Two LETTERS: The one from His excellency, Robert Earl of Essex, To Anthony nicol, Esquire, a Member of the House of Commons. The other from warwick-castle, To Sir Samuel Luke at his Quarters: Concerning the state of the City of Gloucester.  
Ordered by the Commons in Parliament, that these Letters be forthwith printed: H: Elsing, Cler. Parl. D. Com.  
Printed for Edward Husbands, Sept. 1. 1643.   

To my much respected Friend, ANTHONY nicol, Esquire.  
SIR,  
THe cause of our lying still to day was, that the Clothes and Arms might be disposed, but principally, that Col: Harvey might not be too far engaged, who is marching after with the Associated Forces, and I hope, will be near us to morrow night; and then I doubt not, but we shall march without stop or stay. By the enclosed, you'll see what I hear from Warwick.  
Your assured Friend, ESSEX.   

For the honourable, Sir Samuel Luke, AT HIS quarter's.  
Honourable Sir,  
I Sent an answer to yours of the 26. this morning, and in obedience to his Excellencies commands presently dispatched away a Messenger to Gloucester; since which time (i.) this day about Twelve of the clock, came hither Two substantial Men from the Town; by whom I perceived, none of those Messengers I formerly sent, came into the Town; yet they assured me, the Town was in a very good condition, and full of courage, having every day put the Enemy to much loss. Yesterday morning upon an outfall they killed Sir Jacob Astley (as the soldier's report) I heard by a prisoner, that A Man of principal respect was killed: It was agreed between them and the governor, at their coming away, That in case Relief were coming, they should this Night, about Twelve of the clock, make Fires upon Bredon-hill; which the Town was to answer, by doing the like upon the college-steeple; whereupon I showing them your Letter for their satisfaction, accommodated them with Horses, and sent them speedily away, to put their design in execution.  
Sir, I find, the King's Foot there are few, and those in very ill condition, so that whensoever the town makes a sally, the quarter they fall upon, runs without striking a blow; The Town hath not lost above Ten persons, of Men, women, and Children, slain.  
If in any thing I have a capacity to serve you, if you please to honour me with your commands, you shall find ready and cheerful obedience from  
Sir, Your affectionate humble Servant, Jo: BRIDGES. Warwick-Castle, 28. Aug. about 9 at night.  
FINIS.