Proposals of the King's Commissioners to the Prince of Orange, December 8, 1688

At a 'Great Council' held at Whitehall, November 27, 1688, King James II determined to send commissioners to the Prince of Orange. Three commissioners were appointed - the Marquess of Halifax, the Earl of Nottingham, and Lord Godolphin. They were received by the Prince of Orange at Hungerford, December 8, 1688.

A printed version of the text can be found on pages 440 - 441 of State Tracts (London: Richard Baldwin, 1692; reprinted Wilmington, Delaware: Scholarly Resources, 1973).

Sir

The King commanded us to acquaint you, that he observes all the differences and causes of complaint alledged by Your Highness, seem to be referred to a free parliament.

His Majesty, as he has already declared, was resolved before this to call one, but thought that in the present state of affairs it was adviseable to defer it till things were more composed. Yet seeing that his people still continue to desire it, he has put forth his proclamation in order to it, and has issued forth his writs for the calling of it.

And to prevent any cause of interruption it it, he will consent to everything that can be reasonably required for the security of all those that come to it.

His Majesty has therefore sent us to attend Your Highness for the adjusting of all matters that shall be agreed to be necessary to the freedom of elections, and the security of sitting, and is ready to enter immediately into a treaty in order to it.

His Majesty proposes that in the meantime the respective armies may be retained within such limits, and at such a distance from London, as may prevent the apprehensions, that the parliament may be in any kind disturbed, being desirous that the meeting of it may be no longer delayed than it must be by the usual and necessary forms.

Hungerford, the 8th of December, 1688

Halifax
Nottingham
Godolphin