|
|
Oct. 2.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
26. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
After relieving Gloucester General Essex made a forced march
to Sisiter, capturing the town, which is of slight consequence, but
what is more important, taking 30 carts with food which were
going to Oxford, and capturing two regiments of horse which
were convoying them. (fn. 1) As he was hastening with the same
speed to reach Newbury and to take steps there to besiege Oxford
with the Court and army, the king decided to forestall him. So
he sent forward Prince Rupert with a flourishing and noble
cavalry last Monday, who occupied the position with some
fighting, some being wounded on both sides. His Majesty
avoided a battle with all his power, strong as he is, as an unfortunate
issue might ruin his not very firmly established fortunes ;
but the danger of a siege forced him to a decision. Accordingly
on Wednesday, the last of September, there was a bloody and
cruel encounter between the two armies, and although many things
are related to the advantage of this side, nothing certain is yet
known, all the couriers being detained. Meanwhile after pressing
troops all these days in the city they sent out General Waller
yesterday evening with an army not exceeding 6,000 men, horse
and foot, with orders to go and join Essex. But the pique
between these two commanders may cause some disorders to the
king's advantage. His Majesty with a few troops has besieged
Southampton, a small place on the sea.
The army of the Earl of Manchester has prospered at its first
attempt, as it has taken Lin. He compares it with Exeter, but
it is really much inferior.
Amid these possibly false hopes of success in battle, the parliamentarians
as well as the governors of the city find themselves
in great difficulties, as although the taxes imposed are worth
great sums, the returns do not correspond. Moreover the Vice
Admiral, the Earl of Warwick, anchoring the whole fleet in the
Downs, has arrived here protesting that if they do not immediately
supply him with the money due to the sailors, it will not be in his
power to prevent them from coming here riotously for satisfaction,
as they have begun to do. Accordingly they are making
the greatest efforts to find it, so far without success. He will
leave with orders to put to sea and with sufficient powers, without
further reference, to search all French ships and seize those which
are bringing soldiers, money or other things for the king.
They have been negotiating all this week with the Scottish
commissioners about the terms for the entry of their army into
this kingdom. They have arranged for 18,000 foot and 3,000
horse. There was some difference because the English parliament
did not want the army to exceed 10,000 foot and 2,000 horse, from
fear of buying with their own money a more painful slavery,
instead of liberty, as may well happen. The Scots claim 100,000l.
at once on account, and some one has been sent on purpose to
Amsterdam to treat with the merchants there for a loan of
200,000l. sterling, at the usual rate, without any security than the
joint credit of the English and Scots. But as those people are
very practical it is not believed that they will build their capital in
the air upon credit where there is none.
The Prince of Orange although he has retired to the Hague, has
left the troops in garrison all ready to move, but it is only to quiet
the French. Two commissioners from the Duke of Neuburg had
arrived there to complain of a letter from the States to the duke
demanding the free exercise of the Calvinistic faith in Juliers.
They have not yet had audience, but they expect help from the
Prince and are trying for the support of the French ambassador,
declaring that the States want to subdue that country. Meanwhile
the Hessians have entered that district and taken Durem.
The Assembly of the states of the Provinces have restored the
ancient decrees against the Catholics. The matter of the plenipotentiaries
is not yet settled, as they are waiting for the French.
London, the 2nd October, 1643.
[Italian.] |
27. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
Before M. de Cressi went to Dover to meet the Count of Harcourt,
who was to leave Paris last Monday, two commissioners of
parliament went to see him and showed him letters from Plymouth
in which the governor reports that a confidant of his, returned
from St. Malo tells him that troops are gathering in all those
provinces and they already have 20,000 Frenchmen all ready to
cross to serve the king. He proved to them the baselessness of
the report, but all the same they obliged him to write to Court
about it and to show them the reply that comes.
In addition to this, the queen having offered the use of her palace
of Somerset House in this city, to the Count, while he was making
arrangements a commissioner of parliament went there, followed
by a number of soldiers, and carried away all the furniture found
there, not only that of private individuals, but the queen's,
and all Cressi's efforts have failed to obtain the return of anything.
He has asked for passports for the Count, his household and goods ;
but the parliamentarians, under the pretence of courtesy, said
they would send two deputies to Dover, to accompany him all
the way, and these are appointed. Cressi, unable to believe in
so much civility among this excited and suspicious people, was
afraid that they might be intending to overhaul his baggage and
even his papers. So without pressing for passports or anything
else he has gone with the intention of suggesting to Harcourt
that he shall put up with anything in order to reach the promised
end. But there are likely to be so many slights that it will be
difficult for a spirit more noble and less interested than Cressi,
to put up with them. They already give out here that he pretends
to come as a mediator in order to take sides, and they conclude
this from seeing that instead of a clever diplomatist they are
sending a valiant captain, who, they say, is bringing with him a
number of army officers.
As a foil to this embassy parliament has got the deputy Stricland
to suggest a solemn mission from those Provinces on the same
pretext of peace. This was decided and they proposed to send
here immediately the Ambassador Joachimi, with another. But
the Prince of Orange, who knows that he has not served the
king well, is trying under the pretext that they ought rather to
reward the old minister than lay new burdens upon him, to propose
Emflit, his own creature, who had the honour of arranging the
marriage between his son and the princess. This not proving
acceptable, a decision has been postponed, which is equally
satisfactory to the Prince.
London, the 2nd October, 1643.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 9.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
28. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England,
to the Doge and Senate.
The battle of Newbury took place on Wednesday the last of
September, between almost equal forces, of 13,000 on each side,
the cavalry supplying the shortage and inefficiency of the royalist
infantry. The fight lasted from sunrise to sunset, and 4,000
fell, without counting the wounded. The attacks were vigorous,
but whether from the ardour of the royalists and of his Majesty,
who was present, sword in hand, or for some other reason, they
suffered more, if not in numbers at least in the quality of the
slain, among whom were a marquis, two earls and a secretary of
state. (fn. 2)
In the parliamentary army the trained bands of the city bore
the heaviest blows, his Majesty having given orders that these
obstinate folk should feel the weight of his ire, refusing them
quarter, and if many had not run away the slaughter would have
been greater.
Although General Essex boasts of having won the day, pointing
to the muster he held and the order for the burial of the bodies,
yet the king was equally master of the field, as he remained as
long as he liked, and withdrew before the break of the following
day for other designs.
When his Majesty reached Oxford, supposing that Essex would
march towards Reading, as he did, he sent a part of the cavalry
to occupy the bridge over the Thames, which he would have to
cross. These profiting by the confined space, captured two guns,
slew 300 of the enemy and pursued them to within sight of
Reading. So there are disputes about the victory, which has been
celebrated with bonfires at Oxford and by thanksgivings in the
churches here. But his Majesty's loss is certain, from the death
of so many subjects on both sides.
With Essex quartered at Reading three commissioners were
sent to him by parliament to urge him not to leave his army or
permit the officers to go to the city, assuring him that they will
provide him with reinforcements, money and all that he needs to
continue his efforts, as may seem best. But their efforts proved
fruitless as he arrived the day before yesterday, as also did Waller,
who never advanced further than Windsor. They are now
consulting with these two commanders about besieging Oxford,
considered the best way of finishing the business, as the thoroughly
wearied citizens desire. But they have not yet decided, and the
soldiers, who know the difficulties and dangers, do not approve,
especially with the approach of the cold weather, and they do
not want to see the end of their honours and advantages.
Meanwhile they have held a muster of all the trained bands of
the city, who number 12,000, and they talk of reinforcing the
army with a part of them, since they did better service than was
expected ; but many did not appear at the muster from fear of
being immediately sent to the front.
The Earl of Warwick left with the money promised for paying
the sailors, for which they are trying to get together 40,000l.
though that will not be the eighth part of their indebtedness. He
has orders to search the French ships which he suspects of taking
men, money and munitions to the king, it being understood that
a quantity of arms for this purpose are already laded at St.
Malo and elsewhere, though the French say they are for merchants,
for purposes of trade.
Newcastle, created marquis by the king, with all his forces,
which are more powerful than the king's own army, is closely
besieging Uls, in the hope that a body of cavalry gathered there by
Fairfax to sally out and harass him, may consume their provisions
and hasten a surrender. This has alarmed them here, and they
have directed the Earl of Manchester to unite with Cramuel
and proceed in that direction, Fairfax being directed to come
out by sea with his cavalry and join them, which they say has
happened. If Newcastle succeeds in this enterprise it will place
a serious obstacle to the advance of the Scots, whose entry is
referred to as very near. But although parliament, the synod and
the commissioners of that country have solemnly sworn in church
to the league, the 100,000l. sterling, which they claim in advance,
has not yet been provided, and the monthly subsidy has not been
settled, as they offer 20,000l. while the Scots claim 30,000l. and
this will delay the levies and provisions. It is true that they have
allowed them to introduce a garrison into Berwick, a place
formerly so jealous, opening the way into England at their
pleasure. The queen mother has sent a gentleman there on
purpose to protest her resentment, that they should make war
on the king, and Lodun, their commissioner, who has been
staying some months in France, has gone there also to inform
them of the feelings and intentions of the Court.
London, the 9th October, 1643.
[Italian.] |
29. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
There is no news yet of the ambassador Harcourt having crossed
the sea, Cressi is still at Dover awaiting him. Parliament refused a
passport to the French resident when he asked for one, and has
not even held to the decision to send two commissioners. They
have instead ordered the deputy of the lieutenant of Kent to
proceed to Dover to meet him, and escort him under the show
of a compliment. The resident apprehends a thorough search
of all Harcourt's goods and believes that he will not stand it.
The peace mission of the Dutch ambassadors is suspended for
the reasons reported, and it is unlikely unless circumstances here
afford a more propitious opening. Meanwhile the Prince of
Orange has withdrawn to a country house of his to recreate
himself after the campaign. The severity shown against the
Catholics in that country is encouraged by his Highness not from
natural inclination but to escape calumny and regain the confidence
he used to enjoy. The affair of the plenipotentiaries is not
settled, and it gets little attention since the French are so slow.
They have appointed deputies to negotiate with Neuburg's
commissioners about the alleged introduction of Protestantism
into Juliers.
London, the 9th October, 1643.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 16.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
30. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
They have tried their hardest to persuade the people that the
parliament gained a very great victory in the last battle. To
this end they have sent out at night numbers of the citizens to
fill up the companies of the trained bands which took part and
were almost completely destroyed, and in the busiest part of the
day the soldiers have entered all crowned with laurel, so as to
hearten the others, that they may not refuse when next they are
commanded to go forth. But the results do not point this way,
since the parliamentary troops, pursued by the royalists have been
obliged to abandon Reading and retire to Windsor, a well fortified
place not more than 25 miles from here. So the others have
occupied the position which they are fortifying anew, as General
Essex had demolished them. From what I gather the king's
intention is to send troops into Kent to harass London next winter,
as he realises from the affair of Gloucester that the reduction of this
great foundation and support will involve the fall of the whole
machine.
General Essex has given permission for Waller to take any men
of his army that he wishes for such enterprises as he may decide
upon. Meanwhile he moves in a halo of glory here, having
recovered his reputation by the relief of Gloucester, and vindicated
himself with the citizens of London, who had reviled him. He
has also put his rival in danger of losing the reputation gained on
nothing, during the present difficulties, by moving without
fighting. To complete their mortification he decided to go to the
Common Council of the city, where he informed them of what he
had done. He added that there were three possible courses to
take ; to find a fountain that spouts money ; or to get real
volunteers who will fight without pay, or else to come to terms
with the king. After a night's discussion they have found no
answer to this.
Yet they are devoting their most earnest attention to the
provision of money. In addition to the 50 subsidies and other
taxes imposed, they ordered the revision and increase of the
twentieth on goods, as the way that has proved the most prompt,
since they seize the goods of those who do not pay at the first
warning. But owing to the tyrannous violence with which they
have proceeded in this and other matters, many families are
destroyed, others have fled, while the moveable goods of those
who do not possess land, are concealed.
The total of these taxes taken together amounts to 600,000l.
sterling, but to exact this is known to be impossible. The parliamentary
chest is thus exhausted by the necessity of supplying
promptly numerous outgoings ; for the Scots, the land army, the
navy, which has so far received no payment, while they are
imprisoning the sailors who come to demand it. They have
applied to the private purses of the city, who are most friendly,
for a loan of 300,000l. but all their most strenuous efforts will not
suffice to raise a third of it, and afterwards it vanishes quickly in
the hands of the distributors.
By a recent decree of parliament they have deprived the king,
queen and the prince also of all the hereditary revenues of the
crown. But this does no harm beyond showing their hatred
against the royal House, as it has not enjoyed them for a long time.
Being deprived of the coal from Newcastle, the city is experiencing
a great shortage of fuel, which is beginning to be wanted
this season. On account of the great outcry among the people
parliament has decided to have the trees cut down for 60 miles
around, especially in the king's parks and forests. They have
appointed commissioners for this, and they will profit most from
a thing so prejudicial to the country.
Prince Maurice, with a few troops, augmented and assisted
by the people of Cornwall, is besieging Plymouth, with good hope
of taking it, because all that coast sides with his Majesty and
Peninton with some Bristol ships is blockading the port. The
important fortress of Uls is also closely invested by the Marquis
of Newcastle. Besides capturing all the dykes, which prevent
the flooding of the country, he has made a cutting which diverts
the river from the town. Owing to this the besieged are running
short of fresh water ; but surrender is doubtful because the sea
passage is open. Success there that would secure a withdrawal
and set Newcastle's army at liberty, would constitute a stiff
obstacle to the entry of the Scots. These are only waiting for
the provision of 100,000l. in advance, granted to them instead of
the 200,000l. they claimed, though they have not yet yielded about
the 30,000l. a month.
Fearing that the Irish may intervene, either by coming to serve
the king or by way of a diversion in Scotland, parliament has sent
letters to the magistracy of Dublin, ordering them to break the
truce concluded by his Majesty (fn. 3) ; but without help in money or
men the letters are not likely to find obedience.
The French ambassador Harcourt landed at Dover some days
ago. He has not yet arrived in this city, his family and goods
being carefully searched at every step. Parliament has summoned
the merchants to learn what is the amount of his credit in this
mart, but they have not discovered more than 4000l. sterling.
Montegu crossed the sea with him, denounced by parliament
as a traitor for having served the queen both here and in France.
He tried to pass under a disguise, but being recognised, was
arrested and sent to the Tower. They took from him letters
from the queen mother for their Majesties. This has increased the
suspicions about the ambassador. The same thing has happened
to another gentleman who was going to meet the Count and pay
his respects in the name of the queen.
The Ambassador Gorin, destined for France, has crossed the
sea and is travelling through Holland to confer with the Prince of
Orange. As the Ambassador Contarini has reached Cologne I
shall not trouble your Excellencies with any more reports of events
in the Netherlands.
London, the 16th October, 1643.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Oct. 18.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Munster.
Venetian
Archives. |
31. Alvise Contarini, Venetian Ambassador to the Congress
of Munster, to the Doge and Senate.
The mission of the Count d'Arcurt to England has reawakened
in the States feelings of jealousy on the subject of religion and
proximity, to such an extent that they have brought up again the
question of sending two ambassadors as was decided more than a
year ago, but always put off owing to what was happening in
that kingdom.
Cologne, the 18th October, 1643.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 22.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni.
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
32. To the Secretary in England.
Approval of his diligence in the matter of the currants and of
his action in asking the king to permit his subjects of Bristol to
go to the Levant islands to lade that fruit. This cannot fail to
prove very helpful, and it will also serve to make the Levant
Company anxious. He must continue to speak on the subject
with those he may chance to meet and see that the permission is
carried into effect, as with the progress of that affair the force
of self interest will do more to move the Company than all the
remonstrance and argument in the world, and the competition
will be all to the advantage of Venetian interests and those of
Venetian subjects.
Enclose a copy of the decree of the Senate concerning the
reduction of the duty on currants. (fn. 4) Acknowledge receipt of his
letters of the 2nd inst.
Ayes, 72. Noes, 4. Neutral, 7.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 23.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
33. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The present week has passed in disputes and quarrels between
the two generals Essex and Waller. The former made a violent
attack on the other in parliament, so that he was obliged to leave
the army and come here to defend himself. The Lower House
has employed persuasion and authority to reconcile them, but
without success. Accordingly Waller decided to resign his
commission, of which he subsequently informed the city Council,
inveighing against the insolent pretensions of Essex. Many
believe that seeing the difficulties of collecting a powerful army,
the impossibility of keeping it satisfied and the difficult task which
is set for the first enterprise, as will be related, he has seized the
opportunity to retire in order to preserve the reputation which
was impressed upon the common people, when Essex was under
a cloud, to encourage the party and obtain contributions. Essex
is busy in trying to checkmate this, since another member of
parliament hostile to him has come forward and has laid an accusation
against him, with 16 charges, from which he will have to
clear himself or remain discredited.
The king, profiting by these dissensions, is busily engaged in
fortifying Reading, employing 5,000 men of the country on the
work, which is not interrupted even at night. He has already
introduced 16 pieces of artillery, with 3,000 of the best infantry
of his army. Such a sharp thorn could not fail to be sensible to
parliament even amid the distraction of the present internal
discords. They have devoted some hours to assembling a new
army to oppose and hinder the work, since there being no money
to support the army returned from the relief of Gloucester, it
has in great part wasted away through desertion. As the
urgency of the need as well as the shortage of money did not allow
of fresh levies, they ordered ten regiments of the citizens to take
the field, but aware of the rough handling received by the others
in the battle, they have refused. Although the number is
confined to five, who are drawn by lot, yet these also refuse,
maintaining that if the mayor, their general does not go, they do
not consider that they are bound to. Accordingly parliament,
has denounced severe penalties for the disobedient, imprisonment,
spoiling of their houses and banishment of their families from the
city. They were to start last Tuesday, but there is no sign yet
of their moving.
Amid all these difficulties their chief hopes are based on the
Scots, and the Council of London has exerted itself for the
collection in the shortest possible time of the sum to be paid them
in advance. General Essex has opposed this and argued that it
is first necessary to pay their own army, as not only the interest
of the soldiers but the pique between the two nations might lead
to pernicious results, if the English saw foreigners better treated
than themselves. But so far neither claim has been met.
Lord Widdrington, influential in Northumberland, whose
house from ancient times has always professed hostility to the
Scots, has arranged with the king to arm the four border counties
and prepare to resist an invasion by that nation. 500 of them
have already entered Scotland and carried off a quantity of
animals. At the same time his Majesty has sent Mr. di More to
the Marquis of Hamilton and other lords of his party, who to
the number of 25 protest to the government of the country that
they will move against it if they send an army into England.
There is also the fear that the Irish may cross over on the one side,
and the menaces of the gentleman sent by the queen of France to
denounce the breach of the alliance with what crown, in which it
is stated explicity that the Scots may not take up arms in favour
of the English. So it is probable that this assistance will not
come so promptly as they hope here.
While some commissioners sent by parliament were having a
consultation with other supporters of the party near Bedford,
about raising money, four companies of the king's cavalry
appeared on the scene and took three of them prisoner. They
went on to Newport, which they took, in order to cut off a great
quantity of food which reaches the city from that neighbourhood.
The Marquis of Newcastle is still besieging Uls, although with
scant hope of taking it while the sea side remains open. Plymouth
also is besieged, but Prince Maurice, who is present, is indisposed.
Yet they have recovered Dartmouth for the king, with a port near
which will facilitate the other enterprise.
The Count of Harcourt arrived here on Saturday. He was met
at Gravesend by Fildinch, now Earl of Denbigh, with two
members of the Lower House. He is lodged at Somerset House.
The moment he arrived he sent a note to the Earl of Pembroke,
asking in the name of the queen, his mistress, that Montegu might
be restored to him, as a messenger of her Majesty, and asking
that this note might be read in parliament. This was done,
and an answer was sent in writing that they would restore the
letters he brought, but the individual himself could not be
released for definite reasons. The ambassador sent another paper
full of persuasion, but without avail, as they persisted in their
refusal to release him. The Count has asked for a passport to go
to Oxford, and is waiting for this, intending to start to-morrow.
Meanwhile he has returned the visit of General Essex, the only
one to call on him. He seems greatly devoted to your Serenity
and shows confidence towards your ministers, glorying in being
a son of so great a republic and of having exercised his privilege
in the Great Council. He asked me to thank your Excellencies
for this.
As a foil to this embassy the Dutch have decided on theirs, which
was suspended. The Spanish ambassador is on the watch and would
have no slight misgivings had he not great confidence in the strength
of his party about the king. The death of the Secretary Falkland
has led to an almost universal change of appointments at the
Court. This is considered somewhat premature, as many
might have been kept at heel by hope.
London, the 23rd October, 1643.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |
Oct. 24.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Francia.
Venetian
Archives. |
34. Girolamo Giustinian, Venetian Ambassador in France,
to the Doge and Senate.
The queen has sent in haste to England to obtain from parliament
a pardon for Montagu, who was arrested in London disguised
in false clothes and imprisoned as a confident of the said queen.
It is feared that something will have happened before the office
can be performed.
Paris, the 24th October, 1643.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 30.
Senato,
Secreta.
Deliberazioni,
Corti.
Venetian
Archives. |
35. To the Secretary in England.
Acknowledge receipt of his letters with news of the battle and
the increase of troubles in that kingdom. Approval of his
services, especially with regard to the news from Holland, which
it is necessary to continue. Expecting the reply about the
currants and ascribe the delay to the occupations of the king and
his ministers in consequence of the battle.
Ayes, 89. Noes, 3. Neutral, 7.
[Italian.] |
Oct. 30.
Senato,
Secreta.
Dispacci,
Inghilterra.
Venetian
Archives. |
36. Gerolamo Agostini, Venetian Secretary in England, to
the Doge and Senate.
The differences between the Generals Essex and Waller are
outwardly settled, the latter serving under the former, but
commander of the trained bands. Threatened by various
penalties, including death, the citizens have at last decided to
march, protesting that they will not be under the command of
Essex who on the last occasion showed his resentment against
them by exposing them to the greatest dangers, but under
Waller. He has seized the opportunity with delight, because it
chimes with his own inclination to keep away from troublesome
enterprises and at the same time please the people here and lay
them under an obligation, with their numerous adherents in the
city, to sustain his reputation, as owing to the weakness of the
enlisted troops Essex cannot promise the success of any effort
without the assistance of this corps, which the other will manage
for his own advantage.
Their forces united will amount to about 16,000 combatants,
with which they propose to besiege Reading. This has been
fortified and well prepared by the king, who has scattered his
very numerous cavalry about the places in the neighbourhood,
to hinder their intent, and to be on the watch for an opportunity
of capturing Windsor, only 4 miles off, which blocks the Thames
on the upper side.
In spite of all their efforts parliament has not been able to send
more than 20,000l. sterling to Windsor, whence soldiers arrive
every day to remonstrate, as they have taken everything from
the inhabitants and sold it, in order to live. Vice Admiral
Warwick has come back here and protests that there is danger of
a mutiny in the fleet if they do not promptly provide the pay of
the sailors. But all their efforts prove vain or too late, as everything
provided is forestalled by ever growing demands.
The Earl of Manchester learning that there were 200 horse near
Niuvarch, sent by a loyal gentleman at his own cost to serve the
king, surprised them at night and took them prisoners. The news
arrived when they were somewhat dejected and the citizens were
refusing to march. So they offered thanks to God in all the churches
and announced the success as a solemn victory to hearten the people. (fn. 5)
The capture of Dartmouth which I reported is a great gain for
his Majesty, as they found 100 pieces of artillery and 40 ships
of London merchants in the port, all of which have joined
Peninton's fleet, which is now more numerous than that of
Warwick. With it he is blockading Plymouth, while Prince
Maurice invests it by land, and they expect its surrender soon.
That will give his Majesty complete control of the West coast.
With the full moon an exceptionally high tide has overflowed
one of the dykes at Uls. The water entering the quarters of the
besiegers has obliged Newcastle to go further off, leaving some
guns behind. He has promptly set to work to raise the banks
with timber and hopes to return to his original position. He has
made up his mind to attempt an assault, as the place is well
supplied with food, and although the buildings have been demolished
by the guns, yet the defenders and inhabitants hold out
obstinately in huts and subterranean caves. His army numbers
more than 20,000 combatants, and he recently sent 2,000 horse to
reinforce the king. If he can free himself from there he need not
fear his ability to offer a vigorous resistance to the Scots,
especially with the help of the border counties, who have armed
and are determined to dispute their entry.
That entry is strongly pressed from this quarter, where they well
know that it is the only weight that can tip the scale in the present
balance of affairs ; but they cannot find a way to raise the
100,000l. promised in advance. The king on his side does not
neglect both by threats and by preparations to try and stop this
disturbance or to make himself strong to resist. He has sent a
proclamation to Scotland in which he annuls all the concessions
made to the Scots in the last three years. At the same time he has
sent to Ireland the articles for the truce, declaring rebels all those
who refuse to accept it and swear to it, without distinction of
religion, in order to make use of that people. This occasions an
outcry here and rumours, even now in circulation, against the king
and queen, that they already had a hand in the rebellion there.
The Ambassador Harcourt has gone to Oxford without being
able to obtain Montegu's release, with a passport from parliament.
In spite of this he had a difficulty in leaving the fortifications and
was obliged to obtain a fresh order from the general to pass his
baggage without search. His steward also had an affair here,
as the ministers of parliament took 2,000l. sterling from him which
he had raised from merchants for the use of his master. But
this was restored and he deprecates the incident, comporting himself
with the utmost modesty. He will begin his negotiations
with the king and should be back here within a week. The Dutch
ambassadors are also expected, and one member of parliament
has moved that their expenses be defrayed, a treatment which
they have not extended to the Count.
London, the 30th October, 1643.
[Italian ; the part in italics deciphered.] |