The import of this petition was, that Fleetwood should be made commander-in-chief, Lambert major-general, Desborow lieutenant-general of the horse, Monk major-general of the foot.

To which a demand was added, that no officer should be dismissed from his command but by a court martial.
The parliament, alarmed at the danger, immediately cashiered Lambert, Desborow, Berry, Clarke, Barrow, Kelsey, Cobbet.

Sir Arthur Hazelrig proposed the impeachment of Lambert for high treason.

Fleetwood's commission was vacated, and the command of the army was vested in seven persons, of whom that general was one.

The parliament voted, that they would have no more general officers.