[unr] to rectifie them by due information. Sir Henry Vane, Major Salwey, Col.
Salmon, and others, are gone down to Graves-End, with intent to confer with
the said Vice-Admiral, he being expected thereabout.
Concerning Fortsmouth the onely news is, That they stand out still, but can
make no advance in their design. Our Horse are so, disposed to guard the several
Roads and Passages leading thither, that they block up the place, and withal
may be able, with conveniency, to hinder a recourse to them from the
Country, in case the Country should incline to give them any supply or succor,
of which there hath as yet been no appearance.
We had an account, that some endeavors have been set on foot in the West,
to create disturbance in some considerable places, and particularly at Bristol,
but through the diligence of the Soldiery in those parts, all is prevented and
pacified, and the well-affected encouraged to act vigorously along with the
Army for the securing of the peace and liberty of this Commonwealth.
December 18.
This day came the following Letter, giving a Relation of an endeavor to
make a Rising in Essex at Colchester, to promote the Cavalier-designe, under
the stale Pretance of a Free Parliament.
From Colchester, Decemb. 17.
East Thursday in the afternoon, Captain John Rayner came to the market
place of this Town, and there declared who ever would adhere to him, and
appear for a Free Parliament he would see them paid, which if he failed to
do, then let them come to his House first and plunder. Hereupon the rude
multitude began much to resort to him: When he had got a considerable
number (as he thought) to answer his end, he bade them Fall on, now was
the time to play their game; but the Soldiers in this place quickly secured him,
and dispersed the multitude; and so all being quiet, we are providing to secure
the peace of the Town for the future, and shall leave Captain Bourchier
of Colonel Salmons Regiment, to command the forces here.
It is day also by Letter from Graves-End, it is certified, that Vice-Admiral
Law[unr] was come hither with several of his Captains, where upon conference
with those persons before mentioned, they begin to have a right understanding
of the nature of Affairs, and that things have hitherto been misrepresent
[unr] to them; so that no doubt is to be made but they will receive and give
full satisfaction, and unite in heart and Councels with the Land-forces, for
an unanimous defence of this Commonwealth against the common Enemy,
whose long-expected Harvest lies in the continuation of Enmities and divisions
among our selves.
From Madrid, Decemb, 1.
Their Majesties of Spain have been about a league hence,
at the Church of our Lady of Atochia, to give thanks for
the conclusion of the Peace with France, where To Deum,
in order thereto was Sung with great Solemnity, and all the