The second Intelligence from his Excellency his Quarters before Reading.
SInce my last of the eighteenth of this instant, divers things have faln out; the most remarkable in their nature, and the most certain in the truth, I shall acquaint you with. From other parts that which we understand, is this, That the Close at Lichfield is surrendred to Prince RUPERT, but upon as good termes as could be expected; their Powder was spent, which made them uncapable of resistance; and after much mischief done to their enemies, many slain, and more hurt, they had liberty to march away with Bag and Baggage; from whence we and [Page 2]our friends with us may conclude the hazzard and difficulty of Sieges. Sir WILLIAM WALLER lies behinde Prince MAURICE, ready to wait upon him as he moves this way: the last we heard of them was, that Sir WILLIAM WALLER was at Tewksbury, the Prince at Sudeley; but now we are informed Prince MAURICE is come to Oxford, and our Quarters are intended. As for our own affairs, they stand thus: as for the town, we understand the state of it, to be full of wants, both of provision and ammunition; the Welchmen have already feasted with a horse or two, and those lean ones, in regard that horse-meat hath much failed of late, which occasioned an endeavour of the Horse to go away on Saturday night; but but they were stopt by the Foot: so like wise for their ammunition, they want powder, but bullets more, shooting very seldome, and very strange shot, as stones, & such like. The Governour is by all sorts confessed to be wounded; some say; shot in the neck, others, bruised by the fall of a stone from a house; but [Page 3]he is so ill, that he executes not his place, which causes much confusion and distraction among them. Some of the Town have come out, and informed us to this purpose, & that they had an intent to leave the town; which it's like enough they would have done, had it not been as hazardous as their stay, in regard of our Quarters. We took prisoner on Sunday morning a servant of Sir LEVVIS DIVES, who was sent to give the Town notice of ammunition coming to them; he swam over the river and back again, but was intercepted, and the Supply was prevented by some Troupes of horse of ours, and Colonel BARKLAYS Regiment, and 200. of Colonell HOLBORNES, who lay in the way about Cavesham: We likewise tooke a fellow equally guilty of folly and knavery; he was once of the Lord ROBERTS his Regiment, and ran away to the enemy, and was now hired to blow up our Magazine, as himself confesses, but knew no way, as he says, but to throw a light match into a barrell, supposing he should have found [Page 4]one open; he was to have had five pound for his paines; but now instead of that a halter. Yesterday hearing that the King was advancing this way to the reliefe of the Towne with what Force he could make up, which is not much in the absence of his Parties: We sent a strong Party of Horse and Dragooners, under the command of Colonell MIDDLETON, who at a place called Dorchester, seven or eight miles from Oxford, surprized the Kings Regiment of Foot, now again under the command of Colonell WIL. VAVASOUR, that man of honour, by whose losse if we can gain so much wisdome as to trust no more of them upon their lost reputation, we shall make a good bargain; who, though he was not there present, his Captain and Lievtenant were taken, the Standard againe indangered, about 100. horse taken, and sixty or thereabouts (some say more) slain, and about 50. prisoners; and Captain WATSON the Kings Gentleman Harbinger was taken providing for the Kings march that way; which it may be this [Page 5]defeat will a little retard, if not disappoint; which yet we shall provide for: The advantage could not with safety be pursued, in regard of their whole Body, which was but two miles distant: But we are thankfull for this, and hope ere long to affoord you more and better newes. We received your provisions, which were very welcome; but there must be speciall care taken in laying a setled way for money, which must hold us together. You think that victuals should stop mens mouths, but that alone will not serve the turn. If GOD prosper us in our endeavour against this Town, I hope the reputation of it will draw in both your good opinion and supplies. Howsoever things fall out, timely care and provision prevents distractions and discouragements. We have some little addition of Dragoons coming from Bedfordshire, and are in expectation of your gallant Sheriffe, who hath a just and great interest in our esteem here. You have heard many reports, some slanders of my Lord GRAYES Forces, which I doubt not [Page 6]but after their time allowed for their entrance, vvill shevv themselves good men, as they look to be; they had the accession of a Regiment on Saturday. Sir JOHN MELDRUM, that diligent and adventerous Colonell is sent to them vvith his Regiment, vvho vve doubt not by his example and incouragement vvill do much good. It is somthing a hot service for young souldiers, but custome vvill make it easie. I vvill detaine you no longer; the next nevves I vvrite vvil be of moment; for doubtlesse vve shall do somthing upon the tovvn, or the King upon us, vvhich vve vvonder he hath not done all this vvhile.
The LORD direct and prosper us, and guide our concerned friends to the understanding and acting that vvhich may be most for their and our advantage.
Farevvell.