The second INTELLIGENCE FROM READING. Dated from His Excellency HIS QUARTERS Before READING, April 24.  
London, Printed for Samuel Gellibrand. April 25. 1643.   

Sir,  
SInce my last of the eighteen of this instant, divers things have fallen out; the most remarkable in their nature, and the most certain in the truth, I shall acquaint you with. From other parts that which we understand, is this, That the Close at Litchfield is surrendered to Prince Rupert, but upon as good terms as could be expected; their Powder was spent, which made them uncapable of resistance; and after much mischief done to their enemies, many slain, and more hurt, they had liberty to march away with Bag and Baggage; from whence we and our friends with us may conclude the hazard and difficulty of Sieges. Sir William Waller lies behind Prince Maurice, ready to wait upon him as he moves this way: the last we heard of them, was, That Sir William Waller was at Tewksbury, the Prince at Sudeley; but now we are informed Prince Maurice is come to Oxford, and our Quarters are intended. As for our own Affairs, they stand thus: As for the Town, we understand the state of it to be full of wants, both of Provision and Ammunition; the Welch-men have already feasted with a horse or two, and those lean ones, in regard that horse-meat hath much failed of late, which occasioned an endeavour of the Horse to go away on Saturday night; but they were stopped by the Foot: So likewise for their Ammunition, they want Powder, but Bullets more, shooting very seldom, and very strange Shot, as stones, and such like. The governor is by all sorts confessed to be wounded; some say, shot in the neck, others, bruised by the fall of a ston from a house; but he is so ill, that he executes not his place, which causes much confusion and distraction among them. Some of the Town have come out, and informed us to this purpose, and that they had an intent to leave the Town; which it s like enough they would have done, had it not been as hazardous as their stay, in regard of our Quarters. We took prisoner on Sunday morning a Servant of Sir Lewis Dyves, who was sent to give the Town notice of Ammunition coming to them; he swam over the River, and back again, but was intercepted, and the Supply was prevented by some Troops of Horse of ours, and colonel Barclayes Regiment, and 200 of colonel Holbornes, who lay in the way about Cavesham: We likewise took a fellow equally guilty of folly and knavery; he was once of the Lord Roberts his Regiment, and ran away to the enemy, and was now hired to blow up our Magazine, as himself confesses, but knew no way, as he says, but to throw a light Match into a barrel, supposing he should have found one open; he was to have had five pound for his pains; but now instead of that a halter. Yesterday hearing that the King was advancing this way to the relief of the Town with what Force he could make up, which is not much in the absence of his Parties: We sent a strong party of Horse and Dragooners, under the Command of colonel Middleton, who at a place called Dorchester, 7 or 8 miles from Oxford, furprized the Kings Regiment of Foot, now again under the Command of colonel Will. Vavasor, that man of Honour, by whose loss if we can gain so much wisdom as to trust no more of them upon their lost reputation, we shall make a good Bargain; who, though he was not there present, his Captain lieutenant was taken, the Standard again endangered, about 100 horse taken, and 60 or thereabouts( some say more) slain, and about 50 Prisoners; and Captain Watson the Kings Gentleman Harbinger was taken providing for the Kings march that way; which it may be this defeat will a little retard, if not disappoint; which yet we shall provide for: The advantage could not with safety be pursued, in regard of their whole Body was but two miles distant: But we are thankful for this, & hope ere long to afford you more and better news. We received your provisions, which were very welcome; but there must be special care taken in laying a settled way for Money, which must hold us together. You think that victuals should stop mens mouths, but that alone will not serve the turn. If God prosper us in our endeavour against this Town, I hope the reputation of it will draw in both your good opinion and supplies. Howsoever things fall out, timely care and provision prevents distractions and discouragements. We have some little addition of Dragoons coming from Bedfordshire, and are in Expectation of your gallant Sheriff, who hath a just and great interest in our esteem here. You have heard many reports, some slanders of my Lord Grayes forces, which I doubt not, but after their time allowed for their entrance, will show themselves good men, as they look to be; they had the accession of a Regiment on Saturday. Sir John Meldrum, that diligent and adventurous colonel is sent to them with his Regiment, who we doubt not by his example and encouragement will do much good. It is something a hot service for young Souldiers, but custom will make it easy. I will detain you no longer; the next news I writ, will be of moment; for doubtless we shall do something upon the Town, or the King upon us, which we wonder He hath not done all this while.  
The Lord direct and prosper us, and guide our concerned friends to the understanding, and acting that which may be most for our and their advantage. Farewell.  
FINIS.