Sir Thomas Fairefax FACING OXFORD. And our Horse skirmishing within Musket-shot of the Town. The Enemy forced into OXFORD. Also 70 and odd prisoners taken, and sent to Abingdon. With the relation of the Kings marching out at the gate he passed. Also the names of the Commissioners chosen to treat upon Articles for the surrender of Newark, and the second summons from the Lords and Commons Commissioners of both Kingdoms with the Army, and two several Answers thereunto. These being examined by the original Papers, are commanded to be printed, and are published according to Order of Parliament. LONDON: Printed by Elizabeth Purslow, May 4. 1646. The Copy of a Letter from Colonel rossiter's Quarters at Balderton. SIR, WE have sent in a second Summons to Newarke, which hath produced a fair Answer from the Governor, which with other reasons gives us thoughts of having Newarke in a short time; I have sent you (here enclosed) the Copies of the Summons and the Answer: This day the Commissioners of both Kingdoms, meet to consider of the Answer which they have received to their Summons, and also what reply to draw up to send in to them again, though they flew high in their former Answer, yet they are lower now in their thoughts, and I hope they will be easily persuaded to surrender it upon good terms. It may be (and is very probable) that they will make their demands very high at the first, they being to offer terms: but however, they are in a most sad and miserable condition in the Town, not only by reason of the sickness, which still increases, and is very sore upon them, but they want both Money, , and Victuals, Ammunition, no great plenty, and are in distress for (even almost) all manner of necessaries, and the Soldiers in the Town having little pay, nor Victuals, and yet hard duty, are every hour ready to mutiny, which some of them (for want, have begun already to practise, and some in the Town have been Plundered, what further happens shall be communicated by the next Post. From Balderton the 30. of April, 1646▪ Your humble Servant, Y. S. The Copy of the Summons sent into Newarke, by Order of the Commissioners of both Kingdoms. SIR, WE hope you have considered that our Paper (as you term it) contained a Summons from us, what we received from you merits no reply, we were in earnest as to give an account to God, and many of our proceed, and to show that nothing from you can hinder our endeavouring, that you may see your approaching ruin, and whilst there is time avoid it; we once more demand of you, in the name of both Houses of the Parliament of England, and for the use of the King and Parliament, that you forthwith deliver up the Town, and Garrisons of Newarke into their hands, and we shall give you conditions for the surrender thereof, which you must not expect to be such, as you might formerly have obtained: This is the last Summons we shall send, you now accepting of what is offered, will declare you are sensible of the total loss of your estates, the devastation of the Country round about you of the ruin of the Town, and of the Blood which may else be spilt: we shall expect your positive Answer by three of the clock to morrow in the alternoone at Balderton. Collingham, 27. of April. 1646. Signed in the name and by the Committee of both Kingdoms Montague Lothian. For the Governor of the Town and Garrison of Newarke, the Gentlemen there, and the Major, Aldermen, a and Burgesses of the Town. To this Summons the Lord Belasys sent the same day this Answer following, as his own particular Answer, which he sent Colonel Rossiter. SIR, I Have read a second Summons from the Committee of both Kingdoms, but (by their own directions) the business concerns so many, as they cannot expect a sudden return: however I desire you would please to let those Lords know, that on Wednesday I shall send my Answer, and remain Newarke 27, of April, 1646. Your humble Servant, I. Belasys. The Answer of the Summons, sent from the Lord Bellasys, to the Commissioners of Lords and Commons of both Kingdoms, now before Newarke. My L●●ds, THe consideration of what is required in your Summons of Monday last, being of so high concernment to His Majesty, and to the particular interests of very many of His faithful Subjects in this Garrison; I conceive a shorter time than Monday next, will not be sufficient to prepare Articles of so divers natures as are necessary to be treated on, at which time I will not fail to send such to you, and upon your assent to them to surrender the town: In the mean time I send you hereunder written the names of such Commissioners for the Nobility, Gentry, Soldiers, Clergy and Townsmen, as I do intrust for the treating upon these Articles, with an equal number of yours, whose names I shall desire by the next, and that you will appoint such a place as you shall think most convenient for the Treaty: and I further expect, that a safe conduct be granted, and hostages delivered for the security of those Commissioners employed by me. April 29. 1646. J. BELLASYS. The Lord Lexington (alias Lackstones) that was Knight of the Shire for Nottingham and revolted. Mr. Hen. Bellasis (that was Knight for Yorkshire) the Governors' brother.) Sir Bryan Palms (sir Guy Palms his son) Sir Gervis Nev●● (one pitied for being a Cavalier.) Colonel Darsy. Major General Eyre (that threatened so often fire and sword.) Sir Simon Fanshaw. Sir Gamaliel Dudley (who was servant to the old Earl of Clare.) Colonel Gilby (who was Major to Sir john Digby.) Colonel Atkins. Doctor Marsh (Dean of Tork.) Mr. Stand●sh (Alderman of Newark.) SIR, I Conceive that you desire an account from me where the King is, which I am doubtable possibly to tell you; he went out of Oxford on Monday morning last at the East Gate with Ashburnham, and a Priest that is well acquainted with the North Country; yet some will have it, That he is at Worcester; others, That he was traced 40 miles Northward; but for aught I know, he is with at London: they have counterfeited the General Sir Thomas Fairfax his Seal, (as well as his hand) in Oxford, and make Passes therewith. The Forces of this Garrison of Abingdon, have fallen on a party of the Oxford Forces, taken 70 and odd prisoners, the General hastens his designs against Oxford, and intends to view the place to morrow God willing. This in haste, I rest Abingdon the 30 of April, 1646. Your Servant N. T. Kind Sir, THe Lord hath now brought us before the chief and grand Garrison of the Enemies: Oxford was with the General faced yesterday within musket shot, but the Enemy within are very same; and in all our skirmishes, between our horse and them we had but three horses shot, most of their foot walk about their Works in a drooping posture, with their Arms behind them, and with their hands in their pockers. I hope in a short time, through God's blessing, we shall be masters of this City. But at present I rest Garsiington near Oxford, May 2. 1646. Your Friend to serve you W. C. Articles agreed upon for the surrender of the Castle of Bridge-North, the 26 of April, 1646. between Sir Robert Howard Knight of the Bath, Governor, Sir Vincent Corbet, Sir Edward Acton, and Sir Francis Oately, Commissioners for the King, & Col. Andrew Lloyd, Col. Robert Clive, and Robert Charlton Esquire, Commissioners for the Parliament. 1 THat all the Commissioners, Officers of Horse, and all Captains of Foot, shall march away to any of His Majesty's Garrisons or Army within forty miles, with their Horses and Arms for themselves, and each of them to have a servant, with his Horse and Sword, and their wearing Apparel, free quarter for thirty Horses, and a safe Conduct, and not to march less than eight miles a day; And any of the abovesaid Officers, laying down their Arms, to repair to their habitation. 2 That all inferior Officers shall have liberty to march with their Sword, and the common Soldiers without Arms, to any of His Majesty's Garrisons or Armies, within forty miles, as formerly mentioned, or laying down their Arms to live at there own habitations for a fortnight, and afterwards to take the Nagative Oath if they continue within this County, where they intent to reside, and passes accordingly. 3 That all Clergymen, Townsmen and Countrymen, within this Castle may have liberty to repair to their own habitations, provided they lay down their Arms, and a fortnight's time for their taking the Negative Oath, and not to live within a mile of the Parliaments Garrisons, or otherwise, if they shall so desire, to march to any of the King's Garrisons or Armies. 4 That all wounded and sick prisoners within the Castle shall have liberty to reside in the low Town or elsewhere, until they be fit to travel, and to have passes to go home, or to any of the King's Armies or Garrisons. 5 That Sir Robert Howard, Sir Vincent Corbet, Sir Edward Acton, and Sir Francis Oately, with each of them their Horses and Arms, and two men a piece, except Sir Robert Howard, who is to have four, with their Horses and Swords, and their Masters wearing Apparel. shall have liberty to march to their several habitations, and to continue there for the space of two months, in which time, they are to make their election, whether they will go to make their peace with the Parliament, or go beyond Seas to any of the King's Garrisons or Armies, and to have passes accordingly, they engaging themselves to do nothing prejudicial to the Parliament the mean time. 6 That M. Howard, M. Fisher, and M. Gravener, shall march away with their Horses and Swords, and one man apiece, with their wearing Apparel and Swords, to any place within forty miles. 7 That Lieut. Hosier and Doctor Lewin, shall march away without Horses or Arms to any of the King's Garrisons, or other place within thirty miles, provided it be not within this County, and passes accordingly. 8 That M. Millard, Chaplain to the Garrison, may have liberty to go with his Horse to his house at Reight●● in this County, and to take with him his Manuscripts, and there to live, taking the Negative Oath within one month's time, or else to march away out of this County with the rest. 9 That the Clerk of the Commissioners may have liberty to march at the rest of the inferior Officers and Soldiers, and to have the same Conditions, and to take with him all papers concerning the Garrison, and their wearing Apparel. 10 That the Lady Oately, her children, and maid servants have liberty, with their wearing Clothes to go to Pitchford, or the Hay, and there to live unmolested. 11 That all other women and children in the Castle, may have liberty to go to their own or any of their friends houses, provided it be not within a mile of any of the Parliaments Garrisons. 12 That all Gentlemen, Offices, and Soldiers within the Castle, as well strangers as others, desiring to go beyond the seas, shall have passes accordingly, and Letters to the Committees of the several Counties, to afford them like conditions, as to the Gentlemen of this County, upon the surrender of this Castle here granted. 13 That the Chirurgeons belonging to the Castle, shall march away and have the same conditions as the inferior Officers. 14 That the Gunners and Powder-men, with their mates, may march away as the rest of the Common Soldiers. 15 That no violence, injury, or incivility shall be offered to any that shall march out of the Castle, but be protected in all things according to the tenor of these Articles; and that sufficient Hostages be given on both sides for the performance of all and every the matters here agreed upon. 16 That the Governor and the rest of his Officers shall do their utmost endeavours to secure and preserve all the Ordnance, Arms, Ammunition, Victuals, provisions, goods, bedding, and all other accommodations necessary and belonging to the Castle, other then what is allowed to be taken by the aforesaid Articles, and all those safe and unspoiled, to be delivered up, together with the Castle (the 27. of this month of April, 1646.) unto the Committee, ●or whom they shall appoint, and that these Articles be confirmed by the Governor of the Castle. 17 That if any Officer or Soldier, who shall maliciously spoil his horse or Arms, or misdemeane themselves on their march, such misdemeanours shall not be extended farther than upon the parties offending, and upon them justice shall be done according to the Discipline of War. 18 That all the Commission-Officers be certified by the Governor of the Castle, and upon this certificate be allowed to march accordingly. 19 That Master Latham be delivered up to the mercy of the Parliament. Pro Rege. Rob. Howard. Vin. Corbet. Edward Acton. Francis Oatley. Pro Parliament. And. Lloyd. Rob. Clive. Robert Charlton. Observation. Those that honour God, God will most assuredly honour, and that is the chief reason of the many successes in Shropshire by the Committee there, who are not only a praying, but a fight Committee likewise, both which being joined together, do most undoubtedly make a sure foundation for these and the like successes and victories that God doth and hath ever been pleased to crown them with in all their enterprises. FINIS.