Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Letter or Summons sent to Sir JOHN BERKLEY For the surrender of the City of Exeter.

With his Answer, and the transaction of the Treaty, and the Names of the Commissioners on both sides.

As also The Summons sent into NEWARK, and their Answer.

With the routing of 900. Oxford Horse at Faringdon: 500 Horse, prisoners, and Arms taken by the Abbington Forces.

Also other news from Oxford, and taking of Portland Castle by Captaine BATTEN.

Printed by the severall originall Papers, and published according to Order of Parliament.

Imprinted at London for Matthew Walbancke 6 April 1646.

The Copy of a Letter from Sir Thomas Fairfaxes Quarters.

Sir;

BEfore our departure from Oakhampton the Lords day, March 29. the Generall (at the request [...]f the Inhabitants) gave order for the slighting of some Barricadoes, which the Enemy had made about the Town, to prevent all inconveniences hereafter; That day the Army marched from Oakhampton to Cre­diton; and had a Rendezvouze neere Bowbridge.

Munday March 30. we stayed at Crediton, had intelli­gence of the Enemies resolutions in Barnstable, to quit the Towne and betake themselves to the great Fort and Ca­stle, which probably before this time is effected: And the speech is, That upon the coming of Colonell Blake with his Regiment from Dunster, about two daies since, they left the Towne, onely some few for a Guard, which our men beate off, killed seven, with the losse of foure; the Skirmish is certain, but whether our men are in possession I cannot yet assure you, we having as yet received no Let­ters thereof. It is generally believed that Sir Allen Apsley is willing to surrender the Towne, Fort and Castle, but that his desperate Brother sweares he will cut him to peeces if he offer to surrender the Castle.

Tuesday, March 31. The Generall marched to Crediton, in the way had a Rendezvouze, neere Newtusyres, and afterward the Generall, Lieutenant, Generall, with other Field Officers, rode round about the City of Exceter, within Musket shot, and the rest of the Army, Horse and Foot, drew up upon an Hill neere the City, in the sight thereof: The Guards and severall Garrisons round about the City, were drawne forth in a compleat manner, and still as the Generall passed by, gave a lowd shout and a [Page] Volley, that so the Enemy in the City might take notice thereof; notwithstanding which, they discharged not one Peece of Ordnance at the Generals Company, but one or two from the Castle at the Horse and Foote on the H [...]ll, which makes us believe they have inclination to surren­der, in regard, as they confesse themselves, they have notice of Sir Iacob Ashleyes defeat, and so their hopes of reliefe are quite frustrate. The Generall sent in the in­closed Summons yesterday by a Trumpeter, to which we expect an Answer this day: The Enemy in the wor­ning before the Generall came, drew forth 500. Horse and Foote in a bravadoe, made a flourish, but our men drawing towards them, they retreated; some of our men passing over the River Ex in a Boat, wherein was some store of Gunpowder, one of them with his lighted Match (unadvisedly) went to fill his Bandaleers, set fire to the Powder, blew up himselfe (who died presently) and the rest were miserably hurt, being about seven or eight in all. The last night we came to Columb John House; Master Ʋragge is not yet returned from the Convoy which was to bring the Lord Hoptons Forces to Charde. With my respects to all our friends, I rest

Columb Iohn, Aprill 1646. in the morning.
Yours to command▪ W. C.
POSTSCRIPT.

THe Army is yet quartered about Bradmuch, Sitonton, Columpton, and the Villages adjacent; since the writing hereof, (the Messen­ger yet staying) Sir John Berkleyes Trumpeter came out of Exceter with an Answer to yesterdaies Summons, expressing his willingnesse to a Treaty, desiring it might begin Friday next, and sent the names of terme Gentlemen he desired to be Commissioners, (whose names are inclosed) to which his Excellency returned this inclosed Answer, with the names of his Commissioners.

The Copy of a Letter or Summons sent to the Governour of Exceter by Sir Thomas Fairfax.

Sir;

BEing returned with my Army from the West, where God in his wisdome saw it good to bestow a drie and bloodlesse Victory upon me, to the great peace and quiet of these parts; and conceiving it my duty likewise to endeavour the good of this County, which by the occasion of your Garrison is ne­cessarily obstructed, I thought fit once more to send you a Sum­mons to deliver up to me the City of Exceter, with the Castle, Forts, Armes, Ammunition and Magazine, belonging to the the same; beleeving that by this time you are satisfied of the re­lief you expected from the Princes Army, and may equally be of all reliefe to come from any other place, if your Intelligence and knowledge were the same with ours: There is nothing more induceth me hereunto then an unfaigned zeal toward any further bloodshed, and as much as in me lies, to preserve that City which hath already suffered deeply in these unnaturall di­stractions, from further or greater misery. Though I shall not boast of my numbers or strength, yet I must needs tell you, that I doubt not but the same power which hath formerly made dif­ficult things easie, will answer this, and will acquit me from be­ing accounted the occasion of those inconveniencies and mise­ries which necessarily will ensue upon your refusall. Sir, I shall expect your speedy and positive Answer herein, and rest

March 31. 1646.
Your Servant T. Fairfax.

Sir Iohn Berkeleys Answer.

SIR,

upon your Summons I called this day a Coun­sell of War, where after some debate it was determi­ned to treat with you, or with whom you should appoint, and to conclude upon just and honourable termes; and to that purpose I desire a safe Conduct for the persons to repaire to your head Quarters with their servants on Friday morning, and to returne at their pleasure. I re­maine. Your servant.

April 1. 1646.
Io. Berkley.
Those first named by Sir Iohn Berkely were:
  • Sir Hen. Berkely.
  • Mr. William Ashburnham.
  • Sir George Cary.
  • Mr. Iohn Were.
  • Col. Godilphin.
  • Cap. Fitz-Garret.
  • Mr. Robert Walker.
  • Mr. Thomas Knight.
  • Mr. Tho. Kendall.
  • Mr. Tho. Forde.

The Generals Reply to Sir Iohn Berkely.

SIR,

I have received yours, whereby I understand that in pursuance of my demand in my Summons you have determined to treat with me by Commissio­ners, and in order to that have sent a List of ten Gentle­men which you desire for Commissioners on your be­halfe, of which although there is none in particular that I take exceptions unto; yet because I desire to carry on the businesse with clearnesse and expedition, which by so great a number cannot so well be effected, I thought fit to propound unto you the number of sixe, that being as many as conveniently can be used in a businesse of this [Page 5] nature; upon your consent hereunto, and answer, I shall according to your desire send you a safe Conduct for a proportionable number of Commissioners, and in the meane time shall rest, your Servant

April 1. 1646.
T. Fairfax.

I agree the time to begin on Friday next according to your desire, the place Poultimore house: I have sent a List of the Commissioners on my part.

The names of the Commissioners.
  • Lieut. Generall Hamond.
  • Col. Sir Fardresse Valleri.
  • Col. Lambert.
  • Col. Harley.
  • Col. Fry.
  • Comissary Stane.
SIR,

this night the Generall hath written to Com­missary Gen. Ireton (who is by this time with the Convoy about Chard) that in regard (since the defeat given to Ashly) those broken forces doe in small parcels steale into Oxford, which probably may not only inable that Garrison to range abroad in the county, but in­danger our Horse, and disturbe the Siege of Banbury, he should therefore advance with three of those Regiments of Horse, and the Dragoones now with him towards Oxford, and that he take care for the prevention of the escape of any of the disbanded Officers or Souldiers to the Enemy, which it is probable they will endeavour to doe. It is likewise referred to the Commissary Gene­ralls consideration, if he thinke fit to make use of Col. Cookes Horse, for the more full accomplishment of those ends, in respect he will have with him Major [Page 6] Generall Massies Regiment, his own Colonel Fitz Ianises, and Sir Francis Drakes Regiment, which may be spared, and to desire him to send the Liev. Gen. Regiment into these parts, in regard his Major is in Cornwall, and if he thinke fit to have Sir Robert Pyes in their roome; that and the Dragoones remaining here shall be sent unto him, and the Generall himselfe with a party of Foot will ere long march that way.

April the 1. 1646. at night.
Your Servant. W. C.

A Letter from the Leaguer before Newark.

SIR,

I have sent you here enclosed the several Co­pies of the Summons to Newark, and Bellassis answer; wherein you may see how he complements with us, but we shall not doe so with them if they be not of more flexible temper, which we doubt not but to mould them in; we gaine upon them every day, and doubt not but very suddenly to be Masters of the place, either by having it surrendered, or forced; the former we most desire, but doubt not to effect the latter if constrained; for which we make all preparations, and have gained much forwardnesse in the workes: by the next I doubt not, but you will heare of something done, active or passive.

Balderton the 1. of April, 1646.

The Summons sent into NEWARKE.

WEE, the Committee of both Kingdomes, being sent and Authorized, to use our best endeavours for the Towne and Garrison of Newarke doe hereby, in the name of both Houses of the Parliament of Eng­land, and for the use of the King and Parliament, de­mand of you, that you forthwith Surrender the same in­to their Hands. It is the pious care of the Parliament to preuent the effusion of Christian blood, the wasting of the Countries, and the destruction of Towns; wee shal esteeme our selves happy in being instruments to avert those miseries; and shall therefore grant to you, the Gentlemen, with you, and the Towne; honourable and faire conditions, which if you shall now neglect, and will let nothing but experimentall sufferings declare un­to you your unavoydable ruine; you are to give an ac­compt to God, to this present age and to posteritie, for all the blood that shall from henceforth be shed, for wasting your Native and Neighbouring-Counties, and destruction of so considerable a place. You may not, nor can any (in reason) expect, and most assuredly, on the faith of honest men, you shall not hereafter observe from us such tearmes as wee are now willing to afford you. Wee sent no Summons untill you, & all with you, might see wee were able by force to obtaine what wee may rather defend by Treatie. The Parliament have at present 16000 horse and foot before your Town, Soul­diers of experience united, and in health and courage: [Page 8] This is no wayes mentioned, as if wee trusted in the Arme of flesh; (God the Lord of hosts hath manifested that wee fight his battells) but to shew you the vast ex­pence which will be occasioned by the continuance of this Siege, for which your estates must answer, and that your holding out may no further tempt the Almightie. And though you should not regard, your owne ruine, though some others should be of that your opinion; shall yet that wealthy Town be sucked, and others perish with you that see their own misery, and would avoyd it? A prudent man, a Souldier cannot live or dye, in reputa­tion or peace of spirit, to maintaine a place not so long tenable, as till it can be relieved, of which you cannot have the least hopes. Flatter not your selves, reliefe is not to be had; Chester was neerer succours, and considerable Armies for them in the West, and in Wales, now scarce seen what remaines of either: was not that strong Ci­tie of most great importance? were they not very often promised? did not all assurance to be relived come to them? they had none, that place is surrendred. Your wealth, if you rightly consider in what state you are, promoves your sudden & certain destructions. You are prepared in some things for defence; you know (and we know) you are not for some other. Consider these things seriously, and you cannot out through them, see your ruine to be inevitable if you do not avoyd it, by at­tempting what is now offered. Wee will expect your answer on Monday next, by seven of the clocke in the forenoon at Balderton.

Balderton, 2 [...] March, 1646.
For the Governour of the Town and Garrison of New­ark the Gentlemen there, and the Major, Aldermen, and Burgesses of that Town.
Signed in the name, and by the Warrant of the Committee of both Kingdomes. Rutland Lothdam.

A Copie of the Governour of Newarks Answer.

HAving received a Paper, subscribed by the Com­mittee of both Kingdomes, directed as to a Com­mittee-Governour, by putting the Gentlemen and Corporation in equall ballance with me (though the joying us together was the intention to divide us) I shall in answer thereof, desire you to reflect upon the Kings Letter of the 23 of March, sent to the two Hou­ses of Parliament, which I received from your owne Quarters, wherein a full compliance with all their de­sires, upon the most gracious conditions that ever Prince propounded: he offers to disband his Forces, and to dismantle his Garrisons; to what end then doe you demand that of the stewards, whereof the Lord & Master maks a volentary tender? I conceive it my du­ty to trace his commands, not to out-strip rhem; so that though honour and conscience would permit the delivery, yet cruelty would retard it, least his Majesties act of Grace be frustrated by my over-hasty speed. I shall waite the arguments wherewith you indeavour to winne my consent, I am neither to be stroked into A­postacy, by the mention of faire Conditions in a un­justly motion, nor to be frighted into dishonour by your ruing division upon the fate of Chester, for as I doe not measure my allegiance by my intrest to the former, so I deserv'd that poverty of spirit, as by resemblance of Chester to suffer by example, I can be loyall without that Copie, and I hope this Garrison shall never be the transcript of their calamity, you may doe well to use [Page 10] your fortune modestly, and think not that God Al­mighty doth applaud your Cause by reason of your victories, and that he hath not a blessing in store for ours, whereas you urge the expence of the siege, and the pressures of the supporting your charge, since occasio­ned by your selves, I am not concerned in it, yet in or­der to their ease, if you will grant a Passe to some Ge [...] ­tlemen to goe to the King, and returne, I may then know his Majesties pleasure, whether according to his Letter he will wind up the businesse in generall, or leave me to steere mine owne course, then I shall know what to determine; otherwise, I desire you to take no­tice, that when I received my Commission for the go­vernment of this place, I annexed my selfe as a labell to my trust.

J. BELASSYSE.
Newark, 31 March, 1646.
To the Committe of both Kingdomes.

A letter from an Officer at Abingdon.

SIR.

LAst night wee drew out, and this morning fell into the Ene­mies Quarters at Faringdon, where wee routed the whole Body of the Kings Horse, and tooke about 300 Horse and Prisoners, di­vers Officers, with others that wee tooke on Sunday, and at other times this weeke, and some that have come in, will amount to 500 Horse, Prisoners, and Armes, and the Enemy so routed and disper­sed, that of 900 Horse none dare appeare in sight, they in Oxford are so distracted hereat, that they know not what to doe; wee heere that Portland Castle is surrendred to Captaine Battaime, there were some 80 men it, who are gone home, Ordnance, Armes, and Ammunition there were good store: I hope now the Warrs are neere an end, so prayes your Servent

Abingdon, this April the 3. 1646.
J. T.
FINIS.

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