurreccÕn and made great provision of Armes; A designe notoriously tending to y^e present destruccÕn not only of your best Subjects but of y^e Sacred Person of your Ma^ty y^e best of Princes and to involve this and y^e future GeneracÕn in Confusion blood and misery carryd on notw^thstanding their Specious pretences by knowne dissenting Conventicles and Atheistical persons.

And haveing in y^e first place Offered up our Solemn thanks to Almighty God for his Watchfull Providence in bringing to Light this impious and Execrable Machination.

We doe in ye next place humbly offer to your Ma^tie y^e deepe resentments of our Loyall hearts concerning y^e same and begg your Ma^tie to rest fully assured that as no interest in this world is valuable to us in comparison of your Ma^tyes service and safety so wee are determined readily to Expose our lives and fortunes in defence of your Ma^tyes person your heires and successors and your government establisht in Church and State and particularly for discovering Defeating and destroying all such Conspiracys assotiations and attempts whatsoever.

All which Resolutions are accompanyd w^th our daily and fervent prayres that your Ma^ty may Vanquish and overcome all your enimyes and that the yeares of your happy reigne over us may be many and prosperous.

No. 84.

Journal 58, fo. 377.

His Majesty having received an Account, That the Eldest Son of the Pretender after having been some time in Scotland, has traiterously assembled a considerable Number of Persons in Arms, who have Set up a Standard in the Name of the Pretender, resisted and attacked some of His Majesty's Forces, and are now Advancing towards Perth or Edenburgh; And there being the greatest Reason to Apprehend, That these Attempts have been Encouraged, and may be supported by Foreign Powers; The King has commanded Me to Acquaint Your Lordship therewith, And His Majesty being fully persuaded of the Abhorrence and Detestation that must be raised in the Minds of all his faithful Subjects, at this Audacious Attempt, to Subvert Our most excellent Constitution both in Church and State under which Alone the Liberties and Properties of these Protestant Kingdoms can be preserved, And being Particularly convinced of the Zeal and Loyalty of his good City of London His Majesty Orders Me to assure You, That he has the firmest Confidence, that Your Lordship, pursuant to the great Trust reposed in you, will in Conjunction with the other Magistrates of his said good City, exert your Authority with the utmost Care and Vigilance on this important Occasion, for the Preservation of the Publick Peace; The Security of the City of London; and the Disappointment as far as depends upon You, of these wicked and Traiterous Designs. I am &c. Whitehall, September 4th 1745.

No. 85.

Repertory 150, fo. 40.

I am commanded by the King to Acquaint Your Lordship; That His Majesty has, this day, received certain Advice, that the Rebels, with the Pretender's Son, Arrived, on Wednesday last, at Derby, in their way, as they give out towards London; That His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland upon this New motion of the Rebels towards Derbyshire, had made the necessary Disposition for getting before them, with the utmost Expedition; And had determin'd for that purpose, to March, the direct way for London. Part of the Cavalry of His Royal Highness's Army will be this Night at Northampton, and the Remainder to Morrow, And the Foot will Encamp to Morrow also near Northampton so that His Royal Highness did not Doubt, but he should be able to reach Northampton so as to be between the Rebels and London; But in order that the Peace and Security of the City of London, may be provided for, in all Events, His Majesty has commanded me to recommend it to Your Lordship, That imediate Directions may be given for augmenting the Guard of the City, in such manner as shall be thought proper; And that a sufficient Number of the Train'd Bands may be constantly out in the day time, as well as at Night, to preserve the peace of the City. Your Lordship will also be pleas'd to take Care, that Orders may be given to the Commanding Officers of the Parties employ'd in that Service, to be very vigilant in preventing, or suppressing any Disorders, or Tumults; And to Seize any Persons that may be assembled together in a riotous manner: And also that a Guard may be constantly posted in the Squares and open Places of the City; And that there may be daily Meetings of the Magistrates appointed in proper places to See, that these Services are perform'd.

Your Lordship will likewise be pleas'd to Cause an Exact Account to be taken of all Horses (as well Coach and Saddle Horses) in the several Stables within the City; where Horses are kept for hire; and transmit an Account of the same, to be laid before His Majesty.

The King thinking, that it may be of great Service, that proper Signals should be made, in case of any Commotion or Alarm, and also that Alarm Posts should be appointed, within the City, and Suburbs; His Majesty has commanded, that the same should be forthwith done, And that Your Lordship should have imediate Notice of it.

His Majesty has also given directions to the Master General of the Ordnance, to appoint forthwith proper Persons, to Inspect the several Entrances into the City, and to Consider, in what manner, in case of an Emergency the same may be obstructed.

I am to desire your Lord^p would be pleased to transmit to me, to be laid before the King an Account of the Number of Men, that are at present, appointed for the several Guards to the City, and of the Places, at which they are posted; As also of what Number of Men you would propose to add, for that Service, And in what parts of this City, they may most usefully be posted.

His Majesty having been inform'd, that a considerable number of his good Subjects, Inhabitants of the City, out of Zeal for His Majesty's Service, and for the preservation of Our Excellent Constitution, are desirous of appearing in Arms, on the present occasion; His Majesty has ordered me to recommend it to your Lord^p to give all possible Encouragement to such laudable designs, And if Your Lord^p will transmit to me the Names of any Persons that shall be willing to Engage in the manner above-mentioned, I will imediately procure a proper authority from His Maj^ty for that purpose.

The Zeal, which your Lo^p & the City of London have shew'd for the Defence of His Maj^tys Person and Government, and the Abhorrence and Detestation You have express'd, for the present unnatural Rebellion, give His Majesty the strongest Assurance, that you will Exert your utmost Endeavours in Opposition to the bold and dangerous Attempts, now making by the Pretender and his Adherents; which threaten the Peace and Tranquility of this great and flourishing City.

I am &c.
Whitehall Decm^r 6{th} 1745.

No. 86.

Proceedings relative to the expunging of the recognizance entered into by William Witham, Messenger of the House of Commons—as narrated by James Morgan, Clerk to the Lord Mayor, to the Committee appointed to assist in defending Crosby, Wilkes and Oliver; 22 March, 1771.

Committee Book.

Mr. James Morgan Clerk to the Lord Mayor acquainted the Committee that he was served on Wednesday Morning last the twentieth instant with an order of the House of Commons dated the nineteenth March 1771 to attend that House with the Minutes taken before the Lord Mayor relative to the Messenger of the House of Commons giving security for his appearance at the next General Quarter Session of the Peace for the City of London to answer such Indictments as may be preferred against him for the supposed assault and Imprisonment of J. Miller. In consequence of this Order he attended the House of Commons on Wednesday the twentieth instant with the book from between two and three o'clock in the Afternoon—that he was called in between two and three o'clock the next Morning and was asked by the Speaker who he was—he said he was Clerk to the Lord Mayor of London.—The Speaker ask'd for the Minutes that were taken, then he produced the book at the Bar. The Speaker sent for the book to him and ordered that part relating to Miller to be read. He was likewise ordered up to the Table and the Minutes were read. That a Motion was then made that those Minutes should be expunged which was carried in the Affirmative. That he was ask'd by a Member whether M^r Aldⁿ Wilkes and M^r Aldⁿ Oliver were there. He answered they were. He was then ordered to the Bar and was served with an Order of the House of Commons as follows—Ordered that M^r James Morgan Clerk to the Lord Mayor of London do expunge from the Minute Book kept by him at the Mansion House the entry relative to William Whitham a Messenger of this House giving security for his appearance at the next General Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the City of London. That he answered he had no Indemnity for so doing. The Speaker said he was ordered so to do. He then did expunge that Minute accordingly. He was then ordered to withdraw.

This Committee doth desire the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor to call a Court of Common Council for Tuesday next and lay the whole transaction of the above affair before the said Court, when M^r Morgan is to attend with the Minute Book.

No. 87.

Minutes of City Committee of Correspondence.

Sir,

The Westminster Committee observing that the London Committee are instructed "to meet such Members of the Committees of the several petitioning Counties, Cities and Boroughs as are now in London, or who may be deputed for the purpose of presenting, or supporting their Petitions, and who may think it necessary to confer, on the means of promoting the common object of the said Petition" have directed me to acquaint you that it is their opinion, that nothing is so desireable in the present Stage of the business as a general meeting of the several Committees by their Agents or Deputies. From the correspondence they have had with the other Committees they have reason to think this opinion is pretty general; and therefore if the London Committee should concur in that opinion they would wish to know in what manner the London Committee think such a measure may be best effected.

It has been suggested that the London, Middlesex and Westminster Committees, might meet by their Deputies and that a joint invitation from them to the other Committees would come with more propriety and weight than such a proposal from any single Committee: But altho' this mode has been thought of, any other that is equally adapted to bring about the measure proposed, will be equally acceptable to the Westminster Committee.

I have the honor to be &c.
St. James's Street
February 21^st 1780.

No. 88.

Ibid.

Sir,

I receive with great satisfaction and very humble acknowledgement, the honour which the Committee of the Common Council of London have been pleased to confer on me, by their Resolution of the 3^d Inst., which you have been so obliging as to transmit to me. Their approbation of the plan which I submitted to Parliament;—the effects which they expect from its being carried into execution,—these secure to me the co-operation and support of the greatest Corporation in the World, thro their very respectable Committee. Be so good, Sir, as to assure that Committee, that I shall be unwearied in my endeavours, to carry into execution the measures which they have approved, and which, under such a sanction, I am entitled to consider as leading to the attainment of some part of the desires, which they, in common with multitudes of our fellow subjects have lately express'd. I say some part, because I am sensible that much more is wanting; and I protest to the Committee, with great sincerity, that I shall be, as active, as industrious, and as zealous in supporting the constitutional and salutary measures, already proposed, and such as may be hereafter proposed, by other Gentlemen, as I have been in endeavouring to give effect to my own humble, but, certainly, well intended conceptions. The people alone can procure the final attainment of the just and temperate requests which they have made. Their interference as constitutional always, as it was now necessary, has already produced a visible effect. A continued watchfulness, on their part, will beget an active attention in the Representative body, to the Interests of their constituents. Let us continue true to ourselves, and we shall not find many that will dare to be false to us. Let each, in his station of public trust, give the best Counsel his capacity suggests, and let our whole collective and united efforts be applyd to execute whatever is wisely plann'd, be the Proposer who he may. Let us do this and the People cannot remain long unsatisfy'd in their just and reasonable desires. I have the honour to be &c.

Charles Street,
St. James's Square,
6^th March, 1780.

No. 89.

Ibid.

Sir,

I have the honour of transmitting to you a copy of the proceedings in Westminster Hall on the 6th inst. in which you will observe that the form of Association adopted by the City of Westminster, is nearly similar to that of the County of York.

There never was a time when Union was more necessary than the present, as the only hopes of those who wish to defeat the wishes of the people, are confessedly founded upon supposed disagreements among the true friends of their country.

I should long ago have transmitted to your Committee, lists of the Members who have voted in the late important questions, but have been unable to procure any on which I could depend. That which was printed in the Newspapers, was to my knowledge very incorrect.

I cannot close my letter without informing you that the three following Resolutions were agreed to by the House of Commons on the 6th instant.

"That it is necessary to declare, that the Influence of the Crown has increased, is increasing, and ought to be diminished."

"That it is competent to this House, to examine into and correct Abuses in the Expenditure of the Civil List Revenues, as well as in every other branch of the Public Revenue, whenever it shall appear expedient to the Wisdom of this House so to do."

"That it is the Duty of this House, to provide, as far as may be an immediate and effectual redress of the Abuses complained of in the Petitions, presented to this House from the different Counties, Cities and Towns of this Kingdom."

so that in one of the fullest houses that we have ever known a complete approbation has been given to the sentiments of the Petitions, with a promise to attend to their Prayers. How that promise will be performed, it is our duty to watch; If we persevere in our exertions, I think there is little or no doubt of obtaining our objects, but if we are lulled into Security by Success, it is but too probable that the Representatives of the People may relapse into their former inattention to their constituents.

I am &c.
St. James's Street,
April 10th 1780.