THe Lord Hopton with 20 Sayle of ships, lies floting up and downe the Brittish Coast; insomuch that no ships can passe nor escape his fury; For, on Tuesday last a Fleet of Marchants sayling towards the Lands-End, were set upon by the Hoptonians, who coming within shot of them gave them a broad side; [Page 2]but were answered with the like volley from them a­gain; insomuch, that they came to a hot dispute, the fight continuing many hours, and after the exchange of severall tokens from the Sons of Mars, the L. Hopton held off, refusing to fight any longer, and steered to­wards the Isle of Scilley; the famous ship called the Cul­pepper, & about 6 more chased them about 2 leagues, sunk three of them, the rest escaped: in this fight many were slain and wounded on both sides, and one of the Marchants ships sunk also, above 100 Mariners sacrifi­cing their lives in this engagement. The fight being en­ded, the Marchants Fleet hoysted sayl, & steerd toward the Lands-End; which being done, the Lord Hopton put to Sea again, and (being thirsty of revenge) after few hours sayl, he espyed a prey, who with fury and rage made towards them, gave them a broad side, surroun­ded them (although 8 in number) insomuch that three of them were close beset, and severall times ready to board; but by their undanted courage and gallantry repulsed them, disputed the Onset, and were in a good way to have got safe from them, but a supply of more shipping coming afterwards from Scilley, joyned with the first Squadron, who by their great potency and strength overpowred them boarded the ships, seized on all the goods and marchandize, tying every man back to back, shutting them under Decks, and carryed them prisoners to the Isle of Scilley, where they now remain under the barbarous restraint of Sir George Carteret, the Governour; God in his due time restore them to liberty, and grant them patiense, in this their time of affliction.

If speedy and timely supplies of shipping be not hast­ned forth, it is to be feared, they will become sole ma­sters [Page 3]of the Brittish Seas. Since their taking of the late prize, they have met with another Bristoll ship, richly laden with cloth, which the Lord Hopton hath distri­buted amongst the sea-men and souldiers. He is now sayled towards Milford Haven, but by the way, hee struck in at a Creek neer Pendennis, where he landed many of his men for the fetching in of provision, and other accommodation; but before they could facili­ate and accomplish their Design, the Parliaments For­ces at Pendennis having notice thereof, a considerable party of Horse and Foot were forthwith commanded out, who hastned to welcome their coming in, and en­deavoured to get between them and the water, for the intercepting of their passage; but through the maligni­ty of the Cornish-men their design was almost fru­strated; for after few hours march they were disco­vered, and the Enemy in a posture to receive them, who upon their neer approach saluted each other with the tokens of Mars, and after a hot conflict the Hoptoni­ans retreated within command of their Ships, our men pursued, kiled 19. wounded many, and made good their retreat with the losse of 7 men. Their Ordnance did much retard our pursuit, by which meanes most of them got safe aboard having many Boats in readi­nesse to receive them; otherwise few of them had e­scaped: some of the Land souldiers deserted them at their coming ashore, who say, That the Lord Hopton is commander in chief of that Squadron, and of all the Land forces thereunto belonging, and that his Colours (or Ensigns) are yelow, with black bulers in the midst, and on the top thereof, this Motto written in Chara­cters of Gold, For Charles the second.

On the 26 of this instant we received intelligence that 21 English ships are lately seized on at Sea, by Pr. Rupert and his Associats; some of whom were of great value: the custome thereof, and the two the French took in the straits amounting to above 20000. l. Di­vers other ships have been also seized on neer Rie, Ha­stings, and other places.

On the 28. a great storm arose in the hearts of ma­ny throughout the Cities of London and West minster, occasioned by the apprehending of Lteut. col. Joh. Lil­burn, Mr. Overton, and others, vpon suspicion of being authors or dispersers of a book. entituled The second part of Englands new Chains, lately printed and disper­sed by those called Levellers: the House after many houres debate thereupon, voted the said Book treasona­ble, pernicious and of dangerous consequence.

Upon the apprehending of the aforesaid persons many jealousies arose in relation to a rising within the city for the rescuing of them from the power of the Souldiers; but their Guardiants conducted them safe to White Hall, and upon Thursday last the said Lieu. Col. Lilburn was brought before the Councel of State sitting at Derby house, and upon his examination, decla­red, That he was a true and cordiall lover of England's peace and freedom, that he would sacrifice his life for the [Page 6]preservation of the rights and liberties thereof, and that he would rather suffer a thousand tortures, then betray his trust, or desert his first principles and engagement. Some other of the Citizens were also examined, who gave very strange Answers, &c.

The Parliament have debated the businesse of Ire­land, and voted Lieu. Gen. Crumwell, Captain Generall of all the Forces which are to be expedited over for the reducement of that kingdom, and bringing of it to the obedience of Parl. He hath declared to the House his willingnesse and acceptance for this present expedi­on; and in order thereunto, several propositions were proposed and debated, a copy whereof followeth. 1 That such Reg. as go may have all their arrears audited, sta­ted, & Debenters given. 2 That visible security be given for so much as shal appear due, and to be paid to any Trustee or friend with whom the Debenter shall be left. 3 That such of the army as undertake shal have their Arrears from the year 1645. first paid. 4 That ou [...] of the six score thousand l. per mensem, appoin­ted for England and Ireland three moneths pay be carryed over with those that go. 5 The privat Soldier & non commission Officer to have two moneths pay of Arrears, and all Officers under Captains one moneths pay. 6 That Bristol, Chester. Le­verpool, Beumorris castle, the Isle of Anglesea, and Milford in South wales, be as Magazines for the Irish service. 7 That a sufficient number of ships bee employ'd on the Irish Coast. 8. That a Court of Admiralty may be erected at Dublin to prevent their frequent comming into England to dispose of prizes. 9 The pay of the Officers and Souldiers to be according to the Ieish establishment. 10. Provision to be made for mai­med souldiers, and the widdowes and orphans of those slain. 11. The Parl. forces in Ireland and those now going over to be under one establishmen. 12 That 5000 Quarters of Bread and 200. tun of salt and 200 tun of chees be transported with those that shall go over, &c.