how the same may be answered, and how the Parl. proceedings may be indicated; a
perfect copy of the said Letter I have here inserted verbatim.
SIR.
THe Estates of the Parl. of this Kingdom, having received a Letter dated the 23. of
May, signed by you as Speaker of the Parl. and written in the name of the Common-wealth
of England; which Titles in regard of the Solemn League, Covenant and Treaties,
and the many Declarations of the Parl. of both Kingdoms, are such as they may not acknowledg.
As for the matter therein contain'd, those many things of just resentment, wherin
satisfaction is demanded from this Kingdom, are only mentioned in the generall and
therefore cannot so well receive a particular Answer: But if by these generall expressions,
the late unlawfull engagement against England be understood; they desire that their Protestation
against the same in Parl. and the opposition made thereunto by them afterward
in Arms (which they never laid down untill the Garrisons of Berwick and Carlisle were
restored unto the Kingdom of England) may be remembered, together with the Letter of
the House of Commons to the General assembly of this Kirk, of the third of August 1648.
And that Liev. Gen Cromwell, authorized from both houses of Parliament, did upon the
5 of October last, represent to the Committe of Estates of this Kingdom the wrongs and
injuries committed against the Kingdom of England in that engagement, and thereupon
did demand that they would give assurance in the name of the Kingd. of Scotland, not to
admit or suffer any who have been active in or consenting to that engagement, to be imployed
in any publick place or trust whatsoever; which was not only granted, and afterward
confirmed in Parl. but all acts for prosecution thereof have been repealed, and all
proceedings relating thereunto publickly disclaimed. And if any other wrongs shall be
made known to us, we shall be ready to return such an answer as may give just satisfaction.
The Bonds of religion loyalty to the King and mutuall amity and friendship betwixt
the Kingdoms, be impartially considered according to the solomn League and Covenant,
and the profession and declaration of both Kingdoms, The Estates of Parl. think that they
have just cause to complain of the late proceedings in England in reference to Religion,
the taking away of the Kings life; and the changing, the fundamentall Government of
that Kingdom against which this Kirk and Kingdom and to the Commissioners have protested
and given testimony, whereunto they do still adhere.
And since it is apparent there hath bin of late in England back-sliding and departure
from the grounds and principles wherein the two Kingdoms were engaged the Parl.
of this Kingdom doth propound, that the late proceedings there against Covenant and
Treaties may be disclaim'd and disavow'd, as the prosecution of the late unlawfull Engagement
against England hath bin disclaim'd and disavow'd here; and that such as have
departed from these principles, and their former professions, may return to the same: Upon
which grounds they are content to authorize Commissioners on behalf of this Kingdome,
to treat with Commis. from both Houses of the Parl. of England, sitting in freedom, concerning
all matters of just complaint which either Nation may have against the other, and
for redresse and reparation thereof, and to do every thing that may further conduce for
continuing the happy peace and union between the Kingdoms, which can never be setled
upon so sure a foundation as the former Treaties, and the solemn League and Covenant:
From which as no alteration or revolution of affaires can absolve either Kingdom; so we
trust in God, that no successe, whether good or bad shall be able to divert us; but as it
hath been our care in time past, it shall be still our reall endeavour for the future, to keep