Econlib

The Library

Other Sites

 Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow The Commissioners of the Army of Scotland to the Officers there - The Clarke Papers. Selections from the Papers of William Clarke, vol. 4

Return to Title Page for The Clarke Papers. Selections from the Papers of William Clarke, vol. 4

Search this Title:

Also in the Library:

Subject Area: Political Theory
Subject Area: History
Topic: The English Revolution

The Commissioners of the Army of Scotland to the Officers there - Sir William Clarke, The Clarke Papers. Selections from the Papers of William Clarke, vol. 4 [1901]

Edition used:

The Clarke Papers. Selections from the Papers of William Clarke, Secretary to the Council of the Army, 1647-1649, and to General Monck and the Commanders of the Army in Scotland, 1651-1660, ed. C.H. Firth (London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1901). 4 vols.

Part of: The Clarke Papers. Selections from the Papers of William Clarke, 4 vols.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


The Commissioners of the Army of Scotland to the Officers there

Deare Freinds,

lii. f. 16b.Being come to some issue in the matter comitted to our charge, we have heir sent yow a coppy of what is agreed unto by the Lord Fleetwood and Generall Councell of Officers here, and our selves.2 For the particular reasons of our condescentions to some things, wheirin happily yow may conceive we have stretch’t our instructions very farr, we referr yow to the Lord Generall Monck, whom we hope we have satisfied touching such our actions, and who we doubt not but will satisfie yow theirin. Also our consciences can beare us witnesse that we have managed this interest of yours in the sincerity of our heartes to the best advantage that the temper of the people of this nation would affoard, the posture of affaires here giveing ous good ground to suspect that the issue of this difference, if longer continued, would be noe advantage to your selves or the bretheren of England, but of the comon enemy onely. This is the accompt we can afford you of what is hitherto finished in the particulars we came instructed in. And what further shall be mutually determined here yow shall receive a faithfull account from

Your loveing freinds and servaints,

Timothy Wilkes.

John Clobery.

R. Knight.

Charing Crosse,
16th November, 1659.

For the Generall Councill
of Officers of the Army in Scotland.

[2 ]The articles of agreement between Monck’s and Fleetwood’s commissioners are to be found in Clarke MSS. li. f. 17. They are not printed because they are already in print in Baker’s Chronicle (p. 693) and in Toland’s Collection of Monck’s Letters (No. XIII.). The agreement, which is dated November 15, consisted of nine articles:

1. To oppose Charles Stewart, or anyone claiming in his name a right to the government.

2. To oppose the setting up of any single person, and to endeavour to settle a commonwealth.

3. That no form of government should be set up without the approval of a General Council of officers representing the armies of the three nations and the fleet. Regulations as to the constitution of this Council.

4. A Parliament to be summoned as soon as possible. Qualifications of its members to be determined by the representatives of the armies and certain persons named.

5. The army in Scotland to be paid its proper share of the assessments.

6. Case of officers suspended or dismissed to be determined by fourteen commissioners, chosen half from the army in Scotland and half from that in England.

7. Indemnity for officers, soldiers, and others concerned in the differences which had arisen since October 10.

8. The Ministry and the universities to be countenanced and maintained.

9. Forces on both sides to be drawn back.