joyful news from WELLS IN Somerset-Shire.  
Wherein is declared how the Cavaliers were beaten out of the said Town, by those heroic Gentlemen and Members of the Parliament.  


The names of the Members of the Parl. are these.  
Sir Francis Popham.  
Sir John Horner.  
M. Richard coal.  
M. Strowd.  
M. Pine.  
Sir Edward Hungerford.  
Sir Edward Gainton.    


The names of the chief Cavaliers are these.  
marquis of Hartford.  
Lord Paulet.  
Sir Ralph Hopton.  
Sir Francis Dorrington.  
Master Smith.    
Likewise a true relation how they came to bristol, with an intent to have fortified themselves, but were opposed by the well-affected party of the City.  
With a relation of the taking of Northampton by the Cavaliers, on Tuesday, the ninth of August, 1642.  
Whereunto is annexed the Parliaments Resolution concerning the said Cavaliers.  


Ordered that this be printed and published.  
Joh. brown, clear. Parl.    
LONDON, Printed for Henry Fowler. Aug. 12. 1642.   

joyful news FROM WELLS IN Somerset-shire.  
HAving arrived at my journey● end to Taunton-Deane, under the command of Lieutenant Howard, with whom I am entertained Trumpeter to a Troop of Horse, the next day I intended( my duty binding me thereunto) to take my Horse and ride to Wells, to my Fathers: To which end I went to my captain, and  told him my intent, withall desiring his licence for four dayes; who  told me that he would go along with me to Wells, for it was in great distress, the Cavaliers having made it their rendezvous, and used several-rigorous oppressions against those that did any way oppose them. Wherefore he immediately caused me to sound my Trumpet through Taunton-Deane; a corporal giving notice that it was his desire that all Gentlemen or others that were possessed of any Horse, or Horsemans arms, should instantly put themselves into a Posture of Defence, and repair to him.  
Which was speedily effected; for within three houres there were with my Captaines own Horses, and those that were sent in, near an hundred and twenty. Which being put in order by Lieutenant Howard, we immediately marched towards Wells, where being arrived, wee found the country all in arms, and their town besieged on every fide. On the hill coming off Mendip from Bristow-ward, there was Sir Francis Popham, and Sir Edward Hungerford, with six thousand armed men, and two pieces of Ordnance, which were mounted against the Bishops Palace.  
between Glastenbury and Wells there was Sir Edward Gainton, and Sir John Horner, with eight thousand men, or thereabouts.  
On the hill on the East side between Skipton-Mallard and Wells, there was Master Pine, Master coal, and Master Strowd, with three thousand more, and two pieces which they had mounted to command any part of the town, where occasion should require.  
The sight of our horse gave a little more life to them, they having very few horses, and the Cavaliers having at the least three hundred.  
Wherefore Sir Edward Hungerford after a courteous welcome, entreated us to make good the passage from Wells, on the northeast of the town, which goes up to the downs to meet with Skipton mallet road, which leads to bristol, which was accordingly performed by us: the Army being in order, Sir Francis Popham caused some shots to be made from Mendip-Hill against the Bishops palace, which( by reason of the strength thereof) they had made their Quarters, it being a place of a considerable strength, and moted round about.  
nevertheless the report of our Ordnance made the Cavaliers bestir themselves, seeing themselves surrounded by the Country, and knowing the town was no place of strength or security either to oppose us, or to secure themselves from us, wherefore they made as if they intended to force a passage towards Glastenbury, which caused all our parties of Foot to press up to secure those passages, which they seeing, with their utmost speed at a passage between the wood and us, trooped out upon us, fronting us boldly, which well they might, they being in number much greater, and more experienced men, both in Horsemanship, and use of Arms, our men being raw, untutored, and unexperienced both in the use of their arms, and Horsemanship, our Foot likewise being so far behind, by reason of the mistake, that it was impossible to reach them, besides our Ordnance which was planted on the Hill, lying so high, could not command them, they keeping just under the bottom of the said Hill, being sheltered by the Wood.  
nevertheless, our captain( neither esteeming their number, or weighing the danger that might happen by his attempting to intercept a Party so strong, and pusued by almost inevitable ruin, and perpetual destruction) gave command that wee should give Fire upon them, which was with unexpected alacrity, and undaunted courage performed: They did the like at us, but such their hast was, that they could not stay to see the execution, nor do we know whether we did any against them, for it was not policy to pursue them, they having the greater number. Besides, had wee engaged ourselves beyond the bounds or succour of our Forces, wee might have been cut off, and they had cause to laugh at our destruction.  
The town being thus quit of them, wee drew our Forces in, where wee were entertained with great joy; but they made for bristol, being confident that they should have gained a party there, buty being arrived, they found the City up in arms, and some in Ambush, who suffered to pass quietly without discovering of themselves: But at their back return, being pursued by the Commanders of the City, they intercepted them, and gave them a broad side, putting them to a shrewd confusion.  
Some Prisoners they have taken, but what they are, is not certain: onely it is reported that marquis Hartford and the Lord Paulet are taken Prisoners: Others say, Sir Ralph Hopton; but of this there is no cettainty: for those that escaped, they fled to my Lord Strange, who lay within ten miles with an army, in the Borders of Wales.  
This day being the eighth of August, wee received several Votes of both Houses of Parliament, with their Resolution, concerning the said cavaliers, namely, that Sir Ralph Hopton, Master Thomas Smith, Sir Ferdinando Gorges, and Sir Francis Bodington, be forthwith sent for as Delinquents.  
The Country stands generally for the King and Parliament: You would not imagine now confidently and willingly the country take arms. Although Sir Ralph Hopton be a Gentleman very well beloved in the whole Country, yet so highly are they incensed against him for this last action, that from Evercrutch his own Tenants and Servants came against him and cry him down now, more then ever they extolled him when the Knights of the Shire were chosen, my Lo: Paulet is hated of all men.  
And Mr. Smith is pitied, he being seduced by the other great ones, and it is believed that if he could fairly retreat, he would be no longer of that faction.  
It is reported for truth, that the City of Northhampton is taken by the Cavaliers, but by what means I cannot resolve you.  
These are the chief of our proceedings, I make no question but you hear more then is true, at my next opportunity you shall hear from me, give this enclosed token to my wife.  
Ordered that this be printed and published  
John brown, clear. Parliamentorum.   
FINIS.