AN honourable Title; It was given us by Act of Parlia­ment, not by any way of de­rision, but out of pitty; con­sidering our Condition. They little thought we should re­tain our Indigency so long. The Gift his Majesty and Parliament gave us, 60000 l. Men of understand­ing did judge it to be a Princely and Noble Gift: besides his Majesty was gratiously pleased to add to it the Office Money, which by most Mens Judgments (that had understanding in the Offices) if honestly Taxt and Gathered, would amount to as much more at least. Sixscore thousand pound! (a Sum of Money) had it been rightly destri­buted according to the intention of the Act of Parliament, (that was) to the Truly Loyal In­digent Officers, It would a raised them consider­able Sums to Imploy'd them, or purchas'd Places, as those that were our Enemies have done. But the Report of this Money to be given, so [Page 2]Alarm'd the Counterfit Officers, that they con­ceited, and created themselves Officers, Grooms, Serving-men, and Pedees to Colonels, and Field-Officers, made nothing of getting Cer­tificates to Certify them Leiutenants, Cornets, Ensigns, Serjants, Corporalls, Sentenells, and pri­vate Troopers to make themselves Ensigns, Cor­nets, and Quarter-masters: then there was your Paper Officers (as I may call them) that could come up and lye at little Charges here in Lon­don; one Aturney would serve to lye here for the Letters of Aturney of two or three Shires of such Officers: they would venture their Names and Certificates with them at half Snips, or as much in the Pound according as they could agree for: most of them knowing it was all clear gains, if they got any. In conmming up to Clam it themselves, They knew here were them that would know their faces, if ever they shew'd them with credit in his Majesties Army: but they thought they were not Act proof if they came within shot of the Truly Loyal Officers; there­fore they would Pickeer at a distance a far off, and their Aturnyes to stand the danger. I will not say but some of them may be Right, and the owners truly qualified: but I beleive not the third part according to the Act of Parliament, for after the Act came out there was them that made a good living by Creating, and perswading many to be Captains and Officers both in City and Country; it is too tedious to Relate the Cheats that was in that List of Officers: to my knowledge (that was in the Western Army, and in one Regiment from the first to the last) a Drum [Page 3]put in for Lieutenant, a Captain (when examined) did not know his Lieutenat Colonel. Eleven En­signs to the Regiment that I belonged too, and neer but Ten Colours flying at first: Two Quar­termasters to that Regiment of Foot, and no such Men known by the Colonel, nor my self, (that continued to the last in it) and many Officers we never knew, dead men that were comsum'd in their Graves long before this Act came out; their Names appear'd here by Conjurations of some or other to Cheat Real Indigent Officers. These Letters of Aturney-Marchants gain'd well enough to keep themselves from Indigency, some they never paid, and thought it no deceipt to de­ceive the deceivers, the honestes of them (if there were any) took such Fees of their Clyants, they will scarce be trusted with any busines of Conse­quence by any honest Party since, it is the be­leif of many honest Gentlemen that the unlawful Letters of Aturney that were paid, made paid, and unpaid, hath juggled away as much money as would satisfy most of the Indigent Officers that are left: there was another sort of pretend­ed Officers put in for a share of this Money! that never had Men, nor Commissions neither, many of them; It was an easy matter towards the latter end of the Wars to gain a Commission to Raise a Regiment, his Majesty trusting them on their own words (with little knowledge of them, may be, upon their great promises) these Col­onels presently made their Captains, and other Officers, and so Rides up and down the Coun­try to Raise Men and Horses upon the Countries Charge, living upon Free-quarters, and gather­ing [Page 4]Contribution; never giving accoumpt to Field Army, nor Garison, nor never troubling them, till forc'd by the Enemy to make their Retreat, and so sleep in a whole skin; these making more Enemies (rather then helping to destroy them) by their Plundering, and Coward­ly Actions, which turned the hearts of many that wish'd his Majesty, and Armys well at first: These, and such like, made up this Number of 5400. and odd Commissioned Officers; Enough for Three Camp-Royals of Horse and Foot (besides those that had Estates, Imployments, and Com­mands (that did not put in) which was a shame to our English Nation, to have a Kingdom Con­quered, and such a Pious Prince Murdered be­fore his own Palace (for want of an Army) the number of Officers sufficient enough to Conduct a hundred thousand Foot, and Forty thousand Horse; such an Army of Politick Genera's, Couragious Commanders, and well Disciplin'd and Resolved Souldiers, need not have fear'd to a Marcht to the Walls of Constantinople, and make an honourable Retreat, if not Conquer'd the Great Turk (had we not lost the hearts of the truly Ancient Brittains) but what should I talk of so many Officers, when there were not by the Judgment of those that knew this List, not fifteen hundred that were truly qualified, ac­cording to the Act of Parliament; yet all these Officers past Muster in the List and Book, and past inspection for all that ever could be justly proved against them. Thus have I made it ap­pear, what a number of Money hath been paid, and made paid most of it, to an unknown num­ber [Page 5]of men, so according as it was ordered, this 60000 l pound, and that Office Money that was paid, would amount to but 40 days pay to them that did receive it, and two Years before we could get it; so as it was given for a help for some subsistance for us, it made us more Indigent than we were; for it cast many of us in Prison, Running more in Debt then the Money would pay.

What here I have declared, I know there is many Gentlemen are sensible of the truth of it. His Majesty likewise was Graciously pleased, af­ter this to grant a Patten for six Years, to those Commission'd Officers that were here about the City, that had no Imployments, nor Subsistance of a Livelihood, till his Majesty could make a more ample and lasting Provision for them; as is more fully exprest in the Letter Patten, there was Trustees Chosen (thirteen, I must confess) by some of us, but we could very well a spared half of them, for they have shuffled and Cut so with the party (which is two hundred and odd) that they have gain'd but a very little by their dealing: There is no body can tell their gains, (nor they cannot say themselves, they are loo­sers) in a matter of fourteen or fifteen Months after the setting up of the Lotteryes, there was account given (I know not whether it was upon Oath, for I heard of none they took, but the Oath of secrecy amongst themselves; which one of their own party Confest, when he was askt how the business went by one of us) they hav­ing the managing and Letting of all Lotteryes, for that time, the Plate Lottery at Charing Cross, [Page 6]where his Majesty and the Royal Family was pleased to honour it; not only with their Per­sons, but likewise with their Purses: There was plentiful throwing into that Lottery, according to the drawing out. And likewise, they had the benefit of many Plate Lotteryes, in divers places that Year; and the letting and setting of the o­ther Lotteryes that brought in handsom Sums of Money; besides the Royal Oak Lottery, which was more considerable then all the rest: Now af­ter your necessary and unnecessary Charges was deducted, it was brought to Eleven days Pay a piece to the party; which was but a very small sum, as I shall make it appear at last, there was a greater Sum of Money left for you thirteen, then for all the rest of the Party besides: Each one of you allow'd your selves more than you allow'd a whole Regiment of Officers, (Quarter-masters excepted) you would let none of them come in for a share; intending to quarter us your selves with a quarter part of the Royal Oak, and judged it enough for us by your Bench of thirteen, your Chair-man Judge, and a full Jury (if you all sate) to take his part: But now so much of the time being gone, and so little profit appeared, The party began to murmure, then to show your good intentions you had for the benefit of the party, you were contented the City and Country should be devided in Lots amongst us, who had the drawing of them I know not: but the City of London must be your share, (with some others that you chose) which was more responsable then all the Countries could be; for all the rest of the Party not bearing the Charges [Page 7]of any that should go to manage them, accord­ing as you had and did manage it; and had it not been for the Royal Oak (which you did strive to keep all for your selves too) most of the Par­ty had had nothing of all the Lotteries ever since; at last you did allow us the fourth part of that; but we must believe your honest words, (I hope you did not misreckon your selves) we cannot judge it to be an even account, it comes so just to two days and a quarter a piece each Officer, twice a Year paid; them that keeps those Lot­teries for you, keeps a very good Correspon­dency; they know we are so poor, a little gain will please us, so they bring us in not loosers: Ten days pay and three Quarters we have had since, who you have been pleased to pay, which doth amout to a Labourers hire formerly a peny a day one Officer with another, it will not pay for their Lodging, let them shift for Meat, Drink, and Cloths, how they can. Now (our Trustees) thinking we were not content with this small Sallery we had from them (as well they might) nor they satisfied for the pains and care they took for us, shuffled a third part of us off, that are left alive: the pattern being nere out, having Friends and Money to boot, hath got the Royal Oak for themselves (which they thought the fourth part was enough for all of us before) and left the rest of the Lotteryes to some other Officers which his Majesty hath been pleased to give them to. I wish them happiness in the en­joyment of them, and may prove to their ex­pectations; but our Trustees are sure of the Wheat, whatsoever the rest proves. I am sure [Page 8]there's none of them can say, they are Indigent Officers now, whatsoever some of them could be­fore they were chosen Trustees.

But the number that chose them were not many more then their selves, and if to choose again, would scarce give their Votes for half of you now, in a smaller business of trust. I am so Charitable to think if some of the Trustees had sate at the Helm in your steed, that did, they would a steer'd a better course of Conscience, than you that sate twice a Week, and your Wills a Law, having the Purse in your hand. Out of Conscience I tell you this, for dealing so un­conscienceably by me and others, granting Power, and Authority, and receiving Rent, promising to vindicate men, and make them stand Tryals, to their utter Ruine, and will not be at a penny charge; yet allowing your selves such Salleryes and Interest, tis a shame here to relate, (which will be proved) by the Plate Lotteries, which two of you took upon you to Manage, in the be­half of a party; where their Lot fell in the Coun­try: One of these persons hath Iumpt (since his name was in the Printed Book, amongst the 5000. Indigent Officers) from a Cornet to a Cap­tain, and never headed Troop nor Company since, whatsoever he did before; nor I believe will never be Chronicled for his Acts of Piety, Charity, or Valour.

To carry on his Designs as the party knows by experinnce; since he hath had the handling of the business, it is his Policy to trust none of the Party with any business of our own, where he hath had the managing of it, neither in the [Page 9]Plate Lotteries, or Royal Oak, but give good Salleries to others, which would a been a good Relief for some of us; that I believe was as a­ble and as honest as any were implo'd, and would a given a good Satisfacton of your integrety to those that were mistrustful of you; but you thought they were not fit for your Secrecy, and there­fore not fit for your Service: But some of you (say we) are a discontented People, and never Sa­tisfied what is done for us: Let all men that hath any Conscience, or Christian Reason in them, Judge, after I have as near as I can, cast up how much you have been pleased to allow us, since you have been our Stewards; whether we have not had more Reason to com­plain than give you thanks for your pains and care you have taken for us this six Years: The first payment we had a 11 days pay from you, out of all the Lotteries, and 10 days & 3 quarters pay since out of the Royal Oak; which makes not 22 days pay in all, cast up for the time, it a­mounts to about six pence a day, between a Colonel of Horse, and a Collonel of Foot; other Field­Officers, on with another, not Two-pence a day: A Captain of Horse and Foot, Three half-pence a day, three pence between them. Leiutenant Ensigns, and Cornets, about a half-penny a day, one Officer with another, not two-pence a day to maintain them. I would have you reason with them, how they have spent and consumed it, and not benefitted themselves by it as you have done, but murmure at your actions: The Servants that you have imploy'd for the managing of our bu­siness, that you were intrusted for, hath made [Page 10]their Saleryes many days better then a Regiment of Officers pay, hath been a day (and good keep­ing by you besides) I hope you have gain'd this six Years sufficient enough by us; what we have gain'd by you, I have made it appear, I hope when it is known how we have been dealt withal, since his Majesties Restauration, as this Book relates part, we cannot be blam'd formak­ing our Grievances so much known, and have had so little done for us yet, and long of such as have had the managing of our business.

I hope you will give an Account what Moneys you have left in your Treasury, of those that are dead since, and either pay it to the Widows, Children, or to them that Relieved them (when you would not) Unless they would Administer, and so it may be undo themselves, for that little you would do for them. If you have not the Curses of the Widows and Fatherless, I am a­fraid you have the Prayers of very few; if you have done for us as you would be done to your selves you have done like Loyal Subjects, and good Christians; and I wish your prosperity ac­cording, the same I wish to my self: Give loo­sers leave to speak the Truth, and not all neither, till occasion serves. If I have drawn you out here with my Pen, it is not to the Life, for I have shadowed you; and it is well known to some of you your selves and to others; for the present I shall leave you, as you have left us: If we be thrown out of your Favours, which I am apt to believe you had never none for us (unless it were for your own ends) We hope we shall not be thrown out of his Majesties favour, nor [Page 11]none that truly loves those that faithfully served him; as I shall make it appear who they are, and how to be known, from those that takes the Names and Titles, of Loyal Commission'd Officers.

There is your Truly Loyal Commission'd Offi­cer and your Truly Loyal Indigent Officer. Two Titles, but one Subject; different in habits, but all one in Hearts: Some it may be hath some Livelihood, Credit, Subsistence, some Friends, in hopes of somthing to be done for them. Others may have Imployments during pleasure (not Life) subject to be turned out, because of their Age; but others again as I know hath neither, so indigent, and their wants so great, they are ashamed to make it known; Men fit, deserving Men to be trusted in honest Imployments, and as able to perform, which I believe his Majesty knows not off: And there are them that knows those things, but being provided for themselves, grows for­getful of their Fellow-Sufferers: The pretended Loyal Commission Officers, hath been the cause of those things, and the Aspertions that hath been laid upon us besides: The Truly Loyal Com­mission'd Officer, is he that can make himself out so, according to the Title and Command he had formerly: Having a Real Command of Men answerable, and able to perform the Duty of a Souldier; according to that Command; that ser­ved his Prince for Loyalty, not Lucre; that fear­ed neither the Complaints of the Souldiers, nor the Countries to rise against him, for abusing, or wronging of them, that served and suffered till [Page 12]the last, without deserting; that never was a shame to his King, nor the cause he undertook by his deboist living or behaviour, that strived as much to serve God, as he did to honour and serve his King. These are brave Principles (you will say) to be found in Commanders, and Soul­diers: Such as never wisht his Majesty nor his Armies well: say, there were very few then, and appears as few now, but it is well known to them that were in the Armies of either side that there were many such in all parts of his Majesties Armies; there is many lies now in the Earth, whose Memories will never dye on Earth: Some dyed in the Field of Honour; others Mur­thered for their Loyalty. I will name none, but let Truth and Equity Judge; and then their Acti­ons in all parts where they were known, will sound their Fame to those that are now living, and strives to imitate them, which is no disgrace to a Souldier to be Religious as well as Valo­rous; some of those men (I mean) though not declared here, had been brought up in other parts beyond the Sea; before they had occasion to show their Valour and knowledge here in his Majesties Service, and were not ashamed to own they were Commanded, before they came to Command, and knew what belong'd to a Soul­dier from a Sentinel, to a General, and of good Birth; which if now living, would not despise Age and Poverty, in Old deserving Souldiers, (and Officers formerly) as some do; and lookt upon as such pittiful fellows, that deserves more disgrace or shame to be thrown upon them, for their Loyalty and good Service, then either Cha­rity [Page 13]or Equity, to be done for them; as for Exam­ple, Two that are now in good Offices (which I shall not name) and are imploy'd about busi­ness that lyes in dispute, concerning the Loyal Indigent Officers; one of them was pleased to say, What a stir there was about a Company of Idle Fellows; let them go to Work for 3 pence a day: The other spoke more inveterate words, which (I shall wave relating here) I know not what they have been, nor what their parents were (though now got in good Imploy­ments) such words they spoke, savours more of the Seed of Rebellion than Loyalty; and like to have good proceedings from such Agents, if they could bear sway: How such men ought to be honoured with preferment, I leave it to all ho­nourable Gentlemen, that belongs to the Courts of England to Judge of it; they have neither Law nor Gospel of their side to defend them­selves, to belch out that hatred they have in their hearts against Souldiers, and Gentlemen that had Estates, and could a liv'd well without Working, (being never bred to it) before Rebellion got the upperhand. Solomon the wisest King that e­ver was, 2 Chron. 8.9. held such as were Men of War to be more Honourable then to be imploy'd in Servile Work, such as he Imploy­ed Strangers in, and the People of the Land.

When the Souldier askt John Baptist what they should do, he did not abhor them but ad­monisht them: Do violence to no Man, neither Accuse any falsey, Luke 3.14. and be content with your Wages. As allowing the Calling, but re­forming the Abusers.

Blame me not to Declare to the World how much True Loyalty is look'd upon in Indigency? Not only by them that were our Enemies? but likewise those that hath profest themselves our Friends, and such as hath served his Majesty faithfully (it may be too) only got the start of us; being prefer'd, or provided for; have they but good Cloaths and Money in their pockets, they will either shun ye, or look on one side, and take no notice of you, or give you a Com­plement, with your servant Sir, scorn you for your Cloaths sake, fearing you should disgrace them, or put them to charge with your com­pany; being puft in heart, as much as in habit; forgetting what you were, having forgot them­selves, not minding what shifts they nor we have been Put too in the time of Rebellion, leaving our own Country, and Habitations; taking any honest Courses to live in Remote Places, where they knew not what we had bin, rather then desert the Cause we Fought for, or make ship­wrack of our Conscience and Loyalty, either to Serve or adheer to our Enemies. There were some to my knowledge, might a had Prefer­ment, and the same Commands under them, when they were in Prison, at the latter end of the VVars, if they would a took up Arms under them. The Skill of a Pilot is best known in a Tempest: the worth of a Souldier in the day of Battel; Queen Eli. and the true Principles of a Christian, in the times of Persecution. It was the words of Her that was a Cherisher of such, and knew the worths of them. Such as hath in­dured the brunts of all these in their Youths, [Page 15]and prime Age, ought not to be disdained now they are Old.

Jesus the Son of Sirach in Ecclesiasticus, the 26. Chap. the 28 ver. he saith, There was two things that grieved his Heart, To see a Man of War suffer Poverty; and Men of Ʋnderstanding not set by. Though it be in the Apocraphy, it is not to be despised by any that hath any Christi­an Charity in them: I hope this Book will light into the hands of some that are such as the Son of Sirach was; that will grieve that our pover­ty hath lasted so long and will be Instruments to move his Majesty in our behalfs; that some speedy course may be thought on, for those that are left alive, that we may not be made a scoff on by such as are our Enemies in their hearts to us for our Loyalty, and deride us to our Faces, as much as they durst for our Indi­gency; the Aspertions that hath been laid upon our Party, I believe hath been the causes that we have been so long not provided for; Saying we are a Discontented People, and will not be satified for what is done for us; Delighting in Swearing, and Drinking: Domineering what they have bin, and what Command they had, (when proved to the contrary.) I must confess tis this sort of Idle, Vapouring, Counterfeit-Officers, hath made us all fare alike; and it is those that makes such a number, his Majesty knows not who to provide for.

This raiseth the discontent that is amongst us: takes upon them the Titles of Collonels, that c [...]nnot prove they had a real Command of a Troop or Company; and if put to the Tryal, [Page 16]know not how to Decipline either. It is as strange to hear of a Leiutenant Collonel now amongst us, as it was to hear of a Leiutenant beyond Sea, that went over after the VVars was done here, (some Majors) Captains indeed good store: That Title is so common, that if you can get but a good Suit of Cloaths, and Money in your Pocket, you shall Raise a Company, shall adopt you Captain in the first Tavern you come to; and Seal your Commission with a hun­dred Damnme's: And in a VVeek or Fortnight Ranting with you, conceit your self you are a Real Captain indeed; when an Indigent Cap­tain is asham'd to own himself what he hath been in his Deplorable Garb and Countenance. He that was a Real Officer, will take it as a Jeer to be Coxt with Titles of higher Honour then what he hath been. I know some (and others besides my self) that owns themselves to be Collonels, Majors, and Captains, that if come to the Test, cannot prove themselves any such men formerly, if they prove themselves any thing at all: Yet some of these hath took upon them to inspect others, and would not be inspected themselves by those that knew them. These may say we are discontented People, if we be with them we can shew very good Reasons for it. I must confess these are those that hath been the cause that such Odiams hath been cast upon us, by their Deboistness, Swearing, Domineer­ing, and Drinking: Some that hath vapour'd more with their words, then ever they did with their Swords formerly in the Army: Telling what Fights they have been in, and what Acts [Page 17]they have done (when none to contradict them) binding it with horrid Oaths.

Some hold themselves no Souldiers, till they can Gracelesly, (as a Grace to them) thunder out Bloody Oaths; Common Swearing maketh one apt to forswear himself, which is a fearfull sin, not left unreveng'd of God; in great per­sons the abuse of Gods Name by horrible Swear­ing, Zach. 5.3. and Dam'd Oaths, the Lord tells us, A Curse remains upon them, and threa­tens to Cut them off: 'Tis a horrid Sin, (too much used) some out of Passion, and some out of Custom, makes nothing of it in their Drink­ing: VVhich Sin had made us odious in the sight of God and Man. 'Tis that which has been cast upon the Kings Party formerly, though ha­ted by many Officers, and as strictly reprooved and punisht by them in their Souldiers. VVell may a Souldier plead Priviledge to it, when he sees his Officers makes a Custom of it: How can Parents Correct their Children for those sins which they may say, they learn'd of them. I wish it were not so much us'd amongst the Loyal Party as it is: They say, Oppression will make a Wise Man mad; we have had Oppression enough by our Enemies, and abused sufficiently, by our pretended Friends. I count it not wisdom to abuse God in Swearing, and Cursing of them, in thinking to Revenge our self thereby: For mat­ter of Deboystness, and Drinking, which is laid upon the Party. For my part I know there hath been them that hath walkt from Morning till Night, and could scarce meet with a Breakfast, or Mornings Draught; though they have met [Page 18]with them that could a Reliev'd them with both, (some of our Trustees) nor lend them a shilling if they had askt them, though they know how to pay themselves, unless you would sell your Lot or Part to them; then they would find Money: as wants hath made many done of late, having nei­ther Imployments, Trades, nor Credit; having wearied all our Friends, and Relations, with promi­ses, hoping we shall have some ways provided for us, to satisfie them, and Relieve us: There are ma­ny of us I believe if they had it, would not see one another want. Many times we meet and are glad we can make our selves merry with Melancholly and hopes together, more than our Purses are able to do in Drink! We that had little or nothing left, when his Majesty was returned, cannot have that plenty now, as to waste it in superfluities of Meat and Drink: We have made hard shifts for Food and Raiment, and been content with little Drink: But it is none but a never contented Par­ty that says we are a discontented Party, and would have nothing done for none but themselves, unless they have a part in it, that will cast Aspertions upon those they thinks will declare the Truth a­gainst them; thinking that by that favour they have got, to throw all out of favour but themselves; and those that can flatter with them for fear, or self-ends. I hope those that can appear before his Majesty, or whom he shall appoint, and make themselves cleerly out, That they have been Truly Loyal Commissioned Officers, and such as they de­clare themselves to be in the List, Faithful Sub­jects to his Majesty, from the first to the last; and no such persons of Carriage nor Behaviour, as some [Page 19]are pleased to Render them: But such, as when Examin'd, shall be found as deserving Men (ac­cording to their Commands they had) as those that hath been pleased to Report us such persons, because of our Poverty, and nothing done for us; then it will be found it is more their Malice, and Covetousness, than any Religion, or fear of God they have in them; as shall appear between their Actions and ours, e're long, when the Truth is made known to those that may have the hear­ing of it: which is the cause I have VVrite this Book. First, To acknowledg what his Majesties Care and Love hath been for us, in providing as we thought, a subsistance for us, if it had been manag'd according to the intentions of the Act of Parliament, for the performing of it. Second­ly, To make it appear we are no such discontented persons, but content, If not abused. Thirdly, How much hath been done for us, and how lit­tle it hath come to; and long of those that hath been intrusted in the Managing of it. And Lastly, If his Majesty be Graciously pleased to do any thing for us, we desire to make it known we are such Men as we Report our selves to be, Truly Loyal Commissioned Officers, having had Re­al Commands according to our Titles; very Indigent many of us, and not provided for; which we shall leave it to God and his Majesty, to look upon us according to our Loyalty, and Suf­ferings: Knowing none will be offended, that Truly Fears GOD, and Honours the KING.