HIs Majesty being deeply sensible of the Continuation of this bloudy and unnaturall Warre, cannot thinke himselfe discharg'd of the Duty he owes to God, or the Affection and regard he hath to the preservation of His People, without the constant application of His earnest endeavours to find some expedient for the speedy ending of these unhappy Distractions, if that may be, doth therefore desire, That a safe Conduct may be forthwith sent, for the Duke of Richmond, the Earle of Southampton, Iohn Ashburnham and Ieffery Palmer Esquires, and their [Page 2]Attendants, with Coaches, Horses, and other Accommodations for their Journey to Westminster, during their stay there, and return when they shall think fit. Whom His Majesty intends to send to the Lords and Commons. Assembled in the Parliament of England at Westminster, and the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland, furnish'd with such Propositions, as His Majesty is confident will be the Foundation of a happy and well grounded Peace.
Given at the Court at Oxford, the fifth of December, 1645.
This Gracious Message came to Westminster December 6th, where he that brought it was detain'd five dayes, and at last sent back without any Answer at all to His MAJESTY; only these few words were written to Sr Thomas Glemham Governour of Oxford.
WE have received your Letter of the 5th of this instant December, with His Majesties inclosed, and have sent back your Trumpet by command of both Houses who will with all convenient speed return an answer to his Majestie, and rest
This was all, after so many dayes expectation; which is indeed neither Answer nor Excuse, being only a Concession of nothing at present, and an intimation that for future (when themselves judge it convenient) They will grant or deny. Notwithstanding all manner of difficulties and pretences, His Sacred Majesty hath againe sent to them a second Message, where all the World will testifie His Pious unwearied desires for Peace, whereof this following is a perfect Copy.
HIs Majestie cannot but extreamly wonder, that after so many expressions on your part of a deep and seeming sence of the miseries of this afflicted Kingdome, [Page 4]and of the dangers incident to His Person during the continuance of this unnaturall Warre, your many great and so often repeated Protestations, that the raising of these Armes hath been only for the necessarie defence of Gods true Religion, His Majesties Honour, Safetie, and prosperitie, the Peace, comfort and security of His People, you should delay a safe Conduct to the Persons mentioned in His Majesties Message of the fifth of this instant December, which are to be sent unto you with Propositions for a well grounded Peace: A thing so farre from having been denyed at any time by His Majestie whensoever you have desired the same, that He beleeves it hath been seldome (if ever) practised among the most avowed and professed Enemies, much lesse from Subjects to their King. But His Majestie is resolved, that no discouragements whatsoever shall [Page 5]make Him faile of His part in doing His uttermost endeavours to put an end to these Calamities, which if not in time prevented, must prove the ruine of this unhappie Nation; And therefore doth once again desire, that a safe Conduct may be forthwith sent for those Persons expressed in His former Message, and doth therefore conjure you, as you will answer to Almightie God in that day when he shall make inquisition for all the Bloud that hath, and may yet be spilt in this unnaturall Warre, as you tender the preservation and establishment of the true Religion; by all the Bonds of Dutie and Allegiance to your King or Compassion to your bleeding and unhappie Countrie, and of Charitie to your selves, that you dispose your hearts to a true sence, and imploy all your faculties in a more serious endeavour together with His Majestie, to set a speedie end to these wasting Divisions, and [Page 6]then he shall not doubt, but that God will yet againe give the blessing of Peace to this distracted Kingdom.
Given at the Court at Oxford,the 15th of December, 1645.For the Speaker of the House of Peers, pro tempore.
This Gracious Message hath yet received no Answer, though now 'tis a Fortnight since His Majesties first Message. All that is desired is only a safe Conduct for such as should come with Propositions for Peace: sure their Thoughts are farre from an Accommodation, who refuse that any should aske it of them, or bring it to them. God in his due time will reward such as truly seek Peace, and recompence those that delight in Bloud.