A LETTER Written from HIS EXCELLENCY ROBERT Earl of ESSEX unto the Speaker of the House of Commons. Relating the true state of the late Skirmish at Chinner, between a party of the Kings, and Parliaments Forces, on Sabbath day the 19th of June, 1643.  
Ordered by the Commons in Parliament, that this Letter be forthwith printed and published. Hen. Elsing Cler. Parl. D. Com.  
LONDON, Printed by Richard Bishop for Lawrence Blaiklock at the Sugar loaf near Temple bar, 1643.   

A Letter sent from his Excellency Robert Earl of Essex, directed to the Speaker of the House of Commons.  
SIR,  
THere being some of my Horse that had an Encounter with the Enemy yesterday being sunday, I thought fit to give the House an account of the particulars of it, knowing how apt many are to misreport things to our disadvantage.  
About two of the clock on Sunday morning the Enemy with about 1200. Horse and a great body of Dragoons fell into a Town called Porcham, where one Troop of Horse (being colonel Morley's) was quartered, of which they took the greatest part, and from thence went not far to a another Village called Chinner, where they beat up some of the new Bedfordshire Dragoons and took some of them Prisoners, and three of their Colours; and some of the Officers behaving themselves very well, and defending the houses wherein they were; they set fire on the Town; these being out Quarters, the Alarum came where Major Gunter lay with three Troops (viz.) his own, Captain sheffield's, and Captain Crosses, whom he presently drew out and marched towards the Enemy; colonel Hampden being abroad with Sir Samuel Luke and only one man, and seeing Major gunter's Forces, they did go along with them, Colonel Dulbeir the quartermaster general did likewise come to them: with these they drew near the Enemy, and finding them marching away, kept still upon the rear for almost five miles. In this time there joined with them captain Sanders Troop and Captain Buller, with fifty commanded men, which were sent to Chinner by Sir Philip Stapleton, who had the watch here that night at Thame: when he discovered the fire there, to know the occasion of it he likewise sent one Troop of Dragoons under the command of Captain Dundasse who came up to them. There were likewise some few of colonel Melves Dragoons that came to them: at length our men pressed them so near, that being in a large pasture Ground they drew up, and notwithstanding the inequality of the numbers, we having not above 300 Horse, our men charged them very gallantly, and slew divers of them; but while they were in fight, the Enemy being so very strong, kept a body of horse for his reserve, and with that Body wheeled about and charged our men in the rear, so that being encompassed and overborne with multitude, they broke and fled, though it was not very far; For when I heard that our men Marched in the Rear of the Enemy, I sent to Sir Philip Stapleton, who presently Marched toward them with his Regiment; and though he came somewhat short of the Shirmish, yet seeing our Men Retreat in that disorder, he stopped them, caused them to draw into a body with him, where they stood about an hour: Whereupon the Enemy marched away. In this Skirmish there were slain forty and five on both sides, whereof the greater part were theirs. They carried off the Bodies of divers persons of quality. On our side Maior Gunter was killed, but some say he is prisoner and so hurt; a man of much courage and fidelity, his bravery engaging him and his small party too far: colonel Hamden put himself in Captain cross his Troop, where he charged with much courage, and was unfortunately shot thorough the Shoulder. Sir Samuel Luke thrice taken prisoner, and fortunately rescued: Captain cross had his Horse killed under him in the midst of the Enemy, and was mounted by one of his own men, who quitted his own Horse to safe his Captain. Captain Buller was shot in the Neck, who showed very much resolution in this fight, taking one prisoner after he was shot. Mounseir Dulbeir with Captain Bosa and Captain Ennis did likewise carry themselves very well. We likewise lost two Colours, viz. Maior gunter's, and captain Sheffield's; no Prisoners of quality were taken by the Enemy, but Captain Sheffield's Brother. Prince Rupert was there in person, and the Runagado Hurry. We took prisoner one of the Earl of Berks sons, Captain Gardener, the late Recorders son of London, and captain Smith, with some others of quality, and divers prisoners.  
Sir, this is the true Relation of what passed in this business. I rest,  
Your assured Friend, Essex. Thame 19 June, 1643.  
FINIS▪