Catalogue description CAPTAIN M. FOSTER to [JOHN PRIDGEON].

--"I returned five days since from the poore north, and am now in the Isle of Wight, where the first step in the treaty is the granting the first proposition (vizt.) recalling all proclamations, declarations, &c., and beleeveing the warr was begun for their owne necessary preservations and the King's good and safety; but comeing to treat on the rest of the propositions, the King pressing reasons for his different sense, the Commissioners answer they are lymitted by private instruccions, and can accept of nothing but aye or no, notwithstanding their commission be to treat upon these or any other to be sent by the Parliament or offered by his Majestie. Hereupon yesterday the King delivers in a paper to the Commissioners wherein he preambles his earnest endeavours for a treaty att Westminster, yet gladly accepts of this here, mencions his assent to the first proposition, and the narrowness of their instruccions, haveing no power to add, alter or diminish any part of the rest, notwithstanding their owne reasons should dictate the contrary; and haveing receaved some new offers from them concerneing religion etc., which he never saw before, he therefore offers these ensewing Propositions.

"Prop. 2. Church.--To confirme the sitting of the present Synod att Westminster for three yeares; the Directory to be confirmed for three yeares, and the forme of government of the Church for three yeares, provided no different judgements be compelled to comply. In mean tyme a free debate to be had with those divines (to which twenty of the Kinges to be added) to determine of the worship and government after the expiration of the said yeares; yealds to the alienation of those Bishopps' lands onely (which are already sold) for 99 years, the Inheritance to remaine to the Bishopps; to the better observacion of the Lord's Day; to suppressing of innovations; against pluralities and non residency; an act for discovery and speedy conviccion of recusants, the levying of the penalties against them, preventing their practices, education of their children. Flatly rejects the Covenant.

"Prop. 3. Militia.--Putts the Militia of the whole Kingdome by sea and land in the hands of his two houses, or their deputes, with power for levying of moneyes for ten yeares or his life att their Eleccion; to suppresse all forces raised or to be raised without their authority, as likewise all invaders, and after the expiration of the said ten yeares, neither the King or his heires etc. to raise, traine etc. any forces without consent of both houses. And with a Declaration, if any Insurrection shall happen, and not disperst upon notice from the said houses, the actors to suffer the paines of high treason and incapable of any pardon from his Majestie or his heires.

"Proviso.--None to be compelled to serve against their wills, except in case of invasion; that the said power of Militia given as aforesaid be employed to no other use then the suppressing of forces raised without their authority, or invasion; that the money be by generall and equall taxations; that all commissions and other acts run in his Majestie's name; the Church and Militia in Ireland as here. The raising of money for the payment of the publique debts and the arrears of the army by equall taxations. The power of nameing the officers of State dureing the ten yeares granted to the two houses or their deputes.

"The Militia of the Citty, in the Lord Mayor and Common Counsell; the confirming of the Citties charters and customes etc. The Tower of London dureing the ten yeares in the citties commaund.

"To all the rest of the propositions not referring to these heads he leaves the debate of them till he come to Westminster, and onely desires himselfe there in freedome, and an act of oblivion to all parties on both sides.

"Yesterday in the afternoone the Commissioners brought back this paper to the King and told him they could not looke upon these as his Majesty's propositions because they were in aunswear to their owne presented to him, and therefore could not treat upon them; hereupon after much debate his Majesty desired they might be transmitted to the Parliament, who ought to judge whether they were so or no, but that was likewise refused, and they pressed the King to take the paper againe, but he would not, and last night about eight a clock came away and left the paper with them, commaunding them to send it att their perills, and bid the doore keeper take notice that paper did not belong to him. They are mett againe upon it today, if they rise before the tyde carry away the messenger I shall give you the event.

"My Master would have you stay where you are till yow heare further from him, yet in the meane tyme to prepare for a journey, and would know what that Mr. Browne is, for Dr. Duncomb wayted on your friend S[avile]...."

Postscript.--"This night late the personall treaty was discontently divided; the Commissioners will not receave the paper, and the King has sealed it, and sends it to the Houses tomorrow. The event is feared."