THat we the Presbyterians of the Church and Kingdom of Scotland, being by a long continued Tract of Violence and Oppression upon us in our Lives, Liberties, Fortunes and Consciences, and without all hope of Remedy; and being cut off from all Access of Petitioning, and that by an Act of Parliament, of pouring forth our just Grievances and Complaints. And our Lives being made so bitter by cruel Bondage, as that Death seemed more eligible than Life (the Causes whereof we have partly mentioned in our Declarations) and being by unavoidable Necessity driven in­to the Field in Arms, in our own Innocent Self-defence; and now looking on it as a most favourable Providence, that your Grace is come amongst us, at such a time (of whose Princely Clemency and natural Goodness, and Aversion from shedding Christian Blood, we have so savoury a Request we accept with all Thankfulness to God of this Opportunity) to lay before your Grace our sad Grievances, and humble Request; All which we know will be mis-represented to your Grace, by such as have studiously, yet without any just ground, except in the Matters of our God, been the Principal Actors of our sad and Deplorable Sufferings.

May it therefore please your Grace to grant liberty under safe Conduct to some of our number to address themselves to your Grace, to lay open our hearts in this matter, that some speedy and effectual Redress, may be by your Graces favour and authority made to the establishing of the Na­tions Peace. In doing whereof your Grace will do that which is most acceptable to the Lord, com­mendable Preventor of all Miseries and Ruines that threaten this poor Land. Yea and we doubt not shall bring upon you the Blessing of many Thousands Men, Women and Children, though not with us, yet sincere Lovers of us, sympathizing with us, and favourers of our Religious Cause, That the good Lord may incline your Graces heart to this, is the humble Request.