PROPOSITIONS Sent in a LETTER FROM Lieu. Gen. Cromwell AND His Officers, to the Lords and Com­mons of the Committee of Derby-house.

And by them presented to the House of COMMONS: And by them Read, and referred to a COMMITTEE.

Die Sabbati Novemb. 19. 1648.

ORdered by the Commons in Parliament assembled, that this Letter from Lieutenant Generall Cromwell, be referred to the Committee of the Army, to make provisions of the particulars therein desired and mentioned.

H. Elsynge, Cler. Parl. D. Com.

Printed by Robert Ibbitson, in Smithfield, neer the Queenes-head Tavern, 1648.

‘HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE’
Die Sabbati 19 Novemb. 1648.

1. ORdered by the Commons in Parliament assembled, that this Letter from Lieu­tenant General Cromwel, be referred to the Committee of the Army, to make provisions of the particulars therein desired and mentioned.

2 Ordered by the Commons in Parliament As­sembled, That the Lievtenant of the Ordnance, be required to make provisions of, and issue out of the publique stores, two hundred and fifty barrels of pouder, for the service of the siege against Pom­fret, and Scarborough Castles, and that they be likewise required, to provide and issue, such can­non [Page 2]bullet and ball, as the Committee of the Army shall give order for.

H. Elsynge Cler. Parl Dom. Com.

A Letter read in the House of Commons from Lieut. Generall Cromwell, Presented by the Committee at Derby-House, to whom it was directed.
For the Right Honourable the Com­mittee of Lords and Commons sitting at Derby-House these present.

My Lords and Gentlemen,

SO soon as I came into these parts, I met with an earnest desire from the Committee of this Coun­ty, to take upon me the charge here, for the redu­fing of the Garison of Pomfret.

I received also commands from my Lord Gene­rall, to the same effect.

I have had the sight of a Letter to the House of Commons, wherein things are so represented, as if this siege were at such a passe, that the prize were al­ready gained: In consideration whereof, I thought fit to let you know what the true state of this Garrison [Page 3]is, as also the condition of the Country, that so you may not think my desire for such things as would be necessary to carry on this work, unreasonable.

My Lords,
The Castle hath been victualled with two hundred and twenty or forty fat Cattle, within these three weeks, and they have also gotten in (as I am credibly informed) Salt enough for them and more. So that I apprehend, they are Victualled for a twelve month: The men within are resolved to endure, to the utmost extremity, expecting no mercy, as indeed they de­serve none.

The place is very well known to be one of the strongest inland Garisons in the King­dome, well watered, situated upon a rock in every part of it, and therfore difficult to Mine The walls very thick and high, with strong Towers, and if battered, very difficult of ac­cesse, by reason of the depth and steepnesse of the Graft. The Country is exceedingly im­poverished, not able to bear free quarter, nor well able to furnish provisions, if wee had moneys. The work is like to be long, if ma­terials be not furnished answerable. I there­fore think it my duty, to represent unto you as followeth, Viz.

  • 1 That monies be provided for three [Page 4]compleat Regiments of Foot, and two of Horse.
  • 2 That Money bee provided for all contingencies, which are in view too ma­ny to innumerate.
  • 3 That five hundred barrels of pow­der, six good battering Guns, with three hundred shot to each Gun, bee speedily sent down to Hull.
  • 4 Wee desire none may bee sent lesse then Demy-Canon.
  • 5 We desire also some match & bullet
  • 6 And if it may be, we should be glad that two or three of the biggest Morter­peeces with shels may likewise be sent.

And although the desires of such proportions may seeme costly, yet I hope you will judge it good thrift, es­pecially if you consider that this place hath cost the Kingdome, some hun­dred [Page 5]thousands of pounds already.

And for ought I know, it may cost you one more, if it be trifled withall, besides the dishonour of it, and what other danger may be immergent, by its being in such hands.

It is true, here are some two or three great Guns in Hull, and hereabouts, but they are unserviceable: And your Garisons in Yorkeshire are very much unsupplyed at this time.

I have not as yet drawn any of our Foot to this place, only I make use of Col. Fairfax, and Col. Maleveries Foot Regiments, and keep the rest of the Guards with the Horse, purposing to bring on some of our Foot to mor­row.

The rest being a little dispersed in Lincolne & Nottinghamshires, (these [Page 6]parts being not well able to bear them) for some refreshment, which after so much du­ty they need, and a little expect.

And indeed, I would not satisfie my self, nor my duty to you and them, to put the poore men at this season of the year to lye in the field, before we be furnished with Shooes Stockings, and Cloathes, for them to cover their nakednesse (which we heare are in pre­paration, and would be speeded). And un­till wee have Deale boards to make them Courts of Guards, and tools to cast up works to secure them.

These things I have humbly represented to you, and waiting for your resolution and command, I rest

Your most humble Servant O. CROMVVELL.
Knottingley 15 Novemb. 1648.
FINIS.

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