Sieges of Brampton and Hopton castles/Correspondence during the siege of Brampton Castle in 1643

by Authors of the letters

Henry Lingen, Sir W. Pye and William Smallman to [Brilliana] Lady Harley, July 26

1643, July 26. — Our relations to your Ladyship make us careful to prevent if we can any further inconvenience to you, and therefore to that end we think lit to acquaint you that [as] Sir William Vavasour by his Majesty's command hath drawn his forces before your castle, with resolution to reduce it before he stirs from thence, your Ladyship may do well to take into your consideration the posture you are in. Bristol is taken by Prince Rupert and [he] is now before Gloucester. His Majesty's forces are successful everywhere, so that your Ladyship cannot hope for any relief, and upon these terms if your Ladyship should be obstinate we cannot promise and expect those conditions for you that are fit for your quality, especially my Lady Aubigney having been so ill-treated by the Parliament, neither any quarter for those that are with you, who further must look for all extremity upon their families and substance forthwith. Madam we wish you would take this seriously into your thoughts, and we expect a speedy answer. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Henry Lingen, High Sheriff, Sir Walter Pye and Mr. Smallman, July 26

1643, July 26. — Your relations to me which you are pleased to make mention of might have invited you to another piece of service than this that you are now come upon, in which if you should have your desire it would never crown you with honour before men, nor blessings from God. For Sir William Vavasour's drawing his forces before my house by the King's command, I dare not, I cannot, I must not, believe it, since it has pleased our most gracious King to make many solemn promises that he would maintain the laws and liberties of this kingdom. I cannot then think he would give a command to take away anything from his loyal subjects, and much less to take away my house. If Sir William Vavasour will do so I must endeavour to keep what is mine as well as I can, in which I have the law of nature, of reason, and of the land on my side, and you none to take it from me. For Bristol and Gloucester it is no precedent to me if they are taken, that I should give away what is mine. I believe I shall have more comfort in keeping my own to the utmost, than ever you will have in the least endeavour to take it away.

Sir William Vavasour to Lady Harley, July 28

[1643,] July 28. Wigmore Grange. — I took notice of your Ladyship's letter and denial upon Wednesday night with much regret, for I thought the demands made to you by those gentlemen who subscribed the letter were so reasonable that they could not have found contradiction from anybody, much less from a person of your wisdom and virtue. How your Ladyship can term yourself one of the King's loyal subjects, when either by your command or connivance at least, your rebels in your house have committed so many thefts, murders, and taken so many prisoners for no other cause than for being good subjects. Truly, madam, I don't understand those declarations you are pleased to mention of our gracious King are conditional, and comprehend only those who acknowledge his power and obey his commands, which if it please your Ladyship to do, by delivering up those rebels in your house, which you now endeavour to protect — and truly madam I must deal plainly with you — much in vain, for we will never suffer the King's power to be affronted by so small a part of the county, the dispute will end, for if you please not to withstand the right which God and the laws of the land have put into the King's hands. I shall deal fairly with you, madam. I am your servant, and to one so noble and virtuous am desirous to keep off all insolences that the liberty of the soldiers, provoked to it by your obstinacies, may throw you upon; yet if you remain still wilful, what you may suffer is brought upon you by yourself, I having by this timely notice discharged those respects due to your sex and honour. Copy.

Brilliaxa, Lady Harley to Sir William Vavasour, July 28

1643, July 28. — I have considered of your letter you were pleased to send this morning. For my denial to those reasonable demands you wrote of, I am ignorant of any demands they mean to offer to me, for sure I am they made none in their letter. Those gentlemen you write of seemed in their letter so far to befriend me as to let me know you had sent soldiers before my house to reduce it. I know nothing I can be reduced to but to poverty, and it is endeavoured as much as can be, for all my cattle and sheep are taken by your soldiers. I wrote the gentlemen word I would endeavour to keep what was mine as long as I could and I know that does not make me an ill subject, nor give anyone warrant to take it from me. Sir, I have heard such a fair report of you that it possessed me with a belief that so noble a soldier as yourself would rather have put forth your power to have rescued me from injuries, than to have poured them upon me, and I think it exceedingly strange that so ingenious a mind should take up such false reports, as it seems you have of me. Sir, my words shall always be so ruled by the line of truth, that without further protestations you may believe this truth, that none in my house tolerated by me did ever commit murder or theft, things which I abhor as much as any can. Since you have taken up what is fallen, I believe there is so much virtue in you that you will be glad to know the truth, though it may seem too long a story. I guess they ground the report of theft and murder on this accident. Some Welshmen in my house desired leave to go home Whitsuntide last, which they did. When they were in their own country they went to the sheriff's house in Radnorshire and thence or from his son they took two buff coats, some halberts, and a horse, when they returned to my house. Before they came in I heard what they had done, with which I was so much displeased, that I discharged them presently, paying them what was duo and not suffering them to come into my house. The sheriffs son two days after wrote me a letter to let me know what they had done, and they said they had killed a man. I caused the man to go into the town to search for what he had lost, of which they only found some halberts which were delivered into the constable's hands till Mr. Lloyd sent for them, which Mr. Lloyd did the other day and they will delivered to him. I wish all could say as I can that I never took anything from anybody that I had not good right to, and they as willing to give it as I to receive, neither did I ever favour anyone in my house that would do the least injury. For taking of prisoners I never did take any, but as I was enforced thereby as I thought to rescue myself, but upon the score of being the King's servants I never did. I am so far from that if any unworthy man bear that name I should respect him for that though he had nothing else to challenge it. But when my servants and friends were taken, I took some to regain mine again. For having any rebels in my house, I know none but such as appear to be his Majesty's most faithful and loyal subjects. Surely, Sir, you have discovered that which I cannot perceive in any, and you and all the world are deceived if you think there is any drop of disloyal blood in my heart, and none can less cherish our gracious King's enemies than myself. Therefore let me obtain the common right that you will believe myself and family to be the King's most faithful subjects. I know you have taken up those reports at random, or else I should be in a labyrinth of thoughts who you should suspect in my house for a rebel. Why you are pleased to term me obstinate I know not, my endeavour is to have my will stoop to reason, and not to do anything because I will do it. Sir, I need not tell you your soldiers have taken my beasts and all else they can and shot at my house these two days and nights, but for what cause am ignorant and I hope the Lord will never leave me so far to myself that I should give just cause why I should be so used, and therefore I believe you will by these lines see your mistake in me and those that are with me, and so be sorry for what injuries you have done me, and recall your soldiers that I may not be further wronged by them. Copy.

Sir W. Vavasour to Lady Harley, 29 July

1643, July 29. — I received your Ladyship's answer to my letter, wherein you were pleased to justify yourself and those in your house, and to tax me and my soldiers. I shall not trouble your Ladyship with much or often writing to you, only this time your Ladyship hath professed yourself so faithful a subject, I am confident you will justify it by obeying his Majesty's command, and indeed madam I shall not exceed the commission given me by his sacred Majesty, to which I am sworn to be obedient. For your cattle truly I gave a strict command they should be safely preserved, to the end, if your Ladyship shall approve yourself loyal, they may be restored and shall, or satisfaction if they shall not be forfeited to the King. I make no pretence myself to them, I have ever abhorred the thing plundering. For my soldiers shooting these two days, it was directly against my order, for indeed I was not in a present condition, my cannon being not then come and I do not love to spend my shot in vain, nor do I believe they had given fire against your house had they not been provoked to it, by your first and often shooting from thence, who have killed a little boy, which truly, madam, if not timely prevented by a treaty must be revenged. Copy.

Beilliana, Lady Harley to Sir W. Vavasour, July 29

1613, July 29. — The letter you were pleased to send me this day I have received. For my justifying myself in avowing my loyalty to our gracious King is that which I must always do, and Sir, for taxing you had not Mr. Lingen and Sir Walter Pye sent me word that you had sent soldiers against me, I should not have believed it, that you of so much wisdom would have concluded one who you did not know to be worthy to be destroyed. Sir, the letter that Sir Walter Pye, Mr. Lingen, and Mr. Smallman wrote to me, assured me that your soldiers came before my house in a hostile manner, and as they said to reduce me; to what that may be extended to I know not, so that I looked upon [them as] a professed enemy, who as soon as they came into the town killed a man, and that night killed my sheep and lambs, and the rest they drove away. I waited patiently resolving to bear as much as with my safety I could. On Thursday morning the soldiers approached nearer my house, and reviled those they saw in my house, both in words and actions; they were desired to keep off, which they would not, and then my men shot; but I cannot say it was to revenge the killing of the man when they came first into the town, or the taking of my sheep, for I will do nothing in way of revenge, but what shot was made was to keep off those that were my enemies from too near an approach; which action, if you did not account me — your servant — as an enemy, you would commend, that I endeavoured to preserve my family. Sir, did you know my heart, you would see I were more ready to show you respect, than give me occasion of revenge. Sir, you are pleased to make mention of a treaty, but in what manner I know not, because you are not pleased to express it, but sure I am, I am ready rather in the way of peace to put an end to this difference, than still to have you as my enemy, for yet I cannot say I am yours; for sure, had I like the power you have and as fair an opportunity to do it, I should not go to your house and do as much as you have done to me. Copy.

Beilliana, Lady Harley to Sir W. Vavasour, July 30

1643, July 30.— My rents have been stopped by the gentlemen of this county for almost these twelve months, and now my cattle and horses taken by your soldiers. When I heard you were come into this county, I having heard the worth was in you, I promised myself you would be as slow to such an act as others had been, but I know not how the gentlemen of this county have overcome you, for yet I cannot tell how to think, that of yourself you would so injure one that had no way deserved it. I believe my condition cannot he paralleled, that one of my condition, who have my husband from me, and so wanting much comfort, I should be besieged, and so my life and the lives of my little children sought after, with that of my whole family without any cause given on my part or of anyone with me. Sir, you have been pleased to be their instrument to take away that upon which I and my children must live, which was the stock upon my ground and which being gone, and my rents not paid, I must bethink myself of another place to be in, and therefore I desire you will do me the favour to let me have liberty to send to Sir William Pelham, who is with the King, that by his means I may obtain a pass, by which I may go safely to some other place of more safety than my own house. Copy.

Sir W. Vavasour to Lady Harley, July 31

1643, July 31. — If your Ladyship shall please to command your servants and all others within your house to lay down their arms, and suffer me to send in a guard, I will wait on your Ladyship, and upon the word of a gentleman you shall receive nothing of violence to yourself or family, or anything within your house by the said guard, and I shall not exact from your Ladyship beyond my punctual orders from his Majesty, but show your Ladyship all warrantable respects. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir W. Vavasour, July 31

1643, July 31. — For my servants laying down their arms I know of none they bear but for mine and their defence, a thing warranted by the laws of the land, and it is strange to me that my having a few arms in my house is more offensive than [in] Sir John Winter's house. Sir, for me to yield that you should place a garrison in my house, I cannot find out any reason for it, and under what notion you would do it, I know not; but this I conceive, I should become a prisoner in my own house, which I cannot yield to, for so I should speak myself guilty; and thus much more I must say, my dear husband hath entrusted me with his house and children, and therefore I cannot dispose of his house but according to his pleasure, and I do not know it is his pleasure that I should entertain soldiers in his house; and surely Sir, I never will voluntarily betray the trust my husband reposeth in me. I have hitherto believed very well of you, and that I may do so, I will not — if I can help it — try how your soldiers will deal with me; and I trust the Lord my God will deliver me and mine out of all my enemies' hands; but if it hath pleased the Lord to appoint that your cruelties and wrongs to me and mine, and some of the inhabitants of this town, must help to fill up the measure of all the cruelties now used against those that desire to keep faith in a good conscience, I shall not be displeased; for when the measure of cruelties is full, the day of deliverance will soon appear to the Church of God which is now afflicted. And Sir, let me desire of you not to be displeased if I put you in mind with the rest of the gentlemen of this county, how you make yourselves guilty of innocent blood; for so you will, if you shed the least drop of any one with me. Copy.

Sir W. Vavasour to Lady Harley, July 31

1643, July 31.— This return of your Ladyship's is so contrary to your letter the last day, when you were justly sensible of the great danger yourself and your children were in, as also desirous to send to Sir William Pelham, that by his means you might obtain means to pass from this your house; that I can guess your resolutions are to be disobedient to his Majesty's commands; if so, truly madam, I shall discharge my duty to his Majesty with more pity to your Ladyship than envy, and could heartily wish your Ladyship were where yesterday you did wish yourself; and for your evil counsellors that think themselves so free I shall not doubt but suddenly do such justice upon them — if they continue thus obstinate — as is due to such rebellious dispositions. As for Sir John Winter's fortifying his house, it was for his Majesty's service and with my consent; I could wish your Ladyship had the same intentions or loyalty to his Majesty. For your being a prisoner in your own house, it was never my resolution. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir William Vavasour, July 31

1643, July 31. — I now perceive you received the letter I sent you yesterday. I am in the same mind I was then, that if you will give me liberty to send to Sir William Pelham that so I may procure a pass, I shall take it for a favour, but that I hope did not discover any intentions in me that I would admit of a guard being put upon me. Sir, far be it from me, I should ever believe our gracious King — to whom I am a most loyal subject — should take it for a disobedience in me if I should not admit of soldiers in my house. I am sorry you will not afford me a common charity, to believe me loyal to his Majesty, since you know not to the contrary. Sir, besides the right of a common subject, I am so happy that, my lord my father was in a particular manner his Majesty's servant, and therefore I should be sorry that any heart should outstrip mine in loyalty. Who you mean by evil counsellors I know not, neither is there any in my house guilty of any crime which may make them liable to justice. Truly Sir, you are better acquainted with my family than I am; and if you know any such you will do me a favour if I may know who they are. Sir, I know not whether it is your intentions I should be a prisoner in my house, but I should take myself so to be if I were under a guard. Copy.

King Charles I. to Brilliana, Lady Harley, August 21

1643. August 21. The Court at Matson.— Whereas we understand thai Brampton Bryan Castle in our county of Hereford hath been and is made a receptacle and place of retreat to the rebels now in arms against us, and a great terror to the country thereabouts by killing of divers of our good subjects, firing of houses and many other outrages, and hath been in a rebellious manner maintained and defended against our forces; yet being very desirous to believe that what hath been done in and from your said Castle hath rather proceeded from your being seduced by evil counsel than out of your ill-affection to us and our service, and being willing to avoid effusion of blood, and unwilling that our forced — in respect of your sex and condition — should take such course for forcing or firing of the same as they must otherwise be compelled to take; for these reasons we have sent our trusty and wellbeloved Sir John Scudamore, knight, in our name to demand the said castle to be immediately surrendered to us, and we do hereby advise and require you to admit of our forces into the same under the conduct of Sir William Aavasour, knight, or such as he shall appoint, for the safety and security of that country, assuring you in the word of a King of our grace and free pardon for the offences aforesaid in case the said Castle be immediately delivered according to these our commands; but if you shall refuse to obey this our command and advice in so particular and gracious a manner directed to you, you must thank yourself for that ruin and destruction which contrary to our desire will unavoidably involve you; and so expecting your ready compliance, as well in order to your interest, as to your loyalty, we bid you heartily farewell. Copy.

Sir John Scudamore to Brilliana, Lady Harley, August 23

1643, August 23. Brampton. — The King s most excellent Majesty hath sent me hither with his gracious letters directed to your Ladyship. I desire to know by this drummer how I may be admitted to deliver the same and what else is given in charge to me. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore, August 23

1643, August 23. Brampton Castle.— I shall with all readiness receive what your gracious King is pleased to send to me, and I am sorry that my condition is such, that there is not so fair a way for you to come into my house as I desire and I know not how to offer you the way by which others are enforced to pass; but if it please you to assure me of his safety I will send down a gentleman to receive his Majesty's letter, and if it please you either by writing or word of mouth, to deliver to the gentleman what further you will say to me, I know he will be a faithful messenger. Copy.

Sir John Scudamore to [Brilliana, Lady Harley], August 23

1643, August 23. Brampton. — I have received your Ladyship's, and have taken assurance from the Commander in Chief of his Majesty's forces here, that the gentleman, whom your Ladyship shall send forth to meet me and receive his Majesty's letters, shall return in safety; and for my assurance, if that may add to his security, I do hereby promise that as far as may lie in my power, who have no command here, but was very glad to receive the honour of his Majesty's commands, so full of tender compassion to your Ladyship, had your Ladyship been willing I should have gladly expressed by word of mouth how much I desire your peace and happiness, to which, if my endeavours may promote anything, it shall be cheerfully undertaken and faithfully prosecuted by me.

Postscript. — I shall meet the gentleman in any convenient place of your Ladyship's choice. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore, August 23

1643, August 23. Brampton Castle. — I will believe the assurance you are pleased to say the chief commander of his Majesty's forces here doth promise for the security and safe return of the gentleman I shall send to wait upon you; and since you are pleased to engage your own promise for his safe return, j shall have a double confidence in the promise you give of his safe return. I should have taken it for an happiness to have had the favour to have seen you myself but since I cannot easily attain to it at this time, I must desire you would do me the favour to meet Mr. Phillips in the Bowling Green which is a little on this side the garden. Sir, if you please to let me know whether I have made a choice agreeable to your mind, and Mr. Phillips will be ready to receive the honour of waiting upon you. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore, August 23

1643, August 23. Brampton Castle. — I must earnestly desire the favour, that you will be pleased that I may have liberty to send a petition to his most sacred Majesty, by which our most gracious King may truly understand my condition, which I make no doubt but he will commiserate. I presume Sir William Vavasour will not deny me this favour, for once he promised to give me liberty to send to the Court.

Postscript. — If I may have liberty to send, I will God willing fail not to send one very early tomorrow morning if you will please to procure a pass for him. Copy.

Sir John Scudamore to Brilliana, Lady Harley, August 23

1643, August 23. Brampton. — I have spoken with the Commander in Chief of his Majesty's forces now here concerning the pass your Ladyship desires; his answer is, that he hath no commission to grant such pass, and Madam I take it for a particular misfortune to me that your Ladyship should desire anything of me which is out of my power to perform. I have yet received nothing in answer to his Majesty's letter, according to the contents whereof and my duty, I do hereby demand in the King's name that your Ladyship do immediately deliver your castle of Brampton Bryan into the hands of Colonel Henry Lingen, High Sheriff of this county, and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's forces under Sir William Vavasour; and I do expect your Ladyship's positive answer hereunto and shall immediately repair therewith to the Court near Gloucester. I hope my fortune may he better hereafter in my endeavours to serve your Ladyship. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore, August 23

1643, August 23. Brampton Castle. — Since it cannot be that I may obtain the favour of a pass for a servant of mine to go to the Court, I will, God willing, send you my petition to our most gracious King tomorrow morning in the which will be my full answer, and I hope procure me more peace than yet I have had. Copy.

Sir John Scudamore to Brilliana, Lady Harley, August 24

1643, August 24. Brampton. — I know of nothing that hath been denied your Ladyship which is in the power of any here to grant, and for my own part I am heartily sorry that your Ladyship is not pleased to make use of such service as I am able to do you, which I am confident might be of far greater advantage than the passing of a servant to the King. My Lords of Clare, Holland, Bedford and many others of the Houses of Lords and Commons are come from the Parliament to Wallingford, and other places in the King's obedience. My Lord of Clare hath sent an humble petition to the King, but on Tuesday when I came from Court he was not yet admitted to come forward to the King's presence. I have not heard that my Lord of Westmorland is yet released out of his imprisonment by the Parliament; and for my worthy good friend Sir William Pelham he is in Lincoln, which is lately reduced to his Majesty's obedience, &c. My Lords of Northumberland and Pembroke are in the case aforesaid; and give me leave to tell your Ladyship, if you knew how the affairs stand at London I am confident I should have the honour of bringing back to his Majesty the notice of your Ladyship's doing yourself right by submitting to his Majesty's just demands. I must be again a suitor to your Ladyship for a positive answer.

Postscript.— Were your Ladyship informed how absolute the King is both in the north and west, and how much his party increaseth in Kent, Surrey and other counties about London, the high differences between the Earl of Essex and Sir William W[aller], with the little appearance of recruiting either of those armies, you would perhaps judge the defending of London itself three months will be a very difficult business. The good intelligence the King hath with the Scots and his Majesty's strength at sea under Sir John Pennington, since the reduction of Bristol; these and many other particulars I should have acquainted your Ladyship with, had I been admitted to your presence. The suburbs against the city in arms; the women against the House of Commons in multitudes; the train bands of London against the women who cry out for their slain and imprisoned husbands; divers women killed by the soldiers in this tumult, yet unappeased; Mr. Pym beaten by the women and with much difficulty escaped their fury by water. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to the King, August

[1643, August.] — The humble petition of Dame Brilliana Harley. Humbly showeth that your poor and distressed subject perceiveth by a gracious letter dated 21st of August from your sacred Majesty directed to your said subject and brought by Sir John Scudamore, knight, that many unjust informations have been given to your Majesty against your said subject. Be pleased therefore, gracious sovereign, to believe me, that my house is not nor never was, to my knowledge, a receptacle for any disloyal person, nor was my condition such, as to be a terror to any, much less did any by my command or privity either kill any of your Majesty's subjects, or fire any houses, or commit any outrages to bring or cause the forces under the command of Sir William Vavasour against me, but only kept such a number of servants with arms as in these woeful times might defend me against pillaging and plundering, a thing your Majesty hath in several proclamations expressed your dislike of. Yet so it is, most gracious sovereign, that I have had servants imprisoned, some killed, and now by Sir William Vavasour's forces, all my horses, cattle, corn and other things taken away; my house attempted with many soldiers, horse and foot, with five or six cannons battering the walls, and almost every day assaulted by small shot, whereas your poor subject did never offend your Majesty, or ever take up arms against your Majesty, or any man of mine, or any by mine appointment was in actual rebellion against your sacred Majesty; and therefore your poor subject hopeth and prayeth the premises being graciously weighed your Majesty will not require that from me which by the law of the land is mine, and which if I shall give up, I have no subsistence for myself and mine; but that your Majesty will be pleased to command Sir William Vavasour to withdraw his forces and restore to me my goods, but if your Majesty will — notwithstanding the premises — command me out of my house, my humble desire is that you will in your clemency allow unto me some maintenance for me and mine and fit time to remove myself and family by your protection to pass to some other place where we may find subsistence, that we perish not; so shall she who ever hath been and ever will be your loyal and faithful subject pray for your sacred Majesty. Copy.

Three letters, two dated August 24 and one August 25

Three letters, two dated August 24 and one August 25, which passed between Lady Harley and Sir J. Scudamore are printed from other copies at Welbeck on pp. 114, 115 of the first volume of the report on the Harley papers belonging to the Duke of Portland (Fourteenth Report, Appendix. Part II).

Sir John Scudamore to Lady Harley, August 24

1643, August 24. Brampton — I have your petition instead of an answer, which in my opinion is too long by twenty lines and to full of the spirit of contradiction and expostulations, yet since I can procure no better, I must return with this which I shall do, God willing, early in the morning. But, madam, I dare not promise the delivery of it to his Majesty, unless Sir William Vavasor encourage me to put it into your hart to return a clearer and more satisfactory answer this evening, but truly, madam, I have so little expectation of peace to ensue upon this, that I shall desire to be employed hereafter in something else that may be more pleasing to your Ladyship.

I do not find whither your Ladyship doth expect till Sir William Vavasor's pleasure may bee known herein. If you please to express yourself herein I shall accordingly take order with the commanders that no mistake arise hereabouts by the successless negotiation. Copy

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore, August 24

1643, August 24. Brampton Castle — I do so firmly believe the goodness and bounty of our gracious King that I am confident if his Majesty were truly informed of my condition he would never command me out of my house, and therefore I must still desire liberty to have my humble desires presented to his Majesty by a hand that I may choose and confide in. Can I think that those who have sought the life of myself and family will so solicit as to gain me that which I humbly desire of his Majesty. Sir, though you have been pleased to call the pleading of my innocence the spirit of contradiction, yet I pray you doe rot judge aright, and then I must tell you that for this twelve months the gentlemen of this country have sought the mine of my poor family, but the Lord of Heaven knows not deserved by my dear husband and myself. Nay, I may truly say that yet there is so much good will in me to all you, that had I power to revenge what has been done to me I should no way do it.

Sir, what favours you are pleased to show me I hope you will never repent for they shall always meet with thankfulness and a hart ready to the utmost of my ability to answer it again in all the ways of respects. Copy.

Sir John Scudamore to [Lady Harley], August 25

1643, August 25. Brampton — I had a message that your Ladyship would speak with me this morning, but it seems that resolution is altered. I wish that condition your Ladyship hath put yourself in by this refusal of the King's mercy might be as suddenly changed whilst it is in your own power. I have dealt with the commanders here for the continuance of this cessation until further order from Sir William Vavasour.

Now, Madam, give me leave to tell your Ladyship that I am of opinion that this refusal of the King's mercy hath put yourself and all those your friends and servants with you, in the condition of rebels, and when so ever hereafter — possibly the King's great mercy and your heasty repentance — may reduce you and them into the estate of loyalty, I conceive you and every one of them — to be safe — must obtain pardons under the great scale which will not be without charge and trouble. Madame, I humbly press your Ladyship's hands being ready to take horse after a little breakfast to strengthen me for my journey to Court.

Postscript. — Madame, I am heartily sorry to hear — since I came hither — the pitiful cries of the poor people of this neighbourhood against the ill counsel your Ladyship hath followed to their and your own misery, which obstinacy is like to increase to their utter ruin and destruction. Copy.

Lord Falkland to [Lady Harley], August 30

1643, August 30. At the Court at Matson.— Although his Majesty be in no degree satisfied with the petitioner's excuses of so evident facts, and yet less with the unjust aspersions cast upon his Majesty's officers and soldiers for what they have done according to their commission towards the necessary reduction of a place manned and fortified without his Majesty's consent and against his Majesty's forces, yet his Majesty is yet once more graciously pleased, so far to reflect with pity upon the sex and condition of the petitioner, and to afford the best interpretation to what hath passed, as hereby once more to offer unto the petitioner and also the persons with her, full pardon and free licence to depart out of the castle whither and with what arms and ammunition — ordnance only excepted — they shall please themselves, and to assure them of a convoy accordingly; and in case his Majesty's forces be immediately received into the castle, his Majesty is yet further contented that the petitioner and her family may if she please remain therein until she have provided herself of another habitation, which gracious offer of his Majesty if it find not a most ready and most grateful acceptance from the petitioner his Majesty must not only then most plainly discover the vanity of the pretences in this petitioner to loyalty and fidelity, but must be enforced to punish with utmost severity of justice so high a contempt of his grace and favour.

Note. — Sir John Scudamore added by word of mouth he had power to grant to her Ladyship what other conditions she could in reason demand, which Mr. Moor told her Ladyship from Sir John. Copy.

Sir John Scudamore to Lady Harley, September 1

1643, September 1. Brampton. — I have outgone my promise; your petition is delivered to the king and I have his Majesty's answer. Your Ladyship is beholding to Sir William Vavasour for his encouragement to me therein, without which I durst not have delivered such a petition to his Majesty. Madam, I desire to be no longer treated with ceremony by admitting me to your presence by an unhandsome way, being ready to undergo far greater difficulties to approve myself, your humble servant. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore, September 1

1643, September 1. Brampton Castle. — I acknowledge your favour in that you were better than your promise and so you say you have delivered my petition to his Majesty. What Sir William Vavasour did in giving way to it, I shall be ready to acknowledge as a favour. I will now it is late hold you no longer with these lines, but wish you may have a good night. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore, September 2

1643, September 2. — Had I not taken cold which hindered my sleep this night these lines should have waited upon you in a more early hour. Sir, I do abundantly acknowledge your abundant favour that you are pleased to suspend so (sic) with so an unhandsome way that I may have the honour to see you, which I cannot promise myself, for the chamber where you did me favour to speak to me in being a cold place, I dare not obtain the favour of seeing you there without fear of increasing the cold I have now taken. Therefore give me leave to beg the favour of knowing your mind in the way of a letter, with which, to so excellent abilities as yours are, it is as easy as to speak. Copy.

Sir John Scudamore to Lady Harley, September 2

1643, September 2. Brampton. — I am very sorry for your Ladyship's indisposition, I was so far from appointing the room where I should wait upon your Ladyship, that I should have been content with any room or place. But since your Ladyship permits me not to do you the service I desired, and my instructions enable me unto, I can be heartily sorry for it, though I cannot force it upon you. If it please your Ladyship to send one out to meet me I shall deliver a letter to him directed to your Ladyship, and to return to Court, where I shall give this account that I could not be admitted to say that which was commanded me, and having no order to discourse that with my pen which was delivered me by word of mouth. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore, September 2

1643, September 2. — Did not my indisposition of health confine me to my chamber I should now be as willing to wait upon you in my own house as I was when you last did me favour to come to me. I will send a gentleman to wait upon you, and I presume — if please you — I may by your pen know further instructions, which I should take as an obligation, and will ever be ready to take up all opportunities by which I may appear, Sir, your servant.

Postscript. — I desire to know when Mr. Phillips shall wait upon you. Copy.

Sir William Vavasour to Lady Harley, August 31

1643, August 31. Langford — I have seen your Ladyship's petition to the King and have been forward to serve your Ladyship with my best endeavours to his Majesty, who hath been graciously pleased to grant you a safe pass and conduct for yourself and servants, your arms being delivered up for his Majesty's use. If I may know wherein I may do your Ladyship further service, I shall be ready to receive notice of it from Sir John Scudamore who hath instructions from me. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore, September 2

1643, September 2. — By your favour I have received Sir William Vavasour's letter.^[1] Mr. Phillips tells me that if I send an answer to him you will be pleased to take order that it may be sent to him. On Monday if it please God I will send him an answer to his letter. Sir, I must beg the favour to know to who I may direct my letter to Sir William Vavasour that it may have the honour to come to your hand. Mr. Phillips tells me you are ready for your journey to Ludlow, where I wish you a happy arrival. Copy.

Sir John Scudamore to Lady Harley, September 2

1643, September 2. Brampton.— I hope Mr. Phillips did not forget to speak to your Ladyship for your answer concerning the laying down of your arms and delivering up of the castle; if he did, then your Ladyship must give me leave to put you in mind of that hereby. Your Ladyship in your petition did set forth all those grievances which you had, which being known to the king, your Ladyship said that notwithstanding that if the king would command you out of your house, you humbly desired his Majesty's protection and pass to carry you and your family safe to some other place where you might find subsistence, etc. This his Majesty hath graciously granted you, and a convoy also for your more safety if you desire it, or if you desire to remain in the castle till you can be provided in some other place, his Majesty is contented that you and your family shall so remain there, so as you immediately receive in a garrison of his Majesty's soldiers, and to this I must expect your positive answer, that I may return to his Majesty, whether you will immediately deliver up the castle of Brampton Bryan in the hands of Colonel Henry Lingen, which I do now the second time hereby demand in his Majesty's name and your Ladyship's positive answer. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore, September 2

1643, September 2. Brampton Castle.— How to give a positive answer to what you require of me, I know not, for, by what Sir William Vavasour and you are pleased to write, I cannot see that his Majesty commands me out of my house, my petition being delivered by such as I presume intend my ruin. I know not how to believe whether his Majesty hath seen it or not, since he is pleased, as you write, to grant me no more than a mere pass for myself and family. Sir, this concerns the livelihood of me and mine and therefore before the delivering up of my house, I must desire my petition may be solicited by some friend of mine at Court who I may confide in. Copy.

Sir John Scudamore to Lady Harley, September 5

1643, September 5. Brampton. — Upon your Ladyship's letter on Saturday evening I sent away to Court, and have been at Ludlow ever since expecting what I have not received, and now, Madam, I am further enabled to serve your Ladyship than hitherto. If therefore your Ladyship be pleased to permit me to wait upon you, it shall appear to your Ladyship how effectually I solicited your petition, even to the obtaining of more than you prayed, and my actions shall testify than an angry or a little misunderstanding (sic) shall not discourage me from seeking means to declare myself, your, &c. Copy.

Sir John Scudamore to Lady Harley, September 5

1643, September 5. Brampton. — I am suitor to your Ladyship to know how you will please to permit me to convey that to your notice which I have in charge to deliver to your Ladyship in answer to your petition, and the rest of the trust committed to me. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore, 5 September

1643, September 5. Brampton [Castle]. — Since it is so that I cannot have the freedom to speak to you myself, if please you to let me know your mind by letter I shall be ready to receive it.

Sir John Scudamore to Lady Harley, September 5

1643, September 5. Brampton. — If your Ladyship have a will to it, I know nothing that can hinder you the freedom of speech with me, who am here purposely to receive that honour from your Ladyship; and truly Madam were the thoughts of my heart known to your Ladyship, all these scruples and ceremonies would be removed, and I should have the same liberty I have formerly found to your presence; but Madam if you deny me that be pleased to send some one to the Bowling Green to receive what is now come to my hands for your Ladyship in writing. Copy.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John, September 5

1643, September 5. — Mr. Moor will do me the favour to wait upon you in the Bowling Green, that by him I may receive what you please to make known unto me, for whose safe return I desire the engagement of your promise.

Sir John Scudamore to Lady Harley, September 5

1643, September 5. — Mr. Moor's safe return is promised by Colonel Lingen and myself who are repairing now to the Green to meet him presently.

Brilliana, Lady Harley to Sir John Scudamore, September 6

1613. September 6. — Since my petition to his Majesty hath gained me no more than the answer you were pleased to send me last night by Mr. Moor I cannot be satisfied till I have obtained that, by the hand of some, of my own friends, my condition may be presented to his Majesty, who then I am persuaded would grant me liberty to enjoy what is my own. Sir, I will now beg your pardon that these lines waited not on you sooner. If you will excuse that fault and do me the right to believe I am most ready to serve your most noble lady and yourself, you will much oblige me. Copy.

Notes

1. #Vavasour August 31