of freedome, insomuch that they have Prosecuted him so cunningly, that many
considerable persons both in the Army and City are Ingaged therein. And to the
end the plot may take to the Purpose, I have insinuated by my Agents into Some of
the Levelling party that it is a designe of the Grandees to remove him to the end
they may make their Lord President Bradshaw Speaker in his room, which hath taken
Such effect amongst the Simple hearted Levellers, that they So farre as I can apprehend
are resolved to joyn their interest with the Speakers, to Prevent So great a mischiefe (as
they Called it) by which means I doubt not but to accomplish a designe that shall Pull
down those two great Pillars of their new Commonwealth.
As touching the state of affaires he [unr] in relation to his Majesty, I find that his friends
increase daily (as to matter of affection) but have no Possibility of imbodying, although
Some indevours have been that way, unlesse the Levellers lead the way (Which
although Some overtures have been to prevent) Will I hope Suddenly be put in direction.
Sir, to that purpose I desire that some assistance may be given me, for without
supplies of Money, little can be expected, those that I converse with being extream
needy, or covetous, I have Sent a faithfull Agent over sea to future and attend
the motion of his Irish Excellency: I doubt not but Shortly you will receive a
good account touching that businesse. Sir I Pray be mindfull of him that is a prisoner
for his affection to the Service of his Majesty, hath been wanting in nothing according
to his utmost possibilities, that might manifest his loyalty to his King, and
respects unto your Lordship.
T. F.
London, Fleet, Septemb. 6. 1649.
From Dublin by Letters dated 5. Sept. The first of August, the Lord Lieutenant
marched within five or six miles of Tredagh with an Army of 11. or 12000. The Enemy
hath been laborious in victualling and strengthening this and all other Garrisons
they have neer us, Keeping in the field certain parties of Horse, Dragoones, and a few
foot, who intend rather to hinder provisions from comming to the Lieute. quarters
then to fight with him, Report renders this Town victualled for many moneths, and
a guard in it of 2000 Irish foot, and 202 horse, Ormond hath made Sir
Ashten formerly governor of Reading for the late King, Governor of this Place, hee
is esteemed famous for fortifications. If the Lord Lieutenant lay Siege to it, he must
possesse himselfe on both sides the water, in which work will be imployed the greatest
part of his Army, If this work prove facile and casie, it will be a large Step to the
whole, there is shipping Sent about by Sea, which are to stop all provisions for coming
into the town, and to furnish the besiegers with what they want. The Lord
Lieutenant hath also sent by Sea 1000 foot to Sir Charles Coot, and provision will be
made for passing 500 Horse by Land after them which once united with those already
in the North of Ireland, will make a Brigade very usefull for the present undertaking.
Edenburgh 4 Sept. The Earle of Athol, E. of Home, Earl of Roxburgh, the Lord of
Dury, and others are received into the Committee of Estates upon ingagement, that
they are not against the Peace of the Kingdome; but the Lord Erriston is Committed,
and some others which Stand out. The intended answer to their Kings last Message
not yet gone, neither is there any likelyhood that there will be any remarkable
movings that way, until they hear further of the Successe in Ireland.