VVE being desired to further the service of the State; And having seen very much of Gods over-ruling-Providence upon the Spirits both of Commanders, and Souldiers, in our entrance upon that great work at Reading, where our presence and assistance was de­sired by the Major▪ Generall; who on Friday night, so soon as ever we came into the Garrison, gave order to draw out the five Regiments, formerly under the Command of his Excellencie, the Earl of Essex▪ and five Companies of my Lord Roberts, into the field on the next morning: We thought it our duty to acquaint you with the proceedings at that meeting. The Regiments and Companies aforesaid, being drawn up according to Order; The M [...]jor Generall marched in the head of all the Regiments, being accompa­nied with us, and the Commissioners in the Army, who were received with a generall shout and acclamation of the souldiers: The complement of the field being over, each Regiment was drawn apa [...]t; And then the Major-Generall applied himself, First, to his Excellencies regiment, & there commanded all the Officers to draw together to the head of the Regiment, and the [...]e exprest himself with much gra­vity, and sweetnesse of spirit, to the Officers and Souldiers of that Regiment, to this effect: (I think we may say ver­batim) as is expressed in the inclosed: The like to all the rest with some little variations: Upon the close of his Speech to each Regiment, both the Officers to be co [...]ti­nued, [Page 2] and those that were to be dismissed, did witnesse much readinesse to obey the Commands of Parliament; and likewise very much civility to the Major▪ Generall: And the Souldiers they generally exprest their joy at the close of every Speech, without any reluctancie in any of them; declaring, that now they hoped (ere long) they should be in action. And farther, Whereas divers Inferi­our Officers went off upon the Reducement, they have li­sted themselves as common Souldiers: So that we trust, you will have such an account of this businesse, as that you could not desire a better. The inhabitants of this▪ Garri­son, who have been witnesses of their former mutinous dispositions, do very much wonder at so great a change in the same; and truly, the mighty hand of God was very vi­sible in the work. We are sorry that we have troubled you with so long a Scrible, the rather because we have an inti­mation, that the Commissioners here have written to Ma­ster Speaker, touching these Affairs: however, lest they should omit what to our apprehensions was most remarka­ble, we have taken the boldnesse to give you this trouble: From,

YEsterday by Gods e [...]peciall bl [...]ssing upon my poor endeavours, the work of Reducement here, is quietly, and (I hope) through­ly settled, both Officers and Souldiers demeaning themselves with all ready obedi [...]nce to the Commands of Parliament. As soon as I can ge [...] an exact list of the officers that are gone off, I shal [...] (God willing) wi [...]h all humblen [...]ss [...], send the s [...]me to this Honourable House; that (as shall seem best unto you) they may be taken into your further consideration. I in [...]end (by Gods assistance) to prosecu [...]e this bu­sinesse of Reducing the rest in other places, with all possible dili­gence and faithfulnesse; hoping by Gods further favour, in a short time to bring the same to a wished [...]ssue; whereof I shall (by Gods help) from time to time give you a true accompt. Onely I most hum­bly beseech you, that Cloathes and Armes may be suddenly sent to Windsor, for their further supply and encouragement: as also for the spe [...]dier fi [...]ting them for the publique service, the advancement whereof we heartily long af [...]er; and I hope in the strength of the Almighty shall with the uttermost hazard of our lives endeavour: may it please you (if it be not done already) to take some speedy▪ and certain course for money to pay those Horse that were of His Excellencies and Sir William Balfores Regiments, equall with the rest of the Horse that were of His Excellencies Army, that the Re­ducing of them may not be hindered or prejudiced. Mr. Allein. and Mr. Det [...]ick, now the present Treasurers of the Army here; as also th [...] Commissioners appointed by Parliament, have with all love, care and industry, furthered this great work: which let it please you to take notice of, being a very good and seasonable service to the State. I humbly crave pardon for my great boldnesse, and ever remain,

HAving lately prest upon the distemperatures of this Garrison (occasioned principally from the tottering condition of such Officers as were to be reduced, whence undoubtedly grew their discontents, and by whose influ­ence, the Mutinies of the Souldier took rise, as appeared to us from more then common observation, which accor­ding to our duty (though to our hazard) we have both la­boured to suppresse, to qualifie at least, and to present you the Intelligence:) We proceed to acqu [...]int you; Th [...]t upon the happy coming down of Serjeant Major Generall Skip­pon, the work we so long so earnestly desired, and so much feared, was yesterday by the great blessing of God happi­ly accomplished. Upon Friday, towards night, Major-Generall was welcomed here, with acclamations of joy, serving as a good Omen, and incouragement, to the next dayes businesse. That night the Officers coming to wel­come him, received much satisfaction, b [...] understanding from him the providentiall care the Parliament had of them, by ordering a Committee to receive the Major-Ge­neralls Character, touching the merit, or demerit, of such as were designed to be laid aside, ti [...]l some other opportu­nity for imployment; as also, to order the auditing their Debenters▪ promoting some part of their Arrer [...]s, and pro­mising Publique-Faith for the rest. This not only calmed them for that night, brought them in due time next day to observe their Orders for drawing the five Regiments into the Forebury, but won them (after his publique significa­tion in the head of every Regiment, touching the Parlia­ments respects to the reduc'd Officers, as also their extra­ordinary provisions of Pay and Apparell for the Private Souldiers, who had liberty offered to chuse their Com­manders, [Page 6] after the four standing Captains of his Excellen­lencies Regiment were recruited) to deliver up their men to such as stood, in such a method, and with such discretion and obedience to your Commands, that not a dissenting souldier, nor discontented countenance, could well be dis­covered; so as they orderly marcht thence in three reduc'd Regiments, cheerfully into three Churches, where we forthwith inrolled every Officer and souldier, as they en­tred the new List, closed the Books that evening, and with like diligence see the Private Souldier paid, and most of the reduc'd Officers. In this action (though the work speak it, yet) cannot we passe by the Major-Generals great pains, and excellent way of invitation, without a deserved Em­phasis, and Commemoration. To morrow (by Gods assi­stance) we shall finish the rest: That done, proceed to the Reducement elsewhere, and what other Rules the Major-Generall shall give us to walk by▪ Neverthelesse, clothing, and compleat arming, requires speedy accomplishment, the season inviting, and Major-Generall having by promise in­gaged himself to them, unto that purpose. In these Affairs (if with modesty we may speak it) we have exprest what might with advantage conduce to make the work prospe­rous, and go on with such alacrity, and caution, as may worthily render us serviceable, and answerable to the trust reposed in us: which especially adds the interest of being