Eshcol, or Grapes (among) thorns. As they were delivered in a Thanksgiving sermon, to the Honourable House of Commons. By John Bond, Mr. of the Savoy.

〈…〉〈…〉Col 50 of 100. for a Cap: the Life guard is kept whole. The new Swedish Generalissimo Charles Gustave Palsgrave, is arived in Germany with 8000 men, he is to meet Maior Gen. Erlach, they have a designe against Collin, because Lamboy hath alwayes his recruit from thence who hath an Armie again together, and endeavoureth to be revenged upon the Heshish. Out of Westphalia is come unto him Count Hennigo, with 8 peeces of Ordnance, and 1400 foot: The Heshish are in∣trenched neer Neuse, expecting Lamboys comming, who hath about 3000 horse, and as many foot. The Heshish expect Landgrave Fredrick with his horse, which if he doth not come timely, the other may be the hard for them. The Prince of Orange was to goe to Cleve to the christning of his brother Prince Elector of Brandenburgs childe, but the day being put off to the 2 of August, is returned to the Hague, where the Spanish Ambassadour Pegneranda is expected.

The Englishships are said to be riggd, but by whose leave, or by whom, is not known: not by any authority. At Osnabrugk, the Ambassadour of Bavaria, having propounded that in case a peace should not be suddenly concluded on, that his Master would take a course to preserve Him and his Dominions; which being exploded by the Catholike Imperiall States, Bavaria thereupon resolved to stand to the Emperor to the last. The Portugal Embassador at the Hague hath desired the States (that seeing they had made an end of their great affairs with Spain) to begin to treat with him about the affairs of Fernambuck, that that Treaty being brought to a period, each party might enioy their own to the great benefit of both. Prince Charles of Wales hath been as Ca∣lice, and is by this time in Holland, where he was expected.

In Poland they have in nomination for King, the late Kings son by his former wife, Prince Cassimire, and the Prince of Conde: the revolted Parliament ships intend suddenly to be in the Downs, and to put in for a personall Treaty.

Iuly 6. The Commons permitted Major Gen: Brovvne to be Shrieve of London, approved of se∣verall Counties geting into armes for defence before authority came to them, Letters from their Commissioners out of Scotland, of there proceeding being approved were ordered to be printed, as for their comming back to England they did not think it fit as yet, they being pub∣lique Ministers, and while peace is between the Nations, it was thought fit they continue to be ready to give and receive what was given or received.

The 7. Letter came from the Noble Army inviting the City to a concurrence with them. The Com. Vote the Lords that subscribed it, and those with them traitors. The Committee of Com∣mons recommēded the desire of their house to the Common Councel, as to satisfaction about his Majesties comming to London to treat, another meeting was appointed to resolve upon some what.

The 8. Came news that Col: Rossiter had so disperst the Pomfret party, that 450 were become his prisoners, all their plunder, and what else there's. This day came also the news of routing the Noble Army by the forces of Sir Miles Livesy and of the Army, and that they were disappointed of their sport in Windsor Forest, many of them wounded, others taken, some slain, among whom was the Lord Francis Villers Brother to the Duke of Buckingham refusing quarter, they that escaped got over at Kingston Bridge, some passing in boats, for the Commander in cheife cried Gent: shift for your selves, 10 lib for a boate: this routed party flies to Harrovv Hill, thence to Watford, but that proved to hot for them, & so to Redburn, & thence to Shefford, between Bedford & Hitchin where they were, Saturday night, after whom, with 5 Troops went Major Gibbons, lately come from Kent. And to meet them with 6 Troops under Command of Col: Scroop from the Leagure before Colchester, who Sunday night was not far from them: the joynt forces that defeated them of Pomfret stand ready to receive them come they North: and to this royall party goe from London and other parts, very many horse and foot with colours that distingushes them from the Parliaments forces, and openly enquire the way to them.

The 10. The Lords at a Conference did give reason for a Treaty with his Majesty, he being at li∣bert

berty before any acts be agreed upon. First, its the desire of the Kingdome or Parliament of Scotland. Secondly, the agreement will be the more Authentick. Thirdly, its probable having no Army in being, he wil condiscend to that which at Vxbridge and Oxford he refused. Fourth∣ly, its not the way of Treaties to confirme any before all is agreed, especially those of most concernment, and that which chiefly will be insisted upon, or to this effect, the Commons concurrence was desired.

Dublin, June 28. We are here happy (if the least of happinesse be to be in this unhappy Kingdom) in that we are so many mindes as parties, and all by that means at present in an incapacity to hurt cach other. Preston and Owen Roe neer Athlone, striving who may get the Castle from Mr. Audley the newter Governour, but he hath not, nor it's conceived will deliver it to either: Ovven and the Nuntio are in the Town on this side the water; no fighting hath been be∣tween them onely straglers, yet they plunder each other daily, their miseries great, roots are their chiefe food, bread being wanting: and yet it's to be feared they may at last agree, and out-live their wants, we being not i••••capacity to increase them and fall upon us. The Scots have so much inveigled divers of our horse, that many are gone to them (there's a fourth party) they give 20 sh. advance, and 8d. per diem to a man, during their stay in the Kingdom, for it's pretended they must goe for Scotland: On the other side divers come to Col: Monk, from Munroe with their cows and cattell: Col: Monk is possest of Dandalke, Col: Moors Regiment, being not great, is brought to this City, and is to be reduced in∣to 2 Companies, My Lord Inchequins Forces in wants enough as well as we, and thus stands the State of the five parties at present, when any action will be is uncertain.

Leagure before Colchester, July 8, 1648. Yesterday the enemy had planted a small Drake on the Bels frame in St. Maries steeple, and from it made some shot, Col. Rainsborow waiting upon my Lord, to the battery made a shot in at the window, which we are credibly informed shot the Gunner through the belly. This we are certain, that they never made shot from that place since, and it is said, he was their best Cannoneer. Upon some volleys of shot yesterday towards the evening at the buriall of Lie vte∣naut Col. Shamb ook, the enemy made their Souldiers believe relief was come, and the wals and Steeples was full of people to see it come. Eighteen of our souldiers which were prisoners, and this day released, complain, that from Wednesday to Saturday, they had but three peny loaves of bread, and each man an ounce of flesh, and a pale of water allowed. We heare the enemy hath drawn all their horse and foot together, causeth all their fire locks to be brought into a Church, and all manner o•• horses, with such furniture as the Town can make to be ready, whereby, we conceive, they will attempt to escape with as many of their foot as they can mount their horse being so straited that they have nothing left for them but green corn. Neer 20 de∣serted them this day, and came into us, they tell that provision is very scarce, and what there is they cannot eat but for meere hunger. We sent them in a List of the prisoners taken in Northumberland, by Major Gen. Lambe••t.

Colchester Legu••e, July 11. Our Line goes so fast on, that we are in far better case to offend the enemy, and corre∣spond with Suffolk men, many of their souldiers come to us, the people of the Town in great want; all their bread is made of R••e, and but half grownd; and that (not without a Ticket) their hay gone, the green Corn they get for their horse, they fetch with hazard of the lives of their men: yesterday having placed a guard to secure those who came to get horsneat, the guard was bear by us, divers of them killed, some taken, great shooting with cannon from both sides; they have spent very much powder: more yesterday then in ten days before. Wee raised this night a new battery, to beat them our of St. Maries steeple, where they have planted a Demi culvering, which annoys us in our new Quarters. We have two whole Culverings play hard against the Lord Lucas house; the women would

come by hundreds out of the Town, but that is not permitted. Captain Ves••y, upon the pe∣tition of his wise is pardoned, and hath a protection from violence, some of both sides be∣ing last night neer each other, fell to parley and proved old acquaintance, it seems they were some of ours disbanded, in which act we have seen our errour, but no more.

Nevvcastle, ••uly 6. You have had the deseat of Langdales horse by an expresse from our Governour, to adde a little, the prisoners of quality were most taken in their beds, being assured by Col: Grey, their Cheifrain, that there was no danger, they were neer 1200, ours 900. Col: Rich. Tempest escap'd from Morpeth, by feeling the hand of the sentinell, 60 common Souldiers also escap'd in the darke, diverse of the com••••n Souldiers serve willingly in this Town: The Scots Army he on the borders not yet come in Gen: Langdale undertooke to cleere the Counties of Cumberland, Westmerland, Northumberland, and Bishoprick, to make way for the Scots Ar∣mie, and so bring them into contribution to the Scots. Cumberland is much exhausted. Ma∣jor Gen: Lambert ••emains before Carlile, and keeps those up within: The Forces here are resolved to goe towards their Major Gen: being now 33 Troops of horse, Col: Harison being joyned, and to attend the motion of the Scots, or further the gaining the City: It's resolved by the English Forces to fight, if there come but 20000 horse and scor. On the other side, the Scots now upon the bo••ders must come in, for otherwise their S••uldiers will spoyle their count••ey, and grow discont••n••, having their expectations upon England, many common Souldiers who made it appear, they were forc'd, are set at liberty, divers that come in as common Souldiers, are found since to be Gentlemen of quality, as it's probable were some of those that escaped, they were so full of gold, which they parted with at under value, though bought over, that common Troopers got 15, 16, 18, and 20 lib. a man, good cloaths, hor∣ses, pistols, swords, &c. a subsidy will hardly recrute them as they were: 15 of the chiefe are sent into Tinmouth, viz. Col: Grey Col: Ogle, Sir Iervis Lucas, 2 Collinvvoods, and others, the rest serured in this Town, where they are as merry and frollick as if they had had the victory, and spend as if they had as good mines of money a we of coales. Some are of opinion the Scots will not come in, but be assured they will, and therefore hasten a reserre for Major Gen: Lambert as fast as you can, in regard the number of Officers are more then before mentioned, they are inserted.

A List of prisoners taken Iuly 1. 1648. Col: Edward Grey Commander in chief. Sir Francis Ratcliffe. Sir Iervis Lucas. Col: Iobn Tempest. Col: Iames Ogle. L. Col: Iohn Salkeild. L. Col: Ralph Millet: L. Col: Iohn Thorn∣ton. M. Roger Ratcliffe. M. Galeyn Ratcliffe. Col: Ratcliffe. L. Col. Anthony Trellop. Major Trollop. Cap George Rellasis. Mr. George Collingvvood. Mr. Iohn Collingvvood. Cap. Hugh Iames. Cap. Francis Carlton. Cap. Francis Brandling. Cap. Fetherstonhaugh. Cap: Ascue. Cap. Cholmley wright. Mr. Tho. Salkeild Co••net. Mr. Will. Hodgshon. Mr. Charles Selby. Mr. Iohn Thirlvvell. Mr. Will. Lampton. Mr. Lanclot Selby Mr. Rich. Woodhouse. Mr. Ralph Claxton. Licurenant Lance Procter. Mr. Cuthbert Kennet. Mr. Peter Forcer. Mr. Ambrose Carlton. Mr. Iohn Fitzvvilliams. Mr. Iohn Hardy. Mr. Thomas Cope. M. Iohn Wright. Mr. Iames Shastoe. Mr. Ingram Stellinge. Mr. Tho. Tempest. Cap. Smith. Mr. Iohn Farneley. Mr. Per. Warden, Corner. Mr. Iohn Goodman. Ensigne Tho. Burrell. Mr. Lodovvick Burnell. Mr. Iohn Sison. Mr. In. Watson. Mr. Rich. Holmes. Mr. Hen. Brahant. Mr Ralph Bovves. Mr. Cartvvridge. Bilton. Shavv. Thampsan. Rigmadan. Serjeants. Besides 309 common-Souldiers, and between 5 or 600 horse, with their pistols and swords.

Pembrook Leagure, July 3. Friday morning last; about break of day, the enemy made a very stout sally on the North side, upon Col: Reades Quarters with neer 300, there being of them onely 80 horse, they were upon our men, through a sally port, ere they were aware, but after ours got handsomly together, they so bang'd them, that there went into the Town 40 and upward wounded, 11

killed under our works, 9 taken prisoners, their Commander in chiefe one Major Williams slain, we lost one Lieutenant Potts, a Serjeant, 2 souldiers, and 2 or 3 more were wounded, they are well nigh starv'd, run daily forth to us, we believe a few dayes will give us the Town, but our guns are not yet come up to us, which is a great inconvenience and much troubles us, had they come, we had done our work before this, and been ready for the North to receive the forward if they come out of Scotland, and encourage the suffering party.

Seneeds, July 11. five in the morning. The party of horse commanded by Col. Scroop, sent from the Leagure before Colchester, to meet with the Noble Army, came to Hartford, Saturday, where they got knowledge of their enemies posture and place of quarter, they got from Hartford some skilfull guides who brought them the neerest and best way to Seneeds, Monday morning, before the Nobles could shift away, yet not before they were got into three bodies in the Towne. The Par∣liaments Forlorn being entred, charged, routed them before the body came up, but when come up, there was speedy work made with them, that in an instant they fled severall ways; yet many fell, and of the chief, the Duke of Buckingham fled with about 60 horses to Lincolnshire, who must either disperse or fall into the hands of that party of Leicester, Lincolne, &c. which lately defeated the Pomfret party; for our march was so long, and our horse so tyred, that we could not pursue: we have prisoners the Earl of Holland, Sir Gilbert Gerard, Col. Skeimisher, Major Holland, Major Slepkin, Lievtenant Col. Goodwin, and Col. Dolbeere mortally wounded, one Col. Legg in the same condition, 100 common men, and yet no ordinary men, Sir Kenelme Digbyes son said to be slain, a Col. and divers other Officers slain, whose names we cannot yet learn, we had more then 100 gallant horse, for gold and silver, good clothes and weapons, good and good store.

It's beleeved the Duke of Buckingham and those with him will desist and seeke mercie. Lord Andover going to the Prince, is taken, and put into Dover Castle.

We had two men slain, Col. Scroops, Captain Lievtenant wounded, and three more.

July 12. There came an expresse from the Major Gen. Lambert, which certifies the hou∣ses that he had received a Letter and Declaration from Duke Hambleton, which tels him that the Parl. of England had not given satisfaction to the Parl. of Scotland in their desires sent unto them, for effecting whereof he was to come with an Army into the Kingdom of England, in which enterprize, he expected no opposition from him. The Major Gen: returned him answer, that as to non satisfaction from the Parl. of England, he had not to say; but as to his comming in an hostile way into England, he had authority from Parl. to re∣sift to his utmost any power not raised by them, and he [that] must expect if he came upon English ground. The Commons vote, they approve what Major Gen: Lambert had sent, desire the Lords concurrence, which the Lords doe, and both agree the Committee of Der∣by house draw up against morning an answer to the Declaration of the Duke, to be presented to the House. A Petition of many thousand housholders of quality, in London, and parts about, was this day presented, praying the Lords and Commons, that in a Treaty for peace or agreement, they will keepe up close to their many Declarations and protestation formerly made, for which, both Houses give them thanks.

Walmer Castle in Kent yielded, they march out with swords.