BEcause your ancient and well appro­ved faithfulnesse speakes it selfe through the Kingdome; I have thought good to communicate the state of our affaires in this County unto you: which is thus.

When wee understood that our proclaimed ene­mies (the Scots) were drawing towards us, even to fall upon this Nation when it was weak; as hee did, on his Brother (and this Esa is Edom, red and [Page 2] bloody) or as those brethren in iniquity, did upon the Shechamites, when they were sore. We thought all lay at stake, and the God of our mercies awa­kened us here, to see what might be done for our safety; wee tryed what volunteers would appear, which were not a few, that tendred themselves and their own horses, and those that wanted wee horsed upon those that were dissenters; insomuch that (by the blessing of God) wee have mounted a considerable number for so inconsiderable a County, and shall be able to march with a good strength very suddenly: and this course we have and doe propound with all earnestnes to all our neighbouring Counties; not waiting upon the customary way of pay and quarter, which would retard us, and such a work as this.

Wee had our men so willing to goe forth as if they should finde theit wages in their worke; yea, though in the highest of their harvest, and this un­seasonable weather; At our meeting a March be­ing propounded, they cryed, ONE AND ALL.

Sir, Wee are prest forwards hereunto by the violent call of necessities surrounding us; nor can wee be blamed for neglecting some punctilioes, since selfe-safety, and our present preservation admit no delay.

It would rejoyce our hearts to see English blood stirring in the veignes of men at this juncture; pro­fessing [Page 3] to your selfe that your honourable carriage in order to the good of this poor shattered Nati­on makes us to assure you, we can (through mer­cy) readily live and dye with you upon your pi­ous and noble principles.

I have inclosed sent you a Copy of the last from Lancashire, whereby you may judge of the inhumane temper of the enemy, and the sad con­dition of our friends.

I wish every Tribe in Israel had this laid at their doors. Alas (Sir) did these men bring to us more Holines, Justice▪ Truth, and faithfulnesse, or ra­ther did they not undermine that Gospel, they say they come to settle; wee would meet them with open armes and bended knees: But I wish their in­viters hither doe not feel to their cost the ill con­sequence of the bargaine.

Sir, (with our worthy Neighbours in the East­erne Association, or any others like minded) wee resolve (by Gods help) rather to dye free Eng­lish men, then to live hewers of wood, and drawers of water to base men whose mercies are Cruel­ties.

Our Horse appearing last Munday at our Ren­dezvouz, were neer three thousand, all of this County; who expressed much forwardnesse in this service, ambitiously desiring to be in action, waiting only upon a call, which we daily expect from our friends in the North, and for which wee [Page 4] making our selves ready upon an hours warn­ing.

My request unto your selfe, and all honest Eng­lish hearts is, that you send us all the help you can through your prayers; and I beseech you to conti­nue to improve your interest in Heaven and Earth to preserve a Kingdome, that must be saved a­gainst its will, for which God hath so immediat­ly and even miraculously spoken from Heaven within three or 4 months last past, in curbing the malice of men, appearing in such desperate tu­mults every where: The Great Monnuments whereof remain in these places, viz. London, Nor­wich, South-Wales, Kent, Bury, Willoby, Kingston, Needs, Hereford, Shropshire, Stafford, Nottingham, Woodcraft, Scarborow Yarmouth, Tinmouth, Cum­berland, Bristall, Isle of weight, Chester, Exceter, North-wales and Cambridge, &c.

Oh that men would see these wonders, and bow before the Lord that hath smiten them, and trem­ble before his foot-stool.

To whose grace I commend you, and all the faithfull with you. I remain

SInce I degan to write the Scots are beaten, twelve thousand prisoners are taken; their Ar­my broken: three thousand Horse of theirs where Duke Hambleton is, we are this morning pursuing with my forces, who bend towards the North: but are in desperate confu­sion, wee hope to give agood ac­compt of them.