A LETTER From COULCHESTER.
THis morning a party of the Enemies sallyed forth at the South gate, and approached neer our horse Guard, but were quickly beaten back, and pursued by our party to the turn-pike, where they kept a Court of Guard, who upon our approach gave fire and fled away. So we entred this Guard, took such arms as were left there. This Guard of theirs was kept neer the Almel-houses, at the entrance of the Suburbs of the town: in this action three of the enemy were killed, and many wounded. We also took 12. prisoners, and 15 or 16 horse with arms, two horses of ours [Page] were killed, and one man cut in the head, but the wound not mortall, nor any one of the rest of our men receiving any hurt at all. Provisions begin to grow scarce in the town, especially bread, & how they are provided with corn I know not, but I am certain they are ill provided of mills to grind it if they have any. For this day we have fired and burnt down their Wind-mils to the ground, divers souldiers steal away from the enemy daily, and come into us, especially since the Lord Generall sent in a Letter, proffering conditions to such as should come to him, and unto all, if they would embrace and yeeld up the town, which conditions were. 1. That within 24. hours after the receipt thereof, the officers laying down their armes, should have passes to travell beyond Sea, &c. 2. That the common souldiers, and all men of that rank, shall have liberty to depart to their own homes, submitting to the authority of Parliament. 3. That the Inhabitants of the towne shall be free from plunder and violence.
These conditions not being accepted of, the Lord Generall is resolved not to offer so good again to those which are the chief in action amongst the Enemy. Our army is in a very good condition and full of resolution, and although the Gen. is very unwilling to storme the town (for that as much as in him is, he would avoid the shedding of bloud) yet if the Enemy wil have any more provisions in the town, they must fight for it, and are like to go without it too. We hope to give a good account of this businesse shortly.
A Petition was presented to both Houses of Parliament from the Lord Major, Aldermen, and Commonmon-councell of the city of London, containining these particulars, viz. 1. An acknowledgment of former favours, in granting their Petitions. 2. Their deepe apprehensions of the present miseries of the City and Kingdome, by the growth of Superstition, Heresie, &c. and likewise by the commotions in severall counties, and the falling off of a considerable part of the Navy. 3. That they apprehend no way to avoid these miseries which threatens a decay of Trade, and imminent destruction, but by a good understanding and agreement between the King and Parliament. And therfore prayes, First that there may be a personall Treaty either at London, or some other eminent place.
And 2. That our Brethren of Scotland may be invited to this treaty.
At the presenting of this Petition to the Lords, Alderman Avery made a speech; wherein he said, That as the hearts of Kings were in the power of the Lord to dispose of as he pleased: So the City of London desired the Lord to dispose of the hearts of the King and the honourable Houses of Parliament, that they may agree and joyn together as one man, in setling the peace of this distressed Kingdome.
The Answer of the House of Peers to the City Petition.
THe Lords have commanded me to return you thanks for the continuance of your good affection to the Parl. and inclinations to the peace and settlement of the Kingdome; and to let you know, that they were upon consideration of that which is contained in your Petition before they received it, and they will imploy all their endeavours effectually for the speedy obtaining thereof, as may best conduce to the contentment, safety and happinesse of the King, City, and the whole Kingdome.
The Answer of the House of Commons.
THe House being informed that the Sheriffes, Aldermen, Common-councel, and Citizens of London were at the Door, they were called in, and Mr. Speaker by command of the House returned answer to the said Petition in these words, viz.
The House hath read your Petition presented to them [Page] in the name of the Common-councel of the city of London, wherein they take notice of their affectionate acknowledgments which the city expresseth of the houses concessions upon their former Petitions, and of their christian and prudent desires of a safe and well-grounded peace according to the covenant, and of that means which they propose in order thereunto of a personall Treaty. In which, as in the other particulars of your petition, the House especially observes the confidence and trust which the city reposes in them in leaving the consideration of their peace and security to their wisdome and care. To all which the House hath commanded me to give this answer.
That they have the same fellow feeling with the City and Kingdome of their sufferings by war, and the same desires with them to attain to a safe and well grounded peace: They have for that end spent a great part of this last moneth in considerations of peace, and have made some progresse therein.
And for the more speedy dispatch of what remaines further to be done, the Houses have appointed a Committee to consider what the King hath offered, and what is further to be offered to the King, for his satisfaction for setling of a speedy and wel-grounded peace; and to consider of time, place, and other circumstances for conveniency of addresse to be made to his Majesty; and they doubt not but what they have done, and speedily shall do herein, will be fully satisfactory to the city of London, and to all others that desire to see the troubles of this Kingdome ended in a safe and just peace.
And for your good affections to the Parliament and Kingdome, manifested by your actions in the late War, and [Page] in your present Petition for a safe and wel-grounded peace, the House hath commanded me to give you thanks.
Another Letter from Coulchester.
THis present Tuesday a party of the Enemies forces sallyed out of the towne vpon the Suffolk forces on the North-East side, but Col. Whaley joyning with them, charged them, killed two, & put the rest to a disorderly retreat, took ten prisoners, and some very good horses. This Evening another party of the Enemy attempted to go out on Harwich road, to fetch in provisions, and were fallen uqon by a party of ours, which routed them and took divers prisoners, one of which that was wounded saith, that they begin to be exceedingly straightned in the towne for provisions, especially for horse-meat: three of their Wind-mills are burnt downe, they have two Water-mils which we are cutting off, and have scaling Ladders ready to storme, but the Morter-piece is not yet come up.
From the Leaguer before Colchester, June 28. 1648.
Mr. Richard Osburn is come in, and was examined by the House of Peers on Tuesday last, he stands in justification of what is mentioned in his Letters concerning the King; and the further examination thereof is referred to a Committee.