THE RESOLUTION OF THE ARMY, Concerning The Citizens of London; Wherein is discovered, their present Plots and Designs against the said City, and the time prefixed for their marching up with the whole Army.
HAving some sixe dayes since undertaken a journey into the Country; and on my return being to passe through St. Albanes (the now Head-quarters of the Army) towards London: I there occasionally fell into the company of an Officer [Page 2] under Sir Thomas Fairfax, within his owne quarters; and so consequently and generally into discourse, in reference to the present times, and the present management of affaires.
And because the subject and scope of the Armies writings hath of late and more (especially) reflected on the City of London (this Kingdoms Metropolis, and the honored place of my Nativity, and present residence) in the service whereof (the glory of God, the Kings honour and Kingdoms peace intended) I shall most joyfully sacrifice (what's dearest unto me) my life. I did gladly apply my selfe (both to satisfie me concerning former reports, and not to be ignorant of future purposes) to enquiry into the Armies resolutions, and consulatory results; and (though with tacite internall contradictions, in the audite of their warlike Rhetorick) did seem to pace the steps of their infidelity, and inveterate disloyalty, with the same earnestnesse and resolution, and tinct of principle which because not portending the least of evils and mischiefes) in the midst of our strong hopes, and this Kingdoms present and great expectation of an happy Peace) in all relations (viz.) to King. Parliament, this City and Kingdome: I could not [...]besides my particular relation to this famous City; which in all the branches thereof were a sufficient obligation) but (as beyond that) out of my generall respect to the publike good; which I have hitherto pursued with my utmost industry and hazards: so (God willing) shall I constantly preferre beyond my own particular interests and relations; to discover (in the best manner, and to my best memory and remembrance) the same words and expressions [Page 3] as were then by him delivered as the generall se [...]e of the Army; therefore I shall speak in the plurall number. And indeed, that which is the most visible inducement to me in committing this to publike view (it being a reall truth heard with my own cares, and delivered in the presence of others) is the improvidence and neglect of this City, for the prevention of any such imminent danger; and withall the peoples incredulity of any such mischievous plots and purposes to be performed; (notwithstanding to be averred by many upon oath) and which report hath long blaz'd abroad.
We have a true rule in Latine, Praemonitus, Praemunitus, fore-warned and fore-armed; I wish we had long since been put into a posture, that upon all occasions it might appeare, we were ready to receive an Enemy without prejudice, or repell with advantage (which if it may be effected upon the true delivery of purposed approaches, and approaching dangers) I shall (not to trouble your Worship with a further preamble) present you what was delivered by an Officer at his owne quarters to my selfe, which I conceive of high concernment in all respects, viz.
My selfe asking how affaires stood in relation, and were like to succeed? this reply was presently made without intermission (viz.) that the Souldiery (viz. Sir Thomas his Army) had at present as great Designs in hand as ever were acted in this Kingdome: and that (however opposed or obstructed) they were resolved with the hazard of all their lives and interests, to prosecute and perpetrate. What was particulariz'd are these.
[Page 4] I. That in relation to the City of London, &c. They well understood of the unequall ballance of affairs there; and how partially businesses (especially generall) were managed and handled: and how great deceipt there was in the collection of monies, and who they were that most obstructed the payment of the Souldiers: As also, that furthered the present Treaty (not allowed of by them.) To remedy all which, they do purpose (within a fortnight) to advance for London, with their whole force from all parts, and with this Parenthesis (that if Skipponprove but true, &c.) which I leave to better capacities then my own for construction.
II. That relating to the Parliament, they were resolved for a limited time of their dissolution; &c. well knowing what particular profits each man had reaped to himself: And who they were that did concur in obstructing the affairs of the Army (which stay they) have now wrought Englands freedome and liberty: and with all, not forgetting the Vote for the return of Sir William Waller, Collonel Massey, Sir John Maynard, &c. and themselves who stand impeach'd by the Army.
III. In relation to the Treaty, they well understand of the conjunction [Page 5] of many against them and their affaires, and how things are carried in relation thereto, in opposition and disrespect to them.
IV. That it is Cromwels work (before his advance) to settle Counties, and such Officers, as are and may prove true to their designes; and may mannage businesses accordingly as they shall proceed.
V. That relating to an Act of Indempnity, they abhor and detest such thoughts; resolving severity of justice to passe on the greatest, as well as meane st. person, &c. in which, not doubting but most Counties would herein joyn with them; (if not) they would not the lesse prosecute: with many such like expressions, which among tedious discourses, my weak memory could not retain.
Right Worshipfull,
Wee have long since heard the vulgar report of the sense of the Army, and (all along) in effect to the precedent lines: I wish it had been sooner credited, then had we been better provided.
What is here inscribed, upon my life is true, my self bein in discourse; and the truth is, I shall not rest in the bare presentment of these lines to your selfe, and so happily in the communicating of them to the Honorable Common-Councell, but must beare them to [Page 6] publike view unalterable. I may happily run some hazard in the true subscription of my name, yet cannot desist: I shall glory to sacrifice for the publike, and can truly say of my self, as Plutarch in another case: Haud timeo mortem, ignem Maerisque fluctus, atque turbines venti paratus transiere, &c.
Right Worshipfull,
I beseech you pardon the rudenesse and weaknesse of my lines, and not wonder I have not pass'd a censure, or annex'd a Comment; upon a known and common theam, there needs not the dictates of the Master. The Enemy hath spoken plainely, and intend to act as roughly: I have discharged my duty, in committing this to your hand and to the Presse: I leave it to every subject to explain. And (hereafter in all things to further the publike) shall gladly appear