ALthough it so fortuned by the chance of Warre, that our Forces under the com­mand of his Excellency Gen. Preston, at the last conflict in the field were some­thing over-powerd by yours, with the losse of some of our native Countrimen of ranke and quality, of which we being so sensible on, cannot but for a time cloath our selves in mourning. Yet doth it not any waies dismay us, or strike us with feare or terrour, nor causes us any wayes to despaire of the future event of the Warre; but only a serious consi­deration and religious care which we have of this our native Kingdome: to prevent the effusion of Christian bloud, of which there hath been an over-flowing tor­rent for a long time spread over this distressed and lan­guishing Kingdome which induceth us to be the first, and exemplary instruments to revert the gluttonous [Page 4]Sword from banqueting in bloud and destruction, on which for these seven yeares it hath been feasted; and to bring it backe again to its former place, to wit, to the hand of the Civill Magistrate, to execute temporall Justice; and that the antient known Lawes of the King­dome might return to their former place: His Majesty enjoy his supream power and dignity; the Natives to have their liberties as Subjects, and not to be enthralled as slaves, that so they and the English might again live together as friends and fellow Subjects.

For the accomplishing of which, we the confederate Estates of the Kingdome of Ireland, assembled in Par­liament at Kilkenny, do desire that there might be so far a complacency between us and you; that the originall and present differences betwixt us might be so really un­derstood: whereby we hope by the clearnes of actions present, and our future endeavours may be apparent to all, whereby we may make our selves quit of that scandalous and infamous brand of bloudy Rebels.

For the obtaining of which, we desire, that some con­venient place might be appointed, where a considera­ble number of Nobility and Gentry, both of your Par­ty and ours, might have some time perfixt to meet, with free commission on both sides, to treat and consult to­gether, that thereby (with Gods assistance we may en­joy at length a happy peace and union) and this misera­ble and bleeding Kingdome preserved from farther ru­ine and desolation, which hath so long lain weltring in its own gore, and the distressed inhabitants restored to their former peace and plenty.

But this our reall and sincere requests, some may con­jecture may proceed from our cowardly feare, or poli­cy, that by this meanes of Treaty, the actions of the Ar­mies for this Summer might be retarded: but if any do looke upon our Forces at home in Garrison, and abroad in the field, they will find that we stand not in need of cessation for want of Forces to keepe the field: and we are confident it is not unknown to most of you: for al­though that part of an Army then at Lnishknock with Generall Preston received some damage; yet have we an Army in the field, marching under Generall Owen O­neale, which were not engaged there, nor elswhere, since their last victory at Blackwater: which Army (be it spo­ken without vain glory) is almost double the number the men which you have in Armes in this Kingdome: and of their vallours we presume that the Scots and your other Forces in Ulster, can give a sufficient testimo­ny of: yet put the case we had not this Army, yet God be praised this Kingdome, or at least this part of the Kingdome in our possession is not so ill stor'd with men nor our Magazines with Armes and Ammunition, but we could have recruted Generall Prestons Army with double the number he lost at Lnishknock: Wherefore yee may clearely see, it is not the want of men or am­munition that induceth us to Parlee: but if you shall find your hearts so peaceably inclined as to admit of it, there may be such care taken on both sides for the secu­rity of the Commissioners: and yet no cessation of Armes for the Souldier, till the Commissioners shall conclude and agree thereunto.

But for the Armies to proceed in any way of hostili­ty [Page 6]to eithers best advantage notwithstanding the Treaty and yet to be be no prejudice to the Commissioners of either side.

We also desire that we might have the same priviledge as other his Majesties Subjects have in the like nature, viz. to send a convenient number of Commissioners, whom we shall thinke fit, to London or elswhere in the Kingdome of England; and they there to reside as Com­missioners to communicate the weighty affaires of this Kingdome, both to the Kings Majesty and to the ho­nourable Houses of Parliament there; by which our acti­ons past, and our future intentions, may be cleared be­fore the face of the world; and that those blemishes may be taken away from us and our posterities, which some are pleased to brand us with; and that all men may see that our intentions are only for peace and unity, that we and the English may again live lovingly together as friends and fellow Subjects.

But if you thinke it prejudiciall to you to have any number of Commissioners to go for England; we shall then desire that only two whom we shall appoint, may have a safe convoy over for England, and so back again, to addresse themselves to his Majesty and to the Parlia­ment, and there to endeavour the procuring of his Majesties Royall assent, and also the consent of both Houses of Parliament to such Articles as shall be propounded towards the settlement of a firme and well grounded Peace in the three Kingdomes; that so wee may put a period to these miserable and bloudy distractions that hath so long attended on [Page 7]this deplorable Nation. And that his Majesty with his Royall Consort, and their Posterity, may en­joy their just Rights and Royall Prerogatives; and the Subject his just Liberties and Freedome.

Sir this is the desire of the Lords and Commons as­sembled in the supreame councell of this Kingdome, held at Kilkenny: And if your honour will be pleased to send your answer, you will engage us to be,