A True and Perfect RELATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS AT Manchester, From Sunday the 25. of September, to Sunday the second of October, MDCXLIJ. Wherein is Related six several battles fought by the Inhabitants of Manchester, with two thousand men against the Lord Strange, now Earl of Derby, and the Lord Rivers with 3000. horse and foot. Describing the number that was slain on both sides, in each battle. Declared in a Letter sent from Mr. Thomas Hawkins to Mr. Erbie a Member of the House of Commons, and openly read in the said House, October the 4. 1642. October 6. Printed for H. Blake, 1642. True and Happy NEVES FROM MANCHESTER▪ Read in the House of Commons, October 4, 1642. Sunday the 25 of September. THis day in the Evening the Lord Strange, Lord Rivers Sir Gilbert Gerrat, and about 3000 soldiers, under their command came before our town, and placed themselves in battle array against the same, but that night attempted no assault against the town only preparing themselves in readiness and ordering their Army against the next morning. On Monday morning about six of the clock, they made an assault against the Town, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and bullets fly with great eagerness, and 〈◊〉 courage, the L. Strange animating his soldiers with many plausible speeches, and great 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 courage in himself, upon which we in the 〈◊〉 addressed ourselves, to defend ourselves and offend our enemies, and sending out of the town on that side where none of their Army were some of our men to give notice to the Inhabitants of the County, desiring their speedy aid, who with 〈◊〉 cheerfulness well provided of Arms came 〈◊〉 and by 7. of the clock at night, we was in number equal to our Adversaries, in the mean time before they came in we discharged our parts as well as we were able against the said Lord and his forces, with such courage as they gained not possession of any part of our Town, nor slew any of our men, neither are we certain of the slaughter of any of them towards Evening the L. Strange divided his Army, but no cessation of shot in the mean time on either side. Then the Lord Rivers with about eight hundred men assaulted SALFORD on the other side of the water, and before the morning possessed himself of that Village being accounted the Suburbs of our Town, and rifled the Houses of all the Inhabitants who were forced to fly from their cruelty. We had the disadvantage of other Towns, having no Vales nor convenient place to plant any Ordnance if we had any, but we having none did defend ourselves only with Muskets, playing each to other all night without ceasing and yet thanks be to God without any damage on our part. On Tuesday morning the Lord Strange sent a Message to the town, desiring a parley, at which he desired Cessation of Arms for 7. hours, which was granted, pretending he would come to Honourable conditions of Peace. But most perfidiously in the time of Cessation, suffered his soldiers to plunder and pillage the Countries, and 2. or three gentlemen's Houses of good worth and credit, and very godly men, and seized upon a great house near the Town, upon which he caused to be planted two pieces of Ordnance to shoot to the town, and about three of the clock in the afternoon the said Lord sent his Propositions of Peace to the town, to wit. I. That they in the town should be disarmed, and delivered into the custody of the said Lord Strange. 2. That he with his Army might have free passage through the town which if they would grant, no prejudice or injury by him nor any of his soldiers should be offered either to the persons or goods of any of the townsmen; But we refusing the same, he would then continue his siege and daily assault with all the force he could; upon which Answer was returned we would in no wise grant his demands, nor any other Propositions he should make, for he had violated his promise inti●● of their cessation, contrary to the law of Arms upon which he commanded again to renew the fight discharging his Ordnance as fast as might be, in the fight were slain Sir Gilbert Gerrat and about 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his men, and 18. taken prisoners and brought it to our town; still the exchange of shot continuing all or most part of the night▪ not one of our soldiers slain, only one man unarmed. On Wednesday morning the fight began again a fresh, and about twelve of the clock, about fourscore of our men issued out of the Town to the Adversary, with whom we had a sharp battle continuing for the space of 3. hours, but in the end the Enemy ga●e back, and began to retreat in this skirmish, we slew of the Malignants 30 persons, and took 25. prisoners, or there abouts, than both sides in the main Body of the armies caased fight, most part of the night, of them that were slain in this skirmish was one Captain Stowell, but no other of Note. On Thursday the fight began again our men keeping the town, and shooting f●om the same, till about ten of the clock, than we sallied out about 1500. in complete order, and gave the enemy full battle, which with good courage they continued about 4 hours at length, their soldiers began to run away, and grow weary of the fight, than they founded a retreat for that time till the next day, this day was slain of the malignant Party about 30. persons more, and about 15. taken prisoners. On Friday the fight again began, and then the Lord Strange commanded their Ordnance to be charged with small bullets, to the end to scatter amongst us, but praised be God, none of our side were yet slain, we issued not out of the town this day till about two of the clock, and then marched out 1000 of us, with good hopes to have ended the siege, and routed our enemies, but it fell out contrary, after about 2. or 3. hours' fight with much courage on our side, the soldiers of the enemy still running away in great numbers, being almost wearied, we sounded a retreat, for that night which the Lord Strange and his soldiers were right glad of not offering the least assault that night, this day were slain of their side not above 10. persons as we can know for certain, and about 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 than prisoners, none yet through the providence and great mercy of God is slain on our part, only in our retreat, by 〈◊〉 fortune 3. of our men were slain by our own soldiers, shooting from the town. On Saturday morning the Lord Strange again sent a Message to the Town for a cessation for two days, and in the mean time to have a Treaty for Peace. But we conceive that this was but to delay 〈◊〉, thereby thinking to have new supplies, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 some 〈◊〉 against our town, we refused this request, and again sallied out of the Town with about 2000 of our men, which they perceiving began to discharge, still their soldiers declining, but yet there main body standing stoutly to it, and after being weary, and powder being scarce, a retreat was on both sides sounded, and a Cessation agreed, upon till Monday morning. This day were slain of the Malignants about 10. or 12. and 1●. taken prisoners, after we were again in the Town, we refreshed ourselves as well as might be, and afterwards sell into examination of the prisoners we had taken, being in all about 80. and the number that were slain about 100 some report 200. some more▪ but I 〈◊〉 you Sir, 〈◊〉 is the Truth, as 〈◊〉 as I 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on examination of our prisoners, they said they fought against us with small courage, and did not well understand the cause for which they fought. ● with the Malignants, I would entreat you 〈…〉 you have read these Lines to present them to 〈…〉 other Members of the House of Commons, 〈…〉 the whole House sitting, that you would 〈…〉 stand the cause why our Town and County 〈…〉 much aimed at by the Malignant Party as 〈…〉 more than all other Counties of the King 〈…〉 are out of their protection, but put to defend ●●●selves the weakest of any. Yours ever to be comm 〈…〉 THO: HAWKIN● Manchester October 2. FINIS. Certain special and Remarkable Passages of the proceedings of both Houses of Parliament, and from divers places of this kingdom, from Saturday the first of October to the sixt, containing these particulars following. A debate in the House of Commons concerning Irish affairs, and sending forthwith the Earl of Leicester Lord Deputy with a new Commission; and also relief for the poor Protestants with Money and clothes. Information that the Earl of Warwick hath taken divers Ships laden with Money and Ammunition which were for the King's use. A motion made in the House of Commons upon a complaint made of divers soldiers against one captain Browne living in Southwark. A motion made in the House of Commons on the behalf of the Keeper of the Park at Farneham, against such as hath spoiled his majesty's dear. Letters of intelligence from Yorkshire of the proceedings of the Lord Fairefax, and sir John Hotham against the Malignants in that County. Letters of intelligence from Lincoln, of the apprehending of sir William Scr●●pe, sir John Dallison and others. Information from Mynhead of marquess Hartford, and the Lord Paulets going into Wales, together with the names of all those which went along with him. Information from Shrewsbury that his Majesty hath gathered together his Army, and there intends to tarry for the coming of his Excellency the Lord general with his Petition, and order from both Houses of Parliament. Information from Gloucester that the M 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 have suppressed that town, and keep the same for the use of his Majesty. Information from Worcester that his Excellency hath fortified that town, and spent some time in searching out the Malignants in the same, now intending to march to Shrewsbury to meet his Majesty. A committee by both Houses chosen to consider of the Landing of Merchant strangers in this kingdom. Printed at London for T. B. 1642. Certain special and remarkable Passages of the proceedings of both Houses of Parliament, and from divers places of this kingdom, from Saturday the first of October to the sixt, containing these particulars following, &c. BOth Houses being met they fell into a, great debate concerning the Earl of Leicester and his majesty's ●●aying of him from going into Ireland, being so much desired in that kingdom, and endeavoured by the Parliament here, and having received information by Letters from the said Earl that his Majesty hath given him some instructions to be observed by him in Ireland, which neither of both Houses have been acquainted with or consented to the same, not knowing to what purpose they tend, having been greatly debated in both Houses at a conference between them. It was resolved upon the Question, the said Earl should be sent for 〈◊〉 answer some Objections that may be made against him, and to deliver his instructions to be debated and considered by both Houses for their consents and approbation thereof, and what shall be by them conceived to be inconvenient or dangerous by them to be altered and amended, which was ordered accordingly; Wednesday following being the last day appointed for their full debate and d 〈…〉tion thereupon. THen the Committee for the Irish affairs made Repeat 〈◊〉 the House of Commons what provision of Money, Ammunition and other things of necessity must be with all speed 〈…〉nient sent for the relief of the Protestant Army at Dublin 〈…〉 land; That is to say, ten tun of Match, six hundred 〈◊〉 of Powder, two great pieces of Ordnance, three hundred 〈◊〉 of clothes, and ten thousand pounds in Money; upon which the House of Commons after some debate thereupon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Message to the Lords desiring a conference, at which the said report was read, and by both Houses agreed unto, and the said 〈◊〉 thousand pounds, with the Powder and Match aforesaid was ordered to be sent with all speed that might be to Dublin 〈…〉 ding to the said Report. LIkewise information was brought to the House, that the Earl of Warwick with ten of his ships hath lately fought with about eighteen sail of Spanish ships coming 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 West-indies, and that he hath sunk two of them and 〈◊〉 two, laden with Bullion and other rich merchandise 〈…〉 hath seized for the use of King and Parliament; and that 〈…〉 taken three other ships coming from Holland laden 〈◊〉 ●●ney and Ammunition, intended for the service of the King in his wars against the Parliament, which he hath also seized 〈…〉 is sending them with the two Spanish ships to London, to 〈…〉 posed of by the Parliament. THen was a motion made in the House of Commons to the behalf of divers soldiers, upon a complaint by them made against one captain Browne living in Southwark, and 〈◊〉 other Officers, they having been in pay under his command about a weeks their Company consisting of above 60. but have received none of their pay in all this time, nor once exercised or T 〈…〉 being able and lusty men and fit for service and willing to 〈◊〉 their Lives in service of the Parliament and State. That for want of their pay they have been much necessitated and had been constrained to have departed from their Col●●●●, into their country of Sussex out of which they came, if Lieutenant Barnes with his good and courteous encouragement of them and relieving their necessities out of his own estate had not kept them together, be having spent 60. pound in sustaining of them with meat, drink, and lodging. Therefore they desire the said Lieutenant Barnes may be made their captain, under whom they will willingly serve, conceaving him to be an able soldier, fit to be a Commander, and well affected in the Protestant Religion, and to the proceedings of both Houses of Parliament. But if he may not be their Captain, they shall not so cheerfully serve under any other, upon which the Commons after debate thereof, had voted the said captain Browne a Delinquent and ordered he should be sent for to the House to answer the complaints made against him, and as for the choosing of a new Captain it was referrd to the consideration of a Committee. LIkewise a motion was made in the House of Commons on the behalf of the keeper of Farneham park, that such persons as he hath complained on in his Petition 〈◊〉 killing his majesty's Deer, might be sent for to answer the same, and proceeded against according to Law and justice, which likewise was referred to the consideration of a Committee. THen was read in the House of Commons letters from Yorkshire, intimating that the Lord Fairfax, Sir William Fairefax, Mr. Hotham and divers other Gentlemen of that County have had a skirmish with the Malignants under the command of Sir William Savile, which continued but a little while, for the said Sir William Savile with his company ran away, leaving most of their arms behind them, & that they are fled quite out of that country into Northumberland, where they are informed they will again renew their forces, many of that County favou●ing the King's cause, and come again for Yorkshire, against whose coming, they will provide what force they can to entertain them. THis day was in the House of Commons letters from ●●●colne, informing that Sir Christopher Wray and 〈◊〉 other of the Deputy Lieutenants of that County have 〈…〉 skirmish on Thursday last near Lincoln with Mount 〈…〉 Willoughby, Sir William Scroop, Sir John Dallison, Sir 〈◊〉 Sadler. Sir John Steron and divers other Malignants 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 County, in which skirmish were taken prisoners Sir 〈◊〉 Scroop and Sir John Dallison, and about 8. or 9 of their 〈◊〉 slain, and the rest fled, which prisoners they retain in 〈◊〉 custody till they have further order from the Parliament. THen was read in the House of Commons letters 〈◊〉 Minhead, intimating that marquess Hartford & the 〈◊〉 Paulet in a disguised habit in a little boat are escaped into Wales, That the Earl of Bedford having notice thereof, ●●saulted the Town very fiercely, for preventing the like 〈◊〉 of others his complices that were therein, upon which the Townsmen opened the gates and gave his Lordship 〈◊〉 with his soldiers, who hath possessed himself thereof, 〈◊〉 apprehended about 50. of the Malignants, and is now 〈…〉 ing the ●●wne for the use of the King and Parliament. THere was also letters read in the House of Commons 〈◊〉 Shrewsbury, setting forth that his Majesty hath there gathered together his Army and intends there to stay 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 coming of his Excellancy the Lord general to give 〈◊〉 a treaty concerning the present affairs of the kingdom 〈◊〉 though he is persuaded there from by his councillor's 〈◊〉 him, That it is hoped that when his Excellency comes ●●●ther, a happy union & peace will yet be concluded bet●●●● the King and his Parliament. LIkewis● there were Letters read from Gloucester 〈◊〉 the malignant party have suppressed that town, 〈◊〉 fortifying the same for his Majesty against the Parliament ●●siring Present aid may be sent into that County to supp●●●● the Malignants before they have made themselves any 〈…〉ger, the House promising to take the same into speedy consideration. THen was also read in the House of Commons a letter from Worcester, declaring that his Excellency 〈◊〉 fortified that Town, and given order to stop and secure all bridges and passages between that Town and Ludlow for the preventing of Prince Robert and his Army to return again into that County for to pillage and rob the Inhabitants thereof▪ as they do in all other places where ever they come, and when the passages shall be so secured, his Excellency is resolved to march with his Army to Shrewsbury, fortifying and placing of garrisons in every considerable town as he marcheth, to secure the same from further attempts of the Malignant Party. THen the House of Commons fell into debate touching the landing of Merchant ●●●●●gers in this kingdom, and appointed a Committee to sit in the afternoon to consider of the same, and to make enquiry after such Spanish and French Merchants as are lately landed at Southampton, Dever, and other ports, and make report thereof to the House the next morninng, the Committee sitting accordingly in the Exchequer Chamber. The names of the prinicpall of those that went for Wales the 23. of September with the marquess of Hartford, viz. MArquesse Hartford and his two sons. Lord Seymor and two other of the Seymors. Lord Paulet. Sir John Paulet and his brother. Sir John Stowell. Mr. John Stowell, Mr. Edward Stowell, Sir Ralph Hopton. Sir Ralph Sidneham. Sir Francis Dedington. Sir Henry Bartley high sheriff of Summerset, Sir Charles Bartley, The high Sheriste of Doucetshire. Sir Richard Land. Sir Francis Hauly. Colonel A●●●●●●ham. Colonel Lunsford. Colonel Lawday. Captain Digby. Master Smith Lord 〈◊〉 in Law. Master Killogrew. Mr Edward Windham Master George Windham Master Hugh Windham Master Anthony H 〈…〉 with many others. FINIS.