THE DECLARATION Of lieutenant-general CROMWELL CONCERNING His present Design and Engagement against Col. Poyer and his Adherents in South wales, and his Resolution and Protestation thereupon. Delivered at the head of each Regiment upon Monday last▪ being the 8. of this instant May, at a rendezvous near the City of Glouce●●er. And the soldier's Resolution touching the Lieutenant general, and colonel Poyer. Also, very sad news from the Isle of wight, concerning the King's Majesty. May 9 1648. Imprimatur Gilb. Mabbott. London, Printed for G. Wharton, 1648. A DECLARATION Of lieutenant-general CROMWELL Delivered At the Head of each Regiment upon Monday last being the 8. of this instant May, at a rendezvous near the City of Gloucester. Honoured Sir, YOur last, dated the 5. of May I received; for which I return you thanks, and according to my former obligements, to your vouchsafed clemency and goodness I can do no less, then to impart myself at this present, and present to your view these ensuing lines, viz. Sir, Upon Saturday last we received intelligence, that Lieut. Gen. Cromwell was upon his march with a considerable party of horse and foot, and that he intended to have a general rendezvous near this city upon Monday and so to advance with all expedition toward South-Wales, against Poyer and his confederates, which report was soon made apparent; for upon Monday morning about 9 of the clock in the fore noon, we discovered the Horse, and immediately the Foot marched after them, who had a rendezvous within 2. miles of this city, and continued in the field till about two of the clock in the afternoon; but in the interim, several passages worthy your observation, passed amongst them; for as each Regiment marched up to the place appointed, they demeaned themselves so civilly & came up in such an excellent posture of Discipline, that it was admired; for as each Regiment came into the field they drew up into several distinct bodies, and so soon as the Rear was come up, and each Regiment placed in order, Lieut. Gen. Cromwell rode to the head of each, making a short speech touching their present Design and Engagement, which done, he further declared, that he had often times ventured his life with them, & they with him, against the common Enemy of this kingdom, and a far more potent power and strength then now they are to engage withal; and therefore desired them to arm themselves with the same resolution as formerly, and to go on with the same courage, faithfulness, & fidelity, as sundry times they had done, and upon several desperate attempts and engagements & that for his part, he protested to live and die with them: the Lieut. Gen had no sooner declared himself, but they all threw up their caps, giving a great shout and hallow, crying out with one unanimous consent, that they would ventrr their lives and fortunes under his conduct and command, against any enemy either domestic or foreign. After the Lieut. Gen. had taken a view of each Regiment, he gave Orders to march and accordingly about 3 of the clock they advanced: their number doth consist of about 6500. Horse and Foot, exceeding well armed, and brave resolute men. We doubt not but to hear of their happy success very suddenly, for it is very probable, there will be speedy action. Divers of our Glosterians listed themselves at the rendezvous, under the command of the Lieu. general, and there marched about 100 Volunteers with him from this City, with blue ribbons in their hats, which is all for the present; from Your obliged friend and servant, John Hancock. Gloucester the 8. of May, 1648. SIR, Upon the close of this Letter, here arrived a Messenger from Swansey, who certified, that col Powel is retreated from thence with all his Forces, but upon what grounds we cannot learn, unless it be occasioned by the advance of L. Gen. Cromwell that way, who now is upon his march. Col. Horton is said to be about 3000. and hath had several skirmishes with the enemy, but will not engage▪ till the additional Forces come up. Vale, vale. Letters from the North. SIR, Sir Arthur Haslerig is very diligent in fortifying of Newcastle. Some Gentlemen of these parts are gone up to London, to acquaint the Parliament with the affairs and conduction of these Northern Counties, and we hear the Parl. are about to associate these Counties again, and to put 10000 men more into a posture of defence against the cavalier party, which are entered Berwick, and begin to overspread the Country. By the next, I pray, let us hear what news at London, for which you shall command Your affectionate friend, S. J. Some English are already come to Barwick, their Leader is Sir Marmaduke Langdale, a great Malignant; but formerly a Justice of Peace in this County; they intend to fortify the town, that if they are put to the way, they may with the more conveniency run into Scotland: the coming of these Forces to Berwick, is almost like to overjoy the malignant's in these parts; so that they begin to s●andalize the parliament, and use their endeavours to incense the country both against the parliament and army; but the Forces appointed to secure the North may do much good, than the malignant's will be glad to pull in their horns again, and may be made to repeat their monstrous slanders. A Committee hath already met to consider of the affairs of this and the Northern Counties, they have likewise appointed a day and place of meeting; upon which time they will consult about the condition of the North, and of putting those parts into a posture of defence: this is all for the present I can acquaint you with, only one thing I shall further make mention of, that the Northern Counties ingenerals have jointly declared, that they will rise as one man against the Scottish Army, and that they will use their utmost endeavours for the preservation and defence of those parts, against all opposition whatsoever. Sir Marmaduke Langdale, sir Charles Lucas, and sir Tho. Tilsley, with divers other Royalists do increase, their number is said to be about 600. Horse, they have lately possessed themselves of the Town and Castle of Carlisle, and are now very active in fortifying and strengthening of the said place. Divers of the Gentry in these parts resort unto them, especially those who have formerly engaged for the King, and Sir Marmaduke Langdale erects new Officers, and gives them Commissions in Prince Charles his name. We hear that Sir Philip Musgrave is with a party of 500 Horse between Carlisle and Appleby, and that he hath a design for surprising of the said castle. Richmond 6. of May, 1648. The Copy of a Letter from the Isle of Wight, touching the state and condition of the King's Majesty. SIR, SInce my last, bearing date the 3. of May, here hath been a great alteration in these parts, and the Inhabitants are much perplexed, occasioned by the great distractions both in the West and North of England; but that which doth the most trouble Us, is, the great melancholiness which hath now possesed his Majesty; for indeed, he is not half so merry as formerly, and takes little delight in walking abroad, but gives his mind to much study and reading. He discourses very little, unless it be now and than with Sir Oliver Cromwell, which is all for the present, from Your assured friend to serve you, F. W. Imprimatur G. M. Newport 8. of May 1648. Imprimatur G. M. FINIS.