THat this City hath taken notice of a Vote of your Honours of the second of this In­stant September, Importing your plea­sures; that Iohn Ireton the present Lord Mayor of this City, do continue and execute the office [Page 4] of Lord Major of London for the year ensuing, re­commending it to the City of London, to see the same done accordingly; Touching which your Petitioners doe not at this time apply to your Honours out of any exception to the Honorable person therein mentioned, but in tendernesse to our Ancient Charters, Customes and Priviledges, (a breach up­on which would exceedingly hazard, if not to­tally destroy the peace, good order and happinesse of the most antient and well-govern'd City (we had almost said) in the world: but surely (we may say) in this Nation, when as the Multitude of In­habitants in and about it is Considered.

Our Government stands upon two strong sup­ports, The laudable Customes of it (time out of mind) and severall very ancient Charters which have been Confirmed by sundry Acts of Parliament; and in them these are Essentiall; That the Mayors of the City aforesaid, be Chosen by the Citizens of the same City; That the Mayor of the said City remain not in his office above one year together: And that the Su­preme power of the Nation may be fully satisfied in our Choice, we are to present him there for ap­probation, which we chearfully submit to, and assure our selves that amongst those severall very worthy persons whom God in his good provi­dence hath given us in succession, there may be Chosen such a fit person for the year ensuing, as will be serviceable to the peace and safety of the City and Nation, and acceptable to your Honours.

In the Consideration whereof, we make this our petition, perswading our selves, that no Alteration willbe made by your Honours, in our so Antient good and peaceable Customes and Charters: Espe­cially, when we call to mind the long peace and Hap­pinesse this great and populous City hath enjoyed under this Government; And that the disturbance of it though but in the minds of men, may prove dangerous thereunto; As also the great love and correspondence that this Election hath maintained in all times between the Mayor and Citizens.

But when we look into the records of Parliament, & our own Courts, What acknowledgements, promises, & Engagements this City hath received from your Ho­nours, we might well abhorre our own disingenuity, if we should fear a breach of our Charters, or Custom [...]s, or any Mark of hardship or displeasure from your Ho­nours: for we find the 13. of Ianuary 1643. Both Houses dstinctly make great acknowledgments to the City, with assurance never to desert it, but to make it their greatest Care to watch all opportunities to advance the honour and happinesse of the City, which under God hath been the principall meanes of preserving the Parliament. The 6. of May 1644. A Committee from both Houses signifie their sense of the Cities readinesse to assist the Parliament upon all occasions, and that therefore the Parliament is likewise ready to expresse their gratitude to the City, in the most Essential manner & way they can find out. And therefore being about to make Propositions to the [Page 6] King in behalfe of both Kingdomes, they offer it to the Common Council to think of some Propositions to be prepared in behalf of the City, for the honour safe­ty and good of it, and that the Parliament will pre­sent them to his Majesty.

Accordingly the City prepared Propositions, of which one was for Confirmation of all the Charters granted to this City; and of all Liberties, Customes, and Priviledges; notwithstanding Non-user, Mis­user or Abuser: That they shall not be drawn out of the Liberties to warre without their own consent.

The 18. of May 1644. The Commons acknow­ledge it an especiall Blessing of Almighty God, that their Endeavours have been so well understood, and accepted by this famous City; without whose Con­stant affections and assistance they could not have brought their great work to the hopefull Condition, wherein by the mercy of God it then stood.

That the City have demonstrated their adherence to the House of Commons by Action in times of greatest difficulty, and have therein spent their dearest bloud, and vast summes of Treasure; omit­ting no possible supplyes of purse or person.

That they (the Commons) will never forget the great encouragement they then received (by a Pe­tition) from the City.

And in return for their great affections, the House of Commons do declare, They will in a most peculiar manner be mindfull of the merit of the City, which upon all occasions they shall acknowledge, and will endeavour for to requite.

The fruits of all which, we do perswade our selves, Can never be wanting to this City whiles your Honours that made them, have power in your hands to make them good. And we hope the Common Enemy both to you and us, shall ne­ver haue Cause to rejoyce in this, that our City should want the benefits of your Engagements to us in the dayes of your and our Streights, Much lesse, loose any of our former Priviledges by your hands in the days of Peace.

And therefore in a deep sense of the Cityes Concernment therein, and the duty In­cumbent on us, and all Freemen of this City by virtue of our Oaths, we do most humbly pray, that your Honours would lay no restraint upon the peoples free Election of our Mayor; And that our ancient Charters, Customes, Rights, and Priviledges in this and all other things may be Continued to us.

And we shall ever pray, &c.