His Majesty's Gracious ANSWER, To the Proposition of both Houses of Parliament for Ireland, sent the 24. of February, 1641. With News from NOTTINGHAM, BEING The Copy of a Letter sent from a man of good quality there residing, to a Merchant of London, February, 18. 1641. WHEREUNTO Is added the Copy of a Letter sent from the Lord Digbie to Colonel Lunsford, and by mistake of the bearer, delivered to one Mr. Langford in Covent Garden, And so by him discovered London, Printed for J. T. 1641. A Copy of a Letter sent from a Gentleman of good worth in Nottingham, to a Merchant of worth and Quality living in London. Worthy Sir, HAving the opportunity of this bearer a Gentleman my near Neighbour, I could not let him pass without a salute in a line or twain, hoping of your health and welfare with the rest of your Family; as thanks be to God, mine are herein, at this present. For News I do earnestly desire you to impart such of probability, as shall come to your hearing, beseeching the Almighty God, to guide and direct all proceed in that Honourable and High Court of Parliament, to his glory, and the content and happiness of all his Majesty's Kingdoms. I desire much to hear how the Papist Rebels proceed in Ireland, for we have too many ill-affected Papists amongst us here in our Country. And for our Castle of Nottingham, it was of late in the custody of one Mr. Traford a Papist, whereby great jealousies were in most men's minds raised, for for the Castle is a place of a most impregnable strength, and Situated upon a Rock, with infinite store of Vaults and hollow Caves underground, able to receive infinite store of men, and horses, with all other furnitures of Ammunition for War, which the Governors of the Town taking into their consideration, caused a very strong guard and watch to be kept about it night and day, in which posture it stands yet, Messenger's bein● sent up to the Honourable House of Parliament, there is a Vault in the Castle called Mortimer's Hole, which is wide and very spacious, and a great dis●●nce from thence. Another Cave called Mortime● watering-place, in all which places it is supposed above two thousand men with Horses and Furniture may be kept and concealed. The suspicion of all which was much more increased by a Rumour of great quantities of meat killed by Mr. Trafords' appointment against Christmas, with a great many of Beefs, Muttons, and Hogs, he himself being a near Gentleman, and keeping ordinarily but a small Retinue of Servants about him, since the Officers of the Town have taken that strict Course of watching and warding about the Castle, he hath removed his dwelling into a Lodge of a Park near adjoining, where he keeps very privately, and some suppose he is gone away from thence secretly, we are so distracted at these occasions here about us, that no man almost (for fear of treacheries, and Plots from the Papists) dares go to the Church without his Pistol, and sword by his side, I beseech God that Peace and quietness may be settled amongst us. Sr. I desire to hear from you what is news, and of the I●te●●●●ssage● concerning our Countryman Sir john ●iron, who we heard was chosen Lieutenant of the Tower, and also what news concerning the Bishops, here is expectation daily of new furnishing, and rectifying all the strong Holds of our Country. Sir. I am sorry I have been so tedious in my relation, which I fear hath a little troubled your patience, but I trust you ●ake all in good part, and so I take my leave, ●nd rest. Your ever assured friend till death, J. T. Nottingham this 14. day of February, 1641. The true Copy of a Letter sent from the Lord George Digbie to Col. Lunsford. Most worthy and noble Colonel. YOur fidelity & constancy have bound me unto you, and although our design took no better effect, I shall with the less value, or prise your Real disposition. For I am none of those men, who by the success in their proceed, and who think none deserving, but those whose actions are crowned with happy and prosperous event, and so measure the event, and not the c●use. Let us not be discouraged because our Adversaries have given check unto our proceed, but let us play our game valiantly and discreetly, and I am confid●nt, that if we can but keep them from giving of us check mate, the game will be ours. Our power is daily increased and strengthened in Ireland, and I am certain, that had we as much opportunity as strength, we might obtain our desires here in England, but we must wait and expect for our best advantage, and not be like your too hasty Mothers, who whilst they do too much hasten the birth of their issue, they bring forth abortives. Patience will mature and produce what rashness and too much haste would otherwise destroy and ruinated. We have yet done nothing that we need fear, only that our Adversaries as yet are the stronger, if to be Loyal and faithful to his Majesty be culpable, we must plead guilty, who yet have done nothing, but what was for the security of his Crown and Privilege, if it be demanded why I have absented myself, I shall not be wanting of sufficient reason for their satisfaction. Let me understand from your own hand the condition of the times, as soon as I arrive you shall have intelligence of it, I could wish you with me, but I hope and am almost confident, that you are secure, where you now abide, for they have not any power for what hath yet been enterprised any way to punish, or question, nothing being acted either against the King or Commonwealth. Be careful in your carriage and discourse, for you have many which daily lie in wait to entrap you; But I shall not need to counsel you any further, but for the present, take my leave, and rest. Your faithful friend. George Digbie. From the Downs aboard the 10. Whelp, February, 20. 1641. HIS MAJESTY'S GRACIOUS Answer, To the Proposition of both Houses of Parliament for Ireland, sent the 24. of February, 1641. HIs Majesty being Glad to receive any proposition that may repair the Calamity of his distressed Kingdom of Jreland especially when it may be without burden or Imposition, ●nd for the ease of his good Subjects of this Kingdom, hath graciously considered the Overture made by both Houses of Parliament to that purpose, and returns this Answer. That as he hath offered and is still ready to venture his own Royal person for the recovery of that Kingdom, if this Parliament shall adv●se him thereunto, so he will not deny to contribute any other assistance he can to that Service, by parting with any profit or advantage of his own there, And therefore (relying upon the wisdom of this Parliament) doth consent to every proposition now made to him, without taking time to examine whether this course may not retard the reducing of th●t Kingdom, by exasperating the Rebels, and rendering them desperate of being received into Grace, if they shall return to their obedience. And his Majesty will be ready to give his Royal assent to all such Bills as shall be tendered unto him by his Parliament for the confirmation of every particular of this proposition. FINIS.