A great and bloudy fight at Penbrook [sic] Castle between the Parliaments forces commanded by Lieutenant Generall Cromwell, and Col. Horton, and the Kings forces commanded by Col. John Poyer, and Major Generall Laughorn [sic]. With the manner of their storming the town, the beating of Col. Poyer and his forces to the castle wals, the great execution done in the streets, and how they were repulsed, and forced to retreat by Laughorns men falling on the rear. Likewise the resolution of Lieut. Gen. Cromwel and his forces, concerning the said castle; and the further proceedings of the Duke of Bucking, and the resolution of the Kentish-men.

The proceedings of the Forces belonging to his Highnesse the Prince of Wales, upon the Coast of Kent.

SIR,

VPon Wednesday last, there hapned a desperate engagement betwixt the Parliaments Forces, and a party belonging to his Highnesse the Prince of Wales, at Walmer Castle, the manner thus.

The Prince having sent a party from France, under the command of Col. Fitz-Beal, with Armes and Am∣munition for the relief of the two Castles of Deal and Sandown, and having effected the same, the said Colonel resolved for Walmer Castle, and thereupon hoysted sayl and steered towards Walmer, where they arrived towards the evening, accompanied with three other ships very well man'd, and when they were within half musket shot of the shore, they let fly a broad side at the Parliaments forces, who were intrenched upon the Breach neer the Castle; insomuch, that there began a very dangerous and hot dispute, the fight continuing for the space of an hour and a half; the Cavalry plaid very fast with their great and small shot all the time, the Parliamenteers answered them with the like Vol∣leyes, and at the last beat them off from the shore, and foroed them to Sea, with the losse of six men, and nine wounded.

The Enemy fought resolutely, but (it is supposed) with a great deal of losse made their retreat, for it is said that divers were seen to fall upon the Decks of the ships.

This is a great dishearming to the besieged, to have relief attempted without successe, though as yet they slight any overture of surrender or treaty. Divers Gra∣nadoes have been shot into the castle, yet are they within not brought thereby to the least complyance of disposition to yeeld.

We hear that the Royalists listed under the Duke of Buckingham, and others, are come into Sussex, and that they intend to randezvouz on the South side of London very speedily.

Divers resorts to them out of this County, and many great ones it is thought will ingage with them.

Their numbers increase dayly, and unlesse speedily prevented, will grow to a great head.

It is reported, that divers great ones are amongst them, as severall Earles and Lords, viz. the young Duke of Buckingham, the Earl of Holland, and severall other Lords of eminency.

Some report, that if they be not suppressed within 2 or 3 dayes, their number will increase to many thou∣fands.

Others again report, that so soon as they have gai∣ned a considerable party, they are resolved to raise the siege at Colchester.

They seize upon all the Horse that possible they can light of, and many country Royalists come in unto them, they are gallantly mounted, and exceeding well armed, and gives out many reproachfull speeches a∣gainst the Parliament.

They expect within 2 or 3 dayes to be in a Body of 4000. Horse and Foot, and when they are thus joyned, then they are (as it is said) to go to raise the siege at Colchester.

There is some speeches as if they had a design to at∣tempt the surprizing of the Comittee at Derby-house, before they go to relieve Colchester. They pretend to rise to fetch the King home to the Parliament, &c. and use many faire pretences to draw in others amongst them.

But we hear, that there is a party of horse comming from the Lord Generall to suppresse them. Yet not∣withstanding, many Royalists in this County have de∣clared for them, and divers are already gone in to their assistance.

Maidstone, July 7. 1648.

FINIS.