Basiliká the works of King Charles the martyr : with a collection of declarations, treaties, and other papers concerning the differences betwixt His said Majesty and his two houses of Parliament : with the history of his life : as also of his tryal and martyrdome.

LIII. To the Inhabitants of Somerset, at KING'S-MORE, July 23. MDCXLIV.

GEntlemen, I have often desired before these Troubles to visit these Western parts, that I might with joy have been an eye-witness of the blessings of Peace which you then enjoyed, and have been welcom'd with the hearty and unanimous affections of My good People here: But the malicious designs of the Authors of this most unnatural War have made those My intentions impossible; yet My coming to you in this posture may sufficiently express what value I set upon these Associated Counties. I am now come to relieve you from the violence of a Rebellious Army sent hither by those that have plunged this whole Kingdom into these desperate Distractions. They have got footing in your Country, and under the false pretences they carry with them (where∣with they have abused too many of My People) are ready to devour you, and bring destruction to your Religion, Property and Liberty. These I am come to defend; and shall refuse no danger that may conduce to your deliverance from this Slavery attempted on you by those men.

All that I ask of you is, that you will not be wanting to your selves, but will heartily joyn with Me in this good work, by contributing your chearful assistance to My Army, and by performing your Duty in bearing Arms with Me in this good Cause, where∣in whoever shall fall carrieth this comfort with him, that he falleth in defence of the true Protestant Religion, his King, his Countrey, and the Law of the Land. And he that will not venture his life for these, I had rather have his room than his company. Upon these grounds I shall lead you on: Follow Me with courage, and the God of Power give us his Blessing.

I shall further remember you of this, that if by your assistance it shall please God to inable Me to reduce this Army now in the bowels of your Country, you will not only thereby free these Associated Counties from those Miseries which threaten you; but it may please God in mercy so to look upon this poor Kingdom, that the fruits of this Vi∣ctory may be a means to restore Peace to us all, that blessed Peace which I have so often and so importunately sought for from them at Westminster, and which they have so scornfully rejected, as if the blood of their fellow-Subjects were their delight. God turn their hearts: neither shall I despair of it, if the success of that Army, the chiefest strength on which they rely, shall fail their expectation; for then it may have such an influence upon them, that I hope they may be prevailed with to give you leave to be happy again; and, which I have so often desired, to have all that is in question between them and Me determined in a full and free convention of Parliament. Then I shall not fear but the united power of this Kingdom will easily free us from that Northern Invasion, which making use of our Divisions, threatneth no less than the Conquest of this whole

Nation. This I assure you, that no success shall make Me less zealously seek for Peace, well knowing whose blood is to be spilt in this unhappy quarrel; but rather I shall more fervently encrease My desires, by how much I may have better grounded hopes to attain what I so earnestly desire.

When I mention Peace, I would be understood to intend that Peace which is built upon such foundations as are most likely to render it firm and stable, wherein God's true Religion may be best secured from the danger of Popery, Sectaries and Innovations; the Crown may possess those just Prerogatives which may inable Me to protect and govern My People according to Law; and the Subject be confirmed in those Rights which they have derived from their Forefathers, and which I have granted to them in Parliament, to which I shall always be ready to add such new Graces as I shall find most to conduce to their Happiness. This is the Peace which I labour for, wherein I may justly expect your best assistance, with your hearts, and hands, and purses.

Neither shall I be more burthensome to you with My Army than of necessity I must for its support (so far I must desire your help, being violently robb'd of all My Re∣venues.) I have and shall use all possible means to suppress the disorders of the Souldiers. The best way to do it is, by taking order that they be not provoked with want of ne∣cessary Provisions. That being done by you, Master Sheriff and the Commissioners of this County, which I most earnestly commend to your care, you shall find Me very strict in such discipline as may best secure you.

This night I hope to have joyned to Me other considerable Forces, which are upon their march towards Me; and tomorrow morning we shall humbly ask God's blessing on us, and begin the Work.

This care I shall further take for you, that as soon as possibly I can, other men to be levied by Impress shall supply the place of such of you, as I shall then give liberty to re∣turn to your Harvest.

I shall conclude with this promise to you, that I shall look upon your chearfulness in this Service as the greatest expression of your Loyalty and Affections that you can make or I receive; which I shall require if it be in My power. If I live not to do it, I hope this young man, My Son, your fellow-Souldier in this Expedition, will; to Whom I shall particularly give it in charge.