A true Relation of the taking of Bristol CONTAINING The several circumstances thereof: as it was sent in a Letter by an eyewitness to the Governor at OXFORD, July 30.  
Together with his excellency's Propositions to both Houses of Parliament, August the 1.  
AT the assault of Bristol the outworks were made very strong, and cost near 500 common men's lives on the King's side. Colonel Herbert Lunsford was slain, and the Lord Viscount Grandison shot, and Master Balasis wounded in the head by his own sword, which was struck to his head by a Mu●ket, when they rushed in upon the Works: neither of them in any great danger. It was the hottest service that ever was in this kingdom since the war began. In his majesty's Army there is at least 1400. armed men, some other Gentlemen were lost in the service, whose names we shall know hereafter. The City was surrendered upon Wednesday upon this composition.  
The Commanders were permitted to ride out with swords, and the common men marched out with sticks in their hands, so many as were pleased to go: but at least 1000 of the Garrison soldiers very willingly remain in the Castle to serve his majesty. Colonel Fines marched out without ●olestation or hurt, who attempted before to escape, but was stopped by the sea men, which are hi● majesties friends. The Royalist fou●ds in the City 1700. Barrels of gunpowder, with Match and Bullets proportionable: 60. Brass pieces of good Ordnance: and all the arms. 18. good ships in the River belonging to Merchants, and 4. Ship belonging to the Earl of Warwick, (that came lately to relieve it) which have good store of Ammunition in them. The City gives 14000. pound by way of composition to save them from plundering: upon which Hi● majesty hath sent a Proclamation strictly to prevent it, that it shall be death for any soldier to plunder. Sir Arthur Ashton came post to Oxford on friday to inform His majesty of the state of things there: upon which, the counsel of war, and the counsel of state agreed to send away Sir John Pennington speedily to Bristol to have the command of the Ships: and a Proclamation to all Mariners that are willing to serve the King, to this effect. That they shall have their pardons that have served under the Earl of Warwick, and also their pay that is due from him presently paid at Bristol; and his majesty's pay and his favour for the future. It is thought Sir Ralph Hopton, or Sir Arthur Ashton shall be governor or Commander in chief at Bristol, and we think the King will remove his Court thither. The Queen was abroad upon saturday last, she looks very ill. Oxford is very strongly fortified; but men die daily there of a calenture, being a burning Fever. 'tis reported that his Excellency is much incensed with the City (for Saturday's business for making Sir William Waller a general, and for their neglect and slighting of him. He sent Sir Philip Stapleton the last night to the houses, with a letter showing how much he is undervalued and abused: together with some Propositions to them, and some Resolutions of his own: Some of the Lords are also discontented, if not prevented they are likely to be of the Earl of Essex his opinion, and be ready to side with him in that course which he intends ere long, God direct him and them. Informations 31 July, of the Bristol taking, Excester shaking, Gloster quaking, The report is that Bristol is to pay but 50000. in money, for composition but that they are also to clothe 15000. of the King's soldiers according to their quality, all common men allowed 3. l. a suit, and Gentlemen or commanders 6. l. If this be so it amfounteth, to little less than 140000. l. according to the former Intelligence. There was found in the Castle of Bristol much money, 100000. l. as is reported.  

Five Propositions from his Excellency to both of Parliament.  

FIrst, that he should have the arrereages paid to his soldiers,  
Secondly, His army to be recruited,  
Thirdly, to have 400. horse pressed, and afterwards 200. a month,  
Fourthly, that he will have satisfaction from some Citizens whom he shall nominate that have scandalize and disparaged him,  
Fiftly, that he will have no army raised but with his commission and authority,     

OXFORD, Printed by LEONARD LEICHFIELD 1643.