Colonell Fiennes letter to my lord general concerning Bristol Fiennes, Nathaniel, 1607 or 8-1669. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A41282 of text R628 in the English Short Title Catalog (Wing F874). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 51 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 13 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A41282 Wing F874 ESTC R628 12075566 ocm 12075566 53560 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A41282) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 53560) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 239:E65, no 26) Colonell Fiennes letter to my lord general concerning Bristol Fiennes, Nathaniel, 1607 or 8-1669. [4], 6 p. Printed by T. P. and M. S. for Thomas Vnderhill, London : 1643. Reproduction of original in Thomason Collection, British Library. With: Mercurius Avlicvs, the two and thirtieth week, August 6, 1643. eng Bristol (England) -- History -- Siege, 1643. Great Britain -- History -- Civil War, 1642-1649. A41282 R628 (Wing F874). civilwar no Colonell Fiennes letter to my Lord General, concerning Bristol. This is licensed and entred according to order. Fiennes, Nathaniel 1643 8836 19 0 0 0 0 0 22 C The rate of 22 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2006-11 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-11 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-01 Celeste Ng Sampled and proofread 2007-01 Celeste Ng Text and markup reviewed and edited 2007-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion August . 19. 1643. Ordered by the Commons in Parliament assembled , That this Ordinance bee forthwith printed and published . H. Elsynge Cler. Parl. D. Com. COLONELL FIENNES LETTER TO MY LORD GENERAL , CONCERNING BRISTOL . This is licenced and entred according to Order . LONDON , Printed by T. P. and M. S. for Thomas Vnderhill . 1643. COLONELL FYNES Letter to my Lord Generall , concerning BRISTOLL . May it please your Excellencie . SInce the surrender of Bristoll ( of which I desire to give an account before a Councell of War ) I could not get any means to send to your Excellencie ; and I would not have written at this time , but have my selfe waited upon your Excellencie , but that I finde it necessary for me to stay here a day or two , to cleare my selfe of such aspersions as are most unworthily laid upon me in this Citie , when I kept the Town so farre beyond the enemies expectation , that they began to beleeve we had gotten some fresh forces into the Citie , and held a solemne counsell of warre ( the results whereof I have , being found in Colonell Burkes pocket , whom we slew amongst divers other Colonels and Officers of qualitie ) whether they should proceed to fall upon the town by way of assault , or by way of approach . My Lord , I held that large Town with a handful of men against a greater Armie then ever yet the King had together , foure dayes , being continually almost assaulted both by day and by night , and stormed by them in eight or nine places together , in so furious manner , as the like was never yet done in England , and the losse that they have received , doth testifie as much : For there are neere a thousand of them slain and maimed , besides a great many of their chiefe Officers , amongst the rest , Coll-Lunsford , Coll. Buck , Coll. Trevanian , Sir Nicholas Slaning , and divers others , and yet we lost not above eight men in service , and none of quality . The enemy was provided with all sorts of Fire-works , as Granadoes , Fire-pikes and the like , and with Waines full of Faggots , and broad Scaling Ladders , whereon foure or six might climb up on a breast , and they made use of all those in a most desperate way , driving their wains of faggots into the ditches , and climbing up with their Fire pikes and granadoes in their hands , to the very portalls of our great Ordnance , yet they were beaten back in 8 or 9 places together , and entred only in one place where the works were not perfected , there being no ditch as yet made , nor any foot-bank within side the breastworks ; notwithstanding all this , and that they had entred the suburbs , and drawn the whole body of their foot to that place , yet our Souldiers sallied out both Horse and Foot upon them , as they lay in the suburbs , and beat them back from street to street an hour and halfe together ; but being overlaid with fresh companies , one seconding another , wherein we were not able to answer them , though they beat the enemy back most courageously at the first ; insomuch that many of them ran away , threw down their Arms , and cried for quarter , yet being long overborn with fresh men which the enemy still drew down upon them , they were forced to retreat into the town ; and then and not till then , the Souldiers began to be disheartned , and whether out of wearinesse , or being discouraged , having been 5 dayes & nights together constantly upon duty , and in fight without any reliefe ( for we could make no reserves ) they began to slink away from their Colours and Guards , and get into houses , do what their Officers could , so that of 14. Companies , I could not make 120 men , although I proclaimed that all those that were upon the Guards , should repaire to their Guards ; and those that were not , should repaire to the Marsh , and that there they should receive both money and victuals , but I could not get them to their Colours or Guards , although the enemy lay ready on the other side of the Key ( which at low water , which then it began to be , may be waded over ) to fall over into the Town , and no doubt in that condition that our guards were then in , both upon the Key , and in the Marsh , they might in lesse then halfe an houre , have fallen into the Town by force , and used their pleasures both upon the Souldiers and upon the Citizens . Finding our selves in this condition , I called a councell of warre , at which also Sir John Horner , Mr. Stevens , and other Gentlemen of the Countrey , were present , I proposed to them our condition , and besides laid open to them , what store we had of Ammunition , that we had not of powder above 25 French barrels ; and of match for above a dayes space ; that the Castle it selfe , the works not being finished , was not tenable above a day or two , for that the maine wall would be battered in two severall places , and that we had no expectation of reliefe against such a potent Army wherewith we were besieged , in one , two or three workes . At the same instant , Mr. Major , and the Sheriffes did earnestly intreat us , that seeing we could not keep the place , we would not ruine so famous a Citie to no purpose , nor expose so many mens persons and estates to violence and plundering . Vpon all these considerations , it was unanimously resolved , that we should entertain a treaty with the enemy ; and that if we could have reasonable conditions , that it were far better to save so many Commanders and Souldiers both of Horse and Foot , and so many honest mens persons and estates , as well of our friends in the Citie , as of Gentlemen and others that came out of the countries adjacent , then to expose them all to destruction by attempting in a furious and mad way to defend the towne or Castle for two or three dayes ( if we could have held it so long ) without any hope of holding them any longer , for I will put it upon that issue , and without any hope or expectation of any reliefe within that time , or a longer time after . Vpon the treaty all things almost which we demanded , we obtained , excepting the Arms of the common Souldiers , and our Colours , which being poynts of honour , I was resolved to have insisted upon , and so we brake off for a while . But upon the earnest suit of the Major and Citizens , and others , called together my Officers , and fell into a serious debate concerning it . And when I was very resolute not to quit the point , very many of my Captains came in and told us , that they could not get six of their Companies together , and that they ran away apace to the enemy over the Key , it being now low water ; whereby they not only shewed to the enemy , that our men were disheartned , and that they should have found but slender opposition ; but also they shewed them the way how they might readily fall over into the Towne , so soon as the treaty should break off , which undoubtedly they had done , and given us little leave to retreat into the Castle , or anywhere else , I must confesse this Castle the ballance in my thoughts , that caused me to yeeld to that Article , which otherwise I would never have done , supposing that we should quickly find Armes againe , preserving the horses and men of my Regiment of horse and foot ( which had conditions been kept with me , I had preserved . ) I have given your Excellence a true account of the carriage of this unhappy businesse , and of the causes of the surrendring of that Citie and Castle , together with the conditions whereupon they were yeelded up . All which being considered and proved , as it shall , by many witnesses , against whom there can be no exception , I hope I shall not only stand clear in your Lordships eyes , and the eyes of all the world , but that it shall be acknowledged , that I have done most faithfull service to those by whom I have been entrusted ; and that in truth ( which every indifferent man sees ) the unhappy disaster which befell Sir William Wallers Army , did necessarily involve the fate of Bristol , both because I had unfurnished the Citie with men and Ammunition , to supply that Army : and it was necessary for me so to do , because the City was never put into a condition to subsist of it selfe against a Royall Army , although I was not wanting to represent the importance of the place , and the means how it might be defended in certain propositions which I long since sent to your Lordship , and which were by your Excellency earnestly recommended to the Committee , but they were not brought to any effect . What my care and pains hath been to preserve that Citie , having the whole burthen thereof for the providing of Men , Arms , Ammunition , and all sorts of provision cast upon me , having armed 3000 foot , and 300 horse , and paid constantly 2000 foot and a Regiment of Horse , for foure or five moneths together , without ever having above 4000 pounds from the Parliament , and 1700l . of the custome moneyes : What hath been my toil and labour to get moneyes for these uses , without troubling the Parliament , how little advantage I have made for my selfe , how ready I have been to furnish Sir W. Waller with Men , Arms , Ammunition , Money , and all sorts of provision , ( that I may say nothing of the hundreds of his maimed Souldiers that have been cast upon my care and charge ) I leave to my greatest enemies to speak the truth : for I know there cannot be found in the world so great malice as to deny it ; and I appeal to him that knowes all things , to judge between me and those that expect a greater tale of brick from me , and will not affoord me straw wherewithall to make it ; and I shall appeal to your Lordship , and all indifferent men , whether more could have been done by me , when as after the defeat of Sir W. Wallers Army , I had left onely 700 men to defend that Citie against two such Armies as came aginst it , nor so much as one peny of money to raise more men , provide Armes , or pay those men I had already ; yet God inabled me in five dayes , to raise and Arm 1000 men more , and with those 1700 men , and that Ammunition I had left , I made that defence that I have done , of which I am sure I shall never have cause to be ashamed of , nor do I beleeve that your Lordship will be ashamed to own me still , as Your Excellencies most humble Servant , NATH. FIENNES . We whose names are under-written , do know the narrative part of this letter to be true according as it is here set down . John Horner , John Fiennes , John Clifton , Gabriel Homes , Tho. Raulins , Henry Archbould . John Birch , Edward Tyson , Robert Johnston Chr. Stokes , Robert Bagnall . FINIS . MERCVRIVS AVLICVS , Communicating the Intelligence and affaires of the Court , to the rest of the KINGDOME . The two and thirtieth VVeeke . SUNDAY . August ▪ 6. YOu heard last weeke of the affrights and terrours which the prevailing faction in the pretended Houses were fallen into , by reason of the sad condition of their affaires in most parts abroad ; and shall now heare of the confusions and distractions they are in at home : the Vpper House bandying against the Lower , the Lower at a rupture amongst themselves , and the Army in as great distemper as both the Houses . For it was certified this day ( and had beene rumoured two or three dayes before ) that the Lords had ordered that the Earle of Portland and the Lord Conway should be bayled ( whom formerly they had committed upon a generall impeachment from the House of Commons ▪ ) And though it was much pressed by Master Strode ▪ that There would be no sitting for them , if those Lords were released and restored to the freedome of their Votes againe ▪ yet the Order stood , and the two Lords were bayled accordingly : foure of the Peeres which heretofore had dearely cherished the proceedings of that House , being bound for them ; which added much unto the heat and fury of their discontent . As also that two Bills being sent up to the Lords , the one for levying the estates of all whom they stile Malignants , according to the newly enlarged Ordinance for Sequestrations ; the other for the continuance of the weekely Assessements , were both rejected by that House . Which moved Master Martyn to propose , as he had done before on the like occasions , that they would passe them of themselves without the Lords , whose suffrage and consent he conceived as unnecessary as the Kings in things pertaining to the Commons : but wiser heads thought fitter to passe by the motion , they being now in no condition for so great a breach . As for the Lower House it was also signified , that on the rising of the House on Saturday July 29. Master Pym moved that they would heare some Propositions from the Earle of Essex : but the House having all that day attended the leisure of the Close Committee without doing any thing , would not be perswaded , but rose immediately ; to the great disgust of that Committee , who formerly had beene looked upon with more observance . But this was but the beginning of a greater storme . For at the next meeting it was moved that the Close Committee should be dissolved , many considerable men inveighing bitterly against it , as the cause of all those miseries which afflict this Kingdome . And when that could not be effected ; it was proposed and carried at the last by the major part , that a Committee should be nominated to take an accompt of the Close Committee , and of all others which were trusted with receipts or disbursements of money ; and that none of the Close Committee , nor any which had fingered any of the publick moneys was to have a voyce in it : it being affirmed in the House , that great summes of money had beene drawne from the Citie and Country ( to the summe of three millions at the least , as was before alleadged ) whereof although the Earle of Essex had not received 300000l , Waller and Fairefax both not above 30000l , yet the Armies were continually in want of pay . And though Strode and others of the Close Committee did oppose it openly , saying , it called that power in question which had beene given them by the House ; and used all cunning Artifices , and underhand devices not to have it passe ; yet it was carried in the end ▪ the Lords concurring also in it , and nominating a Committee of their House to the same intent . Which hath begot such true fears & jealousies ▪ & raised such a distrust of one another , that it is thought the Houses will be too hot for some potent Members , who heretofore did governe the affaires of both , and were as uncontroulable amongst them there , as ever were the Tribunes in the State of Rome . Last of all for the Armies , it was thus advertised that the Earle of Essex finding himselfe abused in Pictures , censured in Pulpits , dishonoured in the table-talke of the common people , and a designe on foot of raising a new Army , under the conduct of Sir William Waller , which would soone put an end unto his authority , made complaint of it to the Lords , by them to be communicated to the other House : requiring that his Army be forthwith paid , and furnished with cloathes and all other necessaries , his broken and diseased Forces presently recruited , reparation to be given him in point of honour , for all the calumnies and scandals which falsely ( as he saith ) have been laid upon him , that Waller be called to an accompt for the losse of his Forces in the West ; and finally , that no Commission may be issued out to any one to have the charge and conduct of any Forces , but by his authority . Which bold demands , though very unwelcome to the Citie-faction in the Lower House , who had resolved otherwise amongst themselves ; yet the Lords ordered for their parts ( referring the payment and clothing of the Souldiers to the care of the Commons ) that his Army should be first recruited before any other Forces raised , that he and his Army should have reparation by a Declaration of both Houses , for all the scandals vented against them , that the miscarriage of the businesse in the West should be examined , and the blame laid on those whom it did belong to ; and finally , that whosoever was appointed to any charge or command , should take his Commission from his Excellencie onely , and depend on him ; and that he should have power to call backe such Commissions , as hee saw occasion . And it is further certified , that though these Votes may give content unto the Generall , which was the matter most intended , yet doe they yet much displease the faction in the House of Commons , and infinitely distast the Citizens , who are resolved to raise neither men nor money , if Waller may not have ordering and disposing of them , and this they sticking not to say openly as they walke the Streetes . And on the other side , Waller , and those who have before served under him are so inraged by these Votes , that an implacable and deadly feud is very like to grow amongst them , so as there is some hope when these plundering theeves once fall out , true men will come the sooner to their goods . MONDAY . Aug. 7. We have beene long in the intelligence of the former day , but shall be breifer in the next ; the most of which comes from London also . For it was certified from thence , that they were more disanimated at the losse of Bristol ( when first the newes was suffered to be knowne amongst them ) then at all their former losses in the North and West ; and that assoone as the newes came unto the Houses , the prevalent faction there gave Exeter for as good as lost , especially since the Earle of Warwicke was come thence with his fleete , and had done nothing towards the releife of it , but added much unto their desperate condition by being so shamefully repulsed . And it was also certified that they had other feares which did more afflict them , upon the sight of certaine letters from the Major of Plimmouth to the Earle of Warwicke , in which was signified that Sir Alexander Carew , and Master Thomas Arundell their Governours of the Fort & Island of Plimmouth , were suspected to incline unto the King : which did so startle them , that presently they caused letters to be sent unto them , commanding them as Members of the House of Commons to returne to Westminster , to doe their service to the House . But it was thought the Gentlemen had heard too much of Hotham , to put themselves into their hands , who shew so little favour unto those that deserved best of them in their present Rebellion . It was also certified from Bristol that for a speedier ending of the siege of Exeter , and the totall reducing of the West under His Majesties command , ( that so his Armies might unite for some other service ) Prince Maurice with the Cornish forces and some troopes of horse , with many gallant Gentlemen who would needes attend him in the Action , was gone towards Devonshire ; whose going thither , as it was generally conceived , would quickely put an end to that businesse . As also that for the setling of the affaires of Bristol , His Majesty had made that noble and deserving Gentleman Sir Ralph Hopton Governour of the towne and Castle ; and under him , that valiant Colon . VVashington Lieutenant Governour of the Castle , to the generall content of all men . It was also signified from London , that this last weeke hath beene a terrible weeke of newes to that falling faction . For besides the deadly newes from Bristol ( the losse whereof doth more astonish them then all the rest of their misfortunes in the North and West ) and that they have given Exeter for as good as lost : they have beene miserably vexed with Letters from Gloucester , Coventry , and Warwicke , complaining of their severall wants , but specially of the backwardnesse of the people to make good those places , or contribute to the worke , as formerly , since this change of things ; and plainly signifying , that unlesse speedy supplies be sent of Men , Armes , and Money , ( neither of which the pretended Houses can afford them at the present time ) they are not able to hold out against His Majesties Forces , but of necessity must give up those Townes on the first assault . TUESDAY . August 8. It was advertised this day that the prevailing party in the House of Commons had refused to concurre to many of the Votes , which had beene passed by the Lords in favour of the Earle of Essex ; which breedes ill bloud , not onely betwixt them and the Lords , but betwixt the Soldierie and them : and that considering that no Commission must be granted but by and from the Earle of Essex , the Independent Army which was so much talked of , is come to nothing ; insomuch that Sir William Waller hath not yet listed above 600 of the 20000 which the City promised him . And it is further certified that the towne is very much divided about the businesse of Bristol , some imputing the losse of it to Fines , and some to Waller , according as they stand affected to either party : and that the disputation grew to so great an height betweene Sir William and my Lord Say , ( who you must thinke would not allow his sonne to be a Coward , though he can cherish him in a murther ) that the lye passed betweene them . As also , that Sir William Waller begins to be discontented with his friends the Citizens , who so much admired him being absent , and promised him such mighty matters , if he would honour them with his presence . For whereas on the first of this present August , he went into the new Artillery yard to list those multitudes of men which had long expected him ; the appearance was so thinne and small , that he was very much ashamed of the disappointment . And when the new Committee nominated in the Citie Petition , told him that was no place to doe the feat in , but they would goe presently to Haberdashers Hall , and appoint Commanders to receive them ; and then hee should see with what alacrity the people would come in unto him : that on the other side did as much offend him , to see he should not have the nominating of his owne Commanders . So that , for ought we can perceive by the preparations , the Conquerour is like to adde little to his Westerne victories by the Citie Army . It was advertised also that some of the more peaceable Lords ( to say no worse ) taking advantage of the slow successe which Waller found in raising his Army , and of their losses in the West , proposed the renewing of the Treaty ; desiring that such Propositions might be sent His Majestie , as they might reasonably hope would be hearkned to . Which being agreed on by the rest , and a Committee named for the Propositions , they drew them to some certaine heads , such as might give some little shew of satisfaction to His Majestie , but more security unto themselves , and a free pardon to all those who have beene either Instruments or Authors of this Rebellion . And yet this pleased not my Lord Say , who by chance was absent , and therefore when he came next into the House , he laboured very earnestly to have them altered , and prevailed in it at the last . Insomuch , that whereas it was first agreed on , that the Ships , Forts , Townes , Magazines , and Revenues should be delivered to the King , without any condition ; and if the Parliament should be adjourned to some other place , being the only points in which there was any shew of satisfaction to His sacred Majestie ; he obtained to have both of them altered , and put into such generall termes as might best suite unto the humour of his friends in the other House . But being the businesse stayed not here , but brake out into greater and more publike heats ; you shall heare more of it after a day or two . WEDNESDAY . Aug. 9. It was advertised this day that the Castle and Isle of Portland ( wherof St Edw. Sydenham Knight Marshal was & is Governor ) were reduced againe under his Majesties command , which had beene taken by the Rebells about March last . The manner how it was regained is reported thus . A Gentleman well known unto the Rebells which had the guard of the Castle , and used to be much there for his owne safety and preservation in these dangerous times , came to the noble Earle of Carnarvon , and gave him very good assurance that if he would trust him with 60 of his men he would forthwith make him Master of the Isle and Castle : the Earle considering that the Castle and Isle were richly worth the adventuring of 60 muskets , having taken so many armes at Dorchester , condescended he should have them : which being obtained the Gentleman furnished them with Parliament colours , and making towards the Castle with so confused a speed as if he fled from an Enemy , called upon the guards and told them he had brought some Parliament forces to make good the place ; but that they were pursued so closely by the Earle of Carnarvon ; that if they had not speedy entrance they should all be lost . This was no sooner heard by the credulous Rebels , but all the hast was made that could be to set open the Ports : at which His Majesties Soldiers entred , and seizing on the guards , who looked not for such unwelcome visitants ▪ made themselves masters of it without further trouble . A place of very great importance , as having the command of the haven and Towne of Weymouth , against which it lieth , and as the case then stood , of most infinite wealth , all the rich houshold stuffe and Treasure which had beene taken by the Rebells out of Wardour Castle with a great deale more of goods plate and money , being stored up there . It was also certified from those parts , that Poole Melcombe , & Weymouth which were in treaty with the Earle of Carnarvon ( as you heard the last weeke ) upon the yeelding up of Dorchester , have since submitted to His Majestie : so that all Dorsetshire is totally reduced againe to its old obedience ; which cannot but very much conduce to the dispatch of the worke at Exeter , and consequently to the absolute and finall setling of all the West . And it was also signified , that a ship of His Majesties Navy called the Charles , being the ship of the second ranke , had left the Earle of Warwick , and was come to Folmouth , according to His Majesties Proclamation of the 7 of July . Nor is it ( in my mind ) without some good Omen , that the first ship of strength and burden , which did obey that invitation should be the CHARLES . THURSDAY . August . 10. It was advertised this day that the Lord Capell with his forces appeared before the Walls of Namptwich , in hope to finde them in a disposition of returning to his Majesties service ; considering how His Majesties affaires had thrived and prospered , not only in raising the siege of Chester , but in cleering of the North and West from the power of the Rebells . But finding them continue in their wonted obstinacy , he fell off againe , and retreated safely to his owne quarters , with the losse of sixteene only of his men . And on the other side to make amends for the defailement of this hope ( for it was no more ) we had intelligence this day , that the Lord Willoughby of Parham being gone from Gainsburgh , on his redelivery of that towne , had recovered Lincolne . But seeing an impossibility that either Cromwell should time enough recruit his beaten and distracted forces , or that hee could receive any seasonable supplies from London ; on the first newes that the Earle of Newcastle was comming towards him , he forsooke the place , and made what hast he could to Boston : leaving the City and Close of Lincolne , which he had nested in so long , to be the next example ( as we have had very many lately ) of Gods great mercy to His sacred Majesty . It was also signified this day , that the heates in London ( according to the season ) doe still increase ; and that the discontents which have late beene growing betweene the remaining partie in the two Houses , are at the last improved to a sedition , if not unto a Civill Warre amongst themselves . For howsoever the Lord Say had so farre altered the Propositions , intended by some peaceable Lords to be presented to His Majesty , as to make them of a better relish to the Lower House : yet when they came into that House , they were very eagerly opposed , and the House continued sitting untill nine at night ; in hope such men as durst declare themselves to be well-affected , would be wearied with their long debates ; and they of the malignant faction , might there carry matters upon that advantage as they had done formerly . But finding that they sate it out , and carried it for the Propositions by the major part ; they had no other way to effect the businesse , then to returne againe to their former practices , and bring downe their City Club-men to awe the Members of both Houses , and repeale those Votes . And so accordingly they did . For the next day , being Sunday last , they had so fashioned and prepared their partie in the City of London , that printed Bills were set up on the Church dores , ( and somewhat you must think was done in the Pulpits too ) a copie whereof wee here offer you . All such as desire there may be a generall raising of the people against those Irish Rebels , and blood thirsty Papists now in Armes , ( fully purposing to destroy us , our Religion . Lawes and Liberties ) are desired to meet at Westminster Hall , to morrow morning by nine of the clocke , being the seventh day of this instant August ▪ to move the Parliament that this may be put in speedy execution . Twenty thousand Irish Rebels are appointed to come over against us . According to which intimation , the Rabble came in such multitudes , and with so great clamour , that such of the Lords and Commons who had favoured the Propositions , were forced to take boate and make hast towards Kingston , where the Earle of Essex then lay with that part of his Forces , which Gods hand and the Kings sword had left alive : conceiving that the declaring of themselves in favour of him ( of which you heard at full before ) had beene sufficient to oblige him fast unto their partie . But contrary to their hopes and expectation they found him so resolved for the other side , as they were faine to dispose otherwise of themselves . And it is said , that , notwithstanding those indignities which have beene offered to him by the City faction , he is so much inclined that way , that upon notice sent unto him , that the women had made an uproare in demand of peace , he sent some Troops of Horse amongst them , and killed three of them : for which ( and some other former courtesies ) that sex will ever honour him and his posterity . On Wednesday last a partee of Horse ( about fifty ) were sent out from Banbury towards Towceter ( commanded by Captaine James Chamberlaine ) twenty of this number divided and went towards Northampton ; the other thirty within lesse then a mile of Towceter met with the Rebels Forces , in number about one hundred and twenty , commanded by Captaine Lawson , which though they had so great advantage in number , yet Captaine Chamberlaine very valiantly charged through them with part of his men , ( his Rere falling off from him ) and with that small strength maintained a sharpe fight with them above halfe an hower , wherein he received many wounds , and at last was shot dead through the head , and one of his men also . Of the Rebels there are at least 20 sore wounded , as by intelligence from Northampton ( where they are ) is certified , and five were carried away behind them dead from the place . one left on the ground , and Captain Lawson himselfe wounded . This gentleman was the youngest brother to Sir Thomas Chamberlaine now high Shriffe of this County , and was in most of the principall Fights , at Worcester , Keynion , Brainsford , &c. where his valour was eminently manifested , and by this last action wherein he lost his life , hath added further to the honour of that worthy and loyall Family . FRIDAY . August ▪ 11. This day wee were certified by Letters from Yorke , that about foure hundred of the Rebels of Lancashire came stealing into Yorkshire , hoping to have surprized some of His Majesties horse quarters about Halifax ; which being timely perceived by Sir Francis Mackworth , he fell upon them and routed them , killed above forty in the place , and tooke fifty , the rest ( as they were taught ) ran away , and escaped by the advantage of the place . At Coventry they pull downe many houses of the Suburbs , and tell the people that the Kings Army is marching towards them with twenty pieces of Ordnance , and they had some reason ▪ for this day we received an expresse that his Majesty yesterday sate downe before Gloucester , and sent in a most Gracious Summons to the City , in these very words , Out of our tender Compassion to Our City of Glocester , and that it may not receive Prejudice by Our Army , which We cannot prevent , if We be compelled to assault it , We are personally come before it to require the same , and are graciously pleased to let all the Inhabitants of , and all other Persons within that City , as well Souldiers as others , know , That if they shall immediatly submit themselves , and deliver this our City to Vs , we are contented freely and absolutely to pardon every one of them without exception ; And doe assure them in the word of a KING , that they nor any of them shall receive the least Dammage or Prejudice by our Army in their Persons , or Estates ; But that we will appoint such a Governour , and a moderate Garrison to reside there , as shall be both for the ease and security of that City and that whole County . But if they shall neglect this Profer of Grace and Favour , and compell Vs by the Power of Our Army to reduce that place ( which by the helpe of God We doubt not We shall be easily and shortly able to do ) they must thank themselves for all the Calamities and Miseries must befall them . To this Message We expect a cleere and positive Answere within two houres after the publishing hereof ▪ And by these presents doe give leave to any Persons safely to repaire to ▪ and returne from Vs whom that City shall desire to imploy unto Vs in that businesse . And doe require all the Officers and Souldiers of Our Army ▪ quietly to suffer them to passe accordingly . But this Rebellious City answered , that they would obey His Majesties commands as they were signified by the two Houses of Parliament . And now let the world judge if His Majestie could have sent a more Gracious Message to His most Loyall Subjects , and whether these desperate Rebels deserve any mercy , who after so many offers do still refuse a pardon . But since their returning this Rebellious Answer , they have set their owne Suburbs on fire , which surely is not to keepe the City either for the KING or Parliament . Yet His Majesties Forces quenched the fire , and in spight of the Rebells , entred the Suburbs where still they are , and have already raised Mounts , and digged trenches so neare the City wall , that I dare promise you ( God willing ) a very speedy account of the siege of Gloucester . SATURDAY . August 12. This day newes was brought to Town of Sir William Waller's extraordinary progresse in raising the great Army intended for him . You heard before how the good women flocked to Westminster on Tuesday last , to cry out for peace ; three of the which were killed directly in the place , and thirteene or fourteene more most shrewdly wounded . And the next day , to shew the men were better studied in the point then so , came downe some 5 or 6000 of the usuall hacksters , which had beene alwayes ready for such purposes at a minutes warning ; and they cryed No peace . And being told by some who were appointed to returne the Answer , that they who were for the continuance of the Warre , ( as every one of them seemed to be ) should goe to Haberdashers Hall , and there list themselves under the conduct and command of Sir William Waller : it wrought so much upon the courage of those gallant spirits , ( Reader , thou canst not choose but wonder at such monstrous forwardnesse ) that of 5000 men which would have no peace , no fewer then fifteene sturdy fellowes ( in words at length and not in figures ) listed their names upon the Roll to pursue the Warre . And some of those perhaps may see Gloucester one day . It was advertised this day also , that 200 of the Rebels by the appointment of Sir William Brereton , have laid siege to Eccleshall Castle in Staffordshire , ( an house belonging to the Lord Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield ; ) the greatest part of those who are shut up in it , being Ladies and Gentlewomen of that County , who purposely came thither to secure themselves in these times of danger . And that they are so gallantly resolved upon it , that though their victuals doe begin to faile already , they meane to stand upon their guard and defend the place ( in hope His Majestie will relieve them e're it come to that ) as long as they have horse flesh , water , and old leather left to preserve nature . Which as it shewes the bravery and courage of those noble Ladies , so is it an infallible argument of the incivility and rudenesse of those barbarous Rebels ( who regard neither sex nor quality of persons ) from whom the best that can be looked for , is more unsufferable then the miseries of warre and famine . This day there came to Towne from London , the Earle of Lindsey ▪ Lord Great Chamberlaine of England , and Sir George Radcliffe ; the first tooke Prisoner at Edge-hill , the second made a Prisoner by appointment of the House of Commons at the beginning of this Parliament : but by what meanes and accident they are at liberty , is not yet made knowne to mee . But because the Rebels are now so farre vanquished , that they dispaire of their designes , they resolve ( like bloudy cowards ) to make use of all base advantages , for which end they are now beginning to ship away beyond sea such of His Majesties good Subjects as are in their custody ; and wee were this day informed , that Mudford alias Murford ( that infamous Brownisticall Governour of Southampton ) hath this weeke taken a learned ingenuous Gentleman one Mr Jones of Lincolnes Inne , and others out of Prison , and sent them by sea to New-England , or some such other place as the Devill and they think fittest for their punishment , making the said Master Jones to passe through the streets by his owne doore , but would not suffer him to take leave , or speake with his Wife , or any other friend or Kinsman to furnish him with linnen and other necessaries for this unexpected voyage ; and that yesterday their brother Rebels at London conveyed Colonell Goring ▪ Sir George Sands , Sir John Goodrick and other gentlemen ( three or foure Coaches full ) to the water side on ship-board , there to lye under hatches like slaves of Argiers , exspecting every hower how this barbarous bloudy faction will dispose of them . Nor is this strange if you consider their devotion , for this aforesaid Mudford sent up his Levite into the pulpit at Southampton , to move the people to take the New Covenant , who ( like a Priest of their Religion ) fell on cursing ( praying they call it ) in these very words Blesse the King , O Lord , mollifie his hard heart which delighteth in bloud , open his eyes that he may see that the bloud of thy Saints is deare in thy sight ; He is fallen from faith in thee , and become an enemy to thy Church : Is it not He that hath sinned and done evill indeed ? but as for these sheep , what have they done ? Let thine hand , we pray thee O Lord our God , be on Him and on His Fathers house , but not on thy people that they should be plagued . And ( to let you see both Priest and people are of the same profession ) Saint-barbe himselfe after he had taken the Covenant said aloud before many witnesses , that he had rather see the Kingdome in a flame , then that the King should prevaile against this cause they have undertaken . This is pure Protestant Religion , such as their brother Judas scarce findes among the damned . And it was also signified by Letters from Winchester , that this aforesaid Murford in pursuance of his former threats to the Prentises of South-hampton ( whereof you heard last weeke ) for refusing to take the rebellious new Covenant , sent one Thornborough , Riggs , and divers others to Portsmouth , where they are lodged in such a dungeon , as they are not able to stand upright , but are forced to doe their necessary acts of nature in the same place where the poore men must make their lodging : And yet the Newes-men at London have the impudence to tell us in print , that no body hath beene punished for refusing their Covenant . And in the same Letters it is advertised that the Maior of Southampton ( a very ancient man ) is so over awed by this Murford , that being lately come from the two Houses ( whose prisoner he hath beene these eleven weekes for his loyalty to his Soveraigne ) hee must not now be suffered to goe out of the Towne gates ▪ but every common Souldier by Murfords command forceth him backe again ; in such contempt is the Kings Lieutenant amongst this faction ; and all this out of Whitehead of Portsmouth his malice to the Maior , because he would not deliver the keyes of the Towne to him when hee demanded them for the two Houses ; the good old Maior ( being a Jer●y man ) answering him , Me no hang for you Master Whitehead , you hang for your selfe . This day also we received a copy of Isaack Pennington's Petition against peace , ( though moulded and penned by John Pym himselfe ) desiring the House of Commons , or rather commanding them to persist in this warre ( though they perish in the worke ; ) and tendring a forme of an Ordinance to presse and force every man rich and poore ( excepting some few ) to take Armes for this cause , or pay ten pounds a peece ; which accordingly was voted , and the Petitioners had thankes returned them from the House . This day wee saw a printed Ordinance from the two pretended Houses , for the speedy raysing and levying of a weekly contribution towards the maintenance of their Army , to be paid by the severall Counties and Cities of this Kingdome for two moneths together : as for example , the Citie of Chester is to pay weekly unto the two Houses 62l . The County of Cornwall 625l . The Citie of Yorke 62l . The County of Salop 375l . The Citie of Lichfield 5l . Bristol 55l . Worcester 16l . The County of Worcester 500l . Oxford 400l . If the worthy Members will come to these places , the money lyes ready for them . The Earle of Northampton this weeke intercepted divers Letters from London , wherein we see such pretty devices as the Brethren use to cheat one another ; One writes , That 3000 Cavaleirs were slaine at the taking of Bristol . Another , That Waller will be 30000 Horse , and 20000 Foot . Another , Th●● Waller is 8000 strong already . Another , That 20000 Scot● are come as far as Barwicke . Another , That the Scots will not come , because the Citizens have no money . Another , That all is lost except spirituall comfort . Another , That the Earle of Essex would have all their Souldiers leave their Garrisons , and come away with their Armes , lest they be all taken by the King . Another , That Gloucester cannot be relieved . Another , That the rotten Lords ( a pretty-pretty epithete ) would now have Peace . Another , That now they must no longer trust in the Parliament . Another , That the losse of Bristol hath discovered many false hearts , who onely had creature-confidence . Another , That to vote for peace now , was like the plot of the Trojan horse , and like Saul , to fly in distresse to the Witch of Endor ; with a world more of such excellent expressions , as doe trouble me to want paper for them . And the Printed Newes-men are this weeke turn'd Preachers , urging Scripture ( in place of Newes ) against fainting in tribulation , yet ever and anon sprinkling a lye : as 1. That the Lord Digby hath one Troope of Spanish Papists : ( My Lord thankes you for raising a new Troope for him ; but hee thinkes you meane the Walloones at Fulham , allowed to have Masse by the Close Committee . 2. That the Lord Willoughby of Parham's Souldiers marched out of Gainsborough with all their Armes : ( You were cudgelled for this the last weeke , and yet you are at it againe . ) 3. That the King commands to kill men for fearing God , ( for labouring to murther him in the feare of God ; feare God , obey the Parliament . ) 4. That Sir William Waller hath many thousands of men : ( yes , at Round-way Downe . ) 5. That those men are most of them good lusty Butchers ( to knocke downe the Oxe at Kingston . ) 6. That Sir William went in triumph to Butchers Hall neare Newgate : ( he went himselfe now , but next time he shall be brought to Newgate . ) Lastly , That the Close Committee had newes that Dorchester , Weymouth , and Lincolne , were delivered up to the Kings Forces , and yet were not disheartned at it : I thinke it would please them to see one another hang'd ; which God for his mercies sake , &c. FINIS .