A LETTER FROM THE RIGHT HONOVRABLE Ferdinando Lord Fairfax, Sir Hugh Cholmley, Sir Philip Stapleton, Sir Henry Cholmley, Committees of the Commons house of Parliament residing at Yorke.
TOGETHER, With a Relation of all the passages at the great meeting at Yorke, on Thursday the 12. of this instant May, With the Freeholders Protestation inclosed in the Letter from the said Committee to Master Speaker, and ordered by the said House to be forthwith published in Print.
H. Elsing. Cler. Perl. de Com.
LONDON, Printed by A. Norton for Iohn Franke, and are to be sold next to the Kings head in Fleet-street. 1642.
IN our last Letter we gave you an Accompt of our first and second waiting on the King, we writ to you then, that his Majesty, commanded us to attend him yesterday being Thursday, to heare what hee said to the Gentlemen, Which a little before the meeting, he seconded by a particular Message. Being come thither, his Majestie caused the severall Messages betweene him, and the Parliament, mentioned in this enclosed printed Paper to be read.
This was done with much humming, and applause of the Kings Messages by some persons who had placed themselves neere about where the King stood. But when any thing from the Parliament came to be read, with so much hissing, and reviling the Parliament, that though in respect, and duty to the Kings Person, we could not resent it, as otherwise wee should have done, yet have since expostulated, and complained of it to his Majestie. Some were so bold as to say openly, That the Parliament men should set their Houses in order, for many of them should shortly have their heads of; One of which (as since wee are credibly informed) was one Hurst, a servant to one Master William Crofts. In this which was said by the King, you will see what reason we had to vindicate our selves, and therefore we immediatly repayred to the Deanes house with all the other Gentlemen, and there wee tooke notice of the rough usage we had received; Wee told them that it was neither indiscretion nor disobedience in us (as his Majesty was pleased to call it) to deliver the Parliaments Message, or to stay here though commanded to the contrary, since wee conceived no man needed to be satisfied in so cleare a case as [Page 2] this; That every Member of each House ought to obey their Commands, when they were pleased to employ them. But since his Majesty thought fit to bid them, take heed of us, not knowing what doctrine of disobedience wee might preach to them under colour of obeying the Parliament, wee appealed to every man, whether we had in word or deed, in publick or in private, done any thing that became not honest men, and persons employed from the Parliament: That wee had communicated our Instructions to his Majesty, being that wee would avow all our Actions, and that we were confident it would not be said, wee had transgressed them. This was very well taken and justified by the Countrey. Yesterday there came divers thousands of Freeholders to this Citie, though none but the Gentry were summoned, but receiving a Command from the King not to come to Court they forbore, and stayed in the Castle yard, yet sent this Petition enclosed to his Majesty, and received the Answer annexed thereunto. There was likewise a Committee of twelve Gentlemen appointed yesternight to consider of drawing up an Answer to the Kings proposition concerning a Guard, but nothing could be then done, because it was past three a clocke before the Gentlemen were admitted to the King. This morning the Freeholders assembled againe in the Castleyard, and there they made this Protestation enclosed, of their right of voting in what concerneth the peace of the Countrey, as having their interest therein.
When we all met this morning againe at the Deanes house, we who are your Committees received this Message by Sir Edward Stanhop, That he came from his Majesty to command us, that we should depart from this meeting, and if wee did stay, his Majesty would judge us guilty of that he spake on yesterday, which was Tampering. Notwithstanding which Command, wee read the fourth Article of our Instructions to the whole Company, that being pertinent to the businesse wee were then upon, and desired them to consider, whether the Parliament had not expressed therein such a care of the Kings safety, that there would bee little need of Guards: Wee told them that wee had a good right of being there as Freeholders of the County, but that in obedience to the King wee would depart for this time: But whensoever [Page 3] there should be occasion of our being there in pursuance of our Instructions and Commands from the Parliament, wee should bee ready. The whole company received great satisfaction, and desired a Copy of that instruction which wee gave them. Wee were the more willing at that time to goe from thence, because wee should not onely give obedience to the Kings command, which otherwise hee would have said, wee constantly disobeyed, but because the Committee of Twelve appointed yesternight were then to withdraw, so that there was nothing for the present for us to doe; Wee immediatly went to the King, and befought him that since wee were continually so discountenanced by him, in the face of our County, that hee would bee pleased to let us know in particular wherein wee had given the occasion, for wee otherwise conceived wee were deprived of that Liberty, which was our due in respect of that Interest wee had here. His Majesty was pleased to tell us, that if wee would lay aside that condition of Committees from the Parliament, hee would not hinder us to bee there as Gentlemen of the Countrey; Wee humbly replyed, that wee could not lay that downe, nor could wee be absent from any meeting where our presence was required, for the service as Committees from the Parliament: to which his Majesty said, That indeed hee thought wee could not lay it downe, neither that it was reasonable wee should have Votes, and bee in a double Capacity. The Committee hath beene together most part of this day, but not agreeing: Sixe of them have drawne up this Answer enclosed, which they have communicated to the Gentlemen, and Freeholders. The greater part of the Gentlemen, and all the Freeholders have agreed too, and subscribed it. The other sixe have concluded upon this other Answer, consenting to a Guard of Horse, but this wee doe not heare, that they have gotten many names too, nor can wee get a Copie of those names as yet, though these be very few, yet whether they can bring in any Horse or no wee cannot yet judge. The King hath received both these resolutions, which with his Answers to them you shall likewise have here inclosed. His Majesty had [Page 4] declared himselfe yesterday, that hee would raise that Regiment, which was Sir Robert Stricklands for his foot Guard, but he hath now laid aside that Resolution. The Freeholders of the County are now newly summoned to attend his Majesty about a week hence the three Rydings upon three severall dayes, but for what service we doe not know.
Sir, you have here a large Narrative of the passages at this meeting; what dangers this poore Countrey lyes under, wee humbly referre it to you to judge, not taking upon us to deliver any opinion. The businesse lasted so long, that it hindered us from giving a more speedy accompt. Sir, This is what at this time is sent from,
- Fer. Fairfax.
- Hu. Cholmley.
- Philip Stapleton.
- He. Cholmley.
His Majesties Speech.
I Have cause of adding, not altering, what I meant to say. When I gave out the Summons for this dayes Appearance, I little thought of these Messengers, or of such a Message as they brought, the which (because it confirmes Me in what I intend to speake, and that I desire you should be truly informed of all passages between Me and the Parliament) you shall here read, First, My Answer to the Declaration of both Houses concerning Hull; The Answer of the Parliament to My two Messages concerning Hull; together with My Reply to the same; And My Message to both Houses, declaring the Reasons why I refused to passe the Bill concerning the Militia.
All which being read his Majesty proceeded.
I Will make no paraphrases upon what ye have heard, it more befitting a Lawyer then a King; only this Observation, Since Treason is countenanced so neer Me, it is time to looke to My safety: I avow it was part of My wonder, That men (whom I thought hertofore, Discreet and Moderate) should have undertaken this Imployment; and that since they came I having delivered them the Answer you have heard, and commanded them to returne Personally with it to the Parliament) should have flatly disobeyed Me, upon pretence of the Parliaments Command. My end in telling you this, is to warn you of them; For since these men have brought Me such a Message and disobeyed so lawfull a Command, I will not say what their intent of staying hereis; only I bid you take heed, not knowing what Doctrine of Disobedience they may preach to you, under colour of obeying the Parliament.
Hitherto I have found and kept you quiet, the enioying of which was a cheife cause of My coming hither (Tumults and Disorders having made Me leave the South) and not to make this the Seate of a War, as Malice would (but I hope in vaine) [Page 6] make you beleeve; Now if Disturbances doe come, I know whom I have reason to suspect.
To be short, you see that My Magazine is going to be taken away from Me (being My owne proper goods) directly against my will: The Militia (against Law and my consent) is going be to put in execution: And lastly, Sir Iohn Hothams Treason is countenanced: All this considered, none can blame me to apprehend Dangers. Therefore I have thought fit (upon these reall grounds) to tell you, That I am resolved to have a Guard (the Parliament having had one all this while upon imaginary Iealousies) only to secure my Person; In which I desire your concurrence and assistance, and that I may be able to protect you, the Lawes, and the true Protestant Profession from any Affront or iniury that may be offered, which I mean to Maintaine My Selfe, without charge to the Countrey, intending no longer to keep them on foot, then I shall be secured of My iust Apprehensions, by having satisfaction in the particulars before mentioned.
THE ANSWER TO HIS Maiesties Propositions, of the Gentlemen and Freeholders which subscribed the same at the Deanes House, where the Sheriffe was.
THe Propositions delivered to us yesterday from your Majestie are of so high concernement to the weale and peace of the whole Kingdome, and doth so nearely touch upon the affection and fidelitie of all your subjects in generall, as we being but a part of one Countie onelie, doe not conceive it safe for us to advise therein, but rather humblie to beseech your Maiestie to impart the grounds of your Maiesties feares and jelocies to your High Court of Parliament (of whole most loyall care and affection to your Mtiesties honour and safety, and the prosperity of your Subiects and dominions we are most confident) and whatsoever shall be advised by your great Counsell therein we shall most willingly embrace and give our concurrence and assistance to it as shall become us, In whose fidelity and affection your Maiestie hath often declared especiall trust; And albeit wee doe not presume to advise your Majestie in that particular being of transcendent consequence, neverthelesse in the behalfe of those members of Parliament lately imployed to attend your Maiestie from both Houses, being all of them Gentlemen of qualitie and estate in this Countie & trusted to serve in that most Honorable assemblie; Wee humblie crave your Maiesties leave to expresse our Confidence in their unstained Loyaltie and affection [Page] to your Maiestie to be such as your Maiestie may secu [...] admitt their attendance to negotiate their imployments, untill they be recalled by the Parliament. And for there fidelity, wee doe all engage our selves to your Majestie, and we are most assured that your Royall person shall be secure in the genarall fidelitie of your Subiects of this County without any extraordinarie guard.
His Maiesties Answer to this returned by the Sheriffer.
HIs Maiesties expects the like affection from you that hee doth from the other Gentlemen, and that he hath the same confidence in you, that he hath in the others.
- Sir Thomas Fairefax
- Sir William Constable
- Sir Mathew Boynton
- Sir Thomas Gower
- Sir William St. Quintin
- Sir Edward Rodes
- Sir William Crayley
- Sir Thomas Norcliffe
- Sir Arther Ing [...]am
- Sir Richard Darley
- Sir Iarvis Cutler
- Sir William Fairefax
- Sir Hug Bethell
- L [...]r Iohn Savell
- Sir William [...]yster
- Sir Thomas Renington
- Master. Thomas [...]opson
- Henry St Qintin
- Arthur Noell
- Tobias Ierkins
- Heney Ienkins
- Iohn Ferrer
- Iohn West
- Henry Atkinson
- Henry Wyth [...]s
- VVilliam Bethell
- George Mountaine
- Thomas Stockdale
- VVilliam Gower
- Richard Trewman
- [Page] Sackvill Pope
- Thomas Heblethwaite
- George Eure
- George Marwood
- Iohn Savile of M [...]dlee
- Iohn Saltmarshe
- VVilliam Copley
- Loynell Copley
- Edward Gower
- Cuthbert Creake
- Ʋ Ʋilliam Cobb
- Doyley Gower
- Thomas Rookebie
- Iohn Calverley
- Francis Grimston
- Iohn A [...]labie
- Arthur Beckwith
- Christopher Waters
- Mathew Beckwith
- Christopher Copley
- Thomas Croft
- VVilliam Parker
- Georg Trotter
- Henry Westbie
- VVilliam Iemimgs
- Thomas Bradford
- Richard VVilbore
- Iob Hackwod
- Mathew Allured
- Robert Sheppard
- Iohn Ackl [...]m
- Iohn Stellington
- Iervas Hamond
- Iohn Cholmeley
- Thomas Newarke
- Henry Savile
- Lancelott Allured
- Iohn Lambert
- Francis Grimston
- Mr. Stephen Quintin
- VVillobie Godfrey
- Iohn Stillington
- Iohn Beverley
- Mr. Bo [...]nton
- Georg VVestbie
- Beniamin Browne
- Charles Fairfax
- Henry Arthington
- Henry Tempest
These are the names Subscribed in one sheete there being many other sheets filed together all of them Subscribed, and amongst them many Gentlmen of note, but I tooke note onely of the first sheete haveing no more time.
To the Kings most Excellent Maiestie.
WE Knights and Gentlemen whose names are subscribed doe unanimously present this our answer to your Majesties propositions concerning the raising of a Guard of Horse for the security and defence of your sacred person.
To which proposition we, as we conceive our selves bound by Allegiance, doe willingly concurre. For that purpose humbly desiring that the aforesaid may be raised by legall Authority: And likewise that it may consist of eprsons unquestionable in their Religion, and Gentlemen.
The substance of his Maiesties Answer.
HIs Majestie gave them thankes, for it appeared as a satisfactorie answer, and in it they had shewed great circumspection and wisedome, by chusing such whose Loyalties could not be questioned, by excluding Recusants and all suspected to be disaffected.
To the Kings Most Ewcellent Maiesty The Humble Petition of many thousands of Your Maiesties peaceably affected Subiects of the Countie of Yorke.
THat many of your Peticioners being in their late desires of petitioning your Maiesty denyed accesse, kept back with violence, and receiveing great affronts from some that have dependency on your Maiesty and others there assembled, yet noe provocation could remove them from their patience, and dutie, which proceedings are taken more to heart, your Petitioners conceiveing it undeniable that they have an Interest in the Common-wealth, and are as dutifull, and loyall Subiects to your Maiesty as whomsoever though diverse of them have beene since uncivilly prest by some in your Maiesties name to subscribe a paper stiled the humble Answer to your Maiesties propositions, and threatned thereto upon which blowes followed and that when your Maiesties Army should be on fout those should be first pillaged that refused such subscription, which we humbly conceive are positively contrary to your Maiesties owne expressions, and is to the high dishonour of your Maiesty, and the great affrightment, and disturbance of your Maiesties leige people. Therefore your Petitioners haveing too iust cause to feare your Maiesties royall heart is still endaingered to be possessed with some distaste of your Petitioners humbly supplicate your Maiesty, to conceive better things of them and to cast your eye upon the present state of this your Kingdome, that as your Maiesty hath often declared your affection to this County, so now your love might now be expressed in preserveing [Page] the peace thereof, and that your Maiesty would admitt of a right Information of the cleare intentions of your Petitioners who are confident, that we so absolute, and harty observance to your Maiesties iust Commands can be demonstrated as what your Maiesty in Parliament shall declare, which if it become devided (as God forbidd) our hearts even tremble to consider the dangers and dimination of the honour, and safety of your Maiesties posterrity, and Kingdoms will unavoydably be put upon since it is cleare to every understanding, that it is not a devided part of one, or severall Counties that can afford that honour, and safety to your Maiesty as the whole Kingdom which you may command, no ground or feare of danger remaining, if a good Confidence were begott betwixt your Maiesty and Parliament, whose grave, and loyall Counsells are as we humbly conceive the visible way under God to put a speedy end to the troubles of Ireland, and establish your Throne in righteousnes. And lastly your Petitioners do most humbly supplicate that we may represent our unfittnes to become Iudges betwixt your Maiesty and Parliament in any thing, or dispute the Authority of either which they humbly conceive doe fortefie each other it being most unfitt for them to act any thing therin but by their prayers for a right understanding betwene your Maiesty and them which we shall heartily do as also for your Maiesties long and prosperous Reigne, and as we are bound by our late Protestation shall be ready to maintaine your Maiesties just rights, the Previlidges and power of Parliament and the lawfull liberties of the Subiects.
The Kings Answer to the Petition of the Country at the Count at Yorke May 13. 1642.
HAueing with some care considered this Petition, being the first of this nature that hath beene presented to him wherein any appearing well affected to his service (though he hath heard of many in the Contrary) have milde meaned themselves, hath commanded me to give you this answer.
That he doth totally discover proceedings complained of in the Petition, and expects that your and all others his Loyall Subiects shall rest satisfied with his severall Gratious Declarat ons and constant peaceable practice towards his people to the contrarie, and for further assurance upon iust proofe made against any man who hath committed any uiolence in words or actions (without iust provocation) full reparation shall bee given to the perties-iniured. As for the rest of this petition, his Maiestie saith that it is so confused that hee doth not well know what positive Answer to give it. And the rather because it is grounded upon misinformation, both of his Maiesties proceedings and intentions, as in perticuler his Maiestie saith hee never intended to have you to bee iudges betwixt him and his Parliament. And for the other part of this Petition her ferts to his Messages, Declarations, and Answers, whereby it will clearely appeare that his desire and intention is onely the preserueing of the true protestant profession, the lawes of the land, the libertie of his people the peace of the Kingdome: And the peace of this Countie in perticuler.
The Protestation of Freeholders. May 13. 1642.
WHereas his Maiestie hath beene pleased to give Summons to the Gentrie of this County to Attend him at his Court at York the Twelft of May instant, to advise with him in some perticulars, concerning the honour, and safetie of his Maiesties Person, and the well being and peace of this our Countie, and in the said summons was pleased to omitt the Freeholders of this Countie, out of a tender respect of putting them to any extraordinarie charge, yet we conscious of our sincere loyaltie o his Maiestie our Gratious Soveraigne, and conceiueing our selves according to the proportions of our estates, equally intrested in the common good of the Countie, did take bouldnes to come in person to York, and were readie to attend his Maiesties pleasure there. And whereas his Maiestie was pleased then to propound severall things to the purpose aforesaid, at the meeting of the Countrie, to consider a fit answer to returne to his Maiestie thereupon, the doores of the meeting house were shut against us, we utterly excluded, and in our absence a Referre of Knights and gentlemen chosen without our knowledge or consent to draw up the said answer: We the free-h lders who petitioned his Maiestie the day abovesaid, concerneing our selves aboundantly iniured in the election (not knowing any warrant by writ or otherwise for the same) of the said Referree, and that we ought not however to be concluded by any resolution of theirs without our assent in their election; doe absolutely protest and declare against the said Election: and as farr as consernes us disavowe whatsoever shall bee the result of their consultation thereupon, and doe desire, a new and faire election of a Referree may be made, we admitted to our free Votes in the same, and some one or more to be nominated by us, allowed to deliver our sence for us at another meeting: And that we shall not make good in the lest respect any thing whatsoever which shall otherwise be concluded upon.