faithfull religious and honourable Pillars of the Truth and maintainers of their rights and priviledges and Patrons of the true Religion appeare with so united a concurrence of hearts and spirits The same morning there was set up in Cheapside in the place where the Crosse formerly stood a standing frame of slight Firre-poles on which were hung up divers Pictures and Trinkets as Crosses Crucifixes Images and Saints Agnus Dei's Beads Whippes and other superstitious Reliques and frivolous inventions of Papists all which with a chest of Popish Books were set on fire at the coming by of the said honourable Persons as a testification of their detestation and hatred of all such Romish and Babylonish superstitions and to declare their intentions to reforme take away those things which may justly incense the wrath of God against us one thing is also very remarkable that after they had been honourably entertained at Merchant-Taylors-Hall and dinner ended in stead of idle Maskings and other such uncomely actions heertofore used at such publike meetings to declare their union of spirit as in the presence of God all both Lords Commons at the godly motion of the reverend Assembly of Divines publikely and unanimously heavenly harmony indeed sung together the 67 Psalme to testifie their thankfulnesse to God A religious president worthy to be imitated by all godly Christians in their both publike and private feastings and meetings And which addes much to the admirable radiant lustre of this so precious a day of rejoycing in the Lord and to make this our joy yet more complete on this very same day of this so rare and fair an Assembly namely the 18th of this instant January our loyall and loving Brethren of Scotland came with their whole armie into England to help the Lord and us his greatly abused servants against our mightie and most malicious enemies All which I mean both this most memorable and unparalleld Love-feast and the seasonable entrance of our brethrens brave armie and all in one day how much they must needs vex the impious Oxonians and all the rest of our motley-Malignants and how great and unexpressible cause they gave of cordiall comfort and enlarged thankes to the Lord to all his Saints and servants I leave to every rationall and honest Reader religiously to judge and consider And for the yet greater and most just glory of God within a day or two after namely about the 20th of this instant both Houses of Parliament to shew their deeply obliged thankfulness to the Lord for that late foresaid great deliverance agreed most piously upon an Order for a publick day of thankesgiving in all Churches in and about London for Gods great mercy in preserving the Parliament and Citie of London from the secret practises and most malicious designes of their foresaid enemies Sir Basill Brook Read Violet and Riley which was immediately printed and published and accordingly performed on the appointed day Much about this foresaid time also came certain intelligence by letters from about the parts of Staffordshire and Namptwich to London of an unhappie defeat given to the Parliaments forces of Lancashire part whereof were enforced to flie to a Church for their farther hoped safety but were there also environed and at last broken in upon and by that base and bloudy pretended Lord Sir John Byron most barbarously put all to the sword at his accursed Turkish command and which was worse to triumph in this his inhumane barbarity he immediately upon this villanous victory of his wrote a Letter to his as base and treacherous brother the mischievous Marquess of Newcastle which was by Gods providence intercepted by noble Sir William Brereton and by him sent to the Honourable House of Commons in Parliament a true Copie whereof in aeternam rei infamiam being afterward printed and published I have thought fit heer to insert for the Readers fuller content and satisfaction A Copie of Sir John Byrons I had almost said Sir John Butchers Letter to the Marquess of Newcastle dated December 26. 1643. My Lord I Have already dispatched two Messengers to your Excellency to give you an account of my proceedings in these parts I am now at Sambich and have thought fit to acquaint your Excellency that Brereton for the relief of Namptwich had so prevailed with the Lancashire-men as to draw thence 1500 foot which I having notice of immediately marched toward him but as soon as I came within sight of him he instantly according to his custome ran away a most intolerable egregious Popish lyer as all men know that know that noble and renowned Commander in great confusion so that now those 〈◊〉 are so dispersed that they are not like to meet together again And I doubt not but by Gods assistance in a short time to clear this Country if your Excellencies forces advance toward Stopford to be able to set footing in Lancashire The rebells had possessed themselves of a Church at Bartumley but wee presently beat them forth of it and I put them all to the Sword Which I finde to be the best way to proceed with these kinde of people for mercy to them is crueltie so indeed sayes Salomon of such wicked ones as Byron I am my Lord your Excellencies most humble servant J. B. But now to come to my intended purpose this forementioned relation being onely an introduction to what followes that this inhumane monster bloudy Byron and all his accursed malicious adherents might clearly see and take notice of a divine providence notwithstanding this his insulting blasphemous Letter which over-powers the greatest potency of the proudest Bragadochiâ—es yea mightiest Monarches in the world which oppose his all-sacred soveraign power and authoritie There came therefore most certain intelligence by Letters out of Cheshire to London of divers brave repulses given to buteherly Byrons forces at the siege of Namptwich by the most valiant besieged Souldiers and Inhabitants of the said Town And shortly after by a Letter under Col. Mittons own hand which was brought to London about Jan. 20th 1643. By which it was for certain advertised That Sir Nic. Byron Governour of Westchester uncle to this foresaid bloudy Byron having heard of the sore repulses and defeats given to their forces at Namptwich which redounded to the great loss of his proud insulting kinsman bloudy Byron as aforesaid at his said kinsmans intreatie Sir Nicholas advanced with a partie of horse and foot from Westchester to fetch in armes and ammunition both to supply his kinsmans wants therein and his own too their Ship being carried to Lerpool as was forementioned which should have supplied those their wants and coming unto a Town called Elsmere neer Colonell Mittons quarters this most valiant and loyall Commander Colonell Mittan drew forth his regiment fell upon the enemies forces aforesaid who were then in the Town he killed above 60 of them in the place took the said Sir Nicholas Byron Commander in
Namptwich Sir Wil. Brereton followes Capell and makes him retreat to Wem The Lord Capell soundly beaten at Wem All this Relation was written and attested by a very pious Souldier of this action Divers rare passages of Gods providence preservation of our forces in this defeat Thirty or forty of our horse and Dragoons chase and beat a thousand of their horse Psal 62. 9 10. The renowned Earl of Manchester spoiles Newark of provision Bullingbrook-Castle taken by the Lord Willoughbie of Parrhaâ— The declining condition of the Earl of Newcastles armie The defection also of the Gentrie of Yorkshire from him A yet farther defection of other Northern Counties from the Kings partie The Cessation of armes in Ireland a main cause of this foresaid defection The Kings Declaration from Oxford justifying that abominable Irish Cessation Mark this well ô English-MalignaÌ„ts touching this Irish Cessation Mark this also and admire it Almost twâ— hundred thousand Englâ—sh Protestants butchered in that most barbarous Irish-Massacre Mark this also And this too and tremble at it Isaiah 5. 20 The contrary effects of the Irish Cessation A New-Broad Sâ—â—l of England Sir Wil. Waller apprehends the Lord Saulton a Popish Scotish Lord at Newbery and 4000 li in money with him The brave fight at Stamford Mount neer Plimouth and the excellent effect it produced A proper note and fitly applyed Pools brave performances Captain Layes undaunted resolution at the Town of Warham Warham prepares to encounter the Poolians The Poolians politick carriage in approaching the Town Pool-men enter the Town of Warham The enemies flie Prisoners taken Prizes taken The Poolians victorious and safe return The Earl of Warwick made Lord high Admirall of England The brave exloits of the most valiant and faithfull Governour and garrison of Warwick Castle The valiant brave performances of Sir Wil. Brereton Sir Thomas Midleton An OrdinaÌ„ce of Parliament granting Letters of Mart to Merchants and Seamen against the enemies of the Parliament The Arks safe arrivall at the end of this Monethly voyage The holy-Merchant-like improvement of this Moneths voyage to Gods glorie A Summarie recitall of all the rare and rich mercies of this Moneths voyage 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. Gods little flock preserved thus in his Ark gives all the honour to God alone December 1643. A New Great Seal of England The New Great Seal of England confirmed The names of the Commissioners The manner of the Solemnity of the delivery of the New great Seal of Eâ—gland to the Commissioners The Solemn-League or Covenant to be farther pressed where not yet taken The House of Peers take the solemn League and Covenant The Earles Lords that took the Covenant at westminster Commanders in Armes Knights and Gentlemen also take this Covenant The Covenant sealed in the City of London with the Loan of an 100000â—â— The main end of this holy League and Covenant Oxford Spiders suck poyson out of the herb Grace GODS Ark carried on prosperously notwithstanding all advers blustring blasts against it Many deserted Oxford took the Covenant The brave exploits of renowned Colonell Massie at Gloucester Colonell Vavasor beaten from Tewksbery Sir John Winter frighted from Newnham Wotton garrison also dissolved discomfited by Col. Massey A plot against the Citie of Gloucester prevented The manner of discovering the plot Sir John Winters plot defeated A brave defeat given to the Lord Digbie at Plyâ—â—uth The Town forced to a retreat The enemie put to a retreat The enmie soundly beaten The slain and prisoners taken A brave defeat given to the enemie at Dunscot neer Tociter by the Northampton forces The most famous defeat given to the L. Craford at Alton is Surrey The manner of their ordering the business They marched at night The secret carriage of their march The Lord Craford and 300 horse got out of the Town The slain and prisoners taken in the pursuite The Town begirton all sides with our horse and foot The enemie is beaten out of their trenches Our men enter the Town A very fierce fight for the space of neer two houres The enemie fought valiantly Lievt Colonell Boles slain in the fight The Town is totally taken Major Shambrock shoe with a pistoll in the church after quarter given The prisoners and prizes taken The slain on the enemies side The slain on our side Above 500 of the prisoners take the Covenant and served under Sir William Waller Sir Wil. Waller sends the Lord Craford a hogs head of Sacâ— The Lo Crafords Letter to Sir 〈…〉 Sir Ral Hoptons Letter to Sir Wil Waller A remarkable passage of Gods providence Mr John Piâ—s departure out of this life A plot to convey away the young Duke of Gloucester and the Ladie Princess Elizabeth to Oxford discovered and prevented The triumphant return of the trained Bands of London and Westminster with their prisoners The prisoners they brought The brave company that went out of the Citie to meet them An excellent Ordinance of Parliament for the conservation of the good government of the Citie of London The brave exploits of valiant Colonell Sydenham of Pool The notable reformation at Canterbury in the Cathedrall in Kent Austine first Bishop of Canterbury Christ and the 12 Apostles Twelve more Popish Saints Picture of God the Father and the Holy-Ghost Pretty sport with a Prebendaries wife of Canterbury As good sport also with her husband the Prebendary himself Seven figures of the Virgine Mary A Cathedrall Petty-Canon shoots his fools bolt at this work Thomas Becket a Romish Saint an English traytor Gainesborough stormed by Sir Tho. Fairfax and Sir John Meldrum and a brave prize taken The Kings partie most unsuccessfull ever since the Irish Cessation Pious Serjeant Major 〈◊〉 Skippon and his brave Londoners at Grafton-House Grafton-house stormed by the Londoners and brave Northampton forces Grafton-house taken and the rich prizes and spoiles therein An OrdinaÌ„ce of Parliament enabling the Militia for the City of London to send forth two regiments unto Sir Wil. Waller A notable plot against Nortingham Castle Colonell Hutchinso Governour of Nottingham Castle his constancy and fidelity to God and his Cause * The offers to Captain White was 10000li. and 100 to his Officers to procure it A Pack of Cavalerian plots A brave defeat given to the Belvoir Cormorants by Colo. Waight Governour of Burleigh-house Colo. Waight sends the enemie a challenge Capt. Plunket a most wicked and bloudie Irish-Rebell slain Colo. Waights brave resolution at a second charge The enemy is put to flight The prisoners and prizes taken A most worthy act in Colonell Waight after the fight The siege of Plymouth deserted The enemie resolves to storme Plymouth A very fierce encounter on both sides At least one hundred of the enemies slain and not above 16 of ours The Siege quite deserted and 660 of the sick enemies left behind Major Generall Basset his ingenuous coÌ„fession touching this siege The horrible malice mischiefe of the Kings
consisting in all of about fifty foot colours and a great bodie of horse which indeed was Newcastles whole armie which coming so unexpectedly put us to new consultations My Lord Willoughbie and I being in the Town agreed to call off our foot and so I went to bring them off but before I returned to them divers of our foot were ingaged the enemy advancing with his whole bodie our foot retreating in some disorder and with some loss yet got the Town where now they are our horse also came off with some trouble being wearied with their former long fight and their horses tyred yet bravely faced the enemies fresh horse and by severall removes got off without the loss of one man the enemy following the rear with a great bodie The honour of this retreat as also of all the rest is due to God alone My Major Whaley did in this business carry himself with singular courage and gallantrie becoming a Gentleman and a Christian Thus have you this true relation as short as I could contract it what you are to doe upon it is next to be considered The Lord direct you therein Gentlemen I am Your faithfull Servant O. C. Huntington July 31. 1643. A list of the slain and prisoners taken at the raising of the Siege of Gainesborough GEnerall Cavendish slain Colonell Beton slain a Lievtenant Colonell slain a Sergeant Major slain Captain Husses slain a 100 dead in the place an 150 prisoners taken and 200 slain in the pursuite of them a totall defeat not ten men in a bodie Much about the aforesaid time also namely in the said July 1643. came certain information to London that the Kentish Malignants perceiving the firm resolution of the Parliament and Citie of London not to desert but closely to adhere to the cause of Religion and liberties of the Kingdome and being extremely vexed with a spirit of malignity and rage to hear of the constant preparations of the pious and well-affected Parliamentarians especially I say in the Citie of London to raise a considerable strength of horse to make a flying Armie a design at that time very hotly on foot to pursue the Kings Cormorants or devouring Cavaliers and thus to force them from their wicked trade of plundering and pillaging the Country They therefore in Kent upon a pretence of rising against a new Oath or Covenant begun at this time to be taken by the Parliament and Cities of London and Westminster and intended to be ordered to be taken over the whole Kingdome which they declared they had no minde to take and yet this Oath or Covenant was not as yet imposed upon them nor any penaltie on the refusers thereof onely the names of such as refused it were to be taken and returned thus to distinguish the well-affected from the ill-affected and to disarm them and to keep a more vigilant eye over their persons as just causes were administred Whereas their main plot was to make a generall insurrection and seditious disturbance of the whole Countie and thus to make way for Sir John Culpepper Sir Edward Deering and a strong partie of the Kings Oxonian Cormorants to joyn with them and thereby to disturb the Parliaments and Cities foresaid preparations and for the farther endangering of this royall Metropolis or chief Citie of the whole Kingdome and therein to work the ruthfull ruine of Church and State Therefore I say these Kentish Jack-Cades under colour forsooth of resisting and rejecting of that Oath and Covenant seditiously assembled themselves first at Seven-Oakes in Kent which they intended to be their chief Rendevouz and where they quickly increased for as our Proverb is Ill weeds grow apace into a body of about 2 or 3000 desperately minded Malignants or Atheists which you please their chief Ring-leaders being Sir Edward Bathurst Captain Stanley and one Mr. Leigh with some others of those parts They being thus audaciously assembled together about 200 of them attempted to have seized on the Magazine at Dartford but a troop of horse appearing there prevented them therein yet some of them meeting with Sir Thomas Walsingham a most worthy patriot of his Country and member of the Parliament as he was riding with two servants onely to Dartford boldly laid hands on him and carried him prisoner to their Rendeâ—ouz and about the same time also they forced Captain Rolf a very worthy and religious young Gentleman of Arpington in Kent out of his bed about 100 11 of the clock at night who never suspected any such rising or sodain surprisall and with no little danger of his life carried him also prisoner with them to Sir Thomas Wâ—â—singham and there kept them together in prison and a little before these Rebells were subdued they were both in great danger to have been slain or put to death in prison had not God graciously prevented it Now the Parliament understanding of this sodain mutinie presently sent a Declaration among these mutiners by Sir Henry Vane the younger who took great paines by all fair meanes to pacifie them proffering them pardon if they would instantly lay down their armes and peaceably submit to the Parliament if not the bloud that must be spilt would lie on their own heads And withall to reduce them by force in case of disobedience Colonell Brown was presently dispatcht into Kent with a 1000 London-Redâ—oates and about 800 more after them together with two troops of horse from London divers Voluntieres also of the well-affected of Kent rose against those seditious and joyned with Colonell Brownes forces And that no opportunitie might be omitted for the taming of these insolencies the Parliament gave power to the Committee for the Militia in London to raise Dragooneers and to use what other meanes they thought fit to suppresse them And in regard the Parliament had had former information that this rising was a part or branch of treacherous Tompkins and Challenors designe who had appointed Blackheath to be the place of Rendevouz if that plot against the Citie had then taken effect they appointed strict watches and guards to be kept in the Citie and Out-workes therof and that a strength of horse should be sent into Surrey toward Rigate and other parts thereabout to suppress insurrections if any should happen to be there also Now these Kentish Rebells being thus assembled at Senock as aforesaid and hearing of the approach of Colonell Brownes forces toward them they deserted this Town and fled thence to Tunbridge and from thence sent a Messenger with a submissive Petition to the Commanders of the Parliaments forces to be presented to the Parliament that they were willing to lay down armes if the Parliament would forgive their offences but the Parliament most prudently and like themselves indeed utterly rejected any Petition from them whiles armes were in their hands but if they would lay them down first and then Petition they might finde grace
from the Governour or Mayor of the Towne our men fell to playing on the Towne with their ordnance both by sea and by land both our seamen and landmen performing admirable good service and the Towne also maintaining the assaults with brave resolution as ours more bravely assaulted them even to the face of death and danger Commissary Guine the Governour of the Towne shewed himselfe indeed to be a man of an undanted spirit issuing out of the Town and bringing up his small shot and making good their owne ambuscadoes but his hot valour exposed the Towne to unavoydable misery by his furious vowing he would neither give nor take quarter whereby he forced himselfe into much danger for leading on his men to face our small shot who plyed their muskets so thick and nimbly that his men forsooke him and himselfe received a shot under his right pap which enforced him to retreat who was no sooner entred the Towne but the master Gunner thereof was also slaine In all which brave and resolute fight we must not omit to manifest the high praise of Gods providence toward us for our small shot having forced the enemy out of their ambuscadoes pursued them close to the Town-gate their gunner having laden a piece of ordnance with case-shot and watching for such an opportunity having also travised the gun said to those that stood by Now you shal see me make a slaughter of these Roundheads at which word a small shot from our forces hit him on the head after which he never spake word more but dyed instantly which fall of his so daunted the enemy both commanders and souldiers that forthwith they cryed out for quarter and so we by Gods mighty mercy and goodnesse obtained the Towne of Tynby which was held by the judgement of the most judicious almost impregnable it being not to be entred but by single file In this Towne wee tooke 3 or 400 prisoners as many armes 7 pieces of ordnance all which were taken on Saturday March the 9. 1643 and on the Lords day March the 10. Carew-castle was also surrendred unto ours and therein also was happily consummated the totall subduing of all the malignant and insulting party in the whole County of Pembrooke Wee tooke from the Earle of Carbery and his complices in this action 4 castles 53 pieces of ordnance about 6 or 700 souldiers as many armes and the whole County I say of Pembrooke subdued who thereupon most unanimously took the Covenant to stand to Gods cause for the King and Parliament In all which the Lord of hostes gave his servants the victory over his and their enemies and gives us all therein just cause to put our confidence in him and in that comfortable ejaculation of holy David to exult and say By this we know that thou Lord favourest us in that thou hast not suffered our enemies to triumph over us And now to proceed About the foresaid 16 or 17 of March also came true information of more very good successe with our ships at Sea about the Isle of Garnsey performed and obtained by Captain Iordan who went out with a squadron of ships well man'd a part of brave Captain Swanlyes fleet before famously mentioned to beat the Earl of Malborough the Admirall of the Kings fleet at Sea who was gone to those parts of Garnsey and Iersie to get souldiers for the Kings Service which yet he could not effect as he hoped and at last Captain Jordan understood that the Earl was got to St. Mallows whither he thereupon set sail and came to Cape Tryhull whence he chased two Vessels the bigger of them fleeting towards Saint Mallows he took by the way which had been a ship belonging to Lyme and was bound for Topsham laden with Canvase cloth wine c. of burthen an 110 tuns and bearing 13 peeces of Ordnance The other ship was chased by Captain Thomas who forced her on shoare and the next day got her off being also laden with Canvas and belonging unto and bound for Topsham of 36 tuns and she being shot between wind and water they unladed her goods into their own Ships The next day plying the Cape aforesaid they took two Barks more of Topsham laden with Wollen cloath Iron Train Oyle c. bound for Saint Mallows of 30 tun a peece and of value able to defray the whole charg of the ships then in company But the Earl having got into Saint Mallows they could not reach him nor durst he stir forth all the time of their waiting for him there and so they missed of that hoped oportunity to have bickered with him About the 18th of this instant came certain information by Letters from Gloucester that although the ammunition intended for Gloucester could not wholely be conveyed thither with safty by reason of the great partee of the Enemies thereabout yet that Colonel Massey that most famous Commander having sent an expresse to the Earle of Denby Sir Thomas Fairfax and Colonel Bear That he was able by Gods assistance to keep the Town 6. moneths longer yea though he were closely besieged and that therefore if any designe or opportunity were offered them he prayed they would pursue it Since which time neither of those brave Commanders had beene without action and for confirmation thereof besides their former services it was particularly advertised by severall Letters That the valiant Commander Colonell Beare having intelligence of a Regiment of the Earle of Northamptons quartered at Cambden in Gloucestershire he drew forth a Party of his Horse who fell upon the Enemy there routed the whole Regiment tooke 80 Horse about 10 Officers whereof one was a Major and 2 Captaines 2 Horse Colours and 5 Foot Ensignes an 100 Prisoners much Armes and Ammunition and pursued them as farre as Burford in Oxfordshire and afterward brought the Prisoners and Prize to Warwick-castle About the 20 th of this instant also wee had certaine intelligence by more Letters from Gloucester that that valiant faithful and renowned Gentlemen Colonell Massey whose actions render him truly Honourable for Virtue is the badge of Honour as Vice is of Shame had taken from the Enemy about 8 Miles from Gloucester 35 Horse and some prisoners and returned back safely and seasonably to Gloucester having intelligence that sir Iohn Winter his Popish neighbour was at some places in the Forrest of Deane to raise men by virtue of the Commission of Array whereupon he forthwith marched toward him and most bravely defeated his designe tooke about 60 Horse of his prisoners and victoriously returned home againe Thus most gallantly and vigilantly awing his Enemies on every side And about the 22d. of this instant March came Letters from the Army of our loyall Brethren of Scotland which were read in the Parliament certifying that they had then passed over the River Tyne at three severall places without any opposition and shortly after were possessed of
rather flying that way they pulled up the bridge and laid the loose boards upon stones for a party of their own forces then behind to passe over and then they intended to take them away to hinder the passage of any of the Parliaments Forces then in pursuite of them But the Rear of the Kings Army marched so hastily away that the loose boards slipt away from the stones when many were upon it there being a great and deep water running swiftly under the bridge so that about 60. of them fell into the river and were drowned among whom were some Commanders of quallity Thus we see still how evill haunts the wicked man at the heeles to destroy him And Sir William Waller still pursuing them as we were credibly enformed fell upon a party of them and took the Queenes Serjeant Major 3 Cornets and about an 100 horse But the noble and prudent Lord Generall well knowing what a considerable and sufficient party Sir William Waller had to pursue them marched Westward and Colonell Masseys forces joyned with Sir William Wallers in the prosecution of this running flight of their Enemies And about the 8th of this instant June we had credible enformation touching the siege and taking of Shudley-castle by that noble and renowned Generall Sir Wil. Waller a very strong piece and of much consequence which Sir William plyed so close with his batterring pieces that in a short space he became master of it for they within came soon to a parley with him the issue whereof was That they delivered up themselves prisoners and onely had quarter for all their lives Wherein were taken prisoners Col. Sir William Mourton Lieut. Colonell Sayer Serjeant Major Aldham Serjeant Major Floyd 4 Captaines 7 Lieutenants 1 Cornet 4 Ensignes 7 Gentlemen of quality 289 common souldiers one Drum a Malignant Priest and his 2 Sons 80 horse 2 Drakes many were slain in the fight against the castle but not a man slaine on Sir William Wallers side A rare mercy and singular preservation The very same day also on which the former good service was performed as aforesaid Colonell Purefoy being returned from Glocester and not willing to be idle by the way but having taken up some more strength from Coventry to adde to his owne Warwicke forces set upon the Earl of Northamptons-House commonly called Compton-House being between Banbury and Warwick a place or House of very considerable-strength In which House they found as was credibly enformed 5500 l. in ready money besides 5 or 6 earthen-pots of money afterward found in a fish-pond they tooke also an 120 prisoners and all their Armes 60 Horse 400 sheepe neer an 100 head of Cattell 18 loads of excellent plunder and other good prizes and there also they tooke prisoners Colonel Knotsford and Captain Clarke And now about the 10th of this instant came out the Ordinance of Parliament mentioned a litle before printed and published for the association of Buckinghamshire Berks and Oxfordshire and a Committee was nominated therein for the raising of money upon Papists Malignants and Delinquents estates in those Counties and likewise to settle the Excise there and to levy money upon the Ordinance of Parliament for the 25th parts for the maintenance of the forces that are or shall be raised for the reducing of the Enemies garrisons in those Counties And that the said Committee have power to cut downe the wood and timber of Papists or Malignants to raise fortifications or for other services as there shall be occasion And likewise that they shall call before them the Malignant Clergy and Schollars in those Counties and place and displace such as they shall find occasion thereunto And all this power was put principally into the hands of this brave and loyall Citizen Serjeant Major Generall Brown who was thereby also of purpose made Serjeant Major Generall of all the forces raised or to be raised in all those Counties aforesaid and he had power by this authority of Parliament to assemble a Councill of war as oft as he saw occasion for the executing of justice on all sorts of offenders About the 12. of this instant came certain information by letters and otherwise from that most valiant and worthy Commander Sir William Brereton of an excellent exploit performed by that most valiant and noble Patriot of his Country the Earle of Denbigh against a party of the kings horse which came to raise his siege at Dudley-castle the manner whereof was thus related The King being upon his departure from Bewdley toward Shrewsbury sent a party of about 3000 horse against the Earle of Denbigh at Dudley-castle which horse comming suddenly on them the noble Earle sent a party of forlorn-hope commanded in chiefe by ever honoured Col. Mitton Governour of Wem who most bravely charged the Enemy but their force as I said being all horse and comming violently on our forlorne-hope seemed to be in a forlorn condition being on a sudden desperately engaged and in such a danger that it was advised by the Councill of War That the Earl could not without great hazard to his whole Army attempt to releive the forlorn-hope but must rather leave them to shift as they could and keep their trenches with their main body to receive the Enemy if they came on But the noble Earle to his perpetuall honour hating to see his dear friends sacrifice their lives in a Cause so just as Religion and Liberties and himself stand by a looker on resolved to relieve them maugre all disadvantages or dye in the attempt and with this martiall and most noble resolution he drew up his forces and himselfe in person leading them on against the Enemy with admirable courage cryed out thus to his Souldiers Come on Sirs follow mee for by the grace of God I will rescue Colonell Mitton or lay my bones in the place And thereupon charged them to so good purpose that he soon freed his forlorne-hope and in short time put the Enemies to a disorderly flight if not quite routed them and was in the pursuite of them divers miles together In which flight as was certainly enformed the Enemy lost above an 100 men which were slain in the place and among them one person of speciall note was then killed for whom they made much lamentation there were also 17 persons of quality taken prisoners besides the common-souldiers and 30 more afterward at Master Dudleys House whom that valiant and most worthy Commander Colonell Rudgeley who with his Staffordshire forces did singular good service in this fight tooke prisoners before they could retreat besides Horse and Armes and on the Earles side was onely 7 slain and some wounded I a little before made mention of the good hand of God upon the most valiant and courageous garrison of Lyme in their long and straight Siege by a furious and cruell Enemy And now about the 15th of this instant came certain intelligence of
Lieutenants 2 Cornets 2 Ensignes Commissary Richard Edwards 9 Serjeants 9 Corporalls and one Drum-Major besides 305 Common Souldiers 8 Townesmen in Armes 200 Muskets a 100 Pikes and other warlike weapons and 40 Barrels of Powder And of what great advantage this Town was to those parts especially for the reducing of North Wales those that know that Country do very well know But this Noble Earl rested not here this successe made him not forget the directions of the Committee of both Kingdomes nor to loose any time but that he hastned to expedite what was directed and by him before resolved And so the very next day he Ordered his March accordingly leaving that ever to be honoured Gentleman and brave commander Col. Mitton Governour of that brave Town and Castle a man most fit for such a trust as Wem can witnesse And about the 28. of this instant we were credibly advertised by Letters from Dorchester that the Country at least 20 miles about from the said Town being summoned to appeare there came in most freely and it being offered unto them That any one that desired a Passe to go to Exeter Bristoll or any other parts of the Kings quarters should go together on the left hand and should have their free Passes and all those that were convinced in their consciences of the justnesse of the cause on the Parliaments side should go to the right or hold up their hands and accordingly every one there assembled did so not one desiring a passe to go to the Enemie holding up all their hands most cheerfully this being upon the ending of a Sermon preached then by Master Peters who hath done great Service for the State both by Sea and by Land both in England Ireland and Holland And much about the last of this instant Iune 1644. for the conclusion of this Moneth An Ordinance of Parliament was happily past That no Lords nor Commons who have deserted the Parliament and complyed with Oxford shall be re-admitted into the Lords House nor Members of the House of Commons be any more admitted into the House of Commons without the consent of both Houses A good bar and like to be a strong prop to the firmer stablishing of the State of the Kingdome Who if they had come when their pretended House at Oxford stood on its flashy glosse and false glory we might have thought they had come out of conscience and affection to the Parliament at Westminster but now to leave their own ship when it is upon sincking and to crawl up the main top then is but like Vermine Rats to leave the ship for fear of drowning And truely in this case One constant Royalist though bad 's the best is more worth than 2 of these rotten-hearted Turn-coats But now let these ignoble spirited Deserters revolters sit as they deserve as Britannicus said well 't is pitty either House should again be stained with the Apostacy of such tergiversatious Bats For to be sure those that have once known that way to Oxford would every Spring and Fall every ebbing and flowing of the tide of affaires have been troubled with a fit of shifting sides and parties and be willing to take the ayre 44 miles from London And now having thus by Gods good providence and assistance finished this Moneths Voyage also I shall here desire as is most fit to cast anchor again and to put to shoar a little to refresh our Vessell and to bring forth all the Merchandize and rich Commodities of this Moneths Adventure to a summary sight and revise thereby to set an edge upon our affections to stir up our most gratefull hearts the more to praise the Lord our great and good God the Father and fountain of them As first The happy and most seasonable reliefe of the long and straitly besieged Town of Lime in Dorsetshire by the most noble and renouned Lord Admirall the Right honourable Earl of Warwick together with the serious consideration of the Admirable and almost incredible courage of the Inhabitants and Souldiers thereof in so undauntedly defending it by Gods most impregnable power and assistance The most Loyall and Valiant ayde and help afforded to us by the Noble Earl of Callender in the Northern parts of the Kingdome and the Parliaments most wise and gratefull respect to Captain Swanlyes good service in Wales The kings most unworthy signing and assenting to the most wicked demands and Articles of the Irish Rebels after which he was forced to flye up and down with as much just fright of a wounded conscience as needlesse fear of his most friendly pursuers The Parliaments most prudent and provident making that brave and most gallant Citizen Colonell Brown Serjeant Major Generall of 3 Counties viz. Oxford Berks and Buckinghamshire Renouned Colonell Masseys taking of Tewksbury And Gods just judgement on some of the Kings Forces at Parrishâ—â— in their flight from Sir William Waller their victorious and most valiant pursuer and his brave taking of Shudley Castle as he past along in pursuite of the King Valiant and active Captain Purefreys taking of Compton House in Warwickshire neer Banbury and a most brave defeat given to the Enemy by the most noble and renowned Earl of Denbigh at Dudley-castle to his indelible high renowne and the Enemies extreame great losse and dishonour The totall and most remarkable raising of the long and tedious Siege of Lyme to Gods great glory our unexpressible comfort and Prince Maurices eternall shame and infamy Together with the Parliaments most wise and worthy brave carryage in and about that businesse both in their ordering of thankes to God the Lord Admirall and Lyme it selfe as also in bestowing a brave and bountifull reward on the Town of Lyme for their valour and loyalty to the Cause of God Sir William Belfores taking of Weymouth and Taunton-Deane the noble Lord Grey of Groobies brave carryage at Leicester and the Lord Generalls and Lord Admiralls preparations both by Sea and by Land to reduce the West to obedience to the King and Parliament and their hopefull progresse therein Gods admirable goodnesse to Manchester in Lancastershire together with that excellent Ordinance of Parliament for constant reliefe to Wives and Children of Wounded and Slain Souldiers in the Parliaments service The most noble and right valiant Lord Denbighs winning of that strong and important Towne of Oswelstree with the prisoners and prizes taken therein And lastly The singular good affection which wrought in the hearts of the West-Country people toward the Parliament and their upright Cause together with an excellent Ordinance of Parliament against rotten-hearted Revolters and Deserters of the Parliament All these so rich and rare Merchandizes and comfortable Commodities brought in unto and by our precious Parliament for the happy advance of Gods Cause thus agitated in the Kingdome seriously considered and rightly aestimated who can deny but that our God hath most admirably this Moneth also carryed on his blessed Arke
his said relation as yee have seen toucht upon many remarkable prints of Gods admirable providence and prudence by his powerfull hand and strong arme carrying on this great work in extraordinary excellent and eminent manner to the unexpressible honour and glory of his great name Yet give me leave I pray now to adde some few more worthy the Readers most serious notice and observation as adding much also I beleeve to the praise and glory of our great and gracious Wonder-working God First That when Prince Rupert had by a by-way got into Yorke and come forth again our Generall fearing the Enemies advance to the Southerly Associated Counties to have spoyled the kingdome that way also which they might too certainly have done ours therefore marched away with their Van the rest following to prevent Rupert But he contrary to their thoughts falls with all his forces upon our Rear the Van being about two or three miles forward on their foresaid march and by a hot alarme comming sodainly to them forced for haste to returne disorderly to the fight and ere they could rally themselves orderly into battalia our Rear was engaged if not routed yet though tyred and faint they fell upon the Enemy That at the very beginning of the fight just as both Armies were joyning Battail and beginning the first encounter or assault of each other it pleased the Lord as it was most credibly affirmed for a certain truth that a sudden and mighty great storm of rain and hail and terrible claps of thunder were heard and seen from the clouds as if heaven had resolved to second the assault with a fierce Alarm from above Thirdly that about 2 or 3 Regiments of the Enemies side which at the first had routed and pursued a great party of our side which fled away from the Enemies first and fierce on-set Yet immediately after all that party of the Enemy was by a seconding party of ours following the Enemy in the Rear totally slain or taken prisoners Fourthly That God dealt with our 3 Noble Generalls Armies as he did with Gideons Army of all the thousands brought together at first he made choyce of some few hundreds to do this great work withall and when we seemed to be at the lowest ebbe of our strength a constant way of Gods admirable wisdome and power then on a sodain he turned the scale and came in with his irresistable power and never failing mercy and with a small number just as he did at Keynton battell got himself the Victory for us Fifthly that notwithstanding when Rupert that pert yea malepert giddy and bloody Prince had boldly and adventurously got into York and relieved it and thereby also released Newcastle and many or most of the Popish partee before inclosed within that City-walls which indeed was the main project or design the Enemy had at that time and that upon their return out of York all safe to the rest of their Army they called a Councill of War who also peremptorily resolved which indeed was their best and had been our worst blow of all to leave Yorke and make presently with all their strength into the Associated Easterly and Southern Counties Achitophels Councell most directly Yet then I say that this proud and bloody hair-brain'd young Prince should pluck out of his pocket the Kings Letter or Commission to him in speciall just like Hushaies Councell to crosse Achitophels charging them by no means to depart from York untill they had with all their combined powers given us battail O the admirable wisdome of our God thus to crosse that former fatall and terrible Councell as it must needs have proved Sixthly That the Counsells of Prince Rupert and others had designed the most valiant and expert Souldiers of the Popish and Atheisticall party to encounter the Wing of the Army commanded by renowned Lieutenant Gen. Cromwell as making account that in beating him they won the day and in particular Rupert had designed certain Troops of Horse all Irish-Papists and Gentlemen old Souldiers all who had been in service in Spain and France to give the first charge to the Brigade or party in which General Cromwell was and that they did confidently believe there was not a man of them but would dye rather than fly but they mist their expectations for many of them being indeed slain in the place all the rest fled Thus our God lets our proudest Enemies see and know The battell is not to the Rider nor the race to the Swift Sevently That upon the flight and departure of the Earl of Newcastle from the battell there passed many warm words betwixt Prince Rupert and him in Yorke after the rout they charging each other with the Cause thereof the Prince telling the Marquesse that he made not good his promise of assistance and the Marquesse replying in such a manner as mooved much passion and discontent yea and some say blows too And that thereupon the Marquesse of Newcastle with Generall King the Lord Witherington and very many moe fugitive gallants flying away beyond Sea to Hambrough and Holland Sir Thomas Glemham then governour of York did as 't was credibly assured and affirmed proclaim Newcastle a Traytor for his deserting Yorke and flying beyond Sea from his colours Thus as our English proverb is Theeves falling out among themselves True men by Gods mercy are like to enjoy their goods again Eightly That notwithstanding the extreame and extraordinary wants and straits which our Souldiers were put unto enough to move great compassion yea and admiration too and wherewith they were greatly pinched both the night before the battell and sometime since also as namely tyrednesse in travelling and hasty retyâ—ing to and fro such want of water much lesse of Beer to drinke that they had drained the wells even to the mud and were necessâ—â— to drink water out of dirches and places pudled and mired with the horses feet and that through want of accommodation of victualls very few of the common-souldiers had eaten above the quantity of one penny-loaf from Tuesday to Saturday morning following and as I said no beer at all to be had Yet I say notwithstanding all these that the Souldiers should fight so cheerfully and stoutly even by Gods admirable mercy to a glorious victory Ninthly That in the rout of the Enemy and in their flying and scattering about many of them ran most frightedly and amazedly to the place where some of the Regiments of Horse of the Parliaments side were standing on their Guard and all or most of their Riders were religiously singing of Psalmes to whom as the foresaid runawayes of the Enemy came neer and by their singing of Psalâ—ed perceiving who they were they all most fiercely fled back again and cryed out God damn them they had like to have been taken by the Parliament Round-heades For they only knew them I say to be the Parliament Souldiers by their
W. Wicked men compared to the Waves of the Sea 1 Lord Willough by of Parham wins Gainsbrough 6 Sir Thomas Walsingham taken prisoner by Kentish Rebells 12 Sir William Waller hath his Commission to advance 28 Sir John Wollaston chosen Lord Mayor of London 34 Sir John Wollastons fidelity cleared by a great tryall 35 Woods of Delinquents cut down 36 Wem Forces beat the Lord Capell 60 Lord Willougâ—by of Pâ—rtham takes Bâ—llingbrook Castle 67 Sir William Waller apprehends the Lord Saulton 75 Warwick Castles Exploits 156 Whiâ—by in Yorkeshire taken 156 Col. Waights good service 171 Westminster Cathedrall bravely reformed 184 Sir William Waller at Winchester 192 Whitechurch in Dorcetshire taken 195 Isle of Wights love to Sir William Waller ibid. Waltham house taken by Colonell White-head 201 Sir William Waller heats the Enemy at Basing 299 The Earl of Warwick made Lord high Admirall of England 83 Warwick Castles brave Service ibid. Sir John Winter beaten from Newnham 93 Wotton Garrison spoiled by Colonell Massey ibid. Sir William Waller sends a present to the Lord Craford a 〈◊〉 of Sacke 98 At Wantage the Kings Forces are frighted 234 The Women of Lymes admirable courage at that siege 246 Sir Will. Waller pursues the King 248 10000. l. Proffered to Capt. White to be a taitor to his Country 106 Col. Waight beats the Kings Cormorants of Belvoir 110 Sir William Waller takes Shudley Castle 250 Weymouth taken by Sir William â—elfore 257. Western affaires going on successefully 258 Wives and children of souldiers slain or maimed provided for 259 Windsor-castles brave exploits about Redding 113 Sir William Waller takes Arundell Castle 122 Winsby fight 133 Windsor Castle to be betrayed 135 Weln Ferry and Fort taken 287 Western parts hopefully reduced to the Parliament 298 Our enemies as Whales caught in Gods net 301 Wait and believe is a Christians duty 303 Y Goods service done at York by Sir William Constable 160 York is Newcastles last shelter 209 The Yoke of Cavalerian slavery Shaken off by Barnstable â—65 〈…〉 Marston-Moor Victory 291. FINIS Imprimatur Jan. 31. 1644. Ja. Cranford Psal 107. 23 24. England fitly likned to the Sea The wicked and ungodly rable to the raging waves of the Sea The Parliament and Assembly of Divines compared to the Ark of God God the Pilot The Ark over-topping the waves The wicked are Satans Gally-slaves The Authors two former Voyages in this English-Ocean Gods glory is ought to be the Alpha and Omega of all mercies The Authors third Voyage An Apologie for the pretermissioÌ„ of some preceding Parliamentarie-Mercies in the third Part of the Parliamentary-Chronicle and which come now to be heer related July 1643. A recitall of some former Parliamentarie-Mercies omitted in their proper place in the former Narration The Assembly of Divines petitioÌ„ the Lords and Commons in Parliament for speedy reformation of some speciall evills among us A copie of the Petition of the Assembly of Divines delivered to both houses of Parliament July 19 1643. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. The Parliaments Answer to the Divines Petition A fan gale to carry on the Ark of God Gainesborough in Lincolnshire won by the noble Lord Willoughby of Parrham The pâ—izes taken Colo. Cromwell raises the Newcastelian forces from besieging Gainesborough The Earl of Kingstone slain in a pinnace by Newcastles Cavaliers The Town of Stamford taken by Colonell Cromwell Return of our Monethly fast dayes prayers Burleigh-house in Lincolnshire taken by Colonell Cromwell A parly sounded by Colonell Cromwell Burleigh house stormed A parly sounded from within the House The House taken and the priz The great providence of God in the preservation of our Souldiers in this victorie 400 Clubmen come to ayd the Cavaliers discomfited and fiftie of them slain by ours Col. Cromwels own relation of his brave victory over the enemie at Gainesborough Siege A hot skirmisâ— at a hill The hill gained by the Lincolners The fight most fiercely begun Ours rout the enemies horse Ours have them in chase five or six miles Generall Cavendiâ—sh charges the Lincolneers most fiercely Colo. Cromwell charges him as bravely Generall Cavendsh slain Gainesborough relieved Another skirmish with the Newcastelians on the other â—ide of Gainesborough Newcastles whole Armie appeares Ours retreat and safely recover the Town The rising of the Kentish Malignants The new oath or Covenant is pretended to be the cause of this insurrection The main end of imposing this Oath The main plot of the Keâ—tish Malignants Seven-Oakes is their Rendevouz Their chief Ringleaders Sir The. â—â—lsingham and Captain Rolf taken prisoners by these Rebells And in great danger of their lives Sir Hen. Vâ—â—e sent into Kent by the Parliament with a Declaration of pardon to appeale them Col. Brown sent also into Kent with forces both horse and foot from London This Kentish insurrection was a part of Tompkins and Challenors conspiracie The Cities great care and providence The Rebells flie from Senock to Tunbridge The Rebells Petition the Parliament Their Petition rejected whiles they were armed Colo. Brown charges the rebells A hot skirmish for at least three houres space Col. Browns most valiant and resolute courage The Rebells are put to fâ—â—ght Prisoners taken The slain on both sides Their Priests were the principali fomenters to this rebellion About 5000 of them were assembled at Tunbridge The Inhabitants of Tunbridge desperate Malignants Sir Michael Levesey also at Yawlding his good service against those rebells Sir Michael plants his Ordnance against the Town yet endeavours by treatie to appease them The Town very much sleights Sir Michael A remarkable passage of Gods providence against the rebells in Yawlding Master Godfrey in Sir Michael his name fairly appeaseth the rebells The prize found in the Town Yawlding set in good order and quiet Canterbury Fevershâ—m malignants began then to rise also The well-affected partie of Canterburie appease this insurrection The Major of Fevershams carriage in the business Sir Geo. Sands taken prisoner The Major of Canterburie marcheth on to Sittingborn Sir Ed. Hales his Grandson a Captain of these rebells taken prisoner The heads of the Rebells brought to London and imprisoned Houghton Castle in Cheshire taken by Sir Will Breretons forces A Proclamation from Oxford to starve the Citie of London The Cities care and providence to prevent this plot of the impious Oxonians The L. Major and two Sheriffs of London take the Lievtenantship of the Tower by authoritie of Parliament A just brief touch of the due praise of Ald. Penningtons happie Majoraltie Alderm Pennington only made Lievtenant of the Tower of London A succinct most gratefull review of all the Parliamentarie-Mercies of this moneth 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Gods Ark above the worlds waves Jeâ— 5. 22. Psal 46. 1 2. August 1643. A ship of about 300 tun bound from Denmark to Newcastle laden with arms and ammunition taken at Sea A true Copie of the Inventorie and particular prize and goods taken out of
Cormorants at their departure A most admirable passage of Gods provideÌ„ce to Plymouth by a great shole of Pilchards coming into their harbour in the time of this Siege Captain Clark of Northampton apprehended diverse Commanders playing at Cards Windsor-Castles Dragoons brave exploits about Redding Foure high Constables and 80li. taken and carried to Windsor Good cheer provided for a partie sent out of Windsor at a greaâ— Malignants house at Stoke The high-altar Popish pictures in King Henry the sevenths Chappell taken away and demolished A briefe recapitulation and gratefull rumination on all this last Moneths remarkable mercies GODS Ark over-topping the worlds waves swelling Psal 31. 19. Januarie 1643. 2 Chron. 16. 9. A most notable and deep designe and pernicious plot against the Protestant Religion in all Christendom The Danes Hollanders coÌ„tribute to the King against us An admirable and sodain breaking-out of a combustion twixt Denmark and Sweden The King of Denmarkes plot against the Swedes discovered by Letters intercepted The Swedes enter into Denmark The falling out of the Danes with the Swedes much for our good Sir Tho. Holts House surprized by Coventrie forces A treacherous parley desired from the house The house batterd and taken Bewly-House also taken by the foresaid Coventry forces A most dangerous and pernicious plot against the Parliament discovered The ayme in this plot to divide the Citie Parliament The coÌ„trivers of this plot The place of meeting and consulting The contrivance of the plot The plot discussed on at Oxford The settlemeÌ„t of the Protestant Religion by Papists traytors and atheists still pretended The result of their first meeting was to send a Letter to London Rilâ—ys honesty acts a peace for this peacefull work The plot advanced And by Gods providence so dainly discovered Sir Basil Brook examined The Letter to the Lord Major The conspirators imprisoned The whole business communicated to the Citie of London Gods providence in delivering three worthy Gentlemen of Garnsey faithfull friends to the Parliament from prison in Castle-Cornet in Garnsey Acts 12. 11. Arundell-Castle besieged taken by Sir Wil. Waller The Castle delivered up to Sir William Waller The prisoners taken Fifty Reformadoes taken 1200 Common Souldiers 4000 li in money taken and other rich pillage A little armie taken prisoners in a little time about the taking Arundell-Castle At least 3300 enemies taken prisoners A brave Ship also richly laden taken at Arundell-Castle A Bristoll ship also taken at Leverpool in Lancashire The Citie of London takes into serious consideration the great care love paines of the Parliament for the welfare of the Kingdome The Citizens of London invite the Parliament c. to a dinner in the Citie A most excellent Message and Motion of the Citie to the Parliament at the invitation The Parliaments answer to the Cities invitation The Parliaments most pious desire to have a Sermon to be preached at this meeting The admirable expressions of loving acceptance of the Parliament of the Cities love to them The guests invited meet at Christ-Church in London Venerable Mâ— Marshall preached before them Whose excellency and unparalleld same and fidelity I must coÌ„fesse I want words to set forth as it deserves The same day of this glorious Assembly our Brethren of Scotland came into England with their armie All these causes of vexation in the wicked causes of rejoycing in the godly A publike and more generall day of thanksgiving appointed by order of Parliament A bloudy defeat given to the Parliament forces by Sir John Byron but an introduction to a great most admirable victory obtained by ours Pro. 12. 10. A most brave defeat given to Sir Nicholas Byron Governour of Chester by Colonell Mitton The slain prisoners and prizes taken Sir John Gellâ—s brave surprisall of Burton upon Trent Hilsden-House taken by the Parliaments forces 1. Laystolk quieted 2. Croyland subdued 3. Granthams victorie 4. Burleigh-house taken 5. Gainesborough relieved 6. Twentytroops of horse of Hull preserved 7. The winning of Lyn-Regis 8. Winsby fight 9. Lincoln taken 10. Gainesborough taken by storm 11. Hilsden-House taken Another most devillish plot between the Earl of Bristol and Serjeant Major Ogle to make a division between the ParliameÌ„t and Citie of London Mr Nye and Mr Jo. Goodwin wrought with to help on with the plot Propositions for encouragement to the Independent-men to help on the design Serjeant Major Ogle being released out of prison gets to Oxford This plotcame to nought in the end Another plot to betray Windsor-Castle into the Kings hands The manner of contriving it This plot also perished almost in the birth Another plot to betray Aylesbury most neatly disappointed Serjeant Major Ogle a plotter again in this treachery also A 1000 li promised as a reward for the betraying of Aylesbury and great preferment and an 100 pound therof paid in hand a good horse and a sword Ogles mightie motives to encourage Lievtenant Colonell Mosely in the plot Three hoped strings to their Bowe yet all brake and faild them The great preparatioÌ„ of forces to goe to take possessioÌ„ of Aylesbury Their extreme misery in a most bitter March At Ethrop-house 2 miles from Aylesbury the enemies heard the designe was discovered Their good reward which they got for all their cost and coyle The King lost at least 500 of his men at this Service Sore brushes against Gods Ark. A desperate design against Nottingham-Town and Castle A true Copie of Colo. Hutchinsons letter sent to a worthy GentlemaÌ„ of NottinghaÌ„shire resident then in London Esa 57. 19 20. Our Brethren of Scotlands first advance and coming into England for our assistance What a rich rare mercy this of our Brethren of ScotlaÌ„ds coming into England is unto us Three or 4. memorable Contingents in the Scots March 1. A great thaw much hindring the Scots march 2. A Bridge which would much have retarded the Scots March not suffred to be cut down as intended 3. The contrary effects of the great Snow in the Scots march 4. A remarkable hard Frost which helped all the Army over the river Tweed Gods evident hand of good Providence going along with the Scots Army A Declaration consented to and confirmed by the Estates of England and Scotland 1. 2. 3 4. Namptwhich most bravely relieved and a most glorious victory obtained by Sir Tho. Fairfax and Sir Willâ— Brereton A retunr of Prayer The first relation of this famous victory came to London on the conclusion of this monthly fasts hoâ—y duties Namptwich 3. times assâ—ulted and the enemy most bravely repulsed The siege raised The 2. Armies met and encountred each other Bloody Byron commander of the Horse first began to fly Prisoners and prizes taken Above an 100 Irish-Queanes with sharp long Skeanes to cut throats The slaine on the Enemies part Bloody Byron fled to Oxford His lying brag retorted on him An Order of Parliament for solemne Thanksgiving to God for this great viâ—tory A most gratefull revise
and the holy Ghost being there found were zealously confounded and turned as they deserved into base rubbish And as the work went on the wife of one Dr Blessenden a Prebend of that Church came in very devoutly and cryed out Oh hold your hands I pray what hurt do these images spoyl not such a fair and beautifull Church and when shee saw a man strike at the image of Christ lying in a manger shee screekt out as was credibly enformed to her Popish husband who thereupon came into the Cathedrall and according to accursed custome no doubt began to plead for Baal those Popish images telling them that were there of the lawfulness of them from the Cherubims in the Temple But whiles he was must seriously and sottishly disputing thus with some godly Ministers then present to assist the Commissioners he grew very sick of this dispute and was fain to give way to the work which went on most fervently After his departure they fell upon 7 large images of the Virgin Mary pictured in the window over the steps going into the Quire all which were in severall as glorious shapes as paint and Art could make them with Angells lifting her up to heaven with these inscriptions Gaude Maria Sponsa Dei c. And under her feet were placed the Sun Moon Starres and in the bottome of that window this inscription In laudem honorem beatissimae Virginis c. And heer now there came in a Petty-Canon and shot off his pety-canon or his fools bolt told them they exceeded their Commission but they soon sent him away with a flea in his ear and a mote in his eye much vext and perplext to see his Demi-gods Semi-Saints so coursly handled After this they came to a most gorgeous and idolatrous image of Thomas Becket forsooth that arch-traytor to the King which they also instantly defaced and demolisht and so went on most zealously and religiously in ruinating and turning into rubbish all those monuments of idolatrie in that Cathedrall blessed be the Lord for it December also the 20th 1643. came certain intelligence by letters from Hull to London that those two right valiant and magnanimous Commanders Sir Thomas Fairfax and Sir John Meldrum about noone time of the day assisted by some men by water sent unto them by the most noble Lord Fairfax from Hull sodainly and successfully stormed the Town of Gainesborough in Lincolnshire took therein 500 armes store of other ammunition together with 260 prisoners common-Souldiers besides the Lord Caworth Col. Saint-George the then Governour of the said Town also Lievtenant Colonell Royalston Major Hern and Major Chappell 16 Captains 2 Lievtenants 2 Ensignes and other inferiour Officers Another brave gale of winde indeed besides that of Alton lately mentioned to fill the sailes of our floating-Ark and make it sail on the more chearfully through the boysterous billowes of the Kingdoms intestine broyles praised for ever be the Lord of hosts for it And heer good Reader give mee leave to tell thee and to desire thee to take serious note and observation of it That ever since that accursed Cessation in Ireland with those most barbarous and inhumanely bloudy Rogues and Rebells and the Kings so tender respect unto them as to terme them his Catholick Subjects and contrariwise the Parliament but a pretended Parliament and them and all their loyall adherents traytors and rebells the righteous God of Heaven hath never prospered any design of moment which his Majestie or his accursed Cormorants have taken in hand but still they have been most unsuccessful and put to the worst every way and every where For besides the many marveilous forementioned victories which God hath most graciously given to the Parliaments partie ever since that so odious unreasonable cessation which have been in their proper places before related Now also about the 20th or 22th of this instant came certain information by Letters and other indubitable intelligence from Northampton to London that pious and valiant Serjeant Major Skippon with a partie of the most renowned Citizens of London who for their admirable valour fidelity and constancy to the Common-wealth and for the maintenance of the true Religion preservation of the known Lawes indeed and liberties of this Kingdome especially now in these modern times when the Kingdome has most need of them are no whit inferiour to the most famous ancient conquering Romanâ—s being and returning successfull and victorious where soever they be together with a partie of the valiant victorious Northampton forces also had most courageously stormed Grafton-House a place of great strength and consequence being also the Queenes own jâ—yuter and after much hard service and many most furious assaults made upon it they having also sent a partie at the same time to face Tociter that so they might prevent all relief from coming to Grafton at last most victoriously obtained the same and took prisoners therein Col. Sir John Digbie a rank noted and most active Papist and brother to that arch-traytor and incendiarie George Lord Digbie Col. Sir Edward Longervile and 5 Colonells more above 300 common-souldiers 600 armes 6 piece of Ordnance 80 brave horse besides many brave sadle-horse together with many other rich things of great worth and estimation which were all left for plunder to the valiant Souldiers and which they had and divided among themselves most merrily This brave victory together with that at Alton could not choose but be a singular encouragement to our other London trained-bands and auxiliaries who now about the 23th of this instant December were designed by an Ordinance of Parliament enabling the Militia of London thereunto to send forth such regiments of horse and foot as they should think fit for the farther relief and supply of Sir William Waller and about this time they did accordingly send forth the White and Yellow Regiments of the â—ained hands auxiliaries in the roome of those who had lately returned home as you heard before By which Ordinance of Parliament the City Militia had also power given them to recall the same forces at their pleasure and to proceed against such as refused to goe out according to their votes and the Ordinance of the Militia either by fine or imprisonment as seemed fit to them And that the brave and undaunted spirited Citizen and successfull Commander Colonell Richard Brown was by the said Ordinance appointed to be Serjeant Major Generall of the said Citie-forces And much about this time there fell out another remarkable passage much to his Majesties dishonour since his still persisting in his unnaturall disaffection to his loyall Subjects and iâ—religious affection to the Irish-Rogues and Rebells viz. That the Marquess of Newcastle plotted and contrived by one Colonell Dacre to have corrupted and undermined the valiant and most loyall governour of Nottingham-Castle Colonell Hutchinson to betray the said Castle and Town into the
said perfidious ignoble Marquess of Newcastles hands for the Kings use but that the Reader may see the Christian courage constancie and fidelity of this most worthily to be honoured Governour and the most base and unworthy â—ampering and inticing insinuations of Newcastle and his Agent thereunto I have heer thought fit to give the Reader the exact Narration thereof by the interchangeable letters which passed to and fro between either partie under their own hands which will fully clearly demonstrate the thing and give the Reader much satisfaction content in the perusall thereof which was as followeth A discovery of the treacherous attempts of the Kings Cormorants or Cavaliers to have procured the betraying of Nottingham-Castle into their hands exprest in a Letter sent to one Mr Millington a worthy Member of the House of Commons and 4 more at the same time SIR I Have thrice been tempted upon the offers of great rewards and honours to betray this Castle The first was by Sir Rich Byron another by Mr Sutton both which I 〈◊〉 the Committee with all 〈…〉 scornfull refused 〈…〉 being this third time 〈…〉 I thought it my duty to acquaint those 〈◊〉 â—eer entrusted me both for their satisfaction my own discharge if any thing should happen to my prejudice heer-after for I expect that now they see their attempts in this kind fruitless they will as basely endeavour to blemish with false aspersions that honesty which with bribes they cannot corrupt be pleased therefore to understand the whole proceeding of this last offer and the occasion which was this Colonell Dacre one that was formerly in the North a familiar friend and acquaintance of my brothers sent to me to desire that he might have the libertie to see him to which with the knowledge of the Committee I gave consent then being in his company he desired some words in private with my brother pretending a desire to be satisfied in some doubts of his concerning this warre but some accidents then falling out he was prevented of that private conference and therefore desired that my brother some two dayes after would come to his quarters but he to prevent all suspitions would not goe but writ him a deniall after which Colonell Dacre writ very earnestly to him to come againe and invited Captain Poulton to come with him but my brother would not only with the leave of the Committee he sent Cap. Poulton to excuse it of whose going we intended to make such use as if we could to discover how the enemy lay and what their intentions were so soon as he came thither he was most kindly entertained and Colonell Dacre taking him aside told him that now the Governour of Nottingham and his brother had an occasion offerd to gain themselves great honour to do the King very good service and to receive a great recompence for so doing which he demanding how that was the Colonell told him that if I would deliver up the Castle the command of it should be confirmed to me and my heâ—â— I should receive ten thousand pound and be well assured of it before ever I delivered the Castle and that I should be made the best Lord in Nottinghamshire that my brother should have three thousand pound to deliver the Bridges that Cap. Poulton should have two thousand pound to get this effected to which Cap. Poulton answered that he thought it was an impossible thing for the Governour had formerly been tempted with such like offers and had refused them that we all scorned so base an act and for his own part he would starve and rot before he would betray his trust the Colonell was further importunate with him to move it to me and that you may saith he be better assured I doe not this without Commission he then pul'd out of his pocket a paper written with these words or to this effect These are to authorize Col. Dacre to treat with Col. Hutchinson and Lievtenant Colonell Hutchinson for the surrendring up of the Castle and Bridges of Nottingham for the service of his Majesty and to make them large promises which shall be performed and this paper signed with W. Newcastle at the bottome and he further desired that he might but come to the Castle to speak with me when Captain Poulton told him there was no hope of obtaining that he entreated him that he would but deliver the message to me which he told him he would doe and the Colonell told him that if I would not deliver the Castle yet if he himself would but leave us and come away he should immediately have a Regiment of horse delivered into his command and earnestly pressed that I would send him an answer which presently after both my brother and I did the Copies whereof I have heer sent you There were also two Officers of Cap. Whites Troop whom we sent along with Captain Poulton whom Colonell Dacre also took aside and made large offers both to Capt. White and them if they would procure him to turn to their side But Capt. White hath so often scorned and refused such unworthy offers that this did but increase his contempt of them whose faith and honestly hath been apparently great in this cause I confesse had it not been for drawing a scandall or jealousie on my self I would have gone so far as to have gotten the Propositions under Col. Dacre his hand if not under the Marquess his hand but this I durst not doe lest my own honest intentions should in the mean time have bin mistaken I therfore thought it sufficient to make it presently known to the Committee so to acquaint you with it and withall to assure you that were I certain we should utterly bedeserted and left as for any reliefe I yet heare of we are like to be our Souldiers being 30 weeks behinde with pay and the whole Country now possessed by the enemie yet I would maintaine my faithfulnesse to the Parliament so long as I have one drop of bloud left in me and when I am forced to the last extremity â—â—am confident God will give me strength to maintain this Christian resolution that I have by Covenant both with God and man bound my selfe unto which is that I will rather choose to die ten thousand deaths with a clear conscience to God and an honest heart to my Country than to sell my soule for the purchase of my life and all the wealth and honours this world can bestow upon me Your sonnes are both well here in the Castle and I heare your wife is so in the Country onely I heare your goods and corne are wholly plundred What service I am able to doe for you here if you please you may command Your friend and servant John Hutchinson Nottingham Castle Decem. 18. 1643. Postscript Sir just as my Letters were going to Colonell Dacre there came one from him to Captain Poulton the copie of which with Captain Poultons answer I have here also