The Flying Post. No. 1.
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The Flying Post: 3–10 May 1644. No. 1.
Conveying Weekly Packets to all Forraigne Nations, of the Proceedings of both Houses of Parliament, and the Armies in Great Britain
Gentlemen,
The too too many errours committed of late time by the irregularitie of the Presse, (which since by the wisedome of the Parliament, is in a great measure suppressed) which did run Weekly in severall Channels to the greatest part of Europe, in great dishonour to our English Nation; Have enforced this my Flying Post never to make stay, till it had intimated the same unto you, and fully vindicated this my Native Kingdome, by publishing a certain Weekly Intelligence of all Proceedings of our honourable Parliament, and unhappy wars of this Kingdome; wherein (though a well-wisher of his Excellence the Earle of Essex, and the Proceedings of Parliament) I shall write with the greatest indifferencie, truth, and modestie, as shall satisfie the impartiallest that reades me; attributing to the Enemy no other wise then Truth will warrant it, be it to their honour or shame according to their demerit. Therefore give me leave to beg your credence beyond Sea and elsewhere, as you finde me.
The first thing that offers it to your view, is the Intelligence of our Post from before York, (the second City in this kingdome) besieged by our Brethren of Scotland, and the ever tresnoble and valiant Lord Fairfax Generall of those Northern part, which informs us; That the Earl of Leven, the Lord Fairfax, and the Scottish forces, have (since the late escape of about 2500. Horse out of the said City) laid their Siedge close thereunto with about twenty thousand Horse and Foot; (being some miles distance before) Their approach Southward to the City was found very difficult, in respect the River Ouze had its intercurrent of them and City; but by the policy and industry of our Generals and their Soldiers, a Bridge was made at a place called Bishops Thorpe, two miles Southeast of York, (little did the Bishop thinke that at that place ever a Bridge should be made for the safe transport of those who are not in love with lawn sleeves and Popery.) After their safe conduct over the said River our English horse with some of the Scots foot, advanced with an undaunted courage to the Suburbs of the City, the Enemy who should have maintained the same retreated (after some few discharges) into three severall parts of the City, and left all their Corne and other provisions, and particularly the Corn at the Mill) standing on a place called Heworth Moore, halfe a mile distant from York. And further informed, that the Scots and English being possessed of all the Suburbs Southward of the said City even to Mickle Gate Barre (with Gods asistance) they doubt not but they shall give a good accompt of that Siedge, after few dayes are past.
As this our Post came from York to Hull, being inquisitive after the Government of the said Town, in the absence of the Lord Fairfax (who kept Garrison there) he informes us, that it is under the discreet carriage and command of Charles Fairfax (second Sonne to the Lord Fairfaxe, safely come from the Warres beyond Seas, whose gallantry and valour wil ever live to his great honour and fame in those wars, as his noble Fathers and Brothers Sir Thomas Fairfaxe in these, in this Kingdome) and by that Religious Gentleman Sir William Constable, and those other Commanders deputed to governe the Towne in the absence of the Lord Fairfax. And saith that Collonel Bellasis and Sir John Ravesden, are impatient of their restraint there. But till Sir John Savill be at liberty, they are not to be exchanged.
After these 2500. Horse escaped out of York, they fled to Newarke, 70. miles from thence (as they made the march) after whom Sir Thomas Fairfaxe and Sergeant Major Generall Lesley pursued to a Town called Ferrybridge twelve miles from York and afterwards to Rotheram and Sheffeild; But being informed by their Scouts and the Inhabitants of the said Towns, that the Enemy were fled from thence Southward, part of their Horse retreated to the Siedge again: Yet after the close Siedge to Yorke was laid, those two noble Gentlemen drew a strong party of horse and Foot thence, and therewith advanced Southward, to cleer the Country from all parties of the Enemy, and hinder the raising or rather forcing of the ignorant Countrymen adjacent. But they hearing that those Horse (though they had their General Passe for Newark (a Garrison Town of the Enemy) were refused to be admitted into that Garrison, and afterwards at Mansfield (a very Malignant Town) whereby they are forced to lye at great distance in little Villages in Nottinghamshire, where Derby and Notingham (Garrisons for the Parliament) their Horses make inroades daily into them, (being much weakned by their hard duty in York and great journey from thence) [and] are drawn down very near the escaped horse, with a great party of about four thousand horse and foot, the successe of which designe, we expect an expresse very suddainly.
The cause of the Enemies refusall to admit those Horse, may be easily discerned thus; That the Earle of Manchester having lately possessed himselfe of Lincoln (the Close then holding out (which since is taken)) and all his Forces lying in Nottinghamshire and elsewhere near Newark, to the number of 10000. at least; and doubtlesse having notice of Sir Thomas Fairfax approach thither might justly cause them to feare a Siedge, and therefore it was wisedome and providence in them, rather to let their friends perish then themselves, having sufficient force to man that place without them.
Upon the reading of severall letters in the House of Commons, it was ordered that the Committee for the advance of monies for the Scots Army, to provide all mony they can forthwith for their better encouragement; (for which purpose twenty thousand pound is in ready cash at Goldsmiths Hall) and to be sent downe with all speed, the ship staying here to transport it.
And further ordered that particular letters should bee drawne and sent from both Houses to the Scots Generall, the Lord Fairfax, and Sir Thomas Fairfax, in the acknowledgement of their faithfull services to the State. The next expresse was from Southwales, whereby it is likewise certified, that the successefull captain Swanly, and with the Governour of Pembroke have lately forced their passage in Carmarthenshire, taken one thousand five hundred prisoners with their Armes and Ammunition, and possessed themselves of the Town and strong Castle of Carmarthen, and hopes in a short time to subdue that County to the Parliament; this name of Swanley being a terror to all the heathenish Welchmen, as Sir William Wallers to all the Dammy Hoptonians.<ref>"Damn ye", meaning the author is accusing them of swearing and being of an irreligious nature</ref> The second part of his letter informes us of a ship taken also by him, she was laden with Rebels of Ireland, (which were to be landed to annoy Pembrokeshire) to whom hee tendred our nationall League and Covenant, and to so many as took the same, he gave quarter, but to the refusers their just demerit, which was the mercy of the main Ocean.
A packet from Plimmouth came, informing us that the enemy with much valour approached that Towne, and with as great resolution and valour the Garrison men sallyed out on Cornwall side, at a place called Saint Buttock, took two barrells of powder, about forty prisoners, and twenty horse, besides some Ammunition, all which they brought safe into Plymmouth.
From Sir William Wallers Army there hath been little Action thereby, onely skirmishing sometimes with parties that sally out from Bazing house, he hath sent four hundred foot (as is informed) for the releife of Lyme, which hath been long besieged by many Irish and Welch, but we expect dayly to heare of their releife.
About foure hundred of the enemies horse billitted at Salisbury, a party of 20. horse sallyed out of Southampton, most of them Salisbury men, and knowing well the place of the Sentinels duties took them, afterwards entred the Town, about three of the clock in the morning when the enemy were in bed took one Captaine, twenty eight horses, and fifteen prisoners, with rich baggage; and frighted the enemy insomuch that they deserted the Town, but having what they expected, they returnd with their booty to Southampton, having lost one of their party who was shot by a Sentinell.
Two letters were likewise read in the House of Commons, the one from the Lord Admirall to Vantrump, concerning the permitting of Armes bought by the Protestants of Flanders, to passe securely. And Vantrump his answer thereunto which was, that hee had received an expresse command from his Masters, that hee should not permit any Armes or Ammunition to passe from thence, and was sorry he could not grant his Lordships request, desiring his answer might be communicated to both Houses of Parliament, and the States Commissioners resident here, upon reading whereof, they were referred to the Committee of both Kingdomes.
My Lord Generals Forces part of them advanced on Munday, part on Tuesday, and part stay behind to guard the traine of Artillery, the City Regiments<ref>Regiments of the London Trained Bands</ref> lye neare London, expecting dayly his Excellencies commands to joyne with his party, and make an entire body; their place of Randezvous is not, nor will not be yet knowne, for many great reasons that may be given therein.
Thursday the ninth of May, His Excellence proclaimed by sound of Trumpet, that all his Commanders upon pain of cashiering, be gone to their Colour within 24. houres, most of his Excellencies Forces are now about Beckonsfield, and those with Sir William Waller, are to joyn and attend His Excellencies motion, to pursue the designe, which the honourable Committee of both Kingdomes have resolved on, and which is speedily to be put in execution.
The first resolution of a day of Rendevous near Oxford, though it failed (through the difficulty of businesse) yet it occasioned her Majesties remove from Oxford, for fear of a Siedge; who is now so sicke at Exeter, that a second Trumpet is come from Oxford for two of her Physitians to come to her, who are residing here, but the two honest well-affected persons dare not put faith in her Majestie, to be at libertie to come back again, in regard his Majestie (or rather those unworthy members about him,) clapped up my Lord Lowthian and other Gentlemen, no wayes ingaged in the warre, or in any contribution) yet kept them prisoners when they came out of duty and civility to wait on his Majesty, which hath so branded them at Oxford, that even their owne servants dare not put faith in such creatures.
It is certified from beyond seas, and if true, (I hope some letters will come next week from beyond seas, to confirm the same) that about 160. sayle of ships, are preparing at Bilbo in Spaine, and English and Dutch Pirates are taken up to conduct them (as it is said) into Saint Gro-Channell, or the Irish Channell, but it is rather conceived to seize upon the Islands of Gersey and Gernesey.
From the leagure before York it is certified by letters dated primo Maii instant, that the town hath often mutinied; that the Earl of Newcastle hath produced unto them the Kings letter, that he and the Parliament is in a manner concluded on Propositions for peace, and therefore wisheth them to hold out the town till they be fully agreed, that it may be delivered upon more honourable terms, you see what use our enemies make of Propositions. It were fit to dispatch them away to Oxford, but they are such as the Popish and Irish faction cannot like, and therefore must no be agreed unto by his Majesty.
For Lincoln, there are severall Relations in print of that gallant piece of service, performed by the Earle of Manchester; who lost Captain Egleby, and Captain Sanders, and two Lieutenants, and 40 Common soldiers in storming the Town, but took the Town and Close, and above 800. prisoners, and 1000. Armes, 8. peece of Ordnance, 200. quarters of Corn, 120. horse, and seven Collonels and Lieutenant Collonels, and about 28. Commanders more,
Collonel Sir Francis Fane
Collonel Bolles<ref>Charles Bolles</ref>
Collonel Sir Charles Dallison
Collonel Dedingfield
Lieutenant Collonel Browne
Major Chester
Captain Dalbie
Captain Bensford
These were some of them that were taken.
When the Earle summoned the Town, the Governour Fane returned this scornfull answer, Remember Newark, which so incensed the Foot, that they would storm it, or return in discontent; Saying, It was the basenesse of some of their Commanders that would not let them fight then (at Newark) when they offered it so freely, and when Sir John Meldrum was willing to it: And (as you see) they redeemed their honour, and are well fleshed to meete with Prince Rupert, if he advance to relieve York, begirt to the very Walles, that a very dog cannot escape out.
Thus much for forraigne newes. As for our proceedings of Parliament, I shall be very cautious and tender in divulging them, only in some few I will touch.
As first,
The Propositions for peace being all read over, they were afterwards debated by the Commons particularly, and perceiving the debate would take up much time, thereupon made an order that no particular businesse shall be heard or determined till the generall businesse of the Kingdom was debated, they have voted about ten of them, and we hope by such time as the Lord Generall be on his Advance towards Oxford, the Propositions will bee all concluded of, that so his Excellency may present them to his Majesty.
The States Ambassadours renewed their former Propositions to the Parliament, to perform all freindly office and service for the Parliament and Kingdome, as well at Oxford (where they had determined soone to goe) as here. And it was ordered that Master Speaker should returne them a thankfull and satisfactory answer, which was done accordingly.
Reasons was made by the Sub-Committee of the Militia sitting at the Savoy, that the Regiments of the Hamlets,<ref>Tower Hamlets Trained Bands</ref> Southwark,<ref>Southwark Auxiliaries</ref> and Westminster Auxiliaries, may have a Serjeant Major Generall over that Brigade, and the consideration thereof referred to the consideration, for the Militia of London.
An Ordinance for the payment of sixe Regiments lately gone forth of the Trained Band and Auxiliaries, under the command of the Lord Generall and Sir William Waller, according to the establishment of my Lord Generals Army (lately passed both Houses) for so long time as they shall continue forth, was read and past the House of Commons, and ordered to be sent up to the Lords for their concurrence.
A worthy member of the House of Commons refusing to pay Tunnage and Poundage tertio Caroli, (but what was setled by Act of Parliament) when few in England durst stand out against the Prerogative; had for his default and disobedience therein, yet obedience to the Law and Declaration of Parliament, his goods seized on to a great value, and hath ever since lost the benefit of his Trade. And upon debate of the same it was ordered, that the said Member should bee satisfied his dammage by reason of the seizure, and losse of Trade and cost and charges of Law in bringing the severall writs of repleiving to recover his goods.<ref> A writ of replevin is a procedure for recovering goods wrongfully taken</ref>
It was ordered by the House of Commons, that all Arreares of the weekly Assessements in the County of Surrey, should be allowed to maintain the Garrison of Farnham Castle, and a Regiment of that County.
It was also ordered, that a Letter should bee drawn and sent from both Houses to the Committee of Kent to continue out their horse under Sir William Waller, and that an Ordinance should passe both Houses for their pay, during their service.
The Lords sent down a message to the Commons, that according to the Lord of Hollands humble request, they had given him leave to attend upon my Lord Generall in his advance, and accordingly have granted his humble request, and desired their concurrence; but it was ordered negatively by the honourable House of Commons, and further ordered by them, that some Members of their House should attend my Lord Generall with that order, and inform his Excellency of the sence of the House concerning the said Lord.
It was further ordered, in regard that divers of the Auxiliaries in Sir William Waller’s Brigade (hired men) doe returne to London to see their freinds without leave of their Captain. That power shall be given to the Sub-committees of London and Westminster by the Militia, to inflict, severe and exemplary punishment on such as so offend.<ref> It seems that some members of the Trained Bands hired others to fight in their place; during the previous November Waller was deserted by many members of the London Trained Bands who accompanied him at that time, and he believed that "many of the souldiours were hirelings" (Waller to the Speaker of the House of Commons, 16 November 1643; Historical Manuscripts Commission, Thirteenth Report, Appendix, Part I. The Manuscripts of His Grace the Duke of Portland, Preserved at Welbeck Abbey. Vol. I, pp.154–156).</ref>
Published according to Order. London, Printed for Bernard Alsop, 1644.
Source: British Library, E.47[4]
Search tags: Basing (Bazing), Beaconsfield (Beckonsfield), Bilbao (Bilbo), Bishopthorpe (Bishops Thorpe), Captain Dalby (Dalbie), Charles Bolles (Collonel Bolles), David Leslie (Major Generall Lesley), Earl of Essex (Earle of Essex, Lord General, his Excellencie), Earl of Holland (Lord of Holland), Earl of Lothian (Lowthian), Earl of Manchester (Earle of Manchester), Earl of Warwick (the Lord Admirall), Guernsey (Gernesey), Irish Sea, Jersey (Gersey), Maarten Tromp (Vantrump) Micklegate Bar York (Mickle Gate Barre), Nottingham (Notingham), Ouse, Plymouth (Plimmouth, Plymmouth), River Ouse (Ouze), Rotherham (Rotheram), St Budeaux (Saint Buttock), Sheffield (Sheffeild), South Wales (Southwales), Southwark Trained Bands (Southwark Auxiliaries), Swanley, Tower Hamlets Trained Bands (the Regiments of the Hamlets)
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