THE DECLARATION AND PROPOSITIONS OF Maj. Gen. Laughorne, & Col. Rice Powel, IN The name of themselves, and the Army in South-Wales, concerning the KING'S Majesty, his Highness the Prince of Wales, and their further proceed touching their Design and Engagement; with their Desires and Resolution touching the same. ALSO, Sir MARMADUKE LANGDALES' Propositions in the North of England concerning the King's Majesty, and the Government of this Kingdom, And the manner of the blocking up the Town of Barwick, and the playing of 30 Pieces of Ordinance against it. May .15. 1648 LONDON, Printed for R. W. MDCXLVIII. The Copy of a letter from the North; containing a Relation of the condition of those parts; with some particulars from Barwick, as Col. Brodelin made Governor of Berwick, Sir William Selby the Lord General's brother, taken prisoner, and the Commissioners Instructions taken, etc. SIR, THe works about this Town go one a pace, and with all, prepare for defence, the Inhabitantr out of their affections to the Common good, as well as for their own Security have undertaken to make a work called the s●eiffeld work, and to encourage others, the Major and Aldermen went themselves first to begin it, so that when the workers finished, the Town will be as it were double Walled; likewise the Soldiers make up other works, and all paid for their pains, the Surprise of Barwick, and Castill makes them the more diligent for by this they perceive which way things are likely to tend. The Engl●sh ●s we here that surprised Barwick do also use diligence to Fortify that Town, and they have made Colonel Brodlin the Govenour, who is to Command the forces there, and give Instructions for the fortifying and victualling thereof, they have taken Sir William Selby the Lord General's Brother prisoner, also they have taken the Commissioners with their Instructions, and other packets sent by the Post from England, also they have secured the Mayor with the Commissioner and other which they took; also they brought in some provisions with them; but to prevent other provisions and supplies going unto them, there is a Ship gone from Newcastle, called the Adventure, to block up the River Tweed, to prevent the bringing of any relief that way; but some Foot all come into them from Scotland side, but they have broken down the Bridge, so that none could pass over into England that way: there is much talk of Prince Charles his coming into Scotland, and that he hath already granted Commission to divers also, it is reported that Barwick was surprised by a Commission from the Prince, the Scots make preparations that all may be in a readiness against the return of their Commission, and if their answer be not satisfactory, as they call it, they threaten to do something, it is hoped when the time comes, there will not dare to venture upon any design, for the Ministers still hold out Here is great alterations in this Town, Malignants are very high, and insult over the Parliaments friends with great tyranny. The Inhabitants fear they shall want bread to eat. Here is little trading, except to Soldiers upon Tickets. The Parliament of Sco●land, and the Assembly of Divines a●e upon a new Treaty. These Malignants here abou●s stop the report of the Parliament of England's Votes, to continue the Government of the Kingdom, by the King, and Parliament, and would not have the new●s spread in Scotland. etc. We have every day fresh Alarms, God grant it prove not a worse deluge than the former, none have cause to gape for a War, but the desperate bankrupt, and the hungry Soldiers; me thinks men of Estates should now value peace. And Religion will at this time be ill settled in blood. Our Governor Sir Arthur Hazlerig, sent supplies to the Governor of the Holy Island, fearing that it might be attempted as well as Berwick, And they came very seasonably, for not long after they were landed; letters came to the Governor, from Sir Marmaduke Langdale, to persuade with him, about the surrender thereof. His Letter was (as I am informed) to this effect (viz) That he had received Commission from Prince Charles for the reducing of those parts to the obedience of the King. And that if he would keep that Island for his Majesty, he did assure him, that it would be taken by his Majesty for a very acceptable service, And promised him (upon his honour) that he should have all his Arrears paid to him. The Governor being Encouraged by those suplies sent from hence, stands upon his guard, and would return him no Answer of compliance. Here are two Ships taken near these coasts by the Irish, who d●e much mischief at Sea. Levitenont Colonel Henry Lilburne is placed Govenerr of Tinmouth Castle, from which he is little absent. We have good hopes of the Countries standing firm to us, especially if strength come to support them. God grant these dismal clouds well blown over. Newcastle, the 8, of May. 1648. ●rom this Town of Newcastle, there was sent this last week, into the Town of Barwick, a Frigor which carried 34. pieces of Ordinance, upon her coming into the Harbour, discharged 2 broad sides against the Town, which made them within think all was not like to be well with them; our Governo likewise on Monday the first instant, mounted a considerable number of musketeirs on horseback, and sent them to secure workworth Castle, a strong hold that belongeth to the Earl of Northumberland, situate near the sea, upon the mouth of the River coquet, which runneth thorough the middle of Northumberland. The Popish and Malignant party, flock a pace forth of these two Counties of Northumberland, and Durham, to Barwick, no doubt Royal Presbyters; where those that held the Town are very active, sending forth summons to the parts remote, and adjacent wheat a Rendezvous upon Hedgely Moor, 4. or 5. rules from Alwick, to be there listed for the service of the King: Col. Grey of Work his tenants to join with them. The high Sheriff of Northumberland, and many Justices of Peace, are enforced to fly to Newcastle for the safety of their persons, leaving their houses and goods exposed to the danger of the enemy. At the meeting last week of the several Northern Counties, at Richmond, it is agreed that some of Col. Lambertss' troops of Horse stay in Yorkshire, and the rest (about 1000) to be drawn to Nortumberland and Cumberland. This Town being at a general meeting desired to declare whether they would stand for the Parliament, and give their assistance for defence of the Town, answered that which signified nothing, or the contrary: Eght hundred Foot are coming from Yorkshire to this Town; these Counties will not stir unless they see a potent Army come for their defence, if then they begin to feel already it's to be active any way; the Fortifications of this place and Tinmouth goes on apace. Lieutenant Coll. Lilbourne is to be Deputy Governor of Tinmouth. Newcastle, May. 7. The Copy of a Letter from Brecknockshire in Wales etc. Col. Horton keeps his Randezvouz in this Country, where he hath scattered and routed all that were gathered together for the assistance of powell who were fortyfying of some strong holds in this Country, he also opposeth the Welsh party daily, and keeping them from flying to the Mountains through his vigillancy: It is said that Maj. General Laughorne, and Col. powel have made several Propositions & inhabitants of Southwales, to this effect viz. That they are resolved to use there uttermost endeavours for the settling of his Majesty in his Royal Palace at Westminster. To restore Charles Prince of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Progeny, to all there just rights and prerogatives belonging unto them. That they will hazard both life and fortunes for the electihg and stablishing the Book of common prayer, and settling of Church Government, as it was before this Parliament began. Cardiff 11. April, 1647. Worthy Sir. Since my last, we have received further intelligenc● from Barwick, that the Town is now blocked up by Sea, and that they now, and then receive many Great shot, insomuch, that divers houses are battered; but Sir. Mar. Langdale, hath sent Propositions to Capt in Batten Governer of the Holy Island, which are to this effect. viz. 1 That he would be pleased to surrender for else maintain the said Garrison for the Kings Maj. 2 that upon performance of the same, he will engage for his Arrears together with the soldiers also. 3 that he will assure him of his Maj. said favour, and will recommend him unto his Majesty. 4 That he would be pleased to consider of the imprisonment of his Majesty, and the violation of the laws of the Kingdom etc. These with some other circumstances, were presented to the Governor; but he utter●y denied to assent thereunto. Newcastle May, 10. 1648. Sir, I am yours to serve you I Holding. Imprimatur G. M.