Why did people want the king back in 1646?

Case study 2: Viewpoints 1645-46 - Source 2

Simplified transcript

A letter written by Charles I to Parliament about a treaty, 26 December 1645

(Catalogue ref: SP 16/511/87)

So if his Majesty may have the promise of

• you two Houses of Parliament at Westminster,
• the Commissioners of Scotland,
• the Mayors, Aldermen, Common Council and Militia of London,
• the chief commanders in Sir Thomas Fairfax's army,
• and also those in the Scots army,

for

• his safe coming to London or Westminster (with his servants and their followers, in all not more than 300 in number) and staying for the space of forty days,
• and after that time for his free and safe return to any of the garrisons of Oxford, Worcester or Newark (which his Majesty shall name before leaving London or Westminster)

then his Majesty proposes to have a personal treaty with the two Houses of Parliament at Westminster and the Commissioners of the Parliament of Scotland on all matters which may lead to the return of peace and happiness to those unhappy unsettled kingdoms.

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