EXCEEDING JOYFUL NEWS From his Excellence the Earl of ESSEX Declaring the true manner of his Excellencies proceed in his march towards SHREWSBURY.  
Also manifesting how the Lord Pawlet was taken prisoner by his Excellence at Bridge-north  
Being the true Copy of a Letter sent from Bridgenorth to Master Dudley Norton Esquire, inhabiting in Grays-inn-lane, dated Oct. 5th.  
Londoa, Printed for Hen. Hutton. Oct. 10. 1642.   

EXCEEDING JOYFUL NEWS FROM His Excellence the EARL OF ESSEX.  
SIR.  
HAving received so many favours from you in this kind, I have thought it requisite to inform you what hath happened here at Bridgenorth, since my last Letter. His Excellence his Quartermaster general came hither on Sunday the second of October, and by virtue of a Commission from his Excellence, provided billeting for ten Regiments of Horse, and near six thousand Foot, with us and our neighbour Villages. Now by the way I must inform you that a great many Having-beene lately oppressed by his Majesty's forces, seemed some what unwilling to give entertainment to any more soldiers, but to be short they must do it or else deservedly suffer under the censure of a malignant party; and so be endanger of Having their hoves plundered by soldiers, who take upon them to excecute justice with out or fear or Law or Religion, esteeming all those papists, or favourers of Papists, that do not only desist from Countenancing such uncivel Actions, but deny to be assistant in the performance, where. fore after the necessity was well examined they were resolved, rather to put all into the hands of Almighty God, than any way to seem a verse which would not only bring ruin to the estate but person to.  
On tuesday at night we expected His Excellence would have made Bridgenorth His quarters, but before noon we heard the Echoing notes of the shrill trumpet, which caused us to think his Excellence had been near, but Having sent out scouts to descry the truth and give us notice, they brought us word that Duke Maurice, the Lord Strange, marquis Hartford, the Lord Paulet, M. Hastings of Licester shire, S. John Byron, with a very considerable Army were upon march to our town which news began to startle us, instantly an Alarm was given, every man from sixteen to fifty and upwards got himself into such arms, as they could presently attain or could imagine to be conducible for the defence of the town.  
Likewise we had five field pieces and three troops of Horse which came to guard them from worcester in our town, being come the night before, these we mounted some upon the Church and the rest in the best places where we could conceive we might prejudice the enemy, our troops of Horse made good a passage where they were to pass over before they could attain to the town, our foot made good several other breaches and entrances according to our ut most skill and best endeavours.  
The Lord Strange, seeing himself thus defeated and having been gauled twice or thrice with our pieces from the top of the Church, made a stand and drew up some Companies of foot under the Covert of a grove of willow, who with their muskets played upon our troops of Horse and beat them from their passage wounding near twenty, insomuch that they began to wade the foard which being descried we with our Bows and Arrows sent to them which did so gaul them, being unarmed men (only offenfive Arms) that with their utmost speed they did retreat, striving to recover the shelter of the grove to hid them from us.  
During this conflict, his Excellence with several Regiments of horse drew near the Town, which caused the Lord STRANGE to draw into a Champain field between our Town and him, endeavouring to intercept his passage, having got intelligence that his gross body was above three hours march behind.  
Notwithstanding the Lord Strange his Army was very considerable both of horse and foot, yet the Forces under the command of the Earl of Essex, were so eager to fall on that maugre all persuasions they would not stay till that the foot marched up to second them, but having received directions from the Earl, they charged them boldly with their Carbine shot, deviding so their Troops that at one onset both Van and Rear were changed so fiercely, that spite of all the Cavaliers discretion they lost their order, and in a confused manner retreated basely.  
In this confusion many men were lost and hurt on both sides, but which side most is not yet apparently known, only we took seven prisoners Gentlemen of worth, and amongst them my Lord Paulet was noosed, who as it was reported made a wise speech in the head of the Army before the skirmish, animating them on to bloody Cruelty, and we doubt not but that he shall in some measure taste of the same dish he hath provided for others.  
The next day a Messenger was sent to Shrewsbury, to desire that Captain Wingat who was taken prisoner before Worcester might be exchanged for one of the other, but what return we shall have is not yet known.  
It is conceived there was about 80. killed, and 45. wounded on both sides, but which side lost most I cannot say; only we ought to give God thanks that during the space of five hours' bickering no more blood should be shed. This is the truth of our proceed. at my next opportunity I shall send to you, farewell,  
Bridgenorth Oct. 5. 1642. John Norcroft, Esq   

News from Shrewshurie  
THe King's Army is in great distraction, by reason that they are hemmed in by the Country, so that they cannot plunder as they were wont to do, the● make great complaint for want of pay, but they are promised that they shall have supplies very suddenly but from whence it is uncertain.  
Likewise there is great expectation of Forces to come to strengthen the Army which is very wea● as yet, all the King's Army not amounting to 12000. The Country cannot endure to hear of any thing to be put in Act against the Parliament, yet they appear very loving and loyal toward his Majesty.  
We hear the Earl of Essex is making this way God send him to come during the King's abode with us, and then we doubt not but that these distractions will be quickly ended.  
FINIS.