Parliament and Army, having agreed upon certain heads of a Declaration to shew the
grounds of their Engagement, viz. 1 As for a dissolution of this present Authority, and
for electing a free Representative. 2 For signing of the Agreement of the people, and a
Councell of Agitators, according to the Engagement at Triple Heath &c. This being
looked upon as a business of great concernment, it was thought fit to send down a Reg,
of horse, and some Companies of Dragoons, to streighten their quarters; and that night
a Letter was sent to the Governors of all the Garrisons of England, to give them intimation
of these distempers, and require their care of their severall charges, thereby to avoid
the like. And withall, that the copy of a letter, said to be intercepted that very day
should be inclosed therein, to shew the compliance, and co-actings of these called Levellers,
and Royalists. There is great resort unto them, both horse and foot come in night
and day unto them in great numbers; their Councell consisted most of private souldiers
[unr] first, but some head-picces lately come from London, are since added to them; they
keep their Guards very strong, and are stricter then ever we knew any; they say that
their friends in other Garrisons will declare with them, and that they doubt not of many
Garrisons, and an offensive Field-Army before 6 weeks be ended, intimating, that
there were not 3 Reg. in the Army that would prejudice them in this quarrell; for recovery
of Englands lost freedoms, and for ease of the people from all burthens and oppressions;
for obtaining whereof, both they and all the honest Souldiery in England
were resolved to hazard their lives and fortunes.
There is a Petition drawing up in the name of his Excellency and the officers of the
Army, That whereas some persons have prevailed upon the present necessity of the
Souldier so far as that they have purchased their Debenters at such inconsidemble rates
as 3.s,6.d. And 4.s, per pound, to the frustrating the Souldiers of their dearly earned reward;
They desire that the House would give relief to those Souldiers who through
their own follies are deprived of the recompence of their former services: and to prohibit
any further proceedings in that kind for the future.
A Petition presented from maimed Souldiers of the Hospitall of Ely-house to have
1100.l. Formerly charged on Guild-Hall, charged on the first receipts in Goldsmiths
Hall in regard of their present necessity.
Ordered that Mr. Prince Mr. Walwyn, and Mr. Overton (committed to the Tower
on suspicion of High. Treason) have the liberty of the Tower, Lieut. Col. John Lilburn
is already out upon Bayl, but there is another in prison who is in high esteem of those
called Levellers, viz. Col. Ayres, of whom as yet we hear nothing.
The Petition of the Officers and Souldiers for being put into an equall capacity with
others to receive their arrears or having Lands assigned in lieu thereof, was referred to a
Committee.
A Petition read concerning the Souldiery of the Garrison of Plymouth referred to a
Committee.
An Act read concerning the Trustees and other Officers for the sale of
the Lands of the late King, Queen, and Prince, and after some debate it was referred
to a Committee.
Ordered that the sum of 1700 and odd pounds due to the Earl of Denbigh should
be charged on the receipts of the Revenue and forthwith paid him.
The business touching the Minors of Darby-shire, Ordred to be heard on Wednesday
next. Ordered that 500.l. should be payd unto the Town of Taunton of the 10000.l. in
arrear, out of the [unr] of Sir John Stowel, and another.
The house adjourned [unr] Tuesday.