A MOST JOYFUL DECLARATION Made by Colonel SKIPON Sergeant Maior General of the whole Army, to his Regiment of Officers and Soldiers, at their Muster at Maidenhead jan. 12.  
Wherein he doth most Nobly declare his Resolution to them all, concerning his advancing forwards to the enemy, and to give them battle with his Single Rement of Foot, and his troop of Horse, and Five Pieces of Ordnance.  
Likewise a Speech and Protestation to these Captains, namely Sergeant Major Francis Captain Man, Captain Deacon, Captain Tasker Captain Hawood, Captain Harison.  
Together with their Answer to the same.  
Likewise His MAJESTY'S Message sent by Cap. Hearne and read in Guildhall on Friday last january 13, 1643.  
London Printed for William Rogers 1643.   

A most Joyful DECLARATION Made by Colonel Skipon, Sergeant Maior General of the Army, January 12. at the general Muster at Maidenhead.  
Gentlemen, fellow Soldiers, and Countrymen,  
I Have some Propositions that hath within these few hours used from my breast, and having such a fair opportunity, at this time; I will God willing, declare them unto you, which are as followeth.  
Most Renowned, and undaunted spirits, I am so enjoyed to see you all so heartable, in these Military affairs, and in the performance of your duty towards this cause, which you have now undertaken; That I am almost strucken into a sound for joy, and indeed you have so won my heart, by these your valiant actions, that I do not value my life at the smallest rate it can be valued at, but am willing to spend my dearest blood, in this just cause, and amongst you all.  
Gentlemen,  
Gentlemen, This which I have declared unto you by God's help I will perform; And am willing to hazard my Life for you all: But to declare my mind more fully unto you, I do desire of you, that you will observe and obey these my Instructions and advertisments to you all.  
I. I do exhort you, to serve GOD, and to do your duty towards him; and in so doing it will be the greatest means through God's blessing, to make you all Conquerors, and Masters of the field.  
II. I do desire you, that you would offer no abuse or wrong whatsoever, to any person or persons where you are Quartered, or Billetted; and in so doing, you will bring honour, and fame upon yourselves; And everlasting Glory and happiness to your Souls.  
III. I do here promise unto you, that this being performed by you, no duty shall be wanting of my part, That doth belong to any person, honour, and the Military Discipline whatsoever: And as we do all now pray and desire for a seasonable weather, so it is my hearty and earnest desire, so soon as God be pleased to give us such a happy time, to advance toward our enemy, (which are now raised for the after Ruin and destruction of the Protestant Religion; For Gentlemen I must tell you, that your cause is so good, that God had never such a work in hand, since the first Creation; And for the better encouragement of you all, I do protest and vow unto you, that as God hath been pleased to infect upon me this little Judgement which I have through my industry obtained unto, in Foreign Counties.  
So am I fully Resolved to declare it to you all, and to show you what lies in my power, promiseing in the presence of him that knoweth the secrets of all hearts, never to leave you so long as I have breath in my body and that so long as I have legs to stand on, or hands to hold up my weapon against my enemy, I will do my endeavoure for the defence and safeguard of you all, Thus gentlemen I have declared my mind to you I must now take my leave, and within these few days, I will be with you again, where I am Resolved to advance forwards.  
This speech was spoken January the 12. at the General Muster at maidenhead, where the soldiers with loud acclamations cried out, that they would lose their lives with him, desiring that they might fall on the enemy with all expedition.   

HIS MAJESTY'S MESSAGE Sent by Captain Hearne, and read in Guild-Hall on Friday last, 1642.  
THat His Majesty doth not entertain any misapprehension of the love and loyalty of His City of London, but desires His good Subjects there, consider what confidence he can have of security there, whilst the Laws of the Land are so notoriously despised and trampled under foot, and Arms taken up against His consent, and express command; and Alderman Pennington (Lord Mayor) Cap. Venus, Foulk; and Manwaring, are there etc. And His Majesty would know, whether the Petitioners believe, that the reviling the Book of common-prayer, and complying with, and assisting persons who have attempted to kill His Majesty, be to defend His royal person and honour? And if they shall reform other things displeasing to His Majesty, and apprehend and commit to safe custody, these four men. His Majesty will speedily return to them, and offers a general pardon, etc. and as for His Majesty's concurrence with the advice of His two Houses of Parliament, His Majesty doubts not how far beyond the example of His Predecessors, He hath concurred in passing Laws, and used all means to beget a right understanding between Him and them. And will therefore apply themselves to those, who by Just, Peaceable, and honourable Propositions to His Majesty, can only beget that concurrence.   
FINIS.