True information of the beginning and cause of all our troubles how they have been hatched, and how prevented. Wherein vvee may see the manifold contrivances and attempts of forraigne and home-bred enemies, against the Parliament, kingdome, and purity of religion. And how all their endeavours whether by force or fraud, never prospered. A work worthy to be kept in record, and to bee communicated to posterity.

1646.

The King escaped out of Oxford in a disguised manner, with two onely in his company, one of which was Mr. Ashburnham: the King and the other Party going for the said Ashburnham's men. The King carried a Cloak-bagge or Portman∣tle behind him like a serving man.

Ordered that it be declared, and it is hereby declared by the Lords and Com∣mons in Parliament assembled, that what person soever shall harbour or con∣ceale, or know of the harbouring or concealing of the Kings person, and shall not reveale it immediately to the Speakers of both Houses, shall bee proceed∣ed against as a Traytor to the Common-wealth, forfeit his whole estate, and dye without mercy.

A Letter from the Commissioners of Scotland, concerning His Majesties comming to the Scotch. Army May 5. 1646.

RIght Honourable, The discharging of our selves of the duty wee owe to the Kingdome of England, to you as Commissioners from the same, moves us to acquaint you with the Kings comming in to our Army this morning, which having overtaken us unexpectedly, hath filled us with amazement, and made us like men that dreame; wee cannot thinke that hee could have beene so unadvised in his resolutions, as to have cast himselfe upon us, without a reall intention to give full satisfaction to both Kingdomes, in all their just and reasonable demands, in all those things that concerne Religion and Righteousnesse; whatsoever be his dis∣position or resolution, you may be assured, that we shal never entertaine any thought, nor correspondency with any purpose, nor countenance any indeavours that may in any circumstance incroach upon our League and Covenant, or weaken the union o•• confidence betwixt the nations, that union to our Kingdom was the matter of many prayers, and as nothing was more joyful unto us then to have it set on foot, so hither∣to have we thought nothing too deare to maintaine it, and we trust to walke with such faithfullnesse and truth in this particular, that as we have the testimony of a good conscience, within our selves, so you, and all the world shal see that we mind your interest with as much integrity and care as our owne, being confident you will entertaine no other thoughts of us.

Signed May 5, 1646. LOTHIAN

His Majesties letter to the Parliament of England touching his good intention, not to prolong the warre, but to secure his person, and labour the composing of the differences betwixt him and the Kingdomes.

His Majesties letter to the City of London, for satisfaction, and to assure the City low he is grieved with the distractions of his people, and that nothing on earth is

[illustration]

[illustration]

The King Escapes out of Oxford in a disguised maner

more desired by his Majesty then, that, in Religion and Peace, with all the com∣fortable fruits thereof; as also to shew his full resolutions to comply with his Parlia∣ments in every thing for the settling of truth and peace, &c.

A Remonstrance exhibited in the name of the Lord Major, Aldermen and Com∣mon-councell of the City of London, to the High Court of Parliament.

Some particulars whereof are these following.

1 That some strict and speedy course may be taken for the suppressing of all pri∣vate and separate Congregations.

2 That all Anabaptists, Brownists, Hereticks, Schismaticks, Blasphemers, and all such Sectaries as conforme not, to the publique discipline established, or to bee established by the Parliament, may fully be declared against, and some effectuall course settled for proceeding against such persons.

3 That as we are all Subjects of one Kingdome, so all may be equally required to yeeld obedience to the Government either set, or to be set forth.

4 That no person disaffected to the Presbyterian Government, set, or to be set forth by the Parliament, may be imployed in any place of publique trust.

His Majesty gave speedy order to several Officers for the surrender of the Towne Castles, and Forts, which then were in the hands of the Kings Commanders, viz. Oxford, Worcester, Litchfeild and Wallingford.

A Petition delivered to his Excellency from the Officers and Souldiers in the Army; touching their faithfullnesse in the Parliaments service doing Summer ser∣vice in the Winter season, &c. Further presented severall designes of theirs.

1. That an Ordinance of Indempnity with the Royall assent be desired.

2. That satisfaction may be given to the Petitioners for their arrears, both in their former service, and in this Army before it be disbanded.

3. That those who have voluntarily served the Parliament in this Kingdome may not be prest to serve in another Kingdome, &c.

4. That those who have lost lives, limbs, or estates, may be provided for, and re∣lieved.

A letter from his Excellency to the severall officers of the Army for the advance of the Irish service, and prevention of all hindrances, &c.