The Commons also referred it to a Committee to consider of a Declaration to be
brought in concerning monthly Fasts so much slighted through custome; that other
Fasts may be appointed to be kept with more Strictnesse instead thereof, upon
such other dayes as shall be appointed.
Die Mercurii 28 Feb. 1648.
ORdered by the Commons in Parli. assembled, That it be referred to the committee of the
Navy, to take order for the providing and furnishing of the ships, the St. Andrew, the
Triumph, and the St. George, to be sent forth in the Service of the State in next summer
flect. Hen: Scobel Cleric. Parliamenti.
The House also Ordered to s[unr] advance (as formerly) for each Chaplin for the Navy.
The Commons adjourned (according to the Order) untill Friday.
Thursday March 1. The Counsell of state sate, and other severall committees of Parliament.
Ordered by the Councell of state That the Committee of the Army be desired to Certifie to this Councel,
what is the Arrears of the Army, and what proceedings hath been about setling their Debentors.
Gualter Frost Secretary to the Councell.
The Councel of State ordered to send to the Committee of the Navy to provide a new Packet bose
for Dablin instead of that taken; and Severall Orders passed the said Councell (this day) for setling
of the Kingdoms both by Land and Sea
A Petition was presented (this day) to the Generall Councell at whitehall, by
five Souldiers in the name of 8. concurring in particulars with that presented by Li.
Col. Lilburn, and others, about London, the Commission officers in councell were
75. and 16 Collonels. All Protested against it, and every part thereof, one by one,
except only Cap. Bray, who upon inquiry had not yet received his commission, and
was therupon, put out of the Councell, and the five Souldiers that presented it, committed
to prison, to the Marshall Generall.
A Minister that preached on the back side of the Exchange, was this day committed
to custody by the Councell of State, for preaching and praying seditiously before
the Lord Mayor; the last Lords day.
To the right honourable the Commons of England assembled in Parliament;
The humble Petition of the General Councel of Officers of the Army under the Command
of his Excellency Thomas Lord Fairfax
HAving observed (with much satisfaction) how God hath disposed your hearts to accomplish divers
things (of greatest consequence in reference to his glory and the publike good of this Nation)
for which we have long waited; and that himself hath also owned you therein, which we doe
with all humility and thankfulness acknowledg; And having had a due and serious regard to the
greatness of those works you are now about, and a care also left we might seem unthankfull, or,
impatient, upon endeavours so constant and eminent; And being (indeed) most desirous, that those
things which relate unto our selves (although very neerly) should yet bring up the reer of our desires
to you; We have hitherto been very tender in re-minding you of any further particulars in order
to the peace and Settlement of the Common-wealth or Army, left by that means we should either
hinder or distract your Proceedings. But whilest matters of publike Justice and neer concernment
to the Nation, have been put in execution by you, we conceived that we should be much indebted to
the duty we owe unto God, and our native Country, if we should neglect the consideration of some
things (comparatively) more remote, yet of much concernment also. Now, as we humbly conceive
those things that are most necessary for the easing and removing the present burthens of the Common-wealth,
and for the Satisfaction of those that have served you faithfully, are most properly,
safely, and satisfactorily to be provided for by you, who are the Supream Authority of the Nation; so
we could not find any way to avoid the imputation which might justly be cast upon us, if (by our
neglect, and omission of any things necessary for us to represent) any ill consequence should Have
followed; We therefore humbly offer these following particulars to your serious consideration.
1. That Free-quarter may forthwith be totally and universally taken away.
2. That a speedy and effectual provision may be made of constant pay for the Army (whist they
are kept up, whereby the Souldiery may be inabled to live upon their pay, and avoid that pest of free-quarter,