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door, it was resolved that he should be called in; which being done, and he at the bar, after obeisance made, he said, Mr. Speaker, I am commanded by the King, my master, to deliver this Letter to you, and his desires that you would communicate it to the house.' The messenger being withdrawn, the Letter was read to the house by Mr. Speaker, and was as follows:

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"To our Right Trusty and Well-beloved the SPEAKER of the House of Com

mons:

our subjects, how faulty soever, rely upon the word of a king, solemnly given by this present Declaration, That no crime whatsoever, committed against us or our royal father before the publication of this, shall ever rise in judgment, or be brought in question, against any of them, to the least endamagement of them, either in their lives, liberties, or estates, or (as far forth as lies in our power) so much as to the prejudice of their reputations, by any reproach or term of distinction from the rest of our best subjects; we desiring and ordaining, that henceforth all notes of discord, separation, and diffe- "C. R. Trusty and Well-beloved, we greet rence of parties be utterly abolished among all you well: In these great and insupportable our subjects, whom we invite and conjure to a afflictions and calamitics under which the poor perfect union among themselves, under our nation hath been so long exercised, and by protection, for the Re-settlement of our just which it is so near exhausted, we cannot think Rights and theirs, in a Free Parliament, by of a more natural and proper Remedy, than to winch, upon the word of a king, we will be ad- resort to those for council and advice, who vised. And because the passion and uncha- have seen and observed the first beginning of ritableness of the times have produced several our miseries, the progress from bad to worse, opinions in Religion, by which men are en- and the mistakes and misunderstandings which gaged in parties and animosities against each have produced and contributed to inconveniother, (which, when they shall hereafter unite ences which were not intended; and after so in a freedom of conversation, will be composed, many revolutions, and the observation of what or better understood) we do declare a Liberty hath attended them, are now trusted by our to tender Consciences, and that no man shall | good subjects to repair the breaches which are be disquieted or called in question, for diffe- made, and to provide proper Remedies for rences of opinion in matter of Religion, which those Evils, and for the lasting Peace, Happido not disturb the peace of the kingdom; and ness, and Security of the kingdom.-We do that we shall be ready to consent to such an assure you, upon our royal word, that uone act of parliament, as, upon mature deliberation, of our predecessors have had a greater esteem shall be offered to us, for the full granting that of parliaments than we have; in our judgment, indulgence. And because, in the continued as well as from our obligation, we do believe distractions of so many years, and so many them to be so vital a part of the constitution of and great revolutions, many grants and pur- the kingdom, and so necessary for the governchases of estates have been made to, and by, ment of it, that we well know, neither prince many officers, soldiers, and others, who are nor people can be, in any tolerable degree, now possessed of the same, and who may be happy without them: and therefore you may liable to actions at law upon several titles, we be confident, that we shall always look upon are likewise willing that all such differences, their counsels as the best we can receive, and and all things relating to such grants, sales, and shall be as tender of their Privileges, and as purchases, shall be determined in parliament; careful to preserve and protect them, as of that which can best provide for the just satisfaction which is most near to ourself, and most neces of all men who are concerned.-And we do sary for our own preservation. And as this is further declare, That we will be ready to con- our opinion of Parliaments, that their authority sent to any act or acts of parliament to the is most necessary for the government of the purposes aforesaid, and for the full satisfaction kingdom, so we are most confident that you be of all Arrears due to the officers and soldiers of lieve and find, that the preservation of the the Army under the command of general Monk, King's Authority is as necessary for the preand that they shall be received into our ser-servation of parliaments; and that it is not vice upon as good pay and conditions as they now enjoy. Given under our Sign Manual and Privy-Signet, at our Court at Breda, this 14th day of April, 1660, in the 12th year of our reign."

The King's Letter to the House of Commons.] May 1. In the house of commons, Mr. Annesley reported from the Council of State, a Letter from the King, unopened, directed, To our Trusty and Well-beloved General Monk, to be communicated to the President and Council of State, and to the Officers of the Armies under his command,' being recewed from the hands of sir John Grenville. The house being informed that sir John Grenville, a messenger from the King, was at the

VOL. IV.

the name, but the right constitution of them, which can prepare and apply proper Remedies for those evils which are grievous to the people, and which can thereby establish their Peace and Security and therefore we have not the least doubt but that you will be as tender in, and as jealous of, any thing that may infringe our honour, or impair our authority, as of your own liberty and property, which is best preserved by preserving the other.-How far we have trusted you in this great affair, and how much it is in your power to restore the nation to all that it bath lost, and to redecin it from any infamy it hath undergone, and to make king and people as happy as they ought to be, you will find by our inclosed Declaration, a

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copy of which we have likewise sent to the house of peers, (see p. 16): and you will easily believe that we would not voluntarily, and of ourself, have reposed so great a trust in you, but upon an entire confidence that you will not abuse it, and that you will proceed in such a manner, and with such due consideration of us who have trusted you, that we shall not be ashamed of declining other assistance, (which we have assurance of) and repairing to you for more natural and proper Remedies for the evils we would be freed from; nor sorry that we have bound up our own interest so intirely with that of our subjects, as that we refer it to the same persons to take care of us, who are trusted to provide for them. We look upon you as wise and dispassionate men, and good patriots, who will raise up those banks and fences which have been cast down, and who will most reasonably hope, that the same prosperity will again spring from those roots from which it hath heretofore and always grown. Nor can we apprehend that you will propose any thing to us, or expect any thing from us, but that we are as ready to give as you to receive. If you desire the advancement and propagation of the Protestant Religion, we bave, by our constant profession and practice of it, given sufficient testimony to the world, that neither the unkindness of those of the same faith towards us, nor the civilities and obligations from those of a contrary profession, (of both which we have had abundant evidence) could in the least degree startle us, or make us swerve from it. And nothing can be proposed to manifest our zeal and affection for it, to which we will not readily consent. And we hope in due time ourself to propose somewhat to you for the propagation of it, that will satisfy the world that we have always made it both our care and our study, and have enough observed what is most like to bring disadvantage to it. If you desire Security for those, who, in these calamitous times, either wilfully or weakly have transgressed those bounds which were prescribed, and have invaded each other's rights, we have left to you to provide for their Security and Indemnity, and in such a way as you shall think just and reasonable; and, by a just computation of what men have done and suffered, as near as is possible, to take care that all men be satisfied; which is the surest way to suppress and extirpate all such uucharitableness and animosity, as might hereafter shake and threaten that Peace, which, for the present, might seem established. If there be a crying sin, for which the nation may be involved in the infamy that attends it, we cannot doubt but that you will be as solicitous to redeem and vindicate the nation from that guilt and infamy as we can be.-If you desire that reverence and obedience may be paid to the fundamental Laws of the Land, and that Justice may be equally and impartially administered to all men, it is that which we desire to be sworn to ourself, and that all persons in power and authority should be so too. In a

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word; there is nothing that you can propose, that may make the kingdom happy, which we will not contend with you to compass; and, upon this confidence and assurance, we have thought fit to send you this Declaration, that you may, as much as is possible, at this distance, see our heart; which when God shall bring us nearer together, (as we hope he will do shortly) will appear to you very agreeable to what we have professed. Aud we hope that we have made that right Christian use of our affliction, and that the observation and experience we have had in other countries bath been such, as that we, and we hope all our subjects, shall be the better for what we have seen and suffered.-We shall add no more but our prayers to Almighty God, that he will so bless your counsels, and direct your endeavours, that his Glory and Worship may be provided for, and the Peace, Honour, and Happiness of the nation may be established upon those foundations which can best support it. And so we bid you farewell. Given at our Court at Breda this 14th day of April, 1660, in the 12th year of our reign."

The King's Letter to Gen. Monk, and the Council of State.] After reading the foregoing, with the Declaration inclosed, the fullowing Letter from his majesty to general Monk was also read:

"To our Trusty and Well-beloved General

MONK, to be by him communicated to the President and Council of State, and to the Officers of the Armies under his Command.

"C. R. Trusty and Well-beloved, we greet you well: It cannot be believed but that we have been, are, and ever must be, as solicitous as we can, by all endeavours, to improve the affections of our good subjects at home, and to procure the assistance of our friends and allies abroad, for the recovery of that Right, which, by the laws of God and man, is unquestionable, and of which we have been so long dispossessed by such force, and with those circumstances, as we do not desire to aggravate by any sharp expressions; but rather wish that the memory of what is past may be buried to the world. That we have more endeavoured to prepare and to improve the affections of our subjects at home for our Restoration, than to procure assistance from abroad to invade either of our kingdoms, is as manifest to the world: and we cannot give a better evidence that we are still of the same mind than in this conjuncture, when common reason must satisfy all men that we cannot be without assistance from abroad, we chuse rather to send to you, who have it in your own power to prevent that ruin and desolation which a war would bring upon the nation, and to make the whole kingdom owe the Peace, Happiness, Security, and Glory it shall enjoy, to your virtue; and to acknowledge that your armies have complied with their obligations for which they were first raised, for the preservation of the Protestant Religion, the Honour and Dignity of the King, the Privileges

"To our Trusty and Well-beloved the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of our City of London. "C. R. Trusty and Well-beloved, we greet you well: In these great Revolutions which of late have happened in that our kingdom, to the wonder and amazement of all the world, there is none that we have looked upon with more comfort than the so frequent and public manifestations of their affections to us in the city of London, which hath exceedingly raised our spirits, and which, no doubt, hath proceeded from the Spirit of God, and his extraordinary mercy to the nation, which hath been encouraged by you, and your good example, to assert that government, under which it bath so many hundred years enjoyed as great felicity as any

of Parliament, the Liberty and Property of the Subject, and the Fundamental Laws of the Land; and that you have vindicated that trust which others most perfidiously abused and betrayed. How much we desire and resolve to contribute to those good ends, will appear to you by our inclosed Declaration, which we desire you to cause to be published for the information and satisfaction of all good subjects, who do not desire a further effusion of precious Christian blood; but to have their Peace and Security founded upon that which can only support it, an Unity of Affections amongst ourselves, an equal Administration of Justice to men, restoring Parliaments to a full capacity of providing for all that is amiss, and the Laws of the Land to their due veneration.-You have been yourselves witnesses of so many Revolu-nation in Europe, and to discountenance the tions, and have had so much experience how imaginations of those who would subject our far any power and authority, that is only as subjects to a government they have not yet sumed by passion and appetite, and not sup- devised; and, to satisfy the pride and ambiported by justice, is from providing for the tion of a few ill men, would introduce the most happiness and peace of the people, or from re- arbitrary and tyrannical power that was ever ceiving any obedience from them, without yet heard of. How long we have all suffered which no government can provide for them, under those and the like devices, all the world that you may very reasonably believe that God takes notice, to the no-small reproach of the hath not been well pleased with the attempts English nation, which we hope is now prothat have been made, since he hath usually viding for its own security and redemption, increased the confusion, by giving all the suc- and will be no longer bewitched by those incess that hath been desired, and brought that ventions. How desirous we are to contribute to pass without effect, which the designers have to the obtaining the peace and happiness of proposed as the best means to settle and com- our subjects without further effusion of blood, pose the nation; and therefore we cannot but and how far we are from desiring to recover hope and believe that you will concur with what belongs to us by a war, if it can be otherus in the Remedy we have applied; which, to wise done, will appear to you by the inclosed. human understanding, is only proper for the Declaration; which, together with this our ills we all groan under; and that you will Letter, we have intrusted our right trusty make yourselves the blessed instruments to and well-beloved cousin the lord viscount bring this blessing of Peace and Reconciliation Mordaunt, and our trusty and well-beloved upon king and people, it being the usual method servant sir John Greuville, knt. one of in which Divine Providence delighteth itself to the gentlemen of our bed-chamber, to deuse and sanctify those very means which ill liver to you, to the end that you, and all the mea design for the satisfaction of private and rest of our good subjects of that our city of particular ends and ambition, and other wicked London, (to whom we desire it should be pubpurposes, to wholesome and public ends, and lished) may know how far we are from the to establish that good which is most contrary desire of revenge, or that the Peace, Happito the designers; which is the greatest mani-piness, and Security of the kingdom should be festation of God's peculiar kindness to a nation that can be given in this world. How far we resolve to preserve your interests and reward your services, we refer to our Declaration; and we hope God will inspire you to perform your duty to us and to your native country, whose happiness cannot be separated from each other. -We have intrusted our well-beloved servant sir John Grenville, one of the gentlemen of our bed-chamber, to deliver this unto you, and to give us an account of your reception of it, and to desire you, in our name, that it may be published; and so we bid you farewell. Given at our Court at Breda this 14th of April, 1660, in the 12th year of our reign."

The King's Letter to the Lord Mayor and City of London. Besides the foregoing, the following Letter from the King was sent to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of the City of London:

raised upon any other foundation than the affection and hearts of our subjects, and their own consents.

We have not the least doubt of your just sense of those our condescensions, or of your zeal to advance and promote the same good end, by disposing all men to meet us with the same affection and tenderness, in restoring the fundamental laws to that reverence that is due to them, and upon the preservation whereof all our happiness depends and you will have no reason to doubt of enjoying your full share in that happiness, and of the improving it by our particular affection to you. It is very natural for all men to do all the good they can for their native country, and to advance the honour of it: and as we have that full affection for the kingdom in general, so we would not be thought to be without some extraordinary kindness for our native city in particular, which we shall manifest on all occa

sions, not only by renewing their Charter, and | confirming all those Privileges which they have received from our predecessors, but by adding and granting any new favours which may advance the trade, wealth, and honour of that our native city; for which we will be so solicitous, that we doubt not but that it will, in due time, receive some benefit and advantage in all those respects, even from our own observation and experience abroad and we are most confident we shall never be disappointed in our expectation of all possible service from your affections; and so we bid you farewell. Given at our Court at Breda the 14th day of April, 1660, in the 12th year of our reign.'

consider with the lord mayor, aldermen, and commons of the city of London, about a further sum to be raised and applied for the paying of the Army, and to consider how the Arrears of the Army may be satisfied.

A Conference having been desired by the lords with the other house, the commons sent up sir George Booth to let them know, that they were ready for it as they desired. The committee appointed by the commons to manage this conference, were, Mr. Annesley, Mr. Finch, Mr. Turner, lord Falkland, Mr. Pierc point, serjeants Hales and Brown. The subject was the Settlement of the Government of these Nations.

After reading these Letters, with the Decla- May 1, p. m. Mr. Annesley reported the ration, in the two houses, the Lords ordered sir Conference had with the lords: That the earl John Grenville to be called in again, and the of Manchester had acquainted the committee Speaker, by direction of the house, gave him of this house with the lords' receipt of a Letter Thanks, in their name, for his care in bringing from his majesty, and of a Declaration inclosed. this gracious Message from the King. They He told us, it was a maxim, "Where the Word also ordered, That the King's Letter to them of a King is, there is power;" and where the and the Declaration should be forthwith printed Word of our King is, as it is now received, and published, with this title, His Majesty's there is truth; and Power and Truth are the gracious Letter and Declaration, sent to best supports of government: he wished us to the House of Peers by sir John Grenville, consider the mistaken maxims of some politi'knt.' Lastly, the Lords appointed a Com-cians, that distrust and jealousies are the mittee to consider of a Letter of Thanks to the nerves and sinews of wisdom; but he hopes, King for his gracious Message sent, this day, that we will rather consider that Wisdom from to the house, and to present it for their lord-above, which is first pure, easy to be inships consideration. treated; and that all distrust and jealousy might be laid aside: he took notice of some new State-Builders, that had been framing imaginary states of government; which brought into consideration our antient government, the best in the world: and thereupon took notice of a Vote in the lords' house, concerning the Government of this kingdom, to the tenor following, viz. The lords do own and declare, That, according to the antient and funda'mental laws of this kingdom, the government

Mr. Rich, and Mr. Eltonhead, Masters of the Chancery, being sent by the Lords, with a Message, desiring a conference with the Commons this day (May 1) at 11 o'clock, in the Painted-Chamber, in order to the Settlement of the great Affairs of the Kingdom, the messengers were called in, and the Speaker acquainted them, That the house had considered their Message, and would return an Answer by messengers of their own.

Then it was resolved, nem. con. "That anis, and ought to be, by King, Lords, and Answer be prepared to his Majesty's Letter, expressing the great and joyful sense of this house of his gracious offers, and their humble and hearty Thanks to his majesty for the same, with professions of their loyalty and duty to his majesty; and that this house will give a speedy Answer to his majesty's gracious proposals."-Mr. Finch, Mr. Annesley, sir Anth. Ashley Cooper, the Lord-General, sir Win. Lewis, Mr. Morris, and Mr. Hollis, were ordered to prepare the said Answer.

Commons. Then he proceeded further, and took notice of the great revolutions and changes that have been, and the occasion of them to be, the separation of the head from the members; and therefore he acquainted the com mittee with another Vote of the lords, viz. That the lords, having a deep sense of the 'miseries and distractions that this kingdom hath been involved in, since the violent attempts to dissolve the established government; and conceiving that the separating the 'head from the members hath been the chief'est occasion of all our disorders and confu'sions, they desire that some ways may be con'sidered how to make up these breaches, and 'to obtain the King's Return again to his peo

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It was also resolved, nem. con. "That the sum of 50,000l. be presented to the King's majesty from this house; and the Committee appointed to draw up the Answer to the King's Letter were ordered to go to the lord mayor, Aldermen, and commons of the city of London, to consider with them how the said sum of 50,000l. may be raised; what security they will desire for the repayment thereof with interest after the rate of 6l. per cent. and to offer such security as they shall think fit, for repayment thereof to the persons who shall ad-order to these good and necessary ends; and

vance the same."-Resolved, That it be referred to the same Committee appointed to

ple.' And that he also acquainted them with a third Vote of the lords, in order to a further proceeding on the former, viz. That a committee of the house of commons may be appointed to meet with a committee of the lords, to prepare such things as may be in

to frame a Letter of Thanks and Aeknowledgments to his majesty for his gracious

Letter and Declaration.' And, lastly, his majesty's said Letter and Declaration, sent to the lords, was read there; and that they had intrusted the committee with them, that they might also be read here, and a Resolution given upon the whole.

After hearing this Report, the commons ordered the King's Letter to the lords, with his majesty's Declaration there inclosed, to be read; and then it was Resolved, "That this house doth agree with the lords, and do own and declare, that, according to the antient and fundamental laws of this kingdom, the Government is, and ought to be, by King, Lords, and Commons."-Ordered ́also, That the following committee be appointed to peruse the Journals and Records, and to examine what pretended Acts or Orders have passed, which are inconsistent with the Government by King, Lords, and Commons, and report them, with their opinion thereon, to this house; and also to offer such expedients, as may carry on the Courts of Justice of this kingdom; and how fines, recoveries, assurances, judgments, and decrees, passed, may be confirmed and made good. Mr. Prynne, Mr. Finch, lord Falkland, Mr. Turner, sir Wm. Lewis, serjeant Hales, sir Walter Erle, sir Anth. Ash. Cooper, lord commissioner Tyrrel, sir A. Cope, serjeant Glynn, lord commissioner Widdrington, sir John Courtop, and all the gentlemen of the long robe..

May 2. The commons were busy, this day, in altering and correcting the form of an Answer to the King's Letter to them; which, being all read, was agreed to, and ordered to be superscribed, To the King's Most Excellent Majesty. Ordered, that sir John Grenville be called to the bar, and that the Speaker return him Thanks for his care, moreover the house voted him 500l. to buy him a Jewel, as a testimony of their respects to him, and as a badge of honour, for bringing so gracious a Letter from the king's majesty to this house.

Alderman Robinson informed the house, That he was commanded, by the lord mayor, aldermen, and common council of the city of London, to acquaint them that they had received a Letter, (see p. 21) and Declaration from the king's majesty, by the hands of the lord visc. Mordaunt and sir John Grenville; and that they desire the leave of this house to give an Answer to them; to which the house agreed.

The Answer of the House of Lords to the King's Letter.] May 3. This day, in the house of lords, the earl of Manchester reported the draught of an Answer to the King's gracious Letter to their house; which, being read, was approved of, and ordered to be sent to the king by the earls of Oxford, Warwick, Middiesex, viscount Hereford, lord Berkeley, and lord Brooke; who were to consider what time they desire to prepare themselves to go. A Message was sent down to the commons, to acquaint them with this Vote. The Letter of the Lords to the King was as follows:

"For the KING's Most Excellent Majesty, "Most gracious Sovereign; Your loyal subjects the Peers, now assembled, do, with all humility and thankfulness, return their acknowledgments to your majesty for your gracious Letter and Declaration; and do esteem it their greatest honour that your majesty is pleased to express a confidence of their counsels and endeavours for the composing the sad and unhappy distractions of your kingdoms; and they own this as their great advantage, that they may now act in discharge of their own duty by your maj.'s command. Your ma jesty's great and many sufferings have long affected their hearts with deep resentments of trouble and sorrow; but the same power that usurped and profaned your sceptre, divested them of their rights and privileges, and kept them under such pressures and difficulties, as they were rendered incapable of serving your majesty in order to those ends, to which their duty and allegiance did engage them. It hath been their constant desire that the nation had continued happy and innocent; but your majesty's piety and wisdom hath shewed you to what degree your clemency is to be extended; and we hope all your subjects will answer your majesty's grace and favour to the utmost point of fidelity and obedience. The peers have a just ground to own a more particular dependence and subserviency to the throne of majesty, not only by the prescriptions of law, but by that affection and duty which is fixed in their hearts upon the foundations of loyalty, which gives them the privilege to stile themselves Your majesty's most loyal, most dutiful, and most obedient Subjects and Servants. Signed in the name, and by the command, of the said House of Peers, by E. MANCHESTER, Speaker of the House of Peers pro tempore. Westminster, May 3, 1660."

This day, the lords made an Order, That the Statues of the late king's majesty be set up again in all the places from whence they were pulled down: and that the Arms of the Commonwealth be demolished and taken away wherever they are, and the King's Arms be put up in their stead: That the king's majesty be publicly prayed for by all ministers in their churches: and, lastly, that some place be considered of where general Monk's Statue may be set up. All which particulars were referred to the committee of privileges to consider of and make report to the house.

May 3. A Committee of the Commons had been appointed to go to the city of London, to borrow Money of them for the present occasions; who returning, Mr. Annesley reported from them, That they had treated with the lord mayor, &c. for a Loan of 100,000l. which the city was willing to advance on the security of an Ordinance for 3 months assessment; the money arising from it to be paid into the Chamber of London; and that their Chamberlain should be receiver for the whole. The house agreed to this proposal; and also voted 6 per cent. interest, from the time of re

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