Mr. Peter's REPORT FROM BRISTOL, Made to the House of Commons, from Sir THOMAS FAIRFAX.  
The Articles treated on for the surrender of Bristol, with the Castle and Forts, on Tuesday last; and with what Ordnance, colours, and arms.  
As also Rupert's propositions, in the behalf of the Bishops, Prebends, and Queristers there.  
And the particulars of Sir THOMAS Fairfax's proceedings since the Siege; against the false rumours of Malignants.  
TOGETHER, With some intercepted Letters from Rupert, and others.  
Commanded to be printed, and published according to Order.  
LONDON, Printed for JANE COE. 1645.   

Mr. PETRS REPORT from Bristol; made to the House of Commons, from Sir Thomas Fairfax.  
MR. Peter's came on Monday last from the Army, being sent up by the general upon matters of great importance. Upon Tuesday morting he was called into the House of Commons, and there he spoke to two particulars; viz. First the giving an account of the Armies marching to Bristol: And secondly, what they had done there, in order; to the taking of that city.  
And for the former; There were m●ny inducements (after they had taken Sherburn and Romney) thither to go, rather than to the West: As, the entreaty of the people of So●erset, which were strong; the horrid cruelty of Prince Rupert, who began to burn all the country behind the army; the increasing of his forces, whereby he might with the help of the Malignant incensed Club-men of Dorsetshire, fall upon the Rear of the army: Besides, he might have spoiled most of our summer's work in these parts; and the Army feared to fall into some other former errors, by only passing through the Country, to leave them in worse case than they found them. But by taking Bristol (if God would give that blessing) the country would be cleared from them even to Exeter.  
Moreover, Rupert was far more considerable than Goring, and of more repute; and in the West they were very slow in their rising, though all means used; their own differences many, and if our Army had followed Goring, he had gone into Cornwall, where the whole Country had been helpful to him, which they denied otherwise.  
To all which may be added, that Bristol could not be assaulted in a better time, they wanting all things for food. The army had lain there 1●. days, and though the Plague were in the Town, and in every Village round about, not a soldier was tainted with it, nor above twenty men lost by all the salleys the enemy have made.  
He also reported, that he conceived great hopes (through God's blessing) for taking it, they being even ready for the storm at his departure; the Line of 5. or six miles' compass, and the military 〈◊〉 no way able to defend so much ground; our Seamen by Portshead Fort out off, ready to help also.  
The said Master Peter's being the last week commanded to preach to the Clubmen of Sommers●t●hire, he met there on Merdiffe hill, and there about 4 or 5000. horse and foot appeared, when he preached twice on horse back, and the issue was a general resolution to come into us, which the next day they did about 3000. he was persuaded though this was not an omnipotent Army, yet the Lord would own it and bless it, there being much diligence used for the taking away evils attending such multitudes, many people mourn and shed tears in their quarters where they part with our honest soldiers; we very seldom hear the least complaint against any soldiers: doubtless God is with them.  
Master Peter's humble Petition from the general to the house was, that they would please to recruit the Army to the first intention of 21000 horse and foot, and he did hope the State would soon have a good account not only of the West, but also of the kingdom, notwithstanding the Kings last march, and our brethren's departure. He left also some intercepted letters, one blasphemous going to Oxford which is here inserted. When the iniquities of the Amorites are full, God's people fall to Canaan, let us wait and see the Salvation of God, and pray hard for that Army, that is willing to do for you, to their utmost.  
There are also some other papers, which Mr. Peter's presented to the House that were intercepted; by some that came out of Bristol, and elsewhere; Here followeth the Copies of two of those Letters; one from a a colonel in Bristol, to the Duchess of Buckingham, and the other from Prince Rupert, to the Club-men.  

A copy of colonel Crowches' Letter, to the Duchess of Buckingham; intercepted as it was carrying out of Bristol, by a Scout of Prince Rupert's.  
MADAM,  
THe last Letter I writ to your Grace miscarried but the loss was but little, to you, seeing their was nothing at all in it worth your care, it was only to let you know that this unlucky siege, hath prevented Godson, and your most humble Servant, from the happy Journey they intended, and in earnest I think it will be all the mischief the enemy will do us, though by their staying here, they may continue their malice, yet if we have your good wishes, I am sure we can never miscarry; and seriously, because without doubt there are above ten righteous persons in this city. (
* Hereby you may see what the Cavaliers fight for; even for their Popish Mistresses: the receiving of whose blessings, they think themselves righteous in; to serve whom, they cast off both God and man.  that is such that are wholly dedicated to your service. Pray wish us well, and I assure you Madam, let the number be never so great, there will be none amongst them, that is not at your devotion, than your grace's most humble and most obedie●t faithful Servant,  
W. crouch. Bristol, Wednesday the 27. 1645.   
Here followeth also a Copy of a letter sent from Prince RUPERT to the Club-men, before the siege was laid before Bristol, or they quelled; wherein we may see how he then carried himself towards them.  

GENTLEMEN,  
BEing informed of your good inclinations for his majesty's service, and in order to your late humble address u●to him, I thought fit for me to acquaint you with such certain Intelligence which I received from good hands, and from persons of eminent credit, as like wise by Letters lately intercepted, wherein you are all concerned; lest by the delusive lets and subtleties of the enemies, you may be diverted from those good resolu●ions which you have so freely expressed, and by their fair invitations involved in an irrecoverable ruin. The one is, that there is express comm●●d ●●me from the Parliament to general Fairfax, by violence and force to suppress you, if by fair means he cannot draw you from your allegiance to adhere to him, but howsoever to seize upon the ringleaders, who shall and must be conceived to be utterly incapable of their pardon, and with these particuolar expressions, To destroy the seeds of sedition and rebellion sown by those Hollises of Wil●s in Dorset, for presenting a Petition to have justice done, condemning injuries done by the Garrisons to Club-men, (lest it enforced them to join with the King's forces) which will be a great work, and of at great concern as the victory itself. Upon these representaions I doubt not, but you will consider of your present condition, that you cannot desert his majesty's cause, without violence to conscience and honour, nor yet partake in their rebellion, but with inevitable ruin to your persons ●●d liberties, and that to be enforced upon you by those that now court you most, and that by superior command. At which, I refer to your serious considerations, giving you assurance that I shall not be wanting, to do all those good offices, that shall make me really appear.  
Your loving friend, RUPERT. Bristol this 15th July, 1645.  
Gentlemen, We have presumed to break up this Letter, and are not discouraged by it, for our journey. We have sped it unto you, and leave it to your considerations.  


George Ha●les.  
William Leigh.  
John Estmond.     
Sir Thomas Fairfax having sent the last summons into Bristol to Prince Rupert, on Sunday night September the 7 1645. he having all things in a readiness to storm; and intending to fall on the next morning, received propositions from Rupert, that if he would permit him to march away with 10 piece of Ordnanc●, colours flying, 20 carriages arms and Ammunition, bag and bagagge, and all the soldiers and Bishops, and prebends, and Queristers, Gentlemen and others, with a safe Conduct, that then he would deliver us Bristol, with all the forts and Castles, &c.  
To this Sir Thomas Fairfax returned answer, that for the terms of honour, he would do what was fitting for his degree; that is to march away with 3 piece of Ordinance, colours, arms, etc But for his other propositions viz. concerning the protection of the Bishops, &c. he desired to be excused.  
Sir Thomas Fairfax was resolved if Rupert would not agree as Monday September the 8. that he would then storm, being resolved to admit of no delay.  
Tuesday was the day nominated for the surrender of Bristol, and Commissioners of both side were chosen.  
FINIS.