Delivered to the General and his Chief Officers, June 9th, 1649, by
Gerrard Winstanley in the behalf of those who have begun to dig
upon George Hill in Surrey."
The letter opens as follows:
"Our digging and ploughing upon George Hill in Surrey is not
unknown to you, since you have seen some of our persons, and heard
us speak in defence thereof; and we did receive kindness and
moderation from you and your Council of War, both when some of us
were at Whitehall before you, and when you came in person to George
Hill to view our works. We endeavour to lay open the bottom and
intent of our business as much as can be, that none may be troubled
with doubtful imaginations about us, but may be satisfied in the
sincerity and universal righteousness of the work."
It then continues:
"We understand that our digging upon that Common is the talk of the
whole Land, some approving, some disowning; some are friends filled
with love, and see that the work intends good to the Nation, the
peace whereof is that which we seek after; others are enemies
filled with fury, who falsely report of us that we have intent to
fortify ourselves, and afterwards to fight against others and take
away their goods from them, which is a thing we abhor. And many
other slanders we rejoice over, because we know ourselves clear,
our endeavour being no otherwise but to improve the Commons, and to
call off that oppression and outward bondage which the Creation
groans under, as much as in us lies, and to lift up and preserve
the purity thereof.
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