Exceeding Happy and Joyfull Newes from the Kings Maiesty, and the Prince his Highnesse at Shrewesbury.
Together with His Majesties Demands of the Knights, Gentry and Commonalty of Shropshire, pro [...]ounded to the Maior of Shrewesbury, Septem. 24.
Brought from Shrewesbury by the last Post, Sept. 24.
Whereunto is annexed,
His Maiesties Speech and Protestation, made in the head of His Army, betweene
Stafford and
Wellington, the 19. of
Septem. After the reading of His Orders.
LONDON, Printed for H. Blund: Sept. 27.
Exceeding Joyfull Newes from the Kings most Excellent Majesty at
Shrewesbury.
THe Right Honorable Robert Earle of Essex having information and intelligence by divers Letters frō Mr. Fines, now resident neere the City of Worcester, with about the number of 600. Dragooneers, that Prince Robert was come thither with many Troopes of Horse, and [Page 2]that his Majesty were allso coming theither with most of his forces, desiring him that he would be pleased to aduance his fooces from warwick and those parts towards the saide City of worcester for the safeguard and securyty of the same: Relating also the inhumane acts and barbarus cruelties of the cavaleers which they dayly committed and excuted upon the Kings Majesties true Subjects, saying that they were all Round-heads that would not use the good word of God Dam-me.
It was also set downe, that His Majesty doth daily amongst his owne Forces and the Inhabitants where they reside, make Speeches unfolding his minde to them concerning these warlike affaires, and certifying to them that he will live and dye in his said Resolution, and will maintaine the True Protestant Religion, the Lawes of the Land, and the property of the Subject.
Hee also certified the said Earle, that Prince Robert begins to fire and burne downe many houses; and that he is now planting of divers Ordnance upon the walls of the City of Worcester and that he is now making and raising of great Bulwarkes and Fortifications neere to the said City, giving out many threatning speeches against those that will not subscribe nor condescend to his desires and strict demands.
The said Letters also signified, that most of the Cavaliers in divers Counties were resolved and determined to assemble together and to march towards the said City of Worcester, because it is supposed, that the Earle of Essex and His Royall Majestie hath appointed to have a generall meeting neer the said City with all their Forces, and then to conferre upon the Affaires of this Kingdom and both houses of Parliament which are now in debate between the great Coutcell of this Kingdom, [Page 4]And His Royall and sacred Majesty, but the Cavaleers have already given out, that before there shall be any agreement, or happy conclutions these present distractions, betwixt his Majesty and his Excelencie the Earle of Fssex, that they will each man losse their lives, and adventure their persons in opposition of the same, but let all good Christians prayers ascend up to the Almighty, who is the Ruler of every Battell, and the greatest. Generall over all Armies, that hee would be so graciously pleased to send downe his holy Spirit to guide and direct his Royall Majesty (the King of Great Britaine) that he may at the said meeting with His Excellence the Earl of Essex, Lord Generall of the Parliaments Forces, agree and conclude upon such Articles of peace that may advance to the Glory of Gods true Religion, and the peace and union of this distracted Kingdome, that so with unity and concord His Majesty and the Honourable [Page 5]Court of Parliament may have a happy and blessed meeting, to settle this Kingdome in its owne posture, to which let all good people say Amen.
It is credibly reported about the Westerne Countries that His Majesty is resolved to have a Treaty with the Earle of Essex, and to conclude upon such matters as shall be for the glory of Gods true Religion, but the day appointed is not yet knowne: His Majesty upon the 23 of September came to Shrewesbury, and at his comming thither propounded these following propositions:
The Maior and Gentry of the said town condescended to them, being to this effect. 1. That he was resolved to make that City his place of residence for some certaine time. 2. That His desires was that they would be pleased to resigne the Magazine of that County into His Majesties custody, which was done and performed accordingly.
His Majesties Speech and proteslaiion, made in the Head of his Army, 19. Sept. After the reading of His Orders.
YOu have heard these Orders read; It is your part in your severall places to observe them exactly: The time cannot be long before we come to Action, therefore you have, the more reason to be careful: And I must tell you, I shall be very severe in punishing of those, of what condition soever, who transgresse these Iustructions. I cannot susnect your Courage and Resolution; your Conscience and your Loyalty hath brought you hither to fight for your Religion, your King, and the Laws of the Land; You shall meer with no Enemies, but Traitors; most of them Brownists, Anabaptists, and Atheists, such who desire to destroy both Church and State, and who have already condemned you to ruine for being loyall to Vs That you may see what use I mean to make of your va [...]our, if it please God to blesse it with successe I have thought fit to publish my Resolution and Protestation, which when you have heard me make, you will beleeve you cannot sight in a better quarrell; In which I promise to live and dye with you.
I Doe promise in the presents of Almighty God, and as J hope for his Blessing and Protection. That I will defend and maintaine the true Reformed Protestant Religion, established in the Church of England; and by the Grace of God in the same wil live and die. I desire to governe by The known Laws of the Land, and that The Liberty and property of the Subject may he by them preserved with the same Care as my owne just Rights. And if it please God by his blessing upon this Army raised for my necessary defence, to preserve my from this Rebellion, I do solemnly and faithfully Promise in the sight of God, to maintaine The Iust Priviledges and Freedome of Parliament, and to govern by The knowne Laws of the Land to my vtmost Power, and particularlyo observe inviolably The Laws consented to by me this Parliament, In the meane while, If this time of Watre, and the great necessity and straits I am now driven to beget any violation of those. J hope it shall be imputed by God and Man to the Authors of this War, and not to me who have so earnestly laboured for the preservation of the Peace of this Kingdome.
When I willingly faile in these particulars, J will expect no aide or reliefe from any man or protection from Heaven; But in this Resolution I hope for the cheerefull assistance of all vood men, and am confident of Gods blessing.