A LETTER Sent from major-general Brown, TO HIS EXCELLENCY The Earl of ESSEX. CONTAINING, A true Relation of a great Victory obtained against the King's forces near Abingdon, upon Saturday last, Janu. 11. 1644. Where Sir Henry Gage Governor of Oxford, and divers others, of note and quality were slain.  
Januar. 14. 1644.  
IT is his Excellency's pleasure that this Letter be forthwith printed and published.  
Jo. Baldwin Secretary to his Excellency.  
LONDON, Printed for john Thomas. 1644.   

May it please your Excellency,  
I Hold myself bound to give your Excellency an account of the enemies late attempt upon this garrison. A great party of horse and foot from all their garrisons (with the assistance of Wallingford forces) under the command of Pr. Rupert fell upon us this morning early on Culham side, with intent to storm us. They gained a bridge (where I kept a Sentry) about half a mile from us, and presently set the Country to cut it down, to prevent our pursuit of them in case they should be forced bacl, making use of planks for their own retreat upon the alarm; and to prevent the cutting down of the bridge, (which I had notice of) I drew forth to fight with them, first sending out Scouts on the other side of the Town, and securing our works,) and because the caseway was long and narrow, I was forced to send some of my men into the meads, who cheerfully marched through the water, and so flanked the enemy on both sides. The enemy fought it stoutly, and plied us with their Ordnance, which they brought along with them, and found (I bless God) no less courage in ours, as the issue proved. The dispute lasted almost four hours; at length we gained the bridge ere they had quite broke it down, and forced them to the hedges and banks adjacent, which proved of singular advantage to them; but those places proved too hot for them, and they allowed us to beat them out of the field, notwithstanding the disadvantages we fought upon. Had it been  or secure, in respect of the garrison, we had followed them; but they hasted away with three Carts laden with dead men, besides many thrown into the River, and others carried on their horse backs. Their design (I now understand) was, if they could not storm us, than (by pulling up the bridge) to prevent our hindering them to fortify the Lady Careys house and the Church in Culham, which would have proved of evil consequence to us; but they were prevented.  
We lost of note, only Major Bradbury, a very gallant man, who was slain upon the bridge, and seven or eight common Soldiers, at most; and had some wounded: Captain Melvin and Captain Butterfield are wounded, but without danger, of whom I must say, and of your Excellency's Foot (whom I kept for our reserve) they behaved themselves with singular courage.  
Prince Maurice was also in person here, with Sir Henry Gage Governor, and most of the Gentry of Oxford, to see the event. Sir Henry Gage was here slain, and many others of note whom I know not yet.  
At the same precise time in the morning the enemy's Horse from Farringdon fell on our Horse quarters; they found our men in more ready posture than they expected: the alarm was presently taken at all the quarters, being very near together; and they came together, beat the enemy out of the Town, chased them within a mile of Farringdon, and in pursuit slew, wounded, and took prisoners almost all, without any loss at all. Major Farmor, Major to Prince Charles regiment was slain, and his Lieutenant, with many others. Five of this regiment we took were Irish by their own confession, whom I presently caused to be hanged in the Marketplace, according to an Ordinance of Parliament. Captain Blunden in Colonel Martin's regiment deserves much for his courage in that service.  
Your Excellencies humble servant, RICHARD BROWNE. Abingdon, jan. 11. 1644. For his Excellency the Lord General, Earl of Essex, these, London.