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In pursuance of an agreement with Prince Maurice to advance £200 for provision of ammunition in Ireland, a proportion of that value has arrived from the Marquis of Ormonde with directions where to pay the money due, there being only £80 of the £200 paid in Ireland. The writer has sent directions for the conveyance of the ammunition to Chester. Requests their uttermost aid and assistance for the conveyance thereof, and that the money due therefore upon their own agreement be forthwith paid to Mr John Wilson, Secretary of the Army under the writer's command. Expects also a speedy account and performance for the provisions agreed to be raised in Caernarvonshire for the victualling of Chester. Hitherto no performance has been made, and he has sent Commissary Hassall for a third time to endeavour to get it with a special commission for that purpose. Threat of severe proceedings if there is any further delay, which they may be assured he has the power to do. Sends a copy of a commission received from Prince Rupert. PS The commission mentioned in this letter is upon occasion of an address to His Grace of York, which the writer doubts not will be by him communicated to them: otherwise at his next sending, he will enclose a copy. The letter received on 29th March at 10 am. William Hookes. Received the last day of March in the afternoon. John Owen.

Has received intelligence of the design of the enemy to surprise the town of Conwy or Caernarvon by shipping under pretence of the King's colours. The design is plotted and promoted by one Corbett, a flaxen-haired young man who is said to have a counterfeit commission under the supposed hand of Prince Rupert. Their plot is represented to be intended by shipping from Liverpool where they intend to ship some numbers of men and with them to sail with the King's colours into one of the North Wales harbours upon pretence of coming from Ireland to serve His Majesty. Holds it fit to give Owen some account thereof that such vigilance may be used as becomes His Majesty's service. The enclosed to Mr Edwards makes a more ample discovery of the business, wherewith the writer desires Owen to acquaint Sir John Mennes.

Whereas divers persons inhabiting in other counties and places have left their dwellings there and do now reside within the county of Caernarvon for their security and convenience, which is in accord with the royal pleasure, it is of great importance to the royal service to have the names and qualities of all such persons. The same to be certified with all speed to the court at Oxford. Received the 18th May 1645. (dorse).

Covering letter with No. 578.

Cannot but let them know with what cheerful readiness the counties of South Wales have entered into an association unanimously to resist and repel the Scots who are ready to invade with a powerful army, and to make 'you' an instance of far greater tyranny and oppression than that which they have so long exercised on the King's subjects in the Northern parts, for the King is informed that all Wales is destined by the rebels at Westminster as a more particular prey and reward to those invaders. Therefore the King believes that there will be no need to use invitations to inflame in them a sense of those miseries, or to apply themselves to the only way of preventing them by entering into a universal association among themselves and with those of South Wales for their own just defence 'which wee recommend to you for a patern in this behalfe' ... Urges them to raise forces and to place garrisons in all such places as shall be fit for their better security and for keeping the passes open between them and South Wales, by the advice and assistance of Lord Byron, the Commander in Chief in those parts. That they may have all due encouragement the King assures them that he will accept all such governors and officers of the forces that they shall raise in this association as they with Lord Byron's approbation shall recommend. He likewise assures them that those governors and officers shall not be removed, or any of the forces drawn away, by any authority but the King's and by the consent of those to whom he writes. Recommends the raising of a stock of money so that they may be the better furnished with arms and ammunition which will be provided in sufficient proportions from Bristol.

The King understands that divers gentlemen of the country near Aberconway, and others, did for the safety and protection of their goods convey them into the said Castle while it was in the Archbishop's hands. Owen is to take special care that the said goods are preserved from being embezzled, and that such as shall desire it may have their goods duly delivered to them without stay or diminution. And whereas the Archbishop of York designing the town and castle of Conwy as a place of refuge and safety in these troublous times for himself and divers other bishops, has victualled, repaired, and furnished the same at his own costs and charges, it is but reasonable that he and they should receive the benefit of the same. Owen is recommended to assign them such residence and abode in the town or castle of Conwy as shall be fit and convenient and which may be spared without prejudice to the public service: further he is to show them in their accommodations there that favour and respect which is their due. Received the 4th August.

By a late letter the writer could not but take notice of the extreme slowness and neglect of Caernarvonshire in payment of the contribution agreed upon at Denbigh, whereof he cannot but be the more sensible while he is daily solicited by several defending officers whose faithful service to His Majesty in these parts looks for some acknowledgement amongst them. The bearer hereof, Sergeant-Major Humffrey Sydenham, to whose industry and care these parts and this garrison are obliged, principally in his sole managing of the fort at Hanbridge, has been directed to receive out of the contribution agreed to be paid in Caernarvonshire thirty pounds. Hopes that he may meet with Owen's favour and assistance.

Enclosed is a copy of a letter (No. 598) which the writer has received from William Neale. Owen will see by it how necessary it is that his forces advance with all possible speed - since the enemy are drawing off - wherefore Owen is beseeched to cause his forces to advance towards Ruthland, so that they be there tomorrow night or Tuesday betimes. Meanwhile he expects to hear further certainty of this news. He intends with what he has to advance towards Flint and there to attend the motion of the enemy.

Whereas by the advice of Parliament assembled in Oxford, royal letters were directed to several persons in Caernarvonshire to require the loan of several sums of money, Owen is commanded to raise such loan of £100 from Sir William Williams, bart, to whom, amongst others, a letter requiring the same had been formerly directed. The money to be paid to Colonel Broughton.

In pursuance of the King's command formerly signified and Owen's promise to the writer, the latter orders that the Archbishop of York, when for his occasions or security he shall desire it, be admitted into the rooms of Conwy Castle formerly by him designed and prepared for the receipt of himself and his provisions, and that he be by his servants suffered to send in such goods and provisions as he shall intend for himself there, and to return without interruption; and Owen is to take care that the Archbishop's goods and provisions therein be preserved from loss or damage.

Upon several complaints touching the unequal quartering of soldiers and to prevent further inconvenience thereby, desires Owen to advise with the Archbishop of York and some other commissioners of array and gentlemen of interest near him, to settle the men as may be best for the ease and security of the county having special regard to the defence of the passes. The writer desires the men to be settled 'to content' and some drawn into Conwy. He may order those of his own regiment to Caernarvon.

Desires Owen to employ his power to force the boat designed for bringing the goods brought by the writer's wife to Conwy, to come forth with them to Caernarvon; and for their better expedition and speedy performance Owen should press an addition of oars and water-men to further their arrival there, wherein Owen will very much favour Byron's wife and receive the acknowledgement of his assured friend, etc.

Because of the uncertainty of the weather and the boisterous winds, the writer finds it will be long before his wife's goods can arrive in Caernarvon by water. He has therefore thought fit - if the enemy be removed at a convenient distance - to have them brought there on horseback. For that purpose desires Owen to issue his warrants to press horses and tackling for their carriage to Bangor where the writer will take care that horses will be ready by eleven o'clock to bring the goods thence. Entreats Owen to issue sudden and effectual commands.

The Countess of Leinster, being resolved, for the short time she has to continue in those parts, to reside in Anglesey, desires that her servant may be permitted to bring unto her those goods she left in Conwy. Does not doubt Owen's courteous compliance with her Ladyship's desires.

Had the writer received any intimation from Owen of his desire to exchange Major Cheadle for his kinsman, Captain Brinkir, he would not have propounded Captain Fryar for him. But the writer still expects that the engagement for Fryar be made good, and suggests that if there be no just cause for detaining Major Salisbury prisoner, Owen may exchange Captain Brinkir for him. Otherwise some of those officers who are now prisoners at Flint Castle may serve for that purpose.

Not having time himself the King desires Hudson to advertise the several loyal governors of his remaining towns and forts that he wishes them now to make their compositions on the best terms they may, for the truth is he cannot relieve them. They are to be assured that as their sufferings are the King's greatest affliction, so whensoever God shall enable him they shall reap the fruits of their fidelity. A note by William Hudson, at Aberconway, 19th July. Hereby avers and will be ready with his life to justify on the reputation, faith and honour of a gentleman, christian and soldier that the original of this letter was brought to him [by] a prisoner in Newcastle from and by a man of honour and trust, and accordingly let the writer be reputed by good and gallant men.

The Prince invites Owen into the King of France's service in which the Prince has taken 'conditions' to command all the English. Owen is asked to raise men for the service: he will hear from Colonel Donnell, who is about to come into Owen's country, what the 'conditions' are, being much better than other princes give. If Owen resolves to send any men over, the Prince requires speedy notice thereof, that he may give them all the assistance possible; but he need not have his Commission until the men are brought over.

It is of absolute necessity that Collington and Ashe attend a council of war to make good what they say of Edward(s). Let it therefore be Hughes's special care to get them into Monmouthshire for that purpose. What Mr Herbert and Mr Craddock have promised them in point of indemnity the writer will endeavour to have it performed. Desires Hughes to certify so much to them for their encouragement. To be done speedily after receipt of this letter.

There is behind in Wynne's allotment of the first six months' contribution for Sir Thomas Fairfax and of the last six months as is underneath set down. Wynne must take a course that they be paid on Tuesday next at Bala, or else the troopers will be forced to come and levy them. Wynne must not fail to send his constables thither. Wynne and the writer's cousin, Annwyl, must take firm course concerning the troopers that they do not quarter upon them this winter. PS Sent back of this money £7.14.4. Trawsfynydd £5.8.0, Maentwrog £1.16.0 - £14.18.4. Of the last six months in Isartro - Llanenddwy and Garnllwyd £5.11.0 and in from other places 16/4 - £6.17.4. The parish money totally behind being £14.8.0.

Safe conduct for Mr Morris Griffith with his horse and riding arms to pass to Caernarvon and to return without interruption.