The tenth of March, 1651. Col. Edward Freeman At­turney Generall for the Common-wealth in South-wales (as Councell, and at the request of the Petiti­oners) attended with severall of the Petitioners did present a Petition to the then Supreame Authority, The Parliament of the Common-wealth of England, Inti­tuled The humble Petition of severall of the Inhabitants of the Six Counties of South-wales, and County of Monmouth, well-affected to the Parliament, and pre­sent Government, on the behalfe of themselves and the rest of the Inhabitants there, in these words following, (viz.)

2. The pre­senting thereof to the Parlia­ment, by Col. Freeman, and his Speech. At the presenting of the Petition, Col. Freeman being come to the Bar, did deliver at the request of the Petitioners, the true sense and meaning of the Petition and Petitioners, and the sum of their desires, for a more cleer demonstration of their reall inten­tions therein, in these words, (viz.)

The Petitioners being with-drawne, the said Petition was read, and taken into consideration, and thereupon the Parliament passed the ensuing Resolves, viz.

4. The tran [...] mitting of th [...] Petition, an [...] Resolves to th [...] Committee fo [...] plundered M [...] nisters. And the same day the said Petition and Resolves were trans­mitted to the Honorable Committee for plundred Ministers,to whom the same was referred. And it was then Ordered▪ That the same should be taken into consideration on the 16 of March fol­lowing, on which day severall of the Petitioners with their Coun­cellors and Solliciters did attend the said Committee with Com­missioners Names,5 The Petitioners with Councell, and Solliciters at­tend the Committee, 16 Martii. which they offered and prayed a Commis­sion, directed to those Gentlemen, or such other persons as the Honorable Committee should thinke fit, to examine the matters contained in the said Petition in the Countrey, where the wit­nesses resided, and matters of fact did rise, according to the said Resolves of Parliament.

6. Major Gen Harrison ex­cepts against the generality of the Petition, requiring a particular charge, and the Sollicitors Answer.At which time some of the Committee, especially Major Ge­nerall Harrison, one of the Commissioners for Propagation in Wales, did insist that the Petition was to generall, and deman­ded a particular charge; Unto which the Petitioners Sollicitors gave answer, that they were onely Sollicitors for the Petitioners, and had no more yet in charge for their Clients (the Petition­ers) then the preservation of the Petition, and doubted not but to exhibite particulars if required; and the Petitioners have con­venient time for that purpose: yet neverthelesse, conceived that the Petitioners by the aforesaid Resolves of Parliament, were not directed to exhibite any new charge, or particulars other then the Petition it selfe, which was all that was referred to the con­sideration of that Honourable Committee, and all that the Peti­tioners were to prove and make good, which they were ready to doe according to these Resolves, which gave that Committee no power, or direction (as they humbly conceived) to demand or receive any new charge or particulars.

7. The Peti­tioners are denied a Commission. A Letter to be first sent to the Commission­ers for propa­gation, to send an account by the 18. of May, 1652.But the Petitioners could not then obtaine a Commission to prove their Petition; It being then thought fit, and ordered that first before any Commission issued, a Letter should be written by Major Generall Harrison, Col. Sydney, and Mr. Henry Her­bert Members of Parliament, the Commissioners for Propagation of the Gospel in Southwales and County of Monmouth, together with a Copy of the said Petition, desiring them by the 18. of May, 1652 (being two moneths time) to give a particular ac­compt to the said Committee to the said Petition and matters there­in [Page 6] in contained. Whether the said Letter was sent or no, is best known to those worthy Gentlemen, to whom the care thereof was referred.

[...] The Petition [...]i [...]h the Com­missioners An [...] ­wer, read May [...]8. 1652. However the Petitioners with their Councellors and Solici­tors did attend the said Honorable Committee on the 18 of May: At which time the Petition, and also a generall Answer was read, purporting the Answer of the Commissioners for the propagation of the Gospel, &c.

9. The Petitio­ners Councels, [...]xcept against [...]he Commissi­oners Answer.Unto which the Petitioners Councell replyed, That the same did altogether consist of Generalls; And in regard it was im­possible for them (being strangers to the matters of fact) nor yet for their Clients the Petitioners to offer any thing there at the Bar by way of Reply, 10. They pray for a Copy of the Commissi­oners Answer, which is deny­ed. or Exceptions to the said Answer be­fore they had a Copy thereof, and time to consider of the same, they prayed to have a Copy of the said Answer for that pur­pose, which they could not obtaine; but the Petitioners were then Ordered by Friday the 21. of May (being two dayes after) to exhibit such particulars contained in their Petition, upon which they would insist,11. The Com­mittees Order of May 18. 1652. which the Peti­tioners could not obtaine, or a Copy there­of, untill the day before they were to answer it.and desire to examine witnesses. The Petitioners Agents attended the Clerke of that Committee for the said Order, but could not obtaine the same, or a Copy thereof, un­till Wednesday at six a clock in the Evening, so that the Petitio­ners had but one dayes time to answer the expectation of the Committee in relation to the said Order: who (finding the same to be ambiguously and uncertainly drawn, bearing severall interpretations) did demand of Master Phelpes, the Clerk atten­ding the said Committee, what was meant by the Particulars mentioned in the said Order?12. The Order of May 18. ambiguously drawn. who either would not, or could not satisfie them therein, (though present at the making of the Order, whilst the Petitioners were withdrawne:) whereupon they Addressed themselves to Members of Parliament, that sate at the Committee, when the said Order was made, and tooke advise of Councell; And upon the whole they did apprehend the meaning of the Order to be onely thus; That the Petitioners should declare what part, or particulars of their Petition they would insist to prove (it containing many particulars;) not con­ceiving that the Committee should require a particular charge against the proceedings and transactions of the Commissioners [Page 7] for Propagation in the seaven Counties for above two yeares, and to have the same drawn up and exhibited in two dayes, which was a worke of impossibility, much lesse to be done in one day; which if they meant, it behoved their Clerk to have expressed the same in the Order by cleere and intelligible words.

The Petitioners in obedience to the said Order in full Answer to what was required, thereby so far as the words,13. May 21. The Petitioners of­fer to prove the truth of their Petition, in e­very particular, and desire a Commission for that pur­pose, And pray that this their tender may be Recorded. and the very Letter of the Order did purport, did appeare on the said 21 of May, and by their Councell did affirme, that they did insist on all the particulars contained in their Petition: And would prove the truth of the Petition in every particular, And prayed againe a Commission into the Countrey, according to the Resolves of Parliament to prove the same; Whereupon Major Generall Harrison did aske the Petitioners Councell, if they had any thing else to offer to the Committee at that time, unto which answer was given by the Petitioners Councell, that they had delivered the Answer of the Petitioners, in obedience to the said Order, and prayed that the same might be recorded.

And prayed also that they would Order their Clerk to deli­ver the Petitioners a Copy of the Commissioners Answer to the Petition, 14. They move againe for a Copy of the Commission­ers Answer, which was not granted. whereby the Petitioners might be enabled either to ex­cept or reply unto the same, and proceed to issue according to the usuall course, practice and proceedings in all Courts of Justice, and Committees, And even of that Honorable Committee in all other causes; The Petitioners conceiving that the Commissioners did not send up their Answer with an intention to conceale the same from the knowledge of the Petitioners, or were unwilling that the same should be exposed to publick view. May 21. 1652. 15. An Order for a Sub-com­mittee to report matter of fact upon the Peti­tion, before a Copy of the Commission­ers Answer granted, issue joyned, or wit­nesses examin­ed.

Neverthelesse the Petitioners could not obtaine an Order for a Copy thereof (being commanded to withdraw, before the Committee did explaine the said Order, or give any further time for the Petitioners to satisfy the expectation of the Committee in reference to the same, and before the Petitioners or their Councell were called in, or were againe heard) who had somewhat more to offer to the consideration of that Committee.

It was Ordered that Col. Bennet, Mr. Robinson, Col. Sydney, Mr. Strickland, Alderman Allen, Lieut. Gen. Fleetwood, Mr. Smith [Page 8] and Col. Fenwick, or any three or more of them doe examine the matter of fact, as it then lay before the said Committee up­on the said Petition of the six Counties of South-wales, and County of Monmouth, to the said Committee referred by the Parliament, and report the same to the said Committee, in order to a Report of the whole case to the Parliament.

16. The Petiti­oners prepare particulars con­ [...]eyned in their Petition, in the nature of a charge.The Petitioners afterwards understanding the sense of the Committee in relation to the said Order of the 18 of May, and that by particulars contained in the Petition, they did meane a particular charge: The Petitioners did with all convenient speed prepare particulars contained in the generall heads of the Pe­tition in the nature of a Charge, and did instance severall mis­carriages acted and done by colour of the said Act for Propaga­tion of the Gospel, as by the particulars annexed will more fully appeare.

17. Which par­ticulars are an­nexed to a Pe­tition presented July 16. 1652. And the Petitioners did the 16. of July 1652. annex the same to a Petition, directed to the said Honourable Committee, where­in they did signify that by the said Order of the 18. of May, they did not then understand the meaning of the Committee, not conceiving their Honours did require thereby a particular charge, especially to be exhibited within two dayes (which was a worke of impossibility) being never before ordered so to do, nor required by the Resolves of Parliament to exhibite or prove any other thing then the Petition it selfe, and the matters there­in contained; And having prepared the particulars annexed they prayed them to accept of the same (though for the reasons aforesaid they failed in strictness of time given them by the said Order.)

18. The Peti­tioners are a­gaine denyed a Commission according to the Resolves of Parliament.And likewise prayed that the Honourable Committee would grant a Commission to the Countries, according to the said Re­solves to prove the same, which Petition and Particulars being read for the Reasons in the said Petition contained, and upon the reading and serious debate, and consideration had of the former Orders and Proceedings of the Committee in that Cause,19 Ordered by the Committee, that the parti­culars should be reported to the Parliament.

It was Ordered, that the said particulars be admitted, and ad­ded to the Report of the matters to be Reported to the Parlia­ment. At which time the Petitioners, Sollicitors and Agents, [Page 9] informed the Committee, 20. A Copy of the Commissi­oners Answer, denyed to the Petitioners frō the 18 of May, to the 16. of July 1652. that their Clerk denyed them a Copy of the Commissioners Answer, who from the 18 of May to that day, being the 16 of July 1652. could not obtaine a Copy thereof (although they used all possible meanes, and endea­vours therein) Whereupon

It was Ordered that the Petitioners should have Copies of the Answer of the Commissioners for Propagation of the Gospell in Wales, 21. Ordered, that the Petiti­oners should have Copies of the Commissio­ners Answer. and of all other Papers and Proceedings remaining with the said Committee.

And accordingly the Petitioners having Copies of the Com­missioners Answer, did prepare a Reply to the same (which was impossible for them sooner to doe.) And (having annexed the said Reply to a Petition) did the 20 of August 1652.22. Upon ob­taining the Answer, a Reply is pre­pared, Present the same to the said Honourable Committee, praying them to accept of the said Reply, and likewise the fourth time prayed a Commission, to prove the Petition, as also their Particulars and Reply. 23. And an­nexed to a Pe­tition presented to the Committ. Aug 23. 1652. And did likewise informe the Committee that on perusall of a Report drawne up by the Sub­committee, they did finde therein mentioned the said Booke of Accompt, contayning sixty Sheets of Paper, and conceiving it of dangerous consequence,24. The Petiti­oners pray for a Commission the fourth time. and very prejudiciall, as well to the Petitioners as to the State, in case the said Booke of Ac­compt should be Reported, before it was lodged with that Com­mittee, 25. And that the Commissi­oners Booke of account might be lodged with the Committee & a copy there­of granted the Petitioners. and the Petitioners have a Copy thereof, and liberty to surcharge the same, without which the State might be defrauded many thousand pounds by an undue Accompt, they prayed that the said Booke of Accompt might be brought in, and lodged with the Committee; And the Petitioners might have a Copy there­of, and liberty to surcharge the same; And that in the meane time the same should not be reported to the Parliament (their Clerke having declared that the said Booke was onely pro­duced by Major Generall Harrison, 26. The Booke of accompt produced, and afterwards ta­ken away. Aug. 20. 1652. before the Sub-committee, when they were drawing up the Report, and then by him (or others attending him) taken away and never read, examined or lodged with the Clerke of the said Committee.

Whereupon the 20 of August 1652.27. The Sub-Committee Ordered to bring in the Booke of Ac­count the 27 of August. 1652. or shew cause why they would not. It was Ordered that the Sub-committee appointed by Order of the 21 of May last, should bring in to the said Committee, the said Booke of Ac­compt [Page 10] of the Commissioners for Propagation of the Gospell in Wales, conteyning about threescore Sheets of paper in their Report mentioned; Or satisfy the Committee to the contrary on that day seven-night, being the time when the said Honour­able Committee did appoint to take into consideration the said Petition and Reply.) And the care of bringing in the said Accompt was referred to Col. Bennet. But the Clerke attending the said Committee, did contrary to the expresse Declaration of the Committee, insert in the said Order, the third of Septem­ber, to be the time for bringing in the said Account; And for consideration of the Petition and Reply: Which day being a Fast day,28. The Clarke contrary to the Committees Order inserts the 3. of Sep. which was a Fast-day. set apart by the Honourable Members of Parlia­ment, for their Service and Worship of God, no Committee Sat.

The day following the Fast, the Petitioners Councell and Sol­liciters did attend the Committee to know their pleasures, if they would then take the Reply into consideration,29. As appears by M. Hancocks Affidavit or appoint another time, informing them, that their Clerke had mis­named the day in the Order, contrary to the Declaration and Order of the Committee,30. The Clerk answering that the next day was inserted in the paper of causes, being 5. of Sep and as by the Affidavit of Mr. Hancock, and the Petitioners Agent and Sollicitor may ap­peare.

But the Clerke did openly give Answer, that the same was put down in the Paper of causes for the second day following the Fast (being the 5. of Sep.)31. The Petiti­oners Councell and Sollicitor, attending the 5. day. The Clark had not entred the same into the Paper of causes.

And thereupon the Petitioners Councell, and Sollicitors with the leave of the Committee did depart to their other occasions, and did attend there the next day, according to the publick in­timation and information of the Clerk. But the Clerk not ha­ving entred the same in the paper of causes, it was not called on, nor taken into consideration that day.

But on the 8 of September, in the absence of the Petitioners,32. But without the privity of the Pe­titioners Councell, or Sollicitors, it was Ordered the 8. of Sep. 1652. their Coun­cell and Sollicitors; All persons be­ing withdrawn,1. All Orders since the 29 of June, to be discharged. It was Ordered, that all Orders since the 29 of June, be dis­charged,2. The Report without mention of par­ticulars, or Reply. and the said Report as it was then drawne up and Ordered, should be [Page 11] reported to the Parliament; 3. Without any examination of wit­nesses. In which report there was no mention made of the said Particulars and Reply, herein after recited;4. Without any Copy of the Booke of Account to be Reported to the Par­liament. And the said Report was like­wise made and drawn up before any one witnesse was examined in the cause, and before any Copy had, or examination made of the said Booke of Accompt,5. No further proceedings before that Committee. that was never brought in, or lodged with the Committee for that purpose. And it was then likewise Ordered and Declared by the Honourable persons then sitting as a Committee, that they would make no further proceeding in the said Cause, untill the further pleasure of the Parliament be declared, upon the said Report to be made unto them.

At the drawing up of which Order, one Richard Creed ser­vant to the said Major Generall Harrison, 33. Rich. Creede (servant to) M. G. Harrison dictating the Order to Lang­ly, (one of the Clarks) disco­covered. and an Agent against the said Petitioners was dictating the words of the said Order to Mr. Langley one of the Clerkes to the said Committee; who was taken therein and discovered by Mr. Hancock, one of the Petitioners Agents, whereupon the said Langley, for prevention of the discovery of this his undue carriage in this businesse a­gainst the Petitioners, wished the said Creed to be silent, when hee saw the said Hancock, 34. As appears by M. Hancocks Affidavit. and informed Creed that Han­cocks was Agent for the Petitioners, as by the Affidavit of the said Mr. Hancock, may more at large appeare.

And Major Generall Harrison was as active,35. Ma. Gen. Harrison, act­ing as one of the Committee though a Com­missioner in the Act of Pro­pagation. and sedulous in this matter, that on most days appointed for the hearing ther­of, he did sit and vote as one of the Grand Committee▪ And in a speciall manner did likewise sit with the Sub-committee at the drawing up of their Report, and was chiefe instrument therein, and subscribed the same, though he was not appointed at all to be one of the Sub-committee by the Order of the 21. of May 1652. But was one of the Commissioners appointed in the Act for the Propagation of the Gospell in Wales; And there­by equally intrusted, and concerned with the rest of the Com­missioners therein named.

[Page 12] 36. The Petiti­oners being ordered from further prose­cution.The Petitioners by the said Order of the 8 of September, being wholy debarred of any further proceedings before the said Committee, untill the further pleasure of the Parliament should be knowne therein, did patiently waite in expectation of what the Lord would bee pleased to direct them to doe therein.

37. And the Report sup­pressed from the 29. Jun. 1652. to the 25. May. 1653. But so it fell out, that the said Report was privately kept from the Cognizance of the Parliament, from the 29 of June 1652. untill the 25 of March 1653. (being 9 Moneths,) To what end, and upon what accompt the same was so long suppressed, is best knowne to Colonell Bennet, and others, who had the carriage thereof, and were intrusted by the said Order of 29 Junii. 1652. to Report the same to the Parliament.

38. The Petiti­oners, their Councell, Sol­licitors and A­gents are men­aced, troubled, and imprison­ed as followethIn the meane time, what strange and unusuall wayes have been used to suppresse the said Petition it selfe, you will find here­in briefly declared.

1. The Petitioners and their Agents were menaced, and threatned by the Itnerants, and Sequestrators to be Sequestred, and ruined, which was accordingly in part executed.

2.39. The Petiti­oners are put out of Com­mission. Divers Gentlemen that bore publick Offices of trust un­der the Parliament in those parts, and of approved faithfull­nesse unto them, were discountenanced and put out of their Places and Offices meerly for subscribing the said Petition, and owning the truth thereof.

40 The Petiti­oners Sollici­tors, are tam­pered with by Creed, and Mr. Rogers.3. That one Richard Creed, servant to Major Generall Har­rison, and Agent for the propagators, and one Hugh Rogers (for­merly a Cavalier in Armes against the Parliament, yet one of the Welsh Itinerants) having an evill purpose and designe to corrupt the said John Gunter, the Petitioners Solliciter, and to draw him to violate and falsifie the great trust reposed in him, by the Petitioners, did partly by threats, and partly by faire pro­mises and perswasions endeavour to disingage him, from the further prosecution and sollicitation of the said Petition.

41. Mr. Gunter denying their sollicitation, & tampering, is together with Col. Freeman, prosecuted.But the said John Gunter, abhorring with his Soule to condis­cend thereunto, and the said Richard Creed, and Hugh Rogers, finding their endeavours therein fruitless.

The said Richard Creed in August 1652. (being then a servant to Major Generall Harrison) upon his own single information [Page 13] obtained a Warrant for the apprehending & bringing before the (then) Councell, Col. Edward Freeman, the Petitioners Councell, and the said John Gunter the Petitioners Sollicitour; In pursuance whereof the said Col. Ed Freeman, 42. Col. Free­man apprehen­ded, as he was going to Court in Preisteigne Sessions being States Atturney whilest he was discharging his duty in the great Sessions held at Presteigne, in the County of Radnor, as Attorney Generall of South wales, was most dis­gracefully Arrested by the Councells Messengers, as he was go­ing into the Court to plead for the State, and his own particu­lar Clients. And imediately brought up a Prisoner to the (then) Councell, where he continued above sixteen weekes as a Priso­ner, daily attending and petitioning for a charge, or discharge, (the Common-wealth and his own particular Clients in the meane time suffering great prejudice by his absence.)

At last a false and scandalous charge was brought in against him by Richard Creede, in the Name of John Morgan, 43. A charge produced by Creed, in John Morgans Name against Col. Freeman. one of the Sequestrators of the Church Revenues in South-wales, (being a man of a very meane Trade and Condition, before he was in­trusted with the managing of the Sequestred Estates.) And the said Creede being demanded to prove the charge so by him ex­hibited, could not make good any one particular thereof;44. And for want of proofe Col. Freeman is discharged. where­upon Col. Freeman was honorably discharged from his Restraint, and Attendance, in reference to the said charge.

Neverthelesse hee received no reparation to this day for all these Wrongs and Sufferings; (though really damnified by this false Accusation of Creede, 45. The Col. is not yet re­paired though damnified 1000 l. and his Complices) above 1000 l.

And afterwards upon the dissolution of the former Parliament, Col. Freeman by an Order of the (then) Councell (where Major Gen.46. But by Or­der of the (then) councell is dis­charged of his place of Attur­ney Gen. with­out any more charge, or proofs against him. Harrison had then the Honour to sit) was in his absence (without any crime layed to his charge) discharged of his place of Atturney Generall for South wales; Although hee had in that place (as also with the [...]o [...]e of his bloud in the Field) given signall Testimonies of his Fidelity and Affection to the Parliament and Commonwealth of England.

And Mr. Edm. Jones, (a compounded Delinquent on Record) was appointed Attorney Generall in his stead, who continues in that place to this day,37. And M. Ed­mond Jones, put in his place. notwithstanding the severall Acts and Or­dinances of Parliament, disabling him from the execution therof.

[Page 14] 48. Mr. Gunter understanding of the Warrant against him, doth voluntari­ly render him­selfe into the hands of the Serjeant at Armes.And the said John Gunter being gone into Wales to attend his civill imployments in the great Sessions for Carmarthen, Pem­broke, and Cardigan, and understanding that the Warrant was issued out against him, did with all possible speed repaire to Lon­don, and voluntarily rendred himselfe to the Sergeant at Armes attending the Councell, and as a Prisoner attended 15. weeks, ear­nestly Petitioning for a Charge or Discharge.

In the meane time, such was the violence of his Prosecutors, that to disable him to attend his calling, and the solicitation of the said Petition about Jan. 49. Attends the Councel as a Prisoner the space of fifteen weeks. 1652. before any Charge brought agianst him, he was kept a close Prisoner in the Messengers custo­dy two dayes and one night, by the meanes of Major Gen: Har­rison, who moved at the Councell against the Sergeant at Armes for suffering Mr. Gunter to have liberty, though he daily atten­ded the Councell as a Prisoner.50. A Charge exhibited by Creed, brought in by Major Gen. Harrison his Master, 9. Feb. 1652. But the Councell being infor­med of the state of his present case, would make no Order for his Restraint.

At last a malicious and impertinent Charge was brought in by the said Richard Creed the Informer, and usher'd in to the Coun­cell by Major Gen: Harrison his (then) Master, 9. Feb. 1652. (about seven moneths after the issuing forth of the Warrant a­gainst him) wherein the matters suggested by Creed meerly re­lated to John Gunter as Soliciter for the Petitioners. 51. The mat­ter suggested of a 12. months standing meer­ly for acting or soliciting, and 7. moneths from the date of the Warrant to the exhibit­ing of the Charge.

Unto which Charge, John Gunter 5. Apr. 1653. did likewise voluntarily put in a full and satisfactory Answer.

The Petitioners and their Agents being thus dealt withall and discouraged, and the Report of the said Committee lying dor­mant for about nine moneths, Col: Bennet and others who had the carriage of the Report, did make choice of the 23. of March, 1652. as a most fit and convenient time to bring in the same to the Parliament.

52. M. Gunter voluntarily pure in his An­swer 5. April. 1653. The Petitioners with their Councell and Solliciters being then out of Towne, and many worthy Members of Parliament ab­sent, (who by their frequent sitting at the Committee on severall debates touching the said Petition, were deeply sensible of the sad truths therein contained.)53. The Report lying dormant 9. moneths, 54. Brought in by Col: Bennet 28. Mar. 1652. whilest the Petitioners, their Councellors and Soliciters were absent.

[Page 15]But the debate of that businesse being providentially put off untill the Friday following (being the 25. of March) The Pet. Agents returning unexpectedly to Towne,55. The debate of the Report, providentially put off till 25. Mar. upon Thursday the 24. of March, and understanding this great businesse was to be taken into consideration in Parliament the next day, did as much as in them lay prepare an Addresse to the Parliament suitable to the shortnesse of the time, and the weight and nature of the cause wherewith they were intrusted by their Countrey. And for that purpose, A Petition was presented unto the Parliament, 56. Mr. Charles Roberts Pet. with particu­lars and Reply, put in the 25. of March. the said 25. of March, with a copie of the particulars & Reply here­in after recited, by Mr. Charles Roberts, one of the Pet. Soliciters, in these words, viz.

Whereupon,58. The Petiti­oners Agents attend the Committee with the Re­solves, and move for a Commission. and on consideration, and debate had of the Report brought in by Colonell Bennet, and of the whole matter as it then lay before the Parliament, they passed this insuing Resolve.

Resolved by the Parliament, that this Report be re-committed with power to the Committee to examine the whole matter of Fact,59. The Petiti. delayed untill Thursday, and the Parliament dissolved the wednesday be­fore, and the Committee could not act any longer.and to Report it to the Parliament.

Afterwards the Petitioners Councell, and Sollicitors did at­tend the said Committee with the said Resolve; And severall times moved them in pursuance thereof, and of the former Re­solve of Parliament, of the 10 of March 1651. To grant Com­missions to the Countrey, to examine the truth of the Petiti­on, Particulars and Reply; whereby the said Committee might be inabled to Report the whole matter of Fact to the Parlia. But the said Committee did put it off untill Thursday 21 Apr. 1653.60. The Petiti­ones intend to revive their Petition before the last Parlia­ment.

And the Parliament being dissolved the Wednesday before, the said Committee, became consequently dissolved, and no fur­ther proceedings could be had before them on the said Petition and Resolves.

The Petitioners intending to revive their Petition, 61. Mr. Gunter their Sollicitor was the second time imprison­ed by order of an absolute Warrant, and Order of Maj. Gen. Harrison. and Com­plaint before the late Parliament, and the noyse thereof com­ing to the eares of some persons concerned, The said John Gun­ter the Petitioners Solliciter, became the second time a prisoner, being apprehended by Edmond Dendy Esquire, Serjeant at Ames to the (then) Councell, and by him committed to the custody of Mr. Humphrey Holden, one of the Messengers attend­ing [Page 17] the same Councell, where he then remained two dayes,50. Mr. Gunter demands the cause of his imprisonment. and one night, who demanding by whose Warrant and Authority he was restrained of the liberty held forth by the Law of the Land, to the free People of this Nation, was answered; That hee was detained by vertue of a Warrant issued forth in August. 1652. and the speciall directions of Major Gen. Harrison.

The said John Gunter having obtained a Copy of the said Or­der, and seriously considering of the same,51. The An­swer given him therein. did finde the tenour thereof to be meerly for bringing in his person to appeare, and answer before the former Councell, to such things as should be then and there objected against him. And in regard hee had satisfied that Order by his voluntary appearance and answer, and finding no Order for his restraint, but the very Councell it selfe dissolved, he did conceive that he ought not to be restrained of his liberty by colour of the said Order, or any other verball Command or Directions; Whereupon he was plainly told that hee must remaine a Prisoner, untill hee did obtaine an Order of discharge from the (then Councell) or from Major Generall Harrison; who being thus straitned, and not at all Commit­ted by any Order of the then Councell; did direct a Letter to Major Generall Harrison, To this effect,52. M. Gunters Letter to Ma­jor Generall Harrison, touching his Restrained. viz. ‘That hee had beene exposed to extraordinary expence, and losse of time, and was much damnified by the causelesse prosecution of his servant Richard Creed,unto whose charge hee had long before put in a full and sa­tisfactory Answer, before the former Councell, whereby their Order was fulfilled, and themselves sufficiently satisfied of his Innocency. And desired his Honour to consider how unusuall and destructive a course it was to the free People of this Nation, to be deprived of their just Liberties by verball commands, or otherwise on bare information, before a legall Triall, and Conviction; And therefore hoped hee should not be made the first president of that na­ture, since the establishment of that Government; But that his Honour and all other in Authority would be pleased to protect him, whilest hee behaved himselfe inoffensive towards their Government.’ 53. Mr. Gunter afterwards dis­charged by Ma. Generall Harrisons direction. Whereupon Major Generall Harrison, taking the Premisses in­to consideration, was pleased to give Order and Directions to the Serjent at Armes to discharge the said John Gunter, from his restraint and punishment.

[Page 18] 34. Mr. Gunter received no Reparation, thought dami­fied above 1000 l.Which being performed, notwithstanding though Mr. Gunter being of known integrity to the Common-wealth, yet by colour of this false Accusation (without proofe made against him, or any Tryall or Conviction) was debarred of the benefit of his Profession, in the execution of severall places, and imployments wherein hee was intrusted; And hath not to this day Received any Reparation for his losses and dammages thereby sustained, though hee hath beene damnified every way above a thousand pound.

Having given you the true Relation of the whole Transacti­on concerning the Petition, with the Parliament Resolves, and severall Orders and Reports by the Committee for Plundred Mi­nisters and others thereupon, with the manifold Obstructions in the Prosecution thereof, both by severall miscarriages of Clerks and other Agents. And the grievous Restraynment of the Petitioners Councell, and Sollicitors from their Liberties. I passe on to the Particular Heads of the Charge put in by the Petitioners.