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 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 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 LEWIS 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 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 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 but after their time allowed for their entrance , will shew 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 with his Regiment , who we doubt not by his example and incouragement will do much good . It is somthing a hot service for young souldiers , but custome will make it easie . I will detaine you no longer ; the next newes I write wil be of moment ; for doubtlesse we shall do somthing upon the town , or the King upon us , which we wonder he hath not done all this while .

The LORD direct and prosper us , and guide our concerned friends to the understanding and acting that which may be most for their and our advantage .