From Ireland, It is certified, that the Divisions doe daily arise higher and
higher amongst the Confederates, every one resolving to be cheife and absolute
Commanders in those parts, where their Commands and possessions are, The
The Lord Inchiguine will be the uncontrouled Lord in Munster. Prestan will have
the Command of his own Forces entire unto himselfe in the Field: The Lord
Taffe will acknowledge no superiour in the Tipporaryes. Owen Oneale a neere
Kinsman to Sir Phileme Oneale hath united all his forces, and erected (besides) a
Provinciall Councell in the North of Ireland : Much advantage may be made by
these divisions had we either weather seasonable, or forces considerable to incounter
with the Enemy, The Marquis of Ormond is using his best indeavours for
a Reconcilement, and if he could but Master Dublin which is his only ayme, hee
doubts not but the other parts would by degrees submit and be brought to doe
hommage to him. To compasle this, hee diligently imployeth his Agents to acquaint
them what forces in England are designd against them, that are to come over
in the spring if not before. Collonel Jones hath commanded out a party of
house and foote, who are to be suddaine in the execution of their charge, and the
Instructions committed to them. What good service they have performed, I hope,
I shall be fully able to informe you in my next.
From Pontefract It is certified, that they have of late received some incouragement
with the Receipt of some money, and with the assurance that their great
Battering Pieces and Ammunition is brought to Hull, with the first possible
convenience to be conveyed to Pontefract: Some part of the Ammunition is
come already. Many shots have beene made of late against the Castle, who
are not remisse to returne the like. The besieged grow obstinate, being confident
that but little quarter will be given to the greatest part of them.
From beyond sea it is certified, that the present proceedings of the Army is the
Discourse and wonder of al, from the Cardinall to the Boore, and that with a labouring
expectation they attend what the event will be, it being the usuall practise
of Armies to subvert, but never till now, to modell and erect a Common-wealth.
His Majesty is in health at Windsor, strongly guarded, but melancholly
and much retired. His rich clothes are brought unto him, but wherefore
rich clothes now. Scilicet ut pretiosius esset funus expirantis Dignilatis, with a fixed
eye he looks on those from whom he fears most danger, and assures them of his
better opinion, saying, that he hath some skill in Phisiognomy. Sure it is hee
hath great skill in Palmistry, especially of his owne hand, for when he was at
Hampton-court he was wont to say, that but by the kissing of his hand he could
easily distinguish which was a cavalier, and which a Parliamentarian, the one kissing
his hand with confidence, and an eager desire, the other seeming something
averse unto it, and sealing with his lips unto a ceremony which he rather would
have omitted, then performed.
Divers souldiers have of late beene sentenced by the court Marshiall, some
of which (tis said) are this day to be executed, if mercy doth not interpose and
screen betwixt their offences, and their lives.
That which this week is most remarkeable, is
The Commissioners chosen by a Committee for the triall of the King, and Instructions
to be given what to doe in case he shall refuse to answer to the charge. The womans
entertainment by the Generall councell of the Army, who said shee was come from
God with incouragement and advise unto them. The Modell called, the peoples agreement
ended, and to be subscribed by the Officers: The last News from the Kingdoms of Scotland
and Ireland, and from the Castle of Pontefract.
Imprimature G.M.
Printed for H. B. 1649.