THis morning I received, by the hands of a messenger from the Generall, a paper of Votes and Resolutions of both Houses of Parliament, bearing date Die Martis, 16. November, 1647. relating to the security of His Majesties per­son, which although they came not to me with directions from the Houses, yet I thought it my duty to take notice of them (by what hand soever received) as their commands, and accordingly to see them put in execution.

As concerning that Vote, not permitting such as have been in Armes, or assisted against the Parliament, to come into this Island, it tending much to the security of His Ma­jesties person, and the preserving the peace of the Island, I have (as I acquainted your Lordships in my last letters, be­fore I received these Votes) given orders to that effect (which are carefully put in execution) commanding all masters of Boats belonging to Hampshire and this Island, that they land neither persons nor goods, in any part of this Island, save only at Yarmouth Castle, Cowes Castle, and Ryde: at which place I have also appointed a guard, to whom order is given (as to the other two Castles) for the exami­ning of all persons so landing, and to detaine and secure any that cannot give a very good account of themselves and their businesse.

As concerning your Lordships other Votes (now they are come to my hands) I shall with the best of my endea­vours see them put in execution.

My Lord,

Yesterday there came to me an Officer, belonging to the Serjeant of the House of Commons, with particular war­rants for the apprehending and bringing up in safe custody the persons of Mr. John Ashburnham, Mr. William Leg, and Sir John Barkley, who came hither with the King. The said warrants requiring my assistance to him in the execution of them, but with no order to me from either or both Houses to that purpose.

And finding the matter to be of every great importance, I have desired the messenger to forbeare the execution of his said warrants till I have given the Houses to understand that in case the said warrants should be served and put in execu­tion, it would be impossible for me to answer the expecta­tions and commands of Parliament in preserving the per­son of the King in security to be disposed by them, unlesse I should keep him close prisoner, which is a businesse of that nature, that it is neither fit nor safe for me to do, espe­eially of my selfe.

The grounds from whence I gather this, are plainly thus:

The King hath declared himselfe to me, That he came from Hampton-Court for no other cause but for the preserva­tion of his person, which was (as he apprehended) in such danger, that he could not with safety continue longer there: That if he could have been there with safety, hee would not have departed thence, nor from the Army: And that he chose this place rather then any other (when he was at liberty to have gone whither he pleased) that he might still continue under the protection of the Army (my selfe being a member thereof) and that he might have conveni­ency of free entercourse between himselfe and the Parlia­ment for the settlement of a generall peace, to which hee professes greater inclinations and desires then ever, and that there shall be nothing wanting on his part, that may bee reasonably expected from him.

He further saith, that in case these Gentlemen be taken from him, and punished as evill doers, for councelling him [Page 7] not to goe out of the Kingdome, but rather to come to the place where he now is, for the ends aforesaid, and for their endeavouring accordingly in attending him hither; he can­not but himselfe expect to be dealt with accordingly; his case being the same.

And from such apprehensions your Lordships may easily judge, what he will doe, by his former actings: He having that liberty which hath ever beene allowed him since he hath beene disposed of by the Parliament.

My Lord,

I shall further let you know, that besides the care I shall al­waies have of these gentlemen, they have ingaged their ho­nours, not to depart from me, so that I am most confident of their security.

And truly were not their ends the same with their pretences (in relation to the peace of this Kingdome) I am confident they would never have advised nor conducted the King to this place.

Besides, were they at this time removed from the King▪ there would be none left for his attendance, which (besides the offence) how great the inconvenience would be to him, your Lordships cannot be ignorant.

And further give me leave to adde (if so unworthy a servant of your Lordships as I am (and that which concerns my ho­nour were at all worthy your consideration) whither it would not much reflect upon me in case these gentlemen should be thus removed from hence: The King and themselves having freely throwne themselves upon mee for safety upon confidence (as they please to say) of my honour and honesty, and the satis­faction they expect it would have given the Parliament, The King being necessitated to remove.

My Lord,

My duty to you and the Kingdome (whose good and peace I most desire and shall most faithfully endeavour) calls for this account, which (with my selfe and these gentlemen) I leave to [Page 8] your Lordships consideration with this conclusion; That what­ever is commanded by Authority (especially that of Parlia­ment) though never so contrary to my sense or honour, shall never be disobeyed by.

Since the conclusion of my letter, I received the letter, and Votes of both Houses, of the 16. present, which shall be care­fully put in execution by,