Letter from Lord Esmond to generall Preston

fol. 158r

564
My Lord,
Your letters from Dublin Concearneing Mr Eustace have now found <r> opportunitie of an answeare from himselfe, which hath ministred me occasions to give mee yow a litle touch concearneing the present difference betweene vs, if any there be, for I admire (as at a thing most strange) what your intentions may be in coming so violently to the destrucion of this his Maiesties fforte and liege people, especially yow pretending his Maiesties service. Yow neuer questioned me for whom I held it till the first day of this moneth, and then yow receaued my answeare twice Confirmed vpon mine honor and fidelitie that I held it, for his Maiestie and the Crowne of England.
<s> A second cause of admiracion is how I have beene proved so perfidious to god and my soueraigne as that I should not be Credited vpon such asseveracion: but an absolute abl Contradicion sent me without former or further tryall of the truth. I presume to advise your lordship to be tender of further prosecucion of your actions in this kinde, least haply yow be found guilty of hostilitie against his Maiesties Commaunds aboue which I acknowledge none, nor submitt to any that are Contrary If yow must have further evidence of my loyaltie produce his Maiesties supersedeas to my Commission which I have for the holdings of this his fforte or procure his lieutenant for the Gouernment of this Kingdome to commaund me in his Maiesties name to deliver it to such forces as his excelency shall send hither to receave it and my alegeancy and Loyaltie shall appeare by my obedience: <impression of seal> but in the meane tyme if yow cease not hostilitie I shall vse, all possible speede to give intimacion to his Maiestie and the state of this Kingdome of your actions not doubting (by gods assistance) to defend my selfe (as nature reason and religion require) against those who withouts cause or Knowledge of offence in me so furiously rise vp against me, and endeavor the shedding of innocent blood.
<t> If yow admitt of my messenger or letters to goe safe to Dublin I shall by them request my lo: lieutenants Commaundes and receiving them, subiect my selfe to them in all points and if they permitt remaine.
Your lordships true friend and humble servant
ffrom his Maiesties fforte of
Duncannon Mar: 14: 1644.

Copia vera test: Ric: Vnderwood

fol. 158v

fol. 159r

fol. 159v

A letter to generall Preston
Mar: 14: 1644
This coppy delivered in
at the Board by Rich:
Vnderwood at his examjnacion
xj Apr: 1645
shewen to mr Thomas
Eustace at his examjnacion
15 Martij Apr: 1645