Severall letters from the committees in severall counties to the honourable William Lenthall Esquire, speaker of the House of Commons, read in both Houses of Parliament, Iune 27, 1642 : wherein, amongst divers other passages very remarkable, is related how the townsmen of Manchester put themselves into arms, and stood upon their defense against the Lord Strange and his forces, who came to seize on the magazine : with an intercepted letter from Sir Edward Fitton, to Sir Thomas Aston at York, discovering a fowl designe of the malignant party : whereunto is added severall votes of both Houses.

For his truly honoured Friend, Sir THOMAS ASTON Baronet, at his lodging. York; present these. 27. Junii. 1642.

Noble Sir,

I Shall ever acknowledge it as an honour done unto me your poor Kinsman and servant, as that you did own me, in being so noble and friendly unto me while I continued at York: As also, the favour you did me, in bringing me to kisse the hands of him, to whom my life, my fortunes, and all that hath dependancie on me, hath been ever, and ever shall be laid at His Majesties feet, to do him what service I am able. Sir, this day I have met with my fellow-Commissioners, concerning the Subsidies now in hand; we have chosen a Collector for the gathering of them, and appointed the Coun∣try, that they should with all convenient speed pay in the money, which I doubt not but will be within the compasse of a fortnight I moved the Commissioners, that the Col∣lectors should keep the money in their hands: But I found they were unwilling of it; I did not presse them over-much to it, in regard that this money is to be paid into the Lord Major of Yorks hands; as also, Yorkshire, Cumberland, and Westmerland, with many other Counties. If you look into the Act, it will better satisfie you. Sir, I conceive, that if His Majestie would be pleased to send to the Lord Major of York, and the Citizens, that they should not part with the moneys untill they knew his farther pleasure, it might more properly

be staid there then here, untill His Majestie be satisfied, that the money go the true way it was intended. But if His Ma∣jestie like not that way, and that I might know the way how for to stop it here, I would zealously perform it in wh••t lyes in my power. And, I hope His Majestie will send me a Com∣mission for the acting what I do.

Sir William Brereton will be upon Saturday (as I hear) at Chester, to settle the Militia of this County for the Parlia∣ment if he can; you know what a spirit he is of, and having a company of Roundheads about him, may much advantage him about Chester; he is so neer unto his Decoy, that he may send out his Ducks every way to fetch in others: what will be done in contradiction of him, I know not; for I hear no∣thing of my Lord Strange's stirring yet, nor of any Commis∣sion that is come from him. (Sir) I may assure you, that the major part of this Hundred of Manchester, where I live, will stand right. And now I will trouble you no further; on∣ly this I should wish from you, to favour me with three or four lines by this Bearer, to know what service I may do un∣to my King: And that you will be pleased, if there be any News stirring, to impart some of it unto me, and I shall ac∣knowledge it as an extreme favour done unto me; And ever remain

Your Kinsman, and most true Servant, EDWARD FYTTON.

If my Lord Rivers be at Court, I beseech you present my most humble service to him.

Gawsworth, 22 June, 1642.