HAving seriously weighed and conside­red the late distractions within the City of London, and the great aspersions that have been cast upon the Kings Royall Ma­jesty, [Page] concerning the late tumults in the said City, I thought my selfe oblieg'd, to re­present unto you these ensuing lines, for the better clearing of this great scandal and dis­honour said upon his Royall person, all which is false, for his Majesty ever detested all tumults, and never had the least thought of complying with the new raised Army, as will appeare by this ensuing Message, sent from the Kings most Excellent Majesty, to his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax; which Message was brought by Sir John Ashburn­ham, consisting of these particulars, as follo­weth:

1. That His Maiesty doth really acquit him­s [...]lf [...] of the great scandall cast upon Him by the d [...]s [...]ffected Party within the City of London, and else-where, concerning the late tumults rai­sed within the said city.

2. That his Maiesty doth disclaime the said tumults, testifying a great dislike thereof, accoun­ting it a dishonourable action if he should have thought to bee brought to London in such a tu­multuous manner.

3. That he d [...]sires rather to rely on his Ex­cellency [Page] Sir Thomas Fairfax, and the Army un­der his immediate command, concerving that to be more safe and honourable.

It is said, that his Majesty writ this Let­ter with his owne hand, a day or two before the Agr [...]ement betwixt the City and Army, and that Hee were resolved to have sent it speedily to the Generall, but that it could not be finished time enough.

But after the said Letter was fully fini­shed, the Kings Majesty immediatly dispat­ched Sir John Ashburnham with it to his Ex­cellency, that so the Generall might more fully understand the reall intentions of his Majesties heart. One thing makes the Soul­die [...]y very pleasant (although they have ma­ny weary march) viz. that divers times when they are drawn up in a Body, his Maj. will ride to the head of every Troop, giving them many a Princely smile, &c. But upon their march, it is somwhat tedious for them, for his Maj. continually keepeth upon his hand gallop, especially when he is mounted upon his Dun Nag.

HIs Majesty is very pleasant, and merry, and (as it is said) very well pleased and satisfied with the present affaires of the army, saying, that it is a farre more honou­rable action, to rely on his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax, and the army under his immediate command, touching his coming to London, then to have harboured the least thought of being conveyed to London by a­ny of the contrary party, who were active in the late designe against the army. Al­though divers times his Majesty hath beene pressed thereunto by many great Ones who have repaired to the Court, oftentimes mo­ving his Majesty therein.

But He alwayes disclaimed the same, te­stifying [Page] a great dislike thereof, and (as it is reported) was the first that discovered their private intentions, and wicked designe, of conveying his Majesty from the army.

Whereupon, notice being given to divers of his Excellencies Commanders there pre­sent, it was ordered that all such persons, that held correspondency with the adverse Par­ty, then under command of Poyntz and Massie, should immediatly depart the Court, which was accordingly performed; for one Mr. Wood, a Reformado under the command of our renowned Lieutenant General Crom­well, were very active in the executing of this order, and would not suffer a man to recide at Court, which was found any wayes diseffected to the publike good, and peace of this Kingdome.

His Majesty is desirous to see London, and we expect orders dayly when we shal march which is supposed to be speedily, so soone as the distractions with you can bee setled, and the late differences composed, which we desire may be speedily.

The Kings servants are very loving to the [Page] Souldiery, giving them all the respects and accommodat [...]o [...] that may be, both in the Celler, and else-where; for every night wee have plenty of Beere upon the Guard, and all other necessaries which can with conve­niency be afforded. Thus having given you a briefe account of the present proceedings, I remain,