THE DECLARATION OF THE COUNTIES OF YORK AND LANCASTER, CONCERNING, The KING'S MAJESTY, and both Houses of PARLIAMENT, and their unanimous Resolutions, touching the proceed of the Essex, Surrey, and Kentish-men. As also touching the Northern Army. WITH, The proceed of Sir MARMADUKE LANGDALE, and his advance from BARWICK, and joining with a body consisting of 8000. in WESTMORELAND. AND, The Votes of the House of Commons concerning a Treaty with His Majesty, and the manner thereof. LONDON, printed for W.R. 1648. AN EXACT RELATION OF THE PROCEED OF The KENTISH Men. SIR, I Am sorry that I have no better news to salute you with, than our sad divisions, by which we are much distracted, you may make as slight of it as you will in London, but I can assure you, I fear the conclusion will carry sorrow enough. The Petition is daily signed by additional hands, the number is great that have joined in it. Since their seizing of Rochester, and the Magazine, (which it was thought had been well over on the last Lord's day at night, and that they would have been satisfied) they have increased, divers, both Gentlemen, Servants, Soldiers, and men of all sorts come in; and stand upon their defence. There are also divers others, gathered at Maydstone, and in several other places of this County. And many or them are armed. They say that they will have the King to come to London, and a Treaty. And the Army of Sectaries (as they call them) disbanded. They have seized on a packet of Letters, that came from the Committee of the N●vy; and other Letters that were sent from the Vice-admiral Rainsborough, to the Parliament, caused them to be opened, and read them; and delivered many of the Letters back again. They stop divers passengers, and examine them, but let them go again, without doing them hurt. But for Soldiers they put all out of the Country, and permit none except only such as comply with them. And they have prevailed so fair with the Horsemen of the Country, that they are almost all the Troop gone in to join with them. And the Trained Bands are too cold to oppose them. And they will grow now (for aught I see) too numerous, if speedy course be not ●aken. They intent their randezvous, as is given out in these parts, next week at Black heath, and the Committee know not what to do, nor where to sit in safety. Upon the rumour of Prince Charles his being come to Sa●wich, (which was at first believed, and many labour still that it may carry credence) many came in out of a pretended affection to them, and it was rumoured that he was come over to join with them to release the King, and bring him safe to London. But we are since satisfied that it is not Prince Charles but a poor rascally fellow, not fit for gentlemen's company, The Officer of the ship that carried the Prince away, was to see him, and saying he was not the Prince, the fellow told the Mayor that he came to kill him, and desired he might be secured, which was done accordingly, and others are committed also for saying that he is not the Prince. A great deal of money is sent in by several persons of the County to him, And he fares like a Prince, And still stands stiffly in it, that he is prince Charles. He cam● hither with poor , and a course dirty shirt, but he had other apparel provided presently. If the Parliament sent for him, I know not whether those who are risen in this County will let him go, for (so fare as I can understand) he was appointed by the Royalists, to encourage the Country, and join with them to disturb the Parliament. There are in Rochester, and the parts hereabouts (I do verily believe) at the least a thousand that are risen, besides their interest in some Seamen; and others at Maydstone, and other parts. Here are abundance of Ordinance, and many ships, a great number of Arms, much powder in the Ships, the Sovereign near, if some speedy course be not taken herein, it may be repent when it is too late. God send us all well settled. Chattum May 23. 1648. A Declaration of the Counties of York and Lancaster. SIR, HEre hath been several meetings in these parts, and the Inhabitants of the County, have unanimously declared, that they will stand firm to their first principles, for the defence of King and Parliament, and that they will use their utmost endeavours, for the preservation of their peace and liberties, and that they will oppose all forces whatsoever, that shall attempt the obstructing thereof. We hear also that the West-Riding of the County of York, have declared to the same effect, and that they are resolved to proceed in pursuance thereof. Here is no little admiration of the proceed of the Essex, Surrey, and Kentish men; but notwithstanding all which, the well affected party are resolved to maintain their first grounds and principles. We hear that the Parliament of Scotland adjourned the 11. Instant. D Hamilton, etc. are gone into their several Principalities to raise men. Forty days pay at the Randezvouz, and then shift for themselves. It continues that Fife and Angus are as resolute to give non assistance (as the honest Zealanders are against the peace with Spain) and will not raise one man, whereupon it was ordained that every footman that refused should pay 10. l. & every one charged with a horse refusing, 20. l. whether Scots or Sterling we know not. They talk of raising the 4th man through the Kingdom. A list of all the Officers intended for the Scots expedition might be inserted; but until it's known who will hold, it's no great matter, june 1. the Parliament sits, and by that time their Army is to be ready, at least they give out so, to make you come off from your high demands of the King's Majesty. The 11. Sir Marmaduke Langdale, with about 160. horse went from Barwick, all along the Scottish side of Tweed to Carlisle, neither hurting, nor was hurt; leaving in Barwick only 500 foot: He is to join with Sir Philip Musgraves forces in Cumberland & Westmoreland, who are already 8000. which with Sir Marmadukes will make as great an Army as was in Wales, and no doubt stand together; for Sir Philip is so popular, that men flocks to him from those par●s, and all about; he doth what he pleaseth yet. The Sheriff of the County is fled to S. Forbrits Island (which is sir Watfort Lawsons') with the Magazine, where also is 20 p●eces of Ordinance formerly removed from Carlisle; there is no passing to the Island but by B●a●, the water being 5. or 6. fathom deep, and they have taken the Boat with them, yet it's believed they will one way or other gain it before relief can come; the Sheriff hath sent hither for relief, but how we shall be able to send it [so long are you before you send any to us] we know not. The news of Laughorns defeat came seasonably to those parts, not only to raise the spirits of the Parl. friends, but to daunt the disaffected, which was declared with Thanks in Pulpits; with ringing of bells after, and other expressions of joy. We are also comforted a little by the resolutions of Lancashire, who have no mind to let in any of the Musgrave or Langdale party, and for that end have made good all their straits and passages. They of Barwick have put men into Hagerston Tower. The County of Northumberland is indifferent quiet having no enemy in Field. Two Troops of horse lie at Anwick, and two Companies of Foot; Capt. Pie is in Warkworth Castle with a considerable force: Cartington being not tenable, the men in it were called of, and the house dismantled: the Royal party had a design upon Hartlepoole but were prevented; and we have Garrisoned it. Mr. Barwise, & Mr. Cholmsey are prisoners in Carlisle still Mrs. Barwise and the Sheriff's wife are come on foot hither, being plundered of all: this Town will not be got to act for Par. what ever they may against it. The enemy begin their old way of plundering and where ever they find any Ministers put in by Parl. they leave them as bare as they can, being resolved if ever it lies in their way to pay that Tribe to the full. The papists rise also in all places, and though they can have no command, yet they will be Volunteers. There is 4 Regiments of horse to be raised in these parts, but if forces come not with the Gen. to encourage the Countries, they will not dare to proceed with any vigour. Col- Charles Vane, son of Sir. Hen. Vane raiseth a Regiment of horse, and secures Rabie Castle, he hath 4 good Troops already, The great comfort and support of the Parliaments friends in all these parts, by our Governors coming, is wonderful; and truly so honestly and resolutely doth he carry himself, that if forces once come, there's no doubt many will show their good affection, that now mean it, but think it not discretion to show is. The Commons considered of a Treaty with his Majesty, and voted, That if he grant the Militia, settle Religion, and recall all Proclamations and Declarations against them, they will treat with him for other things. Colonel Whaleys Regiment is commanded back from the North, and are to quarter about Staines. Imprimatur G. M FINIS.