Dublin, which place is, we much fear, begirt by Ormond or will be within few dayes
grasse being now ready for their horse, and as we are informed, they are unanimous
among themselves; over and above, as tis much fear'd, Derry being taken, the Scots
will joyn also, for all the parties are modeling a new Covenant which all may subcribe,
and in this they wou'd hook in Ca[unr]tholicks also, if not to the Religious yet
to the civill part of it, and you will find Scots, Irish, and English all in some such
kind of league: It's [unr], Col. Monke and some others at present stand off, yer so, as
they oppose not, because not in capacity, and receive not advice what therein to [unr]
as they pretend.
There are expected here divers Regiments, who are to passe for Ireland. Is
much wondred that there comes no Letters from Dublin, the wind being so pit for
it, it puts us in fear left any thing should obstruct, they who come from Munster
say, that divers great ships o[unr] P. Ruperts F[unr]eet are drawn up, and little ones man'd
out, as being better able to shift from the Parliament ships, [unr] and yet able to set upon
Merchants; were told, that many in Dublin are gone to Ormond, but hope, its not
true.
From Newcastle (by Letters) thus : The necessities of these parts are very great,
especially Cumberland and Westmerland, the poorer fort are almost famished, and
some really so, the number where of are too many, and more then I shall now mention,
that have died in the high wayes for want of Bread, most of the meaner fort
in Cumberland have left their habitations, and travell with their wives and children
into all these parts to get relief, but few are able to help them, their own conditions
being so sad and miserable. A Certificate came to this Town, signed with the Committes
and Justices of Peace of the County of Cumberland, That there were at
this time no lesse then 30000 Families in that County that had neither seed nor
Bread-corne, nor monies to buy either. desiring a speedy collection amongst them
for their present subsistance, else most of them will unavoidably famish. A Collection
was made, as desired, and something given, but nothing considerable to feed
so great a multitude: The anger of the Lord begins to be kindled, and the flame
thereof wil consume all before it, especially those that provoke him to it.
From Berwick, April 23. came thus:
DAvid Lesley is gone North eight dayes since, he hath Pentpotence as to conclude in a
Treaty, or to fight if be see cause, The rage of the Northerke People, at the heheading
Marquesse Huntley hath increased them much : they at Edinburge are much afflicted as the
face of things, and if some composure be not, all will fall into confusion, the people are five
to one for the King, and upon their displeasure at the losse of the Duke and Marquess, so
much the more the horse are most raised, being 5000. but good ones are hard to come by and
deare. the foote seeme ready at a weckes warning, yet are like to fight little, unlesse upon a
royall score, many great persons fall to the Northern party daily. Midd[unr]eton as active, hath
raised three Troops of Dragoones, and hath 4000 foote, besides what other are in Armes, or
the maine Body, he draws towards that: no question, but by the next, you will heare either of
an accord, or a fight : great vexation at the delatorinesse of the declared King be they say
is like his Father, parts so unwillingly that it's not worth thankes, yet that little puts them
in hope, for by the last that came to Edenburge from Holland, whose authority is much credited,
they are Put in great hope that their last and lowest, but catagoricall resolution what