The desires of the countie of Surrey: about the late tumult at Westminster. The further proceedings in the county of Kent, and a discovery of the intentions for securing of London Bridge. With a letter from Excester, and the landing of some eminent persons in Cornwall, a rising there, and the forces which are gone to suppresse it.

NEVVES FROM KENT

SIR,

SInce the Kentish mens seizing of Rochester, and the Magazine, they have increased, divers, both Gentlemen, Servants, Souldiers, and men of all sorts come in, and stand upon their defence, and cause all that passe over the Bridge to sign their Petition: they say that they will have the King come to London, and a treaty and the Army of sectaries disbanded: they put all souldiers out of the Country, and permit none except such as comply with them, and they have prevailed so far with the horsemen of the Country, that they are al∣most all the troop gone in to joyn with them, and the trai∣ned Bands are too cold to oppose them, and they will

grow too numerous, if speedy course be not taken. An Of∣ficer of the ship that carryed the Prince away was to see him that cals himself Prince Charles, and saying hee was not the Prince, he that personates him, told the Ma∣jor that he came to kill him, and desired he might bee secured, which was done accordingly, and others are com∣mitted also, for saying that he is not the Prince. There are in Rochester, and the parts adjacent, at the least a thousand that are risen in armes, besides their interest in some Sea men, and others at Maidstone, and other parts. Here are abundance of Ordnance, and many ships, a great number of arms, much powder in the ships, if some speedy course be not taken herein, it may be pre∣vented when too late.

We hear there are some Members of Parl. ordered to come down into these parts to pacifie those which are now in Arms, and it is believed, that most of them will be perswaded to go home to their own houses, or observe such order in presenting their Petition, as was lately or∣dered by the Parl. in relation to the prevention of tu∣mults. We hear that some of the most active in this busi∣nesse have indeavoured to associate themselvs with those they can ingage to their party in London, and somthing was presented to the last Common Councel concer∣ning an intention which some had to secure London Bridge on Tuesday next, which we doubt not, but by the fore knowledge thereof will be prevented by the wisdome of that grave Councell, who (as

we understand) are resolved to be in a posture of defence, as they have great cause to do, for not on∣ly the disaffected of this County, who distinguish themselves by wearing of colour'd Ribbons in their hats, but some of the discontented persons of the County of Surry hold correspondency toge∣ther, and we have newes here, that on Munday last there was a meeting of many Gentlemen of Surry with some members of the Parl. at which meeting the Gentlemen for the County drew up certaine heads or particulars of their desires, touching the late combustion when they came to Westminster with their Petition. One of their desires is, That he which spilt the fi••st bloud there should be made exem∣plary; but on which side that will appear to bee, we leave to the evidence. Another is, that reparation may be made for what was lost by particular persons; touching which, wee heare good satisfaction was presently given, which we hope will prevent any further discontents in that County. This morning intelligence was brought, that the Parl. have voted a personal treaty with the King, upon condition, that his Maj. first grant the Militia, settle Religion and recall all Proclamations and Declarations a∣gainst the Parl. which gives much satisfaction to the moderate party, and it is now verily believed, that all except the old professed Royalists, as they

are called, will rest satisfied with what the Parli∣ament shall further con••lude on about this busi∣nesse, and other things in relation to setling of the Kingdome.

Darking 25 May 1648.