TVVO LETTERS: The one from His Excellencie, Robert Earl of Essex, To Anthony Nicoll, Esquire, a Member of the House of Commons. The other from VVARVVICK-CASTLE, To Sir Samuel Luke at his Quarters: Concerning the state of the City of Gloucester.

Ordered by the Commons in Parliament, that these Letters be forthwith printed: H: Elsynge, Cler. Parl. D. Com.

Printed for Edward Husbands, Sept. 1. 1643.

To my much respected Friend, ANTHONY NICOLL, Esquire.

SIR,

THe cause of our lying still to day was, that the Clothes and Arms might be disposed, but prin­cipally, that Col: Harvey might not be too far engaged, who is mar­ching after with the Associated Forces, and I hope, will be neer us to morrow night; and then I doubt not, but we shall march without stop or stay. By the inclosed, you'l see what I hear from Warwick.

Your assured Friend, ESSEX.

For the HONORABLE, Sir Samuel Luke, AT HIS QuARTERS.

Honorable Sir,

I Sent an answer to yours of the 26. this morning, and in obedience to his Excellencies commands presently dispatched away a Mes­senger to Gloucester; since which [Page 5] time (i.) this day about Twelve of the clock, came hither Two sub­stantiall Men from the Town; by whom I perceived, none of those Messengers I formerly sent, came into the Town; yet they assured me, the Town was in a very good condition, and full of courage, ha­ving every day put the Enemy to much losse. Yesterday morning upon an outfall they killed Sir Ja­cob Astley (as the Souldiers report) I heard by a prisoner, that A Man of principall respect was killed: It was agreed between them and the Governour, at their coming away, That in case Relief were coming, they should this Night, about Twelve of the clock, make Fires [Page 6] upon Bredon-hill; which the Town was to answer, by doing the like upon the Colledge-Steeple; wher­upon I shewing them your Letter for their satisfaction, accommoda­ted them with Horses, and sent them speedily away, to put their Designe in execution.

Sir, I finde, the Kings Foot there are few, and those in very ill con­dition, so that whensoever the town makes a sally, the quarter they fall upon, runs without striking a blow; The Town hath not lost above Ten persons, of Men, VVomen, and Children, slain.

If in any thing I have a capacity [Page 7] to serve you, if you please to honor me with your commands, you shall finde ready and cheerfull obedience from

Sir,
Your affectionate humble Servant, Jo: BRIDGES.
Warwick-Castle, 28. Aug. about 9. at night.
FINIS.

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