from remote parts to England.
Hart fordshire, March 3.
The Parliaments not answering the desires presented by L. Col. John Lilburn hath occasio[nl]ned
congregating in this County of several who that way affect, which its believed wil produce
a new Petition, and be handed by many, for the prime persons his way are very active and
popular, who do study nothing more then to represent the Grandees of the army as bad as bad
can be: but that which lies heavy upon us, and which possibly may unhappily be used as an argument
by them, is, that Taxes are demanded here, and required in ful upon those who have
given quarter to live times the value, a thing incident to all who live upon roads, which, as
in contrary to Declarations, promises and Orders; so its indeed mortal to many, proving as
an Hericano. Many are resolved to try what they can do by in treaty, to see if possible time
may be get compassions & bowels to poor people who equal with any in England, have serv'd
and paid to Parliament
Pamfret, March 3.
We are now upon a Treaty with this Castle, which (we believe) wil being it, and the rather
because they were not summon'd by the Major General, its told us: the Governour under pretence
of bringing in relief would have escap'd; he hath lost his opportunity, and is like to lose
his life: its true, they boast of selling their lives at de are rates, but (wee believe) the major
part being pardon'd, they wil give us the chief to make examples of. The discovery of the
Letters in Cyphers, and the execution thereupon, much helpt to end the charge, and
trouble of this siege: when this service is over, we go North, or to Lancashire and parts about;
for better keeping in devotion that and the other Countries stil in discontent, and weary of
some burthens, for which there is (to speak truth) cause: this intension by direction from above,
its probably known at Edenburg, put them upon the noyse of an armies drawing North,
nothing else appearing, as we know.
Barwick, Eebr. 28.
Our news from Edenburg, is, that the Parliament of Scotland, who (no doubt) prepare to
war, have voted the raising (when occasion) 6000 horse and 17000 foot, for present 6000 foot
and 2000 horse, these are to be defensive: and move as danger appears. The Lord Sea forth &
Col Heisell hath taken in Endernes, one of the strongest places in the North of Scotland,
and declare (as they at Edenburg) for CHARLES the second: if a party in England will
joyn with Scotland, expect troubles in these parts. They sent four Troops to the Borders,
one of which came over Tweed: within these three days to a Town in Northumberland, called
shoreston, pretending they scouted out to see where our army lay: for its generally reported in
the parts of Scotland next us, that our army is coming towards them: in so much, that
many Families of quality have removed more Northerly. Upon Friday last, 13 Englishmen
supposed of quality, came to Edenburg, there is sent you a Declaration, which was brought hither
from Edenburg, said to be printed at Ainsterdam.
The 5 of March.
The Parl. tooke consideration of the Armies of England and Ireland, and had presented an
Act for money, which is to amount to more then double the former taxe, what will be determined
time will shew? as to the way of raising, it's assured there will be a method much more
equall then formerly.
The 6.
The Parl-sate, considered again of money, they had also some information from their Agent
in Holland, who yet transacts, notwithstanding the threats of the Royall party, upon information
that the Ministers there did begin to speake against the proceedings in England, & that
the States had inhibited the same, they sell to a debate how to prevent the like in England,
for which end presidents were given, and instances what had been done to Ministers in former
times, particularly in the reign of Hen. 8: and Edw. 6. resolving to proceed with much
severity against those in England, who shall blow up the people to action and opposition to
what is declar'd for way of Government. The Ministers shall do well to imitate the Protestant
Ministers in France, who meddle not with any thing but the good lives of their people, not
puzling their heads with niceties in Doctrine, not with State businesse, here in they shall have
more comfort and lesse pains, for now both as to Prayer and Preaching they minde Westminster,
Scotland, Holland and Ireland, and sercht more matter thence, then from the Bible or ancient
Fathers.