A Copy [...] the Declaration sent from his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax, to the Lord Mayor and Citi­zens of London.

VVHereas in the carying on of the great bu­sinesses of the Kingdome towards a gene­rall and happy settlement, it hath been a sixed prin­ciple with us to make it our first endeavour with the Parliament, that all things which threaten an En­gagement of the Kingdome in a second warre, might be removed before we could have a confident expe­ctation of a good issue; upon a Treaty with their Commissioners, which course of ours, although it might have some appearance of delay: yet, by men that are zealous of the Kingdomes good (we hope) no endeavour will be judged unnecessary, that may se­cure the Kingdome from the danger of any new im­broylments.

We are now come thus far, that the most mate­riall particulars which we have in preparation to propose, for the generall settlement of the affaries of the Kingdome, have bin communicated to the Parliaments Commissioners; and we hope they are satisfied that they containe in them things tending to a generall good, and to lay an hopefull Founda­tion for common Right, and Freedom, to the peo­ple of this Land for future; and for a lasting peace amongst us. But before we can securely intend and without interruption apply our selves, unto the proceedings and dispatch of the Treaty, there upon wee have delivered into the hands of their Comissio­ners, the paper which consists of three particulars, in the last whereof (which is the Militia of the City) you being most immediatly concerned, to the end you may see we would aske nothing which relates to you, without giving you a just account thereof, and all possible satisfaction therein; we have also given a Coppy thereof to your Commissioners, to be here with sent unto you. Wee should not desire this or and thing else of that nature were wee per­swaded, that what wee desire is seasonable, and for yours and the Kingdomes good and quiet. And wee should willingly haue been silent (as to this:) but considering the just jealousies which lye against some persons, now authorized in the exercise of that powea amongst you, and those attempts which have him made by some, who would have engaged your city, to a warre, had not your Lordships and the court of Aldermen and Commen-Councell [Page]by your wisdome prevented it, by getting those votes which were passed by the Mili­tia, made null.

We cannot in a case of this importance but deal freely with you, in desiring your con­currence with ours to the Parliament; that the Militia may bee changed into those hands, out of which it was taken, of whose care and fidelity to the Publike, there hath been so long and large experience, as few a­ges have paralleld. And if the intere [...]t wee have so long fought for be still the same, let it not seem strange that wee desire both of the parliament and City, that those may bee in places of such a trust, who have given the best proof of their courage and constancy in prosecution of the same. Having thus far de­clared our selves with all freedom and clear­nesse to you, as we doe not doubt of your good acceptance of our intention therein, so we desire your forwardnesse in a worke so much tending to mutuall confidence: and to prevent the designes of any who would bee glad to put obstructions in the way to a happy conclusion, and envie nothing more [Page]then the continuance of a aight understan­ding between you and us.