Divers Remarkable PASSAGES CONCERNING The original and progress of the present great Action in ESSEX: AND The reason of seizing on the Lord CAPEL'S son.  
Expressed in a Letter to a retired Gentleman, from his friend in LONDON.  
Printed in the year, 1648.   

divers remarkable Passages concerning the original, and progress of the present great Action in Essex and the reason of seizing on the Lord chapels Son.  
Sir,  
YOur great retiredness I see, is accompanied with many sad thoughts, for the present condition of your native Country; & though you are not a man of Action in these unhappy troubles, yet I perceive you are a person of great Devotion and Prayer, for the removal of them: You desire to know of me, the original of the present distraction in Essex, because I live here in the City, whither all the News comes; and have some good acquaintance in that County: You desire also, to understand the truth of that Act( which yourself and Lady apprehends so barbarons) in seizing on the Lord chapels son, the manner and reason of it, and how people in the City do censure the same. Sir, I know the Honour is great, and the Affection strong, which both you, and your Lady bear to that Noble Lord,( unto whose Family you have a near relation.) I also have much reverence in my heart towards him, for that great Loyalty & faithfulness in him to his King and Country; which I think all men must confess to be fully manifest by his magnanimous deportment in his present engagement, though there had been no former proofs of it: Wherefore I shall, in this particular which concerneth him and his son, as also in the other, satisfy your desires as well as I am able,( though I doubt not but some others might have done it better) by giving you that historical relation of the whole business, which from the testimony of several men I have industriously learned, and believe to be the truth. And 'tis this.  
The County of Essex having, in an humble way Petitioned the two Houses for a Treaty with the King; a disbanding the Army, and a removal of their grievances; and received back a slight and unsatisfying Answer, as they apprehended: resolved to renew their requests in the same submissive manner and way as before: but observing by that barbarous entertainment which their neighbours of Surrey met withall; that those, whom they were to make their addresses unto at Westminster, were worse spirited, and more cruelly disposed then ever Pharaoh, the Tyrant of egypt was, who did not set his men of War to Kill, Slay, and Destroy the Afflicted Iraelites, when they put up their prayers to be eased of their Burdens: And perceiving withall,( by a cross Petition then in hand,( and with diligence promoted by the Sectaries of the County) that there was a storm a rising against themselves, for giving example to those of Surry and others, in supplicating for such things as they have done: they thought it necessary and meet to consult speedily about their own defence; and to this purpose, convened at Chelmesford; where they found one Sir William Massam, a man whom( in their good opinion) they had Honoured to be Knight of their Shire; together with 4 more Parliament men, and divers Committee-men in consultation to raise divisions in the County, & oppositions against those who were for the peace and safety thereof: with whom they did expostulate about the said turbulent and cross Petition, which( they said) was countenanced and promoted by them: showing them divers warrants subscribed by some of their hands, for the speedy dispersion of it: but they in their confusion of spirit( notwithstanding the evidence) were pleased to deny the same; whereat the people were very much moved against them( the untruth being so clearly manifest to the face of the whole County.) And they were exasperated further, by that which they heard then, and there attested by one mayor Wilmore, an honest and resolute Gentleman of the County, viz. that himself, and divers other sufficient witnesses had lately heard a Parliament man protest, and say, That if there were an 100. barrels of Powder under the Parliament House, and a train laid, and a match ready to give fire, he would rather be blown up, then yield to a Treaty with the King: And this was uttered by him, as if it were the sense of all the then present prevailing party in the Houses: whereby the Country apprehended, that the said faction were resolved directly upon the Kings ruin, in that they would rather choose a sudden destruction, then come to the light, whereby their deeds might be made manifest, which( as appeared by this their shinesse) would( in their own thoughts) be but an usher to a more shameful down-fall, if His Majesties innocency and righteousness so highly wronged and abused should come to be but clearly viewed by His People.  
And then further yet, some of the Country had understood; How another Parliament man also, had discovered the sense and purpose of the House, to be in no hand to comply with the King, though it was believed, and confessed, that in regard of His Majesties disposition and condition, He both could, and would pardon them: For should there be such a Compliance, and His Majesty suffered to speak, and so business be discussed before the People, the kingdom( said He) would never suffer the Militia to continue any longer in our hands, and we being bereft of power to cause awe, and dread, should be torn in pieces,( soil. for what they had done) or at least should live in such contempt and scorn, that death would be better unto us, then such a life: And therefore, though he confessed it was believed also,( in regard of the great change in peoples hearts) that the King and His Party would get the better in the end; yet( says he) we are resolved before that time come, to make the Land and kingdom not worth His owning.  
Now this evil expression also, having come to the ears of many Essex men there present, it spake to their hearts, that the intentions of those who call themselves the Parliament, was( in defence of their own Tyranny and justice) to hazard the total ruin of their King and Country.  
These, and such like considerations, did at that time much stir the mindes of the people: And yet, by the advice of some of the chief and more discreet, amongst them; they propounded to those Members of Parliament there present, the dangers and perplexities which they were in; requesting them to be means for them to the Parliament, that the Country might now at length be free from taxes, and quartring Souldiers; and put into a defensive posture, under officers of their own choice, whom they may confided in; that so they might upon occasion, be both able and ready to preserve the same:( which was no more then these very Parliament men themselves had moved them to petition for, six years ago, when there was no such imminent or visible danger as was now apparent.) This request so modest and reasonable, was thought would easily have been furthered by those who were entrusted for the Countries good; but they,( notwithstanding their duty and engagement) returned a slight Answer unto the people; who, when they heard the same red, cried out with one voice, no Answer, no Answer; which notwithstanding,( being written in a paper) was thrown down amongst them in a careless way, as all the Answer they must look for; and apprehended by the people to be so done in contempt and scorn of them all: whereupon they violently rushed up stairs, and enclosed the said Parliament men, together with the Committee in their Chamber, and set a guard upon them.  
Yet after this, all the Parl. men were released( except Massam) and sent( upon their promise of return) with those their desires unto the Parliament: and divers of the Committee-men, as one M. Luther, and one M. Young, who were known to be men of a moderate temper, and not mischievous, were freely let out, and permitted to go to their own homes. And had not the peevish and evil disposition of unworthy Sir William Massam towards his Country, who had so highly honoured him, been so notorious to all; in is most probable that he also had been afforded like favour with the rest. But when he was moved to join with the Country in the furtherance of their righteous and reasonable desires: He Answered, that it was not just to move him, being a prisoner, unto any thing of that nature, or to require ought of him, till he were at liberty, for it was no other then a plain enforcement upon his Conscience, while he was in that condition; complaining withall, what a great misery it was to be a prisoner and restrained of freedom. Whereunto, Sir William Martin, a Committee man that was under the same restraint with him, replied, You are sensible of this as a misery, now tis your own case, only two dayes, but you have been no whit sensible of it, as tis the Kings case, whom you have kept in prison well nigh two yeares. And you think it an unjust enforcement upon your Conscience to be moved to join with your Country in a matter whereunto you are bound in duty: only because you are under restraint: What injustice then have you shown, in urging the King, as you have done, to yield His consent to so many unreasonable things against His Honour, Judgement, and Conscience, throughout the whole time of His Imprisonment? This reply coming to the knowledge and understanding of Sir Charles Lucas, he presently with the liking of the Country, set the said Sir Willam Martin at Liberty, because( as he  told him) he perceived by that his expression, that he had some true love in his heart unto the King: Whereby is inferred, that the Kings Friends desire to have none under restraint, but enemies to their King and Country, who are, and would be mischievous to both, white they be at liberty.  
But I proceed: The Parliament Members, who were sent with the Counties desires to the Houses, upon their parol, or promise of return,( accounting it( as seemed) against the Honour and privilege of Parliament to keep their word) returned no more; but sent down the promise of an Ordinance of indemnity to the County, if they would( acknowledging themselves in a fault) go every man to his own home, and release their Prisoners. Sir Charles Lucas( who had been called, and sent for thither by the Centlemen of the County) might also for his own person, be included in the same Ordinance: But for the Earl of Norwich, and those men of Kent and London which came with him, must be all left to Parliament mercy. This Act or promise of indemnity was accepted of by many, and the rather, because of the misfortune of the Kentish forces, the noise whereof, came at that time in the highest tiune to this Countries ears, to its great disadvantage.  
But divers others of the Gentry and Yeomanry, who had better observed that little of faith and truth, which had ever yet been found in Parliament promises; made present choice of the Noble Lucas for their general; who was the rather induced to take the Charge upon him, for the love which he bore to his native County; & also in pitty and commiseration to those thousands of Souls; which were otherwise to be left unto Parliament mercy;( from which, as from the extremest cruelty, good Lord deliver us.) Now this pious and worthy Act of Sir Charles, as it hath knit the hearts of all those, and many others to him, in so strong a tie of love, that nothing but death shall unloose: so doubt but the Almighty God( by wose grace he did it) doth and will so favourably approve of the same, that( we hope) his divine blessing shall attend him in all his public undertakings.  
For we had experience once already of Gods aid and blessing in a like case, viz. when that truly valiant and religious Gentleman the now Lord Hopton, was with other persons of great honour and quality, at the beginning of these troubles, to take Ship for Wales. at Minehead in Devon, and wanting boats to transport all their company, were forced to leave some hundreds behind on shore, who would be necessitated to fall into the hands of the Enemies: But this most worthy man looking back from the Ship, his bowels stirred towards them: whereupon he commands himself to be carried back unto them; and tells them, Gentlemen, it grieves me to leave you behind us, who have thus far ventured yourselves with us in this righteous Cause: I am therefore returned to partake of your fortune, and am resolved by Gods Grace, to adventure my life with you: Which most noble and Christian Act God was so well pleased with, that he knit the Soudiers hearts most firmly to him, and made him successful, even to admiration in the West of England: and it will be confessed of all, that no one Army since these Wars begun, was more beloved of the Country, where they came, more prosperous for the King, and more serviceable to His Cause, then that was, while the said Lord Hopton, and those gallant Cornish Gentry His Assistants did Command the same. Now we cannot build our faith in God, concerning our present case,( which is of a like nature to that) upon a better foundation then such former experience: God that aided the renowned and compassionate Hopton; will also prosper the Noble and merciful Lucas.  
But to return to our matter, about this time the crafty Enemy considering the Christian constancy, and unshakable Loyalty of that true Lover of His King and Country, the Lord capel. And knowing that his place of Residence, was not far distant from Essex: apprehending by that experience they had of him, that his stout and gallant spirit disdained to stoop to Compound with Rebels for the Estate, which God, his ancestors, and the Laws of the Land had given, and settled upon him; and the conceiving by his carriage towards them, that he was careless to enjoy his own Land, so long as the King was without His Crown; concluded to sand speedily for him, and to clap him up close prisoner, and so prevent that comfort and encouragement, which his being at Liberty might afford to the Kings Friends in Essex. But his Lordship having private notice of these purposes against him, though the Essex business was yet exceeding raw in his apprehension, and( as himself confessed to a friend of his) not ripe enough for him to engage his person in: yet considering the useless condition he was sure to be shortly in, by being a Prisoner, conceiving that the notice he had thereof before hand might be from a special providence to thrust him forth unto the present service; and finding his Affections most strong and sincere for his Kings enlargement, and his Countries freedom: He resolved to adventure himself,( though against his judgement, in regard of the immaturity of the enterprise) and to trust God wholly with the success; it was his own expression to his friend in private, who  told it me; which, when I heard, I thought presently of that speech of David, when he went out to fight the Lords battle against the uncircumcised philistines, I go forth( saith he) in the name or strength only of the Lord of Hosts.  
Upon these grounds, this Nobleman removed himself to Chelmisford, leaving his pious and dear Lady great with child, and his particular affairs( of great concernment then in Agitation) to Gods sole protection and disposal, not so much as ordering( though some suggested the motion) that his eldest son should be conveyed to some private concealment; for himself being full of candour, nobleness and humanity, could not( surely) conceive it possible, that any who wore the shapes of men, and were name Christians, or called Gentlemen, would offer, or suffer to be offered, any thing unworthy to such a Lady as his was, and in her condition; or to any of his innocent and harmless Children: nay, he might rather think, that that for the Name sake, and honour of Parliament, they who were now so called, would( as they were bound) protect them from wrongs and incivilities.  
After his Lordships arrival at Chelmisford,( which was to the great rejoicing of all those Loyal hearts) the forces there removed within 2 dayes( by reason haply of the Enemies sudden & speedy approach) to Braintry, and from thence next day, towards Colchester,( carrying Sir William Massam, and the rest of the Committee with them, using them with all civility and gentleness;) and they marched with their Army through the Country in that orderly and unblamable way and manner, as was to all mens admiration; only at Earls Colne, some of the foolish townsmen by the excitation of one Josseline( a factious Priest) stood with their Guns and muskets to oppose them, which was a sufficient provocation unto them to plunder the Town, had they had any such disposition; they urged no mans person to join with them, but accepted only of those that offered their voluntary service. Indeed their fairness and civill behaviour did the more eminently appear, by the outrageous and contrary demeanour of general Fairfax's men, who in a sort pursued them, forcing the Country against their wills to join with them; and fetching their provision daily from them without paying any thing for the same; and plundering those, who by evil neighbours were noted to them, to be of a different judgement and opinion.  
The Essex forces had not been in Cholchester 24 houres, before the enemy made a most fierce and furious assault upon them with sword and fire; confidently presuming, in regard of his former successses and present strength, and the apprehended weakness of the Town, and sudden fears or disaffections of the inhabitants that he should that night make an end of the business.  
But on the mount the Lord was seen; who appeared wonderfully in the behalf of his assaulted people, for he rebuked the enemy very sharply; and gave them by this despised handful, the greatest check that since the beginning of the Wars they had received: I take no pleasure to say how many hundreds of them were there slain, and how many most miserable wounded; I am an Englishman, and my heart bleeds to hear or speak of the numbers of my slaughtered Country-men: indeed the Enemy hath taken most special and cunning courses to conceal his losses from the peoples knowledge; But I shall leave the discovery thereof to other pens, onely this I must observe,( as many others do beside myself;) general Fairfax and his Army went into Essex with the highest scorn and contempt of those, whom they were to oppose, and with the greatest purposes of cruelty against them, as could be imagined, threatening to swallow them up at a bit, and( as they said) to cut the Calves throats presently: And it must be confessed to Gods sole glory, that it was beyond the expectation or faith of man, that the royal party in the Town should have been able( all things considered) to have done the tenth part of those things which they have done since they went thither: but God, who is never failing unto men in distress, when they be in righteous ways, and do repose their trust in him, hath wrought all their works for them even to admiration,( as hereafter I hope( when we have the full relation) shall be declared to the Almighties praise) and in the mean time let all that wish happiness to their King and Country, adore the Lord for his goodness already manifested, and fervently supplicate his divine Majesty for his further protection and assistance, to those loyal and good men, who in defence of their Religion, Laws and Country, are now in Arms in that town of Cholchester. I now proceed to your other particular.  
Sir William Massam the Parliament man, finding it now more pleasant to sand others to the Wars, then to be there himself; though but as a spectator or looker on, and fearing( as seemed) in regard of his black and guilty soul, that every shot which his friends without let fly against the Town, would beat down some house about his head; wanting also that state and service, that variety of wine, and plenty of dainties in this besieged place which he was wont to abound in at Westminster, and so thinking himself in a less glorious condition here then there, and that he had not altogether so much respect and crouching unto,( though he wants for no necessaries which the Town can afford;) thought it his wisdom to cry before he was hurt, and as some creatures( we know) will make a greater noise, if they fear but touching, then sheep will do, when shorne or slaughtered; so did he whine and keep ado, sending forth pitiful complaints, by privy messages to his Brethren at Westminster, and their Master the general; to the end( as appeared by the event) that some of the Wives, children, or friends of those who had him in Bondage, might be seized on as prisoners, to be given in exchange for him: This motion or intimation was presently relished by the prevailing Faction in the House of Commons, who had( as it seems) resolved now to put off Humanity as well as Loyalty; and to leave off to be Gentlemen as well as Christians: And therefore they set themselves presently about the business: amongst whom, it was propounded and urged in a very earnest manner,( as I head) by one Gurdon of suffolk, and Henry Mildmay of Essex,( an unworthy Kinsman of the Lord capel) that the Lady of the said Lord) being great with child) should be sent to the Head-quarters, and there be dealt withall as should seem good to their general; but this motion was not allowed of by the House, because it would speak them to be in too too desperate a condition, in that sort, to take advantage of showing Cruelty to the person of a great-bellied Woman: But it was concluded against her eldest Son, a Gentleman of some 16 years of Age to sand him. Now some say, that the general himself sent for him, by a first and second Message, being( as they say) very angry with God for giving such a check to his boisterous proceedings, and then the loss of his Treasure( some 80000 l. as is reported) at Pomfret Castle came to his ears about that time, which did not a little heighten his discontent and fury, and therefore he longed to be in Action, and to have such in his power, whom he thought he could master: thus some do censure, though others indeed do affirm for him, that he is more a soldier, then to make so unmanly a request, or indeed to approve of so barbarous an Act;( and they say too, that when he saw the young Gentleman, he was offended( or seemed at least so to be) at those that sent him.) But however, this noble youth was by Order of Parliament seized upon, and rent from the presence of his tender Mother, which sudden & unexpected inhumanity caused her( as is said) to fall into present travail of Child-birth, to the great hazard of her life; though the merciful God, by his mighty power( through he strength of faith) hath yet upheld her Spirit, and preserved her in being.  
Her ladyship hereupon( as their own books tell us) sent a Petition to the House of Lords in the behalf of her Son, who is( say they) apprehended, and sent down to the general, to be used in the same condition, as the Committee of Essex are with the Enemy; and desiring she may have such satisfaction herein, as may be for the Justice and Honour of Parliament. For so( indeed) they call themselves, and for the Honour of that they pretend to stand: The Lords recommended the said Petition to the Commons:( for to do them right, they had( I head) so much Honour left, as to abhor the fact even from the beginning.) Now the Commons either being ignorant what this Honour and Justice of Parliament was, or else not daring to interpret what it ought to be, Ordered hereupon( says their perfect diurnal) that a Letter should be written from the House to the Lord general Fairfax, with the Petition of the said Lady capel therein, and that his Lordship be desired to do therein, as may be for the Justice and Honour of Parliament, leaving it to him( being a Sword-man) to determine what that is now grown to be.  
He receiving the same, sent his Letter into Colchester, signifying( says their Book) that the Parliament being sensible of their seizing on Sir William Massam, and others of the Committee,( not being Prisoners of war) had sent down the Lord Capel's son, with others, that he might be sent in exchange for Sir William Massam.  
In which Tender is apprehended to be, as little of Justice, as valour, and as little of Piety and Honesty, as of either the other two: For people argue thus.  
Sir William Massam( they say) is a Malefactor, a mischievous person, old in wickedness: and though no Prisoner of War, yet a prime Author of it, yea the principal man that raised or caused the present War in the County of Essex: Whereas Master capel is a young Gentleman, of a pure and candid spirit, of a sweet and gracious disposition, who knows no evil, nor ever did, or intended hurt to the County of Essex, or to any creature.  
again, Sir William Massam( they say) was apprehended for his faults, by those whose Servant he was, and to whom he was to give an account for his ill discharge of the trust reposed in him: having lately before, renounced the same, disclaiming to perform his duty any longer, by publishing to the world( with the rest of his fellowes) that they would treat no more with the King,( to which they were chosen, and appointed by their Counties.) Yea, and he was seized upon too( as tis observed) while he was in the very act of sin, plotting to raise strife in his Country, having for seven yeeres together, endeavoured to impoverish its wealth, and to work its ruin. Yea and a few dayes before, he had on the public Bench used threatening expressions to those of the same, who promoted a Petition for the Kings safety and honour, and for the kingdoms peace, and had urged the Parliament to sand down Souldiers to enslave the same: Now no such things could be laid to the charge of young Mr. capel, that he should be judged meet to be put into the scale with such a person. His onely faults are his Parents virtues, and his own innocence, and for these he was taken Prisoner in his Fathers house, where he was at his Study, by those who had no Authority over him, to whom he had no relation at all; nor had ever done them the least evil.  
Besides, Sir Will: Massam( as they who know him say) is, as of no such worth, so of no such great birth, or fortunes, as to be weighed in the balance with this Spark of Honour, who is heir to a great Estate, of a noble and unspotted Family: and therefore that this little Gentleman should be thus valued or offered in exchange, for that other thing who is so little of a Gentleman, is generally conceived to be very unjust, ridiculous, and unworthy.  
Yea and father yet, the world observes and says, that if there was any error committed in the seizing upon Sir William Massam, and his fellows, it was committed by the Inhabitants and people of Essex six dayes before the Lord Capels coming amongst them, without his knowledge, or privity: nor was he the general of Essex men afterward, onely he came to them as a friend to lend them his assistance, as they appeared for the liberty of the King and the Law: and therefore that his Child should be imprisoned, his Lady affrighted, and threatened, or himself any way damnified for that act of Essex men, is a thing so ignominious and highly base, that all people( but the Actors) cry open shane upon it.  
And indeed how did William of Nassaw Prince of Orange in his apology, inveigh against the King of spain, taxing him of barbarousness, Inhumanity, and Ignoblenesse, for seizing upon his Son a Youth, and at school, when he could not reach himself? And how did the whole Christian world then, concur with that Prince, in condemning the said King, for that unkingly and unsoldierly act: for though the Father had revolted from his due obedience, yet to punish him in his child, to take revenge upon one that was innocent, shewed rather passionate fury then discretion; and cowardly baseness, then any thing else. But indeed, this act of general Fairfax and his Parliament. though the same in kind, with that of the Spanish King, yet in regard of the circumstances is many degrees more injust and vile: For the Father of this noble Youth had not revolted from any obedience to them, for he never acknowledged any due unto them since they revolted from their sovereign; but because they cannot yet be revenged on him, for his piety and faithfulness to his King and Country; therefore they will wreak their spleen upon his Wife and Children; and because they cannot get guilty persons to exchange for Traitors, they will offer innocents, and threaten to expose such to slaughter.  
But doubtless, general Fairfax fancied as much pusilanimity in the Father of this young Gentleman( when he sent his fore-named letter into Colchester) as would( perhaps) have appeared in his own poor spirited self, in a case of like nature; and that he was as unable to distinguish Gold from dross as he; but he was quickly resolved on the contrary: for that heroic Lord returns his answer( as their own book says) that very evening in these words. 1. That he conceived it inhamane,( viz. in the Enemies to do as they had done.) 2. That if all the Committee had been offered for his son,( viz. by those of his own party) he would have disdained the motion. 3. That he joyed to see any of his, if no other way, yet by their sufferings to pay the duty they owe to their King, and the known laws.  
Sir, I know you cannot forbear( at the reading of this) to cry out as many others have done: O truly noble and Christian spirit! O magnanimous expression of perfect Loyalty, worthy indeed to be written in golden Letters, and transmitted to posterity for an everlasting pattern of instruction, and special means of inspiration! And I think you will hope( as I do) that since God doth give us such special gauges of his love and mercy,( as men of such high courage and honour are) we may with comfort and confidence conclude, that he hath not yet left off to intend good to this poor kingdom.  
Indeed 'tis fancied by a great many, that the heroic Answer of this Nobleman, together with the consideration of the unworthiness of the Act so generally resented and cried out upon, will work so upon the spirits of the Agents, that for pure shane at least, they will sand back the young Gentleman, and endeavour, by some special respect to that Famliy, to lessen the deformity of this so opprobrious inhumanity; though these be some, I confess( who know them well) that are of a contrary opinion: but let me assure you 'tis the judgement of wise men, that the general and House of Commons could not have done a more imprudent Act to their own disadvantage then this was, and is like to be, so evilly 'tis apprehended by all sorts of people.  
And thus( noble Sir) I have given what satisfaction I am able to yourself and Lady, in the particulars you writ about. What the issue of Colchester business will yet be, is not evident, many reports we have, that the Enemy which lies before it, hath lost many hundreds if not some thousands of men, surely abundance most lamentably wounded, are daily sent to London from him: Tis much observed how God hath opposed and resisted the Pride of the Army, for if words do manifest thoughts, and threats intentions; never any undertook a business with more presumption of heart, and cruelty of spirit then they did this of Essex: But how hath the Heavens and Stars in their courses seemed to fight against them, since they besieged that despised place; for indeed, though this judgement of rain hath been upon us all, and threatens a general calamity to ensue,( which indeed we have all deserved) yet it cannot be denied, but they have been most specially detrimented in their design, by those bottles of Heaven, which God hath powered out upon them in their Trenches, whereby their Souldiers are much impaired in their healths, besides those wounds which they receive daily from the defendants, whom they thought they had taken in a trap: God is stronger then the Militia, nor doth he care for the Anger of man; he hath abated the strength of this great general, and his Forces; to dwelt, which the unwilling Country are made to help forward their own destruction, and driven on( they say) as Turkish Slaves are, to be food for the Bullet: Provisions are commanded from them beside to be brought in gratis, ready dressed to the Army daily; one Town I head,( within 12 miles of them) is at 36 l. the week for Food for them; and so are all others proportionably charged to the same purpose. yea, and from the Inhabitants of that County also money must be raised( according to Ordinance) to pay their Souldiers their wages, who by their Horses, and other ways, do extremely destroy the corn and fruits there, which fore-speaks a most sad and speedy famine shortly: And more then this, 'tis Ordered by the House of Commons, that 4500 l. more be raised in that County, for advancing two Troops and a company of dragoons for the service of it: for so it must be called, though it be evident enough, that 'tis, & will be for the ruin of it. Yea, and it must be beleevd too, that this, with all its present miseries are for its good, and that the continuance of them, is for its preservation.  
And this( as most men observe) is that County which hath been so constantly faithful to the Parliament from the very beginning, and so forward in affording assistance on all occasions: now it is apparent what the reward and wages is, which it must be content with, in lieu of all its love, service and moneys: nor can it be charged to have offered any other way, then by groaning under its burdens, and sighing forth its petitions, in an humble way for peace and quiet.  
But in very dead, there was( as wise and good men apprehended) more of modesty and fairness in that course which this Country took to manifest their grievances, then there was of justice and Courage; and tis believed that the miseries now upon it, are permitted of God as a just punishment, for making those their Addresses in so submissive a way, as that was by Petition: After the House of Commons had declared to the world, that they would make no more Addresses to the King. They ought rather, when they heard this, to have been an example, & lead the way unto the whole kingdom, in re-calling their Knights and Burgesses then in Petitioning to them; and have gone up rather with Swords in their hands, then Papers, to them, who had disclaimed to Treat with the King( being honoured with the trust of Parliament men only to that end & purpose) then in petitioning any more unto them. For indeed, after they had discovered themselves so far, it was the duty of all men to have forborn; yea, and abhorred to have given any further respects unto them: Which, because they did not, therefore are they( as tis believed) by Gods permission and providence thus afflicted and tormented.  
And so the Massacre that was made upon Surry men, did( in respect of God) betid them justly, for following in the same way as these of Essex had done. And Kent in like manner, for but endeavouring & purposing to tread in those steps, hath in some sort smarted already, and are terribly threatened to be humbled further, even unto beggary and bondage, by these Flagella Dei, when their present employments are a little over: And 'tis conceived that every other County which shall henceforth proceed in that path of Honouring those Sons of belial( for so Scripture calleth such men) by petitioning to them, who have thus disclaimed to Treat with the Annoynted of God, shall be made to drink of that cup,( if they take not warning by others harms) and to taste deeply of Gods displeasure. Nor must the City of London fancy that God will forget her, for her being stil a guard to these evil men, & for affording them the protection of her Trainbands after she had heard proclaimed in her streets, no more Addresses to Gods Vice-gerent: For 'tis concluded certainly, by the most knowing men, that the House of Commons, by that act of theirs,( in disclaiming Treaty with His Sacred Majesty) have not only renounced being Parliament men, and( as much as in them lieth) dissolved their own Assembly, ipso facto, but also offered the highest contempt and scorn unto the Almighty God( whose Image and Minister the King is) that ever was yet ' offered by mortal creatures; never was such a thing head of in Israell, nor amongst the Heathens; no story can parallel the same, that of Dathan and Abriam( who said we will not come up, when Moses sent for them) comes nearest to it, but 'tis not half so black. Indeed Christianity stands amazed at it, and Protestant Religion is ashamed and confounded in her self, that any who pretend to her, should be justly taxable of such a damnable impudence, which Satan himself upon so evident a proof can scarcely be challenged to be guilty of. Surely that God, who said to samuel( upon a far less provocation) they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, will never endure this at the hands of these men; nor will he be pleased with those, who by any further application shall seem still to approve of them. He expects( undoubtedly) that all people should separate from their society and neighbourhood,( as they of old upon his command, did from the Tents of Corah and his Companions.) For, neither shall these die the common death of all men, some nothing rather will God make, some remarkable Judgement will he create for this new and unheard of Sin: and 'tis believed, that he had so done ere this, had not his infinite mercies towards some of better conditions,( who through inconsideration of the immensity of the sin, and so of the danger of his high displeasure for it, do yet abide with them, or near unto them) prevented or suspended the same: God said once, he could not do any thing against sodom, till Lot was removed thence; but Lot was thereupon to make hast, and get quick-away; or else( after warning given, had he stayed) he might have been over-taken: so no doubt but God having some, even in the babel at Westminster, whom he loves, who have not concurred in those impious Votes,( of no further Addresses to that Sacred Person, whom by holy Writ they are so expressly bound to Honour) for their sakes hath hitherto forborn to empty forth the vial of his just displeasure; and the prayers of good people for them are, that they may not provoke God by too long a stay, least they prove partakers in the end of the judgement: But 'tis firmly believed, that when these have withdrawn themselves, and the City their guards; then, then shall the great wrath of the most Mighty god come down upon those men of belial, those Children of disobedience, and that in so visible and terrible a manner, that all the world shall see, and say, 'tis the Lords own doing, verily it is God that judgeth the Earth. Sir, this is the judgement of many men who are not only discreet and wise, but also( I dare say) of Gods great acquaintance.  
Sir, I hope my desires to Answer yours, shall with your goodness excuse the tediousness of this discourse. I presume shortly we shall understand more of Essex affairs, and I expect to hear much of God in the management of that business in Colchester. 'Tis reported that suffolk men have taken great pains in assisting their Enemies to destroy their friends: God hath raised up deliverers for them, but they will none of them; they are willing( it seems) to lye still under their burdens of oppression and wrong: but this their way is their folly; and this their folly hath cost them many of their lives already; though indeed( tis believed) that those of suffolk are, and have been only Sectaries, or such as are brought in to aid general Fairfax by the instigation & compulsion of Committee-men, Sequestrators, and intruding Priests: for these Wars on that side( in very dead) are only to maintain their Kingdom and Authority: When the full relation of the whole matter shall arrive( if you have it not from a better hand) I shall impart it to you. What I have writ now, I conceive is the truth but I confess 'tis from the mouths & judgements of other men; wherefore if time, or other information shall fortune to speak any thing to be otherwise; be pleased( I pray) to pardon the unwilling and unwitting errors of  
Your obliged Friend, and Humble Servant.   

ERRATA.  
PAgo 3. line 27. red Injustice. pag. 5. l. 17. r. they must. l. 20. r tune. p. 13. l. 15. r. their. p. 14. l. 25. r. offended.  
FINIS.