The Articles.

1. THat Sir Arthur Haslerigge contrary to his Engagement to the Councell of State, and Councell of States Declarations upon the Petitioners exceptions, procured lately such in the County of Cum­berland, to be Justices of the Peace, Commissioners for Sequestrations, Commissioners for the Ministery, and Commissioners for the Militia there, as were known Delinquents, and such as are disaffected to the present Government, and complying with the Scottish Interest, as by the charge against them hereunto annexed, and another charge against them, formerly exhibited to the Councell of Sate may appeare.

That Sir Arthur upon the clamours of a busie impertinent, should give Engagement of his fidelity to the Councell of State, doth shew how tender he is of the satisfaction of that great Court, as to prefer their security before his own honour; and after a con­tinued series of so many yeares active, cordiall, important service, to allow his integrity to be questioned, and renew his security for his future industry.

As for Delinquent Commissioners, if any such there be in Cum­berland (for in the three other Counties he objects none) tis pro­bable Sir Arthur understands them better then the Accuser; has had experience of their fidelity and knows the Common-wealth may without prejudice commit Publike Imployments to their trust: and how discreet & happy he hath bin in his election is evidenced by their faithfull service to the Army in Scotland, and by their care and expedition in raising and sending considerable and mature sup­plyes from these foure Northerne Counties. Thus they were wor­thy of his choyce before he admitted them, or were made so by his trusting them; For we may obleige some to be faithfull and by confiding in them, make many honest; and tis more glorious to convert a Delinquent, then to punish him. Againe, if there be any Delinquents made use of tis to be presumed they are in places [Page 7]of no great concernment, or joyn'd in Commission with others of known integrity and judgement, who would easily discover, and over power their designes should they attempt to be perfidious; and perhaps that County has been so generally over-run with the streame of Malignancy, that there were few left untainted; and consequently some Delinquents were admitted, to prevent stran­gers, (and that crime which is anon objected) unlesse such as Mus­grave should have been prefern'd who by his perversenesse in this private condition, discovers how unruly he would be were he backt with authority and credit; and is indeed fitter to set his Clients to­gether by the ears, then mannage the peace of a Common-wealth.

For the giblets and garbage of his traine the Articles exhibited against the Commissioners in Cumberland. because they include nothing but what is repeated here, and doth serve him for all Per­sons whom he is pleased to bring upon the stage, they will be suffi­ciently refuted in the Vindication of some Persons more directly concerned in these Articles. For in defeating this main body of his Army, those paddees will easily be routed; when down-right blowes be well awarded, collaterall ones can break no pates: and if this triple Goliah of seventeen cubits can be conquered, the rest oth Philistins, without further dispute, will quit the field.

2. That the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge being the chief, and leading Commissioners for the Ministry at Newcastle, approved of such Mini­sters in Cumberland at Newcastle as refused the Engagement, were so andalous and Delinquents; and such Ministers as were well-affected, without any charge, removed from their Ministery, and put them out of their places, whereby be descovers his dis-affection to the present Go­vernment, by upholding and countenancing the Malignant party in Au­thority and keeping under the Parliaments friends, all which this Pe­titioner is able to prove and further, refers himselfe to the Copies of Letters hereunto annexed, the Originals being in the Petioners hands.

To this we answer, that Sir Arthur is often compell'd to be absent from that Committee, being diverted by many great employments, and especially by his attendance upon the reliese of the Army in Scotland and taking order for all manner of Provision raising new I evies and sending supplies of Horse and Foot; whose diligence and expedition in every particular (sometimes out labouring com­mon Porters, and other whiles contriving beyond the most retired [Page 8]contemplations) is a sufficient discovery how dis-affected he is to the present government, which he so studies to preserve and advance.

If that Committee in Sir Arthurs absence have transgressed, must their miscarriages be layd upon Sir Arthur? He might as well charge the Councell of State with Sir Arthurs pretended Crimes, and make them guilty of these Articles. But tis a question whether any injustice was done or not, for he onely sayes he can prove them, but does not. To which we answer, we can disprove them, but will not. The Coppies of Letters which he refers us to, whose Originals are in his own hands, are perhaps (both Copies and Originalls) forgeries of his own, or by his infligation; or else the peevish motions of some refractory Spirits, who (like the [...]scalites) murmur in all con­ditions, and would loathe their food-should they be cramm'd with Manna; Unthankfull men! who are never sull, or quickly surfeit, and are guilty of satiety or unsatiablenesse.

3. That Sir Arthur Haslerigge undertook to the Councel of State to examine the Articles exhibited by the Petitioner to the Councell of State, against M. Charles Howard, high Sheriffe of Cumberland, but veglected the same, and came privately into the Country to Naward. and there feasted with the said Sheriffe, who is a dangerous, and most no­torious Delinquent, as appears by the charge exhibited against him by the Petitioner to the Councell of State.

The Accuser here exclaims against Sir Arthur for neglecting to be his Solliciter, in examining some Articles as hibited agaist the High Sheriffe of Cumberland; whose examination he confesses the Councell of State (to be quit of him) had referr'd to Sir Arthur, and consequently, judg'd them unworthy their considerations. And Sir Arthur too upon examination, found them scandalous, Musgrave's, and such as these. This is all, save onely that Sir Arthur came and supp'd at Naward; as if it were petty Treason for a Gentleman to visit the high Sheriffe of a County, chosen, and still approved by the Councell of State; yet he prosecutes the fact with as much vehe­mency, as if they had sate down to Atreus Feast, and risen from the Table Anthropophagists.

4. That the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge suffers Captain Howards Troop to lye upon free Quarter upon the Country, for these foure Moneths last past, and doth countenance one Dobson Captaine Howards Lieu­tenant, who obeated the Troop of 1350 pound. And when com­plaint [Page 9]was made to Sir Arthur Haslerigge, he never punished how for the same.

The Free Quarter is mistaken for quartering upon trust. For Cap­taine Howards Souldiers were some Moneths without their Pay, which was assigned them in Yorkeshore, and somewhat long ere it came to them, but now it is distributed, and their Quarters (if any did goe oth score) are since discharg'd.

Tis possible Dobson did endeavour to couzen the Souldiers of some of their pay, and Sir Arthur was certified as much, who there­upon sent for Dobson and confin'd him, till he had given 500 pound bond, with other Bayle, to answer it before a Councell of Warre, which he did, and upon the examination it appear'd that not above thirty pound of the Souldiers mony remained in his hands; asumme far short of 1350 pound. But I am affraid greater matters then these would be discovered, should we peruse the story of Lilburne, and examine the Records of Tinmouth Castle.

5. That the said Sir Arthur Hasletigge gave Commission to Ed­ward Brigs, to be Lieutenant Collonel for Carlile Garrison, and made him a Commissioner for the Militia and Ministry in Westmerland, a man known dis-affected to the present Government, and lately cashiered for his drunkennesse and other miscarriages by the now Lord Generall Cromwell. That the said Sir Arthur gave Commissions to Thomas Craystour, Cuthbert Studholme, Captain Brown, and others, to be Captains and Lieutenants in Carlile Garrison, men known to be dis­affected to the present Government, profess Enemies to honest men, most of them having now laid down their Commissions, when they were to march into Scotland. And the said Sir Arthur doth countenance none in Cumberland, but such as are profest Enemies to the honest party. and are for the Scottish Interest.

John Musgrave (it seems) upon some occasion is not well-affected to Lieutenant Coll Brigs, and therefore would have us think, that Lieutenant Coll. Brigs is dis-affected to the State; when the ante­cendent, in any rationall mans opinion, doth inferr the contrary. Casheerd he might be upon some mis-information and both the Generall, and he abused. But however. suppose the Accuser can speak truth, Sir Arthur cannot warrant every ones fidelity, knowes not the hearts of men, and what tis possible they may be afterwards, as this Accuser pretends to doe, who peremptorily be stowes his [Page 10]charracter upon all he meers, Those Gentlemen who layd downe their Commissions when they were to March into Scotland; did it, not out of any dis-affection to the present Government, but upon some naturall Imperfection, and infirmity of Body, unable to endure those many extremities in Scotland, which the strongest Complexions and best temper'd men had much adoe to overcome; and twas an act of singular affection to the Common-wealth in the late Lord Gene­rall, to lay down his Commission, upon such considerations, whose heart (as theirs too, no doubt) went into Scotland, though their bodies did not, which would have been but cumbersome, not ad­vantagious to the service.

6. That by the said Sor Arthur Haslerigg's intrusting the Au­thorities, and Militia in the hands of Delinquents, and men for the Scottish Interest, the well-affected in Cumberland and Bishopriek lye under greater oppressions, then formerly under King and Prelats. And the said Sir Arthur is a protector of Papists and Delinquents, forbid­ding the Subsequestrators, and Sollicitours for Sequestration in Bi­shoprick to Sequester Papists, Ordered to be Sequestred of which the Papists and Delinquents doe much boast, and honest men thereby are much cast down.

Here the Accuser railes at eleven-score, and inveighs that by Delinquent's (pretended) authorities, the well-affected in Cumber­land, (that is he and his whining crew) and Bishoprick (George and Richard Lilburns) suffer more then under King and Prelates (which is) he is not suffered to raile himselfe into an estate, nor they per­mitted to oppresse others our of their estates. But that Sir Arthur should be a protector of Papists and Delinquents, is a scandall Pa­pists themselves would sweare to be a lye, and the most notorious Delinquent will absolve him from.

Sure the fellow intends to erect a new kind of Academy, and maintain Paradoxes. Were he of any Religion. I should take him to be a Papist, and that he pretends to Infallibility: For else, with what confidence could he hope the most incredulous Solifidians, would assent to these impudent untruths? He might as well have said my Lord President was dis-affected to the present Government, and the Generall complyed with the Scotch Interest? that John Musgrave is an honest man, hath no gall, is a Dove, meek, patient, Prayes for his Enemies, and is in Charity with all men.

Sir Arthur indeed at first commenced his authority with a severe hand such as was wisedome to treat Delinquents with; but after sweetned his justice with some mercy, the method of all such, who seek not game in humane bloud; for which perhaps, the ingenuity of some, render him the homage of good language, an argument of their gratitude, and conversion too

7. That Sir Arthur Haslerigge hinders and obstrusts the ordinary proceeding of Law and Justice in favour of Papists and did take [...] of the Sheriffess custody Ralph Lampton, a notorious Papist, and Delin­quent, being under arrest, and formerly arraigned for poysoning his Wife; with which Lampton, the said Sir Arthur is very kinde and familiar.

The Accuser now is advane't into Bishoprick and both the Scene and Actours changed: For this Article concerns Mr. George Lilburn, as will appear by Mr. Lampton, who now (it seems) must enter.

Mr. Ralph Lampton being under Sequestration, much opprest by Mr. George Lilburne, and not onely he, but the State likely to be cheated of 3000 l. estate of the said Mr Lamptons did in behalfe of himselfe and twelve children, miserably distrest for want, humbly Petition Sir Arthur Haslerigge, and the rest of the Committee of Sequestration, against Mr. George Lilburne and one Gray his Mate; whereby he manifested that the said Lampton, being a joynt sharer with George Grey, and George Lilburne in a Colliety, called Lamp­ton Colliery and having disburst great summes of money for the winning thereof; Grey and Lilburne taking advantage of his Re­cusancy, and Delinquency, endeavoured to defraud him of his In­terest therein; and when Mr. Lampton (upon order) came to prose­cute, and attest his Petit on, Lilburne and Grey barbarously procu­red him to be Arrested. Sir Arthur having notice of this injustice, caused the Sheriffe to set him at liberty. This is all the grand par­tiallity the Accuser here pursues with open mouth, and Mr. Lampton desirs of Sir Arthur no other favour then what the justnesse of his cause shall deserve, and a fist part for his Children of that which he shall make appear Grey and Lilburne have in their hands, and that the State may redeem the rest. For his being Indicted for poyso­ning his Wife (if any such thing were) he has undergone the Law for it, as George Lilburne did when he was Arraign'd for stealing a Grey Mare. Loripodem rectus derideav.

8. That the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge procured Ralph Delivall Esquire a Delinquent in arms against the Parliament, and dis-affected to the present Government, this last yeare to be high Sheriffe for Northumberland.

This is a most lamentable, infirme, cobweb Item, and only char­ges Sir Arthur with Mr. Dalavells Sheriffalry, when tis the Judges, that after the Circuit, present the names of three Gentlemen, and the Parliament pricks him whom they think most worthy of that dignity: If Sir Arthur interposed his commendations, or was con­cern'd in the businesse, the deportment of that worthy Gentleman has justified his good opinion; for he hath most faithfully and gal­lantly (like himselfe) discharg'd that place of trust and honour. But sure there's something in the Winde, that makes John Mus­grave thus disgust high-Sheriffs. I am afraid he has had ill lucke in horse-flesh too, has been too busie with some Grey Mare, and ever since quarrell'd with the Assires.

9. That the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge, contrary to an Act of Parliament, suffered Lieutenant Collonell John Jackson, a notorious Delinquent, and in arms against the Parliament, both in the first and second War, a great plunderer, to go and ride up and down the Country with his arms, and against Law put the said Jackson in Possession of certain grounds and Collieries in Bishoprick belonging to men well-affected, whom the said Sir Arthur by strong hand dispossessed thereof without Law, and the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge against the funda­mentall Law of the Land, most arbitrarily and tyrannically did by his power take from the now high Sheriffe of Bishoprick the said Jacksons goods taken in Execution, after judgement, and restored the said goods to the said Jackson. contrary to all the rules of the Law.

Not one syllable of this is true as it is charg'd. M. Iackson did in­deed somtimes weare a Sword (yet without Sir Arthurs permission or privacy) and he had good reason for it; For having occasion to goe to Washington a Town not farre from his own abode; and Mr. Iohn Hedworth. son in law to George Grey and Richard Grey sonne also to the said George, having notice of it, they with others in their company, dogg'd him into the house of one Iames Pearson, and there inhumanely assaulted him, Heaworth holding him, while Grey made a thrust at him, which thrust (had not one Mr. Moore­craft but it by) had Slaine the Gentleman; This Mr. Iackson com­plaind [Page 13]of and proved by the Oath of three severall witnesses before Collonell Wren and Mr. Thomas Dalavall.

As for Sir Arthur's giving him possession of Lands &c. Tis true, that after Mr. Iackson had made his Composition with Sir Arthur and the rest of the Commissioners, and had secured the payment of his mony, they thought it fit to order, that such houses, lands, and Collieries as he had compounded for, and was seised on before his Delinquency, should be restored unto him; which were according­ly, save the Ginns belonging to his Colliery, whereof Grey and Lilburne had cheated both him and the State.

The last part of this Chymaera, is a most egregious mistake, or a most rare piece of Legerdemane. There were, for a debt of Master Iacksons, certain Goods grasing in his Grounds, but belonged to an Officer in the Army; these indeed were mis-taken in Execution, and the Sheriffe being satisfied of the truth, delivered the Cattell backe again to one Mr. Browin, who was intrusted with the care of them in the owners absence. Here were no goods of Mr. Jackson's either seised or, or reprieved; and Sir Arthur was so meer a stranger to the businesse, that perhaps this Article brought him the first news of it; but if Iohn Musgrave will have it so, he must doe things he never heard of and be guilty of Delinquents arms, because others faile to murder them; when the most pernicious Weapon is the Ac­cusers Pen whose tongue is a sharpe Sword, and whose mouth a Magazin of Poniards.

10. That the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge is very familiar, and keepeth company with Thomas Wray, a Papist, in arms against the Parliament, and upon search for a Popish Priest, there was lately found in the said Wrayes house, Copes, and other Popish Relickes, and much Gold and Mony, most whereof Sir Arthur Haslerigge caused to be returned backs to M. Wrayes Wife, a Papist. And the said Sir Arthur by his Souldiers put sundry honest men out of Possession of the Collieries setled upon them by Law under colour the same belonged to the said Wray, whose Debts Sir Arthur Hasletigge undertook to pay, (as Wray confessed) for the said Collieries, being worth ten pounds per diem, as the said Sir Arthur giveth forth, to the utter undoing of the owners of the said collieries.

To this lowd nothing, we oppose this cleare discovery of abused truth. Mr. Wray hath at present, and for many years hath had a just [Page 14]and legall interest in a Colliery at Harratton. For in the yeare 1644 it was Sequestred by Sir William Ermin and the Commissioners, then in the County of Durham, for the Papacy and Delinquency of the said Mr Wrey; and again in 1646 by Mr Lilbourne and Mr. Grey make themselves the States Tennants for the said Colliery; and having found the sweetnesse of it, labourd to purchase the same of M. Wroy: and they concluded to give him 5000 l. But afterward, pretending to have got some Interest from others in the said Colliery, and know­ing their own power would justifie them in any action, they de­clin'd the Agreement with Mr. Wray, and enterd upon the Colliery, and disposed thereof to their own uses, and so defrauded both Mr. Wray of his Interest, and the State of the Sequestration. There was no hopes of redreffe for Mr. Wray (for the was under hatches, and the Lilburnes then were uncontroulable) till Sir Arthur Haslerigge came into these Parts, who being certified of Lilburnes unjust act by Mr. Wrays Peititioning to him and the Commissioners, Sequestred the foresaid Colliery for the States use. After this, Orey drawes in young Hedworth to set a foot his Title in the Colliery (whose inhe­ritance indeed it is, buth was bought of his Father by Mr. Wray for a terme of years which are not yet expired) and they taking advan­tage of Mr. Wrays confinement (who suffered a judgement by de­faulc) re-entred upon the Colliery. Of which plot and knavery, Sir Arthur likewise having notice, he rescued it from their cawes againe, and re-sequenstred it. Thus Sir Arthur is charg'd with put­ting honest men out of their Possessions, because he prohibited George Lilburne and George Grey to defraud both M. Wray of his Right of Title, and the State of their Right of Sequestration and did an act of Private and of Publicke justice.

In answer to the former part of this Article, we must relate ano­ther excellent device of M. Lilburne, who to get M. Wreyes eviden­ces of Harratton Colliery from him, pretended M. Wray had a Po­pish Priest in his hause, and under that colour ramacks the house, took away all deeds and evidences could be met with, Copes and other Church stuffe, some old Gold of Mis Wrayes, her Watch and severall Rings, to the value of 200 l. the Watch, and a Wed­ding Ring, which were ravisht from them by publike order too; [Page 15]but the Deeds and Writings (though of great concernment) no or­ders whatsoever could recover. What strange mistakes were here, to seise on old Gold for Relickes and take Evidences for a conceal'd Priest: That Sir Arthur should undertake to pay M. Wrayes debts, is as ridiculous as to thinke M. Lilburne will discharge them with the Gold be plundred from him.

11. That the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge doth comply with and countenance Collonell John Hilton, a Delinquent, in armes, both in the first and second War, and assists the said Hilton to defraud the poore in sundry Parishes in Bishoprick, or great legacies given by the said Hiltons Elder Brother.

In this is involv'd another grand cheat of M. George Lilburnes against the State of 300 1. per annum, viz. The mannor of Ford in Bishopricke; which mannor, M. Lilburne himselfe caused to be Se­questred for the Delinquency of Collonell Hilton, and converted the Profits to his own use; and all this while. not a word of any Testament or Legacy. But after, when he saw himselfe questioned for this, and other tricks, and fear'd he should disgorge some of the thousands he had swallowed, he contrived himselfe a dextrous escape, by rowsing a Dormant Will of Baronett Hilton, made upon some discontents between him and his Brother, under pretence of charity to severall Parishes, where by he was to merit pardon for 30 yeares vicious life led with the Lady Shelly. Pious M. Lilburne prosecu­ted the s;uite in Chancery at his own charge, and had a Decree thereupon, which the Councell of State may happily retrieve, and examine better the depredation of so considerable a Composition. Thus we see how charitable master Lilburne is with other mens Estates, how finely he robs the State, to enrich the poore, and had rather build Hospitals, them pay his debts!

12. That Sir Arthur Haslerigge brought Collonell Hacker into the Country, who contrary to an Act of Parliament Quarters his Souldi­ers, and others, under the name of Souldiers, who are none, upon the well-affected in Bishoprick, and would but pay what they pleased, and in some places nothing; but upon complains Collonell Hacker gave the people no reliefe, but threatned them to have them before Sir Ar­thur Haslerigge for complaining; afterwards Captain Thomas Lil­burne brought the matter in question before a Councell of Warre an whitehall, but by Sir Arthurs power, it could nover be fully heard, [Page 16]which if it had, there would have appeared many thousand pounds kept wrongfully from the Souldiers, besides the great oppression of free-quar­ter, some Examinations whereof were taken by master Margets, which Sir Arthur Haslerigge keeps hitherto from Reading, and the said Sir Arthur sore threatned the said Captain, for appearing for the Soul-diery and Country against him, and Collonell Hacker.

Sir Arthur was the cause, tis probable, of Collonell Hackers ad­vance into these parts, considering how behovefull and necessary the attendance of that gallant Collonell would be for the security of these Northern Counties, where the malignant Party had been so active, and were still so numerous. But straight master George Lil­bourne thinks himselfe opposed in the businesse, falls presently to disgust the Collonell, and conjures his son Thomas the Captain to assist him with some designe againsthim. Deare Tom. layes the scene with some of Collonell Hackers Souldiers betrayes them to some misdemeanors, and perswades them not to pay in manv places. These incivilities make up a charge against Collonell Hacker; and one master Margets came busling into the Country, by order from the Lord Generall (as he pretended but falsely) to examine it. All things being prepared, and the day come Geo: kich: and Tho: Lilburnes face the busiesse; Collonell Hacker attended also to re­ceive his charge; but Margets tould him he must stay for it, and both he and his Souldiers immediately leave the Towne. Hereupon the Gollonell complains to the Generall; who sends an order to examine Margets, which was done accordingly, and this truth disco­vered and certified. This is all concerns that worthy Collonell, whom none but Lilburne and Mosse-troopers disaffect.

13. That the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge to dissable master George Lilburne to serve his country, and the more to discourage the well-affe­cted in Bishoptick, caused him to be put out of the Commission of Peace, ministery, and militia, and much endeavoureth to Sequester the said master George Lilburne, who hath commonly been reputed the most active, stirring, and suffering man for the good of this nations, both before the Parleament began, and since, of any that hath been, or is in the Country.

This is the Grand signeour Article, to which the former were but Ushers, and all the rest a guard and convoy: This is the master waspe, yet quite without a sting. Twas the discharging of master George [Page 17]Lilburne from his shriving employments, that derived a g [...] upon all Sir Arthur's other actions. But since that active, stirring, suffe­ring Gentleman affects Encomiums, loves to be popular, and shew himselfe; let him surrender up those borrowed Plumes, and weare this Charecter, and second Livery.

For his first rise was little better then from the Cloake and Tren­cher; and of late yeares an ordinary Fitter was his greatest Title. But since he scrued himslfe into the Committee for Sequestrations, by letting Sequestrations to himselfe in others names for small va­lues, and bying Plundred Goods at under Rates, he has purchased many thousands, and now endures the burden of being very Rich, and suffers the misery of a Vast Estate.

In the Earle of Newcastles time, he signed and sent out Warrants for raising men and horse for the service of the late King, and when that Earle was in the North, he sent out men and arms to his assi­stance; and this is called his good affection.

He was so Imperious in his Sequestratorship, and so shamefully over-awed the rest of the Commissioners, that most of them were abused out of their stations, and M. George Lilburne was left a petty monarch, attended onely with his brother Richard (such anothere haughty spirit as himselfe) and one Tom Turke, alias Coll: Midford, a creature of their own stamp, who durst not dispease them, lest they should question him for a murder he committed upon one Mr. Gro­sier in Newcastle upon Time. The well-affected are so far from being discouraged at dispacing of him that they all deprecate his Tyranny next the Pestilence, incert it in their Liturgie, and prefix it to their —Libera nos Domine.

14. That Sir Arthur Haslerigge hath dispaced all the well-affected men in Bishoprick that were of the Committee for Sequestations there, and put in their stead one Thomas Haslerigge his Kinsman, and a stran­ger, and doth continue one Collonell Francis Wren, who in the head of his Regiment upon his first march into Scotland was disgracefully, and justly cashiered, by the now Lord General Cromwell for Plundring, and other grosse and foule misde-meanours; and one Thomas Dalavall, an [Page 18]arch Malignant, and dis-affected to the present Government, who lived in the Enemies Quarters all the time the Earle of Newcastle had his Forces there.

What the displaced were, the Accuser may see if he but face a­bout; and who these present Commissioners are he shall quickly be informed; so that were he a Janus, he might employ all his Opticks, and backward or forward behold his own untruths and scandalls.

Mr. Thomas Haslerigge is a Gentleman of such Universall abili­ties, and so richly furnisht with Forraine and Domestick experience. that every Country is his own, and he is a Stranger no where. Collo­nell Wren and master Thomas Dalavall are Gentlemen no lesse [...] ­serving, and make up an accomplisht Triumvirate of fidelity and merit: they have improved the States service to the utmost, given satisfaction to all reasonable men, and are every way worthy of their great Employments.

Collonell Wren hath ever been an active, faithfull Gentleman, and though it was his misfortune to suffer some obscurity by the disor­ders of his Souldiers (suborn'd and hired thereunto perhaps by some mens malice to prejudice the Collonell) yet never any thing was charg'd upon himselfe, and the merit of his own deportment did soon expunge that casuall blemish which translated him only from his military attendance, to doe the works of Peace; nor was he dismist, but lent us by the Generall; we borrowed him oth'Army, and he was conferr'd upon the County to examine the actions, and censure the Injustice of the Lilburnes, who not for any miscarriages, but that good service doe here traduce this worthy Collonell.

'Tis onely objected to master Thomas Dalavall that he lived in the Enemies Quarters; and well, tis not charg'd against him, that he lived. We may say the Accuser lived ith' Enemies Quarters when he was in Prison there (as he pretends) and master Dalavals resi­dence there was to him parhaps but little better. However, tis to be presumed he was guarded with no small slock of Innocence, which could there secure him even amongst his Enemies, who were more reasonable (it seems) and lesse injurious, then this Accuser, who is oblieged to be his friend.

15. That the said George Lilburne being Surverer of the Bishops Lands in Bish oprick with one Edward C Iston, which said Colston joyned with one Saunders, and counterfeited master Duncalfes hand [Page 19]without his privity for the abatement of a thousand and odd pounds meerly to cousin the State thereof which cheat and [...]usenage, the said George, Lilburne discovered. But the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge much laboured and Sollicited the said George Lilburne to conceale the said cheat and forgery of the said Colston, and though the said Colston be a man dis-affected to the present Government and married to a Papist, yet doth the said Sir Arthut Haslerigge much countenance the said Colston and made him a Commissioner for the Ministery, and his court keeper.

Had the Accuser been as busie to discover truth as to pervert it, he might have been convinc't of this loud scandall two yeares agoe. For master Colston himselfe gave this false charge, a cleare confu­tation, and in Print Published his own Vindication which gave full satisfaction to the Trustees. Contractors, and all Persons whom it did concerne, and to which the Accuser may repayre if he desires, or can abide the light; where he shall find that all the cheat is in himselfe or Lilburne, who would couzen the World of truth, a Gemme more precious then any thousands.

What service the Councell of State or Sir Arthur Haslerigge shall impose upon master Colston, no question but that able Gen­tleman will industriously discharge, and gratifie their Trust by his Fidelity. In the meane time, he esteemes it next to Publique Employments (of which at present tis Vacation with him) to be of use to that eminent member of the Commonwealth, whose no­blenesse and worth he is many wayes oblieged to serve and honour; and would professe as much should Musgrave every day endite new Articles.

16. That your Petitioner hath been much Petitioned by the well-affected in his Country, to present their grievances, and oppressions, and crave reliefe in their behalfe, as appeares by their Letters, Cop­pies whereof are hereunto annexed.

This contains nothing of Importance, and onely is an Allegory which must be thus Expounded. A Pack of mutinous Incendia­ries that pretend oppressions to their seditious Phrensies, have made Iohn Musgrave their Bell-Weather, or Iack Straw, as may be col­lected from their Letters &c.

17. That your Petitioner hath lately discovered sundry concealed and unsequestred Delinquents of great Estates, which will bring in to [Page 20]the State ten thousand pounds and more, if the Commissioners for Se­questration made by Sir Arthur Haslerigge were honest, and faithfull men; but in regard most of the said Commissioners are Delinquents, and Sequestrable themselves, and all of them dis-affected to the present Government, they doe what in them lies to hinder your Petitioner in the prosecution thereof.

The Accuser has now gone over all his Posts, and left himself no marks to shoot at; yet he has more Darts behind still, which must be discharg'd, and therefore are let fly at randome, exclaiming in generall against Deliquent Commissioners; which had an Answer in the return to the first Article: for he but conn's his Lesson here, and begins before he be quite out: Orly tis observable here (as all along) that dis-affected to the present Government, and com­plying with the Scotch Interest is the burden of his Song, and a card that is alwayes turn'd up tramp, when he would somthing, but can say nothing else.

Indeed here is somthing of new matter, and that is his active­nesse in the discovery of unsequestred Delinquents, as if he were more industrious for the advantage of the Commonwealth then Sir Arthur Haslerigge? But the truth of all he tells plainly in his Re­monstrance, where he Petitions that his discovery of conceal'd De­linquents may be taken into consideration, and then no doubt but he will bestirr himself to seek whom he may devoure, then shall every Rich man be a Delinquent, and guilty of his Estate, when co­vetousnesse and malice shall have a Salary, and Sinne have any Wages but Death.

For should ill Presidents passe without reproofe, should it be permitted once to Scandall with Impunity, and Informe cum Privilegio; every one would turn Accuser, and there would be no such thing as Innocence ith' world: Each City would be worse then Sea [...] not furnisht with one righteous Lot, against whom the ma­lice of some would not Exhibit their Exceptions: The Thiefe would Arraigne his Judge, and the Offender Impeach his Jury: There would be left no Councell of State Inviolable to Sentence or Ab­solve, no Lord President to appeale unto.