474.
The parliament, too, resolved, if possible, to preserve their dominion; but being destitute of power; and not retaining much authority, it was not easy for them to employ any expedient which could contribute to their purpose.

The expedient which they now made use of was the worst imaginable.

They sent Skippon, Cromwell, Ireton, and Fleetwood, to the head quarters at Saffron Weldon, in Essex, and empowered them to make offers to the army, and inquire into the cause of its distempers.

These very generals, at least the three last, were secretly the authors of all the discontents; and failed not to foment those disorders which they pretended to appease.

By their suggestion, a measure was embraced which at once brought matters to extremity, and rendered the mutiny incurable.
In opposition to the parliament at Westminster, a military parliament was formed.