TWO LETTERS FROM HIS EXCELLENCY Robert Earl of ESSEX: The one unto the SPEAKER of the House of Commons; Relating the true state of the late Skirmish at Chinner, between a party of the KINGS and Parliaments Forces, on the Sabbath day the 19 of June, 1643. with the number of such persons as was taken and slain on both sides.  
The other to the well-affected of the County of ESSEX.  

ORdered by the Commons House in Parliament, That these two Letters be forthwith Printed and published.  
Hen: Elsing Cler. Parl. D. Com.   
London, Printed by John Field for Edw: Husbands, and are to be sold at his shop in the Middle-Temple, June 23. 1643.   

A Letter sent from his Excellency Robert Earl of Essex, directed to the Speaker of the House of COMMONS.  
SIR,  
THere being some of my Horse that had an Encounter with the Enemy yesterday being Sunday; I thought fit to give the House an Account of the particulars of it, knowing how apt many are to misreport things to our disadvantage.  
About two of the clock on Sunday morning, the Enemy with about twelve hundred Horse and a great body of Dragoons fell into a Town called Percham, where o●e Troop of Horse (being Colonel Morleyes') was Quartered, of which they took the greatest part, and from thence went not far to another Village called Chinner, where they beat up some of the new Bedfordshire Dragoons and took some of them Prisoners, and three of their Colours, and some of the Officers behaving themselves very well, and defending the Houses wherein they were; they set fire on the Town; these being out-Quarters, the Alarm came where Major Gunter lay with three Troops (viz.) his own, Captain sheffield's, and Captain Crosses, whom he presently drew out and marched towards the Enemy; Colonel Hampden being abroad with Sir Samuel Luke and only one man, and seeing Mayor Gunter's Forces, they did go along with them, Colonel Dulbeir the Quartermaster General did likewise come to them: with these they drew near the Enemy, and finding them marching away, kept still upon the Rear for almost five Miles. In this time there joined with them Captain Sanders Troop, and Captain Buller, with fifty commanded men, which were sent to Chinner by Sir Philip Stapleton, who had the Watch here that night at Thame, when he discovered the fire there, to know the occasion of it, he likewise sent one Troop of Dragoones under the command of Captain Dundasse, who came up to them. There were likewise some few of Colonel Melves Dragoons that came to them: at length our men pressed them so near, that being in a large pasture ground they drew up, and notwithstanding the inequality of the numbers, we having not above 300. Horse, our men charged them very gallantly, and slew divers of them; but while they were in fight, the Enemy being so very strong, kept a Body of horse for his reserve, and with that Body wheeled about and charged our men in the Rear, so that being encompassed and overborne with multitude, they broke and fled, though it was not very far; For when I heard that our men marched in the Rear of the Enemy, I sent to Sir Philip Stapleton, who presently Marched toward them with his Regiment; & though he came somewhat short of the Skirmish, yet seeing our men Retreat in that disorder, he stopped them, caused them to draw into a Body with him, where they stood about an hour: Whereupon the Enemy marched away. In this Skirmish there were slain forty and five on both sides, whereof the greater part were theirs.  
They carried off the Bodies of divers persons of quality. On our side Major Gunter was killed, but some say he is prisoner and so hurt; a man of much courage and fidelity, his bravery engaging him, and his small party too far: Colonel Hamden put himself in Captain Cross his Troop, where he charged with much courage, and was unfortunately shot through the Shoulder. Sir Samuel Luke thrice taken prisoner, and fortunately rescued: Captain Cross had his horse killed under him in the midst of the Enemy, and was mounted by one of his own men, who quitted his own horse to save his Captain.  
Captain Buller was shot in the neck, who shown very much resolution in this fight, taking one prisoner after he was shot. Mounsieur Dulbier with Captain Bosa and Captain Ennis, did likewise carry themselves very well. We likewise lost two colours, viz. Major Gunters and Captain Sheffeilds'; no prisoners of quality were taken by the enemy, but Captain Sheffeilds' Brother. Prince Rupert was there in person, and the Renagado Hurry. We took prisoner one of the Earl of Berks sons, Captain Gardener, the late Recorders son of London, and captain Smith, with some others of quality and divers prisoners.  
Sir, this is the true Relation of what passed in this business, I rest;  
Your assured Friend ESSEX. Thame. 19 June. 1643.   

A Letter sent from his Excellency the Earl of Essex, to the Gentlemen, Freeholders and well-affected people in the County of Essex.  
HEaring of your readiness to assist in this great cause with your persons and purses, for the defence of Religion and Liberty, and what ever is dear unto us, and of your willingness to rise generally, and to join with other Counties, to deliver yourselves from that slavery and misery that our enemies would bring upon us. I do with much joy receive your resolutions, and count it a special mercy of God, that makes his people sensible of their dangers, and willing to hazard their lives for him, and do judge it the most hopeful means of concluding these unhappy distractions of the Kingdom. Therefore I desire you to assure yourselves of all assistance from me that the Army can afford, and my earnest desire is to help you in it. And I desire such may appear in this cause, as have most interest in it; such of whose constancy and courage we may be assured, men of Religious lives and affections fittest to bear Arms for truth of Religion, Men of estates to defend those estates that the enemy seeks to devour: The employment is not too mean for the best men, and then we shall hope for success when such put their hands to the work; for assure yourselves, the looseness and inconstancy of the Soldiers, amongst others is one cause of the continuance of the War. I desire you to provide yourselves as well as you can with arms and necessaries, and to bring six weeks pay in your purses, considering that the march is long, and but a month of that may be spent in service; when that time is expired, we hope you may return home with peace; If we shall entreat your further help, we shall provide for you as well as God will enable us. Choose Commanders yourselves, Colonels and Captains, when we shall hear their names we shall send them Commissions, and when you shall come near us, we shall send some able and experienced Commanders from our Army to assist you. Doubt not of your Country in your absence, we shall take a course for the securing and quieting of the Malignants; your safety is in being in Arms, it will be your happiness to fight with your enemies at distance, and so keep them from spoiling that as yet peaceable and flourishing County. If God stir the hearts of people to appear generally, and to prosper our endeavours, we hope the success will be happy and comfortable.  
Stoken Church, 9 June, 1643. Your assured Friend, Essex.   
FINIS.