Die Sabbath, 19 maii, 1649.
An Act Declaring and Constituting the People of England to be
a Commonwealth and Free-State.
BE it Declared and Enacted by this present Parliament, and by the
Authority of the same. That the People of England, and of all
the Domintons and Territores thereunto belonging, are and shall be,
and are hereby Constituted, Made, Established, and Confirmed, to be a
Commonwealth and Free State: And shall from henceforth be Governed
as a Commonwealth and Free-State, by the Supream Authority of
this Nation, The Representatives of the People in Parliament, and by
such as They shall Appoint and Constitute as Officers and Ministers
under Them for the good of the People, and that without any King or
House of Lords. Hen: Scobel, Cler, Parliam.
Tusday, May 22.
The Parliament this day passed a Declaration to the sent into Scotland, The
effect of it is, to observe some late occasions of discontent given, whereupon it
is desired that Commissioners of both Nations may meet, to the end a right understanding
and an on may be setled.
This day also there is credible Reports of some Disturbances of the Levelling
party about Portsmouth, and the life of Wight: The General, who is now at
Redding, removes this night to Odium, and so forwards towards the West.
The House this day were in debate of supplies for the Northern Garrisons of
Neweastle, Tinmouth, and Carlile &c. With Arms and Ammunitlon, and other
necessaries, that mothing may be wanting for the security of those Garrisons,
they being such considerable places.
From Dublin, May, 17.
The hopes we had begin to decrease, and out fears do increase dayly, out
stme is all spent to a weeks provision, and we hear not of any supplies, through
we beleeve the Parliament hath dispatched some to us, and also to London Derry,
our the only reason is, we conceive the winds have been contrary to us. Ormonds
preparations are like to prove for midable; for the ninth of this moneth, at
Claughgreman in Caterlaugh (which is 27 miles distant from us,) he was
mustering of his forces, who are 8000 Foot, the Lord Hanon is at Dcermont
mustering a party of Horse, who are above 2000. Inhiques, who is Lievtenant
General, is at Athy busie with Owen Roes men, and the Garrisons thereabours,
chiefly Mariborough, Owen still keeps from any conjunction with Ormond:
You will thortly finde the North and the South united in a Covenant.Prince
Rupert hath no mind to Sea, so long as the Parliaments ships are abroad, he reserving
himself for the Winter, when he can rob most, and be least disturbed.
Die Martis 23 Maii, 1649.
Ordered by the Commons assembled in Parliament, That it be
referred to the Committee of the Army, to prepare a competent