Essex. A sammelband of 27 English Civil War pamphlets mostly relating to the siege of Colchester, Essex, 1648, comprising:
1. A Great Fight at Colchester upon Tuesday night last, being the 25. of this instant July, and the advancing of General Lucas and his Forces to the very Guards of the Parliamenteers, with the particulars of the Fight, and the number that were killed and taken prisoners on both sides, and the springing of a Mine to blow up part of the Leaguer. Likewise a letter from Colchester concerning the marching of an Army to London, and a message from Prince Charles to Gen. Lucas. And a bloudy fight at Deal Castle in Kent, London: R. Woodus, 1648, [2], 6 pp., woodcut to title,
2. C. (W.). The Prince of Wales his coming to Yarmouth, with 19. Saile of Shipping, & Landing an Armie for the Relief of Colchester. Also a Fight between them and the Parliaments Forces; some of the Princes men taken Prisoners, and rescued again by the town of Yarmouth, who joyne with the Prince, and keep out the Parliaments Forces. With a list of the Lords, Knights, and other Commanders come over with the Prince. And Sir Charles Lucas his men roasting a whole horse, for joy of the Prince his coming. Certified in a Letter from a Gentleman of Quality in the Army, London: Printed by Robert Austin, July 27, 1647, [2], 6 pp., upper outer blank corner of final leaf repaired,
3. A great and bloudy Fight at Colchester, and the storming of the Town by the Lord Generals forces, with the manner how they were repulsed and beaten off, and forced to retreat from the Walls, and a great and terrible blow given at the said storm, by Granadoes and Gunpowder. Likewise their hanging out the Flag of Defiance, and their sallying out upon Tuesday last, all the chief Officers ingaging in the said Fight, and Sir Charles Lucas giving the first onset in the Van, with the number killed and taken, and Sir Charles Lucas his Declaration, London: G. Beal, 1648, [2], 6 pp., woodcut to title, imprint slightly cropped,
4. The Resolution and most faithfull expression of the Gentry and Commonalty of the Countie of Essex. Presented to the House of Parliament Jun. 20. 1642. Wherein is declared their certaine and reall intentions to maintaine the Priviledges of the Crowne and Parliament. Also the true Relation of an Opposition and Disturbance given to the Earle of Stamford at the Training of the Traine Bands at Leicester. Which Disturbance was given by Mr. Hen. Hastings, sonne to the Earle of Huntington. With the Order from the House concerning Mr. Hastings, as a Delinquent and occasioner of the same Disturbance. As also an Order to send for the Maior, for proclaiming the Kings Proclamation. Hen. Elsyng. Cler. Parl., [London]: Printed for William Arding, June 25, 1642, [8] pp.,
5. A Great Fight between his Excellencies Forces, and the Enemy, neer the Island of Mersey, Goring beaten into Colchester, the Army within pistoll-shot of the Walls, and their resolution to give no man quatter; certified in a Letter upon Thursday night last, being the 22 of this instant June, 1648. With a list of the number that were slain and taken prisoners, 22 Pieces of Ordnance taken, with all their Arms, Powder, Match, and Bullet. Also another Fight at Wivener, within two miles of Coulchester, 16 slain, 40 taken prisoners, and the surprizing of Lieut. Col. Gardener, and a Party of Walloons, by Capt. Fisher, with his Suffolk Horse. With their Examination before the Generall, and their Consession, touching their marching up to the Walls of London, and joyning with a Party to plunder the City. Likewise the Lord Generals Proclamation touching the proceedings of his Army, and his Directions to every Colonell and Commander, touching their respective Troops and Companies. Signed, T. Fairfax, London: Printed for R. W., 1648, [2], 6 pp., neatly repaired worm trail at foot of leaves (with no loss of text),
6. Another Fight at Colchester, and the storming of the Town on Fryday night last, by the Parliaments Forces, and the successe thereof. Together, with the proceedings of His Majesties loyall subjects; in the Counties Northampton, Liecester, and Rutland, touching their raising of sixe Regiments for the defence of King, Parliament, and Kingdome. Likewise, a great Fight in Scotland, between Duke Hamiltons Forces commanded by the Earle of Kalendar Lieutenant Generall, and the Marquesse of Argyles party, with the number slain and taken prisoners, the Lord Chancellours escape, and hundreds fled to the Mountains. Also, Duke Hamiltons Speech to the Estates of Scotland, concerning the advancing with his Army into England, London: Printed for G. W., 1648, [2], 6 pp., leaf A2 remargined at gutter,
7. [Rushworth, John]. A Letter sent to the Honorable William Lenthal Esq; Speaker of the Honorable House of Commons, of the late fight at Colchester, and, how the Suburbs of the said Town were fired by the Lord Goring, Lord Capel, Sir Charls Lucas, and the rest of the Enemy. Printed by the Command of the Honorable William Lenthal Esq; Speaker of the Honorable House of Commons, London: Edward Husband, July 17, 1648, 7, [1] pp.,
8. Another bloudy Fight at Colchester, on Tuesday night last, between his Majesties forces commanded by Gen. Lucas, and Col. Lunsford, and the Parliaments Forces; shewing the manner of their sallying out of the town, and falling upon their Guards, with the number killed and taken, and a dangerous shot against the Lord Gen. Fairfax. Also, the resolution of Gen. Lucas and his Forces rather to die like the sons of Mars valiantly, than to yeeld the town dishonorably, and their proceedings thereupon. With two other bloudy Fights, and divers Colonels taken prisoners. Likewise, the L. Byrons proceedings in Wales, and his declaration for the King, [London]: Printed in the Yeer, 1648, [2], 6 pp., woodcut to title, some browning,
9. Another great Fight on Sunday morning last between the Shavers of Colchester, and the Parliaments Forces, upon the sallying out of Generall Lucas with two thousand Horse and Foot, and his advancing up to the Lord Generals works, and falling upon severall Guards. With the particulars of the Fight, the manner of their retreat, and rallying again, the great danger of the Parliaments forces by an Ambuscado, and the number that were killed and taken prisoners. Also, the Declaratton [sic] of the Kings Majesties forces in the Isle of Anglesea, and their proclaiming of the Parliament Rebels; and a great Rising in Devon-shire for the King against the Parliament. Likewise, the Declaration of the town of Yarmouth, concerning Prince Charles, and the Lord Gen. Fairfax. And the Parliament Votes and Resolution touching the Prince, proclaiming all those that shall assist him Traytors and Rebels, London: R. W., 1648, [2], 6 pp., thin short worm trail to leaves,
10. Two Sallies Forth by the Lord Goring and Sir Charles Lucas at Coulchester, on Munday and Tuesday last; the manner of the severall Fights, and the number that were killed and taken prisoners on both sides. The taking of the Enemies Court of Guard, the setting fire thereof, and burning downe the Wind-Mills. With the Examination of Mr. Osburn, touching the Kings Majesty; and the Speech of Alderman Avery, at presenting the City Petition; and the Answer to the same by both Houses of Parliament, London: Printed by B. A., 1648, [2], 1, [5] pp.,
11. The Declaration of His Highnesse the Prince of Wales, to Sir Marmaduke Langdale, Lieutenant Gen. of His Majesties Forces in the North of England, under his Highnesse. Declaring his Resolution to use all possible means to redeeme his Father from imprisonment, and to bring him to his Royall Palace at Whitehall, with his desires to all Englishmen, of what rank or quality soever, to assist him herein, and his gracious promise to all those who have adhered to, or acted for the Parliament that shall come in to joyn with Him, to grant them a free Pardon, and to pay the Souldiers their Arreares. Commanded to be read and published in the Northern Army, and to all the rest of His Majesties subjects whatsoever. Likewise terrible Newes from Colchester, Declaring the Resolution of Gen. Lucas, and his forces, concerning the Lord Generalls preparation to storm the Town, and their providing of divers Barrells of Tarre and Pitch, with fires under the Wall, to throw it over in Frying-pans, when they come to storm the Town. Also the Declaration of Derbyshire, concerning the Scots coming into England, and their railing of 11000. men to prosecute the same, [London]: G.H., 1648, [2], 6 pp., woodcut to title,
12. [Fairfax, Thomas Fairfax, Baron]. A Letter from his Excellency the Lord Fairfax Generall of the Parliaments Forces: concerning the surrender of Colchester, the Grounds and Reasons of putting to death Sir Charles Lucas and Sir George Lysle; with the Articles and Explanation of the same. Together with a List of all the Prisoners taken, their numbers and qualities therein exprest. Read in the House of Peeres upon the 31 of Aug. 1648. And commanded to be printed and published, London: John Wright, 2 Septemb. 1648, [2], 6 pp.,
13. The Lord Goring, the Lord Capel, and Sir Charles Lucas their Letter, Directed to the Lord Generall, and the Lord Fairfax his Letter directed unto them, concerning the City of Colchester. The taking of the Lord Gorings Treasure going away by Sea, and four Colonels, with many other Officers, besides common souldiers taken prisoners. And a List of their Names; the Isle of Mersey taken, and a Line drawn about the Town, London: Printed by B.A., Anno Dom. 1648, [2], 1, [5] pp.,
14. The Copy of a Letter sent from a person of much Honour and Reason, accidentally present at that hot encounter betwixt the Forces under the Command of the Lord Goring, Earle of Norwich, and Sir Charles Lucas of the Royall Party, and those under the command of the Lord Fairfax of the Parliaments party, on the 13. of June, in the suburbs of Colchester, [London: s.n.], Printed in the yeare, 1648, [2], 6 pp., light worming to lower outer blank corners,
15. The Resolution of the Prince of Wales, concerning Lieutenant Generall Cromwel, and the routing of the Scottish Army, and present Design with his Shipping. With the Results and Proceedings of the Princes Councell aboard the Admirall, concerning Captain Battens falling in at Tibury Hope, with a Squadron of Ships, to joyn with the Water-men and Sea-men, and an Army from London, for relief of Colchester. Likewise, His Majesties Declaration concerning all those who have taken up Armes against Him and have been gainers by the Wars of England and His Resolution thereupon. As also, the most pious, and Christian Expressions of a most Religious, and renowned King. touching his people, London : [s.n.], printed Anno Dom. 1648, [2], 6 pp., woodcut armorial to title, final leaf torn to upper blank margin,
16. A Message sent from His Highnesse the Prince of Wales, to the Major of Yarmouth, concerning the landing of his Forces there for the relief of Colchester. Likewise the number of the said Forces, and the Engagement of the Prince, (in behalf of his Army) to use violence or injury to none, but those who shall resist or oppose them. And the opposition made by the Lord Generals Horse, upon the Princes landing, and the manner how they were put to flight. Also, another bloudy Fight between the Scots and English, with the number that were killed and taken; and the Declaration of Major Gen. Lamberts Army to the Scots, [London]: Printed for satisfaction of all His Majesties Subjects, 1648, [2], 6 pp., woodcut portrait to title, printing fault to recto and verso of second leaf,
17. [Langdale, Marmaduke]. The Resolution of Sr Marmaduke Langdale concerning the relieving of the Lord Goring. The Lord of Loughborough. The Lord Capel. Sir Charles Lucas, and the rest of the Officers and Souldiers now blocked up in the town of Colchester, by the Lord Generall Fairfax. And their further proceedings touching Major Generall Lambert; agreed upon by a Councel of War, and assented to by most of the Colonels and Officers in the Northern Army. Likewise the Lord Goring’s letter to Sir Marmaduke Langdale, and his further resolution and proceedings thereupon..., London: Printed for G.N., 1648, [2], 1, [5] pp., penultimate leaf cropped to first line of text,
18. [Norwich, George Goring, Earl of]. The Lord Gorings message to the Lord Generall, concerning the surrendring of the Town of Colchester, with all the Ordnance, Armes, and Ammunition. And the severall Attempts of Generall Hastings, and Sir Charles Lucas to escape away with their Horse. Together with a List of the Officers and Souldiers that were slain and taken prisoners, viz. Slain 3. Collonels. 2 Lieut. Collonels. 3. Majors. 200. Officers and Souldiers. Taken Prisoners 16. Captains, Lieutenants, Ensignes, and other Officers. 500. Common Souldiers, London: Printed for R.W., 1648, [2], 6 pp.,
19. [Rushworth, John]. 15 Junii, 1648. The particulars of the fight at Colchester (sent in a letter to the Honorable William Lenthal Esq; Speaker of the Honorable House of Commons) was read in the house of Commons: in which letter it appears, the town is besieged, and five hundred of the enemies were taken prisoners, and six hundred left the town, sixty that were killed buried in one churchyard, besides what was slain in the other part of the town, Sir William Campion slain, one knight more, Col: Cook, Major Eyres, two other majors, and other officers, Mersey Fort taken, with two culverins, two sakers, and one drake, and Col: Steward, Col: Thornton and Sir Bar. Scudamore taken raising forces near Newmarket..., London: Printed for Edward Husband, printer to the Honorable House of Commons, June 17. 1648, 8 pp.,
20. [Langdale, Marmaduke]. A Letter from Sr Marmaduke Langdale, Generall of the Northerne Forces; to Sir Charles Lucas: Containing a cleare Relation of all their proceedings in the North: With an hopefull assurance of a speedy Relief to Colchester. After the Originall Copy, truly transcribed, London: [s.n.], Printed in the Yeare, 1648, [2], 5, [1] pp., few minor worm holes at head of leaves,
21. A Bloudy Fight in Essex upon Fryday last, being the 9 of this instant Moneth of June, 1648. betwixt a Party of the Essex Forces commanded by Captain Beard, and a Party of Horse, who was going after Goring. With the number that were slain on both sides, and the Resolution of the Inhabitants of Essex, touching the said Goring and his Forces. Likewise, a great Fight in the North, and fifty Colonels, Lieutenant-Colonels, Majors, Captains, and other Officers, slain and taken Prisoners. With a Relation of the Duke of York his landing at Yarmouth in Norfolk with 2000. men, London: Printed for R.W., 1648, [2], 6 pp.
22. A Perfect Diary of Passages of the Kings Army; and their severall Fights, Treaties and Actions; with the Parliaments Forces under the Command of the Lord Fairfax. From Munday the 19 of June to Munday June 26. 1648, London: Printed for the generall satisfaction of moderate men, 1648, [2], 6 pp.,
23. [H., L.]. A Perfect Divrnall of all the Passages and Proceedings betwixt the Lord Generalls, and Col. Gorings Army, since his Excellency first marcht into Essex. Being continued, from Saturday the 10. of June, till Tuesday the 20. of the same. Also an exact Relation of a late Fight betwixt a part of his Excellencies, and a party of Col. Gorings Horse, that were sent to fetch in Provisions (on Saturday the 17. instant) and the event thereof. Together, with the Resolution of Col. Gorings Foot, and their determination to detain him and the rest of his Commanders with them in the Town, London: Printed for R.W., 1648, [2], 6 pp., upper outer corners of title page and text leaves torn and repaired, lower edge of title page torn with slight loss to ornamental border, light worming to lower outer corners,
24. An exact Narrative of Every dayes Proceedings since the Insurrection in Essex. Together with a more perfect List of what persons are slain and taken by both parties, till the 18 of June present, 1648. Also the Resolution of the Councell of War concerning the manner of punishing the Prisoners they have taken in that County, [London]: Robert Bostock, June 20 1648, 8 pp.,
25. [Rushworth, John]. The Severall Fights neere Colchester in Essex. A List of the names of the Knights, Collonels and chiefe Officers, taken and killed on both sides, 5 piece of ordnance taken, 3 Colours, and 600 Armes, 3 Lords, divers Knights and Collonels, and 4000 cooped up in Colchester. Also Major Generall Lamberts Victories in the North, Sir Marmaduke Langdale driven out of Westmerland. Divers prisoners taken. Penrith and Braugham Castle taken, and Sir Marmaduke Langdale, with his Forces fled to Carlisle. Pursued by the Northern Forces. June. 17. 1648. Imprimatur, Gilb. Mabbott, London: Richard Smithurst, 1648, [2], 6 pp.,
26. A Fight the Lord Goring beaten at Coulchester in Essex. The Suburbs taken by the Lord Generall, part of it Fired. Sir Thomas Honywood taken Prisoner, and 20 killed. Killed of the enemy 100. and taken 500 Prisoners. With the particulars of the said Fight. Also a Declaration from the Gentlemen of South-Wales. And the Proceedings of Lieutenant Generall Crumwell, London: Richard Smithurst, 1648, [2], 6 pp., single small worm hole to upper and lower outer blank corners,
27. [S., T.]. A True and Exact Relation of the taking of Colchester, Sent in a Letter from an Officer of the Army, (who was present during the siege in that service,) to a Member of the House of Commons. With a List of the Ordnance, Arms, and of 3076. private souldiers there taken: Also a List of the names of most of the Officers of note, and an account of the cause of giving no Quarter to Sir Charles Lucas, and Sir George Lyle, London: Printed by Robert White for John Partrige, 1648, [2], 6 pp., occasional light toning and minor scattered spotting to few pamphlets, marbled endpapers with red morocco gilt bookplate of W. A. Foyle, Beeleigh Abbey to front free endpaper and Bibliotheca Phillippica label to front pastedown, all edged gilt, late 19th-century gilt panelled and decorated olive green morocco by Hayday & Mansell, titled 'Essex Tracts' to gilt decorated spine, slim 4to (180 x 130 mm)

(Quantity: 1)

Provenance: Willis and Sotheran, Catalogue of Superior Second-Hand Books, 25 October 1862, item 282, £4. 10s.; Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, Catalogue of a Valuable Assemblage of Books, 21 February 1865, item 244; From the collection formed by Sir Thomas Phillipps Bt. (1792-1872); Purchased by private treaty by William H. Robinson Ltd., Pall Mall, London; Purchased by W. A. Foyle (bookplate).

1. ESTC R202343; Thomason E.454[15]; Wing G1693.
2. ESTC R205003; Thomason E.454[18]; Wing C163.
3. ESTC R202335; Thomason E.453[18]; Wing G1633.
4. ESTC R26988; Wing R1138.
5. No institutional location found. Not traced in ESTC or Wing.
6. ESTC R205037; Thomason E.449[29]; Wing A3260.
7. ESTC R203404; Thomason E.452[42]; Wing R2325.
8. ESTC R205134; Thomason E.460[34]; Wing A3252.
9. ESTC R204978; Thomason E.457[15], Wing A3266.
10. ESTC R9153; Thomason E.450[10]; Wing L56A.
11. ESTC R205056; Thomason E.454[8]; Wing C2973.
12. ESTC R202094; Thomason E.461[35]; Wing F181.
13. ESTC R204969; Thomason E.448[6]; Wing N1334.
14. ESTC R204984; Thomason E.448[15]; Wing I2.
15. ESTC R205133; Thomason E.460[33]; Wing C3601A.
16. ESTC R205005; Thomason E.454[21]; Wing G1811A.
17. ESTC R204986; Thomason E.448[21]; Wing L383.
18. ESTC R203059; Thomason E.448[10]; Wing N1336.
19. ESTC R203401; Thomason E.448[11]; Wing R2328.
20. ESTC R204995; Thomason E.457[20]; Wing L382.
21. ESTC R204912; Thomason E.447[2]; Wing B3242.
22. ESTC P1344; Thomason E.449[31]; Not recorded in Wing.
23 ESTC R204988; Thomason E.448[23]; Wing H90.
24. ESTC R201945; Thomason E.448[18]; Wing E3663.
25. ESTC R204973; Thomason E.448[7]; Wing R2329.
26. ESTC R204947; Thomason E.447[22], Wing F903.
27. ESTC R203705; Thomason E.461[24]; Wing (CD-ROM, 1996), S186. Wing says 'var.' In CSmH and Thomason copies the 'A' of 'A3' is under the second 'c' of 'accompt', as seen in this example. Also signed at end 'T.S.' rather than being signed at foot of p. 5 'S.T.' as seen in the other variant.

This volume comprises 27 rare pamphlets recording the events during the English Civil War, particularly in Colchester, Essex, and also referring to related military movements and events during that time. Many relate to the Siege of Colchester which occurred in the summer of 1648 (12 June - 28 August) when the Second English Civil War reignited in several areas of Britain. Colchester became embroiled in the unrest when a Royalist army on its way through East Anglia to raise support for the King, was attacked by Lord-General Thomas Fairfax at the head of a Parliamentary force. The Parliamentarians' initial attack forced the Royalist army to retreat behind the town's walls, but they were unable to bring about victory, and as a result, they settled down to a siege. The Royalists resisted the siege for eleven weeks and only surrendered following the defeat of the Royalist army in the North of England at the Battle of Preston, Lancashire (17-19 August 1648).