Four strong Castles TAKEN By the Parliaments Forces: with the Copies of the several Articles, and Letters of the Particulars thereof. 1 Titbury Castle (in Staffordshire) taken by Sir William Brereton, with all the Arms and Ammunition. 2 Dunster Castle (in the West) taken by Col. Blake, with all the Arms, Ammunition, and other furniture of war. 3 The copy of the Articles for the surrender of Barnstaple, with all the Ordnance, Ammunition, bag and baggage. 4 Abarastwith Castle (in Wales) taken by Col. powel, with all their Arms, Ammunition, bag and baggage. ALSO The Agreement for the slighting of Barton Garrison in Derbishire near Titbury, and Sir William Breretons proceed against Lichfield Close, with the copy of a Letter from Sir William Breretons Quarters. Being the true Copies of the Originals, published according to Order of Parliament. LONDON, Printed for Matthew Walbancke at Gray's Inn Gate. April 27. 1646. Articles of Agreement between Sir Thomas Fairfax Knight, General of the Parliaments Army, and Sir Allen Apsley Knight, Governor of the Garrison of Barnstaple, as followeth. I THat all Officers and Soldiers, without exception of any persons whatsoever, and all other persons within the Garrison and Forts, may have leave to march forth both Horse and Foot, with their complete Arms, flying Colours, Matches lighted, with their Muskets laden, and twelve shot apiece in their Bandeliers, with the like proportion to the Troopers, for their Carbines, and Pistols, to any Garrison in England, where His Majesty shall be in person, and that they shall have a safe Conduct to the same and free quarter in their March, and be not forced to march above ten miles a day. II. That in case they shall not be received by the King, they shall have free leave to pass quietly to their own homes. III. That no Gentlemen, Clergymen, Officers, Citizens, or Soldiers, or other persons comprised within these Articles, shall be questioned or accountable for any Act past, or by them done, or by any other by their procurement, relating unto the unhappy differences between His Majesty, and the Parliament, they submitting themselves to reasonable and moderate Composition for their estates, which the General Sir Thomas Fairfax shall really endeavour with the Parliament, that it shall not exceed two years value of any man's real estate respectively, and for personal according to the ordinary rule, not exceeding the proportion aforesaid, which Composition being made they shall have indemnity for their persons, and enjoy their estates and all other imunities. iv That no Oath, Covenant, Protestation, or Subscription (relating thereunto) shall be imposed upon any person whatsoever comprised within these articles, but only such as shall bind all persons aforesaid, not to bear arms against the Parliament of England now sitting at Westminster; nor wilfully do any act prejudicial unto their affairs, whilst they remain in their Quarters, except the persons aforesaid shall first render themselves unto the Parliament, who shall cause them to be secured, if they think fit. V That all persons comprised in these Articles shall have leave to continue in the Parliaments quarters for the space of four months, or to go beyond Sea at any time in the said space of four months, with such goods as they have now in their possession, both parties engaging themselves as before. VI That any Officers, or others comprised in these Articles, not exceeding the number of eight persons, shall have free leave to go to Oxford, or to any other place where the King shall be, and to return to their own homes at any time, or where else they please. VII. That all goods now in possession, or of right belonging to any within the Garrison, may have a free protection for their safety, and leave either to send them beyond the Seas, or to any place within the Kingdom, within three months after the surrender of the same. VIII. That the town be not plundered, or fired, and that both they, and all other persons comprised within these articles, shall enjoy the benefit of such articles as were granted by the General to them at Exon. IX. That such goods as shall be remaining in either of the Forts at the surrender thereof, which belong to any in the town, shall be restored to the several Owners. X. That such Prisoners of ours, belonging to the Garrison, which have been taken since the beginning of the Siege, may be forthwith released, and enjoy the benefit of these articles. XI. That the Castle and town, with all the Ordnance, ammunition, and other warlike provisions therein, be surrendered to Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX, General of the Parliaments Army, or to whom he shall appoint, on Tuesday the 14 of this instant April. XII. That the Fort with the Ordnance, ammunition, spare arms, and all other warlike provisions therein, be surrendered to Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX, General of the Parliaments Army, or to whom he shall appoint, on Monday the 20 of this Instant, by twelve of the clock at Noon. XIII. That there be a Cessation of arms during these eight days following; the Soldiers of both sides continuing within the limits agreed between Sir Allen Apsley, and Lieutenant Colonel Ashfield: and that such Soldiers as shall come away during the eight days, shall not be entertained, but may be sent back again. XIV. That the sick and wounded Soldiers belonging to Sir Allen Apsley, may have liberty to continue in their Quarters at Barnstaple, till they recover their health, care being taken for them on that behalf, and then to have Passes to return to their Colours, or to their homes, at their choice. The Copy of a Letter from Sir William Breretons Quarters, of the agreement for the surrendering of Tytbury Castle in Staffordshire, to Sir William Brereton, for the use and service of the Parliament. Sir, IN my last I gave you account how far we had proceeded against the Enemy in Litchfield Closes, and gave you the Copies of our Summons, and their Answers, and the manner of our playing against them with our Pieces, upon their refusal to surrender, our Line and Fortifications being all finished, we shall, it is hoped, in short time bring them to a reducement, our controversy is already over, Tytburie cannot any more obstruct us: I have sent you the Copy of the Articles of Agreement for the surrender thereof; it was thought fit to give them these Conditions for many reasons, without which they would, as well they might, have held out as long as any of their holds in those parts: and divers of them, if I mistake not, are of those who have already the right of Ashby-de-la-Zouch Articles, from whence they came: Others of them are desirous to live quietly for the future, and we have all our men there at liberty for other services; had we stormed the Castle we might have lost many of our men, much gallant blood might have been spilt in such a knotty piece of service; and those who were in the Castle, will find that all the benefit they can make of the conditions they have gained to be very little, only that they may live in peace and quiet (if they will) the only thing we fight for in our Country's behalf; and we are to agitate another design, which I hope we shall be able to effect, which may be of great use to these parts, whereof I shall give you account in my next (God willing;) I do believe that when the enemy here have certain information of Sir Yhomas Fairfaxes being before Oxford, they will be more willing to hearken to us; in the mean time we have played often upon them, and have received information of some execution. The Country are very joyful that they are freed from the great oppressions they have long suffered under the power of the Tytbury Garrison. Litchfield the 22. of April, 1646. Articles agreed upon for surrender of the Garrison of the Castle of Tytburie for the Service of the Parliament, April ●0. 1646. 1 THat all the Fortifications in and about the Castle of Tytburie be slighted, and the House made incapable of being made a Garrison, and delivered into the hands of them, who had the keeping thereof in times of peace: And that Barton Garrison be also slighted in like manner, so soon as possible, and delivered to the late Owner thereof, he making his peace with the Parliament. 2 That all Commanders, Gentlemen and Officers, in Commission, may march away mith their Horses and Arms, and their own proper goods; and the Common Soldiers with their Swords, and Arms, and proper goods, to any of the King's Garrisons unbesieged, they marching eight miles a day, and Carriages to be provided accordingly. And all those that desired, may have liberty to live at home, and enjoy their Estates, submitting to the Ordinance of Parliament; and to be secured in their persons and Estates from violence and plunder. 3 That all Officers and Soldiers that desire to go beyond Seas, may have liberty so to do; Provided it be within six week's time next ensuing, and in the interim be protected, doing nothing prejudicial to the Parliament, and no Oath to be imposed, hut an engagement never to bear Arms against the Parliament. 4 That all that desire their Sequestrations taken off may have liberty to go to compound with the Parliament, and to have three month's time for that purpose without interruption. And after Compositions made, and Pardons sued out, they may have liberty to dispose of their Estates as freely as formerly. 5 That the slighting of the said Garrisons shall be begun to morrow, or upon Wednesday next, and that all those that are to march from the said Castle, according to the aforesaid Articles, shall begin their march upon Wednesday next. Signed by Sir William Brereton, and the Commissioners for the Parliament. John Bowyer, Henry Pernon. Signed by the Governors and Commissioners of the Castle. Peter Kniveton, John Fitzherbert, John Gerrard, William Browne. The Copy of a Letter from Major General Laughorns Quarters. SIR: THough we have lain long before Abarustwith Castle, which is a place of great strength, yet it hath pleased God now at last to give it into our hands; I have sent you here enclosed the Copy of the Articles of Agreement between Colonel Rice powel, and Col. Ro. Whitney for the surrender thereof: when you read then you will find we have gained good terms from them, so that now we are ready to be put into a capassity for further service, either for Carnarven, or to assist against Ragland, or what other service shall be thought meet if the Soldiers have but money. April 14. 1646. Your Servant. E. L. For the Right Honourable the Committee of the West. Right Honourable, IT hath pleased God this day in the progress of his mercy to the West, to deliver up into the power of the Parliament the Castle of Dunster, whereof (according to my duty) I have sent you this short account, together with a Copy of the Articles, being induced by the exemplary clemency of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax, although probably it might have been obtained upon other terms; if the price of time and blood had not prevailed above other Arguments. The place is strong, and of importance for the pass of Ireland, and may in due time deserve your honour's considerations, whereto I leave it, and remain Tanton 21. of April, 1646. Yours Honours most humble Servant: Rob. Blake. Articles agreed upon by, and between Sir Robert Blake, Governor of Tanton, and Colonel Francis Wendham, Governor of Dunster Castle the 19 of April, 1646. for the surrendering of the said Castle on Tuesday the 22. of April following, by nine of the Clock in the morning. I. THat the Castle, together with all the Arms, Ammunition, and other furniture of War, (except what is here under excepted) be delivered up into the hands of the said Colonel Blake, for his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax, to the use of the King and Parliament. II. That all Commissioners, Officers in the Castle, shall march away with Horses and Arms, and all other necessary accoutrements appertaining. III. That the common Officers and Soldiers, both Horse and Foot shall march away with their Arms, and either three Charges of Powder and Bullet, with three yards of Match for those that have match-lockes, together with Colours and Drums. iv That the said Colonel Windham shall carry with him all that is properly his, and what doth properly belong to the Lady Windham to be sent to her. V That all Officers and Soldiers, with all particular Persons of the Castle shall march forth secure, as many as will to Oxford without delay, and those that are otherwise minded shall forthwith lay down their Arms, and have Let-passes to their homes, or to any other places they shall desire, with protections against the violence of the Soldiers. VI That Prisoners to either party be released. VII. That the said Colonel Windham, and his Soldiers march to Oxford in twelve days. Articles agreed on the 12. day of April, 1646. between Col. Kice powel, Commander in chief under Major General Laughorne there, and Colonel Robert Whitby, Governor of Abtrist with the Castle. I. That the Officers and Soldiers are to have 300. l. if their stock do amount to so much, and that every Officer and Soldier give a List of what moneys he hath. II. That for the certainty of the said sum, six men are to be chosen by Col. powel for the searching of them. III. That the Officers shall march with their Swords by their fides. iv That the common Soldiers shall march without Arms. V That Col. Wbitby shall withdraw the present Garrison as soon as the botes are brought to receive him. VI That the Colonel shall have Hostages for the same. VII. That the prisoners which belong to the Garrison, and are now at Haverford-West, or else where, be set at liberty and sent with Passes after their Col. to Carnarthan. VIII. That the Hostages left have civil usage, and be sent to Carnarhtan immediately upon the return of the Boats with safe Conduct. IX. That the sick men have civil accommodation until they be able to travel, and then with Passes be sent after their fellows, or to their own Country. X. That the Col. and five more in his Company, with their Horses and Swords may have safe Conduct to his Majesty. XI. That these Articles be inviolably observed, without fraud or equivocation, upon the honour of Soldiers. Robert Whitley. Jo. Whitley. John Bellay. Miles Somner, Charles Hanghtley. Will. Vives. james Plot. Io. Wynne. FINIS.