Whereas Sergeant Major general Brown hath desired me, that the passages of the late Treaty between him and the Lord Digby may be published; It is therefore my pleasure, that the said passages shall be Printed accordingly. Dated, 1. Febr. 1644. ESSEX. To all whom it may concern. The Lord Digby's design To Betray ABINGDON, carried on for divers weeks by an intercourse of Letters. Which are here published for the satisfaction of all Men, BY Sergeant Major GenerallBrown. Together with the CIPHER which the Lord DIGBY sent him for that purpose. LONDON: Printed for Laurence Blaiklock, and are to be sold at the sign of the Sugar-loaf at Temple-Bar. 1644. To His Excellency Robert Earl of Essex, Lord general, &c. May it please your Excellency, THat intercourse between the Lo: Digby and myself (fed on their side with hope of prevailing, and on mine with hope of fortifying by the design we had upon each other) is happily (I bless God) on our side, and with rage and fury on theirs, brought to a period. It hath been in the womb ever since the 14. of September, as soon as it was quick, I gave Your Excellency and the Committee of both kingdom's notice of it, and ever since have (for fear of Abortion) born it with some difficulty the full time, and not miscarried, till it gr●w so strong and big, that it delivered itself. When the Lord Digby saw it was born with an honest face, and nothing like the Brat which he hoped for, he presently would have made it away, by the poison of his last forged Letter, which is so full of malice, that I wonder he burst not with it, before he could have time to vent it: I do believe Spain and Italy where he hath grown, afford not a more dangerous Drug than this of his last Letter, wherein Atheistically and wickedly by his Forgery, he (as it were) defies the God of Heaven, and hates Truth perfectly. My Lord, were it not that I dare not conceal this man's impiety and cruelty, expressed in his last, I should be content for my own part, to conceal all his Flattery and Folly, expressed in his former Letters, But I am not my own, but the kingdom's Servant; and therefore, though I be but a bad writer, I hold it my duty to give those whom he calls my Masters (and I thank him for it) account of my words as well as Actions, and I wish they could read thoughts too; it may be, when their blinded Party shall by this unworthy carriage of his, see him in his colours, they will at last pity, at least, if not rescue a Prince that makes use of such a wicked head, and subscribes to such a lying hand: And if Propositions from the Parliament thrive not, may know who is that Haman which blasts Mordecais petition: That Countenance which I have had from Your Excellency at all times, invites me, that leading example of faithfulness to God's Cause and the kingdom's safety, which shines in you, obliges me; & that dirt which is cast in some of these Letters by an impudent Clergy●man upon your Name● these added to that immediate command your Excellency hath over me, force me to make these passages public; and above others, to crave Your excellency's leave and approbation to prefix this thankful acknowledgement: That as Your Excellency hath everywhere honoured and served the Kingdom, so particularly, your influence on Abingdons' necessities, hath kept warmth in us all; and for ever obliged me particularly to approve myself My Lord, Your excellency's most humble Servant, Richard Brown. The Lord Digby's Design to betray Abingdon. IT seems (by the Story) that when the Enemy had done what he could in the West, and was ready to return, It was fancied, That Abingdon, as weak as it was, might be made theirs again by Policy rather than Power, and myself won out of it by good words, sooner than warred out of it; And therefore, in September last, they made use of a spiritual Engine, one Mr. Bernard, sometimes a Preacher in London, now (as it appears) a great Clerk at Oxford; This man being my former acquaintance, by reason of some remote alliance, took opportunity, by a Trumpet, who came from thence about Exchange of Prisoners, to send me this Letter: NOble Sir, If my Name should be too light, yet for our Alliance sake, I am hold to represent to you a Request, which from you will for its own justice sake be granted, namely, to release (if prisoners) and to give safe Conduct, by way of pass, to two Women, and a child of Mr. Doctor Dukesons, who are now in Abingdon, the one of the women is a Nurse, the other a maidservant. I am glad, for your own sake, and my respect also (who am grieved heartily, that we are not both of one side) that yo● carry on the Party you deal in, with so much honoured candour and ingenuity. I hope God will one day reconcile all the Differences now on foot, that we may meet our friends as friends. I have had no heat, but pure conscience in this contention, neither have I any ambition, then by the granting of this Request, as an addition of more to many former favours, to be acknowledged in the quality of Your most endeared and affectionate Kinsman and Brother to serve you. Nath: Bernard. Oxford, Sept. 14. 1644. Postscript. Sir, If you would grant safe Conduct to me, I would be glad to k●sse your hands at Abingdon, that I may inquire of the welfare of ou● Brothers and Sisters, &c. and to give you account how I was forced hither from home, and some other Passages. This I looked upon but slightly, giving him neither pass nor Answer, finding it to be but the Language of a private, and (as I thought) obscure person, complementing with me (as far as a few Lines would go) for old acquaintance sake, and like a Divine bemoaning the Times; about a month he was quiet, and then came this second, seconded with a little more Flattery, in these words: SIr, When I wrote last unto you, I suppose I received no Answer, for the places sake whence it came; but to remove all doubt from you, when I came thither I was a prisoner, now I am removed out of it: May you be pleased to grant me a pass to come to you; I have a Request to propose to you, which is for my safety and your Honour. And I will likewise preassure you, 'tis no more than what hath been granted by my Lord of Essex and Sir William Waller both, neither of whom, you come behind in valour, and I hope will not come short of them in Honourable courtesy, I will not now name it, that I may not be prevented of kissing your hand, who am, for your never to be forgotten courtesy when I last saw you at London, Your most obliged Servant, Nath: Bernard. Water-Eaton, Octob. 18. 1644. In this you see he persuades me to believe he had been a prisoner at Oxford, now set at liberty, and in another Town, from whence he dates, and again urgeth leave to come and see me, and ask a favour, which was only for his safety and my Honour to grant. Upon this I acquainted some friends about me, with the Request, Conditions, and Qualities of the man, and then sent a pass, which brought him on our Lecture day: when he came I received him courteously; he desired to Preach, but was denied; he dined with me and some of my Officers, and at last, upon his going away, desired a word or two with me privately, and then he falls upon the Errand (which it seems he was sent on) and wisheth me on their side, laying about him, and lavishing out his breath in paintings and flatteries at random. Now I found my good cousin to be but the ecclesiastical Duck-c●y, let fly from a higher Gamester, and forthwith I baited my hook as well as he his— Truly Mr. Bernard I pray for nothing more than a good Conscience; and if I thought myself in an error, I would not be long in leaving it. At this, the Gudgeon gaped, and I gave him line; he desires liberty to write to me, I gave it him (with a Protection of his Lady Lovelaces house at Water-Eaton from plunder and violence) and he jogged home jocundly to tell his Lord George how his Pill had wrought, and a few days after sent this to me: NOble Sir, I am emboldened by your last great favour, and necessitated by some loss, since that time you sent my Lady your Protection, not without some affright, given by some of Major Temples men, to our whole house, together with the approach (as we hear) of the Armies towards us, to desire your advice, whether the Protection you gave me will (in case the Armies come hither) keep my person free, or whither, notwithstanding that, I am in danger of being mistaken for, and used like an Enemy. The Answer whereto will yet further oblige Your most humble Servant, Nath: Bernard. Water-Eaton, Nov. 1. 1644. This Letter being occasioned, as he pretends, by some affrightments given from the great number of Parliament soldiers who marched that way, is but a private one, and had an Answer answerable thus: SIR, The protection I sent by you to my Lady Lovelace, I presume will keep her and her family from all irregular Plunder, by any under my Command; but whether 'twill prove a security to her Ladyship, or yourself from other Forces now here, or to come this way I know not, nor can I therein advise; I shall be willing to serve you in what I may: and be Your Friend and Servant, Rich. Browne. Abingdon, Nov. 1. 1644. All this while Mr. Bernard hath been scouring, screwing, and oiling his Engine; now he is resolved to charge and give fire: But his first charge for fear of breaking or recoiling, shall be only Powder and paper: witness this which he let fly at me: SIR, Having received so many signal and obliging favours from you, and those, since the fate of the Kingdom hath (together with our own) made us to run contrary fortunes: I who abhor nothing more than ingratitude, pity nothing more than seduced virtue, and misplaced Gallantry; have here as the only way left me to testify my thankfulness, so vindicated your reputation, that I believe your credit with us will be more precious, then with them for whom you have hazarded all that is dear to man. For proof whereof, as I am able to produce evidence sufficient of neglect and secret scorn from some men, who owe the safety of their evils to your valour: So, I am Commanded, to let you know, 〈◊〉 you have with us friends that (as you are) will Honour you; but if you were otherwise, would be proud really to serve you: And that through our endeavours, you are so fairly reported to the highest. That you are desired— But I'll say no more till you answer one request; and that is, that you will promise not to betray those that Honour you, to scorn, my life to danger by discovering what my undertaking hath resolved to go on with, to preserve to you a good Conscience, a good name to future ages, and a securing with your Country and King, what God hath blessed you with in this world with our friends. And I do again preassure, that by this I will engage you to nothing, but what God's Word and a good Conscience and the Peace of this Kingdom do require of you: Besides what other Inducements I am to acquaint you with when you have assured me; that if through violent sway of contrary affection we should not satisfy each other; yet we shall neither through passion betray one another to scorn or danger, which is all at present I do desire, besides the continuance of the favour of safe access and recess of my Messenger. I pray God bless Your Honour with all that is good, and guide all our feet into the way of Peace. Sir, I shall ever be Your most humble Servant, Nath. Bernard. Water-Eaton, Nov. 4. 1644. Was not this pretty well for the first shoot, to aim at the very joint, and make a division between friends? Some of those for whom you hazarded all &c. Neglect you, scorn you &c.` 'tis rarely begun Machi●vell, as soon as we had received this (for I had the advice of some about me, as many as might be a full Testimony of my integrity; and yet not more than might warrant secrecy) Now we saw plainly a Plot of a council, and not the attempt of a single Priest only; and perceived other faces peeping behind the Arras, weighting for the Cue to bring them out. A little before this, when their Forces were beaten at Newberry, we marched out and vexed them in their retreat; but now having relieved Dunnington, they quartered round about me; so that we all concluded upon this opportunity, by dallying and deluding, to retard their assault, ti●● we could get up our works, and make out for assistance: And now w● fall to our work: He begins upon me with King, Conscience, Kingdom, Honour &c. All good themes: I echo back to him such of his own ●ayings 〈◊〉 would 〈…〉 then his own, as in this which I returned him, SIR, I give you 〈◊〉 for the respect, I believe you be●r him who shall ever labour ●● an Honourable Reputation and the way to it; I do assure you of safe access and recess, being resolved to serve your desires in any thing agreeable to the Word of God and a good Conscience. Sir, be assured there is nothing I prize more than peace, nor any thing I beg more then to serve my King and Country whose I am: and Sir, Your Loving Friend and Servant, Rich. Brown. Abingdon, Nov. 5. 1644. By this my Friend thinks verily that I have a mind to chaffer, and therefore down he pitches his pack, and brings out his small parcels of silken rhetoric, fine and course compliments, Scriptures woven at Oxford, Posies for Prerogative, ribbons with Vive le Roy, and Lawn for Sleeves, which ●● hopes to wear himself, for by this next you will think he had his Congedeslier his black Box already, for converting me. He quotes the Kings, Excommunicates ipso facto (as he calls it) the Kingdoms, and Da●nes the Parliament, as confidently as if he had been Priest at Lambeth, and not Lecturer at wool-church; witness this divine charitable composure. SIR, I am commanded to let you know that His Majesty cannot but wonder, that you who being recommended to him for many worthy parts and actions, declaring you no stranger to virtue and Noble qualities, as one no way aspersed with any infamous factions inclination in yourself in times past, one whom he, nor his former Government hath ever wronged: He having never taken the staff of Lord Chamberlain from you, nor were you ever fined 1500. l. in the Star-Chamber, at the suit of Sir Thomas Reynolds, as the case is of Essex and Waller, (wherein yet he denies that either of them were wronged or injuried) no Wife taken from you in his father's days, nor your Father beheaded in the days of Queen Elizabeth. That you who was never thought of so broken or low a fortune as some Scotish Reformers. That you who were so far from a schismatical spirit, that you have obliged Orthodox Divines (now his cosufferers) to bear you an Honourable Testimony. That you to whom he never so much as in thought, intended other then good when occasion offered itself. That you whose moderation in other things hath witnessed, that you neither want valour nor courtesy. That you should not only join with, but lead on his Subjects armed against his Life, his Crown, and Kingdom, when he hath declared with so much vehemency, and (to his knowledge) inward integrity and sincerity, his resolutions to perform all your desires concerning the true Reformed Protestant Religion, and just Rights of Parliaments, the Liberty and property of his Subjects; when there is nothing left that may be desired by equal and just-dealing men; but he hath yielded to. That you should be one of them that will never trust him, till by their means he be killed or made a Prisoner, or which is worse, such a slave as must never say (No) or [I will advise] to any thing he shall be required. He desires you to make the case your own, and to judge whether you could without defence suffer all that you have to be violently taken from you, &c. Or whether you could find out a way that you would think, were it your case, more equal and just for you to go in. I am therefore in my way appointed to let you know, that that place Prov. 24.21. is part of that Word of God which shall one day judge the World, and doth (ipso facto) Excommunicate that Party which you are ensnared with; That that place, 2 Tim. 3.5. expressly commands you to turn away from such, notwithstanding their form of godliness: And that you are looked upon as Mordecai did on Esther, chap. 4. vers. 14. as one advanced for such an occasion as this, to restore the King to his Subjects, and his Subjects to their King. I should have come secretly to you, to have given you evidence of what I told by the last, concerning Injuries you suffer by your own side, and to have made Honourable and advantageous Propositions to you, both for your own and the Kingdoms good, with the way of assurance; But though your Letter did infinitely add to you; Yet the news of hanging some of ours at Abingdon hath stopped my Commission, and somewhat daunted my resolution to the present. Only I would pray you to furnish with a reasonable account in your defence, Sir, your most faithful Servant, Nath: Bernard. Nov. 8. 1644. Had it not been that we saw a direct necessity of whilng with him, This Letter (which they made bitter with those Ingredients to try how it would work) had made me break off with such an unsufferable Rabsheca, but on we went and I returned this: SIR, 'tis true, I never countenanced, but ever abhorred all Faction, nor do or shall I side with any contemning lawful authority, neither can I believe that revenge is the cause why the Lord general, or Sir William Waller are in arms, I am assured they as myself have no other ends but the Kings and Kingdoms good, and am confident the Parliaments aims are the same, and will appear so in the end, otherwise I should turn my sword against them, or any that should s●eke His majesty's life, or to imprison His person; I shall in nothing more willingly adventure mine, then in rescuing Him in both; sh●ll cheerfully harken after all honourable and advantageous Propositions which may prove my own and the Kingdoms good. I deny that any of your party in Abingdon have been hanged, nor shall any, except by Order of Parliament; I have always given order for christian usage of all prisoners with me, and wish you would do the like by ours. Sir, you have twice filled your Letters to me with Riddles, which till you make plain to my understanding I will say no more, I am, Sir, Your loving Friend and Servant, Rich. Brown. Abingdon, Novemb. 11. 1644. Postscript. Sir, I hold it unsafe for yourself to come any more to me, your last being here was much distasted. I must desire the Reader to know, that now all my Letters went to His majesty's eye (as their Letters afterward tell me) and must necessarily carry seeming answers to demands, and therefore my hardest task was to compile innocent words, such as would carry double, with some seeming satisfaction, such as these: My design in hand: I hope to bring all to pass as I desire: Settle my aff●i●es at London: What I have undertake●, I will perform &c. All which are but new Anagrams of my old resolutions which I was much afraid they would find out, and therefore took the advantage of working hard, and a day or two after, heard from him in these, NOble Sir, This is the last time I will trouble you with any generals, which you are pleased to call Riddles; And since you think it not safe for myself to wait on you: I am commanded to entreat you would express your doubts and fears on one side, and your hopes and desires on th'other, viz. The motives whereupon you engaged so much worth as we find in you in the present action; that if we can give you no satisfaction, we may suspect ourselves to have gone amiss. To this end I am further to beseech you to assure safe access and recess to a discreet third person, that shall wait upon your honour for those purposes which I have already intimated, whereby you shall perceive how much I have laboured to evidence that your favour● have inviolably obliged Your most humble Servant, N. Bernard. Water-E●ton, Nov. 15. 1644. Postscript. I have authority to tell you, and you shall speedily and exactly find it made good to you, that there is no just or reasonable thing you can propose, in which you shall not be satisfied. Now he begins to leave off single selfing of it, and Wee's it by authority, asking me the lowest price of Abingdon and myself, and thus being a slave himself, he ventures to buy and sell Abingdon, and Conscience, and Faith, &c. Methought his-part was a pretty long one, but he tarries two Scenes longer before any other enters, so I was fain to personate still as follows. SIR, My doubts and fears on one side, and my hopes on th'other, are various as the motives which first engaged me in this present Action, If there be any thing of Secrecy in our Letter discourses, I conceive it unsafe to admit a third man. I am glad you promise me to deal no longer in generals, a thing desired, I shall conclude with your own words, That there is no just or reasonable thing you can propose, in which you shall not be satisfied, more I will not say at present but that I am Your humble Servant, Rich. Brown Abingdon, Nov. 16. 1644. My denial of a third man which I conceived would make them suspect me less, pretending the danger of it, (though my main aim was not to meddle in any thing but what was under their hands) made them confident, and bid a little higher, as in this: SIR, Since you have given me leave to deal with you in particulars, I must begin with you upon this Foundation; That you do believe (or will be so just, as to show reasons to the contrary) the satisfactions whereof shall make faith of the Professions and Protestations made by the King of his Resolutions to defend the true reformed Protestant Religion established by Law, the Liberty and Property of his Subjects and just privileges of PARLIAMENT. And then that you will be so far from opposing him in this, that you will, like a good Christian and a good Subject, assist him therein; And that you may know how good an opinion His Majesty hath of you, if he may know your resolution by me, you shall be left to your own election in what way you will serve Him for the present, either in Abingdon, or by finding some means to remove to London, or by immediately coming over to Him, you best knowing which way He may receive most advantage by your service. And for your recompense, you shall be a Barone●, Have any other Testimony of His Majest●es favour and value of you, and any place of trust yourself shall propose, and what other reward you shall desire within His majesty's power to grant. The truth is I find (as I have before intimated) that though you are looked on here as a shrewd enemy, yet you are valued as one who carries himself most like a Gentleman, and who proceeds more civilly than any of that party, although Sir William Waller told our Lord general's Lady when he sent Her home hither t' other day, having been his prisoner, she were best to go such a way about, lest she fell into the hands of that Rogue Browne, who would use Her like a clown. You will pardon this intimation which proceeds from my respects of you, and to assure you that this proceeds not from some private heat only betwixt your honour and the Knight, but from the natural ingratitude of that party, I have sent you here enclosed a Copy of the Lord says Letter written with his own hand, whereby you may guess at your future respects with them you now defend to your own, and the hurt of ●s all. I will trouble you no further at present then to assure you, there is one only third person privy to this, who hath full authority to undertake for His Majesty, and who is honourable and so honest that he will see all particulars performed, I am still Sir, Your most obliged Servant, N. Bernard. Nov. 19 1644. Postscript Sir, if you desire it, I shall help you to other Letters written by the same Lord's hand hereafter; requesting that they may be returned if it shall be desired: Whilst I am writing, the Letter is for some other purposes, remanded to be conveyed to Banbury, but I assure you of them, if you shall distrust me at present, though the want of them hath retarded the messenger two days. I pray God make you ours, with— your will. I pray God keep you from being ours, against your will. This was done artificially, one while he strokes me with promises from Oxford; presently he pricks me with wrongs done at London; but as th'one pleased me not, so th'other troubled me not: I conquered the flattery of the one, and owned not the injury of th'other, But seeing now be quotes a third Honourable customer authorized by the King to cheapen me; I thought it good for our works sake which more wanted time, to bid that man of Honour welcome into my warehouse too; and slighting Bernard's offers, as being to little, sent him this. SIR, It will be needless to give any Reply to that foundation you begin with, which must necessarily be involved in the Issue of this our Treaty; nor as yet to pitch upon any particular way, wherei● my service may be most advantageous; since they to whom I resign myself, may dispose of me to what shall be thought fit. And although I am not swayed by mercenary respects; yet I looked for a greater Argument of that Estimation you say I am in with you, than the proposed reward, which doth not equalise what I am: And that I urge nothing myself, you must attribute to that necessary discretion which ought to be in a business of so great consequence. I shall proceed no further at present, then to desire immediate intercourse, with that Honourable person you mentioned, that from him I may have more special grounds of assurance in that whereon I adventure so much. I am ashamed at the ingratitude and contempt you acquaint me withal, from them of whom I have deserved better: And desire for my more full satisfaction, you will send me the original of those Letters you speak of, which may prove of singular advantage; and which I azure you, shall be returned by the same Messenger. I am Sir Your assured Friend and Servant, Rich. Brown. Abingdon, Nov. 22. 1644. My Lord Digby having now his properties all on, and himself ready to issue forth, makes Bernard write once more, desiring (what I was resolved not to yield to) Secrecy: That so in case he acted not well, and his part did not take; he might not be hissed off; but go out like a mute in a mask: So saith this of the 25. of Novemb. NOble Sir, My desire to express how dearly my engagements from you stick to me, I have done what I could to your advantage on this side, whereon to live or die ●o my Conscience is the only way to be (caereris paribus) safe temporal and Eternally. To satisfy your desire of intercourse with that Honourable person immediately, there wants nothing but your Answer to that request in plainer terms, which I made the 4. of Nov. Namely, whether we may be confident in case of non-satisfaction to either party, we may mutually trust one another's silence, which is promised withal assurance upon our side; and such a promise from your word (to satisfy you how much we value your word) shall be sufficient; Which done, you shall receive both parts of your demands. For the Letters of the Lord says, I could at present send but the enclosed, th'other being now at press or lent out, which you shall have from me as soon as may be, I pray return this again by this bearer: The other of your desires we are upon the return to this ready to satisfy the very next day: I am Your most humble Servant, Nath. Bernard. Nov. 25. 1644. At this very time Prince Rupert and his forces came near and faced us, and we (though then very weak) drew out a party, upon which he marched away; and I took boldness from that in my Answer, to be peremptory and stand upon it, that I feared them not in these words. SIR, In seriously urging that point of Secre●y, you do but seem seriously to question my discretion, since that my Life and Fortunes are engaged in the discovery, and you nor any other can run any considerable hazard. Besides that, it is unreasonable to expect from me, that promise which may so deeply ensnare me in case intentions on yvor side were less answerable to expressions; and in that particular, my jealousy must be excused, since whilst you Treat with me in Letters, your Forces are advancing to sudden attempt of our Garrison which we prepare for as much as we fear little: I am resolved never by any demand, to make myself liable to a refusal; what Propositions come from your pa●t, must be dispatched and confirmed with the highest security: By this you may understand my meaning. And so, whil●st I am in the power of my own choice, I leave it to yours, whether suddenly and fully to proceed, or immediate●●●● break off: and so rest Your very Loving Friend and Servant, Rich. Brown. Abingdon, Nov. 25. 1644. Postscript, I have returned the enclosed which you sent for, which I thank you, and desire a sight of the rest, which shall be ●● faithfully restored. This ●oy carriage made the Gentleman come on, and my Lord 〈…〉 to the hazard, and now both at once, the goshawk and the Kistrell, fly at me with great fierceness. Witness these: NOble Sir, I have at length sent you th'other part of your desires, neither have my tendernesses; and with them some delays, been without a design for the Honourable, and especially the safe conveyance of this negotiation: I have foreseen all things here that probably might be dangerous, before I would too far have engaged you, that if there had been any appearance of ill, or unfaithfulness; I might h●●e forewarned you escaped: But of this I hope more opportunely and more nearly. But now Sir, I dare safely engage my life, that the'nclosed contains no more than what you may build upon; Neither would I have you stand upon any nice Punctilio of greater Honour at prese●●● for I am promised (though you are not yet to be acquainted with ●● that you shall be denied no just request, nor kept back from any Honour you can imagine yourself capable of; But there must be a consultation and provision against envy towards yourself, and an opinion of neglect which others may take upon it. The King is infinitely taken with your Letters, and believes a great deal of worth in you, insomuch, that he professeth a greater mind to yourself, than your Garrison, desiring rather to have you his own, than that; I hope you will help him to both, and in both, to his own. Sir, What hath been long in preparing, must be speedy in Execution, you have Examples to evidence delays dangerous; that person who speaks to you in the enclosed, hath prevented many forcible designs upon. Abingdon, and the often stages of them, will run him or yourself into suspit●on; I pray consider the ways of gaining such Friends, and such a side as you will never repent just joining ●o. I pray for your own credit's sake, withal, cause the grey Gelding which was taken from Mr. Th●● H●●th to be ●●turned: He is in your secretary's power: I am confident you were misinformed concerning the horse's employment, upon any part against you; I shall take the gentleman's word before any ordinary man's, or stranger's oath: I know that for the recovery of ten Horses, he could not be hired to a lye● And he protests the Horse was never in any service at all. He received your pass and I think Protection too; Let them be dearer with your Honour, than the satisfying their minds that have him. I am Your most humble Servant, Nath. Bernard. Nov. 28. 1644. This should have been with you last night, but that I was out of town. The enclosed mentioned in the last, was from the Lord Digby, which speaks thus: SIR, Having had a sight of your severanll Letters to your worthy Kinsman concerning the late negotiation between you, I find in them so much frankness, so much reason, and so much of a Gentleman, that I should think myself ●aulty to all those, should I in any wise doubt your sincerity, or forbear out of any further Scruples to own my part in what you have received from him. I shall not enter into any Argument with you to alter your judgement from the tenants of that party, to which you have formerly adhered, since I conceive you too worthy a man to have proceeded thus far had not that conversion been already wrought. And therefore all that I shall apply my discourse to, shall be to give you the assurance (which you may rely upon) of His majesty's great sense and value of your disposition to his service, which I assure you is so much upon those handsome expressions which he hath seen of it in your Letters, that he doth not so much prize the gaining of such a place as Abingdon, as such a person as you to his service and not so much a recompense for the one, as encouragement to the other; I have full authority to assure you, That your declaring for him, and putting such of his Force● into Abingdon as may secure you in it after such a Declaration: You shall receive His majesty's Commission for the Government of that place; For the Comm●nd (if you desire it) of a Brigade in His majesty's Army, and a Warrant to be a Baronet: This for the present till I shall be more particular informed by 〈◊〉, whether your inclinations may point at any other more proper testimony of his majesty's favour. In the mean time, I shall only add this, that for reasons well co●cerning your safety in this negotiation (in which all pro●ractio● are dangerous) as His majesty's service: It is desired that there 〈◊〉 be suddenly a small conclusion of this business, and if possible, by Sunday next: The particular ways whereof, I shall expect direction in from you; And for my own particular, I shall desire you to remember that among all the imputations which His majesty's enemies have cast upon me, I have never been blasted with a failing in my word or honour; And I pray be confident, I shall not begin with you, who over and above the usefulness which I promise myself of you in my Masters and the kingdom's business, have begotten in me ● very sincere desire of seeing you in a capacity for me to avow myself. Your affectionate Servant, George Digby. Oxford, Nov. 27. 1644. No sooner had I read my Lords, but forthwith I sent away to the Committee of both Kingdoms, with reasons why I deal thus, and must still, entreating help to be sent speedily, with directions how to carry on, and when to break of this delusion: In the Interim for fear of any Plot within the Town (which I had cause to suspect) I called in all whom I knew to be dangerous, to take the Covenant, those who denied, I sent away Prisoners, and warned in the whole Town the week following, who took it, but I writ back this answer the next day after I had received theirs. SIR, I cannot but be apprehensive of your tenderness to myself, and your discretion in all respects through the whole pursuit of this affair, which now deserves, that I ingeniously profess, there shall be no Punctilio (as you have wisely admonished) put any demur upon my present resolutions, for the truth is, I value not an honourable Tittle, in respect of a just Tittle to an honourable reputation, and (which I hope ere long, freely and confidently to avouch) His majesty's favour. That our Negotiation hath been (as you intimate) a prevention to any forcible design against us I rejoice, For when His Majesty shall peaceably possess this Garrison, it will easily appear how much blood by this means hath been preserved for more seasonable service: The enclosed I commend to your trusty care, in expectation of the event, whereof I rest, Your loving friend & Servant, Rich. Brown. Abingdon, Nov. 28. 1644. MY Lord, I account it no small Honour, that any action of mine should receive from your Lordship so favourable an interpretation; and shall always esteem it my greatest happiness, to be thought capable to do His Majesty service. What Expressions soever have fallen from me which your Lordship may have taken notice of, I shall make good to the utmost of my power; And have received so full satisfaction from your lordship's assurance (as concerning the scope of your Letters) that there is now nothing wanting to an absolute conclusion between us, saving a speedy provision of my affairs at London, which will be immediately taken order for; so soon as I may adventure a trusty messenger thither, which I presume your Lordship will hold reasonable, and so I rest, Your honour's most humble Servant, Rich. Brown. Who would think that can read any thing, that ever this wise and learned Lord and his chaplain, who are such notable painters, themselves should be con●ened with painted grapes, and admire an empty counterfeited shape, as if there were something behind it. I profess I expected they should find me in my Answers to say (as I did) so many new nothings, and send me the next message by their Army: Yet they fall in love with those shadows I sent them, and follow those shadows with mighty earnestness, as in these. SIR, The expressions of your last Letter to myself, and your worthy Kinsman, added to the former Characters which I have received of your worth, have raised such an assurance in me, that I am no more capable of the least distrust of you, and I shall not deceive you, to let you know, that His Majesty is possessed with the same confidence, so that you are looked upon now, as one wholly devouted to His service, and with so much consideration of your person and abilities, that we cannot but promise ourselves yet greater advantages by them then those that are present in view. It is very just and reasonable, That you should provide in the best manner that the condition of affairs will allow, for what concerns your fortune at London, and I hope you have not wholly neglected that all this while. But I must conjure you, that you will use all possible expedition in bringing our business to a final conclusion, for it would be an extreme grief to me, to be an occasion of misfortune to you; And you cannot be ignorant, how dangerous suspense is in things of th●●ture, especially where prejudices and jealousies are once broken 〈◊〉, as (by the Letter which was sent you, and by some discourses which to my knowledge the Committee let fall at their being here) it is m●●●fest they are towards you: Besides that, the pressures of our Military men here for some enterprise, either for the taking or blocking up of that place, are daily such as I suffer much by opposing them● And it will be impossible for me to divert them long without acquainting some with the true reason of my opposition, whom I am resolved not to trust with such a secret. Wherefore I do most earnestly desire you in your next, to assign me (if you can possibly) a certain time, that I may procure some diversion of our designs during that, and that you would also frankly let me know what your sway and interest with your own men is likely to be upon that alteration; and what way it will necessary to assist you with His majesty's Forces, that they may be dispossed of accordingly. I shall not need to recommend to so discreet a person two Ca●tions, the one to beware of admitting any new Forces into your Garrison from the Parliament that my master your power: The other, to be sure to have some trusty person still by you, as in case you should discover any design within against you, may give instant notice ●●●ther, with the way to rescue you; This is the last that I shall adventure unto you barefaced, therefore for future correspondency, I have sent you the enclosed Cipher which I hope I shall not long make use of to disguise my being. Your very affectionate friend and Servant, George Digby. Oxford, Dec. 1. 1644. His lordship's cipher before mentioned. Another Letter of M. Bernard's which came at the same time with the former. Noble Sir. SInce you have now immediate Intercourse I shall need so much the less to trouble you, I am now commanded to let you know that whereas we have certain information that there are forces and p●●●ision coming to reinforce your Garrison, jealousies fall heavy upon your unfeigned friends for what they have already done and an impossibility to sustain themselves without giving an account to Prince Rup●rt, and some others of the present businesses, if they withhold the Acts of Hostility any longer. Sir, I should not be myself if I should not engage myself for your fidelity, you cannot imagine the advantages you will meet with in the Execution of the business you know, what acclamations popular, what favour from the King, what friends and servants that all the Bells in London can never decry your Honour much less equal it: I shall grieve at nothing more than at the prevention of all, which cannot be without your great dishonour, of whom we all think good, and in whom we think is the Seat of most honourable & discreet thoughts, Sir I am Your honour's most humble Servant N. BERNARD. What r●ckoning is here without my 〈◊〉! By Lord is possessed, and 〈◊〉, a● that must ●●eds follow (though in manners it should go before) the King ●● possessed too, that I am for his service. Tru●ly I am possessed 〈◊〉, but not in his Lo●dship sense, I am and ever was for his majesty's service, only now they d●sire expedition: and to effect it. His Lor●ship 〈◊〉 the Commissioners who m●nt th●●her for peace (and th●rfore not 〈◊〉 to him) for scattering words as jealous of me and my actions, which is as true as the Letter which he sends me at last. I hope th●s● m●n of 〈◊〉 will consider him according●y. But to show his Confidence, behold a cip●● enclosed in his Letter● which I must learn to conjure by. But not without the Parlia●ents 〈◊〉 and therefore sent that up after the rest and top't his mouth the whilst 〈◊〉 this empty spoon—. And Bernardwi t● his— My Lord. YOur last● 〈◊〉 the first of December, came not to my hands till this afternoon which something 〈◊〉 me, And my answer, though it bring with it some Ru●●, yet I hope will not alter your lordship's favourable opinion, The truth is that last Saturday night there came to us 1500 foot by order of the committee of both kingdoms with provisions of vict●●lls &c. which I admire at, since it could not be imagined but that ayd● which I had before, of whom by their Order I gave account in a m●ster Role but the last week, were sufficiently able to defend this place. These additional Forces being a commanded party out of my Lord generals, my Lord of 〈◊〉, and the City, (with whom I am not yet well acquainted) m●st of necessity re●●●d the business: And herein your lordship's advice by the Ciphes' you sent me will be requisite. The main, concerning my own affairs at London I do hasten; nor shall any private interests take me off from my resolutions: I am, my Lord, Your honour's most humble Servant, Rich. Browne. Abingdon Decem. 4. 1644. The Major general's Letter in answer to the last from Bernard. THose jealousies you speak of, which arise amongst you since these new forces came to me, are but jealo●sies, and must out o● that fidelity you put in me be blown over by your policy, till an opportunity (which I wait for) set all right. The truth is, there came last Saturday by order from above 1500 more foot and provisions to me, of which I have given account in the enclosed, and shall expect advice in. I should not be myself, if I should own those applauses you talk of, as charms that can move me: And I wonder that you (knowing me so well) should think them weighty. No, it is not popular acclamation on the one side, or fear of any acts of hostility on the other, but only the discharge of an honest and loyal conscience which hath invited me into this course which I now run. And these for the present I assure you of faithfully I am. Your loving friend and Servant, Rich. Brown. Abindon Decem. 4. 1644. THese Forces which I t●ll them of, were now come to me, and therefore I send t●em Wo●d their number; and pretend they came unexpect●●, and I had no need of them, and now my affairs at London (which expression d●d m● knight's service) Were pretty we●l settled: yet having 〈◊〉 Directions when to break off I dandled them one on one knee, and the other on the other. But in their nex they begin to ●uspect, yet not by my Letters; but 〈◊〉 scruples bubble up they know not why and ●ere resolved ●● to ch●me 〈◊〉 Wha● m●● all I am m●de on. For this purpose my L● hath hi●, and Bernard his device: my Lord desires time and m●nner to b● told him, and desires 〈◊〉 now to send him some blank passes. Bernard be scar●s me with the knavery of the Messenger, how he op●●●d my Let●er●, and what danger might ensue, giving an hint by this, that now all would out, or might miscarry, if I did not dispatch Thus they write. The Lord Digby's Letter. Sir, I Have received Yours of the Fourth, unto which all the answer I can return is, that I am glad of your Confidence that our jealousies concerning your remove from tha● Government, (raised in us upon several intelligences from London) are vain, however I pray carry in memory those cautions which I gave you in my last, and I shall be very glad to receive a more particular answer unto those Queries in it, concerning the time and manner of Your performing your engagements. In which (however delays are apt to suggest suspicions) I protest I cannot entertain the least, of your reality being founded according to your professions upon reason and loyalty, and a convinced and confirmed sense of the Pious Intentions of Your sovereign towards the good of his people, Towards the happiness of which in the settlement of the miserable distr●ctions of the kingdom, I know not any man hath more power to contribute then yourself by this Action, And I reckon it as a singular good fortune to be made an Instrument in it, and ●ir, Your very affectionate ServantGeorge Digbye Oxford this 6 of Dec. 1644. Postcript I may be destitute sometimes of means to convey unto you what may be fit for you to know, And therefore you shall do very well to favour me with a blank pass or two, which upon my Credit shall not be made use of but to yourself, Bernard● Letter at the same time. Sir, I Am to thank you as well for your reprehensions as favowrs. And I must tell you, I know you too well to think you unworthy, but the messenger that brought this day's message, was so bold as to break open my Letter for the pass enclosed: And but that I have certain assurance, that nobody but the Messenger and myself, (whom I have taken order to make sure for blabbing this good while) he might have done mischief to our undoing. I beseech you make use of the persons I send upon the present occasions, and know that I make no change but upon reason and good grounds. Sir, put a period to our expectations I beseech yo●, and put us not to the pain to be doubted, not yourself to the danger. He who lovingly invites you to your duty, will be able as well to repair your losses as to honour your well deservings, besides the heavenly blessing and protection which will certa●nly outdo your care to your content. An. Example whereof you may have (I thank God almighty's providence Sir, Your most obliged Servant, N. Bernard. December 5. 1644. You see the 〈◊〉 ●●d their ●●st, it was h●rd passing and repassing from London, and I had yet no rules wha● to do, therefore still I h●l● up their Ch●nnes in a mo●e plausible answer, for fear ●hey should sink themselves, and I not have the drowning of them; and once more closed with them in these expressi●ns, taking no notice of my Lord desire of blanks at all. My Lord, YOurs of the last came to my hands this afternoon, which intimate some grounds of Jealousies through some late intelligence of my removal from this Garrison, a thing which may not sink into my thought: for I cannot Imagine (much less do know of) any grounds to suspect my calling off, and the confidence I have of myself here assures me that it will not be easy for me to be snatched hence. And as concerning your lordship's query, I must confess these new forces are not a little troublesome, and do wholly take from me the possibility of pointing, either at time, or manner, at present. But I do notwithstanding perceive, that in a short time I may gain ground upon all difficulties, and bring this affair to a happy period. And of this your Lordship may be most assured that I shall consecrate what power or Capacity I have, whereby to promote the service of my sovereign, and the good of his oppressed people. And to that end shall most gladly sacrifice both myself and fortunes, and remain, my Lord Your honour's most humble ServantRichard Browne. Abingdon, Dec. 6. 1644. A Letter to Bernard at the same time. Sir, YOur knowledge of me shall still be for the better as shall ere long, (God willing) appear, only my reprehensions as you call them, came not till now. That you should use a Messenger whose hand and tongue and heart should not be wholly yours, especially in things of this nature troubles me not a little, and may make all miscarry. Therefore above all be careful to silence him a while, and i'll promise you this accident (which may bode dangers) shall hasten my resolutions into a speedy, and I hope happy issue. And in the quickening me on through all oppositions, I shall make use of that good expression of yours, That my confidence is' that gracious Majesty which invited me to my duty will bear me out, and be able as well to repair my losses, as to honour my well deservings. Sir, my desired ends are followed with such a resolved heart, that you shall not need to write any more incitements, or make use of a Messenger, unless in things which my Lord shall think of moment, in which I shall expect to be acquainted, that so I may know the better how to act. Sir believe the integrity of Your loving friend, Rich. Browne. Abingdon Decem. 6. 1644. Exit Bernard, and he thinks with great applause, l●aving his Master a●d m● hand to hand, who though h● te●ls me every time of hi● confidence, yet had mu●h ado to hold up his hopes; for from the sixth to the fifte●nth h●e walks and breathes: and I would have wagered my Gamester wou●d have struck no more; yet at last he ventures another spir't, and s●nds the old Messenger again with this. SIR, HAving seen your desires in your last to your kinsman, that he would use no more incitements, as being unnecessary to a person so well resolved in his majesty's service: And being for mine own part fu●ly persuaded of the reality o● your intententions, I have been unwilling to press the p●rformance of your engagements, so as to give you the least cause to sus●ect● want of confidence in me. And therefore I have forborn this long to send to you, although I assure you I am in danger of suffering much by the delay. But now I suppose after so long a forbearance, you cannot but think it reasonable (I being also commanded to do it, that I desire of you a po●●tive resolution, as to the time and manner of your performing that, which as it imports so much good to the public, so will give you assurance to a higher degree than hath yet been mentioned, both of his majesty's intentions to oblige you, and of my most real desires to manifest myself, Your affectionate Servant, George Digby. Oxford. Decem. 15. 1644. I was glad to see my despairing Custom●r; who was gone out of sight, come back again, which he doth, and bi●s me the other crown. The King will do more for me then was yet promised &c. Bernard like a chicken not of the right kind, is cowed out of the Pit. This C●cke of the Game still st●a●s pe●king and billing, and by his last, I found might with a little streaking hold out about or two longer. And be●ause I w●uuld bring Bernard on again, and neck them both together, I crumbled h●m a few Barley corns more, and sent these. My Lord. YOur Honour cannot conceive how much I am quickened by your Letter to the performance of that, which I am resolved to go through with, if time and instruments were but once fit. I wish ●y letter to my Kinsman unwritten, rather than that it should speak any thing which might hinder your lordship's necessary influence unt●● it be accommodated to my mind. My Lord, I did begin by the silence of this last week to conjecture that His majesty (as I hear) having sent Propositions up tending to a Peace, might make you less to hasten this about Abbingdon, however I am the same which I expressed myself in my last to your Lordship, only your Honours own words, that that which I am to perform imparts so much good to the public, may (being of so much moment) both excuse and beg a little more time. And for the mannner, the yet concealment of it for some few days will produce me more advantage, not only in this of Abingdon, but other places than you can yet imagine: And then I shall suddenly bring that to pass, which I am confident shall convince your Lordship that these delays were necessary. In the mean while if I may receive any thing of your lordship's pleasure which may command me, I am Your honour's humble Servant RICHARD Browne. Abingdon Decem. 16. 1644. Another Letter to Mr. Bernard at the same time. Sir, MY loving respects to you, &c. I have received another Letter from my Lord, and have returned this enclosed, which I hope may give satisfaction; one from yourself should have been welcome; for I would not be mistaken, that I desired your forbearance altogether, but only to let you know, that both for my judgement and affections I had satisfaction enough to carry me on, without any more of your rhetoric, which yet I may not forget to thank you for. Sir, I desire my humble service may by your tongue as my hand be presented to his Lordship: for which, and other favours of yours, until I see you, you must be contented to take thanks from the Pen of Sir, Your assured friend to serve you, Richard Browne. Abingdon Decemb. 16 1644. 12 at night. I could not with all this luring recover my learned Cousin, who smelled powder like a Wildegoose, and flies quite away; but his Lordship, in as much as he was better dieted, was longer breathed. Next day he at me again, telling me, this is the last time of asking, and I must now speak, or for ever hereafter hold my peace. You will find he burns dim and is in the s●cket by this sudden flashing. The Lord Digby's Letter. Sir, I have received your● of yesterday, but truly less satisfaction with it than I expected, which (together with the accident lately happened) hath put it out of my power to preserve in another that reliance upon your reality which I am apt to h●ve. For as I ever d●●l● with much sincerity myself, so I am not subject to suspect others of the contrary. The accident lately happened, is the taking and hanging of a spy of yours, which hath raised suspicions of you beyond the power of my allaying, your actions only can do it now. In a word, if in return of this I may hear from you what and when you will do in plain terms, all and more than hath been promised shall be performed. If not, I am clear from any misfortune that may befall you, for which I shall be very sorry, as having great dispositions prepared in me, to be Your affectionate friend and servant, George Digby. Oxford Wednesday 18 Decemb. 1644. Had it been possible, I would have reprieved him yet a little, till I could have had directions, but our works were now ready, and our men in some plight, and 'twas pity he should die a timely death. We concluded therefore to go to sentence, and to bring him to execution, which I did in this fatal answer, and the rather, because they had hanged a poor woman whose blood lies upon them, a woman whom ●e never knew nor heard of. My Lord, YOur just diffidence hath broke the shell, and hatched now at length my just defiance, and your design, which with much ado I have persuaded to the uppermost round, is now fit to be turned off. Is it possible that your Lordship (my Lord Digby) should think his oil so artificially mixed with his ink as not to betray its flattery, or that it could catch like Birdlime? Alas my Lord, persuading yourself thus, you declare to the world, that 'twas honour and courtship that was the prevailing argument to fetch your Lordship out of that honourable House where once you sat, but it shall never lure a meaner man out of Abington. My Lord, let this Letter be the Cipher to all my former; read them over again, and see whether they do not all breath, both in word and sense, loyalty to his Majesty, and yet full resolution to go through with what I have undertaken; and for the design which I mention so much, I thank yours which first gave life to it, it is perfected my Lord, it is perfected, and you may come when you will. The design was to play with you at your own game, till our works (which once were not so strong as you have now made them, though at the weakest should have been lined with our lives) were strengthened and accommodated with men and provisions, which I thank God now they are, and therefore I do acquit your Lordship of all misfortune that may befall me. Oh my Lord, be more tender of the King's honours and favours then thus to hang them out as Colours to invite treachery and disloyalty to come after them; I bless God I have in this whole action been careful to avoid tampering with his Majesty in things of this nature: and for that often practised plot of yours, and that jesuited kinsman of mine, to sow jealousies between those who employ me and my actions (which shall dare to look the world in the face) leave it my Lord leave it, 'tis threadbare and rotten: and in confidence that I have now written what your Lordship looks for; in which if you have not full satisfaction, but shall scruple at any thing, if your Lordship shall please to send once more, I do assure your Honour, your Messenger shall come and return safe; for who knows but that your Lordship (in whom there is so much ingenuity) may not only now read me right in my intentions, but also hereafter give me thanks for my reality. I am my Lord Your honour's most humble servantRichard Browne. Abington 19 Decemb. 1644. Postscript. My Lord you have hanged (as you say) a spy of mine whom I know not; but that you may be balanced in this also, this very morning I will cause to be hanged one of yours, condemned by our council of war six weeks since, according to an Ordinance of Parliament, resolving never to be out done by you either in civility or justice. I expected that after this doom read to him, the offender should have made his confession, wrung his hands, prayed good people to forgive him, begged the benefit of his book, warned others to take heed by his example, &c. But behold he raves and talks idly, and foams at mouth such frothy forgeries and poor lies, as argue he had no memory left in him. I appeal to all his friends who shall read these two last (yet one is more like a gentleman's hen the other) what they think of his Lordship, whether he be a Christian or no. They be these, Sir, I Shall make use of the liberty which you allow me to send to you once more, I profess I am very sorry to find my wishes and my hopes of your returning to your duty and loyalty in such a useful manner to the public as you might have done, deceived, but my confidence I assure you, you have not abused, for I seldom ground it but upon great probability of the persons integrity with whom I deal; a foundation which I could not well look for, from a person that had already forfeited his allegiance: and you must excuse me from believing, that what you have done now proceeds from any firmness to your own principles in that which you yourself think honest, (how erroneously soever) but rather from some new and greater corruption of interest on that side, than what was proposed unto you on this, whereof I make no doubt but the world will be a right judge, when by the publishing what hath passed between us, it shall appear how industriously and how mercenarily you long courted your own corruption before I ever provoked you to it, and offered to you those rewards which I did, as to a prostituted, not solicited person, who hence forwards must necessarily be infamous of all sides; on this, both s●r treason and treachery; on th'other, for having with solemn renunciations of what you now seem to think honest, so long acted a part whereunto no man can be tempted, without infamy, so far as you went uninvited, unless upon a sincere alteration of judgement, which no provocation can make me so uncharitable, as not to wish still most heartily to you and all your party, and then I shall again subscribe myself Your friend to serve you George Digby. Oxon this of Decemb. 1644. The Lord Digby's last Letter. Worthy colonel Browne, IN the first place I must extremely lament the unlucky burning (by chance) of the Cipher, wherein all my former Letters, but only those which were meant for your well-served Master's supervizing, were written; whereby I am constrained to venture these mysteries without a veil, which I should not have done, but that the necessity of this instant time presseth it; and that I am as confident as I can be of any thing, that this will come safe to your hands. In the next place, I must chide you for hazarding in your Cousin Bernard's packet that other paper of yours, which was so little meant for his sight. But your Letter of defiance which I read out to him, made him so mad, that he observed not my Cleanly Conveyance away of the Treasure within it. For truly I cannot give any other name to that which contained so admirable contrivance and disposition of the principal Scene of our Act. You know my opinion from the beginning, that I valued Abington but as a slight part of those services (which if your reputation and trust with your masters could be by any act upheld) his majesty might expect from a person of your dexterity and interests; and therefore I willingly consented to the design of seeming to make those with whom you were to improve the confidence of you, privy to all our Negotiations with me, though with the inconvenience of making the Surrender of Abington somewhat more difficult, and less seasonable by the delay. But I must confess to you, with an unfeigned pleasure, to be so excelled, that it was beyond my skill to find out such a way (as that which you resolve on, by blowing up so artificially your Magazine) to make Abington the Kings upon such Conditions, as m●ght let you march away unsuspected and unblemished in your power, to do his Majesty those greater services aimed at by you. I will enlarge no further, then to assure you, that the time and hour upon the blazing sign given, shall be punctually observed according to your agreement, with our incomparable Engineer Beckman, whose escape so artificially and so unsuspectedly, as to your having any hand in it hath succeeded even to a Miracle. In case there should a●ise any difficulty unforeseene in the course proposed, and that there should need a nearer approach of our Forces, either for assault or surprise, direct your pleasure to Beckman, by the conveyance agreed on by you, and it shall be punctually executed; for there is no room for distrust when there are such Hostages given; of which take it upon my word, the one (your friend) shall be a● kindly used as in your own house, and the other as safely kept for you as in your own coffers. I must not conclude without admiring your incomparable Letter of defiance, which as if it were to prevent the scorns being first put upon me at London, I have in great rage caused to be printed here with my Eloquent Answer, which I send you here enclosed, to be presented (with moderate insulting) unto your masters, to whom certainly the world could not have furnished you with a pleasanter endearment● then to have fooled my Lord Digby, who can expect no less, if this business be cleanly gone through with, then to see you one of their Generals, especially now the rest are displaced by their last Vote. Farewell. I have that faith in what I hope for of you, which hath seldom deceived Your Friend entirely George Digby. Postscript. Since the writing of this, I have a small Agent come in from Abington, who assures me, that he saw you march out since noon to Reading, which I do not believe; but yet for more security I have sent thither the last night to meet you, a duplicate of this, and of the enclosed, by a very safe messenger, with one of the blank Pastes you gave me. I fo●got to tell you my opinion, that Reading is a fi●●er place for you to march unto upon your Composition than Alisbury, and lies apter for his majesty's service. The last of these (as all hellish machinations do) belies itself, as a very ordinary Readers eye will find. The scope of it is to possess the world, that I had appointed him time and manner of betraying Abington, notwithstanding my Letter of defiance; I knew God would bless me with an opportunity which would seriously sooner or later by action confute it, and in the interim, laughing at his miserable shifts to heal himself and wound me, I shut up with him merrily, and returned this, which left him speechless. My Lord, YOu are so far from winning by playing an aftergame, that you will not save your own stake (which you aim at) by it, for standers by see you do it very poorly, and dare not throw out your dice. I find you are swelled, and the poison you vent is worse than Spiders; but your web is so thin, that the Readers will guess by the ridiculousness of your Plot, that it was the King's jester, not his Secretary, that contrived it, and yet by the wickedness of it, will again conclude, that the devil works journey work to my Lord Digby. Sir, my Magazine is safe, and will be when your dishonourable underground dealings shall be blown up; within these few days you may expect a Blaze, but it must be of this machination of Oxford's, wherein your Honour shall go for the Faux and the Garnet, (I find you can personate them both) against the Kingdom; and at such a time as now when you feared his Majesty (who I know hath found you out) should conclude a peace with his people, which you dare not pray for (I thank God I do daily) nay would ravel in the fi●st knitting. You t●l● me your Cipher is burnt, it was of your own writing my Lord I suppose; I am sorry your lordship's hand should be burnt, it is a scurvy brand and ominous. But fear not, your friends at London will send your Honour a copy of it in print. You say Bernard saw not your cleanly conveyance; I am glad they take your Lordship for a juggler in Oxon, they have done in London a long time; but being your Familiar, I much wonder he should not know your tricks. I am sorry your Honour should be his majesty's Hocus Pocus, and have the knack of cleanly conveyance. Now the world may see which way the King was conveyed from London, the jewels beyond Sea, the Irish Rebels brought over; which way so many overtures of peace have appeared and vanished, surely by my Lord Digby's trick of cleanly conveyance. Play above board, my Lord, that is fittest for a council Table. My Lord, I tax you now for your incomparable base beckmans' escape, I verily think he got away by one of your lordship's tricks of cleanly conveyance. You upbraid me much with my Masters, my Lord they will answer for themselves, and it is unworthily done to scoff at them whom your Master and mine calls his Parliament again whether you will or no; and to them I refer you, who are fit to judge of such language. If I were a Prostitute, my Lord, as you call me, why did your Honour act the Pimp, and offer me a reward with such solicitations so frequently, so hotly, so long a while? Let the world judge of your wooings, which since they fail, I look now your force should venture upon a rape. My Lord, you say at Oxford, that Londoners can preach (which is more than we can say of you again, the rest therefore shall be wholesome exhortation.) Do not destroy a Noble man's soul, pity yourself, though not the kingdom, and let the fear of God be in you to expel forgeries, even for your own (if not yours) for his majesty's sake and honour, who hath taken you so near to himself; for if you counterfeit hands and seals of Subjects, it will be historied that you were not chaste to his. For myself, you see my Lord, this Plot of yours is so far from molesting my thoughts, that it makes them merry; for I serve a God and a Cause which shall make them so in death; yet I hope to live to see more and more 〈◊〉 wise caught in their own craftiness. I am, my Lord, Your honour's most humble Servant, Richard Browne. Abington Dec. 20, 1644. Since this Conclusion, they sent a party of 200 to fortify a house of Mr Speakers two or three miles from us; as soon as I had notice, I sent out some of ours, who took, the house upon Composition, and there unexpectedly we found Beckman their Swedish Engineer, who being my prisoner before, made 〈◊〉 escape perfidiously, and is now used according to his desert, and by this Providence that part of my Lord's Letter which concerns my suffering him to go away, is seriously answered. And now since that, our beating them off when they came to storm us, and hanging all their Irish I took, by God's blessing chokes the other part of slander concerning myself. Let God, (whose mercies fail not to deliver from the heads of the politic, and defend from the hands of the powerful, those that trust in him) have the glory of all. FINIS.