|
October 1. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Northumberland, Warwick, and Loudoun, Lords
Wharton and Warristone, Sir G. Gerard, Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Pierrepont, and Mr. Kennedy. Ordered, |
1. To signify to the Earl of Manchester that the orders for the return of
Col. Fleetwood were conditional, and that this Committee has written
again to Col. Fleetwood, and to send his horse and foot according to
his former orders. |
2. To write to Col. Fleetwood, if the enemy be still in Lincolnshire, to
proceed on his journey, and that Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell be acquainted
herewith. |
3. To write to the Lord General, the Earl of Manchester, and Sir Wm.
Waller, inclosing the Ordinance which this day passed the Houses of
Parliament, and to let them know that this Committee is considering
of persons and instructions. |
4. That the sub-committee yesterday appointed for drafting instructions
do prepare instructions upon the Ordinance this day passed both
Houses, and that they consider of the names of persons to offer to
this Committee according to the intent of the said Ordinance. |
5. To write to the Committee of Sussex, desiring them to put into
Cowdray House 60 foot and 10 horse, under a person of trust, with
victuals and ammunition. |
6. That some of the Militia be desired to speak with this Committee tomorrow afternoon concerning the setting forth of the five City
regiments, and in what forwardness they are; also concerning Col.
West's troop. |
7. That the Committee of the Navy be desired to despatch away speedily
the ships designed for the winter guard of the north-west coasts. |
8. To write to the Committee of Norfolk and Suffolk to hasten up their
recruits. |
9. To report to the [Commons'] House the opinion of this Committee in
favour of restoring the money and goods of Lieut.-Col. Mackworth
and the other two gentlemen who came from Hartlepool. |
10. To write to the Earl of Callendar concerning the ship of Hartlepool. |
11. That it be reported to the House [of Commons] from this Committee
to take into consideration the service of Major-Genl. Skippon. |
12. That the business of Capt. Tuttle, of Rushwell Hall, be reported to the
[Commons'] House to-morrow. |
13. Likewise that, the ports being opened, the declaration concerning the
French Agent [M. de Sabran] may be speedily sent away. |
[Interregnum 7 E., pp. 214, 215.] |
October 1. Shaston. |
Sir Wm. Waller and Sir Arthur Haselrigg to the Committee of
both kingdoms. We have not heard of the King's removal from
Chard, though it is not to be thought he can lie there long. We
now second our yesterday's request that the Earl of Manchester
may come to us with all speed possible, as also that ever to be
honoured Major Skippon may bring us such foot of his Excellency's [the Lord General's] as are fit to march. We beseech you
cast not a thought upon our differing about command. If this be
done in time the latter part of summer may answer to the success
of the former part. Five companies are come last night from
Sussex. We entreat that the Isle of Wight foot may be hastened.
As the King now lies in enclosures, it is not for us with our horse
to make any great attempt. We do what we can, and as forces
come up you may expect more. P.S.—Capt. Derry and his troop
are taken by the enemy this last night in their quarters 4 miles
beyond Blandford. The fault is not ours. We acquainted you
that the county troops were not come in to us, neither was this
[troop] under our command. [Interregnum 17 E., p. 14. Copy.
1 p.] |
October 1. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Col. Fleetwood. We wrote
to you on 28th September to return with your horse to Lieut.Genl. Cromwell's rendezvous if Sir Thos. Glemham was marched
[with the Royalist horse] from Newark by Ashby [-de-la-Zouch],
the truth of which information a letter from the Earl of Manchester gives us ground to suspect. We therefore desire you, in
the event of that information not proving true, and the Royalist
forces being still in Lincolnshire or those parts, to proceed on your
journey thither, taking care to improve your forces against the
enemy and for securing those parts, in obedience to the orders you
formerly received from Manchester. Sent by Faukeard. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 61. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 1. Derby House. |
The same to Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell. Upon the information we
received from you that Sir Thos. Glemham was marched from
Newark by Ashby to join with other [Royalist] forces, we directed
Col. Fleetwood to return to your assistance, but since a letter from
the Earl of Manchester gives us ground to suspect the truth of
that information, we have therefore countermanded the order
for Col. Fleetwood to return. Sent as above. [Ibid., p. 62.
Copy. ½ p.] |
October 1. Derby House. |
The same to Edward Earl of Manchester. We have received
yours of the 30th Sept. from Reading. Touching the orders of this
Committee for recalling Col. Fleetwood's regiment of horse, they
were conditional upon information from Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell that
Sir Thos. Glemham had marched from Newark with 21 colours of
[Royalist] horse, which circumstance proving true he was to return,
but not otherwise. Upon receipt of your letter we have again
written to Fleetwood not to return unless that information prove
true, but to proceed on his journey to Lincolnshire. We likewise
renew our desires to you to send your horse and foot according to
former orders. We send inclosed a copy of the Parliamentary
Ordinance passed in both Houses, according to the intent whereof
we are considering of persons and instructions, wherewith you
shall be acquainted speedily. Sent by Manchester's own messenger.
[Printed in Soc. Cambd., N. S. xii., p. 34. Ibid., pp. 62, 63.
Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 1. |
Mem. The last clause [only of the above letter was sent] to the
Lord General [Essex] and to Sir Wm. Waller. [Ibid., p. 63.] |
October 2. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Northumberland and Loudoun, Lord Wharton,
Sir G. Gerard, Sir Chas. Erskine, Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Recorder, and
Messrs. Pierrepont, Crew, Kennedy, and Barclay. Ordered, |
1. To write to the Earl of Manchester intimating the necessity of his
marching speedily, and forwarding a copy of the Lord General's letter,
with the answer of this Committee. |
2. To write acknowledging Sir Wm. Waller's letter, and sending him
copies of letters to the Earl of Manchester and the Lord General. |
3. The business of Gloucester to be heard to-morrow, when Mr. [Thos.]
Stephens [Sheriff of Gloucester] and Mr. Hodges are to attend. |
4. That it be reported to the House that the convoy money of the arms and
clothes sent to the Lord General may be paid out of the money in Sir
G. Gerard's hands. |
5. To write to the officers of the Herts, regiment to get their forces ready
to march, they being, as we hear, willing. |
6. That the Lord General's and Sir W. Waller's letters be reported to both
Houses, and copies of them sent to the Earl of Manchester; likewise
copies of Waller's to the Lord General, and of the latter's to Waller. |
7. To inform Major-Genl. Browne that the Committee of the three cos.
[Oxon., Berks., and Bucks.] will send him two tuns of match, and to
write to the Committees in the counties to cause the country people
to assist him in the works and to recommend it to his care. |
[Interregnum 7 E., p. 216.] |
October 2. Red Castle. |
Sir Thos. Middleton to the Committee of both kingdoms. I
make bold to acquaint you that since my last we have obtained
a second victory in taking Red Castle [in Salop] after an hour's
fight without the loss of one man. We attacked it this morning
at 4 a.m. with 300 foot, leaving only 100 men with the carriages,
and this force, with 50 horse, is all the strength that I have left,
the rest being run away for want of pay, whereby you will perceive
the weakness of my condition. In this event it pleased God to
magnify himself upon his enemies, for it was conceived impossible
to take that castle with fewer than 10,000 men, and at least a six
months' siege. The place is of great concernment, and so we were
resolved to venture our lives or take it. I caused a petard to be
prepared and some grenades, and in the morning when it was dark,
the moon being gone down, I drew out 300 foot and marched
towards the castle. Then dividing ourselves into three companies
we took up our several positions about the castle. They shot very
hotly; we answered them again, and in the time of our fight John
Arundel, my gunner, got to the outermost gate and fastened his
petard, when suddenly the gate was blown open and our men
rushed in. They then broke open the second gate, and so entered
into and won the castle, wherein we took the Lord Powis himself,
3 captains, 2 officers, and about 70 other soldiers prisoners,
besides 40 horses and 200 arms. I am in want now both of men
and money, which if you would afford me, in any reasonable proportion, I doubt not very shortly I could reduce this and other
adjoining counties. Please hasten down Col. Barton and Sir Wm.
Middleton with their horse to me, and send a considerable sum for
payment of my officers and soldiers and for recruiting, in regard my
forces sent by sea have not yet arrived. [Interregnum 17 E.,
pp. 15, 16. Copy. 1½ p.] |
October 2. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the officers to the Herts.'
regiment. Upon a letter from this Committee to the Committee
of Hertfordshire they have appointed seven companies, whereof
you are the officers, to go to Banbury. We doubt not but you, out
of that good affection which you have ever shown to the public,
will be most ready to [undertake] this service which may so much
concern it. We desire you to march with all expedition to that
service, which will be very acceptable to this Committee. Sent by
Mr. Jennings. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 63. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 2. Derby House. |
The same to the Committees of Suffolk and Norfolk. The
emergent occasions of these dangerous times are such that we
cannot but further advise you to take care for the recruiting and
completing of the Earl of Manchester's army according to the
several orders of the [Commons'] House to that end. Hoping
you will further that service with all possible expedition, as
knowing how much it concerns the common safety and your own
particular, we desire you to hasten your proportion of arrears to
his Lordship's army with all speed possible, and to certify us of
your proceedings therein. Sent by Mr. Butler. [Ibid. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 2. Derby House. |
The same to the Committee of Sussex. We have taken into consideration the putting of a garrison into Cowdray House, for which
purpose we desire you to provide 60 foot and 10 horse, which we
conceive may be a sufficient strength for the present, and may be
increased upon occasion in case of danger. Likewise put in what
victuals and ammunition you think fit, and appoint a person of
discretion to take charge of the garrison, all the charges of which
are to be defrayed by the whole county in general, which we
recommend to your special care. [Ibid., p. 64. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 2. Derby House. |
The same to Sir Wm. Waller. We have received your letter
and thank you for your good endeavours. We have taken good
care for the marching of the rest of our forces westward, as you
will see by the copies enclosed. We desire you still to give us
frequent advice both of your own and the enemy's state and of
their movements. Sent by John Priestley, also a duplicate of that
of 28 Sept. by Mr. Bulmer. [Ibid., p. 64. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 2. |
The same to Edward Earl of Manchester. Having taken into
consideration how prejudicial delays have always proved to the
public service, and how necessary it is that you should advance
speedily westward, we have thought fit to renew our desires that
you would send your horse and foot, according to our former
orders. We hope you will do this with all expedition, that we shall
not need to reiterate them again to your Lordship. We have sent
enclosed copies of the Lord General's letter, with our answer, and
of the information we received from Waller. Sent by Mr Binding.
[Printed in Soc. Cambd., N.S. xii., p. 35. Ibid., p. 65. Copy.
½ p.] |
October 2. Shaftesbury. |
Sir Wm. Waller and Sir Arthur Haselrigg to the Committee of
both kingdoms. The King marches eastward; last night his headquarters were at Frampton by Dorchester. It seems he now understands our strength and will take the planes. If forces could have
been drawn together in time we should certainly have given you a
good account. We hear of forces afar off, but it is most necessary
that they be speedily brought together. We know not the intentions
of the enemy, but as he advances so you shall hear further from us.
[Interregnum 17 E., p. 16. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 2. Liverpool. |
Sir John Meldrum to the same. Upon sight of your last letters
directed to Sir Wm. Brereton and the Committee at Manchester
requiring their best assistance in raising the siege of Montgomery
Castle, being a place of great concernment for the reduction of
North Wales, I desired Sir Wm. Brereton to leave two troops of
horse, which with Sir Thos. Middleton's foot could within three
days have furnished the castle with victuals. A copy of my letter
to Sir Wm. to this effect I send inclosed, with a copy of Sir Thos.
Middleton's last letter to me. I have much ado to bring back the
Lancashire foot to their quarters before Liverpool in regard to
their want of obedience even to their own officers, the unseasonableness of the weather, and the time of harvest. They have had
no pay for 18 weeks, and been much pinched for want of victuals
ever since they have been under my charge, the country being so
wasted and spoiled by Prince Rupert's two journeys through
Lancashire. The country has not shown itself sensible of my great
charges, but this I rather attribute to the wants of the time than
any disrespect to myself. During my being abroad the enemy has
taken diverse of our men whilst sleeping upon their guards, and by
what is intercepted, I find them reduced to great extremities by
inviting the garrison at Lathom House, consisting of 200 horse and
300 foot under Col. Ver [Vere], who since the rout at Ormskirk has
been there, to fall upon some of our quarters upon Thursday next,
and in the meantime those within the town resolve to fall
desperately upon some of our quarters and to make their retreat
towards Lathom House. I hope, if the foot come up, we shall be
able to cross the enemy in both their attempts. I am much
solicited by Lord Fairfax to withdraw myself with the Yorkshire
horse back to Yorkshire, but am very unwilling to abandon the
siege of a place of so much importance, unless I be constrained by
the necessities above expressed, want of men and victuals. I am very
jealous that my last letters delivered to Sir William Brereton have
not come to your hands. I have had some discourse with a Colonel,
who tells me that he saw a printed diurnal at York, giving Sir Wm.
the whole praise of the victory at Montgomery Castle, whereof, I
take God to witness, he was free and innocent either of contriving,
ordering, or executing of that service, as [he was] standing by the
cannon, whilst others were in fight, at a very far distance from any
danger. I have never studied much to get applause by popular
airs, and should rather [neither] envy such counterfeit glory, nor
pity my own infelicity, being ranked with so worthy and noble a
gentleman as Sir Thomas Fairfax, who was served with the same
measure in the victory before Nantwich. I have seen two printed
diurnals; in the one Sir Wm. Brereton is highly extolled for the
overthrow given [to the enemy] at Ormskirk, when he was at least
30 miles from the place, and where there were none of the Cheshire
forces but such as came to Ormskirk by my order and against his
will; in the other the Earl of Derby is made to come to raise the siege
before Liverpool, but totally routed by Sir Wm. Brereton. In my
former I enlarged upon the personal carriage of Sir William Brereton,
wherein I desire not to be mistaken as that I meant otherwise than
of his modesty and care in keeping those under his charge together
in good temper. Upon an imagination I had that both Houses of
Parliament would have been glad to have exchanged any of the like
quality with Col. Weem [Wemyss] Master of the Ordnance to Sir
Wm. Waller, who is now a prisoner at Ludlow [having been taken
prisoner at Cropredy Bridge], I proposed to Sir Thos. Tillisley
[Tildesley], who has been Major-General and Colonel of foot, that
if he would procure Col. Wemes his liberty, I would use my best
endeavours to set him [Sir Thos.] free, but upon discourse with the
Lancashire Colonels I find [Sir Thos. Tildesley] has been a great
enemy to the country, and was the first man who drew blood in
Lancashire in that cause, upon which account I have stayed that
exchange until your pleasure be known therein. [Ibid., pp. 17-19.
Copy. 22/3 pp.] |
October 2. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Lord General [Essex].
We have received yours of 30th Sept. We approve of what you
have done, and do give you hearty thanks. We hope a good
supply of arms and clothes are come to you. An order is this
day passed the House of Commons for caps for your soldiers, which,
with 10,000l. ready for your army, as Mr. Nicoll now informs us,
and the other arms and clothes, we will endeavour to hasten to
you. We see you will not stay from service but upon unavoidable
necessities. We have sent to Sir Walter Erle, who has now brought
to us the note inclosed of things ready. We will endeavour to
borrow four drakes from the City, and that they may soon come to
you. We shall take care that the officers who are to attend your
army do speedily repair to you. We are very glad to hear that your
horse are 2,000 mounted men, besides those on foot. Five hundred
pair of pistols are sent to you, and care is taken for bridles, saddles,
and their furnitures. We hope the Ordinance empowering your
Lordship to seize horses will provide for mounting the foot as well
as for draught horses. You write of your need of horse for present
service, which you desire us to take into consideration in regard
of what we wrote of your horse going to Sir Wm. Waller. We
conceive you may dispose of some of your horse, which we desire
may not exceed 500, and that the rest may go to Sir W. Waller,
in pursuance of what we wrote to you. You leave it to us, if the
King advances not so fast but that your and Manchester's forces
may join time enough, whether we will advise you to march from
them. We will take especial care of your Lordship's honour and
satisfaction, but cannot for the present give further answer than
our advice in our former letters to you, in regard the City forces
are not upon their march, which is appointed to be on Monday
next. We desire to communicate advices, and to hear from you
upon all occasions, and we will from time to time impart to you our
resolutions. Sent by Mr. Bulmer. [Interregnum 19 E., pp. 65, 66.
Copy. 1½ pp.] |
October 3. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Northumberland and Loudoun, Lords Wharton,
Maitland, and Warristone, Sir G. Gerard, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir
Chas. Erskine, Mr. Recorder, and Messrs. Pierrepont, Crew,
Browne, Barclay, and Kennedy. Ordered, |
1. That Mr. Richardson do attend to-morrow afternoon. |
2. To report to the [Commons'] House that 200l. may be paid to Commissary-Genl. Behre as part of his arrears. |
3. That the Earl of Callendar's warrant be delivered to [James] Brooke;
and Lord Fairfax's protection with the Earl of Newcastle's warrant,
and a copy of the depositions made in the Admiralty [Court] against
Mr. Brooke be sent to Lord Fairfax. |
4. That a warrant be issued to Sir Walter Erle for carriages and other
necessaries for three demi-culverins, also one tun of 9 lbs. bullet, half
tun of 5 lbs. bullet, and quarter tun of 3 lbs. bullet. |
5. To write to Sir W. Waller and the officer commanding in chief the
Lord General's horse, that being now joined they will agree in the
point of command, and to [exhort them to] march and fight by mutual
consent unless they shall see urgent cause to do otherwise. |
6. That Mr. Prideaux, Mr. Nicolls, Sir Samuel Rowe, Lieut.-Col. Birch, and
Major [Archibald] Strachan be desired to attend to-morrow afternoon. |
7. That it be reported to the [Commons'] House to-morrow to take into
consideration the service and losses of Col. [Harry] Barclay, and that
upon this extraordinary [occasion], he being to repair speedily to his
charge, Sir G. Gerard may be ordered to pay him 100l. out of the
[establishment] money in his hands as part of his arrears. |
8. Mem. That the business of Col. [John] Hutchinson be taken into consideration on Monday afternoon. |
9. That it be reported to the [Commons'] House that their order of the
18th September, concerning the delivery of the lead of James Brooke,
of York, and for his putting in security to the Admiralty to answer
the value thereof, may be explained with this condition, that he put
in security to answer the value thereof, if it shall be proved against
him that by any act of his he hath broken the capitulation made
between the Earl of Callendar and the Governor of Hartlepool at the
surrender thereof. |
10. That any nine members of the sub-committee appointed by this Committee to act under them for better managing the war in Ireland shall
be a quorum. |
11. That Col. Ven's business of Windsor be beard on Monday afternoon. |
12. Warrant for Lieut.-Col. Owen Rowe to deliver a tun of match to
Mr. Fountaine for Aylesbury. |
13. That the papers concerning the Isle of Wight business be delivered
to the Committee of the Commons' House appointed to consider
thereof. |
14. That the propositions concerning Ireland, presented by Col. Jephson,
be taken into consideration on Saturday afternoon. |
[Interregnum 7 E., pp. 217, 218.] |
[October 3.] |
Sir John Meldrum to the Committee of both kingdoms. The
great discontentments amongst the horse and foot here, before
Liverpool, who, in a manner, cannot be drawn to do any kind of
duty, especially the horse, have enforced me to hasten my resolution to send a summons to the town, the copy whereof I enclose
with the answer [thereto], and my return thereupon. I have
certain intelligence that they are furnished with victuals for three
weeks at least, [whilst we] have no assurance here, either of men
to storm the town, or of victuals for three days, such are the distractions, jealousies, want, and discontentments amongst us here
before the town, so that they are more likely to enforce us to quit
our quarters than we to force them out of the town [Liverpool].
If you could in a private way send us 1,200l. in gold, which being
put upon Lord Fairfax' and his son's [Sir Thos. Fairfax'] accompt,
may be distributed to the officers of the Yorkshire horse, who are
reduced to very great extremities, without the knowledge of the
troopers, I should not doubt to [be able to] induce them [to follow
me] anywhere else, after the accomplishment of this service, in the
prosecution of the advantages we have [gained], otherwise your
Lordships must not expect from me, or any other, impossibilities,
but what lies within my power [to perform] shall not be wanting.
I have expressly sent the bearer, my servant, who will return with
any despatch from your Lordships. [Interregnum 17 E., pp. 19, 20.
Copy =1 p.] |
October 3. Reading. |
Edward Earl of Manchester to the same. Since my last to you
I have been certified by Sir W. Waller that the King is marching
eastward, and by my own scouts I learn that he quartered upon
Wednesday night 5 miles on this side Dorchester, and that he
marches very fast. It is reported at Oxford that he will come by
way of Newbury and Abingdon to Oxford. Others think he will
bend his course to Winchester, but it is most probable that he will
come this way, and therefore I think it will be very necessary to
hasten the marching of the City foot up hither. I shall be ready
to do the best service I can with those forces I have, and therefore
I have sent to Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell to make what haste he can to
me with the horse and dragoons that are with him. This day Col.
Sparrow acquainted me with the condition of Abingdon, which I
desired him to communicate to you. Considering I had intelligence of the King's march this way you may be pleased to think
of sending down match and powder for your forces in these parts,
for I have lessened the store I brought with me by furnishing of
them, so that I shall not have enough to serve both them and
myself. I shall diligently inquire after the King's motions, and
give you an account of them. P.S.—I desire to know your
pleasure whether you will have my horse go to Marlborough.
[Printed in Soc. Cambd., New Series xii., pp. 35, 36. Interregnum 17 E., pp. 20, 21. Copy= 1 p.] |
October 3. Portsmouth. |
The Lord General Essex to the same. Col. Fortescue and Major
Murfett of Southampton coming to me about business of the
soldiers and garrison, I told them of Waller's intelligence that the
King was advanced as far as Dorchester, which they confirmed, and
said that Major Sydenham was gone up to London. I wondering
very much at his taking this time to go away, having the command
of the horse in Dorsetshire, they replied that he went by reason of
the great necessity the soldiers were in, and that his brother [Col.
Wm. Sydenham] was in as bad case at Weymouth for want of
money, and that he thought he should be forced to make his best
advantage of the garrison or ship his men and go away. Although
these gentlemen told it me in discourse amongst other things, yet it
caused [in me] a great apprehension knowing Weymouth to be a
place of such infinite consequence to the enemy, and that such
speeches ought not to be spread abroad, being enough to make the
King attempt it, though otherwise he should have no thought of it;
I was astonished that such thoughts should enter into their hearts,
the town being so well manned, and they not to acquaint me with
it, I being so near, in order to see if I could not redress their
wants. Upon these grounds I took this present resolution to send
away the "Lily" frigate with my secretary, giving him instructions
to take 500l. in money with him, which, on his arrival [at Weymouth], he was to leave in the frigate, whilst he went into the
town to ascertain the condition of affairs, and if he found that the
garrison was not in order for want of pay and that this sum would
cause them to return to their loyalty and duty to the Parliament,
he should then deliver them that money. I thought this a business
of so great consequence that you ought at once to have notice of it.
[Ibid., pp. 22, 23. Copy= 1⅓ p.] |
October 3. Reading. |
Edward Earl of Manchester to the same. I perceive by your last
letters that you remain unsatisfied with me for not marching further
westward. In my late letter I represented my condition to you. I
have since received other letters from Norfolk remonstrating against
their forces being carried so far away from them as they heard was
intended. They request me to improve my interest in effecting
their desires, otherwise they feared they should be disabled as to
further recruits or payments of money. I should fail in my duty
both to them and you if I were not to declare this to you. As to
my marching further westward, which I conceive is to Newbury,
that place being appointed for a rendezvous for the Lord General's
[Essex'] foot and mine, I have ordered two regiments of foot to lie
in Newbury, which is more than the town can well accommodate
in addition to those forces of Major-General Browne that are there
already. The rest of my foot are quartered in this town and the
villages hereabouts, and they shall be within a day's march of the
rendezvous. I confess I have ordered it in this manner because it
gives some satisfaction to the counties which intrust me, and it
refreshes the foot for whom I have not as yet money nor clothes
which I expect in a few days. As for the horse which you direct
me to send to Malborough [Marlborough] they are thus disposed at
this present, 4 troops at Basing and 9 near Newbury, so that they
may be assistant either to Newbury or Abingdon if there be occasion.
The rest of those troops that are with me lie quartered about this
town. There are 20 troops of horse and dragoons with Lieut.-Genl.
Cromwell about Banbury according to your command. Since I
came into these parts I have in what way I could been serviceable
to those garrisons. I forward a letter to you from Major-Genl.
Browne. I hope the public service will not suffer through my
delays, for I don't intend to be the last at the rendezvous you have
appointed. To-morrow I go to Newbury, but shall be here again
by Saturday. [Printed in Soc. Cambd., New Series xii., pp. 36, 37.
Interregnum 17 E., pp. 23, 24. Copy. 1½ p.] |
October 3. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Sir Wm. Balfour, or in his
absence the officer in command of the Lord General's horse. We
hope your and Waller's horse are joined, and whilst they continue
together we doubt not but the command and conduct of them will
be so agreed upon as shall be for the best improvement of the
public service. We desire that your march and fight may be with
the mutual consent of both, unless either shall find emergent
occasion to at otherwise. We desire you to do the best service
you can against the enemy, but not to engage your forces without
advantages. Frequently advertise this Committee, the Lord General,
and Earl of Manchester of all your actions and movements and of
those of the enemy. Sent by Craven at 10 p.m. [Interregnum
19 E., p. 67. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 4. |
12. Ordinance of Parliament. By order of 26th March, for completing and maintaining the army under Robert Earl of Essex,
Lord General of the forces raised by Parliament, it was ordained that
for four months, commencing 20th March 1643–4, there should be
levied upon the cities of London and Westminster, and other places
within the lines of communication and weekly bills of mortality,
6,962l. 4s., and in the county of Middlesex, without those limits,
1,080l. 11s., the same to be collected and paid to Sir Gilbert
Gerard, Treasurer-at-Wars, of which sums there are remaining in
hand or in arrear 9,700l., out of which sum it is hereby ordered
that 9,000l. shall be paid over by Sir Gilbert to Sir Walter Erle,
Lieutenant of the Ordnance, towards providing a new train of
artillery, with the necessaries thereto belonging, for the army now
under the Lord General's command, whose acquittance shall be a
sufficient discharge to Sir Gilbert. It is hereby enjoined that all
such as are entrusted with the collection of these arrears shall
proceed effectually therein, and make payment of the same to
Sir Gilbert as ordered by the first recited Ordinance. Subjoined, |
12. i. Receipt by Sir Walter Erle for 2,000l. by payment of
William Jessop. [Printed in Commons' Journals iii.,
p. 650. Copy. 2¼ pp.] |
October 4. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Northumberland and Loudoun, Lords Wharton
and Maitland, Sir G. Gerard, Sir Chas. Erskine, Mr. Solicitor, and
Messrs. Pierrepont, Crew, Browne, and Kennedy. Ordered, |
1. That the Bedfordshire letter be considered to-morrow afternoon. |
2. Likewise Sir Thos. Middleton's letter when the gentlemen to whom it
refers are to be present. |
3. That Col. Barclay, with his 30 horse, convoy the carriages for the Lord
General's army to Godalming, where they are to be joined by Col.
[Heriott] Washbourne's troop. |
4. That Col. Washbourne do give order accordingly. |
5. That Col. Sparrow's be continued an entire regiment till further
order from this Committee, there being present use thereof at
Abingdon. |
6. Major-Genl. Browne to send for the 600 foot before Donnington Castle,
they being required at Abingdon to expedite the works there; also
to let him know the desires of this Committee to the Committee of
the 3 cos. |
7. That the Earl of Manchester, Major-Genl. Browne, and the Committee
of Essex be acquainted herewith. |
8. That 20 barrels of gunpowder be sent to Abingdon and one tun of
match out of that for the service of the West. |
9. That the gentlemen of the 3 cos., Oxon., Berks., and Bucks. be desired
to write to the Committees in the country to send in victuals to
Major-Genl. Browne, and men to perfect the fortifications [at
Abingdon]. |
10. That the Waggon-master General do present to the Committee of
Examinations the names of such as are negligent in executing his
warrants in order that they may be summoned to appear before the
said Committee. |
11. To write to the Committee of Hants. to furnish the garrison of
Southampton with money and provisions. |
12. That two tun of match out of that for the West be sent to Southampton
if not already sent by Mr. Exton. |
13. That it be reported to the Commons that the Waggon-master General
may have a month's advance at the rate of 17l. 6s. a day for 200 horses
and 64 drivers for the Lord General's train of artillery. |
14. That the Lord General's train of artillery and money be sent to
Reading, and so to Newbury. |
15. To write to the Lord General [Essex] informing him of the King's
marching eastwards, and the fear this Committee entertains that he
will get between his Lordship and Manchester's forces; they therefore desire Essex to march speedily to Newbury, where his money
and artillery shall certainly meet him, and to certify this Committee
of his proceedings. |
16. That Col. Washbourne's horse march up to the City brigade of foot
when they arrive at Godalming, and thence accompany that brigade. |
17. That a warrant be issued to the Controller of the train of artillery and
the Waggon-master to cause the train of artillery to march to Reading
with all expedition. |
18. To write to the Earl of Manchester to order his horse according as he
shall hear of the King's movements, that he keep up correspondence
with the Lord General [Essex] and Sir W. Waller, that he may join
his horse with theirs. |
The like letter to Sir W. Waller. |
19. To advertise the Lord General that the City forces march forth on
Monday. |
20. Likewise to inform the Earl of Manchester. |
21. That Col. Washbourne's troop being appointed to attend the City
brigade, Manchester be desired to appoint Capt. Middleton's troop
also to attend them, or if he see cause to the contrary any other as he
shall think fit. |
22. That it be returned in answer to the Militia that, concerning the
Ordinance, this Committee will report it to the House [of Commons]
that it may be passed. |
23. Concerning the two troops of horse to accompany the City brigade,
Col. Washbourne's is one, and this Committee have written to the
Earl of Manchester for another. |
24. The business concerning Major-Genl. Skippon to be considered tomorrow, when some of them to attend. |
[Interregnum 7 E., pp. 218–220.] |
October 4. Plymouth. |
John Lord Robartes to the Committee of both kingdoms. This
morning, with a party of foot, we assaulted and took in Salt Ash,
which may be kept if your Lordships send in time a good supply
of men and ammunition. Yesterday there came on shore from the
Isle of Wight 52 soldiers, including corporals, under the command
of Capt. Baskett. Of the Plymouth foot which went from hence,
1,000, there are come [back] with Lieut.-Col. Martin only 200.
The Plymouth horse, which I thought should have returned
hither, come not. They are so well known to the place and country
as that they are fittest to do service here. Mr. Vice-Admiral is
going from hence to victual [his ships], but I desire he may be
commanded hither again, seeing he has done much service here,
and may do much more. The bearer, Mr. Goodyear, furnished the
Vice-Admiral with some victuals, without which he could not have
stayed. I pray you recommend it to the Committee of the Navy,
that he may receive speedy satisfaction. I have written several
letters, but have not heard from you since the 8th of September,
so I fear some have miscarried. [Interregnum 17 E., p. 25. Copy.
1 p.] |
October 4. York. |
Ferdinando Lord Fairfax to the same. Upon very large testimony of Col. John Hutchinson's good services and fidelity to
the Parliament, I sent him a commission for guarding Nottingham
Castle, not knowing at that time any one of more trust for such an
employment. I hear now he is questioned, and the authority I
gave him conceived by the Committee of that county either as
trenching too much upon their authority, or not well employed
by that person. I never heard anything but good of the gentleman
both for his discreet carriage and fidelity to the [Parliament's]
cause. I humbly desire your Lordships will be pleased to consider
him in that place, and not let him suffer without proof testifying
his ill deservings. I am not only a suitor in his behalf but in my
own. I have not willingly done, nor intend to do, anything which
may be prejudicial to the public. Thus waiting your pleasure and
commands I remain. [Ibid., p. 26. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 4. Shaftesbury. |
Sir Wm. Waller and Sir Arthur Haselrigg to the same. We
gave you notice that the King's head-quarters on Tuesday night
were at Frampton. On Wednesday he kept his rendezvous near
Dorchester, and that night his head-quarter was Sherborne, and
there the King and Prince now are. Our horse were drawn
up in the planes yesterday, and have remained there all through
this night, and so must continue while we are able to lie near the
enemy. This great duty, the nights being very cold, will weaken
our horse, yet we dare not give ground unless necessitated; should
we retire these countries, if not the port towns, are all lost.
There is to our apprehensions no way like sending up the Lord
General's foot, the Earl of Manchester, and Col. Massie with their
forces, and Col. Norton with his horse, and rather to hazard some
loss in a particular county than not to break up this army [of the
[King] before winter. Destroy but this [army] and the work is
ended. Were this land but fit for mercy, there are means enough
to do it. We have been near a month in these parts. The port
towns would have been all lost but for their being supplied with
our foot, and yet not one man has been raised either for [reinforcing] the garrison or us. It is in vain for us to [attempt to]
give reasons why the King took [to] the planes and then suddenly
fell back to Sherborne, and so it is [impossible] to say what he will
do. He is now in a fruitful part of the country, well fitted with
great towns for the quartering of his foot close [to], while the
barren hills are our share, and in that we have said enough, [our
force] being all horse. We will not, however, fail to do our endeavours. P.S.—Colonel Dalbier with the Lord General's horse
quarters about Blandford, which is as near to us as may be. We
have no hope of the Malmesbury foot. We understand this
by a letter received from Col. Massie. [Ibid., pp. 26, 27. Copy.
1¼ p.] |
October 4. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Committee of Essex.
We are advertised from Major-General Browne that he understands by your letter that Col. Sparrow's regiment is to recruit the
Earl of Manchester's army and to be put under new officers. In
regard of the consequence of keeping Abingdon, where they are
now employed, we desire that the regiment may not for the present
be broken, but that you will take some other course for recruiting
Manchester's army, and leave that regiment as it is for the service
at Abingdon until you receive further order. Sent by Mr. Arnold.
[Interregnum 19 E., p. 67. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 4. Derby House. |
The same to Major-Genl. Browne. We received yours of the
2nd inst., with the intimation concerning Col. Sparrow's regiment
to be broken up for recruits. We have written to the Committee
of Essex to take some other course to recruit Manchester's army
and to leave that regiment as it is for the service of Abingdon, and
have signified so much to the said Earl. We desire you also to
send for those 600 foot which are before Donnington Castle to come
to you at Abingdon for security of that place. There are already
sent for your supply two tuns of match by the Committee of the
3 cos. [Oxon., Berks., and Bucks.], and a warrant is also issued for
20 barrels of gunpowder and one tun of match more to be sent by
Mr. Ball. The Committee of the 3 cos. is content that you may
have men for the work and. provisions out of such parts as may
not prejudice the garrisons of Reading and Aylesbury. We desire
you to make all possible expedition with the works about Abingdon.
Sent by Gardner. [Ibid., p. 68. Copy. 1 p.] |
October 4. Derby House. |
The same to the Lord General [Essex]. We have received
advertisement that the King's forces were upon Wednesday
advanced 5 miles on this side Dorchester, which causes us to
apprehend that they may get between your forces and Manchester's,
if you should not march speedily to Newbury according to our
former orders. We therefore desire you to use all possible
expedition on your march thither to join with Manchester's forces.
We shall take care that your money and train of artillery, which
are both in readiness, shall assuredly meet you there. Advise us
frequently of your proceedings. The City forces are to march upon
Monday next. We have renewed our former orders to the Earl of
Manchester and Sir W. Waller to keep constant intelligence and
correspondence with your Lordship. Sent by Mr. Crips. Ibid.,
p. 69. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 4. Derby House. |
The same to Edw. Earl of Manchester. We are advertised from
Major-Genl. Browne that he understands by the letter of the Essex
Committee that Col. Sparrow's regiment is to be [used to] recruit
your Lordship's army and to be put under new officers. In regard
of the consequence of securing Abingdon where that regiment is
employed, we have directed that Committee to take some other
course for your recruits so that that regiment may not for the
present be broken up, but left for the service of Abingdon. We
desire also that you will keep a constant intelligence with Sir Wm.
Waller and the Lord General [Essex], whose horse being now joined,
you are to so order the march of your horse that it may join with
theirs at some convenient place and give us speedy notice of what
you do herein. The City brigade is appointed to march on Monday
next. We desire you to appoint two troops of your horse to be ready
to meet them when they shall be at Colebrook [Colnbrook]. They
are by order of the [Commons'] House to be joined to you or
Waller, and we have appointed them to join with your Lordship.
We have also appointed a troop of horse of Col. [Heriott] Washbourne's to attend that brigade, and desire you to appoint the troop
of Capt. Middleton also to attend them, unless you know some
cause to the contrary, and then appoint such other troop as you
please for that service. [Printed in Soc. Cambd., N.S. xii., pp. 37,
38. Ibid., pp. 69, 70. Copy= 1 p.] |
October 5. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Loudoun and Northumberland, and Lords Wharton
and Warristone, Sir G. Gerard, Sir H. Vane, junr., Sir Chas. Erskine,
Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Recorder, and Messrs. Pierrepont, Crew, and
Kennedy. Ordered, |
1. To report to the [Commons'] House that some course may be taken for
the trial of Major Hammond, Major to Col. Massie, for that the regiment now wants a Major in his absence. |
2. That the business of Gloucester be considered on Monday afternoon,
when Mr. [Thos.] Stephens [Sheriff of Gloucester], Mr. Hodges, and
the gentlemen of Gloucester are to attend. |
3. That it be reported to the [Commons'] House to assign a place for
payment of money to the Waggon-master for the train of artillery. |
4. That the persons employed according to the Ordinance of 1st Oct.
(entitled an Ordinance for the conduct of the several forces of the
Parliament) in the instructions voted yesterday shall be for the present
only members of this Committee. |
5. That the persons chosen shall be equally drawn from each army. |
6. That the number [of persons] to be chosen [from the armies] shall be
[nine]. |
[Interregnum 7 E., p. 221 and 1 E., Oct. 5.] |
October 5. Portsmouth. |
The Lord General Essex to the Committee of both kingdoms.
I have just received your directions, and will use all diligence to
put them in practice, but fear it will be a longer time than you
expect. Of all those wants I wrote of in my last I have as yet
received none, not even the foot officers. To show you it is no
fault of mine, I entrusted the mustering, arming, and clothing of
the foot to the two Commissioners appointed by the Parliament.
I doubt not but they will use all diligence, yet I shall send
to-morrow to quicken them. I will send you besides a note of
what officers of foot are wanting in this army. I intend to use my
best industry to make the foot march without money, but fear
much the event. My Lords, I drew up a despatch to you this
afternoon, seeing there were so many delays here from taking the
field, and being unwilling to lie still here, whilst the horse are in
action, till the army were drawn together, that I might repair
thither. But one of the main reasons [why] I did not certify you
[was] fearing that I might be thought to have other ends than my
true intention, which is to prevent your Lordships from hot
alarms. For the clearing of that point let me affirm this truth,
that all particular spleens or provocations I may have towards any
under my command, I shall lay them aside during my being in the
field and shall use them with all respect, and when I come out
of the field I will submit myself and them to the justice of my
masters whom I serve. Scouts are useful to prepare officers and
soldiers to fear the worst, but [well] grounded intelligence is to be
[obtained only] from a party of the army commanded by one
whom we may confide in. I have sent you enclosed the last
intelligence I have received, but if anything in the letter should
displease you, I pray let not the gentleman suffer for a private
communication to me, otherwise I shall be more sparing in presenting the letters to your view, but if I may know at any time
what is not liked, I shall seek to redress it. I hope he may have
from you speedily an answer to the letter he wrote this day.
[Interregnum 17 E., pp. 28, 29. Copy. 1½ p.] |
October 5. Portsmouth. |
The same to the same. My secretary is returned from
Weymouth, and has brought back the money [500l.]. By the
enclosed you will see that the town at present is in no danger.
Major Sydenham, being at London, can give [you the] best account
of his word. Col. [Wm.] Sydenham needs encouragement, the
place [Weymouth] being of great consequence. My Lords, I doubt
not of your great care to provide necessaries for the army, that
they may presently take the field, but they are so long a-coming,
money being a scarce commodity, that I must desire you to send
the foot officers to take charge of the foot and to bring them to
the rendezvous, that I may presently put myself at the head of the
horse. I doubt not a little to quicken the work, if the enemy lie
not very fast, besides keeping up a good agreement [amongst the
officers], there being then no dispute about command when Sir
Wm. Balfour is there. I have received this day a letter from
Mr. Tate, requiring me to send Dalbier presently up to be a
witness in [Col.] Butler's examination. He is of great use [here]
for his judgment, and especially for quartering the horse, which are
in continual motion, but if required I will send him up. I doubt
not he will be more ready to come up than I shall be willing to
spare him at this present. I am so weary of lying still and doing
nothing, that if I hear not from you, and officers of foot arrive
with whom I may leave the charge here, I shall take it for granted
as well pleasing to your Lordships that I should put myself at the
head of my horse. [Ibid., pp. 29, 30. Copy = 1 p.] |
October 5. Reading. |
Edward Earl of Manchester to the same. I have received yours
of the 4th inst. As for Col. Sparrow's regiment, the Committee
of Essex desire that I would take it for part of the recruits of my
own regiment, but I shall not take upon me the disposing of it
without your approbation, and shall expect some other course to be
taken for my recruits. In accordance with your commands I keep
constant correspondence with the Lord General and Sir Wm.
Waller. Most of my horse are quartered in Hungerford, and I
have informed Sir Wm. Waller that upon any occasion he may
command their services. I have appointed two troops to be ready
to wait upon the City brigade when they shall be at Colebrooke
[Colnbrook]. As for Capt. Middleton's troop, I left it at Huntingdon
to be recruited, and he is now there. I believe those parts at this
time are in so great fears that if I should call him from thence it
may prove inconvenient, but if you command me I shall do it,
being always ready to obey your Lordships. [Printed in Soc.
Cambd., New Series xii., pp. 38, 39. Interregnum 17 E., pp. 30,
31. Copy = 1 p.] |
October 6. Abingdon. |
Major-General Browne to the Committee of both kingdoms.
This afternoon a great fire began in Oxford, and after sermon time
I rode with a party within view of it, one half of the town being
apparently burnt down. The fire continues still in most furious
manner, and if it burn till the morning I believe almost the whole
town will be consumed. I conceive some advantage may be taken
by their present distraction, and have therefore drawn out all my
horse to lie before it this night to take up such as may possibly
desire to run away, and have sent to acquaint the Earl of Manchester therewith, desiring him, should he think fit, to concur with
me, or at least to keep them from [obtaining] new provisions. It
may please you to hasten the trained bands to his Lordship, as there
may be present need of them. (Interregnum 17 E., pp. 30, 31.
Copy=2/3 p.] |
October 6. Gloucester. |
Col. Edward Massie to the same. Yours of the 28th ult. reached
me at Monmouth informing me of Sir Thos. Glemham's march
from Newark with 21 colours of horse and dragoons. I have
not received any further news of their march, but conceive their
aim to be at Banbury, if they can muster sufficient strength. As
for joining with Prince Rupert I conceive they would experience
much difficulty, except their strength be greater [than we suppose],
since the Prince has few forces left to meet [them on] their march,
all or the greater part of his horse still remaining under arrest by
us in Wales. By this time the Welsh themselves do as much
dislike their company as they did ours. We hope by continuing
them there they will daily fall away, or at best fall to loggerheads
amongst themselves. You have already been informed of our
entrance into Monmouth, and I shall therefore only briefly narrate
the manner of our proceedings. Some offers were made by Lieut.Col. Kyrle to deliver the town into my hands, but these proved
unsatisfactory, so it remained until the time we set upon it suitable
to my desires. When, having pursued Prince Rupert's horse into
Wales and towards Chepstow, I found it time for me to look to
Beachley passage, [it being my object] not only to hinder the
Prince's horse, but to destroy their project of strengthening that
fort and passage [over the Wye]. That done, on my return back
I quartered near Monmouth, on the Forest [of Dean] side, and
having received an answer to a message I sent Lieut.-Col. Kyrle,
I concerted with him this plan, that I should feign a speedy post
with letters from Gloucester side, requiring me to return with my
force to secure the country from the enemy already fallen upon us
from Bristol and Berkeley, and this message coming to my hand
at the house of Mr. Hall, of High-meadow, a Papist, I knew it
would want no wings for its despatch to Monmouth, by which
means Lieut.-Col. Kyrle might have an opportunity, without suspicion or jealousy, to draw out a party to press upon our rear or
cut off stragglers. This being done, I set out upon a sudden march
towards Gloucester, 2 or 3 miles from them, lodging my forces
in a thicket of the forest, and so preventing the enemy's discovery
of us by out scouts. Then about 12 at night we surprised Kyrle's
troop and marched with him to Monmouth, but the alarm being
given by one who escaped made our attempt the more difficult.
Kyrle, however, succeeded in persuading the officer of the guard,
and he the Governor, that there was no truth in the alarm, so the
bridge was let down, and Kyrle with the first party crossed, but
not without suspicion, so the first party had almost been surprised,
only seeing it time to lay about them they made good the passage
and bridge by which they had entered until our greater force
came up. It being rainy and dark the Governor and soldiers
escaped, so we took only one major, 3 captains, and some few
officers, with about 60 soldiers, 5 barrels of gunpowder, and a few
arms. This alarm soon spread to the whole country, and especially
at Ragland Castle with the Marquis of Worcester, who raised all
the county, and called in to his assistance some of Prince Rupert's
horse, proclaiming that we were resolved to put man, woman, and
child to the sword, which report caused the country in general to
rise against us. So the second day after our entry into the town I
sent out a party under Capt. Rochford to beat off the country from
the guard commanded by Capt. Gainsford, who had formerly been
our prisoner. In this encounter we slew about 20, and took
16 prisoners. To revenge this loss Sir Wm. Blackstone, with his
brigade of Prince Rupert's horse, joined with the trained bands of
the county and the forces from Chepstow and Ragland, consisting in all of 500 horse and 1,200 foot, fell upon a strong house
held by two troops of our horse and 10 musketeers, whom by good
hap I had put in the night before, being Sunday, the 29th September. Capt. Bailey and Lieut. Page behaved themselves very
resolutely, and maintained their position until Captain Backhouse,
my now Major, was able to come to their relief with my own
troop and others quartered about the country, who faced the
enemy, whilst I commanded 150 or 160 foot out of the town.
Several encounters then followed, but ultimately we put the
enemy to a running retreat, wherein we wounded many, took
60 prisoners and slew 70, besides one major of horse and two captains taken. Col. Blackstone was also wounded in the thigh most
dangerously. Our pursuit was stopped by reason of a river over
which the enemy passed and then pulled up the bridge, so we were
hindered from advancing further. Such prisoners as belonged to
the trained hands and country people I caused to be friendly
treated, and discharged with letters to their masters or others who
wished well to the Parliament. These being now dispersed, and
we having marched in several directions without doing any or but
little spoil, the country people express themselves to affect us more
than the other party, which is much to do so near the Earl of
Worcester, our neighbour. I have written to several gentlemen
supposed to be best affected in that county, assuring them of my
intention to hold Monmouth for the service of the Parliament, but
as yet have received no replies except only one from Mr. Jones, of
Usk. I have, however, great hope of a sudden change, since notwithstanding the late great summons of the Earl of Worcester, and
since their beating, the country stirs not much, but some few
adventure into our market who before fled driving their cattle
away for fear of us, except only Sir Chas. Somerset, the Earl of
Worcester's brother. As yet we can get no money for our troops,
amongst whom is much discontent for want of necessaries, and now
as winter approaches despair of supply has caused some of my
resolutest men to seek subsistence elsewhere. I dare say my
regiment of horse is now 120 weaker than it was eight weeks past,
and daily decreases. Our officers of foot are likewise exceedingly
discontented, so that those who should raise foot, our great want
for the service entered upon, are so discouraged that the work goes
slowly on. Should the enemy return in strength I shall be necessitated to draw off, not being able to make good the same and
keep my other garrisons, for it is impossible that two regiments
of foot, not above 1,800 in all, should make good Gloucester,
Tewkesbury, Sudeley, Beverstone, Slimbridge, Newnham, and
Monmouth unless we may have encouragement to raise other
forces, Col. Harley's being in good forwardness, only money is
wanting for them as well as the rest. I hope shortly some will be
raised in Monmouth by our Committee [here at Gloucester], who
as yet can make nothing of it. I understand by the Speaker's
letter that 500l. has been assigned for payment of our horse, which
will come exceedingly seasonably. Want of dragoons for winter
service. I have only 3 new recruiting troops. My present occasion, added to the things at Gloucester, which call me hither at
present, will speedily command from me another address to your
Honours, humbly desiring your Committee will continue to me your
favours. [Ibid., pp 32–37. Copy=6 pp.] |
October 7. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Warwick and Loudoun, Lords Wharton, Maitland,
and Warristone, Sir G. Gerard, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir Chas.
Erskine, Sir H. Vane, junr., Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Recorder, and
Messrs. Pierrepont, Crew, and Kennedy. Ordered, |
1. That the list sent from the Lord General be transmitted to Mr. Taite,
and that the Committee whereof he is chairman be desired to give
intimations to all the officers mentioned in that list to repair to their
charges, such excepted as they shall think fit to stay. |
2. Oath [of Secrecy] administered to the Earl of Warwick. |
3. Oath likewise taken by Lords Loudoun, Maitland, Warristone, Sir
Chs. Erskine, Mr. Kennedy, and Mr. Cheesley, their secretary. |
4. That the Militia do send to-morrow morning a company of foot to
convoy the Lord General's money to Reading, and certify this Committee in the afternoon. |
5. That Lords Loudoun and Warristone, Sir H. Vane, junr., and Mr. Recorder Glyn do receive informations from and examine Col. [Sir John]
Hurrie, and report to this Committee. |
6. That the desire of the Militia to have Major-Genl. Skippon to command the City brigade, now to march forth, be reported to the
Commons. |
7. Likewise that provision of money may be made for securing the Isle of
Ely. |
8. That the secretaries do stay here with Col. Hurrie and the Captain who
came with him. |
9. That Sir G. Gerard do send the money now ready for the Lord General's
army to Reading. |
10. To write to the Committee of Cambridge to send 300 foot to Horseybridge, or where Lient.-Governor Ireton, or in his absence Col.
[Valentine] Walton, shall appoint; also to send the two Suffolk troops
and all others they can spare to Col. Fleetwood, and to show the
reason of the Earl of Manchester's going westward. |
11. To write to Lord Fairfax and the Committees of Notts. and Derby to
cause their forces about Lincolnshire and those parts to attend the
enemy's motions who have lately surprised Crowland. |
12. To write to Col. Fleetwood to look to the security of the Isle of Ely,
and to oppose the enemy's forces in those parts. |
13. To write to Manchester and Cromwell, forwarding the extract of
Waller's letter, and desiring them to hasten their horse to join those
of the Lord General and Waller; also to give them notice of what is
written to the Committee of Cambridge and Lord Fairfax. |
14. To write to the Lord General [Essex] to stay with his foot. |
15. To write to Waller thanking him for keeping his post and letting him
understand what is written to the Earl of Manchester. |
16. To give a copy of so much of the Lord General [Essex's] letter as
answers that of Mr. Taite to his Excellency [the Earl of Leven]. |
Afternoon.—Ordered, |
17. Warrant to Sir Walter Erle to deliver such of the train [of artillery]
as he has ready to Mr. Deane, controller of the train to the Lord
General. |
18. That John Phips and Wm. Rawbone do march with the train of artillery
to Reading, there to receive orders from Manchester till they have
the Lord General's orders. |
19. To write to the Militia enclosing the order of the House of Commons
concerning Major-Genl. Skippon, and to desire them accordingly to
send the convoy with the Lord General's money. |
20. The business of Gloucester to be considered to-morrow afternoon, when
the gentlemen of Gloucester to attend. |
21. The business of Sir Thos. Middleton and Col. Ven to be also taken into
consideration to-morrow. |
22. That a sub-committee, consisting of the Earl of Loudoun and Mr.
Pierrepont, be appointed to consider how to make an equality in the
[number of] persons of the several armies, who are to be entrusted as
a Committee for managing of the war, &c. |
[Interregnum 7 E., pp. 222–224.] |
October 7. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Committee of Cambridge. Upon information received that the enemy has surprised
Crowland, we considered it necessary to desire you with all
possible expedition to send 300 foot out of the garrison at
Cambridge to Horsey-bridge, or such other place as Lieut.Governor Ireton, or in his absence Col. [Valentine] Walton, shall
appoint to keep that pass, and if any of the recruits intended for
the Earl of Manchester be in readiness to send them speedily to
the Isle of Ely, and for the better security thereof to call in the
country thither, and to the town of Cambridge. We likewise
desire you to take care that the two Suffolk troops and all other
horse that may be spared be presently joined with Col. Fleetwood
to oppose the enemy. All which we recommend to your especial
cares, being of great importance to the safety of your Association.
[Interregnum 19 E., pp. 70, 71. Copy=2/3 p.] |
October 7. Derby House. |
The same to Edw. Earl of Manchester. Upon consideration of
the information received from Sir Wm. Waller, whereof the enclosed
is an extract, we have thought fit to desire you without further
delay to send all your horse to join the Lord General's and
Waller's, leaving only 500 about Banbury, and 500 to guard your
foot, concerning which we have likewise written to Lieut.-Gen.
Cromwell, whereof we desire you to have extraordinary care that
it may be put speedily in execution, and to give us periodically
notice of your proceedings. Upon advertisement of the surprisal
of Crowland, we wrote to the Committee of Cambridge to send
300 foot to Horsey-bridge, to keep that pass, or to such place as
Ireton or Col. Walton shall appoint, also your recruits, if any be
ready, to be sent to the Isle of Ely, and to call in the country
thither, and to the town of Cambridge. We have likewise written
to the Yorkshire, Notts., and Derbyshire forces, which are joined
in Lincolnshire with your forces to attend the enemy's forces in
those parts. In your letter you inform us that Capt. Middleton's
troop is at Huntingdon, which we desire you to leave at the disposal of the Committee of Cambridge for opposing the enemy, who
has now entered their Association. The two troops which you
have appointed to attend the City brigade we desire may be sent
to Colnbrook against to-morrow night to convoy the stores to
Reading, in transit to the Lord General's army. We desire you
to keep these safely till you shall understand from the Lord General
where to send them. [Printed in Soc. Cambd., New Series xii.,
pp. 39, 40. Ibid., pp. 71, 72. Copy=1 p.] |
October 7. Derby House. |
The same to the Committee of Notts. Crowland surprised by
the Royalists. If any of your forces be in those parts we desire
you to order their junction with those of Lord Fairfax, Earl of
Manchester, and Derbyshire forces to attend the movements of the
enemy, otherwise that you gather all the forces you can spare,
and order their joining with the aforesaid forces for opposing the
enemy. Sent by Gardner. [Ibid., p. 72. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 7. |
The like to Derby, mutatis mutandis. [Ibid. Minute.] |
October 7. Derby House. |
The same to Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell. Upon consideration of the
information we have received from Waller whereof the enclosed is
an extract, we have found it necessary to send Manchester's horse
to join with the Lord General's and Waller's, and because we will
have no delay therein, we would not have you wait for orders
from the Earl, but march at once with all Manchester's horse,
except those sent into Lincolnshire to join with the other commanders in the service of the West, leaving only 500 horse at
Banbury, and 500 to be a guard for Manchester's foot. Upon
receipt of your letter we wrote to the Committee of Cambridge to
send 300 foot to Horsey Bridge, and to send any recruits that
might be in readiness to the Isle of Ely, and to call in the country
thither and to Cambridge. We have likewise written to the
Yorkshire, Notts., and Derbyshire forces, which are joined in
Lincolnshire with Manchester's, to attend the movements of the
enemy in those parts. We desire you, for better securing the
Isle of Ely, to send Lieut.-Governor Ireton thither with all
possible expedition. Sent by John Priestley. [Ibid., p. 73.
Copy. 1 p.] |
October 7. Derby House. |
The same to Serjeant Hunt. We have thought fit that Col. Sir
John Hurry who comes to you herewith should for some few days
be in safe custody. We therefore desire you to receive him into
your house, and give him all the accommodation you can, and you
shall be defrayed his charge. Sent by Mr. Arnold. [Ibid., p. 74.
Copy. ½ p.] |
October 7. Derby House. |
The same to Ferd. Lord Fairfax. We have received information
that the enemy has surprised Crowland, and has [got] together
in those parts about 2,000 forces, whereby the Isle of Ely and
Associated counties may be in very great danger if speedy course
be not taken to prevent their designs. We desire you to continue your party of horse sent into Lincolnshire in those parts to
attend the enemy's motions. [Ibid., p. 74. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 7. Derby House. |
The same to the Lord General [Essex]. We have received
yours of the 5th inst., and whereas you signify your unwillingness
to lie still while the horse are in action. In regard the horse are
not to engage except upon advantage, till the rest of the forces
shall come up to them, and your presence will very much
encourage the foot to march speedily, we desire you to bring
them to the rendezvous, that you may be at the head of all the
forces when they shall come together. We have sent your letter
concerning Quartermaster-General Dalbiere to the Committee that
was appointed to examine that business, but they desire notwithstanding to speak with him, and that he may be sent up.
For the officers mentioned in the list we will take care that they
shall come down to you. The 10,000l. is to be sent to-morrow
to the Earl of Manchester, who is to keep the same till you give
him order to what place to send it. Sent by Hanbury. [Ibid.,
p. 75. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 7. Derby House. |
The same to the Committee of Cambridge. The first portion of
this letter is identical with that calendared above [see p. 20]. The
Earl of Manchester has diverse times represented to this Committee your desire that his army might not go too far westward
from your Association. We conceive your greatest safety will be
in a happy ending of the war, to which his service towards the
west is like to conduce very much. We will take care for your
security while his forces are employed, as we have designed them
for far greater service than to be upon this occasion diverted. Sent
by Gardner, [Ibid., pp. 76, 77. Copy = 1 p.] |
October 7. Derby House. |
The same to Col. Fleetwood. Upon information received this
morning of the surprise of Crowland by the enemy's forces, we have
thought fit to desire you with your horse to endeavour the securing
of the Isle of Ely and the reduction of the enemy's forces in those
parts, which service we earnestly recommend to you as of very
great importance; for your better assistance we have written to
the Committee of Cambridge to send you the two Suffolk troops
and all such other horse as can be spared. Sent as above. [Ibid.,
p. 77. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 8. |
13. Commission signed at the Committee for raising and maintaining horse and foot for the reduction of Worcester, appointing
Thos. Millward captain of a troop of horse under the command of
Thos. Archer as Colonel. [2/3 p.] |
October 8. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Northumberland and Loudoun, Lords Wharton and
Maitland, Sir G. Gerard, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir Chas. Erskine,
Mr. Solicitor, and Messrs. Pierrepont and Kennedy. Ordered, |
1. To write to the Committee of Leicester to finish their works [of fortification], informing them of the coming of the enemy's forces into
Lincolnshire, and desiring them to strengthen their garrison and
certify the state thereof. |
2. That the letter to Sir John Meldrum is approved of. |
3. That Sir G. Gerard and Mr. Solicitor [St. John] shall have leave to
employ an Agent into France to furnish intelligence to this
Committee. |
4. That Mr. Pierrepont and Mr. Solicitor do consider of employing a
gentleman into Denmark. |
5. That [the advisability of] sending Agents into Switzerland, France, and
other foreign parts be considered on Thursday. |
6. That a sub-committee consisting of Sir G. Gerard, Mr. Pierrepont, and
Mr. Recorder Glyn, or any two of them, be appointed to consider
the business of the gents. of Gloucester and Col. Massie. |
7. To write to the Committee of Sussex approving of their desire concerning Mr. Cawley. |
8. That the letter to the Committee of Lancashire is approved of, also the
letter to Sir Wm. Brereton. |
9. That it be reported to the [Commons'] House than money and 200
saddles may be provided for Sir Thos. Middleton. |
10. That Capt. Baitney [Bayley ?] do attend to-morrow. |
11. To write to the Earl of Manchester sending the order of the Commons
enclosed, and informing him that his two troops [of horse] sent to
Colebrooke [Colnbrook] are appointed to come to Braintford [Brentford], and desiring him to send other two troops to attend the City
brigade. |
12. To write to Capt. Nevill to come to Braintford [Brentford] with those
two troops, and to convoy the Lord General's artillery and other
carriages to the Earl of Manchester. |
[Interregnum 7 E., p. 225.] |
October 8. Shaftesbury. |
Sir Wm. Waller and Sir Arthur Haselrigg to the Committee of
both kingdoms. It was no great wisdom to force the King's
coming upon us when Quarter-master Dalbier left Blandford. This
night the King's head-quarter is Stalbridge, and his horse and foot
with the train of artillery about Sturminster, and as his officers
report to morrow they resolve to proceed to Shaftesbury. We see
no emergent advantage which makes us to draw off and take the
mutual consent of Col. Dalbier before we engage. We have written
to the Port Towns that in obedience to your commands we are
drawing towards your forces [in those parts], and if the enemy
should attempt them we shall not be far from their assistance.
Were we in better capacity we would not fail to do you service.
P.S.—We humbly desire that Major-General Porter may not be
exchanged for any other but Col. Weyme [Wemyss]. [Interregnum
17 E., p. 37. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 8. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Col. Stapeley. We received
your letter, and conceive it very necessary that a magazine of
victuals be provided for your garrison, which we desire you to see
done either out of the sequestrations, which we are informed is
within your power by Ordinance of Parliament, or else by an equal
levy upon the whole county with the assistance of the Committee
for the better securing of the garrison. Since it is in your power
to make up your regiment to 800 men, we desire you to complete
the same by raising them in the county. If the enemy shall approach, you may call in the trained bands for your assistance till
the danger be over. There were delivered to Mr. Cawley for the
use of your garrison 20 barrels of gunpowder and one tun of match,
and when more can be spared out of the public stores order shall be
given to send it to you. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 76. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 8. Derby House. |
The same to Edward Earl of Manchester. According to our
former orders, we desire you, if your horse be not already marched,
to send them speedily up to Sir Wm. Waller. You will receive
enclosed the order of the Commons for your marching forthwith
westward with your forces, which we desire you accordingly to
pursue with all expedition. For the more safe conveying of the
Lord General's train of artillery and other carriages, we have appointed those two troops sent by you to Colebrooke [Colnbrook]
to come to Brainford [Brentford], from whence they are to convey
the same to your Lordship. We desire you to send other two
troops to Colnbrook on Thursday night to attend the City brigade.
Sent by Hanbury, senr. [Printed in Soc. Cambd., N.S. xii., p. 40.
Ibid., p. 78. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 8. Derby House. |
The same to Capt. Newell or the officer in command of the two
troops at Colebrooke [Colnbrook]. We wrote to the Earl of
Manchester to send two troops of horse to Colnbrook to convey
from thence to Reading the Lord General's train of artillery and
other carriages, of which troops we understand you are appointed
to take charge, but upon further consideration we have found it
necessary that you should come to Brainford [Brentford] to which
place we desire you to come with all expedition to convey the said
artillery from thence to Manchester's head-quarters. Sent by
Mr. Hanbury. [Ibid. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 8. Derby House. |
The same to Sir John Meldrum. We have such pressing business
that we could not so soon as we desired take your letters into
consideration. We are very sensible of your good service, and upon
all occasions shall be ready to further the requital of it. We have
written to Sir Wm. Brereton and the Colonels of Lancashire and
of our other forces to comply with you[r demands] for the public
service and endeavour to supply you with money for your forces,
which we hope they will readily perform. Sir Wm. Brereton in
his letter has attributed to you your due honour, and we earnestly
desire you not to think of what is in printed diurnals or such books
[pamphlets]. The authors of them take too much liberty to themselves, but which for the present is not to be fully remedied. For
your desire of 12,000l. in gold to be forthwith sent, this Committee
has not the disposal of moneys, and the occasions for money are
such that we know not how it can be spared from hence, Sent by
Sir John's messenger at 9 p.m. [Ibid. p. 79. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 8. Derby House. |
The same to Sir Wm. Brereton. The care and endeavours you
have hitherto not spared for the public cause, being well known
and particularly esteemed and approved of by this Committee, we
give you thanks for the same. Knowing what great advantage
[attends] the good correspondence and unanimity between you and
Sir John Meldrum [and how that] contributes to bring these
designs to perfection, we desire you to continue your good service
and to comply with Sir John in pursuance of so happy a work.
Sent by Sir John Meldrum's messenger. [Ibid. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 8. Derby House. |
The same to the Committee of Lancashire. There has been
good success to our forces of late in many places, and among them
to yours under Sir John Meldrum, and if there be an unanimous
prosecution of our affairs there may be, through the blessing of
God, a speedy end of our troubles. We therefore desire you that
the forces with Sir John Meldrum may not be suffered to disband,
and thereby the enemy again to grow upon you, but to make Sir
John such supply of money as is necessary to the finishing of his
present designs. You should endeavour to promote such union and
good agreement between all your forces as may most promote the
public service without respect to any particular interests. Sent as
above. [Ibid., p. 80. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 9. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earl of Loudoun, Lords Wharton and Maitland, Sir
Ph. Stapleton, Sir G. Gerard, Sir H. Vane, junr., Sir Chs. Erskine,
Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Recorder, and Messrs. Pierrepont and Kennedy.
Ordered,— |
1. That it be reported to the Committee for the care of the King's children
that the guard, formerly attending them at St. James's, having now
no place allowed them in the house, may be discharged if they will,
and [this Committee] assure the safety of the said royal children. |
2. The same to be represented by Mr. Recorder Glyn, who is a member of
the said Committee. |
3. That the last letter received from the Earl of Manchester and those to
him from hence for his advance to the west be reported to the House
[of Commons]. |
4. That the Agent employed for this Committee by Sir G. Gerard to communicate intelligence in France may receive 300l. a year, paid
quarterly, of which 150l. by way of advance. |
5. That Sir G. Gerard and Mr. Solicitor [St. John] shall send a letter to
Major-Genl. Browne to be forwarded to Oxford. |
6. To write to Sir W. Waller and the officer in command of the Lord
General's horse taking notice of their good service, and desiring them
to be mutually assistant to each other both with horse and foot. |
7. That the letter from Kent of the 8th inst. be sent to the Committee at
Plymouth, and that Sir H. Vane, junr., do speak with th[is] Committee about it. |
8. This answer to be returned to the Committee of Essex—that there was
a mistake, the Association being to contribute for the setting forth of
that regiment, and they therefore to go on in recruiting the Earl of
Manchester's army according to their proportion. |
9. That the letter concerning Mr. Cawley be sent to the Committee of
Sussex. |
10. That Mr. Pierrepont, Sir H. Vane, junr., and Mr. Recorder Glyn be a
sub-committee for the business of Windsor. |
11. Order to the Committee of the Association at Cambridge for payment
of arrears to Sir Samuel Luke for the works at Newport [Pagnell]. |
12. That a letter be written to Sir Hugh Cholmley according to the order
of 3rd Oct., which being ready is to be reported to the House [of
Commons]. |
13. That the petitions of the Physicians and of the Apothecary of the Lord
General's army be reported to the Commons by Mr. Pierrepont. |
14. That the part of Waller's letter relative to the exchange of Major
Carr [Ker] for Lieut.-Col. Warren be reported to the House [of
Commons]. |
15. That the instructions be debated to-morrow afternoon at the Earl of
Northumberland's house, as also the foreign business. |
16. To write to Lord Fairfax against disbanding any of his forces till he
hear further from this Committee. |
17. That an abstract of Lord Fairfax's letter to Col. White be reported to
the Commons, and [a resolution] moved that an entertainment be
appointed for maintaining the forces in the north. |
18. The affairs of the north to be considered on Friday afternoon. |
19. That the petition of Major-Genl. Skippon's surgeon, Thos. Trapham, be
reported to the [Commons'] House, and [some course] recommended
for his relief as a business of very great concernment, likewise that
the general state of the other chirurgeons' wants be also represented. |
20. That the paper sent by the Elector Palatine to this Committee be returned to his Highness by the hands of Lord Maitland, Mr. Solicitor,
and others, with thanks for his respect, this Committee being fully
assured of his sincerity, &c. |
[Interregnum 7 E., pp. 226, 227.] |
October 9. Reading. |
Edward Earl of Manchester to the Committee of both kingdoms.
I have received yours with an order of the House of Commons
commanding me to march westward. I have often received similar
orders, but they never design[at]ed any place to which I should march.
I formerly received your commands to march with my foot to
Newbury designed by you for a rendezvous of the Lord General
[Essex's] foot, the City forces, and these forces of the Associated
counties. My forces are still ready at any time within a few hours
to be at the rendezvous. If it be your pleasure that I should
march further than the place first appointed, please assign the
place whither you will have me go, and I will obey. I have ordered
two more troops to march to-morrow night to Colnbrook. Yesterday
I sent orders to the horse at Hungerford to march to Salisbury and
signify to Sir Wm. Waller their readiness to obey his commands.
P.S.—Since writing this I have received intelligence from Waller
of the King's advancing with his army; and that he, Waller,
intends to retreat, according to your orders, to Marlborough. I
only offer this as my humble opinion, that the sooner the foot
come up altogether it will be the more advantageous to your affairs.
[Interregnum 17 E., p. 39. Copy. 1 p. Printed in Soc. Cambd.,
New Series xii., p. 41.] |
October 9. Portsmouth. |
The Lord General Essex to the same. Having neither heard
from your Lordship, Sir W. Waller, nor Dalbier since my last, I
cannot yet take any resolution. Col. Barclay is now come down,
whom I appointed to confer with the Commissioners [sent down
by Parliament] to learn when they would have completed the
clothing and arming of the soldiers, so that I might know when
we could march. He says they cannot despatch them till Monday
night, which finished I hope to give a real testimony that I would
not stay an hour longer than necessity compells me. We have as
yet neither drums, partisans, nor halberds. It will not only be
difficult to call the soldiers together without drums, but the enemy,
now that we are to march from them without sound of drums, will
say that we run away, they being more valiant in voice than in
action. If our speed in marching does not answer your expectation,
the Commissioners [here] can best account for the reason of the
delay. [Ibid., p. 40. Copy. 1 p.] |
October 9. Portsmouth. |
The same to the same. A captain taken in Cornwall coming
upon his parole to be exchanged, had a letter delivered to him
from his Majesty to be conveyed to the Prince Elector [Palatine],
which letter he brought to me, and which I now send up to your
Lordships. I confess it troubled me that I should break open a
letter directed to a Prince who has shown so much respect to the
Parliament in leaving his uncle to come to join them; but holding
that trust and charge I do, I could do no less. When you let the
Prince have this letter I hope to be favourably mentioned in the
report of it. You will find how real [his devotion] has been since
his being at York. [Ibid., p. 41. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 9. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Ferd. Lord Fairfax. We
have seen your letter to Mr. White, and thereupon have taken into
consideration the ways and means of settling and maintaining
your forces; in the meanwhile we desire you not to suffer any of
them to disband till you hear further from us, which we hope will
be speedily. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 80. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 9. Derby House. |
The same to the officer in command of the Lord General's horse.
We understand the good effect of the conjunction of your horse
with the forces of Sir Wm. Waller, and your continuance in those
parts, whereby the King's march eastward has been hitherto
hindered. We desire you still to keep up as close to the King's
forces as you can with safety, and by a continued good correspondence with Waller's forces to make the best advantage of
every opportunity for the public service. Sent by Mr. Durant at
9 p.m. [Ibid., p. 81. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 9. Derby House. |
The same to Sir Wm. Waller. We cannot but take notice of
the good effect of the joining of the Lord General's horse and your
forces, and of your continuing in those parts, whereby the enemy's
march eastward has been hitherto hindered, and we give you
thanks for it. We desire you to continue still to be in all things
mutually assisting to each other, and for that the Lord General's
horse have no foot with them, if for any particular service they
shall have need of any foot you will help them with a supply of
infantry. Sent as above. [Ibid. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 9. Derby House. |
The same to the Committee of Sussex. We formerly wrote to
you to put a garrison into Cowdray House [near Midhurst], and
Mr. Cawley has acquainted us with your letter wherein you desire
that he should be Governor there. He is content to accept the
employment, so that for the guard of the place there be appointed
120 foot and 10 horse, with provision and ammunition necessary.
We do approve of his being Governor there, and desire you that
he may be furnished both with those forces and with such other
provisions as shall be necessary to enable him to perform that
service. [Ibid., p. 82. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 9. Derby House. |
The same to the Committee of Hants. For our better information concerning the state of Basing [House] and of your forces
employed against it, we desire you to send to this Committee one
of your number that we may the better order our resolutions concerning the same. [Ibid. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 10. Reading. |
14. Edward Earl of Manchester to Dr. Staine, at the Prince's Arms
in Watling-street, London. I desire you to speak with Mr. Barker or
some one else to procure 50 barrels of powder, and send the same
hither to me with all expedition. P.S.—You may undertake for
payment within a fortnight. If you have not the money let me
know, and I will direct you where you shall be supplied. [Seal
with crest and coronet. 2/3 p.] |
October 10. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Northumberland and Loudoun, Lords Wharton,
Maitland, and Warristone, Sir G. Gerard, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir H.
Vane, junr., Sir Chas. Erskine, Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Recorder, and
Messrs. Pierrepont and Crew. Ordered, |
1. To write to the Lord General and the Earl of Manchester to agree upon
a convenient place for meeting of their forces so as they may keep the
King's forces westward, he being said to be marching eastward. |
2. To inform Sir W. Waller of what is written to Essex and Manchester,
so that by correspondence with them he may dispose his forces for the
best advantage. |
3. That the Militia be desired to expedite the march of the City forces, in
respect it is informed that the King's forces are marching eastward,
and that they [the City forces] do not stay for the passing of the
Ordinance, being now upon the public pay. |
4. That the Commons be reminded to pass the Ordinance wherein the City
forces are concerned. |
5. That the order of the Commons touching Major Ker be sent to Waller
and the other [copy] to Manchester. |
6. To write to the chief officers of the City forces, requiring them to
march forthwith, being now in the pay of the State, and the enemy
marching eastward. |
7. To write to the Commissioners of the army that this Committee
understands the Lord General's foot were not clothed and armed
on Monday last, which they think a very long time [since the stores
were despatched], and to desire they [the Commissioners] will do it
speedily, in order that they [the foot] may march, and to acquaint
the Lord General therewith. |
8. That the foreign business be taken into consideration on Monday
next. |
9. That the Earl of Manchester and Sir H. Vane be desired to go to the
Prince Elector and deliver the letters to his Highness from the
King. |
10. That Sir G. Gerard do inform himself in what readiness the drums,
partisans, and halberds are that should be sent to the Lord General's
army. If he shall find any delay therein, to report the stop to the
Commons, that the same may be removed. |
11. That Mr. Vassall do hasten away the drums, &c., for the Lord
General's foot. |
12. That further debate concerning the instructions be put off till to-morrow
afternoon. |
13. That a warrant be issued to Lieut.-Col. Rowe for one tun of match to
be sent to [blank]. |
[Interregnum 7 E., p. 227 B.] |
October 10. Winterbourne Stoke, Wilts. |
Sir Wm. Waller and Sir Arthur Haselrigg to the Committee of
both kingdoms. We are assured by your letters of your many
commands directing forces to come to our aid. We hope you will
witness our endeavours to straiten the King. We have beyond
expectation retarded his advance, but this can no longer [be
effected]. Tuesday night his forces were within six miles, and
some within four, almost around us. His foot were at Sturminster
and thereabouts, while Prince Maurice with his horse was at
Wincanton, and 500 horse came into Blandford on Wednesday
morning. We then thought it time to draw off, being not able to
do service by our stay, but only exposing ourselves to certain ruin
or disgrace, our horses being unfit for a hedge fight. Last night
our head-quarters were at Winterbourne Stoke, and the King's at
Blandford. Horse alone will not do your work against a strong
body of horse and foot with artillery. If your foot come not with
all speed together, you will suffer in some place or other. We hope
God intends mercy to us in that the King's army has done no more
since our great loss in Cornwall. We gave notice to Col. Dalbier of
our remove from Shaftesbury, and his horse is not far from us. We
received a letter this morning from the Earl of Manchester, signifying his intention to send his horse to Salisbury. It is more than
time that an army of foot and horse should advance against the
King wheresoever he be. The King we believe resolves to fight
and to put all upon this [engagement]. According to our understanding it is his only course, all his contributions failing. Hopton
went last week to Bristol to draw out the garrison. We may yet
do well, there is a little time left. We expect your commands.
[Interregnum 17 E., pp. 41, 42. Copy = 1½ pp.] |
October 10. York House. [Derby House ?] |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Lord General [Essex].
We have received intelligence of the marching of the King's army
eastward, and thereupon have thought fit to desire you by correspondence with the Earl of Manchester to agree upon a convenient
place where your foot may meet together so as they may best keep
the King's army westward. We have received yours of the 9th
inst., and will see that the drums, partisans, and halberds be
speeded to you. We have written to the Commissioners how
sensible we are of the delay of arming and clothing your foot,
and desired them to despatch it with expedition, that their march
may be no longer retarded while the enemy's forces are marching
eastward. We hope you have received our former letters before
this, wherein we gave you notice that your money and train of
artillery were sent to the Earl of Manchester. Sent by Craven at
9 p.m. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 83. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 10. Derby House. |
The same to Edward Earl of Manchester. We understand by
the postscript of your letter of the 9th inst., that the King's army
is marching eastward, upon consideration whereof we have thought
fit to desire you by correspondence with the Lord General to agree
between yourselves upon a convenient place where your foot may
meet together so as they may best keep the King's army westward.
We shall use our best endeavours to hasten the City forces to
follow you speedily. You will receive enclosed the vote this day
passed the Commons' House. Sent as above. [Printed in Soc.
Cambd., N.S. xii., p. 42. Ibid. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 10. Derby House. |
The same to Sir Wm. Waller. Upon notice of the King's
marching eastward we have written to the Lord General [Essex]
and to Manchester to keep correspondence between themselves, and
to agree upon a convenient place where their foot may meet together
that so they may best keep the King's army westward. We
desire you to hold frequent intelligence and correspondence with
them, and so to dispose of your forces as may be best for the
advantage of the public service. We send enclosed the order of
the Commons touching the exchange of Major [Gilbert] Ker. Sent
as above. [Ibid., p. 84. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 10. Derby House. |
The same to the Commanders-in-Chief of the City forces. Upon
consideration of the danger to the whole kingdom, and these parts
in particular, if the march of the King's army eastward be not
speedily prevented, we desire you, being now upon the service of
the State, forthwith to march up to the Earl of Manchester, and
not to stay upon the passing of the Ordinance, whereof we will take
care that it may be speedily done so as you may receive satisfaction.
[Ibid. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 10. Derby House. |
The same to the Commissioners in the Lord General's army.
We understand by the Lord General's letter that the arming and
clothing of his Lordship's foot will not be finished before Monday
night, whereby they are disabled to march to the great prejudice of
the public. We therefore desire you to use all possible expedition
you can in delivering those arms and clothes to the soldiers, that
they may speedily march and the public service be no further
retarded while the enemy's forces are now marching eastward.
[Ibid., pp. 84, 85. Copy = ⅓ p.] |
October 11. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earl of Loudoun, Lords Wharton, Maitland, and Warristone, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir G. Gerard, Sir H. Vane, Mr. Solicitor,
Mr. Recorder, and Mr. Pierrepont. Ordered, |
1. That three letters be written to the Earl of Manchester, Col. Cromwell,
and the officer commanding Cromwell's horse about Banbury, that
those horse may march to Col. Cromwell and join those with whom
they are to be employed. |
2. Order for Sir James Harrington and his officers to march immediately
with their forces to be at Colnbrook to-morrow night. It being upon
extraordinary service, they will answer [any neglect] upon their
peril. |
3. To inform the Committee of Basing that this Committee can give them
no assistance in respect the King's forces were advanced as far as
Blandford on Wednesday night. |
4. To write to the Lord General informing him of the King's advance,
what is written to the Earl of Manchester, what directions are given
to the City forces, and of the advance of his train of artillery. |
5. That an order be sent to the Militia to send 50 barrels of gunpowder
more, with match and ball proportionable, after the [City] brigade
now going out. |
6. That it be reported to the Commons that the recommendation of the
business of the surgeons, physicians, and apothecaries of the Lord
General's army to Sir G. Gerard will prove ineffectual, and for that
these are so absolutely necessary [it is advisable] that they be
supplied, and that the House will take into consideration some effectual
course how to supply them. |
[Interregnum 7 E., p. 228.] |
October 11. Reading. |
Edward Earl of Manchester to the Committee of both kingdoms.
I have received yours of the 10th inst., and will send to the Lord
General to learn where I shall attend him with the foot I have
here. I have received a vote of the Commons requiring me to
observe such orders as I may receive from you, the which I am
ready to obey. According to your commands I advanced my horse
towards Salisbury, but receiving intelligence from Waller that he
was marched from Shaftesbury towards Marlborough I recalled
them to their former quarters near Marlborough. I heard this day
from Waller, who desires me to send my horse to Woodford, which
I shall do accordingly. I hear the King with his army is about
Blandford. P.S.—I hear the Lord General's train of artillery and
money will be here to-night, of which I will immediately notify
him. [Printed in Soc. Cambd., New Series xii., p. 43. Interregnum 17 E., p. 43. Copy. 1 p.] |
October 11. Gloucester. |
Col. Edward Massie to the same. My last letter of duty was of
the 6th, in which I gave you a just account of the passages here,
with a view of our condition and necessities. The ill-usage of
some of the Committee [at Gloucester] occasioned my stay here
for drawing up an answer to their false and scandalous complaints
against me to the Parliament. This day I received intelligence
from Monmouth that Lieut.-Genl. [Sir Chas.] Gerard is advancing
towards Monmouth with his own, Lord Herbert's, and Prince
Rupert's remaining strength of horse and foot, [and is come] as far
as Ragland, 5 miles from thence, and Abergeny [Abergavenny],
8 or 9 miles from thence. My sudden despatch thitherward being
required once more, I am bold to refer that my business to
Mr. Cox's relation and to those answers which, within the short
time allotted me for such business, I was able to give. I shall beg
your justice therein when the thing comes to be scanned; wherein
if I be found guilty in the least I desire no favour, but if otherwise, as I hope, [I expect to] find a reparation both of my honour
and care taken for my subsistence, if it be thought meet to continue
my service here, for I have nothing to subsist upon, having spent
all my credit can compass. I understand that the Parliament has
been pleased to order 500l. for our horse, which will go some way
towards supplying our needs, but is nothing considerable for the
supplying of them now against winter, and therefore I beseech
your Committee to take all our business into your serious consideration, in order that our distractions destroy us not. It will
destroy those resolutions which honester minded men had purposed
concerning the public advancement of both kingdoms' service, to
see private persons engross the things of command to themselves.
You will know better how to prevent [this] than I know how to
discover. I shall never fail to perform the commands of your most
honourable Committee, whose aim envy itself cannot object to be
other than the advancement of the public peace and welfare of our
Church and Commonweal in both kingdoms. P.S.—This bearer,
Mr. Cartwright, can acquaint you with our present condition if so
required, whose particular presentment of general good service
obliges me to beg you to receive the same, and grant him such a
hearing as you may consider expedient. [Ibid., pp 44, 45. Copy.
12/3 p.] |
October 11. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Committee of the
Associated Counties at Cambridge. We are informed that the
money which is due upon the Ordinance for works at Newport
[Pagnell] from cos. Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, and Hunts, is in
your hands. We desire that it may be speedily paid to Sir Samuel
Luke for perfecting those works, and that the monthly tax may be
also duly paid him, whereby he may be enabled to give a good
account of that place, being so considerable a frontier of your
Association, which, should it be lost by any defect of either fortification or garrison, would prove, being in the enemy's hands, a
very bad neighbour to the whole Association, which we know you
cannot but be sensible of, and therefore hope we shall need to add
no more for his immediate and effectual supply. [Interregnum
19 E., p. 85. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 11. Derby House. |
The same to the Lord General [Essex]. Upon certain intelligence that the King's forces are advanced eastward, we have given
order that Manchester's horse which were about Banbury do march
westward with all expedition and join with the rest of his Lordship's
forces in that service. We have likewise given express orders to
the City forces to march presently so as they may be at Colebroke
[Colnbrook] to-morrow at night. We hope your train of artillery
with the money is this night at Reading, and desire you according
to our former orders, by correspondence with the Earl of Manchester, to agree upon a convenient place where your forces may
meet together so as they may best keep the King's forces westward
and will be most for the advantage of the public service, and so to
look to the enemy's forces as you may not be hindered to join with
Manchester for that end. You will receive enclosed the order this
day passed the Commons for recruiting of your forces. Sent by
Crips at 9 p.m. [Ibid., pp. 85, 86. Copy=½ p.] |
October 11. Derby House. |
The same to Edward Earl of Manchester. Having received
certain [news] of the King's advance with all his forces, we think it
fit to send what forces we can to oppose his march. We desire you
immediately to give order to the horse of Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell's
regiment that are left behind at or about Banbury, or any of your
horse that are there, to march up immediately to the rest, in order
to go along with the rest of the horse in this service according to
former directions. You are to agree with the Lord General upon a
convenient place where to join your forces so as they may keep the
King's forces westward and will most advantage the public service,
and so to watch the enemy's movements that you be not hindered
in joining with the Lord General for that end. Sent by Mr. Potter.
[Printed in Soc. Cambd., N. S. xii., p. 42. Ibid., p. 86. Copy.
2/3 p.] |
October 11. Derby House. |
The same to Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell and the commander of his
horse at Banbury. Having received certain intelligence of the
King's advance with all his forces, we think it fit to send what
forces we can to oppose his march. We therefore desire you
immediately to give order to the horse of your regiment that are
left behind at or about Banbury that they march up with all
expedition to the rest of your horse, so as to go along with the rest
of the horse in this service according to former directions. Sent
as above. [Ibid., p. 87. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 11. |
The like sent to Banbury by Mr. Jennings' son. [Ibid.
Minute.] |
October 12. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Warwick and Loudoun, Lords Wharton and
Maitland, Sir G. Gerard, Sir H. Vane, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Mr.
Solicitor, Mr. Recorder, and Messrs. Pierrepont, Kennedy, and
Barclay. Ordered, |
1. That the examinations concerning Major Hammond be sent to the
Lord General [Essex.] |
2. That Mr. Barclay be added to the sub-committee for the business of
Windsor. |
3. That it be recommended to the Lord Admiral [Warwick] and the Committee of the Navy to despatch away the winter guard for the northeast coasts, and to take care for to pay for victualling and furnishing
the ship of Capt. Kearse and others, as is desired in the letter from
the Committee of Estates of Scotland to their Commissioners here,
and to send to them the [gunners' and boatswains' stores]. |
Afternoon.—Ordered, |
4. That the Lord Admiral do write to [John] Lord Robartes that he
intends to send ships of a smaller size in lieu of the others. |
5. That it be recommended to the Committee of the Navy to take care
that Mr. Goodyere may be repaid for what he has disbursed in
victualling the Vice-Admiral. |
6. That Lord Robartes' letter of the 4th inst. be sent to the Committee of
Plymouth, and they be desired to give their opinions thereupon to
this Committee. |
7. That the pass for the gentleman to be employed to France be signed. |
8. That a letter be written to Major-Genl. Browne. |
9. To write to the Lord General [Essex], Earl of Manchester, and Sir Wm.
Waller to join their forces, &c. |
10. That it be reported to the [Commons'] House what is written to
Major-Genl. Browne, and that it was done in regard of this exigent. |
11. Whereas the Committee of the West, for the more expeditious transportation of Lieut.-Col. O'Brien's regiment, late at Wareham, into
Munster, and to give some present supply of victuals to those parts,
have been content that the "Blessing," laden with victuals for
Plymouth, should be employed to that purpose. |
12. That the treasurers for the new Ordinance for Ireland are empowered
out of that Ordinance to make good any engagement made by them
to the Committee of the West or other person for the speedy
transporting of men, victuals, arms, and ammunition into Munster,
so as it exceeds not 1,200l., which shall be defalked out of the proportion to be allowed to that province. |
[Interregnum 7 E., pp. 229, 230, and 1 E., October 12.] |
October 12. Reading. |
Edward Earl of Manchester to the Committee of both kingdoms.
I have received yours of the 11th instant. I can give you this
account, that I have kept intelligence with Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell,
and as I have heard of the King's advance I have sent him advertisement thereof, and wished him to advance hither. When I have
heard of the King's retreating back or lying still I wished him to
remain in his quarters, because I had no positive order to remove
his horse from thence. Yet having intelligence on Thursday last
that the King was advanced as far as Blandford, I sent an order
for him to march away with all his horse with what convenient
speed he could, and though I have not heard from him since yet
I believe he is upon his march. This day, upon receipt of your
letter, I sent him a copy of it and renewed my orders to him for
his present marching up to the rest of the horse. I have sent to
the Lord General [Essex] to know where I am to attend his commands with the forces I have here, I cannot tell which way to
march until I receive his instructions. The soldiers who are here
with me think that I am in as fit a posture to join the Lord
General as I can be. I am careful to have certain information of
the King's motions. The Lord General's train of artillery, money,
and carriages came higher last night. P.S.—If you think fit that
I should march towards Basing to meet the Lord General I am
ready to obey your commands. I desire to know what I am to do
with his money and train of artillery. [Printed in Soc. Cambd.,
New Series xii., pp. 43, 44. Interregnum 17 E., pp. 45, 46.
Copy. 1⅓ p.] |
October 12. Winterbourne Stoke, Wilts. |
Sir Arthur Haselrigg to the same. Mr. Harvey, M.P., is to pay
to Sir Wm. Waller 500l. a year upon a lease for the prisage of
wines in London, and Sir William is to pay the King 400l. The
Committee of Revenue forbids Harvey to pay this money to Sir
W. Waller. The King has seized his estate, and this is the only
subsistence left for his lady and children. I beseech you to move
Sir H. Vane, senr., that the Committee of Revenue would take off
their injunction laid upon Harvey so that the lady may receive
her money. Letters are sent to Waller from London concerning
this which troubles his thoughts. You are bound both in honour
and wisdom to preserve your servants from suffering in their
absence when your weighty employments hinder their presence.
I humbly beg a return from your Lordships, and [that you will]
not look upon this as that which concerns neither you nor me.
[Ibid., p. 47. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 12. Red Castle. |
Sir Thos. Middleton to the same. These are only to inform you
that since the taking of the Red Castle [in Salop] I have taken
[Thos.] Lord Leigh, of Stoneleigh, with a party of horse which I
sent into Radnall [Radnor]shire and intend to send him up to you,
I shall endeavour to obey your commands both in victualing and
fortifying these two castles, which are places of very great consequence, [thus] driving the enemy [in]to a very narrow passage,
and to go 80 miles about to get to Chester. Except it please your
honourable Board to send me some forces, 500 Scotch foot is what I
desire, I shall not be able to proceed any further, for I dare not
trust to my countrymen who are newly raised, either to keep the
garrisons or to go upon any design, but am fain to leave [some] of
my own men in both the garrisons, by which means I am much
weakened, my whole strength when at its utmost being never
above 400 foot and 250 horse, but at present it is not above
300 foot and 50 horse, the rest either killed or run away for
want of pay. This is my true state. and I doubt not you will
think of some way to enable me to do you further service, which
with the hazard of my life and fortune I am ready to perform.
[Ibid., pp. 47, 48, Copy=1 p.] |
October 12. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Lord General [Essex].
Upon consideration of the advancing of the King's forces eastward
we have thought fit to reiterate our former desires, that you would
join your forces with those of Manchester and Waller in the most
convenient place you can agree upon for opposing of the enemy's
forces and keeping them westward. You must so observe the
enemy's motions that he interrupts not your junction. But if the
King's forces should so speedily advance as to be near Oxford
before your forces join, whereat we should be very sorry, we desire
you to have a special eye to the preservation of Abingdon, which
place we intend for a winter garrison, and have written to MajorGeneral Browne and the Committees in those counties to take
care for victualing thereof and to provide a magazine. We intend
to send you some of our number shortly with our further resolutions. We therefore desire you to acquaint us as soon as you can
where they may find you together. We send enclosed the order of
the Commons for sending up Col. Ware [or Were]. Sent by Mr.
Hanbury at 9 p.m. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 87. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 12. |
The like to Edward Earl of Manchester and Sir Wm. Waller
mutatis mutandis, and [with] the last clause left out. Sent by
Faukeard. [Ibid. Minute.] |
October 12. Derby House. |
The same to the Committee of Berks., at Reading or Abingdon.
There has been provision made of match or gunpowder to send to
Abingdon, which in regard of the King's march this way there is
great need they should be supplied with, and therefore we desire
that you will send it thither when it comes to you with all expedition, and concerning which Mr. Ball will write to you. In regard
we intend by all means to keep Abingdon as a garrison, we have
written to Major-Genl. Browne to provision it out of the country
for horse and man, as also with fuel. He has orders to take away
all from those places which are in the power of the King's garrisons,
and from those in our own power he shall take what can be had
and give tickets for it, and engage the public faith for repayment,
the same to be stored for a magazine for Abingdon, which we hold
to be of so great importance. We desire you to be assistant to
him therein. [Ibid., p. 88. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 12. Derby House. |
The same to Major-Genl. Browne. The condition of the town of
Abingdon has been represented to this Committee both for ammunition and money. There are two tuns of match and 30 barrels of
gunpowder sent already toward you which will be this night at
[Great] Marlow, and we have written to Reading to hasten the
sending of it to you. There is an Ordinance passed already in the
Commons for money for your supply, and we doubt not but it will
speedily pass the House of Lords, which will presently produce
between 3,000l. and 4,000l., being already in bullion, and so upon
passing that Ordinance you shall be presently supplied. For
victual you will do well to send out into all those parts that are
under the King's garrisons, and bring in all their victuals to your
own stores, and the rather in regard of the King's march this way.
For that we intend Abingdon for a special out-garrison, which we
intend by all means to maintain, we would have you to store it
with all manner of provisions for horse and man and with fuel, as a
magazine, and therefore, besides what you can have from the
enemy's quarters, we would have you to take all the provisions
that can be gotten about Abingdon, and that you give tickets for
what you receive in those parts that are in our own power, and
engage the public faith for it. We have appointed all our horse
to wait upon the King's army, whereby they will not be able to
tarry upon any siege, nor we hope be able to storm it, if they
should come near you. We shall be ready to put more foot into it
upon the King's approach. By your next let us understand the
particulars of the fire at Oxford, and what hurt was done thereby,
for since your letter we have had no particulars concerning it.
[Ibid., pp. 88, 89. Copy=1 p.] |
October 13. Winterbourne, Stoke, Wilts. |
Sir Wm. Waller and Sir Arthur Haselrigg to the Committee of
both kingdoms. Your Lordships know how my foot is disposed,
which troubles our thoughts what your letter intends, wherein you
command our supply of foot for the Lord General's horse, we not
having any. The King is at Blandford, his revenue [rendezvous]
not yet certain. We know not what to say more than we wrote
formerly. [Interregnum 17 E., pp. 48, 49. Copy=⅓ p.] |
October 13. Portsmouth. |
Lord General Essex to the same. I received yours of the 11th
this day, wherein you desire that I should arrange with the Earl
of Manchester a rendezvous where our forces might meet, so as
best to keep the King's forces westward. I have written to Manchester to understand what condition his forces are in, and to
arrange the place of meeting. I do not doubt but we shall give a
good account of our actions if once we meet. But the sudden
retreat of the horse puts me in a little disorder, I being unwilling
to recall any of my horse until I had present use of them, thinking
they would have faced the enemy. [1] being superior in horse to
the enemy upon those planes, it was in the power of my horse to
give on or come off as they pleased. But upon the King's first
advance they retreated so far that I make some question of those
400 horse I have sent for [being sufficient]; fearing if the King
should continue his advance how they could get to me, this has
caused me to defer my march one day. Tuesday, the 15th, being
the first day that the Commissioners [sent down by Parliament]
enable me to march, I hope by that time the horse will be come to
me. Howsoever, I intend to march on Wednesday, the 16th,
knowing it to be of the utmost importance to make head against
the King's sudden advancing. I have sent for QuartermasterGeneral Dalbier to come hither, and then he shall make his repair
to the Committee. I rely much on his judgment in the matter of
quartering, and therefore may detain him a few days. I fear the
want of a good soldier at Plymouth has wrought too sad an effect.
One who left Plymouth on Friday reports that Saltash is lost, and
500 of the garrison of Plymouth put to the sword there. I confess
I never rejoiced much at the taking of it, fearing they had not
men enough to manage both places. My object in mentioning it
now, before the news be confirmed, is the fear lest Col. Birch, who
commands the Kentish regiment, should be recalled, and then
Plymouth would be much endangered, the great consequence thereof
is not unknown to you. I formerly acquainted Col. Jephson with
what I thought fit concerning this garrison, with which I doubt
not he has acquainted you. I cannot refrain from acquainting you
with the sad condition of this place when my forces are drawn out
of it, some forces [of the garrison having been sent] to Sir Wm.
Waller and never returned, and others to the siege of Basing
[House]. The English-Irish armed who quarter about this town
[Portsmouth], openly profess they will never draw the sword here
for the Parliament, while the King is advancing, with an army
near them, so that I leave you to judge how safe this place of consequence is. [Ibid., pp. 49–51. Copy=2½ pp.] |
October 14. |
15. Brief notes endorsed "Abstract of the papers of the Commissioners of Scotland delivered to both Houses of Parliament,
1644, 14 October." 1. Papers represented to the Houses of Parliament by their Commissioners, without the answers of the Committees of Estates of the kingdom of Scotland. 2. The 9th of
September the Commissioners of Scotland residing with the army
before Newcastle presented some directions which have been reported to the House of Commons, and referred to a Committee at
which the Commissioners of Scotland cannot be present. 3. [By]
the Ordinance of September 16,1643, for keeping better intelligence
between these kingdoms, their Committees and Councils, your
Lordships and these gentlemen are appointed to deal with us in
such things as shall be propounded by us, and in the name of the
kingdom of Scotland, for the ends expressed in the said Ordinance,
as likewise to propound to us whatsoever you should receive in
charge from both Houses, and from time to time advise considering
the same, and report the result to both Houses, 4. Paper of
21 August proposed that some course be taken for preventing the
confusions by the Houses upon granting commissions to raise regiments in Northumberland and bi-hopric of Durham to many
persons who live upon free quarter without doing any service,
which is a great burden to the country and prejudice to the
Scots' army by lessening the assessments; [and] who have robbed,
spoiled, and murdered divers of the Scottish nation coming with
provision for the armies; earnestly requesting that these regiments
might be recalled into Yorkshire to assist Lord Fairfax, from whom
they received their commissions, the Scottish army being confident
of securing those other northern counties. 5. The paper of September 9, touching some ambiguous expressions in the instructions
granted to the said Commissioners of November 1, 1643, with the
additional instructions of 9 March [1643–4], wherewith they did
acquaint the Committee of the Estates of Scotland according to the
directions of both Houses we received in command to desire the
resolutions of the Houses therein, and to the intent the Houses may
more clearly perceive the true meaning of the Committee of
Estates. 6. That the Commissioners of Parliament, conceiving
themselves warranted by their instructions, have proceeded by
themselves alone to settle the assessments, and have accordingly
put them in execution, notwithstanding the general direction
of the said instructions to advise with the Scottish Committee
in all things, that thereby the Committee of Estates might
be acquainted therewith, and to desire their consent; wherewith the Committee of Estates conceive it not expedient for
them to give their assent since they were not consulted in the
determination of the proposition, it being no ways the desire of the
Committee of Estates to meddle with the imposing of taxes, but
they do far rather choose that the burden should lie upon others,
provided some effectual way be settled by the Houses of Parliament for ascertaining the Scottish army's payment of their monthly
maintenance as hath been done to other armies within this
kingdom. They therefore earnestly request the asserting of the
payment of the said armies out of such real ways and means as
the Houses shall think fit. 7. Whereas several disorders have
been committed and complaints made to the Houses by the Commissioners, no such complaint hath been made to the Scottish
General. Upon any complaints made justice hath been done, [and
the] English Commissioners witness their willingness for the time
to come. 8. Articles to be published to the officers of the armies;
paper of August 16. 9. To the other paper of the same date,
touching tickets and taking up free quarter, the Lord General hath
redoubled his orders touching the same, and thought the Commissioners had been satisfied. To the other part, touching the
Ordinances of Parliament, excise, and sequestrations in all places
where the Parliament had power, that the Committee of Estates and
Lord General have always given their concurrence and assistance
to the execution thereof in Sunderland, Durham, and all other
places in those counties that were in their power. For Hartlepool
the Earl of Callendar's honour was engaged; for the uplifting of
taxes and excise in Hartlepool and Stockden, those might be for
some short time respited, but care should be taken to secure the
same. It was resolved that none of the Scottish army should
meddle therewith. Tho. Cheisly, 14th of October 1644. |
October 14. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Warwick and Loudoun. Lords Wharton, Maitland,
and Warristone, Sir G. Gerard, Sir Chas. Erskine, Mr. Solicitor, Mr.
Recorder, and Messrs. Pierrepont, Kennedy, and Barclay. Ordered, |
1. To write to the Governor and Committee of Reading thanking them for
their care and pains in fortifying the town, and desiring them to
follow the chief engineer's directions particularly in advancing to
make the two appointed small forts. |
2. That Sir Frederick Hamilton's petition be reported to the Houses of
Parliament. |
3. That the letter to Lord Inchiquin, &c., be reported to the Commons. |
4. To write to the Earl of Manchester directing him to advance according
to his former orders, and to keep the enemy westward as much as he
can, and to correspond with the Lord General and Sir W. Waller. |
5. That it be reported to the Commons' House that a regiment of foot may
be provided for the Isle of Ely. |
6. That orders be renewed to Col. Washbourne for his troop to march up
to the City brigade. |
7. That Manchester be desired to send up two troops to [join] the City
brigade. |
8. That the Committee of Militia and their sub-committees be desired to
speed away the rest of the brigade remaining in the City and their
train of artillery. |
9. Instructions for the conduct of the Lord General's army, the forces of
the Earl of Manchester and of Sir Wm. Waller, and such other forces
as shall be joined with them:— |
(1.) Those forces shall be ordered by his Excellency the Earl of
Essex, Lord General, the Earl of Manchester, Lord Robartes,
Sir Wm. Waller, Sir Arthur Haselrigg, and Oliver Cromwell,
Esq., M.P.'s, and of this Committee, and by such others and
in such manner as shall from time to time be appointed by
this Committee, as followeth. |
(2.) His Excellency is to summon the meeting of the said persons
when he shall think fit, or when he shall be desired by any
three of them, or, in case of the absence of his Excellency,
any three of them may summon the meeting of the persons
aforesaid. |
(3.) That designs, battles, sieges, assaults, and the disposing of the
forces in whole or in part (when they have no particular
direction from this Committee, or that in their judgment or
in the judgment of any four of them they have not convenient time to advise with this Committee), shall be
ordered by the advice of the greater number of the persons
before named, four of them at least being present, whereof
those sent from hence to be two. |
(4.) No battles shall be fought. no place beleaguered or assaulted,
nor any enterprise undertaken by the armies jointly or
severally, without the advice of the greater number of the
persons aforesaid. |
(5.) That the Lord General's own regiment of horse and his own
regiment of foot shall always march in the van, if he pleases,
and that his other regiments and all the other forces upon
their march shall be in the van and rear by turns, unless it
shall upon special occasion be ordered otherwise by the
greater number of the persons aforesaid. |
(6.) That the several forces according to their number or strength
perform equal duties of watching and guard, &c., unless it
shall upon special occasion be ordered otherwise by the
greater number of the persons aforesaid. |
(7.) That quartering shall be indifferently appointed, and that
victuals and ammunition sent for the common use of the
army be equally distributed. |
(8.) That the Lord General, the Earl of Manchester, Lord Robartes,
Sir Wm. Waller, Sir A. Haselrigg, and Oliver Cromwell, Esq.,
or the greater part of them, shall have power, with the concurrent advice and consent of the persons sent from hence,
or with the approbation of this Committee, to determine all
differences between the several forces or their commandersin-chief or other officers. |
(9.) That the forces joined with his Excellency [the Lord General's],
being distinct forces, are to be commanded by their own
respective officers, subordinately under the Lord General,
and are to be divided when they shall be ordered by the
greater number of the persons as aforesaid. |
(10.) That in all exigents and emergent occasions of falling on or
surprise by the enemy, or advantages which may be taken
against them, that cannot without prejudice admit delay,
the chief commander upon the place shall do what he judges
to be most for the advantage of the service. |
(11.) In all other things necessary to be ordered, such order shall
be given by the Lord General as he shall think fit, which
orders and all other orders to be given out upon the resolution of the major part of the persons aforesaid shall be
directed by the Lord General to the respective commandersin-chief of the forces with him. |
(12.) That in fight my Lord General's army shall have preference of
place, and the other Major-Generals and their forces shall
have place as they can agree or as they shall be ordered by
the advice of the greater part of the persons aforesaid. |
(13.) That if any of the persons before named shall be absent, that
the other person of any of the armies or forces of which the
absent party is a member shall have vote, and call any other
whom he pleaseth that is a member of the army and of this
Committee to supply the place of the absent party; and if
there be none of this Committee as aforesaid to supply the
place of the absent that then there shall no more have votes
of any other forces, than of such who have any absent, and
in that case the commander-in-chief of those forces of which
both are upon the place shall vote, and the other to give no
vote. And in case that both the persons named of any
of the said forces shall be absent, then the service to be
performed according to the instructions by four of the said
persons, whereof those sent from hence are to be two. |
(14.) That the persons sent from hence may be present at any
Council of War to be holden in the army. |
(15.) That the afore-named persons or four of them, whereof those
sent from hence are to be two, may call for the general
officers of the armies and such others as they shall think fit
to be present at their consultations and to deliver their
opinions, but the persons aforesaid only to have votes, and
no other than themselves to be present at the time of their
voting but their secretary. |
(16.) That the persons afore-mentioned or four of them, whereof
those to be sent from hence to be two, may enjoyn secrecy
to all but this Committee, or to whom they shall think fit to
impart the same. |
(17.) They are to give frequent advertisements of their proceedings
to this Committee, and shall observe such instructions as
they shall from time to time receive from both Houses or
from this Committee. |
Instructions for Sir Archibald Johnstone, Lord Warristone, and John
Crew, Esq.:— |
10. Whereas we have ordered instructions for the conduct of the Lord
General's army, the forces of the Earl of Manchester, and of Sir Wm.
Waller, and such other forces as shall be joined with them, to be
executed by the Earl of Essex, Lord General, the Earl of Manchester,
the Lord Robartes, Sir Wm. Waller, Sir Arthur Hazelrigg, and
Oliver Cromwell, Esq., members of the Houses of Parliament and of
this Committee, and by such others and in such manner as shall from
time to time be appointed by this Committee, we do appoint you to
repair to the said armies, there to pursue the said instructions and
such other and further instructions as you shall from time to time
receive from both Houses of Parliament or from this Committee.
You shall give us frequent advertisements of your proceedings, and
of the state of the army and several forces. You shall return hither
on the 2nd day of November ensuing, unless you receive order from
us for your further stay. |
[Interregnum 7 E., pp. 230–233.] |
October 14. Reading. |
Edward Earl of Manchester to the Committee of both kingdoms.
Since my last to you I received a letter from the Lord General,
informing me that he would not be ready to begin his march
till Wednesday. He has sent me a programme of his several
marches from day to day. I intend to be about Basingstoke on
Wednesday, the foot lying between Newbury and Basingstoke,
where I expect to meet with the Lord General. Lieut.-Genl.
Cromwell arrived here this night, but his troops are yet at Henley.
I have given order that they shall march forward to-morrow,
according to your direction. I heard to-day from Waller, who
remains still in his same quarters, and the King remains at
Blandford. I hear that Prince Rupert is bringing up the remainder of his forces from Bristol to join the King. [Printed in
Soc. Cambd., New Series xii., pp. 44, 45. Interreguum 17 E.,
pp. 51, 52. Copy= 1 p.] |
October 14. Reading. |
The same to the same. I received yours of the 12th yesterday,
and shall humbly offer to you this account. On receipt of your
first letter I sent to the Lord General to know where he would
have me wait on him with the forces under my command, and
upon the coming hither of his train of artillery and money I sent
again to inform him of their arrival, but have not as yet received
any answer to either; so fearing my former messengers might be
intercepted, Mr. Gerard, who brought the money, and the Comptroller of the Artillery are gone to Portsmouth with new letters.
As for the forces under my command, most of the horse have joined
Sir Wm. Waller, according to your command, and the foot are
advanced forward, excepting three regiments which are here for
guard of the Lord General's artillery, my own, and the carriages.
I cannot tell which way to order my march until I know where I
am to join the Lord General [Essex]. If the King should march
this way before we be joined or before the City forces be come up,
I desire to have your direction whether to engage with those forces
I have here, joining with Waller's horse if I can. If you please to
give me a positive command in this particular I shall punctually
observe it, for I hope it shall never be justly said that I either
decline action or retard it. I shall be glad to serve [under] any of
your Lordships' number when they come down. P.S.—I am
desired to offer this to your Lordships, that in regard of our great
want of money, whether you would please sanction our making use
of 2,000l. of this money [sent down] for the Lord General, which
shall be repaid within a week, or else if you would furnish us with
so much from London, to be repaid there by Mr. Leman, the
Treasurer of the Associated Counties, within a week. [Printed in
Soc. Cambd., New Series No. xii., pp. 45, 46. Interregnum 17 E.,
pp. 52–54. Copy=1½ p.] |
October 14. Winterbourne, Stoke, wilts. |
Sir W. Waller and Arthur Haselrigg to the same. The King is
on his march and quarters this night at Cranborne and to-morrow
at Salisbury. We will attend him so near as we dare. This day
there have come to us ten troops of the Earl of Manchester's horse
and two of dragoons. Two regiments of his Excellency's horse are
gone to convoy his foot to the rendezvous, so that our strength is
little increased. You must not expect to hear we have done any
service, the best we can hope for is to trouble and retard the
enemy's march and make them keep close together. Should we
engage the horse before your foot come up and they miscarry, your
foot would be all lost and the King could go which way he pleased.
We pray that the King be not [advanced] beyond your rendezvous
before your forces come to it. The Lord has kept him back by his
own power, using our weakness to amazement. We have oft called
upon man to help, [but now] we desire to rely upon our good God.
We know there has been no defect in your Lordships unless want
of passion when not obeyed. P.S.—If Eversham [Evesham] be not
garrisoned already let it be with all speed, as it will prove of great
consequence to your affairs. [Ibid., p. 54. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 14. Monmouth. |
Col. Massie to the same. My last was from Gloucester of the
10th, wherein I advertised you of the events in these parts, and of
Lieut.-Genl. [Sir Chas.] Gerard's advance with his Glamorganshire
forces to join those of Monmouthshire and the rest of Prince
Rupert's horse with the purpose of distressing us at Monmouth.
Upon these alarms I hastened thither, but before my arrival there
a second alarm reached me that the enemy had landed again in
great strength at Beachley, and were fortifying there. Having
allayed the fears of the officers about Gerrard's coming, and given
some orders at Monmouth, next morning I marched with 100 foot
and 8 troops of horse towards Beachley, which was fortified before
we could reach it, but which God delivered a second time into our
hands. For the particulars I refer you to my letter to the Speaker
of the Commons. The plot was I conceive thus:—That by having
Beachley fortified Prince Rupert's horse might safely come over
out of Wales, and so be boated to the other side Severn, and thence
to Bristol. In order that they might the better fortify and we be
less able to annoy them, Lieut.-Genl. Gerard's much noised great
strength was to have faced us at Monmouth and so prevent our
drawing out thence any forces, or if we should draw out any considerable strength we might run the hazard of loosing the town.
An alternative plan was that Beachley being fortified, their
Monmouthshire forces might come over [the river] and join with
Sir John Wintour, and so distress us in Monmouth and keep us in
there. But praised be God neither of these took effect, for we
spoiled their plot, and are still free men, and doubt not but to keep
Prince Rupert without an army this winter if we may only have
a suitable strength of foot to hold those places we already possess,
and a supply of money for our winter necessities. I have presented
our wants to the House of Commons in my letter to Mr. Speaker,
and humbly beseech your Committee to employ your favour to
them therein on our behalf, for it will be impossible for me to pass
through many more such discouragements as I have had in this
service. Only God's mercy in my success and the grateful acceptance of these truly [great] victories still engages me, and
thereby I hope to find a remedy against these exigencies. I hear
that Sir Wm. Brereton has advanced to the borders of Radnor
and Hereford shires, and has taken Lord Leigh prisoner. I wish I
had sufficient forces to enable me to advance towards him or to
clear this country of the enemy. My forces are so few to manage
so great a charge that if I were to declare the truth it would be
thought incredible. I know you will not expect of me more than
I have ability to perform, and protest I shall not be wanting in
diligence or faithfulness to promote the service. P.S.—Since the
enemy's endeavours are such as that they are resolved to garrison
Beachley and fortify it as a place without which they cannot
maintain convenient intercourse with Wales, I shall require a
speedy resolution from your Committee about the demolishing of
all the dwelling-houses in the town, so that no covert be left for
such as shall endeavour again the fortifying of the same. There
are about 15 or 16 dwelling-houses in Beachley, which being
destroyed or fired, there will be no shelter for the soldiers this
winter. [Ibid., pp. 55–57. Copy=2½ pp.] |
October 14. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Edw. Earl of Manchester.
We received yours of the 12th instant, whereby we perceive you
have written to the Lord General for a place of rendezvous. We
desire you, according to our former orders, in the meantime to be
marching westward the more to hinder the King's advance this
way, and the sooner to meet the Lord General. For the particular
place of meeting we leave that to be determined by you upon
correspondence with the Lord General. Sent by Mr. Newman.
[Printed in Soc. Cambd., N. S. xii., p. 45. Interregnum 19 E.,
p. 89. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 14. Derby House. |
The same to the Governor of Reading and the Committee [of
Berks.]. We have received from Mr. Culenburch, the Lord General's
engineer an account of the state of the works and of your care and
diligence in carrying them on, for which we thank you and desire
you to go on with all expedition. He informs us that he has
found out two fit places for two small forts, which being finished,
may both be kept with 200 or fewer men, and this being done no
enemy will be willing to enter that town. Put all things in
readiness to proceed therewith when you shall receive his further
directions, as being that which we conceive will add much to the
safety of your town and be an acceptable service to the public.
Sent as above. [Ibid., p. 90. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 14. |
16. Ordinance of the Lords and Commons in Parliament.
Whereas by an order of the House of Commons of the 4th inst. it
was directed that 300 pair of pistols and 100 head, back, and breast
pieces be provided and sent to Lieutenant-General Cromwell to arm
his regiment; it is now ordained that 676l. 10s. be raised out of
the Associated counties according to the rates here specified; all
which moneys are to be paid to the gentlemen herein named out of
the first money that shall be raised by the weekly assessments
upon the late Ordinance of four months charged upon the Associated
counties for the maintenance of the forces under the Earl of
Manchester's command, the said money to be paid over by those
gentlemen to Messrs. Watson and Newton, who have furnished and
sent away the arms specified. [Printed in Commons' Journals iii.,
664. 1½ p.] |
October 15. |
17. Obligation of Aldermen James Bunce and John Kendrick,
treasurers at Grocers' Hall, and inserted treasurers in the new
Ordinance for raising money for Ireland, according to an order of
the Committee of Parliament for safety of Plymouth, Poole, and
Lyme-Regis of 14 October 1644, promising to pay to Nathan
Wright and Francis Lenthall, treasurers for receipt of money for
Plymouth, 944l. 19s. for the provision of victuals, here stated,
shipped in the "Blessing" of London, now at anchor in Portsmouth
harbour, and for the freight of the same to Cork or Kinsale in
Ireland, the said sum to be paid within two months after the
passing of the said Ordinance by both Houses. [2/3 p.] |
October 15. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earl of Warwick, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir H. Vane,
Mr. Recorder, and Messrs. Pierrepont and Crew. No Committee
this day (the Scotch members being absent). |
October 15. Portsmouth. |
Lord General Essex to the Committee of both kingdoms. On
hearing that there was [a] 500 case of pistols come down, Sir Wm.
Balfour begged me to apply for more, as the horse were in great
want of arms, owing to their continual skirmishing in Cornwall
and long marches, but on examination I found that only 249 had
been sent down. If you would order an additional supply of
pistols and saddles, I doubt not but upon the next occasion the
[horse] will so behave as you will not have cause to repent of the
charge. I have received an Ordinance of both Houses for raising
of horses, but as most of those counties have been so lately gleaned,
I fear it will be of little use, nevertheless I shall do my best and
take the advice of the Commissioners [here] how to levy them.
Since my last to you this afternoon, there is a scout come in who
says the King advanced yesterday towards Stockbridge, but I have
not heard of it yet from my horse. [Interregnum 17 E., pp. 57,
58. Copy = 2/3 p.] |
October 15. Portsmouth. |
The same to the same. Ever since Friday I have suffered from
indisposition, yet not such as to detain me from doing the State
service, which I shall endeavour to my utmost by drawing the
forces together to act against the enemy according to your directions.
Since the directions to march back to Newbury I have received
three letters from you, including one of the 10th, which last came
yesterday night by Craven, and I have used my best industry to put
myself speedily upon the march. The Commissioners [from the
Parliament] are not yet come from clothing and arming the soldiers,
but I expect them here this night, and I intended to have marched
to-morrow, but the wind is so stormy and contrary that the
mariners assure me the regiments cannot be transported out of
the Isle of Wight this day. I have sent instructions that they
shall seize the first opportunity by night or day to cross over, and I
doubt not to be able to take the field on Thursday morning so as
to march to Alsford [Alresford], desiring the Earl of Manchester
to come some way near there that we may advance towards
Andover, and so forward as we hear of the enemy's movements,
which I cannot believe will be very sudden, there being 6,000
horse and dragoons to check their progress should they adventure
over the planes. For the King's going to Oxford, as soon as I am
on foot, I shall take good care to interpose, and likewise with
regard to Abingdon, although I cannot see any great likelihood of
his marching thither, our forces being masters of the field, and
besides his horse are like to have but slender quarter about Oxford.
If there be the least neglect in me in hindering the King's advance
eastward I shall desire no mercy. Your Lordships shall continually
hear from me both of our own movements and of those of the
enemy. The horse I sent for are now come, and without which I
had no means for a convoy to bring the money hither, and therefore I shall employ my best industry to get the soldiers to march
till we meet Manchester where that and the trains are. For my
recruiting out of the western men they are very few, the runagado
Were [Col. Ware] having, as I hear, but 40 men left of his regiment.
Col. Lutterell's men I have not yet seen, but think they are not
many. I should be very glad that the officers might be cared for
by the Committee of the West, as I have not means to provide for
them. [Ibid., pp. 58, 59. Copy. 12/3 p.] |
Oct. 15. Abingdon. |
Major-General Richard Browne to the same. According to your
late orders I called off the party at Newbury. Before which I
requested the Earl of Manchester that some of his officers might
be appointed to apprehend stragglers, and such as in respect of
their usual hardships here might stay behind, but notwithstanding
this precaution there came hither very few of my own regiment,
and not above 30 of the Windsor soldiers, urging the aforesaid
reasons for their stay behind. Consequently our strength instead
of being augmented is of late much weakened, because those who
are come back are not able to do duty for want of clothes and
shoes. We have 500 fallen sick of late, and one or two being
perished for want of clothes have died in the streets. I beg you
to pity our sad condition and to think of ammunition so much
wanted for this garrison. Captains Greenfield and Tyrrell's troops
are of little use to us here, making it their business to plunder and
shamefully rob the country, urging the want of pay as their
excuse, which I desire you to consider. The officers of my own
regiments and of the Windsor party being left almost without men,
humbly desire there may be present course taken for recruiting
their companies and clothing the soldiers they have left, or else
that these may be disbanded. I could have completed my own in
this county only I wanted money to keep together those forces
I had. Unless some course be taken by your command for our
better supply here, I humbly beg that so soon as the expectation
of the King's coming be past, I may be discharged hence, where
our wants and incredible sufferings make me altogether unable to
do the service I so heartily desire. I conceive it my duty to give
you this intelligence, which I had from Joseph Bramble and Richd.
Hunt, troopers of Major Underwood, and late prisoners at Wallingford, who report that while they were there in prison one Turner,
the Queen's musician, dwelling in Queen-street, London, being
then come to Wallingford, and mistaking the said troopers, told
them he was conveyed out at the Guards of London by a Parliament man, with letters of consequence to the Governor of Wallingford and Oxford, which letters he showed them, the Governor
being then absent. You can take what notice thereof you shall
think fit. Praying for a blessing on all your consultations I take
my leave. P.S.—Since this letter was written I received yours of
the 12th, and return thanks for your care of us, hoping that your
commands concerning provisions come not too late. The fire in
Oxford, according to our best intelligence, consumed a third part
of the town, the loss is estimated at 300,000l.; 7 brewhouses,
12 bakehouses, and 9 malthouses, with 2,000 quarters of malt,
were then consumed. All the West-street is consumed. The fire
began in five several places. Three men supposed to have been
instrumental in it were tormented. [Ibid., pp. 60–62. Copy=
2¼ pp.] |
October 15. Andover. |
Sir Wm. Waller and Sir Arthur Haselrigg to the same. We
gave you an account yesterday of the King's march and headquarters. This day his rendezvous was at Black-warren, six miles
from Salisbury. We drew out our horse intending to have waited
upon him, and whilst on our march we received your letter of the
12th, commanding us with all speed to join with the Lord General
[Essex's] and the Earl of Manchester's forces, which forthwith we
obeyed. The letter came seasonably as the weather proved, for
we needed no other enemy to have beaten us off the field. We
are sensible that, if the enemy should intervene between your foot
before they can join, their meeting will be hindered till the spring.
This night we are at Andover, but will keep good intelligence
with the Lord General and Manchester, so that we may understand their marches, our purpose being to interpose between the
enemy and their foot, and so endeavour to our utmost to bring
all safe together. We shall observe your further commands.
P.S.—We apprehend Basing to be in distress. We have sent you
the enclosed letter, which was intercepted and proved true. We
could wish our foot to meet there, [then] let the King come to
relieve it. This is that Harding who had the instructions. [Ibid.,
p. 62. Copy. ¾ p.] |
October 16. Andover. |
Sir Wm. Waller and Sir Arthur Haselrigg to the Committee of
both kingdoms. Last night 500 of the King's horse came into
Salisbury, but the foot were delayed by the wet weather. In the
heat of summer many of our men were unable to carry their arms,
their marches being great, but now the weather is cold they
exceedingly desire them. If you would send us immediately
500 backs, breasts, and pots, which will not cost above 500l.; it
would embolden our men, discourage our enemies, and it may be
advantage the public very many thousands; had we money certainly we would not want them. If this be granted we desire
there may be no delay, not one hour, and for expedition it would
be well to send them by horse in panniers, by way of Farnham to
Alresford, for thereabouts we conceive our foot will join. We hear
not a word of Col. Ludlow's horse coming to us. We hope you
will not suffer 400 horse to be idle so near us when our lives and
all [we have] will be at stake upon a day's labour, and that very
shortly, if we mistake not. We have sent up the Commissary for
arms to attend your Lordships, and entreat his speedy despatch.
[Interregnum 17 E., p. 63. Copy. 1 p.] |
October 16. Durham. |
18. Commissioners of England and Gentlemen of the Bishopric
of Durham to Sir Henry Vane, senior. We conceive there can be
no proceedings in the courts of justice in the co. palatine of
Durham except there be a Chancellor, who must be made by letters
patents under the Great Seal of England, and likewise a great
seal for the said co. palatine may be made by Ordinance of Parliament as hath been usually done by the King's commission and
the Lord Treasurer's warrant in case of the vacancy of the
bishopric, as appears by the enclosed precedents from the Close
Rolls of the Chancery at Durham, which we have written out and
altered, as we conceived the grant and patent ought to be made to
the Chancellor in these times. We likewise enclose a precedent
for a warrant to the Chancellor, which is likewise to be under the
Great Seal of England, for the making of a sheriff, who must be
made by patent under the Great Seal of the co. palatine; and
the seal for the co. palatine is to be sent to the Chancellor with
the patent to him and the warrant for making the sheriff. Until
these things be done nothing can be settled concerning justice in
this county, which we find most necessary to be done with all
expedition. We further desire another "dedimus potestatem"
to swear Sir Henry Gibb, Knt. and Bart., Sir William Langley,
Bart., Sir Richard Bellasis, Knt., William Bowes, and Thos. Bowes;
and if yourself, your son Sir Henry Vane, and Sir Thomas
Witherington be not sworn upon the last commission, you may be
pleased to be sworn before the Commissioners for the Great Seal,
or added to the "dedimus potestatem." We also conceive the
Parliament intends the ancient justices of peace should be new
sworn, and if so we conceive it necessary to direct your "dedimus
potestatem" to some other than Sir George Vane that his name may
be put therein to be new sworn. [Endorsed, by Sir Henry Vane,
senr.: "Commissioners of England and Gentlemen of Bishopric,
letter to Sir H. V. of the 17th [sic] of October 1644. Received
the 22nd of the same." Dorso, |
18. i. Difficulties in this,—whether not fit to dissolve county
palatine; desire your resolution; nothing will be done in
the interim. A letter to Sir Wm. Armyn and Sir John
Gibb. [Seal broken. 1 p.] |
October 16. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earl of Loudoun, Lords Saye, Wharton, Maitland, and
Warristone, Sir G. Gerard, Sir H. Vane, junr., Sir Ph. Stapleton,
Sir Chas. Erskine, Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Recorder, and Messrs. Pierrepont, Crew, Kennedy, and Barclay. Ordered, |
1. That the business of Notts, be referred to a sub-committee to consider
of the differences between the Governor and the Committee and make
report to this Committee. [The members of the sub-committee]
Lord Saye, Sir H. Vane, junr., Sir G. Gerard, Mr. Solicitor, Mr.
Recorder, Mr. Pierrepont, or any two of them, and any of the
Scottish Commissioners. |
2. That the papers given in by the Scottish Commissioners be reported to
both Houses. |
3. To write to Essex and Manchester concerning sending some forces to
Basing House if it may stand with the former directions of this
Committee. |
4. To write to Sir James Harrington to advance speedily to the Earl of
Manchester. |
5. That Col. Jephson do attend in the afternoon about the business of
Portsmouth. |
6. That an abstract of such part of the Lord General's letter as concerns
Plymouth be sent to the Committee of Plymouth, which is to answer
whether they will maintain the Kentish regiment or procure an
assignment from the House [of Commons], and that they be likewise
desired to return their advice concerning all such particulars as have
been referred to them from this Committee. |
7. That the letter from the Committee of Essex be reported to the House
[of Commons]. |
8. That it be reported to the Commons that the Ordinance of 15th June,
granting power to the Committee of the Militia of London, may be
enlarged, and to put the House in mind of two other Ordinances of
the City that lie in the House to be passed. |
9. That the Militia be desired to hasten away gunpowder for the City
brigade. |
10. That the letter from the Committee at Abingdon be referred to the
Committee of the 3 cos. [Oxon., Berks., and Bucks.]. |
11. To write to Manchester concerning sending some forces to Banbury,
[the letter] to be conceived in general terms as that to Basing. |
12. That it be reported to the House [of Commons] to send to the Commissioners of Excise to hasten the payment of the 500l. assigned to
the Waggon-master General that he may send away the remainder of
the Lord General's train of artillery and other carriages. |
13. Warrant for lending 600 muskets, whereof 300 to be snaphances, and
400 pikes to the Committee of the 3 cos. [Oxon., Berks., and Bucks.]
for the service of those counties. |
14. That it be referred to the sub-committee to consider of the names of
some of every province in Ireland to be added to the sub-committee
of Adventurers for Irish affairs, and to offer to this Committee a draft
of the power to be given to them. |
15. That the petition of Sir Arthur Loftus be referred to the sub-committee
for Ireland. |
Afternoon.—Ordered, |
16. That the Lord General's letter of the 15th, concerning [the Quartermaster] Dalbier, be sent to the Committee for reforming Essex's
army. |
17. That 20l. weekly be provided for defraying Mr. Crew's charges besides
the coach hire. |
18. That the sending of the letter to the Earl of Manchester concerning
Banbury be forborne for the present. |
19. To write to Sir James Harrington giving him notice of the King's
advance, and desiring him to march with all expedition. The Militia
to be desired to hasten away the rest of the City forces, also their
ammunition. |
20. That the declaration concerning the proceedings of the Dutch Ambassadors be referred to Sir H. Vane, senr., and Lord Maitland to
see if it be well translated, and whether it be to be printed or no. |
21. To write to Essex, Manchester, and Waller, informing them that this
Committee has sent Lord Warriston and Mr. Crew with instructions
for managing the war, and desiring their unanimous concurrence
therein for its better prosecution. |
22. That the warrant for halberds, drums, &c., for the Lord General be
signed. |
23. Mem.—That Mr. Vassall and Mr. Bence do attend to-morrow at 8 a.m.
to speak with this Committee about the pistols which should have
been sent to the Lord General. |
24. That the Lord General's letter and Sir A. Haselrigg's, except the latter
portion, be reported to the [Commons'] House. |
25. To write to Deputy Governor Ireton, or in his absence the officer in
command of the forces before Crowland, likewise to the Committees,
to keep their forces together. |
26. That the state of Major Balfour's troop be represented to the House. |
[Interregnum 7 E., pp. 234–236.] |
October 16. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Lord General [Essex]
and Edward Earl of Manchester. The House of Commons has
recommended to this Committee that some of your Lordships'
forces should be sent to the siege of Basing [House] for the reducing of that garrison, which is a service of very great concernment. We desire you being on the spot, and knowing best the
state of your forces, to send some thither such as you think fit, so
as it may stand with the safety of our other affairs of which we
wrote to you before. Sent by Mr. Boyce, the Lord General's messenger. [Printed in Soc. Cambd., N. S. xii., p. 47. Interregnum,
19 E., p. 90. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 16. Derby House. |
The same to Sir James Harrington. We understand you are at
Colnbrook with a great part of your brigade, and the rest upon
the way. We have sent orders both to the Committee of the Militia
and to their several sub-committees to hasten away the rest which
are behind in town to join you. Meantime we desire you, with all
expedition, to march up to Manchester's army at Reading or elsewhere without tarrying upon any occasion, that the designs of the
army may neither be lost nor retarded by want of your forces or
attending your coming up. We shall endeavour to have you so furnished with ammunition, as the want thereof may not hinder your
service. Certify us from time to time of your marching, and where
you are. Sent as above. [Ibid., p. 91. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 16. Derby House. |
The same to the Lord General [Essex]. We formerly wrote to
you to join your forces with those of Manchester and Waller in the
most convenient place for opposing the enemy's forces and keeping
them westward. We have now, in accordance with the intimation
of our former letters, sent to you two of our number, Lord Warriston and Mr. Crew, with instructions for the better carrying on
of the war, and keeping up a good intelligence and correspondence
between you, wherein we are confident you will be ready to concur,
and to contribute your endeavours for managing the war to the
best advantage of the public service. Sent by Lord Warriston and
Mr. Crew. [Ibid, Copy. ½ p.] |
October 16. |
The like to the Earl of Manchester and Sir Wm. Waller, mutatis
mutandis. [Ibid. Minute,] |
October 17. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Northumberland and Loudoun, Lords Wharton
and Maitland, the two Vanes, Sir G. Gerard, Sir Cha. Erskine, and
Messrs. Pierrepont and Barclay. Ordered, |
1. That the Earl of Manchester's letter of the 16th instant from Aldermaston be reported to both Houses. |
2. That Sir Wm. Balfour's letter of the 15th be reported to the [Commons']
House. |
3. That the way of despatching the declaration concerning the escape and
apprehending of [Conor] Maguire [Lord of Inniskillen] and [Hugh]
MacMahon be taken into consideration by a sub-committee consisting
of Lord Maitland and Sir H. Vane, senr., on Saturday morning. |
4. That the sending of a Minister into France be considered by the subcommittee, and that the Earl of Northumberland be added to it. |
5. That the preamble and conclusion of the Propositions of Peace as they
are now drawn be reported to the [Commons'] House. |
[Interregnum, E 7, p. 236, 237.] |
October 17. Andover. |
Sir Wm. Waller to the Committee of both kingdoms. I have
little to add to the news we sent you last night. I shall only at
present offer my humble opinion that the release of Sir John Hurry,
with permission for his return to me, may prove of great advantage
to your service many ways. I have full confidence in his fidelity, and
this would be an obligation to the gentlemen of his nation who are
with me, and an encouragement to many on the other side to come
over to us besides a quickening to the main business. I humbly
submit this to your Lordships' judgment. So soon as the King
moves, I will not fail to give you further advertisements. [Interregnum 17 E., p. 64. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 17. Wirehall. [Wirral.] |
Sir Wm. Brereton to the same. On the 5th present we marched
with the forces belonging to this county [Cheshire] to Stanney in
Wirral, where we quartered till Tuesday the 8th, having taken in
Brinston [Brimstage] Tower in Wirral on Saturday wherein the
enemy kept a small garrison, but foresook it upon the news of our
approach, leaving behing in it the provisions intended for the
relief of Liverpool. On Tuesday we removed to Tramnole
[Tranmore] opposite Liverpool, about ½ mile from the water side,
where we have quartered these 7 days, expecting almost daily that
the town would be delivered up. With this object Sir John
Meldrum has been in treaty diverse days. and sent to me for the
aid of Lieut Col. Coote, son of Sir Charles Coote, to be imployed
in this treaty, but though they did not make use of him, yet
diverse of the old soldiers from Ireland who knew him came out
of the town over the works to him, as others did to Lieut.-Col.
Jones, and they report that many others would follow their
example if only they can find opportunity. Most of the soldiers in
the town, except only the Papists and Irish rebels, desire that
Liverpool may be surrendered [to the Parliament], but the officers
have very subtilely spun out the time, as though they intended to
attempt an escape and to break through the leaguer. I hope a
little time will produce much. In my former letters I was bold to
desire that two or three regiments of the Scots might be imployed
to assist in the taking in of Chester, which is in a condition likely
to be reduced if there were a considerable party on the other side
of the river [Dee] in Wales to block the enemy up, they being in
great want of gunpowder. Should they be strengthened and supplied with men and ammunition, it might prove a far more difficult
work to reduce the town than now. Having recommended this to
your wisedoms, I shall not presume to enlarge further thereon, but
submit myself wholly to be disposed of at your service. [Ibid.,
pp. 64–66. Copy = 12/3 p.] |
October 18. |
19. Ordinance of Lords and Commons in Parliament. Whereas
by an Ordinance of 29th August the Commissioners of Excise were
required to pay 2,000l. monthly for six months to Sir Walter Erle,
Lieutenant of the Ordnance, for provision of arms and ammunition,
to begin 9th July last, and the Commissioners of Excise, by an
order of 3rd Sept., were enjoined to comply punctually, and to
abate the same out of other assignments rather than that so
necessary a service should fail, of which sum the Commissioners
have advanced 1,000l. A contract having since been entered into
with Wm. Courten and Wm. Toomes and others, by the Committee
of the Navy, for several quantities of saltpetre to the value of
12,000l., payable by 1,500l. per month, of which the 1,000l. already
paid is to be accepted as part and to be deducted out of the first
month's payment. It is hereby ordered that the receipts of Excise
shall be chargeable with payment of the remaining 11,000l.,
according to the particulars here specified. It is further ordered
that Sir Walter Erle shall be authorized to give monthly receipts
for the said 12,000l., which shall be a sufficient discharge to the
Commissioners of Excise, and that the Ordinances of 29th Aug.
and 3rd September last shall be void. [Certified copy. 1¾ p.] |
October 18. |
20. Pamphlet containing Ordinance of Parliament for raising
80,000l. by a weekly assessment in England and Wales, for relief
of the British army in Ireland, and to continue for 12 months from
1st Sept. 1644. [Endorsed: "For Mr. John Lilkbridge, at Stow."
Printed for Edw. Husband, printer to the House of Commons,
and sold at his shop, the 'Golden Dragon,' in Fleet street, near the
Inner Temple, 22nd Feb. 1645. 29 pp.] |
October 18. Elswick. |
21. Conditions whereupon the surrender of the town, castle, and
forts of Newcastle, with their stores, are demanded by his
Excellence the Earl of Leven, Lord General of the Scots' army, to be
kept for the use of his Majesty and the Parliament of England.
1. Officers and soldiers who desire to go out of the town shall
have liberty to pass with their arms, horses, and baggage to what
place they please not already beleaguered, and shall have a safe
convoy thither, it being within 60 miles of this, and shall be
accommodated with draughts in their march. 2. The like for all
strangers, sojourners, or residents who desire to leave the town.
3. Sick and hurt soldiers shall have all necessary accommodation
until their recovery, and then shall have safe conduct as aforesaid.
4. The citizens and inhabitants shall have their persons, families,
houses, and goods kept from violence, and shall have the same
liberty of trade and commerce as any other town reduced to the
obedience of the King and Parliament. 5. Their liberties and
jurisdiction shall be preserved inviolate conformably to their
ancient charters. 6. If any of the citizens or others within the
town desire to go and live in their country houses, they shall have
protection and safeguard for their persons and estates. 7. No free
billet shall be granted upon any of the inhabitants without their
consent. 8. The army shall not enter the town, but only a competent garrison. [Seal with crest. Copy. 1⅓ p.] |
October 18. Portsmouth. |
Lord General Essex to the Committee of both kingdoms. It
being Wednesday night before all the regiments were clothed and
armed, I appointed yesterday for our march, but some of them not
arriving in time, I was fain to appoint the rendezvous to be this
morning on Portsdown Hill, and so to march either to Petersfield
or East Meon, for in regard the King comes on apace, and has
gained a day more by yesterday's hinderance, I shall march more
to the right hand towards Alton, for our safe meeting with the
Earl of Manchester, as to go nearer to Winchester would not be
convenient, [for fear of] the King's horse getting between us and
our horse. [Interregnum 17 E., p. 66. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 18. Abingdon. |
Major-Genl. Richard Browne to the same. I conceive it my
duty to acquaint you that a scout assures me that the King was
yesterday in Salisbury with his foot, and his horse quartered in
the villages on this side, and that Sir W. Waller was then at
Andover. This man, who has spent 7 days in the King's quarters,
reports that the only design of the royal army was for Abingdon,
though their horse may go out of the direct course as a blind. I
have very lately acquainted you with our condition, which is still
the same. I will do my best for the security of this place,
although in very ill condition. P.S.—This intelligencer further
reports that the King has there summoned all men between 16 and
60 to his assistance, and that he saw 1,000 appear in one day
accordingly. That the Royalists report their number to be 20,000,
and he verily believes them not fewer than 16,000, whereof 8,000
are horse. That there is a project for framing and sending to the
Parliament a petition for peace, which unless it be accepted they
are resolved to maintain the King in this war. [Ibid, p. 67.
Copy. 1 p.] |
October 18. Gloucester. |
Col. Edw. Massie to the same. Two days since I wrote to you
from Monmouth giving a particular relation of our good success at
Beachley upon Sunday the 13th, and acquainted you with our
present condition and necessities, beseeching you to consider thereof.
In addition to the 500l. already granted, I beg you would be
pleased to order that a supplementary grant may be assigned us,
that so the necessities of my regiment of horse, being great, may
be relieved, and the men clothed for this winter service, which
exposes them to great difficulties and toil. As for my own particular
I find by the Committee here [at Gloucester] they cannot of themselves settle or allow me any maintenance, there being no Ordinance
of Parliament passed for the settling of any allowance for me as
Governor. Therefore, if your Honours intend to establish me
therein, I desire that both that may be settled by Ordinance of
Parliament, and the power and command I conceived I had as
commander of a brigade and of the forces in Gloucester may be
confirmed likewise by an Ordinance to me, if such be the intentions
of the Parliament. Further, I would desire that all such general
officers both of the artillery and other branches of the army, as I
know to be absolutely necessary for a brigade and fit for the
furtherance of the service, may by your authority be confirmed,
and directions given for their entertainment which is now in
suspense, so that my authority may no longer be in question or
dispute. I humbly desire your resolutions concerning this place
and your meaning therein, whether you intend to maintain such a
force in Gloucester as may only support itself, or one that may be
of service to relieve the rest of the outlying garrisons lying far
remote. This place being situated upon so great a pass is fit to be
furnished with a brigade not only for securing the smaller garrisons
but for hindering the enemy's march, contributions, levies, and
recruits, and for such like services of advantage to the public. If
such brigade be found necessary and supports for it cannot be
furnished by this county (as by your commands to the Committee
here for an account thereof would appear), that the House [of
Commons] would then take into consideration an order that the
deficiencies may be supplied elsewhere, and that speedily; before
such forces as are short of pay or provision be forced to disband
through want. This want has hitherto chiefly been experienced by
myself, officers, and horse troops, we having not received three days'
pay in all from the Committee here since our first coming. I
further desire that the Parliament, if they so intend it, would
settle the Militia and the power thereof upon me, and so save all
grounds of dispute; and in passing of such Ordinance that the
Houses would consider whether it be not requisite that the issuing
of the money raised by the Committee may not somewhat
respect me; as to men of action there are various occasions
of expense hourly happening for which no rule can be set down.
There is a manifest inconsistency between the settlement of the
Militia and the disposal of the money being in two men's power, for
if the money may not issue without the Committee's being privy
to any extraordinary design, the Militia cannot stir but when the
Committee pleases and approves the design, and so consequently
the power granted to me over the Militia will be lame and altogether
useless. And yet for manifesting the clearness of my own desires
herein, I shall be ready to render to the Committee a just account
of the money so disbursed immediately after the performance of
the design for which it was required. I have been so far from
advancing to myself anything by those ways that for the promoting
of all designs I have expended all mine own proper estate without
any satisfaction at all made to me by any, as the accompts of
Gloucester will sufficiently manifest. Even of the gratuity conferred upon me by the Parliament a great part is already expended
and the rest must follow if my present condition be not redressed
by your gentle hands. I am a further suitor to the House [of
Commons] that such persons in this county, as supplied us in the
time of our extremity, and are well affected, may have the public
faith for the sums advanced by them, or that the Committee here
may deduct such loans out of their five and twentieth part, which
the Committee here conceive they have not power to do without an
especial Ordinance, they being established in their power since
the time of such loans. This defect of justice in the Committee
occasions some dislike in the country, and reflects so much upon my
honesty in their opinions, that it concerns me to see the same removed if possible, which is but a request of justice and conscience.
Lastly, you may please to take notice of the enemy's endeavours
again to possess themselves of Monmouth, to which end all the
forces of South Wales which are marchable under the command of
Lieut.-Genl. [Sir Chas.] Gerard, are now come down as far as
Abbergeny [Abergavenny], Usk, and Ragland, and it is to be supposed that all the force Prince Rupert can make [up] will endeavour
also to fall upon the same, and to repossess themselves of Beachley,
for without these [places] South Wales will be but of little consideration to the enemy, and therefore they will more fiercely set
upon this design. My great want is foot, having [too] few men to keep
so many places as we have obtained and now possess, and I see no
encouragement as yet given to Col. Harley or any other to raise a
force upon which hope my aim in taking Monmouth depended, and
hearing that your Honours have taken care in electing a Governor
[Col. Edward Harley], I hope that you will also be pleased to afford
him a present strength for the furtherance of his establishment if
any such be [intended], or that provision be made for Col. Edw.
Harley for that purpose. I humbly desire a speedy determination
herein from your Honours, to whose service I am devoted. [Ibid.,
pp. 68–71. Copy. 4 pp.] |
October 19. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Warwick and Loudoun, Lords Wharton and
Maitland, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir G. Gerard, Sir H. Vane, jun., and
Messrs. Pierrepont, Kennedy, and Barclay. Ordered, |
1. That the letter to the Governor of Aylesbury now read be despatched. |
2. That it be reported to the [Commons'] House that further provision
may be made for Manchester's army, and the Committee appointed
to consider thereof be desired to make their report. |
3. That Lord Robartes letter of the 26th ult. be sent to the Committee of
the West. |
4. To write to the Committee of Cambridge either to put a regiment of
foot and two troops of horse of the recruits of Manchester's army into
the Isle of Ely, or else to raise a new regiment. |
5. That a warrant be issued for 500 sacre shot, 500 minion shot, 500
falcon shot, 60 firelocks, 2 last of gunpowder, 1 tun of match, and 10
barrels of small shot to be delivered to Capt. Howell to be sent to
Guernsey. |
6. That it be reported to the [Commons'] House that the stores may be
supplied. |
7. That a warrant be issued for 60 barrels of powder, 400 demi-culverin
[shot], 400 sacre, 100 drakes, 50 sacre case, 50 demi-culverin case,
100 wheelbarrows, 300 spades and shovels, and 100 grenades to be
sent to Farnham, and that the [as]say master do first go and make
trial of the gunpowder. |
8. That the Committee of Grocers' Hall be desired to speed away Capt.
Jephson's company and Bannister's troop of horse. |
9. That the Committee of Grocers' Hall do sit on Wednesday next, in
regard the Committee is to send to them at that time some further
directions. |
10. That the Lord Admiral, Mr. Solicitor, and Sir Ph. Stapleton be added
to the sub-committee for Irish affairs. |
11. That the Committee of the Navy be again desired to hasten away the
winter guard that is to go northward. |
12. That the House [of Commons] be desired to quicken the Committee
of the Navy in hastening away the winter guard that is to go northward. |
13. At the Committee of both kingdoms at Derby House. Whereas the
Committee is informed by letters of Lord Inchiquin to the Lord
Admiral, that there are some Bristol ships to arrive at Kinsale or
some other port in Munster from the West Indies, and that it is
propounded by some interested that the customs being satisfied in the
first place, they may land their goods there, as a pledge or security
that their ships should not return to Bristol till the said town be
reduced to the obedience of the King and Parliament; but that they
should be employed in the Parliament's service, if they may be
entertained, or otherwise to trade into ports under the Parliament's
obedience, which being conceived a good means to advantage the
Protestant party in Ireland, and prevent the employment of the
ships and goods another way. It is therefore this day ordered, that
the Lord Admiral [Warwick] be desired to give authority to Lord
Inchiquin to proceed accordingly, and that he give passes to the said
ships to trade with ports in amity with the Parliament; the goods
being first deposited as aforesaid. Signed in the name of the Committee P. Wharton and Londoun. |
14. That it be recommended to the Committee of the Navy to take into
the service of the State Lord Inchiquin's frigate " the Charles," for
a packet-boat to go to and again as a man-of-war, and that they
take order to pay the mariners for six months and victual her
speedily from Portsmouth where she now is, for six months to come,
for 30 men, that she may be presently sent away with the despatches
of this Committee. |
15. That the [Earl of Londoun] Lord Chancellor [of Scotland] be desired
to think of the reasons for raising forces in the counties, that Sir
Ph. Stapleton do attend him, and that they make report to this Committee. |
16. That a warrant be issued for delivery of the Lord General's drums to
the commissaries and conductors of the train. |
17. That Mr. Bence and Mr. Vassall do attend on Monday morning. |
18. That the business concerning the boats of the Isle of Wight be referred
to the Lord Admiral. |
19. To write to Sir John Gell about Col. Hutchinson's design to deliver up
the Castle of Nottingham. |
20. That thanks be returned to the Prince Elector by Lord Maitland and the
Lord Admiral, for his respects to the Parliament and kingdom,
expressed in his answer to the King, and that the same be sent to
the Lord General, when the Prince shall send it hither again. |
21. To write to the Committee with the army and to Sir W. Waller, who are
upon the spot, to give their opinions concerning the desire expressed
in Sir Wm.'s letter about Sir John Hurry. |
22. That the letter written to the Earl of Pembroke concerning the Isle of
Wight be reported to both Houses. |
23. That the business of Gloucester be considered on Wednesday. |
24. To write to the Lord General and the rest of the Committee at the
army to spare such forces as they think best for the garrisons of
Arundel, Chichester, Southampton, and Portsmouth. |
25. That the business of the northern affairs be considered on Monday
afternoon next. |
26. That Mr. Wallop be desired to come up to this Committee. |
27. That it be reported to the House [of Commons] that in regard all
Kesteven and most of Holland are under the contribution of the
enemy, and that Lindsey, which is but one Division of the county
[of Lincoln], and thereunto the enemy makes frequent inroads, which
hinder the levying of any assessment, and all the assessments are
anticipated by free quarter, and that for these reasons some money
may be provided for Lincolnshire. |
28. That the condition of the waggoners of the Lord General's army be
reported to the [Commons'] House. |
29. That Major-General Skippon's surgeon be again recommended. |
30. That it be recommended to the [Commons'] House that 100l. of Major
Sparrow's arrears may be paid to him in respect he has been wounded
and has nothing to pay his surgeons nor for his lodging. |
31. That 50 pair of pistols, brought into the office of Ordnance by Mr.
Pickering in June last, for which Mr. Falkiner gave out a receipt,
be delivered to Col. Thornton for the arming of his troop according
to the Commons' order of 15th instant. |
[Interregnum 7 E., pp. 237-240.] |
October 19. Reading. |
Sir James Harrington to the Earl of Northumberland at the
Committee of both kingdoms. I am and shall be punctual in the
observance of your Lordship's commands. Since your order for
quartering at Colebrook [Colnbrook], and moving towards the west,
some part of the brigade has been every day, notwithstanding the
unseasonableness of the weather, in motion; neither have I been
less obedient to the directions of the Earl of Manchester, by whose
appointment the whole brigade is quartered at Reading, attending
yours and his further commands. The first meeting and concentration of the regiments into a brigade was on Thursday last in
Maidenhead thicket, our numbers I then judged to be 3,000, from
whence that night we marched to Reading, where we hope in a
day or two our companies, which are yet thin, will be 4,000
complete, if our Committee in London force out our defaulters. We
desire still to remind you of a supply of ammunition [required],
our City soldiers in their daily exercise and guards unavoidably
lessening much our provisions. P.S.—I received yours of the 16th
from the Earl of Manchester this last night. [Interregnum 17 E.,
p. 72. Copy. 1 p.] |
October 19. Petersfield. |
Lord General Essex to the Committee of both kingdoms. I came
hither last night from Portsmouth, having a great desire to join
quickly that we may give you some account of our actions. I
gave you an account by old Hanbury yesterday of the reason of
my taking this way, but by reason of its length and the weakness
of the teams I intended to have stayed here to-day to gather up
the scattered forces, never a regiment but my own coming up near
their number, yet understanding by letter from the Earl of Manchester that the King was advancing within three or four miles of
Andover with his whole army, before Sir Wm. Waller, who was
there, had notice of it, and this being the direct way to Basing,
where Manchester with his forces is, makes me march [at once]
towards him, I intending to be at Alton this night, choosing
rather to hazard many men, who are coming up, than not quickly
to draw to a head, fearing that our soldiers, being used to make
retreats, will not be ready to make a stand when they should. I
doubt not when we are together the enemy will not be so hasty to
come on, but if they do we will give them the best entertainment
we can. I shall second my suit to you for [Quartermaster] Dalbier
to be sent down, and if more saddles and pistols were sent to
Farnham it would be a great encouragement to my horse and service
to the Parliament. Portsmouth and Southampton are in a very
sad condition, being but weakly manned, and the former without
money. At my coming away I offered the mayor and aldermen
that if they would lend any money for the use of the town I would
secure it out of my own estate till the Parliament repaid it, but they
either wanted power or will, for they would not lend any. [Ibid.,
p. 73. Copy. 1 p.] |
October 19. Basingstoke. |
Edw. Earl of Manchester to the same. In accord with advice
from Sir Wm. Waller, and in order to effect a junction with the
Lord General, I marched for Basingstoke, where I arrived on
Thursday. Yesternight late I received a very hot alarm from
Sir Wm.'s quarters that the King, with all his army, was come to
Andover, and that he was forced to quit his quarters and retreat
towards me, whereupon I drew out my foot, and such horse as
were with me, in order to have done the best service I could for
Sir William's security; but, blessed be God, he is safely retreated
hither with little or no loss. Sir Wm. Balfour is likewise come
hither with the Lord General's horse. Upon this alarm I sent to
advertise the Lord General of it, and to desire his speedy advance,
who, notwithstanding some difficulties, is marched this night to
Alton. Upon this sudden occasion I took upon me to write to
Sir James Harrington to desire him to bring up four of the City
regiments hither to me. I thought it necessary, for the safety of
Reading to leave one regiment there. If I have erred in this I
humbly ask your pardon. I do not hear that the King marches
this day, only I hear that some of his horse were drawn up about
Whitchurch. I shall be glad to receive your commands. P.S. by
Sir Archibald Johnstone, of Warriston, and John Crew, M.P.—
We are both now come hither, and therefore can give your Lordships no further intelligence than what is contained in this
letter. We are glad to hear that the City regiments are come so
near, and doubt not you will give the Earl of Manchester thanks
for that [which] he desires your pardon. [Printed in Soc. Cambd.,
New Series xii., pp. 47, 48. Ibid., p. 75. Copy. 1 p.] |
October 19. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to Sir Wm. Waller. We have
received yours of the 17th inst. from Andover, and as to that
part concerning Sir John Hurry we account it a tender point, and
therefore have thought fit to recommend the consideration of it
to yourself and the rest of the Committee there, who being upon
the place can best judge what use may be made of him there, and
when we shall receive your opinions therein we shall either send
him to you or otherwise as shall be thought fit. Sent by Potter.
[Interregnum 19 E., p. 92. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 19. |
The like to the Lord General [Essex] and the rest of the Committee of both kingdoms in the army, mutatis mutandis, and
adding the following letter. [Ibid. Minute.] |
October 19. Derby House. |
The same to the Lord General [Essex] and the rest of the Committee of both kingdoms in the army. We have received some
informations which we send enclosed concerning the garrisons of
Portsmouth, Southampton, Arundel, and Chichester, desiring that
they may be supplied with foot, the necessity whereof we leave to
your Lordship's consideration, and to supply them as you shall see
occasion. Sent as above. [Ibid. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 19. Derby House. |
The same to the Committee of the E. Association at Cambridge.
We have received yours of the 10th and 16th, representing the
danger to the Isle of Ely; for security whereof we desire you to
put into it 700 or 800 of the Earl of Manchester's recruits, which
are yet behind, or else to raise and put in a new regiment. We
desire that you will effectually and expeditiously do it for security
of that place and of the Association. Sent by Butler. [Ibid.,p. 93.
Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 19. Derby House. |
The same to Col. Fleetwood. In regard of the danger that
Lincolnshire is now in from the enemy, we recommend the security
thereof to your special care. We desire you to keep good correspondence with Mr. Hatcher, the Governor of Lincoln, and with
all diligence to make the best improvement you can of your forces
for the good of those parts and the service you are now upon.
Delivered to Butler for Mr. Bury. [Ibid. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 19. Derby House. |
The same to Ferd. Lord Fairfax. In regard of the danger that
Lincolnshire is now in from the enemy thereabouts we desire
that those horse of yours, which are in that county, may continue
there until those parts shall be in some better security. Sent as
above. [Ibid. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 19. Derby House. |
The same to Col. Martin, Governor of Aylesbury. We wrote to
you on the 28th September that, in regard to the information we
had of Sir Thos. Glemham coming that way, you should send all
your horse and dragoons which could be spared to the rendezvous
appointed by Lieut.-Genl. Cromwell, to join with him against the
enemy, which [danger] being now taken away you may recall such
as shall be necessary for your own service and leave there still
such as you can spare. Sent by John Priestley. [Ibid., p. 94.
Copy. ½ p.] |
October 19. Derby House. |
The same to Sir John Gell. We understand you have received
a letter under Mr Millington's hand and some others, wherein was
expressed that Col. [John] Hutchinson and his brother had a
design to deliver up the Castle of Nottingham to the enemy, and
that the Colonel was committed for it at London. If you have
received or heard any such thing we desire you to send up the
letter and give an account to this Committee speedily of what you
know in the business by this messenger. Sent by Col. Hutchinson.
[Ibid. Copy. ½ p.] |
[October 20?] |
22. [The King to Queen Henrietta Maria.] Deare Hart, I hope
before this can come to thee thou wilt receave 3 letters from me
by [Monsr. de] Sabran's conveyance (whom I dispached Sonday
last); who although he condemes the Rebelles proceedings as
much as any, yet he declares in his Maisters name a positive
Newtrality, so that ether he complyes not with his Instructions, or
france is not so much our frend as we hope for; I rather thinke the
later; yet I dout not but thy dexterity will cure that couldness of
frendship, which in my opinion will be the easier done, if thou
make the cheefe treaty for our assistance betwixt thee & the Q[ueen]
R[egent] in a familliar obliging way; & withall showing all
possible respect & trust to those Ministers whom she most esteemes;
it being impossible, but they must rather aplaude, then dislyke,
thy familiarity with theire Mistris, & by it, thou may prevent
any trickes they may put upon thee; as for the affaires heere, wee
ar in no good state, that I am confident the Rebelles (though all
their strenthes ar now united) cannot afront us, & when my
Nepueu Rupert comes to me, (whom I certainly expect in few dayes)
I hope to be able to choose freshe Winter Quarters, but where I am
not yet resolved, for which occasion & oportunitie must direct
mee. [Endorsed: "Copy of the King's letter to the Queen. Read
1st November. To be printed." It is numbered 8, showing it to
have been one of a series of papers probably submitted to Parliament. It was certainly written in October 1644, a few days
before the second battle of Newbury, fought 27 October 1644.
Holograph, 1 p.] |
October 20. York House. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day. Present,
Earls of Warwick, Northumberland, and Loudoun, Lords Wharton
and Maitland, Sir H. Vane, junr., Sir G. Gerard, Sir Ph. Stapleton,
Sir Chas Erskine, and Messrs. Kennedy and Barclay. Ordered, |
1. That the Worcestershire gentlemen of the House [of Commons] be
prayed to come to this Committee to-morrow morning at Derby
House. |
2. That copies of the Lord General's letters, excepting that part which
mentions the condition of Portsmouth and Southampton, be reported
to both Houses, also Waller's letter, leaving out that part which
concerns Evesham. |
3. That the cause of delay in delivering the letter to Major-General
Browne of the 12th inst. be examined into. |
4. That Mr. Ball and others of the Committee of the 3 cos. [Oxon., Berks.,
and Bucks.] do attend to morrow at 8 a.m. |
5. To write to his Excellency [Essex] and the rest of the Committee at the
army, enclosing that part of Major-Genl. Browne's letter which
concerns the King's coming to Abingdon, and to let him know of
the intention of this Committee to report to the House [of Commons]
his Lordship's desire for pistols, and concerning Dalbier. |
6. That the Militia be desired to hasten up the remainder of their forces
and to send ammunition to Sir James Harrington with all expedition, in respect of the King's advance to Andover. |
[Interregnum 7 E, p. 240.] |
October 20. Basingstoke. |
Sir Archibald Johnstone, Lord Warristoun, and John Carew, M.P.,
to the Committee of both kingdoms. The King's forces marched
upon Friday from Salisbury to Andover. They kept the field that
night, and yet marched yesterday to Whitchurch, within ten
miles of this place. The King making such haste, we think it
necessary to have our forces joined, that upon any engagement
they may be ready to come into the field and choose their ground.
That we may the more effectually represent to his Excellency the
Lord General what we know of our own forces, and what we hear
of the King's, and in order to hasten the uniting of our forces, we
are going immediately to Alton to attend him. P.S.—We beseech
you to send 40 loads of cheese and proportionable biscuit to
Farnham, also 5 or 6 tons of match and as many [of] musket bullets
with all speed. [Interregnum 17 E., p. 75. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 20. Basingstoke. |
Sir Wm. Waller and others to the same. Yesterday we gave
you an account of the King's coming to Andover, and of the
skirmish our horse had with the enemy, Balfour's and Manchester's
being behind us, and of our orderly retreat, bringing a brave body
of horse safe to Basing, but we are not well armed. Last night
the King with his train went to Winchester. The Lord General
resolved not to have marched yesterday, but having advertisement
from us and the Earl of Manchester he came to Alton. The City
forces are near us. You may now look upon the forces as joined.
We hope there will be a battle shortly; to our understandings it
cannot be avoided. We desire the prayers of all our friends. We
trust more in that than our army. We will observe your commands. P.S.—800 suits of clothes will serve us for the present.
If his Excellency has any to spare we fain would borrow them; it
would be very seasonable and comfortable to the poor creatures,
who are so pitiful an object that the like is not to be seen in
England. We entreat that the guards may strictly examine all
soldiers coming to London, and that those may be sent back who
have not passes under the hands of chief officers. Now your
forces are met we have cause to fear the want of provisions. We
entreat you that 10 loads of cheese and bread proportionable may
be forthwith sent to Farnham. If we keep the fields and want
victuals we shall be undone. It is no little grief to us that our
poor dragoons go naked this weather. Oh! that they might be
thought upon for clothes. We can but inform [you of their
wants], it is not in our power to help them. [Ibid, pp. 76, 77.
Copy. 1¼ p.] |
October 20. York House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Lord General Essex, &c.,
and the Committee of both kingdoms in the army. We send
enclosed a copy of the intelligence we received from Major-General
Browne, concerning the King's design for [surprising] Abingdon,
which we desire you to consider, and to have an eye to the preservation thereof. We will take care that the Lord General's
desire for [a supply of] saddles and pistols, and concerning
Quartermaster-General Dalbier, may be reported to the Houses of
Parliament. Sent by the Earl of Manchester's scout. [Interregnum
19 E., p. 95. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 20. York House. |
The same to Robert Wallop. Diverse of the members of this
Committee are absent upon necessary occasions, and some are
sent to the Committee at the army, so that many times this Committee does not meet for want of a quorum, which may tend much
to the prejudice of the public service, if there should not be
upon all occasions a full Committee, as the posture of affairs now
stands. We therefore earnestly desire you all excuses laid aside
to repair thither with all possible expedition. Sent as above.
[Ibid. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 21. Derby House. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Warwick and Loudoun, Lords Say, Wharton, and
Maitland, Sir H. Vane, junr., Sir G. Gerard, Sir Ph. Stapleton,
Sir Chas. Erskine, and Messrs. Kennedy and Barclay. Ordered, |
1. Mem.—That letters from the Commissioners at the army, the Earl of
Manchester and Sir Wm. Waller, were reported to the [Commons']
House, though there was not a full Committee. |
Afternoon.—Ordered, |
2. To write to Col. Fleetwood to keep an eye upon the motions of the
enemy, to send [him] enclosed a copy of Col. Fiennes' letter, and desire
him with his forces to attend their motions, if they shall come towards
Banbury and those parts, and to let them [him] know that this Committee has written according to desire to the Committees of Notes.,
Derby, &c. |
3. To write to the Committees of Notts., Derby, Leicester, and Rutland to
send what forces they can spare to the fortifying of Grantham. |
4. To acquaint the commanders of the forces before Banbury with what is
written to Col. Fleetwood, &c. |
5. To write to cos. Surrey, Sussex, and Hants. to send up provisions to the
armies. |
6. To certify Major-Genl. Browne that this Committee has advertised the
Generals and the Committee concerning the King's design for
Abingdon, and desire him to have a care of that place. |
7. That 60,000l. be now appointed to be distributed for the affairs of
Ireland, and that the remaining 20,000l. be reserved in readiness to be
employed as the exigencies of Ireland shall require. That of this
60,000l. there be appointed 42,000l. for Ulster, 10,000l. for Munster,
and 8,000l. for Connaught and Duncannon. That of this latter 8,000l.
there shall be 2,500l. for Duncannon, and the remaining 5,500l. for
Connaught. That the sub-committee do inform this Committee in
what proportions they conceive these moneys are to be laid out, viz.,
how much in clothes, how much in ammunition, arms, and victuals,
&c. That the propositions here offered by the gentlemen of Ireland of
the rates and prices of arms, ammunition, clothes, victuals, and of
the time for providing the same and sending them away together,
also the time of payment for those which are to be delivered there
at these rates without further charge or adventure be likewise
sent to the sub-committee. And to be informed from them if they
know any who will furnish the said commodities (with all the circumstances expressed) upon better terms for the good of the service. And
to deliver their opinions upon the whole. That the petition of Commissary Clayton be referred to the consideration of the sub-committee.
As also the petition of Anthony Welden and that [of] Henry Cope,
and the information concerning Sir Wm. Hamilton's company. That
it be referred to the sub-committee to consider of Sir Frederick
Hamilton's service, and of what proportion of the money that is to
come in upon the assessment for Ireland shall be assigned to him.
That the sub-committee do with all convenient speed return their
answer to this Committee, for that expedition is so necessary in this
work. |
8. That the Windsor business be considered on Wednesday, and the subcommittee make the report. |
9. That it be reported to the [Commons'] House that the Ordinance of
Parliament for 6 months' assessments within the lines of communication may be passed. And the Ordinance of 15th June for enlargement of the power granted to the Militia to be continued during the
pleasure of the Parliament, with additional power to impose horse
upon such as they conceive able according to the desire of the Common
Council, and that the necessity hereof be represented to the [Commons']
House. |
10. That it be reported to the [Commons'] House that liberty be granted
for sending victuals and fuel to Dublin according as is desired in
the propositions given in to this Committee. |
11. That such officers as are employed in the service of Ireland do take the
Covenant, and that it be presently intimated to the gentlemen of
Ireland. |
[Interregnum 7 E., pp. 241–243.] |
October 21. Basingstoke. |
Sir Archibald Johnstone, Lord Warristoun, and John Crew, M.P.,
to the Committee of both kingdoms. Last night the Lord General
[Essex] came back hither with us, being assured by us of the
nearness of the King's forces, and within two hours of his coming
to Alton commenced his march to effect a junction of our forces.
His foot came on four miles yesterday, and his horse and foot are
all here to-day in time, for the King's forces are all upon their
march this day. This morning at a Council of War resolution was
taken for viewing the field and setting a battle. They do their
best also for providing victuals, but we earnestly desire you to send
the quantities we last wrote for speedily. [Interregnum 17 E.,
pp. 77, 78. Copy =2/3 p.] |
October 21. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Lord General [Essex]
and the Committee [of both kingdoms in the army]. We have
written to the several counties in these parts and to the City of
London to put all their forces, train-bands, auxiliaries and volunteers, both horse and foot, into a posture of defence, and to have
them some time this week at a particular rendezvous in their
several shires, ready to march to a general rendezvous as they shall
receive advertisement. We have written to cos. Kent, Sussex,
Surrey, and Hants. to send in victuals for the army, to be issued
for money, and desire that such encouragement may be given to
them that they may continue to bring in supplies. We have also
taken care that six tuns of match and six tuns of bullet be sent to
Farnham Castle for the use of the armies. Sent by Crips at 9 p.m
[Interregnum 19 E., p. 96. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 21. Derby House. |
The same to the same. We enclose a packet from the Prince
Elector [Palatine] to the King, containing his answer to his
Majesty's letter to him lately sent hither by your Lordship, and a
copy of the motives and reasons of his coming over formerly by him
published; all which, having been perused by this Committee, is
now recommended to your Lordship that with convenient expedition it may be sent safely to his Majesty. Sent as above. [Ibid.
Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 21. Derby House. |
The same to Major-Genl. Browne. The condition of Abingdon
as you represented it to us we have reported to the Lord General
and the Committee at the army, and have desired them to have a
care for the preservation thereof. We desire you to use all
endeavours for its defence and keeping. Sent as above. [Ibid.,
p. 97. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 21. Derby House. |
The same to Col. [John] Fiennes. We have received yours of the
19th inst., and have written to Cols. Fleetwood and Rossiter to
observe carefully the enemy's motions, and if they shall march
towards Banbury and those parts to attend their motions and use
their best endeavours to prevent their designs. Sent by Newman
at 12 p.m. [Ibid. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 21. Derby House. |
The same to Cols. Rossiter and Fleetwood. We received yours
of the 18th inst., and return you hearty thanks for your good
service to the public. According to your desire we have written to
the several cos. Notts., Derby, Leicester, and Rutland to join what
forces they can spare with you in that design mentioned in your
letter. We desire you still to keep an eye on the enemy's movements, and if they march towards Banbury and those parts, as the
enclosed intelligence informs, you are to attend their motions and
use your best endeavours to prevent their designs. Sent by
Gardner at 12 p.m. [Ibid., pp. 97, 98. Copy = ½ p.] |
October 21. Derby House. |
The same to the Committees of Notts., Derby, Leicester, and
Rutland. Considering how great advantage it would be against
the enemy's forces in Newark and the other garrisons in those
parts if Grantham were fortified and garrisoned, whereby the
enemy's provisions in a great part might be intercepted, and your
county better secured from their incursions, we have thought fit to
desire you to send all the forces you can spare to join with
Cols. Fleetwood and Rossiter for opposing the enemy's forces and
fortifying that place, wherein we doubt not but you will be ready
to give your speedy concurrence, it being a service, not only of importance to the public, but also in order to your own security. Sent
by Mr. Gardner. [Ibid., p. 98. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 21. Derby House. |
The same to the Deputy Lieutenants and Committees of Kent.
Upon intelligence of the King's marching eastward, we thought fit
to join the several forces under the command of his Excellency [the
Earl of Essex] as Lord General, the Earl of Manchester, and Sir Wm.
Waller; and, although they have sufficient strength to encounter
all the King's forces, yet apprehending that the design of the enemy
is to advance as far this way as they can, or fall into some of the
Associated counties, and being desirous, for acquitting ourselves of
the trust committed to us, to leave no means unessayed for further
securing the country and strengthening of our armies, if need be, we
think it very necessary that you put your whole forces, trained
bands, auxiliaries and volunteers, both horse and foot, with all
possible speed in a posture of defence, and appoint a place of
rendezvous in your shire, that upon advertisement you may march
to such a general rendezvous as shall be appointed, and so be in
readiness to oppose all sudden surprises and attempts of the enemy
against yourselves, and to join in the public service with our other
forces upon advertisement as you shall be required. We have
likewise written to all the counties adjacent and their several Committees for the same end, and have taken course that the City
of London do the like. We are confident that we need use neither
argument nor persuasion to move you, who have given so many real
proofs of your affection to the public, to be careful and active in
the performance hereof, other than to let you know that it will be
a terror to our enemies, an encouragement to our friends, and may
conduce very much to the safety and security of the kingdom. We
may acquaint you that our armies are joined at Basing, and the
King's forces are within ten miles of them, that you may accordingly appoint the place of rendezvous in your own county. We
expect hourly that the armies may engage, and therefore desire
more than ordinary diligence herein, and that the time of your
rendezvous may be appointed some day this week as speedily as
may be. Sent by Durant on Tuesday at 9 a.m. [Ibid., pp. 99,
100. Copy = 1¼ p.] |
October 21. |
The like to the Deputy Lieutenants and Committees of Surrey.
Sent by Binding. [Ibid., p. 100. Minute.] |
October 21. |
The like to Sussex and Hants. Sent by Crips. [Ibid.
Minute.] |
October 21. |
The like to Essex. Sent by Arnold on the 22nd inst., in the
morning. [Ibid. Minute.] |
October 21. |
The like letters to cos. Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridge, Hants., and
Herts. Sent by Gardner at 12 p.m. [Ibid. Minute.] |
October 21. |
The like to Beds. Sent by Newman at 12 p.m. [Ibid.
Minute.] |
October 21. |
The like to Middlesex. Sent by Durant. [Ibid. Minute.] |
October 21. Derby House. |
The same to the Committees of cos. Kent. Sussex, Surrey, and
Hants. The great numbers in our armies now congregated in one
place cause provisions to be very scant there, and they will need
no other enemy to conflict with if they be not supplied with
necessary victuals. We therefore desire you to send thither such
supply of victuals as may enable them to keep together to oppose
the enemy, for which those who bring the victuals in shall there
receive money for it, and besides it will be taken for a very
acceptable service to the public. Sent by Durant to Kent and by
Binding to Surrey. [Ibid. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 22. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earl of Loudoun, Lords Say, Wharton, and Maitland, Sir
Ph. Stapleton, Sir G. Gerard, the two Vanes, and Sir C. Erskine.
Ordered, |
1. That the [Commons'] House be desired to pass an Ordinance for 2,000l
to be paid to Commissary Bond, within one month, out of the Excise
assignment, for furnishing provisions to be sent to Farnham. for use
of the armies, for providing carriages, and other incident charges;
and that the money be issued according to the directions of this Committee, which Ordinance being passed, the merchants are willing to
part with their commodities before to-morrow at 12 o'clock. |
2. That the letter from the Commissioners be reported to both Houses. |
[Interregnum 7 E., p. 243.] |
October 22. Basingstoke. |
Sir A. Johnstone and John Crew to the Committee of both
kingdoms. The King's foot quartered last night at Kingsclere only
seven miles hence, and a great body of [our] horse went towards
them. A party commanded by Capt. Fincher of Waller's division
took 60 prisoners, some of whom were officers. The Earl of Manchester last night gave notice to the Committee at Reading and
desired them to communicate it to Abingdon, that a great body of
our horse marched last night towards them, and the rest of our
army was to follow to-day, [so] if they can withstand a storm, we
hope they will be in no danger. The whole army now marching
away, there can be no supply conveniently sent from hence to
Portsmouth and those parts. We desire that the Irish thereabouts
may be speedily transported, which the Lord General thinks very
necessary, and that the few soldiers there may be supplied with
money. The Committee here desire that Col. Hurry be presently
sent down, and that he be used with all respect at parting. The Lord
General would have written to you about these things himself only
he is not very well. [Interregnum 17 E., pp. 78, 79. Copy =
1 p.] |
October 22. Newcastle. |
James Livingstone, Earl of Callendar, to the same. Having
received yours of the 9th inst., anent the ship and lead which at
the taking in of Hartlepool was suffered by me to go to Holland,
and when arrested you were pleased to release her, I conceive it
a point of duty to return you thanks for your care in observing
that capitulation, not only my honour but the public good being
interested therein. It was never my intention to do anything
contrary to the laws of this kingdom, so if Mr. Brooke by his
carriage has infringed them let him answer for the same. My pass
given to that ship, a copy whereof I sent to the Lord Chancellor,
licensed him to go to Amsterdam or Rotterdam carrying only
lawful and transportable goods. Your respect to that capitulation
will encourage others to do you better service. [Ibid., pp. 79, 80.
Copy = 2/3 p.] |
October 23. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Warwick and Loudoun, Lords Say, Wharton, and
Maitland, Sir G. Gerard, Sir Ph. Stapleton, the two Vanes, Sir
Chas. Erskine, Mr. Recorder, and Messrs. Pierrepont, Kennedy, and
Barclay. Ordered, |
1. That Sir John Hurry and Mr. Salway be sent for. |
2. The letter now read to be sent to the Lord General [Essex]. |
3. To write to the Lord General. |
4. To signify to Banbury that we have written to the Lord General to take
care of them, but in the meantime to look well to themselves. |
5. That Col. Hurry be permitted upon his parole to return to the army till
sent for by this Committee. |
6. That the letter from Basingstoke of the 22nd inst. be reported to both
Houses. |
7. That Col. Mainwaring be sent for, and that he bring Sir John Hurry
through the Courts-of-Guard. |
8. That Mr. Recorder [Glyn] do return to the [Commons'] House this
answer, that the propositions shall be brought into the House
to-morrow. |
9. To write to Sir John Meldrum to appoint some to treat about the giving
up of Lathom House. |
10. That the preamble as it is now agreed upon be reported to both
Houses. |
11. That the perfecting of the propositions be taken into consideration in
the afternoon, and the northern business to-morrow afternoon. |
Afternoon.—Ordered, |
12. To report to the [Commons'] House that the arrears to be paid to
Newport may be paid. |
13. To write to the Committee at Bedford to continue their men at Newport
till the Earl of Manchester can replace them. |
14. To write to Manchester to put men into Newport to hold it this
winter. |
15. That the business of Col. Massie and the Gloucestershire gentlemen be
taken into consideration on Tuesday. |
16. To inform Col. Massie of the King's march, and to desire him to look
to his affairs, likewise that his business upon a necessary occasion was
delayed till Tuesday next, when it will be considered. |
17. That Mr. Frost shall deliver money upon account to Capt. Juxon for his
journey with Sir John Hurry. |
18. That the business of Windsor be continued to-morrow after the northern
business. |
[Interregnum, 7 E., pp. 243–245.] |
October 23. Swallowfield. |
Sir A. Johnstone and John Crew, M.P., to the Committee of
both kingdoms. Having received intelligence from the Committee
at Reading that the King's forces were within four miles of them,
and that they apprehended themselves to be in extreme danger,
we resolved to march yesterday towards them, the horse going
between us and the King's army. Being on our march about
12 o'clock we heard that the King had a rendezvous betwixt
Reading and Aldermaston on the other side of the Kennet, which
confirmed us that it was necessary to make haste for the preservation of Reading, and to keep the King's forces from coming
betwixt us and London. About 5 p.m. we were assured by our
horse that the King went in haste from Kingsclere, where he
quartered the night before towards Newbury. Last night the
greater part of our horse and all the dragoons quartered at Aldermaston and our foot came very late in foul ways to Swallowfield,
within four miles of Reading and two other villages. Notwithstanding the care taken no provision from Reading met us, so that
by reason of their long march yesterday and want of provision it
was thought necessary to quarter the foot this night at Reading
that they might be there refreshed and re-collected, they being
much scattered. The horse have this day a rendezvous at Aldermaston, whither we are going, and from which we intend to send
you such intelligence as we there receive. Some of the carriages
are to be left at Reading, from whence the foot are to march tomorrow to join the horse who are sent forward to retard the King's
march till they come up. All here are resolved to follow the King
notwithstanding the season, wherein we desire your approbation
or else your direction. They had last night a strong alarm at
Reading occasioned by the Lord General's waggons coming that way.
P.S.—Since the writing of this letter we received yours certifying
that you have appointed the victuals and ammunition to come to
Farnham according to our desire. We now desire that it may be
sent on to Reading. [Interregnum 17 E., pp. 80, 81. Copy = 1½ p.] |
October 23. Great Neston in Wirral. |
Sir Wm. Brereton to the same. These lines may give you some
further account of our proceedings in Wirral, where we find the
inhabitants very well affected to the Parliament, except the gentry,
most of whom have deserted the country and are in Chester and
Wales. The inhabitants of this hundred would have us leave a
garrison amongst them, but as there is no place more convenient
we are endeavouring to fortify Hooton House, 5 miles from Chester,
whither the country comes in very freely to work. In the meantime the rest of the army is to be stationed in the lower end of
Wirral, next Liverpool, that they may assist Sir John Meldrum and
the Lancashire forces against that town, now that the treaty [with
the King] is broken off. Notwithstanding the presumptuousness
of its inhabitants I hope their ruin and destruction is not far
remote, for God will reckon with them for that blood which was
formerly spilt when Liverpool was taken. They are already
reduced to great extremities, and as Sir John Meldrum writes are
constrained to mix their horse flesh with their other provision.
Fifty [of the garrison] with their arms have come over to Lieut.Col. Jones, and the like number to Lieut.-Col. Coote, under whom
they formerly served in Ireland, and I hope they will prove faithful
[to the Parliament]. Though the works are very strong and those
within the town desperately bent to hold out. I doubt not but we
shall give a good account thereof. What I most fear is lest this
sharp air and foul weather with constant hard duty may produce
sickness within our camp, diverse being already fallen sick; this
makes it a difficult task to keep the rest together until Liverpool
be taken and the works about our garrison perfected, without which
it is not possible to retain this part of the country, it being an
island. If the enemy were to recover the command it would prove
very destructive to the inhabitants, and dishonourable to us if we
should not improve our utmost endeavours for their protection. In
whose behalf and at whose request I am bold to present this suit,—
That when Liverpool is taken Capt. Clarke's or some other ship
may be assigned to ride in Chester water, near to Neston, or on
the coast of Wirral, to protect the country and block up Chester, so
that the latter can receive no supplies by sea, which cannot be
effected if the ships lie in Liverpool water. As occasion presents
I will give you account thereof. P.S.—I hear Sir Thos. Middleton
is approaching us on the Welsh side, having taken Ruthin Castle,
which, though somewhat ruinous, may be of good advantage, but I
will say no more, having as yet received no letter from him. [Ibid.,
pp. 81–83. Copy =2¼ pp.] |
October 23. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Lord General [Essex]
and the rest of the Committee [of both kingdoms at the army].
We are very glad that you have sent a party of horse after the
King, because we believe that his intention may be to storm
Abingdon. If you please to send more horse to hinder that
attempt, we think it may be of very good use, and your foot might
march speedily thither also, if the King hold on that course, for
it is of great importance to secure that place and to have the army
so near to Oxford; but we leave the resolution of these things to
yourselves, being upon the place. We have, according to your
letter sent down the victuals, match, and bullet to Windsor. The
King's army being before you, it is very like they will send a
party to Banbury, which is now reduced to some extremity. We
desire you to take some care of it, and to send such forces after the
enemy that they may not relieve that place. Sent by Potter at
3 p.m. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 101. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 23. Derby House. |
The same to the Commanders of the forces before Banbury. The
King's forces marched on Monday to Kingsclere, which is 7 miles
from Basing, toward Abingdon and Oxford, and a great body of
our horse marched after them, some of which approached so near
that they took 60 prisoners, whereof some were officers, and
yesterday the whole army marched after them. We have written
to the Lord General to have an eye to their movements, and to
have a care of your safety. You are therefore to keep up good
intelligence with the Lord General, and to advertise him of the
enemy's motions, and to take all care for your own safety. Sent
by Durant at 3 o'clock. [Ibid., pp. 101, 102. Copy = ½ p.] |
October 24. Kensington. |
Deputation of Henry Earl of Holland, Chief Justice of the forests,
&c., constituting Sir John Hippesley his deputy to execute the
office of Justice-in-Eyre for all forests, chases, and parks within
Middlesex. [Vol. ccclxxxiv., p. 135. Copy = 1½ p.] |
October 24. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Warwick and Loudoun, Lords Say, Wharton, and
Maitland, the two Vanes, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir Chas. Erskine, and
Mr. Barclay. Ordered, |
1. That the northern business be considered on Saturday, |
2. That the sub-committee of Adventurers [for lands in Ireland] be
desired to provide for the fort at Duncannon such things as are contained in the note presented, and that it be done speedily in regard a
ship is presently to go away thither. |
3. That Sir Wm. Hamilton's petition be referred to the consideration of
the same sub-committee. |
4. That the letters from Newcastle, Duncannon, and the transcript of
Capt. Swanley's be reported to the [Commons'] House. |
5. That the several garrisons be advertised of the taking of Newcastle. |
6. That Aylesbury and Newport be advertised where the King's army is,
and that the [Lord] General and others are following him. |
7. The letter to the General and the rest of the Committee and to Col.
Massie approved of. |
[Interregnum 7 E., p. 245.] |
October 24. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Lord General and the
rest of the Committee [of both kingdoms at the army]. By yours
of the 23rd inst. we learn your want of provisions and your desire
to have them sent to Reading. Upon our first notice of your
departure from Basingstoke, we appointed them to go to Windsor,
as a place nearer and fitter for a further transportation. The provisions are now upon the water, and may easily come to Reading
if you send order to that purpose. To the other part of your letter,
which relates your resolution, notwithstanding the season, to follow
the King, and in which you desire our approbation or direction, we
do approve at present your resolution to follow the enemy. But
for that in the prosecution thereof many things may fall out that
may justly occasion you to change your resolution, we leave it to
your own wisdom and judgment, being on the place. Lord
Warristone will acquaint you with the taking in of Newcastle.
We are very glad to hear of that right understanding and harmony
in the army, and hope there will be a good and answerable success.
Sent by John Priestley at 7 p.m. [Interregnum 19 E., pp. 102,
103. Copy= 1 p.] |
October 24. Derby House. |
The same to Sir Wm. Brereton. We have considered and do approve the design in hand, and desire you with all expedition to put
it in execution; and, for the better enabling you to that service, we
would have you to join with the forces of Sir John Gell, and also
to take with you what forces can be spared both from Eccleshall
and Stafford, which when that service is over shall be returned
again to their garrisons. We desire you to make all expedition
herein, that the opportunity of that service be not lost. We have
written to the Committee of Stafford and to Sir John Gell about
joining their forces. Sent by Bulmer at 6 p.m. [Ibid., p. 103.
Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 24. Derby House. |
The same to the same. We send enclosed the intelligence received concerning Stafford, whereby you will see the danger that
place is in, which being of so great consequence, we desire you to
use all means for securing it. For that purpose you are to join
with Sir John Gell, and to give out that you have some expedition
in hand for which you need forces both of Eccleshall and Stafford,
and marching by the latter place put yourself into it. That done
you are to secure the persons of those you suspect might endanger
the place, and take care for the further security thereof. You may
use any other means or stratagems for obtaining that end which
appear to you preferable. The better to colour anything you may
pretend we have sent you a general letter, which you may show as
you have occasion. Sent in cypher, by Bulmer. [Ibid., pp. 103,
104. Copy=2/3 p.] |
October 24. Derby House. |
The same to Sir John Gell. We have seen what you have
written, and have instructed Sir Wm. Brereton to take care thereof.
We desire you to join your forces with his and assist him in that
work. Sent as above. [Ibid., p. 104. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 24. Derby House. |
The same to the Committee of Stafford. We have appointed
Sir Wm. Brereton to go upon a design, wherein besides his own
forces he shall have need of some of yours for some short time till
the service be over, when they shall be returned to you again. We
desire you to give him what assistance you can in that service.
Sent as above. [Ibid. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 24. Derby House. |
The same to Sir John Meldrum. We understand that [Capt. Rawstorne] is Governor in Lathom House, and that he is allied to many
gentlemen of the country now with you in your army who may
have good interest in him. We conceive it may be good service if
you give leave to some such as you judge most fit, privately and as
of himself, to see upon what terms he might be persuaded to deliver
up that place, which possibly may be upon better terms than it
will be any other way recovered. If anything be done herein we
desire to be speedily informed thereof. Sent as above. [Ibid.,
p. 105. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 24. Derby House. |
The same to Col. Massie. We suppose you have heard before
this of the King's march to Oxford and those parts, and having
had so good experience of your vigilance and diligence we shall not
need to desire you to look to your affairs there. Our army is resolved, notwithstanding the unseasonableness of the weather, to
follow after the enemy, whereby we hope he will not be able to
attempt any place so as to endanger it. The circumstance of the
armies joining and being near the enemy occasions much business
here, which had delayed yours, but it shall be taken into consideration on Thursday. Importance of keeping possession of
Evesholme [Evesham] if it may be, or at least of garrisoning it
so that if the forces cannot hold it they may make a fair retreat
to Tewkesbury or other place, for which end we shall employ some
forces of Worcestershire and desire you to aid them. The town of
Newcastle was taken by storm on the 19th inst. Sent by the
Colonel's brother. [Ibid., pp. 105, 106. Copy=¾ p.] |
October 25. |
23. Rough notes relative to proceedings in the case of Dr. Dorislaus
and Colonel Harvey against Captain Potter [see Aug. 5]. Endorsed:
"The desires of Dr. Dorislaus." [½ p.] |
October 25. Newcastle. |
23a. The Committee of both Houses attending the Scotch army to
the Committee of Estates of Scotland. The Lords and Commons in
Parliament, in their instructions to us, their Committee, of July 20,
gave us special charge to take care that the city of Carlisle and
town of Newcastle, whensoever they shall be secured from the
Papists and malignants, shall be delivered to the persons and
garrisons appointed by the two Houses to receive and defend them.
Wherefore we thought it our duty, in discharge of the commands
of both Houses, to make known to this Committee the substance of
their desires, which we entreat you will take into consideration, and
doubt not but you will answer their expectations with all brotherly
love and respect. [Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 25. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Committee of Bedfordshire. The necessity of keeping Newport Pagnell is well known
to you, and we are sensible of the consequence thereof, yet
unwilling to put the country to a further charge for garrisoning it.
The time of year and unseasonableness of weather will, within
very short time, put our armies into their winter quarters, when
we will see that some of the forces now in the field shall secure
that town for the winter; meantime we desire that your forces
there may not be withdrawn, and the place thereby endangered,
wherein both the public and yourselves are so much concerned.
Sent by Binding at 12 p.m., who also carried letters containing
news of the taking of Newcastle to Aylesbury and Newport Pagnell.
[Interregnum 19 E., p. 106. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 25. |
Circular letters from the Committee of both kingdoms to
Chichester, Southampton, Portsmouth, Weymouth, Lyme Regis,
Poole, Wareham, and Plymouth, communicating the news of the
taking of Newcastle. Sent by Mr. Jesop. [Ibid. Minute.] |
October 25. |
The like to Kent. [Ibid. Minute.] |
October 25. |
The like to [the army before] Basing [House]. Sent by Crips.
[Ibid. Minute.] |
October 25. |
The like to Cambridge. Sent by the post. [Ibid. Minute.] |
October 26. Newcastle. |
24. Answer of the Committee of Estates of Scotland attending their
army to a paper presented to them by the Commissioners of the
Parliament of England. The said paper from the Commissioners
bearing that by their instructions, dated July 20, 1644, the Houses
have given them special charge to take care that the city of
Carlisle and town of Newcastle, whensoever they shall be secured
from the Papists and malignants, be delivered over to the persons
and garrisons appointed by the two Houses of Parliament; the
Committee of Estates of Scotland attending their army do think
fit to return this answer, that by the 3rd article of the treaty
between both kingdoms—which is posterior to the instructions
above mentioned—it is agreed the Scottish army shall be subject
to such directions as shall be agreed on between the two kingdoms
or Committees by them appointed; and therefore, when both
Houses or their Committee shall make known to the said Committee of Scotland their advice concerning the governor or garrison of Newcastle, they will endeavour to answer the expectations of both Houses with all brotherly love and respect. [Copy.
1 p.] |
October 26. |
25. Abstract of all the Commissioners of Scotland's papers touching
the payment of their army.—1. That some solid way be taken for
ascertaining of the payment of the 30,000l. per month towards
the entertainment of the Scottish army according to the treaty.
2. That the assessments, sequestrations, excise, the King's and
Queen's revenues of the six northern counties, and whatever other
means be assigned towards the payment and entertainment of the
Scottish army, be cleared how much it will amount to monthly;
and that it be ascertained that it be no otherwise applied to the
disappointment of the army. 3. That what is deficient of the
30,000l. by the former means be otherwise assured by the Houses
of Parliament in such effectual manner as the army may depend
upon. 4. That the northern counties, where the Scottish armies
are, be not overburthened with new levies and quartering of troops,
which consume the entertainment of the Scottish army in those
wasted counties, where those [new] troops commit great disorder,
being under no command; and that such troops as are raised be removed to Yorkshire and other places, where they should be upon
service. 5. As the 31,000l. appointed towards the monthly pay of
the Scottish army under the Earl of Leven will not much exceed a
fortnight's pay, it is desired that the Houses of Parliament, upon
whose invitation the Earl came into this kingdom, may be pleased
to resolve upon their means of entertainment. 6. That the victuals
sent from London to the Scottish army be sold at reasonable rates
and be free from excise, in respect they are given in part of their
pay for want of money. 7. That whatsoever complaints have been
made against the Scottish army—if there have been any—be
made known to the Scottish Commissioners, that the army may be
cleared from any such aspersion, who have been and are most
willing to observe all good discipline. [Endorsed by Sir Henry
Vane, senr.: "Delivered to the Committee of both kingdoms,
Oct. 26, 1644; 8 per cent. for interest for what is not paid."
1 p.] |
October 26. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Northumberland, Warwick, and Loudoun, Lords
Wharton and Maitland, the two Vanes, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir
G. Gerard, Mr. Recorder, and Messrs. Kennedy and Barclay.
Ordered, |
1. That the remainder of the 2,000l. appointed to be sent in victuals to the
[Lord General's] army be expended in biscuit and cheese proportionable. |
2. That copies of the letter from the Commissioners be reported to the
Houses of Parliament. |
3. To write to the Lord General [Essex regretting] his indisposition, and
desiring him to take care of his health. |
4. To send to the Commissioners of the Marshal's Court to send [back] some
of the runaways to the army, to be there punished for example to
others, and to let them know that it is the desire of the Committee at
the army. |
5. To write to the Committee [at the army]. |
Afternoon.—Ordered, |
6. Ordered by the Committee appointed to treat with the Scotts' Commissioners—That the Clerks of the House of Lords do bring to the Committee of both kingdoms at Derby House all the treaties and
instructions, or copies of them, passed by both Houses upon the Scots
entering with their army into this kingdom, on Monday next at 2 p.m. |
7. Warrant for two barrels of gunpowder to Earl of Manchester in lieu of
so much lent by him to the Scots' army at the siege of York. |
8. That the provisions now prepared for the use of the armies be sent away
by water to Reading. |
9. That the garrison of Windsor shall consist of 200 men in two companies,
with officers for them. |
10. That [Renè] Augier be employed into France to reside there, and that
he be allowed 400l. a year, whereof he is to have presently a quarter's
advance. |
11. That it be reported to the [Commons'] House, that in respect the town
of Newcastle, now under the power of the Parliament, is upon one side
of Holy Island, and the town of Berwick upon the other, this Committee thinks the old establishment is sufficient for maintaining that
fort, which is to be paid out of the revenue [by the Receiver of Yorkshire, and that the Committee for the Revenue] be desired to give
order for the payment of the arrears due upon the old establishment;
and what arrears shall remain due over and above the establishment,
that the House will be pleased to take such course for payment
thereof as they shall think fit. |
12. That for supplying [the fort a certain sum] be allowed him. |
13. Mem. To send for some of the Commissioners of the Customs. |
[Interregnum, 7 E., pp. 246, 247, and 1 E., 26 Oct.] |
October 26. Thatcham. |
Sir A. Johnstone and John Crew, M.P., to the Committee of both
kingdoms. Yesterday, on Bucklebury Heath, we received your
letter, which gave us hope that the provisions you have sent will
shortly arrive. The news of [the surrender of] Newcastle came
very seasonably unto us, as it much encouraged the soldiers and so
affected them that many of the regiments went presently of their
own accord to solemn prayer. The army, about an hour before
night, came within a mile, and within view, of the enemy, who was
drawn forth in a body upon a place of advantage near Newbury.
Our dragoons and theirs fired upon each other for two hours, 20 of
our horses are killed, but not one of our men lost. A captain of
our horse who came up in the van was shot in the thigh. We
gained half a mile of their ground before 6 p.m. It was resolved
last night that the field should be viewed by the chief officers early
this morning. It will be an advantage to us to set upon [the
King's] army on this side Newbury, because we shall be between
the enemy and our provisions; and [ready] to fall upon him on
the other side, because we shall be betwixt the enemy and Prince
Rupert, who is daily expected with additional forces; [but] the
ground not having been viewed they could determine nothing
herein. Being informed by such as come from London that they
meet many soldiers going homewards, we renew our desire that
some exemplary punishment may be inflicted upon them. P.S.—
We have had a fair night, blessed be God, and hope for a fair day.
[Printed in Soc. Cambd., New Series xii., pp. 48, 49. Interregnum, 17 E., pp. 83, 84. Copy = 1 p.] |
October 26. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Lords and Committee
[of both kingdoms] in the army. We thank you for your frequent
intelligence and pains, and as we are very sensible of the army's
active pursuing of the enemy, so we cannot, when you are so near
them, but be most desirous daily to hear from you. The victuals
for the army, we hope by this time, is at Reading, and order is
given to speed away more. We have written to the Lord General
[Essex] to express that we esteem his so long pursuing the enemy
in his own person, notwithstanding his indisposition, to be a real
testimony of his earnest desire and affection to the public, and have
desired his Lordship to take special care of his health that he may
preserve himself both to his friends and to the public. In his
absence we trust special care will be had to dispose of the army as
may most conduce to the advantage of the service you are about,
wherein we pray the Lord of Hosts to direct and assist you. Sent
by Crips at 12 morning. [Interregnum, 19 E., p. 107. Copy.
2/3 p.] |
October 26. Derby House. |
The same to the Lord General [Essex]. We are very sorry to
hear of your indisposition, and that you have by so long striving
against it so much increased it. We are sensible of the want of
your presence at the army, yet desire you, nevertheless, to take
special care of your health, that you may preserve yourself both to
your friends and the public. We send this messenger express to
be certified of your health, and desire you to despatch him immediately with a report of the state of it. Sent by Hanbury. [Ibid.
Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 26. Derby House. |
The same to Col. Jephson, Governor of Portsmouth, and to [Col.
Norton] Governor of Southampton. We have once before, by order
of the [Commons'] House, written for Col. [Ware or] Were to be
sent up hither. We know not what the reason is that he is not
sent. The House have again desired us to send for him. We
therefore desire you, if he be at Portsmouth, to send him immediately hither in safe custody. Sent by Craven at night. [Ibid.,
p 108. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 27. Newcastle. |
26. Sir William Armyne, Ric. Barwis, and Robert Fenwick, the
Commissioners from the Parliament residing with the Scottish
army, to [Sir Henry Vane, senr.]. We thought it seasonable to
give this enclosed paper [see Oct. 25] in to the Committee of Estates
of Scotland, so soon as Mr. Barwis came out of Cumberland, for till
his coming we were not a Committee; and you have likewise a copy
of the answer [see Oct. 26] which we hope the House will consider
and afford us their further directions. And we earnestly desire the
House will consider of how great concernment the settling of
Newcastle is to all their affairs in these northern parts, and of what
advantage the coal trade and customs are for the maintenance of
their armies, if rightly managed, and whenever the Scots shall draw
into the field, how the town may be preserved in peace, which is
yet wholly malignant and cannot be suddenly reduced to the condition which is to be wished. Pardon our earnestness in this because
the delaying of the business may prove prejudicial to you, the
north is far from you, and things cannot every day be presented
unto you as in the south. The Governor of Tynemouth Castle hath
been willing to listen to propositions for its surrender, and Lord
General Leven, according to his usual manner, was not backward to
make trial what might be done in a fair way before coming to
extremities, and went toward the castle himself; and after it was
summoned, they entered into terms for the rendering it up, which
was performed late this evening, and the Lord General hath
soldiers in it so that our ships may come freely in at their pleasure.
The conditions are not yet returned from thence, but by the next
we hope to send you them. We daily expect some good ministers
to be sent into these parts, of which there is a very great want.
We hear they are upon their way towards us. [Copy. 1½ p.] |
October 27. From our Leaguer between Donnington and Newbury. |
Sir A. Johnstone and John Crew, M.P., to the Committee of
both kingdoms. The forces mentioned in our last letter came
from Wickham Heath towards the place where the King's forces
were drawn up between Donnington and Newbury, near the
castle, having no way to pass but by a wood and through lanes.
We met with works and fortifications crossing those lanes, which
the enemy had thrown up during the night and planted ordnance
therein: they had also other ordnance, two bodies of horse, and
two brigades of foot at a little distance. They played also from
the castle upon our men with great shot. These [works] were
very hard to gain, yet it pleased God so to encourage the spirit [of
our forces], among whom the Lord General's had a most special
care, and so to bless their endeavour that about 5 o'clock, only an
hour after their falling to work, our men took it by storm and
got 4 pieces of ordnance; afterwards, beating the enemy off his
ground, they got other five ordnance. The Lord General's foot took
much contentment in regaining some of their ordnance. Our
horse stood very gallantly under the view and danger of the
cannon playing directly upon them, when they were drawing themselves together to secure the foot, and by charging the enemy
put them to a retreat, taking the Earl of Cleveland, who commanded that brigade. All the general officers performed very
resolutely their parts, and the Earl of Manchester fell upon the
other pass in seasonable time. [Printed in Soc. Cambd., New
Series xii., pp. 49, 50. Interregnum 17 E., pp. 84, 85. Copy =
1 p.] |
October 27. Reading. |
The Lord General [Essex] to the Committee of both kingdoms.
It is a comfort to me in this sad time of mine affliction of mind and
body to see that I am continued in your care, being at this present
so useless a servant to the State. The particulars of my disease I
shall crave pardon to defer till Dr. St. Johns, old Mr. Bowden of
Reading, and Langley, my own surgeon, shall set down the true
state of it; as yet only thus much. I think it has been much occasioned by striving so long with it, thinking it the greatest worldly
misfortune that could have befallen me at this present, but it is
God's doing, and I must with all humility submit to His pleasure.
[Ibid., p. 86. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 28. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Northumberland, Warwick, and Loudoun, Lords
Wharton and Maitland, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir G. Gerard, the two
Vanes, Sir Chas. Erskine, Mr. Solicitor, Mr. Recorder, and Messrs.
Wallop, Kennedy, and Barclay. Ordered, |
1. That Lord Warriston's letter be reported, and the scout-master who
brought it to attend the Houses. |
2. That it be reported to the [Commons'] House that 3,000l. worth of provisions be speedily prepared to be sent to the armies, the same to be
deducted out of the pay of the several armies proportionably. |
3. That the paper concerning Windsor be reported to the [Commons']
House as the opinion of this Committee. |
4. That 20 carts be provided for conveyance of the ammunition to the
army. |
5. To write to the Lord General to send a convoy to conduct these carts to
Reading. |
6. That the paper presented by the Commissioners of Scotland be reported
to the Houses. |
7. That Mr. Richardson, the waggon-master, be desired to attend about
4 p.m. |
8. Likewise Mr. Green about 5 p.m. |
9. That the Committee of the Militia be desired (upon information that a
great number of soldiers forsake their colours and fill the highways in
coming hither) to keep strict guard both by land and water in order
that such runaways as have no leave nor passes be apprehended and
punished. |
10. That upon information that numbers of soldiers of the brigade lately
sent forth remain yet here, that the Militia take present care that all
such soldiers as are yet here be forthwith sent to the army, and such
as shall refuse be proceeded against according to the Ordinance of
Parliament in that behalf. |
[Interregnum 7 E., p. 248, 249.] |
October 28. Newbury. |
Sir A. Johnstone and John Crew, M.P., to the Committee of both
kingdoms. What we wrote in our last [of the 27th] we repeat
here, lest that should miscarry. Yesterday about 4 o'clock those
forces which went from Thatcham towards Newbury by way of
Wickham Heath, and were there drawn up, set upon a work and
breastwork, well guarded with ordnance, horse, and foot, which
commanded all the ways leading to that side of the field betwixt
Newbury and Donnington Castle, where the King's army was
drawn up. The [enemy's] works were made strong, although they
had but little time, [so] that the gaining of them would have lost
much time and been doubtful if the foot, amongst whom the Lord
General's particular forces deserved very well, had not with extraordinary resolution stormed them, which they did within an hour
after the first charge. Upon their unexpected entrance into the
works the [enemy's] foot which held them all ran, leaving the ordnance placed in and about the works. Major-Genl. Skippon hazarded
himself too much, Sir W. Balfour used great diligence, there being
but few field officers of horse, while Waller, Haselrigg, Harrington,
Middleton, Cromwell, Crawford, Holborne, Col. Greeves, and others
did very good service. The Earl of Manchester about 4 o'clock endeavoured to force a passage through Shaw, a village on the other
side of the field, where the King's forces lay. Prince Maurice was
on that side, and many of the King's best foot, who maintained
those passes although they were very bravely assaulted. For want
of daylight and by reason of the strength of the guard who held
those passages the Earl was unable to take them, but his keeping
so many of the King's forces engaged on that side was of great
advantage to our other forces. The battle lasted about three
hours, being continued at least an hour by moonshine. The Earl
and those on the other side were ignorant of each other's success
till the next morning. The Earl of Cleveland, being taken prisoner,
is sent up to London, and, as we hear, Col. Goring's younger brother
was slain. Capt. Galler, of the Lord General's division, was slain.
We took 9 pieces of ordnance. Skippon guesses the number slain
on both sides at between two and three hundred. The King's forces
were all gone before this morning, only a few carts being left in the
field; the other carriages were put into, or so near to, Donnington
Castle, that they could not be taken off by us. All our horse and
dragoons, except 1,000 who stay with the Earl of Manchester, are
gone in pursuit of the King's forces, which we hear are gone toward
Wallingford. We desire you to consider how the foot army shall
be disposed of and provided for. None of your provisions have as
yet come, but we hope they will shortly. We desire to give God
the glory of this victory, it being his work and upon his day. The
Earl of Manchester marches to-morrow for Blewbury. P.S.—We
earnestly entreat you to take care that the want of surgeons may be
supplied; it is a miserable thing to see men want means of cure who
have been wounded in defence of the public. [Printed in Soc.
Cambd., New Series xii., pp. 50–52. Interregnum 17, pp. 86–88.
Copy=2¼ pp.] |
October 28. Stanuey in Wirral. |
Sir Wm. Brereton to the same. By several former letters I
advertised you at large of our proceedings at Wirral, so I shall not
trouble you with the repetition, but only add that we remain still
in Wirral with our forces, betwixt the besiegers of Liverpool and
Chester, to prevent the conveyance of supplies to the garrison,
which is in much want, and I hope cannot hold out long. We
cannot do more than give the enemy strong and frequent alarms,
who are for the most part quartered either within the city or on
the other side of the river Dee. Since we entered Wirral, which is
about a month since, we have received no annoyance from the
enemy, though we have much provoked them by taking away cattle
from their very works. Upon Thursday last we took above 100
cattle, when their horse and foot issued out to rescue them, but
were beaten back with the loss of two cornets, Hopton and Slegge,
and several men slain, besides 7 taken and 12 horses, without any
loss on our side. On Saturday a party of our men from Tarvin
took away diverse cattle belonging to the Governor of Beeston
Castle, and enticed the enemy into an ambuscade, killing several
and taking 17 prisoners, whereof one was an ensign, besides 30
stand of arms, without the loss of one man. On Monday the
enemy, whose strength begins to increase, issued out of Chester
against our guard at Backford, but were beaten back with one
lieut. of horse taken prisoner. Our garrison at Tarvin is in good
forwardness, and we proceed with all expedition in fortifying
Hooton in Wirral. The enemy is raising all the forces possible in
Wales, with which they hope to be able to struggle with us until
the arrival of the forces expected to come down with the Prince
[Rupert] from the King's army, which is not to be doubted is a great
part of their care. If it please you to direct that three or four
thousand of the Scots' forces, now that Newcastle is taken, should
assist on the Welsh side to the taking in of Chester, I hope there
may be a good account given of all those parts. In the meantime
nothing shall be omitted which may tend to the advancement of
this service. [Ibid., pp. 88–90. Copy = 12/3 p.] |
October 28. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Lord General. Upon
Wednesday next there will be 20 cart-loads of ammunition and
provisions for your own train at Windsor to be from thence
conveyed to the armies, for the safe transport of which you
are desired to send a party of horse. Understanding that great
numbers of soldiers daily forsake their colours and come from the
army to London, it will be necessary to make some exemplary
[punishments]. For preventing thereof in future we desire you to
send parties of horse and dragoons to beat the highways, and
apprehend all who shall be found coming away without passes,
while we will take care for apprehending all absent from their
colours in these parts, and for their exemplary punishment. Sent
by Newman at 8 p.m. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 108. Copy.
2/3 p.] |
October 29. Durham. |
27. Warrant of the Committee of both kingdoms [residing with
the Scottish army] to [Alexander] Lord Balgonie and Colonel
Robert Montgomery, their regiments of horse being part of the
Scottish army to quarter in Cleveland, Yorkshire. Appointing
the chief constables there to meet Lord Balgonie and Colonel
Montgomery, and set down the most equal way for quartering the
regiments, and bringing them provisions, according to the quantity,
rates, and prices annexed; and where provisions cannot be had
those liable in payment thereof are to bring in money for the
same, conformably to the annexed allowances for officers and
soldiers; and that you mutually keep a perfect account hereof
with the quartermasters of the regiments, the third day of the
succeeding month to be always kept, unless it be the Lord's day,
and then the fourth day, for making up the accounts of the preceding month, which, subscribed by the constables and quartermasters, are immediately to be sent to the Committees of both
kingdoms residing with the Scottish army. And because the provisions and sums so to be paid may exceed the ordinary cess,
therefore the Commissioners of the Parliament of England, conformably to the Parliament's instructions, oblige themselves in the
name of the Parliament to cause repayment of so much as shall
exceed their monthly cess. The said regiments are to enter on
their allowances of provisions and money upon November 1st next.
The colonels or any in their name are to repair to the standing
Committee of the shire and acquaint them therewith, to the intent
they may have the Committee's concurrence for regulating and
furtherance of the public service. [¾ p.] Annexed, |
27. i. Note of the pay allowed for quartering the officers and
soldiers of the horse and foot, the allowance to the
dragoons as the third part of their pay for quartering,
and the rates to be charged for provisions for the
Scottish army. [Endorsed: "A copy of the rates and
provisions for the use of the Scottish army." 12/3 p.] |
October 29. |
Proceedings at the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Northumberland, Warwick, and Loudoun, Lords
Wharton and Maitland, the two Vanes, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir
Chas. Erskine, Mr. Recorder, and Messrs. Kennedy and Barclay.
Ordered, |
1. That the business concerning the differences of Surrey be reported to
both Houses, and the settling thereof, and reviewing of the Ordinance
of 27 July 1643, for enabling Surrey to associate and raise forces for
their defence, &c., be recommended to the consideration of Parliament. |
2. To write to the deputy lieutenants and Committees of the several
counties that this Committee is not presently to make use of their
forces, but to desire them to have them in readiness when they shall
hereafter be advertised from hence. Also to send them the news
enclosed. |
3. That the business of Gloucester be considered on Monday. |
4. To write to the Lord General [Essex] either to come up or stay at
Reading as he shall be advised for his health. |
5. To write to the Committee at the army thanking them for their pains
and care, and advertising them concerning the [sending of] provisions, carriages, and surgeons' chests. Also to desire the Commissioners to stay till Monday next, before which time they shall
receive further advertisement. |
6. That Mr. Richardson, the waggon-master, do send 20 carts to-morrow
to Reading, though there be no provisions ready to be sent therewith. |
[Interregnum 7 E., p. 249.] |
October 29. Reading. |
The Lord General to the Committee of both kingdoms. I shall
take the best care I can for a convoy for the provisions and
ammunition you mention as coming to Windsor. For sending out
parties of horse and dragoons to stay stragglers I cannot, having
none except my life guard. Those in the army are to bring up
the Earl of Cleveland to-morrow. I have, however, given order
to a troop of the Earl of Manchester's quartered in Maidenhead, to
be vigilant in observing what you desire. I desire that a strict
course be taken at London for stopping stragglers, and that all
such may be punished, and their horses and arms returned for
further service in the army, otherwise the State will be put to a
new charge of arms, and the army not at all strengthened by the
apprehension of such. [Interregnum 17 E., pp. 90, 91. Copy =
2/3 p.] |
October 29. Newbury, |
Sir A. Johnstone and John Crew, M.P., to the same. We have
presently had intelligence from one come from Bristol, that Prince
Rupert, with 4,500 foot, 3,000 horse, and a train of artillery, was
come yesternight to Bath, and that the reporter met the King
with 500 horse at 6 a.m. yesterday within 9 miles of Bath, and
that Prince Maurice and Goring led the rest of the King's forces to
Wallingford in the night's march. We have not as yet received
any intelligence from our horse, but we know they are so harassed
as they stand in need of some refreshment. Some officers here
apprehend that the forces which are gone to Oxford will join with
the King's and Prince's forces about Cirencester. Many things
may be argued for or against the keeping our forces united. We
desire to have your especial direction what to do, and have sent
for the officers of the horse to advise with us, and thereafter
according to your direction and the motion of the enemy we shall
go on jointly, or divide our quarters. Major-Genl. Hurry, whose
advice and action was very useful to our horse, can fully inform
you of all passages and difficulties here, and we would have him
presently hastened back to us. [Ibid., pp. 91, 92. Copy =1 p.] |
October 29. Reading. |
The Lord General Essex to the same. I received the enclosed
from Col. Vavasour, and desire your direction as to the answer.
He is a very good soldier and a gallant man, and if it be for nothing
but to pass him out of the kingdom, I conceive it may be good
service, but I refer it wholly to you, desiring your direction by the
first conveniency that I may despatch his messenger. [Ibid., p 92.
Copy. ½ p.] |
October 29. Nantwich. |
Sir Wm. Brereton to the same. This morning I received yours
by your own messenger, who was delayed one day by going first to
Wirral, whereas I had returned from thence to meet Sir Thos.
Middleton who had sent for me. Although I never received any
character [cipher] whereby to be enabled to make use of that
enclosed in your letter, yet I shall endeavour to make the best use
of any forces which may come to our assistance for annoying the
enemy and gaining Chester. P.S.—Upon Friday last Sir John
Meldrum came to me into Wirral and desired I would assist him
with 500 foot for the storming of Liverpool, which was willingly
assented unto. But I believe their wants in the town are so great
as that it may be within a short time possessed by starving them
out. If the King's army or Prince Rupert with any great forces
should come this way, it cannot be expected that we should be able
to make good our quarters where we now are, being in such a neck
of land as the Lord General was in Cornwall. If Chester and
Shrewsbury should be relieved with men and ammunition, it may
prove as difficult a work [to take them] as York or Newcastle.
[Ibid., pp. 92, 93. Copy. 1⅓ p.] |
October 29. Red Castle. |
Sir Thos. Middleton to the same. In my last I acquainted you
with the taking prisoner of Lord Leigh of Stoneleigh, and my sending
him up to the Parliament upon his parole, also with my request for
the assistance of 500 Scots, which being so small a number could
not any way impair their great army. Having received intelligence
of the enemy's fortifying the town and castle of Ruthin, and of the
raising of great forces in cos. Denbigh and Flint, being within my
limits, by virtue of sending commissions granted by his Majesty to
Col. Francis Trafford, a professed Papist, Col. Mark Trevor, Col.
Washington, and others, I thereupon, with the few forces I could
spare out of my several garrisons of Montgomery and Red Castle,
and Col. Mitton's forces from Oswestry, marched to Ruthin, where
we found the streets strongly barricaded, the town pretty well
fortified, the enemy within it, and Cols. Trevor and Trafford with
120 horse and 200 foot endeavouring to defend the town and oppose
us. My foot entering the town broke down the barricades and so
made way for the horse, who pursued the enemy's horse through
the town and almost to Denbigh Castle, another of the enemy's
garrisons, returning in safety with 24 prisoners, including a doctor,
cornet, and quartermaster. The enemy's foot fled into the castle
which I was obliged to leave, Mitton's forces having been recalled
to Oswestry upon some pretended fear of the enemy's approach
thither, but before quitting the town I caused the turnpikes and
fortifications to be broken down and rendered unserviceable. The
castle I found to be by nature strong, of large circumference, and
situated on a rock, but as yet uncovered and the wails under repair.
The town adjoining was very considerable and well suited for a
garrison, it being the best situate and fairest and largest town for
buildings within that county, and not above 5 miles distant from
the enemy's other garrison of Denbigh. If the enemy should settle
a garrison in Ruthin and fortify it, they would then be able to
curb all the Parliament's friends and their proceedings in cos.
Denbigh, Flint, Carnarvon, and Anglesey; but on the contrary, if
you were pleased to enable me to locate a garrison there and fortify
the town and castle, I conceive it would be a ready way for the
recovery of Denbigh Castle and the speedy reduction of the aforesaid
counties. All which I beseech you to take into consideration. And
now, my Lords and gentlemen, the good tidings of the taking of
Newcastle doth embolden me to solicit you for a whole regiment of
Scotch foot, which I expect would enable me to reduce these parts
or at least defend myself against all assaults of the enemy who are
daily raising forces and expect Prince Rupert's coming with great
forces. You may please to think of some means to maintain the
Scotch regiment and the forces I have already raised, also how to
arm them, this country having been exhausted by the exactions of
the enemy before my coming. The supplies, which cost me above
1,000l. in London, being sent by sea to Liverpool, were there detained
by Capt. Tatham under pretence they were delivered by warrant
for the Lord General's use, and so I could never get a sight of them.
It is now about six months since my coming down here, and I have
not received as much as one penny from the State either for myself
or soldiers, by occasion whereof many of my horse and foot have,
to my great grief, lately left me. All which I beseech you to
consider, and to take some speedy course for my supply, who am
ready to sacrifice my life and fortunes in the present service of the
King and Parliament. [Ibid., pp. 94-96. Copy. 3 pp.] |
October 29. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Lord General [Essex].
The condition of your Lordship's disease has been reported to us,
and we are very sorry that by your too long continued march and
bad accommodation it has been so far increased. We desire you to
advise with your physicians what may be most expedient for your
health, and to come up hither or stay at Reading as shall best
stand with your convenience. Entrusted to the Lord Admiral's
care to be sent. [Interregnum 19 E., p. 109. Copy. ⅓ p.] |
October 29. Derby House. |
The same to the Committee [of both kingdoms] at the army.
We have received yours of the 27th and 28th inst., and are
heartily thankful for the success of our armies. We are very
sensible of the good service and valorous carriage of the officers,
and the pains and care taken by the Commissioners in the trust
committed to them. Provisions are speedily coming up for the
armies, and the surgeons' chests are already despatched. For the
present we cannot resolve upon the disposing of the army, but so
soon as we shall understand the event of your following up the
advantage gained against the enemy, we shall take that into our
special consideration and make our advice and resolution therein
known to you. We desire the Commissioners to stay with the
army till Monday next, before which time we hope to hear from
you and will send them further advertisement. Sent by John
Priestley. [Ibid. Copy. 2/3 p.] |
October 30. |
Proceedings of the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Northumberland, Warwick, and Loudoun, Lord
Say, the two Vanes, Sir Chas. Erskine, Mr. Recorder, and Messrs.
Kennedy and Barclay. Ordered, |
1. To acquaint the Lord General that we think it convenient that Col.
Vavasour should come to London, but we leave it to him to grant a
pass to Vavasour to go any other way out of the kingdom. |
2. To write to the Committee [at the army] to keep their forces as near
together as they can, and to let them understand that this Committee
cannot advise but that they should be still so near as upon any occasion
they may oppose the enemy till they hear that the latter are in their
winter quarters. |
3. That the Lord Chancellor of Scotland [Loudoun], Sir Ph. Stapleton, and
Mr. Recorder [Glyn] be desired to speak with Sir John Hurry, and to
let him know that upon the desire of the Committee at the army he is
to return to them, and that they take his parole to go thither and
return when he shall be desired. |
4. That a transcript of the letter from Col. Fiennes be sent to the Lord
General and to the Committee [at the army]. |
5. That the [Commons'] House be reminded of the former report from this
Committee concerning the securing of the Isle of Ely, and that the
former order be delivered to him who reports. |
[Interregnum 7 E., p. 250.] |
October 30. Newbury. |
Sir A. Johnstone and John Crew, M.P., to the Committee of both
kingdoms. We have received your command for deferring our
return which we will obey. The King's forces went in such haste
from hence that our horse overtook none but stragglers, the horse
and foot, with the exception of 500 horse which went towards
Bristol with the King, being gone as far as Wallingford by 6 o'clock
on Monday morning. The Earl of Manchester has resolved to
summon Donnington Castle to-morrow; if he takes it, it will be a
service to the Parliament and a great comfort to this town, which
is very well affected. Concerning the disposal of these forces some
here are of opinion that 5,000 foot and 4,000 horse should march
to Bath, which they say would keep the King from raising an army,
and they commend those parts for very rich quarter. Others think
such a march would reduce those forces to nothing, many of the
soldiers already deserting by reason of the coldness of the weather
and want of provisions. Something must be resolved presently, we
therefore entreat your speedy direction. Basing sends often for
help, we desire to know your pleasure therein also. Two or three
coaches which were left behind in [Donnington] Castle succeeded
in getting 7 or 8 miles on their way towards Bristol, with 30 or 40
horses. General Ruthven's lady was in one of them, but the General
himself took horse and escaped. The ministers here turned the fast
into a day of thanksgiving. [Interregnum 17 E., p. 97. Copy.
1 p.] |
October 30. Newbury. |
Sir Wm. Waller and Sir Arthur Haselrigg to the same. We
know your great labour, and the long time [taken up] in gathering
these forces now united. You and we see God's great blessing to
the kingdom since their union. The King's army is exceedingly
dispersed, and if ever victory might be followed with advantage
this is one. We all know the activeness of the enemy to rally,
especially Prince Rupert having so good a foundation for an army
at Bath and the King in person with him. We conceive if you
suffer your forces to disperse before they either scatter Prince
Rupert's or drive them to their winter quarters, the enemy will
continue masters of the west. If you command your forces to go
up towards Bath, either the King will give us battle or retire to
Bristol. If a battle we have cause to desire it; if to Bristol we
have as fruitful parts as are in England to quarter in, and then our
victory will be prosecuted to the Parliament's honour and profit.
The King's contributions and levies both for men and money in
the west will be absolutely frustrated, and Taunton, now besieged,
relieved; and so your enemies will have no army in the spring.
Some think of the [enemy's] falling into the [Eastern] Association's
[district]; we apprehend that will not be, for, if the King should
see forces draw towards him, he must call up altogether, and it is
not for men with horses here in winter to go far from their garrisons, for there are so many rivers in every county, and so much
inclosure, and the lanes so deep [in mud], that cut up but one
bridge and in places of advantage 500 foot might beat 5,000 horse.
And upon this stroke, if we move suddenly, we may do that work;
that our forces may safely divide, but for the present it is visible
division is most dangerous. We feel the season of the year, we
see the soldiers' wants and sufferings, yet our sensibleness of the
desolation and utter ruin which falls upon all sorts of people
where armies come makes us more earnestly desire to end the war
than to enjoy our own ease. We presume not to direct, only being
upon the place we conceive it our duties to declare our thoughts,
submitting all to your resolutions, and are ready to obey what you
may please to command. [Ibid., pp. 98, 99. Copy. 1½ pp.] |
October 30. Abingdon. |
Major-General Richard Browne to the same. Yesterday above
80 of Major Underwood's troop ran away from us to London, pretending want of pay, although they were not above 4 or 5 weeks
behind. I beg that they may be made exemplary in punishment,
as they never were nor will be serviceable as soldiers. The condition of our poor foot is still very sad, and increasing beyond
belief. I hear there is 2,000l. coming to us, but that will do little
good, only supplying the soldiers with shoes to run away, besides
the officers are six times that proportion already out of purse to
their soldiers. I acquaint you with this, as I have formerly done,
that the consequence may be prevented in time. The Essex men
also run away daily in multitudes. I doubt not but you have
heard of the late proceedings of the armies at and about Newbury.
Upon the enemy's retreat by Wallingford, we having broken down
Newbridge, a party of our horse met and skirmished with them
within a mile of our quarters. We killed and took of them above 30,
besides many others met with since. The Lord General's horse
and the rest are now quartered somewhat near us, so that I suppose this garrison is now out of danger from the enemy. I therefore
renew my former suit to you to be recalled hence, not being able
to do that service I desire for the reasons humbly presented, nor
[desiring] to behold so many starving wretches without ability to
relieve them. I beg you will take this into consideration. [Ibid.,
pp. 99, 100. Copy=1¼ pp.] |
October 30. Nantwich. |
Sir Wm. Brereton and Sir Thos. Middleton to the same. The
good news of the taking of Newcastle has not a little revived our
drooping spirits, inviting us with confidence to become suitors to
you for 3,000 or 4,000 Scots to come into these parts, where there
is great need of them, both to preserve [what is already gained]
and to clear these counties from the infesting enemy who increases
daily. If the enemy should be suffered to replenish their towns
with men and ammunition, which now they want, it is to be feared
that Chester may prove as difficult a task [to reduce] as either
York or Newcastle. We trust in your wisdom to discover the
necessity of relieving these parts, and doubt not your willingness
to grant our requests, only we humbly desire that expedition may
be used in issuing your commands. The enemy gathers heart in
expectation of Prince [Rupert's] coming with great forces to their
aid. We doubt not but your wisdoms will afford a speedy prevention.
[Ibid., pp. 100, 101. Copy=¾ p.] |
October 30. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Lord General. We
have received yours of the 29th inst., concerning Col. Vavasour,
and upon consideration whereof, we are of opinion that it is not
convenient he should come to London, but leave it to you to grant
him a pass to depart any other way out of the kingdom. You will
receive, enclosed, a relation concerning the raising of the siege of
Banbury. We earnestly desire your Lordship's health, and should
rejoice to hear of your recovery. Sent by Jennings at 8 p.m.
[Interregnum, 19 E., p. 110. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 30. Derby House. |
The same to the Committee at the army. We have considered
yours of the 29th inst., and do hold it best for the public service
and for preventing the enemy's designs that you keep your forces
as near together as you can conveniently and to observe the enemy's
movements. Till we hear that the enemy has taken his winter
guards we cannot advise that our forces should be so divided, but
that upon occasions they may be ready to oppose the enemy in one
body, but for the particular ordering of the forces we leave it to
you, who, being on the place, can best judge thereof. We have
taken care for sending provisions to the armies. We have sent you
enclosed a relation concerning the raising of the siege of Banbury.
Sent as above. [Ibid. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 30. Derby House. |
The same to the same. At your desire we have sent Sir John
Hurry back again to you without delay, but considering the
jealousies that are apt to be entertained, even by the Houses themselves, of re-employing him in our service without their privity, we
hold it necessary that some speedy issue be put to this business,
and therefore desire, if you think it for the public service to have
him employed, you would speedily send up your reasons to be
communicated to the Houses that their pleasure therein may be
known; if otherwise we desire you to return him to us with such
a representation of him to the Houses as may give an accompt of
what has passed concerning him, and is further to be done with
him, his own desires to us being to go beyond seas or into Scotland.
Sent as above. [Ibid., p. 111. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 31. |
Proceedings of the Committee of both kingdoms this day.
Present, Earls of Northumberland, Warwick, and Loudoun, Lords
Say and Maitland, Sir Ph. Stapleton, Sir Chas. Erskine, Mr. Solicitor,
and Messrs. Wallop and Barclay. Ordered, |
1. That answer be returned to the proposition of the western gentlemen
that so long as the King's army keeps in a body this Committee
cannot advise the dividing of our forces, but so soon as the King shall
dispose of his forces they will consider their request for sending Sir
Wm. Waller into the west. |
2. Warrant for 50 barrels of gunpowder with ball proportionable to be sent
into Dorsetshire. |
3. That the papers presented by the sub-committee of Grocers' Hall on
Irish Affairs be marked and delivered to the gentlemen of Ireland, to
be returned by them to-morrow afternoon, and that both parties be
heard on Saturday afternoon. |
4. That it be earnestly recommended to the Houses to speed away the provisions for the armies, which stand in great need thereof. |
5. That the letter from the Committee of both kingdoms at Newcastle and
that from the Committee of Estates of Scotland be reported to both
Houses. |
6. To write to the Committee of Rutland not to pull down any more houses
nor make more spoil about Burley House than is necessary. |
7. The like to the Committee of Sussex not to pull down any more houses
in that county, for fear of danger, &c. Vide the order of the House of
Commons. |
8. To write to the Committee at the army, adhering to the orders written
yesterday, and to interpose between the King's forces and Oxford. We
leave it to them to assist Basing if they can without hinderance to the
main design. |
9. That it be referred to the Committee of Grocers' Hall to consider of the
propositions of the gentlemen of Ulster concerning their allowance. |
[Interregnum, 7 E., pp. 250, 251.] |
October 31. Derby House. |
The Committee of both kingdoms to the Committee at the army.
We have received yours of the 31st inst., but do still adhere to
what we wrote in our last. Until it appears whether the King
will go into winter quarters or continue a body in the field we
think it not fit to divide the army, but to keep a watchful eye
upon all his motions. If your intelligence from Malmesbury proves
true that the King is rallying his forces to join with those of Prince
Rupert and advances towards Oxford, we conceive it best for you
to march toward Abingdon and interpose between the enemy and
Oxford, or what way soever he shall march, to keep still yourselves
in a capacity to oppose him in such manner as shall seem best to
your own judgments [who are] upon the place. But for any
division into quarters till we have assurance that the King's forces
have left the field we cannot yet resolve. If you can, without
hindering the main design of opposing the King's army, we desire
you to give such assistance as you think fit to those engaged in
the siege of Basing House for taking in that place. Sent by Crips
at 8 p.m. [Interregnum, 19 E., pp. 111, 112. Copy=¾ p.] |
October 31. Derby House. |
The same to the deputy lieutenants and Committees of Kent.
Our care for your and the public safety caused us to write our
former letters exhorting you to have your forces in readiness.
We now conceive the King's forces not likely to trouble those
parts, and therefore are unwilling to put you to any unnecessary
charge; you may, therefore, forbear to bring your forces to any
rendezvous till you receive further order, not doubting but when
there shall be any occasion you will still be ready to defend
yourselves and the public. The enclosed is a relation of the actions
at Newbury sent to this Committee. The castle of Newcastle
was surrendered upon discretion the 22nd inst. Sent by Rowland
Faukeard. [Ibid., p. 112. Copy. ½ p.] |
October 31. |
The like circular letter was sent to Surrey by Pidcock. [Ibid.
Minute.] |
October 31. |
The like to Sussex and Hants., by Craven. [Ibid. Minute.] |
October 31. |
The like to Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk, by Francis Le-lam.
[Ibid. Minute.] |
October 31. |
The like to Cambridge, Hunts., Herts., and Bedford, by Gardner.
[Ibid. Minute.] |
October 31. Cissester [Cirencester]. |
28. Prince Rupert to General Goring. I shall not trouble you
with any great business, supposing that Sec. Nicholas hath
orders to acquaint you with all particulars. We are in much
better condition since you have brought off so many gallant men
and among them yourself, in whose safety and welfare I have a
great interest. [Two seals, one with head of Minerva and the
other broken with arms and coronet. 1 p.] |
October. |
29. Statement of the case of Mrs. Barker and her children, wife
of Christopher, son of Robert Barker, late the King's printer,
showing her interest in and income from the office of the King's
printer. [=1½ p.] |
[October.] |
30. Draft of the preceding. [1½ pp.] |
[October.] |
31. Statement of the case of the interest and engagement of
Matthew, son of Robert Barker, printer, to the moiety of the office
and implements of his Majesty's printer. [=2 pp.] |
[October.] |
32. Heading [only] of the account by Dennis Bond and Thos.
Waltham of money received and issued out by them for payment
of the garrisons of Corfe and Lyme Regis, in co. Dorset, by order
and appointment of the Committee of Lords and Commons for the
safety of the Western Associated Counties. |
[October.] |
33. The like of the account of money received and issued by
Thos. Waltham, by direction of Dennis Bond. [¼ p.] |