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The estates ordain their committee to debate with the English commissioners in the particulars as have been recommended to them concerning the paper given upon 19 August before they take the same into their consideration. Of the which paper of the said 19 August the tenor follows:
According to what was signified to us by your lordships and the rest of this honourable committee from the convention of estates, in answer to our paper of 17 August, that we should present the particulars concerning the aid and assistance desired by both houses of their brethren of Scotland before the convention of estates could take the same into their consideration, we, the commissioners appointed by both houses of the parliament of England, are by our instructions commanded to let their brethren of Scotland know that the number of forces which they desire should be forthwith raised for their aid and assistance by their brethren of Scotland to be sent into England against the papists, prelatical faction and their adherents now in arms in that kingdom is 10,000 foot at the least and 1,000 horse at the least, or greater numbers of either or both as shall be agreed to with a suitable train of artillery. These forces to be commanded by such a general as shall be appointed by the estates of Scotland according to the order and direction of both the houses of the parliament of England, and to be paid by both houses according to the establishment already agreed upon for the Scottish army in Ireland; for which purpose they resolve to assign and set forth sufficient revenues of papists, prelates, malignants and other delinquents, and for the charge in raising and arming these men, we are to assure their brethren of Scotland that they will give them satisfaction with all possible speed.
And that the mutual interest and dangers of both kingdoms may be defended and preserved by both, we are further commanded to assure their brethren that if they shall be annoyed or endangered by any force or army, either from England or any other place, the lords and commons of England will assist them with 10,000 foot at the least and 1,000 horse at the least or greater numbers of either or both as shall be agreed upon with a suitable train of artillery, to be sent into Scotland according to the order and directions of the estates of Scotland; and that they will maintain a guard of ships at their own charge upon the coast of Scotland against the Irish rebels or other enemies during such time as the Scottish army shall be employed in the defence of the kingdom of England; and we are likewise authorised on behalf of the lords and commons of England to contract and agree with the estates of the kingdom of Scotland that no pacification or agreement for peace shall be concluded by the two houses of the parliament without sufficient caution and provision for the security, peace and safety of the kingdom of Scotland and the indemnity of all persons and estates for and concerning the aid and assistance which shall be given to the parliament and kingdom of England, the suppression of the papists and ill-affected parties in the kingdom of Scotland, the safe and peaceable return of their forces sent into England and the real performance of all articles agreed upon with them.
Having thus presented these particulars, we must entreat your lords and the rest of this honourable committee, according to our paper of 17 August, to desire of the right honourable the lords and others of the convention of estates to give an answer with all possible and convenient speed therein, considering the pressing necessities of the kingdom of England do require the same, and to let them know that such is the earnest desire of the two houses of the parliament to prevent all scruples, misapprehensions and difficulties which may occasion the drawing out this business into length far beyond the time that the miseries and calamities of their sister church and kingdom of England will bear, that we are further authorised to consider with our brethren of Scotland what other articles or propositions may be fit to be added and concluded, whereby the assistance now desired may be made more beneficial and effectual for the security of religion and liberties in both kingdoms, which we shall upon all occasions be ready to do. We cannot doubt of the ready and willing affection in that honourable convention to comply with these desires of both houses of the parliament of England when we reflect upon the fresh taste and experience we had of it, in the particular of the near and strict union lately offered to them, and considering that in this the two houses do propose to themselves no other end nor the glory of God, the enlargement of the kingdom of Christ, the honour and happiness of the king and his posterity and the public liberty, peace and safety of both kingdoms.