A Letter to the Gentlemen of KENT, and others aboard the Ships in the DOWNS.

HAving by my Letter of the 7^th. of June 1648. de­clared to all Seamen and others, who have been instruments in the seizing and carrying away of divers ships, set forth by the Parliament, for the securitie of the Kingdom, that if for the future, they do so improve their indeavours, as to regain the said ships, and bring them in to the obedience of the Parliament, that then they shall receive, not only pardon for what they have done, but likewise what pay shall be due unto them; All which I am still ready to make good unto them, if forthwith they shall comply; and in persuance thereof, bring their respective ships into Chattham, there to receive their pay, and being informed that your selves being on board the ships, (whereof at writing of my former Letters I had no notice) are sencible of your own dan­ger, which you have the more reason to be, considering the conti­nued successe which it hath pleased God to give the forces of the Parliament, under my Command in this Countie, my Self being here at Canterburie, as by the inclosed Articles delivered, Dover Castle relieved, the two Forts of Dover taken, Sandwich possest by some of my Forces, and the rest of my Forces now marching to reduce Deale Castle, and the other two Castles, of which by Gods blessing, I doubt not but to have a speedie and good account.

To testifie the desires I have of your preservation, so far as you [Page 2]will make your selves capable thereof, by your being instrumentall to bring the said ships under obedience of the Parliament, and for that purpose to deliver them up to the charge of these Gentlemen hereafter named, intrusted for that purpose, to be by them imme­diatly brought into Chattham: which done by you, do declare, and hereby tender unto you Indempnitie for your by-past errors, in relation to the revolting of the ships, and Kentish commotions, for which I have warrant from the Parliament, as by the inclosed Papers will appear. The Gentlemen I have intrusted to come unto you about this businesse, are, Col. Rich, and another Officer of the Army, Capt. Benjamin Craulie. Capt. Phineas Pett. Thomas Arkinstall, and Henrie Coodall. If you do readily comply herein, I shall not only be carefull to observe what is promised, but be ready on any occasion,

To the Gentlemen of the Countie of Kent, and Seamen aboard the Ships in the Downes.

I Thought fit to let you know I am here by the Command of the Generall, for the preservation of the peace of this County, and that by the blessing of God, according to his Excellencies Letter to you on that behalf, the late troubles of these parts are very well a­layed; that according to the Generals directions, I have sent you his Excellencies Declaration, to whom the Parliament hath refer­red the Composure of these distractions. I hope you will deeme your selves so far concerned in the peace of this County and King­dom, as that nothing being wanting in what is tendred to render you capable of injoying all that is desirable, notwithstanding the late clouds you have been under, you will not now be enemies to your own peace and happinesse, but imbrace, and not reject what [Page 3]is offered, lest the Parliament by this large tender, having so clearly washed their hands of that blood and misery which may ensue by your refusall: It lies now at your doore, if you ac­cept of what is here sent. I desire a speedy returne, that you may have a safe conduct from me, for such as you shall think fit to come on shore to treat the purport of what you have inclosed, with the Gentlemen here,

I Had not been thus long out of Essex, had there not been a necessity for my stay in these parts, till this County be totally reduced: which now by Gods blessing it is; except Deale-Castle, and the other two Castles upon that Coast, before which there are now forces lying, and doubt not but very shortly to give a good account of them: Those for­ces that besieged Dover-Castle, upon the approach of Colonell Rich, and Colonell Hewson, retreated to Canterbury, where they made a considerable strength, with other forces of the County that had sled thither, together with the Towns-men, being above two thousand Horse and Foot, whereupon I sent a good Party of Horse, Foot, and Artillery from Rochester, to come on this side the Towne, whilest Colonell Rich and those with him came on the other side. The Gentry in the Towne sent forth for a Parley, whereupon these inclosed Articles (being the Copie of the Originall) were agreed upon; which I humbly offer to the consideration of the House. Ʋpon which the Towne was yesterday delivered, and neare three thousand Armes brought in to the Cathedrall: Commissary Generall Ireton staies there a while to dis­mantle [Page 4]some part of the wall, by the strength whereof they have been so incouraged to hold out. I likewise send you inclosed the Demands of the Towne of Dover, and Colonell Rich his answer thereunto; the Fort there yeelded presently after the Towne was possest, wherein there were seventy barrels of powder, which they had gotten in thither for the better supply of their Army in Kent: I have sent two Companies to quarter at Sandwich, and intend this night (God willing) to quarter at Graves-end, and to lose no time in prosecuting the businesse in Es­sex: I have writ to the Committee of the Army, to send a Morter-Peece downe by water to Sandwich; which I desire may be bastened, in case the Castles hold out,

Gentlemen, and others of the Town of Harwich.

WE whose names are hereunto subscribed, send greeting, and shew unto you, that whereas the Forces of the Lord Goring are in Colchester, and probably may attempt the Towne of Harwich; we therefore declare, and resolve, that if you will stand joyntly together, and keep out the enemy aforesaid, and preserve the Towne for King and Parliament, we will stand firme with you, using our utmost diligence to assist: but if you shall through trea­chery, or cowardise admit, or suffer the enemy to enter in, or pos­sesse themselves of the Towne; know you, that we are resolved to force the enemy forth againe, and in so doing shall beat downe, or fire your Town eaven with the ground; we desire to act rather as friends then enemies, and doe subscribe according to your behavi­ours, to be your

Gentlemen, and our worthy good Friends.

WE have received by Captain Mildmay the result of your consultation, for the good and defence of this Town, in answer whereunto we thought good to send these few lines, to in­timate our thankfulnesse, and withall, our resolutions faithfully to adhere and joyne with you, for the preservation of this Town for [Page 6]King and Parliament: and in pursuance of interest of the Parlia­ment for the prosperity of this Kingdome against the Forces now under the Command of the Lord Goring, or Sir Charles Lucas, now in, or about Colchester; and upon this resolution we are ready to adventure both our lives and Estates, desiring that upon any emer­gent occasion you will be pleased to furnish us with such men and ammunition as may with convenience be spared by you, and so we rest,

May it please your Excellencie.

VVE whose names are subscribed, being Inhabitants in the Towne of Manningtree, have intercepted a letter which was sent from Master Robert Veysey to his wife, and a Warrant to the high Constable; we keep the Originals, and have sent you a true Copy of them, as is our duty, that your Excellency may deale and proceed therein, as in your wisdome you shall think fit, and remaine in all humblenesse, praying for your health and safety, with good and prosperous successe in Gods cause.

MY Love prefixt, My Suite to thee is, to further my ingage­ment under Sir Charles Lucas, Generall of His Majesties For­ces, now at Colchester, with such money and linnen, as upon the suddaine may be provided for me: and to send the same to me to my Cosen Buxstoves, where I have quartered this two nights; I earnestly desire thee not to be dismayed, for we trust in God we shall be able to make good our cause against the fury of the enemy. I cannot send thee the particulars of what hath happened since my coming forth, I being now in haste to send for my souldiers that are gone home, the next I hope shall give thee a full relation: in the meant time, committing thee and thine to the protection of the Almighty, I remaine

I Have received Order from the Right Honourable the Lord Norwich, and Sir Charles Lueas, Generall of His Majesties For­ces now at Colchester, & do hereby straightly charge and command you forthwith, upon sight hereof to issue out your Warrants to the Constables of every severall Parish within my division, straightly charging them to warne all my trained souldiers to repaire with all speed, to ingage in the Service against the Parliaments Forces, and to let every souldier have foure dayes pay, hereof faile not.

I Am come hither with the Parliamenss forces to reduce those un­der your command to the obedience of the Parliament, if your Lordship, and those under you will instantly lay down your Armes, there may be a prevention of much blood that is like to be spilt, and the Town preserved from plunder and ruine, the evill must lie upon you, if you refuse: I expect your present Answer, and remaine,

THE Paper sent to me, inclosed in the Letter from your Lordships, and Sir Charles Lucas, of the 19. Instant, seemes in the first part of it so drawn, as that I could not well understand it, what kinde of Treaty, or for what Peace it meant: But the latter part, underwritten by your Lordships, and Sir Charles Lucas, seemes to explain your own meaning, so, as if you meant a Treaty betwixt the Armies for the generall Peace of the Kingdom, and not otherwise for your selves, or your Garrison: And to the Con­tents [Page 12]of it in that sence, I can only say, That such a Treaty, and for such a Peace, is not the proper work of my self, or the Army, but theirs that have imployed us: But if the English be, to make way for Conditions to your Garrison, I shall, without the trouble of a Treaty, let you know what your selves, and those under you may expect from me, (which for the restoring of quiet to this County, and the Kingdom, without more blood­shed) and for the saving of so eminent a Town from the chance of War, I shall offer, viz. That if your selves, and the rest with you in Colchester, shall, within 24. houres after notice hereof, lay down Armes, the Common souldiers, and men of that rank, shall have liberty to depart to their severall homes, and there quietly to remain, submitting unto the Authority of Parliament: (And this I shall make good however, to so many of that sort respectively, as shall accept thereof, and do accordingly.) Your selves, and the Officers and Gentlemen engaged with you in the Town, shall have liberty, and Passes to go beyond Sea, with Equipage befitting their qualities, (engaging themselves not to re­turn into this Kingdom without leave from the Parliament.) And all of both sorts, with the Inhabitants of the Town, shall be free from plunder or violence of the souldiers, their Arms, Ammunition, and furniture of War within the Town, and also their borses imployed in Militarie service, (except such horses and swords, as shall be fit to be al­lowed to Captaines, or superior Officers, and Gentlemen of quality, for their removall) being first delivered up without imbezlement, in an orderly manner, as shall be further set down, and the forces under my Command, or such as I shall appoint, being admitted a peaceable entrance into the Town. I desire the Gentlemen of the Committee of Parlia­ment now in your hands, (who by their subscriptions to part of the Paper, and by your sending of it, as from them, or at their request, are concerned to know what my Answer is,) may be acquainted herewith, and indeed, if it be concealed from any that are concern­ed in it: The blame thereof from God and man is like to fall on their heads, who shall be the Authors of such Concealment.

I Have herewith sent an Answer to the Paper sent me yesterday from Lord Nor­wich, Lord Capell, and Sir Charles Lucas, as from your selves, or at your request; which I presume, will be imparted to you by them, and I have likewise sent a Copy thereof by this bearer, to be delivered to you, if those Lords shall so admit.

June 20. 1648.

WE have received yours of the 20. which takes notice of the Paper of the 19. subscribed by the Committee, and of our permission to have it delivered to you, You have very justly apprehended our intentions to be the Publique Peace of the Kingdome, and we againe owne that sence, and no other, as befitting the duty of English Men: And we believe, if both Armies were accorded in such an indeavour, it were the most pious, easie, and honourable [Page 13]action, wherein they could be ingaged; but why you have taken occasion by that act of ours, to offer Conditions in particular to us, we understand not, nor can it be supposed, without strayning, and offering violence to our manner of proceed­ing. I hose Conditions you proffer to the Officers and souldiers on our part, we doe hereby make offer of to the Officers and souldiers on your part. We shall in this occasion deale frankly and plainly. We doe not without evident reason con­ceive our selves to be in a Condition, able to entertaine all the force you can make and thereby to give courage and opportunity to all true hearted English­men, to recover their ancient and knowne Lawes; or if you shall adventure to attaque us, we doubt not but by the mercy and assistance of Almighty God to give you such a repulse, as shall give I estimony of our force and courage; & at how high a rate we value the Generall peace of the Kingdome. You doe with more then usuall earnestnesse desire, that your Answer should be communicated to the Com­mittee, and whom else it may concerne; we apprehend you cheifly intend the In­habitants of Colchester; we were very unworthy persons if any thould exceed us in our Care for this good Towne, and we doubt not but God will recompence the kindnesse we have received from them, and that he hath a reward in store for them sutable to the loyalty and fidelity they have hitherto in this occasion mani­fested toward the King, and knowne Lawes of the Kingdome: and because you apprehend it so important and necessary to divulge the proceedings in this affaire, we will therefore put it into your power: And therefore we desire your Lordship, to cause the Paper signed by the Committee of the 19. and our answer subsigned, the answer of your Lordship to us of the 20. and this our reply of the 21 to be all printed, and as many of the prints as you shall send to us, we will disperse in Col­chester, and those parts of the Country under our power, and to each person of the Committee one,

My Lord we doe also hereby returne you many thanks for your hono­rable Civilities in the businesse of Sir William Leyton.

WHereas in answer to a Letter sent out from Colchester, concerning a Treatie, I have offered libertie to all private Souldiers and persons of that ranke, laying downe Armes, to depart to their severall homes, and to be free from the plunder or violence of the Souldiers. Together with other Conditions to Persons of other Qualities: I doe therefore require and Command all Officers, Souldiers, and others, whom it may concerne, That in Case be­fore acceptance of, or Agreement upon the Conditions tendred to all of the Ene­mies partie, for the surrender of the Towne, any private Souldiers or Persons of that ranke, shall come away from the Enemy, with their Armes or without, and shall peaceably come into the guards, rendring such Armes as they bring with them; That in such case no plunder or violence being committed upon any such persons, but that they be quietlie brought to the Head Quarters, there to receive [Page]Passes for their repair to their Homes.

I Have read your Lettter of the second Instant. As to the unheard of motion of free trade to be admitted to a besieged Town, (the imharring whereof, they have by their admission of your forces drawn upon themselves) I have yet sent here inclosed an Answer to the Mayor, and the rest, which I expect to be communicated to them. For the rest of your Let­ter, being of that nature as it is, I shall for bear either to retort, or answer,

WE who are now in Colchester in a posture of Arms, but still in Order to the ge­nerall Peace of the Kingdom, understand that you have assembled your selves also in a warlike posture, upon the Confines of your County of Suffolk, whether to joyn with us in the same just undertakings, w^ch become true lovers of their country, or to adhere to those who oppose our common Peace, or to stand in a cold New­trality to both, we yet know not. We well hope, any distance you at present think fit to keep from us, proceeds not from any difference of opinion, or designe, but want of a mutual understanding of one another: Our intents on our part, are so much leveled at the restoring of the known Laws of the Land, the proper interest both of King and subjects, and a well-grounded Peace, without any by interest whatsover, as we doubt not, if you will please to send some few persons among you, in the name of the rest, to communicate to us your thoughts and desires, and freely un­derstand ours, we shall be found so agreeing with you in our ends, as you will after that, with more confidence concur, and joyn with us in our proceedings, which uni­on will not only strengthen one another, but give both accesse and incouragement to others more remoter to ingage in the same undertaking. You may be confident, such persons as you shall depute for this purpose, shall have a safe passage to us, and return to you, and such a Cordiall Reception here, as shall evidence us to be,

WE are willing so far to answer your desires, as to let you know our forces are come hither to preserve the County of Suffolk from the injuryous oppressions, and illegall proceedings of the L Goring, Sir Charles Lucas, and their party, and are further resolved, by Gods assistance, to helpe o [...] neighbours in Essex, in re­moving such just causes of their complaint, and if you were as sensible of them as we, and not seduced by some old and know he enemies of the Kingdome, into a second unnaturall difference (if the goodnesse of God prevent it not) you would cleerly see we are freinds, and no enemies to you, further then you are enemies to the State, and to the peace of the Kingdome and of these Associated Counties; and whereas we understand you have drawne nigh to us, and seised upon Sir Har­bottle Grimstons house, and plundred those parts which you pretend to secure, we desire you would prevent those causes of Jealousy, by a present removing of the for­ces, till which be done, we shall take you for enemies, and cannot, as we otherwise gladly would subscribe our selves.