BEing lately in Kent, to speed out the Fleet, that an Easterly winde might not prevent their seaso­nable getting forth of the River; And receiving notice of an Ordinance of Parliament, whereby the Members of both Houses, holding Offices under their [Page 2] Authority, stand discharged after the end of Forty dayes, I thought it my duty, (after my giving in charge to the Captaines, then in those parts, to bee faithfull in their Trusts) to make my returne backe, that I might testifie my cheerfull Compliance with the Houses Resolution.

While I have had the Honour to serve the Parliament in the great Trust by them reposed in me, both since my being Lord Admirall, and before, I have endeavoured to performe my Duty, with fidelity, and diligence, being acted therein by no other designe, but a desire to advance Gods glo­ry, and my Countries Service. And my Endeavou's (though accompanied with those common Infirmities that are incident to men) have (through the blessing and goodnesse of God) not been without some visible advantage to the Publique, being made instrumentall to preserve the Parlia­ments Interest in the Fleet, when it was [Page 3] laboured with Letters, and Commands under the broad Seale, from his Majestie, to be turned against them; And some ser­vice hath accrued to the State by the relei­ving of our Friends, and interception of Supplies intended to the Enemy; Besides those lesse observable preventions of dan­ger, which without a vigilant eye, might have infested the Kingdome.

But as I did, in obedience to the Com­mand of both Houses, Receive, and hi­therto Mannage that employment, so did my heart, with all possible readinesse, submit to their pleasure, so soone as it was held forth in that Ordinance. And therefore, in testification of that high and honourable esteem that I owe, and sincerely beare to their wisedomes, I do with al humility, and cheerfullnesse, resigne and surrender into their hands, the Office of Lord Admirall where with they were pleased formerly to intrust me, And shall value it as my highest honour, and con­tentment, [Page 4] next to my God, to be service­able to them, and my Country in any o­ther condition where into his providence shall cast me. Not counting my Person, nor deerest interests, too pretious to be layd out in maintenance of that great cause of Religion, and Liberty, wherein they are so justly engaged. And in all their Resolu­tions, my faithfull and ready Concurrence shall demonstrate to all the world, That my highest ambition is, no other, then, to contribute my best endeavour for their Ser­vice. And that I am resolved to stand, and fall with them in the upholding of Gods truth, and the publique Liberty; knowing well by many yeares experience, that the wel­fare of this Kingdom, cannot subsist with­out Gods blessing in the preservation, and safety of the Parliament, Which I here present, as the reall, and can did expressions of a minde, full of integrity, and humble respect towards them.

And I shall joyne my Prayers, toge­ther [Page 5] with my utmost assistances, that as God hath thus far honoured them with doing of great Services to his name, so hee will continue to shine upon their Coun­cells, untill this shaken Kingdome be estab­lished upon a lasting, honourable, and holy foundation.