4.That the execution of civil affairs may be wholly freed from the incorporation
of the Sword, and that Martial Law, during the times of peace (where all
Courts are open,) may not be exercised upon the persons of any whomsoever;
All which are not more evidently just in themselves, then they are consonant to
Magna Charta, and the Petition of Right; the benefit whereof, we trust you will
never be induced to take from us.
5. That Captain Bray (now close Prisoner in Windsor) may immediately be
enlarged, or otherwise put upon a legal Tryal, as is before defired in behalf of
our other friends.
6. And lastly, We intreat, that there may be some general encouragement
from you to proceed to a speedy settlement, by way of An Agreement of the People,
upon the grounds of an equal and just Government; that so all discord, enmity,
and dissatisfaction amongst former Friends may finally receive a speedy end, by
and with this Parliament; and that the end of this may be the beginning of a
new and equal Representative.
The house of Commons voted that a sharp reproof should be given them, viz.
Die Menurii 18 April. 1649.
Gentlemen, The House hath read your Petition, and left I should mistake as you
have done, hath commanded me to give you this Answer.
That the four persons in your Petition, principally concerned, are upon just
and mature considerations, appointed to be brought unto a legal Tryal for
crimes against Laws, preceding the Fact, and not as it is suggested; at which
Tryal they will have free liberty to offer whatsoever they shall have to say in
their own defence, and to such proceedings the Parliament doth expect that
all persons in England should submit, and in the Judgment of the Parliament
acquiesoe.
That the Contrivers of the Petition have herein taken a liberty of Scandoelous
and seditious suggestions, not allowable not justified in any person whatsoever,
under pretence of petitioning; and do so far countenance the persons imprisoned
in the Offences for which they are questioned, as might tender them
justly suspected of the like crimes. That the parliament will yet exercise patience
towards you, conceiving that divers well-meaning men may, by false, yet
specious pretences, be deluded into your miscarriages. And hoping that by this
for bearance such may come to see their own error.
Hon.Scabel, Clorit. Parliamenti.
The Commons passed an Order for a Declaration to be brought in to be published
from the House, to prevent the people of this Nation from being misled
by the mis-representation of such persons as sow sedition under specious pretences.
From Newcastle, April 16.
Sir William Fleming is returned to Edenburgh with a Complement,
no satisfactory answer, from the Prince: The Committee of
Estates and many Ministers prepare their business for a refusal from
the Prince: but his acceptance will turn all about again. David Lesly
labors exceedingly for a union between all parties at home, but in