My Lord Wimbledon to the Duke.

I Understand that it pleased the Lords to grant the Colonels leave to accuse me anew, and they have taken to them the most discon∣tented Seamen they could get to help their malice forward. I had thought, that before my coming, they should have had time and ad∣vantage sufficiently to have shewen all their envie. And I was per∣swaded, that they could not have desired more, then to have been present when I should be examined, and my journal read. At the reading whereof they took all the exceptions that might be, and I did answer them all in your Excellencies presence, as I thought fully, whereupon they seemed to be so content, as they had no more to say; neither did they at that time desire to make a journal, or to say any more.

Then the Lords resolutions were only to hear the Seamen speak, upon whom all the businesse did lie. If they may be suffered upon new Combinations, to bring new slanders upon me, I cannot tell what to think of it. But this I can say, that if this course be taken, his Ma∣jestie will never be without a mutinous Armie. (which all States in policy do shun) For when the Common Souldiers shall see their Chiefs give them such examples, they will soon follow, being that all Armies are subject to it, especially a new Armie. I had thought that one Trial had been sufficient, being it was before such an Assembly. But if I should be accused, I should desire to have new accusers, and not the same that have already accused me, (for so there would be no end) & that upon their Petition, I might have been heard what I could justly say, why they should not have leave to make a journal, and not to give them leave before I were heard. I am afraid there was never any such president before, and what inconveniencies may come of it time will shew.

I have sought to none of the Lords as I fear my enemies have done, (I know not whether I shall suffer for it or no) but my trust hath only been in your Excellencie and the justnesse of my Cause. I have been your Excellencies Officer in as difficult and as miserable an action as ever any one hath undertaken, and with as little assistance as ever any one had. For many of those that should have assisted me, were more careful in betraying me, then in forwarding his Majesties service. And if this course be held to encourage them, there is no man shall suffer more then his Majesties service will. For it will be folly for any man to look to his Majesties service, or to take any pains to prevent, or hinder that which may be committed against it; But to let every man do what he will, so all will be pleased, and he that Commands shall have no man to slander him, which is the way to live in quiet.

Thus much I thought was fit for me to let your Excellencie un∣derstand, and withal, that I held it a great unhappinesse for me (that have taken such toyl and pains, and suffered so many slanders) to be kept back by my enemies from that honour, that never any one of my rank and place was hindered in, which is from kissing the hand of my Soveraign Lord the King All Power is in your Lordships hands; whether you will uphold me in my just cause, or no, or let me be rui∣nated for want of it. So that I can say no more, but that if I suffer, I shall be your Excellencies Martyr, if not, I shall all my life rest