THE state of things here are in a good conditi­on, and quiet, the Malignants seeme to stand in greater awe of the Par [...]iament then ever, as ap­pears by their not scandalizing the Parliament and Army, with such opprobious language, and notorious fictions and lyes, as heretofore they were wont to infect this Island with, to the great dishonour of the wel-af­fected, and incouragement of the discontented Party; onely they expresse some [...]opes that the wind will [...]n, as they say, and that once again they shall [...]ave occasion, to use their en­deavour, in revenging themselve upon the Parliament, the [Page 2] Army, and those that do adhere unto them. When the news came first hither, that the Apprentices were risen in a tumult, and that a party of them had gotten Arms and sei­zed on the City gates, with an intent to disarm the well affe­cted of the City, and to fall upon his Excellency the Lord Generals Forces, and so to possesse themselves with the strength of the Town, this so awakened them, and [...]evived fainting and decaying spirits, that they were almost ready to shew themselves in their proper colours. But in the spice of lesse then a day, by that time the newes past for ce [...]tain tho­rough the Island, newes was brought that his Excellencies Forces had entred the City, routed and disarmd the muti­neers, taken and app [...]hended many of them, throughly quiet [...]d and setled the disturbances and tumults over all the City, this was such a co [...]ler to them, and strook them in such a melancholy dump, that ever since, they sca [...]ce dare to utter a word, but for fear begin to pull in their horns again, and shew themselves as gentle as tame birds pend up in a cage.

The Bowling alley made for His Majesties use is altoge­ther finished, it is a very compleat one, and pleaseth the King exceeding well, the Bowls being brought thither, His Maje­sty was very merry at play with Collonel Hammond our Governour, and is very free in his expressions to the Gover­nour and other Officers, but appears well pleased with His attendants and other accommodations.

Also, His Majesty being very merry at play with Collo­nel Hammond the Governour, Major Cromwell, Collonel H [...]rbett, Mr. Mildemay and others, His Majestie expressed himself very freely unto them, and His Majestie was pleased to say, that we are fools, and do not play our game well, and demanded▪ saying what are ye afraid of? Also, he further said, that an Armie of twentie thousand resolute men in Eng­land, with this Island, and the command of the shipping at [Page 3] Sea, may oppose all the kingdomes in the world, neither need they fear any conspiracie at home, nor any incursion or invasion from abroad, but might themselves enjoy the grea­test peace and tranquilitie of any Nation in the world, giving very good reasons for it, which I will over passe, and he al­so said, that if he had our game to play, he would not have plaid such a p [...]ece of play as we have done, but hee would have made other and better improvement of it.

His Majestie sometimes in a merry way, speaks in dislike of the Marquesse of Argile and his partie in Scotland, also it seems that His Majestie hath no good opiion of the Scottish Nation, neither reposeth any great trust in them, nor expects any great fidelity from them, for in his merrie discourse, his Majestie is pleased to say that they are Traitours, and the Scots cowa [...]ds. When [...]e discourses of the condition and state of things, and what is or may be done, His Majestie speaks eatraordinary warily, and with a great deal of discre­tion, and still gives solid and well graunded reasons for what he speaks, and it is verily supposed His Maj [...]stie is in great hopes that he shall be admitted to come to His Parliament, for sometimes he expresses as much. Also it is thought, that this conceit of His is the cause that he is now so much mer­rier then he formerly hath been.

Also, His Majestie enquires much after the proceedings of the Parliament of Scotland, and seems greatly to mislike the the prevalencie of the Clergie under the Presbyteriall Go­vernment, as if they carried with them a more uncontrouled and unlimited power and jurisdiction, then was lately exer­cised by the Prelates of England. It hath been lately repor­ted here, that the Governour of Plimouth will not deliver up the Town to Sir Hardresse Waller, whom it is said was orde­red by the Generall to have the command of the said Town, but we take it to be but the sp [...]ech of those that would have it so, rather then for any reall truth.

[...]t is likewise reported▪ that there is a Treaty in France with the Queen of Englands Agent, and some of that Kingdome, for the advancing of monies upon the credit of the Prince of Wales his person. This is the most observeable newes that for the present I can acquaint you with; the next returne you shall hear further, and till then and ever

MAjor Gen. Laughorns men are orderly, and willing to disband, Col. Poyer increaseth his number and his insolence. It is reported that a Fri­got is come into Milford Haven, and designed for France; but this report doth carry but little probability, howsoever it seems that the Frigot hath got a second to assist it, by meanes whereof, they often adventure forth, and are coasting up & down to discover any Marchants ships, and make prize of all they take, Col. Poyer hath newly forti­fi [...]d the Castle, and brought into it great store of provision and ammunition, and other things ne­cessary both for life and death.

Col. Horton is supposed to be very neere Pem­broke, [Page 5] and that our Forces are ingaged with him, it is reported that the Parliament hath commanded a great party of Horse and Foot to reduce the said Castle, this report being spread over all the Coun­try, caused Poyer, as it is said, to thrust to much pro­visions into the Castle, as will maintain a siege for above one year.

Letters from Pendennis in Cornwal say, That Sir Hardress Waller, Governour of the said Castle, being commanded from thence for some other service, according to order, left the government of the Castle to another, but returning thither again, he gave the Governour to understand, that he had an order from his Excellency to have the govern­ment of that Castle again, but the Governour told him, that he would not deliver [...] the Castle with­out order from the Parliament. Whereupon Sir Hardress Waller prepared to besiege him, upon which col Forte [...]ue, the Govetnour, desired him to save the effusion of bloud, and to wi [...]hdraw ten miles off the Castle, till he could send to the parl, and know their intentions.

The Fort Royal here was in great danger to be surprized on Thursday last, by a party of the Ca­valry, but miraculously prevented, of which more by the next.

Brist [...]l 14. April, 1648.

THe Committe of Danger declared their opi­nion on Saturday in the Afternoon, That they found the breach of Covenant by England, as they pretend, to consist in 7. Articles, but the Report of the Remedies▪ or whither, or not, Warre shall fol­low, is thought to be resolved upon. F or here is great preparations for war, and an Army is raising, to be conducted and commanded by the Earle of Calender, who is appointed to be General. Divers Proposals and Demands are agreed upon, to bee sent to the Parliament of England, viz. 1. Concer­ning the solemn League and Covenant. 2. concer­ning the Kings Majesty, and the bringing of him to his Palace at Westminster. And 3. concerning a Treaty with his Majesty.

Edinburgh 13. of April 1648.