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Act in favour of [Alexander Leslie], earl of Leven, lord general, 24 March 1651†
At Perth, 24 March 1651. Our sovereign lord and estates of parliament now presently convened etc., taking into their consideration a supplication given in to them by Alexander, earl of Leven, showing that the supplicant, conceiving it to be his greatest happiness to be serviceable to the king's majesty and the kingdom in the preservation of the cause of God, has thereupon (with much weakness but with exact fidelity and affection) contributed his utmost endeavours and pains in their service these twelve years bygone, and would have most willingly continued therein, but that it has pleased God to visit him with such weakness (the inseparable companion of old age) that he is not able to perform that service that either the importance of the public affairs or his duty and affection to his majesty's service does require of him. And therefore that there be no prejudice by him, he does with all humility surrender and demit to the king's majesty and estates of parliament his office and charge of being general of the forces of the kingdom, to be disposed as the king's majesty shall thing fit, and if it shall please God to grant him health and strength, he shall be most willing to attend his majesty and contribute with his best advice, as at more length is contained in the said supplication. Which being taken into consideration by the said estates of parliament, and his majesty and estates of parliament calling to mind the many good and faithful services done to his majesty and the kingdom by the said earl of Leven in his former employments as general of the forces of the kingdom, both within and without the country in prosecuting the enemies of this kingdom, and having so real proof of his abilities and faithfulness in discharge of the trust committed to him, have therefore ordained and ordain the said Alexander, earl of Leven to continue in his former charge as general of the forces of this kingdom. And considering that in respect of his age and indisposition of his body he is not able to give constant attendance upon the army, therefore his majesty and estates aforesaid dispense therewith, he always attending his majesty and the army as his health may permit him, and declare that in respect of his indisposition aforesaid, he shall in no way be accountable for any omission if any shall be in the army, but shall be only ready to give his best advice in everything concerning the same.
Extracted out of the records of parliament by me, Mr David Hay