THough I have had the Honor to be named by the Kingdom of Scotland in all the Commissions which had relation to this Kingdom since the beginning of this War; yet I had never the happinesse to be with Your Lordships till now, wherein I reve­rence Gods Providence; that he hath brought me hither at such an opportunity, when I may boldly say, it is in the power of the two Kingdoms, yea, I may say in Your Lordships power, to make us both happy, if You make good use of this occasion, by setling Religion, the Peace and Union of these Kingdoms. The work of Reforma­tion in these Kingdoms is so great a work, as no Age nor History can parallel since Christs days; for no one Na­tion had ever such a Reformation set forth unto them, much lesse three Kingdoms: So that this Generation may truly think themselves happy if they can be Instru­mental in it. And as the work is very great, so it cannot be expected but it must have great and powerful Ene­mies, not only flesh and blood which hate to be Reform­ed but Principalities and Powers, the Rulers of the dark­nesse of this world, and Spiritual wickednesses in high pla­ces. As the dangers are great, we must look the better to our duties; and the best way to perform these, is to keep us by the Rules which are to be found in our National Covenant, principally the Word of God; and in its own place, the Example of the best Reformed Churches. And in our way we must beware of some rocks, which are tem­ptations both upon the right & left hand, so that we must hold the middle path. Upon the one part we would take [Page 4] heed not to setle lawlesse Liberty in Religion, whereby in stead of Uniformity, we should set up a thousand Heresies & Schisms, which is directly contrary and destructive to our Covenant. Upō the other part we are to look that we persecute not Piety & Peaceable men, who cānot through scruple of Conscience come up in all things to the cōmon Rule: But that they may have such a forbearance as may be according to the Word of God, may consist with the Covenant, and not be destructive to the Rule it self, nor to the Peace of the Church and Kingdom; wherein I will insist no further, either to wrong Your Lordships pa­tience or judgements, who, I doubt not, will be very careful to do every thing according to our Covenant.

As to the other point, concerning the Peace and Union of the Kingdoms, I know it is that which all professe they desire; I hope it is that all do aim at: Sure I am, it is that which all men ought to study and endeavor. And I think it not amisse to remember Your Lordships of some former experiences as an Argument to move us to be wise for the future. If the Kingdom of England in the 1640. year of God then sitting in Parliament, had concurred as they were desired against the Kingdom of Scotland, No question we had been brought to many difficulties, which blessed be God, was by the Wisdom of the Honorable Houses prevented. So likewise when this Kingdom was in difficulties, if the Kingdom of Scotland had not willing­ly, yea cheerfully sacrificed their Peace to concur with this Kingdom, Your Lordships all know what might have been the danger. Therefore let us hold fast that U­nion which is so happily established betwixt us; And let nothing make us again two, who are so many ways one; All of one Language in one Island, all under one King, one in Religion, yea one in Covenant, so that in effect we differ in nothing, but in the name (& so do Brethren) which I wish were also removed, that we might be altogether one, if the two Kingdoms shall think fit: For I dare say, [Page 5] not the greatest Kingdom in the Earth can prejudice both, so much as one of them may do the other.

I will forbear at this time to speak of the many Jealou­sies I hear are suggested, for as I do not love them, so I delight not to mention them: Only one I cannot forbear to speak of, as if the Kingdom of Scotland were too much affected with the Kings Interest. I will not deny but the Kingdom of Scotland, by reason of the Raign of many Kings His Progenitors over them, hath a natural affection to His Majesty, whereby they wish he may be rather Re­formed then Ruined: Yet experience may tell, that per­sonal regard to Him hath never made them forget that common Rule, The Safety of the People is the Supreme Law: So likewise their love to Monarchy makes them very de­sirous that it may be rather regulated, then destroyed, which I hope I need not to mention further to Your Lordships, who I trust, are of the same minde.

I know likewise there are many Jealousies and unjust Aspersions cast upon the Scotish Armies in England and Ireland: I can (if it were needful) presently produce heads of a Declaration intended by the Army in England for vindicating themselves from such Injuries, and shewing the clearnesse of their Resolutions and Integrity, both in the Cause, and towards this Kingdom, wherein their un­dertakings and coming in at such a season of the year, their hard sufferings and constant endeavors since, may be suf­ficient testimonies. Therfore I am the more bold to desire Your Lordships, That so long as they stay in England (which I wish may be for a short time) they may be sup­plied with some moneys, and their quarters enlarged, least their lying in too narrowquarters, make the burthen in sup­portable to that exhausted corner of the Countrey where they now remain, and so beget out-cryes against them, when they are not-enabled to discharge their quarters, as other Armies within the Kingdom.

As for the Army in Ireland, I have been an eye witness [Page 6] to their sufferings, and so may speak of it likewise upon certain knowledge, that never men have suffered greater hardships, who might have been provided; for they have lived many times upon a few Beans measured out to them by number, and never had any other drink but water; And when they were in some better condition, they had but an Irish Peck of rough Oats for a whole week; And now at their best conditiō when they are quartered upon the coun­try (which is able to entertain them only for a very short time) they have only an Irish Peck of Oat-meal, or a shil­ling in the ten days both for meat and drink. Therefore, according to the many desires given in to the Honorable Houses for that end, I humbly entreat that Your Lord­ships will take care to provide for them, so long as it is thought fit they remain in that Kingdom.

For a renewed testimony of our earnest desires to com­ply with the Honorable Houses for setling the Peace of these Kingdoms, so much longed for, We do return unto Your Lordships the Propositions of Peace (which we re­ceived on Tuesday last) with our consent thereunto, wishing they may be hasted to His Majesty, who hath so often cal­led for them. And I likewise offer to Your Lordships the copy of His Majesties Letter to my L: Ormond, dischar­ging him from any further medling in any Treaty with the Rebels in Ireland, I hope in order to His Majesties fur­ther condescending to the setling of that Proposition con­cerning Ireland, and the rest of the Propositions now to be sent unto Him. Another Paper there is which concerns the supplying of the Scotish Armies in England and Ire­land, and the perfecting of the Accompts between the Kingdoms, together with a Letter from Gen: Major Mon­ro, to the Committee of Estates of the Kingdom of Scot­land, concerning the: state of affairs in Ireland. All which, when Your Lordships have considered, I trust ye will take such course therein, as may satisfie our just desires, may put an end to our present troubles, and settle these King­doms in a happy Peace.

IT is above a twelve moneth sithence we did earnestly presse the sending of Propositions to the King for a safe and well grounded Peace. In answer whereunto, the Honorable Houses were pleased to acquaint us, That they had resolved Propositions should be sent to His Majesty, but did intend to make some alterations, in the former Propositions, and after eight or nine Moneths deliberation we recei­ved from the Honorable Houses some of those Propositions: And though we did finde therein very material Additions, Alterations and Omissions, which for their great importance, and the interest of the Kingdom of Scotland therein, might very well have required the delay of an Answer until the Estates of that Kingdom had been con­sulted; yet so unwilling were we to retard the means of Peace, that in a Fortnights time we returned an Answer upon the whole Proposi­tions; And the Houses of Parliament not resting satisfied therewith, in less then ten dayes we prepared a further Answer, wherein we did very much comply with the Desires of the Honorable Houses, especi­ally in the matter of the setling of the Militia of England & Ireland, and in other things did shew our readinesse to hear or propose such Expedients as might determine our Differences: So that in a whole years time the Propositions have not remained in our hands the space of four weeks (which we only mention to clear our proceedings frō mistakes & aspersions) And the Househaving now after two months further deliberation delivered unto us upon the 23. of this instant June, all the Propositions they intend to send to the King at this time; We do without any delay return such an Answer & Resolution thereupon, as will be to the present and future Generations one un­denyable Testimony (besides many others) of the Integrity & Faith­fulnesse of the Kingdom of Scotland in their Solemn League and Co­venant, of their love to Peace, and earnest desire to satisfie their Brethren of England, in those things which concern the good and Government of this Kingdom: Being further Resolved, touching the Kingdom of Scotland, That as nothing of single or sole concernment to that Nation did engage them in this War, so nothing of that nature shall continue the same. Although these Propositions now to be sent, do much differ from the Proposi­tions formerly agreed upon by the Parliaments of both Kingdoms, [Page 8] and the most material Additions, Omissions and Alterations, are in such particulars as concern the joynt Interest & mutual Confidence & Conjunction of both Kingdoms, which were, as we conceive, much better provided for, and strengthned by the former Propositions then by these; although the particular Propositions presented by us con­cerning the Kingdom of Scotland, are not yet agreed unto by the hou­ses of Parliament, as was offered in their Paper of the 10. of April; although divers Propositions of joynt concernment be now superse­ded, and the sending of them delayed to a more convenient time, as is expressed in the Votes of both Houses the 26. of March; and although (which is to us more then all the rest) those Ordinances of Parlia­ment, unto which the fifth and sixth Propositions do relate (and were therefore cōmunicated unto us upon our desire to see what the Hou­ses had already agreed upon concerning Religion) do not contain the establishment of such a Reformation of Religion, and Uniformity as was expected and was the chief end of our Engagement in this War. And as all these Ordinances put together come short of what we wished, so there are some particulars which we conceive to be in­consistent with the Word of God, and the Example of the best Re­formed Churches, and therefore cannot in our consciences consent unto them; which particulars were expressed to both Houses in the Remonstrance of the Commissioners of the Church of Scotland, of the date March 26. 1646. Yet neverthelesse, we do so earnestly de­sire, and so highly value the easing of the heavie pressures under which both Kingdoms groan, and the bringing of this bloody lasting War to a speedy and happy end; considering withal, that not onely the Book of Common-Prayer, and the Prelatical Government are abolished, and a common Directory of Worship established in both Kingdoms, but that likewise the Ordinances aforementioned do con­tain divers parts of a positive Reformation & Uniformity in Church­Government, unto which we formerly gave our consent in our An­swer upon the whole Propositions of Peace of the 20. of April, and for so happy beginnings, and so good a foundation laid for the future, we heartily thank God, and do acknowledge the Zeal, Piety, and Wisdom of the Honorable Houses therein, remembring also, that these Ordinances do not contain the whole Model of Church-Go­vernment, and that the Houses have been pleased to expresse, [ That it cannot be expected, that a perfect Rule in every particular should be setled all at once, but that there will be need of Supplements and Addi­tions, and happily of Alterations in some things, as experience shall bring to light the necessity thereof.

[Page 9]Upon these considerations, as we doe cheerfully consent to many materiall parts of these propositions, so we resolve to make no let, but to give way to the sending of such other particulars therein con­tained, with which we are unsatisfied in the matter, for the reasons formerly represented to both Houses, of which some still stand in force; though others of them be taken away by the new expedi­ents. It being alwayes understood, that our not dissenting from, nor opposing of the sending of the propositions, as they now stand, shall be no prejudice nor impediment to all, or any one of the Arti­cles of the solemne League and Covenant, especially to the first Ar­ticles, concerning the preservation of the reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland, in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government, against our common Enemies; the Reformation of Religion, in the Kingdom of England and Ireland, in doctrine, worship, discipline and government, according to the word of God, and example of the best reformed Churches, and the bringing of the Churches of God in the three Kingdoms to the neerest conjun­ction and uniformity in Religion, confession of Faith Forme of Church, government, directory for worship, and Catechising, which things both Kingdoms are by Covenant obliged sincerely and really to endevour, and that not for a time, but constantly; so that neither of the Kingdoms can be loosed or acquitted from the most strict and solemne obligation of their continued and constant endevouring these good ends, so farre as any of them is not yet ob­tained: It being also understood, that our concurrence to the send­ing of the propositions, shall be without prejudice to any agree­ment or Treaty betweene the Kingdoms, and shall not infringe any engagement made to the Kingdom of Scotland, nor be any hind [...] ­rance to our insisting upon the other propositions already made known to the Houses: and it being understood that it is not our Judgement, that every particular and circumstance of these propo­sitions is of so great importance to these Kingdomes, as Peace and Warre should depend thereupon. Upon these grounds (which we make knowne onely for clearing our consciences and for discharg­ing our selves in the trust, put upon us, without the least thought, of retarding the so much longed for Peace) we condescend and agree that the propositions as they are now resolved upon be in the [Page 10] name of both Kingdoms presented to the King, whose heart we be­seech the Lord wholly to incline to the Councells of Truth and Peace.

HAving so often represented by Papers, and now by word to the Honourable Houses, the extreame necessities of our Armies in England and Ireland, We shall not trouble them with unnecessary repetition, but onely mention those desires which require their very speedy consideration.

1 We desire, that for easing the Countrey of their great pressures, and preventing many dangerous in­conveniences, the quarters of the Scottish Army in the North of this Kingdome may be enlarged, and a consid­rable supply of money dispatched unto them.

2 That money, Provisions, and ammunition may be sent to the Scottish army in Ireland, and the same care taken in providing for them as for other forces imploy­ed in that kingdome.

3 That the 5000 Armes long since promised, and in an Ordinance of both Houses of the 26 of August 1645, [Page 11] referred to the care of the Committee sitting at Hab­berdashers-hall, may be speedily provided; and that the honourable Houses will be pleased to grant power to that Committee, to contract and make payment as well as to treat for furnishing of these Armes, by reason of which defect in the Ordinance, the sending of these Armes hath been hitherto retarded.

4 That to prevent the further invasion of the King­dome of Scotland by the Irish Rebels, ships may be pre­sently sent to attend the coasts betwixt Scotland and Ireland, and the Commanders of these ships authorised with such instructions as are agreeable to the Treaties between the Kingdomes.

5 That the Honourable Houses will be pleased to send Commissioners to joyne with the Committee of Estates, residing with the Scottish Army, who may be witnesses as of their other proceedings, so of their ear­nest desires and reall endeavours with the King, for giving speedy and full satisfaction to both Kingdoms. And it is also our earnest request, that these Commis­sioners may have power to Treat and agree with the Committee of Estates, concerning the stating of the accompts, and setling any differences that may arise thereupon. And further to Treat and agree upon O­vertures, estimated Mediums, or expedients for the speedy setling therereof (which we are confident may be done in a very few dayes) and either finally to con­clude them, or represent them to both Houses; where­by withall possible expedition upon the setling of the Propositions and accompts, such course may be taken as all Armes may be disbanded, the Kingdoms eased of their heavy pressures and insupportable burthens, that so all things being setled in a brotherly way, we and our [Page 12] posterity may after so unhappy and troublesome a War, enjoy a quiet and blessed Peace.

RIght trusty, &c. Having long with much griefe looked upon the sad condition our Kingdome of Ireland hath been in these divers yeeres through the wicked and desperate Rebellion there, and the bloody effects have ensued thereupon; for the setling whereof we would have wholly applied our selves, if the difference betwixt Us and Our Subjects here had not diver [...]d and withdrawn Us; and not having been able by force (for that respect) to reduce them, we were necessitated for the present safety of Our Protestant Subjects there, to give you power and authority to treat with them, upon such pious, ho­nourable, and safe grounds as the good of that Our Kingdome did then require. But for many reasons too long for a Letter, We thinke fit to require you to proceed no further in Treaty with the Rebels, nor to engage us upon any conditions with them after sight hereof. And having formerly found such reall proofes of your ready obedience to our commands, We doubt not of your care in this, wherein Our service and the good of Our Protestant Subjects in Ireland, is so much con­cerned:

From Newcastle the 11 of June 1646.

About the same time a party of our countrymen in Connaght incountered with a commanded party of Prestons Army, where the enemy lost five hundred men, besides twenty Officers that were taken prisoners, whereof Generall Major Taaff was the spe­ciall, with whom and such others as I have prisoners of theirs, we intend to relieve the Lord Ardes and other of our friends.