The Parliaments LETTER To the King of FRANCE Wherein they Declare their Resolution and Desires to his sacred Majesty, assented to by both Houses, September 29.  
Also a true Relation of a battle fought by the L. Strange, and the Inhabirants of Manchester, September 29.  
Together with the Proceedings of the Lord Fairfaxe, and M. Hotham, against the Earl of Cumberland and the rest of the cavaliers in the northern parts, with the manner of the Lord Fairfax joining with Mr. Hotham.  
LONDON: Printed for Henry Seymour, October 1. 1642.   

An exact and perfect RELATION OF A great battle fought by the Inhabitants of Manchester against the Lord Strange who came to plunder the said town.  
THe town of Manchester hath oftentimes been opposed by the malignant Party and their Adherents, yet still hath defended themselves with much courage and magnanimity, insomuch that they have oftentimes been masters of the field, and have had the day of triumph over their Enemies and Adversaries.  
But the Lord Strange whose hopes have oftentimes been frustrated, took a second Resolution, and prepared himself to march against Manchester, with an intent to pillage the same, and to disarm all those that stood well-affected to King and Parliament.  
The said Lord Strange hath ever since his last attempt against Manchester, daily endeavoured to raise a great power and strength, to assist His Majesty against the Parliament, and to put in execution his designs against the Inhabitants of the said Town, and having prepared and raised a great number, he marched towards Manchester with two and twenty hundred Horse and Foot, most of them being Papists, their minds thirsting after blood; but the Inhabitants of Manchester having information of their coming, immediately resolved to put themselves in a posture of war, and every man to stand upon his own guard, but before they had fortified the Bridge, the Lord Strange appeared with his Forces, and at his coming thither, he demanded entrance, but ti was denied him.  
whereupon he commanded his souldiers to charge against the men of Manchester, and drew out divers troops, placing them against several parts of the walls, insomuch that the City was environed round with the cavaliers, making many shots against them.  
But nevertheless, such was the courage of the unndanted spirits that were within the town, that they resolved to sight it out to the last man, and for the space of 4. or 5. hours, the fight continued very furious, till the noble Lord Fairfaxe and M. Hotham, Son to that worthy champion Sir John Hotham, governor of Hull, drew up their power and strength, and came with all speed towards Manchester, to assist the Inhabitants thereof against the cavaliers.  
But so soon as the Malignant Party had information that the Lord Fairfaxe and Mr. Hotham were coming they presently betook themselves to flight, not daring to give battle against them. Thus was the Lord Strange with all his cavaliers quiter frustrated of their hopes, and beaten from the Town of Manchester.  
The greatest part of the Gentry and Commonalty of york now begins to pluck up their spirits, and make head against the Parliament Foes, having of late received many men and arms from Sir John Hotham, whose Son commands them, and their Army daily increaseth, the Lord Fairfaxe being general over them.  
They have won many victories, having taken divers strong holds for the service of the Parliament, which the Malignant Party had possession of, and they are also resolved to seize upon all the Parliaments enemies in that County, whereupon Sir William Savile and many other Malignants are fled to Pomfret Castle for Refuge.  
But the Lord Fairfaxe is resolved to make chase after them, and to besiege the said Castle, there being great store of arms and Ammunition therein.  
The Honourable Court of Parliament, having taken into serious consideration these particulars, and being desirous to discharge their duty to His Majesty and the kingdom, to preserve the peace therof, and to prevent the miseries of Civill war amongst His Majesties loving subjects, yet notwithstanding they hold themselves bound to use all the means and power, which by the Laws and Goustitutions of this kingdom they are trusted with, for defence and protection thereof, and of the Subjects from force and violence.  
And to discharge their duties towards God, His Majesty, and the kingdom, they do in these ensuing Propositions Declare their humble Desires. 

1. That his majesty would be pleased to withdraw his forces.  
2. That he would be pleased to recall the Commissions of Array.  
And lastly, that he would be pleased to withdraw his Person from those wicked Persons whom he is now environed with.    
The Parliament having intelligence that the Ammunition that were sent to Ireland for the Relief of the distressed Protestants, was taken by a French man of war, therfore after some debate thereof, it was resolved and concluded on by both houses, That a Letter should bee forthwith drawn up and sent to the King, which was to this effect, as followeth.  
That His Majesty would be pleased to make restitution for such Arms, Powder, and Match, which was lately taken going out of Holland to Ireland by a French man of war, which was done accordingly.  
Sir John Hothams Son sallied out of the Town of Hull with two Troops of Horse and 500 Foot, and joined his Forces with the L. Fairfaxe, with an intent to clear that County of the cavaliers, which Letter was red at a Conference by the E. of Holland.   
FINIS.