Two Letters of the whole proceedings betwixt the Prince, and the Earl of Warwick.
ACcording to the last Orders of the States of Holland, Vantrump put forth to Sea (with the Fleet which before he lay with all between the Earle of WARVVICK, and the revolted Ships) the 9. of this instant November, this gave us some farther assurance, besides the promises they formerly made to us, that no interruption would be given us, but that we might without disturbance use our utmost endeavours in accomplishing the Parliaments and Kingdomes service, which we are about, and for effecting thereof, no sooner was Vantrump put out to Sea, but the Lord Admirall waighed Anchor, and sailed quite up into the Creeke almost as high as Delfe [Page 2]Sluce, which is neere unto Gorey, and most of the revolted Ships were within view neer to the other shoare, some great Guns were discharged on both sides, but little execution done, then the Lord Admirall perceiving that night began to approach, and like to be misty and dark, he gave Order to each Squadron to look diligently to their Guard, and the next morning, the CONSTANT WAR VVICK desired a Parlee, which being granted, the Officers and those Sailors which were left in her, submitted and came in, desired to be indempnified for what was past; after her submitted the Hind, the Love, and the Satisfaction, the rest of those Ships sought sanctuary in the Harbour of Helver Sluce, and Prince Rupert useth his best skill to satisfie those that remain with him, and caused severall peeces of Ordinance to be drawne forth and planted on the shore: but whether that will be allowed on by the Dutch, we cannot yet know of any certainty; but some of them assure us the contrary: it is rumoured, that the Prince is daily expected with them, yet, they [Page 3]say, he is not so well recovered, as to come from the Hague, his Highnesse (we hear) is with the Lord Admirall, and thereby seek to make an agreement with the Parliament, and return again into England: but if any such thing be moved, let all men be assured that nothing will be acted that way, but what shall be with advice and approbation of Parliament. The Duke of York is with Prince Rupert; if the Treaty doth not take effect, so as a peace be contented for all parties, it is thought the Prince will back againe into France.
Delph, 12. Novemb. 1648.
A Letter from a well-wisher to the King and Prince.
I Believe you have heard, (before this kisses your hands) that some of those ships which did adhere to the Prince, and deserted the Parliament, are gone in to the Earl of Warwick; but since those four which first submitted to him went away, two or three more have followed; amongst which is the Constantine, which bare the Prince his Colours, and the rest are blocked up in Helver-Sluce, so that it is believed that not one of them can escape, if they should doe their uttermost to obtaine it; but [Page 4]to tell you the truth, of what we thinke, it is rather conceived, that they will follow the example of those which are already gone to the Earl of Warwick, then dispute the businesse any further; for the making Prince Rupert Commander in chief of the Prince his Fleet in his absence, bred such a rankor in the hearts both of Seamen and others, that when he came and read his Commission to them, they stucke not to tell him, that they had rather sheath their swords in his bowels then be commanded by him, & indeed when Batten & Jorden (by reason of discontent) left his Highness, the greatest part of the Navy, there went off with them, or staggred in their affections, so that in all probability the Prince had not sooner gained this Fleet, and set up his Standard then it will be lost: For the Earle of Warwick doth not only keep in the remaining part, so that they must in all likelyhood within a short time submit, but with the manning of those which are already come into him (whereof some carry 40. peeces of Ordinance a peece) hath sent a gallant Squadron of Ships to the Downes, to be a guard to Marchants and other Ships passing upon the narrow Seas.
The Prince is not so well recovered as to come from the Hague, and the Earle of Warwick hath sent another summons to the Ships which shelter themselves in Helver-Sluce, so that it is believed the hopes which some did entertain that there would by way of Treaty be an agreement between his Highnesse and the Earle of Warwick, wil. come to nothing
From the Navy Novem. 14. 1648.
A Letter was read in the House from the Committee of Estates in Scotland, which followes verbatim.
For the Kight Honourable, the Lords and Commons assembled in the Parliament of England.
RIght honourable, as we are very sensible of the benefit and advantage afforded to this Kingdom, against the enemies to the peace & happinesse of both Nations, by the coming hither of your Forces under the command of Lievtenant Generall Crumwell, and Major Generall Lambert; so we hold it fitting when the condition of our affaires and posture of our Forces have now permitted their return, to render them this deserved testimony, and to acknowledge that the deportment of the Generall Officers, Under-officers and soldiers in their coming into this Kingdom, during their abode amongst us, and in their return to England, hath been so fair and civill, and with so much tendernesse to avoid all causes of offence, and to preserve a right understanding betwixt the Kingdoms, that we trust by their carriage the Malignant and disaffected shall be much [Page 6]convinced and disappointed, and the amity of both Kingdomes strengthned and confirmed, which we shall likewise on our part inviolably study to preserve, and to witnesse that we are
From the Head-quarters at S. Albans came Letters signifying, that there is a large Remonstrance or Declaration drawing up, with the advice of the Generall Councell of the Army. If it come time enough it will be debated in the House on Munday next, It will contain many particulars, but the chiefe heads are these.
That Justice be dxecuted on all grand Delinquents, and offences on what party soever brought to tryall; a time limited for the sitting of this present Parliament, and another to be called, the Arrears of all that have faithfully served the Parliament paid, &c. From the Isle of Wight is expected his Majesties farther Concessions to the Parliaments last desires, and then it may be some few daies may be added to the Treaty, and if otherwise it ends on Tuesday next, and his Majesty is againe in custody of the Army.
The Letter from Scotland herein Printed was read in both Houses, and it is Ordered by the Lords and Commons in Parliament that it should be Printed & Published.