A speech, of Colonell Edward Leigh, as it was delivered by himselfe to the honourable House of Commons, upon occasion of presenting a Stafford-shire petition: as also the petition it selfe, presented by the same colonell, and divers other gentlemen of Stafford-shire, on Munday the thirtieth of Septem. 1644.

To the Right honourable the Lords and Commons now assembled in Parliament; The humble Petition of the Committee, Commanders, Gentlemen, and others well affected in the County of Stafford.

Humbly sheweth.

THat whereas the continuall and grievous pressures of Plunder, insupportable taxations, imprisonments, ter∣rours and murders by the Enemy, now much encreasing by the addition of many falling into these counties of Stafford and Salop, being the weakest part of the Kingdome, as we conceive, through our distractions, and the unhappy absence of our Lord Generall the Earle of Denbigh, and are now (as we are credibly informed) preparing to plant themselves in Garisons for this winter.

We are forced humbly to pray, as formerly, that no ob∣stacles (not worthy to be compared with the sufferings of these Countries, and the cause in generall may any longer re∣tard the accommodation and timely dispatch of our L. Ge∣nerall, by whose wisdome and power (under God) we are

confident there will be raised, united, and disposed such a seasonable and considerable Force in these, and parts neare us, that are disingaged, which now for want of a head, are disioynt and unserviceable) as will not only cleare these, But assist other parts. And that the differences betwixt his Lord∣ship and others, may either be speedily reconciled and orde∣red, or deferred untill the leasure of the honourable Houses and the exigents of our condition will admit.

And your Petitioners shall ever pray, &c. With 4000. hands of Gentlemen and others of good ability.

FINIS