SUNDAY. August▪ 6.

YOu heard last weeke of the affrights and terrours which the prevailing faction in the pretended Houses were fallen into, by reason of the sad condition of their affaires in most parts abroad; and shall now heare of the confusions and di­stractions they are in at home: the Ʋpper House bandying against the Lower, the Lower at a rupture amongst themselves, and the Army in as great distemper as both the Houses. For it was certified this day (and had beene rumoured two or three dayes before) that the Lords had ordered that the Earle of Portland and the Lord Conway should be bayled (whom formerly they had committed upon a generall im­peachment from the House of Commons▪) And though it was much pressed by Master Strode▪ that There would be no sitting for them, if those Lords were released and restored to the freedome of their Votes againe▪ yet the Order stood, and the two Lords were bayled accordingly: foure of the Peeres which hereto­fore had dearely cherished the proceedings of that House, be­ing bound for them; which added much unto the heat and fu­ry [Page 424] of their discontent. As also that two Bills being sent up to the Lords, the one for levying the estates of all whom they stile Malignants, according to the newly enlarged Ordinance for Sequestrations; the other for the continuance of the weekely Assessements, were both rejected by that House. Which mo­ved Master Martyn to propose, as he had done before on the like occasions, that they would passe them of themselves with­out the Lords, whose suffrage and consent he conceived as un­necessary as the Kings in things pertaining to the Commons: but wiser heads thought fitter to passe by the motion, they be­ing now in no condition for so great a breach.

As for the Lower House it was also signified, that on the ri­sing of the House on Saturday July 29. Master Pym moved that they would heare some Propositions from the Earle of Essex: but the House having all that day attended the leisure of the Close Committee without doing any thing, would not be perswaded, but rose immediately; to the great disgust of that Committee, who formerly had beene looked upon with more observance. But this was but the beginning of a greater storme. For at the next meeting it was moved that the Close Committee should be dissolved, many considerable men inveighing bitterly against it, as the cause of all those miseries which afflict this Kingdome. And when that could not be effected; it was pro­posed and carried at the last by the major part, that a Committee should be nominated to take an accompt of the Close Commit­tee, and of all others which were trusted with receipts or dis­bursements of money; and that none of the Close Committee, nor any which had fingered any of the publick moneys was to have a voyce in it: it being affirmed in the House, that great summes of money had beene drawne from the Citie and Coun­try (to the summe of three millions at the least, as was before alleadged) whereof although the Earle of Essex had not recei­ved 300000^l, Waller and Fairefax both not above 30000^l, yet the Armies were continually in want of pay. And though Strode and others of the Close Committee did oppose it openly, saying, it called that power in question which had beene given them by the House; and used all cunning Artifices, and under­hand [Page 425] devices not to have it passe; yet it was carried in the end▪ the Lords concurring also in it, and nominating a Committee of their House to the same intent. Which hath begot such true fears & jealousies▪ & raised such a distrust of one another, that it is thought the Houses will be too hot for some potent Members, who heretofore did governe the affaires of both, and were as uncontroulable amongst them there, as ever were the Tribunes in the State of Rome.

Last of all for the Armies, it was thus advertised that the Earle of Essex finding himselfe abused in Pictures, censured in Pulpits, dishonoured in the table-talke of the common people, and a designe on foot of raising a new Army, under the conduct of Sir William Waller, which would soone put an end unto his authority, made complaint of it to the Lords, by them to be communicated to the other House: requiring that his Army be forthwith paid, and furnished with cloathes and all other ne­cessaries, his broken and diseased Forces presently recruited, reparation to be given him in point of honour, for all the ca­lumnies and scandals which falsely (as he saith) have been laid upon him, that Waller be called to an accompt for the losse of his Forces in the West; and finally, that no Commission may be issued out to any one to have the charge and conduct of any For­ces, but by his authority. Which bold demands, though very unwelcome to the Citie-faction in the Lower House, who had resolved otherwise amongst themselves; yet the Lords ordered for their parts (referring the payment and clothing of the Soul­diers to the care of the Commons) that his Army should be first recruited before any other Forces raised, that he and his Army should have reparation by a Declaration of both Houses, for all the scandals vented against them, that the miscarriage of the businesse in the West should be examined, and the blame laid on those whom it did belong to; and finally, that whosoever was appointed to any charge or command, should take his Com­mission from his Excellencie onely, and depend on him; and that he should have power to call backe such Commissions, as hee saw occasion. And it is further certified, that though these Votes may give content unto the Generall, which was the mat­ter [Page 426] most intended, yet doe they yet much displease the faction in the House of Commons, and infinitely distast the Citizens, who are resolved to raise neither men nor money, if Waller may not have ordering and disposing of them, and this they sticking not to say openly as they walke the Streetes. And on the other side, Waller, and those who have before served under him are so inraged by these Votes, that an implacable and deadly feud is very like to grow amongst them, so as there is some hope when these plundering theeves once fall out, true men will come the sooner to their goods.

MONDAY. Aug. 7.

We have beene long in the intelligence of the former day, but shall be breifer in the next; the most of which comes from London also. For it was certified from thence, that they were more disanimated at the losse of Bristol (when first the newes was suffered to be knowne amongst them) then at all their for­mer losses in the North and West; and that assoone as the newes came unto the Houses, the prevalent faction there gave Exeter for as good as lost, especially since the Earle of Warwicke was come thence with his fleete, and had done nothing towards the releife of it, but added much unto their desperate condition by being so shamefully repulsed. And it was also certified that they had other feares which did more afflict them, upon the sight of certaine letters from the Major of Plimmouth to the Earle of Warwicke, in which was signified that Sir Alexander Carew, and Master Thomas Arundell their Governours of the Fort & Island of Plimmouth, were suspected to incline unto the King: which did so startle them, that presently they caused letters to be sent unto them, commanding them as Members of the House of Commons to returne to Westminster, to doe their service to the House. But it was thought the Gentlemen had heard too much of Hotham, to put themselves into their hands, who shew so lit­tle favour unto those that deserved best of them in their present Rebellion.

It was also certified from Bristol that for a speedier ending [Page 427] of the siege of Exeter, and the totall reducing of the West under His Majesties command, (that so his Armies might unite for some other service) Prince Maurice with the Cornish forces and some troopes of horse, with many gallant Gentlemen who would needes attend him in the Action, was gone towards Devonshire; whose going thither, as it was generally conceived, would quickely put an end to that businesse. As also that for the setling of the affaires of Bristol, His Majesty had made that noble and deserving Gentleman Sir Ralph Hopton Governour of the towne and Castle; and under him, that valiant Colon. VVashington Lieute­nant Governour of the Castle, to the generall content of all men.

It was also signified from London, that this last weeke hath beene a terrible weeke of newes to that falling faction. For besides the deadly newes from Bristol (the losse whereof doth more astonish them then all the rest of their misfortunes in the North and West) and that they have given Exeter for as good as lost: they have beene miserably vexed with Letters from Gloucester, Coventry, and Warwicke, complaining of their se­verall wants, but specially of the backwardnesse of the people to make good those places, or contribute to the worke, as for­merly, since this change of things; and plainly signifying, that unlesse speedy supplies be sent of Men, Armes, and Money, (neither of which the pretended Houses can afford them at the present time) they are not able to hold out against His Maje­sties Forces, but of necessity must give up those Townes on the first assault.

TUESDAY. August 8.

It was advertised this day that the prevailing party in the House of Commons had refused to concurre to many of the Votes, which had beene passed by the Lords in favour of the Earle of Essex; which breedes ill bloud, not onely betwixt them and the Lords, but betwixt the Soldierie and them: and that considering that no Commission must be granted but by and from the Earle of Essex, the Independent Army which was so much talked of, is come to nothing; insomuch that Sir William [Page 428] Waller hath not yet listed above 600 of the 20000 which the City promised him. And it is further certified that the towne is very much divided about the businesse of Bristol, some impu­ting the losse of it to Fines, and some to Waller, according as they stand affected to either party: and that the disputation grew to so great an height betweene Sir William and my Lord Say, (who you must thinke would not allow his sonne to be a Coward, though he can cherish him in a murther) that the lye passed betweene them. As also, that Sir William Waller begins to be discontented with his friends the Citizens, who so much admired him being absent, and promised him such mighty mat­ters, if he would honour them with his presence. For whereas on the first of this present August, he went into the new Ar­tillery yard to list those multitudes of men which had long ex­pected him; the appearance was so thinne and small, that he was very much ashamed of the disappointment. And when the new Committee nominated in the Citie Petition, told him that was no place to doe the feat in, but they would goe pre­sently to Haberdashers Hall, and appoint Commanders to re­ceive them; and then hee should see with what alacrity the people would come in unto him: that on the other side did as much offend him, to see he should not have the nominating of his owne Commanders. So that, for ought we can perceive by the preparations, the Conquerour is like to adde little to his Westerne victories by the Citie Army.

It was advertised also that some of the more peaceable Lords (to say no worse) taking advantage of the slow successe which Waller found in raising his Army, and of their losses in the West, proposed the renewing of the Treaty; desiring that such Pro­positions might be sent His Majestie, as they might reasonably hope would be hearkned to. Which being agreed on by the rest, and a Committee named for the Propositions, they drew them to some certaine heads, such as might give some little shew of satisfaction to His Majestie, but more security unto themselves, and a free pardon to all those who have beene ei­ther Instruments or Authors of this Rebellion. And yet this pleased not my Lord Say, who by chance was absent, and there­fore [Page 429] when he came next into the House, he laboured very ear­nestly to have them altered, and prevailed in it at the last. In­somuch, that whereas it was first agreed on, that the Ships, Forts, Townes, Magazines, and Revenues should be delivered to the King, without any condition; and if the Parliament should be adjourned to some other place, being the only points in which there was any shew of satisfaction to His sacred Ma­jestie; he obtained to have both of them altered, and put into such generall termes as might best suite unto the humour of his friends in the other House. But being the businesse stayed not here, but brake out into greater and more publike heats; you shall heare more of it after a day or two.

WEDNESDAY. Aug. 9.

It was advertised this day that the Castle and Isle of Portland (wherof S^t Edw. Sydenham Knight Marshal was & is Governor) were reduced againe under his Majesties command, which had beene taken by the Rebells about March last. The manner how it was regained is reported thus. A Gentleman well known un­to the Rebells which had the guard of the Castle, and used to be much there for his owne safety and preservation in these dan­gerous times, came to the noble Earle of Carnarvon, and gave him very good assurance that if he would trust him with 60 of his men he would forthwith make him Master of the Isle and Castle: the Earle considering that the Castle and Isle were richly worth the adventuring of 60 muskets, having taken so many armes at Dorchester, condescended he should have them: which being obtained the Gentleman furnished them with Par­liament colours, and making towards the Castle with so con­fused a speed as if he fled from an Enemy, called upon the guards and told them he had brought some Parliament forces to make good the place; but that they were pursued so closely by the Earle of Carnarvon; that if they had not speedy entrance they should all be lost. This was no sooner heard by the credulous Rebels, but all the hast was made that could be to set open the Ports: at which His Majesties Soldiers entred, and seizing on [Page 430] the guards, who looked not for such unwelcome visitants▪ made themselves masters of it without further trouble. A place of very great importance, as having the command of the haven and Towne of Weymouth, against which it lieth, and as the case then stood, of most infinite wealth, all the rich houshold stuffe and Treasure which had beene taken by the Rebells out of War­dour Castle with a great deale more of goods plate and money, being stored up there.

It was also certified from those parts, that Poole Melcombe, & Weymouth which were in treaty with the Earle of Carnarvon (as you heard the last weeke) upon the yeelding up of Dorchester, have since submitted to His Majestie: so that all Dorsetshire is totally reduced againe to its old obedience; which cannot but very much conduce to the dispatch of the worke at Exeter, and consequently to the absolute and finall setling of all the West. And it was also signified, that a ship of His Majesties Navy call­ed the Charles, being the ship of the second ranke, had left the Earle of Warwick, and was come to Folmouth, according to His Majesties Proclamation of the 7 of July. Nor is it (in my mind) without some good Omen, that the first ship of strength and burden, which did obey that invitation should be the CHARLES.

THURSDAY. August. 10.

It was advertised this day that the Lord Capell with his for­ces appeared before the Walls of Namptwich, in hope to finde them in a disposition of returning to his Majesties service; con­sidering how His Majesties affaires had thrived and prospered, not only in raising the siege of Chester, but in cleering of the North and West from the power of the Rebells. But finding them continue in their wonted obstinacy, he fell off againe, and retreated safely to his owne quarters, with the losse of sixteene only of his men. And on the other side to make amends for the defailement of this hope (for it was no more) we had intelli­gence this day, that the Lord Willoughby of Parham being gone from Gainsburgh, on his redelivery of that towne, had [Page 431] recovered Lincolne. But seeing an impossibility that either Cromwell should time enough recruit his beaten and distracted forces, or that hee could receive any seasonable supplies from London; on the first newes that the Earle of Newcastle was comming towards him, he forsooke the place, and made what hast he could to Boston: leaving the City and Close of Lincolne, which he had nested in so long, to be the next example (as we have had very many lately) of Gods great mercy to His sacred Majesty.

It was also signified this day, that the heates in London (ac­cording to the season) doe still increase; and that the discon­tents which have late beene growing betweene the remain­ing partie in the two Houses, are at the last improved to a sedition, if not unto a Civill Warre amongst themselves. For howsoever the Lord Say had so farre altered the Propositions, intended by some peaceable Lords to be presented to His Ma­jesty, as to make them of a better relish to the Lower House: yet when they came into that House, they were very eagerly opposed, and the House continued sitting untill nine at night; in hope such men as durst declare themselves to be well-affe­cted, would be wearied with their long debates; and they of the malignant faction, might there carry matters upon that ad­vantage as they had done formerly. But finding that they sate it out, and carried it for the Propositions by the major part; they had no other way to effect the businesse, then to returne againe to their former practices, and bring downe their City Club-men to awe the Members of both Houses, and repeale those Votes. And so accordingly they did. For the next day, being Sunday last, they had so fashioned and prepared their partie in the Ci­ty of London, that printed Bills were set up on the Church dores, (and somewhat you must think was done in the Pulpits too) a copie whereof wee here offer you.

All such as desire there may be a generall raising of the people against those Irish Rebels, and blood thirsty Papists now in Armes, (fully purposing to destroy us, our Religion. Lawes and Liberties) are desired to meet at Westminster Hall, to morrow morning by nine of the clocke, being the seventh day of this instant [Page 432] August▪ to move the Parliament that this may be put in speedy execution.

Twenty thousand Irish Rebels are appointed to come over a­gainst us.

According to which intimation, the Rabble came in such mul­titudes, and with so great clamour, that such of the Lords and Commons who had favoured the Propositions, were forced to take boate and make hast towards Kingston, where the Earle of Essex then lay with that part of his Forces, which Gods hand and the Kings sword had left alive: conceiving that the de­claring of themselves in favour of him (of which you heard at full before) had beene sufficient to oblige him fast unto their partie. But contrary to their hopes and expectation they found him so resolved for the other side, as they were faine to dispose otherwise of themselves. And it is said, that, notwithstanding those indignities which have beene offered to him by the City faction, he is so much inclined that way, that upon notice sent unto him, that the women had made an uproare in demand of peace, he sent some Troops of Horse amongst them, and killed three of them: for which (and some other former courtesies) that sex will ever honour him and his posterity.

On Wednesday last a partee of Horse (about fifty) were sent out from Banbury towards Towceter (commanded by Captaine James Chamberlaine) twenty of this number divided and went towards Northampton; the other thirty within lesse then a mile of Towceter met with the Rebels Forces, in number about one hundred and twenty, commanded by Captaine Lawson, which though they had so great advantage in number, yet Captaine Chamberlaine very valiantly charged through them with part of his men, (his Rere falling off from him) and with that small strength maintained a sharpe fight with them above halfe an hower, wherein he received many wounds, and at last was shot dead through the head, and one of his men also. Of the Rebels there are at least 20 sore wounded, as by intel­ligence from Northampton (where they are) is certified, and five were carried away behind them dead from the place. one left on the ground, and Captain Lawson himselfe wounded. [Page 433] This gentleman was the youngest brother to Sir Thomas Chamberlaine now high Shriffe of this County, and was in most of the principall Fights, at Worcester, Keynion, Brains­ford, &c. where his valour was eminently manifested, and by this last action wherein he lost his life, hath added further to the honour of that worthy and loyall Family.

FRIDAY. August▪ 11.

This day wee were certified by Letters from Yorke, that a­bout foure hundred of the Rebels of Lancashire came stealing into Yorkshire, hoping to have surprized some of His Majesties horse quarters about Halifax; which being timely perceived by Sir Francis Mackworth, he fell upon them and routed them, killed above forty in the place, and tooke fifty, the rest (as they were taught) ran away, and escaped by the advantage of the place.

At Coventry they pull downe many houses of the Suburbs, and tell the people that the Kings Army is marching towards them with twenty pieces of Ordnance, and they had some rea­son▪ for this day we received an expresse that his Majesty yester­day sate downe before Gloucester, and sent in a most Gracious Summons to the City, in these very words, Out of our tender Compassion to Our City of Glocester, and that it may not receive Prejudice by Our Army, which We cannot prevent, if We be compelled to assault it, We are personally come before it to require the same, and are graciously pleased to let all the Inhabitants of, and all other Persons within that City, as well Souldiers as others, know, That if they shall immediatly submit themselves, and deli­ver this our City to Ʋs, we are contented freely and absolutely to pardon every one of them without exception; And doe assure them in the word of a KING, that they nor any of them shall receive the least Dammage or Prejudice by our Army in their Persons, or Estates; But that we will appoint such a Governour, and a mode­rate Garrison to reside there, as shall be both for the ease and secu­rity of that City and that whole County. But if they shall neglect this Profer of Grace and Favour, and compell Ʋs by the Power of Our Army to reduce that place (which by the helpe of God We doubt not We shall be easily and shortly able to do) they must thank [Page 434] themselves for all the Calamities and Miseries must befall them. To this Message We expect a cleere and positive Answere with­in two houres after the publishing hereof▪ And by these presents doe give leave to any Persons safely to repaire to▪ and returne from Ʋs whom that City shall desire to imploy unto Ʋs in that businesse. And doe require all the Officers and Souldiers of Our Army▪ quietly to suffer them to passe accordingly. But this Rebellious City answered, that they would obey His Majesties commands as they were signified by the two Houses of Parliament. And now let the world judge if His Majestie could have sent a more Graci­ous Message to His most Loyall Subjects, and whether these desperate Rebels deserve any mercy, who after so many offers do still refuse a pardon. But since their returning this Rebelli­ous Answer, they have set their owne Suburbs on fire, which surely is not to keepe the City either for the KING or Parlia­ment. Yet His Majesties Forces quenched the fire, and in spight of the Rebells, entred the Suburbs where still they are, and have already raised Mounts, and digged trenches so neare the City wall, that I dare promise you (God willing) a very speedy ac­count of the siege of Gloucester.

SATURDAY. August 12.

This day newes was brought to Town of Sir William Waller's extraordinary progresse in raising the great Army intended for him. You heard before how the good women flocked to West­minster on Tuesday last, to cry out for peace; three of the which were killed directly in the place, and thirteene or fourteene more most shrewdly wounded. And the next day, to shew the men were better studied in the point then so, came downe some 5 or 6000 of the usuall hacksters, which had beene alwayes ready for such purposes at a minutes warning; and they cryed No peace. And being told by some who were appointed to re­turne the Answer, that they who were for the continuance of the Warre, (as every one of them seemed to be) should goe to Haberdashers Hall, and there list themselves under the conduct and command of Sir William Waller: it wrought so much upon the courage of those gallant spirits, (Reader, thou canst not choose but wonder at such monstrous forwardnesse) that of [Page 435] 5000 men which would have no peace, no fewer then fifteene sturdy fellowes (in words at length and not in figures) listed their names upon the Roll to pursue the Warre. And some of those perhaps may see Gloucester one day.

It was advertised this day also, that 200 of the Rebels by the appointment of Sir William Brereton, have laid siege to Eccle­shall Castle in Staffordshire, (an house belonging to the Lord Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield;) the greatest part of those who are shut up in it, being Ladies and Gentlewomen of that County, who purposely came thither to secure themselves in these times of danger. And that they are so gallantly resolved upon it, that though their victuals doe begin to faile already, they meane to stand upon their guard and defend the place (in hope His Majestie will relieve them e're it come to that) as long as they have horse flesh, water, and old leather left to pre­serve nature. Which as it shewes the bravery and courage of those noble Ladies, so is it an infallible argument of the incivili­ty and rudenesse of those barbarous Rebels (who regard neither sex nor quality of persons) from whom the best that can be loo­ked for, is more unsufferable then the miseries of warre and fa­mine.

This day there came to Towne from London, the Earle of Lindsey▪ Lord Great Chamberlaine of England, and Sir George Radcliffe; the first tooke Prisoner at Edge-hill, the second made a Prisoner by appointment of the House of Commons at the beginning of this Parliament: but by what meanes and ac­cident they are at liberty, is not yet made knowne to mee.

But because the Rebels are now so farre vanquished, that they dispaire of their designes, they resolve (like bloudy cow­ards) to make use of all base advantages, for which end they are now beginning to ship away beyond sea such of His Maje­sties good Subjects as are in their custody; and wee were this day informed, that Mudford alias Murford (that infamous Brownisticall Governour of Southampton) hath this weeke taken a learned ingenuous Gentleman one M^r Jones of Lincolnes Inne, and others out of Prison, and sent them by sea to New-Eng­land, or some such other place as the Devill and they think fit­test [Page 436] for their punishment, making the said Master Jones to passe through the streets by his owne doore, but would not suffer him to take leave, or speake with his Wife, or any other friend or Kinsman to furnish him with linnen and other necessaries for this unexpected voyage; and that yesterday their brother Re­bels at London conveyed Colonell Goring▪ Sir George Sands, Sir John Goodrick and other gentlemen (three or foure Coa­ches full) to the water side on ship-board, there to lye under hatches like slaves of Argiers, exspecting every hower how this barbarous bloudy faction will dispose of them. Nor is this strange if you consider their devotion, for this aforesaid Mudford sent up his Levite into the pulpit at Southampton, to move the people to take the New Covenant, who (like a Priest of their Religion) fell on cursing (praying they call it) in these very words Blesse the King, O Lord, mollifie his hard heart which delighteth in bloud, open his eyes that he may see that the bloud of thy Saints is deare in thy sight; He is fallen from faith in thee, and become an enemy to thy Church: Is it not He that hath sinned and done evill indeed? but as for these sheep, what have they done? Let thine hand, we pray thee O Lord our God, be on Him and on His Fathers house, but not on thy people that they should be pla­gued. And (to let you see both Priest and people are of the same profession) Saint-barbe himselfe after he had taken the Covenant said aloud before many witnesses, that he had rather see the Kingdome in a flame, then that the King should prevaile against this cause they have undertaken. This is pure Protestant Religion, such as their brother Judas scarce findes among the damned. And it was also signified by Letters from Winche­ster, that this aforesaid Murford in pursuance of his for­mer threats to the Prentises of South-hampton (whereof you heard last weeke) for refusing to take the rebellious new Co­venant, sent one Thornborough, Riggs, and divers others to Portsmouth, where they are lodged in such a dungeon, as they are not able to stand upright, but are forced to doe their neces­sary acts of nature in the same place where the poore men must make their lodging: And yet the Newes-men at London have the impudence to tell us in print, that no body hath beene [Page 437] punished for refusing their Covenant. And in the same Letters it is advertised that the Maior of Southampton (a very ancient man) is so over awed by this Murford, that being lately come from the two Houses (whose prisoner he hath beene these e­leven weekes for his loyalty to his Soveraigne) hee must not now be suffered to goe out of the Towne gates▪ but every com­mon Souldier by Murfords command forceth him backe again; in such contempt is the Kings Lieutenant amongst this faction; and all this out of Whitehead of Portsmouth his malice to the Maior, because he would not deliver the keyes of the Towne to him when hee demanded them for the two Houses; the good old Maior (being a Jer [...]y man) answering him, Me no hang for you Master Whitehead, you hang for your selfe.

This day also we received a copy of Isaack Pennington's Petition against peace, (though moulded and penned by John Pym himselfe) desiring the House of Commons, or rather com­manding them to persist in this warre (though they perish in the worke;) and tendring a forme of an Ordinance to presse and force every man rich and poore (excepting some few) to take Armes for this cause, or pay ten pounds a peece; which accor­dingly was voted, and the Petitioners had thankes returned them from the House.

This day wee saw a printed Ordinance from the two preten­ded Houses, for the speedy raysing and levying of a weekly contribution towards the maintenance of their Army, to be paid by the severall Counties and Cities of this Kingdome for two moneths together: as for example, the Citie of Chester is to pay weekly unto the two Houses 62^l. The County of Cornwall 625^l. The Citie of Yorke 62^l. The County of Salop 375^l. The Citie of Lichfield 5^l. Bristol 55^l. Worcester 16^l. The County of Worcester 500^l. Oxford 400^l. If the worthy Members will come to these places, the money lyes ready for them.

The Earle of Northampton this weeke intercepted divers Letters from London, wherein we see such pretty devices as the Brethren use to cheat one another; One writes, That 3000 Cavaleirs were slaine at the taking of Bristol. Another, That [Page 438] Waller will be 30000 Horse, and 20000 Foot. Another, Th [...] Waller is 8000 strong already. Another, That 20000 Scot [...] are come as far as Barwicke. Another, That the Scots will not come, because the Citizens have no money. Another, That all is lost except spirituall comfort. Another, That the Earle of Essex would have all their Souldiers leave their Garrisons, and come away with their Armes, lest they be all taken by the King. Ano­ther, That Gloucester cannot be relieved. Another, That the rotten Lords (a pretty-pretty epithete) would now have Peace. Another, That now they must no longer trust in the Parliament. Another, That the losse of Bristol hath discovered many false hearts, who onely had creature-confidence. Another, That to vote for peace now, was like the plot of the Trojan horse, and like Saul, to fly in distresse to the Witch of Endor; with a world more of such excellent expressions, as doe trouble me to want paper for them.

And the Printed Newes-men are this weeke turn'd Preach­ers, urging Scripture (in place of Newes) against fainting in tribulation, yet ever and anon sprinkling a lye: as 1. That the Lord Digby hath one Troope of Spanish Papists: (My Lord thankes you for raising a new Troope for him; but hee thinkes you meane the Walloones at Fulham, allowed to have Masse by the Close Committee. 2. That the Lord Willoughby of Par­ham's Souldiers marched out of Gainsborough with all their Armes: (You were cudgelled for this the last weeke, and yet you are at it againe.) 3. That the King commands to kill men for fearing God, (for labouring to murther him in the feare of God; feare God, obey the Parliament.) 4. That Sir Willi­am Waller hath many thousands of men: (yes, at Round-way Downe.) 5. That those men are most of them good lusty Butch­ers (to knocke downe the Oxe at Kingston.) 6. That Sir William went in triumph to Butchers Hall neare Newgate: (he went himselfe now, but next time he shall be brought to New­gate.) Lastly, That the Close Committee had newes that Dor­chester, Weymouth, and Lincolne, were delivered up to the Kings Forces, and yet were not disheartned at it: I thinke it would please them to see one another hang'd; which God for his mercies sake, &c.