Sir Thomas Fairfax's LETTER FROM CORNWALL, Relating the whole business in the WEST. WITH The ARTICLES at large, concluded upon by his Excellency's Commissioners and Sir Ralph Hoptons'. And an Order of both Houses for a day of Thanksgiving for the same. Die Lunae, 23 March. 1645. ORdered by the Lords Assembled in Parliament, That this Letter with the Articles shall be forthwith printed and published. J. Brown, Cler. Parliamentorum. LONDON, Printed for John Wright, at the King's head in the Old-baily. March 24. 1645. TO THE HONOURABLE William Lenthall, Esquire; Speaker of the Honourable House of COMMONS. SIRs WHilst I lay at Bodman for the necessary refreshment of the Army, and to block up the passages from Bodman to the North and South Sea, I sent a Summons with Propositions to Sir Ralph Hopton, and the Army under his command: A true Copy whereof I have here enclosed, being encouraged thereunto by some of the enemy's Officers and Soldiers, who came in to me, and informed of their inclineablenesse to conditions; and hoping thereby either to bring them to such terms as should be to your advantage, or would distract and weaken them; and withal understanding by the intercepted Letters I sent you that an Irish Infantry was ready to be shipped for England, I thought fit to try all means which in probability might break their body of Cavalry upon the place: when I had dispatched these Propositions to the enemy, I advanced upon Monday with all the Army from Bodman towards Truro being then the enemy's headquarters, and to Treney, where I quartered that night: Sir Ralph Hopton sent a Trumpeter to me with a Letter, desiring to have Commissioners appointed on both sides, to meet at Tresilian-bridge the next day with power to treat and conclude, which I assented to; The Treaty accordingly began, the Commissioners meeting about four a clock in the afternoon, and I in the mean time advancing the quarters of the Army to Truro and St. Alan: After some time spent between the Commissioners this agreement was made, a copy whereof I have here also enclosed, and in execution thereof this day we began to disband the French Brigade under Col. Lapland: Tomorrow we proceed with three other Brigades, they having nine in all, and shall endeavour to shorten this work as much as may be. Truly, Sir, this must needs be acknowledged for an admirabled mercy from the same gracious hand of providence, that hath hitherto gone along with you, that so considerable a force as this should be so baffled, first at Torrington, and afterwards should put themselves as it were into a Net; whereby they were necessitated to take terms to the utter ruin of so great a body of Cavalry, which according to all our information, and the confession of our enemies was not less at the time of the Treaty than four thousand five thousand horse: The Articles of agreement will speak the mercy, and needs no comment; yet I hope I may make this observation upon them, that thereby not only so great a body of Cavalry is broken, but so many both officers and soldiers disobliged from taking arms against you, and this at such a season when a foreign aid so ready as the Earl of Glamorgans' Letters sent up formerly (and now sent you) speak at large, the timely freeing of us for other services that remain, with discouragement put upon the enemy's garrisons in these parts, which we hope will cause them the more speedily to come in, we trust will be good consequences of this work: It's the desire of us all, the praise of all may be returned to God, to whom it is only due: The reputation of this hath already produced a surrender of St. Maws Castle, wherein we found about 13 Guns and good proportion of Ammunition, which place gives you a better interest in Falmouth harbour then the enemy hath; for by the advantage hereof you may bring in shipping without hazard, which they cannot; It hath also occasioned the coming in of between 300 and 400 foot of the enemies with their arms to me, and given the Countries such heart against them, That in Peryn (a Town formerly not very well affected) and in St. Ive they stand upon their guards against the enemy: For further particulars concerning this business, I refer you to M. Peter's, who since he came into this County (where he was borne) hath very much furthered the service in the bringing of the Country in so freely to the protection of the Parliament, I remain Your most humble Servant Tho. Fairfax. Truro, March 14 16●5. Articles of Agreement concluded betwixt Commissary Gen. Ireton, Col. John L●mbert, 〈◊〉 J●hn S. Aubin. Commissary Gen. Stane, Cap. Edward Herle, and Richard Deane Com●●●●●r of the Ordnance, Commissioners appointed on the behalf of his Excellercy Sir Thomas Fairfax Knight, General of the Parliaments Army, on the one part: And Col. Ch●rles Goring Col. Marcus Trevor, Col. Thomas Panton, Col. Jordan B●vill, Mr Richard Prideaux Knight, and Major Goterce▪ Commission●●s appointed in the behalf of the right Hon urable the Lord Hopton, General of his Majesty's Army, on the other part; as followeth: 1. IT is concluded and agreed, That no person in the L. Hoptons' army, not formerly by name excepted by the Parliament from pardon shall be excluded from the privilege of this Treaty, either as being a Foreigner, or for having formerly served the Parliament; but shall equally have the benefit of what shall upon this Treaty be granted to other persons of that quality that they are of in the army: and for any persons by name excepted by the Parliament, they shall have present liberty (if they desire it) to go beyond Seas, with like recommendation and equipage, as others of like quality; or if they desire to live at bome in England▪ to make their addresses to the Parliament; for that, or other purpose, they shall have leave and reasonable time so to do, and the General's protection to live quietly, and at liberty in any place they shall nominate and choose within the Parliaments quarters, until they have received the Parliaments Resolution; And if the Parliament shall not think fit to grant such their desires, they shall then have leave and passes to go beyond Sea, as before, or to any of the King's armies or garrisons, as they shall think fit. 2. That the Army and forces under the command of the Lord Hopton shall within six days after the date hereof be wholly disbanded and discharged by the Lord Hopton, and the General Officers, Colonels, and other Officers under his command according to the several charges in manner hereafter expressed. 3. That all common Troopers, Corporals of Horse, Fariers and Saddlers, that are mounted, being of or belonging to the Forces under the command of the Right Honourable the L. Hopton, shall bring in and deliver up their horses, with their Bridles and Saddles, and all their arms, unto his Excellency Sir Tho. Fairfax, or unto whom he shall appoint to receive them, in manner, time, and place, as is hereafter exprests Provided, that all Corporals, and such Common Troopers as shall appear Gentlemen of worth, and such other Troopers as shall go beyond Sea, shall be allowed to keep and carry away with them their Swords. 4. That upon performance hereof they shall receive 20 s. a man, or keep their Horses, and shall have their Passes to go to their homes in England, or beyond Sea with their Bag and Baggage, which they shall have leave to carry with them, or dispose of them as they please; and those to whom Swords are allowed, as before, to pass with their Swords. 5. That the Commission-Officers of Horse under the L. Hopton, for their several Troops respectively, shall cause the said Horses and Arms to be duly delivered in without changes, spoiling or imbezlement among themselves, according to the effect of the first Article before-going. 6. That this being performed, all the said Commission-Officers of Horse in present command, and all Trumpeters belonging to them, shall have liberty to go away, either to their homes in England, or beyond the Seas with their Bag and Baggages: And also, they shall have such number of Horses, and Equipage as is hereafter allowed, according to their several qualities: That is to say, I. For those that shall choose to go beyond the Seas, the full number of Horses and Fire-arms, if they have so many of their own, To Trumpeters one Horse a piece, and their Trumpets. To Quarter-masters, two Horses and one Case of Pistols. To Corners three Horses and two case of Pistols. To Lieutenants four Horses and three Case of Pistol, To Captains, Majors, and Lieutenants-Colonels, six Horses and four Case of Pistols. To Colonels eight Horses, and six Case of Pistols. To the Adjutant-Generall six Horses and four Case of Pistols. To the other Adjutants of Brigades three Horses a piece, and one Case of Pistols. To the Scout-master-generall six Horses and two Case of Pistols. To the Quarter-master-generall six Horses, and two Case of Pistols. To the Martial-generall four Horses and one Case of Pistols. To the Deputy Quarter-master-generall two Horses. To the Deputy Scout-master one Horse. To the major-general twelve Horses and six Case of Pistols. To the Commissary-generall of Horse Provisions th●ee Horses and a Case of Pistols. To the commissary-general of Victuals three Horses one Case of Pistols. To the Chirurgeon-generall three Horses. To Quarter-masters of Brigades three Horses one Case of Pistols. To Surgeons of Regiments two Horses. To all these, except Surgeons, their defensive Arms, and Swords for themselves and their Servants; and unto every Field-Officer one Carrabine, and Surgeons their Swords. II. To those that shall choose to abide in England, with the General Sir Thomas Fairfax his protection, and to live at home, shall have their proportions as followeth. The Trumpeters one Horse a piece, and their Trumpets. To Quarter-masters one horse a piece. To Cornets and Lieutenants two Horses a piece and one Case of Pistols. To Captains three Horses a piece and one Case of Pistols. To Majors four Horses a piece and one Case of Pistols. To Lieut. Colonels five Horses a piece, one case of Pistols. To Colonels six horses a piece, and two case of Pistols. To the major-general ten Horses, three case of Pistols. To the Adjutant-generall six Horses, one case of Pistols. To the Adjutants of Brigades one Horse a piece and one case of Pistols. To the Quartermaster-generall six Horses, and one case of Pistols. To the Marshall-generall three Horses, and one case of Pistols. To the Deputy Quartermaster-generall two horses. To the Scoutmaster-generall four Horses and one case of Pistols. All these to have Swords for themselves and their servants. To the Commissary of Horse Provision, two Horses and a case of Pistols. To the Commissary of victuals two horses and a case of Pistols. To the Deputy Scout-master one horse. To the Quartermasters of Brigades two Horses. To the Chirurgion-generall two Horses. To Surgeons of Regiments one horses. To Chaplains two Horses. All these, except Chaplains, to have Swords for themselves and their servants. 7. That the precedent Articles concerning the surrender of Troopers horses, etc. being performed; if any Officer in Command, that chooseth to live at home shall appear to have more horses of his own, than what he is before allowed by the last precedent Article; the Commissioners of Sir Thomas Fairfax his part will recommend it to his Excellency's favour, That they may enjoy the benefit of such horses of their own to the same number as Officers of like quality that are to go beyond Sea. 8. That of the Reformadoe Officers that choose to live at home in England, Reformodoe Quarter Masters shall have the same conditions as Corporals in Command; Coronets and Lieutenants shall go away with one horse a piece, Captains, Majors and Lieutenant-collonels, with two horses a piece, and Colonels with three horses a piece, if they have so many of their own, and one case of pistols; those Reformadoes that desire to go beyond Seas to have half the proportion of horses & arms allowed in that case to Officers of the like quality in present Command if they have them of their own, and all of them to go with Swords, Bag and Baggage, or dispose thereof at pleasure. 9 That all Gentlemen of quality in Arms or not in Arms, hut living under the protection of the said Army, shall have liberty either to go to their own houses, or beyond the Seas, with Bag and Baggage, and Equipage according to their several qualities, as followeth, That is to say: A Knight with four horses, three servants, one case of Pistols, and their Swords. An Esquire with three horses, two servants, one case of Pistols, and their Swords. A Gentleman with two horses, one servant, one case of Pistols, and their Swords. A Gentleman of lowest rank with one horse for himself, and a Sword. Scholars and Clergymen to have one horse at the least, or more according to their different degrees at the General's discretion. 10. That to all those who according to the effect of these Articles shall choose to go beyond the Sea, passes shall be granted from the General Sir Thomas Fairfax accordingly, and to those who being English shall choose to live at home, passes for that purpose and protections for their liberty of their persons, and also for the freedom of their estates from all plunder and violence of soldiers, and that such Gentlemen or others that have considerable estates, may have the General's Letters of recommendation to the Parliament (if desired) for their moderate composition. XI. That after the performance of these Articles so far to disbanding and delivering up of what is to be delivered: All Officers and Soldiers that shall according to these Articles choose to go beyond the Seas, shall have sufficient quarters assigned them by Sir Thomas Fairfax, near convenient Ports for their transportation, and that they shall have twenty eight days allowed to stay in England, from the day of their several disbanding, and that the charge of quartering their horses be discharged by themselves after the first fourteen days for the time of their further stay, That the General will appoint men to take care that shipping shall oec provided for transporting the thh persons, Arms Bag and Baggage, they paying the accustomed rates. XII. That ascertain number of Officers of the L. Hoptons' Army not exceeding forty upon the Lord Hoptons' Commissioners request shall be permitted to have passes for themselves, and their servants horses and necessaries to go to Oxford, provided that their servants exceed not the number of two, their horses three, to every one respectively. XIII. That the Lord Hopton shall be allowed for his own use all his horses, provided they exceed not the number of forty, and Arms for himself and twelve men; And that the Lord Wentworth shall have all his horses, provided they exceed not five and twenty, and arms for himself and eight men, and places assigned them for conveniency of Quarters. XIIII. That such English men as shall choose to abide in England at their homes, and all Foreigners of the said Army, shall engage themselves by promise in such form as is herewith agreed on, not to bear Arms any more against the Parliament of England nor to act any thing wilfully, prejudicial to the Parliaments affairs without first rendering, themselves prisoners to the Parliament; And likewise all such English as shall choose to go beyond Sea, shall engage themselves in the like promise for three year's next ensuing the date hereof or otherwise shall lose the benefit of these Articles excepting the Lord Hopton and Lord Wentworth, and the number of Officers allowed to go to Oxford in the twelfth Article before-going, who are by the intention of these Articles left free from such engagement. XV. That all Horses, Arms, and furniture of war belonging to, or in the hands of any person, of the said Army, not allowed in the precedent, or subsequent Articles, to be carried away shall be delivered up to such persons, and at such places near Truro, or Sir Thomas Fairfax his head quarters, as his Excellency shall appoint, within six days after the date hereof without spoil or imbezelment; At the care aswell of the Geeneralls' Officers of the said Army, and all Commanders in their several charges, as by the persons themselves, to whom such Arms or Furniture of war do belong, or in whose custody they were. XVI. That whosoever shall after the conclusion of this Treaty, purposely break, spoil, or embezzle any of the arms horses or furniture agreed and concluded to be delivered up in this Treaty, shall forfeit the benefit due unto him by any article in the Treaty. And if any of the said army after the conclusion of this Treaty, shall plunder or wilfully do any violence unto any Inhabitants of the Country, he shall give satisfaction unto the persons so wronged, or lose the benefit of the Treaty, and that the Commissioners of both parties, or any three of them, whereof one or more to be of Sir Thomas Fairfax his party, and one or more to be of the Lord Hoptons', shall have power to hear and determine all such cases accordingly. XVII. That the said army and forces under the command of the Lord Hopton, from the time of the conclusion of this Treaty, until the time of their drawing out to be disbanded as in the ensuing articles, shall be quartered in such places Westward from Truro as Sir Thomas Fairfax shall appoint, which shall be large enough for their accommodation, and that the Cessation of arms, and of all acts of hostility betwixt the two armies, shall continue unto the time of the complete disbanding of the Lord Hoptons' army. XVIII. That for the disbanding of the said Forces, and delivering up of Horses, Arms, etc. in performance of the precedent Articles, Every Brigade and Regiment under the Lord Hoptons' command, shall by their respective Commanders he drawn out into such places of Rendezvouz, within two miles of Truro, or Sir Thomas Fairfax his headquarters, And upon such days as Sir Thomas Fairfax shall for them jointly or severally appoint, notice of the same being given to his Excellency in writing sixteen hours beforehand, under the Commissioners of the Lord Hoptons' part, or any of them, two or more of whom shall for that and other purposes continue at Sir Thomas Fairfax his headquarters, until the disbanding be finished, and that the Quartermaster-generall, or Adjutant of the Lord Hoptons' with one horseman from every Brigade, shall also be th●re with them, and that none of the said Brigades or Regiments shall be drawn out of their Quarters, (which shallbe assigned to them as afore) otherwise then upon, and according to such notice from Sir Thomas Fairfax as before, except to and for their ordinary Guards. XIX. That to or before the drawing out of the several Brigades or Regiments such Rendezvouz as before, the chief Commanders of them respectively shall deliver, unto whom Sir Thomas Fairfax shall appoint, a true and perfect List of the Regiments and Troops in the several Brigades, and of all Officers and Soldiers in their several Troops, expressing by name which of them do choose to go beyond sea, and which do go to live at home; or also who are Reformadoes, and in what degree of command they have served: and that at the same times and places the Horses, Arms, and furniture by virtue of the precedent Articles to be delivered up, shall be delivered up accordingly; and all the Officers and Soldiers disbanded and discharged, and there shall receive their Passes with Warrants for quarters by the way for one night in a place, and be conve●●●●●● towards their several homes, as fare as Chard, if they go so fare, or unto Quarters assigned them for their transportation according to the preceding Articles. That for the further performance of these Articles, two Colonels of each Army shall be mutually delivered and kept as Hostages. H. Ireton. Jo. Lambert. Jo. S. Aubin. William Stane. Edward Herle. Richard Deane. Charles Goring. Marcus Trevor. Thomas Panton. Jordan Bovill. Richard Prideaux. Jean Goteere. Die Lunae, 23. Martii. 1645. ORdered by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, That Thursday seven-night be set apart for a day of public Thanksgiving to Almighty God, for the great success of the Army under the Command of Sir Thomas Fairfax General, against the enemy in the West, in breaking and destroying their Armies, and giving them up into the hands of the Parliament; to be observed and kept in all the Churches and Chapels within the Cities of London and Westminster, and Liberties thereof, and Lines of Communication, and ten miles about, and that the Lord Mayor be desired to take care, that the respective Ministers within the Limits aforesaid may have timely notice hereof. Jo. Brown Cler. Parliamentorum.