Series 1 > Letters and papers illustrating the relations between Charles the Second and Scotland in 1650

A ROYALIST’S NEWS
3
untill our eyes are opened soe as to be able to see that we
ought to give one hand to the Chatholike Roman, and other to
the Presb[yterian], and joyne with them both to the destruction
of our common ennimy as far as we can doe salva consciencid,
and that not scrupled with scholasticall notions, but such as
become a sober Christian. That done, I take this following
rule to have no exception redime te captum quam queas minima,1
but this is too much. I came from Jersey about 8 dayes since,
and left all well there. An express 2 dayes before came from
Lord Ormond, of 3 weekes date, since which time Wexford
and some other places are lost. My Lord Marquis presseth
earnestly his Majesty going thither, which his Majesty concurrs
in. Mr. Long being required to give his opinion in councell
by the rest of the councell, did it affirmatively, whereupon the
rest suspended theirs. Prince Rober[t] was then upon the
coast of France, and expected there. I mett with Ha[rry]
May at the sea side, who speakes magnificent things of
Montros, and that he will be with in ten dayes of this date
in Scotland with 3000 foote and 800 horse: he hath had a
great opportunity upon the disbanding in Jermany, yet I
cannot hut doubt whether these numbers will be transported,
as I shall doe their success when they are, and shall never
expect a great effect from Scotland unles it can be united.
Mv Lord Duke of Buckingum is in Flanders. I send him this
day his commission for the guards of horse. My Lady Morton
is well recover’d. I shall goe back within this fortnight. I
had forgot to tell you that Windram was expected at Jersy
before my comming from thence. I beleeve he will think he
hath made a good voyage if he escape with a broken pate.
The gallants talkt before I came away of throwing him over
the wall, even before the tydings of Montrose came. You will
be much to blame if you present not my most humble duty
and servise to my Lord Treasurer.2 God in heaven preserve
you both.—I am, most humbly and faythfully yours.
1 Up to these words the letter is printed in the Clarendon State Papers,
vol. ii. p. 499.
2 Lord Cottington, who was joined with Hyde in his embassy to Madrid.