AFter the Storm that seemed to be co­ming upon Us when We parted last, I am glad to Meet you all again in so great Peace and Quietness, God Almighty be Praised by whose Bles­sing that Rebellion was Supprest: But when I Reflect what an incon­siderable Number of Men began it, and how long they Carried it on without any Opposition, I hope eve­ry body will be Convinced that the Militia, which hath hitherto been so much depended on, is not suffici­ent for such Occasions; And that there is nothing but a good Force of well Disciplined Troops in constant Pay, that can Defend Us from such as either at Home or Abroad are disposed to Disturb Us. And in truth, My Concern for the Peace and Quiet of My Sub­jects as well as for the Safety of the Government, made Me think it necessary to increase the Number to the Proportion I have done; This I owed as well to the Honour as to the Security of the Nation, whole Reputation was so infinitely Exposed to all Our Neighbours, by having layen Open to this late wretch­ed Attempt, that it is not to be Repair'd without keeping such a Body of Men on foot, that none may ever have the Thought again of finding Us so misera­bly unprovided; It is for the Support of this Great Charge which is now more then Double to what it was, that I ask your Assistance in Giving Me a Supply [Page 4] answerable to the Expence it brings along with it; And I cannot doubt but what I have Begun so much for the Honour and Defence of the Government, will be Continued by you with all the Cheerfulness and Readiness that is Requisite for a Work of so Great importance.

Let no man take Exception that there are some Officers in the Army not qualified according to the late Tests, for their Imployments; The Gentlemen I must tell you are most of them well known to Me, and having formerly Served with me in several Occa­sions, and always approved the Loyalty of their Prin­ciples by their Practice, I think them fit now to be Imployed under Me, and will deal plainly with you, That after having had the Benefit of their Services in such time of Need and Danger, I will neither Expose them to Disgrace, nor My Self to the Want of them, if there should be another Rebellion to make them Necessary to Me.

I am afraid some men may be so wicked to hope and expect, That a Difference may happen between you and Me upon this Occasion; but when you con­sider what Advantages have arisen to Us in a few Months by the good Understanding We have hitherto had, What wonderful Effects it hath already produced in the Change of the whole Scene of Affairs Abroad, so much more to the Honour of the Nation, and the Figure it ought to make in the World, and that no­thing can hinder a further Progress in this way to all Our Satisfactions, but Fears and Jealousies amongst Our Selves: I will not apprehend That such a Misfor­tune can befall Us as a Division, or but a Coldness between Me and you; Nor that any thing can shake you in your Steadiness and Loyalty to Me, who by Gods Blessing will ever make you all Returns of Kindness and Protection, with a Resolution to Ven­ture even My own Life, in the Defence of the true Interest of this Kingdom.